On Tuesday 3 December, the University of Birmingham welcomed around 250 Year 11 and 12 students and their teachers to The Schools Forum for Global Challenges
Forum for Global Challenges
On Tuesday 3 December, the University of Birmingham welcomed around 250 Year 11 and 12 students and their teachers to The Schools Forum for Global Challenges. The aim event was to allow your learners to explore global challenges and discover how scientists (from many disciplines) are finding solutions to ensure a healthier and a more sustainable future for all.
Twelve schools from across the UK took part, including the furthest from Luton and the nearest being the University of Birmingham School. The forum offered a series of sessions tailored to the interests of the students. The sessions included:
Feedback from the schools was overwhelmingly positive. Queen Mary's Grammar School shared their enthusiasm on X, describing the event as "A Great Experience for Geographers." John Hampden Grammar School expressed a desire to repeat the Forever Chemicals lecture, noting its impact on a student's decision to apply to Birmingham.
Further feedback highlighted the lectures, particularly those on urban planning and environmental science, as eye-opening and inspiring, demonstrating the broad applications of geography beyond teaching.
The Schools Forum for Global Challenges proved to be an enriching experience, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for global issues among the next generation of students.
Professor of Atmospheric Science
Professor Bill Bloss is an atmospheric scientist with expertise in air pollution & atmospheric chemistry.
Associate Professor in Human Geography
Dr Adam Ramadan is a political geographer with a focus on the Middle East and refugee issues.
Associate Professor in Environmental Health
Dr Drage has a background in mass spectrometry techniques, investigating the presence and effects of persistent and emerging organic contaminants in a range of environments.
BIFoR Learning and Engagement Lead
Dr Samantha Dobbie is part of the team at the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research.
Professor of Life Sciences Education
Professor Pritchard is expert in plants, evolution and the natural environment.
Professor of Psychology and Education
Dr Jon Catling is a Professor of Psychology and Education and is an expert in research design and analysis.
Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning
Dr Andrea Frank is an urban planning scholar regarded for her work on community engagement in planning as well as researching and advancing planning education and pedagogies.
Associate Professor in Sport Psychology and Coaching Science
Sarah has a particular interest and focus in using mental imagery to elicit more facilitative appraisals and responses to stress.
PhD student
Staff profile for Saad Al-Yousof, PhD student in Earth Sciences at University of Birmingham
Assistant Professor
Adam Sheppard specialises in development management matters inclusive practice, theory, and history.
Associate Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Dr Jo Richards is an exercise physiologist, with a particular interest in cardiac physiology.
Reader
Our research aims to unravel the biological significance that the different levels of DNA compaction structures and components have on chromosome condensation and DNA processes in the nucleus.
