The formation of objects in the group matrix: Reflections on creative therapy with clay

In this article describes an experimental group experience where five people worked in silence for 20 minutes around a 2 ft square slate using clay as a medium for communication as part of a creative therapy session on an inpatient psychiatric ward. The interaction culminated in a group sculpt. It is suggested that the process of the sculpting may throw some light on the formation of objects in the unconscious group matrix. The article is intended as a contribution towards the debate about the potential symbiosis between group analysis and the creative therapies (Waller) as well as the basis for further investigation into Rey's question about the formation of group matrix

Priorities for EU-South Asia cooperation in research and innovation to address societal challenges

A briefing paper highlighting the priorities for EU-South Asia cooperation in research and innovation to address societal challenges has just been published as part of the CASCADE (Collaborative Action towards Societal Challenges through Awareness, Development, and Education ) project led by GDRC’s Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga. This paper examines the policy and interests of seven countries in South Asia with respect to the seven thematic societal challenges identified under the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme: Health, demographic change and wellbeing; Food security, sustainable agricultures, marine and maritime research and the bio-based economy; Clean and efficient energy; Smart, green and integrated transport; Climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials; A changing world - inclusive, innovative and reflective societies; and, Secure societies - protecting freedom and security of the country and its citizens. Other key points include the need for EU linkages with Asian countries given the region’s rapidly growing research and innovation capacities; urgency to address major concerns shared by citizens in Europe, South Asia and elsewhere; and eleven priorities identified for cooperation in research and innovation to address societal challenges

Moving from 2015 to 2030: challenges and opportunities for higher education in developing resilience to disasters

In recent years, the higher education community has played an increasingly important role in moving disaster science from a responsive, primarily technical discipline, to a broad, multi-disciplinary movement that seeks to build societal resilience to disaster. This study sets out some of the key challenges and op-portunities for higher education towards tackling the challenges set out in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 - 2030, which was adopted by 187 UN member states in March 2015. The study brings together existing literature in the field, as well as the results of various analysis and study projects undertaken by a European network project. Five key areas of focus are identified in working towards 2030: Link research, education and action; Integrate all hazards, stakeholders and disciplines; Collaborate regionally and globally; Facilitate policy dialogue, knowledge sharing and capacity development; Develop flexible and customisable education programmes

The myth of patient centrality

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the extent of patient centrality within integrated chronic back pain management services and compare policy rhetoric with practice reality. Context: Integrated chronic back pain management services. Data sources: We have drawn on theories of integration and context specific journals related to integration and pain management between 1966 and 2006 to identify evidence of patient centrality within integrated chronic pain management services. Discussions: Despite policy rhetoric and guidelines which promote patient centrality within multidisciplinary services, we argue that evaluations of these services are scant. Many papers have focused on the assessment of pain in multidisciplinary services as opposed to the patient’s experience of these services. Conclusions: A latent measure of the reality of its magnitude needs to be captured through analysis of the patient perspectives. Capturing patient’s thoughts about integrated services will promote patient centrality and support the reality rather than endorse the rhetoric