New 'Planetary Health' Research Network to launch January 2022

In alignment with the new University Innovation Institutes, Dr Sara MacBride-Stewart’s application for a Planetary Health Research Network (PHRN) is one of five initiatives that were approved by Cardiff University - officially launching in January 2022.

The concept of Planetary Health focuses on achieving an attainable and sustainable standard of human and non-human health, conceived by the Rockefeller (USA) and Lancet (UK) foundations – a subject area the panel of assessors felt offered a ‘[…] real potential to build interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement across the University.’

Cardiff has a strong representation in the understanding planetary health in several areas; from environmental reconstructions, to mapping ocean and hunting/farming changes and examining sustainable systems for food. What researchers will gain through the new PHRN is the space to imagine, believe and generate these opportunities; supported by the interdisciplinary fund and the potential to work together on bids for external research funds.

The PHRN will emphasise interdisciplinary solutions; focussing on ensuring population and community trends in health improvement are maintained in the context of climate change and nature degradation. Additionally, continued engagement with existing research at Cardiff University (i.e. Pharmabees, Sustainable Heritage) will allow the PHRN to examine examples of best-practice from these projects in order to mentor new creative, thoughtful collaborations within the university.

In advance of their official launch in January next year, the PHRN will be hosting an event on the 19th of November 2021 – for more information see below.

Upcoming Event:

Planetary Health: Transformative thinking to address health challenges
Join us for a half-day of talks from academic researchers and the chance to network in breakout-room discussions this September.
At this event we are eager to explore concepts and ideas across disciplines; our shared research agenda is focussed towards building solutions that promote human health and wellbeing, and our co-existence with other plants, animals and planetary life more widely.

• When: 12:30-4pm, Friday 19^th November 2021
• Where: Room 0.13, Cardiff University Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT
• To reserve a free place and receive updates on guest speakers and the webinar link, Head to our Eventbrite page and register now