Monday, 28 October 2019
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:
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.
The Institute has been working with a range of stakeholders including policymakers looking for expert insight; think tanks and NGOs seeking evidence-based research, and community groups and charities.
It has hosted multiple events in Parliament and government offices in London, a series of public lectures and policy masterclasses, and has provided support to extend the policy impact of world-class research in fields as diverse as road user behaviour, 3D printing in pharmaceuticals, financial resilience and international treaty Law.
The Institute has also been instrumental in supporting Nottingham academics contributing to policy consultations, select committee inquiries and other policy dialogues, bringing their insight directly to policy audiences.
By enhancing the support we offer for public and policy engagement, we will help our academics forge new partnerships and ensure that their research has genuine global impact.”
Story credits
More information is available from Stephen Meek in the Institute of Policy and Engagement, University of Nottingham on +44 (0)7966 373248, stephen.meek@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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