The 2018 Gender Summit in London is 15th in the series and the first for London. Like previous events it is led by influential science institutions, with the Science and Engineering South Consortium of leading universities as the principal partner.

GS15 builds on past discussions and recommendations and tackles fresh gender issues, in the context of new concerns such as: Brexit, impact of climate change, addressing societal challenges; opportunities and consequences of digital transformation, the 4th Industrial Revolution; strengthening societal responsibility and relevance of research and innovation; ensuring the success of the UN Sustainable Development agenda; and managing the interactions between scientific, political and policy agendas in a rapidly changing world.

Programme Format and Outline

The 2-day programme is organised under the theme: “United in Science and through Science”, and includes a mixture of keynotes, plenary panel sessions, and parallel sessions, as well as a poster exhibition, professional networking activities, and interlinked public engagement side-events. Speakers include world renown researchers, leaders in innovation, influential policy makers, and champions of evidence-led sustainable, socio-economic development. The goal is to use the ‘gender lens’ to identify gaps in knowledge, new applications for existing knowledge, discoveries that create new opportunities for innovation, and show how to achieve cross cutting benefits. The main themes are:

· Opportunities and methodologies for novel interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations, e.g. for more effective vaccination design and use; development of resilient and nutritious food crops; improved mobility and safety of transport infrastructures; better governance and use of energy systems.