Group Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology: Addressing Global Food and Health Challenges
1 Focus Areas:
1. The principles of genetic modification and the technologies used, such as
CRISPR and GMOs.
2. Applications of genetic engineering in agriculture: pest-resistant crops,
drought-tolerant plants, and nutrient-enhanced foods.
3. The role of biotechnology in addressing global health issues, such as gene
therapy and vaccine development.
4. Ethical, environmental, and societal concerns associated with genetic
engineering.
5. Regulatory frameworks and public perception of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) worldwide.
Group Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Global Health Crisis
2 Focus Areas:
1. The science of antibiotic resistance: how bacteria evolve resistance to drugs.
2. The consequences of widespread antibiotic resistance on public health and
mortality rates.
3. The role of overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine and
agriculture.
4. Strategies for combating resistance, including the development of new
antibiotics and alternatives.
5. Global efforts in policy and regulation to reduce antibiotic overuse and
promote stewardship.
Group Food Security in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Solutions
3 Focus Areas:
1. How climate change affects crop yields, food production, and food security.
2. The impact of extreme weather events (e.g., droughts, floods) on agricultural
systems.
3. Sustainable farming practices: agroecology, organic farming, and climate-resilient
crops.
4. Innovations in food production, such as vertical farming and genetically modified
organisms (GMOs).
5. Global strategies to ensure food security in vulnerable regions, including policy and
Group The Role of Technology in Combating Global Health Pandemics
4 Focus Areas:
1. How technology has contributed to disease surveillance, including contact
tracing and data analytics.
2. The role of genomics in identifying pathogens and creating vaccines.
3. The development and distribution of vaccines, with a focus on mRNA
technology.
4. AI and machine learning applications in predicting outbreaks and resource
allocation.
5. Ethical challenges in the use of health data, privacy, and global cooperation
during pandemics.
Group Energy Transition: The Science of Renewable Energy Sources
5 Focus Areas:
1. The science of solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy as renewable
resources.
2. Technological innovations in energy storage, such as battery storage systems
and smart grids.
3. The challenges and benefits of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable
energy sources.
4. The role of governments and global agreements in promoting renewable
energy adoption.
5. The environmental and economic impact of large-scale renewable energy
infrastructure projects.
Group Plastic Pollution: Scientific Solutions to a Global Environmental Challenge
6 Focus Areas:
1. The sources of plastic pollution in oceans and landfills and their
environmental impact.
2. The breakdown of plastics into microplastics and their effects on marine life
and human health.
3. Innovations in biodegradable plastics and recycling technologies.
4. The role of policies in reducing plastic consumption, including bans and
waste management initiatives.
5. Case studies of successful plastic reduction campaigns or corporate
responsibility efforts.
Group The Circular Economy: Reducing Waste and Promoting Sustainability
7 Focus Areas:
1. The concept of a circular economy and how it contrasts with the traditional
linear economy.
2. Benefits of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling in reducing environmental
impact.
3. Technologies and innovations supporting a circular economy, such as
upcycling and sustainable materials.
4. The role of business models in adopting circular economy principles (e.g.,
product as a service).
5. Policy frameworks and global efforts to transition to a circular economy
(e.g., EU Circular Economy Action Plan)
Group Global Water Scarcity: Scientific Approaches to Ensuring Clean Water for All
8 Focus Areas:
1. The global distribution of freshwater resources and regions most affected by
water scarcity.
2. Scientific processes for water purification, such as reverse osmosis and UV
treatment.
3. The role of desalination technology and its environmental impact.
4. Groundwater depletion and sustainable water management practices.
5. Policy and technological innovations for equitable water distribution in
underserved
