Researchers, entrepreneurs and investors came together at Darwin recently to celebrate the launch of a new foundation with deep Darwinian roots, created to further the global challenges of conservation and climate repair.
Developed by Darwin alumnus Michael Blank (MPhil Economics, 2004-6) in collaboration with his business partner Manuel Linder, Families for Nature aims to fund pioneering initiatives with a transformative effect.
Already, the foundation is funding the PhD research of Darwin student Jacob Pantling, who is investigating the possibility of refreezing the Arctic. Jacob presented his work alongside Darwin alumnus and Director of the Centre for Climate Repair Professor Shaun Fitzgerald, as part of a day which demonstrated the world-leading research taking place in Cambridge, and the impact of financial support to meaningful advancement.
The day began at the David Attenborough Building where the Master of Darwin, Dr Mike Rands, explained the role of the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI), of which he was the first Director. Participants then moved on to Darwin College for an afternoon of sharing ideas, research and inspiration, before sitting down to dinner together.
“We’re facing a climate crisis, a biodiversity crisis,” said Dr Rands. “But what for me has been so exciting today is that we’re actually talking about solutions to address that.”
