School of Social and Political Science

Description

This panel discussion will explore a range of partnerships between UoE researchers and their non-academic collaborators. Panel members will reflect on how such partnerships develop, and how academic expertise has helped solve real-world challenges. The audience will hear about both the challenges and successes of such collaborations and will have the opportunity to ask questions to the panel.  

The panel discussion will be followed by presentations where each of the partnerships will provide a deeper introduction to their collaboration and the impacts that have arisen from it. 

Location: Yew Lecture Theatre, Nucleus Building  

Chair: Shonagh Mcewan (Policy Engagement with Research Manager, Edinburgh Research Office) 

Speakers:   

Chris Ponting (Chair of Medical Bioinformatics, Institute of Genetics and Cancer), and 

Sonya Chowdhury (Chief Executive, Action for M.E.) 

Chris and Sonya have worked in partnership on the DecodeME project, the world’s largest ME/CFS genetics project. People with lived experience are at the heart of DecodeME. Working together is a win-win scenario: science benefits, and the ME/CFS community influence future research development into this devastating disease. 

Sarah McGeown (Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology, Moray House School of Education and Sport), and 

Katherine Wilkinson (Head of Research & Evaluation, Scottish Book Trust) 

Sarah and Katherine have over the last eight years worked on research projects which seek to understand, support, and improve, children and young people's reading experiences. Their partnership has seen them collaborate in different ways, from collaborative PhD supervision to co-presenting at events and co-authoring articles and resources together. 

Colin Pulham (Professor of High-Pressure Chemistry, School of Chemistry), and

Andrew Bissell (CEO, Sunamp Ltd) 

Colin and Andrew have through an enduring partnership developed enhanced phase-change materials for heat-storage technology. This has enabled the commercialisation of energy-efficient, sustainable and cost-effective domestic heat storage, resulting in robust company growth and a reduction in fuel poverty. Colin Pulham and Andrew Bissell will speak to the enduring and powerful partnership between the School of Chemistry and Sunamp Ltd, which has resulted in the development of enhanced phase-change materials for heat-storage technology. The partnership has enabled the commercialisation of energy-efficient, sustainable and cost-effective domestic heat storage, resulting in robust company growth and a reduction in fuel poverty. 

Claire Duncanson (Senior Lecturer in International Relations, School of Social and Political Science) 

External partner TBC 

Claire Duncanson and her external partner (name TBC) will present an overview on their work to influence foreign policy.