Skip to main content
Uncategorized

Debating the future of energy at the PCB

By 8 de April de 2008November 18th, 2020No Comments
< Back to news
 08.04.2008

Debating the future of energy at the PCB

Next Thursday, April 10, at 18:00 h will take place in the of the Barcelona Science Park the second event in the series of science debates "Debating Science at the PCB". Attendance is free. These events aim at fostering discussion around the new avenues opened by today's multidisciplinary research. In this session, the subject is "Biofuels and the future of energy", which is sure to stir debate. We will debate whether or not it is so eco-friendly and sustainable as people had thought some time ago, and what foreseeable impact will it have on deforestation and the rise in the prices of basic commodities.

The debate will be moderated by Manel Ebri, head of the Catalan Biodiesel Association. Speakers will include: Antonio Vallespir, Executive Vice-president of Bioethanol (Abengoa Group); David Caparrós, researcher with the CSIC-IRTA, the Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology; and Joan Salvadó Rovira, professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Rovira i Virgili University.

The debates are aimed at a scientific public, including students in the life sciences, researchers, and anyone else who may take an interest in science and its ethical, legal and social implications. The purpose is to offer a meeting place for the exchange of opinions, encouraging both the presentation of a wide variety of viewpoints and the participation of the public, who will be able to attend by prior booking. As in previous years, the plan is to galvanise discussion by means of computer software that will enable the audience to take part actively. At the end of each event, attendees will be able to carry on talking with the speakers more informally in another room, where light refreshments will be served.

The final debate, entitled «The Role of Science in Political Decision-making», will be held on 12 June under the moderation of Rosina Malagrida, head of the PCB’s Communication and Scientific Diffusion Area. Speakers are to include: Joan Comella, Director General of the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI); Jaume Padrós, Secretary of the Barcelona Medical Association; and Melanie Smallman, Managing Director of Think-Lab in the United Kingdom.

Advanced booking is required either through the website www.pcb.ub.cat/debatsciencia or by calling 93 403 45 18.

For more information: direcciocientifica@pcb.ub.cat