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This Week at Loughborough | 18 November

Why do we need International Men’s Day?

18 November, 1pm-2pm, Edward Herbert Building, 205

EDI Services are pleased to announce their next ‘Voices of Diversity’ event, Why do we need International Men’s Day? They have invited a panel of men from across the University to share their experiences and explore some of the issues faced by men today. 

Whatuni Student Choice Awards review collection stand

19 November, 9.30am-4.30pm, Loughborough Students’ Union

To participate in the review collection process, visit the Whatuni Student Choice Awards stand in the and submit a review to tell us about your student experience and the first 200 students will receive a BomBom cookie for their time.

International Men’s Day Walk

19 November, 12.30pm-1.30pm, Meet outside Hazlerigg Building

The walk will be a space for individuals to discuss their experiences and to encourage everyone to unite and raise awareness about men’s mental and physical wellbeing.

Webinar: How to Apply for a Master’s Degree

20 November, 12pm-12.45pm, Online

In this webinar, our panel will be on hand to give you information and advice about the application process, personal statements, key deadlines and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask your own questions live during the session.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Service

20 November, 1.30pm-2pm, University Chaplaincy

Loughborough LGBT+ Staff Network, LSU LGBT+ Students Association, and the University Chaplaincy will hold a service of remembrance to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance on Wednesday 20 November in the University Chaplaincy.

White Ribbon Day: Panel Discussion

20 November, 3.15pm-4.15pm, Edward Herbert Building, 001

‘It Starts with Men’ is the theme for White Ribbon Day 2024, which encourages men to take action to end violence against women and girls. Loughborough University’s Maia Network recognise the importance of this day in terms of communicating message of accountability and support and will be hosting a panel discussion event with colleagues from across the University.

Film Screening – Trap

21 November, 7pm, Cope Auditorium

Flix will be screening Trap at the Cope Auditorium this week at 7pm! A man and his teenage daughter realize they’re at the centre of a dark and sinister event while watching a concert.

Tuxedo Swing 24 Hour Tux-a-thon

22 November – 23 November, 7.30pm – 7.30pm, Cope Auditorium

The event kicks off at 7:30pm and runs straight through to 7:30pm the following day. A single ticket purchase grants you a wristband for unlimited entry, so you can join them as many times as you like throughout the event. Every penny raised goes directly to Movember!

International Students Day: Our Testimonials

At Loughborough University, we pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming and diverse community that empowers students from all over the world to pursue their dreams, connect with peers, and grow in a supportive environment. In honor of International Students Day, we’ve gathered testimonials from international students to share their backgrounds, experiences, and advice for future students.

Nekbeer Mangat

Course: Economics BSc

Country: Singapore

Tell us about yourself and your time at Loughborough.

I’m 23 years old and served in the Army for two years before coming to the UK for university. I enjoy playing sports, mainly football and tennis. My time at Loughborough as been full of adventures and eye opening opportunities. There have been ups and downs, but it’s mostly been fun and I’m excited to see what comes next!

What’s your favorite thing about your home country?

Definitely the food, especially because my mother is there and she makes the best meals.

Why did you choose Loughborough?

The University’s sports facilities and high rankings really appealed to me. I also prefer rural areas over urban ones, as they’re less crowded and noisy, except on clubbing nights.

What’s been your favorite experience here?

Managing the Malaysian and Singaporean Society has been amazing. I didn’t expect to take on that role, but I loved helping freshers settle in and planning fun events.

Your advice for future international students?

It may be hard to grow out of your shell when moving to a different country, but once you meet the right people, the university experience becomes better and more enjoyable. So go out and join something that works for you, something that you find pleasure in, like sports, societies, clubs, or hall activities. You might just meet lifelong friends, even at a fire drill!

Sarjeel Rashid

Course: Mechanical Engineering PhD

Country: Bangladesh

Tell us about yourself and your time at Loughborough.

I completed my BEng in Mechanical Engineering here and did a research internship that led to my PhD offer. Loughborough has given me incredible opportunities to grow in my field.

What’s your favorite thing about your home country?

The people, the winter weather, and of course, the spicy food.

Why did you choose Loughborough?

My dad was doing his PhD here when I was applying to universities. I visited the beautiful campus before my A levels, and I was hooked!

What’s been your favorite experience here?

It’s a tie between joining the Hiking Club and volunteering for Lboro Sport. I’ve seen stunning UK landscapes and played badminton with people from around the world.

Your advice for future international students?

Academics come first, but get involved! Meeting people from different cultures can change your perspective on life. Join societies, volunteer, and keep an open heart and watch the most incredible people walk into your life!

Lisa Ndubai

Course: Business Analytics MSc

Country: Kenya

Tell us about yourself and your time at Loughborough.

I’m in my final year and love sports like football and futsal. My time at Loughborough has been full of varied and exciting experiences. I’ve met people from different backgrounds, each with interesting stories to share.

What’s your favorite thing about your home country?

The food and stable weather!

Why did you choose Loughborough?

I heard Loughborough had a strong reputation in sports and the Business School’s high ranking both appealed to me.

What’s been your favorite experience here?

Going to the yearly Loughborough town fair with my friends and trying out all the rides!

Your advice for future international students?

Get involved in as many extracurriculars as you can. It’s a fantastic way to make friends and have a diverse range of experiences.

Shirlyn Ng

Course: Media and Communications BSc

Country: Malaysia

Tell us about yourself and your time at Loughborough.

I’m in my final year and came to Loughborough as a non-athlete. Now, I’m deeply involved in the Recreational Sport program, encouraging students to stay active. It’s been a great way to try new sports and connect with others.

What’s your favorite thing about your home country?

The food! I especially miss my grandmother’s cooking.

Why did you choose Loughborough?

I wanted a university with high student satisfaction. Loughborough’s reputation in both student support and my course made it the ideal choice.

What’s been your favorite experience here?

Being part of multiple committees has allowed me to make a real impact on student life and I love being a course ambassador.

Your advice for future international students?

Branch out and meet different people. Your nationality’s community is important, but you’ll add so much to your experience by connecting with others

Jie Zhan

Course: Media and Communications BSc

Country: China

Tell us about yourself and your time at Loughborough.

I’m a media student who loves sketching and journaling. As an introvert, Loughborough has helped me find a balance between enjoying solitude and meaningful moments with friends.

What’s your favorite thing about your home country?

Our diverse culture and amazing food. China has so much to explore!”

Why did you choose Loughborough?

The media program is excellent, and the sports culture here inspired me to try new things and stay motivated.

What’s been your favorite experience here?

Being part of the International Student Network, where I’ve met incredible people and learned a lot through our events.

Your advice for future international students?

Don’t be afraid to communicate, even if English isn’t your first language. Approach cultural differences with curiosity, and you’ll find your place.

Geoffrey Sie

Course: Computer Science BSc

Country: Malaysia

Tell us about yourself and your time at Loughborough.

Hi, my name is Geoffrey, and I’m a Computer Science student currently in my placement year working in cybersecurity. I aspire to pursue a career in tech, ideally in cybersecurity or a related field.

What’s your favorite thing about your home country?

I love the diversity of our food—it’s unique because it comes from so many different cultures.

Why did you choose Loughborough?

I chose Loughborough because of its strong reputation in Computing and the beautiful campus atmosphere.

What’s been your favorite experience here?

My favorite experience has been the late-night study sessions with friends, although we didn’t get much studying done.

Your advice for future international students?

Always be on the lookout for new opportunities around campus, like Get Ahead Together and Study Café. They’re fantastic ways to meet new people and often come with lots of freebies!

Our international students bring their own cultures, perspectives and passions to our campus, making Loughborough a great place to live and learn. To all our international students, thank you for making Loughborough a diverse and welcoming community!

Top 5 downloads from the Loughborough Research Repository October 2024

The Loughborough Research Repository currently contains over contains 56,508 items.

Staff processed 358 new research deposits during October 2024.The 5 most downloaded articles from the repository are below. These figures comes from IRUS UK, a JISC funded service that provides standardised statistical tools for measuring institutional repositories.

• Hignett, Sue; McDermott, Hilary (2015). Qualitative methodology for ergonomics. Loughborough University. Chapter. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/23558 Downloads 213
• Keiningham, Timothy; Aksoy, Lerzan; Bruce, Helen L.; Cadet, Fabienne; Clennell, Natasha; Hodgkinson, Ian; et al. (2019). Customer experience driven business model innovation. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/9205919.v1 Downloads 161
• Hogervorst, Eef; Craig, Jen; ODonnell, Emma (2021). Cognition and mental health in menopause: a review. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/17155811.v1 Downloads 149
• Asadullah, Ahmad; Faik, Isam; Kankanhalli, Atreyi (2018). Digital platforms: a review and future directions. Loughborough University. Conference contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/24081825.v1 Downloads 148
• Greipl, Simon; Moeller, Korbinian; Ninaus, Manuel (2020). Potential and limits of game-based learning. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/13621973.v1 Downloads 124

There are other items which, while not having the highest number of downloads, have had the the highest increase over the last three months. These are items that seem to be attracting interest.

• Hodgen, Jeremy; Foster, Colin; Marks, Rachel; Brown, Margaret (2018). Evidence for review of mathematics teaching: Improving mathematics in key stages two and three. Loughborough University. Report. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/36958
• Arcelus, Jon; Witcomb, Gemma; Mitchell, Alex (2014). Prevalence of eating disorders amongst dancers: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/18993
• He, Yu; Song, Kechen; Meng, Qinggang; Yan, Yunhui (2019). An end-to-end steel surface defect detection approach via fusing multiple hierarchical features. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/12249215.v1

This information was collated by a Rising Items app created by Lara, our Research Data Manager. If you are interested in the statistics of the repository (and why wouldn’t you be?) she has developed more tools such Map your repository for tracking which countries download our research.

From the Vice-Chancellor – October 2024

In my October newsletter: Celebrating our athletes’ achievements at the Paris Games, a successful Aftrak trial, marking Black History Month, the first symposium for the UK SCALE Centre, engaging with the political agenda, and Dame Angela McLean’s public lecture.

Event celebrates Loughborough’s sporting success at Paris 2024

This month we held an event at The Kia Oval in London to celebrate the success of Loughborough’s athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Hosted by alumnus, University Council member and Sky Sports News presenter Mike Wedderburn, the evening brought together athletes, coaches, support staff, researchers, sporting partners and University staff to celebrate Loughborough’s enviable success in Paris, with our athletes bringing home an incredible 35 medals across both games.  

The celebration event included panel discussions hosted by alumnus and University Chancellor Lord Sebastian Coe. Medal-winning athletes Daniel Wiffen, Tully Kearney MBE, Alex Haydock-Wilson and Charlie Dobson discussed how they have cultivated performance mindsets and worked with their teams at Loughborough to deliver truly world-class performances. Our coaching teams and leaders from UK Athletics and Paralympics GB shared how they have built outstanding performance support teams over Olympic and Paralympic cycles. Our video provides a summary of the evening. 

I am incredibly proud of the world-class ecosystem at Loughborough, which underpins these successes and recognises the transformative power of sport. Our inclusive approach is also reflected in our landmark partnership with ParalympicsGB announced earlier this month. By working together ParalympicsGB and Loughborough will support our world class athletes, and inspire and empower individuals of all abilities to participate in sport. 

Our newly-launched Para and Disability Sport Strategy similarly has opportunity at its core – opportunity for disabled students to be active in the way they want, opportunity to become a coach or official, or the opportunity to strive for glory at the Paralympic Games. 

One of our strategic aims is to excel in sport and use our pre-eminence to create new opportunities; I think we’re making huge strides in doing just that. 

First phase Aftrak trial proves successful

When undertaking research, we often strive for it to have an impact on society. Sometimes this takes time, and sometimes it’s more immediately evident, as with the Loughborough-led Aftrak project, which this year won the international, $1million Milken Motsepe Prize in Green Energy.  

Aftrak combines solar microgrids and tailored tractors to empower smallholder farmers, with the aim of significantly increasing crop yields and incomes and providing rural communities with access to clean, green electricity; currently 89% of the population in Malawi lives without access to electricity. 

Over the summer a team that included academics from Loughborough went to Malawi to implement the first phase of Aftrak’s integration within local communities. They built a solar farm with eight panels that is sufficient to provide electricity to the village and also set up a small solar farm as a demonstrator at the headquarters of Tiyeni, a Malawian non-governmental organisation. Our video shows the team’s work. 

Following the success of the initial trial, the team is now looking to carry out a further field trial that will run for up to two years. Ultimately their aim is to roll the project out throughout Malawi and into neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. 

Aftrak is currently raising investment to deploy its innovative technology across Malawi and aims to contribute to World Bank goals of providing electricity to 380 million people in Africa by 2030. 

Projects such as this are hugely strategically important. Aftrak involves a partnership of researchers from the University’s Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Tiyeni, and the Consortium for Battery Innovation. It has been supported by Innovate UK, and one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, Varta by Clarios. It also shows how cutting edge research and innovation can bring tangible international engagement and impact, in line with our Climate Change and Net Zero theme.

Events mark Black History Month

Throughout October we have been marking Black History Month with a series of events and workshops themed around ‘Reclaiming the Narrative’, which encourages us to challenge the dominant voice, correct historical inaccuracies, tell untold stories and honour those who have been overlooked. 

There have been a number of engaging events over the course of the month, including the annual Black History Month March that took place yesterday. There’s still time to catch the final event in the series; next month’s Presidential election in the US could see Kamala Harris, the first woman of African and South Asian descent, elected to hold the most powerful office in the world – on 5 November, a panel will gather to discuss what this could mean for women worldwide. 

Although Black History Month takes place in October, it’s important that we shine a light on Black histories, cultures and identities all year round. You can find out more about the race equity work taking place at Loughborough on our Black History Month webpage, including toolkits and resources to support your work and discussions with colleagues. 

I know that this year has been particularly distressing for many within our community, with ongoing conflict impacting so many people around the world, and violence in the UK, such as this summer’s race and Islamophobic rioting and the rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents.  

In light of this, next month the EDI team will hold a Peace Assembly, to bring together staff and students in solidarity for peace. The Assembly will be a space for expression through respectful discussion, creative and performing arts and quiet reflection. The aim is for the Peace Assembly to be a forerunner to community members coming together to form a Loughborough University Peace Alliance, supporting further community events to be held in the future. 

I hope you will consider attending the Assembly and joining the Peace Alliance.

First symposium hosted by new UK SCALE Centre

This month we held the first symposium hosted by the UK Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Centre, which was launched this summer and is part of the prestigious MIT Global SCALE Network. 

The centres in the MIT network bring together industry and academia to pool their expertise and collaborate on research projects that address real-world supply chain and logistics challenges, helping companies worldwide navigate an increasingly complex business environment.  

The symposium allowed partners from industry, policy and academia to share their vision, drive and ambition that will help to shape the future of supply chain management and logistics and accelerate the nation’s economic growth – a key strand of government policy. 

This month we held the first symposium hosted by the UK Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Centre, which was launched this summer and is part of the prestigious MIT Global SCALE Network. 

The centres in the MIT network bring together industry and academia to pool their expertise and collaborate on research projects that address real-world supply chain and logistics challenges, helping companies worldwide navigate an increasingly complex business environment.  

The symposium allowed partners from industry, policy and academia to share their vision, drive and ambition that will help to shape the future of supply chain management and logistics and accelerate the nation’s economic growth – a key strand of government policy. 

By working collaboratively across sectors through the UK SCALE Centre, we can deliver transformational impact. For example, we will be able to maximise advanced digital technologies to better track the movement of goods, enabling businesses to become more agile in meeting shifts in customer demands. And we will be able to accelerate the application of the circular economy to work towards a more sustainable future for everyone.  

We have worked with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – the world’s top-rated university in the global QS rankings – for many years, particularly on engineering collaborations and now on supply chain and logistics management. Intensifying and expanding strong partnerships such as these are the cornerstone of our strategic Partnerships core plan.

Engagement aims to help shape political discussions

Every autumn, UK political parties hold their annual conferences, bringing together politicians, party members and affiliated groups. The conferences offer opportunities for us to engage with key political voices on issues that are important to both Loughborough and the higher education sector.  

Staff from the University attended both the Labour and Conservative Party Conferences again this year. 

At the Labour Party Conference, we held a fringe meeting on the role hydrogen can play in meeting net zero targets. Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Loughborough MP Dr Jeevun Sandher (who is also chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hydrogen) and representatives from the trade body Hydrogen UK and the gas network company Cadent sat on a discussion panel with a very engaged audience. Opportunities such as these are important progressions in our ambitions for the for The Hydrogen Works – a strategic consortium led by Loughborough to drive skills, innovation and productivity to create a hydrogen superpower in the East Midlands. 

Alongside the Labour conference we took part in an event to showcase activity and regional strengths in creative technology R&D and innovation. The event was hosted by the CoSTAR Foresight Lab (a collaboration that includes Loughborough and focuses on the knowledge, trends and needs of the creative industries) and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. 

Alongside the Labour conference we took part in an event to showcase activity and regional strengths in creative technology R&D and innovation. The event was hosted by the CoSTAR Foresight Lab (a collaboration that includes Loughborough and focuses on the knowledge, trends and needs of the creative industries) and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. 

Following on from the party conferences we launched our Living Well Inquiry, which looks at what it takes for people and communities to live well in mid-21st Century Britain. The Inquiry is being led by Dr Holly Collison-Randall and Professor Mark Monaghan, who are Co-Fellows in the Policy Unit.  

The University is well-placed to shape the ‘living well’ agenda, with expertise across a broad range of relevant areas. Following initial engagement with the University’s research community, the Inquiry has published a White Paper, which defines ‘living well’, looks at how other nations measure and shape policy on wellbeing and poses questions for further consultation on five themes: Clean Living, Creative Living, Dignified Living, Healthy Living and Smart Living. 

The inquiry team is now undertaking a programme of external engagement with government departments, think tanks and advisors, as well as organisations and charities whose work contributes to the ‘living well’ themes. If you would like to contribute to the Inquiry you can still do so through the website.

Honorary Distinguished Professor gives public lecture

In July this year we appointed Dame Angela McLean, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), as an Honorary Distinguished Professor at the University, and I was delighted to welcome her to campus this month for her first official engagement in that capacity. 

In her role as GCSA Dame Angela is responsible for providing scientific advice to the Prime Minister and members of cabinet, advising the government on aspects of policy on science and technology, and ensuring and improving the quality and use of scientific evidence and advice in government. She is the first woman to hold the role. 

In her lecture this month to staff, students and members of the public, Dame Angela set out her priorities for ensuring that science advice is central to decision making. She talked about the importance of knowing the right person to ask and what to ask them and outlined the science challenges of today and the future. In the face of ever-evolving global challenges, such as political instability, global pandemics or cost-of-living crises, ensuring that robust, evidence-based and high-quality scientific advice can inform government choices and policies is vital.   

Whilst she was at the University, we were able to show Dame Angela some of our facilities, including the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport and the National Rehabilitation Centre that are all playing a crucial role in driving forward knowledge and innovation in health sciences. 

If you missed it - October 2024

• An update on MRC’s Data Sharing Policy and Data Management Plan template (contact rdm@lboro.ac.uk for the passcode)
• Edinburgh Open Research Conference 
• OpenFest 2024 Universities of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam

This Week at Loughborough | 11 Nov

Armistice Day 2024 – Ceremony of Remembrance

11 November, 10:50am-11:10am, Garden of Remembrance

Ceremony of Remembrance will mirror other commemorative events held on this day in which we remember all whose lives have been touched or ended by wars, including those who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.

‘The poetry is in the pity’: War Poetry Reading at the Carillon Tower

11 November, 11:15am-12:15pm, The Carillon Tower

The landmark Carillon Tower and War Memorial Museum serves as the backdrop for a pop-up poetry reading of famous and unexpected war poems on Armistice Day.

Workshop – The Hologram

11 November, 12pm-3pm, International House

Learn about The Hologram practice with artist Cassie Thornton.

East Midlands Conversations: Sharing Adjustment Experiences for Recruitment and the Workplace

12 November, 1:15pm-2:45pm, online

This online event is being offered as part of an East Midlands collaboration with other local university Employability and Careers Services, offering tailored events and opportunities to those with disabilities.

Care in the Ruins (roundtable discussion)

12 November, 2pm-4pm, International House and online

This event is part of Cassie Thornton’s Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) fellowship. The roundtable discussion will focus on strategies for practising care amidst the ruins: how can we engage in acts of solidarity, of rest, and of vital healthcare, when societal infrastructures fail?

Mock Assessment Centre

12 November, 6pm-8:15pm, West Park Teaching Hub

Delivered by the Careers Network and staff from a range of top companies, you’ll hear first-hand what to expect and learn how to prepare effectively.

Tech and Skills Builder Series

14 November, 11:30am-2pm, Careers and Enterprise Hub

This monthly event is designed to provide a hands-on experience with essential tools and techniques that can enhance your business offerings, improve your skill set, and make the most of the resources available at the Careers and Enterprise Hub.

National Theatre Live: Prima Facie

14 November, 7pm-9pm, Cope Auditorium

National Theatre Live presents the Empire Street Production of Prima Facie, written by Suzie Miller and directed by Justin Martin

Loughborough Students vs Clifton

16 November, 2pm, Loughborough University 1st XV Rugby Pitch

Rugby action returns to Loughborough as the Students continue their 2024/2025 campaign in the National League 2 West.

Diwali Disco Party

16 November, 6pm-12am, Village Bar

Join us for our Diwali party on campus – and enjoy an exhilarating celebration of the Hindu Festival of Lights, which marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

AI-powered universities: Professor Nick Jennings presents public lecture for Royal Academy of Engineering annual regional event

Professor Nick Jennings CB FrEng FRS, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, presented a keynote lecture on the topic of ‘AI-powered universities’ at the Royal Academy of Engineering’s East Midlands Annual Regional Event held at the University of Leicester.

A recording of the lecture can be viewed below:

Movember at Loughborough Sport

Movember is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness and donations for men’s health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. This year, our Athletic Union clubs are once again joining the movement, with events and challenges designed to engage students.

Loughborough Sport and Movember

Loughborough Sport are taking on Movember this year in a new way… through MO Mondays. For two Mondays in November, Loughborough Sport will be hosting challenges on campus, for everyone to take part in. All proceeds will go towards Movember, with each activity costing £1.

Monday 11 November

• Hollywell Fitness Centre: How fast can you burn 20 calories on the SkiErg?
• Powerbase: How fast can you ski 200m?

Monday 25 November

• Hollywell Fitness Centre: How far can you go on the rower in 1 minute?
• Powerbase: How quickly can you row 200m?

Both male and female winners of each challenge will receive a bundle from Kukri Sports.

The Athletic Union and Movember

Our Athletic Union clubs are known for their enthusiasm, camaraderie and dedication to causes that matter. This year, clubs across the University are gearing up for another memorable Movember, with a range of activities such as a 24 hour rowing challenge and a series of hockey matches. From charity matches to social media challenges, these events bring the University community together, highlighting the importance of men’s health in a fun way.

Spotlight on the Men’s Cricket Club

A standout participant has always been the Men’s Cricket Club, who are set to make a big splash – quite literally – as they continue their tradition of creative fundraising. Last week we caught up with Seb Schofield, the club’s welfare representative, to talk all things Movember.

The club has a strong history of supporting Movember, and this year, they’re planning to bring even more energy and innovation to the cause. The club understands that raising awareness for men’s health goes beyond growing a moustache – it’s about engaging the community and having a good time while making a difference.

In past years, the Men’s Cricket Club has hosted a charity football match between freshers and returners. This event is always a highlight, full of friendly rivalry, as players showcase their questionable football skills. Despite the lighthearted nature of the match, it’s taken very seriously by the returners, whose pride is always on the line. More importantly, the match has been a significant fundraiser, drawing in support from across the campus.

Last year, the club encouraged members to grow their most creative moustaches and raised £1,123 doing so. This surpassed their £1,000 target, but the club didn’t want to stop there.

The ‘Frosty Boys’ Challenge

A standout initiative from last year was led by a group called the ‘Frosty Boys’. What started with a simple bin in the back garden evolved into a unique and chilly event: ice baths. Known for their benefits in recovery and mental wellbeing, ice baths became the center of a live-streamed challenge that grabbed attention across the University and social media. The challenge was a hit, raising an impressive £588 and attracting coverage from Lboro Fan TV, Loughborough’s biggest student fan account on Instagram.

The ‘Frosty Boys’ have continued to build their legacy, growing their following on social media to 600 followers on Instagram and securing a partnership with OddBalls, a clothing brand raising awareness around testicular cancer.

What’s next for 2024?

This year, the Men’s Cricket Club has promised to bring new and exciting events to Movember, ensuring there’s something for everyone to get involved in. Whether it’s participating in challenges, cheering on charity matches or following the journey of those growing the wildest moustaches, the club encourages everyone to join in. Keep an eye out on @lborocricketmens and @frostyboyswcmb Instagram pages for updates for updates and opportunities to donate as the club aims to set another fundraising record and bring the community together for an important cause.

Movember at Loughborough is more than just a fundraising effort, it’s a celebration of solidarity, health, and the power of sports to make a real difference. Be sure to support the Men’s Cricket Club and all Athletic Union teams as they take on this year’s Movember challenge!

What is Inter Faith Week?

Inter Faith Week is an internationally recognised awareness week that takes place in mid-November of every year. This year it falls on the 10-17 November. It is a time to recognise and celebrate different faiths in the workplace and wider community, where different religious groups can come together to learn about each other and celebrate their cultures together.

What’s happening at Loughborough?

Interfaith Panel Discussion
Led by Professor Kristin Aune

Tuesday 12 November, 5:30pm-8pm, Edward Herbert Building Atrium

Linked to Chaplaincy’s Autumn programme of workshops and events inspired by research from the Doctoral College HOME CDT, join us during Interfaith Week, for an evening of food and conversations. With the help of members of a multi-faith panel, including Loughborough academics, students, and local and national representatives of different faiths, we will explore how our faith can help us understand the concept of making, creating, and feeling at HOME.

A portion of the ticket sales for this event will support the work of St Phillip’s Centre, Leicester, a centre of excellence in local, regional, and national interfaith work. In a divided world, St Phillip’s helps communities learn how to live well together.

Schedule as follows:

5.30pm – Gather for drinks and networking
6pm – Panel discussion, followed by a shared meal and conversation
8pm – Finish

Tickets cost £8 (£3 of your ticket will be donated to our chosen charity). Purchase your ticket.

Five Minutes With: Alexandre Christoyannopoulos

What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’m a Reader in Politics and International Relations and, since August 2024, Head of International Relations, Politics and History. I joined Loughborough in 2010.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

As with many others who have answered this question, and just like the British weather, the main constant is variety. That said, there are two main categories of days (or three): when on campus, and when working from home (the third would be conferences). On campus, the day will involve various formal and less formal in-person meetings with colleagues, and of course any teaching and student-facing activities. Home is where most of my research gets done, so when working from home, I try to focus on research in the morning, and turn to the inbox, admin work, and Teams meetings for the rest of the day. I think I’m more productive and focused from home, but the all-important social glue that keeps us together is mainly generated and renewed on campus.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

It’s hard to say. There are all sorts, and I’m not sure about identifying single “favourites” anyway. But perhaps I’d mention the Journal of Pacifism of Nonviolence. Sparked by a helpful PDR meeting, it started by contacting some key researchers in the field and quickly snowballed into a project to set up and launch this new journal. A large and growing community of scholars across the world threw their support behind it. Our Institute of Advanced Studies was very helpful along the way. Now we’re two years into publishing the journal. As a big long-term project, it has involved lots of different activities – from finding a publisher to organising multiple workshops, roundtables and open events, growing the research network, running the journal and now reading lots of fascinating papers submitted to it – and I precisely like that variety.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Again, it’s hard to single out one moment. I’m proud when team efforts bring results (which could be around admissions, NSS results, research projects, etc.). It’s also always nice to get moving student feedback. Ditto when colleagues are grateful when you can help them. There are lots of different moments of ‘pride’.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I grew up in Belgium, where one thing that was (and still is) quite big is techno. And I still like it. I might be deep in my forties, but I like a good loud electronic music night (or just doing the dishes more efficiently on it).

What is your favourite quote?

There could be many. “Be the change you want to see” (attributed to Gandhi but without definitive evidence he ever said it) could be one. But I suppose one I often find myself paraphrasing is from Jiddu Krishnamurti: “It is not a sign of good health to be well adjusted to a sick society”. You come across many people in life who are struggling, internalising that struggle, and feeling guilty for it, when actually the wider context is at least as responsible as they might be. I like that quote as a reminder that not complying or being comfortable with widespread norms and expectations isn’t something one should necessarily feel guilty about. I think it’s incumbent on politics and international relations scholars (or at least for me anyway) to dissect some of these wider structural issues and help inform a more perceptive analysis of the way forward.

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Lilia Boukikova at L.Boukikova@lboro.ac.uk

Islamophobia Awareness  

What is Islamophobia and how does it manifest? 

Islamophobia is defined in the UK as ‘rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness’. 

Under the Equality Act 2021, Muslims are a religious group so discrimination against Muslims would be a type of religious discrimination. However, hostility or prejudice is often based on what are perceived to be cultural and physical traits of Muslims, rooted in racism. People of colour, including many Sikhs and Hindus, report experiencing Islamophobic hate crimes. The perpetrators don’t care whether the target is Muslim or what their beliefs are – they target those who fit the description of what they believe a Muslim looks like.  

Islamophobia frequently employs harmful and untrue stereotypes to actively damage Muslims and the wider reputation of Islam. Misinformation from the media and far-right commentators continue to fuel active hatred towards Muslims (and those perceived to be Muslim), actions that affect millions of people of colour in the UK. 

Against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict and crisis in the Middle East, instances of Islamophobia and religious hate crimes in the UK have soared. In August this year, we saw riots throughout the UK fuelled by Islamophobia, racism and anti-immigration sentiment. Islamophobia Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the experiences of Muslims in the UK, including within the Loughborough community. However, actions to combat Islamophobia and support our Muslim communities must continue all year round. 

What is Islamophobia Awareness Month and why is it important at Loughborough University? 

Islamophobia Awareness Month, held in November, is a charity organisation whose mission is to raise awareness of Islamophobia, challenge Muslim stereotypes, and showcase the positive contributions of Muslims in society.  

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is a core element in the University’s strategy. We have committed to prioritising activities that identify and remove systemic inequities and to promote and progress equity and inclusion. As an institution led by our values, we have committed to ensure all communities are welcomed to our campus and feel a part of the wider University community. We have a responsibility to support Muslim students and staff, provide a safe and welcoming environment, and allow them to freely express and practice their faith.  

During November, EDI Services and the University Chaplaincy will facilitate an Islamophobia Awareness Exhibition on both the Midlands and the London campus, showcasing positive Muslim contributions in the UK and highlighting the issue of Islamophobia in various areas of society. Dates for this exhibition will be confirmed and publicised soon. 

The University is facilitating a Peace Assembly on Wednesday 13 November, bringing together members of the University community in solidarity for peace. The Assembly will be a space for expression through respectful discussion, creative and performing arts and quiet reflection. The aim is for the Peace Assembly to be a forerunner to community members forming a Loughborough University Peace Alliance, which would support further community events in the future. Find more information and register your place at the Peace Assembly.  

What resources are available? 

For Muslim staff and students: 
Go to the Islamophobia Awareness webpage to find a full list of internal and external support services available to students and staff affected by Islamophobia, both reporting incidents and dealing with the effects.  

For managers and allies: 
EDI Services has compiled a list of resources and links to organisations working to combat Islamophobia in the UK. You can find lots of reading, resources and training on the EDI website. 

We hope line managers will encourage and accommodate staff who wish to attend the Peace Assembly on Wednesday 13 November or engage with staff networks or other support services at the University. 

Please contact EDI@lboro.ac.uk with any questions. 

Royal Society: have some Open Data to get the grant

If you are thinking of applying for a Royal Society grant, it’s best to check if you have published some data openly. The scheme notes of several funding opportunities include this in their section on assessment criteria:

“The ability of the individual to deliver the fellowship project and their potential to develop an independent research career. Track record commensurate with actual research experience including research career to date, contributions to publications, conferences and seminars, external recognition (e.g. awards), datasets held in repositories, software as well as any experience or commitment to public communication of science” (emphasis added).

If you would like some assistance in sharing your data or software in a repository, please contact RDM@lboro.ac.uk.

Overcoming fatigue and boosting your energy

We all experience fatigue at some point. Whether it’s a dip in the afternoon or a persistent sluggishness that seems to follow us through the week, feeling tired can sap your productivity, affect your mood, and reduce your overall quality of life.

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It’s a pervasive lack of energy that can result from various factors, including:

• Lack of sleep: Poor sleep quality or irregular sleep schedules can leave you feeling groggy and drained.
• Stress: Chronic stress releases cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’, which can wear down your energy reserves over time. Here are five tips to help you handle stress-related fatigue.
• Dehydration: Even mild dehydration can reduce your focus and make you feel tired.
• Nutrient deficiencies: A poor diet lacking essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins can contribute to feelings of fatigue.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Inactivity can actually make you feel more tired, regular movement helps blood flow and energises your muscles and mind.
• Underlying health conditions: If you cannot explain why you’re tired and it’s been going on for a while, it could be a sign of a medical condition such as overactive thyroid, sleep apnea, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Find out more about conditions that can cause tiredness and fatigue.

Challenge yourself to try out these strategies for a week to combat fatigue and boost your energy

1. Prioritise sleep hygiene

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. You can improve your sleep hygiene with a few simple habits:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a bedtime routine such as reading, meditation, or stretching before bed
• Turn off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed
• Optimise your sleep environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet

2. Eat for energy

The food you eat is your body’s fuel, and poor eating habits can directly lead to low energy. Here’s how to nourish your body:

• Focus on whole foods rich in complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats
• Avoid processed foods high in sugar and refined carbs
• Make sure your diet includes iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, nuts and beans
• Don’t skip breakfast, a balanced morning meal fuels your body for the day
• Stay energised with healthy snacks like fruit that provide sustained energy between meals
• Aim for at least eight cups of water daily, more if you’re active
• Try to cut out caffeine

3. Incorporate movement into your day

Though it may seem counterintuitive when you’re feeling tired, regular physical activity can boost energy levels in the long run. Exercise increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural energy boosters:

• Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity each day such as brisk walking, cycling, or yoga
• If you’re pressed for time, even a five-minute walk or a few stretches can revitalise your energy

4. Manage stress

Learning to manage and reduce stress is key to combating fatigue:

• Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help you relax, reduce anxiety, and re-energise your mind
• During a busy day, schedule short breaks to step away from work, clear your mind, and recharge
• Saying no to unnecessary tasks or demands helps to reduce overwhelming stress and prevent burnout

6. Check for nutrient deficiencies

If you feel persistently tired despite lifestyle changes, it may be worth checking for nutrient deficiencies:

• Iron deficiency is often associated with fatigue
• Lack of sunlight exposure, especially in the winter, can lower vitamin D levels, contributing to low energy

7. Stay social

Staying socially connected, spending time with friends and family, and engaging in activities you love can provide a natural energy lift. Social interaction stimulates the mind and helps break routines that can lead to mental exhaustion.

By focusing on sleep, eating well, moving regularly, and managing stress, you can gradually enhance your vitality and maintain a consistent level of energy throughout the day. The key is balance and listening to your body’s needs.

This Week at Loughborough | 4 November

General

Contemporary Jewellery: Exploring Its Impact on Well-Being (exhibition)

29 October – 8 November, 12pm-2pm (weekdays only), Martin Hall Gallery

View a jewellery exhibition of doctoral research on how contemporary jewellery impacts well-being.

Rehearsals (for a world we could live in): Programme launch

5 November, 2pm-4pm, International House and Online

Join LU Arts (in person or online) for the launch  of Radar’s new programme for 2024-26 with a discussion event.

Postgraduate Pop-Up Stand

7 November, 10am-12pm, Pilkington Library

If you’ve got questions about master’s degrees or PhDs here at Loughborough, the Postgraduate team will be on hand to help.

Grime Scene Investigation

7 November, 10am-3pm, Edward Herbert Building

Which hall is the best recycler and worst contaminator? Come and get your hands dirty and join the Sustainability Team in finding out!

‘The poetry is in the pity’: War Poetry Reading at the Carillon Tower

11 November, 11.15am-12.15pm, The Carillon Tower, Queen’s Park

The landmark Carillon Tower and War Memorial Museum serves as the backdrop for a pop-up poetry reading of famous and unexpected war poems on Armistice Day.

Workshop – The Hologram

11 November, 12pm-3pm, International House

This workshop offers those new to The Hologram practice a chance to learn about the history and reasoning behind it. 

Black History Month

Black History Month: What would a Harris Presidency mean for women worldwide?

This discussion is being held in recognition that the US Election 2024 is a historical event and is an opportunity to bring members of our community together to discuss its significance.

Autumn Careers Fest

Skill-Up Programme – Loughborough Enterprise Network

5 November, 6.30pm-8.30pm, STEMLab

Join us to upskill your entrepreneurial capabilities, whether you are interested in running your own business/side hustle or boost your personal skillset.

Get Ahead Together: Getting the most out of your first year

6 November, 1pm-3pm or 5.30pm-7.30pm, Stewart Mason

A group peer mentoring programme exclusively open to Foundation and First year students at Loughborough University.Sign up here and visit the Get Ahead Together website for more information!

Future Talent Programme

6 November, 2pm-4pm or 5pm-7pm, SMB.0.17

A group peer mentoring programme exclusively open to Part B and C pre-placement Future Talent Programme student members. Our 4th session “Strong Points: Understanding assessments to achieve academic success”. 

International Futures- How to create a UK style CV

7 November, 1pm-2pm, Online

This workshop will help you learn how to write a UK-style CV, which will make you employable to employers.

Mock Assessment Centre

7 November, 6pm-8.15pm, James France Exhibition Centre

Delivered by the Careers Network and staff from a range of top companies, you’ll hear first-hand what to expect and learn how to prepare effectively.

Looking for the persistent link to your Research Repository record?  

Each record in the Research Repository has its own persistent identifier link. A persistent identifier is a long-lasting link to a digital resource such as a thesis, journal article or data file. Types of persistent identifiers used in the repository are handles and DOIs. The persistent identifier can be found by clicking on the CITE button on the record, for example:  

Top 10 downloads for June, July & August 2024

Hignett, Sue; McDermott, Hilary (2015). Qualitative methodology for ergonomics. Loughborough University. Chapter. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/23558 Downloads 548

Keiningham, Timothy; Aksoy, Lerzan; Bruce, Helen L.; Cadet, Fabienne; Clennell, Natasha; Hodgkinson, Ian; et al. (2019). Customer experience driven business model innovation. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/9205919.v1 Downloads 399 

Abdulwahed, Mahmoud; Nagy, Zoltan (2009). Applying Kolb’s experiential learning cycle for laboratory education. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/5412 Downloads 312 

Hogervorst, Eef; Craig, Jen; ODonnell, Emma (2021). Cognition and mental health in menopause: a review. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/17155811.v1 Downloads 263 

Asadullah, Ahmad; Faik, Isam; Kankanhalli, Atreyi (2018). Digital platforms: a review and future directions. Loughborough University. Conference contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/24081825.v1 Downloads 239 

Case, Stephen; Browning, Ann (2021). Child First Justice: the research evidence-base [Full report]. Loughborough University. Report. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/14152040.v1 Downloads 226 

Fong, Daniel; Hong, Youlian; Chan, Lap-Ki; Yung, Patrick Shu-Hang; Chan, Kai-Ming (2007). A systematic review on ankle injury and ankle sprain in sports. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/21255 Downloads 222 

Herbert, Ian; Rothwell, Andrew; Glover, Jane; Lambert, Stephanie (2020). Graduate employability, employment prospects and work-readiness in the changing field of professional work. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/11830254.v1 Downloads 220 

Mears, Aimee; Forrester, Steph; Fleming, Paul; Grant, Rebecca; Farmer, Jonathan; authors, Various (2024). ISEA 2024: The Engineering of Sport 15, Loughborough UK 8-11 July 2024: Conference Proceedings. Loughborough University. Conference contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/26312143.v1 Downloads 220 

This Week at Loughborough | 28 October

General

Culture through African Lenses (exhibition)

28 October – 1 November, 9am-5pm, International House

The exhibition will feature items loaned from members of the Loughborough community. Exhibits will have their origins in African heritage, identity, people and place. Diversity in African culture will be represented by objects, artworks, textiles, images and text.

Contemporary Jewellery: Exploring Its Impact on Well-Being (exhibition)

29 October – 8 November, 12pm-2pm (weekdays only), Martin Hall Gallery

View a jewellery exhibition of doctoral research on how contemporary jewellery impacts well-being.

Professor Camilla Gilmore and Professor Louise Holt Inaugural Lecture

30 October, 5pm-6.30pm, Edward Herbert Building 110B

Professor Camilla Gilmore and Professor Louise Holt deliver their inaugural lectures; Easy as 1, 2, 3? Uncovering the challenges of early mathematics, and Can children and young people change (future) societies through their sociality? Examining the immersive geographies of schools.

Service of Remembering 2024

2 November, 1.30pm-3pm, Garden of Remembrance and University Chaplaincy

A new annual service to remember those with memorial plaques in the University Garden of Remembrance.

Fireworks Extravaganza

2 November, 5.30pm-11.30pm, Loughborough Students’ Union

Get ready for a dazzling night of fireworks, fun, and fundraising at the Loughborough Students’ Union Fireworks Extravaganza!

Black History Month

Black History Month: March

30 October, 12.15pm-1.30pm, starts at Hazlerigg Fountain

Join us to round of Black History Month with a march through campus. This is a chance to meet, talk and walk with your colleagues and reflect on our activities over the last month.

Black History Month: Library Display

Open until 31 October, library opening hours, Pilkington Library

Library staff have carefully curated a display of books, digital resources and archives around Black History Month and this year’s theme of “Reclaiming Narratives”.

Autumn Careers Fest

Mock Assessment Centre

29 October, 6pm-7.45pm, online

Delivered by the Careers Network and staff from a range of top companies, you’ll hear first-hand what to expect and learn how to prepare effectively.

International Futures- UK Etiquette and Professional Behaviour

28 October, 1pm-2pm, online

As an international Student understanding UK Etiquette and Professional behaviour, is essential to be successful in your Career Journey. This session will help you navigate and understand expectations about professional behaviour in the workplace. 

Skill-Up Programme – Loughborough Enterprise Network

29 October, 6.30pm-8.30pm, The StartUp Lab – STEMLab

Join us to upskill your entrepreneurial capabilities, whether you are interested in running your own business/side hustle or boost your personal skillset.

Finalist Futures: Impressing at Interviews

30 October, 1pm-3pm, James France D002

This session will cover interview formats, question types, and the differences between good and bad answers. It will also include a demonstration of online tools, practice segments, and a Q&A for further support.

Get Ahead Together: Maximise your Money

30 October, 1pm-8pm, SMB 0.17

A group peer mentoring programme exclusively open to Foundation and First year students at Loughborough University.

Future Talent Programme: Get Ahead Together

30 October, 2pm-7.30pm, SMB 0.17

A group peer mentoring programme exclusively open to Part B and C pre-placement Future Talent Programme student members.

ABCE Careers Drop-in session

31 October, 11am-12pm, Sir Frank Gibb Atrium

Come along to the drop-in sessions to have your cv / cover letter reviewed or receive interview coaching in preparation for employment application process.

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Deepawali, is the four-to-five-day festival of lights, colour and life celebrated by Hindus around the world. Occurring every year around late October to early November, or the 15^th day of Kartik in the Hindu calendar, Hindus gather to celebrate life and nature. On these days, Hindus will light up their surroundings with candles, fireworks and firecrackers to express their gratitude to the gods for the attainment of a peaceful and prosperous life.

Diwali celebrations take place across four or five days. On the first day, the festivals of Dhanteras and Yama Deepam mark a good time to purchase valuable metals and ask devotees to light a diya, an oil lamp made from clay, to honour Lord Yama. The second day marks Choti Diwali and Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura. Hindus will practice ritualistic bathing and celebrate good defeating evil through prayer on this day. On the third day of Laxmi Pujan, families gather to pray to the goddess of prosperity and happiness. On the final day of Bhai Dooj, brothers will present gifts to their sisters and swear to protect them, as their sisters pray for their health. Throughout this time, festivities of light and love are held in the evening in a celebration of belonging and goodness.

Diwali has many different spiritual and practical meanings to those who practice Hinduism. It is a time for people to forgive those who have wronged them, and instead people will languish in the air of freedom and festivity. Diwali unites people together, softening the hardest of hearts.  Hindus will usually wake up a couple of hours before sunrise, known as Brahmamuhurta, as advised by sages of the past, to receive a blessing of health, discipline, work efficiency and spiritual advancement. Most importantly, though, Diwali represents a time for inner illumination. While the lights of the world are to show appreciation to others, Diwali is a time to show appreciation to the self. After all, the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart.

What’s on in Loughborough? How can I get involved?

This year, Diwali will be held from Tuesday 29 October to Sunday 3 November. The main day of celebration will fall on the 31 October.

Loughborough University’s Asian and Indian student societies are celebrating Diwali alongside Leicester University this year. Students can join them for their Mastani celebrations with vibrant traditions, stunning performances and a festive spirit like no other. You can find out more information by messaging @asiansocietylboro and @lboroindiansoc on Instagram.

On Saturday 16 November, the REACH Staff Network is hosting a Diwali dinner and dance open to students, staff, family, friends and the wider community. Taking place at the Village Bar from 6pm to midnight, entry will be £12 for adults and £6 for under 16s. There will be a three-course Indian celebratory meal, catering to vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Present at the event will be a live DJ, a 360-video booth and a henna artist. Dress smart or in Indian attire.

Find more information and book onto the event.

Leicester is hosting plenty of Diwali activities over the coming weeks. From the Diwali Village to a graffiti festival of lights to the India to Leicester, An Artist’s Journey art exhibition, discover more about the events happening in Leicester.

Morality, Research and Debate

A blog post by Ginerva Grant

In Morality, Research, and Debate, Ginerva Grant shares her experience debating the use of cluster bombs in Ukraine, balancing research and moral dilemmas while representing the ‘pro’ side. The post delves into the emotional and intellectual challenges of debating such a sensitive topic, exploring how academic rigor intersects with ethical dilemmas.

In my capacity as representative for the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs, my fellow peers and I put on a parliamentary-style debate which asked the question ‘would you support the use of cluster bombs in the conflict in Ukraine by the Ukrainian government?’

For those unaware, cluster bombs are a type of cluster munitions that the United States announced they were sending to Ukraine last July as part of a new aid package. These munitions are banned in over 100 countries for their high failure rate and violent dispersal.

I don’t have a formal background in international relations—my knowledge comes mainly from news, TV shows, books, and some postgraduate work I’ve done in the field. As one of the selected debaters for the ‘pro’ side, I needed to conduct thorough research, so I used a variety of methods. I started by recalling key news stories, then moved on to opinion pieces, academic literature, and NGO websites. I even came across a technical guide on cluster munitions during my research!

As I sifted through articles to shape my arguments, one persistent thought kept intruding: “all wars are crimes.” I recognized it immediately—a line from The West Wing, an American TV series by Aaron Sorkin, where the White House Chief of Staff reflects on how bombing a military target resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians.

I’d search for counterarguments on discrepancies in failure rates, and there it was, whispering, “all wars are crimes.” As I explained inefficiencies in unitary munitions or supply shortages, it would tap me on the shoulder, hinting at something deeper. Was it meant to absolve me? After all, wars are inherently lose-lose, merely deciding who loses more. Or was it a reminder not to be too casual in my approach? My arguments seemed so rational and clear that, by the end of my research, the opposing side felt reduced to mere moral equivocations.

My thoughts were so muddied by the end that only after a tea break was I able to right the ship and remember, mine was not to question the right or the wrong of it but to argue my side the best, to foresee all possible counters and be ready to confidently address the opposition with, ‘this is why you are wrong’. So, I pressed on, nose to the grindstone. Despite presenting a well-structured argument for the pro side, the result

was inconclusive. Even though our case was stronger, the audience still refused to approve the use of cluster munitions in any form.

Following the debate I briefly interviewed my colleagues on (1) how they felt about cluster bombing prior to their research (2) whether emotions played a role in the way they researched or the formation of their arguments (3) and if the debate changed their stance on cluster munitions. Both members of the con team were against cluster bombs prior to the debate and their stances did not change at its conclusion, though both believe their research was emotionally driven, one felt they maintained their rationality. My partner and I on the pro side entered the debate slightly left of neutral and exited it the same, though while my partner found his approach to be evenly rational, I found my own research to be a tumultuous trip between pragmatism and guilt.

Dramatic, right?

It was merely a debate over a decision that had been taken months ago that no one in that room had the power to influence.

And yet…

We don’t have the decision-making power, so we do this instead. Argue and debate because we all have opinions and, for an academic especially, nothing is better than someone with a well-argued and well-reasoned opinion. Arguing our point well is what we are trained to do, after all. So, when I took the stage on Thursday the 15th of February, almost two years into the war in Ukraine, I argued to win. Because of course they had a right to use cluster munitions, they were deployed on their own land, no party involved was or is a member of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, ‘armchair’ assessments are superfluous, these munitions are important for tactical advancement-

And on and on it goes.

But whether it is civilians or soldiers that are dying, now or in the future, because of these munitions’ usage, by either side, there will be bloody and violent deaths.

All wars are crimes.

Because of course they are.

Five Minutes With: Emma Callaghan

What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’ve been at Loughborough for 22 years this October, my job title is Head of Business Operations and Development based at the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT). I also hold an honorarium role as Deputy Community Warden, which I’ve held for over 10 years.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

Everyday varies which keeps me on my toes. I have overall responsibility for NCCAT’s business support functions, so a typical day would include leadership of the administrative team, making budgetary decisions, dealing with any contractual matters or HR queries that arise, and in-between troubleshooting to resolve all sorts of issues that arise to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible on a day-to-day basis. I also act as the primary interface with NCCAT’s key stakeholders and manage and nurture those relationships. Each week I progress work on longer-term projects which are aimed at enhancing NCCAT’s role as a national centre such as identifying new partnerships and income-generating opportunities and working on marketing projects to promote the group’s research. One of my current projects is working with the Aerospace Technology Institute to create a video that showcases NCCAT and its primary objective to help meet the net zero carbon challenge faced by the UK aerospace industry.

Within my honorarium role as Deputy Community Warden, I work as part of a team of nine supporting students living in the community. From general pastoral support, promoting good relationships between students and other residents in the community, to disciplinary duties the role is varied and interesting.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

100% the NCCAT project. When I first joined the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in AACME back in 2013 NCCAT was just an idea. Being part of a team responsible for delivering a world-class multi-million-pound National Centre has certainly had its challenges but it’s been the most rewarding project I’ve worked on and probably will ever work on in my career. I really am incredibly privileged to work alongside an amazing team of people.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Probably graduating with my MBA from the Loughborough Business School in 2017. I completed my master’s on a part-time basis alongside my NCCAT and warden roles and became a new mum halfway through the course! It was hugely challenging, and I often felt like giving up but the sense of achievement at the end was all worth it.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

My life outside of work is pretty much devoted to spending time with my family and close friends. I love the outdoors, including lots of walking with my cockapoo Marley. I also enjoy cooking, in particular seafood dishes (with the odd glass of wine of course!).

What is your favourite quote?

“No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world” – Robin Williams

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Lilia Boukikova at L.Boukikova@lboro.ac.uk

This Week at Loughborough | 21 Oct

General

Men’s BUCS Super Rugby vs Hartpury

23 October | 7pm | Loughborough University 1st XV pitch

BUCS Super Rugby returns to campus as the reigning 2023/2024 National Champions in African Violet gear up to host Hartpury in their next BSR showdown.

Loughborough Students vs Luctonians

26 October | 2pm | Loughborough University 1st XV Rugby Pitch

Rugby action returns to Loughborough as the Students continue their 2024/2025 campaign in the National League 2 West.

Autumn Careers Fest

Year In Enterprise Information Sessions

22 October | 3pm-4pm | Business School BEO.63

These information sessions are open for students from all schools/disciplines that are 2nd year students looking at their placement options.

Finalist Futures – Looking to the Future: Next steps for SSH students without a placement

23 October | 10am-11am | SMB.0.14

Want to level up your career plans in final year? Come along to this event gain resources for careers support for your final year. 

Finalist Futures – Supercharge Your Career in Final Year

23 October | 1pm-2pm | West Park Teaching Hub 003

Whether you’re new to the recruitment process, need to improve your application or interview skills, or are reconsidering your options after a placement, we can help!

Get Ahead Together – Stepping into Study

23 October | 1pm-8pm | SMB.0.17

A group peer mentoring programme exclusively open to Foundation and First year students at Loughborough University.  

Future Talent Programme: Get Ahead Together

23 October | 2pm-7:30pm | SMB.0.17

A group peer mentoring programme exclusively open to Part B and C pre-placement Future Talent Programme student members.  

Mock Assessment Centre

24 October | 1pm-8pm | West Park Teaching Hub

You’ll hear first-hand what to expect and learn how to prepare effectively for an assessment centre. Join us in person and gain as much practice as you can before your first real one.

Black History Month

Black History Month: Researching ‘Africa’ Roundtable

25 October | 12pm-12:30pm | Stewart Mason Building

Loughborough University historians Poppy Cullen and Thoralf Klein and political scientist Giulia Piccolino talk about their experiences of researching in Africa and offer practical tips on how to start your own research project.

Black History Month: Researching ‘Race’ Roundtable

25 October | 1pm-1:50pm | Stewart Mason Building

Loughborough University historians Pete Yeandle and Marcus Collins and political theorist Varun Uberoi talk about their experiences of researching ‘race’ and multiculturalism and offer practical tips on how to start your own research project.

Blind Drawing Performance Anthi Kosma

Course: Introduction to Architecture I, School of Architecture, University of Thessaly, Volos 
Professors: Kosma Anthi (Lecturer), Manolidis Kostas (Professor), Micocci Fabiano (Assistant Professor), Lykourioti Iris (Associate Professor), -alphabetic order-.
Responsible for the action: Kosma Anthi

Part A – The First Blind Steps
Students formed groups of two. 
Roles: A blind “detective” who records the route on paper and their guide. 
Itinerary: The blind subjects and their guides started by crossing the main corridor of the building to the outside area, where they would change roles before returning to the classroom, completing a circular route.
“It was scary; I had to trust. I had no orientation, my footsteps were fumbling, and my soles seemed suctioned to the floor, struggling to separate from the earth. My steps were hesitant, barely lifting, searching the world with them. My hands were ‘swimming’ in the void. A big blind step was actually a small one; a big ‘step on a stair’ was a small difference in height on the ground. A big blind line on the paper was a small, scared trace on the edge. Everything felt big but was small. I needed the other, just as we needed that precious caregiver when taking our first steps as children. “Independence was lost—or was it a myth?” The first blind steps. What was once an obvious movement now had to be verbalized, find precise descriptions to protect and guide the blind subject. I could sense changes in the floor’s texture and temperature differences. What would the experience be like if the path was completely unknown?”
Notes based on comments from the discussion following the performance (Image 1 &2).
Blind drawings were placed on a board (Image 3). What would an unbiased glance say about these seemingly careless traces? Instead, our “blind” experience could “read” the “hesitant” and “afraid” lines, those losing their balance, frightened that lifting from the paper would cause them to lose their route and continuity. These lines and gestures were anxious about the limits of the paper. How much room for movement did they have? Most drawings were recordings of movements and paths. Continuous lines of movement. Unstable movements, sensitive to vibration, but free from the control of vision and analytical logic. 
“If we didn’t know how they were produced, we might say they were ‘childish.’ Childlike, they observe and trace the world through their codes.” (Image 4.1, 4.3)
Part B – Listen to the Drawing
During the second part of the lesson, blind subjects with their graphic engravings began to search for the textures of tables and other objects and bodies. With eyes closed, the line drawings on paper were searching for relief, any fold or resistance on the surfaces was “grabbed” in the drawing. Later, the samples of the textures from the blind drawings became the occasion for a long discussion on surfaces, materials, texture, touch, and how textures are represented in architectural drawings such as facades drawings.
The sound of the lines shading resembled the rustling of leaves. The blind graphic experiments continued. The sounds of the traces became the gradual tapping of dots, the sound of a graphic “rain.” It grew louder as it dropped its dots on the paper, causing a sonic “thunderstorm.” (Image 5) Pen/cils became the musical instruments of a percussion concert. The large number of participants made the rhythm of the graphic rain intense, conveying and intensifying the surprise and excitement in this drawing experience. Now blind musicians, truly abandoned from their ocularcentric commitments, were play-drawing.

CA Day 2024, Monday 16th December (hybrid)

Loughborough University’s Discourse and Rhetoric Group (DARG) hosts its 13th Conversation Analysis Day on Monday the 16th December 2024, 9:30am-5:30 (followed by an evening reception with food and wine), supported by the Centre for Research in Communication and Culture.

Join us for a (hybrid) meeting comprising a series of paper presentations in an informal and friendly atmosphere.

Invited Speakers

• Ann Weatherall
• Sally Wiggins Young

We welcome presentations on all aspects of interaction illuminated by Conversation Analysis.

Please use this submission form: https://darg.lboro.ac.uk/submit-an-abstract-for-ca-day-2024/

Contact Saul (s.b.albert@lboro.ac.uk) if you have any questions.

If you submit a paper after we have opened the waiting list for registrants, then you are guaranteed a place only if your paper is accepted. We will let you know by one week after the deadline.

Deadline for submissions: Friday 25th October 2024.

In person registration is open on a first come, first served basis (unless you are submitting a paper), but we only have space for 70 people this year, so make sure you register soon!

Registration

Registration is now open on the Loughborough event booking system:  https://store.lboro.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/communication-and-media/upcoming-events/ca-day-2024

In person registration is open on a first come, first served basis but (unless you are submitting a paper), but we only have space for 70 people this year, so make sure you register soon!

Once we have reached capacity, you can join the waiting list. Normally a number of registrants withdraw before the conference, and we allocate their places to those waiting. Most withdrawals happen close to the conference date, though, so you may not be sure about a place for some time.

Attendance costs:

• In-person: £25, or £20 for students/unwaged, which pays for refreshments and the evening reception (you will be able to buy lunch on campus this year)
• Online-only: £5, which helps to pay for other event costs and for someone to look after the stream/questions etc.

#CakeOff2024

We would also like to invite you to participate in the grand CA Day #CAkeOff2023 competition, which will be held in hybrid format again this year.

Cat Holt’s winning ‘edible transcript’ entry to #CAkeOff2022

For those planning on participating in the competition in-person, please bring your cakes to CA day where our invited speakers will judge, along with enthusiastic participation from all other CA Day in-person delegates.

For those participating online, please prepare a 5-10 second naturalistic video clip of someone eating your cake. Submission instructions to follow.Please make sure your video captures the cake recipient’s responses e.g., gustatory ‘mms’ (Wiggins, 2002), lip smacks, or, perish the thought, ‘yucks’. Please send in your videos by the 13th December to provide adequate time for judging. Grand prizes will be awarded during the closing ceremony!

Wiggins, S. (2002). Talking with your mouth full: Gustatory mmms and the embodiment of pleasure. Research on language and social interaction, 35(3), 311-336.

Venue information

Please contact Saul (s.b.albert@lboro.ac.uk) with any queries.
We’ll be in the Brockington Extension, Room U.0.05. Use these links for travel and campus map.
Added: Here’s a list of University accommodation. Other hotels are also available. Overseas visitors: the closest airport is East Midlands Airport (EMA), Birmingham Airport is not too far.

Follow the #CAday2024 hashtag on whatever social media platforms still exist.

Please also follow DARG_sessions on X, on mastodon, and the CRCC on X and CRCC on Mastodon

This Week at Loughborough | 14 October

General

Discover Campus Sculpture Tour

16 October, 1.30pm-2.30pm, starts outside EHB

This walk will make its way from the centre of campus down to East Park, stopping to take in some of our wonderful sculptures along the way. This event is a great way to find out more about the layout and history of the campus and University.

LSU Houseplant Sale

16 October and 17 October, 10am-7pm, LSU

Explore a massive range of over 250 plants available to buy, in all shapes and sizes. Find a large choice of colourful pots and many other plant accessories too.

Community Photo Walk with Becky Sweet

16 October, 2pm-4pm, the Chaplaincy front entrance

Part of the Chaplaincy’s new HOME series. For the first walk, join Becky Sweet for a walk around campus. Discover hidden gems, and get tips on how to take the best photos. Don’t forget to bring a camera or a charged phone to take photos on.

Wear Red Day

18 October, 12pm-3pm, LSU

All staff and students are invited to wear red clothing to show their support in the fight against racism in society. A stall in the LSU will provide information about the charity how they can get involved.

Black History Month

Black and Bold: A Black Drag Celebration

16 October, 12pm-1.30pm, James France

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating Black LGBTQ+ culture, where you’ll be transported into a world of vibrant expression, thought-provoking discussions, and unforgettable entertainment.

Black History Month: ‘Has Britain a Colour Bar?’: Britain’s first race relations TV programme

17 October, 4.30pm-5.30pm, Pilkington Library, Seminar Room 1

In this session, Marcus Collins revisits the first British television programme about ‘race’ relations. ‘Has Britain a Colour Bar’ (1955) is an eye-opening (even jaw-dropping) documentary about the experiences of West Indian, African and South Asian people who settled in Birmingham.

Autumn Careers Fest

Autumn Careers Fair (sponsored by AWE)

14 October (STEM focus), 2pm-7pm, Sir David Wallace Sports Hall

15 October (all sectors), 11am-4pm, Sir David Wallace Sports Hall

Meet over 150 top employers offering graduate roles, internships, placements, vacation work, volunteering opportunities.

Get Ahead Together – Welcome Event

16 October, 1pm-8pm, SMB 0.17

A group peer mentoring programme exclusively open to Foundation and First year students at Loughborough University.   

Finalist Futures – Making Successful Applications

16 October, 1pm-3pm, SMB 1.03

Employers receive hundreds of applications, so how can you make sure yours stands out? Join our interactive workshop designed for UG final year students to learn more.

Future Talent Programme: Get Ahead Together

16 October, 2pm-7.30pm, SMB 0.17

Introducing the Future Talent Programme – A peer mentoring programme for black and South Asian heritage, Part B and C pre-placement students. Join our “Proud to Be Me” welcome event to celebrate our diverse identities and boost self-awareness for personal and career success.

International Futures – Launch Event

17 October, 6pm-7.30pm, EHB 104

Join us to learn how Careers Network and International Futures can support you in your career journey. We’ll cover our careers service, accessing online resources, upcoming tailored events and workshops, and support for work opportunities in the UK and globally.

Gaffes in American political history: a reflection on my dissertation research

By Flo Carter

I’m a recent Loughborough University graduate, having completed my BA History course in the summer of 2024. Loughborough’s IRPH programme allowed me to expand on an existing passion for modern history, developing it across the disciplines, as reflected in my final year dissertation.

I think it’s important to note that most undergraduate students do not have a eureka moment in which the thesis, method, and angle of their dissertation hits them with blinding clarity. Even in my first year as a History student, it felt like this grey cloud looming in the distance (albeit, quite far in the distance back then). How does any young adult decide on a topic suitable for dedicating 11,000 words? How can we possibly know what is too simple, too complicated, too niche, or too mainstream? All these were very real fears that crossed my mind any time the dreaded ‘D’ word was mentioned.

***

In reality, the process of writing a dissertation was not nearly as overwhelming as I’d feared and actually pretty satisfying to complete. In my second year of study, a friend, who’d recently completed her final year, advised me to create a list, recording any time a lecturer mentioned something that I could see myself researching further. That is exactly what I did. By Easter of my second year, this list comprised of over 10 possible research ideas gleaned from various modules. But it was the very first one I jotted down that I kept returning to. Typed sometime during a Tuesday afternoon lecture with Matt Adams as part of ‘The American Century’ module. The note simply read: ‘US Presidents… did their gaffes mean anything????’

And so, as any lecturer would recommend you do when a seed is planted for a potential topic of study, I started reading. I began to scope out what academics really thought about the power of gaffes in US presidential elections in the late twentieth century. The reality was not much – literally and metaphorically. It was a topic that hadn’t received much scholarly attention, and when it had been mentioned, the discourse tended to be dismissive and disparaging. When I stumbled upon a piece of research by Gelman and King that labelled these moments as nothing more than ‘trivial’ variables, my little idea nearly came to the end of its journey (Gelman & King, 1994).

I supposed it was time to move on, work down the list until another topic yielded more nuanced results. But I couldn’t seem to shake the desire to keep reading about campaign trail gaffes (one of the most important aspects of any dissertation topic; are you truly interested in what you are writing about?). Surely somebody thought that these moments were more powerful than the likes of Gelman and King were suggesting? That’s when I stumbled upon an article by Sheinheit and Bogard (2016). Their focus was on gaffes in the internet age – entirely outside the realms of my project – but this lack of relevance seemed secondary when I found the following quote in their publication: ‘The process by which a gaffe is transformed into a meaning-laden defining campaign event is underanalyzed’ (p. 970). It was quite the gift. Just like that, I had a justification for my project. Other academics believed the topic deserved more attention; the show was back on the road.

From there, the last major hurdle I faced was the small task of actually proving my thesis. The big positive was that all my research neatly pointed towards using a particular primary source-based method: the analysis of public opinion poll data. The less good news was that many such depositories from my era of interest were not digitised and incredibly disordered. To make sense of the material required a level of mathematical skill that I did not naturally possess. But by now I had a growing sense of determination, a need to prove that there was a side of this story that had been left untold. After annoying many lecturers (both inside and outside of the IRPH department), a fair few arguments with Excel, and a LOT of caffeine purchased, I was onto something. The numbers were not only making sense… but they were supporting my argument!

My biggest piece of advice to anyone about to begin the process of writing a dissertation is to make full use of your supervisor’s office hours right from the very start. Regularly checking in with them and sharing ideas can keep the whole process moving forward smoothly and stop you inadvertently drifting too far off course. By Easter of my final year, I found myself with a nearly 12,000-word dissertation that addressed a gap in the literature (and a newfound understanding of what that specific term – a ‘gap’ in the literature – actually meant).

Essentially, using three specific case studies to form chapters, I found that in 1964, 1988, and 2000, the losing presidential candidate suffered from their own gaffe being expertly weaponised against them by the opposing party. After tabulating over 10,000 opinion poll responses in a longitudinal comparative analysis, my data was pretty conclusive. For Goldwater, Dukakis, and Gore, the consequences of a verbal misstep were especially severe because such moments helped illuminate that each possessed a deeper personality flaw. One that was particularly detrimental given the respective political backdrops against which they were campaigning. Goldwater’s trigger-happy comments fed into the illusion that he was militarily capricious, fuelling lingering public anxieties less than two years after the ‘world’s closest encounter with a nuclear World War III’ (Smith, 2003). Dukakis’s emotionally devoid debate response illuminated his supposedly soft approach to crime, a sore subject for an electorate aware that their nation’s violent crime rates were at an all-time high (Sumner, Mercy & Dahlberg, 2015). Gore’s embellishments made him appear dishonest, alarming a population that was still reeling from President Clinton lying under oath (Scott, 2003). These pivotal moments significantly impaired each candidate’s standing; their own words were mobilised against them by their rivals.

Ultimately, as corny as it sounds, writing my dissertation was an incredibly fulfilling experience. Being given the opportunity to become an expert in a field makes not only for incredibly satisfying dinner table conversation but also gives you an understanding as to how any lecturer becomes as passionate as they are about a specific area of study. I firmly believe that the hardest part of the whole process was writing the opening line (leave that until the end, do not try and tackle it at the start). I’ll leave you with mine, hopefully it is an effective hook…

On March 9th, 1999, as CNN’s Wolf Blitzer finished recording an episode of his Sunday talk show, Late Edition, he could not possibly have anticipated that his network had just captured footage that would dominate discourse throughout the 2000 presidential campaign, well over a year down the line.

References:

• Gelman, Andrew and Gary King, ‘Party Competition and Media Messages’ in L. Sandy Maisel, ed. The Parties Respond: Changes in the American Party System (Colorado: Westview Press, 1994): 255-95.
• Scott, Esther, Al Gore and the Embellishment Issue: Press Coverage of the Gore Presidential Campaign (Cambridge: Kennedy School of Government, 2003).
• Sheinheit, Ian and Cynthia Bogard, ‘Authenticity and Carrier Agents: The Social Construction of Political Gaffes,’ Sociological Forum 31 (2016): 970-993.
• Smith, Tom, ‘Trends: The Cuban Missile Crisis and U.S. Public Opinion,’ The Public Opinion Quarterly, 67 (2003): 265-293.
• Sumner, Steven, James Mercy and Linda Dahlberg, ‘Violence in the United States: Status, Challenges, and Opportunities,’ The Journal of the American Medical Association, 314 (2015): 478-88.

Photo by Chris from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-ad-photo-of-the-white-house-in-washington-dc-14320543/

Five minutes with: Christopher Shaw

What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’m a Large Format Specialist and Post & Logistics Team Leader. I’ve been working here 34 years.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

Generally it is very busy as I have two roles. This can be challenging but it is also very rewarding. One day is never the same as the next.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

I’m currently filling in for a role within the department which is interesting and challenging!

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

I’ve had to adapt to a changing environment over the years from litho printing/digital printing to large format printing. I’m also proud of leading a team of four within the mail room.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I’m a volunteer for Leicestershire County Council and an independent visitor for children in care and I’ve been doing this for five years.

What is your favourite quote?

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough.”

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Lilia Boukikova at L.Boukikova@lboro.ac.uk

'Care: Critical Dialogues & transdisciplinary approaches' event recap

In June 2024, the Centre for Research in Culture and Communication at Loughborough University hosted an interdisciplinary symposium on ‘Care’ – which in recent years has become an increasingly urgent issue for the social sciences, humanities and beyond. The day-long event showcased some of the cutting-edge research being carried out at Loughborough in Communication and Media; Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy; English; and Sports Technology; as well as by a number of leading scholars from other UK universities.

The symposium’s topic of ‘Care’ proved a generative concept that facilitated critical dialogues between scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Over the day, around thirty attendees joined the event in the university’s Hazlerigg Council Chamber, with over forty also attending online from across the world.

In recent years, scholarship across a wide range of disciplines has seen a ‘turn to care’ (Aust 2021), with an increasing recognition of the intrinsic interdependence and shared-yet-unequal vulnerabilities of all human and non-human life. As speakers at the symposium recognised, we are living through a ‘crisis in care’, in which the material and affective capacities to reproduce and sustain life are under intensifying pressure.  This event thus sought to showcase leading academic voices whose research investigates ‘care’ in all its many and diverse dimensions.

The day was opened by Professor James Stanyer, Director of the CRCC, as well as co-organiser Dr Jilly Kay. The event’s keynote was delivered by Professor Jo Littler (Goldsmiths University), an internationally recognised expert on the politics of care. Professor Littler’s keynote ‘From care to carewashing….and back again’ drew on some of her collaborative work with The Care Collective, as well as her reflections on the ‘carewashing’ branding strategies of contemporary universities, which have since been published in the journal Educational Philosophy and Theory.

The day proceeded with three themed panels on the topics of ‘Care and technology’, ‘Care and the media and cultural industries’, and ‘Health, wellbeing and social care’.

The panel on technology included papers by  Dr Kristina Saunders (University of Glasgow): ‘(Self) Care and reproductive justice: the role of online communities and health information as contraceptive care’; Professor Massimiliano Zecca (Sports Technology Institute, Loughborough University): Frailty in Older Adults: How Robotics can Help to  Improve Health and Function’; and Dr Saul Albert (Communication and Media, Loughborough University): ‘Improvisational care technologies: a case study of the assistance/recruitment continuum in ‘smart homecare’ interactions’

The panel on the media and cultural industries featured papers by  Dr Hannah Hamad (Cardiff University): ‘Nurses and/as Caring in Media Fictions of NHS Care Work’; Dr Yuval Katz (Communication and Media, Loughborough University): ‘Can we care about our enemies?’; Dr Jade French (English, Loughborough University): ‘Emotion, ageing, and the care home in post-war British novels since 1948’.

 The final panel on health, wellbeing, and social care included papers by  Professor Alison Pilnick (Manchester Metropolitan University): ‘Thinking (micro)sociologically about care’; Dr Amy Cortvriend (Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, Loughborough University): ‘Care of people seeking asylum in the UK’; and Dr Catherine Coveny (Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, Loughborough University): ‘Rhythms of care’. The themed panels generated cross-disciplinary discussions between academic fields that are not usually in dialogue with one another. In a world in which ‘carelessness reigns’,the papers and ensuing conversations highlighted the urgent need to embed care more fully in all realms of social, political and cultural life.

Loughborough Surf's Big BUCS Year

Last week we caught up with Leo Perceval-Hicks, Chair of Loughborough Surf, to learn more about the club who are travelling to their first ever BUCS competition!

What is happening this weekend for Loughborough Surf?

For the first time in the club’s history, Loughborough Surf will be competing at the BUCS Surfing Championships! This is a huge milestone for us, especially as this year also marks our tenth anniversary. Our club, founded in 2014 by a few keen landlocked surfers, has come a long way since then. Despite being placed about as far inland as one can possibly be, we’ve never let that stop us.

How has the club grown over the years?

Loughborough Surf has thrived in the past few years, growing to over 130 members last year, with even more joining us this year. We’ve built a community that’s as much about the social side as it is about the surfing. Our socials are held once or twice a week, all year round, and we organise multiple surf trips each term. These range from quick day trips to Yorkshire to catch a big swell to weekends away in Newquay with up to 80 members. Surfing, skating, pubbing, and plenty of good vibes are always on the agenda!

What can we expect at BUCS Surfing Championships?

On 10 October, we’ll be heading down to Newquay for three days of competition. Six of our members will be competing against surf clubs from other UK universities. It’s a first-time experience for all of us, so we’re equally excited and nervous! The rest of the club will be cheering on from the side lines, bringing the Loughborough energy and good vibes.

How can I follow the action?

We’ll be posting updates throughout the competition on our Instagram, @lborosurf. You can follow along to see how our team performs in the heats and what we’re getting up to during the weekend.

I’m interested in joining Loughborough Surf – what’s the vibe?

We’re a super welcoming and laid-back club that loves to bring people together. Whether you’re a surfing pro or have never touched a board, there’s something for everyone here. Come along to one of our socials this month to check us out for free! If you like what you see, you can join our WhatsApp group and get full membership through our Instagram for just £30.

This is a huge moment for us as a club, and we can’t wait to see how our team performs at it’s first BUCS. Whether you’re coming along to support, watching from home, or thinking about joining our surf family, we’re excited to share this journey with you!

See you in the waves!

This Week at Loughborough | 7 October

General Events

University Choir Taster Session

7 October, 7pm-9pm, Cope Auditorium

Come along and try out our University Choir at their first rehearsal of the term.

Wearable Memories: Stones of the Grassland (exhibition)

Weekdays until 11 October, 12pm-2pm, Martin Hall Gallery

For 2 weeks, PhD researcher, Zihan Zhou, presents jewellery and research work from her doctoral project. 

Craft and Create: EDI Tapestry

9 October, 11.30am-2.30pm, LSU Treehouse

At LSU’s Craft & Create event, you’ll have the opportunity to design a square to be added to our growing University tapestry.

Discover Campus Sculpture Tour

9 October, 1.30pm-2.30pm, starting outside EHB

Join University Curator David Bell on a walk through campus to take in some of our wonderful sculptures.

National Theatre Live: Present Laughter

10 October, 7pm, Cope Auditorium

Andrew Scott’s award-winning performance as Garry Essendine in Noël Cowards provocative comedy returns to the big screen.

Black History Month Events

Black History Month: ‘I am not prejudiced, but…’

7 October, 12pm-12.50pm, Online

Why did so few commentators and researchers in the 1950s and 1960s consider Britain to be an endemically racist country? Dr Marcus Collins, Reader in Contemporary History, discusses new research in this talk.

Black History Month: Legacy and Leadership, reclaiming the narrative

11 October, 3pm-5pm, Loughborough Business School Foyer

Hear from influential Black leaders who are reshaping their fields and reclaiming narratives, gain valuable insights about practical strategies for leadership and connect with like-minded professionals to expand your network.

World Mental Health Day Events

World Mental Health Day: Chat with the Wellbeing team, Samaritans and the Chaplaincy

10 October, 10am-2pm, EHB – The Atrium

Join us in the Atrium to have a chat with a representative of the Samaritans, advisers from Loughborough Universities Wellbeing team and the Chaplaincy.

World Mental Health Day: Try Boccia with My Lifestyle

10 October, 10am-11.30am, EHB – The Pavillion

Join the My Lifestyle team for a taster session of Boccia, a fun and inclusive sport.

World Mental Health Day: Mindfulness session with Vita Health group

10 October, 11.30am-12pm, EHB – The Innerspace, the Chaplaincy

To mark World Mental Health Day, Sheela Solanki from Vita Health Group, NHS talking therapies service is providing a mindfulness session in person, in the Chaplaincy.

Careers Fest Events

Finalist Futures: Exploring Your Options After Graduation

8 October, 1pm-2pm, Online

Discover the importance of self-knowledge in making career choices, learn how and where to find job opportunities, and get useful links and information to guide your next steps.

Prepare for the Fair

8 October, 6pm-7.30pm, OR 10 October, 2pm-3.30pm, Online

Join our session to learn how to prepare for the Autumn Careers Fair, interact with employers, and follow up effectively.

Getting a Graduate Job

10 October, 1pm-2pm, Online

Learn what factors to consider when job hunting, get useful links for finding vacancies, and discover how to make speculative applications.

10’000 Black Interns: Making Applications

10 October, 6.30pm-7.30pm, Online

In collaboration with the Future Talent Programme, the 10’000 Interns Foundation will tell you about their internship opportunities, and introduce you to their application process to ensure your success!

CRCC to host 'The charm of illiberalism? Media and the rising alternatives to democracy'

On 5 November 2024, a new president will be elected in the United States. The stakes for these elections are high — would it mark the return of former President Trump’s illiberal politics? Or will it reflect the generation change in the democratic party, fuelled by the chemistry and charm of Vice President Harris and Governor Waltz?

Two weeks later, on 20 November, we will convene to celebrate the publication of two significant books in sociology, media and political communication: The Illiberal Public Sphere: Media in Polarized Societies by Václav Štetka and Sabina Mihelj (2024, Palgrave Macmillan) and Charm: How Magnetic Personalities Shape Global Politics by Julia Sonnevend (2024, Princeton University Press). The books offer complementary perspectives on the growing appeal of alternatives to democracy. While Štetka and Mihelj investigate how cultural values and state institutions are being reshaped to constitute an illiberal public sphere, Sonnevend focuses on the personification of global politics, illuminating how the magnetic appeal of charming leaders can reframe their public persona and the international brand of their nations. 

The fascination with illiberal ideas and charming leaders is fused in the media. It is where old values are renegotiated, often leading to prejudices manifested in xenophobia or homophobia. The battle over legacy media ownership is where ideological power struggles play out; when triumphant, illiberal regimes can use state-owned media to manipulate public opinion. Political leaders use social media to construct themselves as authentic representatives of ordinary people, dangerously demarcating those who disagree with them as enemies of the state in illiberal settings. They can perform their nation’s soft power to journalists through smiles and friendly gestures, even if they have no intention of adhering to liberal values. Please join us for a seminar meeting with the authors of the books, followed by a response by Dr Burçe Çelik, who will situate the books’ contributions within scholarship on media, political and social change.  

The event will be hybrid and will occur between 3 and 5 p.m. on November 20, 2024, in room U.0.0.5 in the Brockington Building at Loughborough University and will be followed by a social event.

Please register using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-charm-of-illiberalism-media-and-the-rising-alternatives-to-democracy-online-tickets-1034696544217?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Loughborough London Family Fun Day

The third annual family fun day at Loughborough University London (LUL) took place on Tuesday the 3rd of September 2024. The purpose of this event is to bring together a community of parents and carers who work or study at the university to celebrate parenthood and caring responsibilities. Many staff brought their children onto campus for a fun filled day of activities.

We were lucky enough to have Badu Sport undertake a Paralympic themed sports session which included seated archery, boccia and seated volleyball. We also went on a visit to Staffordshire University to hear about future careers with the gaming industry and children then got to explore their esport arena. Children and parents also visited our very own Fab Lab, and everyone had a demonstration of the laser cutters, 3D printers and received a personalised gift to take home. With arts and crafts activities, Lego building and the ability to talk about and watch the Paralympics throughout the day, the event showcased the interdisciplinary nature of our university.

Dr. Emily Hayday (member of the LU MAIA Network) and a co-organiser of the event reflected on the day and said:

“hosting this event is a great day to share experiences and interact with colleagues and students who also have parental and caring roles. It promotes an inclusive culture and is always a fun and positive event bringing children onto campus to explore our university.”

The aim of this event is to raise visibility of parents and carers, as well as providing an opportunity for socialising, community building and growing an inclusive culture on campus. The Family Fun day was organised by the LUL EDI committee and provided an excellent opportunity to focus on the caring community principles that underpin our university ethos.

Dr. Ksenija Kuzmina, co-chair for LU Working Parents and Carers Staff Network, and co-organiser of the event said:

“It is a great event for our campus to host, it is a reminder that as individuals we juggle multiple roles every day and many of them are invisible in the workplace. I believe that through the Family Funday we foster greater awareness, empathy, and support with those around us”.      

We’re really looking forward to the 4th edition which will happen in 2025.

Read here about EDI at Loughborough University London campus.

To learn more about LU Working Parents and Carers Staff Network contact Ksenija on k.kuzmina@lboro.ac.uk

To learn more about LU MAIA Network contact Emily on E.Hayday@lboro.ac.uk

The power of nature: How the outdoors can transform your wellbeing

Spending time in nature is a great tool for boosting our mental health as it offers us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and heal.

When we focus on the rustling of leaves, the birds singing, or the feeling of the sun on our skin, our attention shifts from internal anxieties to the present moment. This form of mindfulness can reduce mental overload and promote a sense of peace and calm.

According to the Mental Health Foundation: “Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile.

Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety.”

Spending time outdoors can:

• improve your mood
• reduce mental fatigue
• boost your confidence and self-esteem
• reduce feelings of stress and help you feel more relaxed
• motivate you to be more active
• help you meet and get to know new people
• improve your sleep

Exposure to sunlight also helps increase vitamin D production which supports immune system function, helping to fight off infections. Vitamin D also helps regulate inflammatory responses in the body and helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Challenge yourself to spend at least 15 minutes outdoors every day

There are many ways you can incorporate spending time outdoors into your daily routine:

• Start your day with a morning walk or run
• Walk or cycle to work instead of driving, even if it’s only for part of your journey
• Suggest a walking meeting with a colleague, or eat your lunch outside
• If you have children, suggest playing catch in the garden, go to a playground or go for a bike ride
• Replace indoor meals with occasional picnics at parks or beaches
• Take your fitness routine outside by running, hiking, or doing yoga in a park instead of at the gym
• Engage in activities like golf, football, or running groups that regularly meet outdoors
• Start or end your day with a few stretches outdoors
• If you have a garden, spend time each day tending to plants or simply enjoying your outdoor space
• Swap your indoor reading time for an outdoor setting
• Look for local farmers markets, festivals, or outdoor concerts to combine entertainment and time outside

When you’re outdoors, try to focus on your surroundings and engage your senses. Have a go at forest bathing, a Japanese practice of relaxation; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. It is a simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply. You could also try taking a camera or sketchpad to capture the beauty of nature through photography, painting, or drawing.

Read how Rich Fenn-Griffin, Assistant Gardens Manager at the University spends quality time in nature.

Make the most of nature on campus

• Holywell Park
• Fruit Routes
• Burleigh Wood
• Garden of Remembrance
• Walled Garden
• International Garden
• Sculpture Trail

Nature spots local to Loughborough

• Queen’s Park
• Beacon Hill
• Bradgate Park
• Stonehurst Farm
• The Outwoods
• Swithland Wood
• Whatton House
• Charnwood Water

From the Vice-Chancellor – September 2024

In my first newsletter of the new academic year: the Paris 2024 Games, our new Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards, our Ambassador for Sport, Health and Wellbeing, the inaugural GSUN summit, and Loughborough’s hat trick of nominations in the 2024 THE Awards.

Looking back at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer were phenomenal events, showcasing the world’s greatest sportsmen and women, and I was incredibly proud of the achievements of our Loughborough-linked athletes.  

They brought home a total of 35 medals across both games – seven gold, six silver and six bronze at the Paralympics and four gold, four silver and eight bronze at the Olympics. So strong were the Loughborough athletes’ performances that we would have finished as a top 20 nation in the Paralympic Games if we were reclassified as a country and 16th in the OIympics. 

Among the highlights from this year’s Games were Olympic gold for Daniel Wiffen in the men’s 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1,500m freestyle, and gold for cyclist Sophie Capewell in the women’s team sprint – both Daniel and Sophie are current Loughborough students. At the Paralympics, swimmer Tully Kearney won gold in the women’s 100m and 200m freestyle S5, and for Jenny Holl, who’s the cycling pilot for Sophie Unwin, won two golds, a silver and a bronze; Tully trains at Loughborough and Jenny is part of Loughborough Lightning Cycling.  

A full list of our medal-winning athletes is available on our news pages. 

Alongside our athletes we must also celebrate the coaches, practitioners and support staff across the University who help our students, alumni and Loughborough-based athletes to achieve their goals, as well as those who ensure our sports facilities remain in peak condition for our athletes. Their dedication, day in day out, is truly outstanding. 

We must also acknowledge the world-leading sports-related research that takes place across the University, which underpins not only our own athletes’ performance but that of sportsmen and women around the world.  

For instance, our researchers in the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport were asked to look at how wheelchairs would interact with the clay courts being used at the Paris Games, and in this video, gold medal-winning triathlete Cassandre Beaugrand explains why our heat lab, which helped her acclimatise to the Paris temperatures, is her “worst, favourite place”. 

The totality of our outstanding Olympic and Paralympics performance underpinned being named Sports University of the Year in the Times and Sunday Times and the Daily Mail university guides for 2025, which were both published this month.  

It also generated some excellent news coverage for the University, with more than 650 media mentions in 200-plus outlets, including BBC News, The Times, The Guardian and BBC Radio 4. Our Olympics and Paralympics videos on social media also had more than half a million views. 

Our performance at the Olympics and Paralympics has enabled us to enhance Loughborough’s global profile and reputation, which is a key part of our strategic vision, and shown how we can leverage our leading position in sport performance, research and education to meet our strategic Sporting Excellence and Opportunity aim. 

New Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience appointed

This autumn we will welcome Professor Sam Grogan as our new Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience. 

Professor Grogan is currently Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience at the University of Salford, and prior to that was Dean of Students, with responsibility for leadership of the academic student experience. Before joining the University of Salford, he was Director of Higher Education at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and Head of the Department of Performing Arts at Bath Spa University. 

He is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Board Member of Advance HE, which promotes excellence in higher education, and was also Round Table Chair for the launch of the Social Mobility Pledge, a coalition of more than 800 organisations that have committed to boost opportunity and social mobility. 

Professor Grogan will bring invaluable experience in shaping and leading the delivery of first-class education opportunities for our students and ensuring they have the chance to develop the skills they need for whatever they do in their future lives – one of the key aspirations in our strategic plan. 

I’m sure you’ll join me in giving a very warm welcome to Professor Grogan.

Vice-Chancellor’s Awards mark the contributions and achievements of staff

Each year, the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards allow us to recognise and celebrate the contributions of staff from around the University who have shown their commitment to the University’s aims and values, especially around the theme of ‘togetherness’, in keeping with the title of our strategy.   

This year almost 250 nominations – a record number with every School and Professional Service represented – were submitted for eighteen awards across the six categories of research and innovation; education and student experience; equity, diversity and inclusion; international engagement and impact; sporting excellence and opportunity; and living the values.    

Congratulations to all those nominated and the incredibly worthy winners. Full details are available on the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards website. 

More than 170 staff and guests attended the awards ceremony, which was compered by the wonderful Pauline Matturi from Organisational Development. Our student jazz band, Tuxedo Swing, were our musical entertainment for the afternoon. 

As well as presenting awards on the night, we also recognise the winners and nominees in a dedicated space on campus near the West Park Teaching Hub, where we have a plaque, mounted on locally-sourced Mountsorrel granite, and seating area, surrounded by trees and shrubs. This new green space will provide a lasting legacy both to the achievements of our staff and to our sustainability ambitions.

Ambassador appointed for the Sport, Health and Wellbeing strategic theme

I’m delighted that Karen Carney OBE has been appointed as the Ambassador for our Sport, Health and Wellbeing strategic theme.  

Karen joins Steve Varley and Politics graduates Ghanim and Ahmad Muhammad Al-Muftah who are our Ambassadors for the Net Zero and Climate Change and Vibrant and Inclusive Communities themes. Together they will help to enhance the University’s reputation and profile by acting as advocates for the University’s activities and achievements through their networks.  

Loughborough alumna Karen has had an impressive professional football career. She played for Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chelsea and the Chicago Red Stars, and played in four UEFA Women’s Championships between 2005 and 2017. She also represented England at four Women’s World Cups, gaining 144 caps to make her one of the country’s most capped players of all time, and was part of Team GB at the 2012 Olympics.   

Since retiring from football, Karen has gone on to work as a broadcaster on all major networks covering both men’s and women’s football.  

Karen will work closely alongside Professor Diwei Zhou and Professor David Fletcher,  the Associate Pro Vice-Chancellors for the Strategic Theme, as well as Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport to highlight our world-leading research and innovation in sport and exercise, as well as the fantastic facilities and opportunities within sport that the University provides.

Inaugural global sport summit focuses on inclusivity

World leaders in sport research were at the University of Oregon this month for the inaugural summit of the Global Sport University Network (GSUN), which was co-founded by Loughborough and Oregon.  

The event brought together experts from six continents and 21 countries to discuss collaboration on the theme of inclusivity in sport performance, including para athletics, aging, female athletes and mental health. 

GSUN aims to address problems that are too big for one institution to solve alone. The network connects industry, governing bodies, sport commissions, media and other key stakeholders with researchers, educators and higher education institutions in four key thematic areas: health and performance, inclusivity and societal impact, innovation, and sustainability.  

Panel topics at the summit included the use of artificial intelligence to make sport more inclusive, the growth of para sports and youth physical fitness. 

GSUN is a perfect example of our strategic aim to use our world-leading position in sport, health and wellbeing research, and work in partnership with other globally-renowned universities, to change the world through sport.

Loughborough shortlisted for three Times Higher Education awards

The shortlist for this year’s higher education ‘Oscars’ – the Times Higher Education Awards – was announced this month and I was delighted to see Loughborough in three categories. 

Professor Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey, who is the Director of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, is a finalist for Outstanding Supervisor of the Year. Vicky has supervised almost 30 PhD students, who have secured leadership roles in Para sport since graduating. Her unique supervision method – known as the embedded scientist approach – provides students with access to Para athletes, facilities and resources to support their research. 

Sally Carter, from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Technician of the Year category. Sally applies her expertise and skills across the School and supports other technical teams. Her creative problem-solving approach for laboratory users led to the creation of the Research Buddy Scheme, piloted in the 23/24 academic year, which saved 260 hours of lost data collection and improved students’ employability.  

Finally, Loughborough’s Future Talent Programme has been nominated for the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year. The Future Talent Programme aims to supercharge black students’ career prospects and confidence by enabling them to engage with employers who want to recruit diverse talent to their workforce. The programme, which was created in 2020 to help address the placement progression gaps between black and white students at the University, has supported almost 700 students to date. 

Congratulations to all the Loughborough nominees. I hope we’ll be celebrating at the awards ceremony on 28th November!

This Week at Loughborough | 30 September

Coach and Volunteer Academy briefing

Monday 30 September 6pm-7pm, EHB110A

Join the CVA’s general briefing session to explore the range of personal and professional development opportunities available through sport at Loughborough University. 

Finalist Futures – Welcome Event

Wednesday 2 October, 2.45pm, Edward Herbert Building 

A welcome-back event for Finalists, to help orient you at the start of your final year, raise awareness, and connect you with all the support we offer in order to build confidence and self-belief for the road ahead while also honing the mindset necessary to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Big Match 2024

Wednesday 2nd October – Kick off at 7pm 

Get ready to kick off the academic year with one of Loughborough’s biggest and most electrifying events. This year, our reigning BUCS Super Rugby Champions, Loughborough Men’s Rugby, will face off against Bath Rugby in an epic rematch of last year’s thrilling showdown.

Flix Cinema – Deadpool and Wolverine

Thursday 3 October 7pm, Cope Auditorium

LSU are partnering with resident film society Flix Cinema for a free showing of Deadpool and Wolverine in their state-of-the-art campus cinema. Unwind with some friends and enjoy the movie! Tickets in advance on the LSU website or through the LSU app.

PwC Eco-Hub – Meet and Greet 

Friday 4 October, 11am – 3pm, Outside Careers Hubs East

Head over to the PwC Eco Booth and engage with their small but mighty demonstration of innovation and environmental stewardship, showcasing the cutting-edge sustainable practices integrated into their work. Explore how PwC are championing sustainability and making a positive impact on the world. 

PwC – Workshop – Building Confidence in the Employer Selection Process

Friday 4 October 3pm – 4pm, Stewart Mason Building

Ready to unlock your future with PwC? Come along to the exciting skills session where every stage of the PwC selection process is broken down. Meet recruiters and ambassadors who’ve been through it all and can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work at PwC. Don’t forget to pick up some cool, ethically sourced freebies along the way!

UV Multi Sport Event

Friday 4 October 5pm – 7.30pm, New Victory Hall

Join us for a UV multi sport event to play Volleyball and Dodgeball– part of the FREE recreational activities timetable here at Loughborough University. All abilities welcome, book via the MyLifestyle tile on the Loughborough Sport App. 

Celebrate Loughborough’s First Freshers Expo

Sunday 6 October 2pm – 8pm, Market Place Loughborough Town Centre

On Sunday 6 October, Love Loughborough will be welcoming students to Loughborough by holding a Fresher’s Expo in the town centre. This innovative event will give the town’s businesses a chance to showcase their offers to the all the students who will make Loughborough their home for the next few years. 

Wearable Memories: Stones of the Grassland (exhibition)

Until 11 October 12pm – 2pm weekdays, Martin Hall Gallery

PhD researcher, Zihan Zhou, presents jewellery and research work from her doctoral project: ‘Wearable Memories: Contemporary Jewellery Practice Based on the Study of Nomadic Culture in Northern China’.

Five minutes with: Varuna De-Silva

What is your job title and how long have you worked at Loughborough?

I’m a Reader in Digital Technologies and I’ve worked here for 7 years.

Tell us what a typical day looks like for you?

Coffee, emails, networking with colleagues, telco meetings, visiting the lab, speaking with students, pub/bar, go home.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

Developing Artificial Agents that make decisions like real footballers.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Being awarded the EPSRC New Investigator Award.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I enjoy cooking for large groups of family and friends. I once catered for a party of 80 guests!

What is your favourite quote?

‘Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration’

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Lilia Boukikova at L.Boukikova@lboro.ac.uk

Hitler’s influence during the Sudeten Crisis

by Luke Hamilton

At the time of writing, I am entering my final-year as an undergraduate student, studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics. I was first made aware of the course through a GCSE Economics teacher, who vouched for its suitability for those who enjoy the study of multiple disciplines. Foreign Policy Analysis was my only chosen module in my second-year and I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of it, especially the simulation conference centered around the Syria conflict.

As a component of my second-year module, PIB612 Foreign Policy Analysis, I was tasked to write a research essay which involved the discussion and application of a foreign policy analysis (FPA) method to a case. The case I selected was Nazi Foreign Policy during the 1938 Sudeten Crisis, choosing to analyse it through assessment of the cognitive processes of Adolf Hitler. Although I had studied the crisis at A Level, I was eager to apply the methodology learnt within the module to what I felt to be a pivotal moment in foreign policy history.

The Sudeten Crisis occurred in 1938 and pitted Nazi desires for the acquisition of land in Czechoslovakia against that of the British and the French who wished to limit German expansionism but above all else, stop the outbreak of war (see Smelser, 1975). The end result of the period of high tension was the Munich Agreement, which provided Germany with the Sudetenland region. The de-escalation of the conflict however would not last: the rest of Czechoslovakia was invaded in 1939 and so too was Poland later that year, which drew retaliation from the British and French. In order to best evaluate the significance of the cognitive process methodology, I undertook research into Hitler’s personal role and impact and then examined that compared to other influences, such as: broader Nazi ideology; the role played by opposing nations such Britain and France; and the importance of contextual landscapes in determining a nation’s actions. This allowed me best to determine the validity of cognitive analysis when trying to understand this specific case study.

The preceding Anschluss, the ensuing invasion of the rest of Czechoslovakia, or the concluding assault on Poland may all provide a more climatic and influential sequence of events for a pre-WW2 case study than the Sudeten Crisis (see Leitz 2003, Press 2004). However, the unique traits of the crisis and the responses of the involved nations give it a distinctive twist allowing the application of various FPA methodologies, something I discovered whilst constructing my case study.

The theory of National Image (the idea that nations exist with idealized stereotypes that are culturally shared and perpetuated, see Neack, 2014) was something I learnt through the module and was then able to apply to this case study. For example, post-Treaty of Versailles Germany can be argued to have operated with a ‘siege mentality’ (Neack, 2014), with this being particularly potent during the build-up to the Munich Agreement. Furthermore, I was able to tie this methodology into the ideals of A.J.P Taylor, a historian I had studied previously, in order to further my evaluation of this FPA approach. Taylor, of course, had argued that the outbreak of the Second World War owed to less to Hitler’s deliberate designs and more to continuities in German history.

Similarly, because the Sudeten Crisis was chronologically sandwiched between the Anschluss and the invasion of the rest of Czechoslovakia and later, Poland, the application of the FPA concept of ‘Past Actions Theory’ (Press, 2004) is legitimate and can help provide analytical insight. That is, evaluation of major events that pre- and proceeded the Sudeten Crisis can be interrogated to see whether there was a continuation in Nazi Foreign Policy. Having the ability to apply these concepts to this case study allowed further evaluation of the cognitive analysis methodology as they facilitate different analytical models by which to understand the driving forces of Nazi Foreign Policy.

As mentioned, I had previously studied the Sudeten Crisis and Nazi Foreign Policy during my History AS-Level, specifically the intentionalist/functionalist debate between historians such as A.J.P. Taylor and Gerhard Weinberg. Selecting this case study therefore allowed for additional learning and helped me develop skills of both conceptual and comparative methodological analysis. Taking a distinct look at Hitler’s role thanks to individual cognitive analysis was found to be the key methodological approach.

Overall, the module and this research project exposed me to alternative thought processes when analysing past events, allowing me to reassess ideas on previously studied subjects. The project also generated a greater appreciation for academic debate.

Recommended further reading:

Goda, N.J.W. (2001) ‘A. J. P. Taylor, Adolf Hitler, and the Origins of the Second World War’, The International History Review, 23(1).

Leitz, C. (2003) Nazi Foreign Policy, 1933-41. 1st ed. London: Routledge.

Neack, L. (2014) The New Foreign Policy. 3rd ed. Plymouth: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Inc.

Press, D.G. (2004) ‘The Credibility of Power: Assessing Threats during the “Appeasement” Crises of the 1930s’, International Security, 29(3).

Smelser, R.M. (1975) The Sudeten Problem, 1933-1938. Clinton: The Colonial Press Inc.

Weinberg, Gerhard L. (1970) The Foreign Policy of Hitler’s Germany. London: The University of Chicago Press.

Photo by Hugues Mathers on Unsplash

This Week at Loughborough | 23 September

General

Commuter Students Welcome Event 2024 

25 September 2024, 2pm-4pm, Loughborough Design School 

An event to help formally welcome commuter students to campus to help ease their transition into University life. 

Find out more on the events page  

New International Students Pizza Party

26 September 2024, 6pm-8pm, Loughborough Wellbeing Centre

Join the International Student Experience Team at Loughborough’s Wellbeing Centre – a cozy, safe space nestled in the heart of the largest off-campus student halls – for an evening packed with fun and food.

Find out more on the events page

Wearable Memories: Stones of the Grassland (exhibition)

27 September – 11 October 2024, 12pm-2pm (weekdays only), Martin Hall Gallery

For 2 weeks, PhD researcher, Zihan Zhou, presents jewellery and research work from her doctoral project.

Find out more on the events page

Loughborough Students vs Cambourne

28 September 2024, 2pm, Loughborough University 1st XV Rugby Pitch

Rugby action returns to Loughborough as the Students continue their 2024/2025 campaign in the National League 2 West.

Find out more on the events page

LSU Events

Alton Towers

26 September 2024, 3:30pm-9:30pm, Alton Towers

Picture this: an entire theme park, just for us – no lines, no waiting, just endless fun and great vibes. That’s right, we’ve got the keys to Alton Towers for one unforgettable night! 

Find out more on the event page

Sports Bazaar

28 September 2024, 10am-4pm, Sir David Wallace

Are you ready to dive into a world of exciting sports and limitless opportunities? Look no further than the Sports Bazaar – your one-stop destination to explore a plethora of athletic adventures.

Find out more on the events page

Freshers Bazaar

29 September 2024, 10am-4pm, Sir David Wallace

You’ll have the chance to explore hundreds of opportunities that you can get involved with while you study at Loughborough, including over 100 societies, activities and social groups. There are also bound to be a bunch of freebies — so don’t miss out!

Find out more on the events page

Five minutes with: Joseph Bou-Nassif

What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’m a Graduate Management Trainee (Student Services/Marketing and Advancement) and I’ve been here a year and a half.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

Due to the nature of my current role, I spend three days per week in Student Services with the International Student Experience (ISE) Team and two days per week in Marketing and Advancement with the Global Engagement team (GET). A day with ISE could start by working on planning a vacation programme for international students, then supporting or leading the delivery of an event, and ending the day responding to student queries. A day with GET could start by attending a Teams meeting, then planning for an upcoming trip/conference, before welcoming visitors or prospective students for a campus tour. However, as a Graduate Management Trainee (GMT), there will also be days where I will be involved in extra-curriculars such as working on a sustainability project, attending a developmental training session or shadowing a senior committee meeting.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

There have been many projects that I have enjoyed working on during my time in Loughborough Sport, the Strategic Planning Team, the International Student Experience Team and Global Engagement. It’s hard to choose one but I would say there were two projects that I enjoyed the most. The first one was being involved in the planning and delivery of the University Leadership Group away day. This experience taught me a lot about the high scale level and details needed to run a successful away day. The second project, a recent one, was to project manage the Loughborough Festivities Programme for International students (and home students) who were staying in Loughborough throughout the Christmas vacation period. I really cherished the opportunity to have an impact on bettering the experience of international students who couldn’t travel back home.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

There have been many great highlights in my time at Loughborough so far, but my proudest moment would have to be when my fellow colleagues and I established and launched the Early Careers Staff Network, which aims at supporting staff new to their career in Higher Education.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

Outside of work, my main hobby is Salsa and Latin dancing- especially when it’s in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom!

What is your favourite quote?

“In a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind” by Jennifer Dukes Lee

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Lilia Boukikova at l.boukikova@lboro.ac.uk

Sandra Freeman: Maternity Leave Trailblazer 

The Maia Network spoke to Sandra Freeman about her trailblazing for maternity leave at Loughborough University.

Sandra Freeman was awarded the Loughborough University Medal on 18 July as part of Loughborough’s summer graduation ceremonies. Sandra has been working as a cleaner in Domestic Services for over 50 consecutive years and received the medal on the same day her granddaughter, Molly Jackson, graduated from Loughborough. 

In 1975, Sandra, who was pregnant with her son Andrew, became a trailblazer for maternity leave at Loughborough University. 

At the time, cleaners were employed differently to other staff, and Sandra knew that she would have to leave her job and be re-employed after Andrew had been born. This would mean she wouldn’t necessarily be able to go back into the same job and that she could be placed anywhere. “I didn’t want that,” Sandra told us “I’d become part of the team and become invested in the department I was cleaning.” 

So, Sandra got in touch with her Union representative, Tom Allen, to ask why she wouldn’t be able to go back to her job after having her baby, but a secretary, for example, could. She told him about her concerns and that she wanted to go back to the same job. Tom looked into the issue and got back in touch with Sandra a few days later to tell her she would be allowed to go on maternity leave. 

However, there was still an issue with Sandra going on maternity leave. Sandra needed to be made a permanent member of staff to be able to go on maternity leave, which meant paying national insurance. But she didn’t earn enough to pay the full national insurance stamp. So, she decided to pay the full amount anyway, which was almost all of her earnings. Sandra didn’t mind too much about it though, saying “this wasn’t the object, the object was to keep my job”. 

After that, maternity leave became the norm at the University. 

1975 was an exciting year for women, as it was also the year that equal pay for women came into force, 5 years after the bill was passed. 

We asked Sandra how it feels to have made such an impact on maternity leave at the University, “It was a means to an end, because I wanted to go back to where I was. It was quite selfish really. I am an ardent feminist, believe me. Women can do anything; I’ve brought up some strong daughters. But I wasn’t doing it for the greater good at the time. But I’m glad I did it.” 

“Eventually I’m sure it would have happened. But I’m glad. If I’ve helped someone in my life, I’m glad of it. Some of the things were very unfair for women” she added. “I’ve always maintained the University are fantastic employers, I can’t think of any other organisation that looks after their employees like the University.” 

Written by Charlotte Lingham, Maia Network Comms Lead

Eating for our health and happiness

Alongside our busy lives, eating healthily can sometimes feel like a daunting task. With tight daily schedules and the convenience of fast food or ready meals, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy patterns.

Making small changes to your diet can make a big difference, according to the NHS, “A well-balanced diet provides all the energy you need to keep active throughout the day and nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy to prevent diet-related illnesses.”

Healthy eating can also improve your mood and help you sleep better. One of the main culprits for affecting our mood is blood sugar levels. Mind noted “If your blood sugar is lower than usual, you might feel tired, irritable or depressed. Eating regularly, and eating foods that release energy slowly, can help to keep your sugar levels steady.”

Slow energy-release foods include:

• Wholegrain bread and cereal
• Nuts and seeds
• Brown pasta and rice
• Bananas

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. By making a few simple changes, you can nourish your body, boost your energy, and feel better overall.

Challenge yourself to swap one unhealthy snack per day for a healthier option

• Prioritise whole foods

Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins are packed with essential nutrients, fibre and antioxidants that your body needs to function at its best. Next time you are food shopping, fill your basket with whole foods and try to minimise processed and packaged foods.

• Don’t skip protein

Eating protein such as eggs, beans and pulses, meat and fish, or soya, helps you to feel full for longer. Studies also show that protein can help to increase your strength, lower your blood pressure and has major benefits for bone health.

• Plan meals in advance

Meal planning can save you time, reduce stress, and help you make healthier choices. Start by setting aside time each week to plan your meals and make sure to include a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting a balanced intake of nutrients. When you have a quieter day, you could also prepare ingredients or meals you can easily grab throughout the week.

• Listen to your body

Eating foods that make you feel energised and satisfied will naturally guide you toward healthier choices. Experiment with keeping a food journal to track how you feel after eating different meals. Make note of how certain foods affect your sleep, give you more energy or make you feel worse/better. This can help you identify foods that work well for your body and those that don’t.

Simple and healthy lunch ideas on a budget

Healthy eating can seem like an expensive choice. However, it doesn’t have to be if you shop carefully.

In an episode of the Experts in Health podcast, Performance Chef Varun Shivdasani discusses the benefits of being creative with food and working within a realistic price range to achieve nutritional goals.

If you’re struggling with ideas for a healthy lunch you can bring to work, here are some simple meals to try:

• Chicken and tomato jacket potato
• Ham and fresh coleslaw pittas
• Hearty vegetable and lentil soup
• Pesto spinach penne
• Salmon salad with sesame dressing
• Spicy avocado wraps

If you enjoy a sweet treat, don’t forget to pack some fruit, popcorn or dark chocolate to snack on throughout the day. There is also plenty of food outlets on campus offering healthy lunch options.

Read more about eating a healthy, balanced diet from the NHS.

If you’re interested in learning more about health and wellbeing, keep an eye on the University’s events page for upcoming SuperWellness webinars including ‘Supporting Mental Health at Work’ on 16 October and ‘Building Psychological Capital’ on 11 December.

This Week at Loughborough | 2 September

General:

DigiLabs Summer Showcase

3 September 2024, 9.30am-1pm, WPT004 (West Park Teaching Hub)

This event is designed to inform, educate and engage staff in a showcase of the work completed over the summer, with an opportunity for networking for those interested in joining the next phase of implementation for the DigiLabs project.

Find out more

The Role of International Collaborations in Meeting Net Zero Targets

4 September 2024, 9am-4pm, T003 (Wolfson School)

In the build-up to COP29, this one-day seminar will explore how international partnerships can drive innovation and accelerate progress in the fight against climate change.

Hosted by Loughborough University and sponsored by The State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan and TriboDENS, the event will bring together industry leaders, academic experts and government representatives to discuss effective strategies to advance Net Zero targets.

Find out more

Vice-Chancellor’s Community Cricket Day

6 September 2024, 2.30pm-6.30pm, National Cricket Performance Centre

The Bishop of Loughborough and Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University will play host to an afternoon of cricket. The match will be 20/20 format and involve guests from across the community. Spectators will have the opportunity to watch some cricket and grab a bite to eat.

The event is a great opportunity to bring the community together, LU Arts are also arranging a range of activities and performances to complement the event.

Find out more

Summertime Socials:

Monday Chill Out – Crafts and Board Games

2 September 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Royce Common Room

Come along to Royce Common Room for a chance to “chill out” where you can expect crafts and board games with the opportunity to catch up with friends or make news ones!

Find out more

Speaking Club

3 September 2024, 2pm-3pm, S2031 (S Building)

Every Tuesday over the summer period the International Student Experience Team will run a Speaking Club. Come along, practise your English speaking and listening skills with a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones too. Ask any questions that you might have about life in the UK or just pop by for a general chit-chat and each week we will have a new topic to discuss – no need to book!

Find out more

Active Wednesday – My Lifestyle: Yoga

4 September 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Holywell Studio 1

The My Lifestyle programme is a free and welcoming recreational sport and physical activity offer, that is open to and welcomes everybody of any ability. Breathe through any exam stress come along to get active or make new friends at our free Yoga session.

Find out more

Five Minutes With: Orla Price

What’s your job title and how long have you worked at Loughborough?

I am the Corporate Communications Intern for 2023/24 and I have been working at Loughborough since September 2023.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day in my job can be extremely varied – I work across the Internal Communications team, the Public Relations team, and the Social Media team so I often have lots of different things to work on. Usually, I have a few articles to write for internal news, sometimes a press release for one of the ‘Experts’ podcasts, creating teasers and assets for social media, filming news features, and putting together the ‘Loughborough in the News’ newsletter. Occasionally, I’ll help the Social Media team with filming content around campus.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

My favourite project that I have worked on would definitely be filming some of the athletes who competed in Paris this summer. Filming the swimming athletes was really varied and I hadn’t done anything similar to that before, so I learnt a lot from that experience (and it was really cool to watch from underwater!)

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

My proudest moment at Loughborough would be when some of the breakdancing video shots I did made it into national media outlets.

What is something you do outside of work?

Outside of work, I compete in Muay Thai & Kickboxing (as part of the Loughborough Students Kickboxing Club). I first started the sport when I was 14 and started competing when I came to University.

What is your favourite quote?

‘If you weren’t ready, you wouldn’t have the opportunity.’

DRN2024 Drawing Repetition: Bodies in Motion Recording

Recording of the final in the series of DRN2024 events exploring drawing repetition. Many thanks to our speakers: Ella Emanuele & Simon Birch, Rachel Hayton-Gadsden, and Ram Samocha and to chair James Bowen.

Weirding the Landscape, Drawing as an Act of Visual Disruption

Michael Eden

This project explores the potential for creative processes to provide what has been termed, better analogues of nature by the ecologist Don Gayton. Including analogues, metaphors and modes of engagement that can incorporate aspects of flux, change and disturbance events into an active subjective experience of the environment. Moreover, the project looks at the ways a personal experience of space that emphasizes doubt, probing and a generally heuristic approach to the environment increases the aesthetic range of possibilities for individuals and is bolstered by the act of drawing.

The project utilizes reportage drawing and photography in a specific location and draws on the phenomena of pareidolia to create a more creative/active role for the artist and viewer, which is nevertheless linked directly to real observations. The project problematizes other modes of landscape representation, namely what is referred to as the nostalgic axis (the intertwining of the pastoral, the picturesque and general nostalgic aesthetics). This is the first phase of the project and a completed critical text is currently undergoing review. 

Follow the Instagram page for updates: https://www.instagram.com/eerie__weird__axis/

This Week at Loughborough | 19 August

General:

Book Club: Fasting, Feasting by Anita Desai

21 August 2024, 12.30pm-1.30pm, AST Office (L3, Pilkington Library)

Join staff from Pilkington Library as the University Book Club marks South Asian Heritage Month with a discussion of Anita Desai’s intricate family drama.

Plain, umarriageable Uma has failed to outgrow her childhood home, with its bittersweet treats of puri-alu and barfi. Overprotected and starved for a life, she is smothered by her overbearing parents, successful sister Aruna, and Arun, the family’s disappointment of a son.

Find out more

Lunch & Learn – Building Your Personal Brand

21 August 2024, 1pm-2pm, WAV027 (Wavy Top)

The Early Careers Staff Network is offering a ‘Lunch & Learn’ session on the concept of personal brand and approaches to developing this across your career. This is particularly valuable to staff in the early stages of a career in higher education and is applicable to academic, technical and professional services colleagues. Lunch will also be provided at the event.

Find out more

Online Support Forum in Response to UK Riots

21 August 2024, 2pm-3.30pm, Online

EDI Services have organised an online support session, facilitated by an external professional, for racialised minority staff and PGRs to safely reflect on their internal responses to the race-based violence recently seen across the UK.

The session will aim to provide a safe psychological space for people of colour to understand individual & collective responses to race based stress and trauma, and reflect on how recent events may be impacting them.

Find out more

Exhibition: All Flesh is Grass

9-23 August 2024, 12pm-2pm, Martin Hall Gallery

Fine Art students Fay Sheppard, Gabriella Drewer, and Jay Finnis consider the cyclicality of life in ‘All Flesh Is Grass’, by using a range of impermanent mixed media and curatorial methods. Their work guides visitors through discussions of grief, hope, death, and desire. The exhibition aims to provoke self-reflection and thought surrounding the place of humanity in the landscape.

Find out more

Loughborough Lightning FC vs Notts County

25 August 2024, 2pm-4pm, Loughborough University Stadium

Join us at Loughborough University Stadium for Loughborough Lightning FC’s first home game of the season as they face off against Notts County in the FA Women’s National League.

Find out more

Summertime Socials:

Monday Chill Out – LU Arts Workshop: Craft Your Own Unique Jewellery: Explore with Silk Clay and Recycled Materials

19 August 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Royce Common Room

Join us for a delightful workshop led by our talented artsworker, Yajie Hu, as part of our Summertime Socials programme. The workshop is beginner-friendly and suitable for everyone, regardless of skill level. Throughout the session, you’ll have the chance to make your own jewellery using silk clay, a user-friendly material, along with some recycled pieces from local charities.  

Find out more

Speaking Club

20 August 2024, 2pm-3pm, WAV011 (Wavy Top)

Every Tuesday over the summer period the International Student Experience Team will run a Speaking Club. Come along, practise your English speaking and listening skills with a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones too. Ask any questions that you might have about life in the UK or just pop by for a general chit-chat and each week we will have a new topic to discuss – no need to book!

Find out more

Active Wednesday – My Lifestyle: Turn up and play – Rounders

21 August 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, EHB Hockey Pitch

The My Lifestyle programme is a FREE and welcoming recreational sport and physical activity offer, that is open to and welcomes everybody of any ability. Come along for a free game of Rounders, get active and make new friends.

Find out more

Trip to London

24 August 2024, 7.30am-7.30pm, London

Come with us for a trip to London for the chance to explore the city and see some of the top attractions of your choice. This city is packed of things to do and attractions to see including the London Eye, London Bridge, Big Ben, West Minster Abbey. Or why not visit a food market, museum or take the time to do some shopping. Either way, there is something for everyone!

Find out more

Five minutes with: Edwin Baynes

What’s your job title and how long have you worked at Loughborough?

I’m a Lecturer in Physical Geography and I started working here in June 2020.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Much like any academic, it’s hard to describe a typical day. I’m a quantitative geomorphologist which means I research the processes that shape the Earth’s surface, with a particular focus on mountain landscapes and the impact of Extreme Events like flooding. My research therefore takes me out into the field a lot, or I might be running flume experiments in the lab. Either way, I subsequently end up spending days analysing data at the computer. Much like the research, teaching can involve fieldwork, computer practicals or the traditional lecture.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

I’m in the process of setting up a ‘Bedrock River Observatory’ (known as the BRO) located in the North Pennines. We’re monitoring in situ erosion processes at a unique field site and quantifying the key controls that set the balance of chemical and physical erosion. It’s great to spend time in a beautiful part of the landscape collecting data that answers some pretty fundamental questions about the landscapes around us.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

I’ve not been here that long, just enough time for one cohort of Geography undergraduates to go through their entire degrees. Seeing their progression from first year through to graduation was great.

What is something you do outside of work?

Unsurprisingly given my research area, I try to spend as much time as possible outdoors, especially in the mountains. I can usually be found hiking or cycling.

What is your favourite quote?

“Every element of the landscape has an origin and a history. To relate these is to explain it.” – G.K. Gilbert (1896)

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Sadie Gration at S.Gration@lboro.ac.uk.

This Week at Loughborough | 12 August

General:

IAS Friends and Fellows Coffee Morning

13 August 2024, 10.30am-12pm, International House

We will be joined by IAS Visiting Fellows Professor Mariana Araujo Lamego, Professor André Reyes Novaes & Professor Ye Zhou. Mariana Araujo Lamego is Associate Professor in the Department of Human Geography and the Postgraduate Program in Geography at the Institute of Geography of the State University of Rio de Janeiro.

Find out more

IAS Seminar: Geographical Knowledge Mobilities in Brazil

13 August 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

IAS Visiting Fellows Professor Mariana Araujo Lamego and Professor André Reyes Novaes will deliver a seminar on their research.

In their upcoming presentation, they will delve into two compelling case studies that illuminate the mobility of geographical knowledge in Brazil. Their first case study examines how a Portuguese historian navigated geographical imaginations related to exploration and colonialism while curating a historical geographical exhibition in São Paulo in 1954. The second case study focuses on the circulation of academic travellers to the Rio de Janeiro 1956 International Geographical Conference.

Find out more

EDI Services Drop-In Support Sessions and Reflection Letterbox

13 August 2024, 1pm-5pm

The escalation of far-right, racist, and Islamophobic violence that we have been witnessing in towns and cities across the country is horrifying.

The EDI Services team have been discussing ways they can support our University community in the face of racial hostilities. One idea they had was having a letter box where people can write notes, thoughts, impressions, etc on how they are feeling and the impacts of these horrific events on them and drop these notes in.  

During this time, they will also be providing a space for people to stay and chat with members of the team, with a cup of coffee and cake, if you would like to.

This event will be run on both campuses (East Midlands – EHB 209-210, London campus – LDN0.14, 1^st floor by the café). If colleagues are not able to come onto campus in person but would like to put a message in the drop-box or have a chat, please contact EDI@lboro.ac.uk and we will arrange a MS Teams chat.

Find out more

IAS Seminar: Tactile sensing device

14 August 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Visiting Fellow Professor Ye Zhou will deliver a seminar on their research. The imitation of tactile perception, synaptic processing, and neural coding functions in human sensory nerves has become an important development direction in neuromorphic electronic technology.

Find out more

The Power of Social Wellbeing

14 August 2024, 1pm-2pm, Online

As human beings we are social creatures by nature. We not only crave interactions, we need them in order to thrive. This is what makes social wellbeing an integral element of a fulfilling, healthy life, even though it can all too easily get neglected in our busy lives.

An opportunity for reflection, sharing and picking up a wealth of evidence-based tips for boosting this essential but often overlooked area of wellbeing.

Find out more

IAS Seminar: How classification affects the quality of disabled athletes’ sport experiences

16 August 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

IAS Guest Speaker Associate Professor Janet Lawson delivers a seminar on their research, fully titled “Classification as a factor that affects the quality of disabled athletes’ sport experiences: Insights from a research program guided by the Knowledge to Action Framework.”

Find out more

Exhibition: All Flesh is Grass

9-23 August 2024, 12pm-2pm, Martin Hall Gallery

Fine Art students Fay Sheppard, Gabriella Drewer, and Jay Finnis consider the cyclicality of life in ‘All Flesh Is Grass’, by using a range of impermanent mixed media and curatorial methods. Their work guides visitors through discussions of grief, hope, death, and desire. The exhibition aims to provoke self-reflection and thought surrounding the place of humanity in the landscape.

Find out more

Summertime Socials:

Monday Chill Out – Crafts and Board Games

12 August 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Royce Common Room

Come along to Royce Common Room for a chance to “chill out” where you can expect crafts and board games with the opportunity to catch up with friends or make news ones!

Find out more

Speaking Club

13 August 2024, 2pm-3pm, WAV011 (Wavy Top)

Every Tuesday over the summer period the International Student Experience Team will run a Speaking Club. Come along, practise your English speaking and listening skills with a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones too. Ask any questions that you might have about life in the UK or just pop by for a general chit-chat and each week we will have a new topic to discuss – no need to book!

Find out more

Active Wednesday – My Lifestyle: Turn up and play – Football

14 August 2024, 6pm-7.30pm, Holywell Rubber Crumb (NFL Pitch)

The My Lifestyle programme is a FREE and welcoming recreational sport and physical activity offer, that is open to and welcomes everybody of any ability. Come along for a free game of Football, get active and make new friends.

Find out more

Trip to Bradgate Park

15 August 2024, 1.45pm-5pm, Pick up at Wolfson School

Bradgate Park is Leicestershire’s only Medieval Deer Park, covering over 830 acres in Charnwood Forest, northwest of Leicester. It is home to 550 red and fallow deer and is the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey. The park offers a wild and rugged landscape with rocky outcrops and ancient oak trees.

Find out more

Summertime High Table

16 August 2024, 7pm-9pm, Village Bar

Come along on Friday 16th of August from 7pm to our first ever Summertime High Table at the Village Bar including tropical themed activities and a 2 course Middle Eastern menu. High Tables are a tradition here at Loughborough and your chance to dress up and have a nice meal on campus.

Find out more

Focus on the present by practicing mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, noticing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

It’s a skill you can learn and practice to help you focus on what is happening here and now rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

How does mindfulness work?

It encourages you to be less judgemental of your experiences and instead become more accepting. The goal is to become more aware of the present moment, focusing your attention on sensations.

Many mindfulness practices involve focusing on your breath, whilst allowing busy thoughts to enter through your mind and then be let go of by refocusing your attention back to your breathing.

Studies have suggested that practicing mindfulness can provide a number of benefits including:

• Feeling calmer and less stressed
• Becoming more self-aware
• Coping better with difficult thoughts
• Positively changing the way we see ourselves and our lives

According to News in Health, mindfulness-based treatments have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. There’s also evidence that mindfulness can lower blood pressure and improve sleep.

Try practicing mindfulness for at least five minutes every day.

Here are some mindful exercises you could try:

• Mindful eating – Eating consciously, engaging all your senses and acknowledging responses, feelings, and physical cues like hunger or fullness. Have a go using this simple guide from Mindful.
• Mindful meditation – Try out this guided relaxation and reflection led by University Chaplain Natalie Steel.
• Mindful moving – Bring your awareness to your movement and focus on your breath or the way your body feels as it moves. You can use this two-minute mindful movement practice to guide you.
• Bodyscan – Scanning your body for pain, tension, or anything unusual can help you feel more connected to your physical and emotional self. Find out more from Calm.
• Mindful colouring and drawing – Freestyle with any materials you like to use, LU Arts have online mindfulness workshops or you can download their ‘Keep Calm & Carry On Colouring’ book pages.

Tips for practicing mindfulness

• Pick a regular time to practice, this could be first thing in the morning or before you go to sleep
• Keep bringing your attention back if your mind starts to wander but be kind to yourself, as it’s easy for this to happen
• Take it slow by building your practice, remember that it takes time to learn a new skill
• Try out apps to help you such as Headspace, Calm, Buddhify or Smiling Mind

CRCC member Itoitz Rodrigo-Jusué receives Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellowship

Our colleague and CRCC member, and member of the Media, Memory and History research group, Dr Itoitz Rodrigo-Jusué, has been awarded a Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellowship (VCIRF) for her project Memory and (in)security: Narrating the past, creating the future in the Basque Country.

Itoitz’s new research project will examine the impacts of recent memory initiatives on future (in)security in the Basque Country (Spain), where a period of politically motivated violence has only recently come to an end, and a divided society is currently facing important challenges concerning how to address the complex legacies of the so-called Basque conflict (1959-2018).

Itoitz’s project will investigate how memory work on past political violence(s) contributes to societal well-being and/or deepens existing divisions. Her research project stresses the importance of critically researching memory work given the salient role of commemoration globally. She developed her research project after carrying out a pilot study funded by the Early Career Researcher Fund at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2023.

Itoitz’s project focuses on three key realms, which are the most significant public arenas for mediating cultural memory: Commemoration in the public space (i.e., memorials and museums in different towns and cities), education (i.e., new teaching materials and initiatives addressing past political violence), and representations of the past in fictional media. Itoitz’s research seeks to investigate how memory work in these three realms can promote inclusive commemoration and a culture of peace and coexistence (and thereby security) in a post-violent conflict scenario.

Bringing together the fields of memory studies and critical security studies, Itoitz’s project proposes an innovative way to investigate commemoration. Through a variety of research methods including (on site) interviews, participatory workshops, participant observation, and multimodal discourse analysis, her research seeks to offer new insights into debates on peacebuilding and transitional justice.

Itoitz will start her fieldwork in the Basque Country in September 2024. As part of her VCIRF, Itoitz is planning to publish peer-reviewed articles in journals across the social sciences and humanities, co-organise a one-day workshop at Loughborough University, present her work at national and international conferences, and develop external funding applications.

We wish Itoitz the best of luck with her project!  

Itoitz completed her AHRC-Techne funded PhD on the imaginaries of radicalisation and counter-terrorism in the UK post-2005. She holds a master’s degree in Cultural Studies (Goldsmiths University of London) and in Feminist and Gender Studies (University of the Basque Country). Itoitz carried out her ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship at the SSSH, and she has recently worked as a Research Associate on a project on Tackling Online Hate in Football (TOHIF) at the SSEHS at Loughborough University. Itoitz’s interdisciplinary research focuses on popular culture, gender, political violence, politics of representation, commemoration, the analysis of everyday narratives, and social change. She has published in journals across the social sciences and humanities, including the European Journal of Cultural Studies, British Politics, and the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies.

From the Vice-Chancellor - July 2024

In my final newsletter of this academic year: the Transport AI Innovation Centre, Dame Angela McLean becomes Honorary Distinguished Professor, the summer graduation ceremonies, Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, new Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities, and reflections on 2023/24. 

Have a good summer – I hope you’re able to have a good break. 

New interdisciplinary transport AI centre launched

Encouraging collaborative and interdisciplinary working underpins our strategic aim to be more ambitious in our research and innovation endeavour. By combining our collective expertise and knowledge, we can reinforce our position as global leaders within our areas of research strength. 

Our new multi-disciplinary Transport AI Innovation Centre, or TRAICE, which launched this month, is a perfect example of how we’re harnessing our University-wide academic power to address critical global challenges.  

More than 70 staff from all nine of the University’s Schools and a community of PhD and postdoctoral researchers will work together to advance smart, safe, efficient, equitable and sustainable transport. The new Centre, which originates from the successful transport and urban planning group in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, draws together expertise in planning, engineering, mathematics, economics, and social sciences.  

The Centre’s researchers will work together, and with external partners, to drive innovation that impact a range of fields, from healthy living to decarbonisation.

It’s an exciting new development within our research and innovation portfolio and I look forward to seeing the impact of the team’s work on society and on the planet. 

Government Chief Scientific Adviser becomes Honorary Distinguished Professor 

Last week I was delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, as an Honorary Distinguished Professor at the University. 

As GCSA Dame Angela is responsible for providing scientific advice to the Prime Minister and members of cabinet, advising the government on aspects of policy on science and technology, and ensuring and improving the quality and use of scientific evidence and advice in government. Her research interests lie in the use of mathematical models to aid understanding of the evolution and spread of infectious agents.  

It is a great privilege to be able to appoint Dame Angela as an Honorary Distinguished Professor. We have previously worked together on a variety of government initiatives and I know that staff and students will benefit greatly from the expertise she will share with us.

We are planning Dame Angela’s first visit to campus and will share details with our University community in due course. 

Thousands celebrate at our summer degree ceremonies

Graduation is always a time for celebration and it was wonderful to see so many of our 2024 graduates with their families and friends on campus this month for our summer ceremonies. These graduations also mark the end of my third academic year in post – how time flies!

As well as recognising the success of our students, the graduation ceremonies also enable us to honour the achievements of individuals who have made a significant contribution to fields the University has close links with. This summer we recognised six honorary graduates who were all were awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the University (DUniv). 

On Tuesday we honoured fitness coach Joe Wicks MBE and Dame Vera Baird DBE KC, who is the former Victims Commissioner for England and Wales. Joe’s dedication to improving public health matches that of the University, whose researchers champion healthy eating and movement as medicine, for everyone. Dame Vera’s contribution to criminal justice policy and legislation and her work for women and equality align to both our Vibrant and Inclusive Communities theme and our work towards Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).  

Loughborough alumna and England Netball International Ama Agbeze MBE was recognised for her sporting achievement and for championing diversity in sport, reflecting the aims of our Sporting Excellence and Opportunity core plan. Community and business leader Nana Badu uses sport as a vehicle to educate, empower and uplift young people and tackle social inclusion, which chimes with our sport and EDI plans and our Vibrant and Inclusive Communities theme. 

And artist Michael Landy CBE RA and Miriam Escofet, who is a Figurative Painter, were honoured for their contributions to the world of art and the development of new artists. Our Culture and Creativity Strategic Plan recognises the important role that participation in all forms of the arts plays in so many aspects of society, from skills development to mental health and wellbeing.

At the ceremonies we also recognised the services of four members of staff by awarding them University medals.  

Professor Tony Thorpe’s career at Loughborough has spanned more than 40 years. He served as Dean of the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering from 2003 to 2017, with the introduction of the Architecture programme one of his enduring legacies. 

Emeritus Professor Roger Smith’s Loughborough career began in 1971 as a maths lecturer. He was the driving force behind the MSc in Industrial Mathematical Programming, which has run for more than 30 years. 

Sandra Freeman has worked as a cleaner in Domestic Services for more than 50 years. On the day she was presented with her medal, her granddaughter, Molly Jackson, graduated from her Textiles degree at Loughborough.

And we awarded our fourth University medal to Professor Chris Linton, who joined the Department of Mathematical Sciences more than 30 years ago. Chris has served three very successful terms as the University’s Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, during which he has been at the heart of our successful rise as a university. Chris will step down as Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor from tomorrow and I am sure you will join me in thanking him and wishing him all the very best for the future.

Keep up to date with our athletes in Paris

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are now underway, and I’m delighted that Loughborough has already enjoyed some much-deserved success! On Sunday evening, Adam Peaty won joint silver in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke and last night, Loughborough student Daniel Wiffen became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an Olympic gold in 36 years after competing in the Men’s 800m Freestyle final. I’m delighted to say two more Loughborough-based athletes, Cassandre Beaugrand and Alex Yee MBE, won Gold in the Women’s and Men’s Triathlon this morning, and Beth Potter also achieved Bronze in the Women’s Triathlon.

More than 90 Loughborough-linked athletes and support staff are involved in the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, representing Great Britain, Ireland, France, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Greece, and the USA. At the last Games in Tokyo our athletes won an impressive 35 medals and we’re aiming to top that this year.

We’re also the host venue for ParalympicsGB Kitting Out. Kitting Out is an important milestone for both athletes and support staff, as they’re presented with all their official Games kit, including training, competition and ceremonies wear. Earlier this month I was honoured to be given special access to the venue. With around 50,000 items to dispense it’s a huge operation. 

Our dedicated website is following the progress of Loughborough-linked competitors at the Olympic and Paralympic Games through news updates, academic research, video features, athlete profiles and medal tables, as well as in-depth interviews with Loughborough athletes, researchers, support staff, and coaches.  

You can also keep up to date with the latest news by following @lborosport and @lborouniversity on X and can join the conversation by using the hashtag #Lboro2Paris as our athletes compete for podium places on the global stage.

New Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities appointed

This month we announced the appointment of Professor Justin Waring as our new Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH). Professor Waring, who is a world-leading medical sociologist, will join us in November from the University of Birmingham. 

Professor Waring is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Science and the Royal Society of Arts, and Director of the National Institute for Health Research Birmingham, RAND and Cambridge Rapid Evaluation Centre (BRACE). BRACE provides decision makers and stakeholders with time-critical evidence and learning about new ways of organising and providing care.  

I look forward to welcoming Professor Waring to Loughborough in the autumn.

Recruitment for the Dean posts in the other four academic Schools is continuing, with Loughborough University London scheduled to take place in the autumn, and recruitment to the Dean posts in the Schools of Design and Creative Arts; Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering; and Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences due the following year.

Reflections on the academic year

As the 20234/24 academic year draws to a close, it’s an opportunity to reflect on everything we have achieved over the past 12 months and at the annual Senate and Council dinner last month, I shared my review with the invited guests. There is, however, one significant update since I gave my speech: it’s now been confirmed that we have won an unprecedented 43rd consecutive British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) title, with a new sector-leading record of 9,492 points. It’s a truly phenomenal achievement. Congratulations to our students, and to the many staff who support them. 

2023/24 has certainly been a busy year and we have made good progress against the aims of our strategic plan, but the year also brought us challenges. As I said in my email a week ago though, we remain in a strong position relative to the sector and we should face the coming academic year with optimism. 

I hope you all have a lovely summer.

Five minutes with: Rihanna Garrett

What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’m a PhD researcher in Geography and Environment and a mixed-race, interdisciplinary, intersectional, feminist scholar and anti-racist social justice activist. My research focuses on how racialised identities affect people’s perceptions of academic identities and academic careers, in order to investigate the underrepresentation of racialised minority staff in UK higher education. I’ve been at Loughborough for two years.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

I usually start my days with my most important tasks related to my PhD, such as planning or writing a chapter or reading an article or book on topics such as racism, colonialism, whiteness, and identity empowerment. I have recently been exploring global and local mixed-race identities! I try to keep my academic practices decolonial, de-Westernised, and creative through different practices such as poetry analysis, artwork, or sitting on the floor with hundreds of Post-it notes.

Throughout the day, I am usually in a meeting room on endless calls. This could be one of the committees I sit on to embed anti-racism into their leadership or organisational structures, offering my consulting advice to companies and institutions attempting to run anti-racism or decolonial training or workshops, or organising creative events like zine-making workshops and even therapeutic art sessions for students of colour. While this work does not get academically recognised, I do believe academia should be about giving and sharing knowledge.

Usually in the latter part of the day, I do more ‘fun’ or ‘personal’ research to shape my career. This includes things like exploring indigenous knowledge practices, mixed-race identities and histories, and even gamification! I am currently writing a paper on Dungeons and Dragons, educational learning theory, and anti-racist practice, which has nothing to do with my day job at all, but it’s fun. If I do have spare time, I write a blog called Rhi-Mixed views, where I step away from academic writing and create blog posts around mixed-race experiences, in an attempt to make academic knowledge more accessible.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

The best project I have worked on would be Loughborough’s first-ever Freedom School, which took place in 2022. Based on practices from the civil rights movement in the US, the Freedom School was designed to teach anti-racist and decolonial knowledge to racialised minority PhDs, to feel empowered by their identities and understand the workings of whiteness and colonialism in higher education. It was amazing to utilise my academic knowledge into something actionable and life-changing, and the report is still used today as an example of equitable practice.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

I have many proud moments as anti-racism work is difficult, so when it pays off, it really pays off. Academically my proudest moment was the publishing of my first peer-reviewed paper entitled ‘”I’m not white”: counter-stories of “mixed race” women navigating PhDs’, as it provided a platform for many “mixed race” women to discuss their experiences and gave a space to those who fit ‘in-between’ categories. The proudest non-academic moment was being awarded the funding to conduct the first Loughborough collaboration with the company Mixedracefaces, to highlight and value the lived experiences and self-identifications of mixed-race staff and students on both campuses.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

Outside of work, I am really into fitness and artwork! I love to release all the anger and rage I get from the barriers I face doing anti-racism work by lifting heavy things and throwing things around. I then juxtapose this by sitting for hours on the floor, relaxingly oil-painting pictures of people.

What is your favourite quote?

My favourite quote is from author and activist bell hooks, who reminds us of our daily power: “Sometimes people try to destroy you, precisely because they recognise your power. Not because they don’t see it, but because they don’t want it to exist.”

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Sadie Gration at S.Gration@lboro.ac.uk.

This Week at Loughborough | 5 August

General:

How to be an ally for people with South Asian heritage

6 August 2024, 12.30pm-1.30pm, CC209A (James France)

EDI Services are pleased to announce this Voices of Diversity event ‘How to be an Ally for People with South Asian Heritage’, which takes place during South Asian Heritage Month.

Throughout 2024, EDI Services are bringing you a series of panel discussions on the theme of allyship featuring Loughborough staff, students and alumni. These discussions bring together different community groups to explore what it means to be an ally for each other. Considering questions such as; What does good allyship look like? How can I be an ally for others? How would I like others to show allyship to me?

Given that the event is about allyship, all members of the Loughborough community including staff, students and campus partners from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

Find out more

LUinc. Tech and Skills Builder Series

8 August 2024, 1pm-2.30pm, Careers & Enterprise Hub (Loughborough Town)

LUinc. Tech and Skills Builder Series are sessions designed to nurture innovators by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to turn their ideas into successful products/services and businesses.

Come along to the first session for an insightful talk on the development of The Bug Factory’s product journey.

Find out more

Exhibition: All Flesh is Grass

9-23 August 2024, 12pm-2pm, Martin Hall Gallery

Fine Art students Fay Sheppard, Gabriella Drewer, and Jay Finnis consider the cyclicality of life in ‘All Flesh Is Grass’, by using a range of impermanent mixed media and curatorial methods.

Their work guides visitors through discussions of grief, hope, death, and desire. The exhibition aims to provoke self-reflection and thought surrounding the place of humanity in the landscape.

Find out more

Summertime Socials:

Monday Chill Out – LU Arts Workshop: Pottery – Create your own pinch pot!

5 August 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Royce Common Room

In this pottery workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own pinch pot using air-dry clay. The workshop is beginner-friendly and suitable for everyone, regardless of skill level. Join us if you are ready to discover the enchanting texture of clay and unleash your creativity!

Find out more

Speaking Club

6 August 2024, 2pm-3pm, WAV011 (Wavy Top)

Every Tuesday over the summer period the International Student Experience Team will run a Speaking Club. Come along, practise your English speaking and listening skills with a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones too. Ask any questions that you might have about life in the UK or just pop by for a general chit-chat and each week we will have a new topic to discuss – no need to book!

Find out more

Active Wednesday – My Lifestyle: Turn up and play – Dodgeball

7 August 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Netball Centre (Zone 1)

The My Lifestyle programme is a FREE and welcoming recreational sport and physical activity offer, that is open to and welcomes everybody of any ability. Come along for a free game of Dodgeball, get active and make new friends.

Please select the My Lifestyle tile on the Loughborough Sport App home screen to book your place. Booking will open one week before the event. Numbers are limited so book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Find out more

Trip to Cheltenham

10 August 2024, 7.45am-7.30pm, Wolfson School/Amber Rooms

As the most complete Regency Town in Britain, Cheltenham is intimate and friendly with a civilised place of culture, learning and discovery. Unwind, refresh your mind, body and soul and explore the day in Cheltenham! Check-out much loved High Street Shops, striking Regency architecture, award-winning restaurants and a fantastic street food scene.

Find out more

This Week at Loughborough | 29 July

General:

Experiences of pregnancy in elite female athletes on the World Class Programme

30 July 2024, 12.30pm-1.30pm, NCSEM (Room 1.39)

This public lecture, delivered by Dr Emma Pullen, will highlight the key findings from research led by Loughborough University in collaboration with UK Sport as part of UK Sport consultation process. The findings documented the experiences of female elite athletes who were considering pregnancy and/or had experienced pregnancy whilst a member of UK Sports high performance programme. The presentation will explore the key issues raised by female athletes and reflect on the implications of the study findings in relation to wider debates around female athlete reproductive health and gender/sex inequities in performance sport culture.

Find out more

LUSEP Phase 3&4 Public Consultation

31 July 2024, 6pm-9pm, Loughborough University Stadium

This is the second public consultation for the proposed long-term plan for the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) land, a planning application for which will be submitted in autumn 2024. Anyone interested in the proposals is welcome to attend.

Find out more

Next Generation Cup Final 2024

4 August 2024, 3pm-5pm, Holywell Stadium

The Next Generation Cup is returning this summer as teams from England, India and South Africa come together for an exciting tournament hosted by the Premier League. The competition allows India’s brightest young talents from the Indian Super League the chance to compete with equivalent age-group teams from Premier League Academies and the South African Premier Soccer League.

The fifth edition of the Next Generation Cup will welcome eight Academy teams, including Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, who have been confirmed as the four clubs who will be representing the Premier League. They will be joined by East Bengal FC, Muthoot FC, Punjab FC and Stellenbosch FC. The Final will take place on Sunday 4 August at 3.30pm at Loughborough University Holywell Stadium

Find out more

Summertime Socials:

Monday Chill Out – Crafts and Board Games

29 July 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Royce Common Room

Come along to Royce Common Room for a chance to “chill out”, where you can expect crafts and board games with the opportunity to catch up with friends or make news ones! No need to book, just pop by to Royce Common Room.

Find out more

Speaking Club

30 July 2024, 2pm-3pm, WAV011 (Wavy Top Building)

Every Tuesday over the summer period the International Student Experience Team will run a Speaking Club. Come along, practise your English speaking and listening skills with a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones too. Ask any questions that you might have about life in the UK or just pop by for a general chit-chat and each week we will have a new topic to discuss – no need to book!

Find out more

Active Wednesday – My Lifestyle: Turn up and play-Badminton

31 July 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Sir David Wallace Sports Hall

The My Lifestyle programme is a FREE and welcoming recreational sport and physical activity offer, that is open to and welcomes everybody of any ability. Come along for a free game of Badminton, get active and make new friends. 

Please select the My Lifestyle tile on the Loughborough Sport App home screen to book your place. Booking will open one week before the event. Numbers are limited so book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Find out more

Summertime Garden Party

2 August 2024, 6pm-8pm, EHB Pavilion

Are you ready for some summer feel good vibes? Join the International Student Experience Team on 2 August at 6pm in the EHB Pavilion (the outside area opposite the EHB building) for a Summertime Garden Party where you can expect, food, games, music and more. We cannot wait to see you there!

Find out more

Moving to London as an International Student 

Hello! I’m Rahil Shah, hailing from the bustling city of Mumbai, India. I am pursuing an MSc in Digital Creative Media at Loughborough University London, within the Institute of Digital Technologies. My choice of Loughborough was driven by its innovative curriculum, which blends theoretical learning with practical experience, and its unique block learning method. London’s rich media landscape and dynamic culture were an equally compelling factor. 

Preparing for the move and first impressions 

Preparing for this new chapter was a whirlwind of emotions. My days were filled with researching housing options and attending pre-departure sessions organised by Loughborough’s student ambassadors. Finding accommodation was a significant concern due to the high prices and the challenges of securing a place as an international student. However, with persistence and some luck, I found a cosy place to call home. 

Stepping into London felt like walking into a grand, ever-evolving story. The city’s rhythm is fast paced, its weather unpredictable, and its architecture a mesmerising blend of history and modernity. The diversity of cultures here is astounding, making every street a new adventure. London gives you that “main character” feeling, where every moment feels significant. 

Studying at Loughborough University London 

The academic environment at Loughborough University London is nothing short of inspiring. The campus is always alive with students, and the faculty are approachable and supportive. The modules are crafted to maximise learning, combining coursework, assignments, guest lectures from industry experts, and essential study materials. My typical day involves taking the Here East shuttle from Stratford station, attending lectures, and exploring the vibrant Here East or the serene canal side during breaks. 

A standout aspect of my Loughborough experience has been Future Space. Their events, such as Start-up London, Venture Crawl, and career insights sessions, have shaped my professional outlook. Loughborough London offers resources that support academic excellence and prepare students for their careers in practical ways. 

Since joining Loughborough, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting people from around the globe. Loughborough Students’ Union (LSU) organised events like board game nights and movie nights have been fantastic for making new friends. Group projects and classes also provided opportunities to connect with fellow students. The diverse cohort at Loughborough has enriched my experience, making every interaction a learning opportunity. 

Living in London 

Living in London has been a thrilling adventure. Initially, I worried about missing my favourite Mumbai snacks, but I soon discovered that London offers a culinary journey across the globe. Finding accommodation can be challenging, but teaming up with fellow students to rent a flat or using apps like SpareRoom can make it easier. While student accommodations are convenient, they can be pricey and fill up quickly. Despite this, if student accommodations are your choice, I recommend booking or reserving a place early. Additionally, applying for any and all available scholarships is a great way to alleviate financial concerns. 

On sunny days, I love grabbing a book from a local library and having a picnic in one of London’s beautiful parks. I highly recommend visiting Kew Gardens and experiencing the electrifying atmosphere of a live football match. Getting accustomed to the public transport system is essential; it’s the lifeblood of the city and incredibly convenient. A student Oyster and railcard can save you a lot on travel. 

If you’d like to feel at home or be around a familiar environment, it would be handy to research areas and communities in and around London. Many neighbourhoods have vibrant communities from around the world, making adjusting and feeling at home easier. For instance, places like Southall, known for its South Asian community, or Chinatown, can provide comfort and familiarity. Connecting with these communities can be a great way to ease the transition to a new city. 

I’ve faced challenges as an international student however, the warmth and kindness of most people here have been heartening. The career advice sessions and Wellbeing Cafe on Thursdays have been particularly beneficial, providing professional guidance and personal support. 

My advice for future students 

For future students, I suggest embracing every opportunity. Attend Future Space events and start working on your dissertation early; deadlines can surprise you. Use the one-on-one career advice sessions and the numerous resources available to you. Also, immerse yourself in Loughborough and London’s vibrant life – both have much to offer. 

After graduating from Loughborough, I aspire to make a significant mark in the media landscape and eventually open my own production house. The experiences and lessons learned at Loughborough have taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience. Studying at Loughborough University London has been an incredible journey. From the stimulating academic environment to the diverse social life and professional opportunities, my time here has been transformative. 

I look forward to the future with excitement and gratitude for the experiences and lessons that have shaped me during my time in London. 

Loughborough University London: A Journey of belonging, personal and professional growth 

Loughborough University London is an exciting place to be. It’s known for its excellent academics and lively campus. Located in the heart of London, it offers students a mix of 

top-notch education and diverse cultural experiences. The university makes sure everyone feels like they belong, which you can see in every part of campus life. 

First impressions and settling in 

When I first arrived at Loughborough University London, I felt both excited and nervous. Orientation Week was fantastic, giving us a great introduction to the campus, its resources, and the city.  

Meeting new people from all over the world showed me how diverse the student body is. While it was a bit challenging to get used to a new city and education system, the support from staff and fellow students helped me settle in quickly. The facilities at Loughborough University London are amazing. The libraries are quiet and well-equipped, perfect for studying. The cafeterias offer a variety of food, catering to different tastes and dietary needs, making sure everyone feels at home. 

Living in London as a student is an adventure. There are various accommodation options, from on-campus housing to private rentals. The city’s public transport system is extensive and easy to use, making it simple to get around. Balancing studies and social life is important, and London offers plenty of opportunities for both fun and relaxation. 

My academic journey 

My academic journey here has been both challenging and rewarding. Choosing courses was easy with the wide range of programs available. The teaching methods are a mix of traditional lectures and innovative approaches, keeping us engaged. The professors are knowledgeable, supportive, and always ready to help. There are plenty of support services, like tutoring and academic advising, to guide us through our studies. 

Belonging at Loughborough University London 

One of the best things about Loughborough University London is the sense of belonging. The diverse student body means you meet people from all walks of life. There are numerous student societies and clubs where you can find friends with similar interests. The university also has many inclusion initiatives, like cultural festivals and diversity workshops, ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued. 

Inclusion and diversity are central to the university’s values. There are many initiatives to support international students, helping them adjust and thrive. Gender equality programs and accessibility services ensure a welcoming environment for all. These efforts create a campus culture that celebrates and values diversity. 

Support Systems and Resources 

Loughborough University London provides excellent support systems for students. Mental health services are available and confidential, offering help when needed. Academic advisors assist with course choices and career planning. Career support services help with internships and job placements, preparing us for the future. These resources ensure we have a well-rounded and successful university experience. 

Extracurricular Activities and Personal Growth 

Getting involved in extracurricular activities has been a key part of my growth. There are many volunteering opportunities that allow us to give back to the community. Leadership programs help develop skills for future careers. Social events, from cultural nights to sports tournaments, offer fun and the chance to make lasting memories. 

University life isn’t without its challenges. The academic workload can be intense, but the supportive environment helps manage stress. Adjusting to a new culture takes time, especially for international students. Financial management is another important aspect, requiring careful planning. Overcoming these challenges has made me more resilient and prepared for the future. 

Listening to other students’ stories at Loughborough University London is inspiring. Many share experiences of personal and academic growth, attributing their success to the supportive and inclusive environment. These testimonials highlight the strong sense of community and belonging that defines the university experience. 

Community Engagement and Outreach 

Loughborough University London encourages students to engage with the community. There are many projects and partnerships with local organisations that students can get involved in. These activities not only help the community but also enhance our sense of belonging and responsibility. Volunteering provides practical experience and fosters a spirit of service. 

Conclusion  

Reflecting on my time at Loughborough University London, I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my journey. The university’s focus on belonging and inclusion has created a nurturing environment that supports every student. As I look ahead, I feel confident and prepared, thanks to the foundation built during my time here. 

First major international event on sportswashing hosted by the Centre for Communication & Culture at Loughborough University, May 2024

In May 2024, the CRCC hosted an international event on the topic of sportswashing at the Loughborough University London campus. It drew together scholars from a range of disciplines – including communication and media, politics, international relations, politics, marketing, sociology and area studies – and countries, alongside journalists and representatives from activist organisations.

The opening session discussed the rise of the term since 2015 and pointed to the growing significance of sport for both commercial and state organisations. Here, it was noted that sport is not only linked to well-established, and highly valued, forms of community – local, regional, national and trans-national – but is one of the few forms of media content that can still generate large, passionate audiences in an era of media fragmentation.

A series of panels were then held that addressed the following broad issues:

Views of audiences and attendees

While the term sportswashing has generated an awful lot of media and political debate over the last decade, there has been relatively little research into ordinary people’s attitudes towards the practice. In the opening panel, two papers, from Tom Taylor and Owen Evens (both University of Brighton), addressed this lacuna by presenting evidence from interviews with football fans, including those who had attended the 2022 Qatar (football) World Cup.

Interestingly, all those interviewed were aware of the term and many were critical of the practice. However, at the same time they felt relatively helpless to challenge any developments and ethical concerns were generally overridden by the excitement of following the tournament once the football got underway. Indeed, these views were supported by Beth Dann’s (University of Sheffield) paper, which noted how media reports of the same event followed a similar pattern, with initial discussions of human rights issues, largely supplanted by coverage of the matches and participants as the tournament progressed. 

Another key insight came from ethnographic data collected at the tournament itself, which focused on more positive responses from some attendees. These people noted that while they had reservations about the host country’s treatment of workers, women and minorities, they enjoyed their engagements with other fans, felt safe travelling in the country and welcomed the range of facilities available to them.

Neo-orientalism and non-Western views

A second key issue concerned the extent to which the literature on sportswashing often replicates forms of (neo)Orientalism. That is, critics of the practice almost always come from the west and target their criticisms at non-Western actors. This doesn’t mean falling into a form of moral relativism but should involve acknowledging a number of important factors. First, that Westen-based organisations, notably sporting authorities and commercial sponsors, are often involved in making decisions about who hosts sporting events.  This was a point made by Adam Talbot (University of the West of Scotland) in his paper on the ethics of ‘sportswashing’.

Second, Western states often support such decisions and, just as importantly, have major relationships with these states outside of sport. In other words, it seems harsh holding sport to different ‘rules’ to other major industries. Third, we cannot assume that non-Western states hosting of sporting events is always designed to appeal to, or placate, Western publics. In relation to this final issue, two contrasting case studies were presented. The first, presented by Itamar Dubinsky (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel & Leonard Davis Institute for International Relations, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem), focused on Rwanda and demonstrated the extent to which the countries involvement in sport is designed to increase its visibility both in Africa and beyond and engage high profile actors, both within sport and politics.  The second, from Vitaly Kazakov (Aarhus University), offered a very contrasting view by focusing on Russia’s hosting of the 2014 Winter Olympics and 2018 (football) world cup. In these cases, it was argued that hosting these events was primarily designed to engage audiences in Russia and the former USSR, demonstrating the country’s economic and political power and possibly acting as a precursor to the subsequent invasion of, first, Crimea and, then, Ukraine.   

Longer-term perspectives

The third set of arguments called for the importance of adopting both longer-term and broader perspectives when trying to make sense of sportswashing. In the first place, the use of sports by states has a long history and should not only be seen as the preserve of men’s sport. Indeed, while attempts to ‘sportswash’ in relation to women’s sport was most noticeably highlighted in relation to the 2023 (football) world cup, Jean Williams’ paper noted that women’s football has long been used by both states and the sport’s authorities as a tool to pursue both economic and reputation management objectives.   

In a similar vein, the chief football writer of the Independent newspaper, Miguel Delaney, provided an illuminating overview of the changes that have transformed football in Britain in the past four decades. In particular, he noted the failure of authorities to protect the community-based foundations of the sport and subsequently their inability to manage what the sport has become after being targeted by both commercial enterprises and subsequently states.

Resistance is (not) futile

Notwithstanding the attempted co-optation of many elite sports by powerful interests, two participants on the closing round-table pointed to the continuing importance of grassroots and activist organisations in challenging these shifts.

John Hird of the Newcastle United Fans Against Sportswashing collective talked passionately about the range of bottom-up activities (protests, talks, publicity stunts, discussion groups) that have taken place and how the group continues to try and hold those in the city to account. He also noted the importance of building networks both within the UK, where there is a growing dis-satisfaction with how sports are being governed, and beyond.  

Finally, Alex Carlen of the activist group FairSquare provided a thoughtful and engaging overview of his organisation’s activities and ended the workshop on a more hopeful note. He argued that, for all its flaws, the debate around sportswashing has focused much more attention on the activities of states in relation to sport and, in the process, made their rights violations, and hypocrisy, more visible.

For more information about the event or plans to produce an edited collection on the topic, please contact Dr Michael Skey (m.skey@lboro.ac.uk).

This Week at Loughborough | 22 July

General:

IAS Seminar: Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self-powered Sensing

24 July 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Visiting Fellow Professor Zhen Wen will deliver a seminar on their research.

Tactile sensors have attracted much attention for their potential applications in health monitoring, wearable devices, electronic skin and smart robots, etc. A new generation of self-powered tactile sensor based on triboelectric nanogenerator has been developed in terms of its incomparable advantages in power consumption and potential performance.

In this talk, the key advancements in materials, structures and applications of self-powered triboelectric pressure sensors will be systematically introduced. Then, the theoretical basis, impact mechanism and the approaches to optimise the pressure sensing performance will be comprehensively analysed. Afterwards, Professor Zhen Wen will summarize the typical applications of triboelectric pressure sensors in different pressure ranges and working frequencies. Finally, the future perspectives of self-powered triboelectric tactile sensor and self-powered microsystem will also be discussed.

Find out more

Universities under fire: How can UK HE change the narrative and demonstrate its undeniable impact?

26 July 2024, 9.30am-10.30am, Online

Join our panel of experts for this live event as we debate the perceptions of our sector, and argue that we must do a better job of fighting for it.

Our panel will discuss rapidly changing government policies, funding and value for money, and internationalisation. The prevailing narratives which have damaged the sector to a point where universities are making difficult decisions and, in some cases, fighting to survive. A new government marks an opportunity to change the narrative and push the sector further up the agenda. As a collective we have not always been good at demonstrating what we offer. This session will look at how we work together to do better and build back understanding of why universities exist, and must continue to exist.

The panel of experts includes:
– Phil Baty (Chair), Chief Global Affairs Officer for Times Higher Education
– Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK
– Professor Nick Jennings, Vice Chancellor and President of Loughborough University
– Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of University of Exeter
– Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice Chancellor of University of Leicester

Find out more

Atmospheric Forces Artist Residency: Drop-in session

26 July 2024, 10am-12pm, Martin Hall Exhibition Space

Meet artists Sheila Ghelani and Sue Palmer during their residency at Martin Hall Gallery (23-26 July) and hear about their work in progress.

As part of Radar’s Visiting Artists 2024 series, Sheila Ghelani and Sue Palmer are working on a piece titled ‘Atmospheric Forces’. The work they are developing will be a performance unfolding around a long table with materials, objects, sound, film, and spoken text, incorporating perspectives from scientists, historians, and more. It builds on their previous piece, ‘Common Salt’, and explores themes of colonialism and human-nature relationships.

The final performance work will be presented in Loughborough this autumn.

Find out more

Summertime Socials:

Monday Chill Out – Crafts and Board Games

22 July 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Royce Common Room

Come along to Royce Common Room for a chance to “chill out” where you can expect crafts and board games with the opportunity to catch up with friends or make news ones!

No need to book, just pop by to Royce Common Room.

Find out more

Speaking Club

23 July 2024, 2pm-3pm, LDS018 (Design School)

Every Tuesday over the summer period the International Student Experience Team will run a Speaking Club. Come along, practise your English speaking and listening skills with a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones too. Ask any questions that you might have about life in the UK or just pop by for a general chit-chat and each week we will have a new topic to discuss – no need to book!

Find out more

Active Wednesday – My Lifestyle: Turn up and Play – Netball

24 July 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Netball Centre (Zone 1)

The My Lifestyle programme is a FREE and welcoming recreational sport and physical activity offer, that is open to and welcomes everybody of any ability. Come along for a free game of Netball, get active and make new friends. 

Please select the My Lifestyle tile on the Loughborough Sport App home screen to book your place. Booking will open one week before the event. Numbers are limited so book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Find out more

Summertime Lunch

25 July 2024, 12pm-2pm, Royce Common Room

The International Student Experience Team is hosting an International Students Day-time Social at Royce Common Room where you can expect a free lunch, board games and the opportunity to catch up with friends or make new ones!

Places will be limited so we advise you to book early to avoid disappointment! 

Find out more

Embracing Sport at Loughborough London  

With its own Institute for Sport Business-related studies, and its location in the heart of the Olympic Park, it comes as no surprise that the students of the London campus value physical activities and always ask for sports events. And that is exactly where the Sports committee and the Sports Student Ambassador come in.  

As the Sports Student Ambassador at Loughborough University’s London campus, I am proud to work alongside the Sports Committee to foster a vibrant and inclusive sports culture.  

Fostering active engagement 

To meet this enthusiasm for sports, our mission is to understand the diverse sport preferences of our student body and organise at least one event per month, spotlighting a different sport each time. Events are open to individuals at all skill levels and aims at motivating students to engage in a sport they are not familiar with.  

Events highlights 

Below are some of the successful events we’ve hosted in the past few months: 

• A Futsal tournament at the Copper Box Arena: This event showcased the fast-paced, exciting game of futsal, drawing significant participation and enthusiasm from our students. 

• A Sports Quiz Night: A fun and interactive evening that tested students’ knowledge on various sports topics, fostering both competitive spirit and camaraderie. 

• A Table Tennis Competition: A highly engaging event that saw students compete in singles and doubles matches, highlighting the popularity of this sport on campus. 

• An International Sports Fair: This event celebrated the diversity of sports from around the world, offering students the chance to try new activities and learn about different sporting cultures. 

• A Basketball and networking tournament in collaboration with the careers team, Future Space, at the Copper Box Arena: This special collaboration was a combination of two things: basketball & networking. It provided a unique blend of athletic competition and relationship building. The court served as a venue for making connections and fostering teamwork, with students enjoying the opportunity to engage in friendly competition while meeting new people. 

Join our sports community  

As you can see, there are not only events that require movement. Sport does not always mean that you need to beat your personal bests. Sometimes it is nice to just move your body and get to know new people. I highly encourage students to sign up for our events, especially if we offer a sport they are not too familiar with.  

It is incredible what you can learn about yourself and others in a sport team setting, and it will help you broaden your horizons. One of the greatest aspects of campus life is openness to feedback and organising something different. We are always open to new ideas from students to ensure that our events align with their interests. 

Here’s to many more games, friendships, and unforgettable moments on and off the field! 

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month (18 July - 17 August)

What is South Asian Heritage Month? 

South Asian Heritage Month aims to amplify and celebrate British South Asian heritage and history across the UK through education, arts, culture and commemoration. The theme for 2024 is ‘Free to be Me’ which encourages us to embrace who we are, sharing our similarities and honouring our differences. 

South Asia is made up of eight countries: Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; India; The Maldives; Nepal; Pakistan and Sri Lanka. As you can imagine, South Asian cultures are hugely diverse and there is a wealth of histories, religions, languages, music, dance and food to explore. 

We can see influences from South Asia all over the UK. In food – traditional curries adapted for a British palate gave us one of the nation’s favourite dishes, the Chicken Tikka Masala (thought to be based on a Bangladeshi/North Indian dish although the exact origin is hotly debated!). In language – numerous words in modern English have their origins in Sanskrit. Did you know the word shampoo derives from Hindi? In fashion – the paisley print originated in Kashmir, India in the 11th century and was brought to Europe during trade with European colonisers. It got its modern name in the 19th century from the Scottish town which became the leading manufacturer of fashionable paisley shawls. People of South Asian heritage make up a significant part of the British population – around 4.5 million. That’s around 1 in every 14 people! British South Asians you might have heard of include Mawaan Rizwan, writer of Channel 4’s Sex Education and Taskmaster contestant; Sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor who designed the Orbit sculpture for the London Olympic Park, just next to our London Campus; and Nadiya Hussain, Great British Bake-Off winner, author, and TV chef. 

In the UK people from South Asian backgrounds still face racism and discrimination in many forms. One of these is underrepresentation in certain areas. Notably in football, only 22 out of approximately 3,700 male professional players have South Asian backgrounds. This Sky Sports report explores the underlying stereotypes at the heart of the issue. There is so much more to explore, for instance acknowledging the role and impact of British and European colonialism which brought many South Asians to the UK and the associated intergenerational trauma, biases and cultural stereotypes.  

Through this year’s theme ‘Free to be Me’, South Asian Heritage Month aims to celebrate the diverse experiences of being of South Asian heritage, provide a platform to highlight voices and explore the diverse ways we honour our roots and individuality 

Get involved  

There are lots of ways to learn more and get involved with South Asian History Month:  

• Find toolkits and resources on southasianheritage.org.uk 

• Come to an on-campus event:
  – How to be an Ally for People with South Asian Heritage   (6 August)
  – Book Club: Fasting, Feasting by Anita Desai (21 August)

• Find other events in your local area  

• Check out the Library reading lists for further reading and resources 

• Read and share stories with the South Asian Heritage Trust 

Five minutes with: David Maidment

What’s your job title and how long have you worked at Loughborough?

I’m a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and I’ve been here nearly five years I think!

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

I normally try to get up early and go to the gym at 6.30am. After snoozing my alarm multiple times I get up and walk down to Powerbase as I live close to campus. When I get home I’ll have breakfast and respond to some emails before heading to my office.

My day is taken up with a mixture of in-person and online meetings about different research projects I am working on, as well as meeting with project students and Doctoral Researchers I supervise. One of my favourite aspects of my role is that I get to meet with lots of enthusiastic students. Some days I will also need to prepare and deliver lectures, which I particularly enjoy.

I try to get back home for around 5.30pm so I can have dinner with my family. I’m also the Butler Court Warden so after I’ve put my daughter to bed I might have a bit of work-related stuff to do for that. I’ll then take my dog, Twigs, on a walk to destress before bed.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

This is a hard one as most projects, especially those that are research-based, are my favourite! I am lucky that I have a good amount of autonomy to pursue my passion – to understand how we can improve the quality of life of adults living with long-term conditions and disabilities.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Supporting my first Doctoral Researcher as a primary supervisor to successful completion. When I completed my PhD, I swore I would never put anyone through such an ordeal! However, I am currently supervising several Doctoral Researchers and watching them grow and do amazing things makes me immensely proud.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I have four children that range in age from 4 years to 16 years. So you might see me on a Sunday climbing into the pool (rather unenthusiastically) with my youngest for her swimming lesson, which usually involves having water poured over my head with a pink watering can.

What is your favourite quote?

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Sadie Gration at S.Gration@lboro.ac.uk.

Life as a student Ambassador at Loughborough University London 

As a Student Ambassador and international student at Loughborough University London, I get the opportunity to experience the vibrant and dynamic campus life in a unique way. Each day brings new challenges, opportunities and adventures, making every shift distinctly different from the last. Join me as I take you through a day in the life of a Student Ambassador, where no two shifts are ever the same. 

8 AM -The morning hustle 

My day starts early with a quick breakfast and a cup of tea. As a Student Ambassador, it’s essential to stay energised and ready for anything. I wear my purple student ambassador t-shirt to work for my shifts, which helps you stand out when you are on campus.  
Today, my schedule includes a mix of focus group discussions, campus tours, a student panel, and some event management duties. It’s the variety that makes this role so exciting!  

9 AM – Attending a focus group discussion 

One of the things that stands out about Loughborough London is that it truly cares about its students and strives to provide them the best experience while they are at university. Getting feedback is crucial to improving the services available and the London campus does that by organising student focus groups. Today my focus group consists of my peers from the Student Ambassadors programme. We are quizzed on a variety of issues ranging from accommodation, communications from the university through to academic study workloads, therefore covering all aspects of student life.  

Sometimes we are involved in faculty recruitment, where potential candidates provide a 25-minute lecture, and we are asked for feedback. The University actively seeks student feedback in every process because it sees its students integral to its success.  

12 PM – Lunch Break 

After a busy morning, it’s time for a well-deserved break. Because I like to cook, I usually bring lunch, which I had packed last night, and reheat it in the microwave ovens provided in the canteen. Speaking of the canteen, it has a good range of options, ranging from sushi, sandwiches, and wraps. One can also grab something from the Tesco nearby or Westfield Mall in case one has an extended break. This is a great time for me to relax, recharge, and catch up on any university work or social media updates.  

I also take this time to respond to messages from prospective students who have questions about their application process on The Ambassador Platform (TAP), an online portal to connect with prospective students. Most messages on the platform are from prospective international students and answering them gives me immense satisfaction considering I was in their shoes not too far back. 

1:30 PM to 3:30 PM – Campus Tours 

Leading campus tours is one of my favourite parts of being a Student Ambassador. The tours booked through the website, free to attend and allow prospective students to get a glimpse of life at Loughborough London. I get to provide tours to various groups like undergraduate students, education counsellors from different countries and exchange students.  

Each group asks a different set of questions pertaining to academics, campus life, and extracurricular activities. As we walk through the building and Here East, I share stories about my own experiences, pointing out key landmarks, nearby businesses, and popular hangout spots. The tour ends with a Q&A session, where I provide honest answers and personal insights. 

5 PM – Future Space Event 

As Loughborough University London is exclusively a master’s and PhD focused campus, it possesses an excellent careers team called Future Space. They organise networking events with industry, which is often accompanied by pizza at the end. As a Student Ambassador on this shift, my role is to help with various tasks related to event management, such as putting up event banners, registering attendees and ensuring sufficient seating. I also get the chance to speak to guests and experts, and being a Campus Ambassador helps to break the ice and initiate a conversation with them.  

8 PM – Reflect and Recharge 

As the day comes to an end, I take a moment to reflect on the day’s events. Being a Campus Ambassador is demanding yet an incredibly rewarding role. Each day is different, filled with new faces, stories, and experiences. It’s a constant reminder of why I chose this university and why I love sharing it with others. 

Every shift as a Campus Ambassador is an opportunity to make a difference, one tour, one conversation, and one event at a time. If you ever see me on campus, don’t hesitate to say hi – I’m always happy to share my passion for our university with you!

Budgeting in London as a Student! 

I joined Loughborough University in October 2023 and am writing this blog to provide an overview of how you could manage your finances while studying in London. I am sharing this from my own experiences and stories from others as well. Go ahead, and give it a read, it might help you adjust to living in London. 

The basics 

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of budgeting, let’s talk about the basics. When applying for a student visa, the UK government requires proof that you can support yourself financially. For studying in London, the minimum amount recommended is £1,334 per month for up to nine months, which totals £12,006 for a full academic year. This amount is intended to cover living costs, not tuition fees. 

Finding accommodation 

Your biggest expense will likely be accommodation. Options include student accommodation, private rental accommodation, and homestays like AirBnb. Student accommodation can be expensive, but it is certainly stress-free as the amount paid will be inclusive of your bills and you get the additional maintenance support from the property management.  

Private rentals will require some amount of proactive planning and it might be harder to visit the room in the case of international students. Spareroom has great options for private rentals. Rent can vary significantly but expect to pay between £600 to £1,200 per month, depending on the location and type of housing. If you’re renting privately, you’ll need to account for utilities (electricity, water, gas) and internet. Utilities can cost approximately £50-£100 per month, while internet services are around £20-£30 per month. Again, utilities will vary depending on the type of agreement you have with the landlord and your flatmates. A tip here – save on resources as it helps to save money and the planet.  

Travelling around London  

London is well-connected by public transport. The Tube, buses, and trains will be your go-to modes of travel. An Oyster card or contactless payment option offers discounted fares for students, and a monthly or annual Travelcard provides unlimited travel within certain zones. Budget around £80 – £100 per month for transport, a little more if you tend go around the city a lot. 

Budgeting for food, entertainment and study 

Cooking at home can save you a lot of money. Budget supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, and Tesco can become the go-to options. Weekly grocery shopping can cost around £60 – £80, while eating out should be reserved for special occasions. Overall, aim for around £240-£320 per month for food. You could also consider subscribing to meal plans that deliver ready-to-eat boxes of food to your doorstep, this can also be more expensive than cooking but certainly helps you manage your time. 

For entertainment London offers countless free activities for students, but you’ll also want to enjoy the city’s vibrant social scene. Budget around £100-£150 per month for movies, pubs, and events. 

Always set aside funds for unexpected expenses like medical needs or emergencies. A buffer amount of approximately £50-£100 per month is advisable. 

Always carry your student ID too. Many places offer discounts, from cinemas and restaurants to travel and clothing stores. Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans can help you find the best deals. Eating out can quickly drain your budget, so master a few easy recipes and batch cook to save time and money.  

Many libraries offer free internet access and study spaces. It’s also a great place to find course materials. Try to do some proactive research about the places you visit and the offers provided by them. Every place has a website nowadays, go check it out! 

Finding part-time work to support your studies 

If your visa allows, consider finding a part-time job. This can provide extra income and valuable work experience. Loughborough University has student ambassador roles which are paid that might help you cover costs to some extent. London is brimming with free attractions. Museums like the British Museum and the Natural History Museum are free. Parks, markets, and festivals also offer great entertainment without costing a penny. 

Finally, budgeting in London as an international student might seem daunting, but with careful planning, you can make the most of your time in this incredible city. Remember, it’s all about balancing your expenses and taking advantage of the many student-friendly deals available. So, do some calculations, plan your budget, and get ready to enjoy everything London has to offer without breaking the bank! 

Welcome to London, and happy budgeting! 

This Week at Loughborough | 15 July

General:

Dual IAS Seminar: ‘Named after Nelson’ & digital creativity within archival practices

15 July 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

In the lead up to International Nelson Mandela Day (18 July), Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Visiting Fellow Dr Yolandi Burger and IAS Residential Fellow Ms Zandile Myeka will deliver a dual seminar.

Find out more

Come and Sing: Vivaldi’s Gloria and Ivor Novello’s Music

21 July 2024, 9.30am-4pm, Peckleton Church (Leicester)

Bring a picnic and spend a day with the Loughborough University Choir to learn and perform Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ plus David Whittle’s rich arrangement of Ivor Novello’s songs, including ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’ and ‘We’ll Gather Lilacs’. All singers are welcome, whatever your level of experience.

Find out more

Summertime Socials:

Monday Chill Out – LU Arts Workshop: Embroidery – Create your own tote bag!

15 July 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Royce Common Room

Join us for a delightful workshop led by our talented artworker, Gussi Philippou, as part of our Summertime Socials programme.

The workshop is beginner-friendly and suitable for everyone, regardless of skill level, so feel free to come along! Throughout the session, you’ll have the chance to make your own tote bag, using some fabric paint and embroidery techniques to decorate.  There will also be a chance to try some 3D embroidery techniques using a range of materials.

Find out more

Speaking Club

16 July 2024, 2pm-3pm, Design School (LDS018)

Every Tuesday over the summer period the International Student Experience Team are running a Speaking Club. Come along, practise your English speaking and listening skills with a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones too. Ask any questions that you might have about life in the UK or just pop by for a general chit-chat and each week we will have a new topic to discuss – no need to book!

Find out more

Active Wednesday – My Lifestyle: Summertime Games

17 July 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Netball Centre (Zone 1)

The My Lifestyle programme is a FREE and inclusive recreational sport and physical activity offer, that is open to and welcomes everybody of any ability. Come along for our “Summertime Games” with the opportunity to catch up with friends and meet new ones!

Find out more

Living in London as a Student  

As a student at Loughborough University London, my adventure in the heart of the UK’s bustling capital has been nothing short of life changing. Living in London as a student is an experience that blends academic challenges with the dynamic pulse of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Here’s a glimpse into what makes this journey so special, peppered with personal anecdotes and reflections. 

My experience at Loughborough University London 

Loughborough University London is more than just a place to study; it’s a hub of innovation and inspiration. Nestled in the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the campus buzzes with energy. Pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Business and Innovation here means being part of a community that constantly pushes boundaries. 

The hands-on approach is what sets this programme apart. Engaging with industry professionals, diving into cutting-edge research, and collaborating on real-world projects – it’s all part of the package. These experiences not only prepare us for the competitive sports industry but also foster a deep sense of confidence and competence. 

Exploring London’s cultural diversity  

Stepping outside the campus, London unfolds as a rich tapestry of experiences. The city’s cultural diversity is its heartbeat. Each neighbourhood has its own unique flavour, from the artistic vibes of Shoreditch to the historical grandeur of Westminster. 

One of my favourite aspects of living here is the incredible range of cultural experiences. Museums, theatres, and galleries abound. The British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery offer free entry, making them perfect weekend haunts. Catching a play at the West End or exploring the vibrant street art scene in East London broadens your cultural horizons in ways you’d never imagine. 

A vibrant and inclusive social scene 

The social scene in London is just as diverse. Meeting peers from around the world becomes a daily norm, and the city’s many social venues – from cozy cafes and bustling markets to lively pubs and trendy nightclubs – provide the perfect backdrop for forging new friendships. 

One standout experience for me was attending the Diwali celebrations at Trafalgar Square. Being miles away from home, it was heartwarming to feel connected to my roots, surrounded by the vibrant colors, music, and the community. It’s events like these that make London feel like a home away from home. 

Travelling around London 

Living in London teaches you independence. The city’s extensive public transport network – the iconic Tube, buses, and even boats – makes commuting relatively easy. Your Oyster card becomes a trusty companion, offering discounted rates for students and making every corner of the city accessible. 

London’s Hidden Gems 

Discovering hidden gems is part of the London experience. Whether it’s the serene beauty of Hyde Park, the eclectic charm of Camden Market, the culinary delights of Borough Market, or the historic allure of the Tower of London, each exploration leads to new and exciting discoveries. 

One of the key aspects of living in London as a student is finding the right balance between studies and leisure. The city’s fast pace can be overwhelming, but it also offers numerous ways to unwind. Engaging in sports and fitness activities is a fantastic way to de-stress. The Olympic Park is a favorite spot for jogging, cycling, or simply taking a peaceful stroll by the canals. 

London’s culinary scene is another highlight. From food trucks and pop-up restaurants to Michelin-starred dining, the city caters to all tastes and budgets. Exploring different cuisines becomes a delightful adventure, offering a taste of the world within the city’s boundaries. 

Living and studying in London – My personal and professional growth  

Living in London is not just about academic and professional achievements; it’s also a journey of personal growth. The city’s diverse and dynamic environment pushes you out of your comfort zone, encouraging you to embrace new experiences and perspectives. It’s a place where you learn to manage your time efficiently, adapt to different cultures, and develop a global outlook. 

One of the most profound aspects of this journey is the development of resilience and confidence. London’s competitive environment teaches you to face challenges head-on and seize opportunities with both hands. Whether it’s presenting a project to industry experts, navigating the complexities of city life, or simply managing your finances, every experience contributes to your growth. 

Living in London as a student at Loughborough University London is a transformative experience that goes beyond academics. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural scene, forge meaningful connections, and develop skills that will serve you well in your personal and professional life. The city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation provides a rich backdrop for learning and growth, making it an ideal place to pursue higher education and build a bright future. 

For those considering this path, I can confidently say that the journey is as enriching as it is challenging. Embrace the opportunities, immerse yourself in the city’s rhythm, and let London shape your story in ways you never imagined. 

How to spot fake online reviews (with a little help from AI)

This piece written by Professor Nick Jennings and Professor Nick Hajli was originally published on The Conversation.

Before you buy something, or visit a new restaurant, or see a new film, you may be tempted to check out the online reviews. Researching what strangers think of the things we might like has become a familiar part of the modern consumer experience.

But how can we know which reviews to trust? Which ones are written by honest customers sharing their genuine experiences, and which ones are posted with ulterior motives?

For while consumer reviews can guide us towards the best products and services, concealed within the shadows are deceptive reviews, meticulously crafted to deceive and manipulate. Fake feedback, you might call it.

A negative fake review may be submitted by a competitor for example, hoping to cast doubt on the quality of a particular product. Or a positive sounding fake review may be designed by someone with a financial interest in a service to give it a dishonest boost in the market.

All of these can have a dramatic effect on a business’s public profile.

In 2023, the popular travel website Tripadvisor experienced a staggering influx of user-generated content, with more than 30 million reviews submitted by more than 17 million members. But within this vast sea of apparent customer feedback, 1.3 million reviews were flagged as fraudulent and subsequently removed.

Additionally, 33,194 businesses faced penalties for engaging in deceptive practices. And in the UK, government research has found that between 11% to 15% of reviews in specific product categories, such as consumer electronics and home and kitchenware, were thought to be fraudulent.

Cracking the code

To combat fake reviews, companies including Amazon have started using artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent the publication of hundreds of millions of potentially fraudulent reviews, ensuring the credibility of the platform.

But research suggests that there are quite a few things consumers can do to protect themselves.

Trust your instincts: When perusing reviews, rely on your intuition. Authentic feedback tends to strike a balance, presenting both positive and negative aspects of the product or service. If a review appears excessively positive or overly critical without substantiation, exercise caution.

Read between the lines: Pay attention to the language and tone used in reviews. Genuine feedback often sounds personal, reflecting the reviewer’s unique experience. Beware of reviews that seem generic, repetitive, or excessively promotional, as they may be deceptive endorsements.

Validate the source: Scrutinise the reviewer’s credentials to ascertain their credibility. Genuine reviewers typically furnish specific details about their interaction with the product or service, such as features, delivery timelines, or customer service encounters. Approach reviews which lack specific information with scepticism.

Look for patterns: Remain vigilant for anomalous patterns in reviews, such as sudden surges of positive or negative feedback within a brief time frame. These anomalies could indicate orchestrated attempts to manipulate ratings rather than genuine consumer experiences.

Review the reviewers

So in the same way that you may protect your computer from viruses, or stay alert to attempts to get hold of your personal information, it’s important to keep yourself updated on common methods used to deceive consumers. Well-known platforms such as Amazon and Tripadvisor usually offer guidelines for spotting fake feedback, while consumer advocacy groups and online forums dedicated to consumer awareness can provide valuable insights.

Websites and platforms also have a responsibility to make sure users are receiving trustworthy information. And advances in AI technology have introduced new tools that can assist in identifying and flagging potential fake reviews.

These AI-powered solutions play a critical role in preserving consumer trust and market integrity by using machine learning to analyse patterns and identify suspicious interactions in social media platforms.

Through investment in this kind of technology, companies can more effectively combat the spread of fake reviews and maintain the credibility of their review systems. They can also bolster trust and confidence in the authenticity of the reviews provided.

In a digital world, being able to differentiate between genuine feedback and deceptive endorsements is vital for making informed decisions. And if you do encounter a review you suspect to be fake, it’s always worth flagging it to the platform or website where it was posted. By alerting authorities, you’ll strengthen the integrity of online review systems – and help your fellow consumers make better decisions.

Reflections on the Complete Maths Conference

This blogpost was written by Chris Shore, a senior enterprise fellow and PhD student in the Department of Mathematics Education at Loughborough University. Click on the link at the bottom of this blogpost to read more about Chris’s work. Typeset by Dr Beth Woollacott.

In this blogpost, Chris reflects on a mathematics conference that he recently participated in and summarises his thoughts on the five sessions that he attended:

1. Introducing the normal distribution.
2. The problem with problem-solving.
3. Celebrating the negative.
4. How coherent is your curriculum (really)?
5. Raise the Proof: an exploration of proof and its importance in KS5.

Introduction

The Complete Maths Conference is a conference for mathematics teachers and educators, run by Complete Maths, a company that offers various platforms to support mathematics teaching in school and the home environment (see link to their website at the end of this blogpost). In this blogpost, I reflect on the 25^th iteration of the Complete Maths Conference, MathsConf25, held on Saturday 22^nd June at Beauchamp College, Oadby, Leicester (a school I used to teach at). The conferences are organised 3 or 4 times a year at various locations around the country and the next conference, MathsConf26, will be in Sheffield on the 12th of October.

If you haven’t been to a MathsConf before then hopefully this blogpost will encourage you to do so. I really would urge you to go: I think it is a great opportunity for teachers and researchers alike to share their thoughts and ideas – you might even consider leading a session! The audience are very welcoming, and I’d be happy to share any tips and pointers if you wanted to. As I straddle both the research and teacher communities, it would be great to see better connections made between the two.

There were so many sessions I wanted to go at MathsConf25, but we could only choose 5 – a very tough choice! In the following, I offer my reflections on the 5 I attended (one of which I was the presenter). The Twitter / X handles for each presenter are given at the bottom of this blogpost for anyone who would like to engage further.

Session 1 – Introducing the normal distribution

Session leader: Catriona Agg

If you do not yet follow Catriona on Twitter / X, you really should. She posts the most amazing geometry puzzles, and reflections on her own secondary teaching – there is always something to think about in her posts. The session started with Catriona sharing a question she asks her A Level pupils: “Which topic is most disconnected from others?” This is an interesting question to consider as a teacher, especially if one has a ‘connectionist’ ¹ view of mathematics, and teaching and learning. Catriona’s pupils highlighted the Normal distribution as such a topic and this session outlined the steps she took to build connections across the curriculum.

Catriona’s approach shows how all Normal distribution curves are transformations of each other, and how symmetry can be used to find areas under the curves. Her lessons are structured so that pupils notice these transformations and the changes of scales in the images. By using this knowledge, her pupils use the symmetry of the curves to solve problems, filling in ‘gappy’ ² notes as they go along, and all this long before a pupil reaches for their calculator. The diagram below is an example of ‘gappy’ notes: a ‘fill in the blanks’ Normal distribution exercise.

I loved this playful approach, which sees the questions as puzzles to be solved, and I appreciated little hints such as always marking one standard deviation from the mean as the non-stationary point of inflexion. I will definitely be taking this approach next time I introduce it to learners.

Session 2 – The problem with problem solving

Session leader: Olivia Iqbal-Mclead

Axiom Maths (linked below) is an organisation which seeks to work with the highest-attaining pupils in mathematics in secondary schools, to address a drop-off in performance that some of these pupils experience. They do this by providing stimulating resources and running problem solving groups for pupils (AKA Maths Circles).

This session was a report of some work Axiom are doing centred around problem solving where they gave 1800 year 7 pupils 15 multiple choice questions and 2 open-ended problems. The answers to these were marked using comparative judgement³. In the session, we were invited to make similar judgements and discuss what features we were looking for in pupil problem solving. This was certainly a challenging task, because it is not easy to decide what problem solving is and how to get our learners better at it! Axiom distilled their findings to come up with some features they expect to see in better problem solving, such as having sound reasoning and proficiently explaining underlying arguments.

I found the discussion around how to teach problem solving really interesting. We know that having domain-specific knowledge is very important and it was good to think about the interaction between this and problem-solving strategies. I want to do a lot more thinking about this in the future! I look forward to seeing where Axiom take this as they develop their ideas.

Session 3 – Celebrating the negative

Session leader: Sharon Malley

This was a fun whistle-stop tour of all things negative (and subtraction, minus, difference, take away etc). We started off thinking around the language we use, especially when reading mathematics aloud, for example in questions such as -3 + -7  and 4(x-2) – 3(x+7). Expressions such as these are not always easy to read and it is no wonder some learners find this difficult, especially when we have multiple words for the same operation.

Next, we discussed the different models of subtraction: take away, part-whole and comparison and looked at how these might best be represented. Sharon gave an example of take-away, “I have 8 cookies and I ate 5, how many cookies do I have left?” Can you come up with an example that fits the other models? We also considered different representations which may be used, such as two-colour counters, exemplified below using a representation for positive and negative numbers.

A fun part of the presentation was when Sharon traced the history of the development of negative numbers and symbols including this doozy of a quotation from Robert Recorde (1551):

“There be other 2 signes in often use of which the first is made thus + and betokeneth more: the other is thus made – and betokeneth lesse.”

A conclusion we drew was that it is no wonder pupils find these concepts difficult given the shear variety of words and ideas contained within subtraction and negative numbers, and how, as educators, we need to carefully sequence the curriculum for learners.

Session 4 – How coherent is your curriculum (really)?

Session leader: me!

This was my first time leading a session at a MathsConf. I was grateful that the Complete Maths team allowed me to showcase some of our work from the Lumen curriculum. You can read Colin Foster’s blog post about it (linked below) which also gives access to the resources and more of our research articles and videos about the curriculum.

We looked at what curriculum coherence looks like and considered some different approaches curriculum designers take. One feature of the Lumen curriculum is that we have chosen to prioritise the number line instead of other representations, and we traced this idea through some of the units. We then spent some time looking at some of the resources and the design choices we made, exemplified in the diagram below.

We would love you to trial our curriculum with your pupils, so please do use it and let us know how you get on.

Period 5 – Raise the Proof: an exploration of proof and its importance in KS5

Session leader: Laura Allport

Laura’s session was really fun and we did lots of proof! More importantly, she helped us think through why pupils often find it a tricky area of their studies, giving reasons including that they often don’t know where to start and that teachers often don’t devote enough time to it.

Laura showed how she uses common misconceptions to unearth problems with proof, and then scaffolds problems, so that her learners grow in confidence in applying the techniques. One cool idea was that she has a ‘proof of the week’ that she uses in her classes and in a maths club – what a lovely idea! She shared some favourite proofs (see below) and ideas of where to find ones to use with pupils.

Final reflections

This was a really fun way to spend a Saturday and was extremely good value. I learned loads and it was a fantastic networking opportunity, to meet old friends and new, and to be part of an inclusive and welcoming community. Literally every session gave me something to think about, and I marvel at the depth of thought that colleagues put into thinking about mathematics education.

Session 1 leader, Catriona Agg:

Session 2 leader, Olivia Iqbal-Mclead:

Session 3 leader, Sharon Malley:

Session 4 leader, Chris Shore (me!):

Session 5 leader, Laura Allport:

References

1 Askew, M., Brown, M., Rhodes, V., Wiliam, D., & Johnson, D. (1997). The contribution of professional development to effectiveness in the teaching of numeracy. Teacher Development, 1(3), 335–356. https://doi.org/10.1080/13664539700200030

2 Alcock, Lara (2018). Tilting the classroom. Loughborough University. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/28247

3 https://blog.lboro.ac.uk/cmc/2021/06/08/measuring-deep-learning-in-educational-research/

How to stay hydrated during the summer months

Water makes up to 60% of our body, therefore staying hydrated is vital for maintaining overall health, boosting energy levels, and ensuring optimal bodily functions.

When you consider that 73% of the human brain is water, it isn’t much of a surprise that hydration also impacts your cognitive performance. In fact, research has shown that even mild dehydration (a body water loss of between 1%- 2%) impairs cognitive performance. Another study uncovered that participants who drank water showed an overall boosted productivity level of around 14%. 

Now that it’s summer in the UK and the weather is warmer, you may be sweating more than usual. Whilst sweating is crucial to our body’s thermoregulation, it is also our biggest source of fluid loss alongside going to the toilet.

Symptoms of dehydration can include a dry mouth, headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, dizziness and bloating. A lack of thirst does not mean you’re not dehydrated. A study at the University even found that mild dehydration is equivalent to being over the drink driving limit in terms of driver errors.

Being hydrated means that you’re providing the body with adequate amounts of fluid to replace what’s being lost. Some of the benefits of being well-hydrated can include:

• Improves physical performance
• Boosts mood
• Regulates body temperature
• Protects organs and tissues

Challenge yourself to drink between 1.5-2 litres of water every day

The exact amount you need to drink will depend on factors including your health, age, size and weight as well as your activity levels, but for most adults 1.5-2 litres is sufficient. You could use a hydration calculator to find out a more exact amount you need to be drinking. Calculating your sweat rate may also be useful for informing hydration around exercise sessions.

Although other drinks such as tea, coffee, milk and soft drinks increase your fluid intake, water is the healthiest and cheapest choice to keep you hydrated.

Tips for staying hydrated

• Start your day with a large glass of water
• Carry a reusable water bottle with you
• Set reminders on your phone for every hour, you could also use an app such as Water Reminder – Daily Tracker
• If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try infusing your water with lemon, lime, berries, basil or mint leaves
• Eat water-rich foods such as cucumber, lettuce, celery, cabbage, watermelon, tomatoes, peppers, courgettes and spinach, about 20% of our daily water intake comes from food
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
• Check your urine against a urine colour chart to check your hydration level, pale yellow usually means you’re well-hydrated, while darker yellow can indicate dehydration
• Avoid caffeinated drinks ­­as they make us produce urine more quickly, counteracting some of the hydration they provide
• Drink extra fluids if you’ve been sweating from physical activity
• You may need electrolyte drinks if you’re exercising or working at a high intensity or in the heat as electrolytes are lost through sweat
• Serve water with your meals throughout the day
• When you’re feeling hungry, drink water as thirst is often confused with hunger

You can find more information from the British Nutrition Foundation on hydration and pregnancy, healthy hydration for older adults, keeping children hydrated, nutrition for sports and exercise, and more.

This Week at Loughborough | 8 July

General:

Master’s Admissions Q&A Webinar

10 July 2024, 12pm-12.45pm, Online

Join this event for a webinar and Q&A session on applying for a master’s degree at Loughborough University. Our students and staff will be on hand to answer your queries about the application process, personal statements, key deadlines and more.

Find out more

IAS Seminar – Learning from Media Scandal

10 July 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

Fulbright Scholarship Fellow, Professor Erik P. Bucy, delivers a seminar on their research, fully titled “Learning from Media Scandal: How Coverage of Press Crises Primes Accountability and Reaffirms Faith in a Socially Responsible Press”

Find out more

Carbon Literacy Training

9 July 2024, 1pm-4pm, LDS018 (Design School)

With ambitions to drive sustainability forward, the University will be running carbon literacy training. The training is split into two afternoons, on the 2 and 9 July and on the 3 and 10 September.

Find out more

Laughter Club

11 July 2024, 12.15pm-1pm, EHB217 (Chaplaincy Innerspace)

Try something new and join the University Chaplaincy for their monthly Laughter Club. Combining playfulness, laughter, and breathing for pleasure and health, laughter yoga provides a serotonin boost to help you feel good for the rest of the day.

Find out more

Summertime Socials:

Speaking Club

9 July 2024, 2pm-3pm, WAV019 (Wavy Top Building)

Every Tuesday over the summer period the International Student Experience Team will run a Speaking Club. Come along, practise your English speaking and listening skills with a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones too. Ask any questions that you might have about life in the UK or just pop by for a general chit-chat and each week we will have a new topic to discuss – no need to book!

Find out more

Active Wednesday – My Lifestyle: Turn up and play-Badminton

10 July 2024, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Badminton Centre

The My Lifestyle programme is a FREE and welcoming recreational sport and physical activity offer, that is open to and welcomes everybody of any ability. Come along for a free game of badminton, get active and make new friends. 

Find out more

Sizzling Summertime Bingo!

12 July 2024, 7pm-9pm, Royce Dining Hall

Come along for a game of bingo, some light snacks and cakes, music and more. The top bingo prize will be a £20 Amazon voucher! 

Find out more

IMCI scholar Burçe Çelik’s book received the Runner-Up Award for Best Book of 2023 at International Communication Association, Global Communication and Social Change Division in June 2024

IMCI scholar Burçe Çelik’s book Communications in Turkey and Ottoman Empire: A Critical History received the Runner-Up Award for Best Book of 2023 at International Communication Association, Global Communication and Social Change Division in June 2024.

In the context of contemporary efforts to decolonise knowledge production, this book shifts focus from present-day analyses to a longue durée examination of modern communications in Turkey and the Ottoman Empire, spanning from the mid-1800s to the mid-2010s. By situating the locus of knowledge within the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, it poses the question: What if the history of modern communications development were not written from the vantage point of Anglo-European societies? What could we learn from other histories about the evolution of global communications and social change to inform our present-day understandings and imaginations of media and communications? Answering these questions, the book challenges Anglo- and Eurocentric assumptions that see the non-West as an ahistorical imitation of, or aberration from, the development of Western communications.

Contrary to the prevalent assumption that communications is a byproduct of Western capitalist-modernity and liberal democracy, the history of communications in the Ottoman Empire and Turkey reveals an alternative trajectory of modern communications emerging within the milieu of non-capitalist modernity and cosmopolitan political society. Integrating political economy with social history, this book explores the commodification and militarisation of communications and its impact on oppressed populations, including women, the working class, and ethnic and religious minorities. Rather than adopting a medium-specific or media-centric approach, the book conceives communications holistically as an assemblage of materiality and discursivity that encompasses (tele)communications infrastructures, means of communications, the state, the military, the market, labour force, practices, and social production of meaning. In doing so, it situates communications within social and geopolitical relations and struggles within multiple temporalities of modernities and capitalism.

Employing a chronological approach and drawing upon a wide array of resources, including Turkish, Ottoman, US, and British archival records, as well as journalistic representations and memoirs, the book reveals the intricate interplay between communications and political-economic and socio-cultural struggles. The book also provides a long history of populism from the perspective of media and communication studies from the late Ottoman era to contemporary Turkish politics.

Twitter handles that can be added here: @IllinoisPress, @ICAGCSC.

Five minutes with: Sarah Greenwood

What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’m a Gardener and have been for two years.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

First, we get our tools, load up the gators and head out onto the West side of the campus to do a variety of tasks from mowing and hedge cutting to weeding and planting. The waste material is loaded onto the trailer and taken to the tip, and then we start again!

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

I started working on the Walled Garden last year, so I’m enjoying learning what plants we have there and how to care for them.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Probably getting trained to use the big Fendt tractor – it’s my favourite thing to drive!

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I enjoy drawing and I have a design degree.

What is your favourite quote?

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work – Thomas Edison

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Sadie Gration at S.Gration@lboro.ac.uk.

Annual Senate and Council Dinner 2024

Each year, the Senate and Council dinner gives us the opportunity to reflect on some of the key achievements of the past year.

Throughout 2023/24 we have continued to make good progress against the aims and themes of our 2030 strategy, Creating Better Futures. Together.

In terms of education, I was delighted with the outcome of the Teaching Excellence Framework assessment. Our triple gold – gold for student experience, gold for student outcomes and gold overall – is testament to our sector leading offering. We were one of only six high tariff institutions to earn this level of distinction. Initiatives noted in the assessment included:

• The ‘Personal Best’ framework, which helps students to develop the skills and experiences, alongside their studies, that employers look for.
• The volunteering ethos that is widespread across the University, through projects such as LSU Action, the Coach and Volunteer Academy and peer support. Last year, our students cumulatively did more than 115,000 hours of volunteering.
• And the entrepreneurship opportunities we offer through the Loughborough Enterprise Network – almost 10% of our students are now involved in entrepreneurial activity.

Our triple gold rating reflects the hard work of so many people – our academics and teaching fellows, our technicians, the Professional Services and administrative staff, and the students who dedicate their time to supporting their peers. It is a team effort, and I would like to thank you all for everything you do.

But we’re not complacent. We’re always pursuing better and are continuing to push forward the frontiers of education. Our DigiLabs initiative, for example, has been described as ‘trailblazing’. It’s allowing us to use the latest digital technologies, such as holograms and AI, to enhance the way our students learn. DigiLabs will ensure our students develop the skills and knowledge to become future fit for the world of work, where digital skills, data analytics, and virtual and augmented reality will be crucial.

The technology that underpins DigiLabs will also augment our global connectivity. Our students will be able to reach out to networks worldwide, and we’ll live beam academics, thought leaders and business chiefs from the other side of the world directly into our lectures and events.

We are passionate about being a globally connected university. And that’s why international engagement is one of our key strategic aims.

Initiatives such as the OnCampus Loughborough programme, which ran for the first time this year, are a significant expansion of our global education offering. Through OnCampus, international students develop the academic skills they need to study degree programmes at Loughborough. Since opening its doors last September, OnCampus Loughborough has welcomed 230 students from 51 countries. Our first cohort completed their studies last month and will proceed onto degree programmes from this autumn.

Our overseas trips also play an important role in furthering our international reach. They enable us to reinforce our existing partnerships and to forge new ones.

During our visit to China and Hong Kong, we saw how research into restoration techniques by the School of Design and Creative Arts and Beijing’s museums is helping to improve the preservation of historical artefacts.

During our trip to West Africa, we saw how researchers from the Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour are working in partnership with academics, clinicians and public health specialists in Ghana on interventions that will prevent, treat and manage diseases such as diabetes.

And in the US, we visited our long term-collaborators at MIT. We have now announced the establishment of the UK Supply Chain Excellence Centre within Loughborough Business School, which will be the UK hub of the MIT Global SCALE Network, an international alliance of research and education centres focused on supply chains and logistics. It’s a hugely exciting initiative and a major opportunity for us to become the UK centre of this prestigious network.

Research and innovation partnerships are also a key part of our 2030 strategy. Our 20-year partnership with global sports brand adidas was recognised this year with the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Bhattacharyya Award. Using their expertise in engineering, aerodynamics, ergonomics and sports science, the Loughborough teams have improved sports performance, safety and accessibility and have helped to develop the adidas talent pipeline.

And another of our long-standing partnerships, with aerospace leaders Rolls-Royce, reached new heights. The company worked with our experts in the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology, researchers in Germany and easyJet to develop hydrogen combustion engine technology that’s capable of powering aircraft. This is an industry first and a huge step towards achieving net zero aviation.

The exploration of new forms of energy lies at the heart of our Hydrogen Works project. This is a Loughborough-led consortium with academic experts and industry partners to establish the East Midlands as a hydrogen superpower. Funding this year from the East Midlands Freeport is helping us to develop a zero-carbon innovation centre. And a new Loughborough-led Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero will expand our research and develop the skilled workforce needed to enable rapid growth in hydrogen-related technology. 

This quest for greener energy solutions is also a major part of our Climate Change and Net Zero strategic theme. Our Aftrak partnership is a great example of our pioneering work in this area. This year it beat international competition to win the one-million-dollar Milken Motsepe Prize in Green Energy. The Aftrak team is working to provide rural communities across Africa with access to clean, green electricity to increase crop yields and the incomes of smallholder farmers. Following successful tests at the University and demonstrations in South Africa, Aftrak is now being deployed in Malawi. It’s a perfect illustration of how our work can bring direct and tangible benefits to the world’s communities.

And the University’s Sustainable Transitions: Energy, Environment and Resilience Centre, known as STEER, has received an additional £57 million grant from the UK Government. This is our largest ever research funding award. The grant will extend the Climate Compatible Growth programme by a further five years to accelerate the roll-out of improved, climate resilient infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and the Global South.

Projects such as Aftrak and STEER align closely with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which reflect the needs of society and the challenges we face worldwide. This year, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings placed us 1^st in Europe and 7^th globally for the UN’s goal number 8 – advancing Decent Work and Economic Growth, and we also ranked in the global top 100 in a further two goals – for Reduced Inequalities and Life on Land. 

Driving the economy is central to so much of our work. Midlands Mindforge Limited, for instance, is currently raising £250m to support university spinouts and early-stage businesses. Midlands Mindforge was founded by the eight research-intensive universities across the region. Through it we are building the foundations of a new technology eco-system in the region and creating companies that can drive economic growth whilst delivering real-world impact. I’m delighted to have been involved with this development and to be a non-executive director on the board.

We take our local and regional responsibilities seriously. We’re proud to be part of the Civic Universities Partnership. Through the partnership we work with the other universities in the county and the local authorities in Leicestershire and Rutland on joint initiatives that benefit our region, its people and its businesses.

The grant we received through the Loughborough Town Deal supported the development of the fourth pavilion for the SportPark building – our first Passivhaus build, which this year picked up the Environmental Best Practice accolade at the international Green Apple Environment awards.

We’re also working with regional partners on initiatives that will benefit people’s health and wellbeing. Together with Leicestershire County Council, we’re working to reduce the prevalence of conditions such as asthma, obesity and heart disease, and to address health inequalities across the county. 

And the development of the National Rehabilitation Centre, on our doorstep in Stanford on Soar, is now progressing at pace and should open later this year. The Centre will combine NHS patient care with research led by Loughborough and Nottingham universities to transform the lives of those who have experienced life-changing injury, trauma or illness.

Harnessing the power of physical activity to benefit people’s health and wellbeing has long been central to the University, as has performance sport.

Last summer our students won the BUCS Championship title for the 42nd consecutive year, with a record-breaking total score. I’m hopeful that next month will bring more good news for us with the 2024 BUCS title. Our athletes will no doubt have been helped on their way with some outstanding performances on BUCS Big Wednesday, which we hosted this year and will do so for the next two. On that Wednesday in March, Loughborough became the epicentre of student sport with more than 2,000 student athletes competing in 57 finals across 16 sports, in front of almost 2,500 spectators.  

Of course, I must mention the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Our association with the Games dates back to 1948, when Loughborough’s Jack Archer won silver in the 4x100m relay. Since then, Loughborough-linked athletes have won an amazing 126 medals.

This summer we’ll be the host venue for ParalympicsGB kitting out. This is an important milestone for both athletes and support staff, when they’re presented with all their official Games kit.

Then towards the end of July, around 100 athletes with Loughborough connections will head off to compete for their national teams in Paris. At the last Games in Tokyo our athletes won an impressive 35 medals and we’re aiming to top that this year. I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing our Loughborough contingent all the very best.

These are just a few of our achievements, successes and developments from the last 12 months. However, the last year has not all been plain sailing.  

Universities today are operating in a very challenging environment, and increasingly of late, we have been under fire. Changes to government immigration policies and real-term cuts to funding have seen the media and politicians questioning almost everything we do – from the value of our degrees to the significance of our research.

If we’re to change people’s perceptions, universities need to work together more effectively. Combining our complementary strengths and harnessing our collective power. We must unite as a sector to showcase the impact that we have on individuals, regions and countries worldwide, to change the narrative that’s currently so damaging to higher education.

With this in mind, we recently launched our campaign to position ourselves as a bold, ambitious university that strives to make change for a better world. The campaign is called ‘The World Can’t Wait’ to underline the pressing need for us to address the issues that face us all, now and in the future. We want our students to become changemakers. We want our staff to work towards a cleaner, healthier, fairer world. And we want companies, charities and governments to work with us on that journey.

I hope my reflections on the past year make you feel proud of everything we’ve achieved and that they inspire you as we embark on the next phase of our journey to creating better futures together.

From the Vice-Chancellor - June 2024

In my June newsletter: the Sport and EDI core plans, the THE Impact rankings, the new hub of the MIT Global SCALE Network, our largest-ever research grant of £57m to STEER, our delegation to West Africa, and analysis of the General Election media coverage. 

Final two core plans approved 

At its meeting yesterday, University Council approved the final two strategic core plans for Sporting Excellence and Opportunity, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Thank you to everyone who contributed to their development, and particularly to Professor Jo Maher, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, Richard Taylor, who is acting lead for the EDI core plan, and Veronica Moore, Director of EDI Services, who have all been instrumental in pulling the finalised plans together.

The Sporting Excellence and Opportunity core plan is centred on a vision to use our world-class research and performance to enhance the experience of athletes across sport globally, to leverage external opportunities, and to create more opportunities for our students and community to access sport and develop their talent. The plan is themed around five strategic priorities: ecosystem, sustainability, women’s sport, para sport and disability sport, and the power of AI and digital.

The EDI core plan sets out a vision, guiding principles and our heightened EDI ambitions for the University, including a commitment to anti discriminatory practice. Its four objectives are focused on: improved data to better inform our objectives and activities; tackling structural inequity that is embedded in our processes and practices; putting in place interventions that improve diversity with anti-discriminatory practice; and creating a vibrant and inclusive community.

Both the sport and EDI core plans have clear key performance indicators, which will measure our progress towards our objectives.

The EDI plan also includes the governance and management structures we will need to deliver the plan. Since we launched our University Strategy two years ago, I believe we have made good progress with our EDI priorities and it is imperative that we continue to build on the foundations we now have begun to put in place. With our EDI objectives now clearly outlined in the core plan, we have decided to take our time to carefully consider the senior leadership that we believe will be required to drive our EDI activity through this next phase. I will provide a further update in a future edition of my newsletter.

University performs well against UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which are published each year, recognise universities’ commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth and partnerships. They  are an international assessment of universities’ performance in moving forward the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure shared peace and prosperity for all by 2030. 

I was delighted, therefore, that Loughborough was ranked first in the UK and Europe, and 7th globally, for SDG8 – advancing Decent Work and Economic Growth. SDG 8 is focused on sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. We also ranked 54th globally for SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities – and 57th globally for SDG 15 – Life on Land. 

Loughborough’s success in the THE Impact Rankings is testament to our world-leading research and the way we manage our buildings, campuses and activities. Our performance reflects many aspects of our strategy, but particularly the Vibrant and Inclusive Communities, and the Climate Change and Net Zero themes.

The work by the Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP), for instance, on the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) clearly contributes to SDG8. It has been used to set the Real Living Wage in the UK, underpins the Retirement Living Standards, and is used by organisations around the UK and increasingly overseas to tackle issues around poverty, living standards and income adequacy.

And as an employer, the University is committed to fair pay and working practices and is an accredited Real Living Wage employer – the only UK wage rate based on the cost of living. 

Our Aftrak project meets several SDGs, including the one related to Reduced Inequalities. Loughborough’s researchers are working to provide rural communities across Africa with access to clean, green electricity to increase crop yields and the incomes of smallholder farmers who play a critical role in the continent’s food and energy security and its economic growth. By providing them with access to reliable, sustainable energy and advanced agricultural tools, our aim is to transform lives, communities and the future of agriculture in Africa.

And the Life on Land SDG recognises the way we manage our campuses. For instance, both our sites, in Loughborough and on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, retained their Green Flag status in the most recent round of awards. These awards acknowledge high-quality, well-managed green spaces that benefit people’s health and wellbeing.

Congratulations to all those involved in research, projects and the day-to-day management of our campuses that have contributed to our success in this important league table.

Loughborough named as UK hub of prestigious global network

Working in partnership with others has long been one of Loughborough’s core strengths. We work with companies on the development and delivery of some of our teaching programmes; our students and staff work closely with industry on projects; and we collaborate with some of the world’s leading universities on pioneering research. Strong partnerships with great organisations and institutions are central to all that we do, and intensifying and expanding our collaborations is the cornerstone of our strategic Partnerships core plan.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – the world’s top-rated university in the global QS rankings – is a perfect example. Loughborough has worked for many years with MIT, particularly on engineering collaborations, and this month our links with them broadened further, when we signed an agreement to establish the UK Supply Chain Excellence Centre, within Loughborough Business School.

This will be the UK hub of MIT Global Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Network. The MIT Global SCALE Network was established in 2003 with the inauguration of the Zaragoza Logistics Center in Spain. Since then, it has expanded to include centres in Colombia, Luxembourg, China, and now the UK.

The centres bring together industry and academia to pool their expertise and collaborate on research projects that address real-world supply chain and logistics challenges, helping companies worldwide navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Organisations that partner with the MIT Global SCALE Network gain unparalleled access to expertise, innovative research, and a unique forum for knowledge exchange. The centres also offer postgraduate-level programmes focused on supply chain management, which enable students to benefit from engagement with global industry and collaborative opportunities.

Our inclusion in the MIT Global SCALE Network reflects our exceptional research capabilities, our commitment to supply chain innovation and the education of the next generation of supply chain leaders. It’s a hugely exciting initiative and a major opportunity for us to become the UK centre of this prestigious network.

Largest ever research grant awarded

This month, the University’s Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) programme, which is part of STEER (the Sustainable Transitions: Energy, Environment and Resilience Centre), received an additional £57 million grant from the UK Government, building on its initial £38 million award. The grant, which is our largest ever research funding award, will extend the CCG programme by a further five years to accelerate the roll-out of improved, climate resilient infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and the Global South.

CCG is one of the University’s flagship projects in terms of its contributions to addressing global challenges associated with climate change, aligning firmly with our Climate Change and Net Zero strategic theme. The team’s work is leading to transformative and innovative approaches that unlock finance that drives investment in, for example, electricity networks, grid decarbonisation and low carbon transport. These investments ultimately improve lives and livelihoods and are a catalyst for reducing inequalities and tackling poverty in communities.

For example, since their establishment, CCG has created Starter Data Kits for more than 70 countries, equipping partners, consultancies, national investment analysts and academics with essential data to inform national decarbonisation strategy development. The Kenyan and Ugandan governments are also now using CCG planning tools to develop their long-term national energy strategies.

The extension of the CCG programme to 2030 will enable lower- and middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Global South to use their universities to cultivate the skilled workforce essential for accelerating sustainable economic growth. Working with national and international research partners, CCG will deliver the economic tools and decision support frameworks needed to make green transitions possible in countries in its partner countries, which will now also include Nepal and Malawi.

Overseas delegation builds relationships in West Africa

At the start of the month, colleagues and I undertook our third overseas delegation of this year, travelling to Ghana and Nigeria to enhance and expand our research, education and alumni partnerships.

At meetings with government, university and industry representatives in Ghana and with the Nigerian State Government and staff from the University of Lagos, we explored how we can harness our collective knowledge and expertise to address local and global issues that will make a real difference to people’s lives.

I was able to cite two powerful examples that are already making a tangible difference – the Aftrak project and the work of our Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) team, who are working with local partners across the region to accelerate access to cleaner methods of cooking. The MECS researchers have entered into a partnership with the Nigerian Council on Climate Change to assess the readiness for the mass scale up of electric cooking. They have also worked with local chefs in Ghana to develop a Ghana eCookbook to show the possibilities of cooking with electricity, which is up to four times cheaper than using LPG or charcoal.

At the University of Ghana I joined Professor Amanda Daley and Dr Hibbah Osei-Kwasi from the Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour to see how our researchers are working in partnership with academics, clinicians and public health specialists in Ghana to identify interventions and policies that will help to prevent, treat and manage non-communicable diseases.

At the University of Lagos I gave a presentation on my personal area of research, Artificial Intelligence, which will enhance the way we teach and support our students and transform the way we undertake research.

And at reception evenings in both countries I was able to meet some of our alumni based in those countries, as well as some potential future students who hold offers to study at Loughborough. Overseas trips such as these, which enable us to reinforce and further our international partnerships and networks, allow us to advance our international reputation and profile – a key aim of our University strategy. Thank you to all those who organise and support these important visits.

Loughborough researchers analyse General Election coverage

Coverage of the upcoming General Election has been a constant presence in the media over the past few weeks, and once again, as they have since 1992, our academics from the Centre for Research in Communication and Culture have been conducting news audits of the main media outlets.

Their reports provide week-by-week measurements of which politicians and parties are receiving the most coverage, the proportion of negative and positive sentiment, which issues are gaining greatest prominence, and the amount of overall coverage being given to the election.

According to their latest report, tax had emerged as the top policy issue being covered, securing 12% of TV and press coverage over the first three weeks of the parties’ campaigns – double the amount of coverage for the next ranked topic (economy and business). Health and the NHS has secured only 5% of coverage, with the environment and education scraping just 2%.

The researchers’ work has itself generated media interest, being referenced by the ‘Peston’ programme on ITV, the BBC Radio 4 ‘Media Show’ and in The Economist. Research such as this contributes to Project Reputation, through which we will enhance Loughborough’s national and international global reputation as a leading institution – one of our key strategic objectives.

This Week at Loughborough | 1 July

General:

Q&A with Colin Jackson CBE

1 July 2024, 1pm-2pm, SCH001 (Schofield Building)

We will be welcoming world record holding sprint and hurdle athlete, Colin Jackson CBE, to Loughborough University’s East Midlands campus. There will be a Q&A session with Colin and we will discuss Colin’s athletic career, his life post-retirement, and his current and future projects.

If you would like to suggest a question for discussion with Colin, please include it at registration or email climb@lboro.ac.uk.

Find out more

Disability Pride Picnic

2 July 2024, 12pm-2pm, Hazlerigg Fountain

To celebrate Disability Pride Month on the Loughborough campus, the Disability and Inclusion Network is hosting a picnic and a crochet and knitting celebration. Bring your lunch and friends​, seating will be available​. If you have any spare wool and knitting needles or crochet hooks please bring them along.

On the same day, the London campus will be hosting a ‘Knit and Natter, Crochet and Chatter’ drop-in workshop from 10am-3.30pm. At the end of July, both Loughborough and London campuses hope to create their own artwork to permanently remind us how special we all are, regardless of whether we identify as disabled or not.

Find out more

Carbon Literacy Training

2 July 2024, 1pm-4pm, LDS018 (Loughborough Design School)

With ambitions to drive sustainability forward, the University will be running carbon literacy training. The training is split into two afternoons, on the 2 and 9 July and on the 3 and 10 September.

Find out more

Postgraduate Accommodation in London Q&A Webinar

4 July 2024, 12pm-12.45pm, Online

Join this event for a webinar and Q&A session on postgraduate accommodation at our London campus. Discover the stylish rooms and facilities at Stratford One hall of residence – the perfect place for you to live while you study with us. Our students and staff will also be on hand to answer your queries about what it’s like to live in one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant cities.

Find out more

Hydrogen Researcher Festival

4 July 2024, 8.45am-5pm, James France Building

This event will be a vibrant gathering that celebrates advancements, innovations and collaborations in the field of hydrogen research and technology. Come along for a day filled with insightful presentations, interactive exhibits and engaging discussions.

The aim of the festival is to bring together the hydrogen researcher community and provide an open space for researchers to:

• Engage and share hydrogen innovation achievements
• Connect and collaborate with other researchers
• Interact with activities around hydrogen
• Debate on the challenges and opportunities of hydrogen research
• Learn about technical aspects of hydrogen research

Find out more

QAA Webinar

5 July 2024, 10am-11.30am, Online

A webinar hosted by The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) to disseminate findings from a funded Collaborative Enhancement Project. This session will share the approach used for the implementation and evaluation of an innovative cycle of collaborative observation, which was undertaken over two academic years across three universities, involving diverse groups of students and teaching staff from varied disciplines.

Find out more

Climate Café and Empowerment Workshop

5 July 2024, 11am-1pm, Edward Herbert Pavillion

The session will include a 90-minute workshop facilitated by sustainability charity, Change Agents UK. Come along for a guided discussion and activity to explore our current state and connection to global challenges.

We will create a personal and shared vision of what the future could look like, and what role we want to play in creating it.

• 11am-11.30am: Free hot drinks and networking
• 11.30am-1pm: Guided workshop

Find out more

Summertime Socials:

Speaking Club

2 July 2024, 2pm-3pm, WAV019 (Wavy Top)

Every Tuesday over the summer period the International Student Experience Team will run a Speaking Club. Come along, practise your English speaking and listening skills with a chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones too. Ask any questions that you might have about life in the UK or just pop by for a general chit-chat and each week we will have a new topic to discuss – no need to book!

Find out more

Lifting Mood and Motivation Wellbeing Session

3 July 2024, 2pm-3.30pm, MS Teams

When we feel down, we can often experience low motivation. This can lead to us to do less and to get stuck in a vicious cycle of the less we do, the worse we feel. The session will look at this cycle and a technique to break out of it. The technique involves planning in and increasing activity levels to create a balance and a routine.

Find out more

Trip to historic York

6 July 2024, 7.45am-7.30pm, York

York, one of the most historic cities in the England with some of the most complete medieval walls, a backdrop of cobbled lanes and winding “snickelways”. This city is packed with things to do and see including York Minster, the National Railway Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. 

Explore the day in the York and check out the impressive 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of its cathedral, or the pretty 13th century timbered streets of The Shambles and sample the fantastic food scene. This event costs £3.

Find out more

The end of the end

So just a few days shy of 24 years we bid a fond farewell to LORLS as we finally decommission the service. We intend to keep this site available for a few more years but won’t be updating it further.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have worked on the system, made suggestions, suffered arguments about what structural units are and generally used the system. In particular I’d like to thank my co-developers: Jon and Jason without whom LORLS wouldn’t have existed or have lasted so long.

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So long and thanks for all the fish
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The Illiberal Public Sphere: new book by Václav Štětka and Sabina Mihelj

Liberal democracies across the world are facing a range of challenges, from the growing influence of illiberal leaders and parties to deepening polarization and declining trust in political elites and mainstream media. Although these developments attracted significant scholarly attention, the factors that contribute to the spreading of illiberalism remain poorly understood, and the communication perspective on illiberalism is particularly underdeveloped.

CRCC members Václav Štětka and Sabina Mihelj are addressing this gap in their newly published open access book titled “The Illiberal Public Sphere: Media in Polarized Societies” (Palgrave, 2024). The book provides the first systematic analysis of the role of the media in the rise of illiberalism, based on an original theoretical framework and extensive empirical research that was carried out as part of the ESRC-funded project “The Illiberal Turn: News Consumption, Polarization and Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe” (2019-2022), which collected quantitative and qualitative data in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Serbia.

Attempting to move beyond the conceptual framework of populism, which according to the authors has been too often used in an indiscriminate way that conflates disparate ideological and political trends, the book introduces the concept of the illiberal public sphere, defined as “a communicative space comprising both traditional and new media that promote and amplify illiberal actors, views, and attitudes” (Štětka and Mihelj, 2024: 3). Identifying three ideal-typical stages in its evolution – incipient, ascendant and hegemonic – the authors argue that the illiberal public sphere gradually colonizes the institutions that have previously served as a cornerstone of the liberal public sphere, including independent news organizations and public service broadcasters, contributing to the polarization and radicalization of political discourse, as well as to the proliferation of illiberal attitudes among citizens.

Drawing on findings from the empirical analysis of data from the four Eastern European countries, Štětka and Mihelj reveal how and why the changing communication environment facilitates selective exposure to ideologically and politically homogeneous sources (and thereby fastens the spiral of polarization), fosters changes in normative assumptions that guide media trust, increases vulnerability to disinformation, and goes hand in hand with growing hostility to immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. The findings furthermore challenge widespread assumptions about digital platforms as key instruments of illiberalism and suggest that their role shifts as the illiberal sphere progresses, often becoming channels of resistance against the illiberal hegemony.

In the concluding part of the book, the authors discuss the prospects for the illiberal public sphere in Eastern Europe and elsewhere in the world, based on recent political developments, and offer some suggestions for journalistic practices and media policies that can help make media systems more resilient and able to deflect and contain the challenges of illiberalism. In that respect, the arguments presented in the book have important implications not just for future research on challenges to liberal democracy, but also for journalists, media regulators and other professionals committed to rebuilding media trust and containing the forces of polarization.

A life of growth and discovery as a master’s student at Loughborough University

By Mehul Shah, MA User Experience and Service Design

Hello! Mehul here. I am an international student from Singapore pursuing my master’s degree in User Experience and Service Design at Loughborough University. I will be sharing my experience living abroad on my own for the first time to that of my time in this quaint city and wonderful campus.
Before starting my master’s, I made a career transition from communications to marketing to UX design in the public sector. I was intrigued by how design was at the forefront of most service development these days, and felt it would be a good way to have a more direct role in improving the community experience. While I was able to learn certain aspects on my own, I felt I would benefit from formal education – ensuring a deep dive into knowledge and skillsets in a dedicated learning space – to take my abilities to the next level.

Studying at Loughborough University was an easy choice. It seemed to have the most compelling course structure from all the UK universities, and offered an module options that we could choose based on our area of interest. It is also well ranked in the UK, both overall and in terms of its design school.

In terms of campuses it has one of the largest and lushest of campuses in Europe (as far as I know!) and to me that was a bonus, if I was going to spend much of my time in University.

I was fortunate to have family and friends in the UK and that made a lot of difference in getting advice or acclimatising to how things are over here. I personally did my essential shopping in London where the variety is larger and had the good fortune of driving up to Loughborough. There are coaches available from Heathrow airport for students which would probably be the most convenient way otherwise. I would also encourage checking out the Loughborough website or reaching out to your admin contact for any advice.

Transiting back to studies

Having worked for quite a number of years, I received views on going back to studies from peers.

 “It’s not easy to get back into studies.”
“What inspired you to study now?”
“You can just pick up (skills) on the go, it’s the best way.”

And while it was not the easiest decision, factoring multiple considerations, it was one that I was determined to undertake. And I was grateful for the support from bosses, family and friends alike.

Going with a positive mindset is important and I will admit it may not have been enough. After all I was away from books and notes for a really long time. It was important to be adaptable and pick up what is expected of us through experience or seeking any assistance early.

The experience has been refreshing and gratifying, sans the first assignment anxiety(!),  and the back to school wheels have been smoother since.

Finding work-life balance

Whether in studying or working, it is important to have a balance lest we fizzle out. While I have not always been successful, I have attempted to pace my studies against other aspects of life such as socialising, sports, ad-hoc ambassador work in the University, or just taking the time to relax. Personally I found the use of calendars and sticky notes to be most helpful in planning my time or organising my thoughts. This helped me list upcoming tasks or activities into more attainable or manageable means, without feeling overwhelemed. I would typically make lists on a Sunday and 1-2 times on following weekdays (the satisfaction of striking out tasks is real!).

Migrating to new a country

Moving to a new country is indeed an experience. And while I was fortunate to already know some people in the UK and a cousin who studied at Loughborough University, it is something you will only truly be comfortable with through experience. I recall feeling a little homesick, particularly during winter (Imagine darkness when you go to school and darkness when you get home. Brr!), and that’s something that many of us may experience. I navigated it by meeting up with people, calling folks back home, decorating my room and workstation or listening to music.

Home away from home

While living on or off campus have their merits, I opted to stay off campus in private student accommodation. The main rationale was to have that segmentation between being in university and being at home, as well as being closer to grocery outlets and other facilities. It has generally been a good experience and many of our friends gather in the area to study or to hang out.

Loughborough is not a big town – you could probably walk from your accommodation to your university building within 30 minutes. On that point it is important to choose your accommodation strategically.

Sharing my two cents

Choosing the right course, in my opinion, is slightly more important than choosing the university. You are going to spend a large chunk of the next year on lectures and tutorials and you want to ensure that you’re studying topics that you are interested in or that can give you a boost in your career.

Despite rearing its head only at the end of this article (and hopefully you made it this far!), the single most important thing is finding your people. A solid friend circle and support system is important and something that could completely change your university experience, especially as an international student. I would encourage you to proactively get to know people in your class as these are people who you will probably spend most time with it, and gradually you will find the like minded ones. It could be as simple as walking to school or to the park, having meals or tea together, and in our case the occasional game sessions. 

Sports and societies, networking sessions or even common areas in student accomodations could also be great ways to get to bond with people over common interests.

Being in Loughborough has taught and affirmed several things for me, and it has been an enriching experience that I will take with me back to my career and to the “real world”. After all we are not alone, everyone is trying to grow and learn in their time here.

From Toronto to London – Struggles and Successes

Frankie St. Louis, MSc Sport Business & Leadership

As soon as I read online that Loughborough University was the #1 university in the world for sport-related subjects, I knew I had to apply. Coming from Canada, I had never heard of Loughborough before, but I knew I wanted the experience of studying and living abroad. It was a dream of mine to live in London, so when I found out about the Loughborough London campus it was even more perfect!

I didn’t want to get my hopes up because I knew it was #1 in the world, and I was truly shocked when I got in. I accepted the offer the same day it was offered. From that point on the planning began – as a Type A personality I love to plan in advance. However, I soon came to realize that when moving across the ocean, not everything can be done in advance.

I was able to set up my student account, select courses and apply for accommodation while I was still in Canada. And this brought ease to my mind because having a room in a hall of residence meant I one hundred percent had a place to stay for the entire year. Although when I attempted to set up a British bank account and a phone plan from oversees, I was unsuccessful.

Fast forward to my first day arriving in London, the day started smooth. I checked into my residence, I had a “starter kit” there waiting for me with towels, bed sheets, and kitchen supplies, everything was working out! Feeling good, I decided to go to the mall to set up a bank account and get a phone plan. This is where I hit a roadblock.

“You can’t set up a bank account without two documents proving your address, your lease alone does not count” – this is what the banker told me. So, I left and tried to set up a phone plan and the phone store worker told me, “You can’t set up a phone plan without a British bank account”. At this point I was feeling defeated and jet lagged, so I gave up.

I soon found out that Loughborough University can provide an official letter proving your address. This allowed me to set up a bank account, which allowed me to set up a phone plan! It all worked out in the end, I just had to be patient and take it day by day.

After that initial hiccup, life in London has been fantastic! I have joined a hockey club, a local gym with fitness classes, and I have made friends and found community at Loughborough London.

The Loughborough London block-teaching model makes it easy to balance social life, hobbies, school, and work. The block-teaching model means you only have one course at a time for four weeks. This allows you to focus on one subject and one assignment at a time. Compared to undergrad I feel that I am better able to create quality work and absorb more information. It has made the experience relatively low-stress and fun!

Overall moving to a different country is a lot of work and can be scary. But Loughborough has provided plenty of support. The community that you feel on campus is fantastic and it makes you feel at home away from home.

How does Xi Jinping make sense of the World?

By Leah Knorren Nichols

I’m a final year student at Loughborough University studying International Relations (BA). I have been at Loughborough for 4 years, which included both a study abroad at Lund University (Sweden) and a placement with a start-up in Hamburg (Germany). My course allowed me to expand my knowledge in many areas and explore topics I’m most interested in such as the Politics of the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. I have accepted an offer for postgraduate studies at the University of Warwick.

After travelling to China when I was younger, I developed an interest in Chinese culture, history and politics and at university, I was able to take Chinese Mandarin lessons. During my second year, I took a module called ‘Foreign Policy Analysis’ that I thoroughly enjoyed and decided to write about Chinese Foreign Policy under Xi Jinping, the current Chinese President. This later became the basis for further research and laid the foundations for my dissertation.

For my dissertation, I was therefore able to combine my interest in Chinese politics and Foreign Policy Analysis. By researching contemporary Chinese foreign policies, I found four initiatives proposed by Xi Jinping from 2012 until 2022: the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Global Development (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI). They are ambitious initiatives of international cooperation in the area of development, security and diplomatic policies that Western academics are seeking to better understand. According to Chinese academics, all four initiatives are linked in their aim to establish a new world order and Chinese media have praised the initiatives. Amongst Western academics, the initiatives are puzzling, and many are wary of China’s intentions. However, if these projects are successful, they have the potential to rewrite current norms and rules of the international system according to Beijing’s vision. For politicians and academics alike, it is therefore highly relevant to understand the reasons behind the initiatives.

I thus set out to make sense of the rationale of these initiatives. Researching the initiatives made me wonder how much the reasoning behind these initiatives can be traced back to Xi Jinping and his beliefs. Since assuming office, Xi Jinping has been able to exert a tight control on both the party and the state, not seen since Mao Zedong. I thus adopted the cognitive approach of Foreign Policy that focuses on the individual decision-maker in explaining foreign policy decision-making. By drawing on both primary data (i.e. his speeches) and secondary data (i.e. biographies), I created a robust framework of analysis to understand Xi Jinping, the person, and his current foreign policies.

I found that Xi is a deeply historical person who is often found reminiscing about China’s past glories, and he is often found using historical analogies to make sense of the present. For example, he is influenced by the narrative of the ‘Century of Humiliation’, a period where China was the victim of foreign aggression and colonial rule from the 19^th century onwards. Xi blames the West and Japan for the once great Chinese Empire to have fallen behind. Based on his perception of history, Xi sees it as his historic responsibility to not let the past repeat itself and to restore China’s past glory. According to Xi’s beliefs-set, he now believes China should become a leader and not a bystander in global affairs anymore. The initiatives set out to do exactly this: rejuvenate the nation and become a leader in the area of development and security policies as well as diplomatic relations. Whether or not these projects will achieve their aim is yet to be seen and until today, they remain vague policies of international cooperation. But, especially amongst non-Western countries, the initiatives are welcomed with open arms.

Completing this work was a challenging but very rewarding task. It included many hours reading propaganda and analysing Xi’s speeches. Through my research, I hope to have shed some more light on contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy under Xi Jinping. I am grateful for the support and advice offered by my dissertation supervisor, Taku Tamaki, throughout this project.

Short Reading List:

• Breuning, M. (2007) ‘Foreign Policy Analysis: A Comparative Introduction. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Brown, K. (2016) CEO, China: The Rise of Xi Jinping. London: I.B. Tauris.
• Brown, K. (2018) The World According to Xi: Everything You Need to Know About the New China. London: I.B. Tauris.
• Chang-Liao, N. (2016b) ‘The sources of China’s assertiveness: the system, domestic politics or leadership preferences?’, International Affairs, 92(4), pp. 817–833. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2346.12655.
• Holsti, O.R. (1976) ‘Cognitive Process Approaches to Decision-Making’, American Behavioral Scientist, 20(1), pp. 11–32. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/000276427602000103.
• Lin, A. et al. (2022) All the Emperor’s men, Financial Times. Available at: https://ig.ft.com/xi- jinping-emperors-men/

This Week at Loughborough | 24 June

General:

Ideas to Impact Loughborough 2024

24-25 June 2024, 9am-4.30pm, Start-Up Labs (STEMLab)

The Ideas to Impact Loughborough (i2i Loughborough) bootcamp has been launched to support PhD students and early career researchers to take their research out of the lab and into the market. PhD students and early career researchers across all disciplines interested in developing their commercial acumen are encouraged to participate.

The programme will consist of two interconnecting sessions:

• A two-day bootcamp on 24 and 25 June
• A hybrid pitch day on 2 July

The two-day bootcamp will be hosted by Loughborough’s Intellectual Property Management and Commercialisation team.

Find out more

IAS Seminar: Geopolitics and Statelessness in South Asia

25 June 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Residential Fellow Dr Rudabeh Shahid will deliver a seminar on their research. This keynote speech addresses the issue of statelessness in South Asia, emphasising the region’s geopolitical dynamics. It begins by defining statelessness and discussing its impact on human rights. It continues by exploring historical factors that have contributed to statelessness, including the Partition of India and the legacy of colonialism.

Find out more

Exhibition: The Art Schools of the Midlands

16 May-28 June 2024, 12pm-2pm, Martin Hall Exhibition Space

Martin Hall Gallery presents ‘The Art Schools of the Midlands’, the latest iteration of John Beck and Matthew Cornford’s ambitious Art School Project exploring the history and legacies of the nation’s art schools. The project combines original photography, textual and archival materials to examine the vital role art schools have played, and continue to play, in the cultural and economic life of our towns and cities.

Find out more

Careers:

Dyson INWED Global Panel Session for Malaysia, Philippines, and UK

24 June 2024, 9.30am-11.30am, Online

In this session, you will receive an introduction to Dyson, an insight into the Early Careers Opportunities at Dyson, an opportunity to get to know the speakers and a panel discussion/Q&A.  

Find out more

UBS | Investment banking Pride event

24 June 2024, 1pm-4.30pm, Online

Interested in investment banking? Keen to learn how you, as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, would be supported and encouraged to bring your full authentic self to work here with us? Then come along to our event!

• Hear from our inspirational colleagues as they share their journey navigating the corporate world as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Get recruitment ready with our interactive skills session.
• Network with our team and members of our Pride and Allies employee network from across the business.

Find out more

AICPA & CIMA: How to tackle assessment centres

28 June 2024, 12pm-1pm, Online

The session is aimed at helping you with your career and giving you an insight into an employer’s assessment centre. As you are probably aware assessment centres are a great way for employers to evaluate how you respond to different situations, tasks and tests. Assessors can observe first-hand how you behave and work within a team, how you approach assignments and how you apply your skills and knowledge during a variety of activities.

Find out more

Five minutes with: Imogen Heaton

What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’ve been here three years and I’m a Technical Tutor.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

Everyday varies greatly between year groups and semesters. The day often starts with the age-old technician question; what instrument is broken today? Then onto teaching, putting out (metaphoric) fires as they arise during the sessions and making sure all students leave the lab with the data they need for assessments.

Outside of my core teaching, I am also one of the Professional Services Voices on the Maia committee. I always look forward to Maia events as they are such a great way to meet colleagues across campus. I’ve also learnt some new skills and I especially enjoyed the self-defence class at the last International Women’s Day. I also work with other technicians in a sustainability group to promote improving sustainability within labs and building a network of support and best practices.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

My favourite project to be involved with has been the introduction of Technical Apprentices across the University. I developed pathways for the science laboratory apprentices with the input of other colleagues and was lucky enough to employ Michael as an apprentice in my lab. Michael is now moving onto his next placement, but over the last six months it’s been brilliant having him in the lab, partly because he bakes the most amazing sweet treats for the tech team, partly because he’s taken total ownership of glassware prep and tests out new experiment ideas with enthusiasm.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

My proudest moment happens yearly when our Chemistry students graduate. I am always so happy to have watched them develop year on year and to hear their plans post-graduation. It will be extra special this year as my first part A cohort will be graduating.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I play a lot of tennis. Although if you have ever worked with me you will know this as I talk a lot about tennis and during the summer match season I often hobble into work complaining that being another year older seems to add another injury to the list!

What is your favourite quote?

“Face your fears; live your passions, be dedicated to your truth.” – Billie Jean King

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Sadie Gration at S.Gration@lboro.ac.uk.

Juneteenth – what’s it all about?  

Juneteenth, which takes place on 19 June, is a celebration of the freedom, culture and empowerment of African-Americans.  

You may have heard the term and noticed media coverage about Juneteenth recently; indeed there has been an increase in Juneteenth celebrations in the past few years. You may have also noticed the word ‘Juneteenth’ is a joining together of the words “June” and “nineteenth”. But what is this day actually about? 

What is Juneteenth?  

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States – in Galveston, Texas – learned they were free. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1963. But, the law could not be enforced in the state of Texas which was still under confederate control. It would be another two and a half years before the news of freedom would reach enslaved African Americans in the state of Texas. This is why Juneteenth is seen by many as the end of slavery. 

Why has there been renewed interest? 

Although Juneteenth was declared a state holiday in Texas in 1980, with many states soon following suit, it would take decades of campaigning for the day to be nationally recognised. As the Black Lives Matter campaign movement, spurred by the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, gained momentum, President Biden signed legislation in 2021 that made Juneteenth a federal holiday. 

Why is it still important? 

Today, Juneteenth is a day to celebrate as well as to reflect. It is an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made for civil rights and to draw attention to racial inequalities. In the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, Black communities in Southern states collectively purchased lots of land on the outskirts of town to host their Juneteenth celebrations – because segregation laws meant they could not safely gather anywhere else. Today, the state of Florida education board has revised history standards which includes teaching pupils that African Americans benefitted from slavery. Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the US but racism, discrimination and the legacy of slavery are still to be dismantled.  

The Smithsonian Museum, Washington, DC, have a Juneteenth Digital Toolkit to help you learn more about the history of the day and its significance today. 

My experience volunteering as a student at Loughborough University

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, India, I had a dream, a passion for sports, and a big goal: to pursue a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University. Little did I know that this dream would take me on a thrilling journey filled with incredible experiences and unexpected opportunities.

I set off from Mumbai to Loughborough, excited about what the University had to offer. Stepping onto campus at Loughborough University felt like entering a world of endless possibilities and a place where I would be able to take advantage of many opportunities.

While my studies delved deep into the psychology of sport, it was my involvement in volunteering that enhanced my experience at Loughborough. The BUCS Big Wednesday event became my first big opportunity, where I immersed myself in the exciting atmosphere of university sports. From scoring matches to orchestrating presentation ceremonies, each task was a labour of love, fuelled by my passion for sports and community.

But the day’s highlight came during the nail-biting final match, where the Loughborough Women’s Football Team faced off against Durham University. Amidst the tension and excitement, I witnessed the power of sports to unite and inspire, and when Loughborough claimed victory in a penalty shootout, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and belonging. In that moment, I realised that my passion for sport was a driving force that fuelled my desire to make a difference, both on and off the field. As I stood amidst the celebrations, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be – as a dedicated volunteer, championing the values of the Loughborough community.

Beyond the events held on campus, I have also been involved on various opportunities outside of the University, including volunteering with Volleyball England. At Volleyball England, I captured content for their media team, witnessing, firsthand, the intensity and camaraderie of the sport. Each experience I have volunteering allows for a deeper appreciation of the transformative power of sports in bringing people together.

In the run up to my greatest volunteering achievement yet – assisting at the UEFA Champions League Final at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London – I can’t help but reflect on the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Reflecting on over 80 hours of volunteering, I have realised the importance of seizing every opportunity and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm and determination. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s about personal growth, building connections, and discovering the true extent of my capabilities.

To anyone embarking on a similar journey, I advise you to enter every opportunity with an open mind. Whether you’re passionate about sports or simply seeking personal growth, volunteering is a great way to unlock a world of possibilities. Approach each task with dedication and passion, and you’ll be amazed at the doors it can open and the experiences it can bring.

Students can get involved with volunteering at Loughborough through many groups around the University, including the Coaching and Volunteering Academy and the Action group at Loughborough Students’ Union (LSU). Committee positions within Athletic Union clubs, LSU societies, and Halls of Residence are available, offering a range of role and experiences the enhance your time at Loughborough.

Behind the Manchester Prize: Nick Jennings on the journey of the Finalist teams

This article was originally published on the Manchester Prize website on 17 June 2024.

Chair of the Manchester Prize judging panel and Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, Professor Nick Jennings, shares his reflections on the 10 finalist teams and their trailblazing innovations.

The inaugural Manchester Prize, which launched in December 2023 and is set to conclude in March 2025, supports UK-led teams to overcome challenges in the fields of energy, environment and infrastructure through groundbreaking AI innovation. As an AI researcher with over 30 years experience, it is a topic close to my heart, and it is fantastic to see the importance of this work being recognised by the government, with a clear commitment to support those engaged in the application of AI for public good. 

I am delighted and honoured to be the inaugural chair of the Prize, and relish this opportunity to shine a light on some of the nation’s brightest minds. Our goal with the Manchester Prize is to create a prestigious award that highlights the positive impact AI can have on society, and I am particularly enthusiastic about the idea of a Prize that actively contributes to the development of new solutions, rather than merely rewarding past achievements. 

Through the application of pioneering new work, we can drive change and make a real difference to the world around us. While much attention has – rightly – been placed on the safety and risks of AI, we must also ensure we make the most of the significant potential that this technology holds to improve lives when used responsibly. In the coming years, we will see ever more fascinating and impactful applications of AI come to the fore. These applications will profoundly affect our lives, our society, and our planet. 

Building on feedback received from a wide range of stakeholders, a tailored package of non-financial support has been created to navigate the complexities of the intellectual property of AI, prepare the teams for future investment, and support with business strategies that are both sustainable and ethical. The prize also offers computational resources, matchmaking opportunities and other essential assistance to help the finalists succeed. For example, on top of the £100,000 grant received by each of the ten finalists, the teams will be reimbursed up to £90,000 for spending on compute to develop or test their AI systems. 

The benefits of a multidisciplinary approach

When the entry period ended, we had almost 300 eligible innovations for the prize, with an impressive 425 entrants represented across the various teams. Entries to the Prize came from across the UK, with nearly 20% coming from the North East and North West of England. Of the 240 entries which passed the initial eligibility screening, 65% came from solo organisations, 18% from a group of organisations, 12% from a group of individuals and 5% from sole individuals. 

These ten finalists have the potential to significantly improve life in the UK by addressing critical issues in energy, environment, and infrastructure. Projects like Aiolus and Quartz Solar AI Nowcasting aim to enhance renewable energy efficiency and improve air quality for future generations, while AssetScan and TraffEase are set to revolutionise infrastructure maintenance and urban planning, which could help to make people’s day-to-day journeys more comfortable and safe. Collectively, these AI-driven solutions promise to create more sustainable, efficient, and resilient communities, and have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of millions. 

It’s been exciting to see how teams have taken a multidisciplinary approach to their innovations, with organisations coming together from different fields to collaboratively produce their entries. For example, Phytoform Labs is an agricultural biotech startup which brings together 13 PhDs and professionals in genome engineering, data science and agriculture to work on their project, CRE.AI.TIVE. Similarly, Quartz Solar AI Nowcasting is led by Open Climate Fix, a non-profit product lab focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions as rapidly as possible, in partnership with data science and AI powerhouse, The Alan Turing Institute.

A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for tackling the complex issues in energy, environment, and infrastructure, particularly when integrating AI. By combining expertise from an array of fields such as engineering, environmental science and data analytics, we can develop comprehensive solutions that address the multifaceted nature of these problems. This collaborative method ensures that AI applications are not only technologically advanced but also practical, sustainable, and socially responsible, leading to more robust and innovative solutions that can effectively address the challenges of our time.

The next steps 

A pattern that emerged from the selected finalist applications was the optimism they showed for the future of UK AI development. As judges, our role was to assess how these developments might translate into tangible and viable long-term societal benefits. The AI solutions selected are forward-looking, and present novel ways to overcome the most pressing challenges facing society, whether that relates to waste systems, the energy grid, food supply chains or transportation. 

Over the next seven months, the 10 teams will be working with key stakeholders including problem-holders, potential adopters and investors, to develop their solutions ahead of a prototype demonstration workshop in January 2025. I am incredibly excited to monitor their progress and see how far they develop their innovations by the start of next year. 

While securing the £1 million Grand Prize is the ultimate goal, all teams should be striving to make the most of the profile and opportunities presented to them by this initiative. The experience they will gain over the next few months, from networking opportunities to tailored support sessions, will be invaluable, and is why the Manchester Prize will be a beacon for excellence in AI innovation in the UK. 

The 10 finalist teams:

Energy solutions

Four of the 10 finalists are addressing the key issues in the energy sector, from managing solar resources, to revolutionising battery manufacturing. 

• Quartz Solar AI Nowcasting uses generative AI to decarbonise the UK’s energy grid through better forecasting of cloud movements. By leveraging satellite imagery and live solar generation data, it can help better manage solar energy resources and balance a renewables heavy grid.
• AIOLUS uses Deep Reinforcement Learning for improving wind farm efficiency, simultaneously boosting energy capacity, lowering the average cost of electricity, and accelerating the UK towards its Net Zero target.
• Polaron uses generative AI to optimise energy material manufacturing, using algorithms to rapidly analyse potential material designs and identify the best manufacturing processes to maximise performance.
• EvoPhase Explore provides an AI-driven approach to optimising industrial equipment for economic and environmental impact. It leverages evolutionary algorithms to reduce energy consumption, minimise waste, and enhance overall efficiency in manufacturing processes. 

Environmental solutions

Four of the 10 finalists aim to provide solutions to problems facing the environment, from future-proofing crops, to improving the UK’s quality of water. 

• CRE.AI.TIVE learns about the genome of plants and accelerates the search for useful mutations to increase the resilience of crops, helping to reduce the threat of global food insecurity. 
• Greyparrot leverages AI and image processing to improve the traceability of consumer packaged goods, supporting the value chain to improve packaging design, policy making and recycling rates.
• Sapphire reduces water pollution from storm overflows, agriculture, and urban spaces in order to improve water quality, by integrating observed data and computer model outputs into an AI platform, incorporating more sources of pollution, and producing faster results than traditional methods
• gAIn Water uses deep learning models & adaptive reinforcement learning agents to forecast water demand, provide alerts about system failures, and identify potential supply shortages.

Infrastructure solutions

Two of the 10 finalists are focussing on the issues facing UK infrastructure, and aim to improve mobility and more efficiently maintain our nation’s buildings. 

• AssetScan identifies defects in UK buildings and large infrastructure assets from photographic datasets to target effective maintenance at the earliest opportunity.
• TraffEase supports net-zero and inclusive mobility targets through the creation of digital transportation twins.

This Week at Loughborough | 17 June

General:

Preparing for a world of “AI Everywhere”

17 June 2024, 3pm-4pm, EHB110A (Edward Herbert Building)

We are delighted to welcome Eric Grimson, Chancellor for Academic Advancement at MIT, Professor of Computer Science, and the Bernard M. Gordon Professor of Medical Engineering. He will talk about how MIT is embedding AI and computation throughout the Institute – within the curriculum, in new degree programs, and as a central research element in almost every department.

Find out more

IAS PGR Workshop – Dr Rudabeh Shahid “Bridging Disciplines and Methods”

19 June 2024, 9.30am-11.30am, International House

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Rudabeh Shahid delivers a Postgraduate Research (PGR) workshop on their research, titled “Bridging Disciplines and Methods: Enhancing Political Science through Interdisciplinary Teaching and Dynamic Simulations”

Find out more

IAS Seminar: “Break free, grow tall, reach far” – a systems approach for stunting reduction

19 June 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Visiting Fellow Dr Lisanne Du Plessis will deliver a seminar on their research. The nutritional status of young children in South Africa is of great concern. Stunting in a quarter of children under five is particularly alarming since it poses significant costs to health, cognitive development, schooling, and economic performance in the future.

Find out more

Policy Unit GE2024 Series: Mapping the Manifestos to Loughborough’s Expertise

19 June 2024, 12pm-12.45pm, MS Teams

A big moment in every General Election campaign is when the parties unveil their manifestos to tell us in writing what they would do if they were to enter government. In this GE24 session, Paddy Smith will be going through the manifestos and zooming in on the areas in which Loughborough University has research strengths and expertise.

Find out more

Summer Showcase 2024

19 June 2024, 9am-3pm, James France Building/Online

The Doctoral College and Enhanced Academic Practice (Organisational Development) are delighted to announce this year’s Summer Showcase for Doctoral Researchers. The Summer Showcase is a fun event that brings doctoral researchers together from across the University to share their work via engaging, accessible and creative formats, and network in a vibrant and supportive environment.

Find out more

Pride Month Zine Workshop

19 June 2024, 3pm-4pm, Pilkington Library (Seminar Room 1)

In honor of Pride Month, the Library is hosting an exciting workshop where you can unleash your creativity and contribute to a dynamic LGBTQ+ zine. Whether you’re an experienced writer, an aspiring artist, or simply someone with a story to share, this is your chance to make your voice heard and celebrate the diversity of our community.

Find out more

Architecture End of Year Show 2024

19 June 2024, 2pm-6.30pm, Keith Green Building/Sir David Davies Building

Loughborough University’s annual Architecture End of Year Show is a free exhibition displaying a culmination of over 70 students’ academic journeys, showcasing their architectural works and accomplishments. The show offers a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills, ideas, and architectural visions and for industry partners and sponsors to learn and explore new opportunities for effective collaboration. The work featured in the exhibition will revolve around the theme of circularity.

Find out more

IAS Seminar – Graphic heritage: Politics, power & placemaking

20 June 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Residential Fellow Dr Alison Barnes will deliver a seminar on their research. This seminar will primarily focus on two very different shopping areas within Walthamstow in London, one of which has, in part, been the recipient of a planned National Lottery funded Townscape Heritage Regeneration scheme.

Find out more

Laughter Club

20 June 2024, 12.15pm-1pm, EHB217 (Chaplaincy Innerspace)

Try something new and join the University Chaplaincy for their monthly Laughter Club. Combining playfulness, laughter, and breathing for pleasure and health, laughter yoga provides a serotonin boost to help you feel good for the rest of the day.

Find out more

Returners Coffee Club Launch

20 June 2024, 3pm-4pm, 1.01 Rutland

Have you recently returned to work after family leave? If so, come along to the first meeting of the Returners Coffee Club! This is an informal meet-up over coffee and pastries to support anyone returning from family leave in the last six months (or so). It will be a great chance for you to meet new people, share encouragement and experiences with other colleagues in the same boat, and get peer support with your transition back into work at the University.

Find out more

Celebrating Physiology in Loughborough

20 June 2024, 1.30pm-5pm, Clyde Williams Building/CC011 (James France)

The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS) is to be awarded a plaque by the Physiological Society to recognise the School as a centre of excellence for physiology in sport, exercise and health science.

The Physiological Society’s Excellence in Physiology Award honours institutions that are centres of excellence for physiology in either discovery or leadership. This award is presented by the Board of Trustees following recommendation from the Nominations Committee.

Find out more

African/Caribbean Event

21 June 2024, 4pm-10pm, Village Bar Restaurant

Loughborough University’s REACH Staff Network warmly invites students, staff, family, friends, and the wider community to help celebrate the second African/Caribbean event to be held on campus. During the event, you will be treated to delicious and authentic African and Caribbean food, drink and entertainment.

Find out more

Exhibition: The Art Schools of the Midlands

16 May-28 June 2024, 12pm-2pm, Martin Hall Exhibition Space

Martin Hall Gallery presents ‘The Art Schools of the Midlands’, the latest iteration of John Beck and Matthew Cornford’s ambitious Art School Project exploring the history and legacies of the nation’s art schools. The project combines original photography, textual and archival materials to examine the vital role art schools have played, and continue to play, in the cultural and economic life of our towns and cities.

Find out more

Embracing kindness to combat loneliness

Loneliness is an invisible struggle that affects many of us. It can stem from various factors, including a lack of social connections, remote working or excessive stress.

When we feel disconnected from other people, it can lead to decreased productivity, lower morale, and health issues.

Human beings not only crave interactions, but we need them in order to thrive. Even very small interactions with others can boost a feeling of connection. In an interview from Loughborough’s Cuppa with a Scientist podcast, Professor James Goodwin, a Visiting Professor in the School of Design and Creative Arts said:

“If you’re lonely for a long period of time, that’s exceptionally damaging to your general health and to your brain health.

“Social media, emails, phone calls, letters, nice little thank you notes, talking to people – even if at a distance – helps with loneliness.

“A University of Essex researcher even found that you can alleviate loneliness just by saying hello to someone as you walk past them on the road!”

Listen to the full podcast episode where Professor Goodwin reveals what other activities are good for brain health.

A great way to connect with others is by showing kindness. When you go about your daily activities, aim to be present in the moment, simply smiling at a stranger and a simple “How are you?” can make someone’s day and also your own.

What’s more, kindness is contagious. It has been found that witnessing an act of kindness triggers others to carry out selfless acts themselves.

This video from BBC Ideas explores the story of Bernadette Russell and what happens to your brain when you’re kind.

Challenge yourself to do an act of kindness every day

• Smile and say hello to someone you haven’t spoken to before
• Invite a colleague out for lunch
• Share positive feedback
• Send a thoughtful message
• Bring treats into the office
• Listen actively, being mindful not to use your phone during conversation
• Celebrate colleague milestones
• Organise a fun activity to do with your team
• Tidy a shared space
• Donate some of your unwanted items
• Buy from a small business

Feel-good films which may help to inspire kindness

• ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988)
• ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)
• ‘Up’ (2009)
• ‘Wonder’ (2017)
• ‘Paddington’ (2014)
• ‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989)

You can also show kindness through volunteering in your local community. The University offers staff one day of paid absence per year to undertake approved volunteer work, find out more about the Supported Volunteering Policy.

If you’re thinking about volunteering in sport, there is a range of voluntary opportunities for University staff to get involved in as part of the Community Volunteer Programme. You can also find volunteering opportunities in the local area from Active Together. 

You can read about different volunteering experiences from our staff members in our blog ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing: Give’.

If you want to volunteer, start small and be mindful not to overdo it. If you find yourself giving too much of your energy, this probably means it’s time to take a step back. Make sure you leave enough energy to look after yourself too.

This Week at Loughborough | 10 June

General:

IAS Friends and Fellows Coffee Morning

11 June 2024, 10.30am-12pm, International House

The Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) is hosting an IAS Friends and Fellows Coffee Morning, joined by IAS Visiting Fellow Professor Helena Cooper-Thomas and IAS Residential Fellows for June, Dr Rudabeh Shahid and Dr Alison Barnes.

Find out more

IAS Seminar: The trials and tribulations of entering a tournament workplace

11 June 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Visiting Fellow Professor Helena D Cooper-Thomas will deliver a seminar on their research, fully titled ‘The trials and tribulations of entering a tournament workplace: The case of new Members of Parliament’.

Find out more

RAeS: Presentation of Loughborough University MEng final year Aircraft Design projects

11 June 2024, 6.30pm, EHB110A (Edward Herbert Building)

This event is held by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Loughborough University Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering.

Find out more

Women in Sport Research and Innovation Scoping Event

12 June 2024, 11am-12.30pm, CC029A (James France Building)

Colleagues from across the University are invited to attend an interactive research and innovation scoping event on Women in Sport led by Dr Emma Pullen (School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences).

The scoping event provides a forum for colleagues to feed into the development of a Women in Sport Research Hub that will be launched as part of the University Sport Core Plan and exchange ideas on hub research and innovation priorities and opportunities.

Find out more

Care: critical dialogues and transdisciplinary approaches

13 June 2024, 10.30am-4.30pm, Online

The Centre for Research in Communication and Culture is hosting a one-day interdisciplinary symposium on the issue of care. It will bring together scholars from different disciplinary backgrounds who work at Loughborough University, as well as a number of invited external speakers.

Find out more

Summer Ball

15 June 2024, 9pm onwards, Loughborough Students’ Union

This year’s Summer Ball theme is Mount Olympus! Celebrate the end of the year at the Summer Ball where you can expect themed rooms, live music, funfair rides, food, survivors photo, and more.

Find out more

Degree Show 2024

14-16 June 2024, School of Design and Creative Arts

Captivating minds, from thought-provoking visual arts to groundbreaking design concepts, this exhibition showcases the diverse talents nurtured within our academic community. Come along to celebrate the boundless potential of the next generation shaping the future creative landscape.

Find out more

Exhibition: The Art Schools of the Midlands

16 May-28 June 2024, 12pm-2pm, Martin Hall Exhibition Space

Martin Hall Gallery presents ‘The Art Schools of the Midlands’, the latest iteration of John Beck and Matthew Cornford’s ambitious Art School Project exploring the history and legacies of the nation’s art schools. The project combines original photography, textual and archival materials to examine the vital role art schools have played, and continue to play, in the cultural and economic life of our towns and cities.

Find out more

Careers:

FDM – Student Summer Bootcamp

10-12 June 2024, 12pm-2pm, Zoom

Day 1 will focus on upskilling in the foundations of HTML; the building blocks of a webpage.

Day 2 will focus on enhancing your coding skills through further upskilling with an emphasis on styling a website using CSS.

Find out more

Impact Teaching: Find out how you can teach abroad

11 June 2024, 6pm-7pm, Online

Join us to discover how you can explore the world whilst getting paid. Let us talk you through our programs in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Hungary and Poland. Find out how you could have the adventure of your life, meet amazing new friends, develop your workplace skills, bolster your CV and save money for whatever is next in your life.

Find out more

Breakfast Study Cafes

13 June 2024, 8am-11am, SMB002 (Stewart Mason Building)

Boost your productivity on campus at the Student Success Academy’s Breakfast Study Cafes. Drop in for one, or all sessions where you can enjoy a morning study session, a free drink, and some baked goodies.

Using a study planner to set goals for the sessions, study with the Pomodoro technique in sessions one and two (8am-9am and 9am-10am), and work at your own pace in session three (10am-11am).

Find out more

CRCC to host 'Care: critical dialogues & transdisciplinary approaches' symposium on June 13th

Keynote talk: Professor Jo Littler (Goldsmiths University) ‘From care to carewashing….and back again’

This one-day symposium – hosted by the Centre for Research in Communication and Culture – will showcase cutting-edge research on care from scholars at Loughborough University, as well as a number of invited external experts.

In recent years, scholarship across a wide range of disciplines has seen a ‘turn to care’ (Aust 2021), with an increasing recognition of the intrinsic interdependence and shared vulnerabilities of all human and non-human life. And yet, it is also widely acknowledged that we are living through a ‘crisis in care’, in which the material and affective capacities to reproduce and sustain life are under intensifying pressure (Fraser, 2016). Increasingly, our social needs for care are subordinated to the economic imperatives of privatisation and financialisation (Bayliss and Gideon, 2020).

As the Care Collective (2020) puts it, we live in a world in which ‘carelessness reigns’. Against this backdrop of ‘an economy of abandonment’ (Dowling, 2022), we also see an intensification of ‘self-care’ and ‘wellness’ mantras in media discourse, where hyper-individualist solutions are proffered to tackle endemic structural problems. Consumer brands increasingly coopt the language of care (Sobande 2020), contributing to a broader paradox whereby discourses of care are hyper-visible, while the public infrastructures that enable care become ever-more diminished. Meanwhile, the role of existing and new technologies presents new challenges as well as possibilities for how we value and practice care.

This event seeks to generate new insights into the urgent issue of care, by facilitating dialogue between scholars from a wide range of disciplinary traditions.

Event schedule

10.00: Welcome and introduction

10.15: Opening keynote: Professor Jo Littler (Goldsmiths University): ‘From care to carewashing….and back again’

11.15: Break

11.30: Panel 1: Care and technology

Dr Kristina Saunders (University of Glasgow)

Professor Massimiliano Zecca (Sports Technology Institute, Loughborough University)

Dr Saul Albert (Communication and Media, Loughborough University)

12.45: Lunch

13.30: Panel 2: Care and the media and cultural industries

Dr Hannah Hamad (Cardiff University)

Dr Yuval Katz (Communication and Media, Loughborough University)

Dr Jade French (English, Loughborough University)

2.45: Break

3.00: Panel 3: Health, wellbeing, and social care

Professor Alison Pilnick (Manchester Metropolitan University)

Dr Amy Cortvriend (Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, Loughborough University)

Dr Catherine Coveny (Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, Loughborough University)

4.15: Closing remarks

4.30: End

Attendance is free. Please click the link to reserve your place for online attendance https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-attendance-care-critical-dialogues-transdisciplinary-approaches-tickets-891841561117

Believability: Sexual Violence, Media, and the Politics of Doubt: a roundtable discussion

A roundtable event, featuring world-leading feminist media studies scholars, will take place at Loughborough University and online on June 25.

The panel of speakers will discuss the politics of believability around sexual violence in the current conjuncture, considering how digital media is now the primary site for struggles over what (and who) is considered “believable”.

Sarah Banet-Weiser and Kathryn C. Higgins will discuss their new book Believability: Sexual Violence, Media, and the Politics of Doubt, which considers how the #MeToo movement created more opportunities for women to speak up about sexual assault. However, this moment of feminist opportunity has occurred in a time when “fake news” and “alternative facts” call into question the very nature of truth, and women and people of colour are routinely cast as “doubtable subjects”.

The authors will be in dialogue with leading feminist scholars who will reflect on the significance of this landmark book for their own work, as well as for feminist media and cultural studies more broadly.

Speakers include: Sarah Banet-Weiser (Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania), Kathryn Claire Higgins (Goldsmiths), Hannah Hamad (Cardiff), Jilly Boyce Kay (Loughborough), Sarita Malik (Brunel), and Tanya Serisier (Birkbeck)

Chair: Eleanor Kilroy (Loughborough University)

Register for online attendance or in-person attendance

Volunteering Opportunities

Loughborough University’s buzzing campus: surveying the birds and the bees

Loughborough University showcases a green, vibrant and biodiverse campus and this has many benefits for the environment, health and wellbeing, and our social lives. Students and staff at the university are actively encouraged to enjoy the outdoor campuses in a variety of ways including taking part in our wildlife surveys. They engage – along with local volunteers and wildlife experts – in a number of surveys monitoring bumblebees, butterflies, fungi, birds, bats, moths and other insects, and these form part of our studies to document biodiversity at the Loughborough campus.

These volunteer opportunities have often featured in our sustainability blogs: here they are described together to detail the variety of surveys conducted on campus.

Our butterfly and bumblebee transects are walking routes through different environments on campus and are monitored throughout the summer, with both surveys feeding into national monitoring (Butterfly Conservation and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust).

The butterfly transect is a gentle walk of 10 sections, including an area of Holywell wood: each summer a rota is drawn up, with volunteers carrying out a weekly survey of the butterflies spotted on the route. The bumblebee survey is similar – a shorter route including our beautiful walled garden, and sometimes a little trickier to identify the different bee species!

In addition to these walking surveys, new for 2024 are FIT counts (Flower-Insect Timed Counts), in which students will be collecting data on the total number of insects that visit a particular flower over 10 minutes. The FIT counts help to monitor pollinators and can be carried out all over campus.

Alongside these, a number of experts and external partners offer students and staff the chance to join in biodiversity events on campus. In autumn the Leicestershire Fungi Group visit Holywell wood to survey the fungal species. In their recent survey of this ancient woodland, 38 different species were found in just two hours including a rare coral tooth fungus, Hieracium coralloides.

Local entomologists have surveyed on campus for several years, recording beetles, hornet moth burrows and over 180 species of moths. Bats are monitored by Leicestershire Bat Conservation Group and they have recorded eight bat species including brown long-eared bats with their stunning ears as long as their bodies.

Other wildlife surveys have included recording mistletoe on campus trees in winter and a dawn chorus spring walk to listen and record birds in Burleigh Wood.

All of these surveys offer an opportunity to observe the beauty of our wildlife up close and to learn about the various species in our locality. Our university strategy ‘Creating better futures. Together’ puts sustainability and addressing climate change and net zero at the heart of our agenda to 2030 – and these surveys are part of our Biodiversity Action Plan to support this institutional theme.

If this blog has piqued your interest and you would like to get involved in biodiversity surveys, you can see that there are lots of opportunities to volunteer. The Sustainability Team also offer roles as Sustainability Ambassadors and there are sessions to help out in our woodlands or develop wilding projects. Please contact the Sustainability Team, full training and partnerships are offered to get you up and running.

You can contact the Sustainability Team using the following email address: sustainability@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.

This article is in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. To read more click here.

Five minutes with: Tanika Dhiri

What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’m a Strategic Support Project Officer and I’ve been here three and a half years.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

I work to support the six Associate Pro Vice-Chancellors with their projects and events. The work I undertake in one day often covers elements of each of the three strategic themes (Climate Change and Net Zero/Sport, Health and Wellbeing/Vibrant and Inclusive Communities).

The first thing I do when I get into the office is have a quick morning chat with other colleagues who are in. I’ll then check my emails and see if anything high priority has come through that I may need to action. Once I’ve checked for any urgent tasks, I’ll work through my to-do list. Current projects I am progressing include supporting the University’s sustainability strategy, an AI in Sport workshop and a mapping exercise to understand the vibrant and inclusive events we host at the University.

It’s likely I’ll have a couple of meetings. Colleagues I meet frequently are either APVCs or members of the Strategic Planning Team including our Graduate Management Trainees.

At lunchtime, whether in the office or working from home, I always try to make time for a walk to get some fresh air and have a break from being at my desk.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

I feel very lucky to have worked on the Queen’s Baton Relay event, where the Baton passed through our campus ahead of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and we hosted a celebratory sporting festival on Shirley Pearce Square. We had staff and their families, students and the local community come together to enjoy activities, entertainment and international food.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

My proudest moment working at Loughborough has been leading the inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Awards in 2022. Although it was daunting leading a project from start to finish, seeing its success was really rewarding. It was also great to have led an event that gives staff the recognition they deserve for their contributions to our University.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I am quite active outside of work, I go to the gym before work every morning. My interest in keeping active goes back to when I started Taekwondo when I was six years old and I’ve been interested in sport and physical activity ever since. Now I do a lot of weight training so I have recently tried to incorporate more cardio in the form of cycling/running. Doing more cardio resulted in me running my first half marathon last year to raise money for Glaucoma UK. It would be nice to take on a different challenge this year!

What is your favourite quote?

“It’s nice to be nice” – we don’t know what others are going through so that one smile of positive interaction you have could change someone’s day for the better.

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Sadie Gration at S.Gration@lboro.ac.uk.

DRN2024 Drawing Repetition: Habitual Behaviour Recording

Recording of the third in the series of DRN2024 events exploring drawing repetition. Thank you to our speakers Lydia Halcrow, Meera Curam and Junuka Deshpande to chair Rachel Gadsden-Hayton and to everyone who attended the event.

The Hope of ‘the moment’: NGO’s and the ‘Local Turn’

By Postgraduate Student Ginerva Grant

‘They make a desolation and call it peace’

(Ali, Farewell, 1997, line 2)

On Thursday the 9^th of May, peace-building practitioners Tahir Aziz, Senior Advisor at the London-based international peace-building NGO Conciliation Resources, and Ameya Kilara, Senior Projects Director at the conflict resolution NGO InterMediate, entered an open discussion with a group of postgraduate students at the MSc Security, Peace-building and Diplomacy and other programmes as part of the Peace-building course, at the Institute for Diplomacy and International Governance (IDIG), Loughborough University London. The event was part of IDIG’s ‘Inside the Profession’ series, which aims to bring practitioners in the field of diplomacy and related subjects to engage with students through a thematic discussion, as well as sharing tips and reflections on professional development and career.

Drawing on their years of experience facilitating dialogue and collaboration across the contested ‘Line of Control’ in Kashmir, Tahir and Ameya, offered a roundtable reflecting on their respective NGO’s approaches and challenges and opportunities in the field. The focus was on their effort to connect with the ‘local’ on the ground: they reflected on the complex task of learning from local actors without preconceptions or assumptions, in their attempt to drive mediated outcomes in the Kashmir region.

The discussion covered broad concepts such as the timeline for implementation, the ‘emotional GDP’ of the local, and how and when results from these NGOs’ efforts can be measured.

Prior to the event, during a lecture on the theme of NGOs in Peace-building, and previously in the entire course, students had been entrenched in debates around several approaches to peace-building. The Western and until recently the dominant model  of Liberal Peace-building, as well as the “local turn”-driven approaches, and the hybrid approach can all be critiqued for a variety of reasons, from the method of their engagement on both personal and structural levels, down to the merit of their results or even the ability to measure them.

Interestingly, in a previous session, former EU staffer Dr An Jacobs discussed her field experience when working for this Western Institution. It was interesting to draw parallels between the challenges our guests Tamin and Ameya had experienced in the field in Kashmir and the reflections we had heard from An at a previous session. While Conciliation Resources and InterMediate had strived for positionality beyond the Western approach to achieve a ’balance of perspectives’, sustained intervention within a conflict system saw both parties facing the challenges of fatigue, disappointment, missed opportunities, a lack of communication between outside actors, and divisions on withdrawal. Are these commonalities merely inherent issues of the practice? Are they solvable?

‘I hid my pain from myself; I revealed my pain only to myself.’

(Ali, Farewell, 1997, line 43)

It would seem, peace-building is a conflict of its own between methods and intentions. What way is best? Who should be involved? How can results be measured? When can we leave? As a voyeur and participant to both the NGO and the EU discussions, I found these questions to be evocative of the themes in both. NGO practitioners Tahir and Amara recognized that the best way to address this type of sustained intervention was through an adaptive approach that prioritised the voice of locals at a variety of levels, but that when trying to measure the impact of peace-building, the first thing that gets ‘colonised’ is your mind and ability to think about the future. Principally, it is crucial to remain optimistic as systemic resilience is crafted; big shifts are possible and each ‘moment’ that changes the lives of the local makes setting a time to leave difficult. While the Liberal approach engendered by the EU is more rigid and distanced, a stark difference in An’s experience of ‘leaving’ post-conflict reconstruction has remained seared in my mind. At the time of her leaving the Congo, one man had commented: ‘do you like what you’ve done to the place?’, raising the question of the tension inherent between those approving and those disapproving of the peace-builders’ impact.

What seems clear in peace-building is that although results are difficult to measure, and approaches vary, there is a necessity in showing up. 

‘If only somehow you could have been mine

What would not have been possible in the world?’

(Ali, Farewell, 1997, lines 45-46)

*Kashmiri poet Agha Shahid Ali ‘Farewell’. From Agha Shahid Ali (1997) A Country Without A Post Office, New Delhi: Ravi Dayal Publisher

Written by Postgraduate Student Ginerva Grant

From the Vice-Chancellor – May 2024

In my May newsletter: New Provost announced, global green prize for research project, a Code of Practice for the Freedom of Speech Act, next phase of the DigiLabs project, a new Loughborough-UCL partnership, and a successful weekend of sport.

New Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor appointed

After a highly competitive international search, we have appointed Professor Rachel Thomson FREng, our current Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, as our next Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Rachel succeeds Professor Chris Linton, who has served three successful terms as Provost and will step down from the role at the end of this academic year. 

Rachel has shown outstanding leadership throughout her career at the University and during her tenure as Pro Vice-Chancellor, the University has cemented its reputation for an outstanding student experience. Loughborough was awarded Gold overall and Gold for both Student Experience and Student Outcomes in the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). She was the academic lead for a £50million investment in the University estate, including the development of STEMLab – our shared science and engineering teaching laboratories – and she is currently spearheading our new DigiLabs project, which you can read more about in my newsletter today. 

Rachel is also an internationally recognised researcher in Materials Engineering, who has successfully supervised almost 50 doctoral researchers and secured more than £40million of external grant funding. In 2018 she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and is currently a member of the Strategic Advisory Board for the Henry Royce Institute, the UK’s national institute for advanced materials research and innovation.

We are entering a critical period of our strategy implementation and with Rachel as one of the driving forces behind this, I am confident that the University will continue to succeed, notwithstanding the challenging external environment in which the higher education sector is currently operating.

We have now begun the process of recruiting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience role and I’d anticipate being able to provide a further update on this in the autumn term. 

I’m sure you’ll all join me in congratulating Professor Thomson on her appointment as Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and in thanking Professor Linton for his many years of successful service in the role.

Aftrak project wins global green energy prize

I was delighted to hear this month that Aftrak – a Loughborough University led initiative that combines solar microgrids and tailored tractors to empower smallholder farmers across Africa – had overcome competition from four other international finalists to secure the prestigious $1million Milken Motsepe Prize in Green Energy prize. 

The Aftrak project is a self-sustaining system made up of a solar microgrid, a micro electric tractor – both of which have been invented and manufactured at the University – and Deep Bed Farming, which more than doubles crop yield. The project involves a partnership of researchers from the University’s Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Tiyeni – a Malawian NGO (non-governmental organisation), and the Consortium for Battery Innovation. It has been supported by Innovate UK, and one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, Varta by Clarios. 

Following successful tests at Loughborough University and demonstrations at the Africa Green Economy Summit in South Africa, Aftrak is now being deployed in Malawi, where close to 90% are without access to electricity. 

Projects such as this are hugely strategically important. Aftrak demonstrates how working in partnership on cutting edge research and innovation can bring tangible international engagement and impact, in line with our Climate Change and Net Zero theme.  

My congratulations to all those at the University who are involved in the Aftrak project. I look forward to seeing how it develops further.

Freedom of Speech act due to be implemented

Academic freedom and freedom of speech are critical to driving forward research and innovation, and also provide students with the opportunity to think critically and engage with different perspectives. Universities’ responsibilities to protect and promote both freedom of speech and academic freedom have been strengthened by the Government’s Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, which became law last year and is due to come into effect from 1 August 2024. 

In order to prepare, we have adopted a Freedom of Expression Code of Practice which codifies our commitment to securing and promoting freedom of expression within the law for our staff, students and external speakers. The Code of Practice is available on the Freedom of Expression webpages, where there is also a section on the right to protest. Please do make sure you take a look. 

The new Code of Practice sits alongside our position on academic freedom and our commitment to driving forward Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) – both of which remain unchanged. 

I know some will welcome the new Act as a critical element of a successful EDI approach through which individuals and groups are supported and able to express themselves freely. I recognise, however, that others may feel that the Act will mean some groups of society are more likely to be the subject of someone else’s controversial free expression. It is important to remember that hearing things we don’t like or agree with doesn’t necessarily make them unacceptable. However, I would reiterate that speech or expression which is a breach of the criminal or civil law – because it is harassment, discrimination or defamation, for example – is not acceptable in law or within our community. 

Over the 2024/25 academic year we will be producing more guidance and support on the implementation of the Act and supporting staff and students in how we can disagree with one another without being disagreeable.

DigiLabs project enters its next exciting phase

Next month, thousands of prospective students will be welcomed to our University open days by a ‘virtual’ version of our Chancellor, Lord Sebastian Coe, who’s recorded a message for use on our new DigiLabs hologram technology. 

The facilities we’re installing as part of the DigiLabs project will enable our students to develop the skills and knowledge to become future fit for the world of work where digital skills, data analytics, virtual and augmented reality play a key part, and ensure they can benefit from artificial intelligence and machine learning to support future technologies. 

There will be four DigiLabs – focusing on Extended Reality Learning; 3D Data Capture and Visualisation; Robotics; and Simulation, Modelling and Artificial Intelligence – supported through three hubs. The first two hubs, in West Park Teaching Hub and the Leonard Dixon Theatre in Martin Hall, are due to be up and running early next academic year; the third hub in the Central Park area of campus, is due to be ready next year. 

The cutting-edge technology will significantly enhance the learning experience for our students and I’m keen that it’s maximised by staff in Schools across the University. To begin facilitating this we have recently awarded five DigiLabs Teaching Innovation projects to staff who are pioneers in the use of the new technology for areas ranging from teaching human anatomy to the 3D visualisation of engineering and scientific structures. We’ve also employed student interns through the new TalentMatch Summer scheme to work with them on the projects.  

We’re currently developing some guidance on how you can access and use the new technology in your teaching. For now, please have a look at our new website, and complete the form if you would like to join our new Special Interest Groups. 

DigiLabs aligns firmly with our strategic aims to strengthen our sector-leading student experience through the use of the latest digital technologies, and could also contribute to our sustainability strategy as part of our Climate Change and Net Zero strategic theme by, for example, removing the need to fly in guest speakers and reducing the amount of materials used by students in building their prototype designs through prior 3D digital visualisation.

Loughborough and UCL join forces on new opportunities for local graduates

In 2022 University College London (UCL) opened its campus on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, joining Loughborough University London in one of the capital’s most dynamic districts. I was delighted, therefore, to announce this month that our two universities will be working in partnership to enable more people from East London to access our education.  

The Inspiring Success initiative aims to encourage people to test drive the experience of studying at UCL or Loughborough University London, while also boosting their personal and professional development. We’ll be offering four workshops that will enable unemployed and underemployed local graduates to undertake career focused activities and gain an insight into what it’s like to study for a postgraduate degree at Loughborough University London or UCL East.  

Participants will also learn about opportunities for local graduates to get involved in SHIFT – a catalyst organisation supporting innovators on and around the Park, of which Loughborough, UCL and the University of the Arts London are all founding members. 

The partnership with UCL East is the latest initiative that’s enabling us to connect with the local talent pool and support communities in the region, both of which were key drivers for establishing our campus on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and firmly relate to our Vibrant and Inclusive Communities strategic theme.

We have also agreed, with Loughborough College, a community development partnership with London-based football club Hackney Wick to create a new football academy offering quality education and guidance to Hackney Wick’s emerging talented footballers. We are partnering with Hackney Council on research to inform the Council’s ambitions to build a fairer, greener local economy and a more environmentally sustainable borough. And we are now the official higher education partner of West Ham United Women – it’s the first partnership of its kind in the Barclays Women’s Super League (we started with the best football team!) and includes research, athlete education programmes and access to performance support expertise.

Athletics and Wheelchair Basketball mark successful sports weekend

The Loughborough International Athletics (LIA) meet has long been a key fixture in the athletics calendar and always has added significance in an Olympic and Paralympic year, often drawing high-profile names. This year Great Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson made an appearance, underpinning her Paris 2024 medal hopes by recording a season’s best in the high jump at the Loughborough event. 

Billed as the ‘Battle of the Nations’, the LIA sees Loughborough athletes take on competitors representing England, Wales, Scotland, GB&NI Under-20s and the National Athletics League for the annual competition. Loughborough’s points total by the end of the meet put the team second behind England, with our athletes delivering some truly standout performances, including Loughborough sports scholar and Tokyo Paralympic champion Ntando Mahlangu, who stormed to victory in the men’s para 400m with a personal best, and Poppy Malik, who won gold for Loughborough in the women’s 400m. 

The night before the LIA, Loughborough Lightning’s Wheelchair Basketball side had won their third consecutive title to continue the team’s dominance in the Women’s Premier League.

The team had been unbeaten throughout the whole campaign and their 73-44 play-off final victory over East London Phoenix confirmed their place in the history books. Lightning remains the only team to take the championship crown since the league’s inception in 2021, which is a phenomenal achievement.  

These are perfect illustrations of success against our Sporting Excellence and Opportunity strategic aim. I look forward to further sporting achievements over the summer, as our athletes head off to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games!

This Week at Loughborough | 3 June

General:

IAS Friends and Fellows Lunch

3 June 2024, 1pm-2pm, International House

The Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) is hosting this lunch joined by all fellows for a week of activity for the IAS Festival of Failure. The event will be joined by Professor Antulio J. Echevarria II, Professor Niels Ørtenblad, Associate Professor Wyke Stommel and Professor Ruqiang Yan, and IAS Residential Fellow for June, Dr Rudabeh Shahid. Come along for an informal gathering over lunch to meet our fellows.

Find out more

IAS Festival of Failure Launch

3 June 2024, 2pm-4pm, International House/Zoom

This opening session of the Festival of Failure is an opportunity for all to meet, connect, and discuss notions of failure across the University’s disciplines; to consider how its disadvantages can be minimised and some of its potential benefits exploited.

Featuring IAS Visiting Fellows:

• Professor Antulio J. Echevarria II (US Army War College)
• Professor Niels Ørtenblad (University of Southern Denmark)
• Professor Ruqiang Yan (Xi’an Jiaotong University)
• Associate Professor Wyke Stommel (Radboud University)

Find out more

Dual IAS ‘Failure’ Seminar: Professor Antulio J. Echevarria II & Associate Professor Wyke Stommel

4 June 2024, 10am-1pm, International House/Zoom

As part of the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Festival of Failure, IAS visiting fellows Professor Antulio J. Echevarria II and Associate Professor Wyke Stommel will deliver seminars on their area of research.

Professor Antulio J. Echevarria II – Conflict and strategic policy failure – This presentation draws from a monograph (under development) that contributes to debates concerning the West’s failure to deter Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the implications for integrated deterrence.

Associate Professor Wyke Stommel – (Resolving) failure in interaction with a robot – In this presentation, Professor Stommel will argue that failure is an endogenous phenomenon, something participants establish locally and collaboratively in social interaction.

Find out more

IAS ‘Failure’ Seminar – Physics-Informed Deep Learning Empowering Intelligent Fault Diagnosis

4 June 2024, 2pm-4pm, International House/Zoom

As part of the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Festival of Failure, IAS Visiting Fellow Professor Ruqiang Yan will deliver a seminar.

This talk will focus on a collaborative approach that integrates data science with physics models to achieve intelligent fault diagnosis through collaborative deep learning structures known as physics-informed deep learning. This collaborative approach offers advantages in interpretability, controllability, and knowledge discovery, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of physical systems in the big data era.

Find out more

IAS ‘Failure’ Seminar – Muscle failure: the role and mechanisms of energy in skeletal muscle fatigue

5 June 2024, 10am-1pm, International House/Zoom

As part of the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Festival of Failure, IAS Visiting Fellow Professor Niels Ørtenblad will deliver a seminar. Skeletal muscles have an impressive force and power-generating capacity. However, with intense or prolonged activation, muscle function is reduced. Despite the broad interest of the scientific community, fundamental questions remain unsolved about how activation is affected by exercise or disuse and how metabolism affects muscle regulation. Professor Ørtenblad will discuss metabolic factors contributing to impaired force-generating capacity, particularly focusing on the role of muscle glucose stores (glycogen).

Find out more

Book Club: The Girl Who Smiled Beads

5 June 2024, 12.30pm-1.30pm, AST Office (Level 3, Pilkington Library)/Online

Join staff from Pilkington Library for the University Book Club’s discussion of Clemantine Wamariya’s memoir about her experience as a childhood refugee from Rwanda, written alongside Elizabeth Weil.

Content note: this book contains themes of war, violence and trauma. (Please note that content notes are based on information available online.)

Find out more

Arts in Motion: Mark-making in Nature workshop

5 June 2024, 3pm-4pm, The Walled Garden

Explore mindfulness through drawing, with guided mark-making using ink, acrylic, charcoal, and various tools. The workshop will help you focus on the calming effects of drawing and enjoying nature. The session will end with the creation of a small booklet containing the drawings made.

This is a great opportunity to relieve stress during a busy exam period. No previous experience is required and all materials will be provided.

Find out more

IAS ‘Failure’ Performance by artist Alice Theobald

6 June 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House

This event is part of the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Festival of Failure. A performative research presentation by artist Alice Theobald, exploring the ways in which we think about success and failure, our past and future aspirations and what “living your best life” really means.

We live in a time where we are directed towards self-optimisation and constantly encouraged to “work on ourselves” for the purpose of being more “ourselves”, to “live our truth” and be our “best selves”, and through doing this find a route to authenticity and success, all the while documenting and sharing our “journey” online. But what impact does this have on our collective psyche, and what does it actually mean to “just be yourself”? 

Find out more

Special General Assembly – Potential KSA partnership

6 June 2024, 1pm-2pm, EHB110AB/MS Teams

This event is an opportunity for you to discuss and engage in the University’s potential partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). There will be time for attendees to ask questions during the session. 

The event is open to all staff and will be available to join in-person and online. 

Find out more

Win from Within: A sport psychology series

6 June 2024, 6.30pm-7.30pm, Dan Maskell Seminar Room (Tennis and Squash Centre)

The ‘Win from Within’ series at Loughborough Sport is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of every athlete, regardless of their experience or sporting background. These workshops are designed to introduce you to the power of sport psychology and how it can optimise your development both within and outside of sport.

This third and final session will cover unlocking your full potential.

Find out more

Pride Month:

How to be an ally for people of colour in the LGBT+ community

4 June 2024, 12pm-1pm, CC029A (James France)

As part of Loughborough University’s Voices of Diversity programme, EDI Services are pleased to announce the third event in this year’s series on the theme of allyship. Given that the event is about allyship, those who do not identify as LGBT+, or as a person of colour, are particularly encouraged to attend.

This panel event will focus on the experiences of people of colour in the LGBT+ community and will cover themes such as:

• Ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion and their intersections
• The nuances in challenges and discrimination faced
• The unique joy of being a person of colour in the LGBT+ community

Find out more

Pride March 2024

5 June 2024, 1.15pm-2.30pm, Meet outside LSU

Starting outside the Students’ Union, we’ll hear from leaders of Loughborough LGBT+ Staff Network, and LSU LGBTQ+ Students’ Association, before setting off on a march around campus. Feel free to dress in rainbow colours, bring flags and banners. There will also be flags and face paints to share.

All LGBT+ people, friends, families and allies are welcome to march together across the Loughborough campus to highlight issues facing LGBT+ people around the world, and in our community, as well as to celebrate the progress that has been made since the first Pride March in 1970.

Find out more

Careers:

eCareersGrad: Achieve ‘Interview Success’

4 June 2024, 11am-12pm, Online

Explore examples of ‘what good looks like’ when it comes to answering questions in interviews and more.

Find out more

University of Law Careers Series:
Careers in Psychology

5 June 2024, 5.30pm-6.30pm, Online

This session will be delivered by Dr Mark Jellicoe, a senior tutor in Psychology at the University of Law and will give an overview of psychology career options and provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Find out more

Start-Up Programme

5 June 2024, 6pm-7.30pm, Start-Up Lab (STEMLab)

This dynamic five-week journey will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to elevate your Start-Up venture. Delve into crucial topics such as goal setting, mindset development, market research, networking strategies, business registration, intellectual property, finance options, and more!

Participants will also gain access to exclusive mentoring sessions and hear from esteemed industry experts, including Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN) Legends, who have navigated the entrepreneurial landscape with great success.

Find out more

Creative Access masterclass with
BBC Radio & Radiocentre

6 June 2024, 6pm-8pm, Manchester

A panel discussion at Salford Quays, providing insights into careers and opportunities. BBC Radio 1’s Dean McCullough will be joined by some of the industry’s leading voices, whose experience spans producing, presenting, social media, and more.

Find out more

CRCC member Anna Zsubori publishes book 'Disney Princesses and Tween Identity'

Since the creation of the franchise in 2000, Disney Princesses have become a ‘phenomenon’ receiving international attention, admiration as well as criticism from both consumers and scholars. Although audience research has seen growing recognition recently, the investigation of audiences in Central and Eastern Europe and those of Disney animated features is greatly neglected by academics. Within the framework of audience research and by employing Disney Princess animations as the object of study, Anna Zsubori’s book examines the verbal and visual identity constructions of tweens in illiberal Hungary.

Through Hungarian tweens’ ambivalent and sometimes even contradictory ideas of identity, this research reveals the heterogeneity of both the ‘Princess Phenomenon’, by highlighting that its local negotiation is profoundly impacted by cultural and societal characteristics, and of the diverse audiences, who are multifarious in their understandings that often incorporate antithetical and dynamic discourses. Combining textual, thematic and semiotic, analyses of the conversations, tweens’ drawings and building blocks, and broader contextual examinations of the sessions with Hungarian children, this book offers original contributions on both theoretical and methodological levels.

The book has already been well-received by notable academics in the field.

“In this absorbing and thought-provoking text, Zsubori deftly explores the complex position that Disney Princesses inhabit within the lives of Central and Eastern European tweens. Exploring the in-betweenness of age, geography, and culture, this book offers a nuanced reading of Hungarian tweens as intelligent and critical viewers of Disney media, drawing on rich empirical data to give voice to this under-researched group. Through its interdisciplinary approach, Zsubori contributes to our understanding of the limits of Western theories in non-Western contexts, and what it means to do gender-specific fieldwork in an anti-gender environment.”

— Victoria Cann, University of East Anglia

“What unfolds when a Princess from the West claims her throne in Eastern and Central Europe? Is she a colonial ruler or a feminist icon? Anna Zsubori’s insightful book explores the interpretation of Disney Princesses by Hungarian tweens, examining reception of their gender roles and racial identities within the context of Hungary’s increasingly patriarchal, racially intolerant, and illiberal society. This exploration delves into the “in-betweenness” of Hungarian tweens, a concept that captures not just their transitional age but also Hungary’s delicate balance between East and West.”

— Irena Reifová, Charles University

“The Walt Disney Company is one of the oldest and most complex global entertainment empires today, engaging with and influencing our lives in various ways regardless of age, race, gender, or geographical location. This book provides a powerful lens inviting the reader to look at Disney not only at the global, macro level but also at the micro-level: in our daily lives, around the family dinner table, in the classroom setting and elsewhere. While the focus is on the Disney Princess phenomenon, and tweens negotiating self-representation and identity in the small Central European nation of Hungary, the insights and conclusions are, in many ways, rather universal, often surprising and paradoxical. The reader will see not only the Disney Princess franchise but also the Disney Company from a more nuanced and informed perspective after reading this influential and well-researched book.”

— Katalin Lustyik, Ithaca College

The book is now available to purchase from Lexington Books.

This Week at Loughborough | 27 May

General:

Loughborough Cycling Festival 2024

27 May 2024, 8.30am, Loughborough campus

Prepare to be wowed by elite cycling races showcasing some of the nation’s top talents while enjoying a day packed full of fun for every member of the family.

From food stalls and refreshments to bouncy castles, interactive cycling activities, and visits from the fire and police services, there’s nonstop excitement for everyone to enjoy.

Find out more

IAS Research Summit Sandpit (in-person)

29 May 2024, 9.30am-11am, International House

Do you have an idea for an Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Research Summit, or would you just like to learn more about how to become involved with their programmes and brainstorm potential topics with colleagues? Then bring your ideas, thoughts, and colleagues to this Sandpit Event.

Find out more

IAS Seminar: Identity Investments

29 May 2024, 12pm-1pm, International House/Zoom

Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) Visiting Fellow Professor Joel Stillerman will deliver a seminar on their research.

This presentation provides an overview of conceptual and empirical arguments from the book ‘Identity Investments’. It uses the concepts of identity investments and precarious privilege to understand Chile’s middle classes in contrast to other studies that emphasise opportunity hoarding and social mobility. Identity investments are deeply held values that motivate middle-class market behaviour.

Find out more

The Art Schools Project – In Conversation with John Beck and Matthew Cornford

29 May 2024, 1pm-2pm, Loughborough campus

Artists John Beck and Matthew Cornford will discuss their long-term initiative, The Art School Project, and will be joined by Jill Vincent and Jonathan Hale who have been instrumental in the development of The Generator, a new arts space within Loughborough’s original art school building on Frederick Street.

Find out more

”The world in your book does not have to be realistic – just plausible”: Creative Writing Workshop

30 May 2024, 3pm-4pm, MAR105 (Matthew Arnold)

Join bestselling author Jasper Fforde for a creative writing workshop on absurdist fiction. Jasper Fforde is the author of 17 books. His work blends a range of genres including fantasy, crime and sci-fi. He is most well-known for his Thursday Next series, beginning with his debut novel, ’The Eyre Affair’ in 2001.

His most recent novel, ’Red Side Story’, was published in February 2024 and is the second book in his Shades of Grey series. Fforde’s bestselling series explores a world whose hierarchies are based on the colour spectrum.

Find out more

Red Side Story: A talk by Jasper Fforde

30 May 2024, 5pm-6pm, LDS017 (Design School)

Jasper Fforde, author of 17 published books, will discuss his latest book, ‘Red Side Story’. With references to his earlier novels, Fforde will explore how he has used satire in allegory-fantasy to counterpoint political and social issues in the world today.

Find out more

MA Creative Writing Student Readings

31 May 2024, 11am-1pm, Stanley Evernden Theatre

Come along for readings from this year’s Creative Writing master’s cohort. Stanley Evernden Theatre has step-free access.

Find out more

Charly Cox: Poetry Reading and Conversation

1 June 2024, 2pm-4pm, Stanley Evernden Theatre

Charly Cox is a poet, artist and activist. Her work centres around gender equality and destigmatizing and advocating for better care and rights for those with mental illness. Charly has published three poetry collections with Harper Collins. Her debut, ‘She Must Be Mad’, was a bestseller of 2018, awarded her a place on the covered Forbes 30 under 30 list and ELLE Magazines Power Players.

Find out more

Emily Hauser at Loughborough University Literary Festival

2 June 2024, 2pm-3pm, Stanley Evernden Theatre

Emily Hauser writes historical fiction, focusing on the untold stories of the women of ancient Greece and Rome. She has published four novels, the most recent of these being ‘Ancient Love Stories’. This illustrated collection retells love stories from history.

Find out more

Exhibition: The Art Schools of the Midlands

16 May-28 June 2024, 12pm-2pm, Martin Hall Exhibition Space

Martin Hall Gallery presents ‘The Art Schools of the Midlands’, the latest iteration of John Beck and Matthew Cornford’s ambitious Art School Project exploring the history and legacies of the nation’s art schools. The project combines original photography, textual and archival materials to examine the vital role art schools have played, and continue to play, in the cultural and economic life of our towns and cities.

Find out more

Careers:

Start-Up Programme

29 May 2024, 6pm-7.30pm, Start-Up Lab (STEMLab)

This dynamic five-week journey will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to elevate your Start-Up venture. Delve into crucial topics such as goal setting, mindset development, market research, networking strategies, business registration, intellectual property, finance options, and more!

Participants will also gain access to exclusive mentoring sessions and hear from esteemed industry experts, including Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN) Legends, who have navigated the entrepreneurial landscape with great success.

Find out more

Breakfast Study Cafes

30 May 2024, 8am-11am, CC110 (James France)

Boost your productivity on campus at the Student Success Academy’s Breakfast Study Cafes. Drop in for one, or all sessions where you can enjoy a morning study session, a free drink, and some baked goodies.

Using a study planner to set goals for the sessions, study with the Pomodoro technique in sessions one and two (8am-9am and 9am-10am), and work at your own pace in session three (10am-11am).

Find out more

Five minutes with: Graeme Fowler

What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I’m a Senior IT Specialist. I’ve been here forever! I was an undergraduate in Chemical Engineering 1990-93, and then returned 18 years ago to work here. As the old slogan goes ‘Loughborough is for life.’

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

Each day starts with checking the overnight system notifications to make sure everything’s running smoothly and dealing with those things that need attention. I’ll then move on to a mix of project work – decommissioning old systems, upgrading current ones, and adding new developments never stops – and escalations of service requests from our Service Desk team. Add in a sprinkling of team meetings (I work across two separate teams), project meetings, requests for help from colleagues and keeping up with developments in technology and security makes some days a bit of an adventure.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

There have been many, but a couple stand out. Moving student email from Google to Microsoft 365 was a particularly good one, as we scheduled two weeks to migrate the mailbox data and were able to optimise the process so well it took just under three days! Also, the replacement of our storage platform in 2016 was a major challenge for ourselves, the supplier and the equipment manufacturer. We started out with a platform that couldn’t meet the tender requirements and pushed through the problems to end with one that vastly exceeded them.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

I’d love to say something like “completing such-and-such-a-project” but… settling here, meeting my wife, getting married, raising two kids. When I came for an interview way back in 1988 I loved the campus and the bits of town I saw, and with a brief break living in Leicester I’ve been here ever since.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

I’m a motorsport volunteer. I started out as a trainee marshal in 2009 at Donington Park and it’s become a major part of my life. I’m now what’s termed a Grade 3 Marshal – a Post Chief – which means at most meetings I’ll be leading a team of other marshals from complete novices to those with similar or more experience than me, with responsibility for track, car and driver safety, signalling (flags and lights), observation and reporting back to race control. Marshalling has taken me all over the world, from Silverstone to Australia. I’ve been trackside at the Le Mans 24 Hour race three times, I’ve marshalled Supercars in Adelaide, been the Safety Car Observer for a variety of clubs and the British GT Championship, and I’ve been at nine British Formula 1 Grand Prix. The last time I was at the GP in 2022 I was the Post Chief on the first corner, where George Russell and Zhou Guanyu came together with the latter ending up trapped in his car between the barrier and debris fence. As a team, we simply knuckled down and got on with solving the problems in front of us – is he OK (yes), how do we get him out (carefully), and how on Earth do we lift a car out from the gap with no roll hoop (creatively!). In the 15 years I’ve been marshalling that was probably the incident I’m most proud of having been involved in; getting to lead that team of like-minded volunteers was an honour and a privilege. As a bonus, it wasn’t raining!

What is your favourite quote?

Russell: “Can we keep him, please?” – Carl: “No.” – Russell: “But it’s a TALKING DOG!”

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Sadie Gration at S.Gration@lboro.ac.uk.

DRN2024 Drawing Repetition: Bodies in Motion

11.00-13.00 (BST) 5 June 2024 [online]

Hosted by the Drawing Research Group at Loughborough University

Tickets: https://buytickets.at/drawingresearchgroup/1269224

Chair: James Bowen

This panel brings together researchers investigating drawing through the movement of bodies, in relation to choreography, disability embodiment, and live drawing performance.

Ella Emanuele’s research investigates the interplay between dance, drawing, and time-based media. The work has evolved to include collaborative & participatory approaches, where the resulting installations, films, drawing, bookwork, and performances are brought into being as a result of the context they are in. Her presentation will discuss the use of repetition as a methodological strategy to emphasise a choreographic view of drawing abstracted from the materiality of the drawn line. Driven by action-based approaches the movements of the body in motion are interpreted as drawing. Task-based instructions and other systematic methods of working generate a choreographic view of drawing through a seriality of dance movements.

Rachel Gadsden–Hayton’s research investigates how the lived experience of disability serves as a catalyst to consider how the physical and phenomenological activity of repetitive action may influence the process and aesthetics of drawing. The research itself is determined by the specifics of disabilities, and by the embodied, expressive, and dialogic character of collaborative practice. Through a series of performative drawing exemplars, she will analyse her practice and that of two other disabled artists: Jeremy Hawkes, Aus, Siu Fong Yeung, HK. Collaborating since 2019, they are affected, individually and collectively, by concepts of ‘repetition’. The objective is to provide insights into disability embodiment and to reveal phenomenological intuitions of disability through the repetition of drawing in its potentiality.

Ram Samocha’s research focuses on the issues of personal and global transformation and combines drawing with video, installation, and live performance. Ram often mixes modern and traditional drawing techniques while searching for new ways to combine between two and three dimensions. Ram’s presentation will explore the fundamental role of repetition in live drawing performances, showing how it affects the connection between the artist’s body, its movements, and the marks they make. Through analysis of a series of drawing performances the presentation will seek an articulation of repetition and live drawing as symbiotic.  

The session will be chaired by James Bowen.

Biographies

Ella Emanuele is an artist, researcher, and the course leader of the BA (Hons) Drawing at Falmouth University. Her practice-based research explores dance and choreography as generative modalities for contemporary drawing. https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/staff/rossella-emanuele

Rachel Gadsden–Hayton is an artist, researcher and disability culture activist who exhibits her work internationally, with the aim to develop cross-cultural dialogues considering notions of humanity. She was the guest artist for the ‘Big Draw Netherlands Festival’ 2023 and presented TransHuman at the Museum Arnhem, and Extrapol, Nijmegen. Rachel was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from South Bank University, 2016. www.rachelgadsden.com

Ram Samocha is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and educator whose work combines drawing with video, installation, sound, and live performance.

Ram is the founder and artistic director of Draw to Perform, an international community for drawing performance practice. https://drawtoperform.com

James Bowen’s research investigates the intersection of drawing and sound. James teaches Fine Art at Loughborough University and completed his PhD ‘Voice as a Tool for Drawing’ at Loughborough in 2023. 

Staff Profile

Embodied Math: How Physical Experience Shapes Learning

Written by Dr Venera Gashaj, Prof Korbinian Moeller and Dr Dragan Trninic. Venera is a postdoctoral researcher in the Centre for Early Mathematics Learning at Loughborough University. Venera has a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology and investigates how physical movements contribute to understanding mathematical concepts. Korbinian is a Professor of Mathematical Cognition exploring mathematics skill development through hands-on experiences. Dragan has a Ph.D. in Science and Mathematics Education and examines how physical and social environments influence STEM learning. Edited by Dr Beth Woollacott.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how humans think? It’s intriguing that while our capacity for thought appears boundless, some scientists argue that it’s deeply rooted in our physical bodily experiences. This is the essence of embodied cognition which aims to describe the close relationship between our minds and bodies. In this blog post, we delve into what embodied cognition means and explore how understanding it may significantly transform our approach to learning.

Does our body influence how we think and learn?

Consider how often we use physical metaphors to describe our (emotional) states or concepts. We say we feel “down”, or that we need to “lend a hand”. This reflects our natural inclination to associate abstract ideas with tangible bodily experiences like temperature, spatial orientation, or specific body parts. But why do we have the tendency to use such physical metaphors?

The idea of embodied cognition emphasizes how bodily experiences shape our thinking and our mind. Unlike viewing the mind as software working on abstract codes for reasoning, embodied cognition suggests that interactions with the physical world shape our thinking and learning. Essentially, our thoughts are influenced by our physical interactions and experiences in our environment, not solely confined to abstract mental processes.

“…embodied cognition suggests that interactions with the physical world shape our thinking and learning“

Consider encountering something new, like learning a sport or board game. Your mind records more than just the rules, it captures all sensations: sights, sounds, smells, movements, and body involvement. Later, when faced with a similar situation, your brain will unconsciously replay parts of this recording to better deal with the new scenario. Psychologist Lawrence Barsalou¹ calls this the simulation view of cognition, where we simulate or replay specific bodily experiences mostly without realizing it. For example, thinking about using a hammer was found to activate brain regions which were also active when physically using one.

This illustrates how we use perceptual, motor, and internal sensations to interact with and make sense of the outside world. This association is clear with tangible objects like a hammer but more complex with abstract ideas like mathematics, which lack direct sensory experiences.

How do we grasp abstract notions?

Embodied cognition addresses a key challenge in cognitive sciences (how to associate abstract ideas with concrete examples) by emphasizing the importance of associating abstract ideas with past experiences². For an example from education, consider the abstract concepts within mathematics. In mathematics, it has repeatedly been observed that children typically use their fingers when counting and performing initial calculations; something which seems to establish an intuitive association that enhances mathematical understanding. This embodied approach associates mathematical ideas with bodily experiences, making mathematics more accessible and easy to grasp than mere memorization approaches. Interestingly, this is in line with evidence from neuroscience indicating that the same brain regions are active when moving our fingers as when just thinking about numbers³. As such, there seems to be a direct link between our bodies and basic mathematical concepts such as numbers.

The pictures below illustrate how the body contributes to learning mathematics, specifically foundational skills including counting, understanding magnitude (or size), and performing basic arithmetic.

In Panel A, the use of fingers is highlighted as a valuable tool for counting, with each extended finger representing one counted item, and the consistent order in which fingers are extended reflecting the fixed sequence of number words for counting. This systematic use of fingers creates specific patterns that correspond to particular numbers (e.g., index and middle fingers represent two objects counted).

Consequently, these finger patterns also signify the quantity of the counted set, providing a unique association between specific finger configurations and numerical magnitudes, as shown in Panel B.

Panel C exemplifies how fingers play a crucial role in learning basic arithmetic by facilitating the composition and decomposition of numbers. For example, extending five fingers to three already extended fingers gives eight extended fingers, and therefore, the number eight is represented through the composition of five and three (fingers). Through consistent finger use in counting, magnitude montring (showing numbers with fingers), and basic calculations, the brain establishes systematic associations between numbers and fingers/finger patterns⁴.

Over time, this process facilitates the development of a specialized mental representation of numbers by finger-based codes, similar to dot patterns, numerical digits, and verbal number words⁵. Ultimately, we become proficient in utilizing these finger-based representations, enabling the mental manipulation of finger-based numerical concepts without actual physical finger movement. The diagram illustrates the progression from physically counting on fingers (in Panels A-C) to mentally simulating finger-counting whenever numbers are contemplated (Panel D).

Can such embodied representations also facilitate advanced mathematics?

Traditional math classes typically involve students sitting quietly, but Dr. Tao, a Fields Medal recipient (comparable to the Noble Prize) and mathematician at UCLA, described how he approached a complex problem by lying on the floor and rolling around. He was trying to conceptualize a mathematical description involving waves rotating on top of each other. By physically embodying the concept and simulating the motion of waves, he found that this helped him develop a clearer intuition. Moving his body in a way that mirrored the mathematical problem enabled him to “see” the problem from a new perspective. Of course, this does not mean every student should start rolling on the floor to understand mathematics. However, while this approach may not suit every student, it highlights how bodily actions can aid in understanding mathematics problems – even complex ones.

“Moving his body in a way that mirrored the mathematical problem enabled him to “see” the problem from a new perspective“

Moreover, this example challenges the conventional notion that effective learning in mathematics requires strict adherence to quiet, seated classroom behavior. Mathematicians often engage in dynamic behaviours such as walking around, changing positions, and gesturing while grappling with mathematical ideas. This embodied perspective underscores the effectiveness of hands-on activities and experiential learning in education. Students can deepen their understanding and develop a more intuitive grasp of mathematical principles by physically engaging with them.

References

1. L. W. Barsalou, “Grounded cognition.,” Annual Review of Psychology, vol. 59, pp. 617-645, 2008.
2. M. H. Fischer, A. M. Glenberg, K. Moeller and S. Shaki, “Grounding (fairly) complex numerical knowledge: an educational example.,” Psychological Research, pp. 1-9, 2021.
3. M. Penner-Wilger and M. L. Anderson, “An alternative view of the relation between finger gnosis and math ability: Redeployment of finger representations for the representation of number.,” 2008.
4. R. Barrocas, S. Roesch, C. Gawrilow and K. Moeller, “Putting a finger on numerical development–reviewing the contributions of kindergarten finger gnosis and fine motor skills to numerical abilities.,” Frontiers in Psychology, no. 11, p. 1012, 2020.
5. Moeller, K., Fischer, U., Link, T., Wasner, M., Huber, S., Cress, U., & Nuerk, H. C. (2012). Learning and development of embodied numerosity. Cognitive processing, 13, 271-274.

CRCC members co-publish book with the European Election Monitoring Center on Party Campaigning in European Parliamentary Elections 1979-2019

The Political Communication theme is delighted to announce the publication of a timely new book by members Dominic Wring and Nathan Ritchie(eds.) Europe Votes: Party Campaigning in European Parliamentary Elections 1979-2019, a joint venture involving the European Election Monitoring Center and ourselves which is now free to download from its own dedicated website https://www.europevotesbook.com

This book offers a comprehensive look back at how political campaigning has evolved in the second largest democracy (after India) of 400 million citizens – and does so as member states go to polls next month for the tenth European elections.  Europe Votes features twenty experts analysing developments in their own countries from, where applicable, the inaugural elections of 1979 to the most recent ones in 2019.  The Foreword to the collection has been kindly provided by Joyce Quin, a former Member of the Brussels and Westminster Parliaments, who was the UK Minister for Europe and currently sits in the House of Lords.  In her contribution, Baroness Quin reflects on her formative experiences as a successful candidate in the first European elections and her subsequent career as a politician in the only member state to have left the European Union. 

Every chapter of Europe Votes features content from the European Elections Monitoring Center archive which holds more than 15000 campaign items.  This unique collection of material, compiled by the EEMC with support from the EU, is now available to consult online.  The archive includes items from each of the previous European elections, every member state that has participated, and from the political parties that have secured most parliamentary representation.  Europe Votes focuses on nine selected countries: the so-called ‘big four’ of France, Germany, Italy and the UK, and five members- Greece, Spain, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Hungary- that joined (in that stated order) during one of the subsequent waves of European enlargement.  An additional chapter revisits the Brexit controversy through an examination of the final European elections held in the UK on the eve of the country’s departure from the EU.

Europe Votes considers specific developments in the member states with chapters offering insights into successive European election campaigns in the featured countries.  There are, however, some common themes that emerge.  For instance, the three mainstream EU party groupings – conservative, social democrat and liberal – have been quite electorally resilient despite growing challenges from the Greens and more recently the various Eurosceptic forces.  The latter may have been increasingly effective in promoting their case to the electorate but rivalries involving the United Kingdom Independence Party, Alternative for Germany, French National Front, and Lega in Italy – plus an assortment of likeminded politicians in other countries – has so far tempered these parties’ ability to exert more concerted influence within the European Parliament.  The 2024 elections may of course change this situation.  

Growing criticism of the EU has been a marked feature of successive European elections.  Several contributions touch on this, with the Italian chapter making telling reference to what is termed ‘strategic Euroscepticism’.  This phenomenon can be observed when politicians adopt anti-EU messaging during campaigns but subsequently moderate their positions once elected.  Two striking examples of this documented by Europe Votes are the France and Sweden cases where some of the most strident campaigners have muted their previously expressed support for ‘Frexit’ and ‘Swexit’ respectively.

Europe Votes incorporates material from the EEMC archives to illustrate some of the most important issues, parties, and personalities that have defined the various campaigns held over forty years.  Examples of this in the book include:

• cultural icons- in the form of flags and mythological figures such as France’s Marianne (1992), a figure in traditional Greek dress (2009) and the parties wanting to secede from Spain (and other states) while remaining within the EU (2019)

• sovereign nations- the Swedish Greens use their country’s physical shape to make a sceptical point (1999) while UKIP draw on the iconic southern English cliffs of Dover to promote their ‘Take Back’ slogan (2014), a message that would gain notoriety two years later in the country’s EU Referendum

• European (dis)integration- while the Italian Lega warns that EU immigration policy could subjugate native populations (2009), the Czech SPD features prominent allies from other countries to help amplify its sceptical message (2019)

• The Euro- or more precisely its critics who, literally from left to right, include the Greek Communists (2004) and Alternative for Deutschland (2014)

• Environmental concerns- the UK Greens’ surge (1989) has contemporary resonance while the Swedish Left Party promotes climate activists and simultaneously denounces oil lobbyists (2019).

• Yes to EU- even the most Eurosceptic countries have politicians who are prepared to champion the European Union such as the Hungarian (2014) and UK (2019) oppositions, that latter of which makes a popular cultural reference to the 1970s era in which Britain originally joined the then European Economic Community