Top 50 University in the UK Summer 2016 • .ac.uk • #iwantNU

Issue 10 Forecast: A Bright Future NORTHUMBRIAUNIVERSITY NEWS £52m investment to PAGES build a better Northumbria 4-5

18th for outstanding One of the world’s 150 University named student experience best ‘young’ universities top 50 in the UK Northumbria soars in rankings is celebrating after a series of impressive gains across a number of key league tables.

he most recent achievement Northumbria University has courses are in the top 30, including of Northumbria University, said: “This through a planned programme of saw Northumbria among the climbed 18 places from last year – the Building, Town and Country Planning, result recognises the progress that we development. Following a position in UK’s biggest climbers in the seventh largest improvement of any Criminology, Nursing and Midwifery, are making and reflects our clear focus the top 50 for research power in the 2017 Guardian University other UK institution – and is now Journalism, Publishing and Public on quality and putting our students 2014 REF, a place in The Guardian’s TLeague Table. The table ranks the ranked in the top 50 UK universities, Relations, and Sport Science. This at the heart of the University. It is top 50 UK universities will further country’s 119 universities by scoring with eight of its courses featuring in latest result marks the University’s also a reflection of the investments cement our growing reputation in the each institution for aspects of the the national top 30. highest ever position in this league the University has made to improve UK and internationally.” student experience that matter most to The Guardian’s league table ranks table and follows a series of accolades the overall student experience and students, such as high-quality teaching, Northumbria’s Architecture, Design and achievements in the past year. the environment in which excellent staff to student ratio, spend per student, and Crafts, and Education courses Professor CBE, teaching can take place. It shows we entry tariff and employability. top 10 in the UK. A number of other Vice- and Chief Executive are achieving what we set out to do, TURN TO PAGE 3

SIDE Northumbria Interview with REVEAL - INSIDE IN is changing Professor launches across the world Jon Reast campus 10 14 26 NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS CONTENTS NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 6 16

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News 1-3, 8, 20, 33 Building a better 4-5 Staff from each area of Student and Library Services with their Customer Service Excellence award Northumbria Health 6-7, 36 Alumni 9 Only the best Northumbria is changing 10-15 the world The Big Interview: 14-15 for Northumbria Professor Jon Reast Postgraduate special 16-19 Environment 21 students! Business and Law 9, 22-25 Northumbria students officially receive some of the highest standards of customer Culture & Health 26-32, 34-35 service in the UK, after the University achieved top marks in the Government’s Feature: Reveal 2016 26-31 national accreditation for providing customer service excellence.

Best of The Conversation 37 number of key services as the work we undertake to map how Sport 38-40 including the University Our library is students use our services to deliver 384753/6/16 Library, Careers and ranked joint many of our service improvements.” Employment, Student Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor ASupport and Wellbeing and the 1st in the UK Peter Francis, added: “Student and Ask4Help one-stop-shop, were Library Services has led the way in assessed in an external inspection for Student evidencing how we put customer which measured almost 60 elements service excellence at the heart of what of service excellence standard. These Experience* we are doing to bring improvements include the timeliness and quality *Times Higher Education Student to our services for students. We are of service provided; how services Experience Survey 2015/16 delighted that this hard work has are delivered; and what insights the been recognised with this national department has into its customers – accreditation.” our students. Customer Service Excellence The University passed all Access to more accreditation is a trade mark of components with flying colours and than 1.3m books* the Cabinet Office. The University was particularly praised in four areas received this award shortly before – including the Ask4Help service. It *University Library: books and eBooks the latest Times Higher Education was described as having “exceptional combined Student Experience Survey ranked behaviours or practises that can be Northumbria in the UK top 20 for viewed as an exemplar for others.” providing an outstanding student The department was also praised “We are absolutely delighted that the experience. These successes point to for its work in putting students at full service has secured Customer Northumbria’s overarching ambition the heart of its service and for its Service Excellence accreditation. of being ranked in the top 30 UK “passionate, warm and friendly” staff, Working in partnership with students universities. who were described by students as is at the heart of our ethos, so we are going “above and beyond” to help particularly pleased that the assessor them. praised the positive experiences DISCOVER MORE Professor Jane Core, Director of enjoyed by users of our Ask4Help Student and Library Services, said: service for student enquirers, as well northumbria.ac.uk/library Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NEWS 3

Northumbria rises to record league‘‘ table position FROM COVER

Northumbria University’s impressive More than 15,000 students from 117 was highly rated, ranking joint fourth edge research-rich teaching can take rise in The Guardian’s league table UK universities took part in the Times in the UK. This, combined with place.” It shows we are result follows a series of accolades and Higher Education’s annual survey Team Northumbria’s outstanding Northumbria was also recently achieving what achievements in the past year and were asked to rate how their performance in this year’s BUCS named in the world’s 150 under 50 list we set out to do, Northumbria achieved the Business universities performed in 21 different national league table in which the against universities from 39 countries. School of the Year award at the areas. These included the quality of University reached eighth position, The list ranks universities established through a planned prestigious Times Higher Education the lecturers and facilities, library further cements the University’s after 1966 on their teaching, research, programme of Awards and in the summer 2015 provision, accommodation, the on- sporting reputation. Northumbria also citations, international outlook and International Student Barometer campus environment and community lifted the Stan Calvert cup once again industry income. Northumbria joined development. survey, rose 26 places to third atmosphere and the welfare support this year – beating rivals Newcastle 24 other UK institutions in this group, Following a position spot in terms of satisfaction levels made available to students. The University for the third year running. further demonstrating the institution’s in the top 50 for among overseas students. In March, University scored particularly highly Professor Wathey added: growing reputation as a global Northumbria also achieved its best in a number of key areas, with the “Northumbria’s rating reflects our university. Research Power ever position in the Times Higher Library now rated joint first in staff’s continued commitment to in the 2014 REF, Education Student Experience Survey. the UK. The survey also praised putting students at the heart of the The survey rated Northumbria as the Northumbria’s high-quality facilities, University. It is also a reflection of the

a place in The 18th best university in the UK and the atmosphere and environment on investments the University has made DISCOVER MORE

Guardian’s top 50 second in the North-East for student campus and social life. to improve the student experience and UK universities will experience. Once again, sport at Northumbria the environment in which cutting- northumbria.ac.uk further cement our ‘‘ growing reputation in the UK and Top 15 in the UK* internationally.

Professor Andrew Wathey CBE, Vice-Chancellor th th th th and Chief Executive of 4  5  10  15  Northumbria University Design and Crafts Education Architecture Nursing and Midwifery

*Guardian University League Table 2017 NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 4 FEATURE Building a better Northumbria

Over the next two years Northumbria’s city campus will be transformed into a dynamic new hub for staff and students, thanks to a major £52 million investment. Northumbria University News previews some of the University’s exciting new plans…

ver the past ten years, Engineering and Environment partnerships regionally, nationally more than £200 million students in both Ellison and and internationally. Now is the time has been invested in Sutherland Buildings in the heart of to create the environment we need developing outstanding City Campus West. A new four-storey to achieve our vision for 2025, and Onew facilities for students at building for computing subjects will beyond. Northumbria’s City and Coach create a landmark to open up the “This investment will sustain a Lane campuses, and over the next west side of the campus from the world-class campus for Northumbria two years, a further £52 million is bridge, and plans are also afoot to that will lead to improvements being spent to build an even better redevelop Lipman Building for Arts, in student satisfaction and more Northumbria to transform the Design and Social Sciences students. effective ways of working, and student experience. Work on all of these projects will support our evolution into a new The University has now announced begin over the coming months, with kind of excellent university.” new plans to bring all student-facing most expected to be complete and As the projects draw to completion, services together into the heart of ready for teaching from September the University will begin working the City Campus by summer 2017. 2018. A number of Northumbria’s on the next phase of its estates Based around the University Library, current students and graduates who masterplan to develop world class the Students’ Union, Shop Central are working in leading architecture new buildings for 2025 and beyond. and Sport Central, the new Student and construction firms regionally Discussions on these plans have Central area will bring all of the and nationally will be involved in already begun with a number of core services students need in one bringing these developments to leading architectural practices and place. To create this dynamic new fruition. with honorary graduate and well- student-facing hub, Pandon Building, Vice-Chancellor and Chief known architect, George Clarke. on the other side of the central Executive, Professor Andrew Wathey motorway, is being reshaped and CBE, said: “In recent years we have refurbished to provide a new home launched an ambitious new strategy for staff working in the University’s to transform the University, and professional support services. have made radical change in our Student Central There will also be a major research performance, our student We’re bringing all of our student-facing services together in one area, as investment in the creation of recruitment and experience, DISCOVER MORE part of an initiative known as Student Central. This will allow students to new state-of-the-art facilities for alongside significant steps in our northumbria.ac.uk/betternorthumbria access the University library, Sport Central, Shop Central, the Students’ Union and services, such as Careers and Employment, Student Support Architecture and Built Environment and Wellbeing, and international advice all in one central zone. In summer 2016 Student Central will be extended into Squires Building We’re already known for having some of the best architecture and built environment courses in the country (we’re and the current Library ground floor area will be opened up to create ranked 10th in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2017) and our reputation is set to get even better more flexible spaces for social and learning use. Summer 2017 will herald with the creation of a brand new, world-class School of Architecture and Built Environment. the most visible change with the installation of a striking new façade To create this, we’ll be merging old with new by transforming our historic Sutherland Building with a contemporary, wrapping around the Library towards Newcastle Civic Centre to create a yet sympathetically designed, extension incorporating bright and airy new studio spaces with one of our most new gateway to Northumbria University from the Haymarket. All of this inspiring buildings. We’re working with our architects on the plans to create a unique, state-of-the-art home for space will be designed with full involvement of our students to ensure students on these popular courses over the coming months. Construction will begin in 2017 and we’ll be open for that we create outstanding learning, teaching and social spaces that will teaching by the end of 2018. meet their current and future needs. Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU FEATURE 5

Computing and Information Sciences The world of technology moves at pace, and students need facilities that are ahead of the game. That’s why we’re creating a state-of-the-art new building equipped with the very best industry-standard computing and information technologies. With a contemporary glass façade inspired by the father of the computer, Charles Babbage, the new building will be low carbon and sustainable, featuring intelligent lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling. Construction is already underway and we expect this building to be open for teaching early in the 2017/18 academic year.

Timeline By end of 2016 • Construction underway for new Computing and Information Sciences building. • Start work on Student Central by expanding University Library into Squires Building. • Agree designs for new extension to rear of Sutherland Building to create a School of Architecture. • Develop designs for new Lipman Building, with further details on this project to be confirmed following this.

Artists’ impression of the new Computing and Information Sciences building By end of 2017 • Student Central developed around University Library. • New Computing and Information Sciences building complete and ready to be Lipman Building used for teaching. Currently home to many of our Humanities and Social Sciences courses, • Construction begins on new Lipman is one of Northumbria’s oldest buildings. We’re intending to create extension to Sutherland new world-class learning, teaching and research spaces for our Arts, Design Building to create School of State-of-the-art STEM facilities and Social Sciences students. Right now, we’re talking with students and staff Architecture. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) facilities at about what might be included in this new space and we’ll share plans on • All professional support Northumbria are undergoing a stunning transformation this summer thanks what this might look like later this year. services moved into Pandon to a £6.7m investment. Construction work is currently underway in Ellison Building. Building at City Campus on refurbished laboratories and facilities which will introduce new cutting edge technology to the University and also support • Work to commence on the the launch of new degree programmes, such as Automotive Engineering, Civil Pandon Building proposed refurbishment of Lipman Building. Engineering and Physics. Our professional support staff are currently based in numerous buildings The significant investment will also enhance research and teaching for across the City Campus, which can make it more difficult to work in the University’s current 3,500+ STEM students and strengthen links with collaboration. The creation of a new building for Computing and Information By end of 2018 industry. New technology will include a bespoke engine test cell facility, wind Sciences frees up Pandon Building, which benefits from large floor plates tunnel, scaled tutorial mock-ups of working automotive systems, 50-tonne that can accommodate open plan working. After refurbishment, Pandon • New School of Architecture test frame and actuator, scanning electron microscope and improved 3D will create a dedicated base for all of our professional support staff that will and Built Environment printing facilities. The current phase of construction is due for completion in provide a flexible, modern approach to working with improved collaboration complete and ready to be September 2016. between services. used for teaching. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 6 HEALTH Northumbria leads the way in training nurses Northumbria University has joined forces with the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to develop an innovative new way of training nurses.

s a result of the of devising our own tailor-made recruitment challenges solutions which fit our needs and facing the whole of the bring benefits for our patients, and NHS, Northumbria this is an excellent example of coming AHealthcare has invested £1million in a up with ideas which truly work for us. bespoke Adult Nursing Studies course “We have vast experience of for staff who already have substantial working in partnership with other healthcare and academic experience. organisations and we’re delighted to Believed to be the first partnership be running this unique programme of its kind in the country, the Trust with Northumbria University and and University are working together leading the way nationally on an to deliver the new work-based course innovative new way of nurse training. that will train 20 members of Trust By working in partnership with staff to become nurses in just 18 Northumbria University to train months. Successful completion of the our own nurses we will not only be course will lead to an honours degree growing our own workforce and in nursing, as well as guaranteed creating opportunities for our own employment at Northumbria staff, we will be able to have nurses Healthcare. who share our values and put patients The bespoke course – which meets at the heart of everything they do.” the requirements of the professional Professor Pam Dawson, Associate regulatory body the Nursing and Dean for Strategic Workforce Midwifery Council – combines Planning and Development in classroom-based teaching, simulated Northumbria’s Faculty of Health The first cohort of nurses from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to study on the University’s new course clinical skills and hands-on practical and Life Sciences, added: “We are experience in and delighted to be working in partnership programme has been designed to UK according to the The Guardian that it received almost six times the North Tyneside hospitals and the with Northumbria Healthcare on this fully meet its needs. It will enable University League Table 2017 and number of applications than there community. innovative new programme. This is motivated people with healthcare applicants were put through a were places and a second cohort will Debbie Reape, Interim Executive a new way of educating and training experience already working within rigorous application and assessment begin the course later this year. Director of Nursing at Northumbria future nurses using a workplace-based the sector to step up and become process before being shortlisted Scan code to Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, coaching model to support their fully qualified nurses and we hope for the programme. This included watch video said: “Like every NHS organisation teaching and learning, keeping quality that this will be the first of many such assessments by both the Trust and the in the country, we continue to face of patient care at the forefront. arrangements with other trusts across University, and a full-day workshop real recruitment pressures and must “The Trust is a front-runner in the country.” where they dealt with the different continually look at innovative ways to looking at new ways of working to Northumbria’s nursing courses scenarios that they may experience. DISCOVER MORE secure our future nursing workforce. develop the workforce they need are among the most highly rated The opportunity proved so popular We have an unparalleled track record for the future and this innovative in the country, ranked 15th in the with the Trust’s existing employees northumbria.ac.uk/nursing

JENNI AND OGECHI’S STORIES enni Thompson and Ogechi as a breastfeeding volunteer after North Tyneside General Hospital until Okore are two members of having my first child and then became this opportunity came up. the first cohort of students a breastfeeding support worker “The course has been so on the course. They spoke to in Northumberland. This grew my interesting. I already have experience JNorthumbria University News about interest in healthcare and I planned of a lot of the practical elements but the opportunity they have been to do a nursing degree in around five didn’t know the theory behind it, so given. years, but this opportunity came up doing the research and reading the Jenni, who previously worked as a and it was too good to miss. I love it so journals has been so empowering. nursing assistant in Hexham General far. It’s so interesting and the teaching “When it finishes I’d particularly like Hospital’s maternity unit, explained team have been fantastic. I couldn’t why she decided to apply. ask for better support.” to specialise in alcohol nursing, given “I was working in pharmaceuticals Mum-of-three, Ogechi, added: “I’ve the amount of NHS spending in this before having my children and always had an interest in caring for area, and help people to get the right wanted to work part-time so people and have been supporting information they need to make a real (L-R) Ogechi Okore and Jenni Thompson changed career,” she said. “I trained patients as a nursing assistant at difference in their lives.” Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU HEALTH 7 The herbs that can boost your mood and memory New research from Northumbria University has revealed that peppermint, chamomile, rosemary and lavender have an impact on mood and memory, with significant benefits displayed for older people.

esearchers from the said ‘rosemary is for remembrance,’ University’s Department and it’s also associated with being of Psychology have invigorating. We have found that undertaken a number of people are more alert after being in a Rstudies into the effects of herbs and room that has rosemary aroma in it. substances on mood and memory. We tested prospective memory – our Previously, they have found that sage, ability to remember to do something ginseng, lemon balm and gingko – on people over 65 years of age, to see biloba can all have positive effects on if we could improve their ability and Montmorency cherry juice improving mental performance, and we found that rosemary could do that. their latest research has found that This is potentially very important drinking peppermint tea improves because prospective memory, for alertness, while chamomile tea has a example, enables you to remember to calming effect. They have also found take your medication at certain times that smelling the aromas of rosemary of the day. Health research and lavender impacted on memory “It is interesting to see the in people over 65, with the scent of contrasting effects that different herbs rosemary enhancing their memory, can have on both mood and memory, while lavender impaired it. and our research suggests that that Dr Mark Moss, Head of the they could have beneficial effects, Department of Psychology, said: particularly in older age groups. If with a real impact “Peppermint has a reputation for you were otherwise healthy then being psychologically or mentally this research suggests that there is With over five million people in England suffering from high blood pressure, alerting. It picks you up and makes an opportunity to have an improved which increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, stroke or you feel a little bit brighter, so we memory.” endeavoured to test this out by giving The findings were presented at the dementia, researchers from Northumbria University have been looking at how people peppermint tea, or chamomile annual British Psychological Society natural products might be used to treat the illness. tea, which is a more calming drink, Conference and received widespread and then put them through some media coverage. They are further n recent years the University meaning they were at higher risk of “The magnitude of the blood computerised tests. We found that evidence supporting Northumbria’s has undertaken a number of experiencing cardiovascular related pressure lowering effects we observed those people who had drunk the top 20 ranking for its research in studies into the health benefits problems. was comparable to those achieved by peppermint tea had better long-term psychology in the 2014 Research of tart Montmorency cherry The researchers found that a single anti-hypertensive drug and memory. They were able to remember Excellence Framework, which concentrate. Northumbria researchers those who were given the cherry highlights the potential importance more words and pictures that they measures the quality of research I have found that drinking the concentrate saw a 7% reduction in that Montmorency cherries could had seen. In contrast, the people who undertaken at UK universities. concentrate improves the quality and blood pressure when compared to have in the effective management of had the chamomile were slower in quantity of sleep. It also significantly those drinking a fruit-flavoured high blood pressure.” responding to tasks. reduces the symptoms associated with cordial. This reduction is comparable The study, published in the world- “Rosemary, meanwhile, has a DISCOVER MORE gout and enhances the recovery of to the level achieved by anti- leading American Journal of Clinical reputation about being associated muscle function after intense exercise, hypertensive medication. Past studies Nutrition, is yet another example of with memory. Even Shakespeare northumbria.ac.uk/psychology probably due to its anti-inflammatory have shown that a reduction of Northumbria University’s impressive and anti-oxidative properties. They between 5-6% over a sustained period track record of conducting ground- have now found that the juice can is associated with a 38% reduced risk breaking multi-disciplinary research also reduce high blood pressure at of stroke and 23% reduced risk of projects. The University is committed a level comparable to that normally coronary heart disease. to undertaking research has impact, achieved by medication. Lead author and lecturer in Sport which contributed to Northumbria As part of the study, half the and Exercise Nutrition, Karen achieving the biggest increase in participants were given 60ml of a Keane, explained: “The majority of research power of any university Montmorency cherry concentrate cardiovascular disease is caused by in the UK, according to the 2014 and the other half received the same risk factors that can be controlled, Research Excellence Framework. amount of a commercially available treated or modified, such as high fruit-flavoured cordial. Blood blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, Scan code to pressure, blood samples and other tobacco use, lack of physical activity watch video cardiovascular screening tests were and diabetes. Raised blood pressure taken before and after the drinks is the leading cause of deaths from were consumed. Normal blood cardiovascular disease, yet relatively pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. small reductions in blood pressure DISCOVER MORE All participants in the study had can have a large impact on mortality Chamomile tea readings of at least 130/90 mmHg, rates. northumbria.ac.uk/sportrehab NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 8 NORTHUMBRIA NEWS Banking on benefits from new partnership Northumbria has signed a new partnership with Santander Universities that will bring a significant number of benefits to students including scholarships, internships and work placements.

he three-year partnership Northumbria’s Vice-Chancellor and Adam Crawley, President of with Santander Universities Chief Executive, Professor Andrew Northumbria Students’ Union, added: has led to a branch of the Wathey CBE, said: “This agreement “Santander has an excellent reputation bank opening within the cements our ambition to collaborate for providing banking services to The Brain Zone exhibition at the Life Science Centre TStudents’ Union. This will make it easier with leading organisations to benefit students and in particular supporting for students and staff to access banking Northumbria’s academic community international students to open bank services, and Santander will fund a of students and staff. It will enable accounts efficiently when they package of annual scholarships, worth at the University to provide further arrive on campus. Having a branch Academics help to least £40,000 per year, to help to support support and opportunities for research of Santander based in the Students’ students’ international mobility and activities, an area where we are gaining Union will make this essential part of entrepreneurship activities. significant strength and international student life so much easier and provide uncover the secrets Santander Universities is also recognition. This agreement will a great shop window for students funding three £5,000 international add significantly to the range of our to find out about the Santander scholarships for postgraduate students’ educational experiences and scholarships and internships that they of the brain Northumbria students to encourage employability prospects. I am confident can apply for. The Students’ Union is them to travel overseas, with a that this partnership will continue to excited by the University’s partnership If you’ve ever wondered exactly what is going particular focus on travel to Latin develop and have a positive impact on with Santander and look forward to on inside your head, a new exhibition at the America, as well as 15 scholarships of our students and staff for many years working with them to promote the Life Science Centre, co-produced by leading £1,000 to enable students or staff to to come.” opportunities they will bring.” travel to any of the 20 countries where Robin Foale, Managing Director A division of the Santander Northumbria University academics, will help Santander has a higher education of Santander Universities, said: “At organisation aimed at supporting the you to answer that question. partner. Santander we want to support students communities in which it operates, Entrepreneurial activities are being and academics with the funding since 1996 Santander Universities has sychology academics have It shows the public how the brain supported with a three-day business we provide, building long-standing donated over €1 billion, to universities contributed to The Brain functions, develops and encompasses start-up weekend, enabling up to 60 relationships between Northumbria in countries including Brazil, Mexico, Zone exhibition, which tells the senses, with lots of experiments for students to develop their enterprise and more than 1,200 universities in Argentina, Portugal and the UK the story of the brain and people to participate in.” skills and improve their employability our network. Our branch on campus through scholarships, research grants Phow it works, revealing some of its PhD Psychology student, Louise and Santander will also support the will be the perfect point of contact for and mobility awards designed to enable secrets and exploring the techniques Harvey Golding, added: “From my Students’ Union with its fundraising anyone who wants to find out more internationalisation and innovation. scientists use to study it. Using perspective, the partnership with the activities, for example, providing about what Santander has to offer to the hands-on exhibits and activities to Centre for Life has enabled me to gain opportunities to match-fund donations community, whether it is to apply for a DISCOVER MORE engage visitors, the exhibition explores skills in research that are really essential made to charitable causes such as RAG scholarship or internship or to open a northumbria.ac.uk/ everything from how messages are to my PhD role, which I can take Week. bank account or apply for a mortgage.” santanderuniversities relayed in the brain to the role of forward to help my career in the future.” emotions. One of the highlights is The exhibition was funded by the the opportunity to view a real human Wellcome Trust, one of the largest brain from Dr Gunther von Hagens’ biomedical research charities in the Institute of Plastination in Germany. world. The Trust is one of the UK’s Northumbria University has leading funders of public engagement worked in partnership with the with science activities and aims to International Centre for Life for improve health by supporting science, a number of years to draw the the humanities and social sciences, public into the world of science and and public engagement. encourage them to think about science As well as this public exhibition, in new ways. Both institutions work Northumbria is also playing a major together on research projects and role in encouraging young people exhibitions, with students benefitting to consider careers in science. It is from placements and access to Life’s currently leading the £1.2 million facilities. Through the University’s Think Physics project which aims to partnership with the Centre, inspire young people – particularly Psychology academics were members girls and those from under- of the specialist group which advised represented groups – into studying Life on the scientific content of the £1 Science, Technology, Engineering, million exhibition, and students were Mathematics and Medicines subjects. able to participate in developing the Scan code to content. watch video Professor Greta Defeyter, from the Department of Psychology at Northumbria, said: “The exhibition has been designed to get science out DISCOVER MORE into the real world, but also allowing Northumbria University SU Santander branch manager, Tom Stead (right) with Northumbria’s Marketing Director, Adam Dunlop, who was the real world to come into academia. www.life.org.uk the first person to open an account at the new branch Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NORTHUMBRIA NEWS 9

Law blog Your lifelong link to goes global Northumbria University A student-led law blog has been shortlisted for an influential teaching award, after attracting readers from over 45 countries around the world.

The Brain Zone exhibition at the Life Science Centre

(L-R) Victoria Gleason and Elaine Campbell

laine Campbell and Victoria Law graduate James Warnock said: Gleason, academics and “Contributing to the blog proved supervisors in Northumbria invaluable in terms of boosting my Law School’s multi-award employability. In interviews, I was able to Northumbria University Ewinning Student Law Office, designed demonstrate my business development and created the We Take Care Of Business skills by speaking about the client Alumni Association has over located in blog, which provides a valuable insight publicity that I had written. My blog into clinical legal education. posts showed firms that I was able to Based around company, commercial nurture client relationships, whilst and intellectual property law, the blog providing added value and marketing provides Northumbria students with 167 services in an effective and client-focused 186,000 a fantastic opportunity to impress manner.” alumni across the world countries future employees through their posts The Student Law Office has managed about their legal interests and learning more than 3,000 enquiries, represented experiences. It has proven hugely popular more than 1,000 clients and secured over Don’t want this to end? Northumbria Alumni Association provides a lifelong among both law students, who benefit £1 million on their behalf since 2008. link to your University and the friends that you have made during your from the practical hints and tips it In 2014, the University was presented publishes, and with business students. with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for studies. As a graduating student, you are a member of our Alumni Association As a result, it was shortlisted for the Higher and Further Education for the 2016 Routledge/ALT Teaching Law with outstanding community work of the Technology Prize. Student Law Office. Membership is free and gives you access to a range of benefits and services, including: Elaine said: “The blog was set up • 20% discount on postgraduate study; within the Student Law Office to provide • Ongoing access to the University’s Careers and Employment Service; students with a platform to write about whatever law-related topic they chose. To visit the blog and • Discounted membership of the University Library and Sports Centres; Northumbria Law School has one of discover more scan the code • Free subscription to the Alumni and Friends’ e-newsletters; the longest running business law clinics

in the UK and the blog is a unique • Lifetime membership of the Students’ Union;

opportunity for our students to develop • Invitations to social and professional networking events; commercial awareness and digital ‘‘ DISCOVER MORE skills, as well as provide information to • Opportunities to support the University through volunteer schemes such as the Alumni businesses.” northumbria.ac.uk/law Ambassador Programme.

Contributing to the blog proved invaluable More information available at northumbria.ac.uk/alumni

in terms of boosting my employability. In interviews, I was able to demonstrate my ‘‘ facebook.com/NorthumbriaUniAlumni uk.linkedin.com/in/northumbriaalumni

business development skills by speaking about instagram.com/northumbriaalumni @NorthumbriaAlum the client publicity that I had written. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 10 GLOBAL

At Northumbria University, our pioneering academics strive to make a real difference on a global scale. Their world-class research and the highest-quality academic work is responsive to the societal needs and demands of the world. Northumbria University News takes a look at some of the international issues that our staff and students have been actively engaging with this year. Northumbria is changing the world

BREXIT: an academic view

Speaking before the EU leaving the EU will inevitably create half of the total UK trade balance. Professor Ignazio Cabras some resentment among member The EU is our biggest market, and referendum vote, Professor states toward the UK, and this will leaving the EU will bring several Ignazio Cabras, Faculty inevitably affect renegotiation. issues for international companies which have their main offices in Director for Research Ethics Q: Can businesses take practical the UK, not to mention their main steps to prepare for a possible exit? at Newcastle Business factories and production processes. Are there things they could be What if the EU imposes tariffs on School, gave his views to doing now? The Journal on what a ‘Brexit’ imports from the UK? Companies will A: There is basically nothing that find this inconvenient and may have might mean for the UK. businesses can do now in order to to relocate somewhere else, with prepare themselves in view of the significant consequences in terms of Q: What are the most likely referendum results. However, I do not business and employment. immediate economic impacts of the believe that productive processes Q: Are there any parallels between UK leaving the EU? will be affected even in the case of the UK and, say, Norway and other Brexit, at least in the short term, as A: The most immediate economic non-EU European countries? Is the firms will still need to meet a number impact will definitely be associated UK a special case? of standards in order to place with the situation of uncertainty that their products in the EU market. A: I don’t believe we can compare a Brexit will create in the markets. Something that businesses will need this situation with anything we have International investors will need to consider, however, are the effects seen before, and the comparisons significant time to understand their on the availability of workforce from made with Norway, Switzerland and options with the UK, and in the the EU. other countries are simply odd. This is meantime many will prefer to invest because many of the countries which their capital and effort somewhere Q: Is it likely that stock markets operate in the European markets else. As a result, there will be a period have already ‘priced-in’ a possible have to accept several conditions of re-adjustment which will affect exit? Or are we likely to see wild without having the opportunity large companies as well as small fluctuations in the UK markets if to intervene in the formulation of ones, with effects on many segments there is an exit? policies and strategies. The cost of the population. A: I think stock markets will react of benefiting from the EU without Q: Will these impacts happen quite quickly to any result the being part of it seems higher than quickly, or will it be several years referendum will produce, but it staying in it, for example Norway. It before we see any real change as is too early for making plans and pays higher fees per-head compared the full withdrawal will be a lengthy pricing/costing on a possible exit. to the British average, with just a process? This is a unique situation for which fraction of our population. no evidence can be used to make A: It is difficult to predict, but I do Q: Could the UK’s exit threaten the reliable analysis. However, an exit not believe this will be an easy and whole EU – particularly if the UK will again determine uncertainty, quick process. After the Brexit, the thrives outside the EU? and since financial markets hate

Government will have two years uncertainty huge fluctuations for the A: I fear so, as it may set a precedent to renegotiate our relationship ‘‘ UK economy are highly predictable. to which other member states may with the EU. The vast majority look with interest. It will also provide of British laws and systems are Q: Can the UK survive in isolation a fertile terrain to strengthening compliant with EU standards due from an economic point of view?

many populist parties, particularly in to our membership, but any small What are the likely Pros and what the smallest countries. change proposed and discussed in The EU is our biggest market, and are the Cons here? a hypothetical new agreement will leaving the EU will bring several issues for A: In such a globalised and need to be approved and ratified by ‘‘ interconnected world, economic the other 28 members. This is the international companies which have their isolation is hard to hypothesise. real challenge, and two years may be However, being part of the EU gives Following the publication of this article enough to achieve ‘satisfactory’ deals, main offices in the UK, not to mention their us access to a large free-trade market in The Journal, Britain voted to leave the but not the best ones. In addition, main factories and production processes which actually accounts for about European Union on 23 June 2016. Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU GLOBAL 11

Northumbria academics on the Iraq Inquiry Leading academics from across the UK travelled to Northumbria University to discuss the legal and political consequences of military action in Iraq between 2003 and 2011.

t is now more than a decade since the controversial deployment of IBritish troops in Iraq in March 2003, with this military action raising a range of significant political concerns at domestic and international levels at the time. Experts across a range of areas including human rights, international law, constitutional law, legal theory and history spoke at the (L-R) Professor Yu Xiong and Professor Kevin Kerrigan, (Newcastle Business School), SuNan Jiang (Minister Counsellor for Science Iraq: Legal-Political Legacies conference & Technology at the Chinese Embassy), Professor Andrew Wathey CBE (Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria University) and Nick Forbes, which was hosted shortly before the (Leader of Newcastle City Council) publication of the Chilcot Report; a British public inquiry into the nation’s role in the Iraq War and chaired by Sir John Chilcot. Rebecca Moosavian, Senior Lecturer at Northumbria Law School co- Northumbria’s Far East connection organised the event with fellow Northumbria Law Lecturers Dr Conall High ranking officials from organisations including the Chinese Embassy, UK government, Mallory and Dr David McGrogan. Ms Moosavian, who is researching the dynamics of power and knowledge during the Iraq War, presented her and the China Britain Business Council gathered at a special event organised by findings at the conference. She said high-impact research around this Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School earlier this year to discuss trade opportunities. subject could not be timelier.

he North East China Business Professor Xiong said: “Events like Professor Xiong added: “We hope Forum offered help and expert this can progress innovation-sharing to use these events to progress Tadvice for regional businesses partnerships. They can also show innovation-sharing partnerships and looking to enter new markets businesses in the region how they to show businesses in the region in China. The event was held at can collaborate with Northumbria how to explore opportunities in Newcastle Civic Centre and attracted on commercial opportunities in China. Professor Xiong’s contribution a large and diverse audience. China. The same also goes for our to China UK Innovation collaboration Event organiser Professor Yu entrepreneurial-minded students made him a 2012 Olympic Xiong, Chair of Technology and and graduate start-ups looking to Torch Bearer. Operations Management at open trade links in China.” Newcastle Business School, has Newcastle Business School has played a leading role in advising worked extensively with China for a Scan code to the government on UK-Chinese number of years. Each year, around watch video relationships. Earlier this year, he was 700 students come from China to “The timing is critical for research of this sort, with the Chilcot Report due invited to meet Chinese President study law and business-related out,” she commented. “It reflects expertise from across the University to look Xi Jinping on his recent state visit to courses and around 800 are currently at the legacy of Iraq, which raises a range of significant political concerns, the UK. studying Northumbria courses with DISCOVER MORE from prime ministerial power to international law and human rights.” partner institutions in Hong Kong. Dr Mallory added: “This line of research further establishes the University northumbria.ac.uk/business as a powerhouse in particular areas, bringing in academics from law, politics, geography, history and art. It shows that the University is not just evolving in one area but across a series of different areas.” Running to two million words, Sir John Chilcot’s review into the Iraq War was completed in April 2016 and will be released this summer after a team of officials have carried out national security checking. The main focus of the Iraq Inquiry is on the events leading up to the 2003 invasion, including the legality of military action, the intelligence and whether former Prime Minister Tony Blair gave an early undertaking to then US president, George W Bush to support the invasion. Scan code to watch video

DISCOVER MORE northumbria.ac.uk/law NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 12 GLOBAL Why don’t we wipe mosquitoes off the face of the earth? Earlier this year, Mike Jeffries, Teaching Fellow in Ecology at Northumbria University, made international headlines after writing about mosquitoes for news outlet The Conversation following the emergence of the Zika Virus. Mike’s article, previewed below, was republished by The Washington Post, El Pais – South America’s biggest news publication – and many other news outlets, helping position Northumbria as a leading commentator on global issues.

blood-sucking, disease- whining, their larvae infesting spreading, whining miasmas and dismal swamps. And creature is always going under the right conditions they are to be a hard sell, even mobile and expansionist pioneers, Ato nature lovers. And the dreaded perfectly at home in the disrupted mosquito is now the prime suspect habitats we create. Which begs the behind the sudden arrival and question: what good do they do – explosive spread of Zika virus in and if we could wipe them from the Central and South America. Zika is face of the Earth should we? transmitted by a mosquito vector Aedes aegypti, a pan-global tropical causing more misery and loss to species already well known for humanity than any other organism To read Mike’s full Understanding spreading diseases such as yellow (with the obvious exception of article scan the code and dengue fever. ourselves). Mosquitoes are unlovely the burden of Mosquitoes are credited with creatures, all twitchy legged and Global Disease

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Burden of Disease Study is the largest and most comprehensive international research study which aims to benchmark emerging health issues worldwide.

ore than 1,600 while life expectancy across the researchers from world is growing, these extra years 120 countries are are not spent in good health; and collaborating on the that air pollution accounts for Mstudy, analysing data to compare approximately one third of strokes changes in health over time, across recorded across the world. countries, age groups and genders. Speaking about her involvement in The study builds a complex picture the study, Dr Shiue said: “My studies of what conditions are most likely have focused on investigating to lead to disability or death in human disease incidence, different regions and groups. It prevalence, mortality and risk Top 20 in the UK for global disaster looks at human disease incidence, factors, and I also have an interest in prevalence, mortality and risk environmental health at an individual factors, as well as years of life lost level. My expertise falls into the area and development research due to premature mortality and of disease surveillance research, and time lived in states of less than when the Global Burden of Disease ollowing the Research identification and management. risk reduction. Northumbria’s full health. It is the main source of team put out a worldwide call for Excellence Framework 2014 Since its foundation at contribution to this field is health information for governments experts in this area, I joined the study – the national exercise to Northumbria in 2004, the DDN has supported through its global MSc of 188 countries, providing and contribute on human disease assess the research quality of been researching and facilitating and doctoral alumni and annual them with detailed data on the monitoring and prevention at the Fall UK universities – judges singled the implementation of disaster risk Dealing with Disasters conference. conditions they can expect to see global level. out work by the Disaster and reduction strategies to improve The University runs Disaster in their populations. This allows “Many of our findings are Development Network (DDN) at community resilience in some of Management and Sustainable them to plan initiatives for health published in The Lancet, which Northumbria. the world’s poorest communities. Development courses as part of improvements and drive funding for is one of the oldest and best The study was judged by the UK Researchers from the University its Geography department, which research and health programmes to known general medical journals Collaborative on Development have worked with communities in recently achieved 91% ‘Overall the right areas. in the world. These have very high Science, a group of 14 UK Bangladesh, Mozambique, Nepal, Satisfaction’ in the National Dr Ivy Shiue, a senior research impact factors for the University Government departments and Pakistan and Zimbabwe to gauge Student Survey 2015 – highlighting associate in Northumbria and my involvement in these research funders. Northumbria’s ideas and perspectives on the risks Northumbria’s focus on ensuring its University’s Department of Public papers with worldwide citations Disaster and Development they face. The DDN at Northumbria students learn from the best in their Health and Wellbeing, is one of the can help increase the quality of Network’s key research influenced was the first, and for a long time the fields. researchers contributing to the research outputs. In addition, the disaster strategies of local only, UK university research group study. To date, her research has these international and global governments in Southern Africa to be an official partner in the DISCOVER MORE helped to reveal that while more collaborations help to spread and South Asia, giving community United Nations process to decide cases of cancer are emerging, the the name and reputation of the groups a central role in risk a global agreement on disaster northumbria.ac.uk/ddn death rates are declining; that University.” Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU GLOBAL 13 Northumbria Sport in brief makes a global impact Northumbria students join debate at United Nations A group of Northumbria students have contributed to the United Nations’ plans to prevent future global disasters by attending an international conference in Geneva. The four MSc and two PhD students, all from the University’s Geography department, were part of a delegation invited to Switzerland as part of Northumbria’s Organising Partner role for the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR). It was the first time a student-led delegation had attended. The event saw more than 900 delegates come together from the world’s leading public, private and academic organisations working on Disaster Risk Reduction and marked the launch of the UNISDR Science and Technology Partnership and the Science and Technology Road Map to 2030.

Multicultural Britain under threat? The impact of immigration legislation on the UK’s ‘everyday borders’ was among the topics discussed at a special panel and film screening at Northumbria University recently. The panel, featuring Northumbria’s Dr Kathryn Cassidy, Don Flynn, Director of Migrants Rights Network, and Clare Hurst, a senior solicitor at Newcastle Law Centre, was chaired by Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah, who also introduced the documentary film, Going for gold in Rio which preceded the debate. Directed by Orson Nava, Everyday Borders explores whether the peaceful coexistence of multi-cultural Britain is under threat as more members of the public are being asked to perform wo of Northumbria Wiedemann syndrome – meaning 2016 International Paralympic what amounts to the role of UK border guards. University’s record- the left side of her body is shorter Committee (IPC) Swimming breaking swim team than her right. The Northumbria European Championships. The will go for gold in Brazil student first represented Great 25-year-old claimed bronze in the thisT summer after claiming their Britain in 2010 at the World same class at London 2012 and will places at the 2016 Paralympics in Championships in the be hoping to go one better in Rio. Students and staff impress Rio. Students Harriet Lee and Taka where she won silver in the Suzuki is set to be one of the stars Suzuki – based at Sport Central women’s 4x100 individual medley of Rio 2016 and is part of Team in the Ukraine – made their respective squads 34-point relay and gold in the 100m Speedo – a group of more than Northumbria staff and students recently attended a national event in earlier this year. Breaststroke SB9 – a swimming 200 of the world’s very best able Kiev to mark the culmination of the three-year IMPRESS project. Led by The pair will fly out to South classification for disabled swimmers. bodied and disability swimmers. Northumbria’s Professor Rebecca Strachan, Associate Dean (Business America next month seeking to She was named in the Great Britain Paralympic swimming takes place and Engagement) in Engineering and Environment, the IMPRESS project better their bronze medal hauls at team after winning a silver medal at Rio’s Olympic Aquatics Stadium was designed to modernise student services across the Ukraine. Funded London 2012. Lee has Beckwith- in the 100m breaststroke at the from September 7-18. by EU Tempus, the project drew on Northumbria’s expertise in providing an outstanding student experience and focused on four main areas: student recruitment, student placement, development of soft skills and Volleyball wins European vote student-led initiatives. orthumbria University will We are very proud to be able to Science and innovation fly the flag for student sport represent Northumbria University in Croatia this summer on the international stage and show workshop in Brazil following another hugely the world how far our volleyball Nsuccessful domestic season. Both the programme has come.” A Geography academic will help lead a workshop in Brazil after being men’s and women’s volleyball teams The Games will be held in two awarded a share of a prestigious £375m fund. Dr Bronwen Whitney, are representing British Universities Croatian cities - the capital Zagreb from Northumbria’s Department of Geography, and Professor Carlos at the European Universities Games. and the coastal city of Rijeka – and Saito, University of Brasilia, have been awarded a Newton Researcher Bringing together the very best will promote the event slogan, Links Workshop Grant to host the workshop in July 2016. The in student athletes from across Heart Believes-Mind Achieves. The workshop will bring together UK and Brazil-based researchers to form the continent, Northumbria’s head European Universities Games will new international partnerships and increase capacity for science and coach, David Goodchild, said: “It feature competitions for men and innovation in these partner countries. will present our players with a women in 21 sports, with table very different challenge. Both the tennis and swimming featuring men and the women have been competitions for students with challenging for honours in this disabilities. Northumbria’s volleyball DISCOVER MORE country for a number of seasons teams will be in action in July in now and they need a new focus. Zagreb. northumbria.ac.uk/international NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 14 GLOBAL The Big Interview: Professor Jon Reast With a vision to be known as a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence, Northumbria University is working to transform its global reach. Although Northumbria already recruits students from more than 130 countries, it does not rest on its laurels. A new international strategy will lead to the University developing more global partnerships, recruiting students from more countries and developing new courses specifically designed for an international market. Professor Jon Reast, the University’s new Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for international activity, worked in marketing for multi-national companies before moving into academia. Northumbria University News met with him to find out more about what it means to be a global university…

Q: You have worked in both global papers and grant applications, as well industry and academia before as afford the potential for staff and joining Northumbria back in student mobility. October. What have you found to be Q: Are there any universities with the most interesting things about global impact that we aspire to be the University? like? A: I think that Northumbria is on A: I don’t think there are particular a ground-breaking path. We are universities that we’re trying to mimic. very much one of, if not the leading In terms of student recruitment, some post-92 universities, which means have laid out their stall to focus on we’ve got no one to follow and we’re a particular market and some have developing our own strategy for this very high proportions of international new kind of excellent university. students and we don’t see ourselves in This is an exciting journey to be involved with. It’s really refreshing that realm. We want to have a really to find a university that’s open- positive mix of international, European minded, innovative, entrepreneurial and UK students, so that it gives our and willing to look at doing things students a really good experience differently, or feeling that it doesn’t wherever they come from in the world. need to be following the path of Some universities have thousands others. and thousands of students from I’ve also found that there are China, which I believe is not ethical absolutely excellent people here, in in terms of selling a UK educational

the faculties, the directorates, at the experience. On the research side, we

centre, academic and professional position ourselves as being a new support colleagues alike. I’ve worked kind of excellent university, and we in a number of different universities ‘‘ don’t want to be copying the universities. We see ourselves in the UK and I’ve been incredibly Professor Jon Reast, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) impressed with the commitment as being different – we’re very much of people here, with their positive trying to plough our own furrow and

approach, and the amount they’re Q: Why is it important for For me, a global university is one that develop our own position. Much of

willing to put in to see the success of Northumbria to be a global our research, although world-leading, Northumbria. university? has global reach and presence, but one that tends to be highly relevant and applied. A: It’s important to understand ‘‘ Q: How do factors such as our Q: What exactly is a global that strong universities do tend to also thinks globally and provides a global REF success, winning UK Business university? have a well-developed international A: For me, a global university is one experience for its students on campus, and School of the Year, securing AACSB presence, particularly in terms of that has global reach and presence, accreditation and league table their research links and student for its staff to network across. but one that also thinks globally in improvements impact on our mobility. For Northumbria, being terms of providing an international reputation? a global university is important in experience for its students on year international students, but Q: Northumbria has a number of A: The Research Excellence terms of reputation and standing campus. That experience might be as part of the new international international partnerships with Framework is not conducted internationally, and of course, is the nature of the teaching, learning strategy, we are, in addition, looking leading universities. What benefits everywhere around the world so it important for revenue generation. and research material that they to encourage an increased number do they bring? sometimes needs explanation, but the come into contact with, or it might We also know that developing of students to come into the first A: People very often say that you’re fact that we’re now in the top 50 in be the fact that they have access to our position globally will bring year of our degree programmes. judged by the company you keep and the UK for research power definitely a network of partnerships so they many positives and also strengthen A further aspect of being a strong you can position yourself by working does make a difference in terms of the can go and study abroad or go on our position in our own domestic global university is ensuring that alongside others. To a certain extent, partnerships that we can form. Our an exchange visit. Of course, global market. Being a strong global your programmes reflect the needs by working with high-quality partners, performance in things like AACSB or reach and presence also mean university means successfully of that global market. The new we will be seen as equals. Working ‘Business School of the Year’ enables having excellent research links recruiting international students international strategy puts a renewed with some exceptional universities us to enter certain ‘membership clubs’ which support the development of to our campuses here in Newcastle focus on making sure that we are starts to present us in a certain way of universities where quality is a key strong research. This in turn leads to and London. We have in recent indeed market-led, and resist the internationally. In a very practical way, requirement. So, for example, as a cooperation on research papers and years been very successful in temptation to merely sell UK centric these partnerships also give us the result of these successes, the Faculty funding applications. recruiting large numbers of final programmes to overseas markets. opportunity to collaborate on research of Business and Law has been very Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU GLOBAL 15

successful in terms of working to develop partnerships with some top North American institutions, such as the University of Alberta in Canada US Election Special and Northeastern University in Boston, USA, both very well ranked globally. Over the past few months, academics from Northumbria have Q: What are our global aspirations been working with The Conversation to give their views on the and which countries are we looking to expand into? US Election race. A: We are well covered in China, South East Asia, India and Pakistan which Northumbria University has one of the largest History teams in the UK dedicated to the study of the have been long-term markets for us. United States. Here are some of the key pieces of election analysis from the team and other colleagues... To further develop our position, we have a strategy to increase activity in the Middle East, Africa, North and Embracing the South America. North America is seen as a particular priority, this is not ‘silent majority’ only because of the size of the market, – Donald Trump Why the US but also our success with AACSB presidential accreditation, which represents a really brings back the strong currency in that marketplace. primary system North America is home to many worst of 1960s of the top global universities, so if America is no way to run a Northumbria want to be working with democracy really strong international universities, and build a strong and credible global presence, then North America is an obvious location to have partnerships. Violent outbursts and angry shouting matches at Trump campaign stops are just one sign of how sharply Q: How will our global impact divided Americans are today. Dr Randall Stephens, improve if we are able to extend our Reader in History and American Studies, compares the Dr Michael Patrick Cullinane, Reader in US History and reach in these territories? modern violence to that of 1960s America. Programme Director for History, argues that America’s A: It will strengthen our profile, research way of choosing its president is marred by murky voting and joint working position with methods, a warped calendar, and too much hype. institutions in other markets in terms of international research publications Ted Cruz, not Donald Trump, is the and joint grant applications. And obviously, having students from other scariest candidate standing Trump crushes Rubio, but fails to shut countries can only enhance the student With his outrageous statements and shock success experience because we’re not a mono- down the race in the polls, it’s no surprise that Donald Trump culture. Another potential benefit is has dominated headlines throughout the US Dr Cullinane also discusses Trump’s cemented status as increasing the number of European presidential race – overshadowing his rivals on both Republican frontrunner – but argues he still hasn’t sealed and international staff that we employ. the Republican and Democratic sides. Dr Stephens the deal. Many strong universities in the UK explains why his rival Republican candidate Ted Cruz and around the world have a high is just as dangerous. proportion of international academic staff, and it’s not too surprising that these colleagues would publish and go for grants with other overseas based Sounds presidential: international colleagues. It would How Donald 2016’s candidates also add to the internationalisation Trump’s shock experience of students if they saw are struggling with more staff from different parts of the politics are stalling world. It goes back to the very nature campaign songs of internationalisation – what you his ambitions in do on your home campus is of equal importance to what you do for your world golf students overseas, in terms of quality and nature of delivery, richness of experience and outcomes.

The US has a long history of inventive political campaign The Trump Organisation owns 18 golf courses in soundtracks. Brian Ward, Professor of American Studies, DISCOVER MORE the US, Scotland, Ireland and Dubai. William Walton, looks at how this year’s main contenders have tried to Senior Lecturer at Northumbria Law School, looks at align themselves with particular songs or artists that they northumbria.ac.uk/international how Trump’s presidential ambition could affect the believe will increase their appeal – and how they have golfing world. fallen short of the mark. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 16 POSTGRADUATE

Postgraduate education will take you and your skills to the next level. Whether you want to get the professional and practical experience you need to progress in your career, the research skills you need to drive your discipline, or you WANT IT. simply want to build your confidence and pursue your passion, a Masters qualification will take you there. Northumbria’s postgraduate-taught courses are co-created with students and employers to give you all of the skills and attributes you need to succeed. MASTER IT. Over the following pages, Northumbria University News explores how we are ‘masters’ of postgraduate study…

INVESTING IN KNOWLEDGE Research plays a vital role in the student experience and the wider life of a university.

cross UK universities, research of a strategy focused on growing per year) over the next few years. learning from a book, it’s a research- “More broadly though, they will is currently assessed through high-quality research. The aim is to attract top-level staff, rich, more engaged method of get more of a buzz from having Aa system known as the Professor George Marston, students and funding, but that’s not learning.” academics around who are really Research Excellence Framework. Northumbria University’s Pro- all. “The breadth of the themes allows Postgraduates can expect an excited about the research that It’s the means by which higher us to tackle challenges that are of Vice-Chancellor (Research and even richer and more complex they’re doing in their subjects.” education institutions are ranked societal importance,” says Professor Innovation), explains why the experience, says Professor Marston. With benefits to the institution, in terms of ‘research power’, a Marston, explaining that research institution worked so hard to power “At postgraduate level there will be a its students and – hopefully – the key contributor to a university’s takes universities out of the academic up its research. “There’s quite a lot significant research component; and of wider world, it’s no surprise that reputation, influencing the amount bubble and places them in the wider more to a university than teaching course this is vital in research degrees.” universities such as Northumbria of state funding it receives. A good world. “These activities have a huge are putting their weight behind research ranking can be, in every undergraduates,” he says. “Of course impact on our economy, society, Contributing to research can be research activities. It’s an ongoing sense, a big deal. that’s our main activity, but there health and culture.” its own reward as well as leading commitment, says Professor Marston. is also the creation of knowledge to high-level qualifications and In the last assessment, carried out in What does this mean for students? “We’re in the process of ensuring and the dissemination of that career opportunities, but there 2014, Northumbria University jumped At undergraduate level, it will help that research-rich learning is a knowledge.” are short-term benefits as well in 30 places up the research power them make the step up from school. core component of all the degree The University has identified terms of enjoying your study time rankings to 50th place, the largest “You’re operating at a higher level and programmes we deliver.” rise in the sector. Such a giant leap eight multidisciplinary research it’s important you’re being taught by at university. “From the student wasn’t easy; it required £17 million of themes which will be the focus people who don’t just understand perspective carrying out research investment in order to bring in more of its work (and on the receiving their subject, but are leading it,” as part of their programmes is really DISCOVER MORE research-active staff and development end of £2.5million of investment says Professor Marston. “It’s not just important,” says Professor Marston. northumbria.ac.uk/research Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU POSTGRADUATE 17 NORTHUMBRIA REVEALS ITS MASTERS PLAN Want to master your future? When it comes to postgraduate study, the time is now.

orthumbria University rated top 50 in the UK for research number of the boards of our funds He said: “It fitted exactly what I was Northumbria’s Vice-Chancellor is thrilled to announce power. The University showed and our investee businesses. after and, after speaking to previous Scholarship Scheme has been its brand new Vice- that it had made a major step She said: “I was drawn to the students and members of staff, I knew created to help more students move Chancellor’s Masters forward, reporting the largest rise in structured approach within the it would be the best opportunity to the next level. To apply visit: www. NScholarship Scheme. Northumbria research rated as world-leading and to expand my industry learning. northumbria.ac.uk/vc-scholarships. MBA. As a part-time student with a is offering 100 scholarships worth internationally excellent by the REF. demanding career, I felt the structure The academic staff are extremely The scheme closes on 1 August 2016. £2,750* off selected full-time on Northumbria nearly tripled its share was needed to ensure I succeeded. approachable and helpful.” campus postgraduate courses of research rated in these categories, “The academic staff put significant Jonathan added: “Postgraduate starting in September 2016. Students clearly demonstrating the world- effort into making the study material study was an incredibly worthwhile will also be eligible to apply for a class academic staff it has working relevant to the students using investment – 100%! I raised and government loan of up to £10,000 across its multidisciplinary research DISCOVER MORE practical examples. Years later, I’m sacrificed everything to come here to support postgraduate study themes. still greeted with enthusiasm by staff and it has paid off tenfold. Being on northumbria.ac.uk/masters – meaning there has never been Whether you want to make the who remember my studies. I loved a Masters of this calibre allows an a better time to continue your next research breakthrough, further the library too – the knowledge interaction and volume of learning education. enhance your career prospects, or available was phenomenal.” that is what you make of it. Get out of will simply continue to study the subject it what you put in – the MSc Multidisciplinary Innovation take you and your skills to the next you love, Northumbria offers a range rewards are epic.” graduate Jonathan Otter, meanwhile, level. Whether you want to get the of exciting postgraduate courses. chose postgraduate study at real world experience you need to MBA graduate Yvonne Gale was Northumbria to help launch progress in your career, the research already a chartered accountant his career. skills to excel in your discipline, or when she came to Northumbria simply want to build your confidence to further her career through and pursue your passion, a Masters postgraduate study. She is now CEO qualification will take you there. of NEL Fund Managers Limited and Northumbria’s Masters courses a non-executive director of a are co-created with students and employers to ensure you graduate with the skills and attributes needed to succeed. With 96% of Northumbria’s Masters students going on to work or further study within six months of graduation, you can look forward to a bright and exciting future. Northumbria’s Masters courses are taught by world-leading experts in their respective fields. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, the national assessment of research quality, Northumbria was

*Originally published as sponsored content by The Independent. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 18 POSTGRADUATE

BUSINESS SCHOOL SHARES THE SECRETS OF ITS SUCCESS The thriving Newcastle Business School has entirely reinvented itself in the past eight years.

hen Northumbria that the staff are much more research University’s Newcastle active, internationally aware and W Business School picked up capable of producing excellent work.” the top business education prize at Successful accreditation also the Times Higher Education Awards demands relevant, professional last November, it was the culmination programmes that demonstrably of an eight-year journey that saw the produce employable graduates. institution almost entirely reinvent At Newcastle Business School that itself. includes an entrepreneurial business Small wonder that the award means degree where students run their own a lot to Executive Dean, Professor limited companies; and offering a Kevin Kerrigan, and the Business student business consultancy clinic, School as a whole. “This is the Oscar which sees students offer free advice of the HE world,” says Kerrigan. “It’s a to more than 50 local SMEs, charities real boost to our profile and sends a and local authorities. strong message about the quality of These innovations led to both the work we’re doing.” graduate prospects and average To get to the top of the pile salaries increasing. They succeed the School focused on securing by placing students in an authentic accreditation from the Association business environment, says Professor to Advance Collegiate Schools of Kerrigan. “Students won’t be buried in Business (AACSB International) and a book for three or four years. They’ll is now the only business school in be engaged with real-world learning, Europe (and one of only 10 in the meeting and serving professional world outside the US) to be AACSB- clients and building employability accredited in both Business and skills.” Accounting. According to Professor The results of the clinic are also Kerrigan the process fundamentally clear in both student feedback and Comedian Rory Bremner presenting the award to Professor Kevin Kerrigan (centre) and Atul Chauhan, Chancellor of Amity University changed the School’s approach to grades. “Many of our students love business education. it,” says Professor Kerrigan. “Students Newcastle Business School success Next on the agenda? Further partners,” Professor Kerrigan concludes. “For example, the AACSB requires taking part get an average mark of story, says Professor Kerrigan. “Take accreditation (the School’s MBA “What they can expect from us is high levels of doctoral qualifications 72 per cent, which shows that if you those things in isolation and you programme is eyeing the Association continual innovation and creativity.” within the academic staff,” he says. A challenge them to be professional, have an incomplete picture; combine of MBAs), a greater postgrad provision training and recruitment drive saw they really engage with the them, and you get a much more and more international partnerships. the number of teaching staff holding experience.” holistic experience and students who “The challenge is to go further and to DISCOVER MORE doctoral qualifications leap from 20 This close integration of theory can really make a difference to the meet the needs and expectations of to 70 per cent. “What that means is and practice lies at the heart of the workplaces they enter,” he adds. our students, academic colleagues and northumbria.ac.uk/business Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU POSTGRADUATE 19 DESIGN FOR LIFE

Mark Bailey, director of innovation design at Northumbria School of Design, on how the Masters course benefits from strong industry connections.

orthumbria School of Design draws on a rich heritage. Alumni include Sir Jonathan Ive, the chief designer at Apple and Rob NLaw, the founder of Trunki. The School has formal links with global businesses including Unilever, Philips, Nike, Mulberry and Abercrombie & Fitch. Mark Bailey is Director of Innovation Design at Northumbria. He also THE leads the University’s partnership with Unilever and other companies. Bailey says: “One of our key strengths is our exceptionally strong connection with industry and our industrial partners. Our postgraduate programme in Multidisciplinary Innovation attracts graduates from BEAUTIFUL many disciplines, not just art or design. We have engineering and marketing graduates, for example. Hannah Marshall “Our aim is not necessarily to turn engineers into designers, but to develop their creativity, which can be used to make positive changes GAME in their profession. The course enables students, through creative, collaborative practice, to add value to other professions and have a real MSc student Hannah Marshall maintains that Northumbria impact on society. The key elements of the Masters course is innovation University is the ideal place for her personal development and across sectors.” Students are able to work in collaboration with local businesses, love of football. charities, SMEs and household names. At the Northern Design Centre in Gateshead, students work in studios, which Bailey says are “a professional annah Marshall is about to means to develop people. I’m part of international focus. We have students working environment. It’s fast-paced, creative and relevant. The Masters complete her postgraduate Northumbria’s Sports Development from all over the world – from 10 course is about change: changing students to think creatively, changing Hdegree in International Sports programme, which includes countries. I’ve been able to learn organisations or products and ultimately, changing society.” Management at the Northumbria Football Future where volunteers about how sport is managed and University. She was Northumbria’s from the University go into local developed in different countries The School of Design has led the Salon project, an initiative focused Sports President from 2013-14. because all the students on this on reducing global waste in a world where the population is rising but clubs to coach young people. I’m course have different backgrounds. resources are diminishing. Students have been redesigning consumer “I’m a northern girl and wanted also involved in raising money for The course covers many aspects of products, like the kettle and toaster, so they are repairable or have to study in the north. I looked Zambia’s Ideals project.” sport, including sports management, longevity. at several universities, but was Hannah saw this Masters course business and marketing. Bailey explains: “It’s an authentic learning experience, addressing incredibly impressed with what as a means to develop a deeper “One of the main aspects of the real world problems. Although aspects of the course are theoretical, Northumbria offered; it’s ranked in understanding of the subject, as well course here at Northumbria is that our connections with industry give students a strong sense of the top 30 in the UK for this course. as developing herself as a person. it gears you up for work – it’s a reality. Design-led approaches can solve problems. On this Masters After completing my undergraduate “It’s great to achieve your degree at very vocational course. I’ve been programme, students develop a sense of maturity and self awareness. degree in sports science here, the end of any course, but personal to Lausanne on a week-long field They know their strengths, how to negotiate and develop a sense of I wasn’t completely sure what development, which enhances your trip where I met members of the purpose.” direction I wanted to pursue but one career prospects, is just as important,” important consideration was that I she said. “I’ve been fortunate to International Sports Federation, Bailey sees his purpose as “launching graduates into the world where which taught me a huge amount they can bring about positive change”. On graduation, students have could continue to play football. I play benefit from some financial support for Newcastle United women’s team. from the University and also working about working in the sports excellent employment opportunities: some start their own businesses, industry. I’ve now been offered my others go into innovation-focused roles in industry and an increasing “One of the great things about as an intern in the department. This means taking on a professional, paid first job when I graduate: a sports number go on to study PhDs. “If you want to make a difference in the this university is the opportunity for development role in Malaysia, which role, albeit part time, alongside my world and learn how to do it in a safe environment, then this is the volunteering in the local community. is my dream job.” place to be,” maintains Bailey. I did some football coaching in my studies. DISCOVER MORE third year here and really enjoyed it “I’m very interested in sports DISCOVER MORE and I’ve continued to coach now that development and one of the northumbria.ac.uk/design I’m on the Masters course. I see it as a attractions of this course is its northumbria.ac.uk/sport

*Originally published as sponsored content by The Independent. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 20 NORTHUMBRIA NEWS

WELCOME TO THE HUB Seeds of a great idea Introducing The Hub – Northumbria A new exhibition at the National Trust’s Gibside property in University’s brand new online site where has showcased a range of illustrations created by Northumbria’s interior everything you see is made by students for architecture students. students. Read about life as a student, life on campus, and all things Northumbria. eimagined: ‘Seeds for an Idea’ took place in ead about soon-to-be graduate Alya Omar’s tips on how to Gibside’s Walled Garden get graduate job ready and Steph Williams’ helpful advice and featured illustrations, on the best student accommodation available to suit every Rdesigns and models created by 17 new student’s needs. This invaluable online platform includes second year Northumbria students. Reverything from the real cost of city living to settling into a new Each student was challenged to country. Northumbria University News has selected a few of The Hub’s create an imaginative response to the best student contributors and would encourage you to see what fellow environmental concerns of this Grade students are saying at northumbria.ac.uk/the-hub 1 listed Georgian estate. One of the students’ ideas could now be further Name: Louisa Ruster developed into a potential installation From: Frankfurt, Germany in the Walled Garden. Studying: Marketing Management Peter Dixon, Senior Lecturer in Northumbria’s Department “By creating digital content on behalf of of Architecture and the Built Northumbria University I feel like I am Environment, said: “The opportunity not only adding value to the institution for the students to work within such but also being able to help potential a beautiful setting for an organisation students to make the right choice.” such as The National Trust is a real Reimagined: Seeds for an Idea and with a strong focus on working with privilege. the designs created form part of real clients such as the National “The Seeds of an Idea project Gibside’s Walled Garden: Redesign Trust on live projects. Architecture Name: Mihail Pandrea has offered real-life scenarios for Renew Revive project, a Heritage is currently rated top 10 in the UK, From: Brăila, Romania the students to tackle and consider Lottery-funded initiative that aims with 99% student satisfaction in the Studying: Architecture within their design proposals, such as to encourage new ways of seeing and latest National Student Survey and pragmatic issues to resolve given that learning about the history of Gibside an excellent track record of graduate “I have chosen to study in Newcastle, it is a public place and social agendas estate. employment. Northumbria’s Interior considering it the right place to be at to consider to ensure their designs Deborah Hunter-Knight, Walled Architecture course has a 100% the right time for a person to develop are accessible to all. For students to Garden project officer, said, “We satisfaction rating for teaching, properly, especially as an architect.” be able to respond to such things can would like to thank the University with 95% of graduates going on to be difficult to replicate in a studio/ and all of the students who took part work or further study within six classroom environment – with the in this collaboration project. They months. The University’s newly National Trust acting as a real client have all worked to a high standard validated, professionally accredited Name: Alya Omar with real demands offers an invaluable and produced thought-provoking PG Cert Interior Architecture top- From: Malaysia experience towards the students’ designs that are a catalyst for further up course, which is accredited by Studying: English Literature with learning. In addition, it offers the conversations with the potential for Architects Registration Board, is the Creative Writing National Trust an engaging way to an inspiring installation within the only programme of its type in the resolve their brief.” Walled Garden. country and allows our BA Interior “I want to be able to show others that The partnership between Gibside “The aim of these projects is to Architecture graduates to achieve Part Northumbria is a wonderful place if and Northumbria allowed the encourage interaction and fun in the I status for Architecture. one’s looking to make good memories students to create designs for real Walled Garden and Seeds for an Idea whilst at university. Additionally, I want clients while meeting the needs of is one of many this year, so it’s an to help both prospective and current their course and providing them with exciting time,” continued Deborah. DISCOVER MORE students in their university journey.” an opportunity to see their work on Northumbria’s Architecture courses ??????? display at a popular visitor attraction. are among the best in the country northumbria.ac.uk/architecture Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU ENVIRONMENT 21 Building students’ skills in the Land of Oak and Iron Northumbria students have been given the chance to become the architects of a new heritage centre for Derwent Valley.

rchitecture students from These partners have welcomed the the University unveiled collaboration and have been extremely their concepts for the new generous and supportive of the Land of Oak and Iron students’ endeavours, describing their Aheritage centre at a public event in work as exemplary. Gateshead recently. “At Northumbria we are committed Northumbria is part of the Oak and to developing projects that support Iron Partnership, run by Groundwork and enhance the built environment North East and Cumbria, a £3.4m within the region, whilst giving the scheme, supported by the Heritage students authentic real-life scenarios Lottery Fund, which aims to highlight as vehicles for their learning. The Derwent Valley’s natural, cultural and more authentic opportunities that we industrial history. The Land of Oak provide for our students to engage and Iron centre will act as a gateway with clients, consultants, and the to the valley and surrounding area realisation of high quality architecture, from County Durham to the Tyne the more effective they will operate in in Gateshead and could include an future professional practice.” exhibition, a café serving locally Architecture and Built Environment sourced produce and office space with at Northumbria encompasses a meeting room. architecture, interior architecture, The Land of Oak and Iron centre building surveying, quantity is being developed at Winlaton Mill, surveying, real estate, and housing Gateshead, on the site of Ambrose programmes. The University’s Architecture designs by Northumbria students Crawley’s iron works; arguably one Architecture course is currently of the birth-places of the industrial ranked 10th in the UK. eco development in Sunderland, which Cumbria’s development manager, publicrelationsconsultancy.com. revolution. The proposed facility Professor Jones added: “Our is about to start on site; the restoration Lisa Stephenson, said: “The designs Northumbria’s Architecture course has been designed by students of department is simultaneously and refurbishment of 28 World War at the exhibition give people an initial is one of the most respected in the the Master in Architecture course developing design inquiry as a strand II bunkers in Durham; and the design flavour of what a centre could look UK, with a 99% student satisfaction at Northumbria, who took on the of practice-based research; involving of a cultural quarter in Kiev for the like. It is an exciting idea and could rating in the latest National Student challenge as a live project. Professor our students with real-life research Izolyatsia Art Foundation. act as a gateway facility which brings Survey and an excellent track record of Paul Jones, who is leading this projects is fundamental to how we “This collaborative approach is everything together and tells people graduate employment. initiative, believes this engagement conceptualise our curriculum. We part of the reason why our course what is on offer in the valley.” with authentic and socially-oriented currently have a number of ongoing, has achieved the highest average The Oak and Iron Partnership projects reflects the department’s regionally-based projects where our National Student Satisfaction scores also includes Gateshead Council, teaching, service and research students are working side by side with in the country for architecture since Durham and Northumberland philosophy. the architectural staff as co-creators of its inception in 2007, as well as our County councils, DEFRA agencies, He said: “Working with the Land of knowledge. outstanding employment statistics for the Pont Valley Network, North DISCOVER MORE Oak and Iron and Gateshead Council “This diverse and rich set of projects graduates of our programme.” East Cultural Partnership, Durham has been fantastic for the students. includes; the design of an innovative Groundwork North East and Wildlife Trust, SCA Hygiene and northumbria.ac.uk/architecture

Designs by Northumbria’s architecture students NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 22 BUSINESS

John Clayton of Innovate UK, Michelle Rusk and Fraser McLeay of Northumbria University, Andy Goodwin, Commercial Director at Thomas Swan and Hazel Juggins of Northumbria Let’s get graphene global Northumbria University’s award-winning Newcastle Business School has formed a unique partnership with a leading chemicals firm to help generate new markets for its revolutionary products.

ounty Durham-based and Skills. Innovate UK works with support businesses wishing to make company Thomas people, companies and partner a strategic change requiring expertise Swan wants to improve organisations to develop and drive the not currently available in-house. By its understanding of science and technology innovations participating in a KTP, businesses Cpotential new markets for a new that will help grow the UK economy. collaborate with the University to range of advanced materials. These Michele Rusk, Enterprise improve competitiveness, productivity include graphene which is 200 Fellow and Academic Supervisor and performance. KTP partner times stronger than steel, thinner at Newcastle Business School, companies typically report an increase than a sheet of paper, and more Northumbria University, said: “This in before-tax profit in the hundreds of conductive than copper. Scientists is a hugely exciting project looking thousands and generate at least two new are only just beginning to explore to market a product with genuinely posts plus new skills for existing staff. the many possible uses of graphene. transformative properties across Fraser McLeay, Professor of These include the ultra-fast charging many different applications. As a Strategic Marketing Management of batteries, faster flash memory, region looking to make its mark in and Associate Dean of Business bendable batteries and bionic devices the emerging Northern Powerhouse Engagement at Newcastle Business that can connect directly to your we need to show entrepreneurial School, added: “Newcastle Business body’s nervous system. Thomas ambition – a partnership of School collaborates extensively across Swan is a family-run business with Government, industry and university disciplines in a host of a growing presence in the UK and universities all working together. Our KTP initiatives for industry. This way international chemicals market. collaboration with Thomas Swan is we can provide an incredibly strong The company wants to capitalise very much a part of this approach.” offering to business partners – the on the graphene industry, which Andy Goodwin, Commercial average KTP results in an increase is recognised as having significant Director, Advanced Materials, at in profits of £1 million per annum potential, but currently has no well- Thomas Swan, said: “This is a great after the project has been completed. developed markets. opportunity for both Thomas Swan This particular KTP aims to bring a The manufacturer chose to work and the research associate to jointly revolutionary new product to market, with Newcastle Business School for develop our strategic marketing skills with huge potential and impact for the first time to transfer these new for the commercialisation of new Thomas Swan and indeed consumers technologies into the marketplace. materials such as graphene with the Transparent future mobile across the world.” The project is supported by fully engaged support of a leading UK phone made of graphene Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation business school.” DISCOVER MORE agency, which is sponsored by the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Department for Business, Innovation (KTPs) at Northumbria help to northumbria.ac.uk/nbs Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU LAW 23 Business students Big deal for spread life-saving law graduate message in Cumbria A lawyer from Saudi Arabia who has worked on some of the world’s largest corporate deals attributes his international career success to Northumbria University Law School.

ultan Akbar graduated from Northumbria in 2011 with a LLB (Hons) degree. He now works for Hogan SLovells, one of the world’s top 10 legal firms. The company provides a diverse range of legal expertise and employs 2,500 lawyers based in offices on six continents. Today, Sultan is an Associate based in Hogan Lovells’ Jeddah office. Last year he provided legal assistance on General Electric’s acquisition of French energy giant Alstom for around $18 billion – one of the largest corporate deals of 2015. With broad-ranging experience of corporate and commercial transactions within the Saudi Arabia, and specific experience in employment law and litigation, Sultan also works closely with major investment authorities (L-R) Camilla Shirley, Malcolm Wigham of North West Ambulance Service, Laura Botham and Danielle Broad in the Kingdom. He says much of his success is Students from Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School help the North West due to the support and help of the academics and the facilities Ambulance Service in Cumbria to increase public awareness of life-saving at Northumbria, especially at the defibrillators. beginning of his studies when, as an international student, he faced he School’s innovative After undertaking extensive always great for leading behavioural some early challenges. Sultan Akbar He said: “Looking back, I Business Clinic, where research, the team came up with changes among the older generation.” probably didn’t have all the students provide almost 30 recommendations, which Lauren Watson, from North language skills I needed in 2007 Law School, added: “Providing consultancy advice to real included; setting up a strategically West Ambulance Service, said: and I had to re-take my first year. our graduates with the best clients, enabled a group of students targeted Facebook page as part of a “We are already running a number T However, the academics were very possible career prospects is a key to develop a marketing strategy to social media strategy, staging a family of initiatives in this area, but this supportive and understanding, priority for us. At the same time, support the North West Ambulance fun day to raise the profile of the excellent work by Newcastle Business and provided all the guidance I we want to ensure the time they Service’s Cardiac Smart campaign, services and help with fundraising; School students has laid the ground needed to navigate through the spend with us here as students is with the aim of reducing mortality and working with schools raise work to both support these and take initial challenges. The quality of both academically and socially associated with out of hospital awareness of the defibrillators. things to a new level. Given its rural the lectures, the learning materials rewarding, and an experience cardiac arrest, by raising awareness Camilla said: “Working with an landscape and relatively isolated and IT support were also excellent. they will treasure for the rest of of automatic external defibrillators organisation as forward-thinking and communities we have some unique In 2007 the Law School also moved their lives. Hearing of the success (AEDs). pro-active as North West Ambulance challenges here in Cumbria. Pioneer into its striking new city campus enjoyed by Sultan and many other Students Camilla Shirley, Laura Service has been a superb learning Consultancy has understood this building with its fantastic facilities, alumni is wonderful and means a Botham, Bentley West and Danielle experience for us, and really enjoyable. perfectly and we will be studying their which was an experience in itself. great deal to all staff. Graduating Broad focused primarily on how to Our brief was effectively to provide recommendations in detail.” “Graduating from Northumbria in law is not easy so success is change public perceptions. Their non-financial support to help boost The Business Clinic provides provided me with an ideal richly deserved.” team, Pioneer Consultancy, looked basic life support skills among the students with career-enhancing platform for employment and In the latest Destination of at ways to educate people about how general public – hopefully giving experience by working with all types career development, culminating Leavers in Higher Education easy AEDs are to use, and that without people the awareness and confidence of businesses from SME’s, multi- in the past year with Hogan figures for those who graduated in any training, ordinary members of to become potential life savers. national through to not for profit Lovells. Working on some of 2013/14 Northumbria University the public could save a life. They were “Our initial research showed that organisations. They are encouraged the largest corporate mergers, is ranked 7th for the number also asked to assess the feasibility 78% didn’t think their communities to get to the root of the problem, acquisitions and shareholder of graduates in professional of an interactive map highlighting had enough awareness of AEDs and deliver results and provide a detailed agreements in a law firm with a employment. where defibrillators were located, by almost 60% didn’t know where their report and presentation of their genuinely global reach has given analysing the cost of implementing closest defibrillators were located. recommendations. me a very rich experience, and one recommendations, and identifying To overcome these challenges many I am grateful for.” DISCOVER MORE funding streams, potential business of our recommendations focus on DISCOVER MORE Professor Kevin Kerrigan, partners, and ways to drive visits to changing perceptions and tapping into Executive Dean of Northumbria northumbria.ac.uk/law the Cardiac Smart website. education; the younger generation are northumbria.ac.uk/businessclinic NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 24 BUSINESS Business students rise to bakers’ challenge Business students won the chance to spend a day with the marketing department of Greggs, the UK’s largest bakery chain, after pitching an award- winning promotional idea to the company.

orthumbria’s student business competitions. Our agreed the Northumbria team’s Greggs undergraduate students competing group put in a great deal of Go idea was the most thought- beat off stiff competition, effort, working on a brief in their own provoking. including postgraduate time outside their core modules while “We were delighted to welcome Nstudents from Newcastle, Teesside and in the final year of their degree. them here at Greggs. I’m sure they Sunderland universities, to win the “Winning this competition gained first-hand experience and annual Greggs Marketing Challenge. emphasises the type of well-rounded valuable insight into working for a They were asked to develop ideas and skilled students we produce national business – which we hope Radical marketing on how to ensure the Greggs’ brand at Newcastle Business School and will be useful for their future careers.” remained relevant at different spending a day with the marketing Entering competitions such as this consumer life stages and then pitch team at Greggs will be a hugely and presenting to highly experienced comes under their ideas to an audience of almost valuable learning experience. The business leaders is an integral part 200 marketing experts, regional students demonstrated creative of helping students put theory business leaders, academics and fellow thinking and were extremely into practice at Northumbria. The students. comfortable presenting in front of experience enriches learning and can the spotlight The Northumbria team’s pitch some of the region’s top business enhance graduate opportunities and involved the creation of an app named people. I am very proud on what they salary prospects. One of the most influential and prestigious Greggs Go which would enable achieved.” marketing conferences in the UK is being held at customers to use a click and collect Graeme Nash, Head of Customer service using the strapline ‘skip the and Marketing at Greggs, said: “The Northumbria this summer. queue for a healthier you’. Greggs Marketing Challenge was Matt Sutherland, Programme once again hugely successful, with he Academy of to personal health and wellbeing. Leader for BA (Hons) Business impressive presentations from all of DISCOVER MORE Marketing will this However, there is little academic with Marketing Management, said the students involved. It was difficult summer bring together insight into how ordinary “This is one of the region’s top to pick a winner, but all the judges northumbria.ac.uk/business the world’s brightest consumption behaviours contribute Tand best marketing experts to to family and individual wellbeing. discuss ‘radical marketing’ and the Therefore, a perceptual shift in changing consumer environment. how we engage with mundane Radical marketing is an emerging consumption behaviours is area; combining and challenging increasingly important. How established marketing practice marketing is evolving in the light with innovative, cutting-edge new on new research like this will be just theories. one of the fascinating topics debated The conference will be held at are argued over at this conference.” Newcastle Business School, which Speaking about the conference, was recently named UK Business Professor McLeay explained: “The School of the Year in the Times Academy of Marketing annual Higher Education awards. conference is the showcase event One area of research of the year for our discipline. It concerning radical marketing is provides a platform for leading being conducted by Dr Prabash international academics to present Edirisingha, a lecturer in Marketing and discuss their research, and for at Newcastle Business School. He colleagues and students alike to gear is exploring how routine practices such as preparing breakfast or doing and learn from the very best. We are the weekly family shop, which honoured to be hosts in 2016.” are considered to be mundane Newcastle Business School is consumer behaviours, are essential among the top business schools to long-term family wellbeing anywhere in the world, boasting and happiness. His research has a double AACSB accreditation in found that this so-called mundane business and accounting and with behaviour helps to reinforce family more undergraduate programmes interactions and bonds. accredited by EPAS than any other Fraser McLeay, Professor of UK university. Strategic Marketing Management at Newcastle Business School, said: “There is evidence emerging from family and medical research DISCOVER MORE suggesting the importance of Claire Bright, local marketing manager for Greggs; students Ed Shepherdson, James Grant, Rachael Parker, Priya Chowdhry, Emily Booth, family happiness and satisfaction northumbria.ac.uk/business Danni Parkes, and Graeme Nash, Head of Customer and Marketing for Greggs Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NORTHUMBRIA NEWS 25 Achieving justice for children and families A Northumbria University academic is taking a leading role in the family justice field, after publishing a new book looking at how complex child protection decisions are made within the family justice system and organising a major international conference on the topic.

Marketing Management student Bethany Stoppard- Wood spent a year working in Northumbria University’s Marketing department with Media and Communications team. Northumbria University News spoke to her about her experience. My year on placement By Bethany Stoppard-Wood

ntering the world of work film and photoshoots, conducting can be daunting for any interviews, writing press releases, person; especially a current and helping out with the general student. However, my promotion of the University in the Eyear on placement turned out to be media. I have even been down to the most rewarding and beneficial London to take part in an industry- experience I have ever had. I was leading marketing conference! lucky enough to be offered the Fancy, eh? opportunity to do an internship here I have gained valuable knowledge Professor Kim Holt at the University, and as someone and insight through working in a who is passionate about being a professional environment, and I rofessor Kim Holt, policy and the issues which are impact in the areas of Social Work Northumbria student, I was really would strongly recommend that if Head of Northumbria’s commonly presented in the and Social Policy in the 2014 pleased to land a role in the Marketing given the opportunity, students should Department of Social courts, such as neglect, child Research Excellence Framework, Department as a Media and grab the chance to do a placement. If Work and Communities, sexual exploitation and pre-birth the University has organised the Communications Assistant. they are not on a course that includes Pis a unique expert in the field of assessments. The book has been gathering of 400 leading academics As a third-year Marketing a year in industry, a short internship family justice. She spent 20 years as praised by Sir James Munby, and practitioners from the fields Management student, I’ve found that over a summer would be a great a social worker specialising in the President of the Family Division of law, social work, health and these past 12 months have equipped opportunity too good to turn down. area of child protection, before re- of the High Court of England mental health. Professor Holt is me with a better understanding of I have thoroughly enjoyed my training as a barrister specialising and Wales, who described it as: chairing the organising committee marketing and helped confirm what experience over the past year and in family law, then moving into “very interesting, important, which will share the latest research I would like to do in my future career. I’m grateful that I’ve been in an academia in 2004, where she is challenging and in places and policy decisions impacting on I have had the opportunity to develop environment working alongside now a Professor of Social Work appropriately provocative,” adding cases relating to family justice. my skills, and I have a newfound some fantastic professionals who and Family Law. that it is something “everyone confidence which helps prepare me have helped reaffirm my passion for Her new book, Contemporary involved professionally with the for the next stage of my degree and marketing. Family Justice: Policy and Practice multi-faceted challenges of child DISCOVER MORE beyond. in Complex Child Protection protection would do well to read.” I have also been able to do all sorts DISCOVER MORE Decisions, provides a critical After ranking in the UK top northumbria.ac.uk/ of fun activities that will benefit me account of current family justice 20 for its research power and achievingjustice2016 in the long-term, including; attending northumbria.ac.uk/placements NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 26 CULTURE REVEAL Creative talent revealed architecture arts design media

Northumbria opened its annual degree show recently with a stunning launch event across campus. REVEAL features the creative work of talented graduating students from the University’s Architecture, Arts, Design, Fashion and Media courses.

Fine Art orthumbria’s global reputation the university and current students. We Fashion for creativity and innovation are extremely proud of the high levels can be seen first-hand in the of dedication, enthusiasm and support exceptional work on display from both students and staff resulting Nat REVEAL, with many of the award- in an outstanding show evidencing winning students going on to exhibit at highest quality work and creativity.” high-profile shows in London. Fine Art students also showcased The exhibition took place at their creations. Daisy Cockle said: Northumbria’s city campus in the heart of “Studying at Northumbria University Newcastle and showcased student work has been inspiring, challenging and to an audience of creative professionals, rewarding. I have had the opportunity industry experts, VIPs and the public. to make some amazing connections in Among the students displaying work the arts community in the North East. I was final year Interior Architecture would definitely recommend the Fine student Alasdair Graham. He said: “I Art course to anyone who is looking to have thoroughly enjoyed studying at enter the world of art. Northumbria, it has been without a Students from Northumbria’s doubt the best thing I have ever done. award-winning School of Design also The Interior Architecture course is very displayed their work on campus ahead well respected and has made a name for of upcoming appearances at high- itself. Studying here has given me the profile London shows, New Designers, best start to enter a career in architecture New Blood, D&AD and Free Range practice, which is my goal now that I Interiors. Two final year Design For have completed my studies.” Industry students, Callum Smith and 3D Design Fine Art Kelly Mackinnon, principal lecturer Poppy Crow, have already won major of Architecture, said: “Northumbria awards ahead of London after winning Architecture Degree Show 2016 the Royal Society Awards student showcases the talent and dedication design awards – the same prize formerly of this year’s graduating architects and won by Northumbria alumni and Chief Interior Architecture. This year’s show Design Officer at Apple, Sir Jonathan Ive. was another visual delight evidencing Callum, who won the Philips the commitment to the highest Internship Award, said: “I was thrilled standard and quality of architectural to even be considered for the award, education. The show was packed getting the opportunity to follow in out with an exciting mix of visitors, the footsteps of the past prestigious including practitioners, alumni from winners is extremely exciting.

Architecture Design Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU CULTURE 27

Northumbria Performing Arts students gather on stage at Northern Stage, Newcastle

Students take centre stage for Oklahoma memorial performance Performing Arts students from Northumbria University have honoured the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing with the UK premiere of In the Middle of the West.

group of 19 final year University School of Theatre. with a special focus on the that Northumbria University’s in collaboration with Northumbria students performed In Award-winning playwright Steve presidential elections and the Mid- performing arts department senior lecturer Richard Stockwell, the Middle of the West at was commissioned to write the play West. produced the European premiere portraying true stories of Olympic Newcastle’s Northern Stage by Oklahoma City University (OCU) Steve Gilroy said: “The Oklahoma of the verbatim play commissioned successes to coincide with the Aduring a week of theatre, which based on his experience in verbatim City bombing may seem a distant by OCU to commemorate the 20th Olympic Games in London 2012. also saw Bertolt Brecht’s Mother theatre – a form of documentary event, but there are still lessons that anniversary of the Oklahoma City Following the premiere of In the Courage and Her Children brought theatre based on personal interviews can be learnt from such a terrible bombing. Middle of the West, a second group to life by Northumbria students. The and transcripts. As part of the creative tragedy. Some people I interviewed “The stories of the victims, of students performed the play performances were staged as part of process, he conducted interviews with during the creative process last year survivors, first responders and those Mother Courage and Her Children REVEAL, the University annual end family members of victims, survivors, expressed concerns that the current others affected by that fateful and at Northern Stage, directed by of year events by students on Arts, local officials and first responders atmosphere and political climate in tragic event, are given voice in Steve senior lecturer Fiona MacPherson. Architecture, Design, Fashion and of the 1995 attack. These interview the US is such that a domestic attack Gilroy’s beautiful and, at times, This contemporary adaptation, Media courses. recordings, as well as the portraits of of this kind might be imaginable harrowing play. We were honoured translated by Lee Hall, tells the story Written and directed by Steve different characters involved in the again. Some of the extreme to have the opportunity to visit of Mother Courage, as she haggles Gilroy, Director of Performing Arts bombing, were then developed as an rhetoric that has characterised the Newcastle to see young British actors and barters across the battlefields at Northumbria, In the Middle of integral part of the play. presidential nomination campaigns tell the stories of those we hold so of Europe losing her two sons and the West was written to mark the In the Middle of the West was makes the play feel particularly dear in our community.” one daughter along the way. Mother 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma first performed in the US by OCU relevant right now.” Steve Gilroy’s previous works Courage is played by nine actresses, City bombing – the worst domestic students in April 2015 as part Mark Parker and Brian Parsons, include the award-winning who explore different interpretations terrorist attack in US history. The UK of OCU’s anniversary project to Dean and Associate Dean Motherland, which toured the UK of the eponymous lead bringing to premiere took place in May, with remember the bombing of the Alfred respectively at Oklahoma City in 2009 and shares the stories of life a new imagining of this complex one of the performances attended P. Murrah Federal Building. It has University School of Theatre, women whose everyday lives were and fascinating play. by a US delegation including since been adapted to reflect the attended the performance and touched by the conflicts in Iraq and Northumbria Performing Arts representatives from Oklahoma City current US political environment, afterwards said: “We were delighted Afghanistan. He also wrote The Prize, were also celebrating after winning a prestigious prize at the Dionysus International Student Theatre Festival in Croatia earlier this year. The students won the festival prize for best overall performance at the event, which is held annually in Dakovo, Croatia, and hosted by the Academy of Arts in Osijek.

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Northumbria Performing Arts students A scene from In the Middle of the West northumbria.ac.uk/performance NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 28 CULTURE

Inspired outfits by 20 of Northumbria’s most innovative fashion students wowed audiences at this year’s London Graduate Fashion Week – the world’s leading event celebrating the creativity of fashion graduates. The collections of six different catwalk outfits per student, consisting of a combination of womenswear, menswear and constructed textile designs, took the catwalk by storm winning rave reviews and awards throughout the week. Fashion students conquer the London catwalk

mong this year’s top 20 graduates and future trend-setters were Samuel Beaumont Perkins, Alex AMcMullen and Courtney Simon who recently featured in The Sunday Times as an emerging fashion star. Courtney Simon’s SIMON.C collection was inspired by not only The Apartheid but also her Caribbean heritage. Her highly personal womenswear collection highlights key quotes from the Apartheid period and Caribbean culture, including mirror image detail, African print and garment inspiration from African robes. Samuel Beaumont-Perkins’ menswear collection was inspired by the darker side of the mind, representing erratic behavior through texture and the use of minimalistic red to portray anger/red mist. His creativity and originality have already secured him a full-time position at Old Navy in San Francisco, adding to a string of successes including being short- listed in the Graduate Fashion Week Topshop competition. Finally, Alex’s collection drew on from the influence of Dutch painter Kees Goudzwaard, who creates still-life representatives using tonal block colours. Janine Hunt, Director of Fashion Outfit by Dora Nachilima at Northumbria, said: “We were thrilled for our students to be part of London Graduate Fashion Week once more. Our graduates have shown a tremendous creative flair during this year that has translated Image courtesy Christopher Moore

Work by Samuel Beaumont-Perkins Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU CULTURE 29

Backstage at Graduate Fashion Week, London Images courtesy Neil Hall

She’s in Fashion! Northumbria University News speaks to Dora Nachilima, Fashion Design student, Collection by Alex McMullan Collection by Ellen Crabtree about her collection and her experience of Graduate Fashion Week. in impressive and striking collections. Nuala Convery was announced as highly competitive industry. Previous The event is a great opportunity for the winner of the Marketing Award, alumni have joined the ranks of them to showcase their talent, create Genevive Devine won the Sainsbury’s international fashion houses and interesting relationships within the TU Scholarship and two Fashion companies, including Burberry, industry and open new doors for Communication students also won DKNY, Lanvin, Paul Smith, Karen their future career. We are very proud prestigious awards: Erika Bowes won Millen, ASOS, and Zara among many of their work and we are certain the Fashion Photography Award and others. that they will achieve success going Hollie McCartern-Donnelly took the ahead.” DiversityNOW People’s Choice award Students from Fashion Design in collaboration with i-D magazine. Scan code to and Marketing and Fashion Northumbria is internationally watch video Communication also showed their recognised for nurturing the talent final year work throughout the week. of its fashion students, ensuring Seven were shortlisted for awards they develop their creativity and DISCOVER MORE with Northumbria students winning reach their full potential, so that Collection by Dora Nachilima three awards and a scholarship. they are equipped to enter such a northumbria.ac.uk/fashionshow Describe your final collection in a sentence: Translation of the male movement onto the female form in order to show women’s desire to wear men’s clothing. What was the inspiration? The 1940s Zoot Suit movement along with the 1992 Malcolm X movie, which illustrates the vibrant and flamboyant nature of the Zoot Suit look and movement. What’s been your fashion school highlight? Definitely getting as far as I have with my final collection. I had so many doubtful moments so it’s a delightful to see it all come together and even be shortlisted for the top 25 at Graduate Fashion Week. Did you always want to be a fashion designer? No, animation was my first choice in regards to career prospects but, with time, my mind was converted to fashion because I enjoyed doing the work and it felt natural. What was the first thing you ever made? Probably Barbie doll outfits in my aunt’s sewing studio. If that doesn’t count, I would have to say a children’s play mat in GCSE textiles. What’s next? A little time off I think would be desirable! But soon after, I am determined to improve my pattern cutting skills. The plan is to work alongside a pattern cutter or find a position as a junior pattern cutter. Collection by Courtney Simon Collection by Megan Bramhald NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 30 CULTURE Artists unveil their islands Eight graduating artists from Northumbria have launched a stunning group exhibition built around the metaphor of a river estuary as a site of shifting and concealed meanings.

here Were Islands brings Philip Larry questioned the together work by final year audience’s perception of authenticity students from the Master of and humour within his work, using Fine Art degree, a unique stretched canvases or cardboard Ttwo-year course run by Northumbria boxes. Philip uses topical images from University in partnership with national news outlets and social media BALTIC Centre for Contemporary and combines them with heckling Art. This collaboration, known as slogans to create a sense of confusion BxNU, is based in the vibrant studio and disquiet. Visitors were also invited culture of BALTIC 39 in the centre of to confront the intense authenticity of Newcastle. David Longwill’s large canvases that The artists, who all come from addressed themes such as the body, the islands (United Kingdon, New symbolic gesture and the gaze. Zealand, Cyprus and Ireland), have Alex Harmon highlighted the pursued their own personal and subtleties of everyday human artistic interests throughout this interactions through objects and innovative course, but brought their film installation. Suffused with work together at the end of their the idea of transit – epitomised by degree for a unique group exhibition. the presence of an airliner’s flight As part of the exhibition, visitors data recorder – his work plays on enjoyed Cat Auburn’s sculptural our generalised anxiety about the Artwork by Alex Harmon Work by James Watts installation, film and photographs that impenetrability of technology played unearthed the architectural remains out in personal acts of communication Newcastle streets and a hand-crafted Sarah Munro, BALTIC Director Based in BALTIC 39, the students and myths surrounding the Royal and miscommunication. James Watts clay saxophone lay on the gallery floor, said: “For the second year running, follow their own personal research Arcade in Newcastle. Demolished brought together objects that have shattered as the result of an intense, live we were proud to host the BxNU interests whilst also working collectively in 1963, The Royal Arcade was the become distressed through prior performance. Master of Fine Art exhibition at to produce a professional exhibition only Tyneside Classical building ever performances and that speak of the By contrast, Markos Sotiriou, used BALTIC 39 showcasing the talent and on graduation. There Were Islands was to be pulled down – its façade was physicality of sound making and the his Cypriot homeland as a site for a development of the graduating cohort. part of REVEAL 2016, Northumbria’s catalogued and the stones and pillars genre of ‘extreme’ music. A piano seemingly playful act story-telling. His Watching the development of these annual celebration of its creative courses, buried throughout the city with the carcass, strung from a pulley and work becomes manifest in multiple artists as they progressed through the including Architecture, Art, Design, idea of future resurrection. rope system to the gallery ceiling, films, performances and drawings two year programme reminds us of the Fashion and Media. Visitors also discovered Alexandra groaned with the sounds of its own that move between an individuated important role the BxNU partnership Brunt’s sound recordings and film journey as it was pushed through the psychology and a more generalised plays in supporting and nurturing that placed the viewer/listener in an cultural or political sense of identity. artistic practice at postgraduate level. DISCOVER MORE intimate and poetic relationship with a Fiona Crisp, Reader in Fine Art and This course is producing young artists northumbria.ac.uk/arts female protagonist, exploring ideas of BxNU course leader said: “It has been who are contributing challenging, agency, the female voice and touch. an extremely rewarding experience discursive work to the art world and James Ellis-Clark became part seeing these eight artists create and b e y on d .” of his own artworks during develop their work during the past The BxNU Master of Fine Art, the exhibition as he two years and to witness it to come to a collaboration between BALTIC occupied the gallery, fruition in such a successful exhibition. Centre for Contemporary Art and skilfully planing There Were Islands provided a rich Northumbria University, is unique wooden chairs until and complex experience for visitors for its innovative approach and the they disappeared to BALTIC 39 to enjoy and we look high-level professional and creative or working on forward to the impact that our environment the students experience. a home-made graduates will continue to have on the potter’s wheel. contemporary art world.

James Ellis-Clark Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU CULTURE 31 Artists unveil their islands Media and animation students wow audiences Edgar Allan Poe, drag queens and a fencing champion were just some of the inspirations behind this year’s graduating Film and TV Production students. Their final year films were recently screened at a special Media Gala at Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle, before an audience comprising leading members of the film and TV industry.

he Gala offered students the at Northumbria, said: “I am really drama Skins and crime noir detective opportunity to showcase impressed by the quality of the films series Marcella. Faye said: “After the their skills and creativity our students have created this year. recent tragedy in Orlando, we are and forge connections They have shown they don’t conceive proud to have made a film which Twith industry experts, professionals limits when it comes to filming, which celebrates the LGBT community and critics. This year’s films included allows me to anticipate a brilliant and and to have received this award for documentary and drama that successful future for them in whatever our work. Overall our experience presented creative angles and an aspect of the movie industry they want at Northumbria has been very innovative approach to film recording to pursue.” rewarding.” and editing. As part of the screening, Northumbria’s Media Production This event was closely followed the audience saw Venus, a film by Faye degree, founded in 1986, has earned by Northumbria’s Animation Gala, Carr-Wilson and Magenta Sharp about a solid reputation for the quality of also held at Tyneside Cinema, which a faux drag queen with a physical its graduates. The course’s leading presented the final year creations of disability. Jordan Calvert and Ellie alumni includes cult-director Neil graduating animation students. The Deighton also explored the world of Marshall (Dog Soldiers, Centurion, audience saw the premiere of Stephen drag queens in their movie, Fluid. Game of Thrones), producer Samm Stephenson’s Fragments of Familiarity, Dementia and its impact on people’s Haillay (Better Things, Self Made) and a videogame about the fragility of lives was explored in two different writer Sean Conway (Ray Donovan). memory. Another animation, James movies: Away for a While by Lauren At the screening graduating students Evan’s Dreamtime is a painstakingly Byrne and The Last Thing We See were also presented with awards. hand-drawn and coloured creation, by Jack Colvin. Richard Hewitson Jordan Chang received an award for based around the aboriginal myth of centred his drama around the interface best editing, Ali Hutchinson for best how the world began. of technology with humans, while cinematography, Alex McGee for best Paul Dolan, Senior Lecturer in Tommy Germaine decided to adapt screenplay and Faye Carr-Wilson and Award-winning students from Northumbria’s Media Gala Animation at Northumbria, said: “It’s the classic Edgar Allan Poe story The Magenta Sharp for best film for Venus. one of the highlights of the year for us Tell-Tale Heart. Graduate Faye Carr-Wilson was to see student work on the big screen. Robert Jefferson, Programme presented the best film award by This is the third year we’ve shown Leader, Film and TV Production Charles Martin, director of British teen Animation BA and MA work at the Tyneside Cinema, and the students love it. It’s a great way to celebrate three or four years of hard work; alongside friends, family and members of the animation industry. “There’s an interesting mix of 2D, 3D, game and experimental projects this year which we’re proud to put our names to and unleash into the world. We are also very impressed by the quality and thoughtfulness of some of the game projects being developed on the course, which feed into the indie game community and help expand the boundaries of what videogames can do.”

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Students at the Media Gala (L-R) Khoo Teng Koom, Jordan Wilson and Stephen Stephenson. northumbria.ac.uk/media REVEAL architecture arts design media NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 32 CULTURE Record number of applicants for prestigious art prize The 10 finalists for this year’s Woon Foundation Painting and Sculpture Prize have been announced after a record number of applications. Almost 300 artists submitted artwork for this year’s prize – the highest number since its launch in 2012 – with two Northumbria Fine Art students making the final shortlist.

elivered jointly by Chief Curator, Laurence Sillars. Northumbria University Northumbria students Hannah and BALTIC Centre for Barker and Sheyda Porter have been Contemporary Art, the shortlisted alongside other students DWoon Foundation Prize is one of the from some of the UK’s leading arts UK’s most generous prizes for artists – institutions. greater in value than the Turner Prize. Hannah said: “To be nominated Launched in 2012, it offers a £20,000 feels like a dream come true and Fellowship for the first prize, with I’ve enjoyed every second so far. My additional prizes of £9,000 and £6,000. degree has brought me the knowledge, The winning Woon Fellow is awarded practical skills, and confidence dedicated studio space at BALTIC 39 necessary for future success, with the during the year-long Fellowship as Woon Foundation Prize exhibition they work toward a solo exhibition and being my first exciting step into the publication. professional art world.” This year’s shortlisted artists Sheyda added: “During this have been selected by Turner Prize- academic year, I have received so nominated artist Christine Borland; much support from my tutors. They Karen MacKinnon, Curator and always encouraged me to take risks and Sheyda Porter’s artwork Artwork by Hannah Barker Director of Artes Mundi and BALTIC’s push my ideas further, which I believe ultimately led to my nomination for a reputation as the most important the prize.” award for graduates in Europe. Professor Christine Borland, “It’s wonderful to see a prize that who teaches in Northumbria’s Arts truly puts the needs of emerging artists department, said: “It has been a at its centre. It will be exciting to see very exciting year to be involved in this new generation of talent exhibited shortlisting the Woon Prize, with a in the project space at BALTIC 39. record number of entries and a really We also look forward to welcoming high standard. the new Woon Fellow into the region “It’s particularly gratifying that the and vibrant artistic community in the applications have represented all the North East.” countries of the UK; north, south, Northumbria offers a range of east and west. We are looking forward courses in the arts and was recently immensely to seeing the shortlisted rated top 10 in the UK for Arts and work take shape in the exhibition and Design research power following the to choosing a winner to follow in the Research Excellence Framework 2014. footsteps of the 2015/16 Woon Fellow, Kayt Hughes who has really made the most of her year.” DISCOVER MORE Sarah Munro, BALTIC Director added: “The Woon Prize is fast gaining northumbria.ac.uk/woonprize

WOON PRIZE 2016 FINAL SHORTLIST Hannah Barker, Northumbria University BexIlsley, Manchester School of Art Joseph Davies, Slade School of Fine Art Jake Grewal, Rebecca Halliwell-Sutton, Manchester School of Art Melloney Harvey, University of the Arts, Camberwell College of Art Holly Muir, Ruskin School of Art Sheyda Porter, Northumbria University James Trundle, Slade School of Fine Art Jake Vella, University for the Creative Arts, Farnham (L-R) Northumbria Fine Art students and Woon 2016 finalists Hannah Barker and Sheyda Porter Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NORTHUMBRIA NEWS 33 Meet the new Executive Dean A new Executive Dean has joined Northumbria University to lead its largest academic Faculty, Health and Life Sciences.

ith extensive expertise Northumbria’s Health and Life function and the ways in which cells in the health and life Sciences courses have a strong subsequently use or store energy. sciences disciplines, reputation for excellence. All courses She has worked collaboratively with Professor Dianne in Initial Teacher Education have been numerous international universities WFord has joined Northumbria from rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for 14 including Melbourne’s Deakin as the Faculty’s consecutive years – Northumbria is the University and Aachen University in Germany. new Executive Dean. The Faculty only university in the UK to repeatedly Speaking about her appointment, has a diverse portfolio of 250 courses, hold this accolade for so long. The Professor Ford said: “I have been so teaching almost 12,000 students Faculty has been named UK Nurse inspired by the energy and enthusiasm across the subject areas of applied Education Provider of the Year (Post- of everyone in the University, and sciences, education and lifelong registration) for three consecutive particularly in the senior team, to drive learning, psychology, social work years by the Student Nursing Times and and develop research at Northumbria. and communities, sport exercise and its courses in Physiotherapy, Nursing, I am very much looking forward to rehabilitation as well as healthcare and Food Science and Sport Science all helping the Faculty further develop its public health and wellbeing. A large feature in the top 40 of The Sunday already strong research activity and number of the Faculty’s courses are Times league table. areas of specialism.” accredited by leading government and Professor Ford is a Fellow of the professional bodies, meaning many Society of Biology and has published students graduate with professional extensive research into understanding DISCOVER MORE Professor Dianne Ford accreditation in their chosen field. how our diet interacts with cellular northumbria.ac.uk Top Gear? Top career! A Northumbria graduate currently working with Chris Evans says his career is literally in ‘Top Gear’ thanks to the skills and experience he gained during his time at university.

om Gent graduated from Grove, organised by the course tutor. Tom was interviewed about his Northumbria’s Media That eventually led to me being put in career by BrighterBox, a company Production degree in 2003 touch with CD:UK and SM:tv (which created to help ambitious graduates and went on to work for first brought me down to London) kick start their careers in media, TBBC Sport as a trainee producer and put me on my career track. digital and entrepreneurial following a work placement in TV Meeting the right people and getting businesses. They asked Tom to give organised by his tutor. A high-profile a bit of luck were also a big part of it.” graduates his top tips for standing out career at the BBC followed, with Tom recalls how his big break took from the crowd. Tom winning a Royal Television place shortly after he graduated and He said: “If someone is prepared Society award in 2014 for the closing how it led to a career with the BBC. and has clearly done their homework, montage to the BBC’s Rugby World “My big break was probably being whether it’s new ideas or having some Cup coverage. introduced to an exec at MTV when intelligent constructive comments, Tom now works as a producer on doing work experience in London that kind of thing can really help. BBC’s Top Gear with Chris Evans and just after graduating” he said. Persistence also pays off. Some recently told graduate recruitment “He helped me land an interview people nag and become annoying, agency BrighterBox about his time there for an internship and from but they stay in your mind. As long at Northumbria, the impact the that I progressed to a full-time role as you’re personable, go about it the University had on his career, and and eventually ended up, three years right way (and stay the right side of his top tips on standing out in the later, with a job interview as Junior annoying!) you’ll be fine. “It’s a cliché graduate jobs market. Assistant Producer at BBC Sport. but don’t give up on what you want Speaking about his time at There had been 300 people going for to do. Getting on with people is a Northumbria, Tom said: “It was one job so I never expected to get it. big part of the media industry. It’s a absolutely key to putting me on my This helped as I was totally relaxed very sociable line of work so if you’re current career path. I had a real for the interview and went in and enthusiastic and easy-going you have passion for script-writing and there the answers kept flowing. I got the every chance.” was a significant part of the course job and eight years on was making dedicated to it. That was a really sport documentaries and I won good learning experience. Another an RTS Award for the BBC World segment of the Northumbria course Cup closing montage which was my DISCOVER MORE Tom Gent (R) with The Stig from Top Gear was a work placement on Byker second big break I guess.” northumbria.ac.uk/mediaproduction NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 34 HEALTH Northumbria leading fight against dementia

Dementia arguably presents one of the greatest health and social care challenges that we face as a nation. There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today and that number is expected to rise to two million by 2050. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop better treatments and improve early diagnosis. Northumbria University News examines two ways in which the University is helping to support the fight against dementia.

orthumbria academic

Professor Ruth Dalton

was one of the architects behind an innovative new Nmobile game designed to help early ‘‘ diagnosis of dementia. For many people living with dementia, one of the first effects

they experience is a loss of spatial The Sea Hero Quest game has been an

awareness, as they lose the ability to navigate their way through even incredibly exciting project to be part of. It is well-known places and environments. ‘‘ The mobile game, Sea Hero Quest, designed to create the world’s largest crowd will advance understanding of spatial sourced data set to establish the normal range navigation and how this aspect of our brain works in an effort to find of human spatial navigation ability. essential information which can be used in dementia research. Professor Ruth Dalton worked on the level design for the and how easily people can find their The game was specifically designed innovative game, which was designed way around it. It was therefore fairly to help generate data from its players in collaboration with University straightforward to take the kinds of that will be used to benchmark College London, University of East design skills and analytic methods human spatial navigation. This is Anglia, Alzheimer’s Research UK and that I would normally apply to the widely acknowledged as one of the game designers from Glitchers. design of buildings and instead apply key steps towards developing new Professor Dalton said: “The them to the design of the Sea Hero diagnostic tests for the diseases that Sea Hero Quest game has been an Quest levels. cause dementia. Just two minutes incredibly exciting project to be part “Since we wanted to test people’s of gameplay on Sea Hero Quest can of. It is designed to create the world’s navigational ability in the game, we provide five hours’ worth of essential largest crowd sourced data set to needed to ensure that we designed dementia research and brings science establish the normal range of human levels with different degrees of layout one step closer to developing new spatial navigation ability. If we can difficulty. This meant designing diagnostic tests for dementia. benchmark this range of ability, we ‘simple’ levels through to ones which Every aspect of Sea Hero Quest have the potential to develop novel were much more challenging. Some has been designed jointly by game and innovative navigational tests of these contained visual landmarks developers and scientists to provide for dementia, since one of the early to aid navigation and some didn’t, so insights about the way we navigate symptoms of dementia is having I also advised on both the level layout every day. As players make their increased difficulties in finding your and the selection and placement of way through mazes of islands and way around, a symptom that is often different types of landmarks.” icebergs, every second of gameplay intangible and hard to pick up.” Sea Hero Quest is available globally can be translated into scientific Speaking about why an architect for iOS and Android and can be data by experts exploring this area was chosen to help design a mobile downloaded now for free from the of our brains. The game features game, Professor Dalton explained: “I App Store and Google Play. levels designed by Northumbria am an expert on wayfinding in the Architecture academic, Professor Ruth built environment. As an architect, Dalton, who provided unique insight it is important to understand how to into how people navigate buildings. design environments that are easily Professor Dalton, who teaches in the comprehensible, so that people do University’s Architecture and Built not get lost. I know a lot about the DISCOVER MORE Environment department, is also a relationship between the design and world authority on wayfinding, and layout of a building or neighbourhood www.seaheroquest.com Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU HEALTH 35

Emmerdale actor John Middleton meeting students during Dementia Awareness Week Emmerdale actor tells students about dementia experiences Northumbria students had the opportunity to meet with an Emmerdale actor as part of their learning during national Dementia Awareness Week.

ith 850,000 people with dementia, as well as actor John After hearing about the many ways that I can raise awareness activities to showcase the multi- in the UK diagnosed Middleton, who plays the vicar in University’s work, John Middleton of this issue and not only that, but on disciplinary approach we take here with dementia, the the soap, visited the University to spoke to students and staff, a show like ours we can take the time at Northumbria towards helping to popular ITV soap hear about the latest research and explaining how he felt about the that it deserves, and I’m delighted to improve the lives of those who are Wopera Emmerdale is helping to shine activity to support those living storyline and how he is working to be part of that.” coping with dementia on a daily a spotlight on the condition, having with and supporting those with the handle it sensitively. Professor Dianne Ford, Executive basis.” recently diagnosed one of its main condition. “When I first heard about the Dean of Health and Life Sciences at Students, staff and visitors were characters, the Reverend Ashley Northumbria’s activity around storyline my first reaction was that it Northumbria University, said: “We encouraged to give their opinions Thomas, with vascular dementia. dementia is wide-ranging, covering was a fantastic story that will give me were delighted to be able to host this on what they think can be done As a result, the team behind the all areas of academic expertise. an amazing, dramatic opportunity,” event, and particularly to welcome to confront dementia in a video show have worked closely with the In health and wellbeing, they he said. “I knew a little bit about John Middleton, who is doing much vox-pop booth. Their responses will Alzheimer’s Society to ensure they are working with a community dementia, but then I started doing to raise awareness of this condition. be used by academic researchers show a realistic representation of organisation to bring together older a lot of research and realised what a Dementia is devastating not only for to create a report on approaches to someone living with dementia. people and hen-keeping to combat huge, huge issue this is and not only the individuals diagnosed, but also challenge the condition. Northumbria academic staff also loneliness and depression. In the that, but that we had to get it right. If for their families and friends who work closely with the Alzheimer’s arts, the University has led on the we didn’t get it right, it would be an try to support them through this Society and the University took development of a critically-acclaimed immense disservice to people with difficult time. the opportunity to showcase play which has been performed at dementia and their carers. “Although there is currently no its vast range of research and the Edinburgh Festival. The play “The extraordinary thing is in cure for dementia, there are many dementia-related work during encourages the audience to think terms of the reach that we have is ways that we can work to make the Dementia Awareness Week. about how they live and work that we are watched by six million condition more comfortable for DISCOVER MORE Carers and delegates from regional alongside those who have been people six times a week. That’s a huge those living with it. This is the fourth organisations who support people diagnosed with dementia. number of people so I’m privileged in year that we have held a week of northumbria.ac.uk/publichealth NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 36 HEALTH

Northumbria students at Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey Nursing students celebrate the life of the Lady with the Lamp Nursing and midwifery students from Northumbria were invited to take part in a national ceremony commemorating the life and legacy of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

nown as ‘The Lady with it’s the same building where William the Lamp’ after tending to and Kate were married – so one of the wounded soldiers during extra benefits of going is that I can say the Crimean War, Florence that I have walked up the same aisle KNightingale established the world’s as her!” first nursing school at St Thomas’ Amanda Clarke, Professor of Hospital in London in 1860. She is Nursing and Head of the Department remembered for recognising that of Healthcare, added: “Florence hygiene and sanitation were essential Nightingale is renowned for for good healthcare and her school introducing the caring standards and informed and inspired the future evidence-based principles that lie at education of all nurses. the foundation of nursing today. She As Northumbria is the largest was – and remains – an inspiration provider of nurse education in the to all nurses and we are honoured North East of England, the Florence to have been asked by the Florence Nightingale Foundation approached Nightingale Foundation to take part in the University to invite nursing and this special commemorative service.” midwifery students to take part in a Northumbria University’s nursing Westminster Abbey service celebrating courses were the first in the UK to Nightingale’s life. be accredited by the Royal College Emma Sebag-Montefiore, who of Nursing and rank in the top 20 in specialises in child nursing, was both the Sunday Times and Complete one of the students chosen to be University Guide league tables. involved. She said: “It was a privilege to be selected, especially as the only students involved in the ceremony and procession are from Northumbria. DISCOVER MORE Westminster Abbey is so beautiful – northumbria.ac.uk/nursing Emma Sebag-Montefiore (right) helps a fellow student get ready for the procession Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU FEATURE 37

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

What is news in the 21st century? Professor Bruce Mutsvairo, Senior Lecturer in Journalism and former Associated Press journalist, takes a look at how the industry has changed in an age of social media, bloggers and citizen journalism. He argues that combining the interest and expertise of both the news professionals and the informed citizenry can only make the quality of news better.

Hirsutes you sir: but that beard might mean more to men than women Beards have been bang on trend for the past couple of years – but what is the point of a beard, evolutionarily speaking? Dr Tasmin Saxton, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, explains her recent research study which found that beards probably evolved at least partly to help men boost their standing amongst other men, rather than attract the opposite sex.

Why we are secretly attracted to people who look like our parents Have you ever thought there was an uncanny family resemblance between your Nursing students celebrate the friend and her partner? Dr Tamsin Saxton, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, explores the psychology behind attraction and why we often go for an other half who looks like a parent. life of the Lady with the Lamp Cherry concentrate can lower blood pressure as much as drugs, our study finds In recent years, Northumbria has undertaken a number of studies into the health benefits of tart Montmorency cherry concentrate. Dr Karen Keane, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, explains the latest findings which show that drinking cherry concentrate lowers systolic blood pressure for up to three hours – a revelation that could save the lives of those at risk of cardiovascular disease. What the U-turn on academies means for Conservative education policy The secretary of state for education, Nicky Morgan, has backed down on plans to force all schools in England to become academies by 2022. Michael Jopling, Professor in Education, dicsusses how this change of heart affects the Conservative policy on education.

Want to build better computer games? Call an architect Ruth Dalton, Professor of Building Usability and Visualisation, has been working alongside neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors and programmers to produce a computer game that could lead to better diagnoses for dementia patients. Here, she explains how architects can be vital to computer game design. Here’s what architecture can teach us about building the Northern Powerhouse George Osborne’s vision for a “Northern Powerhouse” will see new mayors, improved DISCOVER MORE transport links and a cultural and economic resurgence in northern cities over the coming years. Sebastien Messer, Senior Lecturer in Architecture, writes about what we can learn theconversation.com from architecture to help with this grand scheme to reinvigorate the North of England. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 38 UNIVERSITY SPORT Senior sports Northumbria courts double lecturer receives success Northumbria University cemented its reputation as a centre for sporting excellence following Royal honours victories in two national finals on one day. A Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching has received an MBE for his leading work in coaching gymnastics.

Team Northumbria’s Abi Asoro

eam Northumbria at the WBBL final following Sports Coaching lecturer Karl Wharton, who has been awarded an MBE women’s volleyball Northumbria’s 75-68 win against players claimed a fifth firm favourites Nottingham successive playoff title Wildcats. arl Wharton, who Gymnastics Academy in Durham. practice, which is a huge benefit to Twith a convincing win against The forward suffered an anterior leads the University’s The community club has produced both my students and my athletes.” London Polonia. Hours later the cruciate ligament injury that kept undergraduate Sport more than 100 gymnasts who have Professor Dianne Ford, Executive University’s women’s basketball her out of basketball for almost two Coaching course, received represented Great Britain, producing Dean of Northumbria’s Faculty of team triumphed in front of 3,000 years but a remarkable turnaround Kthe award of Member of the Order 15 World and European champions. Health and Life Sciences, said: “I fans at London’s O2 Arena to lift saw her recover to help the of the British Empire (MBE) in Students on Northumbria’s sports am absolutely delighted to see Karl’s the 2016 WBBL playoff title. University claim its first ever WBBL the Queen’s Birthday Honours List courses benefit from Karl’s national commitment and dedication to his Director of Sport, Colin play-off title. in recognition of his outstanding and international coaching roles. He sport recognised in this way. We are Stromsoy, said: “We welcome “It felt so good to bring home service to coaching gymnasts, both regularly brings gymnasts into the proud to have Karl in the Faculty. His students from all over the world our first championship,” said the internationally and regionally. University to work with coaching, experience and esteem in gymnastics to play sport at Northumbria and 22-year-old. “It was a once in A former national coach with strength and conditioning students brings a unique and highly valued we are fortunate that our talent a lifetime moment – it was the British Gymnastics, Karl is one of to give them hands-on experience of perspective to his teaching, from pool grows year on year. During biggest and the best game of my the country’s leading academics applying training techniques in real- which our students get great benefit.” those two finals we had players career so far and it felt fantastic to in coaching education, producing life situations. Northumbria University was one representing the University from win especially after Nottingham several chapters for recent Speaking about the honour, Karl of the original providers of sport as far afield as the United States, Wildcats had beaten us a few times. sports coaching books on athlete said: “The sport of gymnastics has degrees in the UK and its sport Bulgaria, Belgium, Sweden and the “We weren’t the favourites but we development, growth and maturation developed greatly over the past few science courses are currently ranked . stuck together and showed how a and working with elite young years and it has been a privilege to 25th in the country in The Guardian “For our homegrown students good defence can win games. athletes. Alongside his teaching, have been a part of this success at a University Guide 2017. Graduates it’s an excellent opportunity to mix “It was a big honour to be named Karl remains a highly respected local, national and international level. of the University’s sports courses with like-minded young people most valued player but I was really international gymnastics coach, A lot of my academic colleagues say include Olympic gold medal winning from a range of different countries pleased with how well we all played judge and administrator, serving they don’t know how I manage to cyclist Victoria Pendleton; track and and cultures and for the overseas as a team.” on the International Federation combine everything – and it is hard field athlete Steve Cram and former players we can help to develop their of Gymnastics, where he is about work with very long days – but for England rugby captain Martin Corry. game on the court and offer them a to undertake his third successive me it is very important to continue first class education off it.” DISCOVER MORE Olympic cycle. working as a practitioner with DISCOVER MORE Sweden international Abi Asoro In his spare time, Karl also athletes at every level. It enables me to was named Most Valuable Player northumbria.ac.uk/sport oversees the running of the Deerness apply academic theory to real-world northumbria.ac.uk/sportrehab Summer 2016 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU UNIVERSITY SPORT 39 National championships make their way to Northumbria The Association of Colleges held its 2016 national championships in the North East, with Northumbria’s impressive £30m Sport Central featuring as the home venue.

lmost 1,800 college National Sporting Championships. students came to The event was an exciting Northumbria to take opportunity to bring some of the part in the major country’s most talented young Anational three-day sporting event, athletes to the University and to covering15 different sports, showcase our sporting facilities including badminton, football, and services.” swimming, tennis, cross country, Northumbria University has cricket and golf. a strong reputation for sport. As well as Sport Central, the It is ranked as one of the UK’s students also used the University’s top sporting universities by sports centre at Coach Lane Which? and Team Northumbria Campus and the outdoor pitches has finished in eighth place in at Bullocksteads, which were the BUCS national league for also used last year by the Tongan two years running. In addition, national team in preparation for Northumbria’s sporting facilities their Rugby World Cup matches at are ranked joint 4th in the UK, St James’ Park. according to the Times Higher Mirror, mirror on Colin Stromsoy, Director of Education’s Student Experience Sport at Northumbria University, Survey 2015-16. The flagship Sport said: “We are now firmly Central boasts a 3,000 seat arena, established as one of the UK’s swimming pool, running track the wall, who’s the leading universities for sport, and and a huge multi-station gym. accordingly, we were delighted to Memberships are open to students, strongest of them all? host the Association of Colleges’ staff and members of the public. Experts at Northumbria University are working with Newcastle Clinic to explore how innovative new research on muscular strength in healthy adults could be used to accelerate recovery from strokes and limb fractures.

esearchers within the in the brain. The illusion excites the fractures, that require rehabilitation.” University’s Department untrained muscle on the opposite Rated the best university in the of Sport, Exercise and side which stimulates and, as a result, North East of England for sport and Rehabilitation have gained strengthens it. exercise research, the University Rvaluable insight into the way muscles Northumbria experts are now boasts a range of specialist strength are strengthened. working in collaboration with and conditioning, physiology, In research potentially pivotal to Newcastle Clinic to analyse sports biomechanics and nutrition labs in the future of stroke rehabilitation, injuries using the clinic’s state-of-the- its £30 million Sport Central. These fractures or other unilateral clinical art MRI equipment. state-of-the-art facilities are used by injuries, Northumbria researchers Glyn Howatson, Professor of students to develop their knowledge have found that when standing Human and Applied Physiology, and insight into health, performance in front of a mirror exercising a explained: “We are very excited at and wellbeing. muscle on one side of the body, the potential application of this work DISCOVER MORE the muscle on the opposite side in athlete injury management and, DISCOVER MORE can also get stronger due to the perhaps more importantly, in clinical northumbria.ac.uk/sportcentral reflection stimulating a specific area populations, such as stroke and northumbria.ac.uk/sportrehab NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 40 UNIVERSITY SPORT Top 10 university in SPORT the UK for sport and facilities

Hat-trick of wins for Team Northumbria Northumbria has made history after beating Newcastle University to take the Stan Calvert Cup for the third year in a row.

tan Calvert is a week-long Northumbria’s Student Sport Newcastle pushed us right to the limit The win cements Northumbria’s varsity competition in which President, Brogan O’Connor, said: “We but we’ve got confidence in what we reputation as being one of the best students from Northumbria had to win as many games as possible do and we’ve proved it time and time sporting universities in the UK. Team and Newcastle Universities and it was a difficult week, but we came again. This is an elite, high performance Northumbria is ranked 8th in the British Scompete in sports including fencing, through it and our hard work really paid competition. There have been some Universities & Colleges Sport national netball, hockey, volleyball, table tennis, off in the end. We did our predictions absolutely phenomenal performances league table and the University’s sports squash, show jumping, cricket, rowing, and it looked like we might lose by a and I’m just delighted that we’ve come facilities are rated joint 4th in the UK water polo, basketball, badminton and point, so to come out with the win – through it with a win. Everyone pulled in the Times Higher Education’s annual skiing, before gathering for a grand our third in a row – is brilliant. It was together to pull it out of the bag. Student Experience Survey 2015-16. finale. probably the best week of my life. We’re “In 2012, Northumbria lost the Stan This year’s event was one of the all ecstatic!” Calvert cup by 50 points – we’ve turned closest ever, with Northumbria Northumbria’s Director of Sport, that right around. We’ve done that not retaining the trophy for the third Colin Stromsoy, added: “I’m enormously by spending money but because of the DISCOVER MORE time after scoring 73.75 points, versus proud of all of the students and the students who have proven they are Newcastle’s 67.25 points. staff who have done a phenomenal job. capable time and time again.” northumbria.ac.uk/sport