Life on Earth: It's Complicated

Sarah is a Microbiology Lecturer at the University of Brighton and President of the Institute of Biomedical Science. Did you know that human, animal and plant health are all deeply connected? Sarah will explore the concept of One Health — a global movement bringing together the WHO, the UN and beyond to tackle infectious diseases and climate change across species and environments. She'll also share how each of us can play a part in protecting ourselves, each other, and the planet.

Pierre is a Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University of Sussex. Pathogens move through the world along hidden paths shaped by biology, behaviour, and the environments we share. Taking a whistle-stop tour of four very different infections — Chagas disease, rabies, Ebola, and avian influenza — Pierre will show why prediction is so difficult, and why uncertainty is not a weakness but a feature of complex systems. How do we make better decisions when the data won't sit still?

Fiona is a professor of Environmental Biology (Ecology and Evolution) at the University of Sussex, in addition to acting as the founding Chair of Mammal Conservation Europe, and co-founder and Director of Ecotype Genetics Ltd. Meet a wildlife scientist who spends as much time solving real-world conservation problems as they do studying animals in the field. From tracking British mammals to uncovering how wind turbines affect bats, their work spans everything from plastic pollution to sustainable farming projects in places like Ecuador and Zambia.
In this talk, expect fascinating stories from the front lines of conservation—where science meets policy, technology, and creativity. You’ll hear how tools like phone apps and radio-tracking networks and remote cameras are transforming how we protect wildlife, and why even things like streetlights and roads matter more than you think. It’s an eye-opening look at how we can better share the planet.