Schedule
Schedule
Innovation is the Key to Sustainability
This first day will set the stage for the GIS 2024 and explore how technological advancements and creative solutions drive sustainability. Experts will discuss the latest innovations that are transforming industries and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
Hosted by Wendy Austin
| 09:00 | Whitla Hall | Welcome to GIS 2024: Day 1 | ||||||
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| 09:30 | Whitla Hall | Agenda Introduction and Logistics | ||||||
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| 09:35 | Whitla Hall | Keynote Speaker: Brian Cox CBE FRS - CERN Physicist and Broadcaster | ||||||
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Exploring the Universe Brian brings scientific discovery to life for millions. He is also a leading experimental physicist, helping to recreate the conditions 1/000000000th of a second after Big Bang “to confirm the universe’s underlying simplicity.” With breathtaking images, Brian shows how science shocks and excites our imagination, as well as bringing humanity together. He also sets out the case for co-ordinated investment in science as key to job creation and growth.
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| 10:35 | Whitla Hall | Panel: Accelerating Global Sustainable Development Goals and Economic Inclusiveness | ||||||
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The climate crisis remains a critical issue, and countries and businesses are struggling to address it without jeopardizing the lives of various segments of society. People in advanced economies are raising their voices to protest initiatives that are perceived as eroding their quality of life, while people in emerging nations demand to be included as partners in global prosperity. This equation is compounded by technological change and the rise of AI, which brings great promise but will also cause major shifts in job markets and societies. Innovation is essential to address this complex scenario at all levels, from policy frameworks to education and training models, from business models to institutions. In this session, GFCC Board Members will review the state of competitiveness in the world and share insights and concrete recommendations on how to break perceived trade-offs between sustainability, technological acceleration, and inclusiveness.
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| 11:20 | Whitla Hall | Navigating the AI Revolution: Preparing for a World of Digital Transformation | ||||||
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Join AI expert Daniel Hulme, CEO of Satalia, for a thought-provoking session exploring the key issues emerging alongside the rise of AI and digitalization. Hulme will share his view of the ethical considerations, societal impact, and transformative potential of AI and other emerging technologies and offer insights for universities and businesses to navigate this evolving landscape and prepare for the future of work.
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| 12:05 | Whitla Hall | Launch of GFCC Call to Action | ||||||
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During this session, GFCC leadership will introduce the "Accelerate Global Sustainability and Economic Inclusiveness" Call-to-Action and comment on some of the key proposals highlighted in this flagship document co-created with the GFCC community.
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| 12:15 | Whitla Hall | GFCC Members and Fellows Photo | ||||||
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A photo of all GFCC members and fellows in attendance will be taken during this time. |
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| 12:20 | Lunch | |||||||
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*Private Lunch for speakers/guests* Time available for attendees to view exhibition space |
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| 13:30 | Whitla Hall | Transforming the World via Innovation in Energy | ||||||
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The energy transition demands bold innovation. In this session, Stephen Gallagher, Director of Strategy for Energy Customer Solutions at SSE, will showcase cutting-edge innovations propelling the energy transition. Discover how SSE is leading the charge in developing and implementing solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. Gain valuable insights into the technologies and strategies shaping the future of energy.
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| 13:45 | Whitla Hall | Panel: Seizing the Decarbonization Opportunity | ||||||
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Decarbonization poses opportunities for investment and new business development while requiring innovation across the board. However, it also comes with risks and challenges, as the development of any new industry inevitably does. To realize the energy transition opportunity and decarbonize industries, the world needs new technologies to be translated into real-world applications. Achieving acceptable price points and finding early adopters of these technologies is critical. In this panel session, participants will share lessons learned on how to navigate decarbonization processes from policy, business, and community perspectives.
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| 14:30 | Whitla Hall | Keynote Speaker: Minette Batters | ||||||
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Bridging Food security & One Health is pivotal to society
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| 14:55 | Whitla Hall | Panel Conversation: Harnessing Partnership to Advance Food Security and One Health | ||||||
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The challenge of providing the worlds growing population with access to safe, affordable and nutritious food all the time and in ways our planet can sustain and against backdrop of climate change and biodiversity loss continues to be a major challenge for society. The Covid-19 pandemic has illuminated the deep connection between animals, humans and the wider planetary environment and a One Health approach is receiving increased political attention as a solution to some of the greatest health threats we face today including increasing zoonotic disease emergence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety and security. Our panel of experts will discuss the inextricable links between Global Food Security and One Health and argue that enhanced and accelerated innovation, investment and partnership are required to support society.
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| 15:40 | Peter Froggatt Centre | Transition to workshops | ||||||
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GIS 2024 organisers will introduce the workshops, explain the dynamics and direct participants to their respective locations. The GIS 2024 workshops will be progressive dialogues that will build on the ideas discussed in the day's plenary panel conversations. Each workshop will begin with the moderator highlighting key recommendations and ideas from the panels. Following this, kick-off discussants will provide their insights and suggestions for advancing the agenda related to the workshop's theme. After all discussants have shared their views, the floor will open for additional contributions, with the moderator potentially inviting comments from plenary session moderators present. The workshop will conclude with the moderator summarizing the three key recommendations for the thematic area.
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| 15:55 | Peter Froggatt Centre | Workshop 1: Seizing the Decarbonization Opportunity | ||||||
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| 15:55 | Peter Froggatt Centre | Workshop 2: Transforming the World via Innovation in Energy | ||||||
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Transforming the World via Innovation in Energy
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| 15:55 | Peter Froggatt Centre | Workshop 3: Food Security & One Health: innovation to accelerate solutions and improve economic growth, climate resilience and the nation’s health | ||||||
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| 15:55 | Peter Froggatt Centre | Workshop 4: Advancing Resources Productivity | ||||||
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| 15:55 | Peter Froggatt Centre | Workshop 5: Accelerating Sustainability and Inclusiveness Through R&D | ||||||
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| 17:10 | Whitla Hall | Panel Conversation: Advancing Global Sustainability - Key Recommendations & Feedback from Workshops | ||||||
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This final panel discussion on Day 1 will review the key recommendations that emerged from the workshops. Participants will engage in a lively discussion, share the key recommendations, and debate what is needed to turn those into action across sectors, from the local to the global level.
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| 17:55 | Whitla Hall | Wrap up | ||||||
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| 19:00 | Queen's Business School | Datathon at Queen’s Business School in Partnership with Alteryx | ||||||
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This is an exclusive event for 150 pre-selected students. Queen’s Business School, Queen’s School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computing and Alteryx will conduct a dynamic datathon where 150 students will use their skills and creativity to solve a complex sustainability challenge and showcase their talent in a collaborative and inspiring environment. |
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| 19:30 | Dinner | |||||||
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*For invited guests only*
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