Research Festival line-up confirmed

Research/learning is a global function of a UNESCO Biosphere. The Isle of Man Research Festival, organised by University College Isle of Man, goes from strength to strength.

The fifth annual Research Festival, which takes place on Friday 13th October, will be themed around the three strands of the Isle of Man Government's Island Plan, with a keen focus on sustainability.

The event will be opened by the Chief Minister, Hon Alf Cannan MHK, chair of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, followed by the keynote address by climate research scientist and Nobel Prize Winner Dr Douglas Fox.

Attendees will then select from three pathways, which include presentation of research projects and findings from local organisations as well as international speakers.

The ‘Sustainable’ pathway features the Manx Blue Carbon Project, renewable electric grid simulation, peat survey and restoration and seagrass conservation, among other presentations.

Meanwhile the ‘Vibrant’ and ‘Secure’ pathways feature talks on ‘Awesome Manx Women’, ‘A Paradigm Shift required in Celebrating our World of Differences’, ‘Becoming an Effective Leader of a Remote Team’ and ‘Chatbot Vs Librarian’.

Gail Corrin, UCM’s Higher Education Manager, who organises the event, said: ‘What an incredible line up we’ve got again at this year’s festival. We call for papers each year and it is extraordinary the range of research that’s being undertaken on or about our Island.

'Research is incredibly important, not just in educational settings. As it is for individuals, so too for communities, curious and informed minds will be the source of a sustainable and thriving future.

'As we face the challenges of climate change, AI and more – research and creative thinking can change those challenges into opportunities.  

‘We’re at an exciting and challenging point in the development of society, with innovations around AI and key issues such as climate change, so it’s interesting to see how research plays its part in turning these things into opportunities for us and for businesses.’

The event, to be held at UCM’s Nunnery campus, is free to attend.

For more information or to register (essential), please visit www.ucm.ac.im/rf23