New research centres to drive innovation

Staffordshire University is celebrating the launch of four new research centres with a series of free virtual events next week

Free events run from Monday 14 June to Friday 18 June

Our interdisciplinary approach means that academics collaborate across departments, with our research centres bringing together the best minds to drive real change. These events provide the opportunity for everyone to discover more about our thriving research community and our vision for the future.

im Horne, Director of Research Innovation and Impact Services

Research and Enterprise Excellence Week, from Monday 14 to Friday 18 June, will showcase pioneering research and enterprise across a variety of fields and invites students, staff and the public to learn about Staffordshire University’s latest projects.

This includes new initiatives to tackle climate change, innovations in AI and smart technologies, developing learning and teaching to improve social mobility, plus engaging communities through creativity.

Tim Horne, Director of Research Innovation and Impact Services, said: “Research and enterprise excellence is at the heart of our strategic plan and we aspire to be the leading UK modern university for this. Our connections and collaborations bring value to communities locally, regionally and beyond, and impact on lives across the world.

“Our interdisciplinary approach means that academics collaborate across departments, with our research centres bringing together the best minds to drive real change. These events provide the opportunity for everyone to discover more about our thriving research community and our vision for the future.”

Being launched on Monday 14 June is the new Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Engineering which is addressing real-world engineering challenges, using emerging technologies to improve people’s lives and the environment they live in, improving life satisfaction, productivity, and sustainability.

With experts from across engineering and design, the centre specialises in Renewable and Low Carbon Energy, Sustainable Manufacturing and Sustainable Transport.

Its Director, Professor Torfeh Sadat-Shafai, said: “Global warming and its impact on our lives have been the source of many international debates. The signatories to the Paris agreement on reduction of greenhouse gases have come to the realisation that the current trend can’t be continued, leading to irreversible environmental damage.

“At Staffordshire University we have always been conscious of the environmental impact from greenhouse gases and have promoted research and development in technologies to address that. This centre builds on this with new research into emerging technologies in this field.”

Tuesday 16 June sees the launch of SCoLPP: Staffordshire Centre of Learning and Pedagogic Practice, which has been created for everyone with a passion for learning and teaching. It is widening opportunities for all colleagues at Staffordshire University to engage in research and to develop evidence-informed learning.

Also exploring next generation technologies is the Smart Systems, AI and Cybersecurity Research Centre (SSAICS). The public are invited to its launch on Thursday 17 June to learn more about how smart systems can be embedded in every aspect of life – from in our homes to healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.

Finally, the C3 Centre for Creative Industries and Creative Communities brings together artists, collectives and creative thinkers who are passionate about engaging, interacting and co-creating with their surrounding communities.

At its launch on Friday 18 June, the C3 Centre will explain why research in the arts is so important for our post-pandemic resilience. There will also be a ‘Virtual Pub’ where visitors can chat to researchers and project partners.

All online events are free to attend – please register below:

 

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