Community Engagement at 91影视破解版
At 91影视破解版, community means two things: the regions and nations of our campuses in Scotland and London; and our global reach. We aim to be recognised as a leader in forging partnerships to co-create solutions which promote and engender societal change. This is embodied in Strategy 2030, our comprehensive development plan that aligns the university鈥檚 goals with community needs, sustainability and educational excellence.
Our community engagement activities are designed to share knowledge, collaborate with and involve the communities we serve and enrich civic life and institutions. Building upon our history, expertise and knowledge, we are committed to embedding and sustaining a culture in which staff, students and our academic Schools proactively engage with citizens, civil society, non-profit organisations, schools and colleges and public sector institutions across a range of community-focused initiatives and activities.
Below are examples of some of the community engagement initiatives in which our staff and the institution as a whole are involved:
One Ren and UWSPartnership
In 2024, UWSand OneRen, a Renfrewshire charity providing cultural, leisure and sporting opportunities to local communities, signed a new strategic partnership aimed at improving access and opportunity for students and staff across both organisations as well as the local community. The partnership will provide joint research and placement opportunities which will be open to UWSstudents and staff. Both organisations will benefit from pooling their joint knowledge and expertise to enhance service provision and foster innovation.
UWSis already a corporate partner in the Paisley Museum refurbishment. The new museum is adjacent to 91影视破解版鈥檚 Paisley campus and public realm, and it is anticipated that further close connections can be made between the neighbouring properties.
The strategic partnership will allow for joint work across the local area鈥檚 primary schools, helping to inspire the next generation into education; identify training needs for staff through CPD and doctorates; develop joint research opportunities and collaboration on use of facilities and sharing expertise through subject matter experts across both organisations.
At the signing of the partnership, Dr Victoria Hollows, Chief executive of OneRen said:
We鈥檙e delighted to enter into this partnership with the UWSand I have no doubt both organisations 鈥� and the wider communities we serve 鈥� will benefit from bringing together and sharing our knowledge, expertise and facilities.
Both organisations are committed to tackling inequality and improving health and wellbeing through improved access to education and we will now look at how best to work together to achieve this. It鈥檚 also a hugely exciting time to come together, not least as we count down the days until Paisley Museum reopens, bringing with it a wealth of educational opportunities.
Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice Chancellor at UWSsaid:
As a place-making institution, we are a university that鈥檚 proud to be part of our local communities. Our partnership with OneRen will foster closer relations; allowing us both to build upon our strengths to have greater and more meaningful impact in the area.
This is an exciting opportunity for the university to forge stronger ties with schools and community groups; to exchange knowledge and skills and to inspire current and future learners. This partnership creates an environment in which we can demonstrate further our commitment to Paisley, Renfrewshire and beyond.
Drama Teaching in Local Schools
As part of their Applied Theatre in Practice module, BA Performance students at UWShave been undertaking placements and outreach with partner schools. Students have been holding a series of workshops to enable school pupils to develop their understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of drama and theatre. UWSstudents stage performances, dramatic recreations and improvised scenarios, inviting students to work with them and explore their creativity.
Due to funding cuts, many of the participating schools currently have no access to drama and arts education classes and the collaboration with UWSand its students enables them to deliver structured cultural activities to pupils. The workshops not only offer UWSstudents the opportunity to perform and gain valuable experience within the industry but also inspire pupils to express themselves. Following the workshops, students leave behind materials for teachers to continue the learning experience with the class.
The input of UWSstudents has helped bolster the delivery of arts and drama education at participating schools, with teaching staff fully appreciative of the difference it has made to pupils鈥� learning journey:
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to work with your students. Our children and our class teachers think it is a fantastic experience and love having you in. They have been engaged throughout with all the inputs and it is great to see our children having so much enjoyment whilst learning new skills. I really appreciate your willing and support in collaborating with us. Your students are a talented bunch and a credit to your campus.
Senior member of staff from a participating school
We are really happy to have them (UWSstudents). It is a lovely few weeks for my students and it is very important to collaborate with other agencies. Two of my trickier pupils found the input from one particular student especially good and they really enjoyed speaking to her.
- Class teacher from a participating school
Biology in a Basket
Launched in January 2024, Biology in a Basket is an innovative outreach initiative designed to bring hands-on biology education directly into classrooms and care settings across South Lanarkshire and Glasgow City. Supported by funding from the Royal Society of Biology, the project has successfully delivered 48 interactive sessions, engaging over 1,000 children in both primary schools and out-of-school care environments.
At the heart of the initiative is the 鈥淏asket鈥�, a vibrant, mobile toolkit equipped with practical resources that enable dynamic, curriculum-aligned science experiences. The sessions cover key biological themes including human anatomy, microscopy, genetics, microbiology, and plant science, with content tailored to suit the age and learning level of each group.
The project responds directly to a growing demand among educators for external expertise to enrich science teaching. Feedback from teachers consistently highlights the challenge of incorporating practical science into the classroom due to limited resources, confidence, or training. Biology in a Basket addresses these barriers by providing accessible, engaging, and delivered by scientists who reflect the communities they serve.
Beyond delivering curriculum content, the initiative fosters scientific curiosity and inclusivity. By demonstrating that biology is not only accessible but also exciting and relevant, it empowers young learners to see themselves as future scientists, regardless of background or prior exposure to STEM.
Biology in a Basket exemplifies how targeted outreach can make a measurable impact on science engagement, teacher support, and educational equity. The success of the programme underscores the value of sustained investment in community-based science education.
Engagement with our Alumni Community
UWSactively engages with our alumni community, with the aim of creating and supporting a network of former students which can continue to contribute to the work of the university. We engage with and involve our alumni using a mixture of communications, events and activities. These include:
Monthly e-Newsletter
Our monthly e-newsletter provides an informative collection of articles which keep our global community up to date on groundbreaking university research, student initiatives and the professional achievements of our alumni community. It also routinely invites readers to support our work, attend events and stay involved.
Campus Tours
UWSoffers campus tours for our alums and members of our wider community. The tours provide an opportunity to learn more about the incredible place making work of 91影视破解版. Each tour takes around an hour and showcases our history, academic achievements and research-based discoveries.
Annual Burns Supper
In January 2025, the UWShosted its inaugural Burns Supper in Chancellor鈥檚 Hall, a heartfelt celebration of Scotland鈥檚 national bard and a special thank you to our valued supporters. Led by the Principal, the evening brought together alumni, students, and friends of the university for a night of traditional Scottish fare, music, and poetry. Performances from two talented alumni and two current students showcased the creativity and spirit of the UWScommunity. Guests were treated to inspiring talks from Dr Billy Kay, renowned Scottish writer and broadcaster, and Simon Lamb, UWSgraduate and Scriever at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Following the success of this warm and vibrant gathering, the Burns Supper will now become an annual tradition, with the next celebration planned for January 2026.
Chartered Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences (CASES) Outreach Hub
UWShas been a CASES Outreach Hub since 2023 鈥� the only Hub in Scotland. The CASES Hubs are designed to engage school pupils who are studying sport and exercise science-related subjects through a day of specially curated learning opportunities based around sports science.
Our Division of Sport, Exercise & Health delivers a one-day sports science event to schools every year as part of the Hub, involving around 120 pupils. Activities include learning about athletes training in extreme environments, how talent is identified and developed and how to promote inclusion for athletes with disabilities.
The pupils return to school and develop a poster on what they have learned from the day which is then entered into a national competition. A Strathaven Academy pupil who attended in 2024 won the national competition Strathaven pupil scoops top prize in national sport science poster competition - Daily Record and returned to his school along with elite athlete Eilish McColgan to deliver outreach as part of the prize.
The Division鈥檚 PhD students volunteer and help deliver the Outreach Days every year, which provide them with opportunities to put their learning into practice.
A Senior Lecturer within the Division also delivers sport and health-related outreach at local schools, including a 鈥榟ow your brain works鈥� talk aimed at primary school pupils and 'a day in the life of a sport psychologist' designed for high school pupils.
Breaking Cycles Scotland
This year the UWSSustainability Society contributed to Breaking Cycles Scotland, a multidisciplinary student initiative that promoted healthier communities through prevention, education and awareness of substance-related harm. The Society's Founding President, Vice President and several members were part of the wider student team that designed and delivered the initiative in collaboration with Peer Inspiration Projects Scotland (PIPS); FAST Forward 鈥� a national voluntary organisation supporting young people make informed decisions about their health; Glasgow Kelvin College; Men Matter Scotland 鈥� a support organisation dedicated to improving men鈥檚 mental health and the UWSStudents' Union.
Through this collaboration, students worked on a voluntary basis across disciplines to develop innovative approaches to public health education while strengthening partnerships between universities and community organisations. The initiative delivered four awareness campaigns, directly engaged more than 100 students, achieved participation rates exceeding 70% across campaign activities and generated over 1,000 campaign video views. By encouraging open conversations around prevention, wellbeing and informed decision-making, the project demonstrated how student led collaboration can contribute to building healthier and more resilient communities. The impact of the initiative was recognised through the Uniforce Achievement & Sustainable Impact Award, celebrating the commitment of the student team to creating positive social impact through partnership, innovation and community engagement.
Alzheimer鈥檚 Scotland Centre for Policy & Practice Carer鈥檚 Academy
The Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice (ASCPP) is a collaborative partnership between the UWSand Alzheimer Scotland, established in 2013. As a recognised practice education centre locally, nationally and internationally, the ASCPP is committed to developing world-leading dementia education and applied research which influences policy, improves practice and enhances the lives of people living with dementia. The Centre is committed to meaningful involvement of people with lived experience of dementia to ensure that its work has a direct impact on improving the lives of people with dementia and family carers. The vision of the ASCPP is that through value-based scholarship and impactful applied research Scotland will be at the forefront of providing better care. The ASCPP is located within the School of Health and Life Sciences, reaching across all academic schools. Work is focused on two thematic areas, Dementia Education for All and Living the Best Life Possible with Dementia. The ASCPP Carers鈥� Academy is a programme designed for family members who are caring for a relative with dementia and aims to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to better care for their loved one. In partnership with NHS Ayrshire and Arran, the first Carers鈥� Academy was developed at the UWSAyr Campus with a UWSLanarkshire hub following soon after. More recently, a hub was launched in Dumfries & Galloway in the new state-of-the art UWScampus at Dumfries. Over the last year, the Hubs have provided successful Day-1 delivery sessions, with seventy-two family carers attending. In the sessional evaluation completed by the family carers, all education sections scored an average of over 9/10, with the provision of resources to help them with their caring role achieving a 100% evaluation score. In 2025 the team will deliver the first Day 2 delivery and undertake a remote and rural pilot delivery in Stranraer.
Sustainability Outreach Projects
Global Recycling Day - From Waste to Art
Supported by funding from the UWSStudents' Union, From Waste to Art was the UWSSustainability Society's flagship celebration of Global Recycling Day, bringing together students, artists and community partners to promote creativity, reuse and environmental responsibility. The initiative was delivered in collaboration with Mind and Draw, Artist Boye Henry, and the Salvation Army Charity Shop, demonstrating the value of community partnerships in advancing sustainability through creativity, education and public engagement. More than 200 students participated in a range of interactive activities designed to promote the principles of the circular economy and responsible consumption.
Participants transformed recyclable materials into functional and artistic creations, including decorative newspaper photo frames, bottle art, fabric crafts and mixed-media artwork created from recycled newspapers, cardboard, coffee grounds, pre-loved clothing and other reclaimed materials. These creations were showcased during the Waste-to-Art Exhibition, celebrating both creativity and environmental responsibility. Mind and Draw facilitated an interactive Sip & Paint session, encouraging students to express sustainability through art while exploring creative approaches to environmental awareness. Artist Boye Henry inspired participants through music that promoted environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting our planet. The Salvation Army Charity Shop (Paisley) supported the event by providing pre-loved clothing and reusable textiles, which were repurposed into creative artworks, demonstrating the environmental value of extending the life of donated materials.
A highlight of the event was the Circular Conversations panel discussion, which brought together sustainability practitioners and student leaders to explore practical approaches to waste reduction, reuse and sustainable living. The discussion featured the UWSSustainability Officer, the former UWSStudents' Union President, the manager of the Paisley Salvation Army shop and the Founding President of the UWSSustainability Society. The panel encouraged the audience to think critically about their role in creating a circular economy and demonstrated how collaboration between universities, community organisations and student leaders can inspire lasting behavioural change. By combining creativity, music, education and dialogue, From Waste to Art encouraged students to rethink waste, embrace reuse and recognise how individual actions can contribute to a more sustainable future.
D'SHOWCASE: Sustaining Cultures
D'SHOWCASE: Sustaining Cultures celebrated the connection between sustainability, culture and inclusion. Supported by the UWSStudents' Union and UWSAlumni, the event brought together students from across the University to celebrate the richness of cultural diversity through performances, exhibitions and shared experiences. The event collaborated with eight national societies, creating a vibrant platform for intercultural dialogue, community engagement and mutual learning. The event also featured collaboration with the UWSStudents' Union President-Elect, further strengthening partnerships across the University community. With more than 200 attendees, D'SHOWCASE demonstrated that sustainability extends beyond environmental action to embrace inclusion, belonging and the celebration of diverse cultures. By bringing together students from different backgrounds, the event fostered stronger connections across the University while highlighting the role of cultural diversity in building resilient and sustainable communities.
Community Engagement at the Centre for Migration, Diaspora, Citizenship and Identity (CMDCI)
The Centre for Migration, Diaspora, Citizenship and Identity (CMDCI) at UWSplays a significant role in connecting academic research with the lived experiences of communities affected by migration, displacement, citizenship and identity. Through partnerships with community organisations, local authorities, policymakers, refugee-led groups and grassroots networks, the Centre actively supports dialogue, social inclusion and evidence-informed practice across Scotland and beyond.
At the heart of the Centre's approach is a commitment to strengthening community voices and ensuring that research responds to real-world challenges. CMDCI brings together interdisciplinary scholars and external stakeholders to raise public awareness, inform policy development and promote best practice on issues relating to migration, diaspora communities, citizenship and identity. By facilitating collaboration between academia and communities, the Centre helps create opportunities for meaningful engagement and social change.
A key example of this community-focused work can be seen in the research led by Dr Katy Highet, whose work explores the role of English language education in supporting refugee and migrant communities. Her research highlights how English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision has served not only as a means for learning but also as a space for community organising and advocacy. Examining the experience of Glasgow as an asylum dispersal city, her work documents the contribution of ESOL educators and activists involved in the Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees. This research demonstrates how community-led action helped promote acceptance of new migrants, challenge racism and foster a lasting culture of solidarity that continues to influence community relations in Glasgow today.
The Centre's commitment to community collaboration is further demonstrated through the work of Dr Emilia Pietka-Nykaza, whose project on refugee integration in Scotland adopts a strongly participatory approach. Supported by a Royal Society of Edinburgh Research Workshop Grant, the initiative brings together academics, practitioners and refugee-led organisations through a series of workshops designed to co-produce research and better understand long-term refugee integration. By placing refugee voices and experiences at the centre of the research process, the project promotes community empowerment while generating evidence to inform future policy and practice.
CMDCI also plays an important convening role between communities and decision-makers. Under the leadership of Co-Director Dr Emilia Pietka-Nykaza, the Centre hosted a collaborative meeting with the Scottish Government's Population and Migration Division, bringing together the Minister for Equalities, local authorities, community organisations and academic experts. The event provided a forum for discussion on rural depopulation and community sustainability, ensuring that diverse local perspectives could contribute to the development of future policy. This work reflects the Centre's broader mission to create positive impacts within the communities where people live and work.
Community engagement is also central to the work of Professor Colin Clark, whose research focuses on Romani, Gypsy and Traveller communities. Through longstanding partnerships with community organisations and advocacy groups, Professor Clark has contributed to improving understanding of the challenges facing marginalised ethnic minority communities, including issues of migration, identity, discrimination and citizenship. His work extends beyond academia through active involvement with organisations such as the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights and Romano Lav, a community-based charity supporting Roma communities in Govanhill, Glasgow where Professor Clark is a trustee. These roles help ensure that research insights are translated into practical action and community benefit.
Collectively, the Centre's activities illustrate a model of community engagement that moves beyond traditional academic research. By creating spaces for collaboration, supporting community-led initiatives, fostering dialogue between sectors and ensuring that under-represented voices inform policy and practice, CMDCI makes an important contribution to building more inclusive and cohesive communities across Scotland.
Last updated: 27/10/2026