During a research day, hosted by the University of Chester, students and academics shared ideas and best practice on sustainability.

The research event explored the United Nations' sustainability goals, the challenges they create and finding new ways to tackle them with collaborative research.

It brought the whole community of researchers together from student researchers to experienced research professors. 

The event started with an introduction to the research and knowledge exchange strategy across the University.

Each of the three research leads, Dr Michal Izak, Dr Stuart Cunningham and Dr Matt Geary gave an overview of research in their school.

Research students also had the chance to showcase their work.

PhD student, Eleanor Lewis, presented her industrial decarbonisation research, which is sponsored by Encirc, a glass container manufacturer located in Elton. 

Her cutting-edge research will assist the company's strategy to decarbonise its operations. 

MRes Biological Sciences student, Emma Barker, was the winner, with runners-up Lyndon Howson, MRes Biological Sciences and Lucy Morris, PhD student.

Lucy is researching pioneering wildlife monitoring for lesser horseshoe bats, whilst Lyndon is assessing hedgehog conservation strategies. 

The winner, Emma, is researching leopard population statistics using camera trap data.  

Professor Julieanna Powell-Turner said: "Our inaugural Faculty Research Day brought us together to engage in meaningful discussions on research priorities and collaborative opportunities.

"I hope this shared experience has laid the foundation for future innovative and interdisciplinary endeavors across our three Schools and the wider University."  

Dr Stuart Cunningham added: "Our Away Day was a fantastic opportunity to galvanise our research teams, strategise and explore collaborative opportunities for a sustainable future.

"It was inspiring to hear about the diverse array of exciting research fields that colleagues across the Faculty are engaged with and how we can support one another to reach our full potential."