Blog

Blog posts from Cardiff University Social Science Research Park.

Developing a cross-sector Community of Practice: A blueprint for sharing knowledge, skills and connections

16 December 2024

In recent years, cross-sector collaboration has gained increasing prominence within the research world. Within this context, SPARK has been exploring how Communities of Practice (CoPs) can serve as effective structures […]

Collaboration in Action: Lessons from SPARK’s Interactive Panel at CiviCon24

9 December 2024

In June this year, two Research Fellows (Dr Anna Skeels and Dr Sofia Vougioukalou) paired up with two non-academic partners (Dave Horton, independent Consultant / from ACE and Fateha Ahmed […]

SPARK Collaboration Sheds Light on ‘Hidden Children’ in Education and Health

21 November 2024

At the Social Science Research Park (SPARK), we champion collaborative research that addresses pressing societal issues. Recently, SPARK-affiliated centres joined forces on a study exploring disparities in education and health […]

Breaking Down Silos: Creating the foundations for localised knowledge and expertise mobilisation between communities and research institutions

18 November 2024

“It feels very individualistic—lots of separate work going on, not so much collaboration within the sectors let alone across the sectors.” – Cathays Future Lab Attendee. This observation cuts to the […]

SPARK Third Sector Research Partnership

17 October 2024

Dr Anna Skeels from SPARK and Dave Horton (Consultant and ACE) provide the latest update on the Third Sector Research Partnership, a year later. The SPARK Third Sector Research Partnership […]

Time to re-design governance

6 October 2024

By Anna Nicholl The challenge: decision-making in a different era Everywhere we turn, it feels like we’re in trouble. Our institutions are either mired in scandal, unable to tackle the […]

SPARK’s strengths shine in REF

7 June 2022

Top ratings for social science research The UK’s first social science research community – SPARK – is producing internationally leading work, according to the latest Research Excellent Framework (REF) assessment. REF […]

Igniting ideas: Creating a social science park to tackle major societal challenges

23 May 2022

Our society is facing many complex challenges, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the climate change emergency. In our world of global connections and complications, we cannot expect such […]

SPARKing Health and Care Research in Wales

26 April 2022

A cohort of talented academics from Cardiff University’s Social Science Research Park (SPARK) are among a list of Senior Research Leaders announced by Health and Care Research Wales. Three senior leaders from our […]

Companies pay the price for remaining in Russia

5 April 2022

In the early hours of Thursday, 24 February 2022, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Against this backdrop, many international businesses operating in the Russian market chose to cut ties […]

Unless otherwise stated, the views contained within this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cardiff University.