Theme: Our Changing World

Our world is evolving at a dramatic rate. Globally, society is constantly facing new challenges to overcome. Humanity is questioning, deliberating and sharing how to make a difference.

TEDx Leeds Beckett University will evoke and inspire discussion about our changing world.

Brought together in the heart of Leeds, this event will influence positive conversation and challenge perceptions. We need to reflect on our present to create a prosperous future for the next generation to come.

The event features Professor David Glew, Director of the Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI), Dr Emily Zobel Marshall, Reader in Postcolonial Literature at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Louisa Ells, co-director at the Obesity Institute, and Lauren Senior who is currently studying a PhD in Nutrition at Leeds Beckett University.

Our speakers will discuss how their research both makes an impact and has been impacted by the way the world is changing. Designed to influence positive conversation and challenge perceptions, we look forward to welcoming you to TEDx Leeds Beckett University.

The Theatre
Leeds School of Arts, Leeds Beckett University
City Campus
Leeds, Leeds, LS1 3PB
United Kingdom

David Glew

Director of the Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI)

Professor David Glew is the Director of the Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI) at Leeds Beckett University and Head of Energy Efficiency and Policy. David is an expert in building performance evaluation and how it can be used to assess the success if retrofits and low carbon homes. He has a wide range of experience working with policymakers and government to translate his research findings into actions that can be used to shape policy. David is a regular contributor to national and local TV and radio discussions around energy efficiency in the home and retrofit related news. He contributes to Industry networks, Select Committee inquiries, All Party Parliamentary Groups and is on Ofgem’s Technical Advisory Panel for Innovation in Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

Emily Zobel Marshall

Reader in Postcolonial Literature

Dr Emily Zobel Marshall is a Reader in Postcolonial Literature at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Leeds Beckett University. She is an expert on the trickster figure in the folklore, oral cultures, and literature of the African Diaspora. Notable publications include "Anansi’s Journey: A Story of Jamaican Cultural Resistance" (2012) and "American Trickster: Trauma Tradition and Brer Rabbit" (2019). Emily’s creativity extends beyond academia. She has showcased her poetic talent in international journals and in her first collection "Bath of Herbs" (July 2023, Peepal Tree Press). Emily also holds significant roles as Co-Chair of the David Oluwale Memorial Association and Creative Associate at the Geraldine Connor Foundation, aligning her efforts with anti-racism and homelessness initiatives.

Lauren Senior

PhD student researching nutrition

Lauren Senior is a nutrition professional currently studying her PhD at Leeds Beckett University. Lauren’s research is centred around a Nutrition and Health Survey of African and Caribbean adults living in the UK. Lauren’s work investigates the dietary habits and nutrition related health of West African, North African, and Caribbean adults. Before moving to the UK, Lauren achieved an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Technology (UTECH) in Jamaica. In 2016, she completed a master’s degree in International Public Health Nutrition from the University of Westminster, London. Lauren’s research interests are public health nutrition and health inequalities, and she is passionate about culturally tailored health interventions for African and Caribbean communities.

Louisa Ells

Professor of Obesity and co-director at the Obesity Institute

Professor Louisa Ells is a Professor of Obesity and co-directs the Obesity Institute at Leeds Beckett University. She is a registered public health nutritionist and Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health. Louisa specialises in highly applied obesity research and has over 20 years’ experience working across policy, practice, and academia. She has an established track record in coproduced, patient centred, multidisciplinary, cross-sector applied weight management research and evaluation, and has a specialist interest in addressing inequalities. Louisa has a funding portfolio of more than £11 million, and an extensive publication record. Louisa has been principal investigator of several high-profile projects for the World Health Organization, Public Health England, and the NHS. She has also been an expert advisor to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and sits on delivery boards for the NHS and Office of Health Improvement and Disparities.