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ASDC Conference 2024: Shaping the future of science together
18-19th November, The Royal Society, London

Welcome to the ASDC Conference 2024, a vibrant inclusive event for everyone in the science engagement community and wider STEM sector to come together for collaboration, inspiration, and growth. The conference programme of talks, workshops, networking sessions and discussions will explore how we shape the future of science in our rapidly changing world.

Take a virtual tour around the Royal Society to see what it’s like inside before the conference starts.

We’d love to see your photos, videos and thoughts on social media, please share with us using #ASDC24.
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Costing the Earth? How organisations can change their buying for a fair and sustainable future
Tuesday November 19, 2024 9:50am - 10:40am GMT
Wolfson Rm 2
Our organisations spend millions of pounds on goods and services, but at what environmental cost? Where does our money go, and what kinds of businesses are we supporting through our purchases? Improving procurement practices and systems is often overlooked in sustainability efforts, yet its potential impact on achieving a more sustainable and socially just future is significant.   

In this session, the We The Curious Sustainable Futures Team will present a specially curated procurement training designed specifically for all staff involved in purchasing. It will cover key topics including transitioning to a circular economy, understanding life cycle impacts of products, carbon and pollution impacts, identifying greenwashing, addressing human rights and labour practices, and utilising accreditations effectively. Guest speaker and Head of Exhibitions and Environmental Impact Lead at the Design Museum, Elise Foster Vander Elst, will also share some best practice guidelines inviting attendees to consider what questions to ask contractors at what stage to prioritise environmental responsibility. 
Attendees will leave the session having learned the basics of sustainable procurement and knowing what to look for when next helping to buy for their organisation. They will be provided with practical knowledge, useful examples, and actionable strategies to implement sustainable procurement practices in their own organisations. 
Speakers
avatar for Elise Foster Vander Elst

Elise Foster Vander Elst

Head of Exhibitions and Environmental Impact Lead, Design Museum
Elise Foster Vander Elst has over two decades experience of creating cultural impact through exhibitions, events and action research. Elise is currently Head of Exhibitions and Environmental Impact Lead at the Design Museum. In this role she leads a team to deliver up to ten exhibitions... Read More →
avatar for Chris Dunford

Chris Dunford

Sustainability and Science Director, We The Curious
As Sustainability and Science Director, Chris Dunford has been responsible for ‘Sustainable Futures’ at We The Curious since 2011. During that time, he has introduced a sector-leading programme of environmental best practice, innovative technologies, and organisational change... Read More →
avatar for Ella Norwich

Ella Norwich

Sustainability Coordinator, We The Curious
Ella is the Sustainability Coordinator at We The Curious and the newest member of the Sustainable Futures Team, having joined in April 2023. Her role involves wearing many hats, from coordinating a cross-departmental team focused on sustainability initiatives to processing... Read More →
Tuesday November 19, 2024 9:50am - 10:40am GMT
Wolfson Rm 2
  Panel presentation
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