The Institute of Inflammation and Repair (IIR) Social Responsibility Team organised an IIR social responsibility week recently to highlight, promote and learn about the various social responsibility activities taking place in the centres across the Institute.

The week started with a seminar where IIR Director, Professor Jane Worthington, together with Professor Chris Cutts, Associate Dean for Social Responsibility in the Faculty of Medican and Human Sciences, Dr Hawys Williams, Centre for Engagement and Involvement Manager and Dr Suzan Verstappen, IIR Social Responsibility team lead gave an overview of the importance of Social Responsibility within the Institute and the wider University.

On Tuesday the Green Impact Teams within IIR organised an event that was attended by more than 70 people who were shown how to set up Green Impact teams, and get involved in other University activities such as becoming members of UMBUG the University of Manchester Bicycle Users Group, donating clothes for charity and swapping/collecting plants.

The Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) event on Wednesday was attended by 17 researchers, four patients and one carer. Following initial background information about PPIE, participants identified themselves with different animals during the ‘Ice-Brrr….eaking’ exercise. The event continued with interesting discussions taking place between participants as to what stage in research patients/members of the public could become involved in research.

Members of the MCCIR, the Centre for Dermatology and the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research presented their PPIE activities in the reception area of the Stopford Building on Thursday with the aim of sharing good ideas across the centres and engaging staff in the Stopford Building in PPIE activities.

The final day of the Social Responsibility week was dedicated to Widening Participation with presentations from Katie Muscat and Stephanie Lee, and also to Dementia Friends with a presentation by Claire Hodkinson.

Throughout the week, staff across the Institute were kept informed about each topic via a special daily SR week newsletter.

For further information on Social Responsibilities activities with IIR, contact Dr Suzan Verstappen.