OWN Talks with Fiona Waller and Sophie Ibbotson
For the past two weeks, OWN has had the privilege of hosting two exceptional talks as part of the Michaelmas Term Seminar Series 2024.
On the 21st of November, Fiona Waller, an independent consultant and ex-Head of Water Quality at Affinity Water, delivered an insightful career session to the students of the Water Science, Policy and Management master's programme. She spoke about her career path, the necessary qualities of a leader and the rising pressing trends in the water industry. The career session was followed by a public talk by Fiona focusing on our perceptions of water quality as consumers and the ways to eliminate water quality risks on a household level and in larger buildings, such as hospitals and educational buildings. Fiona reassured the audience that drinking water quality in the UK is excellent and there is no need to buy bottled water. She also advised to buy compliant fittings in your home (WRAS, kiwa, NSF) when you have a choice, use approved plumbers and check water company websites for advice.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/yM3-P8_T2BI?si=pGm3hRPn3K-9l5BJ
On the 28th of November, Sophie Ibbotson, Chair of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs and Oxford Changing Character of War Centre Visiting Fellow, gave a presentation about the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan and its water- and climate-related challenges within wider development context. Sophie highlighted that the human and environmental impact of water scarcity in Karakalpakstan is overlooked. As an advisor to the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Karakalpakstan, she also offered her insightful solutions to the crisis, including improving agricultural efficiency, tapping into available technological solutions, working with local communities and building strategies for possible relocation of the population - ensuring they have available housing and economic opportunities in Uzbekistan.
Both talks offered the audience academic and practitioner insights into respectful topics, generating lively discussions.
Stay tuned for the upcoming Hilary Term card of OWN events.
