COMMUNITY IMPACT
THE PROJECT
Coalition of the willing
There are a number of reasons why RGU has decided to focus on delivering solutions in Orkney. “Importantly, there’s a real entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in Orkney,” says Kelly Fraser, Research Funding Manager. “There’s an abundance of cultural heritage and a strong sense of community and identity, but as with most isolated areas there are challenges. We can see RGU’s research offering fitting well on Orkney, and by working closely with local partners, we can deliver transformational and meaningful results.” Working in partnership with Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the local community, the Orkney project will establish a transformational research hub in Stromness to drive and support collaboration and innovation. This will be done alongside Heriot-Watt University and the University of the Highlands and Islands who already have an active presence on the islands.
A unique opportunity for crossdisciplinary work at RGU, building expertise and partnerships while addressing the needs of a community.
“Research activities will be grouped into three broad clusters: smart islands, creative innovation, and sustainable quality of life,” says Professor David Gray, Academic Lead for the project. “These clusters combine existing RGU expertise with the strategic needs of the Orkney stakeholders.” Read a summary of the work in Orkney in Research, RGU’s research focused magazine. Or browse the next few pages which will discuss a few of the proposed projects more deeply. The majority of these projects are awaiting funding but they give a great idea of RGU’s vision for the Orkney community.
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