Researchers work together for social change
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Published
29 July 2024
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The University of East London held its annual research conference highlighting collaborations that aim to bring about social change in health, sustainability, and the data economy. This conference is part of UEL’s Year of Science, a series of exciting events showcasing our ground-breaking research in areas such as sustainability, health and early years.
The conference, held on Wednesday 3 July at the Docklands Campus, was titled “Catalysing Connections: Innovation and Impactful Research for a More Equitable, Healthier, Greener and Safer World”, and featured work across the University’s schools, research institutes and centres and subject areas.
Professor Matt Bellgard, Pro Vice Chancellor for Impact and Innovation, welcomed the conference as an opportunity to connect and collaborate. He said,
Catalysing Connections has truly highlighted the incredible work being done at UEL. This research not only advances academic knowledge but also has real-world applications to drive social change.”
The day was packed with practical workshops and sessions on UEL’s key research areas. The keynote presentation, delivered by Professor Nik Zeps, Director of Research at Australia’s Northern Health, tackled the subject of "Moving from Competition to Collaboration: Delivering Impactful and Sustainable Outcomes Through Building a Culture of Effective Teamwork". Professor Zeps explained the importance of collective achievement over individual research and shared compelling examples from his career. He emphasised the importance of working with people with lived experience, such as patients in a health setting.
Professor Zeps said he was impressed by the breadth of projects the conference covered. “It was great to hear the presentations where there is such a rich diversity of research into really important issues for the community and society,” he said. “The approaches being taken are very innovative and appropriate, so I learnt a great deal I can use in my own practice.”
Among the sessions:
- Dr Clare Qualmann, from the School of Arts and Creative Industries, discussed the intersection of walking art and public safety.
- Dr Md Atiqur Rahman Ahad, Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, explored the transformative impact of AI on healthcare outcomes.
- Dr Saeed Sharif, Associate Professor of AI and Innovative Medical Technology, explained how researchers can use AI to predict the spread of ticks.
- Dr Georgie Wemyss, Co-Director of the Centre for Research on Migration, Refugees and Belonging, discussed actions to decolonise India. ·
- Professor Ian Tucker, Director of Impact and Innovation at the School of Psychology, examined digital social prescribing for mental health support.
The afternoon was dedicated to breakout research sessions.
In the "Sustainable Futures" panel the presentations ranged from the environmental impacts of energy liberalisation to the benefits of green infrastructure; "Tech Futures" showcased AI applications in healthcare and the creative industries; "Health Futures" addressed research on using the nervous system to treat depression and maternal mental health interventions; and "Media Futures" examined intersectional discrimination and how young people could be empowered through media projects, such as creating a radio programme.
The event finished with "Birds of a Feather", sessions in which attendees engaged in smaller focussed team-based discussions to explore topics in greater detail. These included developing a Centre for Inclusion and Creative Practice, encouraging Black voices in higher education, sustainability and you: creating a collaborative sustainability research environment, and strategies to generate income in early years research.
The UEL Research and Knowledge Exchange Conference continues to be a key event in UEL’s research calendar, building links between disciplines and encouraging a collaborative and inclusive approach to solving some of the world's most pressing challenges.
This conference is a part of UEL’s Year of Science, culminating in the arrival of the British Science Festival on our Docklands campus from 11 to 15 September. Read about the different events and activities of the British Science Festival events and book your place.
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