The word SCION means ‘a young shoot or twig of a plant, especially one cut for grafting or rooting’, a metaphor which seemed well suited for our inter-disciplinary research and knowledge exchange group. SCION brings together diverse disciplinary experts with community and business partners to share knowledge and solve problems related to sustainability in its widest sense. It includes a mix of experienced researchers, practitioners and early career researchers and PhD students.
Our work links to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development defined in 2015. The seventeen SDGs focus on ending poverty and reducing inequality, while improving health and education – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve natural resources. These goals align closely with the subject specialities and institutional values of Plymouth Marjon University and underpin development of our research and knowledge exchange.
Unlike many sustainability groups, the creative arts form a strong part of the interdisciplinary core of the group. We explore a wide range of issues - bringing together theories of communication, education, behaviour change and performance with the big sustainability issues including climate change, community development and social responsibility. Underpinning the research and knowledge exchange activities of the group is a collaborative, creative, and playful approach to work which opens up imaginative possibilities for problem-solving.
We specialise in participatory, action-oriented research which aims to have direct influence on the university and external partners through joint projects. The group will also support the core principles of enhancing research-informed curricula in higher education, providing a focal point for students’ interest in sustainability and climate challenges, and for wider developments towards the sustainable university ideal.
If you’re a community group that would like to work with academic researchers, or an academic interested in collaboration, dissemination and impact, get in touch with us:
Email: SCION@marjon.ac.uk
Twitter: @MarjonSCION
• Communication and behaviour change
• Outdoor learning and sustainability education
• Local democracy and community action
• Innovation in business and enterprise
• Creative arts and performance
• Environmental, social and economic sustainability
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Raven, N., (2015) Spill Geist: An Ode to (the) Others. Spill International Festival of Performance
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Winter, J., Chapman, S. and Treasure, K. (2015) Using a university arts gallery to enhance the student learning experience. SEDA annual conference. Cardiff. 19-20th November 2015
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