The University of Derby Magazine (issue 7)

The University of Derby

Issue 7 • Winter 2017

INSIDE: Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Experience, Professor Malcolm Todd, MOBO Founder, Kanya King MBE, and Elite Sport Psychiatrist, Professor Steve Peters

derby.ac.uk

4 FEATURE

Why is the world obsessed with wellness?

22 FEATURE

Tackling mental health in sport

7 OPINION

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, University of Derby Vice-Chancellor

8 THE GREAT DEBATE

25 5 MINUTES WITH…

Philanthropist and award-winning screenplay writer Brian Ashby

26 MY VIEW

As the University enters a new and exciting era of research, Professor Nick Antonopoulos, Pro ViceChancellor – Research, outlines his ambitions for Derby

How do we tackle social mobility in Derby?

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magazine

contents

28 FEATURE

The fight for LGBT+ equality: why we are still far from being an inclusive nation

12 OVER TO YOU

Professor Malcolm Todd, University of Derby Pro Vice-Chancellor – Academic and Student Experience

Editorial:

Rosie Marshalsay, Jeremy Swan, Kelly Tyler, Adam Mallaby, Gemma Bradley and Deanna Mathieson

Photography: Richard Richards

16 FEATURE

Game On: Cyberwarfare

20 SPOTLIGHT ON …

MOBO founder Kanya King MBE on her pursuit to drive urban music to the heart of mainstream culture

Design:

Matt Cartwright

We’re always on the lookout for interesting people to interview for future issues, so if you’ve got a good story to tell please get in touch – editor@derby.ac.uk

32 RESEARCH ROUNDUP

Recreating the big bang, the future of medicine, and protecting endangered species with technology are just some of the exciting research projects underway at Derby

36 FEATURE

How is the Regional Growth Fund filtering into local businesses and what impact is it having?

38 42 44 46

GRADUATE PROFILES STUDENT SUCCESS LOCAL LINK-UP LAST WORD

The University of Derby Magazine

“For most of the year universities have been in the public spotlight on issues such as tuition fees and whether institutions offer ‘value for money’. Yet, while these debates show no signs of abating, public scrutiny is important to ensure that our universities are as good as they can be."

W

hilst December is full of festive merriment and fun, it is also a time for reflection; when many people pause to consider their achievements and failings, and plan for a new year of prosperity.

2017 has certainly been a bumper year for the University of Derby, with plenty of cause for celebration.

Being awarded Gold in the new Teaching Excellence Framework; achieving, for the first time, a place in the top 1,000 universities in the world (THE World University Rankings 2018); and continuing to watch with pride the contribution our students and graduates make to society and the successes they go onto achieve. These are just a few highlights to mention.

It has, of course, not all been plain sailing – when is it ever? For most of the year universities have been in the public spotlight on issues such as tuition fees and whether institutions offer ‘value for money’. Yet, while these debates show no signs of abating, public scrutiny is important to ensure that our universities are as good as they can be.

In this issue you’ll get an insight into this. You’ll find out about how the University listens to and works collaboratively with it's students to ensure they get the best possible experience here; the issue of social mobility in the city and what’s happening to drive forward change; and the fantastic research being undertaken and Derby’s ambitions in this area going forward.

We also have fascinating perspective from external contributors on topics including mental health in sport, cyber security, and the fight for equality within the LGBT+ community. Plus there are our regular features showcasing our talented students and graduates.

We hope you enjoy the read and thank you for your continued support of this magazine and of the University of Derby. We wish you a very merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous new year!

Rosie Marshalsay

Of course there will always be critics, but working at the University of Derby means I’m in the privileged position of witnessing first-hand, the huge transformational impact of higher education – not only on the students that come here to study, but on the local community, as well as much further afield.

Editor’s letter 43

WHY IS THE WORLD OBSESSED WITH

WELLNESS?

T

he global wellness industry is reportedly worth a staggering $3.7 trillion* and is fast increasing. Providing 3.2 million jobs a year and constituting 2.1% of the world’s economy, this is serious business. But why has the world become so obsessed with wellness? Kelly Tyler investigates.

With people living faster lives, smartphone addiction at an all-time high, and mental health firm on the government’s agenda, now, more than ever, there is a need to look after our mental – as well as – physical health.

But switching off and tuning into wellness, or “the state of being in good health”, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is not a new phenomenon.

The origins of looking after one’s self date back to as early as 3,000 BC when Ayurveda – the holistic system of creating harmony between body, mind and spirit – was ritually practised in India.

Fast forward to 2017 and the world is buzzing with the concept of wellness. From self-help mental wellness apps and resorts bringing in doctors to design specialist sleep packages for guests, to multinational companies, such as Google, introducing workplace health and wellbeing programmes for its employees, wellness is no longer a term used solely by yoga teachers.

So, why are people now so dedicated to looking after their wellbeing?

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“Because we can’t afford for the world to be ill as people are living longer,” says Dr Sarah Rawlinson, Head of the Department of Hospitality, Resort and Spa Management at the University of Derby.

“Companies are investing in health and wellbeing to cut the number of absentees at work.

"People are getting wiser; they don’t want to spend their hard earned money on their future nursing home costs, they want to spend it living long, fruitful lives.”

The shift in people taking wellbeing seriously is something that can also be seen through their motivations for holidaying, says Dr Rawlinson.

“In past generations, people would go on holiday to discover new places and let their hair down. Now they use time away to destress, have ‘me time’, and connect with their family. People are wanting something to take away from a destination to help heal them and holiday resorts are now having to adapt to that change in tourism.”

The global wellness tourism industry has seen an impressive spike in revenue over the years, growing 14% from $494.1 billion in 2013 to $563.2 billion in 2015 – a growth rate more than twice as fast as overall tourism expenditures (6.9%)*.

The latest figures show world travellers made 691 million wellness trips in 2015 – 104.4 million more than in 2013* – proving this is far more than just marketing hype.

The University of Derby Magazine

And there are five regions across the globe so in tune with adopting tenets of wellness they have been coined Blue Zones – places in the world where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth.

Adventurer and author Dan Buettner discovered these ‘Blue Zones’: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California – all of which have nine common denominators that lead to a fruitful life.

So attracted to the secrets of living longer, many places are now attempting to become artificial Blue Zones, such as the USA and the Netherlands, where workplace absenteeism and healthcare costs have been reduced.

And Dr Rawlinson thinks Buxton – a historic spa town and home to one of the University of Derby campuses – could become one of these.

“Buxton is one of only two places in the UK that has thermal spa waters,” she explains.

“Years ago people would travel there to bathe in the healing minerals and would be prescribed to take walks in the local countryside. Buxton was a fashionable spa resort and was known as a centre for rheumatology.

"The global wellness tourism industry has seen an impressive spike in revenue over the years, growing 14% from $494.1 billion in 2013 to $563.2 billion in 2015."

“Work is being carried out to improve Buxton as a leading spa resort and the redevelopment of the Crescent into a five-star hotel with the latest spa services will certainly help this.

“The vision of Buxton becoming a Blue Zone could be achieved if we all work together and take responsibility for our wellbeing, boosting economic impact and tourism.

“We cannot sit back; we have to capitalise on the growing demand for people wanting time away to help their wellbeing.”

So certain wellness is here to stay, the University of Derby has created the UK’s first Wellness Management Degree to train people to become the new generation of professionals who can lead the wellness industry to its next stage of evolution.

But despite its popularity, is wellness something that is truly understood and adopted by the masses?

Matt Lund, Executive Director for the National Wellness Institute, based in the USA in Stevens Point, Wisconsin – an organisation which works with professionals to promote inclusive, diversified whole-person wellness – says further work is needed to help raise the awareness of wellness.

“If you ask 10 different people what wellness means, you will get 10 different answers,” explains Matt.

“Is it meditation? Going to the gym or taking a swim? Yes, but not always the case. We tell them, it is so much more than just that.

“While many people across the world are becoming more familiar with wellness, we really need to be able to express and explain what wellness is.

One of the key issues is that when we grow up we adopt certain cultures, so it’s not just about getting people to start thinking about wellness, but changing behaviour.

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But William says despite the research, it remains unclear whether there are circumstances in which mindfulness can be bad for your health.

“There is clearly a need for future research to specifically investigate the conditions under which mindfulness may incur negative health outcomes.

Matt Lund

Dr Sarah Rawlinson

“If you look at the USA, we are getting unhealthier, even with all the research that has been done. We are looking at what we can do to slow or stop unhealthy lifestyles like depression, obesity and the opioid epidemic, and get people to look at their wellbeing differently.”

Similar to the nine Blue Zones principles, the National Wellness Institute, founded in 1977, focuses on six dimensions of wellness; organisation, physical, social, spiritual, emotional and intellectual.

“If you can balance these areas you will live a much happier and healthier life,” explains Matt.

“However, you cannot tell people to get into wellness and expect it to just happen. When you tell people what to do, it’s natural for there to be resistance. You must help people where they are in their journey, so they can progress and become well when they are ready to make life changes. Once we do this, we will see our cultures flourish and thrive.”

But could adopting such a mindfulness lifestyle be, in actual fact, bad for your health?

William Van Gordon, a University of Derby Online Learning lecturer, who was a Buddhist monk for 10 years, has conducted research into whether there are adverse effects associated with mindfulness and wellness.

“Despite its growing popularity, there is concern and uncertainty as to whether there are health risks.

Such concerns form part of what has been termed the ‘mindfulness backlash’ or the ‘Mc Mindfulness’ movement that has involved ongoing debate in the press.”

Tuning into mindfulness and adopting meditation practices have been reported to have caused panic attacks and psychotic episodes as it encourages people to reflect on the past, focusing on both positive and negative aspects of their lives.

William Van Gordon

“I think the potential harmful issue of mindfulness is because it’s become so popular, so quickly. Mindfulness has been practiced in the East for thousands of years but has only been introduced to the West during the last few decades.

“Risk arises not because mindfulness is itself harmful but because some individuals teaching mindfulness have not had the correct training.

Five top wellness tips from William Van Gordon: 1. Try to be aware of each moment of your life because no two experiences are the same.

2. Understand that you are interconnected with all other phenomena and that you breathe in others’ out-breath and they breathe out your in-breath.

3. Be sincere and appreciative but at the same time let go because nothing lasts forever.

4. Be loving and compassionate because, in addition to benefiting others, it will help to put your own difficulties in perspective.

5. Be cautious about quick-fix remedies and remember that lasting happiness comes from within.

“People want to be so well they are trying too hard to achieve it, which goes against what the practice is.

Wellness has to come from within.”

What is clear is that wellness is a big deal. As stated in the Global Wellness Institute’s report on the top wellness trends of 2017, “mental wellness will be the biggest future trend, period.”

And with more than 13 million posts on Instagram, #wellness – endorsed by celebrities, health advisors, teachers, schools and workplaces – does not look like it’s going anywhere soon.

*Statistics from the Global Wellness Institute

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The University of Derby Magazine

Opinion Professor Kathryn Mitchell Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby

D

erbyshire is a county built on the ability to adapt and thrive. Our history is resplendent with innovative individuals who took it upon themselves to take us forward, often in times of upheaval and uncertainty. Now is our time.

It is clear that we live in challenging times. Whether we look at the ongoing Brexit negotiations or the steady rise of the BRICs economies, we can see that the global landscape is shifting. But I believe that this offers an opportunity that we should be ready to grasp – and everyone can play their part. I want the University to be fully engaged in this process, in close collaboration with others who are looking to drive a positive vision in the region. There are three areas, in particular, where I believe we can help make an impact.

Firstly, we need to address the skills gaps in the economy. A recent report found that failing to do so could cost Britain up to 4% of economic growth by 2024 – an equivalent of £90 billion. In response to the needs of local industry, the University has unveiled a new £12 million state of the art facility for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects and launched a scholarship to help young people from Derby develop in-demand skills in these disciplines, as well as the arts. We are also developing curriculum and work placement partnerships with companies such as Rolls-Royce, to further ensure that our graduates are work-ready and can make a significant contribution to society from the start.

This year, we were delighted to be recognised as a Gold institution in the Teaching Excellence Framework, which demonstrates our commitment to providing our students with a first-class education.

The second area is around improving life chances for local people. Through my role as chair of the local Opportunity Area board, the University is working to improve early years education, raise attainment in primary and secondary schools, and broaden young people’s horizons. Widening participation in higher education is a great way to improve social mobility.

Figures show that lifetime earnings for graduates are considerably higher than for non-graduates, even when the cost of tuition fees and taxes are taken into account. We are therefore working with people from disadvantaged backgrounds, through our newly-formed Equality and Social Mobility Unit, to help them realise their ambitions.

Finally, we need to develop our international links to encourage trade and foreign investment in our region.

Derby’s international students already contribute over £14 million to the local economy every year, and are more likely to do business with Derbyshire companies when they return to their home countries. In addition, the University has a growing number of global academic partnerships, which are helping to build ties with emerging economies such as China and India.

Our region is bursting with potential and while we may face challenges, I believe that by working together we can be one of the success stories of our time.

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ren d l i h p c rd m du e wo e s w m, th ” i h e . t tru e syst s it all e “Th of th ’ say n out lusio c ‘ex sso Joe

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Ru

The University of Derby Magazine

Writer: Jeremy Swan

“Whole tracts of Britain feel left behind. Whole communities feel the benefits of globalisation have passed them by. Whole sections of society feel they are not getting a fair chance to succeed. The growing sense that we have become an us-and-them society is deeply corrosive of our cohesion as a nation. There is a mood for change in Britain.”

Social Mobility Commission, Time for Change: An Assessment of Government Policies on Social Mobility 1997-2017- (June 2017), p. 1.

S

ince that day when Theresa May stood outside Downing Street promising to help people who are “just managing”, social mobility has been brought into the spotlight of public debate.

When asked in a nationwide survey, four out of five people said there is a large gap between the social classes in Britain.1 The results also showed a deep geographical divide, with nearly three-quarters of people saying there were large differences in opportunity depending on where you live. Derby is one of these areas, having been identified as a social mobility ‘cold spot’ by the government and designated as an ‘Opportunity Area’. With this issue right on our doorstep, we gathered together some experts to discuss the challenges around social mobility.

“The truth is we dump children out of the system, the word ‘exclusion’ says it all,” Joe Russo begins. “Did you know, that up until recently, the UK put more children 1 Social Mobility Commission, Social Mobility Barometer: Public attitudes to social mobility in the UK (June 2017).

behind bars than anywhere else in Europe? £2 billion is being cut from youth services and the social mobility gap has widened dramatically. Another big issue I find with exclusion is around cultural integration, with groups like the Roma community.”

Ruth Richardson agrees: “Sadly it is a systemic issue that stereotypes and disproportionately impacts Roma people. About 14% of school exclusions in Derby involve Roma young people, but they only make up about 3% of the city’s population. We clearly have a problem with supporting some Roma young people to transition into the education system, so many end up in pupil referral units where attainment nationally is generally low. What we’re doing is pushing an already marginalised community out of mainstream education.”

“It’s a two-way street though,” Joe Russo responds.

“There’s got to be an element of responsibility placed on the community itself. You have to change and adapt – but the authorities need to support you. I know, because I’m a first-generation immigrant myself.”

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Joe Russo

Jo Astley believes that connecting with hard-to-reach groups is a real problem: “I’m working with a lot of white working class boys – a group where attainment is often low – to build confidence and raise aspirations.

The problem is that the kids are coming up against competing pressures from their peer groups and families.”

Studies have shown that parental engagement is a key factor in educational attainment. However, reaching out is not always easy, according to David Martin: “I know teachers who say that many parents just aren’t interested in their child’s education, so there’s no point even trying to speak to them. They’re just told it has nothing to do with them.”

“In my experience, the reason why young boys join gangs is because they’re trying to create a sense of family,” says Joe Russo. “They’ve got those role models and they can see their progression route. It’s not uncommon for them to tell you they want to be a drug dealer one day. For boys, the problem is that often the only time they come across a man it’s in a negative sense: someone abusing their mum, a copper nicking them or a teacher giving them a rollicking.

“At Enthusiasm we believe that good role models are critical and, in fact, some of our staff were once those same young people we work with. Let me tell you about Carlos. He was facing charges of attempted burglary and had a number of issues going on. He’s now 24 and is probably one of the best engagement workers in Derby.”

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Jo Astley

Having good support networks around young people helps them to achieve their goals, says Jo Astley: “Resilience is so important because it gives you the building blocks to be successful in education, work or whatever your ambition is.”

“Family plays an important role in creating that kind of grit,” adds Joe Russo. “It isn’t necessarily about blood, it’s about how we care for each other. It’s that kind of support network that we are trying to build.”

Just as role models are important for young people, organisations can spur each other on to bring change, remarks David Martin: “Like any business, you want to be leading the way and setting an example for others. We’ve tried to do this ourselves over the years.

Recently, we realised one of our biggest barriers to social mobility at PwC was around UCAS tariff points.

We used to have a minimum number of points that you needed to come and work for us. But we decided to remove this two years ago, because we felt we were missing out on talented people who might have struggled with attainment in the past.

“I interview a lot of candidates who come through this route, and many are absolutely fascinating people who are more well-rounded in terms of life experiences and I’m always impressed by their level of drive. We have certainly benefited as a firm by taking that barrier down.”

“Strong leadership is definitely a key factor in bringing about change,” adds Ruth Richardson. “There are

The University of Derby Magazine

Ruth Richardson

significant challenges with social mobility but I’m encouraged that the government wants to tackle this issue. Locally, it’s great that the Opportunity Area is being chaired by Professor Kathryn Mitchell, the University’s Vice-Chancellor. We need our leaders to take social mobility seriously.”

“Funding is a major problem though”, observes Jo Astley. “My team run government-backed outreach programmes, but we only have guaranteed funding for two years. This means we don’t have the ability to develop longitudinal programmes that work with young people and their families from primary school all the way through to post-16. In reality, we need guaranteed funding for ten or fifteen years to really make a difference.”

Joe Russo adds: “My concern is that the funding often isn’t used to help the most vulnerable young people, because you can get quicker results elsewhere. We need to tackle these difficult issues if we are to see meaningful change.”

But what kind of change are do we want to see?

The panel agree that we should be looking beyond attainment if we want to build a better society.

David Martin

Ruth Richardson agrees: “Rather than measuring our success as a country by how rich we are, why don’t we measure ourselves by how happy people are? As the UK has seen increasing economic growth it has also recorded skyrocketing numbers of people experiencing mental health problems. At the end of the day, surely it is health and happiness that really counts.”

As the discussion draws to a close, it’s clear that social mobility is a complex issue that cannot be solved easily.

But the feeling around the table is that we shouldn’t shy away from the difficult questions and that each of us has a responsibility to act.

“It’s not about finding one solution that will magically fix things”, concludes David Martin. “It’s about lots of different things that, when bundled together, allow you to build momentum. We all must do our bit.”

At the table: • Jo Astley, Widening Access Manager at the University of Derby • David Martin, Assurance Director at PwC • Ruth Richardson, Director of Multi-faith Centre Derby • Joe Russo, Founder of the Enthusiasm Trust

“I think we need a greater emphasis on developing values and good character in young people,” Joe Russo suggests. “Instead, we measure people on how many qualifications they have, how big their house is, how much money they earn. Does that really matter?”

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Professor Malcolm Todd

2017 has been a golden year for the University of Derby.

Amidst the political turmoil and shifting Higher Education landscape, Derby’s reputation and profile has been steadily growing, the accolades and recognition filtering through.

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The University of Derby Magazine

F

irst there was TEF Gold, a national acknowledgement by the government of the teaching excellence that takes place at Derby. This was followed by being shortlisted as one of 27 finalists in the Higher Education Academy’s first Global Teaching Excellence Awards, and then most recently being ranked by Times Higher Education as one of the top 1,000 universities in the world.

the highest level. And at the end of the day why would we want to do anything less?

“So our achievements are a reflection of quality – the quality of our teaching, of the support and professional service staff here at Derby, and of what our students achieve in terms of their outcomes, their graduate prospects and the brilliant jobs and careers they move onto in the future.

Rosie Marshalsay sits down with Professor Malcolm Todd, Pro ViceChancellor – Academic and Student Experience, as he looks back on the year and forward to the future, and what it holds for the University and its students.

“It’s fantastic to receive this recognition, nationally and internationally, and the expectation is that we continue to build on our position. But for me it is very much about ‘what does all this mean for our students?’”

“It’s true, this has been a great year for the University of Derby, for so many reasons, but we haven’t got here by chance,” opens Malcolm, who joined the University in September 2014 as a Dean, and now has a remit to enable an excellent student learning experience, seeking out opportunities for growth and enhancement.

And there’s the question. The debate this year around tuition fees has shone a spotlight on whether universities offer value for money, and on the greater expectations by students over what experience they receive.

“From the outset our Vice-Chancellor set very clear expectations that this university, and everyone within it, needs to be performing, operating and delivering at

“I think it’s really important to understand that at Derby we don’t see students as the consumers of an educational product, where they are fed through the system and they come out with a degree. That is not the philosophy of this university.

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“Ultimately students should have the assurance that they will receive an outstanding quality experience at Derby; one that takes them onto whatever they want to do in the future, whether that’s further study, research or graduate-level employability.

“We want to work with every single student to give them a range of opportunities so they can reach their potential.

We take value for money really seriously; we’ve got to be very clear about what our students get in return for their fees.

a result we get a really student-focused perspective on all the papers and discussions related to the University and the student experience that come into that committee.

“At the end of the day we both have the same goals, to ensure that all students coming to this university have an amazing time, not only academically, but socially and culturally. So it’s about working together and bringing those visions together, and I think we’re doing really well to do that.”

“Fundamentally it is about the quality of experience they have here. Not just in terms of teaching, but the facilities they have access to and our whole university estate. By listening to our students and constantly looking at what our provision and offer is, we’re in the best position to make any changes and improvements that are needed.”

Derby is certainly heading in the right direction, no doubt spurred on by stiff regional competition – our neighbour Nottingham Trent University has recently been named The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year – but how far is the institution from taking their crown?

The value Derby places on ensuring its students have a voice that is actually listened to, is something Malcolm believes will be key to its continued success.

“What’s really important to us, as a university, is that our students have a voice that influences our direction. It can’t be a tokenistic experience; it has to be genuine, real and impactful.

"What’s really important to us, as a university, is that our students have a voice that influences our direction.

It can’t be a tokenistic experience; it has to be genuine, real and impactful."

“First of all I’m delighted for Nottingham Trent; they are a great university and an asset to the Midlands region. What will it take for Derby to achieve that status? I think we’re very much going in the right direction.

To have achieved that Gold TEF status and international recognition, to have made significant steps in graduate level employability, and to be consistently ranked high in terms of teaching quality means we’re very much on the journey to achieving what I believe will make Derby the outstanding university in this country over the next three to four years.”

“We aim to embrace the student voice at every level; the Vice-President of the Union of Students co-chairs the Student Experience Learning and That’s an ambitious Professor Malcolm Todd Teaching Committee, a major statement; can it really be done? committee with significant influence and one that is “What I think it will take is fully supported by the Vicethat continued focus from Chancellor. The University Executive team also meets everyone, across every single department in the with students annually and this gives them the chance to University, to be always delivering at their very best. That ask us questions, flag up areas of concern and hold us takes commitment, it takes focus, it takes dedication and to account.

I believe we have a staff base that can deliver on that.

“We take this type of collaboration incredibly seriously and, in many ways, I think we’re leading in the sector in giving students the opportunity to work with us in this way. It’s been a fantastic success; it has brought together agendas that never existed here before, and as

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“We’re in a very competitive marketplace within Higher Education and my ambition for Derby is that we’re recognised for outstanding quality of provision moving forward. Our students deserve nothing less.”

GROWTH If you’re looking to grow and develop your business – we can help Get in touch to find out about access to: • Employee development • Grants and funding

• Graduate recruitment • Product and process development

We’re here to make a difference. We’re made for your business.

Call 0800 0015500, or visit derby.ac.uk/madeforbusiness

Writer: Adam Mallaby

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The University of Derby Magazine

"Cyber security is a growing concern and one of the biggest threats to UK and global businesses."

C

yber security has become something of a buzzword. Organisations across the world, and the industry itself, have come under the spotlight as an increasing number of high profile public and private sector organisations have experienced a cyber-attack.

Earlier this year, more than 230,000 computers in over 100 countries1 were infected by the WannaCry ransomware attack, hitting 47 trusts within the UK’s NHS. “Cyber security is a growing concern and one of the biggest threats to UK and global businesses. Had the NHS been up to date with their cyber security, they could have avoided this attack,” says Anthony Cotton, Information Assurance Officer at the University of Derby.

It isn’t just large companies that are vulnerable though.

Small to medium sized businesses are also at risk – a reported 74% have been subject to information security breaches2. “60% of small businesses fail within the first six months of being hit by a cyber-attack3,” Anthony adds.

With increased availability of automated hacking tools on the ‘dark web’ experts say the scale and size of threat will only increase.

“With a growing number of connected devices, demands for transformative technology and users’ insistence that their data is secure, the problem is not going to go away,” says Andy Butcher from Axians, who are specialists in helping organisations to develop secure networks.

In October 2016, the UK government launched the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) with an aim to make the UK the safest place to work and live, 1 www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/national-cyber-security-centre-year-protecting-uk 2 www.gov.uk/government/news/government-urges-business-to-take-action-as-costof-cyber-security-breaches-double 3 www.inc.com/thomas-koulopoulos/the-biggest-risk-to-your-business-cant-beeliminated-heres-how-you-can-survive-i.html

and address the cyber skills gap. Much work has been achieved over the last 12 months but is the government’s strategy for dealing with cyber security adequate?

Anthony believes it’s going in the right direction.

“The government published a comprehensive, national cyber security strategy last year, which is actually very good. With the opening of the NCSC – part of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) – and company access to the Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership (CiSP), businesses can view secure communications about cyber incidents and ensure their systems are protected.”

For Andy, these strategies will help businesses to mitigate risks. “When things go wrong the reputational damage that accompanies security breaches can be significant. This means that companies have more impetus than ever to protect their information on the networks.

“With the introduction of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set to come into effect on 25 May 2018, any organisation that handles personal or confidential data must be on track towards compliance or face substantial fines,” he adds.

While more information is now available to support businesses, one of the biggest problems facing the cyber security industry is its talent pool. The largest ever survey of the global cyber security workforce predicts a shortfall of 1.8 million cyber security workers by 20224, and job site Indeed reports that employer demand for cyber security roles is three times higher than candidate interest. So, how can we close the skills gap and attract more young people into the profession?

Anthony says that extensive training opportunities are available and organisations are starting to see the value in joining these. “There are now 14 UK Academic 4 www.isc2.org/News-and-Events/Press-Room/Posts/2017/06/07/2017-06-07Workforce-Shortage

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“With a growing number of connected devices, demands for transformative technology and users’ insistence that their data is secure, the problem is not going to go away,”

Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research at universities in the UK, and initiatives such as the Cyber Security Challenge UK, where the next generation of cyber defenders can test their skills, are starting to attract younger people into the industry.”

Businesses should also weigh up the need for skills against reputational risk and build this into their strategy.

“A business can put itself at risk without the right skills, causing a disparity between the long-term vision of the company and the reality of the here and now,” Andy argues.

The solution? “Skills can be found externally to create partnerships in network security. Increasingly, we are seeing ‘virtual security officer’ style roles where security consultancy, pre-sales skills and support skills are pooled into a service rather than a single full-time employee. This is far more affordable and means businesses benefit from a wealth of knowledge from those who deal with a variety of networks and technology every day,” he adds.

While the search for fresh talent continues, businesses must be prepared and have the processes and technology in place to mitigate potential risks. The question remains: what should businesses be doing to protect themselves?

Andy advises: “The main issue isn’t the threat of a targeted attack; for businesses it is keeping up to date with vulnerabilities in their own networks. Organisations should start by understanding where their risks are and plan to re-architect the network so that risks can be avoided without affecting business as usual service.”

This sentiment is reinforced by Anthony, who believes that businesses need to be one step ahead of the cyber attackers. “The old adage to leave working

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systems as they are has been turned on its head. A lot of organisations now see the benefit of having a more mature approach, including the creation of Security Operations Centres as part of their cyber security provision, who forecast, forward plan and proactively hunt out potential issues.”

While it is not possible to stop every cyber-attack, businesses appear to feel more supported and confident in their ability to combat the growing threat of a substantial attack. As the experts say, organisations, employees and our own personal data can be compromised if we aren’t prepared. In this game of cyberwarfare, we always need to be one step ahead of the hacktivists.

Cyber essentials – five key tips: 1. Boundary firewalls and internet gateways – these are devices designed to prevent unauthorised access to or from private networks, but good setup of these devices either in hardware or software form is important for them to be fully effective.

2. Secure configuration – ensuring that systems are configured in the most secure way for the needs of the organisation.

3. Access control – ensuring only those who should have access to systems actually have access and at the appropriate level.

4. Malware protection – ensuring that virus and malware protection is installed and is it up to date.

5. Patch management – ensuring the latest supported version of applications is used and all the necessary patches supplied by the vendor been applied.

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Call 01332 597888 or email UDOLbusinessdevelopment@derby.ac.uk to discuss further Whether you’re starting out, moving up or starting again

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www.derby.ac.uk/online-business

Kanya King SPOTLIGHT ON...

Kelly Tyler speaks to Kanya King MBE, founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards (also referred to as MOBOs), about her pursuit to drive urban music from the margins of British popular culture to the heart of mainstream culture across the globe.

This year is the 22nd MOBO Awards, did you ever think it would be such a huge success?

When I first started the Awards, back in 1996, I had the belief, drive and passion to make it a success – it took everybody by surprise. The music industry was crying out for something like this. We had Lionel Ritchie picking up our first Lifetime Achievement Award and the thenfuture Prime Minister Tony Blair and wife Cherie were also in attendance. There was a lot of media interest and support from the community, it became an instant success.

Over the years there have been a lot of similar events that have come and gone but we are still going strong.

I was very determined from day one to be professional and organised; I wanted to make a good impression from the very start also because of the way black music events were perceived at the time.

You worked extremely hard in order to get MOBO launched – even re-mortgaging your home – on top of raising your son single-handedly. What inspired and encouraged you to pursue your ambition of getting black and urban music celebrated?

I was born in Kilburn, North London. Both my parents were immigrants; my mum from Ireland and my father from Ghana. I came from a large family and we lived in a council flat. I lived across from a park and would spend many hours there daydreaming about what I wanted to achieve in life. One of my school teachers, when I was 14 or 15, told me not to expect too much and told me I’d probably become a manager in Sainsbury’s, if I was lucky.

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The University of Derby Magazine The MOBOs have been a catalyst in the careers of numerous amazing UK artists, including Craig David, Stormzy, Amy Winehouse, Emeli Sandé, Rita Ora and many others. How does it feel to have been a part of these incredible artists’ careers?

It feels a great privilege. We have been able to provide the first TV platform for dozens of now-household names, such as Stormzy. He saw UK rappers Krept and Konan appear on the show and thought if they can win, so could he. He was inspired by what he saw at the MOBOs and has gone on to win three MOBO Awards so far – it changed his life altogether. MOBO is primarily an award show about what is to come and less as to what has been. We are giving people huge opportunities, so it has massive inspirational value.

What has been your most memorable year of the MOBO Awards and why?

A very remarkable one was 2009, it was the first time we held the MOBO Awards outside of London – in Glasgow. The same year, we paid tribute to Michael Jackson by awarding him with the Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award. We were the only award show outside of the US to have Jackson siblings – Latoya and Jermaine – attend. Over the years there have been so many incredible performances, very hard to choose favourite ones, there are just too many to mention.

The aim of the MOBOs is to celebrate the best and brightest new talent in the UK’s thriving urban music scene, alongside more established UK and international names. Do you think black and urban music is now celebrated as it should be?

It’s getting better but we cannot sit back and be complacent. Also let’s not forget that MOBO has always championed the various urban music genres including jazz, gospel, reggae, which may not get much attention elsewhere. Besides every year we end up having over 50 nominees in total so a lot to celebrate.

What do you look for in a new and upcoming artist?

It’s hard to describe what it is they need to have, it’s a feeling. They have to be creative, fresh and exciting.

An unexpected event changed my plans – I became a single mum at a young age. Being as determined as I am, I would not let this defeat me, I would not be a disappointment and that willpower has stayed with me.

Especially in the first couple of years, MOBO was seen as a rebel in the established music industry; I was this young woman demanding attention for something completely new which I really wanted to be a success.

We started as an independent organisation and have remained independent ever since, which isn’t always easy yet there is a lot to be proud of.

What are you working on further?

We are growing in width and depth. Last year we set up MOBO Trust, a charity to encourage and support young talent across the creative industries, not just music, but film and theatre. Further down the line we are looking to set up a MOBO Academy – a physical place to help support fresh talent. We also just founded the MOBO Help Musicians Fund.

As well as the annual MOBO Awards, the organisation is involved in helping musicians and artists to get recognised, such as MOBO UnSung, your talent competition for unsigned artists. What advice would you give to budding musicians and artists on making it in the fiercely competitive industry?

Be yourself, do what you believe in and be original.

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The University of Derby Magazine “The cyclist had, what I call, mental dysfunction rather than illness, and needed support in helping to manage their mind. This athlete performed really well and that was the start. I was introduced to Dave Brailsford, the performance director at the time, and to Chris Hoy, who is a truly amazing athlete. A year later I left the NHS, where I had worked for 20 years, to go into cycling and other sports.”

Since then, Steve, who is now the Resident Psychiatrist for the Sky Pro Cycling Team and Consultant Psychiatrist for GB Taekwondo, has been hailed for his work by the likes of Victoria Pendleton, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Steven Gerrard, and has been to four Olympic Games supporting athletes and staff.

But why is it that psychiatry support is so desperately needed in sport?

Mental health charity Mind commissioned research to explore how sports’ governing bodies and players’ organisations currently respond to, manage and prevent mental ill health among athletes, identifying three pressure points for professional sports people, coinciding with times of key transition; leaving, retirement and struggling in silence.

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ne in six people experience a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression every single week, so it is hardly surprising that athletes, who work under the stress of the media spotlight and face relentless pressure to succeed, find themselves battling issues too. Kelly Tyler speaks to elite sport psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters to find out why mental health in sport is so prominent.

But Steve says there are a host of other reasons why athletes feel the pressure.

“In any walk of life, not just sport, there are stresses,” says Steve. “With elite sport, you’ll have unique stresses such as travelling, which can affect family and relationships, finances, which are dependent on performance a lot of the time, as well as working in the spotlight of the media – to name but a few.

Despite working with some of the biggest names in athletics, Steve Peters has a confession to make – he’s not a sports fan.

For the qualified doctor, getting inside the mind of an athlete and helping them to understand how to get the best from their brains to reach optimum performance is what really makes him tick.

Holding degrees in mathematics, education and medicine, Steve – who also finds the time to teach medicine at the University of Sheffield – has had a varied and fascinating career, but it wasn’t until he retrained as a doctor and did a spell in psychiatry that he really found his field.

“One of my students took a job at British Cycling and asked me for an opinion on a cyclist,” Steve explains.

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“For a lot of people if they are not able to manage their emotions in these situations then they may start to become emotionally unstuck and their mental health may suffer.

field, however, it is gaining more interest.

“Thankfully, we are now taking mental health and psychological wellbeing more seriously, which is extremely promising.”

“Take the Olympics, for example, where you have millions of people watching the event, most athletes will find that to be a form of pressure and will verbalise that to me.

In 2015, the then Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, launched an initiative to commit to blowing the whistle on mental health discrimination in sport.

“However, there are some who actually relish in it and they don’t see it as pressure at all. Pressure is how you interpret and manage situations and it is different for each individual.”

Steve’s job involves helping people to understand and manage the functioning of their mind. His groundbreaking model, The Chimp Paradox, sees the brain as being divided into three teams; the human, the chimp and the computer, each with their own agenda and way of working.

Finding the balance is the key to emotional stability, believes Steve, and a method which can have great impact on athletes who need mental support.

“Many athletes won’t need a psychiatrist but for those who do need help the benefits are selfevident; if an athlete becomes ill, they won’t be able to function well and can’t be expected to get the best out of themselves.

“When I’m working with a sports personality, I have to get inside their head and see the world as they see it, what they are trying to achieve, the restrictions, and then I’m able to understand what I’m dealing with. I’ve got to learn the culture of every sport otherwise I don’t think I could be as effective.”

With around 450 million people across the globe currently suffering from mental health conditions, the demand for support, for the general public as well as sportspeople, is on the rise.

“Demand is definitely greater,” states Steve, “and one of the reasons is because people are more aware of what mental health is and are coming forward.

“Sport psychology has been around for a long time but there are not many sport psychiatrists working in the 24

And more recently, a host of athletes have come forward to discuss their battles with mental health; former Wales captain Robbie Savage has spoken about coping with anxiety, and Everton and England winger Aaron Lennon has come forward to thank fans for supporting him after he was detained under the Mental Health Act. “There has been a stigma for sportspeople and mental health illness but I really believe we are turning the corner now because people are appreciating that this is an illness,” explains Steve.

“Mental illness is no different to having a broken leg – both have to be fixed.

“More role models are also coming out and telling people they had an illness, have been treated and are much better, which is fantastic.”

But can mental health problems be tackled?

“Mental illnesses are treatable,” says Steve. “If somebody shows symptoms of depression you would usually treat them with medication, or you may be able to assist just by talking things through. Mental illness is a malfunction in the mind; it’s no different to having a thyroid disorder or a heart problem, it’s an illness and we need to treat it.

“The most important thing is to recognise when there’s something not right in your approach to life, beliefs, behaviour and emotions. Whether you are a sports professional or not, seek help, don’t try and do it alone.

There’s a range of people who can help. Because everyone is unique, you have a unique way of moving forward.”

For more mental health information, and support, visit www.mind.org.uk.

The University of Derby Magazine

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prominent figure in the property sector, Brian Ashby now focuses much of his time on his roles as President of charity Foundation Derby and Derbyshire Patron of Marie Curie.

The local philanthropist has also turned his hand to writing award-winning screenplays. Here, we talk to Brian about his charity work and his screenplay, Interlude in Prague.

Since launching in 1996, Foundation Derbyshire has made over £14 million of grants across Derbyshire.

How did you become involved with the charity?

When I was first approached to become chairman of Foundation Derbyshire the charity only covered certain areas of Derbyshire, so I agreed to get involved as long as we could cover the entire county. We did and, 21 years later, I am now the president of the foundation and its funds have grown from £50,000 to more than £7 million.

Most of the grants we award are to local community projects, from football clubs and luncheon societies, to playgroups and health trusts.

My wife and brother were both cared for by Marie Curie nurses. It is a charity very close to my heart, so when they asked me to be patron I immediately said yes and have since worked with them to raise funds.

What inspired you to write your first screenplay about Mozart?

I started writing books in the nineties and quickly realised I wanted to write a screenplay. I was fascinated by Mozart and knew of his visits to Prague. I was convinced that the story of how he composed his opera Don Giovanni in 1787, coupled with the Prague backdrop, would make a magnificent story, so I wrote the first draft back in 1999.

The film, which stars Adrian Edmondson and Dervla Kirwan in supporting roles, won the Golden Angel Award for International Film at the Chinese American Film Festival. Did you expect to achieve this success?

We were surprised to find out we had been nominated among 250 other films at the Festival, so when we won we were completed overjoyed, we couldn’t believe it!

The film’s world premiere at the Odeon, Leicester Square in London sold out in May and is now selling to distributors across the world. What advice would you give to people who would like to write a screenplay and have it made into a film?

I wasted many years trying different routes to get the film made, but it wasn’t until a friend introduced me to director, John Stephenson, four years ago that the film was put into motion. My advice would be to speak to someone already in the industry first to get their advice on where best to go next.

The other thing I found very helpful in refining the screenplay for the big screen was the read through we did with Arts students at the University of Derby three years before the film was finished. It really helps to hear the words performed to get a different perspective and they did a fantastic job bringing it to life.

Interlude in Prague is available to buy on DVD from Amazon.

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Professor Nick Antonopoulos Pro Vice-Chancellor – Research

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utstanding research is at the heart of what universities do; to educate and inspire, inform teaching, increase the speed of innovation, and improve the lives of the communities we live in across the globe.

We are already producing world-class research in the area of computing, science and big data, involving physicists and engineers from CERN – the European Organisation for Nuclear Research – along with companies such as Rolls-Royce.

Shaping the way people think and live, challenging existing research, and helping solve real-world problems are all key areas, which aside from teaching, universities are striving to achieve.

This is only one of a number of areas where outstanding research is taking place. We are very well connected to the NHS and, since 2012, have been working with Roche Pharmaceuticals, so fully understand the challenges they both face in terms of development of advanced medical technologies and devices to help with the quality of care.

And with society currently experiencing a state of flux due to the likes of Brexit and changes to government and policy, there is no greater time to look to higher educational institutions to witness the benefits of the linkage between research, teaching, enterprise and innovation.

At the University of Derby, we are entering a new and exciting era for research. So passionate about producing research with serious impact, we are undertaking an extensive consultation process to develop a new aspirational and fit-for-purpose research and innovation strategy.

Based on four components, it will show how we will be sustainably increasing both the quality and intensity of research, and how research is linked to enhancing our curriculum and informing our learning and teaching assessment methodology. The strategy will also highlight supporting the personal development of staff and students, and identify how our research will actively increase the extra value to our institution as a whole and the impact it creates in its environment, regionally and nationally.

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This is an area where, as a university, we have a critical mass of researchers and are able to utilise our full potential to deliver maximum impact in the region and beyond.

In addition, we are working closely with dozens of regional SMEs in the field of advanced materials, highvalue manufacturing and supply chain improvement, and have significant ongoing work in the fields of education and psychology, as well as wellness.

I believe that the combination of the areas where we are conducting research is rather unique as it brings together engineering and technology, but also social care and human factors, and the result of this is a unique selling proposition as an institution going forward.

By autumn 2020, the University has to submit a portfolio of research to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the system for assessing the quality of research in UK universities and higher education colleges.

The University of Derby Magazine

So, how significant is this? For most league tables, the outcomes of REF are extremely important. We are now aiming to achieve an overall score of three stars, which is equivalent to international excellence.

But are we engaging in REF purely from a league table perspective? The answer is no. These tables, and the outcomes of this exercise, very much inform and influence the mindset of applicants and parents in terms of which institution to choose for their studies, For that purpose, the University has approved detailed big industries and global organisations as to whether plans of investment across to engage with us or other the institution to support and high-calibre institutions and, accelerate the high-quality of course, the government research that is currently when they are seeking "the University has approved taking place. partners to lead consultations detailed plans of investment across and provide industry-specific The areas that the initiatives. the institution to support and investment will strengthen accelerate the high-quality research It demonstrates to include computer science, engineering, environment, stakeholders, future students that is currently taking place.." psychology, health, education, and companies that are going art and design, business and to connect with us in the management, social policy, as future, that we have the right well as culture and communications. academic pedigree, credentials and ability to work with them and deliver success.

We are very excited about this venture because we believe it will allow our researchers to unleash their As a Higher Education institution, it is part of our potential through the recruitment of high-calibre obligation to be adding and contributing to knowledge research fellows and PhD students. We believe that within the University. We hope that through research, if we are successful in achieving a three-star overall both the process of systematic enquiry and its rating this is going to propel the University up the league outcomes, we are training and preparing our students tables that have research as a major component. to become competent graduates who will not only have the required practical skills for the workplace, but These will play an absolutely crucial role in enhancing significant problem-solving skills that will help them to our world ranking position. We entered, for the first time achieve positive, successful and impactful careers. this year, the top 1,000 universities in the Times Higher Education World Rankings. Following our analysis, one of the key reasons as to why we achieved this position was the fact that the citations that our published work have received are very high, indicating the quality of our work is very significant.

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WHY WE ARE STILL FAR FROM BEING AN INCLUSIVE NATION Writer: Adam Mallaby

• Ally • Bisexual • Cisgender • Drag • Exhibitionist • Femme • Gay • Heteroflexible • Intersex • Justified • Kink • • Lesbian • Masc • Non-Binary • Out • Pansexual • Queer • Real • Sexuality • Trans • Undecided • Vogue • Womxn • Ze • 28

The University of Derby Magazine

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s a human race we are diverse. In 2016, the UK had an estimated population of 65.6 million yet there is still no accurate measure for the proportion of people self-identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT+).

University, echoes the positive step forward but adds caution. “I do believe we have created an environment where victims are encouraged to report, though we must not become complacent, we must continue to work together effectively.”

The Office for National Statistics opened a consultation earlier this year to ask if questions about gender and sexual identity should be included in the next Census in 2021 – which is not saying they will be.

While changes are happening in the fight for equality for the LGBT+ community, Tom believes there is still a lot more that could be done – starting with education.

“Issues need to be tackled early by effectively providing education and including LGBT issues in the school curriculum.”

“Many people would claim that being LGBT+ in this day and age is easier than it ever has been,” says Tom Carr, UK Safeguarding Lead at the World Youth Organisation, “but with the resurgence of right-wing politics, many people see this as a reason to attack or outcast LGBT+ people.”

So, for anyone who asks ‘why don’t we have a straight Pride?’, here are a few reasons why the fight for equality in the LGBT+ community is far from over. Homosexuality has only been decriminalised in the UK for 50 years; one in four people across the world say those in same-sex relationships ‘should be charged as criminals’; being gay is still illegal in 72 countries, and punishable by death in six, and only 25 countries allow same-sex marriage.

Education from an early age has been widely discussed inside and out of LGBT+ circles. Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, which stated that local authorities “shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality” or “promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship,” was eventually repealed on 18 November 2003.

“Education at an early age helps to highlight to young people the differences in others."

Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are still prevalent in the UK, and earlier this year LGBT+ charity Stonewall released shocking new statistics surrounding anti-LGBT incidents. The research highlighted a 78% increase in hate crime against lesbian, gay and bisexual people over the past four years, rising from 9% in 2013 to 16% in 2017.

Even more worrying is that 33% of LGB 18-24 year olds have experienced hate crime in the past 12 months, climbing to 56% for trans youth. Talking about Stonewall’s research, PC Andy Sudbury, Coordinator for the Derbyshire LGBT+ Network, says: “It’s shocking that hate crime figures are still as high as they are. However, on a professional level, it is refreshing that victims feel that they can trust the police enough to report these crimes and incidents.”

Karen Cooke, Organisational Development Manager and Chair of Enfys, the LGBT+ Staff Network at Cardiff

Since then, the Terrence Higgins Trust’s SRE (sex and relationships education) campaign has achieved a major step forward. Faced with research showing that 97% of young people aged 16-24 think SRE should be LGBT inclusive, the government has committed to ensure SRE, including LGBT, is delivered in all schools in England by 2019.

“Education at an early age helps to highlight to young people the differences in others,” adds Andy. “Young children have an innocent view on same-sex relationships, but by the time they get to secondary school, where they learn about this, they have already formed opinions learned from their families and the media, which aren’t always positive and it is more difficult to change negative opinions.”

But it isn’t just education that can help in the fight for equality. Karen argues for a “multi-agency approach, which is led by organisations like Stonewall. Even more powerfully, it needs to be led in partnership with our straight allies at all levels, across all sectors, be that government, the police, local councils, private sector organisations and the education sector.”

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One of the biggest changes in the last five years has been corporate involvement in Pride events held across the UK each year. London Pride 2017 had sponsorship deals with corporate heavyweights including PlayStation, Tesco, Barclays and Starbucks, to name a few. Though this visible involvement comes at a cost for some members in the LGBT+ community.

“I feel like the original purpose of Pride has been forgotten and instead, has been replaced by a drinkfuelled street party,” says Tom. “Corporate sponsors are needed to provide financial security to hold these events, but it is up to the LGBT+ community to remember why Pride is held.”

It’s clear that small battles are being won in the fight for equality but there is still a huge amount to achieve – media representations, marriage laws and tackling mental health in the LGBT+ community. But as Tom succinctly ends on: “We’re all a little bit stubborn, so we’ll continue to wear our rainbow laces with pride!”

Stonewall ‘LGBT in Britain: Hate Crime and Discrimination’1 21% of LGBT people have experienced a hate crime in the past 12 months after due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Karen also believes this, saying she remembers attending London Pride in the 90s and “feeling that we were really making a political statement. I think if we can get some of that back across the UK it would remind people that the fight isn’t yet over.”

81% of LGBT+ people didn’t report their hate crime to police.

On the other hand, Andy argues that “having huge companies associated with Pride can only be a good thing. These events help to promote LGBT+ awareness and inclusivity. Even now, when our LGBT+ communities have more rights than ever, there is still ignorance and a lack of understanding, often resulting in hate crime and inequality. A number of LGBT+ people live in isolation, and an event like this gives them a place in society and a voice.”

One third of BME people have been a victim of hate crime based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in the past year compared to 20% of white LGBT+ people.

41% of trans people have experienced abuse because of their gender identity in the past 12 months.

1 in 6 LGBT+ people have been discriminated while visiting a café, bar, restaurant or nightclub in the past year. *YouGov poll of over 5,000 LGBT+ people 1 www.stonewall.org.uk/sites/default/files/lgbt_in_britain_hate_crime.pdf

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THIS CHRISTMAS AT DERBY THEATRE

Saturday 2 December – Saturday 6 January Presented by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Samuel French Ltd.

Tuesday 5 – Sunday 31 December Perfect for ages 3+

Box Office 01332 593939 Book Online derbytheatre.co.uk

Derby Theatre is part of

HOW DO YOU FIND A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK? Writer: Jeremy Swan

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The University of Derby Magazine

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ever before in the history of the world have we had so much information at our fingertips. Every day we create 2.5 quintillion bytes of data (that’s 25 with 17 zeros on the end), which means 90% of all the information in the world is less than two years old.1 How can we make sense of the world, when our senses are overloaded by information? Computing researchers at the University of Derby are hoping to answer this, and are working to turn some of this data into valuable insights on next generation medicines and the fundamental structure of the universe.

processed by a network of computers around the world. In addition to this distributed system support, Derby’s researchers are also working on the development of algorithms that can help physicists interpret the data faster and more accurately.

The future of medicine Professor Anjum and a team of six researchers are also working to bring their data handling expertise to bear in medicine, collaborating with the multinational pharmaceutical company Roche. One of the things the team are looking at is the emerging field of personalised medicines, which are tailored to a patient’s unique genetic profile.

The challenge lies around sequencing a patient’s Recreating the big bang genomic data and integrating it with their clinical An eight-member research team at Derby, led records to produce new insights. This process

by Professor Nick Antonopoulos and Professor typically takes weeks, which slows down the Ashiq Anjum, is working with scientists at CERN, treatment process and reduces the capacity of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, clinicians to do this for all to identify new particles in the Large patients. To address this Hadron Collider (LHC). The LHC is the "These experiments issue, Professor Anjum and world’s largest and most powerful particle his team are developing accelerator. It works by firing two highgenerate a huge computer algorithms energy particle beams towards each other amount of data that that can speed up the close to the speed of light. When the process considerably and particle beams collide, sensors within the needs to be stored LHC take readings for scientific analysis. allow doctors to handle a and analysed before greater volume of patients.

One of the experiments being carried out Alongside this, the team new insights can at the LHC is called ALICE (A Large Ion are working to improve be gained, which Collider Experiment) and it is this project access to medical records that the team from Derby are working so that doctors can make is where Derby’s on. The ALICE project looks at a state clinical decisions quicker. research team of matter called quark-gluon plasma to By tagging records as ‘hot’ comes in." learn how the universe formed after the or ‘cold’, according to how big bang. Scientists recreate conditions often the data is used, the similar to the big bang by colliding lead ion team can streamline the particles in the LHC, which generates temperatures vast quantities of information stored on medical more than 100,000 times hotter than the sun’s core. databases, making it more accessible for healthcare Under these conditions, the protons and neutrons professionals. The hope is that innovations like within atoms begin to break down into quark-gluon these could deliver significant efficiency gains for plasma. When this substance cools, scientists can the NHS and other medical providers. observe how it begins to create the particles that make up matter.

In addition the team are exploring how computer algorithms can be used to speed up the process of These experiments generate a huge amount of developing new drugs. What is now a very labourdata that needs to be stored and analysed before intensive process, involving hundreds of people new insights can be gained, which is where Derby’s analysing research reports, could be streamlined research team comes in. The quantities of data using algorithms to synthesise the information. This involved are too large even for supercomputers approach also opens up the opportunity of market to handle effectively, so researchers adopt a regulators being able to monitor the development ‘distributed systems’ approach, where data is process in real-time, which would speed up the process of gaining regulatory approval for new 1 IBM, ‘10 Key Marketing Trends for 2017’, reproduced at https://www-01.ibm. medicines. com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?htmlfid=WRL12345USEN; accessed 17 October 2017.

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IMPROVING THE JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS

PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES WITH TECHNOLOGY

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ow can we ensure that the justice system treats people fairly in cases where people’s first language isn’t English? As part of her PhD studies, Lauren Wilson is working with constabularies across the UK to look at the training that interpreters receive and the role that emotional bias can play in the outcome of legal cases.

esearchers at Derby are pioneering new scientific techniques that are helping conservationists protect endangered species in the wild. Chris Troth is carrying out a study of crayfish in the UK as part of his doctoral research and is using a technique called environmental DNA – or eDNA for short – to monitor native white-clawed crayfish.

The white-clawed crayfish are an endangered species that is threatened by an invasive population of North American signal crayfish, which carry a disease known as ‘crayfish plague’. Consequently, numbers are thought to have declined between 50-80% in the last ten years.

“Police officers get a lot of training on how to question people as part of their investigations, however the role of the interpreter has received less attention”, says Lauren. “One of the main issues is that there is not a 1:1 correlation between languages, and how things are phrased can subtly affect the meaning. It’s therefore up to the interpreter to decide how they think things should be expressed in English. Interpreters have to provide a translation straight away, so there is less time to correct any errors. This is a problem because small details can have a big impact in a legal context.”

The interpreter’s emotional response to the situation can affect the accuracy of the English interpretation. This is especially problematic where there are distressing details, such as cases of sexual abuse, Lauren says: “People have a tendency to avoid talking about disturbing topics, so there is a danger of interpreters summarising what has been said, instead of going into all the details. There have been cases where asylum claims have been rejected by the authorities because of a lack of detail about the crimes committed against them. However, the details may have been there in the original statement, but they may have become less clear in the English interpretation.”

In cases of human trafficking, the role of the interpreter is especially important, Lauren acknowledges: “Many victims cannot speak English well enough to get by on their own, so much of the communication goes through their trafficker. Every opportunity for people to be identified as victims of human trafficking is important, so we need to make sure that the authorities can get a good interpretation of the interview.”

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“One of the problems facing conservationists is that the methods traditionally used to detect species can damage habitats and contribute to the spread of crayfish plague”, Chris says. “Using eDNA allows researchers to avoid these dangers and has the added advantage of being faster and cheaper to carry out.

Researchers take a sample of water, which can be analysed in a laboratory to determine which species are present.”

Using the eDNA approach, Chris has been able to identify previously unknown populations of whiteclawed crayfish, which will help conservationists to monitor and protect the species. He is also working with Bristol Zoo on their ‘Ark Sites’ project to set up protected waterways for white-clawed crayfish.

Cultivate talent in the workplace with our higher and degree apprenticeships.

We currently offer apprenticeships in: • Engineering • Cyber Security • Business Management • Nursing • Our combination of practical on-the-job training and academic learning will help you nurture talent within your workforce • We’ll help you to access funding or advise you on how to use your apprenticeship levy payments • We’re rated Gold for teaching excellence in the country’s first ever Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

This puts us in the top 20% of all providers in the UK for the quality of our teaching.

For more information call 0800 001 5500 or Visit derby.ac.uk/madeforbusiness

INVEST TO GROW S

een as one of the government’s solutions to help SMEs across England to innovate, grow and create jobs, the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) invested £2.6 billion between 2010 and 2015.

But how is this funding filtering into local businesses and what impact is it having? Gemma Bradley investigates.

In the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Strategy for 2013-2023, one single target was clearly set out – to support the creation of 55,000 additional jobs in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire by 2023, the majority of which will be in the private sector.

With their stall set out, D2N2 identified eight key economic sectors for growth in the region – transport equipment manufacturing, life sciences, food and drink manufacturing, construction, the visitor economy, low carbon economy, transport and logistics, and the creative and digital industries.

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The University of Derby was awarded a total of £16.35 million in funding by the RGF for its Invest to Grow scheme in September 2014. The scheme provides a mix of grants and loans from £15,000 up to £250,000, for up to 30% of the cost of investment, to help create long term sustainable job growth. There are several examples of ongoing collaboration, knowledge exchange and a general increased awareness of the University’s wider role as an economic anchor institution supporting the region’s businesses.

Three years on, the University has made 150 individual awards to businesses across the key growth sectors and Invest to Grow is still running, with more than £9.5 million of recycled loan funding to be repaid into the scheme and recirculated to new projects across the East Midlands.

“These figures clearly show how successful the Invest to Grow scheme has been and the economic impact it has had since it was launched,” said Judith Lamie, Pro

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Vice-Chancellor – External Affairs at the University of Derby. “Over the last three years, nearly 900 jobs have been created as a result of the funding, and 1,550 jobs are forecast to be created from existing awards – that’s an incredible achievement for the region’s business community.”

One of the businesses to benefit from Invest to Grow funding is SureScreen Scientifics Ltd, based in Morley in Derbyshire. The company applied to the fund for £68,430 to develop a new bespoke DNA research facility in June 2015.

The funding enabled the company to increase its capacity for its work which identifies the presence of protected species. The new facility has created more business opportunities and led to the recruitment of eight new staff, with the addition of two PhD students from the University.

Speaking about Invest to Grow, David Campbell, Business Manager at SureScreen Scientifics Ltd, said: “Invest to Grow has provided a great opportunity to access investment capital, which has propelled us forward in a way we would not have been able to do organically.”

Strawdog Studios Ltd, a creative and digital industries game development studio based in Derby, was awarded £50,000 to support the development of its Times Table Adventures game, an educational product aimed at UK primary schools and children aged 3-11 years.

The funding enabled the team, which included three University of Derby graduates, to progress the development of the game much quicker. The game went on to scoop Best Educational Game at The Independent Games Association (TIGA) awards.

Following the company’s success, Paul Smith, Managing Director of Strawdog Studios Ltd, said: “This is an exciting time for Strawdog and we’re delighted that our programme development team includes graduates from the University of Derby. The award from TIGA recognises the effort and hard work from all the team here.”

Clay Cross based precision engineers, N&R Needham Ltd, is another success story. Prior to the business’ engagement with the Invest to Grow programme, it was undertaking inspection measurements using traditional manual measuring tools and gauges. This reduced its competitiveness because it limited the scope of supply

and therefore represented a gap in N&R Needham’s technical offer.

Joe Needham, Managing Director, added: “Invest to Grow has definitely enabled us to access new markets and new customers. We now have the technical capacity to operate in sectors that we weren’t previously supplying, for example, automotive, oil and gas and packaging.”

Judith adds: “We are very pleased to support these businesses with their expansion plans, all of which have resulted in recruitment, inward investment or new business relationships being created. Across every sector there are great things happening to boost the local economy and we can see there's even more to come from our funding awards and research partnerships in the future.”

To find out more about the Invest to Grow scheme visit www.derby.ac.uk/business-services or get in touch by emailing investtogrow@derby.ac.uk In addition to funding, the University offers a range of services to support businesses: Work-based Learning Our dedicated Corporate Learning department provides valuable work based learning for employees, including professional courses, bespoke courses, course accreditation, expertise ‘on loan’ through innovation and knowledge transfer, and custom built online learning platforms.

Professional Development Discover our online short courses delivered through our specialist online learning department, the University of Derby Online Learning. We offer a range of online courses for CPD and professional development, which can be studied 100% online, in your own time. Ideally suited for busy working professional, online learning gives you the freedom to study when and where you choose.

Student and Graduate Recruitment Our focus on real world learning gives our students all the professional and transferable skills they need to be work ready. Our Careers and Employment Team can help you access the talent within the University through permanent graduate vacancies, industrial or sandwich placements, internships, volunteering and part time or casual work.

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Graduate Profile Lydia Thompson Course and year graduated: Bsc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, 2013 What are you doing now?

After working as an occupational therapist for three and a half years, alongside playing rugby, I became a full time England Rugby 15’s player in January 2017. This summer, I played in the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Originally from the Black Country, I’m now based at Sport England’s National Sports Centre in Bisham Abbey from Monday to Friday, where my schedule is packed with rugby training, strength and conditioning and physiotherapy.

What attracted you to study occupational therapy?

Around the same time as I was choosing my A-Level subjects, my school got me involved with a local group where children with disabilities could explore sensory play. Some of the children there had been through some really tough experiences, like terrible car accidents, but had gone through various different types of rehabilitation and then gone back to school. I was in awe of them and it led me to look into studying occupational therapy.

How did the University help you achieve your goals?

I did three really amazing placements at Derby that gave me a good mix of experiences and allowed me to meet some inspirational occupational therapists. The tutors at Derby were also amazing mentors as they all had such varied experiences working in the profession. The course taught me so much that I have applied in my sporting career. I have become my own occupational therapist.

What inspired you to take up rugby?

I first got into playing tag rugby in primary school.

I remember at that age thinking how cool it was that we got to win against the boys! I joined

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Stourbridge Rugby Club when I was 13 years old and went on to play for Worcester at 15. From then on I played as much as I could and made my debut for England in 2012, while studying at Derby.

What does the future hold?

I will play rugby for as long as I can because I love it, but I also never want to leave occupational therapy behind. I still attend as many talks and training events as I can and read the latest research. It keeps me informed and it allows me to keep applying the latest occupational therapy techniques to my rugby training – I’m all about practising what I preach. I’ve actually considered coming back to Derby to study for a Masters degree in occupational therapy.

What are your tips for success?

For anyone looking to get into occupational therapy, my advice would be to gain experience from a wide variety of people. And if rugby is your passion, just keep playing as much as you can.

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Graduate Profile Jay Benstead Course and year graduated: BA (Hons) Graphic Design, 2006 What are you doing now?

I live in Worcester with my wife and little boy, and we run a design agency called Leaff. I have just released my debut EP, There are no Words, as White of the Waves.

I love working on design projects for small businesses who have their own quirkiness and are keen to try out creative ideas. With my music, I just want to enjoy making and sharing it and hope that people will enjoy it too.

What attracted you to study design?

Art was my first passion.

I always found it very peaceful and it seemed to come naturally to me.

I started getting more serious about design in senior school and I was heavily influenced by my uncle, who runs a design company in London. I did some work experience with him and got the opportunity to work with some incredible designers while I was there.

How did the University help you achieve your goals?

When it came to choosing a university, I visited Derby and just had a good feeling about it. I met the lecturers and got on with them immediately. I started on the art foundation course, which provided me with the pathway to go on to study for my degree in Graphic Design.

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Before graduating, I spoke to a lecturer about finding my first job and they advised me to do an unpaid placement. I managed to get one in Cardiff, which led to a job offer and, coincidentally, is where I met my wife. I then ended up taking a job at an agency in Worcester.

What inspired you to take up Music?

I have always had a love for music, but I didn’t actually get into making music until 2000.

Strangely, it wasn’t any of the bands I listen to today that originally made me pick up a guitar, it was watching a woman write songs about her fellow housemates on Big Brother!

Now, I’m inspired by smaller alternative bands like Minus the Bear. Their gigs are more intimate and you’ll quite often find the musicians hanging around after the set to meet people.

What does the future hold?

I want to continue producing more music and perhaps perform my music live with a band. After designing the EP cover for White of the Waves, I’d also like to work with more musicians on the design side.

What are your tips for success?

Getting out there and doing placements was the key for me, and I think it’s similar with music. It’s easy to get caught up in the monetisation of music, but allowing people to hear your music and spread it to more people will help get interest.

Jay has offered readers a 50% discount code for his digital album (full price £6). Visit whiteofthewaves. bandcamp.com and use the discount code derby50.

ALUMNI RE-CONNECT

YOUR UNIVERSITY FOR LIFE

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Search ‘University of Derby Alumni’ on LinkedIn Register with us to receive Aloud www.derby.ac.uk/alumni/registerwithus www.derby.ac.uk/alumni

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STUDENT SUCCESS W

International recognition for Textile Design student

hen Katie Gilbert decided to design an illustration for her own Japanese kimono, she never imagined her work would be showcased across the globe.

The University of Derby Textile Design student entered the Kimono Fabric Design Competition and was given a brief to design an illustration that could be reproduced using the Yuzen technique, a traditional method of dyeing cloth.

Combining traditional and modern Japan, the 21-year-old focused on the country as her inspiration.

And to her surprise, she was announced a winner, which now means her design will be expertly dyed onto a silk kimono by Japanese craftsmen and will be put on display, alongside her original artwork, at exhibitions in Kyoto, Paris and Cologne.

Katie said: “The kimono is a very traditional piece of clothing in Japan, but I wanted to try and give it a modern look, using block shapes, in bright colours, unlike the intricate florals that are more traditionally used.

“The main component in my design is a Japanese hand fan that I repeated in different colours. I decided to use this because it is an iconic, traditional item in Japan that has been recognised worldwide as a symbol for the country.

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“I was so happy to discover that I was a winner and it's a privilege that my work will be shown across the world.”

This is not the only competition which has seen Katie’s creative talents lead to success. She entered a design competition for Direct Blinds where she had to create a pattern for a roller blind. She came third and was awarded a cash prize as well as having her design manufactured onto a roller blind and put on sale.

“As part of the competition my design, which is now for sale, featured on the Direct Blinds website, and i was given the opportunity to unveil my own designed roller blind which was the first time I had seen it.

“The University has given me the skills and confidence to utilise and develop my designing, which has allowed me to progress so well in the competitions I have entered. I feel that my work has improved enormously since I started studying at Derby and I would like to thank my lecturers for helping me progress this far.”

Katie’s lecturer, Camilla Clayfield, added: “Katie is a hardworking and talented student and we are delighted that she has been a winner in these competitions. She is very deserving of her success and is clearly going to be a fantastic future designer.”

For more information, visit www.katiemariegilbert.co.uk

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Local Link-up The University of Derby is continuously looking for ways to support the region and remain active within the community. It’s certainly been a busy year; here are some examples of the work we do and the projects we’ve been supporting.

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University Vice-Chancellor plays a key role in improving social mobility

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arlier this year, Professor Kathryn Mitchell took on the role of Chair of the Opportunity Area Partnership Board to help improve social mobility and raise standards in Derby’s schools.

Over 200 hundred people attended the event where charities and community organisations were recruiting for a variety of roles, with many eager to speak to potential volunteers about the skills they can offer and how they are looking to use them for the benefit of others.

University Community Fund helps local organisations to thrive

Opportunity Areas are identified places in England where there is room for improvement in helping young people to get a better start in life. Their primary purpose is to provide equal opportunities and choices for young people so that they can realise their ambitions – removing obstacles to social mobility.

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Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening identified 12 areas, including Derby, which will see local partnerships formed with early years providers, schools, colleges, universities, businesses, charities and local authorities, to ensure all children and young people have the same opportunities.

Amongst the beneficiaries were the 3rd Glossop Air Scouts, who received funding for new culinary equipment aimed at giving young people the opportunity to learn new skills that can be transferrable in later life. Through the fund they've also been able to start hosting a monthly community meal in the Scout Hut.

The 12 areas selected were weakest in terms of the Social Mobility Index, school performance and system capacity.

Professor Mitchell is currently working with the Department for Education to distribute funding of £72 million, starting with retaining high quality education for young children. She said: “I am delighted to be Chair of this ambitious programme. The main role of the board will be to work with key stakeholder groups from across Derby and beyond, to assess which initiatives could improve social mobility across our city, driving forward significant change and ensuring improved outcomes and opportunities for the young people of Derby.”

Annual Volunteering Fair drives up support for good causes

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he University hosted its annual Volunteering Fair in October, welcoming over 60 charities and community organisations who wanted to promote volunteering opportunities to students, staff and the public.

Exhibitors ranged from large international charities to small local community organisations and Union of Students societies, and included the British Red Cross, Samaritans, Cancer Research UK and Student Minds.

ver the past 12 months the University has supported 14 organisations and groups through its Community Fund.

Stockport Cerebral Palsy Society, who work with young disabled people to improve their skills and knowledge, received funding for new sports equipment. And Swadlincote Asperger’s Society (S.A.S), which provides a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable adults to meet and take part in creative activities, received a grant to help develop the skills of their committee members and volunteers in first aid, health and safety, accessibility, fundraising, funding, DBS checks, digital and marketing.

Local projects across the region can apply to the Community Fund for the next round of funding. To apply go to: www.derby.ac.uk/about/community/ fund

Union of Students rebrand

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he University of Derby’s Students’ Union has undergone an exciting rebrand as part of an ambitious project to look ahead and imagine where it wanted to be by 2020, developing a bold strategic plan to transform the student experience at Derby.

The Students’ Union, as it was known, has now been renamed the Union of Students, or ‘US’ for short, with a mission to actively empower the student community by celebrating individuality and freedom of expression, and embracing diversity.

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Last Word A

s my ten years as Chancellor draws to a close I would like to congratulate the University of Derby on the remarkable progress it has made during that time. Under the inspired leadership of Professor John Coyne and, similarly, since 2015, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, the University has surpassed anything that I might have expected of it when I arrived in 2007.

Achieving Gold for teaching quality this year in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and being named as one of the top 1,000 universities in the world for the first time, demonstrates just how far Derby has come in its journey towards excellence. Our most recent intake of students, all eager to study and learn at Derby, further reinforces the institution’s growing and well-deserved reputation, as well as its confidence in the future.

I have watched with pride as the University has grown and developed during my time as Chancellor – always striving to ensure our students have the best possible environments in which to study and learn, and this has resulted in significant investment in the University estate.

To give you some examples: a new £12 million STEM Centre, opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex in September, will equip students with the necessary technical skills and knowledge required by industry, thus helping to close the UK’s skills gap. The beautiful Grade II St Helena Campus at Chesterfield has been lovingly restored, and now provides state-of-the-art, world-class facilities that will inspire future generations of Health and Social Care students. The Devonshire Dome, a building close to my heart and one I have spent many wonderful times in with students, graduates, colleagues, family and friends, is about to become the Buxton Centre for Contemporary Hospitality, with a vision to be recognised globally as a leading provider of visitor economy education and training.

However, beyond these successes is another element that the University has made its own, and that is its

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increasingly confident positioning as a major Derbyshire institution.

We are still quite a new university and yet we are now looked upon as a key player in many aspects of Derbyshire life, one with significant influence that makes a real impact in the community.

Our Vice-Chancellor, in her role as Chair of the Opportunity Area Partnership Board, is demonstrating real commitment to raising aspirations and supporting social mobility by positioning the University to take an active role in mentoring primary and secondary educationalists across the County, and this can only be to everyone’s benefit.

The University also plays a big cultural role; continuously supporting the expanding life of the Derby Museums Trust, of which I have been a Trustee, and acquiring the Derby Playhouse back in 2009, transforming it into the vibrant Derby Theatre. It is a venue where many students benefit from real theatre experience and one that provides the people of Derby, and those from further afield, with a vital and energised theatre company putting on a spectacular programme of performances.

The University of Derby truly is an inspirational place; lives are transformed and shaped here and our graduates, who I have had the honour of meeting at our Annual Awards Ceremonies, go on to achieve great things.

I have had a wonderful time as Chancellor, one filled with many happy memories that I will treasure, and I wish the University of Derby, its staff and its students, the very best of luck for what I am confident will be a very successful future.

Duke of Devonshire KCVO CBE DL

1948-2017 Â This issue is dedicated to Emeritus Professor Paul Bridges MBE, who spent 41 years working at the University of Derby and who is sadly missed by all who knew him.

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