Coastal Ecosystem Hub Workshop – Shaping the Future of Aquatic Policy
Jun 16, 2025
Location
Media City Salford UK
Description
Workshop held on 16th of June 2025 to launch the Coastal Ecosystem Hub—a collaborative initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academia, policymakers, and industry in aquatic ecosystem monitoring and policy implementation.
Building on the long-term collaboration (The Living Lab) between the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust (MGET) and the University of Salford, this workshop will explore strategies for integrating evidence-based methodologies into environmental policies.
The overarching aim is to foster collaboration between academics, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance coastal monitoring and policy development. It will focus on developing actionable recommendations to enhance aquatic ecosystem monitoring within regulatory frameworks while providing a platform to showcase research innovations, share expertise, and explore funding opportunities for sustainable coastal management.
British Society for Rheumatology Annual Meeting 2025
Apr 28, 2025
Location
Manchester, UK
Description
In April 2025, Professor Yeliz Prior was an invited presenter at the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) Annual Conference, the UK’s flagship event for rheumatology professionals. She presented findings from the process evaluation of the WORKWELL Trial, a national randomised controlled trial of a vocational rehabilitation programme for people with inflammatory arthritis. The presentation shared insights from therapists and line managers on the delivery and implementation of the intervention, highlighting its value in supporting job retention alongside the challenges of embedding it within NHS services.
Professor Prior also presented the results of the UK Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Capabilities Framework Scoping Survey, which captured the clinical roles, training needs, and development priorities of occupational therapists across the UK. The findings are now informing the co-development of a national capabilities framework to support consistent, high-quality care and workforce development in rheumatology services.
These presentations showcased the collective leadership of the Clinical Rehabilitation research theme at the University of Salford, with contributions from Dr Simone Battista, Dr Jen Parker and wider collaborators. The work highlights a strong interdisciplinary commitment to advancing AHP-led care, service improvement, and workforce transformation in rheumatology and musculoskeletal health.
PPIE Community Engagement – Increasing Inclusion in Digital Health Research
Apr 15, 2025
Location
Broughton Hub and Eccles Library
Description
In April 2025, Professor Yeliz Prior and Dr Cristina Vasilica led two public engagement events in Salford (at Broughton Hub and Eccles Library) to strengthen public and patient involvement in digital health research across the School of Health and Society. The sessions were designed to connect with communities often underrepresented in research, particularly individuals living with musculoskeletal conditions and mental health challenges.
Over 100 local residents attended, including people with long-term health conditions, carers, health professionals, line managers, and small business employers. The events provided a welcoming space for participants to share their lived experiences of managing health in the workplace, accessing support, and navigating digital resources.
Insights from these conversations are now shaping how researchers co-design and deliver digital tools that are accessible, culturally relevant, and grounded in real-world needs. Attendees emphasised the importance of inclusive language, flexible formats, and support for those with limited digital access or health literacy.
This work reflects a strong commitment within the School to embedding PPIE in research and ensuring that digital health innovation reaches and reflects the diverse communities it aims to support
Six community workshops employing the Photovoice technique were conducted as part of the ENSEMBLE research project.
Location
1. Church of the Ascension, Ascension Rd, Salford M7 1AG.
2. Lombardy Court Sheltered Housing Retirement Living Complex, Lombardy Court, Salford M6 5JF.
3. Ordsall Community Arts Centre, 2 Robert Hall St, Salford M5 3LT.
4. FoodCycle Salford Angel Cent
Description
Six community workshops were conducted as part of the photovoice phase of the ENSEMBLE research project. These workshops aimed to introduce the project to local participants, recruit community members as co-researchers, and provide training on the photovoice technique—including guidance on capturing and submitting photos. The sessions also facilitated data collection through photography and included interpretation and reflection workshops, where participants discussed the photos and shared their narratives.
The organisation of these workshops was supported by several local community groups and centres, including Church of the Ascension in Lower Broughton, Lombardy Court Sheltered Housing Retirement Living Complex, Ordsall Community Art Centre, The Broughton Trust, and the FoodCycle Salford Angel Centre.
Through these workshops, a database of over 150 photos was generated. The interpretation workshops gathered valuable community insights linked to the images, enriching the research and helping transition the project into its second phase. Moreover, these activities established strong local networks involving over 15 community groups, fostering community connections and building trust—essential foundations for participatory research and ongoing collaboration.
