University of Salford: From Salford Magazine Issue 2 2023

FROM

SALFORD AUTUMN 2023

ON AIR

WITH BBC RADIO 1 PRESENTER

VICKY HAWKESWORTH

PROFESSOR NIC BEECH APPOINTED AS NEW VICE CHANCELLOR

HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL VISITS SALFORD BUSINESS SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY BREATHES LIFE INTO ICONIC SALFORD LANDMARK

MUSIC ALUMNI BRING NORTHERN SOUL TO THE BBC PROMS

CONTENTS ALUMNI The Big Pitch: Catching up with the judges

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Alumni profile - Vicky Hawkesworth

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Music alumni bring Northern Soul to the BBC Proms

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SOCIAL MOBILITY From scholarships to careers

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Investing in our students for over a decade

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Capturing heritage through the lens

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Salford calling

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Legacy Garden is officially open

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Funding the future of male nurses and women in engineering

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SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION Friends of Energy House 2.0

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Centre for Sustainable Innovation and Data Science Hub

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IGNITION 23

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Salsa Sound

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The future of technical education

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University breathes life into iconic Salford landmark

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GLOBAL AMBITION HRH The Princess Royal visits Salford Business School

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Owain Wyn Evans collects Honorary Degree

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Professor Nic Beech appointed as new Vice-Chancellor

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Creative collaboration

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Student success stories

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Student Methodist Society reunites on campus after 40 years

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Talking Salford podcast

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WELCOME

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I’m delighted to introduce you to the second issue of our university magazine, From Salford.

Professor Nic Beech Vice-Chancellor

As the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the Autumn/Winter issue of our magazine, From Salford.

Since our last issue we have had lots of cause for celebration, in particular our silver award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), a sector-leading result in the relevance and applicability of our research in the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and our wonderful Summer Graduation ceremonies. We were delighted to welcome students from the class of 2023 to The Lowry and watched with pride as 4717 graduates crossed the stage in front of friends, family and their tutors. It was a joy to celebrate their fantastic achievements, along with applauding the many accomplishments of our honorary graduates, one of which was award-winning television and radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans who you can read more about in this issue.

You will also hear more about our new multi-million-pound Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT), a special visit by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal who joined student entrepreneurs at the Young Enterprise UK Start-Up Final and our highly popular micro-brewery, bakery, café, and bar The Old Fire Station which launched on campus this summer, plus much more.

On a personal level, I’m delighted and privileged to be joining the University of Salford. It is exciting to be joining the Salford community with its outstanding values, purpose and achievements. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to taking forward our ambitions to deliver transformative education and innovation.

Professor Nic Beech Vice-Chancellor

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THE BIG PITCH:

CATCHING UP WITH THE ALUMNI JUDGES The Big Pitch competition final took place at MediaCity on 10 May. A panel of University of Salford alumni judged the competition, which saw student entrepreneurs present their business plans in the hopes of winning a cash prize of up to £3,000.

Alumni

With a total of £13,000 awarded on the day, the entrepreneurs presented a variety of quality business ideas to a panel of alumni, consisting of Keven Parker, Liam Bradford, Ria Meera Munshi and Elisabete Da Silva. Amongst the £3,000 prize winners was Custom Acoustics by Acoustics student Calum Smeaton, a business specialising in the production of bespoke acoustic treatments for modern music venues. Also, in receipt of the top prize was Aspire Podiatry, a sustainable foot practice by Podiatry graduate Suzanne Taylor.

Andy Miah, Chair of Science Communication and Future Media, who hosted the event, said: “The Big Pitch is an incredible demonstration of the Salford spirit. Our graduates have dedicated their valuable time to support our amazing, talented students”.

After the event, we caught up with our judging panel to hear their thoughts on volunteering and giving back to Salford.:

l-r Ria Meera Munshi, Keven Parker, Elisabete Da Silva, Liam Bradford, Andy Miah

Alumni

RIA MEERA MUNSHI, PERFORMING ARTS GRADUATE AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF RI RI’S DANCE ACADEMY, CLASS OF 2010: What motivated you to volunteer for the University?

“I absolutely adore volunteering for the University of Salford. I’m privileged to attend and experience a vast amount of their events where I meet an incredible amount of students and alumni who share their life stories and future dreams. In turn, this is extremely motivating for me and my multi-hyphenate career.”

“Giving back to the world of education holds a lot of value for me and I sincerely enjoy all the volunteering, guest lecturing and mentoring that I do at the University of Salford. I honestly believe that volunteering works both ways and is inspirational and motivational for all involved. Also, the University of Salford have supported me so much since graduation in 2010, so it’s always an honour to return the favour.”

How do you believe our students benefit from having an opportunity to engage with our alumni community?

“Engaging with the alumni community allows students to have a personal one-to-one connection with real people who went to the University of Salford. Hopefully, it underlines to the students that they can achieve anything that they want to - if hard work, dedication and innovation is present then anything is possible.”

What do you most enjoy about volunteering?

“Volunteering is, I believe, motivational and inspirational for all and that is what I enjoy the most about volunteering for the University of Salford. I love volunteering, mentoring, guest lecturing, presenting awards, sitting on the panel as a judge or part of an awards selection panel because it truly uplifts me to see so many wonderful people doing well within their chosen career paths.”

KEVEN PARKER, ECONOMICS GRADUATE AND MANAGING PARTNER AT NORTHEDGE CAPITAL LLP, CLASS OF 1991: What motivated you to volunteer for the University?

“Throughout my life and career, I have had brilliant mentors that have invested their personal time to help me succeed - this is my chance to repay part of that debt.”

How do you believe our students benefit from having an opportunity to engage with our alumni community?

“Hopefully sharing our experience, advice and “war stories” will help our students to find the best path towards their own personal goals and avoid the mistakes we inevitably made along the way when we started our careers.”

What do you most enjoy about volunteering?

“Meeting very talented and committed students - hopefully helping a little as they start their personal journeys.”

LIAM BRADFORD, ENGLISH LITERATURE GRADUATE AND MELTING IT PRODUCTIONS LTD. OWNER, CLASS OF 2009: What motivated you to volunteer for the University?

“I had such a formative experience at the University, and if I can help someone else enjoy their university experience or give them some help and advice for their future career that gives me a sense of fulfilment. I think education is only one part of going through further education and helping people realise their ambitions through a rounded university experience is satisfying!”

How do you believe our students benefit from having an opportunity to engage with our alumni community?

“Having alumni that are part of a student’s journey at Salford gives them access to post-education experience and maybe allows them to see career pathways that aren’t immediately obvious. Showing that a qualification from the University is a key to unlocking multiple doors is a major positive for current students.”

What do you most enjoy about volunteering?

“I enjoy sharing some real-world experience with students and helping them realise their ambitions going into their future careers.”

ELISABETE DA SILVA, PROJECT MANAGEMENT GRADUATE AND FREELANCE INTERIOR DESIGNER, CLASS OF 2022: What motivated you to volunteer for the University?

“My passion for entrepreneurship and the will to persuade students to follow the same path. Also, by volunteering I wanted to give back to the University and speak about how studying in Salford has had a huge impact in my life.”

How do you believe our students benefit from having an opportunity to engage with our alumni community?

“By engaging with the alumni community, they can make professional connections and absorb some of their knowledge and experience and learn from their stories.”

What do you most enjoy about volunteering?

“Being able to connect with the university community and make it a better place.”

GET INVOLVED! As demonstrated by our judges, the impact of alumni volunteering is significant not only on the student experience but for our graduates. If you would like to volunteer, be it through an event, mentoring, or sharing your experience in a blog, please do not hesitate to contact the alumni team to find out how to get involved.

You can contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@salford.ac.uk

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VICKY HAWKESWORTH

FROM SALFORD STUDENT TO BBC RADIO 1 PRESENTER

BOLTON-BORN VICKY HAWKESWORTH GRADUATED WITH A BA TELEVISION AND RADIO DEGREE IN 2017.

Her wit and upbeat presenting style quickly came to the attention of BBC Radio 1, when in 2022 she made broadcast history by co-presenting the first weekday programme to be broadcast outside of London – and from where else but Salford?

As a proud northerner from a modest background, Vicky’s achievements are even more impressive, as she continues to break barriers in a media industry often dominated by southern talent.

We recently caught up with Vicky to ask her about her time at Salford, what inspired her to pursue her passion and what staying in the North means to her.

What made you choose to study at the University of Salford?

The main attraction for me was the facilities. I toured a few universities and no one else had the same scale of studios, software and equipment. I knew I needed to learn everything from scratch, and where better to learn than a university with studios that are the equivalent of what you would use in the BBC? That and it was close to home, so it was easy enough to take my washing home to Mum!

What are your favourite memories of your time at the University?

My favourite times were definitely, absolutely, categorically not at the pub!

Jokes aside, I loved the live studio shows we produced and presented. My team created a supernatural show where we went ghost hunting and had a psychic read our palms. On the next project, we created a kids’ radio show and got to play a range of characters and attempt to ‘act’. In my final project, I had a live studio audience, the first we’d ever had at the University. No two shows were the same and that was the amazing thing about the course. You could create anything you wanted, which was so much fun. Big shout out to Gary Morris the best lecturer we could have asked for in that class!

Tell us about your journey from Salford student to BBC Radio 1 presenter.

Alongside my degree, I presented on community and student radio, as well as online stations, while gaining as much work experience as possible. I worked on radio street teams as a video producer and as an assistant producer at stations such as Hits Radio and Capital.

I was working in production when I applied for the Radio 1 Christmas presenters search and I was lucky enough to cover two Christmas shows in 2020. Since then, I covered any show they would let me cover before they offered me the coveted afternoon show, following on from Scott and Chris alongside Dean - which if I am honest, I’m still not sure is real!

Alumni

What’s your favourite thing about presenting the afternoon show on BBC Radio 1?

I love how silly it is. We get to play games, talk nonsense and do our best to brighten our listeners’ days in whatever ways we can. From trying to predict the results of a football game by sitting in the Blue Peter Garden with Welsh cakes and scones and seeing how many got taken of each, to getting The Snuts to create a song out of terrible lyrics I wrote, and all the rest in between. But ultimately the listeners are my favourite thing because they say and do the funniest things and they always keep you on your toes. We are so grateful for each and every one of them.

If you had one piece of advice for students and graduates trying to get into broadcasting, what would it be?

Get into the industry as soon as you can and do as much work experience as you can because the skills you learn will be invaluable. This job is really learned by doing it over and over again. If you want to pursue a job in radio get yourself to a Student Radio Association (SRA) event. I was told in my third year that was ‘the way into radio’. I went to one event that led to an internship and then my first job in radio.

Getting into the same room as people in the industry is important.

Also, remember to have fun! This is a fun job and sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of it. Sit back, relax and enjoy it.

What does coming from the North, as well as working in the North, mean to you?

I am so proud to be from the North and so pleased that we are broadcasting a national show from Salford. I think it is massively important that we are based in the North because it’s important for people to hear northern voices on air, and to have someone they can relate to on the radio.

There are also so many brilliant creatives in the North who I believe should be able to do the job they love in this industry without having to move to London. I am hoping this will lead to more opportunities across the North and the UK in the future.

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SALFORD ALUMNI

BRING NORTHERN SOUL TO THE BBC PROMS

University of Salford alumni Joe Duddell, Band Musicianship Class of 1994 and Darrell Smith, Popular Music and Recording Class of 2015, recently rocked the BBC Proms with awe-inspiring renditions of classic Northern Soul hits. We met with Joe and Darrell to hear all about their incredible achievement.

What role did you play in preparing for and performing at the Northern Soul BBC Proms piece?

Joe: I had two roles. One as co-curator with Stuart Maconie which involved selecting the songs to be featured and ordering set lists. The other role was being one of two arrangers (with Fiona Brice) to create the scores for the BBC Concert Orchestra to perform.

Darrell: I am part of a six-piece vocal team accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. My role includes five solo pieces and 26 songs as part of backing vocals where tight harmonies are the order of the day!

Darrell (Left of Conductor) singing with the six-piece vocal team at the Royal Albert Hall

Alumni

The Proms always have an air of magic and quality around them; what do you think maintains this image of the Proms and what do you associate the Proms with?

Joe: I’ve had a long association with the BBC Proms. From queuing up as a student at the Royal Academy of Music for the cheap tickets in the late 1990’s, then going on to have three Proms commissions in 2000, 2002 and 2003. The magic is created by the audiences in the Hall and also the fact the BBC broadcasts every concert.

Darrell: The magic for me is the accessibility. In recent years the BBC Proms have included more contemporary music as a focus. This year has included Northern Soul, a Bollywood element with the music of Lata Mangeshkar and an upcoming tribute to Stevie Wonder’s landmark album, Innervisions. Also, held-back low-ticket prices released on the day of each Prom to make it accessible to the broader audience has given the BBC Proms a wider interest apart from its classical roots.

Joe Duddell Northern Soul is an iconic genre historically yet quite different from the music generally associated with the Proms; how and why did you merge the two to create such a fantastic piece?

Joe: The Proms have been diversifying the music they present for some time, and I’ve been involved in many projects involving popular and classical musicians for 15 years now. The Northern Soul catalogue contains many gems that have great arrangements buried within them and part of the job was to bring those to the fore.

Darrell: Northern Soul has heavily orchestrated pieces within its cannon, therefore it holds its own in this setting as far as I’m concerned. And, as will be seen in the Royal Albert Hall, having a huge orchestra behind these magnificent pieces will be a perfect fit.

How did your studies at Salford help prepare you for composing and performing?

Joe: My studies at Salford prepared me brilliantly for composing, arranging, performing, conducting and recording. All the skills I learned I use every day. We had an amazing set of tutors (some of them are still there!) who encouraged us throughout the course.

Darrell: My time at the University of Salford helped me grow as a performer and gave me a much broader understanding of music and genre. In my time there, I explored what it is to be a singer of multiple genres running concurrently. One day I’d be singing the Great American Songbook with the Big Band and sometimes on the same day I would be writing songs that leant towards my love of British music and soul. It was a beautiful and immersive experience which I miss greatly.

What advice would you give to graduates wanting to experiment and involve themselves in music?

Joe: Try not to dismiss any genre of music. Even music you don’t think you will like. There is always something to learn if you open your ears.

Darrell: My advice to graduates would be to get as much performance experience as possible and yet never let it be undervalued. GET PAID. The public needs to realise that to have musicians and performers that we can be proud of as a nation and beyond, they need to be able to sustain a career that helps them become professional.

But getting in front of people and just doing it, whether it’s singing and/or playing, is the key, as well as performing it. To convey a message of emotion, which, in my opinion, is what music is, you need to look believable. And the only way to be believable is to actually believe it. The truth of performance is what separates the good from the great.

If you are a Salford graduate with a story to tell, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch at alumni@salford.ac.uk.

Darrell Smith

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A STRONG FOUNDATION OF SUPPORT FROM

SCHOLARSHIPS TO CAREERS

We caught up with Civil Engineering graduates Mia, Class of 2022, and Jagger, Class of 2019, who found employment at MGF after being financially and professionally supported by the company throughout their Salford journey.

Mia and Jagger described how the quality of lectures was a key part of both of their experiences at Salford, and they spoke highly of how their lecturers had a wealth of industry experience.

Reflecting on how Salford helped prepare him for his current position, Jagger said: ”Because of the industry experience of our lecturers, the design work was more realistic and reflective of work outside the university. My dissertation was also tilted towards Temporary Works which is what I do now.”

Like Jagger, Mia found her lecturers’ industry experience key:

Social Mobility

“All our lecturers were specialised in different fields of engineering; they throw information into your lectures that is specific to their industry” “One of the modules we did was Integrated Design Exercise, which was unique to Salford, was an overview of all the modules we studied to give us a wider view of a project and showed how all the modules tied together in a large project. I found this really insightful as sometimes when you are learning at University you might think “why is this necessary?” or “how is this relevant?” but when you have one project which combines it all you can see the bigger picture.”

Jagger remembered his dissertation as being one of his greatest achievements but also detailed some exceptional personal and professional achievements: “During my dissertation, I did some testing on scaffold couplers which went on to affect scaffold design in the real world, which was great as I was able to affect the industry.

“I was also awarded the MGF undergraduate award for recognition of exceptional achievement in 2015.”

“Being sponsored by MGF and being the first to go to university in my family was amazing as well.”

Social Mobility

The MGF scholarship had a profound impact on Mia and Jagger’s studies. Jagger described the impact of the support MGF provided:

Jagger feels valued at MGF and loves how closely everyone worked together and the opportunities to learn:

“I was the first to go to university and my parents could not support me in any way, so MGF helped financially. This meant I didn’t have to work or scrimp and save my way through university and could focus academically.

“I agree with Mia, it’s a family business and it’s not big. The last place I worked was huge and I felt like a number whereas here you feel everyone is working together for the same reasons.

From new starters to directors, everyone respects each other.”

“The sponsorship also meant I could get onto summer placements, which kept me topped up over the summer and ready for the next academic year.”

“I came in just after this division had launched and it’s been great to develop the engineering team and how we draw and design projects because it’s all new. We get to go outside to learn how the designs are installed, show customers how it works and build relationships with them and the sales team. You are part of everything.”

“I enjoyed university and the course, but I didn’t have a direction and almost quit in my first year. Placements helped me discover temporary works and I got to manage a project during my year in the industry, which set me up for work.

Steve (Director of Engineering at MGF) came in to speak to us about temporary works and that’s when I realised that it’s for me.”

“If you want to progress, MGF will help you progress, be it technical or managerial, MGF will help you do what you want to do and are big on pushing professional qualifications through the Institute of Civil Engineers.”

Mia also appreciated the financial relief that MGF provided, as well as the networking opportunities, which pushed her career forward:

“MGF helped me financially as I did not have to work as many hours, as at the time I had three jobs. I also could afford better technology and had more free time” “Socially, I was able to attend meetings and events, which meant I could network and gave me more opportunities within the industry. Without these, I would not have met Jagger or applied for a job at MGF.” Now working at MGF as a Graduate Design Engineer, Mia described what makes MGF a great place to work including the flexibility of her work, continuous development, and how MGF values everyone in the business: “I like a few things about MGF, such as the flexibility. It isn’t completely office based and I get to go on-site and can see my designs and build relationships, which builds a wider outlook on the business.”

“There are also lots of opportunities for development, and people in more senior positions respect you equally and listen to what you have to say. During my probation I was asked to give my opinion, which made me feel listened to. I wouldn’t have stayed if I didn’t feel listened to.”

Donor-funded scholarships and bursaries offer a financial lifeline to those who need it most. Securing a scholarship is not only a non-repayable award for our students, but a moment of recognition and a vote of confidence that we believe in their ability and potential.

We are always looking to establish scholarships, bursaries and prizes to support students from widening participation backgrounds and across all fields of study, so if you are a friend, graduate, industry partner, charitable trust/foundation and would like to discuss establishing a Scholarship Programme, please contact our Development Team at supporters@salford.ac.uk

If you would like to read the full story from Mia and Jagger, visit our Graduate Voice blog at blogs.salford.ac.uk/graduate-voice.

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FRIENDS OF

Sustainability

ENERGY HOUSE 2.0 We are now into the second year of the Friends of Energy House 2.0 community, a group of like-minded businesses and individuals who are committed to accelerating our efforts towards net-zero. The mission behind this network is for industry partners to join forces in raising the profile, increasing the activity, and enhancing the impact of the world-leading Energy House 2.0 research facility. The Energy House 2.0 facility is at the heart of the University of Salford campus; therefore, it is critical for us that the impact of the fund primarily supports beneficiaries within the local community – Salford, Greater Manchester, and the Northwest.

Professor Will Swan, Director of Energy House Labs and the University of Salford, said: “Energy House Labs is all about making an impact. Together with our partners we want to show a wider commitment to sustainability and education outside of our day-to-day. Friends of Energy House Labs has allowed us to do things differently with schools, artists, charities and improve access to higher education for groups who may not be able to access it without the support of the Friends.”

Sustainability

WHERE OUR JOURNEY BEGAN...

To become a Friend in 2022, industry partners donated at least £5,000 to the Friends of Energy House 2.0 (FoEH2.0) Impact Fund. The Impact Fund is a collective source of funding, and its objective is to drive activity and extend the reach of the new Energy House 2.0 facility.

Thanks to our friends we raised a total of £120,000. £60,000 of which supported three projects designed to support the advancement of our national and global move towards net-zero. The remaining half was granted to support a PhD student.

The Impact Fund supported the following three innovative projects:

/ Digital Advantage’s The Box Challenge Digital Advantage is a charity delivering bespoke, innovative, creative, digital, and STEM development training programmes. Last year, they secured funding through the Impact Fund and set out to deliver ‘The Sustainable Box Project,’ now called ‘The Box Challenge,’ which is the Energy House 2.0 in kit form, for the classroom. The project links schools with industry and encourages wider societal change in a creative, interactive, and engaging way.

/ University of Salford Arts Collection Team’s Artist in Residence Through the generous donations from the Impact Fund, the Arts Collection Team, in collaboration with Castlefield Gallery and Open Eye Gallery, are supporting two new artists in residence within Energy House Labs, with a corresponding public engagement programme.

The aim is to build awareness of the vital work of the Energy House Labs in developing practical solutions to make our homes more energy efficient, sustainable, and reducing the impact of climate change through the new artist residencies .

/ Marple Education and Spotlight School for Speech and Drama’s The Schools Green Summit This project was designed to raise awareness of sustainability issues by developing the work of the Greater Manchester Green Summit to be more accessible for young people. The project’s aim was to provide children and teachers with more knowledge about sustainability and raise awareness of issues. 24 schools took part using provided lesson plans and this resulted in the Schools Green Summit, a professionally produced drama presentation of the work created by the young people, held at Sale Waterside Theatre.

PHD STUDENTSHIP The Impact Fund also fully funded a STEM PhD Studentship, titled ‘Examining the Energy Performance of Zero Carbon Homes Under Controlled Conditions’. The purpose of this opportunity is to increase access and opportunities to STEM for women and minoritised ethnic students, in line with the aim to diversify the energy efficiency workforce. We are pleased to announce that we appointed PhD student Xinyi, who started with us earlier this year. Xinyi will be working alongside Professors Will Swan and Rich Fitton in the Energy House Labs over the next three years.

Many thanks to our first friends: Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes, Bowmer + Kirkland, BTS, Dyer Environmental Controls, Electricity Northwest, Hg, Persimmon, Homes, Schneider Electric, Seddon Construction, and Trilliant

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WHERE WE’RE GOING...

We are now into the second year of the FoEH2.0 initiative, with bolder ambitions to deliver more impact in 2023 and beyond. Barratt Developments has pledged to join the philanthropic programme this year as its first ever Headline Partner, with an incredibly generous donation of £105,000.

David Thomas, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments, said: “Climate change is the greatest challenge facing all of us. As the country’s leading sustainable national housebuilder, we have a big role to play in reducing carbon emissions and our impact on the environment. Our partnership with the University of Salford is fundamental to the research needed to help Barratt, and the wider construction sector, to achieve net zero carbon.

“

It’s also very important to us that we take a leading role in improving the lives of people in local communities here in Salford and right across the country. The Friends of Energy House impact fund will direct much-needed support to people who are really suffering the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. We would encourage other companies to join Barratt in becoming a partner.

”

Thanks to the donation from Barratt, the Impact Fund will be able to provide financial and other support to community initiatives in Salford and across the UK. In Salford, more than half of young people are growing up in poverty, with a crippling cost of living and fuel poverty crisis. The Friends of Energy House Labs programme bridges the gap between cutting-edge research on campus and the day-to-day challenges faced by households. Barratt’s donation will also support a portfolio of scholarships at undergraduate and master’s level on a Barratt Developments Sustainable Housing Scholarship Programme to help bring brilliant talent into the workforce.

It will also support a PhD studentship in energy efficiency and donate to the community-focused Impact Fund. One of the key factors in achieving net zero in construction will be closing the skills gap.

We are also delighted to announce that Elmhurst Energy, Ibstock, Persimmon, Project Better Energy, RSK, Thermocill and Veritherm have joined Friends of Energy House 2.0, alongside our existing partners, headline sponsor Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes, D+H UK, Electricity Northwest, HG Capital and Seddon Construction.

To become a Friend in 2023, industry partners have donated at least £10,000. Thanks to our new and continued Friends, we have raised almost £300,000. £95,000 will go towards the Impact Fund, £170,000 will be spent on two PhDs, and the remainder will be spent on Scholarships across a range of programmes.

Building on the success from last year, we opened applications for a second time for organisations to apply for funding from the Impact Fund to support the following areas: / Women in STEM PhD Studentship

/ Educational Outreach Programmes

/ Supporting Student and Local Community Initiatives

For more information about becoming a Friend of Energy House 2.0, please get in touch at supporters@salford.ac.uk.

Social Mobility

INVESTING IN OUR STUDENTS FOR OVER A DECADE Earlier this year, we celebrated the existing partnership between the University of Salford and Santander, and a new 3-year agreement, with a special celebration event which focused on our students and how they have benefitted from Santander funding.

After a 10-year collaboration, Salford and Santander have renewed their commitment to work together to continue providing key opportunities for students in higher education. The renewal will provide a £10,000 scholarship opportunity for one student, as well as funding for employability opportunities and entrepreneurship. The renewal will also fund 10 Brighter Futures Grants that are open to any student who attends the university to support their university experience and studies. Former Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Marshall OBE, said: “Our relationship with Santander has produced great benefits for our students over the last decade and with this new agreement there will be even more opportunities in the decade to come.’’

William Vereker, Santander UK Chairman said about the bank’s commitment to education: “At Santander, we believe education unlocks potential, broadens aspirations, and should be equitable and accessible for everyone. Our new scholarship programme is testament to that belief and demonstrates our commitment to breaking down education barriers, improving social mobility, broadening career opportunities, and delivering impactful change to build a better future for all.”

Matt Hutnell, the Director for the Universities Division at Santander and Lindsey McArthur, the University’s Relationship Manager, attended the event in our new School of Science, Engineering and Environment building and spoke about their excitement to continue the partnership. Those who spoke also consisted of student recipients of the funding.

Hannah Helm, a recipient of two funding awards, spoke at the event about the opportunities that the funding has granted her.

As a PhD student studying English Literature, she has previously been a recipient of funding that enabled her to visit UK-based archives and the Disney archives in California.

Calum Smeaton, who is completing a one-year MSc Acoustics Course, was the recipient of the ‘Entrepreneurship’ Santander funding and spoke at the event about his previous years of work and experience and detailed how the funding allowed him to pursue his career.

Santander colleagues were able to meet the students and discuss the effect the support has had on them. Three stations were set up with student recipients at each, with each station focusing on recipients for either education, entrepreneurship or enterprise. After hearing about the students’ experiences, the event rounded off with a tour of the Maker Space, the campus facility for digital fabrication and additive manufacturing accessible to industry partners, staff, and students.

The university is extremely grateful for the support that Santander is continuing to give our students and and we look forward to continuing our partnership over the coming years.

l-r: Lindsey McArthur, Professor Helen Marshall, Santander Scholar Zulfiqar Ahmed, Matt Hutnell

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CAPTURING HERITAGE THROUGH THE LENS SALFORD ALUMNUS’ PHOTO EXHIBITION SUPPORTED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY HERITAGE FUND The University of Salford’s Art Collection Team has launched a touring exhibition of photography by alumnus Craig Easton, at galleries across the Northwest. Is Anybody Listening? Our Time, Our Place is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, who have generously pledged £123,000 towards the project. This enables the touring presentation of the two award-winning series of photographs, alongside an innovative engagement programme focussed on young people.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage though innovative investment in projects with a lasting impact on people and places. As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, with around £180million a year to invest in new projects and a considerable body of knowledge and evaluation over 15 years, The NLHF are also a leading advocate for the value of heritage to modern life. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment, and cultural traditions, NLHF invest in every part of our heritage. NLHF has supported more than 33,900 projects allocating £4.4billion across the UK. Craig is an alumnus of the University of Salford, and photographs from his ‘Sixteen’ series are already held in the University Art Collection. Craig won the prestigious Sony World Photographer of the Year award in 2021 with his series Bank Top. This was created in Blackburn with Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, and in collaboration with writer, poet and social researcher, Abdul Aziz Hafiz. In the same year, Craig was awarded second place in the documentary category of the Sony World Photography Awards for Thatcher’s Children, made in Blackpool over several years, with support from Left Coast.

The exhibition and engagement programme Is Anybody Listening? Our Time, Our Place tours across five locations: Blackburn, Blackpool, Birkenhead, Liverpool, and Salford.

The engagement programme has several strands aimed at increasing awareness of contemporary heritage in the five locations. It will connect with young people across the Northwest through dedicated workshops and encourage them to submit work that will be presented at a symposium in spring 2024. The University will invite the young people to explore their art collection and archives on campus. With the aim of championing and supporting young talent, Easton will also mentor eight 16–25-year-olds from across the Northwest, and as you can see in the picture on the right, the engagement programme has also worked with Salford’s Youth Pride. The engagement programme also provides a springboard for commissioning new work in response to the themes, targeted at graduating students.

Seeking to challenge stereotypes and raise aspirations of young people within the region through an accompanying engagement programme, led by Craig himself, young people get involved, celebrating their heritage. “Fundamentally, this project aims to instil pride and inspire communities to shed a new light on their heritage through photography,” says Lindsay Taylor, Curator at the University of Salford Art Collection.

The exhibition and engagement programme launched on 12 January 2023 at Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool and toured at the Leftcoast and Blackpool School of Arts, as well as Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery throughout spring and summer 2023. It will continue through to March 2024 at the following locations: New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery, University of Salford, 13 September 2023 - 22 December 2023

Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, Birkenhead, 24 January 2024 – 30 March 2024

Social Mobility

“Craig Easton is one of our valued alumni and to have him onboard for this project is very exciting. Together we hope to empower marginalised voices to explore their own social history through a lens.”

Craig Easton said: “I believe in the importance of committed documentary photography as a visual record of our social and cultural history. As such I’m excited to be part of the Our Time, Our Place programme to encourage and support young people across the region to find their own ways to express their concerns, examine our ever-changing society and explore our communities. I hope that between us all we can make work that will, for years to come, stand as an historical record of the challenges we face in 2020s Britain.”

Open Eye Gallery – Exhibition

Salford Engagement Programme – Youth Pride

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SALFORD CALLING Earlier this year, supported by our Development Team, current Salford students contacted thousands of alumni to ask how they have been, update their details and find out how we can engage with them better.

Through this campaign, we confirmed over 1,100 addresses, over 1,200 names, over 1,600 emails and over 1,400 phone numbers. With these incredible numbers, we can confidently engage with more of our alumni. To ensure our alumni receive communications relevant to their needs, we also asked them about what benefits and services they may be interested in such as access to the library for continued learning, registering for our exclusive alumni platform From Salford for professional development, networking and mentoring or information about discounted postgraduate study at the University for alumni.

Responses demonstrated our alumni’s hunger for continuous academic and professional development. We found there was particular interest in mentoring using the From Salford network.

Mentoring is an amazing opportunity for alumni to share their skills or learn from others in their industry and it is inspiring to know many of our graduates are interested in becoming mentors. Mentors can also choose to support current students, strengthening the bond between current and past Salford students. Similarly, we discovered there is a significant number of our alumni wanting to access the Library. The University of Salford Library is open to all our graduates, who can register for an access card to take out physical books or can access various e-journals so they can keep up to date with the latest industry insights.

Some interests, such as research and development, are essential to succeeding as a student and graduate and we found that a fondness for discounts was on our alumni’s interest list.

The University’s partnership with Alumni Extras gives our alumni access to exclusive discounts whether it’s retail, food, hotels or even flights there is something for everyone. Our alumni’s passion for treating and enjoying themselves was also demonstrated by their enthusiasm for reunions, campus visits and finding old friends. Our alumni team can organise all these heart-warming and nostalgic events and it was incredible to see the appetite of our graduates for these social gatherings.

Find out more about the full range of exclusive benefits and services available to Salford alumni at salford.ac.uk/alumni

Social Mobility

This campaign also highlighted the generosity of our alumni donors. Through Regular Giving donations by our graduates, we can support the next generation of students through various support funds such as student, arts and culture, health and science, and campus and community support. We have been unable to support this high volume of calls since before the Covid-19 pandemic, so hearing the powerful positive response to not only regular giving, but legacy giving was inspiring. Through this campaign, we were able to engage with donors old and new, building our network and supporting funds to help the next generation of Salford students.

The campaign itself was successfully delivered by a team of current Salford students, recruited by the University. The campaign gave them an opportunity to work on campus around their studies and gain new skills and build confidence. The University is dedicated to ensuring all Salford students, past and present, become unstoppable. This campaign is a demonstration of this dedication, where staff, students and alumni came together to discover more about how they could support each other, the University, and the student experience. The results of this campaign will help to inform our future fundraising campaigns, as well as ensuring we provide our graduates with bespoke content to help them succeed, and through them, the University of Salford as a whole.

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SALFORD’S LEGACY GARDEN IS OFFICIALLY OPEN We are delighted to share that our Alumni Engagement and Development team has officially opened the University’s first Legacy Garden in the heart of Clifford Whitworth Library.

The Legacy Garden is a place to commemorate those who have supported our university during their lifetime or have left a legacy gift to our institution. The focal point of the Garden is a sculpture designed by Gillian Davenport, one of our Fine Art graduates and current master’s student.

Gillian was selected through a competition the Alumni Engagement and Development team put out to students from our School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology. The brief was to design a sculpture based on the themes of life, philanthropy, togetherness, education, and generosity, and Gillian’s ‘Tree of Life’ design won.

When asked about the design, Gillian said: “The most important element of the design was the Legacy Tree etched into the three panels of glass. The roots are visible to connect the family tree and falling leaves are visible to give the viewer the sense of how fragile life is but also of regrowth.”

The sculpture is made from concrete, with memorial plaques engraved into glass on individual plinths. It will also be lit in the evening to highlight the tree design and create an ambient light and shadow effect.

Whilst the team experienced many delays due to Covid-19, they were proud to officially launch the garden and welcome the families of those remembered on the sculpture earlier this year.

You can find the garden in the internal courtyard of our Clifford Whitworth Library; a place Gillian hopes will be “a beautiful place to sit and study or have a peaceful moment through the day and evening.”

If you would like to speak to us about leaving a gift, or to request our legacy brochure for more information, please contact supporters@salford.ac.uk

Social Mobility

Lee Taylor, BSc (Hons) Nursing (RN – Mental Health)

Ian Williamson, BSc (Hons) Nursing (RN - Children & Young People)

FUNDING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE:

SUPPORTING MALE NURSES

In the last academic year we have joined forces with The Gittins Family Charitable Trust to address the gender imbalance in nurses, and to help to create a diverse student community.

The Gittins Family Charitable Trust was established by Brian Gittins (prior to his death in 2016) together with his older sister Sheila Gittins. Its purpose is to encourage students into engineering, manufacturing and healthcare roles.

In our continued commitment to being inclusive, we aim to create an inspirational working environment which celebrates the diversity of our community. The Gittins Scholarship will help to further our work in this field as it has been designed to help increase both the number of women completing an engineering degree and the number of men completing a nursing degree.

Michael Woodmore, Trustee of The Gittins Family Charitable Trust and alumnus of the University, said: “We are delighted to be providing this support for students on these crucial courses reflecting the wishes of my cousins who established the trust.”

The Trust’s generosity has now been extended to provide an additional six scholarships for 2023/24, providing invaluable support for nursing and engineering students.

“I’d just like to say a huge thank you again to the Gittins family for everything they are doing for people like me. It’s so amazing to know that we have this additional support to help us through this challenging chapter in our lives”.

Lee Taylor, BSc (Hons) Nursing (RN – Mental Health)

In 2022/23 the trust launched three Men into Nursing Scholarships and three Women into Engineering Scholarships. The number and quality of applications were particularly high for the Men into Nursing Scholarships, highlighting a need for support in this area.

The first cohort of scholarship recipients have now successfully completed their first year and look forward to continued support from the Trust: “Thank you to the Gittins Trust for supporting me this year. I have really enjoyed a new learning experience, environment and all the people I have met on the way, and I look forward to the next year. Thank you for the support and the encouragement in recognising my journey”.

Ian Williamson, BSc (Hons) Nursing (RN - Children and Young People)

Trustee, Michael Woodmore

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REVOLUTIONISING DATA SCIENCE:

THE LAUNCH OF THE DATA SCIENCE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HUB In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and industry, data science has emerged as a cornerstone for innovation and progress. The Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI Hub) marks an exciting new chapter in this journey, offering a unique platform for collaboration, research, and problem-solving in the Greater Manchester region and beyond. With a distinct focus on bridging the gap between academia and industry, the DSAI Hub is poised to become a vital catalyst for growth and advancement.

The launch of the DSAI Hub at the beginning of August looks to address a critical gap in the local data science ecosystem. Until now, there has been a noticeable absence of a comprehensive data science hub that caters to the diverse needs of industries across the north-west of England. This gap has provided the hub with a golden opportunity to connect with the industry, foster innovation, and drive transformative change.

What sets the DSAI Hub apart?

The DSAI Hub’s comprehensive approach includes developing methods and systems to solve real-world problems, conducting cutting-edge research in data science, offering training and consultancy services, and enhancing placement opportunities for students and junior data scientists. This multifaceted approach ensures that the hub doesn’t just offer solutions; it nurtures a new generation of data science experts who are adept at tackling complex challenges.

One of the DSAI Hub’s unique strengths lies with the University of Salford. This connection opens doors to state-of-the-art training facilities, including classrooms, computer labs, devices, and teaching materials. Leveraging these resources, the hub is well-equipped to provide training to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at a lower price point compared to private sector alternatives. This not only benefits businesses but also contributes to the overall growth of the local economy.

Unveiling the mission The DSAI Hub’s mission is both ambitious and inspiring. The hub is dedicated to delivering value through data processing and analysis, applying cutting-edge data analytics tools, and employing data mining techniques to solve real-world challenges faced by industries and the public sector. By harnessing the power of machine learning, deep learning, and predictive modeling, the hub aims to drive data-driven decision-making and generate actionable insights.

Moreover, the hub is committed to advancing the boundaries of data mining and machine learning research, with a vision to benefit all sectors of society. The hub’s commitment to building bridges between academia, industry, non-profits, and government underscores its dedication to driving knowledge exchange and cross-sector collaboration.

Professor Mo Saraee, Head of the DSAI Hub said “We are already making waves in the industry, the DSAI Hub has partnered with organisations such as Irwin Mitchell, Holovis, Peak, Future Anthem, and Sprift. This impressive roster of clients reflects the immediate impact we have had and its ability to provide valuable solutions to a diverse range of sectors.

The hub’s focus on tangible solutions, research excellence, and cross-sector partnerships will undoubtedly propel us to the forefront of the data science revolution, paving the way for a brighter, more data-driven future.”

Innovation

To talk to one of our data scientists please contact innovation@salford.ac.uk

Innovation 23

IGNITION 23:

MAKER SPACE SUMMER SCHOOL A HIT ONCE AGAIN Maker Space’s 2023 IGNITION engineering summer school, powered by Morson Group STEM Foundation, was a success once again this summer.

IGNITION 2023 was held in our Maker Space in the SEE building on campus and hosted by the Maker Space team with support from the Salford Racing society. The summer school allows secondary level students to get hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, and provides an opportunity to hear from industry experts from Morson Projects who brought real life insights to the engineering workshop programme.

Through team-based activities the students gain an understanding of the possibilities that STEM careers can offer. The ties with industry partners allow students to have full access to the equipment and knowledge needed to get a fantastic start in STEM. The aim is to inspire students and show them the opportunities offered by a university education in science and tech subjects.

Salford Racing Team, who recently competed in the iMECHe Formula Student competition on the Silverstone tarmac, helped to run the bespoke workshops where students were challenged to build their own remote-controlled racing car from sketch.

Dr Maria Stukoff, Director of the Maker Space, said: “It’s amazing to have such inspiring skill events happening in our own university Maker Space. Thanks to the Morson Group’s STEM Foundation, year on year we can provide industry experience to students who are thinking of going into engineering at university and beyond. IGNITION is a testament to our efforts to how we enable students to launch into STEM careers.”

The school ran for three days in July and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from all students who attended.

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SALSA SOUND Salsa Sound was born when University researchers Rob Oldfield and Ben Shirley patented their suite of AI tools for audio source detection.

One of the University’s successful spin-out companies, Salsa was formed and started trading in July 2017 with both Ben and Rob working on the business whilst maintaining their jobs at the University. In November 2019, Rob left the University to concentrate 100% on the business and was appointed CEO. Since that moment the company had been on an extraordinary journey as it faced the huge changes brought in as Covid-19 hit the world.

Having won an Innovation competition run by The City Football Group (CFG), Salsa had been working closely with them to bring a fan experience sound across their digital platforms (so fans around the world could get the experience of what it is like to sit in the stands at the stadium even if they never get to the stadium). They were all set for their first live broadcast of this sound for the Manchester City FC vs Real Madrid game at the Etihad Stadium (17 March 2020), when all sport globally was cancelled because of Covid-19. At first, this seemed like a disaster for Salsa, but soon it became apparent through conversations with MCFC, Sky, BT Sport and several others, that there would be a requirement to have some virtual crowd sound in broadcast content when sports would return to stadia.

So, in collaboration with MCFC, they produced an app that would allow them to curate a virtual crowd sound tailored to MCFC. This became vCROWD; a touchscreen app which allows intuitive, dynamic control over a virtual crowd sound in real-time.

After narrowly missing out on the contract to be the supplier of virtual crowd for Sky, Salsa focused on the US market. This proved very successful, working with CBS Sports, the Big10 network, Vista WorldLink, several MLS and USL clubs and delivering the first ever live sports broadcast with a virtual crowd for CBS coverage of the NWSL (women’s soccer) which got over one million views in the US alone. vCROWD deployments covered men’s and women’s sports including soccer, American football, basketball and ice hockey giving valuable insight into these markets and helping form fantastic links with clubs and broadcasters in the US. vCROWD won the Outstanding Innovation in Audio award at the SVG Sport TV Awards (Nov 2021). Revenue from vCROWD was put straight into company R&D and Salsa employed their first full-time software developer in December 2020. This allowed a complete revamp of the software and in December 2021 Salsa launched their flagship AI-driven automated audio mixing software product, MIXaiR. Salsa’s MIXaiR product was incredibly well-received all around the world. As a result, Salsa continue to work with huge names in the field such as Dolby in the US and the UK, TV2 in Denmark, Fraunhofer in Germany for their Brazilian clients and they recently covered the FIFA World Cup in Qatar for HBS. Salsa continue to grow and innovate and are hoping to finalise a contract that will see them at next year’s Olympic Games.

Innovation 25

GREATER MANCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY LAUNCH SHOWCASES THE FUTURE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

A celebration to mark the opening of a new multi-million-pound technical institute took place in Salford earlier this year.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, partner colleges and the best of industry gathered at the University of Salford to celebrate the launch of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT). The modern development is set to develop a skilled workforce of the future that will boost the growth of STEM industries, both regionally and beyond.

It opens to students following two years planning from the partners – Ada, the National College for Digital Skills; Bury College; Tameside College; The University of Salford; Wigan and Leigh College; GCHQ; Laing O’Rourke; Siemens; and TalkTalk.

The GMIoT will offer a range of courses, including apprenticeships and new Higher Technical Qualifications, such as Diplomas of Higher Education and Higher National Diplomas, as well as digital and technical skills boot camps and short courses designed to fast track learners into jobs in growth sectors for Greater Manchester.

Partners for the Institute explained to guests why the development will be a game-changer when it comes to technical education.

Speaking at the event, Director of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology Claire Foreman, said: “When it comes to technical education, I think as a country we have neglected it and it is fantastic that this initiative puts it back on the map for the people and the businesses of Greater Manchester.

“We’re part of a network of 21 Institutes of Technology across the country and we are all charged with increasing the range and scope of technical education and ensuring there are good pathways into degrees, PhDs and work.”

Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are the government’s flagship programme designed to spearhead the delivery of level 4 / 5 higher technical education in STEM subjects. The first wave of 12 IoTs have already opened across the country.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “University education is not strictly academic or strictly technical, it is often a blend of both when it comes to preparing people for life beyond university.”

“In Greater Manchester we have the simple premise that there is a path for all in life – there is not one better path and one inferior path, there is a need to create equal paths, technical and university, to the qualifications that young people will need.”

Ian Turner, Talent Director at TalkTalk, added: “As employers, as the GMIoT and as a community, we collectively need to reach those underrepresented groups in society and inspire them with a vision of a career that maybe they previously felt was unachievable. As employers, we need to recruit for potential.

It’s not just about the here and now and the skills that we need today - technology is moving at lightspeed so we need people that can come along on that journey with us.”

Anna Dawe, Wigan and Leigh College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “The GMIoT will provide opportunity and raise aspiration and attainment in technical education across Greater Manchester. Its reach into boroughs such as Wigan, Bury and Tameside as well as our city centres will remove barriers to higher technical study and has the potential to be truly transformative.”

The GMIoT had its first cohort of students this September, with further new programmes starting in 2024.

For more information visit gmiot.ac.uk

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UNIVERSITY BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO

ICONIC SALFORD LANDMARK

The fire engine bays of Salford’s well-loved Old Fire Station have been completely transformed into a brand-new micro-brewery, bakery, café and bar which opened for business this summer. This incredible venue has been renovated by the University of Salford into the Crescent’s newest hotspot, offering top quality beers, Instagram-worthy bakes, freshly brewed coffee, and street food delights from local independent pop-ups.

What’s on offer?

The space has been renovated to create an indoor café area, outdoor seating on the terrace, a dedicated bar, and the incredible Lark Hill Brewery. The café serves brilliant brunches, freshly made sandwiches, grilled cheese, and salads, while the bar offers their very own Lark Hill beers specially brewed on site. Expect to see Hazy IPAs, Cask Ale, Wheat Beer, Sour Beer, West Coast IPA, and Imperial Stout. No trip can be complete without a take-away treat from the bakery which offers irresistible flaky croissants, a delicious range of pastries and sensational artisan sourdough, all made lovingly on site.

An iconic building reinvented As the name suggests, the building was once Salford’s central fire station, which opened in 1903. The square itself, Albert Bentley, is named after Salford’s first ever fire chief, who revolutionised the way the service was delivered in the city.

Beer and bread are very much part of the University’s heritage back in 1893 initial funding of £4,956 was taken from Customs and Excise money for the precursor of the University, the Royal College of Advanced Technology. Referred to as “whisky money” a member of parliament commented “we will distil wisdom out of whisky, genius out of gin and capacity for business out of beer”.

The University also ran courses in Bakery from 1945 to 1959, which were later transferred to Salford Technical College. During that time the University had strong links with industry including Hovis, Joseph Rank, and John R Sorenson and Co Ltd (eventually Soreen).

The site is a key development for the £2.5 billion Salford Crescent Masterplan which will engage, not only University staff and students, but the wider Salford community from the Crescent, Chapel Street and beyond.

Innovation

Launch party becomes the hottest ticket in town Thursday 3 August marked the official launch party off the venue, with guests treated to live music, DJ sets, delicious samples, and a pop-up kitchen from Sri Lankan street food vendor Archchi’s.

Popular Music and Recording student Lissie Nicholson kicked off the proceedings with a special set before Professor Karl Dayson, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation at the University of Salford, took to the stage to welcome invitees and thank the dedicated team who made it all happen.

Karl’s address was followed by a speech by Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett who commended the University for bringing such a vibrant development to the Crescent, which not only benefits students and colleagues, but the wider Salford community too.

The event continued into the evening, soundtracked with music from local singer-songwriter Liam McClair and DJ Rushman.

Haven’t paid a visit yet?

The Old Fire Station is open from Tuesday to Thursday 08:00 - 20:00, Fridays 08:00 - 21:00 and Saturdays 08:00 - 17:00. Brunch will be served from opening until 14:00 daily, with the bakery closing at 17:00, followed by kitchen pop-ups and drinks served into the evening.

For more information, follow their social channels on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok (@oldfiresalford), or on the website firestationsalford.co.uk

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HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

THE PRINCESS ROYAL MEETS STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS AT UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD BUSINESS SCHOOL

In May this year, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal joined student entrepreneurs at the Young Enterprise UK Start-Up Final, hosted by the University of Salford Business School, at our Peel Park Campus.

During her visit, The Princess Royal met with the next generation of pioneering business leaders who are creating ground-breaking concepts that will be instrumental in supporting the UK’s goal of becoming a global hub for innovation.

At the Institution where her father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was the first Chancellor, she was joined by students from across the UK, including the University of Salford Business School’s Young Enterprise UK Start-Up finalists, Thalia Guest, Oliver Scragg and Samuel Ball, the Founders of Making Sense, which provides sensory toys for adults with disabilities. The Princess Royal also met University colleagues and industry partners, the team from Young Enterprise, as well as The Right Worshipful Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys, the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins JP LLB, and the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mary-Liz Walker.

Global Ambition

The event, which coincides the 60th anniversary of Young Enterprise, saw Loughborough College’s students crowned UK winners with their business Tiaki, a sports protection business that aims to address the lack of protective equipment available for female athletes.

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Hosting the prestigious awards ceremony was Young Enterprise Trustee and alumna, Mina Karshala, who was joined by the national financial and enterprise education charity’s Chair of Trustees, Simon Lewis OBE, Dean of Salford Business School, Professor Janice Allan, and guest speaker, Founder of One File, Susanna Lawson.

Dr Jonathan Owens, Senior Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Young Enterprise lead at Salford Business School, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to host the Young Enterprise UK Start-Up Final, especially as this year’s event comes in tandem with the charity’s 60th anniversary.

Salford Business School is very much a new arrival to the Start-Up programme. However, our students have proven to be trailblazers, being crowned European champions for 2022 and making it all the way to the UK final for 2023.

“The attendance of The Princess Royal, just days after King Charles III’s Coronation, is an amazing student experience and a great opportunity for our students to be part of a pivotal moment in the country’s history.”

Alongside the team from Salford Business School, the Young Enterprise UK Start-Up Final saw 13 student teams compete from the likes of Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Hertfordshire, Edge Hill University, and University Centre, Blackburn, with a diverse mix of businesses including everything from marketing and a fancy dress retailer, to multiple tech businesses comprising HealthTech and wearables for pet safety.

Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise, added: “Having The Princess Royal here today at the University of Salford Business School where her father, Prince Phillip, was the first Chancellor, provides an incredible opportunity during our 60th anniversary for young people to share their experiences of setting up their Young Enterprise business. The students have also been given a valuable opportunity to really demonstrate the skills and enterprising mindset they’ve developed on their journey.”

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I am proud that the University of Salford Business School is hosting the Young Enterprise UK Start-Up Final and I would like to wish the best of luck to all those taking part. The University plays a vital role in encouraging innovation and developing young entrepreneurs and organisations, and the community of Salford benefits hugely from the skills that students learn.

“I am delighted to hear that Thalia Guest, Oliver Scragg and Samuel Ball from the University of Salford are in the final, helping to empower adults with disabilities, tackle stigma and raise awareness of Angelman Syndrome and conditions of this nature.

“I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on her visit to the city, which is helping to put a positive days spotlight on the finals just days after the Coronation of King Charles III.”

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MUCH-CELEBRATED REPORTER AND WEATHER PRESENTER OWAIN WYN EVANS COLLECTS

HONORARY DEGREE Award-winning television and radio presenter and much-celebrated fundraiser Owain Wyn Evans has received an honorary degree from the University of Salford for his outstanding contribution to the arts.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter and long-term BBC weather presenter and reporter collected his degree at The Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays this summer.

Known worldwide for his drummathon which has raised nearly £4 million and counting for Children in Need, Owain made his name in the north-west whilst working at BBC North West, The One Show and BBC Breakfast where his zest for life, warm nature and passion for the drums saw him embraced by households across the country.

After many years living in Manchester, Owain moved back to Wales where he now presents BBC Radio 2’s Early Breakfast Show and continues to work as a presenter for Welsh language channel S4C. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, he said: “It is amazing because I know how hard it is to earn a degree or any kind of higher education certificate.

“I feel like I have such a connection to Salford having grown up in a working class community in an ex-industrial mining town that has quite a similar past to the cities and towns of the north-west of England.

“So for me to be presented with an honorary degree from a great university like the University of Salford, it made me quite emotional when I was asked. Going to university never worked out for me but I always did think in the back of my mind that a degree would be lovely!”

Owain first started working at the BBC when he was 18 and previously had harboured ambitions to work as a lighting technician or a session drummer before he started doing his presenting work.

He has worked for regional stations across the national broadcaster such as BBC Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Wales Today and BBC Look North in addition to appearing as a guest on television programmes The Wheel, Pointless Celebrities, Celebrity Mastermind, Peter Crouch’s Year Late Euros, Strictly: It Takes Two, Freeze the Fear and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK.

Owain Wyn Evans

“There have been times in my career where people have helped me and you know, it’s nice to be nice and helpful. If there’s a way in which my knowledge can help young people achieve something then that must be a good thing.”

As for his speech on the day, Owain kept his advice simple for Salford’s next generation of graduates.

He said: “My advice is to not take yourself too seriously. And to be kind. I know that sounds a bit cheesy but you never know when you might meet other people again in your career so be nice, be kind.

Alongside Owain, our Honorary Graduates this year included: Renowned barrister and EDI champion Dr Sally Penni MBE; Professor Cheryl Lenney OBE, Group Chief Nurse at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Paul Stewart, former footballer and safeguarding advocate; Brian Iddon, Chemist and former Member of Parliament for Bolton South East; and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President Advisor of the Court of HRH the Crown Prince of Bahrain.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Owain hosted a series of ‘in conversation with…’ programmes for both BBC Sounds and BBC Local Radio. One of his interviewees was Dolly Parton, who he confesses to be his favourite interview as a journalist.

He said: “To say that you’ve interviewed Dolly Parton is really something. She was very interested in Welsh folk music and was asking me about my name so I really adored having that amazing opportunity just to speak to her and have that intimate conversation over Zoom. It was really special.”

As an honorary graduate, Owain is keen to work with the University on finding opportunities to convey his specialist knowledge as a journalist and broadcaster to students in the years to come.

Owain said: “I’m absolutely keen to pass on any knowledge and help work with students as part of this role.

Dr Sally Penni MBE

Global Ambition

PROFESSOR NIC BEECH APPOINTED AS NEW

VICE-CHANCELLOR We are delighted that Professor Nic Beech joined the University of Salford as Vice-Chancellor in October.

His previous role was Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University and he has previously been a Vice-Principal of the University of St Andrews and Provost of the University of Dundee. He is Chair of the UK Standing Committee for Quality Assessment, a Commissioner on the International Higher Education Commission, Chair of AccessHE, Treasurer (designate) and Board Member of Universities UK, and on the Board of the Academy of Social Sciences. In his field of Business and Management, he was the longest-serving president of the British Academy of Management. Nic’s research has focused on identity, change and educational leadership and he has a particular interest in the social dynamics of inclusivity. These interests have played out in his leadership roles in which he has worked to affect social mobility, student voice and success and impactful research.

The final recruitment panel, comprising of University Council independent and staff members and the President of the University of Salford Students’ Union (USSU), were impressed by Professor Beech’s personal values and how he has demonstrated positive impact in embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in his current role. His demonstrable leadership combined with his understanding of the sector and its challenges provides the ideal qualities that the University needs to build on its successes and continue its strategy of growth, diversification and societal impact.

In response to his appointment, Nic said “I am truly delighted to join the University of Salford. The University community is outstanding in its achievements in industry partnerships, social mobility and research and I have been greatly impressed by the students and staff I have met so far. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to taking forward our ambitions to deliver transformative education and innovation.”

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CREATIVE COLLABORATION As communities recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis, the need to share experiences in safe, supportive spaces has never been greater.

Bringing people together to respond creatively to the challenges in their lives can be an effective way to help resilience and wellbeing.

Our researchers at Salford have been working on wellbeing and creative activity for many years. As local communities express their needs, our academics are bringing their expertise to develop creative partnerships.

So, when local charity Salford Loaves and Fishes approached the University to ask for support with creative activities, our staff and students were ready to help. Now, one film and two books later, the partnership is thriving.

The collaboration uses creative writing to open a space where everyone is equal, all ideas are valued, and everyone is empowered to contribute.

Project lead, Professor Ursula Hurley explains: “the focus is on potential, not problems.”

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the focus is on potential, not problems.

Project lead, Professor Ursula Hurley

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With continued funding and support from the University, staff and students hold regular creative workshops with clients at Loaves and Fishes. So far, participants have made a short film about Peel Park, and a graphic novel exploring their relationship with green spaces. The film can be viewed on the project website: www.salfordcreativecommunity.org/

The graphic novel is for sale in Salford Museum and Art Gallery, raising funds for the charity. It can also be viewed online here: doi.org/10.17866/rd.salford.20532309.v1

Global Ambition 33

Professor Hurley adds: “The novel helps audiences to hear and see other people’s points of view, and to understand why those views are valid and important to those people.” Local people are credited as authors, and they have presented their work at New Adelphi Theatre, as well as at national events including the Being Human Festival and We Invented the Weekend.

Helen Tatum, Senior Support Worker at Loaves and Fishes, said: “It means a great deal to members of the local community to be connected to the University in such a positive way.”

And it’s not just local residents who benefit.

International students have valued the opportunity to get involved with community groups, helping them to feel a sense of belonging in the local area.

International PhD researcher, Vashti Suwa Gbolagun said: “engaging with and making some impact in my community through creative writing is such a beautiful and rewarding experience.” Vashti’s involvement with the project led to her winning the Dean’s Award in 2022: hub.salford.ac.uk/amc-english-literature-language-and-creative-practice/2022/06/21/englishsuccess-at-the-create-awards/ Our latest project is called The Everyday Marvellous. It received significant additional research funding from the University to explore surrealist creative techniques and their potential to support wellbeing. Participants created ‘Alsdorf’, Salford’s dream village, and have developed virtual art galleries, museums and tourist guides for this alternative world.

The resulting book has already been snapped up by leading innovative publisher, Hesterglock Press, and is scheduled for publication later this year. hesterglock.net/Alsdorf Researchers are now analysing the data from the project, with a view to publishing their findings. In the meantime, responses from the participants have been very positive.

One commented: “I love it, you help us to look at things in a different way.”

The project team plans a book launch and showcase event to celebrate what the collaboration has achieved to date. If you would like to find out more or get involved with any of our creative activities, you can contact Ursula Hurley, Professor of Life Writing, at u.k.hurley@salford.ac.uk

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It means a great deal to members of the local community to be connected to the university in such a positive way.

Helen Tatum, Senior Support Worker at Loaves and Fishes

”

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STUDENT ANIMATORS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW

UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AARDMAN ACADEMY The University of Salford is partnering with the Aardman Academy, the training arm of the multiaward-winning, independent studio Aardman, to provide our students with access to world-class learning from inside the animation industry.

The Aardman Academy was established to nurture talent and strengthen ties between the animation industry and education and has trained hundreds of world-class animators, directors and modelmakers in the art of stop-motion animation at their base in Bristol.

The University becomes the seventh higher education partner for the Aardman Academy and will mean our students have access to expert animation training both online and in person, detailed feedback on their portfolios and access to a suite of masterclasses and events including the studio’s ‘Animated Insights’ events which features leading industry speakers from around the world.

Students will also be able to enhance their studies further and gain additional skills with visits to the Aardman studios in Bristol, access the Aardman Academy Foundation Courses and Animation Days whilst our lecturers will also participate in the Aardman Academy Lecturer Development programme.

Annabeth Robinson, Programme Leader for BA Animation at the University of Salford said: “It is incredibly exciting for our staff and students to have this new partnership with the Aardman Academy.

“The Aardman name is distinctively known across the world as a pioneer in animation and we’re sure that our students will be taking every advantage they can get from the exclusive opportunities provided by the Aardman Academy Partnership Programme.

“The University and the Aardman Academy share the same vision for developing high performing animators that are ready made for industry and we hope that the benefits that this partnership provides will only further entice our students to achieve their undoubted potential.”

Mark Simon Hewis, Head of the Aardman Academy, said: “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Salford, working with them to feed industry-leading knowledge and expertise directly into their course.

“We can’t wait to start welcoming Salford’s staff and students into our vibrant and supportive animation community.”

The partnership will benefit students on our BA (Hons) Animation, BA (Hons) Animation with Foundation Year, MA Animation courses and complements other existing relationships that the University provides access to, including Manchester Animation Festival.

Aardman

Global Ambition 35

MEET THE STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR REVOLUTIONISING THE CREATIVE CONTENT SPACE Sam Wood, a final year student studying Film Production at the University of Salford and entrepreneur, has launched Salford Media Works, an all-inclusive creative content agency expected to disrupt the media and marketing sector, thanks to the support of Launch@ Salford.

Launch, Salford Business School’s purpose-built incubation space, is designed to support Salford students and graduates through the start-up phase of their business journeys. Since its inception in 2018, it has successfully provided in-depth support to 200 students to help them start a business.

Sam embarked on his entrepreneurial journey after eight years as a freelance content creator, something he started when he was just 14 years old. As a photographer and graphic designer supporting brands looking to stand out in crowded marketplaces, Sam has gained valuable experience and developed a passion for delivering high-quality visual content over the years. So, when he spotted a gap in the market with clients continuously requesting recommendations for other services in the content space including video, as well as strategy and creative ideation, he spotted the opportunity for him to plug that gap.

Reflecting on the early success of Salford Media Works, Sam said: “Thanks to the support of Launch@ Salford, establishing Salford Media Works has been an incredible experience.

I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to grow my business and acquire the skills necessary for long-term success. The support I’ve received through the programme and having access to the mentors, plus other students on the cohort to bounce ideas off has been invaluable.”

Sam’s all-inclusive creative content agency is already making waves in the media and marketing world by providing comprehensive 360 visual content solutions. Salford Media Work’s commitment to covering the visual content landscape sets it apart as a one-stop-shop for clients’ creative content needs, including videography, photography, graphic design, social media management, strategy and creative ideation.

Recognising the demand for all-inclusive content solutions and campaigns, Sam is now successfully plugging what was a previously burgeoning gap in the market. He provides clients

with a wide range of creative content options, from social media content and product demo videos to podcasts and headshots.

The agency has already achieved significant success, delivering content and campaigns for clients such as BEAR Coffee and Winncare Group.

The incubator has equipped Sam with the confidence and knowledge to navigate the challenges of growing a business, while the supportive community has provided inspiration and valuable networking opportunities.

Paul Little, Incubation Manager at Launch@ Salford, said: “We are incredibly proud of Sam. He is a shining example of the entrepreneurial spirit and creative talent we nurture here at Salford Business School. Empowering and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs as they embark on their own start-up journeys through programmes like Launch will continue to be a focus for us.

“It’s driven, innovative and creative entrepreneurs like Sam who are instrumental to the region’s economy, so to play even a small part in their journeys is incredibly rewarding.

Sam’s achievements demonstrate Salford Media Works’ dedication and expertise, securing prestigious clients shortly after starting his trading journey, so we can’t wait to see his business continue on this exciting upwards trajectory.”

Launch offers a wealth of resources and guidance from Salford Business School academics and Industry Fellows to help entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality. From support in shaping their business ideas and launching to market, to providing guidance on securing investment, generating sales/ revenue and marketing, the programme helps nurture future business leaders.

Sam concluded:

“I have some ambitious growth plans for the next few years which I now have the confidence to pursue, thanks to Launch.”

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YOUTUBE STAR MRBEAST GIVES SALFORD STUDENT’S PROSTHETICS CLINICS A

£178,000 FUNDRAISING BOOST Sisary (pictured below), a student of the University’s EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics, works for Exceed Worldwide prosthetic and orthotic clinics which have been providing free treatment to amputees for over 30 years in Cambodia. Just a few months ago, she’d never heard of MrBeast, one of the most popular accounts on videostreaming service YouTube.

Sisary, who works as the Country Director for Exceed alongside her studies, explained that when Exceed was first contacted by MrBeast’s team, they couldn’t believe what they were hearing, and thought it must be a scam.

She explains: “Exceed’s two provincial rehabilitation centres in Cambodia faced financial constraints and we were facing the reality that we may have to look at scaling down our support to these centres.

“The Beast Philanthropy team including Dan Mace, CCO and Darren Margolias, ED, spent a whole week with us. They witnessed the work we do at our clinics, and the training we deliver for young prosthetists from all around the world.

We also told them about all the challenges facing the two provincial clinics.

“At the end of the week, Darren and Dan asked to meet us slightly later than planned the next morning as they had to make a call. At the end of the day, Darren called me in together with Mr. Carson Harte, Exceed’s CEO, telling us that based on what they’d seen from us during the week, the passion, the professionalism, and the attitude, Beast Philanthropy considers that we are the right partner for them and they have decided to absorb the full cost of the two provincial clinics for the next 12 months, a total of $223,400USD (approx. £178,425) or equal to 2,200 prosthetic limbs.

“It was so unexpected and so emotional! Instead of writing and delivering redundancy letters in March, we were able to inform all partners and staff to continue with their vital work.”

Within two weeks of finding out about the funding from MrBeast, the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation also confirmed funding for 800 prosthetic limbs in Cambodia.

Sisary continued: “I am really happy that we are able to continue our service for people in need. Prosthetic limbs give people mobility, mobility gives them opportunities in life, opportunities in life give them independence though income generation and improved self-esteem where they can realise their dreams!”

Darren Margolias, Executive Director of Beast Philanthropy, said: “We came to Cambodia with the intention to pay for limbs for around 150 amputees. But after meeting the users, learning about them and the massive impact a prosthetic limb has on their lives, and seeing the absolute dedication of the people at Exceed Worldwide to help these users overcome their restrictions, we knew we HAD to do more.

“We are extremely proud to align ourselves with a team of people as dedicated to helping as many users as possible as Exceed Worldwide. Together we hope to restore some independence and relief to thousands of people who have suffered for so long.”

Global Ambition 37

STUDENT METHODIST SOCIETY

REUNITES ON CAMPUS

AFTER 40 YEARS

At the University of Salford, we love nothing more than welcoming our alumni back onto campus and taking them on a trip down memory lane.

Earlier this year, we were delighted to welcome back former members of the Methodist Free Church Society, many of whom have not visited the Salford campus for around 40 years.

Former Sociology student, Bev Blackley, who graduated in 1984, told us how it felt to reunite with old friends and revisit old haunts.

Bev said: “On the weekend of 23-25 June 2023 a group of past students descended on Salford for a reunion.

At some point between 1977 and 1989, we studied at the University, or at the then-named College of Technology. We were all involved in what was a very active Methodist and Free Church Society, known as ‘Methsoc’ but later renamed ‘Methsoc Plus’ to account for the fact that members were drawn from all different denominations associated with the University and Chaplaincy.

We came to Salford from both diverse church backgrounds and none, were students of many different subjects and we have gone on to live and work in a wide variety of places both in the UK and around the world. However, we all acknowledge the formative role Methsoc had in our personal and faith development beyond our years at Salford.

Once we had looked past the wrinkles and grey hair (or no hair!) we found ourselves once again amongst friends. During the weekend we rediscovered Salford but found both the city and the campus much changed over the intervening 40 years.

On Saturday some of us challenged our ageing limbs on a favourite student hike, leaving just enough energy in the tank to party on at a social in the Students’ Union bar in the evening. As well as sharing embarrassing photos, we tested our memories with a quiz of 1980’s Salford trivia, including trying to recall which bands performed on campus during our student days.

We joined the Sunday morning service at Emmanuel Church, the successor of the church we attended back in the 80s (‘our’ church is now sadly under the new Tesco car park!). Worship was led by two of our number who are ordained Methodist ministers and the congregation at Emmanuel included people who remembered us from the active student group. A simple bread and cheese lunch concluded the weekend and reminded us of Monday lunchtime gatherings in the 1980s’ chaplaincy in Peel Building.

All in all, a fabulous weekend was had. Our thanks go to the staff of the Alumni Office and the Union bar, Atmosphere, for helping make the weekend possible.”

Thank you to Bev for sharing her story. We love to hear about our alumni revisiting the campus.

If you’d like to share your story or organise a reunion, then please email alumni@salford.ac.uk

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NEW PODCAST SHOWCASES CAREERS AND LIFE STORIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD ALUMNI A new podcast from the University of Salford will celebrate the achievements and bring wider recognition of our outstanding alumni.

Talking Salford features in-depth interviews with some of our most interesting alumni as we dig deep into their time at university and learn how it set them up for their careers.

The fortnightly series is recorded in the radio studios at the MediaCity campus. The production is a collaboration between colleagues and students who produce and edit all episodes.

Each episode is also filmed and will be available to watch in full via the University’s official YouTube channel.

Hannah Burchell, Director of Communications, Marketing and External Relations at the University of Salford, said; “The University of Salford has some outstanding alumni and this new podcast will act as an innovative way to bring their stories to life and showcase the fantastic career that a degree at Salford can unlock.

Nick Ransom

“We are very excited to be launching this new staff-student venture that will not just showcase the quality and range of what you can study here at Salford but also provide our current, former and even future students with the unique opportunity to hear how some of our top graduates found success in their chosen fields.”

Over the series, the podcast will interview members of our alumni community from across the University’s four schools over the last few decades, covering the creative industries, politics, business, economics, science, health and society.

So far guests have included Nick Ransom, who discusses how he coped with finding out he was autistic in his second year at Salford and why he formed the 900-member strong Neurodiversity Media Community after graduating, and Fine Art duo Mollie Balshaw and Rebekah Beasley who started the influential artist-led organisation Short Supply.

The Talking Salford podcast will be available every other Friday on all podcast platforms including Spotify, Acast, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music.

Mollie Balshaw

Global Ambition 39

ESCAPING NORTH KOREA In a very special episode of Talking Salford, Timothy Cho shared his inspirational story with us.

Timothy Cho was born in North Korea where he was separated from his parents and became homeless. He was imprisoned four times and managed to escape his home country twice, finally succeeding on the second occasion after seeking refuge in an American International School. He was then deported to the Philippines and later sought asylum in the UK, arriving in 2008.

Timothy arrived in England without knowing the language.

Settling down in Bolton he set to learning the local dialect. He said: “I wanted to go to a community college, but they said I had to wait. I was walking down a street in Bolton when I saw a community church. I went in to attend a service, but the church building was also feeding homeless people.”

In the 15 years since, Timothy has gone from not knowing a word of English to graduating from Salford in 2016 with a degree in Politics, after which he secured a master’s degree from the University of Liverpool in International Relations and Security.

“I asked if there was anything I could help with and they asked if I could wash dishes and I said yes, I can. From then on, I washed dishes and coffee cups. I learned how to make tea and coffee. In return, I asked them for an English word for each tea and coffee I made. So literally I learned from homeless people hundreds of English words.”

He has become a passionate campaigner and spokesperson on all issues around North Korea, addressing the United Nations and the European Parliament multiple times. Now, Timothy works as an inquiry clerk for the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea and has previously worked with Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton. Timothy has also stood as a candidate in the local elections the last three times, increasing his vote share each time.

Timothy told us that some of the mental scars of his time in prison still exist today “I cried a lot so many times. Sometimes you’re reading about prison camp stories or someone’s torture or war, and you don’t even want to turn the lights off in bed.

Speaking of his extraordinary resilience, Timothy said: “We discover who we are in our hearts. You create your identity of being a loved person, you are a valuable person. I think that was hugely important for me. Once I had done so, and I had my faith in me, I could fight against it.”

It was from learning these English words that Timothy was able to make his way to the University of Salford. After achieving two degrees, Timothy has become a prominent advocate for Human Rights, speaking out about his experiences in North Korea.

Timothy said: “I went to the Netherlands. They asked me to share my experience of how I escaped from that country.

It was not easy to talk about, but I think with politics I was starting slowly so I could learn more about it.”

“With human rights violations, we have to ask why it has it been caused. Is it ideological drivers or has it been caused because of personal ambition or dictatorial systems?”

We can’t thank Timothy enough for sharing his inspiring story with us. You can listen to the full conversation on episode 5 of the Talking Salford Podcast.

DISCOVER YOUR EXCLUSIVE ALUMNI BENEFITS CAREER DEVELOPMENT: You have access to a wealth of resources designed to enhance your career prospects and professional growth. Our Career Services team is committed to providing lifelong support.

CONTINUED LEARNING: Learning is a lifelong pursuit; as a member of our alumni community you can engage in ongoing education and intellectual enrichment.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AND SERVICES: We believe in recognising the loyalty and commitment of our alumni by offering an array of exclusive discounts.

STAY CONNECTED: We understand the importance of staying connected with your peers, mentors, and the University community. Through our alumni network you can access networking events and an exclusive online community.

You are an integral part of our legacy, and we are committed to providing you with lifelong support and a wide range of benefits. Find out more at salford.ac.uk/alumni/benefits-services and on our networking platform FromSalford, at fromsalford.com

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