Research Yearbook 2019 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019

Making a real-world difference

OUR research strategy at Edge Hill aims to raise the quality and significance of our work and establish partnerships that extend its reach and impact. Our third Research Yearbook highlights some of our progress towards these goals.

Funding and endorsement

In 2018-19, our income from research grants and contracts stood at £1,435,000, a significant increase on the previous year’s total of £917,000, this builds on a 103 per cent increase the year before. This funding includes endorsement from the EU, the UK’s research councils and major charities, the NHS, professional bodies, and national governments from outside this jurisdiction. For a new university, which received its own research-degree awarding powers just over a decade ago, this is a signal achievement.

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Partnership and co-operation also extends beyond these shores. Dr Mike Hartill’s research on safeguarding children in sport, for example, has become The brief accounts in the following pages introduce a number part of a European-wide network which he leads, involving six of important partnerships. These are increasingly global universities in different countries, and with funding from the EU. in character, but we remain true to our roots, as is amply documented by work reported on further education, healthcare, Likewise, work has expanded on widening access to higher and learning outside the classroom. Two of our three research education to address the transition into graduate employment, institutes have rebranded to better reflect their activity as and this has been taken up in relation to the creative industries they have matured: these are now the Institute for Social by a Liverpool-Shanghai partnership involving universities and Responsibility and the Health Research Institute. They, along private companies. The profiles in these pages provide a small with the Institute for Creative Enterprise, remain important sample of our research activities and their impact. vehicles for our partnership strategy.

Reach and impact

In REF 2014, our most accomplished impact case studies came from areas of national policy and professional practice, such George Talbot as safeguarding of children in sport and widening participation Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) in higher education. Work of that nature continues, but now and Dean of Arts and Sciences

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Contents

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Institute updates 5-10

Institute for Creative Enterprise 5

Health Research Institute 7

Institute for Social Responsibility 9

Global Issues 11-20

Ming Cheng 12

Claire Strode 13

Jo Crotty 15

Cherith Moses 17

Ruxandra Trandafoiu 19

Social Policy & Justice 21-26

Vicky Duckworth 22

Mark McGovern 23

Kim Cassidy 25

Art & Society 27-30

Helen O’Keeffe 28

Mari Hughes-Edwards 29

Mind & Body 31-38

Paul Simpson 32

Motonori Yamaguchi 33

Bhuvaneswari (Bibleraaj) Krishnamoorthy 35

Chris Greenough 37

News in Brief 39-42

Imogen Marcus 39

Mike Hartill 40

Richard Parrish 41

Kate Knighting 42

International student special focus: Elisha Omoso 43

4 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 Building relationships with cultural organisations

Working in collaboration with those outside of the academy to maximise impact is a priority for EHU. The Institute for Creative Enterprise was established to bring together academics, industry practitioners and communities, enabling them to share expertise and develop partnerships

THE Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE) is an interdisciplinary research forum that promotes collaboration between EHU researchers and external partners across the cultural industries and the creative and digital economy in the north west, nationally and internationally. Led by Director Professor Martin McQuillan since 2018, ICE has been working to establish long-term relationships of mutual benefit with cultural partners across the region. Through these collaborations, cultural organisations can leverage the resources of the University to address their own research questions and, in turn, ICE can facilitate pathways to impact for research carried out.

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• Sustainable careers and open institutions: working with cultural industries, practitioners, and research analogues to develop our understanding of how a regional and national infrastructure can support creative careers and break down barriers between institutions and the public

• Practice-based research and public audiences: developing models for the creation and dissemination of practice that engages public audiences, the media industry and communities, while balancing the non-commercial imperatives of research

• Cultural policy and critical theories: understanding the Martin McQuillan, needs of policy makers and cultural industries through the Professor of Philosophy of Literature and Media, and Director, ICE resources of critical thought in the theoretical tradition of the academic humanities.

The Institute has specific remits in relation to practice-based Addressing research needs research in the creative arts and policy research in media and the cultural industries. It also offers specialist work in the Using its resources of theoretical, historic and practice-based theoretical and critical investigation of cultural forms. academic research, ICE is helping its partners in the cultural industries tackle the pressing needs of the creative economy. Collaborations have been established with many external Various projects are underway with Arts Council England to partners – particularly in Liverpool and Manchester – including: deliver on its agenda for a new strategic plan. These projects Arts Council England, Bluecoat Liverpool, Creative Lancashire, include working with Bluecoat Liverpool to develop critical Culture Liverpool, Digital Lancashire, Doc Society, Everyman audience interaction in its gallery spaces and events programme, Cinemas, Everyman-Playhouse theatres, FACT, Google, and with the Everyman-Playhouse theatres to create new HOME, Hurricane Films, LA Productions, Liverpool Film Office, understandings of Shakespeare for new audiences. Another Liverpool Irish Festival, National Museums & Galleries Liverpool, project for Arts Council England, will see ICE helping Google Open Eye Gallery, RIBA North, Royal Court Liverpool, Sound and Digital Lancashire to connect small and medium enterprises City, Tate Liverpool, UNESCO, Unity Theatre and Writing on to the creative economy and a new generation of cultural the Wall. entrepreneurs. Meanwhile ICE will work with Hurricane Films to co-produce practice-based research projects in a commercial Thematic priorities context. Sound City and UNESCO are also benefiting from ICE expertise, with the aim of showcasing research developments in ICE has committed to the following thematic priorities for the next the music industry. Lastly, ICE is assisting Writing on the Wall three years: to open up critical spaces in the public discussion of literary and print culture. • Digital economy and creative enterprise: providing capability in the early adoption of information technologies by cultural industries, ICE is working between theoretical research in the humanities, audiences and practitioners, focusing on the transformational knowledge exchange within the creative economy, industrial effect that these technologies can have collaboration with cultural institutions, film and media production, and innovation in the emerging digital culture of the 21st century. • Connected communities through creative enterprise: The overarching aim is to place research at Edge Hill at the understanding the changing nature of communities in their historical heart of growth and social enrichment through the creative and cultural contexts, and the role of communities in sustaining economy and to mobilise it to the benefit of diverse audiences and enhancing our quality of life through creative enterprise across industry, policy making and the public.

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Addressing the challenges of 21st century healthcare

The Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI) at EHU has been relaunched as the Health Research Institute, aimed at strengthening collaborative health research across academia and with stakeholders

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SINCE its establishment in 2014, the Postgraduate Medical • Improving professional practice Institute (PGMI) formed a strong brand and attracted a portfolio of multi-disciplinary research that extends beyond traditional Professor Jeremy Brown, Professor John Sandars and Dr Axel medical approaches to reflect a broader multi-agency view Kaehne lead this research cluster. Activities focus on three of healthcare. To maintain future growth and more effectively main areas: performance enhancement in health professional encompass this broader definition of health research, the PGMI development, the impact and assessment of education in was restructured and relaunched as the Health Research health and other related professions – including theory-driven Institute in 2019. This strengthens its overall mission to facilitate approaches to the evaluation of education, and the evaluation and enable collaborative research across a range of academic of improvements to health care services. perspectives with external stakeholders in the NHS, social care, charities and other health-related organisations. • Public health

The Institute has developed collaborative research relationships Research in this cluster focuses on health inequalities, delivery with a number of tertiary and secondary care NHS Trusts and of public health interventions and the balance between clinical commissioning groups in the North West Coast region population and individual perspectives. There is also work on and beyond, as well as local councils, third sector organisations population musculoskeletal health led by Professor Paola Dey, and small businesses. Work at the Institute is driven by a Professor Matt Grieg, Dr Ben Langley and Dr Nicola Relph. A collective goal to grow locally-led health research by combining group led by Professor Stuart Fairclough, is exploring the impact clinical, academic and other regional strengths to attract of detrimental lifestyle-related behaviours, such as physical external funding. Successes to date have included National inactivity, sedentary behaviour and poor sleep, on child and Institute for Health (NIHR) research fellowships, funding from adolescent health, including movement behaviour interventions the Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) and Health Services to promote wellbeing. and Delivery Research Programme funding streams, and work commissioned by Health Education England. • Supporting care

Research platform: thematic areas In this cluster Professor Sally Spencer, Dr Carol Kelly and Dr Andy Levy lead work on systematic reviews and the The Health Research Institute serves as a research management of chronic respiratory conditions. Active research enabling platform for the following thematic areas which are topics include self-management strategies in bronchiectasis designed to harness complementary internal and external and emotional health in rehabilitation. Professor Mary O’Brien, research strengths: Professor Barbara Jack and Dr Kate Knighting, lead work on the management of palliative and end of life care. Active projects • Children, young people and families include characterisation of respite care services for young people with life-limiting conditions and further development of The work of this group focuses on young people with complex the Carers Alert Thermometer (CAT). needs, those requiring palliative care and those living with long- term conditions. Teams within this cluster, led by Professor Bernie Carter and Professor Lucy Bray, have a particular interest in pain management, support and information for children and young people undergoing clinical procedures in hospital.

• Health and wellbeing

This cluster focuses on the impact of lifestyle factors on health across the life course. This includes the role of the For more information, arts, psychotherapy and creative psychotherapy in health, led by Professor Vicky Karkou; the influence of digital technology visit: www.edgehill.ac.uk/ and data analytics in enabling good health, led by Professor healthresearchinstitute/ Ella Pereira; and the management of sickness absence, stress and resilience in healthcare settings, led by Professor Paresh Wankhade.

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Institute for Social Responsibility

The Institute for Public Policy and Professional Practice (I4P) at Edge Hill University was established in 2013 as a response to the impact of the global crises post 2008 and the impact of the austerity measures in the UK. It has since been renamed the Institute for Social Responsibility (ISR) to reflect its broadening scope of themes, concepts and activities

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a platform for knowledge exchange, and assesses the impact of UK public policy through its Evaluation and Policy Analysis (EPA).

ISR supports research activity within the University, hosts lectures, an annual seminar series, and visiting scholars. It also co-hosts the Festival of Ideas with its sister institutes, the Institute for Creative Enterprise and the Health Research Institute.

Broadening remit

Over the years, the range and scope of interdisciplinary work undertaken by academics affiliated to the Institute has grown significantly. It now encapsulates interests ranging from migration and race, gender, and animal welfare to poverty, corporate responsibility, human rights, sustainability and civil society development.

Keen to further the knowledge exchange (KE) agenda, the newly- launched ISR now supports member-led projects, including two pilot studies on regional sustainability and the civic role of universities. ISR also plans to contribute to the University’s broader research environment, providing research training, and an annual writing retreat. In addition, ISR will support affiliated research centres with provision for interdisciplinary activities.

ISR’s new Evaluation and Policy Analysis Unit (https://www. edgehill.ac.uk/epau/) – a centre set up to complete external policy evaluation commissions – also expands the Institute’s role and remit and is already working with the NHS and the European Commission among others. Alongside this, ISR will look to create Continuing Professional Development training targeted at both the public and third sectors.

We are all living and working in a time of transition and change. ISR provides a ‘home’ to those who want to reflect and to think strategically and differently about conceptualisations of social responsibility in our changing world.

THE Institute for Social Responsibility (ISR), led by Director Professor Jo Crotty, is an interdisciplinary, cross-departmental hub, co-ordinating and supporting research, promoting practitioner and community engagement and assessing public policy within the sphere of social responsibility.

Since its inception, ISR (previously the Institute for Public Policy For more information visit: and Professional Practice – I4P), has hosted more than 100 www.edgehill.ac.uk/isr/ public events and informed and shaped public policy through its work in a range of areas.

Embracing a range of conceptualisations of social responsibility from the public, private and third sectors, ISR both initiates and supports research, provides an interface for practitioners and academics to inform new ways of working and learning, creates

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Edge Hill’s research strives to understand changes and developments both at home and internationally. It seeks to make a material difference to people’s lives and to enhance understanding across cultures.

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Capacity building through international exchange

Higher education institutions and employers need to work more closely together to ensure that graduates are job ready for the creative industries. Researchers in the UK and China are working with employers and creative practitioners to find solutions that will help young people gain the knowledge, skills and experience they need to hit the ground running

Professor Ming Cheng (Faculty of Education) is the principal investigator of the project and leads a team of 14 academics and creative professionals from EHU, York St John University, Foundation, Art & Creative Technology (FACT), Modern Sky, Culture, Tourism and Sport Select Committee, Tongji University, Shanghai Industrial Design Association, Zhida Technology Limited, and Frog Design.

Fostering creative talent

Team members’ visits to Liverpool and Shanghai in 2019 are generating opportunities to establish new business partnerships, develop education and industrial training provisions, and create a joint programme of research into creative career paths, increasing the flow of creative talent within and between the UK and China. Ming Cheng, Professor of Higher Education Two international symposiums have been held in Shanghai and Liverpool. They have provided space for key stakeholders GRADUATE job readiness and the mismatch of expectations (researchers, students, creative practitioners and employers) between employers and educational providers on the role and to share perspectives, expectations and practices to develop requirements of industry training provision are key issues facing creative talents, and identify innovative practices that are the creative industries in China and the UK. culturally-specific and can be used to develop training provisions.

The project, ‘Educational enterprise collaborations between This research project will lead to rich opportunities for research- Shanghai and Liverpool’, proposes that educational providers industry exchanges between Liverpool and Shanghai, building move beyond chasing rapidly changing technology and on the two cities’ shared heritage and strong political, cultural business practice, and concentrate on preparing young people and economic relations. The activities will also form the basis for to co-produce skills through formal training, work experience a major research grant application on developing international and informal practice, designed and delivered in partnership creative talents. with industry.

Funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) UK-China Creative Industries Partnership Development Grant, this project brings researchers, employers, and creative practitioners together to establish a new international network and identify best practice to support young people to become creative talents.

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The battle to control the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti

Three billion resistant people could be at risk of diseases such as Zika and yellow fever as mosquitos become ever more resistant to the insecticides used to halt their spread. New research aims to uncover more about insecticide resistance and how mosquitoes are adapting

THE mosquito Aedes aegypti transmits the diseases dengue, (Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia), and Jasmine Morgan Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever. The ability of this mosquito (Graduate Teaching Assistant/PhD student, EHU), conducted to expand its habitat range across the world puts over three billion a project funded by the British Council Newton Fund that people at risk from these diseases. In the absence of suitable investigated insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti across vaccines (except for yellow fever), targeting the mosquito with Colombia, where the diseases are endemic. insecticides is the main method of disease prevention. The global spread of insecticide resistance now threatens our ability Worryingly, the research identified varying levels of resistance to control the mosquito, allowing it to spread further, including to insecticides used to prevent dengue and Zika in Ae. aegypti isolated reports from Europe. populations collected from houses and schools in 10 cities across Colombia – in some areas resistance levels were Dr Clare Strode (Reader in Vector Biology, Department extremely high. The research also identified a new variant of a of Biology) and colleagues Professor Omar Triana Chavez genetic mutation that blocks the insecticide from binding to the

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There is an ‘arms“ race’ unfolding with mosquitoes, and there is a desperate need to develop new tools to prevent the spread of disease as they rapidly adapt to established ones.

Clare Strode, Reader in Vector Biology

nerve channel of the mosquito which, in non-mutated insects, Initiating change results in death. The findings of the research have been reported to local health The research is now being expanded to look at the response of authorities in Colombia who are now aware that they have a over 15,000 genes to insecticide pressure, in order to identify potential problem with the current use of insecticides for dengue those that are responsible for resistance, in addition to the outbreaks. This allows them to then make informed choices genetic mutations already found. Leading on from the work in about where and when to apply insecticides. Colombia, Jasmine is investigating cuticular resistance which involves adaptations of the mosquito’s ‘skin’ that prevents During field collections of mosquitoes, people living in at risk insecticides from penetrating the insect, thereby acting as a first communities were provided with explanations of the biology and line of defence. ecology of mosquitoes. They were shown simple methods of reducing Ae. aegypti breeding habitats, which do not involve Genetic adaptation chemicals, such as emptying water storage jars once a week to break the lifecycle of the mosquito. This study is vital as it is the first country-wide profiling of insecticide resistance in the dengue mosquito from Colombia. It Importantly, the beneficiaries of the research will be people living shows that Colombia has a significant problem with resistance, under the threat of mosquito borne disease, as the reporting of and this will hamper the ability of local health authorities to resistance leads to rational use of insecticides and an impetus control the mosquito and prevent diseases. to develop novel control methods.

The discovery of a new variant of genetic mutations expands our knowledge of how mosquitoes are genetically adapting to combat insecticides. Scientists working on mosquitoes in other countries will be able to screen local Ae. aegypti populations for the same mutation, to provide a better understanding of how these mutations are spreading.

There is an ‘arms race’ unfolding with mosquitoes, and there is a desperate need to develop new tools to prevent the spread of disease as they rapidly adapt to established ones. The research adds to the evidence that controlling vectors (i.e. carriers) with insecticides is not a sustainable approach.

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Survival strategies in Russia’s third sector

Since 2000, Russia’s third sector has been banned from using overseas donor monies to support operations. New research has revealed that despite no longer being financially independent, Russian non-profits have adopted clever strategies to work around restrictions on their activities

A thriving third sector is viewed as an essential element Challenging conventional perceptions for any functioning democracy. Groups independent of the state collectively advocate on issues of concern to the wider A project led by Professor Jo Crotty (Director of the Institute for population, such as environmental protection and human rights. Social Responsibility, and Professor of Management, Edge Hill In so doing, they bridge the gap between the individual and Business School), in collaboration with Dr Sergej Ljubownikow the state by providing a conduit to express discontentment (Lecturer in Strategic Management, Sheffield Management regarding public policy. School) sought to challenge predominant views of the third sector post 2000. When the Soviet Union came to an end on Christmas Day 1991, it was assumed that new democratic freedoms would allow The researchers examined strategies adopted in the a third sector to flourish in the Russian Federation and other prevailing hostile operating environment through interviews successor states. The reality, however, has been very different. and observations of health and social care non-profits in two Although thousands of advocacy groups emerged during the provincial Russian cities. The work revealed that rather than 1990s, charitable giving was in its infancy. In the absence of acquiescing to this hostile environment, Russian non-profits domestic funding, most sought support from enthusiastic have adopted strategies to work around the restrictions on overseas donors keen to support building a democracy. This their activity and, therefore, continue to be advocates for approach detached such groups from the Russian people. As their constituents. a result, while attempting to hold the Russian state to account, groups failed to build bridges with the wider population. Strategies used by the third sector

On coming to the presidency in 2000, Vladimir Putin viewed this The first strategy was to build substantive relationships with detached third sector as a channel for overseas interference in the state officials. Developing these relationships meant that Russian affairs. He therefore passed laws to limit its ability to despite having limited influence over public policy, individual operate. All non-profit groups must now register their activity groups could determine how public policy was deployed. By with the state and seek permission to protest publicly. The use working in combination with the state, groups in the study of overseas donor monies has also been outlawed – replaced succeeded in making public buildings accessible for the by state funding – effectively ending the Russian third sector’s disabled, securing HIV treatment for drug users and providing financial independence. ex-offender support services.

With this false start, and now operating in an environment Groups also worked directly with the state to provide hospice hostile to the existence of an independent third sector, care and children’s education projects. The second strategy the predominant view is that what remains of Russia’s third was to protect these relationships with key state actors by sector can neither challenge public policy nor represent the closing their groups to outsiders. Instead, they engaged the wider population. public via volunteering opportunities and community events,

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Despite assumptions“ that Russia’s third sector has been contained by the state, research shows that groups continue to shape the way public policy is deployed and engage with the public.

Jo Crotty, Professor of Managment and Director, Institute for Social Responsibility

including summer camps and sporting events for children, with wider Russian public to actively participate in third sector activity medical professionals donating their time for free. Many groups is limited. Curiously, this is both a positive and negative finding. also asked the public for donations, such as nappies, wipes, Rather than giving up, the groups that make up Russia’s third clothes and furniture. sector have found ways to work within the prevailing environment and make an impact on individuals. What they are unable to Limitations on activities do, however, is take an overt political stance on the substantive nature of that public policy. Despite assumptions that Russia’s third sector has been contained by the state, research shows that groups continue Traditional definitions of what makes a third sector would view to shape the way public policy is deployed and engage with the this as failure. Groups are not bridging the space between the public. In this respect, it indicates that there is cause for hope individual and state or holding it to account. They are instead that the Russian state is not operating unchecked, and that partnering with the state and viewing the wider population as the wider Russian population are not disconnected from social a resource or passive participants facilitating their activity. Our activism and public engagement. findings are therefore a challenge to this ‘traditional’ definition. Without the specific contextualisation of this research, the This all unfolded, however, in a context where public policy was ongoing activity and contribution to civic life in Russia by the not directly challenged as the regulatory environment made third sector, and the strategies deployed therein, would have it too risky. Having built relationships to ensure involvement been missed. in the deployment of state policy, groups could not risk these by challenging the policy itself. This approach left groups in a Global influences precarious operating position; exposed to the will and whims of individuals within various state agencies. Despite restrictions being placed on its activity, Russia’s third sector does not operate in a vacuum; global influences such as Furthermore, key relationships were protected by keeping the recent climate change protests and gender equality, may groups small – limited to insulated clusters of trusted individuals, provide refreshed impetus. The plan is to explore the impact of rather than having open memberships. The role of the wider global influences on the Russian third sector in our next project public was restricted to participating in events, rather than ‘#MeToo and the Russian women’s movement’. shaping the direction of specific groups.

Third sector failure?

Far from being ineffective and inactive, the Russian third sector is able to shape how policy is deployed and engage the public. To protect its ability to do this, however, opportunities for the

16 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 GLOBAL ISSUES Impacts of climate change on Thailand’s coasts

Coastal erosion and flooding is a serious concern in Thailand, potentially affecting more than 11 million people. A large research project is underway to assess the impact climate change could have on the Thai coast and in turn improve resilience and adaptation measures

Cherith Moses, Professor of Geomorphology and Head of Geography and Geology

PROFESSOR Cherith Moses (Head of the Department enhance the resilience and adaptation potential of coastal Geography and Geology) is leading the ‘Thai Coast: Coastal communities, applying natural and social sciences research Vulnerability, Resilience and Adaptation in Thailand’ project. The to inform more robust and cost-effective governance and chief goal of the study is to improve scientific understanding of institutional arrangements. the vulnerability of Thailand’s shoreline and coastal communities to hydro-meteorological hazards – including storms, floods and The study aims to establish causal links between climate coastal erosion – under future climate change scenarios. change, coastal erosion and flooding and use this information to assess the interaction of natural and social processes in order to In Thailand the problems of coastal erosion and flooding require enhance coastal community resilience and future sustainability. immediate solutions because they affect more than 11 million people living in coastal zone communities (17% of the country’s The Thai Coast project is a £504,024 study funded by the Natural population). The project addresses specific research identified Environment Research Council (NERC), the Economic and by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Thailand Research in the Thai Government’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Fund (Newton Fund). The project is conducted in collaboration Environment, who have calculated that each year erosion with the DMCR, Mahidol University, Thammasat University causes Thailand to lose 30 km2 of coastal land. and Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, University of Sussex, University of Brighton, Ambiental Environmental Assessment, The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy UK, and the National Centre for Atmospheric Research, US. and Planning predicts that sea level will rise by one metre in the next 40-100 years, affecting at least 3,200 km2 of coastal Climate change and sustainability land, through erosion and flooding, at a potential financial cost to Thailand of 3 billion baht (almost £70 million) over that The Thai Coast project focuses on two study areas – Nakhon Si time period. Thammarat province and Krabi province – selected on the basis of the DMCR coastal erosion data and with contrasting natural The DMCR works solely on the natural/physical environment and socio-economic characteristics. and, for planning coastal community resilience, has established the need to incorporate socio-economic and policy aspects. The study is innovative in that it uses a multidisciplinary approach, The Thai Coast project addresses the urgent need to integrating climate science, geomorphology, socio-economics,

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health and wellbeing science and geo-information technology their health, wellbeing and socio-economic status. The project to improve understanding of hydro-meteorological hazard will seek to understand their needs and build community occurrence, their physical and socioeconomic, health and awareness of viable adaptation strategies, and pathways to wellbeing impacts on Thailand’s coastal zone, and the ways resilient coastal communities. in which governance and institutional arrangements mitigate this impact. Capacity development

The project examines future scenarios of climate change The Thai Coast project benefits the international research hydrometeorology, coastal landform and land use change community, both in academia and research consultancy, scenarios, while assessing impacts (coastal erosion, river and across a range of disciplines e.g. climate science, hydrology, marine flooding, impacts on health and wellbeing). It also focuses geomorphology, engineering, environmental modelling, on population and community’s adaptation, and socio-economic economics, migration, wellbeing. In the longer-term, coastal scenarios for sustainable development goals (sustainable cities, environment/land itself will benefit through more effective health-related quality of life and wellbeing, good governance). management and governance in relation to shoreline processes to ensure effective approaches to the mitigation of hydro- Understanding sediment movement meteorological hazards under future climate change scenarios.

The Thai Coast project is complemented by the project ‘Climate The project teams are working with government agencies and Change, Coastal Erosion and Risks of Flooding to Low-Lying policy makers to co-develop training programme resources, Coastlines Subject to Tropical Storms, Thailand’. The £24,833 enhancing capacity through knowledge exchange. In February study is funded by the EHU Global Challenges Research 2019, Dr Kanchana Nakhapakorn from Mahidol University, Fund (GCRF) and led by EHU’s Professor Irene Delgado- Thailand, developed and delivered a training course to the Fernández and co-investigators Cherith, Dr Anna Jones and DMCR on the use of geographical information systems for PhD student Nicholas O’Keeffe. shoreline monitoring.

The project brings expertise in sandy coastlines and river During the project launch meeting in March 2019 stakeholders sediment transport that will consolidate understanding of and end-users engaged with the research teams in workshops sediment movement, from river catchments to the shoreline. on hydrometeorological boundary conditions, scenario modelling Together, the collaborative teams of natural and social and hazard assessment; coastal vulnerability assessment, scientists, from UK, US and Thai research institutions, have coping mechanisms and resilience; and good governance and complementary, cutting-edge expertise and are working closely sustainable coastal communities. with the Thai Government, as well as UK and Thai industry partners, to ensure that results are policy and practice-relevant. Workshops have also been held in the Governor’s Office of each of the two study sites’ Provincial Administrative Organisation Influencing policy change to introduce the research project, strengthen the relationship between key organisations and collect initial data to inform the New science-based knowledge from this research will foster new project work. Participants have included the Provincial Offices policy approaches at different levels of governance to promote of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Fisheries, Public Health, shoreline management actions tailored to predicted hydro- Tourism and Sport, Agriculture, Town and Country Planning, meteorological events under climate change. Business/industry Social Development and Human Security, Industry and Health interests in the coastal zone, important to the Thai economy, are Promotion Centre. a potential development conflict in relation to coastal protection. At the start of 2019, Tropical Storm Pabuk hit the southern The researchers, along with the DMCR, will assess Thai coastal region of Thailand, including one of the project study sites – zone policy, including the extent to which urban-industrial Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The storm, thought to be the development is permitted to intrude upon coastal regions. worst that has hit the region for 30 years, caused surges and They will also consider the concerns of relevant actors in flood-damaged houses, powerlines and transport routes. The tourism, aquaculture and associated industry and business e.g. rains also triggered flash floods in several coast provinces. multinational companies, SMEs, tourism, transport, agricultural The Thai Coast project team is working to enable increased and health care sectors. preparedness and resilience for future events, which may become more regular because of climate change. The wider public who inhabit Thailand’s coastal communities, permanently or temporarily, for work or leisure, and including international communities who visit Thailand, are also important to the economy, and hydro-meteorological hazards affect

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Politics from afar

Romanian diasporas have become increasingly influential political actors in their home country. Understanding how Romanian migrant groups in Europe and North America use social media for political engagement is a topic under study at EHU

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Increasingly, “what Romanian diasporas think, what they talk about online and how they vote in homeland elections needs to be understood and captured.

Ruxandra Trandafoiu, Reader in Media and Communications

SEVERAL years ago, Dr Ruxandra Trandafoiu (Reader in Media as a migrant group, how they live their transnational lives and and Communications, Department of Media) carried out a study how they become political players in international relations. into how the largest Romanian migrant groups in Europe and North America use the internet for political engagement and to To further the research, Ruxandra is now working closely with improve their lives as diasporas. the recently established Romanian consulate in Manchester and the new Romanian British Society in Liverpool. The At the time, the Romanian community in the UK was relatively Romanian consul, Andreea Berechet, visited EHU last year and, small compared to other Eastern European groups. In 2018, in November, helped co-organise a cultural event in the Media Romanian became the second most common Department, occasioned by the Romanian non-British nationality, surpassing Irish and centenary of the Great Union in 2018. Indian for the first time. Officially, there are Ruxandra will rely on already established now around 400,000 Romanians in the UK, partnerships like these as she continues but unofficially probably double the number. to share her research with the Romanian community and Romanian policy makers. Romanians abroad have become influential political actors in their homeland, with the At the moment, Ruxandra is monitoring the diaspora vote playing a key role in Romanian most active Facebook groups in the North general and presidential elections. Recently, West of England, where discussions move Ruxandra advised the Romanian political seamlessly from Brexit to the Romanian party, the Save Romania Union – currently presidential elections later this year representing one of the Romanian diaspora (2019). What fascinates her is Romanian constituencies – on how best to respond diasporas’ ability to expertly negotiate the to the needs of the Romanian diaspora, in two geographical, cultural and political preparation for the next general election. spaces; to express complex cultural and political identities and to live fluid lives. Most A million Romanians who live abroad travelled to Bucharest in importantly, this double anchoring in two realities, helps develop August 2018 to protest the government’s intrusion into judiciary a reflexive, critical stance, that allows diasporas to activate their freedom and against corruption. Their mobilisation took place transnational resources and mobilise at key political times. on social media, which they use for information, as well as reflective debate and action. Ruxandra plans to extend the research into working more closely with Romanian community groups, diasporic cultural Increasingly, what Romanian diasporas think, what they talk associations and political parties, allowing her to better about online and how they vote in homeland elections needs to understand their international engagement and an increased be understood and captured. Similarly, their engagement with role in Romanian-British relations. political processes and their use of social media to better their lives in their host country, is a conduit to identifying their needs

20 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 SOCIAL POLICY AND JUSTICE

Issues of social policy, justice and inclusion have long been central to Edge Hill’s research. The studies highlighted here explore these issues from different perspectives and seek to suggest solutions for some major social challenges.

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Further education transforms lives and communities

Since 2009, further education in England and the UK has been subject to considerable cuts, negatively affecting communities and the education sector. A recent study provides powerful evidence of how further education is vital in transforming lives and communities in 21st century Britain

Vicky Duckworth, Hidden benefits Professor of Further Education The research utilised a mixed method approach to capture the rich narratives of students, teachers, family members, friends, OVER the past decade, policy makers have marginalised employers and communities. The diversity of participants further education more than any other education sector. Severe necessitated an exploration of their views framed by a broad cuts to further education in England and the UK have hurt analysis of the educational landscape. the communities that colleges serve and penalised staff who work tirelessly to provide transformative teaching and learning Sharp focus was given to the important – and often hidden – experiences. Vicky Duckworth (Professor of Further Education) work of further education colleges. The research team focused is a member of the Labour lifelong learning commission panel on the social benefits that are not typically measured in a sector with the recent interim report published which recognises that that, in response to government and funding policies, has lifelong learning has the potential to transform the life chances, built up cultures and practices that focus instead on social engagement and wellbeing of millions, as well as to measurable outcomes. transform Britain’s economy. The belief in carrying out this research lies in the theory that Further education can provide a model for a renewed metrics alone give an inaccurate and slanted view of the understanding of lifelong learning in which transformative enormous importance of further education. The narratives of teaching and learning could be the norm – enabling it to transformative teaching and learning are a way of articulating exponentially increase colleges’ contributions to the social and some of these hidden benefits and releasing the full value of economic benefits they already make. further education as provided by local colleges. Indeed, the study exposed what makes further education unique. Transformative learning Connecting with stakeholders A study led by Vicky in collaboration with Dr Rob Smith (Reader in Education, Birmingham City University), offers a powerful The Further Education in England: Transforming Lives and evidence base to support the contention that the ‘transformative’ Communities ‘live’ interactive platform (http://transforminglives. aspect of the research participants’ educational experiences web.ucu.org.uk) and its associated Twitter feed (@ was an effect of a multitude of variables, but that the teachers’ FETransforms) offer an interactive forum that has become a role in this transformative aspect was a crucial facilitating factor. way of connecting the project to local, national and international teachers, learners, employers, diverse communities and The research project provides robust evidence of how further policy makers. education is vital in transforming lives and communities in 21st century Britain. It also indicates how further education is an The website also provides timely evidence of how further important lever for supporting social justice and social cohesion, education has played – and continues to play – a vital role presenting a picture of colleges challenging intergenerational in transforming lives, families and communities in Britain by poverty and offering people from diverse communities hope and providing educational opportunities across age ranges and a positive orientation towards the future. disciplines, often at the heart of communities.

22 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 SOCIAL POLICY AND JUSTICE

Legacies of conflict

Professor Mark McGovern has spent many years investigating collusion and counterinsurgency in Northern Ireland and has now released a book that details previously unpublished evidence of killings that took place by loyalist paramilitary groups in Mid-Ulster. This work will support efforts to deal with the past and contribute to public debate on legacy issues

PAST conflict in Northern Ireland remains a fraught, contentious with paramilitary organisations during the ‘Troubles’, and what and deeply emotive issue. A recent example can be seen in the this tells us about the conduct of counterinsurgency and counter- strong reactions to the decision to prosecute one of the British terror campaigns here and elsewhere. soldiers believed responsible for the 1972 ‘Bloody Sunday’ killing of 14 innocent civilians in Derry. State violence, collusion and counterinsurgency

Government plans agreed in 2015 for comprehensive ‘legacy’ Mark McGovern (Professor of Sociology, Department of mechanisms to be put in place, but this has yet to be realised, Social Sciences) has conducted decades of research into and a 2018 public consultation on measures garnered state violence, collusion and counterinsurgency in Northern over 16,000 (wildly varying) responses. Rancour over the Ireland. His findings are presented in Counterinsurgency and potential investigation of conflict killings perpetrated by other Collusion in Northern Ireland (Pluto, 2019). The book examines British soldiers – not least among members of the British several dozen killings of republicans, and members of their Government – makes any resolution of these issues an ever families and communities, by loyalist paramilitary groups that more distant prospect. took place in Mid-Ulster, and draws on previously unpublished evidence, and original testimony from victims’ families and Among the most controversial and fiercely debated questions eyewitnesses. The research was supported by a British concerns the extent, scope and nature of British state collusion Academy grant.

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There are lessons“ here, too, about how we might critically evaluate models of conflict resolution and transformation for the future in the light of these experiences

Mark McGovern, Professor of Sociology

Placing these accounts within a wider critical analysis of the Mark explains the importance of studying historic cases: ‘Most nature of British counterinsurgency and the state use of agents of the killings examined in my work took place during the late and informers, Counterinsurgency and Collusion raises troubling 1980s and early 1990s, against the backdrop of the “endgame” questions about the role played by state agencies in many politics of the conflict,’ he says. ‘So the detailed exploration of of these deaths by charting a story of covert, deniable and such cases also raises important issues about the balance of unlawful violence. violence, force and dialogue that framed the emergence of the Irish peace process that led to the signing of the 1998 Good Many of the cases at the heart of this research are also the Friday Agreement. There are lessons here, too, about how subject of ongoing inquiries and judicial processes, including we might critically evaluate models of conflict resolution and long-delayed inquests and civil proceedings. Most form part transformation for the future in the light of these experiences.’ of a linked and large-scale official investigation currently being carried out by the independent office of the Police Ombudsman Given a resurgence of interest in counterinsurgency in the wake for Northern Ireland. of the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, understanding the dynamics of collusion provides a prism through which the The research is therefore designed to be more than an academic nature of British counterinsurgency practice can be critically exercise. It aims to cast a light in support of efforts to deal with assessed, and insights offered for how we might understand the past, to contribute to public debate on legacy issues and to such pressing issues today. In that sense, the story of collusion impact directly by promoting a human rights-based culture as casts a unique light on the nature of covert state violence and part of the work of conflict transformation. human rights violations, with a significance that goes far beyond Ireland and the Irish conflict. In that vein, Mark has worked closely with and on behalf of victims’ families, from a range of backgrounds, and human rights NGOs over many years. More recently this has included providing expert testimony for high profile conflict-related inquests, such as the focus on the 1974 IRA Birmingham Pub Bombings and court cases.

Learning from the past

To further highlight the importance of legacy and human rights for conflict transition, throughout 2019, in collaboration with human rights groups working on behalf of families, Mark is holding a series of public talks and events in Belfast, Dublin, and London, as well as a tour of several US cities – including New York, Boston, Chicago and Washington. Mark will also provide expert testimony at Congressional hearings in Washington and for the Irish parliament.

24 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 SOCIAL POLICY AND JUSTICE

Reshaping town centres

The rise of online shopping over the past decade has had a major impact on the high street, forcing many retail stores to close. Researchers have been studying the strategies used by retailers in town centres to remain relevant

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The study adopts a case methodology drawing on data submitted and analysed as part of the evidence review for the Grimsey Review 2 (GR2) – an independent review of UK town centres published in 2018 and building on an earlier report published in 2013. As a member of the review team, Kim analysed the dataset which provides examples of good practice sourced from industry leaders, trade bodies, local authorities and extensive social media engagement.

The review of best practice suggests that physical retailers have the best chance of survival if they proactively work with other actors within a wider community hub solution and align their strategic position and operations to a holistic ‘centre place plan’. They should also take steps to actively engage with consumers in creating innovative physical store experiences. Kim Cassidy, Professor of Services Marketing The work was conducted in collaboration with highly experienced retailer Bill Grimsey, who previously held CEO posts at Wickes, the Big Food Group and Focus DIY. Other collaborators include RETAIL high streets and places play a crucial role in the Dr Sheilagh Resnick (Senior Lecturer) and Nelson Blackley economic and social health of towns and cities worldwide. Over (Research Fellow) both from Nottingham Business School, the past decade an increase in online shopping, competition Nottingham Trent University, and Vanessa Dehullu, the leader from out-of-town ‘one stop’ retail developments and the rise of the economic development of the municipality of Roeselare of a convenience culture, has meant many traditional retailers in Belgium. have closed tens of thousands of physical stores in town centres across the globe, with shop vacancies reaching a disappointingly Renew and reshape high level. The research represents one piece in a wider project exploring Many see this downward trajectory continuing with predictions ways to improve the position of retail within town centres across of more physical store closures and a dramatic reduction in the UK and Europe. This is clearly a major policy priority for footfall in town centres. New research, however, offers some the UK Government. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and optimism for traditional retailers in the context of a generally Local Government recently launched a plan for the high street, gloomy outlook. with £675m allocated to help ‘renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that improves experience, drives Best practice growth and ensures future sustainability’.

Kim Cassidy (Professor of Marketing, Business School) led the The importance of the research is evident in the fact that the research project, ‘The future of physical retail and its role in the findings are shaping the expressions of interest from several high street ecosystem’, to identify and reflect on strategies high UK councils who are applying for a share of this fund. In street retailers have recently employed to remain profitable. The addition, many of the examples included in the dataset are cited research provides an evaluation of best practice in town centre as best practice in the recent House of Commons, Housing, regeneration implemented between 2013 and 2018 and offers Communities and Local Government Select Committee’s ‘High a rich bank of examples, illustrating how physical retailers are streets and town centres in 2030 inquiry’. There remains a future responding to the 21st century challenges facing town centres. It in town centres. also proposes recommendations for further improvement.

26 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 ART AND SOCIETY

The interface of art and society is a rich seam of research at Edge Hill; here we focus on two projects that look at the importance of art and artistic practice to society.

Schools-in-residence at Tate Liverpool

Galleries and museums offer a wealth of learning resources that are often under utilised by schools. A project exploring the barriers to and benefits of art engagement in teaching was conducted at the Tate Liverpool, offering valuable insights into learning outside the classroom

Helen O’Keeffe, Associate Dean, Faculty of Education

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RESEARCHERS at EHU have been exploring ways to promote it provides evidence for developing ways to co-create with the use of art collections in education. Rather than offering a schools and make children’s cultural learning and knowledge gallery-led education experience, they have been investigating more visible. the training, resources and support required to encourage schools and teachers to access independently cultural venues Research-led practice to deliver their day-to-day curriculum. They have also been exploring how a gallery or museum can develop knowledge For the schools involved in the first stage of research, the study about its collection through the lens of the children and teachers has developed their skills and experience in using cultural involved in residency – as it would with a philosopher, writer or venues, while providing an insight into research-led practice. artist in residence. The children involved became more knowledgeable about the cultural offer within their local area and in many cases shared The project is led by Dr Helen O’Keeffe (Associate Dean, this enthusiasm with family and friends, encouraging them Faculty of Education) and Dr Deborah Riding of Tate Liverpool to visit the gallery after school and at weekends, often for the in collaboration with Cait Talbot Landers (Senior Lecturer in Art first time. (Primary), Department of Children, Education and Communities) and Nichola Grimshaw (Assistant Head of Primary & Early The children were also invited to view themselves as Years, Department of Children, Education and Communities). researchers, learning more about what research can mean and how it is relevant to their lived experience. Both teachers and Engagement and ownership children learned more about various roles and career pathways in the arts – an identified concern for primary schools. Findings in phase 1 of the project show a significant barrier for teachers’ engagement with artwork in the gallery. Although Speaking on behalf of Tate Liverpool, Deborah highlights how it reveals increasing ownership of the physical spaces in the the project has benefited the schools involved and continues gallery, teachers involved were sometimes limited in their use to support the gallery’s innovative approach to working with of artworks as curriculum resources. In interview, they indicated schools: ‘The schools involved so far have seen development in that the main reason for this was a feeling that they required children’s communication skills, confidence and cultural capital,’ specialist knowledge. Data analysis also indicated that there she explains. ‘Teachers have reported an increase in skills and were anxieties about perceived lack of control in a non-school confidence in using the gallery spaces and Tate’s collection context and a nervousness about exposing their practice to and the value of being to spend quality time in a new context the gallery staff and general public. Phase 2 of the project will learning with their pupils and reflecting on their own practice. At examine how the gallery can boost teacher confidence in using the gallery we have learnt new things about our collection and the artwork within their curriculum. how to provide a welcoming and creative learning experience for primary teachers and pupils.’ The children involved were hugely positive about the experience and there was evidence of increased cultural capital and Further residencies ownership of the gallery spaces. Focus group data revealed that children involved felt that they had been given increasing The next stage of the study will be to run a minimum of two freedom and responsibility throughout the residency and had further residencies in the next academic year and seek funding learned in a more engaged and dynamic way. to support three more in the following year. This will enable the University and Gallery to identify and test out a programme of Towards co-learning professional development to enable schools involved to make rich connections to their local cultural offer and develop learning This research brings together learning outside classroom outside the classroom practice. For the Gallery it provides an agendas alongside current participatory agendas in galleries opportunity to examine how invitations to co-create with this and museums. There is limited research into how these two audience are made and subsequently supported. strands can create a model for genuine co-learning; yet, at a time in the UK when cultural education is at risk, the development This work connects closely with key priorities identified within of this meaningful collaboration between schools and Liverpool and there is potential for this model to be rolled out to cultural organisations offers a strategic solution for other cultural establishments within the area. sustainable engagement.

For the education sector it provides valuable evidence for learning outside classroom approaches and much-needed insight into the training and professional development needs required to implement programmes that schools can initiate and deliver independently. Meanwhile, for museums and galleries,

28 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 ART AND SOCIETY Celebrating a lifetime of literary achievement

Mari Hughes-Edwards, Reader in English Literature

British poet Dame Carol Ann Duffy has made a significant contribution to literature over the past 45 years, most notably during her appointment as the UK Poet Laureate between 2009 and 2019. Her literary and political achievements, in addition to her work for women and the development of queer identities, were celebrated in a conference held in September 2019

DR Mari Hughes-Edwards (Reader in English Literature, Legacy of the Laureateship Department of English, History & Creative Writing) was awarded British Academy funding to organise a conference By focusing on Dame Carol Ann’s work, the conference exploring the impact and legacy of the UK Poet Laureateship evaluated the significance of the first female poet laureateship of the contemporary British poet, Dame Carol Ann Duffy. The and its legacy for literature, politics, women’s issues and conference, held in September 2019, reflected on this historic queer identities. It also interrogated the purpose and value of UK Poet Laureateship – the first to be held by a woman. It the laureateship as part of wider debate about the future of evaluated 45 years of her literary work in the light of 10 years of British poetry. her public engagement with the people of the UK, and the world, as the country’s literary figurehead. The conference brought In a time of global austerity and cultural change, the speakers together national and international scholars, practitioners, debated key areas of creative challenge for those working in the media and creative industries experts. poetry and wider creative industries. By interrogating 45 years of Dame Carol Ann’s literary work and public engagement, the Three aspects of Dame Carol Ann’s creative identity were conference provided one of the first opportunities to offer a highlighted: her literary (specifically her poetic) legacy, her holistic assessment of the impact and legacy of her laureateship. political legacy (relating to local, national and international activism), and the legacy of her life and work for women and the Many of the issues explored at the conference are reflected development of queer identities. In addition to its specific focus in Mari’s own monograph, ‘Love, Lust, Loss’: The Poetry of on this Poet Laureate’s life and work, the conference culminated Carol Ann Duffy (forthcoming, Manchester University Press, with a panel discussion featuring experts from the television, 2020), which is the first book to detail Dame Carol Ann’s work publishing and poetry industries about the purpose and value of from 1973 to 2018. It also reflects 15 years of Mari’s wider the laureateship itself and the future of British poetry. research interests in the fields of contemporary British poetry, contemporary literature and feminisms.

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The goal of the event and network is to foster brand-new creative talent: for instance, it was the launch pad for the Royal Society of Literature’s ‘Literature Matters Awards 2020’ stimulus scheme. The three winners of the Poetry Society’s Carol Ann Duffy poetry challenge, judged by Mari, read their work for the first time that night. Other arts groups involved included Manchester University Press, The Cornerstone Gallery and representatives from the British Academy and the Royal Museums, Greenwich.

The future of British poetry

Together, the conference, book and new arts network are happening at an exciting time as Dame Carol Ann’s work moves in a new direction. Duffy is the second laureate to accept a fixed-term post in the role and Edge Hill will be at the heart of the evaluation of her post-laureateship career. The conference also reflected on the impact of the first openly lesbian Laureate and considered how this may affect UK arts and culture in the context of the ostensibly positive changes recently made to UK same-sex legislation deepens the conference’s focus on human rights.

The support of the British Academy has been key to making this a successful event. In anticipation of the conference, Mari noted that: ‘Arts policymakers and scholars, the media and wider public will be particularly intrigued by the final debate of the conference on the future of British poetry. Schools and employability-based organisations will be influenced by the relevant policy sections of the conference and, in particular, the evening event, “art does not get you a job”, launches a Arts network network that seeks to foster emergent talent and to safeguard multidisciplinary arts resilience.’ One of the conference’s own legacies is the launch of a new arts network called ‘art does not get you a job’. This was launched at The Poetry Society Café in Covent Garden on September 5. The occasion featured presentations on the creative value of arts collaboration from Liv Lorent from balletLORENT, the artist Stephen Raw, and the musician John Sampson, all of “ whom have collaborated with Duffy before, during and after Duffy is the second laureate her laureateship. to accept a fixed-term post

The network also featured key creative industry groups’ and Edge Hill will be at the reflections on the challenges facing their own industries and the heart of the evaluation of her wider arts world. Enterprise initiatives, including the Liverpool post-laureateship career. Bid Company, also shared their perspectives on creative support schemes aimed at safeguarding the arts, promoting resilience and challenging the lack of time and funding to support a career in the arts.

30 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 MIND AND BODY

Research at Edge Hill examines physical and mental wellbeing and how we might enhance both. The research foregrounded in this section demonstrates different ways of promoting wellbeing, from the training of clinicians to a better understanding of identity and positive self-expression. It also explores how we can work together more effectively.

31 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 Sexuality in older people

People aged 50 and over are often considered non-sexual and, as such, receive little support for issues relating to sexual wellbeing. The Department of Health, various societies, groups and researchers are working together to overcome these widespread stereotypes, as well as improve related health and social care provisions

Paul Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Well-Being • Having sexual/intimacy needs that were important to wellbeing and that needed support but that guidance in an appropriate SEXUAL wellbeing in older people can offer many health form (that could be integrated into the working day) was benefits; however, many are treated as asexual and therefore lacking. Existing guidance on the issue was considered receive inadequate support for their sexual and intimacy needs. inaccessible because it was written in long documents and Edge Hill’s Dr Paul Simpson (Senior Lecturer in Applied Health in ‘officialese’ that gave instructions rather than prompting & Social Care) and Dr Maria Horne (Associate Professor in thought/discussion. Community & Public Health, Leeds University) are leading a two-year project to investigate the neglected subject of how Having established a body of knowledge, the research team, older residents in the care home system respond to meeting in consultation with stakeholders, now intends to develop a such needs and the support they receive from staff. practical resource or ‘app’ available via a smart device and based on commonly challenging scenarios faced by older ‘Let’s Talk about the “S-word”: Developing an Interactive people. This will be designed to encourage care staff to see Resource for Care Staff to Help Older Care Home Residents older residents/individuals as having sexual/intimate needs and Meet their Own Sexuality/Intimacy Needs’ is a £97,000 to discuss local solutions. Once it has been trialled for content project, funded by the Abbeyfield Society and based on a and usability, the app will be disseminated to care homes and feasibility study funded by the Economic and Social Research its uses evaluated. Council (ESRC). Towards a specialised research centre Others involved in the project include the Older People’s Understandings of Sexuality (OPUS) research group, led by The work will result in a report and academic journal articles Paul, along with Dr Jane Youell (Research Fellow, University of on the resource itself and the research methodology used. This Leeds), Professor Christine Brown Wilson (Queen’s University work is a continuation of OPUS’s work, and the eventual aim Belfast), and Dr Tommy Dickinson (Kings College, London). is to establish a research centre that focuses on older people, sex, sexuality and intimacy. This dovetails with the work Paul is Creating an app leading on age-friendly sexual health services and a campaign – pursued mainly via social media and supported by Age UK Initial findings from the study indicate that residents are seen as: – to dismantle stereotypes of older people as sexless, (visit https://sexintimacylaterlifeforum.wordpress.com/). This app will • ‘Post-sexual’ or their sexuality was a problem to be managed be part of a staff development package for care home staff. (for example, in cases of dementia where residents could become disinhibited)

• Having sexual/intimacy needs but lacking opportunities because of institutional barriers (for example, limited privacy)

32 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 MIND AND BODY Working together

Task sharing, where two or more people work together to achieve a joint goal, is important for many daily activities. Better understanding of the nature of these human interactions could have important implications for professions such as nursing, sports and education

Motonori Yamaguchi, Helen Wall, Reader in Psychology Senior Lecturer in Psychology

‘SEVEN blind mice found something big by their nest. One day, Co-representation one of the mice went to find out what it was and said it was a big pillar. The next day, another mouse went to find it out and said The idea of co-representation was first introduced in cognitive it was a big snake. The third day, a different mouse went to find psychology early in the 21st century, in the study of how a pair out and said it was a big fan. A week later, when the first six mice of actors perform a single task together, as compared to when a had gone and found it different from each other, they quarrelled single actor performs the same task alone. There are numerous over what it was. That day, the seventh mouse went to find out opportunities for such task sharing. In sports – doubles tennis, and said that everyone was correct, but wrong at the same time. pair skating and rowing boat – are good examples of sharing a The seventh mouse said it was an elephant.’ task with others.

This is a version of an ancient story about six blind men and an We also engage in task sharing in everyday activities – you may elephant. The story tells us how different people can understand lend your hands to move heavy furniture, a taxi driver may ask the same issue differently and how difficult it is to understand you to navigate his way through your neighbourhood, or young what others see. If there are six blind mice, there are six different parents may help each other give a bath to their newborn baby. images, or mental presentations, of an elephant. For the six A benefit of task sharing is to divide labour between two actors, blind mice to ‘see’ the entire elephant, they need to share and so that they can achieve a goal bigger than the one that each integrate others’ mental images of the elephant into their own. actor may achieve alone. This sharing of mental images is known as ‘co-representation’.

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A division of labour, however, is usually not enough to share issue collected 13 articles by leading researchers in cognitive a task successfully. We also must coordinate our actions with and social psychology, and they demonstrated a variety of our partners to achieve a common goal, and the coordination research paradigms on task sharing. requires understanding regarding what others are doing and seeing. Therefore, cooperating actors need to co-represent the These studies indicate several influential factors on task co- task they perform together. representation, such as whether individuals are involved in a romantic relationship, and whether they compete against each Task sharing other, or cooperate. Other studies have also shown that co- representation depends on whether individuals share the same Edge Hill researchers, Dr Motonori Yamaguchi (Reader in gender identity, ethnic background, or are already friends. Psychology) and Dr Helen Wall, (Senior Lecturer in Psychology), along with Dr Bernhard Hommel (Professor of Psychology, Research on task sharing reveals the nature of human Leiden University) have published four journal articles on the interactions that can have important implications for topic of task sharing over the last three years (see papers many domains of human activities, such as sports, business, below). Motonori has also co-authored an additional article on education and healthcare, all of which involve a group of the topic with two EHU psychology undergraduate students. cooperating individuals.

These studies re-evaluate experimental methods that have been Research papers used to study task sharing, and their results question the claim that co-representation occurs ‘automatically’ when two actors Yamaguchi, M., Wall, H., & Hommel, B. (2018). Sharing Tasks share a task. They also emphasise the difference between ‘task or Sharing Actions? Evidence from the Joint Simon Task. goals’ and ‘action goals’. Psychological Research, 82, 385-394. https://doi.org/10.1007/ s00426-016-0821-y Sharing a task goal (e.g. reaching a destination by driving) can promote the division of labour involved in the task, so that actors Yamaguchi, M., Wall, H., & Hommel, B. (2018). The Roles benefit from concentrating on their parts. Sharing an action of Action Selection and Actor Selection in Joint Task goal (e.g. rowing a boat in synchrony) requires coordinating Settings. Cognition, 182, 184-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. the actions of cooperating individuals, and benefit arrives from cognition.2018.10.010 monitoring what others are doing. Thus, sharing a task goal is not sufficient to induce co-representation between actors, but Yamaguchi, M., Wall, H., & Hommel, B. (2017). Action- sharing an action goal can induce co-representation. Effect Sharing Induces Task-Set Sharing in Joint Task Switching. Cognition, 165, 113-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. Task co-representation cognition.2017.05.022

Motonori recently edited a special issue in the Frontiers in Yamaguchi, M., Clarke, E. L., and Egan, D. L. (2018). Is Your Psychology, in collaboration with Dr Tim Welsh from the Color My Color? Dividing the Labor of the Stroop Task Between University of Toronto, Canada, and Dr Christoph Klauer and Dr Co-actors. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1407. https://doi. Kerstin Dittrich from the University of Freiberg, Germany. The org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01407

34 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 MIND AND BODY

Improving vein harvesting training

Coronary bypass surgery relies on the successful removal of leg veins. A novel study is investigating the impact of leg vein harvesting training on coronary bypass outcomes

CORONARY Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is a commonly (theory, surgical videos, gradual introduction to clinical practice performed surgical procedure for coronary artery disease. and vein harvesting). The theory section has a minimum pass There are 290 surgical care practitioners involved as specialist mark of 80%, while the first two phases of MELT are skill-based practitioners, removing veins from the leg for use in bypassing e-learning and the second two are learning in clinical setting blocked coronary arteries. The new vein takes over the job of with patients. supplying blood to the heart muscles, allowing patients to live with their vein grafts for many years (typically 15-20 years). The CREST project, ‘Can improving the quality of surgical training enhance patient outcomes in coronary artery bypass If the vein is mishandled or damaged during removal, it can surgery?’, primarily aims to assess the quality of vein removed become blocked and cause repeated chest pain and affect by trainees. The secondary goal is to assess the practitioner’s the patient’s quality of life. Removing the vein via the keyhole anxiety levels during and post training, and after surgical-patient method reduces wound-related problems and improves patient clinical outcomes. Finally, it assesses the difference in the unit satisfaction compared to traditional open removal methods. costs of care between the structured training programme and current ‘traditional’ training. A keyhole surgical equipment company provides a one-week training programme to practitioners, after which they can perform The project has three stages: the surgery on their own. Between five and 10 cases will be seen during the training period, depending on the availability of 1. The draft e-learning presentation will be sent to the patients. Many trainees suffer from stress during training, which international stakeholders and expert panel healthcare essentially uses patients as ‘guinea pigs’, and this has a direct professionals for consultation. Feedback on content training impact on the quality of vein produced for bypass surgery. There components, teaching styles, and images will be collated is a need, therefore, for a structured training programme rather through one-to-one interviews. than a one-week crash course to increase the confidence of trainees and improve the experience for patients. 2. The feedback will be used to improve the structured training programme prior to phase 3. The draft presentation will be The CREST trial converted into an e-learning platform and it will be trialled.

Dr Bhuvaneswari (Bibleraaj) Krishnamoorthy (Senior Lecturer 3. A multi-centre cluster randomised controlled pilot trial, in Perioperative Studies and Associate Tutor in Cardiothoracic comparing the structured training (MELT) with current Surgery) is leading the CREST trial – A Cluster Randomised pilot training for keyhole vein removal. The study will recruit eight study comparing current Endoscopic (keyhole) vein harvesting practitioners from four hospitals and 22 patients (11 patients training with Structured Training. The researcher previously during training and 11 patients after training) per practitioner, developed the Manchester Endoscopic Learning Tool (MELT) with a total of 176 patients. – a structured training programme consisting of four sections

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The new vein takes“ over the job of supplying blood to the heart muscles, allowing patients to live with their vein grafts for many years (typically 15-20 years).

Bhuvaneswari (Bibleraaj) Krishnamoorthy, Senior Lecturer in Perioperative Studies

The project is expected to provide robust evidence of the clinical hospital stay. The research was published in Seminars in and economic benefits of a MELT programme for keyhole Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (https://doi.org/10.1053/j. vein harvesting, with the potential to influence standards and semtcvs.2018.11.014). Meanwhile, Bhuvaneswari’s NIHR transform the patient experience. doctoral fellowship explored the effectiveness of keyhole vein harvesting methods to determine whether it is safe or Those involved in the study include colleagues from not for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery – the results cardiothoracic departments across the country, as well as were published in Circulation (https://doi.org/10.1161/ Edge Hill colleagues Professor Sally Spencer and Professor CIRCULATIONAHA.117.028261). Barbara Jack, Professor Dion Morton (University of Birmingham), Professor Pauline Pearson (Northumbria Bhuvaneswari remains highly motivated to carry out studies University), Dr James Fildes and Professor Linda Davies for patient benefit and to enhance their wellbeing and post- (University of Manchester), and Mr Rajamiyer Venkateswaran operative outcomes. (Manchester Foundation Trust).

Improving clinical outcomes

During her 16-year career, Bhuvaneswari has led a number of projects aimed at reducing the NHS burden and improving clinical outcomes following cardiothoracic surgery. One such study was a randomised prospective study comparing conventional subcuticular skin closure with octylcyanoacrylate skin glue after vein harvesting. This research demonstrated that glue is safe and cost-effective, and the findings led to widespread change in practice following a presentation at the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery and publication in the highest impact cardiothoracic journal, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

In another study, Bhuvaneswari conducted a randomised trial on Phrenic Nerve Infiltration (PNL) to minimise the post- operative pain in thoracic surgery. Results highlighted that patients can perform breathing exercises more effectively in the PNL group compared to patients without pain medications infiltration. It also showed improved patient satisfaction and fewer postoperative respiratory complications with reduced

36 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 MIND AND BODY

Non-normative identities and Christianity

Exploring the relationship between LGBTQ+ identities in religious settings often leads to difficult, controversial, sensitive and problematic discussions. Research at EHU addresses these issues using life stories as a source for theology

IN conservative religious settings, verses selected from the Bible are used to condemn same sex relationships/marriage, transgender recognition, gay and lesbian parenting or adoption. There are also regular television and media discussion panels debating questions about how LGBTQ+ lives and Christianity Chris Greenough, are seemingly incompatible. In this context, Dr Chris Greenough Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religion (Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religion, Department of Secondary and Further Education) tackles these difficult questions and engages with the complexity and diversity of non-normative identities and Christianity. His aim is to take the heat out of such discussions and shed light on them through innovative research.

Chris’s first monograph, Undoing Theology: Life Stories from Non-normative Christians (2018, SCM Press) moves away from what has been traditionally thought in theology. He explores life stories as a source for theology and demonstrates how individual and personalised theologies reshape traditional understandings of Christianity. The significance of the book is evidenced in reviews by experts in the field:

• ‘Undoing Theology is a work of brilliance that is refreshing and profoundly challenging.’ Professor Hannah Bacon (University of Chester)

• ‘Fascinating and absorbing...extraordinary stories of ordinary people crafted into a bottom-up queer theology by a master story-teller. These voices need to be heard.’ Dr Deryn Guest (University of Birmingham)

• ‘…engaging and thoughtful’, ‘bold and truthful.’ Professor Adrian Thatcher (University of Exeter)

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Chris’s aim is“ to take the heat out of such discussions and shed light on them through innovative research.

Queer Theologies Queer Faith Voices Panel

Chris has completed a second book Queer Theologies: Future plans include co-organising Queer Faith Voices in The Basics (Routledge, 2019), which engages with difficult November 2019, a regional collaboration between Edge Hill texts that are characteristic of queer theory and theologies University, the Diocese of Liverpool, Homotopia and Liverpool and makes them accessible to all. The book covers the Queer Collective. The event will comprise a panel discussion development of queer theologies, queering ‘traditional’ theology, of topics relating to queer and faith identities, considering queer theologies in global contexts, queer Bible and queer and celebrating what it means to be an LGBTQ+ person of Christian lives. faith today.

The early career researcher, who received his doctorate in 2016, Chris also has an active interest in methodology needed to drive is emerging as a key writer on these issues and has secured forward the discipline. In moving from queer theory to queer internal EHU funding to support his research, methods, he argues that researchers are which has resulted in several outputs: able to develop new, original and bespoke ways of researching. He has three journal • ‘Queering Fieldwork in Religion: Exploring articles in press detailing the possibilities of Life Stories with Non-normative Christians queer methods: Online’, Fieldwork in Religion (2017) • ‘Theological Talk in a Salsa Bar on Wigan • ‘Visual Intimacies: Faith, Sexuality and Pier’, Feminist Theology Photography’, Sexuality and Culture (2018) • ‘Activism in Queer Biblical Studies’, Journal • ‘Queer Literacy: Visibility, Representation, of Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies and LGBT+ Research Ethics’ (co-authored with Dr Mark Edward, Edge Hill University) • ‘“Queer Eye” in Theology and Biblical in Iphofen, R. (ed.), Handbook of Research Studies: “Do you have to be queer to do Ethics and Scientific Integrity (Springer, this?”’, Journal of Interdisciplinary Biblical online first). pp 1-12 Studies

• ‘Ambiguities, Authenticity and Actualisation: Life Story As Chris states: ‘Just as queer theory is about disrupting Research with a Bisexual Christian’ in Toft, A. and Yip, A.K.T. hegemonic and established structures, I advocate how (eds.), Bisexuality, Spirituality, Identity (Routledge, 2019). queer research should find new, innovative ways of producing knowledge.’ Reflecting the importance and originality of his research, Chris has been an invited speaker at other universities, including recent seminars at Westminster, Chester and Sheffield. Chris is also an external member of Sheffield Institute of Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies and on the editorial board of the Journal of Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies.

38 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 NEWS IN BRIEF Relating digital communications to past speech

Oral communication strategies, extending from the 14th to the 21st century, are being examined to shed light on present day writing practices

Imogen Marcus, Senior Lecturer in English Language

A British Academy/Leverhulme Trust small grants scheme the residual-manuscript orality of the late medieval and early award of £9,936 was awarded to Dr Imogen Marcus (Senior modern periods, specifically in relation to discourse cohesion? Lecturer in English Language, Department of English, History & Creative Writing) for the project, ‘From manuscripts to It is envisaged that new insights will emerge about the messaging: orality, texts and connectives from late medieval to prototypical characteristics and deployment of ‘speech-like’ present day English’. The work focuses on oral communication discourse, both in terms of genre and grammatical structure. The strategies used in Computer Mediated Communication (CMC), findings of this research will be disseminated in journal articles Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Instant Messaging (IM). and at the International Pragmatics Association conference in Its central aim is to bring established insights about the ‘speech Hong Kong. like’ nature of historical texts – specifically those written in English – into modern digital writing practices.

Imogen will conduct two pilot linguistic analyses, one investigating the role of connectives in the discourse cohesion of ‘WhatsApp’ messages and the second comparing the role “ of the connectives in discourse cohesion across the corpus It is envisaged that new (including sermons, statutes, letters and instant messages), insights will emerge about the from late medieval to present-day English. prototypical characteristics The project will re-evaluate the assumptions and claims of and deployment of ‘speech-like’ digital communication research, examining the extent to discourse, both in terms of genre which digital written communication practices really are ‘new’ and answering questions such as: are there practices that and grammatical structure. demonstrate continuity between the pre-digital and the digital age? Are there practices that constitute genuine innovation within digital spaces? And, how does digital orality compare to

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Safeguarding children in sport

A pioneering study is underway to uncover the scale and nature of child abuse in European sport

Mike Hartill, Reader in the Sociology of Sport

Dr Mike Hartill (Reader in the Sociology of Sport, Department of and nature of the problem, in different national contexts, it can Social Science) is leading a three-year study into child abuse in then be used to increase and improve efforts within sport to sport. Funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, prevent abuse. We also hope it will encourage the long-term the project, ‘Child Abuse in Sport: European Statistics (CASES)’, collection of such data.’ aims to establish prevalence rates for child maltreatment in European sport. CASES builds upon Mike’s previous research project, VOICE; a collaboration between eight European countries focused on It will develop and implement an online questionnaire to survey documenting the accounts and experiences of victims of sexual young adults across six EU countries – Austria, Belgium, abuse in sport. VOICE has generated important qualitative England, Germany, Romania, Spain. In addition, the evidence and established platforms for survivors to speak out research team will create educational resources that assist across Europe. the sports community to better understand the problem of child maltreatment. Mike is also the Director of the recently established Centre for Child Protection and Safeguarding in Sport, CASES is a collaborative partnership – led by Edge Hill – https://blogs.edgehill.ac.uk/cpss/. For more information, involving six European universities (Cologne Sports University, visit https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/en/organisations/ University of Ulm, University of Antwerp, University of Vienna, centre-for-child-protection-and-safeguarding-in-sport. University of Vic-Central Catalonia, Romanian Institute for Mother and Child Health), two national sport organisations (Sport England, German Sport Youth) and an international sport organisation (International Association of Athletics Federations).

The project is a vital step towards preventing child abuse in sport, as Mike explains: ‘While there is a great deal of media attention on the issue of abuse in sport, there is very little data on prevalence. Once we have more precise data on the scale

40 Edge Hill University | Research Yearbook 2019 NEWS IN BRIEF

Promoting a strategic approach to EU sports diplomacy

Many countries around the world, notably the US and Australia, have well developed sports strategies. The EU is making strides to improve its sports diplomacy toolkit by working with leading sports researchers at Edge Hill University

Professor Richard Parrish (Director of the Centre for Sports Law Research, Department of Law and Criminology), has been at the forefront of assisting the EU to develop a new dimension to its diplomatic toolkit.

In 2015, Richard was invited by European Commissioner, Tibor Navracsics, to join a High-Level Group advising the Commission on how the EU could develop its own sports diplomacy strategy. The group, of which Richard is the only UK representative, made a total of 15 recommendations, many of which were endorsed by the EU Member States.

Strengthening EU sports diplomacy

Richard has recently received EU funding (€208,000) to carry on this work. EHU is currently leading a two-year multi-country investigation into the question of how the EU can harness the appeal of sport to amplify its diplomatic messages. Throughout the duration of the project, the team, which also includes Dr Andra Cattaneo from the department, will organise events in Zagreb, Madrid, Strasbourg, the Hague, Skopje and Brussels.

Each event explores a theme in EU sports diplomacy including, how the EU can co-operate with international organisations such as the Council of Europe, and international sports bodies, as well as how the EU can leverage major sporting events to advance key EU goals, such as respect for human rights. The Richard Parrish, work will also explore how the EU can move beyond traditional Professor of Law, Director of the Centre for Sports Law Research forms of sports diplomacy and promote a grassroots people- to-people approach. The project concludes in December 2020.

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Respite care provision

Parents and carers of young adults with complex healthcare needs have access to respite care and short breaks. These essential services, however, often drop off after transition to adult services, affecting quality of life and life expectancy in this population. A review is underway to inform the development of future services and research priorities

Kate Knighting, Senior Research Fellow and review manager

The number of young adults with complex healthcare needs Reviewing the evidence (CHCNs) due to life-limiting conditions and complex physical disability has risen significantly as children with complex A research team, led by Sally Spencer (Professor of Clinical conditions survive into adulthood. Young adults with complex Research, Director of the Health Research Institute), is healthcare needs require high levels of complex care 24 hours undertaking a mixed-methods systematic review to identify, a day, typically provided by their parents or carers with support appraise, and synthesise relevant evidence to explore respite from education, health and social care professionals. Respite care and short breaks provision for this population and a care and short breaks are essential services that provide relief conceptual framework for understanding service models. for families, helping reduce stress and unplanned hospital admissions and offering opportunities for young adults. The review manager is Dr Kate Knighting and the team includes Barbara Jack, Mary O’Brien, Brenda Roe and Lucy Bray (all Services supporting parents and carers often decline when professors in the Research and Innovation Team), with Dr young adults transition to adult services, affecting life expectancy Michelle Maden (University of Liverpool), Professor Jane Noyes and quality of life for this population. Despite the increase in (Bangor University), Dr Ceu Mateus (Lancaster University) and service demand, information on the current scale, cost, and Professor Julia Downing (International Children’s Palliative types of available respite care have not been collated and Care Network). The team also has a steering group of clinical systematically evaluated. A systematic review of the available colleagues, charity partners and a patient advisory group who evidence is needed to inform the development of future services all have first-hand experience of the issue. and to identify research priorities. The systematic review is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research Programme (project number 16/115/17).

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‘Thin data, thick use’

Elisha Omoso, a PhD student in the Faculty of Education, aims to use his research findings on the use of data in teaching to help improve education quality in Kenya. Here, he discusses his PhD journey and plans as a lecturer in the School of Education at Rongo University, Kenya

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I am a Kenyan fourth year PhD student in the Faculty of Armed with this research evidence from England, I intend to Education at Edge Hill University. My PhD research explores advocate two things for Kenyan teachers as far as data use how teachers interpret and use data within English secondary is concerned – the use of a ‘thin data, thick use’ strategy and, schools. Pursuing this project has brought moments of reflection, secondly, using data accompanied by a human touch. The former challenge, disappointment and joy. means collecting only the data needed, as opposed to collecting volumes, some of which are not used but add to a teacher’s My PhD journey has been driven by a dual motivation. workload. The latter means that human factors influencing data Intrinsically, I had a longstanding interest in the topic of data outcomes needs to be considered when using data. use in schools. I wanted to understand as much as I could on this topic, particularly, how data is used in different contexts, Shaping policy and teacher training including across England, where data use in schools is prolific. My extrinsic goal, however, came from the support EHU provides Currently, I am a lecturer in the School of Education at Rongo to its PhD students. For example, it gave me the opportunity to University in Kenya. The portfolio is concerned with offering research the topic via its Graduate Teaching Assistant scheme, quality teacher training, research and community outreach where I pursued a PhD and developed my teaching skills. activities to enhance quality education that meets the needs of schools in Kenya. The portfolio takes advantage of new global Benefits of studying at EHU initiatives in education and sensitises local teachers to learn from experiences of other countries. It also collaborates with EHU has state-of-the-art research facilities, such as the ‘Loft’ local teachers, ministers and other related government agencies – a section in the library dedicated to research students. I have to provide empirical-based information to shape policy and the access to the latest research articles on my chosen subject, on- training of teachers in Kenyan universities. In this regard, my campus postgraduate accommodation for local and international PhD experience at EHU has equipped me with research and students, which enables sharing of PhD experiences, learning Teacher Professional Development (TPD) skills, while also different cultures and provision of support for each other. upgrading my insight, knowledge and practical skills, which I intend to apply while addressing my two recommendations. In Furthermore, EHU’s experienced and accessible professors addition, I plan to design a new undergraduate module aimed have helped me a great deal in developing my thinking as a at preparing Kenyan pre-service teachers to use both the ‘thin researcher. I have also benefited from EHU’s continuous data, thick use’ and ‘data use with human touch’ strategies in professional development opportunities, research seminars their future practice upon graduating. conducted by guest lectures and a postgraduate research handbook which clearly outlines what I need to do at each stage Over the long-term, I aim to help Kenyan teachers improve of my study. PhD students in my home country would hardly student achievement and to monitor the functioning of ever receive this level of support. their schools via data, thus improving the general quality of education in Kenya. Also, I plan to provide data use TPD My PhD experiences, however, are not without challenges. training for in-service teachers and advocate for effective use There are occasional moments of deflation – for example, of data in schools via publications, conferences, seminars and when a chapter or section of work is deemed inadequate policy advice to policy makers as part of wider advocacy and by supervisors. This situation has forced me to engage in community outreach activities. deeper thinking, reflections and further reading, which is quite demanding. Also, living far away from home and family, and loss of a family members during my studies, has presented its own challenges. Nonetheless, after engaging with current and past PhD students, I realised that the path is rarely straightforward for any PhD student. My PhD research“ explores how Data overload in schools teachers interpret and use data

Finally, what I least expected happened. At the start of my within English secondary schools. PhD project, I believed that data use in schools is entirely a Pursuing this project has brought good thing and that the more data a school uses, the better it moments of reflection, challenge, becomes in terms of student achievement and its functioning. My thinking has now changed completely after my research disappointment and joy. demonstrated that data overload can actually impact negatively on school improvement. It can add to teachers’ workload, causes anxiety and limits time to prepare adequately for lessons.

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