Inspiring novel research collaborations

A new year-long research programme created to galvanise multi-disciplinary research collaborations at the University of the Highlands and Islands will conclude with a two-day conference later this month at Inverness College UHI.

The 2019 inaugural theme is “ruination and decay” and has brought together researchers and creative practitioners from different disciplines and geographical areas to produce a variety of novel approaches to research and teaching.

Guest speakers from Forestry and Land Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and universities across the UK will join the university’s research experts from a range of disciplines, including cultural geography; archaeology; performance studies; art and design; visual studies; heritage studies; history and literature.

Bristol-based artist Sue Mara will exhibit her photographic work, alongside a display of research posters which will explore the theme of ruination and decay.

Professor Colin Richards explains the concept behind the programme:

“The university has a wealth of research expertise and excellence inspired by the environment, culture and social infrastructure of the Highlands and Islands.

“The humanities and arts research cluster wanted to develop an annual programme, based on intriguing and topical themes, that would draw together researchers from across arts, humanities, business, science, health and engineering and the university's wide geographical spread.

“Given this is our first year I am really pleased with the enthusiasm and participation of students and staff from within and beyond the university. Our theme this year has generated a new suite of resources, with seminars, blogs, articles, photographs and podcasts available online. This helps to make our expert research knowledge accessible to the wider community in an engaging manner".

Dr Lesley Mickel, Programme Leader for Drama at Inverness College UHI said:

“It has been really inspiring and productive to have a forum that has allowed us to mix and meet new people to share our experiences and ideas.

“Learning about how my colleagues in the archeology research team conducted their research was intriguing. It has led to exciting new developments in drama and performance with our students”.    

If you wish to enquire about booking to attend the conference on the 11 and 12 December, please visit the University of the Highland and Islands events page or contact joanna.rodgers@uhi.ac.uk