Join us for our annual Research Celebration

The professor who has advised the Scottish Government through the coronavirus pandemic is to share his insights at Glasgow Caledonian University’s annual Research Celebration in May.

Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director of the Scottish Government, will be keynote speaker at the celebration, on May 26 and 27. The event will take place entirely online, underpinned by the theme of social innovation.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Leitch has played a key role in public health communication and engagement. He regularly features at Scottish Government press conferences as well as public engagement on regional and national television and radio. He was also awarded a 2020 Fletcher of Saltoun Award by the Saltire Society after they judged the public had benefitted enormously from his scientific skills, and commended him for making scientific knowledge accessible.

The Research Celebration, which was postponed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is designed to inspire pride in our University identity, and to illustrate the impact we are making in our communities through our research, shaped by the Sustainable Development Goals – issued by United Nations in 2015 as a blueprint for peace and prosperity across the planet.

Professor Cam Donaldson, GCU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, said: "As communities and social impact are at the heart of our research at GCU, it seems only fitting that these themes will underpin Research Celebration 2021. It is even more fitting, as we will also highlight the University’s efforts in tackling the effects of not only the health but also wider social impacts of coronavirus both at home and overseas."

Through our own research, GCU addresses the Sustainable Development Goals via three societal challenges of Inclusive Societies, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Environments.

This work will be illustrated throughout the day via speeches, workshops and activities. This will include an opening keynote from GCU’s inspirational Principal, Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, as she reflects on her earlier research career in light of the COVID pandemic.

You can sign up for the event and view the full programe of activities here.