TEDx University of Salford 2024

We had another remarkable year at TEDx University of Salford. Check out the TEDx platform to discover our speakers.

David Savill

Novelist and Senior Lecturer

David Savill is a novelist and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at The University of Salford. He is the author of They Are Trying To Break Your Heart (Bloomsbury), winner of the French First Novel prize for the best English Language debut novel, and nominated for the Desmond Elliot prize. He is a former BBC Current Affairs producer and journalist who made investigative programmes for Panorama, This World, Real Story and Radio 4’s Crossing Continents. At the University of Salford, he founded the world’s first Creative Writing Multidiscipline degree, guiding students through courses in writing, media production and podcasting to become the future of creative industries. His current research explores what we can learn about politics and the health of democracy through storytelling.

Dr Arijit Mukhopadhyay

Associate Professor in Precision Health

Arijit Mukhopadhyay is currently an Associate Professor in Precision Health at the University of Salford, specialising in genetic and genomic markers for human diseases. Arijit is fascinated by randomly occurring natural variations in our genetic blueprint that shapes non-random physiological and behavioural outcomes. Arijit has varied interests and works in the interface of a diverse range of subjects. He trained as a chemist and then turned into an internationally known expert in human genetics. He is a certified practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming and a life-coach. He currently leads the Staff Wellbeing efforts for the School of Science, Engineering and Environment for the University of Salford and contributes as a member in the wellbeing steering group of the university.

Julian Cereceda

Award Winning Public Speaker

Toddlers can be cruel but sometimes speak the truth. There is nothing wrong with being boring in life. Not in a presentation! On this occasion and only for your eyes, speaker Julian Cereceda will attempt to deliver the most boring presentation ever. The stakes are high and the competence is fierce. Will the presentation live up to the expectations? You will decide. Having attended to hundreds of presentations, helped dozens of individuals to become more confident on stage, on camera and online and written the book “Zoom Like a Pro”, there is no doubt that Julian Cereceda can help you to make your next presentation more impactful (and a little less boring). Despite being an award-winning public speaker you will find him every week practicing his skills in Manchester Communicators, the local public speaking club he founded in Manchester. No wonder why his eldest son thinks he is boring!

Katie Barnes

Researcher on Irish Motherhood

Katie Barnes is a PhD candidate at the University of Salford researching representations of Irish motherhood and maternity in contemporary Irish literature. She is particularly interested in depicting the physical maternal body in contemporary Irish literature and representations of reproductive choice in post-Repeal writing. Her research interests also include representations of alternative motherhood and challenges to traditional ideas of motherhood in Ireland and within the diaspora. She sits on the British Association for Irish Studies council and is an Academic Tutor for the Schools Outreach and English Literature Workshops, part of South African Modernism: 1880-2020.

Maudlyn Akosua Awuku

Award-winning women and youth leadership empowerment advocate

Maudlyn Akosua Awuku is an award-winning women and youth leadership empowerment advocate. She is committed to promoting women’s leadership, social progress, and the inclusion of young people in sustainable development and gender equality efforts. Maudlyn possesses an unshakable determination and boundless enthusiasm. She seizes every opportunity that comes her way and strives to make a significant impact through her service. Her passion lies in empowering women and youth to take on leadership roles in politics and civic decision-making at the highest level. Currently, Maudlyn is championing sustainable development Goals 4, 5, and 13, which are quality education, gender equality, and climate action. Maudlyn is the Founder and CEO of GEWE Network, which promotes intersectional gender equality and empowers women.

Mirage Islam

Lecturer in Digital Marketing

A Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Salford Business School and a Digital Strategy Consultant, Mirage helps business leaders and their organisations gain competitive advantage. He has worked with leading global brands to ensure their marketing and people deliver. This knowledge informs his teaching practice, enabling and empowering students to be industry ready. Mirage started his marketing career in Financial Services and then FMCG, before joining one of the UK’s largest mobile Internet portals in 2000 – developing online communities and in-game sponsorship opportunities for iconic brands. He then spent 7 years with Sky, launching and leading its first Digital Partnership Programme, before becoming Future Media Lead with Executive sponsorship.

Prof. Yeliz Prior

Professor

Professor Prior is widely recognised as an international leader in occupational therapy and research focused on understanding the impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions on individuals’ daily lives, work, and society as a whole. The notion of the ‘wounded healer’ is frequently invoked to explain why individuals with adverse childhood histories often gravitate toward professions in health and social care. This phenomenon is nearly universal among those in helping professions. In her talk, she will guide us through her journey as a ‘wounded healer,’ completing a full circle as an immigrant and an autistic woman, navigating through personal and professional challenges, while evolving into the role of a health researcher. This exploration aims to critically examine the notion of the ‘wounded healer,’ drawing from the wider literature as well as her own experiences, encompassing aspects such as trauma, disability, and intersectionality.

Sandy Koujou

Public Speaker

Life gives everyone a second chance. The question is: can you see the pool of opportunities life offers you? Sandy is passionate about creating a positive change around her. Through her life experience and leadership responsibilities across various organisations, she has empowered women, and young people from different walks of life to believe in their potentials and live a fulfilled life. In her current role as the Head of Community Empowerment and Advocacy at CAHN, she designed a strategy to engage with, and empower community groups as well as enabling victims of abuse to believe in a fresh start in life. She is also passionate about advocating for better social policies and is currently a member of various Board Meetings to help shape decision-making processes. She’s a Trustee for different charitable organisations as well as seating on the Board of Governors in a renown Catholic High School in Greater Manchester.

Steve Robinson

Award-winning keynote speaker

What would you do if you lost your right arm at the age of 18? Would you give up all hope or would you fight on despite the difficulties that would certainly lie ahead? Not only did Steven fight on but he made an astounding positive change proving to everyone and himself that we are all capable of overcoming obstacles and that they can become our greatest asset. The successes that followed have been largely created by Steven’s determination to succeed and changed mindset. Steven Robinson was born and bred in the city of Leeds in the county of Yorkshire in the UK, with that true Yorkshire grit associated with the county and is an amazing motivational speaker, using the experiences of his own journey to inspire people into achieving their goals and dreams by breaking down self imposed barriers.

Tulsi Vagjiani

Humanitarian and one of life’s survivors!

Tulsi Vagjiani, is a humanitarian and one of life’s survivors! Having survived a plane crash at the age of 10, her life has been nothing short of colourful! Her call and purpose has been to help others to live an empowered and full life despite what challenges life presents. Her journey of self-love started when she exhausted all excuses to suppress the pain and began to look within. In there she found the answers and the light within shone brighter. She is an ambassador for Changing faces which is a leading charity in the UK supporting those living with a visible difference. Her role is to be a spokesperson for the charity as well as featuring in pivotal campaigns for those living with a visible difference and being an advocate for better representation across popular culture, TV, a media and the work place. This has lead her to speak passionately about diversity, equity and inclusion.