Coordinator:
Mikko Ylikangas (Research Council of Finland)
Type of call:
Call for Participation
Participation mode:
In-Person only
Description:
Panel session: Experiences from the DEVELOP2 Academy Programme
The panel includes presentations by three research projects from the DEVELOP2 Academy Programme:
- Björn Klöve (Professor, Director, Head of the unit, Water Resources Engineering, University of Oulu): Integrating water balance and energy systems models for improved benefit sharing in transboundary river basins
Many developing countries are located in transboundary river basins where water and energy challenges are closely interlinked. Typically, the upper basin is sparsely populated high mountainous terrain rich in water resources and large hydropower potential, while the lower basin has high water demand due to large population density and irrigated agriculture. The research project aimed to develop new tools and knowledge in a joint effort between Finland, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to sustainably manage land, energy and water resources between upstream and downstream needs. The project coupled and developed water resource and energy system models, and used the tools to analyse future scenarios. The analysis can provide guidance for the deployment of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, taking into account changes brought about by climate change. If successful, the approach can be replicated in other areas where energy and water issues are closely interconnected.
- Tarja Sironen (Vice-Dean, Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Director of Helsinki One Health (HOH), Faculties of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki): Emerging infectious diseases in changing environments of East Africa
The emergence of infectious diseases, strongly affected by environmental changes, already pose one of the most significant challenges to human and animal health, and in achieving the sustainable development goals. Impacts of global change processes are tangible in Africa due to warming climate, increased land use changes, biodiversity loss and population growth. These trends are estimated to increase the disease burden and accelerate the emergence of outbreaks. In GLOBEID project, we generated data on drivers and risk areas of disease emergence aiming to mitigate and prevent the impacts of infectious diseases and outbreaks to economies and public health in Kenya, and globally. Strong emphasis in GLOBEID was on capacity building by increasing diagnostic capacity, training local experts and raising awareness on disease prevention. The produced data will assist authorities in decision-making to take action to protect environment, animals and humans from emerging infectious disease threats.
- Leena Hanski (Dr., Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki): Harnessing local knowledge and biodiversity for health management and socioeconomic growth in West Africa
The high disease burden in most sub-Saharan countries is considered a central economical burden which hinders their socioeconomical development. Similar to several other African countries, the Republic of Benin is struggling with high prevalence of infectious diseases caused by multiresistent microbes, particularly bacteria. This project aimed to support the evidence-based use of African plant resources by gathering scientific data on the potential of selected plant extracts as effective and standardized antimicrobial phytomedicines. Investing in primary healthcare has a central role in promoting the progress towards United Nation’s sustainable development goals. The main societal impact of this project lies in promoting effective, accessible and affordable medication respecting local cultural heritage.
- Panel Chair: Mikko Ylikangas (Research Council of Finland)
- Commentator: Ilona Steiler (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Tampere University)
All interested are welcome to hear the presentations and to participate in the discussion!
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The Academy Programme for Development Research (DEVELOP2) provided funding for multidisciplinary, phenomenon-driven and problem-based research that targets global development issues, helps boost economic, social and ecological development in the Global South. DEVELOP2 was funded by the Research Council of Finland and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland during 2023–2026 and it included nine research consortiums.
DEVELOP2 aimed to
- generate new research-based knowledge on issues of global development and the causes and mechanisms of poverty and inequality in the Global South. We aim to find ways to remove obstacles which might hinder development and to improve conditions for development
- strengthen and renew high-quality phenomenon-driven and problem-based development research in Finland in the long term and to promote its application in the Global South
- support cooperation and research between universities and research institutes in Finland and the target countries, and to strengthen the research capacity of universities and research institutes in the Global South
- encourage more widespread and impactful use of our research both in Finland and internationally: to disseminate new research-based knowledge to support informed decision making and implementation, to make research-based knowledge more readily available among stakeholders and the general public, and to support improved application of research-based knowledge both in Finland and in the other countries involved.
DEVELOP2 had three themes: sustainable economy in the Global South; creating a more efficient society; and food security, biodiversity, environmental health and sustainable management and sustainable use of natural resources. The research aimed to support the management of changes that will benefit poor people and promote equality primarily in the least developed and lower to middle-income countries and regions.
Contact:
Mikko Ylikangas
Senior Science Adviser, PhD
Research Council of Finland
Impact and Science Policy Unit
Hakaniemenranta 6, 00531 Helsinki, Finland
+358 295 33 5143
mikko.ylikangas@aka.fi