Research focused on improving energy sustainability and delivering a just transition will take centre stage at the University of Aberdeen’s Founders’ Day celebration this week.
Free to attend and open to all, the annual event on Thursday, May 25 historically pays tribute to the University’s ancient origins. This year, it will also be a celebration of the University’s research with impact, with an exciting showcase of engaging talks and discussion panels highlighting how research is being used to create real change in the world.
The food system is responsible for a third of all human emissions of greenhouse gases. The first keynote session delivered by Pete Smith, professor in plant and soil science at the University, will look at how scientific understanding has been used to build a tool that helps farmers make more informed decisions about how to farm and reduce climate impact.
This will be followed by a panel session on research and the future of sustainability chaired by David Burslem, director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Environment and Biodiversity at the University and featuring Deb Roberts, director of science at the James Hutton Institute; and Eleonora Belfiore, director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity.
Later in the day, delegates will hear from Martin McCormack, director of carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen at the Energy Transition Zone. He will talk about how well placed the Aberdeen city region is to deliver large-scale energy production and meet its ambition of being the net zero energy capital of Europe using its established supply chain and innovation ecosystem.
This will be followed by a discussion looking at the role of innovation in the energy transition with panellists including Richard Neilson, director of the National Decommissioning Centre; Dr Daria Shapovalova, co-director of the Centre for Energy Law; and Jenny Stanning, external relations director at Offshore Energies UK. The session will be hosted by vice principal of regional engagement at the University, Peter Edwards
Throughout the day, delegates will also be able to view a range of other research at the forefront of different disciplines across the University through a showcase event and an Images of Research Exhibition. There will also be a 3 Minute Thesis competition in which PhD students will present their research.
Free to attend, Founders’ Day takes place from 10.30am to 5.15pm on May 25. Tickets can be booked here with the full programme available on the University’s website.