Due
to the quality of his research around the impact of human activities on marine
animals, a Northumbria University environmental scientist has been selected as
a member of the Global Young Academy (GYA).
The
GYA is an organisation of 200 diverse researchers across disciplines who are
selected for five-year terms based on their scientific excellence and their
commitment to using their research to make the world a better place.
Dr Edmond Sanganyado, a recently appointed academic in the University’s Department of Applied Sciences, has published extensively on the impact of synthetic
chemicals, particularly pharmaceuticals, on marine animals when they find their
way into our oceans.
While
an academic at Shantou University, in China, Dr Sanganyado looked specifically
at how this kind of ocean pollution has contributed to the rapid decline of
Chinese white dolphins; a species of which there are estimated to be only 2,000
left in the wild.
“I
can apply what I have discovered through my studies of the Chinese white
dolphins to many other species of marine life,” said Dr Sanganyado. “It is
predicted that we will lose a further 75% of the population of these dolphins by
2050 if we do not take real action on reducing overfishing, water pollution and
heavy marine traffic, along with coastal development.
“This
is often the case with a lot of marine life, so it is vital that we understand
what we can do as a society to help prevent the decline of these animals. I am interested
in understanding how the chemicals we use every day to improve our quality of
life - from aspirin to caffeine - affect environmental processes essential for
supporting life on Earth.
“I
combine fundamentals of environmental chemistry and microbial ecology to reveal
the history of these chemicals, that is, where, when, and how they entered the
environment. Such knowledge is important for developing strategies for
mitigating chemical pollution and addressing environmental justice concerns.”
Dr
Sanganyado was selected as a member of the Global Young Academy (GYA) for a
number of compelling reasons. As well as his internationally acclaimed work on
the impact of human activities on marine mammals, he has also been appointed an
editorial board member to several reputable peer-reviewed journals such as Communications
Earth and Environment, BMC Chemistry, and Integrated Environmental
Assessment and Management.
In
2021, he was elected as a Fellow of the Institution of Environmental Science in
recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of environmental
science and sustainability.
He is also the president of Zimbabwe
Young Academy of Sciences (ZimYAS). During his tenure, ZimYAS has been involved
in training young scholars on research process and design, promoting
conversation between young scholars and industry, government, and academic
leaders, as well as inspiring a new generation of media practitioners that are
comfortable with encouraging public discussion around science, technology, and
innovation.
Members
of the GYA are sought from young, independent scholars who combine the highest
level of research excellence with a demonstrated passion for delivering impact.
It
presently has members and alumni from 94 countries, who are passionate about
the role of science in creating a better world.
Speaking about his recent selection, Dr Sanganyado
said: “I am honoured to be selected to such a prestigious group. A vibrant
community of emerging leaders is vital for informing public debate and tackling
societal challenges. I look forward to working with other members of GYA to
bring about positive change.”
