The IRWB Research Group recently hosted its first in-person Conference, bringing together academics, students, practitioners and industry experts to share new research insights and foster collaboration. The event, held on November 6, featured a series of themed symposia, panel discussion, and individual presentations, that highlighted the diverse and innovative work being conducted across the Group.
Research Group Lead and principal convenor of the event, Dr. Sarah Davis reflected, “It was a privilege to welcome such a talented and passionate group of researchers, practitioners and students to our first conference – we welcomed over 60 attendees across the day, including colleagues from across the University, and external guests from local organisations including Worcestershire Country Council, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Health and Care Trust, West Merica Police, a range of local social work and mental health charities, and academics from the Universities of Leicester and Cardiff. Our speakers shared their insights and knowledge on a range of cutting-edge topics tackling both the ‘light’ and ‘darker’ sides of wellbeing and interpersonal relationships that have great potential to translate into new collaborative work and practical applications. The conference also clearly highlighted the challenges of work in these fields, and the evolving landscape of research priorities. I am really pleased to learn that there are already several new research and knowledge exchange outputs planned that have arisen from conversations amongst colleagues and guests on the day, and look forward to seeing the continued impact of these research efforts in the coming months.”
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to engage in lively discussions and network with peers. Researchers and external practitioners presented a diverse array of talks, including on the topic of customer and employee wellbeing in physical and virtual settings (Dr Richard Nicholls, Dr Ria Wiid; Dr Paulo Mora-Avila), positive wellbeing, relationships and mental health (Dr Daniel Farrelly, Nikki Ayles, Dr Naomi Lee, Dr Jack Brimmell, Dr Gill Harrop), critical perspectives on the status and application of Psychology (Dr Béré Mahoney, Dr Sarah Davis, Rich Hadley), career success and evaluation (Dr Barbara Menara; Prof. Lynn Nichol & Dr. Catharine Ross, Dr Pamela Murray), and trauma and violence prevention across different contexts and groups – including women and girls; domestic abuse and dementia within intimate partner relationships; teaching of sensitive topics in Higher Education, Dr Claire McLoone-Richards, Dr Beverley Gilbert and guests.
For anyone interested in this work who could not attend the conference, please take a look at the conference website with full speaker profiles and abstracts.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive with many delegates commenting that they would embed learning from the conference into their own professional or research practice.
Dr. Claire McLoone-Richards, who leads the Trauma & Violence Prevention theme within the Group, added: “Further to Sarah’s comments as the Convenor of the Discover and Connect Conference, I wanted to congratulate her on the success of this important event in the early stages of our new academic year. I looked forward to this conference as it was the first in a long time, that enabled colleagues within and beyond the university to Discover our mutual research and practice interests in research contexts. It was also very positive to observe and experience the Connections being made with colleagues at our event. So, in thinking ahead, I am hopeful that we can continue to keep meaningful connections with each other and future collaborations in our research together”.
The Group are pleased that Discover & Connect was a success and are keen to hear from other practitioners and academics wishing to collaborate in these areas – please contact Dr Sarah Davis for further information.
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