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The event, ‘Doing Science in Colombia’ is supported by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Natural History Museum, Newton Fund, the Global Challenges Research Fund, UK Research and Innovation Fund (GCRF-UKRI), Earlham Institute (EI) and the BRIDGE (Biodiversity, Responsibility, Innovation, Development, Growth and Education) Colombia network.
The scientific collaboration between Colombia and the UK has grown over the last five years to unprecedented levels, particularly through the work made possible by public funding - with the number and quality of joint research projects as testament to this collaboration.
The event will highlight the achievements of this international relationship and consider its future. Academics, diplomats, business leaders and civil servants will discuss issues such as the current state of the scientific collaboration, the sustainability of research and innovation projects and the future of the bilateral relationship from different perspectives.
Prof Federica Di Palma, one of the event speakers, will profile the impact of GROW Colombia; a four-year GCRF science research and capacity-building collaboration which is in its second year. GROW Colombia is designed to demonstrate that developing Colombia’s bioeconomy can drive sustainable, long-term prosperity, conserve Colombia’s rich biodiversity and secure peace and stability in post-conflict communities.
As science adviser to the Colombian Government’s Sabios Mission, Professor Di Palma will also speak about the wider opportunities for Colombia’s bioeconomy and biotechnology and outline how the BRIDGE Colombia network is facilitating further scientific partnerships.
Prof Di Palma, Director of BRIDGE Colombia and former Director of Science at Earlham Institute, said: “This event will celebrate the impact of the multiple scientific collaborations between Colombia and the UK and look ahead to the future of these countries’ joint scientific endeavours. In a mega-biodiverse country such as Colombia, bioeconomic activities are fundamental for equitable, sustainable and inclusive development and of huge significance to global scientific discovery.
“By continuing to work together we can progress Colombia’s bioeconomy to conserve its precious natural wealth and bring sustainable prosperity and stability to the people of Colombia. There is growing global recognition of the importance to us all of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. International collaboration to conserve these natural resources is urgent and imperative.”
Doing Science with Colombia 2019 will take place on Wednesday, 2 October 2019 at 09:00 (registration from 08:00) at the Natural History Museum. Please register ASAP.