USJ Doctoral Forum Explores Human-Nature Relationship and Pathways to a Career in Science
USJ Doctoral Forum Explores Human-Nature Relationship and Pathways to a Career in Science
23
Feb
23/02/2026
A USJ Doctoral Forum in Science was held as part of the university’s SDG Week 2026 programme, and it provided a platform for both high-level academic discussion and practical insights into pursuing a research career.
A USJ Doctoral Forum in Science was held 6 February at the Institute of Science and Environment (ISE) in the NAPE Campus. The Forum was part of the university’s SDG Week 2026 event programme, and it provided a platform for both high-level academic discussion and practical insights into pursuing a research career.
The study of science remains a critical endeavour for addressing complex global challenges, from climate change to public health. It provides the evidence-based foundation for innovation and policy, and its importance is highlighted by the need for rigorous research and specialised expertise. Events like this forum brings out the role of academic institutions in fostering the next generation of researchers equipped to tackle these issues.
The forum opened with a welcome from Prof. André Antunes, Dean of ISE, followed by a special lecture delivered by invited speaker Dr. Felix Leung, Head of Climate Education and Action at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Dr. Leung’s talk, titled “From Gaia to Anthropocene: Can We Rewrite Our Story with Nature?“, examined the evolving relationship between humanity and the environment. Using the Greater Bay Area as a case study, he discussed the pressures on natural systems and the potential of nature-based solutions, framing the discussion within the context of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The lecture was moderated by Prof. Karen Araño Tagulao, Programme Coordinator of the Master of Environmental Science.
A central component of the Forum was a session dedicated to the realities of life in academic research. Titled “My Path: Testimonials on PhD, Research and Career” the segment featured seven members of the USJ doctoral community in science. Academics including Prof. André Antunes, Prof. Karen Tagulao, and Prof. Winnie Shum were joined by postdoctoral researchers Dr. Pedro Vieira, Dr. Manuel Sampage, Dr. Bianca Fusani, and Dr. Vasana Jinatham to share personal accounts of their academic journeys. They spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of pursuing doctoral studies and building a career in science, offering a realistic perspective for students considering this path.
The session provided a direct window into the opportunities available through USJ’s Doctoral programme in Science, offered through the Institute of Science and Environment and the Doctoral School. The programme is designed for those seeking to contribute original research to fields of Environmental, Biological, Marine, and Earth Sciences. It also emphasises interdisciplinary approaches and aims to equip researchers with the skills needed for impactful work in academia, industry, and policy. The testimonials illustrated the diverse trajectories that such a degree can support.
The Forum also included a presentation from Billy Hon-Keong Chan, a doctoral student, on his research concerning the transition to carbon neutrality in the Greater Bay Area. The evening concluded with tours of the ISE’s laboratories and research facilities, allowing participants to see the university’s research environment firsthand.
The event was jointly organised by the USJ Green Committee, the Institute of Science and Environment, and the Doctoral School. It served to highlight the university’s ongoing commitment to contributing to sustainable development goals through both its educational programmes and its research activities.
