Research Festival 2025

Dr Audrey MacDougall FAcSS is the Scottish Government’s Chief Social Researcher. She took up this role in 2013. She also heads up the Central Analysis Division of the Scottish Government where she was responsible for directing the Scottish Government’s analytical response to COVID. Currently a major strand of her work is focused on developing capability and capacity within the Scottish Government for the development and use of evidence and analysis for policy making and operational delivery. Audrey has a particular interest in mixed methods and the power of interdisciplinary research to generate new insights.

Audrey studied maths in University College Dublin and then moved to London where she trained as a Chartered Accountant. In 1995 she moved to Edinburgh where she became a senior manager in the Infrastructure and Government department in KPMG responsible for best value and consultancy assignments across the public sector in Scotland. While at KPMG she completed an MBA.

In 2002, looking for a change in direction Audrey spent 18 months on secondment to the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit in Whitehall. Following this she returned to the University of Edinburgh where she completed a PhD on strategy making in the 4 nations governments post devolution.

Audrey joined the Scottish Government in 2006 as a social researcher and has worked in various policy areas in education, poverty, housing, equalities and social security. 

9:30-10:00 Registration (P123/125)

10:00-10:15 Welcome Address – Professor Robert MacIntosh PVC RI & Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (P118)

10:15-11:15 Keynote Speaker
Audrey MacDougall – Scottish Government Chief Social Researcher (P118)

11:15-11:30 Comfort Break

11:30-12:15 Launch of Research Culture Action Plan (RCAP) – Professor Robert MacIntosh (P118)

12:15-13:15 Lunch (Chancellor's Hall)

13:15-15:15 Exhibition and Workshop for Research Groupings - Research for a Better World

Visual representation of how their research group is fostering engagement driving change and developing impact. 

Themes linked to Scottish Government and national Innovation Strategy:

• Tackling Inequality (D137/139)
• Ensuring High Quality and Sustainable Services (D145)
• Addressing the Climate Emergency  (D133)
• Increasing Prosperity through Innovation (D135)

15:15-16:00 UWS Panel Discussion – Innovating for a Better World
Aligning with Scottish Government Themes and national Innovation Strategy (P118)

Facilitator to guide panel through key topics:

• The Role of Research in Addressing Global Challenges: How UWS research can contribute to solving pressing issues like climate change, health disparities, and social inequalities
• Innovation and Economic Growth: The impact of innovation on economic development and job creation
• Community Engagement and Inclusivity: Strategies for involving communities in research and ensuring inclusivity
• Sustainable Practices: The importance of sustainability in research and innovation

Venues TBC

9:30-10:00 Registration

10:00-10:15 Welcome Address – Professor Robert MacIntosh PVC RI & Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor

10:15-11:30 Guest Speakers 
Research for a Better World

Former PhD Students telling their stories as to how the research methodologies, findings and partnerships from their PhD inform the ways they work in their post-PhD professional roles to deliver impact and make our world a better place.

11:30-12:50 PGR Poster Showcase – Posters Reviewed by Panel

11.30-12:20 Workshop – What Does Research Impact Mean to You? (Room D133)

12.20-14:00 Lunch & Poster Viewings/Networking

14:15 3MT Final

15:15 Prize Giving

Location: All sessions wll take place in Import Classroom 6

9:30-10:00 Registration

10:00-10:10 Welcome Address – Professor Robert MacIntosh PVC RI & Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor

10:10-11:10 Keynote Speaker with Q & A session.
Theme: Public Engagement with Research to Deliver a Better World

11:10-11:25 Comfort Break

11:25-12:40  An Introduction to Research Impact at UWS London
This session will focus on Research Impact by Design and will be co-led by Professor Robert MacIntosh and Dr Elaine Hunter, Research Impact Manager 

12:40-13:25 Lunch

13:25-14:40 What's Coming Up in the Research Enabling Plans?
Led by Professor Robert MacIntosh

14:40-15:40 Plenary – Call to action to develop impact culture at our London Campus

15:40-15:55 Close- Dr Mariana Dodourova, Dean of UWS London