Impact Report 2018

MAKING AN IMPACT 2017-18

DEAR SUPPORTERS In 2017-18, we celebrated an important milestone – 25 academic years since achieving university status. This anniversary has allowed us to reflect how far we have come over the last quarter of a century, but also consider what lies ahead, and what we would like to achieve. 25 years ago, this institution evolved and adapted to meet the needs of our students and our wider society, and we must continue to do so, ensuring we deliver life-changing education, research and enterprise. Through our work, we will continue to create practical wisdom that makes a difference within our community and the world around us.

The University of Brighton is an ambitious institution with a dedicated, diverse and bold community of students, staff and alumni – a community that is always learning. And one of the reasons this learning never stops is thanks to the contributions from you, our supporters. Your practical philanthropy and your dedication to the university enables us to realise potential in our students and shape futures. Because of your support, we can achieve and offer so much more.

Every contribution we have received has been used to add value for our students, our staff or community partners, both close to home and globally.

Within this publication, we have selected examples of the great work that has taken place across the university over the last year as a direct result of your gifts. As a donor myself, I feel proud of what philanthropy has achieved here, and I hope you are too.

We celebrate the power of philanthropy at the University of Brighton and our staff and students are very aware of the difference it makes to our work. We are all very grateful for your support and for your willingness to continue to boost our curiosity and our creativity, as we address the current and emerging challenges and opportunities facing us in the world today.

With best wishes, Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor

PRACTICAL PHILANTHROPY

IN NUMBERS 2017-18

3,413 donations

310

awards made to the total value of

In total, 33 projects across the university have been supported

£366,087 586 donors

Our students have raised nearly

£30,000 for a range of projects

In the last 10 years, we have received over £1 million in donations from Santander Universities UK Practical Wisdom Practical Philanthropy

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INSPIRING PEOPLE Learning in a practical environment has a life-changing impact on our students. Paxton Access Group, a Brighton-based world leader in building intelligence systems, has embraced the opportunity to work with some of our most talented students by establishing a new final year scholarship programme. The programme grants students the unique opportunity to learn on the job alongside experienced mentors on real-life projects.

The first three Paxton Access Scholars (Laurence Budd, Sam Innes and Yury Johnson) were identified back in January and since then have worked closely with colleagues at Paxton. The students have recently completed a 3-month paid placement, and will each receive ÂŁ10,000 in support during their final year of study.

Open to students from engineering, computer science, mathematics and product design, the scholarship allows recipients the chance to develop their final year research project alongside Paxton colleagues and university supervisors, based on real world industry needs.

To find out more about Paxton, please visit www.paxton.co.uk or email scholarship@paxton.ac.uk.

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‌[The scholarship] provided reassurances about my future - I am sure that I will take this experience and it will give me a boost, both with my immediate career after university, and long past that.�

(Left-right) Professor Debra Humphris (ViceChancellor), Sam Innes, Laurence Budd, Yury Johnson, Adam Stroud (CEO, Paxton)

Sam Innes, Paxton Access Scholar Current Computer Science student

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ADVANCING DISCOVERY AND INNOVATION Over the past 10 years, the university has benefitted from philanthropic support from Santander Universities. This funding has been used to offer master’s scholarships, awards for outstanding voluntary service, research grants and funding for internships.

One area of particular interest to both Santander Universities and the university is student enterprise, which is encouraged through our annual Ideas Competition. Established over five years ago, this competition celebrates innovation in budding entrepreneurs (both current students and recent graduates). Each year, individuals have the opportunity to pitch their ideas for new products, services and community projects.

As well as a monetary award, the top three pitches are also given a package of support from local entrepreneurs and specialist businesses to help them develop their idea and turn it into a reality.

The winners this year were Harry Kimberley-Bowen, Tom Meades and Debbie Wright. Harry studied Business Management with Marketing BSc(Hons) and is set to shake up the fruit juice market with his new sustainable product, Frugly. This idea aims to tackle food waste by using the ‘ugly’ discarded fruit that supermarkets don’t want in order to create nutritious, affordable fruit juice. Tom studied 3D Design and Craft BA(Hons) and his idea is to recycle waste plastic, turning it into useful products.

Under the studio name Gomi Design, which he co-founded with a friend, Tom’s first product was an attractive Bluetooth speaker made using locally donated recycled plastic, that would otherwise end up in landfill or the ocean. Debbie is currently studying for an MBA in Leadership, and her idea is a multi-use baby changing bag, which is patent pending.

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The Ideas Competition was a great opportunity for me, and I couldn’t believe I made it to the final.�

Debbie Wright, Ideas Competition Finalist (Left-right) Harry Kimberley-Bowen, Tom Meades, Debbie Wright A visit to 10 Downing Street to talk about student start-ups

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TRANSFORMING PLACES An excellent example of our Practical Wisdom strategy in action is Brighton Racing Motors. This enables automotive, aeronautical and mechanical engineering students to compete in the annual Formula Student competition as part of their studies.

In 2017, our students designed and built the first Brighton Formula Student car for their final year project. This led to their first track participation in the competition, having learned many lessons from creating an in-house prototype model the previous year. All members of the team have engineering responsibility for a key part of the car and groups focus on different aspects of the overall project, such as the chassis structure, aerodynamics and marketing.

A number of local organisations have provided a range of support that allowed the team to test the car at Goodwood Motor Circuit, where the students collected technical vehicle motion data whilst driving it on the track. This data was then used in further engine development work to enhance the car’s performance. Brighton Racing Motors has proved to be a big attraction at open days for students thinking about studying engineering.

Thanks to the generosity of Santander Universities, Goodwood Motor Circuit, Juarez Fabrication, Automotive Machining Services, Pipecraft Innovations, Genie, Prontaprint, and Family Store, the team are aspiring to even greater heights (or should we say speeds!) in future years.

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Formula Student is an opportunity for students to work as a team on a high-profile project with interaction from academic and industry partners. It is a stepping-stone for students’ ambitions for a successful career in engineering. One recently got a job at Jaguar and all are aspiring to join the automotive engineering industry.�

Dr Daniel Coren, Senior Lecturer, Computing, Engineering and Mathematics 09

INSPIRING PEOPLE Student prizes are a great way to encourage increased performance and to reward outstanding efforts. The prizes available across the university are made possible thanks to donations received from individuals and organisations, as well as through our Alumni and Friends’ campaigns.

Occasionally, students win more than one prize during their time at the university and, in exceptional circumstances, a student might win multiple awards. One such student is Luke Fuller, who graduated in summer 2018 with a 3D Design and Craft BA(Hons). In his final year, Luke received the Richard Seager Bursary, the Anna Maria Desogus Memorial Award and also a Grand Prize funded by the Nagoya University of Art, Japan.

Outside the university, Luke was also awarded the Business Design Centre New Designer of the Year Award for his original approach to ceramics.

Luke’s project sought to reflect the industrial heritage of Port Talbot in South Wales, which hosts one of the UK’s largest steelworks. It also explored the close relationship between humans and the natural environment.

Luke was also a finalist in this year’s Craeftiga Awards, and is now undertaking a two-year master’s course in Ceramic and Glass at the Royal College of Art.

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For me, winning awards is an acknowledgement of my hard work and time spent on my craft. It has given me the confidence and financial support to be able to continue exploring, and taking risks within my practice.

I have been able to fund new projects and to continue my work.”

Image © Luke Fuller.

‘Charged Vessel’ – Port Talbot.

Luke Fuller, 3D Design and Craft BA(Hons) 2018

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ADVANCING DISCOVERY AND INNOVATION Being told you have breast cancer will clearly cause significant stress, but what if stress actually reduced the effectiveness of your treatment?

One in eight women will develop breast cancer. This devastating diagnosis causes a significant amount of stress to patients, the impact of which has been found to reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatment. As a result, half of these women will become resistant to therapies they are given to combat the disease, including chemotherapy.

The C-Stress team at the University of Brighton is working to find new ways to manage stress levels in cancer patients, with early pre-clinical studies showing that stress-relieving medications may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and by doing so, improve levels of recovery.

This innovative research will help determine the potential benefits of pharmacological interventions (such as beta-blockers) and psychological approaches, including mindfulness-based stress reduction. The studies will also indicate when patients should undergo this therapeutic treatment to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

It is with thanks to donations from alumni and The Boltini Trust that the continuation of this important work means more people may win their fight against breast cancer permanently.

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The C-Stress team

We were delighted to be able to help fund Dr Flint’s very interesting research into the effects of stress on chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer - an area of particular interest to our Trustees.�

(Front left-right) Haya Intabli, Melanie Flint, Marta Falcinelli (Back left-right) Renee Flaherty, Myrthe Mampay, Caroline Garrett

Anthony Bolton, Chairman, The Boltini Trust

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TRANSFORMING PLACES Our refurbished Edward Street building on the City Campus recently welcomed new and returning School of Media students and has been firmly established as the university’s home for a range of subjects, specialising in photography.

This refurbishment means more students and staff can benefit from stateof-the-art facilities as well as accessing innovative digital media techniques that are enhancing traditional arts and design approaches. In addition, the building provides the city of Brighton with an accessible ‘white cube’ gallery space for showcasing photography, film and media exhibitions.

On the ground floor of the versatile gallery space, a commemorative plaque (to be designed by students) will be displayed acknowledging the contribution of Leslie Willmot, a former member of staff whose philanthropy played a critical role in this refurbishment project.

Leslie, who served as a librarian at the former Brighton College of Art in the 1960s, left a significant bequest for the benefit of art and design at the university following his passing in 2014. Throughout his time at the college, Leslie made many important contributions to the subject areas he loved, including the initial creation of a first-class modern library for arts and humanities students.

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Wherever possible, Leslie immersed himself in the arts, especially painting and opera. Academically, he seemed drawn more to the history and evolution of art forms, and the stories conveyed, rather than an intimate understanding of technique or the intricacies of performance.�

Peter Keen, honorary graduate of the university, former staff at Brighton Polytechnic and one of the executors of Leslie’s estate

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INSPIRING PEOPLE Balancing high-level sport alongside a full-time university degree is a challenging ambition. To support such students, the University of Brighton provides Sports Scholarships to students who compete in national level competition alongside their studies. The awards include financial support, as well as specialist sports services, such as strength and conditioning coaching, gym access, physiotherapy and mentor support, which our scholars can access on campus during their studies with us.

Each year, donations given by alumni and friends help provide the financial support given to these athletes, allowing them to continue to compete whilst gaining their university qualifications.

One of our current student Sports Scholars is Harriet Dodd. Harriet came here to study Applied Psychology, as she was interested in how people differ as individuals and how we all connect. Harriet was concerned about maintaining the balance of her training and coursework but, thanks to the support from her academic school and Sport Brighton, Harriet has not only progressed academically, but has also been further inspired as an athlete.

She is currently ranked 1st Nationally in the Elite category for British Cycling Cross Country Mountain Biking.

Another of our student Sports Scholars is Lanre Sowami. Lanre studies Accounting and Finance and is in his final year. Lanre started playing wheelchair basketball from the age of 14 and now plays at National League level and for Great Britain’s Under 22s. Lanre’s main goal is to compete in the GB Men’s Senior team and to play in major competitions around the world.

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I have been able to thrive because the scheme has been there to support me through all of my studying, racing and training. I feel very lucky to be part of this – the staff are fantastic and make sure I am fulfilling my potential.”

Harriet Dodd

The costs of being an athlete at university can really rack up. However, the help I’ve received from this programme has helped me compete at the highest junior level.”

Lanre Sowami

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ADVANCING DISCOVERY AND INNOVATION Everyone knows that we need vitamins to keep us healthy. Vitamin D is particularly vital as it contributes to musculoskeletal health – our teeth, bones, joints and muscles. Today, Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health concern in the UK. We need 10mcg of Vitamin D a day and many individuals are not reaching this level.

From April until September, most of us are able to get the Vitamin D we need through our skin’s natural exposure to sunlight. However, for those of us who cannot get enough sunlight, it is recommended that daily supplements are taken. Such supplements include fortified foods sold by some high-street retailers. Many of these items are fortified with a specific form of Vitamin D, specifically, Vitamin D2 which is a synthetic fungus-based form of the vitamin. The other form of Vitamin D is D3, which is made naturally by our skin when exposed to sunlight.

Recent research developed by academics at the Brighton Genomics Centre, in collaboration with the University of Surrey, has shown that the two forms of Vitamin D have different effects on the activities of genes in healthy humans and also that Vitamin D2 may actually reduce the level of Vitamin D3 in our bodies. This could potentially make those taking Vitamin D2 supplements actually Vitamin D3 deficient. The ongoing research has posed additional concerns that there may be other negative metabolic or biological effects from taking Vitamin D2 fortified foods or supplements.

As a result of a donation from Michael and Maureen Chowen, the team have been able to undertake further analysis to establish whether the negative effects observed are caused by the Vitamin D2 itself or its impact on the levels of naturally formed Vitamin D3.

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This generous donation is allowing us to gain deeper insights into the effects of vitamins D2 and D3 in human health.�

Professor Colin Smith 19

TRANSFORMING PLACES Counting on Results was a collaborative professional development project between the university’s School of Education and local primary schools, and was made possible through the generosity of The Bloom Foundation.

The core objective was to help mathematics teachers to enhance reasoning amongst their pupils, but also to introduce a model that could be easily applied to all subject areas leading to improvement across the board.

Central to the project was using a ‘video club’ concept as an action research tool. Activities in class were filmed and clips viewed at the following group session. The footage helped the teachers better understand how their pupils were approaching each problem and, when shown to the children, they could replay their own successes and consider what they could do differently next time.

The project encouraged pupils to develop systems and communication skills to help work through mathematical challenges. Pupils gradually developed independence both in their choice of approach, and in their working habits. Aside from learning mathematics, this had a positive impact on class relationships and group working for many pupils.

The schools involved have embraced the ‘video club’ approach and many are now using the technique for other subject areas. In addition, the participants found engagement in this project supported the development of their professional identities, so much so that it has acted as a springboard for some participants to consider enrolling on the first stage of a master’s course at the University of Brighton.

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There has been a huge change in the way that children are working and that has been a massive success for us.�

Now I know how to work systematically, it makes solving problems easier.�

Ollie, Year 4 Pupil

Participating Maths Lead and Early Years Teacher

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THE CROWDFUNDING PLATFORM FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON In October 2018, a new online fundraising platform for student projects launched at the University of Brighton.

Springboard enables our students to use the power of digital fundraising to raise financial support for their academic and co-curricular development.

The crowdfunding platform allows donors (including alumni, friends and local organisations) to directly support students with their individual and team projects.

Being able to see first-hand the passion of our students for a range of causes - whether arts, science, research, sports or society activities – presents a very different perspective of life at university today. As a result, this offers a meaningful and innovative way to support the efforts of our current students.

Springboard aims to bring crowds together with the causes and themes they care strongly about, expanding the influence and impact of the projects and in turn enhancing the overall University of Brighton experience.

To find out more and to see the latest live projects, visit www.springboard.brighton.ac.uk.

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YOUR TIME IS A GIFT

VOLUNTEER FOR US

As an exempt charity, when alumni and friends volunteer for the University of Brighton, we count these gifts alongside the financial donations we receive.

We realise time is precious, which is why we value our volunteers so much. Even just one hour of your time could make a huge difference to the student experience here.

Volunteering with us can take many forms and we recognise that much of the expertise and input we receive across the university is priceless.

You can learn more about volunteering for the University of Brighton by watching our #brightonhour video at tinyurl.com/uobhour.

If you would like to offer your services as a volunteer, please get in touch by emailing alumni@brighton.ac.uk.

I am a firm believer in paying it forward. Students are the talent of the future; we need to do everything we can to open their eyes to the opportunities that exist, and skills they’ll need to get there.�

Katy Ritchie, Exercise Science BSc(Hons) 2006

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MARIO’S LEGACY Mario Grano Economics BSc(Hons) 1955 Alumnus of Brighton Technical College Mario Grano was a Captain in the United States Army and came to study in Brighton following World War II. He started his family in Brighton, but returned to the United States to work in Massachusetts and raise his children. Over the years, the Grano family were regular visitors to Brighton. When Mario passed away at the age of 95 in 2013, he left bequests to each of the institutions he had attended as a student.

It would have been Mario’s 100th birthday in June 2018 and we give thanks to Mario remembering the University of Brighton in his Will. His legacy set up a fund to help build a collection of art books in St Peter’s House Library for our students to enjoy and learn from today, and into the future.

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YOUR LEGACY

#BRIGHTONFOREVER Make a lasting difference to the future of the University of Brighton and its students with a gift in your Will. Leaving a charitable bequest to the University of Brighton is one of the most meaningful and enduring gifts you can make in your lifetime.

All legacies, whatever their size, will help us to build upon what makes this institution so special. Your legacy will help fund groundbreaking research projects, establish innovative design and inspire generations.

I have chosen to leave a legacy to the University of Brighton because I believe that no one should be disadvantaged or prevented from fulfilling their potential due to lack of funds.�

Barbara Crawford, Supporter of the University of Brighton

To find out more about legacy giving to the university, please contact giving@brighton.ac.uk.

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CELEBRATING OUR MILESTONE Between September 2017 and 2018, the University of Brighton celebrated 25 academic years since achieving university status. To mark this significant milestone, alumni, students and staff came together to contribute to a year of exciting activities.

We had gatherings in New York, Kenya, China, Hong Kong, Eastbourne, Melbourne, Thailand, with a number of other events in Brighton, including Brighton Festival events, international alumni reunions, a book launch, and more!

To kick off our celebrations, we teamed up with former student Gavin George – Business Studies BA(Hons) - who graduated in 1992 and owns The Laine Pub Company. With the help of Gavin’s team, we brewed our very own beer, Polygon (pun intended!), to mark the celebration. Alumni, students and staff all enjoyed the sounds of MC Cashback (a partner college graduate, Music Production FdA), who played songs from 1992-93.

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Thank you so much for organising such a great time last night. Dr John Roberts gave a very interesting talk before we took to the flight. What a lovely evening it was with a beautiful sunset. The views were outstanding.”

Judith Goode (alumna) and her husband Brian Goode (event guest) To round off our busy year of celebrations in September, we enjoyed an evening on the i360, which featured a talk by honorary graduate and chief engineer of the i360, John Roberts, and a beautiful sunset flight. This event raised £200 for our university’s student support fund.

A special anniversary edition of The Brighton Effect, our magazine for alumni and friends, has recently been published, which celebrates the last 25 years and looks towards the future. Please email alumni@brighton.ac.uk if you would like to receive a copy.

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THANK YOU! Without ongoing support from our alumni and friends, these important activities would not be possible. Thank you for your continued help. If you are able, please give again this year and encourage others to do the same.

For more copies of this brochure, and information about how you can get involved, please email giving@brighton.ac.uk

giving@brighton.ac.uk +44 (0)1273 642600 www.brighton.ac.uk/giving