Themes and disciplines
At the Future Forum, we encourage students to engage in interdisciplinary research to address complex problems. However, to manage the large number of student presentations, each abstract should align with a specific theme and academic discipline. This ensures that abstracts are reviewed and judged by the most appropriate experts, which is crucial as it determines the expertise of the reviewers who will score your submission. The chosen category also helps place your abstract in a session with similar research, ensuring it reaches the right audience during the conference.
This year's themes for the Future Forum are: Our Planet, Our Health, Our Resources, and Our People.
Engaging in Climate Action
The urgency of climate action has never been greater as the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges. The impacts of climate change are far-reaching, affecting ecosystems, economies, and communities globally. This theme is dedicated to scientific research and innovation that contribute to mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. Whether through the development of renewable energy technologies, conservation strategies, or policy recommendations, the goal is to drive forward the actions needed to protect our planet for future generations.
We invite submissions that explore diverse scientific approaches and solutions to the pressing issue of climate change, including interdisciplinary research that crosses traditional boundaries.
Ensuring Healthy Lives and Wellbeing for all
Science and innovation have always been at the heart of health and healthcare design, development, and delivery, leading to improved global health outcomes. However, many overburdened and under-resourced healthcare systems need help coping with the changing burden of disease, primarily driven by an increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions and the impact of the climate crisis on health.
This theme is dedicated to scientific research that plays a vital role in bridging the gap between current resources and future needs. We encourage submissions from diverse scientific focus areas, including specific disciplines, diseases, or approaches.
Building Sustainable and Resilient Systems
Rapid population growth presents a pressing challenge-how to ensure future development is both sustainable and inclusive. A growing population demands more resources from the environment, such as water, land for agriculture, minerals, and fossil fuels. The extraction of these resources has a significant environmental impact, including waste, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Research in this area is crucial for long-term sustainable development.
This theme covers scientific research that addresses sustainable solutions to current and future resource needs. We encourage submissions from diverse scientific focus areas, including specific disciplines, resource areas, or approaches.
Developing Pathways for Equitable Success in STEM
Significant barriers still remain that prevent equitable access and success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Diversity and inclusion in STEM are essential for driving innovation and addressing complex global challenges, yet under-represented and marginalised groups often face systemic obstacles that limit their opportunities and achievements. This theme is focused on creating pathways that ensure these groups have the opportunities, resources, and support needed to thrive in STEM careers. By addressing issues such as systemic bias, access to education, and career development, this theme seeks to build a more inclusive and equitable STEM community.
We encourage submissions that highlight research, initiatives, and practices aimed at creating equitable opportunities and outcomes in STEM, including those that explore innovative approaches to education, mentorship, and institutional change.
However, we understand that some research may not fit neatly into these predefined themes or disciplines. Therefore, we provide options to select "Specify Your Own Discipline" and "Other" if your work does not align with the listed themes or disciplines. These options allow you to describe your research area briefly, ensuring that your submission is still appropriately reviewed and placed in the most relevant session.
By offering this flexibility, we aim to include all valuable research contributions, embracing a wide range of scientific research and innovation.
Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences
This theme explores the interconnected fields of agriculture, food production, and veterinary sciences. It focuses on enhancing sustainable food systems, improving agricultural productivity, and ensuring the health and welfare of animals. The study also examines the relationships between humans, animals, and the environment, addressing issues such as food security, disease control, and environmental sustainability.
Key sub-disciplines include Agronomy, Animal Science, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Crop Science, Food Technology, Veterinary Medicine, Livestock Management, Animal Nutrition, and Sustainable Agriculture.
Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics
This theme combines the molecular and cellular processes fundamental to all living organisms. Biochemistry explores the chemical reactions that occur within cells, while Molecular Biology focuses on the molecules, particularly DNA, RNA, and proteins, that govern these reactions. Genetics studies how traits are passed down through generations, and Cell Biology looks at how cells function as the basic units of life.
Key sub-disciplines include Protein Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Epigenetics, Cellular Signalling, Genomics, Structural Biology, Developmental Biology, Proteomics, and Gene Therapy.
Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and the reactions that change substances. Pharmaceutical Sciences apply this knowledge to the development of medications and therapies to treat diseases. Together, these fields contribute to the discovery and design of new drugs, the study of how these drugs interact with biological systems, and the development of safe and effective medicines.
Key sub-disciplines include Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Discovery, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Formulation Science, and Pharmacokinetics.
Data Science, Computational and Systems Biology
Data Science involves the extraction of knowledge and insights from large datasets using statistical and computational methods. Computational Biology focuses on the development and application of data-analytical and theoretical methods, mathematical modelling, and computational simulation techniques to study biological, behavioural, and social systems. Systems Biology integrates data from various biological fields to build comprehensive models that explain how biological systems function. Together, these disciplines provide a comprehensive understanding of biological processes through the integration of data, computational techniques, and systems-level analysis.
Key sub-disciplines include Bioinformatics, Computational Genomics, Biological Modelling, Network Biology, Machine Learning in Biology, Structural Bioinformatics, Computational Neuroscience, Systems Pharmacology, Metabolic Modelling, Quantitative Biology, and Big Data Analytics in Biology.
Ecology, Environment and Conservation
Ecology focuses on the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their physical surroundings. Environment encompasses the study of natural and built environments, examining how various factors influence ecosystems and biodiversity. Conservation aims to protect and sustain natural resources, habitats, and species, addressing issues like habitat destruction, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Together, these disciplines provide a comprehensive understanding of how organisms interact with their environment, the impact of human activities on natural systems, and strategies for preserving ecological balance and biodiversity.
Key sub-disciplines include Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Climate Change and Mitigation Strategies, Conservation Biology, Habitat Restoration, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Practices, Pollution Control, Natural Resource Management, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Impact Assessment, Landscape Ecology, Plant and Wildlife Health Management.
Engineering, Physics and Mathematics
Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics are interconnected fields that form the foundation of many scientific and technological advancements, with significant applications in the life sciences. Engineering applies scientific principles to design, build, and analyse structures, machines, and systems, including biomedical devices and biotechnological innovations. Physics explores the fundamental properties and laws governing matter, energy, and the forces of nature, providing insights into biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels. Mathematics provides the language and tools for quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and the development of theoretical models across various disciplines, including the modelling of biological systems and statistical analysis of biological data. Together, these fields drive innovation, enhance our understanding of the universe, and solve complex real-world problems, particularly in the realm of life sciences.
Key sub-disciplines include Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Biomaterials, Medical Imaging, Theoretical Physics, Experimental Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Biomechanics, and Biostatistics.
Immunology and Microbiology
Immunology focuses on the immune system and its role in defending the body against pathogens, examining how immune responses are generated and regulated. Microbiology studies microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, exploring their biology, ecology, and roles in health and disease. Together, these disciplines provide a comprehensive understanding of how microorganisms interact with hosts and the environment, and how the immune system protects against infections and other diseases.
Key sub-disciplines include Cellular Immunology, Immunogenetics, Immunopathology, Vaccine Development, Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, Microbial Genetics, Environmental Microbiology, Clinical Microbiology, and Host-Pathogen Interactions.
Physiology
Physiology is the study of the functions and mechanisms in living organisms, from the molecular to the systemic level. It examines how organs and systems work together to maintain homeostasis, and how these processes adapt to changes in the environment or disease. Physiology is essential for understanding health, disease, and the development of medical interventions.
Key sub-disciplines include Human Physiology, Comparative Physiology, Endocrinology, Neurophysiology, Cardiovascular Physiology, Respiratory Physiology, Exercise Physiology, and Metabolism.
Psychology and Neuroscience
Psychology studies the mind, behaviour, and cognitive processes, while Neuroscience explores the nervous system and how it controls bodily functions and mental activities. Together, these fields are critical for understanding mental health, brain function, and the biological basis of behaviour.
Key sub-disciplines include Cognitive Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Behavioural Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology, Social Psychology, and Neuroimaging.
Public Health
Public Health focuses on preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organised community efforts. It addresses population health, health equity, and policies designed to improve health outcomes. Public Health research is vital for understanding and combating global health challenges, including pandemics, chronic diseases, and health disparities.
Key sub-disciplines include Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Policy, Environmental Health, Occupational Health, Health Promotion, Biostatistics, Public Health Nutrition, and Health Services Research.