A Royal Day Out - Salford Colleagues attend King's Garden Party
Three colleagues from the University of Salford were honoured to attend the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace this week, joining guests from across the UK in celebration of their outstanding work in education.
Professor Lisa Scullion, Professor Michelle Cornes, and Hannah Hudson were each invited in recognition of their exceptional achievements and commitment to making a difference through their roles at the University.
Professor Lisa Scullion (Health & Society), Co-Director of the Centre for Research on Inclusive Society, was recognised for her significant contributions to social policy and inclusive research. Lisa has led over 60 research projects, including a ground-breaking five-year study on veterans’ experiences with the UK welfare system, which has helped shape national policy. Lisa’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities continues to drive real change.
Reflecting on the day, Lisa said: “It was such an honour to attend the Royal Garden Party. It was quite a surreal experience – the King shook my hand and asked if I’d managed to get a cup of tea! It was a real privilege to be there with colleagues who are all supporting the University’s commitment to social justice.”
Professor Michelle Cornes (Health & Society) was invited for her pioneering work in health inequalities and homelessness. A national leader in inclusion health, Michelle leads multiple NIHR-funded studies and has influenced key government guidance on safe hospital discharge. Her work with the Department of Health and Social Care, combined with her community roles supporting charities such as Salford Loaves and Fishes and St Martin-in-the-Fields, reflects a deep commitment to social justice and health equity.
Hannah Hudson (Marketing, Recruitment & External Relations) attended in recognition of her leadership of the University’s Widening Participation strategy. In a city where nearly a quarter of children live in poverty, Hannah is passionate about raising aspirations and widening access to higher education. Through initiatives such as the University’s STEM Saturday Club, she helps young people gain early educational experiences and national recognition through awards like the Duke of Edinburgh and John Muir.
Hannah shared her reflections on the day: “It was truly a privilege and an unforgettable experience to attend the Royal Garden Party alongside lovely colleagues Lisa and Michelle. It was wonderful to catch snippets of conversation from fellow guests about their areas of work in education – and discussions of how best to stack another layer of garden party cakes on an already brimming plate. I’m deeply grateful to be nominated to attend and feel proud to have represented our Salford community at such a special occasion.”
The University of Salford is proud to see the incredible work of our colleagues recognised at such a prestigious national event. Their passion, expertise, and commitment to social impact are a true reflection of Salford’s values and mission.
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