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About this talk

The Royal Society and Professor Mark Miodownik invite you to "See Stuff Differently". The world is changing fast, and materials science is more important than you think. It's everywhere in how we do things, why we do things, and how we see the world. In this panel discussion, we gather some of the UK's brightest minds to see if they can See Healthcare Differently. Data suggests that the healthcare sector is responsible for up to 5% of the world’s carbon footprint – more than aviation and shipping combined – and is a huge driver of plastic pollution. The NHS alone throws away 133,000 tons of plastic each year , with single-use items like gloves, packaging and protective gowns driving this massive demand. Clearly, healthcare is essential for a functioning society, but the global population is only increasing, and in order for healthcare systems globally to modernise and meet demand, the sector will require even more energy, more hospitals, more medical equipment and more materials. Could advances in materials science help to keep people and our planet healthy? Speakers: Dr Petr Zagura – EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway Researcher at the Centre for Applied Superconductivity, University of Oxford Dr Sophia Vanmourik – Research Associate in Plastics Recycling, University of Manchester Professor Mark Miodownik (Chair) – Professor of Materials & Society, University College London, Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science See Stuff Differently See Stuff Differently is a programme that invites you to discover the materials that shape our everyday lives and explore their impact on people and the planet. As part of Professor Mark Miodownik's Professorship for Public Engagement in Science , the programme brings together materials scientists from across the UK to spark conversations, foster curiosity and encourage new ways of thinking about the material world around us. Attending the event This event is free to attend, but prebooking tickets on Eventbrite is required. Please note that as this is a free event, we anticipate that not everyone who reserves tickets will use them and we therefore make more tickets available than there are seats. You are highly unlikely to be refused entry but please be aware that admission is on a first-come, first-served basis and not guaranteed. Please arrive early to secure a seat Live subtitles will be available. Doors will open at 6pm. Find travel and accessibility information . Please email us with any access requirements or questions.

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