George Gray and the remarkable tale of the LCD

Hull in tHe Premier league ›A city’s resurgence in football and beyond

tHe new face of tHe nortH ›Professor Martin Goodman’s BBC odyssey

a dramatic celebration ›Looking back on 50 years of drama at Hull

2013Insight

The new

norTh

{2} Insight

To make content suggestions for future issues, or to contact the magazine, telephone +44 (0)1482 466645 or email alumni@hull.ac.uk

To view Insight online, visit www.hull.ac.uk/insight

This magazine is printed on paper produced from sustainable managed forests

WelcomeThe University is proud to be an anchor institution in our communities. Not only offering excellence in education and research, but also engaging with a remarkable cross-section of groups, from global businesses to local schoolchildren.

This magazine aims to introduce readers to these partnerships and highlight the successes of the University. It also provides ideas on how you could engage with us in the future. Whether it is getting involved in events such as the recent Business Week dinner hosted by the University, providing you with research expertise, or creating courses to enhance your business, we encourage you to work with us.

This is an exciting time for the region, with Hull City football club’s promotion, Hull’s shortlisting for City of Culture 2017, the recent launch of the City Plan and our bid to bring HMS Illustrious to Hull. The University itself is celebrating awards and league table successes, as well as major anniversaries of groundbreaking research in liquid crystal technology and pioneering drama education.

Our alumni help drive this success. Our former students now work in sectors as varied as law enforcement and theatre, as well as at major organisations including the BBC, Coca-Cola and the Houses of Parliament. We are proud of our alumni and encourage you to stay in touch throughout your lives.

I do hope you enjoy reading about the positive impact the University is having, and that you will be inspired to engage with us in the future.

Professor calie Pistorius, Vice-chancellor

www.hull.ac.uk

Download the iHull App hull.ombiel.co.uk/get

Insight {3}

Contents FroM THe Cover

4-7insPired in HullChanging the way we view the world

20-23adding valueHow the University has a positive financial impact on the region

24-25turning 50We take a look at Hull’s drama department as it celebrates 50 years of learning and teaching

26-27a familiar faceHull alumna, Justine Curran, talks about her new role as Chief Constable of Humberside Police

28-29alumni newsAll the latest on alumni matters

30-31research round-upThe latest on the University’s academic research and the profound effect it has on people’s lives

32-33a theatrical revolutionMiddle Child TheatreCompany on importance of tearing up the rulebook

34in good companyHull University Union President Richard Brooks on the importance of being an alumni for life

8-13university newsFind out what’s been happening on campus

14-17Hull on the upHow the city’s fortunes are changing

18-19the new northProfessor Martin Goodman shares his passion for northern architecture

“We have much to be proud of here, yet we hide our achievements rather than celebrating them”Hull on tHe uP, P14

{4} Insight

In our first Inspired in Hull piece, we look at the history

and legacy of the liquid crystal display (LCD) and remember

the man behind the breakthrough

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the LCD discovery made by the research team led by Professor George Gray, who sadly died this year.

As we offer our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues, it is especially important that we take this timely opportunity to celebrate his work, legacy and the inspirational approach that extends across the whole University.

Prof Gray was a rarity among scientists, in that his work was recognised and celebrated during his lifetime (24/9/26 to 12/5/13). He was also the only person in the country who had researched and understood liquid crystals at a time when the UK government asked the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to find an alternative to cathode-ray display technology.

Prof Gray was the mastermind behind an advance in the discovery and design of new liquid crystals that directly led to the establishment of today’s LCD industry. His liquid crystals were used in digital watches, clocks, calculators and stereos, for example, and are still manufactured to this day. He spent 44 years at the University of Hull, from 1946 to 1990, during which time he guided research in this field and boosted the LCD manufacturing industry.

Professor Stephen Kelly, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, completed his MSc and a PhD under Prof Gray’s supervision.

“Prof Gray has always been an inspiration for the creation of new liquid crystals and new exciting research based on a sense of curiosity,” says Prof Kelly, whose personal current research interests include organic LEDs (OLEDS) through the spin-out company Polar OLED.

“Prof Gray spent 25 years doing curiosity-driven research into liquid crystals before he had this big commercial breakthrough with the MoD.

“When Labour MP John Stonehouse [probably best known for unsuccessfully faking his own death] asked for an alternative display technology to the cathode tube, the search was co-ordinated by the MoD and the contract awarded to George Gray, who had begun his research in the subject at Hull under the tutelage of Sir Brynmor Jones.”

continued »

Right: George Gray in the 1970s Left: Today, the department’s research includes the development of organic LEDs, here showing photoluminescence under a UV light

Inspired in Hull

Insight {5}

{6} Insight

As a result, 90% of the global 1970s’ burgeoning liquid crystal materials market was manufactured and held in the UK, while the University

received research grants for further development.

“It was a government initiative based on UK expertise that kicked off a major UK product,” says Prof Kelly.

“As we celebrate LCD40, it is important to recognise the number and range of exciting and world-changing stories that have been and continue

“Improved understanding in this area could have

huge implications for pharmaceutical companies in terms of artificial limbs,

skin and body fluids”

Victoria winterton, Vice-President of Education (sabbatical officer), Hull University Union; Politics, Philosophy and Economics (2012)

“On my very first day in Hull, I switched courses from Economics to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. The help I received set the tone for my time here. I was lucky to have some very engaging teachers who inspired me to think creatively about ways of presenting my work.

“I’m now entering my second year as a student’s union sabbatical officer after getting involved with the union through the Labour Club. I chaired the club during my second year and helped increase membership from four or five to 60-70 members. That experience, coupled with my role on the Scrutiny Council, taught me critical thinking skills and inspired me to run for Vice-President of Education.”

How were you inspired in Hull?

to be ‘inspired in Hull’,” says Adam Rees-Taylor, the University’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “From the Venn diagram and the work of Philip Larkin, to our current regional economic impact and the diversity of students from more than 100 countries, we are sharing these inspirational stories to show potential students, staff and partners how they too can be ‘inspired in Hull’.”

Dr Mike Hird, Reader in Organic Chemistry at Hull, worked with Prof Gray from 1986 until his retirement in 1990. Dr Hird has been a member of the University’s research team for the past 27 years.

He says: “Liquid crystals have always been a fascinating area of science. That state of matter between crystal solids

Some of our alumni look back on their formative years

Ken reid, Political Editor at UTV, Northern Ireland; Politics and Economics (1977)

“When I came to Hull in October 1974, it was a very exciting place. The Politics department was seen as the best in the country. I was coming out of the Troubles in Northern Ireland to first-year accommodation at Holtby House in Thwaite Street, Cottingham – the former family home of Winifred Holtby, the author of South Riding – where there were botanic gardens next to the house.

“I was also partly inspired to come to the city by Philip Larkin, who had been in Belfast prior to Hull [and who had also lived at Holtby House]. I found him a most peculiar and difficult man. Once, a friend asked me to get his autograph. When I asked Larkin, he told me in no uncertain terms to go forth and multiply!

“I enjoyed every second of my time in Hull. “While at the University, I worked at Radio Humberside,

then got a graduate placement at the Yorkshire Post. I edited newspapers in Ireland and moved into television in 1994. Friends I made, even on my very first day, have stayed with me for life. Hull did so much for me.”

Insight {7}

get in toucH:Tell us how

you were Inspired in Hull... email your memories to alumni@hull.ac.uk.

and normal liquids gives them an air of intrigue. Prof Gray’s work catalysed lots of research into liquid crystals.”

Dr Hird’s pioneering interests include the ferroelectric LCDs used in micro displays, such as medical imaging cameras for keyhole surgery, apps, virtual reality games, 3D holographic images and high definition television. And, in 1987, Dr Hird and colleague Dr Ken Toyne invented the difluorophenyl-class liquid crystals used in vertically aligned nematic LCDS (VAN LCDs) – the technology used in the 40in, 50in and even 90in high-definition televisions of today.

And what of the future of liquid crystal research?

“I believe we could spend the next

guy wallace, Managing Director, Forward Thinker Developments; Computer Science with Business and Information Systems Engineering (2008)

“I am based at the University’s Enterprise Centre where we test new business ideas on our 30,000 website users and offer paid internships to students. I design, develop and code new software businesses, including Forward Thinker Developments, Picture Yourself and Good To Go, and work with companies that need partnerships for websites, apps and desktop software.

“My course was my big push into business. It inspired me by immersing me in a different world.

“My first year was a struggle but in my second and third years, it changed my way of thinking about problems and coming up with solutions.

Jeannette strachan, Registrar, University

of Hull; Economics (1981)

“I had a great time at Hull. My lasting memory is of

friendliness and support. I came here on an Open Day and the first-year student who showed me around said ‘when you come back here, look me up’, which was very reassuring.

“Staff were also very supportive. As an undergraduate, I was interested in an RAF career, so they arranged for an RAF officer to speak to me and for me to visit an RAF base. As a result, I was sponsored by the RAF during my final year of university on a cadetship and I attended the University Air Squadron at RAF Finningley most weekends.

“Overall, my experience as a student here gave me confidence and shaped my whole career path. The chance to come back as a Registrar to the University with which I have such good links and fond memories is special.”

40 years understanding the lyotropic properties of liquid crystals found in all membranes and body fluids,” says Dr Hird. “Improved understanding in this area could have huge implications for pharmaceutical companies in terms of artificial limbs, skin and body fluids.”

furtHer information:

Be inspired. To find out more, visit www.LCD40.org.

“I’d always been involved in business – I was the child selling conkers in the primary school playground – but, by my second year, I began applying that mentality to what I was learning.

“I feel lucky to see the University from a different perspective and to have managed that bridge into business.”

Member of the research team and Reader in Organic Chemistry, Dr Mike Hird

{8} Insight

The biggest capital project in the University’s history, we are currently investing £27.4 million in transforming the Brynmor Jones Library on the Hull Campus. Not only will the redevelopment create a better working environment for students and staff, but the project also includes a panoramic viewing area on the top floor, allowing visitors to see right across the county.

The first phase of the new development was ready to use for the start of the new semester in September – the full renovation will be completed in 2014. Stunning architecture is prevalent in the Reading Room, part of the first phase, which reflects the history of the building with 1950s reproduction fittings, as well as being future-ready, with cutting-edge technology.

University Librarian, Dr Richard Heseltine, says: “The Brynmor Jones Library has a remarkable history, from its links with poet and former University of Hull librarian Philip Larkin, to being at the heart of Hull’s 21st-century student experience.

“We have consulted widely to design a modern, flexible, technology-enabled library that will also function as a gateway to the University for the wider community, particularly through a new gallery and exhibition space.

Time for change Change is afoot on the University’s campuses. To ensure students in Hull and Scarborough have a great experience during their studies, some major projects are underway or have recently been completed.

redeVeloPment in numbers Originally built

1959 investment

£27.4m cOmpletiOn

2014The library is remaining open throughout the project, during the course of which we will be moving almost one million books and other items. It is a massive undertaking and the result will be a striking demonstration of the University’s confidence in the future.”

university news KeePing you uP to date witH wHat’s new at Hull

Insight {9}

Scarborough ‘super-convergence’At the Scarborough Campus, not only are innovative technologies such as Virtual Open Days being devised, but the way staff interact with students is also being enhanced by new thinking.

Administrative staff from a number of different areas were brought together to create a more student-focused and streamlined service, with the ‘super-convergence’ even winning a national award earlier this year (see page 13). This isn’t the only change the Scarborough Campus has seen recently. Projects improving the campus include a new restaurant, which forms just one part of a process to not only improve student experience, but also to make the campus a more attractive prospect for external conferences and events.

The University is updating its technological offering by providing WiFi throughout the Hull Campus.

This enables students to be online in teaching rooms while they are eating their lunch or having a drink in the student union bars – and everywhere in between. Students also benefit from upgraded internet connections in all halls of

residences. The £2.2 million WiFi improvements are part of a wider five-year plan to radically transform technology for students and staff at the University, covering everything from a new University website to further finance and HR systems and much more.

Further details will follow as the project develops.

wifi for aLL

These are just some of the projects improving the University’s campuses.Find more on what’s happening on the University’s website www.hull.ac.uk

An artist’s impression of the new library

developmentImage courtesy of

Mii Creative Studio

{10} Insight

university news KeePing you uP to date witH wHat’s new at Hull

New home for inspiring research

The Allam Building, home to a new biomedical research facility tackling cancer and other major diseases, has been officially opened at the University’s Hull Campus.

Two research centres, one focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and the other on cancer, are located in the building. The University has an international reputation in both of these areas and, by bringing together both academics and health professionals, it aims to quickly translate research into tangible benefits for patients.

Professor John Greenman, Head of the School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, said: “It has been a pleasure to watch this fantastic facility develop from an idea through to reality. The new facilities provide the University with a significant boost to our research capabilities to tackle cancer and cardiovascular disease. The building provides a physical home for our current and future collaborative work.”

The building has been made possible by a generous £1.5m donation from leading East Yorkshire businessman,

The new Allam Building houses two major research centres, bringing together academic and clinical expertise.

“The new facilities provide the University with a significant boost to our research capabilities to tackle cancer and cardiovascular disease”

Dr Assem Allam. It was officially opened by Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, Nobel Prize winner and an honorary graduate of the University. Funding for some of the vital high-tech equipment and key research being undertaken at the centre has also been generously provided by the local Daisy Appeal.

Insight {11}

Dr Allam said: “I have long been a supporter of medical research because I want my donations to make the biggest impact on people’s lives that they possibly can.

“I believe wholeheartedly that medical research, particularly research into society’s most prevalent killers such as cancer and heart disease, is the best way to ensure this happens. After all, these conditions touch everyone, old or young, rich or poor, and all nationalities.

“It was an honour to have provided the money to create such a wonderful facility and it is an honour for me that it

bears my name. I am extremely proud to see it finally completed.”

University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Calie Pistorius, said: “The University of Hull is very proud of this state-of-the-art facility, which not only brings together expertise from across the region to benefit patients, but helps us strengthen our position as a centre of research excellence. This is one of many initiatives which the University is implementing to further enhance the quality of our student experience and our international reputation.”

Research at the state-of-the-art facility will have tangible benefits for patients

See inside the Allam Building with our online video: http://bit.ly/17reMlC

{12} Insight

The University of Hull has a long tradition in training our future educators and this year the Faculty of Education has been especially active in developing its activities with a Faculty Engagement Week.

Schoolchildren, teachers, nursery workers and students were invited to attend innovative sessions, which looked at everything from how teachers can use iPads in the classroom, to pupils using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to build a paralympic wheelchair. The week proved

so successful, planning for next year’s event is already underway, and will be based around the theme of ‘Inspiring Learning from Local to Global.’

Faculty staff are also offering at least one engagement event per month, including networking sessions

for teachers interested in using mobile technology, and maths enrichment sessions for schoolchildren.

The faculty has also developed partnerships with schools throughout the region to deliver the School Direct programme. A new teacher-training format introduced by the Government, it gives high-quality graduates the chance to train in selected schools. The University has partnered up with some of these schools to offer the qualification element.

Among the partner schools is Tollbar Academy, which was one of the first schools in the UK to offer places

“The education sector is always developing, and we are proud to be constantly innovating to give the next

generation of educators the best possible start to

their careers”

via School Direct. All seven trainees from the partnership between Tollbar and the University of Hull were taken on in permanent roles and have started their NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) year.

In July, the International Association of the Study of Co-operation in Education conference came to the Scarborough Campus. It attracted delegates from five continents and 23 countries, including India, Mexico and Japan.

Dean of the Faculty of Education at Hull, Dina Lewis, said: “The education sector is always developing, and we are proud to be constantly innovating to give the next generation of educators the best possible start to their careers.

“Engaging with our communities – from schoolchildren to potential students and existing teachers – is extremely important to us and we are always looking for new opportunities to form partnerships.”

Community CoLLaboration

At the forefront of quality learning and teaching is collaboration and engagement. Hull celebrated this with a week of activities for pupils and educators.

The education agenda

Insight {13}

Students using STEM skills to build a paralympic wheelchair during the Faculty of Education Engagement Week

If you would like to find out more about engaging with the Faculty of Education, visit www.hull.ac.uk/education Community CoLLaboration

• News in briefleague table success ▸Hull’s position in several major league tables has improved. The University rose seven places to 62nd in the Guardian league table, moved from 35th to 21st in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey and moved up three places to 53rd in the Complete University Guide.

a win for scarborougH ▸A restructure to improve administrative functions at the Scarborough Campus recently won an award. The prestigious Times Higher Education Leadership Award recognised the student-focus that ‘super-convergance’ has, whilst acknowledging how well staff had engaged with the much-improved service.

new faces ▸Businessman Barry Dodd OBE has been appointed as the next Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council at the University. Hull has also recently welcomed Jeannette Strachan as Registrar and Secretary, and Professor Ian Pashby as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement.

Parliament reacHing out to Hull ▸The Houses of Parliament are working with Hull on two outreach projects, which will further enhance the University’s links with Parliament. In May, Hull was one of only a few venues outside of London to host the new Open Lectures programme and now offers a new Parliamentary Studies module, which builds on the longstanding Westminster-Hull Internship Programme.

+7places

+14places

+3places

62nd 21st

53rd

Guardian League Table

Times Higher education Student experience Survey

Complete University

Guide

{14} Insight

HULL on THe

UP

Insight {15}

On the edge?More like on the up …Hull might once have been Larkin’s city ‘on the edge’, but now its fortunes are changing and it could finally be getting the credit it deserves

Philip Larkin, poet and University librarian, once described Hull as a city ‘on the edge’. When he wrote those words he was describing the

city as isolated, cut-off geographically and culturally. Now, decades later, Hull is on the edge of something very different.

Big things are happening here. The city is shortlisted to become City of Culture in 2017, Hull City are back in what is arguably the most famous football league in the world, the city and its surrounding region are on the brink of becoming a major force in renewable energy, and Made in Hull will be proudly printed on a towering piece of sculpture in Heathrow Airport for travellers from across the globe to marvel at.

Of course, incredible culture, sporting achievements and a place in international heritage are nothing new to this city. Hull has more than its fair share of household names: some literally, as products invented and made by Hull-founded firms Smith and Nephew and Reckitt Benckiser are found in the bathroom cabinets and kitchen cupboards of every household in the land and beyond.

Now, energy giant Siemens is planning an £80 million investment in a wind turbine plant in the Humber. If it goes ahead, Greenport Hull could generate jobs and further investment in this growing industry.

continued »

{16} Insight

Hull has been dubbed the most poetic city in England, not only for Larkin, but also for poets including Andrew Marvell, Stevie Smith, Roger McGough and Andrew Motion. Its famous sons and daughter William Wilberforce, J Arthur Rank and Amy Johnson have, respectively, helped to abolish transatlantic slavery, created the ‘golden age’ of British cinema and broken world records in aeronautics.

In June, at an event on the University’s campus, High Steward of Hull Lord Mandelson launched a 10-year economic action plan for the city.

The City Plan aims to improve Hull’s economy, create 7,500 jobs and attract £1 billion of investment, largely through the renewable energy and heritage sectors. It outlines 65 projects to be delivered over the next decade.

Professor Calie Pistorius, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, is one of 15 influential business and public figures charged with steering the plan. Proposals to regenerate Hull as a major global tourist destination include Prof Pistorius’s vision of bringing the 22,000-tonne aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious to Hull as a visitor attraction.

Hull will learn in November whether it will become City of Culture in 2017. If successful, it will mean millions of pounds of investment in cultural events across the city, with 1,500 events and 25 festivals at venues around the city, including at the University.

Traditionally, Hull has often been shy, even truculent, about its achievements, hiding them away under typical Yorkshire modesty.

But no longer, says Professor Ian Pashby, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement at the University. “The City of Culture bid and the City Plan vision, along with other successes such as Hull City’s promotion and the publicity surrounding the Heathrow sculpture, mean Hull is getting the credit it deserves,” he says. “We have much to be proud of here, and we should be celebrating our

“The City of Culture bid and the City Plan vision, along with other successes such as Hull City’s promotion and the publicity surrounding the Heathrow sculpture, mean Hull is getting the credit it deserves”

Insight {17}

Above: The giant new Slipstream sculpture in Heathrow’s Terminal 2 was built by Hull firm Commercial Systems International (CSI). Slipstream © Richard Wilson

Left: Statues on Hull Campus marking Polish season. Statues by artist Robert Koenig.The city has been shortlisted to become City of Culture in 2017

achievements, not being modest about them. The University has a key role to play in that, having personal and institutional involvement in the future prosperity and success of the region. Hopefully, in the coming years, we will not only put Hull on the map nationally

and internationally but also nurture a sense of pride within our own residents.”

Not only will this shine a light on what Hull has to offer, it could also help bolster its financial fortunes.

More money, more jobs, more pride. Now that’s something worth writing about.

Left: Hull City is back at the top of English football following promotion back to the Premier League

furtHer information:

Find out more about The City of Culture bid at bit.ly/18lSS5k.

The new

norTh

{18} Insight

Professor Martin Goodman has been on a journey to discover how the striking architecture of new buildings is changing the face of the north of England. The

findings made by our Professor of Creative Writing were broadcast in a BBC radio documentary this year, The New North. Here, he tells us more...

Shaking off stereotypes

THenew

norTH

Insight {19}

The New North began after I was ‘spotted’ for my role in the AHRC and BBC New Generation Thinkers series on BBC Radio 3. Producers at City Broadcasting

liked my combination of voice, writing and sense of place. The BBC is genuinely interested in discovering and promoting ‘new talent’, so when my name was attached to the New North documentary series it was green-lighted. The two half-hour programmes required 15 days on the road, visiting sites and gathering interviews, and I am grateful to my students and fellow staff for their flexibility to allow it all to be scheduled alongside my teaching.

The BBC is aware of a lack of programmes covering the north of England, and that listeners in the North don’t feel catered for. The focus of this series on world-class architecture and regenerating cities through the arts allowed us to shake off northern stereotypes. We also explored the economic viability of these projects. Were these new buildings simply a millennial blip from a burst of lottery funding, and the North was now back to hard times? That gave an edge to the programmes. It wasn’t simply a travel show.

I introduced Hull with Sir Terry Farrell’s The Deep. This certainly counted in terms of world-class modern architecture, and Sir Terry’s experience of regeneration in Newcastle, as well as Hull, made him an excellent interviewee.

What other buildings impressed me? The Sage Gateshead was alive with community activity, even on a wet February morning. The Hepworth in Wakefield lacked that buzz, but was immaculate in its conception and is a powerful example of ‘high-end culture without compromise’, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.

I wish I could have included Hull History Centre. It’s special not only because of the University’s partnership in this remarkable project, but it’s also

a fine example of The New North. It has a sweeping design, playing with glass rather than red brick and makes the most of the available light, while also creating a very public environment and fostering community need. Sadly it, like many other hours of material, simply couldn’t be squeezed into the final show. But the series gave me some real pride in how the North is presenting itself to the world and its own people reimagining itself through culture and I hope that was shared with the radio audiences.

So what’s next? As well as my university activities, several programme ideas using the same production team are now at the second stage in the BBC’s new proposal round. One focuses on the centenary of gas warfare, drawing on my work on the scientist JS Haldane. The other looks at new ventures in publishing, drawing on my experience setting up Barbican Press, and the needs of a new wave of creative writing graduates.

“I wish I could have included Hull History Centre. It has a sweeping design, playing with glass rather than red brick, making the most of the available light”

The Hull History Centre (left) and The Deep (far left), are both examples of world-class architecture

furtHer information:

To find out more about the selection for the north’s best building, go to http://bbc.in/10UureU.

{20} Insight

1.2%

of the Humber region economy in 2011

1.0%

of the scarborough economy in 2011

For every 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs as the University

104 jobs are created in other UK industries

120

A recent report highlighted that the University of Hull’s impact on the UK economy is worth £590 million – an impressive figure. Insight

discovers more

£590 million{ }

tHe uniVersity generated:

tHe uniVersity HelPed to create:

new businesses

in Hull in the past four years

ADDInG vALUe

Insight {21}

Any university’s main aim is to provide a world-class education for its students, while equipping them with the necessary skills to achieve

great things in their careers. That alone is a major achievement, but what about the other, perhaps less obvious benefits that a university brings to its city? In the case of the University of Hull, its place within the region as a whole and the economic benefits it brings are undeniable and a recent report into the University’s economic impact highlights this.

“This independent report emphasises just how important the University is to the economy of Hull and the region,” says Bill Walker, Director of the Knowledge Exchange at the University of Hull.

“We generate more than £475 million for the local economy alone, and 5,200 jobs depend on us being here. Outside local government and the NHS, no organisation has a greater impact.” Off-campus spending by students adds £280 million to the local economy, while the impact of our international students is worth £53 million a year. These are big figures!

“If you add to that the international profile and reputation we bring to the city through our research and our teaching, and the fact that we have helped to create more than 120 new businesses in the city in the past four years, I believe this is a record of which we can justly be proud,” says Bill.

what the university of Hull is worth to the yorkshire and Humber region

£475 million

regional Value

impact of international students£53 million

international students

continued »

total uK emPloyment imPact Per £1 million Handled by tHe uniVersity

Total UK employment impact, in FTe jobs

Additional jobs in the rest of the UK

FTe jobs directly in the University

Additional FTe jobs in the Yorkshire and Humber region

2512103

{22} Insight

Global impactWith a global value of £590 million, the spending activities of the University of Hull, its employees, students and its business transactions, represents considerable value internationally. Needless to say this has a large impact locally, at a value of £475 million in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The University’s revenue of £172.4 million is equivalent to 1.2% of the £14.6 billion output productivity of the Humber region economy in 2011. The Scarborough campus represents around 1% of the value of the Scarborough economy.

International income by way of international student tuition fees, research grants and contracts is a significant revenue source at 14% of

all revenue. This also has a positive impact on the University’s export earnings, which are not only worth £53 million, but represent a major contribution to the UK’s balance of trade.

As well as the significant direct contribution the University makes to the economy, it also made around £5.8 million in National Insurance and social security payments direct to Government in 2011/12.

EmploymentThe University of Hull is one of the largest employers in the city of Hull and wider Humber area. It provided 2,100 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs at the Hull and Scarborough campuses in 2011/12.

Although a large number of the University’s employees are highly

2,100number of fte jobs at the Hull and scarborough campuses

2,200number of fte jobs the university generates across the uK

1,700number of fte jobs attributable to the yorkshire and Humber region

550number of fte jobs supported by scarborough Campus spending

£280million

off-campusspending

by students

Humberregion

university of Hull

occuPational emPloyment structures in 2012emPloyment

Managers, directors and senior officials

Professional

Associate professional and technical

Administrative and secretarial

Skilled trades

Caring, leisure and other services

Sales and customer service

Process, plant and machine

elementary occupations

student sPending

Insight {23}

skilled academics, professionals or work at management level, the University also provides other employment roles, which include catering, maintenance, administration and security. The University also generates an additional 2,200 FTE jobs across the UK, of which, 1,700 (about 80%) are attributable to Yorkshire and the Humber region. This equates to a total direct and secondary FTE UK jobs impact of 4,300.

Employment statistics at the Scarborough Campus have increased since the 2009/10 analysis. Campus spending supports more than 550 jobs in the local area, plus a further £11 million spread across the rest of the UK. This represents around 9% of the total global output generated by the University of Hull Group within the Yorkshire and

Humber region and just less than 4% of the total value of the £1.52 billion Scarborough economy in 2010.

Student spendStudent and visitor spending represents a major financial injection to the local economy. The combined off-campus expenditure of the University’s international, rest- of-UK and locally domiciled student population is an estimated £142 million. In turn, this generates an additional £200 million in output across the UK (£141 million in Yorkshire and the Humber region) and some 1,900 FTE regional jobs. Plus, the combined impact of University of Hull students injects almost £280 million into the local economy.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Mining and quarrying

Manufacturing

electricity, gas and water supply

Construction

wholesale and retail trade

Hotels and restaurants

Transport and comm

unication

Financial intermediation

Business activities

Public administration

other services

additional outPut generated by uniVersity exPenditure 2011/12

UK total outputYorkshire and the Humber regionlevel 5+

Unknown/not applicable

no Qualifications

other Qualifications

level 4

HigHest Qualification Held by staff

furtHer information:

To read the economic Impact report in full, go to www.hull.ac.uk/keydocuments.

Level 3

Level 2

Did you know that Hull pioneered drama as an academic discipline in the UK? Fifty

years after establishing one of the first university departments, we look at the

anniversary celebrations‘‘Fifty years ago, we

started something. This department is a monument of creation.”The words of Emeritus

Professor Donald Roy, founder of Hull University Drama Department (HUDD), resonated around the theatre named in his honour to an audience and supporting cast of more than 400 alumni and students.

Actors, directors, technicians, broadcasters, journalists, dancers, musicians, teachers, lawyers and more gathered at a three-day event at the Gulbenkian Centre in June as part of the drama department’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

In 1963, Prof Roy blazed a trail for drama in higher education, making Hull only the third university in the country to have an independent drama department. In 1969, the opening of the Gulbenkian Centre cemented its commitment. And, as notable alumni reunited this year, it became evident that this pioneering spirit is an enduring characteristic of the drama experience at Hull.

Among the attendees were Downton Abbey’s Zoe Boyle, broadcaster Sarah Greene, Olivier Award-nominated National Theatre playwright James Graham, who is currently co-writing a musical, Finding Neverland, with Gary Barlow, and Tricycle Theatre director Indhu Rubasingham.

Richard Tall, production and stage manager, tutor and supervisor, says: “Over the 50 years, Hull has been a sanctuary for drama. It is a great achievement to be still going after 50 years and a pleasure to see Professor Donald Roy back here.”

Technical director Tim Skelly adds: “The tradition of students having real access to opportunities to experiment and run their own theatre programmes with the support of staff has been strong for decades.”

Fond recollections of full productions and the department’s trademark experimental Hull University Drama Department Lunchtime Events (HUDDLEs) abound and have been collected in a book, edited by Emeritus Professor J Michael Walton.

In Huddled Together: 50 Years of the Hull University Drama Department, 138

Fifty years of drama

A Hull University Drama Department production of Escurial

Insight {25}

exciting” post-1968 politics, including the new Gay Liberation Movement.

Broadcast journalist and presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour, Dame Jenni Murray (Drama and French, 1972) also says she found herself during her time at Hull. She writes: “The Gulbenkian opened in my second year … and there it happened. That sense of coming home and knowing what you want to do with your life.”

Other Drama 50 celebrations have included productions, tours and distinguished lectures. Forthcoming events include reunions in Birmingham, Manchester and London; a dinner at Staff House, University of Hull, for up to 200 guests; a film of five-minute shorts; workshops run by alumni companies Rashdash and Middle Child Theatre Company; and an end-of-year show, a dark adaptation of Alice.

former students share their memories.“Huddled Together makes very

interesting reading because you realise how common the experiences are across the years,” says Mr Tall.

In his contribution to the book, acclaimed playwright James Graham (Drama, 2003) says: “I wrote my very first play, A Pleasant Rhyme, in Hull. It was staged in the Gulbenkian Minghella Studio. I became a writer there ... Standing on the shoulders of giants and all that.”

President of Equity and actor Malcolm Sinclair (Drama and Theology, 1972), writes: “I wanted to act and I’ve managed to. I owe a lot of that to my years in the department.” He recalls that he really began to appreciate his Hull education while studying a postgraduate course at the Bristol Old Vic School: “But, god, the ignorance of my fellow actors about the history and repertoire of the profession they had decided to enter. I felt very smug then about what Hull had given me.”

He remembers reviewing the very first Hull Truck show; welcoming “damaged” Hollywood femme fatale Veronica Lake to a lunchtime HUDDLE; and the “heady and

“The Gulbenkian opened in my second year … and there it happened. That sense of coming home and knowing what you want to do with your life”

A production of Bugsy Malone

{26} Insight

It’s fair to say that Justine Curran doesn’t fit the traditional mould of a police chief.

Warm and with a good sense of humour, she openly shares stories

of juggling childcare and a career. She is well aware that her looks are not the norm for a typical ‘top cop’, and smiles as she recounts how people demanding to see the officer in charge were often dismayed when she appeared.

But in spite of – or perhaps because of – those things, she has powered through the ranks since joining Greater Manchester Police’s graduate scheme fresh from her degree in Classics from Hull in 1988.

“My parents both worked in the public sector and, it might sound naff, but I wanted to do something for the good of society, rather than making money for a big company,” she explains.

She joined a graduate fast-track scheme, but still had to climb the various ranks and responsibilities like any other officer. And it was far from an easy route.

“Policing was very different then and, if you were female and on the graduate scheme, there was no lower form of life,” she remembers.

“I think I have always felt the need to prove myself. So I would volunteer for tough assignments, like working in Toxteth after the riots or being in charge of the 2008 UEFA cup final. It has been a real learning curve.”

The latter was a major test for Justine and her team, as thousands of drunk football fans fought and rioted through Manchester. But when the police were criticised, Justine defended her officers, doing 14 back-to-back media interviews to tell their side of the story. And when she finished, she went to her son’s school

assembly. “I promised I would be there,” she says.

It feels archaic to highlight her gender or status as a working mother, but it does make her a role model – even if the term makes her feel uncomfortable.

“It wasn’t that long ago that female police officers weren’t allowed to wear trousers during the day and were given regulation handbags with miniature truncheons,” says Justine. “Thankfully things have changed and, while we do not have a problem recruiting women, we do have trouble keeping them after they have children.

“That’s why recently when my son was ill and it threw my working day into chaos, I put it on Twitter. People should know that I am human and I juggle family and career like anyone else.”

And she is characteristically down to earth about her most recent honour – receiving the Queen’s Police Medal: “Of course I was delighted, but I keep asking myself whether I have really done anything that remarkable in the last 25 years.”

Justine returned to East Yorkshire recently with her two children and husband to become the first female Chief Constable of Humberside Police. She previously held the post in Tayside, before forces in Scotland were restructured.

“The Humber region has areas of affluence and deprivation, and every force has to deal with financial challenges nowadays,” she says. “For me, the job here is about how we go from good to great. I feel that’s reflected in the wider community with Hull’s City of Culture bid and the City Plan. I see the police as part of civic leadership and as so many of my staff live in the area they have a real investment in it.”

From good to greatHull alumna Justine Curran was recently appointed as Humberside Police Chief Constable. Insight magazine finds out more about her rise through the ranks

follow Justine:Follow

Chief Constable Justine Curran’s Twitter feed @CCHumberside

“My parents both worked in the public sector and, it might sound naff, but I wanted to do something for the good of society, rather than making money for a big company”

Insight {27}

Humberside Police Chief Constable Justine Curran

{28} Insight

aLumni & DeveLopmentuniVersity news and eVents from around tHe world

An alumni reception in Singapore last December hosted by our Vice-Chancellor,

Professor Calie Pistorius, attracted more than 100 alumni and guests. “We welcomed the opportunity to meet alumni and share highlights of the University’s strategic plan for the next three years,” says Professor Pistorius.

“Our alumni remain both proud of and loyal to the University. With this in mind, our plans for the future include significantly enhancing our interaction with alumni with support from the Hull Alumni Association and through creating an enhanced office for Development and Alumni Relations. We also plan to strengthen our communications and events in the UK and abroad. Doing this will allow us to continue to build the reputation of the University and celebrate its success and the success of our graduates.”

Here at the University of Hull we are setting up a new giving club. We aim to establish a group of aspirational committed donors who give to the Pioneer Fund with gifts of £1,000 or more in an academic year. The Vice-Chancellor, Calie Pestorius is our first Hull Pioneer and we are looking for donors to join him in this exciting opportunity to lead personal philanthropy at the University. We want to build philanthropic support for the University through the Hull Pioneer Fund, so that Hull alumni and other supporters

can directly contribute to the University’s success.

The Pioneer Fund will enhance strategic activities across the University and will allow us to move much more quickly and efficiently on opportunities that will deliver real impact in key areas such as research and scholarships. Hull Pioneers will receive impact reports and regular updates on the projects that they have funded, and will have the opportunity to meet the beneficiaries of the fund who will really bring to life the

difference that philanthropic funding can make at a University.

Next year we will hold the official launch of the Hull Pioneer Fund, and look forward to thanking and recognising our inaugural Hull Pioneers. More information about the launch and activities will follow.

If you would like further information or would like to have a chat about becoming a Hull Pioneer, please contact Lara Milnes, Development Manager on +44 (0)1482 466976 or l.milnes@hull.ac.uk.

HuLL pioneer funD

Singapore alumni reception

More than 100 alumni and guests attended the reception in Singapore

Insight {29}

The University of Hull entered four teams, pictured, into the Hell on The Humber endurance night race to increase the awareness of fundraising and build support for our University and also to have a bit of fun.

our teams included Alumni, Staff and Student teams and a Development and Alumni relations office (DAro) team. The three members in each team ran the four mile loop of the Humber Bridge from 7pm on Saturday 17th August to 7am on Sunday 18th August.

Director of Development and Alumni relations, Anthony Mcreavy showed his support by running as a member of the

DAro team. He said: “I’m not sure that running through the night, over the Humber Bridge as many times as possible was in the job description when I applied for this job last year!”

The four teams clocked 248 miles between them and raised

more than £1,600 towards sports development at the University.

The runners were supported by Sports Science students for the entire 12 hours.

If you would like to donate, please go to www.hull.ac.uk/givingtohull.

A new honorary award is to be launched in 2014, to recognise the outstanding achievements of our alumni and the contributions they make to the University and the wider community.

The Alumni Laureate Awards will be awarded to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional personal achievements in fields such as business and industry; services to the community; culture and sporting life; or who have advanced the University through their service. This may relate to any period of their lives, reflecting early and late achievers.

recipients should be considered worthy of the award by the University’s supporters, especially its alumni. recipients should serve as an inspiration and as role models for others, particularly new alumni.

All former students are eligible to receive the award, which will be presented each year at an alumni event.

For further details regarding criteria and how to nominate alumni, please go to www.hull.ac.uk/alumni.

The deadline for nominations to be considered for the award is 30 november 2013.

Alumni Laureate Awards

If you have an alumni event that you would like to see featured in the next issue of Insight magazine, email alumni@hull.ac.uk

Hell on the Humber

The Suzanne Denyer Bursary FundA bursary fund has been set up in memory of one of our former graduates.

Suzanne Dorothy Denyer graduated in 1974 with a degree in Modern Languages.

After losing her battle with Huntingdon’s Disease in January 2012, her cousin, Roy Hayter, donated £35,000 to the University to set up the Suzanne Denyer Bursary Fund.

The fund will be awarded to an undergraduate student in a language-related subject at the rate of £1,000 per year for the duration of their study.

{30} Insight

The University of Hull is proud of its academic research and the impact it has on people’s lives. With an inspiring heritage in major research in science, health, business, social sciences and the performing arts, we take a look at some of the research projects the University is currently involved in

Where does our food come from? A research project led by Dr Lewis Holloway (GEES) is aiming to find ways of using simple mobile technology to give shoppers a more direct connection to the food they buy. The research will create and test technology, including QR codes, to allow shoppers to find out where and how their food was produced. The project runs until September 2014 and comes in the wake of the recent horsemeat scandal. Links between diet and acne

The Humber Obesity Nutrition Education and Innovation (HONEI) centre at the University of Hull has published a review of the latest evidence and findings about the effects food and nutrition have on acne. It suggests that high glycemic index foods such as milk could exacerbate the skin condition. HONEI will be carrying out its own primary research examining the effects of certain foods on acne later this year.

Major energy storage research grantEngineers at Hull are part of a successful bid to create a Centre for Cryogenic Energy Storage with the University of Birmingham. The £6 million project will revolutionise energy storage, while ensuring that power is always available when needed. Dr Meihong Wang from Hull’s School of Engineering, says: “In order to meet variable user demand, electricity supply must be both continuous and controllable. It is therefore essential that energy storage technologies are developed.”

baby miLK sCanDaL DisCoveryA team at Hull has uncovered the crystal structure of melamine cyanurate, the substance that is thought to have caused 300,000 infants to fall ill in the Chinese baby milk scandal. It is hoped the discovery will make it easier to detect levels of the toxin in food.

Despite the potential dangers of melamine contamination, current screening methods for the toxin are expensive and time-consuming. The team is hopeful that its research will lead to a test that will help prevent a repeat of the 2008 crisis.

Water on MarsProfessor Dan Parsons, pictured, of the Department of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences (GEES) is using the University’s Total Environment Simulator at The Deep submarium to replicate conditions on Mars. The research aims to see how much water existed on Mars and how long it was there for, which is key to understanding whether the planet supported life.

reSeArCH newS

roUnD UP

Insight {31}

tHe Heart of tHe matterResearchers at the University of Hull and Hull York Medical School are hoping to identify new ways of predicting which patients are at risk of heart failure and to help find treatments to prevent it. The research will identify new blood tests that determine the risk of developing heart failure and then look for treatments that can be targeted specifically at high-risk patients. This is the latest in a series of major grants, totalling £1.5 million, from the European Commission to our Department of Cardiology for research into heart failure.

Colloid partnershipAlso working with colloid technology, a partnership between Physics, Maths and Chemistry could lead to the creation of the smart materials of the future. Dr Martin Buzza and Dr Tommy Horozov, pictured, say their method could lead to faster, cheaper and more versatile methods of engineering two-dimensional structures, such as microchips. The research could lead to applications for smart materials such as cloaking devices previously only seen in science fiction.

The University of Hull has a rich history in colloid science, including world-changing research into the development of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), led by Professor George Gray in 1970s and, more recently, the work of Professor Bernie Binks in creating ‘dry’ water.

Fighting microbes without antibioticsScientists in the University’s Department of Chemistry are working on ways to fight diseases that have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. The team, led by Dr Vesselin Paunov, has developed a new approach using synthetic colloids.

This means that microbial cells would be targeted specifically using colloid technology. The scientists’ inspiration was the antibodies that the immune system produces. These patrol the body for microbes and bind to their surfaces, ‘marking’ them for destruction by the body’s immune system, which attacks and destroys the microbes.

The amount our Department of Cardiology has received in European research funding in recent years

£1.5MILLION

The new

norTh

{32} Insight

In theatre terms, it’s the precocious kid who demands your attention. Prolific, energetic and with a tendency to pop up where

you least expect it, Middle Child Theatre Company is gleefully picking up the reins of a theatre revolution.

Founded by a group of 20-something University of Hull drama graduates, frustrated by the lack of opportunities open to them, Middle Child is a grassroots company on a mission.

“It’s not about creating productions for theatre regulars,” says co-founder and artistic director Paul Smith. “It’s about producing intelligent, thought-provoking plays that also appeal to those who wouldn’t normally set foot in a foyer.

“We are interested in theatre as an event,” he says. “We have

With Hull’s 2017 City of Culture bid approaching its nail-biting conclusion, alumnus and theatre director, Paul Smith, tells us why Middle Child Theatre Company is so determined to tear up the theatrical rulebook

Children of the revolution

rather than presenting a play and waiting until the end to gauge their response.

“It’s about deciding what theatre needs to do to become exciting again. The idea is it can be just as exciting as watching the football or going to the pub.”

Established in 2011, this young, pioneering company performs in Hull’s pop-up theatre spaces and converted warehouse nightclub, Fruit, as well as established venues such as Hull Truck. Its current production, Billy With His Boots On, had a home run at Hull Truck theatre, went to Edinburgh Festival and is currently on a national tour.

a political message, however, in Middle Child, we also create unexpected experiences in many forms that theatre people want to watch.”

As a result, there is live music and audience engagement. A recent adaptation of Alan Sillitoe’s Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, was played out in a nightclub setting, with male and female audience members seated on opposite sides of the venue.

“It’s an old play, containing dated sexual politics,” says Paul. “It prompted challenging conversations between audience members from the moment they sat down. It engaged them,

“It’s about deciding what theatre needs to do to become exciting again. The idea is it can be just as exciting as watching the football or going to the pub”

MIDDLe CHILD

THeATre

Insight {33}

Productions are staged at the largest event in Hull’s cultural calendar, the annual Freedom Festival. And its members are also involved in talks around the 2017 City of Culture bid.

Paul credits this early success and infectious DIY attitude to the University of Hull.

“There is a real tradition of DIY theatre that comes from the University,” he says. “The drama department gave us all the perfect grounding to set up a theatre company. We were encouraged to make our own mistakes and learn from them.

“The original Truckers, who set up Hull Truck theatre in 1971 with the aim of making rock ’n’ roll theatre, are an inspiration to us all. Now, Hull is a great city in which to be creating work. It’s an exciting, positive time, with the culture bid and events such as the

Freedom Festival.“We are very proud to

be associated with both the University of Hull and the city. All it takes is a group of people suddenly trying to make things happen.”

Middle Child Theatre Company perform Apples at Hull Truck.

Pictured, alumni James Stanyer (centre), Ellen Brammar, Sophie

Thompson and Mungo Arney with Alice Beaumont

Future alumni events

buy ticKets:Find out more about Middle

Child Theatre’s current tour and buy tickets at www.middlechildtheatre.co.uk.

Hull alumni association annual general meeting 2013, accra, gHana saturday 16 nOvember As part of the University of Hull’s ongoing commitment to internationalisation, the next Annual General Meeting of the Hull Alumni Association will take place in Accra, Ghana, where the University has more than 250 alumni. This is the first time that this meeting has taken place outside the UK and we would like as many of our graduates as possible to attend.

This event will take place in the Movenpick Accra Hotel on Saturday 16 november starting at 6pm with a wine and canapés reception, followed by the Annual General Meeting at 7pm.

As well as enabling you to share in the work of the Alumni Association, this event will provide you with an opportunity to catch up with senior members of staff from the University

and other alumni to find out what exciting developments are planned at your alma mater.

Please confirm that you will be attending by emailing alumni@hull.ac.uk or by calling at +44 (0)1482 466645.

House of lords alumni reception receptiOn fOr graduates and friends tHursday 15 may 2014 The Chancellor of the University of Hull and High Sheriff of Hull, Baroness Bottomley of nettlestone, will be hosting a reception for our graduates and friends. Attendees will also get the chance to meet the vice-Chancellor, Professor Calie Pistorius, and other senior members of staff. Tickets are limited so please apply soon via alumni@hull.ac.uk or by calling +44 (0)1482 466645.

From left, Middle Child Theatre Company artistic director Paul Smith, Edward Cole and James Stanyer in rehearsals

{34} Insight

The newly appointed President of Hull University Union (HUU) is getting used to keeping auspicious company.

One day Richard Brooks could be speaking to Hull alumnus and bass player with indie-rock band Foals, Jimmy Smith; the next, talking politics with Lord Norton of Louth.

And, as head of this year’s student union sabbatical officers, Richard is uniquely placed to welcome fellow new graduates to the Alumni Association.

“I have never yet met a Hull graduate who hasn’t absolutely loved it here,” says Richard, who combined his Politics studies with a job working in the University’s alumni office.

“People adopt Hull and develop a love for Hull. I fell in love with the place when I came to an Open Day.”

It’s a familiar experience. Cited by an independent survey as Britain’s friendliest university, new graduates can be reassured that a Hull connection lasts far beyond student life and graduation day. Bonds built here can last a lifetime.

“The so-called ‘Hull Mafia’ is a prime example of the reach of our

Alumni for lifeAs one of our newest alumni, Hull University Union President, Richard Brooks, has a unique perspective on the importance of staying in touch

alumni,” says Richard. Referring to the politicians, researchers and campaigners who walk the corridors of power in Westminster, the University’s influence in national politics is impressive.

“Apart from Oxbridge, we are the most-represented university in Westminster,” he says.

“The networking opportunities are second to none. The Alumni Association is very willing to put you in touch with other alumni. It can put you in touch with influential people working in your field, who may be further up the career ladder.”

In addition, Hull alumni can access the University’s Careers and Employability Service for as long as they need.

As an undergraduate, Richard was an active member of the student body and the community. His long-term career sights are set on the campaigns and charity sector.

Student housing issues top his current priority list, closely followed by ensuring the student union is accessible to all, including international students, part-time and distance learners.

“My main role is to listen to students and act on their concerns,” he says. “And the other thing is … to make sure they all have a really good time.”

And when students enjoy their time as undergraduates, their memories as alumni last a lifetime.

Insight {35}

early humans migrated through Africa along fertile river systems which once flowed across the Sahara; major new research from the University of Hull suggests.

Although it is widely accepted that Homo sapiens evolved in Africa around 200,000 years ago, the route taken as they travelled northwards towards europe and South Asia remains a controversial subject.

For the first time, Hull researchers have used a state-of-the-art computer modelling system to reconstruct ancient rivers which would once have linked mountains in central Africa to the Mediterranean but have long-since vanished.

Tom Coulthard, Professor of Physical Geography, led the research. He said: “In particular, our simulations have identified one river that appears to be the most likely route for human migration. The Irharhar river linked mountain areas experiencing monsoonal climates to temperate Mediterranean environments where food and resources would have been abundant.

“Moreover, the high number of archaeological sites that are concentrated around this region provide further evidence that this river was especially important.”

The research, published in the journal PLoS one, has attracted significant media coverage including new Scientist and nature magazines.

Out of Africa

Student satisfaction at the University of Hull is among the highest in the country according to the national Student Survey (nSS) results published this summer.

The University is now ranked joint 10th out of 103 mainstream english higher education institutions and recorded its best score ever 90% overall satisfaction. This is a 2% increase on last year and compares to a national average of 85%.

of our 37 subject areas, 29 scored 85% or above and 21 of these scored 90% or above. The quality of teaching and academic support was particularly commended. Students felt that staff were good at explaining things, were enthusiastic about what they were teaching, and provided sufficient advice and support. Students were also very happy with learning resources, general IT, access to specialist equipment and facilities, library resources and services.

The nSS surveys the views of third-year students at universities across the country and is highly respected for being a good reflection of student experience.

IN SATISFACTIONSURVEY

TOP10

90% overall

satisfaction from last year

+2%

national average 85%

KeeP in toucHvisit www.hull.ac.uk/alumni to find out how you can stay

in touch.

furtHer information:

read the paper online at http://bit.ly/15Sq6eD.

Did you know that graduates from the University of Hull can access expert careers advice long after they have finished their studies?

The Careers and employability Service can help those taking their first steps into the world of work with making decisions about career paths, develop a plan, and then give support in implementing this plan. The Service can help create a high quality Cv and give advice on managing the applications and interview process.

The University’s careers advisers can also put our graduates in touch with employers. More details are available on the Careers Service jobs site http://hull.prospects.ac.uk/.

The Service can also help find graduate internships with a training allowance. A special scheme is in

place for 2013 graduates. For further information please email the Graduate employment Manager, Kristian rumble, on kristian.rumble@hull.ac.uk.

For those who want to ‘give something back’, the University would love to hear from any graduates who are now well established in their career and can provide graduate internships, student projects, or act as mentors.

visit the Careers and employability Service website for more details on any of the above: www.hull.ac.uk/careers.

Ongoing support from the Careers and Employability Service

follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/UniversityofHull

Join us on twitter https://twitter.com/UniofHull

www.hull.ac.uk/alumni

university of HullCottingham roadHull, HU6 7rXUnited Kingdom

t: +44 (0)1482 466645e: alumni@hull.ac.uk

download the iHull app hull.ombiel.co.uk/get

connect with us