BU Research Blog

Aimed at all BU Academics (other colleagues welcome), this is a great opportunity to engage with a topic which crosses academic disciplines and to meet colleagues from across the University.

The theme of these events is the role of universities in building social capital, whether at regional, national or international level. By ‘social capital’ we mean the resources in a society which underpin social cohesion and inclusiveness. More cohesive societies with high social capital are likely to be more economically successful as well as politically stable.

Universities are or should be key institutions in enabling the growth of social capital, for example by generating and testing ideas for its enhancement, monitoring and supporting activities intended to increase it, and analysing examples of its decline or growth. Some of this will happen as a direct consequence of their educational missions and of research dissemination. However, much more could be achieved by universities through deliberate and strategic initiatives to engage with external communities.

A number of leading academics will be visiting BU to share their knowledge and expertise in this area:

• The work of the Institute of Community Cohesion in relation to the HE Sector
  Professor Ted Cantle (Institute of Community Cohesion)
  Thursday 16 June 2011, 11.00-12.30, K101, Talbot Campus 
• Engagement with Thames Gateway Communities
  Dr. Iain MacRury (University of East London)
  Tuesday 21 June 2011, 12.00-13.30, Student Hall, Talbot Campus
• Research meets Local Theatre
  Professor Stephen Coleman (University of Leeds)
  Friday 24 June 2011, 12.00-13.30, PG19, Talbot Campus

See the Blog events calendar for details. For booking or information, please email Staff Development.