In response to the UK government’s call to action at COP26 in Glasgow, the CSC’s Time Limited Programme (TLP) for 2022-2023 was focused on Clean Energy, Air and Oceans.
As part of this TLP and to support individuals working in these areas across the Commonwealth, the CSC funded 20 Professional Fellows to spend three months at one of the following 5 UK Host Organisations between February and May 2023.
The University of Edinburgh’s Earth Initiative hosted 4 Fellows from India for a programme of interdisciplinary training and professional development on respiratory health and climate change, and investigate context appropriate interventions in urban India. Fellowship activities spanned issues around clean air, science, technology, innovation and public policy – with an underpinning focus on the intersection between access to clean air and gender.
Knowledge 4 Change hosted 4 Fellows from Uganda on their programme which took a holistic approach combining an interest in the impact of deforestation on climate change and the impacts of the use of wood and charcoal as the primary fuels used in cooking on human health and especially women and children
Lifegate Outreach Centre hosted 5 Fellows who were exposed to a range of activities ensuring the best opportunity for the transfer of knowledge, skills and experience. This included desk-based research, tailored training, practical hands-on training/workshops, conference participation, and project plan development.
The University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 hosted 5 Fellows to complete a programme focused on the relationship between the built environment and climate change in Uganda with an emphasis on Clean Air and Clean Energy in public buildings (hospital and schools) and domestic dwellings used by Uganda’s poor. The programme drew together Fellows with experience in the field to identify affordable and sustainable ways of improving the design of new build and potential adaptations to existing infrastructure to reduce energy consumption, increase use of renewable energy and water supplies and improve ventilation.
The University of Strathclyde Hosted 2 Fellows in the Chemical and Process Engineering Department who were immersed in the department’s research ambiance helping to cultivate new concepts and ideas, proliferate collaborations and networks. Fellows developed skills in; ideas generation, collaborating and co-operation; debates; self-study and public speaking. The focus was on research involving decarbonising of materials and processes, renewable energy generation through national research centres (PNDC, AFRC and NMIS) and innovation hubs (Glasgow City Innovation District).
Fellows were welcomed to the UK at the Welcome Event held at the University of Edinburgh. Throughout the three month programme, each of the hosts held an event at their organisation to bring together all Fellows to learn more about their work in this area, share their experience and discuss future collaborations that may support initiatives in their home countries.
Common Knowledge issue 13 was focussed on the theme of Clean Energy, Air and Oceans and shares many stories and experiences from across the Commonwealth Alumni network.
Commonwealth Alumni were invited to deliver community awareness activities to support the aims of UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: ‘Life Below Water’ and SDG 7: ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’, during the TLP year. Read more about the activities that for funded here.
