SISC launch blog

What a morning!

The Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities (SISC) officially launched on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Over 80 people joined us, with a refreshing mix from government, civic society and third sector organisations, industry, and academia. In fact, over 30 organisations were represented, and the event attracted interest from across all Faculties at the University too.

The level of attendance and energy and interest at our launch event evidenced the need for the Institute and initiatives to support grassroots action for progressive and positive change for communities.

Following coffee and a welcome from SISC Directors Matt and Jen, the institute was then officially launched by Professor David Hillier, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Strathclyde Business School. We then heard important insights from leaders including Miriam Brett, Co-Director of Future Economy Scotland, who provided a broad set of challenges and opportunities for Scotland’s communities in the context of a sustainability transition. A project showcase followed to see and hear the sorts of activities happening across Strathclyde on a range of issues, all aligned with SISCs mission: to put a spotlight on best practice to enrich and empower communities through sustainable development. More projects were shared in the poster showcase over lunch.

It was an absolute pleasure to hear interests, practices and ideas being shared over coffee and lunch, and for the event to be a magnet for new connections to be made. For us, the Institute activities were started there and then.

We will be taking on board the ideas and suggestions shared by launch attendees to shape future SISC activities.The engagement, buoyant atmosphere and most of all the interest and support was extremely energising and we are very enthused by the desire to engage with and work with us.

Thanks to all who came along and to all who have engaged with us so far, and watch this space in the coming months as we transform the energy and ideas from the launch into SISC actions and initiatives.

Published: 26 June 2024