Not the usual lunchtime chat, the recent Security and Risk-themed meeting, hosted by Dr Peter Lee, provided a unique opportunity for university researchers’ to highlight their research interests. Colleagues from across the university; including the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies (ICJS), the Centre for Operational Research and Logistics (CORL), the Centre of Applied Geoscience (CAG) and the Geography department, gathered together to share a wealth of expertise around the area of ‘Risk’.

Undisputedly a broad area, risk and resilience specialists covered topics as diverse as online deviant behaviour, application fraud, BREXIT, disaster modelling, cybersexism, first responder training, SME security practices and the threat imposed by natural hazards. Despite the diversity, there is a clear opportunity for sharing knowledge, enhancing networks and developing exciting new research projects.

Theme director, Dr Peter Lee highlighted that “bringing together expertise in particular areas across disciplines – such as ‘Risk’ in this instance, is the first step towards developing internal cross-disciplinary groups that can go on to develop R&I projects and funding bids, as well as enhance teaching through course delivery or CPD”.

These thoughts were echoed by Dr Lisa Sugiura, from ICJS whose works spans sociology, health sciences and digital research. Dr Sugiura said “The risk ‘brown bag’ lunch was an excellent opportunity to meet and liaise with colleagues, those with whom I have previously connected with as well as new acquaintances from across the University. It was so valuable to hear about the wealth of expertise and exciting research being conducted in the area of risk, along with the clear overlapping synergies and potential for collaboration”.

For UoP researchers who want to get involved in more Theme-based events, take a look at our upcoming events.