GCU podcast series

Communication is key at times of uncertainty, and we’re thrilled that our researchers have been able to share their insights and advice during the current pandemic via the University’s Common Good podcast. Topics covered include poverty and inequality, adapting to online learning, keeping active during lockdown, impact on the climate crisis and more.

Why not listen in to one of our podcasts to find out more?

• Dr Kareena McAloney-Kocaman talks about her research into how lockdown has impacted on mental health across the UK.
• Professor John Lennon discusses the return of Glasgow's tourist industry and how the city needs to adapt in a post-pandemic world.
• Dr Nicola Roberts discusses her research into how the coronavirus pandemic has affected frontline NHS respiratory nurses.
• Professor Alastair Robertson talks about how GCU transitioned from face-to-face teaching to online learning in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Mary Robinson - Chair of the Elders and former Irish President - and Kumi Naidoo - the former Secretary General of Amnesty International - will talk to Professor Tahseen Jafry, Director of the Centre for Climate Justice, on September 10 on the impact that the pandemic has had on the climate crisis, and what this means for society.
• Dr Patrick Ring examines the UK Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic within the context of risk management.  Applying his theories to businesses and society, he questions whether or not individuals have now become their own risk managers.
• Dr Christopher Hand looks back over the last four months to examine the effects of the lockdown period.  Dr Hand, a cyberpsychologist, discusses its impact on our everyday lives and how things will change as we move through phase three.
• Professor Cam Donaldson discusses the role of health economics during the pandemic.  This was followed up with an article, co-authored with Craig Mitton of University of British Columbia on: Coronavirus: where has all the health economics gone? in the International Journal of Health Policy and Management 2020.
• Professor John McKendrick has been assisting the Poverty and Inequality Commission to administer a survey to community organisations that are providing emergency food aid across Scotland during the pandemic.
• Professor McKendrick also outlines the definition of poverty and examines its prevalence in Scotland before looking at how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the poorest and the most vulnerable in our society.
• Professor Sebastien Chastin has outlined the benefits of keeping active during lockdown.

Research at GCU

Research is instrumental in tackling society’s biggest problems. The health, social and economic challenges uncovered by COVID-19 brings into sharp focus our commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.

Sustainable Development Goals

These global goals reflect our ethos as the University for the Common Good and our mission to make a positive difference to the communities we serve. Read our institutional research strategy to find out more about our commitment to the SDGs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond.

The icons below show which of the 17 SDGs we aim to impact through the research above.