In 2005-08, SURF brought together a panel of academic and regeneration experts to support the practice-based information and views from SURF network members with academic evidence. The panel included leading academics in Scottish regeneration fields, including representatives of:

• Heriot Watt University's Centre for Research into Socially Inclusive Services
• Napier University's Employment Research Institute
• University of Dundee's Geddes Institute
• University of Glasgow's Department of Urban Studies

We are currently re-establishing the panel for 2010. Following our 2010 Annual Conference, SURF's 'Academic Panel' will provide a mechanism for linking regeneration-related policy, practice and study with the following aims:

Communications: 

• To assist relevant academics to 'catch up' on colleagues' current relevant work and on practitioners' current concerns
• To establish/enhance a network of academics and practitioners and to increase sharing of information on research activity and contacts
• To explore mutually beneficial use of respective websites and newsletters

Practical:

• To further enhance SURF's policy/practice examination and reflection process
• To support and encourage relevant and good quality research
• To explore potential links to students' courses
• To assist in providing guidance for targeting PhD and Masters level research
• To seek to link PhD and Master resources to regeneration projects for potential research and evaluation purposes
• To encourage appropriate and longer term monitoring and evaluation processes of regeneration initiatives

Strategic:

• To increase the potential of research influencing policy via enhanced contact with the political process
• To undertake an annual review of key regeneration issues
• To add weight to calls for investment in relevant research and pilot projects
• Establish and maintain a profile through a regular Academic Panel page in the quarterly Scotregen Journal
• Confirm a range of topics which policy makers are interested in developing and prioritised these for examination by the panel
• Seek to secure new funding for a research project focusing on one prioritised, regeneration policy/practice topic

Further information on the Academic Panel will be available in this section of the SURF website soon. If you are interested in participating in the panel, or finding out more, please contact Andy Milne, SURF Chief Executive, on 0141 585 6848 or email andymilne@scotregen.co.uk.