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

Special Edition Forecast: A Bright Future NORTHUMBRIAUNIVERSITY NEWS Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The best stories from 2015

It’s been a great year for Northumbria Newcastle Business School’s victory brings a hugely successful 12 months for Northumbria University to a close.

orthumbria University return to campus to visit students. You employment. Newcastle Business School’s recent innovation of individuals and teams was awarded the Business can read about all of these stories and “I am also delighted that Northumbria success at the Times Higher Awards will across all aspects of university life. School of the Year award much more in this special ‘Best of 2015’ University’s Newcastle Business School be covered in full in the spring 2016 Northumbria’s success at these at this year’s prestigious edition of Northumbria University News. won the Business School of the Year edition of Northumbria University News. awards follows a year brimming over NTimes Higher Education Awards 2015. Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive award at the highly prestigious Times The University, which has a global with great success stories. From the This accolade follows a year of of Northumbria University, Professor Higher Awards. This is an outstanding reputation for delivering some of the University’s key role in building the achievement and progress with positive Andrew Wathey, said: “It’s been an achievement, and one of which we can best business management education world’s biggest solar telescope and its results in the Research Excellence excellent year for Northumbria. We all be very proud.” in the UK, was also shortlisted for the innovative partnership with Unilever, Framework, National Student Survey have seen the University move forward Professor Wathey added: “What is Entrepreneurial University of the Year to its ground-breaking research to 2015, Sunday Times league table and on a variety of fronts, demonstrated particularly pleasing is that all of this award. cure insomnia and award-winning other key measures. in particular through the REF results shows that we are achieving across the The annual Times Higher Education creative students and staff, it’s been This year also saw the appointment announced in December last year whole of a quality-led programme. Our Awards are widely recognised as the an outstanding year for Northumbria of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and in an improved showing in the investments and focus are paying off.” most prestigious award ceremony of University. Turn the page to discover a DBE as the University’s new Chancellor employability (DLHE) survey, where More reflections on our successful the higher education sector, attracting selection of our very best stories from and Apple’s Chief Design officer and we were ranked 7th in the UK for the year from the Vice-Chancellor are hundreds of entries every year that throughout the year… Northumbria alumnus Sir Jonathan Ive number of graduates in professional available in an interview on page three. exemplify the talent, dedication and

REF results Interview with Northumbria INSIDEINSIDE double Tanni Grey- win Stan Calvert funding Thompson Cup again 19 5 44 NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS CONTENTS NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS

7 13

Originally featured in issue 7

17 26 Northumbria students are more satisfied – it’s official! Northumbria University students are more satisfied than the News: 1,2,4,8,9,23,26,40 average UK university student, according to the results of Interview: A year of achievement 3 the 2015 National Student Survey. Interview: he University has improved over half of Northumbria’s courses to our students’ feedback and are This is where I want to be 5 its ratings in almost every achieved above 90% satisfaction, with pleased to see a significant increase area, achieving a score of 88% Architecture, Fashion, Interior and in our students’ satisfaction, as well Business: 6,7,16,17,18,31 overall satisfaction – this is Graphic Design scoring particularly as improved performance in every T2% above the sector average. highly. question category compared to the Health: 10,11,15,27 The National Student Survey asks The University’s success in the previous year.” Science: 12-14 final-year students to rate their National Student Survey follows its experiences of studying at their chosen significant improvement in research DISCOVER MORE university, the quality of their course quality and graduate employability Research: 19-22 northumbria.ac.uk/news and the facilities they use. The answers rates. Northumbria achieved the Feature: can help prospective students to make largest increase in research power of Welcome to Northumbria 24-25 informed choices on the best places to any university in the country in last study. year’s Research Excellence Framework Feature: Northumbria has improved in 21 (REF) which evaluates the quality 100% Hanging with the Hastings 28-29 of the 22 questions and is now above of research in UK universities. The satisfaction or at the sector average in five of the University has also seen an increase Law: 30 six categories within the survey. In in graduate employment rates, with • Business Leadership and particular, Northumbria is doing better 94% of graduates in work or further Corporate Management Feature: than the sector in the categories of study within six months of graduation • Business with Logistics and Students volunteer 30,000 hours 32 teaching, assessment and academic according to the latest Destination of Supply Chain Management Culture: 33-37 support. Leavers of Higher Education survey. Students are particularly happy with Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice- • Computer Forensics Books: 38 the University Library, IT and learning Chancellor and Chief Executive of resources reporting 91% satisfaction Northumbria, said: “Our successes in • Film and Television Studies with library resources and services the National Student Survey, following The Conversation: 39 • French with Business and 89% saying they have been able to the strong performance in the Research Sport: 41-44 access IT resources when needed. Excellence Framework signals that our • Nursing Studies/Registered Many courses achieved the top strategy to transform Northumbria Nurse Child score of 100% satisfaction, including into a new kind of excellent university Business Leadership and Corporate is paying real and visible dividends • Operating Department Management; Computer Forensics; – especially in the core academic Practice 377516_12/15 Film and Television Studies and activities of teaching and research. Nursing Studies (Child). In total, “We place great emphasis on listening

* The Complete University Guide 2016 Northumbria courses in the UK top 30… ** The Sunday Times University Guide 2015 th th 8th 11 th th th 13  Library5 and Land and 12 13 Information Property Building * Management ** Management * Physiotherapy ** Education ** Architecture ** th th 19 th th 19 th 22nd 17 18 19 Food Science** Art and Design ** Civil General Nursing ** Town and Engineering* Engineering * Country Planning ** Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU INTERVIEW 3 A year of achievement It’s been a year of achievement NEW and progress for Northumbria. for Best of edition We ask Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Andrew Wathey, to reflect on the successes and the challenges ahead.

What kind of year has it been for that has made the biggest difference to Northumbria? the conversations we are having with our It’s been an excellent year for Northumbria. stakeholders and partners. We jumped from We have seen the University move forward 80th to 50th in research power, making us the on a variety of fronts, demonstrated in biggest riser in the sector. This is helping to particular through the REF results announced attract strong partners, and highly-qualified in December last year and in an improved students and staff, building Northumbria’s showing in the employability (DLHE) survey, global profile and appeal. where we were ranked 7th in the UK for Sticking with research, it’s worth mentioning the number of graduates in professional our investment in multi-disciplinary employment. It has also been an excellent activity across the University. Six multi- year for student recruitment, with a markedly disciplinary research themes have so far higher number of well-qualified students been agreed, under the working titles: entering Northumbria. As The Sunday Times Being Human; Integrated Health and Social University Guide 2016 commented, we are Care; Bioeconomy; Digital Living; Extreme now the top post-1992 institution for entry Environments; and Future Engineering. standards. These themes will use our research strengths I would also identify 2015 as a year in in individual disciplines to provide us with which the student experience and delivery of a focus for future growth and success. They improvement programmes saw a significant will also help to promote our best researchers upswing. This was clearly demonstrated and teachers, and support their work at all by the positive results of the 2015 National career stages. The focus on research will Student Survey where we improved in 21 of continue, with new waves of investment in the 22 questions. With an overall satisfaction target areas and more broadly, including score of 88% we are also ahead of the sector greater postgraduate research opportunities, average. We followed this by being ranked and linked to this we will also be building 30th in The Sunday Times University Guide our commitment to masters-level (taught 2016 for satisfaction across the three core postgraduate) education. Teaching indicators (Teaching, Assessment Professor Andrew Wathey and Feedback, and Academic Support). This is the ‘Best of 2015’ edition of What is particularly pleasing is that all Northumbria University News. What are of this shows that we are achieving across your favourite stories this year? a feature about our students clocking up higher education sector to new providers. the whole of a quality-led programme. Our The appointment and inauguration of 30,000 hours of volunteering, and a number of 3. Merging HEFCE and OFFA and the investments and focus are paying off. These Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson was different articles highlighting our successful creation of an Office for Students, and: successes also show that it is possible to do an obvious highlight. Tanni’s incredible graduate start-ups. 4. Simplification of the research funding more than one thing at once: research and achievements in sport, and now as a champion I’d also have to mention again the REF and system. teaching for example, or driving up both for diversity, youth and wellbeing, enrich the NSS results! qualification-levels and volume in student life of the University. As our new Chancellor admissions. she is, and will continue to be, an inspiration What opportunities and challenges do we face You have referred to Sir Jonathan Ive’s comment that, “It’s insane the competitive Solid progress on all of these fronts shows for all of our students, graduates and staff, in from the Government’s Higher Education advantage you can get through focus”. What that a coherent quality programme is being the UK and beyond. Green Paper? has Northumbria’s focus been over the past achieved and that in 2015 we worked well The Enterprise and Innovation Fund dinner The Green Paper is a consultation, so what year, and where should it be over the next 12 towards our objectives in the Corporate with Sir Jonathan Ive was another high- will actually happen is not yet clear, but we months? Strategy 2013-2018 and Vision 2025. point, a great showcase for the way we are can certainly look at where the big questions I do think Sir Jony is right about this. To Of course, it’s not a world without helping to fund the next generation of student are. Where funding is located; how to keep it simple, I think our focus should be challenges. Competition, globalisation, and entrepreneurs. Sir Jony’s campus visit was maintain the symbiosis between research and where it has been, that is to say on quality technological developments are all major also an outstanding opportunity for students teaching, and proportionate regulation are just to meet one of the world’s foremost designers, first and foremost, and on integration and game-changers, but we do have a strong three of these big questions. The Green Paper platform from which to step forward and and one of our most famous alumni. flexibility. also presents opportunities, and organises its address both these challenges and the I also enjoyed reading the STEM funding proposals across four broad areas: opportunities inherent in these changes. story, explaining how we will invest £6.7 What should the University’s resolution be for million to create world-class teaching 1. Teaching excellence, including the Teaching the New Year? In your view what were the University’s key, and research facilities at our city campus, Excellence Framework (TEF). To be as good as we can be. That should be position-changing achievements? including new specialist laboratories and 2. The work the Government has done to our focus. The REF result is probably the thing technologies. Other stories of note included stimulate market entry and open up the NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 4 NEWS

TIMELINE 1969 Paralympic champion Born in Cardiff, Wales. 1984 Athletic career began, taking part in 100m at the Junior named as Chancellor National Games for Wales. Northumbria is pleased to announce the appointment of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson as the new 1988 Chancellor of the University. Baroness Grey-Thompson takes up her duties this summer. International career began as she represented Great Britain in the Paralympic Games in he 11-times Gold Medal change in society, so the chance to Seoul, winning 400m bronze, winner was appointed become closely involved in a major her first Paralympic medal. Chancellor by the Board of university is a wonderful opportunity to Originally featured in Governors and succeeds Lord continue that work. 1992 Stevens of Kirkwhelpington, former “Northumbria is known as a centre of issue 6 T Won four gold medals and Commissioner of the Metropolitan innovation, of diversity and of research one silver in the Barcelona Police, who has served the University and I hope I can carry on the good Paralympics. In same year, with distinction in this role over two work that Lord Stevens instigated in won first of six London five-year terms. making Northumbria a known force in Wheelchair Marathons. The Chancellor is the ceremonial education at home and overseas.” figurehead of the University. Alongside Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice- the specific role of presiding at annual Chancellor and Chief Executive of 1996 academic congregrations to confer Northumbria University, added: “Tanni Won 800m gold in the Atlanta degrees, diplomas and other awards is an inspiration to millions around Paralympics, along with three of the University, the Chancellor acts the world and we are delighted she silver medals in the 100, 200 as ambassador for Northumbria, has agreed to become the University’s and 400 metres. promoting the University on a regional, Chancellor. Her achievements in sport, national and international level. and now as a champion for diversity, Baroness Grey-Thompson has youth and wellbeing, will enrich the 2000 competed in five Paralympic Games life of the University and she will be an Struck gold four times in the and is acknowledged as one of the most inspiration for our students, graduates 100, 200, 400, 800 metres in gifted and courageous sportswomen and staff across the world. We look the Sydney Paralympics. of her generation. In addition to her forward hugely to working with her. outstanding Paralympic achievements, “On behalf of the University I would 2004 she won the London Wheelchair also like to take this opportunity to Brought gold medal tally to Marathon a total of six times between extend my appreciation to our outgoing eleven, taking first place in the 1992 and 2002. Following retirement Chancellor, Lord Stevens, who has been 100 and 400 metres in Athens. from athletics she has played a a tireless champion of the University prominent role in public life, and over the past 10 years. We have much became Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to thank Lord Stevens for, in particular 2005 DBE in recognition of her services to his help in building relationships with The Paralympic star was made sport in 2005. In 2010 she was elevated overseas partners and in raising our Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to the House of Lords as a crossbench international profile.” DBE for her services to sport. peer and takes an active part in debates, Lord Stevens has had a long with particular focus on sport, disability, association with Northumbria health, welfare, and youth development. University and was awarded an 2007 Commenting on her appointment honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law Announced pending Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “It’s a by the University in 2001. retirement from the track. great honour to be appointed Chancellor of Northumbria University. In my career 2008 I have tried to inspire young people DISCOVER MORE Wins her final two gold to be the best that they can be, to take medals at the Athens northumbria.ac.uk/news chances and to bring about positive Paralympic Games. Appointed as a member of Transport for London, where she chairs the Environment, Corporate and Planning Panel 2010 Appointed to the House of Lords, where she serves as a non-party political crossbench peer. 2012 Became a key part of the BBC’s on screen team during London 2012 and became the first Paralympian to commentate on Olympic sport. 2015 Named Chancellor of Northumbria University, Newcastle Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU INTERVIEW 5 “This is where I want to be” Northumbria University News talks to Tanni Grey-Thompson about her appointment as Chancellor of Northumbria University

When Paralympic hero Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE was named as Chancellor of the University back in June, Originally featured in the 11-times Gold Medal winner’s thoughts immediately issue 7 turned to something her late father said.

n entering the House of Lords in 2010, where Baroness Grey-Thompson now serves as a non-party political cross bench peer, her father light- heartedly quipped: “So, when are you going to become the Chancellor of a university then?” OThose important words are now ringing true for the most successful Paralympic athlete of her generation, who as ambassador for Northumbria, will promote the University on a regional, national and international level. The Chancellor is the ceremonial figurehead of the University, with the specific role of presiding at annual academic congregations to confer degrees, diplomas and other awards. “It’s a massive honour for me to be made Chancellor of the University and I would have loved for my dad to have been here to see it,” she said. “I’ve been lucky enough to have received quite a few honorary degrees from various universities and I think celebration and ceremony is something we do very well in the UK. However, I think it’s important to experience different aspects of university life. For me, it’s not just about the honorary degrees – it’s about having an ongoing connection with the University – with its students and its staff. My dad used to always say to me, education gives you choices. When I was 15 I thought he sounded really boring, until now when I realise he was absolutely right. “Just being at university is an incredibly positive experience and I like being around positive people. When I came for my first meeting at Northumbria I had a wander around campus and was immediately struck by how friendly and upbeat everybody was. I got a really positive vibe from the place and thought, yes, I want to be here.” Baroness Grey-Thompson, who was born with spina bifida, has competed in five Paralympic Games and won the London Wheelchair Marathon a total of six times between 1992 and 2002. Following retirement from athletics she has played a prominent role in public life, becoming Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE in recognition of her services to sport in 2005. Baroness Grey-Thompson said she is now looking forward to immersing herself in university life. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the guys at the Students’ Union,” she said. Northumbria has a great reputation for elite sport; however I would like to encourage all students to be as active as they can be. Study and exercise is a very important combination. It’s an incredible place to be – not just the University, but the area. I want to encourage students to make the most of their opportunities at Northumbria, try different things, meet new people and most of all have fun. The things you learn at university will set you up for the rest of your life.” As a resident of Eaglescliffe in Stockton, Baroness Grey-Thompson says she is passionate about the region and promoting it to a wider audience. “I’m really proud of living in the North East,” she said. “I think it’s important to be somewhere that’s close to home. My already high esteem for Northumbria was raised when I was working on a regeneration project in London, which was to become a sporting village. Northumbria was incredibly helpful and open, inviting us to come and look its fantastic facilities. “Universities have had to change rapidly in recent years,” she added. “They’re more of a business than ever before and it’s not just about the quality of the degree and teaching, but what else the university can offer. Employability is a massive reason to go to Baroness Grey-Thompson university and Northumbria is very good at preparing its students for working life.” Alongside her University duties, Baroness Grey-Thompson is working on a number of far-reaching projects. This includes increasing women’s participation in sport. “Women are less physically active than men,” she said. “They tend to drop out of “...I want to encourage students to make the sport between the ages of 13 and 15. Our generation of children in junior school are the most inactive they’ve ever been and boys are encouraged to play more competitive most of their opportunities at Northumbria, try sport than girls. Northumbria, however, is really good in terms of how many of its students are physically active. I think football could really help the way women see themselves, in sport and physical activity, in access to sponsorship and in media different things, meet new people and most of all coverage. I’m also working on improving the accessibility of stadiums. Challenging accessibility for disabled people is really important to me as I believe disabled access have fun. The things you learn at university will at sports venues throughout the country should be as good as they are in London following the 2012 Olympics.” set you up for the rest of your life.” NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 6 BUSINESS University and Unilever in pioneering partnership Northumbria has announced a formal partnership with Unilever, one of the world’s largest fast-moving consumer goods companies. Originally featured in

he move follows a decade of replicate with other businesses. At a regional issue 5 collaboration between Unilever and level INNOVATE also supports the North East Northumbria’s School of Design and Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Strategic corresponds with the launch of the Economic Plan. It works because it is extremely TUniversity’s design-led open innovation centre easy for partners to access a unique cross-faculty INNOVATE, based in Gateshead’s Northern resource of research-engaged academics and Design Centre. talented students to solve problems and deliver Under the partnership, academics and solutions. With INNOVATE, multidisciplinary students from Northumbria’s School of Design knowledge is available through one door and are working at INNOVATE to help Unilever under one roof.” establish new and exciting ways of meeting their Paul Howells, Unilever’s Vice President sustainability targets around packaging, water-use R&D for Packaging, added: “For a business and energy. like Unilever, tapping into the latest academic Key projects will focus on areas including new thinking and research is clearly invaluable. We packaging technology and innovation, with are working with Northumbria because we much of the work centred on ground-breaking believe they bring something unique and special research by Professor Raymond Oliver. With which can help us to achieve our long-term more than two billion customers around the goals, particularly associated with sustainability. world using a Unilever product every day, The University already has extremely strong designing for behavioural change will also make design, technology and business capabilities a significant difference. – bringing this together under one roof, Lucy Winskell OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor as INNOVATE has done, makes for a very for Business & Engagement at Northumbria, attractive proposition. said: “We have a strong track record of “The partnership also gives us the opportunity collaboration with Unilever and we are delighted to work with very capable young people to be strengthening the relationship through who may decide that Unilever is the sort of INNOVATE. It is an incredibly exciting organisation they would like to work with, and opportunity to help Unilever hit its sustainability vice versa. An organisation like Unilever is only targets and make a genuine difference on a as good as the talent it attracts, so this is a nice global scale, for our pioneering research to have additional benefit.” positive impact and for our students to gain real world experience at the highest level. DISCOVER MORE “The success of our partnership model developed with Unilever is an approach we can northumbria.ac.uk/innovate Unilever’s Paul Howells with Pro Vice-Chancellor Lucy Winskell OBE at INNOVATE. INNOVATE at Northumbria Originally featured in ‘Sandpit’ sparks new innovation in affordable electric vehicle production at partnership event. issue 5

n ‘Innovation Sandpit’ event, It was also attended by the respective the development of ‘Smart Grid looking to combine our research with business and industry leaders to have on renewable energy has city councils and attracted around 50 Technology’ to help manage rising some of the work he is already engaged their challenges unpacked and defined, triggered greater representatives from local businesses. demand on electricity supply from a with in the sector with organisations and real solutions developed which can research collaboration to The aim of the ‘Innovation Sandpit’ growing EV market. such as Nissan.” then be brought to market. Bringing the Ahelp make electric vehicles (EVs) more was to explore new collaborative Professor Putrus said: “This is a Dr Baglee added: “The importance right people together in this way can affordable to a mass market. projects which would be eligible for market with huge opportunities for of working in partnership with be incredibly creative; it’s a great way of ‘Innovation Sandpits’ bring together North East Local Enterprise Partnership businesses in this region, but also clear Northumbria cannot be understated. tapping into a powerful cross-university industry experts and leading academics (NELEP) funding. challenges which need innovative It will coordinate and strengthen the knowledge base. in a collaborative process to address One result has been a research-sharing solutions. Battery costs need to come region’s research and development of “The North East is at the forefront of challenges such as future energy needs. partnership between Northumbria down to promote mass EV ownership, electric vehicles, helping to promote the low carbon and renewable energy Solutions can then be created through and Sunderland University around and we need to make integration of the advancement of new and innovative technologies. A number of collaborative industry-focused research groups. EVs. Professor Ghanim Putrus leads EVs on the electricity grid as smooth as technologies to deliver a wide range of projects are now being set up following The ‘Innovate Low Carbon the Electrical Power research group at possible. This is a key area of research at projects.” this Sandpit to help ensure the region Technologies and Renewable Energy Northumbria, which is undertaking Northumbria, and after the ‘Innovation Lucy Winskell, Pro Vice-Chancellor stays ahead in this important and Generation’ event was held at research on creating more efficient and Sandpit’ event we have found a for Business and Engagement at growing sector.” Northumbria’s INNOVATE hub at the affordable use of batteries to drive down common interest with Sunderland Northumbria, said: “As a hatchery Northern Design Centre in Gateshead, the cost of EVs, making them more University. Dr David Baglee, from for collaborative innovation, the and ran in partnership with Newcastle, accessible to a mass market. Sunderland University, has already Innovation Sandpits are a key part of DISCOVER MORE Durham and Sunderland universities. The team is also looking at visited our laboratory and we are now this offer. They provide a forum for northumbria.ac.uk/innovate Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU BUSINESS 7 Funding the next generation of student entrepreneurs Student start-ups have been given a new boost after the launch of an enterprise and innovation fund at the UK’s number one university for graduate businesses.

orthumbria launched the the University has created more than enterprise and innovation.” initiative at a fundraising 100 new companies, which employ 800 Prior to the dinner, Sir Jonathan, a dinner at its city campus, staff. graduate of Northumbria’s Design for attended by a host of Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria Industry course, spent time on campus, Nprestigious guests, including one of the University, Professor Andrew Wathey, meeting students at the University’s institution’s most well-known alumnus said: “The dinner was a special School of Design with Executive Dean Sir Jonathan Ive, Senior Vice President, opportunity for Northumbria to share for Arts, Design and Social Sciences, Design at Apple Inc. its commitment to enterprise and Professor Steven Kyffin. Sir Jonathan was joined at the innovation and we were delighted to “Our workshops and studios help dinner by more than 150 guests and be joined by our guest of honour and students integrate strategic thinking and alumni including former Scotland alumnus, Sir Jonathan Ive. new ideas, with making, prototyping rugby international Scott Hastings “There is no better demonstration and testing their designs in real time,” and fashion designer Scott Henshall. of an entrepreneurial culture in said Professor Kyffin. “This is one of The fundraising programme included our programmes than the role the our core strengths as a leading School a lively auction of items, each with University has played over the last few of Design and it is vital to the future of a special Northumbria connection, years in supporting the creation of new enterprise and innovation.” such as an original artwork by the last graduate businesses. Providing support The Enterprise and Innovation Dinner pitman painter Norman Cornish, a for more students and alumni to engage was sponsored by brand development longtime friend of the University. in this activity is the purpose of our new agency Xanobia and Yorkshire Bank. Every penny raised at the dinner has fund. It will give more of our students Northumbria offers a range of gone towards a new Enterprise and access to seed-funding to establish and courses for the next generation of Innovation Fund to create and support grow their business ideas, undertake entrepreneurs, including our innovative more entrepreneurial students and enterprise-focused work placements, Entrepreneurial Business Management graduate businesses. The fund builds and access proof-of-concept funding. degree. on Northumbria’s outstanding status “Northumbria has set itself the as the UK’s leading university for challenge of becoming a new kind of graduate start-ups based on estimated excellent university. One way we can DISCOVER MORE turnover. In the last five years’ alone, do that is to continue investing in northumbria.ac.uk/sgenterprise Guests at Northumbria’s Enterprise and Innovation Dinner

Former Scotland rugby international Scott Hastings compered the charity auction

Originally featured in issue 5

(Left) Graduate entrepreneur Dan Robson with Lucy Winskell OBE Sir Jonathan Ive meeting students at Northumbria NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 8 NEWS

Originally featured in National praise issue 7 for Northumbria’s outstanding student services

Originally featured in issue 7

Inset (L to R) – Joy Grenyer, Visa Compliance Team Manager; Sue Broadbent, Welfare, Immigration and Funding Team Manager; Levi Pay, Head of Student Support and Wellbeing; Prof. Jane Core, Director of Student and Library Services; Helen Izod, Student Progress Team Manager.

Northumbria University has been presented with a national award for having the UK’s most ‘Outstanding Student Services Team’. Northumbria’s he Times Higher Education’s Leadership and Management award was presented to the University’s Student Support and Wellbeing team in recognition of the excellent support offered to students at Northumbria. TThe team, which is part of the Student and Library Services department, student halls top of was commended for projects including the transformation of support for students who were considering changing course or possibly dropping out of their studies. The University was also recognised for its new approach to counselling and mental health services to support students experiencing personal, emotional and mental health issues. the charts yet again A central welcome event, which was developed for new students to help ensure a smooth transition into university life, was also applauded. The initiatives which make Northumbria’s support for students distinctive Students have voted Northumbria’s student accommodation second in the UK in the higher education sector were commended by the judges as being in a poll published by national newspaper The Telegraph. “strong examples of excellence” and a “strong commitment to quality in the heartland of student services and support.” he shortlist, which was bedrooms across a range of top quality and a supermarket. Levi Pay, Head of Student Support and Wellbeing, said: “Effective specialist compiled using results from halls, both catered and self-catered. All Alastair Reekie, Head of Student student support is about far more than just adding value to a student’s the 2015 National Student residences have wi-fi internet access Accommodation, said: “We are university experience or helping students to focus on their studies. The Housing Awards, described and are within walking distance of the absolutely delighted to discover that judges commended us particularly for our change of circumstances and TNorthumbria as a university where vibrant city of Newcastle. we have been rated second in the UK mental health support models, but the same ambitions underpin all of our students were ‘bound to feel right at Last year, Northumbria opened its for our student accommodation. The support services – from hardship funding and dyslexia tuition to faith advice home, with something for all budgets newest student accommodation at fact that these results are based on and immigration support. Providing specialist advice and support can be and personalities.’ Trinity Square in Gateshead. The state- actual feedback from our students is challenging, life-changing and sometimes even life-saving. It is great to The high quality of Northumbria’s of-the-art building offers almost 1,000 a testament to the outstanding work receive confirmation from the sector that our efficient models for delivering accommodation was also recognised in beds with stunning views across the done by the Campus Services teams and support are leading the way.” the National Student Housing Survey, NewcastleGateshead skyline. It boasts colleagues across the University.” Professor Jane Core, Director of Student and Library Services, added: “This with the University shortlisted for both rooftop leisure facilities and is situated is a real achievement for our team and is also a credit to the partnership the best value for money and the best above a brand new retail and leisure DISCOVER MORE working that we have across the whole university, where the focus on student student community. complex which includes a multi-screen northumbria.ac.uk/accommodation experience is at the forefront of all that we do. Our services are widely The University offers over 5,000 study cinema, numerous bars and restaurants recognised for professional excellence and innovation and we take pride in the recognition that this award reflects upon the University and the energy and commitment that underpins our professional support services.”

DISCOVER MORE northumbria.ac.uk/ssw 374262_9/15 Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NEWS 9

Originally featured in issue 7

This positive result is the ‘‘consequence‘‘ of an overall strategy that is grounded in quality

Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria University, Professor Andrew Wathey Northumbria on the rise Northumbria University climbs to 30th in the UK for teaching quality in new league tables.

orthumbria has taken Survey and Research Excellence the wider student experience.” consequence of an overall strategy study at Northumbria, the University another step forward in Framework, alongside significant Behind the headline improvement, that is grounded in quality – achieving is now the top post-1992 institution for its ambition to become improvements in entry standards and Northumbria was also ranked 30th significant progress in both teaching entry standards, moving up from 48th a new kind of excellent graduate employability. in the UK for teaching quality and and research, with Northumbria to 46th (and 34th in England). Nuniversity, rising two places in The In the 2016 Guide, The Sunday Times 42nd for overall student experience. recognised as the sector’s biggest riser The Sunday Times result follows Times and Sunday Times University said: “Northumbria University has set The Sunday Times also praised in research power.” recent successes for the University in League Table 2016. The University also out its stall with a public declaration Northumbria’s success in the 2014 There was also success at subject student satisfaction, research quality, saw significant gains in overall student that it wants to win a place among the Research Excellence Framework, level in The Sunday Times, with 10 of and graduate employability. Last month, experience and teaching quality where top 30 in the UK — a goal it has come describing the University’s result as Northumbria’s courses in the Top 30 the University improved its ratings in it was ranked joint best in the remarkably close to fulfilling this year at ‘one of the biggest increases in research in the UK, including Architecture, Art almost every area of the 2015 National North East. least with regards to student satisfaction. funding at any university’. and Design, Education, Library and Student Survey. The University achieved The Times and Sunday Times league “A rise of more than 40 places Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria Information Management, and Nursing. a score of 88% overall satisfaction – an table is one of the most authoritative according to analysis of the latest University, Professor Andrew Wathey, Northumbria also recorded increase of three points on the previous guides to higher education in the National Student Survey lifts said: “We are delighted to be ranked improvements in its score and ranking year and two percent higher than the UK. Northumbria moved from 66 to Northumbria to 31st in the UK on 31st for student satisfaction in the on Graduate Prospects and Good UK Higher Education average of 86%. 64th place overall, building on recent this measure, scoring highly for both Sunday Times league table. Honours. And with increasing numbers successes in the National Student satisfaction with teaching quality and “This positive result is the of highly qualified students choosing to NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 10 HEALTH Therapy session can help to cure insomnia A simple one-hour therapy session has helped to cure 73% of people suffering from acute insomnia, according to a new Northumbria study.

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

Smoking and drinking are in top 10 causes of death in UK Smoking is the number one cause of death in the orthumbria University’s alcohol use and a diet low in vegetables. the leading health risks. Dr Ivy Shiue is one of the The top ten global risks are smoking, In much of the Middle East and Latin UK – which has also seen an increase in deaths due co-authors of a new paper high body-mass index, high blood America, high body mass index is the to alcohol use – according to a new global study published by the Global pressure, diabetes, alcohol use, high number one risk associated with health published in The Lancet. NBurden of Disease study which looked cholesterol, kidney disease, low loss. In South and South East Asia, at the leading health risk factors most physical activity, a diet low in fruits household air pollution is a leading risk. likely to cause death in 188 countries and drug use. India has high risks of unsafe water and between 1990 and 2013. Dr Shiue, a senior researcher childhood undernutrition and alcohol is The study found that smoking in Northumbria’s Department of the number two risk in Russia. However, contributed to 106,981 deaths in the UK Healthcare, said: “Progress against so smoking is the number one risk in many in 2013, making it the top risk factor for many leading risk factors is excellent high-income countries, including the both men and women, closely followed news and should be celebrated, but United Kingdom. by high blood pressure and obesity. these risks still continue to contribute to IHME Director Dr Christopher Although the UK has made progress the disabilities and deaths of thousands Murray added: “There’s great potential against the leading global risks of of Britons. to improve health by avoiding certain death – with significant decreases “We need to focus on minimising risks like smoking and poor diet as in high blood pressure and high risks clustering from childhood to well as tackling environmental risks cholesterol – there has been a 9.5% adulthood to reduce the burden on our like air pollution. The challenge for increase in the number of deaths due health system and ensure that we all live policymakers will be to use what we to alcohol use, with 21,765 people long and healthy lives.” know to guide prevention efforts and dying from this in 2013. The study, which is led by the health policies.” The top ten risks in the UK are, Institute for Health Metrics and Originally featured in in order, smoking, high blood Evaluation (IHME) at the University of pressure, high body mass index, high Washington in Seattle and funded by issue 7 cholesterols, low physical activity, a diet the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, DISCOVER MORE low in fruits, diabetes, kidney disease, found significant regional variations in northumbria.ac.uk/health Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU HEALTH 11 NHS beats USA for lung transplant success British cystic fibrosis patients who receive lung transplants fare Originally featured in significantly better than Americans in the long-term, according to a new issue 7 study from Northumbria University.

tephen Clark, a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Northumbria University and Director of Heart and Lung Transplantation at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, conducted the study with SNHS colleagues and researchers from Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Medicine. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects about 10,000 people in the UK and 70,000 people worldwide. It stems from the body’s inability to ferry chloride in and out of cells and is marked by the build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs that causes frequent infections, chronic inflammation, tissue damage and premature death. Lung transplantation is an option of last resort for those with end-stage lung disease. The investigators compared records of cystic fibrosis patients aged 12 and above who underwent lung or combined heart-lung transplantation in the United States and the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2011. After analysing the medical records of more than 2,700 people, they found that US patients with both public and private healthcare had poorer overall survival rates compared to UK patients operated on by the National Health Service. There was little difference between US and UK patients immediately following the operation, but a marked A young girl with cystic fibrosis receiving support to breathe difference emerged over the long run. The average survival following transplantation was 8.1 years among UK patients. However, publically insured American patients fared worse, with an average survival of just 4.7 years. Americans with private healthcare had an average Originally featured in survival of 7.9 years. issue 7 The differences persisted even after researchers Lecturer named one of accounted for the influence of factors known to affect survival, including age, overall health and the condition of a patient’s lungs leading up to transplantation. Professor Clark said: “The results of the study top health visitors in UK underscore the ability of publicly funded health care systems to achieve excellent results in complex transplant A Northumbria lecturer has been icky Gilroy, a Senior “As well as teaching students and surgery, and this is something we are rather proud of. Lecturer in Specialist supporting the development of future “The National Health Services’ lung transplant awarded the Fellowship of the Community Public Health practitioners, a key part of my role to programme equals the top-notch care achieved under Institute of Health Visiting for her Nursing, is one of just 150 date has been working with the Institute American private insurance and outperforms care exceptional work in the field. Vhealth visitors to receive a Fellowship of Health Visiting to develop a national received by publicly insured Americans.” after being recognised as an exceptional CPD framework for all health visitors. Jessica Jones, Policy Adviser for the Cystic Fibrosis leader who is making a real difference “Becoming a Fellow is already proving Trust, said: “We are delighted to see the NHS recognised to children and families in England. extremely useful and is bringing extra as a world leader in post-lung transplant survival, and are Vicky had an extensive career working credibility in terms of networking proud that people with cystic fibrosis can expect the best with children and families, both as a with influential groups to lead the treatment when matched to available donor lungs. children’s nurse and a health visitor development of children’s services. It is “This study reinforces our desire to see the NHS work before moving into lecturing. In her certainly opening new doors.” Sponsored by the Department of to ensure more people benefit from the world-class role at Northumbria she now supports Health, the Fellows will join together skills and innovation of our national lung transplant the education of future health visitors. to create a country-wide group of programme. Tragically one in three people with cystic She said: “I’ve always been experts. They will support local fibrosis on the lung transplant list still die before they are passionate about supporting children community healthcare providers and called for the procedure. That is why the Cystic Fibrosis and families and after working initially commissioners when health visiting Trust is working to significantly improve the rate of safe as a hospital nurse, I genuinely felt commissioning moves to local authority and effective lung transplantations in the UK.” that more could be done to support control in October 2015. The findings were published in the American Journal families in their homes as well as of Transplantation. hospitals. This was why I decided to move into health visiting and DISCOVER MORE subsequently into education. northumbria.ac.uk/publichealth DISCOVER MORE Vicky Gilroy (right) receiving her Fellowship northumbria.ac.uk/publichealth NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 12 SCIENCE Investing in excellence The next generation of scientists and engineers will benefit from ambitious £6.7 million investment in world-class STEM education at Northumbria.

he investment will be co-funded by Northumbria launched its innovative Think Executive Dean for Engineering and Environment, related courses at university. It is great news that the Higher Education Funding Council Physics project at a special event at its city campus, Professor Glen McHale, said: “I am extremely Northumbria will be able to provide even better for England (HEFCE) as part of its which featured a range of science experiments and pleased our bid has been successful and that we opportunities and facilities for those students who £200 million scheme to increase the STEM research. It was attended by a number of will see an investment totalling £6.7 million over choose to do their STEM undergraduate degrees Tnumber of high-quality Science Technology the project’s partners and supporters, including the next two years, co-funded by HEFCE. This will h e re .” Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students. Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah. be used to invest in learning and teaching facilities This latest investment, combined with the The University will use the funding to create Chi, who has a degree in electrical engineering, at our city campus, creating new laboratories, Northumbria-led Think Physics project, world-class teaching and research STEM facilities said: “STEM skills are critical for the future purchasing the latest technology and equipment, demonstrates the University’s ongoing vision of at its city campus, including new specialist economy of the country and particularly the North and refurbishing our existing buildings, with the becoming a beacon for students wishing to study laboratories and technologies. East with our industrial and manufacturing basis. aim of transforming our campus into a world-class STEM disciplines and pursue careers in these fields. The news followed the launch of Northumbria’s This announcement is great news, underlining beacon for STEM.” £1.2 million Think Physics project to inspire more Newcastle’s position as a destination for excellent Think Physics Director, Dr Carol Davenport, young people to engage in science and pursue STEM education and Northumbria’s growing role added: “Think Physics aims to encourage more DISCOVER MORE STEM careers. in that.” young people, particularly girls, to study science- Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor northumbria.ac.uk/stem and Chief Executive at Northumbria, said: “This investment of £6.7 million in STEM facilities, co-funded by Northumbria and HEFCE, clearly marks the commitment of this University to driving world-class research and teaching across STEM disciplines, and to drive an increased flow of highly-employable graduates into industry. “Universities have a vital role to play in the Government’s strategy to ensure the UK remains one of the world’s leading scientific nations. “Northumbria’s ongoing investment in developing world-class STEM provision reflects our responsiveness to this growing demand and to the growing collaborative opportunities, in both research and teaching, with industry.” HEFCE announced £200 million funding for 73 UK universities and colleges to ensure Higher Education responds effectively to the increase in demand for STEM studies. This funding will be used to create facilities that will support the development of a greater number of high-quality graduates into industry. Linda Conlon, Chief Executive, International Centre for Life, said: “This is tremendous news from our partners at Northumbria who share with Life an ambition to enhance STEM provision in the region. We look forward to working with them on new and exciting projects which, when coupled with projects such as Think Physics and the MSc in Science Communication, will establish the North East as the place to be for the next generation of UK scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.”

Originally featured in issue 5 Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU SCIENCE 13 ‘Girlifying’ science is not the answer Science opens doors to the most incredible careers for young women, according to £1.2m Think Physics project.

Originally featured in issue 5

his was the message being Director of Think Physics, and her team scientists, technologists, engineers and delivered at the official of specialists. Dr Davenport said: “The mathematicians.” launch of Think Physics at Think Physics team and I feel incredibly The launch was attended by key Northumbria. excited and privileged to launch this partners, businesses, parents and TThis pioneering project, created to innovative project and we look forward schoolchildren. Newcastle Central MP, inspire the next generation of female to making our vision a reality. Chi Onwurah, was also at the event. She scientists and engineers, was brought “In addressing the gender imbalance said: “The jobs, industries, economy, to life at a launch filled with live in STEM, we plan to follow the society and culture of the future will experiments for all ages and world-class guidance of one of our partners, the all increasingly be based on STEM research on display at the University’s Institute of Physics, which makes it subjects. We must make sure they are city campus. clear that simply ‘girlifying physics’ is represented by boys and girls, men and The three-year Think Physics not the solution. It is about showing women if we are to realise their full initiative has been launched to help young people the applications, the real potential. The Think Physics project engage more young people – especially situations and the routes into a range of makes an important contribution to girls and under-represented groups – in exciting careers. Our message to young this.” science, technology, engineering and people is that science opens doors. Linda Conlon, Chief Executive of the mathematics (STEM) from pre-school “To make a success of the project we Centre for Life, one of the project’s key to university and on into their careers. will be working in partnership, drawing partners, added: “This is an exciting Led by Northumbria, in collaboration on external expertise and resources, time for physics in the region and with a range of partners, the project as well as engaging with the excellent we’re delighted to be working with is being funded by a £1.2 million research that is being carried out at Northumbria to deliver this innovative grant from the Higher Education Northumbria. We also plan to take our project that will see young people – and Funding Council for England work out to our partner schools and to especially girls, who are particularly (HEFCE). Launched at the new Think bring visitors into our Think Lab on under-represented in this field – Lab at Northumbria’s city campus, c ampu s .” involved in engaging physics-themed the event involved an impressive Partners include the Centre for Life, activities. Hopefully, this is just the start display of scientific experiments and Institute of Physics, North Tyneside of a legacy that will ensure the North demonstrations for different age groups, Learning Trust, Kielder Observatory East remains a front runner in the with several of the activities directly and Solar Capture Technologies Ltd. engineering and technology fields.” reflecting research currently taking Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Northumbria offers a range of place at the University. at Northumbria, Professor Andrew undergraduate and postgraduate Think Physics was partly inspired Wathey said: “I am delighted the courses in STEM disciplines. by a report from the Institute of University is leading this innovative Physics, which revealed only 21% of and potentially future-shaping project. physics students at UK universities are Over the next three years it will position female. The project aims to address the University and its partners as a DISCOVER MORE this over the next three years under beacon for STEM engagement and an northumbria.ac.uk/stem the leadership of Dr Carol Davenport, inspiration to the next generation of thinkphysics.org NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 14 SCIENCE Building the world’s biggest solar telescope Experts from Northumbria are taking part in an international project to build the world’s most revolutionary solar telescope.

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

Originally featured in issue 6

A computer-generated image of what the telescope will look like An image from the surface of the sun Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU HEALTH 15 Research reveals impact of school holidays on struggling families More than six out of 10 parents with household incomes of less than £25,000 Originally featured in are struggling to feed their children outside of term time according to crucial new issue 7 research by Northumbria University.

or households with incomes of less than £15,000, that figure rose to 73% of parents who said they weren’t always able to afford to buy food outside of term-time. The findings particularly affect those families receiving Fa free school meal, which ensures that children are guaranteed at least one wholesome meal a day. Research on school holiday hunger by the University’s Healthy Living research unit has fed into a Kellogg’s report – Isolation and Hunger: the impact of the school holidays on struggling families – which was delivered to MPs. Professor Greta Defeyter, Director of Healthy Living at Northumbria University, led the research. It revealed 71% of parents found it harder to make ends meet during the summer holidays compared with term-time, while 63% of parents find themselves without enough money for food during the summer. A staggering 93% of low income parents skip at least one meal a day to make sure their children are fed. More than 65% of parents on low household incomes say they often feel isolated in the school holidays due to being unable to afford to feed their families, or go out and entertain their children. A pilot of 12 Kellogg’s breakfast clubs delivered over the summer holiday period of 2014, revealed that clubs were positively received by children, staff and parents and all groups Professor Greta Defeyter with children at a school breakfast club in Newcastle were keen to see the provision made available during future school holidays. Kellogg’s has now developed a holiday breakfast club programme based on these findings and has committed funding to the Mayor’s Fund for London to help run ten clubs in the capital until August 2016. Wear your health on your sleeve Child poverty is set to become more commonly felt across the country, and particularly in the North East, as the impact of Design students from Northumbria University have recent budget cuts come into effect, says Professor Defeyter. More been awarded generous grants to develop their wearable than 37% of children are in poverty in the Newcastle Central constituency and in the ward of Elswick this increases to 47.5% technology designs – which could secure significant Professor Defeyter said: “There has been a 500,000-strong rise savings for the NHS. The winning design in the number of children in poverty, and many families have reacted by serving food laden with salt, fat and sugar because it is s part of the Wear Care of developing impactful collaboration with Second place went to a team who perceived as more filling food for the money. project, groups of postgraduate industry. We are delighted to be working designed a device which aims to reduce “We know that food poverty becomes more acute during school design students were tasked with these internationally renowned back injury, specifically targeted at NHS holidays. The question is, why help? Well, it’s a basic human right with creating propositions organisations to create new patient- staff. Their prize of £3,000 will go towards to have access to food for a healthy diet, and we know there’s a for a device which could improve health centred wearable healthcare applications further research. Finally, £2,000 was given clear link between food and academic attainment – particularly A monitoring or treatment. The project that empower people to manage their to the team in third place for their smart- in areas of poverty and among primary-age children. aimed to look at how technologies could conditions and stay well.” watch based app, which uses video game “We are doing something about it in term-time, but what about benefit the NHS by providing the patient Academic Health Science Network technology to treat depression. during the holidays?” with greater control over their own health (AHSN North) invested £10,000 in the Dr Seamus O’Neill, CEO of AHSN, To help families in need, Kellogg’s is partnering with FareShare, and therefore reducing costs and pressure project to help fund the design prototypes explained “We were delighted to be part of which provides food to over 2,000 charities and community on health service resources. or further research. The winning team this design programme with Northumbria projects including holiday breakfast clubs. The finished proposals were judged received £5,000 of this grant for their University. It has been a joy to see the Kellogg’s director Paul Wheeler said: “Tens of thousands of by a panel of industry experts from design – a device which could provide enthusiasm and creativity that the students parents go without meals so they can feed their kids. some of Northumbria’s leading business music therapy for autistic children and also brought to this process. We were keen “We are trying to help these parents by funding free holiday partnerships. The panel included Dr help to focus their attention. to ensure that the ideas developed were breakfast clubs across the UK. Those already open have proven Séamus O’Neill, CEO of The Academic Dhrumin Giasotta, an MA Design not lost once the programme ended and to be a great success. That’s why we’ve invited politicians from all Health Science Network North East and Management student from Mumbai, to ensure this we sponsored a prize that political parties to visit the clubs this summer to draw attention North Cumbria; Dr Jon Helliwell, Director India, who was on the winning team, has allowed the to this issue and demonstrate that there is help available.” of Printable Electronics at the Centre for explained “Practical projects like this winners to take Originally featured in Northumbria’s research in the field of Psychology, which Process Innovation; Richard Kirk, CEO are so important because they help you forward the includes its work on breakfast clubs, was judged to have of PolyPhotonix Ltd., and Duncan Hill, understand how companies work in real- development of outstanding reach and significance for its impact on society in the issue 7 Senior Scientist, also from PolyPhotonix. time scenarios and what is expected from their creations.” 2014 Research Excellence Framework exercise, which assesses the They were joined on the panel by Dr you as a designer. quality of research in UK universities. Stuart English, Programme Leader for “The feedback from the panel was MA Design. Dr English, who set up the particularly valuable and the £5,000 from DISCOVER MORE project and was also on the panel, said: AHSN will be used to develop product northumbria.ac.uk/design DISCOVER MORE “Northumbria Design has a long history prototyping of our design.” northumbria.ac.uk/publichealth NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 16 BUSINESS

Originally featured in A platform for success issue 7 Representatives from Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School travelled to Florida recently to join fellow accredited institutions at the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) annual conference.

he International Conference recognition which puts us firmly within recent AACSB accreditation. and Annual Meeting (ICAM) an elite group. The 26-year-old said: “You can get 2015 was also an opportunity “It has been extremely encouraging to great degrees in Germany which are to forge partnerships with the attend the annual AACSB conference, recognised internationally, especially Tglobal elite of business schools. meet with our peers from around the for the practical orientation, but there AACSB is the longest serving global world and discuss the potential for is still a certain weight attached to accrediting body for business schools working together in the future.” UK universities. When I was looking that offer undergraduate, masters, Prof. Kerrigan and colleagues also for a university to combine those and doctoral degrees in business and visited the MUMA College of Business two strengths in a double degree, the accounting – and last year Newcastle at the University of South Florida whilst AACSB-accreditation helped me to Business School was the first in Europe in the US. The American university make an informed decision in a market to be recognised for both its business is one of just a few dual-accredited characterised by heavy advertising and and accountancy programmes. It schools in the state, and the two numerous different rankings. I am also became one of less than 10 institutions institutions were keen to discuss the looking to work overseas, hopefully Originally featured in in the world, outside the USA, to gain significance of the recognition and the in Australasia or Asia, and I feel that the double accolade. potential for future collaborations. studying at a double AACSB-accredited issue 6 During the three-day event, the team He added: “Achieving AACSB institution like Newcastle Business from Northumbria attended various accreditation has been a genuinely School will open the right doors and seminars and events including an transformational process, and the help me work wherever I want in International student Axel Junginger from Germany’s Heilbronn University who chose to study Accreditation Recognition ceremony opportunities now open to us include the world.” at Newcastle Business School because of AACSB accreditation. where they officially received their forging friendships with our fellow Newcastle Business School is also AACSB certificate commending the members, which is why we took the building on the success of AACSB said: “The international market for opportunity, and also reflects a global university’s dual accreditation. chance to visit the University of South accreditation by enhancing its academic Masters courses is highly competitive, shift in favour of the higher learning Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Executive Florida while in Tampa. We found offering and extending its student especially in the UK, Europe, North experiences associated with two-year Dean for Newcastle Business School, we share very similar practices, and exchange and overseas study links America and Australasia. The good courses, whilst retaining our successful said: “To be the only university in we look forward to developing our with international partner institutions. news for us is that AACSB is a global one-year options. This approach will, Europe with a double accreditation relationship through, for example, Axel believes the benefits to him as endorsement of the value and academic I’m sure, help us develop better and from the AACSB is a huge privilege exchange programmes for students a German student coming to the UK rigour of our programmes. We are now stronger relationships with our partner and demonstrates the high quality of and staff.” are equally relevant to UK students revalidating our Masters’ programmes universities such as Heilbronn.” our research-informed teaching and German student Axel Junginger wishing to study in Germany. He would and are increasing their flexibility by our focus on graduate employability, has chosen to spend a year at encourage students from Northumbria offering the courses as both one-year innovation, excellence and impact. Less Newcastle Business School as part to take up exchange opportunities and two-year alternatives, including than one per cent of business schools of his studies for a double Masters wherever they can. study abroad or business practice. DISCOVER MORE worldwide have achieved this dual degree in business, because of the Principal Lecturer Dr Andrew Robson This provides flexibility, variety of northumbria.ac.uk/nbs

Originally featured in Newcastle Business School issue 7 receives Small Business Charter Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter Award in recognition of its active participation in supporting start-ups, students and small businesses.

he Charter aims delivered in partnership with the on real business issues while gaining owners to appraise the scope and in both its business and accounting to bring business Association of Business Schools, relevant industry experience. depth of engagement. programmes from the Association schools, businesses and and with the support of Lord Young Collaborating with academics Northumbria University offers to Advance Collegiate Schools of entrepreneurs together to and the Department for Business, undertaking world-leading research a range of courses and additional Business (AACSB). The achievement Tensure small businesses are supported Innovation and Skills. They offer a and bright, energy-charged students resources to support students and puts it in the top 1% of business to drive local economic growth. springboard to unlocking support is also incredibly beneficial for SMEs SMEs, including the Entrepreneurial schools in the world. University business schools holding and investment for students, start-ups looking to develop and grow their Business Management course, Northumbria is currently the Small Business Charter awards and small businesses. businesses. which encourages students to take number one university in the UK have already directly helped over Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Executive To achieve the accreditation, the a hands-on approach to learning for graduate start-ups based on 8,000 small businesses – providing Dean for Newcastle Business School, Small Business Charter assessors while building up business skills. estimated turnover according to the a range of support including on-site said: “We are delighted to be the undertook an intensive review of Newcastle Business School also runs latest Higher Education Business incubators with dedicated space for first university in the North East to the Newcastle Business School’s an Undergraduate Consultancy Community Interaction Survey. It is students and small businesses to achieve this accreditation, celebrating facilities, including inspection of programme, where as part of their also 4th among UK universities based start-up and grow. and recognising how we support its Northern Design Centre, which degree, students offer a range of on the number of jobs created by its The Small Business Charter both the local business community offers dedicated help for students to consultancy services and resources graduate start-ups, according to the originated following Lord Young’s and the development of our students develop their enterprise skills, work to small businesses. The course is same data. report ‘Growing Your Business’, – especially their employability and with entrepreneurs and local SMEs currently working with 28 SMEs, which focused on bringing business career prospects.” and gain support in developing their with the number expected to double schools, business and entrepreneurs Newcastle Business School prides own businesses. next year. closer together to deliver support itself in offering students the highest The assessors also met with Newcastle Business School is also for small businesses and drive calibre of business education, staff, current students, alumni, the only business school in Europe DISCOVER MORE local economic growth. Awards are providing an opportunity to work intermediaries and small business to achieve a double accreditation northumbria.ac.uk/nbs Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU BUSINESS 17 Ghana TV show winner heads for Northumbria

A reality TV contestant who won a place at Northumbria University is celebrating a successful year of study – and an unforgettable time in Newcastle.

Anthony Kofi Annan triumphed in 2014’s The Challenge – a Ghanaian show similar to the BBC’s The Apprentice – and the prize was a scholarship with Northumbria. The 27-year- old from Ghana has just completed an MSc Business with Financial Management degree at Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School, and has received very positive feedback from lecturers and university staff. He said: “I applied to go onto The Challenge because I wanted the scholarship to Northumbria University – and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I’ve really enjoyed everything about the experience. The lecturers have first-hand experience of the industry, which makes the course even more interesting. Life in Newcastle is wonderful. I had heard of Newcastle as I’ve followed the English Premier League and made sure I did my research before going into the show.” Originally featured in Anthony applied to be on the sixth series of The Challenge, an extremely popular show which is run in partnership issue 5 with the British Council and offers fully sponsored post- graduate scholarships as prizes.

Anthony Kofi Annan is greeted by Northumbria staff on his arrival in Newcastle The show gave students across Ghana the chance to showcase their intellectual and creative talents, with contestants competing against each other over three Reality TV contestant Anthony Kofi Annan has won a place at Northumbria University, months in a range of televised tasks and interviews. after triumphing in The Challenge. The Challenge 2014 was sponsored by Ghana-based telecommunication company Tigo in collaboration with the British Council Ghana and supported by Northumbria he 27-year-old from Ghana joins two the world, and over the years I have applied to “Having international scholars enriches University, Newcastle; Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen other winners from the education study Master’s degrees and even a PhD there. I university life by creating an even more and the University of Salford in Manchester. show to have secured positions at have a couple of family folks in the UK as well vibrant and creative learning experience for all The show was produced by GhOne TV, a Ghanaian based UK universities. Following a format who have told me a lot about the culture, the students. Their presence also helps to inspire multimedia company. similar to the BBC’s The Apprentice, rivals on people and the opportunities available the development of global graduates here at T Anthony joined two other winners from the education The Challenge in Ghana competed against each out here. Northumbria, with the skills and outlook to show in securing positions at UK universities – and his other over three months in a range of televised “Taking part in The Challenge was a succeed in an increasingly international labour successful year has made him an advocate for university tasks and interviews. One such task involved completely new experience for me, particularly market.” life abroad. selling white unmarked T-shirts, where they having to speak in front of cameras. Besides The Challenge 2014 was sponsored by Ghana- were assessed on revenue raised and marketing the nervousness, however, it was intellectually based telecommunication company Tigo in He added: “I definitely believe that it’s important to study strategies. Anthony’s team decided to use the stimulating and a great skills-building exercise. collaboration with the British Council Ghana abroad; you get a completely new perspective on study, T-shirt as a platform to create awareness on Working with team members from diverse and supported by Northumbria University, the on culture and diversity and on different ways of working. I the prevention of the Ebola virus, and educational and professional backgrounds Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen Scotland would recommend studying at Northumbria University to for greater impact they collaborated meant that I had to employ a lot of people and the University of Salford at Manchester. people all over the world.” with a Government institution in Ghana skills to motivate and drive team success. The show was produced by GhOne TV, a Northumbria University’s international recruitment championing a similar cause. Overall, I would say I have grown more Ghanaian based multimedia company”. manager Simon Forster said: “Anthony continues to shine Now in its sixth series, the highly popular confident, am a better team player and hungry Postgraduate study at Northumbria is and we’re keen to see how he progresses. Feedback on him show is run in partnership with the for more success. The Challenge also taught designed for those students who want to has been fantastic – lecturers are very proud of him, as are British Council and offers fully sponsored me that there is always a reward for those who change direction in their career or give it an his family, and as am I. He is a very good representative for postgraduate scholarships as prizes. Anthony dare to dig deeper; if nothing at all, they have extra edge, or for those who have a burning Ghana and is doing the country proud.” will now join Northumbria’s Newcastle enough soil to spare.” passion for their area of study. Masters study at Northumbria is designed for those Business School this month to study MSc Rob Carthy, Director of International students who want to change direction in their career Business with Financial Management Development at Northumbria, said: or give it an extra edge, or for Originally featured in He said: “I’m really looking forward to “I’m delighted to welcome Anthony to DISCOVER MORE those who have a passion for studying at Northumbria, spending time in Northumbria, and to congratulate him on his their area of study. Newcastle and exploring the region. The UK success in The Challenge. I’m sure he’ll have a northumbria.ac.uk/pg issue 6 is one of the best education destinations in fantastic time here. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 18 BUSINESS

Originally featured in University helping issue 7 Enterprising business growth University up for two in the North East top awards Northumbria University has been shortlisted in two categories of this year’s prestigious Times Higher Education Awards*.

ith one of the higher education sector’s best records for nurturing and encouraging business Wenterprise and student start-up ventures, Northumbria has been shortlisted for Entrepreneurial University of the Year award. At the same time, Newcastle Business School at Northumbria is in the running for Best Business School title. The recognition reflects both the outstanding learning experience at Northumbria, and the positive contribution the University makes to the regional economy. Lucy Winskell OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Engagement) at Northumbria Originally featured in University, said: “Northumbria University continues to make a significant impact in issue 7 the region and we have a very clear focus on providing support for the large number of entrepreneurial students, both undergraduate Peter Bakare and Nathan French coaching young athletes and postgraduate, who have a real desire to create their own businesses. As a result, we are A £1.1 million Northumbria medium sized businesses in the North East region. SME specialising in the renewable electricity and now the leading UK university for graduate By the end of the project, 60 current students gas sector recruited Northumbria graduate Theo start-ups, based on turnover. Northumbria University project to start or recent graduates are ready to develop their Clarke as an intern 18 months ago. At the time, University is extremely proud to be shortlisted up new businesses and help business plans. To date, 25 new companies have the company had just five members of staff. The for such a fantastic award, and we celebrate existing businesses to grow launched with more to follow. A total of 67 company has rapidly expanded since and now our students’ energy, vision and creativity businesses recruited graduate interns through the employs 25 people, including a further seven which leads them to build such fantastic has been a resounding success. project. Almost three quarters of these businesses graduates from the University. businesses.” Northumbria University News say that they have had, or are expecting to have, Company director and co-founder Kilian Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Executive Dean spoke to two businesses that an increase in turnover as a result – some by as Coyne explained: “Northumbria’s Graduates into for Newcastle Business School said: “Being much as £200,000 per year. Business project helped us to bring in a graduate shortlisted for this prestigious award is further have benefitted from the Leadership and Performance Coaching intern who had fresh ideas and ways of thinking. evidence of the transformation of Newcastle University’s support. graduates Peter Bakare and Nathan French Theo was actually a history graduate so didn’t Business School over recent years. The clear received support to start-up their new business have any experience in the sector, but he has focus on excellence in terms of student ith a high success rate in which provides professional advice on coaching helped us massively with his analytical ways of experience, graduate employability and supporting entrepreneurship and nutrition to young athletes to maximise their thinking. Theo identified new opportunities and partnerships with businesses and professors and graduate start-up businesses, potential. Both Peter and Nathan were part of the has helped the company to grow significantly. around the world has built a culture of Northumbria is the UK’s best Team GB volleyball squad at the 2012 Olympics He’s now our Head of Operations and I honestly innovation and success.” The annual Times Higher Education awards university for start-ups based on turnover. The and used their sporting expertise to establish Your can’t thank Northumbria enough for the benefits W are widely recognised as the most prestigious University has supported the development of Student Body. that this scheme has brought to our business.” award ceremony of the higher education more than 100 graduate companies in the last five Peter said: “We both have a sporting Lucy Winskell OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor sector, attracting hundreds of entries every years which now employ almost 950 staff and have background and had this great idea to support for Business and Engagement at Northumbria year that exemplify the talent, dedication and a combined turnover of £62.2 million. Most of young athletes but we really needed help. It was University, said: “This project has brought great innovation of individuals and teams across all these businesses are based in the North East while almost like we had built a great spaceship in benefits to all involved. A very large number of aspects of university life. trading nationally and internationally. our minds but didn’t know how to fly it. The graduate interns have been given permanent Winners will be revealed at the Grosvenor Thanks to support from the European Regional University helped us to put together the manual positions in the businesses they have been House Hotel in London in November. Development Fund, the University was able to and the instructions we needed to be able to fly working with and it’s been very gratifying to hear launch the Graduates into Business project in and now we’re really starting to get somewhere. evidence from the companies involved about 2013 which aimed to help students and graduates We’re getting so much help in how to deal with the positive impact our interns have had on the DISCOVER MORE to start up 30 new businesses and to provide businesses, it’s been absolutely invaluable.” business, in terms of both productivity northumbria.ac.uk/business graduate interns for more than 50 small and Green Energy Consulting, a Gateshead-based and profitability.”

*This article was originally published in September 2015 Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU RESEARCH 19

Originally featured in issue 6

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

he University’s research funding has risen additional funding allows us to extend our research of the significant developments in research at to £6.46m in 2015/16 – up 106% from the to tackle even more of the challenges that society Northumbria University over the last five years. £3.14m awarded for 2014/15. faces, at regional, national or global scales.” Northumbria recorded strong results in Allied Northumbria’s increase is the fourth The increase in funding is directly related to the Health, History, English, General Engineering, The increase Tlargest in the UK behind those of King’s College University’s excellence in research, as measured in Art and Design, and Communication, Cultural

London, University College London and Exeter last year’s Research Excellence Framework (REF and Media. In General Engineering, English and ‘‘in funding is University – with the Times Higher Education 2014) – the internationally recognised barometer of History, Northumbria recorded upper-quartile

(THE) reporting that Northumbria is “among the research reputation. As a result of Northumbria’s scores in the proportion of research outputs rated directly related to biggest cash winners” in the UK higher education REF 2014 performance, the University was as world-leading. In terms of impact bringing sector. catapulted into the top 50 of UK universities for societal, cultural and economic benefit, 73% the University’s‘‘ Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor and research power, a key measure of research capacity of the submissions in Psychology were rated as Chief Executive of Northumbria University, said: calculated as the volume of an institution’s research ‘outstanding’. excellence in “The research funding outcome is excellent news multiplied by its quality. According to the THE, for Northumbria, and is a result of the University’s Northumbria was “the biggest riser when ranked research... clear strategic vision and investment, and the hard by research power, climbing from 80th to 50th.” DISCOVER MORE *This article was originally published in September 2015 work and commitment of all of our staff. The The REF results provide an external validation northumbria.ac.uk/research NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 20 RESEARCH Our research is really making a difference As a new kind of excellent university, Northumbria is committed to research that makes a real difference to individuals, communities, society and the economy. Following the announcement that the University has recorded the fourth largest rise in research funding in the UK, Northumbria University News takes a look at some of the projects currently underway at Northumbria that will bring benefits to many…

Historical perspectives bring new light to depression Breakthrough in energy Research into eighteenth-century English literature is helping to transform modern-day understanding harvesting could power of depression. hile mental illness is not a modern phenomenon, the way that it is treat and the ways in which society responds to it have changed over the years. With funding from the Leverhulme Trust, Northumbria ‘life on Mars’. researchers embarked on Before Depression – a major project that Whas helped to bring a historical perspective to modern thinking about depression. After analysing literature, poetry, art and drama created between 1660 – 1800, researchers from Northumbria’s Department of Humanities have found that culture has a strong influence on the experience and treatmentThe of mental number illness. of sta Thanks to this research, a number of thought-provoking and innovative workshops have been held with psychotherapists andsubmitted mental health professionalsto Research that are helping to broaden historical and cultural understandingExcellence of theFramework diagnosis 2014 and treatment of mental illness. The findings are alsohas being more used as than a resource for teaching in the UK and in Australia to provide support and information for people suffering from depression. The findings have reached a wide range of medical professionalsdoubled through public lectures, podcasts, a blog and a highly-praised art exhibition that showed how visual artists of the period depicted the different modes in which eighteenth-centurysince Martian colonists could use an innovative new people suffered from and explained depression. RAE The success of this project has led to further research to explore a wider range2008 of technique to harvest energy from carbon dioxide ‘fashionable maladies’ from the era including gout, consumption and ‘vapours’ which thanks to research pioneered at Northumbria. were believed to have associations with social, intellectual or emotional superiority. TheTop initial findings 50 of this research were shared in the first Being Human festival, the UK’s first national festival of the humanities. Northumbria University has once againfor been announced research as a regional hub for Being Human 2015, which takes place he technique, which has The technique has exciting McHale, the Executive Dean of for the second time in November. The University will host Cities & Citizens, a been proven for the first implications for working in extreme Engineering and Environment, programmepower of free events and activities from 12-22 November, where academics, time by researchers at the and alien environments, such as working with colleague Professor students and the public will explore what it means to be human. (Times Higher Education) University, working with outer space, where it could be used Khellil Sefiane at Edinburgh. Dr Tcolleagues at Edinburgh University, to make long-term exploration and Ledesma-Aguilar said: “Carbon making NorthumbriaDISCOVER MORE Originally featured in has been published in the prestigious colonisation sustainable by using dioxide plays a similar role on Mars “the biggest riser when international journal Nature naturally occurring solid carbon as water does on Earth. It is a widely issue 6 Communications. dioxide as a resource rather than available resource which undergoes ranked by research power” The research proposes a new kind a waste product. If this could be cyclic phase changes under the of engine for producing energy realised, then future missions to natural Martian temperature based on the Leidenfrost effect – a Mars, such as those in the news variations. The number of sta phenomenon which happens when a recently, may not need to be ‘one- “Perhaps future power stations on 2nd submitted to Research liquid comes into near contact with a way’ after all. Mars will exploit such a resource Research rated as Excellence Framework 2014 surface much hotter than its boiling Dry ice may not be abundant to harvest energy as dry-ice blocks strongest has more than point. This effect is commonly seen on Earth, but increasing evidence evaporate, or to channel the pool of research activity of world-leading in the way water appears to skitter from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance chemical energy extracted from doubled all modern universities in 100% of areas submitted to the across the surface of a hot pan, but it Orbiter (MRO) suggests it may other carbon-based sources, such as Research Excellence Framework since also applies to solid carbon dioxide, be a naturally occurring resource methane gas. RAE commonly known as dry ice. on Mars. This is evidenced by the “One thing is certain; our future 2008 Blocks of dry ice are able to levitate seasonal appearance of gullies on the on other planets depends on our We have almost above hot surfaces protected by a surface of the red planet. If utilised ability to adapt our knowledge to Toptripled 50 our share barrier of evaporated gas vapour. in a Leidenfrost-based engine, dry- the constraints imposed by strange 73% of Northumbria’s research proposes ice deposits could provide the means worlds, and to devise creative ways Northumbria’s Psychology forof research research in the using the vapour created by this to create future power stations on to exploit natural resources that do impact submission to REF powerworld-leading and effect to power an engine. This is the the surface of Mars. not naturally occur here on Earth.” is rated as internationally first time the Leidenfrost effect has The research was co-authored To watch the Leidenfrost effect in (Times Higher Education) excellent categories been adapted as a way of harvesting by Dr Rodrigo Ledesma-Aguilar, action, watch our film by Blipping outstanding making Northumbria energy. Dr Gary Wells and Professor Glen this page. “the biggest riser when ranked by research power” Results from Research Excellence Framework 2014

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

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

Results from Research Excellence Framework 2014

8 I WANT… to learn from the best Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU RESEARCH 21 Sharing knowledge Can exercise help fuels business growth older people with vision problems avoid falls?

Northumbria University is leading the way in a new national research project looking at how The number of sta older people with visual impairments can use submitted to Research exercises to prevent falls. Excellence Framework 2014 alls are the most prominent reason for admission to hospital for has more than accidental injury and cost the NHS approximately £4.6 billion per year. Older people with poor vision are at a much higher risk of falls. FThis major study, which is funded by National Institute for Health doubled Research (NIHR), is being led by Northumbria University in collaboration with Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow Caledonian Universities as well as several charitable organisations. since The researchers will work with visually impaired older people to RAE develop an exercise programme using strength and balance techniques to help to prevent falls. 2008 Professor of Rehabilitation, Nicola Adams, explained: “Fear of falling is a real and frightening prospect for older people, particularly those with poor vision. Research has shown that following a fall, older people Northumbria’s KTP associates at Parker domnick hunter restrict their activities rather than suffer the consequences, both physical Top 50 and psychological, that they associate with a fall. This can lead to a vicious spiral of decline in their strength, mobility and balance meaning Northumbria University is helping to drive innovation and accelerate market they are actually at increased risk of falling in future. Participation in for research opportunities for an engineering and manufacturing business in a new knowledge- exercise can help to build confidence, as well as ensuring that people are fitter and healthier and this can, in turn, help to prevent falls.” sharing partnership. Prof Adams added: “We ultimately hope that we will develop a group power exercise programme for visually impaired older people that can be arker domnick hunter to what customers need. expected to be worth over £1m per successfully delivered in the community, making them much more specialise in the design and Matthew Lievesley, Reader in annum to the UK economy.” accessible for larger groups of people.” (Times Higher Education) manufacture of high-quality Human Centred Problem Solving at Neil McPherson, Marketing Manager compressed air, gas treatment Northumbria Design School, said: at Parker domnick hunter, said: “As a making Northumbria Pand gas generation products for a wide “Parker domnick hunter is already result of our KTP with Northumbria we DISCOVER MORE range of applications across the world. a technically excellent business with are developing new marketing systems “the biggest riser when Customers include global businesses leading positions in many of its and processes to identify opportunities such as Coca Cola. markets. Increased global competition for organic growth.” ranked by research power” Representatives from Newcastle in traditional market segments has Fraser McLeay, Professor of Strategic Business School and the Northumbria highlighted the need for increased Marketing Management at Newcastle Design School are collaborating with innovation and shortened developmentThe numberBusiness ofSchool, sta added: “The next the company on a Knowledge Transfer times. With the Design and Business submittedstage of to the Research KTP will help us transform Partnership (KTP) – a Government- disciplines working together, we are ableExcellence the way Framework in which we 2014use existing data funded programme designed to to embed new approaches to innovation,has moreto optimise than business performance 2nd encourage collaboration between engaging key customers to understand and develop a dashboard focusing The number of sta businessesResearch and UK universities. rated Theas where the company’s technology will doubledon new market opportunities which team are working to help the company make the greatest difference. This will increase international sales and submitted to Research strongest improve product development times responsive approach has already helped profitability.” since and become more customer-centric to the company secure close partnerships RAE pool of research activity of betterworld-leading align their engineering strengths in major export markets, which are 2008 Excellence Framework 2014 in 100% of areas submitted to the all modern universities Top 50 has more than Research Excellencefor Framework research power We have almost (Times Higher Education) doubled of tripled our share making Northumbria 73% “the biggest riser when since Northumbria’s Psychology of research in the ranked by research power” impact submission to REF world-leading and RAE 2nd is rated as internationally Research rated as 2008 excellent categoriesstrongest outstanding pool of research activity of world-leading all modern universities in 100% of areas submitted to the Research Excellence Framework

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

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

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

Results from Research Excellence Framework 2014

8 I WANT… to learn from the best NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 22 RESEARCH

Originally featured in Did you know…? issue 6

Northumbria University creates and applies knowledge that transforms lives and makes a powerful cultural and economic impact.

Don’t believe us? Then just consider that this is the University advance our understanding of the world around us through that boasts the current senior vice-president of design at partnerships with the European Space Agency, CERN and Apple and lead designer behind both the iPhone and the the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and working as part of the iPad among its alumni – two of the most revolutionary British Antarctic Survey to identify undiscovered new forms consumer products of the last decade. of life in one of the most remote places on the planet. We’ve Other universities might make such a boast and sit back even developed a formula for making the perfect cup of tea! and relax. Not Northumbria. Our researchers are helping to

Hello… is it tea you’re looking for? Tea bags Want the perfect cuppa? Northumbria researchers precisely calculated the optimum formula to make the perfect cup of tea, following research commissioned by Cravendale Milk. Findings concluded that the best method A little of what you fancy really is good for you! was to add boiling water to the tea bag in Red wine and chocolate a cup, leave for two minutes then remove Northumbria researchers found that chemicals in both wine and the bag, add the milk and leave for a chocolate increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain making further six minutes until it reaches the complex calculations easier and quicker. optimal temperature of 60C. The chemicals became more effective when consumed together, so next time you pour yourself a medicinal red wine, why not have a chocolate or two as well!

Cherry pick your best cure Cherry juice Researchers at Northumbria found that drinking Here’s some sage advice Montmorency cherry Sage concentrate significantly Sage has been found to boost levels of a chemical that reduces the painful effects of helps transmit messages within the brain. gout. Northumbria academics worked alongside colleagues at Tart Montmorency cherries Newcastle University to conduct research which revealed are rich in compounds that people performed much better in a word recall test when possess anti-inflammatory and they were given sage oil tablets. antioxidant properties, reducing the negative effects of gout.

So take the weight off your feet, have a glass of the concentrate and uric acid levels in the body will significantly reduce in just a few hours. Prepping for an interview? This could get you out of a sticky situation… Chewing gum Chewing gum has been stuck with a bad reputation in the past. However, Northumbria researchers have found that chewing gum could give you that much needed boost when prepping for an interview. The act of chewing has been Its ‘thyme’ to think again about rosemary found to improve short and long Rosemary term memory by up to 35%, as the exercise of chewing is One of rosemary’s main chemical components has been found to believed to be enough to raise a be related to an individual’s thinking ability. person’s heart rate and increase Researchers at Northumbria University found rosemary the flow of oxygen to the brain. oil improved both speech and accuracy and although less Perhaps it is time for teachers to pronounced, the component also had an effect on mood. accept that chewing gum will be sticking around? Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NEWS 23 Travel scholarship helps business students’ tuk-tuk

Originally featured in issue 7 trek across India Two intrepid students from Northumbria University have spent their summer

Andi and Jan in India tackling a gruelling 2,600 mile ride across India in a rickshaw.

ndi Bopp, 25 and Jan broke 35 miles-an-hour apart from than made up for any hardships. The They will make their mark on the world Reisart, 31, both from near going downhill and being terrified, but trip was also incredibly eye-opening I’m sure, as great ambassadors for Frankfurt in Germany, have my view is that you haven’t really lived and humbling. Seeing people living on Northumbria.” just completed the 2,600 until you’ve survived a whole month $1 really shakes up your priorities.” Andi and Jan have also spent one Amile Rickshaw Run. on-board a rickshaw while having no Newcastle Business School’s travel semester at Newcastle Business School’s The Newcastle Business School idea what you’re doing and covering scholarship scheme is open to all partner Heilbronn University in the students jumped at the adventure-of- 2,600 miles. The best bit was definitely students in the faculty with funding German state of Baden-Württemberg a-lifetime opportunity thanks to the experiencing the country and the available up to £1,000. and they will receive two full Masters Faculty’s travel scholarship scheme. As people in such a genuine way – we’ve Andi added: “We were fortunate degrees from both institutions upon successful completion. part of its focus on nurturing global seen India like other tourists simply enough to find out about the The Rickshaw Run is a pan-Indian graduates for international careers, don’t. scholarship and I would encourage adventure in what organisers The Newcastle Business School offers the “The heat and exhaustion of starting anyone considering doing something League of Adventurists call a seven scholarship to encourage students to every morning at sunset and usually outrageously random to apply. It was horsepower glorified lawnmower. experience international life and take finishing long after dark, plus the a huge help, especially in financing part in charitable projects. challenging nature of some of the roads, unforeseen costs that arose on the road.” The pair set off on the Rickshaw did make it tough. While we had a Dr Julie Crumbley, Associate Dean Run from the state of Shillong in few near misses, other teams bore the Academic, Faculty of Business and August and finished in Cochin just battle wounds of head-on crashes and Law, said: “The value of the experience under a month later. somersaulting rickshaws. But highlights to their personal development and a DISCOVER MORE Andi said: “This was the craziest thing including visiting Darjeeling and seeing broadening understanding of the wider northumbria.ac.uk/ Andi Bopp in a Rickshaw we have ever done. We never really the sunrise of over the Himalayas more world is evident in the report/pictures. newcastlebusinessschool

Originally featured in Students abandon issue 7 rail adventure to bring refugee relief Refugees wait by the rail tracks Two Northumbria graduates halted their European hunger strike if they are not taken to anyone else would, having seen the Germany. conditions and are deeply thankful to backpacking adventure and pitched up at a refugee After asking for donations from those all those that have donated. camp in Budapest to help families who had fled back home, as well as using their own Ridley said: “The response has been money, the graduates returned to the absolutely amazing. We shared a status war torn Syria. camp, handing out water, food and on Facebook and it just snowballed. idan Panagarry and looked. As we went down into the blankets to those in need. They were Seeing so many people donate and write Ridley Browell, who metro it was shocking, with whole met with overwhelming gratitude. such kind messages was just so great both graduated from families penned into tiny areas using Aiden, who graduated with a degree to see and we cannot thank everyone Northumbria in July, put pizza boxes for beds, few blankets for in History, said: “Honestly, the people enough. This is a humanitarian issue their travel plans on hold after arriving the children and babies with hardly any we were helping could not have been and we just felt like we had to help. A nicer. On the first day we went back, “What makes it even better is that as in Budapest train station to absolute food. Aiden and I were in absolute bits chaos. Distressed by what they saw and as we travelled to our hostel, we we were really struggling to carry the we went back, each day the conditions in the refugee camp, which had been both made the decision that we had to packs of water we had bought and a were generally improved and the mood temporarily set up in the station, the go back and help these people.” Syrian man, Adnan, helped us all day around Keleti really has been incredible. boys decided to stay in Budapest and The Hungarian authorities have and completely broke down when We both hope these people get to help crisis hit families. struggled to cope with the rising we gave him a pizza for him and his somewhere safe and can at some point, Ridley, a 23-year-old Fashion Design number of refugees travelling to family. People here couldn’t have been put this all behind them.” graduate, described the moment they Budapest, in an attempt to get to more appreciative.” The boys, who were deeply shocked at arrived: “As we got into the station, Austria. Hundreds have refused to leave DISCOVER MORE Aidan Panagarry lends a helping hand there was a huge police presence and the train stations, with many declining the conditions of the temporary refugee in Budapest people were just everywhere you food and water and vowing to go on camps, say they have only done what northumbria.ac.uk/news NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 24 FEATURE

University is a time to challenge yourself, take risks and build friendships that will last a lifetime. At Things to do Northumbria University, you can look forward to in Newcastle learning from the best, experiencing life in a great student city and achieving your ambitions. 1. Take a walk along Enjoy every minute as you live, learn, work and play! the Quayside 2. Visit the BALTIC 3. Join a society at Northumbria Northumbria’s Students’ Union accommodation rated 4. Watch a football match at St James’ Park 5. Cheer on Team Northumbria at one of this semester’s fixtures 2nd 6. Take a trip to Tynemouth beach in the country, according 7. Go to an exhibition at Life Science Centre to The Telegraph 2015 Top University Halls 8. Take a road trip and visit Northumbria Angel of the North shortlisted in the National Student Housing Survey for its accommodation 9. Watch a show at Live Theatre providing the best value for and Northern Stage money and offering the best 10. Go shopping at Eldon Square or student community. even venture to the Metrocentre. FEATURE

Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU FEATURE 25

Originally featured in issue 7

National Destinations of Leavers in Higher Education survey: Destinations of students Northumbria’s University Library six months after is ranked joint graduation 2013/14 tells us that 2nd in the UK alongside Cambridge 94% in the Times Higher Education of our graduates have Student Experience Survey begun their careers or gone onto further study 2015 within six months of completing their course.

TOP 10 sporting facilities in the UK – Times Higher Education Student Experience survey 2015 Northumbria University is ranked 8th for sport in the UK – British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS)

Voted best city for students (four times in the last six years) – WhatUni Choice Awards 2015

No 8 in the UK for student satisfaction and living standards – Lloyds Bank Quality of Student Life Survey 2014 NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 26 NEWS

Originally featured in Forensics under issue 6 the spotlight Northumbria University’s forensic science courses have been officially accredited by the leading professional body for forensic practice.

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

A team of first-year Nursing students joined forces with nursing to life Media Production students to bring their learning to life. he result, a tear-jerking film encourage a mutual understanding that highlights ways in which between patients and nurses. We wanted nurses and patients can work to bridge a perceived gap and reassure to support each other, has the public that, as nurses, we share in Tbeen viewed more than 6,000 times on their emotions, from joy to sadness and YouTub e. frustration. The students, who are on Northumbria’s “We’ve been so excited with the response Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities) we’ve had from those who have seen the course, were asked to answer the question: film and we hope that it will make people “What is nursing?” in one of their see that we, as nurses, are human too.” modules. Mark Robinson, Director of After speaking with patients and nurses Programmes in Northumbria’s to understand what patients felt they Department of Health and Wellbeing, needed from nurses, and vice versa, they said: “Having a true understanding of found that both groups said they needed what it means to be a nurse, and what to see patience, humour, communication, nursing is, is a crucial factor for our honesty, understanding and a smile first year students who are embarking The students used these responses to on this career. create We Are Human, a campaign that “This understanding, which ensures intends to promote unity, community and they recognise the six essential values collaboration between nurses and patients. of healthcare – care, compassion, Joining forces with Northumbria’s Media competence, communication, courage and Production students, the campaign was commitment – is clearly demonstrated in brought to life in a film which shows the this powerful film which shows the varied nursing students undertaking different fields of nursing through the eyes of both nursing roles. These include caring for a patients and nurses.” Originally featured in child with cancer and a confused patient The students’ film can be viewed at with dementia, as well as expressing how www.facebook.com/wearehuman2015 issue 6 emotionally challenging the career can be. Louise Vallery, one of the students who DISCOVER MORE made the film, explained: “We developed Student Louise Vallery (right) in a scene from the film. the campaign after seeing a need to northumbria.ac.uk/nursing Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU HEALTH 27

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

lthough anyone can In the first test, all participants experience dangerous took a normal slow-acting insulin falls in blood dose and then completed a glucose – known as 45-minute exercise session at 6pm Ahypoglycaemia – diabetics are in the evening. Around 7-8 hours particularly vulnerable because after the exercise, 90% of the patients exercise alters the body’s sensitivity experienced a blood sugar dip, all to insulin, accelerating its effect. of which occurred while they When this happens to a diabetic were sleeping. person, their blood sugar is used During the second test, the insulin up too quickly which means it can dose was reduced by 20% and rapidly drop hours after exercising – participants took part in the same particularly during the night when it evening exercise session. This time is most dangerous. however, none of the participants The research team was led by suffered from drops in blood sugar. Dr Dan West, a Senior Lecturer in Unexpectedly, the study also found Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, that the 20% reduction of insulin and his PhD student Matthew not only prevented blood sugar from Campbell who is now a Senior falling but also stopped glucose Research Associate. They set out to levels from rising too high. Originally featured in test whether altering diet and insulin With this dose, levels remained doses could help to prevent this within the ideal healthy range, issue 6 potentially life-threatening problem. and other important markers were “For diabetes sufferers, the not affected. This is a particularly fear of experiencing a dangerous important finding as clinicians Newcastle United star Ayoze Perez taking part in Match Fit. blood sugar dip after exercise can are often reluctant to change prevent them from exercising treatment regimens due to potential altogether – which has both physical complications or adverse reactions. and psychological implications,” Dr West added: “I have close explained Dr West. friends with Type-1 Diabetes and Footballers score in “We have developed a strategy to it is a challenging disease to live manage insulin dosage in a way that with. The whole team has worked prevents these falls in blood sugar so incredibly hard in carrying out this that diabetics can exercise safely.” applied, practical research in a way Their two-part study looked at which is accessible and relevant to children’s fitness the effects of adjusting slow-acting patients. The result is research which insulin levels in a group of 10 male has the potential to make a really Experts from Northumbria University are examining the impact of a school participants with Type-1 Diabetes. positive change to the lives of those Blood sugar levels were monitored living with diabetes.” wellbeing course offered by the Newcastle United Foundation. using a continuous glucose monitor which sits underneath the skin and DISCOVER MORE atch Fit, which is is using it as a vehicle to get children unit, added: “We have been impressed triggers an alarm if levels begin to operated in partnership involved in active healthy behaviour,” by how much notice children take of fall dangerously low. northumbria.ac.uk/exercise with the University, is she said. health-related messages delivered by a six-week course that “The project ties in to the Department Premiership footballers. The messages Mcombines fitness, football and nutrition for Education’s strategy to increase about good nutrition and an active PhD student Matthew Campbell with Dr Dan West to increase health awareness and physical education as well as cooking lifestyle have so much more strength physical activity in children aged 7-11. and nutrition in schools, so it’s therefore when they come from their idols. The course is delivered by qualified important that we review the scheme “We hope that our findings from this coaches and nutrition staff from to ensure it is working as effectively as study can also be applied to other sports Newcastle United who visit schools with it can. to encourage other clubs, teams and footballers to tell children about the “We are taking a holistic approach leagues to use the influential positions foods they need to eat and the exercise to see how the scheme is impacting they have in society to inspire and they need to take part in to be at the top on physical activity and wellbeing. educate others.” of their game. The overriding message From a psychological perspective we Northumbria’s research in psychology is that food, fitness and football can are examining the effects on mental and sport and exercise sciences received be beneficial, fun and enjoyable for function, behaviours and enjoyment praise in the recent Research Excellence everyone. Since its launch in 2008, more of physical activity, and from a Framework assessment. Almost three than 10,000 children have participated nutritional perspective we are looking quarters of research in psychology in the scheme. to see changes in knowledge and was judged to have outstanding reach Dr Melissa Fothergill, a senior lecturer how this complies with Public Health and significance for its impact, and in Sport and Exercise Psychology, is now England guidelines. Northumbria was rated as the best working with Northumbria academics “The results of our pilot study are university in the North East of England specialising in sport, nutrition and already showing some positive change. for its research power in sport and psychology to assess how the scheme is Children are demonstrating an increase exercise science. Originally featured in benefitting children. in nutritional knowledge and physical “Football is the most predominant activity.” DISCOVER MORE issue 6 sport in the world, so it’s great to see Professor Greta Defeyter, Director of how the Newcastle United Foundation Northumbria’s Healthy Living research northumbria.ac.uk/healthyliving NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 28 FEATURE International rugby ace inspires entire family to study at Northumbria University

Sports commentator and former Scottish International, Scott Hastings, said he had “no say” in which university his two children decided to leave home for. But the famous Northumbria University graduate was delighted when both Corey and Kerry-Anne Hastings revealed that they would be studying at the same North East institution as their father, as Ruth Lognonne discovered.

Originally featured in issue 7

(L to R) Kerry-Anne Hastings, Scott Hastings and Corey Hastings Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU FEATURE 29

ith more than 60 caps opportunity it gave to experience the come home at short notice,” said Scott. school, which I was relieved about.” psychology as I’ve had a couple of for his country in world of work. Corey has recently landed a job with Like the rest of his family, Corey sessions myself and it really changed my major international “I picked up a couple of smaller one of the world’s most coveted design is a great team player and was made mind set and helped my performance. competitions, it’s little jobs and placements, then between employers, Lego. Based in Billund, President of the Northumbria I’d definitely like to do my coaching on Wwonder that Scottish rugby hero Scott my second and third year I gained an Denmark, the 22-year-old is currently University men’s hockey team. the side as I love working with kids.” Hastings’ two children followed in their internship with an advertising agency working on a unique experience centre “The sport side of things at Kerry-Anne, who represents the father’s footsteps. So inspired by their that offered me a job after I graduated. in the small Danish town, called Northumbria was also a really good Scotland under 21 women’s hockey father’s success both on and off the Northumbria gave me that link to the Lego House. It was through an outlet for me,” he said. “I hope to squad, has her sights on the senior rugby pitch that Corey, 22, and Kerry- industry and it has continued with that internship during his four-year degree return to Newcastle for the Stan side and is targeting the U21 European Anne, 19, both decided to leave the tradition. My son secured internships – which Northumbria helped Corey Calvert weekend in March – to catch championships in 2017. family home in Edinburgh and pursue with Phillips and Lego, who offered to secure – that got him noticed by the up with friends and hopefully see “I want to stay on and do a Masters their studies across the border him a full-time position prior to world-famous toymaker. Northumbria retain the Cup for a third here if I can,” she said. “The University’s at Northumbria, in Newcastle. graduation.” “The University has some fantastic consecutive year.” hockey team has been promoted to Corey, who graduated with a First Like his children, Scott threw himself contacts in the design industry,” Kerry-Anne, who often visited her the premier league for the first time in Class degree in Design for Industry – quite literally – into the North East he said. “The Creative Director at brother Corey while he was a student Northumbria’s history. I’ve been made from Northumbria in July this year, has sporting scene during his time at Lego is Northumbria alumnus Mike at Northumbria, said she was drawn by captain and I want to stay and help lead already started a full-time job for toy Northumbria. As well as playing for Ganderton, who was either in the same the vibrancy of Newcastle as a city and the team to further successes.” giant, Lego, in Denmark where he spent the University on a Wednesday, Scott year or the year below iPod designer, Sir the state-of-the-art sporting facilities Scott will return to Newcastle when time as an intern during his studies. joined Northern Football Club, to Jony Ive. on offer. the Rugby World Cup heads to the city His younger sister, Kerry-Anne, is enable him to play regular weekend “The internships I’ve had while at “The course and the facilities are in October. preparing to start her second year at the rugby, before going on to represent the Northumbria have allowed me to unbelievable,” she said. “The course is “I will be working for ITV as a University in Applied Sports Science Northumberland county side. He was experience different cultures, different very challenging and I was delighted commentator,” he said. “There will be with Coaching. Both brother and sister also playing for Scotland under 21s and languages and a variety of working to achieve a first class in my first- such energy around the city, I don’t are talented athletes, representing the it was in 1986 when he made his first environments. They gave me a huge year assessments. I’m glad that it’s think the North East really knows what University and their country as junior test debut for Scotland alongside his confidence boost and opened doors challenging because a few of my friends to expect. The supporters coming to hockey players. Their father Scott is brother Gavin at Murrayfield for me. I chose Northumbria over the who have gone to different universities Newcastle will be phenomenal and I among Northumbria’s most prestigious against France. Scottish universities because I wanted say they’re not being pushed as hard can’t wait to be back.” alumni, playing rugby for Scotland, He also successfully managed to juggle to branch out away from home. A lot as they could be. The staff are really the Barbarians and British Lions his commitments as a high-profile of my friends from school went to the supportive and encouraging; they do among others. rugby player with a career in advertising same university, but I wanted a different a lot to make sure you achieve your DISCOVER MORE Scott, 50, left his Scottish homeland for 11 years; working in a number of lifestyle. I enjoyed having free time to potential. If I get the required grades to study for an HND in Business positions and eventually becoming an explore my design skills – it wasn’t like I’d maybe look into doing sports northumbria.ac.uk/courses Studies with Graphic Design during the account director. Scott insists that both early 1980s. his children made their own decision He said: “The course suited me nicely to study at Northumbria. During Open as I wanted to be away from home, Days at the University, they fell in love which is a pre-requisite for a lot of with the set-up, the enthusiasm of the “The University has some fantastic contacts in the design students. Like every school leaver I staff and the facilities on offer. was a little bit lost before coming to “It was far enough away from home industry. The Creative Director at Lego is Northumbria university. But what was great about for them to feel independent, but close Northumbria then, and now, was the enough to Edinburgh if they needed to alumnus Mike Ganderton, who was either in the same year or the year below iPod designer, Sir Jony Ive.”

(L to R) Corey, Scott and Kerry-Anne Hastings NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 30 LAW NEW Irish eyes smiling for for Best of edition Northumbria Law School expertise and knowledge as well as Society of Ireland sees its collaboration the opportunity to enhance skills in and relationship with the Law School research, analysis and problem solving. at Northumbria University continuing Uniquely the LLM also provides for many years.” students with the chance of using their Dr Mark Brewer, Acting Associate solicitor qualification as a stepping stone Dean, International, for Northumbria to achieving a recognised academic Law School, added: “We are delighted qualification. to be working with the Law Society The programme, which began in the of Ireland, which is the professional Law Society of Ireland in September body for solicitors in Ireland. We are 2015, focuses on legal research and its honoured and proud to be the first written presentation. It is assessed by and only British university to have means of a dissertation, with students an academic partnership with the having considerable freedom to choose Society and look forward to a long a research topic of interest to them and and successful relationship. I believe this relevant to their practice. partnership reflects the growing success Rory O’Boyle, Law Society of of our international activities.” Ireland, Senior Diploma Executive, Northumbria is one of only a said: “The Law Society of Ireland has few institutions which offer such entered into this collaboration with an inventive and flexible course, Northumbria Law School is growing its international presence as it joins forces Northumbria Law School to offer Irish which is designed to take account with the Law Society of Ireland to deliver an innovative Masters programme to students an innovative and flexible of the need for students to be able programme that is unique in the Irish to complete the LLM while also students overseas. market. The programme gives academic meeting their work commitments. credit for the solicitor qualification he Law School, which is the Specifically designed for solicitors, of applications as against places while providing participants an largest in the North East the LLM is taught primarily through available. opportunity to reflect on their own of England, is offering its distance learning. The initial offering The Masters provides career benefits chosen area of practice in an academic Advanced Legal Practice in Ireland of the two year programme that are directly relevant to the needs setting. With the next student intake DISCOVER MORE LLM programme jointly with the has proved to be incredibly popular, of a modern legal practice, including T scheduled for early 2016, the Law Law Society of Ireland. attracting over three times the amount the opportunity to develop existing northumbria.ac.uk/law Supreme Court Justice inspires law students at Northumbria University A leading member of the UK’s highest judicial body spoke with law students before delivering a public lecture at Northumbria University, Newcastle, recently. NEW for Best of edition ustice of the Supreme Court Lord of our students were able to meet Lord Further details about the lectures Hodge gave his lecture on fraud Hodge to talk about their current studies are available at: and its legal consequences at and their future careers. This was an www.northumbria.ac.uk/publiclectures Northumbria Law School. amazing opportunity for them. The J Prior to the lecture, Lord Hodge met Supreme Court is the highest court in and spoke with law students, helping the UK and has just 12 justices, who are DISCOVER MORE to develop vital links between the Law the most senior judges in the land, so we northumbria.ac.uk/law School and the Supreme Court. feel very proud that Lord Hodge chose Lord Hodge was admitted to the to come to Northumbria Law School. Faculty of Advocates in 1983 and “Three of our Graduate Diploma appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1996. in Law students, who are currently From 1997 – 2003, he was a part time working on research projects involving Law Commissioner at the Scottish Law intellectual property law, presented Commission. their ideas to Lord Hodge and received Prior to his appointment to the valuable feedback. One of the students Supreme Court in April 2013, Lord had been researching a case that Lord Hodge was the Scottish Judge in Hodge had been involved in deciding, Exchequer Causes and one of the and it was fascinating to hear His Scottish Intellectual Property Judges. He Lordship discuss some of the issues that was also a Judge in the Lands Valuation it raised.” Appeal Court and a Commercial Judge. Northumbria University runs a Lord Hodge joined the Supreme Court programme of public lectures between in October 2013 as one of the two September and May each year. The Scottish Justices. lectures, which are given by leading Natalie Wortley, Principal Lecturer at public figures and prominent scholars, Northumbria Law School, said: “Some cover a broad range of engaging topics. Lord Hodge meets law students Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU BUSINESS 31

Originally featured in Students take issue 5 summer market by storm Three Northumbria students have launched a holiday business and become the University’s most successful Enterprise placement to date, achieving a turnover Left to right: Graham Baty, Enterprise Manager at Northumbria, with students Harley Gibb, in the region of £100k in its first year alone. Warren Pearson and Ben Trattles (Front).

ummer Takeover, which approach allows students to grow He said: “We realised the need for a industry professionals. students have what’s needed to become launched in 2013, was created and test their own business idea with company offering working holiday Ben said “I can honestly say that we successful entrepreneurs when provided by students Ben Trattles, support from the Student and Graduate packages which provide the security wouldn’t be where we are today without with the right tools and I’m incredibly Warren Pearson and Harley Enterprise team. of booking each component with a the help of the University, both from excited to see what the future holds for SGibb. The business caters to young Northumbria believes it is responsive reputable UK company.” the skills gained from our courses and the three of them”. travellers who wish to work abroad by support like this that led to it being When the trio returned to the UK, the support they have given us to get For more information on Summer offering working holiday packages to named the number one university in they turned their love of travel into Summer Takeover off the ground.” Takeover, visit summertakeover.com. party destinations. Via the web page, the UK for graduate start-ups based their livelihoods. Graham Baty, Enterprise Manager travellers can book everything in on estimated turnover according to As part of the Enterprise placement at Northumbria, said: “The University one place. the Higher Education Business and Summer Takeover received full access is committed to developing the Ben completed an Enterprise Community Interaction Survey. to Northumbria’s free on-campus entrepreneurial and enterprising skills placement, rather than a traditional Ben realised a gap in the market office accommodation and to specialist of its students. DISCOVER MORE industrial placement, as part of his when planning to work abroad with his business mentors, benefiting from free “We’re thrilled at the success of Business with Marketing degree. This business partners Warren and Harley. marketing and legal mentoring from Summer Takeover, it shows our northumbria.ac.uk/sgenterprise £1.1 million employment scheme sees graduates land their dream jobs

Northumbria’s ’Graduates into Business’ project was designed to help create 30 new graduate businesses Originally featured in and provide graduate interns for more than 50 small businesses in the region. The University supports businesses to recruit interns by contributing up to 50% of the graduate’s salary costs. issue 5 Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the scheme is a resounding success with many graduates offered permanent roles upon completion of their internships. Northumbria University News spoke to a number of graduates and Supreme Court Justice inspires law From left to right: Michelle Mone OBE – co-owner of Ultimo Brands, Ben their employers to find out how the scheme has benefited them. Ridgway – Business Development Director, iam-sold, Jamie Cooke – Sales Director, iam-sold, Frank Webster – Vice Chairman, Finders Keepers students at Northumbria University Charlotte Thorpe, Sophie Atkinson, Restaurant Ben Ridgway and The Skill Mill Design Associates Jamie Cooke, iam-sold After graduating with a 2:1 in Crime Science, Charlotte began a Sophie Atkinson graduated with a First Class Honours in Interior Graduates who wish to start their own businesses can also benefit six-month internship with The Skill Mill – an innovative social Design and found a six-month graduate internship at design and greatly from the support the Student and Graduate Enterprise enterprise which finds employment opportunities for ex-young installation company Restaurant Design Associates (RDA). Now team offer. Northumbria graduates, Ben Ridgway and Jamie offenders aged 16-18. she’s over half way through her placement and hasn’t looked back. Cooke, started property auction business, iam-sold, five years ago. “The job is incredibly varied and I’m picking up new skills all “I feel like I’ve learnt a great deal in the three months I’ve been The company employs 60 people from its Kingston Park office the time,” explained Charlotte, “Some of the tasks include writing with RDA and have had the opportunity to work on a vast number and recently announced plans for expansion after winning the funding bids, looking after accounts and updating the website. It’s of very different projects,” explained Sophie. prestigious Sunday Times ‘Estate Agency of the Year’ award for Best a lot of responsibility but I’ve learnt so much already in the short “Studying at Northumbria has really helped to prepare me for the Supplier. time I’ve been here.” world of work – all the projects I completed as part of my degree Company Director Ben Ridgway, who studied Estate The organisation, which focuses on environmental services that have helped me come into RDA more confidently and with a Management at Northumbria, attributes much of this success to the benefit the community, has close links with Northumbria and is knowledge of this industry.” support the business received from the University in the early days. planning to take more students on placement over the coming Nick Bradley, Design Manager at RDA, said: “One big advantage “The Graduate Enterprise team were instrumental in the start- months. of this project is that it gives employers the opportunity to up of iam-sold,” explained Ben, “They provided us with ongoing Director David Parks added: “Charlotte has joined The Skill Mill experiment with the creation of new junior roles in their business support, access to consultants and helped to find crucial funding. at a very exciting time as we look to expand the project in locations with less risks. This was certainly the case for us as we didn’t Without them, the business would not be the success it is today.” across the UK. As such, Charlotte’s role is very challenging but necessarily want to create a new permanent role for someone The company has taken on a number of Northumbria graduates absolutely vital to the work we do. We are delighted to have her on without first testing the water. As it happens, Sophie is progressing through graduate internship schemes with great success. b o ard .” very well and at this point I’m quite confident there will be a Jamie Cooke, Director, added “Graduate internship schemes, All this hard work has paid off for the team – and for Charlotte, permanent position for her at the end of the internship.” like NGIB, bring real benefits to companies like ours, allowing who has found her dream job. She hopes to stay at The Skill Mill Sophie added: “It’s important that graduates understand that they for quicker expansion in a competitive market place. We are very for as long as possible after the placement ends. do not have to move away from the North East to find their dream excited about the expansion of iam-sold – we have a fantastic team She said: “I love working here – it’s really exciting to be part job. After studying in Newcastle for three years, I didn’t want to here and it is always great to build on our successes by providing of something like this at the very start. Last year, I even had the leave so taking a placement through this project was the ideal extra jobs in the region and beyond.” chance to attend an awards ceremony in London – we won the solution. Being welcomed into a family-run, growing company is a Children & Young People Now award for Youth Justice. I can’t wait fantastic way to a start a career in something I love.” to see how the organisation develops in 2015.” DISCOVER MORE northumbria.ac.uk/graduatesintobusiness *All information was correct at time of original publication in February 2015 NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 32 FEATURE Students clock 30,000 voluntary hours

Northumbria is one of the largest universities in the UK, with an international reputation which has attracted more than 33,000 students from 110 countries. This is fantastic for the North East region – most students are based in Newcastle and their combined spending power provides a huge boost to the local economy, supporting regional employment and businesses. But how else do students contribute? Journalism graduate Rosie Willan investigates for Northumbria University News.

significant contribution members for the project and is to the community. So, what are you made by students is responsible for the running and waiting for? through volunteering. organisation of the sessions as well In the last academic year as recruiting student volunteers. He Aalone, Northumbria students logged explained: “IT Classes has a fantastic DISCOVER MORE 30,000 hours of volunteering work. weekly turnout of regular volunteers The Students’ Union is at the forefront who are praised by attendees for all the northumbria.ac.uk/volunteering of this volunteering effort, overseeing hard work they do. For me, the best the extensive ‘Volunteer Northumbria’ thing about it is the feeling you get programme. afterwards when you know you have Projects range from community made a difference to someone’s life – no work with children and the elderly to matter how small it may seem.” environmental conservation. Many Another big aspect of Northumbria’s of these are student-led or linked to volunteering is conservation – charities and organisations in the North Northumbria’s ‘Eco NSU’ programme East. won the Environmental Category Through these projects, students at the prestigious ‘National Council play an important part in supporting for Voluntary Youth Services’ Young communities in and around Newcastle. Partners Award’ in October 2013. Natalie-Dawn Hodgson, President Students can take part in a wide of Northumbria’s Students’ Union*, range of activities from beach clean- explains: “We have a huge variety of ups on the Northumberland coast to volunteering opportunities for students wildlife conservation in and around to get involved in. Unfortunately, a lot Newcastle. Some of the projects also of the positive contributions students involve educating others about the make to society are overlooked in importance of being eco-friendly. A the media, but I think residents in brilliant example of this is the ‘Kid’s Students’ Union President Newcastle recognise and value their Eco Crafts Club’ which sees student Natalie-Dawn Hodgson* Students volunteering in Jesmond contribution to the city. It is without a volunteers run regular sessions for kids doubt one of the best student cities in and their parents to make eco-friendly *Please note, Natalie-Dawn Hodgson was President of Northumbria Student Union when this article was originally published in February 2015 the UK and a huge part of that is the toys and crafts while learning about the friendliness and warmth of the people. environment. I have always felt welcomed and at And the student’s efforts are Originally featured in home here, so it was fantastic to give recognised by Deputy Leader of something back through volunteering Newcastle City Council Joyce issue 5 during my time as a student.” McCarty, who chairs a monthly This idea of giving something back ‘Students in Newcastle Forum’. The is a sentiment which underpins many meeting is attended by representatives of the projects. One of Northumbria’s from Northumbria and Newcastle schemes currently having a big impact universities, as well as from Newcastle on the community is the ‘Food Bank’, College. which sees students working in “The role that educational institutions, partnership with the West End Food like Northumbria, play in the economic Bank. The centre provides donated food and social development of the city packages to people who may struggle to cannot be underestimated,” explained feed themselves or their family. Joyce. “At the forums, we discuss a Grace Flowers is the project leader range of topics from housing to health as well as Committee Coordinator for with the aim of ensuring that students ‘Volunteer Northumbria’. She said: “We are engaged and valued members of hold weekly sessions with volunteers the community. We know that the vast who sort the food for distribution and majority of students work extremely help give out the food packages. Many hard and contribute enormously to people in Newcastle benefit from this life in Newcastle. I’m always struck by service – it’s a brilliant project because their willingness to give up their time you can see first-hand the effect your and give something back to our city. volunteering has. When we are at the Through volunteering, they play a centre, people often ask if we get paid significant role in creating the kind of for the work we do or if we receive community they wish to be a part of.” any special perks – we don’t. We are Volunteering can also have a big effect honestly just doing our bit to make a on the students’ own lives. These days, difference.” University is about more than just ‘IT Classes’ is another successful gaining a degree and volunteering is a project that is making a difference. great way to learn new skills, grow in During term time, groups of students confidence and boost your CV. More host weekly IT classes for elderly than that, though, it’s a fantastic way people. to meet new like-minded people and Josh Rivers is one of four committee have fun while making positive changes Northumbria students helping to clean up at the beach Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU CULTURE 33 Students clock 30,000 voluntary hours What does it mean to be a citizen? Northumbria invites the public to explore ideas of Originally featured in citizenship, belonging, and issue 7 home in Newcastle’s past and present. “This city is what it is because our citizens are what they are”, or so the philosopher Plato once said. But what does it mean to be a citizen? And how have Newcastle’s citizens shaped our city through the ages?

cademics from Northumbria University will answer these questions and more during Being AHuman – the UK’s only national festival What is the of the humanities. And after the success View from Newcastle’s historic Grey’s Monument of last year’s festival, Northumbria has been named a regional hub for the have the unique chance to tour the 18th the conflicts and challenges of city life North-East. future of design? and 19th-Century galleries in the plays. From 12–22 November*, the after hours. There will also be a number of Northumbria University’s School of Design, University will host a series of free Interested in a darker side of public lectures on subjects as varied film screenings, public lectures, in partnership with Tyne & Wear Archives & Newcastle’s history? A public talk on as Newcastle’s linguistic diversity, debates and even a ‘pop-up museum’ the 17th-Century witch trials will give Tyneside’s radical past and the English Museums, will deliver a unique series of events at venues across the city. Under the visitors an insight into this lesser- Civil War as well as a chance to see exploring how design influences our daily lives theme of Cities and Citizens, the known chapter of the city’s past. What’s the annual showcase of cutting- events will explore the histories, and is shaping our futures. more, there will be a rare opportunity edge creative writing from current traditions, cities and people of our to view historical material from the Northumbria postgraduate students region. ach has an individual focus, but all seek Tyne and Wear Archive Museums, and staff. An organised walking tour One of the highlights from the 11- to answer the question – what is the as well as burial records from St. through Newcastle’s past will give day programme is the opportunity future of design? Andrew’s Church. For a more recent further compelling insights into the to learn more about how migration The four-day programme will launch interpretation of this fascinating city’s rich history. has shaped the North-East – an issue on Wednesday 7 October* at the Shipley Art period, Tyneside Cinema will host a Dr Joe Hardwick, Senior Lecturer E which is as relevant as ever across Gallery with a session led by Professor Bruce screening of The Witchfinder General in Modern British History, said: Europe today. Hosted at the Discovery Montgomery, Professor of Design Craftsmanship – a controversial horror film that was “Northumbria University is excited to Museum, there will be a short talk for at Northumbria. He will explore how craft heavily censored after its release in the be a regional hub for Being Human. adults and storytelling for children, as continues to influence making and makers 1960s. The national festival provides well as a ‘pop-up museum’. in art, fashion, industrial design, media, This is the second of two events an excellent opportunity for our communications and graphics. The Laing Art Gallery will also open held at Tyneside Cinema, with a researchers to build on their continued The series then moves to Discovery Museum, its doors for A Night at the Museum screening of Shakespeare’s great tragedy work with public audiences and with Dr Mark Bailey, Director of Innovation – an evening of performance, stalls Coriolanus launching the programme local cultural partners. Ideas about Design at Northumbria, discussing how a variety and vintage fashion. Visitors will be on November 12. Fans of the Bard citizenship have been at the centre of of organisations are rising to the challenge of transported back to 18th-Century can also join in a special taster of the political debate in this election year, responsible innovation. Further events scheduled at Britain, exploring the period’s dance, established monthly Shakespeare Club and our events will encourage public Discovery Museum will look at how museums and fashion and even diseases set against as they discuss relevant passages about debate around relevant contemporary libraries are responding to the age old rift between their modern parallels. They will also issues like migration, democracy and science and design, and how design can impact the justice. It’s also a great chance for the NHS and reposition healthcare services. local community to see the relevance Lindy Gilliland, Collections, Research & Curatorial Manager at Tyne and benefits of the academic research & Wear Archives & Museums, said, “We are delighted to be working in taking place in the region.” partnership with Northumbria University to bring this series of events to Northumbria’s Being Human events the public. The events are a great way to take a look at the impact design has on our daily lives, and also challenge the perceptions we may have.” have been supported by a grant from The series is the first of a number of activities to celebrate Northumbria national festival organisers, the School University’s 40th anniversary of the Design for Industry degree of Advanced Study, University of programme and the start of a new era of partnership between Tyne & London, supported by the Arts & Wear Archives & Museums and Northumbria University. Humanities Research Council and the All four events are free to attend, however pre-booking is advised. British Academy. DISCOVER MORE Originally featured in

DISCOVER MORE discoverymuseum.org.uk/whats-on issue 7 northumbria.ac.uk/beinghuman *This article was originally published in September 2015 *This article was originally published in September 2015 NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 34 CULTURE First Writer in Residence announced Northumbria University and Live Theatre are delighted to announce their first joint Writer in Residence, which will launch a three-year collaborative programme.

orthumbria graduate Paddy 2001 to 2003. This year marks the 10th when Live Theatre is remembering Campbell, the writer of anniversary of her death. the legacy of Julia Darling, one of Live Theatre successes Lucy Winskell OBE, Pro Vice- its writers in residence who did so Wet House and Day of the Chancellor (Business and Engagement), much to encourage other writers, it NFlymo, will be the inaugural Writer in said: “I’m thrilled that the first is appropriate that Paddy – who has Residence. For one year, he will develop Northumbria University and Live come through Live Theatre’s writing new work and collaborate with students Theatre Writer in Residence will be one development programme – is the and staff at Northumbria University to of our graduates. Paddy’s recent plays first partnership Writer in Residence enhance research and teaching. at Live Theatre have demonstrated his between Live Theatre and Northumbria Northumbria launched a strategic tremendous talent and I’m extremely University.” partnership with Live Theatre excited to see what he produces next Paddy Campbell said: “I feel greatly Originally featured in in 2012, following a long and while working closely with staff and privileged to have been given this successful relationship between the students at the University. opportunity. Live Theatre has supported issue 6 two organisations. The joint Writer “By working in partnership with my writing from the very start and I’m Residency Programme is part of internationally acclaimed arts thrilled to have the chance to develop (L-R) Paddy Campbell with Lucy Winskell OBE and Max Roberts Northumbria’s collaborative work organisations like Live Theatre, new plays for the company during my with a wide range of cultural partners, Northumbria will continue to invest residency. I moved to Newcastle fifteen Paddy’s most recent play Day of the Northumbria offers a range of courses developing innovative ways to nurture in emerging creative talent to boost years ago to study at Northumbria Flymo follows a brother and sister as across the creative disciplines, including and support creative talent across the economic, social and cultural University and had such a good time I they come into contact with the care Creative Writing, Performing Arts and the North. The appointment was development of the region and create decided to stay. I’m hugely grateful to announced as Live Theatre celebrated new ways to inspire and engage Northumbria for their partnership in system. The play which had a sell-out many more. the life and work of novelist, poet and students at the University.” this residency and look forward run at Live in April and was awarded playwright Julia Darling, who was Max Roberts, Live Theatre’s to working with them during the four stars by The Guardian returns to DISCOVER MORE writer in residence at Live Theatre from Artistic Director, said: “At a time next year.” Live Theatre in November. northumbria.ac.uk/performance Graduates wanted for unique cinema residency Artists can now apply for the next Northumbria University and Tyneside Cinema graduate residency following the success of the programme’s first year.

he call for applications was successful applicant will be based at the Andrea Macdonald, Artistic launched at the University’s independent cinema from October to Programme Producer at Tyneside Media Gala at Tyneside January 2016*. Cinema said: “This programme is Cinema in June where films When asked about his experience designed to give talented graduates the Tfrom Northumbria’s final year Media as the partnership’s first artist in chance to develop further in the context Production students premiered for the residence in 2014, Northumbria of our award-winning art house cinema. first time to friends, family and industry graduate, Callum Costello, said: “My We’re proud of what Callum has professionals. Among those who picked residency at Tyneside has given me the achieved and will keep an eye on what up awards on the night were Ellen chance to develop skills and my style he produces, but now we are looking for Pickering’s Below the Surface who won in a professional environment. It’s a our next artist in residence and have the Best Film and l-l Elenium by Kristina privilege to have been the first and I hard task of choosing who to give it to. Leikaite, who picked up the Storytelling hope my successor makes the most of The quality of submissions was high last Award on the night. the unique opportunity.” year and I expect it will be the same The event marked the start of the The successful graduate will receive a this summer.” search for a graduate from a creative host of benefits during their residency The Graduate Artist in Residence discipline to take up the residency, including the use of a large rent-free 2015 call out and application is available which was launched last year following studio space with unrestricted access on the Tyneside Cinema website: the partnership between Northumbria to video editing and post production tynesidecinema.co.uk and is welcoming and Tyneside Cinema. The scheme is facilities. They will also receive a single and joint proposals. Applications Originally featured in designed to provide emerging artists bursary of £4,600 towards living must be sent to andrea.macdonald@ with space, technical support and expenses and production costs as well tynesidecinema.co.uk by 31 July 2015 issue 6 curatorial critique in the professional as free cinema tickets while in post. In (5pm) to be considered. working environment of the Tyneside addition to this, they will be mentored The Media Gala at Tyneside Cinema Cinema. To be eligible applicants by Elisabetta Fabrizi, Tyneside Cinema’s was part of REVEAL, Northumbria’s must have achieved a BA, MA or PhD Curator of Screen-based Media and annual end of year degree shows qualification within the last 24 months. Northumbria’s expert academics, for graduating students in creative Northumbria Media Production who will support them with advice disciplines. graduate Callum Costello recently on creative practice, networking and Tyneside Cinema’s film production completed the first residency at market understanding. company, Northern Stars, produced Tyneside Cinema and left with a body Robert Jefferson, Programme Leader a short film documenting Callum’s of impressive work which resulted in a for Media and Communication Design journey on the programme, which job offer from The Calltime Company said: “I would encourage graduates with can be viewed here: in Holborn near Brighton. an interest in animation and cinema to

The 12-week position is a rare get their applications in for this. This *Please note: This article was opportunity for an arts graduate to partnership programme has been a originally published in June 2015. create their own work in the setting great launch pad for Callum’s career Applications are now closed. of the prestigious cinema and exhibit and there are lots of talented final year in The Gallery, a multi-functional art students who exhibited at the Media DISCOVER MORE space and intimate 33-seat cinema. The Gala who are perfect for this post.” northumbria.ac.uk/degreeshows Artwork by Callum Costello, the first artist in residence at Tyneside Cinema Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU CULTURE 35 60 years of Fashion Final year students from Northumbria University celebrated 60 years of fashion in style with more than 20 award nominations at Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) 2015 in London.

he Northumbria University Fashion Marketing Award and Fashion New Media collections shown this week, her work featured Fashion stand included exhibitions Award categories. Angel Dimmick’s magazine along with 24 others in the ‘Best in Show’ and from students on the Fashion was highly commended in the Drapers Fashion ‘Gala’ events to industry and press. The judges Communication, Fashion Marketing Publication Award and Isabella Lombardini was noted catwalk impact and consistent creativity Tand Design, and Fashion Design courses. All three shortlisted in both the Fashion Photography and across her menswear collection. We’re all courses had students shortlisted for awards at the Fashion Styling and Art Direction category. very proud. four-day showcase, which is widely regarded as Industry figures who met students at the show “Graduate Fashion Week is a celebration of talent the world’s leading event for fashion graduates, included Caroline Evans, Design Director at but it is mainly about graduate promotion,” Kristen with many more offered job opportunities Boohoo, who interviewed students Caroline added. “The event this year had 30,000 visitors, during the week. Spratt and Olivia Pink about their collections. mostly potential employers. We are very hopeful A total of 23 student collections from the Both students were shortlisted for the Boohoo our Fashion graduates will be successful in gaining Fashion Design course, which this year celebrates Innovation Award. its 60th anniversary, took to the catwalk on the Fashion Design student Selina Lunn came in employment as a result. We have a strong cohort of second day of the show. The glittering display was second place for the Portfolio Award sponsored students across the three programmes.” photographed by ‘Catwalk King’ and Northumbria by Karen Millen which led to an invitation A number of recent graduates have recently honorary graduate Chris Moore. On the final day to interview for a position at the brand. attracted industry attention, including Victoria in London, the best collections from the Catwalk Northumbria’s appearance at GFW in London Irving, who has been shortlisted as one of five show were selected to be part of the prestigious followed the University’s annual catwalk show finalists for the ‘Designers of Tomorrow’ award finale show by judges with Northumbria student at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in which will be announced at Berlin’s Fashion Week Abigail Panton’s rude boy inspired menswear Gateshead in May. The best collections from the in July. The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers collection among those chosen. night were then chosen to go on to compete in of America) also honoured eight Northumbria When asked about her experience at GFW, London. graduates from 2014 with a prestigious CFDA+ Abigail said: “I’m overwhelmed to have been Kristen Pickering, Programme Leader of Fashion accolade each – one of the most illustrious awards placed alongside the best and I know I have at Northumbria, said: “We had a great week, in the fashion industry – following their hugely developed a great set of skills which are valued in visitors to the stand commented on the quality successful degree shows last summer. the industry. I’m proud of my collection which of manufacturing which is appreciated as our Northumbria’s fashion graduates have gone on to took a lot of determination to see through to students do make all their garments in University. work for a wide range of global brands the end. The support and encouragement from For the first time, we had an online portfolio such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Northumbria’s fashion tutors and technicians has accessible on the stand to view student portfolios been amazing, they never say no and are always and it has proved very successful. Moving on Abercrombie & Fitch, Givenchy and many more. ambitious on our behalf. We’ve turned our ideas from this event, students will be able to use this into real garments and I’ve learnt to harness my to support their promotion for employment and Originally featured in creativity when I need to.” b e y on d .” A number of Fashion Communication students She added: “We’re thrilled Abigail was nominated issue 6 were also shortlisted for awards, with Kiera Muers for a Gold Award. It’s a real honour for her DISCOVER MORE and Emma Burke announced as runners-up in the collection to be selected out of the 400 plus catwalk northumbria.ac.uk/fashion NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 36 CULTURE

Originally featured in Graduate artist, Kayt Hughes, has been announced issue 7 as the winner of this year’s prestigious Woon Foundation Art and Sculpture Prize. Woon winner’s Kayt is the winner ayt was awarded the £20,000 proud that my life is now dedicated to congratulations to all of the artists – first prize for her winning that and that I’ve followed my heart to this is a great start to their careers.” work on show artwork which was inspired do something that I love.” Philanthropist Mr Wee Teng Woon by a piece of improvised As first prize winner, Kayt will have said: “We are delighted that the Woon Striking artwork from the winner of prestigious Ksaxophone music. access to dedicated space in the BxNU Foundation Art and Sculpture Prize has Kayt drew a scale of the wrong notes Institute at BALTIC 39 for the duration now entered its third year and continues Woon Foundation Art Prize 2014 has been on she played using maps, lines and of the Fellowship as she works toward to inspire final year art students from display at Gallery North. colours, as the foundation for her work, a solo exhibition and publication. She across the UK to achieve academic titled Study Scores, 2nd Movement, will also receive critical and professional excellence in their chosen discipline – amona Zoladek, the The graduate of the Anglia Ruskin which is comprised of wood, emulsion, development support from a mentor. we congratulate this year’s winner 2014-2015 Woon Tai Jee Cambridge School of Art explores filler and pencil. BxNU at BALTIC 39 is the result of Kayt Hughes, and hope this prize Fellow, had her work Loop the relationships between nature, Additional prizes of £9,000 and £6,000 a collaborative partnership between inspires her as she progresses to the exhibited as part of her architecture and objects in her work. were awarded to Jacob Watmore and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art next step in her career.” Ryear-long Fellowship. It will be on Queenie Clarke at the award ceremony and Northumbria, which has been in Godfrey Worsdale, BALTIC Director display until 9 October.* DISCOVER MORE at BALTIC 39, a contemporary art place for several years. at the time the prize was announced, hub in Newcastle, jointly run by Since its launch three years ago, the added: “This is already established as northumbria.ac.uk/woonartprize Northumbria and the BALTIC Centre Woon Foundation Art and Sculpture an important prize for those making for Contemporary Art. A discretionary Prize competition has attracted an the transition from art student to a judges’ prize of £5,000 was split between impressive range of entrants from arts career as a practising artist. Working Martin Darbyshire and Jadé Fadojutimi. universities and colleges across the in partnership with Northumbria, the The prize, which is sponsored by the country. This year’s judging panel was prize enables BALTIC to deepen its Woon Foundation, is worth a total of comprised of Jenni Lomax, Director of commitment to emerging practice. By £40,000 – equal in value to Britain’s Camden Arts Centre, Fiona Bradley, being part of the selection process and biggest art award, the Turner Prize. The Director of the Fruitmarket Gallery, curating the exhibition of short-listed prize was created by Northumbria law Edinburgh and Laurence Sillars, artists, we look forward to raising the graduate and philanthropist Mr Wee Chief Curator of BALTIC Centre for profile of the work of an exciting group Teng Woon who formed the foundation Contemporary Art. of young graduates, and introducing with his three brothers. Christine Borland, Northumbria’s them to the vibrant and thriving art Nottingham Trent University graduate BALTIC Professor who is also a Turner scene here in the North East.” Kayt said: “I’m still in shock – the fact Prize-nominated artist, facilitated the Northumbria offers a range of that I have won is still sinking in. This judging panel. She said: “The selection courses across the Arts. For more is the most incredible thing that could of this open submission prize; with information on the Woon Art Prize go happen to me. It’s so important that all the judges making nominations, to northumbria.ac.uk/woonprize Northumbria University is supporting means we see a unique cross-section of the arts like this, and for helping undergraduate painting and sculpture, art to be recognised as a legitimate exhibited in the beautiful spaces at DISCOVER MORE career path. Being an artist is such an BALTIC 39. The prize-winning works important thing for society. I feel very this year looked outstandingly strong, northumbria.ac.uk/arts *This article was originally published in September 2015 Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU CULTURE 37 REVEAL architecture arts design media Stunning final year work revealed by creative students Innovative creative works by architecture, art, design and media students have been unveiled at REVEAL 2015, Northumbria’s spectacular annual two-week exhibition.

EVEAL saw industry partners, media and members of the public join Originally featured in the University’s award- Rwinning students to celebrate the issue 7 creative talent of the future and meet the expert academics who have inspired them over the last few years. The high-profile audience attending the launch night included industry elite and key business partners, as well as a special appearance from Mercury Music Prize nominated folk band The Unthanks, pictured left. The band performed at REVEAL just a week before playing Glastonbury’s pyramid stage as a tribute to their father George, who was graduating from Kayt is the winner Northumbria’s Fine Art course. George’s artwork, like many other creations on show, drew inspiration from the culture and history of the North East. Another link with the North East music scene could be seen in the architecture department where designs by Lithuanian student Gintare Kapociute, based on the region’s coal mining heritage attracted the attention of Sunderland-based band Lilliput who asked her to illustrate their new album cover. Many art and design students went Architecture Student, Gintare Kapociute (left) showing off her work on to exhibit their work in other venues in Newcastle and London including – from the RSA Student Design Awards. BALTIC, the Old Truman Brewery, “This is also the first year we have an Tyneside Cinema and Northern exhibition from our Master of Fine Art Stage. They also exhibited at a variety students with seven pioneering artists of prestigious national shows such exhibiting at BALTIC 39 after two as D&AD New Blood, Free Range years on the new BALTIC Centre for Interiors, New Designers and Graduate Contemporary Art and Northumbria Fashion Week. Nine Northumbria University Master of Fine Arts degree. students were shortlisted for national “We are proud to showcase our awards during Graduate Fashion students’ talent to the world. REVEAL Week with one selected from over 400 gives them the chance to raise their students to feature in the final Best in profile and opens doors to career Show catwalk event. opportunities, giving people the Dr Heather Robson, Associate Dean opportunity to have a sneak preview of for Business and Engagement for new artwork and cutting-edge design Arts, Design and Social Sciences, said: before it hits the stage.” “Last year, we received more than 100 Northumbria offers a wide range of international and national awards courses across architecture, art, design for our arts, design and architecture and media. programmes. We’ve already picked up a large number of awards this year including four for Graphic Design and DISCOVER MORE two for our Design for Industry course – of which Sir Jonathan Ive is a graduate northumbria.ac.uk/reveal The Unthanks with their father George. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 38 BOOKS

Originally featured in Turning issues 5&6 the pages... Books by our talented students and academics

The Lie – C.L.Taylor Boasting a number one spot on the Amazon bestsellers chart, this chilling psychological thriller takes you on a journey to Nepal on what should have been the trip of a lifetime but rapidly descends into a nightmare that claims the lives of two women. This fast paced and creepy tale follows Jane who, despite being Little Crackers – Beda Higgins happier than she has ever been, is living a lie. That lie is about to Synopsis: Inspired by the author’s experiences as a nurse over the last thirty be exposed as someone else knows the truth about what happened, years, and written with compassion and imagination, Little Crackers is a someone who won’t stop until they’ve destroyed Jane and collection of quirky, surprising tales which raise questions about how we care everything she loves… for the most vulnerable members of our society. Callie Taylor is a Northumbria Psychology graduate. Beda Higgins is a graduate of Northumbria’s MA Creative Writing course. Available on Amazon. RRP £7.99 Available at WH Smith. RRP £8.99.

Fashion Visionaries Shakespearean Change Lessons from the CEO: Real People, Linda Watson Echoes Real Change – Johan Coetsee and Patrick Flood Dr Adam Hansen and Featuring 75 of Kevin. J. Wetmore Jr Synopsis: Managing change can be one the world’s most of the biggest challenges for business legendary designers, This collection leaders and managers. Using a wealth of this compelling book assembles a global cast of real stories from CEOs about how they presents the story of established and emerging managed major change initiatives—and fashion through the scholars to explore new the lessons they learned along the way— fascinating personal connections between this book gives professionals and business lives and innovative Shakespeare and contemporary culture. students powerful and effective guidance on collections that have Chapters deal with digital Shakespeare, successfully managing change initiatives in shaped the field over the past century. Shakespeare on the web, and the powerful any organisation. Combining stunning visuals with insightful echoes of Shakespeare to be found in such text, this is an inspiring guide to the seemingly unrelated texts as the television Dr Johan Coatsee is a Senior Lecturer designers whose vision has forged new program Lost, sports broadcasts and Game in Organisation and Human Resource pathways in fashion design development and of Thrones. Management at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University. forever changed the way we dress today. Dr Adam Hansen is a Senior Lecturer in Linda Watson is a Reader in Fashion at English Literature at Northumbria. Available on Wiley. RRP £29.99 Northumbria. Available on Amazon. RRP £55 Available on Amazon. RRP £24.95 The Midlands Run Away (poetry collection) Invisible Crimes and Social Harms – Laura Salters Dr Tony Williams Pam Davies, Peter Francis and Tanya Wyatt Grieving her younger The Midlands is the Synopsis: This new collection of chapters – part of brother’s suicide, Kayla second collection of the Palgrave Macmillan series Critical Criminological Finch escapes to Thailand poems by Tony Williams, Perspectives - explores the reasons for the continuing where she falls in love following his acclaimed invisibility of much crime and asks what can be done with fellow explorer, debut The Corner of about it. With a wide range Sam. However, when he Arundel Lane and Charles of fascinating case studies and examples, this volume is disappears, leaving only a Street. Beginning in the an essential resource for lecturers, researchers, students pool of blood in his wake, Midlands themselves, his poems open out and practitioners of criminology, as well as anyone Kayla finds herself in the midst of a murder into meditations on what it means to be interested in debates about crime, harm and social mystery and she’s determined to uncover the a person living, wonkily, anywhere. But justice. truth – no matter what the cost. This thriller beneath the word-play and tomfoolery, explores loss, grief and the lengths a person something strange is brooding in the caverns Dr Pamela Davies is Teaching Fellow and Programme will go to find out the truth about the people underneath the hill… Director of Criminology at Northumbria University. they love. Dr Tony Williams is a Senior Lecturer in Professor Peter Francis is Pro Vice-Chancellor Laura Salters is a Northumbria Journalism Creative Writing at Northumbria. (Learning and Teaching) at Northumbria University. graduate. Available from Nine Arches Press. RRP £8.99 Dr Tanya Wyatt is Senior Lecturer in Criminology Available on Amazon. RRP £7.99 at Northumbria University. Available at Waterstones. RRP £65.00. Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU NEWS 39

Originally featured in The Conversation is a collaboration between issues 6&7 journalists and academics to provide informed news analysis and commentary that’s free for anyone to read and republish.

At Northumbria, our academics have been working with What museums must do to ensure art is protected The Conversation to produce independent, quality current A young Taiwanese boy caused extensive damage to a valuable 17th century painting by Paolo Porpora after he accidentally tripped and put his hand through it while trying to affairs journalism on some of the latest topics to hit the break his fall. Jean Brown, Teaching Fellow in the Department of Arts, discusses what news. Here are some of our top picks… museums can learn from this and the difficulties such institutions face in protecting works of art while keeping them accessible to the public.

Boldly going into space for 1,000 days presents a series of If you speak Mandarin, your brain is different health risks We speak so effortlessly that most of us never think Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka broke the record or the longest time spent in space about it – but psychologists and neuroscientists are captivated by language. Dr with 803 days – and has since said he would like to try for 1,000 days on a future mission. Larry Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, explains how some languages – like Dr Nick Caplan, Reader in Clinical Biomechanics, looks at the health risks of such Mandarin – require the brain to work in an entirely different way to languages missions – including back problems, osteoporosis, cancer and damage to the nervous such as English. system.

Fox shake-up will show if Rupert has oiled the Murdoch machine Reports suggest that 83-year-old Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as CEO of 21st Century Fox – to assume the role of co-Executive chairman along with his eldest son Lachlan. He will be succeeded as CEO by his younger son James. Anthony Devine, from In defence of the stink bug Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School, considers how much this will change things Dr Mike Jeffries, Teaching Fellow in Ecology, offers a more balanced view of the within the business and the extent to which the sons actually have any influence over their fascinating stink bug after reports in the press that they are due to invade the UK father’s decisions. from their native Asia. He argues that the insects have ‘a perky charm, a distinctive style and a surprising concern for their offspring’.

New cases rise but death rates decline – how cancer became about quality of life Calais: the views of a hawkish elite are warping public perception of migrants Over the past 25 years, the number of reported cancer cases around the world has increased. Despite this, in 23 out of the 28 types of cancer, death rates are decreasing. Dr Gabriel Moreno Esparza, Lecturer in Journalism, casts a critical eye over the media Dr Ivy Schiue, Senior Research Associate in the Department of Healthcare, looks at the response to the crisis facing immigrants from Africa and the Middle East in the French demand this puts on the healthcare system and argues that the government needs to invest port of Calais. He argues that the supposedly independent space of social media has begun more in nursing, public education and infrastructure in order to support rehabilitation to echo views one would normally expect to find in mainstream media. and ensure quality of life after cancer. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 40 NEWS Graduate goes after his goals Johnny McKinstry always wanted to work in professional football and just eight years after graduating, he’s now the manager of an international football team. Johnny tells Northumbria University News how his course helped set him on the path to a dream career.

ike many young boys, 29, and it is all thanks to his time at “When I finished high school I was which is very student friendly. There Johnny said: “In my final year at Johnny McKinstry dreamed Northumbria University. looking at a few different universities were a lot of opportunities not only to Northumbria I coached the University’s of becoming a professional “I’ve always loved football but knew and I settled on Northumbria for enjoy my studying and nightlife but men’s football team, taking them all the footballer. He realised he didn’t by the age of 15 that I didn’t have what a few reasons. Firstly because the also to get involved in coaching outside way to winning the national BUSA Vase Lhave what it took to play on the field, it takes to become a professional player sports department was very highly of university.” competition which was amazing. It was but his passion for the game has led to and make a career out of the game, so regarded in terms of what was on offer While studying for his degree in a great opportunity for me to coach him becoming the coach of Rwanda’s started doing some coaching at a young throughout the UK. And, as everyone Applied Sport Science with Coaching, at a competitive level at university national football team at the age of age,” said Johnny. knows, Newcastle is a great, vibrant city Johnny took advantage of the and I was fortunate to get such good opportunity to expand his coaching opportunities to refine my craft at an experience, working with a variety early age. of university, youth and professional “Today you see so many men in their teams, including Newcastle United. He late 30’s go straight in management after secured a job working with the New retiring from professional football, and York Red Bulls major league soccer I wonder if they are really equipped to team after graduating in 2007. cope with the requirements of coaching and managing at the top level. Shortly after moving to the US, he “With me it might be another 10 to took on a coaching post in Sierra Leone, 15 years before I end up in the Premier leading an academy being established League or something similar, but by by former Newcastle United footballer then I will have 20 years’ experience of Craig Bellamy. Johnny ran the academy top level coaching in many different for three years before being appointed continents dealing with different national team coach, leading the team scenarios and cultures.” in the FIFA World Cup and African Northumbria University’s sports Cup national qualifiers, before being degrees have produced leading athletes appointed coach for the Rwandan and sportspeople including Britain’s national side. most successful female track cyclist He is currently completing the and Olympic gold-medallist Victoria Pro-Licence qualification required for Pendleton, former England rugby Premier League managers. This will captain Martin Corry and world enable him to coach at top European Originally featured in champion athlete Steve Cram. league levels, and he believes that he issue 7 will have an advantage over other managers in future, thanks to his many DISCOVER MORE years of experience in coaching. northumbria.ac.uk/sport

Originally featured in Dealing with issue 7 learning disabilities After climbing the corporate ladder in the banking sector, Ross Wyatt found his life taking a different turn when he dealt with the needs of his four adopted children, three of whom have learning disabilities. Northumbria University News finds out how he went from a high-flying corporate career into nursing.

ollowing redundancy, Ross and I were in awe with how the smallest group of people and professionals, who began looking at new career changes could make the biggest are fantastic. I love to spend time and options. His experiences with differences to their quality of life. When work to ultimately help them achieve his children, led him onto the I found out I could do this for a career fulfilling and meaningful lives. There Fpath of learning disabilities nursing. As that sold it for me. In my mind if I could are no two days the same, in fact more he begins the third year of his course help one person feel the way we did often than not no two hours are, but at Northumbria, he explained how it is after getting that light bulb moment, I that’s what is rewarding about this job.” transforming his life. wanted to be a part of this.” Angela Ridley, Programme Leader “I fell into banking and became Northumbria’s nursing courses are for Learning Disability Nursing, comfortable climbing the corporate taught in state-of-the-art clinical said: “Northumbria is one of the rare ladder. I didn’t really know much about facilities at the University’s Coach Lane universities that offer courses in all the effects that learning disabilities Campus. Teaching staff have a clinical fields of nursing. Learning Disability can have on an individual or what background, bringing their expertise Nursing is an extremely rewarding interventions could be used until I from practice into the classroom, and and fulfilling career, with the diverse stumbled upon learning disability students spend half of the course on range of professionals and service users nursing through my experience with my practice placements within NHS Trusts making every day different and better children,” he said. in the region. This ensures they gain the than the one before.” “When supporting my children, I real-life skills and experience they need quickly realised the benefit of using to begin their careers as a qualified nurse. appropriate communication and Ross added: “Through my course I DISCOVER MORE Ross Wyatt person-centred approaches. My wife now get to work with the most diverse northumbria.ac.uk/nursing Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU SPORT 41 Running research unveils the secrets of Jamaica’s sprinting success Northumbria experts have travelled to the Caribbean to lead a project looking at why elite Jamaican sprinters are so successful.

orthumbria is ranked in person’s running speed. the top 30 in the UK for Kris explained: “We specifically Originally featured in excellence in sport and wanted to look into the success of exercise science research Jamaican elite sprinters – the best of the issue 5 Nand academics have recently been best – because the country has so many investigating just how the small nation record holders for sprint events. We flew – which has produced some of the to Jamaica where we took measurements world’s fastest athletes, including record- from an elite track and field team in breaker Usain Bolt – is so exceptional at Kingston, as well as from a large sample sprinting. of everyday Jamaicans. Working with researchers from “The findings show us there is a Germany and New York, Kris McCarty, relationship between knee symmetry a research fellow in the department and running speed, although it is not of Psychology, and Mark Russell, a known at this stage if the sprinters senior lecturer in Sport, Exercise and are great because their knees are Rehabilitation measured the knees of symmetrical, or if their knees are more than 70 elite Jamaican athletes symmetrical because of the time spent including Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, who practicing and training.” holds two Olympic gold medals in the Although scientists can already look at 100-metre sprint, and Nesta Carter, the the symmetry of the knees in childhood man with the fifth-fastest 100-metre to predict how fast a non-trained person record. will run when they are older, this is the For comparison, they measured the first time that any research has isolated a knees of 116 non-sprinters who were variable that predicts sprinting speed in the same age and sex, and similar in size current athletes. and weight and found that the sprinters’ knees were much more symmetrical than those of the non-sprinters. DISCOVER MORE Thirty sprinters specialising in the northumbria.ac.uk/rehab 100-metre race, which does not require them to turn corners, were found to have the most symmetrical knees of all. This means that the symmetry of Jamaica’s record-breaking sprinter Usain Bolt the knees and the ankles impacts on a

Originally featured in issue 5 Olympic legends line-up on campus Two of the world’s most famous sporting legends have visited Northumbria to discuss the latest research into the impact of exercise and nutrition in sport.

ir Chris Hoy, the most successful cherry juice and beetroot, can help to aid rehabilitation research to some of the Olympic cyclist of all time and recovery in athletes. Other presenters most prominent experts in the field. Haile Gebrselassie, the world’s covered topics including protein and “The fact that both Sir Chris Hoy and greatest ever distance runner, carbohydrates in athlete diets; how diet Haile Gebrselassie attended is testament Svisited the University to take part in and exercise can impact on gut health; to the impact of the research we are all the International Sport and Exercise what it takes to run a marathon in two undertaking and its importance for elite Nutrition Conference 2014. It is the third hours and which fatty acids are essential athletes.” time that the prestigious conference has for health and performance. Northumbria is one of the original been held at Northumbria in recent years. Dr Stevenson said: “This is the world’s providers of sport degrees in UK higher The conference brought together leading only international conference covering education for over 30 years and in UK academics and researchers from countries both sport and nutrition and so it’s a Higher Education. Sports graduates including Australia, New Zealand and great coup for Northumbria – not only have included successful medal- Canada to present the latest evidence into to host it for the third time, but because winning figures including Olympic the effects of diet and exercise on health it brings some of the leading names in cyclist Victoria Pendleton, Paralympic and performance. sport, exercise and nutrition research to champion Stephen Miller, Olympic Northumbria’s Dr Emma Stevenson, a our campus. athlete Steve Cram and international Reader in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, “We’ve made such impressive rugby players Jamie Noon and Martin was one of a number of speakers investments in our facilities and the Corry. presenting their research findings at the conference was a fantastic opportunity conference. She discussed research into to showcase our position as a leader in DISCOVER MORE Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy how certain ‘functional foods’, such as sports, exercise, nutrition, recovery and northumbria.ac.uk/sport NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 42 SPORT Alan’s Olympic dream is on course after graduating from Northumbria International athlete Alan Toward is throwing his weight behind winning a he talented discus thrower, things. I’ve got a really good set up here who hails from Middleton- for my training, there’s everything I need coveted team place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after graduating with first class in-Teesdale, in County facility-wise here at Northumbria. honours from Northumbria University. Durham, has been an “I train six days a week but next year Toutstanding student on the University’s I’m going to have to do some double BSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science sessions through the day with it being course where he has balanced the the Olympic year. My main goal is to demands of his academic study with compete at the 2018 Commonwealth his blossoming career as an athlete. He Games and follow this with a place at hopes to continue his studies, working the 2020 Olympics.” towards a doctorate whilst training for Kevin Thomas, senior lecturer the Olympics. in physiology and strength and Alan represents both England and the conditioning at the University, said: University at national and international “Alan has been an outstanding student events and most recently finished fifth on our Applied Sport and Exercise at the British Athletics Championships Science course. Over his three years he in the men’s discus event. The 22-year- has superbly balanced the demands of old came into athletics over a decade his academic study with his career as an ago and joined Gateshead Harriers athlete; representing England and the but has recently linked up with British University at national and international Premiership League outfit Enfield events. Alan has deservedly graduated and Haringey to enter higher-level with first class honours, and with it he competitions. has made a hugely positive impression Alan, who is the reigning English on our staff and his peers with his champion and British universities discus mature, professional approach to his champion, said: “A lot of what I’ve studies. Alan is planning to go on to learned in lectures I’ve been able to put further study, hopefully with us in into practice. I work for British Athletics the Department of Sport, Exercise as an athlete mentor, helping young and Rehabilitation on our masters in athletes work out their goals and how to Exercise Science, and his future as both achieve them. I’m definitely a lot better a sport scientist and a Team GB athlete at communicating since my degree. is bright.” Originally featured in “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Northumbria, so much so, that I’m issue 7 hoping to do my masters here and DISCOVER MORE hopefully push towards a doctorate if northumbria.ac.uk/sport Champion discus thrower Alan Toward I’m still enjoying the research side of Football ace Alice scores first class degree Sunderland goalkeeper Alice Harkness has hit the back of the net after graduating from Northumbria with first class honours.

he 21-year-old from helps disadvantaged young people and Analysis at Northumbria University, Coleraine, in Northern families across the region. said: “Alice has shown enormous Ireland, has managed After the recent World Cup success of commitment to both her sport to balance playing for England’s women’s team, Alice is hoping participation and university studies TSunderland AFC Ladies alongside her to pursue her passion for the beautiful over the past three years. studies on the University’s BSc Sport game even further after pushing “She graduates with an excellent first Science with Coaching course. Sunderland AFC’s first team this season. class degree and she does this alongside The multi-talented athlete, who “I’ve settled in the North East,” she having volunteered for many different has been captain of Sunderland’s said. “I’ve got my football and it’s a high projects over those three years in development team for the past two standard here. I certainly like the idea of performance analysis and coaching years, also plays for her country’s playing on after university but I’m aware within the University. national volleyball team. She hopes to that in women’s football you often need “She has also managed to balance continue her studies at Northumbria, a good education in reserve. having a successful input into the raise working towards a master’s degree in “When I first came to Northumbria of Sunderland Ladies AFC recently. Exercise Science. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after This has taken great organisation, Alice identified a gap in monitoring graduating. The University has taught commitment, motivation and self-drive. performance among the under 17 girls me a lot both academically, sporting Alice has a superb CV and university at Sunderland AFC Ladies and using and career wise. I’ve had volunteering degree to forge ahead and pursue a what she had learned as part of her experience, captained sports teams career in sport science – which I have degree, decided to create and take on and been given fantastic placement absolutely no doubt she will – in what is Originally featured in the role of performance analyst for the opportunities. I’m very blessed to be at a hugely competitive job market.” young female footballers. this University with its fantastic facilities issue 7 She also works for the Newcastle and hugely supportive staff.” DISCOVER MORE United Foundation; a charitable arm of Angela Hibbs, a lecturer in Sports the Premier League football club that Biomechanics and Performance northumbria.ac.uk/sport Football ace Alice Harkness Winter 2015 • northumbria.ac.uk • #iwantNU SPORT 43

Originally featured in Tyne & Wear Sport led a consortium There is an established track record of issue 7 that included Northumbria University, delivering world-class events in our Northumbria to host NewcastleGateshead Initiative and region and we look forward to creating Nirvana Europe and ultimately won an unforgettable atmosphere and the bid following a competitive experience for the competitors, officials, tender process. Five applications were volunteers and spectators attending the sport’s rising stars in 2016 shortlisted with the final shortlist Championships in 2016.” consisting of Northumbria University and Bath University. Northumbria University is set to host hundreds of the nation’s most talented AoC Sport Managing Director, young athletes at the largest annual student sport event in the UK. Marcus Kingwell, said: “We are delighted to partner with Tyne & Wear Sport for the 2016 National he University was a key of the most significant events. Sport the main delivery partner we played Championships. They produced partner in the Tyne & Wear Central, Northumbria University’s a significant role in securing the AoC a fantastic bid and we are really Sport-led consortium that state-of-the-art £30m indoor sports National Championships for the excited at the prospect of next year’s clinched the right to stage the facility, will host the AoC National region. I am very proud of my team at Championships being the biggest Association of Colleges (AoC) National Championships’ opening ceremony Northumbria University Sport – from T and best showcase of college sport Championships in April next year. and competitors and coaching staff will the start of the application process to date. We also anticipate the 2016 Now entering its 38th year, the be housed in the City Campus-based through to the bid delivery they worked Championships to be the perfect AoC National Championships is a athlete village. tirelessly and with great professionalism platform to reinforce our new strategy: celebration of competitive sport in More than 300 staff and student to push this over the line. ‘Fit for College, Fit for Work, Fit for colleges – providing recognition, volunteers will be charged with “Now we can concentrate on Life’, which outlines our ambition to get enjoyment and a unique opportunity ensuring the event is a success following delivering the best Championships every student active.” for students to compete. The the AoC’s decision to move the possible for hundreds of talented Andrew Walton, Chair of Tyne championships will take place over the championships from Bath University to athletes from across the country. We Wear Sport said: “We are delighted weekend of 15-17 April 2016, hosting the North East. want to show them that Northumbria to have secured the AoC National 14 different sports. “This is a huge coup for Northumbria University is a place where they can Championships for Tyne & Wear. Almost 2,000 college students will University and the North East as a aspire to be the very best and achieve This is the first time that the event take part in a number of sports across whole,” said Colin Stromsoy, Head their sporting dreams. It is an incredibly will be held in the North East and it Tyneside and Wearside next April of Sport at Northumbria University. exciting time for the University and we will be a great way to demonstrate with Sport Central, Coach Lane and “The Tyne & Wear Sport application are looking forward to engaging fully DISCOVER MORE our passion and enthusiasm for sport Bullocksteads staging the majority was excellent in every respect and as with the college sport community.” to visitors from across the country. nusportcentral.com

he 18-strong party followed Team Northumbria’s men’s footballers to the prestigious high altitude complex for a four-day intensive training camp. The players shared Rugby stars reach pitches with Aviva Premiership men’s side Worcester TWarriors and followed France’s national team in using the state-of- the-art facilities. “Everything about Tignes is incredibly professional and it’s a joy to experience it with enthusiastic and ambitious players,” said Team Northumbria Head of Rugby, Si Culley. “It’s a fantastic part of their summit of fitness overall student experience at Northumbria and they are a group that aspires to achieve more and more. Northumbria University’s women’s Rugby Union squad prepared for their return to “I really appreciate the support from the University in making the the BUCS Premier League in the Alpine resort of Tignes. trip happen and giving our students an opportunity they wouldn’t have had elsewhere. The women loved their time in France despite the fact that it was very hard work every day. “The idea was to work them intensively in short bursts before Originally featured in giving them a break ahead of pre-season proper. I’m expecting them to be in great shape going into their first game against issue 7 Edinburgh and I’m convinced the training camp in Tignes will reap long-term rewards.” Si has been actively recruiting this summer ahead of Team Northumbria’s return to the top flight of women’s University Rugby Union. The experienced coach has named England Under 20s starter Caity Mattison as the club’s new captain and added internationals Zoe Aldcroft and Morpeth’s Linzi Taylor to the team. “Most of the women were available for the Tignes camp – only a few were missing due to work commitments,” he added. “So as well as the players honing their skills and fitness there was a chance to bond as a squad. We got five pitch sessions done on one of the best surfaces I’ve ever seen. “There’s a 3G pitch next door and the ice bath plunge pools are within yards of the pitches. It was the kind of situation every coach dreams of at this stage of pre-season. It was a maximum intensity camp just when the players needed it.” Si has also added former England Under 20 star Jo Brown to his squad after the Teesside University graduate opted to study for a Masters in physiotherapy at Northumbria. He added: “It’s important that we have strength in depth and we’re already gearing up to our opening fixture against Edinburgh in October. We’re back in Premier North and we play our first game on the same day the men face Newcastle University in this season’s Clash Of The Titans fixture. It’s a big day for Northumbria rugby and the women want to get off to the best start possible.”

DISCOVER MORE nusportcentral.com NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY NEWS 44 NORTHUMBRIAUNIVERSITY SPORT NEWS We’re the UK’s most SPORT improved university for sport

Originally featured in issue 6

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

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