Public event “Research-to-Policy” Dialogue: Plastic Pollution, Climate Change and Antimicrobial Resistance

A “Research-to-Policy” event scheduled for 5 June 2024 at Heidelberg University will address the topics of microplastic pollution, climate change and antimicrobial resistance. The public event, which aims to bridge the gap between research and policy, will address the complex relationships between these factors and their impact on public health. Led by Prof. Dr Joacim Rocklöv, it is organised by scientists from the Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases Lab (CSIDlab). The programme includes expert lectures and a panel discussion involving actors from non-governmental organisations as well as representatives from science and politics.

The “Research-to-Policy Dialogue on Plastic Pollution, Climate Change and Antimicrobial Resistance” is an event organised by the TULIP research project funded by the European Union and led by Prof. Rocklöv and Dr Marina Treskova at the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health and the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing. It focuses on plastic pollution and climate change as factors driving the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the environment. Eleven partners worldwide are involved in the project, including the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in the Philippine Department of Health. There are also experts from universities and research institutes, non-academic partners, small and medium-sized businesses and non-governmental organisations.

The event opens with a welcome address by Prof. Dr Karin Schumacher, Vice-Rector for Quality Development and Sustainability of Heidelberg University. This is followed by a video message from Prof. Dr Philip J. Landrigan, Director of the Global Public Health Program and Global Pollution Observatory of Boston College (USA), as well as a keynote speech by Prof. Rocklöv on the content and goals of the TULIP Project. The following expert lectures provide an overview of the effects of plastic pollution, antimicrobial resistance and climate change on the health of people and ecosystems. They will also address knowledge gaps that still need to be closed. Afterwards, the speakers will answer questions from the audience. Following a break, the event will end with a panel discussion on solutions from politics and civil society that can help manage this global challenge.

Media representatives are warmly invited to attend and cover the “Research-to-Policy” event on 5 June. This can be done both in person and via livestream. To do this, you must register by 4 June via email to uliana.kachnova@uni-heidelberg.de