Shining a light on solar research

Northumbria University researchers work on £2 million project to find new materials that will harness the power of sunlight.

Northumbria University is already one of the UK’s leading institutions in the research of sustainable and renewable energy systems. Our academics carry out research into existing and new energy technologies powered by renewable energy sources, waste energy and fossil fuels.

In 1994, the Northumberland Building became the first in the UK to be fitted with a solar panel façade, known as photovoltaics, and researchers continue to investigate how to reduce the costs of photovoltaic technology.

Tyneside Learning Trust.

Think Physics received praise from Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah, an engineer herself, who has called for more to be done to inspire girls to get into STEM careers.

Ms Onwurah said: “The lack of girls and women studying physics blights both our society and our economy. The Think Physics initiative uses a wide range of local talent and experience to inspire girls with the power of physics and help encourage them to STEM careers. We need more such inspiration.”

Northumbria’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Postlethwaite, said: “As a cradle-to-career project, Think Physics will inspire and engage young people from early years through to university and beyond, helping to produce the professional graduates and scientists of the future.

“Think Physics is an excellent example of Northumbria’s commitment to partnership working and will see the University working with key partners such as the Centre for

Life, Institute of Physics, and Kielder Observatory as well as schools and colleges, employers and families.”

Linda Conlon, Chief Executive of the Centre for Life, one of the partners in the project, said: “Physics is an important foundation for many careers, particularly in engineering and technology, which are two areas that the North East excels in.

“However, there is a big skills shortage in this field and, disappointingly, there are not many girls taking up the subject. We’re thrilled, therefore, to work with Northumbria University on such an ambitious project to get more girls to think about doing physics at school and university. I’m confident that our programme of fantastic hands-on activities will play a key part in this process.”

For more information visit northumbria.ac.uk/ee

As a member of the PVTEAM project group, Northumbria is working with the universities of Bristol, Bath, Loughborough and Swansea on a £2 million project to develop new photovoltaic technology that is capable of being mass-produced in large-scale manufacturing.

The funding has been awarded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council in a bid to find safer and more sustainable alternatives to the rare and expensive raw materials currently being used.

Dr Ian Forbes, a Reader in Photovoltaics, said: “More solar energy falls on the Earth’s surface in one hour than the entire global population uses in a year. It is important that we increase our capabilities of using the sun as an energy source and can use low-cost photovoltaic technology as a functional building product.”

Dr Forbes is exploring the use of incredibly thin technology – 30 times thinner than a single strand of hair. It is made using only a few milligrams of copper, zinc and tin to ensure it is cheap and capable of being mass produced in order to bring down the current price of photovoltaic energy.

David Delpy, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, said: “Through the development and deployment of improved materials, processes and products that will come from this research, UK industries will be able to create wealth and new jobs, whilst at the same time tackling the societal and environmental challenges that resulted from the use of the original materials which were often rare and difficult to refine.” around the issue which could have serious implications in assessments made by childcare professionals.

Dr Duschinsky will consider how disorganised attachment is understood and will provide clearer guidance for those professionals working directly with infants and parents.

“Infants are evolutionarily hardwired to go to someone – usually their primary care giver – who can look after them if they are hurt or in

Exploring what it means to be human

Northumbria University is to host a series of public events to celebrate the UK’s first ever national festival of the humanities.

The Being Human festival will ask what it means to be human and how we understand ourselves, our relationship to others and our place in nature. The University will host free film screenings, public talks, debates and workshops showing how 18th century culture, literature and medicine has influenced society today.

Dr Claudine van Hensbergen, SeniorLecturer in Eighteenth-Century Literature, said: “It’s crucial that the public understand the relevance and benefits of academic research, and we’re looking forward to sharing ideas with them by exploring where many of the attitudes and customs we hold today come from.”

The Being Human festival is led by the University of London and supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. The festival week will be celebrated across the UK from 15-23 November 2014.

DISCOVER a situation causing anxiety,” said Dr Duschinsky.

“This tendency can be disrupted and may show up as ‘disorganised’ behaviours but this doesn’t necessarily point to neglect on the parent’s part.

“Clarifying the terms of debate around disorganised attachment will help maximise the benefits of psychology for professionals and parents on matters that we care a great deal about.

“This research has potential to stimulate the uptake of child mental health research in policy and practice, support the education of young people, and potentially inform the parenting practice of the general public.”