ARU is launching a major new programme of research and public engagement on Sustainable Futures, one of three major new strategic research, innovation and impact themes at the University.

We are delighted to invite all academic staff, research staff and postgraduate research students to a half-day, in-person event to help us launch the theme on ARU’s Cambridge campus, from 09:00 to 14:30 on 27 September 2022.

Join us to learn more about our evolving vision for research on sustainability at ARU, to network with ARU researchers and regional sustainability practitioners and to explore how your research fits within this exciting new agenda. We will also be showcasing some of ARU’s current work in this area through an exhibition of video case studies in the Ruskin Gallery.

Event Programme:

09:00: Arrival and welcome coffee. Foyer, Lord Ashcroft Building (LAB)

09:30: Welcome and introductions to the day (LAB 003)

10:00 – 10:45: Keynote address. Rosie Cooper, Wysing Arts Centre (LAB 003)

10:45 – 11:15: Coffee break (LAB Foyer)

11:15 – 13:15: Sustainability panel discussion and café style brainstorming (venue TBC)

A two-hour, facilitated brainstorming session designed to bring ARU researchers into conversation with sustainability leaders from the public, private and not for profit sectors to explore new research ideas, real-world knowledge needs and pathways to impact.

13:15 – 14:30: Lunch and exhibition viewing, Ruskin Gallery

Keynote speaker:

Rosie Cooper is a passionate advocate of the arts as a tool for social change. She is Director at Wysing Art’s Centre. She was previously Head of Exhibitions at De La Warr Pavilion, Head of Programmes at Liverpool Biennial and curator of public programmes at Barbican Art Gallery in London. She is a trustee of IntoArt, a visual arts organisation working with people with learning disabilities in south London, and a trustee of HomeLive Art, producers of performance and community gatherings across south east England and beyond.

Sustainability panel:

Please choose 1 café style table to join for the sustainability panel and brainstorming session from the below list. Participants at each table will have a chance to discuss sustainability challenges, research needs and impact agendas with one of the below panelists.

Table 1

Lucy Gonzalez, Co-Founder, Cambridge Library of Things

Lucy has experience working in tech from a sustainability angle. In her work, she considers European policy around tech, especially AI, and how this impacts dynamics around research funding. Lucy is also the co-founder of the Cambridge Library of Things, a space to exchange ideas around sharing and maintaining things, challenging a taken-for-granted growth paradigm.

Table 2

Akua Obeng-Frimpong, Senior Arts Development Officer, Cambridge City Council

Akua is a senior arts development officer working for Cambridge City Council. Her role is to support and advocate for opportunities that enable all Cambridge residents to access the City’s arts and culture. Akua is motivated by her interest in different modes of creative practice and product and its use to engage audiences in meaningful experiences and stories.

Table 3

Sheryl French, Programme Director, Mobilising Action on Climate Change and Local Energy Investment, Cambridgeshire County Council

Sheryl has 20 years’ experience working in local government in senior positions covering the environment, regeneration and growth. In her current role she leads the Council’s work on climate change and is responsible for the implementation of its Climate Change and Environment Strategy, targets and action plan.

Table 4

Carly Leonard, Anglian Water

After eight successful years as Chief Executive of PECT, Carly Leonard is now Head of Environmental Strategy in the newly formed Quality and Environment Business Stream at Anglian Water.

Table 5

Dr. Amy Charbonneau, R&D Operations Manager, Xampla

Amy Charbonneau is part of the management team at Xampla, an innovative company in Cambridge designing plant-based replacements for the most polluting plastics. Amongst other things, Amy has overall responsibility for grant funded projects, technical operations and Xampla’s quality and environment certifications.

Transport will be provided for those attending from the Chelmsford campus. Details of transport will be confirmed closer to the time of the event.

We are looking forward to welcoming you in September.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact:

Dr Zareen Bharucha: zareen.bharucha@aru.ac.uk or

Dr Fanny Froehlich: fanny.froehlich@aru.ac.uk

Sustainable Futures Launch Event