Research at Kent aimed at benefiting lower and middle income nations will be among projects highlighted at a major conference hosted by the University from 2-6 July.
Taking place at the University’s Canterbury campus, the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) conference will bring together researchers from different international institutions and organisations to discuss new projects that may be suitable for possible funding.
GCRF forms part of the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitment, which aims to promote sustainable economies and societies, human rights, good governance and social justice as well as equitable access to sustainable development across the world.
Kent currently has a number of researchers receiving GCRF funding. These include Professor Colin Robinson and Professor Mark Smales, of the School of Biosciences, who are researching ways to help Thailand and neighbouring South East Asian countries develop their own biopharmaceuticals and animal vaccines; and Professor Elena Korosteleva, of the School of Politics and International Relations, who has a project to build new research partnerships among higher education institutions in eastern Europe and central Asia.
The conference, which will be opened by Kent Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Karen Cox, will feature a keynote address by Baroness Suttie, Liberal Democrat Lords spokesperson.