International research trip leads to further collaboration

Fuse welcomed an internationally-renowned professor to look at ways in which science and policy can come together to affect change.

Professor Shaun Hendy is Professor of Physics at the University of Auckland, in New Zealand, and is also the Director of Te Punaha Matatini – a centre of research excellence focussed on the study of complex systems and networks.

He visited the North East for a guest lecture and workshop in a joint event organised by Fuse and Teesside University.

Professor Hendy was hosted by Professor Amelia Lake, Associate Director of Fuse from the University’s School of Health & Life Science.

Professor Lake is a dietician and public health nutritionist and the pair met last year when they were among just 350 scientists worldwide invited to attend the prestigious Sci Foo 2019 convention at Google headquarters in California.

The guest lecture entitled ‘Science, not Silence’ and the workshop which followed was attended by students, staff, practitioners and policy makers from across the region. It addressed science and policy communication and how academics, practitioners and policy makers can collaborate to understand and improve public health.

"It is not just about talking to people, but about developing a shared understanding to communicate effectively and help make positive changes"

Professor Hendy

Professor Hendy has won a number of awards in his home country, including the Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize.

He said: "My interest is in the relationship between science, research and policy and how it can help us understand and improve complex systems such as public health.

"It is great to be given the opportunity to come to Teesside University and share ideas and best practice. It is not just about talking to people, but about developing a shared understanding to communicate effectively and help make positive changes."

Professor Lake added: "Professor Hendy and I only met as we both attended the science convention in California last year. Although our work is quite different, there are also a number of similarities and it is fantastic to be able to work and collaborate with people with different research expertise.

"Fuse and Teesside University are delighted to host Professor Hendy for his inspirational visit and we hope it will be the start of a long and successful collaboration."

Find out more about Professor Hendy's lecture

Last modified: Thu, 06 Feb 2020 12:00:37 GMT