UPnorth - Durham University

UP North Culture + Knowledge: Growing Opportunities in the North East

Unlocking the potential of the North-East together

On 7 February we hosted two events as part of UPNorth: Culture + Knowledge, Growing Opportunities in the North East.

Over 300 Durham University students, staff, partners and stakeholder organisations attended the Ideas Forum and Panel Discussion, contributing to the conversation and sharing ideas to grow opportunities for all in the North East of England.

What is UP North?

Four photos of speakers from the UP North Ideas Forum arranged in a montage

Learn more about the UP North events we hosted

We hosted two free UP North events on Wednesday 7 February 2024: An Ideas Forum in the afternoon and a Panel Discussion in the evening.

Ideas Forum

Our Ideas Forum featured short presentations from researchers, community leaders and politicians, followed by Q&A and networking sessions.

Panel discussion

Leaders in culture, higher education, government and innovation, introduced by our Vice-Chancellor, Karen O'Brien, discussed opportunities and challenges for our region.

View photos from the day

Click through our slideshow to see photos from the UP North events.

Ellie Grimes speaks to the audience at the UP North Ideas Forum

Ellie Grimes, of East Durham Trust, PowerED / Horden Heat, addressing the audience at the Ideas Forum.

Ideas Forum speakers Anna Louise Spencer, left , and Victoria Hughes, right, both of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Prof Mariam Ursu speaks at the UP North Ideas Forum

Prof Mariam Ursu, Co-Director of the Digital Creativity Labs, University of York, speaking at the UP North Ideas Forum.

Host Ged Matthews and speakers Matthew Rabagliati of UNESCO and Sarah France of The National Trust at the UP North Ideas Forum.

Prof Simon James of Durham University speaking at the UP North Ideas Forum

Professor Simon James, lead on the Durham Commission for Creativity and Education, Durham University and Arts Council England, speaking at the UP North Ideas Forum.

Ged Matthews and Prof Janet Stewart introduce speakers at the UP North Ideas Forum

Durham University's Ged Matthews and Prof Janet Stewart introducing speakers at the UP North Ideas Forum.

Financial Times Correspondent Jennifer Williams, Durham University Vice-Chancellor Karen O'Brien and Redhills CEO Nick Malyan at the UP North panel discussion

Financial Times Northern England Correspondent Jennifer Williams, Durham University Vice-Chancellor Karen O'Brien and Redhills (Durham Miner's Association) CEO Nick Malyan at the UP North panel discussion.

Speakers at the UP North Panel Discussion from left to right: Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Dr Henry Kippin, Prof Katy Shaw, Jennifer Williams, Prof Karen O’Brien, Nick Malyan, Prof Giorgio Fazio.

Who were the speakers?

Our high profile speakers included experts, politicians and industry and community leaders with vast experience of how partnerships can generate new opportunities for our region and create an exciting future.

Meet the speakers

UP North on social media

Click the images below to follow the discussion about UP North on Twitter (X) and LinkedIn, and join the conversation with the #UPNorthDurham hashtag.

Join in the conversation: #UPNorthDurham

Thought leadership and latest Tweets

Hear from people who attended our UP North events.

Highlights

Looking back to build a better future: IMEMS at UP North

Ita Mac Carthy, a Professor of early modern Italian literature and art in our School of Modern Languages and Cultures, writes about how our research helps build a better future in the North East.
Prof Simon James: The importance of creativity

Simon James, a Professor in our Department of English Studies, writes about the importance of creativity in every school subject.

Looking back to build a better future: IMEMS at UP North

Ita Mac Carthy, a Professor of early modern Italian literature and art in our School of Modern Languages and Cultures, writes about how our research helps build a better future in the North East.

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Prof Simon James: The importance of creativity

Simon James, a Professor in our Department of English Studies, writes about the importance of creativity in every school subject.

The organisers

Durham University

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire. We've been ranked 19th out of 1,403 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024.

Our partners

N8 Research Partnership

The N8 Research Partnership consists of the eight most research-intensive universities in the North of England: Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York. N8 aims to promote collaboration, establish research programmes and drive economic growth.
RSA

The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce has been creating social impact for over 260 years. Its proven change process, rigorous research, ideas platforms and global network of changemakers work collectively to enable people, places and the planet to flourish.

N8 Research Partnership

The N8 Research Partnership consists of the eight most research-intensive universities in the North of England: Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York. N8 aims to promote collaboration, establish research programmes and drive economic growth.

RSA

The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce has been creating social impact for over 260 years. Its proven change process, rigorous research, ideas platforms and global network of changemakers work collectively to enable people, places and the planet to flourish.

Find out more about UP North