We all know what it feels like when things do not seem to move. In the  public discourse of modern societies, on all sides of the political spectrum, stuckness is often observed. The recent pandemic presents one such example of this mode of experience.

This talk will address stuckness for the philosophical comprehension of  the concept of history. It will bring together views on the inability of market-driven-societies to change the ways in which they transform themselves and their environment. And it will draw on three historically distinct, systematically linked, strands of theorizing historical standstill: Marxian thought, critical theory, contemporary philosophy.

Ultrasound imaging systems are widely used to make measurements in organs and tissues for the purposes of diagnosis and to help choose the appropriate therapy. It may come as a surprise to many, including clinical practitioners, that measurements may have substantial error and so all measurements require extensive checking and quantification of errors using experimental flow systems called ‘phantoms’. This talk will describe research on the construction and use of phantoms, both experimental and in-silico where the error checking is performed by simulating the entire ultrasound imaging process.

There is also the possibility of refining the ultrasound techniques, or developing new techniques, to improve measurement accuracy. Peter Hoskins will describe research whose aim is to provide improved velocity measurement; using ultrasound-only techniques and using Computational Fluid Dynamics, first developed for the aerospace industry. Finally recent opportunities for improved quantification will be described in preclinical  and point of care applications.

Learning results from the interaction between the learner, learning environment and learning activities. We plan activities that give learners  the opportunity for experiential learning and engagement. Student engagement is underpinned by the creation of a safe learning environment. This is not limited to a safe physical space but includes attitudes and values that support learning, such as opportunities for students to safely express their opinions and get non-judgemental feedback in return. A safe environment also includes opportunities to observe and learn through role-play. This approach is student-centred, using low tech strategies. 

Human rights are commonly regarded as a fundamental element of liberal democracy, yet contemporary challenges to human rights increasingly  come from within the democratic process itself. Across the world populist movements explicitly criticise human rights and human rights institutions  for presenting unnecessary obstacles to dealing with perceived threats,  such as migration or terrorism. Such criticism often leads to calls for fundamental changes. But are such chances warranted?

This presentation will reflect on the role of nurse educators. It focuses on  the pandemic and some of the challenges we faced both personally and professionally in supporting student nurses who were on the front line in the NHS but yet still at various stages in their degrees. Gill will explore the highs and lows of online learning with particular reference to nursing and will also be considering the importance of listening, empathy and above all kindness in providing student support.

Many of the greatest advances in our understanding of biology have been made possible with the help of light microscopy. Light is ideally suited to imaging and manipulation at the scale of biological cells, allowing us to image and control anything from individual chromosomes or blood cells to whole chick embryos or plant roots.

In this talk Dr Mike MacDonald will focus on using laser light, and in some cases ultrasound, to manipulate and control objects. From the manipulation of individual cells to the development of the world’s first working sonic screwdriver, Mike will highlight some of the breakthroughs that have allowed greater insight into topics ranging from industrially produced red blood cells to plant diseases.

The School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law has been formed from three previous Schools, incorporating a wide range of subjects. There is great potential for innovation and growth across disciplines, especially in areas that align with the University’s passion for social purpose. The School has education and research strengths in many areas, including expertly training the ‘social professionals’ for the city, region, and wider world. Our research includes critical areas of law, environmental science, humanities and social change, and we are currently reframing the focus of this work.