Are you curious about how plants, seaweeds, and other natural sources offer innovative solutions for a sustainable future? Do you want to learn more about their societal impact, health benefits, and contribution to the global shift toward the bioeconomy?

As part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2024, NatPro, the Trinity Centre for Natural Products Research (based at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), in partnership with IKC3, Ireland’s Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate, and Community Action, is launching a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled “Natural Products: Harnessing Nature’s Resources for a Better World.” This course aims to educate and inspire individuals from all backgrounds to explore the immense potential of natural products in advancing sustainable practices.

Humans have long relied on nature for food, materials, and medicine. Today, scientific advancements allow us to understand and innovate further. Participants in this course will embark on a journey through the fascinating world of natural products, uncovering how plants, microbes, and other biological resources are harnessed for applications in everyday life and industry. The course will explore how these discoveries are made, the opportunities and challenges in the natural products sector, and their critical connection to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

As the bioeconomy grows, the role of natural products is becoming increasingly important. The circular bioeconomy emphasizes using sustainable, renewable biological resources from land and sea, transforming them and their by-products into value-added biobased products.

Professor Helen Sheridan, Founder and Academic Director of NatPro and IKC3’s Natural Products Specialist, highlights the significance of this initiative:
“This online course is a timely contribution, showcasing the expanding role of natural products in healthcare, food, and materials as we seek biobased solutions to the global climate crisis.”

The course reinforces the message that human well-being is tied to the health of the natural world. Tackling climate change and halting biodiversity loss are essential to ensuring a sustainable future, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and petroleum-based chemicals.

Dr. Maria Pigott, Head of Science at NatPro and Course Coordinator, adds:
“This course offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of natural products. We're thrilled to collaborate with IKC3 and hope participants will gain a deeper understanding of how natural products support the well-being of our communities, economies, and environment.”

IKC3, a partnership between Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and Munster Technological University, funded by the Government of Ireland, HEA, and HCI, focuses on education for a low-carbon economy. It equips enterprises and society to embrace sustainable living as the new normal. Natural products are a key part of this solution, protecting the environment while supporting economic growth, health, and social equity.

This course offers an exciting opportunity to drive innovation in the natural products sector and contribute to the global sustainability movement.

Enroll now by clicking here...