Theme: The Future Citizen

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Kingsway Campus, University of Chester
Kingsway
Chester, Cheshire West and Chester, CH23LB
United Kingdom

Alana Lukens

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at GRAYCE

Activist for diversity and inclusion, ethnic minorities, cultural awareness, international voices and women

Helen O'Sullivan

Deputy Vice Chancellor

Helen is Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, I am responsible for providing strategic leadership of the academic function of the University, including the development of the academic portfolio, enhancement of the teaching and learning experience and leadership of the Deans of Faculty. I joined Chester on 1st April 2021 and before that was Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Keele University.

Holly McLoughlin

Career Consultant

"Holly McLoughlin is a careers expert helping students and career changers rethink how they can use their full potential to make an impact in ways that matter to them. She believes that everyone has the potential to make a difference to our world and future, and most of us need to peel back the layers of emotion-based thinking that tell us we are not enough, and we do not have the power. Holly is a Career Consultant at the University of Chester and Founder of www.evolving.careers. She is a qualified career development professional whose personal Career Re-think took her from being an Engineer to Sustainability Trainer and then Career Coach. She believes that the emotional journey of our careers is as important as the practical parts, for both success and fulfilment. "

John Alcolado

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences

Professor John Alcolado is Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences at the University of Chester. He has over 10years experience in senior medical education leadership roles, having previously led the Graduate Entry Medicine programme in Nottingham, Director of North East Thames Foundation School, Director of Medical Education and Associate Medical Director. He maintains his clinical role as Consultant in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Acute Medicine. John was the first in his family to go to University and the first in his High School to go to Medical School and this has instilled a passion for widening participation

Lucy da Silva

Psychotherapist

Lucy is a psychotherapist in private practice and a Director of a wellbeing company that she owns with her husband. Lucy has a Masters degree in Psychology and specialises in the treatment of addictive behaviours. She is an international public speaker, a lecturer, an author as well as an ambassador for many charities one being The Amy Winehouse Foundation. Lucy works with agencies on adequate pathways to protect victims of sexual abuse and regularly speaks publicly giving victims the voice they deserve to have. She is also a professional singer, a wife and a proud mother of two beautiful children.

Matt Bowen

Deputy Head of Department, Mental Health and Learning Disability

Matt Bowen is a mental health nurse and academic who has researched the media's representations of mental health.

Paul Bissell

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation

As Pro Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation, I am responsible for driving forward the University’s research and knowledge exchange strategy and outcomes. As a member of the Senior Executive Team (SET) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), I ensure that the research and knowledge exchange strategy is consistent with the current Citizen Student Strategy.

Sohail Mushtaq

Associate Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry

Sohail is an Associate Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at the University of Chester and leads the Micronutrient Metabolism Research Group within the Department of Clinical Sciences and Nutrition. His research interests include: the role of vitamin D in health and disease; the biochemical and physiological role of micronutrients in health, and the role of fatty acids in lipid metabolism/cardiovascular disease.

Steven Jones

Professor of Mental Health.

Steve is a Professor of mental health and Director of international health at Chester Medical School. He is an experienced clinician, educator and widely published researcher focusing on substance misuse, self-harm, suicide, and cognitive disorders including dementia.

Tamirah Bass-Grant

Psychology and Sociology Student

Tamirah was born and raised in Leeds and is of Caribbean descent and has strong ties to her culture. She is a student at the University of Chester studying psychology and sociology. Tamirah frequently volunteers and had opportunities like organizing and hosting a BLM protest, facilitating a girls and young women's health event, facilitating and starring in a video titled ‘Being Black, Being Me’. She hosted a period poverty event and is the social media manager and vice president of The Empowerment Project. She works at the university as a Race Advocate championing for people of colour within Higher Education.

Una Meehan

Senior Lecturer, Education

"As well as being Deputy Director of Partnerships at the University of Chester, Uná co-leads Good for Nothing Chester, a community group of 400 plus volunteers that’s utilises their expertise to accelerate positive change across the city. Uná uses innovative and creative methods that create the space for different voices to be heard and given a platform to participate in big decisions. Last year she designed a hugely successful community consultation that placed people at the centre of a refresh and review of the Chester One City Plan. Uná is a connector, communicator and constant collaborator to help #MakeChester. "