Top 50 in the UK for Research Power Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU

Issue 6 Forecast: A Bright Future NORTHUMBRIAUNIVERSITY NEWS PAGE Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson 3

named as new Chancellor

The 11-times Gold Medal winner will commence her duties this summer The increase in funding is‘‘ ‘‘directly related to the University’s excellence in research...

Northumbria doubles research funding Northumbria University has recorded the fourth largest rise in research funding in UK Higher Education, following an announcement by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

he University’s research Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice- The increase in funding is directly multiplied by its quality. According to and Media. In General Engineering, funding has risen to £6.46m in Chancellor and Chief Executive of related to the University’s excellence the THE, Northumbria was “the biggest English and History, Northumbria 2015/16 – up 106% from the Northumbria University, said: “The in research, as measured in last year’s riser when ranked by research power, recorded upper-quartile scores in the £3.14m awarded for 2014/15. research funding outcome is excellent Research Excellence Framework (REF climbing from 80th to 50th.” proportion of research outputs rated TNorthumbria’s increase is the fourth news for Northumbria, and is a result 2014) – the internationally recognised The REF results provide an as world-leading. In terms of impact largest in the UK behind those of King’s of the University’s clear strategic vision barometer of research reputation. external validation of the significant bringing societal, cultural and economic College London, University College and investment, and the hard work and As a result of Northumbria’s REF developments in research at benefit, 73% of the submissions in London and Exeter University – with commitment of all of our staff. The 2014 performance, the University Northumbria University over the last Psychology were rated as ‘outstanding’. the Times Higher Education (THE) additional funding allows us to extend was catapulted into the top 50 of UK five years. Northumbria recorded reporting that Northumbria is “among our research to tackle even more of the universities for research power, a key strong results in Allied Health, History, the biggest cash winners” in the UK challenges that society faces, at regional, measure of research capacity calculated English, General Engineering, Art and DISCOVER MORE higher education sector. national or global scales.” as the volume of an institution’s research Design, and Communication, Cultural northumbria.ac.uk/research

Interview Graduate 60 years INSIDEINSIDE with Vice- destinations of fashion Chancellor supplement 9 14 17 NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS CONTENTS Therapy session can NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS help to cure insomnia 7 14 A simple one-hour therapy session has helped to cure 73% of people suffering from acute insomnia, according to a new Northumbria study.

n the first ever study to attempt to home. The other group received no of, a number of physical and treat insomnia in the acute phase – additional support. psychiatric conditions. before it becomes chronic –almost The therapy session covered “There are numerous advantages three-quarters of participants saw individual differences in ‘sleep need’ at to treating insomnia during an acute Iimprovements in the quality of their different times of life and the principle phase. If successful there is potential for sleep following a 60-minute cognitive of sleep restriction, which encourages significant savings in terms of long- behavioural therapy session. the individual to spend only the time term healthcare, lost productivity and 16 26 People with insomnia report in bed required for sleep. Using their accidents. This becomes more pertinent consistent issues with the quality, recorded sleep diaries, the individuals when the costs associated with other duration or continuity of their sleep were then prescribed a time to go to illnesses, such as depression, for which patterns. They may find it difficult to bed and a time to rise to improve their insomnia is known to be a risk factor, fall asleep, struggle to go back to sleep sleep efficiency. are taken into account.” on waking during the night, or wake Within one month of receiving the In the recent Research Excellence early which can lead to problems therapy session, 60% of participants Framework, which measures the quality with attention, concentration, reported improvements in their sleep of research in the UK universities, 73% mood and memory. quality. Within three months, this had of all Psychology-related research from Forty adults suffering from insomnia increased to 73%. Meanwhile just the University was rated as ‘world- took part in a study led by Jason 15% of those in the group who had leading’ in terms of impact bringing Ellis, Professor of Sleep Science not received the therapy, reported societal, cultural and economic benefit. in Northumbria’s Department of improved sleep. News 1 – 3, 7 Psychology. The participants were Professor Ellis said: “Chronic separated into two groups, with one insomnia is a considerable health Blipp full group receiving a one-hour one-to-one burden both on the individual and the page to Health 4 – 5, 16 – 17 view film cognitive behavioural therapy session economy and has been linked to the Business 6, 10 and a self-help pamphlet to read at development of, or worsening Feature: The Day We Met 8 Interview 9 Science and Technology 11 Feature: General Election 12 – 13 Research 14 – 15 Graduate destinations i –viii Culture 18 – 24 The Conversation 25 News, Sport 26 Sport 27 – 28

368901_6/15 Professor Jason Ellis

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TIMELINE 1969 Paralympic champion Born in Cardiff, Wales. 1984 Athletic career began, taking part in 100m at the Junior named as Chancellor National Games for Wales. Northumbria is pleased to announce the appointment of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson as the new 1988 Chancellor of the University. Baroness Grey-Thompson takes up her duties this summer. International career began as she represented Great Britain in the Paralympic Games in he 11-times Gold Medal change in society, so the chance to Seoul, winning 400m bronze, winner was appointed become closely involved in a major her first Paralympic medal. Chancellor by the Board of university is a wonderful opportunity to Governors and succeeds Lord continue that work. 1992 Stevens of Kirkwhelpington, former “Northumbria is known as a centre of T Won four gold medals and Commissioner of the Metropolitan innovation, of diversity and of research one silver in the Barcelona Police, who has served the University and I hope I can carry on the good Paralympics. In same year, with distinction in this role over two work that Lord Stevens instigated in won first of six London five-year terms. making Northumbria a known force in Wheelchair Marathons. The Chancellor is the ceremonial education at home and overseas.” figurehead of the University. Alongside Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice- the specific role of presiding at annual Chancellor and Chief Executive of 1996 academic congregrations to confer Northumbria University, added: “Tanni Won 800m gold in the Atlanta degrees, diplomas and other awards is an inspiration to millions around Paralympics, along with three of the University, the Chancellor acts the world and we are delighted she silver medals in the 100, 200 as ambassador for Northumbria, has agreed to become the University’s and 400 metres. promoting the University on a regional, Chancellor. Her achievements in sport, national and international level. and now as a champion for diversity, Baroness Grey-Thompson has youth and wellbeing, will enrich the 2000 competed in five Paralympic Games life of the University and she will be an Struck gold four times in the and is acknowledged as one of the most inspiration for our students, graduates 100, 200, 400, 800 metres in gifted and courageous sportswomen and staff across the world. We look the Sydney Paralympics. of her generation. In addition to her forward hugely to working with her. outstanding Paralympic achievements, “On behalf of the University I would 2004 she won the London Wheelchair also like to take this opportunity to Brought gold medal tally to Marathon a total of six times between extend my appreciation to our outgoing eleven, taking first place in the 1992 and 2002. Following retirement Chancellor, Lord Stevens, who has been 100 and 400 metres in Athens. from athletics she has played a a tireless champion of the University prominent role in public life, and over the past 10 years. We have much became Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to thank Lord Stevens for, in particular 2005 DBE in recognition of her services to his help in building relationships with The Paralympic star was made sport in 2005. In 2010 she was elevated overseas partners and in raising our Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to the House of Lords as a crossbench international profile.” DBE for her services to sport. peer and takes an active part in debates, Lord Stevens has had a long with particular focus on sport, disability, association with Northumbria health, welfare, and youth development. University and was awarded an 2007 Commenting on her appointment honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law Announced pending Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “It’s a by the University in 2001. retirement from the track. great honour to be appointed Chancellor of Northumbria University. In my career 2008 I have tried to inspire young people DISCOVER MORE Wins her final two gold to be the best that they can be, to take medals at the Athens northumbria.ac.uk/news chances and to bring about positive Paralympic Games. Appointed as a member of Transport for London, where she chairs the Environment, Corporate and Planning Panel 2010 Appointed to the House of Lords, where she serves as a non-party political crossbench peer. 2012 Became a key part of the BBC’s on screen team during London 2012 and became the first Paralympian to commentate on Olympic sport. 2015 Named Chancellor of Northumbria University, Newcastle NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 4 HEALTH NHS beats USA for lung transplant success British cystic fibrosis patients who receive lung transplants fare significantly better than Americans in the long-term, according to a new study from Northumbria University.

tephen Clark, a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Northumbria University and Director of Heart and Lung Transplantation at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, conducted the study with SNHS colleagues and researchers from Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Medicine. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects about 10,000 people in the UK and 70,000 people worldwide. It stems from the body’s inability to ferry chloride in and out of cells and is marked by the build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs that causes frequent infections, chronic inflammation, tissue damage and premature death. Lung transplantation is an option of last resort for those with end-stage lung disease. The investigators compared records of cystic fibrosis patients aged 12 and above who underwent lung or combined heart-lung transplantation in the United States and the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2011. After analysing the medical records of more than 2,700 people, they found that US patients with both public and private healthcare had poorer overall survival rates compared to UK patients operated on by the National Health Service. There was little difference between US and UK patients immediately following the operation, but a marked A young girl with cystic fibrosis receiving support to breathe difference emerged over the long run. The average survival following transplantation was 8.1 years among UK patients. However, publically insured American patients fared worse, with an average survival of just 4.7 years. Americans with private healthcare had an average survival of 7.9 years. The differences persisted even after researchers Lecturer named one of top accounted for the influence of factors known to affect survival, including age, overall health and the condition of a patient’s lungs leading up to transplantation. Professor Clark said: “The results of the study health visitors in UK underscore the ability of publicly funded health care systems to achieve excellent results in complex transplant A Northumbria lecturer has been icky Gilroy, a Senior “As well as teaching students and surgery, and this is something we are rather proud of. Lecturer in Specialist supporting the development of future “The National Health Services’ lung transplant awarded the Fellowship of the Community Public Health practitioners, a key part of my role to programme equals the top-notch care achieved under Institute of Health Visiting for her Nursing, is one of just 150 date has been working with the Institute American private insurance and outperforms care exceptional work in the field. Vhealth visitors to receive a Fellowship of Health Visiting to develop a national received by publicly insured Americans.” after being recognised as an exceptional CPD framework for all health visitors. Jessica Jones, Policy Adviser for the Cystic Fibrosis leader who is making a real difference “Becoming a Fellow is already proving Trust, said: “We are delighted to see the NHS recognised to children and families in England. extremely useful and is bringing extra as a world leader in post-lung transplant survival, and are Vicky had an extensive career working credibility in terms of networking proud that people with cystic fibrosis can expect the best with children and families, both as a with influential groups to lead the treatment when matched to available donor lungs. children’s nurse and a health visitor development of children’s services. It is “This study reinforces our desire to see the NHS work before moving into lecturing. In her certainly opening new doors.” Sponsored by the Department of to ensure more people benefit from the world-class role at Northumbria she now supports Health, the Fellows will join together skills and innovation of our national lung transplant the education of future health visitors. to create a country-wide group of programme. Tragically one in three people with cystic She said: “I’ve always been experts. They will support local fibrosis on the lung transplant list still die before they are passionate about supporting children community healthcare providers and called for the procedure. That is why the Cystic Fibrosis and families and after working initially commissioners when health visiting Trust is working to significantly improve the rate of safe as a hospital nurse, I genuinely felt commissioning moves to local authority and effective lung transplantations in the UK.” that more could be done to support control in October 2015. The findings were published in the American Journal families in their homes as well as of Transplantation. hospitals. This was why I decided to move into health visiting and DISCOVER MORE subsequently into education. northumbria.ac.uk/publichealth DISCOVER MORE Vicky Gilroy (right) receiving her Fellowship northumbria.ac.uk/publichealth Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU HEALTH 5 Intensive training supports critical care units

Intensive care units in the North East are benefitting from new Advanced Critical Care Practitioners who are being trained by Northumbria University.

any UK intensive trainee doctors from other countries managerial or teaching posts. This role care units have been and visa limits resulted in challenges in is unique in that it incorporates clinical employing trainee maintaining staffing levels. This was a time, teaching, research and managerial doctors from abroad UK-wide problem, which we are now opportunities, allowing each ACCP Mto maintain staffing levels due to solving in Newcastle with ACCPs. to develop their role dependant of the variations in recruitment and retention “It was a big decision choosing how service requirements of their particular patterns combined with working time many employees we should put forward unit.” regulations. because we lose service delivery while Sheila McQueen, Head of However, after partnering with they study full-time for two years. But Northumbria’s Department of Public Northumbria University to develop and we needed to do something because our Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are deliver specialist training, Newcastle intensive care work force was stretched very proud of the positive impact Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is now and we had to find a solution. Their the ACCPs are having. Other trusts benefitting from 16 new specialists who performance levels are comparable including Northumbria and Carlisle, are having a positive impact in critical to junior doctors, which is what we are now working with the University care units in three hospitals. were aiming for, and they are now an to prepare ACCPs for the medical The new role of Advanced Critical extremely valuable asset to our team.” workforce, following the successful Care Practitioner (ACCP) has been Former nurse Sadie Diamond-Fox feedback from the first programme designed with a clinical education is now an Advanced Critical Care delivered in Newcastle Hospitals.” curriculum where almost three-quarters Practitioner in Newcastle upon Tyne Northumbria University has been of the course is assessed by senior NHS Trust and has embraced this new voted the UK’s Nurse Education medical consultants in intensive care step in her career. Provider of the Year (Post-Registration) units. This means that graduates are “This is a completely new career at the Student Nursing Times Awards for immediately ready for their new role. opportunity in health care – it’s the best three years running. Dr Phil Laws, Consultant in Intensive career decision I’ve ever made but its Care Medicine & Anaesthesia at hard work,” she said. DISCOVER MORE Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, “Classically the nursing progression said: “Originally we were employing framework has tended to include only northumbria.ac.uk/cpd Sheila McQueen in Northumbria’s Clinical Skills Centre Making it easier to break bad news he delivery of life-changing news is a situation which Actors are helping health care professionals to develop the skills and confidence requires the utmost sensitivity throughout the health care needed to have difficult conversations with patients and families. profession. Now, thanks to an innovative new master class developed by Northumbria University that uses Tactors to play the role of patients, more than 200 clinicians from North East hospital trusts and hospices have developed improved communication skills. The actors help health care professionals to develop and test the best ways to prepare for the emotional situations they may face when they need to deliver bad news to patients, carers and staff. Gillian Walton, Director of Programmes in Northumbria’s Department of Public Health and Wellbeing, explains: “Having effective communication skills is important for every health care professional. Sensitive news delivered poorly can become a negative experience that lingers in the minds of patients, families and clinicians.” Sharron Surrey, a Ward Sister at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, has been a qualified nurse for nine years. She said: “The communications master class has helped me considerably. No-one likes to do role play, but it really enabled me to think about the reason behind someone’s behaviour. “When someone is aggressive towards you, whether it’s because they are worried about a loved one, waiting for treatment or upset about news you have just told them, it’s hard not to feel defensive. “The master class helped me learn to ‘step outside the situation’ and de-personalise matters which are emotionally charged and can easily be mistaken as personal.” DISCOVER MORE Gillian Walton with actors taking part in the communications master class northumbria.ac.uk/cpd NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 6 BUSINESS A platform for success

Blipp full Representatives from Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School travelled to Florida recently to join fellow accredited page to view film institutions at the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) annual conference.

he International Conference recognition which puts us firmly within recent AACSB accreditation. and Annual Meeting (ICAM) an elite group. The 26-year-old said: “You can get 2015 was also an opportunity “It has been extremely encouraging to great degrees in Germany which are to forge partnerships with the attend the annual AACSB conference, recognised internationally, especially Tglobal elite of business schools. meet with our peers from around the for the practical orientation, but there AACSB is the longest serving global world and discuss the potential for is still a certain weight attached to accrediting body for business schools working together in the future.” UK universities. When I was looking that offer undergraduate, masters, Prof. Kerrigan and colleagues also for a university to combine those and doctoral degrees in business and visited the MUMA College of Business two strengths in a double degree, the accounting – and last year Newcastle at the University of South Florida whilst AACSB-accreditation helped me to Business School was the first in Europe in the US. The American university make an informed decision in a market to be recognised for both its business is one of just a few dual-accredited characterised by heavy advertising and and accountancy programmes. It schools in the state, and the two numerous different rankings. I am also became one of less than 10 institutions institutions were keen to discuss the looking to work overseas, hopefully in the world, outside the USA, to gain significance of the recognition and the in Australasia or Asia, and I feel that the double accolade. potential for future collaborations. studying at a double AACSB-accredited During the three-day event, the team He added: “Achieving AACSB institution like Newcastle Business from Northumbria attended various accreditation has been a genuinely School will open the right doors and seminars and events including an transformational process, and the help me work wherever I want in International student Axel Junginger from Germany’s Heilbronn University who chose to study Accreditation Recognition ceremony opportunities now open to us include the world.” at Newcastle Business School because of AACSB accreditation. where they officially received their forging friendships with our fellow Newcastle Business School is also AACSB certificate commending the members, which is why we took the building on the success of AACSB said: “The international market for opportunity, and also reflects a global university’s dual accreditation. chance to visit the University of South accreditation by enhancing its academic Masters courses is highly competitive, shift in favour of the higher learning Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Executive Florida while in Tampa. We found offering and extending its student especially in the UK, Europe, North experiences associated with two-year Dean for Newcastle Business School, we share very similar practices, and exchange and overseas study links America and Australasia. The good courses, whilst retaining our successful said: “To be the only university in we look forward to developing our with international partner institutions. news for us is that AACSB is a global one-year options. This approach will, Europe with a double accreditation relationship through, for example, Axel believes the benefits to him as endorsement of the value and academic I’m sure, help us develop better and from the AACSB is a huge privilege exchange programmes for students a German student coming to the UK rigour of our programmes. We are now stronger relationships with our partner and demonstrates the high quality of and staff.” are equally relevant to UK students revalidating our Masters’ programmes universities such as Heilbronn.” our research-informed teaching and German student Axel Junginger wishing to study in Germany. He would and are increasing their flexibility by our focus on graduate employability, has chosen to spend a year at encourage students from Northumbria offering the courses as both one-year innovation, excellence and impact. Less Newcastle Business School as part to take up exchange opportunities and two-year alternatives, including than one per cent of business schools of his studies for a double Masters wherever they can. study abroad or business practice. DISCOVER MORE worldwide have achieved this dual degree in business, because of the Principal Lecturer Dr Andrew Robson This provides flexibility, variety of northumbria.ac.uk/nbs Newcastle Business School receives Small Business Charter Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter Award in recognition of its active participation in supporting start-ups, students and small businesses.

he Charter aims delivered in partnership with the on real business issues while gaining owners to appraise the scope and in both its business and accounting to bring business Association of Business Schools, relevant industry experience. depth of engagement. programmes from the Association schools, businesses and and with the support of Lord Young Collaborating with academics Northumbria University offers to Advance Collegiate Schools of entrepreneurs together to and the Department for Business, undertaking world-leading research a range of courses and additional Business (AACSB). The achievement Tensure small businesses are supported Innovation and Skills. They offer a and bright, energy-charged students resources to support students and puts it in the top 1% of business to drive local economic growth. springboard to unlocking support is also incredibly beneficial for SMEs SMEs, including the Entrepreneurial schools in the world. University business schools holding and investment for students, start-ups looking to develop and grow their Business Management course, Northumbria is currently the Small Business Charter awards and small businesses. businesses. which encourages students to take number one university in the UK have already directly helped over Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Executive To achieve the accreditation, the a hands-on approach to learning for graduate start-ups based on 8,000 small businesses – providing Dean for Newcastle Business School, Small Business Charter assessors while building up business skills. estimated turnover according to the a range of support including on-site said: “We are delighted to be the undertook an intensive review of Newcastle Business School also runs latest Higher Education Business incubators with dedicated space for first university in the North East to the Newcastle Business School’s an Undergraduate Consultancy Community Interaction Survey. It is students and small businesses to achieve this accreditation, celebrating facilities, including inspection of programme, where as part of their also 4th among UK universities based start-up and grow. and recognising how we support its Northern Design Centre, which degree, students offer a range of on the number of jobs created by its The Small Business Charter both the local business community offers dedicated help for students to consultancy services and resources graduate start-ups, according to the originated following Lord Young’s and the development of our students develop their enterprise skills, work to small businesses. The course is same data. report ‘Growing Your Business’, – especially their employability and with entrepreneurs and local SMEs currently working with 28 SMEs, which focused on bringing business career prospects.” and gain support in developing their with the number expected to double schools, business and entrepreneurs Newcastle Business School prides own businesses. next year. closer together to deliver support itself in offering students the highest The assessors also met with Newcastle Business School is also for small businesses and drive calibre of business education, staff, current students, alumni, the only business school in Europe DISCOVER MORE local economic growth. Awards are providing an opportunity to work intermediaries and small business to achieve a double accreditation northumbria.ac.uk/nbs Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NEWS 7 Pole position for daring runner A thrill-seeking runner who trained in the extreme cold of Northumbria’s environmental chamber was the top British finisher in the North Pole Marathon.

lan Davison took part in gave me an advantage over the other the planet. the gruelling 26.2 mile competitors in the field,” said Alan. “This made it a tremendous mental, run which sees runners “It helped determine how I would as well as physical, challenge. We think competing on some cope with the conditions – my heart we helped reduce some of this burden Aof the world’s toughest terrain in rate, temperature and breathing were with our preparatory tests. We are temperatures as low as -40 degrees. He monitored throughout, and I was delighted to share in this success and managed to complete the marathon in weighed before and after to determine look forward to helping those who take 6 hours 55 minutes, finishing seventh how much body moisture would be on the extreme in future.” overall and first among the British absorbed into the clothing. Alan, who is an active athlete and competitors. “The results meant that I had to competes in many events, is already Prior to the race, Alan took part in downsize my upper body clothing, and looking in to an Ultra Marathon race preparatory tests in Northumbria’s I purchased thin glove liners for under in the Antarctic next January. state-of-the-art environmental my mitts to help absorb moisture.” He added “I’d love the opportunity to chamber to get an insight into the Dr Martin Barwood, Research Fellow work with Northumbria again in the rigours of the event. The chamber is in Northumbria’s Department of Sport, future – the facilities in the University able to replicate extreme temperatures Exercise and Rehabilitation, supervised are very cutting-edge and world-class, – in this case, cold – which helped the tests. He explained: “The demands so I feel privileged to have been able to Alan to determine which equipment of a marathon in this extreme cold are work with them.” he would need to stand the best chance beyond that of any normal race. Every in the race. facet of running is changed and Alan “Preparing in Northumbria’s had to deal with that in one of the most DISCOVER MORE environmental chamber definitely inhospitable environments on northumbria.ac.uk/exercise

Alan Davison taking part in the North Pole Marathon NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 8 FEATURE The Day We Met… Northumbria students regularly welcome global business leaders and prestigious alumni into the University. Six students from our Multidisciplinary Innovation (MDI) course tell Northumbria University News about the day they met…

...Gavin Proctor Director Design Innovation at Philips Consumer Lifestyle “We engaged in an interesting and inspiring discussion with Gavin after we presented to him some of our work. From his experience working in Taiwan, Gavin advised us to consider the importance of culture and how it can influence how we think, feel and behave. We have already begun to consider different cultural perspectives and their ways of working within our cohort. We will continue to gain insight through our exchange student, Raymond, from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as well as our international students from South Korea and Japan. Gavin also told us about how Philips are involved in design for medical healthcare, empowering individuals by designing solutions that are no longer just ‘products’. He mentioned the biggest challenge for Philips comes from within, as design tools and methods continue to spread throughout the company. As opposed to the traditional method of producing a final outcome, Gavin emphasised that by applying skills and making ideas tangible from the start, design can be involved in the entire project process.” Rob Hunter

...Sir Jonathan Ive Head of Global Design at Apple ...Paul Howells “Sir Jony told us that to fully create disruptive Head of Packaging Design at Unilever innovation and fundamentally change the “Paul came to MDI for our presentation attitude of the masses it is important to think around circular economy. Paul told us differently. He told us some stories around how that in order for the circular economy he has achieved this in the past and advised to be achievable, large fast moving us to continue on the road we were on and the consumer goods need to be able to results would come.” retain or add value to the individual Alex Gabbatiss components and materials; this will encourage re-use as the material still has enough value to be worthwhile.” Ben Nightingale ...Mark Delaney ...Sue Wilson Futurist at Microsoft Nokia Director of Wood for the Trees “Mark came to see our presentation on the “Sue is a former Global Head of Design for Mars. circular economy. As a renowned macro‐scale During our Q&A session with Sue we had the thinker he told us to think about working on the opportunity to discuss the ways in which design outer edges but aim for inner edges. He said that could influence corporate thinking. She said that this outside-in thinking would help us to consider she believes the only way that companies will all the stakeholders involved in our projects and change their philosophy would be to incentivise innovate beyond incremental change.” the change towards a circular economy.” Hannah Knowles Nefy Alfa

...Tim Brown Chief Executive of IDEO “We had the honour of presenting our recent project to Tim and engage with him in a conversation about innovation. He emphasised the importance of collecting evidence to confirm our assumptions and using prototypes in the initial research phase to accelerate learning. Although design follows the same principles as science (hypothesis,­ experiment­, evidence), Tim defined science as ‘the truth’ and design as ‘the choice’. A tip from Tim was to run ideation sessions or workshops from midday to midday, to allow ‘reflectors’ to have thinking time overnight. We are already putting his advice into practice to accelerate our learning and better understand those we are designing for and with.” Sophie Rankin

Multidisciplinary Innovation (MDI) students get the opportunity to work side by side with our national and international partners to explore and propose new solutions to their ‘real world’ challenges. For more information visit northumbria.ac.uk/design Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU INTERVIEW 9

In conversation with… Professor Andrew Wathey As another academic year draws to a close Northumbria University News asks Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, to look back at the University’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) results and other key achievements, and to consider what opportunities lie ahead for 2015/16 and beyond.

It has been another eventful year for the research reputation, providing a key measure Higher Education sector. What do you feel to determine research funding to universities are the stand-out successes for Northumbria? from 2015/16. Compared with the previous th th We are coming up to two years of delivering a exercise in 2008, we moved from 80 to 50 new strategy and there is an enormous amount in research power, were the third largest riser happening that is exciting for Northumbria. in the national share of research power, and Yes there are some challenges but real successes the fourth biggest riser in terms of funding. th have also been achieved, and on a number We now have the 40 largest allocation in of fronts the University is making excellent England, clearly establishing us in a different progress. We just have to look at the Queen’s league. This is a really great result and the Anniversary Prize last year for the outstanding result of a team effort across the University. community work of the Student Law Office. It is also worth mentioning the major contribution made by early career researchers. Through their experiential learning approach Our REF result has had a terrific impact on the students have represented more than 1,000 our standing, and externally we are now seen clients on real-life cases and secured around clearly to be playing at a higher level. Almost £1m on their behalf since 2008. There’s also every conversation I have had with people the Association to Advance Collegiate Business outside of Northumbria has been different Schools (AACSB) accreditation, putting as a result of our success in REF. I think this Newcastle Business School among the elite 1% is important because it shows that research of business schools anywhere in the world. I is also about much more than just research would also point to the employability success excellence; it’s means we are driving excellence of our students, which is significantly up. across all of the University’s activities. This in Almost 95% of our students are in employment turn increases our appeal to new students, new or further study six months after graduating, staff and new partners. It also gives us access and at the same time we have seen a leap in the to new groupings and networks and makes the proportion who are in graduate level jobs from next stage of our development very exciting as 61% to 66%, which is a major step forward. we leverage the benefit of this sector-leading Furthermore we have seen an increase in result. As we look forward to the next REF their average starting salaries from £17,000 to exercise, probably in 2020, it is clear that what £19,000, well ahead of the national trend and a we have achieved is impressive but we should marked percentage jump. A lot of the jobs are remember it is just the first phase of a longer also in the North East, which is good news for development in line with our 2025 Vision. the regional economy as well as the students. Internally, it has been a real force to galvanise So what does this success mean for work, ambition and energy. Northumbria? How does it help students and staff? A useful measure can be made through our For our students, having really excellent Professor Andrew Wathey application figures – how many students research improves their learning experience want to come and study here. For the third and brings them closer to the cutting-edge year running we have seen record numbers of interest in their disciplines. Coupled with development as well. It all offers exciting new markets and new clubs. You only have of applications to study at Northumbria. strong placement opportunities this can also learning and collaboration opportunities for to look at our developing partnerships in Returning best-ever figures consecutively transform their prospects in the jobs market our students and staff. Indonesia and our established partnerships in and in such a competitive market is a clear – not only in the UK but globally as well. The Finally, can our REF results open Hong Kong and Singapore. Our venture with achievement. For UK undergraduate student University can also build on REF to invest in other doors? BINUS University in Indonesia, for example, applicants we have also seen a rise in quality staff at all stages of their careers, so not only Yes, I’m convinced that we can use this as is attracting increasing attention. Northumbria as well as volume, and in the number of firm early career staff who I mentioned earlier. a springboard to even more success and has worked with BINUS International since acceptances. Better qualified students with One measure, or index, of how we are already with the right focus really move ahead in 2008, and last year cemented the relationship both A levels and BTECs is always a strong putting this into practice is reflected in the the next period. I believe some of the most by creating BINUS-Northumbria School of sign of progress. At the same time there has fact we have recently passed the 50% mark exciting opportunities will come through the Design. I think our success here is based on been a clear focus and a lot of hard work in doctorally qualified academics. REF and development of our international profile. We the fact that we were first into an emerging across all our faculties to create additional our growing reputation generally also creates will soon appoint a new Pro Vice-Chancellor opportunities for work placements, and we opportunities outside the University through and dynamic market in what is the fourth International to ensure we make the most know this can have a hugely positive impact on networks and collaborations with our partners. largest country in the world, with the same learning outcomes and employability. Overseas of these. Importantly, the global demand for land space and population as the US. In fact, Does it help our other partners? study options are also improving, and again quality higher education is growing much up to 9% of all Indonesian undergraduates faster than the worlds’ ability to satisfy it. the evidence shows that these have positive Our work in enterprise is also leaping ahead. studying in the UK are at Northumbria, which We are fourth in the UK for the number of The real opportunity for Northumbria is to learning and employability outcomes. is significant and a statement in itself of our graduate start-ups surviving for over three drive a triple helix of research, teaching and leading position. Of course, these partnerships The REF results have clearly featured years and first in the UK by turnover. We are enterprise, not only regionally and nationally prominently this year. How did Northumbria also working with a wider range of industrial but also in a focused way across the world, also offer opportunities for our UK students to perform and why is the result important? partners, including multinationals such as working particularly in partnerships. Again, study and work in Indonesia, getting exposure One of the biggest changes this year has Unilever. This collaboration is across the the improving quality of our students, our to what, in all likelihood, is going to be one of been our result in REF 2014. The REF is full range of our activities, not only research research and our partnerships here in the the pillars of the global economy by the middle the internationally-recognised barometer of and teaching but in areas like business UK will give us access to new networks, of this century. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 10 BUSINESS Business students work with real clients Brooke Goudie is in the final year of her International Business Management degree. Instead of a traditional dissertation, Brooke explains about her choice to take part in the Undergraduate Consultancy Project (UGC) and how she’s taking her skills from the classroom into the workplace.

How did you first get involved Which company are you working with How will you be assessed on your work? with UGC? and what kind of work will you be “At the end of April we have a final “I first saw the scheme advertised on the doing for them? presentation. During this we’ll explain website, then shortly after I received an “The company we work with is what we found, what we changed and email about it. It seemed like a great idea DrilCorp. We were given a brief at our future recommendations. As well for someone like me who needed more the start of the year and from there as the presentation, we also have to experience in the workplace.” we stripped it right back to basics and do an individual report which is more discussed with the company what their of an academic piece of work and will Could you explain a bit about problems were and what they wanted include a literature review. The feedback what UGC is? Brooke (right) with her project team at DrilCorp from us. They are a family-owned from DrilCorp will also be taken into “It’s a great thing for the University to business and a fantastic company to consideration during our assessment.” daunting at first but now we are further are able to carry out tangible research offer as instead of doing a traditional work for, we’ve been so lucky to get into the project it has definitely boosted and provide clients with solutions and dissertation, you are placed with a What skills are you gaining that are this opportunity. my confidence.” recommendations that make company and have a brief to work on. preparing you for the future? a real difference to their business. The project is really rewarding and “We are planning to assess their “There are skills which I’ll be able to The UGC is open to business students Some of the other organisations is great because it acts as that bridge current marketing material and adapt take away from this process such as at Newcastle Business School. The involved are Gateshead Council, between academic study and working it in line with the current climate. organisational skills through leading a emphasis of the project is to showcase MediaWork, Carlisle City Council life after graduation. This is the second Looking at their competitors and what team and delegating different tasks. It the work of final year students who, and Powered Bicycle. year that the UGC has been running they are doing will be part of this. We has been really important to recognise following an experiential learning and involves 25 teams and around will also be doing some primary and the different strengths of the team and approach, collaborate with a range of 100 students. It was so successful secondary research to uncover trends to have an overview of what is being regional, national and international DISCOVER MORE last year that the numbers have within the industry and identifying done. I’ve never worked with a client organisations to build sustainable grown significantly.” new potential clients.” as big as DrilCorp before so it was a bit and lasting relationships. Students www.northumbria.ac.uk/nbs Northumbria students enter ‘The Den’ A Newcastle Business School competition invited aspiring student entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to successful business leaders from across the region.

ased on the long running the recycling of student items, such as BBC series, Dragon’s Den, the kitchen utensils and stationary for re- competition culminated in a use by incoming international students. final where four students were The winner, Maxwell Graziani, is a Binvited to present their ideas to the Business Management student in his experienced panel of ‘Dragons’. final year, whose company Memory The prizes included marketing Machine hires out photo booths as a support and materials to the value fun way to capture priceless memories of £500 provided by national digital at parties and special occasions. marketing agency MediaWorks, Max said: “I would encourage plus free specialist financial, legal or everyone at Northumbria to have a business consultancy. go at the Dragon’s Den competition. (left to right) Dr Yvonne Gale, Ian White, Roxanne King, Dr Chris Jeffs, Max Graziani, Jonathan Gold, Nguyen Ta, Jack Christopher, Lauren Langton Student finalists included Jack I learnt a great deal about writing a Christopher whose company Eat, Read business plan, pitching and talking to Director of Undergraduate Programmes to the next level. The Dragons Abacus Wealth Management; Lauren and Learn has developed specialist very experienced business people. It Langton, consultant and financial placemats that encourage learning was great to receive some praise for at Newcastle Business School and were particularly impressed by the service professional and Jonathan Gold during mealtimes; Roxanne King’s work outside the curriculum.” organiser of the competition, said: “The entrepreneurial nature of the students crafts custom jewellery company Northumbria has been named the top Dragon’s Den competition has proven and the viable business plans that were Director of Rivers Capital Partners and Heart of the Falklands that features university in the UK for graduate start- to be an excellent way for students to professionally pitched to them.” Finance Tree. Falkland Island sand; and Masters ups, with the Dragon’s Den competition test out their ideas, receive constructive The ‘Dragons’ were Dr Yvonne Gale, DISCOVER MORE student Nguyen Ta’s company Endless being just one of the initiatives to feedback and win prizes that will help Operations Director at NEL Fund Consumption which specialises in support students. Dr Chris Jeffs, to take them and their companies Managers; Ian White, Director of www.northumbria.ac.uk/nbs Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU SCIENCE AND TECH 11 Building the world’s biggest solar telescope Experts from Northumbria are taking part in an international project to build the world’s most revolutionary solar telescope.

he $344 million (£220m) of space weather. This includes solar and Queen’s University spinout Andor Daniel K Inouye Solar flares, which can be hazardous to our Technology and the Science and Telescope, to be known as technologically-advanced society.” Technology Facilities Council. It will DKIST, will be situated on Northumbria University’s Pro oversee the development and delivery THaleakala Mountain in Maui, Hawaii, Vice-Chancellor for Research and of the cameras, and take the lead and aims to unlock the secrets of the Innovation, Professor George Marston, in supporting the UK solar physics Sun. With a four-metre diameter said: “We are delighted to be one of community in their use of DKIST by primary mirror, the super-telescope will eight UK universities helping to support providing a set of processing tools for be able to pick up unprecedented detail the construction of the world’s most DKIST data, synthetic observations on the Sun’s surface – the equivalent of powerful solar telescope. Northumbria’s to validate diagnostic approaches, being able to examine a £1 coin from a role in this international project clearly and support for developing observing distance of 100km. demonstrates the University’s ongoing proposals. DKIST is funded by the It is hoped that DKIST will address commitment to driving scientific US National Science Foundation fundamental questions at the core of breakthroughs and technological with £2.5m of funding for the contemporary solar physics. This will be innovation through the excellence cameras provided by the Science and achieved via high-speed spectroscopic of our world-class research and the Technology Facilities Council. and magnetic measurements of the expertise of our academics.” Northumbria recently launched its solar photosphere, chromosphere Professor Marston, who spent two Think Physics project to inspire more and corona. years as a Resident Research Associate young people, especially girls and Northumbria’s Solar Physics research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center under-represented groups, to engage Haleakala Mountain in Maui, Hawaii group will play a lead role in developing near Washington DC, added: “The with Science, Technology, Engineering software to understand data from DKIST will address fundamental and Mathematics (STEM) from early the telescope. Dr Richard Morton, questions in contemporary solar years to higher education and into their Leverhulme Trust Early Career physics; in addition, solar activity careers. The University also recently Research Fellow in the Department of drives ‘space weather’ and has profound announced an investment of £6.7 Mathematics and Information Sciences, effects on Earth’s climate and global million in STEM facilities, co-funded is the project lead at Northumbria. communications, highlighting the by the Higher Education Funding He said: “DKIST is an exciting relevance of the research to important Council for England (HEFCE), to project that will revolutionise our societal issues.” help drive world-class research and understanding of the Sun and how it Eight UK institutes will be working teaching across STEM disciplines, and an increased flow of highly-employable influences our lives. The Solar Physics as a consortium on DKIST. The project graduates into industry. research group at Northumbria is led by Queen’s University Belfast Northumbria provides undergraduate will develop software to probe data and includes Armagh Observatory, and postgraduate courses in Physics from DKIST. This will provide key Northumbria University, University and Physics with Astrophysics. insight into the physical mechanisms College London, and the Universities responsible for energy transfer in the of Glasgow, Sheffield, St. Andrews Sun’s atmosphere and how this relates and Warwick. The consortium will DISCOVER MORE to solar variability and the generation partner with Belfast-based company northumbria.ac.uk/physics Dr Richard Morton

A computer-generated image of what the telescope will look like An image from the surface of the sun NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 12 FEATURE What next following the General Election? As the excitement of the General Election fades, Northumbria University News speaks to Visiting Professor Jonathan Blackie about what the new political landscape could mean for Northumbria University and its students over the next five years.

he nation woke up on Friday 8th May after election night to witness the abrupt end of the coalition, an SNP landslide in Scotland and a slew of big-name Tdepartures. So does this signal a paradigm shift in UK politics? Well, yes and no, according to Professor Jonathan Blackie. The former Regional Director for the Government Office North East and Director of Strategy for regional development agency One NorthEast, says that in some ways nothing has changed but in others, everything has. He adds that one certainty to draw from this outcome is that the role universities must play at a regional and national level will be more important than ever. The result of the election also reinforces the need for Northumbria to maintain its focus on quality research and employability to give its graduates the best possible career prospects. Professor Blackie has been a regular media spokesman on Scottish independence and the devolution of power regionally, with much of his expertise reflecting on how such policies could impact the North East of England. This follows his 2013 ‘Borderlands’ report, in which Prof Blackie, along with Northumbria’s Professor Keith Shaw and colleagues, investigated the likely impact of greater autonomy for Scotland on the North Prof Blackie makes the case that having a higher of England. research profile will give Northumbria more of a Looking at the opportunities and challenges leadership role, and the responsibility to develop facing universities under the new administration a stronger voice for economic growth within the Prof Blackie says: “I expect competition within the region. This is something he feels the University is sector to recruit students will remain intense and already delivering on. “I see a confident university probably increase, especially for postgraduate and championing learning and research in Newcastle, overseas students. Fees will also stay uppermost in Professor Jonathan Blackie Gateshead and the North East, articulating what is peoples’ minds, with a question around whether going on and needed in the wider economy,” universities will have to increase them, and what the forging of life-long friendships that come with Government will expect all universities to step up he says. impact that would have. From my observations as university, he singles out work experience and to the plate here,” says Prof Blackie. He points to the North East Local Enterprise a Visiting Professor, Northumbria has maintained good internship opportunities as an increasingly More cause for optimism for Northumbria is that Partnership (NELEP), which has highlighted the its competitiveness and as a result it continues crucial part of the experience. it is also leading in terms of creating employment importance of higher education in building a high- to be a hugely popular destination of choice for It therefore follows that universities have a huge through enterprise and entrepreneurial drive. It is skill economy as key to the success of the national students. Perhaps most impressively, its recent REF responsibility to provide students with the best the number one university in the UK for graduate and regional economy. In this region, sectors results have also lifted its profile and reputation to intern and work experience opportunities possible. start-ups based on turnover, according to the including the offshore and subsea technologies, a whole new level. Being a genuinely research-rich Fortunately, industry links are not something latest Higher Education Business and Community areas of manufacturing such as the automotive university is extremely attractive to undergraduates Northumbria is short of. More than 560 employers Interaction Survey (HEBCIS). In the past five industry, along with tourism and culture, will and businesses and boosts confidence across the sponsor its students and almost 50 professional years, it has created more than 100 new companies, all be critical. He says: “Northumbria and other whole institution – bodies accredit its programmes. Its networks and its graduate start-ups now employ almost universities in the North East are well placed to it strengthens the capability of the university.” also stretch throughout the UK and across 1,000 staff. articulate the needs of these sectors and develop The first priority for students, regardless of continents, and include some of the world’s largest Prof Blackie stresses that all this is going to be ‘the asks’ – what we need to push and negotiate who is in Government, is securing well-paid and multinationals and instantly recognisable brands, incredibly important going forward. “The dye from Government in London and how we might rewarding employment. “A great outcome for along with smaller but equally dynamic businesses. is now cast for the next five years, certainly for build bridges with an increasingly powerful students is establishing a successful career and Within this, Northumbria is also promoting and the national government,” he said. “In my view Scotland to support sustained economic growth. being able to pay off their fees swiftly,” says Prof encouraging overseas work, as it understands the it merely reinforces the need for Northumbria “Universities really should see themselves as Blackie, who adds: “the perfect outcome, however, need to create global graduates who can prosper on to retain its competitiveness and appeal, and for enablers – they are ideally positioned to help would include having a great experience while at the international stage and help the UK economy students to gain every opportunity they are offered shape the future of Newcastle, Gateshead and university.” As well as enjoying the lifestyle and compete and grow. “I do not doubt that the new to enhance their employability and career options.” the North East,” he ended. Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk FEATURE 13 Who saw that coming? Our academic experts from across the University gave us their reactions to one of the most unpredictable General Elections in decades…

Howard Elcock, Emeritus Professor Karen Ross, Dr Lee Barron, Principal Dr Hans-Christian Andersen, Alex Hope, Senior Lecturer Professor of Government: Professor of Media: Lecturer in Media and Senior Lecturer at Newcastle in Business Ethics: Communication Design: Business School: “Like the pollsters and most of my “The actual share of the votes won by “As I predicted in my pre-election colleagues in the political science trade, each party demonstrated yet again the “While I successfully predicted that “The First Past the Post System piece, we now face the prospect of an I called the election wrong – I predicted heavy price paid for a system in which the Conservative Party would win the has, once more, created a majority increased North/South divide with that Labour would be the largest party the winner takes all and the runner-up, most seats I failed, along with perhaps government out of a minority share the North of England perhaps more in a “hung” House of Commons. No- no matter how close, gets nowt – shy or everybody else in the country, to foresee of the vote and a large section of the sympathetic to the social-democratic one seems sure about what went wrong otherwise, as they say in the North East. that they would win a majority. My electorate sees itself without democratic agenda of an SNP-dominated Scotland with the polls but there did seem to Whilst there were jubilant winners observation that the SNP would play a representation. After five years of than Westminster austerity. be more people than usual declaring and sad losers and not a few senior crucial role has been realised – albeit coalition government, that seems a There is the now the inevitable EU that they were undecided during the resignations, one group of politicians to the detriment to Labour – given strikingly unreasonable outcome – as if referendum on the horizon which has campaign – maybe they were the who did well were the women. Their their historical landslide victory in unfairness is the acceptable foundation the potential to see the UK become “shy Tories”? success has increased the number of Scotland. The five years that the for a modern democracy. even more of an island state at a time As to the reasons for the Labour women MPs at Westminster to 29%, Liberal Democrats have spent as part This has, of course, been one of the when nations really should be working defeat, the explanation is emerging the highest in the Parliament’s history, of the coalition have arguably led to most exciting national elections to together to tackle large scale issues such among senior Party figures that not due in no small part to the SNP’s very something of an ‘identity crisis’ and follow in many years, a cliff-hanger up as climate change, international poverty enough was done to maintain “Blairite” creditable record in fielding women they seem to have paid the electoral until the last moment, costing three and global security.” values. However, Labour performed candidates. When Parliament sits for price. The implications for the country party leaders their posts. I do not well in some parts of the country the first time after the election, it will are perhaps even more profound as the imagine that political life will become including in most of the North – my be a very different place to what it government is now able to pursue its less exciting.” local MP, Chi Onwurah, almost doubled was on March 30th. More women neo-liberalist agenda unhindered by the DISCOVER MORE her majority. The Scottish story is politicians will make a difference. Liberal moderating force present in the different. Labour has taken its Scottish Come on the girls!” previous coalition.” northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/news- support for granted for far too long.” events/general-election-2015/

Joe Holt, Vice President of Academic Affairs It’s not all about the General Election, Northumbria University News caught up with Joe Holt who has been re-elected for a second year as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northumbria’s Students’ Union. What does your role involve? really tailor the course to suit your own interests. On top of that, a lot of the staff My aim is to ensure that students get the best education possible during their are research active which definitely enhances the learning experience. I wasn’t time at Northumbria. This involves working with Faculty and Course Reps to surprised to see the department getting such great results in this year’s REF 2014 find out the issues that are important to students and communicating this to the (Research Excellence Framework). The fact that Northumbria is right in the University through academic-focused committees. The full Sabbatical team are heart of Newcastle is also definitely a big bonus! also involved in the Students’ Union’s long-term strategic plan, ‘Big Ideas’, and in Northumbria is moving towards technology-enhanced the day-to-day running of the Union. learning (TEL). Can you explain a little bit more about how What were the biggest successes from your first year? this will benefit students? We’ve worked on a lot of projects this year but the area I’m most proud of is the TEL will make a huge difference to the experience students have at Rep Review. It was a chance for us as a representative body for students to say to Northumbria. It will allow students to hand in their work electronically, reduce the University, this is what we want to see and why we want to see it. A big part the need for printing credits and improve feedback on assignments. These are of that has been changing how we work as a Union and ensuring that we have a all areas which we often hear about, so it’s great to see that the University is good dialogue not only with students but with staff members and the University really driving this initiative and responding to students’ needs. Executive team. This is a project I’ll take forward into my second year. What are your plans for the future? You studied History at Northumbria. What was your own Before being elected as a Sabbatical Officer in the Union, I was looking experience as a student here? into studying for a postgraduate degree so that’s something I’ll definitely be I loved my course – the amount of optional modules meant that you could considering in the future. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 14 RESEARCH Our research is really making a difference As a new kind of excellent university, Northumbria is committed to research that makes a real difference to individuals, communities, society and the economy. Following the announcement that the University has recorded the fourth largest rise in research funding in the UK, Northumbria University News takes a look at some of the projects currently underway at Northumbria that will bring benefits to many…

Historical perspectives bring new light to depression Breakthrough in energy Research into eighteenth-century English literature is helping to transform modern-day understanding harvesting could power of depression. hile mental illness is not a modern phenomenon, the way that it is treat and the ways in which society responds to it have changed over the years. With funding from the Leverhulme Trust, Northumbria ‘life on Mars’. researchers embarked on Before Depression – a major project that Whas helped to bring a historical perspective to modern thinking about depression. After analysing literature, poetry, art and drama created between 1660 – 1800, researchers from Northumbria’s Department of Humanities have found that culture has a strong influence on the experience and treatmentThe of mental number illness. of sta Thanks to this research, a number of thought-provoking and innovative workshops have been held with psychotherapists andsubmitted mental health professionalsto Research that are helping to broaden historical and cultural understandingExcellence of theFramework diagnosis 2014 and treatment of mental illness. The findings are alsohas being more used as than a resource for teaching in the UK and in Australia to provide support and information for people suffering from depression. The findings have reached a wide range of medical professionalsdoubled through public lectures, podcasts, a blog and a highly-praised art exhibition that showed how visual artists of the period depicted the different modes in which eighteenth-centurysince Martian colonists could use an innovative new people suffered from and explained depression. RAE The success of this project has led to further research to explore a wider range2008 of technique to harvest energy from carbon dioxide ‘fashionable maladies’ from the era including gout, consumption and ‘vapours’ which thanks to research pioneered at Northumbria. were believed to have associations with social, intellectual or emotional superiority. TheTop initial findings 50 of this research were shared in the first Being Human festival, the UK’s first national festival of the humanities. Northumbria University has once againfor been announced research as a regional hub for Being Human 2015, which takes place he technique, which has implications for working in extreme at Edinburgh. Dr Ledesma-Aguilar for the second time in November. The University will host Cities & Citizens, a been proven for the first and alien environments, such as said: “Carbon dioxide plays a similar programmepower of free events and activities from 12-22 November, where academics, time by researchers at the outer space, where it could be used role on Mars as water does on Earth. students and the public will explore what it means to be human. (Times Higher Education) University, working with to make long-term exploration and It is a widely available resource which Tcolleagues at Edinburgh University, colonisation sustainable by using undergoes cyclic phase changes under making NorthumbriaDISCOVER MORE has been published in the prestigious naturally occurring solid carbon the natural Martian temperature “the biggest riser when international journal Nature dioxide as a resource rather than variations. Communications. a waste product. If this could be “Perhaps future power stations on ranked by research power” The research proposes a new kind realised, then future missions to Mars, Mars will exploit such a resource of engine for producing energy such as those in the news recently, to harvest energy as dry-ice blocks based on the Leidenfrost effect – a may not need to be ‘one-way’ after all. evaporate, or to channel the chemical The number of sta phenomenon which happens when a Dry ice may not be abundant on energy extracted from other carbon- 2nd submitted to Research liquid comes into near contact with a Earth, but increasing evidence from based sources, such as methane gas. Research rated as Excellence Framework 2014 surface much hotter than its boiling NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter “One thing is certain; our future strongest has more than point. This effect is commonly seen (MRO) suggests it may be a naturally on other planets depends on our pool of research activity of world-leading in the way water appears to skitter occurring resource on Mars. This is ability to adapt our knowledge to doubled all modern universities in 100% of areas submitted to the across the surface of a hot pan, but it evidenced by the seasonal appearance the constraints imposed by strange Research Excellence Framework since also applies to solid carbon dioxide, of gullies on the surface of the red worlds, and to devise creative ways to RAE commonly known as dry ice. Blocks planet. If utilised in a Leidenfrost- exploit natural resources that do not 2008 of dry ice are able to levitate above based engine, dry-ice deposits could naturally occur here on Earth.” We have almost hot surfaces protected by a barrier of provide the means to create future To watch the Leidenfrost effect in Toptripled 50 our share evaporated gas vapour. Northumbria’s power stations on the surface of Mars. action, watch our film by Blipping 73% of research proposes using the vapour The research was co-authored by Dr this page. Northumbria’s Psychology forof research research in the created by this effect to power an Rodrigo Ledesma-Aguilar, Dr Gary impact submission to REF powerworld-leading and engine. This is the first time the Wells and Professor Glen McHale, Blipp full is rated as internationally Leidenfrost effect has been adapted as the Executive Dean of Engineering page to (Times Higher Education) view film excellent categories a way of harvesting energy. and Environment, working with outstanding making Northumbria The technique has exciting colleague Professor Khellil Sefiane “the biggest riser when ranked by research power” Results from Research Excellence Framework 2014

8 I WANT… to learn from the best 2nd strongest Research rated as pool of research activity of world-leading all modern universities in 100% of areas submitted to the Research Excellence Framework

We have almost 73% of tripled our share Northumbria’s Psychology of research in the impact submission to REF world-leading and is rated as internationally excellent categories outstanding

Results from Research Excellence Framework 2014

8 I WANT… to learn from the best Top 50 in the UK for research power Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NORTHUMBRIA DESTINATIONS

Destination everywhere for global graduates

Graduation is not the end of the student journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. And for Northumbria’s global graduates, the whole world is their oyster.

Whether it is taking the first steps in an exciting career, further projects, coupled with a clear focus on enterprise, have also with and learn from some of the finest minds in the UK. study to continue their education, or jetting off around the made our students among the most entrepreneurial in the UK. But it’s not just about study – we also want our students to world – Northumbria’s students go on to a wide range of In fact, Northumbria is the number one university in the UK for enjoy every minute of their courses and their lives after destinations. In the following pages of this special supplement, graduate start-ups based on estimated turnover. graduation. From travel and volunteering opportunities, Northumbria University News speaks to graduates who are Northumbria aims to shape ambitious, motivated, self-confident our students often end up in thrilling and unexpected making waves in their new careers, enhancing their job people who have a clear vision of what they want to be and places. Northumbria has alumni in every continent except prospects, and who are enjoying every minute of their lives. the skills and know-how to make this happen. One of the ways Antarctica – although we do have some researchers there! At Northumbria, we help students give their career an edge in which we do this is by giving our students the opportunity This gives us a global community of more than 178,000 and get a head-start to take their talents into the world of work. to learn from the best. Our world-leading academics are graduates in 67 countries. Our courses are sponsored by more than 560 employers and research-active and experts in their fields, often with years Every year, as thousands of students graduate from Northumbria accredited by almost 50 professional bodies. This ensures we are of experience working in industry and in collaboration with they begin the next chapter in their lives and join our global responsive to industry needs and are giving our students the partner universities and organisations across the world. This family of alumni. Their destinations are everywhere, their skills that today’s global businesses need and want. With alumni gives them a unique perspective on the societal, cultural and potential is limitless... making a distinctive mark on the world in key roles for global economic challenges facing global markets, communities and brands such as Apple, Ralph Lauren, L’Oréal, BAFTA and many industries. more, it is no wonder that 94% of our students are in work or Northumbria was the biggest riser in higher education in the Turn the page to read further study just six months after graduation. recent Research Excellence Framework and is now ranked top Our extensive industry links, including placements and live 50 in the UK for research power, meaning our students work some of these stories… NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS II DESTINATIONS GIVE YOUR CAREER AN EDGE We help you achieve your ambitions and get ready to take your talents into the world of work. Marketing Career spotlight Stuart Birkett, Managing Director of Trinity Mirror and Northumbria graduate, spoke to Northumbria University News degree pays off about his time at University and his love of the North East.

How did you end up working in journalism after studying Environmental Science? Environmental science was an area I was really interested for graduate in. I absolutely loved the course and really flourished academically during my time at Northumbria. After graduating, I worked in the construction industry but a recession meant I was made redundant three times in six months, and that’s when I decided to do something completely different. I was lucky enough to land a job as sales manager on the Berwick Advertiser, who were later taken over by one of the biggest UK newspaper groups, and I was promoted as the business expanded. In 2006 I got a job as managing director of North East Press, overseeing three daily titles and about 10 weeklies, then I moved on to running the Scottish operation. When the opportunity came up for the position of managing director at NCJ Media in Newcastle (part of Trinity Mirror Group) I jumped at the chance. Even though I haven’t ended up working in an industry linked to environmental science, the course itself encompassed a lot of different subjects so it prepared you to be versatile. The transferable skills you learn from studying towards a degree can be taken on into any career. There have been big changes in the industry you work in since you started. What’s been the impact of that and how have you adapted? It’s been an absolutely enormous change. The internet started to change people’s news consumption habits. It used to be that the local paper – The Chronicle, in Newcastle – was the only way of finding out news. It was printed throughout the day so you’d buy a paper at teatime to find out what had happened that day. There was hardly any news on the TV and nothing on the radio. That changed rapidly – the consumption of news changed enormously and it’s actually remarkable we survived. Mobile and online is now quite a bit more than 50% of our audience – Chronicle Live gets about three million unique users a month now, and around 20 million page impressions, Hannah Mattinson who graduated from Northumbria University in 2011 is now which are pretty enormous numbers. Social media is extremely important too. People don’t even have to search Head of PPC (Pay Per Click) at MediaWorks, a national marketing agency with any more – they are presented with content in their social bases in Gateshead and London. media timelines. What advice would you give to our students and graduates who are just starting out in During her time at university, she made the most of opportunities Hannah also participated in a marketing volunteering scheme their careers? to go into the workplace, taking part in volunteering and marketing for local charities while at university. Together, with a team of work experience to enhance her CV. fellow students, Hannah helped the charity develop their My son is now studying for a degree in Sport, Exercise and Nutrition at Northumbria and loves it so that’s reintroduced Hannah said: “It would have been easy to go to lectures and marketing material. me to the University. I’ve definitely seen a lot of changes since seminars and just come out with your degree. But when there is Hannah is making a real impression with her career and recently won I was a student – City Campus East is very impressive and an opportunity to join local projects or travel, there’s no reason the Best PPC Campaign award at The Northern Digital Awards for why you shouldn’t! Newcastle College: “It was the proudest moment of my career” she Newcastle Business School is brilliant. “Graduating with a number of work experience roles on my CV said. “Meeting the client’s goal is my aim, but getting recognition While studying, I discovered one of the phrases which has helped me get my first job, and practicing speaking in front of my from my peers was something I didn’t expect. It was an honour to be helped me throughout my life: “If they can do it, I can do it”. classmates helped me present ideas to colleagues after graduation.” shortlisted, but a fantastic experience when we won.” You are as a capable as anyone else. If you work hard, go the extra mile and have a positive attitude, then it doesn’t matter During her Marketing Management degree, Hannah completed what degree you do, you can do anything then and I really a summer placement at local design studio, Urban River. This placement secured her a job after graduation, which she continued DISCOVER MORE mean that. with before moving to MediaWorks one year later. northumbria.ac.uk/nbs Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk DESTINATIONS III Award-winning graduate Northumbria graduate set scoops editor role for ‘runaway’ success A journalism graduate with Italian magazine who was signed up by publishing giants Harper Collins has released her debut novel.

Laura Salters, who studied Journalism and Media, saw her suspense novel, RUN AWAY, hit bookshelves on both sides of the Atlantic just 18 months after she graduated from Northumbria. The Berwick-upon-Tweed native describes the experience as a ‘dream come true’. She said: “Once I left Northumbria, I started a job as a staff writer at a regional lifestyle magazine but the concept of writing a novel was still lurking in the back of my mind. “I decided to just take a leap and as soon as I wrote my first paragraph, I was hooked – I ended up finishing the whole 85,000-word novel in eight weeks.” Laura sent out her novel to literary agents here in the UK and to the USA, but had little expectation of success due to fierce competition within the industry. She said: “When I was contacted by the wonderful Suzie Townsend, I couldn’t believe it – I jumped at the chance to work with her.” After just a few months, Suzie – whose agency also represents the likes of DIVERGENT author Veronica Roth - had sold world English rights to RUN AWAY to Harper Collins. Laura, who is currently working on another suspense novel as well as a young adult fantasy series, believes her passion for writing was ignited when she opted to take Natasha Kwok showcasing her work a Creative Non-Fiction module in her final semester at Northumbria. The summer of 2014 saw an Interior Architecture student bring the University’s London “When studying this module, I really felt I could embrace my own writing style and invasion to an award-winning close after taking the top prize at the Free Range this is when I really started to entertain the Interiors exhibition. idea of trying my hand at writing fiction,” she recalled. Natasha Kwok, who has now graduated, took away in design and for this reason fully expected to reminder of how much I love design, and to always “My tutor at Northumbria, Dr Barbara the Interior Educators Interiorist of the Year 2014 end up living and working in London. However continue to work hard and strive for the best. I Henderson, was so encouraging and award – one of only six accolades given out on when the opportunity to work for a publication on can’t think of a better way to finish my degree, helpful. I know in my heart I’d never have the night – for her work on The National Trust’s international design arose, I jumped at the chance winning the award gave me the confidence to kick made it to publication without her.” Gibside Hall. Her project outlined the potential – it drew on all my skills which I’d developed start my career in design.” Dr Barbara Henderson, former journalism transformation of the historic building into a centre during my time with Northumbria and this lecturer at Northumbria, added: “I was The Architecture and Built Environment for cancer rehabilitation and public hydrotherapy. opportunity was an ideal combination of what I absolutely delighted – but not a bit department takes graduates to Free Range each want to do and what I am interested in.” surprised – to hear about Laura’s publishing Natasha and her fellow Interior Architecture year, using it as a platform for young designers deal and I feel sure she’s a name to watch in students were the first cohort since the course Today, Natasha works with a team of experienced looking to enter the design industry – not just started in 2011 to exhibit alongside 400 other the writing world. I wish her all the success designers and architects, providing editorial interior design and interior architecture, but across students from 30 of the UK’s best universities at support to what is one of the most widely-read in the world.” multiple disciplines. Free Range Interiors at the Old Truman Brewery in and critically acclaimed global design publications Suzie Townsend, of New Leaf Literary & London last summer. in the world. Curating a selection of innovative and Northumbria University’s current cohort of Interior Media Inc, added: “When I first read Laura’s Architecture graduates will be exhibiting their final Six months after winning her award, Natasha, unique work, the publication strives to unearth the manuscript, I could not stop thinking about work at Free Range Interiors at the Old Truman who is originally from Edinburgh, has gone on to best art, design and architecture out there. it. Long after I finished it, the characters Brewery, in London from 9 –13 July 2015. secure an internship as an architecture editor with Natasha continues: “Winning the award at Free stayed with me. I just knew I had to work designboom – the world’s first online design and Range Interiors definitely helped me stand out with it.” architecture magazine, based in the Italian city amongst other graduates, and showed me the of Milan. value of the work I had produced when working DISCOVER MORE On her professional success to date, Natasha on live projects during my degree at Northumbria. DISCOVER MORE northumbria.ac.uk/courses comments: “I had always wanted to pursue a career “On a personal level, the award win has served as a northumbria.ac.uk/architecture NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS IV DESTINATIONS LEARN FROM THE BEST At Northumbria our aim is to shape ambitious, motivated, self-confident people who have a clear vision of what they want to be and the skills and the know-how to make this happen. Ghana TV show winner reflects on incredible experience at Northumbria A reality TV contestant who won a place at Northumbria University is celebrating a successful year of study – and an unforgettable time in Newcastle.

Anthony Kofi Annan triumphed in 2014’s The Challenge – a Ghanaian company Tigo in collaboration with the British Council Ghana and show similar to the BBC’s The Apprentice – and the prize was a supported by Northumbria University, Newcastle; Robert Gordon scholarship with Northumbria. The 27-year-old from Ghana has just University, Aberdeen and the University of Salford in Manchester. completed an MSc Business with Financial Management degree at The show was produced by GhOne TV, a Ghanaian based Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School, and has received very positive multimedia company. feedback from lecturers and university staff. Anthony joined two other winners from the education show in securing He said: “I applied to go onto The Challenge because I wanted the positions at UK universities – and his successful year has made him an scholarship to Northumbria University – and it’s been one of the best advocate for university life abroad. decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I’ve really enjoyed everything about He added: “I definitely believe that it’s important to study abroad; you get the experience. The lecturers have first-hand experience of the industry, a completely new perspective on study, on culture and diversity and on which makes the course even more interesting. Life in Newcastle is different ways of working. I would recommend studying at Northumbria wonderful. I had heard of Newcastle as I’ve followed the English Premier University to people all over the world.” League and made sure I did my research before going into the show.” Northumbria University’s international recruitment manager Simon Anthony applied to be on the sixth series of The Challenge, an extremely Forster said: “Anthony continues to shine and we’re keen to see how popular show which is run in partnership with the British Council and he progresses. Feedback on him has been fantastic – lecturers are offers fully sponsored post-graduate scholarships as prizes. very proud of him, as are his family, and as am I. He is a very good Blipp full page to The show gave students across Ghana the chance to showcase their representative for Ghana and is doing the country proud.” view film intellectual and creative talents, with contestants competing against Masters study at Northumbria is designed for those students who want each other over three months in a range of televised tasks and interviews. to change direction in their career or give it an extra edge, or for those The Challenge 2014 was sponsored by Ghana-based telecommunication who have a passion for their area of study. Simon Forster and Anthony Kofi Annan Start-up success for Sadhu An international graduate who set up his own business with the help of Northumbria University’s Student and Graduate Enterprise team has hailed the University as providing ‘the best support I could ever have wished for’.

Business Information Systems Management today without the University’s support.” graduate, Sadhu Kanakarajan, is the first ever A year on, Sadsisya Ltd is now starting to have graduate to be sponsored by the University via some real success with a number of new clients UKBA’s Tier 1 entrepreneur visa scheme. and business opportunities. Sadhu added: “It’s a The scheme allows international graduates really exciting time for the business. I now have with genuine and credible business ideas and two full-time and three part-time employees, and a entrepreneurial skills to stay in the UK to develop number of clients in long-term contracts. their business under the supervision of their UK “One of our first clients was Summer Takeover, academic institution. a small working holiday company and also a Sadhu, originally from India, graduated in 2013 and Northumbria University-supported start-up. After took this opportunity to start his SEO and digital adopting our strategy, they have experienced a marking agency Sadsisya Ltd with the support and doubling in sales and 400% increase in their lead guidance of the University’s Student and Graduate generation. Over the next couple of years, I want Enterprise team, funded by the European Regional to grow the business into one of the ‘go-to’ digital Development Fund. He explained: “I approached agencies in the North East.” Graham Baty and Sadhu Kanakarajan the University with my idea and they helped me to Graham Baty, Enterprise Manager at Northumbria draft my business plan. University, said: “Sadhu was confident that he had Sadhu, who decided to study at Northumbria after “Getting the business off the ground over the last identified a market need for digital marketing a recommendation from his brother, added: “I am year has been really hard work and without the services amongst small and medium-sized proud to have been a student at Northumbria support I received from the team, I would have had businesses, and to date, this has proved to be very University. My course was a fantastic mix of DISCOVER MORE neither the courage nor the knowledge to start my successful. With an ever growing client base, I fully business and technical studies that provided me own business. I simply would not be where I am expect Sadhu to continue to expand Sadsisya Ltd.” with key skills for life after graduation.” northumbria.ac.uk/enterprise Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk DESTINATIONS V Life transformed Professional rugby player by further study tries to gain the advantage Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential requirement of Ex-professional rugby player anyone working in the health profession, yet after undertaking a CPD course, Craig Hamilton has returned to Michelle Mitchell never dreamed that she would become a tutor herself. She tells Northumbria to complete his Northumbria University News how her course transformed her life. further education. Michelle had worked as a healthcare assistant at Northumbria working as a community staff nurse to turn her diploma into a degree, As well as studying towards an MSc in Professional Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for 12 years when she was which she passed with first class honours. Michelle then worked as a Practice in Sport Coaching, Craig is also a project seconded to undertake nurse training at Northumbria University part-time Associate Lecturer at the University before being appointed manager for a property development company and shortly after her 41st birthday. While studying, Michelle found a to a full-time role as a Graduate Tutor. She is also undertaking a PhD coaches Northumbria’s women’s rugby team along with passion for helping others to learn after taking on the role of a focussing on mentorship and student relationships. Falkirk RFC. ‘learning leader’ in her group and just five years later she is now “The guidance and support I have had at Northumbria has been He explained: “Now my professional rugby career has studying for a PhD and working as a Graduate Tutor, supporting other outstanding,” said Michelle. “My tutors have guided me throughout, finished, I wanted to return and finish what I started. I students in their learning and placements. been supportive, inspiring, and always ready to give constructive wanted to stay involved with rugby at some level and Michelle explained: “CPD is essential in the nursing profession – feedback. coaching was the natural progression.” life-long learning is paramount and very much part of the job – it “I often reflect on my journey so far, hard work and determination Craig’s postgraduate experience is helping him on and engages you with current issues and makes you think about your helped me through my nurse training, which has changed my off the pitch and the transition back into study after 15 skills, the future and helps you step back and look at how healthcare life forever. My university tutors helped me open doors I didn’t years has been helped by the lecturers at Northumbria. is changing.” know existed.” “The lecturers are very helpful and understanding of my She achieved a distinction in her Advanced Diploma in Adult Nursing background,” he said. in 2013 and was nominated by her classmates for the Student Nursing Times’ Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year award. DISCOVER MORE “I think because the subject matter is something I enjoy and can relate to, it makes it easier to stay focused She enrolled on Northumbria’s Practice Development course whilst northumbria.ac.uk/cpd as essentially it’s also making me a better coach. Lectures are relaxed and discussion based – we debate and help each other by telling anecdotes of our own coaching experience.” Gaining new insights through relationships that he is building with other coaches on the course, Craig would encourage others to think about postgraduate study. He explained: “Balancing work and study is difficult but not impossible. Having supportive friends and family around definitely helps. It encourages you to take control of your future.”

DISCOVER MORE northumbria.ac.uk/masters

meltwater; a vital resource for consumption, sanitation, and irrigation, to an increased risk of catastrophic outburst floods from expanding glacial lakes as the glaciers recede. “Drawing on recent, first-hand experience of undertaking research in the Everest region in Nepal, our exhibit will showcase cutting- edge science from UK researchers which explores the potential Postgraduate to showcase glacier impacts of climatic change on Himalayan glaciers." The team of 16 academics and postgraduates will be led by Dr Ann Rowan of Sheffield University in showcasing the exhibit, which research at Royal exhibition is sponsored by the Natural Environment Research Council, the Climate Change Consortium of Wales, the Quaternary Research Association as well as the five universities involved. A Northumbria researcher has been selected as part of a team to showcase Also joining the team at the Royal Society Summer Science exhibition are David Breashears, a renowned American mountaineer its work at the Royal Society’s prestigious 2015 Summer Science Exhibition and film-maker who has summited Everest four times, and Mollie Hughes, one of the youngest British climbers to summit Everest. in London. David and Mollie will be available to talk to the public about the experience and dangers of standing on the top of the world. Dr Matt Westoby, Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the University, with hands-on experiments and 3D models, the team will explain The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition is a week-long will join a team of researchers from the Universities of Sheffield, how glaciers in the Himalayas are responding to climate change science festival which features 22 exhibits from the forefront of Leeds and Aberystwyth at the week-long science festival at Carlton and the impact that this will have to the world’s population. British innovation. The event is free for all ages and runs from House Terrace. Matt said: "Himalayan glaciers are the 'water towers' of Asia, forming Tuesday 30 June to Sunday 5 July 2015: sse.royalsociety.org/2015 The team’s exhibit will focus on how glaciers around the world’s the headwaters of some of the world's largest rivers. However, highest mountain, Mount Everest, are rapidly shrinking. the response of these glaciers to future climatic change and the DISCOVER MORE Using photographs and video footage from expeditions to the implications for downstream communities remains uncertain. Khumbu, Imja, Lhotse and Ngozumpa Glaciers in Nepal, combined “These impacts range from variations in the production of glacial northumbria.ac.uk/geography NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS VI DESTINATIONS ENJOY EVERY MINUTE Everyone wants to enjoy themselves and going to university is about so much more than just getting a degree.

Making a difference in Zambia Masters student Hannah Marshall was Student Sport President for Team Northumbria when they lifted the Stan Calvert cup Fashion graduate’s for the first time in six years in 2014. Since then, she has gone on to study an MSc in International Sport Management, and is applying what she is learning when working in Zambia with UK Sport. creative collection wins “I’ve spent two summers in Zambia, coaching football and working on a UK Sport international development project to bring communities together through the power of sport,” explained Hannah. “Studying for a Masters has been really useful, especially international award in Italy having a year’s work experience during my time as Student Sport President. Because of that experience, I can apply what I’m A catwalk collection by a Northumbria University fashion graduate has won a studying to the industry I would like to work in.” With the recent addition of Northumbria’s Masters bursary prestigious international award for young designers. scheme, offering 155 students from under-represented groups £10,000 towards the costs of studying, giving your career that Katrina Wagster’s stunning menswear internationally recognised School of Design Plus you get to see the competition and extra edge is even more achievable. designs took the ‘Absolute Award for the has played a massive part in her success. speak to some well-established designers.” Most Creative Collection’ at Mittelmoda The “Studying Fashion Design at Northumbria Principal Lecturer for Fashion at DISCOVER MORE Fashion Award, in Vicenza, Italy. This annual has definitely been one of the best Northumbria, Douglas Maclennan, nd awards show, now in its 22 year, saw decisions I have made. My time was largely said: “Mittelmoda is one of the longest northumbria.ac.uk/masters young fashion designers from 20 countries spent within the School of Design, which established international competitions held compete against each other. is a great place to study and really prepares in Italy to promote creativity in fashion. Entrepreneur’s trip Down Under Katrina, who graduated from Northumbria you for industry,” she said. “Katrina’s collection was simply outstanding A travel scholarship programme has given a Northumbria in 2014, was the only British designer “A big thank you for my success has to go to and a reflection of Northumbria’s quality entrepreneurial student the chance to go on a fact-finding among the 26 shortlisted. Anthony Brotheridge – he is an incredible training which aligns industry and creativity mission to Australia. “I never thought I would win the Absolute tutor and has pushed me to achieve great to provide graduates who successfully award for the most creative collection – success throughout the past four years. I contribute to the worldwide fashion Newcastle Business School’s Calam Nelson travelled half way there are so many talented designers in have developed hugely as a designer and industry.” around the world to join 1,300 likeminded people at the largest event for entrepreneurs in Australia. The 19-year-old attended the this show and everyone’s collections are that is thanks to Northumbria.” Now in its 60th year, Northumbria’s award- Entrepreneur’s Unconvention in Sydney after receiving funding incredible. To know that a prestigious panel This year’s final year students recently held winning BA (Hons) Fashion course is from Northumbria partner Trust Estates, through the property of judges see potential in me as a designer their graduate show at BALTIC Centre for famous for the calibre of its business-ready development company’s travel scholarship programme. is an incredible feeling.” Contemporary Art with the best work being graduates, with 97% of last year’s students She continues: “My collection was inspired chosen to go onto Graduate Fashion Week in full-time employment within six months Calam is studying on the Entrepreneurial Business Management by the history of the traveller, largely in London. Katrina’s work was selected for of graduating. Read more about 60 years of course at Newcastle Business School, an innovative course with influenced by work wear and vintage this prestigious event last year and she fashion at Northumbria on page 19. a hands-on, team-based approach to learning. Students work references to the 1930s, the sourcing and described it as a ‘great experience’. in teams to set-up and manage their own business enterprise, which develops their skills and knowledge in all areas of business. manipulation of the fabrics became the She said: “It opens your eyes to the industry, main focus to drive my collection forward.” to what companies are looking for, and it DISCOVER MORE “To be in Sydney Town Hall with 1,300 entrepreneurs was The graduate said her time at Northumbria’s gives you a great feeling of achievement. northumbria.ac.uk/fashion incredible,” Calam said. “The speakers gave me so much to think about and I was frantically taking notes so I could take it all back to my team and hopefully the advice and guidance will be able to help us to improve our business.” Katrina Wagster’s designs (left) and winning the Mittelmoda award in Italy (right) DISCOVER MORE northumbria.ac.uk/nbs

From classroom to Kenya Students from Newcastle Business School who developed and implemented a marketing strategy for charity, Team Kenya, are getting the chance to see the benefits of their work first-hand by travelling to the country. The second year Business with Marketing students and Team Kenya collaborated to develop a new working holiday initiative as part of the School’s Business Volunteer Scheme. Team Kenya operates in Ndhiwa, helping a rural community in the Nyanza region of Western Kenya and provides education and enterprise support to help deliver sustainable benefits for the future. Student Alex Henderson led the team that helped develop the project: “It has been great to be involved in a project where we can put our business skills into practice. I believe we’ve made a real difference to how the charity markets itself to students.” Commenting on the benefits of the travel scholarships, Christine Sorenson, Director of Business and Engagement at Newcastle Business School, said: “These are wonderful opportunities. The students come back more mature, having developed their team building and language skills and are energised from the cultural experience. They are just the types of stand-out experiences that develop the skills that employers are looking for look for.” DISCOVER MORE teamkenya.org.uk Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk DESTINATIONS VII Environmental health students in African mission A trio of Geography students from Northumbria are using their environmental health expertise to help communities in Uganda.

Supporting UK charity, Water for Kids, “We are extremely privileged to have further the students’ studies in an three students from the University’s BSc been sponsored by The Rotarians, as exceptional environment, where they Environmental Health course will visit without them we wouldn’t be able to can really put what they have learned villages in the Iganga region of Uganda go on the trip. I am very grateful for into context to help other people.” to help combat the spread of infectious their contribution and look forward Students were supported through a disease, and improve the health and to sharing our experiences with them wellbeing of the community. when we return.” grant from the Rotary Club of Newcastle West. Rotary President, David Gregory, The three students, Ashleigh Jobes, Simon Griffiths, Senior Lecturer said: “The Rotary Club are delighted to Alexandra Wilson and Eimear Harrigan, in Environmental Health with will spend more than two weeks Northumbria’s Geography department, support the students with this effort to helping to dig wells, protect water said: “Students completing promote public health in Uganda and sources and build latrines. They will Environmental Health courses at to support young professionals and also use their skills and knowledge Northumbria fulfil the academic students to gain an understanding of from the course to help create requirements for being accredited as other communities. sustainable communities by providing an Environmental Health Practitioner “We are hoping to repeat this next year education about hygiene and infectious by the Chartered Institute of following a successful fundraising event disease control. Environmental Health. But it is the in April where we raised over £2,000.” Alexandra said: “The trip is set to be practical experience and opportunities Northumbria ofers a range of courses in an amazing experience for us all. Not provided by Northumbria that sets our only will we learn so much about candidates apart from others when Environmental Health and Geography. ourselves and other cultures, but we it comes to career building. They are will have the opportunity to show demonstrating the type of exciting what we have learned from our time at work Environmental Health Practitioners Northumbria in the five subject areas of can do.“ DISCOVER MORE Environmental Health. He added: “This unique venture will northumbria.ac.uk/geography Overseas study opens new horizons for Carley and family

Business student Carley Denton couldn’t believe her luck when she was offered the chance to study in the US.

The 32-year-old HR Management student “As part of my Personal Development from Newcastle Business School is set to Plan I identified that I lack self-confidence, study Semester 2 of her course at Florida but learned this is one of the main skills Atlantic University. As the mum-of-four, gained by people who study abroad. I prepares to move to Florida with her also learned that many employers will family, she tells Northumbria University consider candidates who have studied News her story. abroad over those who haven’t, so the Carley says: “The term ‘human resources’ opportunity appealed even more. originated in America and when I started “When I found out I had been accepted to research the profession I decided that I was elated to have been given such an I’d love the opportunity to work over there opportunity. To be honest it still hasn’t “My whole family is on board and my (6) says if we have a swimming pool it will bought a good quality camera to capture in HR at some point. completely sunk in! husband and children will be coming be “epic” but doesn’t understand why he as many special moments as possible to “To make the most of the experience “I never thought it would be a real with me. My husband appreciates the has to go to school on what he sees as a share with the team and show what we possibility but then I discovered the I have decided to carry out my Year 3 opportunities that will be available to all long holiday! Josh (11) and Jodi (10) also are experiencing thanks to them. internship placement while I’m in Florida, Study Abroad module and was shocked. of us thanks to the Study Abroad team’s can’t wait. I attended workshops laid on by the meaning I’ll have 18 months in total there “I really could not have asked for advice, and the kids are excited. “When we get there our plans are simple Study Abroad team and asked lots of – six for my course and another year anywhere better than Northumbria – enjoy the opportunity to learn, love and questions – I had doubts about whether, on placement. “My 12-year-old son Jay is looking forward University to help me and my family with laugh. In between studying, we have lots as a mature student with a family, I would “Since I made the decision there has been to meeting new friends from different this chapter of our lives.” even be considered. However I left fantastic support with my placement backgrounds and hopes to keep in touch of great plans. feeling completely encouraged and search, and help with areas such as my with them when we return – he has been “Myself and the whole family will cherish empowered, so I carried out further LinkedIn profile and converting my CV learning about different cultures at school each and every minute and can’t thank DISCOVER MORE research and applied. to US format. in Geography, Citizenship and RE. Jonas the team at Northumbria enough. We’ve northumbria.ac.uk/nbs NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS VIII DESTINATIONS WANT TO BE THE NEXT...?

Northumbria graduates are making a very distinctive mark on the world.

Victoria Pendleton CBE Sir Jonathan Ive Martin Corry MBE Dr Arnab Basu Rob Law MBE Stephen Miller Bibiana Aido Tim Brown Jules Quinn Britain’s most successful Designer of the iPhone, Over 30 caps for England, Chief Executive Officer, Founder and Director of Paralympic athlete and Spain’s youngest ever Chief Executive of IDEO Jules Quinn, a graduate female track cyclist and iMac, iPad and iPod, now three for British Lions and Kromek. Materials Magmatic and creator of World Record Holder in Minister appointed to USA, one of the world’s of our Fashion Marketing Olympic gold medallist. Chief Design Officer at nearly 200 appearances Engineering graduate. the Trunki children’s the Club Throw. Business Government at the age of leading design course, has established Sport and Exercise Apple. Design for for Leicester Tigers. Sports suitcase. Design for Information Systems 31. International Business consultancies. a tea, teaware and Science graduate. Industry graduate. Studies graduate. Industry graduate. graduate. Administration graduate. homeware company called The *Teashed.

Check out some of our most notable graduates at northumbria.ac.uk/alumni WHERE WILL YOU GO?

Northumbria University Alumni Association has over located in

47% 53% 178,000 167 MALE FEMALE alumni across the world countries

TOP COUNTRIES HONG KONG 10,478 MALAYSIA 9,889 CHINA 4,736 GERMANY 2,246 FRANCE 2,031 SINGAPORE 1,634 INDIA 1,382 SPAIN 1,051 SRI LANKA 1,051

Central and South America 53 7 Australasia 404 9 ,5 Middle East 894 1 3 1 North America1,338

K

U Africa 1,389 Asia 33,078 Less than 100 Less than 500 More than 500 More than 1000 More than 2000 Europe (excl.UK) 9,256 Northumbria University has Alumni on every single continent in the world*

*Apart from Antarctica

More information available at northumbria.ac.uk/alumni Based on data from April 2015

facebook.com/NorthumbriaUniAlumni uk.linkedin.com/in/northumbriaalumni instagram.com/northumbriaalumni Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU RESEARCH 15 Sharing knowledge Can exercise help fuels business growth older people with vision problems avoid falls?

Northumbria University is leading the way in a new national research project looking at how The number of sta older people with visual impairments can use submitted to Research exercises to prevent falls. Excellence Framework 2014 alls are the most prominent reason for admission to hospital for has more than accidental injury and cost the NHS approximately £4.6 billion per year. Older people with poor vision are at a much higher risk of falls. FThis major study, which is funded by National Institute for Health doubled Research (NIHR), is being led by Northumbria University in collaboration with Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow Caledonian Universities as well as several charitable organisations. since The researchers will work with visually impaired older people to RAE develop an exercise programme using strength and balance techniques to help to prevent falls. 2008 Professor of Rehabilitation, Nicola Adams, explained: “Fear of falling is a real and frightening prospect for older people, particularly those with poor vision. Research has shown that following a fall, older people Northumbria University Northumbria’s KTP associates at Parker domnick hunter restrict their activities rather than suffer the consequences, both physical and psychological, that they associate with a fall. This can lead to a Alumni Association has over Toplocated 50 in vicious spiral of decline in their strength, mobility and balance meaning Northumbria University is helping to drive innovation and accelerate market they are actually at increased risk of falling in future. Participation in for research opportunities for an engineering and manufacturing business in a new knowledge- exercise can help to build confidence, as well as ensuring that people are fitter and healthier and this can, in turn, help to prevent falls.” sharing partnership. Prof Adams added: “We ultimately hope that we will develop a group power exercise programme for visually impaired older people that can be % % 167 arker domnick hunter Matthew Lievesley, Reader in Neil McPherson, Marketing Manager successfully delivered in the community, making them much more 47 53 178,000 countries specialise in the design and Human Centred Problem Solving at at Parker domnick hunter, said: “As a accessible for larger groups of people.” MALE FEMALE alumni across the world (Times Higher Education) manufacture of high-quality Northumbria Design School, said: result of our KTP with Northumbria we compressed air, gas treatment “Parker domnick hunter is already are developing new marketing systems makingTOP COUNTRIES Northumbria Pand gas generation products for a wide a technically excellent business with and processes to identify opportunities DISCOVER MORE range of applications across the world. leading positions in many of its for organic growth.” HONG KONG 10,478 “the biggest riser when Customers include global businesses markets. Increased global competition Fraser McLeay, Professor of Strategic MALAYSIA 9,889 such as Coca Cola. in traditional market segments has Marketing Management at Newcastle rankedCHINA by research 4,736 power” Representatives from Newcastle highlighted the need for increased Business School, added: “The next Business School and the Northumbria innovation and shortened development stage of the KTP will help us transform GERMANY 2,246 Design School are collaborating with times. With the Design and Business The numberthe way in of which sta we use existing data FRANCE 2,031 the company on a Knowledge Transfer disciplines working together, we are ablesubmitted to optimise to Research business performance SINGAPORE 1,634 Partnership (KTP) – a Government- to embed new approaches to innovation,Excellence and develop Framework a dashboard 2014 focusing INDIA 1,382 funded programme designed to engaging key customers to understand has moreon new than market opportunities which encourage collaboration between where the company’s technology will will increase international sales and The number of sta 2ndSPAIN 1,051 businessesResearch and UK universities. rated Theas make the greatest difference. This doubledprofitability.” SRI LANKA 1,051 team are working to help the company responsive approach has already helped submitted to Research improve product development times the company secure close partnerships since Blipp full strongest page to and become more customer-centric to in major export markets, which are RAE view film pool of research activity of betterworld-leading align their engineering strengths expected to be worth over £1m per 2008 Excellence Framework 2014 Central and South America 53 to what customers need. annum to the UK economy.” 7 Australasia 404 9 in 100% of areas submitted to the ,5 all modern universitiesMiddle East 894 has more than 1 Top 50 3 Research Excellence Framework 1 North America1,338 for research K

U Africa 1,389 power Asia We have almost (Times Higher Education) doubled 33,078 Less than 100 Less than 500 More than 500 More than 1000 More than 2000 Europe (excl.UK) of tripled our share making Northumbria 73%9,256 “the biggest riser when since Northumbria’s Psychology of research in the ranked by research power” Northumbria University has Alumni on every single continent in the world* impact submission to REF world-leading and RAE *Apart from Antarctica internationally 2nd More information available at northumbria.ac.uk/alumni is rated as Research rated as 2008 Based on data from April 2015 excellent categoriesstrongest pool of research activity of world-leading outstanding in 100% of areas submitted to the facebook.com/NorthumbriaUniAlumni uk.linkedin.com/in/northumbriaalumni instagram.com/northumbriaalumni all modern universities Research Excellence Framework

Results from Research Excellence Framework 2014 Top 50 We have almost 73% of tripled our share Northumbria’s Psychology of research in the impactfor submission toresearch REF world-leading and 8 I WANT… to learn from the best is rated as internationally excellent categories outstanding power Results from Research Excellence Framework 2014 (Times Higher Education) 8 I WANT… to learn from the best making Northumbria “the biggest riser when ranked by research power”

2nd strongest Research rated as pool of research activity of world-leading all modern universities in 100% of areas submitted to the Research Excellence Framework

We have almost 73% of tripled our share Northumbria’s Psychology of research in the impact submission to REF world-leading and is rated as internationally excellent categories outstanding

Results from Research Excellence Framework 2014

8 I WANT… to learn from the best NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 16 HEALTH Forensics under the spotlight Northumbria University’s forensic science courses have been officially accredited by the leading professional body for forensic practice.

orthumbria’s undergraduate on-site crime scene house and court materials and methods. and Masters courses in room which helps to prepare them Second year student Lizzie Rose Forensic Science and the in assessing crime scenes and giving said: “The course offers a great range undergraduate course evidence in court cases. They gain of modules to give an insight into all NCriminology & Forensic Science have hands-on experience in all relevant aspects of forensic science, with the been accredited by The Chartered forensic fields including body fluid and opportunity to get hands-on experience Society of Forensic Sciences – the only DNA analysis, trace analysis, blood in the laboratory providing a great international professional body for pattern interpretation and analytical way to consolidate material taught in forensic scientists working to drive chemistry in drugs and toxicology. lectures. The crime scene house is loved forward global standards in scientific In recent years Northumbria has made by all students to get a feel for real life, investigation. significant investments in the latest tools practical situations. Northumbria’s forensic science courses used in the industry to enable students “Overall the University provides are taught by former practitioners who to gain first hand practical experience fantastic learning facilities, combined have worked on high-profile cases in all aspects of forensic analysis with lecturers who have previous including the Stephen Lawrence, Joanna and interpretation. The University’s experience in the forensic field, creating Yeates and PC Ian Broadhurst murders kit includes analytical chemistry a degree worthy of accreditation.” as well as the Ipswich serial killer case in instrumentation, microspectrometers which five women were murdered over that can analyse fibres and glass DISCOVER MORE a ten-day period in 2006. fragments and a specialist DNA free Students learn in the University’s laboratory using forensic standard northumbria.ac.uk/appliedsciences Students’ emotive film brings

A team of first-year Nursing students joined forces with nursing to life Media Production students to bring their learning to life. he result, a tear-jerking film encourage a mutual understanding that highlights ways in which between patients and nurses. We wanted nurses and patients can work to bridge a perceived gap and reassure to support each other, has the public that, as nurses, we share in Tbeen viewed more than 6,000 times on their emotions, from joy to sadness and YouTub e. frustration. The students, who are on Northumbria’s “We’ve been so excited with the response Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities) we’ve had from those who have seen the course, were asked to answer the question: film and we hope that it will make people “What is nursing?” in one of their see that we, as nurses, are human too.” modules. Mark Robinson, Director of After speaking with patients and nurses Programmes in Northumbria’s to understand what patients felt they Department of Health and Wellbeing, needed from nurses, and vice versa, they said: “Having a true understanding of found that both groups said they needed what it means to be a nurse, and what to see patience, humour, communication, nursing is, is a crucial factor for our honesty, understanding and a smile first year students who are embarking The students used these responses to on this career. create We Are Human, a campaign that “This understanding, which ensures intends to promote unity, community and they recognise the six essential values collaboration between nurses and patients. of healthcare – care, compassion, Joining forces with Northumbria’s Media competence, communication, courage and Production students, the campaign was commitment – is clearly demonstrated in brought to life in a film which shows the this powerful film which shows the varied nursing students undertaking different fields of nursing through the eyes of both nursing roles. These include caring for a patients and nurses.” Blipp full page to child with cancer and a confused patient The students’ film can be viewed at view film with dementia, as well as expressing how www.facebook.com/wearehuman2015 emotionally challenging the career can be. Louise Vallery, one of the students who DISCOVER MORE made the film, explained: “We developed Student Louise Vallery (right) in a scene from the film. the campaign after seeing a need to northumbria.ac.uk/nursing Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU HEALTH 17

Northumbria researchers take part in first ever study Helping diabetics to to examine why diabetics can avoid dangerous blood sugar dips at night after exercise more safely exercising in the evening.

lthough anyone can In the first test, all participants experience dangerous took a normal slow-acting insulin falls in blood dose and then completed a glucose – known as 45-minute exercise session at 6pm Ahypoglycaemia – diabetics are in the evening. Around 7-8 hours particularly vulnerable because after the exercise, 90% of the patients exercise alters the body’s sensitivity experienced a blood sugar dip, all to insulin, accelerating its effect. of which occurred while they When this happens to a diabetic were sleeping. person, their blood sugar is used During the second test, the insulin up too quickly which means it can dose was reduced by 20% and rapidly drop hours after exercising – participants took part in the same particularly during the night when it evening exercise session. This time is most dangerous. however, none of the participants The research team was led by suffered from drops in blood sugar. Dr Dan West, a Senior Lecturer in Unexpectedly, the study also found Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, that the 20% reduction of insulin and his PhD student Matthew not only prevented blood sugar from Campbell who is now a Senior falling but also stopped glucose Research Associate. They set out to levels from rising too high. test whether altering diet and insulin With this dose, levels remained doses could help to prevent this within the ideal healthy range, potentially life-threatening problem. and other important markers were “For diabetes sufferers, the not affected. This is a particularly fear of experiencing a dangerous important finding as clinicians Newcastle United star Ayoze Perez taking part in Match Fit. blood sugar dip after exercise can are often reluctant to change prevent them from exercising treatment regimens due to potential altogether – which has both physical complications or adverse reactions. and psychological implications,” Dr West added: “I have close explained Dr West. friends with Type-1 Diabetes and Footballers score in “We have developed a strategy to it is a challenging disease to live manage insulin dosage in a way that with. The whole team has worked prevents these falls in blood sugar so incredibly hard in carrying out this that diabetics can exercise safely.” applied, practical research in a way Their two-part study looked at which is accessible and relevant to children’s fitness the effects of adjusting slow-acting patients. The result is research which insulin levels in a group of 10 male has the potential to make a really Experts from Northumbria University are examining the impact of a school participants with Type-1 Diabetes. positive change to the lives of those Blood sugar levels were monitored living with diabetes.” wellbeing course offered by the Newcastle United Foundation. using a continuous glucose monitor which sits underneath the skin and DISCOVER MORE atch Fit, which is is using it as a vehicle to get children unit, added: “We have been impressed triggers an alarm if levels begin to operated in partnership involved in active healthy behaviour,” by how much notice children take of fall dangerously low. northumbria.ac.uk/exercise with the University, is she said. health-related messages delivered by a six-week course that “The project ties in to the Department Premiership footballers. The messages Mcombines fitness, football and nutrition for Education’s strategy to increase about good nutrition and an active PhD student Matthew Campbell with Dr Dan West to increase health awareness and physical education as well as cooking lifestyle have so much more strength physical activity in children aged 7-11. and nutrition in schools, so it’s therefore when they come from their idols. The course is delivered by qualified important that we review the scheme “We hope that our findings from this coaches and nutrition staff from to ensure it is working as effectively as study can also be applied to other sports Newcastle United who visit schools with it can. to encourage other clubs, teams and footballers to tell children about the “We are taking a holistic approach leagues to use the influential positions foods they need to eat and the exercise to see how the scheme is impacting they have in society to inspire and they need to take part in to be at the top on physical activity and wellbeing. educate others.” of their game. The overriding message From a psychological perspective we Northumbria’s research in psychology is that food, fitness and football can are examining the effects on mental and sport and exercise sciences received be beneficial, fun and enjoyable for function, behaviours and enjoyment praise in the recent Research Excellence everyone. Since its launch in 2008, more of physical activity, and from a Framework assessment. Almost three than 10,000 children have participated nutritional perspective we are looking quarters of research in psychology in the scheme. to see changes in knowledge and was judged to have outstanding reach Dr Melissa Fothergill, a senior lecturer how this complies with Public Health and significance for its impact, and in Sport and Exercise Psychology, is now England guidelines. Northumbria was rated as the best working with Northumbria academics “The results of our pilot study are university in the North East of England specialising in sport, nutrition and already showing some positive change. for its research power in sport and psychology to assess how the scheme is Children are demonstrating an increase exercise science. benefitting children. in nutritional knowledge and physical “Football is the most predominant activity.” DISCOVER MORE sport in the world, so it’s great to see Professor Greta Defeyter, Director of how the Newcastle United Foundation Northumbria’s Healthy Living research northumbria.ac.uk/healthyliving NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 18 CULTURE REVEAL architecture arts design media Northumbria students take on starring role at Northern Stage Northumbria Performing Arts students stepped into the spotlight for two shows produced by the University in collaboration with Northern Stage.

he partnership involved Greek Myth about the King of 38 final year students Crete’s sacrifice to the gods. in two spectacular The two shows were part of productions, More the final year undergraduate TLight and Idomeneus, which were Performing Arts showcase. performed for the first time in the Alongside the two productions North East. by Performance students, the Both shows were directed by University presented a showcase emerging directors, Northumbria of work from the Drama and graduate Amy Golding, Artistic Applied Theatre, and Drama and Director of Curious Monkey and Scriptwriting courses. In addition, Rebecca Frecknall, who is part of a public symposium addressed the Northern Stage’s Regional Theatre role of drama and arts in the Directors Scheme. school curriculum. Industry partners, media and Northumbria offers a range members of the public gathered of courses in Performing Arts, to watch the next generation of including the new MA Theatre and performers, writers and producers Performance, which launches in in these two stunning shows. Script September. This new course, based readings and discussions also took in the Northumbria Performing Northumbria Performing Arts students at Northern Stage place throughout the week in Arts hub, will offer a unique the run up to the performances bespoke industry experience and activities. tailored to students’ specialisms and The first show More Light was a professional ambitions. story of love, survival, sexuality, REVIEW: More Light loyalty, art and power, set in imperial China. The second show DISCOVER MORE Idomeneus, was a contemporary Charlotte Hall, a 20-year-old Northumbria student reviews one of German play based on an ancient northumbria.ac.uk/arts Northumbria Performing Arts’ Shows at Northern Stage.

Blipp full “As a group of 16 young women mourn effectively created in order to connect The play was directed by Northumbria page to view film the loss of their Emperor, they realise with the audience. The repetitive use of Performing Arts graduate, Amy Golding, that they must fight for survival after one particular tune became so familiar who is now the Artistic Director of becoming trapped alive in the burial with the audience that people were Curious Monkey Theatre Company. She tomb alongside their recently deceased even humming it themselves as they said: “I’m delighted to be working with ruler. In direct contrast to the luxurious left the theatre! the third year students on their final lifestyle they are accustomed too, they “Despite the play having elements of production at Northern Stage. Bryony become desperate, and are driven to Lavery’s More Light, is a challenging play humour and happiness, characters the extremes of human behaviour in and one I’ve always loved from being a also addressed deep and disturbing the face of death. young performer myself. underlying issues including loneliness, “More Light was simple yet effective, despair, murder, love and heartbreak.” “It has some great meaty roles for combining speech, movement and young women and I’m really enjoying “But as the girls began to envisage music. With characters taking it in turns working with a 16 strong female cast to the life they could lead, in which their to narrate the story, the rest of the cast bring it to life, along with our two male were synchronised in movement as dreams and aspirations would be actors who have the unenviable task of they reacted to what was being said. fulfilled, the play shifted from themes of getting gagged and tied up repeatedly. desperation to those of empowerment This left the audience dependent solely “I hope to see many of these students and hope. It was particularly compelling on their reactions to gauge what was soon making their own work and to watch the journey made by a group happening – an innovative approach starting careers in the theatre beyond that really brought the play to life. of young women as they came to their degree.” “The use of sound in the play was also realise they had the ability to live the life extremely interesting, with most of it they truly wanted. made by the actors themselves. Using “Exploring love, survival, sexuality, Cast and crew at Northern Stage their own voices, musical instruments loyalty and power, More Light was a truly DISCOVER MORE and household objects, music was mesmerising show from start to finish.” northumbria.ac.uk/arts Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU CULTURE 19 60 years of Fashion Final year students from Northumbria University celebrated 60 years of fashion in style with more than 20 award nominations at Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) 2015 in London.

he Northumbria University Fashion Marketing Award and Fashion New Media collections shown this week, her work featured Fashion stand included exhibitions Award categories. Angel Dimmick’s magazine along with 24 others in the ‘Best in Show’ and from students on the Fashion was highly commended in the Drapers Fashion ‘Gala’ events to industry and press. The judges Communication, Fashion Marketing Publication Award and Isabella Lombardini was noted catwalk impact and consistent creativity Tand Design, and Fashion Design courses. All three shortlisted in both the Fashion Photography and across her menswear collection. We’re all courses had students shortlisted for awards at the Fashion Styling and Art Direction category. very proud. four-day showcase, which is widely regarded as Industry figures who met students at the show “Graduate Fashion Week is a celebration of talent the world’s leading event for fashion graduates, included Caroline Evans, Design Director at but it is mainly about graduate promotion,” Kristen with many more offered job opportunities Boohoo, who interviewed students Caroline added. “The event this year had 30,000 visitors, during the week. Spratt and Olivia Pink about their collections. mostly potential employers. We are very hopeful A total of 23 student collections from the Both students were shortlisted for the Boohoo our Fashion graduates will be successful in gaining Fashion Design course, which this year celebrates Innovation Award. employment as a result. We have a strong cohort of its 60th anniversary, took to the catwalk on the Fashion Design student Selina Lunn came in students across the three programmes.” second day of the show. The glittering display was second place for the Portfolio Award sponsored A number of recent graduates have recently photographed by ‘Catwalk King’ and Northumbria by Karen Millen which led to an invitation attracted industry attention, including Victoria honorary graduate Chris Moore. On the final day to interview for a position at the brand. Irving, who has been shortlisted as one of five in London, the best collections from the Catwalk Northumbria’s appearance at GFW in London finalists for the ‘Designers of Tomorrow’ award show were selected to be part of the prestigious followed the University’s annual catwalk show which will be announced at Berlin’s Fashion Week finale show by judges with Northumbria student at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in in July. The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers Abigail Panton’s rude boy inspired menswear Gateshead in May. The best collections from the of America) also honoured eight Northumbria collection among those chosen. night were then chosen to go on to compete in graduates from 2014 with a prestigious CFDA+ When asked about her experience at GFW, London. accolade each – one of the most illustrious awards Abigail said: “I’m overwhelmed to have been Kristen Pickering, Programme Leader of Fashion in the fashion industry – following their hugely placed alongside the best and I know I have at Northumbria, said: “We had a great week, successful degree shows last summer. developed a great set of skills which are valued in visitors to the stand commented on the quality Northumbria’s fashion graduates the industry. I’m proud of my collection which of manufacturing which is appreciated as our have gone on to work for a wide took a lot of determination to see through to students do make all their garments in University. range of global brands the end. The support and encouragement from For the first time, we had an online portfolio such as Ralph Lauren, Blipp full page to Northumbria’s fashion tutors and technicians has accessible on the stand to view student portfolios Tommy Hilfiger, view film been amazing, they never say no and are always and it has proved very successful. Moving on Abercrombie & Fitch, ambitious on our behalf. We’ve turned our ideas from this event, students will be able to use this Givenchy and many more. into real garments and I’ve learnt to harness my to support their promotion for employment and creativity when I need to.” b e y on d .” A number of Fashion Communication students She added: “We’re thrilled Abigail was nominated were also shortlisted for awards, with Kiera Muers for a Gold Award. It’s a real honour for her DISCOVER MORE and Emma Burke announced as runners-up in the collection to be selected out of the 400 plus catwalk northumbria.ac.uk/fashion NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 20 CULTURE New wave of graduating artists reveal work at Milkilling

ilkilling revealed the work of but which faces confidently outward.” The first group of students to complete the BALTIC Centre for the first graduating cohort BxNU MFA student David Bilbrough has Contemporary Art – Northumbria University Master of Fine Arts from the BxNU MFA degree, collaborated with architecture practice Ryder following the launch of BxNU and Yates’ archive of the North Kenton Estate (BxNU MFA) degree showcased their work at a special event. Min 2011, a strategic partnership between in Newcastle built in 1965 to develop work Northumbria and BALTIC housed in which evokes a yearning for a time when Newcastle’s BALTIC39 gallery. architecture promised a hope for a Northumbria University’s BALTIC Professor better future. and Turner Prize nominee Christine Borland Meanwhile, Rachel Errington incorporated teaches on the BxNU programme. She said: her love of punk music and participation in “The graduate exhibition Milkilling marks a zine culture, to drive her exploration of the celebration of the success of this new course, ‘minor’ body in relation to the contemporary in a new building, run by a new partnership cultural and political landscape. Rachel and these circumstances came together, like tested-out ideas for her final exhibition piece the ‘milk’ and the ‘illing’ to form something when she performed in the ‘BxNU Respond’ full of life and new possibilities. programme earlier this year in reaction to “The appetite for critically-engaged dialogue BALTIC39’s exhibition on vinyl in the build has influenced the way the structure of this up to World Record Day. new course has developed: Peer to Peer is a Keith McIntyre, Professor of Fine Art at series of crits and discussions between Baltic Northumbria University, said: “Students and crew and the students which has happened staff have worked hard to make this new throughout the course, focussing in turn on course a success and BALTIC colleagues work in the studios and the exhibition spaces. across learning and engagement, technical “’BxNU Respond’ has similarly built on the and curatorial teams have been generous opportunities for parley over the two years. partners and critical friends. The majority of the students exhibiting here “Our first cohort is exhibiting an impressive have had proposals selected and have been legacy at Milkilling and I’m sure they will mentored to develop a mostly performative go on to great things, we’re looking forward public event which responds to, or confronts, to this course and partnership growing and an exhibition in the project spaces. developing artistic talent in years to come.” “The intimacy which the students have developed with their immediate context over two years comes through clearly in work DISCOVER MORE which is firmly rooted in this space and place northumbria.ac.uk/arts The seven graduating MFA students at BALTIC39 with Prof Christine Borland (back row, second from right) Catwalk King visits Northumbria’s Fashion studios

World famous catwalk photographer Chris Moore met with Northumbria’s graduating fashion students to view their collections ahead of their end of year show which also marked 60 years of fashion at the University.

Chris Moore meets students at the University

orn in Newcastle, 81-year-old Chris from Northumbria in 2013 and the following year global fashion portfolio. links in the fashion industry. Kristen Pickering, Moore is known throughout the fashion he received a lifetime achievement award at the When asked what makes fashion at Northumbria programme leader for Fashion at Northumbria community as the ‘Catwalk King’ or British Fashion Awards. different to other graduate shows, Chris added: “We were delighted to have Chris come and ‘The Reverend’. Over the course of his On his visit to Northumbria’s fourth floor fashion commented on the loyal following the course has talk to the students as they prepared to debut their Blong career he has captured the changing face atelier, Chris said: “I started my career at 16-years- and the strong reputation the graduates have in the collections at the end of year show.” of the fashion industry, taking him from Dior’s old as an assistant in a photography studio on Fleet industry. Chris offered some final tips for the young spectacular show at the Palace of Versailles to Street. I then moved to Vogue in 1954 and went “The audience that comes to watch ambitious fashion students before they take their student creations at Graduate Fashion Week. freelance further down the line. Northumbria’s catwalk shows always seem more first steps into the world of employment: “Do Chris was welcomed to Northumbria by staff, “I’ve done pictures for American Vogue, the front enthusiastic than others,” he said. “Universities something interesting, don’t be safe, be daring.” students and long-time friend Linda Watson, a cover of The Sunday Times and all the other ones, use different producers to direct their GFW highly respected fashion journalist, author and for over twenty years I provided every catwalk image performance which makes a big difference and Reader in Fashion at Northumbria who curated for the International Herald Tribune.” Now in his 80’s Northumbria has worked with producers who an exhibition of his seminal images in 2011. Chris continues shooting in the fashion capitals of really get the crowd going.” DISCOVER MORE The award-winning photographer was given an the world. His company, catwalking.com, is based Now in its 60th year, fashion at Northumbria is honorary doctorate for outstanding creative talent in London and is now considered the largest virtual renowned for its innovative courses and strong northumbria.ac.uk/fashion Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU CULTURE 21 Play remembers

Oklahoma bombing Steve Gilroy A moving play written by a Northumbria academic was performed by Oklahoma City University (OCU) students to mark the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma Bombing.

he play – entitled The stories that say a lot about peoples’ award-winning Motherland, which Oklahoma City Bombing ability to recover. They find themselves toured the UK in 2009, sharing the Project – was written by 20 years later when they are no longer stories of women whose everyday lives Director of Performing Arts, defined by what’s happened and are able were touched by the conflicts in Iraq TSteve Gilroy, as part of the University’s to open new chapters in their lives.” and Afghanistan. He also wrote The anniversary project to remember the “The overwhelming message that Prize, in collaboration with senior bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah comes from everybody interviewed for lecturer, Richard Stockwell, sharing the Federal Building. this project is the regeneration of the true stories of Olympic successes and OCU commissioned Steve, an city as the background, but I think in coinciding with London 2012. award-winning playwright, due to his the end, the play is about these very Verbatim theatre forms an integral expertise in verbatim theatre – a form powerful individual stories that, when part of the performing arts experience of documentary for the stage based on woven together, create a much bigger at Northumbria. Steve’s work has personal interviews and transcripts. human story about recovery.” previously been performed by students Steve then worked with OCU students OCU Associate Dean of Theatre, in the UK, with States of Descent and staff to conduct more than 35 Brian Parsons, is looking to create being staged as part of Northumbria interviews with family members of an educational package that includes Performing Arts degree showcase at victims, survivors, local officials and scripts, a documentary made by OCU Northern Stage. Northumbria also first responders. about the making of the play and a commissioned a student writer from Steve said: “Often, during the teacher’s resource pack so that every New York University, Lilia Rubin, verbatim process, interviewers have to high school in Oklahoma can have whose play, The Fall, based on letters work quite hard to coax stories from access to the play. from the families of victims of 9/11 was people. For this project, however, there He said: “We have a unique performed by students as part of their was an incredible honesty that I haven’t opportunity and responsibility to performing arts showcase in 2014. seen before in any other project that I respond through art. This work is a have done. living memorial and celebration of the “People talked openly about their tenacity, recovery and healing process DISCOVER MORE Student performers involved in the Oklahoma project experience of the bombing; however, of Oklahoma City.” they also shared all sorts of different Steve’s previous works include the northumbria.ac.uk/arts

he internationally renowned had to be developed. Gough Map is recognised “The machine we would normally use as the oldest surviving route to carry out the Raman spectroscopy Unravelling the mysteries map of Great Britain. Dated is worth quarter of a million pounds Taround 1360, it is drawn on two pieces and moving it around is a huge of sheepskin and shows the country undertaking,” explained Dr Nicholson. on its side – the way maps used to be “Equally, the artefacts we work on are of famous medieval map drawn before they had to point north. insured for eight figure sums so simply Held in the Bodleian Library in cannot be moved from the Bodleian A Northumbria scientist is part of a ground-breaking new project which is using Oxford, the priceless artefact has been Library. subject to many research projects, yet “That’s why we developed a smaller, modern technology to reveal the secrets of a medieval map of Britain. key questions remain unanswered: more portable system which fits into a when exactly was the map made and suitcase and which we can take with us who was it made for? anywhere in the country.” These are the questions which Dr The specially designed instrument Kate Nicholson, Lecturer in Physical is powerful enough to determine the Chemistry at Northumbria, and a team chemical nature of pigments, but of experts are hoping to answer using harmless enough to be used on precious cutting-edge scientific technologies. artefacts like the Gough Map. The researchers – including chemists, Northumbria’s combined specialism in conservators and historians – spent a both the Conservation of Fine Art and week in Oxford carrying out scientific in Chemistry means the University has analysis on the map. a strong track record in analysing art for Working alongside Andrew Beeby, conservation in this way. a Chemistry Professor at Durham Dr Nicholson said: “The Gough map University, and Professor Tony is a hugely significant piece of history so Parker from the Rutherford Appleton being offered the chance to work on the Laboratory, Dr Nicholson analysed original was a real honour. the pigments used to paint the map. “On top of that, collaborating with The group used a technique called experts from such a range of different Raman spectroscopy which uses laser areas gives a spark to your research technology to pinpoint the molecular which you wouldn’t get when focusing make-up of the pigments. on just one discipline. I absolutely love This analysis could provide vital clues my job and this project has definitely as to where and when the map was been the highlight of my career so far.” created as different pigments were used at different points in history. Before they could do this, however, an entirely DISCOVER MORE Dr Kate Nicholson new piece of technological equipment northumbria.ac.uk/courses NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 22 CULTURE First Writer in Residence announced Northumbria University and Live Theatre are delighted to announce their first joint Writer in Residence, which will launch a three-year collaborative programme.

orthumbria graduate Paddy 2001 to 2003. This year marks the 10th when Live Theatre is remembering Campbell, the writer of anniversary of her death. the legacy of Julia Darling, one of Live Theatre successes Lucy Winskell OBE, Pro Vice- its writers in residence who did so Wet House and Day of the Chancellor (Business and Engagement), much to encourage other writers, it NFlymo, will be the inaugural Writer in said: “I’m thrilled that the first is appropriate that Paddy – who has Residence. For one year, he will develop Northumbria University and Live come through Live Theatre’s writing new work and collaborate with students Theatre Writer in Residence will be one development programme – is the and staff at Northumbria University to of our graduates. Paddy’s recent plays first partnership Writer in Residence enhance research and teaching. at Live Theatre have demonstrated his between Live Theatre and Northumbria Northumbria launched a strategic tremendous talent and I’m extremely University.” partnership with Live Theatre excited to see what he produces next Paddy Campbell said: “I feel greatly in 2012, following a long and while working closely with staff and privileged to have been given this successful relationship between the students at the University. opportunity. Live Theatre has supported two organisations. The joint Writer “By working in partnership with my writing from the very start and I’m Residency Programme is part of internationally acclaimed arts thrilled to have the chance to develop (L-R) Paddy Campbell with Lucy Winskell OBE and Max Roberts Northumbria’s collaborative work organisations like Live Theatre, new plays for the company during my with a wide range of cultural partners, Northumbria will continue to invest residency. I moved to Newcastle fifteen Paddy’s most recent play Day of the Northumbria offers a range of courses developing innovative ways to nurture in emerging creative talent to boost years ago to study at Northumbria Flymo follows a brother and sister as across the creative disciplines, including and support creative talent across the economic, social and cultural University and had such a good time I they come into contact with the care Creative Writing, Performing Arts and the North. The appointment was development of the region and create decided to stay. I’m hugely grateful to announced as Live Theatre celebrated new ways to inspire and engage Northumbria for their partnership in system. The play which had a sell-out many more. the life and work of novelist, poet and students at the University.” this residency and look forward run at Live in April and was awarded playwright Julia Darling, who was Max Roberts, Live Theatre’s to working with them during the four stars by The Guardian returns to DISCOVER MORE writer in residence at Live Theatre from Artistic Director, said: “At a time next year.” Live Theatre in November. northumbria.ac.uk/performance Graduates wanted for unique cinema residency Artists can now apply for the next Northumbria University and Tyneside Cinema graduate residency following the success of the programme’s first year.

he call for applications was successful applicant will be based at the Andrea Macdonald, Artistic launched at the University’s independent cinema from October to Programme Producer at Tyneside Media Gala at Tyneside January 2016. Cinema said: “This programme is Cinema in June where films When asked about his experience designed to give talented graduates the Tfrom Northumbria’s final year Media as the partnership’s first artist in chance to develop further in the context Production students premiered for the residence in 2014, Northumbria of our award-winning art house cinema. first time to friends, family and industry graduate, Callum Costello, said: “My We’re proud of what Callum has professionals. Among those who picked residency at Tyneside has given me the achieved and will keep an eye on what up awards on the night were Ellen chance to develop skills and my style he produces, but now we are looking for Pickering’s Below the Surface who won in a professional environment. It’s a our next artist in residence and have the Best Film and l-l Elenium by Kristina privilege to have been the first and I hard task of choosing who to give it to. Leikaite, who picked up the Storytelling hope my successor makes the most of The quality of submissions was high last Award on the night. the unique opportunity.” year and I expect it will be the same The event marked the start of the The successful graduate will receive a this summer.” search for a graduate from a creative host of benefits during their residency The Graduate Artist in Residence discipline to take up the residency, including the use of a large rent-free 2015 call out and application is available which was launched last year following studio space with unrestricted access on the Tyneside Cinema website: the partnership between Northumbria to video editing and post production tynesidecinema.co.uk and is welcoming and Tyneside Cinema. The scheme is facilities. They will also receive a single and joint proposals. Applications designed to provide emerging artists bursary of £4,600 towards living must be sent to andrea.macdonald@ with space, technical support and expenses and production costs as well tynesidecinema.co.uk by 31 July 2015 curatorial critique in the professional as free cinema tickets while in post. In (5pm) to be considered. working environment of the Tyneside addition to this, they will be mentored The Media Gala at Tyneside Cinema Cinema. To be eligible applicants by Elisabetta Fabrizi, Tyneside Cinema’s was part of REVEAL, Northumbria’s must have achieved a BA, MA or PhD Curator of Screen-based Media and annual end of year degree shows qualification within the last 24 months. Northumbria’s expert academics, for graduating students in creative Northumbria Media Production who will support them with advice disciplines. graduate Callum Costello recently on creative practice, networking and Tyneside Cinema’s film production completed the first residency at market understanding. company, Northern Stars, produced Tyneside Cinema and left with a body Robert Jefferson, Programme Leader a short film documenting Callum’s of impressive work which resulted in a for Media and Communication Design journey on the programme, which job offer from The Calltime Company said: “I would encourage graduates with can be viewed here: in Holborn near Brighton. an interest in animation and cinema to The 12-week position is a rare get their applications in for this. This opportunity for an arts graduate to partnership programme has been a create their own work in the setting great launch pad for Callum’s career of the prestigious cinema and exhibit and there are lots of talented final year in The Gallery, a multi-functional art students who exhibited at the Media DISCOVER MORE space and intimate 33-seat cinema. The Gala who are perfect for this post.” northumbria.ac.uk/degreeshows Artwork by Callum Costello, the first artist in residence at Tyneside Cinema Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU CULTURE 23

Northumbria has once again been announced as a regional hub for Being Human 2015, the UK’s only What it means national festival for the humanities. s part of the festival the programme for this year, and hope to University will host Cities attract even bigger audiences. It’s vital & Citizens, a programme of that academics engage with the public free public events ranging to demonstrate the importance and Afrom talks and film screenings to a relevance of humanities research to pop-up museum to inform, extend our society, and the festival is a great to be human and ignite contemporary thinking and means of doing this in an exciting imagination around the humanities. and lively manner.” Now in its second year, Being During the inaugural festival in 2014, Human is supported by the Arts & more than 60 universities and cultural Humanities Research Council and the organisations organised over 160 free British Academy, with support from events to share the best and most the Wellcome Trust. The event is made challenging thinking in the humanities possible by a grant from the festival with audiences across the country. The organisers, the School of Advanced 2015 festival programme promises to Study, University of London. be exciting, entertaining and thought- Northumbria will bring together provoking, with something for everyone researchers and communities to engage across our diverse communities. with the humanities and champion the Humanities at Northumbria enjoyed excellence of research being undertaken outstanding results in the recent in the North East, helping to Research Excellent Framework 2014 demonstrate the vitality and relevance (REF). English Literature and Language of the humanities today. was rated top 15 in the UK for research Dr Claudine van Hensbergen, Senior quality and History was rated top 20. Lecturer in Eighteenth-Century English To find out more about the courses Literature, said: “We’re delighted to sign up for one of our open days be part of the festival again this year, on 26 and 27 June by visiting building on last year’s success in www.northumbria.ac.uk/openday Blipp full page to which over 500 members of the public view film attended events across Newcastle DISCOVER MORE city centre. Graduates wanted for “We have got a new and dynamic northumbria.ac.uk/humanities unique cinema residency Shortlist announced for Woon Art Prize A dozen of the UK’s most promising artists have been shortlisted for the prestigious Woon Foundation Art and Sculpture Prize – with the host venue for this year announced as BALTIC39.

his year’s competition, co-hosted by This year’s panel comprises Jenni Lomax, art student to a career as a practising artist. Northumbria University, will take Director of Camden Arts Centre; Fiona Bradley, Working in partnership with Northumbria place on 2 July with the winners Director of the Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh University, the prize enables BALTIC to deepen receiving a total of £40,000 in prizes. and Laurence Sillars, Chief Curator of BALTIC its commitment to emerging practice. TThe prize, sponsored by Northumbria Law Centre for Contemporary Art. “By being part of the selection process and alumnus and keen art collector, Mr Wee Teng The Woon Art Prize was created by Mr Woon curating the exhibition of short-listed artists, we Woon, was launched in 2012. It is open to and is sponsored by The Woon Foundation. It look forward to raising the profile of the work students in their final year of undergraduate is open to arts graduates from across the UK of an exciting group of young graduates, and study of fine art, painting and sculpture across and comprises a first prize bursary of £20,000, introducing them to the vibrant and thriving art the UK. The inaugural winner was artist Holly with additional prizes of £9,000 and £6,000. scene here in the North East of England. Hendry who completed her Fellowship in The winner will have access to dedicated space “It is only with the very generous patronage September 2014. The current Fellow is Ramona in the BxNU Institute for Contemporary Art at of Mr Woon and the Woon Foundation that Zoladek who holds the Fellowship until BALTIC39 for the duration of the Fellowship we are able to offer this fantastic opportunity September 2015. as they work toward a solo exhibition and and we thank him for his continued support Since its launch, the competition has attracted publication. They will also receive critical of BALTIC, the University and of some of the most talented emerging artists in and professional development support from contemporary art.” the country, studying at some of the UK’s most a mentor. BxNU at BALTIC39 is the result of Prof Christine Borland said: “Northumbria prestigious art establishments. a collaborative partnership between BALTIC University is thrilled to be co-hosting the Woon Each year, the Woon Foundation Art and Centre for Contemporary Art and Northumbria Prize exhibition for the first time with our Sculpture Prize judging panel comprises University, which has been in place for partners at BALTIC. high-profile industry professionals who are several years. “Considering the painting and sculpture by internationally recognised artists and experts Godfrey Worsdale, BALTIC Director, said: 12 recent graduates in the beautiful, top lit Mr Woon with inaugural winner Holly Hendry in their respective fields. The panel is facilitated “We are delighted to be hosting the Woon galleries at BALTIC39 will be a new pleasure by world-leading academics from Northumbria Prize at BALTIC39. Now in its third year, it for myself and the other three judges, although University such as Turner Prize-nominated has already established itself as an important the startling generosity and impact of this prize DISCOVER MORE artist and BALTIC Professor Christine Borland. prize for those making the transition from makes it a nerve wracking and privileged task.” northumbria.ac.uk/woonartprize NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 24 CULTURE Graduate writer knows the Turning psychology the pages... of success Books by our talented A psychology graduate from Northumbria University, has become a bestselling author after achieving worldwide success with thriller novel, The Lie. students and academics ally Taylor, who graduated The Lie – C.L.Taylor from Northumbria in 1995, has seen her latest novel Boasting a number one spot on the Amazon bestsellers chart, this top both The Sunday Times chilling psychological thriller takes you on a journey to Nepal on Cbestseller chart and the Amazon Kindle what should have been the trip of a lifetime but rapidly descends chart this month. into a nightmare that claims the lives of two women. The psychological thriller actually This fast paced and creepy tale follows Jane who, despite being draws on her time at Northumbria and features four female characters who meet happier than she has ever been, is living a lie. That lie is about to at the University. be exposed as someone else knows the truth about what happened, Cally, who describes her time at someone who won’t stop until they’ve destroyed Jane and Cally Taylor Northumbria as three of the happiest everything she loves… years of her life, said she had always Callie Taylor is a Northumbria Psychology graduate. known she wanted to be an author from It has quickly climbed the Kindle charts, a young age. “When I was eight years and reached the number one spot in May. Available on Amazon. RRP £7.99 old, I sent a ‘book’ I’d written to Penguin The bestselling psychological thriller is publishers and received my first ever also currently being reviewed by a range rejection letter,” she recalls. “I wasn’t of film producers with an interest in Fashion Visionaries Shakespearean deterred though!” acquiring the film rights. Linda Watson Echoes After winning a number of short story “Of course, I have my fingers crossed Dr Adam Hansen and competitions over the years, and having about The Lie possibly becoming a film, Featuring 75 of Kevin. J. Wetmore Jr had work published in a variety of but the best part about being an author is the world’s most anthologies and literary magazines, Cally holding my book in my hands,” she said. legendary designers, This collection decided it was time to put pen to paper “That’s the biggest thrill of them all. I this compelling book assembles a global cast of on her first novel. love getting emails from people who have presents the story of established and emerging “In 2006, one of my best friends from read and enjoyed my book too – knowing fashion through the scholars to explore new school died suddenly and I was reminded that something you wrote touched or fascinating personal connections between that life is short and that I didn’t have all entertained a total stranger is an lives and innovative Shakespeare and contemporary culture. the time in the world to write a novel,” amazing feeling. collections that have Chapters deal with digital Shakespeare, Cally explained. “I had started and “In The Lie, my four female characters shaped the field over the past century. Shakespeare on the web, and the powerful abandoned several novels before, but meet as students at Northumbria Combining stunning visuals with insightful echoes of Shakespeare to be found in such University. I drew on my own personal when something so unexpected happens, text, this is an inspiring guide to the seemingly unrelated texts as the television experiences at Northumbria, such as I, like many people do in such situations, designers whose vision has forged new program Lost, sports broadcasts and Game re-evaluated my outlook on life. Time Fresher’s Week, to write certain scenes.” Evidently, Cally still has fond memories pathways in fashion design development and of Thrones. is precious.” forever changed the way we dress today. Three years later, Cally’s first novel, of her time at university. She said: Dr Adam Hansen is a Senior Lecturer in a romantic comedy called Heaven Can “My three years at Northumbria were Linda Watson is a Reader in Fashion at English Literature at Northumbria. Wait, was published by Orion and incredible, the most fun three years of Northumbria. my life and I’ve got the most wonderful Available on Amazon. RRP £55 translated into 14 different languages. Available on Amazon. RRP £24.95 A second book followed in 2011, memories of my time there. I was a Home for Christmas, which has since member of the Drama Society and acted The Midlands been turned into a feature film by in several productions. I think that acting can really help an author become the Run Away (poetry collection) independent film company, Jumpstart Laura Salters Dr Tony Williams Productions. However, it was while Cally characters they create, and make them was on maternity leave in 2012 that her more real.” Grieving her younger The Midlands is the writing took a twist into the world of The future looks bright for Cally, with brother’s suicide, Kayla second collection of psychological thrillers – drawing on her a further three-book deal with Avon, Finch escapes to Thailand poems by Tony Williams, psychology degree from Northumbria. a HarperCollins imprint, and she is where she falls in love following his acclaimed Writing as C L Taylor, her third novel, currently writing her third psychological with fellow explorer, debut The Corner of The Accident, was published by world- thriller which will be published in Sam. However, when he Arundel Lane and Charles famous Avon Harper Collins and became April 2016. disappears, leaving only a Street. Beginning in the She added: “My advice for aspiring one of the top ten bestselling debuts pool of blood in his wake, Midlands themselves, his poems open out writers is to write the book that keeps you of 2014, according to The Bookseller Kayla finds herself in the midst of a murder into meditations on what it means to be magazine. awake at night. Write the story that you can’t get out of your head, which makes mystery and she’s determined to uncover the a person living, wonkily, anywhere. But However, Cally’s greatest literary truth – no matter what the cost. This thriller beneath the word-play and tomfoolery, success so far has been her most recent your heart beat faster. Write the story that you can put your heart into, the book you explores loss, grief and the lengths a person something strange is brooding in the caverns novel, The Lie released in April this year. will go to find out the truth about the people underneath the hill… The psychological thriller flew into The can’t stop thinking about.” they love. Sunday Times paperback bestseller chart Dr Tony Williams is a Senior Lecturer in just days after being published, where it DISCOVER MORE Laura Salters is a Northumbria Journalism Creative Writing at Northumbria. shared the top five with literary legends graduate. Available from Nine Arches Press. RRP £8.99 such as Stephen King and Ian McEwan. northumbria.ac.uk/creativewriting Available on Amazon. RRP £7.99 Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU FEATURE 25

The Conversation is a collaboration between journalists, editors and academics to provide informed news analysis and commentary that’s free to read and republish. Northumbria academics have been working with The Conversation to produce independent, quality current affairs journalism on the latest topics to hit the news. Here are some of our top picks…

Back on record – the reasons behind vinyl’s unlikely comeback In an era in which digital album sales have fallen, vinyl has bucked the trend – and the demand has been so pronounced, it spawned an official vinyl LP album and single charts. Dr Lee Barron, Principal Lecturer in Media and Communication Design, discusses the comeback of vinyl records.

If you speak Mandarin, your brain is different We speak so effortlessly that most of us never think about it – but psychologists and neuroscientists are captivated by language. Dr Larry Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, explains how some languages – like Mandarin – require the brain to work in an entirely different way to languages such as English.

In defence of the stink bug Dr Mike Jeffries, Teaching Fellow in Ecology, offers a more balanced view of the fascinating stink bug after reports in the press that they are due to invade the UK from their native Asia. He argues that the insects have ‘a perky charm, a distinctive style and a surprising concern for their offspring’.

Google and Europe come to blows but will they break up? Google’s operations in Europe came under fire earlier this year, with the UK proposing new corporate tax reforms being dubbed the ‘Google tax’. Professor Jason Whalley, from Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School, examines the EU’s plans to break the digital dominance of Google.

New Shakespeare portrait won’t help us understand his work Dr Adam Hansen, Senior Lecturer in English Literature, takes a look at the discussion around a newly discovered portrait of Shakespeare which was published in Country Life magazine. He argues that idolising Shakespeare in this way distracts us from what is really important – his work. Films like Still Alive are crucial to keeping debate about dementia alive Dr Catherine Bailey, Senior Research Fellow in Public Health and Wellbeing, looks at the film Still Alice and its portrayal of dementia. She discusses how the DISCOVER MORE arts and media have contributed to a growing conversation about the disease – To find out more or sign up to The Conversation as a reader, and how important it is to keep this conversation alive. visit www.theconversation.co.uk NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 26 NEWS/SPORT Team Architecture students Northumbria reveal urban farm go for gold Designs for an innovative at BUCS Big urban farm will be exhibited in Carlisle later this summer Wednesday as Northumbria’s architecture students provide the community with a vision of the future.

he architectural designs were first showcased at Reveal, Northumbria’s end of year degree shows, which bring together the final work of graduating Tstudents across the creative disciplines. The urban farm project came about after the Sustainability Carlisle Network approached Northumbria University Northumbria’s Architecture Department, ranked athletes showcased their 12th in the UK by The Guardian, for help with the project two years ago. sporting talents as they Four final year students – Hong Chew, Zenny brought home four gold Cheung, Chun Chiu Chan and Jian Zhang – took One of the urban farm designs by architecture students up the challenge and came up with innovative medals from this year’s plans for a site in Currock which would provide BUCS Big Wednesday. “The students not only find it inspiring, but Network, said: “It’s really positive that this sustainable food, including fish and vegetables, are getting valuable, authentic experience by team of students have taken an interest in our for the local community. he annual event, this year held at replicating the process which they will encounter project and decided to support it with their Ben Elliott, Director of Architecture, said: Loughborough University, brings in professional life in the future. Their passion work and now an exhibition. They’ve been “We’re happy to support schemes like this which together the UK’s top university allows them to engage with the brief and often up to the site several times and are inspired to don’t have a lot of resources at the beginning of sporting teams in a day of action- the project. Many of our architecture students come up with designs that are noticed by the both come up with ideas which will give communities Tpacked play offs. love to engage with live projects and we work the public and architectural practices. This is a sustainable futures.” Big Wednesday, preceded by Trophy hard to find connections with people and key aspect of why our architecture programmes Tuesday, is a culmination of the BUCS team communities who want to make interesting ideas are held in such high regard in the industry.” DISCOVER MORE sport programme with over 40 fixtures taking like this a reality. Paul Cross, from the Sustainability Carlisle northumbria.ac.uk/architecture place over the two days. Team Northumbria – who currently hold 8th place in the BUCS league tables – competed in a total of six Championship finals on the day, a record for the University. Designers take bite out of Big Apple The day began with a nail-biting match between Northumbria and Durham Women’s Volleyball. The two teams matched each other 3D Design graduates from Northumbria recently jetted across the Atlantic to exhibit at the prestigious set for set before Northumbria clinched a International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York for the fifth year in a row. well-deserved win in the decider with three sets to two. Northumbria’s Women’s Rugby dominated taff and graduates flew out to present their unique and innovative University of Wales Institute Cardiff’s (UWIC) work to an international audience at one of the premier showcases second team – maintaining their 100% record for contemporary design at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits this season. The University’s Lacrosse team Convention Center. then went on to defeat Birmingham. Since Northumbria began exhibiting at the highly anticipated annual fair, S The last event of Big Wednesday was it remains the only European university to have a presence at the event. At a showdown between Northumbria and the ICFF, alumni and graduates attending the prestigious show are given the Durham Men’s Basketball teams in front of a opportunity to showcase their work to a global design network and connect packed arena. Durham led at half-time, but with top industry professionals. Northumbria fought back to win the match Each year, ICFF lures those in pursuit of design’s latest trends to an by an impressive 11 points. There were also encyclopaedic exhibition of current offerings, as well as a jam-packed silvers for M2 Volleyball, W1 Basketball programme and schedule of exhibits, talks and activities. and M1 Rugby League who all put in valiant Rickard Whittingham, a lecturer on the 3D Design course, said: “We have displays in defeat. been invited to attend ICFF for the last five years – each year is a resounding Colin Stromsoy, Head of Sport at success and this year was no exception. Northumbria, said: “Momentum in sport is “The opportunity to present at the ICFF is just one of the many doors opened crucial for success and no other university by the programme. It is here that our graduates are exposed to the industry’s in the country has more momentum than movers and shakers – those at the top of their game, giving them a crystal clear Northumbria at the moment. This is down to insight into what it is to become a designer beyond education. the dedication, professionalism and talent of “Exhibiting is an expensive thing to do, and difficult to attempt alone, so to both students and staff. be on a level platform demonstrating their work alongside prestigious brands “We have further ambitious plans to ensure in the design community is an invaluable opportunity and has been a real door that we continue to be able to compete opener for a number of our graduates.” with the world’s best and become a globally Northumbria’s 3D Design course is for hands-on product and furniture recognised University for sport.” designers who are driven by a passion to make their own design concepts. DISCOVER MORE DISCOVER MORE nusportcentral.com northumbria.ac.uk/design Summer 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NEWS/SPORT 27 Student volleyball stars ‘smash it’ again Northumbria continues to set standards as a centre for volleyball excellence following another eventful season on and off the court.

he Sport Central-based club attained and inspires children and young people – many of Volleyball England senior academy whom are complete beginners – to give volleyball status last September in recognition a go. Winning trophies might make the headlines of Northumbria’s elite coaching but there is so much more happening here to make Tprogramme and world class facilities. for an outstanding student experience.” Concurrent success in national league and BUCS competition has cemented the University’s status DISCOVER MORE as a hub for player development and competitive northumbria.ac.uk/sport excellence. Team Northumbria’s women completed a clean sweep of domestic honours – winning the Super 8s league title, Super 8s playoffs, National Cup and BUCS Championship title. The University’s men won the Super 8s title, Super 8s playoffs and the National Cup after reaching the semi-final stage of the BUCS Championships. “It’s been an incredible campaign for both the men and women and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved,” said Head of Volleyball, Dave Goodchild. “The women haven’t lost a national league match for more than three years now. Currently they are one of the most consistently successful teams in Six Nations any sport across the UK. The men came out on top following an extremely tough season and they deserve their rewards. “Any player who comes to play volleyball at Northumbria University knows they will benefit face-off for from a great education and enjoy being part of the most successful club in the country.” Goodchild coached the British women’s volleyball team at the London 2012 Olympics and Northumbria is determined to raise the sport’s reputation and profile through his work with Northumbria. “At the top end of the scale we have role models like Peter Bakare and Nathan French who have both represented their country at the highest level sports students and are benefitting from student scholarships at the University,” he added. Two Northumbria rugby teammates found themselves on “However, we are also a community-based club opposite sides of the scrum during this year’s Six Nations as that encourages the development of local talent they were each picked to represent their country.

bbie Scott and Abi Evans were She said: “Representing Scotland has been picked to represent England and my dream ever since I started playing rugby Scotland respectively in the Rugby when I was 12. Studying at Northumbria and Union International and came face playing for Team Northumbria has given me Ato face on the world stage. a great opportunity to train and play with girls The pair are used to playing on the same field my own age who are focused on playing a for Team Northumbria’s currently unbeaten high level of rugby. It has progressed me as a Women’s Rugby Union 1st team. Abbie Scott, player and given me a great deal of confidence. who also plays for Darlington Mowden Park I feel incredibly fortunate to be where I am RFC, is a History and Politics graduate who is right now.” currently studying for a Masters in Professional Simon Culley has worked with both students Practice in Sport Coaching. and says he has very high hopes for their future “It was a huge honour to put on the England careers in rugby. shirt and represent my country – rugby is “This is a fantastic achievement and we are something I feel very passionately about,” all extremely proud of Abbie and Abi. They explained Abbie. “Simon Culley, Head of have displayed great focus and drive in Rugby at Northumbria, has been paramount managing their full-time studies alongside to my development as player – he is always competing at such a high level,” he said. on hand to help out with skills sessions and “The structure of our Team Northumbria match analysis. rugby programme means that we are able to “Last year, I had to have reconstruction invest a lot of time in the long-term personal surgery on my knee which was a big set-back development of our most talented and focused but all the support I’ve received from the players and still achieve on-field success as University has been phenomenal and has made a team. I have no doubt that both Abbie and me become a much better athlete.” Abi will go on to have a huge impact on the Abi Evans, who is in her first year of studying international game.” Sport Management, took up rugby while she was at secondary school in her home town of Oban, Scotland. She made her international DISCOVER MORE debut in the Six Nations opener against France. northumbria.ac.uk/sport nusportcentral.com NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 28 NORTHUMBRIAUNIVERSITY SPORT NEWS We’re the UK’s most SPORT improved university for sport

Team Northumbria captain Adam Barr lifts the Stan Calvert trophy at Sport Central

Rugby World Cup 2015 kicks off in Team Northumbria lift September • Northumbria University is an official Rugby World Cup Team Base for the Tongan national team. • Northumbria was officially Stan Calvert Cup for designated as a host training venue following rigorous inspections and discussions with RWC2015 staff and visiting team management over the past second year running two years. This year, Team Northumbria lifted the Stan Calvert Memorial Cup for the second year running – • The Tongans will use the University’s outdoor grass pitches beating off stiff competition from Newcastle University in one of the UK’s largest varsity sporting events. at Bullocksteads and the indoor training hall, fitness facilities and swimming pool at Sport Central. he latest win marks a Northumbria’s very own flagship national awards. and our ambitious plans aim to see significant achievement £30m Sport Central on Sunday 1 Prior to winning Stan Calvert in the University globally recognised • The official World Cup trophy – for Team Northumbria, March. However, the Cup belonged 2014, Newcastle had held the Cup for for student sport at all levels the Webb Ellis Trophy – will be on the competitive sports arm to Northumbria before the final six years. Now firmly in the grasp of spanning performance, participation, campus on Sunday 2 August Tof Northumbria University, having game had even started due to their Team Northumbria, Colin Stromsoy, volunteering, development, media retained the cup for two consecutive considerable points lead, making it Head of Sport, is delighted with the and events.” • St James’ Park will host three of the years for the first time since Stan impossible for Newcastle to catch up. team’s continued success. He said: The cup was presented to Adam group stage matches: including Calvert began in 1994. This year’s win builds on “We’ve put an enormous amount of Barr, Northumbria’s Student Sports the current world champions, New Going head to head with Newcastle Northumbria’s reputation as being hard work into this and it’s easy to President, after the final game at Zealand’s, All Blacks against Tonga in 26 sports, Northumbria triumphed among the best sport universities forget that just three years ago, we lost Sport Central. on Friday 9 October: with a final score of 75.5 to in the country. It ranked 8th in the the Cup by 50 points. Newcastle’s 48.5. 2014 BUCS (British Universities “Northumbria University is northumbria.ac.uk/ The annual Stan Calvert Cup, a and Colleges Sport) league and now in the top ten nationally DISCOVER MORE rugbyworldcup major highlight in the University secured the title of Most Improved for performance sport. We have sporting calendar, concluded at University for Sport at the BUCS transformed our student sport offer nusportcentral.com