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Speakers confirmed for ReSToRE 3 

(opens in a new window)Dr Salem S. Gharbia - Atlantic Technological University Sligo

Salem Gharbia

Salam is the leader of the H2020 SCORE project, a Principal Investigator and Head of Department of Environmental Science at Atlantic Technological University, Ireland. Water resources, climate change and integrated environmental systems modelling with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are his main fields of interest. Dr. Gharbia worked for both academia and consultancy, and he holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. Gharbia has excelled and been distinguished in all his studies, and he has received many awards and grants, such as Trinity College's prestigious Ussher award. Dr. Gharbia is a Principal investigator on a number of large-scale research and innovation projects such as EmpowerUS, Pro-climate, WaterFutures, Earth-HB and Pro-coast.

(opens in a new window)Dr Irene del Real  - Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

irene del real

Irene is an Assistant Professor in the Mining Engineering Department at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. She holds an MSc from the University of British Columbia, Canada, a PhD from Cornell University, USA, and a postdoc at the University of Chile. With experience in both North and South America, her work focuses on understanding the geological processes that control the formation of mineral deposits, with a particular emphasis on Andean iron oxide–copper–gold systems, using geochemistry and structural geology tools.

She has also worked with the Chilean government on the definition and distribution of critical elements in the country and their exploration potential. In 2023, she published a book titled Everything That Shines, which highlights the importance of metals for the development of our society and our future.

(opens in a new window)Dr Aparajita Banerjee - German Institute of Development and Sustainability

A headshot of a researcher

Apa is a Senior Researcher at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability, based in Bonn, Germany.
I received my Ph.D. in Environmental and Energy Policy from the Department of Social Sciences at Michigan Technological University, USA. In addition, I hold a MA in Economics degree from Jadavpur University, India.
I am interested in research that examines the intersection of society, the environment, and government policies. I study socio-environmental problems at different scales local, regional and global. I have conducted research in countries like India, Mexico, Ireland, and the United States.

"My current research is inspired by the belief that societal transition to deep decarbonization and a sustainable future should truly be just and equitable for all. I am interested in exploring how society is impacted by wicked problems associated with energy and environmental (in)justice, climate change inequality, and biodiversity conservation. I have published on topics like comparative public policy, social acceptance, and rejection of alternative technological developments, ethics of energy development. I also have an interest in exploring the challenges in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals at micro, meso, and macro levels."

(opens in a new window)Dr Jocelyn Fraser - Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, The University of British Columbia

ReSToRE Speaker

A lecturer and senior researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Institute of Mining Engineering, Jocelyn’s research focus is on social risk and social responsibility in the global mining sector. Her academic interests are complemented by 20 years of professional experience working with extractive companies to enhance stakeholder engagement and support sustainable value creation.

Jocelyn leads a working group on community engagement for the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM), and sits on the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Communities of Interest Panel representing the international development perspective.  She is a member of the International Association of Public Participation and the American Academy of Management.

(opens in a new window)Dr Emilio Castillo - Académicos del Departamento de Ingeniería de Minas, Universidad de Chile
Emilio is an Assistant Professor of Mining Engineering at the University of Chile. His work spans mineral economics and policy, long-term resource availability, and the socioeconomic impacts of mining, with applications to the energy transition. He served as a Counselor to Chile’s Copper Commission (COCHILCO) in 2022–25 and has been Director of the Center for Copper and Mining Studies (CESCO) since 2023. Previously, he worked at COCHILCO and the U.S. Critical Materials Institute. He holds an MSc and a Mining Engineering degree from the University of Chile and a PhD from Colorado School of Mines.  
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