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Mobile technologies and in particular mobile applications have become key drivers of the economy in many countries especially those that lack established communications infrastructures. Since 2003, the research team led by Professor Al-Begain has created both significant infrastructure and know-how that became the base for the creation of the £6.4million Centre of Excellence in Mobile Applications and Services (CEMAS) that is providing research and development to SMEs in Wales to increase their competitiveness. In the first three years since its inception 28 projects have been completed and 66 companies have received services.
Research at the University of Manchester (UoM) has developed new approaches, methods and algorithms to improve the statistical confidentiality practices of data stewardship organisations (DSOs), such as the UK's Office for National Statistics. The research and its products have had significant impacts on data dissemination practice, both in the UK and internationally, and have been adopted by national statistical agencies, government departments and private companies. The primary beneficiaries of this work are DSOs, who are able to both disseminate useful data products, and protect respondent confidentiality more effectively. Secondary beneficiaries are respondents, whose confidentiality is better protected, and the research community, as without `gold standard' disclosure risk analysis, data holders can be overcautious.
Impact: Multi-national developments in public policy and service provision related to earthquake risk reduction, derived from the work of the International Commission on Earthquake Forecasting for Civil Protection (ICEF), established following the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake.
Significance and reach: In 2012 the Italian Department of Civil Protection allocated €1billion for seismic protection, including a multi-year programme on operational earthquake forecasting. New programmes/policies have been enacted by government bodies in the USA (2012), Russia (2012) and Japan (May 2013).
Underpinned by: Research into earthquake dynamics and predictability, undertaken at the University of Edinburgh (1996 onwards), which led to the appointment of the sole UK representative to the ICEF.
RVC's Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health team (VEEPH) has been at the forefront of applying and evaluating new techniques for modelling disease risk, for policy and decision makers to use in surveillance and control of animal and zoonotic infections. Application of their recommendations, including European `Commission Decision' legislation, is contributing to ensuring that Europe remains free from African swine fever (ASF). The status of FAO Reference Centre in Veterinary Epidemiology, awarded by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation in 2012, recognises the RVC as a centre of excellence in this field and reinforces its role in guiding policies relating to animal health.
The Centre for Disaster Resilience's (CDR) research is leading to a reduction in the vulnerability of communities world-wide to the threat posed by hazards of natural and human origin, demonstrating the following impact;
Birkbeck research on improved mapping of seismic hazards has led to changes in working practices at Italian civil service institutions and the Bank of Greece. In particular, the research has enabled these institutions to make more informed assessments of seismic hazard through the use of five parameters that were not previously considered. Communication of research findings through meetings and websites as part of a new Knowledge Exchange Network has also resulted in improved understanding about earthquake hazard within industry and the financial sector in the UK.
Dr Alexandros Paraskevas has demonstrated the benefits of implementing academic research and `scientific rigour' into global business practices. His conceptual approach to risk and crisis management has become highly acclaimed within the hospitality industry and has strengthened practices in a turbulent business environment. His research pioneered an effective partnership between the Oxford School of Hospitality Management and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), resulting in the Group developing new risk management practices, enhancing its effectiveness in managing risks, saving costs and gaining worldwide recognition as industry leader in the field. These practices are continuously shared with the broader H&T industry through appropriate fora and dissemination platforms.