UON in the news – 5-11 July

PhD researcher, Jamie Wildman, was interviewed by the Northamptonshire Telegraph about his role in helping to bring a butterfly back from the brink of extinction.

The University’s Faculty of Health and Society has worked closely with The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academy to develop a new, CPD qualification for health professionals. Faculty Dean Dr Steve O’Brien is quoted in Swindon Link’s coverage.

Northamptonshire Chamber report on three Faculty of Health and Society news items:

• Two candidates became the first ever to take a new, practical examination for overseas people who wish to become Nursing Associates in the UK, at the University’s Test of Competence Centre.
• Podiatry student Emily Spence became the first ever winner of a research and reflection competition for undergraduate students, set by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Glasgow.
• The University’s psychology team ran a research taster day for budding psych-researchers.

Senior Lecturer in Journalism, Kate Ironside, was again busy with media work this week. On Wednesday she was on BBC Radio 3 Counties talking about former Prime Minister John Major, who is threatening to take Boris Johnson to court (starts 13m 30s)

Kate was also on BBC Radio 5live (starts 9m)  and BBC Coventry & Warwickshire (starts 1h 40m) on Wednesday, giving her views on ITV’s televised debate between Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson. Her verdict: “The only winners were Holby City on the other channel”.

Kate also spoke about the plan to scrap free TV licences for the over-75s on BBC Radio 3 Counties (starts 1h 44m).

Senior Marketing Lecturer, Kardi Somerfield, appeared on BBC Look East on Monday during a piece on Northampton’s bid for £25m funding to improve the town centre (clip expired).

Product Design student, Oliver Beard, has designed a high-tech skull cap that detects cases of concussion. He was featured on the Northants Chamber website.

Northants Chamber revealed the news we have launched two new law courses.

Northants Chamber also ran the news about our apprenticeships event, which takes place at Waterside in August.

The Irish Independent was one of four papers to feature the story about our Photography student, Siena McCollin, who has created photos to raise awareness of plastic pollution.