Institute for Planetary Resilience and Community Transformation (PACT)

Our Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute conducts transdisciplinary research to address major challenges of the 21st century. Through research, innovation and enterprise, we aim to have an impact on planetary resilience and community transformation.

Our institute commits to the values of equity, fairness, justice, democracy and compassion. We facilitate partnership working, participatory methods, co-production, creativity and innovation.

Our remit includes but is not limited to:

  • Social, economic and ecological justice: this includes a focus on addressing inequalities, drawing on Preston’s trailblazing work in co-operative development and community wealth building.
  • Citizenship, culture, care and civic renewal: the strength of the public sphere, our capacity to care for one another, and the places we live and work in.
  • Sustainability, resilience and the wellbeing of people, places and the planet: this includes the climate and ecological emergencies; critical engagement with Sustainable Development Goals; and a focus on nature connectedness and green/blue space.
  • Research

    Developing equitable partnerships for co-creation of the research agenda.
  • Knowledge exchange

    Anchoring our research in sustainable development from local to global challenges.
  • Public engagement

    Context relevant research for community resilience, civic participation and citizenship.
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Our academics

Professor Lynn Froggett
Professor of Psychosocial Welfare
School of Health, Social Work and Sport

Lynn Froggett's focus is on the contribution of arts and culture to human health and welfare. Other key interests are in civic renewal and public mental health. She has led numerous collaborative research programmes in settings as diverse as health, education, criminal justice …

nicola in a white cardigan smiling
Professor Nicola Lowe
Professor of Nutritional Sciences
School of Health, Social Work and Sport

Nicola is the Director of our Research Centre for Global Development. She is an expert in the field of international nutrition, with a particular focus on micronutrient requirements and metabolism. The overarching aim of her research is to explore sustainable solutions to glob…