Researchers seeking innovative solutions to society’s biggest challenges will arrive in Glasgow next month for the 8th International Social Innovation Research Conference (ISIRC).

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE will welcome delegates to the conference, which runs from September 5-7.

Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, will address attendees from over 30 countries at the conference, which is hosted at city venue 200 SVS by the University’s Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health and supported by the Scottish Government Third Sector Unit.

Ten projects by GCU researchers will be presented during the three-day programme, including CommonHealth, a pioneering five-year study co-funded by the Medical Research Council and Economic and Social Research Council evaluating the potential of social enterprise – businesses which trade for a social purpose – in improving health and wellbeing.

Further GCU presentations include a focus on community land ownership; whether football club owners create value; and mum-to-mum redistribution clothing networks.

GCU is Scotland’s first Ashoka U Changemaker Campus in recognition of its commitment to drive social innovation. Its Glasgow campus is home to Grameen in the UK, a micro-lending initiative offering support to people not served by any financial services.

Simon Teasdale, Professor of Public Policy and Organisations at GCU, said: “Final preparations are now underway as we prepare to welcome some of the foremost researchers in social innovation from around the world to Glasgow. The Conference is an opportunity for us to discuss new ideas and consider the latest developments, all with the ultimate aim of addressing the major challenges facing society.”