Making a difference

Find out more about our Civic University Agreement, the regeneration of the city and the future of innovation and research at the University.

Read more in this latest issue. 

Editor's Letter

I am always amazed at how quickly we get to this point of the year – so much has already been accomplished at the University, and by the time the next issue of this magazine comes around I've no doubt there will be plenty to talk about then.

As the months have been flying by, we have been busy preparing for the launch of our Civic University Agreement (CUA) which you can read about in this issue.

Rosie Marshalsay smiling broadly

I have been lucky enough to be involved in the development of the Civic University Agreement and it is fantastic to see it come to fruition.

Rosie Marshalsay
Editor

Looking ahead, it should be a real game-changer for how the University works with partners and stakeholders across the city and county to realise their collective civic ambitions.

The much-anticipated REF 2021 results, providing an indication of a university’s research quality, were published in early May. They are the focus of our Research feature which delves into what REF is and how the process works, shining a spotlight on Derby’s REF journey and the impact its research is having.

We explore what it means to be a university and the breadth of activity that takes place at Derby that goes beyond teaching and learning, as well as the city’s grand regeneration plans and how they align to the University’s longer-term vision.

Readers intrigued by Netflix hits Inventing Anna and the Tinder Swindler will find our Science of the Con feature fascinating as it investigates how cons work, and why so many people fall for them. There is also some helpful advice from Derbyshire Constabulary on how to avoid being caught out by a con.

You can also read about the rewilding project at Allestree Park, and how midwives of the future, including those studying at Derby, are being inspired to embark on a career that is rewarding and challenging in equal measure.

Our students and graduates continue to make us proud, and we are thrilled to be able highlight some of their stories in this issue. If you’ve wandered down Iron Gate in Derby city centre recently then you will have seen the wonderful rainbow ribbon canopy on display. This creation is by Amy Vallance, one of our talented students, and is meant to represent joy which it certainly does as you can’t fail to smile when you see it.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue and, as ever, we would welcome your feedback (good or bad!) as we’re keen to continue enhancing this publication based on what you would like to read and find out about.

Have a wonderful summer,

Rosie Marshalsay

Articles

Map of the East midlands region with pink icons overlaid to represent its strengths
Truly civic? How collaboration is key to making a civic impact

Find out more about the development of the University's Civic University Agreement and long-term civic ambitions.

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Destination Derby – reimagining the city for the future

The future of Derby is being shaped – plans for developments drawn up and ground broken on projects that will change the way people live, work, study and visit the city.

A group of colourful wildflowers
Call of the wild

The former golf course at Allestree Park could soon be the site of an ambitious rewilding project. But what is rewilding and how would it work there?

A picture of a person divided in two, full face and disguised
The science of the con

A recent spate of documentaries and dramas have shone a spotlight on the world of the con artist. But how do cons work, and why do we fall for them?

Midwifery student training on the mock ward
Developing and inspiring the midwives of the future

The Royal College of Midwives has warned of a “midwife exodus as the midwifery staffing crisis grows". We explore the highs and lows of the job.

a cloud emerges from an open doorway filled with symbols depicting knowledge, e.g. lightbulb
Beyond the lecture theatre

A university is defined as a place where people study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. But is this description an accurate depiction of the modern university?

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Research round-up

What is REF and why is it such an important element of the University’s Innovation and Research Strategy?

Emma Samms MBE
5 minutes with...

Emma Samms MBE discusses her acting career, new projects, and her recovery from long-Covid.

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Student success

The University is proud of its students and their achievements. In this article, find out how five of our students realised their dreams with the University's help.

Nathan Addai speaking at a lectern
Our award-winning alumni

We explore the achievements of Nathan Addai – animator, mental health podcaster and award-winning film director.

An outline of Derbyshire with a heart on it.
Our civic commitment

As a university we take our civic responsibilities seriously. Here, we explore some recent activity that has taken place, highlighting our commitment to supporting our local communities.

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Last word

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University, discusses the latest REF results, progress on plans for Derby Business School and the Civic University Agreement.

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