The vital challenge of sustainability, and how to address the questions it raises, are set to be examined through a collaboration of researchers and leading figures from across our region and beyond, thanks to the University of Warwick.

The Sustainable Coventry and Warwickshire Symposium (11 October) forms part of a wider programme around sustainability to help achieve transformative change in our region through fresh innovation.

Delegates will engage directly with Warwick researchers working at the forefront of developing interdisciplinary ways to help address the challenges of sustainability across our region.

Focusing on the how the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals apply to the environmental, social and cultural challenges and opportunities in Coventry and Warwickshire, the symposium is also designed to spark the development of new ideas and initiatives to tackle some of key challenges facing society – including:

• Work and wellbeing in a post-Covid world
• Sustainable energy
• The health of the region's population and its natural environment
• Transport sustainability
• Behavioural change for a more sustainable society
• Increased resilience in cities and other urban areas.

Building upon the ambitions and values of Coventry City of Culture as well as Warwick’s own Way to Sustainable strategy, the symposium will bring Warwick researchers focused on the University’s Global Research Priorities together with Coventry City Council members and others in local government, public sector organisations, the community sector, industry, and the cultural sector, as well as leaders from key regional bodies and agencies beyond Coventry and Warwickshire.

Commenting ahead of the symposium Professor Jackie Hodgson, Warwick’s Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), said:

“The issue of sustainability affects us all and will require cross-sector and interdisciplinary collaboration to develop the ideas and solutions necessary for a sustainable future. Through our Global Research Priorities, the University of Warwick is focused on providing the research and expertise necessary to tackle these issues. I am delighted that through the symposium we are helping to bring together some of the leading voices from our region and to provide a catalyst so that we can all work in partnership to meet the challenges that sustainability puts before us.”

Cllr Jim O’Boyle cabinet member jobs, regeneration and climate change said:

“The Council is committed to working closely with the University of Warwick on sustainability issues as they affect our city and region. We recognise the vital role that research plays in our efforts to work towards net zero carbon. Sustainable Coventry and Warwickshire will play an important part in cementing exisiting partnerships and developing new collaborations to meet the sustainability challenges we all face.”

11 October 2021

Contact:

Tom Frew, Senior Press and Media Relations Manager – University of Warwick:

E: a.t.frew@warwick.ac.uk
M: +44(0)7785433155