Shortlist announced for Research Engagement awards
21 June 2019
Twelve academics who have made real-world impact through their work have been shortlisted for the University of Reading’s Research Engagement and Impact Awards.
Spanning climate science, education, law, design, global development and computer science, the shortlist represents a broad cross-section of the research being carried out at the University which benefits people locally, nationally and globally.
One of the projects, titled Marvellous Mums, Marvellous Me, supports local less socially advantaged women, many of whom have been out of work for some time. Led by Professor Carol Fuller, the programme aims to boost women’s confidence and self-esteem and empowering them to make changes that will help them develop more fulfilling lives for themselves and their families.
On a global scale, millions of small-holder farmers across Africa will benefit from a more secure future thanks to satellite-derived estimates of rainfall, thanks to the TAMSAT project, led by Professor Emily Black. The project, which can help insurance companies provide effective cover against drought, allows farmers to get weather-index insurance that pays out if cumulative rainfall drops below a pre-agreed threshold, meaning even the remotest farmers can rest assured.
Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Parveen Yaqoob said:
“I was incredibly impressed with the quality and breadth of the applications, which made the job of finalising the shortlist a challenging one.
“The range of work shows the huge potential that we as a University have to bring about positive change locally, nationally and internationally.
“The Research Engagement and Impact Awards are important because it can be very difficult for an academic to ensure their work has an impact beyond academia, so by celebrating their achievements in this way we are not only rewarding their hard work, but potentially inspiring others to think about how their work could impact the wider community.”
The full list of shortlisted projects is:
· Emily Black – Drought insurance using TAMSAT rainfall estimates
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Tony Capstick – Language for resilience in refugee settings
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Joanna Clark – Loddon Catchment Consultancy (GV2LCC)
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Rebecca Emerton and Andrea Ficchi – Real-time flood briefings for humanitarian emergency response to cyclones in Mozambique
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Federico Faloppa – Leading Amnesty International’s task force against hate speech in Italy
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->James Ferryman – Biometrics Research Leads to Frictionless and More Secure Border Crossings
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Carol Fuller – Marvellous Mums/Marvellous Me
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Rosa Freedman – Safeguarding Children from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Conflict and Crisis Zones
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Hilary Geoghegan – Opening up science for all (OPENER)
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Christopher Newdick – Priority Setting in the NHS
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Natthapoj VincentTrakulphadetkrai – Maths through stories
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Sue Walker – Information design, architecture, pharmacy: getting the message across about AMR
The winners will be announced during a ceremony at the University’s Meadow Suite on Tuesday 25 June. The event will be hosted by Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and the guest speaker will be Paul Manners, Director of the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement.
To register to attend the event, please email c.e.cross@reading.ac.uk .
For more information on the awards click here.