Conference to showcase research expertise

Research excellence at the University of Wolverhampton will be showcased in a two-day conference later this month (JUN) culminating in a lecture from renowned herpetologist Professor Mark O'Shea.

The conference theme ‘Addressing Societal Challenges’ will be considered through a packed programme of short talks, workshops and seminars. Leading academics and doctoral students will present their findings on a variety of topics including social media, urban wildlife, domestic violence and healthcare.

Dr Henry Kippin, Director for Public Sector Reform West Midlands Combined Authority, will deliver the keynote lecture for the event. His role is to reform the way public services are delivered across the region and ensure they address key areas such as employment and skills, mental health, and criminal justice.

Professor O'Shea, who is Professor of Herpetology at the University, will give a public lecture, Snakebite: A Very Neglected Disease at the close of the conference. This will highlight the scourge of snakebite and the international anti-venom crisis. Around the world up to 138,000 people die of snakebite each year, mostly in developing countries, and 400,000 are permanently disabled, or become amputees, due to the effects of the powerful venoms. The World Health Organisation has now recognised snakebite as a “Neglected Tropical Disease”, a status that might encourage more research into its treatment and into anti-venom production. 

The Annual Research Conference is free to attend and takes place on June 17 and 18 and is part of Researchers' Week. Professor Silke Machold, Dean of Research, said: “There is a constant drive for discovery at the University of Wolverhampton. Our Annual Research Conference is an opportunity to showcase innovation and expertise, build networks and connect with staff and students from across the University."

Professor O'Shea's free lecture will take place on Tuesday June 18 at 3pm in the University's Millennium City Building. Everyone is welcome but due to demand booking is essential.

For more information, booking and a full programme see www.wlv.ac.uk/arc.

ENDS