The St Helena Research Institute (SHRI), established in 2019, has announced its first global research conference, titled "St Helena: a unique environment, a rich tapestry," in collaboration with the University of Manchester. This online event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, 2024, with a potential extension to Thursday, November 21, depending on interest.
The conference aims to bring together researchers and stakeholders from St Helena and those who have conducted remote research on or around the island. It also welcomes anyone interested in the island’s history and environment. This free event offers an opportunity to network, explore research impact, and discuss its application for St Helena’s sustainable development.
The conference will cover four key themes, each featuring a keynote speaker and short presentations (15-20 minutes):
1. Natural Sciences: Discussions will focus on St Helena’s biodiversity, its fight against invasive species and climate change, and issues related to energy, food, and water security.
2. Humanities and Social Sciences: Topics will include the island’s colonial history, its role in the slave trade, and contemporary social and economic challenges such as population decline, digital integration, and educational opportunities.
3. Medical Science: The health of St Helena’s aging population, the potential of telemedicine, and research into the well-being of small rural communities will be examined.
4. Cross-disciplinary Approaches: Submissions that bridge themes are encouraged to foster collaboration for St Helena’s future.
The conference seeks to identify research needs and gaps. Each theme session will conclude with a plenary discussion focused on establishing a preliminary list of research priorities for St Helena.
Interested presenters are invited to submit a 250-word abstract by Monday, September 16, 2024. Presentations should be approximately 15 minutes long. More information can be obtained by contacting Rebecca Cairns-Wicks via email at rebecca.cairns-wicks@sainthelena.edu.sh or Drew Whitworth at drew.whitworth@manchester.ac.uk or by telephone at +44 7501 963630.
About the St Helena Research Institute:
SHRI promotes high-quality ethical research that benefits St Helena. It aims to make research accessible to further the island’s development.
About the University of Manchester:
Celebrating its bicentenary in 2024, the University of Manchester is a leading research institution committed to social responsibility and advancing sustainable development goals worldwide.
Alerts Sign-up