The Brighton Effect 33 issuu

The

Effect Issue 33

OUR ALUMNI MEAN BUSINESS

Faik Aktulga, Phil Ashford, Emily Brooke, Andrew Goodall and JP Omari

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Football 4 Peace, hands-on medical aid and scholarship opportunities

Coming soon …

Our highly popular annual debate returns in April 2017, with a new theme.

The future of business in Brighton Once again, we will have a special guest chairing and be joined by an eclectic panel of local movers and shakers. Don’t miss your opportunity to ask questions, have your say and discover how the University of Brighton can engage with your business.

Register your interest by emailing Nikki Mason – n.f.mason@brighton.ac.uk or telephone 01273 642600 for further information.

The Brighton Effect is published for our global community of alumni and friends by the University of Brighton Alumni Association Third Floor, 154–155 Edward Street Brighton BN2 0JG, UK +44 (0)1273 642600 alumni@brighton.ac.uk www.brighton.ac.uk/alumni

The views expressed in the magazine are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the University of Brighton.

Editor Sarah Grant Designer Anna Gatt Contributors Nicola Ashton, Faye Brown, Sam Davies, Solveig Grover, Claire Kidd and David Smith.

Printer Sterling Cover image JP Omari (p26) photographed by Jay McLaughlin © University of Brighton 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of the publishers.

Welcome

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Welcome to The Brighton Effect Although it has often felt like the world has been going to hell in a handcart in 2016, I happen to have had a fantastic year. I met Prince William and discussed the terrible effect that homophobia and transphobic bullying can have on mental health. I was also photographed by celebrity fashion photographer Rankin, a fellow University of Brighton alumnus. But the moment I hold most dear was standing on stage in the Dome and receiving my honorary doctorate. Like many people from marginalised backgrounds, I turned to sex work to support myself during my studies. So I felt duty-bound to dedicate my doctorate to sex workers and former sex workers: a voiceless minority, on the whole.

My time at university marked a transition. Not just in terms of gender, but from the margins of society to the heart of public life. From being excluded to included. In Britain and around the world, politics is moving towards exclusion and division. Now more than ever, employers, educators and institutions should celebrate the talents of people from all walks of life. I’m honoured to be included in the family of successful people in this magazine. Be inspired by them. And, wherever you are, carry the spirit of pride, openness and diversity that makes Brighton the special place we know and love.

Paris Paris Lees (English Language and English Literature BA(Hons) 2009 and Honorary Doctor of Letters 2016 Award-winning journalist, presenter and transgender campaigner

Highlights 17

THE SPIRIT OF FREE

ENTERPRISE

At Brighton our graduates mean business

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COMPASSION IN

ACTION

Three of our nursing graduates answered the call for help in the Greek refugee camps

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WOMEN IN STEM

Encouraging the uptake of women in science, technology, engineering and maths

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SHARING SUCCESS

Philanthropy is a virtuous circle and it’s something our alumni and friends do very well

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BUILDING BRIDGES

WITH THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Dr Mark Doidge ponders the healing effect of football

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KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY

Generations of our alumni tell us why the university had such a pull for them

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STEP BACK IN TIME

We take a look at the proud history of our former Chelsea School

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GOOD TO SEE YOU!

Catch up with some of our events from the past year

Photo credit: Neil Dawson for Attitude

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University strategy

Earlier in 2016, we invited you, our alumni and friends, to participate in the university’s strategy consultation. Your feedback was taken on board alongside student and staff contributions, and that of our wider community, and this formed the basis of our strategy for the next five years.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to share the key points of the University of Brighton Strategy 2016–2021 with you.

Our vision is to become the university of choice for people wishing to live and learn in a unique city setting as part of a dynamic, diverse and creative community that embraces partnership working and wants to make a positive difference to society – a vision which I hope resonates strongly with you, our alumni and friends.

This strategy will shape our activity as we work hard to implement the objectives arising from it. Students have always been at the heart of everything we do and this remains our paramount focus while we invite external partners to get involved in contributing to and enhancing our students’ experience. Please feel welcome to share your thoughts on how you may be able to participate.

We devised our strategy to address the challenges ahead of us all through practical wisdom: for us this means creating, applying and then putting knowledge to work. Over the next five years we will continue our mission – to realise potential and shape futures through high-quality, practice-based learning, teaching, research and enterprise – guided always by our core values: inclusivity, sustainability, creativity and partnership.

Students have always been at the heart of everything we do As I hope you already recognise, we create knowledge through practice – academic practice, professional practice and creative practice – and that practice takes place in partnership.

Through partnerships we create our distinctive educational programmes, we share and disseminate our research and enterprise, and we create mutual benefit for our city, our region and globally. As a university with a strong community heritage, we actively choose to look beyond the institution to enrich and embolden our teaching and research, and indeed to make a difference.

We aspire to become a learning community of students, staff and partners – a community where learning, teaching, research and practice are equally valued and mutually enhancing.

With students at the heart of our activity, our innovative curriculum will evolve to meet the needs of our

diverse student population. Working in partnership with students (and with the critical involvement of alumni and friends), we will deliver a high-quality experience which ensures our students flourish during their time with us and beyond as they contribute positively to society and in their chosen fields. This commitment will involve consolidating and improving our facilities across the campuses including residential accommodation, ensuring the university is a great place at which to both learn and work.

These investments in our future will enhance our reputation and influence in the higher education sector and beyond – making us a university with which we hope you will remain proud to be connected.

You can access our full strategy at http://tinyurl.com/strategybton. You may also want to watch this short animation about the strategy narrated by our guest editor and one of this year’s honorary graduates, Paris Lees: http://tinyurl.com/uobstrategy. If you have any comments on it, please convey them via alumni@brighton. ac.uk.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the university.

Professor Debra Humphris Vice-Chancellor

University strategy

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These investments in our future will enhance our reputation and influence in the higher education sector and beyond

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News roundup

UNIVERSITY NEWS

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NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH CANCER CHARITY The University of Brighton has teamed up with 4 Cancer Group – a cancer respite charity with a sporting focus – to improve patients’ cancer respite experiences 01 .

The partnership will establish and partfund a PhD studentship to determine the perceived barriers to and benefits obtained from accessing respite trips as provided by 4 Cancer Group. This research will be used to better define the health benefits for cancer patients and their families, providing tangible evidence to enhance the ongoing provision of respite sporting and leisure events.

4 Cancer Group, chaired by Graham Precey (Business Studies BA(Hons) 1996) promotes participation in sporting activities through its Bike4Cancer, Ski4Cancer, Run4Cancer

and Sail4Cancer programmes with the overall aim of improving quality of life and reducing the incidence of the disease.

From the moment someone is diagnosed with cancer, their life is taken over by hospital visits, treatments, tests, uncertainty and financial worries. For a day, or a few weeks, 4 Cancer Group takes patients and their families away from the disease and the nightmare that they are living through. The respite trips give each family something to look forward to after the family member with cancer has undergone clinical procedures.

They provide precious memories, a break from the illness and help bereaved families to start rebuilding their lives.

Professor Neil Ravenscroft, Director of the Brighton Doctoral College, said: "Such partnerships are vital for the educational development of our students and provide real-world insight and value."

News roundup

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POWER BIKE DEBUT Sustainability is one of the University of Brighton’s core values, so it was a proud moment when we launched our power bike rental service for staff and students in March 02 .

Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris gave the new e-bikes a trial run and said: “If this project in some small way makes a difference to emissions, to healthy living, to transport sustainability, then these are the things we must do. But we must not just practice them, we must research them and find ways to change our behaviour to a more sustainable lifestyle.”

Professor Anne Mandy, from the university’s Centre for Health Research, was awarded £36,000 to trial a fleet of 10 electrically assisted power cycles (EAPCs). The project was chosen by Carplus, the non-profit environmental transport non-governmental organisation, which is investigating whether electric bikes are the answer to congestion, transport and health problems.

The EAPCs will be available between the university’s campus in Eastbourne and the town’s railway station.

Southern Railway and Eastbourne Borough Council are collaborating with the university’s research which will explore the uptake of electric bikes.

It is hoped the scheme could be rolled out across university campuses. http://tinyurl.com/UoBebike.

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AWARD-WINNING RETROFIT The university’s newly refurbished Cockcroft Building has won in the higher education category of the prestigious Architects’ Journal Retrofit Awards 2016.

The building was praised by the awards jury as being “a bold project, particularly from a sustainability point of view”.

The refurbishment was evidence of the university’s ongoing investment in providing worldclass facilities to our students 03 .

The retrofit included: • new learning laboratories and office spaces to house schools within the university’s College of Life, Health and Physical Sciences • new windows and roof to improve insulation and energy efficiency • exposed ceiling space to highlight the architectural features of the building’s interior • open-plan corridors to improve lighting, and provide social and informal learning spaces for students and staff • installation of sound buffering and dampening features to reduce noise levels.

If you would like to bring your friends back for a reunion and see how your campus has changed, contact alumni@brighton.ac.uk.

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SPECTACULAR SCIENCE We are delighted to announce that the University of Brighton and University of Sussex will cohost the British Science Festival in September 2017.

As one of Europe’s leading and longest-established science festivals, the diverse programme will feature activities, talks and performances in over 100 specially curated events covering engineering, social sciences and technology.

If you or your company would like to sponsor the festival, get in touch with giving@brighton.ac.uk.

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News roundup

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BEING SUGAR SMART In May, we became the first university in the UK to join celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s 04 initiative to cut sugar consumption nationwide. The University of Brighton has partnered with Brighton & Hove City Council in its Sugar Smart City campaign.

Over the next academic year we will be rolling out initiatives to reduce sugar consumption across the campuses.

These include campaigns to highlight the occurrence of hidden sugars, provide cooking lessons and nutritional information. From August, a 10p levy was introduced on the price of sugary drinks with the money being used to fund food education schemes for our students.

Jamie Oliver commended the move, saying: “It's brilliant to hear that you are introducing a levy on sugary drinks to help raise awareness about the long-term damage too much sugar can have on our health, and empowering us all to reduce it in our diets.”

Dr Claire Marriott (Learning and Teaching in Higher Education PGCert 2013) 05 , Senior Lecturer, Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, is leading new research with Professor Adrian Bone, Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology, and Dr Wendy Macfarlane to find new ways to help people understand the need to cut back

on sugar in order to avoid obesity and related conditions. She said the problem was urgent: “Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are inherently linked and the complications associated with both can be very serious. In addition to the personal cost, which should not be underestimated, tens of millions of pounds are spent in Brighton & Hove alone to treat people with Type 2 diabetes. Nationally, 10% of the entire NHS budget is spent treating this disease and associated complications.”

Dr Marriott said she was excited about the potential of this initiative to raise awareness of sugar consumption: “The sugar drink levy is a useful way to get people thinking but we really need to help people understand why they shouldn’t be eating too much sugar and to identify food and drinks high in hidden sugar.”

EXCELLENCE IN ELT The university's Language Institute (BLI) has been ranked as the number one university language centre for English Language Teaching (ELT) 2016 and is in the top 2% of all accredited centres worldwide, according to the EL Gazette, based on British Council inspection reports.

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WELCOME TO ...

Professor Taraneh (Tara) Dean, our new Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Stephen Dudderidge, our new Registrar and Secretary.

News roundup

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REACHING RIO 2016

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Alan Baser 01 , who works as a Risk and Compliance Manager in the university’s accommodation and hospitality services department, was an official judge for the Olympic sailing competition. Alan said: “What an experience and what a backdrop – Rio did an amazing job! It was a great challenge and I enjoyed every moment of it. Time to start working towards Tokyo!”

Alex Bliss 02 , Strength and Conditioning Coach at the university’s Welkin Laboratories in Eastbourne worked with GB wheelchair basketball team star Simon Munn to get him competition-ready. Brightonbased Simon has worked with the university’s Sports and Exercise Science Consultancy Unit (SESCU) in preparation for three Paralympic games – Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 and took home a bronze medal from Rio 2016.

Triple alumnus Dr Gary Brickley 03 who works in the School of Sport and Service Management as a Senior Lecturer and Exercise Physiologist,

helped Dame Sarah Storey become the most successful female Paralympian of all time. Gary has been Sarah’s paracycling coach for 12 years and has contributed to her recordbreaking gold medal haul. Sarah added three more golds to her medal collection in Rio. World champion paratriathlete Faye McClelland 04 (Physiotherapy BSc(Hons) 2013) put in a great performance in the Rio 2016 Paralympics women’s triathlon and narrowly missed out on a bronze medal, finishing fourth in her category.

In preparation for Rio 2016, Colin Paterson 05 who is a Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences at the university, was selected to be the Lead Physiotherapist for Paralympics GB’s Holding Camp. Colin’s role was to oversee the physiotherapy and soft tissue therapy to Paralympic athletes before they competed in the games.

In March, senior officials from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) visited Professor Yannis Pitsiladis 06 to

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learn more about the university’s antidoping research at our laboratories in Eastbourne.

David Stone MBE 07 (Social Work BA(Hons) 2007) won silver and bronze medals in the Cycling Road Race and Time Trials (T1–2) categories at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

Professor Nick Webborn OBE 08 worked in Rio for the duration of the Paralympic games, covering injury research and testing through his role on the International Paralympic Committee. Nick is Medical Director of Sportswise, the sport and exercise medicine clinic based at the University of Brighton.

We are aware that many of our alumni participated in sports teams while at university and still take part in sports across the country. If you are interested in returning to campus to take part in Varsity 2017 as part of an alumni team, email alumni@brighton.ac.uk.

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News roundup

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS Jack Layer (Critical Fine Art Practice BA(Hons) 2011) cooked up a storm when he made it to the finals of the popular BBC MasterChef UK programme.

It’s been a productive year for Alexandra Lethbridge (Photography MA) who featured in the Brighton Photo Fringe OPEN16, was shortlisted for the Dentons Art Prize and nominated for the Magnum Photo and Photo London Graduate Photographers Award. www.alexandralethbridge.com Congratulations to Alexandra Paterson (English Literature and English Language BA(Hons) 2011) who has received glowing reviews for her first novel, Rule of Thumb, published in January 2016. http://tinyurl.com/hcvz3g4 Inspired by a friend’s experience of dramatic hair loss, Daniel Regan (Editorial Photography BA(Hons) 2006) staged Alopecia Uncovered, an exhibition in collaboration with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, examining the profound impact alopecia has on people affected by it.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Graduates Megan Leckie (Film and Screen Studies BA(Hons) 2014) and Joe Palmer (Design and Craft BA(Hons) 2014) have tapped into a popular gaming genre as a way of engaging young people 06 .

With the help of the university’s enterprise programme, beepurple, they co-founded a social enterprise – BlockBuilders – that uses Minecraft® to interest young people in a conversation about two different themes: public engagement and environmental learning. Young people are encouraged to become active citizens by inputting into the future of their communities and using digital technology to redesign their local areas. Children can learn about the natural world by using Minecraft® games to explore the outdoors.

BlockBuilders has been acclaimed

by Caroline Lucas MP, co-leader of The Green Party and Ian Livingstone CBE, one of the founding fathers of the UK games industry. During its first year of trading in 2014, BlockBuilders was selected as Best in Show in the gaming and technology category for Noise Festival, which resulted in a visit to the House of Commons for the launch and awards ceremony. Megan has also featured as a guest speaker at

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several TedX events. Both Megan and Joe are currently undertaking masters studies at the university. www.blockbuilders.co.uk

HORSING AROUND IN HI-VIS Danielle Reynolds 07 (Fashion with Business Studies BA(Hons) 2016) ended her degree on a high when she scooped the Barclays New Business Award at Graduate Fashion Week in June.

Danielle explained her winning concept: “My brand offers a collection of premium, stylish women’s and unisex equestrian wear incorporating sportswear fabrics and high-visibility designs.

“My vision is to encourage riders, particularly the younger generation which often avoids wearing highvisibility wear for aesthetic reasons, to wear hi-vis clothing that is crucial to their safety by offering a stylish alternative to the safety wear currently on the market.

“The business part of the degree was particularly useful – being able to leave university with a professional business plan covering the first three years of business is going to be incredibly useful to me.”

News roundup

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PICTURE OF SUCCESS Congratulations to David Auborn 08 (Fine Art Painting BA(Hons) 2013) who was shortlisted for the Contemporary British Painting Prize. He has was also offered a masters place at the Royal College of Art. Commenting on his success, David said: “It is an honour to be shortlisted for the Contemporary British Painting Prize alongside a selection of great painters, and I am eager for the opportunity to further develop my practice at the Royal College of Art. I am extremely grateful for both of these opportunities, and I certainly wouldn't be where I am without studying in Brighton.” www.davidauborn.com

Anna has now launched Gum-tec Gumboots 09 – again made from gum litter – a range of wellies that are 100% recyclable.

When you want to change the boots, you can return them by freepost to the company for recycling and for a discount on your next pair. Gum-tec has recently partnered with the Small Steps Project which provides aid, footwear

WASTE TO WELLIES Since 2006, Anna Bullus (3D Design BA(Hons) 2007) has been on a mission to convert chewing gum litter into a useful material.

She began with her revolutionary Gumdrop – a bin made out of discarded chewing gum, which works on a closed loop process – once the bin is full of used gum it can be recycled to make three more bins.

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and food to children and families living on landfill sites. For every pair of Gumboots sold, they will send a pair of Gumboots to a child living on the Cluj landfill site in Romania. www.mygumboots.com

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News roundup

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FROM DARKNESS TO GLORY A highly personal short film made by Moving Image student, Dale John Allen 10 , won an international film award in the USA. A Film About Love charted a powerful insight into Dale’s personal journey following his diagnosis with bipolar affective disorder.

Dale was motivated to create the film as part of his second year project as an authentic way of representing mental health. Dale said: “I’ve learned that the best way to tackle these conditions is to talk about them, yet it is still suppressed by so many, which only adds to the problems and stigma that sufferers are faced with. I decided to stop looking towards the media to correctly represent me and write a piece to represent myself.”

Dale’s award came from San Francisco-based, Art With Impact, a body set up to promote mental wellness by creating space for young people to learn and connect through art and media. You can watch Dale’s film here. https://vimeo.com/182448186. www.dalejohnallen.com

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PAINTING PRESTIGE Kathryn Maple 11 (Fine Art Printmaking BA(Hons) 2011) won first place in a national art competition – for the second time.

Kathryn collected £10,000 for winning the 29th Sunday Times Watercolour Competition – a prize she also scooped in 2014.

Kathryn’s winning entry was Sandy Shoes, inspired by the Vypin Islands in India.

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TOP FOR EQUALITY

BROADCASTING SUCCESS

The university received a Bronze Award from the Equality Challenge Unit’s (ECU) Athena SWAN Charter.

TV and broadcast courses at the university have won national recognition that will help students gain employment.

The charter was established in 2005 to advance women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research. In May last year the charter was expanded to recognise work in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law in professional and support roles for trans staff and students. It recognises work to address gender equality more broadly.

The university became one of only five universities nationwide to achieve an institutional award under the new expanded process.

The courses have been awarded the Creative Skillset Tick, the industry quality mark signifying practice-based courses which best prepare students for a career in the industry.

Jo Macdonnell 12 , Principal Lecturer in the College of Arts and Humanities said: “We are delighted that the quality of our teaching, facilities and graduate destinations has been recognised and we are now regarded as a leading provider of broadcast and television education."

News roundup

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REDUCING INFECTION University scientists are playing an integral role in developing a new early warning system that tells patients and carers when urinary catheters are infected and at risk of blocking.

Dr Brian Jones 13 , Reader in Molecular and Medical Microbiology at the College of Life, Health and Physical Sciences, and Head of Research Development at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, is leading the research.

Urinary catheters are commonly used medical devices for the management of incontinence in older individuals or those with spinal cord injuries. It is these patients who are at particular risk of infection and associated lifethreatening complications such as kidney infection and septicaemia.

He explained how the early warning system works: “With colleagues at the University of Bath, we have developed a chemical coating that can be applied to the catheter surface. This coating releases a bright green dye when the urine becomes alkaline due to a bacterial (Proteus mirabilis) infection.

The dye then accumulates in the urine collection bag providing a simple, visible, early warning that catheter blockage may be imminent.”

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SPECIAL DELIVERIES A couple of Brighton alumnae who work at the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust (BSUH) scooped one of the UK’s top prizes at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) annual awards ceremony in March. Midwives Marion Wilyman 14 (Women’s Health MSc 2012) and Kate Stringer 15 (Midwifery BSc(Hons) 2009) won a EuroKing Award for Better Births for their maternity initiative – No place like home.

Marion and Kate conceived the project to address a falling homebirth rate in the BSUH area. The trust was unable to maintain an around-the-clock service for pregnant women which limited their birth options.

The programme’s success was based on a departure from the existing on call system, meaning the BSUH was able to provide a more reliable and sustainable homebirth service, as a result birth options for women in the area widened, homebirths doubled and multidisciplinary team work throughout the trust's maternity services improved.

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Senior lecturer and alumnus Duncan Baker-Brown (Architecture Diploma 1992) followed his success last year by scooping another two prestigious RIBA South East Awards for architecture and sustainability.

Stanley Kubrick’s iconic horror film, The Shining, helped Sean Padraic Birnie (Photography MA 2015) win a prestigious national photography award. Sean’s digitally corrupted images of the film’s hotel secured him the Graduate Photographer Award 2016 in association with Magnum Photos and Photo London.

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News roundup

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LIVE FROM HOLLYWOOD Millions of film fans in the UK were able to watch the Oscars in February thanks to John Hiscock 16 (Communications and Digital Media BA(Hons) 2006). As TV producer at ITV, John played a key role in broadcasting the awards to the UK. Since graduating, John has enjoyed a meteoric rise which has seen him produce interviews with A-list stars such as Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts and Elton John. John’s career began with a student work placement at GMTV and upon graduating, he secured a place on the GMTV training programme. Ten years on, he now manages Good Morning Britain and Lorraine’s Los Angeles bureau in the USA. He still credits the work placement he got at university for his career success: “Little did I realise that the placement at GMTV would start me on a career path that I'm still enjoying today.”

DETECTING THE HIDDEN KILLERS Brighton scientists, led by Dr Kirsty Smallbone 17 , Head of the School of Environment and Technology, are pushing the boundaries of research into air pollution which is believed to be responsible for more than 50,000 preventable deaths in the UK every year.

Last December, the university opened an advanced air quality monitoring station on the Falmer campus. The station is the first of its kind in the UK to detect harmful nano-sized particles and their gaseous precursors.

The university’s Air Environment Research team will use the station to investigate modern day air pollutants, including so-called ultrafine particles, nanometer-sized material suspended in the air that is capable of penetrating deeply into the human body where it can cause negative health effects.

Dr Smallbone said: “The platform will give us the unique ability to provide policy makers, scientists and the

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general public with the vital information required to help improve the quality of our air and protect our health.”

REACH FOR THE SKY James Thompson 18 (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering BSc(Hons) 2015) landed his dream job soon after graduating.

He applied for an apprenticeship at Suffolk-based Hawker Restorations, to join its team of skilled engineers who keep most of the remaining Hurricane planes fit to fly. James said: “I have always been passionate about aeronautical engineering and to find that there was an opportunity to work for one of the most respected aircraft restoration companies in the world was just brilliant.

“At Hawker I am putting to practical use the skills I learnt at university – using drills and lathes, and milling and welding. It is a privilege to be able to work on old aircraft that have played such a significant part in history.”

News roundup

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SOAPBOX SCIENTIST Chantal Nobs 19 , a PhD student at the University of Brighton, was one of 12 women selected to participate in the Soapbox Science London event on London's Southbank in June.

Her session on nuclear physics involved discussing her work and her experiences as a female scientist.

In brief Newly graduated Scott Dalton (Civil Engineering MEng 2016), took the Construction, Engineering and Design Undergraduate of the Year title in his final year.

Scott’s prize was an all-expenses paid international summer work placement on the Motiongate theme park project with Laing O'Rourke in Dubai.

The event’s key aim was to help eliminate gender inequality in science by raising the profile and challenging the public’s view of women in science.

In addition to sharing her research with the general public, Chantal joined the other female presenters as a rolemodel for future generations.

Congratulations to James Harrison-Bodle and Tom Ramirez (Computing and Information Systems BA(Hons) 2003) who celebrated 15 years of trading together as Viper IT Solutions. www.viperit.co.uk

Chantal said: “As soon as I had introduced myself, out of nowhere, a full crowd had formed around me. The best part of the event for me was the variety of questions asked, everything from ‘how did you get into nuclear physics’ to ‘how do we know whether we have created a nucleus if we cannot see it’.”

Senior lecturer Dr Arman Hashemi won a Premier Award in the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) International Innovation and Research awards for his research into how natural lighting can cut the need for electric lighting by 60%. He also received the Highly Commended award in Innovation

Achiever’s category for his patentpending product – The Advanced Thermal Shutter System.

Congratulations to Professor Lesley Fallowfield, a leading expert in the psychological aspects of cancer at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, who was made a Dame in the New Year’s honours list 2016.

Richard Faragher, Professor of Biogerontology and first British President of the American Ageing Association, received the highest honour of the British Society for Research on Ageing (BSRA) – the Lord Cohen of Birkenhead Medal for services to gerontology.

Dr Brian Jones, Reader in Molecular and Medical Microbiology, won the Elsevier Atlas award for his impactful review of alternatives to antibiotics.

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News roundup

Photo credit: Stuart Hamon

BOXING CLEVER Double alumnus Max Wicks 20 (Mathematics BSc(Hons) 2014, Computer Science MSc 2016) has been packing a punch inside and outside the lecture theatre.

Max graduated with his masters degree in the summer but has kept his fists up with an eye on a British boxing title.

Max, who turned professional 18 months ago, started boxing when he was aged 11 and continued training throughout his two degrees. Along with former European boxing champion, Nick Cleverly, Max is proof that brains and brawn do go together.

Having won three fights since turning professional, Max hopes to match his academic success in the ring. Max said: “The discipline of continuing my training whilst studying helped me greatly with my time management skills which I now use for balancing work and training.”

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SCHOLAR’S HEALTHY FUTURE Virginia Mzunzu 21 , the first recipient of our Forward Bound scholarship, expects to graduate in February 2017.

Virginia who is studying an MA in Health Promotion said: “For me, this scholarship is invaluable: it has given me an opportunity to grow and develop myself academically, and has also exposed me to a different culture and social life while I have been studying here in the UK. I cherish every bit of it ... My gratitude to the donors who made this possible cannot be overemphasised. They made my dream come true and for that, I am humbled and eternally grateful.”

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The Forward Bound scholarship is available to Health Promotion MA applicants from low or lower-middle income countries. It supports health professionals who will be able to influence policy or practice when they return to their home countries.

In September we welcomed our second Forward Bound scholar who is working with the International HIV/ AIDS Alliance in the Ukraine. If you are interested in discussing setting up a scholarship at the university, contact giving@brighton.ac.uk.

When Virginia graduates, she will return to Malawi to continue her work in combatting malnutrition.

You can view Virginia's account of her scholarship here: http://tinyurl.com/uobforward

News roundup

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BRIGHTON BRAVOS School of Sport and Service Management Principal Lecturer, Helen Atkinson (Accounting and Finance BA(Hons) 1984), received an Honorary Fellowship from the Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME).

Dr Gary Brickley (Sports Science BSc(Hons) 1994, Sport and Leisure Studies PhD 2000, Cardiology MSc 2003) swam the English Channel in 11 hours 47 minutes at the end of August.

Law with Business students Chloe Chatton and Fionnuala Richardson won the National Law Society’s client interviewing contest. The pair qualified for and came third in the Brown Mosten International Client Consultation Competition in Canada.

Congratulations to Ilya Gelfenbeyn (MBA 2007) whose user experience (UX) software business – api.ai – has been acquired by Google.

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WESLEY LAUNCHES COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE In September, Wesley Ankrah 22 (Criminology and Sociology BA(Hons) 2012) formally launched his community interest company, Essential Living Future.

Essential Living Future offers training programmes, work experiences and employment opportunities to engage with the communities where property developers are undertaking development projects.

The company also focuses on education and volunteering, something Wesley gained a solid experience of

while studying: “The CPD module in year 2 gave me the opportunity to gain valuable work experience at a youth engagement project in London where I learnt and understood all the vital procedures and policies that are required when working with young and vulnerable people. I continued my placement beyond the obligatory 60 hours and stayed on until I graduated, gaining valuable experience.”

Wesley credits his degree for laying the foundations for his enterprise: “By the time I completed my course, I found that my perception of social issues facing people, in particular young people, had changed dramatically.” http://essentiallivingfuture.org/

Samantha Moyo (Business with Marketing FdA 2009), founder of conscious clubbing phenomenon, Morning Gloryville, made the Top 10 in Eventbrite’s 100 Movers and Shakers in the UK. Carmen Nibigira (Travel Management BA(Hons) 2005) won the runner-up award in the Innovation in Public Policy and Governance category at the 12th United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Sustainable Tourism Initiatives Awards.

Margaret Rooms (Education BEd(Hons) 1989), Head of the Units of Sound Development at Dyslexia Action, received an MBE for her services to education.

Dr Nick Webborn was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours list for services to Paralympic Sports Medicine and the British Paralympic Association.

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HERITAGE PROJECT WINS £10K GRANT Anthony Kalume 23 graduated in February 2016 and wasted no time in applying his PGCert in Communities, Engagement and Enterprise to his role as chair of Diversity Lewes – a charity with a mission to celebrate diversity.

Anthony landed a successful bid for £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Sharing Heritage to research the histories of 10 Sussex people with black ethnic backgrounds. The project, Celebrating Afro-Caribbeans in Sussex Past and Present, run by Diversity Lewes, will involve compiling an archive of personal items and photographs that will tour East and West Sussex.

Anthony said: “We are so glad to have been recognised in this way and we are looking forward to achieving a good working relationship with volunteers who will carry out the research.” http://diversitylewes.org.uk/

BATTY ABOUT INCLUSIVITY Brighton Table Tennis Club (BTTC) has been going from strength to strength under the stewardship of its co-founder, Brighton alumnus Tim Holtam (Graduate Teaching Programme 2011).

Tim founded the club in 2007, alongside former international table tennis player, Harry McCarney, as a place to encourage community participation with local disadvantaged young people 24 .

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RIP KEVIN FOSSEY It is with immense sadness that we share the news of Kevin Fossey’s 25 passing on 16 June.

As a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, Kevin had a positive impact on so many students, alumni and colleagues. Kevin’s charitable project, A School for Malagiri 26 , has made an immeasurable difference to the small community in Nepal and is a legacy we hope to continue in honour of his memory. http://tinyurl.com/malagiri

In January 2015, BTTC was granted charitable status and it has over 1,000 people playing each week.

With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, the club has won some impressive accolades including: 2016 Table Tennis England Equality Award; 2016 First Club of Sanctuary in England; 2016 Community Integration Award Winners and 2015 Table Tennis England National Club of the Year.

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THE SPIRIT OF FREE ENTERPRISE ENTERPRISE

No matter what course students follow when they are here, the university provides plenty of extracurricular support for people who plan to branch out and start their own business. Our students and alumni have a prolific record in establishing successful start-ups, and the university nurtures their ambitions by providing business support through our entrepreneurship programme, beepurple – www.beepurple.co.uk – and via collaborations with businesses.

Throughout the year, the beepurple team based in the Careers Service, delivers free entrepreneurship training, confidential one-to-one business support, and a five-day business startup summer course – available to all of our students and alumni. Each year, over 400 students and alumni access the beepurple programme, and over 100 individuals go on to set up their own ventures.

In addition to beepurple, a recent partnership with NatWest Entrepreneurial Spark – www.entrepreneurial-spark.com – has already seen students and alumni hatch some innovative new companies.

The collaboration helps develop more enterprises in the city and over 80 high-growth start-ups have already been established. Entrepreneurial Spark provides free office space for six

months, mentoring and regular events to encourage best business practice. It is open to businesses from any sector or genre.

Read on to find out more about some of the innovative businesses our students and alumni have established.

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Enterprise

ONES TO WATCH

GRUBS UP!

SPANISH DELICACIES As an international student in Brighton, Oscar Blazquez (Business Information Systems BA(Hons) 2013) missed the Spanish food of his home country. He set up a specialist online delicatessen – Iberica – importing authentic Spanish foods, traditionally prepared with natural ingredients. Oscar was supported by the university’s beepurple programme, and was awarded £2.5k from the university’s Enterprise Growth Fund. He has since received £6k in funding from Entrepreneurial Spark to bolster his fledgling business. http://ibericaspanishfood.co.uk/

Aspiring entrepreneurs are welcome to contact the beepurple team at beepurple@brighton. ac.uk / 01273 641220.

Graduates – don’t forget to look out for our annual enterprise competition (supported by Santander Universities) which has a top prize of £2,250 and professional mentoring from established entrepreneurs. www.beepurple.co.uk

Current students Dan Stott (Geology) and Ben Le Brocq (Product Design with Professional Experience) were quick off the mark in tapping a new sustainable food trend – insect protein! Dan and Ben are working with beepurple and Entrepreneurial Spark, to develop an environmentally sound insect-derived superfood.

Dan and Ben said: “beepurple helped steer us towards Entrepreneurial Spark where the incredible enablers have been guiding us on a path to even more opportunities. We couldn't recommend both beepurple and Entrepreneurial Spark highly enough for the opportunities they provide."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris said: “Dan and Ben are such a great example of the enterprising spirit we continue to foster and support at the University of Brighton. They are worth watching if you want to invest in the future.” http://www.bugboys.co.uk/

BUSINESS IS BOOMING Maria Fox (Graphic Design BA(Hons) 2011) started her jewellery business in her parents’ kitchen whilst she was a first year student with the help of the beepurple team. Since then, her company, Maria Allen Boutique, has grown rapidly and Maria now leads a team of nine!

Maria uses reclaimed and sustainably sourced wood for her handcrafted jewellery, accessories, homeware and wedding décor. Her products sell online and are stocked in shops, museums and galleries in the UK and internationally. Her company has worked on gifts at the British Museum and the National Trust, and its designs have featured in magazines and national TV commercials.

Maria has also designed bespoke cufflinks for the University of Brighton’s mementoes collection. http://tinyurl.com/UoBgifts In September, Maria was named Young Businesswoman 2016 for London and the South East at the HSBC-sponsored Forward Ladies Awards Ceremony. She commented: “I wanted to say a huge thank you to beepurple for helping me so much with my business while I was starting out and for your continued support since I graduated.” www.mariaallenboutique.com

Welcome our new V-C

TIME FOR TEA Although in England, we consider ourselves a nation of tea lovers, our interpretation of a cup of tea was a culture shock for Wei-Fan Chen (International Management MBA 2014) when she arrived in the UK in 2009 from Taiwan.

The addition of milk and sugar was entirely alien to her, and she hankered for the ceremonial tea redolent of her grandfather’s Taiwanese home.

Tea drinking originated in China and was used medicinally before being adopted by the upper classes. Its cultural significance increased as it became popular with artists and philosophers, alongside its health benefits which complemented the spirit of Zen – a Mahayan Buddhist culture of meditation practice.

Such was her passion for tea and having benefited from winning the Santander University of Brighton Enterprise Award 2014, Weifan founded Namasia Tea House to import and sell high quality Taiwanese tea online. https://namasiateahouse.com

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Alumnus and nature fan Chris Payne (Business Management with Finance BA(Hons) 2013) runs an outdoor activity business in Friston Forest, East Sussex. Focusing on encouraging people to become healthier while appreciating their natural surroundings, Chris’s company, Payne Games, offers 5k or 10k routes.

Participants can climb, crawl, jump, swing and manoeuvre themselves through the forest as they encounter varying obstacles such as mazes, tyre runs, wire crawls and giant webs. Payne Games is a local ethical company which gives 25% of its net profits to charity and encourages its participants to raise money for their own charities too. www.paynegames.com

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News Enterprise roundup

Mention snakes and tarantulas to some people and they might run a mile, but for one Brighton graduate, getting to grips with furry and fanged creatures was all part of the plan.

Wild AT HEART ENTERPRISE

Enterprise

Alumnus Faik Aktulga (Business Management and Marketing BA(Hons) 2012 and International Event Management MSc 2014) is the Director of Wild Fangs – an exotic creature ‘edutainment’ business he started after graduating.

“Wild Fangs is an interactive animal encounters company. We bring live exotic animals to pre-schools and nurseries in order to teach about the natural world. The focus is building on young children’s fascination with nature. We also offer animal-assisted therapy for dementia patients in care homes. The age range of our clients goes from four months to 104 years!”

Most of Faik’s menagerie comprises rescue pets including two chinchillas, three terrapins, stick insects, a bearded dragon, a corn snake, some Madagascan cockroaches, a scorpion, a tarantula, a seven-foot boa constrictor and Faik’s favourite – Gizmo the ferret.

NATURAL PROGRESSION Faik began operating the business two years ago. Having always had a penchant for exotic animals, converting his passion into a business was a logical step, but not one which Faik arrived at instantly. “I always wanted to work for myself as growing up, my dad was (and still is) self-employed. But I didn’t really think about the concept of Wild Fangs until after I had graduated.

“I entered the jobs market not knowing what I wanted to do. I found it quite demotivating applying for jobs and graduate schemes I didn’t even want in the first place. That’s when I decided to move away from the ‘office job’ idea and try my hand at something different.

They say never work with children or animals but I beg to differ …”

One of the modules on his masters course – innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship with Steven GossTurner and Pete Odgers – particularly helped Faik acquire techniques which he uses in running Wild Fangs. “This really resonated with me as it made me feel as though venturing into entrepreneurship after university was a feasible plan.”

ENTERPRISE SUPPORT Faik talks glowingly of the startup support he received from the university’s entrepreneurship support scheme, beepurple. “The day I decided to get the ball rolling with Wild Fangs, I contacted beepurple. I had no idea about running a business; marketing, tax, budgeting etc. I booked a meeting with Sam, one of beepurple’s advisors, and we met up to talk about my idea.

Over the next few sessions he helped me to turn my idea into a start-up business concept. I remember I was really nervous about purchasing the first assets for the business as it symbolised a ‘no turning back’ moment. Sam definitely had to give me a push!

TIPS FOR SELF-STARTERS Faik has some practical advice for alumni wishing to run their own enterprise. “Always be resourceful, especially during the initial stages when budgets may be limited. Try to work with other start up entrepreneurs as often they will be in a similar position to you. For example, an upcoming photographer may need pictures for their portfolio and you may need professional shots for your website.”

Luckily, Faik’s parents, with whom he and his menagerie live, share his interest in husbandry and support his enterprise. Isn’t it great to be happy to take your work home with you? wildfangsuk.wordpress.com

“I was also lucky enough to win a business development grant from beepurple. This was a huge moment as it allowed me to invest a large amount in my marketing.

“I would definitely recommend beepurple: it’s free for all graduates and students. As well as one-to-one support, it runs lots of courses and workshops throughout the year. I think it’s really important for universities to push entrepreneurship as an option for graduates. Check it out!”

HIGH POINTS “The most rewarding part of the job is probably when you revisit somewhere and children as young as four or five years old remember facts about animals you had told them on your last visit. It highlights that our sessions have been successful and the kids have been learning while meeting the animals.

“I also find it really rewarding when business is generated organically, through word of mouth or an internet search. It feels great knowing Wild Fangs exists as a brand on its own.

“A successful moment was working with the Horniman Museum in South London to put together a ‘creepy critter cave’ over the Halloween weekend. There were 6,000 guests – a large number of whom visited our animal experience.”

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News Enterprise roundup

BLAZING A TRAIL FOR SAFETY ENTERPRISE

Since graduating five years ago, Emily Brooke (Product Design with Professional Experience BSc(Hons) 2011) has won critical acclaim for her revolutionary cycling safety device – the Blaze Laserlight.

Enterprise

Emily developed the Laserlight as her final year project while studying at the University of Brighton. With the support of the university’s enterprise network, beepurple, and financial backing of Santander Universities, she managed to bring her product to market very quickly.

At the end of her course in the summer of 2011, Emily secured a place on the Santander Babson Entrepreneurship Programme. She was also assisted with a Santander Travel Grant to attend the course in Boston, USA. Emily described the trip with great enthusiasm: “It was a truly incredible learning experience for which I will always be immensely grateful. There were 29 students from around the world, all of whom, like me, had won scholarships from Santander Universities Network.”

It was in Boston that Emily worked on her final year project some more, which elicited positive feedback and provided Emily with an entrepreneurial mind-set and confidence to take her product forward.

CYCLING ADVANCES Emily explained what inspired her to create the Laserlight: “After cycling the length of the UK for charity, I returned to my final year of product design.

Having spent the summer training in the countryside, the cities we passed through on the ride were terrifying, dangerous and exhausting. I decided to dedicate my final year to tackling the biggest problem for urban cyclists – which to me meant personal safety!

It is the biggest worry for those who cycle and the biggest barrier for those who don’t.”

The genius behind Laserlight was that Emily identified a risk in cycling safety – that of a motorist’s blind spot when it came to awareness of cyclists. This was how she conceived the Blaze Laserlight which projects an image of a bike six meters ahead of cyclists to increase their visibility to other road users.

The special green laser is integrated into a front white bike light and clips

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onto the handlebars of a cycle like a normal bike light. It gives the cyclist a bigger footprint on the road and alerts drivers ahead of their presence, preventing them turning across its path.

CAPITAL EXPOSURE The Laserlight has been hailed as a significant step forward in improving road safety for cyclists. So much so, that it was installed on all of the 12,000 self-service Santander Cycles for public use across London in autumn 2016. The bikes can be accessed at over 700 docking stations around the capital.

At the end of 2015, Emily added to the success of Laserlight, by introducing a complementary back light – the Blaze Burner – which has 24 LED lights, a sensor to automatically switch it on at dusk and a snap-shut magnetic bracket.

Emily’s passion about the life-saving potential of her inventions has won her a host of awards, including the 2014 NatWest everywoman Iris Award and the 2015 Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year New Generation Award.

WHAT NEXT? Emily shared her aspirations for Blaze: “We are building the global urban cycling brand of the future. We are already shipping our products to 65 countries around the world from our website. We are developing more products for consumer cyclists, but we are also developing technology for more bike sharing schemes internationally.” http://blaze.cc/

Find out more about Santander Universities and how they support students and graduates http://tinyurl.com/santanderuni

Cyclin g accide nts • Around 75% of fatal or serious cyclist accidents occur in urban areas • Around half of cyclist fatalities happen on rural roads • 75% of accidents happen at, or near, a road junction (79% occur when drivers manoeuvre into the rider’s path) • Almost one quarter of the cyclists killed or injured are children • Almost three-quarter of cyclists killed have major head injuries Source: the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/advice/pedal-cyclists/ facts-figures/

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News Enterprise roundup

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS ENTERPRISE

Enterprise

There is no substitute for experience and it is one of the reasons why the University of Brighton places enormous value on its mature students.

In 2003, Phil Ashford qualified with his MBA, aged 37. Since graduating, he founded and is director of Enterprise Exchange – a social enterprise that specialises in helping people with additional barriers become selfemployed or start a business to transform their lives. These barriers vary, but can include people from deprived areas and with disadvantaged backgrounds, people who are longterm unemployed, have mental health issues, are lone parents or come from ethnic minority backgrounds. Phil’s field expertise resulted in him being invited to brief MPs in the House of Commons on his work.

An advocate for lifelong learning, Phil is an experienced and accredited business adviser with a background in both the private and public sector, specialising in pre-start up business advice for people with additional barriers. He has also lectured in schools and colleges, and delivers enterprise awareness programmes with underprivileged teenagers throughout Sussex.

With so much professional acumen, what motivated Phil to undertake his MBA in Brighton? Phil said: “I did not have a first degree and had just been made redundant from a job in central London. I was moving to Brighton and really wanted to be a mature student.

The MBA made me realise that if I could get a masters I could achieve anything! It raised my aspiration of what I was capable of both technically and mentally.”

FRESH STARTS Enterprise Exchange began when Phil worked as the director for the East Sussex Enterprise Gateway – a

Seeing someone grow into a whole new life, contributing to themselves and society makes it all worth it business link service that helped people with challenging work prospects into self-employment. “I loved it and it became my vocation.

When the business link shut down, I knew there was a huge demand for the service and I wanted to carry on.”

Enterprise Exchange operates in prisons, with probation services, housing associations, community groups and on the Work Programme – a government-backed welfare-to-work scheme. It provides business support and helps to build the confidence and self-esteem of its clients.

Given the unorthodox backgrounds of his clients, Phil explained the significance of the programme: “We are very aware that mainstream business support is either too expensive or not fit for purpose for our client group. Our business coaches and mentors understand the challenges that our clients face and use tried and tested techniques to help them overcome challenges.

“We work with offenders, ex-offenders, people who are long-term unemployed and others who have experienced obstacles to starting their own business. We also run enterprise programmes for young people, have a dedicated women’s business adviser and a unique management development programme for corporate clients.”

It took about five years to establish Enterprise Exchange and Phil described some of the challenges he faced: “We ran market research focus groups in HMP Lewes and HMP Ford.

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We asked inmates what they wanted from a self-employment programme and designed our programme based on that research. For example, we encourage self-esteem and confidence building as much as the technical skills.”

THE SELF-EMPLOYMENT ROLLERCOASTER “We didn’t trade for six months. We talked to complementary organisations and those in the sector to build networks, listen to practitioners and raise awareness of our service.

“There have been many ups and downs along the way, financially and emotionally. You have to be resilient and hold your nerve at difficult times.

“We got some free help from University of Brighton researchers for our focus groups. The university wrote a letter of support to back up our proposals. We also had some help filling in a lottery bid.”

TRANSFORMING LIVES Imbuing a sense of worth and selfbelief is critical to his work, and Phil proudly cites examples of his clients’ successes: “There was a young man in HMP Lewes. The longest he had been out of prison in his adult life was two weeks. We worked intensively with him over a year and he has now been out of prison for over two years.

He calls us on a regular basis which is tremendous.

“We recently secured a loan for an exoffender in Sussex who can now fulfil his dream of running a restaurant in Littlehampton. He was literally in tears.”

The rewards from his work are tangible: “Seeing someone grow into a whole new life, contributing to themselves and society makes it all worth it.” www.enterpriseexchange.org.uk

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News Enterprise roundup

HOTSTEPPER

ENTERPRISE

One Saturday night each June, The Dome in Brighton is packed with families watching the high energy dancing prowess of their nearest and dearest as Streetfunk hosts its annual review. But this isn’t just about proud parents – these are proud sons, daughters, siblings, husbands and wives – because the show spans generations in what has become a highly popular community event.

Photo credit: Jay McLaughlin

Streetfunk was founded by Brighton alumnus, JP Omari (International Business BA(Hons) 2003). JP is a multi-award-winning hip hop dancer, teacher, coach and choreographer.

He has performed, taught and judged competitions around the world and is widely respected in the UK dance scene.

Enterprise

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You have to go for it: follow your passion, and do what you love

CAREFUL MOVES It may sound idyllic, but it has taken a lot of hard work. JP’s parents loved his dancing, but they did not want him to chance making a career out of it so JP moved from his home in Rome, Italy to Brighton to study. He continued dancing throughout his degree and started working for South East Dance, giving lessons around Whitehawk and Moulsecoomb.

Although his parents urged him to go for a traditional nine-to-five job, JP had found his calling: “Deep down in my heart I knew that wasn’t where my passion lay. I decided to go with dance – teaching and performing. You have to go for it: follow your passion and do what you love!”

Combining his passion for dance with the expertise gained from his degree, JP credited his course for helping him build a successful business model. He said: “My degree equipped me with the necessary business skills to establish and operate Streetfunk as a successful enterprise.”

In 2006 JP became the UK’s first bboy (breakdancer) to take part in a reality TV dance show – BBC’s Strictly Dance Fever – where he reached the semi-finals. Since then, he has worked with artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Sean Paul and Orbital. He is a founding member of the Floor Crusaders bboy crew and the Urban Playground Team who combine Parkour with dance in site-specific street performances. He is also a member of Urban Strides – UK’s streetdance specialists and SickStep – a famous Los Angeles-based hip hop dance crew.

FUNK AND ETHICS Brighton-based Streetfunk is the south coast’s biggest and most successful hip hop dance school. JP established it in 2006, based on the core values of hard work, discipline, respect and having fun. Each week hundreds of children and adults of all ages attend streetdance classes. The studio coaches talented children in a number of competition crews to win regional, national, European and world streetdance championship titles.

JP is passionate about getting people on their feet: “We are committed to creating a positive lifestyle where hip hop dance is taught in a fun environment, where discipline, hard work and respect are paramount. We stand against lethargy and cultivate passion and funk in every person.” This includes adults-only classes such as the Out-of-Puff Daddies and Mum’s Da Word.

SO WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP FOR JP? JP is determined to continue spreading his passion for dance and music worldwide: “I recently created FunkFit – a dance fitness class to funk, soul, Motown, groove and disco classics.

The emphasis is on dancing (no choreography) and having fun where you will naturally get fit, sweat and work out. I aim to make it the new global dance fitness phenomenon!” www.streetfunk.co.uk

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News Enterprise roundup

VISION and

PERSEVERANCE ENTERPRISE

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but sometimes it’s just what you have to do to in the name of persuasion. Before Andrew Goodall (Accounting and Finance BA(Hons) 1984) purchased Brighton Marina in 1996, the previous owners were working to get new visitors and buying local coach drivers sandwiches and drinks to convince them to stop off at the developing seafront site.

Enterprise

marina and providing iPads to all pupils and teachers in the school to enhance their learning.

“The marina was the first audit I went on as a trainee chartered accountant at KPMG,” explained Andrew. “It was quiet, yet clearly full of potential.”

After forming Brunswick Developments in 1988, Andrew’s career as a property developer really began to set sail when he invested in the regeneration of the marina site. Twenty years after Andrew acquired the marina, the east side of Brighton has been transformed into a prime leisure complex which Andrew believes will become “the jewel in the crown of the south east”.

I want to enable people to create and maintain the best possible lives for themselves

His aim is for it to become one of the best marinas in the world, while also recognising the enormous contribution it can make locally. He said: “Brighton Marina has always had the potential to attract diverse crowds to the city, and we are hugely excited about the launch of the new West Quay apartments and restaurants.” The development has created hundreds of new homes and more than 300 jobs.

Having lived in Brighton since he graduated, Andrew understood what was needed for the regeneration to be successful. “There are a range of properties avaliable, including social housing, which creates a vibrant community,” he explained. “And by expanding the number of restaurants and other leisure activities to the seafront, it increases the leisure offer as a whole.”

However, Brighton Marina is not the only development Andrew is passionate about. For the last seven years he has been involved in a range of charitable projects in Brighton, the UK and overseas, especially Tanzania.

Charity needs a business approach in order to create the most impact

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IPads were also given to one of the primary schools in the Tanzanian village so that pupils and teachers in Whitehawk and Wasso (Tanzania) could communicate with each other.

In September 2016, Andrew set up a charitable foundation in honour of his parents – The Robin and Sylvia Goodall Foundation – which aims to enable children, young people and their communities in the UK and across the globe to fulfil their potential.

SUSTAINABLE SUPPORT

HOME AND AWAY Andrew was inspired by an encounter his mother Sylvia had in Tanzania in 2006 with a local woman called Otilia and her infant son. In a chance connection, the women became friends and a while later Sylvia returned to Tanzania with Andrew to visit Otilia.

Struck by the paucity of facilities and opportunities for Otilia’s village, particularly its schools, Andrew began to explore how he could support improving the community’s two primary schools.

During the same period, as Chairman of Fonthill Foundation, he also started working with City Academy Whitehawk to provide opportunities to students at the primary school – including setting up a Learning Lab in the heart of the

Andrew emphasised that The Goodall Foundation is not a traditional charity.

It aims to “marry business with social good in order to break the cycle of continued dependence between those who need support and those who can afford to give it”. All programmes must demonstrate that they can be sustainable, scalable and replicable.

Current projects include: • funding a coffee industry training programme for young people who aren’t in education, employment or training through One Church in Brighton • exploring alternative approaches to education and care for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the UK • researching what initiatives should be implemented, including enhanced teacher training, to reform the education system in Tanzania in partnership with the government.

Andrew explained how his business acumen helps with his charitable projects: “Charity needs a business approach in order to create the most impact. I am really excited to explore how we can make a positive, sustainable difference. I don’t just want to give back, I want to enable people to create and maintain the best possible lives for themselves.” www.goodall-foundation.org.uk

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Alumni in action

The current refugee crisis has become one of the biggest threats to humanity since the Second World War, and it is a crisis which persists. It has been a divisive topic – one heavily used during pre-Brexit rhetoric, but it has also prompted some heroic acts of volunteering at the front line in camps around Europe.

COMPASSION IN ACTION NURSING HEROES ANSWER CRIES FOR HELP Earlier in the year, three University of Brighton nursing graduates, moved by the harrowing plight of refugees, travelled to Greece to help at one of the refugee camps.

Critical care nurses Lucy Pitt (Acute Clinical Practice BSc(Hons) 2012) and Claire Cox (Nursing Studies BSc(Hons) 2005) along with nurse Kat Thomas (Acute Clinical Practice (Intensive Care) GradCert 2016) and Dr John

Kilic, all from Brighton’s Royal Sussex County Hospital, spent weeks caring for hundreds of refugees who had fled from war-torn countries.

Lucy described the harrowing scenes they faced: “When we arrived we simply were not prepared for what we saw. As senior members of the Intensive Care Unit team, we have all experienced difficult situations and trauma but this level of human suffering was shocking.

“There were 12–14,000 people at Idomeni and no facilities. About 10 toilets, no showers, nothing. It was cold and raining and people didn’t have shoes or warm clothes. They were wet, cold and sick with chest infections.

“We saw between 300–500 people a day, working from the back of a Swedish ambulance. It was basic primary health care. We gave out antibiotics and paracetamol. We did not make any difference to the situation, but on a human level I think we made a massive difference. The people we met were the same as us. The refugees

Alumni in action

Smiling in the face of adversity: Kat, Claire, John and Lucy

... we have all experienced difficult situations and trauma but this level of human suffering was shocking.

“Wasan (the mother) had had three previous caesarean sections so we knew she needed another one with her fourth. When we met her she was nine months pregnant. She had not seen a midwife or doctor. They were living in a crowded tent in a petrol station in the camp. We drove her 40km to the nearest hospital to see a doctor.

“They made us wait for hours and then decided to book her operation the following week (after we had left), so they discharged her at midnight.

We had to drop off a heavily pregnant woman in the middle of the night at a freezing cold petrol station. Luckily, we were able to ask someone we had met to take her back to the hospital the following week. She had a baby girl and called her Sian after a paramedic who took her to hospital. We met lots of people who had their babies in tents with no support.”

Upon their return, the nurses gave a public talk at the university, describing the harrowing plight they encountered.

Lucy said: “I am ICU trained but I think the course that helped the most was the physical assessment module at the university. But really anyone could do the work in Greece – you just need compassion and kindness. The experience has changed my life.”

THANK YOU FOR GIVING HOPE

Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to provide lifelines to Emad and Hussam.

are the middle class educated people.

We met doctors, lawyers, nurses, civil engineers.

“We met a family who were having their fourth baby. They had escaped Iraq after a car bomb exploded outside their house, causing a head injury to their 11-year-old son. He is ok physically now but wakes every night afraid and crying.

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Idomeni camp

Twins born in a refugee camp on the side of the road

Hassam Jackl – a 25-year-old law student who escaped Syria when his university was bombed

In response to the refugee crisis, the University of Brighton established one of the only programmes in the higher education sector which looks at long-term solutions for the people it affects. Our Global Opportunities Scholarship programme gives asylum seekers the chance to build a more secure future for themselves and their families.

Over the last year, you gave more than £20k in donations: the impact of your support is almost immeasurable in that it gives desperate people, whose lives have been destroyed through circumstances beyond their control, a chance to rebuild their lives.

Because of you, we welcomed our first two scholars in September.

Emad Alchikh Saleh, (Marketing MSc student), fled his home in Syria when the bombing of his home in Aleppo began in 2012.

Hussam Abuhajjaj, who was denied permission to return to his Palestinian homeland following the outbreak of conflict in Libya, is now studying for a PGDip in Computer Science. Hussam (right) said: “The people who supported this fund do not know me … but they have given such a great thing.”

If you would like to be the catalyst in rebuilding someone’s life contact giving@brighton.ac.uk.

Refugees queue for medication

http://tinyurl.com/uobglobal

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Welcome Opinion piece our new V-C

WOMEN IN

STEM Earlier in the year, national media suggested a significant drop in women entering science-based careers. The dismal projection was despite the fact that half the students surveyed had been interested in science since primary school age.

An article published by The Independent in July lamented the possibility of the UK risking losing over 33,000 female scientists each year, as a result of students abandoning subjects after graduation. The statistics were released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) which polls new graduates annually to learn more about their career progression.

Up to 15% of female students dropping the subject blamed feelings of isolation and loneliness during their studies for not pursuing it further, while 11% expressed concerns about earning power and their future work-life balance. Other reasons cited were sexism and lack of support for women in laboratories.

These factors led to underrepresentation of women occupying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers in the UK (15%), and less than 3% of scientific Nobel Prizes being awarded to women. The research was conducted by NUS Insight for L’Oreal UK & Ireland, an organisation that is committed to addressing gender equality in science careers, including enhanced support and mentoring for female scientists. L’Oreal-UNESCO has set up a Women in Science Manifesto to remove the barriers which deter women from participating in scientific careers.

Opinion piece 33

For women in particular, I think role models and mentors are crucial.

SO WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ENCOURAGE MORE WOMEN INTO STEM SUBJECTS? Professor Alison Bruce, Head of the Nuclear Physics Research Group at the University of Brighton, shared her thoughts on why STEM subjects provide a fulfilling career and what can be done to encourage and retain more female talent in the field.

“Studying STEM subjects gives you many transferable skills that can be used in all sorts of different career paths. My chosen path has been to stay in academia where I have been able to lead my own research group studying exotic nuclei but this is by no means the limits of what can be achieved with a degree in physics.

“If I think about the students who studied with me then yes, a few are still in academia but the others are in jobs ranging from radio studio manager at the BBC to setting up and running a software company.”

Professor Bruce also pointed to a lack of signposting in how to translate STEM subjects into potential careers – the possibilities need clearer definition.

“For women in particular, I think role models and mentors are crucial. I have been lucky enough to have an excellent mentor who has guided me on my career path for many years. It has certainly made a difference and given me encouragement and that little bit of perspective that I was perhaps lacking on occasion.

“On the subject of role models, it is usual when I go to UK conferences that I am among the approximately 10% of women in the audience.

It is interesting that when I go to conferences and workshops in Europe, such as in France, Italy and Spain, the proportion of women is much higher.

Why is that? Certainly the Nobel Prize physicist, Madame Marie Curie, is well feted in France – do we have anyone similar here? I don’t think so.

Indeed, this year, for the first time in my 20-plus-years career, I attended a meeting where the number of women exceeded the number of men.

Needless to say the meeting wasn’t in the UK. “Recently, one of my PhD students, Chantal Nobs, stood on a soapbox on the south bank of the Thames and talked about her PhD work and physics in general. One of the best bits of feedback was from a passing woman who said ‘Now, not only do I know what it (physics) means, but I know that women can do it.’ It is a slow process, but I do think that the situation is more positive than in recent years.”

Be the difference If you are a female graduate with a successful career in STEM, consider mentoring one of our students and inspire fresh talent with your experience and knowledge. Contact Nic Ashton, n.ashton@brighton.ac.uk for more information.

Rebecca Kimber (Computing HND 2001) who is CEO of Create.net, a website design company, gave her perspective on women pursuing careers in STEM: “We still have big problems with stereotyping and what young women imagine these jobs and industries to be like, so companies can play a big role in helping to improve these misconceptions.

“The sector is already working hard to showcase women in STEM positions and break down barriers, but we know that more can be done in this area. Research shows role models have a positive influence on women, so showcasing the achievements of women in these areas – not only to our university students, but at younger ages, will inspire more women to make these career choices.”

Rebecca highlighted that career opportunities need to be made more appealing to women: “Companies and organisations need to better understand what’s wrong with their current recruitment process and business positioning so that they can begin attracting a lot more female talent through their doors. Everything from the words used in job adverts to the working environment should be under scrutiny.

“The more gender-balanced the sector, businesses and organisations become, the easier it will be to breakdown the stereotyping and sexism experiences.

This will further encourage more women to pursue their interests as their careers.”

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Virtuous circles

SHARING SUCCESS According to world-leading motivational speaker and author, Brian Tracy, “successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others.”

There seems to be more than a kernel of truth to this when we look at how our alumni and friends give back to help other students flourish.

Since winning, their Cheltenham-based business has boomed as customers have clamoured to the stylishly revamped premises to try out their award-winning fish and chips, based on sustainable fishing models and high quality ingredients. As reigning champions, they have undertaken a year-long ambassadorial role as spokespersons for the industry. On top of their outreach programmes, they have also made guest appearances on ITV’s This Morning and attracted a lot of exposure via radio interviews. http://simpsonsfishandchips.co.uk

GRADUATE LAUNCHES GROWTH FUND TAKE AWAY CHAMPIONS GIVE BACK Graduates Bonny and James Ritchie (Fine Art Sculpture BA(Hons) 2008/2009) took the UK’s favourite takeaway to a new level when they were crowned national champions at the 2016 National Fish and Chip Awards for their business, Simpsons.

Sharing their success, James and Bonny set up an annual sculpture prize of £200 for budding sculptors at the university and explained its significance to them: “The University of Brighton means a great deal to us, especially the tutors who helped us and gave us the confidence and life experience to be able to go on and make a successful business. We were so sad to hear of the passing of our tutor, Tom Grimsey. We know money is tight as a student and just want to give something back to the sculpture department to help young artists on their way.”

This year, one of our internationally based alumni, Jeff Cronkshaw (Computing and Information Systems BA(Hons) 1998) launched an exciting new programme through his company, LanciaConsult.

LanciaConsult is a senior IT advisory firm based out of Singapore that has a close relationship with the University of Brighton, spearheaded by its Group Managing Director, Jeff. As a proud alumnus of the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, Jeff has maintained close ties with the university, supporting graduate recruitment programmes, through Lancia Consult’s UK practice and with The LanciaConsult Award for Excellence in Computing Placement Year Completion as well as the now LanciaConsult Breakthrough Growth Grant.

Jeff said: “LanciaConsult is proud to be a supporter of the University of Brighton and the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, and we are pleased to support the next generation of graduates who have the opportunity to drive and thrive in this exciting and dynamic industry.”

For more information about The LanciaConsult Growth Grant Fund contact David Smith, d.smith4@brighton.ac.uk.

The LanciaConsult Growth Grant Fund enables students and alumni from the university’s computing degrees to grow their businesses and social enterprises.

The fund can be used for new product development, new technology within the venture (including web design and emarketing), specialist equipment, software, materials and protection of intellectual property.

Sandra Hayward, winner of The LanciaConsult Award for Excellence in Computing Placement Year Completion with Mark Eslick, Placements Manager

Breakthrough awards

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DONORS ALIGN WITH STUDENT TALENT This year the university launched a new prize-giving scheme to inspire students across all disciplines.

The Breakthrough Awards recognise high achievement amongst second year undergraduate students during what can be the most challenging phase of their studies.

Alumni such as Norman Cook (aka international DJ Fatboy Slim) (British Studies BA 1985) and best-selling author Cressida Cowell (How to Train Your Dragon series) have already sponsored awards, alongside businesses including Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company, DMH Stallard and Knill James.

The scheme is simple: supporters pledge £1,000 per year for three years which creates an annual Breakthrough Award worth £500, set up in the subject area of the sponsor’s choice.

The remaining £500 per year is directed towards one of the university’s student experience projects like the Student Support Fund or other scholarship programmes.

When I was a student on the Narrative Illustration MA at the University of Brighton, I entered the Macmillan Children’s Book Competition. I won a prize and through the prize-giving, I made contact with the editor who published my first book. It can be difficult to make the leap between academia and the working world, so I would always encourage students to look out for opportunities like these.

Cressida Cowell (Narrative Illustration MA 1996) Sponsor of The Cressida Cowell Illustration BA(Hons) Breakthrough Award

DMH Stallard has supported University of Brighton student achievements and awards for many years, and we are excited about this new and innovative student prize scheme. We have a strong connection with the city of Brighton & Hove, and a number of our solicitors were University of Brighton graduates.

We plan to offer the winning student some work experience with the firm.

Richard Pollins, Managing Partner at DMH Stallard

Sponsors of The DMH Stallard Law with Business LLB (Hons) Breakthrough Award

Donors are involved in the naming of the award and get the opportunity to network with other supporters, while sharing in the winning student’s success at the annual celebrations each November.

Supporting students is an important part of investing in the future of our city. To be able to encourage excellence in the development of urban planning skills through the university’s Breakthrough Awards, recognises the growing importance of developing skills to meet the huge challenges around urban design and travel.

For information about supporting a Breakthrough Award, contact giving@brighton.ac.uk 01273 642600.

Martin Harris, Managing Director at Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company Sponsors of The Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company Best Urban Planning Project Breakthrough Award

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Welcome Academicour viewpoint new V-C

BUILDING BRIDGES WITH THE BEAUTIFUL GAME Dr Mark Doidge, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Brighton, is an expert in European football fan cultures and is also Director of the Anti-Discrimination Division of Football Supporters Europe (FSE). Mark explained how football is playing an important role in making refugees feel welcome.

A year ago, the heart-wrenching photos of Alan Kurdi’s body on a Greek shore shocked the world. It brought home the reality of the current refugee crisis that constitutes one of the largest migrations of people since World War II; citizens, politicians and non-government organisations (NGOs) are asking major questions, yet failing to provide answers. Football is one space where these cleavages are being witnessed, yet it is also creating a useful space to challenge and understand some of the issues.

More importantly, it is providing an opportunity for physical activity that helps improve mental and bodily health.

TACKLING NEGATIVITY There has been an international emotional connection with the current refugee situation in Europe.

Whilst some football fans in Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic displayed banners stating Refugees not welcome and made statements against the Islamification of Europe, the vast majority of football supporters are highly adoptive of the Refugees Welcome movement, including moderate fan groups who have never challenged discrimination before.

Several fan groups in Germany, Scotland, Greece and England displayed banners openly declaring Refugees welcome. Meanwhile many others have raised money or set up football teams to support refugees and asylum seekers. For example, fans of Istanbul’s Fenerbahçe hosted a dinner for Syrian refugees to welcome them into the local community. There

are so many activities taking place that Football Against Racism Europe has started compiling a database of locations.

Football 4 Peace – www.football4peace.eu – at the University of Brighton has over 15 years’ experience of demonstrating how football can help build bridges in culturally divided cities in Northern Ireland, Israel and Palestine, Gambia and Korea. Most importantly, Football 4 Peace shows that it is important not just to bring people together for football, but also to actively work with the participants to help them understand themselves and others. Their valuesbased methodology helps utilise the teachable moments that football provides. As Professor John Sugden, Professor of the Sociology of Sport, has stated: “Sport is intrinsically value neutral and under carefully managed circumstances it can make a positive if modest contribution to peace building.”

Welcome our new V-C

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A WELCOME DISTRACTION Football also provides a cathartic space for refugees and asylum seekers. A project run by Football Unites Racism Divides (www.furd.org) in Sheffield showcased the importance of football in helping refugees acclimatise to their new lives. Football helps those in traumatic situations to switch off from their daily travails and enjoy the freedom of physical exercise and being around people who are in a similar situation. As asylum seekers are not legally permitted to work, leisure activities like football become an important source of self identity.

Football fans across Europe have set up teams for refugees and asylum seekers. From United Glasgow in Scotland, Lampedusa FC in Hamburg, Welcome United in Potsdam and Liberi Nantes in Rome, fans are volunteering their time to welcome new members of their community and help integrate them with the local population. As Football 4 Peace has shown, football can help link people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.

END GOAL A player of Welcome United, who participated in a workshop on football fans and refugees hosted by the university and Football Supporters Europe in Paris, observed: “I hope everyone will have the same chance I had, to have contact with the other people, to play football and not to be pushed from the people because they don’t have the same colour, the same culture or the same language. When we talk about football, everybody is the same and everyone is equal.”

More importantly, football doesn’t just help refugees when they reach their final destination. Football provides safety and release for young people in transit in refugee camps. Football fans set up Baloo’s Youth Centre in the Jungle in Calais as a way of engaging young people in the camp.

There are nearly 800 unaccompanied minors in Calais and youth workers at Baloo’s have used football to help build trust with vulnerable children so

that they can account for them and provide mobile phones so they can be traced and kept safe. Competitions like the Liberté Cup hosted in the Grand Synthe camp in Dunkirk, can also provide a focal point and sense of purpose for refugees living in stasis.

They also provide entertainment for the other inhabitants who can alleviate the boredom of living in the camp by watching the games.

UNIVERSAL EQUALISER International governing bodies have also helped. Whilst they often get criticised by fans, they have taken positive steps to help refugees around the world. UEFA donated money from Champions League and Europa League ticket sales to refugee causes.

FIFA has also used football to help engage young people in refugee

camps. In August 2016, the under17s Women’s World Cup trophy was showcased in the Al Zaatari camp.

One young participant declared: “For me, there's nothing more important at the moment. In this camp, football gives me hope in life. I play it two hours every day and I'm happy for those two hours. I never tire of chasing after the ball and having a shot on goal.”

Whilst politicians are prevaricating or building walls to divide people, football fans, governing bodies and NGOs are using football to build bridges between individuals and groups. Football isn’t the magic bullet that will solve the current crisis, but it does showcase the valuable work that civil society can provide in the absence of the state. It also offers spaces that help integration, as well as supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

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Welcome Springboard ourgrants new V-C

How YOU make a

difference

Great things happen when our alumni and friends get behind projects. Our Springboard Grants Programme was established through the generosity of alumni and friends of the university. The programme provides one-off awards of up to £2,000 to University of Brighton sports clubs and student societies to help fund activities that enrich and enhance the student experience.

We hope you enjoy reading these examples of how your donations have made a difference by enabling students to pursue extracurricular projects in pursuit of excellence. Many thanks to everyone who helps provide these opportunities. If you would like to find out more, please contact giving@brighton.ac.uk.

PONIES AT THE PIER One of the university’s newest sports teams – the polo team – was able to celebrate its first year of competition thanks to a Springboard grant of £1,540. The award was used to hire ponies to compete in the Schools and Universitites Polo Association (SUPA) National Universities Championship at Dallas Burston Polo Club near Leamington Spa, along with 50 other universities.

Team president, Luke Sandys-Renton, who is studying for his BSc(Hons) in Project Management for Construction, said: “Since I started the polo team, we have seen 25-plus people participate through the year, across all riding abilities. The most important thing about the team is its accessibility and making everyone feel welcome when they participate whether this is competitively or just for fun.”

Luke said: “The Springboard award has been a massive help to us. We are extremely grateful to the alumni and friends who make this possible.”

photo credit: Simon Dack

Springboard grants

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vegetable dyes from 1916. Ethel was made a first female Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) in 1939 and she taught on the textile course at the University of Brighton in the 1940s. To celebrate the centenary of A Book on Vegetable Dyes, Ditchling Museum has staged a live research exhibition which runs through to 23 April 2017. www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk

SHOWCASING TALENT Students were able to exhibit their projects thanks to a Springboard grant. The Brighton University Design Association (BUDA) was awarded £1,000 to showcase students’ work at the Brighton Design Exhibition – www.brightondesignexhibition.co.uk – in Brighton’s Jubilee Square. Amongst the exhibitors were recent graduates, Joshua Akhtar and Patrick Kendal.

DYEING TO LEARN MORE Students are now able to learn hands-on about natural colouring processes for textile fibres, fabric and yarns, thanks to a Springboard grant of £991. The university’s vegetable dye garden was created on a disused site alongside our Waste House in Grand Parade. Coordinated by Toni Hicks, former senior lecturer in textiles, the dye garden was designed with a specific focus on plants grown for dyeing and structural plants for drawing.

The project attracted a group of keen gardeners from across the university and from the local community to help develop the garden. It provided a productive forum for collaborative learning and sharing of knowledge.

Another bonus of the dye garden is that it provides a tranquil area on the campus.

The Brighton Waste House Garden has become a key part of the resurgence in dye gardens and led to Toni liaising with the curator of Ditchling Museum who was also setting up a dye garden.

By coincidence, Ditchling Museum holds a first copy of textile designer Ethel Mairet’s seminal book on

The exhibition provided Patrick Kendal (Product Design with Professional Experience BSc(Hons) 2015) with an opportunity to showcase The Spring Oven – an innovative solution for baking the perfect loaf which grabbed media attention.

Patrick’s invention is a terracotta ovenware pot that uniquely generates steam while baking, via a channel of water that sits within the internal rim – thus allowing the temperature of the oven to remain unchanged. Patrick said: “I was spurred on by my success in winning a One to Watch award from the Design Council and decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign for this product.

“To say it has been a success would be an understatement. I launched the Kickstarter campaign for The Spring Oven and managed to reach my £10,000 funding target in just 15 days.”

Patrick received enterprise support from beepurple while he was at university and hopes to launch the product in Brighton retail stores. www.thespringoven.com Joshua Akhtar (Product Design with Professional Experience BSc(Hons) 2016) also exhibited at the Brighton Design Exhibition and ended his studies on a high by winning the W’Innovate and Wilko Award at the New Designers Awards in July.

Joshua’s innovative Bait Hive is a sustainable low-cost design solution for a foldable bee hive, thus helping with bee conservation. Joshua explained: “The Bait Hive is designed to be used in a wide variety of locations and is dedicated to swarm capture. It uses a pheromone to aid in attracting a swarm, and once it enters the hive, a rotating door is used to trap the queen whilst allowing the colony to continue to forage, ensuring the swarm stays in its new location.

“Aside from the retail product for hobbyist beekeepers, I hope that the hive will eventually be offered as a free swarm prevention service for businesses and public places as an alternative to the use of exterminators and pest control.”

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Welcome Family affair our new V-C

KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY

There’s a lot to be said for personal recommendation – especially when it comes to joining a family member as part of the Brighton alumni community.

We take a look at some family connections where our graduates have studied alongside each other or followed their relatives as students at the University of Brighton.

FOLLOWING IN GRANDMA’S FOOTSTEPS

It was a significant moment for Hayley Tallyn (Physical Education with QTS BA(Hons) 2016) when she graduated in July, 65 years after her grandmother, Pamela Ann Macfarlane (Physical Education 1951). Pamela studied PE at the Chelsea College of Physical Education (latterly Chelsea School, which later became the School of Sport and Service Management).

Ahead of her own graduation ceremony, Hayley proudly shared Pamela’s original graduation certificate on social media.

incredible reputation for studying physical education. I loved the fact that grandma was 82 when I was looking to start university and she still had a close group of friends who she trained with at Chelsea.

“I will always remember when my grandma dropped me off on my first day at university and she was shocked that the place looked so different. Me and my grandma have always been close, but this has created an even closer bond, as we have been able to share all of our memories of Chelsea together.”

Hayley explained why studying at Brighton meant so much to her: “I grew up with my grandma sharing many fond memories of her time at Chelsea and this made me want to become a Chelsea girl too. I had also heard of the school’s

Pamela front row, first on left in the 1950 tennis team; Hayley second row, third from right in the 2011 tennis team.

Did you meet your partner at the University of Brighton? Email us your story at alumni@brighton.ac.uk.

FATHER TO SON When Andrew Hart (Mechanical Engineering MEng 2016) graduated with a first in July, it was a proud moment for his father, Terry Hart who graduated in 1972 with an Electrical Engineering BSc(Hons).

Andrew quipped that it was nice to “continue the tradition” set by Terry.

Terry, who spent his career in radio and satellite communications, also returned as a lecturer to the university for a couple of years. He was pleased with his son’s decision to study at Brighton as he recognised the advantages of the work placement approach: “It takes longer to achieve the degree but potential employers place a higher value on graduates with some real-world experience, and it also helps to fast-track membership of a professional body.”

Andrew, who now works as a graduate engineer for Costain Engineering on the London Crossrail Project, admitted that the family connection and the real-world approach at Brighton swayed his choice to study here.

Welcome our new V-C

PROLIFIC PARTNERSHIP Jane Chapman and Tim Warnes (Graphic Design BA(Hons) 1993) met at what was then the Brighton Art College as undergraduates. They got engaged in their final year and married the spring after graduating. They chose the course at Brighton because of its great reputation for illustration.

When Tim got offered a picture book deal with Little Tiger Press, they also extended the offer to Jane. Twenty years and two sons later, both Jane and Tim work as children’s illustrators and have 150 books published between them. Along the way they have picked up a host of awards including the Book Trust Early Years’ Award, the Oppenheim Book Award and the TES Junior Information Book Award.

Jane said: “Had I not gone to Brighton, I wouldn’t have met Tim, and I wouldn’t have two boys or a career in children’s books.” www.chapmanandwarnes.com

BROTHERLY RECOMMENDATION Adam Burnett-Ward (Criminology and Applied Psychology BA(Hons) 2008), who works as a project manager at Deutsche Bank in London, had no doubt that the University of Brighton was the right choice for him, describing it as “an amazing place to study”. When his younger brother, Alex was considering doing a masters degree, Adam had no hesitation in recommending Brighton to his sibling.

It was clearly a good move as Alexander Ward (Digital Media Production MSc 2014) corroborated: “I felt that Brighton would be much more hands-on in terms of practical learning, something that I knew from Adam’s experience.” Alex credits his MSc in helping him advance his career where he currently works at a digital marketing agency in Brighton on some of the world’s leading entertainment brands.

Adam was elated when Alex graduated and said: “I am glad that we can both say that we studied at Brighton.”

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FAMILY TRADITION The University of Brighton appears to have been the number one choice for several generations of Dr Anna Barnes’ family. “I think it’s something about the range of courses on offer … teaching, nursing, social policy, creative arts … It’s got something for all of us,” claimed Anna who graduated with an MA in Social Policy in 1992.

Both of Anna’s parents studied here. Her mother Christine Cooke graduated in 1982 with a Diploma in Professional Studies (Health Visitor) and her father Tony Lewery attended the Art College in the 1950s. In addition, Anna’s uncle, Brian Coates, underwent his teacher training in 1964–65 at Falmer.

Following the family tradition, Anna’s daughter, Josie Barnes, is studying for her broadcast media degree in Hastings. In September, the university welcomed Anna’s nephew, Jacob Harris, who began his PGCE training in Falmer.

Top: Three generations of Brighton alumnae: Anna, Christine and Josie.

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Chelsea School

CHELSEA SCHOOL

STEP BACK IN TIME…

The University of Brighton has a diverse history and in celebration of the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, we take a look at the proud heritage of Chelsea School – one of the UK’s forerunners in female physical education. From the beginning, one of the school’s characteristics has been the readiness of staff and students to move with the times.

The school has continually evolved, later admitting men and international students, then over the next 50 years doubling in size as it developed new degrees in leisure studies, sports science, coaching and journalism. More recently the Chelsea School combined with the School of Service Management and now includes degrees in tourism, hospitality and events.

1948

1939

1898 1898

1966

Dorette Wilke started the Gymnastic Teachers’ Training College in London

The Gymnastic Teachers’ Training College evolved into the Chelsea College of Physical Education.

During World War ll, the school evacuated to Borth in Wales.

Chelsea celebrated its 50-year anniversary. It also moved to new premises in Eastbourne.

The Queen requested a tour of the school where she met students and watched dance and gymnastics displays.

1898 1920 1939 1948 1966

Chelsea School

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1968 1976 1978 1979 1992 The BEd(Hons) course was approved and offered to eligible students.

Chelsea College of Physical Education merged with Eastbourne and Seaford Colleges of Education to form the East Sussex College of Higher Education.

Our first male students qualified from the human movement course.

1966

The college was assimilated as part of Brighton Polytechnic.

After being granted university status in 1989, Brighton Polytechnic formally became the University of Brighton.

1978

1976

1966

CHELSEA LEADER ROLL CALL • Dorette Wilkie: Founder and Headmistress 1898–1929 • May Fountain: Headmistress 1929–1945, Principal 1945–1950 • Gwyneth Cater: Principal 1950–1953 • Beryl Gough: Acting Head 1953–1954 • Annie Rogers: Principal 1954–1958 • Audrey Bambra: Principal 1958–1976 • Patricia Kingston: Head of School 1976–1979 • Gillian Burke: Head 1979–1984 • Joy McConachie-Smith: Acting Head for one term in 1984 • Professor Elizabeth Murdoch: Head 1985–1999 • Paul McNaught-Davies: Head 2000–2005 • Professor Jonathan Doust: Head 2006 – present

2012

Chelsea School merged with the university’s neighbouring School of Service Management to become the School of Sport and Service Management.

2012

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Chelsea School

The school was founded in 1898

by German-born Dorette Wilke and started as a Gymnastic Teachers’ Training College at the South Western Polytechnic in London. Dorette’s vocation was inspired by her arrival in England in 1885 to be treated for poor health and posture with gymnastic exercises. Deportment became an integral part of her initial curriculum.

In 1908 Dorette Wilke applied for British citizenship and naturalised her surname to Wilkie.

May Fountain joined the staff in 1912, supervising all the medical aspects of the curriculum. May was an alumna of Dorette Wilkie’s Gymnastic Teachers’ Training College between 1906–1908 where she found the potential of physical activity and medicine revelatory.

In 1920 the Chelsea College of Physical Education was formed and by 1929, it had at least 30 students per year group. The uniform included cloaks for practice work and woollen stockings. The two-year Physical Education courses were solely for women and students were known by their surnames only. In 1929, May Fountain succeeded Dorette Wilkie as Chelsea’s headmistress.

Today: Professor Jo Doust

Chelsea School line up 1937

Dancing 1916

1960s anatomy class

1960s–1970s

Between 1963 and 1967, Hillbrow underwent a major building programme whereby the physiology lab was demolished and replaced with tutorial, art, music and practise rooms. A swimming pool and new dance hall were built alongside two gymnasia buildings – Gaudick and Middle. The original student accommodation was in hostels: St Winifred’s, Granville Crest, Bernersmede, Ravelston, Dorette Wilkie and Whitworth Hall.

As Chelsea School expanded, so did its physical premises and collaborations. In 1976 Chelsea College of Physical Education merged with Eastbourne and Seaford Colleges of Education to form the East Sussex College of Higher Education. Then in 1979, the school joined what was to become the University of Brighton, when the East Sussex College of Higher Education, including Chelsea School, merged with Brighton Polytechnic.

1980s–1990s

1980s–1990s: Cover reproduced with permission from Taylor & Francis

These decades saw major developments in courses and increased expansion in research. In 1980 the Council for Academic Awards (CNAA) developed and validated the Sports Science BSc(Hons) course. Also in 1980, Trevin Towers was acquired for the school’s use.

Chelsea opened its doors to overseas students in 1981 to study a one-term diploma course in Sports Management and Administration. Between 1981–1984, the masters degree in PE was developed. The first male students were recruited to the BEd course in 1983.

In 1999 former staff member, Dr Ida Webb, published a comprehensive history of Chelsea School’s first 100 years – The Challenge of Change in Physical Education (Chelsea School 1898–1998). http://tinyurl.com/idawebb

Chelsea School

In 1939 at the onset of World War Two, the school, comprising 90 students, was evacuated to the Grand Hotel in Borth, Wales, during which time a profound friendship was formed with the local residents. Teaching practice occurred in Welsh-speaking schools, and games were played on the beach with the daily timetable being dictated by the tide.

At the start of the academic year of 1948–1949, Chelsea School celebrated its fiftieth year. It left Borth and moved to Eastbourne. When the school settled in Eastbourne, the original buildings it occupied had been formerly used by the Admiralty – Hillbrow, St Winifred and Granville Crest. These were complemented with the addition of a newly constructed gymnasium.

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By 1951 the school was home to 21 full-time staff and 225 students.

All lectures were compulsory and the college day ran from 9am to 6pm weekdays and until 12pm on Saturday. The curriculum comprised of a strong medical bias and focused on games, gymnastics and dancing most afternoons. In 1958 Audrey Bambra was appointed principal and under her leadership, the college expanded significantly.

CALLING OUR CHELSEA GIRLS…

Students today

Since her retirement in September 2015, Dr Gill Lines (a Chelsea alumna and former Principal Lecturer and Assistant Head of Chelsea School) has been working on a project entitled Telling the Chelsea Story which involves digitising a collection of photographs and documents from the Chelsea archive. Gill is gathering unique video recordings of personal life histories to capture memories and influences of the Chelsea College experience. As the project develops, Gill is particularly keen to hear from Chelsea alumnae from the 1940s/1950s as well as notable alumnae including any Chelsea Olympians or Paralympians. If you would like to participate, contact Gill via alumni@brighton.ac.uk.

TODAY

Chelsea School reunion 2010

2000s

The school’s reputation for sports excellence continued to grow and by 2007 the Journal of Sport and Social Sciences cited the University of Brighton as a world-leading place for the study of sport and leisure studies.

On 1 August 2012, Chelsea School of Sport merged with the School of Service Management which also occupied the Eastbourne campus. The merged schools formed the School of Sport and Service Management and drew on the strengths of both previous schools to develop a new school of national and international standing, offering a diverse and distinctive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, research, and social and economic engagement.

The values and traditions of the Chelsea School continue in the newly emerged school.

Under the direction of Professor Jo Doust, the School of Sport and Service Management is home to the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine and the Centre of Sport, Tourism and Leisure Studies. The school is at the forefront of teaching, research and consultancy in events, hospitality, retail, tourism, travel, physical education and dance, sport and leisure cultures and sports and exercise science. The range covers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and doctoral study.

The school’s degrees carry external accreditation including an Ofsted excellence rating for its PE Teacher Training; accreditation by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) and by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Amongst the modern facilities there are two gymnasia, two dance studios, a culinary arts studio, six sport and exercise science laboratories, a strength and conditioning suite and journalism newsrooms. Each year, approximately 450 students graduate from the school.

Professor Jo Doust said: “I am immensely honoured to be Head of the School of Sport and Service Management.

The ambition and excellence established over 100 years ago by our founder permeates the school still. The work of our students and staff continues to influence people and societies throughout the world – long may that continue.”

46

Events and reunions

It was great to catch up with so many alumni and friends over the last year.

Here are just a few of our highlights from 2016.

Quantity Surveyors (April) Class of 1971 THEN

We are always delighted to welcome our alumni back to campus. We can provide assistance with tours, talks, refreshments, goody bags and demonstrations – just tell us what you have in mind. If you would like to organise a reunion for your course or school, feel free to contact us at alumni@brighton.ac.uk.

The university hosts many public events which alumni and friends are always welcome to attend. You can view our full list of events http://tinyurl.com/btonevents here.

Quantity Su rveyors (A pril) Class of 19 71 NOW

Tourism and Hospitality (September) Class of 1996

Capital reception On 13 September 40 alumni and friends joined us for an exclusive reception at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Bassam of Brighton and Professor Debra Humphris, the university’s Vice-Chancellor. Guests were treated to a private tour of the House and enjoyed canapés and wine on the terrace overlooking the River Thames. Debra Humphris thanked guests for their contributions to the university’s strategy consultation, and emphasised the importance of alumni and friends’ partnership in taking it forward.

Pharmacy (October) Class of 1991

University of Brighton Athena Lecture 2016 In celebration of International Women’s Day, Professor Debra Humphris delivered her inaugural lecture as ViceChancellor of the University of Brighton to students, alumni, friends and the public. The lecture on 7 March, entitled Pipeline Engineering, examined the challenges that needed to be addressed to augment the number of women leading in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers in the wake of advances facilitated by the Athena Swan Charter.

Events and reunions 47

Annual Malaysian alumni dinner – Kuala Lumpur (April).

Classes of 1958 to 2015 Some of our alumni kindly donated to the international student fund http://tinyurl.com/istudents

Building Technology and Management (April) Class of 1971 THEN

Building Technology and Management (April) Class of 1971 NOW

Architecture (May) Class of 1960 Pharmacy (July) Class of 2001

gkok Thai alumni dinner – Ban shared tes dua gra (April). Recent fessor Pro h wit s ate upd eer car the College Andrew Lloyd, Dean of l sica Phy and alth He , of Life Sciences

Podiatry (October) Class of 1991

Quantity Surveyors (October) Class of 1970

SAVE THE DATE! Science of Movement Cert Ed (September) Class of 1969

Plans are afoot for a reunion of the Physical Education BEd Class of 1970 on 9 June 2017. If you are interested in attending, get in touch – alumni@brighton.ac.uk.

HANDS UP

Do you have some spare time and want to help your university?

VOLUNTEERS WANTED! Volunteering with the University of Brighton is a fantastic way for you to stay connected with your alma mater while making a huge difference to current and prospective students.

You have the added bonus that volunteering looks great on your CV – employers often want to hear about what volunteering work you have done. In fact, 75% of employers say that they prefer applicants with voluntary work experience (source: Tearfund Survey).

You can choose from a whole range of volunteering opportunities.

Some can take half a day to a full day, some – like our year-long mentoring programme – need a bit more commitment. However, you can also make a difference in 15 minutes or less by taking part in our bite-sized volunteering. As a little thank you, we will send you a silver star pin to acknowledge your contribution. http://tinyurl.com/btonvolunteer

ADD MENTORING TO YOUR SKILLS SET

INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION

Are you ready to share your professional experience and boost a student’s confidence? Your advice could help unlock a student’s potential and make a massive difference.

There is a national skills gap in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) subjects. STEM Sussex, the University of Brighton’s outreach department, is committed to addressing this shortfall within the south-east region by organising engaging STEM outreach activities, festivals, schemes and competitions. This work is vital to showcase what is possible, to challenge stereotypes and to engage young people in STEM subjects.

Both mentors and mentees report great benefits gained from the mentoring process. As a mentor, you will receive full training and support if you sign up to either our Momentum or BME Education mentoring programmes, which provide you with a professional development boost. Becoming a mentor is also a great way to develop your management skills.

To find out more, contact Beth Thomas-Hancock at momentum@brighton.ac.uk.

Last year, STEM Sussex worked with 700 individuals with STEM backgrounds from over 200 organisations and enthused more than 45,000 students from across the south east. However, we are always looking for more people to get involved. Could you or your organisation help enthuse the next generation? Mentor a student, support a school or take part in a STEM event; engagement from alumni in STEM careers is an authentic way to inspire young people. Email stemsussex@ brighton.ac.uk or visit www.stemsussex.co.uk.

Thanks for giving DEGREE DIPLOMA

During the 2015/2016 academic year, we ran two fundraising campaigns to raise awareness of university initiatives and to garner support for our current and future students.

In our most successful campaigns to date, our student callers spoke to over 2,500 alumni.

You gave £60,000 which can support all of these ‌

100

Student Support grants to alleviate financial stress for students with most need

25

travel grants

10

employability grants to improve students’ chances of securing jobs

If you would like to make a difference, there is still time to get involved

5

Springboard awards to support extracurricular projects which enhance the student experience

www.justgiving.com/universityofbrighton/donate

Here for YOU We want to support you in the years beyond graduation and there are many ways we can do this. Here are a few of the most popular reasons why you may want to stay in touch.

• You need free professional careers support, no matter what stage of your career you are at.

• You miss your classmates and would like to organise a reunion.

• You would like to buy or renew your NUS Extra Card and get student discounts of up to 25% at retailers.

• You are interested in postgraduate study and may be eligible for a discount or scholarship.

• You need business support for your start-up.

• You have a career or personal success to shout about.

• You want discounted use of our sports facilities or libraries.

• You would like to enhance your CV by volunteering with us.

• You have had a book published – we will add it to our Alumni Authors board on Pinterest and tweet about it.

• You change your name, address or job and want to let us know.

• You would like to mentor a student.

• You might benefit from a Knowledge Transfer Partnership and get paid while working on a specific project with academic support.

• You want to offer placements or graduate roles for University of Brighton students and alumni.

01273 642600 / alumni@brighton.ac.uk

FIVE REASONS TO CONTINUE YOUR STUDIES WITH US

1 2 3

Extend your skills, knowledge and expertise.

Further improve your career prospects and earning potential. ake your career in T a new direction or specialise further.

5

Make a contribution to the knowledge in your field. ake advantage of T Brighton alumni discounts and scholarships.

We are committed to help you reach your goals beyond graduation, including gaining further qualifications. Many postgraduate courses at Brighton offer flexible study options so you can combine work, life and study.

www.brighton.ac.uk/postgraduate

52

Welcome Alumni awards our new V-C

CONGRATULATIONS In 2016 we were delighted to expand our illustrious alumni community by conferring the following awards: Award-winning novelist, Jim Crace, was honoured for his major contribution to international literature.

Prize-winning campaigner and journalist, Paris Lees, was awarded in recognition of her major contribution to the understanding of trans-identity in contemporary society.

Adam Pearson

Jim Crace

Maggie Carroll

DOCTOR OF TECHNOLOGY ormer Principal of Plumpton College, F Des Lambert OBE was recognised for his contribution to land-based further and higher education provision in Sussex.

Angela Weight

Paris Lees

Helen Jones

HONORARY FELLOWSHIP ormer Head of the School of F Education, Maggie Carroll, was recognised for her major contribution to the University of Brighton and her promotion of teaching and learning at the highest level.

Sarah Brown

ALUMNUS AWARD 2016 Our prestigious annual award went to Adam Pearson, award-winning actor, presenter and campaigner for his work to destigmatise disability and disfigurement.

DOCTOR OF ARTS Angela Weight received an honorary degree for her major contribution to the museum and arts sector and

Des Lambert OBE

Julie Stanford

her promotion as a curator of both contemporary artists and the art of the past in the public understanding of war and conflict.

DOCTOR OF LETTERS Sarah Brown was awarded for her campaigning work on global youth education and healthcare.

MASTER OF ARTS ocal mental health worker, Helen L Jones, was honoured for her outstanding contribution to public service in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender mental health.

As Director of the Essential Business series of books, Julie Stanford was awarded for her services to the local business community.

Psst…

Want to save money?

Did you know that all University of Brighton alumni can apply for the NUS Extra card, irrespective of when they graduated?

The card qualifies you for discounts of up to 25% at retailers including high street shops, entertainment, travel and online purchases.

On a student’s budget alone, it is estimated the card saves you over £524 a year.

What’s more, every card sale raises funds to help Brighton Students’ Union services – which means you are creating a better experience for today’s students.

It’s a win-win situation – you save money and support our students at the same time.

To get your card, email alumni@brighton. ac.uk or tick the NUS Extra card box when you update your details at www.brighton. ac.uk/alumni/update.

Did you know that the university is a charity?

When you support the University of Brighton, you are helping to ensure that higher education remains a choice for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Your philanthropic support provides scholarships, grants and prizes to encourage and reward talent, as well as helping to advance life-changing research which can have a global impact.

Every donation we receive is valued and can make a huge difference to our students and research: thank you for your support!

Find out more about our fundraising projects at www.brighton.ac.uk/ helping-us.

Please be assured that your data is safe.

We will never pass your details to a third party or use agencies to contact you. You can read our fundraising code of conduct at www.brighton.ac.uk/ codeofconduct.

Exempt charity: HMRC number XR70998