Methods for Change – showcasing innovative social sciences methodologies

Methods for Change is a new project highlighting the value of social sciences methodologies to the wider world. It aims to showcase innovative research methods that facilitate social transformation and to demonstrate the benefits social sciences research can bring across a range of sectors. The Methods for Change team – Amy Barron, Alison Browne, Ulrike Ehgartner, Sarah Marie Hall and […]

#CreativeInfra: A reflection

The sun was shining bright over the University of Manchester on 28th and 19th March creating the idyll backdrop for The Creative Methods for Researching Urban Infrastructures workshop.  Organised by a passionate group of postgraduate researchers from the University of Manchester and Lancaster University, this interdisciplinary workshop provided a space for postgraduate and early career researchers to learn about, play […]

Beyond ‘Older Age’: A Photo and Story Collection to Illuminate the Individual

Older people in our region We need to understand older age in a more nuanced way.  This is the principal message of ‘Place, Belonging, Manchester’, a photo and story collection created by myself and participants, which will be exhibited at the Festival of Ageing 2018. People have different histories, hobbies and hopes.  Whilst there are some common aspects, older people […]

Creating, Messing, Playing: Thinking Form in Newcastle

by Amy Barron and Ben Knight How do art and geography intersect?  Thinking through this question was the task of Interrogating Form: Creative and Cultural Participatory Practice, a workshop held by Newcastle University on Tuesday 11th June. Indeed, there were lots of sub-questions within this broader focus.  What is the value of using an arts-based approach?  How might we incorporate discussion surrounding the […]

Reflections on the RGS-IBG Mid-Term Conference

As I rest my weary traveller’s legs, it is with great pleasure that I can finally sit still and reflect on my experiences of what has been an interesting, fruitful and thoroughly enjoyable RGS-IBG Postgraduate Forum Mid-Term Conference in the stunning surroundings of Royal Holloway University. Three sweltering days packed to the rafters with networking events, workshops, presentations and posters […]

Checklists alone cannot create age-friendly places: lived experiences matter

Age-Friendly Cities aspire to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all, where “policies, services and structures related to the physical and social environment are designed to support and enable older people to ‘age actively’” (WHO, 2007). Closely aligned with ideas for the creation of liveable, sustainable and harmonious cities, it was the World Health Organisation (WHO) that first suggested […]