Innovation and Research Round-Up

Academic supports launch of national research group at University of Cambridge

Associate Professor in Pre-qualifying Health Care Dr Charlie Whiffin recently attended the launch of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Group on Acquired Brain and Spine Injury at the University of Cambridge.

The NIHR Global Health Research Group on Acquired Brain and Spine Injury, led by Professor Peter Hutchinson (University of Cambridge) and Professor Anthony Figaji (University of Cape Town), was recently awarded £3m over four years by the NIHR to expand the work of the previously funded NIHR Global Health Research Group on Neurotrauma.

The group will focus on five conditions (traumatic brain injury, traumatic spine injury, stroke, brain infections, CSF disorders/hydrocephalus) causing a substantial burden of disease in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Dr Whiffin, who is a co-applicant on the grant and lead for community engagement and involvement (CEI), says:

“I am very proud to be working in this group and contributing to improved neurosurgical care in LMICs. I am particularly excited that the new group are exploring the role of nurses, allied health professionals and rehabilitation services in the care of patients with acquired brain and spine injury. Furthermore, as lead for community engagement and involvement, I have the privilege of collaborating with our partners to develop meaningful and sustainable methods of CEI in LMICs where traditionally there has been very little."

The group held its launch event at the University of Cambridge on Friday 24 March with many international collaborators joining in person and online. Dr Whiffin prepared a video on CEI for the launch, while also presenting the aims and methods for an ambitious qualitative study about the non-medical care provider role in LMICs. This study will will be conducted in India, Pakistan, Uganda and Cameroon.

Third-year student published in research journal

Third-year undergraduate Human Biology student Jenni Chambers has had her review accepted and published in this year’s issue of McGill Science Undergraduate Research Journal (MSURJ).

Jenni’s article on Bacterial Interactions Affecting Chemotherapy Effectiveness was originally written as part of her assignment and, with minor tweaks and amends, it was selected for publication.

Fostering a sense of belonging in students through the virtual learning environment 

Dr Pubudu Gunawardhana (Learning Technologist, Curriculum Development) explores how our virtual learning environment (VLE) can be used to foster a sense of belonging in our students.

Starting a new position as a learning technologist at the University provided Dr Gunawardhana with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of feeling connected to the institution and the team that you are working with. While she was supported extremely well during this transition period, it set her thinking about the importance of the sense of belonging for students in higher education.

Find out more about the research

Award win for climate change in Africa research video

Dr Deb Raha and her research group investigate climate change affects in the Muni coastal lagoon in Ghana. Here, climate change is affecting weather patterns, ocean conditions and natural resources.

Their Time for Geography video has been awarded the prestigious Highly Commended Publishers Award from the Geographical Association. The award is a testament to the success of the team's long-term partnership in secondary school geographical education and teacher professional development. The award panel gave this feedback:

“This focuses on a very small, specific location in Ghana and the presenter comes from this community which gives it a more personal feeling. Map graphics are interspersed with the video content – good for context. It shows thriving communities and the impact of climate change well.”

University signs researcher development concordat

The University is now a signatory of the Vitae Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.

The concordat is a sector-wide initiative promoting the creation of healthy and supportive research environments and opportunities for professional development enabling researchers to thrive.

Becoming a signatory is an objective of the University’s Innovation and Research Strategy and is a step particularly welcomed by the Early Career Researchers Forum.

Find out about the concordat

Developing a trust

The Mental Health Productivity Pilot (MHPP), which was launched in 2019, has been helping the Wye Valley NHS Trust. The trust was struggling with high sickness absence due to mental health so they reached out to MHPP for help in supporting the health and wellbeing of staff.

After an initial deep dive into the trust, several priorities were identified and plans were put in place. Training for managers was provided alongside resources and toolkits to facilitate conversations. Workshops were offered, there was a focus on increasing knowledge around mental health first aid, plus a range of other initiatives.

Find out how MHPP supported the Trust

University joins international More Than Our Rank campaign

The University is now an early adopter of the international More Than Our Rank initiative, which has been developed by the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS).

The initiative exists in response to some of the problematic features and effects of global university rankings. It provides an opportunity for academic institutions to highlight the multiple and varied ways in which they have an impact – locally, nationally and internationally – that are not reflected or articulated in their ranking position.

As an anchor institution within the city and wider region, the University of Derby is known for its commitments to and success at delivering social mobility, applied research, industry engagement, skills-focused learning and our civic agenda. 

Find out more about More than our Rank