Global Challenge programme

Although science and technology may offer the potential for progress and advancement in various spheres of existence and experience, there are threats to our global habitat that endanger basic human needs. These influence life chances and opportunities and how we organise and live in our communities. The priorities we choose and the ways we seek to deliver them, will shape our futures.

Over the coming decades we must meet the demands of an expanding global population; the increased production of more nutritious and safer food, the accommodation of migration and population movements and the provision of safe and sustainable cities. The social and environmental effects and impacts of climate change must be managed and mitigated and the world’s resources equitably and peacefully distributed. We grapple with the challenges presented by technology and its impact on human interaction and relationships, as well as the bio-security issues from new and emerging infections in both humans and animals.

These are just some examples of complex questions and global challenges which confront local, national, regional and global communities. They are beyond the scope of a single academic discipline or area of research expertise to map and provide solutions. These challenges will require creative and innovative interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration to suggest and predict possible resolutions.

What's on?: ILAS events are published in the 'Global Challenge Programme' section of the ILAS website here and advertised in the usual manner.

Stay in touch: The best way to hear about our events first is to subscribe to the ILAS mailing list, which can be accessed here.

Register to attend: All our events are free and open to everyone. We would ask you to register your intention to attend, whether in person or online, using the link provided on each Event via the Keele online store page.

Hybrid events: We are delighted to offer a ‘hybrid’ approach for the majority of our lectures, giving our guests the choice to view either digitally online or in person, making the lecture accessible to a broader audience.  

Prior to the event: Online events will be hosted via Microsoft Teams. You will be contacted a few days prior to the event and provided with a link that will enable you to join online, via your internet browser. You will not need to download the Microsoft Teams App to join our events.

On the day: If attending online, click on the Microsoft Teams link shortly prior to the advertised time and choose the option 'Watch on Web Instead' as there is no need to download the Microsoft Teams App. Then, just wait for the event to begin.

Once you have entered the event there is the opportunity to engage with colleagues as well as the speaker through the Q&A portal on the right-hand side of the screen. Please do join the conversation and we will endeavour to pose as many questions as time allows.

If attending in person, there will be the opportunity to enjoy some light refreshments with friends and colleagues, prior to the lecture.

Post-event: We hope to be able to provide scope for the conversation to continue, via the MS Teams platform. With permission from the speaker, a recording of the event will also be available via MS Teams and on the ILAS website here.