Lancaster University has teamed up with the N8 Research Partnership's UP North public series events to host a discussion on coastal communities and how the unique contribution from the North of England can help tackle a range of issues including unemployment, poor health and housing and transport issues.
Each event in the series, hosted in collaboration with the Royal Society of Arts, is chaired by a significant regional figure and features experts in the field from the public, private and academic sectors.
Lancaster is one of eight member universities to be a part of the N8 Research Partnership, working to connect research expertise and "build a critical mass of research excellence in areas where it does not already exist".
The free event - hosted by Lancaster University at the Platform in Morecambe on December 6 - will be chaired by the Financial Times' northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams, and feature a panel line-up including the RT Hon Hazel Blears, former Health Minister and Secretary of State for Communities; Jo Rycroft-Malone OBE, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University; Alun Francis OBE, Principal of Blackpool and The Fylde College and interim chair of the Social Mobility Commission; and Rachel Wolf, founding partner of Public First.
With more than 10 million people living in coastal communities across the UK, one of the series objectives is "to spark conversation about the North's role in regenerating the country's communities and economy at this critical time".
Dr Annette Bramley, director of the N8 Research Partnership, continued: "Through research and innovation, Northern universities will play a key role in unlocking prosperity within the region, and we hope our UP North events will inspire both people and businesses to think about how together we can contribute to addressing inequalities and realising a more prosperous future for all."
Professor Jo Rycroft-Malone OBE, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University said: "Whilst we are a global University, Lancaster's mission is deeply invested in our local community. Our coastal regions experience some of the most challenging acute health and social needs in the UK, yet at the same time they are places of ambition, hope and great innovation. Through our research, clinical and medical training, teaching and community involvement, Lancaster is a proud part of that solution-focussed culture, along with our local communities, businesses, schools and colleges we are determined ensure the voice of our coastal communities is heard and acted on."
The RSA's Chief Executive Officer, Andy Haldane, added: "This is a hugely important time for the economy, and for the Levelling Up agenda. By combining our forces on this programme, the RSA and the N8 can help to make sure that the cause of addressing regional inequalities is taken seriously across the board in the run-up to a general election. Too often, the needs of the North of England are not given a fair hearing, and this series is part of an attempt to remedy that."
Future events in the series will look at issues including the role of culture in the regeneration of cities and towns, the huge potential for the North presented by innovation in various industries, and how closing the gap in incomes, skills and opportunities can contribute to more resilient futures for people, places and the planet.
