Bouncing back from Brexit

Our lead feature explores how Brexit has already affected key sectors of our economy and society, with contributions from University academics and some of the region's key stakeholders from sectors including business, transport, tourism, health and the arts.

How are these sectors faring now the UK has left the European Union? Read more in this latest issue. 

Editor's Letter

Wow...

Did the last 12 months actually happen? I'm sat writing this letter from the dining room table which has been my 'office' since we were told by the government to stay at home a year ago today. It's March 23 2021, and a minute's silence has just taken place as part of the national day of reflection for the thousands of lives lost in this pandemic.

It has been a real rollercoaster of a year, with many ups and downs, moments of joy and of despair. As an employee of the University of Derby, it's certainly been a busy year - one I have been proud to be a part of. The University's overall civic response to the pandemic has been amazing to see; staff and students have really stepped up and supported the city, county and communities within it in so many ways, and, as part of the Corporate Communications team who gets to shout about all the positive news, it has been fantastic to be able to share these efforts with a wider audience.

Rosie Marshalsay smiling broadly

The decision to move this magazine to a digital-only version has been made easier because of Covid-19 – people are consuming content in different ways and it felt like the right time to make the shift. I hope our readers enjoy this issue.

Rosie Marshalsay
Editor

Our lead feature is on the fall-out from Brexit and what that means for some of the region's key sectors, and we have an interview with our Vice-Chancellor, who reflects on the challenges of the past year but also looks firmly ahead, with ambitious plans for the University. We explore how the University has supported students with their mental health during the pandemic, and, of course, make reference to a very high-profile visitor, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, who we were privileged to welcome to Derby last October as part of her interest in mental health.

Despite the pandemic the University hasn’t stood still, and features on exciting new developments and research that’s making a real impact illustrate that. Addiction, using simulation to teach our nursing and social care students remotely, how sports stars are using their platforms to effect positive change, and how the pandemic has changed our relationship with nature are also topics covered off, among many others!

So, take some time out from what for many can seem like ground hog day, put your feet up and enjoy the read. Hopefully by the next issue, due out in the Autumn, the events of the past year will be firmly behind us!

Rosie Marshalsay

Editor

Quotation marks consisting of the UK and EU flag patterns.
Bouncing Back from Brexit

How are some of the key sectors of our regional economy facing up to Brexit now that the UK has left the European Union?

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor
Over to you...

Rosie Marshalsay speaks to Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby.

Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge
How the University supported students through the pandemic

The last year has presented students with new and unimaginable challenges to overcome. Here we explore how the University has supported students through the pandemic.

Nursing student using iPad
Game Changers: Using simulation to bring learning to life

Covid-19 has meant universities have had to find alternative ways to teach nursing and healthcare students. We explore the role of simulated learning.

Illustration of a setting sun over a gridded image of the Derby cityscape.
Opening Doors

The University's College of Science and Engineering is preparing to unveil two new projects to harness the data produced from biomedical science and an augmented reality vision of Derby in the future.

Sport player using megaphone to talk
Sport - A platform for positive change

How are sporting stars, teams and organisations using their platforms to support positive change? We look at how they have used their voices to champion a range of different causes.

illustration of wine glasses
Addiction in the pandemic

During the pandemic we have all had to adapt. For some people, these changes have inspired us to adopt beneficial habits, but for others it has resulted in negative behaviours, and even addiction.

nature against a city backdrop
How the pandemic has changed our relationship with nature

As spending time in nature was the only leisure activity we could indulge in during lockdown, how has that affected our relationship with the environment?

cogs turning
Research Round-Up

Our recent research looks at a new method which could help save an endangered UK species from extinction, and new guidance for Venesection which has seen a Derby lecturer named Nurse of the Year.

Yellow background with a white speech bubble in.
My View: June Hughes

June Hughes, University Secretary and Registrar, discusses the impact of Covid-19 on the higher education sector as well as the value of universities and the challenges they face.

Sian Brown
Student Success

MSc Human Resources Management student Sian Brown has received recognition for her work at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.

University of Derby graduate Shaun Jepson standing outside 10 Downing Street
Our Alumni: From Derby to Downing Street

Derby graduate Shaun Jepson has moved through a career in journalism to a prestigious position at the very heart of government.