University of Gloucestershire is bringing together a panel of experts for a new event sharing research insights, promoting discussion and making connections as part of the county's first ever Social Value Week.

Gloucestershire's Social Value Week 2025 (April 7-13) is a countywide campaign, connecting social, private and public sectors, to showcase purposeful social impact, action and change alongside the 2025 theme of Learn, Lead and Communicate.

Academic research carried out across the university, including in health, environment and business and technology, is pivotal in advancing social value initiatives, directly influencing policy and practice in Gloucestershire, across the UK and internationally.

Among the university's new facilities bringing social benefits to the community are the new centre of excellence for cyber and digital and a creative hub in Cheltenham, and the City Campus development in Gloucester, opening this year, which has already generated a social value of £22.95 million for the local community, including job opportunities.

The university's Social Value Panel discussion event will share research insights highlighting how social value work is essential for building a sustainable, equitable future aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include reducing poverty, fostering inclusive growth and building resilient communities.

The Social Value Panel discussion event will feature networking opportunities with professionals, researchers and students, and provide expert insights on social value from members of the university's academic team, including:

• Professor Jane Monckton-Smith, a forensic criminologist specialising in homicide, suicide, coercive control and stalking

• Professor Hassan Chizari, whose recent research has been around protecting healthcare from cyber threats

• Nadine Sulkowski, whose work on disaster resilience has changed how communities are educated and involved on this critical issue

• Dr Alan Marvell, who is recognised for his work on pedagogy, student-led and experiential learning, and emotional geographies

The Social Value Panel discussion event takes place at the University's Park Campus in Cheltenham on Wednesday, April 9 (5pm-7pm). The event is free to attend but places must be booked in advance. Alternatively, you can register to join the event online.

A research exhibition by the School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences will feature in the Atrium at the Oxstalls Campus from the afternoon of April 7 to April 13. The exhibition will highlight the impact of research from academics based there.

Professor Angus Pryor, the university's executive dean for research, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be hosting our Social Value Panel discussion event on April 9 as part of the first ever Gloucestershire's Social Value Week.

"The event will provide an excellent opportunity for guests to gain important research insights around social value from our academic team and find out more about the impactful research we're carrying out that's making a positive difference to our local communities and the wider region."