In 2019, universities from across the world nominated students to attend the 2020 Global Young Scientists Summit. From these nominations, the National Research Foundation of Singapore selected around 300 delegates to engage in discussions on key areas of science with recipients of the Nobel Prize, Fields Medal, Millenium Technology Prize and the Turing Award. Several STEM departments at the University of Cambridge were invited to nominate a candidate and the Engineering department nominated FIBE CDT student, Jennifer Ward George, who was subsequently selected to attend by the NRF.
"The summit was an incomparable opportunity to engage in scientific discussion with both the extraordinary scientists of today, and the global young leaders of tomorrow. "
- Jennifer Ward George
Jennifer’s research focuses on the strategic decisions behind shelter projects that occur as a result of post-conflict and post-disaster displacement situations. This research analyses shelter response on a global scale and includes discussions with governments, international NGOs, Global Cluster Groups, private sector, academia, and beneficiaries of shelter. In addition to being nominated to attend the GYSS 2020, Jennifer was also appointed to a prestigious role as the Design Fellow for Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. This fellowship provides funds for the development of a software-based method of information management for shelter projects in post-crisis situations, and has a monetary value of £100,000. Beyond this, in 2018, Jennifer was shortlisted (“final five”) for the Trinity Bradfield Prize for work on portable servers in crisis or displacement situations, and has won several other awards during her undergraduate degree. Jennifer additionally plays competitive polo with the University of Cambridge Polo Club, competing at SUPA nationals in February 2020.
The panel discussions on “Science and Society” and the “Future of Medicine” were particularly insightful sessions during which the speakers, including Ada Yonath, Kurt Wüthrich, John Hopcroft, and Michael Grätzel fielded questions from delegates on how to address global problems.
The location of the summit in Singapore was likewise a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the city’s fantastic architecture and delicious food. It was clear from this exploration that Singapore has taken significant strides towards integrating greener architecture and urban design, with a city-wide focus on sustainability.