The SRI Family Grows

This month the SRI has launched its new Affiliates Programme. The programme is designed to provide an opportunity for researchers in UEL’s Schools that have an interest in sustainability research to make stronger connections with the SRI research team.

Following an official launch of the UEL Institutes Affiliates programme just before Christmas, a short application process was opened to explore shared interests and opportunities for collaboration with the SRI. Following this, we are delighted to announce that ten researchers from across UEL’s schools have officially joined the SRI as our first formal Research Affiliates.

The researchers are:

• Alan Chandler (ACE) – research exploring sustainable materials innovations for low-carbon construction and heritage conservation

• Anna Caffrey (HSB) – researcher focusing on asylum seeker health in Newham/the UK​

• Ria Devereux (RDSBL) – researcher with a focus on microplastics in tidal rivers and the environmental impacts of firework displays near to water bodies.

• Christian Groothuizen (ACE) – research exploring ecoacoustic methodologies that inform the development and manufacture of biomaterial based acoustic panel geometries for the diffusion of sound and the support of biodiverse environments.​

• Clare Penny (ACE) – landscape architecture research with a particular focus on multifunctional design and the link between cultural associations and nature-based solutions needs.

• Clare Qualmann (ACI) – research on interdisciplinary connections, arts/creative methods, public engagement approaches, and participatory projects with a focus on (urban) nature connection.

• Elizabeth Westhead (HSB) – ecological researcher with a focus on water quality. A particular interest in microplastics and associated environmental and health impacts.

• James Beale (HSB) – Research focused on how nature-based exercise influences well-being and sustainability attitudes.

• Teresa Serrano (ACE) – research exploring designing for the climate emergency, with a particular interest in retrofit, adaptability, and the use of biomaterials and nature-based solutions in the built environment.

• Carl Hayden Smith (ACI) – a research focus on getting ‘Nature on the Board’: using technology ethically to give nature a voice in settings where it really needs to be heard and acted upon.

  
  

Following the official onboarding, the Affiliates were all invited to an SRI research seminar where all SRI staff members, PhD students, and the Affiliates were given the opportunity to introduce themselves, their research interests, and ambitions for the collaboration. Some exciting synergies have already emerged from this first connection, with collaborative bids and research ideas already starting to develop.

Part of the process has included exploring the ambitions of the researchers and their motivations for becoming an Affiliate. These discussions are helping us to shape the development of our research environment, the support we are offering, and the opportunities for the Affiliates to engage in sustainability research. The below Figure shows some of the priority areas where the Affiliates are wanting to contribute and get support. These have already resulted in the development of a new funding bid development workshop, collaborative bid opportunities, and other skills development.

We are thrilled to have our Affiliates onboard and exciting for the potential that they bring.

Selected Images from affiliates presentations:

By Stuart Cannop