Building Bridges 2024: Academia Europaea’s Conference to Explore Cutting-Edge Research and Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Academia Europaea’s annual conference, Building Bridges, is fast approaching. Ahead of the conference, some of our panel chairs tell us more about the key themes and topics that will shape the discussions.
Paolo Papale, Chair of the Exact Sciences (Class B) meeting, emphasises the sweeping range of topics that will be covered. From the first-ever image of a black hole, presented by Prof. Heino Falcke, to the cutting-edge research on energy transition and artificial intelligence, the programme reflects the conference’s core theme of building bridges across scientific frontiers.
Among the highlights are Prof. Verena Winiwarter’s exploration of historical energy transitions and Prof. Ambrogio Fasoli’s update on fusion energy, a field that could revolutionize energy production. Cybersecurity and AI also feature prominently, with Prof. Jean-Jacques Quisquater discussing whether AI will strengthen or weaken our security systems.
As Papale notes, ” Science represents one of the most powerful bridges we can build, connecting people and knowledge across time and space. From understanding the universe to addressing critical challenges like energy and security, the Exact Sciences Class contributes to a better, more informed world. This reflects the core of the Building Bridges theme.”
In addition to the lectures, the Exact Sciences meeting will prioritise networking and collaboration. An afternoon workshop on artificial intelligence organised by the Informatics Section will provide a platform for cross-disciplinary exchange, particularly valuable given AI’s impact on nearly every area of research and life.
Eva Kondorosi, representing the Life Sciences (Class C), highlights how Building Bridges offers a rare opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration. The Life Sciences programme will feature sessions that address critical issues such as sustainability, genetics, and ageing.
As Kondorosi explains, “The conference fosters not only scientific exchange but also interdisciplinary discussions that can drive real-world solutions.”
Notably, Francis Mojica, one of the pioneers of CRISPR, will reflect on over three decades of groundbreaking research in gene editing. Other standout sessions include Prof. Eske Willerslev’s talk on the genomic history of Western Eurasia, which links ancient human migrations to modern health, and Prof. Yvonne Buckley, who will tackle biodiversity loss in the face of climate change.
The plenary session will feature Nobel Laureate Emmanuelle Charpentier, whose keynote on CRISPR-Cas9 underscores the revolutionary potential of this technology in both medicine and agronomy. The discussions on biodiversity, cognitive health, and the role of science in policymaking will further highlight how life sciences can address some of the most pressing issues facing society today.
The Young Academy of Europe (YAE) has a pivotal role in Building Bridges, particularly in advocating for early- and mid-career researchers. Katalin Solymosi, Chair of the YAE session, introduces an exciting mix of science policy discussions and interdisciplinary presentations. One of the key highlights is the Art & Science Exhibition, a collaborative effort aimed at showing how art and science can intersect to generate new perspectives.
In the afternoon session, the focus shifts to the organisations that support early-career researchers, such as Academia Iuvenum and the Polish Young Academy. These groups play a vital role in mentoring young scientists and advocating for greater participation in science policy.
As Solymosi explains, “By connecting younger researchers with broader academic and societal contexts, we can empower the next generation to lead the way in scientific discovery and innovation.”
This year’s Building Bridges conference offers not just a showcase of cutting-edge research but also a forum for collaboration and exchange. From space and time to genomics, energy, and biodiversity, the event promises a wide-ranging programme with opportunities to engage, connect, and contribute to global solutions.
Register now for Building Bridges 2024
We look forward to seeing you there.
