Free seminar series to explore how key sectors can support post-COVID recovery
The University of the Highlands and Islands has announced details of a free, public seminar series.
The online events, which are part of the university partnership’s tenth birthday celebrations, will explore how key sectors can contribute to the region’s post-COVID recovery.
Named after the Gaelic word for ‘leading’, the ‘A’ stiùireadh’ series will feature a range of panellists and cover topics including education, health and the marine economy.
The series will begin on Wednesday 31 March with a look back at the development of the university partnership and the impact it has had on the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire.
Speakers in the ‘communities and economy’ discussion will include the new University of the Highlands and Islands Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Todd Walker, and the former Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Fraser. Charlotte Wright, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Florence Jansen, President of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association and James Ellsmoor, an expert in island sustainability and the university’s alumnus of the year for 2020 will also join the panel.
The seminar programme will run until the summer:
• Leading communities and economy - 12 noon to 1.15pm on Wednesday 31 March
• Leading the blue economy - 4pm to 5.15pm on Thursday 15 April
• Leading rural health - 4pm to 5.15pm on Thursday 22 April
• Leading learning - 4pm to 5.15pm on Thursday 13 May
• Leading health research and innovation - 4pm to 5.15pm on Thursday 10 June
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is supporting the series and several staff members will be joining the panels. Chief Executive, Charlotte Wright said: “In achieving successful economic recovery, the University of the Highlands and Islands has a crucial role in responding to new economic opportunities, providing an education and research offer linked to different industries and strengthening the region’s workforce and communities. Our strategic partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands network has grown stronger every year and we very much look forward to working with them to make these webinars a success for our region’s businesses.”
Speaking about the series, the university’s new Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Todd Walker, said: “The University of the Highlands and Islands partnership was created to have a transformational impact on the prospects of our region. We aim to attract and nurture talent in our region, helping to reverse population decline and build innovation and socio-economic prosperity.
“Along with colleagues in public, private and third sector organisations, we have a vital role to play in supporting our region’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our tenth birthday seminar series offers us an exciting opportunity to explore how our key sectors can work together to support the communities we serve.”
To find out more about and to sign up to the events, visit www.uhi.ac.uk/events