The Olympics come to Plymouth.....

Not unusually for a warm Saturday night, the Barbican area of Plymouth was busy this weekend. What was more unusual, however, was the arrival of the Olympic torch in the city. Media coverage of this event suggested there were around 55,000 people on the streets of Plymouth on Saurday, both in the town and on the Hoe to see the Olympic flame. My own research has focused on some of the urban renewal aspects of the 2012 Games, and a particluar focus on the role of communities.

Now, to be honest, sometimes governance models cannot capture everything about a moment or story (though it pains me to admit that!) and despite my experience of research looking at the role of communities in urban renewal and partly the 2012 Games (the book will be out next year with Routledge), I was totally bowled over by the amazing turnout and reception the people of Plymouth provided on Saturday evening when the Olympic torch arrived. It was brilliant to see such pride in the city and to share that little moment of history.

Launch of ISSR

This week saw the launch here at Plymouth University of the Institute for Sustainability Solutions Research (ISSR). The launch profiled the inter-disciplinary work ISSR carries out and the fantastic success it has enjoyed so far. Colleagues from across the University engaged with ISSR, such as those from Geography, Architecture, Public Policy, Business, Health and Psychology attended the launch and showcased the excellent impact and solutions based research that is carried out across faculties, institutes and research centres here at Plymouth.

The launch was a huge success and very well attended, with local and national businesses well represented, reflecting the massive strides ISSR has made in a short time. The ISSR was officially opened by Minister of State Gregory Barker, from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and was also featured on the BBC’s Spotlight news programme, featuring an interview with Dr Tim Daley, Deputy Director of ISSR.

A brilliant day then, and many many congratulations to my ISSR colleagues who have worked so hard not just on the launch but each day on engaging with academic colleagues and governance and business organisations with such success and real world changing research. SLGP looks forward to continuing our exciting and productive work and our relationship with ISSR, as we continue to inspire and create new ideas across engagement and research. A huge success and a wonderful day!