Research Engagement and Impact Awards

As part of a major refurbishment, core-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Museum team wanted to lay aside the ‘dusty farm tools’ image and inject inter-displinary life into the galleries. As well as forging fresh links to people with rural knowledge, they were seeking to expand their local audience, to attract visitors from more diverse backgrounds as well as those who had loved the Museum for years.

With funding from the Wellcome Trust and support from experts, the team began to explore rural life through a new prism: its health. New content about the history and future of food and nutrition, material bringing animal health to the fore, and a fresh focus on rural medicine all helped revitalise the collections. Alongside this, dynamic programmes of activity – from eating insects to growing sugar beet – broadened the Museum’s appeal.

The project expanded the MERL’s pool of collaborators, creating links with artists, scientists and other experts, increasing their knowledge of how people understand collections and how they might connect to global health and food challenges. The team has now cast the MERL as a vital space for science engagement alongside the arts and humanities. By combining online, offline and in-gallery techniques, the Museum has moved the impact of its displays beyond its physical boundaries, bringing in audiences far beyond its geographical reach as well as those close to home.

Partners

Wellcome Trust, Reading Hackspace, First Foods Residency, the Silvers Workshop, and colleagues from across the universities of Reading, Bristol, Cardiff, De Montfort, Kings College London, and Leeds Trinity

Judges’ comments

“The new galleries at the MERL demonstrate just how much can be achieved with good collaboration between curators and researchers”

Dr Patrick Lewis has been working on Parkinson’s disease for many years. He identified the anniversary of his essay as an opportunity to tell the story of the disease, discuss how we understand it today and explain where the latest research is leading.

Working with the charity Parkinson’s UK, clinicians at the John Radcliffe hospital and people with Parkinson’s he organised a series of events and lectures, including an exhibition at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. The project provided a forum where scientists and clinicians could meaningfully link with people affected by the disease, present recent findings and learn how current treatments are working, informing future research. Success continued with a conference Dr Lewis organised for people with Parkinson’s. Intended for 200 people, it was heavily over-subscribed. The overall success of the project shows that research engagement, even on a relatively small scale, can and does make a huge difference to people’s lives when it is focused on those for whom it really matters.

Partners

Parkinson’s UK, Bodleian Library, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Royal London Hospital

Judges' comments

“Patrick’s enthusiasm for informing and encouraging patients and their families shines through – interactions that bring valuable learning back to his research.”

Their research in South Africa has shown that children whose mothers had received the training showed marked improvements in language, attention, empathy and social understanding. The programme is now being adopted worldwide and the team have developed a version for pre-school teachers and crèche workers. 

In order to disseminate their work, Professors Cooper and Murray set up a charity, the Mikhulu Trust, which trains staff of local government agencies and NGOs to deliver the programme in local communities. From deprived inner cities in the UK to remote villages in the mountains of Lesotho, book-sharing has attracted global attention and is even finding a valued role in supporting refugee communities in Sicily and Greece.
The World Health Organization has adopted the programme into their Parenting for Lifelong Health initiative, of parenting programmes for low-resource settings. Professors Cooper and Murray are currently working with colleagues across nine countries who are collaborating   on local book-sharing initiatives to support pre-school learning, leading to an ever-growing, worldwide community, with the University of Reading at its hub. 


Partners

The Mikhulu Trust, South Africa and over 20 international non-profit organisations (such as Save the Children, South Africa), several government bodies (e.g. the Municipal Government of Pelotas, Brazil), and universities in the UK and five other countries.

Judges’ comments

“A great example of research that makes a real difference in people’s lives – and scaling up a successful project with new partners in new locations” [25 words]

For further information and an up-to-date list of partners, please visit the Mikhulu Trust website.

The University of Reading’s Development Viability within Planning research programme aims to determine the exact issues within the valuation process which are enabling developers to reduce their obligations. The researchers have identified weaknesses in policy and illustrated how the process and practice of viability testing can be manipulated by developers or landowners.

The team has been working to inform policy and practice at local and national level. They have carried out research for the Department of Communities and Local Government and responded to their consultations on the Housing White Paper. They are producing professional guidance for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, have given evidence to the London Assembly and to a recent High Court case on viability testing, and research they carried out for 13 London Boroughs has won a Royal Town Planning Institute prize.

As this high-profile debate continues to evolve, the Reading team will continue to engage with stakeholders across the planning and development process to ensure that the arguments are based on sound evidence

Partners

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Three Dragons, Ramidus Consulting, Royal Agricultural University, Kingston University

Judges' comments:

“The research is adding objective evidence to underpin the debate in an important area of economic policy” 

Vulture populations across Africa have declined by more than 80% in just a few generations and four species are now critically endangered. Dr Graham Holloway and Dr Campbell Murn helped identify poisoning as a major cause of this decline. The findings compelled the team to develop practical ways to address the threat.
Data from the field show that 300 or more vultures can die every time an elephant is poached and its carcass is laced with poison. However, the team’s research showed how this damage can be reduced when park rangers are trained and equipped to deal with poisoning situations. Hundreds of vultures can be saved, and there is also an increased chance of bringing poachers to account.
On the ground and working with the Endangered Wildlife Trust of South Africa, the research led to the development of training workshops aimed at local communities, reaching over 1300 individuals across seven countries. The project also delivers special Poison Response Kits that trained park rangers use to neutralise poisoned carcasses and save other vulnerable wildlife. 
The work has informed and influenced international agreements (including the global Convention on Migratory Species), multi-national organisations such as African Parks, and the governments of several countries.

Partners

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Endangered Wildlife Trust

Judges' comments:

“The researchers tenacious approach to gathering evidence has led to a direct practical benefit on conservation efforts.” 

Professor Horwood’s research is globally recognised. She sits on 15 national and international panels, committees and advisory groups, has given keynote lectures and won major international prizes. Her heart lies, however, with getting her message to the grassroots. The research has shown that some professional beliefs should be challenged, modified, or interpreted differently to improve children’s eye care and to target precious NHS resources more effectively.    Professor Horwood’s courses for practising orthoptists (eye movement experts) working in the NHS, are bearing fruit. So far she has engaged with about 20% of this specialist workforce, who, as a result, are making practical changes to the way they work. She now plans to spread the word to high street optometrists and even primary school teachers in her quest to bring the best eye care to children everywhere.

Partners

British and Irish Orthoptic Society, University of Sheffield, Moorfield Eye Hospital

Judges' comments:

“It’s impressive to see how this ongoing work with the professional community is changing clinical practice to benefit both patients and the profession.”

Professor Potts is a world-renowned bee expert. He has worked closely with the Convention on Biological Diversity and co-chaired the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ global pollination assessment, whose recommendations have been ratified by 196 countries.

The policy recommendations have influenced national, regional and global pollinator strategies, such as the International Pollinators Initiative of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. He has worked with around 200 governments and at least 100 businesses worldwide, positioning the University of Reading as the go-to institution for pollinator research. But Professor Potts and his team are also determined to inspire society as a whole to adopt behaviours that will protect insect pollinators.

Working with UK businesses, farmers and fruit growers, the team is exploring new, commercially viable ways to protect and encourage pollinators in farming. They also find time to participate in public events, pollinator monitoring projects, exhibitions and practical demonstrations, finding ever more imaginative ways to show us all the part we can play in protecting the world’s pollinators.

Partners

Intergovernmental Science–Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Convention on Biological Diversity

“The specialist work the researchers are doing to influence high-level policy is impressive, and they recognise that building wider public understanding is equally important.”

Professor Paul Williams has co-developed an algorithm that accurately forecasts aviation turbulence up to 18 hours ahead. It is currently used by the US National Weather Service, consulted every day by flight dispatchers, air-traffic controllers, and pilots. Turbulence forecasts, covering all of the USA and parts of Canada, Mexico and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, are updated hourly and are freely available via a public website.

Independent assessments commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration show that forecasts in which the new algorithm is used are consistently better than previous forecasts. Comfort and safety have improved on around a billion passenger journeys, while lower fuel consumption from smoother flights saves both money and emissions.

In a series of published projections, research led by Professor Williams has calculated that climate change will see turbulence increase by several hundred per cent by the middle of the century. These findings have been cited by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations Climate Change Newsroom, and the Airports Commission in the UK. Professor Williams is currently working with Airbus to enable these projections to potentially influence aircraft design and ensure passenger safety for the future.

Partners

US National Weather Service, University of Georgia, McCann Aviation Weather Research, Airbus

Judges' comments

“A great example of industry engagement – Paul has built credibility and authority by communicating well and listening to the aviation industry’s needs.”

Dr Sakthivel Vaiyapuri is usually found in his laboratory at the University, studying the effects of snake venom on blood clotting. His lab work, however, is only the beginning; his passion is to turn theory into action.

Annual visits to India provide Dr Vaiyapuri the perfect opportunity to reach out to the people at daily risk of snakebite. He has developed strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of bites, which he is sharing with schools in Tamil Nadu, teaching children the differences between venomous and non-venomous snakes, how to avoid snakes, and what to do if someone is bitten. It’s simple, and it saves lives.

Dr Vaiyapuri’s methods are refreshingly low-tech. Pictures help children identify snakes and where they live. They’re encouraged to discuss snakebite incidents in their villages and, for older children, practical science sessions show how bites affect the human body and how information about venoms can be used to treat various medical conditions. Dr Vaiyapuri continually adapts and improves his teaching materials based on feedback from students, their teachers, and healthcare professionals.

He is currently developing a video documentary for use by TV channels, further extending the reach of his scientific research and public health messages to vulnerable communities where they are making a tangible difference.

Judges’ comments

“Sakthi is taking his lab-based research to a setting where it has real practical use – and in the process inspiring young people with science.”

His large, interdisciplinary team devises interactive demonstrations that are accessible, fun and easy-to-understand, allowing young people aged 8 to 18 to enter a world where science-fiction and science-fact merge. A colourful riot of serious research, virtual reality and good old-fashioned showmanship, the spectacle gets even better when that ‘how-did-they-do-that’ moment is actually answered. By including both a jaw-dropping result and the research that led to it, the team shares their own joy in the process of discovery. Perhaps unsurprisingly, adults enjoy playing too.

Interacting with scores of young people in schools and museums and hundreds at events such as the Big Bang Science Fair, the team adapts presentations according to the audience. Bite-sized nuggets for young children and small groups so everyone gets a go; more in-depth explanations for older, larger groups. For the famous Royal Institution Christmas Lectures in 2017 the team focused on a demonstration with true wow-factor: human to human ‘telepathic control.’ Ten times, a volunteer from the audience correctly received signals sent from her daughter in another room via brain waves and electrodes – amazing, and engaging, thousands of young people with the wonders of neuroscience, and inspiring them to get involved themselves.

Partners

The Royal Institution

Judges’ comments

“The team has taken a creative approach to introducing complex scientific concepts to children – their collaborative approach is helping them to reach large audiences”

The project – Reading 2050 Vision – included not only planners, architects, businesses and local people, but also a multidisciplinary research team from across the University of Reading, including the new School of Architecture. The team set to work, building a comprehensive picture of a connected and sustainable city.

Reading 2050 Vision launched in October 2017, following a series of consultations, workshops and public meetings, each of which fed into the final Vision report. Since then, Reading 2050 has influenced future planning; it’s been cited by the Government Office for Science’s Future of Cities Foresight Programme and directly supports Reading Borough Council’s statutory Local Plan and Corporate Plan.

Clear, direct and probing, the Vision provides a comprehensive resource that has underpinned successful funding bids for further development work. These include the Heritage Lottery funded Great Place scheme, which aims to place heritage at the heart of communities, and the EU’s Smart Cities Cluster initiative that helps cities become more tech-efficient and environmentally friendly. These ventures, together with others such as a public lecture series, are involving staff and students at the University of Reading, bringing the team’s interdisciplinary work back to where it all began.

Partners

Barton Willmore, Reading UK CIC, University of Reading (School of the Built Environment)

Judges’ comment

“An impressive collaboration with local business and the community to develop a shared vision, which is helping the local council to shape its future plans.”

Professor Ed Hawkins set about recruiting a team of ‘citizen scientists’ to break down the Herculean task of digitisation. An interactive website, online articles and an article on the BBC news website brought in more than 3,500 volunteers, far more than anticipated. They rapidly became an online community, discussing their findings and learning about weather science along the way. Professor Hawkins wrote regular blog posts to keep the volunteers involved and to show them how their efforts were contributing to science. The result is that climate scientists all over the world now have a freely available new source of data, helping them to shine a light into a dark corner of climate history, when relatively few weather observations were recorded.

The volunteers, having tasted success, wanted more. The army of citizen scientists has moved on to help digitise daily weather reports, sent by telegraph to the Met Office from across Europe since the early years of the twentieth century. So far, the volunteers have rescued almost 3 million observations from obscurity (if you are interested in joining them you can sign up here). Now Professor Hawkins has his sights set on turning another set of dusty logbook data into digital gold: a collection of rare weather observations from Victorian sea voyages to the Arctic.

Partners

National Centre for Atmospheric Science | The Met Office

Funder

Natural Environment Research Council

Judges’ comment

“In this classic citizen science project, the research has benefitted participants and scientists alike and resulted in better data and understanding”

Working with Dr Andrew Mangham she curated a short season of 1930s ‘monster’ movies at Reading Film Theatre, the independent art cinema on the University campus. RFT holds weekly screenings for students and local people, so this was an ideal way to involve a public audience in discussions about physical difference and research. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, three classic monsters films were screened – The Golem (1920), Nosferatu (1922), and Freaks (1932) – with specialist introductions to lend context. Expanding the series with a public lecture by poet Kelley Swain and anatomical sculptor Eleanor Crook, added a mixed-media layer to the events.

What began as a relatively modest project has laid the groundwork for future research collaborations and film seasons. The events resonated with audience members, demonstrating how bringing together film fans, academics and artists can facilitate a wider debate on how we interpret difference and move to a more equal society. 

Partner

Reading Film Theatre

Judges’ comment

“This was an imaginative and effective project, to bring research to life through film and discussion.”

Looking to show how film manifested as an intermedial art form in Brazil, Dr Solomon curated a season of films at the Tate Modern’s Starr Cinema. To show the continuities and changes in Brazilian film history, he selected five feature films and fourteen shorts from the 1960s through to contemporary filmmaking. Many were rare and the series included several UK premiers. Each film showing was carefully choreographed, featuring an introduction by Dr Solomon, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and scholars from Brazil and the UK.

The season screened in November 2017 and each screening saw audience numbers exceeding the Tate’s expectations. Each event was enjoyed by a wide-ranging, multicultural audience of experts, film fans, and members of the Brazilian community.

Dr Solomon has pioneered a strong, ongoing connection between the University of Reading and Tate Film, while his 300-page season catalogue, featuring essays, interviews and manifestos relating to each of the films, has taken the film series to a global audience. The season’s success has brought new opportunities, including an exciting invitation to curate a strand of contemporary Brazilian films for the International Film Festival of Kerala, India in December 2018.

Partners

Tate Film

Judges’ comment:

“Working with Tate Film, the team successfully brought Brazilian film history to life, for enthusiasts and critics in London and beyond”