Building Bridges 2024: Advancing Innovation and Collaboration
The upcoming 35th Annual Conference of Academia Europaea and Conference of the Young Academy of Europe promises to be an intellectual and engaging event, bringing together leading experts across various academic fields whilst exploring a wide range of topics.
The conference will feature insightful panel discussions exploring the latest trends and challenges in urban and societal innovation, as well as academic scholarship, providing a platform for thought-provoking conversations and the exchange of innovative ideas.
On 28th November, the Panel on Urban Innovations, moderated by Professor Katarzyna Chojnacka, an expert in chemical and process engineering renowned for her advancements in agrochemical products and technologies, will address critical issues shaping our cities. The event will facilitate dialogue between practitioners and researchers, with an in-depth panel discussion on cutting-edge urban innovations and their potential to transform communities.
Drawing on key priorities for the green transition identified through policy analysis and the City-Region round table debate, the panel will provide expert perspectives into the research, economic, societal and technological challenges that may hinder urban green transformation, and discuss strategies to address them. The discussion will focus on translating theoretical knowledge into practical solutions by leveraging EU funds to enhance the visibility and scalability of research activities across Europe. The panel aims to develop actionable recommendations for city and regional representatives to collaborate with the scientific community in advancing the green transition. The discussions will align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable cities, climate action, and partnerships.
The panel will focus on four key areas:
- Neighborhood regeneration, emphasising sustainability, affordability, and community engagement
- Smart and energy-efficient buildings and cities
- Sustainable policy and climate change adaptation
- Durable bio-based construction materials.
These topics will be examined through the lens of sustainability, social equity, and innovation, covering a wide range of issues, including climate change mitigation, resource efficiency, urban planning, and the development of new technologies and socially accepted bio-based materials.
We also invite attendees to our concluding panel session, ‘What Can the Sciences and Scholarship Learn from Each Other?’ featuring four distinguished Academia Europaea Class Chairs: Professor Poul Holm (Humanities), Professor Éva Kondorosi (Life Sciences), Professor Paolo Papale (Exact Sciences), and Professor Björn Wittrock (Social and Related Sciences). This panel will foster interdisciplinary dialogue on how various fields can inform and enrich one another. The session will highlight the implications of recent advances in the exact and life sciences, as well as our understanding of societal complexities and histories. Emerging discoveries in techno-science and accelerating societal change emphasise the need to bridge different domains of scholarship and science.
The motto ‘Building Bridges’ invites us to ask: What can the sciences and scholarship learn from each other? What strategies are needed to address future challenges? How can science and scholarship help us navigate today’s complexities? Ultimately, integrating these disciplines is crucial for building a resilient, adaptable society and ensuring that the benefits of scientific advancements are equitably shared.
Beyond academic discourse, the event will offer opportunities for social interaction, allowing participants to connect personally and build lasting relationships. In addition to the talks and sessions, a series of social events will showcase the city’s unique charm. Participants can enjoy guided tours of the historic Ostrów Tumski district, the lively Market Square, and notable modernist Polish architectural masterpieces. These activities offer a chance to connect with fellow attendees while exploring the city’s rich architecture and history. Details will be available on the conference website soon.
Register now for Building Bridges 2024
