University research projects celebrated in leading national report

The report, which is jointly published by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and Universities UK, pulls together the leading research projects currently taking place across UK universities. Research from all fields, including science, social sciences, engineering, the arts and the humanities, were eligible to be included and The University of Northampton’s projects were selected for inclusion from hundreds of submissions. The report is narrated and backed by high-profile names such as Professor Lord Robert Winston, Dr Alice Roberts and Professor Iain Stewart.

The Northampton projects highlighted in the report are:

• Graduate Careers – Vice Chancellor Professor Nick Petford – The University’s new strategy for social enterprise, offering all students an enhanced experience by integrating the opportunity to work in a social enterprise as part of their degree.
• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment – Dr Margaret Bates, School of Science and Technology – a project at The University of Northampton has developed and delivered education and training materials to show those in Nigeria, who make their living through Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) management, how to continue without damaging their health or the environment.
• Performance On Stage – Dr Patrick Duggan, School of The Arts – considering the relationship between performance and trauma, and how performance can help us to understand trauma more clearly.

Research has an impact on all our lives. Whether it is a breakthrough in experimental science, or an invention that makes new things possible, or a project that leads us to understand better the strengths and weaknesses of our society, research is the key to the UK’s growth, prosperity and wellbeing. Big Ideas for the Future showcases just some of the excellent research being carried out in UK universities that achieves these aims. It is vital we continue to support the talented individuals whose work makes a real difference.

Professor Rick Rylance, Chair Elect of RCUK said of Big Ideas for the Future

The research that has taken place at UK universities has helped to change the world and the way we live, whether that’s discovering DNA, inventing the world’s first computer or finding cures for life-threatening illnesses. It is great to see this tradition of world-leading innovation continue and get an insight into the many inspiring and potentially-life changing projects currently being developed by our universities. I would like to congratulate The University of Northampton on their inclusion in the Big Ideas for the Future report, and wish them the best of luck with their research.

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK

The publication of the report formed part of the second annual Universities Week, which took place from 13-19 June 2011, and aimed to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities.

To download a full version of the report, please visit http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/bigideas.