The links between the environment and human health are a major public health issue and a growing concern for citizens and local authorities alike. This subject is of particular concern to the Veolia group, whose activities directly influence the quality of the environment and, consequently, the health of populations.
Although the impact of the environment on human health has long been recognised, it remains poorly defined. However, scientific advances in this field are progressing rapidly. To better understand these interactions and help teams optimise their work in the water, energy and waste sectors, the Veolia Institute and Veolia's Scientific and Technological Expertise Department have launched the Scientific talks in 2023. This event brings together internationally renowned experts to share their knowledge on the links between health and the environment.
> Spillover: From climate change to pandemics
October 2024
On 8 October, the Veolia Institute, in collaboration with DEST, organised its third scientific conference at Veolia headquarters. On this occasion, Dr Mary Wilson, Clinical Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, spoke on the theme ‘Spillover: From climate change to pandemics’.
Her talk focused on the mechanisms behind the emergence and spread of viral pandemics, highlighting the role of factors such as the growing proximity between mankind and wildlife, deforestation and the impact of climate change.
A discussion with Adèle Lazuka, a Veolia expert in microbial and enzymatic biotechnology, looked at innovative solutions, including epidemiological monitoring of waste water and access to drinking water as levers for preventing pandemics.
Watch the replay here
> Antibiotic resistance 💊
May 2024
A second scientific talk between the Veolia Institute and DEST.
Professors Marie-Cécile Ploy and Christophe Dagot shared their knowledge of antibiotic resistance, a global threat causing more than a million deaths every year. Together with Charlotte Arnal, an expert in environmental microbiology, they discussed the challenges and the need for a coordinated approach between the human, animal and environmental health sectors.
Watch the replay here
> First scientific talk with Professor Yves Lévi
November 2023
The Veolia Institute and Veolia's Department of Scientific and Technological Expertise (S&TE) have inaugurated the first edition of their scientific talks on the theme of "Health and the Environment" with the participation of Yves Lévi, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Health (Université Paris Saclay), member of the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Pharmacy and the Academy of Technology.
During this talk, Pr. Lévi started by defining the concept of Environmental Health and went on to discussing the impact of chemical pollutants on human health. In a rich dialogue with S&TE's environmental health expert, Luc Mosqueron, clear and precise insights were provided into the issues and challenges posed by the impact of chemical pollutants on our health and the environment.
Building on the success of this first edition and the quality of the discussions, other editions on interesting future-oriented topics have already been planned for 2024.