Joseph Rowntree Foundation visit LJMU
20 March 2009
As part of an ongoing series of research funding seminars run by the Research Support Office, The Joseph Rowntree Foundation visited LJMU recently to inform staff of the range of funding opportunities available.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation are an apolitical, independent trust who seek to understand the root causes of social problems, to identify ways of overcoming them, and to show how social needs can be met in practice and fund research accordingly. The speakers on the day were Anne Harrop, Director of Policy and Research and Harry Sumnall, Reader in Substance Use in Public Health, who has received funding from the Foundation.
The day was introduced by Professor Andy Young, Director of Research. He talked about LJMU’s research profile with reference to its strategic plan and RAE 2008. He also gave the delegates an idea of the Universities major clusters of research strength in the areas relevant to the talk. These include RISES, EIUA, and Institute for Health Research. He talked about the University’s £43 million grants portfolio and increasing growth in related income.
Harry spoke of his JRF funded research programme. ‘Role of Media in Transmission of Drinking Cultures.’ He concentrated on the application strategy and process and briefed attendees about the project itself. He highlighted alcohol related health and social problems that are particularly high in the UK compared to the rest of Europe. The aims of the research were ultimately to identify what actions or interventions are most likely to have an impact on drinking cultures and patterns in the UK.
Anne talked about the aims of the Foundation. The three inter-connected aims are to examine the root causes of poverty and identify ways of empowering people to have control of their own life. In addition they seek to contribute to the creation and development of strong, sustainable and inclusive communities. She elaborated on the strands running from these main themes and their principles. Their operational activities consist of housing, retirement living and care and adult services. She gave examples of the projects currently funded and talked of new developments.
The event proved to be both enjoyable and useful and has inspired some ideas for new projects which staff hope may be funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
The Research Support Office will continue with their ongoing programme of funding events throughout the forthcoming year. For further details or suggestions please contact Rebecca Mallinson, email: r.mallinson@ljmu.ac.uk
Full details of all British Council schemes can be found on their website: http://www.jrf.org.uk/ and all the presentations from the event will be available on the RSO website at www.ljmu.ac.uk/RGSO/58885.htm
Pictured: Anne Harrop, Professor Andy Young and Harry Sumnall
