LATEST NEWS
East midlands universities secure £2.59m funding to help tackle skills gap
Universities in the East Midlands have received £2.59 million from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) to launch a research training program aimed at drawing professionals in health, social care, and public health into research careers. The initiative is part of the new INSIGHT: Inspiring Students into Research scheme, which has allocated £33.2 million across 12 regions in England.
The funding bid was spearheaded by Dr. Claire Diver from the University of Nottingham’s School of Health Sciences, alongside Dr. Sally Ruane from De Montfort University and Professor Emma Wilson from the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine. The program will collaborate with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust to engage potential and successful applicants in research activities.
The East Midlands program has two main goals: to showcase research opportunities to students and recent graduates in these professions, and to provide fully funded master’s level training to equip them with the skills needed to conduct impactful research. Dr. Diver emphasised the program’s collaborative nature, aiming to inspire graduates and improve health outcomes in the region.
Dr. Sally Ruane and Professor Waljit Dhillo also highlighted the importance of early research exposure, with over 300 funded master’s places available annually to foster research careers.
University of Warwick unveils £1M gym refurbishment at sports and wellness
The University of Warwick has unveiled a £1 million refurbishment of its gym at the Sports and Wellness Hub, set to open on Saturday, 31st August. This significant upgrade, which began in July 2024, was made possible through a partnership with Matrix Fitness, a global leader in fitness solutions.
The investment by Warwick Sport has introduced the latest innovative equipment and a reconfigured space designed to enhance the workout experience for all users. Key improvements include additional equipment such as cables and pulleys, fixed weights, more squat racks, and Concept2 ergometers, including bikes, rowers, and ski machines. A larger free weight area and dedicated bench presses are also part of the upgrade.
The gym now boasts distinct zones for functional training, Hyrox, and stretching, catering to diverse training needs. A revitalized Cycle Studio with new lighting and a fresh visual identity throughout the gym has created a more motivational environment.
Mark Hyndman, Director of Sport and Active Lifestyles at Warwick Sport, emphasised the gym’s role in their new active wellness strategy, which aims to provide opportunities for everyone, regardless of fitness level, to engage in an active lifestyle.
Alex Hurst, Sector Specialist – Education at Matrix Fitness, expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting the gym’s role in enhancing student life and fostering community. Extensive staff and customer feedback guided the project,ensuring a top-tier fitness experience at the Sports and Wellness Hub.
4 Autumn 2024 issue 4177
Pollution and stress linked to lower fitness levels in urban children
Children in congested cities have lower cardiovascular fitness levels compared to their rural counterparts, according to a study involving Coventry University researchers. The study assessed over 2,000 children aged 6 to 17 in southern Brazil through a six- minute walk/run test, focusing on the haemoglobin-to-platelet ratio—a key indicator of cardiovascular health.
Haemoglobin transports oxygen in the body, while platelets maintain blood flow. The study found that children in rural areas had higher haemoglobin levels, lower platelet counts, and better cardiovascular fitness than those in urban areas. Urban children exhibited lower fitness levels, lower haemoglobin, and higher platelet counts, likely due to high pollution from traffic, industries, and fossil fuel use.
Additionally, stress from social vulnerability and an inactive lifestyle negatively impacted the children’s immune function and cardiovascular health. The study highlights the urgent need for improved public health practices and policies in congested cities worldwide, including London.
Researchers from Coventry University, the University of Wolverhampton, and several South American universities led the study, emphasising the significant public health implications of urban living on children’s fitness and overall health.
Construction Leadership Council welcomes new Co-Chair, Minister Sarah Jones
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has announced the appointment of Minister Sarah Jones MP as its new Co- Chair, joining Mark Reynolds. As Minister of State for the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Jones will collaborate with the CLC Board to drive economic growth and advance Britain’s construction sector.
Jones emphasised the importance of construction in supporting jobs across the UK and achieving the government’s growth objectives. She expressed her commitment to working with the CLC to champion the sector’s role in building essential infrastructure and meeting net zero targets.
Mark Reynolds, CLC Co-Chair and CEO of Mace Group, highlighted the crucial partnership between the CLC and the government, while Richard Robinson, CLC Deputy Co-Chair, stressed the need for reforms to accelerate infrastructure projects, ensuring the construction industry contributes effectively to the UK’s economic ambitions.
Kier appointed to build Hillingdon SEND school
Kier has been selected by the Department for Education to construct the new Pinn River School in Hillingdon, a special educational needs and disability (SEND) school. The project, funded by the Department for Education and managed by the Eden Academy Trust, will cater to 180 students aged 4-19 with severe learning difficulties, autism, and multi-sensory impairments.
The school will feature diverse learning spaces, including classrooms, activity areas, life skills rooms, and therapy provisions like a hydro pool and rebound therapy. A hoist network will facilitate mobility for students with physical limitations.
David Rowsell, Managing Director for Kier Construction London, expressed pride in partnering with the Department for Education and Eden Academy Trust, emphasising the project’s role in addressing the demand for specialist education in the area.
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