At Holyrood I attended the above Royal Society of Edinburgh and Physiological Society event.
Scotland is among the top countries in the world for research productivity and impact, with 19 universities and higher education institutions, and world leading research centres, staffed by some of the best and brightest scientists from across the world.
These scientists collaborate with other researchers to tackle some of the world's most complex and critical challenges, characterised by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs aim to transform our world. They are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity. Scotland's research environment will be crucial in meeting these goals. Physiology, as the science of life, will be a key part in the response to the targets posed by the SDGs.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC)’s Strategic Plan 2022-27, notes it has been developed ‘within a context of significant change and opportunity’ in areas such as the need to transition to a fairer, greener world and build a fairer, more inclusive economy.
The event brought together researchers and policymakers from throughout the country, to celebrate the contribution that Scotland’s higher education institutions are making to meeting the SDGs and outline the major challenges and opportunities yet to be addressed.
The University of the West of Scotland participated and I was delighted to discuss the research and teaching being undertaken at the university with Dr Mia Burleigh and Dr Laura Forrest.
