The Role of the St David’s Day Group in the Future of Community and Regional Regeneration in Wales

1. The Role of the St David’s Day Group in the Future of Community and Regional Regeneration in Wales A Series of Three Workshops Cardiff • Aberystwyth • Bangor 22nd February • 21st March • 25th April

2. The Role of the St David’s Day Group • in the Future of Community and Regional Regeneration in Wales • Dr Rhys Pullin & Dr Martin O’Neil ‐ Cardiff University • Dr Anna Croft & Dr Martina Lahmann ‐ Bangor University • Dr Hannah Dee ‐ Aberystwyth University • The St David’s Day Group of Universities represent more than 70% of all students in Wales and more than 95% of the nation’s research activity. Wales’ development needs to be driven by real innovation. Such innovation will come from the depth and breadth of knowledge that our universities represent. • As we enter the post Communities First era and European Convergence Funding it will be important to explore how the St David’s Day Group can better contribute to social and economic regeneration, evidence based policy development and the future development of Wales. • We are organising three interactive workshops, focussing on the particular challenges facing those involved in education and social and economic regeneration, to bring together stakeholders from academia, education, policy, industry and community from throughout Wales. As a group, through discussion, creative exercises and presentations we will explore • and identify how the University sector can more effectively contribute to wider policy initiatives, including Communities First and Convergence. • The principal aims of the three workshops is to develop strategies for University interaction within the community, identify how Universities can influence policy initiatives and finally identify sources of funding to establish a cross discipline and institutions research group that can implement the developed ideas for the benefit of Wales. • Three key areas for discussion have been identified: • Engaging those not in employment, education, or training (NEETs) • Wednesday 22nd February 2012, Cardiff • Developing the STEM agenda • Wednesday 21st March 2012, Aberystwyth • How HE can best contribute to the social and economic well being of Wales • Wednesday 25th April, Bangor • As a key stakeholder working in the field we would like to invite you to contribute to this workshop series in order to shape the future strategic development of Wales with the St David’s Day group of Universities. • For further information please contact pullinr@cardiff.ac.uk