8/12/2009: Parliamentary Seminiar on 'Science, Technology and Innovation for Poverty Reduction'

Over a third of the world's population is affected by poverty, and lacks the resources and information to meet basic human needs, such as sufficient food, safe drinking water, sanitation, health, shelter and education. Science, technology and innovation can play a crucial role in alleviating poverty and have led to a vast array of developments, from boosting agricultural productivity, to improving livelihoods with Information Communication Technology. There is widespread awareness that science, technology and innovation can make a significant contribution to meeting key Millennium Development Goal commitments, such as halving the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water by 2015.

Details: Science, Technology and Innovation for Poverty Reduction
Parliamentary seminar, Wednesday 9th December 2009, 9.45am - 1.00pm,
The Attlee Suite, Portcullis House

This seminar, which is organised jointly by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, the Institute of Physics and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, will showcase promising new areas of UK research in developmental sciences, covering a range of areas including mobile communications, disease control, and provision of clean water and electricity. It will also address the challenges faced in ensuring that research is focused on the needs of the world's poorest people and will explore social and cultural factors affecting the uptake of new technologies in developing countries. Attendees will have the opportunity to look at practical demonstrations and network with researchers.

Places are limited and admission is by invitation. If you would like to attend please contact Chandrika Nath (nathc@parliament.uk)