Authored by Emma McBurney

When I joined the Centre in November 2015, one of my first introductions to its outward-facing work was the Peninsula Forum.

It quickly became clear that this wasn’t just another event series, it was a vital bridge between academic research and the real-world challenges faced by businesses, communities, and policymakers.

Over a decade later, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on how far it has come.

Building connections that matter

The Peninsula Environment & Human Health Forum was established to bring together researchers, businesses, and third sector organisations across the South West. Its purpose has always been clear: to create a space where knowledge can be shared, partnerships can be formed, and new ideas can take shape.

From my perspective, working in business engagement, this has been where the Centre’s impact becomes tangible. It’s where conversations spark collaborations, and where collaboration leads to meaningful change.

One of the most remarkable things about the Peninsula Forum is its ability to adapt while staying true to its purpose; it has evolved as the world around us has also changed.

Over the years, the Forum has tackled a wide range of themes, reflecting both emerging research and pressing societal challenges. From early discussions on building successful partnerships with local businesses, to exploring policy challenges in health and social care, it has always been responsive to new challenges.

For example, the 2022 Forum highlighted the power of community engagement in research, demonstrating how co-designed solutions – like the Local Climate Adaptation Tool – can support decision-making and improve health outcomes at a local level.

And, like so many initiatives, the Forum responded to the pandemic by moving online in 2021 and expanding into a series of themed events. While we missed the face-to-face interaction, it opened up new opportunities for wider participation.

Bringing impact to life

What has stayed consistent throughout its evolution is the Forum’s emphasis on real-world impact.

I’ve seen first-hand how it can create a space to begin a joint research-business project, help community organisations shape research priorities, and allow policymakers to engage with emerging evidence.

Projects like Smartline, community air quality initiatives, and nature-based health programmes have all been part of these conversations, showing how interdisciplinary work can influence both policy and practice.

For me, the most rewarding part has been helping to bring people together and curating events that not only showcase the Centre’s work, but also invite others to be part of it.

A new chapter: The Collaborative Forum

In 2025, the Forum entered a new phase, evolving into the Environment & Human Health Collaborative Forum to better reflect what this collective has always been about: cooperation.

Now back in person, the energy of the event has returned with renewed purpose. There’s something powerful about bringing people into the same room to exchange ideas, challenge thinking, and form connections that simply wouldn’t happen otherwise.

The Forum has grown to have long term relationships at its heart. By creating a space where people from different sectors, with different expertise, can come together around a shared goal, it’s sowing the seeds of improved health and wellbeing for both people and the environment.

It’s been a privilege to play a part in shaping and growing the Forum over the past decade. And as we celebrate 15 years, I’m excited about what comes next.