Research Festival 2022

A systems-thinking approach to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Research Festival 2022
  • How do universities progress policy and action in the clean growth agenda? 
  • How do we ensure a resilient, future-ready NHS? 
  • What role do the Arts have in achieving greater research impact?
Attendees connected and collaborated with our world-leading academic community and key partner organisations, who ventured into these questions and more to address the most pressing 21st-century global challenges. 
The mixed-delivery programme of online, in-person and hybrid events welcomed insightful perspectives from influential keynote speakers, including 
  • Dr Rita Gardner, Chief Executive of the Academy of Social Sciences; 
  • Michael Lewis, CEO of E.ON UK; 
  • Sir Harry Studholme, former chairman of the UK Forestry Commission; and 
  • members of UK Government.

24 June – 1 July 2022

The programme

Net Zero Carbon: from policy to action, 24 June Net Zero Carbon: from policy to action, 24 June
 Searching for systems synergies between research, industry and policy to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Making landscapes healthy, 27 June Making landscapes healthy, 27 June
Establishing the South West as leaders in sustainable and regenerative agriculture through technology and expertise.

Novel sensor networks: from catchment to deep sea, 27 June Novel sensor networks: from catchment to deep sea, 27 June
 Advancing technology to solve research challenges.

Levelling up: what about coastal communities?, 28 June Levelling up: what about coastal communities?, 28 June
 Provoking dialogue to connect policy and academia in tackling issues facing those on the periphery.

SHAPEing the conversation around the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 29 June SHAPEing the conversation around the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 29 June
 The importance of collaboration with arts, humanities and social sciences in tackling global challenges.

[Postponed] Perspectives on complexity, 29 June [Postponed] Perspectives on complexity, 29 June
 Rethink how you approach complex research challenges.

The future-ready health system, 30 June The future-ready health system, 30 June
 Improving the wellbeing and retention of the healthcare workforce and revitalising health systems.

[Postponed] Cleaner and greener: revolutionising the maritime sector [Postponed] Cleaner and greener: revolutionising the maritime sector
 Catalysing collaboration to respond to the UK’s Clean Maritime Plan 2050.

A solutions-focused, whole-system approach

At the University of Plymouth, when we talk of a systems-thinking approach, it is one of understanding and improving complex issues by viewing and addressing the whole of the problem. Typically scientists – natural and social – may come together with health, arts and humanities researchers, government, industry and communities, to address local to global challenges alongside national and international policy. The University's Centre for Systems Thinking: Ocean, Land and Society brings together an unrivalled critical mass of catchment-coast-ocean expertise from across the University’s Strategic Research Institutes to do just this.

Research Festival 2022 is an opportunity to articulate and showcase how the University of Plymouth is a front-runner in systems-thinking approaches to solutions-oriented research. It also provides a platform for you to connect with others to foster or nurture collaborative partnerships, whether you are already working in alignment with systems-thinking or aspire to strengthening your transdisciplinary working.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. 

Ending global poverty; improving health, education and economy; reducing inequality; tackling climate change; and preserving the environment.

Visit the UN Sustainable Development Goals website for more information
<p>UN Sustainable Development Goals </p>

Images of Research 2022

An exhibition of images that captures the true essence of our research community.
The University’s Doctoral College invites postgraduate research students and research staff to submit an eye-catching photographic image and interpretation for the Images of Research competition, as part of the Research Festival 2022.
<p>Lolita Singh, 2021 winner Best photographic image: Postgraduate Research Student category<br></p>

Lolita Singh, 2021 winner Best photographic image: Postgraduate Research Student category

Previous Research Festivals

Public Research Programme

The year-long programme of public events showcases our research across a spectrum of topics. It presents our annual Research Festival, the Inaugural Professorial Lecture series, the Public Research Lecture series, the new Christmas Research Lecture, and selected lectures featuring keynote speakers throughout the year.

All are welcome to join us as our academics open the door to the intriguing world of research, inviting you to learn more about the fascinating work taking place across the University.

Have a look at our upcoming events

Roland Levinsky Building at night