April Advocacy at Birkbeck: Raising awareness of autism, world health, the earth, and girls in ICT
This April, Birkbeck is proud to highlight several important awareness days including World Autism Day, World Health Day, Earth Day and International Girls in ICT day.
April 2nd – World Autism Awareness Day
On World Autism Awareness Day, we shine a light on the remarkable work being done at Birkbeck's Baby and Toddler Labs. These research facilities have been at the forefront of autism research, providing invaluable insights into its diagnosis in babies and young children. Baby Lab scientists at Birkbeck have used cutting-edge technology to identify the earliest marker of autism in babies, significantly advancing the understanding of the condition. Today, their work is continuing to explore earlier interventions, that will help transform the lives of children with autism.
April 7th – World Health Day
World Health Day offers an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Birkbeck alumna Rosalind Franklin. Did you know Rosalind’s work was instrumental in the discovery of the structure of DNA in 1962? Her pioneering work in the field of molecular biology left a huge impact on science and medicine. Today, researchers at Birkbeck are tackling some of the most pressing health challenges of our time - Professor Sanjib Bhakta’s work focuses on understanding how infectious bacteria cause disease and develop resistance to antibiotic treatment; while Georgia Bondy’s work supports chronically ill people, and she was highlighted as one of the 100 most influential disabled individuals in the UK.
April 22nd – Earth Day
Earth Day is a time to reflect on Birkbeck’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Birkbeck’s recently launched Research Centre for Environment and Sustainability is leading interdisciplinary research to address the critical environmental challenges facing the world. As well as focusing on research, did you know we have introduced a new sustainability course which equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental challenges?
International Girls in ICT Day celebrates the achievements of women in technology and encourages young girls to pursue careers in ICT. At Birkbeck, we proudly highlight the story of Kathleen Booth, a former Birkbeck academic whose contributions to computer science have paved the way for future generations. Booth's pioneering work in programming and her role in developing early computers are a testament to the importance of having women studying STEM subjects.