Co-hosted with:
New research is urgently needed to inform the global fight against the widespread scourge of childhood lead exposure.
The Center for Global Development is hosting its first annual Research Conference on Global Lead Exposure as part of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future (PLF). The conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, funders, and implementers working to stamp out global lead poisoning.
It is estimated that about half of children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have elevated blood lead levels—and this exposure accounts for a fifth of the gap in learning levels between rich and poor countries. In September 2024, leading development agencies, multilateral development banks, philanthropies and national governments joined forces to launch the PLF—the first ever multistakeholder partnership dedicated to lead poisoning prevention and mitigation, backed by over $125 million in dedicated funding. But to deploy these resources effectively, the PLF needs additional evidence—about how common lead exposure is, how it affects people, where it comes from, and what works to reduce the harm it causes.
Join us June 3-4, in Washington, D.C., for a one-and-a-half-day conference program of cutting-edge interdisciplinary research on global lead exposure, featuring 20+ oral presentations, 20+ poster presentations, and plenty of time to network with fellow leaders in the global fight against lead poisoning.
Additional panel discussions with policymakers and funders will help frame the research findings within the broader fight to end childhood lead poisoning, including discussion of how research will inform funding and implementation strategies, as well as the gaps which still need to be filled.
Lead Conference FAQs
Q: When is the conference?
A: The conference will take place June 3-4. The program will begin at noon on June 3, and conclude at 5:30PM on June 4, including a reception on the evening of June 3.
Q: Where will the conference be held?
A: The conference will be held at the Birdsall House Conference Center, located within the Center for Global Development’s office in Washington DC. The full address is 2055 L Street NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC, 20036.
Q: How do I register to attend?
A: Registration will open in early April. You will be able to sign up via this webpage.
Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: No, the conference is free to attend!
Q: Is there a registration deadline?
A: There is no formal registration deadline. However, it is possible that in-person registration will reach capacity, so we recommend registering as soon as you are confident of your attendance.
Q: Is travel support (funding) available?
A: We regret that CGD is unable to provide travel support (funding) or other compensation to attendees.
Q: I cannot attend in person but still wish to hear the presentations. Is there a virtual option to attend?
A: Yes, all conference sessions will be livestreamed; please register for the conference once registration opens, indicating your virtual attendance. We will circulate links closer to the conference date.
Q: I am planning to travel by plane. Which airport should I use?
A: Washington, DC is served by three airports: Washington Reagan Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), or Baltimore International Airport (BWI). DCA is the most convenient to the conference venue but primarily offers regional fights, with few cross-country and long-haul options. IAD is a large international airport about 40 minutes outside of DC. BWI is slightly less accessible but still offers a viable option and may have less expensive flights.
Q: I am arriving by plane to Washington Reagan Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), or Baltimore International Airport (BWI). How do I transport to the conference?
A: Rideshare and taxis are available at all airports. Cost will vary depending on timing and surge pricing, but on average expect to pay roughly $20 for a rideshare from DCA; $60 from IAD; and $80 from BWI. Alternatively, you can transfer by train or metro:
- From DCA: Take the blue line toward Downtown Largo. Use the Foggy Bottom stop, which is about a 10-minute walk from CGD.
- From IAD: Take the Silver Line toward Downtown Largo. Use the Foggy Bottom stop, which is about a 10-minute walk from CGD.
- From BWI: Take the free shuttle service to the Amtrak/MARC station. Take an Amtrak or MARC (commuter rail) train to Union Station.
NOTE: You will need to purchase a SmarTrip Card to navigate the Metro. Machines to purchase them are available at all metro stops.
Q: I am arriving by train or bus to Washington, D.C. How should I navigate to the conference venue?
A: Intercity trains and buses terminate at Union Station. Once there, follow the signs for the Metro and board the Red Line towards Shady Grove. Exit the train at Farragut North Metro stop, which is about an eight-minute walk from the conference venue.
NOTE: You will need to purchase a SmarTrip to navigate the Metro. Machines to purchase them are available at all metro stops.
Rideshare apps and taxis are also available. Expect to pay about $20 for a rideshare transfer to the conference venue.
Q: I plan to drive to the conference venue. Where can I park?
Street parking is available near the CGD office, charging hourly rates. There are also parking garages nearby that charge slightly higher fees. There is a parking garage located next to the CGD office on L St NW, offering parking starting from $12 for the first hour, with a maximum rate of $19/day.
Q: I am taking the metro from elsewhere in the DC area. What is the most convenient metro stop?
CGD is roughly equidistant from four metro stops on four different lines, all of which are about a ten-minute walk from the office. These include Farragut North and Dupont Circle (Red Line); and Farragut West and Foggy Bottom (Blue, Silver, and Orange Lines).
Q: Where should I stay in Washington, D.C?
Hotel options near the conference venue at a reasonable price include the St. Gregory Hotel, Yours Truly DC Hotel, or Hyatt Place Washington DC/Georgetown/West End.
Q: Will DC be busy during the first week of June?
A: World Pride is being held in Washington, D.C. this year during the first week of June. This will create heavier than usual traffic patterns, so please plan your transportation and commute accordingly.
Q: Where can I find more information about the event, including the agenda?
A: All relevant details will made available in due course via the conference webpage.
Q: Will videos from the conference be made available online?
A: Yes, videos of all sessions will be made available via YouTube and the CGD website at the conclusion of the conference.
Q: How can I stay connected to CGD after the conference?
A: To stay connected to CGD and its work on lead, we invite you to sign up here for our mailing list. Through this list, you will receive biweekly updates from the lead community; invitations to join monthly check-in calls of lead researchers and stakeholders; alerts about relevant new research; and invitations to future CGD lead events.
Please reach out to Caroline Mallory ([email protected]) with any further questions.
Agenda
12:00 – 13:00 ET | Attendees arrive, lunch available |
13:00 – 14:30 ET | Welcome and Opening Session: How Research Can Power a Lead-Free Future? |
14:30 – 14:45 ET | Coffee Break |
14:45 – 16:15 ET | The Global Burden of Disease Attributable to Lead Exposure |
16:15 – 16:30 ET | Coffee Break |
16:30 – 17:30 ET | Methods and Practice of Lead Surveillance |
17:30-19:00 ET | Reception |
Agenda
9:15 – 10:30 ET | Paint and Batteries - Established Sources |
10:30 – 10:45 ET | Coffee Break |
10:45 – 12:00 ET | Emerging Sources |
12:00 – 13:00 ET | Lunch and Poster Presentations |
13:00 – 14:15 ET | Understanding Supply Chains and Incentives |
14:15 – 15:15 ET | Interventions |
15:15 – 15:45 ET | Coffee Break |
15:45 – 16:45 ET | National Experiences Assessing and Responding to Lead Exposure |
16:45 – 17:30 ET | Closing Session: The Role of Funders in Addressing Lead Poisoning |
Related Work
-
Blog Post
Wanted: Your Research Proposals to Help End Global Lead Poisoning
Rachel Bonnifield et al.October 15, 2024 -
Blog Post
First Annual Research Conference on Global Lead Exposure
Rachel Bonnifield et al.December 04, 2024 -
Event
Research Grants to Build Evidence on Global Lead Poisoning
VIRTUAL
November 14, 2024 11:00—1:00 PM ET | 4:00—6:00 PM GMT
