The University of Nottingham strengthens its commitment to transforming lives through world-leading discoveries and sharing the expertise of its pioneering researchers by launching its Institute for Policy and Engagement.
The Institute for Policy and Engagement will help extend the University's partnerships with those dedicated to delivering solutions to today's complex challenges.
The Institute launches today (Monday 28 October) in London, where an audience of UK policymakers, industry figures, think tanks and community representatives will meet University researchers to discuss how evidence-led discoveries and research can inspire change and inform decision-making.
Our University has an international reputation for exceptional research, with a mission to address complex UK and global challenges and translate our discoveries into world-changing solutions. "The Institute's aim is to support the exchange of knowledge and ideas to enrich policymaking, inspire people, support communities, transform lives and shape the future."
At the official launch, policymakers will have the opportunity to meet our academics who work with the Institute to amplify their transformative impact on UK legislation and policy, including:
- Professor Paul Mizen of the School of Economics, who collaborates with the Bank of England to assess the impact of Brexit on business
- Professor Paul Wilson of the School of Biosciences, who has worked with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to provide evidence for the new UK Agriculture Bill, which is designed to replace the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.
- Professor Rachel Fyson of the School of Sociology and Social Policy, who with her colleague Dr Rachael Clawson, works with Home Office and community practitioners to protect people with learning difficulties from forced marriage
- Dr Peter Chapman of the School of Psychology whose work with the Department of Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is making our roads safer.
Stephen Meek added: "These are complex times and to navigate shifting landscapes the value of evidence, shared knowledge and trusted partnerships has never been greater.
"The University's Institute for Policy and Engagement plays a vital role in supporting the translation of our research into real impact on people's lives through informing public policy and sharing knowledge with wider society. It is also a privilege to have a ringside seat as researchers turn exciting ideas into things that change the world."
Mr Meek and the University's President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West will open proceedings before guests hear from Deborah Mattinson, founder of the international insight and strategy consultancy Britain Thinks, who will speak about her research into public attitudes to experts and expertise.
Nottingham alumnus, chief scientific adviser in the Ministry of Defence for nuclear science and technology and professor of materials physics at Imperial College London, Robin Grimes will offer the audience insights from a policymaker perspective.
And the University's resident spider expert Dr Sara Goodacre, who regularly visits schools with the eight-legged inhabitants of her 'Arachnarium' in the School of Life Sciences, will speak about the how engaging public in research can help people understand how the choices they make can change the world.
