Published: 29 June 2023
This month, Dr Fu Liang Ng, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacology, was appointed as the new St George’s Associate Dean for Environmental Sustainability. In this role he will work with staff and students across the University to implement the sustainability elements of the Strategic Vision 2030. We spoke to Fu to find out more about his work at St George’s and his new role.
What do you do at St George’s?
"My time is split between the University and St George's NHS Trust. At the University, I am a Clinical Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacology where I am most heavily involved in the BSc in Clinical Pharmacology. With the NHS, I am a Consultant in Acute Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology."
Why did you take on the role of Associate Dean for Environmental Sustainability?
"There were many different reasons which all added up.
"It is clear there is an urgent need for action in reducing our impact on the environment and I wanted to contribute. Having two young daughters also puts our futures into clearer focus. St George's is a second home. I was an undergraduate student here (1999-2005), and across two stints I've been here for 13 years. This feeling of belonging adds to my desire to make a difference."
What are your hopes for the role and sustainability at St George’s?
"Ultimately, the lofty ambition is to help St George’s reach net carbon neutral by 2050. This is a hugely ambitious goal which will take a lot of time, effort, and resources. In the short term, I hope to bring visibility to the issue, and in the medium term I hope that we can make structural changes that enables us all to make more sustainable decisions.
"I believe there are three main themes to tackle, all equally important. One theme is structural - this would be more in regards of what the university does overall to be more sustainable, just as an example more sustainable sources of energy and use of more efficient technologies. The next theme is on the individual - and how we help individuals have the capability, opportunities and motivation to make more sustainable choices, just as an example ensuring all that would like to access the cycle2work scheme, can do so. The third is societal - where we need to have an increasing visibility of the issue. This could take form of further communications and fostering a culture that does prioritise sustainability. An example might be building on the works of various courses that already has sustainability embedded in their teaching and curriculum. Unsurprisingly, none of this could be done by one individual so I would look for help and support across the university."
How can staff and students get involved in this work?
"We hope to provide regular signposts on how we all can contribute, but more importantly, I would love to talk to anyone and everyone on how they think we can all work on this together. I am contactable on fng@sgul.ac.uk."
Is there anything else you would like to say to staff and students?
"Be loud. Demand more.
"We need to hear from you that this is a priority. The more we know what you want, the more action we can take. If not now, when?"
Sustainability at the University
To find out more about sustainability at the University see the Environment and sustainability pages here.