STAY CONNECTED /Ulster University Alumni @Ulster_Alumni Ulster University Alumni FEATURE 1 ULSTER GRADUATE The magazine for alumni and friends Uof Ulster UniversityG Edition 38 Summer 2015 INSIDE Ulster University’s world-leading research Ulster University and the Turner Prize MEET Shane Kelly, Cinematographer on Boyhood hit The Silk supporting our students PLUS Seven degrees for seven brothers Share your experience on our new e-mentoring platform Registered with The Charity Commission The Charity with Registered NIC 100166 Northern Ireland for 204886 - Alumni Magazine Version AW2.indd 1 09/07/2015 14:39 2 STAY CONNECTED /Ulster University Alumni @Ulster_Alumni Ulster University Alumni In this Welcome Issue The world of education is ever changing, News and to grow and prosper, this University is always adapting and responding to News in brief 4 the expectations and needs of students, News on campus 6 society and industry. That is why you Capital developments update 8 will notice a new look and a new name – Ulster University – throughout this issue Spinout bids for X Prize 9 of Ulster Graduate. Ulster University Business School at 40 10 As part of the alumni family, you can be Santander extends support 12 proud of an association with a strong and Major scholarships 13 vibrant University. We were delighted to receive a number of Features This year, we have been included, for the donations in response to the last edition of first time, in the prestigious Times Higher Ulster Graduate, and we are seeing more Ulster University and the Turner Prize 14 Education 100 Under 50 Rankings, which and more alumni coming on board to REF 2014 results 16 recognise dynamic young universities that support the Ulster University Student Fund. Global impact of Ulster research 18 are making a global impact in areas of In this edition, you can find out about the The University says thank you 20 teaching, research and knowledge transfer. significant impact the ongoing support from alumni is having on the lives of many Graduate behind Boyhood success 21 Our reputation was also significantly current students, as well as hearing what Celebrating Ulster’s high achievers 22 enhanced by superb results in the Research motivates alumni to give. Class notes 24 Excellence Framework 2014 last December. You can read about this on pages 16–19. I am sure that you will join me in welcoming Giving and getting involved Clearly, our research is making a definite our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paddy and valuable impact locally and globally, Nixon, to the Ulster University family and Affordable postgraduate study 26 will wish him every success in his new role. and as a graduate you can also be satisfied What your support is doing 28 that your University continues to make I hope you will consider offering your Celebrating generosity 30 a material difference to people’s lives in support to the next generation of students Silk support for Ulster 32 so many ways and in so many through our new mentoring programme, locations worldwide. providing work experience and placement Get involved, reap the benefits 33 Both local and global impact is best opportunities for students and graduates, achieved when knowledge creation is and supporting their path through Ulster University. matched by drive and innovation in Published by Development and Alumni Relations Office economic, social or cultural advancements. I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine That is why the University continually Ulster University, York Street, Belfast, BT15 1ED and continue to actively engage with the T: +44 (0) 28 9536 7486 strives to combine local focus with global University. Please keep in touch with us E: [email protected] ambition and continues to nurture and through the various channels listed below, Ulster Graduate is available online at: develop graduates who can make a and continue to help us educate, support daro.ulster.ac.uk difference in the world. and truly inspire our fellow Ulster graduates. Ulster Graduate As thousands of new graduates emerge Edited and produced by the Development and Alumni Relations Office from the University this summer, joining Editorial: Editorial Solutions (Ireland) Ltd an alumni network now numbering some Eddie Friel Design: AV Browne 170,000, we know they will go on to achieve Director of Development and Alumni Print: Sterling Solutions Ltd excellence in their fields. In this edition of Relations Cover image: Shauli Chakraborti, PhD student Ulster Graduate you can read about the Tel: +44 (0)28 9536 7486 Views expressed are those of the contributors, many alumni who are already making an Email: [email protected] not necessarily the University. Ulster University inspirational impact at home and abroad, cannot accept responsibility for any claim whatsoever which may arise out of materials carried in good faith. whether in business, the arts, sport or Social: Search for Ulster University Alumni humanitarian activities. on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn 204886 - Alumni Magazine Version AW2.indd 2 09/07/2015 14:39 STAY CONNECTED /Ulster University Alumni @Ulster_Alumni Ulster University Alumni 3 CREATING BRIGHTER FUTURES Imagine a creation so future-focused that it could the flourishing creative industries in Northern Ireland. In this almost be a science fiction invention. A mobile issue you can read about our latest Turner Prize-winning graduate device capable of diagnosing 15 medical conditions – Duncan Campbell – as well as Ulster graduate Shane Kelly, may conjure up Star Trek®. That’s not a fiction. Director of Cinematography on the BAFTA-winning film Boyhood. At Ulster University – your university – that’s a fact. Having broken into the top 100 of elite young universities in It’s ambitious research that is real – delivering real the Times Higher Education 100 Under 50 Rankings, I join Ulster solutions for real people. University at an exciting time and am looking forward to the opportunity ahead. The aspiration of a student, the scope of That commitment to global impact is why Ulster University enjoys a spin-out company, the potential of a partnership, the impact outstanding results in research excellence. The 2014 Research of a research project and the prospects of the region inform Excellence Framework recognised this University as one of the our future ambitions. top five in the UK for world-leading research in law, biomedical sciences, business and management and art and design. Professor Sir Richard Barnett leaves a strong legacy upon which From revolutionising treatment for diabetes and heart disease to build for the future. As Vice-Chancellor, his commitment to advising global governments on victim and human rights, to enhancing research outcomes, to widening participation in these areas of excellence, and many more, we have ambitious in higher education, to local and international collaboration, plans to continue our research influence. and his contribution to economic development have had an impact on individuals, organisations and communities. Our international reach is helping to put Northern Ireland on the We wish him well in his retirement. global stage. Our capability, insight and inventiveness draw inward investment. Deep connections with business, industry and the I fully expect to come across very many Ulster University professions ensure that we create the very best opportunity for graduates in the coming months and years. Please do make our students and for Northern Ireland to thrive. Ulster University yourself known to me if our paths cross. I would love to hear is a place where market needs and student aspiration combine. about your story and the impact you are making. Generating almost 9,000 jobs, and with a combined impact on the economy of £810m in 2012–2013, this University is vital to economic growth and development, central to the knowledge Professor Paddy Nixon economy, and the shaper of entrepreneurial flair and assured Vice-Chancellor employees in equal measure. As much as our fresh thinking is shaping our future direction, our history speaks for itself. Take the Belfast School of Art. It has been nurturing imagination and creativity for generations. Its graduates, creative minds and visionaries are now the talent at the heart of 204886 - Alumni Magazine Version AW2.indd 3 09/07/2015 14:39 4 NEWS IN BRIEF STAY CONNECTED /Ulster University Alumni @Ulster_Alumni Ulster University Alumni NEW BRAND, NEW ERA In October the University “The new brand encapsulates what the entered an exciting new University values, how we behave, how era with the launch of the others experience us and is inspired by the spirit of our people – our students, new Ulster University brand. staff, stakeholders, and of course alumni. The world of higher education is “Our brand proposition, shaping futures, becoming increasingly competitive and positions Ulster University as a modern, with the redevelopment of the £250m progressive university delivering Belfast campus underway, it was time career-focused education and relevant, to build a brand that matches our world-leading research. It reflects international reputation for teaching our engagement with business and excellence and world-leading research. our contribution to the growth and The new brand is much more than a prosperity of the region’s economy and name change and new logo as Rhonda society. It is a truly engaging rebrand Gibson, Director of Public Relations and that captures and conveys a successful Communications, explains: and growing Ulster University.” UNIVERSITY PORTFOLIO Ulster enters COMPANY ACQUIRED TOP 100 ELITE FOR ALMOST £30M YOUNG UNIVERSITIES A global software company with roots deep in Ulster University has been included for the Ulster’s Magee campus has been acquired by first time in the prestigious Times Higher Cambridge-based Aveva for a figure of £27.9m. Education 100 Under 50 Rankings. 8over8 now employs more than 70 staff, many of whom are The rankings recognise dynamic young universities Ulster University alumni, and boasts a global footprint across making a global impact in areas of teaching, research the US, Australia, the Middle East and the rest of Europe.