Brave new world?

In this issue, we ask whether AI chatbot ChatGPT could spell trouble for the creative industries, explore the role of universities in the journey to net zero, and look at the impact of long Covid more than three years after the start of the pandemic. We hear from inspiring Derby alumni Ross Wilkes-Houghton about being part of an Oscar-winning film production team, and Jaz Rai OBE, Derby-based founder of the Sikh Recovery Network.

Editor's Letter

The recent Coronation of King Charles III was a truly historic event, witnessed by billions of people across the world. It provided the nation with an opportunity to get swept up in the pomp and pageantry and to also reflect on the incredible things that have happened during his many years as Prince under his mother’s 70-year reign. 

One innovation that has moved at an astonishing pace is technology, and how it has revolutionised the way we communicate with each other. January 1, 1983, is considered the official birthday of the internet, the first social media site, Six Degrees, was created in 1997, Facebook (known as TheFacebook.com back then) launched in 2004 and TikTok in September 2016. More recently has been the launch of ChatGPT – an AI chatbot that hit the headlines when it was released in November 2022. 

As a communications professional, the notion of a chatbot that can write (in seconds) well-constructed, engaging and compelling copy on almost any subject is both impressive and disconcerting. It’s not surprising that it’s ruffled some feathers in the industry. We were keen to find out more and in this issue, look at what ChatGPT could mean for the creative industries – exploring its pros and cons, and whether it has the potential to take over the roles of humans. 

Rosie Marshalsay smiling broadly

The notion of a chatbot that can write (in seconds) well-constructed, engaging and compelling copy on almost any subject is both impressive and disconcerting.

Rosie Marshalsay
Editor

The Polio vaccine was invented in 1955 at a time when there were 28,985 cases (in 2021 there were just six) and more recently the Covid-19 vaccines enabled the world to step out of lockdown. While these vaccines brought an end to the global pandemic, many people who contracted the illness are living with long Covid. 

In response, researchers at the University of Derby are undertaking groundbreaking work to explore the use of anti-viral medications to treat long Covid symptoms and we explore this, and importantly, what it means to long Covid sufferers whose lives have been turned upside down.

We also use this issue to celebrate women in engineering, look back to the launch of the Civic University Agreement last June and what has been achieved so far, and find out what role universities have to play in helping nations around the world achieve net zero by 2050. 

The King no doubt has much he wants to achieve during his reign and given how much the world has changed during his time as Prince, he - like the rest of us - must be excited about what the future holds. 

Rosie Marshalsay
Editor

Articles

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Is Chat GPT a threat to the creative industries?

We talk to experts to explore whether the popular chatbot could spell trouble for our creative industries.

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Celebrating women in engineering

Ahead of International Women in Engineering Day, we explore whether more should be done to encourage women into the sector.

Lots of people some with a Covid molecule
Long Covid - the search for answers

Long Covid is having a devastating impact on people's lives more than three years after the pandemic began. Find out how research at Derby is helping understand and find treatment for the condition.

Abstract image of wind turbine on a cube
Carving the path to net zero

With governments around the world focusing on net zero by 2050, what role do universities play in achieving the target?

A person at work with a thought cloud showing range of emotions
Mental wellbeing in the workplace

We explore why supporting mental health in the workplace is not only morally right but also good for business.

Rhiannon Jones from the University looking into the air
Over to you - Dr Rhiannon Jones

Dr Rhiannon Jones, Associate Professor (Civic) discusses progress in the 12 months since Derby launched its Civic University Agreement.

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Research round-up

Across six academic themes, our research is tackling some of the biggest issues facing society. Explore just some of the wealth of projects we are working on.

Jaz Rai in graduation robes
5 minutes with...

Jaz Rai OBE

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Student success

Sport Coaching and Development student Rhianna Parris-Smith has her sights set on Olympic and Commonwealth Games glory with GB Cycling.

Ross Wilkes-Houghton
Our alumni

We talk to Ross Wilkes-Houghton who was part of an Oscar-winning film production team, and Geoffrey Etule, Chief People Officer for the Wye Valley NHS Trust.

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Our Civic commitment

We work hard to identify and support organisations, initiatives and individuals that are making a real difference across the city and county.

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Last word

Professor Warren Manning, Provost Innovation and Research, explains how collaborative working is enabling the University to have wide-reaching impact.

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