Research Festival 2022
A systems-thinking approach to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Searching for systems synergies between research, industry and policy to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
Establishing the South West as leaders in sustainable and regenerative agriculture through technology and expertise.
Advancing technology to solve research challenges.
Provoking dialogue to connect policy and academia in tackling issues facing those on the periphery.
The importance of collaboration with arts, humanities and social sciences in tackling global challenges.
Rethink how you approach complex research challenges.
Improving the wellbeing and retention of the healthcare workforce and revitalising health systems.
Catalysing collaboration to respond to the UK’s Clean Maritime Plan 2050.
At the University of Plymouth, when we talk of a systems-thinking approach, it is one of understanding and improving complex issues by viewing and addressing the whole of the problem. Typically scientists – natural and social – may come together with health, arts and humanities researchers, government, industry and communities, to address local to global challenges alongside national and international policy. The University's Centre for Systems Thinking: Ocean, Land and Society brings together an unrivalled critical mass of catchment-coast-ocean expertise from across the University’s Strategic Research Institutes to do just this.
Research Festival 2022 is an opportunity to articulate and showcase how the University of Plymouth is a front-runner in systems-thinking approaches to solutions-oriented research. It also provides a platform for you to connect with others to foster or nurture collaborative partnerships, whether you are already working in alignment with systems-thinking or aspire to strengthening your transdisciplinary working.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.
The University’s Doctoral College invites postgraduate research students and research staff to submit an eye-catching photographic image and interpretation for the Images of Research competition, as part of the Research Festival 2022.
The year-long programme of public events showcases our research across a spectrum of topics. It presents the Inaugural Professorial Lecture series which celebrates the achievements of our academics who have been awarded their professorship; providing a platform for which they can share insights into their esteemed research.