27 October 2011

Can we grow enough food to feed the world?

Photo opportunity: 5:45pm on Thursday, 3rd November at Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee.

The many challenges posed by the need to feed a massively expanding world population will be explored during the biggest celebration of science ever to take place in Dundee.

Professor Phil Thomas, Chairman of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, will deliver a lecture entitled ‘Food Supply in a Changing World’ as part of this year’s Dundee Science Festival, which will be held from 29th October - 13th November.

The event is organised by the British Science Association, and takes place at the University of Dundee on Thursday, 3rd November. It will see Professor Thomas, one of the foremost figures in the Scottish fish farming industry, examine the food types required to meet our needs and the currently available supplies.

His talk will explore the impact of climate change on global food security and European food supply. It will highlight how fish and fish farming will play an increasingly important role as we try to the address the many challenges to feeding the world.

This lecture is timely due to last week’s that the World’s human population will pass the seven billion mark on 31st October at a time when one in seven families goes hungry.

Professor Thomas said, 'Globally, with continued growth in population and increasing constraints on environmental resources, we face serious challenges in ensuring the food security. Science and technology have a key role to play in our changing food systems but food trends are also heavily modulated by economic and societal factors.'

The event will be held at Dalhousie Building, Old Hawkhill, Dundee, DD1 5EH from 6-7pm on Thursday 3 November 2011, followed by a wine reception. Admission is free and there is no need to book in advance.

For further information about this event, visit the British Science Association website.

Notes to editors:

Now in its third year, the fortnight-long Dundee Science Festival (Saturday, 29th October - Sunday, 13th November 2011) is set to explore the fun, excitement and relevance of science to all, with over 60 events, twice as many as last year, more partners and a diverse range of over 25 venues.

Dundee Science Festival, coordinated by Dundee Science Centre, is supported by the Scottish Government, Dundee City Council, Research Councils UK (RCUK) and The Gannochy Trust.

Other supporting partners are EventScotland, Skills Development Scotland, University of Dundee and University of Abertay Dundee, Dundee College, Dundee Waterfront, Medical Research Council, James Hutton Institute, as well as Dundee Science Centre.

For further information, please email dundeesciencefestival@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk, visit www.dundeesciencefestival.org or telephone Alexandra Forrest, festivals and Events Officer, Dundee Science Centre on 01382 868609.

The British Science Association is a Registered Charity Nos 212479 and SC039236

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277