Festival of Ideas

The world in which we operate continues to evolve, requiring new skills and approaches to solve problems and create growth. Solent University's Festival of Ideas aims to creatively explore how the University can collaborate with a range of partners to tackle the challenges and change affecting our social, cultural and economic futures, and position Southampton as a connected city.

We invite representatives from community organisations, business and industry to take part in a week of events and activities to explore how we can work together to tackle some of the greatest challenges facing society. We want to put a spotlight on how to work together, growing social and economic enterprise through creative innovations that are research informed, and creating space for progressive ideas to take root.

Join us to explore new connections, seek support for research and development, and pursue enterprise opportunities.

Click on the programme of events link, below, to explore the range of events taking place across the week. Whether you have an hour or two free to learn about current research and its benefits, or can spare more time to attend one of the longer events, there is something for everyone!

Highlights of the week include:

Engaging with research
Use research methodology to make the best cup of coffee ever; find out how your senses work with a cognitive neuroscientist; or collect a map from the Spark and explore Southampton’s social history... You can engage with research and innovation across the disciplines through a host of workshops and seminars taking place during the week.

Solent University Student Research Conference
Join undergraduates, masters, and PhD students on Monday 17 June for a great chance to meet the research community at Solent and be inspired by the innovative projects taking place across the University. The theme is creating sustainable solutions for the future, and the conference will also feature the Images of Research Exhibition.

Winning in the Solent Region
Taking place at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday 19 June, this joint event with the University of Portsmouth, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and the Solent LEP provides local business owners with a chance to find out about regional development plans, and explore new opportunities for skills development and business growth.

Solent Learning and Teaching Community Conference 2019
With themes that include inclusive practice, research informed teaching, and technology enhanced learning, SLTCC 2019 will round off the Festival on Friday 21 June with another inspiring body of work that considers how we can embrace challenges and change through pedagogic research.