Across the Disciplines
The Institute of Advanced Study is one of eight world-leading research institutes at Durham. In 2009-10 the IAS hosted Fellows and research activities from the full spectrum of disciplines to explore the subject of Water from a variety of perspectives. However, not only did the individuals and events feed into a wide-ranging programme of work on this specific theme, they also informed and highlighted the specialist research being carried out by research groups at Durham.
The work being carried out at the Water: Resource or Hazard? workshop was complemented by another on Water and Risk, which focused on dealing with the consequences of catastrophe. This workshop brought together people connected by issues of water risk who rarely have the opportunity to engage with each other, as they often work only within their own specialist fields. World-leading researchers from the physical and social sciences engaged with journalists and policy makers to tackle issues of risk in relation to flooding, water security, and catchment management, and to discuss the impact of risk on communities and institutions. This will lead to the publication of papers in a special issue of the journal Area.
In collaboration with the Durham Forum for Health, the IAS hosted a public seminar on the question Is Water Good for Our Health? The seminar included amongst its guest speakers Sir Derek Wanless, Chairman of Northumbrian Water, and Professor Sarah Curtis, an internationally recognised specialist in the geography of health from Durham University. It asked whether, at a time of increased levels of flooding in the UK, pollution in our rivers, and the need for chemicals in our drinking water, we should question whether water is safe and good. This well-attended, lively debate proved a fitting finale to the IAS’s Water year.
Shlomi Dinar worked with colleagues in the International Boundaries Research Unit in Geography to refine his modelling of the effectiveness of water rights’ treaties. Veronica Strang has forged close links with many colleagues in the Department of Anthropology. Muhammad Saidam prompted co-operation between the Royal Scientific Society in Jordan and the Department of Chemistry in Durham in the field of biofuel research. Christer Bruun has established new contacts in the Departments of Classics and Ancient History and Archaeology leading to a fruitful exchange of information and invitations to participate in conferences and present research papers. And Durham’s Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHHR) had their own programme of work supported by the IAS theme of ‘Water’ with funding from the IAS to run the Water and Risk workshop and their successful engagement with a number of IAS Fellows, including Ezio Todini and Muhammad Saidam.
Although IAS Fellows may only be in Durham for a short period of time, the relationships they establish with Durham’s research community are long-lasting.
Recordings of all the presentations at the Water and Risk workshop can be downloaded at:
www.durham.ac.uk/water.risk
Reflections
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