Bridging research and policy for global action

As the world prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil (10–21 November 2025), BISCA invites you to an inspiring symposium that spotlights the release of our new report: 'Bridging Research and Policy for Global Action.' This pivotal event brings together thought leaders across academia, government, and industry to explore how evidence-based policy can accelerate global climate action.

Programme Highlights

Morning Session: Bridging Research and Policy for Global Action

Policy, Industry, Youth and Academic Experts: Hear insights from a dynamic panel representing a range of voices—including policy influencers, industry leaders, the role of youth and academic researchers—sharing perspectives on transforming research into real-world policy. Dive into opportunities, obstacles, and bold ideas shaping the climate agenda.

Panel of Speakers

David Willock, Managing Director & Head of Sustainability Advisory, Lloyds Bank

David has a Masters in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge and is a lecturer on a number of Cambridge Institution of Sustainability Leadership courses, with a specialism at the intersection of the built environment, sustainability and finance. David is a qualified Treasurer, and Associate of the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investments. His interest in sustainability can be traced back to his undergraduate degree, obtaining a 1st class degree in Economics & International Development from the University of Bath. 

Beck Collins, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Sustainability West Midlands

Beck joined SWM in April 2022 after fifteen years working in higher education, local government, and as a director for a community energy society.  She brings to SWM her skills in research, knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement, and her knowledge in sustainable energy and sustainable built environments. At SWM she advises and supports organisations across the West Midlands to improve their sustainability practice and she leads on zero carbon innovation. Current and recent projects include supporting zero carbon innovation and collaboration, a low carbon and environmental goods and services sector study with (kMatrix Data Services), a major West Midlands programme to build the infrastructure to fund nature restoration, and projects to support adaptation to climate change. Adaptation to climate change is a key area against which SWM want to measure progress in their Sustainability Roadmap to 2030, but which is particularly hard to measure.

Martin Baxter, Deputy CEO, The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Martin Baxter is Deputy CEO at the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP). He works in the UK and internationally to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future and support people in the development of sustainability skills and green careers.

Martin has national and international experience in developing and negotiating global and European environmental management standards and developing capacity for effective and widespread implementation. Martin is a Board member of ISEP, and a non-exec director of the Society for the Environment (SocEnv) and the Broadway Initiative. He is a visiting professor at Cranfield University and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Derby for his contribution to environmental sustainability.

Holly Davies, BSc Geography student, University of Birmingham

Holly Davies is a second-year BSc Geography student at the University of Birmingham with a focus on sustainability and global challenges. She has gained international experience through volunteering in Cambodia and Guatemala, and most recently by representing the university at the Immerse Amazonia Summer School in Brazil, where she collaborated with multidisciplinary groups of students on sustainability in the Amazon and attended the Global Leaders Dialogue, ahead of the upcoming COP30.

Professor Harry Dixon, Associate Director of International Research & Development at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)

Harry leads global programmes across water, climate, and ecosystem science. His international work includes advising the World Meteorological Organization and leading the UK's contributions to UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, helping shape global policy and capacity development. UKCEH is a world-leading environmental research institute delivering integrated science to address global challenges in sustainability, pollution, and climate resilience through partnerships with governments, academia, and industry. Harry is an Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham. 

Interactive Roundtables

Following the panel, engage in roundtable discussions focused on how universities, business leaders, youth and society can collaborate to inform and drive real-world change.

Afternoon Session: Global Collaboration Showcase

Spotlighting international research partnerships which are driving real-world policy outcomes. Through case studies, keynote insights and a Global Leaders Dialog, explore how cross-sector collaboration and diverse methodologies are advancing fair and effective climate action.

A full programme will be released in due course.

To register for this event, please complete our registration form. Please note, due to room capacity, student places may be limited.

Free to attend.