What’s the big idea? was a national pilot campaign which took place in June 2010 to highlight the role of universities in the UK and their impact on the economy, culture, society, the environment and much more. Details of the 2011 week will be available soon, however they are currently searching for new case studies for the Big Ideas for the Future report that will be launched on the research day during Universities Week 2011 (16 June). Working with Research Councils UK, the report will focus on what is currently being developed / researched in UK universities, and how this is likely to impact on our lives in the next 15 or 20 years time.
The deadline for submissions is 14 April 2011. Please see below for more information:
Big Ideas for the Future, scheduled for the Thursday of Universities Week (16 June 2011), will explore the research currently taking place in universities that is likely to have a profound effect on future of the UK and the world. The project is being undertaken by Universities UK and Research Councils UK.
What kind of research are we looking for?
The research can be from any academic discipline and from any Higher Education Institution. In fact, we want as wide a spread as possible – across all disciplines of the humanities; the arts; science; engineering and social sciences – to really bring to life the breadth of the research taking place.
The only rules are that the research must be happening now or imminently and it must be something that will result in a real impact on people’s lives. Ideally, we’re looking for new projects that haven’t yet been heavily publicised – or existing projects where there are new developments we can discuss.
The proposed categories for entries are:
- Delivering a healthy future
- People and environment: sustainability for the next century and beyond
- The creation of recreation; how we’ll use our leisure time in fifty years
- The future of humanity and society
- Getting around: our planet, and beyond
- Capital ideas: the future of commerce and business
However, this is still flexible at this stage, so if you have an especially interesting project that you’re not sure fit these criteria, please do tell us about it anyway!
What should submissions look like?
We’d like one page submissions with responses split into four sections:
- Details of the research taking place
- The problem it seeks to solve
- How it will make a difference in the future (impacts/timescales)
- Details of the research leader or team
The deadline for submissions is 14th April 2011. Please do not send press releases or pre-drafted materials that don’t address these points – a template is attached at the end of this document for ease of use.
What happens next?
The submissions will go in front of an editorial board and the best ones will be selected to appear in the Big Ideas for the Future Report and will receive widespread publicity. Details of the launch will be made available nearer the time, but the aim is to publicise the chosen research via international, national and regional media, as well as social media channels and specialist trade media.
Who should we send submissions to?
Elizabeth.porter@kindredagency.com and ian.morton@universitiesuk.ac.uk. Please do also contact Ian Morton if you have any more queries about the research project, or the Week generally.
To find out more about Universities Week 2011, go to www.universitiesweek.org.uk
More information on Universities Week can be found on the website or facebook page.
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