The first SPACE Sandpit brought partners together to shape the future programme of work for the Scottish Policing Academic Centre of Excellence.
The event was opened by ACC Catriona Paton, who set out a clear challenge for how evidence, insight and innovation can better support the needs of modern policing.
In her opening remarks, Professor Liz Aston emphasised the importance of turning ambition into action and using the sandpit to shape the Centre’s future programme of work across Safety, Prevention, Analytics, Confidence and Ethics.
The sandpit adopted a practical and collaborative approach, with participants working together to co produce challenge led research requirements, refine and prioritise research needs, and strengthen pathways from evidence to practice. By the end of the day, a clear set of research requirements had been developed, alongside shared ownership across partners and a strong foundation for future collaboration, funding and impact.
The SPACE Sandpit represents a significant step in establishing a coordinated, evidence informed programme of work to support innovation in policing and public safety.
