Research Celebration shines a light on impact and social innovation

Fifteen of Glasgow Caledonian University's impactful researchers will be showcased in the build-up to this year's Research Celebration.

The annual celebration, on May 24 and 25, will include Portraits of Social Innovation − the stories of 15 University researchers illustrated by photography shot across Glasgow by creative agency Broad Daylight.

The project 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.

We will be profiling each of the 15 researchers individually in the lead up to the Research Celebration, at which all 15 portraits will be revealed. The Portraits of Social Innovation will then expand over the coming years with the addition of further researchers, culminating in a physical gallery on permanent display within the University.

Professor Andrea Nelson, 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 2022."

You can register to attend the Portraits of Social Innovation event by following this link and ticking the relevant box. You can also sign up for all other Research Day activities too.

GCU’s Research Celebration is designed to inspire pride in the University’s identity, and to illustrate the impact it is making in communities through research, shaped by the Sustainable Development Goals – issued by United Nations in 2015 as a blueprint for peace and prosperity across the planet.

Professor Nelson said: "Impactful research is a key element of our Strategy 2030 and, this year, our Research Celebration is all about impact. I am looking forward to seeing how our research across the University is having an influence on policy, practise, the economy, wellbeing and our environment. Whether you are at the stage of planning research for impact, engaging with partners for impact, or capturing and communicating this, then this year's Research Celebration will have something for you."

Through its 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 two days via keynote speeches, workshops and activities.

Professor Hugh McKenna will deliver an address at the event. Hugh is a general and psychiatric nurse by background and, until recently, was Dean of Medical School Development and Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation at Ulster University. He has more than 250 publications, including 17 books. He was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and is a Fellow of four prestigious organisations. In 2013, he was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Royal College of Nursing and, in 2014, he was presented with a lifetime achievement Award at the Institute of Psychiatry in London. In a 2018 Government report, he was named as one of the 70 most influential nurses in the 70-year history of the NHS.

You can sign up for Hugh’s session and all other Research Celebration activities here.