DMU

WorldSpring 2014

Professor Joan Taylor goes Stateside with Bionic Man Professor Joan Taylor has grabbed headlines across the globe with her revolutionary invention of an artificial pancreas. Now her creation has been on US television

Global | Public Good | Quality | Success | Creativity | Innovation ’s dmu.ac.uk You could be Welcome... Welcome to the first edition of DMU World – a celebration of the successes of De Montfort in the Algarve, University (DMU). e are a truly global pound investment in the city centre university and in campus, while our dedication to these pages you will taking our expertise beyond the find examples of our campus boundaries to benefit the relaxing in the sun... Wgrowing overseas activities, such public is highlighted by some of the as our commitment to give 50 per remarkable projects undertaken by Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its cent of students an international the DMU Square Mile team. experience. Back in Leicester, our We hope you enjoy this own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from pledge to provide students with the magazine and look forward to the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to best possible university experience bringing you more DMU success the marina and another 5 to the town centre). is exemplified by our multimillion stories in 2014.

It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster, fridge freezer and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom. The lounge has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat four. A TV, DVD ,CD player and WiFi are also available. Both the lounge and bedroom have patio doors which open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos. There is ample car parking space in front of the building. www.algarveestatemanagement.co.uk apt meia PRICES: Nov to Mar £190 Apr & Oct £255 May & Sept £290 June £330 July & Aug £410

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DMU NAMED ONE OF THE UK’S Spring 2014 TOP CREATIVE UNIVERSITIES For the second year running, a leading survey 9 has named DMU as one of the top creative 8 universities in the UK.

WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY SHANGHAI SURPRISES FOR DMU STUDENTS Six graduates from DMU have joined some of 10 The ground-breaking #DMUglobal project has China’s biggest names in fashion showcasing been launched by De Montfort University. their designs in Shanghai.

JOAN’S INVENTION GOES STATESIDE ‘HOLLYWOOD’ EFFECTS SCOOP Professor Joan Taylor has grabbed headlines TOP PRIZE FOR STUDENTS across the globe with her revolutionary invention 14 Six De Montfort University Game Art of an artificial pancreas. Design students have attracted global attention after winning a prize at Europe’s biggest video game festival.

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS FOR DMU De Montfort University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard has followed in the footsteps of former US president Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama in receiving a top award in India. 16 12 DMU BREAKS RECORDS FOR 12 MONTHS OF RESEARCH SUCCESS UK STEM CELL REGISTER De Montfort University is carrying out research DMU has helped more than 1,000 people that combines the highest academic quality with 20 to join the UK stem cell register ­– and all of impact on the public good ­– we look at some of them could be potential lifesavers. 18 the highlights from the past year.

SPORTS CLUBS HOST CENTRE CELEBRATES “STUDENT OF THE YEAR” PLANS DMU CHAMPIONS CHINESE CULTURE TO INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE INTO Graduates from DMU have been gaining 22 A UNIVERSITY EDUCATION De Montfort University is welcoming visitors to its essential work experience and boosting their 28 A DMU masters student who grew up in care new Confucius Institute, a vibrant celebration of job prospects by taking part in an innovative Chinese language and culture for all. and escaped an abusive relationship has been new scheme called Graduate Champions. named Leicestershire’s Student of the Year.

VIP VISIT FOR BRAZILIAN STUDENTS DMU has played host to staff and students from a Brazilian university which was affected by a 33 devastating fire tragedy. 30 KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER HITS 100 DMU is celebrating after being awarded its 100th Contents... Knowledge Transfer Partnership. 34 6 DMU World Spring 2014 DMU World Spring 2014 7 dmu.ac.ukdmu.ac.uk

The #DMUglobal launch at the enriching studies and helping university’s Campus Centre. them stand out in an increasingly DMU named one of UK’s competitive graduate jobs market. The initiative is the brainchild top creative universities of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard, who said: “DMU For the second year running, a leading survey is proud to be a truly international has named DMU as one of the top creative university. #DMUglobal reflects universities in the UK. the importance we place on providing students with a first-class he views of more than and the exciting internships that experience and equipping them with 16,000 students were we offer, be it with Ubisoft, Gap, the employability skills to prepare gathered for the latest Hugo Boss or Hewlett Packard. them for the world of work. Which? University poll “We are proud that DMU offers “DMU is able to call upon Tand DMU emerged as one of the outstanding creative courses, its extensive network of global UK’s top creative universities. from our world-renowned Contour partners to make some incredible Students were asked to rate their Fashion degree to Game Art opportunities available to our university on the role that music, Design, the first industry accredited World of students. world’s biggest stock exchanges. theatre, art and dance played in game art course in England. “We strongly believe that in this • Chances to work in DMU’s university life, as well as the amount “Over the next two years we increasingly globalised world, living, regional offices in Beijing and of art-related societies, events and will also be undergoing our most opportunity studying or working abroad – even Nanjing, China, and in Delhi, India. facilities open to students. ambitious campus transformation if just for a short time – can make • Eight-week China internships, It was the second year running project yet, with £90 million being a significant difference to your in association with the British that DMU received the accolade spent on state-of-the-art buildings for DMU students outlook and development as well as Council’s Generation UK in the survey, which reveals the and facilities. adding value to your degree.” campaign. top-rated universities in a variety of “The centrepiece of this The ground-breaking #DMUglobal project A pilot programme will see DMU • An amazing summer study areas – including creativity, sport will be the development of a aims to offer the majority of DMU students the team up with partner universities programme based at Kyushu and nightlife. new complex for students in chance to gain an international experience. and businesses around the world University in the Japanese coastal Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice- the Faculty of Art, Design and to offer its students the chance to city of Fukuoka. Chancellor of DMU, said: “To know Humanities, which will be one of MU students have the university’s global outlook, work and study in places such as that for the second year running the most dynamic environments been signing up in their emphasis on graduate employability Brazil, Japan, China, Italy, Hong #DMUglobal was launched with a students have named DMU as one for creative students to work droves for #DMUglobal, and commitment to an unrivalled Kong, India and Turkey. host of activities in the university’s of the UK’s top creative universities anywhere in the world.” a trailblazing initiative student experience. Campus Centre. is a tribute to the innovation of our Which? University is a free Dto provide relevant work and study- At the moment, only six per cent The 2014 pilot programme includes: Andrew Akinola, 20, a third year Jasmine Pearce, 19, a that we want to get into.” Kiran staff and the quality of our facilities. website designed to help students related opportunities around the of UK university students travel • Four, fortnight-long internships Law student said: “Something like second year Arts and Festival Kaur said on Twitter: “Amazing “It also reflects the excellent make more informed higher world. overseas as part of their degree. in São Paulo, Brazil, two with the this is great for a student and I have Management student, said: “To be initiative #DMUglobal I am proud to employability rates for our students education decisions. The #DMUglobal pilot project – Through #DMUglobal, the majority football World Cup Organising already signed up to say that I’m able to gain experience abroad be a student here!” which has been backed by British of DMU students will have the Committee and two with BM&F interested. I like going abroad and it and not just in the UK is really For more details on the scheme, Airways – is designed to reflect chance of an overseas experience, Bovespa, ranked among the will look good on my CV.” valuable, especially in the industry visit www.dmuglobal.com.

Through #DMUglobal, the majority of DMU students will have the “chance of an overseas experience ” An extensive network of global partners makes some incredible opportunities available“ for our students DMU’s Contour Fashion degree is world-renowned. 8 DMU World Spring 2014 ” DMU World Spring 2014 9 dmu.ac.uk

From left, designs by DMU Fashion Design graduates Bryony Moss, Austin Perry, Sarah Moran, Helen Senior, Naomi Lobley and Lizzie Arthur. Marvellous Mia bags fashion title DMU graduate Yu-Shan Li has been crowned Accessory Designer of the Year at a glittering ceremony in Birmingham.

t was the “quirky and innovative” The prize was sponsored by creations of Yu-Shan Li which Curvaceous Inc magazine and wowed the judges at the handed out by ITV presenter Lucy Midlands Fashion Awards. Kite at the awards ceremony in IHer designs were chosen ahead Birmingham. of established brands to win the The success is another Accessory Designer of the Year title. accolade for DMU, which is Her collection, based on origami known for helping creative techniques, was for an accessory students develop and for teaching piece that could be worn as a hooded practical skills which help their cape, a scarf or turned into a bag. work stand out. “It was a shock,” said Yu-Shan, Dr Emily Baines, programme who is also known as Mia. “I am leader for the Design Innovation very pleased to win. It was an (MA) course, said: “This project exciting night.” exemplifies the type of design International student Mia’s display and approach of the course, showed the range of accessories combining creative design with which include embroidery and printed areas of the world and cultures.” and her collection featuring traditional coming designers in the industry. she had developed as part of her marketing strategy to develop Shanghai illustrations, inspired by her upbringing Austin’s brightly coloured vintage cable knitwear patterns. It was the second time the Design Innovation MA degree major innovative products.” in Northumberland; and Helen’s ‘biker chick’ designs were also Now in its 11th year, Shanghai graduates’ designs have taken to project work at DMU. The judges described Mia’s menswear collection with roots in on show – fresh off the catwalk Fashion Week saw some of the catwalk following a show at “The design is based on dual designs as quirky and innovative surprises traditional British tailoring. from the International Retail the biggest Chinese designers London’s Graduate Fashion Week personality,” she said. and added: “It was a wearable Lizzie said: “I was really excited to Awards in Paris – along with showcasing their new collections, in June 2013, which featured work “I wanted to create something range with a funky twist.” Six graduates from DMU have joined some of have my collection seen at Shanghai Sarah’s designs inspired by her including fashion pioneer Helen by the UK’s best fashion graduates. that showed two different aspects China’s biggest names in fashion showcasing Fashion Week. It was great exposure childhood, incorporating prints and Lee − one of the leading figures in This time their work graced the of the mind.” their designs in Shanghai. for an up-and-coming designer.” photographs from her home town the Shanghai fashion scene − and catwalk in a joint show with the Her work is made on double- Bryony added: “It was nice that of Leamington Spa. Tony Wear, designer of one of the University of Minnesota in the US sided, sustainable cotton and hina is one of the most Senior, Sarah Moran and Naomi my collection, which was largely Sarah said: “To be chosen most successful men’s fashion and one of DMU’s international pure wool, edged with leather and exciting fashion centres Lobley hit the runway at Shanghai inspired by where I live, was on as part of such an amazing brands in the country. partners, Shanghai University of fastened with press studs and zips. in the world – making it Fashion Week in front of an display to another culture. It was opportunity was so exciting. It can And as well as attracting top Engineering Science. The collection included a range a perfect place to show international audience. great exposure and a fantastic only help me to progress in the designers, the event also drew in With more than 70 pieces of of different bag designs, scarf forms Coff designs conceived at DMU. The showcase included Lizzie’s opportunity for my work to be seen industry and develop contacts.” media and buyers from all over the clothing and accessories on show and capes for men and women. Collections by DMU fashion farmwear-inspired collection, which by a wide audience.” The six-strong DMU team was globe, providing important exposure from the three fashion schools, the design graduates Lizzie Arthur, features decorative prints and pleats; Helen said: “It is so exciting that completed by Naomi, a former UK for the recent graduates who are catwalk showcased a diverse range Austin Perry, Bryony Moss, Helen Bryony’s country sports designs, my work is being shown in different Knitted Textile Designer of the Year, establishing themselves as up-and- of designs from different cultures. © gyn9037 / shutterstock

Yu-Shan Li 10 DMU World Spring 2014 DMU World Spring 2014 11 dmu.ac.uk Emmy win for DMU graduate Spectacular digital images of the Second World War, created by a DMU graduate, have won one of US television’s most prestigious accolades.

“About 80 per cent of the 90-minute show was created digitally,” explained Ajanta. “Initially, we were a team of eight but we had to hire more towards the deadline. It was aired in the US and it was a huge success.” As lead compositor, Ajanta, who did a PhD at DMU in interactive media in 2009, spent time in the archives of the National Museum in London, Images from the team’s searching the photographs. From award-winning fly-through. our hard work has paid off and there, images were scanned and ‘Hollywood’ we were successful in getting our digitised using specialist software. concepts across.” “Everything has an aerial view Joe Dempsey added: “We are and it pans down from there to effects scoop top prize for students so pleased to win this award. The where the action is happening,” Six DMU Game Art Design students have attracted global attention after Game Art Design course at DMU Ajanta said. winning a prize at Europe’s biggest video game festival. is fantastic and the competition “We had to alter the pictures allowed us to put our creative skills graphically to show explosions, ore than 100 national Students Chelsea Lindsay, Luc The efforts of the team from to great use.” fire and smoke, for example.” and international media Fontenoy, Dan Hargreaves, Joe DMU, named Pudding Lane To recreate how the streets janta Chatterjee, above, Ajanta, who is from Calcutta, outlets, including the Dempsey, Daniel Peacock and Dom Productions, certainly impressed would have looked, the students credits DMU with is still in touch with her DMU BBC, CNN and Daily Bell were crowned the winners of the judges. researched detailed maps of “starting her 3D career” supervisor Nick Higgett. MMail covered the story when six DMU the ‘Off the Map’ competition at the Tom Harper, who is curator of London from the 1600s, as – work which has now “I learned a lot working on this students won a top competition at event in Nottingham. cartographic materials at the British well as visiting museums and Aled to an Emmy Award. project,” she said. the GameCity festival. Sponsored by the British Library Library, said: “Some of these vistas different architecture from the Ajanta was part of a team who “I have never worked with Recreating the streets that went and global video game company would not look at all out of place era, such as The Shambles in York put together the programme archive shots before and there up in flames during the Great Fire Crytek, students were asked to build as special effects in a Hollywood and Shakespeare’s birthplace, World War 2 From Space for the was a lot of graphic-heavy work of London for the setting of a video interactive gaming environments studio production. Stratford-upon-Avon. History Channel, which won the involved.” game earned the award for the inspired by the library’s historic “The haze effect lying over the GameCity director Iain Simons outstanding graphic design and art Game Art Design team. cartographic map collection. city is brilliant and great attention said: “The Pudding Lane team’s direction prize at the US television has been given to key features entry was brilliant, using historic awards event. of London Bridge, the wooden artifacts and cutting-edge The team, from a company structure of Queenshithe on the technology to help show both in a called Primefocus, spent six river, even the glittering window new light.” months working on the project, We had to alter the casements.” Heather Williams, senior which aims to show the war from Using CryENGINE, a form of lecturer in 3D Visualisation on a bird’s eye view. pictures graphically 3D technology used to create Set in 17th-century London − in with its realism and attention to DMU’s Game Art Design course, It meant that they had to pore to show explosions, games, the competition challenged and around Pudding Lane, where detail, showing tightly packed said: “DMU is renowned for its over images of the war and fire and smoke students from 11 universities to the Great Fire of London broke out streets and lanes of the capital city. creativity and innovation and I’m so redesign the pictures to make them “Ajanta Chatterjee develop a playable game level – in September 1666 − the team’s Chelsea Lindsay, who is now on pleased to see the hard work of our appear 3D – giving viewers an From left, Luc Fontenoy, Joe Dempsey, Dom Bell, using the world-famous maps as a three-dimensional fly-through a year-long internship with BMW students reflected through industry aerial view of the drama unfolding Chelsea Lindsay, Dan Hargreaves and Daniel Peacock. starting point. grabbed the attention of the judges in Munich, said: “It’s great that achievements such as this.” beneath.

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Professor Joan Taylor has grabbed headlines Graduate lands job with the subject, because of my chances to be involved with the knowledge of lingerie and because fitting process.” Joan’s across the globe with her revolutionary of my well-prepared portfolio, I got Chih-Chin, also known as Jean, invention of an artificial pancreas. Now her global lingerie a job interview quickly at Triumph graduated in July 2013 after invention creation has been on US television. Taiwan,” she said, “and then it first hearing about DMU’s world- was down to me showing my renowned Contour Fashion course goes he story of how a ‘bionic in the area of artificial organs to professional attitude. while she was studying at a college man’ was built using the discuss similar problems that we’ve “In my job at Triumph I am just in Brighton. world’s most cutting- encountered.” starting to get familiar with all the Chih-Chin added: “I was Stateside edge prosthetic limbs Her revolutionary creation contains paperwork right now. Because very interested in fashion, Tand bionic organs – including an a reservoir of insulin kept in place by we work with Triumph Hong so I was planning to apply artificial pancreas created by De a special gel barrier. When glucose giant Kong and Triumph Japan, for a fashion degree Montfort University (DMU) – has levels in the body rise, the gel liquefies every stage has lots of course when I saw the been broadcast on television in the and releases the insulin to the liver – Chih-Chin Chu is working with a leading paperwork. I also help DMU brochure. United States. mimicking the normal pancreas. As international lingerie manufacturer just with my designer to do “The DMU The Incredible Bionic Man the insulin lowers glucose levels, the months after finishing her studies at DMU. some minor changes course is quite documentary was shown on the gel reacts by hardening again and of pattern and I get a unique speciality in the fashion Smithsonian Channel and followed preserving the reservoir. n international student the world’s best-known lingerie industry. In the second year we had an unveiling of the It could mean the from Taiwan has brands. the chance to work with clients six-foot-tall robot at end of multiple insulin returned to her home Within months of completing such as Marks & Spencer, H&M and the National Air and injections for sufferers of country armed with a her Contour Fashion course at Gossard. The course has a good Space Museum in Being involved in the Type 1 diabetes – a large ADMU degree and a job with one of De Montfort University, Chih- relationship with the industry and a Washington. creation of the robot proportion of whom are Chin Chu has landed a job as very good reputation.” The world’s first has been amazing at risk of over or under- a technical design assistant bionic man was Joan Taylor medicating with current at the Taiwan base of global built entirely from “ treatment methods. lingerie manufacturer synthetic body parts and organs, 28 The documentary was first Triumph. A design by of the most advanced artificial body broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK in Born and raised in Chih-Chin Chu. parts ever made. 2013” with a simultaneous exhibition Taipei, the capital of Professor Taylor said: “Being in the Science Museum in London, Taiwan, the 22-year-old is involved in the creation of the robot attracting hundreds of visitors. now living in the nearby and the documentary has been The bionic man was then unveiled city of Taoyun because amazing. It has attracted huge in the US during New York Comic of her new job and is We had the chance to interest and has provided great Con, a huge pop culture event. He has delighted with the way her work with clients such as exposure for the device. also made appearances on some of DMU degree helped her on Marks & Spencer, H&M “During the process I have the biggest TV shows in the country, her route to employment. and Gossard Chih-Chin Chu enjoyed being able to link up with including CBS This Morning, Inside “Because I specialised in “ Chih-Chin Chu other researchers carrying out work Edition and the Today Show. Joan Taylor and the bionic man. Lizzie is county’s and very significant for me to In 2012, the company was ” be recognised in the city where awarded second place for Footwear Young Business my business began. I started in Brand of the Year at the coveted £14.6m grant to help train next of Art, Design and Humanities at Leicester and always wanted to Footwear Industry Awards. DMU, said: “DMU’s commitment to Executive of the Year stay nearby because of my strong generation of arts researchers creativity and innovation, supported connections with DMU. MU and five other Council will be match-funded by by internationally recognised DMU graduate who county’s business community. “I’ve had very strong support from Lizzie Leary Midlands universities the consortium universities and the academics, will underpin its started a successful DMU places huge emphasis the university.” have secured a prized project will provide funding and contribution to this consortium and company while still on employability and has many Judges said Lizzie had shown £14.6 million grant to training for 410 PhD student places enable PhD students from around studying has been initiatives to ensure students and exceptional ability and true leadership Dtrain the next generation of arts and over five years. the world to enjoy the best-possible Anamed Leicestershire’s Young graduates get the best-possible in developing Kindred Sole, which humanities researchers. The consortium unites arts and conditions within which to study and Business Executive of the Year. start on the career ladder. has now moved to Coalville. The new Midlands Three Cities humanities schools and departments develop.” Lizzie Leary formed Kindred Sole, Its Enterprise Inc mentoring “In the past 12 months, we’ve Consortium is a doctoral training at DMU, the University of Leicester, The Midlands Three Cities DTP a hugely successful online retail programme for start-ups helped consistently grown the business partnership (DTP) which will bring University of Birmingham, will work closely with a number of company, with Beth Widdowson. Lizzie and Beth form Kindred Sole and year on year we are doubling in together six universities in the Birmingham City University, The partner organisations, including She was awarded the title at when they were studying Retail terms of revenue,” Lizzie said. cities of Leicester, Birmingham and University of Nottingham and the British Museum in London and the Leicester Mercury Business Buying. It offered a year’s support “We are generating relationships Nottingham. Nottingham Trent University. Curve theatre in Leicester, to offer Executive of the Year Awards, set package including business advice, with new designers and have some The £14.6 million grant from Barbara Matthews, Pro Vice- exciting placement opportunities for up by the newspaper to recognise mentoring and funding. exciting shoe designers as well as the Arts and Humanities Research Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty postgraduate students. the leaders and talent across the Lizzie said: “It feels amazing recognised names.”

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Professor Dominic Shellard lays flowers at the Raj Ghat Biscuit decorating at the Summer in the Square Mile event. Gandhi Memorial.

Times Higher praise here was more success truly global university, DMU continues for Square Mile when the to make a positive contribution to the pioneering programme development of the Leicester area, was highly commended as well as further afield.” Tin the prestigious Times Higher Residents in the project area, International awards Education Awards 2013. which covers approximately It received the recognition in the one square mile, are given the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the opportunity to take part in classes Local Community’ category of the and events which could help to for national education awards. improve health, education and job The Square Mile project was set prospects and create a greater DMU up by the Vice-Chancellor Professor sense of community. DMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic community. The awards – both centre campus. Prof Shellard said: their interest in the concept of reserved for heads of state, and Dominic Shellard in 2011 and he In the 2012/13 academic year, Shellard has followed in the footsteps recognition of DMU’s commitment to “Unbeknown to me, the Gandhi public good at our university is the Birla House Gandhi Museum – was delighted by this latest honour. more than 5,000 members of the be a public good − were presented Global Family visited the Square humbling in every sense of the the site of Gandhi’s assassination. Professor Shellard said: “This community participated in more of former US president Bill Clinton and the in front of an international audience Mile last summer to talk to residents, word.” Professor Shellard was invited to lay is an important recognition for than 40 Square Mile projects Dalai Lama in receiving a top award in India. during a day of celebrations held in staff and students alike. They were Prof Shellard and Dean of flowers at both sites. the university, the community and and events and some 499 DMU Delhi, India. so impressed by the impact that International James Gardner The award ceremony came everyone who works hard to make students gave up 6,784 hours of MU’s innovative Square presented with the Mahatma Gandhi They were presented by the projects were having that they accepted the university’s award on during a visit by a delegation from the Square Mile project such a their time to help out. Mile project, which has Seva Medal, for services to society, the Gandhi Global Family, an decided to bestow these two awards behalf of staff and students, who DMU to open the university’s new success. In that time, more than 400 people worked with thousands for devising the pioneering project. international charity which spreads on DMU. volunteer their time on projects which India Liaison Office in Delhi. The “At DMU we passionately believe received help managing diabetes, 150 of local residents since DMU itself was also presented Mahatma Gandhi’s message of “I have been overwhelmed by the make a difference to the community. office will oversee and deliver the that higher education plays a key people received free hearing tests, D2011, has now received international with the Mahatma Gandhi helping others. gracious way in which these awards During a day of vibrant development of DMU’s international role in society and that universities 120 children took part in a dance recognition. International Award, given to The Square Mile project uses have been presented. The kindness celebrations in Delhi, DMU delegates strategy in India, including student should be a public good. project and more than 100 residents DMU Vice-Chancellor Dominic organisations that make a university skills and expertise to of the Gandhi Global Family, the were invited to the Raj Ghat Gandhi recruitment and academic “I am keen to ensure that, as a received free English classes. Shellard was humbled to be “distinguished contribution” to the help people living near DMU’s city generosity of their members and Memorial, a VIP visit normally partnerships.

Square Mile is a record-breaker See Page 18

Professor Shellard at DMU’s new Delhi office. Professor Shellard speaks at the awards ceremony. Professor Shellard receives a gift of a model charkha – a type of spinning wheel.

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DMU’s award-winning Square children over-achieving in primary to continue my journey. I am so very Mile project uses the expertise of level maths and as a result help Samantha is top of the glass proud and grateful to the Design Maths magicians academics, staff and students to improve schools’ standings in the Trust for believing in me and for the DMU academics are using their expertise make a difference to the lives of national league tables. Pupils said Glassware specialist and DMU graduate a business club membership with opportunity of support to help me to help primary school children achieve top people in the community. they loved the new lessons.” Samantha Donaldson has scooped a top the organisation. The 26-year-old, and to help my business grow.” maths results. With schools judged on how many Montrose Primary School pupil prize at a prestigious design fair in London. from Werrington, in Peterborough, She added: “I was extremely children achieve or exceed levels Brent Navallo said: “It has been said: “My time studying at DMU excited and emotional when the enior lecturer in 4 or 5 at Key Stage 2, this project really good fun. I have learned quite amantha Donaldson’s the Year at the Midlands Fashion was an outstanding launch pad for judges awarded me with my plaque accounting and finance aims to increase the number of a lot, for example interior angles newly developed range Awards. Graduating from DMU my career. and a rosette. Since receiving the Aaron Toogood has children exceeding level 5 – and and how you work them out.” of glass jewellery, in 2009 with a first class honours “The tutors inspired me to award I have been given such worked with DMU’s in the process help improve the Ashleigh Farrell-Chapman, of as well as her larger degree in Design Crafts, it was achieve and gave me the ambition positive feedback from the public.” SSquare Mile team to launch standing of primary schools in Christ the King, Glenfield Road, Ssculptured pieces, helped her during her time at university that Square Mile Mathletics, part of the Leicester. added: “Maths is my favourite land an award at the Made Samantha first found herself drawn Samantha university’s ongoing commitment to It also hopes to raise the subject. I have learned a lot of London Design and Craft Fair in to working with glass. Donaldson use its expertise beyond the campus aspirations of young people who new stuff.” Marylebone. She spent a further year at DMU boundaries for the public good. would perhaps not normally consider Jay Virk, head of Rowlatts Awarded by the Design Trust, on the university’s coveted Artist in The aim is to help support the going to university. Hill School, said: “Pupils came her prize for the ‘most promising Residence scheme before going on youngsters in achieving level 6 David Hollis, operations manager back buzzing with their brains creative and entrepreneurial design to complete a Master’s degree. maths at Key Stage Two. The exam at Square Mile, said: “This project will challenged, already wanting to stay maker’ makes her the third DMU Samantha is now running is equivalent to maths taught to first have a profound impact on schools, after school to follow up on extra graduate to win an award for her her own business selling her year GCSE students. in terms of increasing the number of homework – really captivated.” designs inside two months. glass pieces and as part of the Graduate Bethan Gray was prize the Design Trust, an online named the Best British Designer at business school which seeks to aid the 2013 Elle Decoration Awards designers to create and run better Rik Basra with and Mia (Yu-Shan) Li was awarded businesses, has offered her an Square Mile the title of Accessory Designer of intensive coaching programme and DMU volunteers.

breaks Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Hannah, 23 from Chesterfield in Copenhagen. in Derbyshire, who graduated from records Wallpaper manufacturing firm DMU last summer, won three prizes Surface Print was so impressed with in that competition. She was Highly the quality of Nina’s design that it Commended in the Best Design for UK has reprinted her work to feature category, won the Derwent Drawing on their stand at the prestigious Prize for the best drawing/sketchbook, stem cell Heimtextil trade fair in Frankfurt. and won a two-week placement at “I was really shocked when I first Blackburn-based wallpaper company register heard my work had been selected CWV, including £200 towards travel. Hannah Slinn, left, and Nina Willsher. for this and I’m really proud and so The competition was judged by A drive to encourage happy,” said Nina, 21, from Bury design experts including Liz Cann, students to sign up St Edmunds. design director for Zoffany and to the UK stem cell DMU students’ “It will give my CV a massive Sanderson, and the students’ work boost and hopefully put me at the was on display at the Imago Gallery register has recruited creativity to forefront when I’m looking for a job. in Mayfair as part of the London hundreds of people You just don’t know who might see Design Festival. – who could all be to the UK stem cell register. As a the recruitment process and helped It means DMU has helped more be displayed my work at the trade fair and what Cath Hammerton, senior lecturer potential lifesavers. result of the hard work of student people to join the register by filling than 1,000 people join the UK stem might come of it.” in DMU’s School of Fashion and volunteers, more than 700 people in consent forms and taking cheek cell register as potential lifesavers. Nina is now in the third and final Textiles, said: “We are delighted that tudent volunteers from signed the register in only 11 hours. swabs. The recruitment event follows a around Europe year of her Textiles Design degree the high standard of work produced DMU Square Mile DMU Square Mile manager Leicestershire police officer successful drive held at DMU’s Two Textile Design students are to course at DMU and hopes to embark by our students is being recognised joined forces with the Mark Charlton said: “This is just an Inspector Rik Basra contracted campus in March 2013 during have their work displayed in exhibitions on a career in interior textiles. and valued by industry professionals. Rik Basra Leukaemia incredible result. acute myeloid leukaemia, a form of which 366 people signed up – a Specialising in mixed media “It is a great achievement for STrust and charity Delete Blood “We had such a good response blood cancer, four years ago and new record for the single largest in two of Europe’s major cities. textiles, she was shortlisted for the Nina and Hannah to have their work Cancer to organise a recruitment from our students who all wanted found a donor just in time to save recruitment drive by a university. he quality of wallpaper Annual Camac Student Wallpaper Camac Student Wallpaper Design selected by Camac to be showcased event at Leicester’s Highcross to be part of a campaign which his life. Rik’s wife Kas said: “It’s very designs and sketchbooks Design Competition in September. Competition finals in September 2013 at prestigious events around Europe. shopping centre. could save someone’s life. DMU is He said: “We had the most amazing important, 72 people a day are by DMU students Hannah Their work was included in and was one of only a few second We are extremely proud of them and The event was run with charity committed to being a public good day and to register 709 donors was diagnosed as having a blood cancer Slinn and Nina Willsher Camac’s first European travelling year students in the graduate- hope this accolade will help them in Delete Blood Cancer, which and this is a tremendous cause.” fantastic. Thank you to each and every and only 50 per cent of those find a Ttook them into the finals of the exhibition and went on display at the dominated entry list. their future careers.” registers people aged 17 to 55 on The students were all trained in one of you who joined.” match, so it’s absolutely vital.”

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Clockwise from below: DMU academics are helping to bring electricity to rural villages in the Third World; DMU has been named a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence by the European Commission; The Centre for Comparative Housing Research is looking to solve Britain’s housing crisis; DigiLit Leicester helps school staff with IT skills; Dr Parvez Haris has established a link between rice consumption and arsenic exposure; Dr Doug Cawthorne and team bring local heritage projects to life through digital imagery.

• Professor Bernd Stahl, of the The team worked with community of EU studies and will see DMU enshrined in English law and 849AD – have never before been exposure and toxicity. Although Centre for Computing and Social groups across England and Wales establish the De Montfort Centre may lead to an overhaul of the studied as a single document. Dr there have been studies before Responsibility, is a member of to help them bring their local for European Governance. the current political system by Elizabeth Lambourn, reader in which have suggested a the EU’s flagship Human Brain heritage projects to life through • An interactive website, map and devolving more powers to local South Asian and Indian Ocean connection, this research, carried Project – a 1billion euro mission digital imagery. mobile phone app have been government. Studies, led the international out by scientists from America, to build a virtual brain. Prof Stahl • MUD academics are helping to designed by a DMU team to guide • The number of people who are research network with Roberta Asia and DMU is the biggest will examine ethical issues bring electricity to rural villages in tourists to the sites of London’s becoming carers for elderly, sick Tomber, of the British Museum. study of its kind. Dr Parvez Haris, presented by the research, such the Third World with grants from Shakespearean theatres. It will or disabled relatives or loved • A DMU project to help school co-author of the study and head as use of personal data. the Engineering and Physical be the first time tourists will ones has risen dramatically in staff make the most of technology of the Biomedical Environmental • My Electric Avenue, part of a Sciences Research Council. be offered the chance to tour recent years. DMU’s Dr Mary won an international award in Health Group at DMU, said the £9 million study, will look at how Professor Subhes Bhattacharyya is the sites from one of Britain’s Larkin is leading research into 2013. DigiLit Leicester saw study has major global health recharging a multitude of electric working to bring off-grid electricity greatest theatrical ages armed this important issue by bringing DMU work with Leicester City implications. vehicles at the same time affects to areas of South Asia while with a range of fully coordinated together policy makers, carers, Council on its first study of staff • Academics from DMU’s Centre the local electricity grid. DMU’s Dr Rupert Gammon is developing multi-media sources providing charities and academics to share IT skills. One of five winners of for Comparative Housing Dr Rupert Gammon is involved small independent electricity grids the most up-to-date tales and stories, experiences and research the International Reclaim Open Research unit are looking at in the project, led by EA in rural Africa. historical information on the with the aim of improving services Learning Innovation award, the ways to tackle Britain’s housing months of Technology, Nissan and Ofgem. • In 2013 DMU became one of only period. for carers. project has now been released on crisis. The study, funded by the 12 • DMU’s Digital Building Heritage three universities in the UK to be • Professor Colin Copus has • The mysteries of life on the Indian open licence so it can be copied Economic and Social Research research success team, led by Dr Doug Cawthorne, named a Jean Monnet Centre produced a code designed to Ocean 1,000 years ago are being around the world. Council, will look at whether ideas was awarded three grants of Excellence by the European give local councillors more power revealed in a study of 9th-century • A study of more than 18,000 used to boost house building in De Montfort University is carrying out research from the Arts and Humanities Commission. This accolade to make decisions. The code, plaques called The Kollam people in Bangladesh has America and France could be that is combining the highest academic quality Research Council in partnership was given in recognition of its described by some commentators Plates. The set of copper plates established a link between the answer to offering the right with impact on the public good. with the Heritage Lottery Fund. research and teaching in the field as Magna Carta ll, could become – legal documents drawn up in rice consumption and arsenic incentives to UK developers.

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Working at From left, Priya, Gareth and Shyam with Working at Leicestershire County Cricket Club chief Graduate Champions is really helpful. It is Leicestershire County executive Mike Siddall. Leicester City Football Club very difficult getting a job at the moment so © Wally Haines / wikimedia Cricket Club having the chance to get this sort of hands-on iteche Quessou, 23, who saying: “This gives the graduates experience is excellent. It is a bridge between graduated in Graphic Design, a great experience and it will look university and the world of work and allows us to Pooja Desai, who graduated brilliant on their CV. We are a huge “use our skills as graduates to help a respected in Software Engineering, football club and hopefully working name in the sporting and business world. Jand Priyanka Balcrisna, 26, who here will create great opportunities Shyam Pankhania, 21, graduate in Business and Marketing graduated in Computer Science, for them. are all working for Leicester City “It is great for us to have all Football Club. these extra people, with graduate ” Tom Crosse, marketing executive experience, working for us. It is busy at Leicester City, praised the all the time and the additional help is DMU focuses a lot on Graduate Champions scheme, very welcome.” employability when you are studying there and it is great that they are recognising that graduates need support to. We are learning“ how important group I am really getting to work is and how important it is to see how it all works in have good communication skills. I am really enjoying the the real world. It is a It is providing a great insight into work. I feel as though I I am absolutely loving unique and enjoyable the working world. am learning something it here. It is challenging “experience that will new every day and Priya Gandhi, 21, but great fun. This is an also look good on my graduate in Psychology “building up new skills amazing opportunity CV. Leicester City are that will make me more “for recent graduates. really supportive. We employable. Graduate In this industry, if you have supervisors and ” I think Graduate Champions is definitely do not have relevant get excellent feedback Champions is a really a good idea. experience you do not every day to help us Pooja Desai, graduate in good scheme. Working get a job. So this is a learn and improve. Software Engineering for such a professional great experience for us. Jiteche Quessou, 23, graduate in Graphic Design “organisation, and being Priyanka Balcrisna, 26, given such an important graduate in Computer ” Science task, is great for our CVs and our future prospects. ” Gareth Dakin, 29, graduate ” Sports clubs host in Media Production ” DMU champions Graduates from DMU have been gaining The first wave of graduates world problems in the workplace. Siddall is delighted with the way essential work experience and boosting their took up prized placements at A total of 17 graduates have been Graduate Champions is helping the Leicestershire County Cricket Club working at the cricket club while club – and his new recruits. job prospects by taking part in an innovative (LCCC) and Leicester City Football another six were based at LCFC. He said: “I think this scheme is new scheme called Graduate Champions. Club (LCFC), who both have Shyam Pankhania, 21, who fantastic. It is an opportunity for partnership agreements with DMU. graduated last summer in Business us to offer graduates great work he Graduate Champions in a furiously competitive jobs market. The verdict from the graduates and Marketing, Priya Gandhi, 21, experience, working on key projects scheme run by DMU Each graduate is contracted and taking part in the scheme is that it who graduated in Psychology, and for the club and using their skills to is offering its recent paid by DMU to complete 18½ will provide them with a huge boost Gareth Dakin, 29, who graduated come up with some answers. graduates the chance to hours a week of graduate-level work when they embark on their chosen in Media Production, were working “Thanks to Graduate Champions Ttake up a month-long intensive work over the space of four weeks and career paths, filling them with together at the cricket club on a we have young brains coming here placement to enhance their CVs and the university pays the living wage of confidence as they get to apply their project to attract new members. with fresh ideas that are going to help them stand out from the crowd £7.65 per hour. skills as graduates to solve real- LCCC chief executive Mike be a huge benefit to us and them.”

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• Installation of solar panels on the Spectacular transformation roofs of the Hugh Aston Building, Gateway House and the Edith Murphy Building, saving DMU of DMU’s campus is under way £25,000 a year in energy bills while dramatically reducing CO2 A multi-million pound investment has begun which will provide what is probably the most ambitious emissions. the modern, inspiring environment DMU’s students deserve. project ever undertaken by DMU. • Creation of modern and relaxing “Over the next two years we student “breakout” areas in the can look forward to some truly ground floors of Gateway House MU’s £90m campus the area will be undertaken before culture − will also be housed there. innovative and radical new buildings and the Queens Building. transformation project construction begins on a new The striking new and refurbished taking shape and the creation of a • Opening of a new Leicester Media continues at pace as the building in June. buildings will be surrounded by open green lung, in the form of superb, School at Bede Island, offering university presses ahead Forty-eight years after the Queen parkland, creating a ‘green lung’ landscaped open parkland, which industry standard technology for Dwith its plans to provide cutting-edge Mother officially opened DMU’s running through the heart of what we know will ensure our students cutting-edge courses such as new buildings and teaching facilities. Fletcher complex, described at DMU intends to be the finest city and staff work, and relax, in Game Art and Animation. Huge diggers moved in to tear the time as ‘truly revolutionary’, centre campus in Britain. wonderful surroundings.” • Beginning of updating facilities in down the old ceramics block, former the centrepiece tower block now The spectacular new teaching The showpiece works are just the the Hawthorn Building. students’ union and parts of the stands empty, ready for a complete spaces and facilities will ensure latest element of the wide-ranging Fletcher complex, off Mill Lane, refurbishment inside and out. DMU offers the ultimate student project. Since summer 2013 the which will eventually make way The new complex will house the experience and prepares its university has overseen: Main picture, an artist’s impression for exciting cutting-edge buildings university’s internationally-renowned students better than ever before to • Provision of first-class teaching of the campus redevelopment and, and teaching facilities, providing schools of Fashion and Textiles, Art, enter the world of work. and learning facilities for students from top, the new breakout area in DMU with one of the best higher Design and Architecture. A ground- Umesh Desai, deputy director of and staff in the Art Factory, Mill Gateway House; some of DMU’s education complexes in the country. breaking Confucius Institute − to estates, said: “We are very happy Studios, Wellesley House and solar panels and the new look inside A routine archaeological dig of promote Chinese language and with the progress being made in Heritage House. Queens Building.

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Centre celebrates Winter, intern projects officer at DMU, by the Hanban, one for the first said: “I thought the session was great time in the history of Confucius Bethan wins Best fun and informative, the teachers were Institutes that embraces the creative both really enthusiastic and made the industries as well as Chinese culture British Designer title Chinese culture session really enjoyable.” and language.” Santino Stifanelli, a DMU Voted as one of the UK’s most Stunningly eye-catching creations have DMU is welcoming visitors to its new performances and refreshments. student, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed creative universities for the second helped a graduate of DMU win the title Confucius Institute, a vibrant celebration All students and staff, as well it. It was a really good session and I year running by Which? University of Best British Designer. of Chinese language and culture for all. as the community, were invited to think it is a great opportunity.” Guide 2013, DMU will connect its CI enjoy a taste of Chinese life and to Partnering with Hanban, a non- to its creative dimension and courses, ethan Gray has have been awarded Best British MU has started to Chinese cultural hub of Leicester, find out first-hand what DMU CI will profit organisation affiliated to the enabling a fusion of Chinese and UK enjoyed a fabulous Designer,” Bethan added. welcome the public allowing the community to experience bring to the city. Ministry of Education of China, this creativity on campus. year, launching several “Thanks to the team, it’s been to its new Confucius a taste of Chinese life, enjoy creative Attractions included teaching CI is the first of its kind to open with DMU students can also learn acclaimed collections of a great year full of exciting Institute (CI), a activities and learn Mandarin − the Mandarin to local school pupils, a new creative model. Mandarin as part of #DMUglobal – Bfurniture and topping it off by being collaborations and events, including Dcelebration of Chinese language Chinese national language. traditional dragon and lion dances Vice-Chancellor Professor DMU’s exciting initiative to provide named Best British Designer at the the project with Lapicida and my and culture aimed at students, staff As a preview for the vibrant range and musicians. Dominic Shellard said: “It is an more than half of all its students Elle Decoration Awards. own solo exhibition at Great Western and the wider community. of activity on offer, the CI hosted The initial free Mandarin taster honour for DMU to be granted with an international experience as Bethan studied design, Studios. The CI aims to become the a showcase with free activities, sessions were very popular. Elliot the new model Confucius Institute part of their studies. specialising in furniture, and “We are working on new and Leicestershire schools and graduated from DMU in 1998. intriguing collections for 2014 with residents will also benefit from DMU is renowned for its opportunities to work with stone, travelling workshops, taking Chinese creative heritage and has been metallics and leather and also cultural activities from DMU CI into named as one of the country’s top launching several new overseas the community. creative universities by Which? collaborations.” James Gardner, DMU Dean University guide for two years in Bethan was talent-spotted by of International, said: “DMU’s succession. Habitat’s head of design Tom Dixon Confucius Institute will play an Bethan said: “I’m really proud while still a DMU student. After a important role in forwarding of having studied at De Montfort few years of freelancing, Bethan internationalisation on campus.” University. I won the New Designer joined Habitat, where she worked Strengthening its existing ties award while I was still at the university for eight years, becoming its design with China, DMU has also partnered for my final-year piece of work. director and producing many best- with the University of Science “It was winning that award selling collections, including the and Technology in Beijing and which really saw the start of my Parker and Hana furniture ranges. the Sunwah Group, a diversified professional career.” Her Pimlico kitchen range won an conglomerate based in Hong Kong, Bethan’s collections in the last Elle Decoration award and she was to establish this CI. year have included a range of tables instrumental in Habitat winning the in wood, leather and marble under Elle Decoration Best High Street her brand G&T, in collaboration with Retailer title in 2007 and 2008. furniture developer Thomas Turner, In 2008, she left to set up her stunning monochrome marble tables own design studio and has seen her and accessories for stone specialist work continue to sell in the Conran Lapicida and oak lights for John Lewis. Shop, Case Furniture, John Lewis “I’m now really honoured to and Habitat.

Bethan Gray

Above and insets, the free showcase at the Confucius Institute featured traditional dancers and lessons for youngsters. 28 DMU World Spring 2014 DMU WorldWorld Spring 2014 29 dmu.ac.uk dmu.ac.uk dmu.ac.uk

Felipe Martins Müller, Rector of UFSM, left, signs the MOC with DMU deputy vice-chancellor David Wilson. VIP visit for Brazilian students

Creating a hologram with Professor Martin Richardson

DMU strengthens Brazil ties New international collaborations, a São Paulo office and exciting #DMUglobal opportunities pave the way forward for DMU and Brazil.

tudents and staff than half of all students have an The Brazil v England are set to benefit as international experience during DMU strengthens its their studies. The students enjoyed an outing to Leicester City. five-a-side match relationship with Brazil, Relationships now exist with Sas part of its truly global outlook. the Instituto Maua de Technologia, The Federal University of Santa Mackenzie University, the University Maria (UFSM) and DMU agreed of São Paulo and the University of to work together to bring about a Santa Maria in Brazil. new era of academic collaboration Helping to ensure the long-term DMU has played host to staff and students from students with valuable cultural and preview of next year’s Brazil World and overseas study through a sustainability of Brazilian relations, a Brazilian university which was affected by a educational experiences aimed Cup exhibition – to be held in the Memorandum of Cooperation a DMU Brazil office has now been devastating fire tragedy. at offering an introduction to UK host country by DMU’s renowned (MOC). opened in São Paulo. DMU is one culture. International Centre for Sports The MOC includes developing of the first UK universities to set up ore than 240 people size to UFSM and with a similar Students enjoyed first-hand History and Culture – when they further links through the an office there. died following a international outlook, the disaster experience of DMU’s innovative attended a lecture on Brazil’s Government scholarship programme It is situated in the impressive nightclub blaze in resonated strongly with DMU staff academic expertise including the influence on European football. Science Without Borders. More British Chamber of Commerce Santa Maria last year, a and students. DMU Cyber Security Centre, state- Some of the party also took part than 110 Brazilian students building, which also houses the Mdisaster considered one of the most “We believe passionately our of-the-art game design and learning in a Brazil vs England five-a-side currently study at DMU through this British Council. The Chinese cultural devastating fires in Brazilian history. university should be a public good from Professor Martin Richardson, football match against DMU staff workshop at Square Mile programme. Around 150 of those killed were and make a difference to those we the world’s first professor of It will also help identify © Photosani, rangizzz, Dinga / shutterstock students from the Federal University have contact with.” holography technology. opportunities for post-doctoral of Santa Maria (UFSM). The 11 students who made Students created personal and students (England won 7-4). run by DMU’s Square Mile project. researchers and explore a DMU Vice-Chancellor Professor the trip from the south of Brazil holograms, including one symbolically A VIP match day experience was They also had a tour of the Houses programme of visiting scholars. DMU students will be Dominic Shellard, who has visited were accompanied by three featuring the DMU and UFSM pin arranged at Leicester City Football of Parliament in London and met DMU students will be able able to enjoy a cultural universities in Brazil to explore further UFSM staff members including badges together. We believe passionately Club, including a behind-the-scenes dignitaries, including the Brazilian to enjoy a cultural study trip to study trip to Santa collaborations, offered compassionate Professor Shellard’s counterpart, Visitor Matheus Trindade said our university should be tour, lunch in the club restaurant Ambassador to the UK. Santa Maria as one of several Maria as one of several support to UFSM after the fire and Felipe Martins Müller, Rector of the during the class: “You have just a public good and make and watching a match from an Matheus added: “I praise DMU for opportunities in Brazil, as part of “opportunities in Brazil subsequently extended the invitation university in Brazil. changed everything I understood a difference executive box. this great experience and I will speak #DMUglobal − DMU’s ground- to visit the UK. Professor Shellard For a week, a specially designed about 3D. It is amazing and crazy.” “Professor In addition, students took part highly of DMU to my college and breaking initiative to ensure more Dominic Shellard said: “As a university of comparable programme provided the UFSM The students also had a sneak in a Chinese cultural workshop other Brazilians.” 30 DMU World Spring 2014 30 DMU World Spring 2014 ” DMU World Spring 2014”31 dmu.ac.uk dmu.ac.uk dmu.ac.uk

Adele New centre to boost international Tilley

We want all DMU students access to DMU degrees to emerge from their Talented students from around the world will take a vital step degrees thinking in global toward degree-level study as a new college opens at DMU. terms about how they can “succeed in the future MU has announced “DMU is a truly global university. Professor Dominic Shellard a partnership with I believe that through initiatives Mercury Picture: Leicester international pathway such as LIPC we can provide our provider, ISIS, to open a domestic and international students “Student of the Year” plans Dnew centre on campus and increase with far-reaching opportunities to inspire young people into sought-after university access for and help to ensure the university’s ” international students. growth in the future. a university education The DMU Leicester International “For most students, attending Pathway College (LIPC) will be at university is a chance to explore A DMU masters student who grew up in care and the heart of DMU’s campus and will their potential and ultimately pursue escaped an abusive relationship before turning welcome talented students from their dream career. to education to help transform her life has been across the world. “By welcoming more international named Leicestershire’s Student of the Year. It will prepare them for degree- students to DMU who would level study at DMU through both otherwise not be able to access a dele Tilley, who is was sent out into the world as a English language training and UK university education, we also studying an MA “naive” young adult. She escaped an academic qualifications related to aim to expand our global awareness, in Business and abusive relationship and was left to their chosen subjects. bringing new perspectives to our Management at DMU, bring up her children, Amber, now It will build on the extensive university as part of the cultural Awon the coveted titles of ‘Student five, and Presley, now three, as a experience of ISIS as an accredited exchange that will take place. that offer of the Year’ and ‘Undergraduate of single mum. education provider and use its “We want all DMU students to students the Year’ at a glittering ceremony She said it was her children who existing international recruitment emerge from their degrees thinking a vital bridge held at Leicester City’s King Power were the motivation to turn her life network around the world. in global terms about how they can between the Stadium to recognise the good work around and turn to education. The first LIPC students will arrive succeed in the future.” education they have and achievements of young people As well as studying for a masters in June for English language learning By partnering with ISIS, DMU will already received in their across the county. and being in the process of setting at the centre, prior to beginning their continue to increase international home country and the Judges of the awards scheme, up her own business, Adele has studies in September. access and add to a portfolio of requirements they must meet to run by the Leicester Mercury signed up to the campus job agency Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic initiatives which already includes study at DMU. newspaper, said Adele’s nomination Unitemps to bring in extra income, Shellard said: “DMU’s choice of #DMUglobal, a programme that will From the day they start, LIPC “shone out” and she was thoroughly works as a ‘student buddy’ to help ISIS as a partner is indicative of the see half of DMU’s students offered students will be able to access all deserving of the top prize. overseas students, takes part in a university’s drive to break with sector an internaional experience during the fantastic facilities at DMU with The 25-year-old, from Leicester, student mentoring scheme and is a convention and use creativity and their degree over the next few years. some of their classes being taught was among hundreds of nominees brand ambassador, promoting her innovation to promote UK education LIPC will teach foundation, first in state-of-the-art labs and industry- put forward for the awards and course to potential students. and the university abroad. year and postgraduate programmes focused workspaces. David credits DMU for providing a great She said: “I am happier than I They will also benefit from all Brown, chief student experience that has helped have ever been. Every part of my life the advantages of being a DMU executive officer her to thrive and for championing is better since I decided to educate student, such as the new Queen of ISIS, said: “ISIS is equality and diversity. myself. It isn’t easy. But if I am not Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee delighted to have entered She said: “I am just used to being challenged in some way every Leisure Centre and the DMU into this partnership with DMU. a single mum who spends all of her day I do not feel as though I have Students’ Union (DSU) which is “We are extremely impressed time studying, working and cleaning achieved enough. Ultimately I want funded to the tune of £1m by by the innovative, committed and the house while raising my two my children to grow up knowing they the university and boasts more forward-thinking approach that the children. can achieve great things through than 100 clubs and societies for university brings to the subject of “I was absolutely flabbergasted education.” students to join. international diversity and we are when they read out my name. I really Adele says she would recommend DMU’s Dean of International, consequently very much looking was overwhelmed. In fact when I university life to anyone. “DMU is James Gardner, said: “We are forward to developing the Leicester won Student of the Year I started a brilliant, diverse university where excited to partner with ISIS, a new International Pathway College crying.” you do not get looked upon as generation of educational provider at DMU into one of the most Adele was in and out of care being different, whoever you are or DMU vice-chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard, which shares our values in delivering outstanding and quality focused up until the age of 18 when she wherever you have come from.” right, with David Brown, chief executive officer of ISIS. quality courses to qualified students.” pathway colleges in the UK.”

32 DMU World Spring 2014 DMU World Spring 2014 33 32 DMU World Spring 2014 DMU World Spring 2014 33 dmu.ac.ukdmu.ac.uk Knowledge transfer hits 100 DMU is celebrating academics working with the London UK businesses by accessing the company Flexpress, planning and with Nottingham Scientific Ltd, DMU also has a long-established after being awarded company to transform its business knowledge and expertise available steering a rebranding which led it which saw sales soar as a result relationship with Curvy Kate through its 100th Knowledge model, is DMU’s 100th Knowledge to them at UK universities. to double profit margins and hit its renowned lingerie design course, Transfer Partnership. Transfer Partnership (KTP). DMU has a long history of £1 million turnover two years •MU D expertise helped secure Contour Fashion, regarded as one KTPs are a national grant award success stories with KTPs, which ahead of schedule. three years’ worth of funding of the best in the world by industry MU’s link-up with scheme that sees academics work have benefitted businesses large to support the arts, tens of experts. successful plus-size in partnership with businesses to and small across a range of sectors. • Academics from the Faculty thousands of pounds in income Graduates have gone on to work lingerie company Curvy improve their competitiveness and of Technology developed a and developed a business with designers including Tommy Kate saw the university productivity. Previous projects include: revolutionary sat-nav system that can strategy for Leicester’s Phoenix Hilfiger, Superdry and Triumph as Dpass a major milestone in its work The national KTP programme, • Experts from DMU’S Leicester tune into satellite networks around Film and Digital Media Centre. well as Curvy Kate, which supplies DMU experts behind Britain’s with businesses across the UK. which was launched in 2003, aims Business School transformed the world. The system, called the The project hugely increased the fashion retailers including Next, first solar-powered home The £84,000 deal, which will see to improve the performance of the fortunes of Leicester printing Primo, was developed in partnership centre’s profile nationally. ASOS, Debenhams and New Look. DMU’s expertise in the field of sustainability and energy research led to the university being approached to take part in a unique project in the UK.

loor-to-ceiling glass, its own The Solar House uses an heat pump and the promise innovative combination of existing of cheaper electricity bills sustainable technologies to collect – welcome to the UK’s first and store solar energy for use Ffully solar-powered house. throughout the year. The property in Great Glen, Dr Andrew Wright, of the IESD, Leicestershire, has gone on the said: “So far the calculations market with a £1million price tag. suggest that the Solar House will DMU’s Institute of Energy and perform well, so we’re looking th Sustainable Development (IESD) forward to starting our analyses is part of the team behind the five- once the house is occupied. We’re bedroom property, built by Caplin very proud to have been asked Homes. to join the project and act as an Set to exceed the requirements of independent assessor of its zero- the government’s 2016 zero-carbon carbon status. 100 target, the house – which is set in “The house-building industry two acres – is designed to collect has to move towards more energy enough solar energy to provide efficient living if it is to meet is involved in several initiatives to DMU, said: “This is a brilliant way heating and hot water and around government targets and the Solar Sporting chance for journalism students help DMU students boost their for me to put everything I have twice the electricity needed to run House project could be a landmark employability. studied into practice. It is such an the system. stage in that process.” Budding journalists at De Montfort University A fourth student, Adam Redfern, exciting opportunity and I am really are putting their new-found skills into practice successfully applied for a work enjoying myself. It’s superb.” by taking up highly-prized placements with placement on the Leicester Mr Dilley said: “We are really Leicester’s professional sports clubs. Mercury’s busy sports desk. proud of DMU’s partnerships with Jacob has been spending one day City, Tigers and the Foxes and inal-year journalism Centre for Journalism at DMU. a week at the King Power Stadium for grateful to the clubs for offering students Jacob Landers, Tutor John Dilley, director of the Leicester City and his match reports these golden opportunities to our Lewis Hanson and Jordan centre, organised the placements for for the City under-18s have been students. Rowson are boosting his students, who each had to apply published on the LCFC website and “Our students need to show Ftheir job prospects by gaining for their job by writing an application he has had a feature appear in the that they know what it is like to invaluable experience working at and undergoing an interview. matchday programme, providing him produce accurate and entertaining Leicester City, Leicester Tigers and Jacob has been working at with all-important cuttings for his CV. copy, while under a lot of Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Leicester City, Lewis at Leicester Jacob, who is originally from pressure to meet deadlines. Work The trio are studying a sports Tigers, Britain’s biggest rugby club, Cornwall and is studying English placements are the best way of journalism module at the Leicester and Jordan at the cricket club, which Language with Journalism at doing that.” Jacob Landers has been working at Leicester City.

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