The IMSE Highlight Lecture Series is one of our flagship, community-building activities. For this Series, we bring eminent speakers from around the world to Imperial – to increase awareness of areas where molecular science and engineering can make a valuable contribution. The visits also boost our level of interaction with other academic and industrial centres of excellence.
This highlight lecture will be presented by Melina M. Gerdts is CEO and co-founder of CuConcepts. The structure of lecture will be 40 minutes of presentation with 10 minutes Q&A afterwards.
The lecture will be held in Pippard Lecture Theatre, Level 4, Sherfield building, Imperial College South Kensington Campus. There will be tea and coffee available in the Foyer afterwards with a chance for networking.
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been declared one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity by the World Health Organization and is projected to be responsible for the death of 10 million people every year by 2050. Antimicrobial surface technologies are considered an important factor in limiting the spread of infectious diseases, as a form of environmental disease control. CuConcepts develops antimicrobial materials including polymers, textiles, paint, and coatings. CuConcepts materials have proven to be highly effective at eliminating microbes when they contact the surface of the treated materials. The technology provides a major opportunity for the healthcare sector to reduce the spread of infections, including “superbugs”. The lecture will provide more information about how antimicrobial surfaces contribute to fighting the battle of AMR and contribute to environmental disease control.
Biography
Melina M. Gerdts is CEO and co-founder of CuConcepts, a Berlin-based biotech start-up battling the spread of infectious diseases with antimicrobial solutions. Living in Africa, Asia and Europe has given her international exposure and a global perspective on health and sanitation challenges faced by countries in different stages of development. Melina has a business background (MSc Strategy and Innovation Management) and extensive management consulting expertise in polymer processing, chemicals, green materials, and agriculture. She is leading CuConcepts in its mission to make a safer and healthier world by providing solutions for pandemic preparedness and environmental disease control.
About The Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering
The Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering (IMSE) is one of Imperial College London’s Global Institutes, drawing on the strength of its four faculties to address some of the grand challenges facing the world today. The Institute’s activities are focused on tackling problems where molecular innovation plays an important role.
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