University to showcase cutting edge environmental research

The global problem of climate change will hit the spotlight on Wednesday 17 September as researchers from across the region meet for a showcase on environmental sustainability. Experts in engineering, chemistry, architecture, physics and economics will join forces at the University of Bath to discuss the climate change challenge. They will also host an exhibition of some of the region's cutting edge research in the fields of sustainable energy and the environment.

The global problem of climate change will hit the spotlight on Wednesday 17 September as researchers from across the region meet for a showcase on environmental sustainability.
Experts in engineering, chemistry, architecture, physics and economics will join forces at the University of Bath to discuss the climate change challenge. They will also host an exhibition of some of the region’s cutting edge research in the fields of sustainable energy and the environment.
Wednesday's event will see the launch of the new Institute for Sustainable Energy & the Environment ( I-SEE ) by David Willetts MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities & Skills.
Mitigating the effects of climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing science today due to the complex nature of the problem. The University of Bath based I-SEE will combine the expertise of world-class researchers from diverse disciplines of science, engineering, economics, management and social science to address the problem.
It will also study the socio-economic impacts of climate change, inform policy and provide technological solutions to mitigate the effects of global warming, helping the UK to achieve its target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.
Some of the institute’s ground-breaking research will feature at the showcase.
Key research areas of the exhibition include:
Future sources of energy including improved energyEnergy efficiency and demand reduction including low carbon building materials such as hemp and straw, biodiesel from microalgae, and low carbon transportation.The economics of climate change including green taxes, subsidies for renewable energy and environmental sustainability.Social psychology of environmental issues, environmental ethics and promoting behavioural change.The showcase will be opened by David Willetts MP and will be attended by industrialists, research councils, local and national government representatives and other key stakeholders from across the South West.
The research showcase exhibition will take place in the Founders Hall at the University.
Professor Jane Millar AcSS OBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University, said: “We are delighted the University is hosting such an important event which draws together some of the leading experts on environmental sustainability from across the region.
“Climate change is something that affects us all and so developing sustainable energy sources is a key research challenge.”