Event: For the love of nature: How to measure and sustain biodiversity in a changing world?

Both natural and human environments are changing at an unprecedented rate, and key ecological processes and levels of biodiversity are threatened. Measuring, predicting and mitigating this change and its consequences is one of the greatest challenges facing scientists and society today. Join the discussion at Think Corner, Helsinki 14.2.2019 at 9-12!

Information about the past is stored in long-term data collected from nature, and the Big Data era constantly provides us with new information on current changes. Recent methodological developments including remote sensing and social media can complement time-series data to truly understand how and why biodiversity is changing. Invited speakers and researchers of the Research Centre for Ecological Change established at the University of Helsinki at the start of 2018 will tackle these issues in their talks and short pitches.

The event will include a panel discussion with scientists, industry and policy makers to tackle key questions such as:

  • What is ecology, where can we see it and why should we care?
  • What ecological information is needed to support decision making and sustainable bioeconomy?
  • Can computer simulations replace long-term data as funding levels are declining?

We invite audience to pose critical questions as well!

Program

9.00-9.05    Opening words, Prof. Anna-Liisa Laine, University of Zürich and University of Helsinki

9.05-10.30  Keynote plenaries by

  • Prof. Ben Sheldon, Oxford University
  • Assistant Prof. Jarno Vanhatalo, University of Helsinki,
  • Associate Prof. Tuuli Toivonen, University of Helsinki

10.30-11.00 Short pitch talks from Scientists representing the Research Centre for Ecological Change

11.00-12.00 Panel discussion with

  • Minister of the Environment, Energy and Housing Kimmo Tiilikainen
  • Research Director Aino Juslén, LUOMUS
  • Prof. Tomas Roslin SLU Uppsala and University of Helsinki
  • Research Director Mikko Peltonen, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
  • Research Director Tanja Suni, Ministry of Environment
  • Sustainable Forestry Lead, Timo Lehesvirta, UPM

Time: 14.2.2019 at 9-12

Place: Think Corner, Yliopistonkatu 4, Helsinki, Finland

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