Miraculous microorganisms: the future of food, fuel and pharmaceuticals

Microorganisms are the future, but they have also been our past. Join us as Biochemical Engineer Michael Sulu delves into the distant past to consider their use, looks at more recent history, and predicts what might happen in the future. How do microorganisms interact with individuals and society, and how can they be used to produce therapeutics that help us live longer, more fulfilling lives?

Biological processes using microorganisms have been around for thousands of years. Due to their toughness, they have bought the solution to many problems, such as antibiotics. However, the speed of their evolution can also create problems – such as antibiotic resistance! In turn, this speed can help solve new problems facing society like plastic degradation.

Michael will argue that advances in the ways in which we can manipulate these microorganisms and expansion in the types of single celled organism we can grow, have the potential to solve many of society’s problems – especially those that involve feeding, fuelling and healing future populations.

The doors will open at approximately 6.30pm, with a prompt start at 7.00pm. There will be time for questions after the talk.
Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.