News - February 2016

8 February 2016 - World first research takes step towards uncovering cause of Down Syndrome vision problems in children

Research into vision problems in childrenwith down's syndrome In a global first, leading Ulster University scientists have discovered one of the underlying causes of why many children with Down syndrome have poor near vision.

The research findings reveal children with Down syndrome align the eyes well but fail to focus correctly on a near object.

The 3 year study was with 41 participants with Down syndrome aged 6-16 years whom in the majority (75%) had problems focusing. This was compared with 76 typically developing children. It is the first time such a study has been carried out specifically on children with Down syndrome.

Ulster University researchers used sophisticated techniques to study how the children moved their eyes and viewed objects while looking at an animated movie. They evaluated all three aspects of near vision simultaneously including eye movements, pupils and focusing.

Ulster University's Dr Julie-Anne Little said: "Down syndrome is the most common cause of intellectual impairment. Children with Down syndrome are known to be visual learners but from an early age they can have vision problems. It is therefore important that their visual needs are met in order to maximise their educational development and quality of life. Until now the precise cause of poor near vision in children with Down syndrome has remained unidentified."

Full story can be found: Ulster University

22 January 2016 - Business plan submitted outlining ambitions for Ulster University's Magee campus

Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with Ulster University, has recently submitted its revised outline business plan for the expansion of Ulster University's Magee campus in Derry~Londonderry.

The plan outlines the preferred option for expansion of student numbers and other wider considerations, with the primary objective of reinforcing and growing Derry~Londonderry's reputation as a vibrant University city.

The plan was prepared by independent consultants, PACEC (Public And Corporate Economic Consultants) who were appointed by the Council in 2014.

The intention is that by 2025 the overall provision at the Magee campus will rise to 9,400 full time equivalent students. This includes increasing full time undergraduate places by 2,636 bringing the total to 6000 by 2024. A partnership with the North West Regional College will achieve an additional 750 full time undergraduate places by 2024.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Chairperson of the Strategy Board, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said: "We have a truly world-class, internationally focused institution at the heart of our city. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that it flourishes and is accessible. This is an opportunity to build upon the transformational journey that the city and district has been on over the last number of years."

John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council said: "There are a number of options detailed in the revised plan. It recommends what we believe to be the most effective and financially viable option to improve access into higher education and maximise impact on the city and district, it's citizens and wider region."

Ulster University Vice-Chancellor and President Paddy Nixon said: "We recognise our responsibility as a civic University. It is essential that we sustain the positive impact that we have within communities and help address deprivation and social need.

"Ulster University has always remained committed to expansion at the Magee campus. We recognise the impact this will have for the city's regeneration and growth. However, within a broader context, we cannot continue to maximise our economic impact if student numbers continue to decline as a direct result of funding cuts.

"We must attract and retain the best and brightest talent. If student numbers are not addressed there is a risk that other Executive policies, including the reduction of Corporation Tax, will be undermined. This reflects industry concerns around the quality and quantity of a skilled workforce, particularly in relation to STEM subjects.

"Long-term sustainable funding provision for students and infrastructure investment is also essential to deliver these ambitions. Expansion at Magee will not happen in isolation. It will require a concentrated, collaborative effort by all stakeholders. With these building blocks in place we will help this University city to realise its full potential.

"Together, we will play our part in tackling the core issues that stifle growth, like educational attainment. We want to encourage a culture of participation and engagement that will help the city to thrive."

Full story can be found: Ulster University

7 January 2016 - £5.1 million Sports Centre for Ulster University's Coleraine campus

Coleraine Sports Centre Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry announced that work has begun on a new sports centre for Ulster University.

The £5.1 million development, funded by the Department for Employment and Learning, will provide a modern sports centre for Ulster University’s Coleraine campus and will include eight multi-sport indoor courts, a fitness studio and upgraded changing facilities.

Professor Deirdre Heenan, Provost of Ulster University’s Coleraine campus, said: “This new sports facility is a significant investment in the Coleraine campus and will bolster the University’s commitment to sport at all levels.”

The facilities will be used for a broad range of sporting activities throughout the year including student sports, intervarsity competitions and University club training. The facility will also be the hub for the teaching and learning provision of the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses in Physical Education and Primary Education. The wider community will also be able to access the new sports centre.

Full story can be found: Department for Employment and Learning

6 January 2016 - Professor Marie McHugh, Lifetime Achievement Award

Professor Marie McHugh, Dean of the Ulster University Business School, has won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the UTV Business Eye Awards in association with Flybe.

In announcing the winner, category sponsor Gary Irvine from 4C Executive Search described Professor McHugh as “an innovator, an educator and a leading lady of the business scene in Northern Ireland”. He added that during her time at Ulster University she had been “responsible for the growth of the Business School, which has just celebrated its 40th anniversary and has built up an international reputation.”

As well as the Award, Professor McHugh was also presented with a bursary by Flybe to contribute to the Business School’s 40th Anniversary scholarship fund.

Image: Flybe cabin crew Lesley Johnston, Gary Irvine of category sponsors 4C Executive Recruitment, Professor Marie McHugh and Brenda Buckley of Business Eye.

Source: Ulster University Business School

4 January 2016 - New Year Honours

University figures have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Ulster University Chancellor, Dr James Nesbitt, received an OBE for services to drama and the community in Northern Ireland. This is fitting recognition of his contribution to drama on stage and screen, and of an acting career that began at Ulster University’s Riverside Theatre. His invaluable contribution to the life of the University as Chancellor over the past six years reflects his commitment to Northern Ireland and is also acknowledged in this well-deserved honour.

Honorary graduate, Dr AP McCoy, who retired in 2015 after a long and glittering career that saw him become the most successful jump jockey of all time, received a Knighthood for services to horse racing.

Ulster graduate, Terry Cross, Chairman of the Board of Delta Packaging and winner of the University/First Trust Bank Distinguished Graduate of the year accolade in 2007, was awarded an OBE for services to the economy and voluntary service to the community in Northern Ireland.

One of our long standing staff members, Miss Valerie Barr, has been awarded the BEM for services to Higher Education and to the community in Northern Ireland. Valerie has worked in Ulster University for 39 years, and is a former recipient of the Distinguished Employee Recognition Award.

Here are just some of our graduates recognised in the New Year Honours 2016:

Mr Maxwell Murray was awarded a CBE for services to the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

Dr Robert Leslie Caul was awarded an OBE for services to education and sport in Northern Ireland.

Dr Nicholas Roden Todd was awarded an OBE for services to education in Northern Ireland.

Mr Maurice John Devine was awarded an MBE for services to the nursing profession and the field of learning disabilities.

Mr Jeremy Paul Farrell was awarded an MBE for services to education.

Mr Nigel James Grimshaw was awarded an MBE for services to policing and the community in Northern Ireland.

Dr Michael Johnston was awarded an MBE for services to the dairy industry in Northern Ireland.

Mr Terence Doherty was awarded the BEM for services to community safety and public protection in Northern Ireland.

Mr James Goodman was awarded the BEM for services to music through the Britannia Band and Londonderry Musical Society.

The Rev Robert Alan Knox was awarded the BEM for services to the Royal British Legion and the community in Londonderry.

For full listings of the New Year Honours for 2016: NIDirect.gov.uk

Source: Ulster University

15 December 2015 - Confucius Institute success

Confuscious Institute Ulster University’s Confucius Institute – responsible for the promotion of Chinese language and learning – has been recognised by Hanban, a public institution affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education, at the Confucius Institute Conference recently held in Shanghai.

The 2015 Confucius Institute Individual Performance Excellence Award was presented to Enterprise Minister, Jonathan Bell, and the 2015 Confucius Classroom of the Year accolade was awarded to Millburn Primary School.

Yan Liu, Director of Ulster University’s Confucius Institute, said: “This conference provided a valuable platform for Confucius Institutes across the globe to share their experiences, enhance exchanges, strengthen cooperation and promote mutual learning.

“The Confucius Institute at Ulster University has had an extremely successful year and I commend my colleagues and our partners throughout Northern Ireland for the work that they have done to facilitate the promotion of Chinese language and culture."

Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor and President accepted the award from Madam Liu Yandong, Vice Premier of China and Chair of the Council of Confucius Institute Headquarters, on behalf of Millburn Primary School.

Image: Madam Liu Yandong, Vice Premier of China and Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor

Source: Ulster University

14 December 2015 - Ulster University Business School Students Placement Success

UUBS students placement success Ulster University Business School students have brought real benefits to their host companies.Megan Crane, a final year student in Management and Leadership developed in-house recruitment and training programmes during her one year placement with Options Technology, the Belfast based financial technology company. She also introduced a scholarship scheme and reward programme for top performers.

Hospitality and Tourism student Matt Logan landed a one year placement with Michelin starred restaurant Chapter One in Dublin. Such was his commitment to honing his skills during the twelve months he won the 2014 Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year Award.

Megan and Matt have been named joint overall winners of the Ulster University Business Schools’ Excellence in Placement Awards 2015.

Congratulating Megan and Matt, Professor Marie McHugh, Dean of the Ulster University Business School said, “Megan and Matt are excellent examples of the calibre of the over 400 undergraduate students the Ulster University Business School place annually in local, national and international companies. Megan and Matt are to be congratulated for maximising their time and experience during their placement year to not only enhance their own skills but also for making a significant contribution to their host companies.

Source: Ulster University Business School

11 December 2015 - Local graduate set to revolutionise global medical industry via high tech start up

An Ulster University engineering graduate has secured a £300,000 investment to expand his new 3D medical printing company into European and US markets. Established in 2014 by Daniel Crawford, a biomedical engineering graduate from Ulster University, Axial 3D has already revolutionised the UK market by manufacturing orthopaedic models for the medical industry.

Using 3D printing technology, Axial 3D uses patients' CT and MRI scans to manufacture individual scaled 3D models of the injuries. Surgeons use these patient-specific models to practice and plan procedures, which saves valuable time in the operating theatre, while also giving their patients a much more comprehensive insight into injuries.

The £300,000 funding boost has been offered by Ulster University's technology and knowledge transfer company, Innovation Ulster, in association with TechStart NI and a number of private angel investors from the Halo network run by the Northern Ireland Science Park

The funding will be used to expand Axial 3D's customer base in the private and public healthcare sectors outside UK and Ireland, initially focusing on Scandinavia and Germany followed by the United States.

Daniel Crawford, Founder of Axial 3D said: "Having developed the service only one year ago, Axial 3D has gone from strength to strength. My biomedical engineering degree and previous experience working for an Ulster University spin-out specialising in medical technology, has given me a great understanding of what it takes to bring a medical product from research lab to market."

Caroline McGoran, Head of Investment and Enterprise at Ulster University said: "Axial 3D is already working with surgeons in the Belfast and South Eastern Trust, as well in local private hospitals, who are championing the benefits of the technology. The University is committed to driving innovation and developing start-ups with both practical advice and financial support. This investment will be the launching pad the company needs to drive its growth in global markets."

Mr Jim Ballard, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children said: "There are significant benefits of having a scale model of a patients' injury. It provides a much better insight into how to treat patients as well as allowing us to prepare the equipment before going into surgery, greatly improving the efficacy and reducing the risk of complications."

Dr Sandy McKinnon, Investment Director at Techstart NI added: "Daniel and his team have built a collaboration platform that surgeons can use with minimal disruption to their current work practices and crucially have developed it to allow easy integration into current NHS IT systems so that access to the benefits of these sorts of models should soon be available to everyone."

Image: Dr Sandy McKinnon, Daniel Crawford and Caroline McGoran

Full story can be found: Ulster University

9 December 2015 - Ulster University global research first could hold key to better understanding brain disorders

Brain disorders work Computer science experts at Ulster University, in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, used 3D computer modelling of the brain to explore the speed and pathway that visual signals travel from the optical lobe, the part of the brain that first interprets what we see, to the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, which process more complex cognition such as decision-making.

This University research, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, one of the leading journals in brain sciences, has the potential to identify areas of the brain that are not functioning correctly, or at all, and provide clinicians with crucial information regarding the most appropriate patient treatment.

Lead researcher, Dr KongFatt Wong-Lin from Ulster University said: "This Ulster University research lays an important foundation for better understanding of the human visual system. Due to the generality of the method, it can be used to understand other sensory or cognitive processing. It also provides us with a new, scientific method to identify areas of the brain that are dysfunctional.

"As a potential clinical application, stroke sufferers can have brain functional pathways that are effectively blocked or redirected, and thereby changing their cognitive processing. This method may be used to identify specific pathway alterations of individuals, and hence providing more precise treatments, for example, through specific rehabilitation or neurofeedback."

The University research was carried out using computer models of study participants' brain activity, which was recorded using state-of-the-art, non-invasive brain imaging facilities at Trinity College Dublin. The Ulster University researchers hope to extend this work by investigating other cognitive processing and brain disorders using the recently acquired magnetoencephalography (MEG) system at Ulster University, the only such machine in Ireland.

Full story can be found: Ulster University

Memories of the 1970s....

Dr Tim Cook, who served as a lecturer in English Literature at the former New University of Ulster, self-published a sequence of poems, Shark Country in 2013.

It describes his experiences as a young lecturer from 1970 to 1976, under the enlightened leadership of the distinguished critic, Walter Allen.

Despite the worsening Troubles, staff, such as the late poet James Simmonds, were full of hope that the New University could help heal the divisions in Northern Ireland.

Tim Cook and his family acquired an old farmhouse near Portstewart and settled down to enjoy life in new surroundings, close to the celebrated Antrim and Derry coastline. Everything: job, local friends, and environment, seemed ideal. Shark Country is a journey in poetry from initial happiness to despair at the intransigence of local sectarianism and the random violence that came close to destroying the family.

Dr Cook retired from teaching at Kingston University in 1997 and now lives in the English Lake District, in the heart of Wordsworth country.

For more information on Shark Country please contact Dr Cook directly.