On 4th June 2024, Sustainable Futures held a symposium aimed at University of Manchester academics interested in using interdisciplinary approaches to tackle pressing biodiversity issues.
The event featured keynote presentations from:
- Dr Jared Margulies, Department of Geography at The University of Alabama.
- Prof Rosaleen Duffy, Department of Politics and International Relations at The University of Sheffield.
- Dr Hannah Dickinson, Department of Geography, The University of Manchester.
The event also featured group discussions as well as opportunities to network. Read the abstract for the symposium below:
"Biodiversity – the variety of life in the world – is essential to human wellbeing and a healthy planet. Yet, despite ongoing efforts, we are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis. Recent assessments show that the window of opportunity to mitigate the negative impacts of declining biodiversity is closing quickly. Innovative solutions, along with systemic change in societies, economies and politics, are needed to secure biodiverse futures...
Solutions and changes can be supported by research and innovation. In recent years, funders have developed research and innovation activities and investments to put biodiversity in the way to recovery and meet governments strategic plans, such as The European Green Deal, and its EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Interdisciplinary approaches are needed to advance research and innovation that will support achieving policy targets, developing nature-based solutions and holistic approaches to address the main direct and indirect causes of biodiversity loss."
The event focussed on these three themes:
- Resilient Ecosystems in a Changing Climate
- Conflict in Conservation
- (Un)sustainable Bioeconomies
With these three themes in mind, this community building event aimed to:
- Highlight the latest trends in biodiversity research with talks from several external and internal speakers.
- Build connections with fellow researchers working in complementary areas.
- Foster thematic facilitated discussions in key challenge areas with an eye towards funder priorities and future funding opportunities.
- Showcase the work of The University of Manchester ECRs researching biodiversity challenges through poster presentations.
- Provide an overview of institutes, platforms and networks across the university supporting research in this area, and learn how they can support your work.
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