HSS Research Seminar: A Sense of Place: Using On-the-Move Methods

Research Seminar delivered by Dr David Skinner, Anglia Ruskin University.

Cambridge and its surrounding area are currently the locus of rapid growth driven in part by massive economic, political, and emotional investment in life science futures. The Cambridge Biomedical Campus is one of the most striking manifestations of this. It brings together major medical, scientific, and commercial initiatives in one location on the southern fringe of Cambridge and is set to become the largest site of its type in Europe. By 2030, it is estimated that 30,000 people will be using the site every day. Further expansion is planned until 2050.

A Sense of Place is a project supported by the Safe and Inclusive Research Initiative that considers the past, present and future of the campus from the perspective of the communities around it. The project utilises a variety of on-the-move methods including walking interviews and guided community walks designed to improve the local conversation about the growth of the campus and its future impacts. This presentation will reflect on the methodological lessons of the project and consider some of the substantive issues it has highlighted. It will also draw wider lessons about current trend for life sciences to be used as a driver of planning, development, and investment. It will also reflect on the particular challenges that people face when voicing opposition to scientific futures.

Refreshments will be served from 4.30pm.

Join this event on Microsoft Teams.