Sam Turner, Co-Investigator and Senior Research Officer at MAGENTA was recently invited to speak at the Health and Care Research Wales Annual Conference 2024.
Sam participated in the parallel session “Climate change impacts on health and social care: What are the implications for researchers and research funders?”
This session introduced the topic of climate change and its effects on health and social care, showcased ongoing research in the field, and aimed to inspire cross-disciplinary engagement from researchers and research users alike.
Sam’s presentation highlighted the critical role of using routine data in research, to advance understanding on how exposure to elevated or prolonged heat during pregnancy impacts pregnancy outcomes.
We caught up with Sam after her presentation to learn more about the research and her experiences in taking part in the event:
What sparked your interest in researching the impacts of climate change on health?
My interest and passion for climate and health research stem from a background in health data science and marine biology; my commitment to creating a sustainable world for future generations; and a recognition of the valuable role routine data can play in addressing the health impacts of climate change while shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Can you share examples of how the MAGENTA Project will address climate-related health challenges?
MAGENTA will combine the analysis of routinely collected data from over 1.4 million pregnant mothers with biological samples collected during heat waves, to tackle several climate and health challenges, including:
- Advancing our understanding of the impacts and biological mechanisms of heat on health in both current and future climate scenarios
- Identifying vulnerable populations for targeted interventions
- Informing policies and interventions to mitigate these risks
- Increasing public and stakeholder awareness of heat-health risks, to empower communities in building resilience.
How did the audience engage with your presentation, and what were some key takeaways or questions that stood out to you?
The session I presented in focused on climate justice and a just transition, highlighting the urgent need for robust research like MAGENTA to guide critical policy decisions in the coming decades. Throughout my session and the conference, the importance of transdisciplinary research, and utilising routine data, were consistently emphasised as vital tools for anticipating and mitigating health risks in an ever-changing world.
Find out more about the Project on here.