“Universities are so much more than degree-awarding seats of learning. They are drivers for economic innovation and advancement, catalysts for social change and champions of cultural development.” Professor Judith Petts, CBE
The Creative Economy is booming on a local, regional and national scale. The University’s vision is to be recognised as a leading player in the growth, productivity and resilience of the Creative Economy in the South West. Working alongside our talented staff, students and strategic partners towards an ambitious common goal, the University aims to achieve a step-change in Plymouth’s Creative Economy; making it a more attractive place to study, live, work and visit.
The University’s iMayflower project team are:
Professor Chris Bennewith, Head of School for Art, Design and Architecture is the Principle Investigator for the university on the iMayflower project. Chris was part of the team who reframed the city’s Illuminate light festival.
Rupert Lorraine, Development and Partnership Manager for Research and Innovation and the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business at the University of Plymouth. Responsible for leading the development of The Bridge - which brings together staff, students and strategic partners to fuse the region’s creative talent and digital resources.
Sarah Holcombe, Knowledge Exchange Specialist, manages the Innovative Placement Scheme, connecting businesses with students and graduates to undertake defined projects or tackle R&D challenges, supporting the city’s culture of creativity and innovation.
Dan Howson, Producer of the IGNITE Festival of Creativity and the IGNITE website, a digital platform and programme of events dedicated to connecting emerging talent with industry and the public, to ignite economic growth, productivity and employment.
Hannah Irwin, Knowledge Exchange Manager, works with businesses to understand their challenges and ambitions, and connect them with the opportunities on offer through iMayflower and its partners. From self-employed individuals to large organisations, across sectors and with both emerging and well-established companies; the iMayflower team at the University of Plymouth supports businesses to innovate and thrive.
Emily Barrett, Knowledge Exchange Officer, organises the Plymouth Startup Weekend events, which are designed to help support and encourage budding entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs or anyone with exciting ideas for new products, processes, services or experiences.
Lauren Tenn, Project Administrator, works across the team to provide project support for all activities, events and reporting, and is at the forefront of interactions with the iMayflower consortium and outside world.
Konstantin Leonenko, Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Labs Engagement Manager, works at the interface of industry and academia helping broaden and maximise the social impact of new technologies.
Find out more about University of Plymouth and iMayflower