Launch Event – A Sustainable Future: The role of microbiology in achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
27 March 2019
Microbiology has an important role to play in helping tackle global challenges from antimicrobial resistance to climate change but what are policymakers doing to support this role?
To mark the 75th anniversary of the Microbiology Society in 2020 we are embarking on an ambitious project that will demonstrate the value and raise the profile of microbiology in addressing the world’s biggest challenges, by focusing on how microbiology can help to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We will be launching this project with a panel discussion held at Central Hall Westminster on 2 May. The launch event will include a panel discussion and Q&A session about the opportunities and challenges in achieving the SDGs. The conversation will focus on how the UK and Irish Governments can make better use of microbiology to meet their SDG commitments.
It will be followed by a drinks reception providing an opportunity for networking between microbiologists, industry, NGOs, policymakers and other stakeholders interested in the sustainable development agenda.
Speakers will include:
- Professor Judith Armitage
President of the Microbiology Society and Professor of Biochemistry, Oxford Centre for Integrative Systems Biology (OCISB), University of Oxford, UK
- Professor Sir David Baulcombe
Regius Professor of Botany and Edward Penley Abraham Royal Society Research Professor (University of Cambridge, UK)
- Professor Kevin O’Connor
Director of BEACON, the Science Foundation Ireland Bioeconomy Research Centre, Member of the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and the Earth Institute (University College Dublin, Ireland) - Professor Penny Hirsch
Research Scientist (Rothamsted Research, UK)
- Dr Tina Joshi
Member of the Microbiology Society, Lecturer in Molecular Microbiology, Lead for Microbial Diagnostics and Infection Control Research Group (University of Plymouth, UK)
The discussion will be moderated by Dr Lisa Cross, molecular virologist in the Food Safety group at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) Weymouth, part of UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Please go to the event page to register your attendance.
Image: www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment.
