Convocation October 2023

Our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien invites you to join her on Monday 23 October on campus in Durham for this year’s meeting of Convocation.

Professor O’Brien will be chairing a cross-faculty panel of eminent academics to discuss ”How Durham researchers are preparing us for the future: Health, well-being and fitness on a changing planet".

Following the panel discussion Karen will be presenting an update on the University's Strategy Refresh and addressing some key questions, which are requested in advance. 

On conclusion of the evening’s formalities, there will be food and drink served and the opportunity for socialising and networking with alumni, university staff and friends of the Durham community.

Where: The Hub, Mount Oswald, The Approach, Durham, DH1 3FP

When: Monday 23rd October 2023, 5.30pm doors open, 8.30pm doors close

Questions*: Please send any questions you would like to submit relating to the University's Strategy Refresh no later than Thursday 13th October to: daro.events@durham.ac.uk

*Due to time limitations some questions will be selected for response whilst others will be addressed in post-event communications.

Access requirements: Please inform daro.events@durham.ac.uk if you have any special accessibility requirements for this event.

We will do our best to meet your special diet requirements, unfortunately, we can not guarantee to meet these for registrations received after 12th October.

Panel Members:

Professor Amanda Ellison 

Professor in the Department of Psychology

Dr Ellison's interests include the neuroscientific basis of vision; neuronal disruption in migraine headache; visuomotor systems; sensorimotor cortical interfacing; thalamocortical dysrhythmia and the rehabilitative benefits of TMS. As outgoing Director of the Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, she is passionate about creating and supporting interdisciplinary approaches to health challenges.

Professor Angela Woods

Professor of Medical Humanities

Dr Woods is a medical humanities researcher with research interests and expertise spanning three linked areas: the interplay between clinical, experiential and cultural-theoretical accounts of voice-hearing and psychosis; narrative and its role in understanding health; and the dynamics of interdisciplinary and collaborative research.

Dr Mariann Hardey

Professor in Business and Computing

Dr Hardey is passionate about self-development and learning, with a focus on representation among business leaders and practitioners in the technology sector. She has given numerous presentations at international conferences and events, and her work has been featured in international media.

Dr Patrick Jachyra

Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences

Dr Jachyra's research examines the psycho-social dimensions of disability, health, and well-being of neurodivergent individuals, with a particular focus on autistic people. The goal of this research is to support the physical activity, well-being, participation and inclusion of neurodivergent people in society.