The University is delighted to announce the outcome of its competition to establish its first Signature Research Themes.
Signature Research Themes are a key part of the University’s strategy to further develop its global research profile. They bring together a wide range of ideas and approaches through cross-disciplinary collaboration, and they enhance the excellent practices and activities, highlighting the cutting-edge and innovative research that goes on at Kent.
Academic leads for the Themes Task and Finish Group were Dr Tim Hopthrow, Professor Dan Mulvihill and Professor Catherine Richardson, alongside colleagues from the Office for Scholarly Communication. They said:
‘We are delighted to announce, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, three themes that between them represent Kent’s interdisciplinary strengths, regional, national and international engagement, links to business, contemporary relevance and forward focus, and the links between research and teaching.
‘The themes are: Migration and Movement; Future Human; and Food Systems, Natural Resources and Environment.’
By bringing these innovative and vibrant ideas together across our collective research communities, the themes will help the University grow its profile more widely, attracting income, boosting engagement, speaking more clearly to potential students and ensuring our work fosters change across our communities.
Many strong proposals were submitted by academics from across the University for the Signature Research Themes. Each of these proposals was an important reflection of the innovative and impactful research taking place across the institution. The themes will be dynamic, and plans are also afoot to help support the development of future submissions.
A shortlist of Themes was presented to a University audience during a special online selection event on 15 September. A panel comprising University representatives from academic schools and professional services, as well as diverse external experts from academia, industry, and research councils were involved in the final decision-making process
A number of steps, including the appointment of theme directors, will take place over the coming months, with an inaugural launch event planned to take place in Spring 2021, to which all staff and students will be warmly welcome.
Join a theme or learn more here.