Transatlantic Science Week brings leading environmental scientists together in Minnesota

University of Minnesota's David Tilman (United States), David Schindler (Canada) and Nils Stenseth (Norway) - will share views and insights on critical environmental issues during Transatlantic Science Week, which will be held at the University of Minnesota's McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis from Sunday, Sept. 27 to Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Tilman, University of Minnesota Regents Professor of Ecology, is widely known for proving that diversity stabilizes ecosystems and for discovering the economic and environmental benefits of using perennial grasses to make biofuel. Schindler, a University of Alberta ecology professor, has helped shape global environmental policy through his discoveries of the human impact on freshwater ecosystems. And Stenseth, who heads the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis at the University of Oslo, has been highly cited for his research on the ecological effects of climate change. All three have received major international awards for their work.

During their presentation at 11:20 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, the three scientists will discuss climate change and its effect on global biodiversity; the impact of renewable energy on the global food supply; preserving global biodiversity; and the impact of population growth and climate change on global demand for clean water.

Former Vice President Walter Mondale, Norway's Honorary Consul General in Minneapolis, will kick-off the annual event at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 28. University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks and Tora Aasland, Norway's Minister of Research and Higher Education, will co-host the event.

The focus of Transatlantic Science Week 2009 is on developing partnerships to preserve the environment and develop renewable energy and clean technologies. Other speakers include Cora Marrett, acting deputy director of the National Science Foundation; Jon Foley, director of the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment; Robert Elde, dean of the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences; Wegger Strommen, Norway's Ambassador to the United States; Arvid Hallen, director general of the Research Council of Norway; Lois Quam, founder of Tysvar, LLC, which focuses on private sector solutions to climate change; and Doug Cameron, managing director and Chief Science Advisor for Piper Jaffrey.

These transatlantic meetings were initiated by the Norwegian government in 2001 to strengthen cooperation in research, innovation and higher education among Norway, the United States and Canada. They are organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. This is the eighth annual forum and the first to be held in Minnesota.

Source: University of Minnesota