GCRF Global Engagement Meeting in Bogota

In October 2017, Dr Claudia Loggia attended the Global Engagement Meeting organized by the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and the UK Research Councils in Bogota, Colombia.

The exciting programme consisted of a two-day workshop and a site visit (at the Humbold Institute and the Post Conflict Memorial Centre – called Centro de Memoria, Paz y Reconciliation). The event was a great success with an attendance of more than 100 delegates coming from 25 countries across the world (mainly UK and developing countries).

The main purpose of this event was to develop new research networks, while promoting transdisciplinary approaches. The event was been a great chance for us to engage and discuss potential partnership opportunities between UK research institutions and other academic and non-academic representatives from developing countries.

Presentations during the 2-day workshop

During the workshop, case study presentations were followed by breakout sessions in which Claudia had the opportunity to share her personal experience on ISULabaNtu and to discuss with the other attendees the practicalities of international collaborations and transdisciplinary projects for sustainable development. The program included sessions with group activities in which the delegates had to discuss the way to maximize the impact of research on sustainable development and, more in particular, research needs and gaps for southern-led research networks.

Funding opportunities and ways to get involved with the GCRF were also discussed during the event and the launch of the Global Engagement Network has been announced as a way to strengthen the partnership between UK based researchers and developing countries.

You can find more anout GCRF and these events at http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/funding/gcrf/gcrf-global-engagement-events/