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Michelle Obama, Kanye West and Claudio Ranieri have all played a part in winning University of Derby student, Emily Evans, a place in the UK events industry's ... the University of Derby this week (November 22) to discuss his varied and successful career, battling cancer and what it takes to make it to the top in business.

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1 November 2017

31 October 2017

New research reveals meditation can help cure workaholics

Martha Collison, Great British Bake Off’s youngest contestant, pays visit to bakers of future

News article archive Press Blog

Latest Events Blog

Meditation sessions can help cure people who are addicted to work, according to a new study by the University of Derby.

The Great British Bake Off’s youngest-ever contestant visited the University of Derby’s Buxton Campus to give future bakers a taste of what it is like to be successful.

Guide to Expertise The Big Show Graduation

9 October 2017

3 August 2017

Devonshire Spa shortlisted in Good Spa Guide 2017 Awards

Youth sports groups in Derby awarded community fund boost from University

Buxton’s Devonshire Spa at the University of Derby Buxton Campus has been shortlisted in the Good Spa Guide Readers’ Choice National Awards 2017.

Two local sports groups in Derby have received funding from the University of Derby Community Fund to support them in delivering projects that will benefit children in the local area.

27 July 2017

14 July 2017

University of Derby funding scheme helps community groups in the great outdoors

University receives £33,000 grant to improve emotional wellbeing of children in schools

A £33,000 grant to deliver free training to schools in a bid to improve the emotional wellbeing of teachers and students has been awarded to the University of Derby.

The University of Derby Community Fund has awarded two local groups funding to support outdoor projects that will benefit valued members of the community. 13 July 2017

12 July 2017

University of Derby named among top 27 global institutions for Teaching Excellence

Graphic Design student scoops award for interactive debit card aimed at helping people save money

An international panel of judges has shortlisted the University of Derby as one of 27 finalists in the Higher Education Academy’s (HEA) first Global Teaching Excellence Awards (GTEA).

A Graphic Design student at the University of Derby has won a top prize in the Royal Society of the Arts Student Design Awards for an interactive debit card that aims to save people money.

8 June 2017

5 June 2017

University Vice-Chancellor to quiz former glossy magazine editor

New Chair for University’s Governing Council

Derbyshire businessman Stephen Smith has been appointed as the new Chair of the University of Derby’s Governing Council.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, is set to interview author Wendy Holden as part of this year’s Derby Book Festival. 2 June 2017

31 May 2017

University launches publishing house with new book to celebrate 40 years of Derby

Photography student scoops top prize for close-up nature shots

A student at the University of Derby has won a prestigious award for his close-up shots of nature. A team of 10 MA Publishing students from the University of Derby is to publish a book celebrating the history and culture of the city of Derby – the first released through the University’s brand-new publishing house, Peregrine Publishing. 12 May 2017

10 May 2017

Derby lecturer scoops Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year

University of Derby announces partnership with leading music festival Y Not

Dr Ian Turner, from the University of Derby, has been recognised for his outstanding and innovative teaching styles that look to bring theatricals into the lecture theatre.

The University of Derby today announces a major new three-year partnership with Y Not Festival, featuring a range of activities to enrich student’ real world learning.

9 May 2017

2 May 2017

University team donates prize money to help young people in care

Devonshire Spa shortlisted for two World Luxury Spa Awards

The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) team at the University of Derby has donated £1,500 to Plus One, which provides young people in care, care leavers and their families with the opportunity to experience free arts experiences in Derby.

Buxton’s Devonshire Spa at the University of Derby Buxton Campus has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious World Luxury Spa Awards 2017.

5 April 2017

27 March 2017

Honorary awards list announced by University of Derby

Buxton must get its act together with events programme to make the most of The Crescent

Five notable people, all with a strong connection to the city of Derby, are to receive honorary degrees from the University of Derby at its annual Award Ceremonies.

Buxton needs eye-catching events to fulfil its potential, says the University of Derby expert who released a “whale” into the River Wear, put giant robot spiders on the streets of Liverpool and got Paul McCartney back on stage in Merseyside.

14 March 2017

16 March 2017

The University of Derby Science Park – where world-class ideas will become reality

Lady Burlington selects fashion students’ designs for exhibition at Chatsworth

The University of Derby Science Park, launched today, will be at the spearhead of the industrial digital revolution.

Laura Cavendish, Countess of Burlington, visited the University of Derby yesterday (March 15) to handpick fashion students’ garments for the upcoming ‘House Style: Five centuries of fashion at Chatsworth’ exhibition.

14 March 2017

27 February 2017

Funding awarded to University to maximise safety for students

University students investigate cold cases in an attempt to challenge justice system

The University of Derby has been awarded £25,000 from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to support student safeguarding on campus.

Law and criminology students are challenging the justice system by investigating miscarriage of justice cases within the UK and internationally at the University of Derby. 22 February 2017

27 February 2017

Asperger’s group and football club latest to receive University community funding

Hospitality industry can have a say on shaping future talent

The University of Derby Community Fund has awarded two local groups funding to support them with their future projects.

Industry has the chance to influence how its leaders of the future are trained as the University of Derby steps up its links with hospitality, tourism, spa and events management businesses.

16 February 2017

9 February 2017

Live long and prosper in Buxton’s Blue You’re hired! Emily gets through to Zone events industry’s Apprentice-style contest

Buxton could be one of the world’s fabled “Blue Zones” – oases of health and happiness where people live to ripe old ages – if the town takes up a challenge by the University of Derby.

Michelle Obama, Kanye West and Claudio Ranieri have all played a part in winning University of Derby student, Emily Evans, a place in the UK events industry’s top talent competition.

9 February 2017

9 February 2017

Bands of the future roll back the years to Buxton’s rock hey-days

University hosts ‘An Evening with Richard Gerver’

A University of Derby student is bringing back Buxton’s hey-days as a cutting edge rock festival venue with a line-up in the Dome led by an up-andcoming Liverpool band.

International speaker and University of Derby honorand Richard Gerver will return to the University to talk about his career and his latest book on March 21, 2017.

8 February 2017

8 February 2017

University asks: Who cares for the carers?

Choir hits the right note ahead of International Women’s Day

Derbyshire’s army of unpaid carers will get the chance to share their experiences at a special event at the University of Derby’s Chesterfield Campus on March 1.

International Women’s Day (IWD) Derby has received a grant from the University of Derby Community Fund to aid the Normanton Women’s Choir project ahead of the (IWD) festival.

1 February 2017

18 January 2017

Largest cohort of Nursing Associates in UK begin training at Derby

Chief Football Correspondent hails ground-breaking new course

A pioneering education programme aimed at transforming the nursing and care workforce has launched at the University of Derby.

The Times’ Chief Football Correspondent Oliver Kay visited the University of Derby this week (January 16) to discuss his career and knowledge of the industry with aspiring football journalism students.

15 December 2016

8 December 2016

Innovative Derby STEM building one step closer to opening its doors to students

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire receive £6.9m to bring more people from disadvantaged backgrounds in higher education

Celebrations have taken place this week at a new Derby-based science, technology and mathematics (STEM) building, following completion on site by contractor Willmott Dixon (14 December).

The University of Derby and nine other educational institutions across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have secured a total of £6.9m to help increase participation in higher education.

29 November 2016

24 November 2016

Artists bring Victorian portraits to life with latest digital photography

University hosts ‘An Evening with Claude Littner’

A series of Victorian-style portraits which come to life when you walk past have been created by University of Derby academics.

The Apprentice doyen Claude Littner visited the University of Derby this week (November 22) to discuss his varied and successful career, battling cancer and what it takes to make it to the top in business.

17 November 2016

16 November 2016

£10 million boost for small businesses across Derbyshire

Aquatic facility opens at University of Derby in conjunction with Sea Life Centre to develop research

The University of Derby has been awarded £5 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to deliver £10 million of innovation and business support to small businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire (D2N2).

Freshwater mussels and African fish are just some of the latest inhabitants at the University of Derby as the institution opens an aquatic facility to help develop vital underwater research.

11 November 2016

11 November 2016

City business leaders to meet next generation of entrepreneurs at networking event

Five degree apprenticeships to be created in Derby through multi-million pound development fund

Derby business leaders will share their secrets to success with budding entrepreneurs at a special networking event next week.

The University of Derby is set to benefit from £250,000 funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to develop new degree apprenticeships for students starting in September 2017.

7 November 2016

26 October 2016

Derby graduate scoops awards for film showing how technology is helping separated families in China

Derby study first in UK to examine rates of common oral infection which can cause mouth cancer

A media production graduate who created a film to highlight the struggle faced by children in China whose parents are forced to leave their hometown to find work has won two prestigious media awards.

Researchers at the University of Derby have carried out the first pilot study in the UK looking at the rates of a common oral infection in young healthy adults which can cause cancer in the mouth.

24 October 2016

21 October 2016

Experts available to comment on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

New £6.9 million University Campus brings history and future together in Chesterfield

The University of Derby has a wide range of media friendly academics on hand to provide expert comment ahead of Black Friday (November 25) and Cyber Monday (November 28).

The University of Derby’s new £6.9 million Campus on Sheffield Road is another mark of the town’s continuing success in economic regeneration, the Duke of Devonshire said at its official opening on Thursday.

20 October 2016

7 October 2016

University to host event to address post- Students get to grips with their career Brexit hate crime in the region at university fair

The University of Derby is hosting a Social Justice Week to address ongoing social issues affecting the region including refugees, modern slavery and the increase in hate crime since Brexit.

Hundreds of students and graduates attended the University of Derby's GRIP (Graduate Recruitment, Internship and Placement) Careers Fair yesterday (October 6) where 60 local, regional and national employers were in attendance.

4 October 2016

3 October 2016

Rio Olympic gold medallists to receive Honorary Degrees from University of Derby

President of the Supreme Court inspires Derby Law Students at special evening

Olympic gold medallists Adam Peaty and Hollie Webb will be among the recipients of Honorary Degrees from the University of Derby this November.

The University of Derby hosted ‘An Evening with The Right Hon Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury’ last Thursday (29 September 2016).

3 October 2016

30 September 2016

University of Derby News Team scoop double gold at PR industry awards

Business students pitch ideas to industry professionals

The University of Derby's News Team scooped double gold at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards 2016 on Friday (September, 30), winning Education Communications Campaign and Outstanding InHouse Public Relations Team of the Year.

Hundreds of business students gathered at QUAD in Derby to pitch their ideas to business leaders in the city at a Dragons’ Den style event.

26 September 2016

7 September 2016

Derby first university in UK to launch advanced visionary X-ray suite

How to hold it together when your child flies the nest

A new cutting-edge X-ray suite has opened at the University of Derby to provide the next generation of radiographers the most advanced skills to help combat the nation-wide shortage.

It can be difficult for students moving away from home to go to university but it can equally be tough for parents to adjust to the transition.

6 September 2016

1 September 2016

University of Derby MOOC first in the UK to get quality mark

New research reveals how “stressbusting power” of nature brings emotional balance and well-being to humans

The University of Derby is the first UK University to be awarded the OpenupEd Quality label by review for their Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

Spending time in woodland regulates human emotions and the heart helping to restore a healthy balance when compared to time in urban environments, according to new research.

30 August 2016

25 August 2016

Actor gives up centre stage to educate the next generation

First same sex couple wed at place of worship in Derbyshire

A University of Derby graduate, Tim Gough, is set to give up his space in the limelight to educate the next generation of actors.

Today (August 27) will go down in history as the first same-sex couple tied the knot at a place of worship in Derbyshire.

25 August 2016

24 August 2016

New University campus is a shot in the arm for health and business

Secrets behind theatrical legacy of Buxton to be revealed at special heritage event

A new University of Derby campus due to open in Chesterfield on October 17 will help transform the region’s health care sector and boost the town’s growing advanced manufacturing industries.

The history of theatre in Buxton over the past 200 years will be revealed at a special heritage event next month.

24 August 2016

23 August 2016

Secrets behind theatrical legacy of Buxton to be revealed at special heritage event

Martial artist and lecturer to take on 100 opponents to raise funds for exservicemen

The history of theatre in Buxton over the past 200 years will be revealed at a special heritage event next month.

University of Derby martial artist Charles Spring is helping to give injured ex-service personnel a fighting chance in civilian life – by taking on 100 opponents one after the other.

17 August 2016

11 August 2016

Parents still urging teens to choose traditional subjects even though newer degrees are more likely to lead to a job

University launches Immersive Suite for healthcare students to hone skills in safe environment

Parents across the country continue to encourage their children to pick traditional degree subjects, according to new research by the University of Derby.

A state-of-the-art Immersive Suite has been launched at the University, providing nursing and healthcare students with a real life simulated environment to hone their skills.

10 August 2016

8 August 2016

University of Derby goes live with Careers in Sport

Clearing 2016: Five top tips for parents to help prepare their children for university

The University of Derby is set to host Careers in Sport LIVE to encourage the next generation to embrace sport and go on to achieve greatness on October 11, 2016.

Gareth Hughes, Researcher and Psychotherapist at the University of Derby, gives his top tips to parents to help their children avoid tripping up when they first start university…

4 August 2016

25 July 2016

University invests in the future of entrepreneurial graduate

University hosts Big Book competition to increase reading among children across Derbyshire

The University of Derby has invested in lorry advertising from DrivenMedia which is owned by graduate Edward Hollands.

The University of Derby hosted a competition to increase reading among children in Derbyshire in order to raise aspirations and enhance their prospects.

21 July 2016

19 July 2016

Take a trip down memory lane and help improve Matlock Bath

Celebrating ten years of success – with another ten years to come

Day-trippers who enjoyed childhood trips to Matlock Bath are being asked to help the Victorian resort become a successful 21st Century tourist destination.

Buxton celebrated ten years of success as a university town on Wednesday – and was promised that the next decade would bring even more exciting developments.

18 July 2016

18 July 2016

Judges to study University’s role in East Midlands in Bloom contest

Graduate scoops award for humorous animation documenting historic Paignton Pudding Riot

Judges from the East Midlands in Bloom contest visited the University of Derby’s campus in Buxton on July 15 to see how its sensory gardens and plans by students to create a herb garden could help the town win in this year’s competition.

A graduate who created an animation to document an historic pudding fight has won a top award for his work.

15 July 2016

15 July 2016

Detective Chief Inspector graduates while tackling multiple homicide investigations

Student who overcame battle with dyslexia and set up her own business to graduate today

A Detective Chief Inspector who has tackled numerous homicides and serious crimes at Greater Manchester Police will graduate with a Masters in Criminal Investigation from the University of Derby today (July 15, 2016).

A student who left school with no qualifications and battled with dyslexia has gone on to set up her own business and will graduate with a First-Class Honours degree at the University of Derby today (15 July 2016).

13 July 2016

13 July 2016

Dual degrees: Mother and daughter to graduate together

Android technology brings Buxton’s past to life

A mother and daughter who studied at the University of Derby will graduate together this week at the University’s award ceremonies.

Tourism students at the University of Derby have used Android technology to bring echoes from the past back to life in an audio tour of the Buxton campus.

11 July 2016

8 August 2016

University of Derby Vice-Chancellor, academics and students respond to the EU Referendum

Clearing 2016: Vice-Chancellor warns spaces are filling up fast at University of Derby

University of Derby Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, responds to the EU referendum and what this will mean for University of Derby students and staff.

Students hoping to start University in Derby this September, who don’t already have a place, are being urged to pre-register for Clearing in advance of A-level results day.

6 July 2016

28 June 2016

MBA students support local healthcare Trust to develop new organisational strategy

Experts gather at bee summit to address decline in species

Bumblebee experts from across the country gathered at a Bee Summit to address the decline in species hosted by the University of Derby on June 24, 2016.

MBA students have been working in partnership with Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (DHCFT) to support the development of a new Trust-wide strategy. 27 June 2016

21 June 2016

New short courses launched to aid career development

Secrets of forensic science to be revealed in public lecture

Professionals from around the world wanting to develop their career can benefit from a range of short courses being launched by University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL).

Budding CSIs and anyone with an interest in forensic science will get the opportunity to find out how and why “every contact leaves a trace” in a lecture delivered by the University of Derby’s Head of Forensic Science on Wednesday, 29 June.

13 June 2016

8 June 2016

Smartphone addicts significantly more anxious than nature lovers, according to pioneering research

Student illustrates importance of recycling through award-winning artwork

An Illustration student who has created artwork showing the damaging effects not recycling can have on wildlife has won a top award.

Smartphone addicts are more anxious and have lower self-esteem than nature lovers, new research by the University of Derby has revealed. 2 June 2016

1 June 2016

Student whose fashion collection was inspired by great grandfather’s time in World War Two scoops top award

Student encourages people to talk about testicular cancer through hardhitting photos

A student who was inspired to create a fashion collection after reading the diary entries of her great grandfather about his time serving in World War Two has won a prestigious award.

A photography student at the University of Derby is urging men to check for symptoms of testicular cancer through a series of powerful images.

31 May 2016

26 May 2016

University hosts ‘An evening with The Duke of Devonshire’

Architecture student designs ‘E-Hub’ to encourage young professionals in Derby to combine work and leisure

The Duke of Devonshire will present an illustrated talk about the gardens and landscape of Chatsworth in Derbyshire at an event hosted by the University of Derby on June 2, 2016.

A specialist hub to allow professionals in Derby to “work and play” in the same building has been designed by an architecture student at the University of Derby.

25 May 2016

24 May 2016

University launches ‘first of its kind’ app to help students calculate tariff points

New teacher resource launched to help digital career literacy

Students across the country struggling to calculate their UCAS Tariff points can now benefit from a new app called ‘UniPoints’.

Teachers and career practitioners across the country can benefit from a new resource to support the development of digital career literacy, which has been launched by the University of Derby.

24 May 2016

23 May 2016

Textile Design student weaves colourful car fabric to fix “gap in the market”

Derby climbs 25 places in Guardian University Guide 2017

A custom car enthusiast has used her creative skills to design colourful fabrics for automotive interiors after spotting a “gap in the market”.

The University of Derby has been ranked in the Top 50 in The Guardian University Guide 2017 after climbing 25 places.

12 May 2016

13 May 2016

Women’s rights advocate educates tomorrow’s teachers about honour abuse

Fast-track health care degrees launched at Derby to help combat national shortage

Jasvinder Sanghera CBE has been educating more than 500 students to raise awareness of honour based killings at the University of Derby.

A series of fast-track health care degrees have been launched by the University of Derby to help combat the UK-wide shortage of nurses, diagnostic radiographers and sonographers.

12 May 2016

11 May 2016

Students set to rock out on stage at Music Showcase for 2016 degree show

MOOC launched to enable learners to develop a better understanding of autism, Asperger’s and ADHD

Music-lovers will be given a preview of Derby’s emerging musical talent when students take to the stage at Derby Theatre tomorrow night (May 13).

A new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to educate anyone interested in learning more about autism, Asperger’s and AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been launched by the University of Derby.

11 May 2016

10 May 2016

Learning in Higher Education…D’oh!

Dame Vivienne Westwood urges students to address climate change

Students are being taught forensic handwriting analysis using The Simpsons as a learning resource by an academic at the University of Derby.

Dame Vivienne Westwood urged students to become ‘intellectuals’ and tackle climate change at an event hosted at Derby Theatre last night (May 9, 2016).

9 May 2016

6 May 2016

Owner of Derby County Football Club and Hollywood actor among latest to receive Honorary Degree from University of Derby

“Inspirational” creative work of final year students to go on display during 2016 degree shows

The owner of Derby County Football Club and a Hollywood actor are to receive an Honorary Degree from the University of Derby this summer.

The best of emerging contemporary art and design practice from students at the University of Derby will be showcased to the public during the 2016 degree shows starting next week.

22 April 2016

20 April 2016

University hosts biggest annual student event for East Midlands

University awarded £2,550 from Macmillan to host yoga classes

The University of Derby welcomed more than 7,500 Year 12 students this week (April, 20-21) to help them make one of the biggest decisions of their lives so far.

The University of Derby has been awarded £2,550 from Macmillan Cancer Support to host free yoga classes at the Multi-Faith Centre, for women who have suffered or survived gynaecological cancer.

15 April 2016

15 April 2016

Industry experts share insights into future of digital marketing

Industry experts share insights into future of digital marketing

The University of Derby is set to host ‘Marketing 2020’ for the second year running, led by industry experts focusing on digital marketing.

The University of Derby is set to host ‘Marketing 2020’ for the second year running, led by industry experts focusing on digital marketing.

13 April 2016

24 March 2016

University introduces first short course in sports psychology

University listed in top three for prestigious teacher training guide

With a summer of sport ahead, University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) has launched a short course for sport psychology enthusiasts.

The University of Derby’s outstanding reputation for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) has been recognised after being listed in the top three for undergraduate teacher training in the prestigious Good Teacher Training Guide 2015.

16 March 2016

11 March 2016

Tracing Cinderella’s DNA for British Science Week

University hosts event to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs

Business leaders will take time out next week to take part in an event aimed at inspiring a future generation of entrepreneurs.

Students and graduates from the University of Derby celebrated British Science Week (March 1120, 2016) by bringing forensic science to life through the mode of fairy tale. 10 March 2016

4 March 2016

University nursing team scoops four nominations at national awards

Top tips from leading women in business

Nursing students and staff at the University of Derby have been shortlisted in four categories at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2016 – the only national awards to celebrate student nurses and nurse education.

Ahead of International Womens Day (March 8, 2016) the University of Derby has collated some top tips from leading women in business.

1 March 2016

29 February 2016

University magazine wins External Stakeholder Publication at IOIC awards

Top leaders in business address gender inequality at University event

The University of Derby hosted an ‘An Evening With Jacqueline Gold CBE’ as part of their Women in Business event, on February 25, 2016.

The University of Derby magazine has won ‘External Stakeholder Publication’ of the year at the Institute of Internal Communications (IOIC) Central and North Awards. 29 February 2016

24 February 2016

Internationally recognised dietitian to host talk on compassion and body respect for overcoming eating struggles

Education students celebrate success at University of Derby

An internationally renowned dietitian is to give a lecture at the University of Derby on overcoming eating struggles and body confidence issues to find peace with food.

Aspiring leaders within the early years sector have celebrated success after completing their programmes of study at the University of Derby.

23 February 2016

18 February 2016

Pioneering research shows children “connected to nature” achieve better SAT results

Lord Judge to officially open Derby Law School

Right Honourable Lord Judge QC, will officially open the University of Derby’s Law School at One Friar Gate Square on February 29, 2016.

New research from the University of Derby has revealed children who are in touch with nature achieve better results in their Year 6 SAT exams. 18 February 2016

18 February 2016

European Referendum: University to Brian Lamb OBE to give Inaugural host debate with leading politicians and Lecture on SEND reforms business leaders

A Cabinet Minister and former Foreign Secretary will be among the panellists in a public debate on Britain’s membership of the European Union, organised by the University of Derby.

Brian Lamb will visit the University of Derby to deliver an Inaugural Lecture, to discuss the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) reforms influencing policy change in education on March 2, 2016.

15 February 2016

12 February 2016

University hosts event to tackle behaviour management in schools

University attracts international companies to high profile event on Big Data and cyber security

The University of Derby will be hosting a short course to address behaviour management in schools with education consultant, Dr Bill Rogers on February 25, 2016.

Technology academics at the University of Derby are joining forces with cyber security experts and businesses to discuss the importance of security and predictability when moving large amounts of data.

11 February 2016

10 February 2016

University seeks to increase innovation in operations management

University students host event to discuss Calais refugee camp crisis

The University of Derby is launching a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled ‘Innovating in Operations Management’ aimed at Directors and Operations Managers.

A group of students from the University of Derby hosted a talk to discuss and address the Calais refugee camp crisis.

10 February 2016

9 February 2016

UDOL graduate works with Oxfam Response Team to tackle Ebola

Film lecturer’s movie wins top French post-production contract

A film lecturer at the University of Derby has scooped a top award for her Victorian period drama.

A University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) graduate has been working as part of the Oxfam Response Team to tackle Ebola in Sierra Leone. 9 February 2016

9 February 2016

Film lecturer’s movie wins top French post-production contract

University of Derby scholarship student develops 3D printer

A film lecturer at the University of Derby has scooped a top award for her Victorian period drama.

João Victor Araújo Tavares has developed a 3D printer after completing a scholarship with the University of Derby.

8 February 2016

8 February 2016

Battle of Britain: Journalist to deliver special lecture to mark 80th anniversary since first ever Spitfire flight

MOOC to tackle Dementia 2020 Challenge back by popular demand

The University of Derby’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled ‘Bridging the Dementia Divide’ is back by popular demand after the University received high levels of requests to run the course again.

A journalist who has spent more than three decades documenting the lives of Battle of Britain veterans is to give a talk at the University of Derby to mark the 80th anniversary of the first ever Spitfire flight (March 5,1936). 5 February 2016

4 February 2016

University chosen as viewing party for TEDx talk ‘Transforming Lives’ from Geneva

New radiography course at Derby first in UK to be approved by College of Radiographers

A new course designed to get radiographers who have taken a career break to return to practice has been launched at the University of Derby.

The Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern, will present a live talk from the University of Derby on February 11, as part of a TEDx talk titled ‘Transforming Lives’. 1 February 2016

3 February 2016

Ann Summers CEO to headline University’s Women in Business event

Student sponsored through Computer Science degree at University thanks to Infinium IT

The University of Derby will be hosting an ‘An Evening With Jacqueline Gold CBE’ as part of a series of talks from inspirational figures on February 25, 2016.

A Computer Science student at the University of Derby who was left with life-changing injuries following a cycling accident during a family holiday has been sponsored to complete his degree by Infinium IT.

1 February 2016

28 January 2016

University publishes new degree enabling students to gain a foothold in competitive industry

Graduate lands art residency in Iceland

A Fine Art graduate from the University of Derby has been awarded a prestigious arts residency in Iceland. The University of Derby is introducing a Masters (MA) in Publishing from September 2016, enabling students to gain a foothold in the hugely popular and competitive publishing industry.

22 January 2016

22 January 2016

1,000 years’ service honoured at University Staff Loyalty Awards

Tackling violent extremism: Academic to give talk on how terrorism can be addressed

Forty seven members of staff at the University of Derby – who have accumulated 1,000 years of service – have been honoured for their hard work.

A sociologist at the University of Derby is to question what can be done to tackle violent and non-violent extremism in a public lecture next week.

15 January 2016

14 January 2016

Inseparable sisters graduate together

Mother and daughter who studied same University course land job in same hospital team

Two sisters who immersed themselves in University life have graduated from the University of Derby’s Award Ceremonies this week.

A mother and daughter who both studied Occupational Therapy at the University of Derby have gained a job in the same hospital team.

14 January 2016

12 January 2016

Mother and daughter who studied same University course land job in same hospital team

UDOL student implements praise initiative into the NHS

A mother and daughter who both studied Occupational Therapy at the University of Derby have gained a job in the same hospital team.

A Patient Experience Manager who implemented a ‘praise initiative’ into the NHS in order to reward good practice will graduate from the University of Derby this week.

11 January 2016

8 January 2016

Student to wear kilt in Derbyshireinspired tartan designed by mum for graduation ceremony

University’s International Student Centre ranked number one in UK for student support for second year running

A student at the University of Derby will take to the stage at his graduation ceremony this week wearing a kilt made from a Derbyshire-inspired tartan designed by his mum.

7 January 2016

The University of Derby’s International Student Centre has been ranked number 1 out of 43 for student support in the Autumn 2015 International Student Barometer (ISB) for the second year running. 7 January 2016

Trio of students prove their entrepreneurial skills in the real world

Trio of students prove their entrepreneurial skills in the real world

Three business students from the University of Derby have shown their entrepreneurial skills by setting up their own businesses before they have even graduated.

Three business students from the University of Derby have shown their entrepreneurial skills by setting up their own businesses before they have even graduated.

7 January 2016

7 January 2016

University of Derby lecturer publishes book to help professionals working in end of life care

University of Derby lecturer publishes book to help professionals working in end of life care

Michelle Brown, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Derby, has recently published a book to support healthcare and nursing professionals working in palliative and end of life care.

Michelle Brown, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Derby, has recently published a book to support healthcare and nursing professionals working in palliative and end of life care.

6 January 2016

18 December 2015

Thousands of students set to graduate from University of Derby

Royal Society of Biology grants accreditation to University of Derby courses

More than 3,000 students are set to graduate from the University of Derby next week. The Royal Society of Biology has accredited two courses at the University of Derby following independent and rigorous assessments. 17 December 2015

17 December 2015

Top engineer from NASA delivers lecture at University of Derby

College of Policing provides accreditation to the University of Derby

Dr Ravi Margasahayam (one of NASA’s top engineers), visited the University of Derby yesterday (December 16) as part of a NASA tour.

The University of Derby’s Policing course has recently received accreditation by the professional body for policing, which could reduce the amount of training students need when they apply for a job at their chosen police force.

11 December 2015

10 December 2015

Derby reclaims Silver Plate against Nottingham in annual Law competition

MP Pauline Latham hosts the University of Derby in Parliament for event on innovative solutions to combat Dementia

Two University of Derby Law students regained the silver plate in a ‘moot off’ against Nottingham Trent University last week.

Pauline Latham MP OBE hosted the University of Derby at the Houses of Parliament last week, for an event highlighting innovative approaches to cope with the rise of dementia. 4 December 2015

10 December 2015

Primary Education students launch Christmas single to raise funds for charity

Mental health researcher highlights humanity’s struggle with its dark side

A mental health psychologist is to explore what separates our species from being the cruellest to the most compassionate on the planet in a lecture at the University of Derby next week.

A group of trainee teachers and staff at the University of Derby have recorded a Christmas single to raise funds for children’s charity Barnardo’s. 30 November 2015

26 November 2015

Silver nanoparticles: technological marvel or the next big environmental pollutant?

University of Derby first in the East Midlands to offer Liberal Arts aimed at creating “dynamic graduates”

Research from the University of Derby has found that nanoparticles, which are used in a wide range of commercial products, can be damaging to the environment. 18 November 2015

The University of Derby is introducing a BA (Hons) Liberal Arts degree from September 2016, and is the first university in the East Midlands to offer this highly-regarded 21st century qualification. 18 November 2015

Derby artists showcase latest designs at distinctive Open Studios event

Zoology student awarded for voluntary commitments to the city

More than 70 artists from across Derbyshire, including six from the city are preparing for this year’s Banks Mill Open Studios and Artisan Fair, which invites the public and arts community to view a showcase of talent from the city.

More than 70 people attended the Green Space Forum Awards this week (November 16), co-hosted by Derby City Council Parks Team and the University Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, at the University of Derby.

16 November 2015

13 November 2015

Work begins on new £12.5m STEM facility at University of Derby

Experts available to comment on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

A sod-cutting ceremony took place today at the University of Derby to mark the start of work on a new £12.5m 4,200 square-metre building for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The University of Derby has wide range of media friendly academics on hand to provide expert comment ahead of Black Friday (November 27) and Cyber Monday (November 30).

12 November 2015

10 November 2015

28% of students wish they’d done their homework when choosing a university

University lecturer calls for scientists to save coral reefs

A recent study conducted by the University of Derby has revealed that 28% of current students and recent graduates wish they’d done more research before choosing a university.

A recent research paper published by Michael Sweet, Lecturer in Invertebrate Biology at the University of Derby, has found that in order to save coral reefs and fisheries, scientists must improve their collaborations in small island states.

10 November 2015

4 November 2015

University of Derby boosts local economy by £270m

Splendour of Cosmos to be projected onto University for Inter Faith Week

More than 5,000 jobs are supported by the £270m worth of spending generated each year by the University of Derby, an economic impact report has revealed.

As part of the celebration of Inter Faith Week (November 15-21), the University of Derby Chaplaincy has arranged for ‘Splendour of the Cosmos’ by international artist Sudha Daniel, to be projected onto the exterior wall of the Multi-Faith Centre.

4 November 2015

2 November 2015

3D music and sound installation by University of Derby features on BBC’s Autumnwatch Extra

University signs Memorandum of Understanding with ALICE experiment at nuclear research organisation CERN

A 3D audio and visual installation of starlings created by University of Derby College of Arts staff has been showcased on BBC’s Autumnwatch Extra.

The University of Derby signed a Memorandum of Understanding with delegates from the ALICE experiment at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, today (Monday, November 2). 28 October 2015

30 October 2015

Delegates from ALICE experiment at nuclear research organisation CERN to visit University of Derby

University installs defibrillators as part of first aid initiative

Physicists and engineers from the ALICE experiment at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, are to visit the University of Derby next week.

The University of Derby has installed 14 automated external defibrillators (AED’s) across its sites this week, as part of a first aid initiative.

27 October 2015

26 October 2015

Derby day for England as Uni welcomes roadshow

Fashion student crowned ‘Emerging Fashion Designer’

The Together for England Roadshow rolled into Derby for October to mark the formal opening of a multi-million pound sports facility.

University of Derby BA (Hons) Fashion student Sarah Woodward was crowned ‘Emerging Fashion Designer’ at the Midlands Fashion Awards 2015 on Friday (October 16).

21 October 2015

15 October 2015

University launches stunt in the city

Bestselling author to host two events on career education at University

Mr Wilson’s Second Liners made a surprise guest appearance in the city yesterday (October 20) as part of a stunt hosted by the University of Derby.

Bestselling author, Professor Jim Bright, will visit the University of Derby to host two events on career education next month.

14 October 2015

14 October 2015

University Professor to lead two debates at Battle of Ideas Festival

Team Derby score a double at city sport awards

Dennis Hayes, Professor of Education at the University of Derby, is leading two debates at the Battle of Ideas Festival this weekend (October 1718) which is being held at the Barbican in London.

This week Team Derby was named ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Coach of the Year’ at the 2015 Derby Sports Awards.

9 October 2015

9 October 2015

Top sailing champions hail University’s How to clone a mammoth – University Young Adventurers Awards lecturer explains all

Two teenagers who are world sailing champions have hailed the UK Young Adventurers Awards.

A lecturer at the University of Derby is to explore the possibility of cloning mammoths in a free public lecture next week.

8 October 2015

8 October 2015

Hundreds of graduates attend recruitment fair at University to find their dream job

University of Derby MOOCs ‘buck’ the trend

Two Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which were launched by the University of Derby have defied the trend, significantly exceeding the industry retention rate.

Hundreds of students and graduates attended the University of Derby's GRIP (Graduate Recruitment, Internship and Placement) Careers Fair today (October 8) where 65 local, regional and national employers were in attendance. 6 October 2015

5 October 2015

Derby business student invests £10,000 in setting up truck advertising company

Action-packed day planned for finalists of UK Young Adventurers Awards 2015

A University of Derby student has set up a business supplying advertising space on lorries after saving thousands of pounds while working at a supermarket.

The finalists of the UK Young Adventurers Awards 2015 are to be treated to an action-packed day of activities at the University of Derby’s Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre. 30 September 2015

1 October 2015

University honours geologist who mapped hidden worlds from the Peak District’s Bottomless Pit to the Grand Canyon

Finalists announced for UK Young Adventurers Awards 2015

Awards for slalom kayaking, dry slope skiing and top titles for mountain and fell running are just some of the outstanding accolades held by finalists of the UK Young Adventurers Awards 2015.

A geologist whose fascination with rocks started as a boy in the caves of the Peak District and who is still publishing research at the age of 90 is to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Derby. 28 September 2015

24 September 2015

University celebrates record number of visitors at Open Day

Educating Yorkshire former head teacher to give key note speech at NEMCON launch

Saturday (September 26) saw a record numbers of visitors attend the University of Derby’s Open Day, where more than 4,500 people arrived to explore its sites in the city.

Former head teacher Jonny Mitchell – who rose to fame after appearing in hit show Educating Yorkshire – will be the key note speaker at the North East Midlands Collaborative Outreach Network (NEMCON) launch on October 6, 2015 at Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

15 September 2015

14 September 2015

Photography lecturer showcases ‘dystopian view of future’ in London

Young people lack the necessary letter writing skills

A photography lecturer at the University of Derby, who has been studying a Masters degree alongside teaching, is to showcase her ‘dystopian view of the future’ in London this week.

The University of Derby and the Royal Mail have released a new report about the importance of letter writing for young people’s employability to launch National Letter Writing Week (Monday 14 to Friday 18 September).

4 September 2015

3 September 2015

University hosts two day nature connections festival with BBC’s Chris Packham

University shortlisted for Most Improved Student Experience Award

The University of Derby has been shortlisted for a top accolade in the Times Higher Education Awards 2015.

The University of Derby will host its brand new Nature Connections Festival on Friday September 11 and Saturday September 12, 2015. 2 September 2015

27 August 2015

University launches mobile App to link experts and journalists

University of Derby supports plans to build new student accommodation in city centre

The University of Derby has launched a new App today (September 2, 2015) for the Guide to Expertise, which hosts all of its media friendly experts in order to provide comment on everything from smartphone addiction and geology to zombies and daydreaming.

The University of Derby has backed plans to build new student flats in the city centre.

20 August 2015

19 August 2015

Fashion student nominated for ‘Emerging Designer’ award

First cohort of University of Derby police cadets graduate during special parade

A fashion student at the University of Derby has reached the final of the Midlands Fashion Awards 2015 for her modern glamour clothing collection.

A group of thirty-five teenagers have graduated from a bespoke University of Derby police cadet training programme.

12 August 2015

12 August 2015

University invests £100m in new developments for students

Graduate who suffered accident hails Derby for helping get career back on track

Students heading to the University of Derby this September are set to benefit from around £100m worth of exciting new developments.

A University of Derby graduate, who suffered a broken leg after being involved in a motorbike accident, has praised the Clearing system for helping to get his “education back on track”.

12 August 2015

7 August 2015

University of Derby celebrates best ever student satisfaction score

Expert to host lecture considering future of career education system

Students at the University of Derby have given their institution its highest ever rating as part of the independent National Student Survey (NSS) results, released today (Wednesday, August 12).

Careers development and employability expert Professor Tristram Hooley will be hosting an inaugural lecture titled ‘Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery’ at the University of Derby on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 5.30pm.

6 August 2015

5 August 2015

Double glory for Derby in national student accommodation survey

Derby graduate kick-starts his career in professional football

The University of Derby has scooped two awards in the prestigious National Student Housing Survey (NSHS) 2015.

University of Derby graduate Mark Farthing has gone onto pursue his dream career in professional football at the League Managers Association (LMA), one of football’s elite associations.

31 July 2015

29 July 2015

University helps secure more than Queen’s Nurse Honour for University’s £1.9m to improve research into policing lecturers

The University of Derby, in collaboration with a number of police forces, other universities and agencies, has helped to secure more than £1.9m from the Police Knowledge Fund to help improve research into policing.

Two nursing lecturers from the University of Derby have become Queen’s Nurses.

23 July 2015

23 July 2015

Online learning student awarded ‘Graduate of the Year’ by CIEH

Derby graphic design student celebrates sweet success at national awards

A graphic design student who created a Play-Doh bakery to help distract children from technology has scooped a national award for her project.

A University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) student has been awarded ‘Graduate of the Year’ by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). 22 July 2015

9 July 2015

Korea exchange puts East and West in harmony

Online learning students cross borders to attend UK psychology residential

Aleksandra and Andy Heyes were chosen to take part in the annual exchange between the Buxton campus and Daegu Haany University which allows Hotel, Resort and Spa Management (HRSM) students to immerse themselves in the customs, food and lifestyle of the Korean people.

Students studying for the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree with the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) gathered at the University’s Kedleston Road site in Derby, for a week’s long residential on Monday (June 29, 2015).

2 July 2015

2 July 2015

National survey ranks Derby graduates University partners Cloudbass to among UK's 'most employable' launch Broadcast Engineering degree

University of Derby graduates are more employable than most other UK universities, according to new official figures.

The University of Derby’s College of Engineering has partnered with Cloudbass Limited to launch a new undergraduate degree in Broadcast Engineering and Live Event Technology.

1 July 2015

24 June 2015

Graduate Textile trio exhibit collection at New Designers One Year On

University course designed to help social care workers and foster carers has contract extended

Three University of Derby graduates, who set up their own label, were selected to exhibit their latest collection last week (June 24-27), at part one of the New Designers One Year On.

A pilot University of Derby course, which was introduced to help social care teams interact more effectively with children, young people and families, has had its contract extended for a further two years.

5 June 2015

5 June 2015

Rising stars play for Team Derby in National Badminton League final

Sir Tony Atkinson to deliver a guest lecture titled ‘Inequality: What can be done?’

The University of Derby’s franchise badminton team, Team Derby, will compete for the Championship title in the inaugural National Badminton League (NBL) Finals Day this Sunday, June 7 at K2 Crawley.

Sir Tony Atkinson will be visiting the University of Derby on Monday June 15 at 5.30pm to host a conference titled ‘Inequality: What can be done?

3 June 2015

22 May 2015

University staff to cycle from Buxton to Derby to raise money for Colin Bloomfield Melanoma Appeal

University lease Friar Gate Square

The University of Derby has recently signed a lease for one Friar Gate Square which will house Derby Law School.

This year’s annual Buxton to Derby bike ride will take place on Friday July 3 to raise money for the Colin Bloomfield Melanoma Appeal. 19 May 2015

18 May 2015

New arrival at the University of Derby

History lecturer explores hidden history of home front in public lecture

Dr David Russell has been appointed as the new Dean of the College of Business at the University of Derby.

Professor Paul Elliott will deliver the public lecture 'British Public Parks and the First World War: Recovering a Hidden History of the Home Front' on Wednesday May 27 at the Derby QUAD.

1 May 2015

29 April 2015

History Conference marks 800th anniversary of Magna Carta

University scoops Learning on Screen Award for the second year running

History students at the University of Derby will deliver a public conference on ‘Law and Democracy’ to mark 800 years since the signing of the Magna Carta.

The University of Derby has been awarded a prestigious accolade at the British University Film and Video Council (BUFVC) Learning on Screen Awards.

23 April 2015

22 April 2015

University hosts a series of Science Talks

€5 million research project’s hi-tech approach to European obesity

The University of Derby will be hosting a series of talks from bee extinction and UV skin damage to the apocalypse as part of a series of Science Talks throughout May, in partnership with the British Science Association.

A European obesity project has been awarded €5 million (£3.9 million) to research the effectiveness of mobile phone apps and other hi-tech aids in helping people lose weight and maintain their weight loss.

22 April 2015

16 April 2015

Students' Union staff get election candidates’ vote

Psychology researchers at University of Derby release new study on fussy child eaters

A campaign by staff at the University of Derby's Students' Union to get more young people interested in politics was given a vote of confidence this week by the candidates seeking to be the next MP for High Peak.

Researchers from the University of Derby have discovered similar behaviours found in anxiety disorders underlie picky eating in children, in what is believed to be the first study of its kind.

8 April 2015

2 April 2015

Former Lord Justice of Appeal to officially open University Crown Courtroom

University hosts key General Election debates With the May 7 General Election fast approaching, the University of Derby and its Students’ Union have organised public General Election hustings with the parliamentary candidates in Derby and Buxton.

Sir John Mummery will be visiting the University of Derby on Thursday April 16 2015, to officially open the new Crown Courtroom. 31 March 2015

30 March 2015

University launches team of Incident Responders

University encourages engineers to study on the job

The University of Derby is launching a new team of Incident Responders who will be responsible for first aid, fire marshalling and incident support duties.

The University of Derby hosted an open evening for prospective engineering and technology students and employees at its Markeaton Street site on Thursday March 26, 2015.

27 March 2015

17 March 2015

University hosts an evening with Honorary Derek Latham

University’s unique deal to help modernise Malaysian Police

Visiting Professor and Honorary Derek Latham returned to the University of Derby on Wednesday evening (March 25) to deliver a public lecture on sustainable architecture.

Every police officer in Malaysia will have their training accredited by the University of Derby, in what is thought to be the first ever such partnership between a foreign country and a UK university.

13 March 2015

9 March 2015

As mad as a hatter – University hosts second STEMpunk Extravaganza

Leading marketers share insights into future of marketing

Racing car simulators, Dodo’s, disappearing cats and Lego hermit crabs will be among the vibrant attractions at a University of Derby science exhibition.

The University of Derby is set to host ‘Marketing 2020’ – an event that will set the scene for future marketing skills and deliver insight into how marketing is continuously evolving.

6 March 2015

4 March 2015

Students host NHS Change Day to raise awareness of dementia

Marksman Hamad has Olympics in his sights

Students from the University of Derby will host the East Midlands regional NHS Change Day on Wednesday 11 March 2015, to raise awareness of dementia.

Events Management lecturers are helping a Qatari sports star prepare for his nation's emergence as a major player on the world's stage

3 March 2015

3 March 2015

University hosts an evening with Sam Rush

Smartphones are addictive – reveals first UK study from the University of Derby

The University of Derby is hosting a series of talks from inspirational senior figures, the first of which is with CEO of Derby County Football Club, Sam Rush, on Wednesday 4 March 2015.

The nation is becoming addicted to smartphones, according to new research from the University of Derby.

26 February 2015

26 February 2015

Hip-Hop birthday party on the cards for Kevin

University welcomes return of Professor Catherine Belsey

A global youth movement will be celebrating its 40th birthday in style if a University of Derby student wins a competition set up to find Britain’s most creative events manager.

Visiting Professor and scholar Catherine Belsey will return to the University of Derby next month (Wednesday March 4) to talk about John Milton's sonnet 19 on the apparition of his dead wife.

17 February 2015

13 February 2015

Fashion student wins prestigious Young Designer Awards

From Dubai with love – Caroline helps couples to pop the question!

Derby based BA (Hons) Fashion Studies student Nicole Wells was awarded ‘Young Designer’ at the St Andrews Young Designer Awards (YDA), last weekend (Saturday 14 February 2015).

We have all heard of a fairy-tale romance but for University of Derby graduate, Caroline Garvey, her happy ever after has become a reality.

13 February 2015

12 February 2015

Derby is top UK university in Euro contest

University of Derby at the cutting edge of new sound environments

Three students at the Buxton campus of the University of Derby beat all other UK entrants in a competition to find the most daring young entrepreneurs in Europe.

The University of Derby will be the first university in the UK to have a Wave1 processor installed.

9 February 2015

5 February 2015

Studying whilst tackling Ebola proves no barrier for UDOL student

Women’s rights advocate returns to University to head up forced marriage discussion

Duane Stapleton a University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) student has been working as an Environmental Health Technician tackling Ebola in Sierra Leone.

Graduate and honorand Jasvinder Sanghera will return to the University of Derby as head of a panel discussion on forced marriages.

5 February 2015

5 February 2015

Buxton martial arts expert fights for people with disabilities at Loughborough event

Health is wealth, students tell Euro judges

Martial arts expert Charles Spring is fighting to make it easier for people with disabilities to take up the sport.

Three students at the Buxton Campus of the University of Derby are to face a Dragon’s Den style panel of experts in a competition to find the most daring young entrepreneurs in Europe.

3 February 2015

29 January 2015

University ‘Community Fund’ helps Belper youth club bounce back after blaze

Top women engineers to show it’s not just ‘jobs for the boys’

Top women engineers will tell school and college girls how they built successful careers in their industry at a University of Derby event.

The University of Derby’s Community Fund is helping five local projects, including The Blue Box Community Group in Belper, after the first winners of funding for 2014/15 were announced. 29 January 2015

29 January 2015

University of Oxford Geologist to deliver guest lecture

Community counts when saving county heritage

Professor Mike Searle, a Geologist at the University of Oxford, will be delivering a public lecture titled ‘Colliding Continents’ next week (Wednesday, February 4) at the University of Derby.

Sarah McLeod, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Society, will use the regeneration of Buxton as an example of the importance of public consultation in her lecture, Community Counts.

28 January 2015

22 January 2015

Top honour for Buxton campus chef lecturer

Derby graduate awarded by Royal Historical Society for ‘outstanding’ dissertation

University of Derby Culinary Arts lecturer Leonard Cseh has been awarded the Institute of Hospitality's top honour.

A University of Derby graduate will see her dissertation printed in History Today early next year.

14 January 2015

13 January 2015

Studying from Kenya proved no barrier for UDOL army student

How tunes for tots are gaining musician big time airplay

University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) graduate, Lieutenant Corporal Charlotte Miller, has used online studying as a platform to develop her career.

Original songs about dragons in the bedroom and grumpy dogs by a University of Derby Education Studies graduate are proving a big hit with tots and their parents.

12 January 2015

8 January 2015

Marketing qualifications help graduates rise to success

‘No time’ for graduation for busy Film and Video graduate

A trio of marketing graduates from the University of Derby have gained First Class Honours degrees, enabling them to develop successful careers in a variety of industries.

Working on a new BBC TV series filming in Lithuania means University of Derby Film and Video graduate, Justina Petkevičiūtė can’t spare the time to attend her own graduation ceremony.

8 January 2015

7 January 2015

Derby Business School wins trio of awards at annual University Trading Challenge

Top ten tips when filling out your UCAS application

Writing your personal statement, finding references and gathering information can be an overwhelming task.

A team of undergraduate students and academics from the University of Derby Business School scooped up three awards in the University Trading Challenge (UTC) 2014. 5 January 2015

3 December 2014

Graduate recognised for voluntary work in Rwanda with academic excellence award

You can hear the coral reefs dying

You can hear the sound of former bustling coral reefs dying due to the impact of human activity; according to new research from the Universities of Essex, Exeter and Derby.

A Clinical Nurse who volunteers in Rwanda has been awarded the 'Florence Nightingale Award for Academic Excellence' from the University of Derby. 3 December 2014

24 November 2014

You can hear the coral reefs dying

UDOL programmes first to gain online accreditation

You can hear the sound of former bustling coral reefs dying due to the impact of human activity; according to new research from the Universities of Essex, Exeter and Derby.

The University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) has gained accreditation for four online hospitality management programmes from the Institute of Hospitality.

14 November 2014

12 November 2014

Creative arts project tackles health staff's baby blues and bliss

University to Host BSC Midlands Regional Network Event

Health professionals involved in pregnancy and birth are invited to take part in a research project at the University of Derby, to see if the arts can help them better express feelings about their work good or bad.

Policing in the 21st Century is the topic of discussion this November (26) at a public lecture held by the University of Derby.

12 November 2014

29 October 2014

University to Host BSC Midlands Regional Network Event

Films of horror and heartbreak set for success in UK and US

Policing in the 21st Century is the topic of discussion this November (26) at a public lecture held by the University of Derby.

As Halloween looms, two University of Derby student films will both be hoping for monster success tomorrow night (October 30) - on two different continents.

27 October 2014

21 October 2014

University builds a Network of Entrepreneurs

Graduate lace-maker selected for Small Business Saturday

Entrepreneurs are being invited to attend the Derby University Network of Entrepreneurs (DUNE) launch event on Thursday November 6, 2014 at the iPro Stadium in Derby between 4:30-7:30pm.

Local lace-maker and University of Derby graduate, Louise West has been selected to be featured as part of the Small Business Saturday promotion, 'Small Biz 100'.

20 October 2014

20 October 2014

Lord Falconer explores state of British Constitution

Lord Falconer explores state of British Constitution

On Thursday 16 October, the Rt Hon Lord Falconer visited the University of Derby's Kedleston Road campus to give a lecture on the British Constitution in the light of Scotland's decision to say no to independence on 18 September.

On Thursday 16 October, the Rt Hon Lord Falconer visited the University of Derby's Kedleston Road campus to give a lecture on the British Constitution in the light of Scotland's decision to say no to independence on 18 September.

26 September 2014

Trio of Derby art graduates selected for prestigious festival

Recent graduates from the University of Derby have been chosen to participate in the upcoming UK Young Artists' Leicester Festival 2014, which will take place between Friday November 7 Sunday November 9.

10:10 Campaign Gathers Pace 28 July 2010 The Derby Telegraph's 10:10 campaign to encourage people in the city to reduce household carbon emissions by ten per cent is gathering momentum. The campaign is being supported by the University of Derby, Derby Homes and Derby City Council and a number of other partners in the city. Today the newspaper has published a Household Guide supplement charting some ideas to inspire people to reduce emissions. The campaign will feature a number of households in the city in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint over the next few months - including Derby students Lizzie Gawen, Laura Barnes and Rosie Marriott. Read more about this and other articles in the 10:10 housing guide supplement in today's Derby Telegraph or at: www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/featuresandsupplements For more information about this news release, contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email [email protected]

100-year-old Bowls Club Holds Open Event To Attract New Players. 12 August 2013 One of the country's oldest bowls clubs and the University of Derby are inviting new players to try out the sport for free this Thursday evening (August 15). Visitors attending the Derby West End Bowls Club , at the junction of Markeaton Street and Mackworth Road, Derby, from 6pm will be able to try flat lawn green bowls, with help from the club's experienced players. The University of Derby, which has two sites very close to the club, became a partner in 2009, to help it recruit more members. This year the Derby West End Bowls Club is marking its centenary with a number of different projects. After the free bowls challenge event, the clubhouse will host a free Indian meal for those who've taken part. Food will be provided by the Hana Puri restaurant, based in the Derby Westfield shopping centre. There will also be prizes for the best and worst performing teams. For its 100th year the Derby club has so far in 2013 held a celebration match organised by the English Bowling Federation , run free taster sessions and held a friendly game with Mackworth Indoor Bowls Club in July. Another celebration match is planned for next month (September) to round off the season. Earlier this year University graphic design students competed to design a new logo, badge, matchbook and banner for the club and to update its website. Second year student Nicola Doyle won the competition. Peter Walker, Community Relations Officer at the University of Derby, said: "We are delighted to continue supporting the club especially in their centenary year. Our Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne will be at this year's event, trying out his bowls technique alongside his staff." For further information about Derby West End Bowls Club or if you are interested in becoming a member visit their website at www.derbywestendbowls.com or call 01332 292863. For more information about this University of Derby Community Relations news release contact Jason Nichols on 01332 591945 or email: [email protected]

A Bit of Buxton in Bucharest 17 December 2013 Former students celebrated the past and caught up with the present in a reunion which brought a bit of Buxton to Bucharest. Dr Tony Johnston, Programme Leader for Ecotourism, and Mikaela Balder, International Student Advisor, took time out from a recruitment trip to Romania to host a group of four alumni and one current student in the Energiea Pub in the heart of the buzzing city on November 27. It was the third University of Derby Buxton reunion abroad, but the first in the Romanian capital, and the atmosphere was joyous from the start. Mihai Ghinescu (class of 2012, BA Business Management and Law) had rushed across from work to describe his new job with Nestle as a Project Coordinator in the Events Management Department, Supply Chain. Alexandru Aldea (class of 2010, MA Management) and Cristina Negut (class of 2010, MA Events Management) looked back to when they first drove together to Derby from Romania in Alexandru's car. Cristina is now a Project Coordinator for Ralcom Exhibitions and Alex is an Account Manager for the advertising company Quatro Team. Cristina said: "I was happy to see the email inviting me to the reunion, and I was very curious to find out about the other students who had studied at Derby. I think a reunion is a great opportunity to talk about student life with those who shared the experience." Joining the group was current student Alexandra Venetis, who studies BA Events Management and is on a work placement for an events company in Bucharest. Thanks to the alumni reunion she was able to network and meet Cristina who is now an event professional. A reunion which gives alumni the chance to reminisce and catch up strengthens their relationships with each other and the university, said Alexandru. "I had a fantastic time," he added. "It was such a great feeling to get back in touch with the Uni. I'm really hoping to get in touch more often from now and I'm going to look into the alumni programme and see what it's all about!" For more information, contact Mikaela on [email protected]

A Chance To Meet John Humphrys 14 November 2006 Six million listeners wake up to the sound of John Humphrys’ voice most mornings reporting the day’s news and helping to define the nation’s mood. He is arguably the UK’s most influential interviewer. Few politicians miss hearing what he has to say on the issues of the day, and he is respected and feared in equal measure for his incisive ability to cut through layers of waffle, asking questions which lay bare the truth. But how well do you know the man behind the voice? Who is this steely inquisitor? He’s a man of many interests - a genial examiner of Masterminds and a punctilious guardian of the English language. He is also seeking to make a practical contribution to solving problems on a local level in Africa through his Kitchen Table Charities Trust. On Friday November 24, John makes a rare visit to Derby to appear in the Court Room at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road Campus where he will talk about his distinguished career in broadcasting and his charity - for which the evening aims to raise much needed funds. John began to learn his craft as an indentured reporter in Cardiff in 1958. In 1966 he moved to the BBC in Liverpool and moved to London in 1970. Aged 28 John became the BBC’s first full time television correspondent in the United States and the youngest television foreign correspondent. He worked in New York for a year and in Washington for five years, covering stories from Nixon’s Watergate scandal in North America to the revolution in Chile. He moved to South Africa in 1977 and reported the transformation of Rhodesia into Zimbabwe, gaining insight into Africa’s problems. He returned to London in 1980 as the BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent. In 1981 John became the main presenter of BBC One’s Nine O’Clock News and moved to the Today Programme on Radio 4, where he has remained for nearly 20 years. In 47 years as a journalist John has interviewed Presidents, Prime Ministers and dictators, he has struck fear into the hearts of politicians of every hue, and has sensitively questioned interviewees about the most difficult subjects. In 2003 he won the Gold Sony Award (the radio industry’s Oscar). An Evening With John Humphrys will raise money for the Kitchen Table Charities Trust, John’s own direct-action charity, which assists people in Africa with practical requirements that enable them to lead a more fulfilling life. John’s experiences reporting on desperate poverty in Africa, and his awareness of the networks of small charities doing good work in the Third World inspired his drive to establish his Charity. “There are a vast number of small charities all over the world who do a wonderful job. You’ve probably never even heard of them. They don’t have swanky offices or air-conditioned Land Rovers or money to spend on expensive advertising. Every penny goes to people in need. But they struggle to survive because they simply can’t afford their own fund-raising operations,” he says. The talk is open to everyone, with tickets allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for a suggested donation of £12.50 - a figure boosted by your Gift Aid covenant. After his talk, which commences at 7pm, John will sign copies of his book, Lost for Words: The Mangling and Manipulating of the English Language, in the University’s Atrium. John will talk with wit and candour about his life as a journalist and his privileged position as a close observer of our elected leaders. It promises to be entertaining, enlightening and (perhaps even) scandalous. To reserve your ticket, please contact the University’s Events Coordinator, Angela Drinkwater, on 01332 591046 or email [email protected]. -endsFor further media information please contact the University of Derby Buxton’s Press and PR Officer, Simon Butt, on 07748 920023 or 01332 591891, or via email at [email protected].

A 'Greener' Take on Grey Concrete 24 January 2011 The grey concrete of our modern cities has a little known environmental cost which makes it far from 'green', a construction expert will tell an audience at the University of Derby's Enterprise Centre tomorrow (Tuesday January 25). The heating of materials and chemical reactions involved in producing a tonne of cement (using Portland cement, an ingredient in almost all concrete) can release up to 900kilogrammes - or nine-tenths of a tonne - of polluting carbon dioxide gas emissions into the atmosphere; says Professor Peter Claisse, Professor of Construction Materials at Coventry University. He will give a free presentation on Sustainable Concrete for the Midlands branch of the UK's Concrete Society at the University's Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street, Derby, from 6pm tomorrow (Tuesday). The University's centre is the headquarters of its business-to-business arm, University of Derby Corporate; which runs certified courses for the concrete and construction industry, in partnership with trade bodies such as the Concrete Society. Professor Claisse, the author of more than 100 publications in journals and conferences, has researched the environmental aspects of construction; including the use of waste materials in construction and waste containment. His 45 minute talk will look at the various different, and more environmentally friendly, ways of producing construction grade concrete. Professor Claisse said: "Replacing cement with by-product minerals, such as ash from power stations or slag from steel making, is one of the best ways to achieve an immediate reduction in the world's carbon footprint." For further information please contact title Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected].

A taste of Polish heritage 29 July 2014 Food is the last remaining taste of Poland for many of the grandchildren of migrants who came to Britain in the wake of the Second World War, research at the University of Derby Buxton has revealed. In a study of how tourism can help a community rediscover its roots, Dr Asia Alder found that the language of food - from Granny's recipes to words for favourite dishes - survives even when English has taken the place of the mother tongue. Polish migration to the UK is nothing new: Dr Alder shows how Poles have been coming here since the Industrial Revolution, and since Poland joined the EU, their language, shops and highly-regarded work ethic have become familiar across the country. But she has concentrated on the 1,500 Poles who came to Derby after the Second World War as the Soviet Union took control of their homeland. They established many community groups, including the Polish Air Forces Association's Dom Polski (Polish Home) on Osmaston Road in 1953 and a Community Centre on Kedleston Road. Despite this, Polish traditions and identity began to disappear. "Perhaps surprisingly food preparation and consumption is the strongest and often the only surviving expression of Polish identity in the third generation," said Dr Alder. "Food and cooking recapture the memories and experiences of their childhoods." Dr Alder, an associate lecturer in Travel and Tourism, wanted to see how 'return tourism' helps preserve a cultural identity which crosses borders. "There is a strong link between Polish identity and visiting the homeland," she said. "All three generations of Poles see return tourism as a powerful force in the construction and maintenance of national identity." As one interviewee put it: "Poland is family and everywhere else is holiday."

Academic Triumph For Amy Despite Tragedy 17 January 2012 A nurse who stuck with her studies despite her husband's death in a car accident - even working in an accident and emergency unit - will graduate from the University of Derby with an additional bravery award. Rowland Jeffrey, 29, was tragically killed in January 2009 when his car was in collision with a bus. He and wife Amy had been married for just 21 months at the time. Amy was only a few months into a three-year Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies course, at the University of Derby's Chesterfield site, when the tragedy occurred but showed great determination in continuing with the qualification. One of her work placements during the course even involved working in the accident and emergency unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Amy will graduate with course colleagues on Friday 20 January, on the second and final day of the University's annual Awards Ceremonies, held at the Derby Assembly Rooms. Around 2,000 students will graduate over the two days. In addition her University Nursing tutors have already presented Amy with a special accolade - the Matthew Compton Achievement Against Adversity Award - in recognition of her determination. Amy, now 28, of Langold, Worksop, said: "A lot of people have asked me how I managed to carry on but I didn't want to let Rowland down. I made a promise to him that I would finish my Nursing course and I stuck with that. "In a way I think it has given me something to focus on in the last few difficult years. It was hard at times, especially when a road traffic accident victim was brought in during my work placement at the accident and emergency unit. "Mine and Rowland's family, and my personal tutor at the University, Louise Sherratt, have been so supportive while I've been doing the course." Rowland will, of course, be sadly missed at her graduation but his mother, Sharron, will be there with the rest of Amy's family to celebrate her achievement. Amy now works at Chesterfield Royal Hospital as a Bank Staff Nurse, meaning she can be asked to attend wherever NHS nursing staff are needed. Other people on the University's Nursing courses who received additional awards earlier this month (January) in connection with their coursework included: Amanda Rice - Mental Health branch Excellence in Practice award Sarah Lomas - Impact of Learning in Practice award Rachel Slater - Special Achievement Award Laura Jeffery - Florence Nightingale Award Louise Bolton - Ann Jeggens Innovation in Practice award. Students received a certificate, £50 book token and a commemorative paperweight . For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07909 533242, or email:[email protected]

Academics Welcome Report On Careers And Call For Action 23 January 2013 Academics at the University of Derby have welcomed the findings of today's Education Committee report into 'Career Guidance for Young People', on which they were consulted. The 'Careers Guidance For Young People: The Impact Of The New Duty On Schools' report, launched at the House of Commons on January 23 (2013) argues that the Government's policy on career guidance has been regrettable, and has led to a decline in the quantity and quality of career guidance for young people. The Education Committee benefitted from specialist advice from Dr Tristram Hooley of the University of Derby's International Centre for Guidance Studies as it produced this report. The report found that the decision to close Connexions, a dedicated careers guidance service for young people, has led to a loss of resources and capacity in this area and has endangered the opportunities of young people to gain access to advice and guidance about their educational, career and life choices. It goes on to suggest that the Government should strengthen the requirement on schools to deliver good quality, professional and impartial careers advice, and calls on it to increase funding to the National Careers Service, so that it is able to work with schools and to support them to deliver an excellent service. Jo Hutchinson, Principal Researcher at the University of Derby's International Centre for Guidance Studies, said: "It is important that the Department for Education listens carefully to the Education Committee's recommendations. Its proposals to extend the role of the National Careers Service to work with schools, and to strengthen the importance of careers education and work-related learning, are vital in making the Government's current careers policy deliver the best outcomes for young people. "The proposals suggest practical ways schools can be supported to implement a range of career learning opportunities which will help young people to make informed and considered decisions about their futures. "Previous research we have carried out has identified a decline in the availability of career support within schools, and has also revealed that schools are crying out for more help and support in delivering on their duties in this area. "International evidence clearly shows that devolving responsibility to schools without providing strong support will inexorably lead to a decline in provision. Implementation of the types of suggestions made by the Education Committee will represent an investment in career support for young people. This is critical at a time of high youth unemployment and under-employment, changes in access to higher education and the increasing complexity of the labour market." The International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) is a research centre based in the School of Education and Social Science at the University of Derby. The Centre has expertise in careers and career development. It conducts research, provides consultancy to the careers sectors, offers a range of training and delivers a number of accredited learning programmes up to and including doctoral level. For more information visit www.derby.ac.uk/icegs

Accreditation Is Big Event For University 15 October 2012 Students and lecturers on the University of Derby Buxton's Events Management degree are celebrating after the course was officially accredited by the Institute of Hospitality . The University's Events Management degree, which can be taken as a single or joint honours programme, was recognised for its emphasis on providing real world learning opportunities. As well as industry placements students also get frequent opportunities to manage large scale commercial events at their Campus's Grade II* Listed building, the Devonshire Dome. This is the fourth programme offered by the University of Derby Buxton to be accredited by the Institute of Hospitality. Its Foundation degrees in Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, and BA (Hons) Hospitality Management programmes have enjoyed links with the industry's professional body since they were accredited four years ago. The University also subscribes to the Institute's Education Membership Scheme (EMS) providing its learners with free student membership and access to extensive resources and benefits. Julian Robinson, Programme Leader on the Events Management degree, said: "We are so delighted to be accredited by the Institute of Hospitality. This tells our prospective students that we are committed to giving them the best experiential learning possible, grounding theory in frequent opportunities to test and develop their skills at large events." "This year many of our Events Management students were involved in aspects of the Olympic Torch Relay as it made its way through the Peak District, as well as a seated meal for 700 members of staff from the Chatsworth estate at their University Campus." John Cunningham MIH, Director of Professional Development at the Institute of Hospitality, added: "Institute of Hospitality Accreditation confers on an organisation the international recognition of a quality standard. It gives students the assurance that the programme they are studying has been internationally benchmarked and is appropriate for professional career development within hospitality, leisure and tourism. "We are delighted to see the University of Derby extending its choice of accredited qualifications, with the addition of an Honours degree in the exciting area of Events Management." The Institute also sponsors a University prize, which is presented to a high performing student each year at the Annual Awards ceremony, which takes place this year on Saturday November 17.

ADT DEGREE SHOWS '07: Jaw-Jaw Better Than War-War 31 May 2007 An Iraqi-born University of Derby student has developed plans for a unique device which could help protect British soldiers and the community in his homeland during the current conflict. Amin Ismail is proposing the introduction of a verbal translator device, worn like a wristwatch, to help soldiers and civilians interpret key phrases in war situations – and save lives. Amin’s concept, entitled ‘Ahky’ is the Arabic translation for ‘Speak’ in English. Now he needs support to put his idea into reality. He has conducted research with the British Army and Iraqi citizens as part of his research to develop the device to translate English words and phrases into Arabic language and possibly vice versa, in real time. He also sent a sent of questionnaires to a coalition force in Iraq through an interpreter who was working with them in the ground for feedback from the front-line. It’s all part of Amin’s final year project for his BSc (Hons) in Product Design, Innovation and Marketing. The British Army was so enthusiastic about Amin’s work, they arranged for him to visit the 4 h Battalion: The Parachute Regiment, based in Leeds. Lieutenant Colonel Ben Baldwin, Commanding Officer of the 4 h Battalion, welcomed the research, and said: ”This innovation is unique and will provide an interface with the local population improving the way we communicate, while at the same time enhancing the protection of the civilian community and the soldiers who have the task of improving the security within the environment in which they operate.” And one of his serving soldiers, who has recently returned from duty in Iraq, explained how such a device could help soldiers in the field. He said: “This device is just what we need. We would be able to communicate freely with the locals, without having to rely on an interpreter. We could move people to safety quickly. The device would save lives and would help improve the trust and loyalty with the local population.” In his study, Amin found: 87% of soldiers welcomed the idea of a device which could translate key words in all languages 78% of soldiers said they would welcome such a device to help communicate with Iraqis more easily 69% of soldiers felt such a device would be useful in dangerous situations Two-thirds of the 50 Iraqi citizens polled said they would be happy or not mind communicating with British soldiers through such a device. Around the same number of Iraqi citizens polled said they had had contact with a British soldier since the war began. The 21-year-old, from Bath Street, Derby, is initially from Baghdad but was forced to flee Iraq in 2002 ahead of the imminent war. At that time, he had just finished the first year of a mechanical engineering course at Baghdad University. Amin’s work aims to incorporate voice recognition based technology to aid troops and civilians in high risk and ‘hot zone’ situations by translating buzz words such as ‘Don’t shoot’, ‘Stay back’ and ‘Help will be here soon’. His idea has been formulated with the help and advice of University of Derby Product Design Senior Lecturer Karl Hurn. Amin said: “One reason I wanted to undertake this project was because it was my way of thanking British soldiers for their honourable work, people who are abandoning themselves from their loved ones and sacrificing their sole to bring freedom to Iraqi people. “Secondly, it is to improve the communication between soldiers and Iraqi people in high risk situations where any misunderstandings might lead to a tragedy. If this device can help save innocent lives in a conflict situation then that has to be good.” For the project, Arabic language is chosen, because of the fact that the majority of Iraqi people are Arabs; but he says this could also be adapted for other languages. His tutor Karl Hurn said: “It is an excellent project and Amin knows about the cultural sensitivities and needs of his fellow people in Iraq, as well as the culture he has familiarized himself with in the UK. “This project explores how troops and civilians can communicate more effectively especially at combat and high risk situations and the research was also very good. It would be great for Amin to be able to take this work further forward.” Amin has been living in the UK for five years and began studying at the University while working voluntarily as an interpreter for Derby Refugee Advice Centre – but admits life has been challenging. He said: “Here I started a new life from zero. It was very difficult at the beginning going through cultural shocks on one hand and not having any family member to support me on the other hand. Yet, worrying about my family and friends safety back home was another problem. “Ever since I was a child, I took the responsibility to look after other family members. So, from childhood caring and helping others became part of my nature. It has been very tough. “I have been living here for nearly five years now. In the first two year, I worked hard to earn trust and respect and stand up on my own two feet. While, learning the English language, adapting to British culture and making friends became my sole companionship.” Amin has enjoyed his time at the University making many friends, and used computer aid design programs such as Soldworks, Pro-engineering, Photoshop and 3D Max for his project. Part of the project brief was to approach the work in the same way as a leading product design firm would. He hopes to pursue a career in design. Amin is looking for support to take his idea forward, which claims to be the first efficient device to communicate between the troops and civilians in real time, precisely at the high risk/hot zones situations. For this, he requires sponsorship from an external company and he is currently seeking a patent. You can email the University Press Office at [email protected] to help.

Degree Shows Amin’s work will be showcased at this year’s Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology's Degree Shows in June, which represents the culmination of the dedication and talent of this year's new graduate designers and artists at the University of Derby. The Private View evening will be on Friday 8 June from 6pm - 9pm. The show will be officially opened at 6.30pm at Markeaton Street by David Joyce, Chief Operating Officer VINCI PLC. This year's shows will be spread across our Kedleston Road, Britannia Mill and Markeaton Street sites. For all the information about the locations, the dates and times for public viewing and to see students work, please visit the Degree Show website, www.derby.ac.uk/degreeshow. -endsFor more details please contact Simon Redfern, Senior Press and PR Officer, University of Derby on 01332 591942, or email [email protected].

ADT Degree Shows: The End Of Cot Death? 15 June 2006 Is this the innovation to end the horror of cot death which kills one baby every week in the UK? The 'Little Gem' baby crib's design draws inspiration from the mother's womb and has been developed by University of Derby student Gemma Maddocks as part of her final degree for BA Hons Creative Product Design and Marketing. The 21-year-old, from Southgate Close, Mickleover, has been studying the causes of cot death, researching statistics and interviewing midwives and dozens of new parents over the last year. She has created a baby crib modelled on the shape of the mother's womb which she feels the baby would most naturally be at home in. She has then used her research to design out potential causes of cot death and other perils for babies when asleep. For example: her cot is egg shaped to prevent the baby from rolling off its back and at risk of smothering The 'Little Gem' features an inbuilt heartbeat sound and moves gently to soothe a baby the egg shape uses convection to regulate the temperature for the baby to optimum levels the base of the cot is positioned so the baby's head is elevated slightly above the stomach to prevent colic and reflux. She said: "The key to the design is recreating a womb-shaped environment which the baby instinctively feels comfortable in. "By simulating the womb, with an in built heartbeat sound, and the gentle movement, this helps settle the baby and reduce anxiety and crying. These two points are also factors in cot death, if babies experience long periods of crying they are at a greater risk of cot death. "I took on board all of the concerns and anxieties of parents, listened to the advice of midwives and designed what I considered to be a modern product which answered all of the concerns raised by parents by designing out these problems. "Everyone has been very positive. It does need safety trials and further development but it has answered many problems with traditional cots raised by the likes of the Midwifery Journal, and I am pleased with my final design." Aimed at babies aged between zero and six months old, the 'Little Gem' would be manufactured from plastic mouldings and aluminium. The crib basket itself can be unhooked from the main stand to allow a parent or carer to transport the baby in the crib basket manually around the house - thus providing a dual-purpose for the product. The 'Little Gem' will be showcased at the New Designers' Exhibition in Islington, London, from July 3-9. Gemma has applied for a patent and is also seeking sponsorships to take the idea forward. Terry Watson, Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Creative Product Design and Marketing said: "The Little Gem design itself is an extremely practical interpretation of the needs of the newborn child. "It reflects a 21st Century Moses Basket and with backing could certainly be a success on the market." The University of Derby is holding an Open Day on Saturday, June 24 at our Kedleston Road campus, from 10am to 3pm. -endsFor further information call: Simon Redfern, Senior Press and PR Officer, University of Derby on 01332 591942, email [email protected].

ADT Degree Shows: The Thinking Post Box 8 June 2006 Ex-postie Chris Banks has come up with a first class idea - to develop a new style post box to tackle vandalism, boost efficiency and make life a little easier for his former colleagues. The BA Hons Creative Product Design And Marketing student has produced a 21st Century Royal Mail post box as part of his final year degree at the University of Derby. His work will be on display next week at the University's end of year Arts, Design and Technology Degree Show, being held at Kedleston Road, Derby. The 25-year-old, from Catesby Avenue, Rugby, was a postman for three years in his hometown. He interviewed former colleagues, hundreds of customers and Mike Savage, Head of Marketing at Royal Mail in London, as part of his research. He said: "I have worked in the industry and thought that to try to improve the design from an ergonomics and security perspective would be good. I am very pleased with the final designs and hope they provide food for thought for Royal Mail as possible futuristic designs." Chris has applied for a patent for his design and hopes to send his ideas to Royal Mail for consideration. The most striking aspect of Chris' design is a closed letter box opening which requires the consumer to insert a chip card into a keypad on the front of the box and key in their personal pin in order for the flap to open electronically to post a letter. Chris said: "Thousands of letters a year are destroyed by wanton vandalism - people putting dog waste, fireworks and other rubbish in the boxes. "My design minimises the risk of this and other threats such as terrorism as the post box will only allow people serious about posting a letter or parcel to do so." The electronic keypad and weighing chute allow people to weigh their parcels and pay any extra charge there is, as opposed to visiting the Post Office, although the standard first and second class stamps would still feature. Another key innovation is the introduction of an electronic forklift style mechanism inside the post box which holds three baskets and swaps the top basket to the bottom when it is full. The move has been made to stop letters being lost when the postman opens the door to the post box and allows him to electronically move the baskets around and empty the top box without having to bend down. Chris said: "Collecting mail has its hazards as with any job. My design should help stop the postman having to keep bending down to pick up letters and could prevent back injuries happening. It also helps the postman in their day-to-day job. "With the traditional design you could do with three hands to collect mail! One to hold the door open, another to hold the mail sack and a third to open the chute. "Obviously, it means postmen struggle to access the mail with just two hands and injuries result from trapped hands as well. I see benefits for all with my designs." However, it's not all change for the new-style post box. Chris concludes: "In the final designs, the post box, with its steeped 300-year tradition retains its red exterior and black base as my research indicated a strong affinity from the public to these colours. I think there could be national outrage if the colours were changed." However, Chris has produced concepts of different colour post boxes emblazoned with the colours of other delivery companies such as Fed-Ex (white, blue and red) and UPS (yellow and red/brown). He states neither has indicated a strong interest in the mail delivery market but has nevertheless produced possible concepts. His lecturer, Karl Hurn, a Senior Lecturer in Computer Aided Design at the University, said: "Chris' idea is sound and he has the background of a postman to help him come up with these ideas. "The mail service in the UK is a 21st Century service using a 19th Century collection process. His ideas are practical and could benefit the postal service in the long-term." Royal Mail's External Relations Manager Sue Dakin said: "As a dynamic business we are always looking for ways of improving our service. "Chris's design concept would certainly seem to have some interesting features and we look forward to receiving his proposal for future consideration." -endsFor further information call: Simon Redfern, Senior Press and PR Officer, University of Derby on 01332 591942, email [email protected].

African Ceremony Highlights Academic Achievement 22 March 2012 Academics from the University of Derby swapped the cool British climate for the African heat when they attended the awards ceremony of students graduating from the Botswana Accountancy College (BAC), one of the University's international partners. The University of Derby's Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Coyne, and Programme Leader, Dr Simon Dupernex, joined the 109 Master of Business Administration (MBA) and MSc Strategic Management (Online) graduates at the ceremony, which was held on March 10 at the College in Gaborone, Botswana. The proud occasion was presided over by Michael Lesolle, Executive Director of BAC and Professor John Coyne, who were delighted to present each student, including BAC's very own UG Portfolio Manager, Aubrey Mbewe, with their awards. Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: "The ceremony was a great reminder of why higher education is so important. We had exceptional postgraduate students who had made huge personal commitments to complete our programme alongside very full professional lives. "We were delighted to have as our guest speaker the Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, Moatlhodi Lekaukau, and to have so many distinguished representatives of government and commerce in our audience. The University of Derby programme is clearly fully embraced by the community it serves." Michael Lesolle added: "We're delighted that our partnership with the University of Derby continues to grow whilst generating such high calibre graduates towards Botswana's national strategy of skills capacity building and human capital development. Today's graduates take it a step further by raising the bar towards leadership and innovation. The ceremony marks the beginning of an exciting time for our graduates and we wish them the very best of luck for the future." The BAC, which was established in 1996, is a well respected national institution characterised by a quality academic environment. Students have on-site support and are taught directly by Derby staff in Africa; who they may also contact via email, Skype and video conferencing. They also have access to University electronic resources, such as library materials. For further information on the University of Derby and its international partnerships, visit www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/partnerships and Botswana Accountancy College and its other offerings visit www.bac.ac.bw

African Children Inspire Susannah's Moving Story 20 January 2012 An inspiring Derby student was so moved by summer volunteering with disabled children in South Africa that she has raised funds tirelessly for over two years to provide them with the 80 wheelchairs they badly needed. Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) degree student Susannah Ali, 22, from Lichfield, will graduate from the University of Derby today (January 20) at its Annual Awards Ceremonies at Derby's Assembly Rooms. Susannah spent six weeks of her 2009 summer break volunteering in schools in rural communities around the city of Durban, South Africa. What she experienced during that summer affected her so deeply that she set up the charity 'Help 4 Happy's' on her return. More than £20,000 has been raised so far and used to provide functioning wheelchairs and wheelchair assessments to more than 80 children, and one electric wheelchair for a severely disabled student. Susannah said "I spent some time teaching children out in the rural communities and once a week we visited a school specifically for disabled children. The children had a variety of disabilities, both physical and mental, and most had to live in at the school as their families couldn't afford to look after them at home. "As the school was completely reliant on donations they had very little equipment and what they did have was in terrible condition, so most of the children's needs were not being met. For example, the children had to help each other get from their beds to their wheelchair, if they had one, and to use the toilets." As an Occupational Therapy student at Derby Susannah knows all too well the challenges that people with disabilities face in the developed world, even with functioning equipment, and was struck by the lack of suitable resources in rural South Africa. "I wanted to use my knowledge and experience to do something that made a difference," she added. "I began by making recommendations for layout changes and adaptations to the school that would help the disabled children to move around and access the school better, and then we worked to make these changes. "But the main issue was still the lack of functioning and suitably sized wheelchairs, or wheelchair assessments to help find the best chair for a person's needs. To get more wheelchairs it was clear that we needed to raise some money to buy them." On returning to Derby to begin the second year of her degree, Susannah and her partner Dan Bullock, a graphic designer based in Derby, set up the website, www.help4happys.co.uk and began to fundraise tirelessly with members of their Derby Bass Street Christadelphian Church community. A 24-hour sponsored sing-a-thon, Lands End to John O'Groats bike ride, and donations through the website helped the charity - named Help 4 Happy's after the head teacher of the school, Happy - raised more than £1,000 in its first year. In 2010, Susannah returned to South Africa with Dan to purchase the first 40 wheelchairs for the school through a company which also carries out detailed wheelchair assessments for the children. "To be suitable for different children's needs the wheelchairs can have footplates, headrests or cushions added," added Susannah. "For one very disabled child, called Nozipho, we were able to buy an electric wheelchair which she can control using a small joystick on her armrest. This has made such an incredible difference to her life, allowing her to move around independently." After graduating from the University of Derby on January 20 (2012), Susannah will be looking to gain an entry position as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS but has pledged to continue to fundraise, and to return to Happy's in Durban each year to ensure the donations are well spent. She and Dan are also revamping their website to ensure people can find out about the inspiring students and give easily to the charity. Karen Newberry, Senior Lecturer on the University of Derby's Occupational Therapy degree programme, said: "We are all incredibly proud of Susannah, both on her graduation and for all the fantastic work she has been doing in Africa. She has clearly made a massive difference to many children's lives, which is inspirational to us all." Susannah added: "I have been so inspired by the students at Happy's school, and feel they have taught me so much more than I think I could ever give to them." For more information on the Occupational Therapy degree programme visit website www.derby.ac.uk/health/ot

Agreement Forms Pledge To Treat Indian Healthcare Issues 25 October 2012 A leading doctor from Indian healthcare organisation, MIOT Hospitals, and top Derby academics recently met at the University's Enterprise Centre to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU), designed to create a long-term sustainable partnership to improve healthcare in India. The MoU, signed by Dr Prithvi Mohandas and University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Plowden, reflects Derby's ongoing commitment to developing strong links internationally, creating exciting opportunities for students and raising the profile of the University around the world. Philip said: "The School of Health has an outstanding reputation for its work and it is nice to see that this is being recognised through high quality international partnerships. The health service sector in India is developing fast and the School of Health is to be congratulated in forging this excellent relationship." The University currently attracts international students from over 70 countries around the world, and has long-standing links in Botswana, Greece and the Middle East. There are a number of new relationships in countries including China, Malaysia and Sri Lanka - as well as the first cohort of Brazilian students who are attending the university under the exclusive Brazilian 'Ciência sem Fronteiras - Reino Unido' scheme.

Aiming for success at world shooting championships 3 March 2014 As some of the world's finest clay pigeon shooters gather in Dubai for a competition offering £500,000 in prize money, a University of Derby student among them is hoping he'll be right on target. First year BSc (Hons) Zoology degree student Ben McIlwaine is currently taking part in the first Nad Al Sheba Sporting Clays Championship , in Dubai; which began last Friday (February 28) and ends Wednesday (March 5). He is among 1,000 of the world's best clay pigeon shots aiming to win a slice of a total prizes package worth £500,000. Ben, 20, from Marlow, Buckinghamshire, has been competing in clay pigeon shooting since he was 13years-old and is a member of the UK's Gamebore Elite Clay Shooting Academy, which encourages and trains promising young shots. His technical mentor is multiple World Champion title-holder, Ben Husthwaite, and mental skills trainer, Phil Coley, Gamebore's director and a sports psychologist. Ben is sponsored by Pro Shock Ear Technology, manufacturers of shooting ear defenders and of Gamebore cartridges. Ben said: "I've been practising five or six times a week in preparation for this competition, on top of my normal degree studies, as well as working with my coaches on aspects such as mental skills, to keep my focus and concentration. "The competition in Dubai involves heats held outdoors, with shooters trying to hit as many out of 200 clay targets as they are able, over three days of actual competition. The key to winning some of the prize money will be to get into the top 50 places." He added: "It is the first time I've competed internationally, never mind somewhere like the Middle-East, but I know many in the Great Britain squad, who are also taking part in the contest." Ben has been given special dispensation from his degree studies' tutors to take part in this international sporting event. Winners of the contest's individual prizes and a prize-giving ceremony to end the event will be held on Wednesday (March 5). The event has been organised under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Dubai, to raise the profile of sport shooting in the United Arab Emirates. For more information on the Nad Al Sheba Sporting Clays Championship see website https://nadalshebawsc.ae/ To learn more about sport at the University of Derby, under its 'Team Derby' brand, see website www.teamderby.com For further press information please contact Sean Kirby, University of Derby Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: [email protected]

Alice To Be Remembered On Stage 7 April 2011 One of Derby's historic but forgotten daughters is being remembered in the latest play to be produced by county theatre company Sustained Magic. Alice is being performed in the Derby Studio community space at the University of Derby-owned Derby Theatre next week (April 12-16). The plot centres on Derby-born Alice Wheeldon, who was accused of plotting to murder British Prime Minister David Lloyd George in 1917. She was a socialist, suffragette and a conscientious objector, and was held in Derby's Guildhall Prison cells awaiting trial. She became known as 'that Wheeldon woman' and went on to be tried at the Old Bailey in London while the world's press watched. Billed as 'One Derby woman versus The Government', Sustained Magic picks up the plot with a setting in the Old Bailey as the highest court in the land decides Alice Wheeldon's fate. Sustained Magic Theatre Company's Angela Truby works as a Marketing Officer within the Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences at the University of Derby and wrote Alice. Angela said: "With striking resonances to the contemporary political landscape, Alice's story of activism in a country at war, paranoid over a fearful sinister foe, sounds eerily familiar. "Find out what happens when an ordinary person dares to stand her ground. The establishment can wreak a terrible retribution." Local history group Derby People's History are delighted that Alice Wheeldon's story is to be depicted in this way by being brought to the stage, and is organising a public talk on Alice Wheeldon in the studio at 2pm on Saturday 16 April. The theatre company was in the news at the turn of the year when Rhiannon Prytherch battled back from a brain haemorrhage to star in the company's last play, Release. Rhiannon studied a BA (Hons) in Theatre Arts degree from 2002 to 2005 at the University of Derby and is one of its graduates, and a member of Sustained Magic along with Artistic Director Matt Green, Ed Kennedy and James Glazebrook. The latest play Alice will be shown from Tuesday 12 April to Saturday 16 April, with all showings at 8pm. For more details, contact Derby LIVE Box Office on 01332 255800. Tickets cost £10, with concessions: £8, and NUS entry for £7.

All Welcome To Celebrate Bard's Birthday At The Dome 20 April 2012 The life and work of William Shakespeare will be celebrated with a special bard-themed six course banquet accompanied by live entertainment, at a party being held at Buxton's Restaurant at the Dome on the evening of Friday 4 May (2012). A team of University of Derby Buxton's BA (Hons) and Foundation Culinary Arts degree students have designed a delicious six course menu themed around Shakespeare's plays. While enjoying the banquet, dinner guests will be entertained by performances of his work by Buxton Festival Fringe favourites, Shakespeare's Jukebox. BA (Hons) Culinary Arts and Hospitality degree student and one of the organisers of the evening, Malcolm Lomax, who is originally from Rotherham, said: "In a year when the eyes of the world will be focussed on Great Britain, we thought it would be apt to celebrate our most famous playwright with a birthday party in his honour." When dinner guests arrive they will be met with a glass of Pimms and a selection of 'Best of British' canapes including pea soup shots and mini Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish. They will go on to enjoy a delicious menu, which will be topped off with a trio of desserts. "We hope many people from Buxton and the High Peak will take us up on our invitation, and join us for an evening of excellent food, hospitality and entertainment in Shakespeare's honour," Malcolm added. Tickets priced £30 can be purchased by calling on 07788 202 247 or 07891 648781. All profits from the banquet will be donated to Buxton Samaritans. Programme Leader for Culinary Arts, Leonard Cseh, said: "The students have worked incredibly hard to design and prepare a menu fit for such a celebration. Opportunities to put what they learn into practice such as this are incredibly important for our students, and we hope many people will join us to experience some fantastic food on the night." For more information on studying Hospitality and Culinary Arts at the University of Derby Buxton visit www.derby.ac.uk/udb For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988, or email [email protected]

Alumni Award Boosts Braves With New Equipment 10 January 2014 The University's Derby Braves American football team were the winners of the 'Alumni Sports Award' which saw them receive £1,000 worth of training equipment. The Award courtesy of the Alumni Relations team at The University of Derby supports student societies, and promotes the benefits and opportunities that Alumni offer. Student sports societies bid for the bursary of £1,000 by explaining why they should win, and what they would do with the funding. Alumni Relations met up with the Braves to handover the new equipment - two 60kg tackle dummies which allow the team to practice technique and form. Richard Matthews, Derby Braves team President and second year Maths and Education Studies student, said: "The Alumni Sports Award is a fantastic idea, it's helped build a strong relationship between Alumni Relations at the University and the student societies, plus it has brought the societies together as a whole. "The Derby Braves put together a great effort to win the award, and the equipment we received will help improve the team's technique, and more importantly, the safety in which we train." New additions to the Braves society are the women's side which was formed this year. It currently has more than ten members and is looking to grow. Richard added: "The new equipment will help improve safety and make starting American Football more accessible to new starters. It will also allow us to breakdown and analyse technique, which will be great, especially for beginners." Laura Ratcliffe, Alumni Relations Officer, added: "Students are at the heart of everything we do at the University of Derby and we wanted to offer support to one of the Students' Unions sports team; helping the team to develop and thrive. The Alumni Sports Award does just that and it's been great to hear of the success of Derby Braves and how they've benefited from the funding." To find out more about University of Derby Alumni, visit www.derby.ac.uk/alumni Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sam Parker, University of Derby Press and PR Assistant, on 01332 593316 or email: [email protected]

American Footballers Kick Off New US Flight 17 November 2011 Team Derby's American football team and cheerleading squad were invited to East Midlands Airport to help customers get into the American spirit before embarking on airline Jet 2's maiden flight to New York City this morning (Thursday November 17). The Derby Braves and Ravens led the party, demonstrating some plays and cheers to Jet 2's excited customers while they enjoyed breakfast bagels and champagne before boarding the early morning flight via a red carpet. For more information on the USDU Athletics Union's American Football and cheerleading teams visit www.udsu.co.uk/sports

An App A Day Could Chase Blues Away 3 May 2013 A new mobile phone app developed and launched by University of Derby Psychologists aims to help people connect with nature, and boost their wellbeing. The free 'Finding Nature' app, which is now available for Android devices, has been developed by the University's Psychologists and its Institute for Learning Enhancement and Innovation based on research which has shown that making a note of three good things that happen to you throughout the day for a number of days can have a significant effect on your wellbeing. Dr Miles Richardson said: "We know that developing a closer connection to nature is great for our wellbeing and creativity. The restorative benefits of nature have also been shown to be greater than those from other leisure activities, such as sport or entertainment. "This app offers people a new way to connect with the natural world and to discover whether their observations of natural events have a beneficial effect on their wellbeing. "After downloading the free app all you have to do is take a photo of something you see, or write a sentence about something you have noticed in nature, three times a day for five days." The app is also a research tool and, for those users that allow the psychologists to access their data, the results of the intervention will be investigated to measure its effects. "When you start using the app you'll be given a simple test to measure how connected you feel to the natural world around you," added Miles. "At the end of the five days you'll see whether your score has improved and if the simple act of noting things that you have seen in the natural world has had a positive impact on how you feel." For more information on the Finding Nature app and the project visit www.youtube.com/watch? v=xSXcsBpXzuk or to download the app, search 'Finding Nature' in the Google Play store at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.ac.derby.findingnature

And They All Lived Happily Ever After...? 21 April 2005 Girls who hear fairytale classics such as Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast when they are children are more likely to stay in destructive relationships as adults, new research has revealed. "Love won't always find a way," says psychotherapist Susan Darker-Smith. Victims of domestic violence repeatedly tell her that they believe 'if their love is strong enough they can change their partner's behaviour' and many identify with the characters in the stories. Susan's research shows that girls who grow up in homes where they are read bedtime stories identify with the book characters as role models. These characters provide them with a template for future submissive behaviour. Susan, who is studying for her Masters in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy course at the University of Derby, interviewed domestic violence victims and parents of primary school children in Leicester for her research. Parents' most popular bedtime story choices for girls are Cinderella and Rapunzel, while the boys are more likely to listen to Paddington Bear and Thomas the Tank Engine. Susan said: "Girls who have listened to such stories as children tend to become more submissive in their future relationships." She feels the advent of television is exposing children to different stimuli. Coupled with having less literature read to them, Susan says children could grow up to be less submissive than the current generation. Three abstracts of Susan's work are to be read at the International Congress of Cognitive Therapy in Gothenburg, Sweden, next month. The study, 'The Tales We Tell Our Children - or over conditioning of girls to expect partners to change', will be read out to the world's most influential therapists including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy founder Aaron Beck. Margaret Smith, who runs the Prevention of Domestic Abuse Centre, at the University of Derby, said: "We learn about ourselves and how we relate to others through stories in childhood. "If we hold these beliefs deeply enough, and have submissive personalities as adults, it can be difficult to break away from destructive relationships." Susan's other two abstracts are set to spark further interest in the fields of anorexia and post traumatic stress respectively. 'The Dual Mind-Set Of Anorexia Nervosa - conceptualism through to cure' looks at how anorexic victims often enjoy creative pursuits and struggle with mathematics - yet are able to become experts in weight and calorie calculation very rapidly. Susan suggests an imbalance between the left side of the brain (critical) and the right side (creative) intensifies anorexia and could be treated by compassionate mind training currently being used to help schizophrenics. 'The Disappearing Self - or post traumatic stress disorder and identity in domestic violence survivors' suggests a new model for emotional trauma which looks at emotional age resetting in trauma survivors, relative to how long ago the abuse occurred. Susan, who hopes to move on to study a clinical doctorate at the University of Derby, received EARP funding, a grant from the University of Derby, and financial assistance from the Leicester-based Sir Thomas White charity. -endsFor any other information please contact the Senior Press and PR Officer, Simon Redfern, on Tel: 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via email [email protected].

Annette Weaves Her Way To Success 12 February 2014 A fashion and textiles student at the University of Derby has landed a prestigious £2,000 scholarship from the Worshipful Company of Weavers. Annette Bates, 48, originally from Tamworth but now of Derby, was recognised by the Company after a successful submission about her interest in weave and also about ambitions for her future career. Derby is one of only six UK universities to be endorsed by the Worshipful Company of Weavers, who were so impressed with the quality of education at the University that they invited it to join the organisation in 2011. Every year, Derby nominates up to three of its students for scholarships. Naturally, Annette, who has owned a tattoo studio in Tamworth called Nala for the past 17 years, is delighted with her impressive achievement. She said: "I am absolutely over the moon and this shows I definitely did the right thing in studying this course. I wanted another creative outlet and textiles really appealed to me, so much so it has become a passion. "I named the tattoo studio after my late dad, Alan, who was always a big dreamer and when he passed on I really wanted to push myself and dream big myself. So, gaining this scholarship has helped me to achieve that. "The tutoring and support I have had from the University of Derby has been second to none and my tutor, Jackie Williamson, has really gone above and beyond. "I am now really looking forward to going to London next week to pick up the award - it is going to be a great opportunity to network with people in the textiles industry." Annette will be presented with her award on February 18 at the Company's annual ceremony and will display her work at the Saddlers Hall, London. Meanwhile, the fashion and textiles courses at the University of Derby have been handed a welcome cash boost to the tune of £10,466. The programme was awarded the Support for Education grant after a successful round of bidding and will be spent on a new electronic loom and yarn for final year woven textiles students. Professor Chris White, Head of School of Art and Design, said: "My sincere congratulations go to Annette on her excellent achievement. It is also fabulous news to have achieved a Support for Education grant which will further enhance our textiles offer here at the University of Derby." Five University of Derby students have progressed into assisted graduate placements since the Worshipful Company of Weavers' award scheme began and graduates are in key design positions with the likes of Stephen and David Walters, Johnstons of Elgin, Heritage Trimmings and International Trimmings. For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver, University of Derby Press & PR Officer, on 01332 591187 or email: [email protected]

Announcement On Derby Theatre's Bid For Arts Council England Funding 30 March 2011 The University was disappointed to hear today (March 30) that Derby Theatre's bid to Arts Council England for £726,000 per year for three years had been unsuccessful. We fully understand the very difficult decisions Arts Council England faces in the current economic climate. Key regional representatives from Arts Council England visited the University personally to deliver the news and to give a full debrief. This included the news that Arts Council England has set aside a sum of £921,000 over three years to support theatre in Derby. In 2009 the University took a 99 year lease on the theatre, reopening it after the former Derby Playhouse had been closed for 18 months. Since then it has put substantial investment into the theatre, with the aim of making it one of the country's foremost 'learning theatres' for students, as well as a quality venue for public live arts In April 2012 a two-year contract with Derby LIVE - Derby City Council's performing arts organisation to manage the theatre operations will end. Derby Theatre will then assume its own management, including that of producing theatre in-house at the venue and at other sites in the city. The bid to Arts Council England was supported by annual funding - over a three year period from April 2012 - from the University and Derby City Council. In addition the University will be investing an additional £350,000 in building improvements, equipment and other infrastructure over the three years. Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: "We were confident in Derby Theatre's bid to Arts Council England, which was strongly supported by Derby City Council, and are disappointed at today's result. It was an unusual 'model' but one which we felt had great merit and was submitted after taking extensive advice. "We will now have to take time to explore in detail what this will mean for our 2012/13 theatre programme and we shall be doing this in consultation with the Arts Council England. "They have indicated that a sum of £921,000 over three years has been set aside within their strategic fund to support theatre in Derby. They have offered to work closely with us to ensure that we provide the best programme possible in the city. "What is certain is that we do not wish to lose the momentum we already have and we shall continue to work with local producers. Our vision for the theatre, and the future of produced original dramatic works in the city, will continue and we shall be taking up the Arts Council England offer to work closely with us in refining that vision. "The contract with Derby LIVE will continue up to April 2012. We will now be exploring the Arts Council England offer and other avenues of funding. Let us not lose sight of the exciting programme of work already scheduled for the next 12 months. There will be some outstanding theatre in Derby." For further information please contact Head of Corporate Relations Peter Gallimore on 01332 591041 or Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected].

Appliance of science gives judo champ the edge 25 June 2014 A state-of-the-art laboratory at the University of Derby Buxton is helping a world-class martial artist in his bid for gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Cypriot Judo legend Andreas Krassas says the University's scientific approach to coaching is key to his campaign - which he hopes will also lead to the Olympics. University strength and conditioning sports scientist Minas Mina uses the performance lab to find the best coaching regime. "Minas always has a scientific explanation to justify why I should do a certain exercise in a certain way," said Andreas. "I find that extremely helpful especially at a psychological level because I'm not just doing an exercise because my coach said so, I actually understand what it's for, where it applies and how it can translate in judo." Andreas was inspired to take part in martial arts by his grandfather, a Greco-Roman wrestling champion, and he fell in love with Judo in his first lesson. He has achieved number one in the European Judo junior section, won the first ever gold medal for Cyprus at an official European Judo Union A-Tournament, is the undefeated Cypriot national champion and has won or been placed in world cups and grand prix across the globe. "I want to win in Glasgow - but my dream is to win the Olympic Games," he said. And the University will continue to play an important role in his future. "I would like to thank everyone who has helped, especially Minas. It's essential to follow a sophisticated strength and conditioning programme to perform well but what is even more important is being able to monitor progression through testing. "The University provides a state-of-the-art performance lab set up by Minas, which allows us to assess my performance and make adjustments," said Andreas. For more press details, contact [email protected]

Applications flow in for University of Derby's Community Fund 14 February 2014 Numerous community groups found out how they can get their hands on up to £500 of funding for their projects this week. The University of Derby is reaching out to the people of Ilkeston and Swadlincote and offering them a share of a £5,000 Community Fund. And they were out in their numbers at two events which took place on Tuesday (February 11) to consider how the fund could be of benefit to them. Anyone wanting to take advantage has until March 31 to apply for a slice of the cash. Peter Walker, Community Relations Officer at the University of Derby, said: "The University of Derby is an active university committed to reaching out to all the communities it serves. "We want to recognise the talent and energy shown by them, and perhaps help us all appreciate that we are all 'bigger than we think and better than we know' in what we do and in what we can achieve. "I was very encouraged by the turnout at our information events and I can tell we are going to have some really excellent projects to work on. We have already begun receiving applications which is really positive and I urge any organisation which feels it could benefit to submit theirs." The fund, which could help pay for paint, DIY materials, musical instruments, cupboards, shelves or heaters, for example, is supported by South Derbyshire District Council, Erewash Borough Council and South Derbyshire CVS. Groups covering all manner of community initiatives and issues have declared an interest, including a travelling lunch club, South Derbyshire Forum, a parents' group in Long Eaton, Friends of Newhall Park, Homestart and a stroke charity called Different Strokes. For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver, University of Derby Press & PR Officer, on 01332 591187 or email: [email protected]

Arctic Flight Among Cool Screenings At Student Film Night 28 May 2013 Unique footage of flights over the Arctic Circle, horror and suspense shorts, and social documentaries will feature in the University of Derby's annual showcase of final year students' films. Students from the University's BA (Hons) Film and Video Production degree course will screen ten short films they've created for the 'Cinerama' event, at the QUAD Derby cinema from 6pm (films start at 7pm) on Monday June 10. Awards will be presented by Robin Hardy, director of cult horror classic The Wicker Man; and fellow film directors Steven Shiel and Chris Cooke, who both have strong local connections. Alan Piper (Operations Director of RED Digital Cinema) will also be a special guest at the event. The evening will be free and open to the public, with tickets available by ringing the Quad box office on 01332 290606 or online via website www.derbyquad.co.uk Dress code for the evening will be 'black tie'. Among the night's proud film-makers will be Jess Victor, who had to delay the completion of her degree course after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Jess, 23, said: "I finished the second year of my degree in June 2011 but fell ill before starting my third year in the September. When I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma I received chemotherapy treatment the very next day, as doctors told me my condition would otherwise be 'terminal' within a matter of three weeks." During her year out, including six months of chemotherapy treatment which led to a remission of the cancer, Jess struck up a conversation with members of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) project. This joint Met Office and Natural Environment Research Council collaboration uses a BAe-146-301 Atmospheric Research Aircraft to measure atmospheric conditions around the world, to aid UK research bodies. The aircraft is owned by BAE Systems and operated for them by Directflight Ltd, out of Jess' home county, Bedfordshire. The chance meeting with FAAM team members led to two weeks in the Arctic Circle in March (2013), filming its work measuring the region's atmospheric conditions. The FAAM documentary was made by Jess and fellow students Adam Barnes, Sam Drake, Smita Odedra and Alex Simpson. "The FAAM plane would do five hour circular flights running from their base hangar at Kiruna, in northern Sweden, and via Svalbard, north-east of Iceland and part of Norway, and back. We couldn't go on every flight but friends gave us expensive, small digital cameras which we could place in the plane to get footage and the University also provided a broadcast camera to us on an extended loan." added Jess. A ten minute short FAAM film has been produced for the June 10 Degree Shows film showcase but its makers have enough footage for a half-hour version, which they hope to show at documentary film festivals internationally. Other short films (each around ten minutes long) to be screened at the Derby Quad event include: The Fisherman's Son - a fisherman with anxiety problems finds out he has a son The Coolest Kid - a boy tries to fit in at his new school Iblis - a psychological thriller All The Wall's Clocks - a man has to deal with his past and issues of regret The Last Meal - a horror story about two characters in an isolated setting Monozygotic - a story of twin sisters, one of whom has severe agrophobia Rebecca - a young woman is introduced to a stepdad who is not quite what he seems My Ears, My Life Story - a short documentary featuring deaf children talking about their hearing impairment Lumi - a commercial fashion film. Funding for the film night has been raised by students working with the Derby Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District. Film-makers will produce a promotional video of the Cathedral Quarter; highlighting different business sectors and the area's work, leisure and shopping opportunities. The University's annual Degree Shows - this year called 'The Big Show' - feature free public displays of students' work in crafts, fashion, textiles, fine art, film, design, theatre, visual communications, architecture, music technology, creative expressive therapies, art therapy and many more subjects. All displays will be open to the public from Saturday June 1 to Tuesday June 11, at the University's Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby.

Are Aliens Among The Stars? 14 October 2010 Is there anybody out there - and if so, will it be possible to talk to them? These are the intriguing questions raised by the speaker for this year's Flamsteed Lecture, to be held at the University of Derby on Wednesday October 20 (2010). The annual free public University event is named after the 17th century Derbyshire scientist and Britain's first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed. Since it was founded in 1996 the lectures have been delivered by eminent scientific speakers such as Sir Martin (now Lord) Rees, President of the Royal Society; Professor Colin Pillinger, former head of the European Mars Express mission 'Beagle 2'; and last year, former NASA shuttle astronaut Dr Jeff Hoffman. This year's lecturer will be Professor Martin Barstow - Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Professor of Astrophysics and Space Science at the University of Leicester - who will speak on: The real science of extraterrestrial life. Professor Barstow was closely involved with the development of the National Space Centre, helping to develop its space education programme for schools, and has lectured at the Royal Astronomical Society in London. His talk at 6.30pm on Wednesday October 20 (2010) in The Courtroom (Room OL2) at the University of Derby's Kedleston Road site, in Derby, will look at the conditions necessary to allow life to begin on other planets in the solar system and how we might find it on worlds orbiting other stars. Professor Barstow said: "The search for life in the solar system and beyond is no longer science fiction. We now have the technology to answer the burning question... are we alone?" "In my lecture I will look at the discovery of planets outside our solar system and discuss the chances of finding intelligent life elsewhere in the galaxy. While we can be sure that there is no intelligent life on other planets in the solar system, we don't know if any harbour more basic forms of life. "We will look at Mars as the most likely host for simple life forms and outline the experiments, being built right now, that will finally tell us whether or not life exists there." This lecture will be free and open to all but to be sure of a seat reserve your place online now at www.derby.ac.uk/flamsteed, or contact Angela Drinkwater in the University's Marketing Department on 01332 591046, or email: [email protected]. For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected].

Are ePortfolios The Key To Boosting Employability? 16 June 2011 Don't fear emerging technologies - they can boost student employability. That's the message from University of Derby student Shevani Raichura to delegates at a national conference later this month. Shevani and fellow students Ruth Stebbing and Alix Wylie are University student mentors who have helped many peers on their degree course to use the ePortfolio development platform PebblePad as part of a personal development planning module. Students nationally who embrace the PebblePad system or similar platforms, can create eye-catching electronic portfolios to help land jobs both in the UK and abroad. Shevani has been invited to speak at ePIC 2011, the 9th international ePortfolio and Identity Conference, from 11-13 July at Savoy Place, London. The conference will explore the benefits of ePortfolios for lifelong learning and employability and the limitations of such systems. The conference will attract policy-makers, researchers, teachers, human resource managers and technologists. Shevani, 20, from Coventry, a second year student on the BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies (Music Pathway) course at Derby, said: "I am honoured to be invited to speak at this conference. Becoming a student mentor in teaching PebblePad has helped me develop valuable IT and business skills. "I have aspirations to move abroad after my degree to train as a psychotherapist or set up my own company offering creative therapies - I think my ePortfolio will help me to effectively sell myself to prospective employers in the UK and internationally." Shevani will also attend a national conference at the University of Wolverhampton, on June 21, around the launch of a new book, Pebblegogy, which explains what PebblePad is and what it does. The book will feature a number of case studies including the work at Derby. Judie Taylor, the University of Derby's Assistant Subject Head for Mental Health and Therapeutic Practice, and her team were successful in landing internal research funding to work with colleagues Charlie Davis from Learning Technology Team, CeLT, Jon Walmsley's video team, Jo Sibson in the Career Development Centre and the students to create customised training materials to enhance their ePortfolios. She said: "At the ePIC conference, Shevani will promote the value of what she has gained from developing her own eportfolio, and supporting other students by developing training materials along with her two fellow students Alix and Ruth. "It is an excellent example of students and departments working together with the shared aim of boosting graduate employability." Charlie Davis added: "We have been able to share our experiences as academics, learning technologists and students in a supportive learning community. This has enabled us to identify innovative and effective ways in which PebblePad can be embedded into key curricular areas to support student learning activities. In addition, it provided tutors with a safe environment to explore and create different digital identities." Through their PebblePad mentoring role, Shevani and Alix have introduced the system to 60 first year students at Derby who will join the PDP module next year. The student ePortfolios could feature CVs, video and film content, art work, sound files, personal development plans and other key information about their motivations, attitudes and beliefs. The students have also been working with the Media team to create a series of videos, which demonstrates how to use Pebblepad to other students new to the software, view the video . The ePortfolios can be tailored to meet the employer's requirements, and by sending a link via an email, prospective employers from around the world can access their student profile and read about their achievements, aptitudes and abilities. Matthew Wheeler, ePortfolio Consultant for PebblePad said: "It is fantastic to have students' supporting their peers in using PebblePad and identifying innovative ways of presenting and highlighting their skills to potential employers, regardless of where they are in the world." For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email [email protected]

Art draws town together 15 July 2014 Street art by Buxton's young generation aimed at helping to draw the community together has been celebrated at special reception in the University of Derby Buxton's Dome campus. Students from Buxton Community School and Buxton and Leek College turned hoardings on George Street, which mask construction work at The Crescent, into two areas of colourful murals to celebrate Buxton in Bloom and the town's opera and literary Festival. "This is a brilliant example of the community working together," said Tina Heathcote, of the Buxton Town Team which organised the artwork. "It's all about a lot of people doing a little to make a big difference, which ties in with our motto: All together, better." Mayor of the High Peak, Councillor Alan Barrow, introduced by Town Crier Bill Weston MBE, unveiled the murals sponsored by Trevor Osborne, of the Buxton Crescent Thermal and Spa Company; Fairfield Builders Supplies and Buxton Building Supplies. The colourful work on the theme of Flowers and Festivals was also celebrated at the University of Derby Buxton, where a cake in the shape of an artist's palate was ceremonially cut at a reception in the Dome. "This is a fantastic place for creativity and learning," said Buxton and Leek College Principal Len Tildsley. Buxton Community School students who took part were Flora Galloway, Shannon-Kate Thomson, Niall Collier, Adam Mycock, Kayleigh Belfield, Sophie Bennett, Becca Baddeley, Tatjhana Rowe, Jake Lownds, Daniel Dobson, Cleo Thibault, Rachael Milllward, Gabrial Fox, Amy Gregory, Molly Lewis, Ally Thompson and Charlotte Paul.

Art Proves Just The Tonic For Wellbeing 2 June 2011 The power of the arts to help empower people to health and wellbeing is the focus of a student exhibition in Derby this week. The Mayor and Mayoress of Derby, Councillor Les Allen and Mrs Ruth Allen will be the special guests at the University of Derby's 'Statement of Image' exhibition tomorrow night. The event, at the University's Britannia Mill site, in Mackworth Road, is the final year show for the BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies course. The event forms part of the University's annual Degree Shows, promoting the cream of creativity from final year students in a wide range of subjects, with events taking place at the Britannia Mill and Markeaton Street sites over the next week. Students on the Creative Expressive Therapies course specialise in art, drama, music or dance as specialist subject 'pathways', with many taking the skills they learn out into the community or to help people in therapeutic practice in a variety of sectors including health and education. One of the students who will be exhibiting her work as part of the Statement of Image event is Rebecca Dugdale who is also celebrating after securing work as a residential worker at the Lodge Trust in Market Overton, Leicestershire, to support adults with learning difficulties. Rebecca, 21, from Braintree in Essex, has used glass in her final exhibit for her degree course. She has created four pieces of art using 40cm by 60cm panels of glass which have been used to portray the fragility of thought in relation to her sense of self. Rebecca said: "I like how glass is generally thought to expose things due to its transparency and how it can be used to hide as well. "For example, one piece is a window into my thoughts about the worries I hold and the restrictions I place on myself. The second piece is how one worry, thought or comment when added to others causes my outlook to become distorted. Problems and worries are blown out of all proportion which is shown by the magnification of the clear on clear glass." Fellow student, Hannah Brewer, 23, from Ipplepen, near Newton Abbott, has hopes of getting involved in community art projects when she completes her degree. She focused on the theme Mother-Daughter, asking a number of women to describe their relationship with their mother or daughter. These formed the inspiration for her oil paintings on canvas centred on themes of nature and flowers. She said: "This was inspired by Mother Nature and the process of cycles within the relationship and how characteristics are passed through generations of mothers and daughters, for example, in the way seeds are planted back into the ground." Another student Rachael Lilley, 22, from Bristol, took inspiration for her illustrations and photographs exploring her imagination for her final artwork from a week-long walk along a coastal path from Minehead to Georgham. She said: "I walked for long periods of time without seeing anyone, the silence, the surroundings and the thrills of the danger and the often risky situations. I felt that walking long distances alone stretched my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state and I love facing the challenges." For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email [email protected]

Artful Use Of Rubbish Launches University 'Go Green Week' 6 February 2013 'Rubbish' art will be created at the University of Derby when an artist-cleaner turns waste materials into a unique sculpture, as part of a public 'Go Green Week'. The week devoted to environmental awareness has become an annual University fixture run with People & Planet, a national student-led movement empowering students to make change happen. People & Planet also produce the yearly Green League, which 'grades' higher education institutions on their environmental management performance - the University of Derby has a 'First Class' ranking. Derby's Go Green Week - which is open to the public - will begin on Monday 11 February (2013) with the waste produced on one day at the University being displayed in the Atrium at its Kedleston Road site, in Derby. Parts of the rubbish will be turned into a spiral sculpture by Del Coombs, a University cleaner and artist who specialises in making beautiful artworks out of waste materials. On 'Travel Light Tuesday' 12 February people will be encouraged to try different modes of transport, to reduce the pollution they produce by commuting. There will be recycled bikes on sale, and fun events to try such as a Segway Slalom (a course for the two wheel, one person transporters) and a bid to see how many people can fit into a small electric car, the Renault Twizy. Among the 17 exhibitors for the 'All Things Environmental' exhibition on Wednesday 13 February, again in the central Atrium at the Kedleston Road site, will be the Fairtrade organisation, Soundbites, the Derbyshire Amphibian and Reptile Group, a bird ringing demonstration, and Derby City Council's energy efficiency officers. There will also be a chance to try out the carbon gym, which uses a rowing machine to demonstrate the level of carbon dioxide emissions released by different methods of travel, or pedal the Energy Bike to power an MP3 player or a lightbulb. On Thursday and Friday 14 and 15 February Go Green Week moves to the University's Buxton Campus, to stage two days of different environmental exhibitions. In addition to the return of the Renault Twizy and the Segway Slalom there will also be displays by the Buxton Students' Conservation society, the Peak Park Environmental Quality Award scheme and a chance to try out Transition Buxton's giant Carbonopoly game. Lynn Richards, University Environmental Manager, said: "Our Go Green Week is aimed not just at students and staff here but is also open to the public. It's important that the information we're offering, on how to take better care of the environment, is delivered to the different audiences in an interesting and entertaining way." For further press information please contact Joanna Colburn, University of Derby Press and PR Officer, on 01332 593004 or email: [email protected]

Artist Sara Makes Her Stand - in Trafalgar Square 16 July 2009 Sara Burden is helping to make art history and she's going to challenge her sense of adventure and courage whilst she's at it. The 31-year-old mum of one, who works from the University of Derby run business unit Banks' Mill Studios in Derby - and is also known as Crazyartlady - has been chosen to appear on the fourth plinth in London's Trafalgar Square as part of Anthony Gormley's 'One and Other' exhibition. Sara, who lives in Belper, Derbyshire, won't reveal the details of what she'll be doing during her hour on the plinth but says that her time slot - between 9pm and 10pm on Saturday 18 July - is just right for what she has in mind. She said: "I'm hoping for an exciting Saturday night when everyone's enjoying the spirit of the weekend and the square's full of revellers. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm hoping to take something special from the experience for myself that I can turn into further artwork and hopefully give something of myself to the project, and the people who are there in the Square with me." The public have been intrigued by the project, which over the course of 100 days will offer 2,400 people the unique opportunity to occupy the empty plinth for one hour, where they can do whatever they like within the realms of social decency and the law. The critics have been less kind and generally unimpressed. Sara's dismissive of the critics, saying that the true value of the project will become apparent after the event is over. She added: "It's been fascinating to watch the project unfold over its first two weeks. There has been a real mix of exhibitors and I get the feeling that people are going to continue to challenge themselves creatively as the weeks go on. "This isn't supposed to be 'Britain's Got Talent', it's a collective experiment that is shaping itself as it develops over time. "Art doesn't always make sense when it's happening and often it's the exploration of the experience after the event that reveals more." Sara creates large, colourful paintings at her studio in Banks' Mill on Bridge Street, Derby, and says that her work is always inspired by her personal experiences. She runs art workshops for adults with mental health issues and helps to set up arts events and festivals in the local area. Sara, who's originally from Abthorpe in Northamptonshire, moved to Derbyshire last year after completing a degree in fine art at Sunderland University. She said: "I was looking for somewhere to set up a studio and Banks' Mill seemed perfect. "There's a good sense of community and it's very inspiring to be working in the same building with other people who are working creatively." Banks' Mill Studios is a business incubation unit run by the University of Derby. The units offer creative businesses the opportunity to rent subsidised studios and office space with the back-up of business support and training opportunities. -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer, Annabel Harvey, 01332 593004 or email [email protected].

Artist Wastes No Time Celebrating University's 21st Anniversary 10 June 2013 A University of Derby cleaner turned artist recently transformed corporate waste into a giant sustainable 'birthday cake', as part of the institutions 21 s birthday celebrations. Del Coombs, 67, created the birthday sculpture at the University's Kedleston Road site in the lower Atrium using modular blocks of polystyrene waste from old computer hardware packing to recreate the main University site. The three hour artistic process was captured by Steve Taylor, a Faculty Manager at the University, who used a high-definition video camera to create a stop frame animation of Del's work. Del said: "The installation reflects the sustainable development of the University and its eco-friendly approach to maintaining the physical environment over the course of the last 21 years. "The project has also allowed me to continue to explore the themes of obsession and repetition in a way which engages people, and uses waste creatively to provoke thought." Del also supported Derby's 'Go Green Week' in February (2013), where the equivalent waste materials from a day across the Kedleston Road site were used for a display in the Atrium.

Artist's Blooming Career Gets Olympic Stamp 25 January 2011 A Derby graduate is among 13 artists with disabilities commissioned - at a cost of £820,000 - to produce work for a groundbreaking cultural programme for the 2012 London Olympics. Artist Paul Cummins - who graduated from the University of Derby in 2010 with a 2:1 for his BA (Hons) Crafts degree - produces fine ceramic artworks, specialising in creating hundreds of different 'pot flowers', which are used to cover gardens and other open spaces. In May 2010, he decorated part of the grounds of Derbyshire stately home, Chatsworth, with 500 ceramic tulips for its Spring Florabundance festival. Now Paul is one of 13 artists with disabilities commissioned by the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad , the UK Arts Councils and the British Council to produce works for 'Unlimited'; a programme celebrating disabled artists' work in the run up to and during the London 2012 Olympics. Paul will create up to 10,000 individual, handmade blooms. The 'flower heads' are hand-thrown on a potter's wheel, in different sizes, before being coloured and fired, and attached to metal 'stems' of different lengths. The flowers will appear at UK venues selected for their historical or social significance, during 2012. Paul, 33, of Chesterfield - who has severe dyslexia - said: "I am really pleased that my submission to be one of the Unlimited programme artists has been accepted. "I will be producing 10,000 flowers to be planted at six locations around the UK, yet to be announced. It's a very large amount of work that should keep me busy for around the next 12 months." More of Paul's work can be seen on his website: www.paulcumminsceramics.com The Unlimited programme encourages collaborations between disability-led arts organisations, disabled and deaf artists, producers, and mainstream organisations to culturally celebrate the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Ruth Mackenzie, Cultural Olympiad Director, added: 'This commission is about world-class artists creating brilliant work which will change perceptions of the work of disabled and deaf artists. Congratulations to the commissioned artists and we look forward to seeing how their work develops.' The Unlimited programme, with a total fund of £3 million, is principally funded by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor, and is delivered in partnership between London 2012, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the British Council. For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected].

Artist's Talk To Fire Up Interest In Modern Ceramics 18 November 2009 An internationally known ceramics artist with family links to Derbyshire textiles pioneer Richard Arkwright says the modern digital world is breathing new life into traditional British crafts - in a way not seen since the Industrial Revolution. Sebastian Blackie, the University's Professor of Ceramics, will deliver a free public lecture, called A Chemistry of Things - Some Thoughts On Contemporary Ceramic Practice, on Wednesday November 25 at 6.15pm, in Auditorium One, at the University's Markeaton Street site, in Derby. He has exhibited works in London, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East - and last year (2008) worked alongside Chinese clay craft workers, to produce his exhibits for the Fu Le International Ceramic Art Museum (FLICAM) in Fu Ping, Shaanxi Province, northern China. His family's traditional crafts roots go back to at least the 18 h Century, when his great, great, greatgrandfather received help from Derbyshire textiles giant Richard Arkwright, founder of the historic Arkwright's Mill in Cromford, to set up his own mill in New Lanark in Scotland. Professor Blackie's lecture will focus on the need for modern British crafts artists, not just those working in ceramics, to show some of the same innovation and global thinking as those of yesteryear. He said: "People like Arkwright, with his textiles, and Josiah Wedgewood, with his ceramics, were at the very heart of the Industrial Revolution. Although they were born into very isolated communities they were able to think big. "Wedgewood for example sourced his materials from New South Wales and his designs were inspired by the art of many different cultures. "My lecture looks at how ceramics artists from other countries have come to Europe to train and successfully blended their own and our cultures in their work. British crafts could also benefit greatly from our artists thinking more globally." Foreign ceramics artists who Professor Blackie has worked with include the Kenyan born Magadalene Odundo and Japanese potter Takashi Yasuda, both of whom have had considerable success in Europe. To book a place to attend the free public lecture phone Angela Drinkwater at the University of Derby on 01332 591046. Light refreshments will be served after the lecture. For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected].

Artist's Views Of Earth And Sky On Show At Free Exhibitions 29 November 2013 Images inspired by Earth-bound nature and views of the heavens will be displayed by the artist in a series of video installation exhibitions at the Multi-Faith Centre , at the University of Derby . Artist Sudha Daniel, a former Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at Derby, will put on four free shows at the Multi-Faith Centre, based at the University's Kedleston Road site in the city. They will feature video films of his 41 paintings capturing the wonders of the natural world. The exhibitions will include: On Tuesday December 3 and Tuesday January 28 (2014) - Enchanting Beauty of Nature; drawn from the artist's impressions of nature in countries including Portugal, India, Greece, Malaysia, the USA and UK. On Friday January 31 and Friday February 7 (2014) - Splendour of Cosmos; inspired by the fantastic imagery of the cosmos produced by powerful telescopes such as the Hubble Telescope. All the exhibitions will be held from 4pm-9pm on these dates (with the video installations running on permanent loop during that time). At 6pm each night, the artist will give a brief talk about his work and its inspiration. Sudha - who became a full-time artist after the life-changing experience of escaping from the 2004 Indian tsunami - has exhibited his work in the UK and Europe, and is also due to exhibit it in India, America and the Asia-Pacific region. He said: "By converting my original oil paintings into digital video art installations, complete with uplifting ambient background music, I hope to create an exciting and accessible display for the audience. "The spiritual and universal outlook of the Multi-Faith Centre at the University fits well with the theme of my own work." Entry to the four Sudha Daniel exhibitions is free. Parking at the University's Kedleston Road site, where the Multi-Faith Centre is based, is free after 4.30pm; drivers should park in the first available carpark, (first right off the site's main driveway). The Multi-Faith Centre can be contacted on 01332 591285 and its website is www.multifaithcentre.org Media requiring further information about this press release should contact Sean Kirby, University of Derby Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: [email protected]

Arts Calendar Gives Old Sites A New Look 11 December 2008 Historic sites and events from around the East Midlands have been given a very different look by a University of Derby photo-digital artist, in a new calendar to mark a good year for regional arts. John Goto, Professor of Fine Art at the University, has taken images of well-known sites, such as Lincoln Cathedral and Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, and notable events in their history, and populated them with urban hip-hop and Bollywood style dancers. The project is a groundbreaking partnership between the University and Arts Council England, East Midlands. The series of 12 images, entitled A Dance to the Muzik of Time: A journey through the East Midlands, can be seen in the regional arts organisation’s 2009 calendar. The calendar will be launched at 10.30am on Thursday 18 December at the Quad centre, Market Place, in Derby city-centre. A version of the project will also be shown over the festive season on the BBC Big Screen in the Market Place Copies of the limited edition calendar will be distributed by Arts Council England, East Midlands, and its partner arts organisations and the University. It will also be displayed at the East Midlands Europe, Brussels, and distributed to organisations across Europe. Arts Council England, East Midlands, wanted something special for its calendar, to celebrate a year in which many of the new arts facilities it has invested in have opened. In 2008 the New Art Exchange in Nottingham, Derby’s QUAD centre, the First Movement LEVEL Centre in Rowsley, Derbyshire; and Curve in Leicester all opened. A fifth site, the Nottingham Contemporary art gallery, will open in 2009. Laura Dyer, Executive Director for Arts Council England, East Midlands, said: “This is one of the most exciting periods for the arts in the region, providing world-class facilities which, together with the region’s existing attractions and strong cultural scene, will put us firmly on the cultural and tourism map of England. “We wanted to celebrate this success in a unique and special way and commissioned internationally recognised photo-digital artist John Goto to produce A Dance to the Muzik of Time.” The calendar features 12 outstanding images which John has created, featuring professional dancers in iconic regional locations, which already attract great numbers of visitors. The images, representing different counties, include: Derbyshire – Chatsworth House and Cromford Mill Lincolnshire – Lincoln Cathedral and All Saints Church at Great Sturton Nottinghamshire – Southwell Minster and Newstead Abbey Leicestershire – BelvoirCastle and Curve, Leicester Rutland– NormantonChurch Northamptonshire – Northampton Market Square and Althorp House. John based the look of his images on that of toy theatres created by Victorian artist John Redington and old postcards of regional sites. He also read architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner’s guides to the counties’ buildings. He came up with the idea of a route through the East Midlands, which would act as a timeline, charting historical events. This also echoes the development of the medieval pilgrimage into the 18th century Grand Tour, and then modern tourism. John said: “One of the great things about the present day East Midlands is its vibrant diversity of cultures. “I worked with breakdancing troupe Groundhogs, North Indian Kathak classical dancers Manushi and Bollywood dancers Desi Masti. The costumes they are wearing in the images are deliberately anachronistic, mixing period costumes with contemporary street and club fashions. “It’s been tremendous fun making this series – working with great dancers and visiting marvellous locations – and I hope this comes across. The pictures also deal with weighty subjects such as time, history and shifting ideas of culture.” John’s work has also been exhibited at Tate Britain, the National Portrait Gallery and The Photographers’ Gallery in London, and shown widely in Europe. More of his work can be seen at website: www.johngoto.org.uk . -endsFor further information about John Goto please contact University of Derby Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email: [email protected] For media information about the calendar, or an invite to the launch event, please contact David Storer, Communications Officer at the Arts Council England, East Midlands, on telephone: 0115 989 7580 or email: [email protected]

Arts Excellence and Student Support Puts University In Awards Final 5 September 2013 The University of Derby has been shortlisted in two categories for one of the UK's most prestigious annual awards ceremonies for higher education. Derby has been shortlisted in the 'Excellence and Innovation in the Arts' and 'Outstanding Support for Students' categories of the 2013 Times Higher Education Awards , run through the Times Higher Education (THE) magazine. The shortlists for the THE Awards categories were released today (Thursday September 5), with the winners to be announced at a finalists' dinner at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on November 28. In 'Excellence and Innovation in the Arts' Derby is shortlisted alongside the universities of Kent, Newcastle, York, Norwich University of the Arts and York St John University Over the last few years the University of Derby has taken on and re-launched Derby Theatre in the city; staging innovative and interesting commercial productions and providing a unique 'learning theatre' environment for its students. For the 'Outstanding Support for Students' category Derby is up against the universities of Essex, Leicester, Plymouth, Stirling and Sunderland. Support for students is paramount at the University which, in partnership with its active Students' Union , listens to and responds to their needs and concerns. Last month (August) the independent annual National Student Survey reported that student satisfaction levels had risen for the third year running at Derby, with 86% of students quizzed agreeing that they were satisfied 'overall' with their course. Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: "Being shortlisted in two categories for these prestigious annual awards is yet further evidence of the hard work and commitment of all at the University. "Our relaunch and continuing management of Derby Theatre has seen it go from strength to strength, in a way which benefits both our students and the wider theatre-going public. "Within the University we continue to strive to do the best for our students and that is obviously recognised by them, as our excellent results in the 2013 National Student Survey show." The University of Derby has previously won at the annual Times Higher Education Awards, scooping both the 'Outstanding Contribution To The Local Community' and 'Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative' categories in 2011. For more information about the Times Higher Education Awards see website www.the-awards.co.uk Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby, University of Derby Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: [email protected]

Ashbourne Road Community Survey 28 October 2011 A survey of almost 2,000 Derby residents on issues and ideas is being conducted by Ashbourne Road Church and the University. The new survey of Ashbourne Road area residents builds on one in 2007. This resulted in community meetings between residents, the church, the University and local service providers, to resolve issues. Peter Walker, University Community Relations Officer, has supported this initiative since 2008, strengthening ties between the University and residents. The programme of work that resulted from discussions following the earlier 2007 survey was captured in a 'time-tree' poster by University of Derby graduate, artist Mair Perkins . Peter said: "It surprised us all, just what had been discussed and perhaps what progress had actually been made in how we are working together." James Beckett, President of University of Derby Students' Union, added: "Being involved with projects like these greatly helps us to build upon the relationships between local residents and students; to form friendly, safe and secure communities". The new survey will assess changes since 2007 and any actions needed. A printed survey has been sent to around 2,000 households and one made available online. The completion deadline for the questionnaires is Friday 4 November. Analysis of the data will be done jointly by the University, the church and the community; and openly discussed at a residents' meeting at Ashbourne Road Church on Thursday 1 December. A decision will then be taken on what new projects are needed. Ian Kemp, Minister at Ashbourne Road Church said: "With the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics in 2012, it could be a very exciting year for the local community and all its members." Horace Gregory, a local community member, added: "Being a local resident I would encourage everyone to complete the survey and come along to the meeting on 1 December. "This is an ideal opportunity to engage with the University, to resolve any concerns we have in a positive and friendly way. We also need ideas for social activities within the community." For more information about this Community News story contact Jason Nichols at the University on 01332 591945 or email: [email protected]

Asthma Medication Project Wins Prestigious Pharmaceutical Award 9 July 2012 A University of Derby-led research project that discovered a pharmacist's intervention can improve asthma patients' lives has triumphed at the Pharmaceutical Journal's (PJ) 20th Pharmaceutical Care Awards. Anna Murphy, who is a Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, carried out the research for her Doctor of Pharmacy award at the University of Derby with her supervisor, Professor James Elander, Helen Knight of the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Jeremy Bennett, from Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group, and Helen Langton, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of the West of England. The team received the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Pharmaceutical Care Award for the research project, which designed and tested the effectiveness of a community pharmacy intervention for patients with asthma, on June 28. Anna said: "Research has shown that the delivery of regular structured reviews of people with asthma can reduce their day-to-day symptoms and the burden of providing emergency care on the NHS. "Currently, such asthma reviews are mainly undertaken by practice nurses and GPs, however only twothirds of people with asthma have a routine review each year. "As asthma sufferers may in fact attend a pharmacy more frequently than they see a GP we wanted to know whether a pharmacist-led intervention could result in improvements in adherence to medication and a reduction in symptoms." Pharmacists at 15 community pharmacies and 125 asthma patients took part in the study. Asthma sufferers were assessed on their level of asthma control, their quality of life and medication adherence before the intervention. They then received the 'SIMPLE' structured pharmacy review designed by the team, which covered inhaler technique, adherence to medication and whether prescribing was in line with national asthma guidelines; SIMPLE an acronym for Signposting, Inhaler Technique, Medication Review, Peak Flow, Lifestyle and Education. After six months 50 participants were assessed again. Statistically significant improvements were seen in the patients' quality of life, asthma control and inhaler technique, and medication adherence. There was also a 32% reduction in the number of unscheduled visits the patients had made to their GP over the period of the study. The team has now registered its interest in a bid for funding to roll out the 'SIMPLE' intervention across community pharmacies and NHS asthma service pathways in Leicestershire. On the team's win, Anna said: "I am absolutely delighted to take home such a prestigious award, especially as we were up against five projects of an extremely high calibre. "We believe that many more low-risk patients' asthma can be controlled through our SIMPLE community pharmacy approach, and we hope that our bids to roll it our further will be successful." Professor James Elander, Anna's Doctor of Pharmacy supervisor at the University of Derby, said: "Anna's project is a really good example of how applied research can make a difference to people's lives and health, as well as informing the development of national policy, in this case for asthma care. "We are delighted that this research has been recognized by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Pharmaceutical Care Awards." Full details of the research are to be published in PJ Online www.pjonline.com

Astronomical Milestone Recreated At University For BBC's Stargazing Live 2013 6 December 2012 One of the world's most famous telescopes is being recreated on the University of Derby's grounds for the BBC's hugely popular programme Stargazing Live , which returns for a new series in January. Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738-1822) is considered one of the greats of astronomical history for, among other achievements, his discovery of the planet Uranus and its moons, and for significantly advancing the design of the modern reflecting telescope. One of Herschel's most famous telescopes - the 20ft long rotating telescope - is currently being recreated in a groundbreaking project by the BBC at the University of Derby's Markeaton Street site in Derby. The project is a collaboration between BBC Learning, Stargazing Live and the Open University. The telescope will be a working model of Herschel's and a permanent fixture at the University site; home to its Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology (ADT). The Herschellian design uses just one primary mirror at the base of the tube and an eyepiece located at the top. Herschel used the telescope design in the late 18th Century to catalogue the night sky and was responsible for discovering an astonishing 2,500 stars and galaxies. The project will explore Herschel's revolutionary techniques in telescope design and will be used to attempt to observe the cosmos during the live Stargazing show hosted by Professor Brian Cox and Dara O' Briain on BBC Two; on January 8, 9 and 10. The University of Derby has supported the telescope's construction - part funding the base which will hold the telescope - and students from its School of Technology are involved with the project along with consultants from University College London. Derby and District Astronomical Society members are also onboard - they will be marking out the points of the compass for the telescope and calibrating it - as is Derby Museums . Local schoolchildren will paint a mural around the structure with the help of Derby's Illustration degree students. It is also proposed that the University's Music and Textile students will be involved in activities around the project. Karen Gregory, Executive Producer for BBC Learning, said: "Legacy and learning are at the heart of this ambitious project. We want as many people as possible to get involved with stargazing during the live programme, but also continue in their enthusiasm for astronomy and the universe afterwards." Professor Huw Davies, Dean of the University's Faculty of ADT, added: "This is a very exciting and high profile project for the University of Derby to be involved in. "Engineering has a strong presence in Derby city and at the University, and I'm sure our students will get a real buzz out of something like this happening right on their doorstep. It is also good to see the way educational institutions, the community and business are coming together to recreate Herschel's innovative telescope." Everyone is being encouraged to get involved in stargazing. The BBC and various partners are also hosting a number of stellar events across the UK designed to encourage everyone - from the complete beginner to the enthusiastic amateur - to make the most of the night sky. The events, which will take place from Tuesday January 8, will bring together astronomical societies, museums and discovery centres, country parks and local authorities. They will include planetarium shows, rocket making, astrophotography, recreating constellations, analysing meteorites, the chance to view the stars via telescopes, as well as topical talks and discussions contributing to a national stargazing celebration. Entry to all the events is free but many are ticketed. Tickets will be available until 11.55pm on Tuesday December 11 from the BBC Shows and Tours website at www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours Tickets will be allocated by random draw. To accompany them BBC Learning is producing a number of free resources including a Star Guide and a special Star Party pack, so that people can get involved by planning their own star party at home. They are available to download at www.bbc.co.uk/stargazing As well as the BBC-led partner events, hundreds of other organisations are planning events and activities up and down the country. To find an event near you visit the BBC's Things To Do website at www.bbc.co.uk/thingstodo . *NOTE - Media requiring Stargazing Live images should visit BBC Pictures at www.bbcpictures.co.uk . For further information about BBC Learning and the resources available please contact Jo Clayton, Publicist BBC Learning, on 07809 597 825 or email: [email protected] (Wed-Fri). Or contact Karen Williams, Publicist BBC Learning, on 0771 4957087 or [email protected] (Mon-Wed). For further information about the BBC Two Stargazing 2013 programme please contact Publicity Front Desk on 020 8576 9900 or email: [email protected] For further press information about the University of Derby's involvement in the project please contact Sean Kirby, University Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: [email protected]

Asylum Seeker Turned Graduate Will Help Others Into Education 19 January 2012 An Iraqi Kurd refugee who fled to the UK as a teenager, despite speaking no English, is set to use his University of Derby Masters degree to help others in his country gain an education. Awara Rasoul, now 32, will graduate with a Masters degree (MSc) in Marketing and Advertising today (Thursday January 19), as part of the University's two days of Awards Ceremonies at Derby Assembly Rooms in the city centre. Supporting him along the way has been partner Amanda, who he met after coming to the UK, and five-year-old daughter Parysa. His graduation marks the end of four years' full time study at the University; first gaining an HND in Business and Management, then adding a 'top up' year to make this an Honours degree before finally obtaining his Masters degree. All of this was done while also working full time, first for Derbyshire companies and then by setting up his own car valeting firm. Following his university experience Awara now plans to set up a new venture - an educational business to act as a liaison between UK institutions and the government in his native Kurdistan - to bring fellow Kurds over here for vocational training, before returning to help improve their country. He was born in Iran, his family having moved there due to his politician father's opposition to Iraqi dictator Sadaam Hussein's regime. They moved back to Kurdistan when Awara was 13-years-old, where he lived through the First Gulf War and subsequent Kurdish uprisings. Awara said: "I came to the UK in 2001 aged 19 as an asylum seeker and was granted refugee status. I didn't speak English and knew very few Kurdish people here, as the rest of my family remained in Kurdistan." After taking English lessons in Wolverhampton he then moved to Manchester for work, before settling in Derby where he was employed on the assembly lines at Toyota's Burnaston factory for two years. He added: "I then worked for an auto-parts company called Magna as a Supervisor. The management there encouraged me to do a higher education course and I ended up doing a two-year HND in Business and Management at the University of Derby. "I did the course on a full-time basis but in the evenings, so I could continue to work full-time. The company were very good about letting me alter my shift patterns, so I would often finish at the University at 9pm and then go on to do a night shift. "After I'd done the HND I was determined to do a 'top up' year to get an Honours degree, then wanted to do a Masters degree." Whilst studying Awara has also been jointly running a company, the Spotless Hand Car Wash and Valeting Centre, opposite Derby Westfield shopping centre, with business partner Amjed Ghani. But he has plans to expand into other enterprises, using the knowledge gained through his studies at the University of Derby. Awara said: "I'm going to be jointly setting up a new company called Hewa House of Overseas Education, helping workers funded through a Kurdish government programme to get onto higher education courses in the UK. 'Hewa' in Kurdish means 'hope' and we hope we can help people get the training they need to then go back and help my country develop." Dr Alison Lawson, University Programme Leader for Postgraduate Programmes in Marketing, added: "Awara worked hard for his Masters degree and truly deserves success. His academic ability and excellent general business knowledge were matched by his entrepreneurial spirit, and his keen desire to spread the word about the value of education. "I'm delighted that the University of Derby has been able to help Awara achieve great things and I'm sure his future will be bright." For more information about the University of Derby's business courses see website www.derby.ac.uk/dbs

Athletics Union Launches Inclusive Sport Campaign 10 October 2012 Become a Part of It, an inclusive campaign aimed at breaking down barriers and increasing the participation of women, people with a disability, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) individuals in sport has been launched by the University of Derby Students' Union . The campaign kicked off when all 33 of the Union's sport clubs, along with the University's ViceChancellor, signed the Sports Charter - a government led initiative which aims to combat homophobia and transphobia in sport. Athletics Union President, Mark Farthing, said: "By signing the Sports Charter all of our clubs have reaffirmed their core values of inclusivity. We have seen LGBT students compete for Team Derby for a number of years, some of whom have gone on to become our highest performers. "We are dedicated to protecting the rights of our students and will continue to promote the opportunities Team Derby can provide regardless of gender, skin colour or sexual orientation." The University of Derby is in full support of the Athletics Union campaign. Its Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Coyne, who was present at the unveiling to sign the Sports Charter on behalf of the University said:"This is not something the University has pressured its students to sign. Instead this campaign illustrates the values of our students and how they are considering not only how they can make things better for themselves but also, how they can make things better for their peers. That is what it means to be a student here as a part of Team Derby." The strength of feeling for inclusivity in sport is integral to all the clubs within the Athletic Union and they have all shown full commitment to the Charter. Jack Anderson, University's Men's Football Club President, said:"This campaign doesn't have to just be the LGBT students promoting it amongst themselves. Everyone in the club is now aware of the issue and every other committee seems keen to support it and promote it as well." The campaign is being further supported by a video released on UDSU's YouTube page which highlights the discrimination of LGBT athletes across the world. This charter forms part of a wider agenda regarding sport for students in further and higher education across the country. The NUS are currently promoting their 'Out in Sport' campaign as part of its commitment to tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport through a series of focus groups and surveys. Data collated from this study will also prove valuable to the UDSU in furthering their own campaign. A special panel discussion 'Football versus Homophobia; Is football ready for an 'out' gay player?' is being hosted at the University' Enterprise Centre on Monday October 22 and will have representatives from Kick It Out, the University of Derby, Derbyshire FA and Derby County FC. For more information contact Mark Farthing at [email protected] or to support the campaign and sign up to the Charter for Action 'like' the 'I love sport, but I hate homophobia and transphobia' Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/lgbtsportcharter You can watch the Team Derby Sports Charter video at http://youtu.be/wgdZYOXf3NE

Attitudes to disabled tourists found to be Fawlty 27 May 2014 Too many holiday resorts in southern Europe have a Basil Fawlty approach to disabled tourists, research at the University of Derby Buxton has shown. Dr Eleni Michopoulou will tell the Destinations For All World Summit on accessible tourism that one of the major barriers to making resorts inclusive is still attitude. One seaside resort astounded Dr Michopoulou with answers to her research questions which had a bluntness worthy of the hapless hotelier in television's Fawlty Towers. "They even said they didn't want disabled tourists - they did not fit their market, and if they came, other tourists would leave," she said. Destinations For All, to be held in October in Montreal, is the first world summit dealing with accessible tourism, which has never been more vital to the industry. Some experts claim that 15 per cent of tourists have disabilities, and with an ageing world population, demand for accessible tourism can only grow. Dr Michopoulou carried out the research with help from German student Isabell Broich to look at accessibility and its importance to the sustainability of the industry. They found a wide range of attitudes, with the northern European countries and Scandinavia being the most aware of accessibility issues, central European states less so and southern countries lagging behind. The law, an awareness of the issues and each society's attitude all played a part in how welcome disabled tourists were. "There are attitudinal barriers that need to be overcome," said Dr Michopoulou. Students at the University of Derby Buxton who will become the tourism industry managers of the future, however, are taught an in-depth awareness of the issue and the kind of customer service needed to provide an inclusive experience. The research will be presented in two papers, Michopoulou, E. & Buhalis, D. (2014) 'An investigation of European destination management organisations' attitudes towards accessible tourism', and Broich, I. & Michopoulou, E. (2014) "Can accessible tourism be sustainable? A link between accessibility and sustainability." For more press information, contact [email protected]

Award Win For University's Chrissy 11 March 2011 A dedicated member of the University of Derby Buxton's Dome Events team has scooped a prestigious regional tourism award. Chrissy Edwards won the 'Most Promising Student or Trainee Award' at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire's Excel Tourism Awards held at Chatsworth on March 10. Christine works in Buxton's Dome Events team delivering some of the incredible events that take place in the Dome throughout the year. Public events such as Afternoon Tea with the Duchess of Devonshire, and private hire such as conferences and weddings. She said: "It was a fantastic evening, and it just topped it off that I actually won the award. I'm so pleased. I really enjoy working in the events industry as every event we put on in the Dome is unique, and so every day is different." A team from the University were among 170 guests, including the University's Chancellor, the Duke of Devonshire, at the glittering event in Chatsworth's Carriage House Restaurant. They went along to support Chrissy and two students who were also shortlisted. Fay Fallows, a third year BA (Hons) in Managing in the Service Sector and Travel & Tourism degree student, was also shortlisted in the 'Most Promising Student or Trainee' category. This was for the work she has done to develop and deliver the Devonshire Dome Visitor Experience Programme, a programme of guided tours showcasing the Dome's unique history. Final year Buxton student Savvas Savvas made it into the last three of the Young Chef of the Year category after wowing the judges in a sensational cook-off. Savvas, who is originally from Cyprus, is midway through a top-up year of a BA (Hons) in Professional Culinary Arts at Buxton. Dr Peter Dewhurst, Dean of the University of Derby Buxton, said: "We're incredibly proud of Chrissy for winning this award. She works hard and deserves recognition for the value that events held in the Dome add to tourism in the area. "We also congratulate Savvas and Fay for their nominations."

Award Winners To Showcase Latest Work 13 December 2006 A Derby film company which won a national BBC competition looking for the hottest comedy talent in the UK will promote its latest work in the city next week. Current and former University of Derby students have helped form Little Circle, an independent film company based at Banks’ Mill Studios, in Bridge Street. Little Circle Productions consists of: Daz Spencer, Graham Williams, Christopher J. Davies, Matt Wells, Paul Hammond, Claire Sharman, Mark Shaw, and Ali Powers (stage name Pow3rs). Their latest work STALLARD, a comedy-drama pilot episode, will be screened at the Five Lamps pub on Duffield Road, Derby, on Monday, December 18 as part of a new film club in the city. Little Circle now hope to develop it into a four-part series. STALLARD follows the unlikely friendship between raw police recruit Jacko Rubasingham and recently reinstated veteran detective Frank Stallard. As the pair deal with the trivialities of small town policing and the bizarre case of a serial killer targeting ducks, STALLARD asks: what kind of mind does it take to murder waterfowl? What demons haunt Frank Stallard? And how close to a madman do you have to be in order to catch one? The episode was filmed entirely on location in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire with kind cooperation from Nottinghamshire Police, based at Worksop, and local businesses and institutions including Scarsdale Veterinary Clinics, the Galleries of Justice in Nottingham, the University of Derby, the Hill Methodist Church, and The Metro Cinema. Little Circle also wish to thank Morrisons Supermarket PLC and Select Stores. Little Circle’s Co-producer Chris Davies, 24; Director and Co-producer Daz Spencer, 24; Cameraman and Editor, Graham Williams, 21; and Writer and Co-producer Paul Hammond, 23, beat more than 600 entrants to win the BBC’s Funny Hunt competition earlier this year. The competition was seeking the funniest material that up-and-coming animators and filmmakers could produce and the filmmakers put forward an e xcerpt from Little Circle’s Sketch Show Michelangelo’s Heroes. For their prize, the four visited the BBC studios in Manchester earlier this year, and they say the tips and advice from leading scriptwriters and directors have enhanced their skills further. The Little Circle/Five Lamps co-run film night is on every Monday night at the pub showcasing the hottest film talent in the region to the public. This coming Monday will be a Little Circle night and is ticket only. Five Lamps’ web page is www.myspace.com/fivelamps Anyone wanting to submit films for this week’s film night can do so by contacting Dean or Daz via; www.myspace.com/fivelampsfilms Little Circle can be reached at www.myspace.com/littlecircle or [email protected]

STALLARD Synopsis STALLARD – Episode 1 stars local musician/writer/actor Ali Pow3rs in the role of psychiatrically fragile PC Frank Stallard, while local entrepreneur, licensee and music promoter Amit Zala, takes the role of enthusiastic recruit PC Jacko Rubasingham. Other notable cast members include Jerry Hope, vocalist/writer/guitarist/flugelhorner of psychedelic industrial jazz fusion act ‘The Dust Collectors’ as the disdainful PC Barry Teggert; local actor Paul Hammond as haemorrhoidal PC Terry Dougherty; and Chris Shilling and Angela Goring, actors with a varied short film and theatre history appearing as Sinister Councillor Derek Clarke and Councillor Maureen Hargreaves respectively. Ali Pow3rs has provided the score for the episode while further musical contributions come in the form of local Hip Hop MC Alex Blood who has received national airplay from Galaxy FM and Radio One. -endsFor further information call: Simon Redfern, Senior Press and PR Officer, University of Derby on 01332 591942, or email [email protected].

Award-winning Graduate Assesses Water Quality In Nigeria 27 April 2011 A University of Derby graduate has received three awards in recognition of his research work investigating water quality in Nigeria. Temidola Adedayo Ojelabi, 28, from Merchant Street, Derby, undertook the study of ground water quality in his homeland for his final degree dissertation at the University of Derby. He has been described by local water managers as a 'national hero' for his work, and an exemplar of the value of student projects abroad. He identified some water pollutants in a stretch of water in the Offa area of Nigeria related to toxic elements and heavy metals. He found levels were at a high concentration - but not above WHO (World Health Organisation) or FEPA (Food and Environment Protection Act) guidelines for potable water. Although the water meets WHO recommended standards, the water from most of the wells is not properly clean and pure enough for human consumption. Adequate treatment is required in some hand-dug wells in the study area to avoid unexpected water-borne disease that could lead to serious epidemic disease. Alex Adegoke, a commissioner for water and waste management in Offa said: "Temmy's work was very helpful, assisting us to detect some drinking well water in the locality which could pose hazards to human health by causing pipe borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and other water related diseases. "Temidola is a national hero and has laid a very good example of work for many Nigerian students abroad. His work will be remembered for many years to come and we will appreciate it if he can extend his analysis to other localities in the state. We appreciate his efforts and we wish him the very best in life." Temidola was shortlisted for the 2010 Lifechanger Awards in the category of 'Young Male Achiever' in London which recognises excellence in community development, the NAPE Awards for international achievement, and also won a prize for his studies by the University of Derby. Temidola is now also working within Derby City Council's Infrastructure Support department. Temidola said: "It was fantastic to receive such recognition for my research. I hope I have been able to raise the profile of water quality to improve people's lives in this area of Nigeria." Temidola received an internship from British Petroleum to visit Africa and undertake his study. His ground water assessment covered an area of land in Offa, southwest Nigeria, to assess its suitability for human consumption. He found the Agun and Atan streams recharge the ground water and the insufficient supply of pipe-borne water due to an increase in the population forced the majority of the people to depend on the well water as a source of potable water. The water samples were analysed in a laboratory in Lagos using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Almost all of the pollutants detected in the well water samples were discovered up to 200 metres away from identified sources of pollutions. In conclusion to his study, Temidola said: "These identified ground water pollutants can be tackled by increasing environmental interventions through public health education, which can be handled by a team of well-trained community health workers. Increasing awareness campaigns to improve household and environmental sanitation in rural and urban areas in developing countries would contribute greatly to combating groundwater pollution." His University tutors were Dr Andy Johnson and Professor Aradhana Mehra in Geographical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, who were delighted with his achievements. Dr Johnson, based in the University's Geographical, Earth and Environmental Sciences department, said: "From the outset, Temidola applied himself consistently and effectively to his project, acting on advice and turning out a commendable final report. I am delighted that his work has achieved recognition." For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email [email protected]

Award-Winning Law Graduate Is Courting Success 16 January 2014 Aptly named Law graduate Natalie Lawman has progressed from her prize-winning University of Derby course to studying to be a barrister. Natalie, 21, from St Albans, is due to graduate with a First Class LLB (Hons) law degree today (Thursday January 16) and give the traditional 'vote of thanks' from graduates to teaching staff, for the Faculty of Business, Computing and Law. During the second and third years of her law degree Natalie worked voluntarily for the Witness Service, run through the Victim Support charity, which provides guidance and support to those giving witness testimony in UK courts, whether for the prosecution or defence. Natalie said: "Whilst volunteering as a case worker one day a week in addition to my undergraduate studies, I was responsible for showing prospective witnesses around courtrooms to get them familiar with the surroundings, and help support them and their families when they actually attended the court case. Courts can be very intimidating places for those unacquainted with them." Her voluntary work saw her chosen as the first recipient, in March (2013), of the 'High Sheriff's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Law and Justice in Derbyshire'. She graduates having also won the 'Sweet and Maxwell Prize (for Best Third Year LLB Student)' and the 'Nelsons' Prize for Best Student in Company Law'. Natalie is now studying for her Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), to enable her to become a barrister. Barristers provide specialist legal advice and represent their clients in court, and through written legal advice. "I have always been intent on a career in law and knew early in my studies that I wanted to practise at the Bar; it's the additional challenges facing barristers which attracted me to it. I am currently studying for the BPTC and will be applying for pupillage for the following year, despite the competition for places," added Natalie. For more infromation about the LLB (Hons) course see website www.derby.ac.uk/courses/llb

AWARDS '09: Has Mark Put A Finger On Faster Forensics? 24 December 2008 Criminal investigations could be speeded up thanks to a forensic science breakthrough being developed by a University of Derby student. Mark Burgess has discovered a unique approach to develop fingerprints using a sputter coater to coat items. Sputter coaters are usually used to coat specimens prior to placing them in a scanning electron microscope which can develop magnifications up to 200,000 times. Sputter coaters are in wider circulation than the traditional and more expensive Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD) equipment currently used to develop some latent finger print samples. Mark said: “This is a new technique which is already gathering interest within the forensic science world. “Police forces may use the microscope for tests such as analysing gun pellets, but could also use it to develop and enhance finger prints which need further observation, perhaps because they have been exposed to environmental elements such as weather. “In comparison, only about 20 police forces have a VMD machine, so for major crimes, samples often have to be couriered to another force or forensic service providers for analysis. This can take extra time to process.” Vacuum Metal Deposition is used to develop marks on non porous items that may have been wet or damp. Due to the cost, only a small number of forces have the equipment to do this. The sputter coater develops marks in a similar way but at a fraction of the cost. Mark’s approach appears to be cheaper and just as accurate as using a Vacuum Metal Deposition approach. A VMD costs in the region of £100,000 to £125,000 where as a scanning electron microscope is just £8,000. Karen Stow, Scientific Support Manager for Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “The technique certainly has promise and from the initial study it appears to perform on a par with the VMD. In the current financial climate it is important that we take advantage of more cost effective techniques such as this.” Mark, 30, of Eastwood, Derbyshire, received the top marks in his subject area and graduates with First Class Honours at the University’s Awards Ceremonies on January 23 at the Assembly Rooms in Derby. He has recently presented his findings to the Finger Print Society, a national organisation with representatives from more than 40 police forces and 26 overseas forces on its roll, looking to develop best practice in the industry. The presentation at Derbyshire Constabulary’s Ripley headquarters, impressed the society and he is now looking for support to take his work forward. Mark’s project explored the possibility of using a sputter coater designed for coating specimens prior to examination with the scanning electron microscope – to develop latent finger prints. Many universities – including Derby – own scanning electron microscopes. As part of his final dissertation, Mark wanted to find out if this machine could produce results as reliable as the VMD machine. In controlled conditions, he set up 40 glass slides, each containing a fingerprint, coated in carbon and gold under set concentrations. This produced 40 individual slides each containing individual fingerprints. The ridge detail on each slide was then compared with ink developed fingerprints containing 16 unique features. This resulted in 30 per cent of the index finger prints containing 12-16 features, 60 per cent of the middle finger, 80 per cent of the ring finger and 10 per cent of the little finger. His tutor at Derby, Julian Love, Programme Leader for forensic science at Derby, used to work in the forensic science department at Strathclyde Police and was excited by the possibilities of the research. Fellow lecturer Dr Ian Turner, added: “Mark’s project shows both the importance of undergraduate research to the University and potentially the police and that hard work can lead to great success for the student.” -endsFor more information about this news release, contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038.

AWARDS '09: Shabila Facing A Testing Graduation Day 23 January 2009 Partially sighted Law student Shabila Kausar won’t have long to relax and enjoy her graduation day, as only hours later she will be taking an exam. Shabila, 22, of Burton-on-Trent, will receive a 2:2 for her LL.B (Hons) Law degree course at the University of Derby’s Awards Ceremony at the Assembly Rooms, on Friday morning (January 23). She will then travel to Nottingham to take an afternoon advocacy exam, as part of the one year Legal Practitioners Course she is taking. Such commitment is typical of Shabila says Christine Wiltshier, a University Librarian who has helped the student overcome degree study difficulties caused by her sight problems. Shabila is registered partially blind, the result of medical issues as a young child. She can read small text, commonly found in Law books and legal research websites, but with great difficulty. In addition to her normal librarian duties, Christine is a member of the University’s student support service team and helped Shabila with lecture note taking and internet legal research, often late into the evening. Shabila said: “I got help from a notetaker and a reader. Different people helped me out but overall I preferred Christine’s help because she had had additional training from the Law librarian.” She added: “I have my advocacy exam on the afternoon of the day I graduate. It’s one of those things, you just have to get on with it.” Proud father Ghulam Rasool, mother Naseem Akhtar and family intend to be at the Awards Ceremonies. Shabila hopes to become a family law solicitor. Christine, who is originally from New Zealand, added: “I’ve actually learnt a lot about the law through this. It has also given me an insight into English culture.” -endsFor more information about this news release, contact Press Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or email: [email protected]

AWARDS ’09: ‘Sisters in Law’ Make Graduation One In A Thousand 20 January 2009 Identical twins Emma and Kelly Shooter will be right beside each other when they graduate at the University of Derby Awards Ceremonies this Friday (January 23) – as they have been throughout their studies. The 25-year-olds, from Derby, not only look alike but both: left school at 16-years-old became Legal Clerks based in the city studied the same LL.B (Hons) law degree at the University, part-time whilst working received a 2:1 grade for their degree. They are also noteworthy for another reason – Emma will be the University’s 1,000 hLL.B (Hons) law degree graduate and her sister Kelly the 1,001 s Emma said: “After we left school we both decided we wanted to do A-levels and then the University’s law degree. “We were going to do it full time at first but at the last minute thought it would be better if we stayed in work and did it part time. That way we would still be gaining work experience, as we studied.” Kelly said: “Our lectures were done after work, two nights a week, sometimes until 9.15pm. That could be hard, coming after a full day’s work, but we had some good tutors.” Emma added: “We would do our studying and revise together. One of our lecturers said our written answers in exams were almost identical, but written in our own styles.” The sisters said they were grateful for the help and support they had received from the Smith Partnership and CJH (incorporating Greenhill Cooper) solicitors’ firms in Derby, during their studies. Their family will be watching when they pick up their law degrees on Friday morning, in the first ceremony of the University of Derby’s two days of Awards Ceremonies, at the Assembly Rooms in Derby city centre. Tony O’ Neill, Assistant Head of the School of Law and Criminology at the University, said: “Emma and Kelly were a joy to teach. Throughout their four years at the University they demonstrated ability and exceptional commitment, and they really earned their degrees the hard way. “It’s great that together they should mark the end of our first 1,000 LL.B graduates and the beginning of the next 1,000. We wish them every success for the future.”

Awards ’09: Background Around 2,300 students will enjoy the celebration and colour of the University’s annual Awards Ceremonies in Derby on Friday and Saturday (January 23 and 24). Staff, families and friends can celebrate loved ones receiving their qualifications and hundreds will watch the ceremonies on the BBC Big Screen, just outside the Assembly Rooms. Jasvinder Sanghera is one of this year’s six honorary award winners in Derby, receiving an Honorary Doctorate. She has been recognised nationally and internationally for raising awareness of forced marriages and honour related crimes, through her best selling novel Shame. She will receive her award on Saturday morning at 9.15am, at Ceremony Four.

Other honorary award winners are: David Mannion – Honorary Doctor of Letters (HonDLitt): Editor in Chief of ITV News (award received Friday, 9.15am, Ceremony One); John Tams – Honorary Doctor of Letters (HonDLitt): Five times BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner, and composer and performer of folk music (award received Friday, 12.30pm, Ceremony Two); Peter Gould – Honorary Master of Music (HonMMus): Master of Music at Derby Cathedral (award received Friday, 3.20pm, Ceremony Three); Professor Robert Howie – Honorary Doctor of Science (HonDSc): Research scientist, abstractor and author of the most widely known textbooks on mineralogy (award received Saturday, 12.30pm, Ceremony Five); John Knollys Bather - Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv): Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire for 14 years (award received Saturday, 3.20pm, Ceremony Six). There will be six ceremonies over two days. Graduating students wear mortar boards and robes, in the Derby colours of red and pale blue, to collect their certificates. On both days there will be a procession to Derby Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Service. The Oriole Marching Jazz Band and the Heage Brass Band will perform en route, on Friday and Saturday respectively. University Transport staff will work with local authorities to manage the University and city centre park and ride service. Support staff at the University’s Kedleston Road site will ensure visitors are welcomed, fed and transported to the Assembly Rooms. Other staff and students will be on hand to help at the ceremonies, including the Buxton campus’s Catering and Hospitality students, who will cater for the VIP guests in the Mayor’s Parlour at the Council House. The Graduation Ball, organised by University of Derby Students' Union, will be held at Kedleston Road on Saturday night. The entertainment will be headlined by top girl band The Saturdays. -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email: [email protected].

Awards 2010: Fund To Help Raise Awareness Of Genocide 20 January 2010 A graduate who balanced study with working as a human rights campaigner is launching a scholarship fund with the University of Derby to widen awareness of genocide internationally. Sam Boarer will graduate with a 2:1 for his BSc (Hons) in Electrical Engineering degree course at the University's Awards Ceremonies this Friday (January 22), at the Derby Assembly Rooms. While studying for his degree Sam was Chair of the international group Aegis Students - part of the genocide prevention organisation Aegis Trust - and established a Derby students' support society for it. He also spent a year volunteering with Aegis in Rwanda at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, established in 2004 by Aegis and the Kigali City Council as a memorial to victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Sam is now working as the International Co-ordinator for Aegis Students, an international student movement working to end genocide. Impressed with the graduate's work, the University of Derby is to launch a new scholarship fund supporting Aegis's mission. It will fund two places annually on Aegis's Discover Rwanda programme. This three week educational and volunteering trip is designed for people interested in learning more about the Rwandan genocide, when 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days of violence between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes, and the prejudices which can lead to such an event. People on the programme experience Rwanda's vibrant culture, visit genocide memorial sites, participate in social activities; and engage with the Rwandan Aegis Students' groups and contribute to Trust projects in Rwanda. This year it is planned for volunteers to work with schoolchildren and young adults in rural areas, who were orphaned by the genocide. Sam, 24, of Egmanton, Nottinghamshire, volunteered at The Holocaust Centre near Newark when he was a teenager. He continued to work for the anti-genocide cause when he went to University. He said: "As International Co-ordinator for Aegis Students I co-ordinate our activities outside of the UK, mainly between Rwanda and the UK. "Although on the surface there doesn't seem much relationship between the technical subject I'm graduating in and the humanitarian work I now do, what I learnt on my course has been very useful. "Organising the Discover Rwanda programme and recruiting participants from different countries is a complicated business, so the practical and organisational skills I've picked up come in very handy. As has the business module we did as part of the course. "I hope in a couple of years I will have the opportunity for further study which would tie together my technical knowledge and my work with Aegis." Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby - who worked with Sam and the University of Derby Students Union (UDSU) to create the scholarship places - said: "Sam Boarer is an impressive young man who has used his time at the University not only to benefit himself but the wider world. "We're delighted that we could help him and Aegis with their very valuable work, through this new scholarship fund. It will enable current students, who will have to fundraise alongside the University's contribution, to learn first hand about world issues and to develop further their own expertise." Caleb Jackson, President of the UDSU, added: "Sam made an outstanding contribution as head of the Aegis Society in Derby and his passion burns worldwide. He is an amazing individual." Sam's efforts reflect the strong volunteering tradition at the University of Derby, which has a Student Volunteering section within its Career Development Centre. Each year over 1,000 students get involved in a wide variety of activities at home and abroad. As well as benefiting others, students gain skills and experience that might interest a potential employer. People can work towards a University of Derby Award programme which formally recognises their contribution. For further information about the work of the Aegis Trust see website www.aegistrust.org and for Aegis Students see www.aegisstudents.org . For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected].

Awards 2010: Graduate Artist Says It With Flowers 12 January 2010 For hundreds of students the University of Derby's graduation ceremonies this month may be their only contact with its Chancellor, the Duke of Devonshire - but one artist could well meet him again later this year when he helps 'decorate' his ancestral home. Paul Cummins will graduate with a 2:1 Class degree from his BA (Hons) Crafts course , at the University of Derby's Awards Ceremonies on Friday January 22 at the Derby Assembly Rooms. The 12th Duke of Devonshire will attend the event in his role as the University's Chancellor. The Duke's Derbyshire stately home, Chatsworth, will hold the Spring Florabundance festival from May 1 to 6 this year. More than 25,000 tulips and other spring flowers will decorate the building and its garden. Among the real blooms will be up to 500 ceramic tulips, created by Paul to decorate flower borders outside The Orangery at Chatsworth. They will be on display from April 24 to May 16. Each tulip head is thrown on a potters' wheel and hand-carved, before being 'fired' or baked. Paul then hand paints them in rich colours using a tin-based Maiolica glaze, making each one unique. The flower heads will be in a range of sizes and sit on 'stems' of flexible galvanised steel rods. His ceramic creations were inspired by the tulips to be seen in paintings hanging at Chatsworth and the real flowers that will be there during the festival. Paul, 32, of The Green, Chesterfield - who gave up a career as an architect to become a ceramics artist said: "Each tulip is handmade, so no two are exactly alike. They are thrown using a potter's wheel and then individually painted with a tin glaze. "The 500 flowers will take me about three months to make. I am looking forward to seeing people's reaction to my ceramic flower heads among the real ones." For his end of degree show last summer (2009), Paul created 400 ceramic flowers to decorate part of the University's Markeaton Street site in Derby. Since then his work has been displayed at a series of UK arts and crafts festivals, and at art galleries. Simon Seligman, a Chatsworth spokesman, said: "As ever the scale of displays at Chatsworth, masterminded by noted floral arranger Jonathan Moseley and our own garden team, has to be immense to balance with the grand interiors and this will be achieved wonderfully through the use of cutting edge floral design and striking flowers such as Parrot Tulips, even some that stand up to to one metre in height. "When you add more than 16,000 tulips growing outside, donated by De Jager bulbs, and the hundreds of specially created ceramic tulips being made by Paul Cummins, the overall effect, celebrating both art and horticulture, will make Florabundance 2010 a not-to-be-missed experience." For more information about Paul's work see website www.paulcumminsceramics.com . For further information about Chatsworth House's Spring Florabundance festival see website www.chatsworth.org or call the bookings office on 01246 565300. For further University of Derby media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected]

Awards 2010: Graduate Gets Real With Computer Games 19 January 2010 Computer games expert Mat Henson is playing it seriously by creating realistic programmes for an international company whose clients include the US and UK defence departments, the police and major industries. South African Mat Henson will graduate with a 2:1 from his BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree course at the University's Awards Ceremonies on January 22-23, at the Derby Assembly Rooms. Part of his three-year course involved a year's work experience with computer games company Playgen, which has offices in New York, London and Coventry. Rather than pure entertainment games aimed at the High Street market, the company specialises in educational and training ones depicting real life possibilities. Its previous clients have included the US Department of Defense, the UK's Ministry of Defence, West Midlands Police Authority; and science, technology and bio-medical industries. Playgen was so happy with Mat's work at the company that it kept him on part-time during his final year back at the University and gave him a job at its London office after he finished his degree course last summer (2009). He is now employed at Playgen in a senior position as a Technical Director. Mat, 23, said: "Before I came from South Africa to study in the UK I had looked into different universities' computer games courses and found a lot of them too general. If you're serious about working in the industry you can't just be a 'jack of all trades'. "The Derby course was different. It has a very solid foundation in programming and maths, and a lot of the lecturers have previously worked within the computer games industry." He added: "Playgen has worked for some very big clients and it is good to be doing something that is a bit different from the popular image of computer games." Kam Star, Managing Director of PlayGen, said: "We are very pleased with the standard of students coming out of the University of Derby's Computer Games courses, as they seem to have all the qualities one needs to succeed in the industry; namely hard work, the ability to act on criticism and the resilience to maintain their thirst to succeed." More than 2,000 people will graduate from the University of Derby during its Awards Ceremonies on January 22-23 in a wide range of subjects including art, business, law, engineering, computing, education and psychology. For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected].

Awards 2010: Real 'Higher Education' For RAF Helicopter Graduates 22 January 2010 A female member of an RAF combat helicopter crew and her male colleague - both bound for Afghanistan - will be flying high when they graduate from the University of Derby. Sergeant Stephanie Cole, 24, from Wiltshire, will graduate with a Foundation Degree in Applied Aviation Studies - a joint course with the RAF - at the University's Awards Ceremonies, held this Friday and Saturday (January 22-23) at Derby Assembly Rooms. Stephanie works with several other female crew members - including Flight-Lieutenants Michelle Goodman and Joanna Watkinson, and Sergeant Wendy Donald - and is currently stationed at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire; a front line support helicopter base working within the service's Joint Helicopter Command. Stephanie is shortly due to be sent to southern Afghanistan for combat duty. Whilst there, Stephanie and her colleagues will form part of Merlin helicopter crews flying missions taking troops and supplies to the frontline against the Taliban in Helmand Province. They will also airlift casualties. Also graduating from Derby with the same Foundation Degree in Applied Aviation Studies is fellow helicopter Crewman Sergeant Lewis Tyrrell, 25, from Blackpool. He is also based at RAF Benson and due to be sent to Afghanistan later this year. Neither of the RAF officers will be attending this week's Derby Awards Ceremonies because of operational commitments. To prepare for their role Merlin helicopter crews train in the desert areas of California, USA, and at US airbase El Centro, to approximate the heat and dust they will have to deal with in Afghanistan. Stephanie and Lewis's training has included gunnery practice on the helicopter's three 7.62mm general purpose machine guns, in order to be able to defend their aircraft in Afghanistan. As a member of an RAF combat helicopter crew Stephanie said she accepted that whilst on duty they would come under enemy fire, with the possibility of being shot down or forced to ditch their aircraft in hostile territory. Stephanie has been in the RAF for three years and is the youngest member of her crew. Her training chiefly involves being responsible for the passengers and cargo in the cabin, keeping the helicopter's pilots informed of obstacles around the aircraft and defending it if necessary. She said: "If we are required to man the weapons it is to provide covering fire in a high threat situation to allow the aircraft to safely evacuate. In certain situations we will also be accompanied by an Apache or Lynx (helicopter) which will undertake the air assault role if required." Asked what she thought male troops would make of a potentially all-female crew, Stephanie added: "I don't think an all-female crew would make a difference to anyone. "We're all professionals capable of doing our jobs in the most demanding conditions and I don't think being female changes that in any way. "There's always banter between the crews, and between the different Services, but it's all light-hearted and it is one of our coping mechanisms for the conditions that we face. "I don't believe the guys on the ground would have any problem being picked up by females; the most important thing to them is that we are there to help them when they need it." One of her toughest jobs is helping to guide the aircraft during dust landings. Whilst practicing these difficult dust landings in El Centro, she said: "It's a lot easier by day than by night but it's been good. This is the great thing about the detachment to California before Afghanistan. Practice is the time to make mistakes. "The Merlin is a great bit of kit, it's been great to fly. Because we've got the onboard communications you can actually get involved with the pilot more than the other aircraft; we can help offload some of their workload." Lewis's family has a distinguished Services background. His mother was in the Navy, his father in the Royal Marines and his brother is in the Army. He said: "I am nervous about going to Afghanistan but it's what I'm trained for. My parents support me in what I'm doing." Lewis added that the Foundation Degree in Applied Aviation Studies, run by the RAF and Derby, had been useful in helping him assess his own leadership qualities, especially important for his role as a Crewman responsible for anybody boarding the helicopter. The University part of the course is run through its School of Flexible and Partnership Learning (SFPL), which uses methods such as online and distance learning, and block release, to enable students to fit coursework in around their work and home lives. Sarah Gibbons, Tutor in the Lifelong Learning Scheme based in SFPL and Programme Leader for the Foundation Degree, added: "Stephanie and Lewis's occupation is certainly an unusual one but, like all of our learners, they needed a course which would fit around the other parts of their life, which in this case are incredibly demanding. That's what our work is all about, really." For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email : [email protected]

AWARDS 2011: Chloe's 'Made Up' Over Film Industry Career 13 January 2011 A favour while at University making photographic models look good for the camera has turned into a career as a film industry make-up artist for Chloe Furze. She will graduate with a 2:1 for her BA (Hons) in Film Studies degree course on Friday 21 January, as part of the University of Derby's Awards Ceremonies at the Derby Assembly Rooms. Since finishing her course last summer (2010) she has rarely been out of work; doing the make-up for a music video and two feature films, a horror movie called Inbred and a Bollywood-style dance film called Some Day. Chloe, 21, of Glebe Close, Bolton Percy, near York, said: "My flatmate when I was at Derby was a photographer and she asked me to do the make-up for some of her models, and I ended up doing the same for other photographers. I then worked on a short film called Sugar Drop, written by University lecturer Tom Craig. "Since completing my course I've done the make-up for a video by an up and coming Belper musician called Leni Ward, and worked on two feature films shot in Yorkshire." Chloe is currently working on Gallery, a short film by York-based production company MilesTone Films, whose 2010 feature CrimeFighters was screened at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Gallery is being produced in association with fellow York production company Parashoots, whose chief executive is Mark Herman; director of acclaimed films Brassed Off, Little Voice and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. "It's been very much about learning on the job, which is fine. I would like to do some further training on hair styling, though. "When I watch a film now I'm always looking at the way they've done the make-up and if they could have done it better," added Chloe. Tom Craig, University of Derby Lecturer in Film Theory and History, said: "From the moment Chloe arrived on the Sugar Drop set, it was clear how naturally gifted she was. "Furthermore, her background in both film theory and practise, one of the key strengths of our course, meant she really understood the effect her use of make-up would have on the audience." For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected].

AWARDS 2011: Derby First Choice Despite Great Distance 12 January 2011 For one of this year's graduating students the University of Derby remained first choice, even while living on the other side of the world. Julie Basford, 45, who graduates from Derby on 21 January with an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) , will be celebrating her graduation in Perth, Australia, from where she studied the course online. Originally from Belper, Derbyshire, Julie decided to study her MBA online with the Derbyshire Business School at the University of Derby, despite relocating to Australia via Abu Dhabi. On graduating, she credits the course with getting her career and life 'Down Under' on the right track. Julie said: "I studied at the University of Derby while I still lived in the UK and worked in the city. When my husband was offered a contract in Abu Dhabi I wanted to continue studying with Derby, so I enrolled on the part time online MBA and began the course while living in the Middle East." The MBA included 'international culture', and Julie said it helped her adjust to a second move, to Perth, Australia. "It was a culture shock in many ways," said Julie. "But I think I felt better prepared because of the course. Without the knowledge and skills I gained on my MBA I doubt I would have even embarked on the changes in my life, and I certainly now have tools to embrace new challenges and thrive in different environments." A second graduate of the online MBA, Jeremy Oughton, 46, studied while working as the Head of Business Operations for the University of Abu Dhabi. The former Deputy Head of School at New College Nottingham, in Nottingham is now set to teach business at a large educational organisation in South East Asia. Jeremy, 46, originally from Coventry, said, ''Completing my MBA has been fascinating experience, coupled with working in the Middle East, has made the research and study a real live experience.'' The University provides many programmes entirely online, which can be studied from anywhere in the world. The programmes include set reading suggestions for wider reading, case studies and exercises with lecturers providing support via email and the telephone. Unlike many of the University's distance learning students who do attend the Derby Awards Ceremony at the Assembly Rooms on 21 and 22 January sadly the distance is just too great for Julie. She said: "Instead, I'll have a 'tinnie round the barbie' and reflect fondly on my time at the University." Julie Stone, Online Distance Learning Manager at Derby, said: "Knowing that students like Julie and Jeremy get so much out of their programmes at Derby that they continue to study with us even when they relocate around the world is fantastic to hear. We wish them both every success for the future."

AWARDS 2011: From Ethiopia To Zimbabwe - While At Derby 21 January 2011 An international graduate at Derby's Awards Ceremonies believes what he learned during his online Masters degree programme could alleviate some of the challenges facing Africa. Fasil Yilma's first ever visit to Derby will be to graduate with a Masters degree (MSc) in Strategic Information Technology Management , at the University of Derby's Awards Ceremonies. After completing the online Masters degree he is now working as a Senior ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Officer at the African Capacity Building Foundation in Zimbabwe, developing IT strategy. Mr Yilma said: "The course helped me to gain an international view of how we need to structure our ICT unit and how we derive business value from our ICT investments." Fasil hopes to begin some Africa-wide research on the strategic use of ICT, as he believes it could aid the future development of African countries. "I believe it is the cornerstone to alleviate many of the challenges the continent is confronted with", he said. As an online distance learning student of the University of Derby programme, Fasil found studying in this way allowed him to further his career in a way that fit in with his busy working and family life. He said: "Online study has been really perfect for me as there has been no adverse impact due to the nature of my profession or my relocations around Africa." For more information on the Online Distance Learning programmes available at the University of Derby visit www.derby.ac.uk/online

AWARDS 2011: Is PTSD An 'Identity Cancer'? 17 January 2011 Psychology student Sarah Vine has travelled 10,000 miles as she prepares to collect her degree certificate from the University of Derby later this week. Sarah studied for her BA (Hons) Psychology degree online from her home in Sydney, Australia, and travelled to the UK to spend Christmas and New Year with her family in Fife and introduce them to her recent new arrival - her second baby, Archer. Sarah has decided to extend her stay in the UK on an extended break so she and her family, including husband Matthew and their other child Wilbur can attend the University's Awards Ceremonies on January 22. As part of her course, Sarah lifted the lid on the effects of the devastating anxiety condition Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after gaining consent to interview four men and three women who accessed an online support group. Some disturbing quotes expressing sufferers' internal conflict were captured as part of her research: "I feel very unhappy about myself now, because I want to be who I was before my world exploded'. "This person that I have become, I despise. I just have self-loathing and despise who I am now, I just can't accept that I have had a personality transplant." Sarah asks if PTSD could be likened to an 'identity cancer' with sufferers talking about how their current selves are at war with their former identities as they battle to overcome the trauma. One study estimates 61% of men and 51% of women will experience at least one traumatic incident in their lives such as abuse, assault, a disaster, rape or severe accident - and while many will initially exhibit some symptoms, very few will go on to develop PTSD. Sarah wrote: "A PTSD sufferer's struggle to retain their old self is conceptualised by the majority of participants as engaging in a conflict with their disorder, which they attributed as the cause of their altered self concept. "This sense of conflict reveals the fundamental theme of this academic paper - that PTSD has a dramatic effect on the sufferer's sense of self and identity. "All of the participants described PTSD using war metaphors and winning their battle with PTSD was a symbol for regaining their former preferred selves. The loathing and contempt that all the participants expressed towards PTSD would seem to be the spark. "However... there is a flame of hope that they can recover from PTSD and this is perhaps the motivating force which keeps them going." Participants felt there was a stigma or lack of understanding about PTSD which had caused the people in their lives to withdraw from them or to alter how they interact with them, and feel that the disorder is a social, as well as a mental, disorder. Her work was encapsulated by the following comment from a study participant: "We all want to believe our brains (and therefore we) are unbreakable. Unfortunately, when our brains break, people cannot see the damage and they expect us to 'just get over it'. Unlike bones we cannot put a plaster on our brain and we cannot stop using it whilst it heals. Instead we have to use it while it is still damaged and just do the best we can." Michele Rosenthal, a PTSD survivor who founded the online support group which Sarah accessed for her studies, said: "I believe the element of self-perception and identity is critically important in the healing process. The crux of this idea is that trauma survivors rendered powerless during trauma often develop PTSD. In this chronic state, it is difficult to heal. However, when that perspective or state is shifted and survivors begin to feel powerful there's an enormous change in progress." Sarah was attracted to study the degree course as it is BPS-accredited, and praised the IPA Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach she used to help identify and glean information from sufferers. She graduates with a 2:1 degree, and collects the University's McGraw-Hill Prize for Outstanding Independent Study for her dissertation entitled: 'Unbreak my brain: the meaning and experience of living with post-traumatic stress disorder: an interpretative phenomenological analysis'. One of her University tutors Professor James Elander, said: "Sarah's study is a good example of how small scale research can provide important psychological insights, if the study addresses an important issue, and is well designed and carried out. "It also illustrates the growing role of the internet in mental health and psychological research. Sarah is an online student who studied members of an online support group, and used the internet to collect her data." For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email [email protected]

AWARDS 2011: Photographer Graduates - 30 Years After Picking Up A Camera 21 January 2011 A photographer who has been capturing images of major news events for 21 years is to graduate in the subject. Notts-born Gary Austin, 46, learnt photography as a teenager while travelling the world as a Royal Marines Commando. After leaving the forces he covered news and sports for national newspapers and magazines as an agency photographer; then as a freelance photographer capturing events such as hunt saboteur actions, the G8 summit, and environmental and other protests. In 2005 he set up the photographers' collective, Radical Images, to work on ethical documentary photography. Gary is also a freelance artist at Derby's QUAD arts centre working on digital arts, media (including photography) and public participation art. He will graduate with a 2:2 in his BA (Hons) Photography degree course, at the University's Derby Awards Ceremonies - but Gary will not be able to attend his ceremony because he will be working. Gary of Station Road, Little Eaton, said: "Even though I'd worked as a photographer for over 20 years I felt I wanted to learn more about the artistic side of the subject, the question of what makes a good picture? "I think the strength of the Derby course is in the quality of its lecturers; such as Professor John Goto and Professor John Blakemore, as well as the other course lecturers." "Because I did the Foundation year part of the degree course I also got to try other art techniques, such as drawing and sculpture, that I'd never done before, which I'm still using in my work with the QUAD centre." Gary's photographic work was exhibited in the Foundry Gallery in London in 2007, and he has been selected as an exhibitor for the prestigious international 2011 Format Festival of photography, to be held in Derby from March 4 to April 3.

AWARDS 2011: Sarabjit's Struggle To Get Onto Write Path 20 January 2011 A woman who has written movingly about the degenerative muscular condition which leaves her unable to even smile will graduate from the University of Derby tomorrow Friday 21 January. Writer Sarabjit Parmar, 27, from Leicester, will graduate from the University at its ceremony at the Derby Assembly Rooms with a Joint Honours degree in Media Writing and Creative Writing . She and fellow student Kimberley Ellis will deliver the official student 'vote of thanks' for their faculty before their graduation ceremony. Sarabjit has had facioscapulohumeral (FSH) muscular dystrophy from childhood. The genetic condition causes a progressive weakening of skeletal muscles in the face, shoulders and upper arms. In Britain it affects at least one person in every 50,000 to varying degrees. In Sarabjit's case it means she is a permanent wheelchair user, has difficulty speaking and cannot smile. She has written eloquently about her experiences of living with FSH muscular dystrophy and people's reactions to disability generally in a range of publications, including The Guardian newspaper in 2009, and on other subjects. Sarabjit said: "Three years ago I had awfully big doubts about committing myself to a university course; where to go, what to study and so on. "After much consideration I finally decided that Derby offered me what I needed if I was going to make writing my career. Looking back, that was the best decision and I'm extremely grateful to all those who have helped me since those first few anxious days." Sarabjit has used her life experiences to inform her studies, writing a final year dissertation for her degree on the way that disability is portrayed in the fashion and modelling industry. "I may be disabled myself but even I was surprised at how much I really didn't know about disability representation. It really has been a learning curve," she added. Sarabjit now wants to use what she has learnt on her degree course to make a living as a freelance writer. Colin Dyter, Subject Leader for Joint Honours Media Writing at the University of Derby, said: "Sarabjit is a very determined student who has overcome enormous difficulties to successfully complete her degree. I'm sure she will do well in her writing career in future." For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email [email protected]

AWARDS 2011: 'The Only Way Out Is Through' 14 January 2011 A tattoo on Will Goring's left arm indicates how he summoned up the strength to get through life during his dad's courageous fight with cancer. The 24-year-old, from, Mickleover, graduates at the University of Derby's Awards Ceremonies on Saturday 22 January with a 2:2 degree in BSc (Hons) Geography . He is now on course to secure his dream job as a teacher after he completes a teacher training qualification. But graduation will be a difficult day for the Goring family as Will's dad Robert lost his 18-month battle with cancer in October 2009. A member of Derby Rugby Club, and former captain of the University rowing club, keen sportsman Will has the phrase 'The Only Way Out Is Through' tattooed on his arm alongside his dad's initials, RAG. Will said: "Dad never gave up so I told myself there was no way I could give up on my studies. The tattoo I have on my arm includes his initials and the motto comes from my interest in rugby - when you have a difficult tackle you never go round it - you always go through it - and as a family coping with Dad's illness, that is what we have tried to do." After an initial diagnosis of oesophageal cancer in May 2008 and following months of gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the family thought Robert had beaten the illness when the cancer went into remission the following January. But they were dealt a crushing blow just a few weeks later as Robert, a JCB engineer, was hoping to return to work to embark on light duties as part of his recovery, when medics discovered he had developed cancer in the hip and ribs. Terminal bone cancer was diagnosed on May 16, 2009. Will and his family continued to nurse and support his father through the following few months, helping him to achieve some of his lifetime ambitions such as seeing the first modern day flight of the Vulcan and taking a helicopter flight with wife Liz. Robert sadly passed away on October 23, 2009 in the Nightingale Macmillan Unit at Derby Royal Hospital, at the age of 59. Will said: "My father had decided that cancer would not take him and that he would decide when he went. That was the sort of determined personality he had. He wanted to make the best of his last few months and there were some things he wanted to experience and see which we were able to help him achieve. "He saw a battle re-enactment with his brothers Gerald and Steven, in which the Vulcan RAF bomber performed a bombing demonstration, and enjoyed a final family holiday with us in Devon. "Not a day goes by now without us thinking about losing dad but he was so brave and would not give in, living life by the motto "don't worry, fate is in the cards you are dealt." Will also had some good friends who have supported him through the last couple of years including Will Asher and Richard Mills. Will (Goring) and Will Asher also took part in a number of charity events including a 325 mile London to Paris bike ride - raising a total of £10,000 for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support . With his father's illness, Will had to temporarily put his University studies on hold but managed to complete everything bar his final dissertation before his father was admitted to hospital in September 2009. Despite his subsequent bereavement, Will tackled his dissertation around Christmas 2009, completing his degree in March 2010 - his final project exploring legacies around the forthcoming London Olympic Games. Will said: "With everything that happened, the dissertation was the only thing which had to be put on hold. I had carried on with my studies until that point, my mother and brother still had to work and we all took our turns to look after Dad and support him in his final few months." Will is currently deputy managing at the Bluebell Inn in Farnah Green, Belper, and he is also hoping to start teacher training in the next few months at the University of Derby. He wants to become a teacher having enjoyed a trainee teacher role at Landau Forte College some years ago which first inspired him to apply to enrol on a degree course at Derby. He will attend the Awards Ceremonies on Saturday 22 January with his mum Liz, brother Simon and Simon's girlfriend Claire. Will's tutor at the University of Derby, Oliver Tomlinson said: "We are delighted that Will and his family are attending the Awards Ceremonies this January. I'm really proud of him as a person as well as what he has achieved through such adversity." Will concluded: "Completing the degree has been a massive weight off our shoulders - it was the last thing on the cancer path which we had to negotiate as a family. Graduating will be emotional as Dad will not be there in person - but I know he is always with us inspiring us all to achieve our goals." For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email [email protected]

Awards Accolade for University Learning Space Team Led By LEI 6 November 2013 The University was 'Highly Commended' at a prestigious national awards ceremony for the UK audiovisual industry. Its Learning Space Team was shortlisted in the 'Education Project of the Year' category, along with its audio-visual supplier AVM Ltd, at the 2013 AV Awards , for the University's Learning Pods. The Pods are seated booths on the Markeaton Street site's upper floors, fitted with the latest audio-visual technologies, to allow students and staff to hook mobile devices into the system and use screen displays to work collectively, or to just relax. Derby was shortlisted for this award category alongside finalists from the universities of Cambridge and Bradford but was the only one to receive a 'Highly Commended' accolade. The category was won by Osborne Technologies for its SensoryPod project. Simon Birkett, Technology-Enhanced Learning Manager for the University's Institute for Learning Enhancement and Innovation (LEI), said: "It's of great credit to the team behind the Learning Pods idea - which involved LEI working with the Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology; IT Services and Estates' colleagues - to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award, and then be 'Highly Commended'. "The Pods have proven very popular with staff and students in the year since they were installed, and have turned what was previously unused space into vibrant, creative areas for learning." The annual AV Awards recognise the UK's audio-visual leaders; with categories covering business, environmental, technical, educational and other aspects of the industry. The 2013 awards ceremony was held at the London Hilton in October.

Awards Add Up For UDC 4 December 2012 University of Derby Corporate (UDC) Workforce Development Fellows Ann Minton and Carol Steed have secured another award for UDC after picking up the 'Best Workshop Proposal Prize' at the University Vocational Awards Council Conference, which took place in York in November. Their winning presentation, Meeting The Challenges Of Developing High Impact Apprenticeships In HE, beat off stiff competition from other universities including Middlesex, Teeside and Northumbria. Commenting on receiving the award, which came with a prize fund of £100, Ann said: "We were delighted to be awarded the prize, keeping up our 100% success rate as Conor Moss won it last year, and our certificate is on proud display in the Enterprise Centre. We were inclined to spend the prize money on a trip to the spa but decided to donate it instead to the Safe@Last charity which Carol recently climbed Kilimanjaro to raise funds for." Carol added: "Safe@Last is a fantastic charity that works with children and young people throughout South Yorkshire, providing a 24 hour helpline, a missing young people's service, one-to-one outreach and support work. I'm thrilled that we can add the prize money to the funds already raised only a couple of weeks after returning from the climb."

Awards Celebration Highlighting Professional Excellence 18 February 2011 Around 40 students who have studied on a range of professional and vocational courses to boost their academic and industry expertise will graduate tomorrow (Saturday) at the University of Derby. The University is hosting an Awards Ceremony at its Kedleston Road site in Derby for students who have been studying on a range of BTEC, diploma and other education courses. Students from the following courses will graduate: BTEC Professional Diploma (Clinical Pharmacy Technicians) BTEC Professional Diploma (Aseptic Services) University Diploma in Quarry Technology University Diploma in Asphalt Technology Certificate in Construction Materials Certificate in Ready Mixed Concrete Technology. The event starts at 2pm and guests will be greeted by University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Barnes, and the special guest will be Terry Last, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Tarmac. The University of Derby Corporate, the University's business to business arm, works closely with the Institute of Quarrying and the Institute of Asphalt Technology to provide industry accredited courses, and works closely to ensure the education and training it offers meets industry specific needs. The collaboration was highlighted as an example of best practice between industry and academia by the CBI about three years ago. The academic collaboration with Derby helps the quarrying and asphalt technology industries to address a number of key initiatives and legislation by training and supporting staff. For example, in a bid to drive up safety standards in the quarrying industry, since the launch of the Health and Safety Executive's Hard Target Initiative in 2000, it is making excellent strides towards its target of achieving zero reportable accidents by 2015, and the University Diplomas feature health and safety training within its course content. At Saturday's ceremony, the student vote of thanks will be provided by student Becky Slater, who also works at Tarmac as a site manager at Dene quarry in Matlock. She has responsibility for the day to day running of the site including health, safety and environmental issues. Becky said: "It was an extremely valuable course and we learnt a wide variety of topics which are going to be invaluable for my job. Site safety is always the top priority on any site and this was extensively covered during the course. "I would recommend the course to others as it provided us with vital knowledge and skills to put into practice within the workplace." From this coming September, all students who study on any professional and vocational courses at Derby will study at the Enterprise Centre , which is the UDC's headquarters in Bridge Street, Derby. Paul Wilkinson, Head of Corporate Sales at UDC, said: "This Awards Ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the excellence and achievement of students. Despite the current challenging economic climate they have balanced work and other commitments with studying for a professional or vocational qualification to help equip them with key skills and knowledge as their careers develop in the future." For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email [email protected]

Badminton Star Becomes University Ambassador 26 May 2011 A British badminton star is using her extensive experience and achievements to raise the profile and quality of sport at the University of Derby after becoming its Sports Ambassador. During an impressive career, Donna Kellogg MBE, who hails from Spondon, Derbyshire, represented Great Britain in the women's and mixed badminton doubles in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics, had a career world ranking of fourth, won 11 English National titles as well as Commonwealth Games and European Gold Medals. She was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2010 for services to badminton. Donna will be using the experience she gained at the top of her sport to drive the development of badminton and other sports at the University through Team Derby . University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Coyne, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Donna to Team Derby. It reflects how serious the University is about sport. "We want to increase participation, identify emerging talent and become increasingly competitive. We know that Donna, an elite performer, will be an inspiration to everyone within the University and the community she works with in this role." Donna, who gained a BSc in Physical Education from Loughborough University before embarking on her badminton career said: "I'm really excited about working with the University, helping its teams and individuals in their pursuit of sporting excellence in the British Universities and Colleges Sport and beyond it. "With lots of students studying on sport programmes, some fantastic facilities and a focus on sport through the new Team Derby brand there is a real opportunity to attract sporting talent to Derby and increase levels of participation and achievement," she added. Ollie Shearer, Sport Development Manager said: "Donna will be a fantastic ambassador for the University and addition to the team, and as Head Coach of the student badminton teams we know she will bring her skills and experience to drive the sport forward." Find out more about the University's sports degree programmes and for more information on extra curricular sport at the University of Derby visit website www.teamderby.com

Baton Passed From Derby Torchbearer To Games Maker 26 July 2012 As the Olympic Torch ends its journey at the London Olympics' opening ceremony this Friday, another handover has taken place between two University of Derby students - one a Derby Torchbearer the other a 'Games Maker', who will be volunteering during the Games. Olympic Torchbearer Debbie Watkins, 45, from Chaddesden, who is currently studying on the BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree at the University of Derby, carried the torch as it made its way through Derby on June 29. She ran with it from the Council House to the Flower Pot pub at 7.11pm on the day. Debbie bought her torch into the University this week, and met BA (Hons) Business Management student Amy Hall, who is heading to London to volunteer at the Games from Saturday (July 28), and gave her the chance to hold it. Amy, 22 from Derby, will be working at Olympic venue, Earls Court, as a steward at the volleyball competition for the duration of the Games. Debbie got to carry the torch in recognition of her dedication to helping all of those around her achieve their dreams, and for having the courage to do so herself. At the age of 43, Debbie began a higher education degree - at the same University as her children Stephen, 21, who is currently studying a BSc (Hons) Sound, Light and Live Event Technology degree at Derby, and Claire, 23, who graduated from a BSc (Hons) Geography degree last year. Debbie said: "I was working in accountancy and was very unhappy. I always wanted to write but just didn't have the confidence to put pen to paper. I'd encouraged my children to follow their dreams and study at University, and watching them enjoy the experience made me realise I should do it myself." Since starting her course Debbie has been involved in scriptwriting and directing a short film set and filmed in Derby recently. "If I already have the confidence to contribute to films after my first year, then I'm so excited about what I'll be involved in once I graduate," she added. Amy Hall said: "Having the Olympics Games in this country was too good an opportunity to miss and I just wanted to be involved. I am so excited to be a volunteering at the Games and can't wait for them to begin."

BBC Explorer Discovers Unique Eco-Degree At Buxton 1 August 2013 Award-winning BBC travel presenter Simon Reeve took part in a special event at the University of Derby Buxton to launch a new BSc (Hons) Ecotourism degree, the only one of its kind in the UK. Simon was invited to the Buxton Dome to talk about his adventures across the world and the impact - both positive and negative - that tourism can have on the ecology and economy of travellers' destinations. His career has seen him visit 110 countries, publish bestselling books and produce a number of travel documentaries, including his most recent series on Australia and the Indian Ocean. He is an adventurer in the truest sense of the word and has a keen interest in development and conservation work. The University's new BSc Ecotourism degree explores the complex relationship between tourism and the environment. Speaking at the event, Simon said: "It is about time that we had such a course on offer in the UK. Ecotourism is such a fantastically important subject and one that will become much more useful and important in the future. "On my travels I see how economic development can help to lift poor people out of poverty. The course will give students really useful and professional skills which will be much in demand in the future by travel companies." Course leader Dr Tony Johnston arranged the event to launch the degree to prospective students. He said: "We are based in Buxton in the heart of the Peak District, one of the most visited national parks in the world. It is a great playground, and the perfect place to learn about ecotourism. "I am particularly passionate about the social science of tourism and really looking forward to teaching students how it can be used as a positive force for economic, social and environmental change." Some of the students already booked onto the course for September 2013 attended the launch. Imogen Mason-Brown, a 22 year old student from Suffolk added: "I was looking for a course that dealt with travel and the outdoors so I arranged to come to the open day at Buxton hoping to find out more about the Adventure Tourism course. In the meantime, the Ecotourism degree was developed and I didn't hesitate to apply. I am really looking forward to getting stuck into the course and gaining the crucial skills that will help me in my future career." The University is currently recruiting for September entry for the BSc Ecotourism degree. For any enquiries about outdoor programmes please visit www.derby.ac.uk/outdoor or contact course leader Dr Tony Johnston at [email protected]. For further tourism programmes visit www.derby.ac.uk/business/hotel-resortand-spa-management/tourism

BBC’s Question Time Comes to Buxton 14 November 2007 Flagship politics programme Question Time will be broadcast from the University of Derby’s stunning Devonshire Campus in Buxton tomorrow (Thursday November 15). In a special for the 28-year-old BBC One programme, Liberal Democrat leadership hopefuls Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne will face each other and the public’s questions in a debate chaired by Question Time host David Dimbleby. An audience of around 150, including Buxton residents, in the Dome at the University of Derby Buxton , will have the chance to quiz the candidates in front of an anticipated TV audience of around 2.6million viewers. Question Time’s visit to the campus comes almost exactly two years after the venue was used by BBC Radio Four’s politics panel programme Any Questions?, chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby. He declared after that show: "I can honestly say that I have never broadcast from a more spectacular venue in 20 years of Any Questions?" Commenting on the preparations for Question Time’s arrival at the Dome tomorrow, Christine Sweetmore, Development Manager at the University of Derby Buxton, said: "Working on Question Time has been a great experience. The BBC work to extremely short deadlines with final details received only a matter of days before the event, so as a team we have had to react and deliver very quickly. "I’m now looking forward to seeing the programme broadcast from such a wonderful setting." Professor David Gray, Dean of the University of Derby Buxton, added: "We are delighted to have Question Time in the Dome at the Devonshire Campus, Buxton. Following on from the visit by Any Questions?, it shows the attraction of this fantastic venue." The Question Time programme from Buxton can be seen tomorrow, Thursday November 15, on BBC One at 10.35pm. -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023, or email [email protected]. Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or email: [email protected].

Best Ever 'Satisfaction' Score for University of Derby In National Survey 27 September 2012 It's official - the University of Derby's students are more satisfied than they have ever been. The National Student Survey (NSS) of UK universities' final-year students is an anonymous annual survey (run since 2005) asking them to rate a range of their university's qualities including teaching, lecturers' enthusiasm, library resources and many others. Students rank questions such as 'staff have made the subject interesting' from 'definitely agree' down to 'definitely disagree'. In all 23 'core questions' in the 2012 NSS survey - published today (Thursday September 27) - the University of Derby equalled or improved on its 2011 Survey results, and received its best ever 'overall satisfaction' rating of 83% (two percentage points higher than last year). More than two-thirds (23) of the 34 subject areas in which Derby was rated had 'overall satisfaction' scores of 80% or more. High-scoring courses for 'overall satisfaction' included: BA (Hons) History - 100% (for the third year in a row) BA (Hons) Applied Social Work - 100% Foundation Degree in Children's and Young People's Services - 98% BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science - 96% HND Business and Management - 94% LLB (Hons) Law degree - 94% BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance - 94% HND Sciences - 93% BEd (Hons) Primary Education - 93% BA (Hons) Education Studies - 93% Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies (Adult) - 92% BA (Hons) Fashion Studies - 92%. Derby students' response rate for the 2012 NSS survey was 70% (or 2,063 students out of a possible 2,940), which was higher than the average for all higher education institutions (67%). Pro Vice-Chancellor Philip Plowden, who has responsibility for enhancement of learning and teaching at the University, said: "These are excellent results for the University. "Our staff take great pride in ensuring that all our students have an outstanding experience and we are delighted that these results show such high levels of student satisfaction." Feedback from the NSS Survey, which is carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, is used by Derby to improve the way academic courses and other aspects of the University are run. It also informs the various university league tables which appear during the year. The NSS Survey is aimed at final-year students but Derby runs its own ongoing Feedback campaign to assess the views of other students and members of the Students' Union also sit on the University committees. For more information on the NSS Survey see website www.thestudentsurvey.com For further press information on the University of Derby's results please contact Sean Kirby, University Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: [email protected]

Big Day For Jacqui's Beautiful Bridalwear Design 15 March 2013 A Fashion Studies student who once designed bridesmaids' dresses for her own wedding has now seen a bridal gown she created take First place in a prestigious national contest. Jacqui Luker, 49, a third-year student on the University of Derby's BA (Hons) Fashion Studies degree course, won the 'Best Student Designer' category at the Bridal Buyer Awards 2013, at the Harrogate Bridal Show. The annual Awards, which also feature other categories, is sponsored by Bridal Buyer magazine . There were 12 student finalists in Jacqui's contest category (sponsored by bridal designer Ian Stuart and the magazine) including from Hull College of Art & Design, the University of Huddersfield and Sheffield Hallam University. She and other finalists had to design and make a full bridal outfit, with six of the gowns then being chosen to be modelled on the catwalk in front of industry experts and guests, as part of the annual British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate (March 10 to 12). Jacqui, of Windmill Lane, Ashbourne, said her path into fashion design had been unconventional. She added: "I actually trained as an accountant, and worked for major companies including DuPont and ICI, before starting up my own property company. But I had always been interested in sewing and making clothes, from my teddy bears when I was young to designing the bridemaids' dresses for my own wedding. "I decided that if I wanted to study fashion it was now or never. The University tutors have been very helpful throughout my degree course, and the fashion studio technicians and graphics designer at Derby were great when it came to turning my design for the Bridal Buyer Awards into a real outfit." Jacqui will complete her course this summer (2013) and is interested in joining a fashion house on the pattern cutting side of the industry. Fiona Hawthorne, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Studies at the University, said: "Producing beautiful bridalwear requires incredible skill on the part of a fashion designer, as every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day. "Jacqui has done so well to win this category, and in front of professional bridalwear designers and buyers from all over the UK." For more information about the Bridal Buyer Awards 2013 see website www.bridalbuyer.com/home/the2013-bridal-buyer-awards To learn more about the University of Derby's Fashion Studies degree course see website www.derby.ac.uk/courses/fashion-studies-ba-hons For further press information please contact Sean Kirby, University of Derby Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: [email protected]

Big Impact For 'Little Black Dress' At Clothes Show Live 11 December 2013 A perfect party outfit created for Clothes Show Live 's 25th birthday bash by a University of Derby Fashion Studies student has scooped her a 'Young Designer of the Year' award. Joanne Street's unique take on the 'little black dress' was one of ten shortlisted, from hundreds of original entries, for the category at the special annual Clothes Show Live event at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre. On the final day of the 25th anniversary Show yesterday (December 10) Joanne - a second-year on the University's BA (Hons) in Fashion Studies degree - was crowned its Young Designer of the Year. She received £1,000 prize money for herself and a week's work experience with a top British designer, and has won a further £1,000 for the University's Fashion Studies degree at its Markeaton Street site in Derby. The Clothes Show Live judges, including fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, were very taken with Joanne's modern twist on a party dress standby; which featured an exaggerated turtleneck, laser cut fabric inspired by the stained glass window of a Gothic church, and incorporated the show's logo and '25s' to mark its anniversary. Joanne, 19, originally from Codsall, Staffordshire, said: "It was a surreal experience, as none of my designs have been on a catwalk like that before. "When Zandra Rhodes announced my name it was an amazing feeling. It's all been a bit of a whirlwind and an unforgettable experience. I'd like to thank my tutors for all their help and support." This is not Joanne's first high profile award. As a first year she won an Asda Graduate Fashion Week prize for her men's T-shirt designs. Fiona Hawthorne, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Studies, added: "To win two highly competitive student fashion competitions like this in a row is terrific. We're very proud of her. "Joanne's drive makes you wonder what she will accomplish in the third and final year of her degree course." Media requiring further information about this press release should contact Sean Kirby, University of Derby Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: [email protected]

Big Rise For Derby in Latest Guardian University Guide 22 May 2012 The University of Derby was one of the highest climbers in the 2013 University Guide, published today by The Guardian newspaper. In the overall rankings Derby is now in 70th position (out of 120 UK higher education institutions), up from 94th in last year's guide. This makes it the fifth highest climber in the country, overtaking regional neighbours Nottingham Trent University and De Montfort University in the process. The news was welcomed by Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, who said: "We're delighted that the work of the University is starting to be better reflected in the League Tables. "What is particularly satisfying in this instance is that we have improved in six of the eight measures used by The Guardian, which highlights our continued progress across the board. These are challenging times for our sector, but we are rising to that challenge and relishing the need to continually evolve and improve." As well as providing an overall ranking, The Guardian's University Guide also scores universities by subject area. Again here, there were some impressive results for the University of Derby: Law scoring joint first for 'value added' Tourism, Transport and Travel ranked in the top ten nationwide Education ranked 14th Music ranked 19th History ranked 34th overall in a category dominated by the older universities, with a 100% satisfaction rate amongst students. Professor Coyne added: "The subject scores reflect our versatility. We are already well recognised for our more vocationally-focused courses but strong performances in the likes of History highlight our ability to also deliver quality in more traditional subjects. "Overall, the fact that we have scored particularly well in terms of 'student-to-staff' ratios and 'spend per student' highlights what is important to us. Our strength has always been to provide the personal touch to students through smaller class sizes, a personal tutor and a wide support network, and we will never lose sight of that." The 2013 University Guide can be found at www.guardian.co.uk/education/universityguide . For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email: [email protected] or Russell Langley, Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 591041 or email: [email protected]

BioBlitz Has Moss Appeal 11 June 2010 Wildlife enthusiasts smashed a target to find 500 different species in 24 hours in a city park and made some exciting finds in the process - including a moss new to Derbyshire and a nationally rare beetle. Derbyshire's first ever BioBlitz was a 24 hour period of wildlife recording aimed at providing a comprehensive list of all the animal and plant species in Markeaton Park. From 5pm Saturday (June 5) to 5pm Sunday (June 6), 597 species were identified. One of the most interesting finds was a species of moss never recorded in Derbyshire before. Mosses belong to a group of plants called Bryophytes that are often overlooked as they are small and difficult to identify. However, Tom Blockeel, the County Bryophyte Recorder, confirmed the identification of the moss. Another exciting discovery was a rare beetle, found by Graham Maynard, the Derbyshire Beetle Recorder. The BioBlitz was part of the Springwatch Wild Day Out, a weekend of nature based activities to raise awareness of issues around biodiversity, which was organised by WildDerby in partnership with the University of Derby and the BBC. Members of the public searched for wildlife, and experts were on hand to help identify what they found. The findings were then recorded on a database in the park's pitch and putt pavilion, which served as the 'hub' of the event. Dr Graham Rowe, Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University said: "At 5pm on Sunday the total was 597, but there were still some species that we hadn't got round to identifying by that time, so the actual figure will be well over 600. "And that is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm sure that, given more time, we'd find five times that amount living in the park. "This activity shows just how diverse our surrounding wildlife is, and that there are so many species right under our nose." The day itself was a great success and featured a range of activities including bat walks, bike rides and even worm charming! There were dozens of local organisations exhibiting in the park, providing activities, information and advice. Very rarely can so many experts be found in one place, so it was a great opportunity for people to find out more about local wildlife. A big screen broadcast films and slideshows across the park, as well as live images from a roving camera. Radio Derby presenter Andy Potter acted as compere for the event, and found himself carrying out all sorts of activities. He said: "It immediately became clear that it would be a day full of learning, excitement and tired legs! "It's amazing to think that I could be at a venue that I grew up next to and not actually know much about its environment or wildlife. Huge moths, bats, earthworms and over 500 different wildlife species certainly opened my eyes." John Millar, chairman of the wildlife sub group, for Friends of Markeaton Park, and other group members took part in the event. He said: "It was great to have a weekend to promote some of the benefits of the park in terms of the wildlife there. We found more species than we expected and it was also a great opportunity to network and make friends." Another highlight of the day was B-Active's 'Smoothie Cycle' activity, which involved making fruit smoothies by pedal power. Peter Walker, Community Relations Officer at the University, said: "It was lovely to meet so many dedicated experts who clearly love their subject, and have a great ability in imparting this knowledge to the public with enthusiasm. "I think the event was a tremendous success. Hopefully this will prove a great foundation for us to build on and we look forward to holding similar events in the future." For more information about this news release, contact Luke Foddy, Community Projects, on 01332 591945 or email [email protected]

Biologist Shells Out For Extinct Giant Bird's Egg 30 July 2013 The egg of a long extinct giant bird is the latest cracking teaching aid to be acquired by the University of Derby . The flightless elephant bird of Madagascar, which could grow to 11 feet tall and looked like a heavily built ostrich, was the world's largest bird until it became extinct in the 17th Century. It also holds the record for the world's largest egg - usually over a foot long from end-to-end and around 100 times the size of a chicken egg. An undamaged elephant bird's egg sold for £66,675 at auction at Christie's in London in April this year. Now a similar, reassembled egg has been acquired by the University of Derby's Biology Department, as a teaching aid. Graham Rowe, Programme Leader for Biology, sourced the egg for the University. It was found in the south of Madagascar and, although elephant birds survived until the 17th century, this one is much older, believed to be around 20,000 years old. Madagascar is a former French colony and the University's egg was obtained from a specialist dealer in France. BBC presenter Sir David Attenborough also owns a reconstructed elephant bird's egg, built from shell fragments collected whilst filming in the former colony in 1961. Graham said: "I was shocked by the size of the box shipped over to the University from France. Our bubble-wrapped egg had been buried amongst about 100 tightly packed empty Evian mineral water bottles. You wouldn't want something like this breaking again, after the obvious care with which someone has at one time glued the egg back together. "It's amazing to think that you can hold in your hand the egg of what was once the largest feathered bird on Earth, more than 300 years after it became extinct. "The University occasionally acquires these sorts of exhibits, as they are great teaching aids to instil that kind of wonder in our science degree students and in the schools' parties we have regularly visiting us. Of course, at £300 our egg cost only a small fraction of what the Christie's one sold for." Graham added: "To see such an object in real life rather than in a book or on a screen makes Biology teaching at Derby come alive". For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby, University of Derby Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: [email protected]

Birthday Gift For 92 Years Young Customer 21 June 2011 Buxton's premium Spa at the Dome invited its oldest and most loyal customer to experience a revolutionary new skin analysis system this week - and discovered the 92 year-old has skin as healthy as a 60 year-old woman. May Forder, from Lismore Road Buxton, recently celebrated her 92nd birthday, and as a gift to her, Hair, Beauty and Spa at the Dome invited her to experience the state-of-the-art Elemis SkinLab analysis; available at the salon for this week only (June 21 - 24 June). Mrs Forder has been coming to the University of Derby Buxton's salons every week since 1983 when it was High Peak College, enjoying a range of treatments such as facials, manicures, pedicures and hair services during that time. And it seems these weekly visits have paid off, as the analysis showed that Mrs Forder's skin was in excellent condition. Amanda Garrington from Hair, Beauty and Spa at the Dome said: "Elemis SkinLab is a unique 15-minute experience where clients like Mrs Forder receive a personalised facial mapping analysis, showing evidence of invisible sun damage and ageing, both on and below the surface of the skin." Heather Lloyd, a student on the University of Derby Buxton's Foundation Degree in Spa Management, said: "Mrs Forder has skin of a much younger woman; not much sun damage, good plumpness and no dehydration." On the treatment Mrs Forder said: "Today's treatment was a nice surprise as usually I just get my hair done. It was really interesting to see the pictures of my skin and I enjoyed the facial." The Elemis SkinLab combines state-of-the-art technology in facial mapping analysis and a lifestyle consultation to offer the client face and bodycare solutions. This special offer price of just £10 is redeemable on any Elemis products purchased on the day. Appointments for the Elemis Skinlab are being taken now for Tuesday June 21 to Friday June 24. Book by calling Hair, Beauty and Spa at the Dome on 01298 338408, or call in at reception.

Blackboard Mobile App Launched 18 February 2013 LEI's Technology Enhanced Learning Team , together with colleagues in ITS , has been working to test and launch Blackboard's own mobile app. On February 4 the app went live to download and use. It has been designed for mobile phones and tablet devices such as Android, Apple and Blackberry. The app allows you to log into your institutions' virtual learning environment, using your own log-in details to access the University's Course Resources, providing quick access to: communication of course updates access programs and module information Blackboard blogs and journals. With an internet connection the app is a user-friendly way of accessing content for both students and lectures, with the ability to view a range of formats via supported browsers or additional applications. This investment in learning resources will allow students to receive announcements, participate in discussions and review content whilst on the move, which has the potential to enhance the student experience and their achievements. Download the app for free by searching for 'Blackboard Mobile Learn' on devices' app stores via: Android (Search Google Play) iPhone/iPod/iPad (Search the App Store) Blackberry (Search Blackberry App World).

Blackwell's Acquires Waterstones Bookshop At The University 30 May 2013 Blackwell's Bookshops has today confirmed that it is to take over the operation of Waterstones bookshop at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site from the 1st June 2013 Britain s leading academic bookseller now plans to acquire more shops over the next year as the company continues to outperform the market While many bookshops are being forced to close their doors Blackwell s is looking to expand its portfolio of shops which serve 56 higher education institutions across England Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland Following the recent announcement of the closure of their Library Services Decision the move reaffirms Blackwell s strategy to focus on Bookshop and Digital opportunities decentralising operations and giving authority back to local managers and their teams in order to return the business to profitability and ultimately to deliver a John Lewis style employee partnership scheme Blackwell s has confirmed that the current University of Derby Waterstones bookshop team will continue to work at the shop after it changes hands David Prescott Blackwell s CEO said We are delighted to announce our new bookshop at the University of Derby Our discussions with the University have showed that they are a progressive and forward thinking institution and we are excited to be working with them on developing services which benefit the students as well as the University and ourselves I m particularly pleased that we have been able to retain the bookselling skills and experience of the current Bookshop team We look forwards to welcoming them into the Blackwell s fold Hari Punchihewa Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby said: "Blackwell s reputation in the academic world is second to none so we are delighted to welcome them to Derby Having them located at the heart of our primary site affirms our ongoing commitment to provide the best possible range of services and facilities to our students "

Blisters for BA 22 July 2011 You may have heard of students going the extra mile to complete their degrees but a University of Derby student went the extra 220 miles when he organised and completed a coast to coast expedition for his final year dissertation As part of the final year of a Joint Honours degree in Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism at the University s Buxton Campus Ben Watkinson 23 from Chesterfield organised a group expedition of four people to attempt the 220 mile trek from St Bees Bay on the Cumbrian coast line through the Lake District over the Pennines and through the North Yorkshire Moors to Robin Hoods Bay During the walk Ben carried out a research study to ascertain whether it would be a suitable expedition for people with visual impairments; capturing observational data about pathways and terrain before making recommendations Ben planned every aspect of the coast to coast walk before leading the team He said: "As I hope to work in adventure tourism once I graduate I decided to get some truly hands-on experience of expedition planning and implementation for my dissertation "As well as researching the route booking accommodation organising equipment food and a support vehicle we also undertook a six month training regime to ensure everyone in the team was fit enough to walk the 30km each day " The team completed the walk in just nine days; walking for an average eight hours and covering 30km each day Duncan Marson Programme Leader in Adventure Tourism said: "Ben did a fantastic job organising and successfully completing the coast to coast walk as well as the research project "The University encourages experiential learning as part of its degree programmes as they re the best way for students to gain the practical and managerial adventure tourism skills they ll need in their future careers Ben and his team overcame challenges and obstacles to complete the expedition safely and in a great time and he should be extremely happy with what he achieved " Ben has studied at the University s Buxton Campus since he was 18 progressing from the Campus college of Further Education provision; Buxton College where he completed a BTEC in Outdoor Sports into its higher education facility the University of Derby Buxton where he completed the joint honours degree in Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism Moving from further to higher education is a unique feature of the University of Derby Buxton

Bob's Premier Challenge 18 April 2011 Former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper TV presenter and University of Derby honorand Bob Wilson is embarking on the greatest challenge of his life this April In aid of the national charity the Willow Foundation he is helping to improve the lives of seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds throughout the UK As part of the challenge Bob will cycle more than 500 miles via every Premier League Club in England and Hampden Park in his homeland of Scotland The challenge began today with Bob starting at Fulham FC and Chelsea FC in London and will finish on 29 April at Hampden Park in Scotland Bob who is originally from Chesterfield is an Arsenal legend who was also capped by Scotland and went on to front sports shows on both ITV and the BBC He has also been a goalkeeping coach and an author and in 2001 was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Derby Find out more about the Willow Foundation: www willowfoundation org uk Follow Bob s progress or sponsor him online at: www bobwilsonsoccercycle com

Bobsleigh Champ Takes Run At ‘World’s First’ Cycle Coaching Course 12 December 2007 With world class sportsman retired Army Major and businessman already on your CV most men would be happy to rest on their laurels But when Jonnie Woodall - a former Winter Olympian and tobogganing world record holder - looked around for a fresh challenge he settled on a unique sports course offered at the University of Derby’s Devonshire Campus in Buxton Jonnie is one of half a dozen students on the University’s new Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching The two-year course thought to be a world’s first aims to create the next generation of champion breeding cycling coaches Launched in September 2007 the course gets behind the psychology exercise science and nutritional know-how of the sport of cycling Parts of the course also deal specifically with mountain biking the pressures of competitive cycling and the practicalities of promoting it in the community and amongst the young The course’s students actually include a second Olympian Adrian Timmis who was part of the British cycling pursuit team at the 1984 Olympic Games and a Tour de France finisher and stages winner in 1987 Jonnie himself has an impressive amateur cycling background After swapping from running to cycling about ten years ago to keep fit he first completed a 50 mile charity bike ride A few years later Jonnie moved his cycling up several gears by taking part in the 2004 L’Etape du Tour a gruelling annual event which allows amateur cyclists to complete one of the same mountain stages as that year’s Tour de France and competed in the World Masters Track Championship at the Manchester Velodrome the National Cycling Centre Not content with that in 2006 Jonnie took part in the Gran Fondo Campagnolo an Italian version of the L Etape du Tour through the mountainous Dolomite region of Italy He then founded a home version called the Gran Fondo Cymru now staged annually in Wales and billed as the UK’s toughest one day cyclosportive event The same year he also rode from his home in Shrewsbury to Marseille France in seven days Jonnie said: “Earlier this year I read about the University of Derby Buxton’s Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching course I thought I could formalise what I’ve learnt about cycling through it and pass that on to others ” He travels from Shrewsbury to Buxton every week for course lectures “I absolutely love it I’ve found it fascinating and very stimulating I’ve an open mind on what I will do with my qualification “I think it will definitely include further research and some coaching I am already doing some of the latter as part of my coursework module “Working with schools appeals to me and trying to get more people cycling ” added Jonnie The University of Derby Buxton’s ‘cycling pathway’ Foundation Degree was developed by course leader Paul Jakubowski with Brendan Meehan and 70-year-old Richard Clark a veteran cyclist and coach who recently gained a 2:1 for his BSc in Sports Studies Students on the two year course can choose to go on to do a third year as Jonnie is doing and gain a BA (Hons) in Sport and Recreation Management; or Joint Honours pathways in Sport Psychology Physical Activity and Health or in Sports Coaching -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Body Cream Company Turns To Students' Smooth Design Skills 25 October 2013 A unique cream aimed at soothing the skin complaint psoriasis has been launched at the University of Derby - where students designed the brand packaging for the product Judith Hunt of Belper developed psoriasis - a condition which causes the body to overproduce skin cells often leading to red and white scaly skin patches - when she was a teenager After being given a body butter lotion containing cranberry derivatives which alleviated her condition she developed her own DermaEnhance salve made from organic and local ingredients which goes on sale online from today (Friday October 25) BA (Hons) Graphic Design students at the University of Derby designed the packaging and look for the new brand after it was taken on as a real life project for them to do as part of their degree course A launch event for the DermaEnhance salve was held at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby yesterday (October 24) attended by the Mayor of Derby Councillor Fareed Hussain Judith said: "Once I d had the idea of launching the company and the product my son Hugh suggested approaching the University for brand design help "It s been a very positive experience The students were so enthusiastic with lots of ideas " Nine second-year students originally took on Judith s design challenge with Amy Glasgow and James Nixon s ideas being selected by Judith Both students completed their courses this summer (2013) Amy 22 originally from Scunthorpe - who now works as a graphic designer for major retailer Boots said: "It was only the second design project brief we d had in our second year but it went very well " James 22 originally from Stoke-on-Trent is now running his own freelance design agency Pale Fox Design (website www palefoxdesign co uk ) "The attraction when we were working on the project was that this would eventually be a real product that we would see being sold We had to consider the needs of potential buyers during the design process including their age and gender " he added Their tutor Tracy Allanson-Smith University Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Graphic Design said she was very proud of the professional job her former students had done Tracy added: "This wasn t an easy task for them to do at that stage in their degree course DermaEnhance is somewhere between a health and a beauty product so the branding had to hit the right tone "This is a good example of how our courses offer real world learning experiences to make students projects as close as possible to the kind of work they ll do in their future careers " To find out more about DermaEnhance Ltd and its products go to www dermaenhance com Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Booklet Illustrates Efforts To Be Greener 5 December 2012 A snapshot of the University s fantastic environmental achievements during 2011/12 is now available in a booklet called Our Environment and You A printed version is also available from the Environment Team on request It details facts about what the University has done and is doing to reduce its impact on the environment You can learn about: the amount of electricity and gas used and carbon dioxide emissions produced by the University over the last academic year how, by fo ow ng the three pr nc p es of the energy tr ang e , the Un vers ty s attempt ng to be ean, mean and green w th ts power usage how staff can take s mp e measures to he p Derby ach eve ts r gorous carbon reduct on target of 20% by the end of next year (2013) how tonnes of Un vers ty waste are be ng d verted from andf to be recyc ed, w th 59% of the 503.79 tonnes produced by ts tutor a bu d ngs between August 2011 and Ju y 2012 be ng recyc ed or used to generate energy. Lynn Richards Environmental Manager said: "I d urge people to have a quick look at the booklet we ve produced read about the positive changes being made at the University and get involved "The University has already achieved both Bronze and Silver awards as part of the EcoCampus scheme (a Higher Education specific Environmental Management System) and in 2013 we will be aiming for the Platinum award "

Boost For Students and Property Market As University Buys Apartments 3 September 2013 The University of Derby has acquired a luxury apartments complex right on its doorstep further boosting its offer of quality accommodation for students The Birchover Apartments complex at Allestree Derby nextdoor to the University s main Kedleston Road site has been bought for over £3million from its Derbyshire owners Birchover Hotel Apartments The deal was handled by Estates Agents Boxall Brown and Jones of Derby Each of the fully furnished 30 apartments features two double bedrooms each with their own en suite facilities and a shared open plan kitchen lounge and dining area The apartments will be part of the University accommodation managed by its Derbyshire Student Residences Ltd (DSRL) company known as Derby Student Living They will be offered for rent mainly to mature international and postgraduate students from the beginning of the new academic year this month (September) Ian Willgoose University Director of Estates said the apartments - built almost 20 years ago - were a very good fit with how Derby was looking to expand and improve on its available halls accommodation He added: "The international and postgraduate students who come to study at the University of Derby are often looking for premium accommodation near the campus "Together with our Students Union we ve been looking to add accommodation that facilitates more independent living than our traditional halls of residence so the Birchover Apartments came up for sale at just the right time " The apartments were bought fully furnished but will undergo some internal and external redecoration to make their look more contemporary The site also includes a 40 space car park Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby added: "This apartments complex is such a strategically important site for us allowing the University to add some wonderfully configured accommodation to our portfolio "The apartments will enable us to offer high quality accommodation more suited to students who stay in Derby all year round such as those on postgraduate courses This transaction demonstrates our confidence in the University s future and the city " Double rooms in the apartments will be offered for rent to students at an introductory offer for the first year of £125 per week (normally £135) An en suite plus room at the University s Sir Peter Hilton Court halls in Derby currently costs £115 per week For more information about the University s new Birchover House complex see website www derby ac uk/halls For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Bowls Team Show Their Fashion Colours 27 August 2010 Members of one of the country s oldest bowls clubs are sporting a new designer top and badge thanks to fashion students at the University of Derby Derby West End Bowls Club in Derby was established in 1913 and will soon be marking its centenary They have teamed up with the University whose Britannia Mill site in Markeaton Street is next door to the clubhouse and green to help attract new members Students on the University s BA (Hons) Fashion Studies degree course competed to design a new sports top and badge for the club earlier this year Members have now donned the winning design for league matches and their latest bowls taster sessions where they pass on their knowledge to University staff and Derby residents interested in taking up the sport The smart top features a white front back and collar with royal blue sleeves and side strips It has the University of Derby s logo on the right sleeve and a new breast badge showing the figure of Britannia inspired by the statue that once stood on top of the University s Britannia Mill site next door to the club with the DWEBC initials underneath It was designed by University Fashion Studies degree graduate Ravinder Matharu 23 from Birmingham He received a £100 prize Around 100 tops were then manufactured George Riley President of Derby West End Bowls Club said: "There can t be many local bowls clubs that have their own team strip designer "It looks great when we re in competition which is very good for team spirit " Peter Walker Community Relations Officer at the University added: "Like many other University staff I have become a member of the Derby West End Bowls Club and can now sport my own custom designed club top "This partnership between the club and the University has proved of great benefit to both of us " Anyone interested in taking up bowls and joining Derby West End Bowls Club can get more information at its own website at www derbywestendbowls com For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Brains And Beauty Beat Job Losses 5 March 2012 An Essex student has proved she has business brains as well as beauty skills after buying her own spa and saving three of her colleagues jobs in the process Sophie Collins 21 from the village of Blackmore in Essex worked at the Kukana Spa at the Orsett Hall Hotel to support herself and gain vital work experience while studying a BSc (Hons) International Spa Management degree at the University of Derby Buxton In the final year of her studies the business went into liquidation but rather than facing unemployment and a difficult job market Sophie drew on the confidence she had acquired on her course and her entrepreneurial spirit to take on the business herself Sophie said: "When I heard the business was going under I realised that it could be an opportunity for me to do what I had dreamed of and set up my own spa My University degree had a focus on business management and throughout the course I had gained work experience in a number of spas so I knew I had the confidence and the skills to give it a go "Stock was very low and most of the equipment was taken by the previous owners so we had to close for two weeks to get everything up and running again without losing any regular clients "It s been a real challenge but I m proud that in going it alone and setting up the business myself I ve been able to hold onto three of my full time colleagues " Sophie s spa which is still called Kukana now offers a host of different treatments including complementary therapies such as ESPA essential hot stone and Thai compress massages and bridal packages; all with chromatherapy lighting and acoustic therapy to create the perfect ambience "We re doing really well so far and hope that many of the changes we have implemented will give us the edge and make the Kukana spa a success " Sophie added Isobel Stockdale Programme Leader for the International Spa Management degree at the University of Derby Buxton said: "We encourage all of our students to gain real world work experience throughout their courses and this often gives them the confidence and skills to launch their own businesses too In Sophie s case she s doing so before she even finishes her degree course which is great "We all wish her every success for the future and look forward to supporting Sophie in her business venture as she completes her degree " For more information on the BSc (Hons) International Spa Management degree at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Brave Mother Reunited With Children 20 December 2010 A mother of four who fled Africa for England after the suspicious death of her husband - believing her own life was also in danger - will mark her first Christmas with her children in nine years But Albertine Betty Phoba s happiness at being reunited with son Nabab 14 and daughters Altesse 17 Henrial 16 and Ahn ten during the festive season will be tempered by sadness - as December also marks the ninth anniversary of her husband Morro Mwamba Wa Ba Mulamba s death A crusading journalist and human rights activist in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Mr Mulamba died in December 2001 aged 38 Mrs Phoba 40 had received an odd telephone call telling her to come to the centre of town urgently Whilst en route she learned he was actually dead To this day his wife believes he was murdered There was confusion surrounding the exact cause of Mr Mulamba s death and his campaigning for greater freedoms had brought him into conflict with DRC authorities and even seen him arrested Nine months after his death Mrs Phoba had to flee her home in Kinshasa the DRC capital when she became convinced her life was also in danger She left her children in the care of family knowing they would be safe without her and sought asylum in the UK In her eight years here she has learnt the language gained qualifications in English and Maths become one of the community leaders for the 200-strong Congolese community in Derby gained a job working with the University of Derby s Community Relations team - and been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK by the Home Office This Christmas will be the first she has spent with her four children since she fled the DRC after they too were recently granted leave to come to the UK Mrs Phoba who now lives in Alvaston said: "When I came to this country I spoke very little English but I was determined to learn the language because I wanted to speak for myself "As an asylum seeker you are not really given a choice which town you are dispersed to I don t have any relations in England but luckily when I came to Derby I found people here who I had known in the Democratic Republic of Congo " Her children are now improving their English and studying in Derby Mrs Phoba s eldest daughters Altesse and Henrial are at Derby College and son Nabab recently completed a language course and will take up a place at Littleover Community School in January "Of course I am so happy to be reunited with my children but December is a very difficult time of year as it marks the anniversary of Morro s death I would like to think that next year I will be able to do something to mark the fact that it is ten years since he died " added Mrs Phoba Peter Walker Community Relations Officer at the University of Derby has known and worked with Mrs Phoba since shortly after she came to the UK He said: "Betty is one of the strongest people I know From the tragedy of her husband s death and being forced to flee her own country she has built a new life for herself and now for her children She is truly an inspiration " For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Brave University Cyclists Take On Buxton-Derby Bike Ride 22 June 2006 Over 40 members of staff – some from the University of Derby’s main Kedleston Road Campus in Derby and others from its Devonshire Campus in Buxton North Derbyshire – have celebrated National Bike Week with an exhilarating ride south It’s the second annual ride for staff to promote the use of bicycles to commute to work rather than cars – although few would regularly make the full trip from Buxton to Derby! They’re also raising money for the Derby Hospitals Charity Gamma Appeal Last year during National Bike Week staff cycled from Derby to Buxton and had a fantastic time Some were cycling enthusiasts and many were complete novices Some people enjoyed it so much they have since taken up cycling to work! At 10am they will set off from the Campus in Buxton the highest university campus in England for their ride to Derby – a distance of nearly 45 miles! It’s one of the most beautiful cycle routes in the UK This year they re cycling in the opposite direction along parts of the picturesque High Peak Trail and the Tissington Trail through Parsley Hay Ashbourne Osmaston Mercaston Weston-Underwood Quarndon and finally the Kedleston Road Campus in Derby late in the afternoon … or evening People and bikes will be transported from Derby to Buxton (or Buxton to Derby if the staff are from Buxton) unless they plan to ride both ways! Refreshments will be available at the Devonshire prior to the start and when they finally reach Derby University Transport Manager James Brown who organised the ride with members of the University’s Bicycle Users’ Group said: “For those staff based at Buxton who are inspired to cycle to work from now on from this summer they ll have the benefit of new bike shelters at the Devonshire ” -endsFor further media information contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 07748 920023 01332 591891 or via email on s butt@derby ac uk

Brazilian Students Could Help Businesses Break South American Market 17 April 2013 Businesses could take on a skilled technical student from Brazil - one of the world s fastest growing economies - at no cost to their company The University of Derby will have 37 bilingual Technology degree students available for 12-week work placements over this summer The short-term positions would be at no cost to individual companies because the students are already being supported by the Brazilian government under the international Science without Borders (SwB) scholarship programme Derby is part of the SwB initiative which will eventually see the UK welcome up to 10 000 Brazilian students over a four year period; onto undergraduate sandwich courses and sandwich and full PhD courses The University s current Brazilian students will be based there for a year before going home to complete their studies Organisations interested in offering placement positions - from relatively new start-ups to major business bodies such as Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce and UK Trade and Investment - had an initial opportunity to meet SwB students and their tutors at an event at the University s Enterprise Centre in Derby Business people were given a presentation on the project and heard how employing students from it could help their organisations by: prov d ng a cost effect ve source of recru tment or temporar y f a sk s gap br ng ng anguage sk s and a know edge of Braz s grow ng economy undertak ng a research pro ect to tack e a rea work ssue mprov ng nks w th the Un vers ty, prov d ng further opportun t es to he p deve op the r bus ness. Angela Dean Head of the School of Technology at the University of Derby said: "Brazil is on the other side of the world but these students have chosen to come to Derbyshire because they know companies here are already trading with their home country "The SwB students will get a lot out of working with real businesses here both in terms of their current studies and in experience to help them into their future careers and the companies will be employing a citizen of one of the world s fastest growing economies with all the opportunities that might bring " Gordon Binnie International Trade Advisor for UKTI East Midlands gave a brief presentation at the University event on the importance of international trade with developing economies He added: "There are several events coming up shortly in the Derby area where companies can get involved with emerging South American markets It s important for local start-ups small and mediumsized businesses and larger ones to get involved in these markets as there are so many opportunities out there " The University is beginning the process of assigning SwB students work placements with the region s businesses but any companies interested in hosting a student for a 12-week work placement can still get involved by contacting Lewis Hunt Science without Borders Project Coordinator at the University on 01332 593109 or email: l hunt@derby ac uk A series of events to welcome SwB students to the region and introduce them to its business sector began with a presentation this week at the University by Rolls-Royce on its global operations This will be followed by a tour of the company s Derby facilities including its Heritage and New Products Centres on April 24 For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Brazilian Students Warmly Welcomed By Derby Mayor 26 April 2013 More than 25 Brazilian students currently studying for a year at the University of Derby were welcomed recently by the Mayor of Derby and given a whistle-stop tour of the city s newly refurbished Council House The international students currently studying in Derby as part of the Science without Borders (SwB) scholarship scheme heard from the Mayor about her role and the responsibilities of the Council Joy Lewis Team Leader for the University s International Student Centre added: "We are extremely pleased that our Brazilian students had the opportunity to meet the Mayor It is very important that our international students feel welcome here in Derby and understand their importance in the wider community " Derby is part of the SwB initiative which will eventually see the UK welcome up to 10 000 Brazilian students; onto undergraduate sandwich courses and sandwich and full PhD courses over a four year period The University s current Brazilian students will be based here for a year before going home to complete their studies For more information about the Science without Borders initiative visit www derby ac uk/international/science-without-borders or for more information about the University s International Student Centre visit www derby ac uk/international/isc

Britannia Mill Refurbishment Completed On Its Centenary 8 November 2012 The University celebrated one of its most special building s 100th birthday by unveiling its new look on November 2 2012 The Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and Chair of the University s Governing Council Chris Hughes led the official opening of Britannia Mill after the completion of a five year £6 million project which transformed the 1912-built textile mill into a future-proof contemporary learning space for hundreds of students Its five floors of teaching spaces workshops computer rooms and art studios are home to students on University degree programmes including Occupational Therapy Social Care Creative Expressive Therapies Textile Design Fine Arts and Visual Communication Classrooms are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology new furniture and seating with an emphasis on flexibility for the different types of teaching taking place in the shared spaces The library has also been completely re-designed and upgraded Dr Ruth Ayres Dean of LEI said: This opening with the virtual cutting of a ribbon seems apt for a building that we have future proofed The improvements we have made to the learning spaces and library were done in consultation with students and staff to ensure the spaces fulfil the learning needs of our current and future students "I would like to thank colleagues in Estates ITS EHS and ADT as well as my own teams within LEI for their extensive and collaborative work in preparing the building to welcome back students at the start of this academic year " Chris Hughes said: "The refurbishment has made Britannia Mill a fabulous learning environment It is now the best possible facility where our students can flourish and go on to make a real difference in their chosen careers " Professor John Coyne added: "This is one of my favourite of the University s buildings In 1912 it was built to produce clothes and textiles and in 2012 it is now fashioning minds and careers by providing the very best learning spaces possible " "For the building to have been made modern and future facing with due to respect to its heritage is splendid " Member of Governing Council Olivia Dean said: "I think it makes a significant statement in the environment and looks like a positive and inspiring place to be now It is a welcoming and uplifting space " Mr Allan Spencer who worked at the Mill as Production Director when it was a garment factory between 1952 and 1982 was invited back for the official opening He said: "The building s transformation is absolutely wonderful "

British Asian Festival and University partners launch digital music channel 30 April 2014 Fresh talent from the modern British Asian music scene is being captured on film at the University of Derby - to be broadcast on a new digital TV channel for the Shaanti s Eastern Electronic Festival 2014 The annual Birmingham-based Festival (running this year from May 6 to 31) showcases some of the best performers across film music visual-digital arts the spoken word and new music presentations; commissioned exclusively for the event The British Asian Festival features online and off-line activities; and celebrates contemporary music in genres including electronic punk classical contemporary fusion jazz and folk For this year s event the Festival and University of Derby BA (Hons) Media Production degree students will launch a brand new digital channel - called Shaanti's EE (Eastern Electronic) Music TV Show - to provide a platform for exciting new music artists such as Layla Tutt Driving Lolita Shammi Pithia My Panda Shall Fly Maggie 8 and Sister Elements Interviews music videos and behind the scenes short films of the acts are being shot entirely at the University s TV studio at its Markeaton Street site in Derby by students working with other professional filmmakers These will be broadcast on the festival s website (at www easternelectronicfestival co uk ) and YouTube channel and other social media sites at 8pm on Friday May 9 and then at the same time on following Fridays (May 16 23 and 30) Phil Basi Programme Leader for the University s Media Production degree course said: "I know the people behind the Shaanti s Eastern Electronic Festival from working on BBC and ITV arts programmes "My students are working with professional film-makers and also shooting their own behind the scenes short films which will also be available for people to see online "It is a great opportunity for the students to experience the very real pressures they will have to deal with in their future careers while also working on a new and exciting film project " Sharnita Athwal Artistic Director and curator of Shaanti s Eastern Electronic Festival added: "Partnering with the University of Derby is a great opportunity for everyone involved "Shaanti s Eastern Electronic Festival s ethos is to give budding talent the opportunity to capitalise on their skills We want to give back to the community and nurture new talent which we aim to achieve through partnerships like this "It s wonderful to see so much fantastic talent emerging from the next generation The students of the University of Derby are brilliant and producing some fantastic video footage " The Shaanti s Eastern Electronic Festival is supported by Arts Council England For more information about the Festival see its website at www easternelectronicfestival co uk More details about the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Media Production degree course can be found at www derby ac uk/courses/media-production-ba-hons For further media information about the University of Derby's involvement in this project contact Sean Kirby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

British Asian Festival launches music channel - with University help 12 May 2014 A new music digital video channel featuring up and coming British Asian musicians has broadcast its first show - featuring video content shot by University of Derby students The Birmingham-based Shaanti s Eastern Electronic Festival 2014 - running from May 6 to 31 - showcases some of the best performers across film music visual-digital arts the spoken word and new music presentations; commissioned exclusively for the event The British Asian Festival features online and off-line activities; and celebrates contemporary music in genres including electronic punk classical contemporary fusion jazz and folk Last Friday (May 9) its new digital channel - called Shaanti's EE (Eastern Electronic) Music TV Show made its first broadcast across digital channels including Festival website www easternelectronicfestival co uk and YouTube and other social media sites Further ones will follow at 8pm this Friday (May 16) Fridays May 23 and 30 University of Derby BA (Hons) Media Production degree students spent weeks shooting music videos of and interviews with new music artists such as Layla Tutt Driving Lolita Shammi Pithia My Panda Shall Fly Maggie 8 and Sister Elements Much of the filming was done at the University s TV studio at its Markeaton Street site in Derby by students working with other professional filmmakers Last Friday s broadcast is on YouTube at http://youtu be/GaiD0Cw1LSw Phil Basi Programme Leader for the University s Media Production degree course said: "The students have done a fantastic job "This has been a great opportunity for them to experience the very real pressures they will have to deal with in their future careers " Sharnita Athwal Artistic Director and curator of Shaanti s Eastern Electronic Festival added: "Partnering with the University of Derby is a great opportunity for everyone involved " The Shaanti s Eastern Electronic Festival is supported by Arts Council England More details about the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Media Production degree course can be found at www derby ac uk/courses/media-production-ba-hons For further media information about the University of Derby's involvement in this project contact Sean Kirby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Brochure Design Wins Big In Europe 14 March 2012 Italian city Milan and top designs go naturally together - but it was an award for a stylish marketing publication rather than high fashion that sent the University of Derby there A set of Z-fold marketing brochures showcasing the undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology (ADT) received a Third Place award in the Corporate Publishing category of the 2011 Top Applications Award annual competition run by international quality paper company Fedrigoni of Italy The four brochures were split into two separate sections; the front focusing on individual courses and student success stories while the back highlighted facilities and student life in Derby The innovative design features photos by the University s Matt Howcroft and Richard Richards and fold-out panoramic images of key site areas by Matt Jones The brochures were designed by the Morgan Agency and printed by Team Impression both Leeds companies The Corporate Publishing category had 260 entrants from across Europe and Derby came third after Moroso: The World Travel Guide (First Place) and London s St Pancras Hotel (Second Place) ADT Marketing Officer Erin Parker Sam Burgess of the Morgan Agency and Simon Bucktrout from Team Impression journeyed to Milan to accept the award last week (March 8 - 9) Erin said: "This is fantastic news for ADT and we re really proud of the hard work we ve done with the Morgan Agency and Team Impression to show the Faculty at its best through these innovative brochures " The University s brochures were one of around 20 contest entries also featured in the Awards catalogue The Morgan Agency has also entered the publication in the Best Undergraduate Prospectus (Printed) category of the 2012 HEIST Marketing in Education awards Winners for that will be announced at a finalists dinner on May 31 at The Queens Hotel in Leeds

BUCS Bronze For Team Derby Futsal 16 March 2012 You may not have heard much about it - but futsal is one of the fastest growing sports in the country And the University s Team Derby Futsal Club recently won the bronze medal at the British University College Sport (BUCS) Championships in their inaugural season Futsal is the indoor version of football officially sanctioned by FIFA Unlike some other forms of indoor football the field is delimited by lines not nets or boards which the ball may be played off The University of Derby Athletics Union Futsal Manager Matt Hardy s passion for the sport over the past 12 months has provided Team Derby with the foundations for its bright future Matt who is currently in the third year of a BA (Hons) Journalism degree said:"It was very difficult at the start of the year with no-one at the University really knowing what futsal was I can remember spending the first few games explaining the rules to some of the boys so our expectations over the season were never too high " The futsal manager went onto admit that it was hard finding enough players to play for the team initially with students having little experience of the sport "To begin with we used players from small sided leagues but as popularity increased so did the number of players We were fortunate to obtain some very skilful players from the men s football team " Despite only starting the futsal club in September the players involved picked up positive results throughout the season against other universities in the Midlands 1A Division Their second place finish saw the team qualify for the BUCS Championships held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield "The venue was unbelievable " added Matt "To see so many people in one place from other universities just for futsal was special The tournament ran really well the organisers deserve real credit" Hardy also met Team GB athletes at the Sheffield venue who were in training for the 2012 Olympics During the competition two wins and a defeat was enough to see Team Derby progress to the third place play off where they faced Loughborough seconds Goals from Mark Farthing and Oliver Salami saw Derby win the game 4-2 and secure a bronze medal in their first BUCS Futsal Championships On winning bronze Hardy spoke of his and the team s reaction: "It s no less than the boys deserve Everyone s been first class all season so to achieve bronze is a fantastic achievement "It does feel a little strange because we re all disappointed that we haven t gone further and perhaps taken silver or gold but there s lots to build on for next year" Team Derby Futsal Club also run a team for non students Training takes place on Sunday Evenings from 6-8pm For more information email teamderby@derby ac uk or visit For more information visit website www teamderby com Article supplied by Team Derby Sports Participation Officer Alex Molloy

Business Battle To Be Named The Entrepreneur On Screen At University 11 May 2009 A contest between young business brains eager to prove to a critical guru and their ‘henchmen’ who is the best will be screened tomorrow night – at the University of Derby In the film of The Entrepreneur contest ten University students from a range of courses compete against each other in a business task A panel judges their success or otherwise It is lead by Fiona Church – Dean of the Faculty of Business Computing and Law – assisted by Rob Moon Senior Lecturer in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and Marketing Officer Jenny Baldwin The one hour film of the contest will be screened for the first time at the University’s Kedleston Road site Derby at 6pm tomorrow (Tuesday 12 May) before an audience of staff students contestants’ families and Derbyshire business leaders The 2009 winner of The Entrepreneur will also be revealed which up to now has been kept a closely guarded secret The screening will be followed by a drinks reception where the contestants will be presented with prizes provided by Derbyshire businesses Orchid IT and Action coach During the film two teams of five students battle it out in a challenge set by the Dean Their results come under scrutiny in The Entrepreneur’s executive boardroom with one team then shown the door From the remaining team Fiona picks one student to be the holder of the University’s first The Entrepreneur title One of the contestants Joel Cope 19 on the BA (Hons) Business Studies from South London is already a budding entrepreneur having set up a small video game company Gamers Edge which bought and sold videos and generated £17 000 in a year enabling him to go travelling before joining the degree course in Derby this year He said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge – we have already covered modules on entrepreneurial skills and enterprise on the degree course and I enjoyed my success with Gamers Edge so The Entrepreneur should be fun ” And fellow contestant Laura Williams 22 from Derby on the BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree course helped run her family’s jam factory business before coming to Derby She said: “I’ve not just learnt the theory I’ve been out there running a proper business I know my strengths and my weaknesses and I think will really give me an advantage over the other contestants ” The project aims to promote interest in business and demonstrate the skills students have acquired so far in their studies at Derby and show how enterprising and innovative they can be The ten contestants selected following auditions were drawn from courses including business photography textile design and electronic engineering They include a gospel singer a swimming coach a writer and a distance runner Fiona Church said: “The teams were expected to present themselves in as professional a manner as possible and we didn’t make it easy for them I was very impressed with all the contestants but in the end only one person could be named The Entrepreneur ” Rob Moon added: “The University is keen to get students of any discipline with a good idea to think about becoming an entrepreneur not just those on business degrees The students showed great ability during this contest ” And fellow ‘henchman’ Jenny Baldwin said: “I wanted to see what the students could do under pressure and they really impressed me ” Laura has joined the Enterprise Inc programme – formerly Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in EDucation (or SPEED) – at the University of Derby since taking part in the competition It provides funding and support for students looking to turn an idea into a new business The competition was filmed throughout by the University’s Creative Media team -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Business Guru And Secret Millionaire At University 15 November 2010 A philanthropist International Businesswoman of the Year and star of Channel 4 s Secret Millionaire TV programme will be a guest speaker at the University of Derby on Thursday 18 November Dawn Gibbins set-up a home-based commercial flooring business called Flowcrete with her inventor father Peter Gibbins which grew to be a world leader; with offices in 30 countries and 12 manufacturing plants around the globe She sold it in 2008 for an undisclosed multi-million pound sum She has won a string of accolades; including Most Influential Person in British Manufacturing a recognition from Her Majesty the Queen as a Pioneer for the Life of Our Nation an MBE awarded for services to industry and was named as this year s She magazine International Businesswoman of the Year Dawn will talk about both her business and philanthropic work - through her anti-poverty not-for-profit initiative The Barefoot Foundation - as the guest speaker at the annual event held by the University s Derbyshire Business School and professional body the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) The free event open to the public students and business people will be held at the Courtroom (Room OL2) at the University's Kedleston Road site in Derby at 6 30pm on Thursday 18 November It will take place during Global Entrepreneurship Week Dawn said: "I am really pleased to be asked to this event I hope that I can pass on some of my knowledge and experience to help others achieve great things in business " Peter Rudolph Head of the Derbyshire Business School added: "We are proud of the success of our entrepreneurial courses and of the many graduates and students who go on to establish their own businesses "Dawn Gibbins is not only an incredibly successful businesswoman but someone who can get over to an audience her passion for enterprise I m sure that those who come to listen to her whether out of general interest or because they are in business themselves will be inspired by what she says " The event will begin at 6 30pm with a free buffet and drinks The evening will be hosted by Dr Bruce Johnstone Enterprise Development Fellow in the University s Centre for Entrepreneurial Management; with introductions from Peter Rudolph and Peter Blake Derby branch Chair of the CMI For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Business Hub To Put Students At Centre Of Employability And Enterprise 18 September 2013 A new centre aimed at training future business leaders and entrepreneurs will be launched tomorrow (September 19) at the University of Derby before an invited audience of major employers The Employability and Enterprise Hub will enable students and recent graduates to network with and be mentored by senior business figures attend exclusive business seminars and workshops access funding to start-up their own enterprises gain employment with top level companies and use their skills to help good causes The Hub in the Atrium of the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby will open to invited guests for the first time - including representatives from Rolls-Royce telecoms technology business Roscom and Marketing Derby - from 11am to 3pm on Thursday September 19 Activities during the launch will include: nformat on for emp oyers on a new fund ng scheme to he p towards the costs of emp oy ng a Un vers ty of Derby graduate or student; the aunch of a compet t on to g ve 50 free annua Institute of Directors Student Membersh ps (worth £50 each) to the most prom s ng student or graduate bus ness bra ns; a demonstrat on of the Hub s new Careers IT porta , to he p match app cants w th ava ab e vacanc es. The Hub is a joint venture between the University of Derby s Derby Business School its Institute for Learning Enhancement and Innovation (LEI) and University of Derby Corporate (UDC) Demonstrating the University s faith in its degree students the Hub will be managed in its first year with the help of a Derby Business School student on work placement Carmen Isabela Sterian is currently on the BA (Hons) Marketing and Advertising Management degree course Bev Crighton lead for Enterprise at the University of Derby said: "We are starting as we mean to go on with the Employability and Enterprise Hub; making it an engaging creative and student-led force within the University to promote real business thinking "We want it to be a place where the fresh approach and energy of our students whether they are looking to start up their own company or join an established one can draw on the experience and knowledge of senior business people and their organisations " To contact the new Employability and Enterprise Hub directly email thehub@derby ac uk or contact the Derby Business School s Centre for Enterprise through Bev Crighton on 01332 591813 or email b crighton@derby ac uk For more on the work of Derby Business School and its courses see website www derby ac uk/dbs Media requiring more information on this news release can contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Business Rent Cut To Help New Enterprises 'Evolve' 2 November 2011 The University will re-launch its 89 Derby business incubation units under the brand name Evolve this Friday 4 November - with graduate and student entrepreneurs offered three months rent free saving them up to £1 500 The University is one of Derby s largest providers of business incubation sites; offering quality spaces for new enterprises at subsidised rents with additional free advice and support also available at most centres They will be re-launched under the Evolve brand at an event at the University's Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby at 11am on Friday 4 November John Forkin Managing Director of Marketing Derby will open the event; to be attended by University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and the Mayor of Derby Councillor Les Allen To mark the re-launch the University is offering its own student and graduate entrepreneurs three months off their first year s rent at its business incubation units in the four Derby sites of: The Innovat on Zone at the Enterpr se Centre, n Br dge Street Banks M Stud os n Br dge Street. Network House n Nuns Street The D Centre n London Road. The offer means students and recent graduates who take on a unit or a studio under the new scheme and are eligible for three months free rent could save anywhere from £200 to £1 500; depending on the size and location of the space There are a range of options concerning how the discount can be applied depending on what is best for the individual business Louise Jones Incubation Manager for the University of Derby said: "We know that business incubation works our results and feedback confirm this This year Evolve is all about increasing the value of what we offer to students and making their transition into business as smooth as possible "In the current climate especially in Derby anything we can do to support employment and the local economy is important It s something we want to encourage in anyway we can " The new offer is backed by one of the University s current entrepreneurs graphic designer and illustrator Debra Yates who runs creative company Vivid Violet Design at a space at the Banks Mill Studios An accomplished artist who works with acrylic paints pencil and pen; Debra has a unique approach to design which enables her to produce striking work for a range of clients She recently completed a Masters degree in Visual Communication and Illustration at the University Debra said: "The concept of incubation units to help businesses find their feet and develop in the marketplace has worked for me as my company is starting to get established "I benefit from the location the surroundings the expertise and the sense of community with the other entrepreneurs working at Banks Mill " For more information about Evolve contact Business Incubation Manager Louise Jones on 01332 258834 or 07767 352915 or email: l jones1@derby ac uk For media information contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Businesses Get Sporting Chance of Success At University of Derby Corporate 19 July 2013 Businesses are encouraged to attend a networking lunch at University of Derby Corporate (UDC) on Friday July 26 to hear from inspirational four-time Olympic cyclist Bryan Steel The event from 11 45am to 2 15pm will be held at UDC s Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby and is organised by the Business Network: Derby which arranges monthly structured and business-focused networking events Delegates will hear how Bryan went from being a scrawny young boy to an Olympic medallist - winning Silver in 2004 and Bronze in 2000 - and how business people can implement his four key elements of success to achieve their goals and aspirations in the workplace and beyond After Bryan s talk there will be a networking opportunity followed by lunch which will include a live cooking demonstration by the Enterprise Centre s resident chef Nigel Adams who will be cooking up pancakes and amaretto for the crowd Peter Motley organiser of the Business Network: Derby said: "Our events provide face to face access to a broad cross-section of decision makers from the respective local business communities as well as seminars with inspirational people like Bryan "We are delighted to be hosting our next event at the Enterprise Centre which is at the heart of entrepreneurship in Derby " The event takes place on Friday July 26 2013 from 11 45am to 2 15pm at University of Derby Corporate s Enterprise Centre Bridge Street Derby DE1 3LD Tickets cost £35 per person For further press information please contact Alice Oliver Deputy Head of Corporate Relations at the University of Derby on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Buxton Adventure Festival 2013 Announces Film Programme 15 October 2013 Buxton Adventure Festival proudly announces the 2013 full speaker and film programme today 10 record-breaking globe-trotting mountain-topping inspirational speakers from the worlds of adventure travel and sport will be followed by a screenings of our pick of the world s best adventure sports films Highlights include Saturday night s interview with Derbyshire s Olympic Mountain Biker Annie Last followed by a double bill of newly released mountain-bike epics - Not Bad and Arrival And on Sunday night round-the-world adventurer Jason Lewis talk will be followed by a screening of the eagerly anticipated ski and snowboard feature film Valhalla Brought to you for the first time last year by the organisers of the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival in partnership with the University of Derby Buxton 100% of our audience said they loved the combination of live lectures and big screen cinema and would recommend it to a friend This year to create even more of a festival feel we ll have a whole range of family-friendly activities including a Children s Run-Swim Aquathlon with High Peak Tri Club; free family activities with the YHA and Village Games free Alpine workshops with Peak Mountain Training and we re even looking into Forest School sessions MyOutdoorsUK will also be organising an outdoors and adventure sports photography exhibition in the Pavilion Gardens Plus we re introducing Adventure Bites - anhour-long family friendly loop of 10 action-packed short adventure sports films showing all weekend Festival Programme Director Matt Heason of Heason Events said: "We re privileged to be able to screen a range of films including some of this year s most eagerly anticipated releases Not Bad Arrival and Valhalla We re also proud to be showcasing new talent like Morgan Cardiff s The Penguin Runner and to have another chance to screen The Dragon s Back by Sheffield producer Rich Heap which sold out at Sheffield Adventure Film Festival " Festival PR Lissa Cook said "We really hope there s something for everyone this year with films and speakers across the whole range of adventure sports from running climbing cycling to winter sports There are also inspirational stories like disabled climber Paul Pritchard returning to the Himalayas on a recumbent bike in The Journey and the tragic account of Henri Coetzee s last kayaking expedition in Kadoma as well as a crazy race to the Pole in Crossing the Ice " "100% of last year s audience told us they liked the mix of speakers and films and would recommend the festival and bring a friend We re hoping that the 2013 programme which we re confident is even stronger than last year s will be a crowd pleaser " Leader of High Peak Borough Council Caitlin Bisknell said: "We re delighted to work in partnership with the Buxton Adventure Festival BAF is a wonderful addition to Buxton and the High Peak s offer We have such wonderful scenery on our doorstep with walking climbing and biking routes to suit all abilities all within each reach And we have a strong cultural heritage with a long tradition of climbers like internationally renowned athletes Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton Dr Peter Dewhurst said: "Here at the University of Derby Buxton adventure is part of the curriculum through our portfolio of outdoor courses at Oaklands Manor so we are delighted to sponsor the Festival in its second year "Just like explorers who need practical skills and preparation to face the challenges they will meet our students leave with real world learning which equips them for a successful future "

2013 SPEAKER & FILM PROGRAMME: Online here: http://www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk/2013programme.html

Buxton Adventure Festival Searches For Young Adventurers 23 October 2013 The organisers of the Buxton Adventure Festival sponsored by the University of Derby are searching for Derbyshire s Young Adventurer of the Year They are looking for the best runners bikers climbers cavers skiers skateboarders free-runners kayakers and sailors in the county There s also a special Spirit of Adventure category for any young person who s excelled in their sport or has perhaps overcome a challenge or demonstrated great progress in the face of adversity Or maybe you know a Young Leader coach or volunteer who has helped others to reach their potential Whatever the sport activity or adventure if they are pushing their boundaries or leading others by example then they want to hear their story Explain in 250 words or less why you want to nominate your son daughter young relative friend or classmate student or club member fellow team member or even yourself! The winners will be short-listed by the judging panel including top climber Pete Whittaker England fell runner Stuart Bond and Hope Factory team cyclist Adela Carter British Adventurer Dave Cornthwaite will present the winners with medals and prizes and give a keynote speech at an exclusive invitation-only awards ceremony evening at the Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre at University of Derby Buxton on Friday 1 s November ahead of the Buxton Adventure Festival opening on Saturday 2 nd November PRIZES: • A trophy for each of the three category winners - Young Adventurer Spirit of Adventure and Young Leader • Plus our overall Young Adventurer award winner will win a trip for two to the 2014 Junior Adventure Racing World Cup in the French High Alps for themselves and a friend including travel and accommodation • And each of our Spirit of Adventure and Young Leader category winners will win an Adventure Day at Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre for themselves and up to 20 classmates WHAT'S ON AT BAF FOR YOUNG ADVENTURERS Buxton is a family-friendly adventure festival As well as the Young Adventurers Awards there are also two special morning Young Adventurer Sessions with Daredevil Danny and Dave Cornthwaite followed by an action-packed Adventure Films screening In addition the new U-certified 'Adventure Bites' loop will run all day in The Studio theatre with private wifi headphones so you can drop in at any point during the day Also new for 2013 is the High Peak Tri Club s Children's Swim-Run Aquathlon There ll also be free Xplorer orienteering in the afternoons with Derbyshire Village Games and free slacklining mini climbing wall and caving with the YHA Dr Peter Dewhurst Strategic Director at the University of Derby Buxton said: "We are delighted to be launching a new award to encourage and inspire the next generation of adventurers Adventure is at the heart of our outdoors courses at Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre where we equip our students with the practical skills needed to face the challenges they will encounter whether they go on to work in the outdoors industry or become explorers and adventurers themselves " Matt Heason Buxton Adventure Festival Director said: "With the Peak District National Park on our doorstep Derbyshire s always attracted some of the world s best adventure sports athletes We want to encourage the next generation of home-grown talent with these new awards " Janice Price Partnership Manager at the Rural Derbyshire School Sport Partnership said: "I never cease to be amazed by the energy and dedication of our Young Leaders who volunteer their time to help organise festivals and competitions for our younger pupils In rural areas it s crucial to give talented youngsters a pathway to success forging links between schools and clubs We hope these new awards will shine a light on talented youngsters of all ages and abilities" Terms & conditions • Nominations must be submitted online: www heason net/Buxton-Adventure-Festival-YoungAdventurers-Awards-Night/ • Nominations will close at 5pm on Friday 25

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• Nominees must be 17 or under on 1st November 2013 and live in and/or go to school in Derbyshire on the 1st November 2013 • Nominations are open to the public as well as to schools clubs groups etc You may nominate more than one young person (please submit one form per nominee) • You can only nominate a young person in one category • Judging: In the event of a tied decision Festival Director Matt Heason will have a casting vote • Prizes: Please note the 2014 Junior Adventure Racing World Cup will take place in the Haute Alps in France towards the end of July (date tbc) The race is open to 7 to 17 year olds and takes 4 nights and 5 days Watch 2013 video here: http://vimeo com/74139172 • Each Spirit of Adventure and Young Leader category winner will win an Adventure Day at Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre for themselves and up to 20 classmates Dates and details will be decided with the winner in liaison with their teachers and the University of Derby Buxton • Read more about Dave Cornthwaite and our judging panel at www buxtonadventurefestival co uk Contact details: Lissa Cook Buxton Adventure Festival PR 07818 411 791 / 01663 751 126 or lissa@heason net or at the University of Derby James Mitchell at J Mitchell@derby ac uk

Buxton Aloud With The Sound Of Wedding Bells 5 May 2011 Love must be in the air in Buxton as it seems to be becoming an increasingly popular wedding destination Buxton s iconic Dome is seeing this effect as it is set to be the venue for a wedding almost every weekend this month Confetti will dust the front steps of the Dome and its bells will chime to celebrate the future happiness of four couples during May Christine Sweetmore Development Manager of Events at the Dome said: "We re delighted to be the venue of choice for so many weddings this May The Dome is becoming increasingly popular and we think this reflects a trend across the town "The weddings that we re hosting in May are for couples from Buckinghamshire London and Manchester and we even have a bride from Spain They re choosing Buxton as it s a central location for guests to travel to and because it offers a weekend away experience in the heart of the Peak District " Each of the weddings to be held at the Dome this month will be different; one has a special light show where the Dome will be lit up with coloured lighting displays and effects another wedding has a Spanish theme complete with tapas and Salsa dancing and at another a live rock band will provide the entertainment Local couple Matthew and Liz Waterhouse from Whaley Bridge who held their wedding reception at the Dome last week lit up the venue with an architectural lighting display They said: "As soon as we viewed the Dome we knew that the search for our perfect wedding venue was over An incredible building superb staff great service and exceptional food the Dome has it all "Our big day was amazing thanks to the staff at the Dome who were so professional We would have no hesitation in recommending it as the ideal venue for couples who want to tie the knot in style " Once a magnificent 18th Century stable block built to house the 5th Duke of Devonshire s horses and servants the Dome is now part of the University of Derby Buxton and will provide a breathtaking backdrop to each of these special days

Buxton Awards Ceremony: Quotes 26 March 2011 A record number of students graduated from the University of Derby Buxton on Saturday March 26 with 210 students collecting a range of awards at the splendid Buxton Campus There will be a full round-up of the activities from the day with pictures and videos to follow

Here are some of the quotes from the day: Honorary award winners Professor Mike Wright received the Honorary Award of Doctor of the University (Hon DUniv) He attended the ceremonies with wife Maryse and said: "I am proud and humbled to be receiving the honorary award today I have been particularly taken with the work that has gone into making the Buxton Campus such a wonderful setting - it has enjoyed a fantastic renaissance and the graduation atmosphere has been excellent " Chef Sat Bains who received the Honorary Award of Doctor of Professional Practice (HonDPr) attended with wife Amanda and parents Tarsem and Balbir He said: "I feel blown away to have been honoured in this way I am not from an academic background but hope this achievement shows others what is possible and gives them a boost The Dome is an amazing setting I wish all the graduating students well in their futures - they should keep focused and have a vision for what they want to achieve and not give up " University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "It was sad that we had to postpone the event in December due to the poor weather but delighted at today s ceremony and the number of graduates here today At 210 graduates it is largest graduating class at Buxton and together with guests there are around 1 000 people celebrating under the magnificent Dome here today " Buxton Dean Dr Peter Dewhurst said: "Graduation is the moment when everything comes together The setting has never looked better and we are celebrating with more students graduating than ever before and with more students gaining first class honours We wish the students well in their future careers and hope they enjoy this special day " Assistant Dean Sarah Rawlinson said: "It is a fantastic occasion and wonderful to see so many students graduating today and celebrating their wonderful achievements with staff family and friends "

Students Haruna Saskia 23 from Fukui Japan received a 2:1 degree in BA (Hons) Professional Culinary Arts and an award for student achievement from the Institute of Hospitality In the last two weeks her homeland has been devastated by the recent earthquake and tsunami Haruna travelled from Japan s Kansai Airport with dad Toshiyaki Sasaki and said: "I am delighted to be graduating today and to be here for the ceremonies "It took 15 hours to travel on our flight from Japan but it was worth it to be here We live 800km from the main disaster zone in Japan It was an awful disaster but people are just trying to pull together and help each other " Jenna Ayriss 21 from Cheshire Foundation Degree in Beauty and Spa Services: "I was really excited about today s celebrations The course has been really helpful in helping me progress my career I am currently an advanced spa therapist at Rookery Hall in Nantwich " George Marchant 24 from Somerset BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management: "I enjoyed the course and the course has given me a lot of skills to help me in the future " Daniela Berloffa 25 from Cheshire MA in Tourism Management: "I enjoyed the course and am now working in Munich in e-commerce - I travelled from Germany on Thursday night to get here for the ceremony " Mathew Armett from Brookfold Chapel-en-le-Frith Joint Honours Degree in Public Relations and Media Applications: "I was studying for my A-levels at Harpur Hill and my tutor at the time told me about the opportunities on offer at the Devonshire Campus once it had opened I have enjoyed studying here and meeting the people " Joel Pullen 25 from Wisbech BSc (Hons) Joint Honours degree in Physical Activity and Health and Sports Massage and Exercise Therapy: "It has been an emotional journey but glad to finally be here graduating and enjoyed the course " Robert Agar-Hutton 57 from Carr Road Buxton but soon to be moving to Gloucestershire Joint Honours Scheme course in Martial Arts Theory and Sports Psychology: "The course was great fun and interesting and added a lot of value I particularly enjoyed organising a charity day in the Dome during the course " Daley Hunt 22 from Tamworth joint honours course in Physical Activity and Health and Events Management: "The course was good and the joint honours aspect meant I was studying a number of different areas I am looking to work in the events area in the future " Zoe Hirst 21 from Ellesmere Port Cheshire BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management: "I learnt various new skills on the course on the practical and academic learning side and enjoyed the work experience I would particularly like to work for an organisation like the National Trust " Nam Kim 29 originally from South Korea now living in London BA (Hons) Hospitality Management: "The course was great and I enjoyed it Me and my family left London at 4am to be here for the graduation celebrations today!" Karen Jones 26 from Burbage in Buxton Foundation Degree (Arts) in Children s and Young People s Services (Early Years): "The course was great and I formed lots of new friendships at University I am looking forward to today s event and graduating "

Buxton Commits To Volunteering 19 September 2011 The Buxton Faculty has taken inspiration from the University s prestigious Olympic Inspire Mark for volunteering and pledged to donate two thousand and twelve hours of voluntary work to the local community by the summer of 2012 Students are being encouraged to donate time out of their studies each week this year to get involved in community projects Already some have been working in Youth Hostels around the Peak District; others have been giving up their evening to work on the Street Safe project ensuring everyone enjoys a safe night out in Buxton Many more local businesses and charities will benefit from the students volunteering hours and fundraising activity over the next few months to ensure they reach their 2012 target To recognise students hard work on Community Engagement the Dean of the Faculty Dr Peter Dewhurst has offered a prize for the student who has delivered the most effective voluntary work during the 2012 pledge A panel of judges will look for the individual who has demonstrated the most dedication to their chosen cause and can demonstrate positive outcomes and contribution to the community The winner will receive a trophy plus a cash prize Students can find out more about volunteering on website www udbemployable co uk or by attending the following events: University Festival of Volunteering 9 November 2011, Ked eston Road S te. Find out how the whole University has been inspired to volunteer by the 2012 Olympics Free transport provided to the Kedleston Road site from Buxton Buxton Community Engagement Day December 2011, the Dome. We invite in local community groups who have opportunities for you to work with them in the Buxton area Students can get involved through the Derby Award Programme

Buxton degrees pass the real world test 19 February 2014 A University of Derby Buxton graduate who waited only two weeks between her last exam and getting a job with an international hotel chain returned to campus to recruit more students to the world of work Stevie-Jo Todd was representing one of 43 firms from the hotel catering events sports leisure and spa industries who came from all over the world for an Industry Networking Day The Events Management and Public Relations graduate who is now in charge of corporate and social events at the Marriott Hotel in York is living proof of statistics which show the University of Derby Buxton tops the league for graduate employability - beating Oxford and Cambridge in the latest survey "I graduated in November and only had two weeks between my last exam and walking into employment " she said "What I learnt has proved invaluable " said Stevie-Jo who advises foreign visitors as well as locals using the hotel for christenings weddings and funerals She told undergraduates who visited her stall to pay attention in class - as everything they are told is relevant to the real world: "It s always there when you need it - and you do need it!" Experts from firms ranging from the luxurious Six Senses Spa in Qatar to Woodland Survival Crafts updated University lecturers on the latest industry trends to ensure courses meet the demands of their future employers Justin Musgrove from the Bannatyne Spa set up by Dragon s Den star Duncan Bannatyne said: "The fact that you have got your own spa on campus is marvellous There aren t many universities which are able to offer this taste of the real world " For more details of how your business could benefit from student placements contact Ben Offord Work Placement and Employability Officer at b offord@derby ac uk 01332 594303 For more press informaiton contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

Buxton Degrees' Top Five Position In National League Table 6 June 2013 Degree subjects taught at the University of Derby's Buxton campus have been rated in the top five nationally in The Guardian University Guide 2014 The table published on June 4 (2013) rates degree subjects on a range of criteria including students levels of satisfaction with the course and with the teaching they receive staff student ratios and the career achievements of graduates after six months The University s degrees rated fifth under the subject category Tourism transport and travel include Hospitality and Culinary Arts Outdoor Adventure and Countryside Management Events Management Travel and Tourism Management and Joint Honours programmes The University of Derby Buxton's Strategic Director Dr Peter Dewhurst said: "Our top five ranking is testimony to the hard work of an outstanding team of staff who dedicate their efforts to supporting our students We work hard to ensure that our students receive the best possible academic input and high quality work experience opportunities which together help to maximise their career prospects "We will use this external recognition as a springboard for a series of innovations that should help to consolidate and even build on our top five ranking in the years to come " For more information on the subjects taught at the University s Buxton Campus visit www derby ac uk/udb

Buxton Experts Put Sports Hopefuls On The Right Track 20 June 2011 Experts in Sports Performance from the University of Derby Buxton are using their skills to help develop Derbyshire s young sporting talent With one of their young athletes recently coming back from injury to achieve a personal best time the difference they can make to sporting performance is becoming clear Young 400 metres runner Ben Jones 15 from Hilton trains with Derbyshire Athletics and has been receiving specialist support from sports academics Adam Baker and Mark Cheetham through the University s partnership with the Derbyshire Athletics Network In his first competitive race since returning from injury on June 11 Ben won the 400 metres in a personal best time of 52 70 seconds; becoming Derbyshire Schools Intermediate Boys 400m Champion He credits the team at Buxton for their part in the win as he has been receiving their dedicated help and support since January 2011 in areas such as performance biomechanics strength and conditioning training and postural analysis Ben said: "I enjoy the training and the help I ve received from Adam and Mark has been really useful in getting me back to fitness I ve learned a lot about my technique about warming up and how best to run and I m looking forward to more sessions and getting better and faster " Lecturer in Anatomy and Sports Physiology Adam Baker said: "For an athlete to come back from injury with a personal best like Ben has done shows just how talented he is We think that he is a real hope for Derbyshire sport and we are enjoying helping him to reach his potential through our relationship with the Derbyshire Athletics Network " Former 400m World Champion Daniel Caines who is a consultant for Derbyshire McCain Athletics Network said: "I ve been so impressed with the Buxton team and I m convinced that if I d met them when I was struggling with my injuries I would still be competing now It doesn t surprise me that results like Ben s " The University of Derby Buxton s Sports team is currently working with eight other athletes through this partnership Using the latest movement analysis techniques they are helping them take their natural talent and hone and develop technique and strength - to perform at their highest level As a result of his win Ben Jones got the chance to race in the Mason Trophy in Birmingham at the Alexandra Stadium on Saturday June 18 He achieved another great time of 53 20 taking fourth in his A race and seventh overall in the Intermediate Boys 400m For more information about Sports programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Buxton Gets World Record Down To a Tea 30 January 2014 A 13-year-old was inspired to cook by a junior chef s course at the University of Derby Buxton has beaten the record for the World s Largest Cream Tea event Sid Morris and his friend Daniel Clayton who are in Year Nine at Buxton Community School joined forces with the University to get into the Guinness Book of Records by hosting a cream tea in the Dome They have now received official confirmation that their attempt in November smashed the previous title holder s 403 with a stunning 510 customers Hospitality students made the scones and served the tea in the Dome organised by their colleagues studying event management with University Business Development Manager Christine Sweetmore in charge Sid and Daniel came up with the idea to raise money for a trip next year to Ghana where they will help a village to install a rain water harvesting system as part of a school partnership project "It showed them that if you put in a lot of effort you get even more out of it " said Sid s mum Denise Suppliers donated jam and cream after hearing how much work the boys had put in - writing e-mails and even setting up a website for the event "People absolutely loved it It was a good event for the students to get involved with " Sid who has been on the University s Saturday morning Junior Chef course for the last three years said he would like to be a chef when he grows up "It s really good " he said "You get to make great stuff like profiteroles doughnuts roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and all that kind of thing " The boys succeeded in raising £2 000 each to go on the 10-day trip organised by Buxton Community School and Partner Ghana an educational and development aid charity "They will be camping in the grounds of the school and they ll live like the villagers going into the market to buy fruit and vegetables " said Denise of the trip of a lifetime which will include an expedition to a rain forest and a visit to one of the old forts used by slave traders For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Buxton Graduates' Big Day 18 November 2013 Hundreds of students graduated from the University of Derby Buxton on Saturday (November 16) after years of hard work More than 400 students attended the annual Awards Ceremony held in the Devonshire Dome at the University s Buxton Campus To see a video of the day's highlights click HERE Degrees were awarded in Countryside Management Culinary Arts Events Management Hospitality courses Spa Management Tourism Management and many other subjects Buxton s own students worked alongside University staff on many aspects of the Awards Ceremony s organisation Hospitality and Culinary Arts students prepared and served buffet food for the event and Events Management degree students made sure all went smoothly Graduate Jonathan Lloyd - BA (Hons) Outdoor Activity Leadership and Coaching - flew back from Dubai where he is working as an outdoor leadership instructor to give the traditional Buxton ceremony vote of thanks from graduates to University staff for their work and help over the years He told the audience: "I have travelled to Morocco climbed in Greece paddled all over the country competed against the worlds best climbers worked for adventure companies in Spain and now in the United Arab Emirates and met some fantastic people "I have learnt the ins and outs of the industry from leading professionals and had priceless experiences All of this has been made possible by the people in this room right now " At the Ceremony an Honorary Doctorate was bestowed on Liz Fothergill Chief Executive of Derby-based Pennine Healthcare and a former Vice-Chair of the University s own Governing Council For further information about the University of Derby Buxton campus and the courses based there see website www derby ac uk/udb

Buxton In Top Ten For Climbers Looking To Scale University Heights 5 November 2013 Climbers looking for a degree education with good peaks on the doorstep should consider the University of Derby Buxton suggests a British Mountaineering Council Top Ten list The new list of climber friendly universities in England and Wales - ranked by factors such as a proximity to crags hills and mountains and provision of specialised outdoors courses - puts the University s Buxton Campus in a healthy sixth place The list was put together by the British Mountaineering Council the national representative for walkers climbers and mountaineers following input from real climbers on social media site Facebook Reasons given for the University of Derby Buxton s inclusion in the Top Ten list included: ts ocat on n the heart of the Peak D str ct, w th "c ass c gr tstone crags such as the Roaches and Stanage a stone s throw away"; a 58-acre outdoor pursu ts centre, Oaklands Manor , nked to the Buxton Campus used by students - conta n ng m xed wood ands, a 30 foot h gh c mb ng wa and an art f c a underground cav ng course - off c a y opened by wor d c ass c mber Kenton Cool n October 2012; c mb ng wa s at the nked Harpur H s te n Buxton; a student c ub, the Un vers ty of Derby Mounta neer ng and C mb ng C ub; degree courses such as the BA (Hons) n Adventure Tour sm and Countrys de Management. Victoria Foxwell the University s Outdoor Leadership Instructor welcomed news of the University s inclusion in the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) list She said: "Oaklands Manor is not only set in 58 acres of countryside but also within the magnificent Peak District which has great opportunities for climbing on the doorstep We know a lot of students come to the Peak District for the climbing "There is also our great facility at the Harpur Hill site in Buxton It includes features like the small bouldering wall which a lecturer in a classroom talking about movement on the climbing face could pop out to and show the practice behind the theory; which is all part of our real world learning ethos " The University also has a mobile climbing wall which can be taken out to schools saving them the expense and time of taking pupils out to its Buxton facilities For further details on the Top Ten list see the BMC website at www thebmc co uk/ten-great-universitiesfor-climbers-and-walkers For details of University of Derby Buxton outdoor courses see www derby ac uk/outdoor For further press information please contact John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer on direct dial 01298 330461 or email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Buxton Is A Knock-Out, Says European Martial Arts Expert 31 October 2013 A pioneer of martial arts in Europe has praised the University of Derby Buxton for its unique courses Professor Keith R Kernspecht - said the prestige of an English University and the support given to students combined to make a learning experience which couldn t be found anywhere else in the world "It s amazing " said Keith who learned martial arts to protect himself as a riot policeman in 1960s Germany The Buxton campus and Sofia University in Bulgaria are the only two universities in Europe which teach martial arts and the British system of access to learning without restrictive entry qualifications has combined with academic study and hands-on experience to create a world-beating course "They do a lot for the students in Buxton " Added Keith (68) who went on to have a successful academic career in language teaching as well as developing 1 000 martial arts clubs in Germany "It can t be compared to anything else I know It wouldn t work in Germany - we re too conservative!" he added Keith who is chairman of the European WingTsun Organisation a Chinese martial art he adapted for Europe after learning it in London s China Town in the 1970s saw how the University teaches the biomechanics and psychology of the discipline as well as its fighting techniques "It s physical and it s psychological " said Keith "It s something you learn because it s a little bit dangerous You find out a bit about yourself how to cope with fear and aggression " Keith was the first professor in martial arts at Sofia University where he studied under teachers who had learned from Chinese and Korean experts Now he is a regular visitor to Buxton: "It s a university of prestige and Charles Spring who runs it is a real martial artist as well as an academic " Keith founded the European WingTsun Organisation (EWTO) in Kiel (Germany) in 1976 It developed the theory and practice of WingTsun to act as an umbrella organisation for all European WingTsun students and instructors and to represent WingTsun towards the public For more details of courses at Buxton see http://www derby ac uk/sports

Buxton Is Number One Choice For Malaysian Student Sing Er 3 February 2012 When Sing Er Teo 22 from Malaysia completed her Diploma in Hospitality Management at her local college she decided to turn it into a bachelor degree by undertaking a top up year at University in the UK Despite having never visited the UK before Sing Er spurred on by her sister who had been at Liverpool University made the decision to complete her studies there She ended up choosing the University of Derby s award winning Buxton campus set in the Peak District and worlds apart from the state of Johor where she had grown up Sing Er explained her decision: "When I decided to complete a top up year I had a big selection of universities to choose from My sister had told me how much she d enjoyed studying in the UK so I knew that I would too I just had to decide where to go "The University of Derby s Buxton Campus really appealed to me because its courses are high quality and there s a much more personal approach to teaching You get plenty of one-to-one time with your lecturers and if you have a question or need to meet with them then you can do this quite easily " The University s links to employers and the importance they place on real world and work based learning also appealed to Sing Er "I think that it is important to combine a degree with work experience as you certainly have an advantage when it comes to securing a job I was really pleased to find out that the University has lots of links with well known employers and that work placements were actively encouraged as part of the courses " she added The University of Derby Buxton welcomes students from all cultures and backgrounds and the growing number of international students are well catered for Not only is there a dedicated International team in place to offer support and guidance a multi-cultural society organises activities for students looking to explore the UK and socialise with their peers This level of support was something Sing Er found very appealing; especially as she was moving to a completely different country with no friends or family present "Moving to the UK and so far away from home was really scary at first but with the help of the international support team I settled in very quickly There s a multi-cultural society on campus that organises trips and parties for international students and I found taking part in these activities to be a really good way of making friends "Everyone I met around the campus was also very friendly and the fact that Buxton is a small quiet town has definitely helped as I would have found being in a big city very overwhelming " Sing Er is due to finish her course in June and is looking forward to making the most of her visa by staying in the UK and securing work experience ideally in the hotel and event management industry "I didn t quite know what to expect when I first arrived in the UK but knew I wanted to experience something totally different to what I was used to and I haven t been disappointed From the moment I arrived the University provided me with a friendly and welcoming environment in which to study as well as an opportunity to improve my English I d definitely recommend coming here to study to my friends back home " concludes Sing Er Dr Peter Dewhurst Dean of Faculty at the University of Derby Buxton added: "Our location courses and size makes us very popular with international students looking for a place where they can settle in quickly and concentrate on their studies "We re delighted that Sing Er is having an enjoyable experience here and we look forward to welcoming new international students interested in furthering their education in the UK " At the heart of the University of Derby s Buxton campus is a focus on delivering the highest quality of student centred experiential learning providing all students with an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills within real working environments Students interested in the University of Derby s Buxton provision can study foundation degrees bachelor degrees and masters courses in the areas of Events Management Travel and Tourism Hospitality and Culinary Arts Sports and Outdoor Recreation Beauty Spa and Hairdressing and Countryside Management For further information on the University of Derby Buxton the undergraduate and postgraduate courses available or to order a prospectus visit www derby ac uk/udb call (0)1298 283 21 or email: international@derby ac uk For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586 or email R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

Buxton is number one in league table 4 June 2014 Hospitality Event Management and Tourism related courses at the University of Derby Buxton have topped a national newspaper s influential guide for prospective students Courses at Buxton were ranked first - with a perfect 100 score - among 41 institutions in the Hospitality Event Management & Tourism subject category of The Guardian University Guide 2015 And the University of Derby as a whole has risen 29 places to make it into the table s Top 50 - the second highest jump in the country The University s performance in Sport Science has taken huge steps forwards leaping 33 places to be ranked 12 h in the country The Sport Academic Teams based in Buxton and at Kedleston Road offer an outstanding student experience that is reflected by the excellent achievement and progress in the Guardian League Table 2015 "This is a wonderful endorsement of our vision and collective hard work " said the University of Derby Buxton s Strategic Director Dr Peter Dewhurst "This on top of our successful hosting of the prestigious 2014 Council for Hospitality Management Education annual research conference helps to reinforce our position as a top deliverer of higher education in these subject areas "It is also pleasing to note that our ranking in the "Sport Science" curriculum area has improved from 45th to 12th which is an incredible improvement and augurs well for the future " Buxton also has a tradition as a centre of excellence in the culinary arts and its spa courses have been hailed by experts as the best in the world

Buxton is Your Passport toWorld of Work 4 March 2014 A degree from the University of Derby Buxton became a passport for an Italian student to gain a dream job in Switzerland Daniela Cassini who graduated in 2009 is the Admissions Officer for Ehl - the Ecole Hotelier in Lausanne which trains the hotel professionals of the future Daniela spoke about the role the University played in her own career at an Industry Networking Day which saw 43 blue chip firms from the worlds of hotel catering events management spa and sport meet in Buxton to keep academics up to speed with industry requirements "If I hadn t come here to Buxton I wouldn t have ended up in Switzerland " said Daniela whose mum is from Derby and Dad is Italian She wanted to convert her experience in administration into management skills and her Travel and Tourism with Events Management degree provided the kind of real-world knowledge and experience which has seen the University of Derby Buxton top the UK league for graduates gaining work within six months of receiving their degrees "It made me able to put together projects covering everything from crowd management public relations human resources - and things that I hadn t seen before - together " said Daniela who especially valued a work placement in Austria "Now they can put me in front of 200 people and I wouldn t be terrified because I d done it here at Buxton It s not just a case of regurgitating facts - I had experience " Experts at the event came from firms ranging from the luxurious Six Senses Spa in Qatar to Woodland Survival Daniela also gave insider tips to students on their careers at the event For more details of how your business could benefit from student placements contact Ben Offord Work Placement and Employability Officer at B Offord@derby ac uk 01332 594303

Buxton Joins Global Network Of Hotel School Training 14 October 2013 An international hospitality organisation whose work is recognised as a passport to success across all five continents has given its stamp of approval to the University of Derby Buxton In another success for its policy of preparing students for the real world the University has been admitted to the International Association of Hotel Schools known and respected around the globe as EUHOFA The Association unites the world s leading hotel and tourism schools and works to ensure the highest quality of education Only four other UK hotel schools have been accepted for membership and the University of Derby Buxton was inspired to join EUHOFA because of the opportunities it presented to give an international insight into programme development and delivery EUHOFA contributes to the constant improvement and progress of hospitality training and promotes the achievements of more than 140 hotel schools colleges and universities in 45 countries in all five continents Tony Loynes University Subject Manager for Tourism Hospitality Events and Spa programmes said: "It internationalises the curriculum This means that our students will be better prepared for future management positions in the hospitality industry worldwide " Dr Peter Dewhurst Strategic Director for the University of Derby Buxton added: "The success of our application to become a EUHOFA member is further testament to the success of our real world learning approach to higher education and the part it plays in producing work-ready graduates ready to drive the future of the hotel industry " For further press information please contact John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer on direct dial 01298 33061 or email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Buxton Lecturer Helps To Deliver Safe Olympic Games 22 August 2012 While most of the millions of visitors to the London 2012 Olympic Games caught at least one event this summer a University of Derby Buxton lecturer who spent weeks in the Olympic Park didn t see a single medal win That was because he had a key role in the delivery of a safe and secure Games in his role as Events Management Consultant with Capita Symonds Throughout the summer Eddy Grant who lectures on the University s Masters and BA (Hons) Events Management degrees and Diploma in Events Safety Management at the University of Derby Corporate (UDC) used his expertise to ensure the Olympic Torch Relay and Olympic Park events passed safely and without major incident Throughout the Games Eddy worked within the last mile of the Olympic Park where an estimated 9 3million people passed through on their way to or from an event Along with his team of Events Safety Officers six of whom were graduates of the UDC Diploma Eddy worked to ensure visitors journeys into and around the park went smoothly and safely that crowds flowed well and everyone made it in to watch their sport on time Eddy said: "The last mile is a term used to describe the operation to deliver safe movement of ticketed spectators from designated London 2012 transport to competition venues and included existing roads paths and thoroughfares and the newly built shopping centre in Stratford "It was a challenging role given the volume of people which included shoppers parkgoers and the workforce and very high demand on the services available but good planning meant that my role in dayto-day operational delivery went fairly smoothly "In fact getting into and out of the park was given the second highest visitor satisfaction rate coming just behind the sports themselves in a LOCOG customer service questionnaire " Eddy will go on to carry out the same role during the London 2012 Paralympic Games but says this brings very different challenges "During the Olympic Games many of London s residents were on holiday or were urged not to use public transport But during the Paralympics London will be very much back to work and everyday life Because of this we expect the last mile to be far busier " said Eddy After the Games Eddy will return to Buxton to welcome new students onto their University programmes He added: "Working at the biggest and most high profile event this country has ever put on has been a fantastic experience for me personally but I also look forward to sharing best practice from the event with our students; using it to inform their teaching over the coming year " For more information on the Masters or BA (Hons) Events Management degrees at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb For more information on the Diploma in Events Safety Management visit www derby ac uk/corporate

Buxton Looks Set To Have Taken The Biscuit In Cream Tea Record 27 November 2013 A 13-year-old who has been inspired to cook by a junior chef s course at the University of Derby Buxton looks set to have organised the World s Largest Cream Tea event Sid Morris and his friend Daniel Clayton who are in Year Nine at Buxton Community School joined forces with the University to try and get into the Guinness Book of Records by hosting a cream tea in the Dome And on Sunday 550 people sat down to tea beating the previous record of 431 paying guests However the result has yet to be ratified by the Guinness Books of Records University hospitality students made the scones and served the tea in the Dome with help from their colleagues studying event management Sid and Daniel came up with the idea to raise money for a trip next year to Ghana where they will help a village to install a rain water harvesting system as part of a school partnership project The boys need to raise £2 000 each to go on the 10-day trip organised by Buxton CommunitySchool and Partner Ghana an educational and development aid charity Sid who has been on the Saturday morning Junior Chef course for the last three years said he would like to be a chef when he grows up "It s really good " he said "You get to make great stuff like profiteroles doughnuts roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and all that kind of thing " For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Buxton Poetry Competition Winners Announced 8 July 2010 The University of Derby and the Buxton Festival are pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 Buxton Poetry Competition which had the theme Breath of Fresh Air In total 424 entries were received and the winning poem announced last night (July 7) at the opening of the exhibition in the Dome of the University s Buxton Campus was The Appointment by Maggie Spooner Maggie from Wilmslow said: "I am really pleased and very surprised to win the competition The poem was inspired by a time when I was visiting hospital frequently for appointments; it just came together from those experiences and my love of writing " This year Ann Sansom who has published six collections of poetry most recently In Praise of Men & Other People and Peter Sansom who has been a Fellow in Poetry at both the University of Leeds and the University of Manchester and Company Poet for Marks & Spencer and the Prudential judged the entries Ann said: "We enjoyed reading the entries and were impressed by the way that people interpreted the theme So many writers took Breath of Fresh Air as an opportunity to speak honestly Some celebrated a first breath and some a last We felt that the shortlisted entries were serious and well-managed poems that genuinely needed to be written " There were also more than 250 entries in the Children and Young People s element of the Poetry Competition which was judged by Dr Teresa Barnard Lecturer in English at the University of Derby and Maria Carnegie Learning and IT Services Manager at the University of Derby Buxton In the Children s Category first prize went to Lauren Dowling (age 11) for her poem Wind in the Willows second prize went to Harry Nickless (age 10) and third prize to Leyla Mason (age 11) In the Young People s category (12 - 18 year old) first prize went to Anna Tindall (age 14) for her poem Good Country Air Second prize went to Ellie Hendricks (age 13) and third prize to Sumana Bagum (age 18) And in the Barnardo s Category first prize went to Ashraf Youssef (age 16) for his poem A Breath of Fresh Air Dr Teresa Barnard said: "This year there was an even greater response to the Children s Category and once again with so many imaginative and cleverly crafted poems it was difficult to choose a winner "Lauren s winning poem is outstanding particularly for its seemingly simple structure that contains complex imagery language and a precise rhyme scheme "Her overall theme is both inventive and relevant and she draws her readers in to engage with her imaginative response The runners up have produced original work of a very high quality "In the Young People s category again there was a fantastic response from many talented young writers Several of the young poets expressed their views on wider contemporary issues such as politics and ecology as well as their thoughts on the concerns that affect them personally "The winning poem in the Young People s Catergory by Anna Tindall was truly a breath of fresh air in her reversal of the typical theme of the delights of the countryside Instead she expresses the idea of city life as her ideal Written with both humour and passion it is well deserving of first prize "Finally in the Barnardo s Category Ashraf deserves a special mention for his cleverly constructed and inventive acrostic style poem This demonstates a combination of skill and imagination altogether a worthy winner " The 15 finalists poems and the winners of the Children s and Young People s categories are now on display in an exhibition at the Dome which runs until July 25 2010 and is open to the public The Buxton Poetry Competition is proud to continue to work with our esteemed Patrons Sir Andrew Motion and Lady Jasmine Cavendish For more information about this news release contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07909 533242 email j colburn@derby ac uk

Buxton Student Fights To Be Crowned This Year's 'Eventice' 20 February 2013 A gifted University of Derby Buxton student has made it into the final 12 in a national search for the best young talent in the events management industry Third-year BA (Hons) Public Relations and Events Management degree student Victoria-Pachalo Mauluka-Jones 21 from Peterborough is a finalist in 'The Eventice' an Apprentice style competition for the event industry organised by Event Magazine and ESP recruitment She will travel to London for the finals which are taking place at the International Confex centre from March 19 - 21 The winner will land a once in a lifetime prize of a job with either leading audio visual supplier Blitz or global experiential agency George P Johnson To make it to the final Victoria-Pachalo submitted a two-minute film explaining why she felt worthy of The Eventice title a video that clearly impressed judges Victoria-Pachalo explained: "I was delighted to discover I had been selected as a finalist in the competition and I m very excited about competing in the next stage The course at the University has opened my eyes to the events industry and helped me to develop my future career plans giving me the confidence to participate in competitions such as this " The students will compete in a number of challenging tasks where each finalist will have their performance closely monitored marked and discussed by a team of judges including industry experts and representatives of both Blitz and the George P Johnson agency Candidates will finally be required to give a short concluding presentation to the judging panel and live audience before winner of The Eventice 2013 is announced Julian Robinson Programme Leader at the University of Derby Buxton added: "The whole events teaching team are extremely proud that Victoria-Pachalo has been selected as a finalist in The Eventice 2013 competition "She is a great ambassador for the Events Management programme and also the wider University Not only is Victoria-Pachalo a programme representative and final year student but she also finds time to do all this alongside her academic studies We wish her all the best in the competition and everyone is rooting for her " For more information regarding the BA (Hons) Events Management course at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/courses/events-management-ba-hons and for the latest news on The Eventice competition visit www eventmagazine co uk/go/theeventice

Buxton Student Kayakers Featured On Sky Sports News 30 January 2012 A team of University of Derby Buxton students were seen racing down the white water of Nottingham s National Water Sports Centre on Sky Sports News on Saturday morning (January 28) after being asked to demonstrate paddle sports on the channel s Get Involved programme Each Saturday Sky Sports News broadcasts Get Involved with the aim of giving viewers more information on how to become more active in unusual sports The programme focuses on a new sport each week and has demonstrated activities like handball and sailing On Saturday the programme focused on white water rafting and featured six Buxton students trying out the sport at the Holme Pierrepont National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham The six Outdoor Activity Management degree students involved were Jodie Howley John Buckle Callum Morrison Matt Foster Martin Ochiltree and Jenny Philips All six who are part of the Derby University Canoe and Kayaking Club (DUCK) were invited to experience white water rafting in front of the Sky Sports cameras Jodie Howley 21 from Peterlee County Durham said: "The whole day was fantastic To have the chance to go down the white water at the National Watersports Centre - and appear on TV - was a great opportunity for us and another experience we can take back to our Outdoor Activities degree programmes " The programme was aired on Saturday January 28 throughout the day to over 10 million viewers The video of the students can be found on website www skysports com/getinvolved For more information about Outdoor programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Buxton Student Pushes Cricket Boundary All The Way To Florida 26 November 2013 University of Derby sports student Rahim Ali is batting for Buxton - in America! The 23-year-old has been chosen to play cricket in the US Open in Florida which bills itself as the home of T20 cricket and this year features legends including former Indian Captain Mohammed Azharuddin and Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya the only player to score over 12 000 runs and take more than 300 wickets in One Day Internationals Rahim who is an undergraduate in his 2nd year of a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching will join one of the 40 teams from around the world which the promoters have lined up for the tournament "They are trying to promote cricket in America " said Rahim who impressed talent-spotter Raja Arshad from Leicester while playing for his Derby home team Alvaston and Boulton CC in the Derbyshire Premier League "I ll be in one of the All Star XIs - possibly Pakistan because of my inheritance - but I won t know until I get there " said 23-year-old Rahim who played for Derbyshire at junior level but had not planned to take up cricket as a career "I never thought I d be playing cricket in America " said Rahim who studies coaching practices for various sports including soccer American football basketball and many other activities at the University s Harpur Hill Leisure Centre "I m hoping to go into coaching to put something back into the community " Rahim who jets off to Miami in December said: "It will be a world-widening experience " His University tutor Omari Williams who is Senior Lecturer and Experiential Learning Lead for Sport said: "Rahim is going to be a great ambassador for Buxton He s been an outstanding student for us " Rahim was encouraged in his cricketing career by his club captain Steve Stubbings currently Derbyshire Coach and a former county Second XI Captain He also thanked firstly his family for the support and encouragement in helping him move forward in his sporting career something his late father always wanted him to do Rahim added "My father would have been one proud man if he was present with us today he supported me a lot in my sporting career I lost hope after he departed but I was fortunate enough to have a mother brother and a sister who encouraged me back onto the sporting path & today I m very grateful and can t thank them enough for their support "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my lecturers in giving me the time away from my studies to represent University of Derby in America " For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Buxton Student Takes Charge On Biggest Day Of The Year 6 November 2013 No-one at The University of Derby Buxton s graduation event on Saturday will know better than Elsje Hugo that you don t get success handed on a plate But the former Buxton Community School pupil says the challenge of being put in charge of catering for the biggest event in the academic calendar - even before she gets her own degree - is just what today s students need on their CVs Twenty-year-old Elsje who came to Buxton ten years ago from South Africa has been given the job of General Manager for the day - looking after the 900 guests and organising the 300 meals which will be served after her fellow students pick up their degrees That has included hiring fellow students as part of her eight-strong team deciding on the menu negotiating with local suppliers and checking every detail down to the right number of serviettes "The most difficult thing is thinking about the little things you have to do " said Elsje who is in her second year of a degree in International Hospitality Management "It s all about staying organised which is the most important thing " Elsje says the experience which the University gives students as part of its emphasis on real-world learning means they can progress seamlessly from Buxton right into the real world of work "It s a fantastic opportunity to be given " she said "We have guidance but they make sure we do it all as much as we can I don t think we could ask for more to be honest " But her training which has included events such as the Chatsworth Estate dinner for 900 people now held annually at the Dome has made her so aware of every little detail that she can t switch off "I m looking forward to my own graduation next year - but you re always looking for things that might go wrong Hopefully I ll just be able to relax!" For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Buxton Student Takes On North Pole Challenge 5 February 2013 An intrepid University of Derby Buxton student is preparing for a challenge that will leave him feeling on top of the world If he manages to run 26 miles across the Arctic to complete the North Pole Marathon Tom Jenner will raise thousands of pounds for the hospital that helped save his little brother s life Tom age 19 from Flitch Green Essex took advantage of the recent cold weather to put in some extra training for the marathon which he will run in April 2014 By doing so he hopes to raise more than £20 000 for the cardiac unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital which saved his younger brother Ollie s life Tom said: "In 2010 my little brother Ollie who is now 11 was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome a rare and potentially fatal heart condition They decided Ollie needed open heart surgery which thankfully was a complete success If he hadn t been given this rare diagnosis he would have died so running the North Pole Marathon is my way of giving something back to the staff of Great Ormond Street Hospital for what they have done for my family " Only 255 runners have ever completed the race during which temperatures can plummet to minus 32 degrees Tom is hoping the experience he is gaining on a Foundation Degree in Outdoor Activities at the University of Derby Buxton which includes winter skills training will stand him in good stead "The only thing I can t prepare for is polar bears " said Tom "But I m really looking forward to the experience and plan to run at least a marathon a week over the next year to train " To find out more about Outdoor degrees at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/outdoor

Buxton Student Wins International Cooking Crown 25 January 2011 A Culinary Arts student at the University of Derby Buxton has been crowned World Junior Chef of the Year Savvas Savva 24 fought off stiff competition from budding chefs from 35 countries to win the prestigious title at the 8th International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival 2010 Savvas who is originally from Cyprus is in his final year of a BA (Hons) in Professional Culinary Arts at the University of Buxton Although still continuing his studies Savvas is already seen as a rising star in the industry and this award recognises his culinary talents He said: "When I learned that I d won I really couldn t believe it because it was an international competition and many countries and great young chefs participated " In 2005 Savvas began working as a chef at the Heniba Hotel in Larnaca and worked his way up to head of the kitchen at Hobos Café He also worked at the Hotel Le Meridien in Limassol and the Palm Beach Hotel in Larnaca before travelling to the UK to study at the University of Derby Buxton Leonard Cseh University s Programme Leader for Hospitality and Culinary Arts said: "We are delighted for Savvas He has been an excellent student and is a passionate chef He has brought his experience and knowledge of Mediterranean cuisine to the course - and to the kitchens of the Dome Fine Dining Restaurant - which has also benefitted and inspired his fellow students "We wish him all the best and we re sure that he will go on to have the success that this award predicts " On completing his course at the University of Derby Buxton Savvas will become head chef at the Archontiko Papadopoulou restaurant in Kornos Cyprus which opens in May 2011 offering a modern version of traditional Cypriot food Savvas added: "I chose to study at the University of Derby Buxton because the programme is well known around the world and well respected I am sure that by the end of my studies I will be able to say that I have all the relevant knowledge of the culinary arts "

Buxton Students Are Hot Stuff, Say Tabasco Judges 5 November 2013 Two University of Derby Buxton students have proved they re hot stuff in the kitchen by winning through to the finals of a cooking contest sponsored by Tabasco The makers of the legendary spicy sauce will decide if Andrew Collis and Malcolm Lomax will be the champions in the Tabasco Student Street Food Challenge 2013 Andrew and Malcolm are third year BA Professional Culinary Arts students who were short-listed in the contest run by the US based McIlhenny Company in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs They will now have to cook prepare and present their dishes using a variety of Tabasco sauces before a team of expert chef judges at the University of West London on November 4 The top prize is a trip to the home of Tabasco - Avery Island in Lafayette Louisiana - to experience the region s cuisine and culture accompanied by their chef lecturer Andrew is no stranger to the pressures of being in a national final - he was a member of the University team who were runners-up in the prestigious Nestlé Toque d Or® Competition one of the highlights of the country s culinary arts competition calendar "Andrew and Malcolm have proved that our students can tackle anything from the haute cuisine of the Toque d Or to the hot and spicy food you get down on the street " said Acting Assistant Subject Manager Tony Clodd For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Buxton Students Have No Fear of the Dragon's Den 5 March 2014 Spa degree courses at the University of Derby Buxton - already hailed as the best in the world - have nothing to fear from TV s The Dragon s Den an Industry Networking Day was told Experts from 43 firms in the hotel catering events sports leisure and spa industries who came to the University from all over the world to put academics through their paces and make sure courses were up to speed with the needs of industry Among them was Justin Musgrove from the Bannantyne Spa set up by Dragon s Den star Duncan Bannantyne who said: "The fact that you have got your own spa on campus is marvellous There aren t many universities which are able to offer this taste of the real world " Real-world learning has helped the University to top the UK league for graduates finding work in the same six months after receiving their degrees And international spa expert Anna Bjurstam has gone on record as saying what Buxton was doing is leading the world: "If the industry knew how good your students are then they would be standing in line to employ them " Justin added that the day split into meeting lecturers and then talking to students as prospective employees had been very productive "Speaking to the people running the courses about what industry needs was very informative and useful " he said "Hopefully we can get industry and education working together "The afternoon was about meeting prospective future employees who are coming towards the end of their time as students They are asking the right questions and are very enthusiastic about the future " For more details of how your business could benefit from student placements contact Ben Offord Work Placement and Employability Officer at B Offord@derby ac uk 01332 594303

Buxton Students Help Kids Score With Stockport County FC 26 March 2013 Children across Buxton are receiving specialist sports coaching from University of Derby Buxton students who have recently become coaches with Stockport County Football Club in the Community Andrew Day 23 from Birmingham and Tom Rowlands 22 from Cannock who are both in the second year of Sports Coaching and Development Joint Honours degrees at the University of Derby Buxton have been delivering the sport coaching sessions at Buxton Community School after securing coaching roles with Stockport County in the Community The opportunity came about through the University s commitment to providing real world learning opportunities for its students The children aged nine to 16 receive specialist coaching on football skills such as passing and shooting at GOALZ a Wednesday evening session dedicated to football and coaching on a range of sports such as athletics and basketball on Friday evenings Andrew said: "We want to get as many young people as possible to come along and get involved in the coaching sessions We want to help them develop their sports skills but more importantly have a great time "This coaching role is a fantastic opportunity for me to gain practical skills and knowledge to support my university learning " Mike Smith Community Officer from Stockport County in the Community said: "We have worked well with the University of Derby Buxton over a number of years now and are really pleased to have Andrew and Thomas now supporting us on the GOALZ project "Their enthusiasm and commitment is first class and we are looking forward to offering more volunteer and coaching positions on the project to students over the next few months "We would also like to thank the Work Placement Office at the University for all their help and support " For more information on Sports courses at the University For more on Stockport County in the Community visit www scfcfoundation com/

Buxton Students Host National Conference 6 February 2013 A group of University of Derby Buxton students welcomed more than 70 students from around the country to their campus recently as they organised and hosted the National Student Event Conference 2013 Students travelled to the University to hear from industry speakers at the 2013 Conference which was organised by Buxton's BA (Hons) Events Management students as part of their degree programme which has an emphasis on experiential learning Keynote speakers included Eric Stuart a key organiser of the London 2012 Olympic Games Torch Relay that preceded the Summer Games and Annemarie Chebib Managing Director at Select Security and Stewarding Ltd who has worked as a crowd management consultant for the special events industry for over 15 years Second year BA (Hons) Events Management student Jakki Rossiter 22 from Chelmsford in Essex was part of a group who organised the Conference She said: "It s been a fantastic opportunity to gain experience managing a national event here at our own campus Since October we have been organising this event booking keynote speakers marketing the conference and planning each detail It is great to put this all into action and welcome so many delegates " Julian Robinson Programme Leader on the BA (Hons) Events Management degree added: "The conference was organised by our second year students who worked closely with the client to deliver the event successfully "This event provided an ideal opportunity for them to gain the necessary skills needed to be a professional event manager and showed potential employers what experience they gained whilst at University The high-profile speakers who so generously gave their time to this conference emphasised to the students the importance of gaining relevant work experience alongside academic study in order to compete in a competitive job market " For more information on studying Events Management at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/business/hotel-resort-and-spa-management/events-management

Buxton Students' Taste Of Success In National Competition 7 June 2013 A team of up and coming culinary arts and hospitality students from the University of Derby Buxton earned praise from the catering world s top professionals after impressing them in the finals of a national competition Students Andrew Collis 20 Joe Penrose 19 and Prabjot Ragbotra 20 from Birmingham made it through to the finals of the prestigious Nestlé Toque d Or Competition the winners of which were announced at a celebration at London s Dorchester Hotel on June 4 (2013) Taking on the roles of chef commis chef and front of house respectively the Buxton team had beaten hundreds of other students to get into the four-day final during which they had to present their bid for an in-house catering contract for a large corporation With their mouth-watering menu of Pave of Pollock; saffron cous cous and Asian salsa main course; passion fruit panna cotta and roasted mango pudding followed by Bakewell coffee the students came tantalisingly close to winning the title which was taken by a team from South West College (Dungannon) Joe Penrose 19 from Driffield who is in the second year of a Foundation degree in Professional Culinary Arts said: "Despite not winning it felt great to make it to the final To compete against other teams all of whom were as passionate about the competition and about the industry as we were was fantastic "Making new friends and learning from one another also enriched the experience It was great to see by the invited guests at the awards evening how respected the competition is within the industry "Although we didn t win the competition this has just given us more fuel and determination to enter again next year and having a better understanding of what is required from the competition will help us to maybe go all the way " Robert Stordy University Chef-Lecturer said: "Our students were a great credit to the University and I am so proud of them for making it to the finals and creating such a magnificent menu The praise received by all the teams from celebrities of the catering industry was second to none " For more information on degrees in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts visit www derby ac uk/udb

Buxton Students Vital Ingredient In Food Fair Success 13 May 2013 University of Derby Buxton students were a vital ingredient in the success of the recent Bakewell Food Festival which attracted hundreds of people to the town Over the weekend of April 27 and 28 (2013) the Peak District Town famous for its Bakewell Tart was transformed with the addition of tens of food stalls - piled high with local produce In the lead up of the event the nine BA (Hons) Events Management students were tasked with putting together an event guide including festival highlights On the day they worked together on operational tasks such as promotion set up take down litter picking road closures and marshalling The team were invited back to Bakewell after successfully supporting the Bakewell Christmas Market Sue Smethurst Bakewell Events organiser said "I would like to say a big thank you to the students who helped us over the weekend Once again they worked very hard; we really couldn t manage without their help The program that they had designed was wonderful " Buxton BA (Hons) Tourism Management degree students also attended the event to carry out data collection for the University s ongoing Extending the Season project The fair itself saw approximately 50 tempting food stalls scattered around the town centre as well as a pop up Italian Market cookery school demonstrations in Rutland Mill and a beer festival with plenty of opportunities for sampling the produce

Buxton To Teach UK About Learning From Life 1 October 2013 A reputation for real world learning has seen the University of Derby Buxton chosen to host a one-day seminar on its teaching methods for a national education institution The session on how students on sport outdoor and spa-related courses learn better through active and hands on experiences will be held at the University s Buxton Campus on February 19 next year (2014) It has been organised through the Higher Education Academy a nationally funded independent organisation which supports the improvement of teaching and learning in higher education Educators from all over the UK are expected to attend February s seminar demonstrating how role play and coaching sessions in class and work placements and community involvement externally add to Buxton s courses and better prepare students for their future careers A 2011 Government White Paper - entitled Higher Education:Students at the Heart of the System - called for students to participate more actively in their learning and for what they learnt to relate more to the real world of work Buxton students are given real tasks to be performed in their chosen field - from spa management to outdoor leadership and sports coaching - then return to the classroom to learn lessons from their experiences They are also involved in the Buxton Campus s commercial businesses including a day spa fine dining restaurant and an outdoor pursuits centre During next year s seminar delegates will hear direct from Buxton staff and get to try some student activities for themselves Louise Buxton Faculty Curriculum Development Manager at Buxton said: "We know that we have lots of great practice in education and experiential learning at Buxton so it would be a good opportunity to showcase what we do through this workshop " She added: "The students want to be active so if we get Sports Massage students to use models or manikins to identify where the muscles are and how they work rather than using two-dimensional images it brings learning to life " For more details on the Higher Education Academy session in February 2014 see website www heacademy ac uk/events/detail/2014/Seminars/Social_Sciences For further press information please contact John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer on 01298 330461 or email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Calculating Cost To Environment With East Midlands' Universities 23 March 2011 All nine East Midlands universities have teamed up to help staff students and the public be more aware of how much greenhouse gas emissions they are responsible for Energy used to heat buildings and make consumer products creates carbon dioxide and other gases These are called greenhouse gases because most scientists believe they heat up the planet s atmosphere causing climate change A carbon footprint calculator which can assess the level of carbon emissions an individual is responsible for has been launched simultaneously on the websites of all nine of the region s universities Taking part are the universities of Derby Nottingham and Northampton; De Montfort Leicester and Loughborough in Leicestershire; and Bishop Grosseteste University College and the University of Lincoln in Lincolnshire Aimed primarily at staff and students - but also free and available for anybody using the universities websites - the calculator asks a series of simple questions to estimate how many tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions an individual is responsible for and gives tips on how this might be reduced Topics covered include: food - nc ud ng ask ng f you are a vegetar an or vegan, or buy organ c food? travel - what type of veh c e do you own, what s ts eng ne s ze and how often do you use pub c transport? home - what k nd of property you ve n, how you heat your home and whether t s f tted w th energy sav ng measures such as oft nsu at on? stuff - how much you spend on your pets; on buy ng e ectr ca goods, ewe ery and to etr es; and what you recyc e? This universities sector led approach has been coordinated through a network of environmental and sustainability officers from each institution They are keen to get staff and students to understand how much carbon dioxide their lifestyles create Lynn Richards Environmental Manager at the University of Derby said: "You can only manage what you can measure Measuring your carbon footprint is the first step in learning how to reduce it " Universities involved are running a series of events to raise awareness of carbon emissions and sustainability issues amongst staff and students Thousands of people have already used the carbon footprint calculator to assess their environmental impact Measure your carbon footprint

Call back of further University of Derby students for blood testing 1 May 2014 NHS England has been working with Public Health England (PHE) and the University of Derby to undertake an investigation into the vaccination and blood testing procedures of a health care worker formerly contracted to provide services within the Occupational Health Service at the University of Derby On Tuesday 606 former and current University of Derby students were advised of the need to undertake blood testing due to incorrect use of clinical procedures whilst undertaking blood tests and vaccinations This means students could be at an extremely low risk of possible infection from blood borne viruses (hepatitis B hepatitis C and HIV) Following calls received to the confidential Advice Line it has been identified that an additional 23 former students who attended the University of Derby in 2005 and 2006 will also be advised to go for blood testing Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We appreciate what a difficult week this has been for our students and are sorry for any worry this will undoubtedly have caused We are working closely with the health agencies involved to respond to the concerns raised by students as quickly as possible "We are extremely pleased with the response so far from students contacting the Advice Line which was established to ensure people had an opportunity to engage fully in this process and raise additional concerns they may have We have already handled well over 600 calls and been able to provide the support and assurance students require "As a result of this an additional check of other health records has identified the need to contact a further 23 students As a precautionary measure these further students from 2005 and 2006 will also be contacted and invited for testing There is no need for anyone who has already called the advice line to call again " Dr Doug Black Medical Director NHS England (Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire) said: "I would emphasise that whilst I understand people will be concerned about this the risks identified are extremely low " - ends Notes to Editors • The students attending the following courses are those who have been called for further blood testing: - MA Art Therapy - MA Drama Therapy - MSc Occupational Therapy - BSc Occupational Therapy - BSc Diagnostic Radiography - BSc Nursing - Adult and mental health - Adv Dip in Nurse Studies (Adult and mental health) • The Advice Line will be open seven days a week 8am to 8pm (except for the May Day Bank Holiday weekend when it will run 10am to 4pm) • The announcement confirming outcomes of the NHS England investigation with Public Health England and University of Derby can be found here • NHS England is the body which leads the NHS in England Its main aim is to improve the health outcomes for people in England and it sets the overall direction and priorities for the NHS as a whole To learn more about the work of NHS England please visit www england nhs uk • Public Health England Public Health England s mission is to protect and improve the nation s health and to address inequalities through working with national and local government the NHS industry and the voluntary and community sector PHE is an operationally autonomous executive agency of the Department of Health Follow PHE on Twitter @PHE_uk or visit www gov uk/phe • The University of Derby achieved University status in 1992 and is home to a diverse community of more than 20 000 students from the UK and overseas Professor John Coyne has been Vice-Chancellor since 2004 Students have the choice of studying in four faculties: Education Health & Science; Business Computing & Law; Art Design & Technology; and University of Derby Buxton There is also the option of studying for a degree online through the University of Derby Online Learning The University Quarter in Derby incorporates sites at Kedleston Road Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill to the west of Derby city centre The University of Derby Buxton is based at the magnificent 18th Century Grade II* listed Devonshire Dome campus in the heart of Buxton University of Derby Students Union research centres and academic schools - including The Derby Business School - are based at the Kedleston Road site Facilities include the £1 5m Clinical Skills Suite a state-of-the-art gym and a pioneering computer games development suite The University s corporate training and development division University of Derby Corporate (UDC) is based at the Enterprise Centre Bridge Street Derby Visit http://www derby ac uk/ for more information about University of Derby NHS England • NHS England is the body which leads the NHS in England Its main aim is to improve the health outcomes for people in England and it sets the overall direction and priorities for the NHS as a whole For further nformat on, p ease e-ma [email protected] or r ng 07824 463578

Calling Time On Gang Crime With Phone Apps Course 24 January 2013 Youth gang members and young people from high crime areas will learn to develop and market their own mobile phone application ideas in an innovative project supported by the universities of Wolverhampton and Derby National social business Catch22 has over 200 years worth of experience in providing services to help people in tough situations to turn their lives around enabling them to gain new skills and make a positive contribution to society Tomorrow (Friday January 25) Catch22 s Dawes Unit based in Red Lion Street Wolverhampton will launch the App Entrepreneur Programme (for Android devices); a free training programme teaching its students everything they need to know about creating and marketing new mobile phone applications or apps More than 50 people - including current and former gang members people at risk of gang involvement and those living in high crime areas - will attend the one-day event (beginning at 11am) held at the University of Wolverhampton to pitch their phone app ideas to a team of experts Those with the best ideas will be asked to create an app development team of two to four people One member from each team will then attend a free 90 hour course taught part time over four months teaching them and their team how to develop and market their app to commercial mobile phone companies The course will be taught and backed by technical and support staff from the University of Wolverhampton and the University of Derby with marketing advice to course attendees coming from business consultancy Sweda of West Bromwich Those taking part in the course must be aged 16 to 30 able to commit to completing the course be unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week and live in the Wolverhampton area Matthew Gordon Project Worker for Catch22 said: "This will be a professionally delivered course teaching the latest development and marketing techniques concerning mobile phone app technology "By the end of this course we hope the teams involved will have developed a marketable phone app from their original idea ready to be pitched to a mobile phone company or to be promoted as an attractive product online and through social media direct to phone users " Carlton McDonald is a University of Derby Computing Lecturer specialising in website development and software engineering He will be among the judges at Friday s event selecting the most marketable phone app ideas to go forward and will also teach on the App Entrepreneur Programme He added: "Many phone users will have ideas for great apps but have no idea how to go about producing such an app "This course through the vehicle of App Inventor skills a new and innovative approach to mobile phone development will excite and empower those attending the course to develop mobile phone apps that enable the best ideas to generate start-up companies careers and cash " Natalie Latham Student Recruitment Officer at the University of Wolverhampton said: "We have a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Wolverhampton and this programme offers an exciting way to gain new skills in the growing field of mobile phone applications "This will also be a great opportunity for groups of young people who wouldn t normally consider going to university to experience a taste of higher education " For further information about the Catch22 App Entrepreneur Programme contact Matthew Gordon Catch22 Project Worker on 01902 572388 or email: matthew gordon@catch-22 org uk More information about Catch22 can be found on website www catch-22 org uk For information about the University of Derby's involvement in the App Entrepreneur Programme contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

'Camera Beer' To Launch Photo Exhibition 2 June 2011 A few pints of this and they might have difficulty getting their photos in focus To congratulate students about to complete the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Commercial Photography degree course Derbyshire s Leadmill Brewery has come up with a photo-themed ale named after their Degree Show exhibition Still Raw an exhibition of the students photographs will be at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby as part of the wider annual Degree Shows event from 4 to 11 June The exhibition s title refers to the two industry terms of still images and raw or unprocessed shots Leadmill Brewery has produced an ale with the same name for the exhibition and 36 gallons of it will be served at an invitees only event to launch it and the annual Degree Shows generally A free display of hundreds of students work in crafts fashion textiles fine art film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies and art therapy will be open to the public for a week The Still Raw exhibition is also being sponsored by the University the Varsity bars chain pub company Slug and Lettuce and printing specialists Moo Photographer Matthew Byrne 37 of Kilburn Derbyshire will be exhibiting his photos during the Degree Shows and arranged for the beer promotion He said: "The idea of asking a local business to get involved came up at our first meeting and the Leadmill Brewery was the first thing that popped into my head "I am very confident when I say that we will be the only final year photography exhibition in the UK that will have its own associated bespoke real ale " Richard Creighton Leadmill Brewery founder and chief brewer added: "I have known Matthew for ten years and seen his photography work first hand When he approached me with the idea of brewing a bespoke ale for this project I said yes straightaway " Mark Hall University Programme leader for the BA (Hons) Commercial Photography course said: "This is a real coup for the students and will undoubtedly raise the profile of what is already an outstanding show " Following the Degree Shows Derby students Still Raw exhibition will be at arts space The Rag Factory in Heneage St near Brick Lane in London from 14 to19 June For further information please contact the Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103

Campaigner's Degree Helps Gypsies And Travellers Navigate The Law 18 January 2012 A veteran campaigner for Roma gypsy and travellers rights in Derbyshire and nationally is using her University of Derby Law degree to help her communities Siobhan Spencer 53 of Beeley near Matlock will graduate with an LL B (Hons) Law degree tomorrow (Thursday January 19) the first of the University of Derby s two days of Awards Ceremonies at the Derby Assembly Rooms in the city centre She achieved her 2:1 grade after five years of part time study Whilst on the course in 2009 Siobhan also received an MBE for her community relations work between the gypsy and settled communities Siobhan says the knowledge she gained from the course is proving invaluable in her work for the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group; which she co-founded almost 25 years ago She has been able to help members of the Roma gypsy and traveller communities with their legal questions; including on property and land law Siobhan has also begun drafting a proposed UK strategy for gypsy traveller and Roma communities in light of the 2011 European Union declaration that all member states should produce one to show how they would work with these communities She says that as the UK is not currently drawing up a strategy her s would be an important reference document But despite her degree success Siobhan said it was only the persuasion of Kevin Bampton Head of the School of Law and Criminology at the University which got her back into education She said: "I went to the University to speak to Kevin about organising a short course for people from the traveller community so they could act as trainers for police and other agencies We ended up having a long chat and he suggested I should try a Law course module myself "I did the Public Law 2 module and really enjoyed it so I decided to do the whole thing "It was a big step as O-levels were the highest qualifications I had at that time People from my community tend to marry early and I was married at 17 and had four children by the time I was in my late twenties " Over five years Siobhan stuck to the course despite the difficulties in resuming study as a mature student with children and grandchildren to look after She added: "One part of the degree course I really took to though was Public Law; the ways in which ordinary people can challenge a local government decision for example I also enjoyed the module on Copyright " Her degree costs were generously paid for by the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group said Siobhan Kevin Bampton Head of the School of Law and Criminology at the University added: "Siobhan is an inspirational figure I loved teaching her as did my colleagues and it is a matter of pride for us that what we have taught her will be put to good use fighting intolerance exclusion and racism " For more information on the University of Derby s Law courses see website www derby ac uk/law For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Can Nintendo Wii Tackle Child Obesity? 6 November 2008 Millions of people around the world jump around their living room as they wrestle with the controls of a Nintendo Wii But can playing a simulated sport on the computer actually be GOOD for your health? Sports science experts at the University of Derby are embarking on research to see if such video games could help tackle obesity Dr Michael Duncan a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University is appealing for primary schools in the region to take part in the study And he has been awarded £5 000 funding from the TANITA Healthy Weight Community Trust to carry out the work The trust is a non-profit public fund established in 1994 by TANITA in cooperation with the government of Japan TANITA is a leading manufacturer of professional and home-use body fat and body composition monitors/scales Michael said: “This study aims to see if young children can lose weight or improve their health by using the Nintendo Wii “There is a lot of discussion that video games are bad for your health and we hope this research will determine if playing on this equipment could actually have physical benefits for children ” Trials will see a six-week period where half of a participating school’s pupils will play on the Wii game during their lunch hour and half of them will take part in their normal lunch hour activities – whether it is football socialising or just eating lunch Pupils taking part in the study will be asked to wear a tri-axial accelerometer – a pedometer style device which also monitors energy use from more than one angle – so not just running on the spot but also recording movements from all jumps side turns and other body movements a pedometer would not pick up Dr Duncan then hopes to provide TANITA with his results in the next year The organisation only awards eight such grants each year The firm’s UK Key Accounts Manager David Hutchinson met Mr Duncan earlier this month to hand over a certificate of the grant and to see the University’s Games Development Suite at our Kedleston Road site The mission of the TANITA Healthy Weight Community Trust has been to support scientific study aimed at combating obesity and other weight and body composition-related problems in Japan and across the globe Research grants are awarded annually to people or organisations conducting studies on the epidemiology of fatness with the goal of combating obesity worldwide TANITA UK Ltd spokesman Kim Ramessa explained why the Derby bid for funding was successful She said: “This research project was particularly creative in encouraging children to be active in a fun and engaging manner “It highlighted one of the Trust’s key objectives of preventing obesity through increasing physical activity and education ” The University has also informed Nintendo Wii about the research project and plans to make its research findings available to the company afterwards Dr Duncan has a strong background in this research area having carried out studies in areas including body dissatisfaction body fat and physical activity in primary school children and using pedometers to determine pupils’ physical activity He is also a BASES (British Association of Sport and Exercise Science) accredited exercise physiologist Dr Duncan needs to hear from schools interested in taking part by November 20 He hopes around ten will get involved in the study To get involved contact Dr Duncan via email on m duncan@derby ac uk -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038

Can Yoga Improve Life Quality For Cancer Sufferers? 31 January 2011 Researchers have launched a study to see if Yoga can improve the quality of life for patients with gynaecological cancer The study has been devised by scientists at the University of Derby in collaboration with doctors at the Royal Derby Hospital More than 100 participants will take part in weekly Hatha-style Yoga exercises for 10 weeks to assess any benefits of the classes The study will run between now and December 2011 Participants who join the study will have been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer and are currently being treated with either surgery or chemotherapy at the Royal Derby Hospital One group of study volunteers will be invited to take part in the Yoga trials while the other group will be asked to abstain from the Yoga sessions to form a control group University doctoral student Stephanie Archer will assess the wellbeing levels of both groups of patients on a regular basis to gauge any benefits of Yoga The study is the brainchild of principal investigator and University of Derby biologist Dr Heidi Sowter in conjunction with Mr Anish Bali a gynaecological oncologist from Derby City Hospital Dr Sowter said: "Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years to improve emotional and physical wellbeing Several studies have shown that practicing Yoga has beneficial effects on the quality of life of cancer patients although this has yet to be proved conclusively "This clinical trial will determine if Yoga has positive effects on gynaecological cancer patients If the results are positive then future patients could benefit from an improved cancer care service " Mr Bali added: "We are testing the hypothesis that Yoga can benefit cancer patients by helping manage symptoms of the disease such as fatigue insomnia and stress Information from this study could help to improve the care of future gynaecological cancer patients " One of the study participants Margaret Gregory 67 who lives in Mickleover said: "After attending my first session of yoga at the University of Derby site I am intrigued to know more about how practising yoga may improve my wellbeing I am looking forward to meeting other gynaecological cancer patients and sharing our feelings and experiences during the ten week course " Over a million women are diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year Womb cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer followed by ovarian cancer then cervical cancer However the death rate of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer still remains high accounting for six per cent of all female cancer related deaths in the UK The Derby/Burton cancer team has an active laboratory-based programme examining the molecular basis in the development and progression of ovarian cancer Dr Heidi Sowter is assisting in research in this area The Yoga classes for the research trial are being held in the Multi-Faith Centre within the grounds of the University s Kedleston Road site on Thursday evenings starting this week The sessions have been laid on with support from the centre s retired Director Eileen Fry who is now its volunteer coordinator and a qualified Yoga teacher Part of the funding for the research study came from a successful charity ball and auction organised last March by the University and Royal Derby Hospitals Charles Hanson from TV s Bargain Hunt was special guest at the event at the Roundhouse in Derby Researchers are still keen for eligible volunteers to take part in the sessions so if you meet the criteria and are interested please contact Stephanie Archer on email: s archer@derby ac uk or call: 01332 592023 Further information on why yoga may help benefit cancer patients can be found at www cancerhelp org uk For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Can You Help Buxton Take The World Cup For The Biggest Ever Cream Tea? 26 November 2013 A 13-year-old who has been inspired to cook by a junior chef s course at the University of Derby Buxton is planning the World s Largest Cream Tea event Sid Morris and his friend Daniel Clayton who are in Year Nine at Buxton Community School have joined forces with the University to try and get into the Guinness Book of Records by hosting a cream tea in the Dome - and all they need now are 431 paying guests to take the title! Hospitality students will be making the scones and serving the tea in the Dome organised by their colleagues studying event management with University Business Development Manager Christine Sweetmore in charge Sid and Daniel came up with the idea to raise money for a trip next year to Ghana where they will help a village to install a rain water harvesting system as part of a school partnership project But they need your help in getting the numbers up to the world record level - which currently stands at 430 people at one sitting! "Christine has been brilliant - really helpful " said Sid s mum Denise who approached the University about holding it there The boys need to raise £2 000 each to go on the 10-day trip organised by Buxton Community School and Partner Ghana an educational and development aid charity Sid who has been on the Saturday morning Junior Chef course for the last three years said he would like to be a chef when he grows up "It s really good " he said "You get to make great stuff like profiteroles doughnuts roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and all that kind of thing " The World s Largest Cream Tea is at the Dome on the 24th November from 2 30pm to 4 30pm with music by the Round Midnight jazz trio Tickets are available priced at £6 00 each from the University s reception desk Hargreaves shop in Spring Gardens the Green Pavilion florist Yannie s Hair Boutique on the Market Place and the boys own website www lotsofscones co uk For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Care And Compassion Top Conference Agenda 28 May 2012 With dignity and care of patients at the top of the national health and social care agenda a recent conference hosted by the University of Derby provided an opportunity for Derbyshire healthcare professionals to meet and discuss this topical issue Funded by the local Strategic Health Authority the Care and Compassion Conference brought together more than 70 front line health care professionals from across the region including nurses radiographers and occupational therapists on May 24 Paul Weller Professor of Inter-Religious Relations at the University of Derby opened the conference that was chaired by Steve Edgeley Deputy Director of Nursing from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Launched in response to the current health and social care policy directives this important event featured keynote papers by Wilf McSherry Professor in Dignity in Care of Older People University of Staffordshire and Professor Paul Gilbert who is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist for Derbyshire Mental Health Services NHS Trust and a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby Professor Gilbert is also Director of the Mental Health Research Unit in Derby which is collaboration between the Trust and the University Paul was awarded an OBE for services to mental healthcare and is a founder of the charity The Compassionate Mind Foundation and author of The Compassionate Mind The conference included presentations from the School of Health University of Derby including Nursing Mental Health Occupational Therapy and Radiography as well as discussion groups with service users and carers Professor Lorraine Ellis Head of the University s School of Health said: "On May 16 the NHS Confederation Chairman Sir Keith Pearson told the Royal College of Nursing s annual conference that universities and employers need to do more to make sure that staff have compassionate values needed to provide patient centred dignified care "At the University of Derby we are committed to ensuring that our Nursing degree students graduate with these vital qualities and we hosted the Care and Compassion Conference to give professionals the opportunity to talk about the issue and share best practice "We were delighted to welcome so many health professionals to the event and we know that they will take what they discussed today back to their roles to make a direct impact on enhancing care to service users and patients " For more information on the BSc (Hons) Nursing degrees at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/health-and-social-care/courses

Careers Advice For All Pupils Is Key To UK Skills Gap Says Study 11 October 2013 All secondary school children should be encouraged to think earlier about future technical careers through better careers advice which brings jobs knowledge into the classroom says a University of Derby study A shortfall in the number of graduates and other qualified people entering the UK workforce with science technology engineering and maths (or STEM) subject knowledge could be reduced by better approaches to careers advice at secondary school age (11-years-old and above) says the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS); the University s applied research centre for career development and employability The study - just published by the National STEM Centre funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation - asked senior staff in nine volunteer schools in Walsall Sheffield Mansfield Darlington North Shields Hull and Oldham how they helped pupils learn about STEM-based careers There was then a follow-up survey nationally A common problem was found to be that busy schools and their teaching staff with more urgent concerns such as setting curricula and exams success might lack the time or resources to invest in better careers support for pupils Looking at factors which shape how school leaders do and could make STEM subjects more attractive the report by iCeGS Principal Research Fellow Jo Hutchinson concluded that a range of career-related learning opportunities in school would help young people explore their own strengths values and ambitions; helping them make better decisions about subject choices learning pathways and ultimately successful and rewarding careers The iCeGS report - called School Organisation and STEM Careerrelated Learning- recommends schools: eva uate careers adv ce they current y prov de and pub sh a p an exp a n ng how they w ensure a pup s rece ve ndependent career gu dance; g ve teachers des gn ng and manag ng STEM career-re ated earn ng t me to deve op pro ects, and g ve them adequate space w th n the schoo curr cu um; use the exper ence of teachers who ve come from other careers (bus ness, techn ca , se femp oyed, etc) to enr ch the schoo s STEM career-re ated programmes; run extra-curr cu ar act v t es recogn s ng that not a STEM career-re ated act v ty shou d be about pup s go ng onto un vers ty and graduate careers, but a so nto more vocat ona work, at post-16. Jo Hutchinson Principal Research Fellow at iCeGS and report author said: "There remains widespread concern among UK business organisations at the current and projected shortfall in the number of people coming into the workforce with STEM knowledge One estimate puts this at 40 000 fewer STEM graduates per year than there should be "Part of tackling this is to devote more time and expertise towards getting pupils thinking about careers in STEM subjects at a younger age than we currently do Children who are enthused about potential careers in these areas are much more likely to go on to study such subjects at further and higher education level and develop careers relating to them " For more information about the work of the International Centre for Guidance Studies at the University of Derby see link www derby ac uk/icegs Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Careers in Law and Justice Day 2013 7 March 2013 If you ve ever thought about a career in the law and justice sector a free open day at the University of Derby this Saturday (March 9) is the place to find out more The annual Careers in Law and Justice Fair hosted by the School of Law and Criminology will be held in the Kirtley Building at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby from 10am to 4pm this Saturday Attending will be solicitors and barristers firms companies involved with the law sector education providers police officers and other agencies It will be a great opportunity to meet employers involved in law and criminology find out about volunteering opportunities and also network with law graduates industry professionals and enquire about postgraduate study During the day there will be plenty of activities running including mock trials and guest lectures and workshops on improving your CV and on career planning Lunch and refreshments will be provided during the event

Caring Students' Gift To Community 15 April 2013 Caring members of the Buxton community are receiving some highly deserved pampering for free thanks to a generous group of Buxton College and University of Derby Buxton students Members of Buxton s League of Friends Age UK Home Start the Amber Trust church groups carers and the elderly have been receiving free beauty treatments at the hair and beauty salon at the Buxton Dome since January after beauty students there decided to share their skills with the community Julie McCann from Glossop a final year BSc (Hons) International Spa Management degree student of the University of Derby Buxton organises the weekly Wednesday morning sessions which run from 10am to 12 30pm until the start of June Julie said: "We wanted to work with the charitable and voluntary organisations carers volunteers and service users from the area who may not get much of a chance to relax and give them a treat "We are delighted with how well the sessions are going and it feels fantastic to help people take some time to relax and to feel good about themselves " At each session a group of eight Buxton College NVQ Beauty students give manicures pedicures massage and facials to people of the town who need it the most This also forms a vital part of the students training as they use the sessions to hone their beauty therapy skills Emma Dougal 17 from Furness Vale said: "It s been fantastic to be able to offer free treatments; we have made some people really happy and made a difference It has also been a good opportunity to practise and to meet people from across the community " If you know someone who you feel deserves a free treatment call Julie Mccann at the Dome Hair and Beauty Salon on 01298 28334

Cathedral Sings Student's Praises 18 March 2014 Derby Cathedral has been singing the praises of a University of Derby Buxton student who translated one of their information leaflets into Latvian And the leaflet which Annija Kucinska helped to produce for visitors has already been reprinted because of demand "We have a massive array of different languages in our leaflets and we did a reprint of the Latvian ones not long ago " said Jackie Croft Cathedral Administrator "We get people from everywhere coming here "The University with its students coming from all over the world is a wonderful resource for local organisations and we re very grateful to Annija for her help " Annija a Joint Honours Tourism Management student said the translation work made all the difference to visitors from her home country "Even though we are a small country it s so much more welcoming to know that somebody has taken the time to translate it into your language " she said Derby Cathedral s history fitted in with Annija s interest in heritage and she is thinking of a career in the museum sector Annija said her degree course at Buxton helped her develop a professional approach and the opportunities to volunteer added to her experience "University helps you to remember all the things you need to know and encourages me to be active as well " she said "The detail is so important and the teachers give you a lot of support " For more press information conact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

CDC Helps Students Stand Out From Crowd 6 August 2012 The University s Career Development Centre (CDC) recently held its fourth annual awards event to celebrate the successes of students who have participated in its programme of employability activities and to recognise the contribution made to them by employers The Awards were presented by Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and Alan Weir Head of Production Control and Logistics at Toyota UK Alan said "All employers are seeking evidence that graduates can demonstrate the various qualities and attributes which will make them an asset to their organisation Participation in the programme of activities run by the CDC adds real value to graduates CVs" Awards were presented to students who had represented the University at the annual Flux business completion event Flux is a business game similar in style to Dragons Den involving universities across the country Also present were participants of the Employer Mentoring Scheme - with a separate award for Mentee of the Year participants of the University of Derby Award and those nominated for Student Volunteer of the Year Through the University of Derby Award alone this year students have contributed over 10 000 hours of voluntary work in a management or leadership capacity in the local community CDC Manager Celia Beizsley said "Our Awards event is now established as a showpiece event in our calendar I am always delighted to be able to celebrate with our students and recognise the valuable contribution made by employers to our programme of events"

Celebrated Author Hilary Mantel To Be Honoured By University Of Derby 10 December 2013 Two-time Man Booker Prize winning author Hilary Mantel will be made an Honorary Doctor of Letters at the University of Derby s Awards Ceremonies in January (2014) Ms Mantel who was born in Glossop Derbyshire has published 11 novels a book of short stories and a memoir called Giving Up The Ghost She has won the prestigious Man Booker Prize twice with Wolf Hall in 2009 and Bring Up the Bodies in 2012 as well as a host of other literary plaudits The two books have been adapted for the stage and will open this month (December) at the Royal Shakespeare Company s Swan Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon Ms Mantel was made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature The author and critic will join five others receiving honorary awards at the University s Derby graduation ceremonies; held from January 15-17 at Derby's Assembly Rooms More than 4 000 students will graduate alongside them in degree postgraduate and other higher education courses over the three days Ms Mantel was originally scheduled to accept her honorary award at the University s January 2011 ceremonies but was unable to attend that and subsequent events because of prior commitments Her fellow honorands who were announced last month (November) are: Ian Drake, Ch ef Execut ve of Br t sh Cyc ng Cathy Gr ndrod, award-w nn ng wr ter and the f rst Derbysh re Poet Laureate Roger Tay or, Photograph c H stor an Kate Oates, TV Producer T m Parne , former Formu a 1 dr ver. Each will address the assembled graduates after receiving their honorary awards Ms Mantel is expected to receive her award on Thursday January 16 Commenting on her University of Derby honorary award Ms Mantel said: "It means a great deal to me to receive this honour in the county where I grew up I have lived in many places but I am indelibly a Derbyshire girl I am grateful to the University for recognising that " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby added: "Few British authors have enjoyed the critical and popular success that Hilary Mantel has I m delighted she will be joining us in January to become an Honorary Doctor of Letters of the University of Derby "All our honorands are people with a connection to our county or the University who have advanced and improved their chosen field " For further information about the University of Derby s Awards Ceremonies see website www derby ac uk/graduation Media requiring further information about this press release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Celebrated Poet Brought To UK By University 1 September 2011 An internationally renowned poet will talk about his work spanning more than half-a-century in a rare UK tour including the University of Derby and organised by one of its academics Celebrated Swiss poet Eugen Gomringer 86 is seen as the father of concrete poetry where the arrangement of a poem s words on the printed page is considered to be as important as the poem itself His poem Silencio has a blank space or silence in the middle and another Wind shows the letters W-I-N-D scattered as if by a wind Mr Gomringer will visit Derby and other UK cities this month (September) to read his poems and talk about his life s work The rare UK tour has been organised by Rodger Brown a Programme Leader in the University s School of Art and Design and the Research Group for Artists Publications (RGAP) formerly based at the University but now at the Yorkshire Artspace in Sheffield The tour dates are: Monday September 12 - 7pm at the Sa son Poetry L brary, Southbank Centre, London, n conversat on w th poet Harry G on s. Adm ss on free, but book ng essent a v a ema : spec a ed t on@poetry brary.org.uk Tuesday September 13 - 12noon to 1.30pm, recept on and open ng of exh b t on Eugen Gomr nger and the Francesco Conz Co ect on at Le cester s De Montfort Un vers ty. Adm ss on free Tuesday September 13- 6.30pm to 8pm, open ng of exh b t on Concept as Concrete Form: V sua Poetry, Texts and Typography at the Un vers ty of Derby. Mr Gomr nger w be we comed by Professor Huw Dav es - Dean of the Un vers ty s Facu ty of Arts, Des gn and Techno ogy - at ts Markeaton Street site n Derby. Admission free but to book a place contact Rodger Brown on email: [email protected] Wednesday September 14- 10.30am, ta k by Mr Gomr nger on The Inter-re at on Between Concrete Art and Poetry. Adm ss on Free. Un vers ty of Derby s Markeaton Street s te, Derby. Contact Rodger Brown on ema : [email protected] Thursday September 15 - 11.45am to 5pm, A Day Out at Shandy Ha w th Eugen Gomr nger featur ng read ngs and a presentat on by Mr Gomr nger, at Shandy Ha , Coxwo d, York. Adm ss on £15, nc ud ng unch and gu ded tour of the ha museum and exh b t on. Contact Rodger Brown on ema : [email protected] Friday September16 - 5pm to 6.30pm. The Scott sh Poetry L brary at 5 Cr chton s C ose, Canongate, Ed nburgh. Mr Gomr nger w read h s poems and be n conversat on w th poet Thomas A C ark. To book contact Ju e Johnstone on 0131 557 2876. Mr Gomringer said: "The purpose of reduced language is not the reduction of language itself but the achievement of great flexibility and freedom of communication with its inherent rules and regulations "The resulting poems should be if possible as easily understood as signs in airports or traffic signs " Rodger Brown Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer in the School of Art and Design at the University of Derby added: "This is a unique opportunity to see one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century whose work continues to exert influence over a whole host of artists and poets up to the present day "Eugen Gomringer was at the forefront of developing a free form linguistic style that liberated text from traditional linear syntax and placed it firmly in the visual realm freeing it from usual forms of linguistic and literary association "The events will be a great opportunity for people to see and hear the work of this important and influential father of concrete poetry I am delighted to be able to welcome Eugen Gomringer to the UK and to the University of Derby in particular " For more information on the Eugen Gomringer tour visit the RGAP website at www rgap co uk For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Celebration Milestone For UDOL 6 August 2012 The University of Derby Online team received fantastic news recently when they found out they d exceeded on their income target by £91K and recruited to their overall student number target for the year - 1 783! Julie Stone Head of University of Derby Online said: "Many thanks to everyone who helped to achieve this but particular thanks must go to the Customer Service and Operations Team for converting enquirers and applicants to Online Learners - a great effort with fabulous results " Recent marketing activity has proved particularly effective with May experiencing a bumper month for web traffic more than double (108%) compared to May 2011 A new brand roll-out is expected to help boost this success even further Julie adds: "It s fantastic that the team s hard work is paying off Our new website which launched in January has seen an increase on average of 42% per month compared to the same time last year and we re currently averaging around 500 enquiries per month The whole team has done a sterling job with such a lot of other activity going on during this busy transition year and I m looking forward to working with them as we continue to successfully build the online business " For more information visit website www derby ac uk/online

Celebrations As Degree Course Awarded National Accreditation 24 June 2013 A University of Derby degree that prepares students for careers in the therapeutic use of the creative arts is celebrating after being accredited by the National Council of Psychotherapists The news comes shortly after this year s BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies degree students displayed their work in music dance drama sculpture painting and more to rapturous reviews at the University s annual Degree Shows Martyn Parker-Eames Programme Leader of Creative Expressive Therapies said: "The National Council of Psychotherapists accredits degree and diploma programmes that train professionals to offer psychotherapeutic care Our Creative Expressive Therapies students learn how to apply their art and talents to help others whether that is through music drama dance or other visual arts so this accreditation truly reflects our purpose "Through their accreditation process the NCP acknowledged the quality of our degree and of our students and graduates and the difference that they can go on to make in therapeutic settings " NCP Chairman Ray Freeman said: "The NCP upholds very high standards in the training programmes we accredit as they provide a platform leading to membership and we are delighted to add this degree to our small but select list " "The NCP promotes professional practice in its graduate members by making continuing professional development and regular supervision conditions of membership This accreditation means that Derby s BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies students will be entitled to join the NCP as student members and may become a full member once they graduate Further information about the NCP can be found at http://thencp org For more information about the University of Derby s Creative Expressive Therapies degree visit www derby ac uk/courses/creative-expressive-therapies-ba-hons

Celebrations As Master's Degree Course Awarded National Accolade 22 August 2013 A University of Derby degree that prepares students for careers in the oil and gas industry is celebrating after becoming one of the few to be accredited by The Geological Society ?the recognised professional body for Geoscience programmes in the UK Dr Dorothy Satterfield Programme Leader for the University s MSc Applied Petroleum Geoscience course said: "We are delighted to receive this accreditation which assures students that our teaching is of the highest quality and has been approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists "The course will provide confidence in the range of skills required of a petroleum geologist and can be undertaken either full time or part time enabling students to study while they work "We also offer real world experience Our external tutors are active members of the oil industry so they have strong commercial links and can give a real insight into the careers available This helps students to recognise their strengths and prepare themselves for the right sector of the industry " The Applied Petroleum MSc (Master of Science) has been running at Derby full time for two years and part-time for six years To date we have trained students from Nigeria Ghana Germany Austria Thailand Angola Pakistan India the USA and Portugal as well as the UK This accreditation becomes the first step for graduates who wish to apply for the professional qualifications of Chartered Geologist and Chartered Scientist Further information about the Geological Society can be found at www geolsoc org uk For more information about the University of Derby s MSc Applied Petroleum Geoscience course visit www derby ac uk/courses/postgraduate/applied-petroleum-geoscience-msc/

Celebrity Stylist To Open Fashion Show 31 May 2011 A top fashion stylist who has designed for celebrities including Rihanna Twiggy Pixie Lott and Kate Moss will open the University of Derby s 2011 Graduate Fashion Show this Thursday (June 2) Derbyshire-born Kate Halfpenny is famed for her fabulous creations and vintage inspired wedding dresses As well as styling many celebrities she has also designed clothing used in adverts for fashion giants such as Moschino and Hugo Boss She will be guest of honour at the annual show of work by final-year students on the University s BA (Hons) Fashion Studies degree course at Derby Assembly Rooms on Thursday June 2 There will be two public shows on that day at 1 30pm and 7 30pm with Kate opening the evening one Both will feature models on the catwalk wearing collections by 34 students with an additional five students staging static displays of their work Kate will also help choose a Portfolio Prize winner from amongst the exhibiting students The 2011 Graduate Fashion Show will be the launch event for the University's annual Degree Shows programme this year Then from Saturday June 4 to 11 hundreds of students work in crafts fashion textiles fine art film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies and art therapy will be on display for the public to come and see for free at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby and elsewhere The fashion collections at the Assembly Rooms show will include menswear women s wear children s wear swimwear and a bridal collection Among the original student collections will be: sty sh adapt ve c oth ng for young peop e w th d sab t es by Ros e Ha , who worked w th adv ce from ch dren at oca d sab t es char ty Umbre a; c othes nsp red by student Jod e Perr ns oca cr cket team at home n Shropsh re; de cate kn twear and other c oth ng by Ross Dutton, us ng the theme of moths deve opment from cocoons. The June 2 event is open to the public with tickets for both general admission and a VIP lounge VIP tickets give visitors entry to the Assembly Rooms Darwin Suite from 6 30pm where they can enjoy a glass of champagne while browsing through portfolios of the students collections They will also be entered free into a prize draw with prizes of a Paul Smith purse Co-op travel vouchers worth up to £250 £100 in Westfield shopping vouchers vouchers from clothing store Brigdens or QUAD cinema membership available Kate said: "I m so honoured to have been asked to open the University of Derby s fashion show It s important to encourage and nurture our graduates as they are the future of British fashion and so important to our industry " Previous fashion gurus who ve attended the annual fashion show and visited the University have included Kate Bostock Marks and Spencer Director of Clothing and Wayne Hemingway co-founder of fashion label Red or Dead Fiona Hawthorne Co-Programme Leader for Fashion at the University added: "It is a real coup for us to have someone of Kate Halfpenny s standing in the industry join us "It is a chance for our students to meet someone who started out very much as they are doing and who has risen to the top of her profession " Tickets for the University of Derby s 2011 Graduate Fashion Show cost £3 for the 1 30pm performance Entry to the 7 30pm performance costs £5 concessions £10 for a standard ticket and £15 for VIP entry Tickets subject to availability can be booked through Derby Live box office on 01332 255800 For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Centre of Excellence Accolade Builds Architecture Courses' Reputation 17 October 2013 The University of Derby has been awarded Centre of Excellence status for Architectural Technology making it one of only four in the UK - by a top international professional institute The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is the lead qualifying body for architectural technology representing those practising and studying within the discipline Architectural technologists design the technology around architecture Commending the University s research activities in the area of architectural technology CIAT has now confirmed that Derby has been made one of only four of its Centres of Excellence in the UK The CIAT panel s report said: "The University has demonstrated a high standard with regard to academic and research staff and resources commitment to the promotion of CIAT and the promotion of research and scholarly activity (within architectural technology) The panel agreed that the range of research activities at the University is to be commended " Commenting on the CIAT accolade Dr Boris Ceranic Programme Leader for BSc and MSc Architectural Programmes at the University of Derby said: "This is obviously great news for Architectural Technology at the University It s a fitting reward for all the hard work that staff have put into making the course academically rigorous but vocationally orientated interesting for students and relevant to the industry they will be going into " Professor Sam Allwinkle Chairman of the Education Board at the CIAT added: "I am delighted to see more universities attaining Centre of Excellence status and look forward to our continuing partnerships in developing the discipline of architectural technology " Derby s CIAT Centre of Excellence status is valid for five years until 2018 when the University will be able to apply again to retain it The University of Derby offers one CIAT Accredited course the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice Its other Architecture courses include: Foundat on Degree (Year Zero) Arch tectura Venue Des gn Foundation Degree (FdSc) Architectural Studies BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design Joint Honours - Architectural Design Masters Degree (MSc) Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Buildings . For more information on the University of Derby s Architecture courses see website www derby ac uk/engineering-technology Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

'Centre of Excellence' Status For Architectural Technology At University 19 February 2014 The University of Derby has been given Centre of Excellence status by a top international professional institute for its Architectural Technology teaching Derby is now one of only four UK universities to be made a Centre of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT); the lead qualifying body for architectural technology representing those practising and studying within the discipline Architectural technologists design the technology around architecture The CIAT panel s report said: "The University has demonstrated a high standard with regard to academic and research staff and resources commitment to the promotion of CIAT and the promotion of research and scholarly activity (within architectural technology) " Dr Boris Ceranic Programme Leader for BSc and MSc Architectural Programmes at the University of Derby officially received the CIAT award at a ceremony at the Freemasons Hall in London He said: "This is obviously great news for Architectural Technology at the University It s a fitting reward for all the hard work that staff have put in " Derby s CIAT Centre of Excellence status is valid for five years until 2018 when the University will be able to apply again to retain it Media requiring further information on this news story should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Chance for new businesses to gain free support from the experts 8 May 2014 New and growing businesses in Derby have the chance to join the increasing number of companies gaining free expert support and advice in the city Let s do business is a University of Derby project which offers the best advice and support for anyone wishing to start a new business and for existing local small and medium-sized firms wanting to grow And on Monday May 12 these businesses can access expert advice from the UK s leading funding and finance specialists at a free event being held at the Enterprise Centre on Bridge Street Derby The likes of Barclays Business Banking NatWest and the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund will be present on the day It takes place between 8am and 12noon and will feature a number of presentations from visiting providers Pete Rayner Head of Business Services at University of Derby Corporate said: "The Let s do business project helps make businesses stronger encourages start-ups creates high value employment for the city launches new projects and helps to attract new firms to set up in Derby We are very excited to be part of this journey "We have supported more than 110 small businesses and over 75 individuals so far and I would encourage any new or developing business in Derby to get involved " Let s do business is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme and runs until March 2015 To find out more visit http://www evolvederby co uk/lets-do-business Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Chance to study for professional qualifications without quitting work 16 June 2014 Full-time workers are being offered a chance to gain recognised and respected professional body qualifications - without having to quit their job Qualifications offered by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institue of Management Accountants (CIMA) can be studied on a part-time basis at University of Derby Corporate (UDC) giving people the chance to build their skills and enhance their career And on Thursday June 26 from 6 30pm-7 30pm UDC will be explaining more about these courses at a public open evening in Derby Carol Steed Acting Head of UDC said: "By completing one of these courses people can accelerate their career progression by earning an industry-leading professional qualification Our courses are designed to fit around existing work commitments and the content is delivered by expert tutors who bring their realworld experience in to the classroom "Our pass rates are consistently above the national average thanks to our excellent teaching team " She added: "At our open evening visitors will be able to talk to programme leaders about the courses and the impact they will have on their professional development and also learn about the syllabus content how the sessions are delivered and the support they will be given " Courses can be started in September or January UDC s CIM courses have received eight commendations for excellent pass rates in the past 12 months ACCA and CIMA courses regularly achieve pass rates above the national average and CIPS has assessed UDC as a Centre of Excellence One woman who successfully completed a CIM Diploma has talked about how she has benefitted Lynsey Buxton Client Relationship Manager at Interfleet Technology Ltd at Pride Park Derby said: "Undertaking the CIM Diploma has given me the opportunity to apply theory in practice and has helped to broaden and develop my skills and understanding of the organisation as a whole whilst enhancing my career prospects in sales and marketing "Attending this course at UDC has given me exposure to other professionals that share similar problems and I feel discussing these subjects as a group has been a great help as part of the learning process " The open evening will include a short welcome presentation followed by a whistle-stop tour of the stateof-the-art Enterprise Centre where classes would take place Tutors will be on-hand to talk about the learning opportunities open to busy professionals and will be available to answer any course queries directly Those wishing to attend should book a place at www derby ac uk/professional and then make their way to the Enterprise Centre Bridge Street Derby DE1 3LD for 6 30pm on Thursday June 26 Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Changes Enhance Experience 29 October 2012 A new contact point in the Atrium at the University s Kedleston Road site is just one of a raft of changes within Student Support and Information Services (SSS) that will ensure students get the best possible support throughout their time at Derby Students will be able to get advice and support from experts at the new contact point where they will also be referred on to further help and information A number of additional interview rooms have been created at the altered entrance to B Block which will give students increased opportunities to access confidential one-to-one support These changes reflect a recent reconfiguration within SSIS in which four new divisions were created to streamline the services the team provides to students during their University lives June Hughes University Registrar said: "The changing Higher Education landscape required us to evaluate our models of student support and administration and gave us the opportunity to make improvements that will have a significant impact on our students experience "By creating four new divisions; the Student Life Programme which brings together student experience advice guidance and wellbeing; Academic Services which brings together timetabling records and fees and assessment and awards; Business Change Management which specialises in pulling together data for the Government and business planning; and the Corporate Intelligence Unit which will provide market research analysis of key data and horizon scanning; we are now in the best possible shape to deliver an effective efficient service to our students "

Charlotte's Memory Marked With Graduate Excellence Award 19 December 2013 An excellence award in the name of deceased student Charlotte Blackman will be given to a University of Derby Education Studies graduate for the first time at its January (2014) Awards Ceremonies Charlotte 22 of Heanor was an exemplary student who d just completed her BA (Hons) Education Studies degree - achieving a First Class honours - in summer 2012 when she was tragically killed in a landslide whilst on holiday in Dorset With the agreement of Charlotte s family the University has now established a memorial award in her name; to be given at the annual Derby Awards Ceremonies to the highest achieving graduate all rounder on the Education Studies degree course The recipient of the first such award will be announced at next month s (January) graduation event taking place from January 15-17 In addition to the award itself the graduate will receive £100 in book tokens Charlotte s mum Rachel said: "We re very proud This award is a nice way of keeping Charlotte s memory alive and is a real honour " Annie Flower University Senior Lecturer in Education Studies and a former tutor of Charlotte s added: "We felt it was appropriate after Charlotte s family accepted her degree certificate at last year s graduation event to establish an award in her name starting from 2014 "The new award will recognise the graduate judged to be the best all rounder ; in terms of academic achievements tutor assessments and performance on work placements over their degree course " Lynn Senior Head of the School of Education said: "Charlotte achieved a First Class degree and was an exceptional student with a real passion for all aspects of education in particular special educational needs We wanted to honour her name with an award that would recognise those qualities in future graduates " More than 4 000 people will graduate from the University s faculties of Arts Design and Technology; Business Computing and Law; and Education Health and Sciences at the Awards Ceremonies from January 15-17 For further information about graduation at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/graduation For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Chatsworth Chooses To Party At The Dome 8 March 2012 Staff of the Chatsworth Estate chose to hold their annual party at Buxton s iconic Devonshire Dome this year giving more than 50 University of Derby Buxton students the opportunity to hone their new found events and hospitality skills The event which was attended by about 700 members of staff from across the Chatsworth estate and the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire themselves was declared an "overwhelming success" by the Duke The evening was organised by Events At The Dome the commercial arm of the University of Derby Buxton As part of the University s dedication to ensuring its students gain relevant work experience more than 50 BA (Hons) Events Management Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management students used their skills to help put on an outstanding event Dan Nichols 18 a first year BA (Hons) Events Management degree student from Norwich was part of a group who helped plan certain elements of the evening and had meet-and-greet duties throughout the champagne reception on the night Dan said: "Working on a banquet of this magnitude was a fantastic experience for me Experiencing the reality of such an event and how small details in the planning become essential in its smooth running was incredibly useful " Christine Sweetmore Business Development Manager of Events At The Dome added: "We were delighted to host the Chatsworth staff party and we were so pleased that everyone enjoyed the evening The students gained an unparalleled experience of working at such a large prestigious banquet the kind becoming more and more regular at the Dome " Dr Peter Dewhurst Dean of University of Derby Buxton commented: "The event was spectacular and a great credit to our teams of staff and students They delivered an event of a quality and scale that reflects our commitment to delivering first class experiential learning " For more information about degree programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb For more information about Events At The Dome call Christine Sweetmore on 01332 594643

Cheaper Supermarket Teas Could Cause Fluoride Related Illnesses 25 July 2013 Drinking some cheaper supermarket tea blends can push people s fluoride intake over daily recommended levels and put them at increased risk of skeletal and dental illnesses a University of Derby study has found Levels of fluoride found in 38 tea products were compared with each other and to the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) daily dietary reference intake in the research by Laura Chan Professor Aradhana Mehra and Professor Paul Lynch from the University of Derby The study is published in journal Food Research International Using Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) analysis - which can analyse trace elements such as fluoride in a liquid - of the dry tea and of the tea infusions brewed with boiling water for two minutes the researchers compared the fluoride levels ingested by someone drinking the average daily intake of tea (four cups or one litre) Significant differences in fluoride levels were discovered when economy black tea blends from supermarkets Asda Tesco Morrisons and Sainsbury s were compared with branded black tea blends such as PG Tips Twining s Typhoo; and with green tea blends including Clipper Organic leaf Green Twining s bags; pure blends such as Assam Dilmah and Ceylon; and Oolong and Pu er blends from India and Sri Lanka Infusions of economy black tea blends such as Asda Smartprice Tesco Value Morrisons Value Sainsbury s Basics and Waitrose Essential were found to have the highest concentration of fluoride - an average of six milligrammes (mg) per litre Although Waitrose Essential was significantly lower in fluoride compared to the other economy black blends When compared to the NAS daily dietary reference intake of four milligrammes of fluoride per day these economy blends of tea contained from 75% to 120% of the recommended daily intake Infusions of green tea blends had the next highest concentrations followed by branded black blends such as PG Tips Twining s and Typhoo with an average of 3 3 mg per litre then pure blends Oolong and Pu er teas had the lowest concentrations of fluoride - an average of 0 7 mg/litre or just ten per cent to 16% of the daily reference intake Laura Chan who carried out the study for her PhD at the University of Derby said: "The tea plant Camellia sinensis is a fluoride accumulator with mature leaves accumulating most of the fluoride "When tea is harvested these older leaves may be used to produce lower quality stronger teas such as economy teas whereas the bud and newer top leaves are used in the manufacture of higher grade and speciality tea products "Although fluoride is considered an essential micro-nutrient for human health in the prevention of tooth decay and promotion of healthy bone growth excess fluoride in the diet can have detrimental effects Dental fluorosis the mottling of tooth enamel and skeletal fluorosis pain and damage to bones and joints through calcification can occur "People may be drinking excessive volumes of tea in addition to other dietary sources of fluoride and may not realise these potential health implications Indeed there have been cases in both the UK and the USA of skeletal fluorosis in individuals who drank more than the average amount of economy tea " added Ms Chan "All tea products should be considered as a main source of fluoride in the diet and we would urge supermarkets and manufacturers of tea to consider stating fluoride concentration as part of the nutritional information found on food packaging " For more on this study visit website www elsevier com/locate/foodres For more on studying science at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/science For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Checkmate Rewarded, 68 Years Late 15 September 2011 An old resident of Buxton has finally been presented with the silver chess trophy he was promised during the Second World War 68 years after winning the competition as a schoolboy Mr Posen aged 84 lived in Buxton throughout the Second World War and attended the then Buxton College on College Road The Buxton College that Mr Posen attended from 1940 to 1943 was a county grammar school for boys endowed in 1674 which went on to form Buxton Community School However when Buxton College of Further Education (part of the University of Derby) based in Buxton s Dome received a letter from Mr Posen detailing the promise of a Silver Medallion from an inter-school chess competition that took place in 1943 they were happy to fulfil the pledge Mr Posen said: "I played chess for the school against other schools and when I was aged 17 I won a silver medal However as it was wartime all metals went to the war effort and the school could not issue silver so I was given a temporary paper medal - which promised that it could be exchanged as soon as silver was once again freely available " It was only recently while organising his possessions to move house from London to Gateshead where he now lives with his son daughter in law and his grand children that Mr Posen discovered his long-forgotten paper medal and decided to contact the now-existing Buxton College of Further Education for the silver medal that he rightly deserved "I was very proud to win the medal for the College in 1943 " he added "Although I can t recall who I beat throughout the championships I remember that it was an inter-school competition and that I won some of the games quite easily " Mr Posen s family was originally from Germany and as an Orthodox Jewish family had moved first to Holland and then to England as Hitler came into power In doing so they avoided the terrible fate of many Jews who remained in Germany during the Second World War Mr Posen said: "My father who was an academic Doctor foresaw the persecution that could happen when Hitler came into power and decided to take us as far away from Germany as possible " When war broke out the family were living in London but fearing that German Forces would invade Great Britain Mr Posen s father decided to move them north to the Peak District to avoid persecution They were successful and lived out the war safely on White Knowle Road Buxton with Mr Posen attending Buxton College from age 13 to 17 He then went on to emulate his father s success becoming a Chemical Engineer and running his own plastics company in London until he retired "I have very fond memories of Buxton and can remember the house we lived in the Dome on Devonshire Road and my headmaster at Buxton College Mr Mason If you were ever late for class he gave you the cane which I am sure doesn t happen any longer " he added Mr Posen was presented with his silver medal in his Gateshead home by a member of Buxton College staff Mary Blauciak Head of the Buxton College of Further Education said: "We were delighted to be able to award Mr Posen with the medal he won back in 1943 The competition and the time he spent in Buxton clearly meant a great deal to him and it was fantastic to see how much happiness the medal bought him " Mr Posen still continues to play chess and plays often with his children and grandchildren

Chefs urged to cut down on waist in the kitchen 15 April 2014 Chefs of the future will know how to put slimmer waistlines on their menus thanks to a pioneering course championed by the University of Derby Buxton Fifty students on the culinary arts degree course achieved a new qualification aimed at increasing awareness of nutrition and the dangers of obesity in a scheme sponsored by consumer goods giant Unilever and the People First Training Company "It s aimed at chefs in particular in an attempt to address the problem of obesity we have in this country at the moment " said Chef Lecturer Robert Stordy who delivered the course "Chefs have been notorious for not thinking about the things they put in food when they cook - they love adding cream and butter "This course encourages them to think about how they can make dishes just as tempting with fewer calories " The students learn about nutrition and planning for a healthy diet as part of their course but the Understanding Nutrition in Commercial Kitchens courses gives them an additional nationally-recognised industry qualification The University was awarded a tenth of all the first 500 places in the scheme

Children Add Colour To Stargazing Live Project 10 December 2012 Children employed their star artistic skills to add colour to a BBC Stargazing Live project at the University of Derby A 20ft long rotating telescope - a working recreation of one designed by celebrated 18th Century astronomer Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738-1822) discoverer of the planet Uranus - is currently being built at the University of Derby s Markeaton Street site in the city It will feature in the next series of BBC s hugely popular programme Stargazing Live in January University students are assisting with the project Around 20 children from Markeaton Primary School of Derby also lent a hand; braving the cold to decorate the telescope s concrete base with painted moons stars and planets Illustration degree students helped them with the designs Jane Taylor Deputy Head at Markeaton Primary School said: "The children split the base into four themed areas for each main point of the compass; painting them with images such as comets planets and things about space and the future " Euan ten one of the pupils taking part added: "We ve been painting the North bit It s got Uranus on it because Herschel found that and its moons " Sophie Dolman 20 a second year student on the University s BA (Hons) Illustration degree course said: "We ve been working with the children on the artwork They re all really enthusiastic about it " Derby and District Astronomical Society Derby Museums consultants from University College London and Nottingham scaffolding students are also assisting with the project; which is a collaboration between BBC Learning Stargazing Live and the Open University Stargazing Live - again hosted by Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain - will be broadcast on BBC Two on the three consecutive nights of January 8 9 and 10 For information about Stargazing Live public events and information packs go to website www bbc co uk/stargazing

Children and teachers of tomorrow celebrate languages day 19 June 2014 Children at Etwall Primary School spent the day celebrating languages by taking part in a variety of exciting activities designed by third-year trainee teachers from the University of Derby The pupils aged four to 11 had fun developing their knowledge and enjoyment of French and Spanish through a range of games songs stories crafts and dances Centred on the theme of animals the activities ranged from retelling children s book The Gruffalo in French to chanting and dancing the traditional Spanish dance hakas The activities celebrated the partnership between the BEd (Hons) Education degree at the University and Etwall Primary School which hosts many University students on their training placements Hannah Minns a third year BEd (Hons) Education student said "It s been so exciting to see the children s enthusiasm for languages; they had a brilliant day and thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities they took part in " Katie Warburton the languages Co-ordinator at the school said: "The students have really enriched our children s learning " Claire Scott Senior Lecturer in Education at the University said: "The partnership and this day of activities has been extremely valuable to our students giving them vital skills in the classroom and in developing teaching materials The day was a wonderful celebration of language learning and further strengthened our relationship with the school " Find out more about studying Education at the University of Derby at www derby ac uk/education Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sam Parker University of Derby Press and PR assistant on 01332 593316 or email: s parker1@derby ac uk

Children stress free thanks to University's toy penguins 4 July 2014 What s the best way to relieve stress? According to youngsters at the Derbyshire Children s Hospital it s penguins! The soft toy variety that is Not only do they look cute their squishy properties mean children can squeeze them like a tension ball and they have been a big hit since the University of Derby answered a call from the hospital to offer stress toys The institution donated a raft of stress penguins which had previously been used as a promotional tool at open days and UCAS fairs Clinical psychologist Dr Kate Partridge explains: "These toys have been so popular with the children that we have requested them twice from the University "In our work with children young people and their families we often identify situations where people find it difficult to express or deal with emotions "We often teach elements of tension relaxation and mindfulness in our work looking at expressing difficult feelings The stress penguins as we call them have been a great addition to help children to let their tension out in a fun way "We have had very positive comments from children and families about how our patients use the stress penguins and children and young people are very happy to take the toys home with them " Based at the Royal Derby Hospital the children s hospital provides care and expert management for all paediatric medical and surgical conditions as well as many specialist problems The University works with the hospital on a number of undergraduate and postgraduate health-related programmes such as nursing degrees Dr Paula Crick Head of School of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby said: "We have a close working relationship with the Royal Derby Hospital and are always happy to support them The donation of penguins was a small gesture and it is great to hear that they have contributed to the wellbeing of children and their families " For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Children's Needs Are Top Of Conference's Agenda 20 February 2012 The current challenges facing professionals working with children with special educational needs and disabilities will be the focus of debate at the University of Derby on Saturday (February 25) when it holds its first conference dedicated to the subject The conference which has been organised by leading researchers and experts in the field of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) including those at the University of Derby aims to address the challenges faced by educational practitioners policymakers researchers and teachers working with children and young people with these difficulties Around 50 professionals are expected to attend but the one-day event is open to any member of the public who wishes to learn more about: overcom ng barr ers through mu t -sensory essons us ng IT to support dys ex c earners the po t cs of spec a educat on They will also hear from keynote speakers Janette Ashworth founder of The Trust Centre and Lorraine Peterson OBE the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Special Educational Needs (NASEN) Janette Ashworth has worked closely with leaders in the field of paediatric acquired brain injury both nationally and internationally to set up and run The Trust Centre - the UK s first specialist school for children with an acquired brain injury As CEO of NASEN Lorraine Peterson aims to promote the education training advancement and development of those with special and additional support needs and has worked on a number of projects with the Department for Education the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency and the Training and Development Agency The SEND conference coincides with the launch of a new pathway for students wishing to gain a BA (Hons) Education Studies degree with specialism in this area which runs at the University from September 2012 The University s Head of Subject Lynn Senior said: "We have developed this degree pathway to give Education Studies students a range of intellectual and practical skills appropriate to working with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities which are not covered in detail in mainstream education studies degrees "By following this pathway students will become highly skilled practitioners equipped with the knowledge to work with these children specifically and provide the optimum teaching experience for them "Through this inaugural conference and our new degree pathway the University hopes to increase awareness of the challenges surrounding the education of these children and make an impact on improving standards in the long term " Details of the conference can be found at website: www derby ac uk/conferences/send-conference For more information on the SEN pathway of the BA (Hons) Education Studies degree visit www derby ac uk/education

Children's Needs Top Agenda At University Conference 27 February 2013 The current challenges facing professionals working with children with special educational needs and disabilities will be the focus of debate at the University of Derby on Saturday (March 2 2013) when it holds a conference dedicated to the subject The event which has been organised by leading researchers and experts in the field of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) including those at the University of Derby aims to address the challenges faced by educational practitioners policy makers researchers and teachers working with children and young people with these difficulties Around 50 professionals are expected to attend but the one-day event is also open to any member of the public who wishes to learn more about using IT to support dyslexic learners acquired brain injury behaviour management or art therapy Delegates will also get to hear from keynote speaker David McNaught from the charity Achievement for All which works to transform the lives of vulnerable children young people and their families by raising their educational aspirations access and achievement The second keynote speaker is Special Educational Needs Coordinator Pat Bullen from Leicester City Council Students studying on the University s BA (Hons) Education Studies degree who can now specialise in the teaching of children Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) will also attend the event The University s Head of Subject for Social Studies Lynn Senior said: "Last year s SEND conference was a great success and we have heard some wonderful feedback on how it raised awareness of the challenges surrounding the education of these children and made an impact on improving standards "We look forward to welcoming more practitioners students and parents to this year s event on Saturday and making more progress in this area " For more information on the SEN pathway of the BA (Hons) Education Studies degree visit www derby ac uk/courses/education-studies-ba-hons

Chinese adventure which began in Buxton 2 April 2014 An internship in China has given a University of Derby Buxton student a world-wide web of contacts Second year BA (Hons) Tourism Management degree undergraduate Delia Moisa has completed a sandwich year of work experience in the city of Chendgu the capital of Sichuan province and traditional home of the Giant Panda Delia comes from Romania and was given a wide range of responsibilities at the H-Hotel Riverside She said: "The support I have been given here has been incredible "People used to say that interns were treated badly but I never experienced that I felt valued I felt like I could deliver something for this company and gained so much more than working experience I established connections which I hope will last for a lifetime " Delia worked in guest relations marketing food and beverage and on the front desk She added: "This gave me an overall view and a more comprehensive understanding of how things work in this industry" "I felt like a part of me already belonged to China I love its friendly people and I discovered their culture which is absolutely fascinating I am somehow part of it now " Tourism Lecturer Peter Wiltshier said: "Our courses give students the opportunity not just to see the world but to see how the real world operates which has given the University of Derby Buxton an enviable reputation for employability among new graduates "

Chinese Lion To Visit Buxton For Celebration Event 6 March 2013 As part of their BA (Hons) Events Management degree Buxton students Beth Fox-Clinch Phillip Oldroyd Travis Brashaw and Paulina Odalska have been involved in organising a wellbeing event for fellow students at their Campus This year s Get Sorted! event which takes place on Thursday March 14 will celebrate the Campus s diverse culture and community The four students were selected to organise the event through an internal vacancy portal They will overlook important elements of the day such as a canopy tent to home a knitting workshop equality and diversity cinema and a language exchange International dishes will also be available for purchase from the Bistro and students will be setting up stalls to represent their native countries Beth who is in her first year said: "Being part of Get Sorted! provides me with the experience of setting up an event from start to finish and there is so much happening that I cannot wait to see the end product We have many opportunities to get involved with at the University and it is all very exciting!" Second year student Paulina Odalska who is originally from Poland said: "I particularly look forward to the Chinese Lion Dance which I did not get to see last year and I know it was a great success!" Come and watch the Chinese Lion Dance at 12 30pm in the Dome or join us at 11am when Bollywood Dancers from Leicester take to the stage

Chinese Visitors Tap Into Derby's Logistics Expertise 11 April 2013 A Chinese delegation looking to develop its country s massive logistics and delivery network met with University of Derby experts Derby - which has its own specialist Centre for Supply Chain Improvement - has joined with the University of Coventry Hull College Telford College of Arts and Technology and Stephenson College (of Nottingham and Coalville) in a consortium set-up by Skills for Logistics (SfL) ; the Sector Skills Council licensed by Government to tackle the recruitment and productivity needs of the supplies and delivery sector Thirty executives from Chinese educational establishments and authorities visited the University of Derby yesterday (Wednesday March 10) as part of a week s visit and discussions with the UK consortium s members The visitors are interested in developing China s logistics sector through a vocational approach to training and are keen to learn from the UK including the structure of its National Occupation Standards for Logistics qualification and the Apprentice and Higher Apprentice schemes - an area in which the University of Derby is leading the way The UK s own logistics industry is worth over £93bn to its economy At Derby the delegation was welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and given a tour of the University s facilities They were also treated to presentations on Foundation and Honours degrees in Logistics Derby s new Masters degree in Supply Chain Improvement its Higher Apprentice framework and the research and consultancy work of the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement This was followed by an evening dinner in the city Christine Jones - Subject Head for Logistics Marketing and Strategy in the University s Faculty of Business Computing and Law - said: "China s industries are growing at an incredible rate and as in any other country good supply and delivery networks are critical to economic development "With its specialist Centre for Supply Chain Improvement Derby was a natural place for the delegation to learn more about employers and universities engaging to provide world class vocational education We hope the visit will lead to strong future links between China and the consortium of UK education institutions set up through SfL " Ren Haoxiang Vice-Chairman of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing is part of the visiting delegation He said: "We were very grateful to the University of Derby for the warm welcome it extended to us "It gave us a thorough introduction to the ways in which it cultivates talent in the logistics sector and we have gained a deeper understanding of the ways in which the UK system links academic and vocational diplomas and qualifications In this field there is much China can learn from the UK s experience " Dr Mick Jackson Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Logistics commented: "Cooperation on vocational education in the logistics sector between China and the UK will consolidate trust between the two countries encouraging further mutually beneficial exchanges "It will lead to greater inward and outward student mobility giving students direct exposure to and knowledge of what will soon be the largest economy in the world " The official visit to the University of Derby follows its first annual Logistics Week (held February 25 to March 1) which was attended by industry speakers from major companies including DHL TNT and Norbert Dentressangle The University of Derby has existing international partnership agreements with Chinese institutions including Tongji University Jiangsu University the Beijing International Vocational Education School Beijing Geely University CST Ningbo University and Shandong Jianzhu University For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Christmas Comes Early For Music 'Wizzard' 30 November 2007 The man behind one of the most memorable festive hits of all time – ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ has an early Christmas present himself – news he is to receive an honorary degree from the University of Derby in the new year! Roy Wood of the band Wizzard is known to millions around the globe for his musical talent and the 1973 Christmas classic which reached number 4 in the charts He will become an Honorary Doctor of Music of the University of Derby recognising his work as an international performing musician and creative figure in British music and as a founder member of The Move the Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard Roy is widely recognised as one of the most significant British musicians of post rock and roll popular music history contributing to Glam Rock Rock Progressive Rock and Psychedelia Roy is one of eight honorary award winners announced today by the University of Derby Each will receive accolades at our Derby Awards Ceremonies in January for their outstanding work These honorary awards are conferred in recognition of achievement by individuals of significant distinction The other honorary award winners of Derby’s Awards Ceremonies will be:

RICHARD BROWN – Honorary Doctor of University (HonDUniv) Richard Brown is a resident of Derby and joined Eurostar as its Chief Executive in September 2002 with more than 25 years of experience in the rail industry He was Chair of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) in 2000 and 2001 during one of the most challenging periods for the UK rail industry

JOHN STOBART – Honorary Doctor of Letters (HonDLitt) John Stobart is one of the world’s pre-eminent maritime artists A student of Derby College of Art in September 1946 he achieved high honours and a county scholarship to London s prestigious Royal Academy Schools He established the Stobart Foundation funded by the profits of his publishing business for the purpose of awarding scholarships to qualified students who excel in outdoor on-site painting in oil on canvas

DEREK LATHAM – Honorary Doctor of Professional Practice (HonPrD) Derek Latham founded and has led Latham Architects since 1982 He promotes a philosophy of creative reuse of buildings; designing places holistically in response to their context He is author of Creative Reuse of Industrial Buildings which demonstrates how to put redundant properties back into beneficial use

DR GRAHAM JOYCE – Honorary Master of Letters (HonMLitt) Graham Joyce is an international award-winning novelist of fantastic fiction His work varies widely in setting and subject dealing with the psychological metaphysical and supernatural with a special interest in human behaviour and sexuality

POLLYANNA PICKERING – Honorary Master of the University (HonMUniv) Pollyanna Pickering is one of Europe’s foremost wildlife artists and is well known for her conservation work In 2001 she established the Pollyanna Pickering Foundation which raises funds for conservation and disaster relief internationally

TONY HAMS OBE – Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv) Tony Hams was Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority from 2002-2007 and will remain a board member until March 2008 He is Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for the East Midlands and a board member of Natural England In 2000 he gained an OBE for services to sustainable development

SIR HOWARD NEWBY CBE – Honorary Doctor of University (HonDUniv) Sir Howard Newby is Vice-Chancellor (Designate) of the University of Liverpool and former Chief Executive of HEFCE A Derby lad and long-standing season ticket holder at Derby County Sir Howard has published many books and articles on social change in rural England and was for eight years a Rural Development Commissioner a member of the body responsible for economic and social regeneration in rural England Richard Brown Chief Executive of Eurostar which launched services on the new High Speed 1 rail line between the UK and the Continent earlier this month said: “I was astonished and deeply delighted to be named an Honorary Doctor of the University of Derby It never occurred to me that this sort of thing would happen “As a local resident for 16 years and someone who works within the rail industry I am of course aware of its importance to Derbyshire so I can see an elegant sort of symmetry at work in my now being recognised within the county in this way ” All eight honorary award winners will enjoy individual VIP receptions in the Mayor’s Parlour in Derby city centre where they will then don mortar boards and gowns and collect their scrolls alongside about 2 200 students at the Awards Ceremonies which take place at the Assembly Rooms in January This weekend around 100 students at the University of Derby Buxton will graduate at their Awards Ceremonies at the Devonshire Campus in the town The Buxton Honorary Award winners recently announced by the University are veteran mountaineer Doug Scott and businesswoman Emma Harrison Honorary award winners traditionally form a key centrepiece of many university graduation ceremonies across the UK At Derby nominations are received from University staff and students and an Executive Panel chooses the recipients each year who are then invited to accept the award More details about the forthcoming Awards Ceremonies at both Buxton and Derby can be found at www derby ac uk -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

Church Faces 'Difficult Decision' To Engage Liberal Christian Students 13 September 2013 Religious leaders face a fresh challenge in engaging young Christians after new research revealed many university students are affirming their faith in private but staying away from church on Sundays The study into religion among undergraduates at 13 English universities - by the universities of Derby Durham Chester and Kingston University London - also found liberal Christians outnumbered evangelical Christians tenfold on campus The University of Durham led the study A total of 4 500 undergraduate students were surveyed and 100 interviews carried out for the study which found: Chr st an ty attracts far more students than any other re g ous trad t on, but most of these have begun to detach themse ves from church by the t me they reach th s format ve stage n fe; among Chr st an students, over ha f never attend church dur ng term-t me; 60% of students nvo ved n the evange ca Christian Unions be eve homosexua re at ons to be a ways wrong but among other Chr st an students on y 20% he d th s v ew; wh e the Church of Eng and strugg es w th the quest on of women b shops on y ten per cent of Chr st an students be eve women shou d not be adm tted to the same eadersh p pos t ons as men; ess than ten per cent of Chr st an students be eve The B b e d sproves evo ut on. The researchers said most Christian students were "far closer to the social mainstream than the evangelical groups that often speak the loudest among Christians in public debates" The Church needed to consider how it could better engage with "the interests and enthusiasms of this generation " they added A book based on the study - entitled Christianity and the University Experience: Understanding Student Faith has now been publisshed The work was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Economic and Social Research Council as part of their Religion and Society Programme Dr Kristin Aune - Director of the Centre for Society Religion & Belief at the University of Derby - said: "Christian students make up a significant part of universities student bodies and they are a diverse group Our research challenges universities chaplaincies churches and all who work with Christian students to look at their diversity in order to work with them more effectively " Lead author Dr Mathew Guest of Durham University s Department of Theology and Religion added: "When many think of religion on university campuses two things come to mind; an intense faith affirmed by evangelical Christians and some Muslims and an equally intense atheism expressed by young sceptics as a protest against religion "Moderate or liberal Christianity rarely enters the conversation assumed to be a long spent force favoured by older generations "And yet our research found that this description reflects the values of the majority of students who identify Christianity as their religion of choice In fact liberal Christians outnumber evangelicals tenfold "With the vast majority of Christian students affirming a moderate expression of values in keeping with wider British culture the Church faces a difficult decision about whether to adapt to changing times or risk permanently alienating an entire generation " Research was undertaken by Dr Guest Dr Aune Dr Sonya Sharma (Kingston University London) and Professor Rob Warner (University of Chester) Christianity and the University Experience: Understanding Student Faith is published by Bloomsbury Media requiring further information can contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email s kirby@derby ac uk ; or Durham University Media Relations Office on 0191 334 6075 or email media relations@durham ac uk

Circus Skills, Canoes And ‘Fluffy Cabs’ Feature In Business Trade Fair 16 September 2008 What do juggling canoeing testing railway tracks and adding a feminine touch to motoring have to do with each other? They are all services offered by the 40-plus new Midlands’ businesses taking part in a trade fair and exhibition at the University of Derby Open For Business will be held at the University’s Kedleston Road site Derby on Thursday 2 October between 2pm and 6pm All the enterprises attending are run by students who’ve benefited from the SPEED (or Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education) bursary scheme The two year Government-funded scheme now drawing to a close provides students with a business idea with financial and training support to develop it Derby is one of 12 universities involved in the scheme Nathan Pearson 35 of Heanor is on the Foundation (FdSc) in Built Environment (Civil Engineering) degree course at the University of Derby SPEED helped him set up his own specialist business – Pearson’s Engineering Services Ltd – providing rail track inspection and maintenance services to owner of private railway lines He said: “We work for owners with their own goods railway yards such as power stations docks and other private firms; or for small preservation or heritage railway lines open to the public I’ve worked for large companies such as Direct Rail Services and GB Railfreight “SPEED was definitely helpful in helping me set up the business It’s the fact that there is somebody there to help you ” Also at the Open For Business exhibition will be University of Derby graduate Donna Fraher 38 head of female-focused online motoring blog and car styling and accessory store Fluffy Cabs It provides women drivers with car-related news and advice a forum for members to exchange information an online store and an overall focus on car fashion and how to accessorize your car the ‘fluffy way’ Its motto is: ‘We help make cars smart and funky not sad and clunky’ Among the other types of businesses attending will be: Educat ona c rcus sk s tra n ng (run by Un vers ty of Derby student Reuben Franc s, 21, from Co sterworth, L nco nsh re) Canoe ng and outdoor act v t es bus ness Adventure Works Ltd (Derby student Mark But and, 49, of Bo ngton, Chesh re) G ow Worm T-Sh rts, prov der of g ow- n-the-dark message T-sh rts and tops (Un vers ty of Kee e student Rebecca Mu hearn, 20, and co eagues). The University of Derby alone had a SPEED support fund of £500 000 over two years and organised more than 76 bursaries from that On graduating Derby students can also gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Enterprise Management to further enhance their entrepreneurial skills Potential customers and suppliers academics and dignitaries are expected to visit the October 2 trade fair Maggie Morley of the University of Derby’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Management based in The Derbyshire Business School organised the event She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for these new businesses to show what they’ve accomplished and have the chance to make contact with the potential clients and suppliers who will be attending “It is also an opportunity for established business people to meet up and coming entrepreneurs who we trust will have a positive impact on the Midlands’ economy in the future ” Further queries should be directed to Denise Clark on 01332 591539 or email: d clark1@derby ac uk For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Classic movie car to launch University film night 27 May 2014 An editor for the world s biggest movie magazine and one of cinema s most iconic cars will help launch this year s Degree Show by University of Derby film students Guest of honour Nev Pierce Editor-At-Large for Empire magazine will greet University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne as he arrives at the CINE 14 film night at the QUAD Derby cinema at 7pm on Monday June 2 in a replica of the time-travelling DeLorean car from the blockbuster Back to the Future films Tales of horror suspense and human drama will be premiered at the University of Derby s annual film Degree Show; staged by final year students on the BA (Hons) Film Production course University filmrelated courses will be extended from September (2014) to also include degrees in Production Design and Visual Effects & Post-Production Films being screened for the CINE 14 night include Butterfly which tells the story of a 16-year-old competitive swimmer whose future career is threatened by epilepsy The film s producer Ciall Kennett has a mild form of epilepsy similar to that of the main character The film s crew raised more than £2 100 to help make the film through crowd-funding website IndieGoGo As this was more than expected they have donated the remainder to the charity Epilepsy Action Ciall said: "We hope our film can shed even a small light on what it means to suffer from epilepsy "As swimming is a sport requiring great determination and one in which losing consciousness or lucidity means a life-threatening situation it emerged naturally as the ideal backdrop for Butterfly bringing with it both the wonder and fear that the water can inspire " Fear of a very different kind is tackled by another of the evening s short films The Copy-Writer It is inspired by the works of American horror writer HP Lovecraft (1890-1937) best known for his stories involving a race of monstrous Elder Gods who threaten humanity The film s tale of an author trying to decipher mysterious notes left by an unknown writer only to find himself threatened by other-dimensional beings or possibly his own madness is to be submitted for screening at HP Lovecraft film festivals in Los Angeles and Oregon in the USA later in the year Other films being screened on the night include: • Fixer - A dark detective drama in which a policeman chases missing persons cases tied up with an urban myth The Cotsby Cameraman • The 1 000Colors - This psychological thriller tells the story of an artist who tries to recover his lost inspiration with a mysterious drug which may not be all it seems • Without You - Pensioner Edna deals with a drama in her family • Doug - A comedy mockumentary or mock documentary following a naïve young man s attempts to track down his lost dog • Nightmare - A little boy obsessed with knights and dragons has to face up to a sinister world revealed when his night light breaks • Rose - A realistic drama about a young woman left wondering whether to keep her baby when she unexpectedly finds she is pregnant and is abandoned by her boyfriend • Neutral - A separated couple are brought back together by the death of a friend A limited number of free tickets to the CINE 14 screening are available to the public - on a first come first served basis - through the Derby QUAD box office on 01332 290 606 or online via web page https://uk patronbase com/_DerbyQuad/Productions?date=1401663600 Empire magazine s Nev Pierce added: "It s a pleasure to be invited to the CINE 14 film night It sounds like there will be a wide variety of films screened and I m really looking forward to seeing the students work " Tom Craig Programme Leader for the University s BA (Hons) Film Production course said: "Our annual film night is not just an enjoyable event to complete the students degree courses but a valuable learning experience with film crews having to raise production money and organise the premiere event "We re pleased to have Nev as our special guest and speaker I m sure everybody will get a kick out of seeing the Back to the Future car " More information on the University s CINE 14 film night at the QUAD Derby cinema can be found on Facebook page https://www facebook com/DerbyCINE14 The film night on June 2 is part of the University of Derby s annual Degree Shows for this year which are open to the public for free Called The Big Show it features the final year projects of students working in the creative areas of crafts fashion textiles fine art film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies art therapy and many others All displays will be open to the public at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby between Saturday May 24 and Friday June 13 For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of News on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Clearing 2013 Sees Places Filling Fast At University of Derby 15 August 2013 Available degree course places are disappearing fast at the University of Derby as staff at its Clearing hotline call centre take hundreds of calls today (August 15) from A-level students who ve received their results Every August A-level students who have not yet secured a university place or who decide after receiving their exam results to change universities enter the national Clearing system run by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) matching them with unfilled degree course places Staff and academics at the University of Derby were on the phones at its Clearing call centre from 7am this morning answering calls from prospective students The centre s direct line - on 01332 592013 - gives would-be students the chance to get expert advice and speak directly to those who would be running their degree course Staff will be on the phones until 7pm tonight and from 8 30am tomorrow (Friday) Derby entered Clearing this year with around 400 undergraduate course places available and expects those degree course places remaining to be filled quickly Within the first two hours today (by 9am) the University had received 690 calls (up from 577 at the same time for Clearing 2012) and by 11am today there had been 1 234 calls (up from 1 063 last year) Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We ve had a very high volume of calls and we expect that to continue throughout the day "It s been very pleasing for me to see that in a still very difficult and sometimes confusing environment for UK higher education we ve entered Clearing with fewer available places than last year "Prospective students are responding well to what Derby has to offer We know that students enjoy their time with us and have had increasing success in the jobs market as recent surveys have confirmed "We were among the Top Ten English universities for graduate employability in the most recent UK survey with 96 1% of our 2011/12 graduates in work or study six months after completing their degree We also achieved our best ever results in this year s National Student Survey where 86% of our students who took part said that overall they were satisfied with their course " Clearing Open Days - to allow students looking to start a course at the University this September to tour the University s sites and talk to course academics - will be held next Tuesday (August 20) from 10am to 3pm at its Derby and Buxton campuses and two Clearing afternoons will be held on Wednesday and Thursday (August 21 and 22) from 12 noon to 3pm at the Derby campus

Clearing Brings Record Calls For Derby 18 August 2011 The University of Derby has seen its highest ever volume of Clearing enquiries - at a time when it had only 150 of its 3 395 student places still available Its Clearing hotline opened at 7am on Thursday August 18 to coincide with that of national body UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) to take calls from prospective students looking to join undergraduate degree courses Derby had only around 150 of its 3 395 student places still left to fill Its applications rose by a record 23% this year compared with 2010 This morning the University of Derby hotline had received more than 1 000 calls within three hours of opening and all courses were considered filled by 12noon Last year (2010) hotline operators took 450 calls within two hours and 600 within six hours It will be early next week before a full picture emerges once verbal offers have been verified and applications processed Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We had more than 120 staff on duty and we have been taking calls on our hotline since 7am this morning "Because of Derby s increasing popularity as a degree destination they ve had to disappoint many well qualified prospective students who ve called us to find a course place "I was answering phones myself during the peak period this morning so I felt first hand how distressing it is to have to give disappointing news to quite well qualified young people " Those unable to secure a University place might consider part time study exploring studying via University of Derby Online alongside work and anything else which builds up their employability and skills profile including work experience The traditional deferred entry or gap year is still a possibility but students entering next year will do so under the new fees regime Media outlets requiring more information about this news release should contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Closing The Skills Gap With A £3.9m ‘Leap Ahead’ 16 October 2007 A fresh approach to closing the ‘skills gap’ suffered by vital East Midlands industries will be launched officially this week Lack of demand from employers for staff training in higher level skills and lower numbers of workers taking up higher education via traditional routes have led to a regional shortfall in the number of workers qualified to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level Four Leap Ahead the Lifelong Learning Network for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire based at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road site has the task of boosting skills levels particularly in the construction engineering tourism hospitality and events and retail sectors in the East Midlands On Thursday October 18 Leap Ahead will officially launch its three year strategy - backed by £3 9m from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) - to develop vocational courses in partnership with employers to close the perceived skills gap within those industries Leap Ahead will work on developing course curriculums with educational institutions including: Universities: Derby Nottingham Nottingham Trent and The Open University Further Education Colleges: Derby Chesterfield South East Derbyshire West Notts North Notts South Notts New College Nottingham and Castle Courses will be aimed at those aged 19 and above who are already in work and looking to further their careers To make studying while working more flexible students on the new courses will be able to learn online and could attend different partner colleges involved in the Leap Ahead network whilst pursuing the same course by logging on to their personal e-portfolio or body of work by computer The Leap Ahead launch will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday in the Toyota Suite of Derby’s Pride Park Stadium Pride Park Guest speakers at the event will be the Project Director of Leap Ahead Mike Braund; Tansi Harper Regional Manager for HEFCE; Dr Mark Mabey Regional Director for educational body Foundation Degree Forward in the East Midlands; and Gordon Lammie Chairman of the Leap Ahead Strategic Management Board and Regional Director of The Open University in the East Midlands Mr Braund said: "Leap Ahead is an exciting opportunity to raise productivity and higher level skills for businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire We are achieving this through a range of strategies to make Higher Education more accessible and more relevant to employers " Leap Ahead advisors are currently talking to Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire employers about the type of courses they think need to be set up The first students should begin their courses in September 2008 With a total HEFCE investment of £3 9million by 2009 the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Leap Ahead project aims to have: attracted 2,000 add t ona h gher educat on enro ments by vocat ona earners nvo ved 1,000 vocat ona course students n the nat ona y s gn f cant e-portfo o tr a (th s strand of the pro ect w be based at the Un vers ty of Nott ngham s Schoo of Educat on) nvo ved 1,200 emp oyers n the h gher educat on programme and hand ed 720 bus ness referrra s offered nformat on, adv ce and gu dance to 3,000 adu ts n Derbysh re and Nott nghamsh re created a var ety of new nnovat ve access b e h gher educat on programmes. -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release written by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004

'Cloudy' Thinking Produces Concrete Results For University's IT Support 24 December 2013 An online coursework submission project developed at the University of Derby which saves time and money has been shortlisted for a top information technology (IT) award The University has been shortlisted in the Best Hybrid Cloud Solution category of the 2013-14 Cloud Awards for its e-Submission initiative The Awards were founded in 2011 by a leading group of IT engineers business leaders and marketers Cloud computing allows organisations to share scalable efficient computing services which can offer improved access to consumers and improved flexibility and agility to organisations The University s e-Submission initiative launched in September 2012 allows students to submit coursework and check for tutor feedback or ask for support online at any time By replacing previous paper-based submissions it has saved time for students - who no longer have to travel to the University to drop off completed work or make appointments with tutors - and for staff and reduced printing and paper costs To make it work the University s IT Services department had to integrate shared cloud systems with existing internal systems to create a start-to-finish hybrid cloud; complete with technical support for students and academics using it It is this work which has seen it shortlisted for the Awards category Neil Williams IT Director at the University of Derby said: "The solution solved an issue for the University but it s one all universities face "We believe we are leading the way with this start-to-finish hybrid cloud working across an entire portfolio of educational courses with all of the associated business processes policies and guidelines required to fully deliver a hybrid cloud solution "In some ways the innovation behind this has been less about the technology and more about the process policy and communications plans built in to manage risk if something goes wrong " A recent survey found more than 80% of University students and staff preferred the e-Submission system to the previous paper-based one The winners of the 2013-14 Cloud Awards will be announced on Tuesday January 28 2014

Clubcard Creator And Royal Naval Commander To Receive University Commendations 2 October 2012 A distinguished Commanding Officer in the Royal Navy and a founder of one of the world s most successful customer loyalty schemes will be recognised for their achievements when they receive Honorary degrees from the University of Derby Buxton Co-founder of the Tesco Clubcard Programme Edwina Dunn and serving Naval Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE will both receive Honorary Doctorates at the University s graduation ceremony at its Buxton Campus s Grade II* Listed Devonshire Dome on Saturday November 17 2012 Edwina Dunn who was born in Buxton started the market analysis business Dunnhumby with her husband Clive Humby from their spare bedroom in 1989 With customers-centricity as its core principle it quickly grew into a global customer science company attracting some major name clients before it caught the attention of Tesco which was looking to better understand its customers Together they created the Tesco Clubcard Programme which was launched in 1995 It has been critical to the success of the retailer and by the time Edwina and Clive sold their loyalty card business to Tesco in 2011 it had grown into an organisation of 1 500 people reaching 350 million customers in 25 countries Edwina and Clive continue their entrepreneurial adventure with their new company H & D Ventures On the Honorary award of Doctor of the University (Hon DUniv) Edwina said: "It was a surprise and a pleasure to hear I am to receive such a prestigious award I have thoroughly enjoyed creating my business and working with a team of people who are young bright and who believe that anything is possible "Hopefully by continuing that journey I will remain energised and fulfilled for a few more years "

Also receiving an Honorary Doctorate on November 17 will be Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE, who has an extraordinary record of service as a Commanding Officer in the Royal Navy protecting British interests. Peter Hudson was raised in the Chesterfield area and attended Netherthorpe Grammar School in Staveley until 1979 He joined the Royal Navy the following year embarking on a Naval career that has spanned 32 years so far In that time he has held a considerable number of Sea Commands including of minesweepers frigates and amphibious assault ships In 2005 he was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his achievement in bringing the brand new assault ship HMS Albion into full service As Rear Admiral Peter Hudson was the UK s Commander of Maritime Forces the most senior seagoing appointment for a Royal Naval Officer during which he commanded all European Union Naval Forces in the Indian Ocean striving to eradicate piracy Today he is responsible at Navy HQ for overall warfighting capabilities of the Naval Service On hearing about his Honorary award of Doctor of the University (Hon DUniv) the Rear Admiral said: "I am delighted and humbled to be awarded this Honorary degree from my home county University "Despite a career that has taken me around the world I still have a deep connection with Derbyshire and to be recognised in this way means a great deal to me I am extremely grateful to the Chancellor and senior staff for this award It will be treasured " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "As always I am delighted with the high standard of Honorary Award recipients that the University has attracted this year "These individuals are both pre-eminent in their fields and we know that they will inspire the students who they shall graduate alongside on November 17 to work hard and strive to reach the very top in their future careers " The University of Derby Buxton s Awards Ceremony takes place on Saturday November 17 2012 and will include a parade through the town to St Anne s Church led by Fairfield Brass Band followed by the Awards Ceremony at the Dome For more information on the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb The University of Derby s Annual Awards Ceremony for its Derby-based programmes will take place on January 17 and 18 2013

'Cold Cases' Of Top Norway Detective 28 March 2011 With TV crime series such as Sweden s Wallander and Denmark s The Killing proving popular over here a true top cop from the Nordic States will give a free talk at the University of Derby on real policing there Detective Superintendent Ivar Fahsing of the Norwegian Police Service has served with Oslo Police s murder squad and KRIPOS the section dealing with national organised and serious crime He has published books on organised crime and police investigation and teaches investigative techniques and forensic psychology at the Norwegian Police University College Det Super Fahsing will look at the psychology of and theory behind detectives methods and also how these are applied in real criminal cases The free public talk will be held at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site in Derby in Room B301 in B Block from 6pm-7pm on Thursday 31 March Det Super Fahsing said: "At its core criminal investigation is a mind game This is about identifying how the top detectives think and make decisions and what separates them from the crowd " Dr David Walsh Programme Leader for the Masters (MSc) degree in Criminal Investigation at the University of Derby organised the special speaker on behalf of its Law in Society research group He said: "It is a great thrill for us to have a senior figure like Detective Superintendent Ivar Fahsing give a rare insight into the workings of a foreign national police force This will be of interest to law criminology and psychology students as well as the general public " To book a place to attend the free talk contact Marketing Officer Laurence Barnard on 01332 591723 or email: l barnard@derby ac uk

Collaborative Leadership Programme Launched To Help Public Sector Leaders Make Changes 10 September 2013 As public sector leaders are increasingly being called on to work collaboratively University of Derby Corporate (UDC) is launching a new Collaborative Leadership programme to help leaders make changes UDC has drawn on its extensive experience to develop the programme in conjunction with Shared Service Architects a company which works with UK politicians and senior public sector managers to develop and carry out successful shared service solutions Workshops for the programme begin next month (October) Angela Crawford Business Development Manager at UDC said: "With another £2 5billion worth of cuts announced by the Government and more to come in the years ahead public sector leaders in local government face a daunting challenge "It is clear that a fundamentally different approach is required We need leaders skilled at securing a collaborative advantage within their organisations between partner organisations and across communities " UDC s Public Sector Collaborative Leadership Programme is a suite of three workshops for senior leaders operating across local government housing associations health and care providers the emergency services and other public sector organisations It will help leaders to sharpen their collaborative leadership skills and behaviours enabling them to confidently lead beyond organisational boundaries Workshops will focus on increasing personal effectiveness identifying and responding to collaborative opportunities and working more effectively in partnership with other organisations to deliver efficiency savings and improved service outcomes Those successfully completing the programme can go on to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Collaborative Leadership with UDC To find out more about the programme or the full postgraduate certificate contact University of Derby Corporate on Freephone 0800 678 3311 or visit www derby ac uk/collaborative or email udc@derby ac uk

College Course Inspires Dazzling Business 7 February 2011 An entrepreneurial student who has set up her own cleaning business in the Hope Valley credits her college course with giving her the skills and confidence to go it alone Sarah Ridgeway aged 18 completed a BTEC National Diploma in Business at Buxton College in June last year and by August had launched her own domestic cleaning business Dazzle with Sazzle The business is now going strong with many regular clients and Sarah s only struggle is juggling the success of her business while continuing her studies at the University of Derby Buxton Sarah said: "I was working as a housekeeper and a carer to support my studies while at College but after learning all about finance and completing a Starting a Small Business module I felt I could earn more money and use my skills in my own business "I got lots of support from my tutors and guidance from Business Link and the HMRC on issues like marketing insurance and accounting and only a few weeks after starting up word had got around and the business had really taken off " Despite this success Sarah decided to continue studying and embarked on a degree in Events Management at the University of Derby Buxton last September 2010 Buxton is unique in that students can continue from Further Education into Higher Education courses at the same campus "I was encouraged by my tutors to continue studying and Events Management is something I would like to work in in the future I m determined to continue working and building up Dazzle with Sazzle so I ll be really busy over the next few years " added Sarah

College Students' Co-op Mission To Complete Uni Gaming Challenge 7 June 2013 People may battle it out over computer games every day but at the University of Derby two teams of young gaming enthusiasts have taken part in a competition to design and make their own computer game in its first ever College Games Jam After being given a crash course in the latest gaming development software by staff and students on the University's Computer Games Modelling and Animation and Computer Games Programming degrees the teams of students from Derby College and Burton and South Derbyshire College were given the challenge to programme and design the animations for an original computer game on the theme penguins versus plants After a week of hard work developing the concepts game states mechanics controller support animation music and sound for their platform games on software including Maya Photoshop and Microsoft XNA Game Studio the students then presented the games to a panel of University School of Computing academics in a tense play-off Burton and South Derbyshire College s Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Games Development) students platform game Need for Seed took on Derby College BTEC Computing and Computer Games Development students Penguin Survival game After a close fought play-off with each judge attempting and often failing to complete the game Derby s Penguin Survival was judged to be the winner Matthew Syrett Associate Lecturer at the University of Derby said: "Both games were absolutely fantastic and we have been so impressed with all of the students ability and dedication to the task We hope that by welcoming the students to the University it has inspired them to continue studying and pursue careers in the industry " Lewis Marks 20 from Burton and South Derbyshire College said: "The whole week has been great We ve had to work as a team to get all of the tasks done on time and create a fully working game which we can now use in our portfolios As I m hoping to go to university in September this week has been a really useful experience for me " Anthony Maxwell 17 from Derby College said: "It s been fantastic to get the opportunity to learn how to use the latest software and the support from staff and students has been great " Derby College s Programme Leader for Games Development Bob Fordi said: "I could see that the students were enjoying themselves and looked very much at home in a University setting " Edward Pickering-Symes Programme Leader for Software Development at Derby College added: "They worked well in a team because some students are experienced in graphics and software like Maya and the programmers knew C# and XNA so it was great teamwork!" Tracey Clarke Course Leader at Burton and South Derbyshire College added: "I am really proud of our students They have taken on some new software and have done brilliantly to create a full game from scratch Despite not winning they are all chuffed to bits " The University s Matthew Syrett added: "We must thank our student teaching assistants Kyle Moody Will Howitt Andrew Roper and Elliot Ward who have been a great support to the college students and who we couldn t have held the week without "

Community Leaders Of Today 21 November 2013 High Peak s citizens of the future impressed the town s community leaders of today at an awards ceremony in the University of Derby Buxton where certificates of achievement signed by Prime Minister David Cameron were handed out Three groups of 16 to 17-year-olds graduated from a National Citizen Service (NCS) programme run by the University s Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre And one teenager from Castleton who studies at the University campus ended up in Downing Street thanks to her work with NCS The youngsters spoke about the adventures they had had canoeing camping and abseiling as part of the youth section of Mr Cameron s Big Society project aimed at widening young people s aspirations and goals One of them James Hayes told guests: "I can t explain to you how great the course was I want to thank everyone for the experience because I m never going to forget it " But the greatest praise came from the leaders of the local groups which the young people had helped in the community service section of the NCS project "If you ever need a reference do get in touch " said Joyce Allwright Warden of Christchurch Burbage where one group had worked non-stop to clear the churchyard "They made big improvements and took it in turns to have lunch so that the work never stopped " said Mrs Allwright "That wasn t my idea - it was something they organised themselves " Stuart Webster of Bright Opportunities a not-for profit group which helps adults with learning difficulties in Buxton and the rest of the High Peak told how another group had raised £800 in cash as well as persuading local retailers to donate a wheelbarrow loaded with tools for their work at an allotment in Fairfield And Kath Sterndale of High Peak Nightstop told guests who included Mayor of the High Peak Councillor Tony Kemp that the group who helped her had arrived half an hour early for their appointment "It showed that they were committed " said Kath who received £1 000 towards the charity s emergency work with the homeless from the youngsters who raised money through a sponsored walk around the University s Dome "They said what they were going to do and they went out and delivered it " said Kath "They were amazing - great ambassadors for youth "I would also like to thank their parents who were behind them every step of the way They are such a credit to you " Grace Thompson aged 17 was selected by NCS organisers as an ambassador for the project and was invited to London where she visited Downing Street met MPs in the House of Commons and took part in a range of exciting activities with other young people from across the UK "It was such a privilege and shows how something like NCS can take you such a long way " said Grace who is studying Travel and Tourism at the Dome with Buxton and Leek College Oaklands Outdoor Leadership Centre Manager Mike Gray said: "NCS gives them self-confidence and selfesteem and boosts their CVs "It s given them the ability to say: we are the future " Two of the NCS helpers were University Outdoor Countryside Adventure students Lee Richardson and Oliver Horton who are studying at Oaklands Manor Centre For more details about Oaklands Manor see www Oaklands-manor com The teams were Team High Five (Social Action Project - Night Stop): Team Leader - Laura Ogden; Mentor - David Ridgeley; NCS graduates - Jordan Duxbury Ellie-Jayne Goss Grace Thompson Team Wave 2 (Social Action Project - Bright Opportunities): Team Leader -Steve McArdle; Mentor Rebecca Bell; NCS graduates - Carolann Culshaw Jamie Capper Callum David Matthew Walker Hannah Gemmell Megan Louise Hawksworth Paige Robertson Lauren Cocker Amy Louise Lingard Katy Rayson Team Wave 14 (Social Action Project - Christ Church Burbage): Team Leader - Lee Richardson; Mentor Oliver Horton; NCS graduates - Matthew Thirlwell James Hayes Selena Raile So-On Wong For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Community To Benefit From University's 80 Exciting Projects 2 December 2013 Investigating the history of one of the UK s oldest trees filming how to videos and creating mobile phone apps to promote walking are among the 80 student projects being organised by the University of Derby to help the community The University has launched its WildVolunteering initiative for 2014 supporting students in a wide range of opportunities to volunteer in the community Projects include: creat ng a t me ne eaf et for a 500-year-o d Markeaton Park oak tree; deve op ng an arts exh b t on space at Be per North M , Wor d Her tage S te; a feas b ty study, work ng w th a Un vers ty of Derby graduate at Nest é n Hatton; deve op ng a phone app for a se f-gu ded tra a ong a F ndern footpath; mapp ng fru t trees n Derby; a h story pro ect at Dar ey and Nutwood Loca Nature Reserve; a rebrand ng pro ect at Derby C t zens Adv ce and Law Centre; nternet taster sess ons and homework he p n Derby brar es; photography and how to v deo pro ects w th Derbysh re County Counc s Env ronmenta Stud es Serv ce; organ s ng a fash on show to ra se money for a commun ty centre. Another of the projects for 2014 is a Bat Survey at Meynell Langley which will be completed by first year BSc (Hons) Zoology students Siobhan Hillman 18 from Liverpool and Rebecca Rose 19 from Newstead Village Nottinghamshire Siobhan and Rebecca are both keen to volunteer and gain more experience to help their future careers Siobhan said "There is a bat group at the University which will provide the training required to complete the survey I have been interested in bats since I was young and have always wanted to help towards their conservation "We will be equipped with a bat detector and survey different areas to compare how many different bats can be found We hope to identify the differences in habitats and human interference between areas and help improve bat conservation " There is also an overall project to rebrand WildVolunteering as Go Volunteer as the diversity of the initiaitive has increased Second-year BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree students from the University put forward design concepts for a new logo and one student will be chosen to develop the design for the website and marketing material The WildVolunteering project began in 2012 with an environmental scheme and as the initiative has grown students now have the chance to volunteer for other types of community work During 2013 students took part in 40 projects on which they produced reports and they will receive a reference for these to present to prospective employers The scheme is coordinated by the University s Community Relations team with support from Estates and Student Services departments and delivers valuable activities benefiting students and fulfilling stated community needs Projects help students to develop life skills gain hands on work experience and provide the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace Jason Nichols Community Relations Assistant at the University added: "We are really pleased the initiative has grown and there are now more opportunities for our students We are working with a wider range of community groups and organisations to offer a variety of opportunities I am particularly looking forward to the rebranding project which will give the initiative a new look " For more information about this University of Derby Community Relations news story contact Peter Walker on 01332 591945 or email p walker@derby ac uk

Compare the meerkat - at the University of Derby! 29 April 2014 Unofficially the UK s favourite exotic animal - thanks to the TV adverts - the meerkat is one of the main guests at the University of Derby s Family Fun Day this Sunday Several of the cute creatures will be on show at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby along with other animals and creepy crawlies Also involving sports wacky experiments and prize giveaways the free Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday May 4 from 12 noon until 4pm A bar barbecue and live music - headlined by graduate band Joint Honours - will entertain visitors Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We are very excited to once again open the doors of the University to the local community showcasing the fantastic facilities on offer and giving everyone who attends the chance to get involved with a whole host of fun activities and challenges "Whatever the weather we re expecting a fantastic turnout but we re still keeping our fingers crossed for some sun " As part of the day visitors can also bounce around an inflatable assault course with their families and meet Derby County Football Club mascot Rammie and Freddie the Falcon from Derbyshire Cricket Club There will also be opportunities to try out archery art science experiments and attend an interesting Science of Star Wars talk in which visitors are welcome to turn up in fancy dress For more information about the University of Derby s upcoming Family Fun Day click here For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Computer Games Day Gets Microsoft Seal Of Approval 11 December 2012 Computer games can take years and millions of pounds to develop - but University of Derby students had only 12 weeks to create ones they ll be publicly exhibiting just before Christmas Around 100 Derby students and graduates will take part in the Games@Derbyfree public exhibitionfrom 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday December 19 in the Atrium at the University of Derby's Kedleston Road site in Derby It is being sponsored by global software giant Microsoft Visitors are welcome to come and play working computer games featuring alien landscapes comic characters and high octane thrills A 30 second promotional video for the event can be seen on YouTube The games have been created by current students of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming (CGP) and BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation (CGMA) degree courses The courses are taught by former games and software industry professionals Peter Innes 21 a final year student on the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree course originally from Edinburgh said: "We re making a game called NYZ involving zombies and time travel We wanted to make a game where you were a zombie instead of fighting them and were attempting to infect a whole city " Also at the free event will be displays by independent games companies set-up by Derby s students such as Derby-based Indieskies and Pillowdrift who have published their own games on Apple and Google app stores; as well as for the Xbox 360 and Windows Phone and Windows 8 Dr Tommy Thompson University Programme Leader for Computer Games Programming said: "Computer games on sale in the shops such as Halo and Call of Duty can take years to develop "We ve put our student teams each with five programmers and five artists through a very stripped down version of that process giving them 12 weeks to go from initial concept to a playable game Our lecturers on the CGP and CGMA courses have utilised their industry experience to guide these students as they handle a range of creative pressures " Microsoft staff alongside peers from other games companies will join University of Derby lecturers in a judges panel on December 19 which will assess the students work and award prizes to the best games on the day Industry professionals have been invited to the event which will also feature second-year degree students seeking work placements For further information on Computer Games courses at the University of Derby see link: www derby ac uk/games

Computer Games Day Wows Visitors 20 December 2012 An interactive computer games exhibition at the University of Derby - showcasing students innovative work - proved a hit with visitors The Games@Derby event yesterday (December 19) sponsored by global software giant Microsoft featured original and playable games by students on Derby s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming (CGP) and BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation (CGMA) degree courses Amazingly the students had produced their working games from scratch in just 12 weeks; with teams of programmers and artists working together Visitors to yesterday s event held in the Atrium at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby were also able to see the work of graduates from the courses who have gone on to set up their own computer games companies A judges panel of course lecturers - who have worked in the games industry themselves - and Microsoft executives assessed the students work and awarded prizes for the best creations on the day For further information on Computer Games courses at the University of Derby see link: www derby ac uk/games

Concrete Course Helps Build Industry Careers 5 October 2010 A course custom-built for the concrete and construction industries is set to become a standard for top notch training Two years work by the Concrete Society and University of Derby Corporate the University s business-to business arm has created a one-year Certificate of Achievement:Concrete Technology qualification Students within the industry travelled from across the UK to UDC s headquarters at the University's Enterprise Centre in Derby to attend the course s opening one-day seminar but they will do the majority of their training from home or work using online and distance learning The Certificate course covers basics such as the production and properties of concrete; right through to testing and batching and mixing on site Richard England Chief Executive Officer of the Concrete Society said: "We realised that we had a lot of very experienced people in the industry who didn t have a formal qualification related to their work "Derby already offered a Ready Mixed Concrete Technology certificate so it was a natural move to ask experts there to develop this further course It has been a very fruitful collaboration with University of Derby Corporate " Paul Wilkinson Head of Corporate Sales at UDC added: "We offer a number of professional courses related to the quarrying and construction industries and have excellent links with the Institute of Quarrying (IOQ) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology "The IOQ has been the third partner in the development of this new course for the Concrete Society " Students attending the course s opening one-day seminar in Derby said it would be useful in their careers Ben Victory 34 a Quality Manager for Mitchellson Formwork and Civil Engineering of Slough said: "My background is in management systems rather than a technical environment I wanted to understand more about the technical side of the products we produce " Sharon Reeve 41 works in the sales team at Sherburn Stone Company Ltd of Durham She said: "I ve been with the company for 24 years This Certificate will be my first formal qualification for the industry It s about enhancing my knowledge of the industry " For more information about the professional courses provided by University of Derby Corporate see its website at www derby ac uk/corporate or call Freephone 0800 678 3311 or email: udc@derby ac uk For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Congratulations to Derby County Football Club 12 May 2014 The University of Derby s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne has offered his congratulations to Derby County Football Club after they reached the Championship play-off final The club which enjoys a partnership with the University is now one step away from the Premiership after beating Brighton & Hove Albion 4-1 yesterday in the second leg of the semi-final County won the two-legged tie 6-2 on aggregate and Professor Coyne who expects to make the trip to Wembley Stadium for the final on Saturday May 24 has heralded a "fantastic achievement" He said: "Many congratulations go to Derby County They thoroughly deserved to go through to the playoff final with what was a tremendous performance against Brighton particularly in the second leg yesterday "The University is a proud partner of the club and we wish the team the very best of luck at Wembley I will be there roaring them on I just hope they get over that final hurdle and reach the Premier League " The University s partnership deal with Derby County includes being the naming rights partner of the Rams Moor Farm Training Ground and providing education to Academy staff and players Moor Farm was renamed the Derby County Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby at the beginning of this season Also students on the University s new BA (Hons) Sport Management degree which begins this September will have access to a new Learning Lab at the club s iPro Stadium For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Congratulations To World Class Student 15 July 2011 The University would like to congratulate one of its students on her recent Bronze Medal win at the 2011 World Jiu Jitsu Championships held in Los Angeles USA Vanessa Williams 22 took home the Bronze Medal in the Women s Blue Featherweight category on 5 June 2011 after three successful fights in the competition Vanessa who has recently completed a BA (Hons) degree in Creative Expressive Therapies took up the martial art at age 17 after seeing a demonstration She fell in love with the sport and has been training three or four times a week ever since By the start of 2011 Vanessa held 13 Brazilian Jui itsu medals (11 gold and 2 bronze) from competitions in the UK and Europe and so was feeling confident about her level of performance going into the IBJJF World Championships in Long Beach Los Angeles last month Her confidence was proved justified as she secured the bronze with a skilful triangle move Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager for the University of Derby said: "We are really proud of Vanessa for performing so well in her sport at an international level She is an inspiring sports person; and we wish her the best of luck in her future competitions " Vanessa is now in training for competitions in Sweden later this year

Contractor Chosen To Build Cutting-Edge Research Facility Supporting Engineering Giants Of Tomorrow 29 October 2013 Derby City Council in partnership with the University of Derby Aston University and Cranfield University are delighted to announce the appointment of G F Tomlinson to develop and build the Innovation Centre at the heart of Infinity Park Derby adjacent to Rolls-Royce at Chellaston This facility will match up-and-coming high-tech engineering firms with some of the brightest and best minds from the world of academia This new partnership between the City Council and the three Universities is called Engineering Supply Chain Solutions Local companies will receive both mentoring and innovation support allowing them to accelerate growth in an environment of partnership and collaboration This project is supported by the Government s Regional Growth Fund Consultants Turner and Townsend acting as construction project managers on the Council s behalf have carefully overseen the procurement of contractors through a design competition - the brief being to develop an iconic building which has personality and presence The result of this is the appointment of local contractor G F Tomlinson to deliver the scheme at a total value of £11 8million The Innovation Centre is set to open in spring 2015 with construction on site in spring next year The Innovation Centre will be a landmark building demonstrating the region s position as the UK centre for transport engineering Including both office and workshop space it will target companies hoping to break into or expand their role in the supply chains of large aerospace rail and automotive companies in the Derby area The Innovation Centre will be an essential catalyst for the development and growth of the wider business park (Infinity Park Derby) and ultimately the creation of well-paid highly skilled jobs for the people of Derby and the surrounding region Andy Sewards director at G F Tomlinson said: "The Innovation Centre will be a truly pioneering new building We are delighted to have been entrusted to deliver such a prestigious project which will be a flagship development at the heart of such an important business park - boosting industry and the economy locally "The design with its curvilinear nature embraces the characteristics of transport engineering using high quality metal cladding that reflects the materials traditionally used in the industry This will be a truly iconic building to boost the area s reputation even further as a centre of excellence in transport engineering " Councillor Paul Bayliss Leader of Derby City Council said: "We are delighted to have appointed G F Tomlinson a local firm to build this Innovation Centre for us This project represents a significant milestone in our attempts to strengthen the supply chains of transport engineering companies We are excited by the design for the centre and hope this building will become a flagship development that represents the innovation and creativity inherent in local companies operating in these sectors " John Coyne Vice Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "Our partnership with Derby City Council Aston and Cranfield Universities - called Engineering Supply Chain Solutions - has been created to support companies in their growth plans and to put them in touch with academics and best practice from around the world This building will be the perfect base from which to offer these services "

Cookery Demos Will Entice Visitors To Food Fair 17 May 2013 Hospitality and Culinary arts students will be giving cookery demonstrations - and getting the crowds involved in some live cooking at the Derbyshire Food and Drinks Fair at Elvaston Castle this weekend (May 17 and 18) Lecturer Leonard Cseh and students from the University of Derby Buxton s BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts degrees will be showing the crowds how to prepare some fantastic dishes and even getting visitors up to help them during Saturday May 18 Leonard said: "We are really excited about attending the Derbyshire Food and Drinks Fair this year and sharing some fantastic dishes through our cookery demonstrations We will be preparing some classic dishes using some contemporary techniques "We hope many people will join us for what should be a fantastic day " For more information on the Derbyshire Food and Drinks Fair visit www derbyshirefoodfestival co uk/

Could Naturally Dyed Clothes Stop You Feeling Blue? 9 August 2013 Wearing particular colours might not just be good for your mental health but could also boost the body as it absorbs natural dyes suggests work by a University of Derby researcher Using different colours to stimulate positive moods or colour therapy is a known practice in complementary medicine But Dr Kate Wells Senior Lecturer in Textiles at the University of Derby is investigating whether garments dyed using traditional natural colourings can directly improve physical wellbeing as minute amounts are absorbed through the skin of the wearer Her research has just been published in the Journal of the International Colour Association and was presented at the 12th International AIC(Association of International Colour) Colour Congress held in Newcastle Upon Tyne last month (July) It is also one of the many pieces of research to be featured in the University of Derby s 2013 Research Review publication just published The annual review covers the fascinating research currently being pursued at the University in science arts business and many other areas Kate s research points out that many of the plant extracts once commonly used to dye clothing - such as indigo and woad (blue) turmeric (yellow) and henna (red) - would also have been used in traditional medicines She is looking at the possibility that by wearing naturally dyed cloth next to the skin people might directly absorb health-improving extracts Kate said: "It s an area that s not really been studied before which is surprising given that a dye like indigo appears in many different countries and across cultures It is extracted from different plants through a process that is steeped in myths superstitions and religious rituals and which evolved over centuries "Around the world indigo was extracted from a variety of plants In Europe it was the flowering plant isatis tinctoria (woad) in India indigofera tinctoria (indigo) in China and Japan it was polygonum tinctorium (Japanese indigo a type of knotweed) and in West Africa the vine Ionchocarpus cyanescens "With people s interest now in handmade and sustainably made clothing there is renewed interest in natural dyes Woad is again being commercially farmed in England and to a greater extent in France alongside other natural dyes These are also being used in some cosmetics " Kate s colour research is part of her larger body of work into slow textiles focusing on sustainable and ethical production methods which produce unique clothing and garments For more information about the University of Derby s Textile Design course see website www derby ac uk/courses/textile-design-ba-hons/ For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Count Dracula Gives Kiss Of Life To Tourism 16 May 2013 Research from the University of Derby Buxton is to lift the lid on a dark world of horror - and see how it can boost the UK s tourism industry Goths - the sub-culture which grew out of Punk Rock in the 1980s and not the ancient tribes who brought down the Roman Empire - are being investigated by the University s Dr Pascal Mandelartz an expert in what has been dubbed Dark Tourism Dr Mandelartz believes that the Goths who are famous for their dark clothing black make-up and fascination with horror and Vampire culture such as the Twilight film series are an undiscovered sector of the market a worldwide phenomenon ranging from light-hearted tours of the London Dungeon to more macabre visits to sites where famous people such as Elvis Presley and James Dean died Despite their fierce look Goths are well-known for being gentle and law-abiding as anyone who has been to North Yorkshire during the bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekends will know But as yet no study has been carried out into their impact as an undiscovered segment of the Dark Tourism market said Dr Mandelartz "We want to ask: is dark tourism part of the Goth identity?" Dr Mandelartz from Germany told a conference in which students examined how research techniques can be used to improve the tourism industry "Where are the boundaries between the mainstream and the sub-culture?" Goths were originally English followers of punk Band Siouxsie and the Banshees but have since spread across the globe Whitby is their spiritual home because it s the port where that famous fictional tourist Count Dracula - first made landfall in Bram Stoker s novel Only last month their official status as a subculture was confirmed when Greater Manchester Police controversially decided to record attacks on Goths and other groups such as Emos and Punks as hate crimes Dr Mandelartz was one many speakers at the Research Conference including Sally Hogg Head of Visitor Services and Marketing at Chatsworth who demonstrated how professional research techniques had helped the stately home create a tourist experience which attracted 720 000 visitors a year Dr Sarah Rawlinson Assistant Director of the University of Derby Buxton said: "Hearing from a top tourism practitioner about how research can boost business is exactly the kind of real-life expertise which we at the University aim for "Our students study with real-life experts because our courses are aimed at giving them real life chances " For more information on studying BA (Hons) Tourism Management at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Courtney's Fantasy Fashion Collection Proves Real Hit 13 February 2013 The "inspirational" fashion designs of a University of Derby student have seen her reach the finals of the UK s largest student-run charity fashion show Courtney Blades a third year BA (Hons) Fashion Studies student is one of only five up-and-coming UK fashion designers whose collections will feature in the finalists show of the 2013 Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award competition this Saturday (February 16) Sponsored by car manufacturer Alfa Romeo the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show of the University of St Andrews in Fife Scotland has raised more than £300 000 for charity in 21 years of annual shows Courtney and other finalists were given a fairy tale and fantasy theme for their collections which also had to incorporate elements from Alfa Romeo vehicle designs Courtney 21 originally from Bedlington Northumberland said: "There is a lot more to designing even a small collection of five outfits than most people realise "They have to fit the brief or theme and say something different to the other collections whilst also being wearable It took me two months to complete the collection and I can t wait to see them on the catwalk being worn by professional models at Saturday s final " If she is named the outright winner Courtney will receive a six week work placement with fashion label PPQ and prize money of £1 000 Fiona Hawthorne University Senior Lecturer in BA (Hons) Fashion Studies added: "This is a very prestigious competition and Courtney has done exceptionally well going up against other great young designers from around the UK to reach the final five "The kind of creativity and drive she s demonstrated is what we try to instil in our students generally so they will go on to succeed in a very competitive industry " For more information about the 2013 Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award competition see website www standrewsfashion co uk To find out more about the University of Derby s Fashion degree course see website www derby ac uk/courses/textile-design-ba-hons For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Cream Of Computer 'Games Jam' To Feature at Games@Derby Expo 31 January 2013 The best original computer games created from scratch during a 48 hour non-stop design session will feature in a Games@Derby public exhibition at the University of Derby Around 60 students from all years of the University s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming (CGP) and BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation (CGMA) degree courses will compete in teams to design a game from start to finish starting at 5pm tomorrow (Friday February 1) and finishing at 5pm on Sunday February 3 Competitors won t even be able to choose the name and subject of their game as they ll have to work to titles randomly generated by clicking on the website The Video Game Name Generator (at http://videogamena me ) Examples of the bizarre suggestions this site comes up with include Invisible Bongo Smuggler and Urban Spelling Gladiator All student teams taking part will play and rate each other s prototype games and vote which ones should have a stand at the University s free public event Games@Derby It will be held from 1pm to 5pm on Friday February 8 in the Atrium at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby and is being sponsored by global software giant Microsoft The Games@Derby event will feature around 15 exhibitors in total Stands will include playable games for the public by first to final year students examples of Windows 8 apps (or applications) they ve designed and the work of commercial games companies established by Derby graduates Dr Tommy Thompson University Programme Leader for Computer Games Programming said: "These 48-hour games jams are great fun for the students but they also teach them about working in teams of programmers and digital artists to a deadline and under pressure; just as they will have to do when they graduate and join the games industry "The added challenge of working to a randomly generated title for the game you re designing should make for some very interesting creations The public will be able to have a go on the best of these at our Games@Derby event on 8 February " Dean Cunningham 21 from Birmingham is on the final year of the University s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming course He added: "I have taken part in these 48 hour games jams before and they are fun It does get a bit stressful towards the end when you re trying to cram extra features into the game and it keeps breaking " For more information about the University of Derby s Computer Games courses - all taught by games and software industry professionals - see website www derby ac uk/games For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Creating Fine Art From Death And Destruction 7 June 2012 Real bullets frozen in time and elegantly dressed bird skeletons are among the striking artworks on display in a new show by University of Derby students The free public exhibition by BA (Hons) Fine Art degree students - currently at the University s Markeaton Street site Derby until 12 June - is part of the University s annual Degree Shows of final year students work in visual communications film photography textiles fashion product design architecture and many other subjects It is held at Markeaton Street and the nearby Britannia Mill site annually Fine Art student Alasdair Evans work - entitled 22 - required University Senior Technical Advisor Paul Marshall to fire 180 shots using a 22 calibre rifle into separate boxes of clay at a safe facility Paraffin wax and different coloured resins were then poured into the containers to make a permanent cast of each bullet s path with the metal shot embedded at one end For his artwork he then constructed a short corridor with the 180 bullet casts sticking out of its walls down which visitors to the exhibition will walk Alasdair 22 originally of Birmingham said: "The corridor gets smaller and the casts more densely placed the further you walk down the corridor giving a real sense of claustrophobia "What I ve tried to do is give a physical sense of people being caught between two opposing armed sides; whether it s on the global scale of the Cold War or modern day street gang culture "I m definitely not pro-gun but the physics of firearms interests me and how you can use their destructive power to create art I d love to try this sort of thing with a much heavier calibre weapon perhaps even a tank one day " His partner and fellow Fine Art degree student Kelly Gare 22 of Birmingham has also taken a somewhat deadly route with her artwork called Other Tidings (a play on tidings meaning both bad tidings and being the collective name for a group of magpies) Sourcing the skulls of magpies and crows birds seen as a nuisance which can be legally culled in rural areas she has created smartly dressed sculptures of groups of birds and placed them all around the exhibition Kelly said: "People often find birds strange disturbing even; just think of Alfred Hitchcock s film The Birds I wanted to create a reaction in visitors by making it hard to avoid these obviously dead birds there are 19 altogether which nevertheless are attractively dressed and grouped in ways which imitate human behaviours "Part of this is about making people think about whether it s morally acceptable to cull particular species of birds There have been petitions against culling so-called predator birds like this as pests and it s not something I personally agree with " Other Fine Art works on display at the University s Markeaton Street site exhibition include: an e egant cha r and tab e, set for tea but covered n f ne sand a f m about a man trapped n a phone booth a gr m dep ct on of urban decay captured n a photo ser es. Denis O Connor University Lecturer in Art added: "The overall quality of work for the Fine Art students final year show this year is very strong "To create something out of an object as destructive as a fired bullet as Alasdair has done or weave a narrative in the way Kelly has done with her magpies is extremely innovative " Media requiring more information should contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Creative Designs From Derby On Show In The Capital 3 July 2013 Visual artwork by BA (Hons) Graphic Design students will also be featured at the New Designers exhibition including this work by Derby student Danny Painter Ingenious new products - many with a green theme - and stunning visual images will be exhibited by University of Derby students at a national showcase devoted to the best in design New designs in fashion textiles interiors jewellery graphics and illustration furniture products and other fields are featured each year at the annual New Designers' exhibition Derby students who ve just completed their courses will join more than 3 000 exhibitors at London s Business Design Centre for the 2013 show from today (July 3) until Saturday (July 6) Among the creations on display from Derby s BA (Hons) and BSc (Hons) Product Design students are: pa ntbrush and pa nt ro er c ean ng dev ce, w th recyc ab e c ean ng agent (by student Josh Owen, who s n the process of app y ng for a patent for h s dea); beg nner s scu ng boat w th an ad ustab e stab ty funct on (Matthew E s); ow capac ty d shwasher des gned for sma accommodat on spaces (O e O sen); so - ess p ant grow ng system for use w th n the home (Sam Doy); access b e refue ng nozz e for peop e w th m ted mob ty (Samantha Evans); a ternat ve nstrument persona m d -contro er (a s ng e dev ce enab ng d fferent mus ca nstruments and sounds to be p ayed), shaped and p ayed ke a gu tar (Steven Lew s). Samantha Evans 21 originally of Sutton Coldfield - who completed her BA (Hons) Product Design course this summer (2013) - is already attempting to patent her invention She said: "The idea came to me when a friend of mine told me that a lady had asked him for assistance with refuelling her car as she couldn t do it herself due to having arthritis "I decided to carry out some research and realised that this was a big issue for a lot of people so I decided to find a solution to the problem I ve recently applied for a patent on it which is still ongoing "I m excited to be going to the New Designers exhibition It will be a great experience and I m really pleased to have the opportunity to take part " Terry Watson University Programme Leader for Product Design added: "New Designers is the most important showcase for graduating product designers The event features UK-based students but is international in reputation with potential employers from around the world attending "We have been sending representatives to the show for eight years and it has proven to be a springboard into employment for some while others have been awarded prestigious prizes This year s group are very talented and we have high hopes for their success " Also exhibiting at New Designers from the University of Derby will be students from the University s Graphic Design Illustration and Animation degree courses These will include Matas Zaloga Ugne Dagilyte and Harriet Farren They have just completed Derby s BA (Hons) Animation degree course and are also the creators of an animated TV commercial now being shown on E4 and other digital TV channels to promote the University of Derby s latest student recruitment campaign called Are You Ready? Fellow visual artists exhibiting at the London show include: From the BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree course - Laura Tay or, Danny Pa nter, Jason Booth, Haze W kes, Soph e Shearsm th and Jon Cooper-Bag ey. From BA (Hons) Illustration - Ros e McAdam, C a re Stamper, Matthew Watson, Samantha A en and Tracy S ater. Marc Bosward Lecturer in Design said: "New Designers offers our students a fantastic opportunity to show their work at the UK s most important graduate design exhibition "Our Illustration Animation and Graphic Design students will get the chance to network with leading industry professionals and meet potential employers and commissioners " For more information about the 2013 New Designers exhibition in London see website www newdesigners com For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Creative Ideas For Promotion Prize 14 March 2011 A group of creative Buxton students were recognised for their innovative promotional ideas at a prize ceremony recently As part of a marketing and promotion module degree students on a range of programmes were asked to act as marketing consultants and come up with creative proposals to promote the University complete with justification and an implementation plan after carrying out detailed analysis of current practices and challenges in the sector Twenty projects made it onto the shortlist and two winners were announced The first winner was BSc (Hons) International Spa Management degree student Sophie Collins aged 20 Sophie had the idea of producing a branded bus that visited potential recruitment areas and fares representing all of the hands-on courses available at the University such as Outdoor Activities and Spa Management degrees The other award winner was Lidia Malecka 19 a BA (Hons) Travel & Tourism Management degree student who came up with the idea of a dance video that would promote the University virally across the internet The music video would be filmed at the Buxton Campus posted onto Youtube and promoted virally through social networking Lidia said: "We wanted to find a new way of promoting the wide variety of exciting vocational courses on offer at the University's Buxton Campus coupled with the fact that it attracts a large number of international students from across the globe "Our idea was to film students representing their various courses and home countries in a music video They would be filmed dancing walking and lip-syncing to a pop song around the Dome and other key areas on campus "Using a music video we hoped to encourage more international students and demonstrate that they would really enjoy there time here have fun and make friends from all over the world during their studies " Sheila McLaughlin said: "We are increasingly developing experiential learning projects for the students like this one and we hope that some of these projects may reach fruition " Sarah Rawlinson Assistant Dean for the Faculty said: "This prize was a fantastic way to celebrate some of the creative and innovative students we have studying here We hope they took something valuable away from completing this project "

Creativity On Display 13 April 2011 Talented hair and beauty students were judged on their skills and creativity by industry professionals at Buxton College s recent hair and beauty showcase More than 40 Hairdressing NVQ Level 3 students were challenged to design and create an original avantgarde hairstyle working with NVQ Level 3 Beauty students to create a look suitable for fashion catwalk photography and competitions Sheila Hughes Lecturer in Hairdressing said: "This event was an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they ve learned over the last year; techniques such as hair extensions setting and dressing curling and using hair pads and pieces to create volume " Professionals from the hairdressing industry including Gill Lomas from Blake s The Art of Hair in New Mills and Kristian Wood from Hair by Kristian Wood in Ashbourne judged the styles along with the Head of Buxton College Mary Blauciak who said: "The event was fantastic The students all worked incredibly hard to create some truly unique styles and should all be proud of what they achieved " The winner was Chloe Meredith aged 19 from Buxton an apprentice at Buxton s Profile Hair Design She was inspired by the musical Cats and using hair extensions platting and hair pieces created a dramatic style with plenty of height and presence that obviously caught the judges attention Judge Gill Lomas said: "The winning style was very impressive it was excellent Chloe had put a lot of thought into how to use the techniques to create the style and it showed " Chloe said: "I was really happy that the judges liked the style I created I spent a lot of time thinking about how to achieve it and pre-made lots of the aspects before the day like the hair pieces and plaits "The show was a fantastic opportunity to do something that I wouldn t normally be asked to do in a salon and to try lots of new techniques " The finale of the event was a catwalk show held in Buxton College s iconic Dome where the students their family and friends and industry professionals watched as each of the creations had their moment in the spotlight For more information on Hairdressing and Beauty courses starting this September at Buxton College part of the University of Derby Buxton visit www buxtoncollege ac uk For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988 or email j colburn@derby ac uk

Cricket All-Rounders Swing By New Outdoor Centre 11 February 2013 Derbyshire County Cricket Club s up and coming young players spent three days developing their teamwork off the pitch recently as they overcame outdoor obstacles and culinary challenges with help from students and staff at the University of Derby Buxton and Buxton College The eleven Derbyshire County Cricket Club Academy players took part in the team building trip as part of a unique partnership agreement with the College and University of Derby s sports development arm Team Derby Their first challenge was to walk across the Peak District from Grin Low to the College s dedicated Oaklands Outdoor Leadership Centre in Buxton through deep snow and difficult weather conditions where they attempted its high ropes and low ropes courses by working as a team On the second day in the great outdoors the players were coached in the basic survival skills of fire and den building by the College s Outdoor lecturer Allan Shaw And as a final test the team worked with Buxton College s professional cookery students in the Campus kitchens to prepare a three course meal for 35 guests Talented young bowler Ben Cotton age 19 said: "It s been a really good three days The best bit for me was taking on the outdoor activities especially the high ropes course which was really good fun We definitely learned a lot in the kitchens too and it s been a great opportunity " Howard Dytham Head of Development at Derbyshire County Cricket Club said: "The University and College teaching staff and student helpers have been great and our players have really enjoyed their time here It has been a physical and mental challenge that has really put them under pressure at times and that s what we wanted " The partnership between the University of Derby (including Buxton College) and Derbyshire County Cricket Club is an extension of the 2012 partnership This year it will see the University of Derby s name on the Club s LV County Championship Shirts and sponsorship of the Academy with a view to improving cricket performance for both county and the University For more information about Buxton College visit www blc ac uk For more information on the Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre visit www oaklandsmanor com/

'Crime Degree' Sisters Take On Tough New Roles 21 August 2009 Sisters who completed the same crime degree are to use their talents to help prison inmates and the mentally ill Natalie and Nicki Siddall from Derbyshire both received a 2:1 grade from the University of Derby this summer after completing the same Joint Honours degree in Criminology and Psychology Now Natalie is to use her knowledge to help prisoners find new careers and Nicki is taking up further training to become a specialist nurse working with the mentally ill Natalie 21 said: "We were both interested in Psychology at school and did it at A-level When we came to look at degree subjects we again found ourselves interested in the same course "It was useful being able to study together and it did mean we saved on the cost of textbooks " Natalie has just taken up the post of Careers and Employment Tutor at a men s prison where she will be helping inmates retrain for new careers "It s about teaching key work skills including Maths and English to help them find employment when they get out " added Natalie Nicki 23 said: "While I was doing my degree course I was a part time Care Assistant working with older people with dementia in a Ripley care home "That got me interested in working in that line when I completed my degree In September I will be starting a two-year accelerated training course at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary after which I will be a qualified mental health nurse I d eventually like to work as one in prisons " On studying with Natalie she added: "We encouraged each other during the course but there was always a bit of healthy competition If one got a good grade the other would try and match it or get a slightly better one " The Siddall sisters follow in the legal footsteps of identical twins Emma and Kelly Shooter who both graduated from the University of Derby with a 2:1 grade LL B (Hons) law degree in January this year David Walsh Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Crime and Justice degree course at the University said there were distinct advantages to making study a family affair in terms of mutual support "Having said that Natalie and Nicki showed real individual commitment to their course of study They should be commended for choosing to use their degrees to help others in circumstances which can be very difficult " added David For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email : s kirby@derby ac uk

Critically Acclaimed Local Writer Holds Master Class For Students 25 November 2008 Celebrated author and University of Derby graduate Edward Hogan nurtured a whole new generation of talent when he visited the institution yesterday Edward Hogan (28) from Little Eaton Derby had his first critically acclaimed novel Blackmoor shortlisted for the 2008 Dylan Thomas Prize for young writers He shared the secrets of his success as part of a master class with current students on the Ba Hons Creative and Professional Writing and English degree – the same course Edward had studied After graduating from the University of Derby in 2001 with a First Edward was signed to Simon & Schuster who published his first novel Blackmoor The Independent’s Peter Carty has said Hogan is ‘a writer to watch Keen to find out more about the places he grew up Edward set the novel in a small mining community in the Midlands He wanted to discover more about the effect the closures of the mines had on the people employed in the industry In the story the reader comes to understand and know the characters through the passage of time The Dylan Thomas Prize awards £60 000 to recognize the best young writer in the English-speaking world and ensures that the inspirational nature of Dylan s writing will live on The 2008 award was won by Nam Le author of The Boat Edward said: “It’s great to be back where I did so much of my early writing and to see the lecturers and writers who taught me I’ve enjoyed meeting current students who are today’s up and coming writers they’re in safe hands “My lecturer on the Creative Writing course Moy McCrory was a very influential figure in my studies I really enjoyed my time at the University of Derby ” Dr Moy McCrory Senior Lecture for Creative Writing said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome Ed back as a visiting writer When he was a student we tried to expose our groups to writers and now he’s back to inspire our current students ” Second year Creative and Media Writing student Damien Barker (23) added: “Ed’s talk gave me some good tips on techniques which will help me get in the right frame of mind to write I’ll definitely be trying them out ” endsFor further information on this story contact Alumni Relations Officer Laura Ratcliffe on 01332 591368 07768091248 or email: l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

Crowds Flock To See Madame Butterfly 5 July 2011 Over 400 people flocked into Derby s Market Place last night (July 4) to enjoy a balmy night of opera on the BBC Big Screen Puccini s Madame Butterfly was brought to life courtesy of a live relay from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden London Spectators many of whom had brought picnic hampers and deckchairs were moved to tears by the story of a Japanese geisha s love for an American naval officer Puccini s heartrendingly powerful music transported the audience through to the story s devastating conclusion Angela Drinkwater Events Officer at the University of Derby said: "We were delighted with the attendance It was wonderful to see the Market Place so full and also to see people joining in and enjoying themsleves "A combination of the warm evening and the popularity of this well loved opera made the event a fabulous success " The opera was preceded with a nationwide hum-a-long the Derby hum was led by Derby s VoiceBox Choir Louise Angell BBC Big Screen Manager - Derby and Leicester said: "It was a wonderful event Our partnership with the Royal Opera House in means we can deliver world class opera and ballet for free around city centres The feedback we recieve for these events is always positive and we look forward to our next one " Opera fans are in for another treat on Wednesday July 13 when an opera version of Cinderella will be shown on the screen The show is once again courtesy of a live relay from the Royal Opera House Local entertainment starts at 6 40pm the screening is set to finish at 10 25pm Pre-opera entertainment will be from The Viva String Quartet There will be some seating and refreshements available on the night but spectators are welcome to bring their own camping chairs and picnics Later in the month the Market place will host Derby s One Year To Go Sports Event On Wednesday July 27th there will be a daytime celebration of exactly one year to go until the official opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games Young people will be able to take part in a range of cultural activities; including art dance drama music and various sporting activities with films and Market Place action relayed live to the Big Screen

Curtain Raised On Derby Theatre Refurbishment 29 October 2012 Derby Theatre which is part of the University of Derby has undergone an £80 000 auditorium refurbishment rewarding loyal theatre enthusiasts with a premium theatre experience and online booking system to support the future of the theatre After eight weeks of work the theatre auditorium has been completely revamped with 535 brand new softto-touch red seats luxury carpets and curtains The refurbishment ensures loyal customers will enjoy comfortable seating as they relax and watch the top performances on offer A new box office system has also been installed and the theatre website has been upgraded with an online booking service which will make it easier for new and existing customers to purchase tickets for performances and select their own tickets Heidi Mckenzie Marketing and Press Officer for Derby Theatre said: "We want the best all-round experience for our audiences and have every confidence that they will love our new auditorium and the sense of luxury it adds to the theatre experience " The University's BA (Hons) Theatre Arts degree is delivered in studio spaces at Derby Theatre giving students the opportunity to develop in all aspects of the course These include in performing directing playwriting and it also gives students technical and production opportunities For more information or to book tickets for upcoming performances at Derby Theatre including Angela s Ashes The Musical (November 1 - 3) Driving Miss Daisy (November 19 - 23) and Charlotte s Web (December 7 - January 12) visit www derbytheatre co uk

Cutting Edge Concert To Help Japan's Children 8 April 2011 Musicians with a hi-tech edge will play at Derby Theatre in aid of charity Save the Children s Japan emergency appeal Sigma 7 play their own songs and cover versions of music by trip hop pioneers Massive Attack and (appropriately for this gig) David Sylvian former lead singer of 1980s pop group Japan But the band can argue its sound is unique - as it uses advanced audio technology rivalling that of some of the world s super groups and developed at the University of Derby by some of its own members Music fans can experience Sigma 7 s innovative use of multiple speakers creating an all round sound experience at a concert at Derby Theatre at 7 30pm on Friday April 15 Tickets will cost £3 with all profits going to Save the Children s Japan Emergency Appeal Support acts Alice and Jono and solo singer Alex Jones will also be performing John Crossley Programnme Leader for Popular Music Production at the University and Sigma 7 member said: "It will be a different and better sound experience compared to a normal gig Traditionally bands play with speakers at the front which have to be turned up painfully loud to push the music through the crowd for everyone to hear "We have a multi-channel sound system with speakers right around the concert space relaying music on ten channels or levels That s better than a good home TV surround sound system which usually delivers five channels of sound " Sigma 7 are: John Cross ey - programmer, keyboards p ayer, songwr ter Steve Fau kner - voca s (BA Hons Popu ar Mus c Product on degree student) Patcee Franc s - voca s/songwr ter Lenroy Gu ste - bass gu tar Steve M tche - gu tar Jon Cooksey - drums/percuss on N ge Beer - trumpet. John added: "What we ve seen of the severe problems in Japan made it an obvious choice to fundraise for through the concert " Tickets for the Sigma 7 concert are available through the Derby LIVE box office on 01332 255800 or online at www derbylive co uk or can be bought on the door on the night of the concert A film of the band performing can be seen online on You Tube link http://www youtube com/watch? v=5xMBmh3M_rw Final year Music and Media Technologies students will also stage a free public concert at Derby Theatre at 7 30pm on Wednesday (April 13) The three acts will be singer-songwriter Joshua Mellor progressive alternative rock band The Black Aurora and The Trio Media wanting further information should contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Dance And Drama In Community Recognised At Awards 21 May 2012 Two Creative Expressive Therapies degree students have been recognised for their work volunteering in the community with an award win and nomination from the University Both students carried out the voluntary work during placements for their degree course Final year BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies degree student Sophie Hickmott 24 was nominated for the University of Derby Student Volunteer of the Year Award 2012 for her placement at Derby dance venue Déda Over ten weeks Sophie helped to teach four and five year old children creative movement in Deda s Skippers dance class Every Saturday morning Sophie helped the children express themselves and to tell stories using dance something she has been developing during her learning on the Dance Pathway of a Creative Expressive Therapies degree Sophie said: "Working with the children has really boosted my confidence and has given me a new direction Previous to the placement I was hoping to use creative dance to work with people with eating disorders but now I would like to work with children "It was a great surprise and fantastic to be nominated for this award " Sophie s course mate Samantha Gomersall 23 also a final year student was crowned Student Volunteer of the Year 2012 for her work at Headway Derby a charity set up to give help and support to people affected by brain injury While working with Headway Samantha went above and beyond her placement activity Every Tuesday morning for ten weeks she led workshops for groups at the day centre using art dance and drama but also stayed at the centre to volunteer every Tuesday afternoon and helped out on trips and at parties Samantha said: "From my research into the effects of brain injuries I knew that the people I worked with would often have trouble with their short term memory I knew that the more I saw the centre s clients and the more familiar I became that we would build up a rapport and work better together This really was the case "The placement was really beneficial to my course giving me the experience of running my own creative arts workshop for adults It also showed me that working with people with neurological disorders is definitely something I would like to do once I graduate "

Dance degree open event offers first steps to top career 2 July 2014 Budding Darcy Bussells and Anton du Bekes can take their first steps towards a professional dance degree at an open event staged by the University of Derby and Déda A specialist BA (Hons) Dance degree is being offered by the University and Déda the East Midlands dedicated dance house for the first time from September (2014) Students will learn dance theory contemporary dance choreography performance skills production dance history and the uses of dance in health and community settings They will be on one of the only UK higher education courses based at an off-campus professional dance house An open audition for those interested in studying the degree will be held at Déda in Chapel Street Derby from 6pm-8 30pm next Wednesday (July 9) There will be a chance to take part in a sample dance class and hear more about the course s dedicated facilities with the option of taking an interview with tutors to gain a place on the course starting in September To attend the open audition contact Clare Limb Head of Dance Development and Learning at Déda on email: c limb@deda uk com or telephone 01332 374681 Déda s facilities are being expanded ahead of the degree course starting Once on the course students will be taught by top choreographers and dance professionals There will also be a number of work placement opportunities with professional touring dance companies on offer during the course Clare said: "We already have students signed up for the course starting in September but there are a few places left "This BA (Hons) Dance degree course fulfils a real need in the region for a specialist degree that has a clear focus on the employability skills required to be successful; not only as a professional dancer but also in a range of different careers including teaching in schools as a dance specialist community development work and professional choreography " Huw Davies - Dean of the University s Faculty of Arts Design and Technology - added: "Students on the course will be based at Déda but will also benefit fully as part of the University from its facilities support and life experience "This new degree will attract talented dancers from across the UK and greatly contribute to the cultural life of the city and county " For more information about the BA (Hons) Dance degree visit the course pages on the University of Derby website For information on Déda go to www deda uk com For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Dan's Coin Design Celebrates Changing Olympics 1 February 2011 The London Olympic Games has a new 50p coin design thanks to a University of Derby graduate Dan Brittain (25) from Field Lane Alvaston Derby created a winning design in a national competition organised by the Royal Mint The competition was the biggest the Royal Mint has ever undertaken and offered the nation a once in a life time opportunity to design a 50p piece showing the 29 Olympic and Paralympics sports to be played out at the London 2012 games Dan who graduated from the University of Derby s BSc (Hons) Computing degree course in 2010 was one of almost 30 000 entrants His design represents the five sports of the modern pentathlon; 200m freestyle swimming epee fencing pistol shooting and a 3km cross country run His design is part of a series of 29 officially licensed London 2012 50p commemorative coins designed by members of the public as lasting mementos of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games Like every UK coin in use today their designs had to obtain final approval from the Treasury and Her Majesty The Queen Dan who now works as a web developer for creative design and marketing agency Masters Allen based in Leicester said: "It s a great honour to have my design chosen to commemorate this huge event I am very proud " Each winning designer received £1 000 prize money and the only gold version of their 50p design in the world Look out for Dan s design in your change as it s on millions of 50p coins in general circulation from the Royal Mint now It is part of the set of 29 designs available to buy online from the Royal Mint and where you can watch Dan talking about his design http://www royalmint com/sportscollection For further media information please contact Alumni Relations Officer Laura Ratcliffe on 01332 591368 or 07768 091248 or email l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

Daughter's Baby Booties Kick-start Mum's Art Project 8 June 2012 A mother and University of Derby student found a unique use for old baby clothes - permanently preserving them as an artwork for her final-year degree project Grace Goodbean 49 of Matlock who is just completing her BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies degree course took crocheted baby jackets and booties - including a cardigan once worn by her daughter Alice now aged 23 - dipped them in porcelain and fired them in a ceramics oven to create a solid preserved copy of the delicate woollens She explained: "I wanted to do something which would surprise anyone looking at them as the unexpected interests me Baby clothes are soft and usually made by women I wanted to show the beauty in everyday things such as a cleaning cloth and other objects that are often discarded Here they re transformed into something ornamental hard and permanent " On a similar theme Grace s final year project also includes a recreation of our solar system s planets in coloured balls of wool complete with knitting needles "It s a play on the idea of God being a woman with knitting being a very female pursuit " added Grace "The woman in the moon knitting the sky an alternative creation myth " Her eye-catching work is just one of the exhibits by final year Creative Expressive Therapies students; currently on free public display on the fourth floor of the University s Britannia Mill site in Markeaton Street Derby until 3pm on Saturday (June 9) Other exhibits explore ideas of home memories foreign cultures and human psychology This exhibition is part of the wider current 2012 Degree Shows of works by visual communications textiles product design fine art photography students and many others on free display at the University s Markeaton Street Site in Derby until June 12 Jean Bennett Senior Lecturer in Therapeutic Arts said: "The work in this year s Creative Expressive Therapies degree show is diverse in terms of the different media used throughout Grace s piece is an interesting concept in preservation not just of a child s garment but in relation to the memories it holds; something every mother can identify with "

Dean Fiona Bids Farewell to Derby 23 April 2010 One of the University of Derby s original academics is leaving to begin a new role at Birmingham City University Fiona Church - currently Dean of the Faculty of Business Computing and Law (BCL) - began her career at Derby in autumn 1992 just as it officially changed from being Derby College of Higher Education to the University of Derby She joined the University of Derby as a Senior Lecturer in Law and over 18 years has held a number of roles within its Law and Business sections including Head of Subject for Law and Assistant Dean Fiona was appointed Dean of BCL in December 2006 Her area of expertise is in employment law Now Fiona is to leave the University in September (2010) to join Birmingham City University as Executive Dean for its Faculty of Education Law and Social Sciences Birmingham City University has one of the country s top Schools of Education as well as a high profile Law school and respected Social Sciences department Fiona said: "I ve very much enjoyed my time here at Derby The University and my own academic career have developed side by side I will miss my colleagues and the students here "I ve had some great experiences at Derby I ve been the stern Dean heading the panel for Derby s student business contest The Entrepreneur; delivered two tongue-in-cheek annual Christmas Law lectures including one to decide whether Santa was naughty or nice ; and attended graduation ceremonies at partner colleges in other countries including Africa "I am looking forward to the challenges of my new role at Birmingham City University " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby added: "Fiona will be a great loss to the University She is an exceptional Dean and colleague "We can understand the excitement and challenge of a bigger role in a similar institution and are delighted for Fiona We will give her every support as she takes up her new role " Professor David Tidmarsh Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University said: "Fiona is an accomplished employment law specialist and from her experience gained in education within her current role and from previous experience of working in education based Faculties Fiona will prove to be an excellent appointment " For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Debate Asks 'What Now For The Middle-East?' 1 April 2011 The turbulent state of politics in the Middle-East and the possible future for its states will be tackled by speakers in a public debate at the University of Derby The discussion panel on Democracy and Justice: The Case of the Middle-East will be held at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby in its Heap Lecture Theatre from 6pm-8pm on Monday 4 April It is a free event for the public and University staff and students It has been arranged to discuss issues raised by the current civil war in Libya involving United Nations forces and the ongoing pro-democracy protests in countries such as Egypt Bahrain and Yemen Speakers at the Derby event will include: Dr Imad El-Anis, Lecturer n Internat ona Re at ons at Nott ngham Trent Un vers ty spec a s ng n M dd e East and North Afr can nternat ona re at ons, Is am c h story and energy secur ty Dr Frank Faulkner - Sen or Lecturer n Soc o ogy and G oba Po t cs at the Un vers ty of Derby Ali Batilmal - a postgraduate student (PhD) student from L bya at the Un vers ty of Nott ngham Emhemmed Albeckay - a postgraduate student (PhD) from L bya at the Un vers ty of Derby Professor Rose Ayuru - ndependent scho ar and consu tant, spec a s ng n sub-Saharan and North Afr can gender stud es, and former Un vers ty of Derby ecturer. The event has been organised by the University s Identity Conflict and Representation Research Centre It will be chaired by Professor Robert Hudson and Dr Sam Kasule respectively Director and Deputy Director of the Centre Professor Hudson said: "Middle-East politics is always volatile but even more so now This event will be debating world events as they are happening which should make for a lively discussion "Our aim is to shed some light on current events and see what the future may hold for these countries with the help of a panel with personal or professional knowledge of the area " To attend the free public event contact Professor Robert Hudson on r c hudson@derby ac uk or 01332 591485 or Dr Kasule on s kasule@derby ac uk or 01332 591489

DEGREE AWARDS '08: Alla’s 3,000 Mile Journey To Learn The Law 27 December 2007 An Iraqi Kurd set to become a Derby law graduate next month – only six years after arriving in the UK – intends to return to his homeland to pass on his knowledge to others Alla Omer Ahmed 26 currently living in Derby left Kurdistan in northern Iraq with A-level equivalent qualifications in English Language Arabic Kurdish Maths Geography Economics and History After a year’s study in Intermediate English Language at a London college to improve his grasp of the language he applied to join the University of Derby’s LL B (Hons) Law course and was accepted Despite initially “struggling” with the University culture Alla is now set to pick up a 2:1 grade for his degree in January and has already embarked on a Masters degree (MA) in Law at the University of Nottingham He eventually intends to return home to Kurdistan to pass on what he has learned as a university lecturer Alla said despite the recent war and current conflict he had enjoyed a relatively stable home life in Kurdistan before journeying abroad to study He said: “I had a friend who was on a Foundation Degree course at the University of Derby who said ‘you ought to come here’ “I visited for an open day and I thought it was very good Derby seemed a nice small town that you could get around quite easily ” While on his three–year University law course he also did work experience at the Derby Law Centre which offers free legal advice including advising people on immigration and employment rights “I have found the Law course very interesting The first three months were a struggle but my lecturers were very helpful ” added Alla Kevin Bampton Head of the School of Law and Criminology at the University of Derby said: "Alla is one of the most remarkable students I have taught He has not only learned but already advised literally hundreds of people in the Derby area as part of our Law Clinic programme (which works with Derby Law Centre) “Overseas students like Alla bring so much with them and take the best of British values with them when they return home " His parents plan to make the 3 000 mile trip from Kurdistan to see him graduate on the second day of the University of Derby’s two days of Awards Ceremonies on Saturday 19 January at the Derby Assembly Rooms Now on his Masters degree course – and hoping to eventually undertake a PhD specialising in medical law – he would like to return to Kurdistan to teach possibly at the University of Salahddin in Erbil -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

DEGREE AWARDS '08: Chemical Reaction Key To Spiked Drinks 28 December 2007 Exciting research by a forensic science student at the University of Derby could pinpoint the timeframe in which someone’s drink has been spiked An independent consultant in the field of forensic science says this sort of research is exciting because it can lead to a whole new line of investigation for the criminal justice agencies to explore The news is timely for the festive season as millions of revellers prepare for the party season – but with the threat of drinks being spiked as real as ever 22-year-old Hilary Bathgate has received First Class Honours in BSc (Hons) Forensic Science for her work at Derby and received such an outstanding mark that she has qualified to move straight onto a Doctorate degree course at the University of East Anglia in Norwich Julian Love Programme Leader for Forensic Science at Derby who previously worked as a forensic scientist at Strathclyde Police said: “Hilary’s study is of particular importance and interest to the world of forensic science She is an excellent student who has been recognised for her academic ability by being able to bypass Master’s level and move straight onto her doctorate “Hilary has applied a chemistry to detect when the timeframe when the drinks were spiked based on the breakdown of the actual drug She has taken the time to sit down and work out the equations into a simple formula which could be a huge aid in helping address the issue of spiked drinks ” Hilary is from Milnthorpe in Cumbria but previously lived in Brough Street Derby and now has a termtime address in Norwich She studied 3Ts for her degree study – Temperature of the drink Type of drink and Time of the chemical reaction In the University laboratories at Kedleston Road she spiked four drinks: a glass of wine a vodka and coke a drink of J20 and a Bacardi Breezer with the drug GHB In a drink the GHB starts to degrade rapidly at first before the degradation slows down and traces of GHB are still present after 21 days GHB hydrolises into GBL which is its lactone By monitoring the levels of GHB changing to GBL in the drinks she was able to establish an equation to help forensic scientists identify when the drink itself was spiked within a two-hour time frame She said: “I have conducted wider reading in this area and the key development has been being able to help find the timeframe for when a drink may have been spiked using the degradation process “The type of alcohol served also plays a part with the drug degrading more rapidly in certain drinks such as white wine in comparison to non-alcoholic drinks such as J20 “I also looked at drinks which were kept at two different temperatures (5°C and 37°C) and it was shown the rate of degradation is much faster at the higher temperature “If anyone who feels they have had their drink spiked is able to retain even a sample of the spiked drink for analysis the equation could be used by forensic scientists to help indicate the time frame for when the drink was spiked using this chemical formula approach ” Hilary spent a summer placement at the forensics science company Scientifics in Derby and its Business Manager Analytical Christopher Harrison said: “Hilary has produced not only an excellent piece of forensic science work but a very good piece of chemistry research based on traditional science This is extremely encouraging for the future of forensic chemistry “The methodology is sound using different types of drinks which will affect the solubility and subsequently the degradation of the GHB and also taking into account the effect of temperature This type research is exciting because it can lead to a whole new line of investigation which will assist the police and the criminal justice system I wish Hilary every success for her future ” Hilary’s PhD at the University of East Anglia is investigating the development and validation of the use of palynology and DNA soil file profiling for forensic geographical provenancing but she hopes to retain a research interest in the spiked drinks investigation Hilary travels to the University’s Annual Awards Ceremonies on January 19 at the Assembly Rooms in Derby to receive her degree alongside hundreds of other students The Forensic Science department also celebrates the achievement of other students at this year’s Awards Ceremonies Iris Evans who graduates with a 2:1 degree wins the prize for Best Forensic Chemist She now works as a forensic scientist for Scientifics on London Road in Derby Iris 21 from Ashbourne Road Derby looked at comparing soil samples to try to match them to the crime scenes which they came from using a new technique called ion chromatography Her independent study concluded that a match could indeed be found -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email: s redfern@derby ac uk

DEGREE AWARDS '08: Derby Ram To Feature On New Mayoral Robe 15 January 2008 A set of new civic robes are being produced for Derby’s Mayor – sporting emblems of significance from the city’s coat of arms: The Derby Ram and the Buck in the Park The project has been masterminded by the Mayor of Derby Councillor Pauline Latham OBE and is being project-led by the University of Derby’s Chief Technician in Art and Design Rowena Hamilton and Janet Poole from Derby Cathedral’s Embroidery Workshop The robe will be worn by Councillor Latham at a public engagement for the first time on Friday January 18 at the University’s Annual Awards Ceremonies at the Assembly Rooms in Derby More cause for celebration on a personal note for The Mayor is that her husband Derek is also set to receive an Honorary Degree from the University at the awards Councillor Latham was keen for a new robe to be created as the existing robe used by successive Mayors of Derby has been in use for about 22 years and is in very poor condition The current design a black silk robe with gold braid and buttons has been in use in Derby since 1954 the 800th anniversary of the borough’s first Charter The new robes will be the third set The Mayor Councillor Latham said: “I am so pleased to have been involved in the creation of this unique robe and want to thank Rowena and Janet for taking on the project with such enthusiasm It further strengthens the close partnership between the Mayoralty University and Cathedral and it is so appropriate that it will first be worn at an event that involves the University and a Cathedral Service ” For the new design Rowena Janet and The Mayor selected key features from the Derby City Council coat of arms to be woven into the black silk fabric of the robe This was achieved by using a Jacquard loom and design software which is based at the University’s Britannia Mill site The sophisticated computer controlled loom uses thousands of hooks to sample weave the complex design It’s the first time the robe has been made using a bespoke fabric Previous mayoral robes at Derby have featured standard woven patterns similar to those that would be supplied by robe manufacturing companies to civic offices across the country Janet Poole of the Cathedral Embroidery Workshop was able to cut a pattern to match the existing style and make the robe Janet and Rowena have previously collaborated over the replacement of five copes that were destroyed in a fire in the Cathedral in 2004 Rowena said: “We were delighted to have been asked to create a new robe for the Mayor which will be used at all major civic occasions in the city The fact we have been able to incorporate key symbols from the city’s crest makes the design even more pleasing and unique “I suppose we are creating a little bit of history and I will be very pleased if these new robes are in use for the next 30 years or so ” At the University’s Annual Awards Ceremonies Derek Latham will receive an Honorary Doctor of Professional Practice in recognition of his career He founded and has led Latham Architects since 1982 and promotes a philosophy of creative reuse of buildings; designing places holistically in response to their context He is the author of Creative Re-Use of Buildings which demonstrates how to put redundant properties back into beneficial use -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or email: s redfern@derby ac uk

DEGREE AWARDS '08: Study On Health Staff Reactions To NHS Change Highly Praised 17 January 2008 National restructuring of the NHS or any major business’s change can leave some local staff feeling insecure and vulnerable says research by a senior health professional The study by a senior NHS worker from Leicestershire which examined recent changes in her own Trust has been praised by both her peers and tutors Anne-Maria Olphert - Associate Director of Children’s Community Services within Leicester City NHS Primary Care Trust - will graduate from the University of Derby tomorrow (January 19) with top marks for her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) looking at staff reactions to local NHS changes put in place by Government Her research into The Effects Of Organisational Change On Staff Within The Local Primary Care Trusts used the merger of NHS Primary Care Trusts in Leicester as a starting point to highlight best practice and identify how to reduce potentially negative effects on staff and services In October 2006 the six NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) covering Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland were merged into two This was part of a national restructuring programme to improve efficiency and save on unnecessary costs PCTs commission local health services for people such as hospitals dentists opticians mental health services walk-in centres patient transport and pharmacies They control 80% of the NHS budget nationally The PCT changes in Leicestershire led to nine job losses at a senior level among the total of 1 100 staff and some reorganisation of other employees according to Anne-Maria’s study Her work drew on other academic research in addition to fresh interviews and focus group meetings with 17 new and experienced Leicestershire NHS staff Anne-Maria aimed to assess how people reacted to their experience of change Some staff had welcomed the 2006 change as positive seeing it as a way of reducing bureaucracy One staff member interviewed said they had never “reconciled that we should have had six PCTs (with) loads of extra management” Other NHS members described feelings of “uncertainty insecurity and vulnerability” both during and after the major organisational change These people were more likely to feel they had not been listened to by management as part of the reorganisation and were more inclined to leave during or after it Anne-Maria’s MBA research concluded by offering advice to NHS managers undertaking future changes aimed at providing an approach whereby staff felt more engaged in the process of change That advice included: nform ng staff about the change process as ear y as poss b e to prevent m s nformat on f ng the gap eft by a ack of facts; us ng news etters, workshops, ema s, ntranet pages, newspapers and meet ngs to exp a n the reasons beh nd the strategy; sett ng a t mesca e and targets w th ach evab e outcomes, so peop e cou d be appr sed of the progress so far; pub c y report ng on the organ sat ona changes after they ve been comp eted, to make c ear the essons earnt, wou d a so make staff fee the r op n ons were va ued. Anne-Maria said: “The NHS is facing new challenges needing to think more like a business and being able to communicate clearly with both patients and staff about what exactly the vision and future for this organisation is “Studying business methods on my MBA and understanding how successful organisations deal with challenges has enabled me to apply this learning to my work environment ” Dr Christine Jones Head of Partnership Development in the Faculty of Business Computing and Law at the University of Derby added: “Anne-Maria has completed an excellent MBA dissertation on a subject of significant public interest that of change within the NHS “The work was based on a recent significant reorganisation within the NHS and she identified a number of very useful recommendations which could have great value to the sector at large ” A spokeswoman for NHS Primary Care Trusts in Leicestershire said: “We are proud of Anne-Marie’s outstanding achievements in her studies particularly whilst continuing to undertake a challenging senior role within an ever-changing primary care environment “Her insights will be helpful both to us and to other managers within the NHS ” -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

DEGREE AWARDS '08: Triple Joy For Hawkins Family At Awards Ceremonies 17 January 2008 It’s a family affair as three members of the same family are set to graduate at the University of Derby’s Awards Ceremonies this week Elaine Hawkins 45 from Ballacraine Drive Ripley and her two daughters Rachel and Paula graduate together on Friday having successfully completed their studies at the University Organisers have made it possible for the three to graduate together at the second of three Friday ceremonies which starts at 12 35pm The three are among more than 2 000 students set to graduate during a total of six ceremonies at our Awards Ceremonies in Derby at the Assembly Rooms on Friday January 18 and Saturday January 19 Eight Honorary Awards will also be presented to high-achievers and well-known personalities including glam rock legend Roy Wood from the band Wizzard After initially arriving at our Kedleston Road site the city centre will be bursting with excited students wearing pale blue red and black gowns and mortarboards celebrating with family and friends and Derby is gripped by graduation celebrations The ceremonies are also set to be displayed on the BBC Big Screen for the first time At the ceremonies Elaine graduates with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Education Studies degree and currently works at Bennerley Secondary School in Bennerley Avenue Cotmanhay where she has been for four years Her eldest daughter Rachel 24 completed her degree in BA (Hons) in Tourism in the summer as well She works for Derbyshire County Council as a traffic and safety technician in the Environmental Services department Her final year dissertation was related to tourism in Sharm el Sheikh Egypt where she and her partner have been on holiday three times And her other daughter Paula 21 has completed an Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies and is now working in the respiratory medical ward at Nottingham City Hospital Elaine said: "I am so pleased with what I have achieved and I am so proud of my daughters as well We will have other members of the family at the ceremonies so it should be a special occasion " Rachel who lives with mum but is set to move into a new home in Leabrooks Ripley with fiancé David said: "It’s great that we will be able to graduate at the same ceremony and we appreciate that the University has made this possible "The most challenging part of studying all at the same time was that we had to take it in turns to use the computer One of the benefits was proofreading one another’s work as well as offering encouragement and we are delighted for each other " Paula from Sanders Close Ilkeston added: "I am very proud of my mum and sister and what they have achieved Working on my course at the same time they were studying was a huge support " Melanie Bayes one of the Awards Ceremony organisers within the University’s Student Support and Information Services Department said: "It is an extremely unusual situation for three members of the same family to be graduating together "Rachel was initially going to graduate at Buxton but asked if they could all be at the same ceremony It involved some rescheduling but we have made it possible and we hope they all enjoy the day " One of the Honorary Award Winners Roy Wood of the band Wizzard – known to millions across the globe for his musical talent and the 1973 Christmas classic I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day– becomes an Honorary Doctor of Music Roy is widely recognised as one of the most significant British musicians of post rock and roll popular music history contributing to glam rock rock progressive rock and psychedelia The other honorary award winners are: R chard Brown, Ch ef Execut ve of Eurostar John Stobart, one of the wor d s pre-em nent mar t me art sts Derek Latham, founder of Latham Arch tects Graham Joyce, an nternat ona award-w nn ng nove st of "fantast c" f ct on Po yanna P cker ng, one of Europe s foremost w d fe art sts Tony Hams OBE, a reg ona champ on of susta nab e deve opment S r Howard Newby, V ce-Chance or (Des gnate) of the Un vers ty of L verpoo and former Ch ef Execut ve of HEFCE. VIP guests including the eight Honorary Award winners will enjoy refreshments and mix with friends and well-wishers in the Mayor’s Parlour at the Council House before and after the ceremonies Onlookers in the city centre can also enjoy two morning processions to Derby Cathedral for thanksgiving services led by the Oriele Marching Band (on Friday) and the Heage Brass Band (on Saturday) -endsThis press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or email: s redfern@derby ac uk

Degree Means Lively and Eventful Life For Ben 11 January 2012 Helping stage international events in the Middle-East and for the United Nations are among the exciting freelance projects Ben White has been involved in since completing his University of Derby degree course Ben 21 originally from Billericay in Essex but now living in Derby will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Sound Light and Live Event Technology degree on Thursday 19 January as part of the University s annual two days of Awards Ceremonies held at Derby Assembly Rooms Students on the degree learn analogue and digital electronics audio and lighting system design acoustics computer-aided design and the management and teamworking skills needed to stage any event; including business conferences music concerts light shows and advertising promotions Since completing his degree last summer 2011 Ben s freelance work has taken him on a range of interesting jobs He said: "In December I worked for a fantastic events service company called Showforce Services Ltd in Doha Qatar for three weeks helping stage the 20th World Petroleum Congress There was a lot of technical work providing the lighting and sound needed for conferences including the opening press conference of the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) "After that I was involved with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations fourth annual forum also held at the QNCC doing similar work I was lucky enough to be part of the team that accommodated the Emir of Qatar s wife Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned and the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon "I d never been to the Middle-East before and it was a privilege to be able to work alongside people with so much experience and knowledge " Ben added: "One of the things that first attracted me to the Derby degree was the diverse syllabus taught throughout the three years which other courses did not seem to offer Delivered by highly experienced and approachable lecturers the degree offered everything I needed to start my career within the industry " Around 2 000 students will graduate from the University of Derby over the two days of Awards Ceremonies on January 19 and 20 For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

DEGREE SHOWS '08: Anyone For Tea? 29 May 2008 It’s an art exhibit set to cause a real stir – but could the tea leaves have really predicted Vicky Sheward’s unique artistic talent?! The University of Derby Fine Art student has laid on a traditional British tea party scene with a difference for an art exhibition – a complete suite of furniture coated in tea leaves! The 21-year-old from Yateley Avenue Great Barr Birmingham is sure to generate the interest of art lovers at the University’s annual Arts Design and Technology degree shows for final year students which begins at the University on Friday Her exhibit entitled Equalitea aims to capture the essence of the traditional British tea party and highlights how tea leaves were used as a cover for opium smuggling in 17 h century as well as today’s inequality of the tea trade Vicky said: “I do like tea but the main reason for using tea as part of my final year project was because it is an interesting topic area My display features a traditional tea party set up “Coating the furniture with tea leaves symbolises how opium was hidden in tea and smuggled into the country in the past ” None of Vicky’s personal furniture was damaged during the making of her exhibit! It was instead all brought off e-Bay for £38 The display based at our Markeaton Street site features a table chairs a cake stand crockery and even fondant fancy cakes all covered in tea She used PVA glue to coat the furniture before applying two layers of tea leaves over the entire surface of all of the exhibits The first layer was economy tea and the second layer of a more quality variety as it had a richer colour Vicky also says that the painstaking work which began in January highlights the inequality of the tea trade in this work and the vital work of tea pickers who begin the process by picking the leaves In order to make the exhibit possible teas and coffee specialists Stokes of Lincoln based in Mint Lane Lincoln gave Vicky five kilograms of its most popular tea – Gold Medal Tea for her work One of the firm’s most famous drinkers includes King George VI who visited the cafe whilst based at RAF Cranwell in 1918 A Stokes of Lincoln company spokesman said: “We were intrigued when Vicky contacted us It’s fair to say we have never had a request for tea to be used as part of an art show but we were pleased to help as it contributes to a student’s final degree project and encourages new artistic talent We are delighted with her final exhibit and it does show how versatile tea can be!” Carl Robinson Head of Fine Art at the University of Derby said: “Vicky has created a unique exhibit for her final project She has given a very interesting and quirky edge to an otherwise everyday setting of afternoon tea She has created a coherent and strong piece of art ”

Degrees shows Check out Vicky’s work and that of all of the other students exhibiting at our annual Degree Shows in Derby The event is a showcase of talent across the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology and will be hosted at our Markeaton Street site The degree shows 2008 will be officially opened by Debbie Williams Chief Executive of E M Media at the Private View evening on Friday 30 May 6pm – 9pm The shows will then be open for public viewing on Monday 2 June – Wednesday 11 June Weekdays: 10am – 4pm Saturday: 11am – 3pm Sunday: closed There’s also a Graduate Fashion Show at the Assembly Rooms in Derby on June 4 and a Film and Video Screening is on Friday 6 June at Markeaton Street For more information to book tickets for any of the events and to see some of the student work please visit the degree show website: www derby ac uk/degreeshow -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038

DEGREE SHOWS '08: Ben's New Approach to Tackling Gun Crime 27 May 2008 Shock tactics to tackle violent crime appear to be wearing thin with the public according to research carried out by the University of Derby BA (Hons) Graphic Design student Ben Edwards undertook a survey with the public in the East Midlands as part of his final year degree project at the University Feedback from the majority of the 200 respondees mainly teenagers and young adults was that shock tactics such as graphic posters to curtail gun crime are not working As a result Ben has produced a poster campaign called Peace reflecting a softer approach to getting over the dangers of gun crime to young people His work will be on display at the University’s end of year Arts Design and Technology Degree Shows at the University’s Markeaton Street site which starts on May 30 Ben 23 from Rowditch Avenue Derby said: “The general consensus is that people are becoming almost immune to shocking images and the anti-gun crime message gets lost as a result By choosing a more delicate theme in response to my feedback data I hope to get the message across more effectively ” Ben studied high profile anti-gun campaigns such as the Metropolitan Police’s Trident campaign which displayed some graphic images on posters as part of his research His survey was undertaken in Derby and Nottingham; the latter city which in the past has suffered from a series of high profile shooting incidents He added: “With my main intention being that of counteracting the glamorisation of gun crime in popular culture my focus was in creating imagery that would not feel out of place within areas of popular culture where this glamorisation can be seen to occur for instance clothes shops music shops and the like ” There has been more success for Ben as he entered a competition to design this year’s Degree Show logo and won meaning hundreds of visitors will also see this work on display Ben’s tutor Tracy Allanson-Smith who specialises in Graphic Design at the University of Derby said: “The illustrations and animations Ben has produced are visually intriguing and relevant to the audience and message Creative wordplay on peace/piece is a subtle but poignant reference to the notion of a ‘gun’ and offers the audience the choice and recognition of peace ”

Degree Shows: Check out this work and that of all of the other students exhibiting at our annual Degree Shows in Derby The event is a showcase of talent across the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology and will be hosted at our Markeaton Street site The degree shows 2008 will be officially opened by Debbie Williams Chief Executive of EM Media at the Private View evening on Friday 30 May 6pm – 9pm The shows will then be open for public view from Monday 2 June – Wednesday 11 June Weekdays: 10am - 4pm Saturday: 11am - 3pm Sunday: c osed. There’s also a Graduate Fashion Show at the Assembly Rooms in Derby on June 4 and a Film and Video Screening is on Friday 6 June at Markeaton Street For more information to book tickets for any of the events and to see some of the student work please visit the degree show website: www derby ac uk/degreeshow -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038

Degree Shows '09 Kirsty’s Own ‘Little Bundle’ Inspires Her Top Textiles Show 10 June 2009 Textiles student Kirsty Spaven had some unexpected help with her final year Degree Show – her unborn daughter The 21-year-old who found out she was pregnant only weeks into the final year of her three-year degree course was inspired to make a beautiful range of baby blankets and cushions after finding a lack of variety among the goods she saw when shopping for her own child Kirsty’s work the final project for her BA (Hons) Textile Design degree course at the University of Derby is on display now at its Markeaton Street site as part of the University’s annual Degree Shows which ends on Saturday (June 13) As she is due to give birth any time now (her due date was June 9) Kirsty is wondering if she will become a mother even as people admire her unusual baby related textiles products They are woven in pastel shades of lambs wool and cotton in a range of Jacquard patterns Kirsty of Chapel Road Sheffield said: “The pregnancy wasn’t planned but my partner Bradley and I were delighted “Going around looking for baby blankets and things I was struck by the lack of variety They all seemed to be either pink blue or cream with little animals on them “That’s what made me think of doing my own range In a way my daughter even though she’s not born yet helped me out as I don’t think I would have been doing this sort of project if I wasn’t pregnant ” Kirsty added that she had considered postponing the final year of her degree course on finding out she was pregnant wondering if she would be able to cope “My tutors and fellow students have been great The tutors have altered arrangements when I’ve not been able to get into University and my friends have helped me by painting display boards and carrying bags for me as I’m not supposed to stretch too much ” she said Her tutor John Angus University Director of Textile Studies added: “When design students complete their exhibition work at the end of the course they can normally look forward to a little summer recreation after all the hectic activity However for Kirsty the immediate prospect is procreation “It’s terrific how she has managed to combine her design skills with the insights she has gained as an expectant mother She has been creative in more ways than one and you have to applaud her timing ” The University’s annual Degree Shows celebrate the final year work done for courses including textiles music technology crafts fashion fine art photography film design theatre visual communications architecture creative expressive therapies and art therapy Events will run from Thursday 4 June to Saturday 13 June For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

DEGREE SHOWS ’09 Laptop Orchestra Pushes Audience’s Buttons With New 3D Sound Technology 4 June 2009 There will be keyboards but no traditional wind or string instruments when a ‘laptop orchestra’ gives its debut performance at the University of Derby Laptop orchestras of which there are only a handful in the world use laptop computers to play music but assemble before a live audience to jointly play a whole composition as would a traditional orchestra Rather then have all the players just using ordinary laptops the Derby Laptop Orchestra (or DLO) is developing a new range of digital musical instruments for its first ever performance at 7 30pm on Friday 5 June in Auditorium Three at the University’s Markeaton Street site It will play original compositions for an invited audience The event is part of the University’s 2009 Degree Shows running from Thursday 4 June to Saturday 13 June The music could be made using Wii game remotes engineered to produce sounds reflecting the player’s motions or DJ turntables which control other digital musical instruments rather than playing records Using its own experimental instruments rather than simply laptops will enable the DLO to produce an ambisonic three-dimensional sound Ambisonics uses computers to ‘mix’ and channel sounds on different levels at the same time By using a bank of speakers the resulting music can be three-dimensional seeming to come at an audience from all angles rather than just speakers in front of and behind them DLO was set up by the University’s Dr Peter Lennox with colleagues Chris Wilson (Music Technology lecturer) – who nominated ELO band co-founder Roy Wood for a University Honorary Doctorate in 2008 – and Michael Brown (Music and Media Technology ) Dr Bruce Wiggins (Electronics and Sound ) and Alex Gibbins (Multi-Media Technology ) The DLO group are being helped to develop their instruments by recent Derby graduate and research associate Tom Spenceley Peter said: “Even playing digital electronic sounds musicians still want a physical instrument that they can play with some intuition and feeling “Computers haven’t really evolved like that so we’re creating new three-dimensional instruments ourselves with which to make and control sounds It’s about making the computer fit the player not the other way around ” Chris added: “It will be an actual performance rather than us just turning up and pressing the Play button on our computers “While using cutting edge electronic music technology we still want to come as close as possible to giving the audience a performance in the same way a conventional orchestra would We won’t always know what will come out of it “We will use this research orchestra to collaborate with experimental musicians composers and sound artists in the area and we will eventually be taking DLO out on the road ” The serious side to the laptop orchestra was that it allowed its members to experiment with different and improved ways of creating and producing sounds added Chris Three-dimensional sound technologies developed by Bruce Wiggins have previously been used at annual festivals such as electronic music event Glade and at Glastonbury In 2007 a new and better system of surround sound recording developed by the University of Derby was used to help the Derby Cathedral Choir record music for release on a commercial CD The DLO performance is part of the University’s 2009 Degree Shows celebrating the final year work done for courses such as music technology crafts fashion textiles fine art photography film design theatre visual communications architecture creative expressive therapies and art therapy Events run from Thursday 4 June to Saturday 13 June For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Annabel Harvey on 01332 593004 or email: a harvey@derby ac uk

DEGREE SHOWS '09 Laura’s Love Of British Classics Puts Her In Fashion Awards’ Finals 2 June 2009 A fashion student who overcame disability to complete her degree course has also been shortlisted for a prestigious award Laura Fox 23 and fellow BA (Hons) Fashion Studies degree students will see their clothes designs modeled at the University of Derby Graduate Fashion Show at Derby Assembly Rooms on Thursday 4 June It is the first event in the University’s 2009 Degree Shows featuring the work of graduating students from a range of courses Laura has been at the University for five years completing her degree and a Diploma of Professional Practice She has had work placements at fashion houses Burberry and George at Asda and at Leicester based lifestyle magazine 69 Her determination has now doubly paid off – with Laura successfully finishing her studies and being shortlisted for the 2009 Midlands Young Fashion Designer Awards in the ‘ready to wear’ category Laura of Duffield Derbyshire chose ‘British Heritage’ for her shortlisted collection’s theme Inspired by her work placement at Burberry she used traditional British fabrics such as Harris Tweed and oilskin to give classic designs a contemporary twist Laura wants her collection to help promote the British textile manufacturing industry She said: “I am really looking forward to the Graduate Fashion Show it is the first time a collection I have designed will be shown on a catwalk "I know that from all the hard work put in by myself fellow students and the tutors the show will be a great success Getting through to the finals of the Midlands Young Fashion Designer Awards is a brilliant end to my five years of study" “Having finished my undergraduate degree I’d now like to do the University’s Masters (MA) degree course in Advanced Practice and Theories so that I can better pursue my idea of promoting traditional British fabrics and designs within the industry ” Fiona Hawthorne Joint Programme Leader for Fashion at the University added: “Laura has had more to overcome than most of my students to complete her degree but she is a very determined individual “I’m delighted that’s now been rewarded with a finalist’s place in the 2009 Midlands Young Fashion Designer Awards and I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for her ” Laura will find out if she has won her category’s award at a finalists’ fashion show at the Novotel Hotel Birmingham on Saturday 24 October The University’s annual Degree Shows celebrate the final year work done for courses such as music technology crafts fashion textiles fine art photography film design theatre visual communications architecture creative expressive therapies and art therapy Events run from Thursday 4 June to Saturday 13 June For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Annabel Harvey on 01332 593004 or email: a harvey@derby ac uk

DEGREE SHOWS ’09 Paul’s ‘Pot Flowers’ Fire The Imagination: 26 May 2009 Hundreds of ‘pot flowers’ rather than flower pots will decorate a University of Derby site for a craft student’s final year show Paul Cummins has personally moulded painted and ‘fired’ (or baked) 400 ceramic flowers which will be planted outside the University’s Markeaton Street site in Derby to celebrate the end of his BA (Hons) Crafts degree course His work will be shown alongside many other students’ as part of the University’s Degree Shows from Thursday 4 June to Saturday June 13 The ceramic dish ‘flowers’ are between two to seven inches in diameter They sit on ‘stems’ made of flexible galvanised steel rods which range between one to four feet high The 400 took around a month to make Paul 31 of The Green Chesterfield – who gave up a career as an architect to become a ceramics artist – said: “Each flower is handmade by me from clay thrown using a potter’s wheel and then individually painted with a tin glaze This takes about 20 minutes per flower “We ‘fire’ or bake them in batches over two to three days I’ve gone back to the old way of just firing them once rather than the more modern process of doing this twice as I think it’s more environmentally friendly “For every 100 flowers I make I lose about 15 of them due to cracking or breakage ” Paul thought of the pot flower field for his final year degree show as a way of encouraging people to think of ceramics as an outdoor decoration as well as an indoor one He has already sold some of his creations and intends to put them into commercial production after completing his degree this summer His flowers and other ceramics work will be on display at the University’s Markeaton Street site from June 5 to June 13 They will also be at the following exhibitions this summer: June 26 to June 28 –15th Internat ona ceram cs fa r, Earth and F re (Un vers ty of Derby stand) at Rufford Abbey Country Park, O erton, Nott nghamsh re, NG22 9DF July 9 to July 12 – New Des gners exh b t on (Stand CA11).At the Bus ness Des gn Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N1. The University’s annual Degree Shows will this year be staged from Thursday 4 June to Saturday 13 June They celebrate the final year work of hundreds of students in a wide range of fields including crafts fashion textiles fine art photography film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies and art therapy For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Degree Shows '09 Spooky’ Historical Painting Inspires Student’s Haunting Photo Images 9 June 2009 A photography student’s childhood fear of a spooky Victorian mural discovered in her family home inspired her to use it to create an unusual final year Degree Show As a young child Dulcy Lott was somewhat scared of the unique painted mural believed to be almost 130 years old which was discovered at her family’s Oxford home around ten years ago But Dulcy now 21 has used the ten feet high painting (the whole room is painted and she used sections from three of the walls) of countryside and animals to great effect in an exhibition to mark the end of her BA (Hons) Photography and Fine Art degree course at the University of Derby Her work is currently being displayed alongside other final year students’ at the University’s Markeaton Street site as part of its annual Degree Shows (running from Thursday 4 June to Saturday 13 June) It celebrates the work of hundreds of students in a wide range of fields including photography crafts fashion textiles fine art film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies and art therapy The mural which had been wallpapered over was uncovered in a downstairs room in around 1999 by Dulcy’s mother Hester Lott Her historical research had dated it back to the 1880s when it’s thought it had been painted by one of two sisters who then lived in the Victorian four bedroom terrace house in Iffley Road Oxford Dulcy said: “I grew up with it You had to pass the room it was in to get to the bathroom and I remember being a bit scared of it and running to pass the door “When it came time to do the dissertation for my degree course I thought of combining some work I’d done on Victorian Spiritualism (the 19th century fad for seances to contact the dead) with the image of the wall and real people standing in front of it but photographed to look out of focus and ghostly “I actually found the images on the wall jumped out at me more when photographed than when I’d just looked at them with the naked eye ” As well as being exhibited at the University of Derby Degree Shows work by Dulcy and her fellow Derby students will be on display at the Free Range 2009 Art and Design Degree Shows at the Old Truman Brewery in London from June 18-22 It is Europe s largest annual graduate art and design show Professor John Goto Senior Lecturer in Photography at the University added: “Victoriana is something I am particularly interested in myself and have used in my own photographic work “Dulcy has created an intriguing body of work drawn directly out of her own personal experience ” For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Degrees of Success 27 January 2011 There was special reason for Sally Hall and Carol Brazier to cheer their graduation success this year Both students were successful in clinching scholarship places for the chance to study for a degree at Derby as part of the University of Derby and Derby Telegraph Degrees of Success competition which was launched in 2006 Sally 32 graduated with First Class Honours in BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and is one step closer to realising her ambition to become a teacher The then mother of two applied for the 2007 Degrees of Success competition and said: "I didn t expect to get an interview but was delighted to be shortlisted and go on to secure the place My family have been really supportive and I wanted to make the most of this special opportunity which I received from the University and the Derby Telegraph " Sally from Chantry Close Mickleover balanced work with being a mum to Kate 9 and George 6 and studying full-time and has also recently celebrated the birth of her third child William who is just a few weeks old She was at the Awards Ceremonies on 22 January with husband Tom and mum Susan Sally is also set to embark on a PGCE course at the University this coming September and is also a teaching assistant at Melbourne Infants School in Derby Meanwhile Carol Brazier graduated with a 2:2 degree in Visual Communication (Illustration) having successfully applied for a scholarship in the 2006 Degrees of Success competition Carol has recently moved from her home in Riddings Street Derby to Lincoln

Derby academics have love on the brain 12 February 2014 A couple of love-struck academics at the University of Derby are engaged after a most unusual proposal PhD psychology student and researcher Michael Batashvili invited his girlfriend researcher and dramatherapist Sarah Buxton to the lab at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby where they both work under the pretence of taking part in an experiment to measure live brain activity Once the headset device was in place and recording he started the experiment which suddenly to Sarah s surprise turned into a marriage proposal Michael 25 who is originally from Ilford said: "I was very nervous but my colleagues were in on the plan and helped me get ready for it Sarah likes unique things and so I wanted to propose in a way that no one else could "Not only did it all go perfectly but we have a really special souvenir showing what was really going on inside Sarah s head!" Sarah 28 from Derby added: "I had no idea Michael was planning to propose so I was genuinely surprised It still feels like it s all been a dream but a wonderful and very happy one I am delighted to be his fiancée!" The pair who met as psychology undergraduate students at the University of Derby have been together for more than six years and live together in the city For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Derby Artists Add Dash of Culture To This Year's Open Studios Event 12 November 2013 Artists and designers are preparing for this year s Banks Mill Open Studios event (from November 22 24) which invites the public and arts community to view a showcase of talent from the city The event is organised by Evolve at the University of Derby which offers support and space to new and growing businesses Banks Mill is one of Evolve s incubation centres specialising in the creative industries Open Studios has grown as an event over the last decade and now attracts hundreds of visitors This year more than 70 artists and designer-makers will be displaying some of the city s finest art and artistic products The event will feature creative talents in fine art glassware jewellery photography fashion weaving and many others Local artist Sarah-Jane Muskett has produced a piece especially for the event entitled Made in Derby which celebrates the creativity of the city She said: "I m proud to be from Derby This is a place with a heritage of innovative design success - from John Smedley to Rolls Royce Banks Mill and Evolve Derby are the future of this creative energy Made in Derby is a piece of handmade lettering - using modern techniques - that reflects this evolution " Building on last year s success the event will this year be held across two venues and will be bigger than ever before with the addition of a Made in Derby Christmas Market at the University s Enterprise Centre Here a range of stalls offering unique gifts by artists and makers will be available to shoppers Banks Mill is located at 71 Bridge Street DE1 3LB on the corner of Brook Street The Enterprise Centre is located a short walk away also on Bridge Street (DE1 3LD) Food and drink will also be available at the Enterprise Centre alongside a further exhibition of works by Banks Mill artists During the event visitors will get the opportunity to talk to artists about their work buy their products and come away with unique Christmas presents Laura Williams Evolve s Incubation Manager said: "Open Studios has been running for more than a decade It has grown to be such a success that this year we have had to expand the event to accommodate our many visitors at a second venue "We are thrilled to launch our Christmas Market for the first time this year giving shoppers the chance to take away some unique handmade gifts " The event begins on Friday November 22 running from 5 - 8pm Guests will be invited to listen to live music meet with artists and relax with a glass of wine The weekend events taking place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November between 10am - 4pm will also feature children s activities including free face painting and an arts trail Access to both venues is free and limited car parking will be available at the Enterprise Centre There is also metered street parking nearby For further information about the Banks Mill Open Studios or the business incubation services available at the Mill visit website www evolvederby co uk or telephone 01332 594170 To find out more about UDC visit www derby ac uk/corporate For further press information please contact: Alice Oliver Head of Corporate Relations University of Derby Email: a oliver@derby ac uk or call 01332 592032

Derby artist's work chosen to lead the nation's First World War commemorations in London 18 February 2014 Artwork created by University of Derby graduate and ceramicist Paul Cummins has been chosen as the country s lead project marking the centenary anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War The artwork will consist of 888 246 ceramic poppies one for each British and Colonial fatality during the war and will be located at the Tower of London Paul and his team many of who are also University of Derby graduates are hard at work producing the poppies at his studio in Derby s Pride Park Many of the suppliers for the project are also based in the city The poppies will form part of an installation which was instigated and designed by Paul in collaboration with Royal Shakespeare Company stage designer Tom Piper It will be unveiled at the Tower on August 5 2014 one hundred years since the first full day of Britain s involvement in the First World War The scale of the installation - which will be the size of three football pitches - is designed to reflect the magnitude of the event Millions are expected to see the poppies which will form the focal point of the national commemoration Paul graduated in 2010 with a BA (Hons) Crafts degree and is now undertaking a PhD at Derby He said: "This is a huge task and I am fortunate to have a great team working with me to ensure that everything goes according to plan I am also in talks with the University to involve current students in the development of the project making it a truly Derby-made piece of work " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We are immensely proud of Paul s success which began as a prize winning student I am particularly delighted that he hasn t had to look much further than Derby to provide him with the expert team he needs to deliver this significant national project " For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Derby Band Prepare For O2 Final Performance 11 May 2011 Band Fires and Fireplaces from the University of Derby will be performing alongside N DUBZ Tinchie Stryder and Kate Nash at London s O2 Arena after a storming performance landed them a spot in the final of one of the UK s biggest music competitions The student band - whose members got together after they did the same music module for their different Derby courses - made it through the auditions stage and regional final of Live and Unsigned 2011 in style and are now preparing for the final on Saturday July 23 On their performance in the regional final the judges who included Nigel Clarke (the lead singer of Dodgy) and Alex Baker from Kerrang Radio said: "Fires and Fireplaces were hugely entertaining! Catchy and engaging plus original A collective image and all performed as one did everything on the tin!" The group are now just one performance away from winning a £50 000 recording contract with Future Music; the chance to tour Australasia Asia America and Europe; and a slot at a leading European music festival Runners-up will win the chance to become the support act for major tour bands or recording time in some of the UK s best music studios Fire and Fireplaces line-up includes brothers Chris (lead guitar and vocals) and Simon Marles (guitar and vocals) Adam Clouston (drums) David Jackson (lead vocals) and Mark Andrews (bass guitar) The band got together after they did the same music module for their different Derby courses David Jackson lead vocals said: "We smashed it and received some amazing feedback from the judges Out of 10 000 bands we are down to the last 40 and we re just one performance away from a record contract and tour which is amazing " For more information about the competition visit www liveandunsigned uk com For some of the bands tracks you can listen on www myspace com/firesandfireplaces/music You can also follow Fires and Fireplaces online on Facebook or watch a video of their latest performance on Youtube A former student of Buxton College which is part of the University of Derby also made it to the final after getting through the North West Region Final in Manchester Lucy Spraggan who completed an NVQ in Public Services at the College in 2010 will perform her individual blend of acoustic pop folk and rap at the final at the O2 on July 23 Good luck to both acts for the final! For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Derby Business School showcases business intern talent 9 May 2014 Derby Business School - at the University of Derby - staged a free event to connect students with companies looking for business interns The University has had a lot of success in placing its students with companies gaining them valuable work experience and the host business a fresh perspective Alex Dorr is an American basketball star playing with the Derby Trailblazers basketball club while also studying for a Masters (MSc) degree in International Business at the University and working with its Team Derby sports initiative He is currently on an internship with renowned clockmakers Smith of Derby The Derby Business School Showcase Event on Thursday (May 8) at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby brought together representatives of leading companies and degree students in Business Marketing Human Resources Accounting and Finance; to see how they might work together in future Among the companies who attended were Smith of Derby Lloyds Bank the Irongate Group Cherry Recruitment and Smith Cooper Bev Crighton Employer Engagement Lead for the University said: "We often find that temporary interns make such a good impression they are taken on permanently after they have completed their studies " Companies interested in future Showcase events or in taking on a University business intern can contact Bev Crighton direct on email: b crighton@derby ac uk or call her on 01332 591813 or mobile 07717 347226 For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Derby Celebrates 'Green Gown' Commendation 13 April 2006 The University of Derby was recognised this week in the national Green Gown Awards 2005-2006 for its trail-blazing work on waste management The annual Green Gown Awards celebrate the best environmentally friendly schemes at UK universities and colleges Derby s work was Highly Commended underlining the expertise that has been developed at the University in monitoring measuring and minimising waste as well increasing recycling Over the past seven years Environmental and Energy Manager Jo Hasbury and the Estates Team have created and refined an innovative pay-by-weight system of waste recycling in partnership with contractors and encouraged by Derby City Council The prestigious award was announced yesterday at the annual Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Conference and AGM held at the University of Nottingham s Jubilee Campus Jo is a Trustee of the EAUC and an active member of the organisation s Executive Committee which advises national bodies such as the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) on environmental policy Reacting to the award she said: "This is welcome recognition of the work we ve carried out at the University over seven years in creating this type of contract It demonstrates that the University of Derby is held up as an example of best practice within the sector " The award was presented by Steve Egan the Acting Chief Executive of HEFCE who said how important it is for universities to be at the forefront of supporting the Government s environmental agenda leading by example in their teaching and the way they conduct themselves in terms of corporate social responsibility The University of Derby s waste-management initiative began in 1999 with a commitment to improve on the systems currently in place At that time no recycling was in place and the University had numerous waste contractors removing its waste There was little idea of where the waste was coming from and a distinct lack of management The University set the original challenge within the sector of seeking a system that provided an accurate measurement of the weight of the waste at the point of collection After considerable research Derby negotiated a pay-by-weight system that would supply accurate management information to work out how much was being collected and recycled and what savings were being made Over the past six years this information has been used to produce financial savings along with other environmental benefits to the University These benefits include a recycling scheme that diverts 15% 17% of our waste every year through a number of different projects The University collects all redundant IT equipment for re-use internally where practicable Any kit no longer required internally is put on one side for donation to charity The current chosen charity for donation of computing kit books and sports equipment is a UK Christian-based charity called Datalink Ltd So far Derby has donated over 800 PCs to this charity with the largest shipment made last summer Over 300 PCs 300 books and sports equipment were sent to Ghana equating to more than ten tonnes in weight Datalink provides IT equipment to schools and colleges in rural Ghana helping to educate as many Ghanaians as possible to become IT literate To date the charity has trained over one million people to become computer literate Other recycling schemes include glass paper cans and plastic on our Halls of Residence - a project run in partnership with Derby City Council Paper cardboard and glass mobile phone and toner cartridge recycling is also available on our tutorial sites Jo Hasbury explained: "The pay-by-weight system coupled with other recycling initiatives has proven to be a much more transparent method of managing our waste and recycling Invoices now provide a breakdown of costs covering the rental of containers cost of collection based on weight cost of transport to disposal sites and the costs of landfill This allows the University to tightly manage collections matched with demand " -endsFor further media information please call Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk

Derby County Chief's Talk On Business Goals 3 October 2011 One of the world s oldest professional football clubs is leading the way in modernising the beautiful game Derby County FC head Tom Glick will tell a meeting of business leaders this week The Chief Executive of the club established in 1884 will be guest speaker at a free Inspiring Business breakfast at the University of Derby s Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby from 8am to 9 30am this Friday October 7 The event has been organised by University of Derby Corporate Since taking up the role in 2008 Tom has pushed for the club to have a more competitive business edge as well as a sporting one Tom said: "Running a football club is not like managing a traditional business It has a very public dimension with high expectations on performance from fans who quickly let you know if they don t like what you re doing "That said the areas where I feel Derby County is one of those leading the way within English football would demonstrate good practice for any major company Control of costs customer service and retention of current income combined with salesmanship to grow new revenues; these are all basic principles of good business "What we ve accomplished is down to the Derby County team in its widest sense From those on the pitch to those working in ticket sales in corporate partnership in finance to those maintaining the stadium " The University of Derby Corporate-organised talk will include a continental breakfast and a guided tour of the Enterprise Centre including its state-of-the-art conferencing facilities Although free booking for Friday s breakfast talk is essential To book email udc@derby ac uk or call freephone 0800 678 331 For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Derby County Partnership Deal With University Of Derby Announced 30 July 2013 The University of Derby has extended its strong association with Derby County Football Club for the upcoming 2013/14 season After sponsoring the North Stand at Pride Park Stadium for the last three seasons the University has agreed a new partnership deal which includes becoming the naming rights partner of the Rams Moor Farm Training Ground the provision of education to Academy staff and players and the launch of a unique Sport Management degree The agreement will see Moor Farm renamed as the Derby County Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby The University will also have a number of sponsorship elements at the Stadium along with access to the training ground and coaching staff for its football team Derby County President and Chief Executive Sam Rush commented: "We re delighted to announce the University of Derby as a naming rights partner of our Training Ground "We ve enjoyed a strong and successful working partnership with the University over the course of the last few years and it s positive news that they ve decided to take this to the next level "The naming rights avenue is one that we ve looked to pursue in recent months and we feel the University of Derby is a perfect fit " In addition to renaming the Training Ground the University of Derby is also launching a new BA (Hons) Sport Management degree - the first of its kind in the UK - which will work in conjunction with Derby County Football Club to give students real world experience in the business of football Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "As a long standing supporter of Derby County the University is delighted to build further on our excellent relationship and we are particularly excited by the prospect of working more closely with Academy staff and players "The Club shares both the philosophies and approach of the University of Derby as highlighted by its continued investment in its Academy and the opportunities given to young players to progress to the firstteam We offer our full support to the Rams and wish them every success in their quest to challenge for the top six this season " On the BA (Hons) Sport Management degree Professor Coyne added: "It is fantastic to be launching the degree which is the first of its kind in the UK to apply a field based learning lab at a professional Football Club "It is a unique degree of two halves offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves within business and football Lectures will take place at the University of Derby with work-related sessions giving students an insight into human resources finance media public relations sport development and the community being held at Derby County "Graduates of this degree will have an excellent basis for a career in national and global sport and event and business management industries " Professor Coyne joined Sam Rush yesterday (July 29) to launch the new sponsorship deal at the Derby County Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby officially announcing the new naming rights partner of the training ground and launching the BA (Hons) Sport Management degree Places are limited on this unique degree course For further information visit website www derby ac uk/courses/sport-management-ba-hons or contact Charles Spring University Subject Manager for Sport on 01332 594648 or C P L Spring@derby ac uk For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Derby deputy vice-chancellor joins the Office for Legal Complaints 13 February 2014 The Legal Services Board (LSB) today announced the appointment of Professor Philip Plowden University of Derby deputy vice-chancellor as a new non-lay member of the Office for Legal Complaints (OLC) The OLC is the Board of the Legal Ombudsman and is responsible for the administration of the scheme Stella Manzie CBEwas also appointed as a new lay member The vacancies arise with the terms of members Margaret Doyle and Professor Mary Seneviratne ending on March 31 Professor Plowden and Ms Manzie have both been appointed from April 1 2014 to March 31 2017 For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Derby Football Receives Top Award Nomination 21 June 2013 The University of Derby is proud to announce that its men s football programme is in the running for the prestigious British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Club of the Year Award 2013 Team Derby s men s football will face tough competition from the other nominee in the category Warwick Squash club with the winner set to be revealed at BUCS Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday July 11 (2013) If successful the award would be the second BUCS award Team Derby has won in the last two years having taken home Most Improved University in 2012 Men s football at Derby has been nominated for its commitment to tackling homophobia in football increasing participation in higher education sport and commendable community and charitable efforts Ollie Shearer Team Derby Sport Development Manager said: "It s fantastic that the football club and the Athletic Union are getting recognition for their hard work over the past 12 months "Their efforts in the community raising money for local charities engaging with a high volume of students on a weekly basis has set the benchmark for others to follow To be recognised in the BUCS awards for the second year running pays testament to everyone involved with Team Derby " Derby Students Union s Athletic Union President Mark Farthing added: "After all of our hard work around our Inclusive Sport Campaign and the money we have raised for charity we are absolutely delighted to be in the running for this award " For more information about sport at the University of Derby visit www teamderby com For more on BUCS visit www bucs org uk/homepage asp

Derby Graduate In Running To Be Crowned Spontaneity Champion 7 January 2014 A Derby graduate is down to the final 10 in a national spontaneity challenge Back in November travel website lastminute com launched a hunt for its first ever Spontaneity Champion Hundreds of the most spontaneous travellers and life loving hopefuls entered and have now been whittled down to an impressive group of 10 including Ilkeston lad and Derby graduate Calum McSwiggan The winner will be announced on the 21st of January 2014 They will have the enviable task of immersing themselves in up to £50 000 worth of free lastminute com travel and experiences inspiring others to cancel their plans ditch the guidebook and see where their free time could truly take them "People have said some really nice things about my entry I d love nothing more than to win! I especially would like to treat my best friend to a trip as she s been so supportive Maybe to Tokyo!" said Calum 23 who graduated from University of Derby in 2011 with a First Class honours degree in Creative Writing and now works in social media in London "I d also like to do some local travel writing and making videos about Derbyshire and the surrounding areas I m proud of where I come from - we ve got some real gems in the Midlands " Calum reached the final stages of the recruitment process with his cheeky and spirited 60-second video explaining why he is the best person for the job and his mission now is to secure as many votes as possible To support Calum s campaign you can vote by visiting www lovelivinglastminute com/home/calummcswiggen and follow his success on Twitter: @CalumMcSwiggan Voting closes on January 15 2014 The 10 finalists have been chosen by expert judges including Simon Reeve an award-winning travel documentary maker who launched the University of Derby Buxton s BSc Ecotourism degree in July 2013 Among the other judges are Melinda Stevens Editor of Condé Nast Traveller magazine; Neil BuchanGrant British Travel Press Photographer of the Year; and Daniel Robb Head of Travel Google More details of the University s Creative Writing courses can be found at www derby ac uk/courses/creative-writing-ba-hons ENDS For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk Calum is available for radio interview To arrange please contact Laura Williams on 0207 6315180

Derby Graduate Khumbo Kachali Becomes Vice-President of Malawi 13 April 2012 A University of Derby graduate was today (Friday April 13 2012) due to be sworn in as Vice-President of Malawi Khumbo Kachali 45 was appointed by the African state s current President Joyce Banda He was due to be officially sworn in today at the Mtunthama State residence in the Malawi capital of Lilongwe Mr Kachali who has previously held a range of senior Cabinet positions in former Malawian governments is a graduate of the University s MSc Strategic Management (Online) studied through its international partnership with the Malawi Institute of Management in Lilongwe

Derby Graduate Uses Degree To Help Transform South Africa Hospitals 12 June 2012 A University of Derby Online graduate in South Africa is putting the knowledge he acquired during his MSc Ergonomics degree into practice by improving the design of hospitals operating theatre and intensive care systems and anaesthetic equipment Ian Findlay (56) from Somerset West just outside of Cape Town completed the four year part-time distance learning degree via the University of Derby Online whilst in full time employment as a practicing anaesthetist at a large local private hospital Recognising there were design issues in the hospital and significant room for improvement he decided to develop his knowledge and skills in this subject by re-entering higher education Ian explains: "After a number of years at the sharp end of anaesthetics and intensive care in the hospital environment I felt that there were many design issues from equipment to organisational which could be improved I was very aware of not having the necessary tools to address any of these issues so decide to explore courses in Ergonomics " With a busy lifestyle to keep up Ian was keen to find a programme that offered flexibility and was recognised by the international ergonomics bodies such as the Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (IEHF) He adds: "As there were no local part-time courses available I decided to explore the option of distance learning and found that the University of Derby Online had what I was looking for It was the only recognised MSc Ergonomics degree that fulfilled my requirements and as I could study part-time provided a reasonable amount of flexibility enabling me to fit my studies around my job "As you d expect with an MSc the course was challenging and the standards set by the University tutors were demanding but at the same time they were always enthusiastic approachable and open to discussing projects or any difficulties I was having You often hear that online study is a soft option but this definitely wasn t the case " As part of his dissertation project Ian wrote A comparative study of workload and performance error in the operation of mechanical and electronic flowmeters under simulated conditions This study received industry recognition after winning a Discovery Health Clinical Excellence Award at the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) Congress Part of his prize was R7500 (approx £600) which he donated to The Homestead a congress supported charity working with street children in South Africa by helping them get back into families and schooling Ian Findlay said: "Receiving recognition for my work at this level was reward enough which is why I decided to donate the prize money to The Homestead Not only does the charity do some fantastic work with disadvantaged children it s the Congress s chosen charity so was the obvious choice " Dr Miles Richardson programme leader for the MSc Ergonomics degree was Ian s supervisor during his dissertation and coauthor of the award winning study He adds: "We re always delighted when our graduates go on to achieve success in their field and Ian s award is thoroughly deserved As he discovered online study can be ideal for professionals looking to further their education and ultimately their career whilst remaining in full time employment " For further information on the University of Derby Online and the courses available visit www derby ac uk/online For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586 or email R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

Derby Graduates Capture Producer's Attention At Cannes 14 May 2013 A zombie movie produced by University of Derby graduates has received over 20 distribution deals from leading film producers and is set to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival later this month Tom Wadlow owner of Derby based Lightfilms and Director of Wasteland along with Chris Newman a Film Production Assistant who also worked on the movie; (both graduates of Derby s BA (Hons) Film and Video Studies degree) will soon be heading to the south of France to firm up offers Wasteland which is filmed throughout Derbyshire and features famous landmarks and scenes in Melbourne Bakewell the city centre and Chellaston is based around a man s struggle to survive following an apocalypse that has swept through the UK It explores the extent to which a man will go to just to survive Tom who has also studied at Universal Studios in Los Angeles said: "The film is currently receiving some very special treatment from our special-effects expert Joe Parcell based in Michigan Joe studied with me at Universal and is one of the best we have ever worked with " Chris Newman added: "This was my first-ever opportunity at producing a feature film We have not only shot the one-hour 45-minute film but also a lot of behind-the-scenes videos which are available on our YouTube channel "After leaving University I could have only dreamt of bagging a job like this making films every day for a living " Lightfilms is hoping Wasteland will surpass the success of the company s previous film Shelf Stackers which was previewed at Cannes last summer This led to meetings with a number of top directors producers and distributors For more information about Lightfilms visit www lightfilms co uk or to find out more about Art Design and Technology courses offered by the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/adt

Derby graduates remain among UK's 'most employable' says national survey 3 July 2014 University of Derby graduates are more likely to be in employment or study six months after completing their course than those of most other UK universities according to official figures just released A survey released today (July 3) reveals that 96 7% of University of Derby interviewees - who d completed a full-time first degree course during the 2012/13 academic year - were employed or studying six months on This puts Derby 10th highest amongst all UK universities and eighth for English institutions Derby s 96 7% figure - up from 96 1% in the previous such survey - is higher than the UK universities average of 92 1% The University s percentage was also higher than its benchmark group ; universities deemed similar to it such as Nottingham Trent De Montfort and Sheffield Hallam Derby also saw its figures rise for graduates who studied their first degree course part-time (98 5% up from 96 8% last year) The survey is carried out annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) which surveys those who completed their degree courses six months before to see if they are in employment or have gone on to further study HESA s survey received replies from 1 975 Derby students out of a total 2 390 leavers (a response rate of 82 6%) University of Derby senior staff said a concentration on real world learning and on providing degree courses which answered employers needs and students aspirations was behind the success Sue Morrison Head of the Careers and Employment Service at the University of Derby said: "We are delighted to celebrate the success of Derby graduates Through our academic programmes students develop the knowledge understanding and skills needed by employers "Students also work during their studies to enhance their skills and experience and to earn and support themselves whilst at university Derby students and graduates are work ready and our graduates are in demand "The University s Careers and Employment Service works with all students graduates academic teams employers and community organisations to develop students leadership and management skills inform career choices and develop the skills and experience needed to build a successful career " The University recently reached the top 50 in The Guardian University Guide 2015 It is currently building a £10 8m sports centre at its Kedleston Road site and recently opened its Institute of Sustainable Engineering in the city - a hi-tech establishment set up in partnership with Rolls-Royce and other major employers Derby is also one of the partners behind a University Technical College (UTC) due to open in Derby in September 2015; which will provide vocational education for 14 to 19-year-olds who will then go on into industry and higher education For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of News on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Derby In Excellent Form Against League Leaders Loughborough 14 November 2013 The University of Derby Men s Futsal 1 s Team found themselves on the winning end of an exciting 12 goal game on Monday (November 11) The 7-5 victory over Loughborough Men s 1 s team-considered one of the best in the country has closed the gap at the top of the BUCS Premier Midlands table Derby is now in second place only three points behind top of the league Loughborough with two games in hand The team which consists of eight students are looking to build on Monday s success by winning their next fixture against the University of Lincolns Mens 1 s team on November 17

Derby In Teaching Top Ten 24 October 2011 The University of Derby has entered the top ten for primary education teacher training in the prestigious Good Teacher Training Guide 2011 The Guide produced by Alan Smithers and Pamela Robinson from the University of Buckingham s Centre for Education and Employment Research compared 227 universities and school-centred and employment-based training programmes in the UK on their entry qualifications Ofsted grades and take-up of teaching posts Out of the 75 higher education providers compared in the report the University of Derby was ranked tenth for primary education teacher training Derby s high position due the report states to its recent excellent Oftsed ratings When combined with secondary education training (for which the University of Derby has too small a number of students compared to its primary teaching provision to be included) Derby ranked 14th overall an improvement from its 48th position in the 2009/10 guide Chris Warren Assistant Dean and Head of School of Education and Social Science said: "We are delighted that we are now up to tenth in this guide It takes into account what the University maintains is important; outstanding quality of teaching for our talented students as assessed by Ofsted and excellent employment prospects once they graduate " This good news for teacher training at Derby follows its outstanding success in the National Student Survey when 97% of Derby students gave the thumbs up to the training they had received This was third highest satisfaction teacher training score for any University in the country For more information on BEd (Hons) Education at Derby visit www derby ac uk/education

Derby journalism lecturer joins board of new press regulator 29 May 2014 A senior lecturer in journalism at the University of Derby is joining the board of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) Keith Perch has almost 30 years experience working in regional newspapers across the country as an editor and reporter Alongside his role at the University Keith also currently works as a media consultant IPSO is the new self-regulatory body for the magazine and newspaper industries in the United Kingdom replacing the Press Complaints Commission It has been established following the recommendations in the Leveson Report published in November 2012 and formally begins its duties in September this year Speaking about his appointment Keith said: "I am honoured if a little daunted to be asked to be involved at such a crucially important time for press regulation " The new chair of the IPSO board appeal court judge Sir Alan Moses said: "I am delighted to have the chance to work with such a talented group of independent-minded people committed to provide rigorous and strong regulation "This will be a new era of self-regulation of our newspapers ready to provide the independent regulation to which the public is entitled " The 12-strong Board includes people from business diplomacy consumer rights the pensions sector academia the voluntary sector and the publishing and newspaper industries Experience is drawn from across the United Kingdom The initial important tasks for the Board will be to appoint the IPSO Complaints Committee a Chief Executive and consider how best to create an arbitration service Until IPSO officially starts work as the regulator the Press Complaints Commission will continue with its existing functions and responsibilities For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of News on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Derby LEGO Landmark Bound For Denmark 21 September 2011 Sweethearts with a shared passion for LEGO have taken inspiration from their workplace for their latest construction They are taking their scale model of the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site with them to LEGO s homeland Denmark this weekend 24 - 25 September to enter it into an international competition Clare Currie 26 and Luke Dolman 28 who both work at the University of Derby spared no detail in the build as they based their LEGO model on plans of the Kedleston Road estate Clare who works as an Estates Systems Administrator said: "When we saw that the competition was to create a landmark out of LEGO we knew that one of the defining sights on Derby s skyline is the University s three towers As I work in Estates we were able to get hold of detailed plans of the site to base our build on " It took Clare and partner Luke over 30 hours and 1 500 LEGO pieces to complete the incredibly detailed model which includes hundreds of glass pieces to represent the many windows of the three towers detailed landscaping using tree pieces and wood-like pieces for outside decking and even a Uni bus Luke who works as a Senior Systems Engineer said: "We re really looking forward to travelling to Skaerbaek in Denmark to take part in the LEGO Fans weekend and meet other LEGO enthusiasts from around the world "Even if we don t do well in the competition we ll be able to pick up some more tips and ideas for future builds "

Derby On The Rise in Latest 'Good University Guide' 23 September 2013 The University of Derby has moved up the ranks in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014 just published The influential annual guide ranks UK universities on a wide range of criteria including student satisfaction levels research quality graduate prospects entrance qualifications held by new students degree results achieved student-to-staff ratios spending on services and facilities and university dropout rates Derby has jumped five positions in the new 2014 rankings - to 84th position nationally (among 121 institutions) up from 89th in the previous league table - putting it in 6th place among East Midlands universities overtaking regional neighbour De Montfort University in the process In terms of student satisfaction Derby is ranked second highest in the region with a score of 83 8% In the longer term (between the 2012 to 2014 league tables) Derby has now seen a steady improvement in rated categories such as student satisfaction entry standards degree completion rates achievement of good honours degrees (First or 2:1) and graduate prospects This year s positive result overall follows Derby s 18 place jump (then to 89th position) in The Times Good University Guide published last year (2013) Welcoming the 2014 results today Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We re delighted that the work of the University is being recognised by our ascent of the league tables "Our impressive satisfaction rate reflects our approach to offering high quality education with the personal touch we truly believe in putting our students at the heart of everything we do "Our focus at Derby is on real world learning preparing students for the world of work by giving them the theory and letting them put it into practice in our state of the art facilities We give them the opportunity to meet great people to embrace original thinking to be inspired and to change their life " The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014 published yesterday (September 22) contains full profiles of all universities covered This year s league table is based on the 2011/12 academic year student returns collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA ) and the latest independent National Student Satisfaction (NSS ) and Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) surveys Media requiring further information on this news release can contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Derby one of most improved universities, says Complete University Guide 12 May 2014 The University of Derby is officially one of the most improved universities in the country rising 16 places in the Complete University Guide 2015 published today (Monday) Its rise to 87 h place is the fourth best improvement in the UK with the rankings also confirming Derby as one of only ten universities to improve its position by ten or more places The independent annual guide ranks UK universities on a wide range of criteria including student satisfaction research assessment entry standards student/staff ratio spending on services and facilities degree results graduate prospects and completion Welcoming the 2015 results today Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We re pleased that the work of the University is being recognised by our continuing ascent of the league tables We always want to do the best for our students and when this has the effect of increasing our standing nationally then we are naturally delighted "Our already impressive student satisfaction rate continues to sit in the top 25% of the higher education sector and this reflects our approach to offering high quality education with a personal touch We truly believe in putting our students at the heart of everything we do "I am also delighted to say that our students are achieving more and more with the percentage of graduates achieving a First or 2:1 degree classification increasing from 54 7% to 60 2% This is very impressive "Our focus at Derby is on real world learning preparing students for the world of work by giving them the theory and letting them put it into practice in our state of the art facilities We give them the opportunity to meet great people to embrace original thinking to be inspired and to change their life " Derby s rise is the fourth best in the league table after the University for the Creative Arts (rising 24 places from 86 h to 62 nd) Abertay rose by 20 places to 91 s and Arts University Bournemouth rose by 18 places to 57 h The Complete University Guide 2015 contains full profiles of all universities covered Data for the rankings have been derived from official sources and have been meticulously checked directly with the universities to create an independent and authoritative league table designed to match applicants needs For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Derby Plans To Bridge Gender Divide In Gaming 9 May 2005 Computer games development experts at the University of Derby are spearheading a drive to encourage more women to join this male dominated industry It follows news that out of 106 applications from prospective students for a place on the new BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree course - developed at Derby in association with Microsoft - none were from women The University is putting the finishing touches to its new £150 000 Games Development Computer Suite at its Kedleston Road campus complete with state-of-the-art consoles software and graphics equipment It will hold a series of initiatives such as taster days and a summer camp for females enabling them to learn more about the subject area and attract applications for the coming year University of Derby Computer Games Lecturer John Sear based within the Derbyshire Business School said: "We are very pleased with the interest this new course has already generated reflecting the demand for jobs in what is a multi-billion pound global industry "However the fact we have had no applications from women reflects a perceived gender divide within the industry It is something we would like to address to interest more women into this subject area " Research compiled by prominent female computer games pioneer and Government advisor Lizzie Haines focusing on the UK games industry indicates that just 17% of females are employed by the industry Just two per cent of those hold technical and software development positions She said: "Girls don t know that they can work in the games industry they re not told that games is a good career choice either at school or at university and if they don t play games themselves it may never occur to them to try it "If they do they find mostly that it s full of challenges and the opportunity to do cutting-edge programming as well as good pay great prospects and the chance to be creative "There are very few women in the industry but those who are say that it s a great place to work but they d like more women colleagues That would help women feel more at home there and most importantly for the industry itself it would help companies make more games that females want to play "The industry is waking up to this: they want to make games now for everybody not just for a small group of boys and men in their bedrooms but games for women and older people games for whole families to play games to play sociably over the internet games to play by phone "To do that they need to know what makes the female half of the world tick There s never been a better time for girls to get into games and I applaud the University of Derby s attempt to wake girls up to what s on offer I hope lots of women apply and start to shake up the games industry " Kevin McDaniel Head of the Academic Team at Microsoft said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with the University of Derby on its new cutting edge Computer Games Programming Degree which harnesses leading technologies such as DirectX and NET to teach their students fundamentals coupled with tried and tested games development techniques and languages used in industry "We believe that students graduating will have a solid background in the art of games programming and general software development and be very successful in their future careers " For more details visit www derby ac uk/games or email games@derby ac uk -endsNotes to Editors About Microsoft Founded in 1975 Microsoft is the world-wide leader in software services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people and its Academic Initiative is committed to advancing research and scholarship enhancing the teaching and learning experience to empower students to realise their full potential with technology Visit www microsoft com/uk/academia/ About the University of Derby Since achieving university status in 1992 the institution has developed a student base of 20 000 students It champions lifelong learning and access for all Derby has a well regarded e-learning track record and offers leading-edge computer courses and training for undergraduates and postgraduates as well as students in further education The Derbyshire Business School is one of the University s four academic schools and offers academic expertise in a range of business-focused subject areas such as IT and law as well as developing strong links with business -endsFor any other information please contact the Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on Tel: 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via e-mail press-office@derby ac uk or University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Derby Professor Is New To Who's Who 7 December 2009 Prestigious autobiographical bible Who s Who 2010 published today (Monday December 7) includes the new entry of acclaimed artist and Derby academic Professor John Goto - who lists jazz and good cuisine amongst his recreations The University of Derby s Professor of Fine Art was selected to appear in the new edition of the publication which has been annually updated since 1849 The current volume has around 34 000 entries and includes politicians academics musicians film directors and business leaders Who s Who biographees can be nominated Nominees are then selected by a panel on the basis that the person has attained distinction in their professional lives and exerted some influence on British society Professor Goto 60 is an artist working mainly with digital photographs manipulating them to produce surprising amusing and sometimes shocking images that satirise or reveal something new about society His 2009 calendar for Arts Council England East Midlands featured photos of well-known regional sites populated with colourful urban hip-hop and Bollywood style dancers His work has been exhibited all over the world - including at Tate Britain and the National Portrait Gallery in London; and in Seoul Berlin and New York - and in 2007 he was named on a list of top 100 living geniuses by the Synetics Survey of Contemporary Genius Other people listed in Who s Who with links to the University of Derby include current Chancellor the 12th Duke of Devonshire and Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and former Chancellor Sir Christopher Ball and former Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Waterhouse Professor Goto said: "I was surprised and delighted to have been selected to be in Who s Who 2010 My inclusion is in recognition of the work I have made over the past 40 years as an artist and that is heartening "It s a real honour to be placed in such talented company including of course my University colleagues I was also amused to read that after one dies you pass on to the companion volume Who Was Who !" He does not know who nominated him for the honour The 2010 edition of Who s Who is published today (December 7) For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Derby Professor Plays Major Role In Mayoral Education Enquiry 19 October 2012 A Derby Professor who was a part of an education enquiry led by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson sat alongside the Mayor today (October 19) at Pimlico Academy as he unveiled his ambitious plans to drive up standards in education of London s children and young people The Mayor set out his plans to secure new sites for more free schools to be set up in the capital the establishment of a new fund to boost excellence in teaching and the creation of a new London Curriculum aimed at inspiring young Londoners to develop deeper learning in their fields of study Professor Dennis Hayes Head of the Centre for Educational Research at the University of Derby was one of eight members of the Education Inquiry which explored the critical challenges facing London s primary and secondary schools The Mayor launched the publication of the Education Inquiry s final report today at Pimlico Academy as it has recently secured the go ahead for a new primary free school to be built He will now work with partners including schools and teachers parent groups the boroughs and the Department for Education to take forward twelve recommendations outlined in the report Professor Hayes who lectures on Derby s BA (Hons) Education Studies degree said: "One of the reasons I was appointed to the Education Inquiry was my work as the co-ordinator of the Institute of Ideas Education Forum since 2004 The Education Forum is a unique network of teachers academics educationalists writers journalists and voluntary workers from across the London region who meet regularly to discuss education issues "I am particularly pleased with recommendation three of the report which will bring subject-based teachers together in seminars and conferences at City Hall to debate and discuss education "This may seem minor but it is a real priority if the Mayor is to sustain the drive to make London a golden city in terms of education It was one of the strengths of the panel that as well as gathering evidence and engaging with stakeholders we spent considerable time debating and discussing between ourselves " As well as taking part in the general work of the Inquiry Dennis sat on the sub-panel looking at Preparing Young Londoners for Life and Work in a Global City and the role of business colleges and universities in this He added: "The key task is to inspire children and young people with a love of knowledge Going beyond the report one way of doing this would be to attach a Professor to every secondary school Not a marketing or access person but an academic who loves their subject and has worked on cutting edge research If we want to improve standards in schools there is no technical fix We have to develop the love of traditional subjects "It may not be obvious but one of the original philosophical ideas in the report is not to concentrate on solving particular problems - although these such as a shortage of school classrooms and buildings are dealt with - but a belief that by raising academic standards for all many of these problems will disappear "Children want to learn and know about the world through subjects and that is what education is for Too much time has been spent in filling schools with pseudo subjects and content that wrongly tries to solve social problems The message of the report is: back to education "One of the ideas of the report the creation of a London Curriculum will no doubt get a lot of attention and like many ideas we put forward can be applied elsewhere I see a Derby Curriculum on the horizon! But a warning is necessary This is not a time wasting project but a content-led curriculum initiative that will really stretch young people academically " Although the work of the panel that produced the report is now over Dennis has been invited to continue to offer his expertise to achieve the goals of the report Education Secretary Michael Gove said: "I know the Mayor is incredibly ambitious for London s children and wants to ensure all schools reach the high standards set by the best I look forward to working with him to provide greater challenge and rigour improve performance and generate innovative practice and to seeing what lessons London can teach the country as a whole " The Panel was chaired by Dr Tony Sewell CEO of Generating Genius and working alongside Professor Hayes will be: Mr Anthony Morrell Little the Head Master of Eton College; Ms Erica Pienaar Executive Head Teacher of Leathersellers Federation of Schools; Mr Greg Martin Executive Head of Durand Academy Ms Joan Deslandes Head Teacher of Kingsford Community School; Ms Laraine Smith OBE Principal and Chief Executive at Uxbridge College; Frankie Sulke Director of Children s Services at London Borough of Lewisham ALDCS; Mr Robert McCulloch-Graham Director of Children s Services London Borough of Barnet ALDCS; Ms Barbara Harrison International Education Consultant

Derby Records Fastest Rate Of Student Applications 1 March 2011 Demand for undergraduate student places for this September at the University of Derby is already four times the national average senior managers have revealed The anticipated national clamour for student places this September is being more than observed at Derby a full seven months before lectures even begin The University has already passed the 20 000 applications (direct and UCAS applications) mark for the September intake According to UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) applications received by the first UCAS deadline (15 January) for Derby recorded a 22 4% increase (a total of 19 136 applications) in comparison to the 15 632 received at the same point last year Nationally the increase in applications is 5% Along with direct applications the number of applications received is 20 686 This constitutes a record for the University of Derby for the highest number of applications received in the shortest time although there are still some places available Traditionally the University has had several dozen places available during the annual clearing period in August But changes to the higher education sector marketplace with the proposed increase in tuition fees being introduced in 2012 have increased demand for places this coming academic year This has also helped the University to increase its market share In its benchmark comparison group of 11 similar universities Derby had the highest increase in market share among its East Midlands-based benchmark group and in one case by as much as 26 9% University of Derby Registrar June Hughes said: "We know that applications are rising as people try to secure a University place before tuition fees increase next year but the national rise is only five per cent At Derby we have achieved 22 4% - more than four times the national average "It s a testament to the way that the University has made itself a viable option for students across the UK with its excellent facilities great courses and most of all its friendly and supportive atmosphere It is great for the University the city and the region to be attracting so many students " For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Derby Retains Top 25 Position In Green League 18 June 2009 The University of Derby has consolidated its position in the top 25 places of a national Green League table for environmental performance in the sector And its new Environmental Manager says that the University is in a position to build on this result in the next year as a series of current projects reach fruition The University was awarded a 2:1 award and positioned joint 21 s in the Times Higher Education magazine’s People and Planet League It is the third year in a row it has registered a top 25 position out of more than 130 institutions nationally finishing 22nd in 2007 and 14 h last year Lynn Richards has just joined the University from AMEY where she had been its regional environmental manager based in Chesterfield and joins Energy Officer Anne Downes and Paul Ruane Head of Estates Development in the Estates management department to manage the environmental strategy at Derby And she set out some of the current projects with environmental benefits which are set to reap rewards for the University in the next 12 months: The Un vers ty has ust had ts Carbon Management P an to reduce ts carbon footpr nt by 2013 approved by the Carbon Trust The current £13.5m refenestrat on pro ect and the nsta at on of new w ndows on the three ma n towers at Ked eston Road w he p save energy and heat ng costs from as ear y as th s w nter Further deve opment of the Un vers ty s Transport and Trave strategy, overseen by James Brown, Transport and Trave Manager, to promote susta nab e trave P ans to ntroduce m n w nd turb nes and so ar photo vo ta c pane s to the roofs of some of the Un vers ty s campuses to he p generate e ectr c ty. Lynn said: “We are in a good position in the Green League table and it is a great time to be joining the University We are a new team and are looking forward to working together and helping the University’s green agenda move forward “The projects currently in progress are all set to make a difference which we hope can be reflected in next year’s Green League table ” In the Green League table each university was ranked on 12 environmental and related categories including green policies how staff followed them through Fairtrade status ethical investment waste recycling carbon emissions and water consumption Derby scored 43 points out of a possible 60 Lynn’s former role in industry championed best practice and innovation aspects of the role she hopes to introduce at Derby The University is also looking to build on the bronze and silver EcoCampus awards it has already achieved and go for gold next year This will guide us through the successful implementation of an environmental management system helping us to drive environmental excellence And Lynn is also looking forward to working alongside staff and students including some of our 50 environmental champions on various environmental projects If you have any ideas contact Lynn via email on l richards@derby ac uk For more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email: s redfern@derby ac uk

'Derby Robot' Textbook To Prove A Chinese Best-Seller? 22 October 2009 We re all familiar with Far East know-how producing new electronic gadgets to send to Europe but a University of Derby expert s book will teach Chinese engineers how to build a Derby robot Tim Wilmshurst University Head of Subject for Electronics and Sound has just seen his best-selling textbook for engineering students and electronics hobbyists called Designing Embedded Systems with PIC Microcontrollers Principles & Applications translated into Chinese The book - all about the tiny built-in computers or microcontrollers without which washing machines microwaves medical gadgets cars and other modern machines would not work - will also teach Chinese students and technicians how to build a Derbot a mini robot designed in Derby by Tim Derbots are autonomous robot vehicles guided not by a human controller but by their own built-in microcontrollers Each year the University stages a Derbot Challenge event where Tim s students get together in international teams to build their own mini robot before pitting them against each other on a timed obstacle course Tim is looking forward to seeing what Chinese electronics fans make of and build from his textbook He said: "While hardly in the league of the Harry Potter series in terms of sales for a textbook this has sold well since it was published in 2007 and I have just finished a second edition I get emails and queries about the book from all over the world "This is the first time it has appeared in Chinese and it will be interesting to see what they make of it there People usually think of new electronic innovations as coming from the East and being introduced to Europe and the UK rather than the other way around " This year s Derbot Challenge held at the University of Derby s Markeaton Street site in March 2009 featured 11 international teams made up of 31 Technology degree students from countries including Iran Libya Palestine Zambia Nigeria Poland Wales and England Tim is already thinking of ways to make the third annual event to be held in Spring 2010 even more challenging For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 592019 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Derby Robots Ready For Hi-tech Awards 1 September 2010 The innovator behind miniature robots designed in Derby will join hi-tech global leaders Ericsson and Texas Instruments as a finalist at a prestigious electronics industry awards ceremony Tim Wilmshurst Head of Subject for Electronics and Sound at the University of Derby uses his Derbots robot vehicles guided by the type of internal mini-computers used in everything from washing machines to advanced medical electronics - to raise his students technical ability in a fun but highly demanding annual challenge But Tim s Derbots Challenge project has now been shortlisted for the 2010 e-Legacy Awards Now in its fourth year the UK s e-Legacy Awards recognise innovation and cutting edge thinking in the world of electronics Its eight awards categories have a strong emphasis on corporate responsibility environmental awareness and sustainability and education The Derbots project is a finalist in the Investment in Education award category Finalists in other award categories include mobile phone giant Ericsson and electronics industry leader Texas Instruments Electronic Product Design magazine organises the awards which are sponsored by National Instruments Amplicon Ansmann Energy Mouser Electronics International Rectifier and Integrated Technologies Award winners will be announced at the finalists ceremony at the Kensington Roof Gardens venue in London on September 9 University Lecturer Tim Wilmshurst said: "Derbots began as an educational tool with an annual contest challenging student teams to build and customise their own It shows them the flexibility and many uses of the mini-computers or microcontrollers now found in almost all electronic products and which are used inside the Derbots "My textbook on how to build the Derbots has been sold internationally and was recently translated into Chinese I m very proud that now the project s also been recognised as a finalist in the e-Legacy Awards " Electronic Product Design s Editor Tim Fryer said: "The standard of this year s entries was extremely high and could not have shown our industry in a better light " For further information about the e-Legacy Awards see website www epdonthenet net/awards aspx

Derby Shortlisted For Two National Awards 28 September 2006 It’s double delight for the University of Derby which is competing for two awards at the prestigious Times Higher Awards 2006 More than 90 of all of the UK s universities have taken part in this year s Times Higher Awards The award winners will be revealed on November 15 at the Hilton Hotel Park Lane London The awards masterminded by the Times Higher Education Supplement are higher education’s only comprehensive set of honours and recognise and reward people working in universities across the UK making outstanding contributions to enhancing and enriching the student learning experience The awards also receive support from the Higher Education Academy Research Councils UK the Office for Fair Access Forum for the Future and the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education Toshiba Hobsons and Microsoft This year is the first time the University of Derby has been shortlisted in the competition launched last year and we have been nominated in two categories: Most Imaginative Use Of Distance Learning Outstanding Support For Students With Disabilities Our Learning Through Work team headed by Dr David Young has been shortlisted in the category forMost Imaginative Use Of Distance Learning Derby is one of five founding higher education institutions for Learndirect’s Learning Through Work (LTW) a framework that allows people to plan and structure their learning around their job and have it certified Learners can study either in groups or individually designing a programme with a university tutor All learners have access to resources including an electronic library and a dedicated support team Programmes can lead to awards that range from certificates of achievement to Master’s Degrees Chris Newman one of Derby’s nominated LTW team says: “The scheme gives people who are already committed to work opportunities that they would not otherwise have ” Judges for this category are:Grainne Conole professor and head of the Post-compulsory Education and Training Research Centre Southampton University; Sir John Daniel President of the Commonwealth of Learning; Erica McAteer senior lecturer at the Applied Educational Research Centre Strathclyde University The University has also been shortlisted in the category for Outstanding Support For Students With Disabilities Derby runs an early induction week for disabled students to settle them in to campus They can also discuss support needs with staff and speak to existing students about university life Heather Marshall assistant team leader of the Support and Advisory Service says the scheme Get Ahead has been a tremendous success “We have made the transition for disabled students that bit more comfortable They can get on with admin tasks and get used to the setting We are committed to creating an experience [for disabled students] that is on the same level as that of able-bodied students ” Judges in this category are Sue Daniels chief executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society; Alex Kemp NUS officer for students with disabilities; Kevin Connell assistant director of post-compulsory training at the Royal National Institute of the Blind Commenting on the shortlist for the awards Derby’s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: “I am delighted to see this recognition and I know it is just the beginning as the quality of our staff’s work here at Derby gets more attention on the national stage ” -endsFor further information call: Simon Redfern Senior Press and PR Officer University of Derby on 01332 591942 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Derby Graduates Among UK's 'Most Employable' Says National Survey 4 July 2013 University of Derby graduates are more likely to be in employment or study six months after completing their course than those of most other UK universities according to official figures just released Every year the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) surveys those who completed their degree courses six months before to see if they are in employment or have gone on to further study The latest HESA survey (released yesterday July 4) reveals that 96 1% of University of Derby interviewees - who d completed a full-time first degree course during the 2011/12 academic year - were employed or studying six months on; putting Derby 12th highest amongst all UK universities and ninth for English institutions HESA s survey received replies from 1 760 Derby students out of a total 2 180 leavers (a response rate of 80 7%) Derby s 96 1% employed/in study figure - up from 85 8% in the previous such survey - was the second most improved among universities included in the survey and higher than the UK universities average of 90 8% The University s percentage was also higher than its benchmark group ; universities deemed similar to it such as Nottingham Trent De Montfort and Sheffield Hallam University of Derby senior staff said a concentration on real world learning and on providing degree courses which answered employers needs and students aspirations was behind the success Early next year (2013) the University will open its Institute of Sustainable Engineering in the city of Derby a hi-tech establishment set up in partnership with Rolls-Royce and other major employers It is also one of the partners behind a University Technical College due to open in Derby in September 2015; which will provide vocational education for 14 to 19-year-olds who will then go on into industry and higher education Sue Morrison Learning Development Manager at the University of Derby said: "We are delighted to celebrate the success of Derby graduates Through our academic programmes students develop the knowledge understanding and skills needed by employers and our work ready graduates are in demand "The University's Careers Service works with all students academic teams employers and community organisations to develop students leadership and management skills raise aspirations and inform their career choices " Derby also achieved highly in other areas of the latest survey It saw its figures rise in each of the three rankings for first degree leavers who studied part-time (96 8%) full-time undergraduate leavers on other types of courses (99%) and part-time leavers on other courses (100%) For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Derby students' 'green car' joins 3,000 competitors in Shell Eco-marathon 14 May 2014 A battery-powered eco car designed and built by University of Derby students is ready to hit the roads of Rotterdam in an international competition Engineering students have been preparing for the Shell Eco-marathon now in its 30 h year for the past few months and their car is now ready for action The group of students and staff set out for the Dutch city today (Wednesday May 14) ahead of the fourday event which starts tomorrow (Thursday) It is the second time the University has taken part and this year s team have been challenged to build a car that will travel as far as possible on the equivalent of a single litre of fuel The University of Derby s car will be run on battery power which can be charged through a typical electrical mains point The Derby team will take on 200 teams - a total of 3 000 students - from 26 countries on a ten-lap street circuit Dani Harmanto Lecturer in Engineering at the University of Derby said: "This has been a fantastic experience for our students "We have worked together with help from the School of Engineering and Technology and created something we are all proud of "It has been a challenge and a long process but we are all excited to see the car in action as it is finally complete and ready to be raced " The Shell Eco-marathon is one of the world s most challenging student innovation competitions and takes place annually in Europe America and Asia The competition brings together future leaders in engineering and a broader public passionate about energy issues It encourages debate around sustainable solutions to the challenge of rising global energy demand For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Derby Students Help Teachers Find Their European Voices 5 March 2013 An Education lecturer from the University of Derby and his students will represent the UK at a conference in Brussels to discuss how teaching can become more European in flavour The Derby group which will be led by Jon White Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies will meet with counterparts from ten other countries including Italy Turkey Portugal the Netherlands and Belgium to tackle a range of issues at the first ever Voice of European Teachers' Network conference on Wednesday March 20 Jon along with BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree students Daphne Blackwood and Hannah Jones Masters in Education student Natasha Young and the Director of Belgrave St Bartholomew s Academy in Stoke-on-Trent Andrew Warren will travel together to the conference in Belgium There they will discuss how issues such as European citizenship language identity cultural heritage historical and cultural diversity can be embedded through new teacher education and teaching materials Jon said: "We are delighted to be part of such an ambitious project As well as attending this event we will be working with our European counterparts and partner schools around Derby and Stoke-on-Trent over the next few years to develop our thinking and practice "We hope to find ways that education professionals can truly become more European in their teaching " The University of Derby team secured funding from the European Commission to host the second conference in the series in October 2014 at which they will welcome the 10 countries to the East Midlands For more information on the VOICES conference visit www europeanteachers eu/conferences/conferences-brussels For more on Early Childhood Studies at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/education

Derby Students Investigate Peak District 'Murder' 31 January 2011 Crime and Justice students from the University of Derby took part in a CSI-style murder hunt in the Peak District along with students from their partner institution Castle College Nottingham The quiet village of Hartington was transformed into the scene of a crime for the two-day learning event complete with footprints murder weapon and a police presence Around 40 students on the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Crime and Justice degree joined 12 students on the Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice at Castle College Nottingham and 20 uniformed police cadets for the training exercise in crime scene investigation on January 26 - 27 The grounds of Hartington Youth Hostel were tightly cordoned off when a pool of blood and a weapon was found and the students got to work securing the crime scene identifying evidence and questioning witnesses Dave Walsh Progamme Leader of the Derby course said: "The CSI-style event gave students the opportunity to experience the real challenges of investigating a physical crime and to put into practise the theory that they have been learning in the classroom so far Students always find this event an invaluable experience as well as an enjoyable one " Lucie Goodall 19 from Burton-on-Trent who is in the first year of a BA (Hons) Crime and Justice degree at the University of Derby said: "Investigating the crime scene was really interesting - identifying all of the possible evidence and trying to maintain the integrity of the crime scene on a large site in the rain was a real challenge "I really enjoyed working as a team to come up with a theory about the murder - we ll have to wait to see if we got it right " The event also gave the Castle College students the opportunity to meet University of Derby students and lecturers as they can progress from the Foundation degree in Criminal Justice at Castle College to the University of Derby to achieve a BA (Hons) degree if they wish to Jack Marris 18 one of the Foundation Degree students from Castle College said: "I ve already decided that I d like to continue my studies at Derby so coming along to this event has a great opportunity to meet people I might be working with " Find out more about the degree at the University of Derby

Derby Student's Lottery Win Goes To Good Cause 25 June 2013 A Derby student committed to improving disabled people s independence has helped to secure a £10 000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund to improve city centre access Katie Hunt 25 from Sheffield recently completed a BA (Hons) Health and Social Care degree at the University of Derby during which she undertook a work placement at Shop Mobility Sheffield While delivering focus groups with regular users of the service she found that many of them had difficulty getting to the charity s city centre Eldon Street office "I realised that we had to remove this barrier to ensure that our regular users and more people could access the service and do their shopping with our assistance " said Katie "To do so we had to help people get to us and so I applied for an Award For All Grant from the Big Lottery Fund for £10 000 to buy a mini-bus This transport would allow us to take our equipment to our service users making Sheffield Shop Mobility truly mobile " Katie was informed by the Big Lottery that her application was successful in May (2013) and since then she has been working with her Shop Mobility colleagues to create a system staffed by volunteers and to develop a workable booking system Katie who also worked at a children s centre and volunteered at a day centre for socially excluded young people while studying added: "I m really proud to have won this funding for the Shop Mobility service as I know it can make a massive difference to people s lives Being successful has also been a massive boost to my confidence The support of my University lecturers and their guidance on preparing bids was really valuable so I also have them to thank " John Bowie Senior Lecturer on the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Health and Social Care degree said: "When our final year students are on placement they all have to complete a plan for a funded extension of services within a health care organisation as part of their final year assessment "This is normally seen as a planning exercise and students leave behind a useful plan for the host organisation to follow up But Katie went one step further submitting an excellent grant application and securing the money "We are incredibly proud of Katie for doing this and we know that Shop Mobility Sheffield will really benefit from it I am confident that with the skills and determination she has demonstrated in this project that she will go on to have a fantastic career in whatever aspect of health and social care she decides to pursue " For more information on studying Health and Social Care at the University visit www derby ac uk/health

Derby Students Placed Highly In Law Contest 5 March 2013 Second-year LL B (Bachelor of Laws ) Honours degree students Samantha Hand and Yasmin Jivraj came Third in the finals of the 2013 Client Interviewing Competition for England and Wales The annual contest tests the ability of two-person Law student teams to interview and counsel clients as they will have to do once in professional practice by having them advise an actor playing someone with a serious legal problem The 2013 finals were held at Cardiff University on Saturday March 2 Samantha 22 and Yasmin 20 were placed Third after teams from Winchester (First) and Cardiff (Second) David Hodgkinson LL B course Stage One Tutor at the University of Derby said: "The judges commended them on their performance in a gruelling day which saw them interviewing three different clients with criminal law problems; including tattooing minors domestic violence and serious offences against the person "

Derby Study Finds Worrying Levels Of Gaming Addiction Worldwide 9 January 2012 As many as 44% of gamers show some signs of addiction claims one of the largest cross-population studies into computer game addiction of its kind published online in the journal Addiction Research and Theory this week The study of 1 420 players of massively multi-player online role playing games (MMORPGs) such as World of Warcraft was carried out by psychologist Dr Zaheer Hussain from the University of Derby and colleagues Professors Mark Griffiths and Thom Baguley from Nottingham Trent University The team recruited the participants from 31 countries including the USA UK Argentina New Zealand Norway Germany and Japan through online gaming forums Through the websites gamers were invited to complete online questionnaires that established their levels of game play and measured addiction to the games using validated diagnostic criteria Dr Hussain said: "It is widely accepted that technological addictions exist and can deeply affect people s lives "A behavioural addiction like that to online computer games is characterised not only by excessive game play but also compulsive or uncontrollable dependence on playing the game to the degree that trying to stop can cause a person to experience severe psychological withdrawal reactions " The team compared each individual player s frequency and duration of game play and other lifestyle factors like employment status with their results on the psychometrically validated Game Addiction Scale Questions on the Scale included Have you become angry when you have been unable to play? Do you fight with others (e g family) over the time spent playing on games? and Do you play games to forget about real life? The respondents average (mean) gaming session lasted three hours and the average number of times they played each week was 6 8 A number of these people played very frequently and for long sessions but a typical respondent played for around 14 hours a week Dr Hussain continued: "This level of game play itself suggests that online gaming is a major part of these people s lives and the results from the Game Addiction Scale show that for many of these players their hobby has become a behavioural addiction "Analysis of the results show that 44% of the players showed some signs of addiction meeting half the criteria of addiction while 3 6% were classified as addicted by passing the threshold of every item on the scale " Those players classified as addicted played for significantly longer during each session than non-addicted players Other interesting patterns that appeared included: gamers who p ayed more often a so p ayed for onger per ods younger gamers p ayed more often than o der p ayers o der gamers p ayed for onger per ods of t me. Dr Hussain added: "Aspects of these online games such as character development or reward systems such as acquiring new gear or new weapons have been designed so that gamers become absorbed in the game play for long periods of time and want to re-connect by playing frequently "We want to do further research to better understand the difference between addiction excessive play and non-addiction in deciding what types of programmes or interventions can help those who are in need of support in overcoming addiction problems " Professor Mark Griffiths added: "These games provide a strong stimulus that makes players feel good which in itself is not a bad thing however when this tips over into a behavioural addiction that impacts on day-to-day life it can become a large problem "Game developers may be able to include in-game monitoring systems that force gamers to log out if they have been playing for excessive periods of time to prevent excessive gaming behaviour before it becomes an addiction " Ends A copy of the paper is available on request - or can be downloaded from http://informahealthcare com/doi/abs/10 3109/16066359 2011 640442

Derby Study To Help Allergy Families 20 March 2012 A University of Derby Psychologist is hoping her new study into coping strategies for parents with children suffering from severe food allergies could lead to serious benefits for a number of Derby families Dr Rebecca Knibb who teaches on the University s BSc (Hons) Psychology degree and Masters in Health Psychology has already carried out research focussing on the psychosocial impact of allergic conditions such as asthma and food allergy on the lives of children parents and families Rebecca said: "We have seen that serious allergies such as to peanuts can seriously impact on the quality of life of those affected and their families and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression may arise as a result "Parents of children with severe allergies for example can suffer from anxiety and low mood as a result of the worry and level of high vigilance they have to maintain as they monitor their child s food intake " In this research in partnership with the allergy clinic at Derby Children s Hospital Rebecca will look at whether the anxiety and low mood of 50 Derby parents can be reduced with a 12 week course of tailored Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) She added: "We hope that CBT will give these parents some new ways of dealing with their anxiety and low mood which in turn will have a positive impact on their quality of life and that of their allergic child " "We will take a number of psychological measures at the start of the study and then compare at the end of the 12 week programme of CBT and again three and six months later to see if the psychological therapy has any long term benefits "If CBT has a positive impact on these parents and their families then we will be able to recommend such psychological therapies and strategies to parents affected " For more information on the study contact Dr Rebecca Knibb on email: r c knibb@derby ac uk For more information on studying Psychology at Derby visit website: www derby ac uk/science/psychology

Derby Theatre: A New Era Begins! 2 November 2009 Tomorrow a new era in professional theatre begins at Derby Theatre (formerly Derby Playhouse) when the venue will play host to the first professional home-grown production since the building s closure in 2007 and the University of Derby and Derby LIVE are looking forward to it immensely Over the past few months both parties have been working tirelessly to prepare the building front of house backstage and on a technical level and getting it ready for performances to take place in the venue A new sound system and lighting rig has been installed and the theatre is now back in top condition on all levels The new Derby Theatre opened its doors a few weeks ago when the Derby Gilbert Company presented The Gondoliers and The Mikado to packed audiences and the production signalled the welcome reintroduction of non professional companies into the building Now with an award-winning cast and creative team behind it The Pros the Cons and a Screw will launch the theatre s professional season of productions The Pros is a comedy with rock! - a definite must-see production for music and comedy lovers alike and is a true feel-good show set inside a prison which promises audiences the time of their life - the perfect opener for theatregoers of all theatrical tastes Peter Ireson Director Derby LIVE said:"Tuesday night will see the culmination of a fantastic team effort by staff from Derby LIVE the University of Derby and the creative team on The Pros the Cons and A Screw It is an absolute credit to them all that we have managed to get high quality professional in-house produced theatre back in Derby theatre so quickly "We urge theatregoers in Derby to re-visit the venue to see for themselves the quality of the productions that are on now and are due to take place there over the forthcoming months " University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "It is enormously satisfying to have the first produced piece on stage since the University took over the theatre "We have invested heavily to get to this point and I hope that our audiences new and old will enjoy the feast of quality in prospect I know that audiences will thoroughly enjoy The Pros and the rest of the season of productions " Pete Meakin Artistic Producer Derby LIVE said:"This is a red letter day in the history of professional produced theatre in our city "

Tickets Tickets for The Pros the Cons and a Screw and other forthcoming productions at Derby Theatre can be booked through Derby LIVE Box Office on 01332 255800 or at: www derbylive co uk -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or Heidi McKenzie Communications Officer (press enquiries) on 01332 255530 or email: heidi mckenzie@derby gov uk

Derby Theatre accepted into Arts Council England's National Portfolio 1 July 2014 Derby Theatre is thrilled to announce they have been accepted into Arts Council England s National Portfolio and will receive £500 000 per annum to support key strands of the Theatre s programme of work from 2015 to 2018 Arts Council England (ACE) the UK s leading cultural funder will support Derby Theatre for three years as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) from March 2015 to help achieve ACE s goal of Great Art for Everyone Along with the Theatre s unique partnership with the University of Derby this award will ensure that the Theatre can continue making professional home-grown shows made by the Theatre team attract the best of touring theatre and offer even more inspiring learning and participation opportunities for audiences; and remain a thriving hub for culture in the city and the wider region Arts Council England currently fund Derby Theatre s Learning Theatre Pilot Programme which has transformed the Theatre into a unique centre for learning for students artists theatre practitioners and the wider community National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding will develop this further creating more inspiring opportunities for more people to get involved Arts Council England s description of the National Portfolio: "It consists of a rich variety of organisations across the country reflecting the real quality and excellence of the arts in England Strenuous efforts have been made to ensure that ambition artistic exploration and pioneering spirit are kept alive that great work can continue that inspirational leadership is developed and supported and that a vibrant countrywide ecology is as far as possible maintained " Given the intense competition for Arts Council funding at this time and the fact that their budget has been significantly cut Derby Theatre is particularly delighted to have been selected as a National Portfolio Organisation and recognised in this way for its unique model as a Learning Theatre and its innovative partnership with the University of Derby Since the appointment of Artistic Director Sarah Brigham at the beginning of 2013 Derby Theatre has emerged as a thriving producing house and NPO funding will also develop this popular key strand to ensure a regular programme of high quality home grown productions made and produced in the city Sarah Brigham Artistic Director at Derby Theatre said: "I am delighted by this decision and all credit must go to the staff team and trustees who have worked tirelessly to help redefine our vision and offer into an innovative prospect which is worth investing in "Our unique relationship with the University and now Arts Council England allows us to forge ahead with our plans in developing artistic excellence for our audiences whilst becoming an artistic hub for emerging artists students and our community "This truly is a landmark day in our history as we enter the Arts Council s National Portfolio to have an uplift in our current Arts Council funding and take the next step in making a national impact on the traditional lines between artistic excellence and learning for all " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby and Chair of Derby Theatre added: "As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby and Chair of Derby Theatre I am absolutely thrilled that Derby Theatre as part of the University has been selected as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England "Being given NPO status and being selected through this extremely competitive process for arts funding nationally demonstrates that ACE recognises our unique partnership with the Theatre and how it can greatly benefit audiences students and future theatre-makers alike "Our Theatre Arts and Technical Theatre students will be provided with even more opportunities to develop and enhance their learning within a professional theatre environment "We were awarded the Times Higher Education (THE) Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts at the end of 2013 This national award and further endorsement of the Learning Theatre model by ACE looks very positive indeed for the future of our unique partnership and the cultural life of the city and the Midlands region " Peter Knott Arts Council Area Director for the Midlands said: "Derby Theatre has developed a unique way of working that puts learning at the heart of its programming It produces and showcases high-quality theatre alongside a wide variety of training and learning opportunities for audiences artists students and local communities "We felt that this unique approach puts the Theatre in a strong position to help us achieve our aim of getting great art and culture to everyone "Our investment will support the Theatre to put on new productions work with new and emerging artists and pursue ambitious plans to increase the quality and range of learning opportunities " For further press information or to set up interviews and attain further comments or quotes please contact Heidi McKenzie Derby Theatre Press & Marketing Officer on 01332 593955 or mobile 07527 839019 or email: h mckenzie@derby ac uk

Derby Theatre Appoints Expert Team 12 October 2011 Derby Theatre has appointed an expert team to advise and guide its Board and managers on the theatre s future development The expert team which will act in an advisory capacity will be led by Graham Devlin and Peter Boyden along with Artistic Associates Jonathan Church and Erica Whyman: Graham Devlin CBE has worked n profess ona theatre s nce 1973; as a d rector, wr ter and consu tant. H s theatre work has embraced p ann ng and programm ng at Le cester s Curve, G asgow C t zens, and the West Yorksh re P ayhouse. Peter Boyden wrote the nf uent a Boyden report on Eng sh Reg ona Theatre. He has worked w th dozens of produc ng and tour ng theatres nc ud ng P ymouth Theatre Roya , Br sto O d V c, Bush Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, Curve, Ch chester Fest va Theatre, Be grade Theatre, Hackney Emp re, W dWorks, Sheff e d Theatres and York Theatre Roya . Jonathan Church and Erica Whyman are both h gh y regarded, successfu theatre pract t oners, current y runn ng two of the ma or Eng sh reg ona theatres; Ch chester Fest va Theatre and Northern Stage respect ve y. From April 2012 Derby Theatre will have a new structure and will take lead responsibility for producing theatre in the city The full season will be officially unveiled in December (2011) but the first in-house production has been announced as The Butterfly Lion by War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo in co-production with New Perspectives Theatre Company and the Curve in Leicester Visiting productions of Funny Peculiar Yes Prime Minister Equus and Horrible Histories have also been announced Whilst not being able to provide National Portfolio funding to Derby Theatre Arts Council England has indicated its ongoing commitment to support theatre in Derby by identifying strategic funding in the region of £300 000 per year between 2012/13 and 2014/15; although this will need to be applied for and contain a compelling case Arts Council England is providing project funding to Derby Theatre in order to engage this nationally renowned team of theatre experts; to advise and guide its Board and management team in the development of the artistic vision for the Theatre and its approach to delivering attractive high quality produced theatre in Derby Gary Johnson Theatre Manager at Derby Theatre said: "I m grateful to the Arts Council for the support they have given to the Theatre recently and I am delighted to be working with such a highly skilled team of experts "We have an exciting journey ahead of us and the opportunity to create a new sort of organisation; one that envisions delivering work which will be appropriate to its audience accommodate the new economic realities and demonstrate the highest artistic quality" Peter Knott Director of Arts Council England in the East Midlands added: "I m delighted that financial support from us has enabled Derby Theatre to appoint a team of theatre experts providing much needed capacity and help in developing their plans "Peter Boyden and Graham Devlin have a formidable reputation in the theatre sector "They will help develop the artistic vision and business plan for Derby Theatre which will in turn help make a compelling case for drawing down funding This work will shape the future of theatre in Derby over the coming years "Arts Council funding for this project is part of our long-standing commitment to working in partnership with the University and hopefully Derby City Council to help support the development of theatre in the City " For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Derby Theatre Appoints New Business Development Manager 4 December 2012 Derby Theatre is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Business Development Manager Andrew McIntyre who started in his new role this week Andrew has a long association of working in the city as well as across the UK with and alongside a variety of arts and cultural organisations and projects He has over 20 years of cultural management experience which started out when he marketed and was a road crew member for 1980s university rock and pop gigs in Manchester Andrew s long career has also included programming independent cinemas and festivals working on capital projects and organisational development and fundraising across a number of art forms He worked in Derby for many years as the Director of the Metro Cinema in Green Lane and was one of the two co-founders and drivers of QUAD in Derby for its first 7 years of development For the last 4 years Andrew has worked around the country as a consultant and has freelanced for a range of arts organisations including most recently Lichfield Festival Sensoria Festival in Sheffield Helix Arts in Newcastle and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Andrew s main duties for Derby Theatre will include: implementing and delivering a fundraising strategy for the theatre and associated projects undertaking the writing of funding applications liaising with key funding bodies trusts foundations and corporate partners to support the theatre and the work we do identify sponsorship opportunities relating to the theatre s various strands of work as well as other business and development duties initiatives and projects Andrew McIntyre said: "It feels great to be working back in Derby and I am really excited at the prospect of helping to bring income into Derby Theatre as it develops its nationally unique role as a Learning Theatre" Gary Johnson (General Manager Derby Theatre) said: "With Andrew s long association of working within the arts and culture scene in Derby and across the country his appointment is a very exciting one for us We very much look forward to him being a part of the team here at the theatre and to further strengthen our aspirations as a Learning Theatre Andrew s role is the theatre s latest appointment after a new Artistic Director Sarah Brigham was appointed a few weeks ago Sarah will take up her post towards the end of January

Derby Theatre Opens Its Doors To The Public 8 September 2009 Derby Theatre has opened its doors to the public for the first time since the University of Derby purchased the former Derby Playhouse building in February this year Members of the public are being welcomed into the building to find out more information about the forthcoming season and artistic programme which will be run and managed by Derby LIVE the artistic arm of Derby City Council The Box Office which will act as an information point until it opens for ticket sales later this month Representatives from Derby LIVE will be on hand to discuss and answer questions about the season in general Ed Green (Marketing & Communications Manager Derby LIVE) said: "We have received numerous calls and enquiries from members of the public about the forthcoming season at Derby Theatre and therefore in agreement with the University wanted to give our new existing and potential audiences the opportunity to find out more via an information point within the venue and at a time to coincide with the release of the new Derby LIVE season brochure" A University spokesperson said: "We are delighted that the new information office is now in operation and we are looking forward to the new season of activity productions and entertainment which is set to herald an exciting future for Derby Theatre theatregoers our staff and students as well as the wider community " Members of the public will also be invited to enter the Golden Ticket Prize Draw which entitles the winner to 2 FREE tickets to each Derby LIVE production for a year The opening of Derby Theatre s front doors to the public is the next step in the momentous journey towards the official re-opening of the venue in October when the first performance will be The Gondoliers presented by the nationally acclaimed Derby Gilbert & Sullivan Company The extremely popular café bar will also open at the end of this month Until Derby Theatre Box Office opens for ticket sales the current Box Office situated at the Assembly Rooms is open for bookings for productions within all Derby LIVE venues For more information and to book your seats call 01332 255800 or visit: www derbylive co uk For more press information please contact: Derby LIVE Press Enquiries Derby LIVE Box Office & Website Heidi McKenzie 01332 255800 01332 255530 heidi mckenzie@derby gov uk or for the University of Derby contact: Simon Redfern 01332 591942 s redfern@derby ac uk

Derby Theatre Receives Funding To Support Emerging Artists 11 November 2013 Derby Theatre has been awarded £164 000 by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to support the development of its work as a Learning Theatre - focusing on emerging artists developing creative skills and working with local community groups In 2012 Derby Theatre - a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Derby - embarked on a three-year project to launch develop and monitor the success of a Learning Theatre Pilot Programme One of the main objectives was to engage the creative ability of Derby communities and to embrace and nurture existing and emerging talent in the region News of the £164 000 Esmée Fairbairn grant (over three years) means significant developments and work relating to this particular strand can now forge ahead and related work and projects be implemented The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation aims to improve quality of life for UK people and communities by funding the charitable work of organisations with the ideas and ability to achieve positive change It is one of the UK s largest independent grant-makers; dispensing around £35million annually to arts education and learning environmental and social change projects Sarah Brigham Artistic Director at Derby Theatre said: "I am delighted that the Esmée Fairburn Foundation has decided to support Derby Theatre to this level "Derby Theatre is unique We now produce home-grown professionally produced theatre of quality and combine this with unique learning opportunities for the next generation of artists "We are thrilled that this highly regarded foundation has recognised our application and proposition as an innovative way forward and is supporting the core of our business alongside the Arts Council and the University of Derby "With this funding we are more secure than we ever have been and the future looks very bright indeed I look forward to welcoming even more audiences participants and artists into the building " Professor John Coyne Chair of Derby Theatre and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "As Chair of Derby Theatre I am very pleased that a strategic funder with the national reputation of the Esmée Fairburn Foundation wants to support our ambitions for theatre making in Derby and the region over the next three years "This core funding of £164 000 reflects very well on the current team their artistic vision and links to communities locally and the industry nationally It is also an endorsement of the aims of the Learning Theatre model " For further media information please contact Heidi McKenzie Press and Marketing Officer at Derby Theatre on 01332 593955 or mobile number 07527 839019 or email: h mckenzie@derby ac uk

Derby Theatre To Take Centre Stage Following Funding Boost 4 May 2012 Derby Theatre is a step closer to realising its ambition of becoming one of the region s leading arts organisations after being awarded £923 000 funding over three years from Arts Council East Midlands The funds which are being boosted by a contribution from the University of Derby of up to £1 5 million over the next three years will be used to support the Theatre s Learning Theatre Pilot Programme Gary Johnson General Manager at Derby Theatre said: "We re delighted that Arts Council East Midlands has recognised the potential of Derby Theatre and the benefits that our Learning Theatre Pilot Programme will bring to the venue our audiences students and stakeholders "We look forward to working closely with Arts Council East Midlands to deliver the programme and some fantastic theatre over the next few years " The programme has been designed to bring high quality professional theatre artists and companies to Derby nurture existing and emerging talent in the region through home grown shows and raise the bar for education and training in theatre providing the University of Derby with a distinctive proposition for students looking to study theatre arts related subjects John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby adds: "This is a significant sum a three year commitment and we are particularly pleased of the support for the model of a learning theatre We are putting together something a little bit different that has struck a chord and want this news to up the appetite for getting other people on board " Peter Knott Regional Director of Arts Council East Midlands concludes: "Derby Theatre with the help of some of country s leading theatre experts has worked hard to put a compelling case to the Arts Council for funding "I m delighted that we are now in a position to fund Derby Theatre to ensure the city will be the hub for a wide range of creatively ambitious theatre This will be theatre made in Derby for local audiences " Ends

Derby Training Session For England Rugby Stars 15 April 2011 Andy Morrison holding the Midlands winning trophy at the 2011 Student Rugby League Regional Championships in March The University of Derby has hosted an England Students Rugby League Team training session at its Kedleston Road rugby pitches The 20 student Rugby League players from around the UK met at the University of Derby on Thursday 14 April for a pre-Four Nations training session; the England team will take on Wales Scotland and Ireland in Glasgow next week (18 - 22 April 2011) Tom Tsang England Students RFL Team Manager said: "Rugby League is becoming more and more popular around the UK and we have players from up and down the country in this England team This training session was needed to get the team in one place and playing together prior to the tournament "Thank you to the University of Derby for letting us use its pitch and facilities " Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager added: "We were really happy to host this England Students Rugby League Team training session We re looking to strengthen our ties with them further after one of our students was part of the Midlands team which won the 2011 Student Rugby League Regional Championships in March " Andy Morrison 21 currently studying towards a BA (Hons) Commercial Photography Degree at Derby played in all three of the Midlands games over the championship weekend - even scoring a try during the final again the South which contributed to the Midlands 26 - 24 winning scoreline The win was extra special for Andy who is originally from Runcorn and a lifelong supporter of the Widnes Vikings RLFC as the championship final was played at the the Stobart Stadium the Vikings home ground He said: "Being called up to train and then play with the Midlands Student Rugby League Team was an incredible experience especially as I got to play at the Vikings ground "It was amazing to win and I hope that if I keep playing well for the University s team that I ll be chosen to play for the Midlands again next year which could lead on to bigger things for me in Rugby League " For more information on Team Derby s Rugby League visit www teamderby com

Derby Venue For Worldwide Geology Lecture Series 19 October 2012 Geology students at the University of Derby were some of the first in Europe to hear from a Geo-science expert in petroleum exploration when the University was one of just nine UK venues for an international lecture series As part of the European Association of Geologists and Engineers (EAGE) Student Lecture Tour Bjorn Wygrala from Petromod spoke to BSc (Hons) Geology degree students and MSc (Masters) Applied Petroleum Geoscience students about new technologies in petroleum exploration on October 16 Bjorn Wygrala is Managing Director of Technology Transfer at Schlumberger Center of Excellence for Petroleum Systems Modelling which provides software and services for Petroleum Systems Modelling (also described as Basin and Petroleum System Modelling) by the Stanford Affiliates Program Schlumberger offers technically advanced technology that continually evolves with an extensive range of unique features by way of the PetroMod© system that provide capabilities to do 1D 2D and 3D modelling Detailing case studies from Brazil Alaska and offshore Bjorn explained how recent advances and the integration of new technologies are used in the field It was the third time that the EAGE has visited the University of Derby and the Derby lecture was the fifth stop on the European leg of the International Student Lecture Series which also takes in the Czech Republic France and Italy Dr Dorothy Satterfield Senior Lecturer in Petroleum Geology said: "We were delighted to have been chosen by the EAGE to host a lecture again this year as it recognises the strength of our Geology programmes For more information on the lectures visit the European Association of Geologists and Engineers website www eage org

Derby Vice-Chancellor Appointed To UK Commission 20 July 2011 The University of Derby s Vice-Chancellor has been appointed as a Commissioner for the United Kingdom Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) Professor John Coyne will now work with them on their mission to raise skill levels encourage enterprise create jobs and drive economic growth Professor Coyne is one of nine new Commissioners announced today July 21 2011 who join an existing team of 16 led by Charlie Mayfield Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership UKCES is a social partnership of Commissioners gathered from large and small employers trade unions and the voluntary sector It is jointly sponsored by the Secretaries of State of the UK Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and co-sponsored by Ministers in HMT DfE and the Devolved Administrations In his role as one of UKCES Commissioners Professor Coyne will play an active part in setting and delivering its remit to raise employer ambition develop employer commitment and initiatives for workforce skills and job creation to achieve results in the East Midlands and nationwide Charlie Mayfield Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills said: "It is a great time to refresh the Commission adding to the authority and credibility we bring to bear just as we start to get traction on our priorities and goals Together with our existing Commissioners we have an extremely strong line up John is a highly-respected Vice-Chancellor and I am very much looking forward to working with him " Professor Coyne said: "I am delighted to be joining the Commission at this exciting time under the leadership of Charlie Mayfield There is a clear vision to ensure that the UK economy embarks upon a skills revolution that can help us to sustain an economically prosperous future as the economy returns to growth "I am attracted by our Chair s desire that we operate as a social partnership with all stakeholders taking ownership of our agenda There is no other game in town - we have to develop our skills base in order to secure our future I shall be an active champion within higher and further education " The eight other new Commissioners are Lucy Adams (Director of Business Operations BBC) John Cridland (Director-General of the CBI) David Fairhurst (Chief People Officer McDonald s Europe) Dr Deirdre Hughes (Lead Consultant European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network) Tony Lau-Walker (Chief Executive Officer Eastleigh College) Trevor Matthews (CEO Aviva UK) Seyi Obakin (Chief Executive of Centrepoint) and Sean Taggart (Owner and Chief Executive of The Albatross Group) Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills Vince Cable said: "The diverse backgrounds and viewpoints represented by the nine new Commissioners will strengthen the Commission s capacity to deliver skills for growth across all sectors helping boost national productivity and competitiveness "

Derby Vice-Chancellor honoured by University of Nottingham 18 July 2014 University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne has received an Honorary Award from the University of Nottingham He was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) at a ceremony last Thursday (July 17) as part of this year s University of Nottingham Awards Ceremonies Professor Coyne - who has been Derby s Vice-Chancellor for ten years - is a graduate of Nottingham (Industrial Economics 1973) and taught there for 15 years At Nottingham he co-founded the Centre for Management Buy-out and Private Equity Research and was warden of Cripps Hall A delighted Professor Coyne said: "I spent 20 wonderful years at the University (of Nottingham) as a student and then academic and that time was pivotal in forging character academic excitement and a network of friends that continue to this day " During his time as the University of Derby s Vice-Chancellor Professor Coyne has led the University to double in size and increased its profile nationally and regionally This year the University of Derby entered the Top 50 in The Guardian newspaper s University League Tables

Derby Welcomes New Deputy Vice-Chancellor 19 September 2013 The University of Derby has today announced the appointment of a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Bruce will join the University on 1 s October 2013 with responsibility for academic enterprise Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "This appointment shows University of Derby s on-going commitment to enterprise and employability which is vital to ensure that we provide the education and skills employers want and equip students with the knowledge they need to realise their career potential "It also reinforces the University s role as a vanguard for supporting women in leadership in the sector " Professor Bruce brings a wealth of experience from her dual career as a senior manager and research Professor encompassing both modern and Russell Group universities Previously she served as a Pro Vice-Chancellor for engagement at UCLan and in senior roles at Manchester University In these roles she was responsible for developments across engineering technology and business She has considerable experience in research management and academic enterprise including directorships of university corporates and board membership of a university technical college and free school Professor Bruce is a Chartered Marketer and a Fulbright Scholar and has received Honorary Professorships from Universities in China and Europe in recognition of her contribution to management research Professor Bruce said: "I am delighted to be joining the Executive team at the University of Derby I am particularly impressed with the University s values-led ethos the superlative student experience delivered through its personalised approach and focus on quality and opportunities and its can do entrepreneurial spirit "

Derby Welcomes New Head of Science 25 February 2013 The University of Derby has appointed a new Head of Science who will join its academic team next month Dr Chris Bussell joins Derby on March 4 (2013) from Nottingham Trent University where he was Head of Sport Science Chris was born and raised in Derby where his family ran AJ Bussell & Sons wholesale newsagents He left the city to study a degree at Northumbria University then completed a PhD in human temperature regulation during exercise at Liverpool John Moores University He joined Nottingham Trent University in 2000 rising from a lecturing post to Head of Sport Science by 2007 Dr Bussell s personal research area is within human physiology - specifically the control of the microcirculation cardiovascular system and its applications to health He has presented his work at international conferences and published widely in peer reviewed journals His recent research projects have focused on the impact of dynamic interactive gaming systems (such as the Nintendo Wii) on physical activity and health As well as having a comprehensive academic knowledge of sport and exercise science Chris is also a talented sportsman and has represented Great Britain around the world in canoe polo including a win at the World Championships in Brazil in 2000 Dr Bussell said: "I m excited to return to my home city to take up this position I believe that the University of Derby is in a very strong position as a one university city with excellent links to key industries to face the current challenges within the sector and succeed "I ve been impressed so far with the University s attitude towards the future - it faces challenges in a bold manner and puts students at the heart of its business " Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Liz Barnes said: We are delighted to welcome Dr Chris Bussell to our team at Derby "Our School of Science is going from strength to strength with a marked increase in applications and many opportunities for further development Building on his excellent track record we are sure that Chris will provide excellent leadership maximising our success and ensuring a top class experience for our students " Dr Bussell is currently leading on a collaborative research project with Organisational Development teams at University of Nottingham and Loughborough University This project builds on his experiences consulting within professional sports clubs focusing on performance profiling of athletes He will continue to work on the Learn From Sport project which aims to establish an effective management tool to support and develop talent within higher education when in post at the University of Derby For more information on Science at Derby visit www derby ac uk/science

Derby Welcomes New Pro Vice-Chancellor 24 March 2011 The University of Derby has today announced the appointment of a new Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Plowden is currently Dean of the Law School at the University of Northumbria; in addition he is a qualified solicitor and practicing barrister He was one of the first National Teaching Fellows for his work in legal education He replaces Professor Michael Gunn who became Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University in January University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "Professor Philip Plowden impressed us with his passion for teaching and improving the student experience all of which I think make him a great fit with what we do here at Derby "Philip will be joining us officially in July and we wish him every possible success in his new role " Philip is a qualified solicitor and barrister and is a door tenant at Park Lane Plowden chambers in Newcastle He joined Northumbria Law School in 1993 later becoming Principal Lecturer and then Associate Dean for the Clinical Law programmes Philip became a National Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2005 and Professor of Law later that year He was appointed as Dean of the School of Law in 2008 Philip has achieved many things since joining Northumbria in 1993 He has published in the fields of legal education (particularly clinical legal education) and criminal procedure and evidence and he has taught Criminal Litigation and Evidence and Advanced Advocacy for many years He has also taught in the Student Law Office supervising a Student Law Office firm specialising in criminal appeals and human rights/information law He has a number of external responsibilities and is the academic member of the Law Society s Education and Training Committee as well as its Criminal Law Committee and is also a member of the Attorney General s Pro Bono Committee In his time at Northumbria Philip has been a valuable member of the University s senior management team over the last two years

Derby Wins Two National Awards 25 November 2011 Photographs courtesy of the Times Higher Education The University of Derby won in two categories at the finals of the Times Higher Education Awards 2011 held at the Grosvenor House Hotel Park Lane London last night (November 24) Derby was shortlisted and won in the Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative and Outstanding Contribution To The Local Community categories

Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative The University s business-to-business arm University of Derby Corporate (UDC) won this category which recognised strategic and innovative approaches to delivering employers workforce development needs UDC based at the University s purpose-built Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby delivers accredited vocational training in the workplace to meet employer needs In 2010/11 it generated £4m in revenue - a 400% increase in the three years since it was launched It has 260 clients and around 2 500 learners Clients include Croda and Citibank

Outstanding Contribution To The Local Community The University s Community Relations team won this category which recognised imaginative attempts to aid the wider community socially culturally or economically More than 500 people have benefited from the innovative community work run by the University of Derby under the leadership of its Community Relations Officer Peter Walker Projects included a sewing group community exhibition a drop-in centre for people going through the asylum seekers process and a library community space which has already hosted more than 200 events and art therapy sessions These initiatives have been done with community support including that of Betty Phoba; Chair of the Voice of Congolese Women group and a key player in the University s work Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby said: "It is always pleasing to see the University recognised at such a high level for the excellent work that my colleagues produce "These are major awards for the universities sector and to win in two different areas is very special " Peter Walker Community Relations Officer said: "I am delighted that we have won it s an endorsement of all the work we have been doing in reaching out to our local communities over the past three years " In the Outstanding Contribution To The Local Community Derby was up against five other institutions University for the Creative Arts University of Huddersfield University of Kent Universities of Leeds and Huddersfield (ALPS) and University of Salford And in the Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative Derby faced competition from Bradford University School of Management University of East London Middlesex University University of Roehampton and Sheffield Hallam University

Derby's International Experience Goes From Strength To Strength 10 January 2011 International students are increasingly satisfied with their experiences of living and studying in Derby according to the results of a recent independent survey The survey of 238 international students at the University of Derby - the International Student Barometer carried out by i-graduate - asked the students about their experience of the University s programmes and facilities and how much they enjoyed living in the city The responses from 2010 were compared to 2009 and also to the responses of the 4 444 international students of 12 other UK universities who make up the Million+ group of universities The results showed that Derby s international students who come from countries all over the world including India China Nigeria and Poland were very satisfied with their overall experience (an overall satisfaction score of 88%) The results put Derby in the top five of the Million+ group for many aspects of its international students living experiences including accommodation cost safety and transport * The international students also rated the University highly for employability careers advice and course content its faith provision and student health centre The University s International Student Centre was ranked top among the Million+ group with a 94 1% satisfaction rating * Aileen Hammersley Director of the University s School of Flexible and Partnership Learning said: "The results from this survey are very pleasing We always strive to provide the best education and living experience for all of our students and it s good to know that our international visitors are enjoying their time here at the University and in Derby "We plan to use the feedback from the survey to address any concerns and build on this success in the future " Weronika Kawalek 24 from Poland who graduates with a BA (Hons) in Dance and Movement Studies and Healing Arts from the University of Derby at its Awards Ceremonies on January 22 and has been asked to give a Vote of Thanks said: "I loved being a dance student in Derby and made many friends through my course "Being an international student can be hard as you have to get used to a new culture and a new way of life as well as studying but I enjoyed my experience and would do the same again " For more information on studying at the University of Derby visit website www derby ac uk/international *Results Emp oyab ty (rank 2 M on+ group 78.2%) Careers adv ce (rank 5 n M on+ group 60.9%) Course content (rank 5 n M on+ group 84.3%) Internat ona Student Centre (rank 1 n M on+ group 94.1%) Fa th prov s on (rank 1 n M on+ group 95.9%) Hea th centre (rank 2 n M on+ group 89. 7%) Accommodat on cost (rank 5 n M on+ group, 58.3%) Safety (rank 5 n M on+ group 86.1%) Transport nks to un vers ty (rank 4 M on+ group 85.9%)

Derby's Legal Eagles Win National Contest 3 July 2012 Law students from the University of Derby beat 23 other UK teams in a prestigious national competition to test their courtroom skills The Blackstone s National Criminal Advocacy Competition tests Law degree students ability to present bail applications challenge witnesses and act as defence or prosecution barristers in life-like court trial situations After many months of elimination heats involving 24 UK universities law schools the final of the contest was a mock Crown Court sexual offences trial with the University of Derby acting as defence and the College of Law Manchester as prosecution - with Derby winning the trial by jury and the whole contest The victory in the final means that the Derby student team of Maurice Lister and Sarah Pyle - respectively second year and third year LL B Law (Hons) students - also won work placements with top criminal law chambers 4 Breams Buildings of London (who also sponsored the contest) £250 worth of Oxford University Press vouchers and copies of textbook Blackstone s Criminal Practice David Hodgkinson University of Derby Senior Law Lecturer and LL B Skills Module Leader said: "I am very proud of Maurice and Sarah for all the hard work they ve put in "For the final against College of Law Manchester they had to put together a trial defence handling witnesses and challenging the prosecution in front of a panel of real judges and a jury who eventually came back with a unanimous not guilty verdict "We prepare our Law students for the very real situations they will face during their future careers Ken Aylett Senior Counsel at 4 Breams Buildings where the students will undertake their work experience said Derby s winning team was at the standard of practising barristers now " The Blackstone s National Criminal Advocacy Competition final stage was held at the weekend (June 29July 1) at the University of Hertfordshire

Derby's Legal Practice Course Set To Continue Despite National Recruitment Freeze By NCLT 24 May 2013 The National College of Legal Training (NCLT) has decided not to recruit a new intake to the NCLT Legal Practice Course (LPC) for 2013/14 National market conditions in particular a decrease in applications for professional legal studies mean it is not viable to run new provision at all of its national study centres The move will not affect 2013/14 year two NCLT students who will continue to receive the same tuition and materials at the relevant study centres to the same high quality They will also receive the same support from site tutors and managers It is however the current intention of the University of Derby and the University of the West of England (UWE) to run a direct franchise of UWE Bristol s LPC at Derby for full time and/or part time year one students in 2013/14 subject to agreement of terms between UWE and the University of Derby Subject to Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) approval of the arrangements NCLT will be contacting current students to reassure them of its commitment to their studies UWE Bristol is to ensure current students are supported in their year two studies at their existing locations Prospective students for 2013/14 will be offered places in Bristol or potentially at Derby under the new franchise arrangement at their existing NCLT fees Kevin Bampton Head of the School of Law and Criminology at the University of Derby commented: "It is a shame that the success that we enjoy at Derby has not been mirrored nationally "We are very positive about the prospect of working directly with Bristol Institute of Legal Practice We believe that their Legal Practice Course is still the best designed in the country and we are very well placed to continue to provide excellent professional education and excellent value in partnership with them "

Derby's Light Touch Gets 'Green' Grant 1 February 2012 A project to significantly reduce electricity consumption associated with lighting the University of Derby has received £1 million from a national universities green fund Derby s project involves replacing fluorescent lamps inside and outside its buildings at its Kedleston Road site in Derby with Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and installing different types of controls to ensure that lights are only illuminated when needed The aim of this is to significantly reduce electricity consumption through lighting Derby s is one of four major university projects and 24 smaller scale ones to be awarded a grant from the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) Revolving Green Fund (RGF) Launched in 2008 this Fund revolves in the sense that money saved through institutions greater energy efficiency is re-paid to be made available for other carbon reduction projects The current 28 awards are worth £11m As with previous ones the current projects are designed to scale back energy use thereby reducing the associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced which are linked to global warming and climate change It is predicted that this latest round of projects funded through the Revolving Green Fund will collectively reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 19 500 tonnes per year Lynn Richards Environmental Manager for the University of Derby said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and this project will go a long way towards helping us to achieve this " Steve Egan Deputy Chief Executive of HEFCE added: "Improving energy efficiency in the higher education sector is not all about new-build programmes These four retrofit projects will demonstrate the significant gains to be made by improving the efficiency of existing buildings and equipment " Further information and a full list of projects funded is available at website www hefce ac uk/lgm/sustain/rgf/

Derby's Pioneering Partnership Delivers Online Learning To South East Asia's Workforce 26 September 2012 The skills of South East Asia s professional workforce are set to be transformed after the University of Derby signed a new partnership agreement with HELP University a leading institution of higher education in Malaysia to deliver online learning to students particularly working adults in the region This pioneering partnership a first of its kind is designed to provide adults with easy and flexible access to higher education programmes online that are recognised on a global scale but retain a local flavour Derby s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and HELP s President Datuk Dr Paul Chan Tuck Hoong were both present to sign a Contract of Partnership in front of distinguished guests and the press at an official event in Kuala Lumpur They were joined by Julie Stone Head of University of Derby Online Learning Andrew Hartley Managing Director of University of Derby Corporate and Dr Wendy Liow HELP s Director of Online Learning Commenting on the new venture Julie who has been involved with delivering online learning at Derby for more than a decade said: "HELP s reputation and our position as a leading UK brand for online learning is a winning combination which people in South East Asia looking to further their skills and education will benefit from "We re delighted to be the first UK online learning provider to establish a partnership of this nature and look forward to working with HELP on the marketing and online delivery of our programmes " Dr Wendy Liow adds: "As a regional hub of education Malaysia must build up its online education culture and technology otherwise it will lose out to other education hubs like Singapore HELP University has partnered with the University of Derby to innovate online learning The partnership will provide a catalyst to HELP s culture to accelerate its innovation to support staff development and training improve the efficiency of student learning " Founded in 1986 to provide affordable quality educational opportunities for Malaysians HELP University has developed into the leading institution of higher education in Malaysia and the wider region with a firmly established international reputation among universities research organisations scholars business and corporate leaders and governments in Asia Pacific Europe and North America For further information on the University of Derby Online Learning visit www derby ac uk/online or for HELP University visit www help edu my/ For further information please contact: Rosie Marshalsay Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Tel: 01332 591942 or email: R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

Derby's Response To White Paper On University Funding 28 June 2011 University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said today that he was confident the new measures already in place at the University of Derby would meet the challenge of the Government s shake up of Higher Education set out in a White Paper today Professor Coyne said: "The University of Derby will be charging an average of less than £7 500 a year from 2012 This puts it firmly in the category identified by Government for growth "On average 15 per cent of students come to this University after achieving grades of AAB at A level the equivalent of 340 UCAS points "We expect to remain attractive to them as they choose high quality courses that meet their specific needs We remain firmly on course to meet the changes coming our way "We note the challenge of greater competition including from private providers but we are confident that the University of Derby proposition and the quality of support students can expect from us will continue to be attractive and will underpin our future success " -ends-

For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Derby's Robust Financial Position To Face Future Challenges 17 November 2010 The University of Derby says that it is reinvesting every penny of its operating surplus in maximising the student experience as it prepares to publish its annual accounts The University Group has this year achieved an operating surplus of £10 1m This compares to last year s result of an £8 1m surplus The Finance Department was also shortlisted in the national Accountancy Age Awards nominated in the Business Awards section for Finance Team of the Year: Public Services and Voluntary Sector The University of Derby is a non-profit organisation which has no shareholders so any operating surplus it generates is ploughed back into investments and future growth to benefit its students With the recent Spending Review and Browne Review policy announcements which could signal a paradigm shift in the higher education sector to an open market of student choice Derby feels it is in a robust financial position to face up to whatever challenges are ahead in the higher education sector University Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director Hari Punchihewa said: "At a time when the external environment features so much uncertainty it tests not only our financial resilience and sustainability but also the strength of leadership and management capability "The University s position of proven financial robustness and relative stability puts us in the best position to face this turbulent period with confidence The extent of the funding cuts will be challenging but we are well placed to support our University through the next phase of evolution " In the last year key investments have included: A £17m nvestment n teach ng resources, upgrad ng IT systems and rep ac ng o d equ pment. The comp et on on t me, and on budget, of the refenestrat on pro ect of the three towers at Ked eston Road wh ch cou d he p reduce energy consumpt on by more than 50%. The comp et on of the new Enterpr se Centre n Br dge Street, Derby, wh ch houses our bus ness to bus ness arm Un vers ty of Derby Corporate, to he p generate bus ness and educat on opportun t es to mprove sk s among the reg on s workforce. Further mprovements to our campuses, nc ud ng refurb shment works at Br tann a M . Caleb Jackson President of the University of Derby Students Union (UDSU) said: "We are pleased that faced with such a challenging and uncertain environment for universities the University of Derby is in such a financially robust position and despite the likelihood of change we have no concerns with regards to the future of Derby s viability as a Higher Education institution "We hope that key investments continue to be made to the benefit of the student experience and place full confidence in the University s Executive with regards to rising to the challenges of the future " The University also invests £5 4m in bursaries to help students with their course fees However the University says it will not use the operating surplus to reduce tuition fees Hari said: "If the University put money aside to cover or subsidise course costs it would take us to the point of having no money for developments and improvements "It would be a short term move and after two years or so there would be no money left to improve the facilities "As part of our strategy set out in recent years every penny of the surplus is reinvested in total in quality facilities a quality environment sound infrastructure and strong academic and teaching resources to provide the best quality education experience we can for our students "In the current climate parents and students alike understandably want to be sure they are sending their students to a financially stable institution We are in a financially stable situation and everyone at Derby can be confident but not complacent about the future " -endsFor more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Derbyshire And Hollywood Legends Join Forces 19 December 2011 Legendary Derbyshire folk artist and University of Derby honorary graduate John Tams will introduce the much anticipated Steven Spielberg film War Horse when it opens at QUAD Derby on 13 January John Tams is the song maker for the West End Broadway and Toronto productions of War Horse and was a consultant on the movie version He will talk about his involvement with the film prior to the screening at QUAD on Friday 13 January at 7 00pm Directed by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg War Horse is based on the novel by Michael Morpogo Set against the backdrop of World War I it tells the story of a remarkable friendship between a horse called Joey and Albert the young man who tames and trains him The film follows Joey s extraordinary journey through the war changing and inspiring the lives of those who meet him from British cavalry German soldiers to a French farmer and his granddaughter before reaching its emotional climax in the heart of No Man s Land War Horse (12A) screens at QUAD from Friday 13 January to Thursday 2 February Tickets for the screening on Friday January 13 at 7 00pm are limited John Tams was awarded Doctor of Letters from the University of Derby in 2010 for his contribution to theatre and folk music Cinema tickets are £7 40 full price and £5 75 concessions To book tickets and for more information call QUAD Box office on 01332 290606 or visit www derbyquad co uk/whats-on-listing/film For further information please Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer T: 01332 591368 M: 07768 091248 E: l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

Derbyshire Institute Of Sport Launched 12 April 2012 Some of Derbyshire s emerging talented sports performers are to receive more support to help them reach their full potential in a move which aims to see an increase in Derbyshire athletes competing at future Olympic Paralympic and Commonwealth Games The Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) is a new support network designed to provide athletes with access to high quality strength and conditioning sports science and sports medicine services within Derbyshire whilst enhancing the sporting reputation of Derby and Derbyshire It was officially launched on Wednesday 11 April at the Kirtley Building at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site in Derby which has been chosen as one of the first two hub sites for the DIS and will provide many of the services required by athletes and coaches within the DIS The second hub site Brampton Manor in Chesterfield was also officially opened on the same day Derbyshire County Council Derby City Council and the University of Derby are the driving forces behind this new initiative and they have agreed to work together to make some new and targeted investment in performance level squads and athletes with the aim of maximising the legacy from the London 2012 Games They have invited Derbyshire Sport to play a lead role in coordinating this development on their behalf The DIS will aim to build on the best and get support where it is most needed and initially seven sports athletics badminton basketball golf hockey swimming and table tennis - have been nominated as performance sports Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "The University of Derby is excited to be a partner within the Derbyshire Institute of Sport Through this partnership we will not only raise the performance of sports clubs and individuals within Derby Derbyshire and the University but will improve the position of Team Derby which is the focal point for the development and delivery of sport here in the British Universities and Colleges Sport league table "Sporting excellence is high on our agenda so we are delighted that our Kedleston Road site is to be one of the first two hub sites where athletes supported through the Derbyshire Institute of Sport can obtain the core sports science and sports medicine services they require " To find out more about the Derbyshire Institute of Sport go to website www derbyshireinstituteofsport co uk

Desert states' students fresh ideas to develop Derby green site 12 March 2014 Students from two of the world s driest Arab states travelled 3 000 miles to Derby to outline their plans to improve an undeveloped city green space Ten students and their tutors from Architectural courses at Kingdom University in Bahrain an island state in the Arabian Gulf and Saudi Arabia s University of Dammam worked with University of Derby undergraduates on a project - called the 3rd KU Winter Practicum of Architecture and Design - to develop the green space next to Derby s Seven Stars public house Derby City Council will shortly be improving the grassed site - bounded by King Street Quaker Way and Lodge Lane - and initially approached the University of Derby for design ideas Its tutors saw it as a perfect project on which the visiting students and those from Derby s own Architectural Technology Architectural Venue Design and Construction Management & Property Development degree courses could collaborate The international teams made a site inspection before coming up with a range of interesting tree planting seating and path layout suggestions; which were then presented to a panel of council officers The Middle-East students had to adapt their thinking for Derbyshire s much wetter climate and greener environment being more used to mostly desert areas with little rainfall or grasslands Dr Ashraf M Soliman Chairman of Interior Design at Kingdom University said: "Our graduates may go on to work anywhere in the world so it s important that students at Kingdom University know how to deal with different environments We have had them doing projects at home in Greece and now in Derby " Hassan Alhaddad 22 of Kingdom University added: "This is my first time in the UK and I d like to see more of it There are a lot of different things to consider on a project like this; socially the costs and the different culture " Eleni Tracada Head of the Built Environment Research Group at the University of Derby said: "It was a real pleasure to see our students and the visiting ones working together on what must have been a very different kind of project for our guests "It s vital that Derby s students are exposed to different kinds of thinking as during their careers they may well work abroad or on project teams including professionals from other countries " The students plans for the Derby city green space were presented to members of Derby City Council s Neighbourhood Partnerships team It will decide which of their ideas might be adapted for the authority s own plans for the site University of Derby students are due to join council workers for a tree-planting event on the site set for March 31 For more information about the University of Derby s Architecture courses see website: www derby ac uk/engineering-technology For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Design architect tackles 'forgotten' space at city's heart 30 May 2014 Art and even dance has been used by an architectural designer to encourage people to think differently about a forgotten space in Derby city centre For her final year project Natalie North a student on the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Architectural Venue Design degree course looked at ways of raising awareness of Sadler Square The site has an entrance off Iron Gate is right next to the Cathedral and gave access to the Local Studies Library (which closed this month to move to new premises) but is often overlooked by passers-by Examples of Natalie s work done in and around the Iron Gate entrance to the space to draw attention to it and encourage its re-use can be seen in a display at the University s Markeaton Street in Derby as part of the University s annual Degree Shows From Saturday May 24 until Friday June 13 The Big Show will feature a free public display of final year projects by crafts fashion textiles fine art film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies art therapy and many other students In an event on May 10 Natalie arranged a dance performance at the square s entrance at which dancer Debi Hedderwick s skirt unwound around poles to form a large maze-like structure the audience could then interact with A video of the dance performance can be seen at web link https://www youtube com/watch?v=V9RVL0Vu4WM The event was supplemented with both interactive and stationary light sources placed in and around the square to draw the attention of passers-by Natalie 23 originally from Guernsey said: "It s surprising how a location even in a busy city centre can become forgotten or ignored by its citizens This space located just off Iron Gate is a good example "By staging inexpensive temporary installations and events not usually associated with that place it s possible to draw attention to it again and make people think about how it might be put to better use It s a technique called tactical place making " Photos and images from Natalie s work will be displayed in the Architectural Venue Design section of The Big Show at the University s Markeaton Street site from May 24 until June 13 Eleni Tracada Head of the Built Environment Research Group at the University added: "Natalie has managed to temporarily redesign an urban space in a very different and challenging way No space in a city should be considered as empty people should be able to interact with it at any time " For more information about Architectural courses at the University of Derby see website: www derby ac uk/engineering-technology More of Natalie North s work can be seen on her own design website at: http://nattilydesignquest wordpress com/ For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of News on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Designer Rod Proves Great Catch For Top Angling Firm 6 September 2010 An award winning Product Design graduate from the University of Derby topped off a highly successful degree by landing a job with an internationally known sport products manufacturer Rod Gritten graduated from the University s BSc (Hons) Product Design degree course this summer (2010) with First Class honours During his three-year degree course he: appeared on Channel Five s The Gadget Show , us ng h s sk s to des gn a portab e computer data storage dev ce that wou d appea to young ch dren; won a nat ona CAD (Computer A ded Des gn) Compet t on; rece ved th s year s Best In Show pr ze at the Un vers ty s own annua Degree Shows exh b t on for h s portab e, fo d-away k tchen water system des gn. After completing his course this summer his designs appeared at the 2010 New Designers exhibition in London in July - the annual showcase for UK graduate design - where he was spotted by Leeda; the UK s main distributor of angling sport products and owner of the Wychwood and MAP brands The Derby graduate begins working for Leeda based in Redditch as a Product Designer this month (September) Rod 25 originally from Barton Turf Norfolk said: "I was lucky enough to be offered a job by four different organisations but chose Leeda as I was hugely impressed with the professionalism and career prospects there It supplies more than 1 500 independent retailers and national distributors across the UK and Europe "The position will allow me to take my ideas all the way from concept to manufacture which I found very appealing There are also opportunities to travel internationally as the company has a buying and quality control office in northern China and exhibits and attends trade shows in both Europe and America " There is more good news Rod s design work will appear in the September edition of Designer magazine He is also one of ten graduates shortlisted in the Engineering Graduate of the Year category in the first annual Graduate 100 Awards Winners will be announced at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel in London on Wednesday September 15 Karl Hurn Programme Leader for the University s Product Design programmes said: "For a graduate to be offered four different jobs in the current economic climate is outstanding "Rod had an interesting and successful time during his degree studies and he looks set to go on to great things " For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Developing Mobile Phone App Is 'Child's Play' Thanks To Researcher 19 February 2014 Two boys aged eight and nine have created an award-winning international mobile phone app - using an online tool developed with the aid of University of Derby expertise William Colglazier aged nine and Alexander Glidden eight from the USA received a Global Entrepreneur Award for their mobile app(lication) which draws together publicly available data - events guides transport timetables restaurant ratings etc - onto one phone screen It s thought the @Me-on-theMove app (which could be used in Europe North America and Africa) would be particularly useful to tourists The boys developed the app using a new online app generation tool created by the 'Citadel on the Move project and contributed to by University of Derby researcher Dr Michael Winsper and its Professor of Supply Chain and Logistics Ming Lim The University is a partner in Citadel on the Move a European Commission -funded project making it easier for EU citizens to access open (or publicly available) data to create mobile phone apps William and Alexander were awarded their Global Entrepreneur Award - from Citadel on the Move and the Linked Organization of Local Authorities (an international association of local authority professionals working in information technology) - at the three-day Data Days 2014 Conference in Ghent Belgium which ends today (February 19) The two boys intend donating their award prize money to help a South African township school buy computers William said: "The hardest part about making the app was getting the data When I first asked for Open Data at my Town Hall the lady really didn t understand what I was talking about " University of Derby researcher Dr Winsper added: "The work we re doing at the University and as a Citadel on the Move partner is helping talented young people even those as young as William and Alex to develop technology of benefit to people around the globe " A demonstration model of William and Alex s app and similar ones can be found at website: www citadelonthemove eu For further information about research and innovation at Derby Business School at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/dbs Media requiring more information on this news story can contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Diamond Jubilee Website To Be One of National Archive's Gems 5 April 2012 A Derby student s website revealing the many cultural influences which have shaped British art and design during the Queen s reign - and unveiling a brand new typeface created to celebrate the 2012 Diamond Jubilee - has been selected for a British Library archive Stine Aelberry s website - called Sixty Years of Cultural Integration in British Art and Design - is a project for her Master of Design in Visual Communication degree at the University of Derby It gives examples of good past present and upcoming innovations in British art and design from the last 60 years which have resulted from a mix of cultural influences Site visitors can also nominate their own entries Current examples on Stine s website (at www diamondjubileeuk com ) include: Past 60 Years - the typeface and sens t ve m x of Arab c and Eng sh on the Duba Metro s gns The Present - a D amond Jub ee Year tour of Ten Draw ngs by Leonardo da V nc around the UK s museums and art ga er es Future 60 Years - prof ng a new exh b t on at London s V ctor a and A bert Museum on Br t sh Des gn 1948-2012: Innovat on n the Modern Age (runn ng from March 31 to August 12 th s year) and a debate on The Future of Br t sh Punk . Her website has now been selected by the British Library for the UK Web Archive s special collection of Diamond Jubilee websites This collection draws together a broad range of websites about the Jubilee and will be launched towards the end of the year The British Library has been collecting selected UK websites since 2004 and archives them to ensure the content remains available even when the live site has vanished from the worldwide web The public can access the archived websites through the UK Web Archive at www webarchive org uk Danish-born Stine who is studying her Masters degree part-time whilst working for Derby marketing and design agency Fluid Ideas has also created a new typeface - called Zygon Regular - to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee as part of her postgraduate work Examples of it are also on the website Stine 37 of Allestree in Derby said: "The typeface project Zygon Regular contributes to the part of art and design which aims to celebrate and promote cultural integration "As we approach the Diamond Jubilee celebrations there is a lot of debate in the UK around issues such as the current economic climate and cultural integration I wanted to design a commemorative celebratory typeface that reflects the diversity of British cultures and advances a spirit of national unity and positivity "I created my website as a space where different types of British people could share pictures and stories relating to art and design projects on the theme of cultural integration during the Queen s reign I am delighted that people s contributions will form part of the Queen s Diamond Jubilee 2012 Special Collection " Jane Stanton University of Derby Head of Design added: "Stine s typeface design is original and thought provoking It aims to reflect and celebrate Britain as a multi-cultural community during the time of the Queen s Diamond Jubilee The letterforms are inspired by extensive research into visual and aesthetic influences from UK ethnic communities; including from India Pakistan and Eastern Europe "Stine s website both promotes her new font and stimulates interaction with the public over art and design We re all thrilled that the British Library has identified this project as one to preserve from among the myriad of things marking this historic year " To see Stine s website go to www diamondjubileeuk com For more information on the British Library UK Web Archive go to www webarchive org uk For more media information please contact the Press & PR team on 01332 591891

Dianne Jeffrey To Lead New National Charity For Older People 13 November 2008 The University of Derby’s Pro Chancellor and Chair of Governing Council Dianne Jeffrey has spoken of her delight on being appointed Chair of a new charity for older people being formed next year by Help the Aged and Age Concern England Dianne recently took up her role and is already playing a key part in setting the strategic direction of the new organisation to be launched next year and in the high-profile appointment of a new Chief Executive – Tom Wright CBE – announced last week Tom is currently the Chief Executive of Visit Britain Dianne Jeffrey said: “I am delighted to have been chosen for this important and challenging role The creation of a new charity to work with and on behalf of older people will be one of the most exciting and important developments in the voluntary sector in recent years “Together the two existing charities are building on many years of high-profile campaigning influence and the provision of services They are seeking to draw on the best of both to create a new organisation and I look forward to being part of it It is my intention that the needs wishes and aspirations of older people both now and in the future are at the heart of everything we do and that the new charity performs to the highest standards ” Dianne says her appointment will also have benefits for the University of Derby “I am interested in lifelong learning promoting the value of older people within society and in celebrating people’s achievements My new role will extend this exciting vision bycreating a single voice for older people and focusing on improving their lives hopes and opportunities “It is an important position with the networking opportunities at very senior levels similar to my role as board member at the UCEA (Universities and Colleges Employers’ Association) and of course I will exploit the possibility for promoting vital links between healthy ageing and the ability to continue to enjoy life and make a positive contribution to society ” Dianne has an extensive understanding of the issues facing older people in the UK developed when she was Chair of Anchor Trust England’s largest provider of housing care and support for older people She is currently also Chair of the not-for-profit company Digital Outreach which is supported by both Age Concern and Help the Aged and which aims to ensure that older people and vulnerable or hard to reach groups do not miss out during digital television switchover and other major technological changes She has also previously chaired two NHS Trusts as well as the NHS Confederation The trustee boards of both Age Concern England and Help the Aged believe that combining the strengths of the two organisations into the creation of a major new charity is the best way to serve the interests of older people as our society ages Help the Aged Chairman Jo Connell and Age Concern England Chair Catherine McLoughlin said: “Dianne Jeffrey has a proven commitment to issues affecting older people and senior leadership experience in the voluntary and public sectors “This is a major appointment which demonstrates our commitment to creating a new charity for older people We are excited that such an experienced Chair has agreed to lead the new organisation This will be very much a hands-on role as we develop the right structures and strategy for the new organisation “Help the Aged and Age Concern England firmly believes that by reducing duplication and allowing us to speak with a single voice one new charity can better serve the needs of older people than the existing two We are extremely pleased to have made this appointment because in order to fully realise the potential benefits of the new charity we need a strong and experienced Chair In Dianne Jeffrey we have precisely that ” -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email: s redfern@derby ac uk For more details about the charities contact Siobhan McCann Acting Media Manager Policy & Campaigns Help the Aged on: Direct line: 020 7843 1596; Out of hours: 07730 912524 or visit www helptheaged org uk

Disability Co-ordinators Group Makes Progress 4 November 2011 The current Chair of the University s Disability Co-ordinators Group (DCG) gives her views on how the group has worked to ensure the University s Equality and Diversity strategy has become embedded in its culture over the last six years Jenny Thompson said: "We cannot underestimate the importance of the Disability Co-ordinators Group s work thus far "Clear communication lines have been established by having representation from all the Faculties and Departments across the University This has ensured that key disability decisions have been informed by good practice and that recommendations for change are made at Faculty or Department level (and are escalated to Equality and Diversity Committee when necessary) "The Group has a proactive approach to furthering understanding of disability and how this has the potential to affect both our staff and students "Raising awareness of the reasonable adjustments we can make to help our disabled staff and students to reach their full potential is an essential part of our work " The DCG is an inclusive group which supports a variety of developments including the Student Disability Conference research activities and staff development opportunities Philip Plowden Chair of the Equality and Diversity Group recently highlighted the importance of the DCG He said: "The Equality Act is going to require us to ensure that we make reasonable adjustments in all aspects of our work to be fully accessible to a diverse community "As a University we need to ensure that our work reflects best practice and the DCG is a key group in ensuring that Schools and Departments are part of that process "

Discover Dome's Fascinating Past On New Tour 29 March 2012 Residents of and visitors to Buxton can now get a glimpse into the fascinating and frightening past of one of the town s most iconic buildings as the Devonshire Dome launches a programme of Ghost Tours From April 3 every Tuesday at 7 30pm throughout the summer months tour guides will lead visitors around the Grade II* Listed Devonshire Dome and deep into its rich history; uncovering some of the events and people that may still haunt its corridors today The Ghost Tours have been developed and will be led by BA (Hons) Travel and Tourism Management degree students of the University of Derby Buxton who have studied the history of their campus and collated the many stories of sightings and spooky goings on to design the new tour Student Maria Kuhn 23 from Germany who has led the project said: "The Devonshire Dome dates back to 1779 when it was built as a stable block for the fifth Duke of Devonshire and has had many uses since that time including as a war-time hospital "In that time many people have worked lived and died here so it s not surprising that there are many ghost stories and reports of sightings and strange activity in the Dome These include Nurse Victoria Albert the Poltergeist and the Lady of Chiswick Anyone interested in hearing more will have to join us on one of the tours " The popular Heritage Tours of the Devonshire Dome are also returning for the summer months Every Wednesday and Friday at 11am and 2pm guests can experience a tour of the Dome and its buildings and get an insight into the building s former uses Developed by former BA (Hons) Travel and Tourism Management degree student Fay Fallows the Devonshire Dome Visitor Experience Tours are led by fully trained University of Derby Buxton degree students giving them the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in culture and heritage tourism All bookings must be made in advance through Buxton Tourist Information Centre at Pavilion Gardens St Johns Road Buxton in person or by telephone 01298 25106

Disgusting Food 'Contaminates' Favourite Nibbles For Young Eaters 18 April 2012 Parents who try to get their infants to eat foods they don t like by presenting them next to foods they do enjoy should beware - as a new study by a University of Derby psychologist suggests it is likely both foods will be instantly rejected Steve Brown carried out the study published in the journal Appetite this April with a sample of children aged 18 - 26 months old to investigate how the avoidance of new food in children (food neophobia) develops and how it can lead to reduced variety in a child s diet and anxiety over food It was found that putting a favourite food on the same plate as a disliked food could lead to them both being rejected Steve said: "We wanted to discover the role of the emotion disgust in food neophobia and avoidance Disgust seems to be a very a strong emotion for infants and any new parent can tell you it is clear to see by their child s expression "A key aspect of disgusting things is that that they have contaminating properties If a fly lands on your sandwich for example it seems contaminated and you no longer want to eat it This natural reaction is useful as it protects people from consuming contaminated foods that could cause illness or death " In this study Steve along with Gill Harris from the University of Birmingham tested whether children believe that food they like can be contaminated by something they believe to be disgusting just by sitting next to it on the same plate Parents of 18 infants aged 18 - 26 months were asked to identify a food their child had previously rejected and showed a disgust reaction to and a food the child always liked They were then asked to present the disliked food on its own present the liked food on its own present the liked food touching a disliked piece of food and two liked foods touching and record their child s reactions "We found a significant number of the children rejected the food they usually liked when it was touching a food they didn t like Many of these children continued to refuse the contaminated liked food until it had been exchanged for a new piece Steve added: "These results support the idea that children as young as 18 months old have a strong contamination response which may reflect feelings of disgust This was not previously thought to influence food rejection until around seven years of age "As food neophobia and restricted eating begins during infancy contamination of liked foods as a result of the strong disgust response could be one of the bases of this reduction in the variety of foods a child will eat " In a further study also to be published in the journal Appetite Steve and Gill investigated whether young children aged four to six years old showed a contamination response when asked to rate how much they liked certain foods A significant contamination effect was found again in this age sample with 16 out of 30 children not liking a previously liked food after it was presented touching a disliked food This effect was significantly stronger in girls than in boys Steve said: "Previous studies have found higher levels of disgust in women than in men and as we found a stronger and more prolonged sensitivity of food contamination in girls than boys in this study it supports our idea that contamination is a result of the disgust mechanism " For more information about studying psychology at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/psychology Steve Brown s paper Disliked food acting as a contaminant during infancy A disgust based motivation for rejection appears in Appetite Vol 58 Issue 2 (April 2012)

District Nurses Celebrate Historic Landmark 17 June 2009 A 101-year-old male former district nurse was among the honoured guests at a University of Derby celebration to mark 150 years of his profession Stan Wilkins of Burton Road Derby was one of the first male District Nurses to be employed in Derby City beginning work only months after the National Health Service was set up in July 1948 He and more than 40 current and former students and staff attended a celebration to recognise 150 years of District Nursing connected with the University and the former colleges that make up its history During the evening at the Kedleston Road site guests watched a film called DN150 produced by the Queen’s Nursing Institute to market the anniversary Stan said:” I enjoyed every day of nursing in Derby so much so I’ve kept in touch with some patients who I cared for and I’ve been retired for over 35 years!” The event which took place on Friday 5 June was opened by guest of honour former University of Derby District Nursing tutor Barbara Richell (63) of West Hallam She helped train hundreds of district nurses in the county from 1975 to her retirement in 2003 Wendy Wesson current Programme Leader for the BSc/MSc Community Specialist Practice (Hons) programme which includes the district nursing pathway welcomed everyone to the event Wendy said: “District nursing has undergone continuous change and development in recent years yet it’s still as vital a service as ever in assisting and supporting patient care in the home “I’m proud to now work as Programme Leader at the University striving to develop the new generation of highly professional district nurse specialists whose generalist skills are so greatly needed in today s community-focussed NHS ” The specially commissioned film showed a selection of footage from the Queen’s Nursing Institute archives covering community nursing practice from the 1930s 40s 50s 60s and 70s bringing back many memories Clips included district nurses attempting to deliver care to patients by horse boat and bicycle wearing starched uniforms with hats and coats boiling of equipment in peoples’ homes to sterilise; all of which the audience found very entertaining The event raised £135 which has been donated to the Queen’s Nursing Institute Anniversary Appeal Interested in studying District Nursing at the University of Derby? Call 01332 591703 to find out more For further information about this story please contact Alumni Relations Officer Laura Ratcliffe on 01332 591368 or mobile 07768 091248 or email l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

DNA Profile of British Ash Trees Could Make Them At Less Risk From 'Dieback' Ecologist Claims 7 November 2012 An ecologist who has examined research into the genetic lineage of populations of native British ash trees claims that significant differences in their DNA could make the majority less at risk from ash dieback than being currently predicted Dr Graham Rowe a molecular ecologist at the University of Derby has revisited research into the DNA variation of ash trees across Europe and claims that the genetic make-up of the majority of British ash trees is significantly different to those currently being decimated by fungal disease dieback (Chalara fraxinea) across Denmark and northern Europe Dr Graham Rowe said: "Patterns of genetic variation in many species of plants and animals across Europe were strongly influenced by the last Ice Age around 20 000 years ago "As the Scandinavian ice sheet melted flora and fauna re-colonised northern Europe including Great Britain by a number of different routes from glacial refuges in south west and south east Europe and beyond " "When looking at the genetic make-up of ash trees across Europe in papers published in 2004 and 2006 the majority of native British ash trees have a similar genetic makeup to those found in Spain and Portugal indicating a south west re-colonisation route "In contrast the DNA of ash populations from northern central Europe including those from Denmark indicate a re-colonisation from a glacial refuge somewhere in south east Europe " The different genetic make-up of the majority of British trees to those currently being decimated across Northern Europe he claims could alter the affect the disease has on British trees "Current evidence suggests that the majority of native British trees are of a different genetic origin which may be less susceptible to the disease "From the research I revisited it looks like ash populations along the eastern coastal counties of England populations currently being affected by dieback in the UK - might be of the same genetic stock as those from Denmark This should come as no great surprise as many species re-colonised the British Isles by two different routes including the natterjack toad " As these ash trees seem to share their genetic lineage with the trees of Northern Europe it may be why they are being similarly affected by the disease "We cannot know for sure what affect ash dieback may have on native British ash trees going forward but the south-western European lineage of the majority of the British trees may make them less susceptible to this terrible disease " Dr Graham Rowe is a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Ecology and Programme Leader of the University of Derby s BSc (Hons) Biology degree For more information on this course and related courses visit: www derby ac uk/science/courses/science/natural/conservation-biology-ecosystems NOTES TO EDITOR Original research carried out by: Heuertz Myriam et al (2004) Chloroplast DNA variation and postglacial re-colonisation of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in Europe published in Molecular Ecology Volume 13 3437 - 3452 Heuertz Myriam et al (2004) Nuclear microsatellites reveals contrasting patterns of genetic structure between western and southeastern European populations of the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) published in Evolution Volume 58 976 - 988 Heuertz Myriam et al (2006) Chloroplast DNA phylogeography of European ashes Fraxinus sp (Oleaceae): roles of hybridization and life history traits published in Molecular Ecology Volume 15 2131-2140 Graham Rowe co-authored the first textbook on Molecular Ecology: Beebee T J C and Rowe G (2008) Introduction to Molecular Ecology Oxford University Press Second edition

Dojo Delight For Martial Artists 6 February 2009 Martial artists in Buxton are set to follow in the footsteps of some of the world s famous martial artists including Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin - by practising their moves in a new dojo Dojo is Japanese for place of the Tao which refers to the formal gathering place for students for martial arts The University of Derby has just opened a new facility in the town for its exponents Judo expert Putin is president of the Yawara Dojo in St Petersberg where he practised when he was young He still takes part in the discipline and is now a sixth Dan The University hopes its own dedicated dojo will inspire some of the emerging artists of tomorrow to hone their skills and rise to the top of their practice The University s dojo which is based at the Harpur Hill site in Buxton will be used primarily by students on the Martial Arts Theory and Practice degree course but also by students on other sports programmes The dojo will also be used to run workshops for the local community and to host guest demonstrations from visiting martial arts experts Charles Spring Programme Leader for the Joint Honours Martial Arts Theory and Practice degree and sports related courses at the University of Derby said: "The new dojo will enable our students to immerse themselves in their studies and gain valuable experiential learning in a way that has not been possible until now "This new facility means that we ll be able to deliver the modules is a much more focussed way and it means that the students will be able to book the space to run their own sessions and train when they want to " Historically dojos were joined to temples and they often observe strict rules of etiquette Charles added: "Until now we ve had to pack the equipment away between sessions but having the dojo as a dedicated space means we can leave the mats on the ground and the equipment is always to hand giving us more flexibility and access to learn and teach "We will be able to structure our teaching more effectively now and invite guest instructors to do workshops and demonstrations " The Martial Arts programme is in its fourth year and is continuing to gain recognition at home and abroad Many of the students studying on the programme compete at a high level in disciplines such as Tae Kwondo Thai Boxing different styles of Kung Fu and Judo It s their hope that the new facility will give them a place to hone their skills and develop their competitive edge Jason Harrison a student on the Joint Honours in Martial Arts and Holistic Sports Therapy said: "Having the new dojo will improve the course loads It will give us a space to help condition ourselves and prepare for the arts as well as providing a place to train and learn different disciplines " Students on the Joint Honours in Martial Arts Theory and Practice explore different aspects of philosophical thinking linking religion philosophy and modern martial arts They focus on child protection motivational techniques and the evolution of modern martial arts They build a deep knowledge and understanding of the martial arts industry and gain an awareness of how martial arts can be applied in a variety of settings -endsFor further media information please Annabel Harvey 01332 593004 or email at a harvey@derby ac uk or Simon Redfern 01332 591942 s redfern@derby ac uk

Dome Hosts High Sheriff Reception 12 July 2012 The Devonshire Dome in Buxton played host on Wednesday 4 July to the annual High Sheriff of Derbyshire Reception where High Sheriff Alan Woods welcomed around 500 guests from across the county to the home of the University of Derby Buxton and Buxton College The guest list covered all walks of life from the armed forces and police to education and law and charities and the business world All were treated to an array of canapés prepared and served by College and University students as part of the real-world approach to learning that is championed at the Buxton campus High Sheriff of Derbyshire Alan Woods said: "It was a wonderful evening in a spectacular setting It was always my wish to host the reception at the Dome Not only is it an iconic building in its own right but being situated in Buxton gave us a wonderful opportunity to showcase that part of the county which many people often don t get the chance to visit Furthermore as a former Chair of the Governing Council it was a fitting way for me to help mark the University s 20th Anniversary " John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "It was an honour for us to host the High Sheriff and a fantastic experience for our students to cater for such a prestigious event They did themselves and the University proud "

Don't freak out over Heartbleed bug 11 April 2014 Computing experts at the University of Derby have urged web users not to panic over concerns their online passwords have been hacked Security specialists this week said computers are vulnerable to the Heartbleed bug and are actively being targeted online Web developers and blogging platforms such as Tumblr have advised people to change all their passwords in an attempt to protect them from fraud But James Eaglesfield Service Improvement and Governance Manager at the University Of Derby says there is no need to change all passwords in a blind panic He said: "The Heartbleed bug exposes websites that use a popular encryption technology to malicious attacks and some passwords — and personal data — may well have been compromised "The vulnerable software OpenSSL is used to encrypt something like two-thirds of all sites on the web and sites such as Yahoo email and Tumblr were vulnerable as was the popular dating site OkCupid "It s tempting to freak out and change all your passwords immediately but there s no point in doing so before the sites you use are fixed or else someone could just steal your new password "If one of the sites you use is vulnerable make sure all other sites you use have unique passwords Many hackers will try to get into your other accounts using the one password they ve found because they know how lazy we are about coming up with new passwords "At this point it s more prudent to wait for good news first Once you ve got the okay take this opportunity to make your passwords extra secure" He also gives some general advice and tips on passwords: Don t choose one obv ous y assoc ated w th you - hackers can f nd out a ot about you from soc a med a; To make your password more secure choose words that don t appear n a d ct onary hackers can eas y reverse eng neer your password; Use a m xture of unusua characters - uppercase, owercase, numer ca and non-numer ca characters such as #@?$; Never use the same password tw ce - f hackers comprom se one system you do not want them hav ng the key to un ock a your other accounts; Keep them safe y - w th mu t p e passwords t s tempt ng to wr te them down and carry them around w th you. It s better to use some form of secure password vau t. For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Dorothy Heathcote: An Obituary 11 October 2011 The University of Derby was saddened to hear of the death of Dorothy Heathcote a world-renowned teacher and one of its Honorary Doctors of Education Dorothy died last Saturday (October 8) aged 85 as the result of a blood disorder In a long career she revolutionised the use of drama in education through a variety of pioneering techniques Born on August 29 1926 a remarkable life saw her leave school at 14-years-old to work in a Yorkshire wool mill and later train as an actress before realizing her true vocation lay in education By the age of 24 she was a Lecturer at Durham University s Newcastle-upon-Tyne campus

Educational vision Much as she enjoyed acting her vision extended beyond the stage to the use of theatre as an educational construct and a means for people to use drama as a means of exploring and understanding the world Dorothy remained at Newcastle when it became a university in its own right in 1962 Her openness of spirit and radical teaching approach drew a stream of postgraduate students to Newcastle; many of whom where welcomed into the home she shared with her husband Raymond and daughter Marianne Dorothy s approach to drama practice shifted the teacher from being an instructor to the role of coach facilitator and fellow artist; recognising the advantages of a co-creative process in which learners are empowered The new terminology she created such as teacher in and out of role and rolling role is now part of the canon for drama teaching world-wide

Global Career She worked with children young people teachers and students across the globe; from South African townships to New Zealand Maori communities to UK inner city areas and USA borstal institutions Her pioneering methods in the use of dramatic reconstructions also saw her work with trainers at major organisations such as British Gas Volkswagen UK and the Crown Prosecution Service However wherever Dorothy was in the world she always tried to catch the earliest flight home Her heart was first and foremost with her family Apart from the Honorary Doctorate of Education award she received from the University of Derby in 2007 Dorothy s work was recognised in many other ways She also received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne was the subject of a BBC documentary film and frequently received invitations to speak at prestigious international events

MBE Award Dorothy was awarded an MBE in the Queen s Birthday Honours list in June (2011) which her family will now accept for her at Buckingham Palace in December Addressing a gathering of teachers she reportedly once remarked: "I shall look forward to death " When people gasped she added cheerily that this was not in any morbid sense but as being "the greatest and most mysterious adventure of all" A celebration of Dorothy Heathcote s life will be held at 1pm on Sunday December 11 at St Werburgh s Church Church Street Spondon Derby Those who knew her are welcome to come along but it would be appreciated if those attending could notify Dorothy s daughter Marianne via email: mariannekevin@yahoo co uk

Double Delight For Derby Fashion At National Contest 17 February 2014 Creative designs by two University of Derby Fashion students hit the catwalk of a prestigious annual British competition - with one scooping the top prize Joshua Swinnerton (who goes by the name Jos) a final year student on Derby s BA (Hons) Fashion Studies degree course won the Young Designer of the Year award at the annual St Andrews Charity Fashion Show the finals of which were held at St Andrews University in Scotland on Saturday night (February 15) His fellow Derby Fashion Studies student Lyndsay Hazlewood 22 was also one of just five finalists shortlisted from hundreds of original entries All the young designers collections were based around the theme of Bright Young Things after the partying young socialites of the 1920s and 30s written about by Evelyn Waugh with Jos s work judged the winner It is the second year running that a Derby student has reached the finals of the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show which in 22 years has raised more than £300 000 for good causes Last year (2013) Derby Fashion Studies student Courtney Blades also featured in the finalists catwalk show Jos 23 originally from Freehay Stoke-on-Trent said: "The style I went in for within the Bright Young Things theme was very bohemian It s a little like the way Tom Baker the fourth Dr Who dressed "I was really surprised to find that I had won All the other finalists including my fellow Derby student Lyndsay also had strong collections " Fiona Hawthorne Senior Lecturer for BA (Hons) Fashion Studies at the University of Derby added: "For a University Fashion course s students to be finalists in this major annual contest two years in a row and then see two of its students as finalists in one year is remarkable "I am particularly pleased that one of our male students Jos won this year s competition It shows any men out there interested in Fashion that it s very much a career for both sexes " To find out more about the University of Derby s Fashion degree courses see website www derby ac uk/arts For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Double glory for Derby in national student accommodation survey 23 July 2014 Accommodation services at the University of Derby have scooped two awards and been shortlisted for a third in a survey of thousands of students in more than 200 UK universities and colleges The National Student Housing Survey (NSHS) is an annual survey of students in higher education across the UK conducted by independent agency Red Brick Research It asks them how satisfied they are on a range of issues with regards to all types of accommodation (including rented private housing and halls of residence) allowing participating institutions to measure performance against national and regional benchmarks Around 19 000 students responded to the 2014 survey - with the University of Derby achieving among the best results of any institution Derby topped the survey s categories for: Best Customer Service - Awarded to the un vers ty or pr vate ha prov der ach ev ng the h ghest eve s of customer serv ce. Best Environmental Management - Awarded to the un vers ty or pr vate ha prov der w th the best recyc ng and env ronmenta fac t es. The University was also one of two runners up in the Best Student Broadband category for the supplier of the broadband service with the highest satisfaction rating (This was won by Northumbria University) Mark Travers Operations Director for Derbyshire Student Residences Ltd (the University s accommodation company) said: "A lot of students took part in the National Student Housing Survey and I m delighted to see that the University of Derby s accommodation services are held in such high esteem particularly in the area of customer service "We have been working very closely with Customer Plus the Derbyshire-based customer experience consultancy to improve the way we treat our student customers and this has obviously been recognised by them "We have a good team of halls managers office staff caretakers and maintenance crews residential assistants and community supervisors who do their best to ensure students live in good University accommodation " Angie Dunkley DSRL Customer Services Manager added: "We re so proud of winning the Best Customer Service award Following on from our Accommodating People change programme which we ran last year in conjunction with Customer Plus we re now starting to see the benefits of our hard work " The University and Customer Plus jointly won a Bronze award in the Customer Service Training Programme of the Year (General) category of the 2014 National Customer Service Training Awards for its staff training programme For more information about halls of residence and other accommodation services at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/student-accommodation For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Dr Who Talk Proves Out Of This World 20 November 2013

He is the Doctor! Well Dr Ian Turner University of Derby Assistant Head of Biological and Forensic Science and longtime fan of the Time Lord Just ahead of Dr Who s secrets being revealed in this Saturday s (November 23) eagerly awaited 50th anniversary edition of the BBC TV show Ian entertained and informed with a free public talk last night (Tuesday November 19) entitled The Science of Dr Who at The Courtroom at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby Dressed as the current Doctor (played by actor Matt Smith) Ian discussed time travel alien life and the character s regular regenerations Children and adults in the audience got into the sci-fi swing of things by dressing as the show s many heroes and villains For a photo slideshow of the fun evening click on the link below BBC One will screen the 50th anniversary show The Day of the Doctor at 7 50pm on Saturday There are currently no images here

Drama graduates help youngsters to tackle bullying 19 March 2014 Drama graduates from the University of Derby have been inspiring young people to tackle bullying in schools Jamie Hind Philippa Buchanan Lauren Morton and Rachael Hammond who formed the Discovery Team Theatre Company after finishing their degrees in 2013 have just completed their first professional monthlong tour of primary schools The company was awarded £16 000 worth of funding from the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner to tour their piece The Dilemmas of Pirates which they performed to more than 1 200 Derbyshire-based primary school children The group is hoping to have made a real impact on the young people showing them the impact of gang culture not only on themselves but the outside community leaving them empowered to make the right decisions and knowing who can help them Lauren of Discovery Team Theatre said: "Bullying is a real problem and can have a long-lasting effect on young people We want to raise awareness and find solutions through the arts "We used our performances to take the children on a journey introducing them to characters that have been the victims of theft and letting them decide whether the victims get their possessions back or not "This allowed the children to see the consequences of their actions played out in front of them They then looked deeper into the subject of gangs looking at why people join gangs what happens and who influences the choices we make "We had some brilliant responses from children such as just because you are bad it doesn t mean you can t change I realised our gang is wrong and I want to leave and it has made me think about how I have been treating others "It is amazing to be given the opportunity to use the arts to make a positive effect on the lives of young children and also the Derbyshire community " Jamie Philippa Lauren and Rachael were Creative Expressive Therapy Joint Honours Degree students who took Theatre Arts applied drama modules at the University-run Derby Theatre During their studies the four were part of a year group which put together a programme to tour schools which ranged from tackling issues such as self-harm mental health issues peer pressure and bullying across Derbyshire working with more than 600 young people They decided to stay together after graduating and joined the Derby Theatre graduate theatre scheme where they are now mentored and supported to continue to develop as artists as well as running the Discovery Team Theatre The interactive piece they performed which is aimed at Years 5 and 6 looked at the impact of gangrelated anti-social behaviour on both individuals and the community and how children can take a stand against peer pressure Lauren added: "We were delighted to receive the backing of the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner at a time when funding towards the arts is being cut back The aim of the project is gang prevention and we hope that participating in the piece will enable children to recognise and avoid problematic situations that may arise in the future " For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Duke Installed As New University Chancellor 29 October 2008 Peregrine Cavendish CBE – The 12 h Duke of Devonshire – was officially installed as the new University of Derby Chancellor for the next five years at a colourful ceremony held at its Devonshire Campus in Buxton last night (Tuesday) Almost 400 people enjoyed the landmark event at the University of Derby Buxton as the Duke became the institution’s third Chancellor University of Derby honorary graduates such as former Wizzard frontman Roy Wood Heartbeat actress Gwen Taylor and renowned wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering were in the audience to enjoy one of the biggest events in the University calendar this year as the Duke of Devonshire took up his new role Guests from other higher education institutions at the event included Norman Askew Chair of Board of Governors University of Manchester; Professor Philip Jones Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University; and Professor David Greenaway Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham The Dome at the campus was brought to life not only by the visual grandeur of the event as dozens of guests wore robes of office to reflect their academic achievements but also by musical entertainment with performances from Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Brass Band and the award winning female four-part a capella harmony quartet Tone-Acity There was even more significance to last night’s event as proceedings took place under the Devonshire Campus’s Dome – a magnificent 19th century structure originally built to cover the exercise area outside the then Duke of Devonshire’s stables Speaking topically at the event the new Chancellor said: “Undoubtedly all universities will feel the impact of the global economic crisis and may face a difficult short term future “However instability in the sector could just be an opportunity – as well as a challenge – because Derby is a university which lives within its means and is well placed to weather a 12 to 24 month storm ” He added: “My new role is very exciting and interesting I feel that I have a lot to learn and I am sure I will learn a great deal What I like most about taking up this position is that the University is focused on Derbyshire – as am I ” The Duke takes over the position from Professor Leslie Wagner CBE who ceremonially handed over his ‘robes of office’ to the Duke The gown is a stunning black and gold creation with a colourful gilt panel which incorporates the University’s coat of arms across the upper back The Duke then signed the Great Book Professor Wagner was made an Honorary Doctor of the University for services to it and higher education In his career Professor Wagner has also been Vice-Chancellor at the University of North London and Leeds Metropolitan University and the inaugural chairman of the Higher Education Academy The new Chancellor also performed his first duty of office at the event He presented awards to the winners of the Chancellor’s Art Competition a contest open to the University’s partner schools and colleges in the Compact Scheme Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire mother of the new Chancellor was another guest at the event The Duke boasts a family connection with his Chatsworth Estate near Bakewell and with the county of Derbyshire dating back 500 years The role of Chancellor is an appointed honorary role The new Chancellor has a profound commitment to education business and the arts He becomes a figurehead for the University and will preside at meetings of the University Court which is a forum for the critical and supportive friends of the University Chancellors are appointed for a period of five years which is renewable by mutual agreement University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: “It was a fantastic evening: a superb event which was a mixture of celebration pomp and ceremony It was both light-hearted and inclusive and we were delighted that so many groups were among our guests ” Dianne Jeffrey Chair of Governing Council at the University of Derby said: “It’s a momentous occasion to install the 12 h Duke of Devonshire here in Buxton in the building that has such a long association with his family It is the dawn of a new era for us ” Outgoing Chancellor Professor Leslie Wagner CBE said: “It’s been a great evening because it reminds me of all the wonderful times I have had over my term as Chancellor I am sure the Duke of Devonshire will make a splendid Chancellor ” Honorary Graduate Gwen Taylor said: “I’m always enormously proud to be involved with what the University is doing It is always a joy I have been involved with one or two things for the University especially with the Vice-Chancellor John Coyne particularly in its scheme to award degree courses to people who have always wanted to get into higher education ” And another Honorary Graduate Roy Wood said: “I am honoured to be involved with this The Devonshire Campus is fantastic and I hope the Duke enjoys his new role – that would be my advice to him It gives him another gig!” -endsFor further media information please contact Sean Kirby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Duke of Devonshire Revealed As University’s New Chancellor 6 March 2008 The 12th Duke of Devonshire Peregrine Cavendish has been named as the University of Derby’s next Chancellor Current Chancellor Professor Leslie Wagner will complete his five-year term of office later this year He has held the post since November 2003 and oversaw significant growth not least the opening of the Devonshire Campus in Buxton in 2005 and that of the new Markeaton Street site by Sir Richard Branson last November The Duke can boast a family connection with his Chatsworth Estate near Bakewell and with the county of Derbyshire dating back almost 500 years Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University said the new Chancellor was seen as someone with a distinctive personality; an astute businessman and heavyweight figure who would bring gravitas to the prominent role The Vice-Chancellor added: “What we were looking for was someone well known who could be an ambassador figure for the University “The Duke is a person of substance who will resonate well with us being Derbyshire’s university ” “Chatsworth House his home is also one of the images most associated with Derbyshire in the minds of people both within and outside the county ” The Duke said for him the attraction of becoming the University’s Chancellor lay in the sense of excitement and achievement he has witnessed surrounding the institution He said: “I was extremely surprised but highly delighted to be approached to be Chancellor “There are many attractions to taking on the role not least that this is for Derbyshire’s University I was born and brought up in this county like a lot of the University’s own students and I am very proud of that fact ” The Duke particularly praised the way in which the opening of the University’s Devonshire Campus in Buxton in 2005 had reinvigorated the town near the Chatsworth Estate His father was twice Mayor of Buxton and in 2006 his mother the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Derby Buxton in recognition of her achievements as an entrepreneur businesswoman and author and for her service to Derbyshire The current Duke has not ruled out future opportunities for University students such as those on its Tourism Hospitality and Events Management courses working with his staff on the Chatsworth Estate “We do a lot of catering retail and conservation work here which will be of interest to students There’s nothing like having young people around sharing their ideas ” he added Having attended the University Awards Ceremonies in Derby in January he said he looked forward to attending the next graduation event as Chancellor - although he thought he might find the whole procedure “a bit nerve wracking” “I am pleased to have been selected as Chancellor although I strongly suspect that I will get more out of the relationship than the University will ” said the Duke modestly -endsFor further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

DVD Release For Lecturer's Re-edit Of Clive Barker Horror 24 July 2013 An acclaimed new version of horrormeister Clive Barker s cult film Nightbreed - directed by a University of Derby film lecturer - is to be released on DVD The re-edited and extended version of Barker s 1990 cult horror film about a mutant tribe with strange powers fighting the human authorities and a serial killer has won fans and critics acclaim since its 2012 release The film by Director Russell Cherrington Derby Lecturer in Film and Video Production and co-editor Jimmi Johnson - using re-edited footage found by Barker s production company Seraphim Films - has been screened at film festivals worldwide The DVD release of this new version - called Clive Barker's Nightbreed:The Cabal Cut - has just been announced at this year s San Diego Comic-Con International The famous comic horror and science-fiction festival is often used as a venue for announcements on new film releases It s hoped that the DVD version of the film will be released sometime next year (2014) by horror and science-fiction movie specialist Scream Factory Russell said: "The very first showing of this film was supported by the University of Derby s Research Fund and I have continued to receive support at all levels throughout the last 18 months of screenings I feel that the project has shown our students just what the film industry is about " Nightbreed:The Cabal Cut had its UK premiere at London s Empire Leicester Square in August 2012 when it was introduced by TV presenter Jonathon Ross Further news about the film can be found at its website at www occupymidian com To watch a trailer of the film online go to www youtube com/watch?v=CX0-AlytIXY For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Dyslexic's Research Set To Help Fellow Sufferers 15 June 2012 A University of Derby student inspired by her own experience to examine the challenges dyslexic students face at University was surprised and delighted to see her research published in a top psychological journal BSc (Hons) Psychology graduate Julianne Kinder 41 from Belper struggled with reading and writing throughout school but was only diagnosed with dyslexia after she began an Access to Higher Education course at the University of Derby in 2006 Although she received support throughout her studies Julianne still faced daily challenges producing written assignments On discovering there was a gap in knowledge about this particular aspect of the condition she embarked on a study investigating how dyslexic students approach written university assignments The original study completed as her final year dissertation was accepted into the prestigious British Journal of Educational Psychology and published this month (June 2012) Julianne said: "Dyslexia is best known as a disability affecting reading but it has important and less wellunderstood implications for writing especially at university level where a far higher standard of writing ability is required I frequently struggled especially when trying to explain in writing things I had read or previously written "To investigate dyslexic students challenges in writing I compared dyslexic with non-dyslexic students on measures such as their confidence in writing sense of authorship and approach to writing I then conducted in-depth interviews with some dyslexic students to explore their experiences in more detail " The study identified a number of key disadvantages faced by dyslexic students compared with their nondyslexic peers Dyslexic students had significantly lower levels of confidence in writing and understanding of authorship In particular the findings highlighted some key aspects of academic writing that could be focused on in developing new services to support dyslexic students; such as improving dyslexic students knowledge of how to avoid plagiarism which the study showed could be a particular issue for them Professor James Elander Head of the University's Centre for Psychological Research and co-author of the study said: "We are proud and delighted that Julianne s study has been published in such an esteemed academic journal It is an exceptional achievement as undergraduate research is rarely accepted "I hope that the findings of Julianne s study will be heard and taken onboard by higher education institutions As universities become even more focused on supporting student learning and enabling students with disabilities to achieve their academic potential this is the type of research that is needed to guide the development of better support strategies for dyslexia " For more information on studying Psychology at the University of Derby visit the website www derby ac uk/psychology For the full paper visit website http://onlinelibrary wiley com/doi/10 1111/bjep 2011 82 issue-2/issuetoc

Education Studies Lecturer Praised For Local Charity Contributions 21 January 2014 Jennifer Marshall Lecturer in Education Studies has received praise from The Derby Refugee Forum for her contributions to the local charity Jennifer s help included organising a donation drive with Education Studies staff and students who donated over 12 bags worth of gifts for the charity The gifts went on to make Christmas Care packages for Derby refugees which included necessities such as food toiletries hats and gloves along with chocolates and other treats Jennifer said "Many refugees and asylum seekers are far away from home which can be very lonely and isolating especially at Christmas The gifts are just a token to let them know that as a community we care about them "As a team we would like to continue to provide this support every year " A cheesecake sale was also on offer with all proceeds going towards the charity Jennifer s efforts to help refugees in the Derby area during the harsh winter were commended by the charity The Derby Refugee Forum is a Derby- based charity that helps refugees and asylum seekers access essential services and adapt to life in a new country This includes sheltering them and providing them with support food and living essentials For more information about the charity or for ways in which people can help visit website

Emmanuel’s Barefoot Expedition For Africa 13 June 2008 University of Derby graduate Emmanuel Neba Fuh s challenge to walk barefoot from Derby to 10 Downing Street begins next week to raise the issue of human rights violations in Africa He has also vowed to walk across Africa barefoot in 2009 collecting a million signatures from African citizens for a treaty which aims to prevent African leaders staying in power for more than ten years Emmanuel and supporters from the Derby For Africa Initiative will leave from the Derby City Council offices in Corporation Street at 11am on Monday It will take an estimated 17 days with Emmanuel s team hoping to walk 10 miles each day arriving at 10 Downing Street on July 2 also accounting for some rest period One of Derby City Council councillors Pauline Latham CBE will walk the first mile with the group to show her support The member of Amnesty International community worker and winner of the Community Service for Volunteers’ 2005 Year of the Volunteers’ National Award (Partnership Category) hopes to raise the international profile of human rights issues in Africa and push for real democratic change through his exploits Emmanuel 34 was forced to flee from his home country Cameroon after peaceful political protests which he says put his life in danger He has since transformed his life in the UK becoming a graduate community worker and father-of-three living in Derby He is now supporting the Movement Against Genocide in Africa campaign being supported by agencies and key figureheads in Derby including leaders of faith groups headteachers and the Mayor of Derby Councillor Pauline Latham Emmanuel said: “I have seen first hand some of the atrocities in Africa which forced me to leave the country “I have gained so much confidence from my degree at Derby as well as my work with varied communities and agencies and I feel ready and able to inspire voiceless Africans to have a new sense of dignity and destiny “Many doors opened to me when I won the CSV National Award I have made valuable contacts with people who can help make a difference and gather momentum behind our campaign “I will have to walk many miles barefoot but I am prepared for the challenge to highlight the suffering of many people Too many leaders have been in for too long “They stifle democracy and change Something has to be done in support of millions of destitute Africans who have become refugees in their own country They are hungry for justice and thirsty for better opportunities ” The Derby For Africa Initiative hopes to bring together supporters and representatives from public private and voluntary sectors There will be guest speakers and performances from African groups Emmanuel said: “The aim is to have a single voice behind the initiative which according to many people has great potential It will be an opportunity for many people in the city who have learnt of the genocides in Africa from newspapers to get involved and make a difference “Above all the enormous international attention the project might receive will boost Derby’s position in world issues My decision to walk barefoot rather than in shoes aims to challenge people from this country to look differently at the whole human rights issue and compel them to act and not just to observe ” As well as studying for a BA (Hons) in Applied Community Work and Social Care degree and raising a young family (children Nuriah four Morena two and Noah eight months) Emmanuel served as Chairman of the Derby Refugee Forum was a member of the Derby Community Safety Partnership Derby Minority Ethnic Advisory Council and the Derby Holocaust memorial team As Amnesty International UK section speaker for schools colleges and universities in the East Midlands Emmanuel makes a huge positive impact on young people s perceptions of refugees and asylum seekers He recently joined the Derbyshire Constabulary Independent Advisory Group Read more about the initiative and find out Emmanuel s planned route at www derbyforafrica org -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Emmerdale Characters’ Excesses Fuel ‘Drink Safe’ Message 27 December 2008 Are the Dingles drinking too much and should The Woolpack inn’s regulars make it a mineral water over the festive season to set an example? That’s the question posed by the research of Tom Craig University of Derby Lecturer in BA (Hons) Film and Video Production to support a drink awareness campaign over the Christmas and New Year period Tom was asked to closely study the drinking habits of characters’ in Yorkshire-based TV soap series Emmerdale over a typical month The research is part of The Great Drink Debate a Yorkshire and Humber health initiative to canvass public views on alcohol As a man of means millionaire Donald De Souza was revealed as Emmerdale’s worst individual boozer His total consumption over the observed month came to 26 9 units or 13 drinks with whiskey making up two-thirds of that amount Tom prepared a drinker’s profile for each of the 37 characters he observed while watching four weeks of the soap or 20 episodes of Emmerdale between October 27 and November 11 this year (2008) He was asked to record how much and what the characters drank whether they were drinking alone at home or socialising at The Woolpack inn at what time of day and what negative effects if any their tipple had on them The Government recently identified nine types of “problem drinker” – including depressed community and macho – as part of its alcohol awareness campaign Tom’s profile of Donald De Souza classes him as a depressive/de-stressing drinker who drinks alone more than at the pub – which was borne out when the character (played by actor Michael Jayston) drank heavily after an argument with Matthew King regarding his daughter suffered a heart attack and died His excess makes the De Souzas – Donald Nicola and Anna – Emmerdale’s most alcoholic family consuming 50 9 units over the month or 25 drinks They are followed by the Dingles – Debbie Marlon Sam Eli Chastity and Lisa – on 47 4 units or 22 drinks The almost teetotallers – doing little for The Woolpack’s profits at just one low units drink over the month researched – included Debbie Dingle Jake Doland Scarlett Nicholls and Douglas Potts Beer and whiskey are revealed as the favourite tipples of the long running soap’s male characters with mostly wine for the ladies Tom Craig said: “Even though the results are merely a snapshot of fictitious characters during an eventful period three characters were involved in serious incidents directly caused by alcohol “This included Jamie Hope (played by Alex Carter) falling off a dry stone wall and banging his head Andy Sugden (played by Kelvin Fletcher) having an altercation with Daz and even the unfortunate Donald de Souza who died following a heavy binge ” Dr Paul Johnstone from The GreatDrinkDebate co uk added: “Going to the pub is one of the Yorkshire region’s favourite hobbies – and clearly many of the residents of Beckindale agree The analysis of our very own Yorkshire-based soap makes for interesting reading ”

The Emmerdale drinkers’ league in full (based on the number of units consumed over the test month rather than number of drinks) is: Debbie Dingle – 1.8 units/1 drink L y Butterf e d – 2 un ts/2 dr nks Jake Do and – 2.3 un ts/1 dr nk Scar ett N cho s – 2.3 un ts/1 dr nk Doug as Potts – 2.3 un ts/1 dr nk D ane Sugden – 2.3 un ts/1 dr nk Ash ey Thomas – 2.3 un ts/1 dr nk A an Turner – 2.3 un ts/1 dr nk Betty Eag eton – 3.7 un ts/2 dr nks Jo Sugden – 3.7 un ts/2 dr nks Lou se App eton – 4.6 un ts/2 dr nks V ctor a Sugden – 5.4 un ts/3 dr nks Va Po ard – 5.7 un ts/3 dr nks Mar on D ng e – 5.9 un ts/3 dr nks J mmy K ng – 6 un ts/3 dr nks Sam D ng e – 6.9 un ts/3 dr nks Jasm ne Thomas – 6.9 un ts/3 dr nks Edna B rch – 7.9 un ts/4 dr nks Jam e Hope – 8.4 un ts/1 dr nk Bob Hope – 8.5 un ts/5 dr nks E D ng e – 8.7 un ts/4 dr nks Paddy K rk – 8.7 un ts/5 dr nks Er c Po ard – 8.8 un ts/5 dr nks Terry Woods – 9 un ts/5 dr nks N co a De Souza – 9.2 un ts/4 dr nks Chast ty D ng e – 10.3 un ts/5 dr nks Brenda Wa ker – 10.6 un ts/5 dr nks Car K ng – 13.4 un ts/7 dr nks L sa D ng e –13.8 un ts/6 dr nks Rodney B ackstock – 13.9 un ts/8 dr nks Daz Eden – 14.5 un ts/8 dr nks Anna De Souza –14.8 un ts/8 dr nks Matthew K ng – 20.3 un ts/10 dr nks Dav d Metca f – 20.7 un ts/9 dr nks Shane Doy e – 20.8 un ts/9 dr nks Andy Sugden – 22.3 un ts/5 dr nks Donald De Souza – 26.9 units/13 drinks. The Great Drink Debate is a three-month regional campaign collecting local views on alcohol – it is the biggest ever survey of its kind in the region Launched by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Alcohol Group its findings will be used to help develop future government policies into the way alcohol is marketed distributed and consumed For further information about The Great Drink Debate telephone: 0113 243 1117 and ask for Will Nick or Adrian or email: greatdrinkdebate@lucrecommunications com For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Employment Skills Set For Boost At New University Technical College 28 March 2013 A University Technical College to develop engineering and technology skills in young people - run by the University of Derby Derby College and an employer group including Rolls-Royce - has received Government approval The Department for Education announced today (Thursday March 28) that the partnership s bid for University Technical College (UTC) status - submitted last year (2012) after consultation with businesses schools and other stakeholders - had been granted The partnership includes the University Derby College Rolls-Royce Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd and Derby City Council The UTC is set to open in September 2014 In collaboration with local stakeholders and employers concerned with the education and training of young people aged 14 to 19 it will provide normal curriculum studies alongside engineering and technology skills promotion

Vocational Study Students aged 14 and upwards will study engineering alongside core GCSE subjects of English Maths Science ICT and a modern language Their programmes will also include skills such as health and safety business studies entrepreneurship financial practices and will include valuable work placement and internship opportunities The UTC will have specialist status for engineering and science It will develop as a specialist education centre in advanced manufacturing product design and materials science with a specific focus on advanced composites and sustainability in engineering A key factor in forming the plans for the UTC has been the East Midlands Skills Priorities Statement (a regularly updated strategy detailing the employment skills needing to be developed to support the region s long term economy) The Statement has identified priority industry sectors for Derby and Derbyshire to include aerospace automotive defence marine and rail; as well as a need to train young people in technician and management level skills to address potential future skills gaps due to sectors aging workforces Research has also shown training will increasingly need to support manufacturing companies in adopting new technologies and moving towards more efficient and environmentally sensitive processes

Engineering Links Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "The University of Derby has a growing School of Technology and has worked with RollsRoyce throughout our life as a higher education institution The University also has links with all the major engineering businesses in the region and is investing heavily at present in its capabilities "Together with our ongoing partnership in Derby s new Innovation Campus at the heart of the Global Technology Cluster (which recently received backing from the Regional Growth Fund) this newly announced University Technical College will be an important component in securing the city s future as a centre for advanced manufacturing " Derby College Principal Mandie Stravino added: "The focus of the UTC would be on preparing young people to enter the engineering and technology sector; an area which is already very successful at the College post-16 "The new UTC will build on this experience and the expertise of partner organisations to enable us to provide a broad range of provision based around core curriculum subjects and specialist technical skills development "Employer partners will provide real context for project work invention and enterprise and engage with teachers in designing learning activities and assessing pupil performance We believe that this project will create remarkable life chances for young people in the Derbyshire area giving them the life and work skills they will need to progress into successful careers and further studies " The University Technical College will be located alongside Derby College Work to prepare the site ahead of its September 2014 opening will begin in the near future Graham Schuhmacher Head of Development Services for Rolls-Royce said: "Like many hi-tech companies Rolls-Royce relies on a strong pipeline of people with science and engineering qualifications We work with partners and education establishments around the world in order to promote STEM (science technology engineering and maths) subjects and enthuse young people about the exciting careers they can have "We are pleased that the Derby Manufacturing UTC' has been approved by the Government It will give more people the opportunity to develop the foundations required to succeed in science and engineering and will be of benefit to the wider supply chain across the region " Councilllor Martin Rawson Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People commented: "Derby City Council is pleased that the UTC has been approved The Council will continue working in partnership with local providers businesses and industry to ensure students have the best educational life chances available to them " Derby s UTC is one of 13 new colleges announced by the Government today Schools Minister Lord Nash said of the announcement: "I am delighted with the very strong field of UTC proposals we are progressing to the next stage The growing number of top employers and universities involved in UTCs underlines the importance of making rigorous technical education an option for young people "It is vitally important that young people have the skills and experience wanted by employers both for their own prosperity and to help us compete in the global race " For further press information about the University of Derby please contact Sean Kirby University Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk For information about Derby College please contact Sarah Jenkin-Jones Derby College PR Officer on 07951 945665 or email: sarah jenkin-jones@derby-college ac uk For information about Rolls-Royce Group plc contact Stephanie Watters Communications Business Partner on 020 7227 9140 or mobile 078 2460 7328 or email: stephanie watters@rolls-royce com

Empty Homes Refit For Greener Future 26 November 2010 A new research project aims to help cut the numbers of vacant and derelict properties regenerate impoverished city areas and reduce carbon emissions In national Empty Homes Week 2010 this week 21-27 November the University of Derby University of Lincoln and architectural design practice EKV Design Ltd of Derby are announcing the launch of their joint Retro-Tek project It will use their combined expertise to address design and procurement issues around empty homes whilst at the same time refurbishing them to a high sustainable standard Bringing them back into use will also aid the UK s commitment to reduce its level of polluting carbon gas emissions by 80% by 2050 Around 65% of the UK s approximately 26million households were built more than 50 years ago and 80% of that housing stock will still be here in 40 years time England has more than 600 000 empty homes of those approximately 62 134 are in the East Midlands (according to the national Empty Homes Agency) Refurbishing such properties rather than building new - and at the same time fitting them with modern energy saving water and other environmental solutions - would aid the UK s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions It is impossible to achieve this Government target through new build properties alone But there are complex issues surrounding the sustainable retro-fitting of empty properties; ranging from design procurement legal and finance matters to the potential health and wellbeing of the people who will eventually live in such highly insulated homes Dr Boris Ceranic - Programme Leader for Architectural Courses at the University of Derby s Faculty of Art Design and Technology - leads the Retro-Tek project team looking into this issue He said: "Empty homes are certainly a persistent issue and we must persevere in finding a solution It is socially economically environmentally and morally wrong to have such a large stock of empty houses "The Retro-Tek research project has brought together a large consortium of experts with the aim of addressing the design and procurement issues around empty homes; whilst at the same time refurbishing them to a high sustainable standard to bring them back into use and contribute to the 2050 target " The University s academic staff are supported in the project by its business-to-business arm University of Derby Corporate Retro-Tek is currently supported by the Sustainable Construction i-Net; funded through the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) and the European Regional Development Fund The i-Net initiative aims to develop new and sustainable technologies in the region for the construction industry Colin Bridges Architectural Technologist at EKV Design Ltd said: "Designers manufacturers and construction research institutes have worked hard to develop the products and techniques to retro-fit existing buildings to a highly sustainable standard The only issue that remains is how to incorporate this technology into the housing stock "The problem occurs with the disruption associated with a major retro-fit such as removing plaster demolishing dividing walls insulating floors etc and the effect to the existing occupier I and my colleague Joe Grey at EKV Design Ltd have recognised that the most ideal opportunity is to do this is with the existing empty houses " Professor Derek Cottrell Head of the Lincoln School of Architecture at the University of Lincoln added: "We are delighted to be involved in this project and to work in partnership with colleagues at the University of Derby and EKV Design "The project has given us the opportunity to make links with local authority landlords and registered social landlords in Lincolnshire to identify case studies of housing stock in both urban and rural locations These partners will be working with us on the testing of a questionnaire with existing and potential future tenants as we are keen to put an occupier perspective at the centre of this work "The Retro-Tek project fits well with the focus of the School s research We will be making links with related areas of enquiry such as flood and water risk management and its impact on the planning and landscape development in Lincolnshire " David Wallace - Director of Innovation at EMDA which funds iNet - said: "The Retro-Tek project is an example of best practice demonstrating that vacant and derelict properties can be brought up to the standard required to enable them to meet today s carbon reduction standards "It is one of the many groundbreaking projects that the Sustainable Construction iNet is supporting ensuring that the East Midlands remains at the forefront of construction technologies " For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Engineer Tom Is Keeping Trains In Tip-top Condition 16 January 2014 Rail safety is being kept on track by an engineer graduating at this week s University of Derby Award Ceremonies Tom Bonnett 29 of Coxbench Derbyshire will graduate with a 2:1 Class BEng (Hons) in Motorsport Engineering degree at the University s Awards Ceremonies at the Derby Assembly Rooms this week (January 15-17) Soon after completing his degree last summer (2013) Tom began working as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer at MRX Technologies Ltd in Derby The company is part of the JRB Engineering Group; with an office in Perth Western Australia and agents in Hong Kong and South Africa It designs installs and conducts tests using equipment to test rail track alignment train parts wearing and other mechanical aspects of the railways infrastructure Tom did an initial one-year Foundation Programme at the University of Derby as he didn t have A-level qualifications to then enable him to progress onto the three year BEng (Hons) in Motorsport Engineering degree He completed his course last summer (2013) He said: "I ve always preferred the more hands on side of engineering so my role at MRX Technologies is a good mix for me of office and on-site work "Within the same week I might be designing a system using laser camera technology which enables a train depot to scan and measure wear on trains brake pads without the engine having to stop and then be installing a similar system on-site somewhere else " For more information about Motorsport Engineering at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/courses/motorsport-engineering-beng-hons

Engineering Institute All Set To Build New Hi-Tech Businesses 23 October 2013 A cutting edge engineering institute set up by the University of Derby will be creating new hi-tech start-up businesses within five years says its Director The Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) was set-up earlier this year (2013) at the former Victorian mill building of Lonsdale House on Quaker Way north-west of Derby city centre It is currently being refurbished and will eventually contain some of the most advanced engineering equipment and processes in the country When it officially opens in spring next year (2014) the Institute will accommodate specialist resources for advanced manufacturing product design and development and electronic solutions It will support ongoing engagement with local industrial partners based on a solid foundation of research and development and will provide an Active Learning Laboratory for innovative and creative teaching and learning The Institute s Director - Professor Richard Hall - anticipates that within the first five years enterprising staff and students working at the facility will be setting up their own spin-off companies to advance engineering progress in the power automotive and aerospace sectors; with these start-ups then benefitting local industry Professor Hall who has worked with high value manufacturing businesses across the world said: "The Institute s mission is right there in its name; to help companies innovate and improve their supply chains and to do this in a sustainable way "Our biggest global challenges are those of finite resources and minimising our environmental impact The Institute will focus on creating new components and processes which use resources more efficiently and can be more easily recycled Companies that innovate with sustainability in mind will be increasingly more competitive in world markets "Along the way the resources we have at the Institute will feed directly into the teaching of the University s students When they leave us they will have the skills employers need and will already be used to working with the very latest technological equipment " Specialist equipment - including 3D printers able to recreate physical objects and components from computer generated models complete with moving parts made from a variety of materials - have already been installed at Lonsdale House These technologies are stimulating a revolution in product development and manufacturing and are becoming more affordable for all to benefit The University is also working closely with Derby City Council and local trade bodies and is a supporting partner for the new Innovation Centre at the Infinity Park near Sinfin Derby For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Enriching Classroom Experiences In The Gambia 7 March 2008 University of Derby academics and students are involved in two separate and equally exciting initiatives to help transform the learning experiences of schoolchildren in the African nation of The Gambia BEd Programme Leader Fiona Shelton and colleagues within the School of Education have just returned from an aid trip to the country where they have also promoted a range of holistic education techniques Meanwhile students and staff on the BSc (Hons) Third World Development Studies and BSc (Hons) Geography course under the direction of senior lecturer Dr Franc Jegede are appealing for teaching aids they can take on their next trip to the country on March 25 Here are more details about each initiative:

Fiona Shelton Teacher Education lecturer Fiona Shelton her students and University Classroom Services manager Tony Waldron in conjunction with Kniveton Primary School’s head teacher Lynn Board her school community and members of the wider public have been busy collecting goods for the Gambian people Redundant University TVs video cassette recorders and cabinets were delivered to the Teacher Training College in Brikama in Gambia together with a host of other donated goods from the community in a 40ft container in February These goods will also be used by local communities and schools there Dot Priestly Lynn’s mother instigated and organised the collection of goods; the container left the University on 15 January The group faced an early headache when they arrived in Banjul – they were forced to pay customs duty for the goods to be unloaded – but their trip attracted the positive attention of Education Minister Yahya Jammeh and Teacher Education Lecturer Sulayman Barry Eventually after a number of lengthy meetings Dot was told the goods could be released While in The Gambia they also visited Janet International School to deliver a series of classroom lessons Kniveton Primary School is currently supported by the British Council as they aspire to achieve International School Status University students and pupils at Kniveton Primary School previously helped create teaching aids such as paper clocks and calendars for the school in 2006 Now back at Derby Fiona plans to create a University video of classroom techniques that trainee teachers can use in The Gambia championing the environment Fiona said: “It’s a humbling experience to go to The Gambia as the children have nothing but are so eager to learn Many teachers in The Gambia are unqualified and although they work incredibly hard poor literacy and language skills mean that education is not as effective as it could be “We plan to use holistic approaches in the education video where Gambian teachers can make use of the environment around them such as trees and the villages to bring classroom learning to life as many of their classrooms are just dusty rooms with little else for inspiration ” On March 18 some of Fiona’s Bachelor of Education students Jenny Clayton Danielle Fielden Kirsty Lee Fern McGahey Laura Millward and Nicolas Snow will travel to The Gambia to take part in an overseas trip to develop their teacher trainee skills in the classroom setting They return on April 8

Dr Franc Jegede This academic team has generated a formal link over ten years with Serekunda Primary School Second year BSc Third World Development Studies students have visited the country every year for a decade Recently BSc (Hons) International Relations and Global Development course students went to the West African state of The Gambia on a field course University staff and students are busy collecting easily portable materials such as stationery inflatable footballs and aging but still useable laptops for the school Dr Jegede said: “On each occasion during our previous visits we have observed staff at Serekunda Primary School in their struggle to provide basic education for hundreds of children from low income families “The field course is designed to help our students understand the challenges and problems facing low income countries in an increasingly globalised but largely divided and unequal world “Some of the children drop out of school because of a lack of money to buy writing materials such as pens pencils notebooks school uniforms etc Most of the things we take for granted here are not readily available there so anything people no longer use or need may be of value to some children there ” Fifteen Geography students will join academic staff including Dr Jegede on the trip on March 25 To offer help contact Franc on: 01332 591739 email: f j jegede@derby ac uk or colleague Dr John Stubbs on 01332 591737 or email j stubbs@derby ac uk A box labelled ‘Gambia Primary School Children’ is next to the Reception in the University’s School of Education Health and Sciences at Kedleston Road -endsThis press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or email: s redfern@derby ac uk

Enterprise Centre In The Spotlight 6 June 2011 The University s Conference Office recently exhibited at the National Academic Venue Show at the Emirates Stadium in London The team exhibited along with 45 other academic venues to potential conference buyers and received a good response It was the second time the conference team has exhibited at the show and it was an excellent opportunity to showcase the Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street for the first time The centre home of University of Derby Corporate is used to hold a range of business events and conferences The visitors were a mixture of booking agents private individuals and associations many from the south of the UK Conference Office services on offer from the University s team included room hire non residential conferences summer residential conferences and delegate management services Meanwhile the Enterprise Centre recently played host to members of Derby Civic Society The society has this year given the centre an architectural excellence award and members had the opportunity to visit and look around the facilities

Enterprise Paper Wins Another Top Award 5 November 2006 Rob Moon and Simon Gee from the University of Derby’s Centre for Enterprise Management (CEM) have been recognised for the second time in two months as leaders promoting ‘enterprising learning’ in UK higher education by winning ‘Best Paper’ at the 29th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference ISBE which took place between 31 October and 2 November in Cardiff is an international conference attended by delegates from 39 countries Over 200 papers were presented and Rob’s and Simon’s success at this conference strengthens Derby’s reputation as a centre for entrepreneurial and enterprising education In early September the team won ‘Best Paper’ at the 36th Entrepreneurship Innovation and Small Business (EISB) Conference in Southampton The pair impressed judges and their audience with a presentation of their research into ‘The Role of an Entrepreneurial Learning Team in Creating An Enterprise Culture In A University’ The paper co-written with Professor David Rae – formerly at the University of Derby now at the University of Lincoln’s Business School examined what Derby has been doing to encourage enterprise within the educational culture of the University Fiona Church Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business Computing and Law said: “This recognition reinforces the practice-based approach that we at Derby have adopted over the last few years and is now recognised as a model of success Well done and congratulations to Rob and Simon – it’s quite an achievement!” In the past ten years against a backdrop of falling student numbers and rising costs in the HE sector several Government reviews and independent reports have emphasised the importance of universities becoming more entrepreneurial Some universities have responded to this call more successfully than others The CEM team looked at how the University of Derby has risen to this challenge – from its entrepreneurial beginnings in 1992; partnerships established with businesses regional development bodies and other education providers; and a series of recent successes winning funding from HEIF (the Higher Education Innovation Fund) Key questions were examined by reviewing the University’s experiences over the past five years as a case study applying an acute critical analysis to what has been learned during the process and what approaches did not work so well As with any form of cultural change within a large and complex organisation embedding entrepreneurial attitudes and skills to stimulate enterprise and innovation did not happen overnight But educating staff and students by incorporating enterprise into the curriculum and creating staff development opportunities has helped turn the tide According to the academic team: “Changing the culture requires changing language and expectations as well as understanding and overcoming cultural barriers to change We found the term ‘entrepreneur’ encountered resistance but ‘enterprise’ was more acceptable ” Derby is a founding member of Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education (SPEED) a project offered from this autumn by a consortium of universities funded by HEIF which enables students and recent graduates to receive up to £6 000 each to set up their own small business and gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience Simon Gee Senior Lecturer in Enterprise said: “Our work is very ‘incubation-centred’ We nurture enterprise in our students and now we’re working with schools too to develop National Curriculum links ” Rob Moon Programme Leader for the Postgraduate Certificate in Enterprise Management said: “As practitioners we add value through our teaching My experience is as an ‘intrepreneur’ introducing performance benefits to businesses – especially those in the engineering sector Simon’s background in architecture and property development provides another insight into business Our practice-based approach inspires students to fulfil their potential and raises aspirations ” The Centre for Enterprise Management team is delighted by the reception their paper received “When we presented the paper to colleagues from across Europe a couple of months ago it stimulated some interesting discussions ” said Rob Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby is an economist who has worked extensively in the fields of small business business policy and human resource management and was founding Head of the Leicester Business School He said: “I am delighted by the second award of ‘Best Paper’ to the Centre for Enterprise Management team It supports this University’s commitment to innovation and opportunity in education ” -endsFor further media information please contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 07748 920023 or 01332 591891 or via email at s butt@derby ac uk

Enterprising Graduate Business Scheme Gets Further £2.7m Funding 1 March 2012 Around 60 student and graduate businesses are set to be created by the University of Derby over the next two years after £2 7million in new business funding was secured for a regional enterprise scheme Derby is already a partner in the Enterprise Inc scheme; which provides business development support and funding to students and graduates wishing to set-up their own business The initiative - launched in 2008 is currently managed by the East Midlands Incubation Network (EMIN) and funded by a partnership of the region s seven universities and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) The £2 7million now secured for Enterprise Inc will provide even more graduates with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs for a further two years (2012-2014) More than 500 people were able to start up in business within the region through Enterprise Inc over the last three years These included Derby students and graduates setting up a wide variety of businesses; in everything from graphic design to outdoor events to gourmet food to tailor-made fashions Maggie Morley Programme Development Manager in the University s Centre for Enterprise said: "In difficult economic times students and graduates with a good business idea are finding the idea of running their own enterprise more appealing "We ve had some real successes at Derby and it s great that Enterprise Inc has received this £2 7m funding 60% of it coming from the universities and 40% from the ERDF to enable future budding entrepreneurs to realise their dream " Russell Copley EMIN Chief Executive added: "The scheme offers a structured programme of business and personal development for students who opt for self employment upon graduation " Enterprise Inc was originally launched in 2008 as a collaborative project between all of the region s Universities ERDF and emda (the East Midlands Development Agency) Phase One of the project helped 519 University students and recent graduates to start a business and create over 320 new jobs within the region The Phase Two funding now secured will run from 2012 to 2014 and will include 40% funding from the ERDF and a 60% contribution from the universities For further media information contact University of Derby Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk For further information on the work of EMIN contact Russell Copley on 01332 231875 or visit www enterpriseinc co uk

Entertainment Is The Goal For Derby County Chief Exec's Talk 31 October 2013 Derby County Chief Executive Sam Rush will talk about his career in sports and ambitions for The Rams at a free public event organised by the University of Derby Sam who took over his club role from Tom Glick at the start of this year (2013) will chat to the University s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne before an audience at the event next Wednesday (November 6) at Derby Theatre in the city centre There will also be an opportunity for the public to ask questions Doors will open at 6pm with the event beginning at 7pm The bar will be open before and after the event Sam has extensive experience in the sports business industry Before joining Derby County he worked for six years for global sports and entertainment agency the Wasserman Media Group which represents around 400 professional footballers globally as well as other sports stars Of the evening event Sam said: "We as a club are immensely grateful for the continued support of the University of Derby and I am looking forward to a fun evening with John Coyne and members of the Derbyshire community in a relaxed and friendly environment " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby added: "Sam Rush has been influential in the sports business industry on many different levels and is now steering the fortunes of our local team I am sure the stories from his past career and future aspirations will make for an entertaining evening " An Evening With Sam Rush is the latest in the University of Derby s Evening With series of free public events inviting audiences to hear from those at the top of their field in an informal question-and-answer session Tickets for the Sam Rush event are free but advanced booking is essential To reserve places for the event call the Derby Theatre Box Office on 01332 593939 or book online via website www derbytheatre co uk Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Estates Busy Summer Shows Benefits 22 September 2011 More than £1m worth of work to improve the University s campuses began this summer - with most of those projects now finished or close to completion An additional £365 000 worth of refurbishments are also due to take place between now and the Christmas break Projects started in the summer by the University s Estates department included: At the Kedleston Road site all works now completed: £225,000 on Phase Two of The Atr um refurb shment works. Th s nc uded new ght ng, f oor ng, ce ngs, decorat on and furn ture. £196,000 on the refurb shment of two aborator es n T1 for Geo ogy. Insta at on of new worktops, f oors and ce ngs; and of new med a teach ng equ pment. £113,000 refurb shment of B2 comput ng area n B b ock. Th s nc uded redecorat ng, nsta ng v deo screens a ong the corr dors to show students work and short f ms, and the redes gn of the techn c ans area to make t more we com ng to v s tors. £28,000 on the refurb shment of Execut ve off ces and recept on area for the EHS facu ty n E1. At Markeaton Street: £250,000 on the construct on of a mezzan ne f oor n Aud tor um Two, fo ow ng on from a s m ar pro ect n Aud tor um One ast year. Due for comp et on n October, and the nsta at on of new g azed part t ons for the Street area, to create an mproved soc a earn ng space. At Buxton Campus: £145,000 redes gn of the ma n entrance to The Dome. Th s w eventua y compr se new d sab ed access ramps up to a revo v ng g azed door and part t ons to d rect v s tors past the recept on desk. Due for comp et on by the end of the year. Additional projects due to be completed over this term will include a further £300 000 spent on creating a state of the art recording studio in Auditorium Two under the new mezzanine This will allow existing studios to be used as extra rehearsal space This work is due for completion before Christmas Also very early work has commenced on Phase One of a larger project aimed to improve the student experience whilst making it easier to convert The Dome from its daytime academic use to a space for events and bookings This has begun with the replacement of fixed computers with wireless laptops and will be followed by replacement furniture to give the space a more relaxed feel Phase One of the project set to cost £65 000 should be completed in November Ian Willgoose University Director of Estates said: "The summer break is always a busy time for us As usual our projects have been about improving the learning environment and wherever possible making better use of the space we have "For example the partitions placed in The Street at Markeaton Street are designed to reduce heat loss and make this a more welcoming area for students rather than somewhere to just pass through "Changing The Dome s main entrance in Buxton will also improve energy efficiency and enable us to better control visitor traffic into the site which will help in our duty to safeguard particularly younger students "

Ethical Products Debate Crosses Continents 1 December 2010 The ethics of global companies with factories in the developing world and our own buying habits will be debated live by students in Africa Malaysia and Derby using a video link-up More than 100 students in total will take part in the debate on Friday (December 3) hosted by the University of Derby tackling the motion: This House believes that people s ethical concerns are not reflected in their purchases of brands Business and Marketing students from the University s Kedleston Road site and Buxton Campus will join in the debate with people at its partner business colleges in Botswana and Malaysia in real time - thanks to a video conferencing system via the internet It is the same technology the University uses to host virtual induction and open days for online and international students who can t physically attend the University Friday s debate - one of a series to be organised by the University s Business Computing and Law Marketing Subject Group over the coming year - will look at the extent to which consumers think about how ethically their favourite brand clothing or other products are produced or if they are just concerned about price Business lecturers Richard Mayer and Dr Alison Lawson will speak for the motion and colleagues Hildegard Wiesehofer-Climpson and Richard Hucker against Students on three continents will quiz the two groups of speakers before voting on whether they agree with the debate s motion or not John Dakin the University s Assistant Subject Manager for Marketing and event organiser said: "Big brand companies operate on a global scale manufacturing their products wherever they think it can be done most cheaply This is passed on to us as consumers in the shape of very low cost items such as clothing "But there is a conflict between our demand for value for money as consumers and the ethical treatment of the workers who produce that product and how they are paid "Using up to the minute technology we can get a real international take on this subject " For more information about Business and Marketing at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/business/dbs For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

European Parliament Presentation For Derby Professor 22 October 2012 A University of Derby Professor presented his research on the perception of unfair treatment due to religion or belief to an international audience at the European Parliament in Brussels on October 18 The conference convened by CEJI: A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe was a culmination of the award winning international project Belieforama: A Panoramic Approach to Issues of Religion and Belief International delegates at the event represented Jewish Muslim Christian secular Ba háai í Buddhist and anti-racism organizations Professor Paul Weller of the University of Derby s Centre for Society Religion and Belief presented his findings of a survey of Belieforama training participants carried out with colleague Dr Sariya Contactor Their research found that the perception of unfair treatment can be found not only against Muslims and Jews but also against Christians Atheists Humanists Sikhs Hindus Pagans members of New Religious Movements and many others Aspects of his research reflect other European-wide research findings underlining the need to tackle the problem of bias among individuals and groups as well as institutional discrimination and other forms of unfair treatment on the basis of religion or belief in a range of public private and community sector contexts The research also identified and highlighted how educational approaches such as those facilitated by Belieforama can promote positive transformations mediating between individual change and social engagement The resulting set of recommendations and reflections presented at the conference concern not only European Institutions and national governments but also emphasise the responsibilities of religious and civil society groups to be more active in strengthening intercultural cooperation and respect for differences amongst their communities Professor Weller said: "It is very important both that research of this kind and also the training approach represented by Belieforama is engaged with by European Institutions national governments and civil society groups in the European Union "For there to be a viable European future it needs to be one that is inclusive in a way in which all its citizens and residents can participate free of discrimination and unfair treatment on the basis of religion or belief/convictions but also in a way that is positively informed by the contribution that their religions or belief/convictions can bring to its evolving common life " The open conference on October 18 held at the European Parliament was hosted by MEP Emine Bozkurt (NL) head of the Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup

European Students Support Local Charities During Derby Stay 22 May 2013 University of Derby students gained an international perspective on current social issues such as migration and people trafficking when they hosted social work students and academics from across Europe for two weeks of intensive learning The groups from universities in Estonia Germany Finland Belgium and Lithuania joined the Derby students for the Erasmus Intensive Teaching Programme from May 6 to May 17 (2013) It was the second of three annual programmes funded by a €26 000 grant Last year Derby students travelled to Coburg in Germany and in 2013 groups from each country will gather in Estonia As well as discussing current European social problems during teaching sessions the students also spent time at Derby organisations Safe and Sound which works to end child exploitation; voluntary youth sector organisation Rathbone ; at Positive Support which supports individuals and families living with HIV and Aids; and at Craegmoor a residential rehabilitation unit that supports people with mental health issues Groups of students applied their social work knowledge to carry out projects on each organisation s behalf Fran Fuller Programme Leader on the Applied Social Work degree at the University of Derby said: "Bringing together social work students and academics from across Europe has been a fantastic learning experience for everyone involved as each person brings very different experiences and perspectives of current issues and solutions to the discussion "By working with local organisations students have been able to consider dilemmas by providing a European perspective Our visiting students were very impressed with the city of Derby and truly enjoyed the opportunity to gain experience with some of our partner agencies " Hanuu-Pekka Piiparinen 27 from Finland said: "It has been fantastic to meet social work students from lots of other cultures and find out about how our approaches are similar and how they re different It has been a truly eye-opening experience " Linda Paap 29 from Estonia said: "It has been a really challenging interesting programme especially carrying out a project looking at people trafficking for Safe and Sound Derby I will certainly be able to take what I have learned back to my studies in Estonia " The programme was organised and hosted by Pauline Green and Fran Fuller from the University of Derby's Integrated Professional Studies subject area which includes BA (Hons) degrees in Applied Social Work Community and Youth Work and Health and Social Care

Event Management Degree By Industry Leader and University of Derby Corporate 2 March 2010 An international crowd management and events security company has teamed up with University of Derby Corporate to develop a new tailor-made degree for professionals in its industry Showsec International Ltd - Europe s leading dedicated event security and crowd management specialist has an international reputation The Brit Awards and the MTV European Music Awards are among the prestige events it has worked for Showsec s head office is in Leicester Now Showsec and University of Derby Corporate - the business-to-business arm of the University of Derby - have together launched a Foundation Degree in Applied Professional Studies specialising in Crowd Management Foundation degrees are a higher education qualification bringing together the experience and learning gained in the workplace and academic learning The new course developed by the University in close partnership with Showsec will contribute to the long-term development of the company and give its professional staff a formal qualification in the area of crowd management and event security So far 22 junior and mid-operational management executives at Showsec have embarked on the flexible learning programme It combines academic and theoretical knowledge with work based skills Conor Moss Workforce Development Fellow at University of Derby Corporate said: "The commitment from both parties on this project has been exemplary The programme fits in well with our extensive selection of courses based around the events industry "The foundation degree has been developed to recognise the existing experience and knowledge of the individual learners the employees and allow them to study components of the course at a speed that suits them " Showsec Academy Training Manager Keith Hackett and the University have driven the initiative over the last six months creating a fit for purpose qualification programme that is relevant to the current commercial environment Keith said: "Showsec chose University of Derby Corporate because it is one of the leading forces in work based learning They have succeeded in translating the content of our courses developed at the Showsec Academy into a University qualification framework "The University has a proven record of industry-wide qualifications and experience combined with a genuinely innovative approach to learning Add this to its capability to provide a full range of relevant qualifications from Level Two to Level Seven (from NVQ to Masters degree) and it is the ideal institution " Matt Bromley Assistant Subject Manager for Events Management at the University of Derby added: "Showsec as a company has devoted substantial time and resources to the development of this course illustrating its ongoing commitment to education in the industry We look forward to developing a range of learning solutions in the future " Showsec Managing Director Mark Harding said the new foundation degree course was the first of a series of joint projects planned with University of Derby Corporate including a number of research ones "The University embraces the industry s needs and fully understand Showsec s requirements allowing us to develop a programme that delivers far greater benefits than a more theory based course "We pride ourselves on being the driving force behind change and education in the sector and this groundbreaking course introduces a clearly defined career development path for all staff " added Mark For further University media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk For further media information about Showsec contact Graham Brown or Alex Harrod at Plaster Creative Communications on graham@weareplaster com or alex@weareplaster com or phone 0117 953 0320

Events to reveal how MBA courses Motivate, Boost and Accelerate careers 15 July 2014 A course which has helped graduates go on to manage banks health trusts and major charities is holding two University of Derby open events where prospective students can find out how it could also boost their careers The MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a highly flexible postgraduate course aimed at giving people the skills to be a manager and leader in their chosen field It can be studied through the University s Derby Business School as a full or part time option or online Successful graduates of the course include: Anne-Maria Olphert, now Ch ef Nurse and D rector of Qua ty at Erewash C n ca Comm ss on ng Group, whose MBA research on the effects on staff of NHS changes rece ved top marks and appeared n the prest g ous Journa of the Inst tute of Management Serv ces. Neelesh Sawoky, Ch ef Interna Aud tor at Bank One Ltd in Mauritius , who fee s the MBA he stud ed on ne gave h m an " n depth understand ng of how bus nesses are managed". The next free open events about Derby s MBA - one of the few MBAs accredited by the Chartered Management Institute the UK s professional body for managers and leaders - will be held on: Saturday July 26 - from 2.30pm- 4pm, n the Doveda e Su te (Room S104), at the Un vers ty s ma n Ked eston Road s te n Derby; Tuesday August 19 - a so at the Ked eston Road s te (room to be conf rmed). Those attending will be able to meet with lecturers to find out more about the course subjects they will study fees and potential career opportunities Stuart West MBA Programme Director at the University of Derby said: "This is very much a course that changes people s lives and with a study programme that can fit in around their lives "It can be done part or full time or online with students accepted to start in January or September Although this is a postgraduate course not having a first degree doesn t exclude someone from taking our MBA as there are exemptions for those who already have some types of professional qualifications " For more information about the University s Derby Business School and its courses including the MBA see website www derby ac uk/dbs Questions about the MBA open events can also be emailed to Senior Marketing Assistant Jen Arnott at: j arnott@derby ac uk For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Everest Mountaineer's High Praise For Outdoor Centre 23 October 2012 A climber at the peak of his career inspired University of Derby Buxton students just embarking on theirs as he officially opened the University s new Outdoor Leadership Centre Students staff and invited guests listened as world class climber Kenton Cool described his latest Everest climb - the tenth time he has reached the summit - as he cut the ribbon at the University s 58 acre Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre on Manchester Road on Friday October 19 The evening celebration also kicked off the first ever Buxton Adventure Festival of which the University was a key sponsor After enjoying a tour of the 58 acres of mixed woodland and watching students demonstrate their skills on its climbing wall Jacob s Ladder complex high ropes course and a leap of faith - even joining in at one point - Kenton Cool had plenty of good things to say when he addressed an audience of students and members of the adventure community Kenton said: "This is an amazing facility where dreams can become real If I was 21 again and could study somewhere like this my learning would be far stronger The University s Oaklands Centre certainly offers boundless opportunities for the next generation of outdoor leaders " The University purchased the Manchester Road site in April to provide its outdoor adventure and countryside management degree students with a dedicated space to develop leadership management and outdoor activity skills The 58 acres includes a 30 foot high climbing wall a complex high ropes course three low ropes courses and an artificial underground caving system Since starting their studies in September Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism degree students have been using the facilities on site to develop their leadership skills through experiential learning The site s dry stone walls broad-leaved woodlands and moorland landscapes are also providing opportunities for Countryside Management degree students to develop their estate management skills and play a large part in the site s long term sustainability Second year BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership student Matt Ferris 26 has used the centre frequently since returning to University in September He said: "The new facility is giving us some real benefits providing real world learning experiences in an outstanding setting "We ve already been using the site to familiarise ourselves with the working practises of running an outdoor centre Combined with the wonderful staff here at the University the outdoor centre provides an outstanding start for any aspiring outdoor professional " Dr Peter Dewhurst Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton said: "We were delighted to welcome Kenton to officially open Oaklands and to have so many members of the Peak District adventure community here with us to celebrate was wonderful "It was inspirational for our students and for us to hear about Kenton s experiences climbing Everest and we hope that the centre will enable many of our students to go on to have such distinguished careers as his " The event also acted as an opening event for the Buxton Adventure Festival which ran from Oct 20-21 at Buxton s Pavilion Arts Centre The latest venture of Heason Events hosted audiences enjoying ten famous speakers from the adventure community including cave diver Gavin Newman and mountain bike world champion Danny Hart along with 30 films being shown To complement the Festival the University of Derby Buxton and Derbyshire Village Games teamed up to put on afternoon activities for children of all ages To find out more about the University of Derby s Outdoor Countryside and Adventure degree programmes visit www derby ac uk/outdoor

Ex-Offender Turned 'Prison Guide' Author Speaks At University 25 April 2012 A former criminal turned author who wrote a beginner s guide to surviving prison will speak to University of Derby Criminology students Frankie Owens was a prisoner at HMP Winchester for four months until August 2011 after being sentenced on a number of charges including witness intimidation His experience as a first time prisoner went into writing The Little Book of Prison: A Beginner s Guide; an accessible survival guide of dos and don ts written with humour despite the serious theme Frankie is also walking from Lands End to John O Groats to raise money for The Forgiveness Project (see website http://theforgivenessproject com/ ) a UK charity promoting forgiveness and reconciliation in a range of areas As part of his 62 day 1 160 mile walk - including stops at prisons universities and probation centres - he will speak to University of Derby Criminology and Law students tomorrow (Thursday April 26) at its Kedleston Road site in Derby about his time in prison and what drove him to write the book The event will also be used to launch a student branch of the national Howard League for Penal Reform group Referring to his book Frankie said: "It was written for future inmates their families and loved ones to help them make sense of what we all go through when someone goes to prison " Dr Sam King Lecturer in Criminology said: "I am pleased to see our students taking the initiative with this event "As part of their degree courses the University offers its students the chance to experience real life aspects of their chosen subject whenever possible I m sure this speaker will be able to give them valuable insights into the British prison system " The Little Book of Prison won the 2011 Koestler Platinum Award for non-fiction run by the Koestler Trust prison arts charity The awards were judged by author Will Self Frankie s book is published by Waterside Press price £8 99

Exhibition Shows Students Have Designs On Changing Lives 4 June 2013 A state-of-the-art yet eco-friendly bus shelter and a self-contained paintbrush cleaning device are just two of the innovative offerings that are to be featured in the University of Derby s annual Product Design degree show The Product Design show is part of The Big Show which runs until June 11 at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby Matt Ellis 19 from Rochester currently studying on the BA (Hons) Product Design degree course will be exhibiting his eco-friendly bus shelter design at this year s show His concept uses energy gathered from renewable sources such as wind and solar heat to provide lighting and power electronic displays within the shelter Matt said: "Bus shelters within busy cities are often packed full of people especially during peak times Most shelters that exist today do not have adequate seating or standing space for people to keep under shelter and do not have electronic notice boards to show bus times or any delays there may be "I decided that there was room for a new modern bus shelter that took the environment into consideration that would allow commuters to have a more enjoyable wait for the bus " Josh Owen 22 originally from Tamworth Staffordshire has designed a green paintbrush cleaning system which cleans both water and solvent based paints and recycles cleaning fluid automatically to prevent water waste Josh added: "From personal experience the nature of having to clean apparatus after a painting session can be time consuming and messy This autonomous design contains the waste product is eco-friendly and takes all the stress out of decorating!" Terry Watson Programme Leader for Product Design at the University said: "I would like to congratulate our students on an excellent show which demonstrates a high level of innovation The range of projects undertaken means that there is truly something for everyone demonstrating the breadth of the subject through excellent design outcomes " For more information about The Big Show visit www derby ac uk/bigshow or to find out more about studying the BA (Hons) Product Design degree with the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/technology/productdesign

Expert Asks 'What Next For World Wide Web?' 8 February 2012 Everything from Facebook to investigations into the building blocks of the Universe has harnessed the power of computing services connected through the internet - but what does the future hold? Professor Nik Bessis Head of the University of Derby s Distributed and Intelligent Systems (DISYS) Research Group will take a hi-tech look ahead in a free public lecture entitled: Next Generation Emerging Technologies The talk will be held in Room OL1 at the University's Kedleston Road site in Derby at 6 30pm on Wednesday February 15 Types of internet computing which already exist include: Cloud computing - where a company (or nd v dua ) pays a charge to use comput ng serv ces over the nternet on y when they need them rather than mak ng a b g nvestment n hav ng a permanent system n-house. Users of c oud comput ng range from mu t -b on pound compan es such as on ne bookshop Amazon and search eng ne Goog e, to nd v dua s access ng the r Goog e ema s or p ctures n soc a med a serv ces such as F ckr. Crowd computing - where peop e use the nternet to ut se and exp o t the co ect ve power of m ons of human bra ns, feed ng nto nformat on systems. W k ped a and ts many contr butors s a good examp e of th s. Grid computing - (the f rst generat on of c oud comput ng) where sc ent sts and researchers a over the wor d use the nternet to temporar y nk up a var ety of d fferent computers, to so ve a part cu ar prob em, before d sso v ng that connect on. Th s s be ng used n the Search for Extraterrestr a Inte gence (SETI) and n exper ments for the CERN Large Hadron Co der n Sw tzer and, the part c e acce erator be ng used to exp ore how the Un verse s put together. Professor Bessis lecture will look at internet computing as it is currently used and what might develop over the next ten years or more He said: "The development of internet-based computing has been phenomenal With that kind of rapid change it is hard to see any limits for growth "In the future the internet will be able to sustain a significant increase in the number of people being connected as well as the addition of billions - perhaps even hundreds of billions - of smart devices such as sensors TVs phones etc "Our future internet life will be less visible and surrounded by smart devices all connected to the internet There will be a far greater connectivity between different information devices and services perhaps then truly providing us with a world wide web " For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Expert Warns 'Beware Males Bearing Gifts' This Valentine's 28 January 2013 As restaurant bookings and sales of flowers begin to rise in the run up to Valentine s Day a University of Derby Professor will reveal that many animals not just humans use courtship gifts to secure the object of their affection Professor Karim Vahed who is an expert on the evolution of mating behaviour including courtship feeding in the animal kingdom will share his insights into this fascinating aspect of some species relationships at his free inaugural lecture at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site on Wednesday February 6 at 6 30pm Professor Vahed is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society whose research findings on this subject include the fact that a species of bushcricket has the largest testicles of any animal in relation to their body size He said: "Among many of the tricks and strategies used by males to impress potential mates in the animal kingdom males of many species use gifts as a way to secure procreation opportunities "In many species of birds and some spiders males collect food which they give to a mate while males of certain species of crickets produce jelly-like gifts that they transfer to the female during mating "In this lecture I will explore whether such gifts provide mutual benefits to both sexes or if they represent a subtle means by which males manipulate the behaviour of their mates

Experts Ask If Satanic Verses' Row Scared Writers Off Controversy? 24 September 2013 When Salman Rushdie s book The Satanic Verses was published 25 years ago it provoked a storm of protest among some Muslims and forced the writer into hiding for his own safety At 7 15pm on Thursday (September 26) - the 25th anniversary of the book s publication - a panel of experts will hold a public debate at Déda at 19 Chapel St Derby on whether publishers and writers have since become much more likely to self-censor what they produce for fear of causing offence The debate - entitled Fiction fatwa and fear: Writing after The Satanic Verses - has been organised and will be chaired by Professor Dennis Hayes Head of the Research Centre for Education and Career Development at the University of Derby The Satanic Verses contents were seen as blasphemous by some towards the Muslim faith It led to a fatwa (or death sentence) against Mr Rushdie issued by the Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989 Thursday s debate is part of an ongoing Battle of Ideas series of talks and discussions on a range of topics from modern life On the panel will be: • Professor Jason Lee - Head of Film and Media with Creative Writing and Professional Writing at the University of Derby and author • Professor Constantine Sandis - Professor of Philosophy at Oxford Brookes University and author of The Things We Do and Why We Do Them • Jasvinder Sanghera - founder of Karma Nirvana a charity helping survivors of forced marriage or honour-related experiences and author of the autobiography Shamed She also has a University of Derby Honorary Doctorate • Farhana Shaikh - poet and editor of Asian Writer • John Siddique - poet and writer author of Full Blood • Professor Brian Winston - of the Lincoln School of Journalism at the University of Lincoln and author of A Right to Offend Professor Hayes said: "Salman Rushdie himself has said The Satanic Verses would not be published today Since its publication we ve seen other works of fiction criticised for causing racial or religious offence for example Monica Ali s Brick Lane with some novels publication even being delayed due to complaints "Our public debate will discuss whether political correctness is stifling modern literary output or if challenging and imaginative literary works can still be written today?" Tickets to attend the debate price £5 and £3 concessions are still available by phoning the Déda box office on 01332 370911 Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Expert's Case For Improving Gypsy Community Relations 23 August 2011 Police across Europe will be trained in how to better deal with gypsy communities using research by a Derby academic Dr John Coxhead a University of Derby Research Fellow has been writing and lecturing for more than ten years on social attitudes to the 12 million members of Romany Irish traveller and Roma communities across Europe His latest research on how these communities can be better policed - to combat hate crimes based on race for example - is being translated into different languages to become a set text at police training colleges throughout Europe It follows John s work with the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) based in Vienna which works to promote stability and democracy across Europe His research raises issues such as: some po ce forces ack of effect ve response to hate cr mes aga nst gyps es the need for off cers to bu d good nks w th trave ers deve op ng procedures ta ored to the d fferent needs of these commun t es. John said: "The research I ve carried out has been presented to organisations working with Roma communities and to the Romanian Gypsy King himself "Society can have very strong views about gypsies and travellers but sometimes people s views can be influenced by negative media reporting rather than personal experience "The research took a problem solving approach to look for practical solutions by working with a diversity of people including gypsies and travellers themselves "In this recent application of the research we are applying solutions for European law enforcement agencies so they can build bridges with the communities to improve policing and community cohesion The key point is that solutions lie in genuinely working together to promote mutual understanding and respect " Commenting on John s research an OSCE spokesman added: "It is hoped that the examples of good practices for improving the relationship between the police and Roma and Sinti communities that have been compiled in this book will be broadly disseminated and widely used by policymakers " Find more information on John s research For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Expert's Chapter Sheds Light On Religious Controversy 15 February 2012 A University expert on inter-religious relations will see a book containing his chapter on the major religious arguments and conflicts affecting Britain over the last 70 years hit the shelves from February 16 and hopes it will inform debate on religion and change in modern Britain Paul Weller is the University of Derby s Professor of Inter-Religious Relations and has worked in the field of inter-faith and multi-faith studies for over 25 years He leads the national research project on Religion and Belief Discrimination and Equality in England and Wales within the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) /Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC ) Religion and Society Research Programme Professor Weller has contributed a chapter to the book Religion and Change in Modern Britain a comprehensive guide to religion in Britain since 1945 edited by Linda Woodhead and Rebecca Catto In the book s opening chapter Controversies as a lens on change Professor Weller and his co-author Malory Nye Honorary Professor in Multiculturalism at the University of Aberdeen examine how highlypublicised arguments and conflicts - such as the outrage provoked by the publication of Salman Rushdie s novel The Satanic Verses in the late 1980s - reveal the changing concerns about religion that have engaged the public from the Second World War to the present day Paul talks about the changing nature of the media during this time and how each conflict has been portrayed by it The book Religion and Change in Modern Britain presents the latest research from across the AHRC/ESRC Religion and Society Programme A team of leading scholars including Professor Weller provide a fresh analysis and overview with a particular focus on diversity and change Further chapters include: re at ons between re g ous and secu ar be efs and nst tut ons the evo v ng ro e and status of the churches the growth and sett ement of non-Chr st an re g ous commun t es the spread and d vers f cat on of a ternat ve sp r tua t es re g on n we fare, educat on, med a, po t cs and aw theoret ca perspect ves on re g ous change. Details of the book can be found at website www religionandsociety org uk You can find out more about the book and Paul Weller s co-authored chapter in particular through a podcast interview with Professor Paul Weller which can be found at website www religionandsociety org uk

Experts' Economic Bulletin Is Right On The Money 4 February 2014 Experts at the University of Derby have devised a quick and easy-to-read free monthly e-bulletin on economic and business law news for companies in the region Growth forecasts Government statistics market fluctuations and currency rates are among the wealth of information in the new electronic Economic Bulletin; written by economic experts in the University s Derby Business School (DBS) and emailed to hundreds of businesses in a range of industries across the Midlands The bulletin has been funded by a £5 000 grant from legal firm Freeth Cartwright which provides the bulletin s legal expertise The University will also be launching the Economic Bulletin - a Best Research Paper prize for Masters degree (MSc) International Business students and the economics research grant for academics - at an event at the University s Employability Hub in the atrium of its Kedleston Road site in Derby at 5pm this Wednesday (February 5) Melanie Powell Senior Lecturer in Economics at DBS said: "It s not always easy for business people to interpret what the latest national financial figures or changes to business legislation will mean for them or their companies "Our new monthly Economic Bulletin draws on the University s economic and legal expertise to give a brief and easy guide to the current main developments " Bev Crighton Enterprise Engagement Lead added: "The Hub is all about engaging with employers using our expertise and this free bulletin service for business is a good example of that " Michael Copestake a Partner at Freeth Cartwright said: "We have been looking for projects to work on with the University for some time As one of the leading business law firms in the region with an increasing amount of international work the opportunity to work with the Business School was an ideal opportunity "We are delighted to be providing both a grant for research by the University and a prize for the best research paper for the Msc in International Business "The Economic Bulletin is designed to give the busy entrepreneur or executive a 30 second snapshot of the economy and the latest developments in the law We very much hope that businesses will find it useful " For more information about the University s Derby Business School see website www derby ac uk/dbs To learn more about Freeth Cartwright and its services see www freethcartwright co uk/home For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Experts reveal real science aiding fiction's best crimefighters 11 March 2014 The real science behind fictional sleuth Sherlock Holmes and caped superheroes will be tackled in free fun talks by experts at the University of Derby As part of National Science and Engineering Week (March 17-21) the University is running an evening of STEMpunk activities at its main Kedleston Road site in Derby on Tuesday March 18 from 4pm to 8pm The event is principally aimed at 11 to 18-year-olds and their families but anyone is welcome to come along STEMPunk is a University initiative aiming to raise young people s interest in STEM (science technology engineering and maths) academic subjects in interesting and fun ways often connected to steampunk ; the science fiction genre featuring weird technology advanced science and Victorian characters Experts from the University will be running a number of interactive free talks on March 18 suitable for adults and school age children including: • The Science of Superheroes At 5pm in the Courtroom (Lecture Theatre OL2) at the Kedleston Road site University of Derby biologist and comic book fan Dr Ian Turner will look at the science facts behind superheroes Would a real life Spiderman be able to stick to walls or a Superman leap tall buildings? Come and find out • Sherlock Holmes: The first caped crusader? At 6 30pm also in the Courtroom Forensic Science expert Jon Wright will look at the real crimefighting techniques employed by the fictional detective Jon has advised authors TV shows and film-makers on forensic science and its history • From Mono to Dolby Atmos: A brief history of surround sound At 6pm in the OL1 Lecture Theatre Dr Bruce Wiggins Lecturer in Electronics and Sound will talk about the history and development of surround sound up to the latest technology and how we perceive sounds In addition to the lectures there will be lots of interactive STEMpunk activities going on at the event for children and adults to get involved in These will include a large Scalextric track fingerprinting exercises science demonstrations on sound waves and thermal energy and live music Bev Reardon - Schools and Colleges Liaison Tutor for the University and co-organiser of its STEMpunk event - said: "This is a free event for all age groups to give young people their parents and families an insight into the wide range of STEM subjects that are available to study and pursue as a career " For more information go to the University website page at www derby ac uk/STEMpunk For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Experts Swing Into Action For Rising Golf Star 25 October 2011 A young Derbyshire golfer tipped as the next big thing around 18 holes has been receiving expert coaching from sport academics at the University of Derby Buxton Since beginning work with the Buxton sports team Derbyshire s Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2011 Bradley Moore who is aged just 13 has played for England under-16 boys in three international competitions in which he was undefeated He also won the English Golf Union s Under 14s Reid Trophy in August on just 68 shots - ten shots fewer than the next best player Bradley who plays at Derby s Kedleston Park Golf Club has been working with the sports coaching development and psychology experts Dr John Pates Mark Cheatham and Adam Baker at the University of Derby Buxton as well as his own coach John Cook and nutritionist Annette Stroud on factors affecting his fitness and game John Slater English Golf Union s Manager for junior golf in the West Midlands said: "It was important that Bradley improved his general level of fitness and that we worked with experts to reduce the impact of any growth spurts on important aspects of his golf given his young age "The Buxton team monitored Bradley s development and made sure that any muscle imbalance which could affect his swing did not develop "Bradley saw the experts at Buxton just before a recent international which he was playing in a routine that is being worked into his very busy schedule as we have seen clear benefits "As a result of the sessions at Buxton and with his coach Bradley feels much stronger and is as focussed and alert on the closing holes as he is on the first tee He is also generally fitter without having bulked up too much as this would have been detrimental to his swing " Dr John Pates Lecturer in Sports Psychology at the University of Derby Buxton said: "We have been delighted to work with Bradley and watch him as he fares so well in national and international competitions We know that he is an excellent hope for British golf and we look forward to supporting him as he goes on to enter adult competitions " John Slater added: "We chose to work with the team at Buxton as Dr John Pates and Mark Cheetham have experience of working with world class professional and amateur athletes Bradley s coach and myself have worked with these guys in the past and have enjoyed considerable success in the golf environment at local regional and national events " For more information about Sports Coaching Development or Psychology programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/science/life/sport-exercise-outdoor/sport-performance

Experts' Take On Real Possibilities For Artificial Intelligence 26 July 2011 The future uses for computers in how we run governments businesses scientific research crimefighting the arts healthcare and many other activities are being debated at a major conference at the University of Derby Educating children to live in a digital world gene therapy smart homes of the future and businesses use of social media such as Twitter are among the presentations scheduled for the 19th International Conference on Conceptual Structures (ICCS 2011); being held at the University s Kedleston Road site throughout this week (July 25-29) Conceptual structures are a highly efficient way of organising large blocks of information in a computer This information could relate to activities as varied as dispensing hospital drugs building houses or stopping particular kinds of crime The computer can sift through different options using what it s learnt from the blocks of information - in a way that mimics human thinking but is much faster - to come up with well reasoned new ideas to tackle a given problem Global computing giant IBM ran the first conference on conceptual structures almost 20 years ago bringing global experts together to discuss digital information s increasing influence on our lives and what it holds for the future Since then annual conferences have been held in Asia Australia and North America; and now Derby Around 50 people including computer scientists linguists and representatives from major companies such as Boeing BT consultancy Capgemini UK and SAP software will be in attendance from the UK Europe America India Malaysia and China Dr Richard Hill Head of Subject in the School of Computing and Mathematics at the University of Derby is General Chair of the conference which has been jointly organised with Sheffield Hallam University He said: "The idea of artificial intelligence creating a computer that thinks like a human brain does has been around a long time "The difficulty is in getting the computer to understand the real world with all its different causes and effects the way we do and also translating what we know about human behaviour into information or data structures the computer can accept and use "Conceptual structures overcome these problems by breaking up the information for the computer into blocks each one representing a known idea or concept Like a human brain it can then find different and often surprising links between the blocks of information itself to come up with alternative answers to a question "There s already a vast amount of digital information stored in the world which might contain new and better approaches to the way we run public services hospitals scientific research and many other things; if we could teach computers to reason in the way that human beings do " As a little light relief from the conference its attendees will visit Derbyshire County Cricket Club s grounds in Chaddesden Derby on Wednesday (July 27) evening for a tour of the ground and enjoy some gentle coaching from the club s cricketers For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Experts To Unlock Secret World Of Data Security And Leaks 22 October 2013 With online data security currently the subject of a big budget film and real news headlines the University of Derby is holding a conference on the law and ethics around keeping information safe Keeping secrets (or failing to) is the subject of The Fifth Estate a current cinema release starring Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange; and is also occupying real life headlines with the European Union looking to pass legislation making it more difficult for the US government to monitor its citizens data Leading experts on the subject of data security will discuss the latest thinking on it at an invite-only conference on Thursday (October 24) organised by the University s Law in Society Research Group and the Information in Regulation and Enforcement Group (IREG) (based largely at the University of Nottingham and Northumbria University) Ideas to be discussed on the day are already shaping how sensitive information is better handled Recent research by Law Lecturers Jamie Grace of Derby and Dr Mark Taylor of the University of Sheffield was cited in a Department of Health study and is already having a positive impact in giving NHS patients the right to reasonable objection if their confidential data is to be used in healthcare research The University of Derby one-day event - to be held at its Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby - will look at current issues in states and organisations uses of information for regulations and enforcement; and the global uncertainties and questions of ethics and rights this can throw up Subjects to be covered over the day will include: wh st eb owers n pub c serv ce and how they are treated, w th a compar son of UK and Canad an approaches; unfa r treatment of emp oyees n the workp ace regard ng data; p tfa s over data shar ng between pub c bod es, such as hea th and cr m na ust ce agenc es; nformat on that company d rectors can and shou d share w th shareho ders. Jamie Grace - Senior Lecturer in Law at the University s School of Law and Criminology and an organiser of the research conference - said: "Information has never been more readily available nor easier to spread across the world sometimes with life or death consequences "With information spread online not easily subject to national or even international laws this is a good time for researchers to come together to discuss the state of current legal thinking and how it must change to keep pace Ideas from the day could well shape future policies " For more information about the University of Derby s Law in Society Research Group see website www derby ac uk/research/uod/centres-groups/groups/law-society For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Expert's View On Caring For Health In The 21st Century 26 February 2013 The vision for healthcare in Derbyshire for years to come will be mapped out in a free public lecture at the University of Derby by one of its chief architects Sue James Chief Executive of the Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will speak on Quality in Partnership: A Strategy for 21st Century Healthcare in Derby in The Courtroom (Room OL2) at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby at 6 30pm on Wednesday 6 March The event is part of the University s ongoing free public lecture series featuring high profile figures who are leaders in their different fields Ms James said: "Since the successful move to our new facilities in Uttoxeter Road the Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been turning its mind to the next challenges facing the delivery of healthcare "After wide public consultation the Trust has come up with a plan which it hopes will help it to achieve its vision to become a national beacon for all that is best in the NHS delivering 21st Century healthcare " Ms James - who is also a Visiting Fellow in Leadership with Derby Business School at the University and a member of the University Court - will talk about what drove the development of their vision and how they plan to implement it Professor Keith Horton - Dean of the Faculty of Business Computing and Law - added: "The future strategic direction of the NHS will be of great interest to all of us "We are delighted to offer this opportunity to hear how a major healthcare strategy is put together from one of its chief architects here in Derbyshire and to participate in the question-and-answer session afterwards " Light refreshments will follow the talk For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Experts' Views On Boosting Businesses - From Local To Multi-Billion 29 August 2013 From getting ethnic minority businesses started up to changes within the UK s £3billion publishing industry University of Derby experts will speak on a range of topics at a major international business conference Eight lecturers from Derby Business School based within the University will speak at the annual British Academy of Management Conference at the University of Liverpool Management School from September 10-12 It annually attracts hundreds of the world s best business minds to discuss the latest thinking in how to manage companies and organisations more efficiently The opportunities and barriers for people in Derby s ethnic minority communities wanting to set-up a new business have been investigated by Bev Crighton Parminder Johal and Dr Jill Hanson from Derby Business School Bev who leads on Enterprise projects at the University said: "We ve looked at how such businesses might flourish by identifying a gap in the market providing something to consumers which isn t currently available "Entrepreneurs in small communities need support Our paper looks at where they might go for this and why in order to establish how agencies could support future business growth Our findings suggest levels of trust are limited so it may be more important to raise those levels in order to then offer the correct support " Dr Alison Lawson University Programme Leader for the Marketing Masters degree programmes has investigated how the changing way we all read newspapers magazines and books - moving from print to e-book readers and mobile phone and website browsing - is affecting an industry worth around £3billion per year to the UK economy Alison said: "Many UK book publishers are small and medium-sized enterprises rather than large conglomerates "Sales of digitally published products have risen by more than 50% but this is not enough to offset the fall in profits from a five per cent drop in the sales of printed books This research looks at whether market changes are affecting the type of books which get published how publishers communicate with book buyers and how products are delivered to readers; and whether some markets are more affected than others " Other speakers from the University s Derby Business School at the British Academy of Management Conference will include: Sheena Bev tt, Lecturer n Human Resource Management - on eadersh p and prob em so v ng n Human Resources; M chae G bert, Lecturer n Human Resource Management - exp or ng the re at onsh p between managers pos t ve att tudes to further earn ng and whether th s affects how ag e the r th nk ng s as eaders; Po na Baranova, Lecturer n Strateg c Management - on Strategy-Mak ng Pract ces and Strateg sts n the UK H gher Educat on sector; Dave Lees, Lecturer n Human Resource Management - speak ng on the uses of soc a med a as a med um for on ne coach ng of bus ness managers; Dr Joe Marsha , BCL HE Assoc ate Lecturer - on Understand ng the Susta nab ty of Organ sat ona Change , part cu ar y w th regard to changes to mprove serv ce performance n the UK soc a hous ng sector; Dr J Hanson, Lecturer n Bus ness Psycho ogy, as a o nt author on the above papers w th M chae G bert, Dave Lees, and Bev Cr ghton and Parm nder Joha . For further information on the Derby Business School at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/dbs and for more on the British Academy of Management Conference see www bam ac uk For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Fab Four Clock Designs Chime With Judges 16 December 2009 Four children will get their names etched in time after their creative success in the University of Derby Clock competition More than 500 schoolchildren from across Derbyshire took part in the University s Incredible Clock competition organised in partnership with clockmaking specialists Smith of Derby All of the top four entries will have aspects of their ideas incorporated in the final clock s design and their names will be engraved on its perimeter Once complete the large-scale clock will be placed on the North Tower of the University s Kedleston Road site and be visible for miles around The towers part of the Derby cityscape since the 1960s are already changing in a £13 5million transformation as new windows give the University a sleeker more modern look A panel of judges was delighted with the standard of entries and 12-year-old winner Amy Louise White who entered while a final year pupil at Lawn Primary School will also be invited to the University with her family for a tour and to Smith s headquarters to see the clock being manufactured The roll of honour their prizes and what the judges liked about the entries is as follows: First Place Amy Louise White formerly of Lawn Primary School in Allestree and now at Chellaston School Chellaston Design appeal: The clock s unique shape and arch feature Prize: Also £100 High Street vouchers and a laptop for her school Second Place Tom Cooper of Swanwick Hall School Swanwick Design appeal: Its modern look Prize: £50 High Street vouchers Joint Third Place Jacob Heald of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Ashbourne Design appeal: The clarity of the numbers Prize: £25 High Street vouchers Joint Third Place Billy King of The Curzon C of E Primary School Quarndon Design appeal: The design of the hands and the numbers Prize: £25 High Street vouchers Peter Allen the University s Director of Marketing said: "We were overwhelmed with the amount of entries their quality and most of all the imagination shown by the children "I would particularly like to thank all the teachers in the schools who took the time to get their classes involved in this project " Bob Betts Managing Director of Smith of Derby added: "Each year we host an apprentice week which allows our designers the opportunity to work with five or six schoolchildren and stay in touch with their vision of what time means to them This competition demonstrated yet again that great design is in good hands in the generations coming through "At Smith of Derby we value creativity very highly as well as engineering excellence So it was really gratifying to see how creative our Derbyshire schoolchildren are because they will be the designers of the future " The competition was open to Derbyshire children aged 16 and under and was launched earlier this year in the week British summer time began It is hoped that University students will now take part in the development as the final clock design is taken forward into production This will include two sessions at the Smith headquarters to work on engineering challenges and other issues Around £50 000 has been set aside for the project the core aims of which are to find an iconic design and reflect the fact that the University operates on a global scale with links and students from all around the world For more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Fair Puts Spring Into Buxton's Steps Towards Economic Boost 8 May 2013 Students were at the heart of a community event which brought Buxton together in a way the town has not seen in living memory The University of Derby Buxton students were praised by organisers of the Spring Fair on Monday (May 6) which brought crowds to the Spring Gardens and Market Place shopping areas as well as packing the green spaces of the Pavilion Gardens and The Slopes Buxton Town Team which organised the event hailed it as a huge success The idea had been to bring life and business to all parts of the town from the viaduct at the bottom of Fairfield Road through Spring Gardens across the Market Place and down to the Green Man Gallery on London Road Shops artists and craftspeople as well as food and drink producers lined the route with entertainment and displays to showcase the town s talent "I can t remember seeing the whole town so full " said Janet Miller one of the Town Team directors "We re hoping it will inspire people to do their own thing - and to think big If we can get the community to work to together we can turn this town around " The University of Derby Buxton undergraduates rolled up their sleeves to help out with preparations for the Fair as well as being on duty during the day "They were brilliant and did a fantastic job " said Janet "It was so good to be working with people so young and enthusiastic " Dr Peter Dewhurst Dean of the University Derby Buxton said: "We recognise the importance of supporting the local community and also understand the value of providing our undergraduate students with real world learning experiences "So when we were approached by the Town Team to become involved in the Spring Fair we immediately said yes We now want to work in partnership with the Town Team to learn the lessons from the Fair as the first part of the process of planning for future even more spectacular events" Sergeant Russ Barlow from Buxton Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "The fair is a fantastic event for Buxton and one that brings thousands of people to the town " "It s important for those visitors to remain safe and it s pleasing that there were no incidents reported during the event which is a testament to the organisation and to the behaviour of those enjoying the fair and the town " Colin Chipp at Buxton Hawkshead on Spring Gardens said: "As a Buxton resident for the last 25 years and a local retailer I applaud the efforts to the Town Team and would welcome the chance to become involved in the future "

Fair's Fairtrade At University 28 February 2006 The University of Derby is holding an ethical shopping bonanza next week to kick off Fairtrade Fortnight The University achieved Fairtrade status just before Christmas joining forces with the city of Derby which celebrates its fourth year as a Fairtrade Town this month Among many activities taking place throughout Derby the University is underlining its commitment to responsible trade by organising its own Fairtrade Fair next Monday March 6 at Derby s Kedleston Road Campus By using Fairtrade products and thinking carefully about what we buy everyone can help enhance sustainability quality of life and opportunities for poor farmers and producers and their families in developing countries The award of a Fairtrade Mark signals that students and staff at the University of Derby are committed to helping improve the lives of farmers and producers in developing countries Jo Hasbury the University s Environmental and Energy Manager said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for students staff and people from Derby to find out about Fairtrade and see how they can make a difference in their everyday live to the livelihoods of millions worldwide "The stallholders we have attracted represent a wide range of examples of the goods on offer We hope people enjoy the Fair and the unusual and high-quality products on sale there " Fairtrade retailers and representatives expected to attend include the Fairtrade Foundation Oxfam Pachacuti (from Ashbourne) Tearcraft and Traidcraft Fairtrade information and refreshments will be available too Goods on offer will include everything from foodstuffs chocolate tea and coffee and hand-crafted ornaments and household items to clothing The event takes place in the Atrium at the University s main Kedleston Road site from 10 00am until 3 00pm All are welcome To find out more call Jo Hasbury on 01332 591093 or email j e hasbury@derby ac uk Alternatively call Ginny Jordan on 01332 591878 or email v m jordan@derby ac uk -endsFor more information about this news release contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk

Faith And Attitudes To Foreign Lands Feature In Stimulating Talks 4 November 2013 Islamophobia Muslim education and British attitudes to motherhood will be among the subjects tackled in a thought provoking lecture series organised by the University of Derby and the city s Multi-Faith Centre Influential guest lecturers will speak at the series of free public talks organised by University researchers in the Centre for Society Religion and Belief (led by Dr Kristin Aune) and its partner organisation the Multi-Faith Centre based at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby All lectures will be held at the Multi-Faith Centre The next seminar speaker at 1 30pm-3pm on Wednesday (November 6) will be Anwar Akhtar founder and Director of Asian-orientated news website The Samosa (at www thesamosa co uk ) who will talk about his Royal Society of Arts funded project Pakistan Calling This commissions new filmmakers to create videos which challenge perceptions about Pakistan today and promote cultural dialogue between Britain and Pakistan Films can be seen on website www thersa org/pkcalling Future speakers will include: • Wednesday December 4 at 1 30pm-3pm - Tackling Islamophobia: Considerations from across the public and political spaces of contemporary Britain - with Dr Chris Allen Lecturer at the Institute of Applied Social Studies at the University of Birmingham • Wednesday January 22 at 1 30pm-3pm - Communities of mothers and cultures of motherhood England 1945-1990 - with Dr Angela Davis of the Centre for the History of Medicine at the University of Warwick All the events are free to attend and open to the public but places should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment Those wishing to attend a lecture should contact the Multi-Faith Centre on 01332 591285 giving their name and saying how many places are required Dr Kristin Aune - Head of the Centre for Society Religion and Belief - said: "Our aim is to explore the diversity of beliefs and religious practices in today s world These guest lectures will offer a chance to engage with cutting-edge research from across the UK " The Centre for Society Religion and Belief responds to major trends in society and culture; viewing religion and belief as a subject which affects national and international policy makers local communities social groups individuals and academics The Centre provides sociological cultural and policy analyses of contemporary society and its religions beliefs and values For more information about the work of the Centre for Society Religion and Belief see website www derby ac uk/education/centre-for-society-religion-and-belief and for all University research see www derby ac uk/research Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Familiar Faces On The BBC 8 September 2011 There were lots of familiar faces from the Buxton Faculty on BBC One last night (Wednesday September 7 2011) during Village SOS filmed in nearby Tideswell The show followed the launch of Taste Tideswell a group aiming to regenerate the small Peak District village through food There were plenty of familiar faces on the show including Sheila Russell who previously led the University s project Food from the Peak District Everyone at the University wishes the project the best of luck For more information visit website www tastetideswell co uk For the programme - on BBC iplayer visit website www bbc co uk/iplayer/episode/b014hv96/Village_SOS_Tideswell/

Fans Feast on Restored Cult Horror 26 July 2012 One of horror master Clive Barker s most famous films has been re-edited by a University of Derby film lecturer - to the acclaim of critics and fans alike Nightbreed a 1990 film written and directed by the British author - who was also behind the Hellraiser films and a string of successful novels - is about a secretive tribe of mutant outcasts possessing different powers and their conflicts with human officials and a serial killer After the film was released by 20th Century Fox Barker and many fans said its best parts had been edited out considerably watering down its impact Seraphim Films the author s production company recently found tapes containing extra film footage It was re-edited by Russell Cherrington University of Derby Senior Lecturer in Film and Video Production and co-editor Jimmi Johnson They spent nine months on the project with input from Barker himself and the restored version of the film - entitled Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut - has now gone on limited cinema release in America to the applause of horror fans Its UK premiere next month (August) at the Odeon in Leicester Square London will be introduced by TV presenter Jonathon Ross An article on the film is set to appear in influential British film magazine Empire On Friday September 28 the film will be screened at QUAD in Derby with Russell introducing it and explaining how the new version came about Russell - who was supported in his project by the University of Derby - has been in America promoting the restored film He said: "I have worked with Clive Barker for more than a decade on many creative projects When the two work prints of Nightbreed were discovered I knew that I had to restore the film to the version that Barker had always wanted his fans to see "The University of Derby has supported my work through research funding and time to attend screenings across the world Screening Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut at QUAD will be a great chance to show the work on the big screen in Derby with some of the cast and crew in attendance " Author Clive Barker added: "Until Russell Cherrington came along I had kind of given up hope that this movie would ever find its true form I knew the material was there and I knew we could cut it together correctly if we had the will and the money And he has made this possible " The restored cut of the film currently runs at two hours and 24 minutes including 45 minutes of new footage The Cabal Cut has a different ending fleshes out the relationships between the main characters and has (Russell promises) more monsters and empathy for the Nightbreed The film s production company Morgan Creek has given the film makers a year to exhibit it worldwide To watch a trailer of the film online go to www youtube com/watch?v=CX0-AlytIXY In May last year (2011) the University of Derby launched its postgraduate Masters degree (MA) in Horror and Transgression; looking at the depiction of the supernatural in classic and popular culture through the ages It was backed by Clive Barker as well as fellow horror film directors Steven Sheil and Johannes Roberts For further information about this press release please contact the University Press Office on mobile number 07920 235586 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Fans Pack Derby Theatre For Evening With Derby County's Sam Rush 8 November 2013 Over 400 Derby County fans made their way to Derby Theatre despite the weather to watch Professor John Coyne (Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby) ask Sam Rush Chief Executive of Derby County Football Club a range of questions about his life and career The chat show style event went down a storm and during the event fans had the chance to take part in a Q&A session with the audience asking Sam a variety of questions about his aspirations for Derby County Football Club Kevin Giles and Peter Broadhurst were lucky audience members selected in the prize draw Peter won a table for ten at a party night held at Pride Park Stadium in December (courtesy of Delaware North Companies) and Kevin was lucky to receive a signed Derby County shirt by footballing legend Igor Stimac Anyone requiring further information about the event should contact Sam Parker University of Derby Press and PR Assistant on 01332 593316 or for more information about Derby Theatre visit their website www derbytheatre co uk

Fantastic Show Food Gets Students Second Helpings Of Work 14 August 2013 Businesses are coming back for second helpings after getting a taste of the great food served up by University of Derby Buxton students A buffet by Culinary Arts students for food judges at last week s Bakewell Show (August 7-8) was so good they ve already been invited to return next year and also to cater for a celebratory dinner for a major international cycling race which will visit Derbyshire for the first time in 2014 Manager of the Bakewell Show Janet Bailey said: "They weren t just good they were exceptional It was one of the best buffets we ve ever had and we have invited the students to cater our event next year " Janet had taken on four of the students who d won praise for their work with the main caterers as well as third year Culinary Arts student Malcolm Lomax as an administrative assistant in the run-up to the Show One of the Show s judges the Duchess of Devonshire had gone over to compliment the students personally added Janet The students buffet so impressed one of the organisers of L Eroica - a gruelling cycling race usually held in Tuscany in Italy - that he signed up the University team to cater for its farewell dinner when the event climaxes in Bakewell after touring the Peak District for the first time next year L Eroica is sponsored by an Italian food manufacturer Leonard Cseh Culinary Experiential Learning Leader at University of Derby Buxton said creating a winning buffet for the food judges had been a real challenge not least because it had to be tasty without affecting judges taste buds ahead of their assessing the many food competition entries Strong flavours had been out and the use of salt was restricted "We had to find ways of putting flavour into the food without tainting their palates " added Len Reece Straw a second year Culinary Arts & International Hospitality Management student said: "We got to put our classroom-based learning to use in a real workplace " Winning the new work was also a success for Building Bridges a scheme organised by the Bakewell Association of Christians to create links between old and young the community and businesses For further press information please contact John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer on 01298 33061 or email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Fashion Graduates Fly The Flag In China 26 October 2011 Fashion designs by University of Derby graduates graced the catwalk of a major annual international fashion show in China and appeared on TV there Lucy Outhwaite and Ravinder Marathu both graduates of Derby s BA (Hons) in Fashion Studies degree course showed their work on the catwalk at the three-day 15th Ningbo International Fashion Fair Derby was one of 12 UK insitutions whose graduates and students were chosen to represent Britain at the fashion fair The others were Arts University College of Bournemouth Bradford College London College of Fashion and the universities of Central Lancashire Coventry Manchester Metropolitan Middlesex Northampton Nottingham Trent Salford and Southampton Solent The British Council is promoting links between UK universities and Ningbo s thriving textile and fashion industry working with the Zhejiang Textile and Fashion College based there The aim is to establish a platform for the exchange and cooperation of production teaching and research for China and the UK UK universities staff visited Ningbo in March (2011) for the launch of the Sino-UK Co-operation Centre for Textile and Fashion Production Teaching and Research Ningbo representatives visited the UK over May and June Graduates and students were given the chance to show their designs as part of the fashion fair which closed Sunday (October 23) in a show entitled Together celebrating the co-operation between education and industry in Britain and China The catwalk show was staged at the Ningbo Television Centre and broadcast on TV Further joint UK-China projects are set to follow including involvement in Ningbo s Hefeng Creative Square Lucy 22 originally from Hull is now working as an Assistant Designer for George at Asda in Lutterworth Leicestershire She said: "It was really inspiring to go to China and show six of my designs in a collection It was an amazing experience as I d never been there before " Ravinder 24 originally of Birmingham is now working as an Assistant Menswear Designer at UCLA Apparel in London The student collections were accompanied by staff from the University s Faculty of Arts Design and Technology; its Dean Professor Huw Davies and Jane Stanton Head of Design Professor Davies said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for our graduates to show their work at a prestigious international festival Their selection by the British Council to represent the UK shows the quality and international reach the University is achieving " A British Council spokesman added: "The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and China and builds trust between them "It is wonderful that talented University of Derby graduates and teachers are contributing to these objectives and building concrete relationships between our two countries through Higher Education links in fashion design I am delighted that the University is raising its profile in this dynamic fast developing area of China " For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Fashion Retailer's New Qualification Is Perfect Fit For Industry's Future 13 July 2012 A global fashion chain has teamed up with University of Derby Corporate to launch what s thought to be the first academically accredited course tailor-made to nurture talent among UK retail staff Aurora Fashions has 6 900 employees and more than 1 200 stores worldwide; and is the power behind quality women s fashion brands Coast Oasis and Warehouse Together with University of Derby Corporate the University s commercial arm it is today Friday 13 July launching an accredited higher education course for Aurora Fashion employees based in the UK and Ireland The Aspire2Accelerate training programme will enable Aurora to create a visible career path for frontline retail teams within its brands and across the group and identify and nurture a skilled talent pool which can be deployed into critical retail management roles Developed by UDC the accredited higher education programme will have three phases targeted at retail career stages from sales advisor through to area manager Completion of the first phase will lead to a University Certificate in Retail Management with completion of all three phases leading to a full degree in Retail Management Learning will be based on staff s real work experience backed up with online and direct teaching Following a two-month national application process for the first level of this fast-track programme regional roll-out among the successful candidates will begin in London today Up to 150 learners will participate in the year-long course to gain the first University Certificate in Retail Management In an industry renowned for high staff turnover Aurora Fashions hopes the scheme will help its brands continue to attract and retain the best talent in fashion retailing Paul Wilkinson Head of Client Partnerships at University Derby Corporate said: "We re delighted to have been able to partner with Aurora Fashions enabling it to be the first fashion retailer to offer work-based learning to higher education level for existing employees "The new Certificate in Retail Management combines academic theory and work-based knowledge with vocational skill development and is a great way to begin a university degree pathway " Meg Lustman Managing Director of Warehouse added: "At a brand and a group level we re very proud of our heritage of investing in talent We re fortunate enough to attract some of the best talent around but believe that in order to keep and grow our staff we need to offer people the opportunities afforded in other industries "Against a backdrop of youth unemployment and significant industry job losses we hope Aspire2Accelerate will inspire existing staff and those considering entering the industry to be ambitious about a long-term career in the fast paced world of fashion retail " For more information about the University of Derby please contact University Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk Media requiring more information about Aurora Fashions should contact Nicola Quinion at Aurora Fashions on 020 7954 3710 or email: nicola quinion@aurorafashions com or Pauline Gillingham or Emma Dennis at Fishburn Hedges on 020 7839 4321 or email: aurora@fishburn-hedges co uk

Fashion Show's Internet Debut Bound To Net Interest 29 May 2013 It s a change of style for the University of Derby s annual Graduate Fashion Show this year as it will be staged at Derby Theatre and streamed live on the internet for the very first time The Fashion Show is one of the biggest events at the University s annual Degree Shows programme when final year students work from a wide range of subjects goes on free public display This year the Degree Shows have been dubbed The Big Show and will run from June 1 to 11 with most exhibitions taking place at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby Fashion students will stage catwalk shows of their collections at Derby Theatre on Wednesday June 5 at 1 30pm and 7 30pm; with the public industry professionals and school and college students set to see innovative designs worn by professional models appear for the first time To attend the fashion shows - tickets are priced £3 for the 1 30pm show and £12 for the 7 30pm show contact the Derby Theatre box office on 01332 593939 or go to website www derbytheatre co uk This year s shows can also be viewed live on the internet for the first time as they are streamed on the University of Derby s website at www derby ac uk Fashion retailers in Derby are again backing the Graduate Fashion Show with a series of initiatives to encourage new design talent Derby Westfield has given up a storefront in the shopping centre (Sony shop) where selected items from the students collections will be displayed in the run up to the June 5 shows City-centre fashion store Canopy in Derby s Sadler Gate will also again be displaying students designs and their associated idea boards with customers voting for their favourite The winning student will receive £150 in Canopy vouchers Fiona Hawthorne Senior Lecturer for the University s BA (Hons) Fashion Studies degree course said: "We re excited about having our fashion shows staged in the University s own Derby Theatre for the first time "It will be a team effort as the Fashion Studies students will have the support of technical degree course students running the stage management lighting and music helping to create a great atmosphere " Among the student collections on show on June 5 will be that of Jacqui Luker 49 a BA (Hons) Fashion Studies student who won the Best Student Designer category at the Bridal Buyer Awards 2013 at the Harrogate Bridal Show Fellow student Courtney Blades will also be showing designs which were shortlisted for the finals of the 2013 Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award contest in February

Fashion's Claudia Shows Her Cooking Flair 17 February 2011 Fashion lecturer Claudia Huxtable swapped couture for cuisine when she won one of 20 coveted places in the new series of BBC One TV s MasterChef Keen amateur cook Claudia 38 a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Studies based at the University of Derby s Markeaton Street site was seen cooking up a storm on the first programme of the new series at 9pm last night Wednesday 16 February For the seventh MasterChef series the first two programmes one last night and one tonight Thursday 17 February feature hopefuls - chosen from 20 000 applicants who applied - auditioning for 20 contestants places to take part in the series The 20 will then be tested and gradually eliminated from the competition each week until there is a winner Last night Claudia and the other amateur cooks auditioning brought their own ingredients and created a dish in just 45 minutes before presenting the food to be judged by presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace Claudia was told her fish dish of Red Snapper on coconut and lime leeks with a tower of sweet and Maris Piper potato mash topped with crispy sweet potato was "interesting" and "fabulous" She got the thumbs up from both presenters and one of the 20 contestants places in the series Claudia who lives in Birmingham was supported on the day of the audition by her sister Karen who is a trained chef; although Claudia cheekily said on camera: "I do feel I cook better than she does" Following the programme Claudia who has been at the University for seven years said: "I have always loved being creative with food and experimenting with unusual ingredients "It s one thing doing this in the comfort of my own kitchen but to compete against so many talented amateur chefs and to be told that my food was good enough to go through to the next stage was amazing " Ten other cooks were also picked to enter the series competition in last night s show leaving a further nine to be chosen in tonight s Thursday show Filming on the whole series has actually ended but Claudia and the other contestants have been sworn to secrecy over who was crowned MasterChef 2011 Her MasterChef appearance can still be seen through the BBC iPlayer website (Claudia appears 42 minutes into the 60 minute show) For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Fashions Fit to Delight Disabled Children 15 April 2011 A fashion student is mixing style with sensitivity by creating clothes for disabled young people that they will want to wear Rosie Hall 23 is on the final year of the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Fashion Studies degree course She has been working with a local charity Umbrella which runs projects for disabled children from birth to 19-years-old on a range of trendy adaptive clothing for young people Limited mobility and other problems related to their disability can make it difficult for children and teenagers to find clothes which fit properly and are fashionable Adaptive clothing makes things easier for the wearer For example traditional buttons can be replaced by less fiddly Velcro or magnetic fastenings and trouser pockets are positioned further down the leg so a person in a wheelchair can get to them Racketys of Leek in Staffordshire which makes clothing for adults and children with disabilities advised Rosie on her project; as did children at Umbrella Rosie originally from Croxden near Uttoxeter said: "I came up with four designs aimed at girls aged around eight The aim was for the clothing to allow them to be more independent so they could dress themselves and also be fashionable "I thought of things like having an extra fastening at waist height to accommodate use of a feeding tube and making the clothes warm because of the circulation problems some disabled children have The designs are also what we call on trend using the military emblems that are popular in mainstream fashions right now "It has been a really interesting project " One of the children who tested out Rosie s designs and gave her pointers was ten-year-old Niamh Allen daughter of University of Derby Marketing Director Peter Allen Niamh has breathing and other related long term health problems due to having been born premature Niamh of Leicester said of Rosie s clothing range: "I really liked Rosie s clothes My favourite was the hoodie because it was nice and warm and not pink " Rosie thanked the Umbrella charity for the help with her project by setting up a mini-fashion shoot for its children complete with photographs by professional photographer Ewan Mathers An Umbrella spokeswoman said: "Rosie put a lot of thought into the type of clothing she designed and took into account the children s needs All the girls loved the clothes and enjoyed working with Rosie who has highlighted an area that needs to be progressed and marketed " Fiona Hawthorne of the University s Fashion Studies course added: "Fashion should be for everyone Rosie has shown real ingenuity in thinking about the day-to-day difficulties these children face and designed around those to create clothing they will actually want to wear " Find out more about the University s Fashion Studies degree course For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Fast Performances Credited To Expert Help 16 May 2012 Experts in sports performance from the University of Derby Buxton are using their skills to help an England 800 metre runner race back into form in time for this summer s busy athletics season Runner Karen Harewood from Corby had an excellent season in 2011 achieving her fastest times over 200 400 and 800 metres since 2006 She puts these results down to specialist support she has received from Buxton sports academics Adam Baker and Mark Cheetham Karen said: "Mark seems to have a sixth sense in relation to the mechanics of athletic movement and is really skilled at tuning into the specific needs of the individual they are working with "I was amazed at the differences after working with him for a few months and know 100% that his contributions had a massive impact on the season I was able to string together last year "I felt stronger and more powerful during my sprint work than ever before and am very excited about having the opportunity to continue working with him over the coming season " Mark and Adam have also seen excellent results with other athletes they have worked with including young 400m runner Ben Jones age 15 Ben recently ran at the at the new London Olympic Stadium as a test event in the London Prepares Series Derbyshire s Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2011 13 year old golfer Bradley Moore and 1 500 and 3 000 metre runner Ellie Stevens are two other up and coming sports people to have benefited from the academics expert touch For more information about sport at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/sports

Fast track to success for spa star 8 April 2014 A degree from the University of Derby Buxton has put Gillian Baird on the fast track to a career in international spa management Gillian begins her new job at the world-famous Six Senses Spa in the Qatari capital Doha next month Six Senses sent senior managers from Doha and Switzerland to Buxton just for the University s last Industry Networking Day because its spa courses have such a high reputation Twenty-five-year old Gillian from Ayrshire met them at the networking day in the Dome and four gruelling interviews later was offered a place on their fast-track management programme "It s such a privilege to be accepted to work with Six Senses " she said "I m going to learn so much because they re a huge international company I am sure this will be a life changing experience" The Doha spa which is part of a hotel complex has 65 employees and Gillian will join them as a full member of the management team even though she is still training - thanks to her BSc Hons in International Spa Management Despite having five years experience in the industry before enrolling at the University Gillian said that nowadays it was very difficult to work your way to the top from the role of therapist as most spa management posts now call for higher education "Studying for a degree at Buxton was definitely worthwhile " she said "It s been fantastic I would never have had this opportunity if I hadn t come to this university It has given me the technical skills I need in order to develop as a manager " Buxton is one of the few university campuses in the UK with a working spa to give students hands-on experience alongside the business knowledge and managerial skills demanded by the industry "You can sit in front of a book and learn about certain aspects of the industry but it doesn t compare with the hands-on experience of managing a team which the Buxton campus has to offer That s very important " she said Six Senses has 30 spas worldwide and its Vice President "Master of Spa" Anna Bjurstam has gone on record as saying: "I ve studied the educational market and I believe that Buxton is doing this better than any university in the world " For more press informaiton conatc John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

Feat Of Clay Fires Imagination In Country Of The Terracotta Army 16 October 2008 A ceramics expert from Derby is helping create a new future for clay arts in China – at the home of the country’s 2 200 year old terracotta army Sebastian Blackie Professor of Ceramics at the University of Derby worked with Chinese craftsmen and women – sometimes beginning his day at 4 30am in the searing heat of a factory – to create exciting new exhibits for the Fu Le International Ceramic Art Museum (FLICAM) in Fu Ping Shaanxi Province northern China FLICAM is a major venue featuring work by ceramics artists from around the world It is only an hour’s drive from the home of the terracotta army displayed at Shaanxi Provincial Capital Xian The army of 6 000 life-size figures in terracotta clay was discovered by accident by a farmer digging a well 24 years ago They were guarding the tomb of the First Emperor of China Qin Shi Huang It is now a world tourist attraction and a fictionalised version played a major part in recent Hollywood action movie The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor Professor Blackie’s work is now on permanent display in the British Pavilion at the FLICAM site One of only 12 UK artists featured his work includes various ‘ceramic carpets’ simple clay tiles sewn together in a form inspired by ancient Chinese warriors’ plated armour The different carpets carry messages taken from real Chinese and English tombstones Discussions are underway for follow-up works by Professor Blackie and a possible solo exhibition to be staged in the 2008 Olympic city Beijing He has also been asked to advise FLICAM on setting up a postgraduate study ceramics school The Derby academic established links with the Chinese crafts venue two years ago and most recently spent most of last August (2008) there Professor Blackie said: “The factory I and the other British artists used had many skilled Chinese ceramics workers “Differences in language and culture did create difficulties when asking these workers to apply their specialist knowledge to unfamiliar tasks However we were treated with a lot of kindness by the Chinese employees and were able to produce large scale work within a very short period with their assistance “It was strange to think that some of the same ceramics production methods used to create the extraordinary terracotta clay army at Xian – which I visited – are still being used today ” Professor Blackie’s trip was made possible through a £2 000 grant from the University of Derby’s Open Studio research centre aid from the Fu Le International Ceramic Art Museum and his own contributions -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

‘Fifty Years In Space’ Marked By Mars Mission Expert’s Talk 8 October 2007 To mark a half century of space exploration renowned scientist Professor Colin Pillinger – former head of European ‘Mars Express’ mission ‘Beagle 2’ – will deliver the University of Derby’s annual Flamsteed Lecture On October 4 it will be 50 years since the Russian satellite Sputnik was launched The craft was the first man-made object to leave the Earth s atmosphere To mark the occasion and almost to the day celebrated British scientist Professor Pillinger CBE FRS will deliver the University’s 2007 Flamsteed Lecture Fifty Years In Space Aptly the annual lectures commemorate Britain’s first Astronomer Royal the Derbyshire born 17 h Century astronomer John Flamsteed Professor Pillinger CBE of the Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute at The Open University is perhaps best known as leader of the inspired but ill-fated ‘Beagle 2’ project which sent a robot explorer spacecraft to Mars as part of the European Space Agency (ESA) ‘Mars Express’ mission The craft landed on Mars in December 2003 but then failed to make contact with Earth In his career the Professor has worked on subjects as diverse as NASA lunar samples Martian meteorites solar winds interstellar diamonds and the ESA’s Rosetta Mission which in 2004 sent a craft on a ten-year mission to land on a distant comet Professor Pillinger’s lecture will look at the legacy of the last 50 years of space travel from the first unmanned satellites to today’s re-usable Space Shuttles and the International Space Station and discuss what the future of space exploration might hold His talk will be held from 6 15pm on Wednesday October 10 in the Court Room (OL2) of the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road site The public lecture is free but because of the level of expected interest places must be booked in advance It will be followed by light refreshments with the chance to meet Professor Pillinger afterwards He had been scheduled to give the Flamsteed Lecture back in 2003 entitled Beagle 2 – Searching for Life on Mars when he was called away because of an emergency connected with that mission The 2007 Flamsteed Lecture continues the theme of knowledge gained through space exploration seen in previous years Previous Flamsteed lectures have touched on unmanned space missions to Saturn’s moon Titan and to Venus NOTE: This event is now fully booked -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or s kirby@derby ac uk

Fighting future floods to be tackled by expert's talk 2 April 2014 After the wettest winter for 100 years caused mass flooding a University of Derby audience will hear how we might keep our head above water in future Professor Colin Thorne Chair of Physical Geography at the University of Nottingham is a leading expert on rivers and their management His free talk at 5pm on Wednesday April 9 in the Courtroom (Lecture Theatre OL2) at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby will look at how we can better manage physical defences against flooding and reduce its risks for people and property as UK winters become increasingly wetter Professor Thorne said: "Ten years ago Sir David King now the Government s Special Representative for Climate Change warned that business as usual in flood management was no longer an option He said hard choices would need to be taken of either investing more in sustainable approaches to flood and coastal management or learning to live with increased flooding "UK flood management is changing unfortunately the devastating floods this winter have shown us it isn t changing fast enough My lecture will set out the hard choices we face if people in the UK are to avoid having to learn to live with flooding " Professor Thorne s talk will be the fourth and final lecture in the current series of Geo-Talks run by the University s Geographical Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES) Department The free public events feature leading experts speaking on how Earth sciences can have a big impact on modern society Previous talks in this year s series have tackled subjects such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet fracking (hydraulic fracturing to extract underground shale gas) and how climate change can trigger natural disasters Dr Martin Whiteley Senior Lecturer in Petroleum Geoscience at the University of Derby said: "We have been lucky enough to attract some excellent and knowledgeable speakers for the Geo-Talks who have made these often technical subjects very accessible to people without a scientific background " Professor Thorne s talk - entitled Keeping your head above water: coping with flooding in the UK - is free to attend but places must be booked in advance For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Film Expert's Horror Trilogy Explores Diabetics' Real Fears 10 August 2009 Haunted lifts and chilling suspense aren t the usual stuff of public health information films but a University of Derby lecturer is using the horror genre to get people talking about his medical condition Tom Craig - a film maker scriptwriter and Lecturer in Film Theory and History at the University - was diagnosed with Type One diabetes (the most serious form) aged four and is dependent on insulin His partner Sarah also has Type One diabetes He has previously been involved in educating trainee doctors and nurses at his local hospital about what it s like to live with the condition The film expert is combining his knowledge of diabetes and the horror genre to produce three dramatic short films - entitled the Bitter Sweet Trilogy - to encourage people especially the young to discuss their diabetes more openly Tom said: "Adjusting to the psychological aspects of living with diabetes in my experience can be the hardest part of dealing with the condition "Unfortunately this is also an area that healthcare professionals often see as a secondary consideration after the management of a patient s physical symptoms "Broaching the subject in a format that teenagers and young adults are familiar with such as the horror or thriller genre is more likely to get them talking about it than if you were to try and convey the message in a dry documentary style " Tom wrote the films screenplays and each will be about 20 minutes long They focus on different symptoms of diabetes which Tom says mainstream movies often get wrong The first film Sugar Drop was shot largely with one actor in a small lift at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby and is now in post-production Ben is a diabetic man with hypoglycaemia who is stuck in a lift without access to food or medicine and with no way to get help His panic sweats and eventual hallucinations are medically accurate but Tom s film adds a spooky element He explained: "There s definitely a question mark left hanging as to whether Ben s not hallucinating at the end and there is something in the lift with him; a kind of demonic force that the audience never gets to see properly "This element moves the action out of the category of drama and firmly into horror " While not based on his own experience Tom said that like him most Type One diabetics at some time would have considered that a similar situation could happen to them Sugar Drop was shot on a shoestring budget Derby undergraduates Richard Buxton (actor) Chloe Furze (make-up artist) and Joff Whaite (lighting); film graduates Sean Ford (director) Daniel Romero (codirector) and Panagiotis Kyriakopoulos (sound); and Tom s colleague Chas Andrews-Roberts (producer) volunteered their time Film and TV composer Paul Lord provided the film s music score for free The production received unexpected help when expensive footage for its opening shot of a cityscape was donated free by Colin Prescot Chief Executive of specialist UK aerial filming company Flying Pictures of Hampshire Colin - whose company has provided footage for around 300 movies including the James Bond and Harry Potter series - also has Type One diabetes He had had a distinguished flying and ballooning record and even undertook Cosmonaut training in Moscow when in 2005 he was diagnosed with Type One diabetes Colin said: "It was the end of my pilot career which as you can imagine was a life and career changing moment "I was happy to help Tom when I heard that his non-profit film trilogy would be aimed at raising awareness of diabetes especially amongst young people " Tom s second as yet untitled film is about a man going blind who decides to spend his remaining sighted time destroying the beauty of the world around him Diabetic retinopathy caused by changes to blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) can damage vision or cause blindness The Bitter Sweet Trilogy s third piece will be based loosely on the true story of American Edwarda O Bara who has spent the past 39 years in a diabetic coma A trailer for Sugar Drop should be available on website www sugardropmovie co uk (currently under construction) by the end of August Films two and three should be completed in 2010 Tom believes the market for the trilogy will be mainly screenings at public events festival venues and on the internet although he has also received TV interest "We have great hopes for the future distribution of these short films and for their potential in getting people to talk more openly about the psychological pressures faced by people with diabetes " added Tom For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Film Maker Beats Credit Crunch With Latest Hit 28 April 2009 University of Derby graduate Tom Wadlow whose work experience includes a stint at Universal Studios in Los Angeles holds the world premiere of his credit crunching no-budget horror film in Derby this week Tom (29) studied BA (Hons) Film and Video Studies and graduated in 2003 Tom is premiering his latest short film The Apartment (rated 18) for free in the University’s Heap Lecture Theatre at Kedleston Road on Friday Without any funding support Tom shot The Apartment entirely on location in Derby by calling in favours from friends and using local business contacts who gave their time or resources for free including: oca actors who worked for free. oca bus ness R ght Adv ce based on Vernon Street, n Derby, who opened the r off ce for the cast ng sess ons free of charge. Market ng Derby who promoted the cast ng sess ons through the r market ng ema s for free. ocat on prem ses oaned out at no cost. the Un vers ty, wh ch s offer ng free market ng support and s ho d ng the wor d prem ere of the f m n one of ts ecture theatres, comp ete w th red carpet and s x foot h gh Oscars. The tickets to the showing are free. The film sees a newly married professional couple Alec and Emma delighted to move into their new "bargain" apartment Soon the couple find troubles arise between them when the apartment’s history begins to force its way into their lives While rubbing shoulders with some of the most fantastic professionals in the industry Tom has developed innovative ideas and processes to make his dramatic ideas come to life on the big screen He has written directed filmed and produced several short films as well as being involved in some major independent film projects throughout the UK Tom said: “It s been great to be able to go back to the University to show the film they ve been so supportive and extremely keen to be involved in helping a former student In a time where money issues are on everyone’s mind it’s very difficult to raise money for short films which are seen as non-profit stepping stones to other things – most people aren’t willing to take a gamble on them " Professor Huw Davies Dean of the University’s Faculty of Arts Design and Technology added: “We are really delighted to be hosting this special screening of Tom’s film “The short film is an important ‘calling card’ and development in a filmmaker’s career Many established directors from Kubrick to Polanski cut their teeth on shorts and the format provides the opportunity for experimentation and risk taking We certainly wish Tom all the best with this and his future projects ” Dylan Jones Editor of GQ magazine was a key note speaker recently at the University’s Creative Careers Summit He said: “Great creativity is usually at its height when times are tough; making it easier for creative people to make their mark ” The premiere of The Apartment takes place in the Heap Lecture Theatre at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road site on Friday 1 May doors open at 7 00pm for a 7 30pm showing Tickets are free and include a drink and an opportunity to meet Tom after the showing endsFor further information about this release please contact Alumni Relations Officer Laura Ratcliffe on 01332 591368 or mobile 07768 091248 or email:l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

Film-Maker's Photo Project Focuses On Helping Gypsy Youths 17 January 2013 A University of Derby graduate film-maker is training Roma gypsy children to photograph their difficult lives in a mass housing complex in Slovakia - where he also lived as a child Artur Conka 22 - who graduates with a BA (Hons) Photography degree at the University s Derby Award Ceremonies tomorrow (Friday January 18) - made a short film about Roma and gypsy peoples living in the vast crumbling Lunik IX housing complex in Kosice Slovakia for his final degree show The film can be seen on YouTube (at www youtube com/watch?v=YUFUkVivh_M ) and has been screened at film festivals A former Lunik IX resident himself - Artur lived there until aged three when his parents left Slovakia and eventually settled in London when he was eight-years-old - his film perfectly captures the crumbling tower blocks surrounded by rubbish and limited running water and power supplies Communities are mainly settled there by the Slovakian government Now Artur has launched a project to raise international awareness of the Lunik IX conditions and teach the young people living there valuable photographic skills It will work in conjunction with a similar project called Life Through A Lens founded by fellow film-maker Julia Johnson which helps gypsy youths in England He said: "I have returned to the Lunik IX complex a number of times not least because I still have family living there and am always struck by the dire conditions that people live with "My colleague Julia Johnson and I have launched a collaborative project to help young people at Lunik IX Slovakia We will teach them to take photographs while I continue filming their daily lives with all our work then being shown at a London exhibition planned for 2013 to create interest in and financial support for the children of Lunik IX "I hope the images these Roma youths produce themselves will challenge the negative representations of them and their culture " For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Film producers at the University of Derby on a roll with award 2 May 2014 Digital media producers at the University of Derby have shown exactly why they are the experts in their field after snapping up an award from the British Universities Film & Video Council (BUFVC) The University s Learning Enhancement and Innovation (LEI) Media Team won Best In-House Production Courseware and Curriculum Production at the national BUFVC s Learning on Screen Awards held in London The annual event is the UK s only awards which celebrate and reward excellence in the use of moving image and related media in learning teaching and research The University fought-off tough competition from hundreds of other entrants producing educational media including other academic institutions broadcasters and production companies Dr Ruth Ayres Dean of LEI said: "I was delighted the team won this prestigious award It is great national recognition of our innovative work in digital media production "To have beaten a range of organisations many within our own field is a huge achievement and we will continue to provide the very best support for all our staff to ensure we maintain such a high standard " Directed and produced by University media advisors Rob Higson and Matt Howcroft the winning film features an introduction to electroencephalography (EEG) and the brain from postgraduate research student Mike Batashvili It explains what EEG is how it is used what it is used for and a short example of a study carried out by the University of Derby s Psychology department examining how the brain reacts to visual stimuli

The winning film Using natural materials sourced from the Manifold Valley students have assembled an impressive interactive sculpture out of coppiced hazel called The Oaks which will be exhibited at the 158-acre Ilam Park near Ashbourne until May 12 The project is part of an ongoing collaboration with the National Trust which the University has been running for 12 years and is an integral part of its second-year teaching programme for Fine Art providing opportunities for students to work with external organisations Students were invited to put a proposal together and once accepted materials were sourced during a site visit Denis O Connor Senior Lecturer in Art said: "Every year this project encourages students to put together individual sculptural works but it is different this time around "Following discussions with the National Trust we wanted a group project which is about creating an interactive piece of artwork "What they have done is really impressive and I hope visitors to the amazing landscape at Ilam Park will enjoy it People can interact with the piece as they walk through it by touching and looking making it a real sensory experience "The students are a real credit to the University and I really hope they will use this to extend their careers professionally "They are working in the landscape learning to work with materials and constructing the sculptural form But one of the key things is they are engaging with the public working with the National Trust and enjoying the experience " The Oaks can be found behind the visitor centre at Ilam Park at Ilam Hall near Ashbourne (DE6 2AZ ) The Park forms a part of the White Peak Estate which also includes Dovedale Hamps and Manifold Valleys The University of Derby is involved in numerous external partnership projects with organisations including Rolls Royce Derby Art Gallery and Museum and the National Trust For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Fire Officer's Achievements Will Ensure Event Safety 19 November 2012 A Fire Officer from the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service graduated from the University of Derby Buxton with a qualification that will help him promote public safety at UK events like Glastonbury Festival 2013 Duncan White 44 from Crewkerne in Somerset is responsible for Events Management at Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and is the UK Event Safety Lead for the Chief Fire Officers Association He plays a key role in the safe running of large scale events in the region such as the Glastonbury music festival and the Somerset Winter Carnival Working with Glastonbury Festival s events team to ensure the safety of up to 177 500 people led Duncan to decide to pursue qualifications in Event Management to support his work Two years later he has achieved a Foundation Degree in Events Management by studying online with the University of Derby Buxton Duncan said: "The safe running of events is taken very seriously by the Fire & Rescue Service and so working with the industry is vitally important I wanted to better understand the pressures and constraints that professionals face on the other side of the fence and so thought what better way to do this than to study events management?" "I began by completing a University Diploma in Event Safety Management with the University of Derby Corporate and then progressed onto the Foundation Degree at Buxton Studying online enabled me to fit my University work around my shift work as often the best time to study was at 3am " Duncan graduated alongside around 300 students at the University s annual Awards Ceremony at its Grade II* Listed Devonshire Dome on Saturday (November 17) Duncan added: "The support I received from tutors throughout my degree has been excellent and it feels fantastic to graduate I m already putting what I have learned into the planning of Glastonbury 2013 which is now well underway " Eddy Grant who lectures on the University s Events Management degrees and the Diploma in Events Safety Management at the University of Derby Corporate (UDC) added: "Duncan has shown a real commitment to understanding the events industry through his learning so he can work with partners to deliver the safest events possible "It was wonderful to see Duncan s hard work rewarded as he graduated " For more information on studying at online part time at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/online

First 'Derby In London' Event Proves Capital for Graduates 20 March 2013 Law IT business education creative and hospitality graduates from the University of Derby have attended its first ever Derby in London event More than 30 graduates - now based in the capital and making their mark in a wide range of professions gathered at Henry's Café Bar Covent Garden yesterday evening (Tuesday March 19) They were drawn from across the almost 21 years that the University of Derby has been in operation The graduates came together to share memories of their time at Derby and network over after work drinks and nibbles They are employed within a range of companies including global brands KPMG PwC and Burberry; charities and many are freelance or self-employed University of Derby LLB graduate Kevin Millward is now a London-based freelance barrister who graduated in 1997 He said: "It was a great evening I met up with graduates from my course and caught up with the news and developments at Derby "It s a really good idea for the University to have these types of events and I look forward to the next one " The event was captured on camera by another London based self-employed Derby graduate photographer Joe Giacomet Joe graduated from the BA (Hons) Commercial Photography degree course in 2007 and is now a successful freelance photographer He has worked on contracts for M&C Saatchi M&S and the Royal Bank of Scotland Find out more about Joe s work by visiting website www giacomet co uk Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer at the University of Derby added: "It was a terrific event with lots of socialising and networking taking place with connections made to be followed up We re hoping to make it an annual event "Following the success of the Derby in London event the University of Derby Alumni Relations team is looking forward to taking the University to another UK city for the next Derby in very soon " Find out more about the University of Derby s alumni at www derby ac uk/alumni

First Ever Radio 4 Roadshow To Visit University of Derby 6 July 2009 BBC Radio 4 is to broadcast programmes from the University of Derby as part of its first ever roadshow Derby is one of only three UK universities selected along with Cardiff and Bedfordshire to host Radio 4 for its autumn roadshow A range of news and entertainment programmes yet to be decided will be broadcast from the host universities in what could become an annual event It is part of the national radio station s attempt to widen its audience base particularly to include younger people Almost 90% of the station s 9 98 million weekly listeners are 35-years-old or above Mark Damazer Controller of BBC Radio 4 said: "What I am trying to do is make Radio 4 attractive to all sorts of people who might be interested in intelligent speech given the expansion in higher education and not to exclude because of our tone and choice of subject matter the younger end of the audience " The station will be at each of the universities for around five days It will be interactive offering students a range of workshops covering areas such as stand-up comedy writing and journalism If successful the roadshow would become an annual fixture for Radio 4 said Mr Damazer Peter Gallimore Head of Corporate Relations at the University of Derby said: "This is a real coup to be one of only three universities to host the first ever Radio 4 roadshow "The station will find a real welcome at Derby and it will be a chance for staff and students to see how a world renowned news and entertainment broadcaster goes about its business " The BBC and the University of Derby already work together closely as partners in the BBC Big Screen in Derby city-centre -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

First Finalists Announced For 2013 Derbyshire Sports Awards 24 October 2013 Details of the finalists in six of the categories at this year s Derbyshire Sports Awards sponsored by the University of Derby have been unveiled Some of Derbyshire s most committed sports volunteers dedicated coaches and talented athletes will find out next month if they have won one of the sought-after prizes at the Awards and among the contenders is Darley Dale Cricket Club Hilton Harriers Football Club Sean White from Phoenix Trampoline Club Sarah Ball from Kirkstead Junior School badminton coach James Boxall and swimming coach Andi Manley Also among the finalists is Helen Akers from Long Eaton Swimming Club Neil Kellogg from Spondon Cricket Club Rajveer Bual from the University Of Derby Fletcher Smith from Belper Rugby Club Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust and South Derbyshire District Council The finalists in the Derby Telegraph Service to Sport Award are Helen Akers from Long Eaton Swimming Club and Neil Kellogg from Spondon Cricket Club Helen is a qualified British Swimming referee and has officiated at a number of national championships and international events as well as regional and county events Neil is Chairman of Spondon Cricket Club and has helped to increase membership and improve its financial fortunes ensuring the sustainability of the club as well as coaching In the Cooper Parry Club of the Year category the finalists are Darley Dale Cricket Club and Hilton Harriers Football Club Darley Dale Cricket Club has this year celebrated its 150th anniversary It has senior and junior teams links with a number of local schools and offers opportunities for social cricket sports and community facilities This year £115 000 has also been raised to extend and refurbish the club pavilion Hilton Harriers Football Club has 30 teams including a new veteran s team and a disability group The club has an open-door policy welcoming children over the age of five irrespective of ability and has links with a number of schools This year it opened an extended pavilion having raised £100 000 and worked with local partners to bring an artificial turf pitch to John Port School Sean White from Phoenix Trampoline Club and Sarah Ball from Kirkstead Junior School are the finalists in the Derby College Community Coach of the Year category Sean has been coaching at Phoenix Trampoline Club since it was founded 29 years ago and during that time has coached at all levels from grassroots participants to World Age Group competitors Sarah coaches the year six girls football team at Kirkstead Junior School which won the league and the knock-out trophy for the 2012/13 season In the Matrix Fitness Performance Coach of the Year category the contenders are Derventio eXcel Head Coach Andi Manley and James Boxall Head Coach of the Derbyshire Badminton Performance Centre This year Andi has coached the swimming squad to a variety of successes including Great Britain representation at the World Junior Championships and the Flanders Cup in Belgium and three squad members were selected for ASA World Class Podium Potential programmes in March Meanwhile James coached Grace King to U13 National Championship success and coached the Derbyshire U17 team to their best result in 15 years He was also appointed England U13 coach in February coaching the team to third place in the Danish Cup The contenders in the Derbyshire County Council Young Sports Leader/Young Coach of the Year category are Rajveer Bual and Fletcher Smith Rajveer s volunteering work has included coaching at the Dark Star Volleyball Club and the East Midlands representative team as well as being the Volleyball Officer at the University of Derby and being an ambassador for the Derby City School Sport Partnership Leadership Academy Fletcher is a volunteer for the Amber Valley Leadership Academy volunteered at the Derbyshire School Games and manages and coaches a number of young teams at Belper Rugby Club Competing for the Community Sports Trust Active Workplace Award is Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust and South Derbyshire District Council Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust encourages staff to become more physically active and has trained 38 members of staff as Workplace Health Champions Activities offered to staff include walking and jogging groups and exercise classes South Derbyshire District Council is also encouraging its staff to become more activity and offers activities such as football badminton and jogging sessions as well as dance classes and discounted gym membership Details of the finalists in the remaining five awards categories: University of Derby Sportsperson of the Year University of Derby Disabled Sportsperson of the Year International Golf Development Junior Sportsman of the Year Derby City Council Junior Sportswoman of the Year and the Origination Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year will be announced next week The winners will be announced during an invite-only ceremony at The Roundhouse in Derby on Thursday November 14 where the guest speaker will be Olympic silver medallist and top BBC sports pundit Colin Jackson CBE Colin is an ambassador for Matrix Fitness which for the second year is a category sponsor and the sponsor of the drinks reception at the Derbyshire Sports Awards The University of Derby is the title sponsor of the event and other sponsors include the Derby Telegraph Derby City Council Origination Derbyshire County Council Cooper Parry International Golf Development Derby College the Community Sports Trust and Matrix Fitness University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "These Awards are a great way to showcase some of the inspiring work that is happening in sport across the county and to encourage others to get involved " Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager at the University said: "Sporting excellence achievement and the benefits of sport to health are high on our agenda and we are working hard to increase the number of students taking part in sport improve performance and increase opportunities for all " Event organisers Derbyshire Sport resurrected the awards in 2006 in recognition of the importance of paying tribute to the wealth of sporting talent in the county District awards ceremonies have been held across the county with winners from each district going forward to be considered for the Derbyshire Sports Awards Cllr Paul Smith Chair of Derbyshire Sport said: "Derbyshire has a wealth of sporting talent and clubs coaches and volunteers who all do such great work and the Derbyshire Sports Awards are a way of recognising these efforts "My congratulations go to everyone who has made it this far in the awards process and to all the winners and nominees at district level I wish all the finalists the very best of luck " LIST OF FINALISTS: Cooper Parry Club of the Year Darley Dale Cricket Club (Derbyshire Dales - Cricket) Hilton Harriers Football Club (South Derbyshire - Football) Derby College Community Coach of the Year Sarah Ball (Bolsover - Girls Football) Sean White (Erewash - Trampolining) Matrix Fitness Performance Coach of the Year James Boxall (Amber Valley - Badminton) Andi Manley (South Derbyshire - Swimming) Derbyshire County Council Young Sports Leader/Young Coach of the Year Rajveer Bual (Derby - Volleyball) Fletcher Smith (Amber Valley - Rugby) Derby Telegraph Service to Sport Award Helen Akers (Erewash - Swimming) Neil Kellogg (Derby - Cricket) Community Sports Trust Active Workplace Award Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust South Derbyshire District Council

First Ice Hockey Star Signs On For Cutting Edge Courses 28 May 2008 A cool partnership between the University of Derby and pro ice hockey team Nottingham Panthers to help players further their education has its first ‘signing’ Players are being given the opportunity to take up masters degrees at the University with course options including a Masters (MA) in Strategic Management or MSc in Strategic Sports Management The first student player has now been announced – Nottingham Panthers’ latest ‘import’ recruit Nick Toneys who wants to study business The 25-year-old American defenceman is a graduate of Michigan Technological University and St Norbert’s College USA He played at Augusta and Phoenix in the East Coast Hockey League last season and the year before he was at Kalamazoo in the United Hockey League The University and Nottingham Panthers deal worth more than £30 000 and announced last Friday (May 23) is seen as a real boost for the sport helping develop current players into tomorrow’s team and business managers In return the University of Derby will receive a package of marketing and promotion opportunities including stadium advertising involvement in the Panthers’ website and magazine and the chance to raise its profile among fans Its badge will also appear on players’ and fans’ replica shirts as a team sponsor Nottingham Panthers Coach Corey Neilson said today: “We can’t underline the importance of deals like the one with the University of Derby enough “I said last week when we revealed the new partnership that it would make my life easier when it came to recruitment There are a lot of players who have turned professional after going through the high class American and Canadian college systems who will jump at the chance to go ‘back to school’ while continuing to play and so it has proven ” Peter Allen Marketing Director at the University of Derby added: “It is great news that we have our first ‘signing’ and I’m sure Nick will find Derby very friendly and supportive “Because Derby is the market leader in Learning Through Work Nick could decide to build his own Masters course perhaps using his sports experience for his coursework If he chooses the MSc Strategic Management he can study in person or online to fit his course around his busy lifestyle ” The masters courses options will be offered to other Nottingham Panthers players in the future For further media information please contact the author of this press release Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

First Look At University's Proposed Premier Sports Centre 11 November 2013 Planning permission for a multi-million pound University of Derby sports centre is being sought - with the first artist s impressions of the building released to the public The proposed two-storey structure would be built into the existing eight metre high grass bank around the main playing field at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby The sports centre will include a main hall a fitness gym and associated strength and conditioning area dance studio squash and badminton courts an internal climbing wall a 50 metre sprint track changing rooms a cafe and offices A planning application is currently being considered by Derby City Council which is consulting the public Related documents and artist s impressions are on the authority s website The University is hoping for application approval within the next few weeks Architects firm William Saunders (with offices in Wirksworth and Newark) designed the building A main contractor to deliver the project - at an estimated cost of around £9m - will be chosen after tendering By building the sports centre into an existing grass bank giving it a green-coloured curved roof and reusing any excavated material for surrounding ramps it s hoped that its environmental and visual impact will be minimised The facility will be built to BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) standards widely used as a method to assess buildings sustainability Combined heat and power (CHP) and low carbon technologies are being investigated to produce its heating and lighting to make it highly energy efficient An exhibition of the sports centre plans was held for nearby residents and businesses in September attended by the University s Estates team and William Saunders architects If approved building work on the sports centre is expected to begin in January (2014) It would open for business in early 2015 The sports centre s primary use would be for staff and students but - as with current University sports facilities such as its football and tennis pitches in Derby and outdoor centre linked to the Buxton Campus - there will be opportunities for use by affiliated sports organisations schools and the wider community Hari Punchihewa University Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director said: "As part of the University s sports strategy it s important to have a modern multi-purpose sports centre to provide the necessary student facilities This building meets that requirement "We are serious about sports and also our environmental responsibilities which is why we asked the centre architects to design with sustainable materials and low carbon technologies in mind " Ian Willgoose Director of Estates at the University of Derby added: "The sports provision at the University has been steadily improving and that s reflected in the success of our teams and the University s Team Derby initiative This state-of-the-art centre will benefit all our students but particularly those on sports-related and sports science degree courses " For more information about sports provision at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/campus/sport For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

First Recipient Of 'Charlotte's Award' Revealed 16 January 2014 The first graduate to receive an excellence award in the name of deceased University of Derby graduate Charlotte Blackman was revealed at its 2014 Awards Ceremonies today (January 16) Charlotte 22 of Heanor was an exemplary student who d just completed her BA (Hons) Education Studies degree - achieving a First Class Honours - in summer 2012 when she was tragically killed in a landslide whilst on holiday in Dorset With the agreement of Charlotte s family the University has set-up the Charlotte Blackman Award for the Highest Achieving Student ; to be given to the highest achieving graduate all rounder on the Education Studies degree course at the annual Derby Awards Ceremonies Lee Youens - who today graduated from the course with First Class Honours - became the first recipient of Charlotte s award Her parents were at the ceremony as guests of the University A delighted Lee 29 from Shrewsbury also received the Vice-Chancellor s Award for Academic Excellence (Best Undergraduate Performance in the Faculty of Education Health and Sciences and in the University) Charlotte s mum Rachel said of the Award: "We re very proud This award is a nice way of keeping Charlotte s memory alive and is a real honour " Lynn Senior Head of the School of Education added: "Charlotte achieved a First Class degree and was an exceptional student with a real passion for all aspects of education in particular special educational needs We wanted to honour her name with an award that would recognise those qualities in future graduates " More than 4 000 people are graduating from the University s faculties of Arts Design and Technology; Business Computing and Law; and Education Health and Sciences over three days of Awards Ceremonies at Derby s Assembly Rooms; which began yesterday (January 15) and conclude tomorrow (January 17) For further information about graduation at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/graduation

Five Star Spa Management Role For Buxton Graduate 16 May 2012 A University placement has turned into a dream job managing a five star spa resort in Cyprus for an Exeter-born University of Derby Buxton graduate who has worked her way around the world since graduating For the last month Shan Toth 24 from Exeter has been busy preparing for the opening of the brand new spa resort the Sunrise Pearl Spa in Protaras Cyprus after returning to where she spent a placement during the second year of a BSc (Hons) International Spa Management degree Since graduating in 2009 Shan has worked in spas around the world most recently the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona She was also offered a role in Shanghai but decided to return to Cyprus after being offered a role by contacts she made during a University summer placement She is now working with leading consulting and development company Spa Creators to develop the five star luxury escape Shan said: "We were always encouraged to get placements abroad throughout University so during the summers I worked in spas in a number of countries including Cyprus The confidence that I gained during these placements and as the weekend manager of the University s own commercial spa meant that I felt ready to work abroad as soon as I graduated "The experience of managing the opening of a new spa has been really challenging but it has been fantastic to put into practice everything I studied for and use all of my experience " Isobel Stockdale Programme Leader on the International Spa Management degree said: "We are all very proud to hear how well Shan s career is progressing in Cyprus and wish her the very best for the opening of the new spa "We encourage all of our students to make the best of every work experience they are offered and for Shan to be offered such a fantastic job where she had a work placement proves just how well prepared she was for this role " For more information on studying International Spa Management at the University of Derby visit website www derby ac uk/udb Graduates from the University of Derby and University of Derby Buxton are being encouraged to clear their diaries on Saturday 23 June to make way for the '20 Year Graduate Reunion' an event being organised by the University s alumni relations team to mark its 20 h birthday Being held at the Kedleston Road site the reunion is open to all graduates from 1992 the year Derbyshire College of Higher Education became the University of Derby to 2012 and will provide guests with a fantastic social and networking opportunity To support the reunion a specially commissioned website www hivederby com has been launched to help graduates reconnect with the University and old friends straight away Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer said: "The reunion promises to be a fantastic event and is the perfect opportunity for our alumni to meet up with old friends network and relive memories of their time spent here " Tickets to the reunion cost £20 each group bookings are now available and include a complimentary welcome drink band BBQ and more

Food Sculpture Gets Silver Finish 31 January 2013 A University of Derby Buxton Chef Lecturer has been awarded a silver medal for his talent turning food into a work of art Robert Stordy who is a Chef Lecturer on the University s BA (Hons) Professional Culinary Arts degree won Silver in the Salon Culinaire competition part of the Hospitality Show 2013 held at Birmingham s NEC earlier this month Robert spent two months designing and sculpting his silver medal winning Work in Fat in the Display Salon (Senior) competition Robert s breathtaking sculpture inspired by the work of Guido Reni depicts St Michael preparing to slay the devil was made entirely from pastry margarine Robert said: "The Salon Culinaire is a world class culinary competition and a fantastic opportunity to do something really creative I was inspired by the work of Guido Reni in St Peter s Basilica and thought it would be a good challenge to try and reproduce it through sculpture in food "I am delighted that I had the opportunity to compete and to have won a medal this year is really special " Robert was awarded Silver jointly with Kedar Singjali of Caterrick Garrison For more information on studying Professional Culinary Arts at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb For more on the Salon Culinaire visit website www hospitalityshow co uk/page cfm/link=10

Football Club Gives Coaching Students High Praise 1 March 2013 A group of University of Derby Buxton Sports Coaching students have been thanked personally for their excellent work supporting local football club Buxton FC with its half term children s activities The students spent the week coaching Buxton FC s young talented football players gaining vital experience with its coaching team Chris Hill Buxton FC Community Development Officer said: "The students were nothing short of excellent They were a credit to themselves us as a club and the University The real life experience of practical on the job learning (of not only coaching but also the surrounding provisions that go into an event) was an invaluable experience for the students " Buxton students have now been asked to work with the Club to progress its community scheme including football camps dance and multi skills events over the next few months Students interested in this opportunity should contact Lee Rylands Lecturer in Sports Coaching and Development on l rylands@derby ac uk

Football Coaching Role Follows Successful Internship 17 January 2013 A University of Derby student has urged new students to pursue every opportunity that comes their way as he landed his dream job as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Derby County Football Club after completing a coveted internship Adam Burrows 21 from Leicester graduates with a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise degree at the University s Annual Awards Ceremonies at the Derby Assembly Rooms on January 17 and 18 2013 As one of many students who applied for the highly sought-after internship through University in his final year Adam thought he wouldn t be in with much of a chance But his dedication to sport especially football and his knowledge of sport and exercise science impressed the coaches at Derby County s Academy who were looking for someone to support the training of their eight to 16 year old players Adam said: "I was up against quite a few people for the internship and almost didn t apply as I didn t think there d be much chance of me getting it I was so happy when I did "I learned so much during the internship working with the academy players and the Derby County team I clearly impressed the club too as they offered me a permanent role with the Academy once I finished studying " Adam now works full time at the Academy helping young players on the fundamentals of their fitness "Many of our footballers are also England Youth players and have made it into Derby County s first team which makes the job even more rewarding " added Adam "Seeing a player I have worked with play for England is an amazing feeling " Academy Manager Darren Wassall said: "Adam impressed us all at the club with his knowledge manner and enthusiasm during his internship and we therefore decided to offer him a full time role within the Academy in the summer of 2012 "We have been delighted with his progress so far and Adam is proof that if you are dedicated enough your internship can act as a springboard for a full time career in your chosen field " Programme Leader for Sport & Exercise studies Vernon McGarey said: "It s fantastic that two years after its introduction the University s Sport and Exercise Internship programme is now leading to employment opportunities like Adam s for our students " For more information on Sport & Exercise at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/science/sport-and-exercise

Football Project Fields Fitter Seniors 31 August 2012 An initiative in which 30 English football clubs opened their doors to older people to offer them social and physical activities resulted in a series of positive health and social benefits for the participants This is the finding of an evaluation of the Football Foundation's Extra Time project supported by University of Derby Sport and Exercise Science academic Dan Parnell who presented the findings at the 8th World Congress on Active Ageing in Glasgow in August (2012) Funded by the Football Foundation and Sport Relief and supported by Age UK the Extra Time programme was launched in 2008 to use the power of football to promote physical activity and reduce social isolation in people aged over 55 Over the past four years schemes have been delivered nationwide through Premier League and Football League clubs including Everton Queen s Park Rangers Blackburn Rovers and Bristol Rovers Activities and pursuits have included badminton football boxing indoor curling and bowls line dancing and even horse riding and log chopping Interviews and observation of 442 participants in the Extra Time scheme were carried out by Lizzie Trotter from the Football Foundation and the results evaluated by the research team to understand the social and economic impacts of the project using Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis This analysis found that the measurable social benefits of the scheme far outweighed the investment made Every £1 invested in the scheme resulted in £5 22 in social return; a result of a reduction in GP and other health service visits improved feelings of emotional wellbeing and social inclusion in the elderly participants Dan said: "This analysis shows that the scheme had many positive outcomes for the participants "Many felt healthier found everyday tasks easier made friends and had fun We saw an increase in rating of personal happiness from 78% to 92% for example "People also felt supported Many told us they had lost social networks through retirement or felt a burden to their families but told us that this activity made them feel they had people looking out for them and people they could call on " "The association with a professional football club seemed to be a key factor of this initiative s success especially with older men People felt pride and belonging to something special as the activity was delivered by the club There seemed to far less stigma attached to these activities than membership of an older person s group " he added Although funding for the Extra Time project finishes at the end of August (2012) having seen the benefits of the scheme in these older groups a number of the football clubs involved in the project have secured further funding and will continue to deliver activities for older people Dan who lectures on the University of Derby s BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree presented this research to scientists and practitioners from a range of professional interests and disciplines involved in the promotion of Active Ageing at the 8th World Congress on Active Ageing in Glasgow on August 17 (2012) For more information on studying sport and exercise at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk For more information about the work of the Football Foundation visit www footballfoundation org uk

Footballers' goal of raising funds for hospital film shows 10 April 2014 A film graduate of the University of Derby is organising a charity football match to raise funds to bring the joy of cinema to hospital patients The match involving University teams will be held on the institution s artificial pitch at its main Kedleston Road site in Derby from 1pm this Sunday (April 13) Louis Brough a film-maker and graduate of the University s BA (Hons) Film and Video Production degree course has organised the event to raise money for the MediCinema charity Established in 1996 it provides cinema facilities in hospitals and places of care which can accommodate wheelchairs and hospital beds so that patients can enjoy films Louis s team Revolution FC will play at the match which is being part sponsored by the Walkabout and Slug & Lettuce bars in Derby city centre Last year the team organised a charity tournament to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support Louis 27 from Derby said: "MediCinema is something that I saw greatness in as soon as I heard about it I ve been a weekly cinema-goer for 14 years and I would hate for that to be taken away for any reason so the idea of bringing cinema to people who can t go to one really appealed to me "MediCinema s motto is Feel Better with Film and I know this to be true as we all watch films to escape and to feel better It s simple but I believe it can make a difference so I chose this charity to try to create some awareness and support the industry that I love " Those donating to the charity event on the day will automatically be entered into a raffle Prizes include champagne theatre tickets a meal for two cinema tickets and other movie prizes Other event attractions will include music from DJ Chris of the Walkabout bar a barbecue and a cake stall For more information about the MediCinema charity visit: www medicinema org uk To learn more about the University s Film courses see: www derby ac uk/arts For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Forensic Expert Explains Evidence At CSI Bulwell 10 October 2011 People who enjoy TV shows like BBC One s Waking the Dead or CSI Miami have the opportunity to hear the truth about crime scene investigation from a real forensic expert at a public event on Friday October 14 at 3 30pm in Bulwell Library Former crime scene investigator now Senior Lecturer on the Forensic Science BSc (Hons) degree at the University of Derby Jonathan Wright will lead his audience through a crime scene showing how the police and forensic experts analyse the evidence Jonathan Wright said: "I will be showing the audience how the true experts approach a crime scene and will explain the science behind DNA collection fibres and fingerprint and other forensic evidence "I hope that anyone with an interest in forensic science or crime scene investigation will find the free event fascinating " You can join Jonathan at the free talk at Bulwell Library Highbury Road Bulwell Nottingham on Friday October 14 at 3 30pm Tickets are available from Bulwell Library now or by calling 0115 915 5708 or just come along on the day The event is part of a programme of events organised by Nottingham City Council For more information visit website www mynottingham gov uk

Forensics Graduate Makes Her Mark At 'Fingerprint Conference' 12 April 2012 A University of Derby graduate who is now forging a career with the Derbyshire Constabulary will present her research on fingerprint analysis at a national conference of forensic scientists on 14 April Ellen Stone 25 graduated from the University with a BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree During her degree Ellen carried out a detailed research project into the minimum number of characteristics needed from a fingerprint to make a reliable match using the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) Ident1 The paper was so highly regarded by Ellen s University lecturers and employers at Derbyshire Constabulary that it was nominated for and won the Fingerprint Society s Haque Bose Practitioner Award - which recognised a contribution to furthering understanding of the uses of forensic identification - and was subsequently published in its journal Fingerprint Whorld in July 2011 Ellen has now been invited to present the paper at the Fingerprint Society s Annual Conference taking place at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick An enthusiasm for fingerprint analysis has led to a successful career for Ellen who since graduating has been putting her knowledge to excellent use working for the Derbyshire Constabulary Ellen said: "Undertaking this research project during my degree and whilst working in the Fingerprint Bureau led me to become really interested in fingerprint analysis After graduating I landed my dream job - a Forensic Intelligence Analyst and I m now working as a mobile phone forensic examiner "I was really surprised and delighted to be invited to speak at the conference and I will be excited to hear other experts views on it " Dr Ian Turner Assistant Subject Head of Forensic Science at the University of Derby said: "We are really proud of how well received Ellen s research was by the Fingerprint Society and of course how well her career has progressed since she graduated We recently welcomed her back to speak to our current forensic science students and she really inspired them " For more information on the Fingerprint Society visit website www fpsociety org uk For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988 or email j colburn@derby ac uk

Former student heaps praise on lecturer Tim 26 March 2014 A former student has described how an inspirational University of Derby Buxton lecturer laid the foundations for her success in an international tourism competition Helen Wilcockson will travel to the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in China next month as a finalist in the organisation s Tourism for Tomorrow sustainability awards There she will discuss how a holiday in The Gambia led to the creation of a college which now sees 150 African students a year learn how to make the most of what has become their country s largest industry And Helen now a lecturer at Central College in Nottingham says her love of teaching tourism is thanks to Buxton senior lecturer in events and tourism Tim Heap "Tim was so inspirational " said Helen who came to the University of Derby as a 26-year-old mature student and graduated with a BA Tourism joint honours in 2000 "His lessons were funny memorable and deeply thought-provoking He challenged conventional thinking and motivated me to learn " Helen got her job at Central after spending part of her University of Derby sandwich course at the College Her degree dissertation centred on a website she set up for the Gambian Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism for another inspirational man Adama Bah whom she met on holiday there "It helps small scale operations to compete against large mass tourism operations " said Helen keeping foreign exchange within the community The website is still in operation 15 years later but Central also began sponsoring students from The Gambia which grew into a college in their home country in a room above a doctor s surgery which now has plans for a purpose-built home of its own The project has already won the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award for 2012 For more press information contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

Free Tea Time Stirs Interest In University's Help For Graduates 27 September 2013 It was a warm welcome for University of Derby students moving into halls of residence recently - with 2 300 of them receiving free gift bags containing all they needed to make a hot drink The gift bags - each holding a branded mug coaster teabag and tag - were distributed to first-year students moving into halls at Derby and Buxton by the University s Alumni Relations team to raise awareness of the help they give to students when they graduate University of Derby Alumni is an extensive network keeping graduates connected to the University through benefits events and support to help them progress their careers after they leave Students were joined by Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby at one of its halls of residence in the city Peak Court They enjoyed tea biscuits and talked about the start of their life at University While chatting with students Professor Coyne said of the gift: "Anything that adds to the welcoming experience Derby has to offer gets my vote "The friendly atmosphere here is a fundamental part in settling our students into university life and this initiative adds to the experience University is for life so you might as well start it right right from the beginning " Amy Goldsmith (19) a new student at the University joined Professor Coyne for tea added: "It was a great experience he was very easy to talk to and informed us about interesting opportunities at Derby Plus I m excited to learn more about Derby Alumni " To find out more about University of Derby Alumni visit www derby ac uk/alumni

Freedom Of Ideas Debate At House Of Commons Features Derby Professor 8 November 2013 The limits of academic freedom in UK universities will be debated at the House of Commons by a panel including a University of Derby Professor and a Deputy Mayor of London Dennis Hayes Professor of Education at Derby and Director of the campaign group Academics For Academic Freedom will take part in the 90 minute Academic Freedom in Illiberal Times debate in the Grand Committee Room at Westminster Hall from 7pm on Monday (November 11) The event has been organised by current affairs website magazine spiked in association with the Times Higher Education magazine and Professor Hayes Academics for Academic Freedom group Also on the debate panel will be speakers Munira Mirza London Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture; Bill Rammell a former Labour Minister of State for Higher Education and currently ViceChancellor of the University of Bedfordshire; and Terence Kealey Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham and Professor of Clinical Biochemistry The debate will consider whether the discussion of ideas on UK campuses is being stifled and how academics should respond to Government suggestions they should monitor students expressing extremist far right or nationalist opinions Professor Hayes said: "The way to develop students minds is to allow them the intellectual independence to argue about ideas in a free and open forum and not to treat them like children "In today s political climate there s a danger that the pursuit of knowledge without fear or favour is being replaced by conformist and instrumental thinking; with academics knowing that toeing the line will give them access to funding and honours Academic freedom needs to be the freedom to criticise rather than conform " Entry to the Commons event is free but places must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment For further details and to book online go to website www spiked-online com/newsite/events For more on the work of the University of Derby s School of Education and Social Science see link www derby ac uk/education For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Fresh Edit of Cult Horror Film Proves Monster Hit 2 May 2013 A critically acclaimed re-edit of horror director Clive Barker s cult film Nightbreed - revised by a University of Derby film lecturer - is building fans around the world The 1990 film by the British author and director Barker - who also created the Hellraiser film series and a string of successful novels - is about a mysterious mutant tribe with strange powers and their conflict with human authorities and a serial killer After the movie s release by 20th Century Fox Barker and his fans said many of the best parts had been edited out Russell Cherrington University of Derby Senior Lecturer in Film and Video Production and co-editor Jimmi Johnson re-edited footage found by Barker s production company Seraphim Films to produce a new and extended version of the film entitled Clive Barker'sNightbreed:The Cabal Cut The revised film has won critical and horror fans acclaim since TV presenter Jonathon Ross introduced its UK premiere at London s Leicester Square last August (2012) and it is now being screened at festivals and special screenings internationally On Saturday (May 4) it will receive its US Pacific north-west premiere at the three-day HP Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland Oregon Russell will introduce the film there and answer questions about how he came to be involved in creating it The movie will then be seen in: July - at the Fantas afest Montrea , Canada, and the Gw nnett Center Internat ona F m Fest va n At anta, USA August - at the Oz Horror Con F m Fest va n Me bourne, Austra a, and Dragon-Con, At anta, USA September - at the Mad Monster Party n New Or eans; the Kanazawa F m Fest va , Japan; and at the Fantast c Fest n Aust n, Texas October - at the Screamfest Horror F m Fest va , Los Ange es, and at the 10th Annua Eer e Horror F m Fest va n Eer e, Pennsy van a. Russell - who has received research funding and time to attend screenings from the University of Derby during the film project - said: "To be supported by the University of Derby makes my work possible "The School of Art and Design and the Film and Video production team support both myself and the Cabal Cut of Nightbreed Our students get so much back from having a Senior Lecturer with experience of film festivals around the world " Author Clive Barker has been quoted as saying that he d "given up hope that this movie would ever find its true form" until Russell s edit came along Further news about Clive Barker s Nightbreed:The Cabal Cut and its future screenings can be found at the film s website at www occupymidian com To watch a trailer of the film online go to www youtube com/watch?v=CX0-AlytIXY For further information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Fresh Look On Innovative Thinking From University Expert 25 October 2012 An innovation expert who has advised global brand companies will mark becoming a University of Derby Visiting Professor with a free public talk on the need for smarter thinking in business Professor Dennis McKeag Professor of Product Development at the University of Ulster has spent more than 30 years working with small and medium-sized enterprises and national and multinational companies; helping them improve the efficiency and thinking around their manufacturing processes and to increase profits His clients have included the Ford Motor Company and automotive safety company the Takata Corporation of Japan which has 20 plants worldwide He has written more than 100 publications on his areas of expertise in innovation design creativity and continuous business improvement Professor McKeag will celebrate his joining of the University of Derby - as a Visiting Professor with the School of Technology in the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology - with a free public lecture entitled Innovation it doesn't just happen It will be held in The Courtroom (Room OL2) at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby from 6 30pm on Wednesday November 14 He said: "I will be looking at the need for greater innovation in modern industrial society and whether businesses particularly those involved in the design and engineering sectors have the will to change to improve output "An advantage of having worked closely with multi-national companies is that the knowledge and knowhow they have can be adapted for and learnt by small and medium-sized enterprises " Professor McKeag s work as a Visiting Professor at Derby will inform its existing Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme where University experts can be contracted to work with businesses on real production problems or help them develop new markets Angela Dean Head of the University s School of Technology added: "We are delighted to have someone of Professor McKeag s standing become a Visiting Professor at Derby "I would urge anyone interested in learning about the latest thinking on innovation in business to attend his talk " Anyone wishing to come to Professor McKeag s free public lecture on November 14 can book a place through website www derby ac uk/mckeag or by calling University Events Officer Angela Drinkwater on 01332 591046 For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103

Fresh Perspectives on Liberty, Equality and Emancipation At Public Conference 1 May 2013 Abraham Lincoln Robert Mugabe Napoleon and Nelson Mandela will be among the famous historical names under scrutiny at the University of Derby s annual Public History Conference Every year as part of their degree second year BA (Hons) History students take part in a public conference at the University presenting original papers designed to give fresh or unusual perspectives on well-known characters and eras With 2013 marking milestones in progressing human equality such as the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln s Gettysburg Address 50 years since Dr Martin Luther King s "I have a dream" speech and the centenary of civil rights activist Rosa Parks birth the University s Public History Conference is this year dedicated to the theme of Liberty Equality and Emancipation Fourteen papers will be delivered by student teams between 8 45am and 5 45pm on Wednesday May 8 in Lecture Room B301 in B Block at the University s Kedleston Road site Derby The day-long event is free and open to anyone who books ahead with visitors able to pick which presentations they wish to hear Anyone wishing to attend the event should book a place by contacting Dr Ian Whitehead - Head of Literary Historical and Cultural Studies - via email address: i whitehead@derby ac uk or telephone 01332 591852 Following refreshments at 8 15am on the day and a welcoming address by Professor John Coyne ViceChancellor of the University of Derby the conference presentations will be as follows: 9am: Remember ng Gettysburg - "The wor d w tt e note nor ong remember what we say here" 9.30am: The Rosa Parks Myth - Not Just A Passenger 10am: The Women s KKK - Trad t on and Mora ty n the Amer can South 10.50am: Russ an Peasant Women and the Exper ence of Emanc pat on 11.20am: Man fest Dest ny - Revers ng the Language of L berty 12.05pm: The R ot n the C oset - Stonewa and Gay L berat on n Amer ca 12.35pm: Dethron ng the Beauty Queens - Women s L berat on or the Oppress on of Free W ? 1.45pm: Tom Pa ne - An Eng sh Revo ut onary and Amer can L berty 2.15pm: Napo eon - The Great Emanc pator of the Jews? 2.45pm: L berté, Éga té, Fratern te - French Revo ut onary Ideas and the Creat on of Ha t 3.35pm: The Long Road to Freedom - The Exaggerated Ro e of Ne son Mande a 4.05pm: From Educator to Oppressor - L fe n Robert Mugabe s Z mbabwe 4.45pm: Rwanda - The UN s Human tar an Laboratory 5.15pm: The Roma Peop e and the Construct on of a Common European Home and 5.45pm: Conc ud ng Address. Dr Whitehead said: "The Public History Conference showcases the work of our second year undergraduates Many of the people and organisations mentioned in the conference papers will be familiar to people but the students take on them may not "I invite people to come and hear a fascinating and varied range of papers that will demonstrate the centrality of history to understanding issues of liberty and equality which remain at the heart of contemporary global politics " Previous themes have included Religion Monarchy Empire and Discovery History at the University of Derby has consistently received 100% satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey of student satisfaction For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

From bicycles to babies - University fashion show has it covered 21 May 2014 More than a hundred original designs will make their catwalk debut at the University of Derby s annual Graduate Fashion Show Designers completing the University s BA (Hons) Fashion Studies degree course will display their final year project collections at two shows on Wednesday June 4 at Derby Theatre Both shows are open to the public with tickets priced at £3 (for the 1 30pm show) and £15 (for the 7 30pm) The Graduate Fashion Show - sponsored by shopping centre intu Derby - involves 34 students and is part of the University s free and public annual Degree Shows this year called The Big Show Featured in The Big Show are final year projects by crafts fashion textiles fine art film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies art therapy and other course students; displayed at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby from Saturday (May 24) until Friday June 13 Designers in the Graduate Fashion Show will include: Jos Swinnerton, named Young Des gner of the Year at ast February s prest g ous St Andrews Charity Fashion Show . Insp red by h s cyc ng fam y - whose members have competed at c ub, nat ona and nternat ona eve s - the 23-year-o d from Stoke-on-Trent has created a f na year co ect on of commuter wear, weatherproof but comfortab e enough to cyc e to work n. Lyndsay Hazlewood, 22, or g na y from B rm ngham, who was a so short sted for the St Andrews Young Des gner of the Year award. The mother and ch d co ect on she w d sp ay at the Fash on Show he ped secure her a des gner ob w th ead ng UK mother and baby c oth ng brand, JoJo Maman Bebe . Opening this year s Graduate Fashion Show will be Professor John Miles Visiting Professor in Fashion and Textiles at the University of Derby who has worked in the field of textile design for big names such as Courtaulds Next and DMC in France Special guests attending the show will include Christopher Nieper Managing Director of clothing and knitwear design and manufacturing company David Nieper of Alfreton The Graduate Fashion Show will be streamed live on the internet through the University s website Colin Thompson Programme Leader for Fashion at the University of Derby said: "This annual show provides graduating students with a public platform to celebrate the culmination of three years of focused study It is an effective tool for preparing students for industry "I m delighted that as usual this year we ll have some major names from academia and industry coming to see the collections " Learn more about studying Fashion and Textiles at the University of Derby For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

From Derby To Dakar 1 April 2011

Community work in Derby carried out by the University is attracting international interest thanks to its ongoing success and innovation Peter Walker Community Relations Officer at the University recently swapped Derby for Dakar to talk about his work in the city at the African Regional Conference on University-Community Partnerships Since joining the University in 2008 Peter has developed numerous projects to help people in Derby including an enterprise with the city s Congolese community "I ve had the privilege of engaging with Derby s minority communities including many forced migrants many of whom have been from the Congo Africa "At this global conference I presented the programme of work developed with the Congolese community over the last two years to demonstrate our commitment to Community University engagement with one of the communities it serves" The African Regional Conference on University-Community Partnership took place on 25-26 March in Dakar Senegal West Africa The conference was presided over by the Minister of Education for Sénégal Amadou Tidiane Bâ and attended by representatives from universities from all over the world - USA Canada Holland Switzerland UK and Spain as well as several African countries including Kenya South Africa Cameroon and Mozambique and - meaning that Peter s work is putting Derby firmly on the map From the conference endorsed the leadership to drive this work on across Africa to share good community practice and to build into the curriculum the opportunity for students to gain experiential learning so essential in the global world in which we now operate Strong support for this by key global stakeholders present led to the recommendation for an international Task Force My View: In his own words Peter Walker talks more about his experience: Almost 80 delegates and students met at the African Regional Conference on University-Community Partnerships in Dakar Senegal in Africa during 25-26 March 2011 They came from all around the world from Europe: Holland Geneva UK; from USA Canada and Brazil and also from across Africa including South Africa and Kenya The purpose was to share practitioner expereinces research findings and global approaches including initiatives to support young people better prepare for work Professor Aliou Guisse conference organiser at UCAD said about the work by University of Derby is important illustrating their process of engaging with many communities Peter showed evidence of a new and generous way of doing this tackling the personal issues of people in fragile communities giving them attention and allowing them to express their culture using music food clothes and the unique ways that engage with others His talk was greatly appreciated by the participants and created much discussion and debate in the auditorium Professor Budd Hall Global Alliance for Community Engaged Research brought our thinking together by presenting a poem he had written reminding Africa this is where language was born and of its own rich academic heritage in community development encouraging greater leadership by the African universities in partnership with international players For my part beyond the conference I shan t forget the brilliant dancing of the Senegal Ballet - nor attending the match at which Senegal beat Cameroon 1:0 in the last minute of extra time when the whole city erupted with joy

From Derby to Dubai - the spotlight is on Tom 9 July 2014 A University of Derby graduate who helped Justin Bieber and Lionel Richie to shine on stage has scooped a major award in the Middle East s premier events industry show in Dubai Tom Ralston who is 28 and originally from Manchester graduated from the University in 2007 with a first class BSc (Hons) Sound Light and Live Event Technology degree and has now been named young achiever of the year at the Middle East EVENT Awards He is currently Project Manager for Eclipse Staging Services in Dubai where he has managed huge shows for the international stars as well as the likes of Bruno Mars and Razorlight Tom said: "It was an absolute honour to win this award The fact that the accolade is for the whole of the Middle East and not just Dubai means that I knew there would be a lot of competition "The EVENT Awards is the top show for the industry in the Middle East There were more than 750 industry peers in attendance so it was absolutely fantastic to get recognised for my work and especially to a standing ovation "I think the main reason I won this award was due to the sheer scale of the projects that I have project managed To be 28 and to have managed such large-scale arena concerts with touring international acts or shows such as the Burj Khalifa New Year s Eve 2013 show - the world s largest NYE show ever - is pretty unheard of " After four years as a project manager for dbn Lighting in Manchester Tom looked to further his career and moved to Dubai in 2011 He said: "I absolutely love it here and it was definitely the best decision I have made In just three years my career has progressed at such an exponential rate that I now project manage the technical elements for some of the biggest and highest profile shows in the whole region "Since there are so many expats here and with Dubai being so westernised in many ways there was no real culture shock moving here It s not all about work though and life in Dubai is fantastic with yearlong sunshine " Reflecting on his time at the University of Derby where Tom was president of the Student Union Events Society he said: "There were many good times at the University from not only the course I did but the whole life experience and social side "I was president of events for two years and a member of the cricket team for three years and there was a great social life that came from all of that Someone once told me that Derby is big enough to get lost in but small enough to get found in and they couldn t have been more right "I actually met my fiancee at the University and we have been together since my final year so as you can imagine the University of Derby holds a lot of fond memories for me " He added: "The main reason I chose to study at the University of Derby was it offered the only degree of its type in the country at the time There were one or two other universities that did similar courses but they were more arts based than a science-based course "The great thing about the course is that it had a good mix of theory and practical Although there were certain elements to the theoretical side that were fairly general such as core mathematics the majority of the theory was extremely well tailored so that it actually applied to the industry we would all be going into "For example we looked at the optics of the lighting fixtures themselves rather than just generic optical theories The lighting equipment that the course had was of a good industry standard and in fact the company that I went on to work with straight after graduating actually owned certain pieces of the exact same equipment "This made it easy to start in the industry and gave the impression from day one that I knew exactly what I was talking about " Tom s career goal is to become general manager at Eclipse Staging Services or at one of its group s other companies To find out more about the Sound Light and Live Event Technology course at the University of Derby click this link For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Fruit And Flowers... Life From The Freezer 6 May 2005 A Derby professor on a mission to rescue thousands of plant species threatened by extinction across the globe will talk about his work later this month Paul Lynch Professor in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Derby is to discuss the benefits of cryopreservation during his Inaugural Professorial Lecture on Wednesday May 18 Cryopreservation involves the freezing of growing parts of plants to the temperature of liquid nitrogen (-196 c) using specialist approaches so the plants will regrow after thawing and can be returned to the field At the leading edge of plant biotechnology Paul has worked towards preserving plant species with colleagues across the world including olives in Italy garlic in Scotland rice in America apples in the Czech Republic and bananas in Malaysia He said: "The number of plant species in danger of extinction globally is continuing to rise with many thousands of plants now listed as endangered on the Red List of ICUN the World Conservation Union The pressure on plant diversity is growing due to the increasing human population urbanisation and changes in agricultural practices "Seed collection and field collection are traditional ways of preserving plant-life however with the seed collection not all plants can be stored in this way and field collections are vulnerable to pests disease and adverse weather conditions "Biotechnological approaches such as cryopreservation have been developed to offer an alternative and successful strategy to preserve these plants and I will be giving an insight into this area of research at the lecture " Professor Lynch is also a member of the editorial board of CryoLetters the most prestigious journal in the field of low temperature biology He is also Secretary and Trustee of the International Society for Low Temperature Biology The lecture Life In A Deep Freezer: Conserving Our Endangered Plant Diversity will be held in Lecture Theatre OL2 at the University s Kedleston Road campus at 6 15pm Entry tickets for Professor Lynch s lecture must be brought in advance but are free For more information about attending the Inaugural Professorial Lecture please contact Angela Drinkwater on 01332 591046 -endsFor any other information please contact the Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on Tel: 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via e-mail press-office@derby ac uk or University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Full STEM Ahead for University's Fun Science Exhibition 19 February 2014 Spy codes super powers and hi-tech crime-busting will be among the interactive attractions at a University of Derby science exhibition Its free STEMpunk event will be held from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday March 18 in the central Atrium at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby as part of National Science and Engineering Week (March 14 to 23) The STEMpunk name takes real STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) subjects and combines them with steampunk a science-fiction genre which deals with fantastic or unusual technologies So attractions at the University s STEMpunk event which young people can get involved in will include: • a large Scalextric model car racing track; • animated steampunk films; • explanations of how fingerprinting and DNA use developed crime-fighting; • an expert lecture on how superhero powers might really work; • computer games modelling workshops; • a chance to see how machines analyse how the brain works Visitors can come to the event dressed as their favourite superhero learn how to operate a theatre lighting rig produce a key fob with their own fingerprint on it try out the latest in sports science technology and more The free event is principally aimed at 11 to 18-year-olds and their families but anyone is welcome to come along to the University demonstration Bev Reardon - Schools and Colleges Liaison Tutor for the University and joint organiser of its STEMpunk event - said: "Engaging young people s interest in STEM subjects is vital for the UK economy but they can at first seem a bit dry "STEMpunk events give us the opportunity to demonstrate how stimulating and even fun science technology engineering and maths can be " For more information about the STEMpunk event on March 18 see website www derby ac uk/stempunk or contact Education Liaison Officer Rebecca Joyce on 01332 591042 or email: r joyce@derby ac uk For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Fun For Everyone As City Park Marks Centenary 22 July 2013 Giant bubbles mad science a University of Derby film show sports and model trains will be just some of the attractions when a Family Funday takes over a Derby city park on Sunday (July 28) The event at Alvaston Park off Meadow Lane London Road Alvaston from 1pm until 5pm on Sunday will mark the park s centenary year raise awareness of activities there and also be one of a series of UK community days being held a year after and inspired by the London 2012 Olympics Alvaston Park Friends a not-for-profit community group run by volunteers has organised the Derby event A University of Derby film entitled The Day the Olympic Torch Came to Derbyshire - shot by University Film tutors students and graduates as the Torch was carried through Derbyshire on June 29 2012 on its way to start the Olympic Games - will be screened at regular intervals throughout the Alvaston Park event The film s director Chris Bevan will be at screenings to talk about the making of it The afternoon will feature information stalls great food and things to do for the whole family including hands-on activities exciting demonstrations sports and games These will include: the Enthus asm commun ty bus, w th fun act v t es such as computer games and mus c mak ng, The Bubb e Man, creator of g ant bubb es, performances by a Samba band and the Yamaha schoo of mus c, a ten ho e crazy go f course, bouncy cast e, c mb ng wa and assau t course, fa rground r des a mode ra way track, arts and crafts exh b t ons, face pa nt ng and g tter tattoos, a f re eng ne and commun ty po ce. In addition to the University s short film in keeping with UK events to celebrate a year since the London 2012 Olympic Games the sporting activities at Alvaston Park will include a chance to try: boxerc se (box ng exerc se), w th Derbysh re s Ozbox scheme, adu t and ch dren s footba matches, tenn s, netba and badm nton sess ons, Derby County FC Commun ty Footba s pena ty shoot-out. Other organisations taking part in the Family Funday include Derby Homes the Girls Brigade the Citizens Advice Bureau and the RSPCA Rachel Bradley Vice-Chair of Alvaston Park Friends group said: "Our aim is to make Alvaston Park a better place for all its visitors to encourage more people to come to the park and appreciate what it has to offer "This year s Family Funday will be a chance to celebrate Alvaston Park s centenary Its 100-years-old but improvements are being made all the time "We have great football facilities a Science Garden a modern community centre a café a children s play area a BMX bike track and skate park which regularly hosts national competitions and the Adizone outdoor gym "If people want to become part of the July 28 event for example by running activities demonstrations or a stall we d still like to hear from you " To get involved with the Alvaston Park Family Funday event see the contact details below For more information about the Alvaston Park Friends group and to get involved see website www alvastonparkfriends org uk For further information about the Alvaston Park Family Funday contact Rachel Bradley Hospitality and Events Manager at YMCA Derbyshire and Vice Chair of Alvaston Park Friends on 07970 185576 or email Rachel-bradley@hotmail com or Rachel Taylor racheltaylor9 rt@gmail com or contact Katie Smith on 07806 892750 or email smith katie@live co uk For further information about the University of Derby's film contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Funding boost for companies offering work placements for engineering students 15 May 2014 Engineering firms in the East Midlands can find out how they could benefit from a funding boost for work placements students enrolled on a new University of Derby Masters Degree (MSc) course next week An information event is being hosted at the University of Derby Corporate s Enterprise Centre on Wednesday May 21 from 4-6pm to offer further information on the MSc in Innovative Engineering Solutions which begins in September 2014 Up to 50 employers are sought to offer a placement period to students - and companies can apply for up to £4 000 funding to cover the cost of each individual they take on as well as a unique opportunity to play a role in developing the engineers of the future The £4 000 funding is being offered to eligible SMEs who sign up to the programme by Enscite the new partnership between the University of Derby Derby City Council and Aston and Cranfield universities Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Enscite offers a range of expert and holistic support services to help small businesses win and grow business in the aerospace automotive and rail sectors Professor Patrick Kniveton Head of Engineering Improvement at Rolls Royce Submarines and President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) will give a short presentation at the event on the value of working with universities and placement students It is all part of a £1 3million initiative to help plug a UK skills gap in vital engineering skills - and give students a free postgraduate education Angela Dean Head of School of Engineering and Technology said: "I strongly urge employers to come along next week to take advantage of this exciting offer which also gives them a chance to play a vital role in helping to provide the skills necessary for students to flourish "They will also be influencing the development of an innovative new programme of study and be able to develop a training programme that suits the needs of their organisation "Funding is limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis Enscite representatives will be on hand at the employer event to supply further information " Employers wanting to find out more should visit www derby ac uk/msc-engineering contact the project administrator on 01332 592715 or email PSSEng@derby ac uk Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Funding tips for businesses at engineering institute event 15 July 2014 Companies can discover how Derby s multi-million pound Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) could help them access funding technology and expertise to drive their businesses forward Hot on the heels of the IISE launch the Time2Innovate breakfast event will be held at the Institute s headquarters at Lonsdale House in the city centre on Thursday July 24 from 8am until 10 30am Professor Richard Hall Director of the IISE said: "We want to support businesses to research and to innovate and we believe that companies who innovate with sustainability in mind will succeed "I would encourage businesspeople to come along to this breakfast event to find out how the Institute (IISE) can help them access funding technology and expertise to drive innovation in engineering and advanced manufacturing " Visitors will find out more about: • Time2Innovate - a new fund to enable SMEs (small and medium-sized businesses) in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to access funding to support research and innovation • Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - funding to access cutting-edge technology and equipment highlyqualified academics and a dedicated recent graduate to work on a project central to a business strategic needs • A Masters Degree in Innovative Engineering Solutions - a new unique postgraduate programme developed in partnership with employers where the business employs a postgraduate student for six months to work on projects and access the expertise and facilities at IISE Lonsdale House is based on Quaker Way in Derby (DE1 3HB) For further press information contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Fundraising Students' £8,000 Charity Gift 14 June 2012 By raising a staggering £8 297 in just one week a group of University of Derby students have beaten all their previous records and surpassed the expectations of their chosen charity Barnardo s The group of 200 BEd (Hons) Education degree students gathered at the University on June 13 to hear the final total raised and present the cheque to the Student Fundraising Officer for children s charity Barnardo s Sharon Bell University Programme Leader for Education said: "Over the past four years the course has dedicated a week to fundraising activity Each year our students come up with bigger and better ideas and raise increasing amounts of money " This year s activities included a sponsored walk from Derby to Ashbourne a variety night a zumba-thon a fancy dress mile through Markeaton Park and entertaining shoppers with dance performances Through city centre fundraising alone the students collected £960 from public donations The £8 297 raised by the students this year took the total amount raised over the last four years to £21 000 All of the money goes towards Barnardo s projects for children in Derby and across the East Midlands Tina Kang Barnardo s Student Fundraising Officer said: "Barnardo s is so pleased to have this relationship with the University of Derby s Education students as we know how committed they are to helping children and young people They raised a phenomenal amount of money over and above what we expected them to achieve in just a week " Jade Gilbert 21 from Leicester who was Chair of the second year students charity committee said: "I am so pleased with the success of the week This total wouldn t have been possible without the energy and efforts of students staff and of course all the members of the public who supported our events It is heart warming to know that our efforts will make a big difference to local children " Wayne Smith Chair of the first year students charity committee added: "All of our fundraising efforts were met with real enthusiasm from other University students and the public The turnout for the quiz night was so good that more tables had to be brought in - and people had to be turned away because we were full The dance performances in the city centre were so well received that instead of hourly performances we put on a show every fifteen minutes "We must thank everyone who donated time or money to the week and supported our activity and this fantastic cause " For more information on studying Education at the University of Derby visit website www derby ac uk/education

Further Education Gets Boost As Merger Becomes Official 1 August 2012 Members of staff of Leek College joined with their new colleagues at partner institution Buxton College today Wednesday August 1 to mark their official welcome to the University of Derby group The University of Derby s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Barnes met with staff and announced two senior appointments for the joint Further Education (FE) provision to mark the occasion The previous Head of Buxton College Mary Blauciak has been appointed Vice Principal Curriculum and Quality; and previous Vice-Principal of Leek College Julia Leonard has become Vice-Principal of Operations The provision will be headed up by Professor Liz Barnes following the retirement of former Principal Rob Morrey who was pivotal in forging the partnership Professor Coyne said: "Over the last year we have worked closely with Leek College and its community to explore the benefits of this merger to their students industry partners and local communities and were pleased to discover we had so much support "We were delighted to formally welcome staff and students of Leek College into the University of Derby family today We know that combining the expertise of Leek with Buxton College and the University will bring enhanced opportunities to learners from across the Staffordshire Moorlands and the High Peak We see this relationship as a tremendous boost for education in the area " The new Vice-Principal of Operations for the joint FE provider Julia Leonard added: "Many staff from across the University Leek and Buxton have worked closely over the past 15 months to enable us to join together today "This hard work is testament to the optimism we have for the future and our shared belief in the positive benefits for learners and the wider community of this merger " Vice-Principal for Curriculum and Quality Mary Blauciak said: "Over the next year we shall work to build capacity and excellence by developing the existing and complementary provision and pulling together the expertise and specialism of both organisations " "There will also be opportunities for both organisations to benefit from the provision offered by each other and to extend the range of the curriculum at each site " For more information on any of the courses offered by Buxton or Leek Colleges and for details on how to start from this September visit websites www buxtoncollege ac uk or www leek ac uk

Further League Table Boost For Derby 14 June 2012 The University of Derby has followed up its recent climb in The Guardian s University Guide with a healthy rise in The Times Good University Guide which has been published today (June 14 2012) A jump of 18 places sees Derby now stand at 89th in the overall table Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "It is pleasing to have claimed another significant league table increase coming so soon after that in The Guardian and this is a reward for the approach we take and our continued commitment to our core values "Our performance in these league tables highlights that we are an institution very much moving in the right direction and at some pace which is essential as the competition to recruit students has never been so intense We are committed to building this momentum and developing further on our proven ability to provide a personal approach to the student experience at Derby which we know is valued by those who study here "

Further Studies On The Front Line For Army Sergeant 15 January 2014 A British Army soldier who studied for his degree while based in a war zone has seen his career prospects soar after graduating today with a Masters (MSc) degree in Environmental Health from University of Derby Online Learning Oswald Amponsah a Sergeant in the Royal Army Medical Corps studied for his degree while continuing in his full time job which involves frequent home and overseas training exercises and deployments His current role is Environmental Health Technician which involves overseeing all aspects of environmental health and providing technical advice to colleagues He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 for a seven month tour where the ultimate objective of his team was to ensure that the risk of disease amongst troops was significantly minimised This was fully achieved by the end of the tour when he and the team earned recognition for exceptional performance Oswald 36 lives in the South East with his wife and two children He decided to study for the degree to maximise his employability opportunities both within the army environmental health unit and in the future when he retires from the armed forces He said: "Studying the programme has enormously enhanced my understanding of the subject as a whole and improved my knowledge of current thinking and legislation There is a potential for me to become a commissioned officer in the field of environmental health in the future as a result of attaining the Masters qualification "It was very challenging trying to complete an online degree particularly due to persistent deployments and the lack of regular access to the internet when working in a war zone - but the University was very helpful in giving me the flexibility to defer my registered modules until I was back home and ready to continue the study "I would recommend it to anyone but also remind them that to be successful in completing such a study especially in the armed forces and with a young family it will take maximum dedication commitment and desire "I am really looking forward to attending the graduation ceremony this week in Derby with my family to celebrate my achievement " Alan Whitfield Programme Leader for the MSc Environmental Health degree added: "The online MSc Environmental Health programme is perfect for students like Oswald and it is flexible enough to allow for the sudden changes in circumstances that he faced "The dedicated team of environmental health lecturers were able to offer support and practical solutions to accommodate his academic studies whilst serving overseas with the Army " The MSc Environmental Health at the University of Derby is the only online course accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland which makes it a crucial first step in becoming a qualified environmental health professional For more information about the University of Derby Online Learning go to http://www derby ac uk/online/ For further press information please contact Alice Oliver Head of Corporate Relations University of Derby Direct dial: 01332 592032 Email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Future Captains of Industry Show Their Passion for Hospitality 6 March 2014 Three University of Derby Buxton Culinary Arts students have been described as future captains of the hospitality industry after winning through to the final stages of a national competition They will travel to University College Birmingham later this month to take part in the Passion 4 Hospitality Debating Competition run by the Institute of Hospitality which promotes the highest professional standards of management and education in the international hospitality leisure and tourism industries Malcolm Lomax Catherine Sheldon and Natasha Dawson produced a two-minute video presentation arguing that a sense of ownership in the industry increases the effectiveness of management Peter Drucker Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality said the aim of the completion was to ignite a passion for careers in the industry: "It s hugely important because we are looking to the future These people are tomorrow s captains of the industry " The topic of the debate demonstrated exactly what Passion 4 Hospitality was about - promoting the width and breadth of the opportunities in the hospitality industry worldwide "The standard has been excellent " added Mr Drucker Malcolm and Natasha are taking a BA in Professional Culinary Arts while Catherine is on the Joint Honours Culinary and International Hospitality Management Their culinary lecturer Leonard Cseh said: "It s a great example of how we innovate and also how we are applying learning to an industry standard because this is supported and judged by industry "It also demonstrates the University s commitment to real world learning which allows us to produce graduates who have the experience as well as the knowledge to get jobs " said Leonard "Last year Buxton topped the UK league for graduates finding work or further study within six months of receiving their degrees " To see the students in action visit http://www youtube com/watch?v=U8TZBdo9D2M or click here For more press information contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

Gambian Mission Receives Presidential Praise 23 June 2005 University of Derby lecturer Dina Abbott and her students have received Presidential praise during a farming self sufficiency mission in the Gambia The Vice-President of the Gambia Her Excellency Aisatu N Jie-Saidy recently met Dina and her Geographical Sciences Development Studies students at the State House They were granted an hour s audience to talk about their work involved in the Banjundling Women s Vegetable Garden and a further nine women s subsistence farming projects under the umbrella name WONAAKOR Mrs Abbott has offered marketing and crop diversification advice to the Banjundling Women s Vegetable Garden for the last six years with Mr Adama Bah a leading campaigner against poverty Derby s students also recently raised £1 800 for WONAAKOR through a Fairtrade and other related events The money has been used to set up a sustainable micro-credit fund for WONAAKOR projects to provide low-interest rates to buy basics such as seeds Mrs Abbott a Geographical Sciences Senior Lecturer at Derby said: "It was a fantastic occasion and we were privileged to go to the State House It was an occasion where we all felt we were working together It was a perfect opportunity for the women s farming representatives to voice their concerns directly to the Vice-President something they have never had a chance to do before "It was a high profile event and as such received television and radio coverage on the Gambian national broadcast network GAMTV " Dr Abbott has been involved in the projects during annual student field trips since 1999 shortly after land for the Banjundling Women s Vegetable Garden was donated by the Government She has maintained constant links with the women and published articles and spoken at conferences about them The land was initially donated to displaced women rice farmers from neighbouring areas of Banjul the capital of the Gambia The project brought several women together assisting them to diversify into vegetable farming in a co-operative venture The Banjundling project was initially funded by the Taiwanese government and initially began with twenty women This now extends to nearly 120 women and their children The WONAAKOR - Western Division Women Naakor - is a newer venture comprising of ten farming schemes inspired by the success of the Banjundling project -endsNotes to editors: WONAAKOR is the idea of a local NGO Gambia Is Good (GIG) in partnership with an international body Concern Universal GIG s next phase is help women with marketing of their produce so they can achieve fair prices and best value for their crop GIG has also initiated a food-processing factory at Banjundling to juice the products which is being funded by the Indian Government The women farmers have just received the machinery and will be trained to process the juices and operate the machinery themselves For any other information please contact the Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on Tel: 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via e-mail pressoffice@derby ac uk or University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Games Guru Gives Students Glimpse Of The Future 28 January 2010 One of the computer games industry s biggest names spoke to University of Derby students about his career - and his role in developing games for a revolutionary hands free control system due to go on sale at the end of this year Games designer Peter Molyneux joined students on Computer Games courses at the University s School of Computing at its Kedleston Road site in Derby Mr Molyneux helped pioneer the god game genre of computer games where players create and control entire worlds rather than individual characters He established two highly successful UK games companies Bullfrog and then Lionhead Studios; at the latter creating Fable Microsoft s most successful role-playing game for its XBox console Now Creative Director for Microsoft Games Studios Europe Mr Molyneux is developing a computer game called Milo & Kate that makes use of a revolutionary completely hands free control system for Microsoft s XBox360 console Instead of players manipulating a handheld control device games will react to them by using a threedimensional camera which tracks body posture and scans facial expressions through a system called motion capture The game will also respond to players vocal instructions and distinguish between different players who have previously used it This new games control system - codenamed Project Natal - will not be available in stores until the end of 2010 but Computer Games degree course students at the University heard more about it when Mr Molyneux visited He also worked with them on their own games designs Mr Molyneux said: "Microsoft has a strong relationship with the University of Derby and has taken a few students on as interns I ve always found Derby students to be bright and able to fit into the working environment very quickly The courses here are very hands on and vocational and maybe that s what makes the difference "Our industry is subject to constant change and students need to learn how to use new tools to not only keep up but to stay ahead and truly innovate Anyone hoping to find success in this industry must have a massive amount of self drive enthusiasm and be prepared to take a seed of an idea and make it a reality There s no instruction manual for that the ideas have to come from within " John Sear Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming at the University said: "We were delighted to have the UK s biggest name in games development come and speak to our students "For the students to hear direct about the ongoing development of Project Natal and for them to work closely with Peter was a huge treat " During his visit Mr Molyneux also gave up his valuable time and the benefit of his years of industrial experience to coach teams of first year Derby students working on a 72 hour games design challenge This event for Derby students was inspired by Microsoft s X48 competition last year (2009) a national 48hour games design challenge for students from around the UK hosted by the University of Derby For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

General Motors' guru to speak at free 'greener' logistics business event 20 June 2014 The man once responsible for keeping global vehicle manufacturer General Motors supply chain on track will join fellow experts in advising companies how to reduce their freight pollution and transport costs at a free business event Low Carbon Procurement - What s in it for business? will be held from 3pm-7pm on Thursday June 26 at the University of Derby s Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby It is a joint event hosted by the University of Derby business organisation D2N2; the Derbyshire Nottinghamshire & Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce; and Derby City and Derbyshire County councils Businesses can reduce fuel costs be more efficient and gain a competitive advantage by adopting a low carbon strategy Carbon emissions (CO2) produced when most types of energy or vehicle fuels are used are linked to warming of the global atmosphere and climate change The event s key note speaker - discussing how a greener approach by freight and transport companies (large and small) could also save them money - will be US expert Dr David Gonsalvez The former Director for Global Supply Chain at General Motors is now Director of the Zaragoza Logistics Center and Professor of Supply Chain Management at the MIT-Zaragoza International Logistics Program Also speaking at the event will be Professor Ming Lim Head of the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement at the University of Derby who is an expert on radio-frequency identification technology (RFID); the micro-chip technology most commonly used to tag and track delivered goods but which also has a wide range of other uses capable of reducing businesses costs He has collaborated on projects with major organisations including DHL the NHS Toyota and Tesco Express Jerome Baddley an environmentalist and Sustainable Energy Development Manager for Nottingham Energy Partnership Energy Services (NEPes) will lead a workshop on the day The social enterprise organisation devises and manages home and business projects tackling fuel poverty and cutting carbon emissions His NEPes team runs Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire s Investors in the Environment programme which supports organisations engaging in the low carbon economy Another workshop session will be led by Dan Firth; who has held senior roles dealing with sustainable procurement for pharmaceutical company Astra Zeneca DEFRA and Harrow Council He currently leads on this for Interserve a support services and construction company Professor Lim from the University said: "With millions of miles covered by delivery vehicles in the UK every year a low carbon and more efficient approach by businesses involved in transporting goods is an environmental necessity "The event speakers including Dr David Gonsalvez one of the world s premiere Supply Chain experts will be giving free advice to businesses of any size on how such an approach could also save significantly on fuel and vehicle maintenance costs " In addition to workshops at the event there will be an opportunity for those attending to network over a buffet and learn more about organisations which could help with their low carbon strategy The event will conclude with an open discussion session To book a place online to attend this free event contact Amy Hall in the University s Faculty of Business Computing and Law on email a hall1@derby ac uk or phone 01332 592593 For more information on the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement see its website at www derby ac uk/dbs/business-solutions-and-centres-of-excellence/supply-chain-improvement For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Geography Couple Travel Back To University Site Where It All Began 2 January 2014 Geography graduates who met at the College which became the University of Derby and who later married celebrated 40 years together by re-visiting the site where it all began Ken Williams was in the last year of his BSc (Hons) Geography and Economics degree and Stephanie Boultby in the first year of her BSc (Hons) Geography course at Derby College of Art and Technology (later to become part of the University) when they met at a Geography-Geology Society Christmas disco 40 years ago The couple from Bakersfield Nottingham - who have been married for 35 years - made a special journey to the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby which was the location of their old College on the 40th anniversary of their meeting (on December 13 1973) The University of Derby was established in 1992 following the merger of a number of Derbyshire colleges Mr and Mrs Williams both went on to work as Geography teachers in the UK and in schools in Nigeria and also served as Nottingham City Councillors for the Labour Party Ken 62 said: "In those days the College s degrees had to be externally accredited by a London university "I was in the last year of my degree at Derby when I went to the 1973 Christmas social event and met Stephanie It was love at first sight " After completing his degree Ken went on to do a Masters (MSc) degree at Bath University and then take a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) qualification before gaining a teaching position at a Hampshire school Stephanie 59 added: "We both decided to teach in Nigeria but we had to get married in 1978 before we went to make sure we d be placed at the same school We taught there for two years before returning to England " The couple who have three daughters wanted to mark the 40th anniversary of their first meeting with a return trip to where it all began Ken said: "While I have been back since it became a University around ten years ago for a reunion we were both surprised this time by how much larger the University site is now than when it was the Derby College of Art and Technology " Stephanie added: "We both feel that coming here and doing a degree created opportunities in our lives that we d have otherwise never experienced " Today the University of Derby s Geography department offers a range of degree courses including a Joint Honours and BSc (Hons) in Geography and also Joint Honours courses in International Relations and Global Development and in Third World Development For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Geography Course Gains Rare National Accreditation 3 October 2013 Geography at the University of Derby is really going places after becoming one of only a handful of degree courses in the UK to be accredited by an influential international science body The University s BSc (Hons) Geography course has been officially accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) It is only the third Geography-related undergraduate honours degree course in the UK to achieve this status The IES is a UK-based professional body founded in 1971 which promotes and raises public awareness of environmental science and the work of scientists and academics working in the sector It is regularly consulted by government and other agencies and has members around the world Accreditation with the IES means that Derby students can join the IES with Student Member status for free which carries professional benefits which may be of help in their future career In the latest National Student Survey an annual independent survey of final year students BSc (Hons) Geography students at Derby were 100% satisfied with the academic support they had received on their course The degree course covers subjects such as adapting to climate change global food security geographic information systems (GIS) cartography and mapping environmental conservation geomorphology population geography; and water as a resource hazard and commodity Oliver Tomlinson Assistant Subject Manager for Geographical Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES) at the University said: "Geography at Derby has been going from strength to strength in recent years and this new accreditation through the Institution of Environmental Sciences is a sign of that "We re constantly updating the degree course to keep what our students learn relevant to their future careers; as can be seen by modules recognising modern environmental concerns over food security and water scarcity " Adam Donnan Chief Executive Officer at the Institution of Environmental Sciences added: "The BSc (Hons) Geography programme at Derby has a great mix of laboratory and field skills development with excellent practices in career development We were very pleased to accredit this programme " For further information about the work of the Institution of Environmental Sciences see website www iesuk org uk To learn more about Geographical Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Derby go to www derby ac uk/science/gees Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

George Mallory's Everest Clothes - Learning From The Past 28 September 2005 A two-year project to create replicas of George Mallory s climbing gear - worn on his ill-fated 1924 Everest expedition - has seen expert teams from four UK universities and other knitwear specialists collaborate to discover what we can learn from early clothing produced for extreme conditions The Universities of Lancaster Southampton Leeds and Derby combined their expertise to investigate Their key discoveries were that: contrary to popu ar be ef, Ma ory and Irv ne were we equ pped for the r ascent of Everest. Ma ory s c othes were w ndproof, waterproof and warm ayer ng of c othes was very effect ve for warmth. S k and woo m xes, rep cated by John Angus at the Un vers ty of Derby, were nte gent y kn tted and effect ve th s was the ghtest k t ever used on Everest: 20 per cent ghter than equ va ent h gh-a t tude mounta neer ng c othes today Ma ory s boots were 50 per cent ghter than modern equ va ents, made us ng woo fe t and eather, w th na s for gr pp ng Vanessa Anderson, the Performance Sportswear Masters student from Derby who rep cated h s woven outerwear, d scovered that the way the acket was ta ored made t more manoeuvrab e than today s equ va ent. The Mallory Replicas project began in 2001 when artefacts found with Mallory s body on Everest in 1999 were transferred to the National Mountaineering Exhibition at Rheged in Cumbria Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Pasold Research Fund Ltd and undertaken on behalf of Mountain Heritage Trust the £30 000 project aimed to produce testable replica clothing to assess its effectiveness and performance The project team led by Professor Mary Rose and Mike Parsons of Institute for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (IEED) Lancaster University Management School revealed replicas of Mallory s expedition clothing produced by Vanessa Anderson and John Angus from Derby at the Clothing for Extremes Conference Rheged Penrith Cumbria on Wednesday September 28 starting Alan Hinkes the first British climber to scale the world s 14 highest peaks and Jochen Hemmleb 1999 Mallory expedition historian met delegates including representatives from top outdoor clothing manufacturers Al Hinkes started climbing 30 years ago using Mallory-esque clothes worn in layers: wool and cotton - often from jumble sales Commenting on the replicas he said: "It all certainly looks useable and would be wearable I think the clothes were up to the job but it does make me more aware of modern advances like zips and Velcro and how convenient they are compared to buttons and belts " These replicas address the popular misconception that George Mallory was climbing Everest dressed poorly for the elements Dave Brook from the University of Leeds an expert in analysing textile performance tested the materials thoroughly and will reveal results showing that we could learn from the past "This project as well as bringing us into very exciting working relationships with colleagues at other universities is a wonderful way of applying the research and teaching Mike and I do on innovation " says Professor Rose "Throughout the Mallory Replicas project innovation has been seen as a bridge between past and future " Vanessa Anderson said: "This project involved a lot of detective work to piece together the past I used historical sources to determine how these garments were constructed and tracked down suppliers who could recreate the fabrics for me - in many cases the original suppliers such as Burberry who wove the cotton gabardine for the jacket and John Smedley of Matlock who produced a replica wool-silk vest What impressed me is the strength and quality of the materials they used and how well they were tailored to withstand conditions on Everest "

Who did what? Lancaster - Professor Mary Rose at Lancaster University Management School s Institute for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (IEED) and Mike Parsons former MD of Karrimor International co-owner of OMM Ltd and honorary IEED fellow had the idea for this project four years ago while conducting research for their book Invisible on Everest: Innovation and the Gear Makers (published in 2003) The book provides a comprehensive study of innovation in clothing and equipment for mountaineering and exploration but Mary s and Mike s research produced questions about the viability of outdoor clothing made with natural fibres Southampton - Amber Rowe at the Textile Conservation Centre of the University of Southampton analysed the original textiles recovered from Everest to determine what the clothes were originally made from and used textile analysis to recreate the patterns used for Mallory s clothing including early twentieth century pivot sleeves Leeds - Dave Brook and his colleagues in the Performance Clothing Research Centre at Leeds University s School of Textiles who worked with Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr Mike Stroud on their expedition gear also looked at the original fabric and the replica clothing to determine their thermal insulation value The entire procedure needed to be completely non-destructive which is why both the TCC and the PCRC specialists were approached rather than a regular testing house Derby - Vanessa Anderson who reconstructed the garments as the research project for her MA in Performance Sportswear Design sought suppliers who could match the specifications of the original silk cotton and wool and reconstructed most of his garments John Angus Programme Leader for Textiles in the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology knitted woollen garments including a thermal vest and puttees Derby graduate Simon Young replicated Mallory s puttees In addition the Mallory Project called upon specialist hand-knitter Joyce Meader to recreate a number of knitted items including three pairs of socks a jumper and a cap comforter Joyce uses historic patterns to hand-knit items for museums re-enactors and for private commissions and has knitted for The National Army Museum Chelsea Museum of Army Flying Middle Wallop and the Mountain Heritage Trust Mallory Collection She also lectures on the History of the Commercially Printed Knitting Pattern and on Historical Military Hand Knitting Her website is www historicknit co uk -endsFor more details about the Mallory replicas please the University of Derby Press Office - Simon Butt on 07748 920023; Simon Redfern on 07748 920038; or Peter Gallimore on 07771 757627 - to arrange interviews or opportunities for filming

Get a head start in the construction industry at higher apprenticeship event 20 February 2014 University of Derby Corporate (UDC) and its partners are giving ambitious young people a unique chance to get a head start in the mineral products industry next month On Wednesday March 5 UDC is hosting a recruitment event at the University s Enterprise Centre for higher apprenticeships in Mineral Products Technology - which allow students to learn whilst working and earning a wage Tutors and employers who are looking to recruit this summer will be in attendance on the day as well as current apprentices who can offer a first-hand viewpoint on how their own careers are developing There are approximately 20 higher apprenticeship vacancies up for grabs and are open to anyone who has GCSE and A-Level qualifications to a good standard Mark Osbaldeston Head of the Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development said: "The sector as a whole employs around 70 000 people in the UK and recorded a turnover of £9 billion in 2012 With significant recovery milestones achieved in recent months the focus is now on bringing new talent in to support the future growth of the industry "We developed a higher apprenticeship in Mineral Products Technology in partnership with the Institute of Quarrying and Hanson-Heidelberg last year and it has been a great success "And now the industry is recovering well we have Lafarge Tarmac Hanson-Heidelberg Aggregate Industries Hope Construction Materials and Sibelco amongst others on board recruiting higher apprentices this year "These employer partners will be present at the event next month giving potential candidates a great opportunity to be ahead of the game and get themselves in front of these organisations " Daniel James who is currently on the programme at Hanson-Heidelberg explained why he decided to take up a higher apprenticeship He said: "I chose this route as I wanted to earn while I learn and gain work experience at the same time "By providing both academic and hands on work experience the higher apprenticeship is giving me a great start to my career in this industry It s giving me with the tools and knowledge to make an impact within my role and gives me the key skills needed to develop my career " The higher apprenticeship event takes place from 12pm-5pm on March 5 at the Enterprise Centre Derby DE1 3LD For more information and to book a place visit www derby ac uk/higher-apprentice Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Getting A Taste For Adventure At University 30 May 2013 Working up an appetite on an outdoor adventure course was followed by an afternoon cooking and eating their own gourmet food when two local youngsters picked up their prize in a University of Derby Buxton competition Jessica Hannon 17 won the day at the University s Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre along with the chance to make amazing Mediterranean food in the kitchens after taking part in the contest at the recent Buxton Food Festival Jessica from Buxton brought her friend Samuel Oliver along for the day which started with rock climbing wall climbing and the Leap of Faith across a 12 foot drop at the Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre "It was great " said Jessica "I didn t even know Oaklands Manor was up there It s the first time I ve seen it " Then it was into the kitchens where the University s Undergraduate Programme Leader in Professional Culinary Arts Leonard Cseh showed them how to create an Italian Tagliata beef a contemporary twist on a classic salade Niçoise and hand-made tortellini - using pasta the winners had made from scratch "I found it really interesting " said Samuel - so interesting that he s thinking of signing up for a catering course! And getting the public interested in cooking just for the joy of it is close to Len s heart "With events like this it s not about turning out chefs and it doesn t matter if it goes a bit wrong " he said "It s what the Italians call famiglia - everybody in the family enjoying coming together sharing and enjoying food "

Global Book Deal Is Write Move For Students 18 October 2011 An international project will see a student writer from the University of Derby have their book published and distributed by a top overseas publishing house A literary fiction by a third-year BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree course student will be published for sale in the UK and USA India-based ROMAN Books - which supplies works of fiction and literary criticism to major American and UK booksellers such as Amazon Waterstones and Barnes & Noble - will work with the writer to develop their book for commercial sale Profits from the venture will be used to finance another book the following year in order to make the Indo-British project an ongoing one for University of Derby students The unusual arts deal has been developed by Roman Books founder Suman Chakraborty and Professor Jason Lee Head of Film and Media with Creative Writing and Professional Writing at the University of Derby The project is supported by the British Council s Young Creative Entrepreneur (YCE) programme which aims to promote a professional network between creative entrepreneurs in India the UK and internationally Once the first book is ready for publication Mr Chakraborty will visit the University of Derby to give a guest lecture to aspiring student authors on how publishing houses can encourage new writing talent Professor Lee said: "Every writer has the dream of seeing their work published Having the opportunity of working closely with writers editors and a publisher backed by the British Council is a fantastic opportunity for University of Derby students Internationally it also reveals how the University is further establishing its global presence in the cultural and creative industries through the work of its own students and academics " Mr Chakraborty added: "We work primarily in the overseas market mainly in the UK and USA We have a team of sales representatives working in the UK where we work with the market leaders of the book industry "This collaboration with the University of Derby strengthens our bond with the United Kingdom thanks to the British Council YCE initiative which has always remained an extremely encouraging part of my own career as a creative entrepreneur " Aanchal Sodhani the Project Manager of British Council India s Cultural & Creative Economy Unit said: "We were happy to support this project through the Young Creative Entrepreneur grant as we found the skills development aspect of the project particularly interesting That is to develop the skills of new writers to understand market requirements audience needs marketing and promotional aspects and the selling of rights; thereby becoming ready to be published internationally " For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Global Experts Discuss Greener Business Technology 26 June 2013 Iranian food production the Nigerian broadcasting industry and Facebook s use in Egypt will be among the many topics discussed at an international business and technology conference at the University of Derby Experts from the University will join 60 researchers and business leaders from countries including China Mexico Pakistan India Korea Japan Greece and Russia at The 12th International Conference on Business Innovation and Technology Management at the University s Enterprise Centre in Derby from July 1 to 3 Derby is the first UK city to host the annual conference which brings together industry and academic experts from across the globe to share the latest ideas on how to improve and innovate in a range of businesses This year its theme will be sustainable business and technology management Among the topics under discussion at the Derby-based conference will be the: deve opment of anaerob c d gest on p ans on UK farms, break ng down organ c waste to produce usefu b ogas or fert ser; Ch na s attempts to ba ance ndustr a deve opment and ts env ronment; techno og ca deve opments n the N ger an broadcast ng ndustry; farm ng exports and econom c growth n Iran; Tha and s attempts to use soc a market ng to create a ow carbon soc ety; Facebook s use to educate n Egypt; a proposed mode for more susta nab e power stat ons n the Repub c of Togo. Speakers from the University of Derby s Centre for Supply Chain Improvement and Derby Business School will also present their research into a range of low carbon research projects sponsored by Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council; and into innovative uses of radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic tags of the kind used to track products moving along supply chains Keynote speeches will be given by Mark Sutcliffe Rolls-Royce Director for Global Planning and Control and Professor Shi Lei from China Tsinghua University Dr Ming Lim Head of the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement and co-Chair of the Conference said: "We re honoured to have so many experts from around the world and from such a wide range of fields coming to the Derby conference "What they all share is an interest in the business applications of the latest technology and how these can then be used to improve the lives of people across the planet " The 12th International Conference on Business Innovation and Technology Management is organised and supported by the University of Derby the University of East Anglia the University of Nottingham National Taiwan University of Science and Technology and Lunghwa University of Science and Technology in Taiwan; with the International Society for Business Innovation and Technology Management (ISBITM) and European Business Innovation and Technology Management For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Global logistics giants gather at the University at Derby 27 February 2014 People wanting a career in a fast-paced technology-driven global industry worth £93 billion a year to the UK can see why logistics is such a good option at a whole week of activities at the University of Derby The very latest in technology and thinking will form part of Logistics Week which runs from Monday March 3 until Friday March 7 in which there will be various presentations some which are public and some for students at the University On Thursday at 2pm University of Derby graduate Barnaby Oxley who finished his course in 2013 and soon secured a job with Nelson Distribution in Belper will explain to the public what a career in the industry can offer Students will also hear from experts whose firms move billions of pounds worth of goods around the world Top speakers include: • Alan Weir of Toyota UK talks to students from 10-11am on Tuesday March 4 • Mark Oliver of Cirrus Logistics will talk to students about supply chain simulation benefits from noon1pm on Wednesday March 5 • Rod Zala of Norbert Dentressangle talks to students only from 10-11am on Thursday March 6 • Professor Margaret Bruce Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby will introduce the public event at 6 30pm on Thursday March 6 • Steve Agg Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Technology (CILT) presents the current challenges and opportunities in addressing low carbon in the logistics sector at 6 45pm on Thursday March 6 • Simon Hobbs Vice President Supply Chain Development UK Ireland and Nordics of CEVA talks about global supply chains and the low carbon agenda in the logistics industry at 7 15pm on Thursday March 6 All of Thursday s presentations will be held in the Enterprise Hub at the University s Kedleston Road site Professor Ming Lim Head of Centre for Supply Chain Improvement at the University of Derby said: "Logistics companies keep the wheels turning for all other types of business; whether it s Amazon delivering books to customers vital medical supplies getting to hospitals or transporting perishable foods from halfway around the world to UK supermarkets "The Logistics Week will attract those at the very top of this field to share information and the latest thinking in the industry It will obviously be a great opportunity also for our students looking for a career in this global industry " For more information about the University s Logistics Week and to book to attend an event (some restrictions apply) visit website or contact Amy Hall on 01332 592593 or email: a hall1@derby ac uk For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Global Logistics Giants Gather To Discuss Future Moves 20 February 2013 Experts whose firms move billions of pounds in goods globally - and helped make the 2012 London Olympics happen - will attend the University of Derby to discuss the latest in logistics technology and thinking High street giant Alliance Boots global market leader in logistics DHL chocolate maker Thorntons and international freight management company CEVA Logistics UK (Ltd) will be among those sending representatives to the University s first annual Logistics Week running from Monday 25 February to Friday 1 March Places to attend the business week's events are free and still available but must be booked in advance The week will feature a Business Fair high-level discussion groups and speakers from some of the world s largest transport supply and logistics companies; with all events held at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby Top speakers will include: Keeping Logistics on Track: The Olympic Challenge - w th Dan Bowden, Log st c Consu tant for AECOM; a g oba prov der of profess ona techn ca and management support serv ces, emp oy ng 45,000 peop e wor dw de. He d from 12noon to 1pm on Wednesday 27 February, in Room OL2. An ntroduct on to the cutt ng edge work be ng done by the Un vers ty s own spec a st Centre for Supply Chain Improvement on mprov ng rad o frequency track ng of goods and parce s wor dw de, w th Head of Centre Dr Ming Lim. He d from 6.30pm to 7pm on Thursday 28 February, in the Heap Lecture Theatre. Followed by - a keynote speech by Pierre De Carteret, Head of Training at DHL (7pm8pm) , who w draw on h s work w th the ead ng g oba og st cs company for h s ta k, Setting Standards, Sharing a Vision; fo owed by Dr Mick Jackson, Head of Sector Skills. Un vers ty students w hear from, and get to ta k to, ndustry experts on Thursday 28 February, and a so on that day members of the pub c wou d be we come to attend the free Business Fair (12noon to 2pm) and evening talks (6.30pm to 8pm). Dr Lim said: "Logistics companies keep the wheels turning for all other types of business; whether it s Amazon delivering books to customers vital medical supplies getting to hospitals or transporting perishable foods from halfway around the world to UK supermarkets "The Logistics Week will attract those at the very top of this field to share information and the latest thinking in the industry It will obviously be a great opportunity also for our students looking for a career in this fast-paced technology-driven global industry " Among the week s events will be those sponsored by the UK s Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) which will also be exhibiting some of the larger types of vehicles used by transport companies at the University For more information about the University s Logistics Week and to book to attend an event (some restrictions may apply) visit website www derby ac uk/logistics-week or contact Sarah Taylor Senior Administrator for the Centres of Excellence at Derby Business School on 01332 591045 or email: s taylor7@derby ac uk The Centre for Supply Chain Improvement is one of three Centres of Excellence - along with the Centres for Enterprise and for Leadership Development - based within the University s Derby Business School They engage with firms offering consultancy services and undertaking research aimed at dealing with real life business issues and problems For further information on the individual centres and to contact them visit website www derby ac uk/dbs/centres For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Globe-trotting Graduate Returns For Derby Reunion 18 June 2012 A Greek-born graduate who now teaches English in Finland will be among the many past students returning to the University of Derby for its 20th anniversary reunion party on Saturday June 23 Marianthi Vasileiadou 35 originally from Greece studied a BA (Hons) English Literature with American Studies degree from 1996 to 1999 She now lives in Finland in the city of Espoo (near to the capital Helsinki) and teaches English to further and higher education students While she was studying in her third year at Derby Marianthi met Sami Turkka 37 from Oulu Finland who was studying on the BA (Hons) Human Resource Management course for three months He is now an Account Manager at Dell Espoo Marianthi said: "I chose Derby because it offered the best combined BA (Hons) degree in English Literature Moreover the facilities at the University as well as at the halls of residences looked fantastic All in all Derby was offering the kind of environment I wanted to study in She added: "After University we moved back to Finland got married and now have one child So Derby and the University means a lot to both of us as it marked the beginning not only of our academic but also of our personal future " Taking place at the Kedleston Road site the reunion party will bring back graduates who have left the University since 1992 to the present day They ll have the chance to catch up reminisce and see how the University has changed Tickets are £20 which includes live entertainment close up magicians sizzling summer BBQ a welcome drink and more To book visit www hivederby com

Go Green at The Dome 22 January 2014 Different paths to going green will be explored at the University of Derby Buxton during a day of special events and demonstrations to mark a national environmental campaign next month The University s environmental team are celebrating Go Green Week (February 10 to 14) by bringing together as many local organisations interested in ecological and sustainability issues as possible under one roof at The Dome Go Green Week will see students at schools colleges and universities across the UK focus on awareness and action to tackle the crises of environmental problems poverty waste recycling energy saving volunteering opportunities and sustainable food Lynn Richards the University s Environmental Manager has invited groups from across the High Peak to take part on Wednesday February 12 These include Transition Buxton the Student Conservation Society and High Peak Borough Council s Waste Awareness Team The University s Chaplaincy will be explaining how the Fair Trade movement works as well as talking about Christian Aid s fight against poverty The University will demonstrate how it won the highly prized Soil Association accreditation for using sustainable food sources On February 11 early risers can enjoy the dawn chorus at the University s Oaklands Manor Outdoor Pursuits Centre by joining the Sorby Breck Ringing Group in the nearby woodlands followed by a onehour presentation by Ray Knock from the group who has travelled the world recording and ringing birds Other events during the week will take place at the University's Derby campus and Buxton and Leek College For further information see http://www derby ac uk/estatemanagement/environmental-services/whatshappening

'Gold' For Derby At National Safety Awards 6 August 2012 The University s Health and Safety team based in the Human Resources department has received a Gold award at the 2012 Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards The Awards recognise commitment to accident and ill health prevention in UK businesses and organisations Entrants are judged on accident records and health and safety management systems Martyn Holden Director of Human Resources said: "This is an outstanding achievement recognising the University s approach to occupational health safety and wellbeing "It is highly unusual to be awarded Gold on a first application so we should be especially proud of this award We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and others safe and protecting our University community "

'Gold' For University of Derby At National Safety Awards 22 May 2012 The University of Derby s approach to preventing accidents and sickness has been recognised through a national award Derby s Health and Safety team based in the Human Resources department received a Gold award at the 2012 Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on May 17 Awards are given at the Bronze Silver and Gold levels The Awards dating back to 1956 recognise commitment to accident and ill health prevention in UK businesses and organisations Entrants are judged on accident records and health and safety management systems Martyn Holden University Director of Human Resources said: "This is an outstanding achievement recognising the University s approach to occupational health safety and wellbeing "It is highly unusual to be awarded Gold on a first application so we should be especially proud of this award We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and others safe and protecting our University community " David Rawlins Awards Manager at RoSPA added: "We congratulate the University of Derby on its success and encourage it and all our other winners to remain committed to safety and health; an approach that is well recognised to be good for workers and the bottom line "

Gold Medal Winner Visits Team Derby 19 December 2011 A Paralympic Gold Medal winner visited the University on December 19 for a body composition scan that she hopes will guide her training and help her to Gold at next year s World Championships Clare Cunningham 34 from St Albans travelled to Derby to meet experts from Team Derby Performance - the University s applied commercial arm of sports science - and use its idXA body composition scanner The idXA machine (one of only 15 in the UK) offers the latest in body composition measurement tools which assess fat mass in relation to muscle development and can help pinpoint what an athlete needs to focus on in terms of future strength and conditioning training The machine can also assess bone density through the x-ray images it generates Clare has competed for Great Britain for almost 20 years first as a swimmer and now in the triathlon The highlight of her sporting career was winning Gold in the 50 metres Freestyle at the Barcelona 1992 Summer Paralympic Games and she also competed in the 1996 games in Atlanta She was part of a successful campaign for triathlon to be included in the Paralympics and it is set to be part of the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro Until then Clare will be training for international competitions like the 2012 World Championships in Auckland New Zealand where she is going for gold once again She said: "In January I will be getting into some serious training for the start of the season in May and so I wanted what to know what areas I should focus on for strength and conditioning This scan will show me my body composition and where I can make those improvements " Team Derby Performance aims to help athletes develop their nutrition biomechanics and other aspects of their physical and mental wellbeing to help them improve performance Derby County Football Club players have also undergone scans this year through the initiative For more informaiton email performance@teamderby com

Good luck to Derby County Football Club 22 May 2014 The University of Derby s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and staff are rallying to show their support for Derby County Football Club for their upcoming game against QPR for the Championship Playoff Final Professor Coyne who will be at Wembley Stadium for the final on Saturday May 24 has heralded the club s "fantastic achievement" He said: "We wish the very best of luck to Derby County and are all behind them hoping for a great finish to a fantastic season "The University is a proud partner of the club and they have our full support for Saturday s match at Wembley I will be there roaring them on to see them hopefully get over that final hurdle and reach the Premier League " The University s partnership deal with Derby County includes being the naming rights partner of the Rams training ground at Moor Farm and providing education to Academy staff and players Moor Farm was renamed the Derby County Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby at the beginning of this season Also students on the University s new BA (Hons) Sport Management degree which begins this September will have access to a new Learning Lab at the club s iPro Stadium For further press information please contact Sam Parker University of Derby Press & PR Assistant on 01332 593316 or email: s parker1@derby ac uk

Goto Prepares For Inaugural Lecture and FORMAT06 28 September 2006 With the Thames Barrier’s defences breached and Canary Wharf and the Millennium Dome flooded John Goto’s ‘Floodscapes’ showing at Derby Museum and Art Gallery provide a grim warning of climate change in the UK Floodscapes is John Goto’s most recent series made in collaboration with the Environment Agency’s ‘Floodscape’ project and the University of Derby where he explores some of the risks and choices facing society at a time of rising sea levels and global warming The British artist currently Professor of Fine Art at the University is best known for his photoshopped montages Professor Goto came to wider attention with the ‘High Summer’ section of his Ukadia series of pictures in 2002 He has had solo London shows at Tate Britain the National Portrait Gallery and The Photographers’ Gallery London His Floodscapes series follows a group of young people on an increasingly perilous journey along the Thames Key landmarks are flooded people having enjoyed the recent highlife are struggling for survival with one image showing them in a boat drinking champagne and drowning in designer carrier bags from recent shopping trips Professor Goto based within the University‘s Faculty of Arts Design and Technology will soon be giving his inaugural lecture entitled: 'From Powder Paint To Pixels' During the lecture John will trace his own engagement with the media of painting and photography since childhood and argue that their contemporary synthesis is to be found in digital imaging This will be held on Wednesday 18 October at 6 15pm at the University’s Kedleston Road Campus The lecture is free and open to everyone and will be followed by light refreshments To obtain tickets please contact the University’s Events Officer Angela Drinkwater on 01332 591046 or email: a drinkwater@derby ac uk Meanwhile Professor Goto is one of the headline artists taking part in Derby’s month-long celebration of photography in the city – FORMAT06 FORMAT06 is a photography festival taking place in Derby between September 22 and October 22 organised by Q-Arts Derby City Council and the University of Derby Professor Goto said: “These are major events in the arts calendar for Derby and I am looking forward to them immensely There is a great diversity of photographic shows throughout the city all within easy walking distance of each other A must for anyone interested in contemporary art!” The event builds on the success of FORMAT05 which saw thousands of people visit 30 exhibitions in 20 venues over 60 days in April and May last year The season becomes bigger and bolder this year with high profile exhibitions a photography conference master classes workshops professional practice opportunities a mobile phone photography competition and much more Jessamie Self ADT Research Coordinator at the University said: “This is a truly exciting time for photography in Derby and the University is proud to be a part of it ” Below is a list of events the University is organising as part of FORMAT06 September 22 to December – Oliver Metzger Image Ford 2004 Britannia Mill The Corridor Space (1st floor) October 2 – October 22 – Anne-Marie Creamer and Andrew Grassie Green Lane October 21 Conference; Photographing Paintings / Painting Photographs A discussion on making the image in the 21st Century Kedleston Road This will be accompanied by an exhibition of past and present Postgraduate students running from October 21 to October 27 by Olivia da Silva Antonia Bardis and Katja Hock There are also some Wednesday visiting artist lectures: October 4 - Jemima Stehli October 11 - Dan Hays (currently showing work at the Djanogly Gallery at Lakeside in Nottingham) October 18 - Tim Simmons (he was one of two artists commissioned to do work for the hoardings at the new site of QUAD) For more details about the FORMAT06 exhibition visit: www formatfestival com -endsFor further information call: Simon Redfern Senior Press and PR Officer University of Derby on 01332 591942 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Graduate becomes UK's youngest headteacher at 28 19 June 2014 A University of Derby graduate is set to become the youngest school headteacher in the United Kingdom at the age of 28 Clive Lawrence who was born and raised in the city and still lives in Derbyshire will take up his headship at Sherbrook Primary School in Cannock Staffordshire on September 1 After achieving a Master of Arts (MA) in Education: Special Needs at the University in 2011 Clive s cando attitude has seen him move up through the teaching ranks extremely quickly He said: "It doesn t seem real yet but I m really looking forward to the exciting challenge ahead I feel extremely proud to have reached my goal so soon in life and my family and friends are too "I ve always been ambitious and driven from a very young age Since qualifying as a teacher I ve wanted to be a leader as early as possible so I got involved as much as possible with the wider aspects of school life People always say you must be really clever but this is simply not the case "I ve worked hard put in many hours and taken advantage of a range of professional development opportunities in which to enhance my own practice I also have a very supportive mother and partner " Clive who currently works at Birch Wood School in Melton Mowbray discovered he would be the youngest headteacher in the country during a training course at the National College of School Leadership Now he wants to make a real impression in his new position He said: "In the short term I want to do the best that I can in my first headship I m looking forward to working closely with the governors staff parents and children to continue to improve outcomes for children "The school I m leading has just had an Ofsted inspection and received a good rating from the inspectors My aim now is to get the school to outstanding in the next three years My long-term future is still a blur at the minute but maybe one day I d like to work in some sort of an advisory role to schools needing support or maybe even become a schools inspector " Clive is full of praise for the University of Derby academic staff who have influenced his career to date He said: "When I studied the Masters I chose the specialist pathway in special educational needs (SEN) I built up an excellent rapport with many of the tutors particularly Dr Michael Flay who led all of the SEN modules that I selected "He has a wealth of experience within the field of SEN and I had the upmost respect for him I thoroughly enjoyed his sessions and left inspired by what he shared with us about his time in special needs schools " Lynn Senior Head of the School of Education at the University of Derby said: "The University is really proud of Clive s achievement "It is a testament to the hard work drive and enthusiasm that he has put into his career ambitions I am sure he will be an excellent headteacher and ambassador for education and children s learning " For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Graduate Calls For Greater African Democracy At UK Event 8 November 2011 An initiative calling for greater democracy in Africa was launched at the Houses of Parliament last night 7 November by Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham and civil rights campaigner and University of Derby graduate Emmanuel Neba Fuh They launched the Big Society Initiative for Africa at the House of Commons in London The event was attended by Nick Hurd MP Minister for Civil Society; the Prime Minister s Big Society Ambassador Shaun Bailey; former High Sheriff of Derbyshire Lord Ralph Kerr; as well as other politicians and community group members The project aims to bring together UK-based policy and decision-makers with an interest in Africa and galvanise public support for greater democracy in the continent s states Specifically it aims to persuade the African Union - the collective organisation of African countries - to introduce a clause in its charter barring African leaders of member states from serving more than two terms or ten years in power This is to prevent undemocratic President for life situations Emmanuel Neba Fuh originally from Cameroon is an Applied Community Work and Social Care graduate of the University of Derby In 2008 he walked 120 miles barefoot from Derby to London over 19 days to promote a petition raising awareness of human rights violations in Africa which he then handed into Number 10 Downing Street Now the Campaign Co-ordinator for Derby-based charity British Aid for Africa Consortium Mr Neba Fuh said of last night s event: "Without good governance and unless we beat corruption we will never defeat poverty in Africa " He added that the lack of concrete steps to put into effect the ideas enshrined in the African Union s own 2007 report on democracy elections and governance was undermining the United Nations Millennium Development Goals; the set of objectives laid down by the UN to tackle poverty poor education and related problems Pauline Latham Conservative MP for Mid-Derbyshire added: "The problems of Africa are well documented and have been greatly publicised for years "The issues that Africa face are issues that the British people take a great interest in be it the civil wars in Rwanda the Democratic Republic of Congo or Angola; or the refusal of leaders to respect the will of the people through the ballot box as we saw in Kenya Zimbabwe and most recently Ivory Coast and North Africa " Also attending last night s event was Peter Walker the University s Community Relations Officer who has worked closely with the city of Derby s own Congolese community many of them forced migrants due to political persecution For media enquiries about this press release contact University of Derby Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Graduate Exhibits At The Wirksworth Festival 12 September 2011 A University of Derby graduate has exhibited a sculpture at a popular Derbyshire arts festival For three weeks in September the historic market town of Wirksworth is home to an exhibition of great art in some fascinating places On its opening weekend the whole town becomes a gallery with more than 170 artists and makers showing their work in private homes historic buildings gardens shop windows and churches This year for the first time Wirksworth Festival selected a University of Derby Creative and Expressive Therapies BA (Hons) graduate s work to be included in the Festival s Art and Architecture Trail Sarah Dunford s sculptural piece entitled Nothing Stays Buried was displayed in Peak House Practice s therapy room in Wirksworth throughout the opening weekend Sarah s work focuses on derelict buildings and found objects the stories held within them and giving them the space to be seen heard and hopefully empathised with Peak House Practice is a multidisciplinary complementary therapy and meditation centre in Wirksworth specialising in mental health and wellbeing Alex Greenbank Practice Manager expressed a hope to: "Raise awareness of the potential use of the creative arts as part of the therapeutic healing process" Wirksworth Festival is actively engaged in developing an increasing focus on new young and emerging artists In recent years a graduate showcase has been successfully established and the Festival is looking forward to working even more closely with regional universities in the future Wirksworth Festival offers inspirational film sculpture installation drawing photography found object and other unclassifiable hybrid artforms by leading UK and international artists exhibiting over three weekends For information about Wirksworth Festival and the Art & Architecture Trail www wirksworthfestival co uk

Graduate Goes To The Ends Of The Earth 24 October 2011 A University of Derby graduate has a cool job as a producer on one of BBC TV s most ambitious projects to date - the Frozen Planet series Sir David Attenborough s latest natural world epic begins on Wednesday 26 October Kathryn Jeffs who graduated from Derby in 1995 with a BSc (Hons) Biological Imaging degree worked as director on the award winning series Planet Earth She produced Winter the fifth programme in the Frozen Planet series to be broadcast on 23 November She acknowledges Sir David as an early influence on her career and was able to work with him on this series Her career was inspired after watching Trials of Life a documentary series by Sir David which featured killer whales hunting sea lions Kathryn believes the series changed the way people thought about the natural world as television is a powerful way to bring complex topics to a mass audience Kathryn said: "My course at the University of Derby was a niche one enabling me to be a stronger candidate amongst my peer competitors I chose science because I wanted to continue engaging with wildlife exploring the natural world and communicating the knowledge I gained " She added: "Frozen Planet has been four years in the making It took 2 356 days to shoot in the Polar regions where the temperature at times plummeted to minus 50 degrees Celsius It enabled me to travel to some incredible places but what I valued most was the opportunity to speak to the scientists - their work is the lifeblood of our films " In the new series Sir David takes viewers on an extraordinary journey across the magical ice worlds of the Arctic and Antarctic - the worlds greatest and least-known wildernesses inhabited by some of the most bizarre and resilient creatures on Earth The journey begins for David at the North Pole one of the few places he had never visited As six months of darkness ends with the return of the sun a pair of courting polar bears reveal a surprisingly tender side The first episode includes a key sequence directed by Kathryn captured on a four month shoot to Antarctica which was a filming first The shot reveals killer whales working together to create giant waves that wash seals from ice floes Frozen Planet was co-produced with The Open University Frozen Planet - To The Ends Of The Earth starts on Wednesday 26 October 9pm -10pm on BBC One and BBC One HD For further information please Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer T: 01332 591368 M: 07768 091248 E: l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

Graduate Lace Maker Sew Happy With Royal Invite 14 May 2013 The work of a skilled laced maker who recently graduated from the University of Derby has been selected for inclusion in a prestigious royal exhibition being held at Buckingham Palace this summer Louise West graduated from the BA (Hons) Textile Design in 2010 and from the MA in Art Design Applied Practice and Theories (ADAPT) in 2013 She was invited to attend a special private view of the In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion exhibition earlier this week (13 May) after being recognised by the Royal Collection for her recent involvement in a film about the history of the lace industry The exhibition running from 10 May - 6 October at the Queen s Gallery in London explores the ostentatious costume of British monarchs and their court during the 16 h and 17 h centuries through portraits in the Royal Collection Louise will be featured in video footage demonstrating the process of lace making Louise said: "The costumes that are being featured in the exhibition are from a period when handmade lace was very much a status symbol the more wealthy you were the more lace you wore and it was incredibly important for men to also be seen wearing it " Among Louise s many achievements include her being commissioned by architects from London to design an entire concrete façade for the Nottingham Contemporary and being awarded University of Derby Mentee Of The Year after being nominated by Pickford House Museum in 2010 Louise added: "I m delighted to have been included in this exhibition and to have been invited to this exclusive event Going forward I plan on developing my lace design business and would like to continue to teach and inspire everyone to try this craft which has roots in the past but also a very promising potential for the future as well " Louise currently operates her company Louise West Lace Design out of University run Evolve Banks Mill Studios one of its business incubation centres where she uses traditional bobbin lace designs and natural form as inspiration for contemporary fine silver jewellery For more information about this exhibition visit www royalcollection org uk/exhibitions For more information about business incubation units visit www evolvederby co uk

Graduate On List Of Next Generation Computer Games' Gurus 20 December 2013 An annual list of the top 30 people aged under 30 in the UK computer games industry to watch out for has included a former University of Derby student graduating next month (January) Karn Bianco 24 originally from Derby will graduate with a First Class BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree at the University s annual Derby Awards Ceremonies at the Derby Assembly Rooms between January 15-17 (2014) He is already being viewed as an industry star and has been listed in the sixth annual 30 under 30 list compiled by the influential Develop magazine Karn now working as a Graduate Software Engineer with computer games company Rare Ltd of Warwickshire has already contributed to three games console titles in less than two years He interned at Rare - as part of a year in industry on his four-year sandwich course - working on its motion control (hands free) sports game Kinect Sports: Season Two Karn also assisted Lionhead Studios of Guildford (like Rare Ltd part of the global Microsoft group of companies) on its sword and sorcery quest game Fable: The Journey Having completed his degree course in June (2013) Karn is now working full-time for Rare and is expected to have a bright future in the industry Karn said: "Being included in Develop magazine s 30 under 30 list was an amazing surprise and it s a pleasure to be listed alongside so many talented game developers I ve been lucky to have the chance to work on great projects at amazing companies and it s very gratifying to have that work recognised "I wouldn t be where I am now if not for all I learned studying Computer Games Programming at Derby I chose the course for its tough curriculum and focus on the core technical skills needed by professional programmers in the games industry What I got however went far beyond that thanks to an environment full of knowledgeable tutors and incredibly talented fellow students "The same trend has continued into the industry itself The best parts of my job are the ever-changing technical challenges which ensure no two work days are ever quite the same and certainly never dull the joy of seeing something I ve worked on being enjoyed by people across the globe and the chance to work with fantastically smart and passionate people who I m constantly learning from " A University of Derby spokesman added: "This is a substantial achievement by Karn and we expect him to go on to great things " To view the whole 30 under 30 list online published in the latest edition of Develop magazine go to www develop-online net/studio-profile/the-sixth-annual-30-under-30 More than 4 000 people who studied with the University s faculties of Arts Design and Technology; Business Computing and Law; and Education Health and Sciences; will graduate at the Derby Awards Ceremonies next month (January) Those receiving Honorary Awards at the ceremonies will include acclaimed author Hilary Mantel Chief Executive of British Cycling Ian Drake writer and first Derbyshire Poet Laureate Cathy Grindrod Photographic Historian Roger Taylor TV Producer Kate Oates and former Formula 1 driver Tim Parnell For further information about Computer Games Programming at the University of Derby see www derby ac uk/computing/games/ For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Graduate's Career With Top Beauty Brand Looking Bright 22 March 2011 A Buxton graduate is already making waves in the beauty and spa industry after securing a job at the Mayfair head-office of a leading luxury spa and skincare brand Twenty-one year-old Jodie Harris who is originally from Huddersfield became familiar with and passionate about Elemis products during her BSc (Hons) International Spa Management degree at the University of Derby Buxton where she graduates from on 26 March "While studying at Buxton I became passionate about the Elemis brand s quality and values which is why I applied to them for an unpaid internship " said Jodie "I spent three months of last summer at their head office in Mayfair London working across various areas of the company including marketing and product development and gained some fantastic experience " Jodie feels the business and marketing modules she studied as part of the International Spa Management degree gave her the skills ability and confidence she needed to launch her career in the spa industry Elemis were certainly impressed by Jodie s skill and passion during the internship as they offered her a permanent position She is now working as an Account Manager in London She added: "The internship was hard work and very fast-paced but I enjoyed every minute and learnt so much I was able to make a really good impression on my colleagues so when a position came up they knew my work ethic determination and industry knowledge was of the highest standard " Isobel Stockdale Programme Leader at the University of Derby Buxton the only educational facility whose students are allowed to use with Elemis products while training said: "Jodie was able to use these products as she trained and became really passionate about the brand We re delighted that she s secured her dream job and we wish her all the best in her career " For more information on the International Spa Management BSc (Hons) degree and other programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Graduates' Celebrations Fill Buxton Dome 28 March 2011 A record number of students celebrated their graduation on Saturday March 26 at the University of Derby Buxton's annual Awards Ceremony The Buxton Campus iconic Dome was filled with 210 students their families and friends for the glittering ceremony and meal that followed They were joined at the ceremony by honorary graduates the Michelinstar chef Sat Bains and renowned business guru Professor Mike Wright All were handed their awards by the Chancellor of the University the Duke of Devonshire and Vice Chancellor Professor John Coyne Professor Coyne said: "It was sad that we had to postpone the original event in December due to the heavy snow but we were delighted to see so many graduates here to celebrate today " Dean of the University of Derby Buxton Dr Peter Dewhurst said: "Graduation is the moment when everything comes together The setting has never looked better and more students graduated on Saturday than ever before We wish all of our graduates well in their future careers and hope they enjoyed this special day " Chef Sat Bains who received the Honorary Award of Doctor of Professional Practice (HonDPr) attended the ceremony with his wife Amanda and parents Tarsem and Balbir He said: "I feel blown away to have been honoured in this way I am not from an academic background but hope this achievement shows others what is possible and gives them a boost "I wish all the graduating students well in their futures They should keep focused and have a vision for what they want to achieve and not give up " Professor Mike Wright attended the ceremony with his wife Maryse On receiving the Honorary Award of Doctor of the University (Hon DUniv) he said: "I am proud and humbled to be receiving the Honorary Award today I have been particularly taken with the work that has gone into making the Buxton Campus such a wonderful setting It has enjoyed a fantastic renaissance and the graduation atmosphere has been excellent " Some of the graduating students hailed from nearby areas such as Mathew Armett from Brookfold Chapel-en-le-Frith Matthew graduated on Saturday with a Joint Honours Degree in Public Relations and Media Applications He said: "I studied for my A levels at Harpur Hill and my tutor at the time told me about the opportunities on offer at the University s Buxton Campus I ve really enjoyed studying here " The University also attracts students from around the world to its internationally respected programmes and many were able to return to Buxton for the ceremony Haruna Sasaki 23 travelled from her home in Fukui Japan despite the country s recent natural disaster Haruna received a 2:1 BA (Hons) degree in Professional Culinary Arts and an award for student achievement from the Institute of Hospitality Haruna said: "I am delighted to be graduating today It took 15 hours to travel from Japan but it was worth it to be here We live 800km from the main disaster zone in Japan It was an awful disaster but people are just trying to pull together and help each other " For more information on any of the programmes available at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Graduates' Masterclass On Winning Applause Off Stage 30 November 2012 An award-winning playwright and a Royal Shakespeare Company marketeer were among drama graduates returning to the University of Derby to give a masterclass about off-stage careers in the theatre The four successful speakers told current Theatre Studies and Theatre Arts degree students of the many ways they could have an impact without treading the boards Hosting the masterclass were: Elin Joseph (2005 graduate in BA (Hons) Theatre Arts) - taught drama at Amer can summer camps after graduat on. On return ng to the UK E n worked at Ma vern Theatres n Worcestersh re, before becom ng a Market ng Ass stant and then Market ng Off cer at the prest g ous Roya Shakespeare Company n Stratford-upon-Avon. Tina Jay (1996 graduate BA (Hons) Theatre Arts) - a wr ter and teacher who ran her own drama schoo and now coaches students for the nternat ona y renowned London Academy of Mus c and Dramat c Art (LAMDA). T na s wr t ng cred ts nc ude w nn ng the Internat ona Student P ayscr pt Compet t on ( udged by S r A an Ayckbourn) and the Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Wr t ng, and be ng short sted for both the Br dport Poetry and Short Story Compet t ons. Janthi Mills (2002 graduate in BA (Hons) in Performing and Media Arts) - a former V cePres dent of Commun cat ons for the Un vers ty of Derby Students Un on and ed tor of ts pub cat on Dusted. In 2006 Janth became Genera Manager at Coventry s Be grade Theatre and ast month (October) was a f na st n the Manager of the Year Award category at the 2012 Theatre Awards UK. Her deve opment of an nnovat ve apprent cesh p scheme at Be grade Theatre won the Creat ve Apprent cesh p Emp oyer of the Year Award from the Nat ona Sk s Academy n March (2012). Richard Gerver (1990s graduate BA (Hons) Theatre Arts) - an nsp rat ona speaker on educat on, bus ness and the vo untary/commun ty sector. After h s degree he entered teach ng and n 2005 won the Schoo Head Teacher of the Year Award at the Br t sh Nat ona Teach ng Awards and n 2009 pub shed Creat ng Tomorrow s Schoo s Today, dea ng w th educat on transformat on. He s a regu ar contr butor n the UK med a on educat on ssues. Twenty fivestudents from the BA (Hons) Theatre Arts course heard about the variety of non-acting careers open to them as degree students in the theatre world The special session was staged on Wednesday November 28 at Derby Theatre which is run by the University of Derby as a commercial and learning theatre Yvonne Hurt Programme Leader for Theatre Arts said: "It s often mistakenly thought that a theatre related degree means you can only go into acting when there are a wealth of professions off stage "The Derby graduates who returned to give this masterclass at Derby Theatre have all attracted national if not international attention for success in their chosen field Hearing them will have inspired our students which is what we are about as a learning theatre " Richard Gerver added: "I m proud of being a Derby graduate and have enjoyed being able to share my life experiences with current students today " Dominic Ryan-Gilbank who graduated from the Theatre Arts course in June said: "The masterclass was both inspiring and eye opening; listening to the speakers made you realise there are lots of career paths you can take in the industry Plus being able to ask questions and network with such prestigious figures from the world of theatre arts was really useful " For information about the University of Derby s Theatre courses go to website www derby ac uk/humanities/theatre and for Derby Theatre s own website go to www derbytheatre co uk For further information please contact Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer Tel: 01332 591368 or email: l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

Graduate's Role In Rwanda's Recovery 16 February 2011 A Derby graduate working to raise awareness of genocide in the former war-torn African country of Rwanda has helped establish its first youth hostel University of Derby graduate Sam Boarer is an International Co-ordinator for Aegis Students part of the Aegis Trust; a UK charity which uses education and youth programmes to raise awareness internationally of genocide Around 800 000 people were killed in Rwanda s 1994 genocide a result of tribal conflict Aegis Trust runs educational Discover Rwanda trips for students to learn about the genocide The University of Derby finances an annual Rwandan scholarship project for two of its students to visit the country As part of his work Sam has now helped establish Rwanda s first youth hostel for visitors The site in the Kacyiru area of Rwanda s capital city Kigali offers visitors a safe and affordable place to stay Local people work there and are welcomed there and all profits are invested back into the local community and Aegis Trust programmes Sam 25 originally of Egmanton Nottinghamshire graduated from Derby with a BSc (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree in 2010 He said: "Accommodation in Rwandan hotels can be pretty expensive and we saw a clear need and opportunity to provide an affordable place to stay It offers visitors comfort security and a great location where they could also learn about Rwanda and interact with the local community "It is about providing an exchange between the local community and visitors If you re staying in a hotel it can be easy to become a little disconnected from the society around you but at the Discover Rwanda Hostel we wanted to be more hands on We provide a place where visitors can get involved and talk to members of the Rwandan community " Dr James Smith co-founder and Chief Executive of the Aegis Trust added: "This is a very practical expression of doing something which is benefiting people in the community recovering from the effects of genocide At the same time we are providing an environment where people can be informally educated about genocide and doing it in a way that is self sustaining " Feedback from guests has included that they found the hostel very welcoming and that they chose to stay there because they knew their money would go back into the local community Rwandan Mukansanga Vestine works in the hostel s kitchens She lost a child during the genocide Mukansanga said: "Discover Rwanda is good because we don t want what happened in Rwanda to happen again We want all people to learn about the genocide and not forget " For further information about the hostel visit: www hostelkigali com Find out more information about the work of the Aegis Students or for information on Rwanda visit www discoverrwanda org For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Graduates Shine At Malaysian Ceremony 2 March 2012 The exotic Malaysian capital city Kuala Lumpur was the stunning setting for the University of Derby s first ever World Education Council graduates to receive their degrees The World Education Council (WEC) based in Malaysia is one of the University s partner international educational institutions WEC students are supported by local tutors but they have access to Derby s online resources and their degree courses are validated by the University A ceremony at the Istana Hotel in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia saw the first 27 WEC students graduate from University of Derby approved courses such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) BA (Hons) Business Management and BSc (Hons) Computer Science degrees Gail Thrippleton - Senior Academic for Collaborative Partnerships within the Faculty of Business Computing and Law - represented the University at the ceremony on Saturday 25 February 2012 She said: "It was wonderful to meet our first group of graduates receiving their awards In addition to their own hard work their achievement is testament to the dedication of the team of academic and administrative staff in Malaysia and at the University "We currently have 900 students undertaking University of Derby awards through this partnership "The University s international partner institutions enable us to offer opportunities for flexible learning to a much wider audience It is also good for Derby as a provider of higher education to have a more global perspective " Eunice Peh Eu Li who received the Best Student award for the BA (Hons) Business Management programme at the ceremony added: "I was surprised and honoured to receive this award The course taught me the managerial aspects of a business including operations management strategic marketing planning and quality management "I had good lecturers who related the practical to theory and who were passionate about why their subjects were relevant in real life Without excellent lecturers I could never have done it I plan to be an entrepreneur some day " Derby also has educational partnership links with institutions in Botswana Malawi Switzerland and Greece For more media information please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Graduation Celebrations In Greece 13 March 2013 February saw representatives from the University of Derby travel to Athens to attend the graduation ceremony of students from the Vakalo Art & Design College a partner of the University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Philip Plowden Dean of the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology Professor Huw Davies and a number of Faculty academics from the University of Derby were amongst those in attendance The ceremony took place at The Conference Hall of the National Physics Research Centre "Democritus" the biggest and most acclaimed research centre in Greece It was presided over by Miltos Frangopoulo Deputy Director of Studies at Vakalo 106 students graduated with Masters or BA (Hons) degrees from programmes including Visual Communication Architectural Design Graphic Design and Interior Design Commenting on the event Miltos said: "As always the graduation ceremony was full of joy and happy faces; it gave students a chance to get together with their families friends and teachers to celebrate their achievement and raised everyone s spirits in these hard times for Greece like a promise of better things to come "

Graduation Ceremony Cements Success For Industry Professionals 28 January 2013 A cohort of 83 professionals who work for quarrying asphalt and concrete companies graduated on Saturday (26 January) with University Diplomas and Certificates from a range of University of Derby Corporate (UDC) courses The graduates from companies including Hanson Aggregate Industries and Tarmac celebrated the successful completion of their courses in areas including Quarry Technology Asphalt Technology and Quarry Studies at the ceremony which was held at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby Andrew Hartley Managing Director for UDC the corporate training and development division of the University of Derby presented the certificates to the group who had undertaken their studies whilst remaining in their professional roles Ivan Connor Assistant Quarry Manager at Harrington Concrete & Quarries who graduated with a Diploma in Quarry Technology said: "I ve thoroughly enjoyed completing the diploma; it s really strengthened my practical knowledge of the industry as well as the theoretical aspect I ve also recently gained a promotion as a result of completing the course so it s certainly benefited my career "Everyone who graduated has come so far from the daunting days of being introduced to the course material to solving electrical engineering equations! The sense of achievement is most rewarding " Andrew Hartley said: "Graduation is an extremely proud time both for our students and staff and the culmination of months of hard work We re delighted to celebrate our student s success and officially recognise their achievements in this way " Philip James Chief Executive of the Institute of Quarrying added: "These are highly professional people who have put in a tremendous amount of work whilst working in very demanding roles As a result their personal achievement is a huge gain for the industry as vital knowledge and skills are put into practice to improve the safety efficiency and impact of our quarrying operations " UDC works with a wide variety of organisations to deliver work based learning programmes and accredited qualifications that improve key capabilities such as service innovation leadership and problem solving For further information on the professional courses available that can be studied for whilst remaining in work visit www derby ac uk/corporate

Graphic Design student picks up award for design 8 April 2014 Third year Graphic Design student Ben McManus has won an award for a packaging design he created for the 2014 National Starpack Awards Ben was given a Bronze award for his design which was judged on different categories such as innovation design and environmental considerations The competition had over 145 entries with judges awarding entrants 11 gold 14 silver and 10 bronze awards Find out more about the University of Derby s Graphic Design course

'Gravity' Oscar joy for Graphic Design graduate Rob 12 March 2014 As a University of Derby student Rob Garner dreamed of being part of an Oscar-winning movie-making team A decade later he has played a significant role in bringing the breathtaking visual effects of blockbuster movie Gravity to the big screen The 30-year-old who studied BA (Hons) Graphic Design at the University from 2002-2005 now works as a Compositor for visual effects company Framestore where he helped to make actress Sandra Bullock appear as if she was floating in zero gravity in the hugely popular film And the work of Rob and his colleagues was so impressive that Gravity won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 86 h Academy Awards earlier this month - alongside six other awards including Best Director Best Cinematography Best Film Editing Best Original Score Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing Rob originally from Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire now lives in Canada and is based at the British company s Montreal offices He said: "It s great to have been involved in such an amazing film as Gravity and certainly one of the boxes ticked off my bucket list in terms of being part of an Oscar-winning team The next one would be to go there and pick up an award myself "We all knew the film would be extremely difficult from the start and as soon as we were seeing the final images towards the end of the project we knew we were part of something special in terms of the visual effects we were producing " He added: "As a compositor I am generally at the very end of the post-production process regarding making visual effects It is my job to combine all the work generated from the other departments and make them look as photo-realistic as I possibly can "My involvement in Gravity was mainly all set within the International Space Station where we made Sandra Bullock appear to be floating in zero gravity When they filmed her on set she was attached to around a dozen wires with a harness to make it appear she was floating in space "It was then my job with a small team of others to go through the sequence and remove the harness underneath her outfit - as you could see it underneath the vest she was wearing -whilst also removing all of the remaining wires she was dangling from "We would then render this out and pass it on to the next member of the team who would then do the final composite of her in the computer graphic space station and finish everything off to make it seem as though she was actually there in zero gravity floating in space " It isn t the first major film title Rob has been involved in He counts War Horse Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows and 47 Ronin as some of his most accomplished while at Framestore When he left Derby in 2005 Rob found work as a runner at a post-production facility in London before moving on to the BBC He explained: "This was a valuable experience for me as it gave me a real insight into how television programmes and films are made behind the scenes It also gave me my first insight into the world of visual effects "I worked at the BBC for a short while in production but it didn t take me long to realise where my heart really lies After further training I sent out my show-reel to potential employers in the hope that someone would give me my big break and offer me a job which came when I got my current position with Framestore " He added: "I have many fond memories from Derby I made some great friends at the University several of which I m still in contact with today even though I m a long way from home " Find out more about the University of Derby s Graphic Design courses here and also its new course BA (Hons) Visual Effects and Post-production here For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Greek Design Students Graduate In Style 24 February 2012 Design students from one of the University of Derby s international partners the Vakalo College of Art and Design had reason to celebrate when they attended their glittering graduation ceremony held in the Auditorium of the National Physics Research Centre in Athens on 12 February The 92 undergraduate and 20 postgraduate students graduated with either a BA (Hons) in Design an MA in Visual Communication and Interactive Media or an MA in Interior Architectural Design Also receiving her award at the ceremony was Antonia Bardis University Internal Moderator for the Vakalo programmes who completed her Phd with the University of Derby The students were joined at the ceremony by the University of Derby s Dean of Art Design and Technolgy (ADT) Huw Davies Vakalo Project Manager Scott Green Jane Stanton (from ADT) Eleni Tracada (from ADT) and Laura Williamson (from the International Department) Huw Davies Dean of ADT at the University of Derby said: "We first joined forces with the Vakalo College of Art and Design in 1996 and we ve enjoyed a strong partnership ever since At the University of Derby we re committed to providing students with education excellence and as the design programmes on offer at Vakalo enjoy a highly respected reputation we re able to do just that "We re exceptionally proud of the dedication and hard work that each student has undertaken in order to get to this stage and wish them the very best of luck for the future " During their time in Athens the University team also visited a design show entitled concept:design:inter/national put on by the Vakalo College for the Athens Design Walk and featuring students work from the last 10 years of the MA programmes Miltos Frangopoulos Deputy Director of Studies at Vakalo Art and Design College added: "We really enjoy the graduation ceremonies every year as they provide the setting for students to celebrate their achievement with their families and the staff of both Vakalo and Derby "There was a real sense of excitement at the ceremony with plenty of smiling faces cheers and jubilation for this great moment You could also sense the strong bond between the two institutions whose staff are proud and happy to work together to provide top quality design education We are confident that our graduates are now well prepared for the challenges ahead " The Vakalo School of Art and Design was established in 1957 by a team of artists designers and theorists headed by George Vakalo Founded with the aim of offering courses in what was then called the applied arts a field which was not covered by Greek education at the time the College was unique and soon held in high esteem The design programmes on offer have been developed by the Vakalo School of Art and Design and submitted for external validation by UoD Although there are no corresponding home programmes staff in the School of Art and Design worked closely with Vakalo in terms of providing advice and guidance during the development phase and this close working relationship has continued with regular visits and monitoring by UoD staff For further information on the Vakalo School of Art and Design visit www derby ac uk/partnerships For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586 or email R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

'Green' Changes In The Wind At University 26 April 2010 Environmental changes at the University of Derby mean 31 854 kilowatt hours of its energy needs are to be generated through green means - that s enough power to boil 31 000 kettles or run 91 laptops all day every day for a year The University has invested a total of £266 442 in three environmental energy projects capable of generating the 31 854 kilowatt hours (kWh) A kilowatt hour is defined as the work that can be done by 1 000 watts of electrical power in one hour A 200 square metre area on the roof of the Administration Block at its main Kedleston Road site in Derby has been covered with photovoltaic panels These use solar energy to make electricity and alone are expected to generate up to 19 420 kWh Nine wind turbines have also been fitted to the top of the South Tower Each of the AVX 1000 model Architectural perimeter roof edge wind turbines is 8 5feet tall has a 5 5 ft diameter five-blade rotor and together they can generate a combined 9 387 kWh of electrical power A third green energy source - a 75 foot tall Quiet Revolution model wind turbine - will be built next to the Kedleston Road site s main driveway over the summer It will be able to generate 3 047kwh of power The total amount of green energy generated by the three projects will reduce the University s carbon dioxide emissions (linked to global warming) by 18 tonnes - that would fill three and a half hot air balloons or 89 double-decker buses It will also mean the University having to buy less electricity from national suppliers Both wind turbine projects received planning permission after full details and noise surveys were submitted to Derby City Council to prove there would be no disruption caused to local residents The three green energy projects follow a two-year £13 5m refenestration and re-cladding of the three 1960s-built towers at the Kedleston Road site This has markedly improved their heat and energy efficiency and also reduced the amount of carbon emissions they produce Ian Willgoose Director of Estates at the University of Derby said: "Our considerable investment in the towers refenestration and the new photovoltaic panels and wind turbines can only enhance the excellent reputation we already have on environmental matters "For the last three years we ve been in the top 25 of the Times Higher Education Supplement s annual People and Planet League rankings of higher education institutions We have also won accolades through the national EcoCampus and Green Gown awards schemes " For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Green Groups Grow as Faith in Governments Falters 23 December 2013 Buxton is one of hundreds of towns globally where green activism is growing as more and more people realise that governments can t save the world from the coming environmental crisis a public lecture at the University of Derby Buxton will hear Professor Erik Bichard will give examples of how ordinary people in cities towns and villages in Germany the UK and the USA hold a valuable prescription for both existing and emerging groups on how to be sustainable They form the basis his new book "The Coming of Age of the Green Community" which describes the response by new generations of community activists who reject the notion that those in authority will protect human society from destabilisation by the environmental and social upheavals predicted for the coming decade "For the first time ever we are seeing a realistic connection with the old Friends of the Earth strapline Think Globally Act Locally " said Professor Bichard Professor in Regeneration and Sustainable Development at the University of Salford "People are really starting to understand - and dread - the changes in the world because of climate change and resource consumption "All of these things are starting to impinge on people s activities in a much greater way It s a coming of age because of this lack of belief that authority - government or business - is going to save us " Locally environmental group Transition Buxton the University and High Peak Borough Council are beginning to explore together ways in which the former plant nursery in Buxton s Serpentine park can be transformed into a community centre dedicated to teaching sustainability The run-down buildings and growing beds could become the focus for future generations to learn how to help support themselves - and the planet - in a project run by the community for the community Despite his stark message Professor Bichard will also outline the positive incentives available to increase sustainability identified through his experience in preparing environmental impact assessments and social accounting His love of nature developed during boyhood walks with his naturalist father in the countryside of America and Canada "They gave me a great awe and wonder about nature and the belief that we have to protect it " he said "The Coming of Age of the Green Community" - a public lecture by Professor Erik Bichard takes place on 16th January 2014 at 6 00pm in the Devonshire Dome Buxton This is a free event and all are welcome To book a place or for more information email Christine Sweetmore at c sweetmore@derby ac uk For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison OfficerEmail: j phillips@derby ac uk

'Green' Hat-Trick For University In National Environmental Table 11 June 2013 Environmental efforts at the University of Derby have seen it awarded a First Class ranking in an influential UK universities green table - for the third year running The University has been awarded a First in the People and Planet Green League table which annually awards degree-style rankings (such as a First or 2:1) for universities ethical and environmental activity Full details are listed in today s (June 11) The Guardian newspaper Derby has been ranked among the top 50 universities in the rankings every year since it first appeared in 2007 Derby s major green activities this year have included: ncreas ng recyc ng rates to over 65% across a Un vers ty s tes ncreased student part c pat on n the W dVo unteer ng Bursary Scheme greater eve s of engagement w th staff and students at both our Derby and Buxton campuses dur ng and fo ow ng th s year s Go Green Week (February 11 to 15) ach ev ng Bronze standard n the So Assoc at on s Food For L fe accred tat on scheme ncreased the amount of staff poo car m eage trave ed n typ ca y ower em ss on veh c es. The University of Derby s longer term environmental strategy includes a commitment to a 27% reduction in its carbon emissions (linked to global warming and climate change) resulting from energy usage transport water waste and procurement by 2020 (based on its 2005 levels) Lynn Richards Environmental Manager at the University of Derby said: "We are delighted to have achieved a First Class award again this year There are still some areas where we know improvements can be made and we are working hard with our students and staff to ensure that we make progress year on year "Anyone interested in finding out more about the University s environmental activities can log on to our website at www derby ac uk/environment " Louise Hazan who compiled the People and Planet Green League added: "The University of Derby thoroughly deserves its First Class ranking this year It is helping to drive up environmental and ethical standards for the higher education sector as a whole "We congratulate it on listening to its students who are quite rightly demanding greener degrees and that the University tackles issues like climate change head-on " For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk For more information about the People and Planet Green League contact Louise Hazan People and Planet Green League Manager on 01865 264180 or email: greenleague@peopleandplanet org

Gritty Film's Budget Doubled By Internet Appeal 8 June 2012 A film about a taxi driver s misadventures on Derby s mean streets saw its budget double after its University of Derby creators sought funding through the internet Caught in the Headlights is a ten minute short drama about taxi driver Keith and the series of escalating problems he faces when pursuing a young man who runs off without paying his fare The film is among those shot as final year projects by University BA (Hons) Film and Video Production degree students to be shown at their Degree Shows screening at Derby's QUAD Centre at 7pm this Monday 11 June In addition to the film night the final year Degree Shows by students from visual communications textiles product design fine art photography creative expressive therapies and many other courses can also currently be seen for free at the University's Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby until 12 June Caught in the Headlights written by Adam Lock features professional actors particularly Neal Higham as Keith and Derby actor Joseph Maudsley as his main adversary It was financed through an online method called crowd funding The student film-makers set up a pitch page on a website called 'Indiegogo' where independent film-makers can talk about their film and provide trailers and other information with a view to attracting funding Final year student Christopher Bevan the film s director and producer said: "People can pledge very small to large amounts with the thanks they get rising from an online acknowledgment to a film credit to perhaps even a walk-on part in the film "We d hoped to raise £1 000 for our film but we got almost double that because we stuck at it constantly refreshing our pitch page and updating potential sponsors on how things were going " The additional cash has meant the film-makers could hire extra technical equipment to improve the look of the film mostly shot at night including the Canon C300 a camera with excellent low light filming capabilities Iron Sky a full-length spoof science-fiction film about Nazis living on the moon saw its UK cinema release last month (May) after its independent makers spent years raising the millions of pounds needed through online crowd funding Caught in the Headlights makers - University students Christopher Adam Lock Karl Poyzer Silvia De Abreu Jason White Felix Harber Grant Murphy and Benjamin Hodge - intend to use the additional money they raised to further develop the short drama and show it at film festivals in London and elsewhere "Many successful directors start off with these sorts of short films as a calling card to go on to greater things " added Christopher Other short films by the University BA (Hons) Film and Video Production final year students being shown at the QUAD centre on June 11 include: Tomorrow is Nothing - a coup e comes to terms w th the r ves as the wor d ends Fear - a man s pursued by the former emp oyer he doub e-crossed Blood Amongst The Ashes - fam y and fr ends dea w th the aftermath of a young man s su c de Human Touch - dep ct ng the effects of menta ness on a mother and son s re at onsh p. Tom Craig University Programme Leader for Film Studies and Film and Television Studies added: "Crowd funding is just being recognised as one of the most important ways of financing film production "Christopher and indeed many other students on the BA (Hons) Film and Video Production course are at the cutting edge of this trend and well positioned to take their place within the British film industry " A website giving more information about the University s Transitions film night can be found at www transitions-derby co uk Media requiring more information should contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 7876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Guest Lecturer Gives Students Lesson In Responsibility 12 December 2012 Sport and exercise students at the University of Derby learned about the importance of corporate social responsibility (CRS) in the world of sport from one of the best in the business recently Dave Connor from Coethica the responsible business company visited Derby on December 4 was part of a lecture tour which has also included Edge Hill University and Liverpool John Moore s University Students heard about the reality of CSR within the business spectrum from corporates to pre-start-ups They also debated a number of hot topics including: What s CSR v susta nab ty v soc a enterpr se v shared va ue v trad t ona bus ness? What s dr v ng respons b e bus ness forwards? The ma n g oba gu de nes and standards Eth ca bus ness n sport Leadersh p case stud es - the good, the bad and the ug y CSR commun cat ons - reports, soc a med a and consumer badges Dan Parnell lecturer on the BA (Hons) Sport and Exercise Studies degree said: "The students got a lot out of this visiting lecture from Coethica Reputation has never been more important in the world of sport and having a good knowledge of CSR will undoubtedly benefit them in their future careers " David Connor can be found on Twitter at @davidcoethica and also via @Coethica

Gulf War Veteran And Derby Photo Graduate Shortlisted For National Prize 1 October 2013 A former Royal Marines Commando and University of Derby graduate is among just four photographers shortlisted for one of the industry s most prestigious national prizes Giles Price developed an interest in photography while serving with the Royal Marines which he joined aged 16 After leaving the service due to injuries sustained during the first Gulf War in Iraq he took a BA (Hons) in Photographic Studies degree at the University of Derby which he completed in 1997 His work has since appeared in national publications and exhibitions Giles photo of a mother and child attending a mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in India - entitled Kumbh Mela Pilgrim Mamta Dubey and Infant - has now been shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2013 The annual competition which carries a top prize of £12 000 is organised through the National Portrait Gallery in London and is sponsored by legal firm Taylor Wessing The other three portraits selected from more than 5 000 original submissions include ones of Kofi Annan former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Irish female jockey Katie Walsh The winner of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2013 will be announced at an awards ceremony on November 12 (2013) An exhibition of selected entries including the four finalists will be held at the National Portrait Gallery from November 14 to February 9 2014 Giles 40 now living in London has already seen his work accepted by a UK institution He used a 35mm compact camera to take a snapshot diary while serving in Kurdistan at the end of the first Gulf War in 1991 which is now held in the Imperial War Museum collection Commenting on his being shortlisted for the prestigious prize Giles said: "Since leaving the University of Derby my career has gone from strength to strength; with my work appearing in publications including the New York Times magazine Guardian Weekend magazine and the Financial Times I ve also seen my portraits of First World War veterans taken in 2005 be added to the National Portrait Gallery "I am delighted to have now been shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Prize " A University of Derby spokesman added: "We wish Giles the best of luck in the finals for the Taylor Wessing Prize " For further information about the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize see website www npg org uk/photoprize1/site13/index php For more information about Giles Price s photographic work see website www gilesprice com and for details about Photography courses at the University of Derby see www derby ac uk/art-and-design/photography Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Gulf War Veteran And Derby Photo Graduate's Work At National Portrait Gallery 13 November 2013 A former Royal Marines Commando and University of Derby graduate has come second in a prestigious National Portrait Gallery competition - and will now see his work exhibited there Giles Price developed an interest in photography while serving with the Royal Marines which he joined aged 16 After leaving the service due to injuries sustained during the first Gulf War in Iraq he took a BA (Hons) in Photographic Studies degree at the University of Derby which he completed in 1997 His work has since appeared in national publications and exhibitions Giles photo of a mother and child attending a mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in India - entitled Kumbh Mela Pilgrim Mamta Dubey and Infant - was shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2013 The annual competition organised through the National Portrait Gallery in London is sponsored by legal firm Taylor Wessing At last night s (Tuesday November 12) finalists awards ceremony Giles received Second Prize - and £3 000 - in the major competition just losing out to the winning portrait of Irish jockey Katie Walsh by photographer Spencer Murphy An exhibition of selected entries including Giles work will be held at the National Portrait Gallery from tomorrow (November 14) until February 9 2014 Giles 40 now living in London has already seen his work accepted by UK institutions He used a 35mm compact camera to take a snapshot diary while serving in Kurdistan at the end of the first Gulf War in 1991 which is now held in the Imperial War Museum collection Since leaving the University of Derby his career has gone from strength to strength; with work appearing in the New York Times magazine Guardian Weekend magazine and the Financial Times among others His portraits of First World War veterans taken in 2005 have previously appeared at the National Portrait Gallery On his latest success Giles said: "I am delighted to have been shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Prize " A University of Derby spokesman added: "To be shortlisted for one of the UK s leading photographic prizes and to have your work exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery is a terrific achievement by Giles " For further information about the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize see website www npg org uk/photoprize1/site13/index php For more information about Giles Price s photographic work see website www gilesprice com and for details about Photography courses at the University of Derby see www derby ac uk/art-and-design/photography Media requiring further information on this news article should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Hard-Hitting Student Film On European Gypsies' Grim Lives 31 May 2012 The crippling poverty of Roma gypsies in a mass housing complex in Slovakia has been filmed by a University of Derby student - who lived there as a child Artur Conka 21 returned to the vast crumbling Lunik IX housing complex in Kosice Slovakia to photograph and make a short film about its residents and the conditions they live in He lived there until the age of three when his parents left Slovakia during the collapse of communism eventually settling in London when he was eight-years-old The final year BA (Hons) Photography degree student returned to Lunik IX to film how its inhabitants who are mostly Roma and gypsy peoples located there by the government live in crumbling tower blocks surrounded by rubbish with very limited running water and power supplies Artur still has family living there His film and photographs will be on free public display at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby from Saturday 2 June until 12 June as part of the annual Degree Shows of final year students work This year s shows period - entitled Odyssey - will feature works by students in visual communications film photography textiles fashion product design architecture fine art and many other subjects; all in free public exhibitions at the Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby Artur said: "Lunik IX is one of the biggest Roma ghettoes in Europe Very little has been done to give the people who live there a voice so I wanted to go back and document their daily lives "They live in terrible poverty surviving how they can In Slovakia it s still frowned upon to be of the Roma race like me and a lot of segregation goes on I was actually interviewed by a Slovakian TV station while I was out there simply because it s so unusual for a Roma to get the kind of education and opportunities I ve been lucky enough to have at Derby and elsewhere " On the film we see Lunik IX residents foraging for wood to burn for warmth and doing cash in hand jobs to earn money Artur had to translate his interviewees Romani language into English captions for the film He added: "I met members of my family still living there including my cousin who appears on film It was very difficult seeing them living in those conditions when all you re able to do to help them is to give them some money " After the University s Degree Shows Artur hopes to further develop the film and show it at international short film festivals and publicise the plight of the Roma communities shown on it who he says receive very little political support in their own country For more media information please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Hard Work Pays Off For Busy Mineral Products Professionals 6 February 2014 Students from University of Derby Corporate (UDC) the University s corporate training and development division have celebrated their graduation A group of 82 professionals who work for companies including Hanson-Heidelberg Lafarge-Tarmac and Holcim (Aggregates Industries) graduated with University qualifications in a range of subjects such as quarry asphalt and construction materials technology Certificates have been presented to those who have completed their work-based studies at a ceremony on at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby At the event Miles Watkins Chairman of the Institute of Quarrying said: "To remain competitive the construction industry needs all of the talent it can get It needs people to be interested in learning and it needs to invest in these people to address the challenges of the future "The partnerships that we have developed between the institutes and University of Derby Corporate will be instrumental in that journey " John Pritchard Finance Director for Sibelco UK a supplier of industrial minerals graduated with a Diploma in Quarry Technology He added: "The online study materials that accompany the course are excellent allowing the subjects to be delivered in an interesting interactive and student-friendly way "In my view the course is an indispensable qualification for anyone wishing to progress their career in the industry and I would wholeheartedly recommend the Diploma " Tim Gallagher an Operations Manager at Lafarge-Tarmac from Wigan also graduated with a Diploma in Quarry Technology He said: "The lecturers have all got relevant industry backgrounds and they have a great rapport which supports a good learning culture "Because the course has given me such a broad spectrum of knowledge from across the industry I ve been able to get involved in areas of business that I wouldn t have ventured into before " Mark Osbaldeston Head of the Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development at University of Derby Corporate added: "Graduation is an extremely proud time both for our students and staff and the culmination of months of hard work We re thrilled to celebrate our students success with them and officially recognise their achievements " UDC works with a wide variety of organisations to deliver work-based learning programmes and accredited qualifications that improve key capabilities such as service innovation leadership and problem solving For further information on the professional courses available that can be studied for whilst remaining in work visit www derby ac uk/corporate Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Harpur Hill Sets the Pace for Sports 23 January 2014 A £1 4 million project to revamp the University of Derby Buxton s Harpur Hill Sports Centre is helping to put Buxton on the sporting map From mountain biking to Saturday soccer the Centre has been winning praise and return trips from sports enthusiasts The 1970s sports hall was transformed into an up-to-date educational facility with spectator areas a 20station fitness suite of exercise machines and a dedicated free weights area Its new climbing wall was cited as one reason why British Mountaineering Council members voted Buxton into the top ten UK universities for mountaineers And mountain bikers are making tracks for Harpur after a biking challenge firm was so impressed with its facilities that they are planning to return Dark and White Challenge Events attracted 170 riders to a Mountain Bike Orienteering/Trailquest event combining challenging tracks and superb high level riding with beautiful views For more information see www darkandwhite co uk Customer satisfaction was also the message from Chris Hill Community Sports who use the facility every Saturday morning for football for ages 3-12 "The refurbishment is superb and perfect for what we need " said Chris "The rubber based floor provides excellent safety for the children There is an excellent viewing area which some parents have taken advantage of "Staff at the centre are superb always friendly and helpful and willing to go that extra step " added Chris "The professional running and the look of the sports hall is something where we felt comfortable Parents know their child is in a safe and in a comfortable environment It is the best sports hall in the Buxton area We hope it is a relationship that will last " A spokesman for the Centre said: We are very pleased that community are benefitting from the student facilities We are currently running a range of fitness classes open to the community To find out more call 01298 26742 "

Harpur Hill Sports Hall Re-opens 1 March 2011 Students have begun enjoying the benefits of a £1 4m refurbishment of the University s Harpur Hill sports facility in Buxton The facility - which closed in June 2010 to allow work to go ahead - has now re-opened after a major refurbishment by contractors Vinci Construction Plc Its re-opening was delayed when the original contractor Banner Construction was forced to pull out after beginning work on site for business reasons The new sports hall has been equipped to support a variety of indoor sports including netball basketball cricket boxing and five-a-side football by both further and higher education students In addition the facility will offer a new fitness suite (opening mid-March) and a state of the art external climbing wall designed to challenge the most expert climber The building offers new classrooms designed with removable partitions to increase flexibility The rooms are fitted with high specification audio-visual teaching aids including interactive smartboards Ian Willgoose University Director of Estates said: "We are delighted with this refurbished sports facility which is comparable with the best on offer in the sector "It helps increase the sports on offer to our students which they fully deserve after waiting so patiently We are now in negotiation with an external company to operate the facility to provide a balance between educational and commercial use "

Harriet Puts Herself In The Frame For Film Success 9 December 2013 A short animated film by a University of Derby graduate - featuring herself as a drawn character - has won a prize at a fiercely contested international contest More than 1 000 animated films were submitted for the Snow Wolf Cup (formerly known as the Jilin Animation Institute Cup) run as part of the 4th North-East Asian Culture and Art Week in the city of Changchun Jilin province north-east China Harriet Farren 22 - who completed the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Animation degree course this summer (2013) - received Third place in the international contest s Best Animated Short Film in Overseas category for her animated short film Moment of Perception In Harriet s two minute film she appears herself as an animated character using surreal visual images to illustrate how film-makers arrive at an idea for their work and then develop it In September (2013) the film was also officially screened at the 19th annual Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival in her home-town of Bristol as part of its Weird & Wonderful section of animated shorts pushing the boundaries of filmmaking Harriet s previous successes include her animated short film about the 2012 London Olympic Games which won a British Council contest to celebrate British-Chinese cultural ties and saw her travel to China For a separate project Harriet and two of her fellow student animators were asked to design the University s 2013 TV advert to encourage student recruitment For details on studying animation and illustration at the University of Derby see the course list at website www derby ac uk/art-and-design

Head Of Research And University Honorand Recognised In Queen's Birthday Honours 18 June 2013 The University of Derby is proud to announce that its Head of Research and Clerk to the Governing Council Professor Paul Bridges has been awarded an MBE in the Queen s Birthday Honours On the news the Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor John Coyne said: "We are absolutely delighted that Paul has been awarded an MBE His service to this institution and to higher education in general has been extraordinary enough but when combined with his service to the community and the city of Derby it is easy to see why he merits this recognition "Paul is an exemplary colleague and a wonderful man " Professor Paul Bridges added: "I have been taken completely by surprise by the award and can t quite believe it It means a lot to me and I am extremely grateful "I have greatly enjoyed working at Derby and I have been extremely fortunate to work with people at the University and at external organisations who have become good friends and acquaintances I should like to think that this award is also recognition of the fact that the University of Derby is a great place to work " Honorary Doctor of the University of Derby Jasvinder Sanghera was also named in the Queen s Birthday Honours and is to be awarded a CBE Professor John Coyne said: "We are delighted that Jasvinder has been so highly recognised for her tireless work and dedication to improving women s lives After founding her charity Karma Nirvana in Derby to help the victims of honour based violence and forced marriage she has gone on to have a tremendous impact around the UK; raising awareness of this issue through the media her books and education "We were proud to award Jasvinder the title Honorary Doctor of the University of Derby in 2008 and send her our congratulations on the conferment her new title Commander of the British Empire "

Health and Education Champion Honoured at Buxton Awards Ceremony 8 October 2013

Health and Education Champion Honoured at Buxton Awards Ceremony A strong supporter of the UK health industry and of education provision will receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Derby Buxton at its 2013 Awards Ceremony Liz Fothergill - Chief Executive of Derby-based Pennine Healthcare and a former Vice-Chair of the University s Governing Council - will join more than 400 students graduating from the Buxton Campus at its annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday November 16 Liz s company Pennine Healthcare employs 380 people who manufacture medical products for hospitals in the UK and for more than 70 countries worldwide She is a champion of manufacturing and business in the region and beyond Outside her business interests Liz was a Governor and Vice-Chair of the University s Governing Council for 14 years and only recently stood down as Chair of Governors for its Buxton & Leek College the University s further education college She is also Chair of Derwent Stepping Stones nursery and training academy; and holds local board positions at the YMCA Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire In 2012 she was appointed HRH the Prince of Wales s Ambassador for the East Midlands Business in the Community Of her Honorary Doctorate Liz said: "To be honoured by my home town University which I ve been so proud to be associated with and so pleased to see grow in size reputation and quality of student experience is both a truly uplifting yet humbling experience " Proud parents and friends University leaders and public dignitaries are due to attend the Buxton Campus s Awards Ceremony to witness graduates collecting their degree certificates after years of hard work Buxton s ceremony is unusual for a university in that much of the organisation for the day is done with the involvement of current students; using this major event hosting thousands of staff graduates and visitors as a learning experience itself Hospitality and Culinary Arts students will prepare and serve buffet food for the event and those on the BA (Hons) Events Management degree course will be closely involved in making sure guests are welcomed and all goes smoothly Dr Peter Dewhurst Strategic Director for the University of Derby Buxton said: "The annual Awards Ceremony always has a great atmosphere It s an opportunity to mark graduates successful completion of their courses as they embark on new careers and to showcase the skills of our current students delivering the event " The November 16 event will begin at around 9 15am with guests assembling and being offered refreshments; followed by a 10 15am procession led by the Fairfield Brass Band to St Anne s Church on Terrace Road for a non-denominational service After returning to the Buxton Campus at 11 25am the Awards Ceremony will begin at 12 15pm finishing at around 1 50pm For further information about the University of Derby Buxton campus and the courses based there see website www derby ac uk/udb Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Health Set-Back Inspired Culinary Career 26 March 2011 A serious health condition led a Buxton graduate to pursue her dream of cooking in her own restaurant And that dream that looks a step closer to coming true after Charity Mugido was recognised with an award from the Institute of Hospitality at her graduation ceremony Charity graduated from the University of Derby Buxton with a Foundation Degree in Professional Culinary Arts on 26 March when she also took home the Institute of Hospitality Award for Student Achievement After moving to the UK from Zimbabwe Charity who now lives in Allenton Derby sought to improve her English literacy and computer skills at the University of Derby through its Access to Learning scheme On completing the course her appetite for learning had grown However after suffering a series of serious set-backs including a brain haemorrhage Charity was determined to follow a path she had always wanted to - cooking She applied to join the Foundation Degree in Professional Culinary Arts at the University of Derby Buxton as a mature student Charity who has three children said: "I love cooking and have always cooked for my family After my illness I realised that life was too short not to do something I loved "I was interviewed by the programme leaders and although Fine Dining was completely new to me they knew that I would be dedicated and passionate about learning " During the next two years she received a lot of support from the lecturers and got practical experience in food preparation cooking and front of house duties in the Dome Fine Dining Restaurant at the University of Derby s Buxton Campus Charity also gained practical experience within the hospitality industry by doing work placements at The Argosy Sizzling Pub and Birds Confectioners "I loved the baking and putting finishing touches on variety of cakes " she continued "The experience and the work placements gave me the confidence to one day try and set up my own restaurant Ideally I want to introduce Zimbabwean and other African cuisines to Derby " Leonard Cseh Programme Leader for Hospitality and Culinary Arts said: "Charity was an enthusiastic student and incredibly passionate about food She thoroughly deserves this award from the Institute of Hospitality and we wish her every success for her future career " For more information on the Foundation Degree in Professional Culinary Arts or other programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit website www derby ac uk/udb

Heavyweight National Award Beckons For 'Light-hearted' Law Tutor 25 April 2013 Law students have voted a University of Derby lecturer with a fun approach to teaching into the running for a serious national award Senior Law Lecturer David Hodgkinson uses skills he once employed doing occasional stand-up comedy gigs to make his lectures and tutorials fun and entertaining His students have responded positively to that by voting him into the shortlist for the Law Lecturer of the Year award run by influential legal profession website LawCareers Net David who has been at the University of Derby since December 2007 is one of only six award finalists chosen from the 254 lecturers originally nominated The winning lecturer will be announced at the LawCareers Net Training and Recruitment Awards to be held at the Design Museum in London on Thursday May 16 The Derby tutor s recent successes include steering two of his students on the LL B Skills degree module to success last summer (2012) in a national contest to test courtroom skills In March this year David also got another pair of his degree students to Third Place in the finals of another competition the 2013 Client Interviewing Competition for England and Wales held at Cardiff University David 47 of Belper - who no longer does stand-up comedy - said: "I was surprised and delighted to hear about the nomination and getting on the award shortlist especially as I know it comes directly from the students themselves "I think there s a bit of the would-be entertainer in all lecturers as we also have to keep an audience engaged and mixing some humour into teaching a weighty subject like Law is perhaps what has enabled me to receive this very flattering endorsement from my students " Kevin Bampton Head of the School of Law and Criminology at the University added: "David is not only an excellent Law tutor but well-liked and respected by his students I wish him the best of luck with the Lecturer of the Year award announcement on May 16 " For more information about the University of Derby s School of Law and Criminology see web link www derby ac uk/law For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Help For Schools Will Get Children Learning Outdoors 1 March 2013 Schools and community groups across Derbyshire are being urged to access environmental experts who can help children learn in the great outdoors WildScience - which is supported by the University of Derby and delivered by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Enviro-Learn and University students - is now offering a number of free educational experiences to schools and learning groups in Derby and Derbyshire Through the WildScience project teachers and group leaders can engage their pupils in a variety of free activities including pond dipping nature s recycling wild bushcraft a mini-beast hunt or a BioBlitz Beverley Rhodes of WildVolunteering said: "After a successful pilot year last year we wanted to make WildScience available to more children across Derbyshire "The activities can be held in a school or groups own grounds or a local green space or park and children have a great time looking for mini beasts finding out about trees alien invaders and biodiversity on their doorsteps " Trained students from the University deliver the wildlife educational activities which are linked to the National Curriculum s maths and science subjects and encourage children to understand and enjoy outdoor spaces wildlife and to get involved in biodiversity Jason Nichols Community Relations Assistant at the University of Derby added: "This year we have over 30 students delivering projects in the community and across our schools We are also supported by community specialists so this approach is attracting real interest and we want many more people to benefit by accessing this programme " Or they can email Jason Nichols in Community Relations at j nichols@derby ac uk or call Beverley Rhodes on 07544 281105

Here's A Story To Get Your Teeth Into... 20 August 2007 Discarded chewing gum is the bane of town centre pavements across the UK – but imagine finding a piece that’s a jaw-dropping 5 000 years old? That’s just what University of Derby BA (Hons) Heritage and Conservation student Sarah Pickin found during an archaeological dig in Finland recently The 23-year-old from Uttoxeter Old Road in Derby was one of just five UK students on a unique volunteer programme at the Kierikki Centre on the west coast of Finland when she made the find – a piece of Neolithic chewing gum – a chewed cob made from birch bark tar Sarah also found part of an amber ring and a slate arrow head all of which will be on display at the centre after they have been analysed in laboratories The Centre manages public excavations between May and October to unearth items of historical importance in an area of woodland called ‘Kierikkikangas’ which dates to the Neolithic period c 4 0005 000 BC One of the Kierikki Centre’s supervisors Sami Viljanmaa said: “This gum substance of that period was often used as chewing gum and could also have been used to repair damaged arrowheads “This and the other two items that Sarah discovered were very exciting finds ” Sarah’s tutor at Derby Professor Trevor Brown an expert in Heritage and Conservation said: “Birch bark tar contains phenols which are antiseptic compounds "It is generally believed that Neolithic People found that by chewing this stuff if they had gum infections it helped to treat the condition “It’s particularly significant because well defined tooth imprints were found on the gum which Sarah discovered ” Colleague Sini Annala said: “The actual material is some kind of tar that was made by heating birch bark After the tar was made it was boiled and when it cooled it became solid “When it was heated again it became softer and it was used at least sometimes as some kind of chewing gum Birch bark tar was also used as glue for repairing broken ceramic pots and to unite quartz or slate arrowheads to their shafts ” Sarah said: “I was delighted to find the gum and was very excited to learn more about the history of the items I am keen to work in this area in the future so the experience has stood me in good stead ” The finds were made with help from two diggers from Oulu Rumana Hossein and Maisoun Alsanat during Sarah’s trip made possible through the Leonardo Di Vinci European Programme and Grampus Heritage and Training Limited based in Cumbria and help from the University’s Career Development Centre Sarah’s participation in the course and her subsequent academic write-up will contribute 15 credits towards her degree as she prepares to begin her final year of study In relation to the ring its original diameter was four centimetres and the Centre says it was probably already broken in the Stone Age After that someone made a hole in the ring so that it could still be used as jewellery This is the third piece of amber found at the Kierikkikangas site Two pearls were found last year also with the help of British students The four centimetre long worked slate arrow is from the so-called “Typical Comb Ceramic period” 3 5004 000 BC The first known mention of findings from ancient structures in the Kierikki area is from the 1800s* Finally during excavations in the early 1990s significant findings were made of foundations for dwellings and various objects *It became understood that the Kierikki area has been an important settlement for nearly 2 000 years roughly between 5 000 and 3 000 BC over 7 000 years ago -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

Hi-Tech Egg’s Search For IT Academy Students Begins At Derby 16 April 2008 Internet bank Egg - part of finance giant Citi UK Consumer - has made the University of Derby its first call in the search for bright young people to join its innovative Information Technology Academy Egg based in Derby is one of the East Midlands’ largest employers and has an IT department of more than 300 people including 60 programmers It is now boosting its computing skills knowledge still further with the establishment of a new IT Academy Its search for bright computing students (particularly with a knowledge of database design and compliant web mark-up) for its new academy began with a visit to the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road site to talk to students from the School of Computing about work placement opportunities Following the visit students were given a tour of the banking company’s hi-tech operations at its headquarters at Derby’s Pride Park An initial four University of Derby placements - more may follow once these placements have been assessed - will begin this summer They will offer students: 13 months work exper ence as part of the r degree course; a compet t ve sa ary package; mentor ng by exper enced Egg staff; opportun ty for a permanent pos t on after the r course f na year. Roy Aston Head of IT Development for Egg said that the University had been approached first in its recruitment drive for the new IT Academy because of the reputation of its School of Computing He added: “We are looking forward to working with the University of Derby and giving four students the best start to their IT career by working with us “It is a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain real life experience of working in their chosen discipline and receive targeted training to develop their IT and business skills It enables us to find the talent of the future for our organisation ” Derby students will have to apply and be interviewed for the four placements One of the successful applicants’ first projects will be to construct a website giving information about the IT Academy Dr Kamal Bechkoum Head of the University’s School of Computing said: “Our partnership with a hi-tech employer like Egg presents our students with an exciting opportunity to enrich their learning experience “We are delighted with this fantastic link which will no doubt help us maximise the benefits for our learners employers the economy and society ” -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Hi-tech Wrist Mounted Translator Receives Top Innovation Award 12 September 2008 A wrist mounted translation device being developed for the uniformed services is something to shout about – it’s won a University of Derby graduate a prestigious business innovation award Amin Ismail 23 an Iraq-born University Design graduate landed a job with Civil Defence Supply Ltd (CDS) of Lincoln after designing the prototype for the AHKY – Arabic for ‘speak’ – while on his degree course The wrist mounted verbal translation device is to help soldiers and uniformed civilians interpret key foreign phrases in emergency situations CDS is a multi-million pound company that supplies special operational equipment to police forces NATO the United Nations the US Defense Department and the UK’s Ministry of Defence Last night (Thursday 11 September) Amin’s design and the University’s collaboration with CDS received an accolade at the 2008 Lord Stafford Award East Midlands held at Goosedale conferencing and banqueting Papplewick Nottinghamshire The awards scheme recognises and encourages collaborations between businesses and universities The contest judges were so impressed with the Derby/CDS collaboration that Amin was given a Special Commendation award by them The University and CDS had also been shortlisted in the Innovation in Development award category but did not win this Members of Amin’s family who had flown over from Iraq were also at the event In his award acceptance speech Amin particularly praised the help he’d had from his University of Derby tutors including Product Design academics Mike Veveris and Karl Hurn BBC East Midlands Today TV presenter Dominic Heale and Lord Digby Jones Minister for Trade and Investment presented the awards Amin who left Iraq at the height of Saddam Hussein’s rule said: “I have had the greatest opportunity to see my product design become a reality “This project has been a small way for me to thank the British soldiers for their honourable work to bring freedom to the Iraqi people The soldiers working here do so in high risk situations where the slightest misunderstanding might lead to tragedy If this device can help save innocent lives in a conflict situation I will be so proud ” As well as his award Amin received a cheque for £1 000 Director of Civil Defence Supply Eran Bauer has previously likened his company with its development of hi-tech devices such as the AHKY to the ‘Q’ branch in the James Bond spy films Today Mr Bauer said: “Amin’s personal story is as compelling as the device he has invented “Amin escaped Iraq at the height of Saddam Hussein’s rule and on arrival in the UK worked night and day to continue his university studies His personal vision and commitment to his work is reflected in the Special Commendation Award he has been given by the Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands ” University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne who was at last night’s awards ceremony added: “This is a great achievement by Amin and my congratulations go to him and his employer CDS It’s an excellent example of the kind of quality graduates the University is sending out into industry ” Commenting on the 2008 winners of the East Midlands’ awards Lord Stafford said: “These awards are a chance for individuals and organisations to be recognised as one of the region’s innovators ” -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Hi-tech Wrist Mounted Translator Shortlisted For Innovation Award 5 June 2008 A wrist mounted translation device being developed for the uniformed services is certainly something to shout about – it’s put the University of Derby in the running for a prestigious business innovation award Derby is one of five universities shortlisted in the Innovation in Development category of the first Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands for its collaboration with Civil Defence Supply Ltd (CDS) of Lincoln The awards established in 1997 in the West Midlands recognise and encourage the development of collaborative relationships between businesses and universities They are being held for the first time this year in the East Midlands University of Derby Design graduate Amin Ismail born in Iraq landed a job with CDS after designing the prototype for the AHKY – Arabic for ‘speak’ – a wrist mounted verbal translation device to help soldiers and uniformed civilians interpret key foreign phrases in emergency situations CDS is a multi-million pound company that supplies special operational equipment to police forces NATO the United Nations the US Defense Department and the UK’s Ministry of Defence Its technology includes long range photography heat seeking devices and attachments to surveillance Its role has been likened to that of the fictional ‘Q’ branch in the James Bond films creating more unusual devices and gadgets The collaboration between the University of Derby and CDS over the AHKY now being further developed has led to the partners’ project being shortlisted in the Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands Robin Pratt Business Development Manager said: “Amin’s development is truly innovative and will bring tangible benefits to key organisations like the police who can face language barriers during their work ” Director of Civil Defence Supply Eran Bauer added: “We learnt of Amin from the massive press coverage over his AKHY concept and made immediate contact as we had conceived the need for a language translator some two years ago “Amin’s knowledge drive and ambition impressed us and we had no hesitation in offering him the job of Project Manager Since he’s left the University we have pledged to continue a relationship with Derby and support students and academic staff “The translator is now ready for the market and Amin is a key member of that team We have successfully married this student’s novel ideas to our designs and made a world class device that can radically change the way people integrate with those of different cultures ” Amin said: “I am so excited about being shortlisted for the Lord Stafford Awards I feel very lucky and honoured to have been a University of Derby Product Design student and to have had the support from my Lecturers Karl Hurn and Michael Veveris and friends and family ” The University of Derby along with all others shortlisted is due to be visited this month (June) for the second part of the judging process The judging panel will be joined by Lord Stafford Awards winners will be announced on Thursday 11 September at a dinner at Goosedale conferencing and banqueting near Papplewick Nottinghamshire The winners of each category will receive £5 000 For further information about the Lord Stafford Awards see website www thelordstaffordawards co uk -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

High Achievers Honoured By University Of Derby Buxton 27 November 2007 Scaling physical heights or those of the business world with grit and determination are qualities which mark both of the honorary graduates to be presented at the University of Derby Buxton’s Awards Ceremony Veteran mountaineer Doug Scott and successful entrepreneur Emma Harrison will receive Honorary Doctorates from the University during the ceremony at its Devonshire Campus Buxton on Saturday December 1 They will join more than 120 students receiving National Diplomas foundation degrees Batchelor of Arts or Science degrees masters and doctorates on that day Professor John Coyne University Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Academic Board and Dianne Jeffrey Pro Chancellor and Chair of the Governing Council will join colleagues at the ceremony held in the magnificent Dome at the Campus in the heart of Buxton The programme of events will include: • 9am to 10 15am - student registration collection of gowns and refreshments served • 10 45am to 11 25am - a non denominational service at St Anne’s Church Terrace Road Buxton • 11 25am to 12noon - the formal procession back down Terrace Road and along The Quadrant • 12 15am to 1 30pm - the Awards Ceremony in the Dome • 1 35pm - graduation buffet The awarding of Honorary Doctorates to Emma Harrison and Doug Scott will be preceded by eulogies read by Professor Michael Gunn - University Pro Vice-Chancellor for Learning Teaching and Scholarship - and Professor David Gray Dean of the University of Derby Buxton respectively Doug Scott 66 was born in Nottingham but began his lifelong love of climbing at the age of 12 by tackling the rockfaces of the Peak District From this modest beginning he has achieved an extraordinary record as a rock climber and mountaineer He has made more than 45 expeditions to the high mountains of Asia and reached the summits of over 40 peaks Doug has climbed the highest peaks in all seven continents In more than half of these climbs he achieved a notable ‘first’; either a first ascent an original route or making the climb in lightweight Alpine gear He holds the distinction of being the first Briton to climb Mount Everest which he achieved with Dougal Haston in 1975 With the exception of Mount Everest all Doug’s climbs have been carried out without supplementary oxygen Two years later Doug suffered an accident descending from the peak of ‘The Ogre’ in the Karakoram Mountains in Pakistan He broke both legs and had to crawl back to his base camp over eight excruciating days Doug Scott was President of the Alpine Club from 1999 to 2001 and Vice-President of the Mountaineering Council from 1994 until 1997 He was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1994 In recognition of his truly remarkable achievements in mountaineering over almost 40 years and for his important charity work he will receive the Degree of Honorary Doctor of the University Commenting on his award Doug today said: "I feel very honoured and surprised to receive this award I spend much of my time these days raising money for health and education in Nepal "I’ve spent a great deal of time in that region and I’m keen to help improve the quality of life aspirations and educational prospects of people living there If it wasn’t for Nepalese Sherpas carrying supplies and equipment for our expeditions climbers like me would never have been able to achieve what we have done " He joked: "The only people miffed by my honorary doctorate might be my two daughters who each had to put in hard academic work to gain their degrees " Emma Harrison’s story is no less inspiring Born in Essex she moved to Sheffield at an early age and there attended a local comprehensive school where she showed entrepreneurial flair by running her own tuck shop Determined to become an engineer despite pressure to go into a ‘more seemly’ career for a woman she gained an Ordinary National Diploma in Engineering She then landed a degree place at the University of Bradford and the sponsorship to do it from British Steel in one day simply by talking the institutions into accepting her While Emma was at university her father provided training for those made unemployed by the closure of Sheffield steelworks He founded the Industrial Training Agency which Emma later managed and built up In 1986 Emma founded business skills and training agency A4e also with the aim of providing opportunities for people who formerly worked in Sheffield’s steel industry Through her leadership A4e has been transformed from regional training provider to international multiaward winning company It has helped more than a million people towards improving their circumstances and realising their potential Emma has also set-up business enterprise Novantia which imports Pearl Mountain Coffee from India Part of its profits are used to channel investment into several schools in the southern region of Karnataka She is Chairman of the NSPCC Regions Full Stop Appeal In recognition of her outstanding work in providing training support for business entrepreneurs through A4e Emma will receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Emma today said: "I am really really pleased to receive this honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration "I hope I will find a way to use it to encourage others to become entrepreneurs and enjoy the life of business as much as I do " In his message to students on Graduation Day the Vice-Chancellor Professor Coyne will tell students: "You have been part of our early journey as we have established the University in Buxton "As an early pioneer you will have been breaking new ground with us and you can take satisfaction from the part you have played in helping us to establish this institution " Professor Gray Dean of the Devonshire Campus will add: "Today’s celebration is also a new beginning "Use your qualifications and experience well as you start the next phase of life and remember you will always be a graduate of whom the University of Derby is proud " For more information about the event see website www derby ac uk/buxtongraduation -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

High-climbing Graduate Heads For Roof Of The World 9 October 2013 When you re climbing for charity in the shadow of Mount Everest you can t have too many scarves especially if one s modelled on that worn by possibly Britain s most famous mountaineer University of Derby graduate Steve Brown will embark on an epic climb in the Himalayas later this month (October) to raise money for international children s charity UNICEF Ahead of his trek the University s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne presented him with a reproduction scarf to wear during his ascent modelled on that worn by celebrated climber George Mallory during his ill-fated attempt to climb Mt Everest in 1924 The scarf was reproduced in original materials by Derby Textiles experts in 2005 and further copies made this year for the University s International Office Steve - who graduated from Derby in 1993 with an HND in Business and Finance before returning to do a postgraduate Certificate of Management Studies - is head of Euro-Projects Recruitment Ltd of Coalville Leicestershire which he founded in 1996 In the last four years he s helped raise over £30 000 for charities with treks through the Himalayas and Sahara Desert in 2009 and 2010 for UNICEF; and a 2011 cross-Channel row for the British Heart Foundation For this new adventure Steve and four other Brits will fly from England on October 18 via Delhi and Kathmandu to the tiny Lukla Airport in the Himalayas They ll travel to the base camp below Mt Everest from where they and 20 Sherpas will climb the 5 545metres to Kala Patthar on the south ridge of the neighbouring Mount Pumori affording spectacular views of Mt Everest Climbing Everest itself was ruled out because of the £60 000 mission cost and extreme danger with onein-ten who reach the summit dying on descent Steve 42 of Ashby said: "People think the cold is the worst thing about doing these climbs but it s the altitude sickness The drop in atmospheric pressure as you ascend makes breathing increasingly difficult with a faster ascent making extreme headaches and coughing more likely which can prove fatal if not treated quickly " "When you re there you have in your mind the great figures who ve gone before you; people like George Mallory Edmund Hillary and Chris Bonington It s quite special to have been given a Mallory scarf by the University to take with me " Steve expects the climb to Kala Patthar to take 11 days and the descent seven days Almost 20 years after completing his first degree Steve s attachment to the University of Derby and those he studied with remains strong His company has taken on a number of its later graduates as employees Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer supporting the University s graduates added: "This is a great adventure Steve s going on and for a worthy cause When Steve contacted us about it we were only too glad to provide him with a small token to keep him warm during his climb and hopefully remind him of Mallory s own determination when things get tough " Steve s UNICEF fundraising web page can be found at http://fundraise unicef org uk/MyPage/StephenBrown-Steves-Everest-Base-Camp-Trek For more information about the work of Textile Design at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/art-and-design/textiles Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

High-Flyers To Be Honoured At University Graduation 10 December 2012 Educator Roy Wooldridge will become an Honorary Doctor of the University A three time Olympian a director of London s £15billion Crossrail project a war veteran and educator and captains of industry will be among those receiving University of Derby Honorary Degrees Every year individuals at the top of their field and with a close connection to Derbyshire or the University are chosen to receive Honorary Degrees at its annual Awards Ceremonies A ceremony was held at its Buxton Campus on November 17 and the Derby Campus will hold its ceremonies on Thursday January 17 and Friday January 18 at the city centre's Assembly Rooms Honorands will graduate at Derby alongside more than 2 000 undergraduate and postgraduate students completing their courses Those receiving Honorary Awards at this year's Derby ceremonies are: Valerie Todd (who w become an Honorary Doctor of the Un vers ty or HonDUn v) works as a D rector at Crossrail Ltd . The £15b on ra way eng neer ng pro ect, the argest n Europe, s set to connect 37 ra stat ons n the cap ta from 2018, speed ng pub c transport through the cap ta and beyond. Outs de of her Crossra work Ms Todd s the found ng pres dent of The Women s Transportat on Sem nar London, a Comm ss oner to the UK Comm ss on for Emp oyment and Sk s, a former Trustee of London s Transport Museum, and a governor and board member at the Un vers ty of West London. She was ra sed n Derby. Ross Davenport (Honorary Master of the Un vers ty or HonMUn v) s a swimmer who has competed n the ast three O ymp c Games nc ud ng London 2012, two Commonwea th Games and other nternat ona compet t ons at the h ghest eve . He s a ded cated ambassador of sport and has worked w th the Un vers ty of Derby s Team Derby n t at ve, the Dame Ke y Ho mes Trust he p ng underpr v eged ch dren, and n October o ned other sw mm ng stars on an ep c cyc e r de across Zamb a to ra se money for Sport In Act on. Roy Wooldridge (HonDUn v) was born n South Wa es n 1919, attended a oca grammar schoo and became a Mathemat cs graduate of Aberystwyth Un vers ty Co ege n 1940. Dur ng wart me serv ce w th the Roya Eng neers he was awarded the M tary Cross for outstand ng bravery n 1942, after ead ng a team c ear ng a North Afr can m nef e d by n ght. In 1944, n a further n ght m ss on assess ng m nes on French beaches before the D-Day and ngs, the then L eutenant Woo dr dge was captured by a German torpedo boat and nterrogated by the Gestapo - and by the Desert Fox , F e d Marsha Erw n Romme - before becom ng a pr soner of war. He was re eased n Apr 1945, n t me to ce ebrate h s f rst wedd ng ann versary w th w fe Phy s, and rece ve a second M tary Cross. After the Second Wor d War he taught at Br ghton Techn ca Co ege, Wo verhampton Co ege and Lanchester Co ege, Coventry, before becom ng V ce-Pr nc pa of Derby Co ege of Techno ogy n 1967, then ater Pr nc pa . In 1970 the separate Co eges of Techno ogy and of Art, on the r shared Derby campus at Ked eston Road, merged to become Derby Co ege of Art and Techno ogy and Mr Woo dr dge was named Pr nc pa . In 1977 the co ege merged aga n, th s t me w th B shop Lonsda e Co ege of Educat on, to become Derby Lonsda e Co ege of H gher Educat on; a predecessor of the Un vers ty of Derby (founded 1992). Mr Woo dr dge ret red from the Co ege n 1982, hav ng set the nst tut on on course to be the ma or prov der of further and h gher educat on that t s today. Sheila Taylor MBE (HonMUn v) was born and ves n Derbysh re. A vo untary sector worker for 25 years, she has worked extens ve y n the f ght to prevent the sexua exp o tat on and traff ck ng of ch dren, young peop e and adu ts. Her know edge of the sub ect has seen her work w th the Home Off ce, Nat ona Po ce Improvements Agency, the UK Human Traff ck ng Centre and many others. She was awarded an MBE n June 2011 for serv ces to ch dren. For s x years she was Ch ef Execut ve of the char ty Safe and Sound Derby. S nce Ju y 2011 she has been Ch ef Execut ve of the National Working Group for Sexually Exploited Children and Young People , tack ng the ssue on a nat ona sca e. Colin Walton (HonDUn v) s the former Cha rman of Bombardier Transportation UK and Ire and. A former Br t sh Ra apprent ce, Co n attended co ege and ater un vers ty to become an E ectron cs Des gn Eng neer w th the Br t sh Ra Techn ca and Research Centre, before obta n ng a D p oma n Management Stud es and Masters Degree n Market ng and Management. He s res d ng Cha rman of the Ra way Industry Assoc at on for the UK, and Cha rman of the Derby and Derbysh re Ra way Forum. Co n s Cha r of The Pr nce s Trust for the East M d ands and s ts on ts nat ona counc ; f tt ng we w th Co n s background and comm tment to see young peop e n emp oyment, and h s pos t on on the Board of the Nat ona Ra Sk s Academy. Maxwell Craven MBE FSA (Honorary Doctor of L terature or HonDL tt) s a h stor an and conservat on st, and former Keeper of Ant qu t es at Derby Museum (where he s now a trustee) for 18 years. He s a pro f c wr ter on oca sub ects and produced the f rst b ography of En ghtenment po ymath John Wh tehurst, co-founder of The Lunar Soc ety. Th s w be Mr Craven s second Un vers ty of Derby Honorary Award - he accepted an Honorary Master s degree n 1996 - but he has produced more work s nce; ma n y on arch tectura h story, nc ud ng a two-vo ume ed t on of The Derbysh re Country House. In 2006 he cha red the rev ew pane for the Derby Loca L st (record ng bu d ngs of arch tectura or h stor c mportance) and the Conservat on Area Adv sory Comm ttee. John Foxcroft (Honorary Doctor of Bus ness Adm n strat on or HonDBA) s Cha rman of Derby-based eng neer ng f rm Garrandale Ltd , one of the c ty s prem er advanced eng neer ng compan es and a ma or emp oyer. A pass onate supporter of oca enterpr se, Mr Foxcroft has served on the Derbysh re Enterpr se Agency Board (subs d ary of the Derbysh re and Nott nghamsh re Chamber of Commerce) for 15 years, some of that t me as Cha rman. He was a so former y Cha rman of the Derby and Derbysh re Econom c Partnersh p. In addition this year an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Art (HonDFA) will be awarded posthumously to one of Britain s most distinguished craftsmen Born in Pilsley north Derbyshire Dr Emmanuel Cooper was a potter with an international reputation He was a Professor of Ceramics and Glass at London s Royal College of Art founder and editor of the magazine Ceramic Review and the author of nearly 30 books including major biographies of potters Bernard Leach and Lucie Rie Dr Cooper was scheduled to receive his Honorary Award at the last Derby graduation ceremony (January 2012) but ill health meant he was unable to attend and he died shortly afterwards The Honorary Degree will be accepted by Dr Cooper s partner David Horbury Edwina Dunn - co-founder of forensic retail analysis company dunnhumby responsible for developing the Tesco Clubcard Programme - and Rear Admiral Peter Hudson Commander of the UK Maritime Forces and Commander of the EU Naval Force for Counter Piracy and Humanitarian Operations received Honorary Awards at the Buxton Campus ceremony on November 17 Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "As always I am delighted with the high standard of Honorary Award recipients that Derby has attracted this year "They are people not only pre-eminent in their chosen field but who have gone beyond that through their influence or outside community interests to make a positive impact on the wider world It will be a pleasure to see them graduate alongside our hardworking students " For further information about the University of Derby s Awards Ceremonies see website www derby ac uk/graduation For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

High Street Display For Students' Designs 23 May 2012 Two University of Derby Fashion students are seeing their clothes designs in the windows of a high street store - even before they ve finished their degree course Final year students from a wide range of subjects will stage free public displays of their work at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby from June 1 to 12 as part of the annual Degree Shows But clothes created by Fashion Studies students Lucinda Gautrey and Charlotte Weatherby are being exhibited in the windows of city-centre fashion store Canopy in Derby's Sadler Gate after they won a hard fought competition The Derby fashion store which opened in 1993 chose Lucinda and Charlotte s designs from final year collections by University students Three outfits from both winners collections will be on display in Canopy s windows until June 6 alongside the design idea boards that went into creating them A fourth outfit by each designer will stand in the store for customers to vote for their favourite with the most popular netting the winner £150 in Canopy vouchers Lucinda 20 originally of Churchdown Gloucester said: "My womenswear collection The Spirit Line was inspired by traditional Native Americans dress and their attitudes to life The clothes are aimed at women aged 35 and above although friends my age have said they d be happy to wear them " Straight after finishing her Derby course Lucinda will be jetting off to Manhattan New York for a three month summer internship with company Friends with Benefits She landed the job after an online interview Charlotte 21 originally of Biddulph Stoke-On-Trent added: "My collection is called Forest Fibres It s inspired by the textures of nature such as a top embroidered to look like leaf veins and another plaited and woven in cotton to give a bark-like effect "Having my work exhibited at Canopy is great coming so soon after also doing a short display at the QUAD centre " Louisa Hurdis Buyer for Canopy said: "We are really excited to be working with the Fashion students at the University of Derby I d like to think that at some point in the future we will be buying Lucinda or Charlotte s collections to sit alongside our other designers " Fiona Hawthorne Senior Lecturer for the University s BA (Hons) Fashion Studies degree course said all the students had been enthusiastic about the opportunity of showing in Canopy on Sadler Gate She added: "As much as possible we try and get our students to imagine their clothes being out there on the High Street These two designers have certainly got a great head start in that respect " Running from June 1 to 12 the University's Degree Shows - this year entitled 'Odyssey' - feature works by students in film photography textiles fashion product design architecture fine art and many other subjects; in free public exhibitions at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby The Degree Shows period includes two major fashion shows in the Great Hall at Derby's Assembly Rooms at 1 30pm and 7 30pm on Thursday June 7 Members of the public industry professionals and school and college students will see hundreds of new and innovative designs grace the catwalk for the first time worn by professional models To attend the fashions shows - tickets price £3 to £10 concessions £5 and VIP tickets £15 - contact the Derby Live box office on 01332 255800 or go to website www derbylive co uk For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Highest University Campus in England Opens For Business 9 January 2005 The University of Derby opens the doors to its stunning new £20m Devonshire Campus in Buxton next Tuesday Set in the glorious Peak District the campus is a glittering architectural jewel set at the heart of Buxton town centre - 1 000ft above sea level and the highest town in England Hundreds of students and staff will be enjoying an induction into life at the new campus - which is also one of the most exciting estates developments in the UK in recent years Working in close consultation with English Heritage over the past four years the University s careful restoration work has saved this Grade II* listed landmark (with its famous great dome - greater in span than that of St Paul s Cathedral) from its At Risk Register The entire project has cost over £20m (of which £6m was awarded in grants by the Heritage Lottery Fund) Now it s an exceptional 21st century centre of learning The University s Head of Press and PR Peter Gallimore said: "Our message to the media is come and see for yourselves what we have on offer The main Devonshire campus with its magnificent dome is visually stunning "You will be amazed at the facilities at the University in Buxton - they rank among the best in Europe " Our Outdoor Activities degree students will demonstrate some of what they learn including catering which responds to regional economic demand for tourism expertise The college s long-established reputation for hospitality will be on show in some of our seven state-of-theart restaurant-quality kitchens You ll have the chance to talk to students and staff our Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and other people closely involved in this challenging regeneration project These include local historian Mike Langham and a representative from the Heritage Lottery Fund In the afternoon the mayor of Buxton will officially open the new £6 5m High Peak Halls complex for student accommodation which has been developed by contracting firm Bluestone working on behalf of Infrastructure Investments Ltd The four-storey complex in Bridge Street is five minutes walk from the campus and has 283 single en-suite study rooms We can be available from 6 00am if you wish to make special arrangements Full press packs including a DVD with hi-res photo galleries will be available on the day

Media launch timetable From 7.00am: F m ng and nterv ew opportun t es (by pr or arrangement) 10.30am: We come and refreshments 11.00am: DVD presentat on and background ta ks about the deve opment from V ceChance or Professor John Coyne and others, fo owed by dr nks and canap?s. 2.00pm: Open ng of Ha s of Res dence, the H gh Peak Ha s comp ex.

Historical background The spectacular 18th century two-storey stone octagon by John Carr of York was originally built as stabling for 120 horses belonging to Georgian visitors to the spa at Buxton The inner Doric colonnade originally providing a circus for exercising horses is one furlong in circumference In the mid-19th Century the townspeople of Buxton successfully petitioned the Duke of Devonshire to donate the (by then) redundant Great Stables to become the town s hospital In the 1880s a dome larger in span than that of St Paul s Cathedral was added to cover the central yard and a Baltic pine floor was installed The hospital served the town for over a century and when the NHS decided in 2000 to close it the University of Derby stepped in -endsFor any other information please contact the University of Derby s Press and PR Officer (Buxton) Simon Butt Head of Press and PR Peter Gallimore or Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via email at pressoffice@derby ac uk Alternatively write to: University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Historic mill's past brought to vibrant life by University visual artists 27 March 2014 A brand new animation film by University of Derby artists will be projected onto the windows of an industrial heritage site at 7pm this Saturday (March 29) to mark its summer opening The short abstract animation will receive its first public showing in a free event at Strutt s North Mill in Belper a Grade I-listed cotton mill dating from 1804 which forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site Rebirth: A Light and Sound Show will project animated abstract images on the former mill s windows These have been designed to mimic the machines and movement people might have seen when it was a working cotton mill; and take their forms from fire water and cotton The brief show will begin at 7pm with further showings at 7 30pm and then finally 8pm The project has been developed by Lecturers Stuart Poynton Tim Shore and Marc Bosward - from the University s Visual Communication department - and senior mill museum staff members Ruth Litton Engagement Officer and Sarah Skinner Museum Manager Museum spaces at the Strutt s North Mill have been revamped in time for the summer opening Tim Shore from the University of Derby said: "It s been a great opportunity for us to present the history of the mill which is an amazing history in a creative and visually unusual way that everyone can enjoy " Sarah Skinner Strutt s North Mill Manager added: "The light show will feature beautiful abstract images inspired by fire water and of course cotton all of which are all integral to the story of the mill "We ve lots of changes happening at the mill this year; from our new exhibition space to new branding website and interpretation panels "We hope that lots of people will come along and find out more about the mill and its vital role in local and world history " There will also be a chance on the Saturday evening to see the Mill s new exhibition space The outside event is free but as a charity donations to the Mill s upkeep would be appreciated For more information on Visual Communication courses at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/art-and-design More information about the Strutt s North Mill can be found on its website at http://belpernorthmill org/ For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Hollywood Stars Make A Beeline for Derby Graduate's Toys 24 April 2012 A talented University of Derby graduate has seen her toy manufacturing business go global after being invited to gift her products to Hollywood royalty Mum of two Emma Maudsley 32 from Lancaster has experienced huge demand for her sock monkeys soft toys made using socks - after being invited to join The Artisan Group based in California USA This exclusive group of talented artisans provide hand-crafted products for inclusion in celebrity gift bags at Gift Lounges prior to events such as the Golden Globes and Oscars Since she started her Sock Monkey Emporium business from home Emma s monkeys have been spotted with American star Jessica Alba and her daughters in US magazine Parenting Celebrity mums Beyonce Hilary Duff Jennifer Garner and Uma Thurman will also soon be owners of these cute toys as 30 monkeys make the journey stateside in time for America s Mother s Day on 13 May Emma graduated from the University of Derby in 2001 after studying for a BA (Hons) Heritage Conservation and History degree She said: "Although I didn t pursue a career related to my degree my experience whilst at University definitely gave me the confidence to explore opportunities I wouldn t have otherwise considered "After University I worked in the retail and leisure industries but always enjoyed crafts such as cross stitch so in 2010 I decided to take the plunge and set up a business to fit in with looking after my daughters After promoting my monkeys on social media sites Facebook and Twitter sales grew by 75% and they re proving so popular that I m already taking orders for Christmas 2012 " Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer at the University of Derby said: "We discovered Emma s fantastic Sock Monkey Emporium after she joined Hive Derby www hivederby com our exclusive website where Derby graduates can network reconnect with each other and find out about our 20 Year Graduate Reunion event "It was great to hear about Emma s success and to find out who owns a sock monkey We wanted to be part of this exclusive group too so we commissioned her to create our very own monkey complete with Hive Derby colours and bee wings!" Follow Sock Monkey Emporium on Facebook: www facebook com/SockMonkeyEmporium and on Twitter @SockMonkeyEmp Find out more about Hive Derby and the 20 Year Graduate Reunion event taking place on Saturday 23 June 2012 at the University of Derby by visiting www hivederby com

Home-Grown' Graduate Joins Derby Theatre Team 27 January 2012 One of the University of Derby s own drama graduates has returned to the city to promote the exciting productions lined-up for Derby Theatre Raj Chima a 2005 graduate of the University s BA (Hons) Theatre Arts degree course has joined Derby Theatre as its new Marketing and Sales Manager She will be promoting upcoming productions at the University s theatre - including Equus and War Horse children s writer Michael Morpurgo s The Butterfly Lion - as well as student performances and the building s role as a learning theatre Raj s background knowledge of the theatre will prove invaluable in her new position As a degree student she acted at the then Derby Playhouse and worked part-time in its box office After graduating she became the theatre s Deputy Box Office Manager and Marketing Assistant This was followed by four-and-a-half years in London theatres Raj rose to become Assistant Marketing Manager at the New Wimbledon Theatre (part of the Ambassador Theatre Group); where she worked with big names such as Brian Blessed Paul O Grady and David Hasslehoff She also worked as Marketing Manager at the Rose Theatre in Kingston; which has seen productions featuring Timothy West Celia Imrie and Dame Judi Dench Derby-born Raj 29 said: "I feel I ve been very lucky both in the degree I chose and the theatres I ve worked at " She added: "It is great to now come back to Derby and see how the theatre is developing under the University Its dual role as a provider of great productions and as a learning theatre should make for some interesting projects in the future and I m looking forward to being a part of those " Gary Johnson Derby Theatre Manager said: "We re fortunate to have recruited somebody with Raj s energy and background knowledge of the theatre and the fact that she is also one of the University s own graduates is very pleasing " *To see Derby Theatre s current programme and book tickets go to website www derbytheatre co uk For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Honorary Award for University of Derby Vice-Chancellor 8 July 2014 University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne is to receive an Honorary Award from the University of Nottingham Professor Coyne - who has been Derby s Vice-Chancellor for ten years - graduated from the University of Nottingham in 1973 with an Industrial Economics degree and taught there for 15 years While at Nottingham he co-founded the Centre for Management Buy-out and Private Equity Research the first academic centre devoted to the study of private equity and buy-outs and was warden of Cripps Hall During this year s University of Nottingham Awards Ceremonies (July 8-18) Professor Coyne will be awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) He will receive his honour on Thursday July 17 Today Professor Coyne said: "I am absolutely delighted to be recognised in this way by my alma mater the University of Nottingham I spent 20 wonderful years at the university as a student and then academic and that time was pivotal in forging character academic excitement and a network of friends that continue to this day "I am particularly struck by the fact that my first Head of Department at the University of Nottingham Professor Dennis Lees was a Derby man who studied for his London external degree at a college which is now part of my institution There s a wonderful circularity about my now receiving this Nottingham Honorary Award " During his time as Derby s Vice-Chancellor Professor Coyne has led the University to double in size and increased its profile nationally and regionally This year the University of Derby entered the Top 50 in The Guardian newspaper s University League Tables Outside the University he is a Commissioner to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills a Director of CFE Research and Consultancy Ltd (a not-for-profit company providing research and evaluation services in the education employment and skills sector) and serves on many local national and regional bodies Chris Hughes University of Derby Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council added: "I am pleased to see our Vice-Chancellor recognised and honoured by the University of Nottingham "I know how much affection John retains for his former university I am sure his experience there was important in creating the Vice-Chancellor we at Derby have the privilege of working with today " For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Horror Film Premiere To Raise Cash For Diabetes 30 November 2009 Profits from the cinema premiere of a short horror film based on diabetes - written by a University of Derby lecturer with the condition - will be donated to leading national charity Diabetes UK Tom Craig 35 - a film maker scriptwriter and University Lecturer in Film Theory and History- was diagnosed with Type One diabetes (the most serious form) at age four and is insulin dependent His partner Sarah has the same form of diabetes and his three-year-old son William has just been diagnosed with it The lecturer will show the first film in his Bitter Sweet Trilogy - three short horror films which give a fictional twist to medical conditions linked to diabetes - at arts and film centre QUAD in Derby's Market Place on Tuesday December 8 at 6pm Profits from the sale of tickets available now will go to charity Diabetes UK International best-selling horror author Dean Koontz has sent a letter of support The 20 minute long film Sugar Drop is about a man with diabetes trapped in a lift who begins to hallucinate about a possibly supernatural presence in there with him It was largely shot at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby Tom believes addressing diabetes issues in this way is more likely to engage people especially teenagers and young adults who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes and get them talking than dry factual programmes He said: "We have launched a website for Sugar Drop but this will be its first red carpet cinema premiere and we wanted to do something special "We ve had so much support for the film from around the world Not only have people with diabetes contacted us to say how excited they are about the project but doctors and nurses have asked us if they can use the film for teaching purposes "We even had a letter of support from the horror writer Dean Koontz In light of so much kindness it only seemed right that we give the profits from the premiere to an organisation like Diabetes UK " Peter Shorrick Regional Manager for Diabetes UK East Midlands added: "There are 197 000 people with diabetes in the East Midlands so it is vital to raise awareness of the seriousness of the condition and the complications it can lead to "Sugar Drop is a great way of letting the public know about some of the issues faced by people with diabetes We are really grateful to Tom for donating the profits from the premiere to Diabetes UK " As well as showing Sugar Drop the film night will include Tom and film directors Sean Ford and Daniel Romero talking about the difficulties of representing medical conditions onscreen writing for a zero budget production and the need for change within the horror genre itself Sugar Drop was shot on a shoestring budget with the help of Tom s University colleagues current students and film graduates An opening aerial shot of a city in Sugar Drop which would have otherwise been very expensive was donated to the production for free by Colin Prescot Chief Executive of specialist UK aerial filming company Flying Pictures of Hampshire who also has diabetes Tom initially thought the trilogy of films might be shown mainly through the internet and as public information films at open air festivals and other public events but has had interest from a national TV broadcaster in using it after all three films have been completed in 2010 Argon Green the second film in the Bitter Sweet Trilogy will be about an artist who after developing diabetic retinopathy (a condition caused by changes to blood vessels in the retina) is told that he may lose his sight Unable to contemplate a world without art his thoughts turn to destroying all that is beautiful The third film Gracie s Story will be based loosely on the true story of American Edwarda O Bara who has spent the past 39 years in a diabetic coma For tickets price £2 to see Sugar Drop go to the derby QUAD website or contact the QUAD box office on 01332 290606 For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Horror Film's Unique View On Diabetic Blindness. 22 February 2012 A full length haunted house horror movie being filmed by a University of Derby lecturer and his students will address real life fears about Diabetic blindness Argon Green tells the story of an artist losing his sight due to his Diabetes set against the horror genre background of a creepy house and ghostly visions Diabetic retinopathy is a real condition where high glucose levels in the bloodstream damages retina blood vessels in the eye causing vision damage or blindness Tom Craig 36 is a Lecturer and film-maker at the University who was diagnosed with type one Diabetes when he was a child and with Diabetic retinopathy nine years ago Argon Green is the second in a proposed series of three films he is writing called the Bitter Sweet Trilogy each taking a horror or thriller genre slant on an aspect of Diabetes His first film Sugar Drop - a 20 minute short about an hallucinating Diabetic trapped in a lift - was so well received it prompted him to make this latest film a full 90 minute feature The cast of Argon Green includes award-winning French actress Stefana Brancastle (previously in Tim Burton s Sweeney Todd and zombie horror 28 Weeks Later) theatre actor Chris Attle and Hannah Murphy as the main character s nine-year-old daughter The film has been written and produced by Tom the Director of Photography is his colleague Stephen Watson (who previously worked on British director Shane Meadows 2004 hit Dead Man s Shoes) and it is directed by University of Derby graduates Sean Ford and Daniel Romero Location shooting has included Calke Abbey in Derbyshire with the National Trust kindly reducing its usual location fee and the Gielgud Academy of Performing Arts in West Sussex The University s state-ofthe-art Red Epic camera the same equipment used on Hollywood blockbusters (including the upcoming The Amazing Spider Man and The Hobbit) is being used for the production Tom said: "I understand some people might question the taste of using real Diabetic conditions as fodder for horror films but there is a serious purpose to all this "Both I my partner and my young son all have Diabetes; so I m well aware of the psychological affects the condition can have on you even though it s the management of its physical aspects that gets the most attention "I ve worked with young adults who ve been recently diagnosed as Diabetic and they can struggle to talk about their fears and feelings It struck me that by using popular fiction genres they were interested in such as horror and thriller films you were more likely to get them to open up than through the use of the dry medical literature I ve seen on offer to them " He added: "I m personally delighted to say my script has been seen and praised by Robin Hardy director of the original cult British horror film The Wicker Man As important was the clinical review it received from Dr Tasso Gazis Physician in Diabetes and Endocrinology at Nottingham University Hospital s Queen s Medical Centre campus which also allowed us access to shoot portions of the film there " The University of Derby has invested in the film and Cooke Optics of Leicester manufacturer of film industry high-specification lenses has lent the project £30 000 worth of Prime Lenses Tom would welcome further financial backers to help with Argon Green s post-production and distribution costs Argon Green should be ready for distribution in late autumn 2012 when Tom will be looking for film festival and even more mainstream distributors The plan is to give a percentage of any net producer s profit from the film to the Diabetes UK charity "If Argon Green and the rest of the Bitter Sweet Trilogy can both entertain and spread the word to young diabetics perhaps one day even my own son William alerting them to the possible consequences of not looking after their Diabetes I will be delighted as both a film-maker and a serving Diabetic " said Tom For more information about the Argon Green film go to website www argongreen co uk For more media information please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Hotel industry needs to switch on! 28 May 2014 Hospitality professionals need to switch on to modern technology if they want to create the kind of personalised experience which the customers of today demand a conference at the University of Derby Buxton heard on Wednesday Getting to know your guests through technology and social media profiles even before they ve walked into reception is the way to create happy customers Professor Dimitrios Buhalis of Bournemouth University told the Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME) annual research conference "We are getting to what we call the Service of Now " said Professor Buhalis Director of the eTourism Lab "People arrive at the hotel we know them we follow them on Facebook and we give them special treats and create happy customers " Professor Buhalis showed a video of a sky diver checking into a room on his phone while parachuting on to the beach outside the hotel foyer and demonstrated how wearable technology will present information about people and places as we look at them But he warned: "It is incredible how few hospitality professionals actually get it We are still producing brochures - who the hell is reading brochures?" Gone are the days when a hotel manager put on a suit to meet visiting journalists in the hope of a good review: "Now everybody is a journalist everybody has an opinion and evidence - and they are going to share it " In what is now known as the World of Mouth people s opinions not only need to be heard online but hospitality managers needed to respond to them in real time - like a hotel in Cyprus which sought out a guest on the beach to give him a free beer as thanks for a Tweeted review "We are watching them and they are watching us " he said "It s about connecting all those things on the internet " He urged the industry to aim for "co-creation" - making an emotionally positive experience for customers to talk about by building unique experiences for them based on personal information available online "Any of my students who can do that can get employment tomorrow " said Professor Buhalis The CHME conference attracted industry and teaching experts from all over the world to Buxton where they will share in the latest research topics and techniques For more press information contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

House of Commons Event Celebrates Local Artist's Work 8 August 2012 Local artist and University of Derby graduate Paul Cummins was guest of honour at a special event held at the House of Commons in London to celebrate his unique English Flower Garden sculpture - situated on Parliament s Cromwell Green Paul s sculpture of hundreds of hand-thrown ceramic flowers mounted on metal structures is part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements The event held on Monday 6 August was hosted by the University and Pauline Latham MP and saw guests from organisations including Arts Council England LOCOG Derby City Council and the Victoria and Albert Museum come together to admire Paul s work Since graduating in 2010 with a 2:1 class BA (Hons) Crafts degree Paul has become known for his distinctive landscape installations with his work featuring exuberant flower glazes Within the last three years he has been commissioned to create large-scale installations for the Duke of Devonshire s (University Chancellor) Chatsworth House Derby Royal Hospital the Alscot Country Estate Castle Howard in York The Secret Gardens of Sandwich in Kent Blenheim Palace and The Conran Shop in London but this latest commission is arguably his most high-profile to date Commenting on being part of the Cultural Olympiad Paul Cummins said: "I m delighted with the fantastic response to my latest works featured as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad and have been overwhelmed by the worldwide messages I have received! Yesterday s event generously hosted by the University of Derby and Pauline Latham MP gave me an opportunity to give thanks to those who have continuously supported me " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby added: "We re absolutely thrilled that Paul s work is part of such a significant cultural event and that its prominent position on Cromwell Green means so many people can enjoy it "We re always extremely proud of our graduates and what they go on to achieve and Paul s success is a true testament to his passion dedication and extraordinary talent " The sculpture is part of six English Flower Garden installations commissioned by the Unlimited Programme part of the Cultural Olympiad Each installation celebrates the quintessential British love of flowers and has been created on the basis of its historic relationship with each location

How 'Digital Detectives' Track Criminals 8 February 2011 The role of digital technology in investigations of paedophile rings and other cases involving internet use will be revealed in a senior police officer s free talk at the University of Derby Detective Constable Paul Tew of Nottinghamshire Police has been a policeman for 24 years a police law trainer and is an Associate Lecturer at the Open University in computer forensics and investigations He currently works in the e-Crime division of the county s force dealing with highly complex and technical cases DC Tew has been involved in the successful prosecution of around 100 offenders where the evidence involved computer data and acted as an expert witness in many other court cases His free talk entitled A Complex Digital Investigation at 6:30pm tomorrow Wednesday 9 February in the Heap Lecture Theatre at the University s Kedleston Road site will reveal how police collect evidence from digital sources such as personal computers and mobile devices use this to build a case against a suspected criminal and subsequently present this complex evidence in court The talk is the latest in a series of free public lectures run by the University's Derbyshire Information Security Consortium (DISC) dealing with the security of electronically stored records and information The DISC also works with businesses to improve information security DC Tew said: "The case I am going to talk about involves the use of many different techniques employed by an individual to avoid detection and how he was ultimately found out "This isn t the end of the story because the evidence needs to be presented at court in a way that can be understood by the average member of the public (i e the jury) "Hopefully this talk will enlighten the audience about the investigative process and perhaps provoke some thought on how such complex evidence should be presented in court "This should be helpful not only to students of computer forensics but also computer security managers who are tasked with incident response and following up on incidents that require evidence to be presented in civil courts or tribunals " For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

How England's Leading Spa Town Now Leads The World In Spa Education 5 December 2013 The University of Derby Buxton - hailed as the best in the world for spa management courses - is fast becoming recognised as a global hub for spa education and training as it helps to meet an industry-wide shortage of professionally qualified managers identified by an international survey Worldwide 180 000 people work as spa managers - but there are currently only 4 000 students enrolled in spa management degree programmes a Spa Management Career Trends Survey undertaken in response to a Global Spa & Wellness (GSWS) report has revealed The survey was led by Swedish spa expert Anna Bjurstam who told the 2013 Buxton Spa and Wellness Conference that the University was "a pioneer in spa management internationally" because it gives students hands-on experience in real-world work situations Anna a "master of spa" who has advised on setting up spas in 60 countries said: "If the industry knew how good your students are then they would be standing in line to employ them " Victoria Higgs Programme Leader BSc (Hons) International Spa Management at Buxton said Anna s comments coupled with the demand for professionally-trained spa managers added up to a ringing endorsement of the University s real-world learning ethos "It s about putting business and management training into the spa context using experiential learning " said Victoria Combining on-the-job training with academic studies had this year led the University to beat Oxford and Cambridge in a league table of graduates gaining work within six months of receiving their degrees whether they were in spa management culinary arts sports or outdoor leadership The Buxton Spa and Wellness Conference has been growing in size and global influence year by year Three of the five speakers at the 2013 event were international experts Buxton is recognised as England s leading spa town and at the conference Anna also said: "I ve studied the educational market and I believe that Buxton is doing this better than any University in the world "One of the reasons is that you pass on hands-on knowledge It s not just about running a spa it s about giving treatments That s such an important factor knowing what it is like to do eight hours of massage five days a week "You can t understand it unless you have done it " said Anna who owns Raison d Etre Spas and is also Vice President of Six Senses Spas and responsible for its 30 spa portfolio For more details of the Spa Management Career Trends Survey click here For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

How monogamy stops male monkeys becoming 'King of the Swingers' 19 March 2014 New men happy to change nappies and be seen in public carrying a baby around in a papoose may just be following far older animal instincts suggests a University of Derby study looking at primate parenting Research biologist Dr Maren Huck of the University s Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences spent more than a year in the sub-tropical forests of Northern Argentina observing owl monkeys The primates are unusual in being monogamous and that males are heavily involved in rearing their young; playing with and carrying them about activities which use up a lot of the small primate s energy Dr Huck s work looking at the behaviour of 18 owl monkey groups suggests that the males child rearing reinforced the genetic monogamy of the primate pairs - meaning the males were less prone to infidelity and breeding with females from other pairs in their community - and vice-versa The research - conducted in partnership with the Department of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania and Argentina s Centro de Ecologia Aplicada del Litoral - will be published in the Royal Society journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B and is available online today (Wednesday March 19) Dr Huck hopes it will inspire further studies into how a monogamous species benefits from the greater involvement of its males in raising children Even among other primates and mammals this remains rare humans being one of them She said: "Understanding how species mating systems and rituals have evolved has been a central topic of evolutionary biology for more than 50 years These systems and rituals have a huge effect on which genes and traits get passed on to the next generation which is key to their survival "The analysis of our data found that once social monogamy had evolved in owl monkey society this in turn strengthened males parenting instinct which actually reduced the likelihood of them committing infidelity and mating with other females This may have happened because faithful males that are good dads are better at passing on their genes " The work by Dr Huck and her fellow researchers contributes to an 18 year-long study of owl monkey groups with co-researcher Eduardo Fernandez-Duque of the University of Pennsylvania (USA) To read the research paper - entitled Correlates of genetic monogamy in socially monogamous mammals: Insights from Azara's owl monkeys - in full click here For further information about Biological Sciences at the University of Derby see website For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

How our actions disturb the planet revealed in experts' talks 4 March 2014 As flooding natural disasters and climate change continue to dominate the news leading experts will give two public talks at the University of Derby explaining how human activity is contributing to them The events are the latest in the Geo-Talks series run by the University s Geographical Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES) department showing how earth sciences impact on modern society Previous Geo-Talks lectures have focused on changes to the Greenland ice sheet and the controversial extraction of underground shale gas by fracking The next public lecture will be Waking The Giant - How a changing climate triggers earthquakes tsunamis and volcanoes at 5pm on Wednesday March 12 in Lecture Theatre T204 in the Technology (T) Block at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby Expert speaker Bill McGuire Professor of Geophysical and Climate Hazards at University College London has presented BBC Radio 4 programmes Disasters in Waiting and Scientists Under Pressure and The End of the World reports on Channel 5 and the Sky News Channel His books include Surviving Armageddon - Solutions for a Threatened Planet and Seven Years to Save the Planet Professor McGuire has advised the Government on natural hazards and disasters and was an author on the 2011 IPCC Report on climate change His talk will detail how human activities warming the atmosphere and changing the climate can in turn contribute to sudden natural disasters which might at first seem unrelated At 5pm on Wednesday April 9 the fourth and final lecture in the Geo-Talk series will be Keeping your head above water: Coping with flooding in the UK in the Courtroom (Room OL2) also at the University s Kedleston Road site Professor Colin Thorne from the University of Nottingham s School of Geography will speak on the topical subject of UK flooding Having just experienced the wettest winter in 100 years and mass flooding causing billions of pounds worth of damage how can the UK better manage floods risk? Dr Martin Whiteley Senior Lecturer in Petroleum Geoscience at the University of Derby said: "Our GeoTalks series aims to show how we can affect massive natural processes on Earth sometimes in unforeseen ways and how they in turn can have a big impact on our daily lives "To guide us through these explanations the University of Derby has been lucky enough to attract speakers who are among world leaders in their fields " For more information on GEES courses at the University see website www derby ac uk/science/gees For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Howzat! Cricket Study Tests Reaction Times 4 October 2006 The optimum age for cricketers to learn agility and reaction skills is 11 to 13 according to new research The University of Derby has been working with Derbyshire Cricket Board to test the reactions of teenage cricket stars As well as finding that cricketers’ reaction times improve as they progress through their teens they study found those aged between 11 and 13 had the most improved skills in this area The study was conducted by cricket coach Chris Porter who masterminded the study as part of his BA (Hons) Sports Studies degree at Derby in which he gained first class honours Chris 22 from Ribblesdale Road Long Eaton said: “The study concludes there is a window of opportunity between the ages of 11 and 13 to improve reaction times “It provides further weight to other studies into Long Term Athlete Development which also suggest this is the optimum time for agility and reaction training to be maximised to benefit the sportsman most ” In the study Chris worked with the cricket board’s Under 11s Under 13s Under 15s and Under 17s at the Gateway Indoor Cricket Centre at Derbyshire County Cricket Club Players in each team were invited to press a button on a computer as soon as they saw a red light appear denoting a cricket ball Each cricketer undertook ten trials and the test was taken crucially before each player went out to the crease to bat Chris said: “I wanted to ensure each player was in their most optimum frame of concentration and choosing to test each cricketer before they went out to bat seemed the best way of achieving this “I am delighted with the result of the study and it provides food for thought for all cricket boards seeking to get the maximum from their players during their coaching development ” Chris’s tutor Vernon McGarey based within the University’s Faculty of Education Health and Sciences said it was an excellent study and added: “Chris started on our HND programme but quickly showed he had the ability to progress to the degree programme “This study was typical of the quality of work that Chris produced during his course It’s particularly pleasing that the study has practical benefits for local sports performers ” And Howard Dytham Performance Manager for Derbyshire Cricket Board who helped set up the study said: “This kind of study is really a way of ‘thinking beyond the boundaries’ and trying to gain that extra 1% for players and teams “The work Chris has done clearly shows the optimum time to improve reactions etc within a cricketer’s training programme ” -endsFor further information call: Simon Redfern Senior Press and PR Officer University of Derby on 01332 591942 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Human Resources Master Classes At The University Of Derby 30 January 2014 A series of master classes in human resources management and leadership are currently on offer at the University of Derby The events are for local and regionally-based middle and senior HR managers or those managers involved in human resource management as part of their responsibilities and are arranged by the University s Derby Business School - scheduled for February May and June They follow hot on the heels of a leadership class from Dr Linda Holbeche an established consultant coach writer and researcher with an international reputation and recognised by HR magazine as one of the country s top HR influencers Linda presented her view of what effective HR leadership is and how it needs to develop in the future to HR leaders from the region representing public private and not-for-profit organisations Judith Gill Head of Subject for Leadership Organisation and HR Management who arranged the series said: "This is a great opportunity for us to provide opportunities for HR leaders and those involved in this work to meet and discuss the challenges and issues they are all currently facing "Linda s talk was hugely insightful and has received very positive feedback This has given the series a fantastic start which we hope will have a beneficial impact on the other forthcoming events " The master classes aim to focus on current strategic thinking in human resource management and leadership and how this can contribute to business and organisational success Judith added: "We work closely with our students and with employers and alumni which assists us in ensuring that our programmes and interventions are relevant and current " The upcoming master classes (all 5-7 30pm) are: Workp ace D spute Reso ut on (Lynette Harr s) - February 17 Lega Imp cat ons of Performance Management (Sue Jenn ngs) - May 7 HR Leadersh p n Trans t on (Sheena Bev tt) - June 19 Enquiries for the forthcoming classes can be directed to j gill@derby ac uk For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Ice Climber Andy Helps Students Get to the Top 20 February 2014 Climber Andy Turner will be passing on his experiences at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games to students at the University of Derby Buxton s Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre when he returns from Russia Andy was one two Britons chosen to go to Russia to demonstrate why his exciting ice-climbing discipline should be recognised as an official Olympic event The 43-year-old mountaineer has worked for five years with the team at Oaklands which is set in 58-acres of mixed woodlands and boasts a climbing wall high rope courses and even an artificial underground caving course "To work with someone of that standard is an outstanding experience for our students" said Oaklands Manager Mike Gray "He s very keen to pass on all his knowledge to students and really believes in developmental training the real-world learning ethos which has put Buxton students at the top of the UK league table for getting jobs within six months of graduating " Andy who holds the highly-respected Mountaineering Instructor Certificate and has competed in three Ice Climbing World Cup competitions said: "It takes you to some amazing places around the world to remote places people very rarely see "People think it s about an adrenaline rush but you don t always enjoy the climb - it s the feeling at the top " And the University is officially in the top ten for mountaineering - and that comes from the members of the British Mountaineering Council who voted it as one of the best universities in the UK for climbers to attend in an on-line poll Oaklands also runs degrees in Adventure Tourism Countryside Management Coaching Outdoor Leadership and Ecotourism If you are interested in sponsoring Andy visit andyturnerclimbing blogspot com for more details on what opportunities he can offer you and your business For more press information contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

Illustrators' Work In The Frame For UK Show 4 August 2011 Artworks by six University of Derby graduates have been selected to showcase the best of British illustration Images 35 is the latest annual celebration of artists work co-ordinated by the UK s Association of Illustrators A panel of expert illustrators publishers and art directors judge entries from all over the UK and a select number of these go into a book sold worldwide and a national touring exhibition The Images 35 book will be distributed to 4 000 international commissioners of illustrations and sold worldwide A selection of images from the book will also feature in the opening London exhibition at London's Bankside Gallery from 25 August to 2 September This will go on tour around the UK from 23 October including a visit to the University's Markeaton Street site in Derby from 5 December until 5 February 2012 Graduates of the University s BA (Hons) in Visual Communication (Illustration) degree whose work is featured in Images 35 include: Rache S ack, 21, of K mber ey, Nott nghamsh re Lyd a Garner, 27, of M ford, Derbysh re Heather Hors ey, 40, of Burton-on-Trent Thomas Ph ps, 23, Te ford, Shropsh re Cather ne Sweetman, 47, of Ma dstone, Kent. Work by Marketa Lukasova 30 a BA (Hons) in Visual Communication (Graphic Design) graduate of Derby was also chosen Heather Horsley who graduated in January 2011 and has a studio at the University s Banks Mill Studios business incubation units in Derby said: "My entry was called Roadside Cafes The aim of it was to visually explore and comment upon the environment surrounding roadside cafes; observing and interpreting the relationship and connections between the place the products and people who chose to use the cafes " Richard Levesley Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Visual Communication degrees in both Illustration and Animation added: "We are very proud of our students success in this competition "Their achievement shows that they all have strong and individual ways of working They are challenging their subject moving with trends and developing innovative approaches to illustration; proving themselves to be strong competitors within the industry " For more information about Images 35 see website: www aoiimages com For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Industry Leader To Head Up University of Derby's New Institute 4 June 2013 The University of Derby has today announced Professor Richard Hall as the inaugural Director of its Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) Richard who takes up the role on 1 September is currently Associate Dean and Professor of Engineering Design and Simulation at the University of Wolverhampton Richard joins the University having built up considerable experience and an international reputation in the aerospace automotive and high value manufacturing industries At Wolverhampton he was instrumental in leading the development of the Innovative Product Development Centre the Caparo Innovation Centre and the Midlands Simulation Group During the past 15 years these facilities have underpinned research development and business support activities for local manufacturing supply chains including over 3 000 SMEs His reputation has been recognised in his appointment to the national review panel for the quality of research in higher education Research Assessment Exercise 2008 and more recently the Research Excellence Framework 2014 for Mechanical Aerospace Manufacturing and Chemical Engineering Richard said: "Sustainability is the biggest global challenge faced by society today Companies that can create new and innovative products with sustainability in mind will grow and be successful in increasingly competitive markets The Institute will genuinely support and add value to local companies providing them access to the latest research findings and advanced technologies "It will also enhance the already excellent facilities for the University s engineering students to provide a highly skilled and talented workforce to support the city s growth in the manufacturing sector This is what makes the institute such an exciting proposition where the University will work closely with its industrial partners for mutual benefits on so many levels "To be its first Director is an honour and I am relishing the challenge of bringing together the skills and experience of the University with those of leading businesses from across the region " Due to open in early 2014 the Institute will accommodate a number of specialist resources for advanced manufacturing product design and development and electronic solutions Located at Lonsdale House on Quaker Way to the north-west of Derby city centre it will support on-going engagement with local industrial partners provide an Active Learning Laboratory for innovative and creative teaching and learning linking directly to the University s undergraduate and postgraduate engineering courses In addition it will provide a base for innovation applied research and product development in a range of areas including advanced control power electronics optical fibres and embedded systems for automotive aerospace rail and power generation sectors It will also showcase the latest technological developments and enhance the ingenuity and creativity of Derby s technology industries through collaborative working Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "The University has always taken pride in contributing positively to the business and economic growth of the city and region We are increasingly looking to align our investment to match the needs and strengths of the region and the establishment of the Institute is no exception "As Derby and the East Midlands continues to build its reputation as a manufacturing and hi-tech centre of excellence the University fully intends to play a key role through the provision of quality research resource and graduates "Richard s appointment is an exciting milestone in the development of the Institute and his skills and experience will ensure the Institute will have a positive impact as soon as its doors open in January 2014 We are delighted to have secured the services of such a well renowned and respected professional in the field and look forward to welcoming him to the fold "

Industry needs to be alert to allergens, says University chef 31 July 2014 Almost half of food service operators are still unaware of the new EU on allergens due to come into force on 13 h December this year - and even more can t identify which allergens are involved an award-winning chef lecturer at the University of Derby Buxton has warned A survey by Unilever Food Solutions also revealed that the overall feeling in the industry regionally and nationally was that the relevant information available for food operators has not been well communicated Rob Stordy a former UK University Chef of the Year said: "Ten people in the United Kingdom die each year from an allergic reaction to certain foods and many more end up in hospital In most cases the food that causes the reaction is from a food outlet " The new rules mean it is no longer just the customer s responsibility to ask what is in a dish Help is at hand however as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has produced two useful information booklets which can be downloaded from their website: Allergen Information for Loose Food' This information is for those who: ü provide meals in a café or restaurant ü sell food that you wrap yourself such as loose bread rolls sandwiches cakes deli products or other unpackaged foods ü provide institutional catering such as in schools hospitals and care homes 'Allergy: What to Consider when Labelling Food' The information is for small and medium businesses that make or sell preplaced foods ü the food is either fully or partly enclosed by the packaging ü the food cannot be altered without opening or changing the packaging ü the product is ready for sale to the public or to a catering establishment The FSA has also devised a Chef s Card in the form of a credit/business card so you can ensure that the restaurant staff know about your food allergies by writing on it the foods you are allergic to and handing it to a member of the restaurant staff These can also be downloaded from the FSA website For more press information contact j phillips@derby ac uk

Influential National Role for Derby Academic 2 April 2012 One of the University of Derby s esteemed visiting research fellows has been made Chairperson of a national membership body for teachers and lecturers Rania Hafez a fellow at the University s Centre for Educational Research became Chairperson of the Standing Committee for the Education and Training of Teachers (SCETT) at its AGM held at the Headquarters of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) on March 28 Rania who is the Director of the network Muslim Women in Education said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chairperson for 2012 - SCETT s 31st year As an independent and democratic membership organisation for teachers and lecturers SCETT embodies the principles and values of autonomous professionalism and as Chairperson I will be working with the officers and SCETT members to re-assert the teacher s voice at the heart of the education debate " Rania s new role will make her a leading figure in influencing national teacher education and training policy One of her first duties will be to launch SCETT s forthcoming book The Role of the Teacher Today to which she has contributed an important chapter on the topical issue of professionalism in further education SCETT was established in 1981 by the major teaching unions and professional associations Its core membership consists of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL); the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT); the National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) and the National Union of Teachers (NUT) Taken together the constituent associate and individual members of SCETT represent the interest of over half a million teachers in supporting and developing initial teacher education and training and in all forms of continuing professional development

Innovative Higher Apprenticeship Scheme Attracts New Blood Into Mineral Products Industry 13 March 2013 The first students to embark on an innovative Higher Apprenticeship programme run by the University of Derby Corporate (UDC) and leading construction supplier Hanson UK got a taste of what s in store for them recently when they attended their induction week held at the University s Enterprise Centre and Kedleston Road site in Derby The Higher Apprenticeship in Mineral Products Technology which is supported by the Institute of Quarrying (IOQ) is a first for the mineral products industry and has been designed to attract and train the next generation of leaders looking to move into the sector The flexible two year course comprises a core foundation year which gives apprentices the opportunity to cover the key elements of the mineral products industry from health safety and environmental awareness to geoscience blasting surveying and quality and process measurement The second year allows apprentices to specialise and develop skills relevant to a chosen sector including extractives concrete and mining Ben Strickland one of six apprentices on the course said: "I chose to study a Higher Apprenticeship as it has allowed me to travel all over the UK and gain hands on experience in quarrying whilst studying for a High Level qualification "The programme also provides apprentices with the confidence and skills necessary to apply for top professional posts within the sector " Fellow apprentice Thomas Emerson adds: "I originally wanted to study Geography and Science as a full time student at University but the Higher Apprenticeship covered both these subjects and offers the same academic value of a degree " Daniel James also on the course continues: "Apprenticeships are renowned for offering great career prospects and dependable up to date training delivered by people who know the industry inside out " The Higher Apprenticeship was recently shortlisted for a prestigious Lord Stafford award an accolade which celebrates collaborative activity and innovation between businesses and universities Julie Harris Higher Apprenticeships Project Manager at UDC said: "The Higher Apprenticeship programme has been designed to bring new blood into an industry which has typically found it difficult to attract a young workforce This pioneering programme helps to secure the future of the mineral products industry and ensures that the depth of knowledge and expertise held by the current workforce isn t lost " For more information regarding the Higher Apprenticeships offered by the University of Derby Corporate visit www derby ac uk/corporate or call 0800 678 3311

Innovative Learning Pods Praised By Students and Staff 11 March 2013 A project to create an informal learning environment of around 100 seats at the University s Markeaton Street site has received high praise from students The Institute for Learning Enhancement and Innovation (LEI) worked closely with colleagues in the ADT Faculty to deliver an informal learning environment at the Markeaton Street site The work is part of a larger project that LEI is leading to enhance learning spaces across the University to meet the rising expectations of students and ensure that these spaces are leading edge The Markeaton Street project has two distinct areas that have created approximately 100 seats in total A flexible space for work and social activities on the ground floor and some Learning Pods on the first and second floor The Pods were installed in space previously under-utilised and were fitted out with the latest audio-visual technologies to allow students and staff to hook mobile devices into the system and use large displays to work in groups or pairs They can simply sit in a pod and listen to music from their MP3 player work as a group on a presentation or use the internet to research and discuss findings Student feedback has been positive about how the space looks and how they use it to meet study and socialise In a recent survey students said the Pods were excellent and a positive addition citing that the resources were great and the space ideal for production and planning meetings Staff have reported that the space is used for small tutorial group meetings and that the technology was particularly useful for subjects aligned to the ADT Faculty They suggested that the Pods introduced flexible learning opportunities for students with one member of staff specifically stating it made their teaching strategies more flexible too saying: "They are a fantastic resource for students and staff to meet and discuss learning and development of ideas" The LEI team is evaluating the space to inform the design of future learning spaces working closely with colleagues from ITS and Estates to drive innovation across the University

Innsbruck Trip For Tourism Lecturer 21 January 2013 A University of Derby Buxton tourism academic will present her latest research findings at a prestigious conference in Austria this January along with one of her former students Tourism lecturer Elina Michoploulou and Nina Enter who graduated from Buxton with an MA in Tourism Management in 2012 will present their paper 'An Investigation On The Acceptance of Facebook By Travellers For Travel Planning' at the Enter 2013 conference in Innsbruck Austria - an international conference organized by the International Federation for Information Technology and Travel & Tourism (IFITT) - on January 23 (2013) They will present to members of the tourism research community amongst keynote speakers Aoife Desmont from Facebook James Van Thiel from Google Josef Margreiter Director General of Tirol Marketing and Marco Fanton Director of Social Media for Spain s Meliá Hotels International The Buxton paper will reveal the results of research into people s intentions to use Facebook for travel planning purposes and the qualitative results of interviews with these individuals into their use of social media for travel Elina Michoploulou is a lecturer on BA (Hons) and MA Tourism Management degrees at the University of Derby Buxton For more on the Enter 2013 conference visit www enter-2013 org For more on studying tourism at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Insect expert's young son beats him to rediscovering endangered bug 26 June 2014 A leading expert on crickets looking to prove an endangered UK colony had survived the harsh winter was beaten to finding the insects - by his seven-year-old son Professor of Entomology Karim Vahed from the University of Derby was looking for evidence that a colony of Scaly Crickets (Pseudomogoplistes vicentae) had survived the winter s severe Atlantic storms The centimetre-long wingless cricket is unusual in that it lives among marine shingle and cobbles It exists in only four known UK locations - Marloes in Pembrokeshire Chesil Beach in Dorset Branscombe in Devon and the Isle of Sark - and the species is officially classified as endangered But it was Karim s seven-year-old son Gabriel who actually discovered that the small cricket had survived the winter bad weather while on a trip with his father to the Pembrokeshire beaches Karim said: "I had been hunting among stones in a spot where the species had been found in previous surveys without much success Then my son Gabriel called me over to a different area saying there s three under this stone Further searching amongst the shingle and cobbles revealed the existence of a healthy population "I couldn t be prouder of him for beating me to the punch If I produce a paper on the discovery I might even have to share credit with him "I m not sure how the crickets survived the winter storms Judging from the debris on the beach and the devastation caused to coastal villages and towns further up the coast the storm waves must have reached right up to the cliff face "Scaly Crickets must have survived many severe storms during their evolutionary history In a way they rely on the effect of such events as the banks of cobbles and shingle they inhabit are technically known as storm deposits " Commenting on the discovery Dr Sarah Henshall Lead Ecologist for Buglife the invertebrate conservation trust added: "This is great news The Scaly Cricket is one of our rarest insects and we are delighted that the population remains healthy at Marloes Sands " Karim - Programme Leader for the University s Masters (MSc ) degree in Conservation Biology - has published a number of research papers on crickets and is conducting a study of the ecology and life history of the Scaly Crickets starting with their mating behaviour Male crickets usually attract a female by singing to them a sound made by the male rubbing its wings together but Scaly Cricket males are wingless so must have an alternative method of attracting a mate For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Inspirational Student Selected As Torchbearer 17 May 2012 A long held dream has come true for Mary Greham (34) a third year student at the University of Derby after she was chosen from 10 000 nominees to become a Torchbearer She received the great news after being nominated by her husband Gez who decided to put Mary forward when he heard the selection panel were looking for inspirational stories of achievement or kindness Throughout her life Mary has had to overcome a number of personal difficulties and this combined with her voluntary work in the community supporting people suffering through bereavement clearly touched the panel Mary said: "As a teenager I had a dream of becoming a professional athlete - I held school athletic records for shot putt and discus and was a member of Lees Brook Sports College hockey team "But I suffered from Bipolar disorder and unfortunately became a casualty of the care system both of which put paid to my dreams I ended up leaving school without any qualifications or direction " Despite these challenges Mary managed to gain a place at the University of Derby on the BA (Hons) Health and Social Care course and has been a programme rep throughout that time Mary believes that she owes much to her University experience "University took me on a journey where I developed as a person My strength and character grew I felt accepted at last and no longer isolated I am now able to utilise what I have learned to help others recognise their inner qualities and promote self esteem and confidence "My life has changed dramatically since being given the opportunity to learn and develop within such a supportive environment " Mary is now looking forward to June 29 when she will proudly carry the torch through Chesterfield The exact route and time slot will be confirmed on the 26 May when she will also receive her official tracksuit "It s a great honour to be a torchbearer and to be part of such a significant and historical event " Mary concludes Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager at the University of Derby said: "The University is extremely proud of Mary s achievement and it gives us great pride to have one of our students taking part in this once in a lifetime opportunity Big sporting events regularly deliver feats of individual achievement and success and we believe Mary has been given the recognition she deserves We look forward to seeing her carry the torch " Mary will be dedicating the run to her father Nathan who died in February this year For more information contact: Rosie Marshalsay Deputy Head of Corporate Relations T: 01332 591942 E: R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

Inspirational Tales 24 January 2011

How our local daily paper saw our graduation success stories on Friday and Saturday (Reproduced with kind permission of The Derby Telegraph): We are doing our best not to submerge our readers with tales of doom and gloom about how spending cuts are going to bring misery to many So when we do happen upon "good news" stories we latch upon them Foremost among them this weekend are the University of Derby graduation ceremonies They have provided a colourful spectacle in the city centre as they paraded to their awards day and then to their cathedral service of thanksgiving accompanied by marching jazz band But more importantly they have generated so many inspirational individual stories of achievement which should fire the ambitions of others to emulate them We have reported several of them this week notably Helen Hollis It has taken her eight years to complete her degree studies That s not a reflection of her abilities - but it is a very good reflection of her absolute determination not to give in For five years ago she had part of her brain removed in a dangerous operation to make her epilepsy problems more manageable Such an ordeal would have had most of us heading for retirement and a sedate lifestyle But Helen is made of sterner stuff and this week was celebrating the culmination of her efforts when she collected her psychology and counselling degree - first class honours What pride she and her family should rightly be feeling We salute too Sarabjit Paramar recipient of a Creative and Media Writing degree She has suffered a facial muscular dystrophy problem since childhood which left her unable to smile or talk properly Again she could have been forgiven for sinking without trace in the field of academic achievement Not so The written word is her best course of communication and her revelations on her experiences have earned her publication in national newspapers and elsewhere Others with similar problems will draw strength from her work and inspiration from her example And that is true of all those who have overcome challenges be they physical psychological domestic or financial to reap their rewards this weekend Read more stories on University of Derby Awards Ceremonies

Inspiring Course Training Tomorrow's Youth Workers 16 May 2013 A University of Derby degree - re-launched in response to changes in social policy - has been described as ahead of the field by a leading national agency The National Youth Agency called Derby s new BA (Hons) Working with Young People and Communities degree imaginative creative inspiring and ahead of the field and approved it with no conditions at a recent validation event Vicki Millward Programme Leader for the course said: "Changes in social policy over the last few years have transformed the nature of youth services and community work across the UK "Derby has responded by making significant changes to the content and focus of our degree programme to ensure our graduates are fully trained and prepared to work in this new landscape "Community and youth workers are still in high demand in a wide range of public voluntary and private organisations where they work hard to tackle social problems such as school exclusion unemployment homelessness poverty drug misuse crime and abuse Students who complete the course will be ready to work in these areas and will go on to have a real impact in people s lives " A graduate of the former BA (Hons) Community and Youth Work degree Andrew McCreedy 27 from Cannock Staffordshire now works as a Manager of Education in Peak Pursuits an independent provider of a range of educational courses Andrew secured the job after successfully completing a placement with the organisation in the final year of his University of Derby degree Andrew added: "I d worked with young people for a number of years before starting my degree on youth inclusion projects tacking anti-social behaviour within communities in south Staffordshire "I decided to go to University as I wanted to further my career - and as a result became interested in supporting young people at risk of being excluded from mainstream education "My degree and placement equipped me with the knowledge and skills to work effectively in this field which is changing rapidly It is great to see Derby s programme is changing to reflect this and I know that it will continue to produce graduates with attributes that are sought after in community and youth work " Students on the degree can choose to specialise in either Youth Work or Community Development The community development pathway gives people wishing to pursue a community-based career appropriate module options Having been voted as 100% satisfactory by its students in the National Student Survey 2012 the degree course formerly Community and Youth Work has built on this success Significant changes have been made and the course has been re-validated by the National Youth Agency which means students who complete the Youth Work pathway also gain a recognised professional qualification For more information on the new programme visit www derby ac uk

Inspiring Guests Share In Student Success 28 May 2013 A very special three year old girl has joined the University of Derby in a celebration of the achievements of its students who are training towards professional status for working with children under five Matilda who has cerebral palsy and her mother Jo Bromley attended the celebration of Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) students held at the University on May 23 (2013) to share their experience of how Matilda has benefited from having an early years professional working in her nursery Jo was invited to the event to talk about one of the EYPS students Sophie Nightingale who works at Nightingale Nursery in Long Eaton where Matilda attends for 15 hours each week She said: "Because of her additional needs Matilda needs special care Both the nursery and Sophie have embraced having her They have been working incredibly hard to ensure she is fully included in the nursery s activities and have bought in a structured approach to her care learning and development Most importantly Matilda loves it there "I wanted to come along to this event to explain how Matilda has benefited from having the support of someone with this level of knowledge and competency at her nursery as well as to thank Sophie for all of the fantastic care she gives " Sophie 24 from Long Eaton said: "I was really touched that Jo and Matilda made so much effort to come along to the event It was wonderful to hear the difference that they think Early Years Professional Status can make "The evening was a brilliant end to a really enjoyable time at the University The course has given me so much more knowledge and confidence than I ever expected it would " Debrah Turner EYPS Programme Leader said: "I was delighted to welcome our students and guests to this event to acknowledge and recognise the achievements of our newest Early Years Professionals Jo s comments underline how the passion and dedication of our Early Year Professionals makes a real difference to the lives of children and their families and they truly are the agents for change in the sector " Also speaking at the event was Kerry Leigh from Laughology the Science of Laughter Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) is the gold standard for those working with children under the age of five and is nationally recognised Students study at University for up to 12 months to attain this graduate-level status For more information about the course the title of which will change to Early Years Teacher Status from September 2013 visit www derby ac uk/courses/postgraduate/early-years-teacher The National College for Teaching and Leadership states: 'The introduction of Early Years Teachers will build on the EYPS programme to raise the status of the early years workforce The change will give one title of 'teacher' across the early years and schools'

Institute of Hospitality Prize For Cypriot Graduate 21 November 2012 A University of Derby Buxton student has made a bright start to his career in hospitality after being awarded an Institute of Hospitality sponsored prize at his recent awards ceremony Demos Parapanos 24 from Nicosia Cyprus graduated from a BA (Hons) Professional Culinary Arts degree with First Class Honours on November 17 when he was also presented with his prize for excellence by John Cunningham from the Institute of Hospitality Demos was recognised for his high level of academic achievement as well as his willingness to support other students Programme Leader for Hospitality and Culinary Arts Leonard Cseh who nominated Demos said: "Demos was a high achieving hospitality student securing the grades he needed for a First Class Honours degree through his dedication to his studies He also bought a wealth of experience gained working in the industry in Cyprus which has benefited not only him but other students too We are delighted that he decided to continue his studies with us this year by embarking on a Masters degree " John Cunningham Director of Professional Development at the Institute of Hospitality said: "It is vitally important that we work with higher education providers and recognise academic excellence like that demonstrated by Demos to ensure that hospitality professionals have the management skills required to deliver excellent levels of service "Buxton s hospitality and professional culinary arts programmes combine excellent academic teaching with real world learning experiences that truly prepare its graduates for the real world of work and so we are confident that Demos will go on to have a fantastic career " Demos who following his undergraduate degree decided to stay at the University of Derby Buxton to study for a Masters in International Hospitality Management added: "I am really happy to receive this prize The lecturers on my course really pushed me and in doing so made me a better student so this is down to them "As well as focussing on my studies I was also encouraged to work in the hospitality industry throughout my degree so in addition to training in the kitchens of the University s restaurant each summer I worked in restaurants back in Cyprus which prepared me well "My long term aim is to go back to Cyprus and open a restaurant of my own My studies and my award will help me to do this " For more information on studying at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

International Artists Support Pakistan Floods Appeal 11 March 2011 World famous artists have donated works for a University of Derby graduate s auction - to help flood victims in her home country of Pakistan Artists contributing include: Grayson Perry - f amboyant w nner of the Turner Pr ze n 2003 Mart n Parr - contemporary photographer Ju an Op e - ead ng Br t sh art st and former trustee of the Tate, who s a so known for work ng w th record ng art sts B ur, U2 and Bryan Adams Jeremy De er - Turner Pr ze w nner n 2004. Their work will be auctioned at Déda Dance Theatre Chapel Street Derby on Saturday 19 March at 8pm Art and Design Masters degree graduate Saira Lloyd from Bramcote Hills Nottingham graduated from the University of Derby in 2007 She decided to organise the fundraiser after watching the aftermath of the floods as they continued to wreak havoc on the lives of ordinary people in Pakistan - the country where she lived until the age of ten An artist herself Saira decided to contact artists arts organisations and creative businesses asking them to donate a piece of work for an art auction - and she s had an incredible response Saira said: "When I heard about the disaster the question was simply; how I could help? So I thought about supporting the appeal by organising an art auction "This situation holds particular resonance for me As a child I remember witnessing earlier floods in Pakistan; seeing the devastation and futility of people as their homes and possessions were washed away by floodwaters "Their sense of helplessness and cries for help have stayed with me and although I couldn t do anything at the time I felt impelled to make a small difference when the current catastrophe struck " As soon as the appeal went out for artwork responses came back Grayson Perry being one of the first Saira now has a collection of stunning pieces for the auction and has been deeply touched by the generosity of everyone who has offered their support Saira is also looking for local businesses volunteers and artists to support the Arts Auction for Pakistan Floods Appeal event raising as much money as possible for the appeal She added: "Ordinary people are suffering because of this natural disaster People we don t and will never know need the basic essentials of life just to get through the days ahead The auction will give the opportunity for artists and those who admire art to contribute to the continuing efforts in Pakistan " All profits from the auction will be donated to The Disasters Emergency Committee (Pakistan Appeal) which is helping to restore acceptable living conditions and prevent disease within local communities Find out more about the work of the Disasters Emergency Committee Other artists who are supporting Saira s appeal include: C ay Sm th - award w nn ng art st, based n the East M d ands. He sa d: "Natura d sasters that h t our earth and harm our peop e have n recent h story g ven us the opportun ty to reach out across many cu tures. I am very gratefu to be g ven the chance to be part of someth ng so worthwh e, by donat ng some artworks." Magg e Cu en - Derbysh re based art st and former curator of Sudbury Ha Museum of Ch dhood and Derby Museum. She sa d: "I was de ghted to donate a p ece of work for the arts auct on for Pak stan F oods Appea . I hope n a sma way to he p other peop e rebu d the r ves after such a dreadfu d saster." Andrea Had ey-Johnson - Curator of Derby Museum and Art Ga ery. She said: "We re delighted to support this very worthwhile appeal It s both refreshing and moving to see so many creative individuals and organisations pulling together to deliver support for the people of Pakistan " Laura Ratcliffe University of Derby Alumni Relations Officer added: "The University of Derby is proud of all its graduates and Saira s enthusiasm shows why We wish her every success with this worthwhile event " Art lovers can bid for the artwork of their choice online at: www artsauction co uk They can also make a donation and buy tickets for the live auction which takes place at 8pm on Saturday March 19 at Déda Chapel Street Derby DE1 3GU Award winning auctioneer Matthew Hilton from Heb Chartered Surveyors Nottingham will be the auctioneer for the evening The artwork can be previewed from 3pm to 7 30pm that day in Studio Two at Déda with a drinks reception afterwards For further information please contact Alumni Relations Officer Laura Ratcliffe on telephone 01332 591368 mobile number 07768 091248 or email: l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

International Careers Report Predicts Decline In Careers Service In England 2 November 2012

Majority of teachers worried about careers service in schools New survey data published today (November 2 2012) finds that the majority (61%) of teachers and lecturers are worried about the careers service being offered to children leaving school Commissioned by the Pearson Think Tank the University of Derby research also found that nearly a third (31%) of teachers were specifically worried about the quality of advice being provided commonly citing the closure of services such as Connexions as a factor contributing to their concerns These findings are the conclusions of the Careers 2020 report produced by The Pearson Think Tank and the University of Derby s International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) The report highlights worrying international evidence from other countries including the Netherlands and New Zealand which witnessed a decline in both the extent and quality of careers work when responsibility and the associated funding was transferred to schools Last year s Education Act introduced this new responsibility for all schools in England for the first time but transferred none of the funding The report recommends that the implementation of reforms such as the new Statutory Duty and the National Careers Service are carefully monitored and for schools to embed careers work across everything they do including the curriculum The Careers 2020 report includes a menu of activities for teachers to plan their school-wide approach to careers Louis Coiffait Head of Research at the Pearson Think Tank said: "With record youth unemployment rates and uncertainty about whether schools can provide good quality careers support it s not surprising most teachers are worried about the careers advice available to pupils "High quality education provision and careers advice are prerequisites for a socially mobile society so failure to get it right now will impact most harshly on some of our most disadvantaged communities for years to come " Tristram Hooley of iCeGS at the University of Derby said: "Schools have seen resources for careers education and guidance cut and have lost access to vital expertise International research predicts that this approach is likely to lead to a decline in the extent and quality of careers advice and could have a negative impact on the health of an economy "Schools need to act now and think about how they can put careers at the heart of their mission and make meaningful links between the curriculum and young people s futures " For more information on the University of Derby's International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) visit www derby ac uk/icegs

International Fossil Fuel Film Tops Events For University's Go Green Week 7 February 2014 Film screenings a rubbish artist at work recycled bikes and Fairtrade food will be among the attractions during the University of Derby s annual Go Green Week which starts on Monday (February 10) The week of thought-provoking environmental topics has become a staple of the University s calendar All the events across its different sites during this year s Go Green Week - running from February 10 to 14 - are free and open to staff students and the general public This year the short film Do the Math - The Movie will be screened for free at the University every day of Go Green Week The 45-minute film about environmentalist Bill McKibben s fight to promote the Fossil Free movement - encouraging people to not use oil gas and coal or products based on them - will be screened at 3pm every day from February 10-14 in the Student Union bar at the main Kedleston Road site in Derby The rest of the week s timetable of events includes: Monday February 10 • Find out more about the University s work to reduce its own power consumption and waste to lessen its environmental impact At the Snack Shack at Buxton and Leek College s Leek site from 10am-3pm • Watch University Artist in Residence and cleaner Del Coombs create a large-scale masterpiece from the waste we throw away during a typical day on the floor of the Atrium at the main Kedleston Road site in Derby This year s design will be inspired by a Rangoli pattern an Indian art form in which floor patterns are created using coloured rice flour sand or flower petals Del s installation will be on display until Wednesday (February 12) Tuesday February 11 A morning spent bird spotting at the University s Oaklands Manor outdoor centre in Buxton with the Sorby Breck Bird Ringing Group This will be followed by an hourlong presentation by the group s Ray Knock who has travelled the world recording and ringing birds for conservation purposes from noon in Room OM/07 at Oaklands Manor Wednesday February 12 An environmental exhibition will be held at The Dome at its Buxton Campus from 10am-3pm Supported by local and national environmental groups and societies find out about waste and recycling energy saving volunteering opportunities and Fairtrade and sustainable food Thursday February 13 The environmental exhibition moves to the main Kedleston Road site in Derby again running from 10am to 3pm Friday February 14 The week ends with a day all about travel and transport Come along to find out how to travel more sustainably through cycling car sharing or reducing your car use Recycled bikes will be on sale at bargain prices Lynn Richards Environmental Manager for the University of Derby said: "We are thrilled to be hosting Go Green Week again this February This is our third event of this type and it gets bigger and more varied each year We hope everyone who visits will find out something new and interesting about the environment in which we live and how we can all have a positive impact " For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

International Photo Stage For Graduates' Powerful Pictures 7 March 2013 A lost industry our rose tinted view of loved ones and political corruption are among the subjects tackled in University of Derby graduates exhibitions for an international photography festival The FORMAT International Photography Festival held in Derby every two years will launch at 6pm this evening (March 7) with a fire walk at the city s Cathedral Green; followed by a spectacular outdoor show Exhibition launches will follow at 7pm at QUAD Derby Museum and Art Gallery Déda St Werburgh s Chapel The Silk Mill Artsmith Banks Mill Studios Derby Westfield and Artcore Exhibitors will include University of Derby BA (Hons) Photography and Commercial Photography degree graduates whose work can be seen at the Banks Mill Studios at 71 Bridge Street in Derby throughout the month-long free festival Their exhibitions will include Chris Baker s beautiful display of cyanotypes - one of the earliest photographic printing processes which creates vibrant blue images - to display plant images on silk Chris 25 originally from York explains: "I chose the photographic process to celebrate the work of Anna Atkins (1799 - 1871) a botanist and one of the first female photographers and the now largely vanished silk industry which was a major employer in the city in the 19th Century "The plant and flower images on the cyanotypes are also a comment on how nature has now taken over these once busy industrial sites " More modern issues and techniques inform the work of fellow graduate Gavin Wells His series of images called Absolute Power takes images of politicians and cultural figures and adds collected headlines documenting alleged political misdeeds into the digital code of the image These headlines corrupt the digital portraits acting as a visual metaphor which reflects the accusations of corruption in professional lives Derby-based Gavin 31 said: "So much of modern politics is about appearances when what s going on underneath might be very different By electronically corrupting the politicians images here we get to see what lies beneath " Changing perspectives this time of the ones we love is also at the heart of an exhibition by Mimi Dendias The 27-year-old Derby graduate originally from Canada has called her exhibition The Pink Lens Effect Digital film portraits of men and women shift in seconds from a normal photo to an altered and flawless one to one shot with a pink tinge Mimi said: "The pink lens effect is what psychologists call the early period of a relationship when partners brains have difficulty seeing the flaws in each other or you could call it seeing through rose tinted spectacles I was interested in visually representing this occurrence which can have both positive and negative results " Other University of Derby graduates exhibitions at the Banks Mill Studios during the FORMAT festival will include: Uncollectables: A Museum of Being - a chest of co ector s drawers f ed w th nd v dua pr nts show ng mages of b rds n f ght, sk es, c ouds and other f eet ng moments. The photographer s Lauren Spencer, 26, of Derby. Blast Sequence -16 to 24 - a ser es of powerfu mages of b ast ng at the Tunstead mestone quarry n Buxton, Derbysh re. The mages are by S mon We don, 23, or g na y of Fars ey n Yorksh re. 60/134 - a ser es of Facebook portra t photos converted to QR (or Qu ck Response) Codes (a barcode conta n ng nformat on, readab e by mob e phones and scann ng dev ces), as a comment on modern techno ogy s tendency to cause soc a so at on. The ser es s by M che e Rob nson, 22, or g na y of Berksh re. Professor Huw Davies - Dean of the University s Faculty of Arts Design and Technology ; and a co-organiser and exhibitor at the FORMAT festival - said: "FORMAT 13 is a terrific internationally renowned showcase for photography and for our graduates to be a part of " FORMAT is curated by Louise Clements Artistic Director of QUAD and FORMAT and hosted and organised by QUAD and the University of Derby For more information about the FORMAT festival go to its website at www formatfestival com For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

International Recognition For Hospitality Graduates 12 March 2012 The University of Derby continues to build its international reputation following the graduation of its hospitality events and tourism students from the Swiss Hotel Management School and the IHTTI School of Hotel Management in Switzerland The 148 BA (Hons) and Masters students came from 48 different countries including China Russia and Indonesia to study They were joined at the two ceremonies by Derby s Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Barnes Assistant Dean of the School of Culture & Lifestyle Sarah Rawlinson and Chair of the Governing Council Chris Hughes This latest graduation marks the University s ongoing partnership with the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) and IHTTI School of Hotel Management both part of the world s leading hospitality education network the Swiss Education Group Sarah Rawlinson said: "By working with the Swiss Education Group we re able to provide students interested in a career within the industry with access to high quality degrees that focus on a combination of academic and work based learning " Both schools overall vision is to develop in association with the University of Derby and others a university institution concentrating on the service delivery sector concerned with tourism and hospitality and its management at diploma undergraduate and postgraduate level Emanuel Donhauser Executive Academic Director at the Swiss Education Group added: "We re delighted that after so many years our partnership with the University of Derby continues to generate such high calibre graduates "We believe they now have the desired skills and work experience to successfully forge careers in what is a very exciting and rewarding industry "

International Recognition For University Of Derby Hospitality Graduates 3 February 2012 The University of Derby continues to build its international reputation following the graduation of its hospitality events and tourism students from the Swiss Hotel Management School and the IHTTI School of Hotel Management in Switzerland The 148 BA (Hons) and Masters students came from 48 different countries including China Russia and Indonesia to study They were joined at the two ceremonies by University of Derby Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Barnes Assistant Dean of the School of Culture and Lifestyle Sarah Rawlinson and Chair of the Governing Council Chris Hughes This latest graduation marks the University s ongoing partnership with the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) and IHTTI School of Hotel Management both part of the world s leading hospitality education network the Swiss Education Group Sarah Rawlinson said: "Graduation ceremonies are always a highlight of the academic calendar and a very proud occasion for students their families and University staff We re delighted that our partnership with the Swiss Education Group continues to thrive as it enables us to provide students interested in a career within the industry with access to high quality degrees that focus on a combination of academic and work based learning " The Swiss Hotel Management School opened its Leysin Campus in 1994 and its centre has been developed as a learning resort for its programmes delivered in association with the University of Derby Its reputation for excellence is based on an intensive academic programme and curriculum which includes internships in Switzerland or around the world IHTTI School of Hotel Management is one of Switzerland s leading hotel management schools and is located in the centre of the historic university city of Neuchâtel and the Jura mountains Both of the schools overall vision is to develop in association with the University of Derby and others a university institution concentrating on the service delivery sector concerned with tourism and hospitality and its management at diploma undergraduate and postgraduate level Emanuel Donhauser Executive Academic Director at the Swiss Education Group added: "We re delighted that after so many years our partnership with the University of Derby continues to generate such high calibre graduates We believe they now have the desired skills and work experience to successfully forge careers in what is a very exciting and rewarding industry " For further information on the University of Derby and its partnership with the Swiss Education Group visit www derby ac uk/partnerships For information on the Swiss Education Group visit www swisseducation com Ends For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586 or email R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

International Rugby Player Kicks Off Degree At Derby 7 October 2011 As the Rugby World Cup comes to a conclusion in New Zealand later this month an England Rugby player studying here at the University of Derby tells us about her experience playing on the international stage and who she thinks will take the Cup home Natasha Jones 20 plays Rugby for the England women s under 20s team and is currently studying towards a BSc (Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Derby While studying she intends to keep playing for her club nearby Lichfield and on the international stage Natasha started her rugby career at the age of eight after she attended a rugby club open day with her brother Natasha decided she wanted to play and joined Leicester Forest East boy s squad At age 11 she moved into the girl s team at Leicester Forest East and at the age of 14 she moved to Lichfield Under 18s At 18 she made it into the first team and was invited to the high performance academy Whilst at Lichfield Natasha attended trials for the England Under 20s squad and was successful She then went on to play for England A team in the Euro Trophy 2011 in Spain in April Then in July Natasha represented England in the Summer Under 20s Nations cup at the University of California Santa Barbara USA where they played teams including South Africa (a game that Natasha Captained) Canada and the USA England went on to win the competition Natasha said "I never envisaged myself representing England at Rugby When I found out it was the best feeling in the world " When asked about her ambitions for the future Natasha replied: "On the domestic scene I would love to help Lichfield win RFUW premiership and I want to gain more experience playing for the elite squad at an international level " We asked Natasha who she thought would win the Rugby world cup "I would love England to win the World cup but I think either New Zealand or South Africa will win " Team Derby are currently looking to set up a Women s Rugby team which Natasha hopes to play for Interview completed and written by Alex Molloy University Sports Participation

International Students Give Their Views 30 March 2011 The Student Support and Advisory Service has received the latest results from the International Student Barometer carried out by i-graduate International students from around the world completed the survey as they began university in September 2010 This builds on the figures reported by Connected in January which reflected the views of those leaving university in the summer of 2010 The latest survey asked the students about their arrival and welcome their subsequent experience of the University s programmes and facilities and how much they enjoyed living in the city The responses of 229 of Derby s international students were compared to the responses of the 5 689 international students of 12 other UK universities who make up the Million+ group of universities

The latest results show that: 91 per cent of Derby s nternat ona students were sat sf ed w th the accuracy of pre-arr va adv ce and nformat on from the nst tut on. Th s was above the M on+ group average of 88 per cent The arr va process has mproved for students over the ast 12 months. Support from the Un vers ty w th the v sa app cat on process was at 87 per cent e ther sat sf ed or very sat sf ed. "To be very honest everyone I met on arrival gave me a warm reception " was one response Academ ca y the Un vers ty rece ved h gh sat sfact on rat ngs for earn ng spaces, earn ng techno ogy, ecture qua ty and earn ng support. The Un vers ty es n the top three of the M on+ group for a three Overa the v ng exper ence was pos t ve for nternat ona students - w th safety, accommodat on cost, nternet access and transport putt ng Derby s exper ence for nternat ona students n the top three of the M on+ group. "One of the most important factors which I will recommend this University for is the support it provides to the students " said another student For more information on being an international student at the University of Derby visit website www derby ac uk/international

International Students Rank Derby Top For Support 4 December 2012 Derby has been ranked number one in a number of categories for student support in the International Student Barometer (ISB) survey results have shown The survey which ran from April to June 2012 involved 27 841 international students from 53 institutions across six countries Derby s International Student Centre was ranked number one out of the institutions who took part in the survey The Student Wellbeing Centre and Health Centre also received the number one ranking Nick Slade Director of International said: "We re delighted that the work the International Student Centre does to fully support our international students whilst they re at Derby has been recognised in this way It s fantastic to think that according to the ISB our students are the best supported in the world!" Suzanne Wigley from the Student Experience Team added: "We use the results to understand the very specific needs of our international students and to make sure that all students at Derby get the most out of their time here "It s an extremely useful tool that provides us with valuable feedback and insight that can be then acted upon to make improvements and enhance the student experience " Institutions can opt to take part in the barometer which gathers feedback from international students via a questionnaire that covers arrival learning living support recommendation application and choice of institution For more information about the services available to international students at the University visit www derby ac uk/international

Into The Wild For Adventure Researcher 5 September 2011 A University of Derby Buxton lecturer led a trek through the wilds of Alaska in an attempt to better understand how valuable travel experiences are for young people Steve Lewis a lecturer on the University's BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management degree course spent four weeks of this summer leading an expedition of seven young men and women aged 17 and 18 through some of Alaska s largest and most isolated national parks Steve Lewis said: "It s accepted that travel and outdoor adventures are good fun for young people and help them on their way to independence I wanted to discover what aspects of a month-long adventure such as a trek through Alaska would be the most valuable - and what they would really come away having learned or gained I also wanted to see how the experience would differ from their expectations " During the trip the group undertook a five day independent trek in Kachemak Bay State Park and Wilderness where they camped and experienced the daily danger of close encounters with black bears for which the expedition leader and party were expecting and well-prepared They also explored Alaska s Kenai Peninsula National Park where they helped community project - the Copper River Native Association - which supports a native Indian community Steve and the group of young people helped build a communal area for the community s elders where after catching salmon using sustainable fishing techniques the group could gather to cook eat and socialise Steve said: "Although the young people were led on the expedition many aspects were independent - like working with the community group booking accommodation sorting out entertainment and food in new places They also experienced challenges like a five-day glacier trek in Wrangell-St Elias National Park traversing the glacier and camping throughout I wanted to better understand the impact that experiences such as these had on young people " The seven young people completed questionnaires before during and after the trip and were interviewed by Steve about their experiences They were also all asked to write regular diary entries which will form part of the data to be analysed "We asked the group to complete the diaries as it is through reflection that people really process their experiences and gain from them " Steve will now analyse the data and his findings will go on to inform the teaching on the University s Outdoor Countryside and Adventure Management Programmes helping students understand the aspects of adventure experiences that are the most valued For more information about Outdoor Countryside and Adventure Management Programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Invited Panel Discuss Future Of Health and Social Care 7 November 2012 A group of University of Derby students brought together a panel of experts to help them and the public make sense of new directions in the provision of health and social care As part of their final year BA (Hons) Health and Social Care degree students organised a public debate to explore the changing funding and delivery methods they will face as their careers progress In particular the students wanted to discuss their concerns about the growing area of contracting-out services to external providers from the private sector and from the voluntary and community sectors To this end they invited Amo Raju from Disability Direct and Jackie Straw from Derby City Council to present the issue from the viewpoints of both a delivering organisation and a commissioning authority John Bowie Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care said: "The health and social care sector has seen some major shifts in funding in recent years and students emerging from further and higher education courses will bring new energy and ideas to a changing profession "Our students wanted to make direct contact with organisations engaged in local quality social care provision " The event which took place at the University s Markeaton Street building on November 6 was chaired by final year student Ciara O Keeffe Ciara said: "The advent of the personalisation agenda has pushed forward the idea of local voluntary and community organisations building capacity to engage in service delivery but the shift in operational scale for many of these organisations can be massive "As students within the social care profession we were keen to find out how this new capacity is to be created "By discussing the subject with Amo Raju the Chief Executive of the biggest and fastest growing user-led centre for independent Living Disability Direct and Jackie Straw we gained a real insight into the possible future directions of the health and social care sector " For more information on the BA (Hons) Health and Social Care degree visit www derby ac uk/ehs

Is Buffy Responsible For Slaying Women's Church Attendance? 22 August 2008 Today’s modern woman sees more relevance in TV icons who promote female empowerment such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer than in church and traditional religion according to new research to be published in the Church Times this week Dr Kristin Aune a sociologist at the University of Derby says the church (all Christian denominations) must act to halt the steep decline in female attendance at services across the country She says: “In short women are abandoning the church ” While all eyes focus on women’s ordination as priests and now as bishops Dr Aune argues the church should be looking to act and do more to reach out to women One alarming statistic uncovered by the research using the English Church Census has revealed that the church (all Christian denominations) has been losing at least 50 000 women worshippers each and every year since 1989 (a total of over a million) Her research in a new book called Women and Religion in the West with co-authors Sonya Sharma and Giselle Vincett features in this week’s Church Times Dr Aune based within the University’s Faculty of Education Health and Sciences said: “Because of its focus on female empowerment young women are attracted by Wicca popularised by the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Young women tend to express egalitarian values and dislike the traditionalism and hierarchies they imagine are integral to the church “Women’s ordination as priests and now bishops has dominated debate and headlines – but while looking at women in the pulpit we have taken our eyes off the pews where a shift with more consequences for the church’s survival is underway ” Dr Aune cites a number of reasons why women are not going to church: Fertility levels – women have fewer ch dren and are not hav ng enough ch dren to rep ace the o der generat on ost from the church. Feminist values – fem n st va ues began nf uenc ng women n the 1960s and 1970s. Fem n sm cha enged trad t ona Chr st an v ews about women s ro es and ra sed women s asp rat ons. Paid employment – At the beg nn ng of the 1900s, a th rd of women were n pa d work, now two th rds are n the abour market. Jugg ng emp oyment w th ch dcare and housework causes t me pressures and attend ng church s one act v ty to suffer. Family diversity – compared to w der soc ety, churches nc ude fewer non-trad t ona fam es. Fam y forms wh ch are grow ng such as s ng eness, one-parent fam es and cohab tat on are under-prov ded for and even d scouraged by churches. Sexuality – The church s s ence about sexua ty s dr v ng women to eave, fee ng that the church requ res them to deny or be s ent about sexua des re and act v ty. She suggests that church communities could carry out audits of their congregation to find out the profile of those attending church to identify where numbers are being lost She also suggests the church considers looking at introducing activities which could fit around the lifestyle of the modern woman – such as Saturday morning breakfast clubs – which could attract people back to the church She said: “Gone are the days when the mother was at home during the day and had time to visit the church’s coffee mornings and mother and toddler groups “With the pressures women face churches must adapt to make themselves more accessible One such church in London launched a Saturday breakfast club and it proved a success with women who were out at work during the week ” The crucial message from Dr Aune is that churches must act – or face more women leaving the church And she explained that figures from the English Church Census showed that among the teenage age group (15-19) – male attendance had outstripped women’s for the first time And since 1998 according to the statistics women have been leaving church at about twice the rate of men Dr Aune concluded: “This might be just a blip but when for centuries in every age group women have outnumbered men at church this indicates that something must be done if the church wants to keep itself relevant – especially to the next generation of women ” Women and Religion in the West: Challenging Secularization – edited by Kristin Aune and her two colleagues at Edinburgh University and the University of British Columbia – is published by Ashgate -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038

Is Father Christmas Breaking The 'Santa Laws'? 15 December 2011 As if Santa Claus didn t have enough to do this time of year a University of Derby Law expert says he can also add a sledge-load of official and legal paperwork Kevin Bampton Head of the University s School of Law has revealed Father Christmas activities could otherwise place him at risk of violating a whole range of UK and European laws to do with health and safety property damage data protection consumer rights and even animal husbandry In a light-hearted lecture in the run up to Christmas busy Law students at the University were treated to a lecture by Kevin - entitled Santa Laws: Red cape or red tape? - revealing which rules the big man in redand-white could fall foul of And in the spirit of the season the experienced academic has offered to provide free legal advice to the famous client if the worst happens Legal queries Santa might be faced with include: Citizenship and country of residence - Santa s been c a med as a Turkey nat ona and to be a res dent of pract ca y every Nord c State, but a ack of def n te nat ona ty cou d pose prob ems for the wor d s most trave ed man. The UK Border Agency asks v s tors n trans t enter ng the country to supp y documents prov ng the r or g n, and f nanc a and emp oyment status. Luck y, Canada s government forma y awarded h m Canad an c t zensh p n 2008. (He st need to br ng a ot of paperwork w th h m). Letters to Santa - data protect on aws are very str ct on what nformat on you keep on peop e, for how ong and what reasonab e access they have to t. Santa cou d qu te r ght y argue that he d need to reta n the nformat on after each December 25, n case of any g ftre ated awsu ts - but wou d putt ng someone on a naughty or n ce st ra se prob ems under the Regu at on of Invest gatory Powers Act? Transport - to use re ndeer, Santa m ght need to show he d passed a tra n ng course for vestock transport. Rudo ph and the rest wou d a so need to have proper rest stops, wh ch wou d be qu te d ff cu t on a t me schedu e as t ght as one n ght. Go ng from the Arct c to the h gh temperatures exper enced n superson c f ght (the s e gh must trave at an est mated 650 m es per second to comp ete ts rounds) wou d certa n y breach a European D rect ve or two. Reindeer movement - that s w thout cons der ng the fact that to move deer n the f rst p ace you need to f n a Standard Movement (AML24) document and a movements must be reported to the proper author t es, ( n the UK th s comes under the 2006 An ma We fare Act). As for Rudo ph, h s red nose s obv ous y a symptom of nfect ous bov ne rh notrache t s (IBR) - a reportab e d sease. Kevin said: "These days Santa s more likely to be wrapped up in red tape himself than wrapping presents I calculate he will need at least thirty or forty pieces of official paper just to make it in and out of the UK "Fortunately if he gets caught at the border the University of Derby s legal elves will be poised to help him out " Kevin s Christmas-themed lecture was part of the series of usually more serious talks regularly given by the University s Law in Society research group For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Is Rooney Really A Role Model? 31 May 2011 The idea that footballers such as Wayne Rooney and David Beckham are male role models for young children is a myth according to new research findings University of Derby Education expert Dr Simon Brownhill says that children aged eight or below are developmentally unable to grasp the concept of what a role model actually is until they are older He also suggests that for male practitioners the term role model is shrouded in ambiguity More than 200 media outlets nationally have picked up on the story with some of the coverage below Dr Brownhill surveyed 178 men who work in a range of nursery and primary school settings to investigate if they saw themselves as role models for children In his research respondents were unable to give clear meaning to the term role model with 84 different definitions given His research also explored tensions associated with the male role model argument Respondents felt both teachers and a child s parents set more of an example for young children than famous sports stars and celebrities The study is entitled: The brave manin the early years (0-8): the ambiguities of being a role model and Dr Brownhill will be giving a keynote speech about his study at an international conference at the University of Education in Indonesia next month Dr Brownhill Senior Lecturer on the FdA Children s and Young People s Services (Pathway) degree said: "The results from this study along with findings of my previous research suggest that children aged eight or younger are still finding their feet in the world and do not have a clear concept of what a role model is "The men surveyed in the study who work with young children every day supported the idea that children are more likely to be influenced by people who are their own age (generational) who share the same experiences (experiential) and who live close by such as friends and family rather than by celebrities or sports stars such as Wayne Rooney A friend who for example shows no fear when going on a fairground ride is more likely to be a role model for a youngster " Dr Brownhill argues that men are not automatically role models to children if they work in early years (08) settings as this is a status which has to be earned and in some cases he argues that role models can have a negative impact on children s lives An example he gave was footballers being regarded as bad role models due to swearing such as Wayne Rooney or kicking others attributed to David Beckham He said: "The call for more men to act as role models for children in early years and primary school settings remains prevalent in both public and professional discourse as boys underachievement and the absence of men in children s lives continues to dominate educational agenda "This study highlights that while there is a shared notion that the role model will emulate positive qualities and characteristics of both a personal and professional nature the idea of the role model being a man is challenged "Instead it is argued that both men and women can be role models to children of both genders not just boys " Dr Brownhill offers some suggestions to help support male workers to make the most of their roles in schools and settings These include setting up local authority clusters face to face meetings or web forums for those who feel isolated or tokenistic Other ideas include establishing men s clubs to provide further support and teaching students about gender issues in education at both a further and higher education level He added that since 2009 50 per cent more men have applied to become teachers in the UK as people think about job security in the current climate - but Dr Brownhill wonders if this is in the best interests of the children Dr Brownhill concluded: "To give children the best educational experience and to raise academic attainment employment of the best candidates is more important than the gender of the practitioner "I do not personally believe males are any better at teaching or working with children than females are and I certainly do not believe that employing more men will close the gender gap between boys and girls achievements " Some of the national coverage related to this story: BBC http://www bbc co uk/news/education-13600611 Guardian http://www guardian co uk/society/2011/may/30/david-beckham-children-study Mirror http://www mirror co uk/news/latest/2011/05/31/rooney-role-model-idea-a-myth-115875-23168547/ Independent http://www independent co uk/news/education/education-news/study-dismisses-the-myth-of-rolemodels-2291095 html For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

It’s ‘Lights, Computer, Action’ For Movie Man Julian 20 November 2007 While film buffs can only guess at the special effects treats awaiting them in 2008’s forthcoming movie blockbusters one Derby man is very much in the know - he’s helping create them Former Derby DJ Julian Foddy says he has never looked back since he decided to swap record turntables for mixing real life and make-believe for the movies The 35-year-old from Littleover is on a four year BSc (Hons) degree course in Digital Entertainment based in the School of Computing at the University of Derby His one year work placement as part of the course with premier film computer generated image (CGI) specialists Double Negative Visual Effects Ltd in London has just been extended for another year because he is doing so well there The work experience has seen him create war scenes for critically acclaimed British period drama Atonement currently on general release and an Oscars hopeful Current and future projects include working on scenes for children’s fantasy Inkheart and the much anticipated new Batman film The Dark Knight - all currently almost a year away from general release Julian a former regular DJ on the Derby club scene began by developing an interest in computer games and saw them as the basis for a possible career change He commenced his Digital Entertainment degree course at the University of Derby in 2004 Julian said: "I initially thought I would go down the gaming route but then I got interested in the 3D work we learned about "As I got more into that I realised that’s what I really wanted to do " Julian managed to get a work placement with Double Negative The company has around 400 employees and is one of the UK’s top three visual effects houses for the film industry Its work involves a wide range of digital visual effects from simpler shots such as ‘blue screen’ replacements (where an actor is filmed against an entirely blue stage which is then replaced by a different scene) to fully computer generated images of for example an animated creature or explosion effect which then has to be integrated into real life footage The company has worked on films including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Stardust Hot Fuzz The Reaping and recent Channel 4 TV drama Britz While at Double Negative Julian has been employed as a Matchmove Artist ensuring a CGI character or object moves in sync with the camera angles used to shoot the real life scene they are spliced into and as a Modeller creating the basic shape and look of CGI elements He is currently classed as a Technical Director responsible for devising the solution to a particular shot’s requirements and producing all the CG elements required This often involves supervising a team of CG artists on more complex shots One of the perks of the job has proved to be attending early cast and crew screenings of the films he’s worked on At the showing of Atonement he sat just in front of its British stars James McAvoy and Brenda Blethyn But Julian says he’s happiest as a behind-the-scenes man "The greatest thrill of this job is when you’ve worked on a film and people can’t work out what you’ve done " he added Julian intends to return to Derby to complete his degree after his extended work placement ends -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

It’s Official: Professor Goto Is Pure Genius! 6 November 2007 What have crime writer Stephen King ex-Beatle Paul McCartney… and University of Derby artist Professor John Goto got in common? They are all named in a list of the top 100 living geniuses as part of a report carried out by the Synetics Survey of Contemporary Genius 2007 Synetics is a global business ideas consultancy company Professor Goto a digital-photo artist and Damien Hirst are the only British artists to be voted on to the list that examines the concept of genius and attempts to list the top 100 geniuses alive today A Fine Art academic who manages the University of Derby’s Open Studio Research Centre Professor Goto is based at the University’s new £21m Markeaton Street building which was opened on Friday November 2 by the President of Virgin Atlantic Sir Richard Branson who also features in the list at number 49 The 2007 Survey placed Professor Goto in 58th place sharing the spot with Jane Goodall Kirti Narayan Chaudhuri Paul McCartney Stephen King and Leonard Cohen The overall title was taken by Swiss-based chemist Albert Hoffman and British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee Professor Goto 58 from East Oxford who has been at Derby for seven years said: "It came as a complete surprise and I am very pleased to be in such good company at least for the most part!" "It’s quite an idiosyncratic list but it’s thought-provoking and not the usual suspects you would expect The list appears to be concentrating on the world as we find it and spans disciplines across the sciences arts and other areas " Professor Goto is a British artist who has gained critical acclaim through his use of digital manipulation creating photographic montages with astute observations about our contemporary society His recent exhibitions have included: The New World Circus a thinly veiled allegory of the occupation of Iraq set within a travelling circus This has just completed a UK tour Floodscapes a series which explores the issue of climate change and shows how London and other cities could look if flooded This was launched with support from the Environment Agency Ukadia the High Summer section of this series helped propel Professor Goto to wider attention He has had solo London shows at Tate Britain the National Portrait Gallery and The Photographers’ Gallery London as well as exhibiting widely internationally For the study Synetics interviewed 4 000 people in the United Kingdom chosen to nominate 10 living people whom they considered qualify as geniuses Drawing upon the survey results a panel of consultants compiled the report’s list of the top 100 geniuses alive in the world today The report describes five factors as defining characteristics of genius: popular acclaim intellectual power achievement and cultural importance The report attempts to define the zeitgeist of our time by avoiding many of the predictable media profiles in favour of a provocative list of individuals who have made a groundbreaking contribution for better or worse to our current world The emphasis is on involvement with new technological developments and the survey was conducted over the internet compiled using a form of eCritique For further information visit Professor Goto’s website: www johngoto org uk or the Synetics World website: www synecticsworld com -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

IT Students' DIY Textbook For Next Generation 28 September 2011 In a unique move Computing students at the end of their University of Derby degree have written a textbook to help the next generation on their courses The likely effects of cloud computing on online game players data protection laws businesses the environment and other areas of life are explored in the new book Issues of Emerging Technologies in Enterprise Cloud computing is a new development allowing people to buy different services online for use on their home or work computer; paying only for what they use as with a utility such as gas or water Wikipedia Facebook and Google Docs are well known examples of computing in the cloud The 67 page textbook s collected articles were written and edited by final-year undergraduate and postgraduate degree students in the School of Computing at the University Lecturers oversaw the work It will be part of the reading list for the School s degree students from this month September but it is also on sale through online academic booksellers (price £2 95) Issues covered include: the env ronmenta mpact of c oud comput ng respons b ty for data secur ty n a spread out computer system how mob e phones and aptops can make use of c oud comput ng nternat ona aws. Sarah Holloway a BA (Hons) in Media Writing and Web Based Systems student and Zdenka Evans a BSc (Hons) Information Technology student edited the textbook Both completed their degrees this summer 2011 Zdenka 36 of Flamstead Avenue Loscoe said: "Editing and publishing this book was a unique experience I had never done something like it before Examining the articles closely increased my own understanding of cloud computing and gave me a different perspective from just researching and writing assignments " Sarah Holloway 23 of Sorrel Drive Rugby added: "This project allowed me to gain an insight into cloud computing and offered the incentive of researching the cloud further " Dr Richard Hill Head of Subject for Computing and Mathematics at the University of Derby said: "Having final year students pass on what they ve learnt by writing a textbook for those next joining the course is unusual "The authors identified their own topics and critically evaluated each others work before it was accepted as an article for the book "At this early stage in their careers our outgoing students have taken advantage of an opportunity to enhance their employability They have been published and given future students a stepping stone towards their own research and career aspirations " Find out more about the new textbook or buy a copy For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

It's Silver For University's 'Green' Work 1 September 2011 The University has been given a Silver award by the national EcoCampus scheme for its environmental work EcoCampus is an environmental management system and award scheme for the higher education sector It recognises universities for addressing key issues of environmental sustainability Derby has previously received Silver and Bronze EcoCampus awards Lynn Richards University Environmental Manager said: "The two EcoCampus auditors who visited the Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street sites for the day on August 18 were very pleased with our progress to date and were happy to award us with Silver "The work doesn t stop here though I want us to get Gold in the year of the Olympics May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and hard work " In June (2011) the University was also given a First Class ranking in the annual People & Planet Green League - which each year grades higher education institutions on their environmental and ethical performance - being placed 22nd out of 142 UK universities For more information about the University s environmental work see website www derby ac uk/environment

It's Stage Right For A Brighter 2011! 4 January 2011 Rhiannon Prytherch s brain haemorrhage was so serious last summer that she began to plan for her own funeral But the brave 28-year-old from Richardson Street Derby has amazed medics and defied the odds of survival - by making a sensational recovery to health in just six months And as she looks to a brighter 2011 Rhiannon will next week mark her remarkable return to health by taking to the stage for her theatre company Sustained Magic for the first time since her illness Rhiannon is a co-director of Sustained Magic and studied BA (Hons) in Theatre Arts from 2002 to 2005 at the University of Derby and is one of its graduates Sustained Magic will perform the first professional production by an external company to be hosted in the newly refurbished community studio at Derby Theatre starting on 11 January The University of Derby acquired the lease for Derby Theatre in Derby city centre in 2009 and has worked with Derby LIVE on staging a whole host of productions in the last two years in the main auditorium But Sustained Magic will make history with the first showing of a performance in the 100-seater community studio when it performs Release Release is a drama by playwright Angela Truby based in a women s prison where various inmates take part in drama therapy and they relive their stories of pain and violence as they attempt to move successfully along the road to rehabilitation Angela is also a Marketing Officer at the University of Derby and a member of Sustained Magic The other members of the Sustained Magic team are Artistic Director Matt Green Ed Kennedy and James Glazebrook They are all delighted at how Rhiannon has returned to health so quickly after her illness Sustained Magic produces live theatre creates performances relevant for new audiences and supports recent graduates and new artists with an opportunity to enjoy their first taste of live theatre and begin to build a portfolio for their career Rhiannon first became ill with headaches and blurred vision in May and went to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield where she spent ten days and was treated for a brain haemorrhage She said: "I was told that my chances of survival were quite low and at one stage in the ward I was with my family and we started to talk about what sort of funeral I should have if things went wrong during the operation "I was sedated but my concerns weren t for me but for my family and how they were coping I had gone from being fit and healthy a week or so before to lying in a hospital bed with a real possibility I might not pull through " After a successful operation Rhiannon spent a further 12 weeks recuperating at home She has some paralysis behind her right eye where the aneurysm had been and some remaining nerve damage to one of her arms but otherwise has returned to full fitness She said: "I have kept a positive mental attitude throughout and am so thankful to the medics and all my friends and family for their support and help I am so pleased to be going on stage again and this new year does promise to be a new start in my life " A subarachnoid haemorrhage frequently occurs in young adults and can often be fatal - as many as 30 per cent die within hours and a further 30 per cent die within the first month - or result in serious disability in people who have young dependents Umang Patel Consultant Neurovascular Surgeon at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield said: "Rhiannon presented to the Neurosurgical Unit on May 15 having had a severe headache for 10 days associated with vomiting light hurting her eyes and neck stiffness It was suspected that she had had a subarachnoid haemorrhage (brain haemorrhage) and/or an aneurysm (dilated weakness on a blood vessel) that compressed one of the nerves which moved the right eye and controlled the pupil reaction "After diagnosis and subsequent treatment she was transferred to the Rehabilitation Unit in Nottingham and will have tests in the future to monitor the aneurysm When last consulted she had made a remarkable recovery and only had minor symptoms We are all delighted that she has been able to spend Christmas with her family and will be able to take part in this play and continue doing a thing she loves " For more details about the forthcoming production visit Derby Live s website at::www derbylive co uk or Sustained Magic at:www sustainedmagic com For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

It's the big cycling event of 2014 - no, not that one.. 7 July 2014 Crowds cheered along riders taking part in a much loved cycling event north of the county last week - two days before the Tour de France cyclists did the same Le Tour held its 124 mile Second Stage from York to Sheffield on Sunday July 6 But two days before this - on Friday (July 4) - the University of Derby staged its tenth annual Buxton-to-Derby Bike Ride with staff and students pedalling the slightly easier 45 mile route from its Buxton Campus to the main Kedleston Road site in Derby Over the years the annual University fixture has seen well over 500 entrants and raised more than £20 000 for a range of charities This year s chosen charity was Alzheimer's Research Cyclists give up their time for free The University gives staff and event marshals taking part special leave for the day and provides transport to get riders and bikes up to the Buxton starting point The official route avoids main roads using National Cycle Routes and back roads for the vast majority of the journey Riders are looked after with staffed check points and a rescue car This year prizes were given for: best photo taken on the r de; best outf t worn on the r de; most or g na b ke/cyc ng; h ghest fundra s ng nd v dua and teams. James Brown - Bike Ride organiser and University Transport and Travel Manager - said: "With our cyclists it s not about the Yellow Jersey fame and fortune but very sore muscles and raising money for a great cause "I m proud of the fact that 82 cyclists took part this year After ten years and a lot of miles this event obviously still hasn t run out of energy " Three cyclists completed the tenth annual Buxton-to-Derby Bike Ride in joint first place in just over four hours They were John Thorley (ADT Faculty) Roland Wilton (IT Services) and Michele Walker (University of Derby Corporate)

ITV Editor-In-Chief Continues Law Crusade 2 December 2008 ITV Editor-In-Chief David Mannion has told the University of Derby that French authorities may sponsor an international law change campaign to protect on-duty journalists from being wilfully killed in war zones David was speaking after it was announced he is one of eight honorary award winners to be honoured by the University of Derby at our annual Awards Ceremonies in January The 57-year-old from Derby will be made a Doctor of Letters David – who produces ITN News said: “It is a tremendous honour I am thrilled to hear about this award ” David’s best friend and former colleague – Terry Lloyd – was killed while reporting on the Iraq War prompting ITN’s international law change campaign In 2004 Terry was awarded a posthumous honorary degree by the University of Derby for services to journalism David said: “I was at the University’s ceremony four years ago as Terry’s widow Lynn and their daughter Chelsea (my goddaughter) collected a posthumous honorary award in his memory that day “ITN’s campaign continues to push for recognition in international law to make it a crime to wilfully kill a journalist in a war zone while they are on active duty The international community has to wake up to this “We need a state sponsor to take this forward and the British government has quite shamefully decided not to sponsor this but we are not giving up and the French government may take this forward ” France also mourned the loss of one of its own countrymen on that tragic day in 2003 which claimed Terry’s life – French cameraman Fred Nerac was also involved in the incident Local Iraqi translator Hussein Osman also perished Having begun his career at 17 at the Long Eaton Advertiser David with the late Terry Lloyd and two other colleagues who have also gone on to have top media careers – Mark Sharman and Trevor East – all worked at Raymond’s Press Agency Following spells in local radio and television David was appointed deputy news editor at ITN in London in 1979 He has since gone on to enjoy a notable career at the heart of producing news and current affairs covering the top stories and used traditional contacts and journalistic guile to broker a massive world exclusive for the first interview with Nelson Mandela after his 27 years in captivity He said: “COSATU leader Jay Naidoo was deciding how to manage publicity for the release We had become professionally quite close and I pointed out thousands of media would clamour for the story – not hundreds – and he looked overwhelmed ” David offered to produce a news strategy so that Mandela could successfully handle the media onslaught in Soweto – in return for the first interview conducted by Sir Trevor McDonald David has also produced a string of shows including GMTV and The Cook Report and after a five year gap when he ran his own consultancy David returned to become Editor-in-Chief at ITV in 2003 But he said: “The future is dangerous for commercially funded television We have just had an important announcement with the BBC stopping its £68m plan to introduce a local video scheme system which would have destroyed ITV Local and could have put hundreds of newspapers out of business “Times are hard it is difficult for us to compete with better funded news organisations and beat them Advertising revenue is rock bottom and this is exacerbated by the current economic climate All we can do is maximise the resources we have to produce the best programmes we can – at the least cost ” ITN recently lost 60 jobs and has introduced a new £16m revamp of its newsroom studios in Grays Inn Road It features an Avid news media management system allowing staff to process and edit from the desktop and is capable of storing archiving editing and managing a vast collection of video clips The broadcasting giant has a successful archive service and embraces new media through rolling news output accessible through mobile phones and the Internet ITN has redrawn the classic newsroom layout to have the editorial news team sit at the heart of a circular news room layout – as opposed to the traditional ‘top table management’ editorial layout All to maximise efficiency and communication says David He backed the University’s venture into creative media with its new Unitube system of TV screens and said: “New technology won’t go away – it is here to stay and is evolving all the time As journalists we are able to utilise such resources and decide what will be newsworthy for our audiences and will continue to embrace new technologies as they develop ” -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or email: s redfern@derby ac uk

Jack Quizzes Cabinet 8 March 2011 Twenty Derby Telegraph readers were given the opportunity to pose questions to the new coalition Cabinet when it met in Derby yesterday One of those was Derby student and UDSU Vice-President Jack Clemson Question: Jack Clemson University of Derby Students' Union vice-president asked what Mr Cameron was doing "to limit the damage your Government has done to the prospects of young people with university aspirations?" Answer: David Willetts said: "I don t agree with his assessment that the Government has damaged young people s aspirations "Young people don t have to pay up front for their university tuition It all goes straight from the student loan company to the university then they have to pay it back when they are earning more than £21 000 "As far as the £9 000 upper limit for tuition fees is concerned our estimate is that universities will charge an average of £7 500 " In response Jack said: "I find it disappointing that Mr Willetts refuses to acknowledge the damage that has been done to the aspirational young people who will have to shoulder this burden of debt Tomorrow s students deserved an honest appraisal of the situation rather than this weak attempt to deliver political spin "Something about all this just doesn t add up though Since Mr Willetts own Oxford University has confirmed modelling around the full £9 000 and the London School of Economics has already confirmed the full whack fee from September 2012 it s likely that the rest of the Russell Group universities will follow suit "So in order to get Mr Willetts average we ll be seeing a cluster of cut-price universities under the £7 500 mark that are desperately lacking in quality Is this the vision for British universities in the 21st century? "What a wasted opportunity for the cabinet to reassure today s young people " Read some of the other questions and answers from Derby Telegraph readers

Japanese language inspires student to develop unique computer game 10 March 2014 A love of Japanese culture has inspired a University of Derby student to design a computer game which teaches the language to gamers as they play Jitesh Rawal 22 who studies BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming wanted to create a Japanese role-play game (JRPG) that teaches the language but with entertaining gameplay at the forefront Called Koe (pronounced Ko-eh and means voice ) it begins in a Japanese airport but quickly leads into a fantasy world of two-headed dragons and purple octopuses Japanese culture is right at the heart of the game meaning users can learn the language in the right context Once all development is complete the game which is heavily influenced by conventional JRPGs such as Dragon Quest Pokemon and Final Fantasy will be released for Windows Mac OSX and Linux Jitesh from Leicester said: "I always had the idea of a game that teaches language but it had been largely done before However instead of being quite boring and simply about learning language I wanted to focus on gameplay "People learn the language by using various items throughout the game All items are basically Japanese words that are initially taught using communicative language teaching techniques basically learning by doing "The user is given Japanese words from various sources and those words are used as moves in battle The game helps the user as they play and there are plenty of English prompts " Jitesh says he is sure the game will help people to learn the basics of the Japanese language He said: "My dissertation on language acquisition has helped me to build my knowledge of techniques which help people to learn new languages Those techniques are built into Koe " Now in his final year Jitesh plans to graduate before putting all his energy into getting Koe onto the shelves of computer games stores in PlayStation 4 Wii U and Xbox One format And he has raised more than £45 000 through small investments on pledge-based website Kickstarter which will pay for an art overhaul from 3D design and games programmer Dan Tsukasa as well as a soundtrack and voice acting from native Japanese speakers It will also cover software licenses translation into other languages and a PlayStation Vita version Jitesh who developed three games during his course s placement year with Pillowdrift Games last year wants to return to education at some point to do a Masters degree in Linguistics and Language Acquisition He said: "I want to continue my studies I have been very impressed with the teaching at the University of Derby as the lecturers here really know their stuff I knew this was the right place for me to study Computer Games Programming " Jitesh's Kickstarter page For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Jason Hopes Crime Novel Is Dead Cert For Success 19 March 2012 A University of Derby lecturer and academic author is turning to crime - but only on paper Professor Jason Lee Head of Film and Media with Professional and Creative Writing at the University is already a well published academic author whose works chiefly look at transgressive culture - attitudes towards the breaking of real life social norms over issues such as addiction and violence But his latest publication will be a step into the fictional world of the crime thriller Unholy Days combines the exotic location of holiday island Tenerife with the London underworld a series of murders and the search for a centuries old lost treasure The 250 page hardback novel will be on sale from March 27 through major booksellers Waterstones Amazon The Guardian Bookshop and elsewhere (priced around £14 depending on retailer) The publisher is Roman Books of India which supplies works of fiction and literary criticism to major American and UK booksellers such as Amazon Waterstones and Barnes & Noble It also recently worked with the University s BA (Hons) Creative Writing degree students on an exciting project which will see one of them get published commercially Jason said: "I have been working on Unholy Days off and on for around ten years so I am delighted to finally see it in print "Although it is a work of fiction one of the main characters and his disappearance are very loosely based on the reported circumstances surrounding the death in 1991 of the media mogul Robert Maxwell on his yacht off the coast of Tenerife There the similarities end of course " The novel will be published in hardback at first with plans for a paperback run if sales go well Jason s previous published works containing fiction include Seeing Galileo - a mixture of poetry photography and prose inspired by the possible meeting of Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei and Paradise Lost author John Milton in the 17th Century - and Lost Passports a 2005 collection of poetry with the coauthor Peter Lewin He is also editor of the international academic journal and book series on Transgressive Culture Professor Huw Davies - Dean of the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology - added: "I am delighted that Jason s book has made it into print We have many published authors of academic fiction and non-fiction works on the University s staff "Their creativity and experience adds significantly to the learning experience of Derby students who may also wish to pursue a literary career " For more information about the Unholy Days novel see details on the Guardian Bookshop website at www guardianbookshop co uk/BerteShopWeb/viewProduct do?ISBN=9789380905297 For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Jasvinder Wins Women of the Year Award 15 October 2007 University of Derby doctoral student Jasvinder Sanghera – who has become an international inspiration as an Asian women’s right’s campaigner has won one of four prestigious Women of the Year Lunch Awards The Women of the Year Lunch and Awards 2007 took place today Monday October 15 at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane London Just four special awards were announced and Jasvinder received the Women of the Year Window to the World Award Jasvinder has been at number two in the national bestsellers book list for her autobiography Shame which highlighted her own personal struggle with honour-based violence and which was published by Hodder and Stoughton and launched earlier this year at the University with Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC She is also the founder of the Derby-charity Karma Nirvana which helps women escape from domestic violence situations And she is exploring the extent of honour-based violence in the UK as part of her doctorate study at Derby She said: "I was delighted to learn that I had been shortlisted for one of the Women of the Year awards It is a great honour and I am very pleased Such a nomination also helps keeps the profile high of the work I and others are trying to do to raise awareness of this whole issue both in the UK and abroad "My doctorate research is going well I have completed all my transcripts in depth interviews with women survivors of forced marriage and I am trying to develop an academic model of support for these women which I hope can contribute to help people affected by such issues rebuild lives " The Women of the Year Lunch is one of the most significant gatherings of women in the world Established in 1955 by Lady Tony Lothian the Women of the Year Lunch recognises and celebrates the extraordinary achievements of women Every woman who attends the lunch is recognised as a ‘Woman of the Year’ and is invited in recognition of the achievements that they have made in their chosen field and their contributions to society The women come from all walks of life from the Arts to the financial business world lawyers designers educators engineers doctors nurses politicians musicians environmentalists journalists public sector workers and more There are also carers and volunteers who work with charities and children The women invited to the Women of the Year Lunch are nominated by a Council who meet several times throughout the year to shortlist and review individuals who have made significant progress and achievements over the last year The council includes President Joan Armatrading MBE Chairman Eleanor Angel and Vice-Presidents Floella Benjamin OBE Glenys Kinnock ME The Hon Diana Makgill CVO (past President) and Virginia Wade OBE In 1994 Jasvinder founded the Derby-based charity for Asian women Karma Nirvana She was also instrumental to the development of the first Asian women’s refuges in Derby Stoke and Burton-on-Trent In terms of influencing policy change in the UK Lord Lester has become a huge advocate of Jasvinder’s work and launched the book in January ahead of Second Reading of the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Bill to further improve legislation in this area to protect victims of honour violence In the UK the Home Office Forced Marriage Unit records over 250 cases a year of British subjects being taken abroad and forced into a marriage of which 30% represents minors Jasvinder has become a leading authority on the subject and has filmed a number of interviews for various TV and radio outlets including Newsnight on BBC Two Honour-based violence can occur when family members believe a relative has shamed the family and they believe the only way to redeem the family s honour is to punish or kill the relative There are strong links between such abuse and domestic violence and forced marriage The suicide rate among Asian women in Britain is three times the national average -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

'Jobseekers' TV Sit-com Pilot Premiere At Derby's QUAD 3 December 2013 The pilot episode for a proposed new TV situation comedy called Jobseekers - written filmed and produced by University of Derby graduates and students - will be screened for the first time at Derby s QUAD arts centre Jobseekers follows the misadventures of friends Ben Gaz and Josh (played by actors Joseph Maudsley Adam Horvath and Ed Kear respectively) as they try to find work and get on the career ladder The comedy has been written by Lee Dilley and Paul Farrell currently on the University of Derby s BA (Hons) in Film and Video Production degree course and Beth Foster-Hunter It was filmed (on a micro-budget) in and around Derby by Film and Video Production graduate Christopher Bevan founder of city film company YSP Media who also co-produced the pilot jointly with Belinda Basson a graduate of Derby s Broadcast Media course A pilot episode for the sit-com will be screened at the QUAD centre at 5pm onSunday (December 8) The premiere - which has been part-funded by the University - will be attended by invited cast crew and supporters; with a limited number of tickets available to members of the public on a first-come first-served basis through the QUAD Box Office All involved hope Jobseekers will be picked up by a TV production company for development into a full series Director and co-Producer Chris said: "We were completely overwhelmed by the generosity shown to us during the filming in July and August of this year "Organisations such as Derby Homes and Derby-based businesses including Hox wine bar Bar Marrakech SSC Laser Cutting and Giorgio Reggiani all gave us permission to use their premises to provide real backdrops to our filming This gave the production tremendous authenticity and will really help to sell the concept through the high production values used in the making of the pilot despite the tiny budget we had available to us "Jobseekers has provided us with a great opportunity to showcase the creative talent available in Derby and the East Midlands " Tickets to this exclusive one-off screening are available through the QUAD box office on 01332 290606 The screening of the pilot episode will include a question-and-answer session with the cast and crew For more information about the Jobseekers TV pilot contact Christopher Bevan at YSP Media on mobile 07973 683259 or email: cj_bevan@hotmail co uk ; or contact Belinda Basson at Dreamfusion Productions on mobile 07740 576959 or email: belindabasson@btinternet com

Join A Journey Through History Of Ceramics 23 January 2014 The University of Derby will take people on an exciting journey through the history of ceramics as part of a conference next month - with special focus on the work of Dr Emmanuel Cooper OBE Dr Cooper who died in 2012 was awarded a posthumous honorary degree by the University of Derby last year and some of his key work will be displayed A number of speakers are taking part in the University-hosted event at Derby Museum on Friday February 21 The day will begin at Royal Crown Derby visitor centre where there will be a tour of the museum and factory before a bus takes visitors to Derby Museum The likes of Moira Vincentelli Emeritus Professor in Art History and Curator of Ceramics at the University of Aberystwyth and ceramic artist Margie O Rourke will give talks before visitors get chance to view Emmanuel Cooper OBE 1938-2012 A Retrospective Exhibition Professor Chris White Head of the School of Art and Design said: "Pottery has been taught in some form or other at the University since the 1800s and this event will focus on the heritage of ceramics Visitors will be able to debate materials skills and commissioning "This conference will allow us to look back at the past and to the future of contemporary ceramics and is bound to be very lively " Derbyshire-born Dr Cooper who died in 2012 was a leading potter arts advocate and gay rights campaigner Tickets are £35 or £15 for concessions This fee includes a free book: Emmanuel Cooper Retrospective For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Journey of Discovery Found Close to Home 1 February 2013 The latest research paper by two University of Derby psychology academics grew from regular walks close to home As Dr Miles Richardson walked he wrote He walked so far and so often that through over 200 walks in one year he wrote a book The book published as Needwood took these simple trips into the local countryside of East Staffordshire and turned them into a universal story about people s connection to the natural world On completing the book Dr Richardson s research instinct took over and he handed a draft of the 53 000 word manuscript over to his colleague Dr Jenny Hallam for thematic analysis This analysis revealed a journey of discovery as observation of the natural world turned into close attachment The results of that analysis will be published in American psychology journal The Humanistic Psychologist in February 2013 Previous research about the rewards of spending time in the nature have focused on trips into the wilderness The analysis by Richardson & Hallam suggests that journies of discovery can also happen by exploring simple places close to home Dr Richardson said: "Through doing less and seeing more and noting nature as you go it is possible to discover a new relationship with the familiar landscape and wildlife about you "Such time in the natural world can bring benefits such as restoration creativity and a conservation ethic Finding these benefits close to home is important as everyday access to wild landscapes is difficult to achieve and staying local is more sustainable " For more information about Psychology at Derby visit www derby ac uk/psychology

Judo Player Going From Strength To Strength With Expert Coaching 31 January 2013 A University of Derby Buxton Strength and Conditioning Lecturer is preparing a world class Judo player for this year s international competitions after a number of successful bouts at the recent Judo European Championships Lecturer Minas Mina has been working with Cypriot Judo player Andreas Krassas for 18 months during which he secured three wins at the European Championship in the Czech Republic including a fantastic victory over British Champion Lewis Keeble Minas alongside USA National Coach Jimmy Pedro is planning a training programme for Andreas for upcoming international competitions - providing scientific support through strength and conditioning and nutrition programs The team are eager for more success in the future with the overall aim of working towards the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 Minas Mina lectures on Joint Honours Sports Coaching and Development degrees at the University of Derby Buxton

Judo star aims to build on Euro Championship result at Commonwealth Games 11 July 2014 One of Europe s rising young judo stars who trained at the University of Derby Buxton came in the top ten at the European Championships in Athens Christos Trikomitis came seventh in the contest which was part of his run-up to the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Christos from Cyprus says that guidance from University Strength and Conditioning lecturer Minas Mina boosted his competitiveness to world-class level "It s life-changing " said Christos a 17-year-old from Cyprus "If it wasn t for Minas I m sure I wouldn t have qualified for the Commonwealth Games because the scientific support I received from Minas was such a major change in my judo " This included biomechanical analyses strength and conditioning programmes and nutrition "If it wasn t for him I wouldn t be where I am today " said Christos who is now in back in training for Glasgow "I have very high ambitions - I want to qualify for the Olympics maybe not Rio in 2016 but perhaps Tokyo in 2020 and I am aiming for a medal " As former Performance Planner for British Judo and Team Manager at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Professor Nick Draper commented: "Mina s work with Christos is highly original and includes training methods that are individualised and utilising the latest and novel training techniques " "This additional training will certainly be helping to give Christos an edge in competition and is an example of the type of support the Department of Sport can offer for elite performers " For more press details contact j phillips@derby ac uk

Julie's Journals Set To Help Patients 7 October 2011 A business set up by a University of Derby student who witnessed her mother s difficulty in communicating following a stroke is going from strength to strength Julie Dyg 53 lost her mother Betty in January 2011 following a stroke which left her unable to speak or write effectively This meant when visiting her mother at Royal Derby Hospital Julie had difficulty discovering who else had visited and what they d been told about her mother s condition The BA (Hons) Business Studies degree student created a patient s journal in which the family and friends of stroke victims or other patients with difficulty communicating could write information Prototype books - produced by her business Note Downforme - are being tried out at Royal Derby Hospital s acute stroke unit and Julie will shortly be exhibiting the journals at a stroke charity s annual event Hers will be one of 75 new regional businesses exhibiting at the University s Open for Business 2011 event at its Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby from2pm to 6pm on Monday October 10 Julie of Muirfield Drive Mickleover said: "I have donated some copies of the journal to Royal Derby Hospital s acute stroke unit The staff who looked after my Mum all seemed very keen They hope to be able to give me feedback in time to inform my exhibition at the Open for Business event " As well as her ongoing Business Studies degree course she has recently completed the Enterprise Inc programme also run through the University which provides advice and some funding help for those setting up their own business Ultimately Julie would like to see the Note Downforme journals used in hospitals and care homes across the country Maggie Morley of the University s Centre for Entrepreneurial Management added: "Julie s idea to help people born out of the tragedy of her own Mum s death is typical of the entrepreneurship that will be represented at the Open for Business 2011 event "It will also feature exciting new fashions artwork computer services and even a lady blacksmith with a forge on site; so visitors are bound to find something of interest " For more information about Open for Business 2011 and a full list of exhibitors contact Maggie Morley on 01332 597846 or email m morley@derby ac uk For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Kids Feel They Can Have Their Cake - And Eat It! 30 August 2011 Children use the same psychological ploys as adults to justify eating junk food according to new research University of Derby doctorate student Atiya Kamal says primary school children use Compensatory Health Beliefs (CHBs) in the same way as adults And she says this could be contributing to increasing obesity levels in the population This research has been publicised in more than 150 regional newspapers and debated on social media platforms across the country during the course of this week since the story was announced Adults who hold CHBs justify doing something unhealthy because they plan to do something healthy later on to make up for it Atiya 28 said: "Have you ever thought: I can eat that chocolate cake because I am going to the gym later? That is an example of a Compensatory Health Belief These types of beliefs can damage efforts to maintain or lose weight if individuals then don t actually get to the gym "It is widely accepted that many adults hold these types of beliefs and I wanted to find out if children also have them and if they might contribute to childhood obesity levels My research suggests this is indeed the case and work must be done to address the issue and combat these beliefs among children " Atiya argues that levels of obesity in the UK are on the rise despite initiatives such as eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and children s TV programmes which promote exercise It may be that it is the influence of CHB s that are impacting on the effectiveness of such interventions For her doctorate study Atiya supervised by University of Derby psychology lecturer Dr Vicki Staples interviewed around 100 boys and girls in primary school education aged from five to ten about their diet and activities and how this links to CHBs Findings of her study entitled: Do children hold Compensatory Health Beliefs: an exploratory study suggest children do hold CHBs in areas including physical activity media related activities a high fat and high sugar diet oral health and sleep Talking about exercise one six-year-old girl who took part in the study explained why it is acceptable to watch TV for a long time: "I go out run around go back in and watch TV again " An older boy aged nine explained his reasoning further: "because you re cancelling out the bad " Using these findings Atiya has developed a child compensatory health belief scale which will measure CHBs across a variety of health areas to support future work in this area and contribute to reducing the rising rates of obesity For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Kids go wild in the outdoors 19 June 2014 Families who want to experience the great outdoors this summer can explore the wilderness of 58 acres of woodland in Buxton this summer Oaklands Manor on the edge of Buxton is a place where youngsters will be able to switch off from the electronic world and enjoy a series of events which will teach them how to survive in the bush kindle real fires canoe climb cook and sleep in the great outdoors Oaklands the Outdoor Leadership Centre at the heart of many of the University of Derby Buxton s degree courses is taking part in the first Buxton Family Festival Mums dads and children can tackle its rope courses camp without even having to put up a tent build shelters using sticks and scramble up rocks as part of the Festival which runs from August 1 to 17 Even children as young as one can take part at Oaklands with a Toddler Family Adventure accompanied by experienced guides followed by a feast of marshmallows cooked on an open fire Behind the programme is Mike Gray whose passion for the outdoors is such that he thinks the outdoors should be as much a part of the National Curriculum as the virtual world of computers "I believe that outdoor learning needs to become embedded within our schools just as ICT has in recent years " said Mike who is manager of Oaklands "The outdoor natural world has a huge amount to offer in developing children s health and well-being and can ultimately lead to enhanced learning in the classroom " To book events at Oaklands go to www Oaklands-Manor com Events there during the Festival include: BBQ for Family Camping presented by the University s top chefs: August 1 2 8 9 15 16 from 6 30pm Introduction to Bushcraft: August 2 6 9 13 16 from 9 30am to 12 30pm and 1 30pm to 3 30pm High and Low Rope Activities: August 2 3 5 6 7 9 10 12 13 14 16 17 from 9 30am to 3 30 pm Toddler Adventure: August 2 3 9 10 16 17 from- 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm Family Camping: August 1 2 8 9 15 16 from 4- 5pm to 10pm Family Climbing: August 4 8 11 15 from 9am to 12 30pm and 1 30pm to 5pm Family Canoeing: August 4 8 11 15 from 9am to 12 30pm and 1 30pm to 5pm The Buxton Family Festival also offers events at the Pavilion Gardens Poole s Cavern Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre Buxton Museum the Green Man Gallery Buxton Opera House and the Pavilion Arts Centre For full details see http://www visitbuxton co uk/festivals/buxton-family-festival/

Knowledge Gets Student Off To A Great Start 26 August 2011 A University of Derby Buxton student will be putting what he learned on his Sports Psychology degree into action when he lines up to race in the British Touring Car Championship next season Matt Hamilton age 21 from Hemel Hempstead will drive for TH Motorsport next year and is currently working with the team to ensure their Skoda Octavia is ready for the grid on the car s first outing on the Touring Car circuit Matt completed a Joint Honours BA (Hons) degree in Sports Psychology and Sports Development at the University of Derby Buxton in June 2011 and what he learned during the degree is proving invaluable as he pursues a career in motorsport "Most people study Sport Psychology so they can help sportspeople reach their peak performances " said Matt "but I m putting theory into practice on myself " "Everything I ve learned helps me when I race - especially as motorsport is such a mental sport Once you re in the car your mind is in complete control of how the race goes so mental preparation is key "Driving fast and winning races is all down to confidence You need to be able to learn from past experiences but not to let bad performances haunt you " Matt began racing karts at eight years old and has been racing cars since he was 16 before most people even learn to drive Throughout his studies Matt continued to pursue the sport and even competing in the 2010 British Touring Car Championship season for TH Motorsport alongside studying towards his degree Since completing his degree in June 2011 Matt has been working with the team to prepare the Skoda Octavia for testing this winter and they hope to be ready to race in the 2012 season Matt added: "I also love the development side of racing and it s been great to be involved with a programme from the test work right through to getting the car ready " John Pates lecturer in Sports Psychology at the University of Derby Buxton said: "We re all really pleased for Matt and wish him the best of luck for his future in motorsport This proves the variety of pursuits that sport psychology can be applied to and the different roads that a degree can take you down " Matt will formally graduate from his degree at the University of Derby Buxton s Awards ceremony on Saturday December 3 2011

Laboratory Technician Picks Up University Award 16 November 2012 A University of Derby student who works as a Laboratory Technician at Aggregate Industries has scooped a top University prize for a report he wrote following a visit to Rockwool Insulation factory in South Wales Ken Bird who s studying for a Diploma in Asphalt Technology received his Industrial Study Tour Award after spending a week with fellow students visiting a number of quarrying and processing sites plant manufacturing and engineering sites in the West Country Part of the tour involved a visit to the Rockwool Insulation factory where they were shown how rock is turned into a material which can be used for both thermal and acoustic insulation and is fire resistant Tutors at University of Derby Corporate (UDC) the University s corporate training and development division judged Ken s report to be the most comprehensive with respect to describing Rockwool its products and production techniques Andrew Hartley Managing Director for UDC added: "We incorporate an element of real world learning such as the annual study tour into many of the Asphalt Quarry and Concrete programmes offered by UDC By doing this our students have a fantastic opportunity to broaden their understanding and gain valuable experience and knowledge of the industries within which they work " UDC offers qualifications in the Asphalt Quarry and Concrete industries which have been developed in partnership with sector leading organisations and bodies such as the Institute of Quarrying the Institute of Asphalt Technology and the Concrete Society UDC is currently accepting applications for new entrants onto its Diploma programmes in Quarrying Asphalt or Road Surface Technology the Certificate in Quarry or Asphalt Studies and the University Certificate in Concrete Technology For further information on the Asphalt Quarrying Surfacing and Concrete qualification courses on offer at the University of Derby Corporate visit www derby ac uk/asphalt or call 0800 678 3311

Landmark For Multi-Million Pound University Makeover 19 November 2008 It was one down and hundreds to go as the first of 1 650 glazed panels were slotted into place as part of a £13 5m makeover of the three towers at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road site In July (2008) the University announced that the Derby site’s North South and East Towers would be transformed with the installation of modern glazed panels which would also substantially improve their energy efficiency The project is due to be completed in January 2010 The first of the panels was installed on the North Tower today (Wednesday 19 November) The glazed panels will eventually cover 7 940 square metres Senior staff from the University of Derby and from project contractors Opl were on site to mark the milestone in the works The first panel was inscribed with both organisations’ logos and the words: ‘University of Derby £13 5m Towers’ Project First Panel 19 November 2008 A period of drilling over the summer positioned brackets along the outer face of the North and East Towers to hold the glazed panel units in place This was carried out with minimal disruption by contractor Opl The glazed units are being manufactured off site by building facades expert Parry Bowen of Staffordshire and brought to Kedleston Road for installation also to reduce disruption University Pro Vice-Chancellor and Finance Director Hari Punchihewa and Director of Estates Ian Willgoose are steering the project for the University Mr Punchihewa said: “This scheme involves a major investment by the University and I am delighted to say that we have raised the first panel onto the North Tower right on schedule ” The project will improve the towers’ energy efficiency reduce the University’s overall carbon footprint and create a contemporary design that matches its modern visual identity Mr Willgoose added: “These towers will look dramatically better once they are completed We are very pleased with the progress of the works so far and the sensitive way they have been handled with minimal disruption to nearby residents students and staff ” Attending today’s event was Kathleen Hartropp She was on the Administrative staff between 1951 and 1984 at the college that in 1992 became the University of Derby and has lived within sight of the Kedleston Road site for 41 years taking an active interest in its development Miss Hartropp of Allestree said: “I moved to work at the Kedleston Road site in 1959 when the North Tower had just opened I will be interested to see how the towers will look after they’ve been refurbished ” It is anticipated that all the glazing panels will be on the outer surface of the North Tower by summer 2009 and on the East Tower by Autumn 2009 Following another short period of drilling next summer panels will be put on the South Tower This work will be completed in January 2010 Andrew Russell Managing Director of Opl Group added: “We are proud of our continuing association with the University of Derby helping it improve the visual amenity and environmental performance of the landmark towers at the Kedleston Road site ” Residents and University staff and students are being kept informed on the works progress through regular newsletters and our Building a Better University website at www derby ac uk/better-uni

Largest Donation Of PCs For Africa 9 March 2007 A container load of PCs donated by the University of Derby has set sail today from Felixstowe embarking on an 18 day voyage to the port of Tema in Ghana This is the third container of computing equipment the University has sent to the African charity Data Link and it s the largest so far Earlier in the week the heavy job of loading the container at the University’s Mickleover site was undertaken by staff from Learning and Information Services the Grounds Team and the Students’ Union Rugby Team This particular shipment contains around 450 complete PCs some printers and other IT kit as well as some chairs So far the University has donated in the region of 1 500 computers to the charity Data Link The University of Derby’s Learning and Information Services has donated additional money to support the venture The University s Energy and Environment Manager Jo Hasbury said: “These items are no longer of use to the University but they will have a significantly extended life in Africa where they will help educate children and young adults “When it reaches Ghana on or around 26 March the container will be emptied by Data Link and all the kit will be checked by the charity’s in-house hardware team and distributed to rural schools and colleges throughout Ghana “Data Link has trained over 1 million Ghanaians to become IT literate so far and it has even become accredited as a university “The IT equipment will also be used to facilitate training and development at the main offices of the charity and in all cases the charity provides a full support service to ensure kit is maintained and updated ” Jo’s determined efforts have helped Derby become Data Link’s biggest UK donator of used software and many Ghanian schools have computer suites named after the University Data Link Executive Director Ernest Ansar said: “We sincerely thank Jo Hasbury and the University as a whole for supporting us with hundreds of computers books and sports-wear in educating students in Ghana Your support has also led us to the building of a girls’ dormitory and assembly hall for some of the schools in Ghana Thanks a lot ” Jo Hasbury visited Ghana in 2005 to see for herself the contributions the University has made on the ground -endsFor further press information call: Simon Butt Press and PR Officer at the University of Derby on 01332 591891 or email s butt@derby ac uk

Launch Of Teacher Research Associates Network 6 April 2011 Teachers from across the East Midlands and education researchers from the University of Derby have launched an exciting new forum to share their interests in the classroom and education more widely The Teacher Research Associates Network was officially launched at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site last night - Tuesday April 5 Professor Dennis Hayes Head of the Centre for Educational Research set up the network after teachers heads and local authority advisors expressed a real desire to share and develop knowledge across the education sector The launch was attended by teachers and head teachers from local schools One of the delegates teacher Susan Tarrant from Ashby CE Primary School in Ashby de la Zouch has been working with a team from the University of Derby led by Dr Des Hewitt Assistant Head of Teacher Education (Primary Education) English co-ordinator They have worked together to develop and research the use of Skype for video conferencing between schools in this country and abroad Both Dennis and Des are also National Teaching Fellows Susan Tarrant is very enthusiastic about the opportunities to explore new innovations in the classroom and at a recent focus group she expressed her motivation for research in education Following the launch of the new network Susan said: "It was really good to meet the others The one thing that stood out for me was the enthusiasm and creativity of the group - definitely something to be harnessed!" At Tuesday night s event held in B-Block Professor Hayes reinforced Derby s commitment to research and working with schools and colleges in ways which are meaningful for hard-working teachers He said: "We would really like to help educational professionals to help make contacts with other people who have similar interests in education "We aim to work with education professionals in a range of ways which are responsive to their needs At a time of great change in education we emphasize the need to work together to investigate learning and education more generally Investigating practice through the latest research with colleagues in schools and a range of educational settings will provide a way forward "However large or small formal or informal we aim to support potential research This is a network for teachers and educational professionals " Teacher Research Associates will be able to join forces with others through participation in research clusters and projects and by attending our annual associates meeting They will be able to make a contribution to the future strategic development of the Centre and its research activities As a Teacher Research Associate you will be kept up to date with new developments in the research centre -endsFor more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Law Lecturers’ 100 Years To Be Celebrated By Four Decades Of Graduates 6 April 2009 Three lecturers will mark more than 100 years of legal teaching in Derby with a party for former students – including twin sisters who became the University’s 1 000th and 1 001st LL B law graduates Larry Mead Tony O’Neill and Tony Wragg began teaching at the University of Derby in the 1970s when it was still a Derby college The two Tonys started work on the same day – September 1 1974 – and Larry in September 1978 Tony Wragg had been a solicitor Larry had just qualified as a barrister and Tony O’Neill had previously taught Law at the Guildford College of Art and Technology Students from four decades taught by the trio will attend a party to celebrate their combined 100 years (and counting) of teaching Among them will be identical twins Emma and Kelly Shooter 25 who in January (2009) became respectively the University’s 1 000th and 1 001st LL B law graduates The Hundreds and Thousands Party will be held on Friday 15 May from 6 30pm until late at the Academy Bar at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road site The event is free to current and past law students and lecturers Tony O’ Neill Programme Leader for the LL B and LL B with Criminology degree courses at the University said: “One of my proudest moments here was when I saw our first group of LL B law students graduate in 1995 only a few years after we’d become a University ” In between lecturing he has found the time to complete 35 marathons Tony Wragg – made University Principal Tutor in Law in 2005 for his “outstanding contribution to teaching” – was Chair of Derby Law Centre for three years and is now Chair of its successor the Citizens Advice and Law Centre University staff and students work there offering free legal advice He added: “I’m very proud of the fact that we will be going back to the House of Lords this year for the annual Attorney General’s Pro Bono Awards (which recognise law schools’ contribution to the community through ‘pro bono’ or free work) – the second time we’ve been nominated ” Larry Mead Senior Lecturer in the University’s School of Law teaches Company Law and Evidence and Contract Law which he has published books on “I will always remember the students that battled on with very poor health also the emotion of graduates and their families at the Awards Ceremonies; particularly when you discover things about the students that you had no idea about ” said Larry -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Law Tutor's 'Light-Hearted' Approach Wins Serious National Award 20 May 2013 A University of Derby tutor has been named Law Lecturer of the Year Senior Law Lecturer David Hodgkinson received the honour at the tenth annual LawCareers Net Training & Recruitment Awards - run by influential legal profession website LawCareers Net - held at London s Design Museum David who joined the University of Derby in December 2007 was one of only six award finalists chosen from the 254 lecturers originally nominated by their students Student comments about David praised his legal knowledge and teaching style also adding: "He is well organised and the lectures he gives are always a pleasure to attend He is a funny man with a strict nononsense attitude to bad behaviour but encourages excellence at the same time " David believes the skills he once employed doing occasional stand-up comedy gigs had proved useful in keeping students engaged in their studies Commenting on his win at Thursday night s award finals (May 16) he said: "I am very proud to win and I must say that I am very grateful to the students at the University of Derby and to my colleagues It is a team effort and I feel wonderful in being able to bring this home for us all " Kevin Bampton Head of the School of Law and Criminology at the University added: "I would like to congratulate David on being named LawCareers Net s Law Lecturer of the Year "After helping so many students to success it is great that his qualities have been recognised nationally Even better that he is also one of Derby s former students "David s commitment to student achievement and collegiate support exemplifies what is best about our School His combination of inventive teaching with a personal touch challenges and delights students " The Derby tutor s other recent successes include steering two LL B Skills degree module students to success in a 2012 national contest to test their courtroom skills In March this year David helped two other degree students to Third Place in the finals of the 2013 Client Interviewing Competition for England and Wales For more information about the University of Derby's School of Law and Criminology see web link www derby ac uk/law For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Leading sport biomechanics expert to give public lecture at Buxton 26 March 2014 An international expert in sports biomechanics who is currently involved in studies backed by a budget of four million euros from the European Union is to give a public lecture at the University of Derby Buxton Dr Giannis Giakas an Assistant Professor at the University of Thessaly and the Biomechanics and Interdisciplinary Lab Director of the Centre of Research and Technology-Hellas in Greece will describe his latest research into the effects of localised muscle damage and its impact upon running performance at varying speeds His findings provide new insights into how the mechanics of running at different speeds are adapted to compensate for the impaired function of the knee musculature following muscle damage Giannis received his BSc in 1993 in Sports Science from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and his PhD in Biomechanics from Manchester Metropolitan University He lectured at Staffordshire University before taking a Research Fellowship at the University of Manchester s Medical School where he worked on stroke rehabilitation and a Research Fellowship at the University of Ioannina s Medical School in Greece studying knee ligament rehabilitation Giannis has been elected to the Council of the International Society of Biomechanics An active researcher he is currently engaging in 12 large-scale European funded projects attracting a total of more than €4M and has published more than 60 international peer reviewed papers and two international book chapters "The quality and contribution Dr Giakas has made to his field is best represented when one considers that this work has been cited in well over 1 100 peer reviewed articles " said Buxton Lecturer Minas Mina He is also an active referee for a number of high-profile biomechanical journals such as the Journal of Biomechanics Clinical Biomechanics and Gait and Posture The free lecture is at the Dome on Devonshire Road at 6pm on April 3 For more press information contact John Phillips on j phillips@derby ac uk

Leading UK manufacturer turns to University's student engineers 20 June 2014 A major supplier to the construction industry is one of the first organisations to offer work placements for trainee engineers at the University of Derby as part of a new Masters degree John Brash Ltd a leading UK manufacturer of timber products for the construction industry will take on a student to be tasked with helping reduce the company s heating bills to make it greener The University is responding to a reported skills gap in vital engineering skills in the UK and has launched the (MSc) in Innovative Engineering Solutions course beginning in September 2014 It is working with a number of employers to offer three-month placements to students giving them the opportunity to be at the heart of the development of the engineers of the future whilst students gain a free postgraduate education The project is aimed at attracting students already working in the industry as well as those already studying engineering at undergraduate level It also aims to help those from under-represented backgrounds in the industry (including women) to enter engineering Brian Lancaster Production Director at John Brash Ltd said: "We are excited by this opportunity to work with an engineering Masters student We have already defined a project for them; to maximise the utilisation of our waste products to reduce our heating bills carbon emissions and improve our green credentials " Angela Dean Head of School of Engineering and Technology added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the University and employers to work together to develop workforce engineering skills through postgraduate study "Employers are influencing the development of an innovative programme of study and developing a training programme that suits the needs of their organisation focusing on specific projects and commissioning bespoke research They are reaping the benefits of being involved in the recruitment and selection of a potential new member of staff " The MSc programme covers ten different pathways in engineering including civil electronic materials manufacturing and mechanical The Aspin Group Stored Energy Technology Limited CoMech Metrology Ltd System Q the QSS Group and Pentaxia have also signed up to the programme Following the three-month placement students continue working on a bespoke research project where they have access to the latest advanced manufacturing research and testing equipment at the University of Derby s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) The University of Derby s programme was born out of the Higher Education Funding Council for England s (HEFCE) national £25million Postgraduate Support Scheme (PSS) Derby was one of more than 40 UK universities to share in the fund It aims to support 20 pilot projects - run jointly by universities and businesses - helping more than 2 800 first degree students into postgraduate education particularly those usually less likely to progress to this level Also available as part of the project is the part time work-based MSc Professional Engineering degree course Developed with the Engineering Council as part of the Engineering Gateway Programme it is ideal for employers looking to support the development of their current employees It is studied part time through online distance learning enabling students to acquire professional competences and gain an MSc award without the need to take time off work The programme should improve employee attraction and retention through offering credible and reputable staff development opportunities and create a talent pool of Chartered Engineers - improving business capacity to bid for larger projects Employers wanting to find out more and take on their own placement student as part of this project should contact the University on 01332 592715 or email PSSEng@derby ac uk For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Leading Writer To Visit University 30 November 2007 One of the most exciting literary talents of our time is set to visit the University of Derby to inspire some of our young writers Diran Adebayo is a member of the National Council of the Arts Council of England and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature He is coming to the University’s Kedleston Road site on Monday December 3 for a workshop with students He will be taking part in a session with BA (Hons) English students Diran has written stories for BBC TV and radio has been a columnist for New Nation newspaper and broadcasts and writes frequently on social and cultural issues for outlets ranging from The Culture Show to the Guardian The event has been made possible by Dr Monica Germanà Lecturer in English Literature who is based within the School of Humanities Dr Germanà is a module leader and tutor at Derby in Black British Writing She said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Diran to the University As one of the most exciting voices in the contemporary British literary scene he will certainly inspire our students ” Diran said: “It’s great to be invited to Derby Black and Asian writing has been one of the main stories in British literature these past few years and these are tales we all need to know about to deepen the national conversation Youth cultures and language have been a key influence for me so hopefully I can inspire some other Young Turks to join the game!” Diran’s first novel the acclaimed Some Kind of Black a 90s’ coming of age story broke new ground for the London novel was longlisted for the Booker Prize and won him the Saga Prize a Betty Trask Award the Authors’ Club’s ‘Best First Novel’ Award and the Writers Guild’s New Writer of the Year for 1996 His second novel My Once Upon A Time which he s described as ‘neo-noir’ meets Pilgrim’s Progress received more rave reviews It was been called ‘an exhilarating magical fairytale for our times’ and a novel that ‘turns the private eye genre on its head’ He is currently writing his third novel The Ballad of Dizzy and Miss P -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

Lecturers' 'Criminal Act' Onscreen Challenges Student Detectives 9 November 2012 Crime dramas such as The Killing are rarely off our TV screens and now University Law lecturers have staged their own criminal acts to create a gritty murder mystery film for students Film-makers at the University of Derby shot their short crime film about a woman s fictional murder complete with multiple angles to represent different witness and suspect viewpoints - as a novel way of introducing more than 80 Applied Criminology degree first-year students to the craft of detection Over two days teams of students were shown the film featuring scenes acted out by School of Law and Criminology lecturers Mick King Angie Neville Sam King and Dr David Walsh The investigators were then sent to gather evidence at the crime scene in reality the 58-acre site of the University s new Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre in Buxton Working from the basic knowledge of an unknown woman taken to hospital suffering from knife wounds students had to identify her gather evidence at the scene identify potential suspects and interview them and then present a case for prosecution Mick King a Law Lecturer with 30 years experience as a serving police officer said: "This two-day exercise gives our students an idea from their first term of the challenges they might one day face as real investigators For example our outdoor crime scene was hit by torrential rain on the first afternoon which is the kind of thing that can really destroy vital evidence such as blood spatter "I was very pleased with the way the students dealt with this going on during the second day to work in teams and come up with up what real investigators call a hypothesis of what has happened and who may have committed a serious crime "We used the approach of having a video film with multiple viewpoints shot very realistically by University cameraman Matt Howcroft to better engage the students and enable them to picture the scene I don t think myself or any of the other lecturers will be auditioning for TV roles anytime soon but the finished product looks terrific " Mick and his lecturer colleagues are keeping tight-lipped about whodunit as the completed film will also be used for future students Kym Chapman a first-year student on the BSc (Hons) Applied Criminology degree course took part in the investigation exercise She added: "The experience gave me a real insight into the depth of work required to solve this type of crime and has helped me gain more insight into my chosen career path " The winning investigative team received a prize Have a look at the one minute trailer for the University of Derby film A Murdered Woman

Lecturer's Eerie Film Attracts Horror Movie Man's Help 23 July 2009 A disturbing short film shot at the University of Derby - and set to be shown internationally - has enlisted the aid of one of the people behind a hit British horror movie Kelly Holmes University Lecturer in Film and Media is currently working on short film Dolls a fantastical depiction of the strange relationship between a woman who lives in a Victorian dolls house and is treated like an oversized porcelain doll by her dwarf brother Dolls Director of Photography (DoP) - the person who manages camera and lighting crews to achieve a film s unique look - is Gavin Struthers He was also DoP on 2008 horror cinema hit Outpost which mixed modern mercenaries zombie Nazis and quantum physics It delivered "smart shocks and stylistic flourishes" according to influential industry magazine Empire and a sequel is planned Kelly s short is being shot using a £40 000 industry standard RED digital camera - of the type currently being used to film Hollywood blockbusters - recently bought by the University s Creative Exchange centre Stephen Watson Lecturer and Trainer at the Centre is teaching the film s crew to use the camera On completion Dolls is set to be shown at international short film festivals The two minute film stars only two actors Anna Tolputt - who had parts in recent British films Run Fat Boy Run (starring Simon Pegg) and Confetti - and Derby-based actor Dean Whatton who appeared in BBC TV comedy series Little Britain and who is set to feature in the final Harry Potter film Shooting for Dolls involved the building of an elaborate set featuring more than 100 porcelain dolls and a dolls house which the female character lives in in Auditorium Two of the University s Arts Design and Technology building in Markeaton Street Derby Kelly s partner Steve Barker - who directed Outpost - gave her script for Dolls to Gavin who impressed with its quality was keen to get involved She said: "It s great to have an experienced Director of Photography like Gavin onboard and to have access to cutting edge equipment like the University s RED camera for filming "Dolls is filmed in the European fantastique style a mixture of horror and unusual imagery Perhaps the most well known recent example of this genre would be Pan s Labryinth by the director Guillermo Del Toro "The intention is to have Dolls screened at international film fairs with a view to raising interest in my work and attracting funding for a larger project " Gavin added: "I was attracted to the content of Kelly s film which is quite unusual and the opportunity to use the University s RED camera "Filming a rich visual project like Dolls will push the RED camera to its limits This is an important process as these new cameras are becoming more common within the industry " Actor Dean 25 of Derby said: "It s proving an interesting film to work on The use of the dolls and this adult brother and sister who haven t grown up is quite eerie As a short film I think it has real potential " Dolls should be completed later in the year and screened in early 2010 The University is in a unique position to be able to offer RED camera training and consultancy For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Lecturer's eerie film up for £41,000 international festival prize 17 June 2014 A new film by a University of Derby Film and Media lecturer is in the running for a £41 000 prize in an international online festival Kelly Holmes short film Dolls - an eerie borderline incestuous relationship between a young brother and sister set in a doll s house in their Victorian playroom - has been accepted into the Viewster Online Film Festival where internet-based audience members vote for their favourite film The movie s director of photography was Gavin Struthers whose previous credits include Downton Abbey Doctor Who Da Vinci s Demons and the new pirate drama Black Sails It stars Anna Tolputt - who starred in Run Fatboy Run - and Derby actor Dean Whatton who has appeared in the hugely-popular drama series Game of Thrones A panel of judges will award $70 000 (more than £41 000) of prize money to the top film $20 000 (more than £11 500) to the runner-up and $10 000 (almost £6 000) to the third-placed finisher in the rankings Dolls is a four-minute drama that centres on a sibling power struggle between brother George and his prize toy his sister Tabitha The film was shot in the TV studio at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby where a set was constructed to look like a Victorian playroom holding more than 100 porcelain dolls Staff and students from the university helped to create the intricate set and produce the final film Dolls has been showing in international film festivals for the past three months including in the USA UK and Columbia Film director Kelly Senior Lecturer in Film and Media at the University said: "This film has been a long time in the making but I am thrilled it is now getting recognition There are more than 500 films in the running for an award and it has been bouncing around the top 50 since the start of the festival "I just want as many people as possible to vote for this now as it would be such a fantastic achievement to win an award "I have a passion for the weird and creative in genres like horror thriller and fantasy and have been making films as a director producer and other crew roles for over ten years " Last summer Kelly visited Los Angeles to help make films for Hollywood s famous American Film Institute where she worked as an Art Director and Assistant Director in locations such as the Disney Film Ranch and the sets of The Usual Suspects In her role at the University of Derby she teaches students theory and film production Viewster Online Film Festival is part of Viewster a free video streaming website with millions of fans watching international content All content is free and allows the community to discover new international hits discuss and find trends This year s festival has the theme of Relation Status: It s Complicated The film can be viewed here Voting is now open and ends on June 26 For more information visit Facebook For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Lecturer's Talk To Tackle The What And How Of Dr Who 14 November 2013 Only days before Dr Who s secrets come out in a 50th anniversary edition - The Day of the Doctor - a University of Derby doctor will stage his own revealing trip through the character s many lives The Science of Dr Who talk at the University will tackle problems with time travel what intelligent alien life might look like whether a Dr Who-style regeneration might (or might not) work and how we could one day build a real Dalek or K9 The free event - suitable for children over ten-years-old accompanied by an adult - will be held in The Courtroom (Room OL2) at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby from 6pm-7pm on Tuesday November 19 The Day of the Doctor edition will air on Saturday November 23 on BBC One international TV channels and in UK cinemas Dr Ian Turner a confirmed Whoovian and University Assistant Head of Biological and Forensic Sciences will deliver his fun lecture dressed as the current Doctor Matt Smith He is encouraging audience members to also dress as the series characters There will be a Best Costume prize on the night and an alien identification competition (also with prize) for younger audience members Ian said: "As well as being great family entertainment Dr Who is a good vehicle for getting children thinking and talking about science I m sure there are plenty of professional scientists in my field whose interest can be traced back in part to watching their Doctor when young "While the University of Derby can t stretch to a TARDIS for my talk it should be a fun night with some real science sneaked in alongside the entertainment " For information on the School of Science at the University of Derby and its courses see www derby ac uk/science

Legal Expert To Pass Judgement On Harry Potter Wizards' Court 25 November 2013 A High Court of powerful wizards faces a spell of trouble as a top University of Derby academic explores crime and justice in the world of the Harry Potter books Continuing the University s tradition of light-hearted Christmas Law lectures Kevin Bampton - Head of the School of Law and Criminology - has been challenged by students to talk on the bad law practices of the Wizengamot the wizard High Court of law in the Potter children s books by JK Rowling The Law and Criminology Christmas lecture entitled The Ministry of Magic and the Wizengamot in the Wizard World will be a free talk open to the public (although it will not be suitable for Potter fans under the age of 13) It will run from 4pm-6pm on Wednesday December 11 in the Courtroom at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby On a more serious note although this is a free lecture audience members are being asked to bring along store cupboard and canned goods (no fresh foods or anything that might spoil please) for a collection to support charities aiming to feed Derby s homeless this Christmas Kevin a former United Nations constitutional advisor believes the way the fictional Wizengamot practises law and dispenses judgements leaves a lot to be desired He said: "The wizarding world has a sense of darkness about it because it s built on deceit and difference The Ministry of Magic is arbitrary and authoritarian Its punishments are often summary cruel and unusual especially for those who don t fit in with the mainstream "Most magical institutions while presided over by people who seem to be largely benevolent are constantly in danger of falling into the hands of the inept or downright evil Harry Potter s world is one dominated by antiquated customs a public school mentality patriarchy and privilege "Some people would say that in these respects it reflects the worst parts of our own justice and political system " Kevin has worked as a legal professional in many different parts of the world some in which magic is not treated in the tongue-in-check way his lecture will do He added: "In one country magistrates are still advised on how to handle cases of defendants who transform into crocodiles and commit crimes Case law in that country and neighbouring jurisdictions allows for it as a defence to criminal responsibility In other jurisdictions witchcraft is still a serious issue " Media requiring further information about this press release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

LEGO Designer Tells National Radio How Course Helped Land Dream Job 17 February 2014 LEGO designer and University of Derby Product Design graduate Sam Johnson was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live programme for a feature on dream jobs The popular 90 minute weekend programme - which regularly attracts well over a million listeners - runs from 9am on Saturdays on the national BBC station Last Saturday (February 15) presenter the Reverend Richard Coles interviewed Sam a 2011 graduate of Derby s BA (Hons) Product Design course about his work as a Designer for toy building brick company LEGO based in Denmark The interview was for a running feature on dream jobs and doubly apt as The LEGO Movie was released in UK cinemas at the weekend Asked by presenter the Reverend Richard Coles about how he d gained his own dream job Sam said that having known even as a child what he wanted to do he d then written a letter asking LEGO headquarters what training he d need to work for them Sam told the programme: "They sent me a list back of qualifications that a Designer would typically have After I got the letter I just went off on my own I ended up going all the way up to University to study in Product Design all based on this letter I got from them "When I was in University coming towards the end of the course I was trying really hard to get chosen for an (annual) exhibition in London called the New Designers' Exhibition I was lucky enough to get a place and I found out LEGO would be searching for new designers there I sent a ton of emails from my University to all different LEGO addresses and explained that this was my life story They sent a reply back thanking me for my persistence " Meeting a LEGO representative (who would later become his manager) at the New Designers Exhibition Sam was invited to attend a two-day interview at the company s Denmark headquarters; which included having to build a model without instructions or the box to guide him He was later offered a permanent job with LEGO On what advice he d give others pursuing their dream job Sam told the BBC programme: "I would say not to give up even if it sounds a bit silly I wanted to be a LEGO Designer and ended up making it " To listen to Sam s interview on Saturday Live go to the BBC iPlayer website online at www bbc co uk/programmes/b03v9nng - the interview runs from 1:17:15 (one hour 17 minutes and 15 seconds into the programme) until 1:22:26 The programme will be available online until the end of Friday (February 21) To read more about how the University of Derby originally featured Sam s story see www derby ac uk/samjohnson

Let Robot Battle Commence 29 November 2013 Fans of robot battles can see some mini mechanical marvels go head-to-head at the University of Derby In what s become a very popular annual fixture at the University the Derbot Challenge will take place in Auditorium Four at its Markeaton Street site in Derby on Tuesday (December 3) from 5pm to 5 45pm The free event is open to staff and students and members of the public Derbots are independent robot vehicles guided by a built-in mini computer or microcontroller brain rather than a human controller The same microcontrollers are in cars and consumer electronic products and give machines a degree of intelligence Graduates who have taken part in previous challenges are now designing advanced control systems for companies including Jaguar Landrover and JCB Each year Tim Wilmshurst - University Head of Subject for Electronics and Sound and originator of the Derbot design - challenges student teams to create Derbots capable of racing around an obstacle track and performing certain tasks in the shortest possible time This year 36 final year students from the BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering and BSc (Hons) Sound Light and Live Event Technology degree courses - divided into 12 teams - will take part in the competition The international teams include students from the UK Libya Malaysia Brazil South Africa India and Poland as well as part-time students from leading local companies All contestants are drawn from the University s Embedded Systems module Tim said: "It s a fun contest which the students get a lot out of They all have a basic model Derbot but can then add modifications such as light and sound sensors and write their own computer programme "Each robot follows the same track laid out in the auditorium this year seeking and retrieving a lighted object which it must find It must pause at obstacles and deliver the object to one of several finish zones sorting it according to lighting pattern Points are awarded for the machine s speed and accuracy "It s a game but one which also teaches students the technical and team skills they ll need in their future careers " The Derbot Challenge event is free to attend but visitors must email Tim Wilmshurst on t j wilmshurst@derby ac uk ahead of the event to reserve places giving their name and the number of attendees who will be coming in their group For further information about Electrical and Electronic Engineering courses at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/engineering-technology Media requiring further information about this press release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Lib Dems' Deputy Leader Vince Cable Visits University 8 April 2010 Vince Cable - the Liberal Democrat Party s Deputy Leader and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer took part in a question and answer session with students and staff at the University of Derby Mr Cable s visit to the University s main Kedleston Road site on April 7 came the day after it was announced that the General Election would be held on May 6 He was accompanied by Derby City Councillor Lucy Care She is the Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate for the Derby North constituency in which the University s Markeaton Street site sits Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University and his senior team greeted Mr Cable and Councillor Care before giving them a quick tour of the main site They then took part in a question and answer session with students graduates and staff over a coffee in the University s Blends café based in the Students Union building The session included young entrepreneurs who were in the recent finals of the first ever Business Quest and Cygnet Fund competitions organised by the University and Derbyshire businessman Peter Gadsby to encourage new enterprises and business ideas The winners of both contests were announced early last month (March) Also present were Students Union representatives and students and staff with an interest in democracy and politics Among the issues Mr Cable was quizzed on were the minimum wage taxes health care the decriminalisation of cannabis and making the drink drive limit stricter Mr Cable said: "It was a pleasure to visit the University of Derby and talk to students graduates and staff there about the issues that they care about in the run up to the General Election " Professor Coyne added: "We were delighted to welcome a high profile politician such as Vince Cable to the University of Derby and to be able to emphasis the important role that universities will play in building the creative knowledge economy that we need "The University has to remain politically neutral but I m sure that as the General Election race hots up there will be a great deal of interest in what we do here from all political parties " For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Life-changing sports science gives Judo hopeful a fighting chance at Olympics 4 June 2014 One of Europe s rising young judo stars is aiming for a shot at the Olympics thanks to "life-changing" advice from a University of Derby Buxton sports scientist Christos Trikomitis who challenges for the title of European Champion in July and will take part in the upcoming Commonwealth Games says that guidance from University Strength and Conditioning lecturer Minas Mina boosted his competitiveness to world-class level "It s life-changing " said Christos a 17-year-old from Cyprus "If it wasn t for Minas I m sure I wouldn t have qualified for the Commonwealth Games because the scientific support I received from Minas was such a major change in my judo " The scientific support that Minas provided to Christos included biomechanical analyses strength and conditioning programmes and nutrition "If it wasn t for him I wouldn t be where I am today " said Christos who is hoping for top spot in the European Championship in Athens as well as success at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow "I have very high ambitions - I want to qualify for the Olympics maybe not Rio in 2016 but perhaps Tokyo in 2020 and I am aiming for a medal " As former Performance Planner for British Judo and Team Manager at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Professor Nick Draper commented: "Minas work with Christos is highly original and includes training methods that are individualised and utilising the latest and novel training techniques " "This additional training will certainly be helping to give Christos an edge in competition and is an example of the type of support the Department of Sport can offer for elite performers "

Life Through The Lens Captured In Stunning University Exhibition 6 June 2012 Powerful images tackling subjects including disability the armed forces and celebrity form part of a striking photography exhibition by final year students at the University of Derby s 2012 Degree Shows Expo 12 - an exhibition of photos by BA (Hons) Commercial Photography degree students - is currently on at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby until June 12 It is part of Derby s 2012 Degree Shows; the annual free public display of work by visual communications film textiles fashion product design architecture fine art creative expressive therapies and other subjects students at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites In addition after the Degree Shows Expo 12 will move on to form a further exhibition at London s Menier Gallery from June 19 to 23 The Derby exhibition includes work by: Emily Alecock, 21, or g na y of Car s e, who has documented the fe of her brother, Joe A ecock, 16, and h s batt e w th the degenerat ve muscu ar cond t on Duchenne Muscu ar Dystrophy. Luke Holroyd, 21, or g na y of Leeds, who has worked for organ sat ons as d verse as Scope and Burton A b on. He has captured mages of S mon Brown, a former Br t sh so der wounded n Iraq, who w be one of the torchbearers on the 2012 O ymp c torch route. Adam Humphreys, 27, or g na y of W ngton, Derbysh re, who has photographed upcom ng mus c ans and comed ans, nc ud ng Isy Sutt e from Channe 4 comedy Peep Show. Adam has Asperger s Syndrome, a m d form of Aut sm, and rece ved he p dur ng h s course from the Un vers ty s Student Support team. Also helped by Student Support was fellow Expo 12 exhibitor Carla Homerstone 32 of Shepshed near Loughborough She has combined her love of horses and her profession by providing dramatic abstract pictures of horses for the exhibition and also launching a freelance photography career (trading as Carla Jane Photography) which saw her work appear in Horse and Hound magazine Despite her success Carla s degree hasn t been plain sailing with the surprise diagnosis in her first year that she was severely dyslexic Carla said: "I was having trouble with notetaking on the course and having had similar problems throughout my life I decided to get an assessment through Student Support To my surprise I was told I was dyslexic and that I also had problems focusing on text and dyscalculia or number dyslexia "The University provided me with some help including with the notetaking and extra technical equipment to support me and my lecturers were very helpful " Carla has received business funding through the University of Derby s Enterprise Inc fund and is considering enrolling in further study on its Masters degree in Photography course Mark Hall Senior Lecturer for the BA (Hons) Commercial Photography course added: "Our students always produce some excellent images for the Degree Shows and London exhibitions and this year is no exception "It is particularly gratifying to see someone like Carla overcome her personal obstacles to complete her degree and set-up her own business " Media requiring further information should contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Life's a Beach 12 September 2011 Despite our changeable British weather the University welcomed a crowd of beach babes and holiday hunks for a Unido beach party and hog roast in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Support during August Bikinis flowered shirts grass skirts beach balls and blankets meant the party goers put Debenhams holiday window to shame It may have drizzled outside but it was nothing a piece of free crackling and the promise of some pork in a bap couldn t fix The number of people wearing Hawaiian garlands highlighted the generosity of the guests as every single one was purchased (with all proceeds going to the charity) Money Talks gave an energetic performance worthy of any summer festival only taking a break to allow a new young singer Chrissy Mayy to take to the stage and DJ John to mix it up with a few classics And all this raised more than £700 for Macmillan so many thanks to Angela Hall from HR Lynda Cain (LEI) and Gil Clarke (ADT) who organised the fun Jake our photographer the wonderful guests and all those others who donated their time and prizes for the raffle asking nothing in return except the opportunity to wear some seriously bizarre clobber (snorkels were spotted) and have a party If you are still not convinced that a party is for you how about coming along to the next one: The Wam Bam Band In aid of Help for Heroes Saturday 26 November 2011 Staff from around the University also welcomed the Macmillan Coffee Morning Mug as it travelled around the UK during September to raise the profile of the Biggest Coffee Morning in the World Article by Rachael Nicholls

Lights, Camera and Action Experts To Be University Honoraries 19 November 2013 Tim Parnell former Formula 1 driver and Team Manager (photo courtesy of Mick Herring and Derbyshire Life magazine) Achievers involved with Formula 1 s past today s most popular TV series and British cycling s future will be among those honoured at the University of Derby s annual Awards Ceremonies People who ve risen to the heights of their profession will join more than 4 000 students graduating in degree postgraduate and other higher education courses at the University's Derby Awards Ceremonies; at Derby's Assembly Rooms from January 15-17 2014 Every year the University carefully selects a small group of honoraries who have contributed to their field and who have a connection to Derbyshire or the University to be recognised and address that year s graduates The 2014 Honoraries will be: Ian Drake, Chief Executive of British Cycling , who becomes an Honorary Doctor of the Un vers ty - Ian taught at Derbysh re s Freder ck Gent Schoo , estab sh ng a ground-break ng after-schoo cyc ng c ub wh ch ga ned nat ona recogn t on and ntroduced a new generat on to cyc ng. He was a Br t sh Cyc ng consu tant from 1995, o n ng the organ sat on fu -t me n 1998 to dev se and mp ement a p ayground-topod um pathway, ntroduced n 2000. Br t sh cyc sts performance at the Be ng O ymp cs and Para ymp cs test f es to the pathway s success. S nce Ian became Br t sh Cyc ng s Ch ef Execut ve n 2009 the sport s record successes have nc uded 16 go d meda s at London 2012 and two success ve Br t sh w nners of the Tour de France . S nce S r Brad ey W gg ns Tour w n ast year, Br t sh Cyc ng membersh p has grown around 50% and the organ sat on has more than 83,000 members. In 2013 Br t sh Cyc ng was named the Sports Industry Awards Sports Govern ng Body of the Year . Cathy Grindrod, award-winning writer and the first Derbyshire Poet Laureate, becomes an Honorary Master of Letters - Cathy was the f rst Derbysh re Poet Laureate and has ved n the county s nce 1998. She s an award-w nn ng wr ter w th f ve pub shed co ect ons. More G ass Than Wa , the orator o for wh ch she wrote the bretto n co aborat on w th composer James Redwood, was short sted for a BBC Rad o 3 Composer of the Year Award . Cathy s a free ance tutor, consu tant and pro ect co-ord nator n wr ter deve opment; spec a s ng n mprov ng menta hea th through wr t ng. Her current work nc udes fac tat ng the wr t ng of a Derby carers book, wr t ng pro ects n two Derbysh re pr sons and work ng w th teenagers n Nott ngham C ty schoo s. Roger Taylor, Photographic Historian, becomes an Honorary Doctor of F ne Art - Author of numerous books, exh b t ons, and web databases, Roger s known nternat ona y as a h stor an of m d-19th century Br t sh photography. For a most 60 years photography has been the centre of h s work ng fe; as a pract t oner, teacher, curator and academ c. H s career began as apprent ce to a ead ng Manchester commerc a and ndustr a photographer, chang ng d rect on after a fu -t me course (1965-7) at Derby Co ege of Art ( ater to become part of the Un vers ty of Derby). After 18 years teach ng at Sheff e d Po ytechn c, Roger was appo nted the National Museum of Photography s Sen or Curator of Photography. From 1995 he entered h s career s most product ve phase, as an ndependent curator creat ng exh b t ons for ead ng Amer can museums. Kate Oates, TV Producer, becomes an Honorary Master of the Un vers ty - Kate grew up n Derby and attended Ockbrook Schoo . After graduat on she worked as Germa ne Greer s research ass stant. A co d ca etter to the Ed tor of BBC Rad o 4 s ong-runn ng ser es The Archers saw Kate spend seven years work ng on the programme, r s ng to Producer. Mov ng to te ev s on she became Emmerda e Story Ed tor, then Ass stant Producer on Coronat on Street before return ng to Emmerda e as Ser es Producer. It recent y won Ins de Soap Awards Best Soap acco ade. Tim Parnell, former Formula 1 driver and Team Manager, becomes an Honorary Master of the Un vers ty - Reg na d T m Parne s a former rac ng dr ver from Derby. H s f rst off c a race was at Le cestersh re s Ma ory Park c rcu t n 1957. He went on to w n the 1958 Un ted States A r Force Trophy at Silverstone , compete n h s f rst Formu a 1 race n 1959, and dur ng 1959-60 raced n the Br t sh, Austr an and Ita an Grands Pr x. From 1966 to 1975 he was Team Manager and Works Manager for British Racing Motors Formu a 1 team. A so n 1966 he he ped found, a ongs de Bern e Ecc estone, the Formu a 1 Organ sat on. In 1977 T m became C rcu t D rector of Ma ory Park and Chesh re s Oulton Park rac ng c rcu ts. He has a so served on the safety comm ttee of the RAC Motorsport Safety Comm ss on. T m s father was Reg Parne , a so a we -known rac ng dr ver and a Team Manager for Aston Mart n. The five honoraries will receive their accolades over the three days of Derby Awards Ceremonies An extra day has been added to the event s usual two to accommodate the increased numbers of students graduating from the University s Faculties of Arts Design and Technology; Business Computing and Law; and Education Health and Sciences A separate Awards ceremony was held for the University of Derby Buxton s graduates on November 16 Liz Fothergill - Chief Executive of Derby-based Pennine Healthcare and former Vice-Chair of the University s Governing Council - received an Honorary Doctorate at that event Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "Graduation ceremonies are the highlight of our year I am very much looking forward to seeing these exceptional people receive their Honorary Awards alongside our hardworking graduates "Beyond their individual professional successes our honorands are people with a connection to our county who have advanced and improved their chosen field in a manner which has benefited the wider community " For further information about the University of Derby s Awards Ceremonies see website www derby ac uk/graduation For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Limited Places On Offer As Derby Announces Record Applications 17 August 2011 Some places were available at the University of Derby on A-level results day - despite record undergraduate student applications In a year of unprecedented demand with thousands of prospective students nationally seeking a full time university place for September just 150 of 3 395 student places were still available at Derby on Thursday Derby has taken a record number of applications - a 23% increase on the previous year - and sits top of its UCAS benchmark group With the UCAS national hotline opening at 7 00am on Thursday Derby s clearing hotline opened at the same time so staff can offer support and advice as soon as applicants have spoken to UCAS on their individual position Derby has focused its available places on course opportunities in science and technology - an area the Government is keen to promote to students to develop vital skills There are places in Engineering Motor Sport Interactive Media Sound and Live Events Technology Zoology Biology Forensic Science and Geology In addition there are a few places in Law and the following opportunities at our Buxton Campus: Hotel Spa Tourism and Events Management University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "We have been able to confirm the majority of places for our applicants who achieved the required entry grades therefore places are in exceptionally short supply this year This looks set to be our best qualified intake ever "We have made available a few opportunities for well-qualified applicants to begin their academic studies with us in September "In a year of unprecedented demand for places nationally Derby is only able to offer opportunities in a limited range of subject areas " The University s Registrar June Hughes added: "There is huge interest among prospective students across the country trying to secure university places We expect to be extremely busy offering advice to prospective students about their options if we have not been able to offer them a place " Key messages are for prospective students not to panic check their status on UCAS Track and also take advice from their school or college about what options are best for them It will be vital this year to react quickly Lines open at the University's Kedleston Road site on Thursday 18 August from 7 00am-7 00pm with admissions tutors available to discuss eligibility for the places on offer and to give advice on the options available to prospective students -endsFor more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Little Black Dress Design Set To Make Big Impact At Clothes Show Live 3 December 2013 A challenge to design the perfect party outfit in which to attend Clothes Show Live s 25th birthday bash has been answered with style by a University of Derby student Joanne Street s dress design was one of a handful shortlisted - from hundreds of original entries - for the Young Designer of the Year category for the prestigious fashion event s quarter-century celebrations Clothes Show Live runs from December 6-10 at Birmingham s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) The work of the Derby second-year BA (Hons) in Fashion Studies student and that of nine other finalists will be modelled on the catwalk on the Show s final day before an audience of senior fashion industry people and celebrities The winning fashion designer will receive £1 000 prize money themselves and a week s work experience with a top British designer and win a further £1 000 for their college or university Joanne s idea was to create a modern twist on the stylish party standby the little black dress with an exaggerated turtleneck and a laser cut fabric inspired by a stained glass pattern seen in a Gothic church She also incorporated the Clothes Show Live logo and the 25th anniversary theme into the dress design Joanne 19 originally from Codsall Staffordshire said: "The Gothic elements of my little black dress came from another project I was doing on church architecture I wanted it to be elegant but a little bit different "I can t wait to see what it will look like when it s modelled on the catwalk at Clothes Show Live " In her first year on the Derby Fashion Studies course Joanne won an Asda Graduate Fashion Week prize for her men s T-shirt design Fiona Hawthorne Senior Lecturer in Fashion Studies added: "To be shortlisted for two highly competitive student fashion competitions in a row is very impressive Joanne s drive is something we encourage here at Derby and I look forward to seeing her dress on the runway at Clothes Show Live on Tuesday December 10 " For further information about the University of Derby s Fashion and Textile courses see website www derby ac uk/arts Media requiring further information about this press release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Local Artists Work On Show At Royal Derby Hospital Exhibition 13 March 2013 Talented artists based in Banks Mill Studios in Derby part of the University of Derby s incubation units have launched EVOLVE a special collection of artwork on public display at the Royal Derby Hospital The work being showcased by the 12 artists forms part of the Hospital s on-going Air Arts Exhibition which changes every six months and will be exhibited throughout this spring and summer Visitors interested in purchasing some of the work on display will have the opportunity to as for the first time the artists exhibiting will be opening a shop from one of the empty units at the entrance to the Kings Treatment Centre (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am - 3pm) Beautiful handcrafted items including jewellery fine arts ceramics cards and up-cycled garments and bags will be on sale in the shop with 20% of the proceeds from each sale being donated to the Derby Hospitals Charity Laura Williams Incubation Manager at Banks Mills said: "A number of our artists have relatively new businesses so we always encourage them to get involved with projects like this This one provides a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their work to a wider audience and the shop will also enable them to test the public appetite for their work as for many this will be the first time they ve sold their products from an official outlet "Everyone involved is really excited to be part of the Air Arts Exhibition and staff patients and visitors to the hospital are in for a real treat " Banks Mill Studios prides itself on being the Creative Heart of Derby and offers studios business support and development services to a diverse range of designer makers including fine artists photographers ceramicists jewellers and illustrators Work on display will include: • Woven Wire by Helen Meakin is a collection of hand woven wall hangings using a wire warp Helen threads through beads sequins and a variety of weft yarns to produce interesting colour combinations and textural structures • Seed and Bloom by Angelika Dennis is a series of images focusing on the various stages of plant development and propagation and is inspired by natural shapes texture colour and cycles • One Step Removed by Martin Hyde is a collection of oil paintings that represent memories feelings and emotion and are influenced by Martin s environment and life • Living and Working in Derby Past and Present by Carol Harries-Wood is a series of small sculptures celebrating the diverse and industrial heritage of Derby and Derbyshire and reflects past and present industries For further information on Banks Mill Studios call 01332 594170 or email banksmill@derby ac uk For further information on Evolve curated by Banks Mill Studios as part of the Royal Derby Hospital s Air Arts Exhibition visit www airarts net

Local Athletes Get Training Boost From Team Derby 1 May 2012 A group of athletes from sprinters to ultra marathon runners have visited the at the University of Derby for body composition scans they hope will give them a better insight into their training and give them the edge over their opponents UK middle distance runner Ellie Stevens marathon runner Sarah Harris superbike rider John Kirkham and five kilometre runner Dean Hardman were amongst ten athletes travelling to the Clinical Skills Suite to undergo bone densitometry and body composition analysis scan using the University s iDXA scanner The iDXA machine (one of only 15 in the UK) offers the latest in body composition measurement tools which assess fat mass in relation to muscle development and can help pinpoint what an athlete needs to focus on in terms of future strength and conditioning training The machine also assesses bone density through the x-ray images it generates In conjunction with these scans the athletes were put through their paces on a running machine by experts from Team Derby Performance for VO2 max and lactate threshold tests to asses their cardiovascular fitness Strength and conditioning and nutritional advice were also offered from Tim Lawrenson Team GB Canoeist and expert from Team Derby Performance - the University s applied commercial arm of sports science Superbike rider for team Samsung/ Honda John Kirkham 27 who is originally from Ockbrook was referred for the performance tests by his personal trainer marathon runner and SKY Gladiators contestant Wai Ling Shin John said: "Fitness is really important in superbikes and I mainly cycle and run to stay fit This was a great opportunity to assess my fitness and body composition and to get an understanding of where I m at now and what I need to work on I m looking forward to coming back in a few weeks time to see how my training has helped " Dean Hardman 31 is hoping to make strides into competitive five kilometre running in the next year and wanted to undergo the scan to see the results of his recent training He said: "It was really reassuring to see the results of the scan to see that I haven t done myself any damage I m going to do some directed strength and conditioning work now to help my performance further " The athletes will be returning after six and eight weeks for a second scan and set of performance tests to see whether their training and nutritional changes have had a positive effect on their conditioning and performance Team Derby Performance aims to help athletes develop their nutrition biomechanics and other aspects of their physical and mental wellbeing to help them improve performance Derby County Football Club first team players have also undergone scans this year through the initiative For more information about iDXA body composition bone density analysis and iDXA clinics at the University email clinical suite@derby ac uk

Local Poets Asked To Take Inspiration From History And Heritage 28 March 2013 Poets of all ages are encouraged to be inspired by history and heritage and put pen to paper for the sixth Buxton Poetry Competition part of the Buxton Festival which is sponsored by the University of Derby Buxton The Open Poetry category accepts entries from poets over the age of 19 the Young People s category is for budding poets aged between 12 and 18 and those under the age of 12 are particularly encouraged to enter the Children s Poetry competition The competition which is organised by Buxton Festival and the University of Derby Buxton has attracted several thousand entries in the past five years from across the UK and other countries including America Australia and Canada Cash prizes totalling £600 should tempt entrants to the Open Category while young people and children have the chance to win book tokens All 15 finalists work will also be displayed between the pillars of the impressive Devonshire Dome at the University of Derby Buxton Campus during Buxton Festival in July and then throughout August 2013 The Open Category will be judged by the acclaimed performance poet Philip Wells also known as The Fire Poet The Young People s and Children s category will be judged by Dr Teresa Barnard Lecturer at the University of Derby and Maria Carnegie the Library Services Manager at the Devonshire Campus Buxton Poetry Competition is not only a great annual event but can really help the poets who enter Yvonne Green a poet who was commended in the competition in 2012 for her poem Welcome to Britain was delighted when following her success in Buxton Poetry Competition her poem was chosen to be included in a national poetry journal Yvonne has also been invited to read at a range of poetry events and Festivals as a result of her successful reading at Buxton Yvonne comments I was delighted that my poem was commended in the 2012 Competition The poem s progress into a print journal and an invitation to run Hendon Library s monthly poetry group were further highlights The 2013 Buxton Poetry Competition The top prize is £300 and the chance to read at the poetry awards at Buxton Festival in July The competition s enthusiastic Patron Lady Jasmine Cavendish daughter of the Duke of Devonshire is looking forward to meeting the finalists and hearing the winners poetry at the Awards event at the Devonshire Campus The deadline for entry is April 8th 2013 Please call Claire Rhodes on 01298 70385 or email claire@buxtonfestival co uk for an entry form to be posted or emailed to you and for further details about the competition

London Based Alumni Urged To Connect At Event 21 February 2013 University of Derby graduates who have been busy pursuing lives and careers in London have been invited to get together with other former students at an evening event in the capital city The University of Derby is hosting its first ever 'Derby in London' event on Tuesday March 19 from 6 30pm at Henry s Café Bar Covent Garden (WC2E 8PS) It is open to anyone who studied at the University at any point in the past and who now lives or works in the city Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer said: "Many of our graduates have gone on to have very successful careers in London and we want them to stay connected with the University and each other This is why we decided to put on this informal social evening "We re looking forward to reconnecting with as many of our former students as possible and hope that many people will join us " Find out more about this event and how to book at www derby ac uk/alumni

London Mayoral Appointment For Derby Professor 23 February 2012 A Derby Professor has been chosen by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to be part of a team to improve the standards of education of London s children and young people Professor Dennis Hayes Head of the Centre for Educational Research at the University of Derby is one of eight members of an Education Inquiry which will explore the critical challenges facing London s primary and secondary schools It is hoped that outcomes of the inquiry will drive up standards the availability of good school places and future investment The appointment was based on Professor Hayes respected position as a National Teaching Fellow Honorary Secretary of the Standing Committee for the Education and Training of Teachers (SCETT) and his place on the editorial board of the Times Higher Education magazine Professor Hayes who lectures on Derby s Education Studies degree said: "In 2004 I founded the education forum of the think tank The Institute of Ideas which comprises a network of teachers and educationalists who have held seminars debates and conferences in London "My part in these events has given me a unique understanding of education in the capital city and what is needed to give every child and young person the knowledge and skills that would constitute a world class education " Professor Hayes will chair a session at its first stakeholder symposium to be held at London s City Hall on Friday (February 25) The seminar for London educational stakeholders will coincide with the launch of the inquiry s first Report and Call for Evidence Invited guests will hear from the chair and panel members about the progress so far and will be able to gauge views and seek evidence on specific areas of focus for the inquiry Professor Hayes added: "I look forward to working with the other members of the panel and the Mayor on this inquiry and generating some tangible solutions to some of the barriers facing London s school children " The Mayor of London Boris Johnson hopes the inquiry will raise important questions for the Government to consider when allocating education funding to the capital He said: "Academic excellence and social confidence should belong to all children regardless of their background "Some schools have cracked the magic formula that brings out the best in every child regardless of their ability and helps them reach their full potential We ve got amazing schools that push some of the most disadvantaged kids into excellent universities and professions whilst others harvest an intake of enthusiastic kids who steadily lose momentum and ambition I want our inquiry to ask some tough questions and help cultivate in all our schools the positive energy discipline and ambition our children deserve " The University of Derby s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "We are delighted that Dennis has been chosen by the Mayor of London to join this inquiry Dennis is a very highly regarded colleague and an original thinker when it comes to addressing educational issues The Mayor will benefit from the passion intellect and insight that Dennis will bring - just as our students and colleagues do in his role " The Panel is chaired by Dr Tony Sewell CEO of Generating Genius and working alongside Professor Hayes will be: Mr Anthony Morrell Little the Head Master of Eton College; Ms Erica Pienaar Executive Head Teacher of Leathersellers Federation of Schools; Mr Greg Martin Executive Head of Durand Academy Ms Joan Deslandes Head Teacher of Kingsford Community School; Ms Laraine Smith OBE Principal and Chief Executive at Uxbridge College; Frankie Sulke Director of Children s Services at London Borough of Lewisham ALDCS; Mr Robert McCulloch-Graham Director of Children s Services London Borough of Barnet ALDCS; Ms Barbara Harrison International Education Consultant For more information on the Enquiry visit website www london gov uk/priorities/young-people For more information on studying Education Studies at Derby visit www derby ac uk/education

Long Service Celebrated At Awards Lunch 11 March 2013 Members of staff who have dedicated 20 30 or even 40 years of service to the University were recognised for their loyalty and commitment at its recent Long Service Awards Three members of academic and support staff from across the University s departments and Faculties have notched up a fantastic 40 years service six members of staff have worked here for 30 years and 22 for 20 years Each was thanked and presented with a certificate by the Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne at a celebratory lunch Head of Research and Clerk to the Governing Council Paul Bridges who has worked at the University for 40 years said: "My time at Derby has spanned the 20 years before University status and the 20 years of subsequent development I feel fiercely proud of the University and the distance it has travelled I am now lucky enough to have lots of memories lots of friends and lots more to do particularly in the critically important area of research!"

The following people were recognised for their long service: 40 Years: Stuart Berry Paul Bridges Elizabeth Taylor 30 Years: Beverley Carter Raymond Murphy Elisabeth Perry Judie Taylor Linda Whieldon Jackie Williamson 20 Years: Susan Booth Kevin Clifton Sally Edwards Shelagh Fletcher Charlotte Gray Sue Gregory Bridget Grindley Andrea Hancox Nansi Ingman Frank Jegede Kim Keely Karen Mace Helen Martin Elaine O Neill Sarah Rawlinson Sally Rimmer Eileen Rooney Surj Shanker Allison Siderov Jane Stanton Julie Stone and Gail Thrippleton

Long-Serving Librarian Set For Quieter Life 10 January 2012 After almost 30 years of ensuring students and staff had access to the right study materials University libraries stalwart Richard Finch has retired As Academic Library Services Manager Richard managed a team of subject librarians and other colleagues He liaised with academic staff to make sure the University libraries contained the most relevant print and online resources to support degree programmes and that staff and students could make the best use of them Richard 61 originally from Hertfordshire worked in libraries at the former Oxford Polytechnic and Brighton Polytechnic before joining Derby in 1982; when the University was called Derby Lonsdale College of Higher Education He said: "At that time the main library was housed in the block where the current row of shops is off the Atrium at the Kedleston Road site That s why the room numbers for The Courtoom and lecture theatre there begin with OL short for Old Library " The library moved in 1993 to the bottom of B Block on the site and then to its current purpose-built building in 1997 Richard added: "I have been here a long time but there are actually three members of library staff who have worked here longer and we ve seen a lot of changes "We ve gone from no personal computers and pretty much all academic resources being in print to loaning out laptops and spending almost as much on electronic information as we do on print " Colleagues in LEI (Learning Enhancement and Innovation) held a leaving party for Richard on December 20 at the Multi-Faith Centre In retirement he is planning to spend more time with his family including his new granddaughter and on voluntary work for the parish where he lives in Repton

Long Sexual Duration Could Be Period Of Male Choice 8 December 2011 The duration of sexual intercourse differs wildly across the animal kingdom Now researchers seeking to understand the evolutionary significance of lengthy copulation duration have found evidence that it could signify a choosy male taking the time to assess the suitability of his female mate Dr Karim Vahed from the University of Derby and colleagues Dr James Gilbert from the University of Cambridge; and Dr Arne Lehmann from Stahnsdorf and Professor Gerlind Lehmann from Humbolt University Berlin Germany; carried out a study into the mating patterns of 54 different species of bush crickets (tettigoniids) recording and comparing a number of factors Male body mass the duration of copulation (measured from the time the male establishes a firm grip on the female until the moment male ejaculate becomes visible) and the total quantity of male ejaculate (spermatophore mass) were established for each of the 54 species and compared for significant patterns The results of the study have been published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology (volume 24 pages 1960-1968) Lead researcher Dr Vahed Programme Leader on the Masters degree (MSc) in Conservation Biology at the University of Derby said: "Animals differ vastly in the nature of their sexual interactions and you see just as much variety between species of bush cricket In the 54 species we investigated we discovered considerable variation between species in copulation duration from eight seconds to 104 minutes for example We wanted to discover the possible causes of this variation and so compared copulation duration to other factors "We discovered that copulation duration was linked to the mass of the spermatophore the male transferred to the female cricket Crickets with long copulation durations were more likely to transfer a large spermatophore " A large spermatophore is costly for the male to produce and limits the potential number of times the male can mate It could be suggested therefore that species which transfer a large spermatophore mass are particularly selective when it comes to finding a female mate "As we found this mass was linked to a long copulation duration it could be reasoned that the duration of sexual activity prior to transfer may play a role in mate assessment It s most likely that the male is assessing the female during this period as they are most in control of the duration of copulation although we cannot rule out the possibility of female mate selection either " The research team also investigated an intriguing aspect of bush crickets sexual interaction - the presence and complexity of structures on male sexual organs know as titillators Titillators are inserted into the female s genital chamber and move rhythmically with contractions of the male Karim said: "On comparing the presence or complexity of titillators to the other variables in our study we found that copulation duration was longer in species with titillators than without This link between long copulation duration large spermatophore mass and the presence of titillators suggests that titillators may either have a role in mate assessment or ensuring the female chooses to accept the male s ejaculate " The study led by Dr Vahed follows on from the team s discovery published in Biology Letters in November 2010 that found the Tuberous Bushcricket (Platycleis affinis) has the largest testes (in relation to body weight) of any male in the animal kingdom weighing in at 14% of the male body mass

‘Lost’ Great War Tank Unearthed In Time For 90th Anniversary Memorial Event 23 November 2007 The grandson of a soldier who fought in one of history’s first major tank battles will see his grandfather’s First World War vehicle - unearthed from a French farmer’s field - take pride of place at a 90th anniversary memorial event Tim Heap 55 a University of Derby lecturer from Winster Derbyshire will this weekend attend the unveiling of a memorial to all the soldiers who died at the Battle of Cambrai northern France in November 1917 in memory of his grandfather Frank Heap; a tank commander in the conflict which saw more than 300 British tanks used to break through the German Hindenburg line The 19-year-old soldier escaped death when his tank was shelled three times killing four of its nine-man crew only because he had stepped outside the Mark IV ‘Deborah’ vehicle to take compass directions One shell landed where he had been sitting a minute before First Lieutenant Heap led the remaining crew which had pushed so far ahead they were now behind German lines back to safety An action for which he later received the Military Cross As astonishing was the accidental discovery of his damaged tank in 2002 buried under a farmer’s field and how the Heap family were made aware of it Tim - a Subject Manager for Travel and Tourism and Sport and Leisure at the University of Derby Buxton - and his family had always known about Grandfather Frank’s wartime experiences and had photos of him by his tank He survived the war and died in the mid-1950s Tim said: "My older brother William Heap works for the Ministry of Defence and happened to get talking to a member of the Royal Tank Regiment who mentioned that this First World War tank had been dug up in France On seeing a picture of it William recognised it and said ‘that’s grandfather’s tank’ " Both William and Tim have since been to France to look at the remains of their grandfather’s tank which has been stored in a barn since it was accidentally discovered and dug up It’s thought English or German troops burying it during the war to use as a bunker actually helped preserve it The vehicle has now been mounted on stone blocks and will be seen by civilians and members of the Royal Tank Regiment attending a series of memorial events this week to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai These will culminate on Sunday (November 25) in a tour of the Cambrai battlefield and the unveiling of a monument to all soldiers in the village of Flesquieres five kilometres south-west of Cambrai Tim feels he will be representing both sides of the conflict of 90 years ago when he and his family attend this weekend’s memorial events as his mother was Austrian His maternal grandfather was even awarded the Iron Cross during the First World War One of the areas he lectures in as part of his work with the University of Derby is Battlefield Tourism and the growing interest in visiting sites significant in the First and Second World Wars But he says actually sitting in a tank operated by his grandfather 90 years ago and in which he almost lost his life brought the subject home to him in a very personal way "It was eerie I realised how close to death he was If he’d sat in his seat one minute longer I wouldn’t even be here today " added Tim Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk For further media information please contact Sean or Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Lottery Funding Boosts Student Sport 31 March 2011 University students in Derby are being urged to give sport another go after the University of Derby secured £176 929 in National Lottery funding from Sport England The funding backed by Sport England s £10 million Active Universities fund will support a Different Degrees project at the University which aims to get more university students playing sport as part of the mass participation legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games University of Derby s Sport Development Manager Ollie Shearer said: "It s incredibly important that our students have every access to sport and we do this by creating opportunities in a variety of activities "The Active Universities Lottery Funding will help us to do more: to extend the number of sports available to our students and increase levels of student participation in sport across Derbyshire We aim to increase participation in the University s Team Derby sports clubs and community clubs launch back-into-sport programmes and extend pay-and-play opportunities " It is hoped that boosting student participation will have a lasting impact on grassroots sport as research shows that students who play sport at university are far more likely to continue participating throughout their lives Sport England s Chief Executive Jennie Price said: "Young adults who are still playing sport when they leave university are likely to stick with it for life so this is a good investment in the future These projects have been chosen because they really listened to what students wanted so we are confident they will succeed in increasing participation " Today s announcement from Sport England was welcomed by the Minister for Sport and the Olympics Hugh Robertson MP and Olympic Gold medalist Amy Williams Hugh Robertson said: "This funding for 41 different sport projects across the country is exactly what our Olympic legacy promise is about - offering more opportunities for people to get involved This will boost university sport and encourage students to continue playing once their studies are over " Amy Williams who won Olympic Gold in the skeleton bob at the 2010 Games only took up her sport while at the University of Bath having been a 400m runner at school She said: "Going to university is a great chance to try out something new and in my case that something new was the skeleton Sport is an amazing way to make friends get fit have fun and pick up skills that could help you get a job when your student days are over " Recognising the strong tradition of competitive sport within universities Active Universities projects will meet the need for more informal and social sporting opportunities The projects were chosen through a competitive process Chair of British Universities and Colleges Sport Ed Smith said: "This represents a great outcome for Higher Education and a fabulous opportunity to increase the depth and breadth of participation by young people whilst they benefit from academic studies and the overall student experience at university The link between sport and life skills is evident from the way employers seek out people who are active in sport and this will be a boost as graduates make their way into the job market " For more information about sport at the University of Derby visit website www teamderby com

Love of Learning Goes On 28 March 2013 LEI is building on the success of its Love Your Library Week to encourage those who attended taster workshops and demonstrations to carry on using library careers and study skills resources and services The annual Love Your Library Week at the Kedleston Road site and Buxton Campus libraries featured a variety of taster sessions Topics included: The Book of Love (C te Them R ght) Matchmak ng (reserv ng books) Dec ar ng your True Intent ons (wr t ng a terature rev ew) L ke us or ove us! (Soc a med a and what t can do for you). There were also demonstrations of University electronic resources including e-books and subject databases In addition sessions from the Career Development Centre were offered to help students prepare for life after their degree The sessions were open to all students and some lecturers recommended that students attend at least one session as part of a study skills or PDP module The Love Your Library Week theme was carried through by holding events during the week of February 11 - 15 which includes Valentine s Day (February 14) Students who attended the sessions found them useful and particularly liked the short informal nature of the sessions with the opportunity to ask questions and participate Comments included: "Now that I know more especially about journals and e-books and understand how to use the various processes I believe my research ability has improved Let s hope I can reflect this in my writing too!" (MA Humanities student) And "I attended the Turnitin session and found it very useful It gave me the confidence to use the electronic facility and the procedure was not as daunting as I thought it might be " (Second-year Creative Writing student) Rene Phillips an MA Humanities student won a prize draw to win a hamper full of Thornton s chocolates held for students who attended three of the week s sessions or more For further information about the libraries the Careers Service and study skills contact your Subject Librarian via web link www derby ac uk/library/subject-librarians) Careers Advisor (www derby ac uk/careers/careersadvice ) or for Study Skills see www derby ac uk/library/study-skills

Low-cost 'helping hand' for Third World amputees created by designer 1 July 2014 A hi-tech artificial hand costing just £200 has been designed by a University of Derby student hoping to help lower arm amputees in the Third Word The Myo low-cost prosthesis is one of a range of new products created by the University s final year students which will be on display at the New Designers 2014 exhibition at London s Business Design Centre from tomorrow (Thursday July 3) until Saturday (July 5) The annual graduate design show features more than 3 000 talented newly-graduated designers from the UK s leading universities Matt Thompson 24 who has just completed a BSc (Hons) Product Design Engineering degree course at Derby designed his Myo hand with developing and Third World countries in mind He said: "Disease and war unfortunately means there s a lot of demand for prosthetic limbs in poorer countries Researching the subject I found out that upper limb prostheses are more complicated and expensive than lower limb ones and also that good ones are beyond the financial reach of most people living in those countries "It cost me about £200 in materials to build the Myo hand It s made of a tough nylon resin called Zytel with non-slip grips for the fingers The fingers are fully articulated and what will really bring the cost of the hand s electronics down is that I replaced the many individual motors for different actions with just two which will work off a rotating disc in the Myo s wrist " The arm would be controlled through the use of electromyography a system used for many artificial limbs Three electrodes will run from the Myo hand to the real upper arm of the amputee who would be taught to control the prosthetic hand using the upper arm s individual muscle movements Matt will be showing models of the Myo at the New Designers Exhibition and will shortly be producing a fully-functioning prototype "I don t think anyone else has managed to create a low-cost artificial hand where effectively one control disc could make all of the hand s fingers move independently I m hoping the Myo can be refined and mass marketed to bring its costs down even further "I believe it could make life a lot easier for many upper limb amputees in poorer parts of the world " added Matt who is originally from Ipswich Having just completed his degree course Matt has already secured a designer role with the 3form Design company based in Andover Hampshire Dan Garner Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Product Design Engineering at the University of Derby said: "The Myo is an amazing and innovative piece of work by Matt with a real chance of making a big social impact It is the kind of ingenuity and enterprise we encourage on the University s Product Design courses " New Designers 2014 is on at London s Business Design Centre until Saturday (July 5) For more on Matt's work see his website at http://www coroflot com/21mtho To learn more about Product Design at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/engineering-technology/product-design For further media information and to arrange interviews please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Magic Of Shakespeare At Stunning Campus 27 October 2005 Experience the magic of one of Shakespeare s best-loved comedies performed in the stunning setting of the Great Dome at the spectacular new campus of the University of Derby Buxton This sensational co-production between the University of Derby and Buxton Opera House is the first of its kind Performed by current and postgraduate students and directed by lecturers Yvonne and Paul Hurt from the University s nationally-renowned Theatre Arts Department A Midsummer Night s Dream is the highlight of a special week of events to celebrate the opening of the campus in Buxton An invigorating mix of contemporary energy and traditional appeal this production of A Midsummer Night s Dream combines innovative costume and set design with the mercurial text and magical story of Shakespeare s original The Dome has been transformed into a unique theatre-in-the-round with comfortable tiered seating for 600 people Over 2 000 tickets for the production sold out weeks ago leading Buxton Opera House to put on an extra matinee this Saturday We have just heard that tickets are still available for this performance so book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment The Saturday matinee performance begins at 2:00pm Tickets cost £10 50 each Please note: There is no on-line booking facility for this event please phone the Buxton Opera House Box Office on 0845 127 2190 ends -----------------------------------------------------For further media information only: For any other information please contact the University of Derby s Press and PR Officer (Buxton) Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or via email at pressoffice@derby ac uk Alternatively write to: University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Major Exhibition Win For Fashion Student 25 October 2012 A University of Derby fashion student is Paris-bound after winning an international trade exhibition s first ever Young Designer competition Aduu Juma Masudi - who completed his Derby Fashion Studies degree course this summer (2012) - was one of five designers who exhibited at the Fast Fashion London trade exhibition held at London Olympia this week (October 23-24) The event attracts major UK buyers and designers such as Arcadia Christopher Kane Monsoon Marks & Spencer and New Look Entrants who had to be 2012 final year students had their work judged by a panel of industry experts including Competition Ambassador and fashion guru Hilary Alexander - key retailers and media Aduu s win means he will receive a trip for two to Paris which includes entry to the Made in France fashion fair (April 10-11 2013) and €500 to go shopping in one of the world s fashion hotspots Aduu 23 from Birmingham said: "It was really scary when the judges were looking at the five collections They were amazed I d made my collection myself as other finalists had had theirs made up by someone else "When I was presenting my collection Hilary Alexander asked about the selling costs of the garments and luckily I had my technical files with me The judges were impressed with this practical approach saying I d come ready to sell " Aduu worked for Ozwald Boateng and All Saints menswear design both in London during his degree course He is currently working for the Emporio Armani store in Birmingham Fiona Hawthorne Senior Lecturer in Fashion Studies at the University of Derby added: "This is a great achievement for Aduu and shows the strength of the course here at Derby It is really important we teach our students the many skills needed for the fashion industry "It was clear from Aduu s presentation that he had produced outfits ready to sell and was clear on the retail value which obviously really impressed the judging panel The collection was a strong concept which he developed during the final year of his degree and included a high level of pattern development and print to really support his theme "It goes without saying how proud we in the Fashion team are of his outstanding achievement " For more information about the University of Derby's Fashion Studies courses go to www derby ac uk/courses/fashion-studies-ba-hons For more information about the Fast Fashion Tour contest see web link www fastfashiontour com/en/young-designer-competition For more on Monsoon visit http://uk monsoon co uk

Making The Peak District A Place To Do Business 13 April 2011 The University of Derby Buxton has joined a group aiming to put the Peak District on the map not just as an attractive tourist destination but as an excellent place to do business The Business Peak District group will be led by a wide range of representatives from the business community and will represent businesses within the Peak District National Park the High Peak Staffordshire Moorlands and Derbyshire Dales The group hopes to: Create and protect obs, Increase nvestment n the area and oca bus nesses Use the spec a env ronment of the nat ona park as a pos t ve too to boost the market ng and success of bus nesses Deve op more apprent cesh p and tra n ng opportun t es to g ve bus nesses the sk ed workforces they need and oca peop e obs Increase the range of bus nesses so the area s economy s not ust dependent on tour sm and agr cu ture L nk w th the tour sm sector to make the most of bus ness opportun t es created by v s tors G ve bus nesses a vo ce w th the s x new Loca Enterpr se Partnersh ps, set up n ne ghbour ng c t es and areas to he p support the reg ona economy. Local businesses are being invited to join an event to find out about the group and its plans at Thornbridge Hall near Great Longstone on Monday May16 Jim Harrison managing director of Thornbridge Brewery has been appointed Chair of the group and is looking to generate interest from a wide range of business people representing all the companies that operate in the national park and surrounding areas He said; "This group will give a voice to every Peak District business no matter what the size "Due to its rural location many Peak District businesses employ less than 10 people but when you add them together that creates a significant amount of jobs and the wages of those staff support local communities "Business people will lead the group and work with local authorities to give businesses a voice in the way the economy is developing So I would urge all businesses no matter how big or small to get involved make their voice heard and help make the Peak District a better place for people to come and do business " The University of Derby Buxton has joined the group to assist with efforts to offer apprenticeships and other skills training to Peak District businesses Dean Dr Peter Dewhurst said: "Skills training is essential for the future success of any business "We believe Business Peak District can play a crucial role in equipping rural businesses with the ability to train their staff and introduce apprenticeships In turn this will ensure that our local businesses have trained staff which will enable them to compete with companies based in bigger towns and cities " Business Peak District will be supported by the Peak District National Park Authority Derbyshire Dales District Council High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council It will work closely with the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce and the Derbyshire Economic Partnership The group will also link in with Visit Peak District and Derbyshire the official tourist board for the area and the University of Derby and other skills training providers Places at the launch event on May16 can be booked by contacting Belinda Wybrow at belinda wybrow@peakdistrict gov uk or by visiting the Business Peak District website at www businesspeakdistrict co uk

Marine Research Seals Student Success 2 May 2012 University of Derby research that has proven the effectiveness of a new method of identifying common seals in the wild has taken home Best Poster at the Mammal Society s Spring Conference The winning research carried out by final year BSc (Hons) Biology degree student Sam Hardman 25 from Leicester was the only undergraduate study to be presented amongst postgraduate research at the conference which was held at the University of Greenwich in March In the first study of its kind Sam spent four days off the coast of Blakeney Point in Norfolk taking photographs of common seals to investigate whether photo identification of patterns of markings on a seal s skin could be an effective alternative to invasive techniques such as flipper tagging He said: "Using the photographs we used the ear and eye as fixed reference points to record the patterns of pigmentation found within a specific rectangular patch of skin We called this a seal s identifier patch "When we compared the pigmentation patterns of seals to each other s we saw significant variability telling us that this method shows promise as an effective means of identification of common seals in the wild " "By recording individual seal s unique identifier patches a database could be produced This database could help conservationists track and record demographics or movement of individual seals and could help in population management " Inspired by the work of his lecturer Dr Nel Beaumont in the same field Sam carried out the research in a desire to pursue a career in marine biology research Sam s hard work has already paid dividends as his win at the Mammal Society Conference led him to be accepted to begin a Masters in Research into grey seals at Durham University this September Dr Nel Beaumont Lecturer in Vertebrate Biology at the University of Derby said: "I have been very impressed by Sam s determination and the initiative he has shown in carrying out this significant research "His Best Poster award reflects the quality of his scientific research and rewards his hard work " Sam added: "I was surprised to win as the other presentations were of postgraduate research but I was delighted I m really looking forward to getting back onto the water and continuing my research into seals " For more information on studying Biology or similar courses at the University of Derby visit website www derby ac uk/biology

Marketing Expertise Highlighted At Awards 28 May 2010 The University of Derby was officially recognised on the national stage last night after being shortlisted for two prestigious marketing awards It was shortlisted for two categories at the 2010 Heist Awards which celebrate the cream of talent in education marketing The categories Derby featured in were: Best PR Campaign and Best Integrated Campaign Hundreds of people from the higher education sector attended the awards event at the Palace Hotel in Manchester last night as double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes MBE DBE presented the awards The overall Gold winners in the Best Integrated Campaign were Leeds City College while Teesside University won the Gold award for the Best PR Campaign The Heist Awards for education marketing have evolved over the last 20 years to become the premier awards programme for marketing in the sector They exist to recognise and celebrate the professionalism and innovation shown from the smallest regional college to global education brands Here are some more details about Derby s two shortlisted awards:

Best Integrated Campaign - January Starts Campaign Project Manager: Felicity Preston Marketing Manager The University of Derby is unique in the fact that it is the only university in the Midlands where you can start over 200 courses in January These courses range from short courses taking weeks or months to complete to full degrees This unique opportunity needed to be marketed in a way that would achieve the main aim of increasing recruitment figures The key messages for the campaign were driven by the current financial climate and aimed to boost recruitment increase web traffic and make advertising more appealing to the reader It achieved a 42 per cent increase in student numbers for the January intake in 2008/09 Felicity said: "Being shortlisted is a great way to showcase that using local media in such a way to promote our courses proved to be a real success and that the region was reaching out to find out more "

Best PR Campaign - University hosting BBC Radio 4 Roadshow Project Manager: Peter Gallimore: Head of Corporate Relations: How do you host a national broadcast radio station effectively when it goes on the road? BBC Radio 4 broadcast programmes from the University s Kedleston Road site on October 15 and 16 last year - its first ever roadshow Derby was the first of only three UK universities along with Cardiff and Bedfordshire to host Radio 4 for its first ever roadshows It was part of Radio 4 s bid to attract younger audiences Regular programmes including Just A Minute The Moral Maze and Woman s Hour were produced from the University during the visit Staff and students were in the audience and some University experts took part in some of the panel sessions The events were fully supported by an interactive social media campaign using Twitter YouTube and other networks Peter Gallimore said: "We were delighted to have been shortlisted for this Heist Award It s a tribute to the ongoing excellent work at the University " For more details about the 2010 Heist awards visit www heistawards co uk or follow them at http://twitter com/heistawards

Mars Mission Talk Marks Anniversary of Astronomical Discovery 8 March 2013 One of the few UK academics involved with NASA's latest robot mission to Mars will talk about the £1 6billion space project at a free public lecture at the University of Derby In a talk arranged by the Institute of Physics Dr John Bridges will speak on Exploring Mars with the Curiosity Rover in Lecture Theatre MS023 at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby at 7pm on Wednesday 13 March The unmanned Rover touched down last August (2012) and Dr Bridges is on the international team analysing the data and images it is sending back At the end of his talk there will also be a short presentation on the University s own astro-project the onsite recreation of a 20foot long telescope first used by celebrated astronomer Sir William Herschel (1738-1822) - who discovered the planet Uranus exactly 232 years before on March 13 1781 The telescope project featured extensively on BBC Two s BBC Stargazing Live series this January and a public engagement programme for its future use by the community and schools and colleges is currently being developed by the University and its partners There will be a chance to view the telescope after Dr Bridges lecture on March 13 His talk will focus on how he became involved with the Curiosity Rover project the analysis of data beaming back from Mars and the search for signs that the Red Planet once had conditions habitable for microbial life Dr Bridges Reader in Planetary Science at the Space Research Centre at the University of Leicester said: "The Mars Science Laboratory is one of the most ambitious ever space missions "Since the Curiosity Rover landed in August 2012 we have already learnt enough from the mission to change our understanding of Mars This is an exciting time for planetary exploration and the University of Leicester has a strong involvement with a wide range of research and instrumentation for the next generation of Solar System missions " Angela Dean is Head of the School of Technology at the University of Derby and was closely involved with the recreation of the Herschel telescope for the BBC Stargazing Live programme She said: "We are very pleased to welcome Dr Bridges to talk about his work with the NASA Rover project His lecture will have particular resonance as it will be taking place on the anniversary of Herschel s discovery of Uranus which his recreated telescope now links the University to " Light refreshments will be served ahead of Dr Bridges talk at 6 30pm The event is free to attend for both Institute of Physics members and the general public but places are limited and must be booked in advance To book a place please contact James Davies at the Institute of Physics - via email: james p davies@physics org - giving your name contact email address and saying the number of places required The Midlands' region of the Institute of Physics has recently been restructured into several regional groups and this will be the inaugural lecture for the newly formed IOP Derby Centre For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Mary Coins Self Portrait 1 June 2010 A penny for your thoughts? Then try 5 500 pennies for your self portrait! That s just what artistic Mary Nugent has done - she has used 5 500 1p coins to create her own portrait and it is all in the name of art The Daily Mail has already picked up on this story Mary 47 from Streatham in London is just one of the students on the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies course which is holding its end of year art exhibition for third year students this week Students studying within the University s Faculty of Education Health and Sciences in the BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies and the MA Art Therapy will exhibit their Degree Show work at the University s Britannia Mill site in Mackworth Road There will be a private view to launch the work on Wednesday June 2 from 6-9pm and the show will be open to the public for the next week On the launch night guests will be greeted by dancers and musicians whose displays all form part of students performances for their degree course in dance drama and music pathways Mary said: "I was interested in exploring the benefits of education versus the cost of education which is why I chose to use penny coins as a symbol of money to form a key component and material of my final project "I do think that from a personal perspective that my degree has been good value - I have developed a lot and got a lot out of the course and am now considering studying Art Therapy at Master s level " In order to obtain the contrast of colour in the coins to produce the portrait Mary separated the shiny coins from those which looked darker in colour and also put some pennies outside on a plastic sheet for several months for the weather to turn them black in colour Students who are taking part in the showcase at Britannia Mill include: BA (Hons) Creat ve Express ve Therap es: (Mus c Pathway) E zabeth Ba and Samue Wade (Dance Pathway): Inkyung Choung and Kather ne W k ns (Drama Pathway): Student names to be conf rmed (Art Pathway): A sha Lou se Ed e; Dan e a Gore; Mar e-Ann Hegarty; V ctor a Mann ng; Reema M stry; Mary Nugent; Kez ah Sm th; Jess ca Stammers, Jem ma Th mb eby and Ho y Thompson. Visit their website: www derby ac uk/CET-degree-show to find out more about their individual profiles and projects And the students in the MA Art Therapy exhibition are: Rebecca Baker; Ericka Cain Ingrid Gill Bethan Knowles; Catherine Lawrence; Anne-Marie March; Elizabeth Joy Pattick; Andrea Southey; Sheena Taggart and Zara Tatem-Wyatt It is the first time that MA Art Therapy students at Derby are exhibiting at the degree shows Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication The overall aim is to enable a client to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe and facilitating environment Art therapy is a diverse profession and it is important to ensure that those who practice it are maintaining the standards upheld by The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) Art Therapists along with Drama and Music Therapists need to train at Masters level and register with the Health Professions Council The University of Derby s annual Degree Shows will be held from June 3 to 12 Final year students from subject areas including fashion fine art computer games modelling and animation film and video crafts music technology product design textiles art therapy architectural design; and sound light and event technology will be exhibiting at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby and elsewhere -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038

Mastering Your Career With A University MBA Course 15 November 2013 People looking for that extra something to further their career are invited to two open evenings about the University of Derby s MBA (Masters in Business Administration) courses MBAs are postgraduate courses which help people from a wide range of backgrounds learn skills such as business management management of business operations decision making and managing people Professionals can use the qualification to move into the business side of their chosen field or as a step to setting-up their own company The University of Derby runs MBAs suitable for people working in education accounting health services sales business human resources and many other areas Courses can be studied full time part time online or on a fast track scheme Two free open evenings where people can learn more about MBA courses run through the University s Faculty of Business Computing and Law (BCL) will be held from 6pm-8pm on Tuesday November 19 and Tuesday December 3 at the Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby Both events will offer information about the different courses and a chance to talk to MBA tutors and also to graduates of the courses who ve used what they ve learnt to further their careers There will also be the opportunity to hear about course fees including easy payment plans and help that may be available Stuart West MBA Programmes Director at the University of Derby will give a presentation on the different MBA courses and how they can help a person s career For more information about the free MBA open evenings and to book online to attend one of the events call the BCL Faculty on 01332 591896 For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Mature Fine Art Graduates Have Designs On City Studio 19 August 2013 Mature artists who ve become firm friends over a six year part-time University of Derby degree course aim to continue the relationship by setting up their own city studio Richard Barwick Janet Fleming Joyce Searles Valerie Bradbury Jean Chapman and Fiona Whitfield all completed their BA (Hons) Fine Art degree course this summer (2013) which they began in 2007 The group - average age mid-60s and all from Derbyshire - come from a wide range of backgrounds but bonded during the course over their shared love of creating and experimenting with art They are now set to stay together as post-degree they are collaborating under the group name Symbiosis and have applied to take up a joint studio at the University of Derby s Banks Mill Studios at 71 Bridge Street in Derby; which chiefly houses fellow artists and creative businesses Richard Barwick 65 of Nether Heage took up the Fine Art degree course after taking early retirement from the entirely different field of engineering in a career which included more than 30 years working at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby under British Rail and then its private successors After a Foundation Course in Art at Mackworth College he spoke to University Lecturer in Art Carl Robinson before joining the Derby degree course Richard said: "I d dabbled in watercolours as a hobby while working so I had an existing interest in art Six years on a part-time course was a big commitment for me but I ve really enjoyed it and learnt a lot "My background in maths and engineering really began to influence my art and then during the degree we did a residential week at Ilam Country Park in Staffordshire where I began to construct geometrical sculptures out of natural materials such as hazel and bamboo " Richard exhibited bamboo sculptures - called Linear Arc 1 and 2 - for his University of Derby final year student Degree Show in June One of the sculptures also appeared in an exhibition by the Derby artists group Morph at The Orangery in Derby Arboretum last month (July) Richard added: "I and the other mature students who ve been on the University s part-time Fine Art degree course for the last six years decided we d like to keep things going by hiring a joint space at the Banks Mill Studios to work in and we are just waiting for one to come free " Fellow graduate and Symbiosis group member Janet Fleming of Matlock joined the Derby course after a career working within the construction industry She said: "Completing the Fine Art degree has been a lifelong ambition Working with the students within this group of mature students has been a very enabling and enjoyable experience " And group member and former schools science teacher Val Bradbury of Derby added: "Doing the BA (Hons) Fine Art course at the University of Derby has been a fantastic experience on lots of different levels "It has enabled us to experiment with our art and pursue our own personal pathways I began as a painter but now make sculptures in pewter As members of Symbiosis we all feel very excited about the next stage in our journey " Carl Robinson Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Fine Art at the University of Derby added: "These students have shown great commitment to the programme and their art through their continued engagement over six years "We realise that at times this can t have been easy for them due to the challenging nature of the programme but the combination of life experience being part of a supportive group and sheer tenacity saw them through and they completed the course by producing marvellous work We re very interested to see what they go on to do with this new venture " For more information about the University s Fine Art courses see website www derby ac uk/arts For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Melvyn Bragg To Deliver Arkwright Lecture 10 March 2005 Distinguished broadcaster writer and novelist Melvyn Bragg visits the University of Derby on Friday 11 March to deliver this year s Arkwright Society Lecture Lord Bragg will address the subject of Our Mother Tongue drawing on material from his recent radio and television programmes and written study of the English Language Describing the adventure of English Melvyn Bragg will trace the 1 500 year history of our curious mother tongue The event has proved tremendously popular All places were taken within days of it first being advertised The University s relationship with the Arkwright Society began with the establishment of the Cromford Centre at Arkwright s Mill in 1993 An annual event the Arkwright Society Lecture aims to address historical and cultural themes and issues of conservation in the natural and built environment with a regional and local focus

Members Of The Chinese Consul Visit Buxton Campus 12 December 2012 Elected members from the Chinese Consulate of the People s Republic based in Manchester recently visited the University of Derby Buxton in a bid to build a stronger relationship with Chinese students studying at the University Consul-General Pan Yundong and his wife arrived with Education Consul Zhao Jixian and Wu Zhaosheng at the request of Cllr George Wharmby Chairman of Derbyshire County Council where they met with key University figures including the Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and Pro-Vice Chancellor Philip Plowden The guests were then given a guided tour of the Buxton campus by Dr Peter Dewhurst Strategic Director at the University of Derby Buxton and given the opportunity to meet some of the University s talented Chinese students The consulate who also met students studying at the Kedleston Road site were extremely impressed with the real-world learning facilities available at the Buxton campus and the high quality catering service that was delivered on-site by Hospitality Management and Professional Culinary Arts students John Coyne said: "We were delighted to welcome members of the Chinese Consulate to the University and we are keen to develop and sustain this newly formed relationship in order to provide our international students with the best possible learning opportunities "

Mementoes Of British Adventurer Go Global Due To Graduates' Skills 21 August 2013 Replicas of a scarf worn by British mountaineering hero George Mallory on his ill-fated Everest expedition have been created at the University of Derby - and are set to travel around the world The University s Textile Design department hit the headlines in 2005 when it and the universities of Lancaster Southampton and Leeds unveiled replicas of clothing worn by the mountaineer during his 1924 attempted ascent of Everest The originals were recovered in 1999 when Mallory s body was discovered Now Sophie Marks - who graduated from the University s BA (Hons) Textile Design degree with a First Class Honours this year (2013) - has designed 100 copies of the Mallory scarf for the University s International Office which will be given to visiting international delegations and academics from around the world She was helped in the project by fellow Textile Design graduate Sophie Fenton who also received a First Sophie Marks design project - completed with the help of her former tutor Director of Textile Studies John Angus a key figure in the 2005 Mallory project - has also resurrected another great tradition this time from Derby s past The 100 scarves are the first commercial knitwear order in 30 years to be produced at Britannia Mill in Derby once a textile mill and now part of the University of Derby s city campus The two graduates were recruited through the University s own Student Employment Agency for the International Office task Sophie Marks 21 originally from Long Eaton said: "We ve stuck with the original hand knitted Mallory design but have also done the scarves in khaki green navy blue and brick red as well as the original grey for variety The scarves were produced on a University knitting machine at Britannia Mill "I think it s great that these will be going as gifts around the world Each one will have a label telling the story of the Mallory scarf and the University s role in recreating it " Nick Slade Director of International Development at the University of Derby added: "We wanted to give the international visitors and partners who come to the University something a bit different as a gift and which had a story to it and represented the kind of skills Derby does so well "When we learnt that Textile researchers at the University had been involved in recreating parts of Mallory s Everest equipment we felt it would be worth reproducing this intriguing very British item of memorabilia in bulk It was important to us that the University s own graduates should be the ones to create it " The original 2005 Mallory Replicas Project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Pasold Research Fund Ltd and undertaken on behalf of Mountain Heritage Trust The project team was led by Professor Mary Rose and Mike Parsons of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (IEED) at Lancaster University Management School For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email:s kirby@derby ac uk

'Memory Room' Art Installation Opens A Door To The Past 24 May 2013 Photographs that captured long forgotten moments well used pieces of furniture and trinkets that were once much loved have been bought together by a University of Derby student to form a striking installation art piece for her final year degree show All of the items behind the door and small windows of the memory room were found lost abandoned or donated to charity around Derbyshire by Mary Stephanou age 20 from London who is in the final year of a BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies degree Mary was inspired to bring together the items she discovered in charity shops skips parks and abandoned buildings; creating the thought provoking room to explore the idea that each object holds many memories but that they can only be known to each item s original owner She said: "Everything in the room even its doors and windows had been left or abandoned and we have no way of knowing who they originally belonged to or who the photographs are of "But despite this you can feel that every item was once important to someone - whether it formed part of their home or captured a moment in their lives By bringing them all together the room feels like it holds a host of memories and it is up to the visitor to draw their own conclusions about what they could be " Jean Bennett Senior Lecturer in Therapeutic Arts said: "Mary s room is incredibly atmospheric and evocative As you enter the space its lighting and odour touches many of the senses and you can t help but be affected by the room as a whole as well as by the individual items you encounter It is a wonderful exploration of memory attachment and association " Mary s installation took many months and visits around Derby and Derbyshire to complete During one trip to Belper she came across an abandoned front door and realising it would be the perfect entrance to her space had to transport it back to Derby by bus "I found many of the items while carrying out a photography project where I took self-portraits in abandoned buildings around the city which depict me as a ghostly solitary figure It struck me that these buildings and lost items once held meaning and memories for someone and I wanted to pursue that theme " The installation forms part of the BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies degree final year exhibition Statement as Image at the University s Britannia Mill site on Mackworth Road Derby It will be opened by Marian Liebmann OBE at 6pm on Friday May 31 The exhibition will then be open to the public from June 1 - 11 For more information on Creative Expressive Therapies degree course visit www derby ac uk/courses/creative-expressive-therapies-ba-hons The University s annual Degree Shows - this year called The Big Show - feature free public displays of students work in crafts fashion textiles fine art film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies art therapy and many more subjects All displays will be open to the public from Saturday June 1 to Tuesday June 11 at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby For more information on The Big Show see website www derby ac uk/bigshow

Michael Hall Rewarded for Contribution To University Growth 26 January 2005 An Honorary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv) is being awarded to Michael Robert Hall in recognition of his major contribution to the physical growth of the University of Derby and the creation of business opportunities for Derby graduates The former Pro Vice-Chancellor will receive the honorary title on Friday January 21 at 3 25pm during the ceremony for the School of Education Health and Sciences at the Assembly Rooms Derby Michael who is currently the Chairman of the Business Services Advisory Board to the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) is one of seven high-flyers receiving awards which are given annually to people who personally and professionally inspire others and who also have strong links with the Derbyshire area Michael began his career at the age of 16 when he joined Manchester chartered accountants firm Webb Hanson Bullivant and Company as an articled clerk to the senior partner Over the years he held a number of key senior positions in well-known companies such as Courtaulds Plc Coopers and Lybrand Charterhouse Group Fine Art Developments Hallmark and Thomas Robinson Group Plc In 1991 Michael joined the University when it was still the Derbyshire College of Higher Education as Commercial Director After it became a University he was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor with a wide remit for commercial matters He was primarily responsible for the major development of the University s estates between 1991 and 2002 During this time student numbers increased significantly and Michael was at the forefront of developing the buildings that are now important features of the University These include residential accommodation for up to 2600 students two major teaching blocks and a Learning Centre Before he joined a serious fire in the former engineering workshops inadvertently paved the way for new fit-for-purpose buildings He led the development of new accommodation for science technology classrooms and academic support services The Atrium was added in 1995 In 2000 Michael was closely involved in the acquisition of the former Devonshire Royal Hospital in Buxton as the ideal location for the University campus in the north of the county Having left the University in 2002 Michael is still engaged in a wide range of activities within the region These include acting as Chair of the Derbyshire Strategic Board of Young Enterprise Chair of SciTec Limited Foundation Governor of Derby High School and Anthony Gell School and a board member of the Derbyshire Education Business Partnership He is a member of the Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council where he chairs the Audit Committee and is also a member of the LSC National Audit Committee From November 2003 to November 2004 he served as the inaugural President of the Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce and he is now the regional representative on the National Committee of the British Chamber of Commerce Recently he has been appointed Chairman of Derby Playhouse and Chairman of the Derbyshire Community Foundation In November he was honoured by being appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Derbyshire Ends For further information please contact the Press and PR Officer Serj Badhan on Tel: 01332 591891/ 591942/ 591041 or via email pressoffice@derby ac uk

Microsoft And Derby Team Up For Games Degree 4 May 2005 A future-focused new computer games development course being developed by the University of Derby in partnership with Microsoft has already attracted more than 100 applications from prospective students The new BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree will be launched in September The University is currently putting the finishing touches to its new £150 000 Games Development Computer Suite at its Kedleston Road campus in Derby The facilities will feature the latest console software and graphics equipment Kevin McDaniel Head of the Academic Team at Microsoft said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with the University of Derby on its new cutting-edge Computer Games Programming Degree which harnesses leading technologies such as DirectX and NET to teach their students fundamentals coupled with tried and tested games development techniques and languages used in industry " John Sear a University of Derby Computer Games Lecturer based within the Derbyshire Business School said: "We are very pleased with the interest this new course has already generated reflecting the demand for jobs in what is a multi-billion pound global industry " For more details visit www derby ac uk/games or email games@derby ac uk -endsNotes to Editors About Microsoft Founded in 1975 Microsoft is the world-wide leader in software services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people and its Academic Initiative is committed to advancing research and scholarship enhancing the teaching and learning experience to empower students to realise their full potential with technology Visit www microsoft com/uk/academia/ About the University of Derby Since achieving university status in 1992 the institution has developed a student base of 20 000 students It champions lifelong learning and access for all Derby has a well regarded e-learning track record and offers leading-edge computer courses and training for undergraduates and postgraduates as well as students in further education The Derbyshire Business School is one of the University s four academic schools and offers academic expertise in a range of business-focused subject areas such as IT and law as well as developing strong links with business -endsFor any other information please contact the Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on Tel: 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via e-mail pressoffice@derby ac uk or University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Microsoft Job Pushes All The Right Buttons For Derby Graduate 17 January 2014 One of the team behind the Xbox One computer games console - global giant Microsoft s big product launch of 2013 - flew back from the USA to graduate from the University of Derby today (Friday January 17) Peter Innes has been working as a Software Development Engineer for Microsoft s office in Washington State on the US Pacific North-West coast since September (2013) He returned to Derby today to graduate with a 2:1 Class BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree at the University s Awards Ceremonies (running from January 15-17) at Derby s Assembly Rooms Peter 22 originally from Edinburgh did a year s work placement with Microsoft in the UK as part of his four year course His then manager encouraged him to apply for a permanent position and - after flying to Seattle USA in November 2012 for a day of interviews and tests - he moved to the States permanently to begin working for the company in September 2013 shortly after finishing his degree course He said: "One of the main things I ve worked on since joining Microsoft was the Xbox Live service ahead of the launch of the new Xbox One console in November 2013 "Microsoft is a terrific company to work for with a lot of opportunities I d always seen myself working somewhere like this after I d gained a bit more experience but it s all happened a lot quicker than expected " Peter added: "I chose the University of Derby s Computer Games Programming course because there was the opportunity for a year working in the industry and also for the very practical skills I knew it would teach me " Dr Tommy Thompson Programme Leader for Computer Games Programming at the University of Derby said: "Working for Microsoft is the dream job for many of our students "For Peter to have achieved this so quickly after completing his degree and moving to the USA to pursue his career shows both his determination and the hardworking attitude we hope to instil in our students " Around 4 000 people who studied with the University s faculties of Arts Design and Technology; Business Computing and Law; and Education Health and Sciences; will have graduated over the three days of Derby Awards Ceremonies by the end of today For further information about Computer Games Programming at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/games For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Millions Lost In Accounting Madness, Research By Leading Academic Shows 20 November 2013 Millions of pounds could be saved by British industry each year if accountants would only recognise the true value of staff training a leading academic will tell an audience at the University of Derby Buxton With the cost of replacing even an unskilled worker standing at £1 100 per employee - and some firms suffering staff turnover rates of more than 180 per cent - it is madness to use narrow accounting methods which don t reveal the cost of failing to train your workforce says Professor Conrad Lashley Lead Researcher Stenden University of Applied Sciences Leeuwarden The Netherlands His lecture "Bean counting isn t worth a hill of beans - evaluating the business benefits of training" is the result of research with fast-food and catering firms through which he developed a new model for evaluating the real business benefits of training "The actual benefits of training can t always be assessed by narrow accounting methods " said Professor Lashley who will be speaking as part of the University s Public Lecture series "Very often training is seen as an expensive luxury which we could do without You need a balanced scorecard of benefits for employees and customers as well as shareholders "What they never do is assess the cost of not training - that s part of the problem Not training is not costfree: it reduces productivity it increases labour turnover it reduces customer confidence and so on Training produces large amounts of business benefits which hit the bottom line "But because that is never accounted for it is seen as not existing " One firm studied had a staff turnover rate of 188 per cent and 2 000 employees At £1 100 a head just to replace them the costs were enormous "It s madness " said Professor Lashley The Lecture will take place on November 28 at 6pm in the Lecture Theatre in the Dome on Devonshire Road Buxton It is free to attend and will be followed by a drinks reception and light buffet Professor Lashley is one of the leading international academics in the field of hospitality management He has a considerable commercial profile working with many major international companies Professor Lashley is an expert advisor on hospitality and tourism to the Australian government and is Chair of the British Institute of Innkeeping s newly formed research committee as well as being Chair of BII s examinations board He is also an honorary Fellow of the Hospitality Institute For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Millions To Be Spent On University Site Improvements 6 August 2008 Major changes to its sites will see the University of Derby spending £14m on improving its city campus in Derby over the next two years Around £8m will be spent on a new Business and Enterprise Centre at the Jackson’s Mill site Bridge Street and a further £6m on refurbishing the Britannia Mill site Mackworth Road The news follows details released in July of a separate £13 5m project to improve the three towers at the University’s main Kedleston Road site in Derby by January 2010 Work on Jackson’s Mill will begin this month (August) It formerly housed the University’s textiles and fashion courses but has been empty since September 2007 when they relocated to the Markeaton Street site Jackson’s Mill will house the new Business and Enterprise Centre for the University of Derby Corporate (UDC) initiative Announced last November it is anticipated this centre will open in April 2010 to offer higher level workforce skills training and encourage start-up businesses Preliminary discussions have taken place between University Estates staff and Derby City Council planners A formal planning application for the new centre will be submitted by the University in midAugust and considered by the Council after a 21-day notice period during which people can comment on the plans Prior to that application the current industrial units at Jackson’s Mill will be demolished as whatever the planning application’s outcome they are no longer needed A contractor for that work will be announced shortly The new UDC headquarters will include a conference facility training suites offices and an ‘Innovation Zone’ for start-up businesses The building will vary in height between three storeys at its highest and one storey It will be built to the highest Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) standards This independent assessment method examines a building’s environmental impact; from construction to how it is managed on completion and gives it a certified rating The University is going for an ‘excellent’ rating As Jackson’s Mill is in a conservation area the programme for both the six-to-eight week demolition and subsequent construction has been designed to cause minimum possible disturbance to residents The look of the new UDC centre will also be a vast improvement on the buildings currently on site The number of parking bays on site has yet to be finalised with planners but as there is existing additional parking space at four University halls of residence nearby it is not thought space will be an issue locally The UDC initiative and centre are funded by the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (a subregional body supported by the East Midlands Development Agency) the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the University Britannia Mill is a mile from the University’s Kedleston Road site It houses the School of Social Care and Therapeutic Practice covering Applied Social and Community Studies Applied Mental Health Occupational Therapy Therapeutic Arts and Complementary Medicines; and has a learning centre studios IT facilities a shop and restaurant Phase One of the Britannia Mill improvements undertaken by contractor J Tomlinson of Nottingham has just begun with scaffolding erected around the main building on site The Phase One improvements to be completed in early 2009 will comprise: a new roof windows replacement repair and external cleaning of brickwork new boiler and hot water system improvements to end elevation facing Markeaton Street Phase Two will see the construction of a glazed extension to the Britannia Mill building’s centre out into the existing rear carpark forming a new front entrance which will enhance the renovated redbrick industrial building It will include a central staircase and a DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant lift This building work will begin in September 2009 and take around 12 months It is expected to cause little disturbance to nearby residents Commenting on the projects Hari Punchihewa University Pro Vice-Chancellor and Finance Director said: “They are part of the development of our University Quarter in Derby We areconsolidating our premises and improving our facilities “We are also actively engaging with the business community by creating the specialist business-tobusiness centre at Jackson’s Mill ” Ian Willgoose University Director of Estates added: “Our Estates programme is gathering pace and when this latest phase is completed it will leave the University and the city of Derby with sites they can be justly proud of “I would be grateful if our neighbours could bear with any disturbances during these changes We will do our utmost to keep these to a minimum and the end result for their communities will be to have useful and much more attractive buildings in their midst ” Members of the public with queries about the works can contact the University of Derby Estates team on telephone: 01332 591111 -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 email s kirby@derby ac uk

Minister To Open Unique £1.5m Health Suite 11 January 2006 The media are invited to the following event: Date: Friday January 13 Time: 2pm Place: Clinical Skills Suite University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby Event: Rt Hon Margaret Beckett will open the Clinical Skills Suite unveiling a plaque and being given a tour of the facilities by Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council Dianne Jeffrey; ViceChancellor Professor John Coyne; and Dean of the Faculty of Education Health and Sciences Professor Dawn Forman MARGARET BECKETT MP TO OPEN UNIQUE £1 5m HEALTH SUITE Cabinet minister Margaret Beckett will this week see first-hand how the University of Derby s new Clinical Skills Suite could play a critical role in any future environmental disaster Whether it be a pandemic an environmental disaster or other major incident the Suite could be incorporated as part of any Local Authority emergency plan and be used as a reception centre to treat at least 100 patients a day The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and MP for Derby South officially opens the £1 5m Clinical Skills Suite this Friday afternoon The main role of the Clinical Skills Suite is the education and training of health professionals to ensure fitness for practice It will be used to educate and train hundreds of Derby students each year More than 100 staff academics and students practising in areas such as Nursing Radiography Counselling and Psychotherapy and Occupational Therapy will meet Mrs Beckett and carry out work practice demonstrations They will be led by the University s Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council Dianne Jeffrey; Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne; Professor Dawn Forman Dean of the Faculty of Education Health and Sciences; and Dr Warren Turner Head of the Faculty s School of Health Professor Forman said: "The Suite is a tremendous asset to us providing the settings for clinical training that students would find in a hospital or out in the community "It will also house the University s student welfare counselling and GP services and some facilities will be open to the wider public but operated strictly by health professionals further strengthening our links with the local community " Dr Turner said: "We are delighted Margaret Beckett will officially open the Clinical Skills Suite It has particular poignancy as she is not only a local MP who has shown great interest in our work but has great interest in health and environmental affairs as part of her Ministerial portfolio "The Clinical Skills Suite is a unique centre which will be used to train thousands of health students in their specialist areas as well as housing The Park Medical Practice a health centre for students "Not only that but the Clinical Skills Suite is already building links with health organisations across the region to see how it can be incorporated to assist others in delivering the best medical health care in the region "If there was any major disaster such as a pandemic a serious chemical spillage or major accident the Suite has been designed and built to offer support to health and medical agencies in the region "Working alongside other agencies we could treat up to 100 walking wounded patients on a daily rolling programme and up to 20 more seriously ill patients to stabilise their conditions before being moved to other hospitals " The Clinical Skills Suite has been built to NHS Red Book specifications and features hospital wards behavioural study suites cutting-edge digital radiography equipment and counselling rooms -endsFor any other information please contact the University of Derby s Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via email at pressoffice@derby ac uk Alternatively write to: University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Mistakes on the menu could be a recipe for disaster 27 May 2014 Food outlets from top restaurants to tea rooms must make sure they comply with new regulations which make them responsible for telling customers about potentially lethal allergens in the dishes they supply a chef at the University of Derby Buxton has warned Chef Lecturer Rob Stordy said European Union regulations mean that from December it is the retailers responsibility to give clear information about food allergens in their menu items "Ten people in the United Kingdom die each year from an allergic reaction to certain foods and many more end up in hospital " said Rob a former University Chef of the Year "In most cases the food that causes the reaction is from a food outlet " The new rules mean it is no longer just the customer s responsibility to ask what is in a dish "Restaurants cafes pubs takeaways delis and bakeries will have to provide clear information about the food allergens in their menu items " said Rob who is concerned that smaller retailers may not be aware of the change "Even large companies who already have allergen policies in place are making mistakes with mis-labelling and not communicating properly to the customer It may seem insignificant to some but to a food allergy sufferer it can mean the difference between life and death "Allergens will need to be highlighted on menus packaging and displays Verbal information may be provided by the staff; however written confirmation of the details will be required and customers can request this information at any time " The allergens prescribed in the new EU FIR 1169/2011 laws are: gluten-containing cereals crustaceans molluscs fish peanuts lupin tree nuts (such as walnut hazelnut almond etc ) soya eggs milk celery mustard sesame and sulphur dioxide More information can be obtained from High Peak Borough Council the Food Standards Agency and the British Retail Consortium There are over 20 million adults in the UK who have at least one allergy The Food Standards Agency is concerned about the deadly risk of anaphylaxis from unpackaged food in catering establishments bringing into sharp focus the need for greater legislation requirements Penalties for non-compliance of the regulations can include civil and criminal proceedings; there are also the costs and damage to the establishments reputation should an incident occur

What can businesses do? Check a ngred ents bought n and a rec pes for potent a a ergens: th s must a so nc ude the types of o food s cooked n D sp ay a not ce or nformat on on a menu a ert ng customers to potent a r sks State c ear y on d shes any ngred ents ke y to cause severe react ons Store a ngred ents separate y and n c osed conta ners Tra n staff For further press information please contact:j phillips@derby ac uk

Mitzi's Back With New Take On Austen 19 August 2011 Mitzi Szereto who has secured international acclaim as one of the top erotic writers in modern times and has taught creative writing at the University of Derby is back with her latest book Having the confidence to access and read erotic literature can for many people be a major hurdle However Mitzi continues to push the boundaries with her latest offering - Pride and Prejudice: Hidden Lusts and this book is sure to appeal to a wide range of audiences Previously she has based erotica around fairy tales and explored sex and death While some critics might grumble the great works of Jane Austen are being eclipsed in this way many other critics take the opposite view and praise Mitzi for this innovative idea to base an erotic story around a well known novel And as it is already managing to engage more people around the world to pick up this sort of story since its summer launch then Mitzi will feel it has been mission accomplished The spine of the plot is largely the same as the original story featuring all of the major characters including Mr Darcy Elizabeth and Mr Bingley And like Pride and Prejudice itself the central story is around how Elizabeth and her sisters are pushed by their mother to seek marriage with men of status and how Darcy is disliked by everyone because of his manner She refutes his proposal until he changes his ways and then they get married alongside her sister and Mr Bingley However as expected there is much romantic activity in the book with creative and imaginative scenes which will captivate audiences but which are also written in a tasteful way reflecting the period the book is set in While not dwelling too much on the activities reviewers across the globe say they admire how much energy the characters have throughout the chapters of the book to keep up their capers! And while most of the focus centres on the well known names in the story the antics of other characters such as one of the housekeepers who by the end of the book has cleverly learnt how to become completely indispensible to those who pay her wages adds further intrigue to the overall plot! PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: HIDDEN LUSTS by Mitzi Szereto Publisher: Cleis Press USA

Money Talks At Lloyds Bank Economist's Guest Lecture 7 February 2014 Lloyds Bank s top economist and Visiting Professor at the University of Derby Dr Trevor Williams will give his view on UK manufacturing in an inspiring lecture taking place in Derby this month The University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby will host the free public lecture which will be of great interest to those in business banking and finance or with a view on the economy Dr Williams Chief Economist at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking and a regular contributor to the finance press and Sunday Express will be at the University at 6 30pm on Wednesday February 26 His talk - entitled Manufacturing in the UK - the future could be bright - will ask if the UK has the potential to grasp the onset of change in the global marketplace He said: "Manufacturing is changing rapidly It is now a entering a third phase since the industrial revolution "Firstly it was rooted to where the energy was Secondly it moved to areas where firms congregated due to synergies from heavy equipment then to transport labour-force concentration and so on "A third phase is now emerging where 3d printing and other technologies mean that the next factory can be at the end of your road " He added: "The winners will be those that stay ahead and understand the challenges and the opportunities Manufacturing in 30 years time will not be the same as it is now " Dr Williams joined Lloyds Banking Group after working as an economist for the UK Civil Service Prior to that he was employed as a lecturer whilst studying for a PhD and he continues to lecture occasionally at various university cities including Cardiff Birmingham and Manchester The lecture is free but places must be booked in advance To book contact Abi Horsfield at a horsfield@derby ac uk or phone 01332 594274 to secure a place Refreshments will be available during the evening For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Monogamy Better For Monkey Families, Study Suggests 29 April 2013 It seems there is trouble in paradise for a rare monogamous species of monkey after a University of Derby biologist found committed couples are targeted by aggressive singles determined to break up a happy home For her study published in the journal PLoS ONE earlier this month (April 2013) Lecturer in Biology Maren Huck spent almost 15 months in the sub-tropical gallery forest of Northern Argentina observing owl monkeys The pairs of the species are unusually for primates monogamous Maren s observations of the monkey s mating system contributed to a 16 year-long study of 18 owl monkey groups with co-researcher Eduardo Fernandez-Duque of the University of Pennsylvania (USA) "Owl monkeys are one of a few monogamous primates who find and mate with a single partner raising offspring together each year " said Maren "Little is known about this rare primate behaviour and it is often assumed that all of the pairs and individuals in groups face little aggression or competition once they are part of a couple However we discovered that occasionally a single owl monkey attacked a couple and replaced a partner A phenomenon that sometimes had fatal consequences for the expelled monkey " The study found that this went on to have significant implications for the reproductive success of the newly formed couple with the new pair going on to produce far fewer offspring than couples who had not been parted Monkeys with one partner for life produced 25% more infants per decade than those who had had two or more partners following a break-up This contrasts with other species of animals and birds such as the kittiwake which divorce and whose lifetime reproductive success following a break-up is higher than if they remained with its original partner "We think this is due to the new owl monkey couple missing a reproductive season as they become familiar with one another " said Maren In addition to her work on the behavioural genetic and hormonal aspects of the mating system owl monkeys Dr Huck has also carried out research studies that compared the behaviour and social structure of urban badgers with countryside populations examined the physical barriers facing populations of wolves and lynx in Poland and investigated the social and genetic mating system of the moustached tamarin For more information on studying Biology courses and a number of new Masters in Research degrees at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/science/biological-sciences

Monthly ICeGS Update 1 April 2011 This bulletin keeps you up to date with the latest developments at iCeGS and in the careers sector: Please be aware this is just a selection and more news items are available on the iCeGS website Tr stram Hoo ey to become a Church Fe ow ICG Ins ght Day - 26 May 2011 CeGS staff member w ns Nat ona Career Award Researchers gu de to soc a med a Opportun ty to app y B Law s 3 Scene Storyboard ng techn que Event: Informat on, Adv ce and Gu dance for Young Peop e Who w prov de t? Re-schedu ed 13th Annua Lecture CeGS eva uates Leonardo pro ects Leonardo Learn ng for L v ng Pro ect LLUK aunch new C ent Ent t ement Statement for adu t career serv ce users Scott sh Government re ease framework for CIAG n Scot and We hope you find these communications useful If you have any thoughts about what you d like to see included please contact us on: 01332 591267

Motorsport Students Prepare For Events 21 September 2006 Handling the aftermath of an accident and networking with the likes of Ferrari and Lotus… that’s life in the fast lane for Motorsport students at the University of Derby Our BSc (Hons) and Foundation Degree Motorsport Technology students are taking part in two exciting events this week to promote the University’s expertise in this area On Friday within the grounds of our new £20m Markeaton Campus more than 60 students will take part in a mock road collision exercise masterminded by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue our Motorsport academics and ADT support officer Sue Edwards It will teach them the values of keeping safety in mind at a time when they are looking to get maximum power and speed from their machine During the exercise Kingsway Fire Station are supplying two practice vehicles Students will be invited to volunteer their services as casualties and will be freed from the wreckage by fire crews as their peers look on Fire station manager Nick O’Key said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this initiative which will help demonstrate to Motorsport students the importance of remembering speed above all else when it comes to road safety ” And on Saturday and Sunday the courses’ students and staff will be representing the University alongside the likes of Lotus and Ferrari at GP100 an event to publicise 100 years of Grand Prix racing at Donington Park Representatives from our ‘feeder’ colleges in these subjects Tresham Institute in Corby and Stevenson College in Coalville will also be at Donington Park GP100 will see two days crammed full of races representing every era of Grand Prix racing from amazing Edwardian cars through to high tech Formula One cars of the 21st Century! Derby’s Head of Motorsport Steve Hill said: “It’s a busy schedule but we are delighted to be taking part in two important activities which help raise the profile of Motorsport at Derby “The first event will promote road safety and emphasises excellent links with the emergency services while the Donington Park event is crucial in building up exciting links with some of the motorsport industry’s big names “We will certainly be looking to find placements for our students at motorsport companies and expect our students to spend their time networking to promote themselves to a captive motorsport audience We have an excellent track record in providing skilled students to motorsport – many of them have gone on to gain full time posts in internationally competitive race teams ” Attractions include Formula One demonstrations Vintage and Historic Car Support Races and 1950s and 1960s Motor Cycle Races GP100 Organiser Sam Gilbert said: “We are delighted to welcome Derby to the event to celebrate the Centenary They are the only university taking part but I am impressed with what Motorsport courses are on offer there ” -endsFor further information call: Simon Redfern Senior Press and PR Officer University of Derby on 01332 591942 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Mountaineering lectures at University of Derby Buxton 30 April 2014 How to get to the top in Alpine exploration is the subject of a lecture at the University of Derby Buxton s Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre on May 7 Part of a British Mountaineering Council series of lectures Alpine Aspirations is ideal for mountaineers at the beginning of their Alpine careers or as a refresher course for those who have had a break from the sport The best areas to visit travelling across glaciers and avalanche awareness are some of the topics to be tackled by Tim Neill a British Mountain Guide and Alpinist Rob Greenwood And Oaklands Manor is giving away 20 free tickets To get your hands on a pair (only one pair per request) e-email: l waterhouse@derby ac uk Successful winners will have their tickets allocated on the door Sponsored by outdoor clothing firm Berghaus which has given prizes for a free draw the lecture starts at 7 30pm and finishes at approximately 9 45pm Tickets are also for sale at a cost £5 per person for BMC members and £7 for non-members A group discount is available when 10 tickets or more are purchased in advance and each ticket will cost £3 50 To book extra tickets click here For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Movie locations and island beauty are 'day in the office' for interns 8 July 2014 The setting for blockbuster movies such as World War Z Troy and Gladiator is now the unusual workplace of interns from a University of Derby Film course Malta is regularly used as a backdrop in films from Hollywood blockbusters to small independents and film-making has become a major industry for the Mediterranean island Star couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are due to begin filming an as yet unnamed production there from next month (August) Four students who ve just completed their BA (Hons) Film Production degree course at the University of Derby will work as interns at the Malta Film Commission for three months each; helping develop awareness of what Malta has to offer film directors Their Programme Leader Tom Craig secured the group s unique internships as a result of his work with the Malta Film Commission as an Independent Evaluator for its Malta Film Fund The four students are Amy Greenberg 20 of Swanbourne Buckinghamshire; Bethany Croft 21 from Pontefract and Tom Brookes 23 of Cambridge - all now in Malta - and Ciall Kennett 21 of Milton Keynes whose three month internship begins in August Their role during the internships will be to help the Malta Film Commission in its role of promoting developing and supporting film industry services on the island; to make Malta a global destination for film companies Intern Amy Greenberg said: "It s already been a fantastic experience I ve met people such as Ana Maria Quintana who has worked as a script supervisor on films with directors including Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott "The Malta Film Commission team have been so welcoming and I m thoroughly enjoying working here " Fellow intern Tom Brookes added: "We have been able to go straight from our University course into a professional working environment that takes us closer to making our way in the industry "We ve walked around the Malta Film Commission backlot Fort Ricasoli which has hosted big budget productions including Gladiator World War Z and HBO television series Game of Thrones Next door to the Fort are the Mediterranean Film Studios which due to their Mediterranean Sea backdrop have been used for many films with water-based scenes including the recent Tom Hanks movie Captain Phillips " Tom Craig Programme Leader for the University s Film and Video Production and Production Design courses said: "Malta is now one of the world s key locations for filming and has been used by Hollywood on numerous occasions Originally the Malta Film Commission only wanted two of our students as interns but they were so impressed with the calibre of the applicants they asked to take four "It s a fantastic opportunity for these four students They will be learning their trade while potentially working with some of the biggest film companies in the world on a beautiful island which is also a top holiday destination " Engelbert Grech Film Commissioner for the Malta Film Commission added: "We are delighted with the knowledge and skill set of the chosen University of Derby interns and commend their energy and determination to succeed "We have entrusted the interns with important tasks as we are convinced they will deliver positive results and we will give them an opportunity to put their creativity into practice I am confident they will achieve a lot working with us which will certainly serve as a good stepping stone for their future careers in the film industry " For more information about the University of Derby s BA (Hons) Film Production degree course see web link: www derby ac uk/courses/film-production-ba-hons The Malta Film Commission s website page can be found at www mfc com mt For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Movie To Get Your Teeth Into 3 October 2011 Two Derby brothers who together produce short films have launched their latest offering - a horror romcom about a zombie romance University of Derby BA (Hons) Broadcast Media and Film & Television Studies graduate Adam Horton (26) creates short films with his brother Joe (22) Adam graduated from the University in 2008 The Horton brothers previously worked together on another short film narrated by influential British comedian and actor Rik Mayall This Side Of TheAfter Life was one of the winners of QUAD Derby Shorts in 2009 Their new short Chomp! is a new take on the zombie genre that is sure to thrill cinema goers worldwide It takes audiences on an emotionally fired journey from darkly sinister through ultra-gory to a comedic ending with a loving twist In a nod to Lady and The Tramp the two zombie characters chew on the same entrails that lead them to be drawn together Chomp! stars Marc Pickering who appeared as Johnny Depp s sidekick in Sleepy Hollow and played R Wayne in the spoof TV reality talent show by Peter Kay Britain s Got The Pop Factor Adam said: "To take an audience on a journey from being tense to grossed out to then being amused is a great challenge especially in three minutes If the film manages to do that myself and Joe will be very proud film makers indeed The short was made on a small budget of just £1 400 which the brothers raised themselves; through setting up a group on social networking site Facebook and appealing to their friends and family for donations plus dipping into their own savings Their earlier film This Side Of The After Life which was set in Derby has already played at festivals worldwide including; The Short and Suite in Toronto and iShorts in Prague It s also competing as one of only five films in the The Raindance Festival s best UK short category The Raindance Festival in London runs from 28 September to 9 October and is one of the UK s biggest film festivals Tom Craig Programme Leader for Film & Television Studies at the University of Derby said: "Over the past decade the University of Derby has been associated with a number of internationally successful film projects I have no doubt that we will be seeing and hearing much more of Adam and his brother in the near future " For further information please contact Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer 01332 591368 07768 091248 or email: l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

Movie Veteran's Role In James Bond's 50 Years On Film 12 November 2012 James Bond needs more than gadgets and guns to keep looking good after a half-century onscreen - as a speaker who s worked on the super-spy s last six movie outings will reveal to a University of Derby audience Terry Bamber was both Second Unit Production Manager and occasional Assistant Director on Skyfall 007 s current - and biggest - film now in cinemas He also worked as Production Manager on Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale (again with Daniel Craig as Bond); and on Die Another Day The World Is Not Enough and Tomorrow Never Dies (with Pierce Brosnan in the title role) Terry will talk about his father s involvement with the first five movies in the Bond series and his own life within movies and TV - which has included work on forthcoming Brad Pitt horror movie World War Z and on BBC TV crime series Luther - at a free public lecture at the University The talk will be held at 6 30pm on Wednesday November 21 at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby Terry said: "I have had a very rewarding career in the film industry I encountered James Bond early on when as a teenager I worked on The Man With The Golden Gun as a runner and one of my jobs was to get Roger Moore (then playing Bond) his lunchtime sandwiches "Things have certainly progressed from there of course and I ve been proud to be part of 007 s development over the years; even having a brief acting role in The World Is Not Enough on top of my Production Manager duties I hope the audience will enjoy hearing about what has been for me an interesting and fun profession that has taken me around the world " Production Managers are responsible for ensuring actors and crew are where and when they should be during a film s long shoot Terry is a regular visitor to the University and has previously spoken to its students on working in the film industry Professor Jason Lee Head of Film & Media with Creative & Professional Writing at the University added: "Terry Bamber s extensive international career in the film industry in a variety of interesting roles has been superlative "With the recent release of Skyfall we are honoured to have him with us at the University of Derby His talk promises to be both educational as well as highly entertaining " To book a free place to attend the talk - entitled Terry Bamber: James Bond's Secret Weapon - on Wednesday November 21 call University Events Officer Angela Drinkwater on 01332 591046 The talk will be followed by light refreshments For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Multi-million pound sports centre for University 20 February 2014

A new University of Derby sports centre is set to open in the first half of next year (2015) Derby City Council has now approved plans for the centre - expected to cost around £10m - which will be built into the existing eight-metre high grass bank around the bottom playing field at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby Work on the three-storey structure is scheduled to begin within the next couple of months with the sports centre set to open by spring 2015 The sports centre will include a main hall a fitness gym and associated strength and conditioning area studios squash and badminton courts an internal climbing wall sprint track changing rooms treatment rooms and a cafe Architects firm William Saunders of Newark designed the building which will be a stand out feature Currently the tenders are being evaluated and the main contractor to deliver the project will be announced soon By building the sports centre into an existing grass bank giving it a green-coloured curved roof and reusing any excavated material for surrounding ramps it is hoped that its environmental and visual impact will be minimised The facility will be built to a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) standard widely used as a method to assess buildings sustainability Low carbon technologies are being investigated to produce its heating and lighting and make it highly energy efficient to reaffirm the University s commitment to protecting the environment The sports centre s primary use would be for staff and students but - as with a number of the University s sports facilities - there will be opportunities for use by affiliated sports organisations schools and the wider community Hari Punchihewa University of Derby Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director said: "We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for the new sports centre "We are serious about sport and it is going from strength to strength at the University through our Team Derby brand It is important for us to have a modern multi-purpose centre for both leisure pursuits and to aid those studying sports-related academic courses " Ian Willgoose Director of Estates at the University of Derby added: "In keeping with our previous sports facilities projects this centre will be both state of the art and built in an environmentally responsible manner " For more information about sports provision at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/campus/sport For further media information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Muslim women activists tackle global issues at international conference 12 June 2014 Feminism political revolution and honour based violence affecting Muslim women are among the issues to be discussed at an international conference at the University of Derby The Muslim Women s Activism Conference will feature speakers from Turkey Belgium America Jordan Bengal Pakistan and the UK; and be held on Thursday June 26 at the University s Enterprise Centre in Bridge St Derby It has been organised by the University s research Centre for Society Religion and Belief; and New Horizons in British Islam a charity working for reform in Muslim thought and practice Issues to be tackled include Muslim women and: • political empowerment through the use of social media (with perspectives from Iranian women); ensur ng educat ona r ghts, emp oyment and free speech for a women; the r ro e n counter ng v o ent re g ous extrem sm; dea ng w th peop e s react ons when they choose to wear the n qab (the ve eav ng on y the eyes v s b e); women s ro es n fa th contexts; the Egypt an revo ut on; work ng n sc ence. Speakers will include Tahera Shireen Rahman an American Muslim broadcast journalist who regularly appears on TV and radio in her native Chicago; Zeynep Jane Louise Kandur a senior Turkish politician and speaker on her country s foreign policy; Dr Juliane Hammer academic and author of American Muslim Women Religious Authority and Activism; and Sughra Ahmed the first female president of the Islamic Society of Britain Dr Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor - Research Fellow at the University s Centre for Society Religion and Belief and one of the conference organisers - said: "Across the globe Muslim women are active in society They run anti-war campaigns are protest artists establish women s refuges and girls schools and assert their rights to decide themselves whether to wear traditional religious clothing such as the niqab or hijab (full body covering) "We believe our conference will be one of the first of its kind in the UK to discuss what Muslim women s activism has done and may do in the future We have attracted women speakers in senior roles in politics education and the media who are true firsts ; leading the way for others to follow " Rabiha Hannan of New Horizons in British Islam added: "The perception among people today including some Muslims is that Muslim women have a very limited role in the public sphere This event demonstrates how women are taking action to reclaim their right to interpret their faith for themselves in very diverse ways and act accordingly" Places are still available to attend the conference; at a cost of £30 for speakers and delegates and £15 for students those from voluntary organisations and the unemployed For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

National Champion 11 July 2011 A visiting lecturer in the University s Faculty of Education Health and Science won a national race recently Tim Egerton (aged 27) took part in the UK Intercounties Track and Field championships held at Bedford International Stadium during May He competed for Cheshire in the the 5000 metres and the mile coming second in the 5000m in a time of 14 minutes and 48 seconds It had been a slow and tactical race with a last lap burn up - I ran the last 400m in 56 seconds" he said Tim went on to win the mile in a time of 4 minutes 19 seconds despite heavy rain Congratulations Tim

National Event Challenge For Student Team 3 May 2012 A group of University of Derby Buxton students put their event management skills to the test on their own turf recently when they organised and hosted the National Student Events Conference at their Campus A team of Masters and BA (Hons) Events Management degree students organised and ran the conference on Tuesday April 24 for more than 150 student-delegates from nearby colleges and universities The delegates heard from highly respected keynote speakers from the events industry including Pete Spriggs Director and Founder of Clearer Thinking; Paul Marley Force Operations Department Merseyside Police; and Richard Limb President of the National Outdoor Events Association Workshop sessions covered sustainable events the importance of health and safety at events top tips for running your own events business and the impact of the events industry over the past twenty years Julian Robinson Programme Leader at the University said: "Organising and hosting the National Student Events Conference has given our students a valuable opportunity to put their skills to the test and experience the real often unanticipated challenges that can arise during an event " The event was co-ordinated by Masters Events Management students Claire Murphy 23 from Leicester and Tara-Sienna Hartman 24 from Birmingham Tara-Sienna said: "Not only was this a fantastic opportunity to hone our events management skills but the conference was also a great chance for us to interact with the industry we will be entering and gain valuable insight into the workings of events across the globe " Keynote speaker Stephen Bell Creative Managing Director of Epitome Celebrations said of the day "The conference was inspiring and unique and the event is encouraging the future generation of event managers " For more information on the Events Management and other programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

National Learning Awards For University of Derby Corporate and Aurora Fashions 2 December 2013 University of Derby Corporate (UDC) and client-partner Aurora Fashions have won two trophies at the 2013 Training Journal Awards The University s work-based learning arm and the fashion retailer won the Bronze Award for the Best Practice in Learning Transfer category and the Silver Award for Best Use of Technology in Learning The awards finals took place last Wednesday (November 27) UDC developed a bespoke approach to training and education for Aurora; owner of ladieswear brands Coast Oasis and Warehouse They wanted to buck the high turnover trend in the fashion industry and retain their best people supporting them to become future leaders Working closely with Aurora UDC created a programme that offered different levels of qualifications tailored to the business and the company s leadership ethos The learning material directly related to people s jobs could mostly be completed at work minimising disruption to store operations UDC also developed a Learning Portal and virtual portfolio which provides students with a multi-media elearning solution and a two-way communication channel to their tutor enabling them to study whenever and wherever was convenient to them So far over a third of learners have received promotions and almost half have been identified as ready for promotion within a year In comparison to external recruitment fees the programme set-up and learner costs have already given a return on investment of 146% Paul Wilkinson Head of Client Partnerships at University of Derby Corporate said: "We are delighted to have won these awards and been recognised for our work with Aurora "It s a great example of how we work to support our clients in delivering award-winning learning and development solutions from listening to their needs and developing the programme to creating accessible online platforms to support learning " For further information about work-based learning at University of Derby Corporate visit www derby ac uk/corporate or call 0800 678 3311 Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

National Recognition For UniTube 8 July 2009 The University of Derby s pioneering UniTube Project was a runner-up recipient of a national PR award by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations at its annual awards dinner last night In front of an audience of around 1 000 people at the ceremony in London our UniTube Project was a finalist in the Broadcast Category of the annual CIPR Excellence Awards 2009 The overall winner in the category was the Royal British Legion for its Poppy Appeal launch from Basra The other finalists were Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster for Get The Army Fit Within 14 Weeks and two entries from Markettiers4DC entitled Discovery of HMS Victory and NHS Organ Donor Register Passes 16m People Mark In total there were more than 900 entries for the awards in more than 20 categories UniTube is the University of Derby s unique vision of the way higher education institutions can communicate with their students external partners and the public by broadcasting short films about news and events across the institution Launched in November 2008 the network consists of 12 high performance 50 inch wide plasma TV screens located at University sites spread across the county of Derbyshire Content is also shared with its external broadcaster partner the BBC allowing it to be seen by the general public on a giant screen in Derby s City Centre Screens are based near social gathering points at the University s Kedleston Road Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby and at its Buxton campus and Chesterfield site 30 miles away in north Derbyshire CIPR Director General Colin Farrington said: "We all know that awards are profile raising Gold for the finalists and winners but they have significance for the industry as a whole too By demonstrating the value public relations can add to business and society they make it that bit easier for us to prove our worth and justify our budgets which is of even greater import at this time " Derby s Head of Corporate Relations Peter Gallimore said: "It was great to see UniTube competing with nationally recognised organisations and we are delighted to have reached the final of a highly prestigious award for the industry " The Broadcast Category was sponsored by Media Training Masterclasses for a campaign that effectively uses broadcast media to reach target audiences and achieve its objectives The Excellence Awards Summer Ball was held at the Honourable Artillery Company Gardens in London -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038

National 'Student Satisfaction' Survey Praises Derby 13 August 2013 Student satisfaction levels have risen for the third year running at the University of Derby according to an annual UK universities survey released today (August 13) Of all Derby students quizzed for the independent 2013 National Student Survey (NSS) 86% agreed they were overall satisfied with their course The Survey (conducted annually by Ipsos MORI for the Higher Education Funding Council for England) asks mostly final year students at UK universities to rate how satisfied they are overall with their course and also specifically with its academic support learning resources teaching lecturer feedback and other qualities; using 23 core questions Results are only published for a course if at least 50% of its students responded to the Survey and that equalled at least 23 respondents Derby s overall 2013 performance of 86% is up from 83% in 2012 and 81% in 2011 matching the UK universities sector average More Derby students took part for the 2013 NSS survey than ever before; 73% of them (or 2 278 students out of a possible 3 113) which was higher than the average universities response rate of 69% Today s announcement comes just ahead of Thursday s (August 15) A-level results and the beginning of the Clearing period where universities match prospective students with available degree course places Five Derby courses individually also achieved a 100% overall satisfaction rate and 17 more than 90% Those scoring 100% included: BA (Hons) History (scor ng 100% for the fourth year n a row) BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (assessed a ongs de Foundation Degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering) BA (Hons) Popu ar Mus c w th Mus c Techno ogy BEd (Hons) Primary Education BA (Hons) Visual Communications(Graphic Design) . Other Derby courses which did better than the NSS averages for overall satisfaction for their course areas included: In the Faculty of Business, Computing and Law - Account ng and F nance, Bus ness and Management, LLB (Hons) Law, App ed Cr m no ogy Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology - Motorsport Eng neer ng, Photography, F ne Art, Text e Des gn Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences - Nurse Stud es, Sport and Exerc se Sc ence, Geography (wh ch a so scored 100% for student sat sfact on n the Survey s academ c support category), Ch dren and Young Peop e, Ear y Ch dhood Stud es, Creat ve Express ve Therap es, Educat on Stud es, D agnost c Rad ography, Psycho ogy University of Derby Buxton - Events Management (wh ch a so scored 100% for student sat sfact on n the Survey s persona deve opment category). The Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development - (UDC scored 100% for overa sat sfact on n the Survey and 99% sat sfact on w th teach ng). Today s excellent results follow July s national Higher Education Statistics Agency survey which revealed that 96 1% of University of Derby 2011/12 graduates were in work or study six months after completing their degree course - putting Derby ninth among English institutions for graduate employability Commenting on today s NSS results Deputy Vice-Chancellor Philip Plowden who has responsibility for the University s Academic Portfolio said: "We are delighted with this vote of confidence from our students "Last month (July) University of Derby students were shown to be achieving unprecedented success in obtaining employment and the University moved into the Top Ten of English universities for employability Now our students have expressed their satisfaction with the University s courses by giving Derby its highest ever score in the National Student Survey emphasising the quality of the student experience at this University " The University of Derby will be entering Clearing this year with degree course places available across a range of subjects to start this September (2013) The University s call centre will be open for enquiries from 7am on Thursday (August 15) on 01332 592013 For more information on the 2013 NSS Survey see www thestudentsurvey com For further media information about this news release contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

National Trust Chair On Preserving Past For The Future 22 March 2012 Conserving the nation s heritage in a time of economic downturn and shrinking state funds will be the subject of a free public lecture at the University of Derby delivered by National Trust Chairman Sir Simon Jenkins The journalist historian and author will speak on Heritage Conservation in a Period of Austerity in the Courtroom at the University s Kedleston Road site in Derby at 7pm on Friday April 27 The annual Phillip Whitehead Memorial Lecture - commemorating the life and work of the late European MP - is a free public talk hosted by the University and Derbyshire s Arkwright Society It addresses historical and cultural themes and issues of conservation in the natural and built environment relevant to the region Sir Simon is a former editor of The Times and London Evening Standard and former political editor for The Guardian He was knighted in 2004 for services to journalism His books on history and architecture include England s Thousand Best Churches and A Short History of England From 1985 to 1990 he was Deputy Chair of English Heritage and has been Chairman of the National Trust since November 2008 Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "The annual Phillip Whitehead Memorial Lecture has always attracted high calibre speakers from the fields of UK heritage and conservation and this year continues that tradition "I have no doubt that Sir Simon Jenkins views on preserving our past for the future will make for an interesting and informative evening " Light refreshments will be provided after the lecture To book a free place for the evening and find out more call Angela Drinkwater at the University on 01332 591046 or email: a drinkwater@derby ac uk For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Nelson Mandela 6 December 2013 The University of Derby mourns the loss yet celebrates the life of the world citizen from whom we have all learned so much Thank you Nelson Mandela

New Academic Role For Tropical Forest Analyst 25 August 2010 A scientist involved in an international research project highlighting the devastating effects of tropical forest degradation has joined the University of Derby Dr Mark Bulling an ecosystem theorist and data analysis expert has joined Derby as a lecturer in Biological Sciences Previously he explored the impact of forest degradation along the coast at increasing distances from Tanzania s largest city Dar es Salaam Data was collected in 1991 and again in 2005 In terms of tropical forest and rainforest preservation forest degradation is often overshadowed by the issue of deforestation Deforestation is the reduction in the area of forest cover and change of land use the after-effects of which can be seen clearly via satellite However forest degradation is the reduction in forest quality historically making it difficult to assess the impact of forest degradation However the study shows that the impacts of forest degradation on biodiversity and carbon storage can be severe It is essential to understand both the impact and patterns of tropical forest degradation if policy strategies such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) currently being developed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are to succeed REDD could rapidly cut carbon dioxide emissions from deforestation and degradation which are currently responsible for 15% of total emissions from human activity The research study involving Dr Bulling was led by Royal Botanical Garden ecologist Dr Antje Ahrends produced a model suggesting degradation of tropical forests occurs in a series of waves : F rst wave: h gh-va ue t mber s removed, arge y for export Second wave: m d-va ue t mber s removed, arge y used n the oca area for construct on and furn ture Th rd wave: the rema n ng trees are removed for the product on of charcoa for cook ng, wh ch s ma n y used n urban areas. The research team hopes its study will aid the development of targeted policies to preserve tropical forests and the biodiversity and carbon they house The study entitled: Predictable waves of sequential forest degradation and biodiversity loss spreading from an African city features in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Dr Bulling previously worked at the universities of York and Aberdeen and used various statistical regression techniques including Generalised Additive Modelling (GAM) to build up a comprehensive understanding of the data patterns supporting the degradation wave theory He said: "We were a little surprised at how fast these waves have been moving The data was of excellent quality which helped us find the wave patterns effectively We may conduct future research to see how the situation has developed It is a good example of using statistical data analysis to gain insights into different areas of ecology " Dr Bulling is now keen to develop links with other organisations and researchers to get involved in other projects where they seek assistance in analysing complex ecological data As part of another project he is working with other scientists led by the Scottish Agricultural School to understand the spread of TB among badger populations in the south west of England It will contribute to a wider European funded study assessing different wildlife disease patterns currently in development You can contact Mark about his expertise in analysing complex ecological data via email at m bulling@derby ac uk For more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

New Alumni Award Is Grand Goal for Sports Teams 21 March 2013 A £1 000 grant for University of Derby sports teams and clubs is being offered by its Alumni Relations office Any University of Derby sports team or club based at any of its sites can apply for the one-off £1 000 Alumni Sports Award; which is being offered for the first time by Alumni Relations in association with sports initiative Team Derby and the Students Union Athletics Union Alumni Relations maintains contact with and offers support and advice to the University s graduates The money will aim to assist sports teams in their development while also addressing Team Derby s priority areas of: • engaging a wider student demographic through sport • increasing female participation in sport • promoting Team Derby in the community • improving the performance of the University in British Universities and Colleges Sport To compete for the cash all teams need to do is say in no more than 500 words how the Alumni Sports Award would make a difference to them and how they intend to spend the £1 000 In their application teams should also try and explain how they would acknowledge promote and raise the profile of the University s Alumni Relations office amongst current students Completed entries should be emailed by Friday April 5 2013 to: teamderby@derby ac uk Shortlisted teams will be notified and invited to attend a panel meeting on Thursday April 11 where they will have the opportunity to present and discuss their ideas in full The winning team will be announced at the annual Athletics Union Sports Dinner on Wednesday April 17

New Appointments Boost Research At Derby 4 November 2011 Four high profile figures from the world of education have joined the University of Derby as visiting research fellows it was confirmed this week Director of the network Muslim Women in Education Rania Hafez: Education Director of charity Real Action Katie Ivens: education writer Robert Whelan: and internationally renowned sociologist Robin Wynyard are all now part of the University's Centre for Educational Research Professor Dennis Hayes Head of the Centre said: "These are important appointments that will enhance the reputation of the University and ensure that our education research and innovation continues to have a large impact nationally and internationally "I feel proud that these educationalists have chosen to work with us and will bring their unique knowledge and expertise with them " Rania Hafez is the Director of the professional network Muslim Women in Education and is also a researcher commentator and consultant on teacher education and the Islamic philosophy of education Uniquely she has twice been elected council member and non-executive director of the Institute for Learning (IfL) She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee for the Education and Training of Teachers (SCETT) and will become Chair in 2012 Katie Ivens is the Education Director and co-founder of the charity Real Action which has won accolades for its Butterfly Saturday Reading Schools for under-privileged inner-city children Katie is also ViceChairman of the Campaign for Real Education A former journalist and editor she now researches and develops new curricula particularly in primary education Robert Whelan is the author of 13 books on education childhood and social policy He is well known in education as the editor of the influential collection of essays: The Corruption of the Curriculum Since 2003 he has been a director of the New Model School group of independent schools Robert is general editor of the UK edition of the Core Knowledge Curriculum published by Civitas and as well as writing and publishing he has been teaching English and History at a Saturday school in the East End of London for the last seven years Robin Wynyard has a PhD in Sociology and is a visiting professor at Gonzaga University (USA) He is an internationally renowned sociologist writing on communication and cultural issues His current research focuses on diet and diabetes and the importance of restoring compassion and humanity to health care Following the success of their book The McDonaldization of Higher Education he is again working with Professor Dennis Hayes on follow-up book Beyond McDonaldization: Visions of Higher Education All four visiting research fellows will all be carrying out research in their specialist fields over the next five years

New arrival at the University of Derby 3 June 2014 Professor Malcolm J Todd has been appointed as the new Dean of College of Law Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Derby A sociologist Professor Todd has largely taught in the areas of the sociology of work and protest movements social research methods (research design qualitative methods and policy evaluation) family studies and applied sociology/social policy He arrives at Derby after a period as head of one of Leeds Metropolitan University s largest schools Social Psychological and Communication Sciences - and at a time when the University of Derby moves to a system of 7 colleges from its current 4 faculties While at Leeds Metropolitan Professor Todd launched a new University research centre The Centre for Applied Social Research which coordinated the submission of two units of assessment to the 2014 REF Prior to working at Leeds Met Malcolm was the Head of Learning Teaching and Employability for the largest faculty (13 000 students) at Sheffield Hallam University Professor Philip Plowden Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We are delighted that Professor Todd is joining us as the founding Dean of the new college "Malcolm has an outstanding reputation within his discipline and as a senior academic leader The breadth of his expertise makes him ideally suited to taking forward the excellent work that is already happening within Law Humanities and Social Sciences "We particularly welcome Malcolm s long-standing engagement with the identification of best practices in supporting the student learning experience He has published widely on learning and teaching matters in the social sciences especially on the themes of learner autonomy work-based learning and the teaching of race and ethnicity " Until 2010 Professor Todd was the associate director of the national subject centre for Sociology Anthropology and Politics based at the University of Birmingham He is currently leading on a national project for the HEA and HEFCE on teaching about Islam in the social sciences and has been a trustee of the British Sociology Association and member of the Heads and Professors of Sociology Malcolm has been involved with transnational education and has developed strong partnership relationships with higher education institutions in Hong Kong the Netherlands and the USA He has taught for many years in Hong Kong and chaired validation and institutional approval events in the UK mainland Europe Malaysia China and Hong Kong He is also visiting Professor of Sociology at a University in New York USA For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

New Artistic Director Plans To Dare And Delight 5 December 2012 Derby Theatre has recently appointed a new Artistic Director who has ambitious plans for the theatre s future Sarah Brigham has joined Derby Theatre from her role as Artistic Director at The Point Eastleigh and The Berry Theatre where she developed a unique programme of support for established and emerging artists and produced innovative productions which have toured internationally Sarah said: "I m delighted to be taking on the role of Artistic Director at Derby Theatre It s a fantastic opportunity to work at a theatre with a great history of producing quality and exciting work for audiences It s my ambition to build on this wonderful legacy and to bring productions of daring and delight to the audiences of Derby and beyond "I also look forward to developing the theatre s unique vision to be a building which truly has learning at its heart helping emerging artists and those in training develop their skills and add to the creative economy of Derby " Professor John Coyne Vice Chancellor of the University and Chair of Derby Theatre board added: "We are extremely pleased about Sarah s appointment and excited about what the future holds for Derby Theatre under her artistic leadership We are confident that her previous experience talent and skills in theatre and the arts will be of great benefit to us as a regional venue and will excite our audiences too " Sarah who takes up the position in January 2013 will play a vital role in the Learning Theatre Pilot programme a three year plan which aims to nurture local talent and raise the bar for education and training in theatre Her role will be key in producing and programming exciting and diverse seasons of productions and participatory programmes at Derby Theatre For more information about Derby Theatre visit www derbytheatre co uk

New Book Seeks To Get British Muslim Women's Voices Heard 10 August 2012 British Muslim women discuss feminism faith prejudice and glass ceilings in a new book giving a rare insight into their daily lives written by a University of Derby expert Sociologist Dr Sariya Contractor - who is herself a Muslim - spent three years interviewing British Muslim women about their lives and opinions to give a voice to people she felt were seldom heard from and often misrepresented in the media The PhD research project has now been turned into a book - entitled Muslim Women in Britain Demystifying the Muslimah - which has been published by Routledge and is now available through online booksellers Sariya said: "I wanted British Muslim women to speak for themselves and to say what it means to be a British Muslim In doing so I discovered proud educated women with strong opinions women not subjugated by their faith but strengthened by it "By talking with these women on issues such as femininity Britishness and social cohesion I found far more commonalities than differences between them and women of other faiths We are all essentially women balancing careers families and parenthood and women s rights " Her new book features extracts from interviews with more than 50 women from around the UK and gives an insight into the barriers and challenges they face in today s society Many are the same as those that face all British women a glass ceiling at work equal pay and a struggle to balance childcare family and work Interviewee Samima said: "There are certain challenges in terms of equal pay and equality in the home which I think are across the board The differences between a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim woman are not much and the day-to-day challenges are the same " The research did discover that some of the difficulties that British Muslim women experienced in society were caused by prejudice in reaction to the headscarf; the hijab niqab and jilbab "When I began this piece of work I did not want to write about the hijab at all " said Sariya "But in a society that remains suspicious of religion an external symbol like clothing has far reaching effects "Many of the women I spoke to gave examples of being judged by their clothing for example that people had made assumptions about their ability to speak English their level of education and that they are oppressed " The research also found that these issues were confounded by representations of British Muslim women in the media Interviewee Shamsia said: "I haven t actually seen any Muslim women being portrayed in the media like me they don t talk about normal people who go to school and colleges and work " Interviewee Ayesha added about women who wear the hijab: "I really want to get this point across that we are not oppressed or anything I hope to see this message portrayed in the media " According to Sariya however the news is good "In reinstating the Muslim woman as her own storyteller I heard stories of love sadness aspiration and challenges; simple stories that presented a powerful message of commonality between women irrespective and in spite of difference in religion " she said "I hope that this book gives a fresh perspective on Muslim women in Britain and encourages more British Muslim women to speak up and for more people to hear their voices " Dr Sariya Contractor is a sociologist at the University of Derby specialising in the Sociology of Religion She is currently working with Derby s Professor Paul Weller and the research team from the universities of Derby Manchester and Oxford on an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)/ Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Religion and Society project exploring "Religion and Belief Discrimination and Equality in England and Wales: Theory Policy and Practice (2000-2010)" She is about to begin an ESRC funded follow-on project entitled; "Collaborative partnerships between universities and Muslim institutions: dismantling the roadblocks " which builds on previous research to facilitate increased collaborative partnerships and linkages between UK universities and Muslim institutions leading to economic and social benefits for students institutions and various stakeholders The book is available from Routledge via website www routledge com/books/details/9780415669962/ For more information on studying Sociology at the University of Derby visit website www derby ac uk

New Book To Guide Professionals Helping Children And Young People 23 January 2014 A major guide and study book for those working with and educating children and young people will be launched by its authors at the University of Derby Empowering the Children's and Young People's Workforce has been written by Social Studies and Education experts at the University Chapters by ten different senior academics cover subjects such as conducting ethical research with young people supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities working with vulnerable children dealing with parents expectations and quality practice in the field from around the world The book - published by David Fulton and now available (price £21 99) - will be officially launched by its authors at 12 15pm on Wednesday (January 29) at Blackwell s bookshop in the Atrium of the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby It is set to become a core textbook for several of the University s own courses and those at other higher education institutions The book has been edited by Dr Simon Brownhill - a former Derby Lecturer now at the University of Cambridge s Faculty of Education - whose previous research included a doctoral study debunking the idea that young boys thought of football stars such as Wayne Rooney and David Beckham as personal role models Commenting on this latest book Dr Brownhill said: "This supportive book aims to help students and professionals develop the knowledge skills and values needed to work effectively with children and young people "As its authors we believe that children and young people deserve the best in terms of quality practice in schools and other settings This book is designed to facilitate and help assure this " Co-author Lesley Faulconbridge Head of Subject for Social Studies at the University of Derby added: "This book was written by staff in the Social Studies subject area at the University of Derby to support students and professionals engaged in study on a range of courses including Child and Youth Studies "We are passionate about the quality of practice in settings and how this affects outcomes for children and young people This book provides a tool kit to develop excellence in practice in the sector " For more information about the book Empowering the Children s and Young People s Workforce see website www routledge com/books/details/9780415517409 To learn more about Social Studies related courses at the University of Derby - including its Education Studies Early Childhood Studies and Child and Youth Studies qualifications - see website www derby ac uk/science/campaigns/ehs For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

New Course Helps Organisations Implement Agile Working 30 July 2013 Business leaders keen to develop a mobile workforce are being encouraged to study a new part-time course with University of Derby Corporate (UDC) starting this September The Managing Agile Working course developed in partnership with leading UK consultancy firm Capita Symonds teaches professionals how to positively change work practices deploy new technologies and create innovative working environments in order to boost productivity and performance among staff The six month work based course covers a wide range of topics relevant to agile working such as the benefits impacts on business investment requirements management techniques and the effect of agile working on organisational policies including HR and health and safety The programme will be delivered by supportive and experienced tutors through two interactive workshops at UDC s state of the art Enterprise Centre in Derby city centre as well as through independent online learning modules Kevin Lane Senior Consultant at the Workplace and Property Consulting Division at Capita Symonds said: "The partnership between University of Derby and Capita Symonds represents the best of both worlds to managers and leaders seeking to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in the hot topic of agile working "My team provides strategic and hands on advice to the private public and third sector; for clients from health local councils defence and infrastructure amongst others " Kevin added: "The University of Derby enhances any learning and developmental programme through its rapidly growing reputation for innovation teaching mastery and excellent facilities Together we will be delivering an interactive challenging and practical course for enhancing personal and organisational development " Andrew Hartley Managing Director of University of Derby Corporate said: "We continually aim to strengthen our provision with external partners and deliver high quality courses This programme has been specially designed to provide businesses with the skills and expertise they need to implement agile working within their organisation "

New course offers key to tackling crumbling roads 16 July 2014 A new university qualification has been launched to help equip highway engineers with the skills they need to fix the UK s crumbling roads With demands for better road surfaces and pavements to provide better journey times with minimum disruption to motorists local authority highways departments are under pressure to deliver for the taxpayer Authorities are faced with reduced funding extreme weather changes an ageing infrastructure and increasing regulations and bureaucracy - but academics and industry partners behind the University Diploma in Road Surface Technology at University of Derby Corporate say the course will give people the tools to deliver on these issues by developing their technical skills Subjects covered include paving materials environmental management health and safety awareness treating surfaces maintaining pavements and contracts management Dr Tony Stock Programme Leader for the new course said: "This is the first higher education qualification for the road surface treatments industry and is a real step-forward for those who wish to set themselves apart from the rest of the industry "It is all delivered online which ensures it fits around the busy schedules of professionals in the field and support is available from tutors online and by telephone " The nine-month course which starts in October has been developed jointly by leading industry bodies the Road Surface Treatment Association (RSTA) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) along with University of Derby Corporate Howard Robinson Chief Executive of the RSTA said: "This course is aimed at developing the next generation of industry leaders in the road surface treatments sector "It will appeal to individuals who currently work within the sector and also those who need to further their knowledge on the range of economic options now available for road surface maintenance " For more information on the course visit www derby ac uk/rsta For more information contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

New ‘Crime and Justice’ Course Launched 6 September 2007 Crime and the question of how our 21st century society deals with it can sometimes seem to be everywhere dominating fictional TV drama programmes as much as real news headlines A groundbreaking new degree course at the University of Derby’s School of Law and Criminology aims to take a comprehensive view of modern criminal behaviour and how it is perceived Students on the BA (Hons) Crime and Justice degree will cover some of the more hotly debated issues such as: Psycho og ca prof ng of cr m na s Hostage negot at on Hate and gender cr me The effects of the med a, consumer sm and the nternet on cr m na behav our. The new three year course launched this month is aimed at giving a 360 degree view of the realities those working in today’s criminal justice system face It has been developed for professionals already working in the industry - such as police officers probation officers youth offending workers and legal counsel - as well as undergraduates with no experience looking to pursue careers in any one of those fields Dave Walsh Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Crime and Justice course said it offered greater flexibility in studying issues surrounding crime and justice He said: "Professionals will gain a far greater awareness of the environment they’re working in " Dave added: "When our graduates decide whether they want to apply to be a police officer probation officer or to work anywhere within the justice system they’ll be better placed to do what they want " John Coxhead Youth Development Manager at Derbyshire Police said: "The Crime and Justice degree course at the University of Derby is a unique programme It’s focused on skills and applied professional practice in the complex and demanding world of justice "The programme contains really important aspects of justice such as hate crime which will benefit students in gaining an applied understanding of such critical areas The programme will develop skills and understanding for working in the justice or security sector and beyond benefiting from excellent links and contributors from professional practitioners " The course offered by the University’s School of Law and Criminology will welcome its first students later this month For more details about joining the course contact Dave Walsh on 01332 591443 -endsFor further information about this press release please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 Release written by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

New Dean Announced For University 9 July 2010 A respected academic who is also a former police officer has been named as the new Dean of Business Computing and Law at the University of Derby Dr Keith Horton currently Director of Strategic Development and Corporate Intelligence at Edinburgh Napier University will join Derby on October 4 (2010) as the new head of its Faculty of Business Computing and Law He replaces the current Dean Fiona Church who is leaving Derby after 18 years to become Executive Dean of Birmingham City University s Faculty of Education Law and Social Sciences Prior to his current role at Edinburgh Napier University Dr Horton was its Associate Dean in the Faculty of Engineering Computing and Creative Industries He has also been a member of the School of Computing and Management Sciences at Sheffield Hallam; and he is a graduate of both of Sheffield s universities Dr Horton s career includes working as a police officer in Liverpool By academic background Dr Horton is an expert in Information Management with a research focus upon social and organisational informatics (the study of how information and communication technologies impact on society) Dr Horton said: "I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues and students at Derby; and continuing to build upon the many achievements of the Faculty of Business Computing and Law to date " Professor Michael Gunn University Pro Vice-Chancellor added: "I am truly delighted that Keith is joining us He has a wealth of experience in disciplines relevant to Business Computing and Law He brings experience at a strategic level and he will work well with the team in the Faculty to help it move forward "I am sure he will be an asset in furthering Derby s academic development " For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

New Dean Appointed 17 September 2010 Dr Ruth Ayres currently Director of Learning Development at Salford University will join the University of Derby on November 15 as Dean of its new Learning Enhancement and Innovation (LEI) department Prior to her current role at Salford University Dr Ayres was a Learning and Development Adviser in the Learning and Development Centre at the University of Warwick There she was responsible for leading the Accredited Programmes in Academic and Professional Practice She is interested in various aspects of higher education research; including the research-teaching nexus and non-traditional learners and their experiences of learning and teaching Dr Ayres has been involved in evaluation projects and was invited by the University of the Basque Country to advise on the teaching and assessment of Ecology as part of the Innovation of Teaching Ecology: Bologna 2010 project Professor Liz Barnes Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Derby said: "I am delighted that Ruth has decided to join the University and I look forward to working with her in making LEI a success "

New Dean Is A Champion Of Creative Industries 5 September 2007 The University of Derby has announced the arrival of a new Dean for the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology Professor Huw Davies currently Head of the School of Creative Industries at Napier University takes up his new post in October His first few weeks will be an exciting time as he meets Sir Richard Branson Head of the Virgin Group when he officially opens our new £21m Markeaton Street building on November 2 Professor Davies said: "I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead and the official opening will be a very special occasion The new Markeaton site is an impressive building " Professor Davies knows Derby from his time here 20 years ago – and says it has changed so much in that time in many different ways not least in its size and because of having secured University status in 1992 He was a Photography Fellow and Artist in Residence at the then Derbyshire College of Higher Education a post part-funded by the college and East Midlands Arts Based at Kedleston Road in 1986-87 his project focused on the development of industry in the city and culminated in an exhibition at Derby Museum and Art Gallery which then went on to tour the region Professor Davies’s role at Napier has involved managing a diverse School encompassing Lens Media Digital Media Design Journalism Publishing Advertising Cultural Studies the Ian Tomlin School of Music and the Screen Academy Scotland He says that one of his key aims in his new role at Derby will be to help the Faculty develop even stronger links with the creative industries in Derbyshire and beyond Professor Davies said: "What we have here is an opportunity for this Faculty to become the best in its field in the UK There are established programmes in Derby some of which have a formidable reputation for achievement "The creative industries are among the fastest growing areas in the economy and we have a fantastic new site where we can feed off one another’s ideas This semester signals the start of a new era in Derby " He has an MA in Graphic Design (Distinction) from Manchester Metropolitan University and First Class Honours in BA (Hons) Photography and Film from Nottingham Trent University After his time at Derby he became a Lecturer in Photography at Solihull College (1987-88) and a Senior Lecturer in Photography at the University of Sunderland (1988-1994) before joining Napier University 13 years ago as a Reader in Photography and Imaging At Napier Professor Davies then became Head of Department of Photography Film and Television (19982000) and Head of School of Design and Media Arts Napier University (2000-2006) before founding the new School of Creative Industries His research expertise is in the area of experimental and documentary film and photography and research models for creative arts practice He has a range of broadcast credits across a number of television stations nationally and internationally including the BBC and the Discovery Channel in the USA and has had screenings in competitions at over 100 international film festivals since 2000 Professor Davies 49 has also been the Co-Artistic Director and Chair of Board Berwick Film and Media Arts Festival Berwick-upon-Tweed Northumberland since 2004 This exhibition which celebrates the cream of film and video production cinema and art has developed an international reputation set in the heart of the historic town Professor Musa Mihsein Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic Development at the University of Derby said: "Professor Davies has active research interests built around an established reputation as a creative practitioner "I believe that he is the ideal appointment to take over the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology from Professor David Manley in the Autumn " Professor Manley has become our new Director of Cultural Development at the University -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591 891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

New Degree Focuses On Improving City's Health 3 July 2013 Experts dedicated to improving the health of Derby residents gathered at the University of Derby for the launch of its new Masters degree in Public Health Derby City Council s Director of Public Health Derek Ward joined the Head of the University s School of Science Dr Chris Bussell and Programme Leader Gillian Carleton-Boylan to celebrate the innovative joint working that resulted in the new Masters degree programme The postgraduate degree is designed to equip people wishing to pursue careers in public health with the right skills and knowledge to do so and was designed by the University in a pioneering collaboration with Derby City Council Mr Ward said: "To continually improve the wellbeing of the people of Derby we need to get as many people in the wider health workforce as we can excited and informed about advancements in public health "By working with the University we have been able to create this unique Masters in Public Health degree programme It brings together the latest theory and research in health protection and improvement from across the University s academic base with the Council s knowledge and experience of public health practice " Dr Bussell added: "We were delighted to work with Derby City Council on the design of this programme Its expertise in the practice of public health has helped to shape what we feel is an outstanding Masters degree "As a regionally rooted University we are committed to making a difference to the people of Derby We know that a highly qualified and knowledgeable public health workforce can have a hugely positive impact on the health of our communities " Students on the course will learn from a team of public health specialists environmental health and nursing practitioners and psychologists and - through the City Council s links with Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) Public Health England and NHS England - will also have exclusive opportunities to gain insights into the latest developments in public health practice as they happen For more information on the programme visit www derby ac uk/courses/postgraduate/public-healthmasters or contact Gillian Carleton-Boylan by email g carleton-boylan@derby ac uk

New Deputy Vice-Chancellor Appointed By University of Derby 3 December 2013 The University of Derby is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Rod Dubrow-Marshall to the post of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Rod will join Derby from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) where he is currently Pro ViceChancellor for Student Experience on March 1 2014 Rod is a psychologist by original discipline an active researcher and a graduate of the University of Nottingham from whom he also received his PhD Prior to joining UCLan he was Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Glamorgan Within his Derby portfolio Rod will be taking the lead for the University in its relationships with academic partners and the professions and will oversee the University s regional footprint Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Rod to this exciting portfolio at such a pivotal time in the development of the University of Derby We are well placed to build upon our current success and I am confident that Rod will bring a great deal to the University from his previous experience "It was gratifying that we had so many distinguished candidates apply for this role a further sign of the growing reputation of the University and we are certain that Rod has just the right mix of recent experience to fit in well with our future mission " Professor Dubrow-Marshall added: "I look forward to joining the University of Derby and am very excited about the vision mission and strengths of the University as the top provider of higher education in the region "I am passionate about the transformational qualities of education at all levels and am enthusiastic about the role the University of Derby can play in positively transforming the lives of students families and local communities I am really looking forward to taking up my new role in March " Media requiring further information about this press release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

New furniture line creates great opportunity for young designer 17 July 2014 A new furniture range designed by a University of Derby student has been unveiled at a UK exhibition prior to its being sold by an upscale manufacturer Matt Thompson who has just completed his BSc (Hons) Product Design Engineering degree course has seen his Madison Lounge range of outdoor furniture - including chairs and tables - unveiled as the new range by high end furniture manufacturer Alexander Rose based in West Sussex The company set UK degree students the design challenge earlier this year The judges panel included TV presenter and garden designer (and Chelsea Flower Show Gold winner) Diarmuid Gavin Jonathan Hindle of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers Alexander Rose s Managing Director Borge Leth and Alan Morley Head of Design for Alexander Rose Matt s winning design was unveiled at the Solex Exhibition a national trade show for garden furniture and products at Birmingham s National Exhibition Centre He had previously been flown to The Philippines by the company to see his rattan weave based winning design put into production Matt will receive royalty fees on sales of his Madison Lounge range for the next five years The product line is due to go on sale within the next 12 months Matt 24 - who now works as a designer for the 3form Design company in Andover Hampshire - said: "It was such a thrill to be able to see my furniture design being made in the factory and to have it unveiled at the national Solex Exhibition I can t wait to see it on sale " Borge Leth Alexander Rose s Managing Director added: "The process of selection was certainly a challenging one Matt s winning design was chosen for its elegance practicality and Mad Men evocation of 1960s modern mid-century design reinterpreted in contemporary weave materials "We were very impressed by the designs of all the finalists in the Alexander Rose competition" Matt was also recently featured in a number of UK design trade magazines talking about a prosthetic hand he designed to be built for as little as £200 It is aimed at the need in developing countries for cheaper artificial limbs For more on all of Matt s design work see his website at http://www coroflot com/21mtho To learn more about Product Design at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/engineeringtechnology The Alexander Rose website can be found at www alexander-rose co uk For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

New future for landmark Chesterfield building 13 February 2014 The University of Derby is delighted to announce the purchase of a Grade II listed former girls school in Chesterfield which will be used to support its growing presence in the town The acquisition of the St Helena Centre from Derbyshire County Council provides the University with an opportunity to further strengthen its work with the neighbouring Chesterfield College on Sheffield Road Major refurbishment would be required to bring the 2 2 acre site up to standard but as a former school many aspects of its layout lend themselves to further educational use The University could have the new centre ready by mid-2016 It will bring new jobs to Chesterfield business support business incubation nursing engineering and real world learning to the town The proposal has already been well received by Destination Chesterfield which coordinates efforts to promote the town Hari Punchihewa Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby said: "We have been working for some time to extend our presence in the town "This strategic acquisition extends our options to be of service to the town of Chesterfield and to help the economic development through comprehensive business support to create jobs and bolster the higher education offer already in place there "The building itself is a wonderful structure which sits in a perfect location being so close to town and the college "The University of Derby has proved before that it is excellent at taking special buildings and bringing them back to life You only have to look at the Buxton Dome to realise that It would be great to see the building returned to its original purpose for education but this is just one of the options open to the University " Derbyshire County Council s Cabinet Member for Council Services Councillor Brian Ridgway added: "I m delighted that we ve been able to give the University the opportunity to extend their work into Chesterfield This is the best possible use for the St Helena Centre "The University will bring new jobs to the area and create opportunities for people from Chesterfield North East Derbyshire and Bolsover to increase their qualifications and skills "We ve just announced a £14 2m investment in the Markham Vale site and having a more skilled local workforce will make coming to Derbyshire a more attractive proposition for businesses " The centre was built in 1911 as a school The girls school closed in the 1990s and the council then used the building as offices until late 2013 For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

New Head Of Corporate Relations Appointed 6 August 2012 The new Head of Corporate Relations Russell Langley gives his view on the role of the department within the University "Our role within Corporate Relations is to position the University as a trusted place to come and learn to give us the best possible chance of reaching our recruitment targets In simple terms this involves identifying our strengths and letting as many people as possible know about them "It s good here and we shouldn t be afraid to shout about it! Being new to the job and the sector my sense is that more people need to have heard about the University of Derby and have a clear understanding of what we have to offer and what makes us different "To achieve this our aim is to equip all staff students alumni and stakeholders with a clear and consistent narrative about the University that is easy to understand credible and flexible to meet the needs of different audiences This will create an army of ambassadors able to speak positively about Derby be it to their mates down the pub or their contacts in the business world "What you will also see over the coming months is a broadening of our media relations with an increased focus on national and specialist press to raise our profile and highlight our areas of expertise "In addition we will build further on our ongoing events alumni and community programmes and enhance our internal communications offerings to better inform and engage our staff Positioning and profile are the buzz words and we ve all got a role to play in making it happen "

New Programme To 'Train The Trainers' Gets Underway In Derby 11 July 2013 A new programme to train the trainers has started at University of Derby Corporate (UDC) meeting the growing demand for work based learning provision UDC has drawn on its extensive experience to develop an innovative framework of qualifications to support trainers tutors assessors mentors and in-company trainers in developing their own expertise in teaching others in the workplace which requires a different set of skills to traditional classroom based teaching The Work Based Learner Practitioner programme was developed in response to a Government initiative aimed at increasing the number of Apprentices including Higher Apprentices Through this University of Derby Corporate received £900 000 of funding to develop a suite of qualifications and a Higher Apprenticeship to fill the gap in the marketplace for a qualification that spans the work based learning field Simon Riley a Production Training Team Leader attended the induction session at UDC s Enterprise Centre headquarters in the city He said: "I chose to join the Work Based Learning Practitioner programme to further develop my knowledge of learners and different training methods which will help me to offer more support to my students and enhance their whole learning experience I specifically chose this programme over others as the online format allows me to fit my study around work "Ultimately the programme will help me to understand my learners needs and requirements better and enable me to provide training that will add value to both the business and the individual " Julie Harris Higher Apprenticeship Project Manager at UDC added: "The programme is work based which means that learners study part time and apply everything they learn to current organisational issues through practical activities and assignments bringing real value to both individuals and organisations "It will support the drive to improve the quality and capacity of work based learning not only across the Apprenticeship programme but also the wider skills system to ensure success and sustain growth " Those successfully completing the programme will be able to gain either a Certificate of Higher Education or a Foundation Degree with the potential to top up to a full BA (Hons) whilst also achieving a Higher Apprenticeship To find out more about the programme or other Higher Apprenticeship developments contact University of Derby Corporate on Freephone 0800 678 331 visit www derby ac uk/corporate or email: udc@derby ac uk For further press information please contact Alice Oliver Deputy Head of Corporate Relations at the University of Derby on email: a oliver@derby ac uk or 01332 592032

New Qualification To Professionalise The Role Of Work Based Learning Practitioners 22 January 2013 The University of Derby Corporate (UDC) is to offer a pioneering part-time work based learning (WBL) programme to existing WBL practitioners looking to gain a professional qualification while remaining in work from April 2013 The WBL industry employs over 30 000 staff in England (Lifelong Learning UK 2010) Following extensive research UDC recognise the growing demand for those who support deliver and assess learning in the workplace to have the opportunity to gain a qualification that covers a wide range of topics relevant to the field The Professional Development for Work Based Learning Practitioners suite of qualifications offers a flexible learning programme that will be delivered online It covers a range of topics from mentoring and guidance to organisational learning and is assessed through practical assignments in the workplace The programme is suitable for work based learners tutors and assessors who may work at colleges or for training providers looking to develop their expertise in WBL which is a different arena to classroom based teaching Those successfully completing the programme will be able to gain either a Certificate of Higher Education or a Foundation Degree with the potential to top up for a full BA (Hons) offering significant benefits to both individuals and their employers CIPD accreditation is also pending Carol Steed Academic Development Manager for the programme said: "This qualification is an opportunity for tutors trainers and those who support learning in the workplace to have their skills and expertise nationally recognised By investing in and professionalising the work based learning infrastructure individuals and apprentices will be supported in a way that raises their aspirations and encourages career progression " Bill Alexander Head of Training and Skills at the National Skills Academy - Rail Engineering added: "Training and development is a lifelong activity driving employer s needs and the individual s aspirations Maintaining the UK s competitiveness requires high calibre employer led training delivered by first class trainers whose knowledge of the business is matched by their training ability The Professional Development for Work Based Learning Practitioners suite of qualifications is aimed specifically at work based trainers who support develop facilitate coach and assess learning in the workplace " For more information about this flexible work based learning programme visit www derby ac uk/wblpractitioners or call 0800 678 3311

New Research Questions Government's Policy On Youth Careers 5 August 2011 The lack of strategic planning by the Government in managing recent changes in careers services has been criticised by international experts in career guidance at the University of Derby in a new report to be published today Entitled Careers Work with Young People: Collapse or Transition? the report explores how local services across England have been affected by Government policy and changes to the Connexions service Here is a link to how the Times Educational Supplement reported our news: http://www tes co uk/article aspx?storycode=6107491 Recent Government policy has moved responsibility for supporting young people s careers guidance to schools while funding cuts have resulted in the collapse of the existing Connexions service in many areas The proposed National Careers Service is set to focus strongly on adults leaving young people with a postcode lottery in careers support dependent on the decisions made in schools and local authorities While there has been outcry about the changes coming from the career guidance sector and from employers and trade unions until the publication of the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) report there has been little clarity about the impact of the Government s policy and how services were being affected The new report draws together evidence from 146 local authorities (96% of the total number) to provide the most comprehensive picture of job losses service restructuring and corresponding impact on young people The report authors Dr Tristram Hooley and Professor Tony Watts say confusion is rife about what the future holds for careers services The authors have calculated that more than 2 600 jobs will be lost in the careers guidance sector The changes in Connexions services have included: staff reduct ons n at east 105 oca author ty areas. c osure of Connex ons off ces n at east 50 oca author ty areas. reduct on of un versa careers serv ces n at east at east 65 oca author ty areas. 40 oca author t es deve op ng p ans for schoo s to buy nto. 13 oca author t es work ng to susta n un versa career gu dance. The authors write: "The decision to make cuts to young people s services is only one part of the story equally important has been the lack of any national transition plan for managing change "One implication of this lack of a transitional plan is that national resources which have been developed to support local Connexions work are currently languishing Critically the Connexions Direct site and the Jobs4U database have been replaced with an inelegant redirect page that sends users to a range of different sites At present no publicly visible plan exists to indicate how this messy interim situation will be resolved " Dr Hooley and Professor Watts suggest a range of policy questions which need to be resolved by four key parties - Government local authorities the careers profession and schools One of the most searching questions seeks to determine the role of the National Careers Service in relation to the delivery of careers services in schools: clarifying whether the NCS is a strategic body or a delivery body operating in competition with other careers service providers The report says the lack of national transition planning has led to confusion with local stakeholders wrestling with the policy decisions For example there have been disputes in south London about who holds responsibility for employing and making careers guidance staff redundant It says many schools are unclear about the changes and over suddenly being allocated responsibility to procure a service they had previously received free of charge It seems likely that most schools will allocate much less resource than previous provision adds the report The academics say that there is a need for Government to play a stronger role in shaping and coordinating the implementation of the new arrangements across the country There is also a need for the Government to rethink its policy in this area to ensure that all young people are able to access high quality careers services Information quoted in the ICeGs report has come from a wide range of sources including Unison the Institute of Career Guidance Careers England internet traffic related to key words including Connexions cuts from the last year the academics blogs and an online forum for local authority participants on the topic of careers guidance ICeGs is a key opinion former across the careers guidance sector offering its expertise to individuals organisations and decision makers Skills Minister John Hayes delivered a video address about the changes in the sector at the centre s annual lecture in June 2011 For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

New Service To Find Library Resources Is A Real Plus 13 November 2013 Library users at the University of Derby have praised a new service - brought in by the Institute for Learning Enhancement and Innovation (LEI) - helping them to access study and information resources more easily Library Plus is a major leap forward for students and staff who find and use library print and electronic resources and in improving research opportunities compared with the University s previous Digital Library system according to those who ve used it "Wish it had been available last year" "really useful for my dissertation" and "(it) lets me limit to just those articles I can get straightaway " are among the positive comments LEI has received from library users Library Plus is a product from US company EBSCO and has been implemented in several American universities but few UK higher education institutions so far The system was given the in-house title of Library Plus for the University of Derby following responses from 897 of its students to an online poll in April (2013) to suggest a name for this new resource discovery service Derby s Library Plus service contains information from around 70 000 publishers and other providers; in turn giving users access to hundreds of millions of records from hundreds of thousands of journals magazines books and other sources A single search in Library Plus can retrieve results from the library catalogue of over 600 000 items; which includes print and e-books and a range of different databases with links to many full text articles Library Plus was formally launched last September (2013) in the Atrium at the University s main Kedleston Road site with an official cake cutting by Dr Ruth Ayres Dean of LEI This was followed by roadshows at the Britannia Mill and Markeaton Street sites and Buxton Campus

New Student Works Share Space With Historic Artist 6 July 2012 Images of grinding poverty and a cupboard filled with fleeting moments are among the new University of Derby creative works specially selected to share a space with those of historic Derby artist Joseph Wright Work exhibited at the University s annual Degree Shows in June - by final year BA (Hons) Photography degree course students Verity Bowater Lauren Spencer and Artur Conka - will go on show at Derby Museum and Art Gallery from today (Friday July 6) until November At the very start of their creative careers the three students works will share the same building as a collection by globally renowned 18th Century painter Joseph Wright and be seen by thousands of visitors Verity s beautiful photographic diary of changing landscapes and Lauren s intriguing artwork entitled Uncollectables: A museum of being - a small chest of drawers filled with individual prints showing fleeting images of birds skies clouds etc - will be displayed in the Visual Poetry of 1001 Objects gallery at Derby Museum and Art Gallery from today until November 30 In addition a photo-book based on Artur s short film project about the gypsy community living in the crumbling Lunik IX housing complex in Slovakia - where he himself lived as a child - will be endorsed by Derby Museum and Art Gallery Copies will be available to view in the site s shop and can be purchased online Andrea Hadley-Johnson Exhibitions Officer at Derby Museum and Art Gallery was on the judging panel which chose the three works from the many displayed at the University s Degree Shows She said: "In addition to our programme of exhibitions we are committed to creating opportunities to support emerging artists This year we are delighted to offer a special award to these three students from the University s BA (Hons) Photography course "Our partnership with the University aims to profile the selected artists creative talent and provide a valuable step on their professional careers of exhibiting to a diverse audience "The students will work closely with the museum s curatorial team in the installing and interpreting of their works and they will be exposed to the museological process and context the works will be shown in " Lauren 25 of Radcliffe Drive Derby said: "It took a lot of effort to create and put together the hundreds of photos that went into my work Uncollectables: A museum of being It s hugely rewarding that it will now be displayed at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery " Verity 22 originally of Walsall added: "I m completely overwhelmed and delighted to be exhibiting my work at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery My work conveys a visual interest in the places and people around me with the intention of emphasising the beauty in the overlooked and ordinary moments of everyday life " Artur 22 originally of Queen Elizabeth s Drive London said: "I had never imagined that my work about the plight of the Roma would be showcased at so accomplished a museum as the Derby Museum and Art Gallery I really am humbled and gratified " Vered Lahav University Senior Lecturer in Photography added: "This is a real validation of the quality of the students work "Having their final year projects recognised and displayed like this at Derby Museum and Art Gallery is marvellous for the start of their careers as professional photographers " The selected works will be unveiled before an invited audience at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery at 5pm tonight (Friday July 6) For further information about the University of Derby s Photography courses see website www derby ac uk/photography-ba-hons To learn more about Derby Museum and Art Gallery see its website at www derby gov uk/leisure-andculture/museums-and-galleries Media needing more information should contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

New Unit To Slay Tuition Fees Myths 27 February 2006 Are you concerned about tuition fees? Do you want to study at university but worry you can t afford it? Let the University of Derby advise you A new Bursary Unit has opened at the University of Derby providing clear and concise support and advice to hundreds of prospective students about tuition fees bursaries and other financial issues The Unit created within the University s Financial Guidance and Operations section at its Kedleston Road Campus is thought to be one of the first of its kind set up in the UK s higher education sector The step has been taken as the University of Derby along with the rest of the higher education sector awaits the impact of the new £3 000 tuition fees when they are introduced in September Derby s team will be advising prospective students and their parents about the new bursaries the University of Derby offers as well as other financial information including advice on tuition fees and the new national maintenance grant system Ray Lock Financial Guidance and Operations Manager within the University of Derby s Customer Services Department said: "We believe this new Unit will help give students the answers they need about tuition fees as well as slaying some of the myths which are out there "We forecast we will receive hundreds of calls in the run-up to the new academic year starting in September and we want to offer the maximum customer service and all the support that we can to help people understand the new financial environment we are moving into " Some of those myths are: Myth 1 - Students must pay the tuition fees up front X The Truth - It is a loan you pay back later if you earn enough √ Myth 2 - Students must pay as soon as they leave university X The Truth - Students only start paying when they reach a wage of £15 000 p a √ Myth 3 - All students must pay for their studies X The Truth - Some courses are exempt such as those run by the NHS √ As well as advising prospective students about the new financial structure in the higher education sector the Unit will help answer questions raised by individuals stakeholders and internal and external bodies The team is also getting out and about - taking part in outreach sessions by visiting schools and colleges across the Midlands region to explain to staff and students how the new financial structure will work Ray said: "We are a university which prides itself on offering optimal customer service and believe this new Bursary Unit can help make the current financial position clearer for many as well as outlining what Derby can offer " Working alongside Ray will be: Senior Administrative Assistants Kelly Start and Angela Lees and Clerical Assistant Susanne Lees The following scale shows the bursaries that will be made available to students based on calculations of residual income made by the Student Loans Company Na ona G an Rece ved Ma n enance G an

Un ve s y o De by Bu sa y

Fu na ona g an o £2 700

£800 a yea

Pa na ona g an be ween £2 000 and £2 699

£600 a yea

Pa na ona g an be ween £1 000 and £1 999

£400 a yea

Pa na ona g an be ween £1 and £999

£200 a yea

There is an additional £300** bursary for all students in the first year who live in the Derby Derbyshire or any DE postcode area There is an additional £400** bursary for any student in first year who enters through the Compact Route or Guaranteed Access Scheme Also for students entering through Modular Access and the Foundation Programme to a Higher Education Programme at Buxton **A student will only be eligible for one additional bursary Those qualifying for both will receive the greater amount Efforts to raise awareness of the new Unit will be supported by a dedicated campaign spearheaded by Derby s Marketing Department set to include a regional radio campaign the production of postcards and distribution of leaflets through local pubs clubs businesses and households For more details about the help Derby offers call the new Bursary Unit on: 01332 591584 email: bursaryfinancialguidance@derby ac uk or visit www derby ac uk/home/study/undergraduate/tuition-fees -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Redfern Senior Press and PR Officer on 01332 591942 07748 920038 or email: pressoffice@derby ac uk Notes to editors: The University of Derby is a thriving institution inspired by a dedication to quality and opportunity It is home to a diverse community of over 20 000 students from the UK and overseas Studies include a wide range of disciplines in Arts Design and Technology; Business Computing and Law; and Education Health and Sciences all leaders in their field The University of Derby s main campus is located at Kedleston Road in Derby The Students Union a number of research centres and academic schools including The School of Business are all based there All our Schools and Faculties enjoy links with household names such as Rolls Royce and Toyota Facilities include our new £1 5m Clinical Skills Suite and a pioneering computer games development suite The UK s first dedicated Arts Design and Technology Campus opens in Derby in 2007 Our stunning £20m Devonshire Campus at Buxton at the heart of Peak District life opened its doors in September 2005 The building s centrepiece is a magnificent Dome larger than St Paul s in London - its facilities are among the finest in Europe Derby achieved University status in 1992 and prides itself in providing opportunity for all It is an innovator in flexible modular study and e-learning solutions tailoring programmes to students needs Professor John Coyne has been the University s Vice-Chancellor since summer 2004 -------For media information please contact the University of Derby s Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 on 07748 920038 Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or Head of Press and PR Peter Gallimore on 01332 591041 Alternatively email: pressoffice@derby ac uk or write to: Press Office University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

New University Building Name Honours Derbyshire Great 20 November 2013 A new University of Derby students hall has been named in honour of John Flamsteed England s first ever Astronomer Royal who came from Derbyshire The University bought the Birchover Apartments complex at Allestree in Derby - next-door to the University s main Kedleston Road site - in September for over £3million from Derbyshire owners Birchover Hotel Apartments Now the apartments complex has been renamed Flamsteed Court in honour of John Flamsteed (1646 1719) who was born in Denby and rose to become England s first Astronomer Royal and founder of the Greenwich Observatory The new accommodation hall is principally aimed at mature postgraduate and international students The University s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director Hari Punchihewa were on hand to mark the unveiling of the new signs at the complex It is not the first time University buildings have been named after notable Derbyshire figures The Kedleston Road site s Kirtley Building is named after a 19th Century engineering family who developed Derby s railway works and University halls of residence have been named after former Chancellor the late Princess Alice and the former Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Sir Peter Hilton Mr Punchihewa said: "We ve vastly improved our facilities over the last few years reorganising the different parts of our estate into a defined University Quarter for Derby; with the main Kedleston Road Britannia Mill and Markeaton Street sites and associated buildings within easy walking distance of each other "Naming this new acquisition after one of Derbyshire s greatest innovators reflects the county s rich heritage and the University s place as strongly rooted within the community " To learn more about the University s new Flamsteed Court apartments see website www derby ac uk/halls/our-halls/halls/flamsteed-court Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

No barriers to sport in University's Dome arena 3 June 2014 Children from across the Peak District broke down the barriers preventing disabled youngsters from taking part in sport when they turned the University of Derby s Devonshire Dome into a giant arena Sport Without Barriers organised by the High Peak Disability Sports Group saw 16 schools day centres and clubs compete in a Boccia tournament have fun with a crazy golf course take part in football penalty shoot-outs disability Martial Arts and sitting volleyball lead by Paralympian Martin Mansell Boccia is a form of boules developed so that people of all ages and abilities can compete with each other Hartington C of E Primary School beat Hope Valley College in the final of the knock-out contest which included teams from Chapel-en-le-Frith High School Buxton Community School Chesterfield Boccia Club Buxton Junior School Bakewell Methodist Junior School Padfield Primary Alderbook Day centre Buxton and Leek College Peak Dale Primary Ashgate Croft School and the Peak School The event is in its fourth year and has grown so much that there was even a team from Walsall Chapel High won the competition to design a baton on the theme of the Commonwealth Games with a mini-lighthouse which really worked! BTEC Sports and BTEC Public Services Students from Buxton and Leek College acted as marshals and helped to organise the event which is supported by the University of Derby Buxton Buxton and Leek College High Peak Borough Council the High Peak Sport Partnership the University of Derby Students Union and Derbyshire Sport "This wonderful event demonstrates the way sport can unite differently able people of all ages in an exciting opportunity to take part in competitions " said one organiser Elaine Hill of the Peaks and Dales Volunteering and Advancement Project For more press information contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

No Lazy Summer As University Plans £900,000 Works Programme 14 August 2009 Improvements worth around £900 000 will have been made to the University of Derby s city campus by the time students return in September A new look Students Union area a makeover for the main entrance of the University s Kedleston Road site and an improved library are among the projects set to be completed over the summer break before the bulk of Derby s students return for the 2009/2010 academic year The work is being co-ordinated by the University s Estates department and at its Kedleston Road site will include: £350,000 to cont nue a programme of mprovements to the Learn ng Centre ( brary), nc ud ng new entrance, more open access, a better he p desk and IT serv ces, and soc a seat ng areas; £300,000 to bu d a new mezzan ne f oor and entrance area for the Students Un on bar and ncrease soc a space ava ab e to support the popu ar B ends coffee bar; £100,000 for a dance stud o at the K rt ey Bu d ng; £80,000 to modern se the externa fasc a of the Ked eston Road s te s front e evat on, mak ng t more we com ng to students and v s tors. Over the summer internal modifications worth around £60 000 will also be made to the University s Arts Design and Technology building at Markeaton Street to create more space and information technology provision The works are part of the ongoing Estates programme to improve the University s facilities Funding has come from the University s own budget They are in addition to previously announced projects such as the £13 5m refenestration of the three 1960s-built Kedleston Road towers the £6m improvements to its Britannia Mill building in Mackworth Road and the new £8m Business and Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street (all three currently ongoing); and the now completed all-weather sports pitch and tennis courts for the Derby campus Ian Willgoose Director of Estates at the University said: "The competition between universities to attract students is intense these days and it is only by offering quality facilities to support our high quality of teaching that we can ensure they will want to come to Derby boosting its economy rather than go elsewhere "We have a short period of time over the summer when the majority of students have left to make these changes and will need to work flat out to ensure that they are completed before they return in September " Ian s team will also be renovating parts of the new Derby Theatre in the city centre ready for its formal opening also in September The contractor for the Students Union project is Opl who are also behind the current towers refenestration -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Nothing Plain About Chocolate Art Course 11 December 2013 Life is sweet for culinary arts students at the University of Derby Buxton as they learn how to turn chocolate into dishes which look too good to eat Derbyshire chocolate artist Taeke Oosterwoud has been introducing second and third-year degree students to the secrets of how to create chocolate sculptures decorations cakes truffles - and pretty much anything else Praline nougat and even chilli - an ingredient the ancient Mayans of South America used when they became the first to really experiment with cocoa - are all now in the modern chocolatier s arsenal Taeke has been passing on his 17 years experience in the art to students who can add its mastery to the range of skills which make the University s graduates so highly sought-after by employers This year the University beat Oxford and Cambridge in a league table of graduates who found jobs within six months of receiving their degrees "It s a great medium to work with " said Taeke who is originally from Holland but has lived in the Matlock area for decades "There are a lot of things that can go wrong - but if you mess it up you can melt it down again or just eat it!" Taeke developed his chocolate art courses after many years as a successful restaurateur in Wirksworth and now people can visit his studio in Matlock for one-to-one tuition Commissions have included a giant chocolate cockerel as a birthday gift for the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire who has had a lifelong passion for poultry Hospitality Management Lecturer Tony Clodd said the skills Taeke was passing on to students would stand them in good stead when they began their careers: "Taeke is helping to make our students as irresistible to future employers as his chocolates! "Britain is the seventh largest consumer of chocolate in the world so caterers are always looking for people who can come up with new ways to help Britons enjoy the 11 kilogrammes a year we each consume on average " For more details about Taeke s Chocolate Art visit www chocart co uk For press details contact j phillips@derby ac uk

Novel therapy teaches abuse survivors not to fear kindness 27 February 2014 Survivors of abuse abandonment and neglect who struggle to understand the kind facial expressions of others - such as a smile - could benefit from a novel therapy tool developed by a mental health researcher with expertise in mood disorders Patients suffering from anxiety or depression - such as incest survivors and people with attachment disorders - can be highly self-critical and feel threatened by the compassionate facial expressions of others responding to them with fear or grief This can have crippling consequences for the recovery of patients who may have a limited ability to form meaningful relationships with others and find it hard to relate to their environment Research work conducted for her University of Derby doctorate by Dr Kirsten McEwan who is now based at Cardiff University's School of Medicine developed a facial stimulus set to assess the degree to which individuals - who scored highly for self-criticism depression and anxiety - might struggle to process and receive compassion The research found individuals scoring highly for self-criticism struggled to process and pay attention to compassionate emotions This could be a factor in mood disorders continuing and block therapeutic interventions Further to this work research funding from the Leverhulme Foundation enabled the development of an online compassion game training individuals to recognise kindness and compassion This was achieved using a visual search task to retrain the automatic unconscious biases towards threatening stimuli commonly shown by people with mood disorders Participants in the study were asked to identify the faces showing compassion among a number of images of actors displaying critical expressions Academic journal Plos One has just published Dr McEwan s research (see web link http://bit ly/1hl7eaU ) It involved national and international collaborations and her PhD project was jointly supervised by Professor Paul Gilbert and Drs Sigrid Lipka and Frances Maratos at the University of Derby

Kind Faces Commenting on the research findings Dr McEwan said: "We found the more self-critical participants were the less able they were to find kind and compassionate faces amongst an array of more critical expressions Conversely participants of a less self-critical disposition demonstrated an enhanced awareness of kind faces "The new facial stimulus set was used in a Cognitive Bias Modification Task (CBMT) comprising an online compassion game Participants practiced this CBMT compared with a control condition online for two weeks "We found significant improvements across a variety of self-reported wellbeing outcome measures; including self-criticism depression anxiety and stress The aim of the game is to desensitise patients to compassionate images and rid them of threatening feelings " She added: "The NHS is currently grappling with the challenge of making unprecedented efficiency savings whilst improving the nation s mental health This computer-based intervention offers the potential to deliver a cheap and easily accessible treatment for depression and anxiety in a non-stigmatising environment "

Good Will Hunting Inspiration for this research came from the anecdotal evidence of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust clinicians who observed that difficulties in processing the emotions of others were a big hindrance to patient recovery In popular culture this problem is exemplified in the film Good Will Hunting in which a young genius struggling to come to terms with his abusive childhood rejects the therapy and friendship offered by those outside his circle of friends Dr Sigrid Lipka University Reader in Psychology at the University of Derby said: "Kirsten s work conducted as part of her PhD at the University is a great example of psychological research bringing together various areas of psychology in an interdisciplinary and international collaboration It is innovative research with real potential for creating considerable practical impact in clinical mental health settings " There is increasing evidence to show that the ability to process compassion from others triggers the release of natural chemicals such as endorphins and opiates; which aid a significant reduction in anxiety depression and self-criticism and regulates how threatened patients feel during therapy For more information about Psychology research and courses at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/science/psychology For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk Or contact Tomas Llewelyn Barrett Cardiff University Public Relations Office on 029 20 875 596 or mobile 07950 792532 or email: BarrettTL1@cardiff ac uk

Numbers Double At Gathering Of Worldwide Students in Derby 3 July 2013 Students more used to communicating with tutors and one another via webcam than in person have gathered in Derby from the four corners of the world for a series of face-to-face classes The University of Derby Online Leaning welcomed the 82 degree students from over 20 countries for its Psychology in Practice residential week from June 24 - 28 (2013) held as part of the second year of their online BSc (Hons) Psychology degree The number of students in attendance was double those welcomed in June 2012 During the week they learned elements of psychology including experimental design running practical exercises in labs group data collection and statistics; knowledge required to gain the British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degree Frankie Maratos Online Programme Leader in Psychology said: "The residential week was an important experience for our online students As well as gaining vital experimental skills they also had the opportunity to meet our lecture team and form a community This will allow them to give each other support and share ideas through online discussion throughout the remainder of their degrees " Students hailed from countries including El Salvador Belize Saudi Arabia Africa Spain Kazakhstan Sweden Greece China the USA Australia and St Martins in the Caribbean Tricia Huggins a registered nurse from St Martins in the Caribbean said: "This week has been fantastic We ve had many opportunities to discuss and debate with tutors and other students and to ask questions as they arise I decided to study the course as my nursing role involves understanding people and their problems and I m hoping to pursue a career in psychology sometime in the future " Andrew Thacker from Brisbane in Australia said: "As I travel a great deal with work I felt that studying online would suit my needs I chose to study with Derby because of its BPS accreditation As I m the Director of behavioural safety company People Positive a solid knowledge of psychology and an accredited degree qualification is really important for our credibility and future development " Ivan Nieto Sanchez from Madrid Spain added: "After moving back to Spain from the UK I wanted to continue my studies After seeing Derby s Online course I knew it would enable me to work full time and study from Spain which was perfect for me I have learned so much more than I hoped to this week it s been great " Julie Stone Head of Online Learning at Derby said "We are always delighted to welcome our online students to Derby; the residential week gives us the opportunity to meet our students face-to-face cements great friendships and collegiality between tutors and students " For more information on studying BSc (Hons) Psychology degree with the University of Derby Online Learning visit www derby ac uk/online

Nurseries And University Join Forces To Improve Profession 2 February 2012 Nursery schools from across the city have teamed up with the University of Derby to launch a network for people working with infants and young children A group of Headteachers and teachers from the eight local nursery and primary schools who have already signed up to the network attended the official launch of the Early Years Hub at the University s Kedleston Road site on Wednesday 1 February 2012 The Headteacher of Derby s Lord Street Community Nursery Christine McCrone who has been working with the University to develop the network said: "This is going to be such an inspiration for local early years staff "Through the network professionals working with infants to seven year old children in nurseries and primary schools across Derby will be able to meet regularly to share good practice in our early years classrooms and explore the use of new equipment and resources "As the University of Derby was awarded an outstanding grade by OFSTED for Teacher Training in 2010 we know that their knowledge and support will be invaluable " Many of the University s talented graduates go on to work in nursery schools and early years environments and it was felt that maintaining connections would continue to benefit them in their professional lives and would also advantage the University s teaching At the launch event Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Derby Des Hewitt reinforced the University s commitment to working with nurseries and schools He said: "Great partnerships like this are at the centre of our success Our Education and Early Years Professional Status students and lecturers will also take part in regular meetings so everyone will gain from a sharing of knowledge " Also at the event was Deljeet Sahgha who works at Harrington Nursery School while studying towards the final year of her BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree at Derby If you would like to find out more about the Derby Early Years Network contact Christine McCrone at Lord Street Community Nursery School Derby on telephone 01332 349363 For more information on Education and Early Years courses at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/education

Nurse's Determination To Help New Mothers Leads To Masters Success 10 January 2012 A Derby nurse whose charity has helped more than 250 000 women who suffer from mental health problems in pregnancy will receive a Masters degree from the University of Derby on January 20 (2012) Deborah Morgan 47 from Ashbourne will graduate with a Masters (MSc) degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University s Annual Awards ceremony at Derby s Assembly Rooms Deborah has been a registered nurse for 24 years and currently works at the Royal Derby Hospital She set up the charity Perinatal Illness UK nine years ago after realising that many parents who experience mental health problems from 28 weeks into pregnancy until six weeks after the birth were not getting the psychological support they needed sometimes with tragic results The charity has supported and advised around 250 000 women since it was launched in 2003 with Fern Britton as Patron Deborah explains: "Pregnant women and new mothers may suffer from distressing psychological or emotional conditions as a result of miscarriage stillbirth a baby s illness or a difficult birth Sometimes these problems can then repeat themselves in later pregnancies "I set up the charity and the website www pni-uk com to give these women and their families appropriate advice and support for their perinatal illness This could be through counselling psychotherapy and group support work We also use an online forum where people can post their problems " With popular TV presenter Fern Britton as its Patron for its first three years the charity had great success in a campaign to increase the number of mother and baby psychiatric units in the UK In 2005 there were just eight and now there are 25 Deborah decided to study towards the Masters degree at Derby to obtain the skills and training to help women and their families affected by perinatal mental ill-health and to qualify as a Specialist Perinatal Counsellor and Psychotherapist During the MSc which she studied part time whilst working at the Royal Derby Hospital "We looked at the stories of 5 000 women that the charity had helped Many had been diagnosed with postnatal depression but it became clear through my research that a lot of them actually had psychological trauma symptoms and so needed different support altogether " Deborah added "The wrong support and treatment can have a big impact on a woman s recovery and their baby s development so it s vital that we get their care right Knowing this my aim is to re-build the charity reestablish the support groups and continue with the campaign for increased therapeutic services I also want to push for the inclusion of integrative counselling and psychotherapy using person-centred therapy attachment therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy methods to facilitate recovery " Programme Leader on the Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy Masters programme Margaret Smith said: "Deborah s dedication to forwarding knowledge and understanding of perinatal healthcare is inspirational "Her innovative research has helped to identify how integrative therapy can benefit women suffering from perinatal illnesses Deborah s work is a wonderful example of the value of studying and practicing integrative psychotherapy at Masters level " Deborah added: "I owe much of my success on the course to the help and support of my tutor Dr Margaret Smith to whom I am greatly indebted " For more information on the Masters degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy visit www derby ac uk/postgraduate

Nursing Pair Meet Their Match at Derby 15 January 2014 A Derbyshire couple now have two reasons to celebrate this year as they graduate from the University of Derby today and are planning their wedding for June Paul Bibbings 48 from Chesterfield and Sherryl Jaques 49 from Ripley met while studying Mental Health Nursing at Derby The pair started their course in September 2010 and by the end of their first year had fallen in love Before going to university Sherryl had spent all her adult life working as an officer for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) She had initially wanted to be a nurse and took the job in the civil service to save up to pay for training; however circumstances led her in a different direction She said: "After being made redundant from HMRC in 2009 I realised that this was the opportunity to become the nurse I had always wanted to be I completed a one-year Access to Higher Education course at Derby before starting my three-year nursing course and I am now working full time on a medium security in-patient ward as a staff nurse " Paul spent nine years working for a mental health charity in the voluntary sector before studying at Derby and is now working as a community psychiatric nurse He added: "After a brief dabble with thoughts of a career change into computing and IT and a degree in this from the Open University I realised that I most valued working with people rather than machines Nursing seemed an obvious progression from my previous experience in mental health " Both Sherryl and Paul will also be given special awards at their graduation ceremony Sherryl will receive the Mental Health Branch Excellence in Practice Award for the part she played in setting up a new care pathway for war veterans whilst on her final placement and for general excellence in practice across all her placements That care pathway has since been implemented and continues to be further developed Paul was awarded the Florence Nightingale Award for excellence both in practice and academically During their final year Sherryl s son Sam and daughter Steph were also studying at the University in Criminology and Nursing respectively Steph is a general nurse who was doing her top-up to degree level and will also be graduating in January Her partner is a paramedic so nursing and healthcare is very much in the family Paul said: "We were drawn together initially through both being mature students and did our first two placements together on the same ward "Our relationship really developed in the lead up to the summer break when we went out to celebrate completing our first year Our plans grew from there and we were always intending to complete the course before getting married " Sherryl added: "We are due to get married this June in Bakewell on Friday the 13 h; we have chosen this date because I am in many ways positively superstitious!" For more information on nursing courses at Derby and Chesterfield go to: www derby ac uk/health/nursing For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Official! Size Really Does Matter... 9 February 2006 Buy your female Valentine a priceless diamond ring and she will be faithful forever? but any cheap gift will lose her attention Such comic-book logic has yet to be proven among humans but it s certainly the case in the insect world as University of Derby scientists have been exploring the erm? bed-hopping habits of crickets! Male crickets naturally manufacture a courtship gift from their abdomens made of a gelatine-like substance Now Derby s scientists have discovered a critical link - the bigger the size of the contents of the gift the less promiscuous his chosen female will be! During intercourse when the female climbs on top for mating the male affixes the bag to a hook on her body next to her reproductive system After mating the female cannot resist the gelatine and proceeds to eat the gelatine in the gift while sperm enters her reproductive system Having analysed the mating patterns of 18 different species of crickets the scientists discovered the same copulating correlation in all the crickets The biggest gift will mean a female cricket has just one male mate But the smaller the gift and the female could literally bed-hop with up to 45 partners in her short three-month life Dr Karim Vahed Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences said: "It has been known for a long time that males naturally produce these jelly-like gifts which are passed to the female during intercourse "What we have done is observe the activities of crickets after mating and the size of the gift determines how promiscuous a female will be A male Alpine Bush Cricket produces a meagre amount a gift weighing perhaps just two per cent of its body weight "Tests showed these females had up to 45 partners in their lifetimes "However the Spanish Saddle-Backed Bush Cricket generates a gift equivalent to almost a third of its body weight The female of this species had just one partner "In the insect world females are highly promiscuous Our tests suggest that in order for guaranteed procreation the male cricket may craftily also be generating a hormonal chemical into the gifts alongside the sperm and gelatine "The bigger the gift the more chemical may be involved which manipulates the female s behaviour and puts her off finding other partners " -endsFor any other information please contact the University of Derby s Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or 07748 920038 or via email at pressoffice@derby ac uk Alternatively write to: University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Olympian and top BBC sports pundit Colin Jackson CBE to be guest speaker at Derbyshire Sports Awards 21 October 2013 Olympic silver medallist and top BBC sports pundit Colin Jackson CBE is to be the guest speaker at the 2013 Derbyshire Sports Awards sponsored by the University of Derby The event will recognise some of Derbyshire s most committed sports volunteers dedicated coaches and talented athletes with a glittering invite-only celebration at The Roundhouse in Derby on Thursday November 14 Former 110m hurdler Colin who won silver medal at the 1988 Olympic Games and gold at the World Championships in both 1993 and 1999 will join more than 250 guests at the event and give an insight into life as a top athlete and broadcaster sharing details of some of the proudest moments of his career and the determination needed to succeed Colin is an ambassador for Matrix Fitness which for the second year is a category sponsor and the sponsor of the drinks reception at the Derbyshire Sports Awards Colin was ranked in the world top ten for 16 years was World No 1 from 1992 to 1994 and for the last seven years of his career was never out of the world s top three He set seven European records eight Commonwealth records and nine UK records at 110mh and still holds the World Record over 60mh indoors Colin called time on his athletics career at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham in 2003 and has since become one of the key members of the BBC s sports production team He was part of the team which covered the Athens Olympics in 2004 and has been an integral part of the BBC programming for all major athletic events since including the London Olympic Games in 2012 Colin said: "I am delighted to be invited to speak at this year s Derbyshire Sports Awards and am very much looking forward to the event "Grassroots sport is something I am very passionate about - to become a successful athlete you need hard work and determination but you also need the support which comes from coaches clubs and volunteers "Sport has such a positive impact at all levels and abilities and events like the Derbyshire Sports Awards are a great way of recognising some of the invaluable work that goes on every day and without which so many sporting opportunities wouldn t exist " The Derbyshire Sports Awards will see winners announced in the following 11 categories: University of Derby Sportsperson of the Year University of Derby Disabled Sportsperson of the Year International Golf Development Junior Sportsman of the Year Derby City Council Junior Sportswoman of the Year Origination Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year Cooper Parry Club of the Year Derby College Community Coach of the Year Matrix Fitness Performance Coach of the Year Derbyshire County Council Young Sports Leader/Young Coach of the Year Derby Telegraph Service to Sport Award and the Community Sports Trust Active Workplace Award Details of this year s finalists will be announced later this month District awards ceremonies have been held across the county with winners from each of the districts going forward to make up the full shortlist and be considered by the Derbyshire Sports Awards judging panel The University of Derby is the title sponsor of the event and other sponsors include the Derby Telegraph Derby City Council Origination Derbyshire County Council Cooper Parry International Golf Development Derby College the Community Sports Trust and Matrix Fitness Event organisers Derbyshire Sport resurrected the awards in 2006 in recognition of the importance of paying tribute to the wealth of sporting talent in the county To discuss this further please contact Nikki Sargeson on 01773 571227 or 07900227017 or e-mail nikki sargeson@derbyshire gov uk

Olympic Cyclist Named Derbyshire Sportsperson Of The Year 16 November 2012 Derbyshire cycling star Annie Last was crowned University of Derby Sportsperson of the Year at the Derbyshire Sports Awards on November 15 The evening saw trophies awarded in 11 categories as the county s best and brightest sporting stars coaches and volunteers gathered with other invited guests to celebrate another year of sporting success in Derbyshire and recognise the efforts of those involved in sport at grassroots level Annie made her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Olympic Games - becoming the first British woman to compete in the mountain bike event since the 2000 Games in Sydney 22-year-old Annie finished in eighth place at the Games after two years of non-stop competiting around the world A few weeks before the Olympics she gained her first podium place at an Elite World Cup race in Val d Isere where she took third place Annie from Great Longstone was announced as the winner of the University of Derby Sportsperson of the Year title during a ceremony at The Roundhouse which was attended by 270 people She was presented with a trophy by Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University which is the title sponsor of the event Guest of honour was Sally Gunnell OBE who won gold in the 400m hurdles at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 Joining her were some of Derbyshire s Olympic and Paralympic athletes - swimmer Ross Davenport gymnast Jennifer Pinches wheelchair basketball player Maddie Thompson sitting volleyball player Andrea Green powerlifter Anthony Peddle and wheelchair fencer Simon Wilson who all competed at London 2012 Olympian Ross Davenport who announced his retirement from swimming last week was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his sporting successes During his career he competed at the Olympic Games in 2004 2008 and 2012 and won four Commonwealth Games medals The event also paid tribute to Derbyshire County Cricket Club and its historic achievement of winning the LV Division 2 title and gaining promotion to the top flight of English cricket A number of Derbyshire s sporting figures were recognised at the event Wheelchair basketball player Jon Hall from Clowne was named the University of Derby Disabled Sportsperson of the Year Jon was a member of the GB men s team which finished in fourth place at the 2012 Paralympic Games and also won gold at the European Championships and silver at the Paralympic World Cup 14-year-old tennis player Jay Clarke from Pear Tree was the winner in the International Golf Development Junior Sportsman of the Year category Jay is the No 1 ranked U14 boy in Europe and has represented Great Britain numerous times this year He helped to secure the Winter Cup team title for GB in Turkey coming through both the qualifying and main draw event without the loss of a match and helped GB secure 11th place at the Worlds event He also sealed back to back victories in grade 1 events in Rome and Bucharest earlier this year and won the U14 AEGON Junior National Doubles title Meanwhile Derventio eXcel swimming star Molly Renshaw was named the Derby City Council Junior Sportswoman of the Year for the second year running 16-year-old Molly won a gold medal in the 200m breaststroke at the European Junior Championships breaking the British age group record She also won a gold medal at the Senior Nationals in the 200m breaststroke and a silver at the British Championships in the same event Other awards presented on the night included the Derby Telegraph Service to Sport Award which was presented to John Thompson from Wirksworth by Peter Green Sports Editor of the Derby Telegraph John has been centrally involved in the development of Wirksworth Cricket Club its merger with Middleton Cricket Club and the wider sporting world in Wirksworth for many years playing key roles in many developments which have led to more opportunities for local people to play sport locally The winner of the Origination Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year was Maddie Thompson from Hope who was part of the GB women s wheelchair basketball team which finished in seventh place at the 2012 Paralympic Games and in fourth place at the Paralympic World Cup Meanwhile the Cooper Parry Club of the Year title was won by Draycott and Long Eaton Table Tennis Club - the second time in three years that the club has won the award The Derby College Coach of the Year title was jointly awarded to James Maudsley Head Coach of the Derby Trailblazers senior Division 1 men s basketball team and Paul Standring from Sandiacre Town Cricket Club There were also joint winners of the Derbyshire County Council Young Sports Leader/Young Coach of the Year award which was presented to Beth Grainger a gymnastics coach and athletics official from Kirk Hallam; and Luke Sheldon who runs a football team at Eckington School and devised the Breaking Down Barriers programme to raise awareness about disability sport Two awards were also presented to Derbyshire businesses and organisations who are involved in sport and physical activity The Matrix Sport Sponsorship Award was presented to Flint Bishop in recognition of its support for Derbyshire charity Sporting Futures The Derby-based law firm has provided financial and in-kind support to the work of Sporting Futures including its Derby 10k race Meanwhile the Active Derbyshire Active Workplace Award was presented to Derbyshire Dales District Council in recognition of the range of activities available to staff which includes a Workplace Walking for Health group a table tennis club weekly Back to Netball yoga and football sessions a running club and a cricket team as well as discounted gym memberships A full list of winners is below Further details can be seen at www derbyshiresport co uk/sports_awards The awards are organised by Derbyshire Sport a county sports partnership which provides the strategic lead for sport in Derbyshire Cllr Carol Hart Chair of Derbyshire Sport said: "It is fantastic to see that Derbyshire has such a wealth of talented sports performers great clubs and dedicated coaches and volunteers who are all committed to improving sport in Derbyshire and it is great to be able to recognise the dedication these people show and the contribution that they make "My congratulations go to each of the winners and I wish them many more years of sporting success "It was wonderful to see so many people join us at The Roundhouse to celebrate all that is great about sport in Derbyshire " The University of Derby was the title sponsor of the event and other sponsors include the Derby Telegraph Derby City Council Origination Derbyshire County Council Cooper Parry International Golf Development Derby College Active Derbyshire and Matrix In addition to being a category sponsor Matrix also sponsored the drinks reception at the event

The winners of the 2012 Derbyshire Sports Awards are: Un vers ty of Derby Sportsperson of the Year Ann e Last (Derbysh re Da es - Cross Country Mounta n B k ng) Un vers ty of Derby D sab ed Sportsperson of the Year Jon Ha (Bo sover - Whee cha r Basketba ) Internat ona Go f Deve opment Jun or Sportsman of the Year Jay C arke (Derby - Tenn s) Derby C ty Counc Jun or Sportswoman of the Year Mo y Renshaw (Amber Va ey - Sw mm ng) Or g nat on Jun or D sab ed Sportsperson of the Year Madd e Thompson (H gh Peak - Whee cha r Basketba ) Cooper Parry C ub of the Year Draycott and Long Eaton Tab e Tenn s C ub (Erewash - Tab e Tenn s) Derby Co ege Coach of the Year James Mauds ey (South Derbysh re - Basketba ) and Pau Standr ng - (Erewash - Cr cket) Derbysh re County Counc Young Sports Leader/Young Coach of the Year Beth Gra nger - (Erewash - Var ous Sports) and Luke She don - (Chesterf e d/NE Derbysh re - Footba ) Derby Te egraph Serv ce to Sport Award John Thompson - (Derbysh re Da es - Cr cket) Matr x Sport Sponsorsh p Award F nt B shop - support ng Sport ng Futures Act ve Derbysh re Act ve Workp ace Award Derbysh re Da es D str ct Counc L fet me Ach evement Award Ross Davenport (Amber Va ey - Sw mm ng)

Olympic inspiration for business growth in Derby 24 June 2014 Through the Evolve Let s do business project the University of Derby is inviting local businesses to learn how they can improve performance with inspiration from Olympic athletes The University has teamed up with iPerform who are personal development expert Paul Hannam and Olympic medallists Roger Black and Steve Backley to offer a new and unique online performance improvement programme that integrates the best sports practices and proven personal development and business practices The iPerform programme facilitates improved performance engagement and motivation through a series of simple online practices that take only five minutes a day A breakfast launch event will be held on Friday June 27 where Steve Backley will talk about how he brings the knowledge and skills of a world class athlete to improving individual team and organisational performance through iPerform Derby businesses are being offered free access to this fantastic resource through the Let s do business project and can find out more via the website www evolvederby co uk/iperform Paul Hannam said: "We are delighted to be working with the University of Derby to help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential for success fulfilment and work-life balance which are the ultimate rewards of running a business!" Laura Williams Project Manager at University of Derby Corporate said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with the iPerform team to provide this opportunity that will support the growth and development of local businesses It provides a very flexible element to the range of support we deliver which is demand driven and linked to our client s needs" For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Olympic Spirit Inspires Fashion Show 20 March 2012 Superb designs based on Olympic sports and created by second-year BA (Hons) Fashion Studies students went on show at an event at the University s Markeaton Street site The students brief from Senior Lecturer in Fashion Fiona Hawthorne was to create innovative forward looking outfits that although based on particular sports would allow designers to show real creative flair Designs by 21 students graced The Street area of the site during the evening exhibition on Wednesday (March 14) Fiona said: "It was great to see the mix of imaginative Fashion Design with innovative pattern construction competent manufacturing techniques and great laser cutting and print to give a unique final outcome All the outfits would make great creative statements at the 2012 Olympics "

Olympic Torch Relay Is Coming To Derby! 18 May 2011 Derby City Council is very excited to announce that the Olympic Torch Relay is coming to Derby and Derbyshire in 2012 The city is one of only 59 locations outside London who have been given the honour of hosting an Olympic Torch Relay evening celebration in the run up to the Olympic Games in 2012 The event will take place on Friday 29 June 2012 The other communities that the Torch Relay will visit within the county will be confirmed in November 2011 This will allow 95% of the UK population to be within one hour of the Torch Relay route providing the opportunity to be part of the thrilling build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games Chief Executive of Derby City Council Adam Wilkinson says "We are delighted to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay to Derby It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and puts Derby firmly on the world map Our city is diverse in many ways so we are well placed to show the world just how wonderful Derby is and how excited we are to be part of the world s celebrations of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games " Derbyshire County Council Leader Andrew Lewer said: "This is really exciting news - the spotlight will be firmly on Derbyshire in the build up to the Olympics next summer The Torch Relay through the county will be a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate our strong community spirit and to show the world what Derbyshire has to offer " Professor John Coyne Vice Chancellor of the University of Derby says "The University of Derby welcomes LOCOG's decision to bring the Olympic torch to Derby for one of its overnight City stops As Derbyshire s and the City s University we are already involved in the planning and preparation for the World s largest sporting event; our students and staff are ready to play their part in the celebrations in Derby with the Big Screen which the University sponsors with the City becoming a live Olympic site for all of the games " Rory Slater Derbyshire s 2012 Legacy Coordinator echoes these sentiments "In 408 days we will welcome the world to our doorstep in Derby and Derbyshire It will be a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase what is great about our city and county to demonstrate to the world how we embrace the Olympic values of friendship respect and excellence whilst creating another piece of history for our city and county leaving a lasting legacy for everyone to be proud of " In Derby we are planning a series of cultural celebrations which will take place at various city locations enabling every community to be part of this global event The eyes of the world will be on Derby and to get into the spirit of the Games we will welcome the arrival of the Olympic Flame to Derby on the evening of the 29 June where the Celebration Cauldron will be lit followed by an exciting ceremony and stage show; you will be able to be part of this fabulous moment in history The celebrations will showcase our diverse communities and our rich cultural life over the weekend and all the events and activities will be free of charge and open to all people from the city and beyond Details will be released in the coming weeks of how everyone can get involved

Online Learners' Satisfaction Shows 8 June 2011 With increasing numbers of people studying its courses online from home the University of Derby is delighted that the first survey of its online students uncovered high levels of satisfaction Derby's online distance learning has grown rapidly over the last four years and now 1 500 people study on its online undergraduate and post graduate programmes such as a Psychology BSc (Hons) degree and the MBA from home 429 online students responded to the University s first feedback survey into their experiences Of the respondents 65% were satisfied with the quality of the online learning tuition 79% found their programme intellectually stimulating and 73% felt the online distance learning team were helpful On learning resources 70% of students agreed that the learning materials were clearly structured and laid out and 68% felt that the materials were easy to follow and understand Julie Stone Derby s Online Distance Learning Manager said: "We ve seen our online learning grow in numbers and reputation over the past few years and we are very happy with the results from this first feedback survey "We re always looking for ways that we can improve the learning experience for our students and we will be using the comments and suggestions we received to inform some changes and improvements As more people seek to study flexibly in the future we aim to make our online programmes and methods of learning as accessible and user friendly as possible employing emerging technologies for example to do so " For more information on courses available to study online visit website www derby ac uk/online The University of Derby is proud to be part of Universities UK-led Universities Week which is running from 13-19 June 2011 It will be getting involved with national activities highlighting the surprising links and relationships that universities have with the people and businesses in their local communities of which this story is just one example

Online Learners Visit Derby To Connect At Residential Event 24 May 2013 Over 50 students who study from their homes around the UK with the University of Derby Online Learning visited the University s Kedleston Road site to meet fellow students and academics from their course for the very first time The cohort of students attended the Environmental Health MSc residential week (May 13 - 17) to complete a range of group based projects as part of their masters degree While in Derby the online learners had an invaluable opportunity to network with other students and apply the theory they had learned to their area of professional practice Charlotte Miller 22 who travelled from Shrewsbury where she studies towards the MSc online added: "This week has been a fantastic opportunity to meet other online students swap ideas stories and share experiences "So far I ve found online study really beneficial I was stationed in Kenya for two months recently and as all course content is accessible online I was still able to complete modules and continue my studies!" Julie Stone Head of the University of Derby Online Learning said: "It s extremely rewarding for us to meet our online students in person and welcome them to Derby "This course continues to grow from strength to strength with our highest ever number of students both on the course and in attendance at the residential With more than a decade of high quality experience we continue to lead the way in online learning within the UK through structured and supported learning " For more information about the online Environmental Health MSc visit www derby ac uk/online

Online Learning Improving Patient Care 10 November 2011 Innovative nursing programmes developed by the University of Derby are improving the care of patients as far away as Bermuda and Canada as well as in the UK The online nursing degree modules have been developed to help healthcare professionals tackle major international public health problems such as diabetes and asthma Twenty one health professionals from around the world are studying the new interactive nursing modules with the University of Derby Online as part of a pilot scheme before applications begin to be taken for January 2012 Students on the online nursing modules in asthma diabetes and public health include a health professional working in emergency care in Bermuda a psychiatric nurse in British Columbia Canada a tissue donation co-ordinator in Ontario Canada and a coronary nurse from the Royal Derby Hospital Yvonne Denby Senior Lecturer within the School of Nursing and Health Care Practice at the University of Derby said: "We developed these modules in response to an increased demand for flexible online learning and professional development within the nursing and healthcare community By working through the interactive modules online students can top up their education to gain a BSc (Hons) degree in Nursing Studies "We developed the online interactive modules with top clinicians such as Dr Chris Gillespie a Consultant Psychologist at the Royal Derby Hospital Dr Pash Dhindsa lead diabetes dietician for Derby City PCT and Stella Rushton lead diabetes education for Derbyshire Community Health Services using real life scenarios and current issues in their fields "Each module contains learning videos and interactive problem solving exercises as well as real-time online lectures and tutorials with academics and fellow students "The feedback we have received through the pilot has been incredibly positive and we know that these students are using what they have learned to improve patient care in a wide variety of healthcare settings around the world " Student Sony Joseph who is the manager of the Cedar Care Home in Bath said: "I am currently studying towards my third module online and have found each module very detailed yet straightforward to work through "I chose to study online with Derby as I want to develop professionally but do so in a way that fits around my full time job and family commitments It s worked out really well so far and I ve been putting into practice much of what I have learned about diabetes and asthma with our residents and improve their quality of life " Head of the University of Derby Online Julie Stone said: "The move to make Nursing an all-graduate profession has created a high demand for top-up degrees like ours "We wanted to provide a way of learning that healthcare professionals could fit around their busy working and family lives and online study is perfect We are encouraged by the level of interest we have already seen for January but advise anyone interested in studying on this programme to contact us " For more information on the Nursing Studies Online BSc (Hons) Top Up degree please visit website www derby ac uk/online

Online Learning Leads To First Class Finish 1 November 2011 A student determined to forge a career as a food technology teacher has cooked up an excellent result in her studies; completing an online degree with the University of Derby in record time and achieving the first ever First Class Honours grade seen on the online programme Teresa Jones 41 who is originally from South Africa but has been living in Crowthorne Berkshire for eight years will graduate with a First Class Honours Hospitality Management BA (Hons) degree at the University of Derby Buxton's Annual Awards Ceremony on 3 December After a career in hospitality working as a catering manager in schools and hospitals Teresa saw first-hand the importance of healthy eating amongst school children and decided she wanted to teach children about food technology However to achieve this she first needed a formal degree qualification in the subject Teresa said: "I hadn t even considered studying online until I saw that University of Derby had the perfect programme for me - and that I could study online from home and work my studies around my current job "Although I had concerns about not meeting my tutors face to face through real time tutorials I was able to speak to my lecturer and other students and ask any questions I had My tutors were all incredibly helpful and were always there to help whenever I needed them I look forward to meeting many of them for the first time at the Awards Ceremony in December " University of Derby Programme Leader Leonard Cseh said: "Teresa was a star student; she really embraced learning online and achieved fantastic grades on each of her assignments She completed the top-up degree programme in well under a year and truly deserved the first ever First Class Honours degree we have had on the online programme We wish her every success in her teaching career " Teresa will now go on to study a PGCE teaching qualification For more information about the Online BA (Hons) Hospitality top-up programme at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/online For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988 or email: j colburn@derby ac uk

Online Students Are First Class 10 August 2011 Two students juggling online study at the University of Derby Buxton with full time jobs and busy home lives are celebrating achieving the first ever First Class Honours degrees attained on their programmes While running her own salon and being a busy mum Heidi Thorne 35 from Faringdon Oxfordshire decided she also wanted to consolidate on her work experience and build her business by going back into education The following four years of hard work fitting study towards the online BSc (Hons) degree in International Spa Management around building up her successful salon - Skin and Health Therapy - paid off for Heidi when she received the news that she had achieved First Class Honours and that was the first student on the course to have ever met that grade "I was so delighted and surprised that I had to call my tutor to check they d got it right!" said Heidi "The course was very business focused which really helped me to better understand the finance and marketing side to running my salon successfully and I m already seeing my new knowledge pay off " The first First Class Honours ever achieved on the online BA (Hons) degree in Hairdressing and Salon Management was also attained by a student completing their studies this year Deborah Webb 42 from Tonbridge Kent chose to study the programme as she wanted to further her career teaching hairdressing in further education colleges but needed to formalise the knowledge and experience she had gained in her hairdressing career to do so "Derby was the only university I found to offer a programme like this online " said Deborah "Online study suited me best as I had to fit it around work and my commitments It s been a really good experience but certainly difficult at times It s taken a lot of self motivation to get down to study as well as working full time but to achieve a First Class Honours degree has made it all worth it " Julie Stone Head of the University of Derby Online said: "We are delighted to share in Deborah and Heidi s success They prove what can be achieved through this kind of flexible learning and we hope they both go on to experience great success in their careers " Both Heidi and Deborah will travel to the Peak District for University of Derby Buxton s Awards ceremony which will take place within the Campus iconic Dome on Saturday December 3 2011 Almost 150 students have graduated from the University s online undergraduate degree programmes since they were established in 2005 11 achieving First Class Honours For more information on any of these programmes and studying online with the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/online

Online Students Travel Thousands Of Miles To Derby 31 May 2012 Students studying through the University of Derby Online swapped virtual for real life learning last week when they attended Psychology in Practice a Derby based residential week organised by the University Some travelled from as far afield as Mauritius India Sri Lanka and Australia to attend the week which was designed to develop their skills in the study of Psychology by providing practical experience in conducting psychological investigations Despite being familiar with each other s online avatars the students had never actually met each other or their lecturers so in addition to developing their knowledge they were also able to share experiences and best practice in a face-to- face environment Tom Workman 28 a Knowledge Management Consultant from Adelaide Australia said: "It s been really good to connect with the module leaders and students I ve been communicating with over the last few years " When asked why he picked a University of Derby Online course he explained: "We ve got a lot of great courses in Australia but there was nothing offered as a pure Psychology degree with honours so after doing some research I discovered that this one was accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and ticked all of the boxes "I have friends who ve done courses by correspondence and online that have had a negative experience so I had some apprehension originally but it s been amazing The online support is fantastic and engaging " Another student who found the residential week particularly beneficial was Angelika Kaier 30 from Austria She now lives in Hong Kong and works as a teacher She said: "I was interested in doing a Psychology course because I d like to go into educational psychology Derby s was the only course accredited by the BPS It was so flexible and meant that I could stay where I was with my husband in Hong Kong whilst remaining in work as a teacher "I ve enjoyed the residential week very much The best thing was getting to know the lecturers and fellow students and exchanging ideas and experiences You can get the knowledge from books and online but having the interaction in the real world was really good " Julie Stone Head of the University of Derby Online added: "The University of Derby Online provides anyone in the world keen to develop their knowledge and skills with the opportunity to study for a highly regarded UK degree whilst remaining at home and in employment "We re delighted that so many of our students made the journey some from thousands of miles away to take part in the residential week and that they got so much out of it " For further information on the University of Derby Online and the online courses available visit: www derby ac uk/online For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586 or email R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

Online Study A Growing Route To Degree Success 15 December 2010 The popularity of studying higher education qualifications online is soaring at the University of Derby with the numbers of students doubling in two years In 2007/08 700 students were enrolled in foundation honours and postgraduate degree courses but at the end of the 2009/10 academic year the number had soared to 1 400 More significant growth is predicted to be reported for this academic year University Online Distance Learning Manager Julie Stone said: "With the current changes in the higher education sector following the Lord Browne report studying a degree online from home is becoming a more appealing option for many people "It allows people to work while they study and to choose the best programme for their needs without having to relocate "We re seeing an increase in people wanting to enrol on our online courses from around the UK as well as internationally and we expect this trend to continue as people seek alternative ways of achieving higher education qualifications " Christine Morrison recently graduated from the Environmental Heath online Masters degree course while living and working in Scotland s Western Isles She said: "Studying online was great as it allowed me to work full time as a food safety officer with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) while undertaking the qualification " 26% of the University s part time students are now studying online accessing course material through a dedicated website attending lectures delivered via video conferencing technology and getting support by telephone and email Many are doing so from a distance; with people living as far away as Malta Switzerland or the USA studying towards University of Derby degrees One of these students was Elly Phillips from San Francisco who graduated with First Class Honours from the online BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology programme This is the only fully online programme accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) Elly said: "Studying online can be an excellent alternative to traditional study" Because of this growing popularity Derby is now looking to grow the number and variety of courses that it offers online For more information about the courses currently available visit www derby ac uk/online For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988 or email j colburn@derby ac uk

Open Days For Aspiring Nurses In Chesterfield and Derby 29 January 2014 The University of Derby in collaboration with the Derby Hospitals Foundation Trust and Chesterfield Royal Hospital Foundation Trust is looking for those who want to study nursing but have little or no caring experience as part of a national pilot project Successful applicants will receive six months of paid work experience with a view to then starting at the University to study nursing in spring 2015 An Open Day for anyone interested in taking part is taking place at Chesterfield Royal Hospital Education Centre tomorrow (Thursday January 30) between 2pm-7pm A second Open Day will also take place at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site in Derby on Saturday February 1 between 10am-3pm This is part of a national pilot programme by Health Education England developed in response to Government recommendations following the Francis Report These recommendations state that aspiring nurses should spend up to 12 months as a healthcare assistant prior to starting nurse education The pilot programme is currently testing the most effective timescale for this to ensure NHS recruits have the right values and behaviours - not just the skills and academic ability Following a successful first phase of the pilot in Derbyshire recruitment to the second phase is now about to begin The University of Derby is looking for aspiring nurses who may already meet the academic criteria for University but lack the required experience The hands-on experience gained by the prospective students will be invaluable in enabling them to appreciate the care support roles and their vital place in delivering the best possible patient care It will also help students to find out whether healthcare and nursing is right for them before committing to a degree Dr Charlotte Whiffin Senior Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Derby said: "The nursing profession is facing many challenges in today s healthcare However we have this exciting opportunity to really affect the care patients receive and ensure that the people with the right values and behaviours start nurse education " Students would start their work experience in March 2014 at Derby Hospitals Foundation Trust or Chesterfield Royal Hospital Foundation The Open Days take place on Thursday January 30 from 2pm to 7pm at Chesterfield Royal Hospital Education centre and at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site in Derby on Saturday February 1 between 10am-3pm For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Opening the office door to new ideas 11 June 2014 Business leaders from firms as diverse as retailers and a vet s surgery have decided to pool their knowledge in a pioneering scheme led by the Rotary Club of Buxton and the University of Derby Buxton They all took part in the launch of a job-shadowing programme for the Buxton area which aims to give working people including managers from widely different disciplines the chance to see how each other works - and pick up inside tips on how to tackle common issues Customer service forward planning and health and safety were some of the themes picked up by the delegates who took part in YouProSper Lite a fun evening when individuals introduced each other in an informal forum similar to speed-dating "The room was soon buzzing with ideas as everyone realised that despite their different fields they had so much in common in what they hoped to achieve - and so much experience to share " said Rotary Club President Elect Professor Simon Rogerson who led the event Simon will now be matching the offers of job-shadowing opportunities with the requests made during the evening held at the University s Dome Simon Professor Emeritus in Computer Ethics at De Montfort University hopes the project will lead to many organisations opening their office doors to each other to demonstrate how they operate "If you can bring people together you can usually crack any problem because someone will have the right take on it - and it s brilliant fun!" said Simon The evening ended with a discussion on how to set up projects which will help the Buxton community another aim of the YouProSper programme "It s very much community based about putting your organisation your job and you into the context of the community in which we live and work " said Simon "You ProSper aims to generate this sense of community within young professionals so they can give something back " If you would like to get a fresh perspective on the world of work contact Simon on srog@btopenworld com

Out! Derby Grad Takes On Vital Wimbledon Role 27 June 2013 With Nadal and Federer gone an apparent slippy grass surface and the rising expectation levels of the British public it can be easy to forget about everyone else who contributes to the Wimbledon experience The two-week long event is famed for its players personalities and unforgettable moments but what about the other guys that help Wimbledon retain the status of the most sought after Tennis event in a player s calendar University of Derby 2010 graduate Scott McNeil has been attending Wimbledon for the past ten years not as a spectator but as a Line Judge Scott took on the role aged just 16 after his Mum completed a form expressing an interest in becoming an official at SW19 After training across the UK Scott became eligible and began work immediately He said: "It s a different world down there The whole buzz around the town and around Wimbledon Village is really special It s something I look forward to every year!" The role of the Line Judge has become increasingly more scrutinised with the introduction of the Hawk Eye system at Wimbledon Technology now has a massive part to play in tennis with every decision a line judge makes so valuable to the outcome of the match "Myself and the other line judges have a laugh about it The majority of times we are right well into the 90% mark for getting a call correct We do keep score as well it s always nice to come away from the tournament knowing that you have beaten Hawk Eye I won 10-1 last year!" With Wimbledon a huge event in the tennis calendar the pressure is understandably high So do the Line Judges feel it as well? "I can t recall ever been nervous walking onto court or during a match You re that focused on what you have to do nerves really don t come into it I do remember the once standing next to Roger Federer and next to his NIKE tick on his shoe he had the Wimbledon Championship Trophy stitched on with a number five next to it That s when I realised I was standing next to a legend!" Scott now works full time in a school after completing a Sports and Exercise Studies with Education degree at the University of Derby in 2010 Mixing education and sport is not unfamiliar for Scott who played cricket whilst studying at University with Team Derby "The school where I work see my Wimbledon role as a great opportunity for me so they are good enough to allow me two weeks off from normal timetabling to fulfil my duties down each year I love it!" For more information on Team Derby find us at www Teamderby com www facebook com/teamderbysport or www twitter com/teamderby

'Out of this world' music event part of University's 'Big Show' 30 May 2014 A unique music composition backed by the European Space Agency and inspired by one of its space satellites will be staged by University of Derby staff and students Ten years after its launch the European Space Agency s Rosetta satellite has now travelled more than five times the Earth s distance from the sun Within the next few months it is set to achieve its mission of linking up with the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko and hitching a ride out of our inner Solar System An original performance inspired by the satellite called Rosetta and featuring live music voices lights and sounds - including signal noises recorded from the satellite - will be staged in groundbreaking 16 channel surround sound at Derby Theatre at 7 30pm on Saturday June 7 Both the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arts Council have supported the composition s creation; which will also be streamed live on the internet using a high-end digital audio system Rosetta - composed by John Crossley Programme Leader for the University s Masters (MA) degree in Music Production - will be performed (under group name Sigma 7 ) by staff and students from the University s Popular Music Music Technology and Sound and Live Event Technology degree courses as part of the University s annual Big Show The Big Show is a free public display of works by crafts photography fine art engineering motorsports creative expressive therapies fashion textiles film music and other students completing their degree courses It is on until Friday June 13 with most events at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby Matt Taylor Rosetta Project Scientist for the European Space Agency said: "The Sigma 7 Rosetta music project is a very imaginative link between music and Europe s comet chasing space mission Rosetta It provides us with a wonderful soundtrack for our approach to our target comet this summer " Composer John added: "The show will be a totally immersive experience for the audience in terms of both sights and sounds The music will be coming through Derby Theatre s 16 speaker surround sound array which is state-of the-art in its field just as the satellite which inspired it is " Tickets for the performance priced £2 are available from Derby Theatre box office on 01332 593939 or book online via web link www derbytheatre co uk/rosetta For more information about studying Music-related courses at the University of Derby see web link www derby ac uk/engineering-technology/music More information on The Big Show and its events can be found on the University s website at www derby ac uk/about/organisation/faculties/adt/degree-show For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of News on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Outdoor Centre Is Outward Bound After Safety Accolade 20 May 2013 The University of Derby Buxton's Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre now boasts a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority after a comprehensive assessment found its safety practices were second to none Oaklands Manor s experienced leaders can now offer activities such as climbing caving and paddle sports off-site around the UK; as well as leading groups on its 30 foot high climbing wall complex high ropes course and artificial underground caving course at its 58-acre Buxton site Mike Gray Manager of Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre said: "Since we opened in October 2012 our Manchester Road centre has been busy with groups of children and corporate clients using our facilities We are also home to University of Derby Buxton students who learn how to become safe outdoor activity leaders on-site "We are delighted to have been granted this licence as it means we can grow the range of activities that we can offer to clients We can now take groups off-site around the Peak District and beyond to experience an even wider range of exciting outdoor pursuits such as multi-pitch rock climbing caving kayaking and white water rafting " David Ashton Chair of the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority added: "The aim of adventure activities licensing is to provide assurances to the public about the safety of those activity providers who have been granted a licence "In this way it is expected that young people will be able to continue to enjoy exciting and stimulating activities outdoors without being exposed to avoidable risks " A licence indicates that Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre has been inspected by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority s service with particular attention being paid to its safety management systems with young people It has also been able to demonstrate compliance with nationally accepted standards of good practice in the delivery of adventure activities to young people with due regard to the benefits and risks of the activity For more information visit www hse gov uk/aala For details about the activities on offer at Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre visit www oaklands-manor com To learn more about studying Outdoor Adventure and Countryside Management at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/outdoor

Oxygen Service Helping People Retain Independence 18 April 2011 Could you manage to maintain and use an oxygen device correctly in your own home - if your life depended on it? That s the challenge facing hundreds of residents across north Derbyshire who have respiratory problems and it is Steven Collis job to ensure that they are confident using such equipment correctly Steven has recently been appointed as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Home Oxygen Assessment a new role set up between Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust He has praised a unique course at the University of Derby which helped him land the post - the PG Cert Interprofessional Practice Education The certificate is also recognised as a formal teaching qualification by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Higher Education Academy The course aims to help health and social care professionals to learn teaching skills so they can also become educators for their organisation Steven 31 said: "A huge part of the role of a nurse specialist is education - both for patients and for clinicians I feel that the qualification I gained at Derby did help me to obtain the post and has prepared me for the teaching aspect of the role " Steven is largely based out in the community working with more than 600 registered users who are referred to him via their GP or health service - and he makes regular home visits to check their progress There are perils in patients taking in too much oxygen as well as too little oxygen and training is also needed to build their confidence up in using the equipment and checking its maintenance Before applying for the role Steven was a charge nurse in clinical skills at Chesterfield Royal Hospital Sally French 57 from Portland Avenue Bolsover has been involved with the scheme since August She suffers from aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart) and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) a respiratory condition which affects the lungs which has left her short of breath for the last year She was also born with scoliosis which creates a curvature of the spine which has further complicated her condition She was referred to Steven from her community matron based at her GP s surgery who was concerned about her low blood oxygenation levels which caused her shortness of breath She said: "Any kind of exertion makes me out of breath whether it s walking within the house or while I m out shopping and I get scared when it happens " Sally lost her husband Andy in 2007 and is a widow She used to worry if she had an attack if no-one was around to help her Through the oxygen service she now has a concentrator which she can use 15 hours a day in the home and a mobile oxygen cylinder for when she is out and about Steven has trained her to use the equipment safely herself Sally added: "This service is wonderful and has been life-changing I have a lot more confidence and I can do much more now I may ride my scooter later in the year and my holiday in Norfolk last year was far more enjoyable with the portable oxygen " Steven completed the course at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site this summer and his University tutor Richelle Duffy Assistant Head of Subject Nursing and Health Care Practice said: "Steven is a great example of how the skills developed in teaching and learning can be applied across a wide area of practice Today s education - like healthcare must be delivered in a dynamic and responsive way to meet the needs of our service users and future workforce " For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email: s redfern@derby ac uk

Page & Moy Travel Group Shows Dedication To Staff Development 16 August 2010 With almost 50 years experience of guiding people around the world The Page & Moy Travel Group whose brands include Travelsphere Page & Moy and Just You is now taking its own staff on an exciting journey and offering them the chance to take part in a variety of education schemes The Page & Moy Travel Group has teamed up with University of Derby Corporate (UDC) in an effort to develop staff skills and the business as a whole The Page & Moy Travel Group which employs around 300 staff at its Market Harborough headquarters and elsewhere is looking to the future and together with the University of Derby s business-to-business arm has put the following schemes in place: a ta or-made, on ne ntranet and tra n ng programme des gned by UDC s Innovat on 4 Learn ng team. Th s w cover staff nduct on, shared nformat on for emp oyees and access to an accred ted tra n ng programme a Management Deve opment Programme for sen or managers, to he p them p an for the company s future and create strateg es to get nto new markets a Cert f cate of Ach evement n Profess ona Deve opment course for more than 50 staff. The Page & Moy Travel Group s Chief Executive William Burton commented: "We believe that a tour operators greatest asset is in the skills abilities and knowledge of its staff at all levels throughout the organisation This is what distinguishes a quality tour operator from all the rest "This development programme is a tangible demonstration to this commitment and we are very excited to be working with the UDC on this scheme " Conor Moss Workforce Development Fellow at UDC said: "The Page & Moy Travel Group has a superb reputation for quality within the travel industry but realised that in a very competitive industry it could not rest on its laurels "Utilising UDC s services is an investment in the future development of its staff and through that in the continued health and profitability of the company itself " For further media information about The Page & Moy Travel Group please contact Kevin Gibson or Lauren McNally on 0207 367 0916/0918 or email keving/laurenm@hillsbalfour com For further media information about University of Derby Corporate please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Painkiller Study Helps Tackle National Headache Of Legal Drugs Addiction 8 January 2014 With MPs now calling for health services to urgently tackle painkiller addiction a University of Derby study has identified potential triggers which put users at risk of becoming dependent on legal drugs More than a million people in the UK are believed to be addicted to over-the-counter or prescription painkillers and tranquilisers - substantially more than those addicted to illegal drugs - according to a Home Affairs Select Committee report published last month (December) Politicians want GPs to better record cases which can even see patients visiting multiple doctors to feed their addiction Now a study by the University of Derby - published in the latest online edition of the journal Pain Medicine - has put forward three key influences which increase the risk of someone becoming a painkiller addict A team led by Professor James Elander Head of the Centre for Psychological Research at the University quizzed 112 people who had suffered from pain and used painkillers in the previous month on various aspects of their taking over-the-counter and prescription painkillers The survey conducted by anonymous online survey over three months quizzed respondents on the frequency and intensity of the pain they took drugs for the amount of painkillers they d consumed in the previous month and psychological factors such as how their pain affected them emotionally and whether they had previously had a substance abuse problem The study concluded those most at risk of developing painkiller dependence: were more frequent users of pa nk ers; had a pr or h story of substance abuse, often unconnected to pa n re ef; were psycho og ca y ess ab e to cope w th and ess accept ng of pa n, and had troub e nterpret ng the r own fee ngs. It is hoped the study s findings could guide further research among the wider population and groups at high risk of pain addiction with a view to assessing the scale of the problem and tackling it in the way the Government has now called for Professor Elander said: "Painkiller addiction is an important issue which affects large numbers of people with painful chronic conditions "There has been little research into the psychological factors that can lead someone to become painkiller dependent; such as how they think about and emotionally respond to and deal with the real pain they feel "Understanding these factors could improve treatment for the individual and reduce the costs and time spent on medical services "In addition to our new survey the University of Derby also has two PhD students researching different aspects of painkiller addiction including whether there are cultural variations In 2012 we also hosted a multi-disciplinary seminar on the subject of painkiller addiction " To find out more about Psychology research and courses at the University of Derby see websites www derby ac uk/science/psyc hology and www derby ac uk/science/research/centresgroups/psychological For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Panthers Players Get Down To Business 20 October 2011 Three of GMB Nottingham Panthers newest players are getting down to business off the ice as well as on it as they are all studying Business courses at the University of Derby as part of its scholarship programme with the ice hockey team Matt Francis Jordan Fox and Brock Wilson all signed for the Nottingham Panthers over the summer and as well as playing their first games for the team recently all have just begun their studies at the University of Derby Matt Francis 25 from British Columbia Canada has been playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) and East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) for two years Matt is studying towards a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) at Derby while he plays on the wing for the Panthers this season Experienced centre player Jordan Fox 27 from Kirkwood USA has played professionally for five years and joined the Panthers from Finnish ice hockey team Jokipojat Jordan will study towards a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies Hard hitting defence man Brock Wilson will be playing and studying alongside Jordan as he is also working towards a BA (Hons) in Business Studies at Derby Brock 26 from St Louis USA has played professional hockey for four years His last club was Utah Gary Moran general manager of the GMB Nottingham Panthers said: "Being able to offer education alongside playing for the Panthers has been a big boost to the club "Many top class ice hockey players are already thinking about what will happen once they hang up their skates and the courses they can take at the University of Derby whilst playing for the Panthers provide some excellent opportunities for these players " Peter Allen the University of Derby s Marketing Director said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome Brock Jordan and Matt to the University this autumn and hope that they achieve great things in their studies as well as for the Panthers "This is another example of our strong partnership with the Nottingham Panthers and the payback for us is that our sports students get to work with the Panthers physio team and find out about the world of work " For more information about studying Business at the University of Derby visit website: www derby ac uk/dbs For more information about the Nottingham Panthers visit website: www panthers co uk

Paralympian Hero Set To Make History All Over Again At University Of Derby Buxton Fair 20 November 2013 High Peak Paralympic hero Anthony Kappes MBE will help the University of Derby Buxton highlight changing attitudes to disability at a public event which promises fun food and thought-provoking history in the Devonshire Dome To mark national Disability History Month the University is featuring sport in a Fair on Wednesday November 27 with stands quizzes and activities to highlight changing attitudes towards disabilities in the past and raise awareness of issues for the future Sport is being featured as it has helped to break down many barriers in the public s perception about disability thanks to the popularity of the Paralympics and admiration for the achievements of injured servicemen said Business and Management Lecturer and University of Derby Buxton s Disability Coordinator Olivia Ramsbottom who has organised the event with her colleagues and students The theme of Disability History Month the struggle for independent living with no return to the isolation of the institutions of the past is reflected in the event "There is definitely a new visibility and we re celebrating that " said Olivia "That s what led us to activities rather than just talks The message is about using the incredible space in the Dome as much as possible to create a buzz of activity " Cyclist Anthony who was born in Chapel-en-le-Frith is the current world record holder for 200 metres along with his pilot Barney Storey They became the first Paralympic team to hold the able-bodied British National Tandem Sprint Championships title in 2006 The public are very much welcome to take part and the event will be attended by High Peak Riding for the Disabled Parsley Hay Bike Trails the Amber Trust which supports mental wellbeing and Disability Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living amongst others The history of deafness will also be featured and a talk by Charlotte Bowen on her travels as a blind tourist promises to be fascinating There will also be snacks for people on special diets - as the University s culinary arts students will be dishing up Indian street food which can t be missed! Teams will also be competing in seated volleyball and Boccia tournaments with Anthony giving out the prizes Speakers and activities will be in the Devonshire Dome and surrounding rooms from 10 am - 2 pm Entrance is free For more details contact o ramsbottom@derby ac uk For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Partnership Aims To Boost Tourism In The Peak 12 December 2012 A strategic partnership between the University of Derby Buxton and the area s official tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is set to boost tourism in the area Through the partnership the University of Derby Buxton's Tourism degree programmes have been endorsed by Visit Peak District as has its three year LEADER project Extending the Season which aims to increase tourism through raising awareness of the fantastic food and drink produced across the Peak District and Derbyshire Dr Peter Dewhurst Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton said: "This partnership with one of the UK s top tourist boards is fantastic for our students especially those studying on our Tourism Management programmes "Through these formalised links with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire our students will have even more opportunities to take on real world learning projects that will have a tangible impact on tourism in the Peak District " David James Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire who will become a member of the University s Industry Advisory Panel as part of this partnership added: "We are delighted to support this new strategic partnership between ourselves and the University of Derby "The University excels in areas such as tourism hospitality events management and outdoor pursuits - all clearly reflected in much of our work as the area s official tourist board - so it makes excellent sense to collaborate in every way we can "We look forward to a long and successful working relationship that will bring benefits to both organisations as well as helping to cement our reputation as one of the UK s top tourism destinations " The University s influence on tourism in the area was further boosted recently when Dr Peter Dewhurst was appointed as a Director of Vision Buxton a membership organisation which brings together local businesses community groups and individuals who are all passionate about making Buxton an even better place to live work and play For more information on the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb For more on Visit Peak District & Derbyshire visit www visitpeakdistrict com/

Partnership Chair Role For University Strategic Director 25 April 2013 The Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton has recently been appointed Chair of the Peak District Partnership Peak District Partnership board members welcomed Dr Peter Dewhurst along with newly elected ViceChair Neil Moulden Chief Executive of Derbyshire Dales Council for Voluntary Service at their annual general meeting in March (2013) Dr Dewhurst said: "I am a passionate supporter of the Peak District and am committed to championing initiatives that can be of direct benefit to our local communities I am therefore extremely proud to have been given this opportunity and I very much look forward to helping the Partnership to continue to deliver tangible benefits to the people and communities of the Peak District " The Partnership was formed in 2003 bringing together local councils public services businesses and voluntary organisations across the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales area Formerly the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Local Strategic Partnership the group provides a voice for the rural Peak District Recent achievements of partnership working include: He p ng 169 young peop e at apprent cesh p events seek pathways to obs and tra n ng Sett ng up a cred t un on fac ty for peop e who work or ve n the H gh Peak Secur ng fund ng for a worker to support home ess young peop e n the Peak D str ct Prov d ng free debt adv ce he p ng over 250 Derbysh re Da es househo ds manage debts tota ng £3.7m on Wea th, Hea th and We be ng serv ces, wh ch address debt, poverty and emp oyment on the Games ey and Fa rf e d estates Promot ng 5 Ways to We be ng to oca groups to he p them mprove we be ng w th n the r commun t es. A new statement of community priorities will be prepared to replace the partnership s current five year plan that comes to an end in 2014 The partnership will continue to provide an advocacy role to promote rural interests focusing on health and wellbeing and the economy with the aim of making the Peak District a better place to live work and visit For further information about the Partnership contact either: Derbyshire Dales District Council Tel: 01629 761211 or policy@derbyshiredales gov uk High Peak Borough Council Tel: 01298 28400 ex 2057 or policy@highpeak gov uk For more information on the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Partnership Enhances Commitment to Nursing Excellence in Chesterfield 29 January 2013 The University of Derby and Chesterfield Royal Hospital have joined forces to ensure the future of the trust s highly skilled professional nursing team is in very good hands The two organisations have embraced a close working relationship for many years but the signing of a partnership agreement and unveiling of a plaque has made this highly successful partnership official The partnership agreement was signed at the University of Derby during a visit by the Royal s Chief Executive Gavin Boyle Chief Nurse Alfonzo Tramontano and Senior Matron for Professional Development Dr Maxine Simmons; along with University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Barnes Professor Lorraine Ellis and Dr Paula Crick from the School of Health and Dean of Faculty Professor Guy Daly The agreement formalises the partnership to benefit the local community through a range of education and applied research initiatives More than 200 nurses are currently studying on Nursing programmes at the University s Chesterfield base at Chesterfield Chambers with many gaining some of the practical experience they need within Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust The Royal s Chief Executive Gavin Boyle said: "I m delighted to be able unveil this plaque which is a symbol of our partnership to deliver the high standards of education for nurses and other clinical professionals We know that the graduates the University of Derby provides are first class and we want to recruit the people that it trains "This agreement and our future collaborative working will give us a wonderful opportunity to enshrine the Hospital s Proud to Care values into the University s teaching ensuring student nurses feel as much part of our hospital family throughout their studies "My ambition is to make this trust an exemplar of how a District General Hospital can serve its local community as a provider of care and also as good employers To achieve this we need staff that are well motivated well trained and well supported Our partnership with the University of Derby is a critical part of that "We are also looking forward to working with the University to design continuing professional development training for our workforce and promoting research opportunities which will ensure our professional staff have the knowledge and skill to keep us at the forefront of healthcare delivery " Head of the University s School of Health Professor Lorraine Ellis added: "With an established base in Chesterfield we already feel part of the community but we wanted to formalise our relationship with the Royal so that we are both even better placed to rise to the challenges that we face in a climate of unprecedented change whether in health or the higher education sector "Both sectors share the same agenda: quality patient care delivered by a workforce that is well educated and fit for practice The partnership agreement is a testament to this and Derby is delighted at this development "As many of our students come from the area this partnership will give them further opportunities to use their skills to serve the community and to maintain their connection with us through continuing professional development throughout their nursing careers " On January 17 (2013) the Royal recruited 20 newly qualified nurses many of whom had been students at University of Derby as part of a £1 5million investment to increase the number of nurses working on its wards The University s Chesterfield Campus provides its students with a modern friendly and supportive learning environment For more information visit www derby ac uk/nursing or www chesterfieldroyal nhs uk

Past versus present at University sports day 8 May 2014 Former students of the University of Derby showed their sporting prowess against its current students as part of a special alumni rugby match More than 150 current and former students travelled from all over the country to go head-to-head in a series of sports matches And in the headline rugby match the old boys showed current students how it s done as they romped to a 40-15 win Captain Matt Oswin a 2012 graduate of the BSc (Hons) Global Hazards degree course led his team to victory in a great performance Man of the match and former student Amahl Jones was awarded the Inaugural David French Trophy in remembrance of a retired lecturer at the University David who sadly passed away earlier this year was one of the founders of the University of Derby Men s Rugby Club Graduates and current students spectated and competed in a range of sports including dodgeball archery men and women s football and rugby union amongst others University of Derby Student s Union (UDSU) Athletic Union President Mark Farthing said: "More and more sporting alumni are coming back to the university once a year to experience what life is like for current Athletic Union members with the new emphasis on student sport at Derby "As we now have different generations of alumni reuniting all at the same time we are witnessing an event which the University of Derby Students Union is truly proud to host " Alumni Relations Officer Laura Ratcliffe added: "The University is keen to keep in touch with its alumni providing opportunities to catch up and reminisce about their time in Derby and this event does just that " For more information about sport at the University of Derby visit www teamderby com and for more on the University of Derby Alumni visit www derby ac uk/alumni

Patsy's Great Feet For Rams' Players 11 April 2011 Derby County players are being helped to put their best foot forward by a new member of the Rams team - podiatrist and University of Derby student Patsy Sewell-Mwamba It s hoped her heel to toe tender care will have the footballers flying over the Pride Park Stadium turf Mother-of-two Patsy who runs the Extremities podiatry and chiropody clinic is currently on the University s Enterprise Inc programme which supports new businesses with financial and training help Her client list is going from strength to strength - with the Derby County players her latest signing Patsy 53 of Portico Road Heatherton Village Derby said: "I set up Extremities after my podiatry degree A colleague suggested joining the University s Enterprise Inc scheme and what I ve learnt has been very useful especially in helping me structure the business "The Derby County contract came out of the blue I had advertised in a local magazine just as the team s physiotherapist was looking for a podiatrist "Treating the players is not wildly different from treating anyone else Of course they do build up hard skin and callouses more quickly than other clients and I need to be vigilant if I think they are getting a foot infection Everyone at the club has been very welcoming " Rams captain Robbie Savage even publicised Patsy s business Extremities on his personal Twitter account to his 217 945 followers - while having his feet done by her Neil Sullivan Head Physiotherapist at Derby County FC added: "We have been using the services of Patsy since the beginning of this season and we are delighted with the service that has been provided to the players "Foot health is obviously very important for professional footballers It s not always an easy environment to come into but Patsy has made a big impression with her expertise and professionalism " Maggie Morley is Programme Development Manager for the Centre for Entrepreneurial Management which runs the University s Enterprise Inc programme She said: "Patsy is just the kind of determined businesswoman who can benefit from the training and networking help we can offer through the University s Enterprise Inc scheme Her success with Derby County shows she s a star turn " For more information about Patsy s available treatments see her website at www extremeties co uk or Extremities page on Facebook For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Phill’s First Class Design For Branson Launch 31 October 2007 Phill Ward’s talent as an illustrator has received the official stamp of approval from the Royal Mail! The University of Derby BA (Hons) Illustration student has had his work selected to feature on the envelope of a First Day Cover design to mark the opening of the University new Markeaton Street building Sir Richard Branson President of Virgin Atlantic opens the new building on November 2 and the first day covers are being distributed to 200 VIP guests The initiative commemorates the historic link between the University and Royal Mail Former Derby student Arnold Machin designed the iconic image of the Queen Head which appears on stamps today The late Mr Machin who studied in the 1930s at the University s former Green Lane building created the iconic image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II This image has appeared on more than 175 billion Royal Mail stamps He was also an accomplished sculptor tutor and ceramics designer Stamps can take up to five years to design so Royal Mail offered the next best opportunity to students to design the First Day Cover envelope instead Royal Mail has approved the design of similar First Day Cover envelopes to mark other special occasions such as the recent opening of the new Wembley Stadium Phills winning design was picked out by experts at Royal Mail s Midlands Special Handstamp Centre in Birmingham Phill was invited to meet managers at the company s Birmingham depot to take part in the franking process As well as the envelope design Royal Mail also designed a specially commissioned handstamp to frank the envelopes bearing the phrase Officially Opened By Sir Richard Branson Derby November 2 A Royal Mail spokesman said: "The winning design incorporated all the strands of the official launch of the Markeaton Street Campus even including a postmark showing the date of the opening " Kevan Waldron Special Handstamp Manager who gave Phill a tour of the Birmingham depot said: "It was a pleasure to meet everyone involved in the concept and design of the First Day Cover The Branson handstamp we added was the finishing touch to a very professional looking envelope " Phill 22 from Queensmead Road Stoke-on-Trent said: "I am delighted to have won My design was based around trying to incorporate the themes of the new building Sir Richard Branson Arnold Machin and the Royal Mail stamp " The winning design has been printed on plain white DL business style envelopes The runners up were third year students Andy Nelms 20 from Priorslee Avenue Telford and Tim McLaughlin of Madeley also near Telford Andy said: "I wanted to incorporate the theme of a red ribbon to signify the opening ceremony and am delighted to have made the final three " Tim who recently transferred to Derby for his final year of study from Herefordshire College of Art and Design said: "I wanted something that was more decorative than vague symbolism and tried to incorporate a classic and regal theme in light of the stamp association with the Royal Family " One of their University tutors Richard Levesley said: "Our students have demonstrated a professional attitude and have challenged the expectations and demands of a live brief The chosen designs show the diversity of Illustration and the many different ways it can be applied qualities and skills we actively encourage and promote in our students " There were a number of other student entries and those who took part included Catherine Sweetman Chris Smith Jemima Sims Richard Aldrey Kerry Dilks Jodie Rock and Stephanie Kirton -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

Photo project to give food for thought and raise charity cash 28 May 2014 A photographer s collection at the University of Derby will not only give an insight into UK food poverty it will raise money to help combat the problem Bethany Kane s photos of food bank premises (in the Midlands) were taken while she was also volunteering at the food distribution service managed by Derby Osmaston Road Baptist Church on Charnwood Street in Derby A hundred copies of the photo book from her project entitled Hidden Hunger will be sold at £5 each in aid of the Trussell Trust - which runs more than 400 UK food banks for those in need - when her collection goes on display at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby as part of The Big Show This free annual show open to the public will run from Saturday (May 24) until Friday June 13 It features final year projects by crafts fashion textiles fine art film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies art therapy and other course students Displays are at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby Bethany 21 originally from Rugby said: "I worked as a volunteer at the Derby church s free food distribution service My aim with the Hidden Hunger project is to challenge the negative stereotypes concerning the current food poverty crisis in Britain "Some media commentators have adopted an anti-food banks stance and this in turn influences public opinion By showing rooms without people my photographs give an impression of the social isolation felt by those driven to use these services and also comments on the lack of Government support for these charitable systems " Hugh McNeill Project Manager for the Coventry Foodbank (one of the Trust s food banks) said: "We were delighted to have worked with Beth on this project That she has taken the time to highlight the issue of food poverty at her young age is remarkable and we wish her every success with her photo book " In a separate project last year (2013) University of Derby Engineering and Design students worked with the Trussell Trust on the design for a new food collection point to go into supermarkets To see more of Bethany s work go to her website at www bethanykane co uk For more information on The Big Show see website www derby ac uk/about/organisation/faculties/adt/degree-show To learn more about studying Photography at the University of Derby see link www derby ac uk/arts For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of News on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Photography Business Develops Due To Graduate Growth 16 January 2014 An expanding photography studio business set-up and staffed by University of Derby graduates has taken on two more trained photographers who graduate tomorrow (Friday January 17) James Corbett - a 2005 graduate of the University s BA (Hons) Photography degree course - established Firefly Photography in Friargate Derby in 2007 It offers portrait photography for families mother and baby couples people s pets and for professional models; and now has two studios Five of the business s seven full-time staff are University of Derby graduates The five Derby graduates are James himself; Production Manager Nathan Lathwood also a 2005 BA (Hons) Photography graduate; and Studio Manager Kirsty Johnson a 2011 BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies graduate - and new recruits Rebecca Knapp and Corinne Dudley graduating from the University s BA (Hons) Photography degree course on Friday as part of the University s 2014 Awards Ceremonies at Derby Assembly Rooms Corrine and Rebecca began working part-time for Firefly in the final year of their degree course Corinne 24 originally from Tamworth said: "As part of my responsibilities at Firefly I photograph a variety of shoots from family and children to makeovers and boudoir My photography degree encourages me to be more creative in my job role and to push me into new and creative directions " Rebecca 21 of Derby added: "I particularly enjoy working with individuals to create something they love and to have a fun time with whatever experience they come to us with Studying at the University allowed me to pursue my passion and to turn it into a career " Firefly Photography founder James 34 said: "Firefly is now in its seventh year and has undergone massive changes over that time From our humble beginnings we have grown into a thriving and popular high-end portrait studio We have an incredible team here now who all work very hard to deliver a brilliant experience for our clients "I have not set out specifically to hire graduates from the University of Derby it s simply been that they have proved the best candidates for the job on both a professional and personal level The graduates come to us with the work ethic and creative mind-set that provides them with a great platform to progress in this industry " More than 4 000 people who studied with the University s faculties of Arts Design and Technology; Business Computing and Law; and Education Health and Sciences; will graduate at the Derby Awards Ceremonies at Derby s Assembly Rooms this week (January 15-17) For more information about studying Photography at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/arts For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Poet's Radio 4 show on 'domino effect' gets University input 25 April 2014 Poet and troublemaker (according to his own website) Benjamin Zephaniah explores the rich history of the UK s Caribbean domino clubs in a BBC Radio 4 programme executive produced by a University of Derby academic Caribbean Domino Club broadcast on the radio channel at 11am on Good Friday (April 18) - and still available to listen to on the BBC iPlayer website at www bbc co uk/radio until this Sunday (April 27) - is a half-hour documentary in which Benjamin explores the passion community and history of Britain s Caribbean domino clubs He visits his home city of Birmingham to find out how the dominoes scene has changed since his father taught him to play and learns how the `bones as the tiles are nicknamed have been a part of Caribbean history for centuries Its Executive Producer was Lyn Champion Head of the BA (Hons) Journalism degree course at the University of Derby and a Senior Lecturer in Media Production The show s Producer was Cicely Fell The programme had been previewed by national broadsheets and picked as a radio choice by critics from The Observer The Independent and The Times newspapers before its broadcast and made Radio 4 s own Pick of the Week Lyn - who has produced award-winning national BBC radio series strands and documentaries - said: "Redlight Productions the London company behind Caribbean Domino Club approached me to be Executive Producer This was their first BBC Radio 4 commission "I spent three months working with the Producer Cicely Fell to give advice and help on the four of five different edits of the programme before it was signed off It s important for I and the other Journalism lecturers at the University to maintain our working connections so we can then feed that experience back into Derby s courses " To learn more about Journalism and Media Production at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/humanities/journalism

Pollyanna Casts Expert Eye Over Competition Entries 30 April 2013 Celebrated wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering was given a snapshot of young photographic talent when she visited the University of Derby to judge its Spring Nature Photography Competition recently Pollyanna accompanied by her daughter Anna-Louise who is herself a photographer took a first look over the entries to the School of Science s competition which will go on public display at the University s upcoming Family Fun Day at its Kedleston Road site on Sunday (May 5) At the Fun Day the public will get to vote for the photograph they feel best captures spring 2013 The public winner along with the winners from the 13 to 17 and 18 to 24 year old age categories chosen by Pollyanna and her fellow judges zoologist and TV presenter George McGavin; and University Head of Biological and Forensic Sciences Professor Paul Lynch will each receive a Samsung Galaxy HD camera The camera gives photographers the option of sharing their 17 megapixel photos straight from the device via 3G or WiFI Pollyanna said: "Many of these entries capture the spring we have experienced wonderfully; animals working extra hard to survive in the cold and trees and flowers blossoming from beneath a thick covering of snow "The photography and painting of nature allows us to open our eyes and really pay attention to the things that we often walk straight past Sitting with a view-finder or pad and paints helps us to be still in nature and truly experience it which is why it is so valuable " Professor Paul Lynch said: "We are delighted with the number and quality of entries that we have received to the Spring Nature Photography competition and it is clear that many young people have been inspired by the natural events they have seen around them over the last three months "It is going to be difficult to choose our winners but we encourage people to come and visit the exhibition at the Family Fun Day and pick their favourite too " For more information about the Family Fun Day visit www derby ac uk/funday A summer exhibition of Pollyanna s most recent work which captures some of the most endangered species of animal around the word will go on display at her gallery in Matlock Derbyshire in July 2013 For more information visit www pollyannapickeringstudio co uk

Portable stove and fire rescue device among University's hot products 3 June 2014 Products enabling people to breathe their way through a fire rescue or make camping that much easier are among the creations on display at the University of Derby Practical devices by final year students on the BA (Hons) and BSc (Hons) Product Design degree courses are now being exhibited at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby as part of the wider Big Show The annual Big Show is a free public display of works by crafts photography fine art engineering motorsports creative expressive therapies fashion textiles film and other students completing their degree courses It will be on until Friday June 13 at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby Peter Gray 22 originally from Grimsby has created a portable stove which is so easy to use it would be ideal for the castaways stranded on current Channel 4 reality TV series The Island The coffee jar-sized bio-fuel camp stove enables the user to take kindling (small burnable material which initially starts a fire) with them and easily spark it up with the turn of a magnesium alloy rod Peter said: "Many of the pocket rocket gas stoves on the market have removed the character and excitement of cooking on a fire in the great outdoors My research found that people would like to build natural fires if it were easy and reliable to do so My bio-fuel camp stove aims to make that experience more accessible for everybody "I am hoping it will attract the interest of one of the main outdoor equipment supply chains " Another ingenious invention on display at the University has more to do with fighting fires than starting them The Oxyvive is a small personal respirator which can be stored in a case on the wall of a home or office In a building fire the Oxyvive is removed from the case and held in the mouth A material called Zorflex uses active carbon molecules to filter toxins from the air and make it breathable for up to ten minutes and LED lights on the device help guide rescue workers to the user s location Joe Lincoln 22 - originally from near Richmond North Yorkshire - is completing the final year of a BSc (Hons) Product Design degree He received help creating the Oxyvive from the University of Derby s own Forensics course and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service Other Product Design devices on display during The Big Show include an ultra-lightweight baby crib a portable dog exercise treadmill a solar-powered water butt and energy efficient bike lights Terry Watson Programme Leader for Product Design added: "I m very proud of the work the students have done this year as always Their final projects show the professionalism and ingenuity they have learnt over their degree course and which will stand them in good stead in their future careers " For more information about Product Design courses at the University of Derby see web link www derby ac uk/engineering-technology/product-design More information on The Big Show and its events can be found on the University s website at www derby ac uk/about/organisation/faculties/adt/degree-show For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

'Posh' Society And Poor Patients In The Picture 16 June 2010 A photographer s exhibition giving a modern twist to classical 18 h century paintings has sparked his interest in making a grand tour of stately homes For his final year University of Derby Degree Show BA (Hons) Photography course student Luke Ward created 21 s century versions of the type of paintings done by Johann Zoffany (1733-1810) who painted aristocrats in their stately homes Luke photographed rooms in Derbyshire s Calke Abbey near Ticknall then recreated the style of Zoffany s paintings by afterwards putting in modern equivalents of the people shown in the artist s original 18 h century paintings Following the exhibition of Luke s work at last week s University Degree Shows (June 3 to 13) he now hopes to create a series of such pictures by photographing other National Trust properties Luke 22 originally from Sunderland explained: "For example one of Zoffany s paintings had a gentleman in his gallery holding a book so I ve got somebody in the same position with a laptop "In another painting entitled Family of Sir William Young one of the figures pictured outside is leading a horse so my photograph shows a man on a moped "These paintings were about the society of their day so I ve used them to say something about modern living I hope to carry this on by doing pieces of work at different UK National Trust sites in Derbyshire " John Parkinson House Manager at Calke Abbey said: "I was happy for Luke to use Calke as a backdrop for his images The results are very striking and show the house in a new and challenging way " Luke s work was just one of the unusual and striking photo series exhibited by students at this year s Degree Shows Fellow student photographer Stacey Jackson s Asylum series was designed to chill rather than raise a smile Stacey 22 originally from Leeds used eerie pictures of abandoned buildings ruined rooms and graffiti decorated walls Each image was accompanied by a case study on a mental asylum patient The photographs gave a convincingly creepy atmosphere - before it was revealed that the buildings shown were not asylums at all but other ordinary abandoned buildings Stacey said: "It s about using the images to stir up an emotion in the viewer even though the abandoned building photographed might have been quite ordinary such as an old RAF base "I did a lot of research using old psychological text books to get asylum patient case studies to match them with the images One was of a woman who d ripped up her bed linen and I had a picture of an old rusty bed which fitted with that perfectly " Lara Clarke-Wardle 23 from Nottingham also took a dark gothic turn for her work Her photos were based on The Yellow Wallpaper (published 1892) a book about a woman going insane after being confined in a room to recover from bad nerves In contrast to her subject - a woman locked in one room - Lara travelled to different parts of the UK and France to take shots illustrating her theme of hidden women Her work and that of other University of Derby students can be seen again later in the year at an exhibition at the Acquire Arts Gallery 155 Battersea Park Road London from August 20 to 26 John Goto Professor of Fine Art at the University of Derby said: "The quality of the students work on the BA (Hons) Photography degree course seems to get better each year " For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Postgraduate Research Recognised With NHS Award 12 October 2011 A University of Derby postgraduate student was part of a team that took home a top award at Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust s Celebrating Success Awards recently The Putting Patients First award was won by the hospital s Enhanced Recovery Programme which postgraduate student Stephanie Archer has been working in to transform NHS elective and cancer care pathways Her work explored to what extent the Enhanced Recovery Programme (a new approach to surgery which aims to improve the quality of patient care by helping patients to feel better sooner after surgery) has reduced the length of stay of patients undergoing surgery for gynaecological cancer Stephanie Archer 25 is currently working towards a PhD under Dr Heidi Sowter Senior Lecturer Biological and Forensic Sciences at the University Her supervisor for this work at the Derby Royal Hospital was Anish Bali Consultant surgeon in Gynaecological Oncology who is also an associate member of the University s Biological Sciences Research Group Stephanie said: "I thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at the Royal Derby Hospital on the Enhanced Recovery Programme "The programme is a great intervention which really does improve patients experiences while they are in hospital which in my opinion is the most important measurable outcome of any intervention "The award reflects all of the hard work that has been put in by the team to make this programme as successful as it has been " The research entitled Evaluating an enhanced recovery programme for gynae-oncology patients: the patient experience has been accepted into the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) conference happening later this year

£1.3m University Of Derby Scheme To Boost UK Engineering 9 December 2013 A £1 3million initiative to help plug a UK skills gap in vital engineering skills - and give students a free postgraduate education - is being announced today by the University of Derby and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) More than 40 UK universities including Derby will share in HEFCE s national £25million Postgraduate Support Scheme (PSS) It aims to support 20 pilot projects - run jointly by universities and businesses helping more than 2 800 first degree students into postgraduate education particularly those less likely to progress to this level The University of Derby s own project is worth £1 3million with £598 933 coming from the PSS fund and the remainder from the University itself and commercial partners Derby will deliver two exciting new postgraduate training courses free to students (whether they ve previously studied at Derby or not) and giving them new skills to boost their employability Masters (MSc) degree in Innovative Engineering Solutions (full-time): A consortium of up to 30 employers will work with the University to recruit 50 students with First or 2:1 Class degrees from engineering or related disciplines; such as design physics chemistry or maths Priority will go to students from backgrounds where going into higher education is not a given or groups underrepresented in engineering including women Students (whose course fees and travel costs will be paid) will study a University taught programme focusing on acquiring expertise in solving technical business problems in areas such as manufacturing mechanical engineering engineering design materials and supply chain optimisation They will then undertake 24 weeks of paid work including an in-company placement followed by a related research project at the University s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering Full time students would start in September 2014 and finish September 2015 The course is set-up so that employers can test potential employees abilities - useful for small or mediumsized companies without a graduate programme - and students gain real skills with job opportunities at the course s end The work they ve undertaken could also contribute to Chartered Engineer status Masters degree (MSc) in Professional Engineering (part-time online): Developed with the Engineering Council the work-based MSc in Professional Engineering enables full-time engineers to gain Chartered Engineer status The project means students can study online through University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL ) without attending tutorials in Derby As well as catering for those with a traditional engineering degree the MSc is also available to employees without traditional higher education qualifications Students employers will pay their tuition fees The course will begin in September 2014 and normally takes two to three years to complete Both courses will also see experienced managers within the student s company given structured training to become certified workplace mentors to become an active participant in students learning Professor Philip Plowden Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby said: "The Confederation of British Industry recently reported that UK businesses were suffering a shortage of highly skilled workers in manufacturing engineering and other areas vital to the UK economy "The University of Derby s bold new initiative and that of our partner universities in the Postgraduate Support Scheme will ease students progression into further study which will be designed with employers to meet their specific needs "Along with our new Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering which will play a significant role in the PSS it s a sign of Derby s commitment to working closely with businesses and providing real world learning " Steve Egan HEFCE Interim Chief Executive added: "The range and innovative approaches in the schemes which universities have devised to increase take up of postgraduate courses is impressive We will work closely with the projects to see what is working well and to communicate this widely to build strong foundations for this critical aspect of higher education " Projects were chosen for PSS funding by a panel including representatives from universities HEFCE the UK Council for Graduate Education and the National Union of Students Media requiring further information about this press release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

£2,000 Scholarships For Mineral Managers Of The Future 17 December 2013 Scholarships of up to £2 000 each are being offered by the Institute of Quarrying to develop future leaders and managers for the industry In partnership with the Institute University of Derby Corporate is launching its new BSc (Hons) in Minerals Management course The degree is aimed at taking those in operational positions and developing their leadership and management skills through a programme that has been specifically developed for the sector The minerals industry has an aging demographic with a shortage of young people in prominent job roles Mark Osbaldeston Head of the Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development said: "As the Centre s flagship programme this is an excellent example of what can be achieved when Universities and business work together "The sector has been without a specific degree qualification for almost ten years so the launch of this partnership programme combined with the Institute of Quarrying s supporting scholarship is an excellent boost to the professional mineral products industry " This is the only programme of its kind that offers work-based learning elements and part time delivery so that students can work and study at the same time The programme is delivered online part time with optional face-to-face workshop weekends with an industry-experienced team and relevant guest lecturers Phil James Chief Executive of the Institute of Quarrying added: "The launch of the new Honours Degree programme marks a key point in the history of the mineral products industry and indeed the Institute of Quarrying We re proud to be working so closely in partnership with University of Derby Corporate and would urge anyone interested in their own or others personal development to consider the excellent new suite of integrated education programmes that are now on offer through the Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development " Scholarships are open to UK residents who enrol on the Honours Degree programme in 2014 Candidates who are seeking to finance themselves through the programme are particularly encouraged to apply For more information on the course and scholarships visit website www derby ac uk/courses/udc/mineralsmanagement-bsc-hons Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sam Parker University of Derby Press and PR Assistant on 01332 593316 or email: s parker1@derby ac uk

£80m Man In Line For Top Honour 25 November 2005 The man who created the University of Derby is to be rewarded for years of service with his very own honorary degree from the institution Our first ever Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Waterhouse is one of six honorary graduates in the University s own New Year s honours list announced today Under the leadership of Professor Waterhouse Derby became the only College of Higher Education to achieve University status in 1992 and then expanded to an institution of more than 24 000 students today His vision means the institution now generates £80m annually for the local economy and ensures greater access to higher education opportunities in the region Honorary degrees are given annually to people who personally and professionally inspire others and who also have strong links with the Derbyshire area Conservation champion and key Government advisor on green issues Sir Martin Doughty Chairman of English Nature and Chair Designate of its successor Natural England is another prominent local personality in line to receive an honorary doctorate The new organisation Natural England is being created with responsibility to conserve and enhance the value and beauty of England s natural environment and promote access recreation and public well-being for the benefit of today s and future generations The University s Awards Ceremonies take place on January 20 and 21 at the Assembly Rooms in Derby Hundreds of University students will graduate alongside the honorary graduates amid the pomp and ceremony of the two-day annual awards celebration Professor Waterhouse receives an honorary doctorate for his work in furthering higher education opportunities across Derbyshire He retired from the University on 31 July 2004 after 14 years as its Vice-Chancellor His tenure included the merger with High Peak College in North Derbyshire and the acquisition of the Devonshire Royal Hospital to create a town centre campus in Buxton Under his guidance there were major changes to the architectural shape of the University and the city as a whole with halls of residence the Learning Centre and the creation of the Atrium Below is a list of the other honorary degree recipients for January 2006: SIR MARTIN DOUGHTY - Honorary Doctor of the University Sir Martin Doughty in 2001 became Chair of English Nature which plays a central role as our statutory conservation advisor in England and provides extensive policy advice to Government on issues affecting the environment and biodiversity Sir Martin is also well known in Derbyshire as the former County Council leader THE RIGHT REVEREND JONATHAN BAILEY - Honorary Doctor of the University University Trustee and Governing Council member Jonathan Bailey was Bishop of Derby from 1995 until his retirement earlier this year He was an extremely popular Bishop and earned the respect of everyone with whom he came into contact - regardless of their religion CATHERINE BARANIAK - Honorary Doctor of Professional Practice Catherine Baraniak is a major national figure in the development of Nurse-Led General Practice - a key part of the NHS Agenda for Change She opened the Meadowfields Practice in Chellaston where she is currently Nurse Principal DERIC LONGDEN - Honorary Master of Letters Following the death of his wife author and lecturer Deric published his first book Diana s Story which described how they coped with her illness (ME) Adapted for TV in 1993 as the drama Wide-eyed and Legless it brought to the attention of the public this debilitating and frequently misunderstood illness RICHARD SADLER - Honorary Doctor of Professional Practice Richard Sadler was for many years a distinguished member of staff leading the highly respected Photography programme and has worked extensively since his retirement in continuing and professional development and education and training in photography across the UK This year Richard has also been awarded the prestigious Fenton Medal and a lifetime membership from the Royal Photographic Society for his outstanding contributions to the field -endsFor any other information please contact the University of Derby s Head of Press and PR Peter Gallimore Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern or Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via email at pressoffice@derby ac uk Alternatively write to: University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Premier League Passion Builds Up Footy Fans' Fitness 27 March 2013 The results of a project between University researchers and Premier League side Everton Football Club to improve men s health have been revealed at a major European conference Dan Parnell University of Derby Programme Leader for Sport and Exercise Science and Kathryn Curran Researcher with Liverpool John Moores University s Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences worked with Everton s Community Programme to promote the health of male fans and others Their findings were released at the European Healthy Stadia Conference 2013 held at Manchester City FC s Etihad Stadium The conference brought together more than 300 decision-makers from sports clubs stadia sports governing bodies and health agencies across Europe; looking at ways in which they can both help improve communities health and in doing so benefit as businesses Sports organisations and teams involved in the event last Thursday (March 21) included the Barclay s Premier League UEFA Lord s Cricket Ground BBC Sport the England and Wales Cricket Board Premiership Rugby Rugby League Manchester City FC Aston Villa FC Dunfermline FC Motherwell FC FC Barcelona and St Helens RFC Speakers came from the Netherlands Germany Finland Switzerland Italy and elsewhere across Europe Dan headed a workshop at the prestigious one-day event which among other initiatives examined a report on his and Kathryn s work entitled: The Realities of Promoting Men s Health: A Case Study from Everton FC s Community Football Programme The Blues Community Programme used a love of football in men - many from areas with traditionally poor male health - to promote healthier living messages around obesity exercise stopping smoking cancer awareness substance and alcohol misuse and mental and sexual health Fans taking part had access to resources such as top gym facilities regular health checks and one-to-one mentoring and advice from trained health and well-being practitioners " Commenting on his joint research Dan said: "Football is special it evokes deep emotions in fans across Europe These emotions are often founded upon the history traditions cultures and love for a particular football club "In a time of both public spending austerity and major public health concerns football clubs are beginning to consider their wider social role in society More clubs and their respective community foundations are now investing in health promotion programmes for their fans and local communities "The workshop we hosted at the European Healthy Stadia Conference explored our research on an intervention to promote men s health and offered real insight into the complexities of delivering interventions aimed at changing health behaviours in men " Dan has recently published research on sport s particularly football s role in promoting health among older men help for those quitting smoking and children s play Kathryn added: "In order to make a real difference to the health of men it is essential that health professionals/practitioners learn from one other and share best practice "The Conference provided an excellent platform for Dan and I to share our knowledge experiences and insights from six years of immersed research and delivery with men at Everton s Community Programme with like-minded people " On Monday June 24 the University of Derby s Sport and Exercise Department will be running a Schools and Community Football Conference at Burton Albion Football Club s Pirelli Stadium For more information about the University of Derby s sport and exercise degrees go to website www derby ac uk/science/sport-and-exercise or see Twitter feed @DerbyUniSportEx

'Pretend People' And 'Forged Artworks' At Trade Fair 30 September 2010 Inflatable plastic crowds and a female blacksmith s artworks are among the 40 new businesses set to attend a University of Derby trade exhibition Open for Business 2010 will include some of the many East Midlands companies run by University graduates and students and people affected by redundancy who ve attended entrepreneur programmes such as Enterprise Inc and Start Up & Go at the University s Centre for Entrepreneurial Management It gives mentoring and financial support and provides business skills training The free to attend trade fair will be at the University s Enterprise Centre at 37 Bridge Street Derby on Wednesday October 6 from 2pm to 6pm It will be open to the general public other businesses and suppliers The exhibition follows the success of the first Open for Business event in 2008 Naomi Woodier-Harris a sessional lecturer and PhD student at Derby has gone from helping University students and graduates set up businesses - through the forerunner of its Enterprise Inc programme - to establishing her own company Airheads Ltd based in Nottingham provides three-dimensional inflatable extras for large crowd scenes for film and TV productions sports and promotional events The plastic figures are the same size and shape as an adult head and torso and dressed so that from a distance they can look like a person seated in a public gallery or stadium area Naomi company Managing Director said: "The idea for the business came up in conversation with my brother-in-law Lee Harris who worked for BBC television at the time He explained how these inflatable extras had to be hired from abroad at some expense and it occurred to us that we could become the first UK company to offer this service "We get a lot of TV requests and our stand-ins were recently used onscreen in the BBC sci-fi series Paradox They ve also been used for low budget films at Alton Towers theme park and by Nottingham Rugby Club Often a crowd scene will be shot using 80% airheads and 20% real extras " In contrast to Airheads use of modern technology to create something temporary fellow Open for Business 2010 exhibitor and blacksmith Hayley Powell demonstrates how traditional crafts can create long lasting and beautiful products She graduated from the University s BSc (Hons) Design Technology degree course this summer (2010) and established her company Forever Forged with the help of its Enterprise Inc programme She uses traditional blacksmithing and modern manufacturing techniques to turn high quality ironwork into unique doorknobs and handles household goods and objects for the garden such as sculptures and obelisks Hayley 21 of Parwich Derbyshire said: "I was always interested in rural crafts and did some workshops before I began my degree While I studied at Derby I did a work placement with another female blacksmith called Charis Jones from Staffordshire and I knew it was what I wanted to do when I finished my course "The works I produce are all one-off It s important to me that I m helping keep alive a traditional rural craft " Other businesses exhibiting at the Open for Business 2010 trade fair include: Derby and Le cester new med a, arts and cu ture magaz ne From Dusk to Dawn street art and c oth ng, and des gn company Subism (w nner of the Derby Creat ve Industr es Network Awards Best Creat ve Team/Ind v dua category n September) spec a st Vo kswagen Group serv ce and repa r garage Absolute VAG of Mansf e d Velocity Sounds of Derby; prov der of ght ng, sound and aud o-v sua equ pment for events James Cousins Photography of L chf e d, Staffordsh re; spec a st n mages for ndustr a and commerc a s tes Derby School of Taekwon-Do; mart a arts tra n ng for ch dren, adu ts and corporate c ents. Maggie Morley of the University s Centre for Entrepreneurial Management has organised Open for Business 2010 She said: "We have helped dozens of businesses get established over the years through our entrepreneurial programmes Open for Business 2010 is a celebration of that and a chance for potential suppliers and customers to come and see the incredible range of new business talent now contributing to the local economy " For further information contact Gill Barnes at the Centre for Entrepreneurial Management on 01332 597843 or email: g barnes@derby ac uk For further information also contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Prince Charles And Duchess Of Cornwall To Open Buxton Campus 31 January 2006 The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be in Buxton on Friday February 10th to officially open the £20 million University of Derby Buxton campus Its centrepiece is the stunning Dome standing at over 150 feet in diameter and larger than that of St Paul s Cathedral in London Work to restore the former Royal Devonshire Hospital took over five years to complete with £6million in grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund A further £2 6 million came from the Learning Skills Council Additional monies were given by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (£1 5 million) East Midlands Development Agency (£1million) and English Heritage (£160 000) With these additional funds the University was able to save the Grade II* listed building from the English Heritage At Risk register The new University campus represents one of the most exciting estates developments in the UK University sector for the last 30 years and is home to over 1 500 students and staff who enjoy some of the finest educational facilities in Europe The building the highest campus in England has breathed new life into this Victorian spa town which is undergoing a renaissance Since it opened its doors to students last September new courses have begun echoing the flavour of Peak District life such as outdoor pursuits travel and tourism and catering and hospitality World-renowned Chef Anton Mosimann came to Buxton in November to open the building s own fine dining restaurant The Dome which students have now put on Derbyshire s gastronomic map During their visit the Royal couple will see for themselves the results of the restoration and watch students at work in the Dome area and lecture theatres On hand to meet Their Royal Highnesses will be the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby Professor John Coyne along with civic dignitaries architects contractors friends of the project students and staff Please note: Journalists who wish to cover the event on the day should apply for Royal Rota passes through the usual channels There will be NO admission without appropriate passes The visit will begin at 14 30 hours and finish at 16 30 -endsFor further information please contact : Peter Gallimore Head of Press and PR University of Derby 01332 591041 Simon Redfern Senior Press Officer University of Derby 01332 591942 or Simon Butt Press Officer University of Derby 01332 591891

Professor launches guide to art therapy 24 February 2014 A senior academic at the University of Derby has launched her latest book - offering expert guidance to art therapy students and practitioners Susan Hogan Professor of Cultural Studies and Art Therapy has had her seventh book published The Introductory Guide to Art Therapy The book Professor Hogan says will bridge a gap in the market for introducing prospective students art therapy trainees would-be teachers and therapy practitioners to art therapy itself She said: "I didn t think there was a good enough introduction to the subject on the market It was also an interesting challenge to try to write something which would reach an international audience "On a personal level this book was about sharing over 20 years of experience of having taught art therapy at introductory and post-graduate levels " The Introductory Guide to Art Therapy is co-authored by Annette Coulter who is a British-trained and Australian-based art psychotherapist who specialises in children adolescents families groups and couples She has pioneered art therapy training and professional development in Australia and Singapore Professor Hogan added: "Collaborating with Annette was important as she used to run the art therapy training course in Singapore and was a former president of the Australian Art Therapy Association which complements my UK and Scottish experience " The foreword to the book is by distinguished North American Professor Judy Rubin giving the book an international feel Paperback copies priced £29 99 are available in Blackwell s at the University of Derby s main Kedleston Road site They are also available online at www routledgementalhealth com For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Professor Robert Howie: An Obituary 19 March 2012 It was with sadness that the University of Derby learnt one of its 2009 Honoraries Professor Robert Howie had passed away Professor Howie who was made an Honorary Doctor of Science at the University s 2009 Derby Awards Ceremonies was an outstanding research scientist and author of some of the most widely known textbooks on mineralogy He is also one of the few scientists to have a mineral named in his honour (the Fe-Mn Silicate Howieite) Born in Olney Buckinghamshire he served with distinction in the RAF before being invalided out of the service and going on to study Chemistry Geology and Mineralogy at Trinity College Cambridge After graduating in 1950 he undertook a three-year Doctorate studying the chemistry of unusual very dark granites in India known as charnockites His rise through academic teaching took in Manchester University and King s College London before his 1986 appointment as Lyell Professor of Geology at Royal Holloway College London During this time and up to his death Professor Howie wrote extensively on minerals and their chemistry His many academic achievements include: n 1976 the award of the Geo og ca Soc ety s prest g ous Murch son Meda n 1999, becom ng the f rst non-US res dent to rece ve the Pub c Serv ce Award of the M nera og ca Soc ety of Amer ca Fe owsh p of K ng s Co ege Honorary L fe Fe owsh p of the M nera og ca Soc ety Honorary Fe owsh p of the Gemmo og ca Assoc at on of Great Br ta n. Professor Howie was a long-time Derbyshire resident He passed away in hospital on March 10 at the age of 88 following health complications connected to his long term polio condition He leaves two sons and three grandchildren Professor Paul Bridges Head of Research at the University of Derby said: "We were very sad indeed to hear of the death of Professor Robert Howie "He had an extraordinary knowledge of minerals which he disseminated through his collaborative books and his many papers Every student of geology from the late 1960s and 1970s will have constantly referred to his essential book An Introduction to the Rock Forming Minerals; jointly written by Deer Howie and Zussman "The University felt honoured when Professor Howie accepted the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in 2009 "

Progressive companies sought to develop future engineers 28 March 2014 Top progressive companies are being sought to help develop the engineers of the future The University of Derby has launched a new Masters degree (MSc) in Innovative Engineering Solutions beginning this September (2014) - for which 50 employers are needed to offer work placement periods for students It is part of the University s £1 3million initiative to help plug a UK skills gap in vital engineering skills and give students a free postgraduate education Priority for the course will be given to students from backgrounds for whom entering higher education is not a typical choice and to groups under-represented in engineering including women Two course information events for potential students will be held from 4pm-5pm on Wednesday April 30 (buffet included) and 10am-11am on Tuesday May 27 (breakfast included); at University of Derby Corporate s Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby (postcode DE1 3LD) Places must be booked through the course information website at www derby ac uk/courses/postgraduate/innovativeengineering-solutions-msc Angela Dean Head of the School of Engineering and Technology at the University said: "This is a major opportunity for employers to play a vital role in helping to provide the skills necessary for students to flourish "The employers will also be influencing the development of an innovative new programme of study and be able to develop a training programme that suits the needs of their organisation "Through their involvement companies will gain access to the latest advanced manufacturing research and testing equipment at the University of Derby s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) "In addition companies will benefit from a free structured mentoring support programme for their managers who support the students on work placement " Employers can find out more by contacting the project administrator on 01332 592715 or email: PSSEng@derby ac uk Employer information events will also be held from 8am-9 30am on Tuesday April 8 and 4pm-6pm on Wednesday May 21 again at University of Derby Corporate s Enterprise Centre For students the Masters is a free one-year full-time programme which includes a six-month paid work placement and research project with an employer focusing on developing expertise in solving technical problems important for business The programme was born out of the Higher Education Funding Council for England s (HEFCE) national £25million Postgraduate Support Scheme (PSS) Derby was one of more than 40 UK universities to share in the fund It aims to support 20 pilot projects - run jointly by universities and businesses - helping more than 2 800 first degree students into postgraduate education particularly those less likely to progress to this level The University of Derby s own project is worth £1 3million; with £598 933 coming from the PSS fund and the remainder from the University itself and commercial partners Derby will also deliver an exciting part-time MSc Professional Engineering (Online) as part of the fund For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Promising Start For Buxton's Kayakers 7 March 2011 Two Team Derby funded athletes swapped their freestyle kayaks to have a go at slalom kayaking (the Olympic kayaking discipline) at a recent British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) 2011 event Josh Gosling and Seth Ashworth from the University of Derby s Buxton Campus Canoe Club competed against kayakers from 24 other universities including Nottingham Trent Loughborough St Andrews Nottingham and Newcastle Joshua Gosling 21 from Nottingham is in the third year of a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science and and Seth Ashworth 21 from Ashford in Middlesex is in the third year of a BA (Hons) in Outdoor Activities Management They each performed two runs of the slalom course Josh Gosling said: "On our first runs Seth and I decided to race after one another Seth picked up a few touches and sadly missed a gate giving him a 54 second penalty but he was determined to improve on this in his second run I posted in a solid clean run with a respectable time which meant I ended up 14th after the first run But with Seth fired up there was still everything to play for "Due to the heavy rain the river rose by at least 15cm between our first and second runs which were only two hours apart This meant the course was slightly different to the first run down which added to the tension of the event "Seth s second run was a huge improvement on his first but he sadly picked up a few touches and ended up in 25th place overall My second run felt quick but due to higher water levels I picked up a few silly touches close to the end which meant overall I dropped to 15th place " The Team Derby s Buxton Campus Canoe Club finished in 16th place overall but everyone had a great weekend of racing and socializing

Team Derby Buxton Campus Canoe Club results 15th Josh Gos ng 25th Seth Ashworth 71st Andrew G bbs 128th A sta r Dan sh 129th Matthew Po nton. See the Full results

Promotion For Team Derby Footballers 26 March 2012 Team Derby Men s Football first eleven have won the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Midlands 3B League 2012 - securing the team s promotion to the 2B League next year - after a thrilling 4-1 victory over Nottingham Trent University in the last game of the season The team had been unbeaten all year and not lost at home since the 2010 season so approached the game on March 21 with an understandably high level of confidence A good start to the game saw the firsts go close on numerous occasions but Josh Asuman opened the scoring with a close range header More good work from Team Derby paid off when Steve Wood made a skilful run on the left wing to centre for Tommy Verrall to finish with another bullet header putting Derby 2-0 up within the half hour The game became more even in the second half with Trent having more of the ball but the presence of Michael Nottingham and Ben Irwin in defence prevented any clear cut chances for the side from Nottingham Team Derby soon made it 3-0 with a pivotal moment in the match and potentially the season Club President Mark Farthing collected the ball around 35 yards from the opposing goal and his strike from the same distance flew into the roof of the net giving Team Derby a three goal advantage Trent did start to come back into the game and their hard work paid off when they pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining Substitutes by coach Darren Watts did prove to be successful with Ollie Salami firing a shot across the Trent area for Ryan Watson to poke home The goals from Team Derby s Josh star players confirmed their supremacy on the pitch and the 4-1 result secured them the promotion they deserved Article contributed by Sports Participation Officer Alex Molloy

Psychologist Helps Student Athletes Get Ahead of the Game 22 February 2013 Student athletes of the University of Derby were given some insights into how they could get ahead of the game by a Chartered Sport Psychologist recently The Team Derby athletes who represent the University at a range of sports including badminton American football rowing football canoeing and swimming attended the talk by Juliette Lloyd on February 20 (2013) A former British junior international rower Juliette is a British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences accredited Sport Psychologist She spent ten years working at the English Institute of Sport supporting elite performers in a wide variety of sports including athletics badminton women s rugby and paralympic shooting Juliette said: "The techniques discussed in the session helped the student athletes prepare for big sporting events and helped them to feel more in control of their sporting performance so they can get ahead of the competition " Third year Biology student Jenny Moore 21 who represents Team Derby at badminton attended the event to get some tips to enhance her performance on the court She said: "As our season is nearing its end it was useful to learn different strategies to cope with the pressure big matches put us under "It was also useful to know that no matter who you are university level or Olympic standard you will always feel stress but it is how you deal with it that sets you apart " "The take home message I got was the best motivation is self-motivation and that applies in all areas of our lives not just in sport " Olympic badminton player Donna Kellogg who is now the University of Derby s Performance Sports Officer organised the event She said: "We invited Juliette as we are committed to developing our talented student athletes "She shared her knowledge and some incredible insights and so we are delighted to hear feedback like Jenny s as it shows that the event was a great success " For more information on sport at Derby visit www teamderby com

Psychologists Take Time To Reflect On Experience 14 February 2013 More than 140 current and former students reflected on their experience at the University of Derby at a dedicated Student Reflective Conference organised by the Psychology department The conference on 12 February (2013) was opened by the Head of Psychology Dr Jane Montague and Acting Head of the School of Science Professor Paul Lynch and was chaired by third year BSc (Hons) Psychology student Keira-Ellen Hart The students took the opportunity to share their experience and feedback on a range of vital services and support they access during their studies including: library provision overall support systems in psychology careers and employability services teaching and learning Dr Lovemore Nyatanga Principal Lecturer in Psychology who organised the conference said: "We were delighted that so many of our students gave their time to share their thoughts with us and that former students returned for the event "On the Psychology programmes at Derby we pride ourselves on our openness to student feedback We are continually working to enhance students experiences by listening and reflecting on their learning journey "From this conference we had numerous glowing recommendations of good practice but we are also mindful of the few things we can improve on We look forward to implementing some of the suggestions made at this successful event " For more information on Psychology at Derby visit ww derby ac uk/psychology

Psychology Master Class Attracts International Audience 21 May 2012 Psychotherapists from around the UK and even from as far away as Australia travelled to the University of Derby to receive a master class from a world leader in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy on May 18 More than 150 practicing psychotherapists and University of Derby BSc (Hons) Psychology degree and MSc Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy students attended the highly anticipated day-long master class by Californian therapist Christine Padesky PhD Christine is considered one of the leading cognitive behavioural psychotherapy practitioners and presenters in the world A protégée of the founder of the therapy Aaron T Beck she presented 25 workshops with him at the outset of her career Since then she has spoken to over 40 000 professionals worldwide and one of her best selling books Mind Over Mood was voted the most influential cognitive therapy book of all time She co-founded the Centre for Cognitive Therapy in California USA where she travelled from to deliver the master class in Constructing New Core Beliefs Edith Moon Lecturer in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy at the University of Derby said: "Christine s master class was a fantastic learning experience for our students our academics and for all of our guests "Sharing her unrivalled knowledge experience and expertise in this therapy through presentations clinical demonstrations and role play gave the delegates a real insight into best practice and I know that everyone will take away some new skills to the benefit of their clients or their studies " Christine Padesky said: "I was delighted to travel to Derby and meet with the students and practitioners who had travelled so far I hope that the delegates now have a greater understanding of core beliefs and some new skills to use with their clients " For more information on the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree or MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy visit website www derby ac uk

Public Lecture Will Ask: Is Learning Now The Same As Working? 21 May 2013 An expert in experiential learning will be giving an open lecture to students and members of the public at the University of Derby Buxton's Devonshire Road campus on Thursday (May 23) at 6pm Professor Beard uses his education and training experiences to develop innovative approaches using experiential forms of learning In his lecture he will question whether learning is now the same as working looking at the experience of learning and working as a converging phenomenon in the knowledge economy The free public lecture taking place in at 6pm in the Devonshire Dome will be followed by a drinks reception and canapés

Public Talk To Uncover Facts On Fracking 28 January 2014 The facts about extracting underground shale gas - often called fracking - will be discussed at a free public lecture at the University of Derby Fracking (or hydraulic fracturing) involves drilling a well and injecting mixed water and sand into it under high pressure This frees the gas trapped within layers of shale rock which can then be extracted Energy companies and the Government see this as an untapped energy source on the UK mainland while environmentalists fear it will ruin the countryside and contaminate underground water sources Proposed fracking areas are being offered Government cash incentives French energy giant Total has announced its involvement and police and protesters have clashed at well sites A free University of Derby public talk - entitled Shale Gas - Friend or Foe? - will see a panel of experts take a hard look at the real technical operational environmental and commercial issues around the subject and answer some questions from the audience The event will be held at 5pm on Wednesday February 5 in the Courtroom at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby It will be the latest in a series of University Geo-Talks exploring topical issues of national and global interest which relate to how the Earth s processes work and their impact on people s lives Dr Martin Whiteley Senior Lecturer in Petroleum Geoscience at the University of Derby said: "Fracking is rarely out of the news these days It s a good example of how natural resources such as shale gas which have lain underground for millions of years can have an impact on everyday life "We ll hear from a range of experts at our free event and they ll be using their in-depth knowledge to make the issues a little clearer " More Geo-Talks - run by Geographical Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES) at the University - are set to follow in March and April For more information on GEES courses at the University see website www derby ac uk/science/gees For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Putting the How into Know-How 5 March 2014 Entrepreneur Chris Hill says The University of Derby Buxton s courses are putting the how into know-how for the sports coaches of the future Undergraduates help Chris Hill Community Sports to provide everything from junior soccer and kickboxing to keep fit classes in the town "We have a fantastic relationship with the University " said Chris whose firm was one of 43 from the hotel catering events sports leisure and spa industries who came from all over the world for an Industry Networking Day at the University s famous Dome campus "We get people to cover our hours and they get vital experience " Many have gone on to get permanent jobs with Chris "It s not just the what it s the how " said Chris who praised Buxton students for their expertise in dealing with customers "If nine out of ten graduates coming for a job have just got a degree I will give it to the person who has the practical experience as well " Many of Chris events are held at the University s Sports Centre in Harpur Hill which has been given a £1 4 million makeover Its state-of-the-art facilities and the way the University uses students to take part in its management are part of the real-world learning ethos which has helped the University top the UK league of graduates finding work within six months of picking up their degrees Experts ranging from Qatar s Six Senses Spa in Doha to Woodland Survival Crafts updated University lecturers on the latest industry trends to ensure courses meet the demands of their future employers For more details of how your business could benefit from student placements contact Ben Offord Work Placement and Employability Officer at B Offord@derby ac uk 01332 594303

'Queen' Rewarded For Modern Day Castle Invasion 4 December 2006 She’s the museum curator who has researched the sauciness of the Elizabethan era dresses up as Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots and in the process has masterminded a tourist invasion of a Norman castle in the Midlands Historic health expert Lesley Smith has presided over a staggering 12-fold increase in visitor numbers to a Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire and is to be rewarded with an honorary degree from the University of Derby The University’s Awards Ceremonies 2007 take place on January 19 and 20 at the Assembly Rooms in Derby Hundreds of University students will graduate alongside six honorary graduates amid the pomp and ceremony of the two-day annual awards celebration Lesley Smith was appointed lessee of Tutbury Castle by the Duchy of Lancaster in 2000 and is also PR Officer for the Duchy’s other property estates in England With her colourful period costume-laden events exciting workshops and interesting research she has transformed the fortunes of the castle – with visitors increasing from an astonishing 8 000 annually to 100 000 people each year Now she has been rewarded with an Honorary Master of the University as one of six honorary graduates in our own New Year’s ‘honours list’ announced today Honorary degrees and other academic awards are given annually to people who personally and professionally inspire others and who may also have strong links with the Derbyshire area Lesley is probably best known nationally for her research on health in the Elizabethan period Her specialist area is researching the private lives of middle class women in the 1580s with some new findings particularly in 16th Century contraception… including alternative uses for a lemon to prevent conception Her work has already generated 28 television appearances including ‘The Worst Jobs In History’ and a forthcoming programme on medieval health She also gives 300 presentations a year about her work across the UK She has close links with Dr Karim Vahed and Professor Trevor Brown based within our Faculty of Education Health and Sciences which has generated valuable research and education links for all She has also been involved in research for Heritage Management students at the University of Derby in a project led by the British Museum and also featuring the University of Birmingham Another award recipient is Distinguished Professor David Crich who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science Born and raised in Chesterfield the 46-year-old is one of the few living chemists to have a reaction named after him (the Barton-Crich-Motherwell reaction) He worked with Sir Derek Barton in France exploring free radical chemistry and was responsible for the development of the Barton decarboxylation reaction for which he was awarded the degree of Docteur es Sciences by the Universitè de Paris XI (Orsay in 1984) He is an international chemist who has already published a book and some 220 academic papers As well as Lesley Smith and Professor David Crich the following awards have just been announced by the University’s Honorary Awards Committee constituted jointly from Academic Board and the Governing Council

BRIAN ASHBY – Honorary Doctor of Business Administration Brian Ashby was recommended for his distinction in a professional field and his contribution to the University other than as an employee He was Chair of Derbyshire Community Foundation from 1996 prior to becoming its President in 2005 increasing funds from £50 000 in 1996 to approximately £3m He has also published two books and completed two film scripts

NORMAN ASKEW – Honorary Doctor of the University A Derbyshire resident for over 25 years Norman Askew was educated at Durham University Aston University and the London Business School He began his career in 1965 at the global engineering company TI Group where he became President and Managing Director of TI Aerospace and Titeflex International based in the United States and responsible for aerospace and automotive operations in the USA Canada France and the UK In June 2003 he was appointed by UMIST and The University of Manchester as the first Chairman of the combined universities’ Board of Governors upon its creation in 2004 Additionally from September 2003 he became chair of the newly-created company which oversaw the merger of the two universities to create a new world class institution

JOHN FINERAN Honorary Master of the University John Fineran was born locally has lived in Derbyshire for most of his life and continues to contribute to the local cultural environment Amongst many publications he has recently completed The History of the Schools of Art Science and Technology (Derby) 1825-1999 a history of art science and technical education in the town and county of Derbyshire and it is the intention of the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology to publish the book in collaboration with the Local Studies Department An extensive retrospective exhibition of his paintings drawings and ceramics was held at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery in summer 2005 The exhibits ranged from works prepared during his student years in the 50s at the Green Lane School of Art to the present day

DOROTHY HEATHCOTE – Honorary Doctor of Education A local and international figure who has come to prominence through her outstanding contribution to teaching In her lifetime from humble beginnings she has promoted the values with which the University wishes to identify She has been described as one of the best teachers of the 20th century Her special achievements have been concerned with the relationship between drama and the school curriculum practising and disseminating a unique methodology that uses drama as an instrument for promoting holistic learning -endsFor further information call: Simon Redfern Senior Press and PR Officer University of Derby on 01332 591942 or email s redfern@derby ac uk<

Queue Forms For Spa Graduates 21 November 2013 Employers from all over the world should be queuing up at The University of Derby Buxton to take on its spa management graduates a leader in the international spa industry told a Spa conference held at the university Swedish expert Anna Bjurstam known as a "master of spa" who has advised on setting up spas in 60 countries said that courses in Buxton were leading the world "What the University is doing is pioneering in the spa management field internationally " said Anna who led Raison d Etre Spas to become one of the leaders in the spa business "I ve studied the educational market and I believe that Buxton is doing this better than any University in the world One of the reasons is that you pass on hands-on knowledge " Anna said after speaking at the Buxton Spa and Wellness Conference at the University "It s not just about running a spa it s about giving treatments That s such an important factor knowing what it is like to do eight hours of massage five days a week "You can t understand it unless you have done it " said Anna who while continuing to own Raison d Etre is also Vice President of Six Senses Spas and responsible for its portfolio of 30 spas "If the industry knew how good your students are then they would be standing in line to employ them " Anna has become the guiding light for an ever-growing company of globally-placed professionals in world renowned spas such as Amanpuri Taj Exotica Mauritius Four Seasons Qatar Capella Singapore Atlantis the Palm and many more Another speaker at the conference was Penny Holland a Director of the Moddershall Oaks Spa Restaurant Suites in Staffordshire Penny was among the first spa graduates at Buxton commuting between work and classes The University gave her first-hand experience of international spas through trips abroad which she found inspirational And Penny said the conference in the magnificent Dome on the Buxton campus brought back to her what the industry was all really about: "You can get excited about spa again instead of being bogged down in the day-to-day running of the business " The University of Derby Buxton s growing reputation as the UK s leader in spa education attracted Europe s top experts to the conference which debated the future of the industry Buxton - the UK s leading spa town - is home to the first UK university to offer degrees in spa management and the Buxton Spa and Wellness Conference hosted spa industry professionals and academics for a discussion of the most up-to-date global research It was the biggest and best of the University-run annual spa conferences a sign of the high regard in which professionals hold its courses "It s grown because the reputation of the University has grown in terms of its spa programme " said Victoria Higgs Programme Leader BSc (Hons) International Spa Management "Over the last few years we have become increasingly recognised by people within the industry who now see us as the leaders in spa education " The Devonshire Spa offers a haven of peace and tranquillity and a spa experience unrivalled within the region and is set within the breath-taking backdrop of the Devonshire dome one of the grandest 18th century buildings in the UK It mixes contemporary design with rustic rural charm to create a totally unique and luxurious spa retreat With an extensive menu of expertly designed treatments and packages coupled with unrelenting attention to detail The Spa at The Dome offers clients a new way of life and the ability to focus on well-being The University s spa management courses are designed to promote self-awareness and ignite a passion within each student enabling them to discover the beauty of spa therapy and become the leading spa managers of the future Treatments (see http://www atthedome co uk/spa html ) range from a spa experience package including massage hydrotherapy monsoon shower sauna and steam rooms to a menu of specialised items such a mum-to-be massage a frangipani body float de-stress and renew massage and reflexology Courses (see http://www derby ac uk/spa/courses) include a Foundation degree a BSc (Hons) and MA in International Spa Management as well as online courses in FdA Spa and BSc Hons For media enquiries contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

Race Begins To Build Student Engineers' Energy Efficient Car 14 February 2013 A team of energy conscious engineers from the University of Derby are going the extra mile in the hopes of competing in a Europe-wide contest to develop a green super-efficient car Fifteen students from the University s BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree course had their design for a one-person electric battery powered car selected - from around 900 original entries internationally - for the Urban Concept category of the 2013 Shell Eco-marathon Europe contest They re now looking for sponsorship to turn their design into a real vehicle to take part in the contest s next stage an energy efficiency race to be held in Rotterdam The Netherlands from 15-19 May The contest is sponsored by Shell the global group of energy and petrochemicals companies Five of the 15 students would go with the vehicle to Rotterdam They are Kresna Wirawan (Team Manager) 20; Jerome Deakin 35; Lee Clough 18; Danny Starbrook 21; and Oliver Muse 19 Kresna who comes from Indonesia said: "Shell runs three of these type of contests covering Asia Europe and America; so we re taking part in something truly global That s good for all of us in terms of our future careers in engineering " Dr Dani Harmanto Programme Leader for the University s BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and BEng (Hons) Manufacturing and Production Engineering courses added: "The students have done well just to get their design for the electric vehicle accepted considering the incredible number of entries that the Shell Eco-Marathon Europe contest attracted "The next stage is to go to Rotterdam and prove the vehicle on the test track where the cars compete to see which can best complete laps of an urban road racetrack in a specified time " The Derby students estimate that it will cost them around £5 000 to build their vehicle and take it to Rotterdam and are looking for sponsorship or assistance Around 200 competitor teams Europe-wide have been given the opportunity to take part in the test track phase of Shell s competition Companies or individuals wishing to help the Derby team with sponsorship can contact Dr Harmanto direct on 01332 593206 or email: d harmanto@derby ac uk For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Radio 1 DJ Entertains In Buxton 28 April 2011 DJ Aled from Radio 1 s Chris Moyles Breakfast Show was the surprise guest at a recent club night organised by Dome Events Management for Buxton Faculty students Over 100 students went along to the ticket-only event held at Buxton nightclub The Orchestra Pit As well as dancing to DJ Aled Hayden Jones and local DJ Angelo students also enjoyed live acoustic sets from local bands and artists The University s Events Management (BA) Hons students helped with the event organising staging and decorations

Radio 4 Roadshow 13 October 2009 BBC Radio 4 is here this week (October 15-16) broadcasting programmes from the University s Kedleston Road site - its first ever roadshow Derby is the first of only three UK universities along with Cardiff and Bedfordshire to host Radio 4 for its first roadshow It is part of Radio 4 s bid to attract younger audiences Regular programmes including Just A Minute The Moral Maze and Woman s Hour will broadcast from the University this week Staff and students can book to see these programmes (space permitting) Workshops are also being run at the University - for students only - by BBC experts in journalism social media and creative writing Peter Gallimore Head of Corporate Relations at the University of Derby said: "This is a real coup to be one of only three universities to host the first ever Radio 4 roadshow "The station will find a real welcome at Derby and it ll be a chance for staff and students to see how a world renowned broadcaster goes about its business " -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038

Radio wristbands set to reduce risk of groups losing people 25 March 2014 Keeping track of large groups of children or vulnerable adults could be made a lot easier for those in charge of them thanks to technology researchers at the University of Derby They ve developed simple tracker wristbands to be worn by members of a group which all relay a signal to one portable device held by the person responsible for the whole party An adjustable range can be set up (of between five to 15 metres from the controller s position) which then triggers an alarm on the handheld device if someone goes missing and gives their full details The wristbands - which can be customised for example with bright colours and animal characters for young children - are battery-driven and send an RFID (radio frequency identification) signal to the group head s device RFID chips are used on many transported parcels so their location and progress can be tracked via computer The idea originated with the University s Centre for Supply Chain Improvement which uses its expertise in RFID technology to help the goods transport industry and other fields The Centre has already received positive comments on the new system s potential applications and will shortly be surveying schools for their views Professor Ming Lim Head of the University Centre said: "I got the idea when I saw a teacher at a motorway service station trying to control a group of schoolchildren and having to ask other pupils whether their classmates were in the toilet or wherever "Our system s very flexible The group head s control device can be set up for different ranges depending on the environment and who the group members are It can then keep track of individuals in large groups running into dozens of people "What we have at the moment is a working prototype which we d look to adapt and make smaller for commercial sale For example it might be sold as an off-the-shelf boxed set with one control device and eight wristbands We can already see how it might be improved to work from a mobile phone plug-in device or to have communicators built into each wristband " The technology has been developed by University researchers Drs Farhan Khan and Michael Winsper Aside from school trips the wristbands might also be used for groups of elderly or vulnerable people or tourist parties For more information about the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement and its work with businesses see website www derby ac uk/sci For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Rail Company And University Work To Make Railway First Class 2 July 2012 A rejuvenated community railway line has looked to University of Derby business brains to help its company steam ahead After months of hard work students have presented their business plans and recommendations on how to make the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway a top tourist destination to members of its Executive Team The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway was originally opened in 1867 and closed in December 1989 but was brought back into use in April 2011 by volunteers who now offer tourist passenger services along the 8 5mile line from Wirksworth to Duffield and to Ravenstor as a community venture Over the past year a group of students from the University of Derby have been working to devise a business plan to advise the Railway s directors and trustees on how to attract more customers develop new offers and generally make Derbyshire s newest tourist attraction more profitable The students have been working on the project as part of their study on BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing and BA (Hons) Tourism and Events Management degree courses and postgraduate study They are based at Derby Business School at the University s Derby campus at its Buxton campus not far from the railway s destination in the heart of the Peak District Mike Edwards Senior Lecturer in the University's Derby Business School is also a Wirksworth resident He took on the project as an opportunity to help the community venture and give his students the chance to experience the real-world application of their studies He said: "The students have conducted market research interviewed visitors to the railway about what they d like to see more of analysed the data and have now made a presentation and written a final report for the WyvernRail plc executive board "It s just the kind of project they are likely to be doing for a client when they begin their careers " Hiring an established marketing firm to do the same work would have cost the heritage railway company around £5 000 to £8 000 estimates Mike MSc International Business and Finance student Stefano Fernando 22 from the Cayman Islands put forward suggestions on how the business should decide where to make investments in the future He said: "The fact that this has been real and we have been giving advice to the railway based on our research and knowledge has been a really good experience " Following the students presentations the executive board of WyvernRail plc will now decide which of the ideas to take forward Martin Miller General Manager of Ecclesbourne Valley Railway said: "We opened the railway to the public 11 years ago and have come a long way in that time We want to go even further in the next 11 years and have heard some ways we could do this from the students "We were delighted to welcome them here and hope it has helped with their studies " In addition to the rail project MSc Tourism Management degree students from the University of Derby Buxton have been working with Wirksworth Town Council on a marketing plan for the town as a whole Student Edna Agyeman Woname 38 from Kings Langley said: "I have enjoyed working in the heart of Wirksworth and one thing was clearly evident; the passion the people of Wirksworth have for their town and how much they would like tourism and the town itself boosted in a sustainable way " The University is continually looking for worthwhile community ventures which their students might be able to provide free business marketing and operations help To discuss potential projects contact Mike Edwards Senior Lecturer on 01332 591196 or email: m g edwards@derby ac uk; or contact Peter Wiltshier BA Tourism Programme Leader in Tourism Management on 01332 594580 or email p wiltshier@derby ac uk

Rail giants turn to University of Derby Corporate to keep training on track 13 March 2014 Two rail industry giants are to be given the very best in skills development by University of Derby Corporate (UDC) Both Network Rail and Signalling Solutions have chosen UDC to provide innovative development programmes which are being tailored to the specific culture and operating procedures of each company Rail is a key part of British industry employing 190 000 people and with 20 000 miles of track to maintain as well as the onset of HS2 and Crossrail 2 organisations are looking to develop higher-level skills in their workforce UDC s experts will deliver overhead contact system training to technician-level employees at Network Rail s high speed division and will help them to understand the fundamentals of the Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE) and how it operates both mechanically and electrically The programme which will ensure learners improve how they do their job and help them understand why they do it is being delivered at Network Rail (High Speed) offices in Gravesend Kent Meanwhile UDC will develop a bespoke graduate development programme that leads to a masters degree in management and leadership for recent graduates at Signalling Solutions - viewed as future leaders of the business The programme covers the latest management and leadership concepts as well as technically-specific modules that relate to Signalling Solutions practices The part-time work based programme is being delivered through a combination of face-to-face sessions and online study through UDC s e-learning portal Andy Dowling Business Development Manager at UDC said: "We are helping more and more employers in the rail industry to develop the higher-level skills in their staff through bespoke work-based learning programmes "We work closely with employers to deliver practical learning that is firmly applied to the individual and the role that they perform and which will have a positive impact on their organisational objectives "These contracts are great examples of how we work to support our clients in delivering award-winning learning and development solutions from listening to their needs and developing the programme to creating accessible online platforms to support learning " Dave Benson Overhead Contact System Maintenance Engineer at Network Rail (High Speed) said: "We approached UDC to develop a bespoke programme because as a European-designed high speed overhead contact system it has proved difficult to obtain a theory-based programme within the UK "We now hope to create a more knowledgeable better-informed and better-engaged maintenance team as well as assist in the training and development of future employees " Orla O Connor Resourcing Manager at Signalling Solutions added: "With an increase in our graduate intake we wanted a bespoke programme for our graduates UDC was able to support this with a programme that worked for us and promoted the growth of our company "The outcome of the programme is to provide professional development with leadership strategic thinking relationship building and lots more to enhance the development journey within Signalling Solutions " University of Derby Corporate will be at Infrarail 2014 - the 10 h international railway infrastructure exhibition - at Earls Court on stand B03 from May 20-22 for anyone who would like to find out more Further information is available at www derby ac uk/corporate Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Real arrests are sequel to drama about real-life 22 July 2014 A drama production about child exploitation which had its Derbyshire premiere at the University of Derby Buxton has made such a powerful impact that it has led to arrests It has generated information from young people which led to the arrests as well as an invited audience of police social workers and other members of the county s safeguarding partnership heard Chelsea s Choice based on the diary of a 15-year-old girl who was groomed to become a prostitute by a man she thought loved her results in youngsters coming forward with information at the end of nearly every show when performed in schools Sometimes it is about bullying at others sexual harassment - but on one occasion the information led to arrests in a major police investigation into a child abuse ring said cast member Orlagh Russell of AlterEgo productions And a member of the audience said after the Buxton performance: "If anybody thinks this is exaggerated it isn t We see stories like this every day " The 30-minute performance tells the story of three students who along with their drama tutor put on a play based on the diary of a girl called Chelsea which reveals how she fell for the charms of an older man who treated her like an adult while isolating her from family and friends until he gained control of her life The cast shift from role to role is a chilling parallel with the way exploitative men change to dominate their prey One minute the actor who plays the tutor switches to smooth-talking boyfriend Gary - the next he s become the bullying pimp The play gets messages home about safety - in the use of social media personal relationships and young people looking out for each other - and the show has now been commissioned by Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Board and Derbyshire s Police and Crime Commissioner for a month-long tour of schools and academies in the county "It s very hard-hitting but it also gets the message home " said David Smith Community Safety Manager for the High Peak Borough and Staffordshire Moorlands councils The arrests which followed a previous performance were part of Thames Valley Police s Operation Bullfinch For more press details contact j phillips@derby ac uk

Real Deal Signed In Virtual World By University And EDS 1 February 2008 A hi-tech deal being signed simultaneously in cyberspace and real life by the University of Derby and global technology services company EDS will leave its signatories feeling twice the men they usually are As Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby and Bill Thomas –Executive Vice President of EDS Europe Middle East and Africa – actually sign the ‘memorandum of understanding’ to develop a stronger partnership between the parties digital characters representing them in the internetbased world of Second Life will be seen doing the same The University and EDS chose to sign their new partnership in real life and virtually – a pioneering step – to signal their joint commitment to pushing the boundaries of new technology Second Life is a three-dimensional virtual world with its own economy homes businesses and universities – including a University of Derby ‘island’ Millions of people worldwide conduct a ‘second life’ there through avatars or 3D people animals or creatures representing them Professor Coyne and Mr Thomas will attend the real life signing of the memorandum of understanding in the Computer Games Development Suite located in the University of Derby’s School of Computing at 3pm on Friday February 1 EDS is a leading global technology services company delivering business solutions to its clients including Rolls-Royce and has an office in Derby The memorandum of understanding will provide closer links between the worlds of corporate technology and academia by paving the way for: Un vers ty student p acements w th EDS, wh ch has a arge presence n Derby; Further tra n ng of 200 EDS pro ect staff n spec a st computer sk s by Un vers ty experts; Un vers ty-based act v t es for tra n ng purposes among sen or EDS managers, eg: forens c comput ng and games des gn at the Un vers ty s Ked eston Road ma n s te, or cookery at ts Devonsh re Campus n Buxton. Other EDS and University staff will be represented by their avatars and the signing is expected to be attended by the virtual selves of media representatives and other invited guests with an interest in Second Life Professor Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: “The signing of this memorandum of understanding between the University and EDS both in reality and in Second Life is the start of what we hope will be a long and happy association in both worlds “The experience of simultaneously conducting the University’s business in real life and cyberspace is a first for me Perhaps this is one way a busy Vice-Chancellor can actually find the time to be in two places at once ” Mr Thomas – Executive Vice President of EDS Europe Middle East and Africa – added: “EDS has a long successful association with academia and I am delighted to be signing this agreement today which will bring great benefits to both the University and EDS “Understanding innovation and the practical applications of tomorrow’s technology is vital for our business We see great opportunities arising from the specialist insight the University will bring and welcome student placements within our operations in Derby ” The computer design work which enables the signing of the agreement in Second Life is the work of Matt Pickering Chris Butler and Matthew Brittain who are all second year students on the University’s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree course Their work was supervised by John Sear Programme Leader in Computer Games Programming He and other academics have avatars on the University of Derby’s island which is used to aid teaching on its Computer Games Programming course “Second Life has seen phenomenal growth since its public launch only five years ago and is now used by millions of people The increasing involvement of universities is inevitable “With the twin signing of this memorandum of understanding with a major global IT services company such as EDS the University of Derby has proved itself a pioneer in this new and exciting field ” said Mr Sear -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Real grub's on the menu with Thai chef 'Poo' 11 March 2014 Thousands of people have enjoyed every mouthful after cooking with Poo - and now the University of Derby Buxton is inviting you to come and find out why Poo is the nick-name of Khun Saiyuud Diwong who has turned the cooking skills she learnt in the slums of Bangkok into an internationally renowned cuisine backed up by a best-selling recipe book "I never used to understand why Americans and Europeans laughed at my name Now I understand " said Poo whose nickname is short for Chompoo the Thai for rose apple "But now I think my name is lucky because everyone remembers me " In 2007 as the price of rice in Thailand doubled Poo found that she could no longer make a living selling food from her house With help from friends she started a cookery school in her front room changing the lives in her community by creating jobs Poo is bringing her UK nationwide tour to the University s Dome on March 31 from noon to 2pm for an event which will consist of a talk about tourism followed by a cookery demonstration And if you ve just got over Cooking With Poo as a title some of the dishes have ingredients which might make you hesitate: cockroaches grubs and even flies make it on the menu in Thailand To see what is on offer on the day just turn up to this free event "Poo s remarkable story ties in with so much of what we teach here through our culinary arts events management and tourism courses " said Dr Tony Johnston Lecturer in Ecotourism "It s not just about cooking skills but also so that students can see how tourism creates wealth and opportunity as well as getting to help out at the event itself " For more press information contact John Phillips on j phillips@derby ac uk

Record Numbers Of Students Celebrate Achievements At Awards 21 January 2013 Despite the wintry weather a record number of graduates descended on Derby on January 17 and 18 to attend the University of Derby s Annual Awards Ceremonies at the Assembly Rooms Over the two days a total of 2 910 students received their degrees and diplomas from the University s Chancellor the Duke of Devonshire and its Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne The Great Hall was packed in each of the six ceremonies as almost 8 000 family members and friends watched their loved ones cross the stage University dignitaries and special guests including the High Sheriff Alan Woods and Lord Lieutenant Willie Tucker led a procession of academic staff and students to a ceremony at Derby Cathedral each day accompanied by upbeat sounds of the Oriole Marching Jazz Band A three time Olympian a director of London s £15billion Crossrail project a war veteran and educator and captains of industry all with connections either to the University or to the county of Derbyshire were also recognised with Honorary Awards at the ceremonies Recipients of Honorary Award were as follows: Valerie Todd (who became an Honorary Doctor of the Un vers ty or HonDUn v) works as a D rector at Crossra Ltd. Ross Davenport (became Honorary Master of the Un vers ty or HonMUn v) s a sw mmer who has competed n the ast three O ymp c Games nc ud ng London 2012, two Commonwea th Games and other nternat ona compet t ons at the h ghest eve . Roy Wooldridge (HonDUn v) was awarded the M tary Cross tw ce for outstand ng bravery n the Second Wor d War and was a key f gure n the Un vers ty s h story. Sheila Taylor MBE (HonMUn v) was born and ves n Derbysh re. A vo untary sector worker for 25 years, she has worked extens ve y n the f ght to prevent the sexua exp o tat on and traff ck ng of ch dren, young peop e and adu ts. Colin Walton (HonDUniv) s the former Cha rman of Bombard er Transportat on UK and Ire and. He s res d ng Cha rman of the Ra way Industry Assoc at on for the UK, and Cha rman of the Derby and Derbysh re Ra way Forum. Maxwell Craven MBE FSA (Honorary Doctor of L terature or HonDL tt) s a h stor an and conservat on st, and former Keeper of Ant qu t es at Derby Museum (where he s now a trustee) for 18 years. John Foxcroft (Honorary Doctor of Bus ness Adm n strat on or HonDBA) s Cha rman of Derby-based eng neer ng f rm Garranda e Ltd, one of the c ty s prem er advanced eng neer ng compan es and a ma or emp oyer. In add t on, th s year an Honorary Degree of Doctor of F ne Art (HonDFA) was awarded posthumous y to one of Br ta n s most d st ngu shed craftsmen, Dr Emmanuel Cooper. For a video and photo gallery from the Awards Ceremonies visit www derby ac uk/connected For more about the University visit www derby ac uk

Record £11k Awarded To Derby's Rising Sports Stars 18 July 2011 A record £11 400 has been awarded to some of Derby s rising sporting stars by the Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund of which the University of Derby is a contributor A total of 44 athletes who live in Derby or compete for clubs in the city have each received a bursary of up to £300 All of the athletes either currently compete for England or Great Britain in their chosen sport or have been tipped to do so within 18 months and they will use their bursaries to help meet training and competition costs as they strive to reach their sporting goals The athletes receiving a bursary include five basketball players five karate competitors four swimmers three kickboxers and three rugby union players as well as athletes competing in cricket tennis boxing sailing and many of the sports The Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund is now in its fourth year and this year has awarded bursaries of either £200 or £300 each to 159 athletes - including a record 44 in Derby The Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund is managed by Derbyshire Sport and its financial supporters include Derby City Council Derbyshire County Cricket Club and a number of Derbyshire businesses The Right Worshipful The Mayor of the City of Derby Councillor Amar Nath congratulated the athletes during a presentation at The Gateway Centre in Derby on May 18 Joining him were representatives from a number of local businesses who financially contribute to the fund This included the University of Derby Nuffield Health Derby Hospital Derby College John Felix Films Lonsdale Swimming and Sports Trust Origination Venture Inspection Ltd and Orchid Now in its fourth year the Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund has been set up thanks to contributions from a number of public and private sector partners who are all members of sport and business initiative ICON ICON is a scheme which brings sport and businesses together with the aim of creating a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Games in Derbyshire and membership income from ICON is being used to help strengthen the talent pathways in sport in Derbyshire Members include Derby City Council Derbyshire County Council High Peak Borough Council Bolsover District Council North East Derbyshire District Council Chesterfield Borough Council Amber Valley Borough Council Erewash Borough Council South Derbyshire District Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council For more information about ICON visit www derbyshiresport co uk/icon For more information about sport at Derby visit www teamderby com

Research Appeal For New Mums And Mums-To-Be 7 January 2011 When it comes to nutrition in pregnancy managing cravings and avoiding potentially harmful foods are usually top of the menu for discussion Now researchers in the East Midlands are appealing for expectant mothers and new mums to take part in a study about whether or not they avoid certain foods in pregnancy and while breastfeeding - due to allergy fears The study is being undertaken by psychologists Dr Christopher Barnes and Dr Rebecca Knibb who are based in the Psychology department at the University of Derby Dr Knibb is an international expert in the area of food allergy and its impact on families and has been filmed on these academic subject areas in the past by BBC television s Horizon programme In relation to this latest study the pair are keen to interview around 20 women from the Derbyshire area in February and March who are either in the final trimester of their pregnancy or within the first six months of the birth of their baby and are breast-feeding Volunteers who take part in the research will be invited to an interview which will be conducted by a research assistant either in a room at the University s Kedleston Road site or in the participant s own home Dr Barnes said: "We hope that this study can provide a more in-depth understanding of mothers attitudes and knowledge about food allergies and other issues such as the impact of avoiding certain foods during and after pregnancy "We hope it will provide a vital base for future research in the area and provide healthcare providers with information to help give more informed advice to new mothers and mothers-to-be in the future about food and allergies " If you are interested in taking part in the research please contact Dr Christopher Barnes via email at: c barnes1@derby ac uk by Monday January 31 at midday All data will be treated in confidence For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Research Challenges Barriers To Higher Education 27 September 2011 A research project carried out by a University of Derby researcher has identified ways education establishments can encourage more Muslim women into higher education both onto Islamic studies and wider programmes During this research project funded by the HEA Islamic Studies Network Derby s Dr Sariya Contractor along with colleague Dr Alison Scott-Baumann of the University of Lancaster explored ways through which Islamic studies as taught at Muslim institutions and at UK universities could be bridged through linkages and partnerships As part of this research they analysed Islamic Studies programme content both at UK universities and at Muslim institutions They also conducted four themed group discussions with women training to be alimahs (female Muslim scholars) They explored issues of Islamic feminism and Islamic theology in an attempt to understand the barriers Muslim women are facing and identify ways they can be overcome This work developed from Dr ScottBaumann s work in this area over more than a decade which led to government-funded research on Muslim faith leader training which demonstrated strong support in British Muslim communities for core British values such as citizenship and considerable interest in community skills such as counselling and pastoral care-visit website www communities gov u for more information Dr Contractor explains: "Our previous research on Muslim faith leader training in Britain indicates that female scholars - alimahs - can use their theological training to improve social cohesion Through higher study Muslim women can also gain employable skills and thereby increase their contributions to and participation in wider society " Through this project Dr Contractor and Dr Scott-Baumann identified a number of ways in which alimahs may be encouraged to pursue higher education and specifically Islamic studies "We developed four modules that could be adopted by higher education establishments either independently or in collaboration with Islamic studies centres The four modules - Law Gender Pastoral Studies or Dialogue Studies are compatible with British university curricular and Quality Assurance structures and can be piloted by British universities ideally in partnership with Muslim colleges "We now aim to encourage collaborative partnerships between higher education establishments and Islamic colleges and to encourage them to adopt these modules Doing so will build inter-faith collaboration into the education system and develop programmes that facilitate discussion around cultural and religious differences " The full report can be found on the Islamic Studies Network website

Researcher Recognised By Royal Entomological Society 3 April 2012 A University of Derby academic has been elected to become a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society Dr Karim Vahed a senior lecturer on the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences degree and Programme Leader for MSc in Conservation Biology has been recognised by the Society for his substantial contribution to the study of insects though publications and other works Karim joins the ranks of esteemed Fellows of the Royal Entomological Society which have included Charles Darwin and his naturalist forerunner Alfred Russel Wallace Whilst at the University of Derby Dr Vahed has produced numerous research papers in his area of interest - crickets more specifically aspects of their reproductive biology "My research is concerned with the selective pressures responsible for the evolution of certain sexual characteristics and behaviours in different species of cricket " he said One area of Karim s research is the reasons behind nuptial feeding behaviour found in some species of insects and spiders "I am interested to understand the reasons behind these food gifts from males to females during copulation and whether they are mutually beneficial for the two sexes or whether they are actually a subtle way in which the male can manipulate the reproductive behaviour of the female against her evolutionary interests " he said Karim s research hit news headlines around the world in 2010 after he discovered that the male Tuberous Bushcricket (Platycleis affinis) has the largest testicles in relation to body weight of any animal on the planet The testes make up 14% of the male body mass according to the research which was published in Biology Letters More recently while seeking to understand the evolutionary significance of lengthy copulation duration Karim found evidence that it could signify a choosy male taking the time to assess the suitability of his female mate Dean of the Faculty of Education Health and Sciences Professor Guy Daley said: "We are all incredibly proud of Karim s research achievements and he is certainly worthy of this recognition from the Royal Entomological Society "

Rob's Midas touch with pastry sculpture 2 April 2014 University of Derby Buxton Chef Lecturer Robert Stordy found the Midas touch by winning a gold medal for a statue sculpted from food Robert who teaches on the BA (Hons) Professional Culinary Arts degree course won Gold in the Salon Culinaire competition run by The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) at Blackpool Robert spent two months designing and sculpting his Work in Fat a breathtaking sculpture inspired by the work of Guido Reni and depicting St Michael preparing to slay the devil Made entirely from pastry margarine it took top prize in the Salon Culinaire static display section Robert said: "The Salon Culinaire is a world class culinary competition and a fantastic opportunity to do something really creative I was inspired by the work of Guido Reni in St Peter s Basilica in Rome and thought it would be a good challenge to try and reproduce it through sculpture in food "To have won a gold medal this year is really special " TUCO competitions showcase the work of some of the most talented people in the university catering sector with staff from institutions across the UK invited to enter For more information on studying Professional Culinary Arts at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/buxton

Rock 'n' Research Puts Adam's Teaching On Sound Footing 12 September 2012 Rock concerts aren t usually a site for serious academic research but a University of Derby expert is combining his work for big name musicians with raising the level of audio engineering For nearly ten years from the age of 18 Adam Hill now a Lecturer in Electronics and Sound has mixed study with working part-time for concert and event specialists Gand Concert Sound based in his native Chicago Over that period he has mixed and managed sound systems at concerts for stars including The Black Keys The Stone Temple Pilots Alice Cooper The Allman Brothers Band The Roots and many others Amongst the hard work Adam who joined the University in February (2012) finds time to turn his rock and roll experiences into genuine academic research He said: "I was working over the summer at the 2012 Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago which mainly features indie rock acts I also used the time to do research on improving the performance of subwoofers speakers used for low-pitch audio frequencies which I plan to do a paper on in collaboration with the guys at Gand "The great thing about having continued to work in the industry with Gand Concert Sound throughout my academic career is that I can do real research which feeds back into my teaching I can also give students a true picture of what it will be like for them when they start their careers " While Adam has mainly worked in venues around Chicago and the American Midwest he has also been behind the scenes at events in New York Texas and at the Superdome in New Orleans which regularly hosts American Football s annual Super Bowl He added: "A lot of people get into this industry because they think they will be partying with rock stars but it is very hard work I ve had jobs where you re leaving the venue at 3am only to be back to load in the next band at 6am four days in a row "I have worked for some great acts though "George Clinton the Godfather of Funk recognised one of my colleagues from 20 years before and even went to find some home movie film footage he d shot of him back then Wayne Newton who is a big Las Vegas entertainer came and introduced himself to every one of the crew in the first five minutes of arriving at the venue and made the effort to learn all of our names " Despite now being based on the other side of the Atlantic in Derby Adam is keen to continue working and researching when he can within the industry Gary Gand founder and President of Gand Concert Sound said: "Adam came to us green as grass and we put him through the toughest training there is going on the road for rock n roll bands He came out the other side with a PhD and we are all very proud of his work " For more information about the University of Derby s Music and Media Technologies courses see website www derby ac uk/technology/music Media requiring further information about this news release should contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Rock Solid Business Plan For National Stone Centre 22 April 2010 Students from all over the world are aiming to boost business at a national centre celebrating the UK s geological history Forty students from 14 different countries on the University of Derby s MA Marketing Management MA Management and MBA Masters degree courses are working for free to boost business visitors and schools interest in the National Stone Centre near Middleton by Wirksworth North Derbyshire It is an educational charity established 20 years ago on a 50 acre site which contains former quarries lime kilns lead mine shafts and a nationally protected geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) The attraction contains hundreds of British rock and mineral samples and information about centuries of industrial history It has an educational Discovery Centre for schools use a rock and mineral shop and a café A £1 4m Ecocentre being developed on site with Derbyshire County Council is due to open in the summer It also runs dry-stone wall construction stone-slate roofing and sculpture courses Now National Stone Centre managers want to raise its public profile and attract more schools and other visitors The site is self funding with most of its income coming from the preparation of expert minerals reports for the Government and quarrying industry Hildegard Wiesehofer Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the MA Marketing Management course at the University said: "The economic downturn has meant that the National Stone Centre needs to look at alternative funding in addition to its preparation of industry minerals reports "The students will be identifying what those running the Centre want to achieve Students will use a visitors survey designed by them observation and interviews to identify the kinds of things users and staff would like to see going on there " Hildegard s students come from Japan China Cyprus France Spain India Bangladesh Poland Jordan Turkey Romania Nigeria Malawi and England Zambella Pittaki 23 from Cyprus is on the MSc Marketing Management degree course She said: "We do have places similar to this in my country My father also worked within the stone industry "One thing already that I think they might look at doing here is to make improvements to the café they ve got " MBA student Rajneesh Alreja 25 from India added: "It is a nice place but it does need better marketing "I ve lived in Derby for six years and been to other tourist places such as Matlock and the Chatsworth Estate but I d not heard of this place before we came here to do the project I d like to help them work on attracting more visitors " Polina Baranova who teaches part of the University MA business courses said: "This kind of real experience is good for the students When they return to their own countries they will know their work has helped this attraction flourish and grow " The students will have to present a full explanation of their business ideas to Centre managers and its Board of Governors Possible proposals might include that money is spent on improving the visitor café or that there should be more activities on site for younger children The students project is due to be completed by the end of next month (May) The National Stone Centre will then decide which of the student teams ideas should go ahead University Masters degrees students undertake free marketing consultancy work for a Derbyshire community organisation every year as part of their course Last year (2009) students helped with the relaunch of services at Austin Community Enterprise (ACE) based at the Austin Neighbourhood Base in Derby This year s project came out of a connection with National Stone Centre Operations Manager Jerry Climpson who is Hildegard s husband Ian Thomas Director at the National Stone Centre said: "The timing of this study is brilliant It will provide ideas on how we can replace our very tired Story of Stone exhibition with a show which will appeal to all and hopefully provide evidence for funding bids" For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Route To Olympics Puts Animated Film-Maker On Road To China 27 November 2012 A short animated film about British excitement in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics won a University of Derby student an international prize - and put her on a plane to China Harriet Farren a third-year student on the University s BA (Hons) in Animation degree mixed modern Olympics related audio and video footage with a sports countdown clock running from 1948 - when the last London Olympics were held - to 2012 for her 40 second animated film Anticipation

Sugababes To Headline May Ball Extravaganza 29 April 2008 The Brit Award-winning Sugababes will extend their sell-out UK tour this week by one more day to appear as the headline act at the University of Derby Students’ Union’s 2008 May Ball on Friday May 2 Top 1990s boy band East 17 will join the Sugababes as headliners on the main stage as part of their reunion tour And Radio 1 DJs Zane Lowe and Judge Jules will play the main stage in the Atrium at the University later on in the evening The Ball’s three arenas will be packed with over 20 of the best live acts the UK has to offer Alongside the headline acts there will be several up-and-coming bands playing on the SUB stage including The Dykeenies and The Displacements The scale of the May Ball in Derby is phenomenal: The p ann ng process asts four months (beg nn ng n January). The event takes f ve days to set up and take down. Techn c ans w ay enough cab e to go from the Students Un on to the M1 and enough a um n um tub ng to go once around the ent re Westf e d shopp ng centre. More than ha f a m e of fabr c w be used for decorat on. Over 3 000 students are expected to attend this glamorous black tie affair at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road site on Friday May 2 The May Ball will run from 9 30pm on Friday night until 6am on Saturday morning The University of Derby Students’ Union says this is one of the biggest student events in the UK – more like a mini festival than your average student ball In a ‘Willie Wonka’ style touch five Golden Envelopes have been hidden across the University’s sites in Derby and Buxton entitling the finder to a free ticket to the Ball “Each Golden Envelope contains a ‘Willy Wonka’ style card with a message from the Students’ Union President inviting the finder to collect a free VIP ticket ” said UDSU Vice-President for Communications Simon Moss “So far two have been found (one in Derby and one in Buxton) but there are still three unclaimed tickets in circulation ” This year the Students’ Union has added a separate marquee to host a silent ‘Headphone Disco’ – where people wear headphones and music players and dance to the music of their choice – as well as an even bigger fairground than last year Also new will be the Moroccan themed VIP room with its own separate bar To continue with the festival theme Derby Students’ Union has introduced a cashless bar system using pre-pay drinks vouchers to streamline the serving of an estimated 15 000 drinks on the night Around 300 members of staff – including bar staff security crew and cleaners from the Students’ Union the University and external contractors – will be on hand to ensure the night runs smoothly “When you work behind the scenes you really appreciate the vast amount of effort involved ” said Simon Moss “If you bear in mind the size of this University compared to other larger ones our May Ball punches far above its weight “The event is larger and more successful than most The Summer Ball at the University of Leeds has a great reputation too but that doubles as their Graduation Ball At Derby we hold a separate Ball for our Graduation in January as well ” -endsFor further information please contact Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 0748 920023 Holly Lunt on 01332 591072 or Simon Moss on 01332 591515 Publicity photographs are available on request

Summer Film Role For Martial Arts Student 22 September 2011 A stunt-man student of the University of Derby Buxton spent his summer doing a holiday job with a difference; filming a new martial arts movie alongside Hollywood star Keanu Reeves During a break from studying towards a BA (Hons) degree in Martial Arts Theory and Practice Eddie Lee 22 from London landed a role as a martial arts stunt performer in new film 47 Ronin the story of a band of Japanese Samurai who set out to avenge the death of their master Eddie was asked to audition for the film after impressing an agent with live martial arts performances on the promotional tour of a new computer game To prepare for the film in which Eddie played a number of roles including an 18 h Century Samurai warrior he spent two weeks learning from experts at an intensive Japanese Sword Fighting boot camp Some of the training was led by Hollywood actor and stunt performer Roger Yuan whose films include Shanghai Noon and Blade Eddie and the other stunt performers then spent seven weeks at London s famous Shepperton studios performing choreographed fight scenes alongside top stunt men and actors Keanu Reeves and Hiroyuki Sanada Eddie said: "Being part of a martial arts film and learning how action sequences and fight scenes are choreographed and put together was such an interesting experience but the best bit for me was learning Japanese Sword Fighting from some the finest practitioners of the art - including the Japanese swordsmen who starred in the film 13 Assassins "It was great to hone my martial arts skills; learning from and working with some of the very best in the business " After his taste of fame Eddie returns to the University of Derby Buxton this September to begin the final year of his degree 47 Ronin is now in post production and due for release in late 2012 Eddie added: "I ve seen some scenes that were shot in 3D as a bonus preview of the film and it looks great I m excited to see how it all looks post production with all the CGI added I ve always considered working in films as an actor or stuntman and after this experience I m considering learning each discipline required to join the British Stunt Register " The University s Sports Programme Leader and Martial Arts expert Charles Spring said: "Eddie is a fantastic student and martial arts practitioner and thoroughly deserved this chance to show the world his skills "The fact that one of our students spent the summer filming a martial arts movie will certainly impress everyone on the course and across the University and we hope the film inspires more people to get involved in martial arts " The University of Derby Buxton runs a number of sports programmes in coaching and development and psychology It also has strong links with martial arts through coaching certificates developed for martial arts coaches and practitioners For more information about these programmes visit www derby ac uk/science/life/sport-exercise-outdoor/sport-performance

Summer Successes For Team Derby Athletes 12 July 2011 The University of Derby is celebrating the recent sporting achievements of two of its student sports stars Sarah Smith 19 came third in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) archery tournament on June 11 while Seth Ashworth 21 finished eight in the squirt kayaking discipline at the ICF Freestyle Kayaking World Championships on June 22 during his first international competition as part of Team GB Sarah and Seth both received bursaries from Team Derby earlier this year to support them in their sports and have used this money for competition entry travel and equipment Sarah who is currently studying an HND in Sport and Exercise Science at Derby came third in the Ladies Recurve experienced category of the BUCS archery competition held at Lilleshall national sports centre on June 11 Sarah shot a ladies FITA; which comprises of 12 dozen arrows at targets at four different distances - 70m 60m 50m and 30m; and managed to secure third place Sarah said "I d been working on different aspects of my technique prior to the competition and had shot a personal best prior to the tournament so I went into it feeling very positive "I was quite pleased with how I shot and proud that I achieved the highest 50m score within my category Of course I aim to do even better next year " In his first international competition and his first as a member of Team GB Seth who has recently completed a BA (Hons) in Outdoor Activities Management competed in the Men s Squirt discipline at the ICF Freestyle Kayaking World Championships held in Isarweile Plattling Germany Seth said: "I had never competed in sport at this high level before and it was a different ball game to anything I d tried before "The competition still felt as fun as a smaller domestic event but there was a more serious undertone of competitiveness Everyone who was there wanted to do their best and most of them had goal in mind of where they wanted to finish "Everyone paddled really well and the competition was really stiff and in the end although I thought I had a strong first ride it wasn t enough for me to get through to the finals and I finished in eighth place " Ollie Shearer the University of Derby s Sports Development Manager said: "We are incredibly proud of Sarah and Seth s recent results; and Team Derby is delighted to be able to share in their success "We hope that the bursaries and support they received through Team Derby earlier contributed in some way to their excellent performances; and we wish them luck for their next competitions " For more information on each of these talented athletes and on sport at the University of Derby visit www teamderby com

Supply Chain Science Set To Deliver Savings For Firms 18 April 2013 Firms using radio frequency identification tags to track the goods they move could save significantly on transport and fuel costs thanks to a new University of Derby consultancy service Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on parcels and products are intelligent bar codes which can be scanned and tracked by computer systems They are used extensively by companies which move large amounts of goods and mean major online order companies such as bookseller Amazon can tell customers exactly where their purchase is at any time A new consultancy service - launched by the University of Derby s Centre for Supply Chain Improvement - can help companies with RFID systems get far more useful information out of the computer data they generate potentially saving them time and money By showing companies how they can utilise the RFID data they may already receive but aren t properly using the businesses can better position their supply chain vehicles reducing the amount of time they spend travelling half or completely empty This would save time money and be better for the environment The research project has involved the University of Derby Aston University leading warehouse management systems provider ATMS International FZCO (Dubai) packaging manufacturer Carton Edge Ltd of Coventry and Identify RFID of Thailand The two-year project cost around £80 000 and was financed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Dr Ming Lim Head of the University s Centre for Supply Chain Improvement said: "This project is very different from others in that it s not about companies having to improve and invest in better RFID technology but looking at the data they re already getting and using it more intelligently "Once we re hired by a company we will be able to use what we ve learned through our research to plot computer simulations to see how its supply chain can be run more efficiently Moving products around involves a lot of variables such as vehicle and product availability so it s important that we take all those into account "It s very difficult to say how much an individual company could save on overheads as that would depend on how efficiently things were already being run but I don t think a saving of 20% on fuel costs for a medium-sized firm for example would be impossible " The Centre for Supply Chain Improvement along with the Centres for Leadership Development and for Enterprise is based within the Derby Business School at the University of Derby Each centre offers companies of any size access to professional and academic expertise to tackle business issues and develop new ideas Companies interested in contracting the help of the new RFID service offered by the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement can contact Dr Lim direct on 01332 591770 or email: m lim@derby ac uk For further press information please contact Sean Kirby Press and PR Officer at the University of Derby on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Survey Season Underway 11 March 2013 Students across the University are being encouraged to take the opportunity to share their views and experiences of Derby as three major annual surveys get underway The National Student Survey (NSS) Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) and the University s own Feedback surveys of its on campus and online students began in January and will run until April 30 University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Plowden said: "These surveys are not only an important gauge of how satisfied our students are with their programmes but they have also become key elements of the information that applicants use in making their decisions about which universities to apply to and that league table compilers use in creating their tables of university performance "Ensuring that all our students are able to have their say is critically important " Students can access all of the surveys that apply to them by visiting www derby ac uk/feedbacksurvey and inputting their student ID By completing surveys students put themselves in with a chance of winning £100

Sussex Four Celebrate Successful Studies In The North 13 November 2012 Four East Sussex students who swapped the south coast s downs for the Peak District s dales to pursue careers in outdoor leadership will graduate together from the same degree course this month (November) After completing the Outdoor Adventurous Activities Foundation degree at East Sussex s Plumpton College; Tim Hobby 25 from Brighton Michael Duggan 31 from Teddington Tom Watkins 20 from Tunbridge Wells and Sam Woodhouse 22 from East Grinstead all chose to enrol at the University of Derby Buxton in the heart of the Peak District to then complete a BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management degree over the last year Tim Michael Tom and Sam will collect their degree certificates from the University s Chancellor the Duke of Devonshire at its Grade II* Listed Devonshire Dome in the town of Buxton on Saturday (November 17) For Tim it was the range of outdoor activities on offer in the Peak District that initially attracted him to the University He said: "I love climbing and had visited the Peak District in the past and loved it every time I realised that if I wanted to pursue a career as an outdoor activity instructor then studying in that environment would be the best possible start " Graduating alongside Tim will be Tom Watkins who was recommended the University of Derby Buxton by another friend from Plumpton He added: "Going to university so far away from home was quite daunting but I think knowing a few people on the course made it so much easier It was nice that we could support each other through the course which involved lots of team working and it will be lovely to graduate alongside them " Sam Woodhouse who is now working as an Outdoor Education Development Tutor for The Prince s Trust said: "Having both old friends and making new friends made University a great experience I loved all of the climbing and the field trips and truly wished I had studied for the full three years at Buxton " Peter Gilliver Programme Leader on the BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management degree commented: "It will be wonderful to see this group from Plumpton graduate amongst our other students We are delighted they had all such good experiences in Buxton and made the most out of our unique position in the heart of the Peak District "We wish them every success in their future careers " All four will graduate with around 300 of their fellow students; as well as Honorary Graduates the Cofounder of the Tesco Clubcard Programme Edwina Dunn and serving Naval Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE For more information on studying degrees in Outdoor Adventure and Countryside Management visit www derby ac uk/udb

Sweet Smell Of Success For Culinary Couple 13 October 2011 A shared passion for cooking has led to a new bakery business as well as to wedded bliss for a husband and wife team who met while they studied together at the University of Derby Buxton Mansfield-based baking business Sweet Buns is the result of Jennifer and Phil Hardy s love of good food as well as for each other The couple who met while studying towards a BA (Hons) degree in Professional Culinary Arts launched their new venture this week; baking bespoke cakes patisseries and desserts to order through their website www sweet-buns co uk Jennifer 31 who is originally from Connecticut USA met Phil 26 from York when they began their studies in 2008 Both mature students Jennifer applied to the University after travelling to the UK to care for a relative while Phil had previously worked as a chef at the Isaac Walton Hotel near Ashbourne Both had decided to further their careers by studying towards a degree Jennifer said: "We met on our first day at University and were married just under a year later Everything just fell into place and felt perfectly right We have both always wanted to work for ourselves so being able to put our shared passion for cooking into our own business really is the icing on the cake " Leonard Cseh University of Derby Buxton Programme Leader for Hospitality and Culinary Arts said: "As mature students both Jennifer and Phil brought experience and real passion for their cooking They impressed us with their dedication and excellent culinary skills throughout the programme "We were all delighted when they got married and I know that their new business venture will be as great a success " The University was so impressed by Jennifer s improvement in ability and enthusiasm for learning that she was chosen to receive its award for Highest Accomplishment and Most Inspirational Student sponsored by Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel one of the finest luxury hotels in the Lake District She will collect the award when both she and Phil graduate from the University of Derby Buxton at its annual Awards Ceremony on 3 December 2011 Jennifer with a First Class Honours and Phil with a 2;1 For more information on Sweet Buns visit website www sweet-buns co uk For more information on Hospitality and Culinary Arts programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit: www derby ac uk/udb

‘Synthetic’ Skull Boosts Radiography Skills 21 September 2007 Life-like models of the human skull are as much a traditional teaching aid as as globes of depicting the Earth and the abacus But the size weight and cost of skull models means they can only ever be used by groups of students in a lecture environment So how can radiography students learn more about their fascinating bone structure during private structure to prepare them for life in the world of medicine? Academics and computer experts at the University of Derby have come up with an exciting interactive tutorial tool to help them do this They have created an online virtual reality model of the human skull – complete with its 22 different bones to give BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography students an introduction to the human skull It introduces students to five featured areas of the skull: the Frontal Occipital Mandible Temporal and Parietal Using a mouse students can move the skull through a complete 360 degree rotation to reveal the relationship between these areas and associated bones and to learn more about each bone in detail The Bony Anatomy of the Human Skull has been such a success that the staff involved recently won a University Excellence Award for their work Chris O’Reilly e-Learning Development Co-ordinator for Radiography Informatics and Osteoporosis within the Faculty of Education Health and Sciences and Senior Lecturer Ruth Chester developed the computer-based programme for current students Ruth said: "It’s the next best thing to the students actually having an anatomical model to examine The resource enables students to study the anatomy of the skull at their own pace prior to attending keynote lectures and tutorials "I have found the result of this is that the students come to lectures well prepared and an with understanding of the anatomy of the skull ready to take a pro-active part in the lecture and tutorial sessions " Chris said: "The tool combines an interactive rotating model X-ray images and tailored information to form an innovative highly informative piece of multimedia "In essence it demonstrates what can be achieved by combining the knowledge of subject matter expert with the creativity of media developers " The programme has already proved a success Second year Radiography student Sarbjit Johal 34 from London Road Leicester said: "This resource provides students with differing abilities the opportunity to learn about the skull in their own time before the course begins "I didn’t realise the complexity of the human skull but the interactive nature of the tool and the excellent diagrams and text summaries helped me learn the information even more effectively than if I had used a standard model of a skull or even a textbook "This resource caters for so many different student needs and I think students appreciate what the course’s leaders are trying to achieve by using new technologies to engage even more effectively with us " With phase one of development complete the second phase will concentrate on refining the tutorial for wider audience participation and incorporating student centred self-testing elements -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

Talk By Former ITV News Chief 2 November 2011 Staff and students were treated to an evening with one of the UK s most influential journalists David Mannion - former Editor-in-Chief of ITV News and now special advisor to its news and content provider ITN (Independent Television News) - gave a talk to and answered questions from an invited audience in the OL1 Lecture Theatre at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site Mr Mannion who was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University in January 2009 has a wealth of experience in high level journalism He obtained the world s first interview with Nelson Mandela following his release from prison Among the topics discussed at the University event were journalistic ethics and responsibilities - particularly with regard to the News of the World phone hacking issue - and the Government s establishment of the ongoing Leveson Inquiry looking into the culture and practices of the media; led by Lord Leveson The University audience also heard from Lewis Panther formerly of the Derby Telegraph and a freelance journalist for the News of the World among other national newspapers The event on October 17 was organised by Gail Mellors - a Lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies within the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology; and a freelance correspondent for ITV who regularly appears on ITV s Central Tonight regional news programme

Talking About My (Older) Generation 15 November 2012 Veteran Goths Mods and Punks debated their continuing commitment to their teenage lifestyles with the author of the cult classic novel Quadrophenia at the University of Derby recently Mod guru Alan Fletcher spoke alongside a number of prominent sociologists from around the UK at the Ageing Within a Spectacular Youth Subculture symposium at the University s Enterprise Centre The event was organised by Paul Hooper-Keeley a doctoral researcher at the University of Derby and member of the Interdisciplinary Network for the Study of Subcultures a research group which has members at universities nationwide Paul said: "For most people the music and fashion tastes they have as teenagers get left behind as they enter adulthood but for some their passion stays and has a large impact on their everyday lives "From what they wear how they present themselves with hair and makeup to the career they choose; whether they are Mods Goths Punks or hip-hop enthusiasts these people make a real investment in their chosen subculture "By holding this event we wanted to bring together a group of leading academics in this field and the author of a well-known novel on the Mod subculture Quadrophenia to hear their thoughts on this growing area of sociology research " After a lively question and answer session Alan Fletcher said: "It s incredibly interesting to be amongst so many people researching this topic "My writing was based on my first person experience of being a Mod in the 60s Being part of that style of life was such a positive thing The tribe you belonged to dictated everything the music you listened to what you wore how you walked and the way you spoke "You belonged to something and yet you set yourselves apart It stays with you and I still call myself a Mod today " Other speakers who addressed the gathered audience of students Mods Punks Hip-hop and Northern Soul enthusiasts included: Dr Peter Webb from the Un vers ty of Cambr dge, who has pub shed on soc a and cu tura theor es of mus c scenes, and current y p ays w th the `post-punk band Id ot Strength Dr Pau Hodgk nson - a ecturer at the Un vers ty of Surrey and devoted Goth, who spoke to the gathered aud ence about Goth dent ty, sty e and subcu ture Dr Patr ck Turner, who has carr ed out doctora research nto post-h p hop cu ture , Dr N co a Sm th, from Card ff Metropo tan Un vers ty, whose research nterests nc ude the Br t sh Northern Sou scene. Pau Hooper-Kee ey, who spoke on the Mod youth subcu ture. For more information on studying sociology at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/sociology

Tams To Unveil New Charity Single 2 December 2009 Award-winning musician and actor John Tams will give a sneak preview of his new charity single being launched nationally this Christmas during his forthcoming University of Derby appearance An Evening With John Tams takes place at the University s Kedleston Road site on Friday December 11 at 7pm where John will give a preview of the new single and talk about his career to date The evening will be set up in conversation with University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and John Tams a former journalist says that he may also end up asking Professor Coyne some of his own questions! John Tams is six times winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards He has been Associate Director at the Crucible Theatre Sheffield and has worked as musical director producer actor and musician at the National Theatre for over 30 years alongside such household names as Paul Schofield Albert Finney and Sir Robert Stephens Next week s public event builds on his existing links with the University of Derby - John Tams was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University in January at our annual Awards Ceremonies He said: "The event next week will be rich in spontaneity; in that we know the beginning and we know the end but we hope the conversation will lead us on an intriguing journey which will keep everyone entertained "I will be talking about my career to date and about my influences and passions and in conversation with John I want to explore aspects of the University of particular interest to me such as its future plans and vision for Derby Theatre "I am thoroughly looking forward to the occasion I already have fond memories of receiving an honorary degree from the University earlier this year - it made me feel so proud to be recognised formally in my own county for what I have done " The 60-year-old from Nether Heage has been described by Mojo magazine as one of the ultimate British songwriters yet John has had a career spanning four decades in every performance medium Probably best known for his work as Rifleman Daniel Hagman alongside Sean Bean in Sharpe for which he was also script associate He has worked as an actor and musical director on numerous productions at the The Old Vic and RSC He was nominated in 2008 for an Olivier award for his work on the National Theatre production of Warhorse John has been musical director and composer for a number of productions in some of the most prestigious theatres in the country including The Globe Theatre where he was music consultant on Holding Fire! part of the Renaissance and Revolution season TV and film credits have ranged from such diverse dramas as Sons and Lovers to Heartbeat John worked as Executive Music Director on the critically acclaimed 2006 Radio Ballads for BBC Radio 2 which won two Sony Radio Academy awards and was nominated for a Clarion award He has made over 90 albums as a singer musician and producer continuing to tour festivals and concerts throughout the UK and Europe

Tickets Places for next week s event are £5 per person including refreshments Book online at www derby ac uk/tams or in person (cash or cheque) from the Marketing Department Kedleston Road between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday Please make cheques payable to the University of Derby and send to Anne Wake Marketing University of Derby Kedleston Road DE22 1GB For more details contact Anne on: 01332 591187 or a wake@derby ac uk For more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038

Teacher Workshops Kick Off Sports Partnerships 22 April 2013 Teachers and school sports coaches across Derby and Burton will kick around ideas on how football clubs can help children learn outside the classroom at an event organised by University of Derby academics Programme Leader on the University s BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degree Dan Parnell and the Leader of the University s Primary Teacher Education team Professor Des Hewitt are hosting the Schools and Community Football Conference on Monday June 24 at Burton Albion FC s Pirelli Stadium The Conference will bring local schools and football clubs Burton Albion FC and Derby County FC together to discuss how they can team up to provide new ways for children to learn and develop Dan said: "In March the Government announced plans to ring-fence schools sport investment This funding will enable schools to link with national sports bodies external sports clubs and coaches to deliver targeted sports programmes to their pupils "It is therefore vital that schools and sports clubs begin to create effective partnerships and discuss how they can work together We are delighted to help schools do so through this conference which is supported by Burton Albion FC and Derby County FC " Delegates will also hear from keynote speaker Chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance Andy Reed OBE The Alliance is the umbrella organisation for the governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in the UK It represents more than 320 members from organisations such as the FA the Rugby Football Union UK Athletics and British Rowing For more information email d parnell@derby ac uk

Teachers of tomorrow raise £6,000 for children's charity 15 April 2014 Budding teachers at the University of Derby have landed more than £6 000 for charity In aid of Barnardo s children s charity first and second year BEd (Hons) Education students held a fiveday fundraising event to raise money and create awareness of issues involving vulnerable youngsters Shoppers at Morrison s supermarket in Eastwood were greeted by Batman Superman and a whole host of other superheroes as students dressed up and helped customers with their bag packing The fundraising events are a part of the course s charity focus which sees students engage in community and charity work There were also fundraising events such as Zumba dancing hula hooping live music acts and talks to raise awareness about the charity and issues young people face Sharon Bell Lecturer in Teacher Education who helped organise the event said: "As a team we think it is important to give something back to our community It is heart-warming to know that our efforts make a difference to local children As trainee teachers our students develop so many transferable skills during this week and learn the benefits of successful teamwork "As always I ve been really proud of the dedication of our trainee teachers We have raised more than £6 000 and expect that figure to rise as donations are still coming in " She added: "Teachers need to understand that children can have very complex lives and also to be aware of what expertise is available to support vulnerable families and children The charity s focus on childhood sexual exploitation is an area our trainee teachers also need to be aware of and they have sessions at University about how to keep children safe online as well as themselves" Barnardo s is the UK s largest children s charity and is dedicated to providing support such as counselling education fostering and adoption For more information on education courses at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/courses/education-bed-hons For further press information please contact Sam Parker University of Derby Press and PR Assistant on 01332 593316 or email: s parker1@derby ac uk

Teachers Set To Go Wild About Learning 5 February 2013 National initiative Open Air Laboratories - which has helped more than 500 000 people learn more about nature - will hold a free teachers conference at the University of Derby showing how to get pupils into the great outdoors On Saturday 9 February more than 100 teachers and 50 environmental educators from the Midlands will attend the Escape from the Classroom event at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby More than 30 regional and national organisations involved in promoting wildlife and biodiversity will also exhibit at the event The conference is being staged by the OPAL (Open Air Laboratories ) project in partnership with the University and Derby City Council The OPAL project was launched in 2007 with a £12million grant from the Big Lottery and has since encouraged more than 500 000 people to get outdoors to observe learn and record the world about them The conference s opening speaker will be leading British environmental educator and shaman Gordon MacLellan also known as Creeping Toad Gordon takes inspiration from nature and the history of man s place in it to facilitate absorbing and magical educational experiences Ten workshops to inspire primary and secondary schoolteachers will be held during the day Subjects covered will include: Get me out of the classroom - Sc ent f c Enqu ry n your Schoo Grounds and oca env ronment Demystifying the misconceptions of outdoor learning: Why you don t have to be an eco superhero to use your schoo grounds Eco Schools - The Birds and the Bees! - A pract ca workshop on us ng your schoo grounds for earn ng enr chment and to be awarded Eco Schoo status Maths Naturally - D scover how earn ng n the fresh a r can deve op an enthus asm for Maths, as we as deepen mathemat ca understand ng and th nk ng. Professor Karim Vahed of the University of Derby - whose work on the mating habits of insects has garnered international attention - will be the closing speaker at the conference Peter Walker Community Relations Officer at the University and conference co-organiser said: "We live at a time when fewer young people are getting the chance to absorb nature into their daily lives and into their imaginations and how they look at the wider world "Schools and communities may be passionate about wildlife and the environment but need support to take action The Escape from the Classroom event we ve organised is designed to help them at no cost to the teachers involved " Among the over 30 organisations exhibiting during the February 9 event will be the National Trust Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB Lauren Gough OPAL East Midlands Community Scientist added: "OPAL aims to get people back in touch with nature We provide fun free activities to equip people with the knowledge skills and support to explore study enjoy and protect their local environment "By bringing together teachers environmental educators and organisations at this conference we hope that lasting partnerships will be formed We anticipate that the skills and experiences gained at the conference will empower our teachers and educators to inspire the next generation of nature-lovers " Over the last five years the University of Derby in conjunction with Derby City Council s WildDerby initiative has been linking community organisations with opportunities to enjoy wildlife and the environment through its WildVolunteering and WildScience projects Students carry out projects in the community as part of building a dynamic and living science lab For more event information contact Peter Walker: p walker@derby ac uk or Jason Nichols: j nichols@derby ac uk) at Community Relations at the University of Derby or OPAL's Lauren Gough: Lauren Gough@nottingham ac uk or Jackie Adams: Jackie Adams@nottingham ac uk

Teaching At Derby Gets Another Glowing Report 25 April 2012 Two of the University of Derby s teaching courses have received glowing reports from Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education Children s Services and Skills) after recent inspections upholding its excellent reputation for teacher training The University s Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) and qualification in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (TLLS) programmes have been judged outstanding across a number of their elements The gradings just given follow inspections undertaken in February this year Its Graduate Teacher Programme is an employment-based route for university graduates of various subjects who wish to go on to teach in schools By working in schools across the East Midlands while studying at Derby 34 primary and 18 secondary trainees become qualified teachers each year This teaching programme was judged to be outstanding in its capacity to improve further and/or sustain high quality and good for its overall effectiveness - with four out of six of these elements judged to be outstanding The Ofsted report said: "Key strengths are: high completion and employment rates resulting from the outstanding recruitment and selection process the good quality of the flexible and personalised training and the highly effective partnership with schools; and the excellent quality of personal professional and academic support " The University of Derby s Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector programmes inspected by Ofsted also received a good result with outstanding elements for its overall effectiveness and good for its capacity to improve further and/or sustain high quality Through these programmes students can become teachers trainers or tutors in further education colleges adult and community learning centres workplaces training provider centres prisons or public services Its Ofsted report stated: "Key strengths are: the very rapid development of professional attributes amongst trainees; the outstanding training and assessment which results in trainees being highly reflective of practice " Chris Warren the Head of the University of Derby s School of Education said: "This latest Ofsted recognition is testament to the hard work and dedication of our academic team "We are delighted to be able to share this news with all the partner colleges and schools who work with us so closely to bring out the best in our trainees " Derby has a rich heritage of initial teacher training and its origins in this area of education can be traced back as far as 1851 when the Derby Diocesan Institution for the Training of Schoolmistresses was created These recent outcomes consolidate on the University s outstanding result in its primary school teacher training provision as reported by Ofsted in July 2010 Through its PGCE (postgraduate certificate of education) and the BEd (Hons) degree programmes more than 400 students each year study to become newly qualified primary school teachers For more information about teacher training at the University of Derby visit website www derby ac uk/education

Team Derby Ambassador To Face Olympic Teams 6 July 2012 Derbyshire Olympian Donna Kellogg MBE is to make a return to the badminton court with former doubles partner Gail Emms MBE as part of a Great Britain All Stars team at an international exhibition event in Derbyshire later this month The GB All Stars team will compete against players from Canada and Australia who will be in the UK to represent their countries later this month at the London 2012 Olympics Games Tickets for the exhibition event taking place at Etwall Leisure Centre in South Derbyshire on Saturday July 21 from 6pm until 9 30pm are now on sale Donna who represented Great Britain at the 2000 2004 and 2008 Olympics and is now a sports ambassador for the University of Derby s Team Derby will be joined by Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms the mixed doubles partnership that took home silver for Great Britain at the Athens Olympics in 2004 The exhibition tournament will include three matches and there will also be off court action such as smash and accuracy activities presentations and autographs The event will come towards the end of a pre-Games training camp for the Australian and Canadian Olympic badminton teams at Etwall Leisure Centre - a recognised national specialist badminton facility with players from both nations due to spend a week in South Derbyshire just days before the Games begin before making their way to the Olympic Village During their time training in Derbyshire the players and coaches will work with former GB Badminton director Andy Wood who was Head Coach of the GB team at the Sydney Athens and Beijing Olympics Andy who lives in South Derbyshire coached Simon Archer and Joanne Goode to Britain s first Olympic medal a bronze in Sydney in 2000 and Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms to their silver in Athens in 2004 A limited number of tickets for the international badminton exhibition event are now on sale from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre on 01283 222848 Tickets are priced at: Adult £12 Children £8 Family £30 (2 adults and 2 children) Concessions £10 Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available on the door The Derbyshire Management Group for the 2012 Games has organised the visits by the badminton players and coaches from Australia and Canada with representatives from South Derbyshire District Council Active Nation Derbyshire Badminton Association the University of Derby and Derbyshire Sport involved in the planning The University of Derby will provide transport for both teams during their stay in Derbyshire including transportation from the airport to Derbyshire travel around the county and transportation to the Olympic Village

Team Derby Announces Partnership With The Derby Runner 21 January 2013 Team Derby is pleased to announce the agreement of a partnership with Derbyshire based footwear supplier The Derby Runner The Derby Runner is a specialist running store catering for all levels of running ranging from jogging for fitness to serious marathon running and from track and field athletics to fell running The partnership will see University of Derby students benefit from discounted prices in the Spondon store All students will be eligible for a 10% discount and Team Derby members will receive an additional 5% All students who visit the shop will also be able to receive help and advice on shoes with gait analysis also available The University of Derby s Sports Development Manager Ollie Shearer said: "We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with The Derby Runner we feel that their knowledge and services will be a great benefit to our students and staff " Rob Jefferies from The Derby Runner said: "Being partnered with Team Derby is a great feather in our cap The University of Derby s teams courses and facilities are greatly respected This adds further credibility to us as a specialist sports shop" To find out more information about the Derby Runner visit www derbyrunner com

Team Derby Athletes To Race At Olympic Stadium 4 May 2012 In the year of the London 2012 Olympic Games athletics has sprinted back into the sport spotlight and at the University of Derby five students are setting their sites on a win at the Olympic Stadium From May 4 to May 7 five students representing Team Derby will compete against other Higher Education institutions from around the UK in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) outdoor athletics championships which is this year taking place at the new Olympic Stadium as a test event in the London Prepares Series Team Derby has five athletes in the event: Masters n Integrat ve Counse ng and Psychotherapy student T mothy Da ton, 24, w run n the 1500 metres BA (Hons) Adventure Tour sm and Outdoor Recreat on student Ma co m Dawes, 20, w race n the 110m hurd es BA (Hons) Creat ve Express ve Therap es student, Ben McGu nness, 19, w run n the 200m Sports Coach ng Foundat on degree student, Ben Mourbey, 23, w compete n the H gh Jump Brad W ams, 26, who s study ng a quarry ng cert f cate w th University of Derby Corporate s runn ng n the 100m. Ben McGuiness has been training hard since the beginning of the year including speed work sessions at Derby Athletics Club s Moorways Sports Centre and training with Team GB 100m and 200m sprinter Jodie Williams Ben said: "Jodie s success spurred me on and now I can t wait for the feeling of running at the Olympic Stadium in front of a huge crowd and my family "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity I never expected to have the chance to compete at such an amazing venue " 1500 metre runner Tim Dalton is feeling confident ahead of the championships As a former runner for Loughborough University and England under-20s he is aiming to qualify for the final and beat his personal best Tim said: "Running on the Olympic track in front of so many supporters is going to be very special To think that in just a few weeks Olympic athletes will be crossing the same finishing line is absolutely amazing " Ollie Shearer the University s Sports Development Manager said: "The BUCS event is going to be extra special this year All of our athletes are feeling confident as they have been training hard ahead of the competition I know they will put in great performances for themselves and Team Derby " Chloé Farmer President of Derby Students Union s Athletic Union said: "The Students Union is extremely proud of the students representing Team Derby on a national level this weekend We would like to wish all of our competitors good luck and we will be there supporting and cheering them on throughout the competition " Team Derby is the focal point for the development and delivery of sport at the University of Derby and provides students staff and members of the public with a world of sporting opportunity fitness and activity For more information visit www teamderby com This event is taking place as part of Universities UK Universities Week 2012 The week aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK s universities It is the third annual national campaign of its kind and will this time incorporate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as its overarching theme For more on the BUCS event visit www bucs org uk

Team Derby Builds On Sports Success With National Award Win 18 July 2012 Students competing for Team Derby have topped off a year of sporting success after scooping the award for Most Improved University at the 2012 British Universities and Colleges Sport league (BUCS) Awards Hosted by Olympic medallist and BBC Olympic Swimming Correspondent Steve Parry the awards ceremony took place last Thursday 12 July at the University of Exeter s new Forum building as part of the annual BUCS conference Team Derby s award is based on a combination of an increase in BUCS points awarded to clubs and individuals based on final finishing positions in their corresponding leagues and performance and an improvement of the institution s overall ranking when compared with the previous year The University of Derby moved from 104 h in 2011 to 77 h in 2012 and has set a target to achieve Top 50 by 2015 having started at 108 h when Team Derby launched in 2009 Hari Punchihewa Deputy Chief Executive of the University of Derby said: "As Chair of the Sports Management Board I am delighted we have won this award it is recognition of the hard work and commitment shown by both students and staff We committed to becoming a Top 75 by 2013 and Top 50 by 2015 so to be 77th in 2012 gives us a timely boost and also great confidence we will achieve our target We will continue to support enhancing participation and performance of sports which will give our students a good mix of experience and opportunities " Chloé Farmer Athletic Union President at the University of Derby Students Union adds: "We hope that this recognition highlights on a national scale that the University is serious about sport and is investing in an infrastructure which will create a sustainable yet attractive sports package for the aspiring athlete " For further information on Team Derby visit: www teamderby com For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586 or email R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

Team Derby Football On Target To Top League 20 March 2012 Team Derby s men s football first eleven have the opportunity to win their British Universities and College s Sports (BUCS) League tomorrow (March 21 2012) and are asking for supporters to cheer them on to a win against Nottingham on the 3G pitches at the Kedleston Road site at 3 00pm Following the success of men s futsal team at last week s BUCS Championships and Bronze medal wins for Tigran Galstian and Evaldas Langvinis in the Judo championships the men s football team will be looking to follow in their footsteps when they line up for the last 90 minutes of their season The team are currently unbeaten in the BUCS Midlands 3B League after winning four and drawing five from their nine games so far this season The tenth sees Notts Trent second eleven visiting the University of Derby with both teams knowing a win would see them promoted to the next tier President of the football club Mark Farthing is positive ahead of the game "The team couldn t be better prepared for the game We haven t lost at home in the last two seasons so I see the University as a bit of a fortress for us " When asked about the support he has received ahead of the game so far Mark was overwhelmed "I know there are already just under a hundred people coming to watch the game but it would be great to see even more at pitchside Wednesday We want our students to be like a twelfth man " The game will be played on the 3G Pitch at the Kedleston Road site Kick off is at 3 00pm and the football club would love your support For more information on football or other sporting opportunities at University visit website www teamderby com facebook com/teamderbysport or twitter com/teamderby

Team Derby Rowers In Fine Form 29 March 2011 Team Derby s Rowing Club has had a successful few months after the launch of the new landing stage in Derby s Darley Park The University team rows for Derby Rowing Club using their boats and new landing stage onto the River Derwent to train every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon Ollie Olsen the Rowing Team s President said: "Since September when we recruited more talent we have been training in the gym and on rowing machines so being able to get onto the river at last has been great and we ve seen some fantastic results " In February and March rowing teams competed in competitions in Boston and Nottingham At Boston Head the senior boys quad were only four seconds off the winning time At Nottingham Head Derby s quad in the Novice race came first while the quad in the IM3 race came second Ollie said: "This was a great start for us and we built on these results over the last two weekends racing At Yorkshire Head we came second and on 26 March in the North of England Head of the River Race in Chester we came sixth This was the best result in an IM3 8 at Chester that Derby Rowing Club has had in years "We also hope that some of our freshers will be able to compete at a primary event at the Leicester Regatta on17 April " Points from these events go towards the University of Derby s BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sports) total Visit www teamderby com for more results and information about the team

Team Derby Victorious In Varsity Competition 30 April 2012 The University and its Students Union are celebrating the success of its sports teams after they won a Varsity competition against the University of Lincoln Students Union for the first time in six years In this year s Varsity Team Derby played Lincoln in 14 competitions spanning eight different sports - including badminton dodgeball football hockey netball and rugby Wins in eight competitions including Rugby League Rugby Union and women s football and a draw in women s hockey gave Team Derby an 8 5 to 5 5 winning total Chloé Farmer President of the University of Derby Student's Union Athletics Union said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Team Derby I am extremely proud of all of our sports clubs and would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who competed and also to those who came along to support us "The atmosphere was electric and it was a day that will be remembered for a long time in our sporting history " As well as the exciting sporting battles there were also supporting performances throughout the day from Team Derby cheerleaders dance team and pole dance society as well as a fantastic turnout of supporters Please find the full break down of results for all of the fixtures below (wins are in bold): Men s badminton — Team Derby 8 - 0 Lincoln Women s badm nton — Team Derby 2 - 6 L nco n Men s basketball — Team Derby 101 - 71 Lincoln Dodgeball — Team Derby 7 - 0 Lincoln Futsa — Team Derby 3 - 4 L nco n Women s football — Team Derby 3 - 2 Lincoln Men s football — Team Derby 2 - 1 Lincoln Women s hockey — Team Derby 1 - 1 Lincoln Men s hockey — Team Derby 2 - 5 L nco n Men s football (Buxton) — Team Derby 3 - 2 Lincoln Netba (Buxton) — Team Derby 15 - 33 L nco n Netba — Team Derby 22 - 56 L nco n Rugby Union — Team Derby 17 - 0 Lincoln Rugby League — Team Derby 46 - 6 Lincoln Overall Team Derby won by 8 5 points to Lincoln s 5 5 - a fantastic winning scoreline!

Teen Film Proves A Hit 4 April 2011 Global Education Derby recently produced a documentary which could be used as a resource for youth workers and has already been shown to Applied Social Work students at the University of Derby The documentary tracks the learning journey of the Derby Global Youth Action Group as they share their stories and opinions about life in Derby survey the wider community through research and share their results back to the community at a showcase event A V-Involved Project the scheme had funding from Think Global and was delivered by Global Education Derby whose officers include Derby graduates Alison Fernandes and Ruth Richardson Dr Hazel Thomson a Senior Lecturer at Derby is one stakeholder who has already used the documentary Mine Yours Our Journey (Global Education Derby) in the module "Responses to Social Exclusion" for the BA (Hons) Community and Youth Work delivered at Britannia Mill The film was shown to illustrate: the young peop e s nd v dua exper ences of soc a exc us on the deve opments by a group of young peop e by be ng nvo ved n such a creat ve creat ng earn ng pro ect as a response to soc a exc us on the ach evements that can be made when peop e come together cooperat ve y to share sk s and know edge the sense of be ong ng and purpose that can be obta ned through dent f cat on w th a support ve group/commun ty an exce ent examp e of good, nc us ve and part c pat ve youth work pract ce.

Terror Expert On Threat Level 3 May 2011 University of Derby terrorism expert Dr Frank Faulkner has been in the media spotlight for his take on the death of Osama bin Laden Frank who has been in the media spotlight in recent years on a range of terrorism interviews was interviewed by a range of media over the Bank Holiday Weekend to discuss the potential impact of bin Laden s death Security services are on high alert across the West after predictions of revenge atrocities and Frank told a range of media including the Press Association BBC Radio Five Live and other outlets that it could be possible The Government urged caution over "inflammatory" warnings from extremists of another 7/7-style terror attack Defence Secretary Liam Fox has ordered British military bases to maintain a "high level of vigilance"

Terrorism expert, Dr Frank Faulkner, reacts to terrorist group's ongoing kidnap of Nigerian schoolgirls 6 May 2014 As more than 200 young girls remain missing three weeks since they were abducted in northern Nigeria by a terrorist group a senior University of Derby lecturer believes the situation is getting more worrying by the day Boko Haram an Islamist militant group has claimed responsibility for the April 15 abductions and has now outlined its intention to sell the girls in a harrowing video The girls were taken from a school in the northern state of Borno Their whereabouts remain unknown and there is mounting anger and frustration in Nigeria at the failure of its government to find them Dr Faulkner Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Derby said: "By releasing a video threatening to sell these girls Boko Haram is showing clear contempt for the Nigerian government and the entire world "But there is clearly some form of inertia setting in here and the Nigerian government is not doing enough to find these girls in what seems like quite a piecemeal attitude towards finding a solution "The striking thing about Boko Haram is that it has been around for quite some time and it is causing all sorts of problems in northern Nigeria where there is a larger Muslim population There is a more Christian population in the south of the country and I believe this to be part of an expansionist agenda by the terrorist group "This is a very extreme retrograde group which does not permit any form of western education and believes people can learn all they need from the Qur an and Allah " Interview opportunities Dr Frank Faulkner is available to offer further reaction to this news story and to comment on the terrorist organisation Boko Haram To organise an interview please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Textile Designers' 13 Awards For 'Cut Above' Work 9 May 2011 Textile Design students at the University of Derby have scooped 13 awards at one of the UK s most prestigious industry competitions - with one designer winning six times The Bradford Textile Society established 118 years ago runs an annual design contest aimed at encouraging new designers of innovative textiles It receives more than 900 submissions nationally making Derby s success in so many categories all the more remarkable Among the Derby winners was Italian-born Francesca Colussi who completes her degree this summer 2011 She scooped six of the University s 13 awards and a total of £1 000 in prize money Her awards were: 2011 Des gn Award of the Br t sh Gu d of Text e Des gners C othworkers Foundat on Award (for nnovat ve comb nat on of text es processes for the nter ors market) - F rst Pr ze (£400) Tw st Award (awarded by udges pane ) (£200) C othworkers Foundat on Award (woven fabr c for nter ors) - Second Pr ze (£250) and a Commendat on Worsh pfu Company of Dyers Award (pr nted fash on text e des gn on any base fabr c) Second Pr ze (£150) C othworkers Foundat on Award (for an nnovat ve comb nat on of text es processes for the Fash on Market) - Commendat on. Francesca is a mature student who worked in children s publishing in Bologna Italy before moving to Derby in 2008 to begin her Derby course She said she had been taken aback by the number of awards she d won Among her varied designs were a blue and green abstract motif inspired by cityscapes digitally printed onto wool; and a knitted felted fabric using two different pieces laser cut and then interlaced together to give a 3D effect of white flower petals on a grey background Francesca said: "I have put in a lot of work during my degree and these awards are a welcome sign that it has paid off "It s important to know as I complete my course this summer and will be looking for work within the textiles industry " This wasn t Francesca s first taste of success She had won in previous Bradford Textile Society contests and in March 2011 had handbags she d designed for the Italian company Furla appear at Milan Fashion Week Other Bradford Textile Society Design Competition awards which went to Derby BA (Hons) Textile Design students at the awards ceremony at Bradford s Rio Grande Conference Centre on Wednesday (May 4) included: Clothworkers Foundation Award (woven fabric for interiors): Th rd Pr ze (£150) - Jayne Woodbr dge, 37, of A freton, Derbysh re, on the th rd year of the degree course Commendat on - Jod e Hatton, 21, of Fa rf e d, Worcestersh re (second year). Holland and Sherry award for first-year degree students only (woven fabric in any fibre or blend): Second Pr ze (£100) - Amy Dudman, 21, of Ke gh ey, Derbysh re Th rd Pr ze (£50) - E s D nutt, 20, of Lever ngton, Cambr dgesh re Commendat on - Kee ey Braceg rd e, 18, of Sw nton, near Mexborough. Worshipful Company of Dyers Award (printed fashion textile design on any base fabric): Commendat on - Amy Parsons, 24, North Row ey, Hamn sh, Herefordsh re, (th rd year). Prestigious Textiles Award (printed interiors textile design for the domestic market): Th rd Pr ze (£100) - K m Lord, 24, of Burton-On-Trent, (second year). John Angus Principal Lecturer in Textile Design at the University of Derby said: "We make sure our students understand that being at University is not about buying something it is about becoming something These award winners now know that they have become designers "This is a tremendous validation of the talents and commitment of our students and of our ambition to put them in contention with the best in the sector " For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

The Academy Wins Gold at Best Bar None 2012 25 April 2012 The University of Derby Students Union is celebrating the success of its students bar The Academy after being shortlisted as a national finalist and winning a Gold Award at the Best Bar None 2012 Awards at the NUS Services Convention in Manchester on Wednesday 4 April 2012 The Academy Bar was one of only eight Students Union bars across the country to be shortlisted as a finalist and accredited Gold standard In addition the University of Derby Students Union achieved a Bronze Award in the Green Impact Awards Best Bar None is a nationally recognised awards scheme for licensed premises which promotes responsible management and operation of alcohol licensed premises The Best Bar None scheme is supported by the Home office and aims to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder in a town centre by building a positive relationship between the licensed trade police and local authorities James Beckett President of the University of Derby Students Union said: "Derby has now been recognised at a national level at gold standard for two years running which is a fantastic achievement The Students Union is incredibly proud that it is maintaining the high standards of care and attention for all its users We are also proud to achieve bronze in the Green Impact Awards as our priority has always been to embed good environmental practices throughout the organisation and it s fantastic to receive this recognition For further information please contact Holly Ruecroft on 01332 591072 at the University of Derby Students' Union

The Archbishop of Canterbury Visits University 23 September 2011 The University of Derby welcomed The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams today (Friday September 23) at the beginning of his three day visit to the Diocese of Derby Dr Williams was greeted on arrival at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby by its ViceChancellor Professor John Coyne and the Bishop of Derby Dr Alastair Redfern The Archbishop was given a brief tour of the University site and visited the Multi-Faith Centre in its grounds and met with staff there He met with students informally over coffee and also attended a presentation where he spoke to community and religious leaders During his three day visit The Archbishop will see various examples of rural and urban life in the Diocese "We have put together a programme which we think truly reflects the variety and diversity of life in the Diocese " said the Bishop of Derby

The Big Kick-Off 21 October 2010 Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager explains more about the vision and aims of our sports excellence arm Team Derby First I wanted to give a brief explanation about what Team Derby is Team Derby is the vehicle for sport exercise and fitness at the University The brand is owned by the University and represents all sports related areas including the University Sports teams Activities of the Athletic Union (part of the Students Union) the sports related degrees sports facilities sports partnerships and sports projects Everyone is part of Team Derby you can be a student athlete a staff tennis player football player badminton player attend Fizeek cycle to work support the teams or use the facilities But its important to note we all have a role to play and Team Derby has role to play for each and everyone of your and your departments The University sport season began on October 13 with both rugby teams in action With the rugby programme being slightly different than other sports the other teams began their quest for success on the 20 October To refresh everyone s memories on University sport I have done a quick University sport 101 to get you up to speed ready for the new season Across both campuses of the University our sports programme includes: 21 Sports C ubs that are a ran by student comm ttees 40 teams wh ch are part of the 21 c ubs 29 sports on an nd v dua bas s mean ng there are no student c ubs but any students who are nterested n part c pat ng or want to represent the un vers ty on an nd v dua bas s. One of the key targets for the University is to achieve a Top 50 finish in the British University and Colleges Sport Championships often referred to as BUCS The BUCS championship has 152 members from Universities around the country and it is this championship which Loughborough has won for the last 30 years Not all of our sports clubs are recognised within the BUCS programme so we don t receive points based on their performance which is disappointing as we have a 3 times National Champion Cheerleading Squad Premier league Dodgeball Club and a very successful Taekwondo club plus a number of other clubs who continually bring success for Team Derby Out of the 40 sports teams 29 of them are eligible for BUCS points points are awarded for success based on league finishing position and performance in cups As we don t have enough sports team in BUCS to achieve our target we rely heavily in individual entries across a range of sports Last year we had gold medal success in Boxing and Karate and this year we will be entering students in Golf Fencing Athletics Karate Wakeboarding and many more To achieve our Top 50 target by 2015 we will need to secure approximately 450 points this year we received our highest ever total of 172 So whilst we have made significant improvements over the last 18 months we still have a way to go and you all have a part to play Whether it be taking a later lunch on a Wednesday afternoon and coming down to the Derby or Buxton campus to support the University teams or encouraging your students to become an active member of Team Derby and participate or represent in sport The 3G pitch sports hall and rugby pitches at Kedleston road are all venues to see sport happening or you can visit Moorways to watch our basketball team In Buxton you can go to Fairfield or in 2011 visit the newly refurbished Harpur Hill to watch our Netball team We are all part of Team Derby and everybody has role to play so support our students support your University and show we are Serious about Sport

The (Night) Sky Is The Limit For Derby Graduate 13 January 2012 A student with a passion for the natural world has her sights set on the night sky - and the stars of TV - as she is working on an event for the new BBC One series of Stargazing Live which features TV physicist Professor Brian Cox Vanessa Amaral-Rogers 29 will graduate from the University of Derby with a Masters degree (MSc) in Conservation Biology on January 19 the same week the BBC One series airs and the associated Star Gazing event she has been part of takes place in Nottingham s Wollaton Park Vanessa who is from Oakwood Derby has been working for the BBC on the free Astronomy Society event which takes place on Tuesday January 17 from 6 - 9pm Here people will be able to look at the stars through special telescopes visit the inflatable planetarium and hear fascinating talks about the night sky from astronomers and physicists This is the second BBC associated event that Vanessa has worked on after being an Event Coordinator for BBC One s Live n Deadly held at Derbyshire s Conkers attraction in October Clips from the event which featured popular TV wildlife presenters Steve Backshall and Naomi Wilkinson were aired on the following week s show Vanessa said: "After the success of the Live n Deadly event where thousands of families enjoyed a host of adventure outdoor wildlife activities I was able to secure this role on Stargazing Live "I m really excited about the evening and hope that people are so inspired to learn more about astronomy by Brian Cox after seeing the TV show that they come along on January 17 It will be an extra special week for me as not only will I be running the Stargazing Live event but I will also graduate from the University of Derby " Before completing her Masters degree and securing this role Vanessa also studied an undergraduate degree in Zoology at Derby Dr Karim Vahed Programme Leader for the MSc Conservation Biology degree said: "We are all incredibly proud of Vanessa s success so far Her passion for conservation and the natural world was always clear and it is fantastic that she is inspiring this enthusiasm in many children through the events she has organised We wish her every success in her future career " For more information on the event visit www bbc co uk/thingstodo/activity/bbc-stargazing-live04/occurrence/54919 For more information on the Masters degree in Conservation Biology or BSc (Hons) Zoology visit www derby ac uk/ehs

The Prince And The Pendulum 13 February 2006 The eagerly anticipated Royal Visit of Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall proved a fantastic success on Friday The Royal couple were welcomed into Buxton by the Lord Lieutenant for Derbyshire John Bather and then spent two hours meeting staff students well wishers and special guests They marvelled at the facilities and listened to accounts of the successful restoration project which transformed the former Devonshire Royal Hospital into today s elegant educational campus Work to restore the former Royal Devonshire Hospital took over five years to complete with £6 million in grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund A further £2 6 million came from the Learning Skills Council with £1 5 million from HEFCE and £1 million from the Single Regeneration Budget Programme of the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) English Heritage contributed £160 000 itself and was consulted closely to ensure that all restoration work was completed to a high standard with sensitivity to original styles materials and building methods With this essential support the University was able to save the Grade II* listed building from the English Heritage At Risk register Representatives from the major stakeholders were on hand on Friday to celebrate the opening of the Devonshire Campus The new University campus represents one of the most exciting estates developments in the UK University sector for the last 30 years and is home to over 1 500 students and staff who enjoy some of the finest educational facilities in Europe The building the highest campus in England has breathed new life into this Victorian spa town which is undergoing a renaissance During the visit HRH The Duchess Of Cornwall successfully set in motion a model of the Foucault Pendulum positioned at the centre of the Devonshire - a device demonstrating the rotation of the Earth The couple also saw other highlights reflecting the varied and dynamic curriculum offered by the University of Derby Buxton These include Hospitality and Catering in the fine dining facilities offered by the site s own training restaurant The Dome full-featured hair and beauty salons and the impressive Learning Centre They were also shown around the old hydrotherapy area at the front of the Devonshire below the Great Dome where the spa facilities are still being restored and are due for completion this year His Royal Highness Prince Charles said: "The Devonshire is a remarkable building I was anxious that a really viable and new use could be found for this special place You have such a wonderful heritage and a place people enjoy coming to and you also have the spa heritage to build on "I want to congratulate all who have been involved in this whole project and brought it to life "The project has also enjoyed the support of the town of Buxton and I am sure this building in turn will make a huge difference to the life of Buxton and the economy itself "As someone who is extremely interested in heritage-led projects this is a wonderful example of what can be achieved "Projects which aim to bring buildings back to life present a big challenge - but by God it s worthwhile in the end " Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "It was a fantastic event When we first considered who we might invite to open the Devonshire it was clear there was just one obvious candidate and we were delighted to welcome the Royal couple to officially open the campus "

The Queen's Birthday Honours List 2011 11 June 2011 Congratulations to the University s Pro Chancellor and Chair of Governing Council Dianne Jeffrey who has been awarded a CBE in the 2011 Queen s Birthday Honours List published today The list recognises outstanding achievement and service across the whole of the United Kingdom The vast majority of these awards go not to stars of sport stage and screen but to extraordinary people who are making a real contribution to their community Dianne receives the CBE in recognition of her contribution to Public Service Dianne has helped to steer the University of Derby to its current position as a popular higher education institution Derby has been recognised nationally in recent years with a string of awards in the sector while Dianne has been at the Governing Council s helm As well as her University responsibilities Dianne is Chair of Age UK the national charity which champions the cause for older people and was formed by Help the Aged and Age Concern England Dianne has an extensive understanding of the issues facing older people in the UK developed when she was Chair of Anchor Trust England s largest provider of housing care and support for older people Other responsibilities Dianne has led include chairing the not-for-profit company Digital Outreach and she has also previously chaired two NHS Trusts as well as the NHS Confederation Dianne will be invited to Buckingham Palace with three guests to receive her award at a ceremony later in the year with other award recipients She said: "I was quite staggered when I first heard the news but absolutely thrilled to receive this award "It is also wonderful recognition for the work the University has done in recent years and its reputation has grown within the sector "I feel honoured to be associated with the University I have been fortunate to work with some really talented leaders in many organisations and one of the greatest is the University s own Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne " Elsewhere in the Honours List education expert Dorothy Heathcote who already has an Honorary Doctor of Education from the University of Derby for her work inspiring a generation of teachers receives an MBE and actor writer and comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor who is an Honorary Doctor of the University receives an OBE for services to light entertainment

The Student Voice Is Getting Stronger 1 July 2010 It is vital that the University responds to student feedback and gives our students the best experience possible so we have been building our mechanisms for listening to the student voice over the last few years Over the year students now have a number of opportunities to tell us what they think including:

Programme Rep Conference The conference gives all of our Programme Reps the opportunity to have their say on the big current issues and grill our panel of senior managers in the very popular panel debate Programme Reps need to register with the Students Union by emailing ami lewis@udsu co uk to get their invite to this event

Feedback and the National Student Survey We run our internal Feedback campaign alongside the National Student Survey (NSS) to make sure all our students get the chance to have their say Departments and faculties produce action plans based on the results This year saw the biggest response we ve ever had to our internal Feedback survey with over 1 600 student responses We also surpassed our institutional target for the National Student Survey achieving a 66 11 per cent overall response rate

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) The survey was launched this year and focuses on the experiences of postgraduate students a group with specialist needs and expectations This is an area where the University looks to grow

iGraduate Another survey launched this year iGraduate collects the opinions of our international students The survey is internationally recognised as a sign of quality and will help us to identify areas for improvement It is particularly important for us to understand the needs of our international students as this is a key area in which the University can seek to grow in the future

Strategic Approach In the past students have complained about being over-surveyed and so Student Voice is now taking a more strategic approach We re often restricted because of the timescales dictated by external agencies but we re doing our best to makes sure messages are carefully targeted We re also making sure that students see the results of their feedback through our You said it We did it communications www derby ac uk/YSIWDI so that they feel that getting involved is worthwhile At Derby we pride ourselves on putting students at the heart of everything we do These mechanisms alongside those that happen at a more local level such as programme questionnaires make sure that we re continuously ahead of the game and able to be proactive as well as responsive

There is still a place for the careers advisor, says University of Derby 7 March 2014 As debate rages over careers advice in schools researchers at the University of Derby say evidence confirms that careers professionals should be at the heart of any approach to supporting young people s futures This week (Thursday) Business Secretary Vince Cable was the latest minister to criticise current careers advice practices stating that teachers know absolutely nothing about the world of work Speaking to hundreds of senior figures in the manufacturing industry Mr Cable claimed Government schemes to get students interested in careers were being thwarted by an underlying problem - and he pointed the finger at teachers themselves In a report commissioned by Careers England University of Derby Visiting Professor Tony Watts confirms there are in fact many problems with how careers guidance in schools is delivered But it also recognises that many of these problems have resulted from recent Government policy This has included the abolition of the Connexions careers advice service the loss of statutory duties for career education and work experience and the fact that schools have been asked to take on this new role with no funding or advice And the research also points out that there is still a valid place for careers professionals Dr Tristram Hooley Reader in Career Development at the University of Derby said: "Our research suggests that the ideal model of career guidance in schools would be based around a careers professional "This person could provide support to young people help teachers to understand how their subjects link to the world of work and facilitate employer contributions to schools " Dr Hooley urged the Government to provide greater clarity to schools on how careers advice should be provided He said: "Given that the Government is currently revising the guidance it provides to schools it is important that it listens to the evidence in this area "We need a clear statement from Government that schools should support young people to think about and plan for their futures Such support should include the involvement of a careers professional subject teachers employers and other perspectives from outside the school " For the full Careers England report entitled Recent Developments on the Roles of Employers and of Careers Professionals: A Pivotal Phase in Determining Future Careers Provision for Young People visit website For further press information or interviews please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Think Enterprise, Think Derby 10 January 2006 Academics at the University of Derby are taking a lead in championing the value of enterprise within the region More than 120 people attended a major conference entitled Energising Enterprise Education (3Es) which took place in the Toyota Suite at Pride Park Derby on Friday organised by the University s Faculty of Business Computing and Law The event was attended by University staff and delegates representing the business and education community throughout the East Midlands including key strategy groups such as EMSEN (East Midlands Science and Enterprise Network) EMSEN was so impressed it says Derby s work in this area should be hailed as a trailblazer for other higher education institutions across the UK Bob Gibbs Chairman of EMSEN said: "I have written to Bob Handscombe and Peter Winter from the UK Science Enterprise Challenge singing the praises of the event which created great energy and saying this is a great model for other higher education institutes to emulate " A core theme of the 3Es event was highlighting the University s role in stimulating enterprise and economic growth in the region by working with businesses education and community organisations Key speakers included Mr Gibbs University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne Peter DeFrank General Manager of Enterprise Rent a Car Dr David Rae Head of the University s Centre for Entrepreneurial Management and Professor Martin Binks Director of the Nottingham Institute for Enterprise and Innovation Dr Rae said: "It was an excellent event It puts the University of Derby on the map as a leader in stimulating enterprise in the region Speakers stressed the vital role of the university as the key educational economic development partner in enterprise innovation knowledge transfer and skills enhancement keen to further links with other organisations "It is an extremely important topic Enterprising learning connects to the region s skills agenda - promoting innovative methods of learning teaching and assessment together with employability " Delegates took part in workshops such as creative enterprise and building business and community networks They also engaged in role play to convey different aspects of enterprise such as innovation and product design One of them Joy Clews Principal of Bishop Grosseteste College based in Lincoln said: "The event was both informative and stimulating and has resulted in a new list of enterprising ideas for implementation at the college " For more details about the work of the University s Centre for Entrepreneurial Management telephone Dr Rae on 01332 591420 or visit www derby ac uk -endsFor any other information please contact the University of Derby s Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via email at pressoffice@derby ac uk Alternatively write to: University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Thousands Flock To University's Largest Ever Open Day 23 November 2013 More than 4 000 people visited the University of Derby s Open Day today (November 23) when prospective students and their families arrived to explore its Kedleston Road site University staff served more than 10 000 teas and coffees transported 1 000 people to and from Derby train station arranged over 30 coach trips to halls of residence and ensured that 1 200 cars could park on campus New additions to the event were tours related to two courses making their debut at Derby in September 2014 Potential students for the BA (Hons) Sports Management course which will be delivered in partnership with Derby County Football Club visited the stadium at Pride Park Those considering the BA (Hons) Dance course were taken to Deda in the city centre Visitors were also taken to the University s other Derby sites at Markeaton Street Britannia Mill and Derby Theatre A series of talks and presentations ran throughout the day to give prospective students an insight into courses of interest to them and information on student life Student ambassadors also led hundreds of campus tours for visitors Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby said: "Our Open Days are always a big event and I am delighted with the incredible number of visitors that we have seen today Each year the University rises further up the national rankings and our popularity is growing "Open days provide students considering coming to our University with a fantastic opportunity to get a real feel for the place as well as finding out more about the courses they re particularly interested in " For more information on attending University of Derby Open Days go to website http://www derby ac uk/study/opendays/ See social media feedback about the event here: http://storify com/derbyunievents/open-day-23november ENDS For further press information please contact: Alice Oliver Head of Corporate Relations University of Derby Email: a oliver@derby ac uk or call 01332 592032

Three Degrees Triumph For Brothers 16 September 2011 Three brothers who swapped the building trade for degree study at the University of Derby will graduate together next January Joiners Carl 33 and Darren Bennett 28 both did the BEng (Hons) Civil and Infrastructure Engineering degree while their plumber brother Levi Buttigieg 23 (who chose to take his Maltese grandfather s surname) studied a BSc (Hons) Chemical Biology degree All completed their studies this summer 2011 and received a 2:1 grade Their proud parents Chris Bennett and Francesca Vallely and the rest of the family will be on hand to see all three graduate at the University of Derby s Awards ceremony January 2012 Darren of Chaddesden said: "We all went into the building trade straight from school Carl and I as joiners and Levi as a plumber "I always felt I wanted to go back into studying at some point and then Levi began an Access to Higher Education Diploma at the University of Derby before joining his degree That inspired Carl and I both to do a surveying course before beginning our Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree courses as part time students "We have supported each other throughout our studying but it has been quite difficult " Although learning part time while working the brothers did enough course modules to be classed as full time meaning they all completed their studies in three to four years Darren and Carl now work as Technical Advisers for the University s Civil Engineering courses teaching other students and Levi is a Laboratory Technician for a company in Shardlow Darren added: "I think that studying at the same time did help us There was a bit of healthy competition and we encouraged each other to finish our courses I wanted to get at least a 2:1 grade " Carl also of Chaddesden said: "It s been the most difficult thing I ve ever had to do but at the same time the most rewarding I ve now received a 2:1 class degree in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering and achieved technical membership status within the Institution of Civil Engineers " Levi of Breadsall said: "I had always wanted to do something more challenging Now I m working as a Laboratory Technician for the food industry " Professor Philip Plowden University Pro Vice-Chancellor added: "The University is delighted to celebrate the brothers successes They have obtained outstanding results in their degrees even though they had the additional challenge of continuing to work while they studied "They provide a valuable demonstration of the way in which higher education can transform people s lives and our best wishes go out to them in their new careers " For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Time to impress at University's business interns showcase event 29 April 2014 American basketball star Alex Dorr has gone from playing against the clock to working for a world expert in manufacturing them - thanks to his University of Derby Business course Iowa-born Alex - who stands at 6ft 7ins tall - plays professionally for the Derby Trailblazers basketball club while also studying for a Masters (MSc) degree in International Business at the University under a player study deal run by it and the Derbyshire Institute of Sport Alex s current internship conducting business research for globally known clockmaker Smith of Derby is typical of the valuable real world experience placements its students are routinely given - and an event next week (Thursday May 8) will encourage even more leading businesses to take on University students as interns The Derby Business School Showcase event will be held from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday May 8 at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby (DE22 1GB) Representatives of employers such as Smith of Derby Lloyds Bank the Irongate Group Cherry Recruitment and Smith Cooper will have the opportunity to meet Business Marketing Human Resources Accounting and Finance students based within the University s Derby Business School and those on other courses to see how they might be of use within their organisation Examples of the students research projects and other work will be on display and there will be presentations from leading employers - including Bob Betts Managing Director of Smith of Derby - on how beneficial their company has found it working with the University and its students Commenting on his internship Alex Dorr 23 said: "So far at Smith of Derby I ve been able to incorporate many of the theories we ve studied during my University of Derby Master s degree and put them into practice I ve also been able to use the leadership foundation I learned at my previous internship in a US consultancy firm "The University in collaboration with Smith of Derby have been the perfect organisations to allow me to further my education and gain valuable business experience while still continuing my basketball career " Bev Crighton Employer Engagement Lead for the University added: "Interns and placement students who come from outside to work at a company or organisation can bring a fresh perspective and new ideas with them We often find that temporary interns make such a good impression they are taken on permanently after they have completed their studies "We hope that employers will come to our free open event to see how our students can benefit from working with them and vice-versa " Contact Bev Crighton direct on email: b crighton@derby ac uk or call on 01332 591813 or mobile 07717 347226 For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Time To Shwop Til You Drop 20 May 2014 University of Derby employees are being encouraged to streamline their wardrobes and de-clutter their drawers by taking part in Shwop at Work a national charity initiative organised by M&S in aid of Oxfam Taking part is simple; on Friday 13 June there will be a Shwop at Work stand in the Atrium (Kedleston Road site) from 10am - 3pm All you need to do is bring along any unwanted clothing shoes and accessories you d like to donate and in return you ll receive a £5 M&S voucher* All garments will be given to Oxfam to be resold in the UK reused in international markets where there is demand for example warm coats in Eastern Europe or summer clothes in Africa or recycled; high quality material can be made into new fabric and low quality will be used for things like loft insulations mattress filling or carpet underlay Not a single item goes to landfill! Rosie Marshalsay Head of External Relations at the University of Derby said: "We got involved with the Shwop campaign last year and thanks to the generosity of University staff were able to donate far more bags of clothes than Oxfam was expecting "In fact out of the 66 participating organisations we were in the top 20 in terms of quantity of clothes collected The aim is to collect even more this year but to do this we need your help so please join the Shwopping Revolution dig out your unwanted items and help us to support this fantastic cause " If you re not able to get to the Kedleston Road site on the day don t worry as there will be dedicated drop off points at the other University of Derby sites (details to be confirmed nearer the time of the event) *to use when you spend over £35 on clothing home or beauty

Tony brings literary giant back to life in prize-winning paper on death and tourism 13 May 2014 A study at the University of Derby Buxton has shown that dark tourism - where people visit sites of murder and the macabre - has a much longer history than previously thought The research by Dr Tony Johnston won an award for bringing work by American writer Mark Twain back to life in a ground-breaking paper Twain regaled American readers in his book The Innocents Abroad with tales of his 1867 tour of Europe and the Holy Land including visits to Rome s catacombs a morgue in Paris and Christian shrines An analysis of Twain s reactions argues that the growing industry of thanatourism from the Greek word for death - which today covers everything from Whitby s Goth Weekend to tours of Auschwitz is not just a modern phenomenon His paper Mark Twain and The Innocents Abroad: illuminating the tourist gaze on death has been rated as Outstanding by Emerald Group Publishing Limited the world s leading scholarly publisher of business and management journals and books It will be used by the International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research as an example of how to write a high-quality paper Twain s book demonstrated a long-standing appetite for gruesome sights In Paris where the morgue was visited as if it were a theatre he saw a crowd disappointed at the sight of a drowned man Twain dryly commented: "Now this don t afford you any satisfaction - a party with his head shot off is what you need " Dr Johnston said: "Twain s contemplation of death far beyond living memory illustrates that reflection on thanatourism may benefit from looking beyond the postmodern "At various points he is fascinated yet at others he is disinterested amused frustrated and even deeply uncomfortable "For Twain the dead were not simply a number a newspaper headline or a line in a guidebook They were real people; fathers mothers siblings friends and enemies " Ken Hyde of Emerald Publishing said the paper proved that a second reading of historic accounts provided rich insights: "Tony Johnston reminds us that dark tourism has a long human history "

Toolkits Will Widen Higher Education Participation Across The UK 18 December 2012 Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) toolkits developed by academics at the University of Derby will be available to universities across the UK to help them recruit students from disadvantaged backgrounds HEFCE and the Higher Education Academy launch the toolkit publications at the Widening Participation 2012 and Beyond event at the London School of Economics today (December 18 2012) The toolkits were compiled by academics at the University of Derby's International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) and The Progression Trust They will be available to every higher education provider in the UK to support effective strategy management and delivery of outreach work to encourage the progression to higher education for students from all backgrounds The toolkits draw together existing approaches to outreach including those developed by the Aimhigher partnerships and re-contextualise them for a new era of widening participation They focus on four themes: targeting activities partnership building delivering programmes and undertaking evaluation Heather Fry Director of Education Participation and Students at HEFCE said: "The UK education system has recently undergone considerable change and with it the nature of widening participation practice has shifted "The content of the toolkits reflects this change adapting and reframing the learning from previous programmes such as Aimhigher We very much hope that the guidance materials and practical ideas and tools prove to be useful for those working in widening participation and serve as a basis for further innovation " Speaking at the launch event Professor Les Ebdon Director of Fair Access to Higher Education commented: "Universities and colleges plan to invest more than £110million in outreach by the academic year 2016 -17 and these highly practical toolkits will help them get the best return from that investment "For example I m very pleased that one of the toolkits focuses on the challenge of evaluating outreach activities so that universities know what works best and can concentrate their efforts accordingly This is essential to a good access strategy " Dr Tristram Hooley from the University's International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) added: "At the University of Derby we have great expertise in supporting learners from diverse backgrounds to be successful in higher education "When we were creating the toolkits we drew on this experience and combined it with the best of what we found across the UK We hope that all universities across the UK will find them useful as they rethink their outreach strategies in the light of all of the changes in higher education " To see the toolkits visit www heacademy ac uk/resources/detail/WP_outreach_toolkits/all For more on ICEGS visit www derby ac uk/icegs and for more on the Office for Fair Access visit www offa org uk

Top Award For UDSU 25 February 2011 For the last two years the University of Derby Students Union has been working towards the SUEI (Students Union Evaluation Initiative) benchmark - and has now achieved it Its Bronze Award recognizes the development of the Union over the last two years in its efforts to improve the lives of its members the students of the University of Derby The SUEI is growing in stature as the way for a Students Union to measure its impact and demonstrate its value to its members and the University Critically for the Union the organization could demonstrate through market research that students felt it was making more of a positive difference to students experience than two years before The Union recognizes that every student officer and staff member has had a role to play in achieving this award during the last two years and wants to thank them all for their positive contribution Caleb Jackson UDSU President said: "It s made me immensely proud to have been President of the Union while it took part in the SUEI initiative I believe the Bronze Award is both very deserving and provides a platform for future development " In a changing higher education landscape of increased fees the importance and viability of Students Unions is key They play a watchdog style role on campuses ensuring students voices are heard regarding all aspects of the Student Experience

Top Award For University's IT Crowd 14 November 2013 IT experts at the University of Derby beat major rivals including Transport for London and Virgin Media to a top accolade at the 2013 UK IT Industry Awards The University s Information Technology (IT) Services department won in the Network/Infrastructure Project of the Year category at the Awards finalists dinner last night (November 13) at the Battersea Park Events Arena in London Others shortlisted were Transport for London the Olympic Delivery Authority/BT Lloyds Banking Group Virgin Media Network Rail Nominet Accenture and RBS Superfast Cornwall and Liverpool Direct Derby had also been shortlisted in three other category awards; Best Use of Cloud Services IT Employer of the Year and for Chief Information Officer of the Year (for University Director of IT Services Neil Williams) The annual Awards recognising excellence in the IT industry are regularly attended by more than 1 000 guests This was the second year in a row that the University of Derby s IT Services department had been shortlisted for the Awards Derby won the Network/Infrastructure Project of the Year Award for its work in 2012 on a major programme of work; to significantly enhance its IT network infrastructure and associated services across its sites in Derby Buxton and at the Leek campus of Buxton and Leek College This improved the network s reliability and its services increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and helped reduce the risk of service loss Neil Williams Director of IT Services at the University of Derby said: "We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for these prestigious Awards and won the Network/Infrastructure Project of the Year category "My department has successfully delivered strategic projects which the University invested in because they are seen as crucial to the success of the organisation s mission to supply excellent services to students enabled by high quality and now nationally recognised IT provision " For further press information contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Top Civil Servant Meets Derby Students 7 March 2011 The UK s top civil servant and Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O Donnell visited the University of Derby this afternoon to talk to students about their career opportunities and aspirations Sir Gus is Cabinet Secretary with overall responsibility for ensuring the Civil Service provides effective and efficient support to the Prime Minister and the Government In this role since 2005 he has worked under Tony Blair Gordon Brown and current Prime Minister David Cameron Sir Gus is also Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office He was visiting the city of Derby today and as part of his visit met students and staff who work in the University s Career Development Centre Among the topics on the agenda included careers in the Civil Service - where students could ultimately end up working for him - and the Fast Stream graduate recruitment scheme Derby graduate Sarah Nattrass who works in the Civil Service and studied Zoology at the University also spoke about her career to date and her involvement in the Fast Stream scheme In his role as Head of the Civil Service Sir Gus is accountable for ensuring that it is equipped with the skills and capability to meet the challenges it faces every day And as Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office his overarching purpose is making government work better Sir Gus was born and raised in London and holds a degree in economics at the University of Warwick and an MPhil degree at Nuffield College in Oxford starting his career as a lecturer before becoming an economist in the Treasury in 1979 He has worked for the British Embassy and held Press Secretary posts for both the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1989) and the Prime Minister (1990-94) He then held senior economic posts with the International Monetary Fund the World Bank and the Treasury before becoming the Permanent Secretary of the Treasury in 2002 three years later succeeding Sir Andrew Turnbull (now Lord Turnbull of Enfield) in his present role He became the first Cabinet Secretary to work in an open plan office One of his key aims is to build a professional diverse and flexible Civil Service that meets the needs of our increasingly diverse society by recruiting graduates from all backgrounds Christine Dare Employability Development Co-ordinator within the University of Derby s Career Development Centre said: "We were delighted to welcome Sir Gus O Donnell Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service "It was an excellent opportunity which raised awareness of the Civil Service particularly focussing opportunities for graduates in the Fast Stream scheme and in the wider Civil Service " Find out more about the Fast Stream scheme For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Top Customer Service Award For University's Accommodation Team 11 February 2014 The team looking after student and business accommodation at the University of Derby has achieved a top national customer service accreditation Derbyshire Student Residences Ltd (DSRL) - known to students as Student Living - manages University owned student halls and monitors the quality of outside lettings provided by private landlords It has been granted the Customer First Standard a national accreditation only awarded after organisations customer services have been closely inspected Following the Customer First Standard inspection "fantastic areas of strength" were highlighted for the University in looking after the needs of students and those booking its halls accommodation outside term time including a new training programme for all Student Living staff and a booklet telling customers the level of service they could expect It means that Derby halls of residence can use the Customer First Standard logo on promotional materials relating to their services Mark Travers Operations Director for Derbyshire Student Residences Ltd said: "This award is a tribute to the work University staff have done in developing the way we build customer relations increasing awareness of the services we offer and improving their professional knowledge "Student Living has particularly improved its customer service training through the Accommodating People course we ve been running for staff from halls cleaners through to senior managers in association with the Customer Plus group " More information about the University of Derby s accommodation services can be found on website www derby ac uk/student-accommodation

Top Derbyshire Athletes Among Finalists For 2013 Derbyshire Sports Awards 29 October 2013 Some of Derbyshire s top performing athletes of the past year have been shortlisted for the 2013 Derbyshire Sports Awards sponsored by the University of Derby The contenders for the University of Derby Sportsperson of the Year award are Taekwondo world champion Kimberley Bradshaw and hurdler and sprinter Yasmin Miller who won European gold earlier this year 23-year-old Kimberley won a gold medal in the individual sparring at the World UITF Taekwondo Championships in August and captained the women s team to gold in the team sparring 18-year-old Yasmin won her first senior national medal a silver in the 60m hurdles at the UK Indoor Championships earlier this year Yasmin also won gold in the 100m hurdles at the England Athletics U20 Championships gaining selection for the European Junior Championships in Italy where she won gold as part of the GB 4x100m relay team Also among the finalists for the prestigious event are paratriathletes David Ellis and Phil Hogg David competes in the TRI 6b category for athletes with a partial visual impairment and won gold medals at both the British Championships and European Championships Phil competes in the TRI 1 category for athletes using a wheelchair and also took gold in the European Championships and British Championships In the International Golf Development Junior Sportsman of the Year category the contenders are Eric Ham and Aaron Cobley Judo competitor Eric is currently ranked No 2 in Great Britain and is a member of the England Judo Squad and the Elite Talent Squad He represented Great Britain at the European Cadet Championships and is three-time British Champion Taekwondo and kickboxing competitor Aaron this year gained podium positions in two world championships in two martial arts and won gold in the sparring at the British Championships In the Derby City Council Junior Sportswoman of the Year category the finalists are badminton player Grace King and swimmer Abbie Wood Grace won the girls singles event at the U13 English National Age Group Badminton Championships earlier this year becoming Derbyshire s first National Junior Champion in 12 years She also won bronze medals in the doubles and mixed doubles and is now a member of the England U15 Performance Squad Abbie won two gold medals and two silver for Team GB at the European Youth Olympic Festival and was selected as the Team GB flag bearer for the closing ceremony In February this year she also broke the British and English Age Group record for the 200m breaststroke The finalists in the Origination Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year category are swimmers George Henshaw and Lewis White George swam at the National Junior Disabled Championships after achieving qualifying times in the 50m freestyle breaststroke and backstroke Lewis won six gold medals and Top Boy at the National Junior Disability Championships Lewis also swam at the British Disability International Swimming Championships gaining a place in five finals The winners will be announced during an invite-only ceremony at The Roundhouse in Derby on Thursday November 14 where the guest speaker will be Olympic silver medallist and top BBC sports pundit Colin Jackson CBE Colin is an ambassador for Matrix Fitness which for the second year is a category sponsor and the sponsor of the drinks reception at the Derbyshire Sports Awards The University of Derby is the title sponsor of the event and other sponsors include the Derby Telegraph Derby City Council Origination Derbyshire County Council Cooper Parry International Golf Development Derby College the Community Sports Trust and Matrix Fitness University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "These Awards are a great way to showcase some of the inspiring work that is happening in sport across the county and to encourage others to get involved " Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager at the University said: "Sporting excellence achievement and the benefits of sport to health are high on our agenda and we are working hard to increase the number of students taking part in sport improve performance and increase opportunities for all " Event organisers Derbyshire Sport resurrected the awards in 2006 in recognition of the importance of paying tribute to the wealth of sporting talent in the county District awards ceremonies have been held across the county with winners from each district going forward to be considered for the Derbyshire Sports Awards Cllr Paul Smith Chair of Derbyshire Sport said: "Derbyshire has a wealth of sporting talent and clubs coaches and volunteers who all do such great work and the Derbyshire Sports Awards are a way of recognising these efforts "My congratulations go to everyone who has made it this far in the awards process and to all the winners and nominees at district level I wish all the finalists the very best of luck " Full details of the nominees in all 11 categories are below FULL LIST OF FINALISTS: University of Derby Sportsperson of the Year Kimberley Bradshaw (North East Derbyshire - Taekwondo) Yasmin Miller (Derby - Athletics) University of Derby Disabled Sportsperson of the Year David Ellis (Amber Valley - Paratriathlon) Phil Hogg (Amber Valley - Paratriathlon) International Golf Development Junior Sportsman of the Year Eric Ham (High Peak - Judo) Aaron Cobley (Chesterfield - Taekwondo and Kickboxing) Derby City Council Junior Sportswoman of the Year Grace King (Amber Valley - Badminton) Abbie Wood (High Peak - Swimming) Origination Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year George Henshaw (Amber Valley - Swimming) Lewis White (South Derbyshire - Swimming) Cooper Parry Club of the Year Darley Dale Cricket Club (Derbyshire Dales - Cricket) Hilton Harriers Football Club (South Derbyshire - Football) Derby College Community Coach of the Year Sarah Ball (Bolsover - Girls Football) Sean White (Erewash - Trampolining) Matrix Fitness Performance Coach of the Year James Boxall (Amber Valley - Badminton) Andi Manley (South Derbyshire - Swimming) Derbyshire County Council Young Sports Leader/Young Coach of the Year Rajveer Bual (Derby - Volleyball) Fletcher Smith (Amber Valley - Rugby) Derby Telegraph Service to Sport Award Helen Akers (Erewash - Swimming) Neil Kellogg (Derby - Cricket) Community Sports Trust Active Workplace Award Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust South Derbyshire District Council

Top Entrepreneur To Open Fashion Show 17 May 2007 Rachel Elnaugh one of the UK’s highest profile entrepreneurs is to open this year’s University of Derby Graduate Fashion Show The annual Fashion Show celebrates and showcases the cream of talent from the University’s BA (Hons) Fashion Studies course The Derby Graduate Fashion Show 2007 will take place on Thursday May 24 at 2pm at the Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s Gateway Centre followed by an Evening Gala Performance at 8pm The University is delighted that Rachel a new resident of Bakewell Derbyshire will open the event to help inspire some of the fashion designers of tomorrow One of the original panel members in BBC TV s BAFTA nominated cult business show Dragons’ Den Rachel created the Red Letter Days brand which generated £100m in turnover in the 16 years that she ran it Despite being portrayed as a cynical and ruthless Dragon on our TV screens in real life Rachel is passionate about inspiring motivating and helping others to achieve business success As well as regularly talking to aspiring entrepreneurs at business events around the country she has also just launched a free profiling service via her website www rachelelnaugh com aimed at helping entrepreneurs understand which type of business opportunity they would be most successful at She said: "Fashion is one of the most difficult and competitive sectors for any aspiring entrepreneur to enter and I am proud to have been asked to support this event to showcase the talent which is coming through the University from our next generation of designers “Britain is a nation of wealth creators and it is vital that we have institutions such as the University of Derby actively encouraging and grooming our future talent in what is a highly competitive international marketplace " The catwalk presentation will feature 33 individual creative women’s men’s and children’s wear collections There will also be dynamic static displays that show the achievements of the marketing promotion and styling projects Other highlights will include BBC Radio Derby presenter Aleena Naylor who will be the compère of the show and there will also be a vocal performance from top R’n’B singer Ny Fiona Hawthorne Fashion Studies Lecturer at the University said: “The event shows the diversity of the Fashion Studies course and how our students are nurtured and encouraged to follow their own direction “Our graduates work will be supported by exciting collections from first and second year students which show their making and design skills The show is also proud to present ‘Black is the new Black’ a collection that featured beside top designers at Alternative Fashion Week in London ” The Fashion Studies course at Derby produces graduates that go into all aspects of the fashion industry including design pattern cutting product development buying merchandising styling and marketing And Fashion Studies students have been busy preparing for this year’s event and have had support and sponsorship from a number of companies including the Toyota dealership Inchcape as key supporters HSS Buxton Water and internally from the University’s Campaigns Office Marketing department and catering firm Scolarest NEWS EXTRA: Graduate Fashion Week London All of the students work will also feature at Graduate Fashion Week in London Derby will be one of the 47 universities to present a static exhibition which will feature all 42 graduating students For more details about the course at Derby visit: www derby ac uk/fashionstudies -endsFor more details please contact Simon Redfern Senior Press and PR Officer University of Derby on 01332 591942 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Top Legal Interview Battle Is Something To Talk About 27 February 2013 Legal eagles from the University of Derby will compete against fellow student lawyers from the UK in the finals of a contest to judge how well they can advise clients facing court cases The annual Client Interviewing Competition for England & Wales tests the ability of two-person Law student teams to interview and counsel clients - by having them advise an actor playing someone with a serious legal problem - exactly as they would when in professional practice University of Derby Law students Samantha Hand and Yasmin Jivraj won their regional heat and will now take part in the national finals at Cardiff University on Saturday 2 March They will face eight teams from the universities of Cardiff Keele Kent Newcastle Plymouth Sussex Winchester and from City University In the finals each team will interview a client involved with a case - as either a victim or defendant involving serious crimes against the person ; a category which can include unprovoked attacks wounding with a weapon or even attempted murder The England and Wales contest s winning team could then go on to compete against student teams from around 20 other countries in a further battle Derby s team for the 2013 Client Interviewing Competition for England & Wales are both second-year students on the University s LL B (Bachelor of Laws) Honours degree course Samantha 22 originally from Milton Keynes said: "The whole competition has been a truly fantastic experience Not only has it developed my understanding of legal issues but it has given me a glimpse into what life in practice will be like " Yasmin 20 originally from Ashby-de-la-Zouch added: "I want to go into family law We had counsellors on the competition judging panel who were very helpful in explaining how when interviewing someone it s not just about your knowledge of the law but also how you explain things to clients and empathise with them " David Hodgkinson LL B course Stage One Tutor at the University of Derby said: "This is a really tough annual competition which this year was entered by a record 30 university law teams so I m proud of Samantha and Yasmin for reaching the finals; especially when they were often up against more experienced students "A lawyer s skill at arguing a case in court which we often see dramatised on TV and in films is obviously important but so is their ability to talk to clients before a court case begins clearly explaining their options and what is going to happen " The winning team on 2 March will receive a trophy and prize from the national Law Society s Advocacy Training Sub-Committee They can then go on to compete in the 2013 Brown-Mosten International Client Consultation Competition which can feature student law teams from around 20 countries competing for the top spot The 2013 international contest will be held at the University of Glasgow from 3 to 6 April For more information about the annual 2013 Client Interviewing Competition for England & Wales view website www clientinterviewing com For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Top marks for University of Derby Corporate 15 January 2014 Delighted businesses rate the work based learning programmes at University of Derby Corporate (UDC) so highly they have scored them a perfect 10 in a survey An impressive 100% of clients said they would work with UDC the University s work based learning division again and recommend it to others UDC works with organisations to develop higher level skills in their workforces and was recognised as being professional friendly and flexible in the survey Clients include Toyota Sally Beauty Holdings Center Parcs Waterstones and the NHS Sally Beauty Holdings a supplier of beauty products approached UDC to accredit its professional hair and beauty academy training programmes in Hair Beauty Sales and Service This added value to the company s in-house training as learners also now achieve a university qualification So far 96% of learners from the first group of students feel the programme has helped them provide advice that leads to a positive customer experience and repeat business The newly-adapted courses have also given them more self-confidence Angela Gibbins learning and development manager UK for Sally Beauty Holdings UK & Ireland said: "UDC s commitment to achieving our common goals has been instrumental in establishing a clear structure and process for students to follow They are clearly committed to delivering quality programmes that drive academic achievement for individuals " The client satisfaction survey also revealed: • The ability to tailor learning programmes to clients needs value for money and quality of service are the top three reasons clients choose to work with UDC; • Clients recognise University of Derby Corporate s learning programmes make a major contribution to generating a positive culture for learning and progression; and • More than 50% of clients surveyed reported the learning programme had a real positive impact on staff engagement and motivation Carol Steed Acting Head of UDC said: "Our track record of delivering work based learning solutions is impressive and we enable our partner employers to achieve positive and tangible changes The results of the survey endorse this "For many learners they ve gone much further than they could have imagined and that has given them confidence This has a positive impact on the company and is vital in order to create the leaders and managers we need for the future " For more information visit www derby ac uk/corporate Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Top NUS Role For Derby Student 11 April 2013 The University of Derby is proud to announce that its Students' Union's (UDSU) current Vice President Dom Anderson has been elected to the National Union of Students' National Executive Committee Dom 26 from Sinfin Derby will become the Vice President Society and Citizenship for the NUS representing higher and further education students across the UK He won by an overwhelming margin at the NUS elections held in Sheffield on Tuesday April 9 with 586 votes out of a total 793 votes Dom Anderson said: "I m really pleased to have the opportunity to represent so many students and it s down to the strong relationship between the University of Derby and its Students Union that I felt confident enough to put myself into the national arena " The University s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "This is a great outcome for Dom and a role that we know he will carry out with distinction We send him our congratulations and very best wishes as he takes up his new role " The newly elected President of the NUS is Toni Pearce Toni became the first NUS president not to have attended university For more on the University of Derby s Students Union visit www udsu co uk

Top players signed up by Team Derby 4 June 2014 Team Derby has taken the first steps for the new National Badminton League (NBL) by snapping up GB players Rajiv Ouseph Andy Ellis and Kate Robertshaw at auction The auction for the UK s first ever NBL was held at the Stadium:MK in Milton Keynes on Monday and saw the six franchise teams battle it out for the top players in the country Team Derby revealed they were delighted to secure men s singles player and Commonwealth Games Silver medallist Rajiv Ouseph World Top 20 doubles player Andy Ellis and doubles players Kate Robertshaw and Chris Coles as they start to plot how they can win the league The NBL is a great opportunity for sports fans to get behind their local team and see the nation s favourite racket sport in action Donna Kellogg Head Coach at Team Derby said: "It s been a really fantastic event and we are really pleased with who we have been able to secure "Andy Ellis is a fantastic doubles player Rajiv is a European Silver medallist and brilliant role model and is definitely someone that people in Derby are going to look forward to watch "Kate Robertshaw is a very good doubles player and Chris Coles is a young up-and-coming player It will be fantastic for all four to represent Team Derby " The NBL teams will play each other on monthly matchnights to be broadcast live on Sky Sports and streamed around the world from 6 October 2014 There will then be one-day knockout competition featuring the top four teams in June 2015 The first season will consist of the following franchise teams: • Birmingham Lions • Team Derby • Loughborough Sport • University of Nottingham Badminton • Surrey Smashers • MK Badminton Watch a video of the auction here: Much of the proposed investment would be in and around the Market Hall indoor market area Around 100 incubation units for start-up businesses are already supplied by the University in key locations close to the city centre and any resulting from the new bid would be in addition to those In the video Professor Huw Davies - Dean of the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology at the University - says of the Derby Portas Fund bid: "I think this is a really exciting and innovative project "Not only does it breathe life and vibrancy back into this wonderful building (the Market Hall) but it also creates an opportunity for young entrepreneurs of the future and particularly those working in the creative industries " Erica Godfrey a third-year University Fashion Studies degree student talks on the film about the importance of giving young people with the skills to establish their own enterprise more business help Also on the video narrated by Martin Langsdale Chairman of the Cathedral Quarter Improvement District Management Group appears Derby City Council Chief Executive Adam Wilkinson and Janine Bone for Derby Westfield News of the Derby bid was covered by ITV s Daybreak this morning (Friday March 30) and locally by the Derby Telegraph The 12 locations chosen to receive a share of the £1m Portas Fund money will be announced by the Government in May (2012)

University And School Celebrate Partnership With Day Of Learning 28 May 2013 Primary school children at a Derbyshire school learned how to build solid structures out of paper created bumper stickers in German made their own books and even portrayed fun at the fairground through dance during a day of activity at the University of Derby Pupils aged six to ten from Fairmeadows Foundation Primary School in Swadlincote spent the day at the University s Kedleston Road site on May 21 enjoying a host of activities led by University Teacher Educators and trainee teachers The 32 children enjoyed dance science and engineering language and English workshops to celebrate the partnership between the BEd (Hons) degree at Derby and Fairmeadows Foundation Primary School which hosts many Derby students on their training placements Claire Scott the University s Senior Lecturer in Education said: "We wanted to invite Fairmeadows staff and pupils to the University as a way of thanking them for their continued support of our students "We have a very strong relationship with the school Our trainee teachers regularly undertake placements there and members of the School s senior management team have been involved in the assessment of our students language and communication skills "The partnership and this day of workshops has been extremely valuable to our students giving them vital skills in the classroom and in developing teaching materials The day was a wonderful celebration of that learning and we thoroughly enjoyed working with such enthusiastic children " Head Teacher at Fairmeadows Foundation Primary School Clare Hodson-Walker added: "Our children had a brilliant day at the University and thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities that they took part in We have a great relationship with the University and appreciate the opportunities that the partnership has enabled us to create "We have been working to raise aspirations and show the children what they can achieve This visit has given our pupils a fantastic chance to experience of Higher Education and what prospects are out there for them if they aim high and set themselves a goal " Find out more about studying Education at the University of Derby at website www derby ac uk/education

University and Slimming World tackle obesity with weighty research partnership 2 July 2014 The University of Derby is set to partner with Slimming World - the UK s leading weight management organisation - in a special new appointment that it hopes will have a real impact on the UK s battle against obesity The new partnership will see Professor James Stubbs research specialist for Alfreton-based Slimming World and a renowned obesity and satiety expert appointed to the Miles-Bramwell Chair in Behaviour Change and Weight Management at the University Figures show the UK has the highest levels of obesity in Europe with around one in four people having a Body Mass Index of 30kg/m² or more The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has talked about the importance of long-term behaviour change in its obesity guidance At the University Professor Stubbs will focus research on behaviour change and long-term weight maintenance He will look at how to engage more people in making changes to their behaviour as well as promote the long-term maintenance of those changes by helping people to cope with relapses Professor Stubbs will also find ways to implement these solutions on a national and international scale through this partnership Professor Stubbs will mark his appointment with a public lecture on Wednesday July 9 at the University's Kedleston Road building from 6 30pm until 7 30pm Dr Chris Bussell Head of School of Science at the University of Derby said: "We are hearing more and more about the need to adopt positive lifestyle choices and currently the debate revolves around the need to more than halve the intake of added sugar in our diets to tackle the obesity crisis "Professor Stubbs appointment means we will be able to deliver multi-disciplinary research that has impacts on real life and will bring together expertise from across the University to focus on and address some of the key questions around behaviour change and weight management "This really is excellent news for both parties The fact we were chosen as a major partner shows that our research team is highly-rated in the commercial world and it gives Slimming World an academic partnership " The new chair is named after Slimming World s founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell who started the company in Alfreton in 1969 The company now has an infrastructure of 12 000 community-based support groups nationwide The chairmanship is initially for two years Prior to becoming the research specialist at Slimming World in 2006 Professor Stubbs spent 13 years at the Rowett Research Institute which he joined after receiving his PhD from Cambridge University He said: "This appointment represents a great opportunity to bring together academic insight and commercial application to generate new solutions that can make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of the general public "By working together we can combine the best applied research with large scale delivery of evidencebased behaviour change solutions to make a real difference to people s lives and help improve the health of the nation " For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

University Announces Derby Honorary Award Winners 27 November 2009 Man Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel CBE TV presenter Simon Groom and former soccer star Roy McFarland are among the six honorary award winners the University of Derby has announced today as part of its annual Awards Ceremonies in Derby Each year a selection of high achievers with links to Derbyshire are decorated with the academic honorary doctorates by the University as more than 2 000 students celebrate alongside them by collecting their own degree awards The University last week announced that businessman Gerry Beetles and cricketer Geoff Miller have been named as the honorary award winners at the Buxton Awards Ceremony to take place next Saturday December 5 And the University today names the six honorary award winners for its Derby Awards Ceremonies on Friday January 22 and Saturday January 23 at the Assembly Rooms in Derby:

Christoper Charlton - Honorary Doctor of the University Christopher Charlton is known for his work with the Arkwright Society as its former Director of Projects and in establishing Cromford Mill as part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Since the Society bought the Cromford Mill site from Derbyshire County Council in 1979 they have restored many of its Grade I listed buildings providing employment and training to local people

Peter Gadsby - Honorary Doctor of Business Administration Peter Gadsby is well known throughout Derby for his association with Derby County Football Club and was responsible for the building of the Pride Park stadium and development of the whole Pride Park commercial area He is undoubtedly one of the most successful businessmen and entrepreneurs in the county

Simon Groom - Honorary Master of the University Simon Groom is perhaps best known to the public as the co-presenter of Blue Peter from 1978 to 1986 the much admired educational programme for younger people But he is now equally well known for his high quality documentary programmes on fascinating and absorbing subjects ranging from steam locomotives to rodeo riding

Hilary Mantel CBE - Honorary Doctor of Letters A Derbyshire-born award winning novelist and significant essayist and reviewer for a wide range of journals both in Britain and America Her first novel - Every Day is Mother s Day - was published in 1985 and was inspired in part by her own experiences as a social work assistant at a geriatric hospital Her most recent novel - Wolf Hall - won the 2009 Man Booker Prize for Fiction She was made a CBE in 2006 (Hilary s image below is courtesy of John Haynes)

Roy McFarland - Honorary Master of the University Roy McFarland has lived in Derby for over 30 years since joining Derby County in 1967 He made over 400 league appearances for Derby and earned 28 caps for England He was a world class player and known as a gentleman of the game His managerial career included Derby County for two seasons Bolton Wanderers Cambridge United Torquay United and Chesterfield

Margaret Whitaker - Honorary Master of the University Founder and Chairman of Slimming World Margaret is not only a hugely successful business woman but working with both the Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust and others in order to take the wellness agenda forward She received an OBE in 2009 for services to the community in Derbyshire and to the field of weight management

University Announces Honorary Awards List 2 December 2008 The University of Derby today announces the recipients of its eight honorary awards as part of the forthcoming annual Awards Ceremonies in both Buxton and Derby Each year a selection of high achievers with links to Derbyshire are decorated with the academic honorary doctorates by the University as more than 2 000 students celebrate alongside them by collecting their own degree awards As annual highlights of the University’s calendar to celebrate student academic achievement the Buxton Awards Ceremony will be held this Saturday (December 6) with the Derby ceremonies taking place in late January

Derby Campaigner Jasvinder Sanghera and ITV editor-in-chief David Mannion head up the list of six honorary award winners at the Derby ceremonies to take place on January 23-24 at the Assembly Rooms in Derby Jasvinder Sanghera 43 is an accomplished campaigner speaker and writer on the subjects of forced marriage and honour based violence She is also project founder and director of Karma Nirvana a Derbybased support refuge charity helping mostly Asian men and women affected by these issues She was instrumental in the change in the law which came into force last month allowing a third party to apply to the courts for a Forced Marriage Protection Order preventing someone being taken abroad for or be forced into marriage Jasvinder received a national Women of the Year award in 2007 and last October won one of the UK Inspiration Awards through the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity Her autobiographical book Shame published in 2007 was a best seller and a follow-up volume is due shortly She is currently working on a University of Derby PhD researching ‘honour’ based violence Jasvinder lives in Derbyshire with her family She said: “I am absolutely delighted to hear that I am receiving an honorary doctor award from the University I am born and bred in Derby and it means so much to be awarded this ” Born and raised in Derby Jasvinder describes herself as living the normal life of a daughter of Indian born parents until they began to increasingly restrict her freedom She was shocked when they one day produced a photograph of a man she’d never seen before and told her this was her future husband Her sisters had previously been taken to India to marry and Jasvinder’s sister Robina was to commit suicide aged 24 by setting herself alight rather than leave a violent relationship With the help of the man she would later marry Jasvinder ran away from home aged 16 She initially believed her family would accept her decision but apart from a partial reconciliation with her mother shortly before she died Jasvinder remains estranged from them – but through her work has given hope and strength to thousands of people Derby-born David Mannion – who produces ITN News and famously secured Nelson Mandela’s first interview after his release from prison said: “It is a tremendous honour I am thrilled to hear about this award ” The other Derby honorary award winners are: John Tams - Honorary Doctor of Letters: Five times BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner and recognised nationally as a composer and performer of folk music for over 40 years promoting his Derbyshire origins within his work He is also a well known character actor Peter Gould - Honorary Master of Music: Peter Gould was appointed Master of Music at Derby Cathedral in 1983 Over the last 25 years he has created and established two choirs and has made a remarkable contribution not simply to the life of the Cathedral but to the cultural life of the City and the County as a whole Professor Robert Howie – Honorary Doctor of Science: An outstanding research scientist abstractor and author of the most widely known textbooks on mineralogy He is also one of the few scientists to have a mineral named in his honour (the Fe-Mn Silicate Howieite) John Knollys Bather – Honorary Doctor of the University: John has been Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire for 14 years He has given outstanding service that he has given to the University the City of Derby and the County of Derbyshire over a period of more than thirty years More details about the preparations for the Derby Awards Ceremonies will be announced in the coming weeks

Buxton At our Devonshire Campus in Buxton Andreas Kunzli and Joyce Ellis have been named as the honorary award winners for the Buxton Ceremonies this weekend – Saturday December 6 They join about 175 students preparing to collect their degree certificates bedecked in gowns and wearing mortar boards The event is set to include a non denominational service at St Anne’s Church in Terrace Road at 10 45am before a formal procession through the town at 11 25am led by the Chapel-en-le-Frith brass band back to the Devonshire Campus for the ceremony There is also an evening event hosted by the Students’ Union at the Railway Hotel Joyce receives an Honorary Degree of Master of Music award She is a former opera and concert singer who now works in choral education Before joining Opera North as a founder member in 1978 Joyce was a member of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera and the Glyndebourne Touring Opera She founded the Kinder Children’s Choirs of the High Peak in 1991 and her work enables young people from a variety of backgrounds to come together and work through exciting but tough rehearsals to produce programmes which are recognised as astounding And Dr Andreas Kunzli will be made a Doctor of Education He is a passionate advocate and provider of vocational education for the hospitality and tourism industry The student experience is his top priority He has successfully grown the Swiss Hotel Management School from an intake of just 20 students each year to over 2 500 students in 15 years and he has been in partnership with the University of Derby for ten years Around 200 students a year study on University of Derby Buxton programmes at the Leysin campus in Switzerland There will be reaction and pictures following our Buxton Awards Ceremonies on the University website -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or email: s redfern@derby ac uk

University Announces Honorary Graduates 15 October 2010 A Michelin starred chef and a renowned business guru will receive Honorary awards from the University of Derby Buxton at its Annual Awards Ceremony Chef Sat Bains will receive the Honorary award of Doctor of Professional Practice (HonDPr) and Mike Wright Professor of Financial Studies at the University of Nottingham s Business School will receive an Honorary award of Doctor of the University (Hon DUniv) at the graduation ceremony which takes place in the Campus s iconic Devonshire Dome on December 4 Chef and restaurateur Sat Bains was born in Derby and moved to Nottingham when he was 21 After passing his City and Guilds qualification he was chosen to be part of a team that opened the first of Raymond Blanc s brasseries A spell at L Escargot in London followed as well as a stint as head chef back in Nottingham In 1999 he won the Roux Scholarship which gave him the chance to work at a three Michelin-starred restaurant in the south of France He opened Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms in Nottingham in 2002 and was awarded a Michelin star the following year Since then the restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades including five AA Rosettes - the only restaurant in the 2009/2010 awards to have achieved this Sat Bains is recognised for his innovative style of cooking demonstrated when he was one of the winners on BBC Great British Menu in 2007 Proud of his Midlands roots he has long championed the use of local suppliers and selected artisan producers ensuring the place of the East Midlands on the gastronomic stage on both a national and international level In 2009 he was voted Chef s Chef of the Year by his peer group comprising the most important chefs in the country On hearing that he will become an honorary graduate of the University of Derby Buxton Sat Bains said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been recognised by the University in this way It is such an honour and all the more significant that it should come from the University in my hometown I m really looking forward to the ceremony and meeting my fellow graduates on the day " The second Honorary award will be given to Mike Wright Professor of Financial Studies at the University of Nottingham s Business School who was born in Fairfield Buxton and grew up in nearby Chapel-en-leFrith While in the sixth form at Chapel-en-le-Frith s New Mills Grammar School Mike recalls that he read an article in the District Bank Review and decided that research and writing was what he wanted to do This decision paid off and Mike has had a remarkable academic career in the field of entrepreneurial management buy-outs venture capital corporate governance in emerging markets and technology transfer He has authored or edited 54 books and some 326 of his academic papers have been published He is cited over 12 000 times on Google Scholar and was ranked first worldwide for publications in entrepreneurship from 1995 to 2006 by a paper presented at the 2009 Academy of Management Conference He has held many national and international editorial positions and he currently holds visiting professorships at Erasmus University University of Siena Imperial College E M Lyon and the University of Ghent Professor Mike Wright said: "I am delighted to be offered this award Having lived in Derbyshire virtually all my life I am both proud and humble to receive this recognition " Dr Peter Dewhurst Dean of the University of Derby Buxton said: "We look forward to receiving both Professor Wright and Sat Bains in December We want them to become part of the University as they both have links to the area and are inspirational to the young people who study on our Hospitality and Catering and Business courses " The conferment of Honorary awards is fundamentally about the formal recognition of individuals whose activities and achievements the University of Derby wishes to honour The awards are decided upon by the University of Derby s Honorary Awards Committee For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988 or email j colburn@derby ac uk

University Announces New Pro Vice-Chancellor 26 November 2009 The University of Derby has this week formally appointed Elizabeth (Liz) Barnes as a new Pro ViceChancellor Liz is currently Dean of the School of Social Sciences & Law at Teesside University which was crowned University of the Year at this year s Times Higher Education Awards in London - the Oscars of the higher education sector Liz takes over the reins from Professor Musa Mihsein on February 1 next year Professor Mihsein recently left Derby to become the Rector of the Arab Open University (AOU) - an equivalent post to that of a UK University Vice-Chancellor Liz has been Dean of the School of Social Sciences & Law at Teesside for five years during which time it has grown from 1 800 to over 6 000 students under her leadership Before that she was Deputy Dean of the School of Health & Social Care in which she took particular responsibility for NHS work She began her career as a school teacher and was Head of PE and Mathematics in the Midlands before commencing her HE career in the North East Besides undergraduate qualifications in Education she has a postgraduate qualification in Medical Sciences from the University of Sheffield Liz has been very active in the regional economy not least through leading the academic planning for a new Academy As a QAA institutional auditor she has knowledge of assurance matters and developments in the sector She has taken an institutional wide lead at Teesside in several areas of work of interest to Derby including sport e-learning (Chair of the HEA benchmarking exercise) and internationalisation She was the first Teaching Fellow at Teesside (1998) and is a graduate of the UK Higher Education Top Management Programme (cohort 11) Announcing her appointment University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "We are delighted to have made such an appropriate appointment from an extremely strong field We had great interest in the role and very high quality on both our long list and short list However there was no doubt that Liz was the outstanding candidate " Liz Barnes said: "I feel honoured to have been appointed to the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby and look forward to contributing to the ongoing enhancement of the quality learning experience received by students "It is quite daunting taking up this position in such uncertain times in Higher Education where I know there will be many challenges ahead "However I am confident that working in an organisation that is secure in its mission innovative and clearly places the student at the heart of everything it does I will be well placed to rise to the challenge and hopefully become a valued member of the team at the University of Derby " -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038

University Appeal Boosts Charity's Food Banks 21 December 2012 A Christmas appeal at the University of Derby for food donations saw dozens of bags of groceries donated to Storehouse a Derby-based charity supplying meals to those in need Storehouse based at Osmaston Road Baptist Church in Charnwood Road Derby has around 30 volunteers providing food parcels and hot meals to the homeless and those in need They operate from 6pm to 8pm every Thursday throughout the year but their services are particularly in need over the Christmas period when voluntary agencies can be short staffed Staff in Marketing and other departments at the University have gathered tinned and other foods over the last week to boost the charity s supplies The donations have now been delivered to it Peter Allen University Marketing Director said: "I m proud of the way staff here have responded to this Christmas food appeal "Storehouse does wonderful work all year round and we re glad to be helping them help those most in need " Phil Morton of Storehouse added: "I want to say a huge thank you to all those at the University who have kindly donated at a time of year when money can be tight We rely completely on donations and I know these food donations will be greatly appreciated at this time of year " Storehouse volunteers will be joining those from other agencies at Derby Cathedral on Christmas Day itself to provide a free lunch at 12 30pm The food charity will then be opening its doors again at Osmaston Road Baptist Church on the following Thursday (December 27) from 6pm to 8pm If you wish to donate to or be involved with Storehouse s work contact Phil Morton at the Riverside Centre on 01332 332044 or email: phil@theriversidecentre co uk For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University Appoints New Dean 22 October 2010 The University of Derby is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Dean for the Faculty of Education Health and Sciences Dr Guy Daly currently Associate Dean within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Coventry University will take up his new post at Derby on January 1 2011 He takes up the vacancy at Derby generated by Professor Helen Langton s recent move to become a Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of the West of England Bristol Dr Daly said: "I am delighted to have secured the post and I am looking forward to working at the University of Derby "It has a great reputation for going places and the Faculty of Education Health and Sciences itself is well regarded among students and through work with various stakeholders including the NHS and within teacher education "I am excited at the prospect of joining Derby and am relishing the significant challenges we will face in the new year " University of Derby Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Barnes said: "I am delighted that Guy is joining us he brings with him a wealth of experience particularly with respect to his understanding of the health and social care sector He joins us at a time of seismic changes that present both opportunities and challenges and I am sure that he is ready to step up to provide strong leadership " Dr Daly who lives in the Birmingham area has particular interests in personalisation in teaching and social care and more generally in social policy development in relation to the provision of public services He joined Coventry University six years ago and last academic year was also Acting Dean of its Faculty of Health and Life Sciences As Associate Dean his main duties have included applied research consultancy and income generation managing the health and social care provision and championing the inter-professional learning and teaching agenda Dr Daly s research projects have included an evaluation of social care individual budgets in Coventry for the local authority Coventry City Council And as a member of the University of Warwick consortium evaluation team Dr Daly was also involved in evaluating both the LinkAge Plus pilot programme for the Department of Work and Pensions; and Shared Priority of Combating Health Inequalities between local and central government for the national Shared Priorities Initiative Elsewhere Dr Daly is an external examiner within the higher education sector and holds membership positions with the Social Policy Association the Social Services Research Group and Trident Housing Association Previously Dr Daly was also Head of the School of Health and Social Sciences at the University of Gloucestershire and a senior lecturer at the Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education He has a PhD from the University of Bristol -endsFor more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

University at Heart of Town Regeneration 17 December 2013 The University of Derby Buxton is an exemplar of how higher education can be at the heart of a town s regeneration one of the country s leading planners has said All three finalists in the Great Town 2014 Award contest run by the Academy of Urbanism had universities in their centres said Richard Guise the lead assessor in the contest and a chartered Architect and Town Planner And although Buxton did not win the title its University was a prime example of the way higher education and regeneration so often went hand in hand he said Mr Guise principal of his urban design consultancy Context 4D and academic told a meeting celebrating the first anniversary of Buxton Town Team that too many university campuses were on the edge of towns "Campuses need to be in towns - they are people-based activities " he said Buxton campus was right in the town centre in the historic Devonshire Dome which began life as a stable and then became a hospital before the University refurbished in in 2003 in a £23 5 million project Beneath its 44 2 metre diameter dome is an open public space with a café and demonstration areas as well as hair salon and spa facilities operated by students "We were particularly impressed with the activity of the University " he said of his fellow judges Even the academic study fitted in with the physical setting: "These aren t just bolt-on courses you can find anywhere they are hospitality or leisure uses in the countryside that are place-specific - and that reinforces the relationship between the town the people and the locality That s a unique selling point " The Irish city of Cork which has the University Collegecampuson in its centre won the title Hastings which was a runner-up with Buxton is home to a satellite campus of Brighton University next to its rail and bus stations with an atrium which Mr Guise said was a modern version of the Dome at Buxton Buxton Town Team was also an exemplar of best practice said Mr Guise Projects it had completed in its first year included opening a gallery for local artists to sell their work organising a spring fair which linked the town in a great street party and commissioned a new town map University of Derby Buxton students had also carried out research on behalf of the Town Team for a customer loyalty scheme aimed at boosting local trade which is due to be implemented next year For more press information contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

University Bids Farewell To Much Loved Occupational Therapy Lecturer 12 December 2012 A senior lecturer in Occupational Therapy who played a fundamental role in developing the Creative Expressive Therapy programme at the University of Derby has recently retired Heather Smith who completed her pre-registration training at the Derby School of Occupational Therapy which later became part of the University has since gone on to support hundreds of students on their journey to become therapists over an academic career spanning almost three decades Heather also had an influential role in supporting students as they completed real-world learning placements in a variety of healthcare environments Heather said: "I have so many fantastic memories from my time at the University and it s very heartwarming to see talented and motivated students gain professional qualifications " Pauline Rowe Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy added: "Heather s creativity and humour coupled with unerring encouragement and support will be greatly missed by both students and everyone who worked with her " For more information about the Occupational Therapy courses available at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/health/ot

University Bowled Over To Sponsor County Cricket 10 April 2013 Derbyshire County Cricket Club and the University of Derby have stepped up their established partnership ahead of the 2013 season The University who sponsored the Club s Friends Life t20 shirts in 2012 will sponsor the front of the white LV= County Championship shirt as Derbyshire tackle the top tier of English cricket for the first time since the year 2000 The University of Derby has also become title sponsors of the Cricket Derbyshire Academy which is responsible for producing the club s stars of the future The 12 young cricketers making up this year s Academy intake will play under the Cricket Derbyshire University of Derby Academy banner; the UK s first University/Academy cricket partnership Hari Punchihewa the University s Deputy Chief Executive who attended the launch said: "We are delighted to renew our sponsorship of Derbyshire County Cricket Club for this season and we are looking forward to joining the Club s members and supporters to watch some fantastic games as they build on their 2012 title win "As well as being a main shirt sponsor this year our sponsorship will be used to help the Club attract and develop young cricketers through its Academy "We are aiming to create sporting excellence not only within the University but also across the county; objectives that fit perfectly with Derbyshire County Cricket Club s emphasis on producing home grown players " Derbyshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive Simon Storey added: "We are grateful to the University of Derby for their continued support This partnership not only allows our players to benefit from studying opportunities; they can also give something back with involvement in coaching " One of the cricketers who will be wearing the first team kit this season is Chris Durham who is currently studying towards a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at the University of Derby Chris 21 from Chapel-en-le-Frith has been training with the club since he was just ten years old is looking forward to playing some matches for the first team after a winter of serious training However he will have to juggle the demands of a series of matches with completing the final year of his degree after which he hopes to commit himself to a career in the sport For more information about Derby County Cricket Club visit www derbyshireccc com For more information on sport at Derby visit www teamderby com For more information about studying psychology at Derby visit www derby ac uk/psychology For any further information contact Tom Holdcroft at Derbyshire County Cricket Club on 01332 388 125 07768 552 667 or tom holdcroft@derbyshireccc com

University Celebrates Launch of Learning Trust 1 November 2011 Children and teachers from schools across East Staffordshire joined together with academics from the University of Derby at Burton Albion s football ground on November 1 to celebrate the launch of an innovative co-operative trust Through the Burton Co-operative Learning Trust eight schools from across East Staffordshire (Eton Park Fountains Horninglow John of Rolleston Lansdowne Outwoods Richard Wakefield and William Shrewsbury) will work with the University of Derby Burton Albion Football Club the De Ferrers Academy and Burton College to agree a common vision and to raise expectations aspirations and standards of teachers and children During the launch local sports arts and educational groups along with teaching academics from the University of Derby led groups of children aged four to 11 in fun activities including poetry performances Skype master-classes science problem solving and French Professor Des Hewitt Assistant Head of Teacher Education at the University of Derby said: "Today s event was a fantastic celebration of the new Co-operative Trust All of the children had a fantastic time and it shows that when all the members of the local learning community come together it truly benefits children " Professor Hewitt added: "We ll use new technologies and new approaches to help schools develop an exciting curriculum for pupils and our student teachers will work on placements in this cluster of schools generating exciting and inspiring learning for children This will help the teachers of tomorrow become the best they can be " Bernadette Hunter Head Teacher of William Shrewsbury Primary School added on behalf of the Burton Co-operative Learning Trust: "The launch of our Co-operative Learning Trust is a really exciting educational milestone for schools children and families in this area "The closer partnership working between the eight schools will provide a range of innovative opportunities for the 2 600 children in the Trust to work collaboratively with their peers in other schools; for staff to share expertise and professional development and for schools to group together to get best value from services "Working with external partners will provide opportunities for the whole community to be involved in raising standards and contributing to the best possible outcomes for all the children in the Trust " For more information on teacher education at the University of Derby visit website www derby ac uk/education

University Celebrates YouTube Success 6 January 2014 The University of Derby s Media Production team is celebrating - after hitting the milestone of 500 000 views on its YouTube channel The online channel which features innovative video content used to support student learning is proving popular with a global audience It has so far attracted viewers from 165 countries Its diverse resources include courtroom scenarios scientific demonstrations interviews with industry professionals and instructional videos for the creative arts some of which have gone viral with over 20 000 views The Media Production team part of the Institute for Learning Enhancement and Innovation (LEI) has also produced a video guide to Harvard Referencing which - having been viewed online by 39 000 people so far - is currently the most popular video on the subject Jon Walmsley Senior Media Adviser within LEI said: "We re leading the way at Derby with our mediabased teaching and learning content "It adds real value to the learning experience here and is an ideal way of enhancing employability through embedding real world scenarios into the curriculum " As well as working with faculties academics to bring innovative media content into their programmes the Media Production team also create Marketing resources to promote the University in the UK and internationally Simon Birkett Technology Enhanced Learning Manager at the University added: "The videos the team create are a brilliant showcase for Derby To achieve 500 000 hits on our YouTube channel is fantastic and proves people want to find out more about what we do here " For further information about Media Production at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/lei/media

University Centres of Excellence Launched To Boost Regional Growth 13 June 2012 A national enterprise conference and direct involvement of companies in designing degree courses are among the commitments of three new University of Derby centres of excellence - aimed at boosting the economy The new centres based within the Derby Business School at the University are the: Centre for Enterprise - encourag ng enterpr s ng behav our and support ng peop e to set up the r own bus ness Centre for Leadership Development - deve op ng eadersh p capac ty w th n organ sat ons Centre for Supply Chain Improvement - draw ng on spec a st expert se n supp y cha n and og st cs to so ve bus ness prob ems. Their focus is to generate new business knowledge create opportunities for new and established businesses and give expert advice to firms; aimed at helping boost the economy regionally and beyond The strategy for the Centre for Enterprise includes commitments that by September 2013 it will have: act ve y promoted se f-emp oyment to a ts students as a graduate eve emp oyment opportun ty; appo nted a res dent entrepreneur ; nvo ved oca entrepreneurs and f rms n the des gn and de very of ts bus ness-re ated courses, to nsp re the set-up of new enterpr s ng compan es; engaged schoo s and co eges to o n n w th the Un vers ty s enterpr se agenda, to nurture future bus ness peop e; strengthened engagement w th profess ona organ sat ons and networks such as Market ng Derby, Derbysh re and Nott nghamsh re Chamber of Commerce, the Federat on of Sma Bus nesses and the Pr nce s Trust. These plans will add to the extensive work already done by the University to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship It is one of the largest providers of business incubation units in Derby with around 100 in and around the city-centre It also participates in the national Enterprise Inc fund supplying financial and other support to students and graduates to set up their own businesses Bev Crighton Head of the Centre for Enterprise said: "The UK and the wider world desperately needs enterprising people; those who have the courage insight drive and skills to spot opportunities to create material and social value "Universities like Derby can play a crucial role in this endeavour " The Centre for Leadership Development will focus on innovative approaches to developing leadership within organisations Joanne Carlier Head of the Centre for Leadership Development added: "Businesses need resilient and agile leaders who are able to sustain the business in rapidly changing and challenging times but who are also able to inspire people to see where the organisation needs to be and what the opportunities are for growth "We re going to be looking at a range of ways to help organisations senior people do just that What we learn along the way will inform the academic programmes that we offer and be passed on to our students " The Centre for Supply Chain Improvement will work with firms to solve problems relating to supply chains adding value to the way they work It has been set up in response to the role of the East Midlands as a central UK transport hub with companies in the region annually handling the flow of billions of pounds worth of goods A Head of Centre will shortly be appointed Ian Roberts Head of Derby Business School said: "We can develop students who will be outstanding when either working for others or themselves and the University can also be a support and resource for our business and wider communities "The three new centres of excellence will enable us to better focus our efforts in those areas " For more information about the Centres for Enterprise Leadership Development and Supply Chain Improvement at the University s Derby Business School - including on courses and how their services can directly benefit businesses - see website www derby ac uk/dbs/centres Media requiring more information should contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

University Chancellor Opens College's New Higher Education Centre 10 February 2014 A College s centre for higher education students run in partnership with the University of Derby was opened today (Monday February 10) The University s Chancellor the Duke of Devonshire formally opened the Vision University Centre at West Nottinghamshire College s Derby Road campus near Mansfield The £30 000 Centre is a dedicated facility for the College s growing number of students on higher education courses validated by its partners the University of Derby and Birmingham City University The Vision University Centre has classrooms a study area tutorial room social space state-of-the-art computing facilities and learning resources It has 522 higher education students on 23 university-level programmes including foundation degrees full honours top-up degrees Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) The Centre opened to students and staff in September 2013 but was officially opened today Dame Asha Khemka Principal and Chief Executive of West Nottinghamshire College said: "The Vision University Centre is a fantastic facility which ensures our higher education students have access to all the equipment learning resources and support they d get at university while remaining very much part of the college community " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby added: "We have had a long and successful partnership with West Nottinghamshire College and we re delighted to be part of its latest development The Vision University Centre will be a positive force in the area providing its community with higher education opportunities which will transform lives " The Duke of Devonshire Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "This new Centre will have a key role in helping people of all ages with the will and ability to study to obtain jobs and better jobs It is something the Mansfield area richly deserves " For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University Clocks Up Another Towering Success 9 June 2010 It s enough to win us a Blue Peter badge The three towers at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site - part of the Derby skyline since the 1960s - have been given a sleek new look at a cost of £13 5m A finishing touch for them has been the addition of a stylish £25 000 clock on the side of the North Tower designed and built by expert clockmaker Smith of Derby Now Derbyshire filmmaker University honorary and former Blue Peter presenter Simon Groom is to officially open the towers and unveil the clock Simon will press a button to start up the clock from the roof of the Multi-Faith Centre facing it at the University's Kedleston Road site at 2 30pm on Friday June 11 He will then unveil a plaqueat the base of the South Tower to mark the three towers' official opening An invited audience will include the University s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne Pro Chancellor and Chair of Governing Council Dianne Jeffrey; Governing Council members senior University staff and tower scheme contractors OPL Among the invitees will also be children from Chellaston School whose ideas were among those which contributed to the clock s final design More than 500 Derbyshire schoolchildren took part in an Incredible Clock design competition last year jointly run by the University and Smith of Derby Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby said: "Environmental improvement of our iconic towers was a priority for the University as it sought to face the future "Commissioning Smith of Derby clockmakers of distinction for over 150 years provided a perfect link with our city s past It also provides a link with our Buxton Campus where the entrance to the Dome is dominated by a Smith tower clock from the 19th century " Bob Betts Managing Director of Smith of Derby added: "We try to innovate in all our work when creating a new public timepiece "Working with the children in a competition format took this to another level Many of their designs were incredible and I was delighted with this result The final design took inspiration from the children s work but it also celebrates the principles of the University of Derby in offering services and education well above the norm " TV presenter and filmmaker Simon Groom said: "It was a very proud moment when I received my Honorary Award from the University earlier this year I m delighted to have been invited back to perform the official opening of the revamped towers and the wonderful new Smith of Derby clock "As well as looking forward to seeing the new environmentally friendly towers and meeting up with colleagues from the University I m also looking forward to meeting pupils from Chellaston School who helped to design the clock "I m sure the iconic new look towers will remain an impressive feature on the skyline as Derby continues its transformation into a vibrant 21st century city Friday should be a memorable occasion " The towers refenestration took two years and was carried out by main contractor OPL Replacing 1960s single-glazed windows and thinly insulated walls with state-of-the-art heat efficient glazed panels has not only improved the buildings look but also their environmental performance The work: has made the towers up to 300% better at reta n ng the r own heat energy, due to better nsu at on; w cut carbon em ss ons by reduc ng energy wastage; s expected to reduce the gas and e ectr c b s for the North, East and South Towers by around £150,000 a year. In addition the South Tower has been fitted with 200 square metres of photovoltaic (solar) panels and nine wind turbines capable of generating a combined 28 807 kilowatt hours (kWh) of green electricity for University use A further 65 foot tall wind turbine will be built in the Kedleston Road site s driveway shortly The stylish new University clock on the side of the North Tower - which is visible from Kedleston Road was designed and created by master clockmakers Smith of Derby Unusually the University clock face is a semi-circle rather than the traditional full circle It also has only one sweep hand to indicate both the hour and the minutes past not a separate hour and minute hand The 4 2 metre long metal frame has a 0 at the bottom and 12 at the top of it with hour markings inbetween The single hand will move along this length over each 12 hour period instantly sweeping back to 0 to begin again once it reaches 12noon and midnight This is known as a fly-back movement It is thought the University s may be the largest fly-back type clock movement on any building in the world The clock is mains powered with battery backup and will be accurate to six decimal places Computer controls mean its hourly chimes can be silenced altogether or programmed to emit a range of different tunes It is planned for the new electronic clock to chime on the hour but only between 9am and 9pm to avoid any inconvenience to nearby residents For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

University Committed To County's Sporting Success 13 February 2012 The University is enabling Derbyshire s talented emerging sports star to access a highly successful Olympic coach as part of its position at the heart of the newly formed Derbyshire Institute of Sport Coach Andy Wood who helped top badminton players such as Gail Emms Nathan Robertson Anthony Clark and the University s own Sports Ambassador Donna Kellogg achieve medal success has been appointed Performance Manager of the Derbyshire Institute of Sport - a new support network which aims to help athletes across a number of sports achieve greater success on the national and international stage The initial funding and drive for the Derbyshire Institute of Sport has come from Derbyshire County Council Derby City Council and the University of Derby who will work together with Derbyshire Sport to make targeted investment in the lead up to the London 2012 Games with the aim of maximising the legacy and enhancing the sporting reputation of Derby and Derbyshire The University of Derby s Kedleston Road site has been chosen as one of the first hubs for the Institute and will provide many of the services required by its athletes and coaches Andy Wood who lives in South Derbyshire was previously Performance Director at GB Badminton and was the Badminton Head Coach at the Sydney Athens and Beijing Olympics He coached Simon Archer and Joanne Goode to Britain s first Olympic badminton medal a bronze in Sydney 2000 and Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms to their silver in Athens in 2004 In the 2006 World Championships he coached all four of the finalists in the mixed doubles with Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms winning gold and Anthony Clark and Donna Kellogg taking silver Andy said: "Since I left my post with GB Olympic badminton I have had the opportunity to witness first hand some of the excellent work being done by athletes coaches and clubs in Derbyshire and to see the vast amount of talent and potential that we possess in the county "There are many passionate sporting people at Derbyshire Sport and with the excellent backing from Derbyshire County Council Derby City Council and the University of Derby I am both thrilled and excited to be part of the team that has a real opportunity to make a significant performance impact in providing the environment for these athletes to maximise their capabilities " The University s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "The University is excited to be a partner within the Derbyshire Institute of Sport and to have someone of Andy Wood s calibre on board "Together we will be working hard to raise the performance of sports clubs and individuals within Derby Derbyshire and the University itself as we strive to improve our position within the British Universities and Colleges Sport league table "Sporting excellence is high on our agenda so we are delighted that our Kedleston Road site is to be one of the first hubs where athletes supported through the Derbyshire Institute of Sport can obtain the core sports science and sports medicine services they require from our academics students and facilities " For more information on the Derbyshire Institute of Sport visit website www derbyshiresport co uk For more information about sport at the University of Derby visit www teamderby com

University Draws On Own Animation Students For TV Commercial 18 June 2013 An animated film due to appear on national TV channels from tomorrow (June 19) to publicise the University of Derby s many courses has been created by three of its own graduates To spearhead its latest campaign - asking prospective higher education students receiving their A-level results in August 'Are You Ready? - University marketing managers put their faith in the skills of students Matas Zaloga Ugne Dagilyte and Harriet Farren All have just successfully completed Derby s BA (Hons) Animation degree course The colourful and energetic 30 second long animation - showing how from a first contact with the University of Derby prospective students can go on to careers in science sport business and other fields will air in commercial breaks on E4 and other digital TV channels from Wednesday (June 19) There will also be a radio campaign Matas and Ugne who came from Lithuania together to study on Derby s Animation course jointly run Zazu Studio Ltd based in Pride Park in Derby which they set-up whilst still on their degrees Matas 22 from Šiauliai in Lithuania said: "I began working on small video films to promote band gigs when I was 16 and after High School wanted to learn more "My time at Derby has taught me that you can t just rely on your technical skills in this field you have to also have the theoretical knowledge such as storyboarding ability " He and his fellow students were approached about doing the animated TV commercial as they were completing their degree courses Ugne 22 from Šventoji near the Baltic Sea added: "This has been a very important project for us and for the company We ve done commissions for other clients but this will be our first nationally broadcasted TV commercial The University has shown real faith in us " Harriet Farren 22 originally from Bristol - who last year (2012) travelled to China as part of her prize for winning a British Council competition for a short animated film on the 2012 Olympics - said: "What we ve tried to do with the film is capture something of the energy of the University of Derby "What also helped me visualise this is that I worked briefly in the University s Marketing Department when I was a student and saw the amount of activity that went on in there " Russell Langley University Acting Director of Marketing and Communications said: "We really believe in the education we give our students "We felt there was no better way of proving that than by entrusting them to come up with a message they think would speak to people looking to begin university in September " For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University Film-Makers At UK Education Screen Awards 23 April 2012 Film-makers from the University of Derby will rub shoulders with the creators of documentaries featuring author Sir Terry Pratchett actress Kara Tointon and the BBC s Stargazing LIVE team at the 2012 Learning on Screen Awards The finals of the annual British Universities Film and Video Council (BUFVC) awards to be held at the BFI Southbank in London on Thursday (April 26) honours a variety of categories recognising the range of ways that film and the moving image contribute to education The University s Media Production team - part of its Institute for Learning Enhancement and Innovation (LEI) - has been nominated in the Education In-House Production Award category for its film The Magistrates Court; part of a series of films created for the School of Law and Criminology Fellow finalists include the universities of Portsmouth and Leicester and the Open University Derby s film is set in its replica Courtroom at the University s main Kedleston Road site Real magistrates and other court staff explain their roles in court hearings onscreen Dr Ruth Ayres Dean of LEI said: "We are delighted that the Media Production team part of LEI s Technology-Enhanced Learning team has been nominated for these prestigious awards The team is very active in producing media materials which support learning and teaching for students " Other finalists at the April 26 awards ceremony will include the makers of made for BBC TV films Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die (about assisted suicide) and Kara Tointon: Don t Call Me Stupid (about dyslexia) both in the General Education Broadcast category and BBC Learning s Stargazing LIVE up for the General Education Multimedia Award Host for the evening will be scientist and TV presenter Professor Lord Robert Winston To see the University of Derby s film entry The Magistrates Court go to www derby ac uk/lei For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

University Gears Up for Tour de France with wheel-to-reel deal 5 March 2014 Sponsorship by the University of Derby Buxton is helping to turn a trip to the cinema into an outdoor adventure as part of celebrations to welcome the Tour de France to Britain Cycle to the Cinema run by Peak District adventure festival organisers Heason Events is back for a second season of summer screenings starting with a film which demonstrates how time is running out for the world s glaciers Co-founder of the event Matt Heason said: "Cycling has exploded in popularity Our pilot series of Cycle to the Cinema screenings in partnership with the National Trust and the University of Derby Buxton last summer proved a real hit so we re delighted to be able to encourage even more people to get out on their bike to enjoy adventure films on the big screen " Last year s debut was at the National Trust s Longshaw Estate near Hathersage but 2014 will see more films and more venues in and around the Peak District Sheffield and Yorkshire The first film is Chasing Ice on Thursday 6th March at Longshaw Acclaimed photographer and former climate change sceptic James Balog uses revolutionary time-lapse cameras to capture the melting of the ice glaciers as they disappear at a breath-taking rate Cycle to the Cinema is part of the Tour De Cinema presented by Sheffield Doc/Fest as part of the Yorkshire Festival to celebrate the 100 days preceding the Grand Départ in Leeds on 5th July 2014 of the Tour de France There will also be a special screening at Castleton YHA as part of the Peak District Walking Festival and two free screenings at Eccleshall Woods Discovery Centre in association with the mountain bike advocacy group Ride Sheffield to promote their campaign to create a mountain bike trail in Lady Cannings Woods "It s really exciting to be part of the celebrations in the run up to the Tour de France and to be working with new partners like Sheffield s DocFest the Peak District Walking Festival and Ride Sheffield " said Matt To view the programme and check for more dates and films as they are announced visit: http://cycletothecinema co uk/home/

University Gets Creative With GQ To Promote Careers Summit 9 March 2009 Dylan Jones Editor of Britain’s best-selling mens’ magazine GQ will be the keynote speaker at the University of Derby’s Creative Careers Summit this week The annual free event gives current students and recent graduates looking to set up a UK business related to fashion illustration design computer graphics or some other creative field the chance to get valuable advice and talk to seasoned professionals The Summit has become an established part of the creative jobs market calendar It is not open to the general public Following the tradition of having a well known keynote speaker at the event 2009’s will feature GQ magazine editor Dylan who celebrates a decade at the helm of the publication this year Last year’s Creative Careers Summit speaker was Wayne Hemingway co-founder of fashion label Red or Dead The Creative Careers Summit will be held from 12 noon to 6pm on Wednesday 11 March at the University’s Markeaton Street site Derby This year it is being run in partnership with the East Midlands Development Agency and the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) as part of its FlyingStart series of events Workshops at the March 11 event will deal with business finance and legal issues working as a freelance protecting your copyrights and patents pitching ideas to get investment and the importance of networking with other companies Visitors will also hear from Derby graduates already running their own businesses such as artist Paul Hirst who graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) Fine Art degree in January He is currently halfway through a residency at the Harrington Mill Studios Long Eaton and has a series of exhibitions lined up for this year Other organisations represented on the day will include the University’s providers of accommodation for start-up firms the national Business Link network and Derby Arts Forum Chris Owen – Head of the University’s School of Art and Design at the Faculty of Arts Design and Technology – said: “One of the main reasons why creative industries in the UK are so vibrant is because of the energy and skill which small enterprises and freelance people bring to them “This is a particularly important event for our students because it gives them the opportunity to learn at first hand from those who have been successful in setting up those new businesses ” Dylan Jones of GQ magazine added: “I enjoy talking to students more than other groups of people because they tend to be the most enthusiastic Now more than ever our industry needs extremely enthusiastic people ” As part of the event all students who attend it will be registered with the NCGE’s flyingstartonline com the online community for student and graduate entrepreneurs and will then be able to benefit from the various services it offers to promote new businesses -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University gets international view on Art Therapy 28 March 2014 Staff and students at the University of Derby have been given an overview of the impact that art therapy has on patients suffering from mental health problems Donna Betts PhD ATR-BC travelled from the United States to our Kedleston Road site to discuss the use of art therapy in healthcare settings such as clinical case examples as well as highlighting collaborative efforts between art therapists and medical professionals Originally from Toronto Canada she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design in 1992 a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from the George Washington University in 1999 and a PhD in Art Education with a specialization in Art Therapy from the Florida State University in 2005 She visited the University as a part of her trip to the UK which she also spoke at the Royal College of Nursing Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art within a professional relationship by people who experience illness trauma or challenges in living and by people who seek personal development She said: "I ve worked with a range of people from children with autism to people with eating disorders With autism it can help address their cognitive functioning and social skills development and with eating disorders it can help self-esteem control and anxiety "When a client makes art materials they are often unaware of what they are revealing through their artwork Arts therapists can help facilitate their client s understanding of what they re communicating and help gain insight into psychological behaviour The artwork acts as a communication vehicle with insight being a goal " For more information on our BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapy courses visit www derby ac uk/courses/creative-expressive-therapies-ba-hons/ or for our MA in Art Therapy visit www derby ac uk/courses/postgraduate/art-therapy-ma/

University Gives Soccer Clubs The Edge 6 July 2011 Sports scientists at the University of Derby have been working with first team footballers from Derby County Football Club and Burton Albion Football Club to get them ready for the new season Academics and sports science undergraduates have laid on preseason training sessions for both sets of first team squads at the University s Kedleston Road site Around 20 Rams players came to the Derby Campus on Thursday and were followed on Monday by 18 Burton Albion players The sessions strengthen the University s reputation as a first class facility for sporting excellence During last season s successful fight against relegation the University hosted winter training sessions for Burton Albion and took part in a pilot of Prozone performance analysis software with the club The preseason training sessions have been co-ordinated by Dr Peter Jones Head of Sport and Exercise at the University of Derby He said: "We have some first class expertise and facilities here at the University and are delighted to be able to share them with professional football clubs "It is becoming a regular fixture here in the University s academic calendar that when teaching is completed we are able to accommodate these vital pre-season programmes for our local football clubs during the summer period " As part of the sessions the footballers have taken part in the following activities: Nutr t on workshops w th nutr t ona st Mart n McDona d n the £3.3m K rt ey Bu d ng DXa scanner sess ons w th rad ographer A an Parsons n the C n ca Sk s Su te Strength and cond t on ng tra n ng w th champ on power fter Ph Watk ns n the Strength and Cond t on ng Lab. Speed and ag ty sess ons n the Un vers ty sports ha w th sports sc ence experts nc ud ng Dr Pete Brown. Other academ cs nc ud ng Sa y Akehurst and Vernon McGarey were a so nvo ved n the preseason tra n ng sess ons. Burton Albion Manager Paul Peschisolido said: "For clubs such as ourselves who do not have this sort of equipment building links with local universities is vital It also benefits the University by offering useful opportunities for students to work with professional footballers "The whole programme for the session is geared towards developing the players fitness levels in this important preseason period so they approach the new season in good shape to concentrate on attaining peak performance on the pitch " Steve Haines Strength and Conditioning Coach for Derby County FC said: "We understand the value of equipment such as the idXA scanner to help our players with their continued development We see it as the gold standard in such facilities and are delighted to be working with the University again " Read more here: www dcfc co uk/page/NewsDetail/0 10270~2384628 00 html The GE Healthcare idXA scanner based within the University's Clinical Skills Suite is also being used to help health and science students learn skills to help assess patients' health ready for the workplace There are only around 15 such scanners in the UK Last season the University used Prozone MATCHVIEWER software to help Burton Albion with match-day analysis after Paul Peschisolido and Assistant Manager Gary Rowett saw the equipment in action Derby BA (Hons) Sport and Exercise Studies graduate Alex Molloy analysed video footage from some of Burton's matches and sending the club reports on his findings Alex said: "It was an exciting opportunity and really enhances my employability Prozone MATCHVIEWER is an excellent software package which looks objectively at so many different aspects of a match " Prozone MATCHVIEWER assesses team and individual player statistics key indicators in terms of passes crosses and shots during a match as well as more detailed tactical information such as the success of formations passing patterns and pitch territory Prozone is the world's leading performance analysis service and works with some of the leading names in football including FIFA Real Madrid Manchester United and Arsenal Speaking of the Prozone pilot scheme with the Brewers Dr Peter Jones commented "It was great news Burton Albion embraced sports science in this way to help make a difference to their performance Even by improving performance by one per cent could make all the difference to their chances of success " The above initiatives are all part of Team Derby Performance - the University's new applied commercial arm of sports science Team Derby Performance aims to help athletes develop their nutrition biomechanics and other aspects of their physical and mental wellbeing to help them improve performance For more details about Team Derby Performance work email perform@derby ac uk -endsFor more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

University ‘Graduates’ With Green First In 2008 Environmental Table 3 July 2008 A prestigious national Green League table has awarded the University of Derby a ‘First’ for its environmental performance The People & Planet Green League – the 2008 table of which is published today (Thursday 3 July) in the Times Higher Education magazine – has become one of the main standards for universities to judge annually how environmentally friendly they are Today’s table shows the University of Derby has jumped from 22nd place last year (2007) to 14th this year out of 119 universities that provided complete information in a survey Derby is among 18 universities awarded a First for its efforts (last year it received a ‘good 2:1’) Like University degrees the rankings are First 2:1 2:2 Third or Fail Each university was ranked on 12 environmental and related categories including green policies how staff followed them through Fairtrade status ethical investment waste recycling carbon emissions and water consumption Derby scored 44 5 points out of a possible 60 with particularly high scores for recycling and environmental auditing Derby’s fellow East Midlands’ universities in the Green League table included Nottingham Trent at 19 the University of Nottingham at 56 and De Montfort University at 67 Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: “This is a fantastic result and shows the level of commitment we have invested in our environmental performance “A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to make sure the University gets things right on green issues and this is a real feather in the cap of our hardworking staff ” Jo Hasbury Environmental and Energy Manager at the University added: “A ranking of 22 in the Green League last year to 14 this year just shows that the University is improving all the time on environmental issues “Here’s hoping that next year we will receive another ‘First’ and maybe also be top of the 2009 table ” Today’s national People and Planet Green League reinforces the findings of another independent survey of the University of Derby’s environmental performance conducted last year (2007) The Environmental Index conducted through the Business in the Community group again ranked the University on a range of categories including corporate strategy environmental management its engagement with employees on green issues and waste and resource issues Out of a possible 100% the Environmental Index awarded the University a very healthy 72 83% or a ‘Bronze’ The possible rankings on the Business in the Community system were Gold Silver and Bronze For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

University helps community go digital 9 April 2014 A computer system which will keep a community switched on to the benefits of the online world has been bought thanks to a joint effort by High Peak Mayor Tony Kemp the University of Derby Buxton and a local business The suite of four terminals has been installed at the Residents of Fairfield Association (RoFA) office on Victoria Park Road and will be available for locals to use for everything from keeping in touch with relatives on Facebook to looking for work and finding the cheapest electricity Online access was identified as a need locally by RoFA as anyone using the newly-introduced Universal Credit system will struggle without it "Fairfield really is a great community but we have to keep moving with the times and what is missing is access to computers " said RoFA volunteer Lia Roos "That s why this project is spot-on " The Mayor made a donation from his allowance to join with the University to pay for the computers These were supplied by local firm JPLord Computers of Fairfield Road who have also agreed to provide maintenance and support free of charge The centre will offer drop-in access free e-mail accounts for jobseekers and printing facilities for job applications and CVs "This is on their doorstep " said Lia who will use the computers to help people look for employment when RoFA s new Job Club starts on May1 to offer advice and support for jobseekers But the computers are for everyone: "We have the resources to help whether it s to switch your energy suppliers keep up with a hobby or get elderly people in touch with each other on Facebook " said Lia "It cuts down on isolation keeps minds active and brings the community together " Mayor Tony Kemp said: "There s an old saying that knowledge is power; well knowledge certainly empowers people to take control of their lives and get on in the world I m delighted to help local people in this way and wish all at the RoFA centre well with this great project " Computer firm boss John Lord added: "The project is excellent for the local community and everyone can all get involved Lia s put a lot of time and effort to get this far "We are behind the community in offering computer services for free There are people out there who haven t even ever switched one on " Dr Peter Dewhurst Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton said: "Here at the University we concentrate on helping people to help themselves - which is why the employability rate of our graduates is second to none - so it is a pleasure to help RoFA in its vital work " For more press information contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

University Helps Launch Derby 2012 'Let's Go Wild' Programme 27 March 2012 The University s Markeaton Street site hosted the launch of the ninth annual Let s Go Wild in Derby programme of free walks events and activities in Derby s countryside The programme for 2012 includes a range of walks events and activities with an environmental theme Everything in the programme is suitable for all the family free of charge and a fun way for people to see more of the city s wildlife and history and at the same time improve their health WildDerby co-ordinate the programme with the help of local groups and supporting organisations such as the University of Derby through its Community Relations team Copies of the 2012 programme are now available in the city s libraries Tourist Information Centre and other public buildings University staff and students WildDerby representatives local groups and members of the public attended the Let s Go Wild in Derby programme launch at the Markeaton Street site on March 21 Councillor Matthew Holmes Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment said: "It is very appropriate that we should be launching the programme at the University as the council and the University have taken great strides to work even closer together on wildlife issues over the past year "

University Holds First Award Ceremony For Professionals 30 April 2013 University Holds First Award Ceremony For Professionals More than 160 professionals from over 20 UK organisations including Derby City Council Croda and leading security specialist Showsec have graduated with awards from University of Derby Corporate (UDC) The awards ceremony for professionals - the first of its kind for UDC the business to business division of the University was held at Pride Park on Saturday (April 27) to celebrate the successful completion of courses in areas such as Professional Development Business and Management Events Safety Management and Leadership Andrew Hartley Managing Director for University of Derby Corporate presided over the ceremony and Professor John Coyne University of Derby Vice-Chancellor delivered a congratulatory speech Among those attending were employees from Derby City Council who have completed the Managing and Working in a Mobile Workforce work-based learning (WBL) programme designed to help the Council prepare its employees for the transition to mobile working at the new Council House Gwen Sanders Assistant Manager for Adult Health and Housing at Derby City Council said: "I think the award ceremony is a brilliant way of recognising and rewarding the achievement of 18 months study alongside employment "The work-based learning course has enabled me to gain a great deal of experience and confidence and allowed me to identify more effective ways of working Many managers such as myself have undertaken this course with UDC and are now more prepared to deal with the challenges of mobile working " Andrew Hartley said: "It was fantastic to bring so many business professionals together at the ceremony We were extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to acknowledge these professionals in the same way as we do our degree level students " "Each person has demonstrated a true commitment to developing their skills and knowledge particularly as they ve been studying whilst working and all should be extremely proud to achieve their award " Employees who complete work-based programmes benefit from increased confidence self-awareness and motivation along with enhanced skills and knowledge These can be translated into great new ideas and applied directly to the workplace positively impacting on an organisation For further information about work based learning at the University of Derby Corporate visit www derby ac uk/corporate or call 0800 678 3311

University Holds Largest Ever Annual Learning and Teaching Conference 15 July 2013 Close to 300 delegates attended the University of Derby s largest ever annual Learning and Teaching Conference Entitled Raising Aspirations in a Time of Change the one-day event on July 4 was held in the Devonshire Dome at the University of Derby Buxton campus A wide variety of presentations workshops discussion groups posters and demonstrations were held by colleagues from across the University On the Dome Floor there was a Learning Enhancement and Innovation (LEI) Exhibition Area showcasing a range of projects activities and initiatives being led by the LEI team This year s keynote speech was delivered by Professor Paul Trowler Research Director in the Department of Educational Research at the University of Lancaster on the theme of: Great Expectations in Hard Times (With Apologies to Dickens) For the first time this year the conference included a series of LTA Masterclasses in its programme aimed at sharing current best practice These were co-presented by academic staff showcasing their work with colleagues from LEI The LTA event concluded with a lively panel discussion on Realising Aspirations: Next Steps which took questions from the audience It involved Professor Trowler and from the University of Derby Pro ViceChancellor Professor Philip Plowden; Dean of Learning Enhancement and Innovation Dr Ruth Ayres; Assistant Head of Education Professor Des Hewitt and BA (Hons) Business Management student Adam Wilson Dr Ayres Dean of Learning Enhancement and Innovation said: "I d like to thank everyone who helped to make this year s LTA Conference such a great success " For those who were unable to attend the event Professor Trowler s keynote speech is now available on the LEI website at www derby ac uk/lei To further discuss any of the topics raised at the Conference or to request advice and guidance on learning and teaching careers and employability library and learner support quality assurance and enhancement or UK partnerships please email LEI at: LEI-Queries@derby ac uk

University holds sports talks for National Science and Engineering week 7 March 2014 A series of lectures on nutrition running and fitness are being held at the University of Derby next week in a bid to boost sport participation in the city As part of National Science and Engineering Week which takes place from March 17-21 lecturers from the University s sports and exercise team will offer expert advice on matters such as endurance performance and barefoot running With less than a month to go before the Derby 10k which is sponsored by the University the talks aim to engage the public by discussing a range of scientific factors and tips that lead to becoming a successful athlete The lectures which take place at the University s Kedleston Road site are: • "Talent Identification; how can we predict who will be our next sporting superheroes?" (Monday March 17 7pm) Vernon McGarey discusses techniques and tests available when identifying stars of the future with the hope of Olympic glory • "Nutrition and Hydration for Endurance Performance" (Tuesday March 18 7pm) In preparation for the Derby 10k Dr Matt Higgins provides guidance for runners discussing the scientific principles of nutrition and hydration for steady-state (mid-long distance running/cycling) endurance performance • "Should we be barefoot?" (Wednesday March 19 7pm) Based on current trends in scientific literature there is a growing argument for disposing with expensive running shoes and running barefoot Jennifer Wilson will provide evidence for and against barefoot running as well as giving practical recommendations for those considering conversion to a minimalist shoe Vernon McGarey Lecturer in Sports and Exercise at the University of Derby said: "We have 300 students studying on sport courses at the University and it s great for my colleagues and I to have the opportunity to share our enthusiasm for sport outside the University We have chosen some very topical issues to discuss with anyone who is interested in sport " All talks are free and everyone is welcome however places must be booked in advance by visiting www derby ac uk/events Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sam Parker University of Derby Press and PR assistant on 01332 593316 or email: s parker1@derby ac uk

University Hopes Shirt Sponsorship Will Help Falcons Soar 4 April 2012 The University of Derby s Deputy Chief Executive Hari Punchihewa says he is incredibly proud after the University became Derbyshire County Cricket Club s main shirt sponsor for all one-day cricket in 2012 The University of Derby logo will be displayed on the front of the Falcons Clydesdale Bank 40 and Friends Life t20 jerseys as they play a total of 22 limited overs matches during an exciting summer of cricket four of which are already scheduled for live coverage on SKY Sports The partnership which will also see University of Derby and its sports brand Team Derby logo in various locations around the County Ground furthers an already strong relationship between the two organisations The University s Sport Development Manager Ollie Shearer said: "Team Derby already has a close reciprocal relationship with Derbyshire County Cricket Club; for example members of our cricket club use the Club s Gateway Centre to train and the University has provided scholarships to members of the Club s Academy "Sponsoring the shirt and perimeter advertising at the ground gives us the chance to tell the Falcons supporters about this work and hopefully encourage more people to get involved in the sporting opportunities Team Derby provides to its students and the public " Derbyshire Chief Executive Keith Loring said: "Striking a partnership of this magnitude with such a key partner within the Derbyshire community is testament to the progress made by the Club in recent years "We are delighted to be carrying the branding of the University of Derby around the country during what promises to be an entertaining season of cricket The University s Deputy Chief Executive Hari Punchihewa added: "As a key regional supporter of sports and recreation across Derbyshire the University is incredibly proud to be the shirt sponsor for the Falcons this summer We wish them the very best for the season ahead and hope to see some fantastic results " For more information on cricket and other sport at Derby visit www teamderby com

University Hosts Health and Safety Drama 20 April 2011 The University s Kedleston Road site was the venue for the Universities Safety and Health Association Annual Conference during April which was opened by the Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne One hundred health and safety professionals from UK higher education institutions attended the session hearing from keynote speakers including representatives from the IOSH and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) The day had a courtroom drama theme and the University s courtroom provided the perfect setting for delegates to witness a mock hearing on a health and safety case performed with the help of Kevin Bampton the Head of the University s School of Law and Criminology and drama company Impact Universal

University Innovator Wins National Award 16 December 2011 A member of the University of Derby s International team has scooped a prestigious national award Tee Holden International Operations Manager won the award for Most Innovative Involvement at the 2011 Jubilee Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Association for University Administrators AUA Staff from the University of Derby were among the 200 guests at the awards ceremony which was held at the Grand Connaught Rooms London Tee shares the award with Geoff Green from the University of Leicester The pair work in partnership as East Midlands Co-ordinators for the AUA Over the last 18 months they have built a support network for people working in administrative and management roles at universities in the region including Derby Leicester Nottingham and Nottingham Trent Cranfield Northampton Loughborough De Montfort and The Open University Tee and Geoff have organised a number of seminars at each of the Universities giving staff the opportunity to network with their peers and to add to their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) portfolios Tee said: "I volunteered for the East Midlands AUA co-ordinator role as I felt there was a great opportunity to be had by networking with staff at neighbouring universities in similar roles I wanted to explore the possibilities of sharing skills and best practice and to offer opportunities to learn from the experts "It s not just about improving how we do our jobs though it s about influencing the sector we work in That s especially important at the moment Higher education is in an interesting place right now and we re better able to understand our strengths and our challenges by working in collaboration with one another " One of the sessions Tee and Geoff organised entitled Don t Mention the C-Word: the culture of customer service in higher education took a surprise turn as the trainer announced that he was going to teach everyone to juggle The trainer Kenton Lewis Head of Widening Participation & Student Recruitment at St George s University of London explained that the session wasn t about ?juggling multiple roles? or ? keeping numerous projects in the air? it was about learning how to actually juggle as an exercise in concentration relaxation and enjoyment Commenting after the award was given on November 29 Alison Robinson Canham Executive Director at the AUA said: "Tee and Geoff have made an outstanding personal contribution to the work of the AUA in the Midlands "The seminar series has done much to raise the profile of the Association and improved access to high quality development opportunities right across the region As an organisation we are indebted to the individuals who give so generously of their time and expertise and to the employing institutions which support them in this " Geoff Green Director of Administration College of Science & Engineering at the University of Leicester said: "Over the last year AUA East Midlands professional development events have reached more than 200 managers working in universities across the region and it was fantastic that the AUA recognised this contribution in its Jubilee year "It was a surprise and a delight to receive the national award for the most innovative involvement in AUA Our role has simply been to coordinate and facilitate the efforts of those dedicated and professional university managers who are committed advocates for the AUA and the continuing development of our profession both within and beyond their own individual institutions " The AUA's next regional conference is being held at the University of Derby's Enterprise Centre on June 28 2012 Anyone interested in finding out more about the AUA can contact Tee Holden at t holden@derby ac uk or on 01332 591633 Press release by Press Officer Annabel Harvey 01332 591942 email a harvey@derby ac uk

University Inspired By London 2012 14 April 2011 A recent University of Derby event has brought it a London 2012 Olympic Inspire Mark making it the first university in the East Midlands and one of only two in the UK to receive three of the prestigious marks During March the University hosted a Festival of Sustainability for staff students and visitors to show and explore what sustainability means to the University of Derby The University was awarded an Inspire Mark by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) for the Festival which adds to the mark it received for its Festival of Volunteering and that awarded to a professional course in Events Management in 2010 Inspire Marks are the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme and are awarded by LOCOG in recognition of exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Games Festival of Sustainability organiser University of Derby s Senior Lecturer in Law Joel Klaff said: "We were delighted to receive this Inspire Mark and that it is the third the University has received makes it extra special "We wanted to show the University s commitment to improving sustainability after being spurred on by the intentions of London 2012 and the heightened profile of sustainability that the Games have generated We hope to make a lasting change to the way students staff and the University work " Rory Slater Derbyshire 2012 Legacy Coordinator said: "The University has done incredibly well to receive three Inspire Marks which clearly demonstrates not only the commitment the University has in supporting the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics but that the county of Derbyshire can play an active part of this once in a lifetime opportunity " The University s Inspire Marked Festival of Volunteering is now in its seventh year with the next event taking place on November 9 The aim of the Festival which is supported by Community Action Derby is to promote and raise awareness of volunteering amongst University students staff and members of the public At this year s festival over 50 local national and international not for profit organisations will have the opportunity to promote their volunteering opportunities This year the focus is on sport there will be inspirational healthy lifestyle talks and a range of sports workshops led by the University s Team Derby sports clubs and societies and Derbyshire Sports Partnership In 2010 the University became the first University in the East Midlands to receive the Inspire Mark for one of their Events Management courses Delegates on the course have learned how to integrate economic social and environmental responsibilities into mainstream business and project management for the events industry For more information about the Inspire Programme visit website www london2012 com/about-us/ourbrand/inspire-programme php

University Is Serious Player In UK Games Awards Finals 15 October 2013 Computer Games development courses at the University of Derby have been shortlisted for two educational awards run by the body representing industry leaders in the UK Derby - which runs degrees in BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming (CGP) and BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation (CGMA) - has been shortlisted in the two categories of Best Educational Initiative and Best Educational Institute in the TIGA (The Independent Game Developers Association) 2013 Games Industry Awards Its nomination for Best Educational Initiative is due to recent work in establishing the Computer Games series of expositions; regular public events where visitors can come and try original games developed by Derby students Derby has been shortlisted alongside Dare to be Digital and GameLab London In the category of Best Educational Institute the judging panel praised Derby s focus on using industry practices and tools and its emphasis on developing the practical skills required of graduates entering the games industry For this award it is up against other university finalists Abertay Bournemouth Greenwich Portsmouth and Norwich University of the Arts Winners of the TIGA 2013 Games Industry Awards will be announced at its annual conference at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire on Wednesday November 6 Dr Tommy Thompson Programme Leader for Computer Games Programming at the University of Derby said: "To be nominated for one of these award categories is fantastic so naturally we are over the moon with two Indeed many of my students have expressed their enthusiasm since hearing about the shortlist "It s a testament to the great efforts of our Computer Games Programming and Computer Games Modelling and Animation course teams We ve worked hard in the past couple of years to ensure our courses produce top graduates capable of working in what is a highly competitive industry "It s equally important to praise students on both the CGP and CGMA courses for their continued enthusiasm and hard work They are the skilled developers and artists who move on into industry and fly the flag for Games@Derby They help us to maintain our strong reputation with the games and wider software industries " To read a full list of the categories in the TIGA 2013 Games Industry awards see website http://awards tiga org/awards_categories php For more information about Computer Games courses at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/games Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University Is Winner, And Recognises County's Top Sportspeople, At Awards Finals 14 November 2011 The University of Derby took home the Active Workplace Award at the Derbyshire Sport Awards on Friday (November 11) and also celebrated the county s incredible sporting talent as title sponsor of this year s awards The University s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne; Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director Hari Punchihewa; Sports Development Manager Ollie Shearer; and Sports Ambassador Donna Kellogg all attended the glittering event at Derby s Roundhouse collecting the Active Workplace Award (won jointly with Cooper Parry) and announcing the winner of the main prize the University of Derby Sportsperson of the Year - table tennis star Liam Pitchford Professor John Coyne presented the trophy to Liam s sister Laura Pitchford as Liam 18 from Chesterfield is currently in Bahrain competing at the World Junior Championships Liam competed at his first Commonwealth Games in India last October winning a bronze in the doubles with partner Andrew Baggaley and a silver medal in the team event - with Liam defeating the world number 17 to give England a vital start He also won a silver medal in the doubles at the English National Championships and a bronze medal in the team event at the European Youth Championships in July and made headlines again a few weeks ago when he competed at the European Championships in Poland where he beat five players ranked in the top 100 in the world including the Belarusian Vladmir Samsonov ranked world No 9 This year s University of Derby Disabled Sportsperson of the Year winner was Great Britain wheelchair basketball player Maddie Thompson from Hope who won gold at the Paralympic World Cup with the GB women s team in May Maddie was also part of the teams which won bronze at the U25 Womens World Championships and the European Championships On jointly winning the Active Workplace Award the University s Sports Development Manager Ollie Shearer said: "It is fantastic to be recognised for the work we have been doing to develop a healthy workforce "Many members of staff have engaged in Team Derby sports activities already this year and we hope that the work we do over next 12 months will ensure we are in the running for this award again next year " The evening saw trophies awarded in 12 categories as the county s best and brightest sporting stars coaches and volunteers gathered with other invited guests to celebrate another year of sporting success in Derbyshire and recognise the efforts of those involved in sport at grassroots level Olympic mascot Wenlock made a guest appearance at the awards and guests also enjoyed a performance by Derbyshire Tenor Thomas Spencer-Wortley and an exhibition of ceramic flower installations by London 2012 Cultural Olympiad artist Paul Cummins A full list of winners can be found at website www derbyshiresport co uk/sports_awards

University IT strategy in the running for major award 17 April 2014 The University of Derby is in the running for a major award at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards thanks to an innovative IT strategy Up against the Open University the University of Stirling and Loughborough and Cardiff Metropolitan universities Derby was announced today (Thursday) as being on the shortlist for the Departmental ICT Initiative of the Year As a leader in online learning the University of Derby is keen to embrace new technologies and these have improved how effective and efficient its processes are Neil Williams Director of IT Services at the University of Derby said: "It is an honour to be shortlisted for this award "In a rapidly evolving sector where the expectations of students are increasing it is vital that the service we offer is highly professional and is comparative with commercial providers "As a University leading in the online sector the need for professional IT services to support students both on campus and online is vital The effectiveness and efficiency of our services and their alignment to institutional strategy are now even better thanks to our improvement programme "The combined technologies and services we use are unique and they maximise the overall benefit to the University " The programme has involved numerous related projects to improve IT support maintenance and development It has also improved the management of computer-related incidents and issues North East Scotland Shared Data Centre - a collaboration between the University of Aberdeen Robert Gordon University and North East Scotland College - is also in the running for the Departmental ICT Initiative of the Year award The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on Tuesday June 17 at the Grosvenor House Hotel Park Lane London For more information visit www thelmawards co uk For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

University Launches Science Without Borders Programme 3 April 2013 The University of Derby is currently hosting 52 bright and enthusiastic Technology students from Brazil keen to gain work experience while in the UK as part of the Science Without Borders programme The innovative Science without Borders (SwB) scholarship programme which began in September 2012 will see the UK welcome up to 10 000 Brazilian students looking to study undergraduate sandwich courses sandwich course PhDs and full PhDs over a four year period Businesses can find out more about Derby s cohort at a launch event at the University s Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby on Tuesday April 9 between 12 30pm and 2pm Free lunch and refreshments will be included The majority of Derby s Brazilian students are based at its Faculty of Arts Design and Technology They come from prestigious Universities including the University of Rio and University of Sao Paulo and will be studying in Derby for one academic year going on to the second year of a degree programme The students will have already completed two years of study within their host University and have been selected for this programme based on their academic achievements At the April 9 event for businesses employers can find out how the SwB programme can help them by providing students to help on projects Businesses can meet and network with staff potential students and other businesses already signed up to be part of the SwB scheme and find out how taking an unpaid placement student can: prov de a cost effect ve source of recru tment temporar y f a sk s gap or vacancy prov de you w th current know edge, research and enthus asm mprove your nks w th the Un vers ty of Derby, wh ch can n turn prov de further opportun t es to he p your bus ness. Students are available for a maximum of 12 weeks throughout June to September To book a place at the free launch event and to find out more contact Louise Adam University Employability Co-ordinator by emailing l adam@derby ac uk or calling 01332 593109

University Makes Good On Community Pledge 14 May 2012 A morning spent volunteering in the Peak District National Park achieved far more than the clearing of a public footpath for a group of Buxton College students recently Their four hours of hard work completed Project 2012 ; Buxton College and the University of Derby Buxton s pledge to complete 2 012 hours of voluntary work in the local community The group of 12 Living for Learning and Work students who all have extra support needs spent the morning lopping overhanging tree branches and cutting back bushes on a popular public footpath into the village of Baslow clearing the way for walkers It is just one of the projects to have benefited from Project 2012 over the last year Age Concern Buxton s Streetsafe campaign Volunteer Bureau Buxton Blackbrook Zoological Park Scope the Salvation Army Hawthorns Nursing Home and High Peak Kennels are also among the forty eight local organisations and charities to have received help from volunteers Dr Peter Dewhurst Dean of the University of Derby Buxton said: "I am delighted that we have passed our target of volunteering 2 012 hours to our local community This is a fantastic achievement for our students who have shown great commitment and enthusiasm for supporting the community they live in " Charlie Wilkins a Ranger for Peak Park Conservation Services said: "The students have been a great help clearing the pathway and have been enthusiastic workers on all of our other projects Without volunteers many of these jobs just wouldn t get done - so we can t thank them enough " Ben Offord the University s Placements Officer added: "As well as helping local organisations many of the Project 2012 placements have provided our students with vital experiential learning opportunities that enrich their studies and prepare them for the world of work " So far this year Matthew Roberts 20 a first year BA (Hons) Countryside Management and Outdoor Recreation degree student has given 40 hours of his spare time to work in the community on the Students Union Streetsafe Campaign On Wednesday evenings he along with fellow University students have been carrying out patrols to ensure students and other Buxton residents enjoy a night out and get home safely Matthew said: "Volunteering has been a fantastic experience so far I just wanted to get involved and help other students and the community Project 2012 and the Streetsafe Campaign have given me this opportunity " For more information on the University of Derby Buxton and Buxton College s work in the community visit website www derby ac uk/community

University Masterclass Will Make Business Ideas A Reality 29 April 2013 Young entrepreneurs are being offered the chance to join a free university masterclass in getting their business ideas off the ground - and talk to a man who just might have the money to help University of Derby Buxton students are soon to benefit from a series of eight half-day Business Start-up sessions at their Devonshire Road campus led by experienced finance director and adviser Simon Fussell But the University is also offering free places on the course to people aged 18 to 30 from the wider community "We want to see the local economy thrive and Simon s course is another way in which we can help this happen " said Dr Sarah Rawlinson the University s Assistant Director "The purpose of the sessions is to provide advice and guidance on those first vital steps in setting up your own business covering topics such as market research writing a business plan sources of finance legal considerations and business tips and support " The programme will consist of eight half-day sessions taking place on Tuesday afternoons from 2 - 5pm starting on May 7 at the Buxton Dome Simon who has worked at board level in the manufacturing and contracting industries will be supported by Paul Stuart the Young Persons Loan Fund Adviser for Derbyshire Enterprise Agency The Young Persons Loan Fund aims to provide 18 to 24 year olds with access to business start-up funding and expertise and personal support from business mentors to help develop business plans and access training Once a viable business plan is approved a loan of up to £5 000 with a repayment period of up to five years might be available To find out more about the classes contact John Phillips at J Phillips@derby ac uk

University Meets Conference Industry's AIMs 19 December 2013 The University of Derby Buxton has proved it s right on target by being accredited with the conference and events industry s most widely recognised award - known as AIM The award by the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) is yet another way in which the University can boost its already enviable record of employability among graduates MIA is a unique group of hotel and conference centre operators and booking agents responsible for thousands of jobs in the UK The AIM award accredits an organisation with providing the highest standards so that potential customers know they can expect the best "It s a first class mark of excellence " said the University s Business Development Manager Christine Sweetmore "It demonstrates we are truly part of the meeting and conference events industry in the UK " Events management and culinary arts students play a major role in functions at the Dome which range from international conferences to weddings often planning and managing them as well as taking hands-on roles This real-world experience has helped the University to beat Oxford and Cambridge this year in a league table of graduates gaining employment within six months of receiving their degrees And working for an AIM-accredited organisation is another plus for students CVs says Christine: ""It offers them fantastic networking opportunities to gain industry placements and job opportunities " Membership of the MIA will give the University a higher profile with potential customers which is also good for the wider economy "It s another way to help Buxton become a conference destination again because the town should be back up there with Torquay and Harrogate " said Christine For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk or Alice Oliver A oliver@derby ac uk 01332 592032

University Musicians' Big Moment 25 July 2011 Music acts with University of Derby links wowed the crowds at London s O2 Arena on Saturday (July 23) Fires and Fireplaces which includes five current degree students and solo artist Lucy Spraggan a graduate of Buxton College at the University s Buxton Campus performed at the finals of Live and Unsigned 2011 At stake was a first prize of a £50 000 recording contract; the chance to tour Australasia Asia America and Europe; and to appear at a European music festival Runners-up prizes included the opportunity to play support for major tour bands or recording time in a top UK studio Saturday s finalists performed at the same venue as famous acts such as N-Dubz and Tinchy Stryder as the contest was part of London s LiveFest indoor music event Overall winner of the contest was The Trinity Band from Derby Lucy 20 from Buxton - who completed a Public Services NVQ further education qualification at Buxton College in 2010 - came second in the Urban Pop & Acoustic category just 19 points behind The Trinity Band Judges for Live and Unsigned 2011 included Bez of the Happy Mondays Radio One DJs and music industry professionals For more information about the competition results visit website www liveandunsigned uk com Listen to Fires and Fireplaces music and find out more about Lucy on her website Media requiring further information should contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

University of Derby asks: "How was childbirth for you?" 28 January 2014 The unforgettable experience of childbirth is being explored by the University of Derby as part of an artistic project The University wants to hear from women who have given birth to find out more about their experiences after securing a grant from the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Research Council UK The Birth Project is a series of workshops which explore how childbirth has impacted upon women and the people who have witnessed it over the past five years Professor in Cultural Studies and Art Therapy Susan Hogan said: "We are interested in exploring women s transitions to motherhood and their reactions to the birth experience This is an innovative research project that will investigate the event of birth through visual methods "It brings together artists a photographer art therapists and a phototherapist to work with groups of mothers birth partners and birth professionals "At the end of this project there will be an exhibition of the art work created a documentary film shown about the research and a theatrical performance as well as publications " The University now wants to hear from people who would like to take part in the workshops which will be overseen by arts facilitators to explore their birth experiences and which will inform wider research There will be separate groups for mothers birth partners and professionals For more information visit www thebirthproject wordpress com or email p mccloskey@derby ac uk For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

University Of Derby Buxton Helps Kenyan Student Advance Career 19 April 2012 When Fannice Maloba 52 and a mum of three from Kenya decided to further her career she discovered that going to university would be the best way to do it Having been a senior lecturer at a hospitality school in Kenya for a number of years she was keen to teach degree and masters level students but needed an MA herself to do so After researching a number of universities including in Australia and Canada Fannice opted for the University of Derby Buxton in the UK and an MA in International Hospitality Management She said: "The one year programme on offer at Buxton contained many elements that I could directly apply to the work that I do and I felt that it was the course that would contribute most to my career " As she had never been to the UK before the relatively small size of Buxton which is a town set in the heart of the Peak District was ideal and as she would have felt overwhelmed by a big city centre university the welcoming Buxton campus really appealed to her "The environment on offer at the University of Derby Buxton was exactly what I was looking for Its small and friendly atmosphere is ideal for studying with staff always available to support the students The international team helped me to settle in quickly answered all of my questions and introduced me to other students which meant I was able to make friends easily " Fannice soon discovered the excellent support system that s in place for students when she joined the University four weeks into the programme "I was concerned about missing the first part of the programme but I needn t have worried as the way the teaching is delivered and the help the academic team gave me meant I was soon able to catch up " Her experience at the University of Derby Buxton has been so positive that Fannice is already recommending the course to her colleagues back home "I m really enjoying studying here and know that this year will make a big difference to my future The programme is well structured the modules are informative and there are plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice all contributing to the skills that a manager needs I d highly recommend the University of Derby Buxton to anyone looking to further their education and career " Dr Peter Dewhurst Dean of Faculty at the University of Derby Buxton added: "We find that the learning environment and lifestyle on offer appeals to international students looking for a welcoming campus where they can concentrate on their studies "Here we place great emphasis on real world learning so that once our students graduate they re equipped with a combination of theoretical and practical skills that can immediately be applied to the world of work; something that Fannice has discovered during her time here " At the heart of the University of Derby s Buxton campus is a focus on delivering the highest quality of student centred experiential learning providing all students with an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills within real working environments Students interested in the University of Derby s Buxton provision can study foundation degrees bachelor degrees and masters courses in the areas of Events Management Travel and Tourism Hospitality and Culinary Arts Sports and Outdoor Recreation Beauty Spa and Hairdressing and Countryside Management If moving away from home isn t possible then busy professionals keen to further their education can study for an International Hospitality Management MA online through the University of Derby Online Visit www derby ac uk/online for further information For further information on studying at the University of Derby in the UK visit www derby ac uk/international For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586 or email R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

University of Derby can address HS2 line-building 'skills gap' 15 January 2014 Academics from the University of Derby believe the city is the perfect place for the Government s proposed further education college to train engineers to build the planned high speed rail line HS2 Engineering is already a flagship subject for the University and its School of Engineering and Technology has expertise across civil mechanical manufacturing and electrical and electronic engineering - making it well-placed to play a part in developing the range of top-class engineers needed to bridge the so-called skills gap Sir David Higgins chairman of HS2 said yesterday (January 14) that a new college would address the problem of a lack of engineers Business Secretary Vince Cable has said that railway investment should also come with investment in the elite skills which will help build it Derby is already launching a University Technical College (UTC) in collaboration with the University and regional employers aimed at 14-19 year-olds as it looks to claim its position as the UK s engineering capital Angela Dean Head of the School of Engineering and Technology at the University of Derby said: "The School is uniquely placed with its mix of engineering disciplines and its links with advanced technology companies in the city to meet the training needs necessary to realise the Government s vision for HS2 We are also one of very few universities that offer railway design modules "There is no better place for students to develop their engineering skills and improve their employability than in Derby More than 90% of our students from the School of Engineering and Technology have moved into work or further study within six months " The University is also investing heavily in Derby s future in the high technology sector and is supporting local rail suppliers through the new Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) where it is working closely with the Derby & Derbyshire Rail Forum to produce high-quality research and development allied to rail sector needs The proposed college would directly support the building of the HS2 line which is intended to cut journey times between London the Midlands and the North of England The first phase from London to Birmingham is due for completion in 2026 Derby City Council is proposing the HS2 line stops at Derby which it says would create around 3 600 jobs through the development of the area around the existing railway station For further press information or interviews please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

University of Derby Corporate helps Waterstones to combat tough trading environment 1 May 2014 As the traditional high street bookshop finds ways to challenge online sales the UK s leading book seller has turned to a top university to help its cause The emergence of online book stores and the impact of new technologies have contributed to the decline of the traditional bookshop with more than 500 outlets closing since 2005 But now the UK s first ever professional bookselling qualifications have been awarded by national bookshop chain Waterstones and the University of Derby Corporate (UDC) A total of 40 graduates picked up the University Certificate in Bookselling - studied online alongside their normal working hours - at a special ceremony at Penguin Books headquarters in London Now these Waterstones employees have higher education-standard training in a range of skills relevant to their roles including marketing; customers and competition; the principles of visual merchandising; product groups and genres; the lifecycle of a book; customer service and understanding the retail market generally James Daunt Managing Director of Waterstones believes these skills will be a vital tool in turning the tide in a difficult marketplace and re-positioning Waterstones as the leader in the sector He said: "Supporting our booksellers with training and development is fundamental to their success and in turn to that of our bookshops "We are therefore delighted to offer our booksellers the opportunity to complete a University-accredited programme which recognises their skills and knowledge and help ensure that our bookshops continue to deliver the best possible service and expertise for our customers " Paul Wilkinson Head of Client Partnerships at UDC said: "The traditional bookshop is trying to combat significant competitive pressures particularly with the onset of e-readers and the presence of online stores "But the high street stores can respond This programme is right at the centre of a transformation within Waterstones to put the booksellers at the heart of delivering an excellent customer experience By tackling these pressures head on they can impact positively on the business performance "As a university we are experts in the application of work based learning and this is another great example of how UDC works in partnership with employers to do this extremely well " As part of UDC s collaboration with Waterstones it is also developing staff professionally as tutors The programme will support Waterstones in realising its ambition of creating a centralised hub of training resources and qualifications for staff - the Waterstones Academy As a show of solidarity with the written word and the tradition of books novelist and journalist Will Self and writer and comedy actor Charlie Higson were among a group of authors present at the graduation ceremony The pair met with the graduates who have expressed their delight at being amongst the very first people to hold a professional bookselling qualification Italian-born Eugenia Fumagalli 35 of the Gower Street store in London said: "I am so delighted to be one of the first to achieve this qualification "I did not expect to be chosen by my employers to take part in this course and I was a little unsure how I could manage it alongside my working hours but the University of Derby Corporate s online tutors were amazing and very well organised If I ever had any problems they were always ready to help and with the minimum of fuss "We did not expect so much attention at the graduation ceremony so it was good to meet the celebrity authors I am now very much looking forward to applying what I have learned into my everyday work " Angela Macrae 40 a senior bookseller at the Inverness store in Scotland added: "It was a very interesting and enjoyable course and a fruitful experience It really gave me a better understanding of the business as a whole "It is quite exciting to be one of the first 40 people in the country to be awarded a bookselling qualification " Now more than 20 staff members are being trained to support over 200 booksellers as they undertake this workplace learning to ensure that the impact of the company strategy is realised Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

University of Derby Corporate Launch New Centre of Excellence for Mineral Products Professional Development 17 July 2013 More than 60 industry leaders and training professionals working in the international mineral products sector attended the launch of University of Derby Corporate s (UDC) new Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development (MPPD) on July 5 The Centre will be dedicated to providing professionally accredited industry supported and globally recognised training courses to the mineral products sector Mark Osbaldeston Manager and Head of the Centre welcomed the guests and started by explaining that the move to UDC s Enterprise Centre was "absolutely necessary" and that "the training facilities are first class modern and flexible " Delegates also heard from Cedric Hollinsworth Chairman of the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) who praised the new education centre He said: "I am delighted with the modern teaching environment at UDC that is representative of the mineral products sector We share the same goal of offering and delivering academically recognised training programmes and addressing the issues of competence not only at a national policy level but also globally as well " Bill Bolsover CBE Chairman of Aggregate Industries and Chair of the Strategic Forum for Construction closed the event with a challenge to the Centre to: "Understand the needs of the sector and the needs of the professional grow the offering to provide a stable lasting centre of excellence and take the opportunity to be a world leader!" On the morning of the launch 20 people attended an HR forum which included members of MPQC MPA and H R professionals from Hanson Aggregates Industries Cemex Sibelco UK and Midland Quarry Products Andrew Hartley Managing Director of University of Derby Corporate addressed the industry representatives reinforcing the commitment UDC has to the sector He said: "The suite of new industry specific programmes unveiled today reflects our strong commitment to helping the industry to achieve a fully trained competent and professional workforce" The new programmes are set to commence in September/October (2013) and include; an Honours degree in Minerals Management (designed specifically with UK and international professionals in mind) Foundation degrees in Mineral Extractives (with an international pathway) Asphalt and Pavement and Clay Technology UDC work closely with industry partners including the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) The Concrete Society (TCS) and the International Clay Technology Association (ICTa) in order to deliver a range of flexible work based programmes that can be completed part time through blended online distance learning To find out more about the Centre and University of Derby Corporate s industry accredited training courses go to http://www derby ac uk/minerals ENDS For further press information please contact: Alice Oliver Deputy Head of Corporate Relations University of Derby Email: a oliver@derby ac uk 01332 592032

University of Derby Corporate’s £8m Headquarters Gets Go-Ahead 19 December 2008 University plans for an £8m state-of-the-art business centre have been approved by Derby City Council The council’s planning control committee last night (Thursday 18 December) approved plans for the new Business and Enterprise Centre to support start-up businesses It will also be the headquarters for University of Derby Corporate the University of Derby’s ‘business arm’ Work on the centre – at the University’s Jackson’s Mill site in Bridge Street Derby – is due to begin shortly and will be completed by Spring 2010 The site was recently cleared and a contractor is now being sought to build the centre University of Derby Corporate was launched at Pride Park Stadium on September 12 as a direct response to Government calls for higher education institutions to do more to foster higher level skills development in the workforce Within five years it intends to have: helped 3,000 people n the workforce undertake accred ted tra n ng to earn new and h gher sk s; estab shed links with more than 300 employers to show how h gher educat on can he p the r bus ness and staff deve opment. University of Derby Corporate is currently operating from temporary offices at the Friar Gate Studios in Ford Street Derby city centre Commenting on the planning approval for its base Dawn Whitemore Head of Development for University of Derby Corporate said: “I am delighted that planning permission has been granted for University of Derby Corporate’s permanent headquarters ” Andrew Hartley Director of Business Development added: “The centre will be a top notch facility from which the University’s business arm will offer employees and employers the help they need to develop higher workforce skills and the economy in Derbyshire and beyond ” Ian Willgoose Director of Estates for the University of Derby added: “We’re very pleased the centre plans have now been approved “Demolition and clearance of the vacant industrial units that were on this University site was done efficiently and with consideration for neighbouring residents and I’m confident this will continue as the Business and Enterprise Centre is built ” The Business and Enterprise Centre will contain high quality training suites conference facilities and an Innovation Zone to provide a base for start-up businesses before they move on to one of the University’s own ‘incubator units’ The University of Derby Corporate project – supported by a total investment package of £12m – is backed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (a sub-regional body supported by the East Midlands Development Agency) and the University of Derby Separately the University announced yesterday (Thursday 18 December) that it would be investing half of a £500 000 windfall it had received from the VAT man in a £250 000 Skills Development Fund to benefit the region’s firms by offering financial support to help them provide training and skill-building opportunities to their staff during the current economic downturn For further information about University of Derby Corporate and its services contact it on Freephone: 0800 678 3311 fax number: 01332 258393 or email address: udc@derby ac uk You can also find out more at its website: www derby ac uk/corporate -endsFor further information about this press release please contact Press and PR Officers Annabel Harvey on 01332 593004 or 07748 920023 or email: a harvey@derby ac uk; or Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University of Derby Corporate To Launch New Centre of Excellence for Mineral Products Professional Development 21 June 2013 Industry leaders and training professionals working in the international mineral products sector are invited to the launch of the University of Derby Corporate s (UDC) new Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development (MPPD) next month (July 5 2013) when a suite of new industry specific professional training programmes are to be launched The MPPD centre will be dedicated to providing professionally accredited industry supported and globally recognised training courses to the mineral products sector This free event will take place from 11am until 3pm on July 5 (2013) at UDC s state-of-the-art Enterprise Centre on Bridge Street in Derby city centre The guests will be welcomed by Mark Osbaldeston Manager and Head of the Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development and will receive addresses from Cedric Hollinsworth Chairman of the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) and Andrew Hartley Managing Director of University of Derby Corporate followed by a speech from Bill Bolsover CBE Chairman of Aggregate Industries and Chair of the Strategic Forum for Construction The event will conclude with the introduction of the new programmes which are set to commence September/October (2013) which include; an Honours degree in Minerals Management (designed specifically with UK and international professionals in mind) Foundation degrees in Mineral Extractives (with an international pathway) Asphalt and Pavement and Clay Technology Cedric said: "There is a requirement for all managers and supervisors in the mineral products sector to have a sound technical knowledge base supported by a portfolio of general managerial skills; and by combining theoretical learning with practical experience they can demonstrate competence in their respective roles "The University of Derby Corporate has demonstrated they are clear leaders in the development of industry and academic partnerships providing and delivering specialised requirements to the sector " UDC work closely with industry partners including the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) The Concrete Society (TCS) and the Road Surface Treatment Association (RSTA) in order to deliver a range of flexible work based programmes that can be completed part time through blended online distance learning Andrew added: "We are delighted to expand our current international training provision and to have the opportunity to develop such strong relationships with our globally recognised industry partners "The new Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development further supports UDC s commitment to the sector and continues to provide the mineral products industry with flexible learning solutions that enable growth " To find out more about the University of Derby Corporates industry accredited training courses visit www derby ac uk/MPPD

University of Derby Experts to Continue to Brighten Children's Futures 17 January 2014 Expert training for teachers who help to provide brighter futures for children will continue at the University of Derby The University was selected as one of the original institutions to deliver the Early Years Teacher Status when it was first introduced and this will continue from September 2014 as the programme is rolled out to more than 40 educational establishments Early Years Teacher Status is a graduate-level professional accreditation for people who are passionate about improving the lives of babies and young children (from birth to five years) Debrah Turner programme leader for Early Years Teacher Status said: "We are delighted to be offering this Status and it is particularly great news for us as only universities who gain outstanding or good Ofsted ratings for initial teacher training are able to deliver it "To be awarded Early Years Teacher Status trainees must meet robust standards designed specifically for high-quality work with the birth to five years age group This makes Early Years Teachers ideally placed to fulfil the needs of employers for high quality education and care for babies and young children " The Government is committed to raising the quality of early years provision by encouraging graduate leadership Research has shown that the quality of provision is higher in settings that employ more graduate trained staff Due to the new funding criteria and proposals for the delivery of Early Years Teacher Status from September 2014 the application process is not yet open However interested parties can register their interest by emailing l harvey@derby ac uk or calling 01332 593025 For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

University of Derby Extends Its Reach In Greece 3 September 2010 The University of Derby has extended its worldwide presence after approving the Mediterranean College in Greece as a new overseas partner The Mediterranean College is a private higher education organisation with two campuses in Greece; one in Athens and the other in Thessaloniki in the north of the country Earlier this year a team from Derby travelled to Athens to meet staff and students at the College and to conduct the Institutional Quality Approval and in July staff from the Mediterranean College made a return visit to Derby to celebrate the approval and to forge working links with their new academic colleagues Work is now underway to finalise details of the University of Derby programmes that the college will deliver to students attending classes in Greece; but will include courses in Business and Management Computing and Psychology Aileen Hammersley Director for the School of Flexible and Partnership Learning at the University said: "We re delighted to announce the Mediterranean College as our latest overseas partner Through our collaborative relationships with overseas colleges and universities we give many people around the world the opportunity to study flexibly to a very high standard and ultimately to achieve qualifications accredited by the University "We also look forward to joint scholarly activity between academics at the Mediterranean College and Derby " The University s other overseas partners include Botswana Accountancy College the Swiss Hotel Management School in Switzerland and the Malawi Institute of Management For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988 email j colburn@derby ac uk

University Of Derby Hosts Debating Matters Competition 28 November 2013 On November 19 the University of Derby played host to the Institute of Ideas Debating Matters competition which saw eight schools take on the challenge of competing against each other in debates on a number of contemporary controversial topics Dubbed the toughest debating competition in the UK Rushcliffe School St Peter & St Paul Catholic Academy Derby Grammar School and Chilwell School were involved in four hours of debate spread over two rounds and a final The pupils put their arguments to a panel of judges including the University of Derby s Susan Henesy Lynn Senior and Dennis Hayes as well as James Fry from solicitors Eversheds Debate motions included controversial topics such as Hate Speech Green Energy and Smart Drugs The eventual winners who will go through to the Regional Final of the competition next April were St Peter & St Paul Catholic Academy from Lincoln andHagley Catholic High School from Worcestershire Full details are available on the Debating Matters website: http://www debatingmatters com/events/qr/nottingham_derby_2013_14/ http://www debatingmatters com/events/qr/staffordshire_2013_14/ Jason Smith from Debating Matters said: "The Institute of Ideas Debating Matters competition has been introducing sixth formers to controversial contemporary debates in science politics the arts and culture for 11 years now "Multi-qualifying rounds - running several events on the same night in a prestigious regional venue - are an innovation tried for the first time this autumn Their success has been due to the commitment of those organisations and institutions with whom we have forged new relationships "Special thanks must go to Prof Dennis Hayes Lynn Senior Susan Henesy and Prof Paul Elliott from University of Derby for putting the school pupils through their intellectual paces by acting as judges of the debates and to Louise Brown and Prof Liz Barnes for making everyone feel so welcome on the night We very much hope to be able to work with the University of Derby again in the future "

University Of Derby Is Ramping Up The Red To Fight Heart Disease 6 February 2014 Part of the city skyline will turn red this week as the University of Derby and British Heart Foundation (BHF) take the fight against the UK s biggest killer to the very top The iconic glass staircase at the University s Kedleston Road site visible for miles around will glow in a bright shade of red at night for the whole of February and this Friday (February 7) staff and students are ramping up the red by hosting a bake sale and bikeathon Staff will be working up an appetite by taking part in the bikeathon as well as sampling the delights of the bake sale The bikeathon will run across four University locations where people can contribute to reaching the target of cycling 200 miles Gemma Hodgkinson a first-year Criminology student who is organising the bake sale said: "I wanted to get involved as my dad sadly passed away four years ago due to a heart attack so the charity has personal links for my family "I have also had heart surgery and have witnessed first-hand the good work the charity does I hope people will support us by visiting the bake sale on Friday " Rob Woods Senior Health and Safety Advisor at the University of Derby who organised the bikeathon event added: "I wanted to get involved because the charity does great work in raising awareness of the benefits of maintaining a healthy heart "We are hoping to raise £200 for the BHF helping them to fund the research that is so urgently needed to fight heart disease It s been incredibly easy to co-ordinate and promises to be fun for all involved " Sophie Jardine BHF Fundraising Manager in Derbyshire said: "Ramp up the Red is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to think about how many lives are affected by heart disease - the UK s biggest killer "By organising a fundraising event in February you will be helping us to raise much-needed funds in order to fight heart disease "The BHF is the biggest funder of life-saving heart research in the UK to help everybody who suffers from a heart problem This research has already made medical history but funds are urgently needed to fund further research " She added: "We offer our heartfelt thanks to the University of Derbyfor so generously supporting Ramp up the Red to help us continue our fight for every heartbeat " Visit www bhf org uk/red or call 0800 0316 316 to sign up for a free fundraising pack For more information an interview or images please contact Sophie Jardine Fundraising Manager on 07785 242736 or email jardines@bhf org uk For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

University of Derby Online Launched 22 September 2011 In September the University of Derby Online (ODOL) Team presented their plans for the business to gathered staff Head of UDOL Julie Stone talked about the success of the business over the last ten years and how they plan to grow it further She said: "Over the last few years we have seen increased numbers of people from the UK and around the world applying and successfully completing online degrees with us Last year over 1 400 people studied online with us "We focus on our students - we know that they are adults with busy working and home lives who want to learn something that will enhance their careers but do so at times and paces that suit them "We have been listening to what our customers want and to grow the business further we will be working closely with our academic teams to provide excellent content with outstanding customer service " The University has added five more programmes to its online provision this September; taking the total number of programmes it delivers online up to 28 They also plan to launch a new website in 2012 For more information on these new programmes visit www derby ac uk/online

University of Derby Professor Joins World-Class Scientific Research Commissioning Panel 27 January 2014 A Professor at the University of Derby has been invited to join a prestigious grant-commissioning panel for those at the forefront of scientific research Dina Abbott Professor of Development Geography will join academics from Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities together with various senior Government officials from developing countries The panel reviews and selects large leading funding applications for the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) As a commissioning panel member now for the second time Dina will assess a number of research proposals on three thematic areas - agriculture and growth financial sector development growth and innovation and productivity growth - reporting at a London meeting later this year She said: "It is an honour to be selected again for this panel and I am delighted to represent the University of Derby "I am looking forward to working with other panel members in selecting high-calibre funding projects that can make a real difference to policy and practice leading to economic growth in less-developed countries " The DFID-ESRC Growth Research Programme (DEGRP) has previously awarded 18 research projects with funding grants and is looking to award a further 25 to 30 projects with grants this year Applications have been submitted for projects with a full economic costing value of £100 000 and above Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sam Parker University of Derby Press & PR Assistant on 01332 593316 or email: s parker1@derby ac uk

University of Derby rated highly at finding employment for disadvantaged students 2 May 2014 A report published this week rates the University of Derby amongst the very best at finding graduate employment for students who would not typically have the opportunity to enter higher education In a proposed new Social Mobility Graduate Index Derby is rated 16 h out of 153 institutions which send a large number of students from disadvantaged groups or backgrounds and non-traditional students into graduate-level jobs within six months of leaving university The index proposed by former Liverpool John Moores Vice-Chancellor Michael Brown features in a report he has penned for the think tank CentreForum In it Professor Brown says the index could be used in league tables Using official student and employment data that already informs universities Key Information Sets the index would reflect the destinations of university leavers six months after they graduate As a result universities would be rewarded for their employability success and their contribution to improving social mobility And this is where Derby rates highly Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We have always prided ourselves on our commitment to provide access to the very best education to students from all backgrounds I am delighted that their subsequent employment success has been reflected in this report "It is essential that a university education is available and accessible to everyone who wants it and we fully support the sentiment of this report It is pleasing that our graduates go on to secure good jobs " It is not the first time the University of Derby has been recognised for its excellent graduate employment turnover - statistics show 96 1% of its graduates enter employment or further education within six months of leaving This puts it in the top 10 in England for graduate employment The report is entitled Higher Education as a Tool of Social Mobility For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

University of Derby receives £140,000 to get more students active 23 June 2014 Students at the University of Derby will have more chances to play sport thanks to £140 684 of National Lottery funding from Sport England s University Sport Activation Fund Derby is one of 54 universities to benefit from nearly £10 million of funding to help get nearly 180 000 new students playing sport Derby will revamp its sporting activities after consulting with students on what would make them play more sport The University will increase participation and create sustainable sports pathways by creating a programme of sports activities designed to give greater flexibility to students to choose the best method of participation for them dependant on their available time ability and affordability These additions will support the already established pathway that was supported by the previous Sport England funding programme Active Universities The project will increase the number of sports available in the form of Give it a Go (multi sport sessions where students can try a new sport) Pay as you Play (which requires no long term commitment) and Intra Mural Sport sessions which are organised competitions amongst students Research has provided the sports department at Derby with a clear indication of what barriers are currently preventing students from participating in sport Cost and availability of sport were the two main issues raised and the new UDo-It programme will address both issues by creating an affordable and accessible programme of activities targeting all Derby students Ollie Shearer Sport Development Manager at the University of Derby said: "This Lottery funding means we can further expand our sporting offer to provide an inclusive programme for all our students Having committed £10 8million to our new sports centre this funding will ensures we can develop the largest most accessible and most inclusive sports programme we have ever had at the University" Currently just over half (52 per cent) of higher education students take part in sport at least once a week The funding will support projects to not only maintain this level of participation but also increase it by trialling new methods of getting students into sport and offering a wider variety of opportunities to keep them playing sport during their time at university The projects will particularly concentrate on those that do not currently play It will also help tackle the issue of many young people giving up sport in their late teens and early twenties Sport England Director of Community Sport Mike Diaper said: "We know universities play a vital role in maintaining and growing a student s love of sport They can encourage them to continue playing once they ve left school or help those less sporty discover a new sport By investing in Derby University we re helping students develop a lifelong sporting habit while they study " Karen Rothery Chief Executive of British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) said: "Universities have really risen to the challenge to increase sport participation firstly through Active Universities and now through the University Sport Activation Fund We at BUCS are delighted that our work with Sport England over the past five years has resulted in such a success story and are confident that we will continue to enhance the student experience through sport in many creative ways throughout the life of the University Sport Activation Fund delivery " The latest funding for university sport builds on Sport England s highly successful three year Active Universities programme which delivering a 2 per cent rise in the number of students playing sport regularly at the 41 university projects it invested in ENDS For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of News on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

University of Derby Scoops Prospects Postgraduate Award 21 November 2013 The Un vers y of Derby has scooped a op pr ze a he Prospec s Pos gradua e Awards a na ona scheme ha ce ebra es he very bes n pos gradua e educa on

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For ur her press n orma on p ease con ac A ce O ver Head o Corpora e Re a ons Un vers y o Derby D rec d a 01332 592032 Ema a o ver@derby ac uk

University of Derby student named 12 December 2013 Police have confirmed the identity of a student who died after being found injured at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site yesterday (Wednesday December 11) A University of Derby spokesman said: "The University of Derby is devastated by the loss of one of our students 19-year-old Christopher Bergeron We continue to work with Derbyshire police to provide all the assistance we can to their enquiries in order to fully understand what has happened "Chris was a second year undergraduate studying for a BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree He was a hard-working and dedicated student who showed great enthusiasm and attitude towards his studies Despite only being on the course for just over a year his grades were indicative of his passion for game development; proving to be one of our brightest and best "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends as they come to terms with this tragic event We will continue to offer and provide support to anyone within our University community who feels that they need it "

University of Derby students called for blood testing after potential infection risk identified 29 April 2014 NHS England has been working with Public Health England (PHE) and the University of Derby to undertake an investigation into the vaccination and blood testing procedures of a health care worker formerly contracted to provide services within the Occupational Health Service at the University of Derby The investigation has examined all available University of Derby health records dating back to 2005 It has identified that 606 past and current students on professional programmes may have been placed at an extremely low risk of infection from blood borne viruses (hepatitis B hepatitis C and HIV) due to the use of incorrect clinical procedures whilst undertaking blood tests and vaccinations Affected students who received blood tests and vaccinations from this particular health care worker at the Occupational Health Service from September 2005 up to October 2013 have been contacted by letter inviting them to attend a hospital or their GP for a blood test A dedicated confidential advice line for students which can be accessed seven days a week has been established on 03330 142479 to provide further help and support Dr Doug Black Medical Director NHS England Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire said: "This investigation has taken place as it is understood that whilst syringe needles were always changed between patients the syringe barrels to which the needles attach were being reused in the administration of vaccinations This also occurred during blood taking where a single use holder for a blood collection tube was reused but needles changed "Therefore there is an extremely low possibility these errors may have put people at risk of infection from hepatitis B hepatitis C or HIV With this in mind as a precaution we have reviewed all available University health records and the 606 people identified have all been contacted and invited to attend a blood test at their local hospital or via their GP "We are extremely sorry for the undoubted worry and concern people we are contacting may feel on receiving this news I would however like to stress that the risk is extremely low and would encourage all those we contact who may not already have been screened after their time at the university to present themselves for blood testing "As part of our investigation the health care worker involved has been reported to the appropriate regulatory body and has been suspended pending further investigation We are working closely with the University of Derby and Public Health England to resolve this issue as quickly as possible " NHS England has been leading the investigation with support from clinicians at Public Health England and representatives from the University of Derby Dr Sophia Makki Consultant in Communicable Disease Control PHE East Midlands said: "We have worked hard to identify those individuals who may have been at risk of contracting hepatitis B hepatitis C or HIV and I would like to emphasise the risk of infection is extremely low and that we are offering testing as a precautionary measure "Effective treatments are available for all blood borne viruses which is why it is important to identify anyone who may have been at risk of infection so treatment can be started if necessary " The University of Derby has contacted all of the 606 individuals identified at being at risk by letter to explain the next steps Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "This is a deeply regrettable incident and it does mean that we need to contact a significant number of our current and former students to ensure they get the information and guidance they need I apologise for the potential distress this may cause to the people involved "We are working closely with NHS England and Public Health England to provide support and assistance to those people who may be affected by this issue and will continue to do so tirelessly in the coming weeks to ensure that all appropriate support is available and provided "An advice line has been set up by the University with clinical support from Public Health England to provide advice and guidance to callers Those who receive a letter are advised to call 03330 142479 for further information on what actions they should take next " - ends Notes to Editors The students attending the following courses are those who have been called for further blood testing: Masters (MA) n Art Therapy Masters (MA) n Drama Therapy Masters (MSc) n Occupat ona Therapy BSc (Hons) Occupat ona Therapy BSc (Hons) D agnost c Rad ography BSc (Hons) Nurs ng - Adu t and menta hea th Adv D p n Nurse Stud es (Adu t and Menta Hea th). The Advice Line will be open seven days a week 8am to 8pm (except for the May Day Bank Holiday weekend when it will run 10am to 4pm) • NHS England is the body which leads the NHS in England Its main aim is to improve the health outcomes for people in England and it sets the overall direction and priorities for the NHS as a whole To learn more about the work of NHS England please visit www england nhs uk • Public Health England Public Health England s mission is to protect and improve the nation s health and to address inequalities through working with national and local government the NHS industry and the voluntary and community sector PHE is an operationally autonomous executive agency of the Department of Health Follow PHE on Twitter @PHE_uk or visit www gov uk/phe • The University of Derby achieved University status in 1992 and is home to a diverse community of more than 20 000 students from the UK and overseas Professor John Coyne has been Vice-Chancellor since 2004 Students have the choice of studying in four faculties: Education Health & Science; Business Computing & Law; Art Design & Technology; and University of Derby Buxton There is also the option of studying for a degree online through the University of Derby Online Learning The University Quarter in Derby incorporates sites at Kedleston Road Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill to the west of Derby city centre The University of Derby Buxton is based at the magnificent 18th Century Grade II* listed Devonshire Dome campus in the heart of Buxton University of Derby Students Union research centres and academic schools - including The Derby Business School - are based at the Kedleston Road site Facilities include the £1 5m Clinical Skills Suite a state-of-the-art gym and a pioneering computer games development suite The University s corporate training and development division University of Derby Corporate (UDC) is based at the Enterprise Centre Bridge Street Derby Visit www derby ac uk for more information about University of Derby

University of Derby Students Join Institute of Directors 24 October 2013 Fifty students from the University of Derby will become Student Members of the Institute of Directors (IoD) as part of a scheme to help boost their business and employability skills and contacts A launch event to brief the University s Derby Business School students will be held at the Employability and Enterprise Hub in the Atrium of the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby on Wednesday October 30 at 5pm (Media are welcome to attend Please contact the IoD or University on the numbers or emails below) The East Midlands leads the way in IoD Student Membership in the UK; with 600 students this year signed up from universities in Derby Leicester Lincoln Northampton and Nottingham The scheme was piloted at Nottingham Trent University two years ago and has now been rolled out nationally Ron Lynch IoD East Midlands Regional Director commented: "Response to this programme has been amazing Students taking part have already seen the benefits of interacting with our business leaders and being involved in IoD events and activities "The Derby event will be a hands-on networking experience to prepare students for a new life in business " Bev Crighton Employer Engagement Lead for Derby Business School added: "We re delighted to be in partnership with the Institute of Directors in this way "We want the Employability and Enterprise Hub to be a place where the fresh approach and energy of our students can draw on the experience and knowledge of senior business leaders and their organisations Student Membership of the IoD is a good place for our undergraduates to begin " The upcoming launch follows a joint Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire IoD and University Networking Exchange event held recently at Derby s Cathedral Quarter Hotel This included presentations from IoD branch Chairman James Blick Marketing Derby head John Forkin and Stuart West University MBA Programme Director For further information on the IoD contact Ron Lynch IoD East Midlands Regional Director on 0115 8486190 or 07939 584626; or Janet Wootton IoD East Midlands Public Relations Officer on 0115 9139760 or email: janet wootton@ntlworld com For further information on the University of Derby please contact Sean Kirby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University Of Derby To Celebrate 20th Birthday With Graduate Reunion 16 February 2012 Graduates from the University of Derby are being encouraged to clear their diaries on Saturday June 23 to make way for the '20 Year Graduate Reunion' an event being organised by the University s alumni relations team to mark its 20 h birthday Being held at the University s Kedleston Road site the reunion is open to graduates from 1992 the year Derbyshire College of Higher Education became the University of Derby and will provide guests young and old(er) with a fantastic social and networking opportunity To support the reunion a specially commissioned website Hive Derby www hivederby com has been launched Designed to act as a virtual information hub graduates can join Hive Derby to reconnect with the University and old friends straight away; whilst also being kept up to date with details of the reunion and alumni news Adam Buss a BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies with Theatre Studies (Joint Honours) graduate has joined Hive Derby He said: "I ve joined Hive Derby as it s a great portal for keeping in touch and more importantly making contact with old friends "It s also a great opportunity to network on a professional level in a way that other more general social networks don t allow because we re all coming from a shared place " Adam graduated in 2000 and is now the Deputy Director of QUAD Derby Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer at the University of Derby said: "We re delighted to be celebrating the University s 20 h birthday this year and wanted to mark the occasion with an event that involved those who have been at the heart of the University over the last two decades; our graduates "Now Hive Derby is live our next step is letting as many Derby graduates as possible know about it and our reunion event Whilst many still live in the Midlands we also know that we have graduates spread across the UK and even further afield so if you are one; or know someone that is; please help us to spread the word " The Hive Derby concept is simple; graduates upload their photographs to the website and complete a short form providing information on what course they studied when they graduated and what they are doing now Each graduate is then given their own honeycomb and as the number of graduates joining the Hive grows so does the site - just like a real beehive Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby added: "2012 may be the year for huge royal and sporting celebrations in the UK but for us the most important event is our reunion Bringing 20 years of graduates together discovering what paths they ve chosen to follow in life and what they have achieved since graduating from here is going to be a very proud and memorable occasion for everyone involved " If you re a University of Derby graduate or know someone who is and would like to reconnect with the University old friends or find out more about the '20 Year Graduate Reunion' join Hive Derby at www hivederby com You can also 'Like' Hive Derby on Facebook or follow on @HiveDerby on Twitter In addition to the launch of Hive Derby the alumni relations team is also appealing for graduates or former University of Derby staff to send in old photos of their time spent at the University along with memories of what it was like to study and work there These can be emailed to l ratcliffe@derby ac uk or posted to Laura Ratcliffe Marketing Department University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB Please note the year in which the photograph was taken if known and the names of the people in it Unfortunately photographs cannot be returned For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586 or email R Marshalsay@derby ac uk

University of Derby welcomes Bombardier £1bn Crossrail contract 6 February 2014 Academics at the University of Derby have welcomed a significant £1bn contract awarded to one of the city s key employers And they believe their students are the perfect engineers ready to fill some of the 760 manufacturing jobs created as part of the deal Bombardier was today selected by the Government to provide hundreds of carriages for 65 trains for the London Crossrail project which is set to open in 2018 The trains will be manufactured and assembled at Bombardier s plant in Litchurch Lane Derby More than 90% of students from the University s School of Engineering and Technology have moved into work or further study within six months which is testament to the quality of teaching according to senior academics Angela Dean Head of School of Engineering and Technology said: "This is tremendous news for the manufacturing industry in Derby and confirms the city as one of the premier centres for the world s rail industry "Our graduates from areas such as mechanical electrical electronic and manufacturing and production engineering are a great talent pool for Bombardier and our new HEFCE supported MSc in Innovative Engineering Solutions due to recruit 50 students will support the supply chain to train work-ready engineers ready to take on this exciting challenge " Professor Richard Hall Director of the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) at the University of Derby added: "What fantastic news this is for the suppliers and the East Midlands region "The University of Derby will be working closely in support of Bombardier and its local supply chain as Bombardier joins the board of the IISE Engineering is one of our flagship subjects and there is a real hotbed of talent here at the University ready to help Bombardier realise this £1bn contract "We are also collaborating with the Derby & Derbyshire Rail Forum which will have its own space at Lonsdale House alongside IISE "We will be very much supporting the Forum s membership and engaging in a wide range of activities on technological innovation sustainability and low carbon initiatives This will help our local companies to be increasingly competitive in the marketplace " For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

University of Zakho Official Visits Derby To Discuss Collaborative Research Ventures 28 January 2013 A leading official from the University of Zakho Kurdistan Iraq recently met with top academics at the University of Derby to discuss potential collaborative research projects and postgraduate opportunities available to international students who choose to study at Derby Dr Lokman A Aldosky Director of International Affairs at the University of Zakho was welcomed by University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and then had the opportunity to meet some of the University s Research Management team and School of Science representatives Professor John Coyne said: "This is an exciting opportunity for both institutions and another strong example of how the University of Derby is committed to developing links with academic institutions around the world in order to provide our home and international students with the greatest learning experiences we possibly can " The University of Derby is currently home to over 1 000 international students from over 70 countries around the world and has strong relations in Botswana Greece and the Middle East These international links are also being extended to countries including China Malaysia and Sri Lanka - as well as in Brazil through the exclusive Science without Borders scheme For more information about the University of Derby s international partnerships

University Offers Grade Boost Help For GCSE Students 11 March 2013 Over 600 schoolchildren were invited to the University in February to take part in a variety of innovative workshops designed to help GCSE students boost their grades in Maths and English The Raising the Grade practical workshops which were delivered by the University s Education Liaison team and its student mentors focused on the most challenging areas of each subject For Maths for example topics included Algebra and Pythagoras and for English included reading and understanding punctuation and poetry The programme developed to replace the government Aimhigher initiative was expanded this year to include English workshops and now attracts around 100 students from the University s progression partner schools to each of the six sessions Feedback for both workshops was overwhelmingly positive; with over 96% of the students praising the Maths event and 92% saying they were pleased with the newly introduced English workshops Rachael Nicholls Education Liaison Development Officer at the University said: "Students were selected as their schools believe they are more than capable of achieving a grade C or higher in Maths and English We were delighted to encourage and support these students to help them achieve their potential at this event "

University Offers Grade Boost Support For GCSE Students 15 February 2013 Over 600 students were invited to the University last month to take part in a variety of innovative workshops designed to help GCSE students boost their grades in Maths and English The Raising the Grade practical workshops which were delivered by student mentors focused on the most challenging areas of each subject for Maths topics included Algebra and Pythagoras and for English Reading and Understanding Punctuation and Poetry The programme which was developed to replace the government initiative Aimhigher expanded this year to include the addition of English workshops and now attracts around 100 students from progression partner schools to each of the six sessions Feedback this year for both workshops has been encouraging; with over 96% of students praising the Maths event and 92% saying they were pleased with the newly introduced English workshops Rachael Nicholls Education Liaison Development Officer at the University said: "Students have been selected as their schools believe they are more than capable of achieving a grade C or higher in Maths and English We are keen to encourage and support these students in order to help them achieve their potential "

University On Its Marks For Great Year Of Sport 19 September 2011 With the whole country gearing up for London 2012 Olympics the University is also preparing for a busy year of sport as it encourages more and more students to get involved in team and individual sports and to start using its brand-new fitness facilities The UDSU Athletics Union led this year by President Chloe Farmer is hoping to engage students in both competitive British Colleges and Universities Sports (BUCS) leagues and non-competitive activities Chloe said: "As well as our successful sports clubs like rugby league American football and basketball and badminton we re setting up a whole raft of new clubs in golf table tennis women s rugby volleyball and lacrosse this year so that we can tap into new and existing students talents and passions and raise levels of participation across the whole University" " We will also be looking for athletes to compete in individual events such as athletics Karate Judo Jui Jitsu and rowing so anyone with a good level of talent should get in touch with us and find out about competing in some tough intramural competitions for Team Derby " Team Derby is the University s sports brand which works to promote sport and fitness across the whole University community It opened its new state-of-the-art 44 station fully air conditioned facility fitness centre on the Kedleston Road site in July 2011 Staff or students interested in membership should drop into the gym or call 01332 591790 for more information

University Plays Host To Bank Of England 5 November 2013 High Peak businesses will get the opportunity to take their concerns right to the top when the University of Derby Buxton hosts the first visit to the town by the Bank of England Forum Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce have organised the visit on November 7 to get up-to-date views on the economy from local businesses who have been invited to send representatives to a working lunch in the University s fine dining restaurant Bank of England officials use the Forum to listen to issues raised by industry and commerce on a regular basis "We ve had a couple of meetings in Chesterfield and Derby and were mindful that the rest of the county needed servicing so we are bringing it out to the High Peak " said Nick Chischniak the Chamber s Policy and Representation Manager "What we should have is a cross section of local business both large and small talking about and discussing their needs " For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

University Publishes 2011 Research Review 2 August 2011 An increasing emphasis on the importance of research at the University of Derby is reflected in its annual Research Review published this week The 2011 Research Review reports on dozens of projects spanning a broad range of subjects including: arts business computing culture design education hospitality health law science technology and tourism The University now has its largest ever research community consisting of four research centres and 13 research groups - and also hosts an annual postgraduate research conference to promote the work of its postgraduate researchers University of Derby Head of Research Professor Paul Bridges said: "Since 2006 there has been an expansion in research centres and groups at the University of Derby an increase in the number of researchers and an increase in research output "This growth reflects the University s plan to build research capacity in the areas where we teach " Current research projects include: Exp or ng the re g on and be ef of staff and students on campus n the h gher educat on sector the energy demands and needs of m crocontro ers w th n embedded systems such as n mob e phones and cameras mprov ng the qua ty of fe for sufferers of chron c fat gue syndrome assess ng how peop e cope n stressfu s tuat ons and how th s mpacts on the r b ood pressure and overa hea th the mpact (pos t ve or negat ve), of short courses on peop e work ng w th n the serv ce ndustr es and the pub c sector assess ng the pa n thresho ds of ath etes to see how th s mpacts on the r sport ng performance. In his foreword to the Research Review University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "It is pleasing to see that many of the crucial issues facing society and the professions are being actively researched within the University What is clear from our activities over the past year is that there is a growing volume of the very highest quality work being undertaken "Our researchers are leading by example in exploring the boundaries of knowledge; ensuring that their findings enrich enhance and develop our taught curriculum " For more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

University Race Series announced 31 July 2014 Derbyshire based charity Sporting Futures have teamed up with the University of Derby to organise and deliver running events throughout the county The two organisations have designed plans in partnership with Derby City Council to deliver a race series that will build on the success of the ever-growing annual Derby 10k and include a new Derby City half marathon Gary Parkin Chairman of Sporting Futures said: This is an exciting time for Sporting Futures Not only will 2015 be our 21 s anniversary but we have put the wheels in motion to get areas of Derbyshire running jogging and walking in partnership with the University of Derby He added: Over the past year we have developed our relationship with the University and we are proud to be working with them to deliver first-class mass participation running events across our great county starting in Derby City The race series will work closely with the University of Derby headline sponsor to ensure the maximum possible benefits are gained for students wishing to get valuable experience in planning co-ordinating volunteering and working on all aspects of the event management process that will compliment their academic studies at the University Its Vice-chancellor Professor John Coyne explained: "Sporting Futures does great work and so much of it sits perfectly with the orientation capabilities and discipline mix of the University "Our students will be involved in event management sports science support logistics and many other aspects of the series that will provide valuable experiences for them as they begin their careers The series also emphasises our Team Derby approach to sport and well-being in our community " The plans have been designed in two stages with phase one seeing the introduction of the half marathon planned for October 2015 which will start and finish outside the Kedleston Road University site Phase two of the race series will explore new events to be linked to their county campuses in Chesterfield and Buxton Cllr Alison Martin Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture at Derby City Council said: "I am delighted to see more opportunities for race running in Derby and I think the half marathon should prove to be a great event for all who take part in it "Thanks to our partnership with both the University and Sporting Futures we have been able to develop a race series that will bring together people from the city county and elsewhere and provide great sporting occasions "

University ranked in Top 50 in The Guardian's higher education guide 3 June 2014 The University of Derby has been named in the Top 50 of The Guardian University Guide 2015 published today (June 3) Derby s rise of 29 places - to 50th place in the independent national rankings (out of 116 institutions assessed) this year from 79th in the Guide s 2014 edition (published last year) - is the second highest jump in the country Many prospective students rely on annual guides published by national newspapers and elsewhere to decide on where they will study Institutions receive an overall score and individual assessments are also given for a whole range of criteria including employability spend per student student-staff ratio individual degree results and student experience Many of the figures are based wholly or partly on direct student surveys including the annual National Student Survey (NSS) of final year students in the UK In this year s The Guardian University Guide 2015 Derby s figures include: Satisfied with course - 86.5 (percentage of f na -year students sat sf ed w th overa qua ty, based on the Nat ona Student Survey); Satisfied with teaching - 88.5 (percentage of f na -year students sat sf ed w th the teach ng they rece ved, based on the NSS); Satisfied with feedback - 76.2 (percentage of f na -year students sat sf ed w th feedback and assessment by ecturers, based on the NSS); Average entry tariff (typ ca UCAS scores) - 305.8. Derby s 2015 Guide ranking puts it ahead of most of its regional benchmark group of universities according to The Guardian; including Nottingham Trent University (now in 57th place) Lincoln (65) Sheffield Hallam (73) De Montfort (85) and Staffordshire (90) The success in The Guardian s guide today follows recent rises in other national rankings Last month (May) the University s position rose 16 places in the Complete University Guide 2015 to 87th place; making Derby the fourth best improved among UK universities and one of only ten to improve its position by ten places or more In September (2013) Derby jumped five places to 84th place among 121 institutions in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014 Welcoming the results from today s The Guardian University Guide 2015 Professor John Coyne ViceChancellor of the University of Derby said: "It is very satisfying to have confirmation of the further progress of the University in another national league table "We have been rising in them all of late but the performance in The Guardian listing is particularly pleasing as this table reflects more fully on the core learning values of the University "Prospective students had already noticed our rising stature with applications up nearly 19% or three times the national average over the past two years This recognition marks steady progress in developing our core values our student-centred focus and the academic quality of everything we do "We shall continue on this path as our students deserve the very best It is just recognition for the excellent and committed staff team we enjoy at Derby and our hard working students " For more information on The Guardian University Guide 2015 see website www theguardian com/education/ng-interactive/2014/jun/02/university-league-tables-2015-thecomplete-list For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University Ready To Welcome BBC's Any Questions? 22 October 2010 In a week when politics has been at the forefront of our minds the University of Derby will welcome a number of high profile politicians when it hosts BBC Radio 4 s Any Questions? tonight Friday October 22 This evening s topical discussion panel show is being broadcast live from the University of Derby s Courtroom in front of a packed audience of Derby residents The panel chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby will feature the Economic Secretary for the Treasury Justine Greening MP Shadow Leader of the House of Commons Hilary Benn MP General Secretary of the NUT Christine Blower and Editor of the Spectator Fraser Nelson Peter Gallimore Head of Corporate Relations said: "We re delighted to welcome BBC Radio 4 to the University this evening Derby residents will have the opportunity to ask the questions the whole country wants to hear answers to " To hear the programme live from the University of Derby tune in to BBC Radio 4 from 8pm Any Questions? is repeated at 1 10pm on Saturday October 23 when it is followed by Any Answers?

University Recognised For Inclusive Attitude 31 March 2011 The University of Derby is the first university in the country to receive a prestigious award for its work to promote inclusion equality and diversity across its staff and student populations On 14 March the National Centre for Diversity awarded the University a National Investors in Diversity Award following a detailed assessment of the University s strategies and attitudes towards promoting diversity in age gender religion and belief sexual orientation race and disability The assessment included a three day visit during February 2011 and interviews with staff and students Lesley Gyford Head of Equality and Diversity at the University said: "We are extremely proud to receive this award and believe that it reflects the University s commitment to going beyond compliance and actively celebrating diversity amongst our staff and student groups " The report from the National Centre for Diversity noted that values and behaviours witnessed around the University were respectful of the rights and dignity of all people whatever their background A commitment from top management was also seen in the strategic and operational plan Other examples of this commitment was its growing number of international students a dedicated Celebrating Diversity Event Chinese New Year and Diwali festivities and activities and opportunities for religious inclusion at the University s new Multi-Faith centre at its Kedleston Road site Executive Director of the National Centre for Diversity Solat Chaudry said: "We would like to offer our hearty congratulations to the University of Derby for being the first university in the UK to achieve this award The University has attained a Stage two award the Full Investors in Diversity Standard which reflects just how seriously it takes matters of equality diversity and inclusion " "The University has shown itself to be a pioneer and should feel very proud " Lesley added: "This award doesn t mean that our work is done; but has provided us with a clear framework to ensure we continue to embed our positive attitudes towards equality diversity and inclusion in everything we do " The award will be presented to Lesley Gyford at the Investors in Diversity Conference in June 2011

University Recognises Contributions To The Community 12 October 2011 Two high profile High Peak figures will be recognised for their dedication to the area when they receive Honorary degrees from the University of Derby Buxton at its upcoming Awards Ceremony Former Labour MP for the High Peak Tom Levitt and the Managing Director of the Heights of Abraham Andrew Pugh will both receive Honorary Doctorate awards at the graduation ceremony which takes place in the University s iconic Devonshire Dome on Saturday 3 December 2011 Tom Levitt 57 is a familiar and respected figure in the High Peak community well known for his involvement in politics on a regional and national stage for many years After four years as member for Buxton North on Derbyshire County Council he became the Member of Parliament for High Peak in 1997 and remained an MP until 2010 Tom s links with the University of Derby began when he helped the University to acquire the former Devonshire Royal Hospital - the iconic Grade II* Devonshire Dome - which after a £20m refurbishment completed in 2005 became the bustling heart of the University s Buxton Faculty where he will collect his award On hearing he is to receive the Honorary Award Tom Levitt said: "I feel very honoured I am aware of how important the University of Derby Buxton is to the people of the High Peak and I am proud that I played a part in bringing High Peak College and the University of Derby together and securing the stunning building as its campus " Also receiving an honorary award on 3 December is Andrew Pugh who has been responsible for leading the restoration and development of popular Peak District visitor attraction the Heights of Abraham over the last 30 years Mr Pugh s family acquired the man-made wooded hillside and redundant lead mines in 1974 and worked hard to develop it into one of Derbyshire s premier visitor attractions The Heights of Abraham now welcome around a quarter of a million visitors each year who come to enjoy stunning views of the Derwent Valley enjoy walks through the hilltop park explore the underground caverns and ride its landmark cable car system Andrew is also the Chairman of the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Tourist Board working to ensure the Peak District and Derbyshire remain firmly on the map as a popular destination for national and international visitors On hearing about his Honorary Award from the University of Derby Buxton Andrew said: "I was surprised and delighted to hear that I am to receive an honorary degree It has been my pleasure as Chairman of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire to work closely with the University to create a marketing strategy for the Peak District and Derbyshire which has established it as an international visitor destination "I look forward to meeting all of my fellow graduates and enjoying the proceedings in December " The University of Derby Buxton's Awards Ceremony takes place on Saturday 3 December and will include a parade through the town to St Anne s Church led by Fairfield Brass Band followed by the awards ceremony at the Dome

University Rugby Squad Win 'Scrum' To Train With Premiership Stars 1 May 2013 University of Derby s rugby first team trained with top Premiership players and received £1 000 in funding after winning a major sporting competition The University team were recognised in the QBE Rugby Pro competition after demonstrating how the squad would benefit from receiving expert guidance from Premiership Rugby coaches and players The Judges were impressed by the University s sports department Team Derby and its desire to develop rugby as a key sport The specialist training session - led by Leicester Tigers players Dan Cole Miles Benjamin and Boris Stankovich provided the University team with a fantastic opportunity to pick up specialist advice on rugby skills and game play Charlie Millen 21 Committee Member and player for University of Derby RFC said: "The training session taken by the Leicester Tigers players and coaches was a great success as our team had the opportunity to develop and learn a number of new skills "Hopefully this will greatly benefit the squad throughout the remainder of this season and in the future We are very grateful to QBE for this fantastic experience as well as the new training equipment " Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager at the University added: "The skills professional experience and facility funding provided by QBE will have a considerable impact on player performance and help boost the reputation of sport within the University and externally across the wider community " For more information about Team Derby visit www teamderby com or for more information about sports courses on offer at the University visit www derby ac uk/science/sport-and-exercise

University’s Major Bid To Boost Workplace Skills And Business Start-Ups 13 November 2007 A unique approach to the way higher education supports business and the economy is to be launched by the University of Derby The University will launch its University of Derby Corporate (UDC) business next spring It is responding to the Government’s national call for higher education institutions to do more to foster higher level skills in the workforce and regionally the drive to increase the number of start-up businesses It will be backed by a £12million investment package from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (a sub-regional body supported by the East Midlands Development Agency) and the University UDC will be launched formally by the University in spring 2008 and begins trading later in the year Within five years the University will have: he ped 3,000 peop e n the workforce undertake accred ted tra n ng to earn new and h gher sk s; estab shed nks w th more than 300 emp oyers to show how h gher educat on can he p the r bus ness and staff deve opment; supported the creat on of 70 new bus nesses. The 2006 Government-commissioned Leitch Review of Skills set ambitious goals for the UK to become a world leader in workforce skills by 2020 It wants the percentage of those aged from 19 to state pension age who are qualified to higher education Level Four and above to rise from the 29% total of 2005 to 40% by 2020 At the same time Derby’s average of 27 new start-up businesses per 10 000 of its population (in 2005) was below the regional average of 34 per 10 000 according to the East Midlands Development Agency Building on its existing expertise in workforce skills development the University will answer the Leitch challenge by providing flexible higher level learning relevant to the workplace and accreditation of incompany training through its new business - University of Derby Corporate The UDC business will be totally dedicated to working with employers By focusing on businesses’ skills and training needs UDC will be able to offer employers a range of services from short ‘bite sized’ work based learning packages to full industry specific courses with much greater speed and flexibility As part of the investment package the University will build a new state of the art Business and Enterprise Centre This centre will be the headquarters of UDC and will contain high quality training suites and provide facilities that will improve the University’s links and multi-agency working with Business Link business groups and trade associations Within the Centre there will also be a separate Innovation Zone which will provide a base for start-up businesses before they move on to one of the University’s ‘incubator units’ The Innovation Zone within the new business centre will be Derbyshire’s enterprise hub where entrepreneurs can develop their ideas and set-up new businesses It will provide the infrastructure to support growth in the local enterprise economy The new Business and Enterprise Centre will be Derbyshire’s premier leadership and management development facility It is currently expected to open in early 2010 on an existing University of Derby site Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "The Leitch agenda is challenging and exciting but we are confident that this University has the experience commitment and appetite to make a real difference to our local and regional skills and enterprise needs " Kevin Edwards Chief Executive Officer of the Derby & Derbyshire Economic Partnership said: "Whilst a lot of business support services are available for existing businesses in the sub-region until now there has been a gap in the market for a dedicated facility that can help people to develop the specific skills they need to launch a new business or obtain support to allow them explore the viability of their business ideas "The development of a Business and Enterprise Centre in Derby will help to stimulate a culture of enterprise allowing new start-ups to become established and in time flourish which in turn will benefit the wider economy " Professor David Eastwood Chief Executive of HEFCE congratulated the University on the development of its groundbreaking project saying it demonstrated HEFCE’s investment programme in action "We are working with universities and colleges to expand their already excellent capacity to collaborate with employers of any size This will really add value to employer’s own spending to create the highly skilled knowledgeable and world-class workforce that they and this country need to compete on a global scale " added Professor Eastwood Andrew Morgan Director of Skills and Communities at the East Midlands Development Agency said: "This is a groundbreaking project which will help higher education institutions and the business community to collaborate" "The Business and Enterprise Centre will stimulate new business start-ups and encourage graduates to stay in the region It will also help realise the vision of the Regional Economic Strategy This aims to create a flourishing region by 2020 by supporting innovation-led and graduate businesses " Support for the UDC concept and the University’s subsequent bid for funds to realise its vision was given by major regional firms -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email s butt@derby ac uk Press release by Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or s kirby@derby ac uk

University Scoops National Award for Arts Excellence 29 November 2013 The University of Derby has won an award at one of the UK s most prestigious annual awards ceremonies for higher education thanks to its pioneering Learning Theatre in the city The University owns and runs Derby Theatre which has developed a three year pilot programme to establish a new and entirely unique operating model incorporating learning into everything it does This initiative helped Derby beat the universities of Kent Newcastle York Norwich University of the Arts and York St John University to win the award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts at the 2013 Times Higher Education Awards finals last night (Thursday November 28) The University was also shortlisted in the Outstanding Support for Students category Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We are delighted to have won this major award which is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of all at the University "Our relaunch and continuing management of Derby Theatre has seen it go from strength to strength in a way which benefits both our students and the wider theatre-going public "I am also incredibly proud that our outstanding student support programme was recognised by the judges Student support is at the core of what we are about as a University and we do our utmost to provide a high quality personal experience for our learners " Sarah Brigham Artistic Director of Derby Theatre added: "We have a unique new model of working in which we produce professional theatre of the highest standard with the golden thread of learning running through everything we do "This innovation allows us to delight and develop audiences while training the next generation of theatre makers We are thrilled to have been recognised with this award " Peter Knott Arts Council Area Director for the Midlands said: "Through the Learning Theatre Pilot Programme the University of Derby and Derby Theatre have created a unique and exciting venue for live theatre education and training "Arts Council England is proud to support organisations to deliver projects which engage audiences and develop emerging talent The Learning Theatre is a great example of how public funding can help turn an enterprising idea into artistic excellence "Congratulations to both the University of Derby and Derby Theatre on their success at the Times Higher Education awards " The University has previously won at the annual Times Higher Education Awards scooping both the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community and Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative categories in 2011 For more information about Derby Theatre see website www derbytheatre co uk/learning Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

University Scoops Top National Training Award 12 December 2012 University of Derby staff have cause for celebration after winning a Bronze award at the prestigious Training Journal Awards which recently took place at The Brewery in London Derby was shortlisted in the Best Coaching Programme category and joined industry giants Morrisons and Barclays in picking up one of the three coveted awards The work-based learning programme Manager as Coach was developed through close collaboration between the University and its corporate arm University of Derby Corporate (UDC) The aim was to develop a strong leadership cadre with strong staff engagement and integral to this was embedding a coaching culture Whilst this programme was developed for Derby s own internal managers a tailored version is now available to external organisations Commenting on the win Bev Millinchip Senior Organisation and People Development Advisor for the University said: "It has been really rewarding to see the difference this approach in leadership and management has made to staff engagement and to now be recognised with an award for the impact and approach taken against private sector organisations is wonderful We now look forward to developing this approach further in our desire to attain levels of world-class staff engagement " The Training Journal Awards which has been running since 2006 recognises excellence and the importance of training and learning development Training Journal s publisher David Crosby said: "The TJ awards were conceived to inspire excellence and celebrate best practice in learning and development The standard of entries has become higher each year which is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of all the organisations that enter Congratulations to all the winners " For further information about the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk and for UDC visit www derby ac uk/corporate

University Set To Host BBC's 'Any Questions?' 5 October 2010 A limited number of places are still available for the audience of BBC Radio 4 s Any Questions? which is being broadcast live from the University of Derby on Friday October 22 On the live topical discussion panel show Any Questions? a panel of personalities from the worlds of politics media and elsewhere are posed questions by the gathered audience Jonathan Dimbleby will chair the event from 6 45pm on October 22 in the Courtroom at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road Site The Derby audience will have the opportunity to pose questions to George Monbiot (environmental campaigner and Guardian columnist) Margaret Beckett MP (former Foreign Secretary) and Professor David Blanchflower (Professor of Economics at Dartmouth College former member of Bank of England s Monetary Policy Committee and columnist on the USA New Statesman) The final panel member is yet to be confirmed A limited number of free places for the event are still available but all seats must be reserved in advance Please note the minimum age of the audience is 14 To book your place contact Angela Drinkwater Events Officer at the University of Derby on 01332 591046 or via email a drinkwater@derby ac uk

University set to receive multi-million pound boost for the region's businesses 10 April 2014 The University of Derby is set to receive millions of pounds from the Government s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) to fuel business expansion and help create or safeguard thousands of jobs in the East Midlands The RGF will invest £20 million in three projects in the East Midlands a large proportion of which is going to the University for its "Invest-2-Innovate" programme the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced today The East Midlands investment is part of £300 million announced nationally for Round 5 of the RGF a Government scheme to create sustainable employment and growth in a wide range of sectors across the country The University will use the fund to support innovation in the region by investing in companies and providing financial support but will also use its resources to work with them and provide the time the talent and the technology to innovate Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby Professor John Coyne said: "This news is a tremendous vote of confidence in our region We are delighted that the University is set to receive this multi-million pound investment which will enable companies in Derby Derbyshire and the wider region to grow and flourish "It will benefit companies that need funding or other support to innovate and accelerate growth particularly those companies that have the potential to become high value incoming generating businesses "The funding is something that is desperately needed especially in a fast growing region such as ours where companies are trying to grow but are struggling to get help from the banks "Investing in these companies will create high value jobs in the region which will help to retain our best graduates and attract others creating a pipeline of young talent to the region" Derby City Council Leader Paul Bayliss said: "This is terrific news for the University of Derby local businesses and Derby City Council This award will provide further investment and job growth opportunities to local businesses We have a proven track record with the current Derby Enterprise Growth Fund and whilst this next generation of investments will be led by the University my Officers and I will work hard with them and our other partners to make sure we continue to help the Derby economy to grow " David Ralph Chief Executive of D2N2 the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire said: "The Government s Regional Growth Fund has been a really important scheme across the LEP area of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire whether that is direct to D2N2 businesses or through programmes such as Global Derbyshire Unlocking Investment for Growth or the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund "We really welcome today s (Thursday) announcement of the winning bid by the University of Derby which will enable the extension of this funding for the benefit of the Derby area It will provide important extra funds for business expansion and help create even more new jobs beyond the current expiry of March 2015 which is excellent news for our area "

End For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

University Shortlisted Twice At Major UK Games Awards 7 November 2013 Computer Games development courses at the University of Derby were shortlisted for two educational awards at the TIGA (The Independent Game Developers Association) 2013 Games Industry Awards last night (November 6) The major annual event - run by the body representing UK games industry leaders - saw Derby s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming and BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation (CGMA) degree courses shortlisted in the Best Educational Initiative and Best Educational Institute TIGA Awards categories Derby s nomination for Best Educational Initiative related to its ongoing Games@Derby series of public exhibitions at which visitors can try original games developed by Derby students The next Games@Derby event will be held from 2pm on Friday December 13 in the Atrium at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby For the category of Best Educational Institute the judging panel had praised Derby s focus on using industry standard practices and tools to develop students practical skills ahead of joining the games industry Derby was pipped to the post in both categories at the Awards finals ceremony last night (November 6) held at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire For more information about Computer Games courses at the University of Derby see www derby ac uk/games

University Signs 'Time To Change' Pledge on Mental Health 18 December 2013 In a ceremony at its Kedleston Road site the University of Derby has signed the Time to Change pledge to show its commitment to ensuring that staff and students have the knowledge attitudes and behaviours to reduce stigma and discrimination around mental health Lesley Gyford Head of Equality and Diversity at the University said: "There still remains a stigma around people declaring they are experiencing a mental health problem with the result that most people will rather describe the time they take off work or from studying as due to a cold or flu Identifying mental health issues as the reason for work related absence remains a significant challenge but when identified can be supported with treatment and support rather than sweeping such ailments under the carpet "We are proud to make this pledge as a sign of our dedication to helping overcome the difficulties faced by those with mental health problems "

University-sponsored football team meets England legend Peter Shilton 3 March 2014 England and Derby County legend Peter Shilton visited the University of Derby on Saturday to meet one of its sponsored sports teams Allestree Juniors FC has been held up by English football s governing body as a shining example of an excellent community club The Football Association (FA) is promoting its Community Awards 2014 and the club which trains at the University s Kedleston Road site welcomed Peter to a training session To watch a video of him coaching the youngsters visit the Derby Telegraph website Nominations are now open for the McDonald s-sponsored awards in which people can nominate their grassroots heroes whether they are volunteers clubs or coaches Allestree Juniors have won the FA Charter Standard Development Club of the Year award from Derbyshire FA for the last two years (2012 2013) and they are hoping to make it a hat-trick of awards in 2014 For more information on the FA Community Awards visit website

University staff Shwop til they drop 25 June 2014 University of Derby staff helped to collect nearly 50 bags of clothing for Oxfam during a charity drive at the Kedleston Road campus University staff stopped by the Shwop at Work stand to drop off their unwanted clothes shoes and accessories which will be given to Oxfam All the donated goods are used either resold in the UK reused in international markets where there is demand - for example warm coats in Eastern Europe or summer clothes in Africa - or recycled; high quality material can be made into new fabric and low quality will be used for things like loft insulations mattress filling or carpet underlay Not a single item goes to landfill In return for their generosity donors received a £5 voucher to spend at Marks and Spencer Rosie Marshalsay Head of External Relations at the University of Derby said: "A big thanks must go to all staff who supported the Shwop at Work campaign This is the second year we ve supported this great cause and thanks to the generosity of those who took part we re able to make a significant donation to Oxfam "

University Steams Ahead With Exciting Show For Big Bang Fair 28 June 2013 Modern science will be given a Victorian twist as the University of Derby launches its STEMpunk show at next week s Big Bang East Midlands Fair Big Bang is a UK-wide effort to encourage 11 to 18-year-olds to become more interested in Science Technology Engineering and Maths - or STEM subjects The 2013 Big Bang East Midlands Fair will be held at Derby College s Roundhouse building in Pride Park from 9 30am to 3 30pm on Tuesday (July 2) University of Derby experts in fabrics and fashion crime scene forensics and event sound and lighting will be there on the day demonstrating the technology their degree students use More than 1 700 people are expected to attend the event The theme of the University s show will be STEMpunk - a play on the science-fiction genre called Steampunk where fantastic technology is mixed with Victorian era characters and settings Talking about the history of forensic human identification - from body measurements to finger prints to DNA profiling - while clad in Victorian top hat will be Jonathan Wright; the University s Programme Leader for Forensic Science He has also worked as an advisor to authors and film and TV series The sound and light event part of the STEMpunk show will then demonstrate how modern technology can be used to recreate any era including the steam and grime of the Victorians for the stage and live events Bev Reardon Schools and Colleges Liaison Tutor for the University said: "It s vital that we engage young people s interest in STEM subjects not just for the future of the UK economy but also as these subject areas can often be thought of as less interesting options for future careers "With the Big Bang East Midlands Fair and the University s STEMpunk show we have an opportunity to demonstrate that Science Technology Engineering and Maths can be a route to different exciting and stimulating careers They are just as vital today as during the Victorians Industrial Revolution which we ve taken as our theme " Derby College Rolls-Royce IBM The Institution of Engineering and Technology the Royal Society of Chemistry the Society of Biology the Institution of Civil Engineers Go Motorsport the Chilled Food Association Zooniverse and Immersive Theatres will also be exhibiting a range of interactive displays and activities at the East Midlands event For more information about the University of Derby s STEMpunk show see website www derby ac uk/stempunk or email stempunk@derby ac uk To learn more about The 2013 Big Bang East Midlands Fair see website www thebigbangfair co uk/eastmidlands/home

University Strengthens Links With Rams 12 May 2011 Derby County FC s first team squad is receiving support from University of Derby sports scientists to ensure they are in top shape for the new season Earlier this year members of the club s youth team used a next-generation x-ray machine to help assess some of its players body composition growth and development The trial was so successful that members of the club s first team are now being assessed with the idXA xray machine to check their body mass The scan sessions have been organised by the University s Head of Sport and Exercise Dr Peter Jones and managed by University radiography expert Alan Parsons Rams players including Dean Leacock Theo Robinson Russ Anderson Ben Pringle and Dave Martin were among the first to undergo scans this week The idXA machine offers the latest in body composition measurement tools which assess fat mass in relation to muscle development and can help pinpoint what a player needs to focus on in terms of future strength and conditioning training The machine can also assess bone density through the x-ray images it generates All 25 members of the first team squad will be assessed using the idXA scanner and will be tested again when the players report for pre-season training and again in the middle of the new season On top of this Peter and his team will be providing a range of workshops to help players learn more about nutrition and other aspects of health to give them an extra edge Dr Peter Jones said: "We are delighted that the first team squad is now using the scanner and we hope the workshops will also pay dividends into the new season for the Rams The trial with the youth team was successful and this is the next natural progression in our partnership with the club " The initiative is part of Team Derby Performance - the University s new applied commercial arm of sports science Team Derby Performance aims to help athletes develop their nutrition biomechanics and other aspects of their physical and mental wellbeing to help them improve performance Steve Haines Strength and Conditioning Coach for Derby County FC said: "We understand the value of this sort of equipment to help our players with their continued development We see it as the gold standard in such facilities and are delighted to be working with the University again " The idXA scanner based within the University s Clinical Skills Suite is on loan from GE Healthcare and is also being used to help health and science students learn skills to help assess patients health ready for the workplace There are only around 15 such scanners in the UK For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

University Takes Service Design Approach To Student Experience 6 August 2012 Groundbreaking work by the University s Student Support and Information Services (SSIS) Team to improve student experience using service design methods is resulting in increased levels of student satisfaction at Derby and has been recognised across the Higher Education sector Two JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) funded projects have been carried out to put the student at the centre of University administration - by mapping students journeys and their encounters with various departments and people throughout their studies Jean Mutton Project Lead said: "We first analysed students experiences from application through to enrolment with the aim of designing services that maximised satisfaction through each encounter with the University "After implementing an enhancement plan for the enrolment project we saw significant results including more students enrolling online reduction in queuing and a 32% increase in student satisfaction which have been successfully maintained " Through a second round of funding the team are now looking at developing a Student Experience Traffic Lighting System to explore student engagement with services across the University "By using service design we can see when students are at risk of withdrawing from University and we can identify appropriate support so this doesn t happen " Papers on Derby s service design approach have been published by JISC and in the Journal Perspectives

University To Open £400,000 Chesterfield Centre 30 October 2007 The University of Derby is holding a behind-the-scenes tour of its new centre for learning when it officially opens next week The University of Derby in Chesterfield will be opened officially on November 6 by Eric Morton Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal NHS Trust The centre will be aimed primarily at providing health education opportunities and health officials are among those invited to the evening reception However as the centre matures opportunities in other subject areas may also be offered by the University About 300 students on the Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies course are the first to study at the centre in Canal Wharf There is academic expertise to provide a range of other courses such as an MSc Advanced Practice community specialist programmes and short courses in areas such as Mentoring Progress and Verification of Death And will be further opportunities to host health and education conferences and network events at the centre The University has leased dedicated rooms and offices on the two-storey site from the Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce and has invested £400 000 to introduce dedicated facilities to train healthcare professionals Facilities include: A fu y-funct on ng C n ca Sk s Su te w th hosp ta beds, drug tro eys, ho st and other med ca equ pment. S mMan – an e ectron ca y programmed robot wh ch s mu ates var ous a ments and nessesto tra n nurses. Th s s a ongs de a range of other teach ng a ds. F ve teach ng rooms w th conference fac t es, and IT and hot-desk prov s on. Centre managers, who hope the s te w serve the north of the reg on s hea th educat on needs, are ook ng forward to showcas ng the new fac t es. Alison Hogg Acting Head of Subject (Nursing and Healthcare Practice) said: "We are delighted with the new facilities which are modern fresh and provide students and staff with plenty of space as well an excellent working and learning environment "We look forward to welcoming visitors to the new University centre and as well as our trainee nurse provision are looking to provide courses to health trusts and other organisations in the region and will be finding out what sort of training requirements they may have "Students and staff had previously been in rented accommodation at Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Infirmary hiring teaching rooms and space for academic staff Mrs Hogg said: "The University has an established reputation delivering such training opportunities in the wider region from the south of the county in Derby at our main campus We are an integrated team operating at both Derby and Chesterfield and this new centre allows us to build on our emerging reputation in the north of Derbyshire and the wider region " Students are also excited about the new facilities Elaine Sly 38 from Station Road Bolsover in the final year of her course said: "This centre makes us feel established as students The IT facilities in particular are very good " Terri Wright 20 from Barrowhill Chesterfield said: "We will benefit from facilities such as extra rooms where we can have private consultations with staff which is important if there are personal matters to discuss " Lynn Baggaley 31 from Derby Road Chesterfield added: "We have more room and it feels more like a dedicated centre for health education training " -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

University To Welcome Sir Richard Branson 1 November 2007 President of Virgin Atlantic Sir Richard Branson is set to officially open the University of Derby’s new £21m Markeaton Street site tomorrow He will have a surprise in store for some of the most creative young minds in the region – as he presents students with a Design Challenge As part of his visit Sir Richard will also: meet d gn tar es, nc ud ng Un vers ty V ce-Chance or Professor John Coyne and w tour the fac t es, meet ng past and present students; take part n a photograph c Masterc ass w th a former Derby student who has won nat ona acc a m for h s work; a focus of a 45 m nute quest on and answer sess on w th students and nv ted capta ns of ndustry – where h s v ews on the future of av at on and educat on w be a red. Sir Richard said: "Virgin has so many friends at Rolls-Royce and Bombardier in Derby that I’m delighted to be able to return to the city to open this amazing facility for the country’s future designers It represents excellent design and innovation – values which are close to all of us at Virgin " Facilities at the new Markeaton Street site include four auditoriums specialist photographic laboratories a number of art and design studios music technology laboratories an Apple Accredited Training Centre and the Open Studio Research Centre The new building is home to 3 000 students The new building set to provide some of the most modern facilities for arts design and technology subjects forms part of the University’s new Quarter in the west end of the city The construction firm leading the project was Norwest Holst and the architects were the Architects Design Partnership LLP The new £21m Markeaton Street building has been part funded by ERDF – European Regional Development Fund – and HEFCE – the Higher Education Funding Council for England and is supported by Derby City Partnership The University has invested millions to create an architecturally innovative building that is also ecologically sustainable and environmentally friendly Markeaton Street from the outset was designed to incorporate sustainable low energy features at its core The University’s Head of Press and PR Peter Gallimore said: "This is a great occasion for the University Sir Richard will see first hand the best in modern facilities for arts design and technology now available to all students at the site He will be arriving in style and that will set the tone for an unforgettable day " -endsFor more details about the event please contact Press Office Administration Assistant Anne Wake on 01332 591187 or email: a wake@derby ac uk For more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

University Towers' 'Green' Transformation 9 July 2008 The look of the University of Derby – and of the city’s skyline – is to radically change with a £13 5m makeover of the three main towers at its Kedleston Road site A fixture of the local landscape since 1965 the towers are now in need of refurbishment This project one of the largest ever undertaken by the University will be completed by January 2010 Rather than opt for only changing the North South and East Towers’ appearance the University is taking the opportunity to also substantially reduce its ‘carbon footprint’ – the amount of energy used for heating and power which leaks into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming The refenestration project which will not increase the towers’ height will mean: nsta ng new w ndow un ts and nsu at ng and re-c add ng f rst the East and North Towers (s mu taneous y) n 2008, then the South Tower ( n 2009); nsta ng a roof screen to part a y h de features at the top of the bu d ngs; g az ng a bo d arch tectura connect ng sta r b ock; a terat ons to mprove the Atr um. Around £600 000 from the £13 5m project budget will also be invested in alternative energy in solar panel and wind turbine technology Replacing 1960s single-glazed windows and thinly insulated walls with heat efficient glazed panels will cut University heating bills and carbon emissions by reducing energy wastage making the towers up to three times more energy efficient Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University said: “This is a substantial undertaking and one that will change the shape of the landscape in the city and bring a more modern feel to the University ” Hari Punchihewa Pro Vice-Chancellor and Finance Director will co-ordinate the project for the University He said: “The three key objectives I set for this project were to improve energy efficiency and make a significant contribution to the University s fine record of reducing our overall carbon footprint; create a contemporary design that matches our modern visual identity; and achieve all this with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency “I am confident all this can be achieved within the timescale we have set ourselves ” Director of Estates Ian Willgoose will manage the project on a day-to-day basis There will inevitably be some noise and disruption during the works chiefly affecting staff and students working at the University but possibly also nearby residents Existing outer windows will be replaced with large glazed panels ‘hung’ on metal rods previously drilled into the face of the building to anchor them into place It is expected that the additional noise created by the drilling will cause minimal disturbance even for the closest properties to the University but action has been taken to minimise any disruption to homes near the Kedleston Road site: around £1m has been added to the overa cost of the £13.5m pro ect to reduce no se and d srupt on on s te. The extra cost has gone on research ng the use of qu eter d amond dr ng equ pment, us ng pre-manufactured g az ng pane s wh ch do not need on s te assemb y and n engthen ng the pro ect t me to a ow phased dr ng, to cause ess d srupt on to our ne ghbours dr ng w on y take up a tota of around 13 weeks w th n the 18 month pro ect, n one e ghtweek sect on over summer 2008 and for about f ve weeks dur ng summer 2009. Dr ng w usua y be between 7am and 7pm weekdays. On very rare occas ons some dr ng w take p ace at weekends. The main contractor for the University project Office Projects Ltd (OPL) will be abiding by the regulations of the national Considerate Constructors’ Scheme during the works Its fellow contractor on the project is Parry Bowen OPL will have a Project Coordinator on site throughout the works Should residents experience any disturbances due to work on the towers they will be able to telephone OPL on a dedicated phone line 01332 341907 Residents and University staff and students will be kept up to date with the works progress through regular newsletters the first of which has gone out this week Members of the public with queries in addition can contact the University of Derby Press Office on 01332 591891 or email pressoffice@derby ac uk -endsFor further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

University Towers' Project Finalist At National Awards 26 November 2010 The University of Derby s Estates Department was shortlisted for a prestigious national award Derby was shortlisted in the 2010 Times Higher Education Awards in the category of Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development for its £13 5m project to refenestrate and refurbish the three 1960s-built towers at its main Kedleston Road site in Derby The 2010 Awards dinner and presentation was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London last night (Thursday November 25) Derby was in a shortlist of six within its category alongside the universities of Aberystwyth Bradford Northampton and Winchester; and Queen Mary University of London Bradford won the category Ian Willgoose Director of Estates at the University of Derby said: "The towers project has vastly improved the look of the University s Kedleston Road site and just as importantly its energy efficiency "I am delighted that we were shortlisted for such a prestigious national award which recognises everybody s hard work " In October the University towers project won the Sustainable Development of the Year category award at the 2010 East Midlands Property Dinner For more information about the 2010 Times Higher Education Awards see website www timeshighereducation co uk

University Unveils The 'Derby Difference' On Tuition Fees For 2012 5 April 2011 Quality choice value and the personal touch - these are the University of Derby s key promises to prospective students as it announces the tuition fees it plans to charge from September 2012 The University will submit proposals to the Government later this month to introduce a sliding scale of course prices for prospective students reflecting the actual costs needed to deliver them - with 80% of Derby s courses set to cost less than £7 500 a year The Government voted to increase the current £3 290 annual cap on universities degree fees allowing them to charge from £6 000 to £9 000 a year It will be cutting the national higher education budget directly invested in universities by 40% over four years A student-centred philosophy and prudent financial management has placed the University in a strong position The University of Derby produced a £10 1m operating surplus (as a non-commercial operation this is its version of a profit ) in 2010 and is on track to do the same in 2011 Every penny of this surplus is invested back into improving facilities courses and the student experience The University will leverage this strength into affordable fees As part of the Derby Difference the University is promising prospective students that its tuition fees from September 2012 will reflect the true cost and individual characteristics of the courses University managers have identified three groups of courses: Spec a st - Derby s s gnature courses , wh ch feature add t ona exper ences enhanc ng the earn ng exper ence (mandatory f e d tr ps, v s ts etc.) - £7,995 (20% of Un vers ty courses at th s cost) Resource Intens ve - requ r ng spec a st fac t es on s te - £7,495 (40% of courses) C assroom based - predom nant y de vered n a convent ona c ass or ecture sett ng - £6,995 (40% of courses). The University will be seeking to reserve the right to introduce a further category should circumstances warrant it This would be for a Premium category that would be appropriate for programmes that were very distinctive high cost and unique to Derby - these would charge annual fees of £9 000 (currently there are no courses identified at this price) This means a student on a Specialist course for example one which requires field trips abroad (the cost of which would be met from the fee) would pay more than a student studying on a Classroom based course requiring no additional resources The new system will affect full and part time students beginning degrees on or after September 2012 Students part-way through courses and those joining in 2011 will remain on the current system Professor John Coyne University of Derby Vice-Chancellor said: "Our key message is that this University will ensure students know exactly what they are paying for and deliver it "We are a high quality University with an excellent track record We are one of the success stories of the sector currently and enjoying unprecedented popularity We have done this by focussing upon our students and see no need to change emphasis We believe in setting good value and fair fees for students and this will continue "It is about delivering the best higher education experience on a realistic scale We will build upon our recent success to make the benefits available to prospective students We don t rest on our laurels or historic reputations and notions of status That is old thinking ! Our decision is based on pricing not posturing fairness not folly! "The Derby Difference will mean students beginning their education with us in September 2012 or afterwards can be confident their annual tuition fee will be all that they will pay There will be no hidden charges for course extras such as mandatory field trips use of laboratories starter packs testing kits or whatever Only the usual discretionary book purchases will be at the student s expense "In addition those on purely classroom based courses will be charged lower annual tuition fees than those pursuing degrees which require additional University resources But all will get first class attention "We shall deliver learning on an accessible scale with an emphasis on meaningful contact hours access to tutors and relatively small class sizes "As well as tremendous value the key element we are offering students is the personal touch Every student at Derby will benefit from that individualised approach Already well over 80% of our classes are taught to fewer than 30 students " The University also places great stock on helping students maximise their own employability skills and experience alongside studying for their degree or other qualification The University of Derby Students' Union (UDSU) through its key officers was fully engaged with the fee setting process Their advice was sought and listened to at every stage UDSU President Caleb Jackson said: "We shall hold the University to account on the delivery of the student experience This is vital to our student body We recognise the need to ensure that the University can continue to generate the funds necessary to re-invest in improving all aspects of life for our students We are on the up as a University and our students deserve the best We supported the proposals at the Governing Council where we had the opportunity to put forward the views of our students " Derby has an award winning Careers Service a Student Employment Agency which helps provide students with work opportunities with companies and organisations and an extensive volunteering programme including the Derby Award which builds these experiences into an additional qualification It is the first university to produce an electronic HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Report) which details a student s academic achievement in detail and also enables prospective employers to note extracurricular activities and achievements in the student s time at University The University s Enterprise Centre also supports students in their ambition to start up their own business As under the current national tuition fees system no full time student will have to pay for the cost of tuition while they are studying Government financial help will be provided in the form of a loan which is later paid back No graduate will begin repaying their loan until they are earning at least £21 000 a year A graduate earning £25 000 a year would repay their loan at around £30 a month Any outstanding loan will be written off after 30 years For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

University Urges Talented Young Photographers To Capture Spring 22 January 2013 Young amateur photographers were given a masterclass on how to capture the magic of spring on camera by a University of Derby photography lecturer to mark the launch of the University s Nature Photography Competition The University s School of Science is asking talented young amateur photographers aged 13 to 24 to capture the essence of spring to be in with a shot of winning the latest digital sharing camera All entries will be judged by a panel of wildlife experts including zoologist and TV presenter George McGavin wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering and the Acting Head of the University s School of Science Paul Lynch and will feature in an exhibition at the University s Kedleston Road site in May (2013) A winning image will be chosen in the 13 to 17 and 18 to 24 year old age categories and form a permanent exhibit in its School of Science These two winners will also receive a Samsung Galaxy HD camera each which gives photographers the option of sharing their 17 megapixel photos straight from the camera via 3G or WiFI Professor Paul Lynch said: "The wildlife and events that can be witnessed during a British spring are true natural wonders We want young people to be inspired by the changes they see around them to get out into nature and take some fantastic photographs "Whether pictures of birds or bugs stunning sunsets or spring showers we are looking forward to seeing some wonderful entries We hope young people make our task of judging the winners of these prizes very difficult " The Nature Photography Competition is open to amateur photographers aged 13 to 24 including students of the University and will close on April 14

University Welcomes Bright Brazilian Students To Derby 6 February 2013 Over 50 talented students from Brazil arrived in the UK earlier this month (January) to study at the University of Derby as part of a revolutionary scholarship programme run by the Brazilian government The students who are currently in their second and third years of study attended the University s Welcome Week where they had the opportunity to meet other international students and learn more about student life in Derby Arthur Miranda who is currently studying for an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree through the scheme said: "So far everything has been great the facilities here are fantastic and staff are very supportive if they can t help they are always kind enough to put you in contact with someone who can " The innovative Science without Borders (SwB) scholarship programme which began in September 2012 will see the UK welcome up to 10 000 Brazilian students looking to study undergraduate sandwich courses sandwich PhDs and full PhDs over the next three years Vinicius D Aroz who is studying toward a Mechanical Engineering degreeunder the scheme added: "Despite arriving in the UK later than expected the University has been very welcoming and this has made it very easy for me to settle in here in Derby " The University of Derby is currently home to more than 1 000 international students from over 70 countries around the world and has strong relations in Botswana Greece and the Middle East These international links are also being extended to countries including China Malaysia and Sri Lanka Nick Slade Director of International Development at the University of Derby said: "We are delighted to welcome another cohort of Brazilian students to the University Brazil s Science without Borders scheme is one of the first large scale student mobility programme of its kind and our involvement gives these international students the opportunity to experience the very best Derby has to offer "

University Welcomes Careers Expert 3 November 2009 Dr Tristram Hooley has joined the University of Derby as its new Head of the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) The centre is part of the University s Research Centre for Education and Career Development and offers practical solutions which contribute to youth policy adult guidance and workforce development throughout the UK Tristram joins the University from CRAC (the Career Development Organisation) where he was Senior Programme Manager and led the national Vitae programme championing career and skills development for academic researchers to maximize their expertise And previously Tristram was the Postgraduate Training Coordinator in the Student Learning Centre at the University of Leicester leading its research postgraduate development programme between 2004 and 2008 promoting the value of PhDs and other doctorate qualifications to employers Tristram said: "Joining iCeGS is an exciting challenge for me Most of my career to date has been working in education skills and career development for highly skilled individuals in specialist academic areas "This new role allows me to continue to focus in this area but also has a broader focus looking at career and development issues across the education spectrum including areas such as careers guidance in schools youth work and social work and across different academic subject areas " The International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) also hosts seminars workshops and symposia designed to develop the knowledge and skills of those who work in the guidance world including policy makers practitioners managers and researchers Eminent careers author Barrie Hopson will be delivering the 12th iCeGS Annual Lecture to be held on Thursday 10 December from 2pm-4pm entitled: From vocational guidance to portfolio careers: A critical review The event will be hosted by University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne and will take place at the University s Kedleston Road site For more information about this news release contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email:s redfern@derby ac uk

University Welcomes Industry Professionals To International Conferences 6 November 2012 Over 160 leading figures from the tourism hospitality and spa industries met at the University of Derby Buxton on November 1 where they discussed the future sustainability of each industry with academics and current students Both the Buxton Spa Forum which returned for its second consecutive year and the inaugural Tourism and Hospitality Conference were held in the University s iconic Devonshire Dome Students who also attended were impressed with the broad range of topics discussed by the guest speakers and 100% of students who gave feedback found the conferences interesting and useful to their studies The events organised by the University of Derby Buxton s events management company Dome Events gave current students studying towards degrees in Tourism Hospitality and Spa Management an understanding of issues affecting their industries and the work being done to ensure their long term sustainability Dr Gillian Hunter researcher and workshop leader at the Buxton Spa Forum said: "These events provided a great networking opportunity for our students and industry professionals to seek and create opportunities gain expert knowledge and drive forward industry standards research and education " Sarah Rawlinson Assistant Dean of the University of Derby Buxton said: "With our commitment to providing real world learning to our students we aim to involve them where possible in the organisation of events at the Dome "These conferences provided a fantastic opportunity for our Hospitality Events Management and Culinary Arts students to gain essential events management experience with the supervision of event professionals in a truly unique commercial learning environment " For more information about the Tourism Hospitality and Spa Management courses delivered by the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb/culture-and-lifestyle

University welcomes new Pro Vice-Chancellor 10 July 2006 The University of Derby is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Musa Mihsein currently Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Widening Participation at De Montfort University in Leicester and Dean of the Faculty of Computing Sciences and Engineering is to become Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic Development Educated at Northampton College and then Imperial College where he took a first in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD and DIC Musa began his academic career as a research fellow and lecturer before embarking upon a highly successful career in industrial research with British Gas He rejoined academia as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at Wolverhampton before moving to De Montfort University in 2001 to lead his current Faculty He became Associate Pro Vice Chancellor in 2004 He has an MBA from Newcastle University Musa has published widely in national and international academic journals in the fields of stress and the response of structures in hazardous loading He has led research teams in areas as diverse as Geotechnics gas distribution systems pressure systems robotics and pipeline inspection and drilling technology He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers He has led for De Montfort University on the recently successful Lifelong Learning Network for the region and has managed the University’s partnerships with FE Colleges He will be responsible for shaping the University’s future academic profile as a flexible and innovative institution working with partners to deliver high quality programmes and novel learning solutions He will champion openness and opportunity within the University and outside and work with key stakeholders He will initially take line management responsibility for the School of Flexible and Partnership Learning and two of the faculties Commenting on the appointments University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: "I am delighted that an individual with the qualities that Musa will bring is joining the University at this time "He is not only a first class academic and experienced academic manager but he also has the energy passion and drive to make a difference I know that he has the values and personality to promote our distinctive mission to bring the best out of our excellent staff and build upon the excellent qualities we have deeply embedded in the university " Professor Philip Tasker Vice-Chancellor at De Montfort University said: "Professor Mihsein has made a significant contribution to the University as Dean of Computing Sciences and Engineering "His leadership and strong links with industry have helped to build a very strong Faculty which supports many of the University’s strategic activities including those within the Creative Industries We are very pleased for Professor Mihsein and wish him every success in his new role " -endsFor further information call: Simon Redfern Senior Press and PR Officer University of Derby on 01332 591942 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

University's African Partners Celebrate Students' Success 29 March 2011 Students at the University's African partners celebrated their graduation during March On 5 March 55 students of the Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) celebrated their graduation at its Kanengo Campus in Lilongwe Derby s Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Barnes and Logistics Lecturer Simon Dupernex both attended the ceremony when 38 students graduated from the MSc Strategic Management and 17 from its MBA programme The partnership between the Malawi Institute of Management and the University of Derby began in 1999 The Institute was formed to help senior and middle management obtain the knowledge concepts and skills to help Malawi develop Botswana Accountancy College (BAC) celebrated its Award Ceremony on March 12 at its campus in Gaborone The University s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne Dean of the Faculty of Business Computing and Law Keith Horton and Simon Dupernex congratulated the 66 graduates from the MSc Strategic Management and 22 graduates from the MBA In addition to these programmes BAC also has a franchise arrangement to deliver the BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and in March 2011 it began to deliver a franchise programme BA (Hons) in Business (Enterprise) For more information on the University s international partnerships visit www derby ac uk/businessservices/partnerships

University's Biology and Zoology Courses Receive Official Recognition 17 December 2013 A leading national science body has renewed the recognition for the University of Derby s Biology and Zoology programmes The Society of Biology recognition which identifies the quality and biological significance of the courses directly benefits those students studying the BSc (Hons) Zoology and Biology degrees at the University who will qualify for Associate Membership of the Society of Biology (AMSB) on graduation and can apply for full membership following appropriate professional experience This is widely recognised throughout the industry and by potential employers The Society of Biology is a single unified voice for biology It advises Government and influences policy advances education and professional development supports its members and engages and encourages public interest in the life sciences The courses were first recognised by the Society of Biology in 2008 and the renewal will run for the next five years Professor Paul Lynch Head of Biological and Forensic Sciences at the University of Derby said: "We are incredibly proud to have our accreditation from the Society of Biology renewed "Earning recognition from the professional body for this area is validation of the hard work done by the department and holds considerable weight within the sector as well as in the eyes of students and their future employers " For more information about Biology and Zoology courses at the University of Derby visit website www derby ac uk/science/biological-sciences or for more information about the Society of Biology visit website www societyofbiology org For further press information please contact: Alice Oliver Head of Corporate Relations University of Derby Telephone 01332 592032 email: a oliver@derby ac uk

University's Enterprise Centre Expands Space To Welcome Big Business 8 February 2013 The University of Derby Corporate (UDC) recently launched two state-of-the-art meeting rooms at its nationally accredited Enterprise Centre on Bridge Street Derby Designed to complement the venue s already extensive corporate facilities the two ground floor rooms can accommodate up to 30 people each and benefit from top quality interactive projective technology ideal for bringing meeting presentations and training seminars to life The Enterprise Centre is quickly building a reputation in the region for outstanding quality conferencing and events facilities along with excellent customer service and delicious catering Jo Shepherd Team Organiser at Atkins said: "I recently held a two day team building event at the Enterprise Centre for the Atkins Quality Safety and Environment team The service was excellent the food was lovely and the IT support made it easy for us to set up from the beginning " Meeting rooms at the Enterprise Centre come fully equipped at no extra charge and include free Wi-Fi presentation equipment IT support and complementary on-site parking The Enterprise Centre also offers a range of catering options for all types of events from small meetings to large conferences of up to 200 delegates For more information about the meeting and conference space available at the Enterprise Centre visit www derby ac uk/conferences

University's 'First Class' Environmental Effort 7 June 2011 The University of Derby is officially First Class when it comes to being environmentally responsible It is ranked 22nd out of 142 UK universities in the 2011 People & Planet Green League - which each year grades higher education institutions on their environmental and ethical performance - published in The Guardian newspaper today (June 7) Only 31 of the universities received a First Class grading; with others getting a 2:1 2:2 Third or Fail Derby s position has shot up more than 20 points from 48th in the 2010 report when it was then given a healthy 2:1 grade The People & Planet Green League report assesses universities environmental performance and commitment using 13 criteria including environmental policy carbon management ethical procurement (of supplies) staff and student engagement and (disposal of) waste and recycling Significant improvements have been made in the University of Derby s environmental performance in the last few years As well as the completion of a £13 5m scheme to increase the heat and energy efficiency of the three towers at its main Kedleston Road site in Derby the University is now generating its own electrical energy through wind turbines and solar panels In January (2011) it launched a carbon footprint calculator on the Environment section of its website where staff students and the public can calculate the amount of carbon emissions their lifestyle produces This can be found at website http://universityofderby footprint wwf org uk/ Lynn Richards Environmental Manager at the University of Derby said: "A lot of hard work has gone into making the University more environmentally responsible and getting staff and students involved in that process "Having such a huge boost now in our ranking in the prestigious annual People & Planet Green League is really the green icing on the cake " For more information about the University of Derby's environmental work see website www derby ac uk/environment To learn more about the People & Planet Green League see website http://peopleandplanet org/greenleague For further University information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

University's Games@Derby Event Cancelled 12 December 2013 A Computer Games Expo event scheduled to take place tomorrow afternoon at the University of Derby s Kedleston Road site has been cancelled following the death of a student from that subject area Christopher Bergeron 19 was a second year undergraduate studying for a BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree He died following a fall from height at the University on Wednesday December 11 Professor Keith Horton Dean of the Faculty of Business Computing and Law said: "The games team here at Derby are devastated by the loss of one of their students Given that many of Chris s friends and tutors would have been involved in the event and will only just be starting to coming to terms with his death we do not feel it appropriate to go ahead at this time We hope to reschedule the event in the future " Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of Corporate Relations on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

University's Head of Research To Receive MBE 10 December 2013 Professor Paul Bridges who retires this month as Head of Research and Clerk to the Governing Council at the University of Derby today (December 10) received the award of MBE at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace His MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to education was announced in the Queen s Birthday Honours in June this year (2013) Professor Bridges said: "I have been taken completely by surprise by the award and can t quite believe it It means a lot to me and I am extremely grateful " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University added: "We are delighted that Paul has been honoured with this MBE His service to the University and generally to higher education has been extraordinary and taken with his work for the community and Derby he richly deserves this recognition " After more than 40 years with the University and its predecessor organisations Professor Bridges will retire at the end of this month Paul Weller - currently Professor of Inter-Religious Relations and Senior Research Fellow and Head of Research and Commercial Development - will take over as University Acting Director of Research Jasvinder Sanghera - founder of charity Karma Nirvana which helps victims of honour-based violence and forced marriage - received a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) at a ceremony at the Palace last Friday (December 6) She was made an Honorary Doctor of the University of Derby in 2008

University's Health Scan For Young Rams' Stars 3 February 2011 A next-generation x-ray machine used by University of Derby academics could help give young soccer stars a vital edge on the pitch Members of Derby County FC s Under-18 academy have been using the idXA machine to determine various aspects of their body composition and growth development There are only around 15 idXA scanners in the UK so the University partnership could pay long-term dividends for the Rams The scanner based within the University s Clinical Skills Suite is on loan from GE Healthcare and is also being used to help health and science students learn skills to help assess patient s health ready for the workplace In the last month all 14 members of the Rams Youth Academy have visited the University s Kedleston Road site to be scanned under the idXA machine The scan sessions have been organised by sports scientist Dr Peter Jones and managed by radiography expert Alan Parsons The initiative is part of Team Derby Performance - the University s new applied commercial arm of sports science Team Derby Performance aims to help athletes develop their nutrition biomechanics and other aspects of their physical and mental wellbeing to help them improve performance The idXA machine offers the latest in body composition measurement tools which assess fat mass in relation to muscle development and can help pinpoint what a player needs to focus on in terms of future strength and conditioning training The machine can also assess bone density through the x-ray images it generates Each player was weighed had their height measured and were then scanned by the machine Advice was offered about how each player could enhance their development Dr Peter Jones Head of Sport and Exercise in the School of Science at the University of Derby said: "It s a great pleasure to work with a team of Derby County class Data from the idXA will really benefit for the Derby coaching staff and the players as they monitor how their training is altering the players physiology at a important time in their development " Derby County s Academy manager Darren Wassall said: "It has been fantastic for the Academy players to have an insight into their growth and development with the idXA at the University of Derby "Our medical team has also had the opportunity to tap into these terrific resources As the game becomes more scientific by the season we approach all new practices with our eyes wide open "We look forward to continuing our relationship with the University of Derby in the future " The academy players will return later in the season to see what progress has been made For more information about the Team Derby Performance at the University of Derby email perform@derby ac uk for more details of its sport performance consultancy For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

University's IT Services Team in Running for National Awards Again 11 October 2013

The University of Derby's Information Technology (IT) Services department has been shortlisted in the UK IT Industry Awards. This is the second year that Derby has been shortlisted for the Awards where they are up against national competitors such as Lloyds Banking Group Virgin Media AstraZeneca and Dell Ltd The winners will be announced in a ceremony held in London on November 13 The University has been shortlisted for its achievements in four categories: Network Infrastructure Project of the Year Best Use of Cloud Services IT Employer of the Year and for Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Year for Derby s Director of IT Services Neil Williams In late 2012 Derby completed a major programme of work to significantly enhance its network infrastructure and associated services across its sites in Derby Buxton and at the Leek campus of Buxton and Leek College This improved reliability and resilience enriched its services increased efficiency and effectiveness of operations and helped to mitigate risk The University s cloud-based e-Submission initiative is a massive assessment management system which allows more than 20 000 students to hand in over 60 000 assignments online each year routing them to one of the 700-plus appropriate academic staff for feedback and marks The e-Submission initiative replaces a lengthy paper-based system and was fully delivered in early 2013 Over the past few years Derby s IT department has seen a sustained increase in its employee satisfaction scores and is now one of the highest rated places to work within the University Neil Williams Director of IT Services at the University of Derby said: "We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards The whole department has worked hard over the last few years on some very challenging major projects and we are delighted that our efforts and achievements have been recognised nationally "I am most proud of being shortlisted for the IT Employer of the Year Award It is not innovative to understand that staff will be happier if they feel cared for advised treated well and considered important to the overall direction of an organisation What is innovative at Derby is the pro-active and dedicated approach taken to really make this happen "We take staff feedback seriously and pride ourselves on driving significant sustained improvement for the benefit of our staff and of course the subsequent benefit to the business " Trudy Newton Head of IT Service Delivery at the University of Derby added: "We could not have achieved all this without Neil Williams and nominated him for the CIO of the Year Award for his inspiring leadership and his commitment to the team " For further press information please contact: Alice Oliver Head of Corporate Relations University of Derby Direct dial: 01332 592032 Email: a oliver@derby ac uk

University's IT Services team is online for national award 30 May 2014 The University of Derby s Information Technology (IT) Services department has been shortlisted in the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards The winners will be announced at a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on June 17 The University has been shortlisted for the Departmental ICT Initiative of the Year award for a programme it delivered during 2012/13 comprising multiple projects delivering technology and services to improve the management of incidents issues maintenance development and portfolios The initiative has substantially enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of IT services at the University Neil Williams Director of IT Services at the University of Derby said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards This was a challenging project and the team worked hard to ensure it was delivered to the highest standard "The combined technologies and services are unique and the benefits are visible to all areas of the University We are delighted that our achievements have been recognised nationally " For further press information please contact: Alice Oliver Head of News University of Derby Direct dial: 01332 592032 Email: a oliver@derby ac uk

University's New Partnership With Toyota Set To Improve Workforce's Skills 3 October 2012 A new online learning platform designed to support staff training and development at Toyota Manufacturing UK one of the region s biggest employers is set to launch next year after the car manufacturing giant signed a contract with University of Derby Corporate ( UDC) for its delivery development and ongoing technical support The platform which will be managed by Toyota s HR department will be based on a system used by UDC to deliver its own corporate e-learning projects Its functionality will include an online course diary and booking process to enable staff to identify and book onto suitable training courses a personal training record for each staff member an online appraisal system and competency evaluation This contract is the latest in a string of new business wins UDC has secured this year which sees it increasingly working with national and regional businesses to provide work-based learning and skills development programmes for their employees Andrew Hartley Managing Director of UDC said: "We ve been working closely with Toyota s management team for the past few months exploring how we can support their staff development so we re delighted to be able to work with them on this new project "Not only will the learning platform enhance the ability of employees to develop their skills and undertake personal development it should also lead to increased productivity and efficiency This project marks a significant milestone in the development of our close working relationship with Toyota " Tony Walker Deputy Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK added: "We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our staff and this new partnership with the University of Derby will be a significant contribution to improving the learning opportunities for our Engineering and Specialist professionals "We have been working with the University for a few years already so we know that they bring the high level of capability in technical and educational skills that we need for this vital enhancement of our staff s professional development " UDC is the corporate training and development division of the University of Derby It works with a wide variety of organisations to deliver work-based learning programmes and accredited qualifications that improve key capabilities such as service innovation leadership and problem solving For further information on UDC visit www derby ac uk/corporate or call 0800 678 3311 and for Toyota Manufacturing UK visit www toyotauk com

University's Online Learning Provider Bucks Part Time Study Drop 28 October 2013 University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) is going from strength to strength despite the number of part time students declining across the rest of the sector A recent Universities UK report produced in response to the 40% reduction in part-time undergraduate numbers in England in the last two years says the decline is set to continue All UDOL s 2 500 students are part time and it has seen its student numbers and income increase dramatically over the past year by 43% and 54% respectively UDOL was launched just two years ago (2011) when the decision was taken to have a dedicated department for the University s online learning offer and establish it as a distinct business The UDOL Team are now realising the business plan a year ahead of time and with numbers set to double and income planned to do the same the University is certainly bucking the trend in part time study in the UK Julie Stone Director of UDOL said: "We are the fastest-growing part of the University of Derby Business is booming due to the way in which our pioneering online offer makes higher education far more accessible; particularly for those seeking to develop their careers enrich their lives and achieve their aspirations while balancing work and family life "Courses are designed and delivered by the experienced online team and students will receive the same high quality degree they would expect from attending any UK university "Students can determine the mode of study which suits their lifestyle and they have the opportunity to pursue a programme of study which will meet their career needs and aspirations They can also expect to receive personalised support through an online learning adviser who will provide guidance throughout their study " UDOL is committed to providing a high quality student experience and Derby is investing in new technologies to ensure that students can have a full University experience through engagement with their peers tutors and online learning advisers - all made possible through the application of different cutting edge technologies New for students this year has been the introduction of an online portal where they can easily access all of their learning content and information to support their studies Julie continued: "The new structures provide the support students need With growing part-time student numbers and good student achievements for the University of Derby Online Learning the future s bright and online!" Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby John Coyne said: "Our online learning offer is one of the many ways in which we put students at the heart of our decision making We are committed to providing choice for those who want to study part-time The success of UDOL in bucking the national trend shows that we are getting this right " For further information on the University of Derby Online Learning and the courses available visit website www derby ac uk/online For further press information please contact Alice Oliver Head of Corporate Relations University of Derby Direct dial: 01332 592032 Email: a oliver@derby ac uk

University's Online Learning Provider Wins Prestigious Business Award 30 September 2013 University of Derby Online Learning (Learn More ) has scooped the Derbyshire Online Business of the Year Award at a ceremony recognising the county s best businesses The Award was presented to UDOL on Friday evening (September 27) at a black tie event held at Derby s Roundhouse It was one of nine categories in the annual Derbyshire's Best Business Awards ; organised by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce (DNCC ) and the Derby Telegraph with sponsors and event partners The fastest-growing part of the University of Derby UDOL has seen its student numbers and income increase dramatically over the past year It was launched just two years ago (2011) when the decision was taken to build a bespoke website for the University s online learning offer and establish it as a distinct business Julie Stone Director of University of Derby Online Learning said: "We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award which recognises the hard work and passion that our team has put in over the last few years "We are now the fastest-growing part of the University of Derby Innovation is at the forefront of everything we do and students are at the centre of our decision-making "Education changes lives and winning this award will help to raise awareness of our pioneering online offer which allows us to reach out and engage with students around the world It makes higher education far more accessible particularly for mature learners who are seeking to develop their careers enrich their lives and achieve their aspirations " The Online Business of the Year Award is a new category in Derbyshire s Best Business Awards open to all businesses experiencing growth through the implementation and development of their online presence Students taking an online degree with the University of Derby get direct access to expert tutor support and guidance Courses are designed and delivered by the experienced online team and students will receive the same high quality degree they would expect from attending any UK university For further information on University of Derby Online Learning and the courses available visit website www derby ac uk/online For further press information please contact Sean Kirby Press and PR Officer University of Derby Direct dial: 01332 591891 Email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University's Online Psychology Course Receives Official BPS Accreditation 18 February 2013 The University of Derby s online Health Psychology MSc recently received an accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS) and six commendations following a glowing external review by officials The accreditation which recognises the quality of the course will directly benefit Health Psychology students studying at the University as it gives them the opportunity to go on to further training to become a Health Psychologist and gain Chartered Membership of the BPS which is widely recognised throughout the industry and by potential employers The course which has been accredited by the BPS for the next five years received commendations for the cohesiveness of the programme team the approachability of supportive and friendly staff sensitivity to cultural diversity of students and future planning of resources for study skills and teaching Additional commendations were also given for the programme s quality of research and enterprise links and for the productive relationship held between the teaching team and senior management Julie Stone Head of the University of Derby Online Learning said: "Following the significant success of our undergraduate psychology provision we were delighted to add this Masters programme to our portfolio "The demand demonstrates how extremely popular psychology study at postgraduate level is proving to be We have a high quality team and I am thrilled with the outcome of the BPS accreditation and commendations which will lead to continuing success for our online learning students " The BPS aims to promote and advance the discipline of psychology by determining and ensuring the highest standards across the field through the recognition of excellence in education and in the practical applications of psychology For more information about online learning courses at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/online/courses or for more information about the British Psychological Society visit www bps org uk

University's £1million 'green' light replacement project completed 23 June 2014 Following a £1million grant the University of Derby has now completed the first phase of replacing all of its fluorescent tubes with greener LED (light-emitting diode) lighting at its main site The cash from the Revolving Green Fund (RGF) - a joint initiative of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE ) and the National Union of Students - was awarded to the University in early 2012 to refurbish lighting in buildings on its 1960s-built main Kedleston Road site in Derby RGF projects aim to reduce energy requirements in the higher education sector; to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions produced during energy use which are linked to global warming and climate change Changing Derby s lighting from fluorescent tubes to LEDs aimed to reduce the running costs of lighting and the amount of carbon emissions produced (through more efficient energy use) without compromising lighting quality for teaching and office spaces LEDs also don t contain the mercury or sodium pollutants found in fluorescent tubes Ian Cain Engineering Manager in the University s Estates Department oversaw the project He said: "With the installation of LED fittings there have been significant improvements to the quality of light output around the Kedleston Road site and in the appearance of internal spaces LEDs provide a more uniform light output and better colour definition than fluorescents "With most teaching spaces now including electronic boards and data projectors we need to be able to dim room lighting so students can take notes Fluorescent lighting can t be dimmed but with the LEDs and the new controls fitted lecturers can control the lighting to any level they wish " LED lights life expectancy is more than 50 000 hours The first phase of Derby s relighting project has seen significant energy savings; with the lighting load reduced from 222 KiloWatts down to 121kW a reduction of 45% One kilowatt is equal to 1 000 watts The University has pledged further funding to continue with the LED lighting replacement programme on its other sites More information on the work the University of Derby is doing to reduce its energy usage and carbon emissions can be found on website www derby ac uk/environment

University's £3.5million Investment Proves Boon for Builders 11 October 2012 More than £3 5million worth of improvements were made to the University of Derby s sites in preparation for the new academic year Almost half that investment - much of it in work begun and completed over the summer (2012) - was in contracts which went to construction firms based in Derbyshire helping the local economy at a difficult time

The developments include: £1m to prov de a new fts system at the ma n Ked eston Road s te n Derby, mprov ng access and a ow ng for an extens on of the Atr um open space. Th s work, due to be comp eted th s month (October), s by Ba ey Construct on (Derby) Ltd of Lower K burn, Derbysh re. £1.5m on the comp et on of the f na phase of works to the Un vers ty s Br tann a M s te n Derby, wh ch now has co our-coded f oors to he p students more eas y f nd the r way around and a state-of-the-art brary. The work was by OPL (Off ce Pro ects L m ted) of B rm ngham. £700,000 on the refurb shment of separate stud os at the Br tann a M s te, used by the Facu ty of Art, Des gn and Techno ogy. Carter Construct on of Derby was the contractor. £300,000 on a new mus c record ng stud o at the Un vers ty s Markeaton Street s te n Derby. Work by The Stud o Peop e of Powys, Wa es. £213,000 spent on the refurb shment of the Ked eston Road T B ock aborator es. The pro ect was hand ed by OPL. Ian Willgoose Director of Estates at the University of Derby said: "Traditionally a lot of work is done over the summer while most students are away on improving the University s sites "This summer was one of our busiest yet A lot of thought has gone into making sites more accessible and easier to get around; for example with the new Kedleston Road lifts system and the colour-coding of floors at the refurbished Britannia Mill site We continually invest in University facilities to ensure our students have the best possible experience "As part of the community it s important to us also that subject to tendering rules our schemes go to county and regional firms helping the local economy " In 2010 the Estates Department s £13 5m refurbishment of the three main towers at the University s Kedleston Road site won an East Midlands Property Sustainable Development of the Year award and was shortlisted for a national Times Higher Education Award For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University's Public Lectures Set To Brighten Spring Evenings 19 January 2013 The University of Derby Buxton has announced a series of free public talks from a number of its newly appointed Visiting Professors and Professional Fellows will take place over the coming months and hopes an enthusiastic Buxton audience will visit the Dome to hear them On January 24 at 6pm Professor Peter Jones MBE from Wentworth Jones Ltd which provides international operational and educational management services specialising in tourism hospitality food services and leisure will give an audience an insight into 'The Real World of Hospitality Tourism' On February 21 at 6pm 'Career opportunities within the spa and wellness industry' will be the subject of discussion by Visiting Professional Fellow Andrew Gibson who is a senior executive with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group As winter gives way to spring on March 21 at 6pm Professor Gianni Giakas from the University of Thessaly in Greece will speak about his area of speciality: The biomechanics of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament injury' a topic sure to be of interest to those who take a close interest in football and other sports Visiting Professional Fellow John Harrington from spa consultancy HCB Associates will talk about the development of the University of Derby Buxton's prestigious Spa and Wellness Management degree on April 25 at 6pm And on May 23 at 6pm Professor Colin Beard from Sheffield Business School will ask and hopefully answer the question: 'Is learning now the same as working?' Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton Dr Peter Dewhurst said: "We are delighted to welcome our Visiting Professors to the University to talk on their areas of speciality this spring We hope that the people of Buxton and the High Peak will join us at these free public events as they will be sure to hear some stimulating talks " If you would like to attend one of the University's free public events taking place at its Campus at the Dome on Devonshire Road Buxton please call reception on 01332 594353 or email p todd@derby ac uk

University's Revamped Website Steals A Nod At The Heist Awards 18 July 2013 The University of Derby s new look website received a glowing commendation at a prestigious award ceremony held in Manchester recently (July 11 2013) recognising a year of hard work and commitment from a small but determined Web and Publications team Derby s team battled it out against five top universities at the 23 d annual Heist Awards including Arts University Bournemouth Blackpool and The Fylde College Harper Adams University Pembrokeshire College and the University of Bedfordshire and were Highly Commended in the Best Website category The new website which launched with the full support of the University s IT Services team for the 2012/2013 academic year has been completely overhauled in favour of a clean contemporary and informative new design The website now includes better navigation new content sections focused on prospective students an intuitive course search as well as a new site-wide search facility based on Google technology and more video and social media content Francey Begum Web and Publications Manager for the University said: "This is a fantastic achievement the team worked extremely hard to ensure the project ran smoothly delivering a new website in less than ten months "Website development never stops and we continually strive to enhance the experience for all of our audiences to make the University website as engaging and informative as possible " The annual Heist Awards for education marketing have evolved over 24 years to become the premier awards programme for marketing in Higher Education (HE) and Further Education (FE) in the UK To see our new look website and for more information about the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk For more information about the Heist Awards visit www heistawards co uk or search Twitter for @HeistAwards

University's Second League Table Success In A Week 27 April 2012 The University of Derby has received its second national universities league table boost in a week The Times Higher Education (THE) magazine s latest annual Student Experience Survey just published shows Derby rising 15 places in the ranking The University is ranked 55th out of 105 institutions this year up from 70th out of 113 in the THE 2010 survey This year s survey asked full time undergraduate students from 105 UK higher education institutions to rate their site across 21 areas using a seven point scale - with one point standing for I strongly disagree that my university has this to seven points meaning I strongly agree it has The survey was done between September 2010 and August 2011 with 102 Derby students completing it University areas rated included lecture quality student halls students union security industry connections and teaching staff support Derby s strongest scores at 5 9 points out of a possible seven were for the categories good personal relationship with teaching staff - the sector average was 5 6 - and good library and library opening hours It also scored 5 8 each out of seven for the categories of good environment on campus and I would recommend my university to a friend Overall Derby showed a strong performance scoring no more than 0 1 points below the sector average for even those attributes for which it received lower rankings The THE survey results released yesterday (Thursday April 26) follow the latest Complete University Guide annual league table published online on Tuesday (April 24) The Complete University Guide showed Derby moving up ten places in its rankings from 108 to 98 out of 116 UK higher education institutions This made it the second most improved East Midlands university this year Peter Allen Marketing Director for the University of Derby said: "It s great that students rate our facilities highly but what I m most pleased about is the excellent score for the personal relationship with teaching staff "Derby really cares about its students and it s clear that we re delivering exactly what we promise education with the personal touch "

Unusual First World War facts revealed at University History Conference 24 April 2014 Little known facts about the First World War - including the thousands of Englishmen imprisoned near Berlin during the conflict and the women s white feather campaign against cowardice - will be revealed at a University of Derby Public History Conference Each year BA (Hons) History degree students hold a Public History Conference focusing on a topical subject This year s event will look at different aspects of The Great War (1914-18) which began a century ago The Conference - which is free to attend and open to University staff and students and members of the public - will run from 8 15am to 6pm on Wednesday May 7 in Lecture Theatre B301 at its main Kedleston Road site in Derby A series of half-hour presentations will include one on Ruhleben Camp The prisoner of war camp near Berlin was home to thousands of mainly British men unfortunate enough to be in Germany when war was declared - due to their being sailors businessmen or even just on holiday - until its end in 1918 The women s white feather campaign against cowardice where British women would publicly give men not in armed forces uniform a white feather to shame them (even conscientious objectors or those in reserved occupations) is also covered in one of the presentations The whole programme for the Conference is as follows: • 8 15am - Coffee/Tea • 8 45am - Welcome and Opening Address (by Professor John Coyne Vice Chancellor of the University of Derby) • 9 00am - Selling the Past: Public History and the First World War (by students Josh Daykin Thomas Higgins Lisa Stokoe Martyn Wilkinson) • 9 30am - Clausewitz and the Concept of Absolute War (by Josh Harrison Sam Luff Adam Robinson James Twigger) • 10am - Beyond Franz Ferdinand and Belgium: Britain s Real War Aims (by Charlie Bradley Elliot Chapman Leigh-Ann Harris Bradley Warren) • 10 30am - Coffee/Tea • 10 50am - The White Feather: A Woman s Weapon in War Victoria Hammonds (by Tracey Handley James Malley Rebecca Sturgess) • 11 20am - "Mechanical Human Beasts": The Experience of Killing Phillip Booth (by Kieran Hull Daniel Turner Konrad Wells) • 11 50am - Break • 12 05pm - Pals in Arms: Homosociability Hegemonic Masculinity and the Great War (by Jenny Cook Ashton Cunningham Leanne Jones Matthew Wood) • 12 35pm - Life in Ruhleben Camp: Britain in Microcosm (Chris Batten Jason Pickering Ellie Walsh Nathan Willcox) • 1 45pm - Requiem: Foulds Beaverbrook and the British Festival of Remembrance (by Ant Butterworth Thomas Debaere Laura Jackson Rickesh Patel) • 2 15pm - The Lion The Witch and The War: C S Lewis and Spirituality (by Katherine Sykes NicholaTonks Keith Wood) • 2 45pm - Biggles Sorts It Out!": W E Johns and the Reinvention of the Heroic Ideal for Boys (by Dan Dunning Beth Harris David Pugh Laura Winspeare) • 3 15pm - Coffee/Tea • 3 35pm - Teddies Toy Soldiers and the Militarisation of Playtime (by Jade Kelly-Smith Lydia McGraw Jessie Rowlett Helen Wright) • 4 05pm - Beyond War Horse: Animals and Total War (by Sophie Birch Vicki Fordham Ryan Khaira Calvin Smith) • 4 35pm - Break • 4 45pm - Trouble in Paradise: The West Indies At War (by Jorden Crawford Alexandra Kempson Fern Pithers Lewis Wale) • 5 15pm - Australia - A Nation Made In War? Defiance Disappointment and Determination (by Adam Al-Safi Will Cooper Sophie Phillips Shelby Squire) • 5 45pm - Concluding Address by the Venerable Dr Christopher Cunliffe Archdeacon of Derby and member of the University s Governing Council Dr Ian Whitehead University of Derby Head of Literary Historical and Cultural Studies said: "With 2014 marking the centenary of its outbreak interest in the First World War has never been higher but our students have found historical oddities and different perspectives on well-known events which will make for an extremely interesting day "I d urge people to come along to our free Conference on May 7 and see how new insights into the events of 100 years ago can make them seem fresh and relevant to today " Previous Public History Conference themes have included Religion Monarchy Empire Discovery and Equality The 2014 Public History Conference is free to attend but to keep a track of numbers and avoid visitors being turned away due to lack of space it would be helpful if visitors could email Dr Whitehead - saying how many in their group and whether they will be there for the whole or part of the day - on email: I Whitehead@derby ac uk For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Update On Alumni 27 April 2011

60 second news round up BA (Hons) Business Studies graduate V ctor a Moore s f y ng h gh w th her recent promot on at Assoc at on of European A r nes www.aea.be as Genera Manager, Commun cat ons BA (Hons) Eng sh and Creat ve Wr t ng graduate Ed Hogan has re eased h s second nove The Hunger Trace wh ch was recent y rev ewed n The Sunday T mes. Th s fo ows h s cr t ca y acc a med f rst nove B ackmoor n 2008. Both nove s have been pub shed by S mon and Schuster. BA (Hons) F m and V deo Stud es graduate Tom Wad ow w be featur ng h s f fth short f m, She f Stackers, at a prem ere on May 12 at the Assemb y Rooms, Derby. Book your seat at www.lightfilms.co.uk/shelf-stackers-premiere

Forensics, Biology and Zoology masterclass Around 250 students currently studying Forensics Biology and Zoology recently enjoyed a masterclass with Derby graduates who had studied these degrees Held at the Kedleston Road site the event was organised by the Alumni Relations team Laura Ratcliffe and Charley Torr with lecturer Dr Ian Turner Assistant Subject Head of Biological and Forensics Dr Guy Daly Dean for the Faculty of Education Health and Sciences opened the event and proposed the vote of thanks Graduates were invited to talk about their careers since leaving Derby and to pass on top tips on how their industries work to current students

Veteran Graduates Head Back To The Pitch To Kick It With Current Students 20 May 2013 Over 200 students from past and present are set to return to Derby this bank holiday weekend (Sat 25 Sun 26 May) to battle it out in a host of sporting events The Old Boys and girls weekend which is supported by the University s Student Union Alumni Relations team and Walkabout bar will see veteran scholars take on current students in a series of sports including hockey netball football rugby and cricket The Old Boys will be facing stiff competition this year against Team Derby s strongest squad to date following a string of victories at recent events including two wins at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championships earlier this year Returning to the pitch will be Royal Marine Commando Thomas Cowley who graduated from the BA (Hons) Sport Studies degree in 2006 After finishing University and prior to joining the Marines rugby enthusiast Thomas competed semiprofessionally for Dutch side Hilversum where he helped the team scoop two national championship victories Between seasons he also played for Associates RUFC in Perth Australia Thomas said: "I absolutely can t wait The Old Boys event is one of the best weekends of the year I m looking forward to getting on the pitch seeing everyone and getting stuck in!" James Ogden BA (Hons) Marketing and Brand Management graduate and Old Boys event organiser added: "We are all proud to have represented the University back when we were students at Derby and the reunion enables us to return en masseto our old haunts "We ve got plenty of fond sporting memories to reminisce about and it s great to come together to take on the current University teams It s also a fantastic opportunity to meet final year students and welcome them personally to the Old Boys network for next year and beyond " Team Derby the University s sports division focuses on the delivery of sport in Derby and provides students staff and members of the public with the opportunity to get involved in a range of sports opportunities and fitness activity Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager at the University added: "With the current sports teams being part of the most successful group of students we have ever had The Old Boys will have to rise to the challenge and show that experience counts "We look forward to welcoming back our past students and hope they too can benefit from the University s investment in sport and feel that they are part of Team Derby We are all working together to become a successful sporting University " For more information about this event search Old Boys weekend on Facebook or to find out more about what our graduates are doing now visit www derby ac uk/alumni

Vice-Chancellor and staff run to raise money for charity 8 April 2014 University of Derby staff took to the streets of Derby on Sunday April 6 to compete in the annual Derby 10k road race Six teams made up of staff from across different areas of the University signed up to this year s PKF Cooper Parry Business Team Challenge and collectively raised in excess of £1 800 for their respective chosen charities Amongst the teams was Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby running for the team Derby Business School The University teams were: Buxton Buccaneers - capta ned by R chard Rob nson Char ots of F rewa - capta ned by Pau Stewart One Team - capta ned by Chr s Busse Derby Bus ness Schoo - capta ned by Joanne Car er UDC - capta ned by Jenny Ba dw n Runn ng Means Bus ness - capta ned by Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes

Vice-Chancellor's Vision for Derby Theatre 19 October 2011 Reproducing Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne's column in the Derby Telegraph responding to Derby City Council's proposed withdrawal of its annual funding towards live theatre provision in the city: Professor John Coyne writes: "Of course I m very disappointed to hear the news of the withdrawal of this important funding strand for Derby Theatre by the council As the driving force behind keeping live theatre in Derby it was the University who brought the old Playhouse back to life two years ago We ve been key in its transformation from a rundown operation to a place where the people of Derby can visit with pride Importantly for us it is now a place where our Theatre students take their curriculum Packed houses for some exciting productions are testament to success - but we would like more Our student theatre company also saw its rendition of Alice in Wonderland featuring at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival We want to invest in homegrown excellence Made in Derby will mean something! This year we welcomed the largest cohort of theatre students we have ever had on campus recognition of the benefits working in a live theatre can bring to their studies They are and will always remain at the heart of why the University saved the theatre in the first place

Funding Confidence We now face life without council funding But we are confident that we will continue to fund the theatre This year the University enjoyed an operating surplus for the third year running We are in robust financial health I can reveal that from April 2012 the new structure at Derby Theatre will see it take responsibility for producing theatre in Derby Derby Theatre will transfer some existing staff from Derby Live develop a programme including new creative collaborations and maintain an ongoing relationship with Derby City Council While not being able to provide national programme funding to Derby for produced theatre Arts Council England has indicated its ongoing commitment to support theatre here by identifying strategic funding in the region of £300 000 per year between 2012-13 and 2014-15 We have also recognised that the theatre s knowledge and experience needs strengthening and the artistic vision requires development To help address these issues Arts Council England has offered to provide project funding of £50 000 to Derby Theatre to engage a nationally renowned team of theatre consultants to advise the board and management team from now until April 2012 The University will be investing an additional £350 000 in theatre building improvements equipment and other infrastructure over the next three years The University s Governing Council has been extremely supportive of the ambition to have a centre of excellence

Future Programme We will now have to take time to explore in detail what the City Council s cut will mean for our 2012-13 theatre programme We shall be doing this in consultation with Arts Council England What is certain is that we do not want to lose the momentum we already have and we shall continue to work with local producers Our vision for the theatre and the future of produced original dramatic works in the city will continue and we shall be taking up the Arts Council offer to work closely with us in refining that vision The contract with Derby Live will continue up to April 2012 We will now be exploring the Arts Council England s offer and other avenues of funding Let us not lose sight of the exciting programme already scheduled for the next 12 months There will be some outstanding theatre in Derby We live in times of unexpected alliances and challenges Experience has taught me that however difficult the future may appear it nearly always leads to some other opportunity If we deliver what the public of Derby and beyond want in theatre and I believe we are about to then we keep the tradition of audiences enjoying the magic of live performance here in the city Doesn t Derby deserve that? My answer would be "yes" because I believe that an educational institution like the University of Derby should remain at the heart of its community - and enhance what it does for its students in every possible way

University Contribution It s a fact covered in the Derby Telegraph itself that we contribute year-on-year over £150 million to the local economy We are a major player in the lifeblood of this city The glass half-empty merchants - and there a few - haven t taken account of how the fabric of what the University does is interwoven with its prosperity now and in the testing years to come The transformation of this institution - in its looks the investment in buildings and infrastructure - goes on The refurbished iconic towers at our Kedleston Road site are visible witness to our resolve to give the best we can within budget and with the resources we have But we would be without soul if we didn t engage with our local population So when the theatre needed help two years ago I saw the opportunity then to bring something to Derby s citizens and help our students at the same time I ll admit it hasn t been easy From day one the refurbishment and running of Derby Theatre presented many challenges It has been a steep learning curve littered with headaches and hard decisions The theatre premises were in a badly rundown state; empty unloved dark down at heel It s now on the verge of something really good The news of the funding cuts while not being the best is not terminal

Our Commitment We remain committed to Derby Theatre and hope that you share our passion for it Does Derby really want to be the only place in the East Midlands where a trip to the theatre means a night out in another city? Our civic pride I hope would give a resounding "no" to that question I m not pretending the next 12 months will be easy for the theatre I do believe though that we have in place the right structure and the right people to take things forward It was Martin Luther King who said: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy " We are in those times right now I feel It remains our duty to be the custodians of live theatre in Derby for the foreseeable future To abandon it now would be a betrayal of what the University of Derby stands for and its role in the city the county and beyond "

Video Postcards Give Families Glimpse Of Derby Life 4 February 2011 International students have been sending video postcards home to let family and friends know what life is like at the University of Derby Students from Nigeria Latvia India and China were each filmed sending a message home and a map and photographs of the University were then added on to create unique postcards These messages have now been posted onto the University s website www derby ac uk/international and students have been sending the links to their family and friends at home Erin Parker Marketing Officer at the University said: "As well as the international students being happy here in Derby we know how important it is for them to maintain links with home and for their families to know that they re safe happy and having a great time This is why this project came about "We hope that these e-postcards represent the feelings of every one of our international students - and that our students send them around the world " Featuring in one of the e-postcards is Elisha Aboh 27 from Nigeria who is currently studying towards a BSc (Hons) in Geology Elisha said: "I was really happy to get involved in this project I m glad that I chose to come and study in Derby as it s a great city so I thought that if this postcard encouraged more people to study here that would be a good thing " On her e-postcard from Latvia Jevgenija Kuznecova 25 a BSc (Hons) Commercial Photography student told her family: "The city is full of young people it is friendly and small and very beautiful I am enjoying my stay here and hope you can come and experience it See you soon " Also featured are Rohit Paliwal 24 from India who is studying a Masters degree in Computer Games Production and Jia Li 27 from China who is studying a Masters degree in Management Visit www derby ac uk/international to watch these e-postcards More of the University of Derby s international students are now getting involved in the project to reflect its diverse international community

View On Decade Since First UK Law Tackling Religious Discrimination 11 September 2013 Ten years after England and Wales first law against religious discrimination a University of Derby-led project reveals institutions are making progress but that reports of unfair treatment from people of different religions or beliefs continue Research for the report Religion and Belief Discrimination and Equality in England and Wales: A Decade of Continuity and Change was led by Paul Weller Professor of Inter-Religious Relations at Derby working with Oxford and Manchester universities It covers the ten years since the 2003 Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations came into law; for the first time making it illegal in England and Wales to discriminate on the grounds of religion or belief It was followed by the 2006 Incitement to Racial and Racial Hatred Act and the 2006 and 2010 Equalities Acts

Chief Findings The research's chief findings include: genera fee ng among respondents that better pub c educat on, and greater co aborat on between d fferent re g ons and commun t es, were now the best ways to cont nue to combat unfa r treatment based on re g on or be ef; substant a report ng of unfa r treatment on the bas s of re g on or be ef does cont nue across key areas of peop e s ves; but nd cat ons that changes n the aw had contr buted to a reduct on n the reported exper ence of unfa r treatment on the bas s of re g on or be ef; espec a y among certa n re g ous groups - such as Mus ms, Pagans and new re g ous movements - unfa r treatment cont nues to ar se n key aspects of peop e s ves such as work, educat on and encounters w th the med a; Chr st ans c t ng unfa r treatment around wear ng crosses, report ng pressure to work Sundays by emp oyers and a sense of the r re g on be ng marg na sed wh st other fa ths rece ved fa rer treatment; some non-re g ous peop e qu zzed n the pro ect s focus groups h gh ght ng the sense that Chr st ans rece ved pr v eged treatment, espec a y around matters of educat on and governance. The two year project s findings are based on responses from almost 500 religious organisations and interview and focus group discussions with 270 people of various faiths and none; in Cardiff Blackburn Leicester Newham Norwich Derby London Manchester and Oxford It built on previous research particularly that conducted for the Home Office in 1999-2001 also led by Derby s Professor Weller

Rounded Approach Those leading the universities research project are calling for a more rounded approach to policy making in the UK when it comes to religion and belief discrimination and equality; seen as particularly important given the controversies which have arisen in the UK around multiculturalism and religious extremism Gearing UK social policy towards an idea of Britishness was seen as less helpful in fostering understanding than an emphasis on citizenship equal opportunities greater working between and cohesion of communities and a continued appreciation of the benefits of multiculturalism The project was financially supported within the Religion and Society Research Programme funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC ) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC ) Paul Weller Professor of Inter-Religious Relations at the University of Derby said: "A decade ago in domestic law it was not illegal in England and Wales to discriminate on grounds of religion or belief so at that time those who reported unfair treatment on the basis of religion or belief had little scope for remedy "Since then we have had the 2003 Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations Incitement to Racial and Racial Hatred Act 2006 and the 2006 and 2010 Equalities Acts "Although unfair treatment on the basis of religion or belief continues evidence from our field research suggests that particularly in the public sector these legal changes have contributed to policy development and institutional change resulting in some improvements in both inclusive consultation and practice "

Research Online A Summary Findings document and Policy Brief for the project are now available together with further background information on its website at: www derby ac uk/religion-and-society Media requiring further information on this news release can contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk Or alternatively contact the University of Oxford Press Office on 01865 280534 or email: press office@admin ox ac uk Or Mike Addelman at the University of Manchester Press Office on 0161 275 0790 or email: Michael addelman@manchester ac uk

Visiting Sports Academics' Warm Welcome At Buxton Campus 9 April 2013 Two leading sports academics Professor Giannis Giakas from the University of Thessaly Greece who is a Visiting Professor of the University of Derby Buxton and Tony Kay Associate Professor from Northampton University visited the Buxton Campus recently to address current students and members of the public on their areas of specialism The research academics who are both highly respected in their fields are currently collaborating with the University of Derby Buxton s sports lecturer Minas Mina as he undertakes his PhD thesis; research which has already resulted in the production of two papers currently under review by top journals The academics presented a summary of their research areas ending with their most up to date papers Professor Kay led the evening session with an extremely comprehensive insight into the area of muscletendon biomechanics The presentation covered all aspects starting with the basic function and underpinning science of the area going onto the methods used to investigate the subject matter concluding with the key findings applications and of course the further research he and his team have planned Professor Giakas followed this with a presentation regarding the surgical repair and the range of relative success experienced by those unlucky enough to have suffered complete rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament A structure located in the knee essential for both normal and athletic function and one which all too many sportsmen and women are familiar with Professor Giakas reviewed a huge area of this research looking back at over ten years of accumulated work The success of any guest lecture is typically measured by the size of the audience as such it is safe to consider this a resounding triumph with staff and students in attendance; the event also attracted the interest of both the Strategic Director and Assistant Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton Both speakers expertly blended fundamental information with cutting edge research Whilst other departments in the Faculty have arranged such talks in their fields this was the first of its kind in the sports department Judging from the extremely positive feedback received from all attendees this will hopefully herald the first of many

Visitors Shown How Dome Went From Horses To Courses 6 August 2010 Guided tours of Buxton s magnificent Devonshire Dome being run throughout the summer by students at the University of Derby Buxton are proving extremely popular with up to 12 visitors enjoying each tour The Travel and Tourism degree students have developed and launched the hour-long From Horses to Courses tours around their University campus as part of their studies with support from High Peak Borough Council The tours are running every Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday morning at 11am until August 31 2010 Visitors will be shown around the Grade II* listed Devonshire Dome hear that it was designed by great Georgian architect John Carr for its first purpose as stable block and learn its history up until its present use as a university campus They will also hear how the building s design echoes the architectural style of the 5th Duke of Devonshire s neoclassical crescent and how it remains the UK s largest unsupported Dome bigger even than St Paul s Cathedral s Fay Fallows one of the Travel and Tourism degree students who organised the tours said: "Visitors to Buxton who come through the doors of the Dome are amazed by its scale and the unique shape and style of the building and want to learn the history behind it This is why we developed this guided tour and are putting it on throughout the summer " "We want to thank the council for helping us to produce the publicity material and distributing it to tourists and the staff at Buxton Tourist Information Centre for their enthusiasm in promoting the tours " Tours take place every Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday until August 31 2010 at a cost of £4 per person or £3 50 for pensioners Admission is free for the under fives Bookings must be made in advance through Buxton Tourist Information Centre on (01298) 25106 or at the Pavilion Gardens St John s Road For more information about this news release contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07909 533242 email j colburn@derby ac uk

Vital Role In Tsunami Aftermath 17 January 2005 University of Derby Forensic Science expert Dr Roger Summers has just returned from a mercy mission to Thailand in the aftermath of the Tsunami tragedy Dr Summers a consultant lecturer at Derby returned at the weekend having spent the last 16 days helping to identify the bodies of victims of the disaster His team had the harrowing task of identifying thousands of bodies through pain-staking post-mortems and anti-mortem records He said: "It was something I will never forget There were 100 000 corpses around us and time was against us to try to identify people as quickly as possible for the sake of loved ones they had left behind "The stench of death was dreadful and it s something no-one could ever be prepared for But we had to be strong and professional because we were there with a job to do to help others waiting frantically for news " Dr Summers flew out on New Year s Eve from Heathrow Airport as a consultant on behalf of Kenyon the worldwide disaster management specialist team which has been dealing with disasters for 75 years His help had been requested just hours earlier that day He was joined by Professor Sue Black a Professor in Anthropology from Dundee University Dr Jim Hardy recently retired from the Royal Army Dental Corps and Jim Green a freelance mortuary technician from Derby who is still working in Thailand Kenyon received the request from the Australian government and the government of Thailand The group arrived on New Year s Day at Phuket one of the major areas affected by the Tsunami Working alongside 20 international disaster teams their job was to help in the post-mortem work and repatriation of bodies Dr Summers said: "Despite the unquantifiable pain suffering and bereavement and the limited resources people were still able to demonstrate their condolences and their sympathy for the dead by setting up walls of remembrance "We were working 16 hour days in bleak conditions and temperatures of 85 degrees F There was just one cold tap for about 100 post-mortem experts in three makeshift mortuaries which had been set up in Buddhist temples "But we had to remain professional and stayed strong for each other supporting each other in the most harrowing of circumstances as we had this job to do " Each victim was brought in a body bag by Thai soldiers and was fingerprinted and other post-mortem checks carried out including the detailing of dental x-rays and other records including DNA Dr Summers who delivers the Mass Disaster module as part of his work lecturing on the Forensic Science degree course at Derby has received a request to return to Thailand in the next few weeks to take part in further identification work As well as helping those involved in the current disaster his experiences will help train the forensic scientists of the future He says: "It will be invaluable in future courses at the University to be able to explain in clear detail the obvious vital role of forensic science in such disasters " There is further ongoing work in Thailand instigated by Dr Summers team with the setting up of a disaster victim identification management centre where all records of the deceased are being collated in electronic form and records revised and updated as new information is collected -endsFor any other information please contact the Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on Tel: 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via e-mail pressoffice@derby ac uk University of Derby Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB

Vogue Internship For Krishna 25 October 2007 How much would you sacrifice to land a placement at top fashion magazine Vogue? In Krishna Haveliwala’s case she showed an immense amount of initiative creative flair… and also sold her car! The University of Derby student sold her Fiat Punto car and worked in her spare time to fund the experience of a lifetime – living in Soho in New York in America while on an internship at Vogue in the city The BA (Hons) Fashion Studies student is building up quite a CV She also secured and enjoyed a placement at Esquire in London last year and will complete her final year of the degree course when she returns to the UK She said: "I’m staying downtown in Soho the East Village It’s a trendy happening area but it’s very expensive so my advice to anyone wanting to work here for free is to save a lot before you come over! I had to sell my car and work a lot to be able to afford it " The 21-year-old from Ashton-Under-Lyne Greater Manchester is currently on the placement at Vogue until January She contacted various fashion magazines last year while on a summer camp in America and was invited in for interview by Vogue managers After two successful interviews she was offered an internship for this year Beginning last month Kris’s first week was during Fashion Week so she worked in the closet returning garments attended fashion shows and saw top models working She said: "I am based at work in the heart of Times Square so it’s obviously very busy! It’s great to be working here meeting amazing people and making lots of contacts! I’ve met a lot of fashion designers already such as Carolina Herrera and Philip Lim " Kris will embark on the final year of her degree course at Derby next year after her internship has finished She will be based at the University’s Markeaton Street site which is set to be opened officially by Sir Richard Branson on November 2 Placement opportunities within the University’s Faculty of Arts Design and Technology are coordinated by Angela Reilly and Ella Sharp Kris’s academic tutors at Derby are Ann Draycott and Fiona Hawthorne Ella Sharp Programme Leader for the Diploma in Professional Practice is responsible for helping students through such placements within the faculty Ella said: "Kris’s achievement is an excellent example of the sort of fantastic placements at high profile companies that our students in Fashion and other courses enjoy We provide them with the guidance but it is down to their own personal ability and drive to secure such opportunities In addition to working they also have academic assessments whilst on placement and can secure up to 60 credits upon successful completion for this work before going into their final year of study " In relation to her degree course Kris said: "I really enjoy that I’m free to work on what I’m passionate about You get a lot of freedom and you are not forced to work on specific things such as women’s wear as can be the case at other universities I design men’s formal wear and have worked on menswear since I started at university I also organised and set up an Erasmus Scheme with a University in Milan so I could study there for a while which was a great experience "Working at Vogue and Esquire in London has helped me understand how things work after a garment has been designed in terms of the advertising and promotion I’m hoping to go to Paris and Milan again to do placements there in design I want to try and get experience in all areas of fashion " -endsFor more information about this news release contact Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023 or email: s butt@derby ac uk This press release was written by Deputy Head of Press and PR Simon Redfern on 01332 591942

Volunteering Fair Is Chance To Change Others' Lives - And Your Own 1 November 2013 Sports health disabilities and environmental charities will be among the 50 organisations looking for extra help at a two day Volunteering Fair held at the University of Derby The annual fair - which is free to attend and open to anyone not just University staff and students - has been extended to two days for the first time and will have more exhibitors looking for volunteers than ever before It will be held in the Atrium of the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby from 10am to 3pm next Wednesday and Thursday (November 6-7) Visitors to the Volunteering Fair will be able to: • find out more about what voluntary services do • access current volunteering opportunities • network with voluntary organisations to make useful contacts • connect with other people interested in volunteering The Fair s exhibitors will include Action for Blind People the Air Ambulance Service British Red Cross Derby Counselling Centre Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Girlguiding Derbyshire the National Trust Samaritans Sporting Futures Village Aid and others Dr Asia Alder Futures Award Coordinator in the University s Careers and Employment Service said: "Staff and students already volunteer for many community projects both in Derbyshire and further afield Our students can even work towards an award which goes on their academic record "The annual Volunteering Fair which this year will be bigger than ever gives the organisations we work with the chance to draw in volunteers from a much wider area Everyone is welcome to come along and find out how they could help others and at the same time gain skills which could improve their own lives or job prospects " Media requiring further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Volunteers Wild About The Environment 12 March 2012 The University has joined forces with WildDerby at the City Council to support students into volunteering The project will encourage and enable students to carry out projects in the community at schools or businesses on matters related to wildlife The project will be led by Beverley Rhodes Environment Projects Officer for WildDerby who is passionate about the environment and wildlife and plans to develop this work by building relations with the University Beverley will provide guidance to students on wildlife matters with the full support of Student Support Information Services at the University and the project will run for 12 months Asia Alder Project Coordinator for volunteering at the University said: "This is a great opportunity for our students to develop skills and work with the local community on projects related to the natural environment We are working with colleagues with an interest in the natural environment to ensure we provide exciting opportunities for students which are also valuable for the local community " A second aspect to the project will be capturing digital stories about volunteering by one of the University s film students When the stories are compiled they will make a collective statement about the value of volunteering Every effort will be made to encourage innovative work including in new areas such as a Wildlife and Environment Healthcheck in commercial settings Academic staff at the University will also be encouraged to undertake such volunteering opportunities Beverley said: "This is a huge opportunity for students to gain confidence new skills to engage and have real wildlife work experience

Vote For Chef-Lecturer's Diamond Dish To Win National Competition 6 February 2012 A University of Derby Buxton Chef-Lecturer has proved his culinary creativity on the national stage yet again after his original recipe was chosen as the Central region winner in the Bramley Diamond Dishes Competition Robert Stordy who lectures on the University s Professional Culinary Arts BA (Hons) degree now needs public support to win the national final of the competition and see his dish Bramley Apple Queen of Puddings go on sale in Sainsbury s stores across the UK This latest win follows Robert s success last year when he came joint first in the Galbani Mozzarella recipe competition with his delicious penne porcini and Galbani mozzarella timpana and reached the finals of the Linda McCartney Meat Free Foods competition with his vegetarian moussaka recipe Entries to the regional heats of the Bramley Diamond Dishes competition were judged by a panel of food experts headed up by renowned food critic Prue Leith and representatives from Sainsbury s The panel said: "Robert s Bramley Apple Queen of Puddings really stood out for the judges as it honoured the Queen and her 60 years on the throne whilst also showcasing the Bramley apple s unique flavour and texture as one of the classic British ingredients " It is now up to the public to decide who will be the overall national winner Visit the competition s Facebook page www facebook com/BramleyApple to see the full list of regional finalists and vote for Robert Dr Peter Dewhurst Dean of the University said: "We are delighted for Robert on his success in another national competition and hope he gets the main prize It is always inspirational for our culinary arts students to see their lecturer doing so well " Voting opened on February 3 and runs until February 12 at midnight Voters will also have the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win £150 The winning dish will be developed and go on sale exclusively in Sainsbury s stores in time for the Jubilee celebrations For more information on Professional Culinary Arts programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Walk on The Wild Side With Botswana Tourism Course 31 August 2011 Imagine graduating from university with the skills and confidence to set up a travel company offering zebra migration holidays desert quad biking experiences or big game photographic safaris A University of Derby degree course will give new travel and tourism students in Botswana the opportunity to achieve their aspirations and provide the skills to launch themselves into one of the fastest growing tourism economies in the world The University of Derby has been working collaboratively with the Botswana Accountancy College (BAC) since 1997 Until now students have been able to study towards University of Derby qualifications in business finance accountancy and entrepreneurship In September 2011 the University of Derby will start teaching its BA (Hons) Travel and Tourism Management course to 60 students at BAC s campus in Botswana s capital city Gaborone The course has been designed by the School of Culture and Lifestyle at the University s Buxton Campus Students will learn how to develop travel and tourism businesses in an ethical and sustainable way and how to maximise their own opportunities in a sector which is booming Peter Wiltshier Programme Leader Travel and Tourism said: "It is such an exciting time for the travel and tourism sector in Botswana and we re thrilled that we ll be helping young people to achieve their goals and aspirations "There s a huge skills shortage in this area in Botswana but by working with staff at BAC we are confident we can help students to develop sustainable long-term travel and tourism businesses owned and operated by themselves "The course will mirror the one in Buxton but with the flexibility to contextualise it to the local area The BAC academic team ably led by Tsitsi Chipfuva will focus on developing excellent scholarship designed to inform the local programme "We have agreed to work together to publish research on closing the skills gap and creating tourism experiences that are world-class and sustainable using the very best of local skills and products " Whilst students in Buxton gain their experience in the heart of the Peak District the second most visited national park in the world students in Botswana have the Mokolodi Nature Reserve on their doorstep Only half an hour drive from the campus the reserve is home to many species of wildlife including white rhino cheetah giraffe zebra elephant and leopard Students will leave the Botswana course with a UK degree and the skills to work globally in the travel and tourism industry It s hoped however that students will be able to use their experience knowledge and qualifications to continue the development of Botswana s growing travel industry Michael Lesolle Executive Director of BAC said: "There is an imperative to unlock skills development potential in the areas of business management and entrepreneurship The development of future business leaders in travel and tourism management could not have come at a better time for the tourism industry which clearly offers more sustainable growth opportunities at a national and regional level "The Travel and Tourism Management programme fits seamlessly with other business oriented programmes offered by BAC It is also testimony to the successful collaborative partnership between BAC and the University of Derby " Wildlife and wilderness are Botswana s outstanding tourism assets and students on the course will be learning not only how to encourage more visitors to the diverse habitats the country has to offer but also how to protect the flora fauna and people of this unique African destination Botswana s economy one of the most robust on the continent was until recently dominated by diamond mining and agriculture The tourism industry has helped to diversify the country s economy Tourist figures increased by 90% between 1993 and 1998 and the industry continues to boom In 2005 over 23 000 new jobs were created in Botswana s tourism sector

'Walking Chair' Could Be Step-up For Disabled Access 3 June 2011 A student inspired by moving sculptures has designed a prototype walking chair that he hopes could go on to give people with mobility problems greater freedom Martin Harris 21 - who is about to complete his BA (Hons) Product Design degree at the University of Derby - developed his battery-powered chair which uses metal legs instead of wheels after seeing the walking sculptures of Dutch artist and engineer Theo Jansen Martin s walking chair will be on display at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby as part of its annual Degree Shows programme from June 4 to11 Hundreds of students work in crafts fashion textiles fine art film design theatre visual communications architecture music technology creative expressive therapies and art therapy will be on display for the public to come and see for free at the University s Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites in Derby and elsewhere Martin originally from Birmingham said: "I first saw Theo Jansen s work many years ago he calls the walking sculptures Strandbeests The walking mechanism had so much potential and I wanted to put it to a practical purpose "My final year project was to integrate the mechanism into a mobility chair My uncle works on powered wheelchairs and my dad s a mechanic so they were able to give me some tips and my brother assisted me in building and testing the prototype " Instead of wheels the chair moves on a dozen legs six on each side which are made up of 216 separate pieces bolted together The one size fits all seat is completely adjustable so it will comfortably accommodate anybody The prototype can move at the maximum wheelchair speed limit of four miles per hour It is powered by standard wheelchair batteries and motors which gives it a range of several miles on a single charge Martin added: "Most motorised wheelchairs are optimised to work indoors or outdoors not both The walking chair is compact enough for use indoors whilst also having the all-terrain ability to cross soft surfaces such as sand or grass which can prove difficult for wheeled chairs "This design is a prototype and I d be happy to see someone take up the concept and develop it further for commercial use " Terry Watson University Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Product Design course said: "Our students are expected to think creatively and then use their technical skills to turn ideas into working products "Martin has shown great ingenuity in taking an art design and seeing how it could be given a very different practical purpose " The University of Derby is proud to be part of Universities UK-led Universities Week which is running from 13-19 June 2011 It will be getting involved with national activities highlighting the surprising links and relationships that universities have with the people and businesses in their local communities of which this story is just one example For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103 or email s kirby@derby ac uk

Wearing A Backpack Could Limit Physical Performance, Research Suggests 15 May 2013 Sport and exercise academics at the University of Derby have discovered that wearing a heavy backpack during physical activity such as that worn by the military on exercise can significantly decrease performance Participants in the study wore a 25kg backpack during a 60 minute walk and were then asked to run as fast as they could for 2 4km time trial (British army selection standards) to investigate the impact of wearing a heavy load on respiratory muscle fatigue and physical performance PhD student Mark Faghy who carried out the research with Lecturer in Exercise Physiology Dr Pete Brown said: "Carrying a heavy load presents a unique challenge to the respiratory system by combining both chest wall loading from the mass of the backpack and restriction from the straps "This alters breathing mechanics during exercise increasing the effort of taking each breath which causes the respiratory muscles to become fatigued more quickly " "Compared to the individuals levels of fatigue and performance on the trials when not carrying a load we saw a significant increase in respiratory fatigue and a decrease in performance as a result of the backpack" Dr Pete Brown added: "Effects as big as these could have life or death implications for people on active duties in the armed forces; which is why we are hoping to carry out a larger-scale study on army personnel in the near future " Mark was awarded Best Oral Presentation at the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Student Conference for the research For more information on studying Sport and Exercise at the University of Derby visit www derby ac uk/science/sport-and-exercise In September 2013 the University will launch Masters of Research (MRes) programmes in Biological Sciences Forensic Science and Sport and Exercise Science

Website Re-Launch For Team Derby 27 January 2014 Team Derby has launched its re-branded website teamderby com - now students can access more information at the touch of their fingertips at this one stop shop for all for information about sport The decision to offer a new updated easy to use layout comes after huge efforts to rebrand the university s sports sector as it strives to hit its target of reaching the top 50 universities in the UK in terms of BUCS competition by 2015 The new website has been launched halfway through a season in which Team Derby sports teams have already seen great success Sports Participation Officer Alex Molloy said: "We wanted the website to be more accessible with more students than ever involved with sport "We now offer more sport and wanted to showcase that in the best possible way " The University of Derby is currently positioned 56th in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) overall standings with 427 points at the halfway stage in the 2013/14 season

All the latest Team Derby news Visitors of the new website will have access to all of Team Derby s latest news including fixture previews match reports and the latest social events all in the revamped news section The regularly-updated news section has already seen an increase in student support for University teams as well teams in the Derbyshire area Team Derby is excited for this increased support to continue to grow among students and the sporting community Alex added: "There s much clearer navigation around the website and users will be able to find what they want quicker You can access any sport from any page on the website making it easier than ever to find your chosen activity " The website can also be accessed via smartphones giving visitors access to all things Team Derby wherever they are Origination the company that designed the site is delighted with the final product A spokesperson said: "Origination has worked alongside Team Derby as it s marketing agency for over five years now This new website is the next stage in the evolution of the brand as we support them in the efforts to achieve Top 50 BUCS status"

Westminster Visit Inspires International Students 29 March 2011 A group of international students of the University of Derby Buxton experienced a tour of the Houses of Parliament during a recent trip to London During the trip which was organised by the University s International Student Advisor the ten students from Latvia Bulgaria Germany South Korea and Thailand were taken on a tour of Westminster Hall the House of Commons and House of Lords Mikaela Balder International Student Advisor said: "We started the tour in Westminster Hall and were then shown around the majestic highlights of the building by our guide including the Queen s Robing Room the House of Commons the House of Lords and the Central Lobby It was an amazing tour as well as being a two hour English history lesson for us all The students and I got a great deal out of it " Apissara Kongthed an MA Events Management student from Thailand said: "It s rare to see the inside of the Parliament especially on a historical guided tour It was a unique opportunity " Maria Kuhn a BA (Hons) Travel and Tourism Management student from Germany said: "It was very informative for me and I enjoyed the historical aspect It was a great opportunity since you can t enter the Parliament just like that "

What Factors Motivate Smokers To Quit? 9 March 2011 This week people across the country will vow to give up something for Lent and those items could include sweets chocolate or cigarettes Psychologists at the University of Derby are using this week to launch awareness of a new research study to find out what factors help people to give up smoking on a long term basis The research is being carried out by trainee health psychologist Amy Baraniak a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby Amy is embarking on the smoking cessation research study with psychology colleagues at Staffordshire University She wants to hear from volunteers across Derbyshire aged over 34 who currently smoke to explore what factors might motivate people to quit smoking Amy said: "It is commonly known that smoking has been directly linked to a range of health problems such as respiratory illnesses It is predicted that these illnesses will become a larger problem in the coming years "This is because high numbers of people who continue to expose themselves to tobacco smoke means that more people will be affected by respiratory problems It also takes a while for the damage to be done so there could be an increase in health problems for people in the future "This study attempts to measure a number of possible factors such as how well the research participants lungs are working their smoking history and their current smoking behaviour Understanding the factors that may motivate people to stop smoking could be useful in helping people at risk of ill health to stop smoking " As part of the study participants will be invited to breathe into a hand-held machine which will help to assess the age of their lungs The study will seek to assess if this strategy is useful as a motivator in helping smokers to quit People will not be able to take part if they suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) emphysema chronic bronchitis or another serious lung condition such as lung cancer have a current diagnosis of dementia or are aged 34 or younger For an initial discussion about taking part in the research please contact Amy Baraniak via email at a baraniak@derby ac uk For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

When TV focuses on disaster 15 April 2014 Reconciling the public and private faces of grief in TV coverage of two of the UK s worst disasters will be the theme of a University of Derby Buxton public lecture Andrew Barr was in charge of the cameras at religious services following the Zeebrugge Ferry disaster and the Dunblane School massacre His talk Reporting on a Disaster will form the Joint Annual Lecture on behalf of the University s Chaplaincy and the Buxton Council of Churches on April 30 at 6 30pm in the Dome Andrew will describe how after Dunblane where a lone gunman murdered 16 children and one adult before committing suicide in 1996 his television production team needed counselling for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "After Dunblane the team that I was looking after was offered counselling and they all took it up except me " said Andrew who soon regretted the decision "The next thing I knew I had run into the back of someone s car " His talk will concentrate on the decisions he made to help the country come to terms with events such as the Zeebrugge tragedy in 1987 which claimed the lives of 193 passengers and crew when the MS Herald of Free Enterprise capsized "Llike the Malaysian flight MH370 there was a long period before anyone was really certain whether their missing relative was on the ferry or not " said Andrew Whether it is possible to plan for such disasters in an era of social media and mobile phones and what the media response tells us about God will be a part of the lecture but the spiritual dimension has to be a part of it "It might look quite conventional but we were communciating with people at home in the way the unseen God communicates with the unseen viewer " he said To reserve your free place at this lecture contact the University Chaplaincy at Buxton: 01298 330376 or chaplains@derby ac uk For more press informaiton contact John Phillips at j phillips@derby ac uk

Who's The Next Lara Croft? 3 April 2006 The birthplace of computer game beauty Lara Croft is on a mission to find the next animated global icon Lara Croft was famously developed by software experts in Derby The University of Derby which hit recent national headlines for trying to recruit more women onto its computer games programming degree developed in collaboration with Microsoft is now looking to respond to another IT industry demand? a call for more artists It has unveiled its new BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation degree and hopes to develop the next generation of computer animators that can create the Lara Croft of the future spectacular landscapes and other artistic innovations to add a new dimension to today s computer games The degree is being run jointly by the University s Faculty of Arts Design and Technology and the Faculty of Business Computing and Law and course leaders are keen to attract people into the industry with a strong art-based background Core Design based in Pride Park Derby which created Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider game is behind the project and studio manager Gavin Rummery has been involved offering the industry perspective in helping Derby develop the course He said: "It s a fantastic idea for a course The industry needs to recruit more people with an artistic speciality a flair for developing animation 3D design or other areas Lara Croft was successful because the character broke the mould - a strong female character and something different "Perhaps Derby s new course can help us find the next Lara Croft " Sheila Kendrick who will run the course from the ADT perspective said: "With the increase in realistic graphics in this and future generations of computer games the course has been developed with the help of the games industry "The industry has identified a need for artists with a greater breadth of drawing skills as well as the technical skills they have had in the past "Consequently the School of Design and Media and the School of Computing have joined forces to help produce the type of artists who will be useful to the industry from day one - employees who are both technically and creatively skilled " Colleague Guy Frost based within the Faculty of Business Computing and Law said: "We have looked at the IGDA curriculum framework and the Skillset accreditation requirements as well as consulting extensively with leading players in the games industry in order to develop the skills it needs by accrediting the work of computer games artists "As popularity for computer games grows so the demand for higher quality graphics better images and animation increases Games of the future which have exciting backgrounds eye-catching characters and the most absorbing graphics are going to be the games which sell in the future "Sometimes animators have the technical know how but not the artistic eye We need to teach animators of tomorrow the basic drawing and other artistic skills they need to go into the industry and specialise as computer modellers and animators and have an edge over their competitors "This is because the games which have the most exciting backgrounds the most eye-catching characters and the most absorbing graphics are going to be the games which sell in the future " The course begins in September and students will learn part of their course in the new £150 000 computer games development suite at the University s Kedleston Road campus For more details about the course telephone 01332 622222 or visit www derby ac uk -endsFor more information about this press release contact Simon Redfern Senior Press and PR Officer on 01332 591942 or Simon Butt Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: pressoffice@derby ac uk

Wildlife Writing Prize Goes To Derby Graduate 20 July 2011 A University of Derby graduate has been named BBC Wildlife Magazine Travel Writer of the Year 2011 Carol Donaldson 37 from Elm Park Essex won the award for her article detailing her road trip through the Australian outback; A harsh lesson As her story unfolds the reader learns about the outback at night the native animal species she saw and how she came to terms with life and death in this wild area of Australia Carol said: "I have entered the BBC Wildlife Magazine competition every year for the last five years for a chance to have my writing judged by an expert panel of travel and wildlife journalists I came second in 2010 and never thought I would win "It was so exciting to receive the email telling me I d won this time how much they had enjoyed my work and asking me to write for the magazine on a regular basis I literally whooped with joy! Now I can t wait to enjoy my prize a safari for two to Zambia " Carol graduated from the University of Derby in 1995 with a degree in sociology and experience of writing When she was a student Carol had an opportunity to practice her writing skills at the Derby Telegraph on work experience You can read Carol's winning article here Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer at the University of Derby said: "The University likes to keep in touch with its graduates to find out what they are doing since they left Derby It was great to hear from Carol and to share her success on winning the writing competition " Carol now teaches the skills she learnt on her degree course to other budding writers at her own creative writing workshops She is also a Countryside Officer for Kent County Council and runs her own wildlife tour company; Little Owl Tours For further information please Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer T: 01332 591368 M: 07768 091248 E: l ratcliffe@derby ac uk

Will You Take Derby's Stress Challenge? 11 March 2011 How would your body cope in stressful situations when there is nowhere to hide - and what long-term health impacts might result? That s one of the aims of a University of Derby study which is to be conducted by psychologists over the next few weeks They are looking for 200 willing participants from the general public in the region to take part Volunteers will be asked to: keep the r hand n co d water for a m nute at a temperature of ust seven degrees cent grade (v sua y, t w ook ke part c pants p ung ng the r hand nto a bas n so co d that frozen m st s com ng off the surface) demand that a shop honours an advert sed pr ce for an expens ve tem ( ke a TV) n front of a camera as part of a ve te ev s on nterv ew take part n tax ng ar thmet c tests. The Derby team will monitor participants blood pressure and see if they can establish a correlation between stressful and challenging situations and hypertension leading to heart disease in later life They will use a continuous blood pressure monitor belt and finger cuffs - used by NASA in other experiments - to gauge people s reactions to the stressful situations Crucially the equipment will help monitor if there are changes in the diameter of participants arteries during the challenges The fundamental reason for the study is to look at how stress responses correlate to blood pressure levels in the future; i e can psychologists predict who might be at risk of high blood pressure and heart disease? Professor David Sheffield Assistant Centre Head of the Psychological Research Centre at the University of Derby said: "We are interested in finding out how people cope in these situations "We hope to be able to monitor how people s cardiovascular systems respond to differing types of challenges What are the types of responses in terms of coping and physiology and their blood pressure? "We will then contact the participants in a year s time to see how their blood pressure has changed if at all in that time " In particular gauging any changes to the diameter of the arteries in someone s body could help the team to see if there are links between the stressful event and the ways in which people can cope with it to control their blood pressure As part of a further experiment using the same scenarios Professor Sheffield hopes to work with people with known cardiovascular risk factors including high blood pressure and obesity Professor Sheffield will be working with Thai PhD student Kornanong Yuenyongchaiwat who is sponsored by Thammasat University Bankok The study will be conducted in the human psychology laboratories at the University s Kedleston Road site If you are interested in taking part please email Kornanong via email at: k yuenyongchaivat@derby ac uk or call 01332-592038 or email David Sheffield at d sheffield@derby ac uk For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s redfern@derby ac uk

Winter Training Teaches Students To Keep Their Cool 13 February 2012 Students with a desire for working in the great outdoors have battled the most extreme weather the UK can throw at them as they learned technical winter skills in the Highlands of Scotland then put their group safety abilities to the test in the gorges of North Wales The groups of University of Derby Buxton Outdoor Activity and Adventure Tourism degree students undertook the two trips during the sub-zero temperatures and snow of the recent winter spell During the trip to the Highlands of Scotland they developed their proficiency in climber s crampon use ascending the challenging Nevis Range near Fort William in Scotland which includes the UK s highest peak Ben Nevis There they learned how to traverse and lead parties over steep ground in icy conditions The party then progressed onto the slopes of the range s Stob Coire nan Lochan where they tackled the Dorsal Arête ridge route in full winter conditions receiving coaching in ice climbing from one of the top climbers in the world Andy Turner Tim Hobby 24 a final year Outdoor Activities Management BA (Hons) degree student from Knighton in Mid-Wales said: "The week in Scotland was fantastic I came away from all of the practical training knowing I could tackle those kinds of conditions by myself Being taught by Andy Turner who has experienced every kind of climbing environment possible was a real highlight " Tiffany Littler 21 from Whaley Bridge who is also in the final year of her Outdoor Activities Management degree added: "Watching the ways our instructors led our party through difficult terrain and weather conditions was really useful "Then getting the chance to use the different leadership styles that we learnt about in a classroom based module in a real outdoor environment especially a harsh Scottish winter one was a great experience " "I also work at Stockport s indoor climbing wall - Awesome Walls - and will be able to use some of my new skills there in a far warmer environment though!" University Programme Leader Peter Gilliver said: "Practical trips like these are a vital part of these outdoor programmes equipping our students with the skills they ll need when they begin working in some extreme environments "The weather was perfect in its nature for our students to really test themselves and their new found skills " A group also visited North Wales to ascend the Afon Du gorge to experience the challenging rope crossing and waterfall above its deepest pool The objectives were to look at the hazards associated with leading a group into such an environment Led by their lecturer Nicola Taylor who is herself an experienced mountain instructor and accomplished climber the team explored the costal cliffs of Ynys Mon in Anglesey Here they learnt how to manage a group traversing the cliffs at sea level crossing over clefts by rope and climbing un-roped above crashing waves For more information about Outdoor Activity and Adventure Tourism degrees at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Wish You Were Here, says Austrian Student 11 February 2014 Just do it - that s the message Austrian student Daniela Wratschko delivered to young people in her own country who are thinking of coming to the University of Derby Buxton Daniela was one of nine students recruited from Austria last year by Culinary Arts assistant subject manager Tony Clodd and she has been so impressed with her course that she wanted to spread the word about Buxton "If you are thinking about coming to Buxton just do it you will not regret your decision " Daniela urged fellow Austrians via a presentation which Tony gave in Austria "I have only been in Buxton for one month but my English skills have already improved Everyone is trying to help you achieve the best marks for instance through library sessions the online blackboard system and the dissertation supervisor " she added Tony visited tourism school Tourismusschulen Salzburg and its satellite colleges to build on his previous year s success and deliver a keynote speech on trends and development in the UK hospitality industry "I had a great response and already some enquiries which I m following up " said Tony He highlighted the achievements of previous Austrian students - including three who had gone on to achieve Masters degrees and doctorates He also highlighted how Austrian qualifications can be put towards a British degree and demonstrated why the University of Derby Buxton is among the top five in the UK for hospitality management The University s links to Austria are strengthening said Tony: "They value UK degrees they like Buxton because it is a typical small English town and they like the emphasis on students personal development "And they know Austrian students have been successful in the past " For more n orma on con ac John Ph ps on ph ps@derby ac uk

Wizard of Oz badminton shares secrets at University of Derby 21 July 2014 With the Commonwealth Games about to get underway the head coach of Australia s badminton team spent time with sports coaches from across Derbyshire at the University of Derby on Friday (July 18) Lasse Bundgaard and his assistant coach Ricky Yu presented alongside Andy Wood Performance Manager of the Derbyshire Institute of Sport and former Team GB badminton head coach to discuss the technicalities of the sport and to take questions at a sporting breakfast event The Australian national team arrived in Derby on Tuesday July 15 for a training camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Lasse 40 explained: "The day was about how things have changed in Australian badminton over the last five years and where we are now as we go into the Commonwealth Games with a team that is desperately trying to compete with the top nations and also about where we go from here to develop badminton in Australia to be a world-class sport "We are here in Derby for the second time after coming here ahead of the London Olympics in 2012 We have good relationships with the partners involved in Derbyshire including Derbyshire County Council South Derbyshire District Council Derbyshire Sport and the University of Derby which were all developed through our link with Andy Wood Working with him is a great thing for us " The visit was particularly important for the University since it is gearing up for its first season in the new National Badminton League (NBL) with its Team Derby brand Danish-born Lasse was full of praise for the creation of the league which will show games on Sky Sports He said: "It s a great thing that a national badminton league has been established which will include the best British players but also support the best British junior players as well It s a really good profile-raiser for the sport " On Saturday Lasse s Australian team were victorious in an exhibition match against the Team GB All Stars in which they won 5-3 from eight games played Olympic silver medallists Gail Emms MBE and Nathan Robertson and Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medallist Jenny Wallwork were part of the British contingent Lasse is confident of Australia s chances at the Games He added: "I feel good ahead of the Commonwealth Games and we are targeting a medal in a few categories "The men and women s doubles look good and very strong We re taking stock after the draw (being made today Monday July 21) and now go into the first game on Thursday (July 24) I look forward very much to getting it all started " Ollie Shearer Sport Development Manager at the University of Derby added: "The University was delighted to welcome back the Australian team It s an exciting time for the sport of badminton at the University given the recent announcement that we will be part of the UK s first National Badminton League "The Australian team had access to all the services and facilities they need to prepare for the Commonwealth Games and enjoyed their stay at the University " For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Work Placement Leads To World Records For Derby Student 30 November 2011 For most athletes it takes years of hard work and training to reach the top of their game but a University of Derby student has become British Champion and broken a number of World Records at a recent international competition only six months after taking up the sport of powerlifting Hymsuen Liu 19 who is in the second year of a BA (Hons) Sport and Exercise Studies degree programme at Derby has recently returned from the WPC World Powerlifting Championships in Riga Latvia where he crushed the competition to win the teenage under 67 5 kilograms weight class - and the teenage class as a whole He took up the sport in the summer after undertaking a work placement at Genesis Gym in London as part of his degree He said: "Lots of British powerlifters were training at the gym at the time including former world powerlifting champion David Beattie who is now my coach They encouraged me to have a go as my physique was just right for the sport "Within a week of training I entered the British Championships where I won in my weight and age class Since then I have gone on to compete in the UK Open and the WPC World Powerlifting Championships and have broken three British and thee world records in the sport "Everyone at the gym is as amazed as I am that I ve done so well so quickly " At the WPC World Powerlifting Championships in Riga which ran from November 14 - 19 Hymsuen who is originally from Pinner performed a squat lift of 170kg a deadlift of 230kg and bench lift of 85kg to become best overall teenage lifter in all weight classes The titles he now has under his belt are: British Champion 75kg Class 18-19 Teenagers UK Open Winner 75kg Class 18-19 Teenagers and World Powerlifting Champion 67 5kg Class 18-19 Teenagers His records to date are: British Record Squat 201kg British Record Deadlift 245kg British Record Total 560kg (Squat-200 Bench-120 Deadlift-240) World Record Squat 170kg World Record Deadlift 230kg and World Record Total 485kg (Squat-170 Bench-85 Deadlift-230) Hymsuen is using his strength and training to play for the University s Derby Braves American Football team The University s Sports Development Manager Ollie Shearer said: "Hymsuen has achieved some fantastic results only months after taking up a new sport We are supporting his training here at the University to ensure that he will continue to perform well at the top of his sport " For more information about Sport and Exercise degree programmes at Derby visit www derby ac uk/ehs

World Class Climber Not Too Cool For School 12 October 2012 A climber at the peak of his career will inspire University of Derby Buxton students just embarking on theirs as he officially opens the University s new Outdoor Leadership Centre on Friday October 19 Students staff and invited guests will hear from world class climber Kenton Cool who has reached the summit of Everest a remarkable ten times when he cuts the ribbon at the University s 58 acre Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre on Manchester Road The evening celebration will also kick off the first ever Buxton Adventure Festival of which the University is a key sponsor The University purchased the Manchester Road site in April to provide its outdoor adventure and countryside management degree students with a dedicated space to develop leadership management and outdoor activity skills The 58 acres of mixed woodland is complete with a 30 foot high climbing wall a complex high ropes course including a leap of faith three low ropes courses and an artificial underground caving course Since commencing their studies in September Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism degree students have been using the facilities on site to develop their leadership skills through experiential learning The site s dry stone walls broad leaved woodlands and moorland landscapes are also providing opportunities for Countryside Management degree students to develop their estate management skills and play a large part in the site s long term sustainability Dr Peter Dewhurst Strategic Director of the University of Derby Buxton said: "We are delighted to welcome Kenton to officially open Oaklands and to unveil all of the improvements we have made over the summer "We hope that many of our students and members of the Peak District s thriving outdoor community will join us on October 19 to celebrate the launch of both the Centre and the Buxton Adventure Festival " Kenton Cool said: "I am honoured to be asked to open the University of Derby Buxton s new centre and look forward to seeing the facilities it is offering its students when I visit on October 19 " Momentum is gathering behind the new Buxton Adventure Festival (Oct 20-21) the latest venture of Heason Events when the Pavilion Arts Centre will host audiences enjoying ten famous speakers from the adventure community including cave diver Gavin Newman and mountain bike world champion Danny Hart along with 30 films To complement the Festival the University of Derby Buxton and Derbyshire Village Games are teaming up to put on afternoon activities for children of all ages Matt Heason from Heason Events added: "The facilities at the Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre are superb and as well as the welcome reception it will also be hosting a brilliant afternoon of activities led by Buxton students and staff for the Festival s younger audience " For more information about the opening of Oaklands Manor call Emily Ibbotson on telephone 01298 330603 or email e ibbotson@derby ac uk For more details on the first ever Buxton Adventure Festival visit website www buxtonadventurefestival co uk To find out more about the University of Derby's Outdoor Countryside and Adventure degree programmes visit www derby ac uk/outdoor

World Class International Spa Management Degree Comes To London 4 July 2013 London residents now have the opportunity to study towards one of the UK s most popular and established University degrees in Spa Management without leaving the city as it is launched at the London School of Beauty and Make-up The School situated close to Barbican in central London is now running the University of Derby Buxton s Foundation degree in International Spa Management The part-time course can be studied two evenings a week and can be completed in two years The course will be taught by experienced University tutors who have worked with some of the leading international spa brands It involves a combination of lectures and practical sessions seminars and independent learning and will provide students with a good understanding of the diverse range of spa and management practices There is a strong emphasis on international perspectives of spa providing a global understanding of the spa industry and an understanding of regional differences in cultures and treatments Students will learn the advanced technical skills and theory they will need to pursue a successful career in spa therapies and management Isobel Stockdale Assistant Subject Manager for Spa and Wellness Management at the University of Derby Buxton said: "We realise people have very busy lives and often don t want to or don t have the resources to move to a different city to study This unique concept allows students to be taught by experts in this field and have access to the strong links the University of Derby Buxton has built up with the global spa industry while remaining in London " Claire Edgecombe Managing Director of the London School of Beauty and Make-up: "We are delighted to welcome the University to the London School of Beauty and Make-up to deliver their exciting new degree The synergy between our organisations allows us to offer fantastic learning opportunities in our wonderful facilities giving students the ability to expand their knowledge without the need to relocate " A special launch event is being held at the London School of Beauty and Make Up on Friday 23 August from 11am - 3pm Attendees will be given an insight into the course and will have the opportunity to meet and talk to industry experts To register for this event please telephone 01298 330351 or email i stockdale@derby ac uk For more information on the course please visit www derby ac uk/courses/international-spamanagement-fdsc/ For more information on the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

World-class players announced in Team Derby badminton squad 23 July 2014 Team Derby has landed Great Britain s number one badminton player and one of the nation s legendary stars ahead of the sport s first ever UK national league season Rajiv Ouseph and Olympic Silver medallist Gail Emms MBE will form part of the squad which features a blend of experience and youth as it aims to challenge for top honours in the 2014/15 National Badminton League (NBL) season Ouseph set an English Badminton record by winning the English National Championship four times in a row and will compete in the men s singles event for Team Derby Emms will be available to compete in both women s and mixed doubles and will bring with her unrivalled experience on and off the court Coached by ex-Olympian and world silver medallist Donna Kellogg and Julia Mann the squad also boasts gold medal winners European medallists and competitors in this year s Commonwealth Games which kick off today (Wednesday) Andy Ellis who forms one half of England s number one men s double pair features as does 2014 European Bronze medallist Karin Schnaase Team Derby has also secured Kate Robertshaw who will join Ouseph and Ellis in representing Team England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as well as Martin Campbell who will be looking for success on home turf representing Team Scotland Developing talent is a key focus and Ollie Baczala Rhys Walker Chris Coles and Lydia Powell who have all represented England at youth level and Helena Lewczynska who has experience in women s singles doubles and mixed doubles have joined the squad Team Derby Franchise Director Ollie Shearer is delighted with the work of the team s coaching staff in assembling a high-quality squad Ollie said: "This is the University of Derby s first ever professional sports team We have sat down as a management group to agree our recruitment strategy and Donna and Julia have worked tirelessly to achieve our aims and we are delighted with the players we have secured We have high hopes for the forthcoming season " Donna who leads University of Derby Performance Sports Programme and is Head Coach of the University club added: "Julia and I are delighted to be working with a group of very talented players It s great for Derby that these players will be representing the University "Hopefully this will encourage more youngsters to play the sport across the county and the squad will become role models to aspire to " The full Team Derby National Badminton League squad • Andy Ellis - Men s Doubles/Mixed Doubles • Chris Coles - Men s Doubles/Mixed Doubles • Gail Emms - Ladies Doubles/Mixed Doubles • Helena Lewczynska - Ladies Singles/Ladies Doubles/Mixed Doubles • Karin Schnaase - Ladies Singles • Kate Robertshaw - Women s Doubles/Mixed Doubles • Lydia Powell - U21 Ladies Singles/Ladies Doubles/Mixed Doubles • Martin Campbell - Men s Doubles/Mixed Doubles • Ollie Baczala - Under 21 Men s Player/Men s Doubles/Mixed Doubles • Rajiv Ouseph - Men s Singles • Rhys Walker - Men s Singles For more information on Team Derby and the National Badminton League visit www teamderby com/NBL For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

World Cruise Ends In Buxton's Spa Waters 4 June 2013 Globe-trotting Sarah Beeston has come full circle by landing a job as Spa Manager at the University of Derby Buxton after a career on cruise ships which took her round the world Sarah joined the spa industry after training at her local college so she understands how the educational side of her work in the luxurious Spa at The Dome will benefit young people "The educational side is so important because you can get to mentor people and help to develop the next era of spa therapists " said Sarah who is pleased that the University uses top British spa brand Elemis But the spa isn t just for students and Sarah who honed her skills on ships which had the very latest equipment and treatments is looking forward to welcoming more local people to the spa "People are so stressed in their working lives that just to take an hour out to relax is very important " she said "The facilities here are fantastic I never expected the building to be so beautiful and the facilities to be as advanced as they are " For details of the spa see www derby ac uk/spa/spa-at-the-dome-salon

World Expert To Give Glimpse Of Computing's Future 15 May 2013 A world leader in the science of cloud computing and Visiting Professor at the University of Derby will give a rare series of lectures aimed at students staff and business people Professor Rajkumar Buyya - Director of the Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems Laboratory at the University of Melbourne Australia - will discuss his cutting edge research into this new computing area with staff and students before giving an accessible free public lecture - entitled Cloud Computing: The Driver of the Next Big Wave of Innovation - in Lecture Theatre OL1 at the University's Kedleston Road site in Derby at 6 30pm on Monday (May 20) Cloud computing means organisations can access most of the computing resources they need both the hardware (physical devices) and software (online programs) via an internet connection It means one computing system can serve many different companies miles from it instead of each customer needing to invest in its own separate one; with systems able to be updated far more quickly and cheaply Professor Buyya has worked with global companies - including Microsoft IBM and Computer Associates - on improving this technology and helped extend its use into fields as diverse as oceanography and astronomy The importance of his research has been recognised by academic organisations in countries including Australia America and India His public lecture will look at the future of cloud computing and how it will come to influence people s work and home lives and speed up the transfer of information around the planet in the 21st Century Professor Buyya said: "It is indeed a great honour to have an opportunity to visit the University of Derby and share expertise in cloud computing and the Internet of Things and collaborate on the creation of innovative applications for the benefit of society " Professor Nikolaos Antonopoulos Head of the School of Computing and Mathematics at the University of Derby added: "We re thrilled to have someone of Professor Buyya s global reputation as a Visiting Professor at Derby and for him to take the time to stage a series of lectures with us "This is a rare chance for the public staff students and particularly business people to hear from a leader and engaging speaker on the field of cloud computing on how this innovation is likely to affect all of us in the decades to come " For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

World Record Bid Super Bike Wows Speed Fans 6 August 2013 A British motorcycle which next year will attempt to break the world land speed record - backed by University of Derby knowhow - has been unveiled to speed fans Double World Superbike Champion James Toseland will climb into the 52 Express Project bike in autumn 2014 in an attempt to reach 400mph or more and smash the current Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) record of 376 3 His attempt will be staged at either the USA s Bonneville Salt Flats or Hakskeen Pan in South Africa depending on conditions Motorcycle fans have now seen the completed bike for the first time including with James at the recent 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed The vehicle s long cigar-shaped chassis features the logos of backers and sponsors including the University of Derby 3D Engineers Graham Sykes Performance Engineering JD Classics and CD-adapco Student Project Engineers Andrew Menzies Sam Smith and Dan Bates on the University s Motorsports courses worked on streamlining the motorcycle s shell and focused on intake and exhaust ducting for its gas turbine engine at their workshops at the Markeaton Street site in Derby The all-British team s record attempt is being led by former GP and TT sidecar racer Alex Macfadzean; an engine development and dyno-specialist whose previous Norton powered streamliner formerly held the British bike land speed record the first UK record over 200mph James Toseland said: "I m so excited to be involved in the 52 Express land speed record It gives me another opportunity to achieve another goal involving motorcycles at a world level which I didn t think was possible with my injured wrist "The team are doing an amazing job developing the bike at the University of Derby and I m looking forward to testing the bike early next year I can t wait to feel what 400mph-plus on a motorcycle feels like " Steve Hill Programme Leader for the University s FdEng and BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering programmes said: "This project has been a great opportunity for the students to be involved with design principles at the very edge of the performance envelope "It has been tremendous to have the University working alongside such a dedicated enthusiastic and extraordinarily capable team I am quietly confident that the target speed of 400mph will be exceeded " Andrew Menzies added: "The 52 Express is a fascinating project to be involved with At the University we are mainly focusing on the aerodynamic performance of the streamliner and getting the right amount of air into the gas turbine engine which is important to make sure we avoid compressor stall " Speaking on behalf of the 52 Express Project team Alex Macfadzean said: "Making use of the skills and facilities available from the University of Derby is a key part of our project "We must ensure that air flow in and out of the engine is stable at all times and that the vehicle itself is stable Finally we need it to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible in order to reach our target speed and beyond " Follow The 52 Express Project on Facebook link www facebook com/The52Express For further information about the motorcycle streamliner project and James Toseland please contact RBP International on 01652 680060 or email: info@rbpagency com For further media information about the University of Derby's involvement in the project and its Motorsports courses please contact Sean Kirby University Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

World Superbike Champ's All-British Bid For Motorcycle World Land Speed Record 4 December 2012 Double World Superbike Champion James Toseland has launched a UK attempt to break the official world motorcycle land speed record - aiming to achieve a speed of at least 400mph On a tour of the University of Derby s Motorsport engineering workshops yesterday (December 3) James saw and heard about the motorcycle streamliner project aiming to break the current official Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) record of 376 363 held by American Rocky Robinson The all-British team s record attempt - scheduled to take place at the globally famous Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA in September 2014 - is being led by former GP and TT sidecar racer Alex Macfadzean Alex is an engine development and dyno specialist a former holder of the British bike land speed record and the first UK record over 200mph His project will be heavily supported by staff and students on the University of Derby s Motorsports courses among the best in the UK Steve Hill Programme Leader for the University s FdEng and BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering programmes is already leading a team looking at design elements for the record attempting bike; with the assistance of student Project Engineers Andrew Menzies Sam Smith and Dan Bates Given the long lead times the technical specifications for the machine are being kept firmly under wraps Commenting on the all-British project James said: "I am hugely excited about this record attempt but I m under no illusions as to how difficult it will be I ve been racing motorcycles for most of my life but this means learning a completely new technique in order to pilot the motorcycle streamliner "The team involved with the project are amazing and really know their stuff so I know I m in safe hands in terms of the development We ve been in discussions about this for several months but at the University of Derby s workshops I sat in the cockpit of the machine for the first time so it now all seems very real "If successful this will be a fantastic personal achievement but also a great accolade to bring back to the UK " Speaking on behalf of the team Robin Richardson said "We are very fortunate to have such a skilled and experienced professional as James in the hot seat Record breaking is a team endeavour with years of effort necessary before the vehicle ever turns a wheel But when all the research and build work is complete it s James who will take our collective knowledge experience and ambitions into the cockpit with him "We couldn t have anybody better to do that as part of the team We have been equally fortunate to secure the partnership with the University of Derby "It s often said that young people in the UK aren t interested in engineering but here is a department and a group of students proving the opposite Many of them are destined for careers in top level motorsport which shows that engineering is anything but dull " For further information about the motorcycle streamliner project and James Toseland please contact Rebecca Brocklesby on 01652 680060 or email: rebecca@rbpinternational com For further press information about the University of Derby's involvement in the project and its Motorsports courses please contact Sean Kirby University Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Worldwide summit will keep Buxton at pinnacle of employability 5 February 2014 Blue-chip firms from across the world will arrive in England s leading spa town on February 11 for a conference which aims to keep the University of Derby Buxton at the top of the league for employability among graduates Representatives from forty-three employers linked to the industries studied at Buxton will attend They include major hotel groups such as Jurys Inn and Thistle to experts from the leisure industry ranging from the last word in luxury at Qatar s Six Senses Spa in Doha to Woodland Survival Crafts who teach how to live in the bush They will update the University s teaching staff on the latest industry trends and examine course programmes to make sure Buxton s students leave with degrees which meet the demands of their future employers The University of Derby Buxton beat Oxford and Cambridge in the latest survey of graduates finding jobs or going on to further studies within since months of getting their degrees Figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed that 96 1 per cent of Buxton s spa outdoor leadership culinary arts tourism and hospitality management graduates secured jobs or places on postgraduate courses The spectacular Six Senses Spa in Doha was set up by Swedish spa master Anna Bjurstam who has gone on record as saying that Buxton leads the world in spa education "If the industry knew how good your students are then they would be standing in line to employ them " she said at a recent spa and wellness conference in Buxton Other employers represented at the event include national charities such as Marie Curie and Meningitis Now as well as local leaders in their fields such as Buxton Taphouse and the Peak District National Park Authority For more details of how your business could benefit from student placements contact Ben Offord Work Placement and Employability Officer at B Offord@derby ac uk 01332 594303 For further press information please contact: John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Yasmin Miller named University of Derby Sportsperson of the Year At Derbyshire Sports Awards 15 November 2013 Derby hurd er Yasm n M er has been crowned he Un vers y of Derby Spor sperson of he Year a he 2013 Derbysh re Spor s Awards Yasm n who urned 18 n May won her f rs sen or na ona meda a s ver n he 60m hurd es a he UK Indoor Champ onsh ps n Sheff e d ear er h s year and a so re a ned her 60m hurd es e a he Indoor U20 Eng and Champ onsh ps break ng he champ onsh p record She wen on o w n go d n he 100m hurd es a he Eng and A h e cs U20 Champ onsh ps ga n ng se ec on for he European Jun or Champ onsh ps n I a y Yasm n a so won go d as par of he Grea Br a n eam n he 4x100m re ay a he European Jun or Champ onsh ps and was hen nv ed o compe e a he London Ann versary Games n he 4x100m re ay a he O ymp c Park Yasm n from Derby AC was announced as he w nner of he Un vers y of Derby Spor sperson of he Year ceremony a The Roundhouse n Derby on Thursday November 14 wh ch was a ended by 270 peop e

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w nn ng seven meda s a he even overa She s a member of he Br sh Sw mm ng Wor d C ass Po en a Programme for a h e es who have he po en a o qua fy for he 2016 O ymp cs and meda a he 2020 O ymp cs Sw mmer Lew s Wh e was a so a w nner n he Or g na on Jun or D sab ed Spor sperson of he Year ca egory 13-year-o d Lew s from Swad nco e won s x go d meda s and Top Boy a he Na ona Jun or D sab y Champ onsh ps Lew s a so swam a he Br sh D sab y In erna ona Sw mm ng Champ onsh ps ga n ng a p ace n f ve f na s He was recen y nv ed on o he Br sh Sw mm ng Pod um Po en a Programme for a h e es w h rea s c po en a o ga n meda s a he Para ymp cs n 2016 and beyond O her awards presen ed on he n gh nc uded he Derby Te egraph Serv ce o Spor Award wh ch was presen ed o He en Akers from Long Ea on Sw mm ng C ub He en qua f ed as a Br sh Sw mm ng Referee n 2001 o ned he Br sh Sw mm ng Deve opmen Programme n 2008 and was appo n ed o he In erna ona FINA sw mm ng off c a s s ear er h s year - one of on y s x peop e n Grea Br a n She has off c a ed a a number of na ona champ onsh ps and n erna ona even s as we as reg ona and coun y even s and was a so a Games Maker a he London 2012 O ymp c Games He en a so con nues o compe e as a sw mmer herse f and nex year expec s o f y s ra gh from referee ng a he Commonwea h Games n G asgow o compe e a he Wor d Mas ers Champ onsh ps n Mon rea And here was a four h award for sw mm ng when And Man ey Head Coach of Derven o eXce sw mm ng squad and Sw mm ng Performance Coach for he Derbysh re Ins u e of Spor was named he Ma r x F ness Performance Coach of he Year And from Cas e Don ng on coaches many of Derbysh re s bes sw mmers nc ud ng Mo y Renshaw Abb e Wood and Kane Hagge who were each se ec ed for he ASA Wor d C ass Pod um Po en a programme n March Mo y a so represen ed Grea Br a n a he Wor d Jun or Champ onsh ps and Mo y and Kane represen ed GB a he F anders Cup n Be g um Th s year a record number of 14 sw mmers from Derven o qua f ed for he Br sh Open Champ onsh ps and 27 sw mmers - 90 per cen of he squad - ach eved na ona qua f ca on mes a Age You h and Na ona eve s The w nner of he Cooper Parry C ub of he Year award was H on Harr ers Foo ba C ub The c ub has 30 eams nc ud ng a new ve eran s eam and a d sab y group and h s year opened an ex ended pav on hav ng ra sed £100 000 and worked w h oca par ners o br ng an ar f c a urf p ch o John Por Schoo Sean Wh e from Phoen x Trampo ne C ub was named he Derby Co ege Commun y Coach of he Year Sean has been coach ng a Phoen x Trampo ne C ub based a K rk Ha am Spor s Cen re s nce he c ub was founded 29 years ago and dur ng ha me has coached a a eve s from grassroo s par c pan s o Wor d Age Group compe ors The Derbysh re Coun y Counc Young Spor s Leader Young Coach of he Year award was presen ed o 16-year-o d F e cher Sm h from M ford who s a vo un eer for he Amber Va ey Leadersh p Academy vo un eered a he Derbysh re Schoo Games and manages and coaches a number of young eams a Be per Rugby C ub Th s year s Commun y Spor s Trus Ac ve Workp ace Award was presen ed o Sou h Derbysh re D s r c Counc n recogn on of s work o encourage s aff o become more ac ve offer ng ac v es such as foo ba badm n on and ogg ng sess ons as we as dance c asses and d scoun ed gym membersh p A fu

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The awards are organ sed by Derbysh re Spor a coun y spor s par nersh p wh ch prov des he s ra eg c ead for spor n Derbysh re Gues s were en er a ned w h an open ng performance by 11-year-o d European Cup B ke Tr a s champ on Adam Morewood from Dronf e d The Un vers y of Derby s he e sponsor of he even and o her sponsors nc ude he Derby Te egraph Derby C y Counc Or g na on Derbysh re Coun y Counc Cooper Parry In erna ona Go f Deve opmen Derby Co ege he Commun y Spor s Trus and Ma r x F ness The w nners of he 2013 Derbysh re Spor s Awards are Un vers ty of Derby Sportsperson of the Year Yasm n M er (Derby - A h e cs) Un vers ty of Derby D sab ed Sportsperson of the Year Ph Hogg (Amber Va ey - Para r a h on) Internat ona Go f Deve opment Jun or Sportsman of the Year Er c Ham (H gh Peak - Judo) Derby C ty Counc Jun or Sportswoman of the Year Abb e Wood (H gh Peak - Sw mm ng) Or g nat on Jun or D sab ed Sportsperson of the Year Lew s Wh e (Sou h Derbysh re - Sw mm ng) Cooper Parry C ub of the Year H on Harr ers Foo ba C ub (Sou h Derbysh re - Foo ba ) Derby Co ege Commun ty Coach of the Year Sean Wh e (Erewash - Trampo n ng) Matr x F tness Performance Coach of the Year And Man ey (Sou h Derbysh re - Sw mm ng) Derbysh re County Counc Young Sports Leader Young Coach of the Year F e cher Sm h (Amber Va ey - Rugby) Derby Te egraph Serv ce to Sport Award He en Akers (Erewash - Sw mm ng) Commun ty Sports Trust Act ve Workp ace Award Sou h Derbysh re D s r c Counc To d scuss h s fur her p ease con ac N kk Sargeson on 01773 571227 or 07900227017 or e-ma n kk sargeson@derbysh re gov uk

Yasmin On Route To Achieving Academic Ambition 19 November 2012 A student who left the Middle East for an English education has achieved an excellent result in her studies; a First Class Honours degree from the University of Derby Buxton and the Vice-Chancellor s Prize for Academic Excellence For Yasmin Rajab 21 originally from Kuwait but now living in Pickering North Yorkshire her graduation ceremony was a significant step on the way to fulfilling her ambition of becoming an academic in the UK; a dream that began as she attended the New English School Kuwait Yasmin who graduated with a BA (Hons) Public Relations and Events Management degree from the University at its annual awards ceremony on Saturday (November 17) said: "At my school there were children of more than 55 nationalities I was able to grow up with children from across the globe so I really got to understand many different traditions and cultures "Most summers we would travel to England to visit my grandparents and I had a strong bond to the UK and a desire to travel here to study "While in Kuwait I did some voluntary work at my school and assisted at the local museum with some exhibitions The head of the PR department recommended that I should perhaps study PR or event management of some kind The University of Derby Buxton had the course that I had been looking for and also had a great reputation " Her experiences and opportunity to learn and develop at University confirmed her choice to study in the UK and ultimately led her to achieve a First Class Honours degree and the Vice-Chancellor s Prize for Academic Excellence Yasmin added: "I think it was during my second year that I came to understand professional development as a means of moving into the next stage of one s learning curve and self-analysis "I knew this subject matter would be highly relevant now that working in teams and groups has become the norm in the workplace and so I chose to carry out my final year independent study into this area I also felt that it would be fundamental in terms of my future "I am proud to have achieved all that I have here at Buxton and I know my parents are too " Yasmin s parents travelled from Kuwait to watch as she graduated alongside 300 of her fellow students at the ceremony at the University s Grade II* Listed Devonshire Dome Campus She now hopes to pursue a PhD and become an academic and one day become a leading figure in her field Julian Robinson Programme Leader on the Events Management degree said: "We were delighted to see Yasmin graduate and take home the Vice-Chancellor s Prize She fully deserved this recognition for her hard work and dedication to her studies " For more information on studying at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

You Don't Have To Be A Diva To Go To University, But It Helps 8 November 2011 When Grace Goodbean moved to Derbyshire she had two dreams to sing and to study What she didn t have was the confidence to give either a go Four years on and she s performed on live television as part of the Derbyshire show choir DaleDiva who won Channel 5 s Don t Stop Believing She is also in the final year of the BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies (Art Pathway) degree course at the University of Derby The 48 year-old mum relocated from Luton to Matlock in Derbyshire in 2007 Using her eclectic mix of skills Grace found work in day care and resource centres working with people with learning difficulties and the elderly practising reflexology painting childrens faces at events festivals and parties She also became a foster carer Shortly after arriving in Matlock she saw a leaflet appealing for women who want to sing Her curiosity aroused Grace found herself at DaleDiva s first audition and practice session Grace said: "If I d known what I was letting myself into I d probably not have gone I d have been terrified Ally the director waited until we d relaxed a bit before telling us about the extravagant costumes the false eyelashes and the glamorous hairstyles we d be sporting for our performances " To say DaleDiva bought Grace out of her shell is something of an understatement Grace will join the rest of DaleDiva singing at Derby's Christmas Lights switch on event in the Market Place on 19 November They re also hosting a matinee and evening show at Derby Theatre on Sunday 13 November called Believe where they ll be performing a mix of a cappella arrangements and pop tracks from their new album DaleDiva Grace credits the flamboyant show choir with boosting her confidence and to getting her to connect with the University of Derby Grace said: "I suppose it was a case of meeting the right people at the right time By sheer coincidence two of my new Diva friends turned out to be tutors at the University " Creative Expressive Therapies tutor Judie Taylor and Design lecturer Josie Walter also sing with DaleDiva Grace added: "I still had the itch to study but I didn t know what I wanted to do I felt that all my skills were creative and very hands on in a practical sense and wouldn t translate into anything a University could offer "One evening at rehearsals I got speaking to Judie I d known her for a while but we d never spoken about what I did or what she did Just a few minutes into chatting she told me about the course she teaches on it was a lightning bolt moment "Later when I looked at the prospectus I seriously thought the course had been designed just for me It was perfect It offered me the opportunity to use all my previous experience in the caring professions and my creative interests and turn them into something that can really benefit people " Grace says her time at the University has helped her recognise the importance of her previous experiences and how underpinning her practical skills with knowledge can lead her forward even further Grace said: "The course has shifted my aspirations Before I might have been looking at jobs as a support worker but now I m thinking more about how I can influence policy I can t believe I m saying that but with the experience I ve gained and now the knowledge to back it up it puts me in a position where I could and should be applying for those higher level opportunities " "The thing I ve learned with DaleDiva and with my course is that firstly you have to trust yourself and that you have to value what you ve learned throughout your life "Secondly you have to throw yourself in with confidence when you believe you can do something other people believe in you as well I firmly believe you re never too old to study and it s never too late to find your inner Diva " Judie Taylor Creative Expressive Arts tutor at the University of Derby said: "Creative Expressive Therapies and DaleDiva share a common belief that the arts can be uplifting build confidence and self esteem while also promoting a sense of belonging and community "It has been fantastic to see Grace flourish during the past few years and it is also heartening to hear her say that the degree has opened up opportunities for her and has raised her expectations of what she can go on to achieve and the contribution she can make " For further media information please contact Press Officer Annabel Harvey on 01332 591942 or email a harvey@derby ac uk

Young Chefs Relish Prospect of Winning National Contest 26 April 2013 A team of talented young chefs from the University of Derby Buxton who have made it into the finals of a prestigious national competition are cooking up some tantalising new recipes in preparation The five Hospitality and Professional Culinary Arts students clearly impressed judges of the Nestlé's Toque d'Or® Competition 2013 with their two course menu in the earlier heats held at the Hospitality Show at the Birmingham NEC in January (2013) Finalists Andrew Collis 20 from Loughborough and Joe Penrose 19 from Driffield who are both in the second year of a Foundation degree in Professional Culinary Arts degree ; and second year Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Joint Honours degree student Prabjot Ragbotra 20 from Birmingham took the roles of chef commis chef and front of house in Birmingham Andrew and Prabjot will now compete against seven other teams at the national finals in May (2013) - an intensive four-day long competition - where they will have to impress judges during a range of challenges and tasks designed to put them through their paces Previous grand final challenges have included cooking and serving lunch at the Armed Forces culinary training centre in Winchester using basic equipment under a military mess tent and getting involved in the catering preparations for the VIP suites at the O2 Arena for the opening night of Jay-Z and Kanye West s UK tour Robert Stordy University of Derby Buxton Chef-Lecturer said: "This is probably the most respected student team catering competition in the UK and is highly regarded within the industry "We are absolutely delighted to have made it through to the grand final these tasks are going to really challenge the students creativity and cooking skills but after making it this far we are confident that can go on to win it " Nestlé Professional Managing Director Neil Stephens added: "We like to think that the Nestlé Toque d Or competition has become renowned for really testing the mettle of students and challenging them in all areas from top-line business planning to exceptional cooking and customer services skills often in pretty radical settings "This year s grand final will be no different and if anything to celebrate our 25th anniversary we ll be looking to push the boundaries even further " The winners will be crowned at a glittering awards ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel on June 4 (2013) They will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime work experience placement with renowned chef Anton Mosimann while all finalists are being offered a week-long paid placement with contract caterer CH&Co as part of the Nestlé Toque d Or Take One work placement initiative For more details on the competition please visit www nestle-toquedor co uk For more information on the Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management degrees at the University of Derby Buxton visit www derby ac uk/udb

Young Scientists Display Winning Chemistry In Regional Final 25 January 2013 A Boston school will be representing the Midlands in the finals of a national science competition after impressing a panel of science judges at the University of Derby recently Pupils from Boston Grammar School beat off 10 other teams in the East Midlands Regional Final of the Royal Society of Chemistry's (RSC) 'Top of the Bench Competition' The year nine 10 and 11 pupils Michael Purvis Bradley White Matthew Wearden Mihir Rao and Nicholas Doddrell displayed some serious scientific knowledge in a chemistry quiz and practical skills test When given a chemical mixture the teams had to separate it into five separate substances using their chemistry knowledge Marks were awarded for a logical written method as well as for how closely the mass of each constituent once separated matched with what it weighed before they were mixed Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry at the University of Derby Samantha Drake who helped to organise the competition said: "All the teams performed excellently and I was very impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm shown by all the pupils involved "It was a close competition but Boston Grammar School s considered approach and brilliant teamwork make them well-deserved winners of the regional final I wish them all the best in the national final in April " Teams of students from Leicester Grammar School the Dixie Grammar School (Market Bosworth) Nottingham High School Derby High School Boston Grammar School John Cleveland College with Hastings High School (Hinkley) Swanwick Hall (Derbyshire) Lady Manners School (Bakewell Derbyshire) The King s School (Lincolnshire) and Stamford School plus a team made up of up of pupils from Robert Smyth Academy Welland Park Community College and Kibworth High School all competed in the Top of the Bench Regional Final which took place on January 12 (2013) Demonstrations involving colour changes fluorescence and sparks were also performed by the University of Derby s Samantha Drake with help from University student ambassadors Agata Stodolna and Stacey Camilleri The winning cup and certificates were presented to the pupils from Boston Grammar School by the University s Acting Head of the School of Science Professor Paul Lynch The team will go on to represent the Midlands in the national finals to be held in Loughborough in April

Young scientists shine at the University of Derby 21 January 2014 Fluorescent jelly brains and glow-in-the-dark peppermint tea lit up the regional final of a national chemistry competition held at the University of Derby The University s highly-equipped science labs played host to Top of the Bench - a competition that recognises and encourages budding young chemists Nottingham High School was victorious and will go on to represent the East Midlands region in the final of Top of the Bench run by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) London for 14 to 16 year-old pupils The school was judged ahead of nine other teams from various schools - winning by a single point in the competition - which this year had a Doctor Who theme Samantha Drake lecturer in Forensic Chemistry at the University of Derby helped organise the competition She said: "All the teams performed extremely well and I was highly impressed by their knowledge and enthusiasm for science "They all took part in a chemistry quiz before doing a Doctor Who-themed practical challenge Pupils had to show how they would get the Tardis cooling system down to a specific temperature using only the chemicals provided "The demonstration I did for the pupils was themed light and dark It included making peppermint tea glow in the dark growing colourful crystals making a boiling tube disappear and showing a fluorescent edible jelly in the shape of a brain; which was available for people to try at lunch "It was a pleasure to host the regional final of this event and congratulations to Nottingham High School " The University s Forensic Imaging senior lecturer David Bryson also showcased some of his fluorescent everyday objects Teams of pupils from St Mary s RC High School in Chesterfield Lady Manners School in Bakewell Derby High School Leicester Loughborough and Boston Grammar Schools Stamford School Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Alford plus a team made up of pupils from John Cleveland College Redmoor Academy and Hastings High School (all Hinckley) took part in the regional final on Saturday (January 18) Professor Paul Lynch head of Biological & Forensic Sciences at the University presented the certificates and prizes The national final of Top of the Bench takes place at Loughborough University on March 29 For more information visit the RSC website For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Youngsters Talent Shows In Badminton Competition 30 March 2012 Etwall s John Port School was crowned the winner of an inter-school badminton competition hosted by the University of Derby on March 28 where 35 talented sporty youngsters battled it out on court Teams of year seven pupils from John Port Murray Park School Derby Moor Community Sports College Kirk Hallam Community Technology and Sports College Friesland School and Noel Baker Community School and Language College attended the finals of the University of Derby s Schools Badminton Tournament which was hosted by the University s Sports Ambassador GB Olympic badminton player Donna Kellogg and members of the University badminton team The talented John Port School team of Ben Freestone Grace Simpson Tom Brady Arun Rana and Bethany Joseph each demonstrated their skills on court first coming top of their group They were crowned the ultimate winners after beating Friesland School in the final winning four out of five of the boys doubles girls doubles mixed doubles boys singles and girls single matches Donna Kellogg the University s Sports Ambassador has been coaching children at each of the six schools throughout the last year through the University of Derby s Badminton School Programme Donna said: "All of the young players have come on really well over the last year and showed off some fantastic badminton skills on court during the finals We saw some excellent shots and plenty of competitive spirit so I am incredibly proud of everyone who took part Special congratulations must go to John Port s players for taking home the trophy " John Port s Head Teacher Wendy Sharp said: "I am immensely proud to hear of the success of our youngest students They are committed and talented and show great promise for the future "My congratulations to all the team and my sincere thanks to both our PE staff and the University of Derby for organising and hosting this event " For more information on sport at the University of Derby visit www teamderby com For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988 or email j colburn@derby ac uk

19 November 2014

27 November 2014

Competition hat-trick for University's LEGO bricks build better Fashion Studies course mathematicians

A Fashion student shortlisted for a top 'Young A study carried out by the University of Derby has Designer' award will be the third from the found that LEGO plays a vital role in the University of Derby to reach the finals of the same development of maths skills in children. prestigious UK competition in three years. 26 November 2014

26 November 2014

Derby husband and wife showcase creativity at Open Studios

Fun robot challenge helps build student engineers

Artists and designers from across Derby, including University of Derby graduates Chris and Hannah Barker are preparing for this year's Banks Mill Open Studios.

With a hi-tech robot due to be one of Christmas's best-selling toys, interest in the annual face-off between mini machines built at the University of Derby could be greater than ever.

19 November 2014

17 November 2014

Graduation Day is part of the learning Businesses can 'Invest to Grow' at process, too! 'Open for Business' event

Students from the University of Derby's Buxton The University of Derby is hosting its 'Open for Campus received their degrees on Saturday at an Business' exhibition and trade fair on Friday, inspirational ceremony which doubled as one of the November 21, 2014 to celebrate the success of real-world learning experiences the institution is local businesses who have received support from famous for... the University. 14 November 2014

10 October 2014

Derby Business School secures £30K for low carbon research

Twist on classic looks puts new fashion designer on awards path

Two University of Derby Business School lecturers have been granted £30,000 to organise an international low carbon research workshop in Mexico.

Emma-Louise Bishop-Caines completed her BA (Hons) in Fashion Studies degree course this summer (2014), gaining a First. She was recently offered a Design Assistant role with ASDA supermarket's fashion label, George.

7 November 2014

5 December 2014

University's Network of Entrepreneurs Graphic Design graduate brings is huge success 'Paddington' to life

Last night (Thursday, November 6), entrepreneurs came together at Derby's iPro Stadium for the inaugural Derby University Network of Entrepreneurs (DUNE) event, led by the University of Derby's Business School.

University of Derby graduate, Rob Garner, has taken another step in his movie-making career by bringing the childhood television favourite Paddington to the big screen.

5 December 2014

8 December 2014

Graphic Design graduate brings 'Paddington' to life

University of Derby granted £5 million towards major STEM centre

University of Derby graduate, Rob Garner, has taken another step in his movie-making career by bringing the childhood television favourite Paddington to the big screen.

University of Derby has been successfully granted £5 million by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

9 December 2014

10 December 2014

One thousand good things in nature

How Beatles ‘breaking America’ paved the way for today’s Brit-pop acts

Research from the University of Derby has revealed the top ten themes people consider to be good in UK music acts such as One Direction storming the nature. US charts is normal today – but a University of Derby author’s new book reveals how The Beatles were the first to ‘break America’. 15 December 2014

16 December 2014

Training to identify and tackle modern University Director listed in UK Top slavery 100 IT Leaders

Businesses recruiting and employing UK food industry workers will be offered training in how to spot potential victims of human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation, through a unique scheme by the University of Derby and the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA).

The University of Derby’s Director of IT Services, Neil Williams, has been listed as one of the top 100 IT Leaders in the UK. 'Computing' released its long-awaited ‘IT Leaders 100’ list and Neil’s recognition makes Derby the only university to feature on the list.

18 December 2014

30 December 2014

Research at Derby classed as ‘international’ and ‘world leading’

Paul Cummins Receives MBE in New Year Honours

Ideas which can shave millions off cancer drug costs or improve a nation’s healthy food labelling have seen University of Derby research highly praised in a UK-wide report.

The University of Derby is celebrating the news that one of our graduates, Paul Cummins, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list.

23 December 2014

4 August 2014

Health graduate shows true backbone Tower of London to unveil national in battling spinal injury war heroes tribute by Derby artist

A healthcare worker who fractured his spine shortly The first plantings of 888,246 ceramic poppies before completing a University of Derby degree has one for each British and Colonial military fatality of praised tutors’ support. Mark Thomas said he the First World War - created by a University of wouldn’t be picking up his Diagnostic Radiography Derby graduate artist are due to be unveiled at the degree at January’s University Awards Ceremonies Tower of London on Tuesday (August 5). if not for their help. 9 January 2015

9 January 2015

University’s ‘Crime Scene House’ open University of Derby named lead for for business major North East Midlands Network

The University of Derby’s new Forensic Training Facility (FTF) was officially launched today. The FTF is a £410,000 custom-built facility including up to seven replica crime scenes and a blood pattern analysis room – believed to be the only one in a UK university.

The University of Derby is celebrating today (January 8) after being awarded funds by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to lead a new North East Midlands Collaborative Outreach Network, aimed at encouraging young people into higher education.

13 January 2015

Once upon a time… There was a book festival

The first Derby Book Festival will take place this summer, featuring internationally acclaimed and best-selling authors, and confirming Derby’s reputation as a festival city.

Laser skills turn old greenhouse into 'magic lantern' for city light festivals 24 October 2014 A derelict greenhouse transformed into a giant magic lantern by a University of Derby artist s lasercutting skills is due to be a star exhibit at two UK cities light festivals Jo Geldard - an Associate Lecturer at the University and member of its Digital and Material Arts Research Centre - was given the surplus 1940s era 7 foot-by-6 5ft greenhouse by Inkwell Arts of Leeds She has used the latest laser-cutting equipment located at Derby s arts workshops to etch different intricate images on the greenhouse s restored panes inspired by her own drawings of city wastelands and architecture Brightly lit-up from within - in the style of a Victorian magic lantern - the greenhouse will be displayed at the SPARK Illuminating York Festival from October 29 to November 1 It was also seen earlier this month (October 3) at the Light Night Leeds 2014 festival Both cities annual events - which attract tens of thousands of visitors - feature a programme of free public arts many on the theme of lights or illumination Jo s greenhouse is part of her wider Edgelands project to draw people s attention back to forgotten city or rural wastelands or abandoned structures and make them think how they could be used better She said: "The engravings drawn onto the greenhouse s glass panes with the University s laser cutter are taken from drawings I ve done of city and country areas where wastelands meet built-up zones They will turn it into a magic lantern reminiscent of early theatre or city arcades but in the lowest form of a glass house "I want the artwork to be a model for provoking a response in people to reconsider uses for these abandoned areas or think of further projects that might be located there to give them value again "The greenhouse was exhibited at Light Night Leeds 2014 and will be sited in York for the whole of its festival After the two city festivals I am intending to tour it around a series of waste or edgeland spaces to get communities there thinking again about the spaces near them " For more on Jo Geldard's artwork see her website at www joannaleah co uk or www afternature co uk More information on the work of the University of Derby's College of Arts Media wanting further information on this news release should contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: j mcnicholas@derby ac uk

Multi-million pound engineering institute unveiled in Derby 26 June 2014 Derby s leading engineers and advanced manufacturers launched their vision to make the city the world leader in making high-value and top quality products today (Thursday June 26) Key players from the city s manufacturing industry were among the 70-plus guests at the unveiling of the multi-million pound Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) at Lonsdale House A high-quality research and development centre the IISE is the University of Derby s latest investment to support advanced manufacturing in the city It is supported by Rolls-Royce car manufacturer Toyota and train maker Bombardier and is specifically designed to support small and medium-sized businesses in the area Professor Richard Hall Director of the IISE said: "This is a hugely significant and important development for engineering and manufacturing in Derby and the region The IISE brings together the skills and experience of the University of Derby collaboratively with those of leading businesses from across the area "All the people who attended today without exception have bought into our vision of creating a halfway house between academia and industry for mutual benefit It is about research skills and innovation and marrying all of those together for common goals "Derby was the fastest growing city in the country last year by GVA (gross value added) and we want to further support and add value to local companies providing them access to the latest research findings and advanced technologies "Institutes such as this are a relatively new idea particularly for Derby city and the region and I think this is going to be instrumental in creating a sea change in local activity to reinforce that this is the best place in the world for making high-value products " Partnerships with machinery suppliers including DMG Mori Seiki Renishaw Eley Metrology World Viz and Creat3d mean that the Institute has the very latest technological resources available to provide cutting edge solutions to business challenges The IISE is headed by Professor Hall who has an international reputation in aerospace automotive and high-value manufacturing industries The University will invest £10m in the Institute and £3m has been added by industry as well as a further £30m-worth of successful bids including one from the Regional Growth Fund

Nuns Street Incident 22 September 2014 Students living in Nunnery Court and Princess Alice Court halls of residence were able to return to their homes at around 3am today following an evacuation due to a chemical incident affecting the area around Nuns Street in the city centre Students were accommodated at nearby halls and at the University s main Kedleston Road site until the area was declared safe by the authorities

Academic offers new insights into Dodo's evolutionary origins 17 October 2014 On Wednesday evening (15 October) Graham Rowe Programme Leader for Biology at the University of Derby held a public lecture in support of Biology Week 2014 Biology Week is part of a series of national events that takes place each year to celebrate Biosciences 85 people attended the lecture at the University s Kedleston Road campus in Derby The lecture titled As Dead as a Dodo? explored the evolutionary origins of the Dodo and its relationships with other birds revealed through scientific studies on the skeletal anatomy and DNA research on the mummified remains During the lecture Graham examined the representation of the Dodo from the 17 h century to 20 h century by looking at a range of scientific studies literature and films including Carroll s 1865 novel Alice in Wonderland History fanatics were able to see a live reconstruction of a Dodo skeleton cast from existing specimens Genetic research shows that the Dodo was actually a large flightless pigeon The closest living relative to the Dodo is the Nicobar Pigeon; found on the Nicobar Islands more than two thousand miles from Mauritius Callum Evans a second year Zoology student at the University of Derby said: "Graham Rowe s lecture on the history of the Dodo was brilliant Graham was excellent at engaging everyone in the audience making them laugh and get involved "I particularly enjoyed his references to the famous depictions of the Dodo and how he chose paintings and literature that most people were familiar with " Graham said: "The Dodo is a fascinating creature and one that deserves to be remembered It is a shame that they were driven to extinction The last recorded living specimen was in 1662 "There are multiple 17 h century descriptions of the Dodo; however we cannot rely entirely on their validity alone as more often than not these recorded sightings took months before they were actually committed to paper Rare skeletal remains and literature help give us some indication into this phenomenal bird " For further press information contact Kirsty Reynolds University of Derby Press and PR Assistant on 01332 591187 or email: K Reynolds1@derby ac uk

As Dead as a Dodo? 6 October 2014 Graham Rowe Programme Leader for Biology at the University of Derby will be giving a public lecture titled As Dead as a Dodo? in support of Biology Week 2014 The lecture will track our understanding of the Dodo from the 17th century descriptions and representations through to Carroll s Alice in Wonderland (1865) the film Ice Age (2002) and beyond The University recently purchased an anatomically correct reconstruction of a Dodo skeleton cast from existing specimens which will be present at the talk Graham comments: "I will also discuss the surprising insights into the Dodo s evolutionary origins and relationships with other birds revealed by recent scientific studies on the skeletal anatomy and DNA research on the mummified remains "We would like to invite everyone who is interested in biology and in particular the history of the Dodo to come along to the open lecture " Biology Week will take place between October 11-18 2014 and is part of a series of national events in celebration of Biosciences The public lecture will be held on Wednesday October 15 from 6 30pm7 30pm at the University of Derby Kedleston Road Site OL1 For more information on Biology Week please visit: www societyofbiology org/events/biology-week2014

Bring out the Wild Child at forum event 22 August 2014 The University of Derby is hosting a free event next month focusing on nature and the outdoors On Thursday September 4 a Bring out the Wild Child forum is staged at the University s Kedleston Road site from 1-5pm and will include a screening of the film Project Wild Thing It will also provide a platform to share ideas and discuss the barriers which can limit young people s enjoyment of the outdoors Directed by David Bond Project Wild Thing looks at how children are becoming increasingly detached from nature through lack of wild play time It follows the publication of the Natural Childhood Report by Stephen Moss commissioned by the National Trust in 2012 The report and film have sparked the Wild Network campaign which aims to get children and their parents outdoors having fun together in nature through wild play Dr Miles Richardson Deputy Head of Life Sciences at the University of Derby said: "People working with or supporting families and children are invited to join us and discover inspiring relevant and achievable ways of improving their quality of life through outdoor play " In association with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and other local organisations there will be a screening of the film and a chance to try out activities based on the Wild Time app which allows users to share ideas The event will also be held at the University of Derby s Buxton site on Thursday September 11 Places must be booked in advance and this can be done by contacting Derbyshire Wildlife Trust on 01773 881188 or email enquiries@derbyshirewt co uk For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Come to tea with a samurai at University martial arts event 3 September 2014 A feast for martial arts enthusiasts at the University of Derby in Buxton will include a taste of the gentler side of Japanese samurai culture thanks to a demonstration of its ancient tea ceremony and etiquette Akemi Solloway a daughter of a samurai family will demonstrate how the martial aspect of Japanese society is reflected in the many beautiful yet potentially confusing rules of its polite behaviour She will be showing the correct way to serve tea and wear a kimono as part of the Buxton Traditional Budo Workshop which runs on September 13 and 14 "Budo" means "martial way" in Japanese and the workshop s leader University lecturer Charles Spring will be hosting two days of Japanese fighting techniques to an invited audience using a range of styles from Aikido to Judo The public will be able to see Akemi s demonstrations of everyday bushido or the path of the warrior on Saturday September 13 at 1 20pm "What we are trying to get across is how martial arts fit in with Japanese culture " said Charles a Fifth Dan who will be demonstrating kata - an art of movement not only used in martial arts but also in theatre Akemi said: "The days of the samurai may have gone but the influence of the way of the warrior lives on I examine the tenets and practices of this way of life and death explain how it can be a force for good or bad in the modern world and how individuals and organisations can benefit from Bushido today " Other highlights of the weekend are demonstrations by experts from the Leeds Armouries and a talk on the Japanese in Europe For more press details contact j phillips@derby ac uk

Derby businesses can 'Invest to Grow' at University's 'Open for Business' event 17 November 2014 The University of Derby is hosting its Open for Business exhibition and trade fair on Friday November 21 2014 to celebrate the success of local businesses who have received support from the University Local and regional small and medium businesses are invited to come along to the event where more than 70 local organisations from Derby s dynamic and diverse business world will be showcased It will be held at the University s Enterprise Centre Bridge Street between 10am and 4pm Open for Business will also be a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to hear about the Invest to Grow programme - a £16m Regional Growth Fund recently launched by the University which is designed to support private sector businesses to innovate grow and create jobs Presentations for Invest to Grow will be given at 10am and 1pm on the day Margaret Bruce University of Derby Deputy Vice-Chancellor will open the event She said: "This event will really show the value of the University s engagement with business "We offer a range of business services ranging from incubator facilities and Enterprise boot camps through to our multi-million pound Regional Growth Fund programme for developing businesses in the East Midlands "We are serious about business and keen to engage with the local industry to support innovation wealth and job creation in the region " David Torrington from Sky Recruitment Solutions who will be exhibiting at the event added: "Sky Recruitment Solutions are delighted to be taking part in the University of Derby s Open for Business event It will attract a wide variety of local businesses as in addition to our own business which offers help for businesses looking for Permanent or Temporary staffing solutions there will be a range of guidance and advice on offer which I have no doubt will give valuable assistance to any local business " A wider programme of topical business presentations will be given throughout the day covering subjects from Digital Security PR Best Practice and Intellectual Property For further information about the Open for Business Exhibition and Trade Fair or to book your place call 01332 597864 email letsdobusiness@derby ac uk or visit www evolvederby co uk/openforbusiness To read more about the Invest to Grow programme please visit www derby ac uk/investtogrow call 01332 597907 or email investtogrow@derby ac uk For further press information please contact: Adam Mallaby Public Relations Office University of Derby Email: a mallaby@derby ac uk or call 01332 592289

Derby duo selected to coach Great Britain women's American football team 12 September 2014 Danielle Raymont Samantha Hand and Verity Snell The American football expertise of two Derby coaches has been called upon ahead of Great Britain s first ever international women s fixture abroad Jon Maisey and Gareth Ellison coaches for the Braves - the University of Derby s American football team - have been selected to coach the squad in Sweden this month The British American Football Association chose the pair to join the coaching staff in the run-up to the game which takes place at the Zinkensdamm Stadium in Stockholm on September 20 Jon will coach the Offensive Line and Gareth will oversee the Defensive Backs as the Great Britain women s team competes on its biggest stage yet Andy Fuller Director of the British American Football Association said: "We would like to extend our congratulations to Jon and Gareth who I am certain will make a significant contribution to our preparations for this big landmark game "Once again we would like to thank the Braves and the University of Derby for their continued support of our sport " Ollie Shearer Sport Development Manager at the University of Derby added: ""We are delighted that two of our Coaches have been selected to represent their country "The work that our coaches do with individuals and teams on a daily basis supports the University s aim of becoming a Top 50 ranked institution in the BUCS leagues" For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: a mallaby@derby ac uk

Derby graduate's Art exhibition is the best thing 'Since Sliced Bread' 7 October 2014 University of Derby graduate Fi Burke will open Since Sliced Bread this week - a contemporary art exhibition celebrating the history and culture of our windmills Fi who completed a Masters degree in Art and Design Advanced Practice and Theory at Derby currently has a studio at the University s Banks Mill and has spent a year immersed in the artistic research of windmills and communities around Lincolnshire Banks Mill was bought by the University of Derby and converted from old Victorian rope factory into studio space for creative industries in 1999 The culmination of the research will see Fi s fresh body of work being exhibited at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum in Spalding October 8 - December 14 2014 Entry to Since Sliced Bread will be free Talking about the exhibition and university life Fi said: "My time at the University of Derby has enabled me to realise what kind of artist I am and I have gained the confidence to produce works that are true to this "Visual language is my first language and the MA enabled me to better articulate my practice in words "The artworks are underpinned by my exploration of our relationship to the past: I do this through exploring the past in the everyday - bricks and mortar flour and water through what we mine what we mill what we eat In every mill there is a physicality that oozes hidden histories " Art pieces will include a community garden of wisdom made up of terracotta pots spouting proverbs on lollipop sticks written by local residents and a field of handmade white windmills A preview of Fi s work will take place on Wednesday October 8 between 6-8pm and includes an artists walk and talk around the museum For more information please contact Ayscoughee Hall Museum on 01755 764555 or email museum@sholland gov uk Ends For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: a mallaby@derby ac uk

Derby student in new research into fertility-damaging condition 20 August 2014 A fresh approach to studying the impact of a fertility-damaging condition on women s quality of life has been completed by a University of Derby post-graduate research student Sophie Williams 26 explored how women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) perceive the impact of the condition on their lives via the use of a photographic diary known as photovoice making it the first PCOS study of its kind Participants feedback focused on themes such as symptom management feminine identity and relationships and Sophie hopes her research will help healthcare workers to further understand the impact of PCOS on those who have it It is estimated that around one in every five women in the UK has polycystic ovaries although more than half of these people show no symptoms When symptoms do show they can include hirsutism (excessive hair on the body and face) insulin resistance infertility and obesity It has been suggested that PCOS has a greater impact on women s psychological wellbeing than illnesses such as asthma epilepsy diabetes back pain arthritis and coronary heart disease Derby-based Sophie herself has the condition as does her elder sister making it a matter very close to her heart She explained: "I was driven to do my PHD in this subject by my knowledge and experience of the condition although I don t experience the symptoms as much as some people do "PCOS can have a massive negative impact on people and my research project found that some participants feel as though they are not supported by healthcare professionals "And the fact that women are treated symptomatically can be a problem as it is only addressing one problem at a time not the whole condition This can infiltrate every part of a person s life and leave them feeling socially isolated "One woman even said (the) doctor only really offers to address one symptom at a time - it s like you can either not look like a monkey under your clothes or have a greater chance of starting a family later Pick one "However some participants perceived their situation in a positive way and described how certain situations or behaviours helped them to develop a more positive outlook One said swimming helps her to feel that she is combating her PCOS and in turn this helps her to feel more positive "I am hoping that my research will increase awareness of the condition and at the very least help develop practitioners understanding of PCOS " Sophie says the photovoice method has never been used before in women with PCOS and the study itself is one of only a handful of qualitative pieces that currently exist Photovoice is able to uncover descriptive information and can be widely adapted to fit the needs of research Sophie recruited participants via a post on the website of a popular PCOS charity network called Verity A study pack containing a disposable camera notebook consent form letter of instructions and an indepth information sheet was sent to participants who were asked to take photographs of anything they felt related to their PCOS and its impact on quality of life They were also asked to write a diary entry for each photograph taken in the notebook The entries were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and three major themes emerged: control perception and support Sophie added: "Although previous research has discussed similar themes to those of symptom management and feminine identity ; this research is the first to present the role and importance of support through online methods such as social networking websites for women with PCOS "I also discovered the supporting role that pets play in the lives of women with PCOS Overall this study allows for an in-depth insight into the experience of living with PCOS which may aid in furthering understanding of this condition and will provide new knowledge for health professionals " Sophie s research is being published in the Journal of Health Psychology For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Devonshire Dome to re-live its role in WW1 26 August 2014 Buxton s Devonshire Dome will relive its part in healing the wounds of the First World War on November 25 when the University of Derby hosts a conference examining changing attitudes to disability The Dome - now the University s Buxton campus - was called up as a hospital to care for British Canadian and ANZAC soliders injured in the conlfict And the BBC has just completed a major film about its most famous nurse - author and feminist Vera Brittain who trained at the Dome in 1915 when it was the Devonshire Hospital As part of National Disability History Month the University s Disability Coordinator Olivia Ramsbottom is bringing together organisations who work with disability to look at attitudes from the past and compare them to those of today "The centenary of the outbreak of WW1 and the Dome s role in helping the wounded was an ideal starting point for the day " said Olivia who lectures in Business and Management Events will include a presentation on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder now recognised as a major issue among veterans but only beginning to be understood when the Dome was treating soldiers injured at the Front Combat Stress the UK charity which helps military personnel will open the event and one of the University s lecturers will also talk about his work with veterans in the United States Local organisations helping people with disabilities are also attending One of Vera Brittain s close friends suffered from shell shock as PTSD was then known and she told the story of his lost generation in Testament of Youth on which the BBC and Heyday Films have based their film of the same name Starring Swedish star Alicia Vikander as Vera the film will be shown later this year or early in 2015 The Dome s patients kept an autograph album during the war detailing their names regiments where they were injured and when they went home The wounded came from battles including the Somme Loos and Gallipoli - but one gunner received his injuries in Newcastle-on-Tyne during a Zeppelin raid in 1915 Comments in the book include a rude ditty about Kaiser Wilhelm jokes - and poem exhorting patients to "spread a little sunshine " For more press information contact j phillips@derby ac uk

Duo of lecturers awarded National Teaching Fellowship 13 October 2014 A duo of lecturers from the University of Derby have been awarded with a National Teaching Fellowship (NTF) Dr Ian Turner Deputy Head of Forensic Science Life and Natural Sciences and Professor Malcolm Todd Dean of College of Law Humanities & Social Sciences were awarded at a gala dinner in Liverpool Cathedral on Wednesday 8 October 2014 Each NTF receives a personal award of £10 000 spend on learning and teaching related activities The NTF scheme - funded by the Higher Education Funding Councils for England and for Wales and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland - annually recognises and rewards a small number of people responsible for excellent learning and teaching in higher and further education institutions In eight years at Derby Ian has become well-known as an inspiring and entertaining lecturer both for students and in the public lectures he regularly gives Ian said: "I m delighted to receive the National Teaching Award and be recognised for something I love For me the most delightful aspect of the award was during the application process when I received lots of wonderful and inspiring feedback from current students and graduates "I hope to use this award and the ANTF network to further improve my teaching and assessment and the experience of University of Derby students " Malcom was awarded a NTF for his particular interest in how to best support the undergraduate student learning experience especially how students can succeed in the transition to University learning He has published widely on learning and teaching matters in the social sciences especially around the themes of learner autonomy work-based learning and the teaching of race and ethnicity Malcolm said: "I am enormously grateful and honoured to have been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship I m looking forward to taking my work forward on the internationalization of higher education and the benefits this brings to our students " For more information on National Teaching Fellowship go to: www heacademy ac uk/professional-recognition/awards/national-teaching-fellowship-scheme-ntfs For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Dyslexic student shortlisted for the UK's largest diversity awards 13 August 2014 A dyslexic University of Derby student who organised a major event promoting the strengths of dyslexia attended by British fashion guru Sir Paul Smith - has been nominated for a UK award recognising inspirational people tackling social issues More than 400 people attended January s successful University event co-organised by BA (Hons) Education Studies degree student Sarah Chapman She also recently launched Young Dyslexics a national dyslexia awareness initiative for UK schools through the Dyslexia Association (which Sir Paul is patron of) where she volunteers The initiative has been supported by actor and writer Henry Winkler best known as TV s The Fonz himself a dyslexic Sarah s nomination is in the Positive Role Model Award for Disability Nominees category of the Positive Role Model Awards section of the 2014 National Diversity Awards Her initial nomination by husband Chris Chapman 29 has been backed by 372 endorsements including complimentary quotes praising her for "transforming lives" and "putting her heart and soul into helping people with disabilities" Awards winners will be announced at a dinner on Friday September 26 at the Hurlingham Club in London The National Diversity Awards which this year received more than 21 000 nominations in total will be hosted by TV presenters Brian Dowling and Cerrie Burnell After struggling at school and leaving with no qualifications Sarah is now pursuing her degree course while working to help dyslexic children and adults Approximately six million people in the UK are dyslexic some having difficulty with reading and writing but many also possessing strong problem solving or creative skills Sarah 30 of Derby said: "I m delighted that my nomination for the National Diversity Awards has received so many endorsements "I feel deeply touched by the amazing things that people have said about my positive impact on their lives and honoured that my efforts have been recognised with a nomination for this prestigious awards event " Frances Browne of Worcester whose son Henry received help from Sarah in dealing with his dyslexia said of the University of Derby student: "Sarah is someone who has had an impact on Henry we his family his classmates and his whole school s view on dyslexia I will never be able to repay her or say thank you enough and she fully deserves to be recognised for this " The dyslexia event Sarah co-organised at the University of Derby in January was done as part of her Futures Award The certified University of Derby scheme encourages students to work on volunteer projects with charities and other organisations improving their leadership and management skills to also improve their employability For more information about studying Education courses at the University of Derby see website www derby ac uk/education Further details about the National Diversity Awards can be found at website www nationaldiversityawards co uk For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Dyslexic student wins UK diversity award 29 September 2014 A dyslexic University of Derby student - who recently launched a national dyslexia awareness initiative for schools - has won a UK award recognising inspirational people tackling social issues So far this year (2014) mother-of-two Sarah Chapman a BA (Hons) Education Studies degree student has: n t ated a dyslexia awareness event at the Un vers ty, attended by 400 peop e, nc ud ng Dyslexia Association patron and fash on guru S r Pau Sm th; aunched Young Dys ex cs , a nat ona schoo s dys ex a awareness n t at ve, run through the Dys ex a Assoc at on, and backed by actor and wr ter Henry W nk er (TV s The Fonz from the Happy Days ser es), who s a so dys ex c. Her hard work has now won her the Positive Role Models: Positive Role Award for Disability category at the 2014 National Diversity Awards at a finalists dinner held in London at the weekend (September 26) The Awards which this year received more than 21 000 nominations in total were hosted by TV presenters Brian Dowling and Cerrie Burnell Sarah s initial nomination by her husband Chris Chapman was backed by more than 300 endorsements including complimentary quotes praising her for "transforming lives" After struggling at school and leaving with no qualifications Sarah is now pursuing her degree course while working to help dyslexic children and adults Approximately six million people in the UK are dyslexic some having difficulty with reading and writing but many also possessing strong problem solving or creative skills Sarah 30 of Derby said: "I m still finding it all hard to believe but I am chuffed to bits at winning the award Being shortlisted for the category was amazing but I never expected to win "I ve been really touched by the kind things people have said about me on their endorsements about the positive impact I ve had on their lives I m honoured to have had my efforts recognised in this way " Among Sarah s endorsements was one from Frances Browne of Worcester whose son Henry received help from Sarah in dealing with his dyslexia She said the University of Derby student had had an impact on her son and "his whole school s view on dyslexia" Sarah co-organised the dyslexia awareness event at the University in January as part of her Futures Award The certified University of Derby scheme encourages students to work on volunteer projects with charities and other organisations improving their leadership and management skills to also improve their employability Roma Community Care a local group supported by the Multi-Faith Centre which is located in the grounds of the University of Derby s main site in Derby was also shortlisted in a Community Organisation category of this year s National Diversity Awards For more information about studying Education courses at the University of Derby go to website www derby ac uk/education Further details about the National Diversity Awards can be found on website www nationaldiversityawards co uk For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Educator's essay on academic freedom among few selected for global reference work 30 September 2014 An essay on free speech and academic freedom by a University of Derby educator is one of only six chosen to appear in the latest edition of one of the world s leading - and longest - annual reference books The two volume 2015 edition of The Europa World of Learning (the 65th edition) runs to a staggering 3 268 pages It is one of the world s leading reference works and has information on academic institutions across the globe; including 7 800 universities and colleges 5 800 research institutes and 3 400 museums and art galleries as well as societies and major libraries Despite the reference book s vast length only six international experts were asked to produce introductory essays on current education topics - including Professor Dennis Hayes Head of the Research Centre for Education and Career Development at the University of Derby who has written an essay on Free Speech Academic Freedom and the Human Being His fellow essay writers were drawn from countries including Australia New Zealand and South Africa The Europa World of Learning 2015 is edited by Europa Publications and published by Routledge; a global publisher of quality academic books journals and online reference works At a cost of £725 the hardback edition just published is expected to be mainly bought by higher education and reference libraries for their users Professor Hayes said he drew on philosophical and empirical arguments for his paper set in an historical context: "I argue in my paper that freedom of speech is the foundational freedom without which all our other freedoms are meaningless We cannot even understand them without freedom of speech "Over the last 50 years freedom of speech has been separated from academic freedom often by lawyers who wanted to restrict academic freedom to a narrow professional meaning " He added: "The consequence is that when academics speak up on issues which are very controversial in their subjects or are critical of policies or university managements they can easily find themselves facing disciplinary action and some have been forced to resign "In my conclusion I make a case for restoring the tight connection between freedom of speech and academic freedom as the only way of protecting academic freedom which is under threat from inside and outside the university " Dr Sally Varnham Professor of Law at Sydney s University of Technology co-edited The Europa World of Learning volumes She said: "When I was asked to compile a global collection of essays on academic freedom and university autonomy for the 2015 edition of The Europa World of Learning Dennis was my first choice to write a contribution from the UK I was familiar with his work and respected his breadth of knowledge his sound reasoning and his willingness to be controversial and hard-hitting " Professor Hayes is also Director of Academics For Academic Freedom (AFAF); a group which campaigns for lecturers academic staff students and researchers to have the freedom to publicly express views and pursue their enquiries without impediment More information on it can be found at AFAF website www afaf org uk

Experts' tech help hub to aid county's Computing teachers 3 September 2014 Teachers struggling with changes to the way Computing is taught in schools can get advice from a new education hub jointly set-up by a University of Derby lecturer The way in which Computing is taught as part of the schools curriculum is changing bringing in new elements such as computer code writing even at primary school age The Computing at School (or CAS) working group - its website is at www computingatschool org uk - is a grassroots organisation set-up by higher and further education Computing tutors people working in the information technology sector and schoolteachers It promotes the teaching of good Computing in schools and works with the BCS Academy of Computing and the Chartered Institute for IT Professionals To help schools in the county a Derbyshire hub of the CAS network has now been set-up by Susan Tarrant a Lecturer in Teacher Education at the University of Derby and Matthew Parry a CAS Master Teacher at Swanwick School and Sports College The hub offers teachers training and support the opportunity to network with those working in the same field and encourages the development of schools Computing courses to provide pupils with the skills they ll need in the workplace Two meetings of the Derbyshire CAS hub have already been held with more planned for later in the year Susan Tarrant said: "The way Computing is being taught in schools is changing hugely and this brings with it uncertainty and concerns for primary and secondary school teachers "The Computing at School group is working nationally to address this and Matthew Parry and I wanted to provide more support for local schools by setting up a CAS Derbyshire hub on its website The University already has many partnership schools which work closely with our Education degree course students and I d hope that our new hub would be a good resource for them as well " Feedback from primary and secondary school teachers who have already begun working with the Derbyshire hub of the CAS network has included: "It was good to talk to others and get reassurance about the new Computing curriculum and to be able to discuss both current practice and changing practice " AND "The information given and explanations have eased my fears " AND "Great to know that these types of networking events exist " For more information about the Computing at School working group and its work visit website www computingatschool org uk and for the Derby hub and its events go to web link http://community computingatschool org uk/hubs/89 To learn more about the School of Education at the University of Derby and its courses visit website www derby ac uk/education For further information on the University of Derby contact the University of Derby Press & PR Team on 01332 591891 or 01332 592032

Fashion students target £1,000 scholarship prize 17 September 2014 Fashion and textiles students at the University of Derby are ready to battle it out for a £1 000 prize thanks to a new partnership with luxury fashion designer and manufacturer David Nieper The Alfreton-based fashion house which specialises in collections of women s clothing nightwear and knitwear has teamed up with the University to offer students a challenge as part of a scholarship The aim of the fashion design scholarship is to provide students with real-life industry experience to help them secure employment once they graduate and showcase the benefits of designing and manufacturing in the UK Students have to design a four-outfit collection for the company that could be sold as a limited edition collection aimed at the working woman aged 40 and over for a business trip abroad The collection must satisfy the needs of a professional woman who needs new outfits to take with her for various meetings and evening events and who has a taste for classic British styling and elegance Professor Chris White Head of School of Art & Design said: "Students studying fashion and textile design will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas fashion designs and material choices The winner will be awarded £1 000 which will be presented at next year s University of Derby Fashion Show "We have established this partnership to drive forward a response to the growing need for local talent and to realise global ambitions "These include supporting our students to be the entrepreneurs of the fashion and textiles industry and to promote Made in England as a brand for our skilled designers and garment technologists for English and UK fashion and textiles manufacturing industries " David Nieper is one of only a handful of fashion companies in the country that makes all its clothes in England Managing Director of David Nieper Christopher Nieper said: "There s so much potential right on our doorstep here in Derbyshire so the aim of the scholarship to provide valuable behind the scenes experience to the next generation and support one winning student with their university costs and future career "Making in Britain is all about quality so we ve challenged the students to explore the processes involved in designing and creating high quality clothes in the UK - something which is very rare nowadays for a discerning customer base "

ENDS For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 343754 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

Feelings about birth could create powerful artworks 5 September 2014 New parents and people who ve attended births will be able to express their feelings about the experience in words and photography and other visual arts - in a series of free workshops run via the University of Derby Birth partners and health professionals involved in birth (obstetricians midwives doulas etc) can creatively express their feelings - positive or negative - by participating in an arts experience with the help of trained artists The Birth Project is run by the University of Derby Anyone who has been involved with a birth in the last five years is invited to take part in the creative sessions running from this month (September) The project will be free to participants and is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Research Council UK Creative taster sessions will be run on Saturday September 13 for non-professional birth partners and Saturday September 20 for midwives and other professional birth helpers at the University's Britannia Mill site in Mackworth St Derby (exact times to be confirmed) It s planned to then run a series of creative workshops later this autumn (2014) The project is being directed by Susan Hogan Professor in Cultural Studies and Art Therapy at the University of Derby She said: "Births can be a powerful thing for all involved for health professionals such as obstetricians and midwives as well as for family and friends present Hospital protocols and the unpredictability of giving birth can leave mothers and others involved with strong feelings about the experience "The Birth Project is a chance for people to explore their thoughts and feelings through an artistic medium of their choice and share the resulting artwork with others Perspectives will be shared primarily through showing and talking about the artworks produced " These groups are part of a wider research project exploring the value of the arts in health Those taking part will be asked what they feel they got out of participating in the project through a few short questions about their sense of wellbeing At the end of this project there will be an exhibition of the artworks created Short educational videos about birth perspectives and a documentary will be produced about the research Anyone interested in taking part in the taster sessions or later creative workshops should send their contact details (name telephone number and email address) to University project researcher Dr Paula McCloskey at email address: p mccloskey@derby ac uk More information on the College of Arts and Therapeutic Arts Media wanting further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Final poppy planted to mark Armistice Day 11 November 2014 The final poppy has been planted at the Tower of London today completing Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red the ceramic art installation created by University of Derby graduate Paul Cummins Paul handed the final poppy to Army cadet Harry Hayes (13) who planted it in the moat at the Tower just before 11am today (November 11 2014) The artwork which now consists of 888 246 ceramic poppies one for each British and Colonial fatality during the war was chosen as the country s lead project to mark the 100th anniversary year of the outbreak of the First World War The installation has been visited by royalty including the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Paul graduated in 2010 with a BA (Hons) Craft degree and is now undertaking a PhD at the University of Derby Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby added: "We are immensely proud of Paul s success It s incredible to think this world-wide phenomenon began at Paul s studio right here in Pride Park Derby "This has become one of the most famous art installations of all time and I know from visiting and planting some poppies myself it really is breathtaking " Volunteers will begin to remove the ceramic poppies tomorrow The exhibition has been so popular with visitors that the remaining parts of the instalment - The Weeping Window which is made up of thousands of poppies cascading out of the Tower s window and The Wave which rises over the causeway used by visitors to enter the castle - will then travel the country to Britain s towns and cities before being permanently installed at the Imperial War Museum in London and Manchester from 2018 For more information about the University of Derby go to: www derby ac uk/arts/ For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

First member of UDOL academic team gains Fellowship Status from Higher Education Academy 15 October 2014 A University of Derby academic has been granted Fellow Status by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) Janet Nichols Academic Development Lead for the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) is the first online academic in the University to achieve Fellow Status supported by the University s accreditation scheme run by the Department of Learning Enhancement as part of the University s ambition for all academics to achieve FHEA status Janet said: "I m very pleased to have achieved Fellow Status purely based within the online learning sector and asynchronous learning strategies Online learning is an area that I am passionate about and I look forward to working with UDOL going forward developing the online skills of the academic team and making a positive contribution to the student learning journey across all programmes "Prior to my current role I was the Academic Lead for Computing and IT at the University My portfolio was based on my lead role in the subsequent development of a new BSc (top-up) in Computing and IT " Chris Wilson Senior Lead in Learning Enhancement and Lecturer in Performance Arts chairs the University s HEA accredited panel that considers applications for Associate Fellow and Senior Fellow of the HEA He added: "I supported Janet through the development of her successful portfolio submission for professional recognition and this achievement of Fellowship status with the HEA is extremely positive The Department of Learning Enhancement has been working with academic colleagues across the University to support them in meeting the requirements for this award " For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

Food Judges Get Second Helping From University Students 4 August 2014 It s a tough job being a food judge so what do you do in your break? Eat of course! This year at Bakewell Show the catering for the Food and Farming Produce Competition judges sees the return of Culinary Arts students from the University of Derby Buxton whose buffet last year was so good that they were invited back for a second helping And their lecturer Leonard Cseh is hoping their involvement will become part of the University calendar and provide generations of students with a living link to the Show which champions the country s food and farming industry and runs on August 6 and 7 That s something very close to the heart of Show President Mary Morten who sees the inclusion of University students with a passion for food as the fulfilment of two long-held ambitions "This is the Year of Food and Farming and we have always tried to develop links between agriculture and what we eat " said Mary from Cowdale near Buxton "So to embed the next generation of highly skilled professional culinary arts students into the Show is good news for the future of both the catering and the farming industries " The Show has been running for nearly 200 years and is one of the oldest in the country featuring livestock competitions equestrian events dog shows and floral art Leonard is just as keen and has a vision of generations of University students becoming part of the long tradition of the Show mirroring what so many of the farmers and businesses in Derbyshire have enjoyed for nearly two centuries "Last year we did the catering for the judges for the first time and we were asked to come back " said Leonard "It was a great learning experience for the students and those students who helped me last year will be responsible for supervising and delivering it this year "It s a cyclical thing: next year they will be the supervisors and so on and so on It gives ownership to them " Show Manager Janet Bailey added: "They weren t just good they were exceptional It was one of the best buffets we ve ever had " Students also helped out with the Show organisation and this year many more have been given paid work experience with the outside catering companies at the event "It will reinforce our commitment to real world learning " said Leonard whose students work at the Show last year also led them to win the contract to cater for a farewell dinner in Bakewell at the end of the L Eroica cycle race - a gruelling event born on the tracks of the Tuscan hills which is coming to the UK for the first time in July "This is exactly what this industry is about " said Leonard "You have to know all about the numbercrunching you get from the textbooks but more importantly you have to be able to deliver it as well "Our Culinary and Hospitality degrees are more than just a certificate They enable our students to be effective industry practitioners with the best academic and industry standard professional skills " For press information contact j phillips@derby ac uk

Football execs help students pitch to business gurus 19 September 2014

Over 200 business students from the University of Derby Business School went head to head this week to compete in producing a compelling presentation around why people should live and work in Derby Chief Executives Sam Rush and Mel Morris from Derby County Football Club and King Digital (creators of Candy Crush) were on hand to tell the students their own success stories and inspire them at Derby s Quad Centre Following a vote among the students and academics the best four groups were selected to be taken forward to a Dragons Den style employer panel It included Mel as well as other successful business entrepreneurs; Brett Butcher (Resident Entrepreneur) Bob Betts (Chair of Marketing Derby and visiting fellow in Enterprise) and Pete Meakin (Creative Producer at Derby Live) Lisa Bietsy Commercial Director DCFC Bob Betts praised the day saying that: "Attending the student presentation awards at Quad this morning actually reminded me how things have moved on Challenging the students from the get-go is a great way to inspire and empower them The students were remarkable and if this is week one I for one am excited about their potential in a few years " John Forkin Managing Director at Marketing Derby added: "We have been impressed by the efforts and confidence of all of the students today it s been a fantastic day all round The high calibre and creativity of the presentations has been amazing which made it even harder for the selection panel to select the winners " ENDS For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

Freshers' Fair full steam ahead at University 23 September 2014 Sports hobbies live events lots of free pizza and most of all fun! The Freshers Fair - part of the University of Derby Students Union (UDSU ) and University Freshers Fortnight - has taken over the Atrium at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby (Monday September 22 and Tuesday 23) and moves to the Devonshire Dome at the Buxton Campus on Thursday (September 25) New students are bound to find something of interest to them among the stands displays and activities staged at the University sites; by UDSU societies and external organisations The Fair offers new students the chance to learn about more than 50 UDSU societies student discount offers sports clubs entertainment nights and other attractions; and also take advantage of freebies such as the free pizza being given out by Domino s Pizza The Freshers Fortnight will run until this Saturday (September 27) For more information see the UDSU website at www udsu co uk

From flying doctors to dementia carers - health course aims to make it better 27 October 2014 An advanced health course that could equally benefit an Australian flying doctor a battlefield medic or a UK dementia care nurse has been launched by University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) International health experts put together the part-time online Masters degree (MSc) in Integrative Health and Social Care with the aim of training healthcare workers (GPs nurses specialists and others) around the world to better deal with challenges and work together across national borders if necessary Modules on the course allow students to specialise in challenging areas such as: Emergency care - nc ud ng n remote areas w th few resources, for examp e n the Austra an outback or a natura d saster area; End of life care - he p ng manage the med ca cond t on of term na y pat ents; Dementia care - safeguard ng o der peop e w th deter orat ng menta hea th; Leadership and management; Sexual health; Public health; Health education. Course materials have had input from representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO); and a diverse range of internationally recognised health professionals from Brazil Africa Italy Spain and elsewhere The course - which will take on its first students next January (2015) - will be taught online by an international team of UDOL lecturers UDOL teaches more than 40 different courses to over 2 700 online distance learners located all around the world Further MSc in Integrative Health and Social Care students will be taken on in May and September next year Yvonne Denby Academic Lead for Health & Social Care at UDOL said: "Every day around the world healthcare professionals deal with incredibly difficult and life-changing situations often having to act quickly and decisively "We created our new Masters degree in Integrative Health and Social Care to help them deal with some of the really difficult health issues emergency care and dementia for example It will also teach them about better ways of working in an integrative way with other health professionals even across national borders and with that in mind we ve had course input from some leading international experts " Professor Dawn Forman was a consultant on creating the Masters degree She is a health professional who has worked at Curtin University in Australia and New Zealand s Auckland University of Technology and she is currently a Visiting Professor of the University of Derby and of Chichester University She added: "Through its MSc in Integrative Health and Social Care UDOL offers an exciting opportunity for students to learn from international experts about the challenges and potential solutions being planned to address the health and social care needs of patients and communities " For further information on the MSc in Integrative Health and Social Care degree course see web link www derby ac uk/online/course/msc-integrative-health-and-social-care To find out more about University of Derby Online Learning - including its range of more than 40 courses in subjects such as Health Business Education Computing Law and Psychology - visit its website at www derby ac uk/online Media wanting further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Ilkeston groups benefit from University of Derby Community Fund 19 September 2014 Local groups aimed at helping the community are reaping the benefits of the University of Derby Community Fund after being handed over £5 000 to help fund projects The initiative which is supported by Erewash Borough Council South Derbyshire District Council and South Derbyshire CVS saw community groups bid for funding that would help them launch and support a range of community initiatives tackling issues in the Ilkeston area Funds were granted to a number of groups including The Cantelupe Centre based in the heart of Ilkeston which offers before and after school care to meet parents needs as well as holiday breakfast and supper clubs Ilkeston s Enthusiasm Trust also received help to continue their support for vulnerable young people by offering a range of mentoring sessions Another recipient of the University funds was P3 The Social Inclusion Charity - a charity that supports housing services and hostel accommodation in Ilkeston and Swadlincote for vulnerable people experiencing mental health and homelessness issues Rebecca Harrington Operations Manager at P3 explains how the money will help the charity: "We are developing a Life Skills programme where we will be running sessions on budgeting healthy eating and cooking and managing bills to help our clients Sessions will be facilitated by support workers and service managers who have a wide range of expertise and skills "The money from the University of Derby s Community Fund will allow us to equip our clients with the skills and abilities to reach their potential and live independently and well in the community We are extremely grateful " Rosie Marshalsay Head of External Relations at the University of Derby added: "The University is an integral part of the community and as such is committed to supporting local initiatives wherever possible "We piloted the Community Fund in Ilkeston and Swadlincote so we re delighted that so many groups have been able to benefit from it this time around and we re hoping many more will do so once it s officially launched across the rest of Derbyshire " For further information about the University of Derby Community Fund please visit: www derby ac uk/communityfund For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: a mallaby@derby ac uk

Immigration storybook for children to boost charities' funds 16 September 2014 Immigration will be a political hot potato in the run up to next year s General Election and beyond but a University of Derby lecturer has taken the unusual step of making it the theme of a magical children s book Billu Leaves India! is the fictional tale of a six-year-old boy Billu whose family is forced to leave his beloved village in India and emigrate to England It is set in the 1960s when thousands of Indian families did exactly that The story mixes the realistic feelings of a young boy about to leave behind his old culture and join a new one with fantasy elements including the suggestion that the copper bowl Billu s favourite uncle makes for him has magical powers First-time fiction author Gersh Subhra an Associate Lecturer at the University of Derby and former Director of its Centre for Community Development and Regeneration partly based the book on his own experiences In 1964 his family emigrated from a small Indian village to Coventry when he was aged four Profits from the book s sale will go to the Oxfam charity and the Derby Open Centre which promotes better understanding between cultures in the city Gersh said: "As a boy I grew up with stories about India and the journey that many in our community made from there to England These anecdotes were filled with all of the emotions one can imagine; the doubts as well as the hopes and aspirations involved in moving to a new life "Because it was a long time before I went back to the village of my birth in India I ve added into my story a fictional perspective on what it might have been like I even had an uncle who was a bit like Billu s who unfortunately I never saw again after I left for England "I hope the book could be used to help children of immigrant families make sense of the feelings of dislocation and strangeness which are part of the immigrant s journey " Billu Leaves India! is illustrated by artist Iain MacLeod- Brudenell - also a former University of Derby lecturer - and is published through Matador part of Troubador Publishing Ltd An official launch event for the book will be held at the Multi-Faith Centre in the grounds of the University of Derby s main Kedleston Road suite in Derby from 1pm this Thursday (September 18) Copies of the book price £6 99 will be on sale Gersh s book can also be bought online now through Troubadour Publishing s website at www troubador co uk and via bookseller Amazon Media wanting further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Industrial heritage experts return to Derbyshire town where it all started 1 October 2014 Students at the University of Derby are helping to bring an international conference on Europe s industrial heritage back home to the place where it all began Sir Richard Arkwright s Cromford Mills were at the forefront of Britain s Industrial Revolution in the 1770s and other developments pioneered in the area led UNESCO to declare the Derwent Valley Mills a World Heritage site Now the German-led European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH) group is holding its annual conference in the UK for the first time - at Cromford and hosted by the Arkwright Society which is dedicated to restoring the Mills "It s coming home to its roots " said Ian Taylor one of the three Events Management students at the University s Buxton campus who have been put in charge of the management of the conference from today (October 1) to October 3 Ian has organised the logistics liaising with the organisers in Hamburg and the Arkwright Society while Paulius Jakuitis from Kaunas in Lithuania is in charge of marketing Chantel Scully from Wakefield is in charge of hospitality Events include a gala dinner for delegates tours of the Valley including some of its other historic mills and the industrial heritage of Derby from railways to Rolls-Royce engineering They are also in charge of an academic conference at Cromford following the ERIH event and overseeing Derby College students who are providing the catering All Events Management students get involved in organising functions as part of the University s realworld hands-on style of learning but working with so many different organisations has been a real challenge said Paulius "This is how Derby gives that extra value compared to other universities offering similar degrees " he said "I am delighted that at Cromford Mills we are able to work with the University in providing the opportunities for students to learn in a real life experience " said Sarah Mcleod Chief Executive of the Arkwright Society "They have certainly given it their all and I am confident that they will be able to take new skills away from this project and use them in the workplace " ERIH was set up to develop tourism routes through Europe for enthusiasts of industrial heritage to follow For more press details contact j phillips@derby ac uk

International bestselling authors talk leadership in Derby 6 November 2014 The University of Derby s Business School is set to host its Rethinking Leadership event - an evening with New York Times bestselling author Cy Wakeman and education expert Richard Gerver author of Change: Learn to love it; learn to lead it The authors will come together on Tuesday November 18 to share their perspectives on leadership and change; arguably the most significant aspects of organisational life The event which is open to the public will be held at Derby Quad Market Place from 6pm Cy Wakeman is an expert blogger on FastCompany com and Forbes com and her ideas have been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times She s also the author of two New York Times bestselling books Wakeman has helped eliminate "tired impersonal management techniques in favour of a reality-based revolution" through her work with companies such as Verizon Wireless and Cisco Systems University of Derby graduate Richard Gerver is one of the most celebrated speakers in the world In 2011 he was awarded Business Speaker of the Year and has written two critically acclaimed bestselling books delivering insights into change leadership and education Gerver who is speaking at the event said: "It s an honour to be able to share some of my insight and experience at an event run by the university; it feels like I have come full circle as everything I first learnt about leadership came from the University and now I m bringing that back to the city " Joanne Carlier Head of the Centre for Leadership Development at Derby Business School at the University of Derby added: "This is a fantastic opportunity to welcome two international speakers to Derby to hear about new leadership thinking and to be challenged about what we do and why " Media interviews are available with both Cy Wakeman and Richard Gerver on the day of the event to arrange please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: a mallaby@derby ac uk

International educational expert at University's online learning conference 2 September 2014 One of the world s leaders in educational thought will speak to academic staff from around the globe at a University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) conference California-based Dr Etienne Wenger is an internationally recognised thought leader on social learning and communities of practice ; the theory that learning is most beneficial when it is done socially in groups Human beings are naturally social animals and learn best when working and interacting with others Dr Wenger s theories on social learning are seen as increasingly relevant in today s society with the growth in opportunities for communicating with others through social media phones and computers He believes that harnessing these tools and the power of communities of practice on an international scale can transform learning Dr Wenger will present his theories and discuss how they can be used to engage online learners at UDOL's annual academic conference on Thursday September 4 More than 80 lecturers from UDOL s 300-strong academic workforce from both the UK and overseas will attend the conference at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby The University s online service delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses to more than 2 700 online distance learners around the world Julie Stone Director of UDOL said its academic framework had embraced Dr Wenger s theories on social learning which she believed to be a key factor in the growth in the number of students choosing Derby courses to learn online She added: "At UDOL we put students at the heart of every decision we make Early on in our development we recognised the benefit of students being able to work together and learn from each other Through online learning our students from over 100 countries can come together in their own communities of practice and engage in truly social learning "We re delighted that Etienne will be attending our conference and can continue inspiring our academic team to provide the first class online learning experience which is so important to our students " For further information about University of Derby Online Learning - including on its range of more than 40 courses in subjects such as Business Education Computing Law Psychology and Nursing - visit website www derby ac uk/online To learn more about the work of Etienne Wenger and his consultancy company Wenger-Trayner visit http://wenger-trayner com For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

International educational expert praises University's online learning 5 September 2014 A world leader in educational thought has praised University of Derby online lecturers as "inspiring" and at the forefront of the current revolution in higher education thinking California-based Dr Etienne Wenger is an internationally recognised thought leader on social learning and communities of practice ; the theory that learning is most beneficial when it is done socially in groups Amongst others his consultancy firm Wenger-Trayner has worked with the US and Canadian governments global companies such as Procter & Gamble and Microsoft and influential institutions including the World Bank As keynote speaker for this year s University Of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) annual conference held yesterday (September 4) at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby Etienne told more than 60 of its lecturers present that they were part of a revolution in how and what students would be taught in the 21st Century The UDOL lecturers work remotely from the main campus teaching more than 2 700 online distance learners located all around the world Etienne s talk was screened live on the internet allowing UDOL academics in other countries unable to attend the conference to listen to him Etienne said: "Traditionally education has been about teaching students a curriculum then testing to see if they ve retained it Now there is so much information available on the internet including lectures by the best teachers education is becoming less about relaying data and more about helping students become productive well-rounded citizens able to function in the 21st Century "One of the ways students can do that is through social learning working with and learning from others to overcome the challenges of their education Interacting with people at the University of Derby s conference I found it inspiring to meet lecturers and tutors willing to take these first steps in breaking out of the mould of traditional university teaching " UDOL has seen a steady growth in its online student numbers Julie Stone Director of UDOL partly attributes this to an academic framework which had embraced Dr Wenger s theories on social learning She added: "Early on in our development we recognised the benefit of students being able to work together and learn from each other Through online learning our students from over 100 countries can come together in their own communities of practice and engage in truly social learning "We re delighted that someone of Etienne s global standing could speak at our annual conference " For further information about University of Derby Online Learning - including its range of more than 40 courses in subjects such as Business Education Computing Law Psychology and Nursing - visit website www derby ac uk/online To learn more about the work of Etienne Wenger and his consultancy company Wenger-Trayner visit http://wenger-trayner com Media wanting further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

International laboratory awards recognise technician Ceri's deft touch at Derby 3 September 2014 A long-serving University of Derby technician has been Highly Commended by an international awards scheme recognising the best in laboratory innovation and practice Ceri Heldreich a technician specialising in helping staff and students on Sports and Exercise related degree courses received the commendation in the Making a Difference category at the 2014 S-Lab Awards ceremony at King s College in London on Monday (September 1) The S-Lab Awards are organised annually by the Safe Successful Sustainable Laboratories initiative (SLab); in association with professional bodies and sponsored by Aecom HOK Schneider Electric VWR and Waldner This year s Awards included ten categories covering topics such as lab design environment technology and data handling; with more than 50 university health agency and business finalists coming from the UK USA Canada New Zealand Singapore and Spain Ceri who has worked at the University of Derby for more than 20 years was nominated for her success in several different technical areas She is currently a Sport and Exercise Technician providing invaluable support to professional and student researchers by managing the lab technology and environment needed for their projects As part of her Highly Commended award Ceri and Steve Taylor a University Technical Manager were due to deliver a presentation on her work at Derby at the S-Lab Conference also held at Kings College this week (September 2-3) Commenting on her award Ceri said: "I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award and very proud to be representing the University of Derby at such a prestigious event " Steve added: "This Highly Commended award is a great honour for Ceri and the University She is a shining example of the high quality of technicians we have working here at Derby " In July (2014) Ceri also received the Inspirational Student Support award at the University s own Staff Excellence Awards A short University of Derby video about Ceri s award showing her at work can be seen at web link http://youtu be/sjBPPPxWf2w For more information on the S-Lab Awards see website www effectivelab org uk

Jonny cashes in with unique video clip 26 August 2014 A talented singer-songwriter has landed a £1 000 cash prize for putting his enthusiasm for higher education into a quirky song and video Jonny Cooper 20 who is about to embark on the third and final year of his Geology course at the University of Derby was a runner-up in a Love Learning competition organised by UCAS and The Times newspaper in which he beat off competition from more than 2 500 entries Undergraduate students across the country were asked to express their love for university in the form of a 500-word essay or 30-second video Twisting the brief into something more inventive Jonny put his musical head on and recorded a music video He explained: "The advert asked for applicants to put together a 30-second video saying what we love about studying our subject at our university "Being a singer-songwriter I sang it in a 30-second song I wrote rather than saying it as I thought it d be good to do something a little different "I wasn t really sure what the judges would make of it - they would either think it was quite a creative idea or they could have been thinking this isn t the sort of thing we asked for "But then I received a phone call to let me know I had won £1 000 and a year s subscription to The Times It was a little surprising when they called me to say I was one of the winners "To win so much money is just brilliant and I ll be looking to reinvest it in musical equipment " Jonny who moved to Derby from his home town of Lowestoft Suffolk in 2012 quickly made a name for himself on the city s music scene having been spotted at an open mic night He went on to do 54 gigs in his first year at university at some of Derby s main venues including the Victoria Inn and Vines Bar He said: "I had no music contacts at all when I first arrived in Derby but after my first live performance I managed to get a lot of gigs in my first year here "I ve had such a good time at the University so far and I really don t want to leave " The winner of the short video category was James Montgomery of the University of St Andrews who used stop-motion animation of an onion being sliced and then reforming to explain splitting problems into manageable layers in the world of programming He won £3 000 and a day at The Times office in London Mary Curnock Cook Chief Executive of UCAS said: "The second year of our Love Learning competition has given more students the chance to proclaim an unbridled passion for their subject "The video category brought a new element to this year s competition We ve had some stunningly original films submitted " To watch Jonny s video visit http://play buto tv/v4wyx For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Keen gaming graduates present innovative game 7 October 2014 A computer game set in the not-too-distant future where powerful mega corporations employ piloting mercenaries in a capitalist war for dominance is set to boost the profile of University of Derby graduate s new firm The three graduates hosted an exclusive prototype presentation of their new game to keen gamers at the University yesterday (Monday October 6) Computer games firm Psycho Interactive was set up in March this year by graduates Kris Jamka who studied a BA Games Modelling and Animation and Business Management degree Pawe? Gmyterko who studied BA Popular Music Production; and Sam Atkin who studied BA Music Technology and Production degree The trio joined forces with keen gamers to present an exclusive prototype of their new innovative game Voxelfield The presentation marked the launch of their Kickstarter campaign in line with the future development of the game The groundbreaking computer game is the first in the world to feature fully destructible environments A number of keen gamers attended the presentation with an additional international audience viewing the live online stream The graduates met through the Enterprise Inc programme delivered by the University and subsequently accessed further guidance through the business support and incubation service They were given valuable mentoring to develop their enterprise which helped secure funding through Derby Enterprise Growth Fund Laura Williams Incubation Manager said: "It s so rewarding to see Kris Pawel and Sam growing their business It s great to see how their hard work is starting to pay off and we look forward to supporting their future success " Pawel Gymterko Business Manager at Psycho Interactive said: "We are so grateful to the University for their support and advice without them we wouldn t have been able to set our business up " For more information on Voxelfield go to: www voxelfield com For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

Launch of UK's third largest art award in Derbyshire 1 October 2014 One of the largest art awards in the country will be launched this month (October) at Melbourne Hall in Derbyshire The event on Wednesday October 15 will introduce artist and University of Derby graduate Kerri Pratt as the winner of the sixth Jonathan Vickers Fine Art Award (for 2014/15) who will take up her residency in October The biennial Award brings a rising artist to Derbyshire to produce work inspired by the county s landscape heritage and people The theme for this sixth award is Sense of Place with a focus on Our Treasure Houses for which Derbyshire is renowned Kerri who lives in Heanor graduated from the University of Derby three years ago with a First Class BA (Hons) Fine Art degree She has been based at Harrington Mill Studios in Long Eaton for the past two years and has worked part time at Derby College She is taking a sabbatical from her job and will be based full time at the University s Banks Mill site in Derby throughout her nine month residency

Prestigious Award The Award is open to emerging UK painters The successful artist receives a nine month residency a bursary of £18 000 use of a studio a contribution to the cost of materials and ongoing support and mentoring from the University of Derby s College of Arts It is fast becoming one of the most coveted prestigious and nationally recognised art awards in the UK During her residency Kerri will produce a portfolio of new work for solo exhibitions to be staged at Derby Museum and Art Gallery and at the University of Derby She will contribute five days of teaching at the University of Derby s College of Arts and lead a series of educational workshops in the community supported by funding from Rolls-Royce plc Collaboration with the University of Derby s College of Arts will enable art students to gain valuable insight from the experience and practices of a working artist Previous winners of the Award have included Bartholomew Beal (2012/13) Natalie Dowse (2007/08) Helena Ben Zenou (2005/06) Kerry Harker (2003/04) and Lewis Noble (2001/2)

Artist "thrilled" Kerri said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be the sixth winner of the prestigious Jonathan Vickers Fine Art Award and look forward to my time developing work derived from my home county of Derbyshire "This award means so much to me as it is a rare luxury for an artist to have unimpeded time to submerge oneself in the county and learn the secrets and stories of a place its past and make connections with the here and now I m looking forward to this challenge "This opportunity is unique and I intend to make the most of the time I will have to immerse myself in the development of my artistic practice and produce engaging new work I hope that during my journey I am able to provoke thought and inspire creativity in others and share my passion for painting through the community projects and educational input which are an integral part of the award " Professor Huw Davies Dean of the College of Arts at the University of Derby added: "We re delighted to continue supporting the Jonathan Vickers Award As one of the major UK arts awards it enables an emergent artist to produce a body of work inspired by Derbyshire s environment and reaching out to and engaging a wider audience "We are particularly pleased that this year s award holder Keri Pratt comes from the region and is a University of Derby graduate This award will enable Kerri to extend and develop her practice and produce an individual response to the theme Sense of Place which is already a strong focus of her work Keri s formal engagement through educational projects with both the University and wider community will enable our students to gain first-hand experience of working alongside a practising artist "

New chapter Rachael Grime Chief Executive of Derbyshire Community Foundation said: "The Award continues to go from strength to strength and the appointment of Kerri Pratt signals an exciting new chapter in its development We are delighted that the sixth residency has been awarded to a Derbyshire artist and look forward to the perspective that she will bring to this residency s brief " The nine month residency will run from October 1 to June 30 (2015) Kerri s final exhibition of work produced during that time will be held at Derby Museum and Art Gallery from September 19 to November 15 (2015) **Media wishing to attend the launch event at Melbourne Hall should contact Rachael Grime Chief Executive of Derbyshire Community Foundation by October 6 by telephone or email: rachael@foundationderbyshire org Kerri Pratt and Rachael Grime will be available for interview For more information on the Jonathan Vickers Fine Art Award visit website www vickersartaward co uk or call Rachael Grime on 01773 514851 or email: rachael@foundationderbyshire org For further information on the University of Derby contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Lord Falconer explores state of British Constitution following Scottish Referendum 20 October 2014 On Thursday 16 October the Rt Hon Lord Falconer visited the University of Derby s Kedleston Road campus to give a lecture on the British Constitution in the light of Scotland s decision to say no to independence on 18 September Lord Falconer was a minister in Tony Blair s government He was Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor from 2003-2007 He was instrumental in leading and delivering change in a wide range of areas within the UK government in particularly European relations He is a Shadow Spokesperson for Constitutional and Deputy Priministerial Issues (Justice) and is currently leading a Bill on Assisted Dying through Parliament 135 students attended the lecture; arranged by Scott Atkins the LLB Programme Leader at the University Scott said: "Lord Falconer is a highly engaging speaker During the lecture he discussed the outcome of the referendum in relation to the British Constitution His lecture was very insightful and stimulated a lot of debate amongst the audience " Natasha Egar a student who attended the talk added: "I thought the talk was well explained for those who didn t know as much as others in the area I was especially interested in the new bill that he has proposed in parliament " Linda Brown a second year Law student said: "I really enjoyed the lecture It was an honour to hear from someone so prestigious and it shed light on an extremely important issue Lord Falconer gave a detailed analysis of what could happen if Scotland were to separate from the rest of the UK " The lecture builds on the number of links being developed by the University and senior members of the legal profession as it comes just months after a talk given by retired Lord Justice of Appeal Sir John Mummery Sir John who heard cases in the Court of Appeal for 20 years will return next year to judge The Trial an exciting project run by Law students and to open the new courtroom at the University which has been constructed over the summer For further press information please contact: Kirsty Reynolds University of Derby Press and PR Assistant on 01332 591187 or email: K Reynolds1@derby ac uk

Luxury holiday business books with University for training upgrade 21 October 2014 One of the world s premiere holiday resort companies is treating its employees to a first class educational service with the University of Derby Staff working for luxury Caribbean resorts company Sandals Resorts International are improving their customer service skills through a Masters degree course (MA) in International Hospitality Management studied online through University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) Sandals is a billion dollar company with 24 holiday centres based in and around the Caribbean and 13 000 staff Studying at a distance and online gives busy Sandals staff the opportunity to continue earning a living while enhancing their knowledge of the industry and improving their future career prospects UDOL teaches more than 40 different courses to more than 2 700 online distance learners located all around the world Among the Sandals staff now learning with UDOL is Kershiim Simon an Inventory Control Supervisor based at the Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort His 500 word essay on his hopes and aspirations won Kershiim a free scholarship to study on the MA in International Hospitality Management degree; awarded and funded through UDOL its Florida-based online learning business partner Education for Advancement (EFA) and Sandals in-house training agency Sandals Corporate University (SCU) Kershiim who has just begun his MA degree course studies said: "I know this scholarship will give me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and make myself more marketable in the highly competitive tourism industry both regionally and internationally " Mark Frederick Vice-Principal and Registrar for Sandals Corporate University added: "As we seek to provide career and professional development opportunities to our employees we see access to online courses as being one of the main drivers behind delivering our corporate training We look forward to working with the University of Derby to provide online courses and programmes giving us access to a wide range of academic opportunities " Julie Stone Director of UDOL said: "Online learning offers so much in the way of connecting a global network of individuals working in the same industry with similar challenges enabling them to share information and also provides learners with the opportunity to enhance their digital skills and abilities "We are delighted to now be working to support the Sandals Corporate University in this way " Media wanting further information on this news release should contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: J Mcnicholas@Derby ac uk

Megan's tweet lands a culinary treat with top restaurant 23 September 2014 A tweet by University of Derby culinary arts student Megan Fallows has won her the chance to spend two weeks working in one of the best restaurants in the world Megan will swap the kitchens of the Buxton campus Bistro for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go behind the scenes at Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons the Oxfordshire hotel and restaurant run by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc OBE "I m so excited " said Megan who uses Twitter to follow top chefs as well as posting photographs of dishes and food news from the University s own catering projects "Le Manoir is somewhere I ve always wanted to go and I tweeted to see if there was a placement We take Twitter for granted but it just shows how important it can be "They rang me up while I was working in the Bistro kitchen to organise dates " Nineteen-year-old Megan is taking a Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts and knew Buxton was the place to study as soon as she walked into the magnificent Devonshire Dome campus where the focus is on realworld learning which combines teaching with hands-on experience "As soon as I walked into the building I just loved it " said Megan from High Green in Sheffield And the University is living up to its promise "It really is real-world learning " said Megan who can earn and learn by putting her studies into practice while working in the Bistro and at functions held in the Dome "In this industry you ve got to know how to do it - not just learn about it " A spokeswoman for the world-famous restaurant said: "Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons deliver a wide range of opportunities for people who would like to come for work experience in any department for one week to twelve week periods "A tailor-made work experience programme is put together with the individual based on their learning objectives and personal aspirations We also provide a buddy throughout the whole experience who assists with their training and support " For more details tweet @lemanoircareers or visit www lemanoircareers com For press details contact j phillips@derby ac uk

New online crime scene investigation course launched 21 August 2014 A new crime scene investigation course from the University of Derby Online Learning will lift the lid on the reality behind TV and film cop dramas The Forensics and Crime Scene Investigation course is aimed at those looking to study forensic science people with a personal interest in the area or police and related professions who respond to crime scenes and victims of crime There will be four key stages to the course - introduction to crime scenes crime scene investigation forensic science techniques and the British judicial system Course developer and National Teaching Fellow Dr Ian Turner said: "Because the course is delivered 100% online it fits around people s existing commitments A combination of mini documentaries interactive media and technical videos will teach students the application of forensic science techniques "An exciting part of the course will be the opportunity to navigate a 360 degree virtual crime scene collect and analyse evidence write a statement of evidence and prepare a statement of evidence for a court of law This will allow the students to test out what they have learned throughout the course and demonstrate the application of the various techniques used by real life CSIs " The crime scene was filmed at the University s new specialist training facility based in what appears from the outside to be a typical family home close to its Kedleston Road campus The state of the art crime scene training facility is due to be launched later this year and will be used by students on forensic science degree courses at Derby The 20 week part time online course is available to start in September February or May For more information contact the University of Derby Online Learning on +44 (0)1332 593701 For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of News on 01332 592032 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

Open water swimmer goes for European glory 12 August 2014 A University of Derby student has been selected to compete for Great Britain s open water swimming team at the European Championships in Berlin this week Jack Rex Burnell 21 a leading Team Derby sports scholar who is working towards a Higher National Diploma in Business and Management at the University will compete in the 10km event at the championships which run from Wednesday until Sunday (August 13-17) He goes into the championships in fine form having clinched Gold in the 19-24 age group of the National 3km Championships held in Rother Valley Sheffield last week (August 3 and 4) Jack from Lincoln said: "I am feeling really good ahead of the event and training has gone well I came sixth in my last World Cup race and will be using that experience to help me do the best I possibly can at the European Championships "I am going to be up against some of the best open water swimmers in the world this week who have Olympic medals to their name and that spurs me on to do the best I can I ll be giving it my all " Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager at the University of Derby added: "Jack is a formidable 1 500m swimmer and I am not surprised that he has been included in the Great Britain team for this event "We wish him well for this event and are certain he will do himself and the University proud " Open water races take place in large outdoor areas of water such as seas lakes rivers canals and reservoirs The distance of each event varies from 1km to 80km but at a major competitive level the typical distances are 5km 10km and 25km The first ever Olympic 10km marathon swimming race was included in Beijing 2008 when Team GB clinched three medals For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Police cadet training at University attracts national interest 19 August 2014 Prospective police officers are gaining an insight into what the day job might be like at residential courses run by the University of Derby - in a new initiative being looked at as a possible future model for forces throughout England and Wales Around 50 Nottinghamshire Police Cadets will take part in two Cadet Summer Schools this month (August) devised and run by the University s Department of Law and Criminology and their own police force Each cohort of 16 to 17-year-olds will spend a week in University halls of residence while learning about crime scene examination self-defence giving evidence in court and working as a team Police forces run cadet schemes for young people usually under 18-years-old with an interest in law enforcement who may want to go on to join as a regular or special (volunteer) officer Cadets wear a uniform volunteer their time for crime prevention initiatives and can go on (limited) patrols but do not have police legal powers The University of Derby s Cadet Summer Schools one of which has been held with another planned for the end of August are backed by the College of Policing the professional body for police in England and Wales The College is looking at how cadets respond to the training at the Summer Schools with a view to standardising cadet courses across different police forces in England and Wales The Nottinghamshire cadets have already completed half of their two years training At the end of their Summer School at the University they will make a statement of evidence in front of classmates and parents and be presented with completion certificates by the Deputy Chief Constable of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping Mark Flint-Freel a Criminology lecturer at the University of Derby and former police officer and trainer devised the new Cadet Summer School programme He said: "Having been a police officer and run police cadet courses in the past I grasped the chance to be able to inspire new student cadets and give them the best learning experience they could have "Our University offers excellent facilities and unique experiences for these police cadets Coupled with the innovative leadership and forward thinking of Nottinghamshire Police officers we hope to make a great impact on the cadets of today who we hope will become tomorrow s police officers and criminologists " Inspector Simon Pealing from Nottinghamshire Police added: "The cadet scheme in Nottinghamshire is intended to provide positive role models for young people including those from vulnerable backgrounds and those on the cusp of criminality to help them become productive members of society as adults "Obviously some of our cadets are interested in careers in the police service and the wider criminal justice sector By working in partnership with the University of Derby these young people can benefit from accredited learning exciting activities personal development and opportunities which allow them and the service to achieve the stated objectives and their own personal ambitions " In addition to the police cadets programme the University s Department of Law and Criminology runs a variety of courses aimed at police and law enforcement professionals; including those in Criminology and Psychology a Masters degree in Criminal Investigation police leadership programmes and a Certificate of Knowledge in Policing qualification For further information about the University's Department of Law and Criminology and its courses telephone 01332 591896 or see website http://derby ac uk/lhss/law-criminology More details on Nottinghamshire Police Cadets and how to join can be found at website www nottinghamshire police uk/cadets For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

£16 million now available to support East Midlands' growing businesses 8 October 2014 Businesses with clear growth aspirations are invited to apply for a share of a £16 million fund via the University of Derby The University has secured the money from the Government s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) which is aimed at fuelling business expansion and helping to create and safeguard thousands of jobs in the East Midlands region The Invest to Grow project is now open for expressions of interest which can be submitted via the website: www derby ac uk/investtogrow The University will use the fund to support business growth in the region by investing in companies as well as providing access to its extensive range of wider resources including academic expertise and technology Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "This is a tremendous vote of confidence in our city and region We are delighted that the University will deliver this multi-million pound investment supporting companies in the East Midlands to grow and flourish "It will benefit companies that need funding or other support to innovate and accelerate growth particularly those companies which have the potential to become high value incoming generating businesses "This funding is particularly timely especially in a fast growing region such as ours where companies are trying to grow and confidence is returning but it still remains difficult to get all the help needed from the banks "Investing in these companies will create high value jobs in the region which will help to retain our best graduates and attract others creating a pipeline of young talent to the region " David Ralph Chief Executive of D2N2 the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire added: "It is great news that a fresh injection of funding is now available to help support businesses to grow create new jobs and safeguard others as well as access wider resources of expertise "We have already seen excellent results from the Regional Growth Fund programme in our area through our own Unlocking Investment for Growth programme and others such as the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund and Global Derbyshire "The Invest to Grow project managed by the University of Derby will further enhance the help available to firms in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire I would urge all those who need this assistance to further their business to look into this new grant project " The University of Derby Invest to Grow team can be contacted on 01332 597907 or via email: investtogrow@derby ac uk For further press information please contact: Alice Oliver Head of News University of Derby on a oliver@derby ac uk or call 01332 592032

Public service rewarded with University honorary doctorates 19 September 2014 Two public servants dedicated to protecting living nature and investigating sudden deaths will receive Honorary Degrees at this year s graduation ceremony at the University of Derby s Buxton Campus Each year notable people with a strong connection to either the University or Derbyshire are chosen to receive an Honorary Degree at the annual Awards Ceremony at which the University s students graduate after completing their courses Up to 800 students guests and VIPs are expected to attend this year s ceremony on Saturday November 15 2014 Jim Dixon Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park for the past 11 years will receive the Honorary Award of Doctor of the University and Dr Robert Hunter HM Coroner for Derby and South Derbyshire since 2007 will become a Doctor of Professional Practice Mr Dixon who began his working life as a biologist held roles at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds English Nature and Defra before being appointed Chief Executive of the Peak District in 2003 It was Britain s first national park and is currently responsible for one of the UK s largest conservation projects in moorland restoration He has been lead officer for the 15 UK National Parks for four years a National Trustee of the Heritage Lottery Fund a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas was recently appointed to the board of the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and is also a school governor Of his work Mr Dixon said: "We are the green lung of the great northern cities and are still probably seen as the leading park in the UK "It s astonishing that in Derbyshire we have the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site the Peak National Park Chatsworth the Buxton Festival; and right at the heart of it some of the most successful advanced manufacturing in the world " The University honour had been an unexpected but very pleasant surprise he added Dr Hunter is a former Army Medical Officer having served with the Royal Army Medical Corps in the first Gulf War and in Northern Ireland and later as an NHS Accident and Emergency doctor He was appointed as HM Coroner for Derby and South Derbyshire in 2007 as part of a Government drive to bring greater consistency to the 800-year-old state legal service which has legal powers to look into all sudden and unexpected deaths Dr Hunter said: "Coroners courts are the people s courts As Coroner you have the authority to bring witnesses to court whoever they are to be questioned and they have to answer Often it s a way of bringing empowerment to those who can feel disenfranchised "The death of a loved one is often sudden and traumatic When handled well a lot of people find the Coroner s inquest process to be therapeutic enabling them to get clarity on what happened to the deceased " On his Honorary Award he added: "It really is a great honour " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "Jim Dixon and Dr Robert Hunter exemplify the dedication to public service so often seen among the University of Derby s Honoraries We will be delighted to welcome them to this year s Buxton Campus Awards Ceremony " The annual Awards Ceremony held at the Buxton Campus is unusual for a University in that much of the organisation for the day is done with the involvement of current students; including those on Hospitality and Culinary Arts and Events Management degree courses The event on Saturday November 15 will begin at 8 45am with the doors of the Devonshire Dome on the campus opening for student registration followed by a procession to St Anne s Church in Buxton for a non-denominational service for 10 45am before a return to the Dome for the degree presentations running from 12 15pm to 1 40pm For more information about this year's Buxton Awards Ceremony and to see a film of last year's go to website www derby ac uk/graduation/buxton-graduation The University's Derby Campus will hold its next Awards Ceremonies week commencing January 12 2015 Media wanting further information on this news release should contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Radiography students awarded for demonstrating care and compassion 6 October 2014 Radiography students from the University of Derby have been recognised for their care and compassion with an awards presentation which took place on Friday September 26 This is the first year the awards have taken place to recognise the importance these values play in the workplace The three radiography students awarded were Rachel Arthan Ashley Watson and Sophie Hewitt Julie De Witt Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health Care Practice said: "Care and compassion are such hot topics at the moment in the NHS and the emphasis is often on doctors and nurses that it is easy to forget that any Allied Health professionals can make a difference to patient experience too "This programme has a clear aim to promote patient centered care and has done for many years so this final step in recognising our students achievements is something we would like to celebrate " Three clinical partners Royal Derby Hospital Nottingham University Hospital and University Hospitals Leicester nominated the students who demonstrated outstanding patient care in the workplace Ashley Watson who was awarded comments: "I am so grateful to have been awarded and recognised for my hard work Throughout my degree we have had a great deal of hands on experience as well as theory which has enabled me to understand the importance of values in the workplace " The three students were presented with their engraved crystal desktop award and £100 book vouchers For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

Research gets BMX racers off to a flying start 26 August 2014 Researchers at the University of Derby are racing to be the first to crack the secret of how professional BMX riders gain advantage over their rivals The coaching scientists are researching the Olympic sport in conjunction with national and international riders at the home of British cycling at the Manchester Velodrome working collaboratively with colleagues from Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Central Lancashire "We are amongst a small number of European researchers looking profiling BMX cycling " said Buxtonbased lecturer Lee Rylands whose previous work on BMX has been attracting international attention and offers of collaboration with European institutions The collaborative project has been funded by a research grant and involves top riders from all over the country as they train at the Velodrome s indoor BMX track the only one of its kind in the UK Unlike many sprint events BMX never sees a winner come from behind and the races are so quick that no-one has chance to change gear This means the production of peak power and how quickly they produce power is more critical to victory than top speed "It s quite ground-breaking " said Lee who is utilising the research as his PhD project "It can be applied to training prescription and benchmarking as well as equipment selection such as gear ratios " For more press information contact j phillips@derby ac uk

Rower Yasmin ready for Team England challenge 6 August 2014 A University of Derby student will represent Team England after landing a place in the Commonwealth Rowing Championships* in Scotland Yasmin Marks has been selected to race in the Women s lightweight double scull (two rowers) and Women s quadruple scull (four people) at the regatta to be held at Strathclyde Park in Motherwell this Saturday and Sunday (August 9 and 10) The 22-year-old from Chellaston who is about to embark on the final year of her BSc (Hons) Psychology degree has received coaching from the University s Team Derby sports development arm whilst also competing for Nottingham Rowing Club s High Performance Centre She said: "It is so exciting to be selected as part of the team I am really looking forward to my first international event and eager to represent my country I will put everything I have into the event so that I can come home with a medal around my neck " Yasmin started building her reputation at Derby Rowing Club before moving to neighbouring Nottingham She was awarded a bursary by the University of Derby as a contribution to her training costs and she competes in British Universities & Colleges Sports events for Derby Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager at the University of Derby said: "We are all delighted for Yasmin - she trains extremely hard and is committed to the cause This is a great achievement for her and she will be heading into the championships with Team Derby s full support " *A Commonwealth Rowing Championships regatta has been organised in the year of the Commonwealth Games since 1986 although rowing is not currently included in the Games themselves For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Rugby research kicks blood tests into touch 27 August 2014 Rugby players who suffer injuries similar to car crash victims while playing the sport have been offered a better chance of recovery thanks to research led by the University of Derby Professor Nick Draper Head of Life Sciences at the University of Derby and PhD student Angus Lindsay have designed a way of testing the impact of what is a physically tough game on the players themselves The project - a collaboration between the University of Derby and University of Canterbury in New Zealand - has been investigating the impact on Canterbury rugby players for two years working with researchers at the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Canterbury Health laboratories Steve Gieseg Associate Professor of Biological Studies at the University of Canterbury who led the New Zealand branch of research said: "Our team found levels of damage occurring in Canterbury rugby players after games which were in the ranges expected from serious trauma "The level of damage was greater than could be predicted from GPS (global positioning system) - see notes to editors - or video analysis The measurements also show that some players could heal from this damage remarkably quickly " The researchers developed a set of non-invasive and stress-free biochemical tests to measure the level of damage occurring in rugby players using only urine and saliva enabling them to investigate 44 samples per game (before and after the game for each player) without the need to draw large amounts of blood for tests The international research team optimised and refined proven measurements of stress-load while treating the players data as if they were car accident victims Professor Draper said: "Our research measured several bio-chemicals in the urine and saliva to gain a global view of how players responded to the physical stress of an individual game "For instance when a player damages a muscle a bio-chemical marker of this damage can be traced in the urine using high-performance liquid chromatography We can then interpret this to examine the extent of such damage for an individual player "During the research the measurements tested the level of muscle damage inflammation immune resistance and mental stress The measurements can be used to assist coaches and medical staff to manage players recovery and training during different phases of competition " The findings form a substantial part of the research by Angus Lindsay and Professor Draper which has been sponsored by St George s Hospital in Christchurch and part-funded by a private donation For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk John Phillips University of Derby Buxton Community Liaison Officer Direct dial: 01298 330461 Email: j phillips@derby ac uk

Shanghai showcase for Textile Design student's swatches 6 October 2014 Summer was no holiday for Textile Design student Sarah Briggs The University of Derby undergraduate spent her summer employed as a design intern by a leading knitwear consultancy in London - Sophie Steller Studio The studio was tasked with masterminding the trend areas and forecasting exhibitions at two of the largest global trade fairs for fashion yarns - Spinexpo New York and Spinexpo Shanghai Sarah was commissioned to work within the overall Autumn/Winter 2015 colour predictions from the studio and to produce innovative sample swatches at the University on our advanced manufacturing equipment Sarah used a wide variety of yarns from around the world - lambswool and cashmere from Italy New Zealand and China as well as mohair from South African spinners The many samples produced by Sarah and badged with the University logo were incorporated into the predictions displays - first in New York and now in Shanghai Sophie Steller Studio has already made it clear that they wish to repeat the exercise for Spring/Summer 2016 booking Sarah again through the Student Employment Agency Talking about her internship Sarah said: "When my tutors asked if I d like to take on the challenge of working at this level with Sophie Steller I couldn t resist it Textile Design constitutes a professional career change for me This brilliant experience has convinced me that I have made the right choice and that I can pull my weight in a compelling global industry " Katy Whitehead Design Assistant to Sophie Steller commented on Sarah s work during her internship: "The show in New York went really well and all of Sarah s fabrics looked great We are now pressing on with the Shanghai show and are really pleased Sarah is happy to continue to work with us " For more information about studying arts related courses at the University of Derby go to: www derby ac uk/arts/ For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

Silver medal success made in Buxton 14 August 2014 Expertise from lecturers at the University of Derby was instrumental in helping a world-class martial artist to win silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Cypriot Judo legend Andreas Krassas praised the University s scientific approach to coaching after he narrowly lost out to England s Colin Oates - who is ranked seventh in the world Now Andreas is gearing up for the World Championships in Russia - and by his side is Buxton sports Strength and Conditioning lecturer Minas Mina whose work has been vital to his success Minas said Buxton is one of only three universities in the UK to coach athletes to this level "Andreas was a bit upset because he knew he could have won gold " said Minas "He was injured the month before the Games but the way he handled the injuries showed he is a great athlete " "Minas always has a scientific explanation to justify why I should do a certain exercise in a certain way " said Andreas "I find that extremely helpful especially at a psychological level because I m not just doing an exercise because my coach said so I actually understand what it s for where it applies and how it can translate in judo " Andreas was inspired to take part in martial arts by his grandfather a Greco-Roman wrestling champion and he fell in love with Judo in his first lesson He has achieved number one in the European Judo junior section won the first ever gold medal for Cyprus at an official European Judo Union A-Tournament is the undefeated Cypriot national champion and has won or been placed in world cups and grand prix across the globe "I would like to thank everyone who has helped especially Minas It s essential to follow a sophisticated strength and conditioning programme to perform well but what is even more important is being able to monitor progression through testing "The University provides a state-of-the-art performance lab set up by Minas which allows us to assess my performance and make adjustments " said Andreas For more press information contact j phillips@derby ac uk

Students cast vote of confidence in their University 12 August 2014 Students at the University of Derby have once again signalled a real vote of confidence in their institution as part of the independent 2014 National Student Survey (NSS) results which were unveiled today (Tuesday) The annual survey found that 86% of students at the University of Derby are overall satisfied with their course - this figure is above the benchmark set by HEFCE and equals or exceeds the sector average in every question area Derby has also maintained satisfaction scores for the quality of teaching of courses (88%) learning resources (87%) and personal development (85%) The percentage of students who were satisfied with the organisation and management of the University has increased slightly to 80% Also Derby remains higher than the sector average in the first six sections of the survey Students taking Fine Art at the University are the most satisfied in the entire sector after the course recorded the highest score nationally for overall satisfaction at 96% Two degree courses at Derby received overall satisfaction scores of 100% including the BA (Hons) Pop Music with Music Technology and BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Plowden who has responsibility for the University s Academic Portfolio said: "The University s continuing outstanding performance confirms that we continue to meet our aim of providing our students with a superb academic experience It is particularly satisfying to see so many programmes achieving 100% satisfaction This excellent result is a credit to all our staff and comes in a year when the University s reputation has continued to soar " The Survey (conducted annually by Ipsos MORI for the Higher Education Funding Council for England) asks mostly final year students at UK universities to rate how satisfied they are overall with their course and also specifically with its academic support learning resources teaching lecturer feedback and other qualities; using 23 core questions Results are only published for a course if at least 50% of its students responded to the Survey and that equaled at least 23 respondents Today s results are more good news for the University of Derby which rose 29 places to 50 in the Guardian University Guide for 2015 Its employability rate also rose to an impressive 96 7% of graduates who manage to go into work or further study within six months of completing their degree course For more information on the 2014 NSS Survey visit www thestudentsurvey com For further press information please contact Jamie Oliver University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591187 or email: j oliver@derby ac uk

Students' free help worth £100,000 to county organisations 20 August 2014 Race organisers rural bus networks and a rail industry manufacturer are just some of those who received free help - estimated at worth more than £100 000 - from University of Derby business school students Teams of first-year students on degree courses run by the University s Derby Business School tackled 35 different projects for Derbyshire businesses local authorities conservation groups and others as part of their studies All the projects involved real work or issues the organisations needed to address which otherwise might have meant hiring extra help or the tasks not being undertaken at all It is not unusual for commercial external agencies to charge £5 000 to take on a business project The students projects included: • Organising a temporary race village to cater for runners and their families attending this year s (April 6) Derby 10K road race - held in association with the University of Derby - and shooting a video of the event to promote future races - for event organiser Sporting Futures • Producing a customer profile of people visiting the Council House in Derby with a view to improving its public services; including Trading Standards the Validation Team and external help organisations based in the building - for Derby Direct based at Derby City Council • Investigating the economic benefits of walking and cycling trails to the Peak District National Park public attitudes to rural bus routes and to travel behaviour in the area; and the viability of establishing an infrastructure to support electric vehicles to reduce traffic pollution - for Derbyshire County Council • Assessing potential storage/space requirements needed for finished goods work-in-progress at the Derby site of train-maker Bombardier - bearing in mind that some rail vehicle combinations ordered from the company are 200 metres long - to ensure adequate storage capacity for future projects production • Creating an accessible survey for Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust The survey was aimed at a variety of audiences - including health sector staff patients and carers - and was designed to assess the impact of a series of events the Trust hosted in order to shape the future of local NHS services Around 170 students from the University s Business Studies Business Management Accountancy and Finance and Joint Honours degree courses took part They worked in four-person teams with some organisations running multiple projects and teams at once including Derby City Council which had five The teams had two months to complete tasks and a further month to prepare a final report and presentation for organisation heads Andrew Wyrobek 26 of Belper on the BA (Hons) Business Management degree course said: "I worked on the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust project looking at what those attending the Development Days it had recently set-up felt about them "I liked being hands on with a project which wasn t just academic in nature It was one of the most enjoyable modules of my first year " Claire Duffin Derby 10k and 3k races Event Manager for Sporting Futures added: "The University students we worked with were fantastic "We are looking forward to working with more students next year in the build up to two races the Derby 10k and the Derby City Half Marathon both in association with the University of Derby " The student-shot Derby 10k promotional video can be seen at web link www dropbox com/s/95c4cy1m8tff9fe/Promo%2010k%20v2 0 mov Kate Majid Head of Transformation & Patient Involvement at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: "The University students were a pleasure to work with They exhibited professionalism at all times and were keen to understand the NHS landscape and apply this knowledge to the context of the project " Gino Franco Senior Lecturer in Business and Management at the University of Derby commented: "We saw this as very much a win-win situation "Students obtained real workplace experience some of them for the first time given their ages and that they are in their first year of study and also a glimpse into their future career as a manager Businesses had projects completed for free which otherwise they might have needed to recruit extra help for and they might also have spotted a potential future employee in action "We ve had the University s students employed on external projects before but not on such a large scale It s been a great success and we d certainly like to hear from any companies interested in taking part in future projects " Businesses interested in employing students from the University s Derby Business School on a short term project can contact it on 01332 591896 or email Gino Franco direct on g franco@derby ac uk For more information about Derby Business School see website www derby ac uk/dbs For further press information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Successful graduate's tips to prospective students on Katapulting into success 30 September 2014 A University of Derby graduate has inspired prospective Photography degree students to follow their passion and find success at the University of Derby s open day Dawn Foote Managing Director of marketing agency Katapult Ltd based in Derby gave an inspiring talk at the University s Markeaton Street Site in Derby to potential students at its open day on Saturday (September 27) This is the first time the University has introduced graduates into specific subject talks at their open days Katapult was set up in 2001 by Dawn and two fellow graduates from the University of Derby and is still being run by co-founder Dawn and Phil Higgins who along with Neil Perrott and Martin Broadhurst head up a team of 18 employees with 6 of these being former graduates from the University from a variety of degrees Passionate about photography from an early age Dawn explained how she didn t gain as much as she had hoped from the education experience at school but got more focus from college and then found a positive experience when studying photography at the University which resulted in her setting-up her own business in the city while also getting married and establishing a life in Derby Dawn said: "I was always advised by my parents to follow my passion and to find my purpose So when I visiting the University for an open day it was the reputation of the photography lecturers and the feel of the city that inspired me to uproot from Lincolnshire and begin my life here in Derby " Dawn added: "When setting up Katapult we used all of our determination resourcefulness and passion to get it off the ground The day we graduated was the day we set up the business We didn t even have desks to work from so we filmed a promotional video for a local office furniture company who in return provided us some with high quality desks and office furniture " "We worked tirelessly for six months during which we took no salary Our first pay check felt both rewarding and well earned " Katapult now 13 years later own their own premises on Ashbourne Road working with clients across the globe and are rated a Top 100 marketing agency in the UK The talk at the open day was attended by 25 prospective students and parents including Ani Howe from Leicester Ani said: "I found the talk from Dawn really informative and insightful It s helpful to meet with lecturers about the course but this gave me real insight into the different avenues a degree can lead you to " Laura Ratcliffe Alumni Relations Officer from the University of Derby said: "Dawn is a terrific ambassador for the University and I m sure after hearing her story future photographers will be inspired to choose Derby as the place to study 96 7% of our graduates are in employment or further studies within six months of graduating so Dawn isn t a standalone success story " During the open day the University welcomed more than 3 000 visitors in total hosting a range of course talks along with accommodation tours to entice prospective students from far and wide For information on Katapult go to: www katapult co uk ENDS For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

Taking international view on l'éducation at teaching conference 15 October 2014 Education experts teachers and student teachers from across Europe will be at the University of Derby this week to share the latest thinking on how to best teach young minds Derby is hosting the second international VoiceS Conference aimed at helping education professionals share good ideas on schools teaching across international borders Around 120 representatives from universities in the UK The Netherlands Belgium Spain Italy Turkey Switzerland Austria Portugal and the Czech Republic will be at the University for a three-day event from tomorrow (Thursday October 16) to Saturday (October 18) Day one will be held at the University s main Kedleston Road site and Friday and Saturday at its Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street Derby The conference will be opened by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Plowden and the Mayor of Derby Councillor Shiraz Khan; and attended by East Midlands MEP Andrew Lewer and Dr Angelique Petrits Language Officer for the European Commission Themes to be discussed will include teaching and learning strategies across a range of subjects early years development and how teachers can continue to innovate and grow throughout their career On Saturday the third day of the conference local teachers from Derbyshire primary secondary and senior schools which already work with the University of Derby are set to join the event delegates Jon White Senior Lecturer for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies in the University of Derby s College of Education said: "We call this the VoiceS project because it represents many voices from educators just starting out in their careers to people with decades of experience of schools What unites them is a desire to improve early years and schools education and a willingness to learn from other countries good ideas "It s a sign of the good reputation the University of Derby has for Education practice and development that we ve been asked to host this conference It s also a great opportunity for our students to learn how teaching works outside the UK as some of them may well go on to teach abroad " The first VoiceS Conference was held in Brussels in March 2013 One thing to already come out of the VoiceS project is a book of essays by university Education tutors in 13 different countries writing on how young children are raised and educated in their country The book called Exploring Childhood in a Comparative Context - An introductory guide for students (edited by University of Derby lecturers Mabel-Ann Brown and Jon White) is available from Blackwells and other academic bookshops price £21 41 ENDS For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: a mallaby@derby ac uk

Talking Business - By Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne 3 September 2014 In the latest of the University of Derby's regular 'Talking Business' columns for the Derby Telegraph's Wednesday Business supplement published today (September 3) Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne discusses recent successes and the future under the University's new Colleges structure: "It s proving to be a year in which the ideas around nations and national identity are difficult to avoid The centenary of The Great War and the looming Scottish Independence vote in their own way cause us to think about the kind of country and citizens we aspire to be I m always afraid when constituencies think exerting nationalism is a magical solution to whatever problem they define - it s always more complex than that As a trained economist and educator I feel an informed global outlook must form part of our approach to such big topics The world is shrinking becoming more inter-connected and diverse whether as individuals we embrace that or not

Shrinking World Technology plays a large part in this with the internet email and social media shrinking geography These tools are never more in evidence at the University of Derby than during the annual Clearing period; the point after A-level results are released (just last month) and UK students without a university place chase remaining course spaces Derby s online Clearing call centre and operations went paperless for the first time this year to speed-up the time between a prospective student calling and (hopefully) being offered a place A good job too as the number of calls received increased 100% over last year This on top of a normal cycle during which we received applications three times higher than the national average means we are both popular and full - almost bursting at the seams in fact Most students now swap information on social media - on subjects including what they think of a university - with others in the UK or abroad perfectly naturally This flow of information is changing the profile of our typical student; they re coming from farther away making us a national and international university Derby and Derbyshire are a definite draw in the whole student experience

Top 50 In addition to ad hoc online chats prospective students now have access to more official information online than at any other time in my higher education career Derby s results this year provided us with a well merited Top 50 position in The Guardian University League Tables a Top Ten place for employability elsewhere and a strong performance in the National Student Survey the opinion poll of final year students Drawing people to study here from near and far makes for a more cosmopolitan University and by extension as students become Derby citizens for at least three years and sometimes much longer a city and county

Colleges Structure Our September 2014 intake of students will also be the first to experience the University s changed structure with the old four Faculties reorganised as seven new Colleges Not unlike the increasing interconnectivity of the wider world the change to Colleges will allow an easier flow of ideas between academic staff and researchers and in turn improve the way they collaborate with businesses and other external organisations As the new academic year begins we not only start with high ambitions but the right equipment and a map on how to reach them "

Team Derby top National Badminton League after beating Loughborough University 4 November 2014 The University of Derby s sports team Team Derby is now top of the National Badminton League (NBL) after beating Loughborough Sport in a televised fixture last night Team Derby was looking to bounce back after a loss against the Birmingham Lions at their first NBL match on October 6 and last night was a fantastic outcome against Loughborough The University of Derby franchise team took a 2-0 lead in the match against Loughborough Sport after Martin Campbell and Helena Lewczynska came from behind twice to win their opening match 3-2 before women s singles player Karin Schnaase for Derby beat Bulgarian number one Linda Zetchiri In the third match Team Derby Captain Rajiv Ouseph came up against Henri Hurskainen and in one of the night s shock results Ouseph was beaten 3-0 taking the tie to 2-1 Loughborough Sport s Chloe Birch and Lauren Smith then levelled the tie by beating Derby s Gail Emms and Kate Robertshaw to take the tie into a decider Team Derby showed real team spirit and desire when Andy Ellis and Chris Coles beat Loughborough s home grown pair Peter Briggs and team Captain Harvey Towler This second NBL fixture was supported by a passionate and vocal crowd whose support undoubtedly helped the players There were stand out performances from Martin Campbell and Karin Schnaase and this game was an excellent performance by Derby against local rival Loughborough Sport Andy Ellis from Team Derby said: "The overall team performance and the support we received from the crowd were fantastic The end result shows that Team Derby is serious about sport To go to Loughborough and come away with the win shows that we have really gelled as a team and that we can be serious contenders for the title " Ollie Shearer Sports Development Manager at the University added: "It was a great game to be involved in The players showed great character and epitomized everything positive about Derby sports "We entered this League because we wanted to show how far we had come as a university in terms of sport and beating Loughborough on their home court is true testament of our progress We now sit at the top of the league and our intention is to be up there when the season ends in April 2015 " Team Derby s next match will be away to the Surrey Smashers on January 26 2015 with the following home matches being held on March 23 and April 27 2015 The new Derby Arena will host the matches and tickets are on sale at http://nblbadminton co uk/tickets html For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: a mallaby@derby ac uk

Top novelist and national artist among University's Honorary graduates 6 November 2014 A bestselling novelist a national artist and captains of industry will receive their Honorary Degrees at the Derby Awards Ceremonies in January 2015 to be hosted for the first time at the new multi-sport Derby Arena Each year notable people with a strong connection to the University or to the city are chosen to receive an Honorary Degree at the annual Awards Ceremonies at which the University s students graduate after completing their courses Thousands of students guests and VIPs are expected to attend this year s trio of graduation ceremonies; which will take place from Wednesday January 14 to Friday January 16 2015 Five Honorary Degrees will be presented at the awards ceremony to: Pau Cumm ns, who becomes an Honorary Master of Arts Wendy Ho den, author of ten consecut ve Sunday T mes top ten bestse ng nove s. (Honorary Doctor of Letters) Co n Sm th CBE FRS, D rector of Eng neer ng and Techno ogy at Ro s-Royce. (Honorary Doctor of the Un vers ty) Tony Wa ker, Deputy Manag ng D rector for Toyota Manufactur ng. (Honorary Doctor of the Un vers ty) Dav d Be , Ch ef Corporate Deve opment Off cer at JCB. (Honorary Doctor of the Un vers ty) Having graduated with a BA (Hons) Craft degree from the University of Derby Paul went on to set up his own business in the city Paul Cummins Ceramics His work has since been commissioned by the Chatsworth Estate Bleinham Palace and the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad His latest work Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red was the country s leading project to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and saw the planting of 888 246 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London In the space of four years Paul has become one of the most recognised and celebrated ceramic artists Paul said: "This past year has been overwhelming Then to be told I had been chosen to receive an Honorary Degree from the University of Derby has been just been the icing on the cake "Art has always been such a huge part of my life which is why I studied crafts but I didn t for one second think my work would be so highly regarded never mind recognised with an Honorary "It s a huge honour and I m really looking forward to the ceremony It feels like I m graduating all over again " David Bell joined JCB as a graduate trainee 38 years ago following an apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce in Derby and a HND in Mechanical Engineering from Derby Technical College (now part of the University of Derby) Mr Bell said: "I am both proud and honoured to receive this award It is extra special to me as a former student of Derby Tech now the University of Derby as the combination of my studies and my RollsRoyce apprenticeship provided me with a first class foundation on which to build my future career I am looking forward to what promises to be a very special occasion " Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby added: "We will be delighted to welcome all of the Honorands to this year s Derby Awards Ceremonies We are enormously excited to be able to host our graduation at such an inspiring venue " For more information about this year s University of Derby awards ceremony and to see a film of last year s go to: http://www derby ac uk/graduation/ For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

Tortoises navigate (slow) great escape 11 September 2014 They say an elephant never forgets - it appears that tortoises can lay claim to that too! A research project at the University of Derby has found that the reptiles use signs as cues to choose which direction to head in The study was conducted to determine if Greek tortoises could discriminate between different shapes enabling them to navigate their way to freedom A number of wild Greek tortoises were placed in a box with four exits each with a different shape on it and only one of which opened Each tortoise was tested ten times and the time it took them to escape was significantly reduced by the last trial The results suggest that the tortoises used the shapes as cues enabling them to escape more quickly each time The research was conducted by Derby Zoology graduate Alexandra Glavaschi and Lecturer in Vertebrate Biology Nel Beaumont as part of Alexandra s independent studies project It has since been accepted for publication in the journal Basic and Applied Herpetology Alexandra comments: "We were amazed with the results generated from my independent studies project not only did we generate some insightful findings but it s a fantastic achievement to have been included in the Basic and Applied Herpetology journal " Previously not many studies have been carried out on learning and memory in reptiles Nel adds: "This was the first experimental work exploring such cognitive processes in this species and we are pleased with the results Alexandra has been an outstanding independent studies project student really wanting to find answers to interesting questions in reptilian cognition I hope future work will expand on the ecological significance of the results and further develop this insight " For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

University appoints new research head 1 October 2014 Professor Richard Hall - currently Director of the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) at the University of Derby - is to also become the University s new Director of Research Innovation and Impact Professor Hall joined Derby in September 2013 having formerly held senior academic and research positions at the University of Wolverhampton and University of Birmingham At Wolverhampton he was instrumental in leading the development of the Innovative Product Development Centre the Caparo Innovation Centre and the Midlands Simulation Group He has an international reputation for expertise in the aerospace automotive and high value manufacturing industries He has previously served on the National Review Panel for the Quality of Research in Higher Education Research assessment Exercise 2008 and more recently the Research Excellence Framework 2014 for Mechanical Aerospace Manufacturing and Chemical Engineering In his new role - as Director of Research Innovation and Impact - he will drive the University s research agenda whilst retaining his Director role at IISE He will report directly to Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Bruce and join the University s Corporate Management Team Professor Hall said: "This is a most important and challenging time for the University and its stakeholders; with many local companies requiring innovation and research and development activities to ensure their future success We are also challenged by the increasing skills levels demanded by industry and commerce "We therefore have an opportunity to grow our research activities and to create a new vibrant research environment here in Derby working collaboratively with our partners for maximum impact I m keen to see us develop appropriate strategies and leadership to complement the activities of other Universities within our region nationally and internationally to make our offering both distinctive and highly valued " Professor Bruce added: "In the year Richard has been at the University he has had a significant impact in Derby and on the way the University is perceived amongst the high tech companies based here This has resulted in significant new business opportunities coming our way adding considerable value to our corporate engagement activities "I have no doubt Richard will apply the same passion for research that we have already seen in his new role and I know his colleagues will wish him every future success " To learn more about research at the University of Derby go to web link www derby ac uk/research For further media information please contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

University assists in urgent donation to Manchester Dogs' Home 25 September 2014 Kind-hearted staff from the University of Derby s IT Department have urgently assisted in providing 20 computers to Manchester Dogs Home which was destroyed after a suspected arson attack on September 11 The University was approached as a matter of urgency by Intrinsic based in Haydock a provider of hybrid IT managed services requesting if the University could supply IT equipment to support the staff working to re-store the home The University asked its IT disposal partner Enviro Electronics Ltd of Doncaster to donate the University s old equipment and deliver it from Derby to Manchester Manchester Dogs Home was set up in 1893 by a group of local businessmen who were concerned about the large number of stray dogs roaming the city and has since taken in over 7 000 dogs every year Gary Winter Field Support Manager in IT Services at the University of Derby said: "When we received the urgent request we were keen to support the home in any way possible I was so saddened to hear about the incident at Manchester Dogs Home we just hope this will assist the staff at this difficult time " Manchester Dogs Home manager Lisa Graham added: "We have been overwhelmed with the kindness and gratitude we have had following the devastating fire and I would like to personally thank the University of Derby for their kindness Donations like this will enable us to begin rebuilding the home and in turn rehome dogs again " For further information or if you would like to donate to help Manchester Dogs Home please go to: www dogshome net or www justgiving com/dogshome For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

University backs tablets which help older people see across the world 19 August 2014 A former senior Derbyshire detective who helped pioneer the UK s safeguarding system which protects the vulnerable has been given a grant by the University of Derby to help open up the internet to older people Russ Baker believes older people who cannot go online can no longer get a fair deal from society and sometimes not even have proper contact with their families or friends - so he was determined to do something about it The success of his weekly "Comfortable with Computers" session which is open to all older people across the High Peak is already attracting interest from government and other agencies They are interested in how this innovative scheme in Buxton is helping the ageing population and whether it could be replicated elsewhere The project hosted by Fairfield Methodist Church mirrors work to combat the abuse of the elderly Russ and a local social worker did many years ago which they started from his office in Buxton Police Station This evolved into the national system of safeguarding which brings under one umbrella all the professionals involved in the protection of vulnerable people "I saw a lot of older people who were being abused by the system not always in a clearly criminal way " said Russ "As a hater of bullies it was my way of making it a fairer system " "Now older people who haven t got access to the internet and don t know how to use it safely are not able to get the best deals or even get in touch with their relatives Some people who come have already reduced their utility bills by large amounts by going online " The breakthrough for Russ was the realisation that older people want to use the newest technology computer tablets Touch-screen technology demystifies computers and the way the tablets come to life through Skype or Facetime with talking pictures of their children and grandchildren in far-away countries is a window on the world which would win over any waverers "These people are pushing loneliness behind them " said Russ But tablets are expensive and the £250 from the University following support from Fairfield Methodist Church High Peak councillors Rachael Quinn Caitlin Bisknell and Fiona Sloman the Bingham Trust Mellor and Smith Funeral Directors and the Buxton Hall Bank Trust has enabled Russ to expand the work "Everybody comes in at a different level " he said "I try to take them to the level they want to go to It isn t a class - there is no agenda Most who have come have no previous knowledge of computers but are interested and we start from there " "It s great to see people who have picked up new skills starting to mentor their friends who are sitting next to them " And the inspiration for it all was Russ s father-in-law Roy - who is 93! The wartime RAF radar engineer taught himself how to use computers when he retired and hasn t looked back since "I started when I was 70 " said Roy who lives in Wales "I d be completely lost now without a computer The thing that amazes me is just how powerful these tablets are - far more powerful than the computer which took the Apollo spacecraft to the Moon " Russ says: "Roy does things with computers I would only think about He is the first person I ask when I have a computer problem " For more details see http://www fairfieldmethodistchurch org uk/comp html For more press details contact j phillips@derby ac uk

University celebrates KTP Week 3 November 2014 Over 100 businesses and universities will come together this November to celebrate the first ever National Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Week which will take place from 3-7 November Conferences and events have been organised throughout the UK to allow businesses and their university partners to showcase their project successes Jackie Edwards University of Derby KTP Officer said: "KTP s are an excellent way for companies to align with a university realise a strategic objective and secure funding for a project which will enable them to grow and thrive " The University of Derby are showcasing their KTP with XAD Communications (XADCO) who are a global company specialising in security and surveillance domains for government public and commercial businesses Through this KTP XADCO have access to the University s latest technologies and expertise to enable them to bring in new capabilities and enhance their commercial offer The University has six other KTP s at an early stage and a further six under development There is a full time graduate working on the XAD project with an Academic Supervisor assisting for half a day per week Dr Ashiq Anjum Reader at the University of Derby and Academic Supervisor commented: "This KTP strengthened the long term partnership between the University and XADCO We successfully won three new research grants from the work of this KTP We were able to expand our research group and induct two new PhD students in the video analytics domain " Dr Yusuf Baltaci Director of XADCO and Chairman of LMC said: "I am happy with the overall progress of this KTP We ported the compute intensive components of the video analytics process to a cluster of Nvidia GPUs " Dr Fahim Tariq Director of XADCO and Industrial supervisor added: "This successful partnership provided a foundation for us to work with the University to develop our platforms and enables students to use the research findings within their assignments It will open new market opportunities for expanding market share " For more information about the University of Derby s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships visit: http://derby ac uk/corporate/ikt/ktp For further press information please contact Kirsty Reynolds University of Derby Press and PR Assistant on 01332 591187 or email K Reynolds1@derby ac uk

University celebrates record number of visitors at Open Day 22 November 2014 More than 4 300 people flocked to visit the University of Derby s Open Day on Saturday (November 22) when prospective students and their families arrived to explore its Kedleston Road site Visitors were also taken to the University s other Derby sites at Markeaton Street Britannia Mill and Derby Theatre and accommodation tours were arranged around the city A series of talks and presentations ran throughout the day to give visitors an insight into courses of interest to them and information on student life Student ambassadors also led hundreds of campus tours for visitors and hundreds also attended the Open Day at the University s Buxton campus A range of course talks were available for new degrees starting in September 2015 including: BA (Hons) Bus ness, Account ng and F nance BA (Hons) Bus ness Start-Up BA (Hons) Econom cs for Bus ness BA (Hons) Enterta nment and Le sure Market ng BSc (Hons) Log st cs and Supp y Cha n Management BSc (Hons) Management Account ng (top up) on ne BA (Hons) Market ng and Bus ness Inte gence BA (Hons) Market ng and D g ta Med a BA (Hons) Market ng and Consumer Psycho ogy BA (Hons) Po t cs, Jo nt Honours BA (Hons) Tour sm and Management Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby said: "On Saturday we had a record number of visitors and I am delighted with the turnout Year by year the University is rising further up the national rankings and our popularity is growing "Open Days are a great opportunity for students considering coming to university to get a real feel for Derby and for those who have come from far and wide a feel for the city itself " For more information on attending future University of Derby Open Days go to: www derby ac uk/study/opendays Media wanting further information on this news release should contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby PR Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

University graduates get to GRIPs with employers at recruitment fair 10 October 2014 Yesterday (9 October 2014) the University of Derby s Career and Employment services held the inaugural Graduate Recruitment Internship and Placement Fair (GRIP) at its Kedleston Road site GRIP was open to all students and recent graduates providing the opportunity for local and national companies to promote their graduate recruitment placement and internship opportunities and gave them the chance to engage with the University s students Alongside the fair which was sponsored by Enterprise Rent-a-Car a CV clinic was held for students wanting to make applications and a number of panel discussions were held giving students opportunities to ask employers questions and engage in conversation Over 350 students and graduates attended the fair between 10am-3pm where they could meet with 30 different companies including the Department for Work and Pensions Network Rail Screwfix and Thorntons Sue Morrison Head of Careers and Employment Services at Derby said: "We were delighted to welcome high profile employers to campus; all seeking to recruit Derby students I am delighted with the enthusiastic response from students and positive feedback from employers "Derby students and graduates are in demand The University of Derby is 10th in the UK league table for employability 96 7% of graduates are in work or study within six months of completing their studies "The University s academic programmes work experience schemes and personal development awards enable students to be work ready and build successful careers Employer fairs like this event today are an important opportunity for students and employers to make contact " For more information about the University of Derby's Career and Employment services please visit http://www derby ac uk/study/careers/ For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email a mallaby@derby ac uk

University helps aspiring writers and publishers get a 'Foot in the Door' 13 November 2014 Aspiring writers and publishers can gain advice from industry experts on how to break into the field of writing and publishing at a literature and creative writing networking event run by the University of Derby s Creative Writing department The University will host its annual event A Foot in the Door on November 18 The event will take place from 7-9pm in Lecture Theatre OL2 at the University s Kedleston Road campus in Derby Authors editors and publishers will speak about the realities of making a living in the field Confirmed panellists include Samantha Hayes bestselling author of Until You re Mine Cathy Bramley writer of selfpublished smash Ivy Lane Ra Page Editor-in-Chief of Comma Press and Rob Maythorne Editor-in-Chief of Verse Publishing Samantha said: "Events such as Foot in the Door are so important for emerging writers and I m thrilled to be on this year s panel I started out by going to similar events myself and they were a great help so it means a lot to be involved I look forward to answering lots of questions!" The panel will be followed by a poetry performance During the evening students and guests will be able to network with panellists and find out more about the opportunities available to them There will also be a publishing/literature fair to close the evening The panel will be chaired by University of Derby Creative Writing graduate; Alex Davis Editor and publisher of local press Boo Books Alex who is co-ordinating Foot in the Door for the fourth time said: " I m really excited to once again be involved in Foot in the Door which this year more than ever will be a not-to-be-missed event for anyone with an interest in writing and publishing Thanks to the support from the University of Derby we re able to present this superb night for free There s bound to be plenty of useful insights and information for everyone attending " Dr Moy McCrory Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Creative Writing at the University of Derby added: "Foot in the Door aims to keep students abreast of literary and creative writing activities in and around Derby It has grown into a regular event and attracted a large number of students and visitors alike "Having welcomed a number of our Creative Writing graduates to speak in the past Foot in the Door paves the way for many more success stories for the course and enhancing the Creative Writing programme at the University " University of Derby students wishing to find out more information about this event can email Moy McCrory at M McCrory@derby ac uk Outside guests wishing to book onto this event should email Alex Davis at boobooks@hotmail co uk For further press information please contact Kirsty Reynolds University of Derby Press and PR Assistant on 01332 591187 or email K Reynolds1@derby ac uk

University IT crowd downloads five nominations at national awards 15 September 2014 The University of Derby s Information Technology (IT) Services department has been shortlisted in the UK IT Industry Awards For the third year running Derby has been shortlisted for the Awards and will face competition from national competitors such as Intel Virgin Media John Lewis and Dell UK The winners will be revealed on November 12 2014 at a ceremony held at Battersea Park Events Arena London The University has been shortlisted for its achievements across five categories: IT Department of the Year Best Use of Cloud Services Business Analyst of the Year for Tracey Robey Data Centre Project of the Year and Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Year for Derby s Director of IT Services Neil Williams The IT Services team has received recognition in the IT Department of the Year category after improving IT capability for the benefit of its staff and students inspiring best in class projects and services Neil Williams Director of IT Services at the University said: "IT Services are standing shoulder to shoulder with multinational organisations across five major categories for these awards This is a fantastic achievement for the University of Derby and a very clear acknowledgement that we are recognised by the IT Industry for excellence in the technology and services we deliver to our students staff and partners " Hari Punchihewa Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University added: "Neil s innovative IT leadership has delivered major benefits to the University and his influence and contribution has gone beyond the IT systems "He has been nominated for his award by the Department to recognise the growth of the IT service the transformational change he has led in people processes and technology and the major impact he has had within the wider University " For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: a mallaby@derby ac uk

University IT team leads on government agenda for cyber security 10 October 2014 University of Derby s Information Technology Services (ITS) Department has been awarded the first Cyber Essentials badge in the UK education sector Cyber Essentials is a government-backed industry-supported scheme that helps organisations to protect themselves against common Cyber-attacks The government has worked with the Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprise (IASME) Consortium and the Information Security Forum (ISF) to develop the scheme To gain the accreditation the University completed an assessment of its IT infrastructure information security messages and management policies and procedures This was reviewed by IASME and the first Cyber Essentials badge in the UK education sector was awarded to Derby Talking about the accomplishment Derby s Director of IT Services Neil Williams said: "This is a great achievement for the University of Derby and a very clear acknowledgement that we are recognised for excellence in the technology and services we deliver to our students staff and partners " Dr Emma Philpott CEO at IASME Consortium Ltd congratulated Derby adding: "This is fantastic news the University of Derby is the first academic organisation to have achieved the Cyber Essentials badge Derby should be extremely proud " Since 1 October 2014 Cyber Essentials became a minimum requirement for bidding for some government contracts For further information about the University of Derby s IT Services please visit http://www derby ac uk/its/ and for more information about Cyber Essentials go to https://www cyberstreetwise com/cyberessentials/ For further press information please contact: Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email a mallaby@derby ac uk

University of Derby awarded for innovative social media campaign 24 October 2014 The University of Derby has won an award at the inaugural East Midlands Innovation in Healthcare awards for a collaborative social media campaign with Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and ADHD Solutions The campaign Disseminating Research Information through Facebook & Twitter (DRIFT) made use of social media to make Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) research and information accessible to patients parents carers and the public The winners received £2 000 to help develop their innovation The award ceremony which took place on October 22 2014 were launched by the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) to recognise and celebrate the work of NHS health and social care organisations to develop and improve new healthcare services for local people Gemma Ryan Senior lecturer Healthcare Practice College of Health and Social Care said: "The aim of our campaign was to make relevant research accessible to the public but also share the ongoing findings and activities in our other project; ADHD One Stop Shop "We know that there is little evidence around sharing research information and disseminating findings in this way and this is why we felt it would be appropriate for the innovative healthcare awards We wanted to share our experiences and show the benefits which can be achieved with such a project but also our learning so we submitted an application detailing these along with how we might expand and improve the project We are extremely pleased to have been shortlisted as finalists and winning the mental health category was even better " Independent Chair of the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network Martin Hindle said: "The quality of the submissions highlights the commitment and expertise of teams across our region The depth of innovation is absolutely incredible and it is clear that great ideas and solutions are being generated every day throughout our region by frontline staff "The NHS faces major challenges to meet increasing demands for services and financial pressures and innovation is central to overcoming these challenges Our awards were launched to identify great ideas that address health challenges and to showcase work we know is out there but don t always find out about The innovations are of critical importance to the future of our NHS and have potential to be spread throughout our region and beyond " For more information about DRIFT and to join them on Facebook: https://www facebook com/ADHDOneStopShop and Twitter go to: @ADHDonestopshop For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

University of Derby graduation ceremony to be held at world-class venue 16 October 2014 The University of Derby has announced that a trio of graduation ceremonies for the class of 2014 will take place at the Derby Arena on Wednesday 14 January Thursday 15 January and Friday 16 January 2015 Thousands of students guests and VIPs are expected to attend the three day celebrations at the worldclass multi-sport arena There will be two ceremonies hosted each day Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: "We are enormously excited to be able to host our graduation ceremony at such an inspiring and iconic venue "Our students have worked exceptionally hard to get to this stage so it s vitally important to us to be able to host the ceremonies at a suitable and celebratory venue " The annual awards ceremony has previously been held at the Assembly Rooms but due to a fire it will now be hosted in the Arena Councillor Ranjit Banwait Leader of Derby City Council said: "I m honored to welcome the University of Derby graduation class of 2014 to the City s iconic Derby Arena "The University of Derby continues to innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing world offering courses that complement the city s proud reputation as a world centre of high tech engineering and creativity "Our young people are our greatest asset and their success is crucial to Derby continuing to compete on the global stage "This stunning building clad in beautiful Olympic colours offers a perfect setting to celebrate their very significant achievements and I m delighted to be hosting the graduation as it inaugural event " A non-denominational service will be held at Derby Cathedral on Sunday 11 January 2015 at 6pm The service will celebrate the work of the University of Derby at the beginning of graduation and awards week For more information about this year's University of Derby awards ceremony and to see a film of last year's go to website www derby ac uk/graduation ENDS For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

University of Derby recognised for Brazilian scholarship programme 16 September 2014 An educational scheme which brought Brazilian students 5 000 miles to study at the University of Derby has been shortlisted for the Midlands International Trade Awards for its work with Science without Borders (SWB) SWB is a Brazilian Government scholarship programme which aims to send 101 000 Brazilian students on undergraduate and postgraduate courses to study in science technology engineering mathematics and creative courses at top universities around the world Brazilian students spend a year at Derby studying before returning home Judges on the Trade Awards panel included David Bailey Professor of Industrial Strategy at Aston Business School; Sally Swann JLT Speciality Head of Office; and Min Rose Senior Executive of Asia Business Centre in Nottingham Nick Slade International Director at the University of Derby said: "At the University we aim to formally recognise the study each student undertakes during their time with us Therefore where eligible all SWB students will return to Brazil with a fully recognised UK University Diploma "As part of their studies in the UK all students are required to undertake a 12-week work placement or university research project over the summer I believe one of the reasons that we have had astounding success with this programme is the quality work experience we provide to all SWB students He added: "We re proud to be acknowledged in this category We have worked extremely hard to develop key links with employers to ensure students get the most from their time at the University of Derby " The prestigious Awards dinner now in its third year will take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel at the NEC on Thursday October 9 (2014) where the winners will be announced For further press information please contact Jenny McNicholas University of Derby Press Officer on 01332 592279 or email: J McNicholas@derby ac uk

University of Derby shortlisted in UK postgraduate awards 5 November 2014 For the second year running the University of Derby has been shortlisted for a Prospects Postgraduate Award which recognises excellence and innovation in UK postgraduate education More than 100 businesses universities and students across the UK entered the Prospects awards in eleven categories The awards which launched in 2013 are the only annual accolades dedicated to celebrating best practice in UK postgraduate education The University of Derby is up against two other institutions for the Best International Campaign award for its integrated marketing campaign which aimed to drive international interest in its Masters degree (MSc) in Public Health Derby is hoping to clinch the Best International Campaign award again having won last year for their Applied Petroleum Science campaign The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on Monday November 10 2014 at The Midland Hotel Manchester The Awards are run by Prospects the UK s leading postgraduate education publisher which also operates prospects ac uk and the official postgraduate course database Nick Slade Director of International Development at the University of Derby said: "We are delighted that the University of Derby is being recognised for its Masters in Public Health campaign "We have fantastic provision in this subject area and we know from feedback that international students are very impressed with the way we work Our focus is in letting people know what we offer and how good we are at delivering an outstanding student experience " Mike Hill Chief Executive of Prospects added: "We re delighted at the response to these awards which are only in their second year but already building momentum The calibre of entries demonstrates the commitment and passion of the teams involved and I wish the University of Derby the best of luck " The Prospects Postgraduate Awards are sponsored by University Business The judging panel includes representatives from the NUS Association of Graduate Recruiters and the Higher Education Funding Council for England For more information please visit www postgraduateawards co uk For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: a mallaby@derby ac uk

University of Derby unveils £10,000 Community Fund 2 October 2014 Community groups in Derby and nearby towns will today be able to get their hands on a share of £10 000 after the University of Derby launched its new Community Fund Following the success of a pilot scheme last year - which supported local projects including a childcare centre picnic and play day and family table tennis scheme - the University of Derby Community Fund will give local groups across the region a chance to impact their community There will be four rounds of funding in 2014/15 with up to £2 500 funding available in each round Applications for the first round of funding are now being accepted and community groups have until Monday 20th October to submit their application Rosie Marshalsay Head of External Relations at the University of Derby said: "I m delighted to announce the launch of the University of Derby Community Fund which will give a boost to those who wish to inspire others and make a real difference We take our responsibility as an integral part of the local community very seriously and so the University is committed to supporting community initiatives wherever possible "We want to recognise the important role that local people play in making our communities better places to live and this is just one of the ways in which the University is seeking to offer further support " To be eligible for funding applicants must be based either in Derbyshire or any of the following neighbouring towns: Burton Leek Macclesfield Mansfield or Uttoxeter Application forms and further information can be downloaded from the Community Fund website: www derby ac uk/communityfund and completed applications should be sent to community@derby ac uk by Monday 20th October Paper application forms are available on request If you would like to request a paper form please call us on 01332 591994 For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email a mallaby@derby ac uk

University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Announces Retirement 13 November 2014 Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby has announced that he will retire in July 2015 at the end of the current academic year He recently celebrated ten years at the helm of the University during which time significant progress has been made in raising the scale stature and profile of the institution In addition to his role as ViceChancellor Professor Coyne has also given significant time and service to other organisations in the city and beyond The University recently entered the Top 50 of the Guardian s universities league table and has just welcomed its largest and best qualified new intake It has seen a significant rise in applications over the past two years and continues to increase in popularity "I continue to enjoy every second of my time at Derby" said Professor Coyne "I was always confident we could make progress from the moment I set foot in the place but the achievements of the past ten years have been beyond my wildest expectations "I am as committed to the task now as ever I was but there comes a time when you have to let go and enable the University to prosper under new leadership - as it surely will The University is full of great professionals with the values and ability to ensure that the organisation continues to go from strength to strength something I shall watch with passionate interest and pride The intensity with which I have always done the job has inevitably squeezed out family and other interests so it is now time to place them to the forefront in retirement " Chris Hughes Chair of the University Council said: "John has given both inspirational and dedicated leadership during his ten years with us and I wish to thank him for all that he has done not just for the University and our students but also for the wider community we serve in Derby Derbyshire and Staffordshire "The University has doubled in size under his tenure and its reputation has grown quite phenomenally Under his stewardship we are financially secure with wonderful facilities in Derby Buxton and Leek with exciting plans ahead for Chesterfield He has always ensured that the quality of the student experience is central to the development of our strategy and plans and that will be his lasting legacy We wish him all the very best for the future and he ll be sorely missed by us all" The process to find a successor has already started and the University is confident that there will be a new Vice-Chancellor in post from August 1st 2015 ENDS For further press information please contact Alice Oliver University of Derby Head of News on 01332 592032 07887 558193 or email: a oliver@derby ac uk

University's Higher Apprenticeship is case in point for employer partnerships 22 September 2014 The University of Derby features in a new national report showing how universities and employers are working together to create a new generation of highly skilled workers Forging Futures: Building higher level skills through university and employer collaboration published by Universities UK and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) looks at how employers and universities are working together to build pathways to the highly skilled jobs crucial to the UK s economic future The report showcases the Higher Apprenticeship (HA) in Mineral Products Technology for combining practical skills development with the acquisition of knowledge in a higher education qualification The HA is offered through the University s Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development Prospective students can choose from multiple pathways - Extractives Asphalt Cement Concrete and Clay depending on which part of the industry they are working in The HA has been designed in partnership with industry organisations and leading professional bodies including: The Institute of Quarrying Hanson UK and the Mineral Products Qualification Council In October 2012 Hanson recruited six young adults who have followed this new route through a Level 4 QCF diploma towards a Foundation Degree The next cohort due to start in October 2014 will include up to 30 new apprentices employed by a range of employers including Lafarge Tarmac Aggregate Industries Sibelco and Hanson Paul Wilkinson Head of Client Partnerships at the University said: "Through our partnership we were able to develop a new Higher Apprenticeship route for the mineral products industries in under six months "The success of the pilot cohort with Hanson UK has led to a number of other employers turning to this pathway to bring new young talent on board This will help address the ageing profile of their workforce by developing supervisors and managers of the future " The report also notes that both employers and universities benefit from improved collaboration The University for example is able to provide relevant and up-to-date courses diversify its offer and enhance employment prospects for its students Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby and UKCES Commissioner added: "There is no one-size-fits-all solution for people to gain the skills they need Work-based courses are an alternative way for young people and experienced workers to gain high-level skills and from the report it is clear there is a lot of great work taking place "A quiet revolution is happening in UK universities but we need more of these university-employer partnerships - and more awareness of work-based routes - so it is a cultural norm to see them as alternatives to the traditional degree " For more information about the Higher Apprenticeships the University of Derby offers please visit http://www derby ac uk/corporate/sectors/minerals/higher-apprenticeships/ or for general information about the Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development visit http://www derby ac uk/minerals ENDS For further press information please contact Adam Mallaby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 592289 or email: a mallaby@derby ac uk

University's innovative MBA course is enhancing careers 10 October 2014 Graduates and professionals seeking to develop their careers could benefit from attending a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) open evening at the University of Derby The University s College of Business will be holding two open evenings at its Kedleston Road site in Derby on Thursday 16 October and Thursday 13 November from 6-7 30pm Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) the MBA is a relatively new and innovative course aimed at helping students to develop acquired management skills to progress to a leadership role in their chosen field and gain Chartered Management Status (CMS) The twelve month course has two start dates September and January Joanne Midgley who works for Akoma International (UK) Limited in Derby is currently studying the MBA part-time at the University Joanne enrolled on the course to develop her understanding of business and enhance her skills She credits the University s MBA for giving her a more rounded understanding of business and how her role impacts on Akoma International s company and team performance Joanne said: "I ve enjoyed learning the different subject areas such as strategic management marketing and operations They are all very interesting and relevant to my career aspirations "The lecturers at Derby are extremely supportive and understanding They provide advice and guidance not only with assignments and exams but also study techniques and organisational skills " A one year top up route is available for those holding qualifications from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Chartered Management Institute (CMI) the Association of Business Practitioners (ABP) the Association of Business Executives (ABE) or an Edexcel Level 7 Stuart West MBA Programme Director at the University of Derby added: "The Derby MBA reflects the characteristics that make the city of Derby distinctive and exceptional We came from a region renowned for innovation and developing both thinkers and doers "The Derby MBA goes beyond the theoretical to that which can be applied directly in the workplace It builds upon relevant practical research to develop leadership and managerial capabilities that enhance the careers of our graduates and make positive impacts upon the organisations and communities they serve " Those attending the MBA open evening will be able to meet with lecturers to find out more about the course modules available to study fees and career development opportunities For more information about the University's College of Business and its courses including the MBA see website www derby ac uk/business For further press information please contact: Kirsty Reynolds Press and PR Assistant University of Derby on 01332 591187 or email K Reynolds1@derby ac uk

War veteran Simon Weston to speak at University's Disability History Month 6 November 2014 Former soldier and campaigning hero Simon Weston will be the main speaker during the University of Derby s Disability History Month - throughout November - which will look at issues including war and disability Mr Weston - a former Welsh Guardsman who suffered 46% burns in 1982 when the military transport ship Sir Galahad was destroyed during the Falklands War - has endured 70 surgical operations to repair his face and body; whilst becoming an acclaimed motivational speaker charities campaigner and TV and radio presenter He will speak about his life and work at a free public lecture at the University of Derby s main Kedleston Road site in Derby from 1 30pm to 2 30pm on Wednesday November 19 The guest lecture is part of a series of free events for the University s annual Disability History Month which this year has the theme of War and Impairment - The Social Consequences of Disablement Other public events - held at the University s main Kedleston Road site in Derby unless otherwise stated will include: Sunday (November 9) - An open mic evening of poetry about disability issues staged by the University s Creative Arts Collective Society At 7pm at Mr Grundy s Tavern in Ashbourne Road Derby Monday (November 10) 12noon - Deputy V ce-Chance or Professor Rod Dubrow-Marsha off c a y aunches the Un vers ty s D sab ty H story Month, n the Atr um of ts ma n Ked eston Road s te n Derby. He w be he ped by the unve ng of a spec a y created d g ta storyboard on d sab t es h story and a performance by the Roya Schoo for the Deaf s gn ng cho r. 1.15pm (and aga n on the afternoon of Tuesday November 11) - Members of the Un vers ty s Creat ve Arts Co ect ve Soc ety w be mak ng kn tted and crocheted popp es, a so n the Atr um. Tuesday (November 11) Armistice Day - Public lecture on Shell Shock and The British Army in the First World War at 11 30am in Lecture Hall OL2 with historian Dr Ian Whitehead Wednesday (November 12) - Public Lecture on Conflict and the Art of Listening: The Emergence of Music Therapy from 2 30pm in the Heap Lecture Theatre with Music Lecturer Matt Le Mere looking at music as a therapeutic tool Thursday November 13 - I am Still Me a talk by Christopher D van-Hilton on living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) To be held from 1 15pm in Room N512 North Tower Wednesday November 19 - Guest Lecture by Simon Weston OBE (see details above) From Monday November 24 - Exhibition of students disabilities-themed photos and artwork in The Street space at the University s Markeaton Street site in Derby This will be followed at 1 30pm on Friday November 28 with the announcement of which artists have won prizes in judges panel and public votes for best artwork Lecturer Jo Bishton Chair of the Disability Coordinators Group at the University and organiser of its Disability History Month said: "This is the second Disability History Month run by the University and we ve got an even more packed programme this year "We re very pleased to have attracted major speakers such as Simon Weston as well as being able to draw on the expertise of our own lecturers particularly in looking at issues around disability and war There should be something for everyone among the events and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the University s sites " Free Disability History Month events will also be held on Tuesday November 25 in and around the Devonshire Dome at the University of Derby s Buxton Campus These will include: At 10am - Open ng of the day s events by M ke Burrows of char ty Combat Stress, set-up to he p ex-serv ces personne dea w th menta hea th ssues. On the Dome f oor. 10.15am - Ta k by Lecturer T m Heap about h s grandfather s exper ences as a tank commander n the F rst Wor d War and the story of how the tank was unearthed n a French f e d n 2002. In Dome Room DO/G04. 11am - M ke Burrows w ta k about char ty Combat Stress and ts work w th combat veterans. Room DO/G04. 11.30am - R ck Cox, of the Grapev ne We be ng Centre n Buxton, w ta k about ts ro e n support ng those w th menta hea th needs. Room DO/G04. 12noon - Tour sm Lecturer Dr E en M chopou ou w ta k about her research nto how ho day prov ders cou d make tr ps and fac t es more access b e to peop e w th d sab t es. Room DO/G04. 12.50pm - The Ka e doscope Commun ty Cho r w perform popu ar songs from the F rst Wor d War per od. On the Dome f oor. 1.15pm - Yasuh ro Kotera (Academ c Lead n Counse ng, Psychotherapy and Psycho ogy w th Un vers ty of Derby On ne Learn ng) w ta k about h s work w th PTSD pat ents. Room DO/G04. 2pm - Roger Fearn, Menta Hea th Pract t oner at the Un vers ty, w d scuss the chang ng face of menta hea th support work. Room DO/G04. Other activities will include arts organisations High Peak Community Arts and Write from the Heart enlisting people s help to build a remembrance obelisk A storyboard will also be unveiled showing photos and documents relating to the Dome s history as a hospital and convalescence centre for injured soldiers returning from the First World War Throughout the day the Buxton Campus s Devonshire Dome will host information stands representing organisations such as Disability Derbyshire Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health High Peak Access the University of Derby Students Union the Red Cross the Samaritans Help for Heroes the Royal British Legion and many others For further information about the University s Disability History Month contact organiser Jo Bishton on email: j bishton@derby ac uk For further information on the University of Derby contact Sean Kirby University of Derby Press & PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s kirby@derby ac uk

Welcome to the Thunderdome 26 August 2014 Buxton is to recreate a highlight of the Winter Olympics in the University of Derby s towering Dome campus Ice climber Andy Turner who teaches at the University s Oaklands Manor Outdoor Pursuits Centre demonstrated his sport at Sochi in Russia earlier this year in a bid to get it recognised as an Olympic event He will be bringing the sport to Buxton at an open day on October 11 by creating an ice-clmbing course 20 metres above the Dome floor featuring giant wooden cubes designed to mimic the ice for climbers who use a technique known as dry tooling The iconic building has been re-named the Thunderdome for the day and some of the world s top ice climbers have been invited to compete on Andy s course The event will also showcase the range of adventure sports on offer at the University These include mountain biking alpine skills high lining and slack lining - tightrope walking with a rope which isn t tight! Anyone who finds that confusing can come along to see what it involves and have a go themselves The Open Day will include a taste of what culinary arts students produce sports massages spa treatments and martial arts And members of the public can take the opportunity to conquer the Dome by climbing a caving ladder to its ceiling The ice-climbing competition however is for experts only Andy Turner is the Team GB ice climbing manager and after competing on the World Cup circuit was invited to represent Britain at the Sochi Winter Olympics in an Ice Climbing Festival "It was an incredible experience and inspired me to organise an event of the same style in the UK something which would showcase the dynamic and spectacular aspects of dry tooling " he said "As an instructor working on the Outdoor Leadership degree programme at the University of Derby s Buxton campus I thought the Devonshire Dome seemed like the perfect venue " For more press information contact j jphillips@derby ac uk

15 January 2015

16 January 2015

Derbyshire duo bring counselling to the Late student’s award for study in the local community face of adversity

Just a few months after completing the Masters (MSc) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICP), course-mates Lucy Harris and Andy Butterton, launched their business, Green Lane Counselling and Psychotherapy (GLCP), in Derby.

A much loved University of Derby student who died shortly after completing his Occupational Therapy course last year (2014) will be posthumously granted an award recognising triumph over adversity.

16 January 2015

19 January 2015

UDOL celebrates graduation of over 700 students worldwide

University of Derby graduate swaps houses for forensics

The University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) celebrated its biggest graduation ceremony this week (January 14 to 16), with over 700 online students graduating from far and wide.

After eight years of working in estate agency, University of Derby graduate, Mandy Stephens, made the decision to take a new career path and go back into education to follow her passion for forensic science.

23 January 2015

6 February 2015

Derby Film Lecturer Kelly Holmes wins Top University of Derby road repair at Pinewood student to be awarded by Nynas Bitumen prize

Senior Film and Media Lecturer Kelly Holmes has been awarded runner-up prize in The Pitch film competition with her film 'Attrition'.

Nynas UK AB bitumen specialist is giving University of Derby students taking the Diploma in Road Surface Treatments the opportunity to be awarded the Nynas Bitumen prize for ‘Best Student’ in 2014/15.

17 February 2015

18 February 2015

University hosts awards to sports stars of the future

Real world experience puts Derby at the top

Sports stars of the future shared nearly £2,000 in grants at a presentation hosted by the University of Derby at its Buxton campus.

Events management courses at the University of Derby have been described as the best in the UK by the head of one of the industry’s leading professional bodies.

20 February 2015

26 February 2015

University delivers Collect+ CEO for annual Logistics Week

University welcomes return of Professor Catherine Belsey Visiting Professor and scholar Catherine Belsey will return to the University of Derby next month (Wednesday March 4) to talk about John Milton's sonnet 19 on the apparition of his dead wife.

The University of Derby is set to host its annual Logistics Week, which includes a keynote presentation from Collect+ CEO and Chair of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Neil Ashworth. 2 March 2015

6 March 2015

University appoints new Energy and Environment Research Chair

Are home comforts the key to victory for University of Derby badminton team?

Professor Paul Stewart has been appointed as Research Chair in Energy and Environment in the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE) at the University of Derby. 12 March 2015

Experience is your passport to a career in travel

If you want to go far in the tourism industry, get experience first, conference at Buxton is told

In a little over two weeks, the University of Derby’s ‘Team Derby’ will take on Milton Keynes Badminton in their first National Badminton League (NBL) home game. 13 March 2015

Students bring community of Derby together to raise awareness of dementia at NHS Change Day

Students from the University of Derby, dementia champions and campaigners, NHS staff and citizens joined together on Wednesday (March 11) for the East Midlands regional NHS Change Day conference.

24 March 2015

25 March 2015

A taste of Korea for students

University of Derby students gear up for world’s largest student motorsport competition

Two University of Derby students will have a taste of a totally different way of life when they take part in a Korean Culture Programme exchange in May, one of their colleagues who made the trip last year has said.

25 March 2015

Engineering students from the University of Derby are on track for the world’s biggest student motorsport competition at Silverstone from July 812, 2015. 27 March 2015

End of debate: Buxton is best in UK for University of Derby partnership equips hospitality future field sales stars

Buxton students beat all UK university and European hotel schools to take title.

The University of Derby has partnered with FieldStar to create the Certificate in Professional Field Sales – the first university accredited learning and development programme for front-line field sales professionals and their managers.

30 March 2015

2 April 2015

Team Derby Motorsport awarded cash boost for car

Dance school’s Easter treat from University ‘Community Fund’ boost

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) visited the University of Derby last Friday (March 27), to award Team Derby Motorsport with a grant for £3,000, after the team won this years’ ‘Rookie Team Award’.

The University of Derby has announced that Vibez Danceworks Studio based in Long Eaton, Nottingham has successfully won funds from the Community Fund initiative.

16 April 2015

17 April 2015

Derby students demonstrate employability for Hays Recruitment competition

Derby Child Contact Centre receives tea time treat from University ‘Community Fund’

Accounting and Finance students at the University of Derby are standing out from the crowd and improving their employability in a competition sponsored by Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruitment.

The University of Derby has announced that the Derby Child Contact Centre has been given a cash boost from its Community Fund initiative.

22 April 2015

23 April 2015

University of Derby shortlisted for three Education is game-changer in the fight Times Higher Education awards against poverty, says Christian Aid Chief

The University of Derby has been shortlisted for three top accolades at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards 2015.

Education is often the game-changer when it comes to fighting poverty, Loretta Minghella OBE, Chief Executive of Christian Aid, told an audience at the University of Derby’s Buxton campus.

27 April 2015

29 April 2015

University student bounces back from illness and scoops top award

The stars come out in Buxton for Hollyoaks wedding spectacular

A computing student who had to take two years out from his degree due to illness has won Student of the Year, organised by multinational company, CACI Network Services.

Events management students made a TV soap star’s dreams come true when he married his long-term partner at the University of Derby’s Buxton campus.

29 April 2015

1 May 2015

Former Olympic team manager challenges ‘lazy nation’ in upcoming University lecture

University of Derby announces new Vice-Chancellor

A University academic will be delving into Britain’s embarrassing reputation as the ‘lazy nation’ of Europe in his inaugural lecture.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell BSc, PhD, CPsychol, will succeed Professor John Coyne as ViceChancellor of the University of Derby from September this year.

1 May 2015

7 May 2015

Aspiring teacher wins national volleyball award

Derby to become ‘thriving hub of visual art’ during 2015 final degree shows

An aspiring primary school teacher who is a member of the University of Derby’s volleyball team has won a national award.

13 May 2015

Creative final-year students at the University of Derby will be showcasing their predictions for future trends in art, design, music, textiles and photography in the 2015 final degree shows starting next week. 13 May 2015

Students help brand Derbyshire businesses

Girl power hits Derby with new film about female rights to education

Marketing students at the University of Derby recently presented brand recommendations to two Derbyshire-based organisations (May 6).

Female students from the University of Derby have helped create a film in response to a global campaign for girls’ education.

14 May 2015

14 May 2015

Derby students to see the dark side of California in stateside trip

Live music showcase event to take place in Derby

Criminology students from the University of Derby will embark on a trip of a lifetime to the USA tomorrow (May 15) to experience the American criminal justice system first-hand.

Students are hoping to hit the right note as they perform at the University of Derby’s Big Show Music Showcase tomorrow night (May 15) at Derby Theatre.

27 May 2015

27 May 2015

University hosts SEND conference

Graphic design student showcases international photography festival app at degree exhibition

The University of Derby is hosting a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) conference titled ‘Pursuing Inclusive Outcomes through Co-operation and Collaboration’ on Friday, June 12.

28 May 2015

A graphic design student who helped create an interactive mobile app for FORMAT15 International Photography Festival will be showcasing his creations to the public this weekend. 28 May 2015

University of Derby develops Accounting and Finance Higher Apprenticeship

Student whose best friend died suddenly creates ‘stunning’ film in his memory

The University of Derby has announced plans to introduce a Higher Education Apprenticeship Degree (HEAD) route to achieving a professional accounting qualification and Masters degree in Accounting and Finance simultaneously, with access to student finance throughout. 1 June 2015

A fine art student at the University of Derby whose best friend died from a brain aneurysm has created a moving film in his memory.

University receives £437,000 boost to help Derby’s residents get moving

Alpaca knitwear, bulletproof lined clothing and cement-inspired dresses provide unique fashion collections at Derby’s final degree show

The University of Derby has been awarded £437,376 from Sport England to help fund a new project aimed at encouraging inactive people to take part in sport.

1 June 2015

A fashion student at the University of Derby has returned to her roots by using fibre from her family’s alpacas to create her final degree knitwear collection.

2 June 2015

3 June 2015

Romanian student scoops top award for sculpture featuring historic Derby buildings

Derby artists exhibit at Royal Derby Hospital

A Romanian student who came to the UK to pursue his love for art has won a top award for his finalyear degree project.

The University of Derby’s Banks Mill Studios are proud to present their exhibition, Connect, which launches at the Royal Derby Hospital on Wednesday, June 10 and runs until Monday August 31, 2015.

5 June 2015

8 June 2015

Fashion student wins Best Collection award after being judged by panel including Prada designer

Team Derby crowned first ever National Badminton League champions

A fashion student at the University of Derby said she was “overwhelmed” after her womenswear collection was selected for an award by a panel of judges including a top Prada designer.

Team Derby lifted the inaugural National Badminton League (NBL) title on Sunday (June 7), beating Loughborough Sport 3-2 in the final event.

10 June 2015

15 June 2015

University of Derby introduces MOOCs Photography student who took images of Derby’s Market Hall wins place in Guardian gallery

Two Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been introduced at the University of Derby to benefit people wanting to learn about dementia and those who wish to enhance their digital reputation.

A photography student at the University of Derby who took images of traders in Derby’s Market Hall has had her artwork selected to appear in a special gallery on The Guardian’s website.

17 June 2015

17 June 2015

University students help raise money to save Derbyshire’s children from lifethreatening illness

Nationwide search is on for the UK’s best young adventurers

University of Derby students are helping a Derbyshire schoolboy achieve his dream of repaying Sheffield Children’s Hospital for its lifesaving treatment by holding a fundraising ball at their historic Devonshire Dome campus in Buxton.

A national search for the UK’s most adventurous youngsters has been launched by the University of Derby.

18 June 2015

19 June 2015

Police cadets present solutions to stamp out community issues as part of bespoke University training course

Rare plant that ‘cures the bite of a mad dog’ discovered in Derby

A group of aspiring police officers have put forward their solutions to tackle a host of serious community issues as part of a bespoke University of Derby cadets training course.

Plantago coronopus, or Buck’s-horn Plantain – a salt tolerant plant usually spotted in coastal areas – has been discovered growing in the very centre of Derby.

22 June 2015

22 June 2015

University of Derby scoops national award

Students to showcase their vision for the future of Derby at annual Property Summit

Staff from the University of Derby travelled to London on Thursday night (June 18) to be crowned winner of the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Award for ‘Knowledge Transfer Initiative of the Year’.

Four students from the University of Derby have been selected to showcase their final-degree projects at the annual Derby Property Summit.

23 June 2015

26 June 2015

Unplug your tech and take a dose of nature

Real-world learning leads to worldclass spa experience

Ahead of the UK’s first ‘National Unplugging Day’ this Sunday (June 28), researchers at the University of Derby are urging the nation to switch off their phones and reconnect with the great outdoors.

Real-world learning at the University of Derby has given Ieva Cesnoka the chance to help run a worldclass spa.

1 July 2015

3 July 2015

Graduates land top honours at local law firm

Royal Crown Derby launch official University owl

Six law students from the University of Derby have been recruited by local firm Flint Bishop LLP.

Royal Crown Derby unveiled their official University owl yesterday (July 2, 2015) which has been created especially for the University of Derby.

3 July 2015

3 July 2015

Local law firms boost Derby students’ career chances

Derby students make final of national graphic design competition

Five local law firms in the East Midlands have agreed to work with the University of Derby’s Law School to offer work placements for LLB and Joint Honours students as part of an agreed sponsorship prize.

Three graphic design students at the University of Derby are preparing to pitch their eye-catching projects at a Dragons’ Den-style event after making it to the final of a national competition.

3 July 2015

6 July 2015

Jobs are waiting for you

Professional mentors for Derby business management students

Hospitality industry leaders Chartwells have given University of Derby students a £10,000 vote of confidence through grants to help them gain work experience in some of the world’s top restaurants and hotels.

From September 2015, all new, year one BA (Hons) Business Management students at the University of Derby will be guaranteed a mentor from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

6 July 2015

8 July 2015

Buxton students show Girl Guides the real point of sword-fighting

Call for UK’s young adventurers to dash for the finishing line

Youngsters across the area have been taught the sport by Foundation Degree Sports Coaching undergraduates from the Buxton Campus under a new scheme called ‘Go Fence’, which has an emphasis on team-work.

The search for the UK’s most adventurous explorers is reaching its climax, with nominations for the University of Derby’s Young Adventurers Awards 2015 due to close at the end of the month.

9 July 2015

15 July 2015

University Community Fund continues to help projects in Derby

From aerodynamics to zombies – University launches experts guide for journalists The University of Derby has launched a new Guide to Expertise, bringing together all of its media friendly experts to provide comment on everything from zombies and daydreaming to law and politics.

Food banks, furniture and football are just a few of the ways the University of Derby is helping community projects across the region. 16 July 2015

17 July 2015

Research Review launched at University conference on collaboration

Derby Childhood Studies students survey Nottinghamshire parks

The University of Derby’s annual Research Review 2014-15 was launched at this year’s Research Conference.

Childhood Studies students from the University of Derby will be working with Ashfield District Council this autumn on an evaluation of the play potential of Brierley Forest Park and Huthwaite Welfare Park, Nottinghamshire.

17 July 2015

17 July 2015

Engineering students take to the track at Silverstone

Film lecturer’s fantasy restoration scoops international award

Engineering students from the University of Derby took to Silverstone last weekend (July 8–12), for the world’s biggest student motorsport competition, Formula Student 2015.

University of Derby film and video production lecturer, Russell Cherrington, was part of a team who won the award for ‘Best DVD/BD Special Edition Release’ at the 41st Annual Saturn Awards 2015, in Los Angeles, California.

30 July 2015

3 August 2015

Claridge’s customers go wild for chef Andy’s food

University of Derby delivers pioneering work-based learning to Chinese visitors

University of Derby graduate Andy Bright has secured a job at top London hotel Claridge’s where clients are going wild for a taste of the country in the heart of the city.

A group of teachers and senior managers from Hunan in China have been welcomed by the University of Derby to take part in a summer training programme to support work-based learning for apprentices and trainees in transportation and logistics.

7 August 2015

7 August 2015

Expert to host lecture considering future of the career education system

Toxicology department say yes to Derby student within a week of finishing

Careers development and employability expert Professor Tristram Hooley will be hosting an inaugural lecture titled ‘Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery’ at the University of Derby on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 5.30pm.

11 August 2015

British actor Jack O’Connell to receive Honorary Degree from University of Derby

Hollywood star Jack O’Connell is among a group of six set to receive Honorary Degrees from the University of Derby.

Natalie Harrison, who graduates from the University of Derby this year, will kick-start her career as a Toxicology Analyst just one week after completing her degree in Forensic Science. 11 August 2015

Chancellor praises University’s “rescue plan” for Chesterfield

The Duke of Devonshire has praised the University of Derby for rescuing one of Chesterfield’s bestloved buildings.

12 August 2015

28 August 2015

Buxton people are warmer than the weather, Koreans tell Mayor Stewart

University named first ever ‘CredAble Employer’ for disability employment practices

The Koreans were given an insight into British public life by High Peak Mayor, Councillor Stewart Young, a tour of Chatsworth, a visit to Manchester’s art galleries and museums, a talk by Buxton police and a taste of British justice by visiting the town’s magistrates court.

The University of Derby was presented this week with a CredAble Employer Mark – the first organisation to be awarded in the UK.

1 September 2015

8 September 2015

University supports Derby software company’s expansion plans

Dream comes true as Megan begins work for Raymond Blanc

The University of Derby’s Invest to Grow programme is supporting Derby-based company, CommonTime, in their continued business growth with an award of £800,000.

Renowned chef Raymond Blanc OBE made a dream come true for a University of Derby Culinary Arts student by giving her a full-time job at his world-famous restaurant, the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

9 September 2015

11 September 2015

University contributes 500 jobs and £32 million a year to Buxton economy

A Sack of Uncut Gems

Five hundred jobs are supported by the £32 million worth of spending generated each year by the University of Derby’s Buxton Campus, an economic impact report commissioned to mark the institution’s ten years in the town has revealed.

This growing gap between London and the rest of country has become such a matter of concern that it is now reflected in new Government tourism strategies, Mr Dixon will say on October 7 as part of the University’s public lecture series at its Buxton Campus.

17 September 2015

2 October 2015

Derby graduate Simon amplifies success with national audio award

Inspirational new Programme Leader for dance degree at Derby

University of Derby graduate Simon Durbridge has been awarded for ‘Best Undergraduate Research Project’ at the 26th UK Audio Engineering Society (AES) Conference.

Innovative and passionate contemporary choreographer and performer, Alice Vale, has been appointed as the new Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Dance at the University of Derby.

9 October 2015

12 October 2015

Derby Business School hosts public lecture with leading HR expert

Is our education system fit for UK plc? asks Derby Business School

The University of Derby will welcome internationally acclaimed independent consultant, coach, researcher and author, Dr Linda Holbeche, for an ‘Evening With’ on Thursday, October 15.

The University of Derby hosted an evening of influential debate and discussion last week on the current state of the UK education system and their visions for the future.

13 October 2015

14 October 2015

Computer Science expert to host lecture How following a tank’s tracks through on how data has shaped big history revealed a family at war experiments

A Professor in Computer Science is to give a lecture at the University of Derby on how Big Data has enabled key science experiments to take place – as well as the challenges large data can cause.

Courage in war and a love story which crossed enemy lines are all part of the true tale of Deborah the Tank, which will be revealed in a University of Derby public lecture by the man who wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t all happened.

16 October 2015

16 October 2015

Martial artist Charles beats age to win national title

A University made in Chesterfield

Fifty-three-year-old Charles competed at international level in his 20s and 30s, but was forced to stop after a bad injury meant he would not be able to take part again.

Engineering for the future is the theme of a talk in the Made in Chesterfield series on November 5 when the University of Derby outlines to business leaders plans for its new campus in the town.

19 October 2015

20 October 2015

University of Derby announces support for trio of local projects

University helps Buxton Café Club connect older and younger generations

Fishing, cricket and youth work are the latest local projects to receive grants from the University of Derby’s Community Fund.

The University of Derby Community Fund, now in its fourth round for 2014/15, has awarded a grant to The Dome Café Club project in Buxton.

30 October 2015

6 November 2015

Derby graduates work on World Premiere of Spectre

University promotes significant Supply Chain and Operations research

Eight University of Derby graduates worked at the World Premiere of the latest James Bond film, Spectre, at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this week (October 26).

Two researchers from the University of Derby’s Business School have released the latest issue of their online journal, which promotes new and innovative research in the supply chain and operations industry.

10 November 2015

12 November 2015

Weekend of photography in Derby strengthens 60 years of teaching at University

New super computer strengthens University partnership with RollsRoyce

University of Derby plays host to INFOT 2015 – a weekend conference for commercial and industrial photographers – this Friday and Saturday (13-14 November).

A new super computer designed by Iceotope and funded by Rolls-Royce has been purchased by the University of Derby to aid further collaborative research projects.

13 November 2015

13 November 2015

Derby’s business elite to meet the next generation of entrepreneurs

Team Derby confirms two new signings for National Badminton League season

Successful business professionals in Derby will take time out next week to meet with the next generation of budding entrepreneurs at an event hosted by the University of Derby.

Team Derby, champions of the inaugural National Badminton League (NBL), are excited to announce the signings of Swedish International Mixed Doubles star Amanda Hogstrom and the Malaysian Doubles player Hui Lin Ng for the second NBL season.

16 November 2015

19 November 2015

Derby students’ futuristic drama wins at Royal Television Society Awards

University audio visual expert wins national IT award

Four film production students from the University of Derby scooped the Student Drama Award last Thursday (November 12) at the annual Royal Television Society (RTS) Midlands Awards.

An Audio Visual Technician from the University of Derby was awarded ‘IT Service and Support Professional of the Year’ at the annual UK IT Industry Awards 2015 last night.

23 November 2015

26 November 2015

University’s International Partners receive national accreditation

University feeling good about jobs in wellness industry of the future

Two University of Derby International Collaborative Partners have been awarded accreditation by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for their delivery of the BA (Hons) Business Management programmes.

A new degree at the University of Derby will meet a big UK demand for skilled workers – in jobs which don’t yet exist.

26 November 2015

27 November 2015

University Law School to host seminar on the challenges for police leadership

University to open new hall of residence in the Cathedral Quarter The University of Derby’s Student Living service Derby Student Residences Limited (DSRL) - will be opening a brand new hall of residence in September 2016.

The University of Derby’s Law School is set to host its second British Society of Criminology (BSC) Midlands Regional Network seminar, which provides a platform for experts in the criminal justice sector to discuss their research and engage in a variety of talks. 1 December 2015

10 December 2015

Teacher training at Derby rated ‘Outstanding’ in latest Ofsted report

Double win for Derby Business School at annual University Trading Challenge

The University of Derby’s College of Education has upheld its excellent reputation for teacher training after being awarded the highest accolade from Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education) in their latest report. 15 December 2015

A team of Banking and Finance students from the University of Derby scooped two awards at this year’s University Trading Challenge (UTC), making it the third consecutive year that Derby Business School students have won. 17 December 2015

Logistic courses at Derby given stamp of approval by national organisation

Students cook up a storm at the Natural History Museum

The independent professional body for individuals associated with logistics, supply chains and transport, has accredited two logistic courses at Derby Business School at the University of Derby.

Students from the University of Derby cooked up a storm at a national event held to celebrate business excellence in London’s famous Natural History Museum.

18 December 2015

7 January 2016

University supports student’s initiative to help spread Christmas cheer to homeless community

Jonathan puts his finger on what digital literacy really means

Homeless people in Derby were treated to a festive Christmas meal last night (Thursday, December 17), with a little help from the University of Derby and one inspiring student.

Tracking your digital footprint through the worldwide web – and understanding who else might be on your trail – is just one of the skills you need before calling yourself digitally literate, a new book by Jonathan White demonstrates.

12 January 2016

13 January 2016

Student lands graduate post at global logistics organisation

Pulling your punches with martial arts

A logistics student from the University of Derby has been offered a place on one of the graduate programmes at DHL – the global market leader in the logistics industry.

Black belt, author and Martial Arts Hall of Fame member Charles Spring told Institute members that academic research into the founding philosophies of self-restraint and control behind martial arts are as vital as the physical side of the sport.

13 January 2016

12 January 2016

International student soaks up success in new role at Lush Cosmetics

Student lands graduate post at global logistics organisation

An international student who studied at the University of Derby has secured a role at Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, just months after completing a postgraduate qualification.

A logistics student from the University of Derby has been offered a place on one of the graduate programmes at DHL – the global market leader in the logistics industry.

15 January 2016

21 January 2016

Nursing students to gain first-hand experience of India’s health provision

Home comforts for Team Derby’s magnificent seven in the hunt for national titles

Six Nursing students from the University of Derby have embarked on a month-long placement in India, starting today (Friday, January 15).

Seven of Team Derby’s AJ Bell National Badminton League (NBL) title winning squad will be gunning for more national glory in February when they compete to be 2016 champions at the English National Badminton Championships.

22 January 2016

12 February 2016

Business students show off their creativity and acumen to future employers

University looks at why the ‘dark side’ is a force to be reckoned with in tourism

More than 150 first year business students at the University of Derby joined local businesses for an evening of networking and presentations on Wednesday (January 20).

Growing numbers of tourists are defying the sunseeker image of holiday-making by deliberately searching for the dark side of travel destinations, say University of Derby academics.

12 February 2016

12 February 2016

Multi-million pound University Sports Centre wins Best New Build at Brighter City of Derby Awards

Bishop of Derby presents at TEDx talk at One Friar Gate Square

The University of Derby’s new £10.8 million Sports Centre has won the Brighter City of Derby award for Best New Build 2015.

The Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern, presented a live talk from the University of Derby last night (February 11), as part of a TEDx talk titled ‘Transforming Lives’.

12 February 2016

15 February 2016

Wedding bells ring for two students who met at University

University of Derby agrees new partnership to support school sport

Two University of Derby graduates are set to marry this summer in Derby, just a stone’s throw from where they met 10 years ago.

The University of Derby has agreed a new partnership with Derbyshire Sport and the Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association (DSSA), which will see it supporting the delivery of school sport competitions in the county and the annual Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Awards.

16 February 2016

22 February 2016

New research calls for greater support for adults with intellectual disabilities

School and college girls should seize career opportunities, say top women engineers

Newly published research from the University of Derby suggests there may be a need for greater support to help adults with intellectual disabilities to integrate into society, particularly in current Government schemes concerning emotion recognition skills.

Top female engineers from across the East Midlands will share their career journeys and ambitions with school and college girls at an event hosted by the University of Derby.

18 March 2016

5 April 2016

New engineering course to strengthen graduate prospects and support industry needs

Upcoming debate asks ‘How do we make the Planning System work for Business?’

The University of Derby has secured funding from Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to develop a new masters degree course which will support current and future needs across the engineering sector and strengthen graduate prospects.

Derby Business School will team up with national leading law firm Freeths LLP to host the third in a series of debates, which will ask the question: how do we make the Planning System work for business?

7 April 2016

7 April 2016

Computer Games students to exhibit creations at University’s annual games showcase

Derby hosts international health and social care conference with key focus on diversity and inclusion

Students from the University of Derby will present their gaming creations to leading UK gaming companies on Friday, April 22 at Games@Derby.

Issues of diversity and social inclusion within health and social care will be addressed internationally at an upcoming annual conference being hosted by the University of Derby.

20 April 2016

21 April 2016

Oriental cookery contest sees Anthony take away work experience with TV chef Glynn

Martial arts success leads the way to wellness

Taking part in a national Chinese cookery competition has brought an extra portion of work experience with a TV chef for University of Derby Culinary Arts student Anthony Wood.

A researcher at the University of Derby has identified a potential British martial arts champion.

29 April 2016

29 April 2016

Marketing students propose creative ideas to help TC Harrison Ford

Lecturer’s short film about gay love in later life scoops five awards at international competition

Students at the University of Derby have been working with TC Harrison Ford to help them develop a better understanding of their current customer experience.

A short film written and directed by University of Derby Lecturer, Dr Christine Templeton-Parker, has won five prestigious Awards of Excellence at the international Best Shorts Competition.

26 May 2016

13 June 2016

University workshops are inspiring college students to raise their grades

New research combines medicine and engineering to improve quality of life for patients with kidney failure

More than 400 students in Sheffield, who are currently resitting their GCSE English and Maths exams, have taken part in a series of workshops to help build their confidence and inspire them to raise their grades.

A new Derby-based, collaborative research project, which combines medicine and engineering, could improve the lives of thousands of people worldwide who are dependent on dialysis.

15 June 2016

24 June 2016

Archbishop of Canterbury supports campaign to end human trafficking in the supply chain by 2030

EU referendum Result – A Statement from the Vice-Chancellor

On Thursday 23 June 2016 the Most Reverend and the Right Honourable the Archbishop of Canterbury will be guest of honour at an event hosted and organised by the University of Derby’s International Policing and Justice Institute (the Institute). 28 June 2016

"The transition will take some time, during which we will remain committed to our values"

30 June 2016

Team Derby reveals two new Olympic Brand new outdoor learning space is a signings ahead of this seasons’ National first for Derby Badminton League

Eight badminton players were yesterday (June 27) named by the British Olympic Association to represent Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Derby's first ever outdoor learning space was opened on Tuesday (June 28) in a special celebration that took place at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road library.

4 July 2016

6 July 2016

Universities in the driving seat for enterprising Midlands Engine growth

Derby’s Vice-Chancellor strengthens Swiss partnerships on two-day visit

Six Midlands’ universities have joined forces to drive productivity and economic growth through skills, innovation and enterprise.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, visited two of the institution’s international partners last week to further enhance research collaborations between Derby and Switzerland.

14 July 2016

19 July 2016

Bombardier Transportation offers Mechanical Engineering students real world rail experience in national competition

Female film students drive the equality agenda with LGBT YouTube smash

Mechanical Engineering students at the University of Derby joined forces with world-leading rail manufacturer Bombardier Transportation for a taste of the real world last week (July 6), as they took part in the annual Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Railway Challenge.

Four female film students have joined forces to create an award-winning short film about a samesex relationship and break the misconception that the film industry is male-dominated.

29 July 2016

29 July 2016

Team Derby announces international triple threat ahead of third NBL season

Visually impaired student creates gadget to help others to read math

Team Derby have announced the signing of three champion international badminton players, in the run up to their third National Badminton League (NBL) season.

A partially sighted student has developed a software package that will read mathematical symbols and formulae to help other visually impaired (VI) people.

8 August 2016

25 August 2016

Clearing 2016: Demystifying student debt

Take a digital detox and experience the arts and the great outdoors with Nature Connections 2016

Robert Fowler, Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) Co-ordinator at the University of Derby, offers advice on money and demystifies student debt worries.

With recent research highlighting that smartphone addicts are significantly more anxious than nature lovers*, the University of Derby’s Nature Connections Festival is returning for its highly anticipated second year.

14 September 2016

3 October 2016

University set to update Chesterfield’s skill base

University leaders join delegation in China to strengthen collaborations

Professionals aiming to get ahead in their careers can find out what the University of Derby’s new Chesterfield Campus has to offer on October 27 at a Professional and Part-Time Study Open Evening.

Senior professionals from the University of Derby visited Shanghai, China this week as part of a Ministerial Delegation led by Jo Johnson MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, to further strengthen research collaborations between the UK and China.

6 October 2016

7 October 2016

Seven universities join forces to power up the Midlands Engine and boost growth

UN WTO attends University of Derby conference which aims to make the world a better place through tourism

Seven Midlands universities officially joined forces today (Tuesday October 4) in a pioneering new partnership to provide a powerful economic resource for the Midlands Engine, after new Prime Minister Theresa May reiterated her support for the initiative.

United Nations experts were among the delegates when the University of Derby hosted a debate on how to ensure that tourists bring more benefits than harm to their host destinations.

10 October 2016

18 October 2016

Students help Derbyshire residents change travel habits

Community get chance to see inside £6.9 million conversion of historic Chesterfield building

Students at the University of Derby are helping to transform the way people travel around Buxton and other Derbyshire market towns.

Chesterfield will get the chance to see how the University of Derby has spent £6.9 million on converting the former St Helena Girls Grammar School into its new campus in the town at a Community Open Afternoon from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, October 29.

19 October 2016

20 October 2016

First Dean’s Awards demonstrate academic excellence and real-world experience

Wrekin invites University of Derby students to design the future of civil engineering

Students presented with awards for academic excellence at the University of Derby also proved they have what it takes to be a success outside the classroom.

Product Design students at the University of Derby are looking at the future of manhole covers, gully grates and geosynthetics thanks to a partnership with Wrekin, manufacturer of intelligent products for civil engineering.

26 October 2016

27 October 2016

University teaches people to be their own best friend

Wake up to hi-tech engineering support at University business breakfast

How to turn that constant critic in the back of your mind into your own best friend is the theme of a public lecture at the University of Derby’s new Chesterfield Campus on November 30.

Grant funding, higher apprenticeships and access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities are just some of the exciting new opportunities businesses can find out about at a free breakfast seminar.

4 November 2016

8 November 2016

Derbyshire man’s career in tourism honoured by University

Trevor honoured for pioneering partnerships which took the limits off learning

Derbyshire-born James Berresford has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Derby in recognition of his career in tourism which has ranged from working as a teenaged ice-cream van driver to guiding VisitEngland as its Chief Executive.

A passion for giving people a second chance to change their lives through education has brought an honorary degree from the University of Derby for former Chesterfield College Principal Trevor Clay.

8 November 2016

8 November 2016

University is a family affair as mum and daughter graduate on same day

Awards shortlist demonstrates decade of success in Devonshire Dome

A mother and daughter are celebrating a fistful of firsts as they graduate from the University of Derby - on the same day and in the same subject.

Recognition in one of Derbyshire’s highest profile business competitions has sealed a decade of success at the Devonshire Dome, home of the University of Derby’s Buxton Campus.

10 November 2016

15 November 2016

Culinary arts go global at Buxton thanks to transatlantic partnership

How martial arts keeps English champion fighting fit

A partnership with one of America’s best known resort chains is giving University of Derby students the global experience they need in today’s competitive world of culinary arts.

Martial arts is a great way to keep fighting fit – no matter what your age or ability, says Charles Spring, England’s latest karate champion and lecturer in Wellness at the University of Derby.

24 November 2016

24 November 2016

University of Derby has role in expanding tourism industry in the Peak, says Minister

Derby students tap into hotel chain’s “talent pipeline”

University of Derby students have a vital role to play in the Government’s plan to expand the Peak District’s tourism industry, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Karen Bradley has said.

University of Derby students aiming to be the hospitality industry’s managers of the future have been invited to join a “talent pipeline” set up by one of the largest hotel owners and managers in the UK and Ireland.

2 December 2016

6 December 2016

Spa therapy products are good for students’ careers

Martial arts graduate tops women’s black belt rating

Career prospects for University of Derby students are getting an invigorating boost from two leaders in the international spa industry.

University of Derby Martial Arts graduate Charlie Foster Phillips has been rated the best female in the UK’s latest Tae Kwon Do black belt rankings. And she’s now using her skills to help students at Buxton and Leek College who are struggling with their academic work.

12 December 2016

13 December 2016

Buxton shows its zest for Asian food

Students scoop awards in national trading challenge

Culinary Arts students at the University of Derby have won a place at the top table when it comes to Asian cuisine by getting through to the final of a national competition designed to spice up job prospects for young chefs.

Three business students from the University of Derby have won two awards in a national finance trading competition.

15 December 2016

21 December 2016

American experience raises Buxton’s international profile

University students beat the competition for Flint Bishop bursary

University of Derby Hospitality students are set to raise their international profile by working with some of America’s top hotels.

Two University of Derby students Sayra Dhillon and Molly Mcloughlin have landed bursaries with local firm Flint Bishop LLP.

5 January 2017

5 January 2017

Millions of adults in the UK unhappy in current job but don’t do anything about it

Wellness lecturer and martial arts professional Charles aims for world championship

New research has today (January 5) revealed that, despite millions of adults claiming to be unhappy in their job, very few actually take steps to make a change.

University of Derby Senior Wellness Lecturer Charles Spring is aiming for his first martial arts World Championship – at the age of 54.

5 January 2017

13 January 2017

University and Opera House work in perfect harmony to make sure show goes on

Performance boost for Derby as Olympic gold hockey coach joins University

Buxton’s economy has received a boost thanks to an innovative partnership pioneered by the University of Derby’s commercial wing.

Fresh from coaching the Great Britain women’s hockey team to a gold medal at the Rio Olympics, Craig Keegan will join the University of Derby next month as its new Sports Performance Manager.

19 January 2017

24 January 2017

University of Derby serves up a helping of cash for the NSPCC

Tourism expert challenges Buxton to become a world-class destination

Hospitality students at the University of Derby have won the chance to work with some of the UK’s top chefs while raising thousands of pounds for children’s charity the NSPCC.

Buxton must take the opportunity offered by the restoration of its historic Crescent to become a world-class destination, former Chief Executive of tourism authority VisitEngland will say when he delivers the University of Derby’s next public lecture in the town on February 22.

27 January 2017

31 January 2017

Derby Holocaust survivor visits University to mark Memorial Day

No strings attached to University’s grant for puppet group

One of the last surviving holocaust survivors, Bernard Grunberg, visited the University of Derby ahead of the Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27) to talk about his experience as a Jewish boy during the rise of Nazi Germany.

Derbyshire puppet company Funny Wonders will develop new creative workshops to take into local schools thanks to a grant from the University of Derby’s Community Fund.

31 January 2017

31 January 2017

Grant will help Rotary Club find youth Grant gives adults a second chance at leaders of the future literacy

Buxton Rotary Club will use a £450 grant from the University of Derby’s Community Fund to turn young people in to the leaders of the future.

A grant from the University of Derby’s Community Fund will buy specialist books to help give adults who missed out at school a second chance to learn to read.

31 January 2017

14 February 2017

University helps close gap in mental health provision for young people

Holidays should be a right – not just a privilege, tourism conference is told

A grant from the University of Derby’s Community Fund will support a Derbyshire charity as it tries to bridge a gap in NHS funding which has left a growing number of adolescents facing mental health issues without professional help.

Being able to go away on holiday should be a right and not just a privilege, the University of Derby’s Spa, Tourism and Wellness Conference heard today (February 13).

9 March 2017

3 April 2017

Funding awarded to University to maximise outcomes for students at Derby

University pledges to support estranged students and asks them not to ‘Stand Alone’

A new project led by The University of Derby has been awarded £439,307 from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, has signed the ‘Stand Alone’ pledge – making a commitment for the institution to support and develop services for estranged students.

5 April 2017

4 May 2017

Partnership boost for the University of Derby and Mickleover Sports Club

Funding boost helps game development studio launch award-winning educational app

The University of Derby and Mickleover Sports Club celebrated the success of their new partnership last night (April 4) before the club’s match against Sutton Coldfield.

A game development studio based in Friar Gate Studios in Derby has received £50,000 funding from the University of Derby’s Invest to Grow Fund and could see the creation of up to eight jobs over the next few years.

3 July 2017

6 July 2017

Derby student handed top award by fashion guru Gok Wan

Radio production lecturer’s dramas scoop two international awards

A fashion student at the University of Derby has received a special commendation award from TV presenter and style guru Gok Wan at a top fashion awards.

University Media Production Lecturer is part of the Henchman Productions team that scooped two Bronze Awards at the New York Festivals’ International Radio Program Awards 2017.

11 July 2017

13 July 2017

Businesses invited to University’s work experience launch

Lecturers win national award for excellence in teaching criminology

Businesses are invited to the launch of the University of Derby Work Experience Programme on Thursday July 20 from 8am – 10am, to find out how they can benefit from the student and graduate talent at the University

Two criminology academics from the University have won the National Award for Excellence in Teaching Criminology 2017 from the British Society of Criminology (BSC) Learning and Teaching Network.

24 July 2017

1 August 2017

Derby maths students take top ten place at global competition

University welcomes record number of visitors from China

A team of mathematics students from the University of Derby has taken a top ten place at the 2017 IBM Watson Analytics Global Competition 2017 for its report on Scotland’s carbon footprint.

A record number of students from China travelled to the University of Derby for an Open Day on Sunday (30 July).

3 August 2017

30 August 2017

University welcomes UK & international partner students to summer school

University of Derby funding trebles businesses turnover

The University of Derby Business School has teamed up with the Chartered Institute of Management (CMI) to welcome more than 50 UK and international Business students to the city for a week-long residential Summer School.

The University of Derby Invest to Grow fund has awarded more than £75,000 to Nottinghamshirebased IT company Onomi, which has seen the business treble its turnover and created three new jobs.

1 September 2017

21 September 2017

University of Derby places over 100 nursing students to buck the national trend

Closing the skills gap: Derby receives £250,000 for specialist data analytics laboratory

The University of Derby has increased the number of student nurses placed by more than 100 this year compared with the same point in 2016, despite reports released today that universities in England have seen a six per cent drop.

5 October 2017

Gordon’s alive! Brian Blessed to receive Honorary Doctorate from University of Derby

Actor Brian Blessed will receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Derby at its annual Awards Ceremony in Buxton.

A state-of-the-art Data Visualisation Laboratory (DVL) is to be installed at the University of Derby’s brand new STEM Centre, addressing the need for a specialist teaching facility for data analytics and supporting the globally recognised research in this area.

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