Research Summer School: University-led Urban Regeneration

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UCL, in partnership with Ravensbourne, are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity for young people of diverse backgrounds to work together on a short intensive research summer school. We will discuss university-led urban regeneration: Is it real? And who benefits?

Major redevelopment projects always promise economic benefits for local communities and universities are playing a part in these processes as cultural anchors, or science and technology hubs linked to enterprise zones. What is happening in East London to realise a new urban future? What does a post-industrial knowledge economy mean to local people?

What will I do?

You will take part in briefing sessions and then formulate key questions about what university-led regeneration is and what it could be. You will interview key players in the regeneration of East London and conduct your own field observations of the impact so far. You will consider and compare case studies of other university-led urban regeneration in other cities and then you will present your findings to an invited audience of senior figures in academia, government and cultural life.

As part of this process, you will:

• learn and contribute to the debate about the future of London, the consequences of regeneration for different communities, and the role of universities in those processes.
• gain access and present your views to leading figures in London's academic, political and cultural communities.
• enjoy working with other young people with very different backgrounds and experience
• acquire training in professionally validated mentoring approaches and presenting complex ideas in a compelling and persuasive ways.

Who can join?

The summer school is aimed at anyone from the age of 16, whether in formal  education or not. We are specifically interested in young applicants living in the communities surrounding the Olympicopolis development (namely the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest), but is open to all regardless of location or age.

We are also looking for a number of undergraduates and postgraduates from Ravensbourne, UCL, UEL, QMUL, Loughborough and other London colleges to join the course.

Lunch and travel costs will be covered.

How to apply?

Places are limited. Please apply to Gregory Thompson (UCL Creative Entrepreneur in Residence): gregory.thompson@ucl.ac.uk.