Writtle University College will be holding the first of its inaugural professorial lectures on 21 February.
Inaugural lectures are an opportunity to celebrate the innovation and achievements of new professors. The events showcase their achievements in research and raise awareness of the latest developments in their fields of study.
Professor Peter Hobson will be giving the first lecture, which is open to the public. He will give an overview of his research into biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability across the world.
His 32-year career – 11 of which at Writtle – has seen him set up the Centre for Econics and Ecosystem Management in collaboration with Professor Pierre Ibisch, of Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development. The organisation is dedicated to environmental protection and delivers professional training and project work in global ecological conflict zones.
The two scientists have been key players in the establishment of internationally important reserves protecting some of the most sensitive ecological habitats. These include the Great Altay Transboundary Biosphere Reserve between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, as well as a European beech forest network which spans 10 European countries and was recently given UNESCO World Heritage status.
Other recent international Centre projects include partnership initiatives for sustainable land management projects in DPRK, northern Namibia, and the forested regions of Russia as well as in palm oil plantations in Borneo.
Professor Hobson has published widely on the subject of biodiversity conservation and sustainability in peer-reviewed journals - including two papers in Science - and his outreach work covers key conservation and re-wilding organisations both in the UK and abroad.
Last year, Professor Hobson spearheaded the launch of a student-led sustainability programme at Writtle University College.
When time permits, Professor Hobson’s other passion is bird painting. In the past he has been commissioned by WWF, RSPB, Save the Rhino Trust and the Zambian Wildlife Trust to exhibit his work. He has also produced technical illustrations for five major scientific text books on forest and coastal ecology.
- The second professorial lecture will be held on 25 April and will be given by Professor Steve Waite, the Founding Vice-Chancellor of Writtle University College.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
WHAT: Writtle University College Inaugural Professorial Lectures – Professor Peter Hobson
DATE: Wednesday 21 February 2018
TIME: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
WHERE: Northumberland Lecture Theatre, Writtle University College, Lordship Road, Writtle, CM1 3RR.
BOOKING: wucinaugurallectureprofessorhobson.eventbrite.com