University of Greater Manchester
Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5AB.
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28/04/2026
Internationally renowned speakers took part in a TEDx event at the University of Greater Manchester to explore how to innovate with maximum impact.
Students and staff attended the Innovation Ecosystem – From Ideas to Impact event on campus to hear insights on topics including
Dr Sam Johnson, Head of the School of Arts and Creative Technologies at the University, welcomed guests and said: “I am absolutely delighted that we are hosting TEDx and celebrating all of the wonderful work we do here at the University and all of the amazing work we do with partners, locally, regionally and globally.
“So much of what we do so well at the University of Greater Manchester is achieved through team work, collaboration and partnership.”
The University’s Assistant Vice Chancellor Postgraduate Developments, Professor Mohammed Abdel Haq, made a special address by video link in which he talked about the opportunities around Artificial Intelligence.
Professor Patrick McGhee, Assistant Vice Chancellor, spoke about ‘The Psychology of Innovation’ and dispelled some of the common myths surrounding why entrepreneurs achieved success or, conversely, saw their dreams shattered.
The University’s Director of the Centre of the Intelligence of Things, Professor Celestine Iwendi, told the audience that being different from the crowd was a common trait of successful innovators in his talk entitled ‘I.C.O.N: Intelligence Comes Often through Nonconformity’.
Professor Jerome Carson, the University’s Professor of Psychology, gave a presentation on the subject ‘To Retire or Not to Retire: That is the Question’.
He focused on the “joy, pleasure and achievement of working with our students”, adding that very few of the University’s students come from a conventional educational background.
Other speakers included Professor Paul Hollins, who explored the educational and social impact of games and immersive technologies, while Ogugua Ajayi argued that storytelling is a powerful tool for connection, reflection, and social impact.
Toyyib Adelodun, Civil Engineer and Resilience Coach, spoke about navigating pathways to careers, resilience, and building systems that connect talent to opportunity.
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