29 July 2026
The ASHRAE Student Branch at the University of Strathclyde is proud to announce that its Connect – Learn – Innovate – Lead Initiative has been selected for funding through the Strathclyde Research, Knowledge Exchange & Innovation (RKEI) Culture Network – Collaborative Cultures Development Funding programme.
Chosen from a highly competitive field of applications, the project was recognised as a high-priority proposal by the independent review panel, reflecting the Branch’s vision for building an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative research community.
About the Collaborative Cultures Programme
The Collaborative Cultures programme is a £1 million, two-year initiative funded by the Wellcome Trust and delivered by the University of Strathclyde. The programme aims to strengthen research, knowledge exchange, and innovation by fostering inclusive and collaborative research cultures across the University and its partnerships with industry, the public sector, and third-sector organisations.
Recognising that research extends beyond universities, the programme supports projects that encourage collaboration across disciplines and sectors, value the often unseen contributions that underpin successful research, and create more connected and sustainable research communities.
Connect – Learn – Innovate – Lead
Our successful project, Connect – Learn – Innovate – Lead: Creating Inclusive Research, Knowledge and Innovative Cultures in the ASHRAE Student Branch at the University of Strathclyde, will deliver a series of activities designed to strengthen collaboration between students, researchers, academics, and industry professionals.
The initiative will support technical seminars, networking events, workshops, leadership activities, and interdisciplinary engagement opportunities that promote knowledge exchange and professional development across the built environment sector. Through these activities, the Student Branch aims to create an inclusive community where members can develop technical expertise, research skills, and lasting professional networks.
To deliver this vision, the project has been awarded £3,152, which will support activities running until October 2026.
A Collaborative Achievement
The successful proposal was developed with the guidance and support of the Student Branch’s academic advisor, Dr Carolina Recart, whose leadership and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration played a key role in securing the award. Her continued support has been instrumental in establishing the Student Branch as a hub for research engagement, professional development, and industry collaboration.
Receiving this funding is an important milestone for the Student Branch. It recognises our commitment to creating opportunities that bring together students, researchers, and professionals to address the challenges of healthy, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings while fostering a welcoming and inclusive research culture.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Strathclyde Research, Knowledge Exchange & Innovation Culture Network and the Wellcome Trust for supporting this initiative. We also thank all of our members, collaborators, and volunteers whose enthusiasm and dedication continue to shape the success of the Student Branch.
We look forward to launching the Connect – Learn – Innovate – Lead initiative and sharing its activities with our members and the wider University community over the coming months.