Inspiring research celebrated at USW Impact Awards

The USW Impact Awards have seen academics from across the University recognised for their work in responding to some of the biggest challenges facing our society.

Held last night (Wednesday) at Cardiff’s Temple of Peace, the second annual awards were hosted by BBC Wales business correspondent, Brian Meechan, where Vice-Chancellor Professor Julie Lydon welcomed more than 150 guests, including applicants and their collaborative partners.

Awards were presented in six categories, as well as Best Overall Impact, given to an individual piece of research from the category winners in recognition of the outstanding impact of its work.

The award winners were:

Best Impact in Commerce, Industry and Enterprise – Clare Johnson, Head of Cyber Security at USW, and the National Cyber Security Academy, for their work to address the shortage of cyber security skills and develop the next generation of experts in the field. Working in partnership with Newport City Council, Wolfberry, Thales, Innovation Point, South Wales Police, Airbus, CISCO and General Dynamics, the NCSA plays a major role in the South Wales Cyber Security Cluster. This award was sponsored by the South Wales Chamber of Business and Commerce.

Learn more about this project here:

Best Societal Impact – Dr Carolyn Wallace and Professor David Pontin, of Centre for Research & Innovation in Care Sciences, for their impact on policy and practice. The family resilience assessment instrument (FRAIT) has been incorporated into Welsh Government’s Healthy Child Wales Programme and is now used by health visitors across Wales. Partners in this project include Cwm Taf University Health Board, Hywel Dda University Health Board and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board. This award was sponsored by Tata Steel.

Find out more about the FRAIT model here:

Best Impact in Culture and the Arts – Professor Paul Carr, Professor in Popular Music Analysis, in recognition of impact on public perception and awareness of the important past that Merthyr Tydfil played in the development on popular music in Wales. Prof Carr worked with First Campus, The 3Gs Development Trust, Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society, The Workers Education Association, Merthyr Library Services, Theatr Soar, and The Redhouse on this project.

Learn more about Prof Carr's work here:

Best International Impact – Ceri Binding and Professor Doug Tudhope, of the Hypermedia Research Unit, for their innovative work in transnational data integration. Ceri and Prof Tudhope collaborated with partners across 11 countries to improve the accessibility and visibility of Europe’s archaeological resources. This award was sponsored by Capital Law.

Find out more about this project here:

Best Future Impact – Professor Mike Maguire and Anna Clancy, of the Centre for Criminology, for their work with HMP Parc, Barnardo’s, Ministry of Justice and the Netherlands Ministry of justice, to develop new approaches in the social welfare and criminal justice system and improve support for prisoners, their children and families.

Learn more about this project here:

Best Impact in Wales – Professor David Shearer and Mike Gross, of the Sport, Health & Exercise Science Research Unit, working with Sports Wales, Welsh Target Shooting Federation, and Weightlifting Wales to transform the way Wales’s elite athletes are supported to perform in a highly competitive environment and improve Welsh success on the world stage. This award was sponsored by Business in Focus.

Find out more about this research here:

Best Overall Impact – Dr Carolyn Wallace and Professor David Pontin, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Welsh Government’s healthcare policy and improving healthcare support provision for families in Wales. This award was sponsored by Thales.

Music for the evening was provided by a jazz trio from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, while technical support came from USW Lighting & Live Events Technology students, and photography from USW Photojournalism students.

Professor Julie Lydon said: “Tonight we have seen demonstrations of what research at the University of South Wales is all about. Our academics are providing solutions to the very real problems that affect society and the economy, and these awards recognise the impact that this is having across the many sectors with whom we work.

“The impact of our research is felt far and wide, and in some areas we are leading the way in tackling global challenges. Congratulations to the very worthy winners here this evening – none of this important work would have taken place without your foresight, leadership and passion.”

Professor Paul Harrison, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, added: “I’d like to thank all of our external partners involved in each of the research projects being recognised tonight. We appreciate all the support they have given the university in sharing their knowledge and challenges, to help ensure that our research is both relevant and of value to society.

“Congratulations to all of our award winners for your truly outstanding work.”