At the heart of Middlesex University Dubai’s research activities for the past 12 years has been the weekly Wednesday Research Seminar. This week’s virtual gathering marks the 300th event, proving that even a global pandemic cannot stop the pursuit of academic excellence at Middlesex University Dubai.
To make this significant online seminar really special, Professor Nic Beech, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, will take the lead with an insight into the impact research is having on the wider world and how inclusive it is across multiple disciplines.
Inclusion and the impact of research on a wider audience
Entitled “Towards Inclusive Impact in Research”, the seminar will examine the more recent focus on inclusive development that embraces not only research techniques but also consultancy and product development. The conversation will explore how these advances are presented to a much wider audience in a way that can be easily understood without losing any of the significant scientific impact. It’s about engagement, inclusion, and crossing over between disciplines to present a cohesive and understandable message.
“Over the past year, the pandemic has made everyone realise just how crucial to our well-being and way of life research is,” explains Professor Beech. “While every one of our Wednesday Research Seminars brings plenty of ground-breaking ideas and discussions to the table, I think taking a more in-depth look at the impact research can have, often in the most unexpected of ways, is a significant way to mark our 300th event.”
A seminal event for Middlesex University
Professor Beech has a long and distinguished academic track record, including serving as Vice-Principal of the University of St Andrews and Provost of the University of Dundee. He is President of the British Academy of Management, a member of the Council of the Academy of Social Sciences, and a board member of London Higher and the Chartered Management Institute Race Network.
His research is focused on identity, diversity, change leadership and learning. These are all concepts that he believes have now become central to our way of thinking, causing some dramatic cultural changes that have to be considered by the scientific community as a whole.
Stimulating debate
“There’s been a ground shift when it comes to inclusiveness, including in the field of research,” explains Professor Beech. “The creative industries have led the way in re-evaluating how we present information to make it more inclusive for everyone, regardless of background or cultural identity. They’ve also demonstrated how various disciplines need to be considered in research, with everything from client consulting to marketing and presentation. I believe that research experts now have to embrace that concept too. This should lead to a greater understanding of the significance of research in all areas. I hope it will stimulate some fascinating conversations too,” he adds.
The seminar will take place on Wednesday 7th April 2021 at 4pm (UAE). It will be hosted on Teams and is expected to attract one of the Wednesday Research Seminar’s widest audiences since its launch in 2008. “We want as many people as possible to join us,” comments Professor Beech. “After all, the subject is the impact of inclusion on research, and everyone is invited!” he concludes.
Join the Research Seminar hosted on Teams Click here to join the meeting
