…e put it, “It was my dream to become a scientist, hopefully working in a research centre. In the UK there are lots of opportunities for research scientists and it is a recognised marker around the world.” Arantza’s research crosses barriers between Chemistry and Biology, as well as academia and professional research, as her PhD is run jointly by UCLan and the Pirbright Institute, a research facility looking into viruses that affect farm animals. T…
…s to both excellence and fair distribution. Those of us championing a place-based agenda need to find new arguments to navigate these complex issues, while avoiding simplistic interpretations such as the north-south divide and cities vs towns. These ignore the poverty in parts of London and the southwest and the affluence of some towns. The other divide in this election was, of course, between Leave and Remain. Will a landslide victory give the pr…
…rovisions to the front line. Find out about our work on the frontline. Student mental health and wellbeing The mental health and wellbeing of students remains the first priority for Alliance universities, who recognise the added uncertainty and distress students are likely to be experiencing throughout the pandemic. They continue to offer a full range of mental health and wellbeing support services, having adapted provision to enable online engage…
…een ‘business as usual’, we are pleased that we have still been able to strengthen our partnership working as an Alliance and with our external stakeholders, raised the profile of our members and built on the successes of our DTA programme. From the team at UA, this is our ’20 in 2020’. 1. We kicked off the year with the launch of a new 3 year strategic plan for University Alliance with an ambitious new vision, mission, strategies, objectives and…
…socialising, which supports motivation while promoting solidarity and peer-to-peer support. One of the key benefits I have gained from my role on the DTA Rep Committee, is developing intimate knowledge of the complexities and challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey we distributed was effective in illustrating its far-reaching negative consequences for our PhD researchers. These include concerns about the continuation of fundi…
…ugh these they can then create the informal connections to receive the peer-to-peer support that may become vital for their wellbeing. Develop strong representation systems While it is great that Student Unions (SUs) cover postgraduate representation, I know from my own experience that undergraduate-focused SUs are not the best place for PhD issues to be actively listened to. PhD students need dedicated representation systems and the issues they r…
…ng about how her passion for her research subject led her to switch, and even blend disciplines, really showed the importance of making the most of opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in order to have impact outside of the university. Along with the other Summer School sessions, this has given us plenty to think about and discuss in the future! Throughout the training activities in 2021-22, DTA will provide opportunities for research…
…skills capacity of the vaccine manufacturing workforce within the Stockton-on-Tees region. Sitting at the nexus between higher education, business and public services, it is often Alliance universities that deliver the commercialisation of findings, translational research, innovation support and skills development necessary to develop ideas into application; delivering real-world innovations in care, services, products and delivery. This role wil…
Blessing is researching sustainable soil-based alternatives to cement A Civil Engineering graduate from Nigeria, Blessing Adeleke investigated the use of magnesium oxide (MgO) waste, and other industrial by-product materials in construction. He is one of several researchers at the University of South Wales who are driving research in soil-based alternatives to cement. Blessing’s PhD explored the use of wastes and industrial by-products in buildin…
…blog, Paul Fairburn explains how Coventry University are delivering ‘challenge-led innovation’, supporting businesses and commercialising research to benefit regional economic growth “The pace of technological change and the disruptive nature of technology is continuing to transform our world. There is no hiding, shying away or opting out. It is everywhere and anywhere. For Coventry University Group, and indeed all higher education providers, ada…
