Seminar 6: The Suman Conversations in Environmental Sustainability: Beyond Greenwashing
Event
St Edmund Hall, Oxford, is pleased to announce the sixth seminar in our “Conversations in Environmental Sustainability: Beyond Greenwashing” series:
Powering the Future: How Sustainable and Scalable are Emerging Energy Solutions?
The urgent drive to decarbonise energy systems has accelerated the development of alternative technologies designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. From hydrogen and algae-based biofuels to cutting-edge materials for energy storage, a new generation of energy solutions is rapidly emerging—offering the promise of cleaner, more sustainable ways to power society.
Yet the transition to these technologies raises pressing questions about their real-world viability. Can they be scaled up quickly enough to meet global climate targets? Are they economically viable and socially just? And what are the wider environmental impacts of their adoption, from raw material extraction to full lifecycle emissions?
In Michaelmas Term 2025, The Suman Conversations in Environmental Sustainability will bring together leading voices from academia and industry to examine these questions. This panel discussion will critically explore the sustainability and scalability of emerging energy technologies, offering diverse perspectives on their role in future energy systems. Framed within the broader challenges of climate change and global energy demand, the event provides a timely opportunity for interdisciplinary dialogue on what it truly means for an energy solution to be sustainable.
This is a free public event open to all on a first come, first served basis.
The seminars are kindly supported by Manisha Tank (1994 PPE) and Sanjeev Kumar.
Programme & Speakers
17:00–18:45: Presentations and panel discussion
- Madiha Hasan, Non-Executive Director at HutanBio, HYCAP, Hygen Energy, & Ryze Hydrogen; Senior Advisor at Circular Energy; Board Advisor at Hillcore Industrial
- Dr John C. Waite, CEO at Phycobloom & Breakthrough Energy Fellow
- Professor Wei Huang, Professor of Biological Engineering, Oxford University; Fellow of St Edmund Hall
- Dr Tina Fawcett,Associate Professor at the Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University.
18:45–19:15: Drinks reception
Speaker Bios
Madiha’s background spans risk management, finance, business development, and strategy. She has vast experience in the oil and gas, energy transition, and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) sectors.
Madiha is passionate about the energy transition, sustainable finance, helping businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes, optimising capital allocation, and driving long-term value creation. With a global network across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, she thrives on fostering impactful partnerships that accelerate sustainable growth.
John’s background is in Materials Science, where he worked in various areas, including PV and wind, batteries, nuclear power, and aviation. With a background in business development as well, he is driven to bridge the gap between economic and technological problems to drive forward a just energy transition.
John is the co-founder and CEO of Phycobloom, whose vision is to make algae oil from air, water, and sunlight, capturing large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, and offering an affordable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Wei is a Professor of Biological Engineering. His main research interests are synthetic biology and Raman single-cell biotechnology. Synthetic biology (SimCells, biosensors and bioenergy) and 2) Single cell Raman biotechnology (Raman activated cell sorting for single cell -omics). Wei’s work in synthetic biology includes bioenergy, biosensors, and engineering SimCells for green biochemical engineering, making energy from organic waste, sunlight, air, and water.
Tina’s research concerns energy use by households and organisations. She uses a multi-disciplinary approach to understand current patterns of use and identify opportunities and policies for reducing energy use and carbon emissions. She is the Convenor of the Oxford Energy Network, which brings together energy researchers across the university and facilitates knowledge exchange with industry, policy makers and civil society. In addition, Tina is involved in climate change education research and outreach initiatives, most recently as part of the Museum of Climate Hope team.
Registration
All are welcome.
If you have any questions, please email events@seh.ox.ac.uk.
Seminar Background
‘Conversations in Environmental Sustainability: Beyond Greenwashing’ is a twice-yearly seminar which brings together leading thinkers and decision-makers from academia, business, government and NGOs to look beyond greenwashing. Each seminar examines a specific issue related to environmental sustainability, exploring how to effectively marry environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals with financial returns, innovation and other business imperatives.
A panel of experts speak individually before engaging with each other in a panel discussion. This is followed by further conversations over drinks in the College. St Edmund Hall’s intimate and beautiful site provides the setting for the audience of experts and guests to consider honest, solution-based responses to the challenges posed if we are to deliver environmental sustainability.
Filming & Photography
Please note: this event will be recorded and published on St Edmund Hall’s digital and print communication platforms where appropriate.
There will also be photography on the day.
If you do not wish to be filmed or photographed, please let the event organiser know.