Our Projects

The Institute is proud to support a series of important research projects that cut across interdisciplinary boundaries. These projects help to create new knowledge and thinking in the broad fields of Health, Medicine and Society. Crucially, much of our research also works in partnership with the wider public and community as we develop, share and collaborate on new projects. Learn more about some of our ongoing research here, and also about the support we offer to our researchers as they develop their ideas.

Cancer, Chronic Illness and Caregiving

The cancer, chronic illness and caregiving SIG brings together academic and clinical colleagues with an interest in cancer, other serious illnesses, to advance our scientific knowledge of disease and their impact on patients and families.  The group aims to allow its members to share knowledge and ideas, to develop new research projects, and to build a strong network both across the university and with local collaborators.

Co-ordinator contact: Dr Brooke Swash, b.swash@chester.ac.uk

Food, Nutrition and Health

The Food Nutrition and Health (FNH) Special Interest Group (SIG) brings together researchers with a common interest in food and nutrition and provide a supportive and enriching environment for individuals passionate about the field in areas such as, micronutrient metabolism, functional foods, hydrocolloids, international public health nutrition, food sustainability and clinical practice.

The SIG aims to provide a platform for individuals with similar interests to connect and collaborate. and share knowledge, experiences, and best practice.

A key focus of the SIG is to provide opportunities for cross -university collaboration on research projects. This will lead to joint publications, grants, and the ability to tackle complex research questions with a multidisciplinary approach. Additionally, external collaborations with industry, healthcare, and local government partners, will lead to opportunities for members to gain exposure to real-world challenges, and potentially secure research funding.

In addition, the SIG aims to disseminate information about the latest research developments in the field through seminars and press releases.

Co-ordinator contact: Sohail Mushtaq, s.mushtaq@chester.ac.uk, 01244 513 367

Health and Criminal Justice

The Special Interest Group (SIG) on Health and Criminal Justice met for the first time on 24th March. The work of the group has real potential in understanding, in greater depth, the complex intersection between health and criminal justice. The meeting was attended by academic staff and students of the university spanning fields of public health, music and media, politics, social work, education, policing, student services and criminology to name but a few.

The SIG will, through its membership, develop a range of innovative opportunities that promote discussion, debate, research, and collaborations. It will act to support its members in their professional endeavours and mobilises the opportunities for multi-disciplinary working on this important topic. Looking ahead, the SIG on Health and Criminal Justice is poised to continue advancing the discussions, collaborations and work of individuals and groups involved.

Co-ordinator contact: Dr Paul Taylor  paul.taylor@chester.ac.uk

Neurodiversity

The Neurodiversity SIG is a collaboration between University of Chester and the Centre for Autism, Neuro-Developmental Disorders, and Intellectual Disability (CANDDID). We aim to bring together those working in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions, intellectual disability, education, medical law, ethics, gender studies, training, and research. This will allow us to foster links between regional academics, including neurodiverse academics, NHS clinical staff, local authorities, lived experience researchers and students interested in neurodiversity.

The aim of the group is to meet bi-monthly to set up a collaborative platform for developing new ideas, co-producing new projects, developing a network, and creating the opportunity for adding to the academic literature. The group will also consider opportunities for joint funding applications. We envisage the group to act as an internal peer reviewer for protocols, funding applications, and developing research projects. We will also have the opportunity to listen to keynote speakers deliver interesting talks relating to different aspects of neurodiversity, which may also trigger ideas for collaborative projects. There will also be free time for networking opportunities.

Co-ordinator contact: Dr Linda O’Neill, l.oneill@chester.ac.uk and Prof Sujeet Jaydeokar, sujeet.jaydeokar@nhs.net

Operational Research

The Operational Research Special Interest Group (OR SIG) is focused on promoting health and well-being using data-driven insights. Launched on 22nd March 2023 by the Health and Wellbeing Research Knowledge Exchange Institute (RKEI), the OR SIG centers on three main activities: conducting operational research from data in partner organizations, carrying out service evaluations, and helping partners establish data collection setups for future evaluations.

The SIG welcomes anyone interested in Operational Research, aiming to connect those with data needs to experts in data management and analysis. Central to the SIG's mission is fostering partnerships and facilitating knowledge transfer, in line with RKEI's values. Dr. Kevin Hochard, chair of the SIG, has a background as a psychologist with expertise in health behaviors, research methods, and statistical analysis.

Co-ordinator contact: Dr Kevin D Hochard, k.hochard@chester.ac.uk, 01244513100

Pain, Trauma and Safeguarding

The Pain, Trauma, & Safeguarding SIG (PTS-SIG) was launched on the 22nd March 2023 by the Health and Wellbeing Research Knowledge Exchange Institute (RKEI). We are a dynamic alliance of experts, from academics, clinicians, to community alliances, committed to advancing the understanding of all forms of pain and/or trauma and safeguarding. Our focus is on bridging the gap between knowledge development and practice. Together, through collaborative partnerships we can achieve this vision. Therefore, we welcome anyone interested in Pain, Trauma, & Safeguarding (either individually or combined) to connect. Dr Sarah Vaughan, chair of the SIG, has a background in Psychology and Neuroscience with expertise in Pain and Autism Spectrum Conditions.

Co-ordinator contact: Dr Sarah Vaughan  sarah.vaughan@chester.ac.uk 

Pedagogy

This special interest group is for anyone who wishes to pursue their curiosity in pedagogy and pedagogic research. Some of the opportunities offered by the pedagogy SIG will provide support for professional development. The focus is on identifying and supplying key skills, knowledge and networks that are useful and relevant to most of our colleagues. While the focus is on Knowledge Exchange and working with our key stakeholders to produce a variety of events and outputs, there is support for publication, grant applications and research. We also aim to de-mystify the processes for gaining recognition for your current work.

The Pedagogy SIG is a group of like-minded academics who wish to develop learning and teaching excellence and showcase their work with students and key stakeholders. It is run on democratic lines with the aim of supporting members to achieve their own professional goals.

Co-ordinator contact: Dr Hazel Chapman, h.chapman@chester.ac.uk and Professor Derek France, d.france@chester.ac.uk