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Sustainability Research Network

This article reflects on the establishment and growth of the Sustainability Research Network (SRN) at the University of Nottingham. The network aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and raise awareness of sustainability research opportunities. It shares key milestones, learnings, and future directions.

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Sustainability Research Network

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  1. Sustainability Research Network Reflections on a Student-Led Initiative at the University of Nottingham Sarah Glozer | Georgina Wood | Eleanor Hadley Kershaw Student Action for Sustainability Conference, 29th-30th October 2013, Keele University

  2. Context EleanorSociology GeorginaGeography SarahBusiness JennyArchitecture OrlaBioscience Sustainability

  3. Identifying the gap • ‘Pockets’ of sustainability research taking place at UoN • Sustainability is an inter-disciplinary subject area • PGRs / ECRs are keen to share ideas • Sustainability teaching and learning - key focus for UoN Need: Network to bring together PGRs / ECRs with an interest in sustainability

  4. May 2013: SRN is born Facilitate sustainability knowledge exchange Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and discussion Raise awareness of opportunities at UoN and beyond Support the quality and visibility of sustainability research at UoN

  5. SRN Today: Key Stats “I’m delighted to see the birth of this network and I’m looking forward to seeing how it grows,” [Lecturer] • No. of Members: 50+ • No. of Depts represented: 22 • No. of events held: 6 • No. of events in pipeline: 2 • Funds awarded: £1215 • Communication: • Email (50) • Twitter (101) • Facebook (38) • Blog (138)

  6. Key Milestones Sarah & Georgie meet Funding applications SRN launch Nov 2013 Dec 2013 2014 Aug 2013 Sept 2013 Oct 2013 Nov 2011 June 2013 Oct 2012 Jan 2013 July 2013 Feb-April 2013 May 2013 Eleanor, Jenny & Orla come on board Planning meeting & Mission statement Establish SRN: name, logo, email, social media, contacts, event planning, funding awarded

  7. What have we learnt?

  8. Learning 1: Think strategically Sustainability, Society & You (MOOC) Launching 06/01/2014 • Develop relationships with senior stakeholders • Make alliances with helpful contacts (Graduate School) • Support UoN sustainability and research priorities • Discover related societies / research groups / initiatives • Teaching: ‘NOOCs’ and MOOCs

  9. Learning 2: Listen to your members • “The opportunity to gain a different perspective on own research” • “Create networks with external organisations” • “Connections between scientists and those studying the impacts of sustainable solutions” • “Advising the UK government,” “Influencing the cares of the next generation” " Topics such as Sustainability often generate general positive discussion (who can argue about saving the planet) but I’d like to see us discuss some more negative issues… why do people focus on the “easy” activities (e.g. recycling) rather than on more dramatic lifestyle changes (e.g. cooking for themselves)?” [SRN Member]

  10. Learning 3: Be true to who you are • Established society vs. organic network • Formal commitment vs. Flexibility? • Face to face meetings vs. working online? • Focus upon driving the network, whilst understanding individual workloads • Believe in your research field, but keep your mind open and respect the work of others

  11. Learning 4: Play to your skills Communication skills Technical knowledge Event planning Funding applications Networks New skills…?

  12. Learning 5: Set aside some time • Don’t underestimate the time commitment…. • Managing Email Inbox • Contacting speakers • Booking rooms • Updating social media • Constant recruitment focus • Funding applications • Meetings • Special requests • Event planning • Attending events • ….

  13. Where do we go from here? • Extend to international campuses (China & Malaysia)? • Develop regional network outside of UoN? • Establish Advisory Board? • Recruit new committee members? • Provide alumni support? • Invite interest from MBA, MSc cohort? • Do you have any suggestions? ?

  14. Sustainability Research Network Our 5 key learnings… Think strategically Listen to your members Be true to who you are Play to your skills Set aside some time Please continue the conversation sresearchnet.wordpress.com @sresearchnet Sustainability Research Network SRN@nottingham.ac.uk Sarah, Georgie, Eleanor & Jenny Thank you for listening… …Any Questions?

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