Impact of environmental research to be explored at symposium

Published On Wed 4 Feb 2015 by Grant Hill

Ways of increasing the impact of research into climate change and other environmental challenges will be explored at the University of Dundee next week.

The University’s Centre for Environmental Change and Human Resilience (CECHR) will hold its annual symposium at the West Park Conference Centre on Wednesday, 11th February. Dundee researchers and visiting academics will host a series of talks and facilitated discussions around the topic of the ‘Impact Agenda’.

The issue is vital in academia as funding bodies and policymakers seek to ensure the maximum benefit is derived from research by supporting the work that has the most impact on the environment and society.

The CECHR conference will explore different aspects of impact, including accounts of engagement with 'problem holders', novel ways to generate impact, knowledge exchange processes and the translation of research into people's lives. It will also feature a wider discussion about the values and principles that together enable research to make a difference.

Professor John Rowan, Director of CECHR, said, “This year the central theme of our Symposium is impact, which aligns strongly to the University's Transformation Agenda as we aim to make a positive difference in people’s lives.  A full programme of speed talks and workshops will show-case new projects, draw together best practices in relation to impact and discuss new interdisciplinary research opportunities.”

Using parallel sessions, the day will involve over 30 presentations drawing together expertise over 15 academic schools/sections within the University and James Hutton Institute. Talks span the full range of CECHR interests tackling food, energy, water and health security agendas.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277