press releases
Serious economic repercussions of funding changes to universities in the East Midlands
29th March 2010
An East Midlands Universities Association (EMUA) report, published today, outlines the potential damage to the East Midlands economy resulting from cuts to Higher Education funding.
The report, Investing in the East Midlands: Funding Changes to universities and the economic impact on the region, summarises the findings of a study into the effects of the recession on universities in the East Midlands and the subsequent impact on the economy of the region.
The key findings of the report are as follows:
- Universities are key drivers of the economy. In 2007/8 the universities in the East Midlands had a combined revenue of £1.38bn with an additional impact of £1.93bn, giving a total impact of £3.31bn on the economy.
- During the recession universities have acted as stabilisers in the economy,with the benefit of sustained public spending. Demand for university places has been strong.
- The levels of UK public debt, and reductions in future public spending from 2010, will have major negative implications for Higher Education funding for years to come.
- Universities in the East Midlands could face up to £60m reduction in public funding, over the three years 2010-13.
- The total impact of these funding changes on the East Midlands economy is estimated to be up to £145m.
- Universities recognise the need to make efficiency savings and to diversify funding sources. However, there must also be realism about the extent to which cost savings and potential new funding streams can offset cuts in public funding.
- The case for continued investment in universities is strong, as the effects on the wider economy are likely to be disproportionately damaging.
This research was commissioned by EMUA and undertaken by Professor David Rae, Liz Price and Fizza Alamder (Enterprise Research and Development Unit – ERDU) and Professor Glyn Owen (Visiting Professor of Economics) at the University of Lincoln.
To read this report in full please click here.
Quotes
‘This study confirms that we should view our universities as an investment, not a cost. Our universities deliver highly skilled graduates into the economy, create new knowledge through world class research, support the development of new products and new businesses, and drive regeneration in the region.
‘University activity underpins the economy of the East Midlands. To remain a prosperous region, we must continue to support and invest in our universities.’
Professor Neil Gorman, Chair of EMUA and Vice Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University
‘The East Midlands universities make a very strong contribution to regional economic competitiveness, growth, international profile and skills development. The announcements of funding reductions by HEFCE for 2010/11 will reduce their economic contribution to the region and have damaging effects on the wider economy as it tentatively recovers from recession.
‘The effect of these cuts, if followed as expected by a further £600m reduction nationally in teaching and research budgets in 2011-13 could, if this affects the Research Councils as we anticipate, be up to £145m on the region's economy over three years. There are undoubtedly further funding reductions yet to be announced, although these may follow the election.
‘The future health and development of the region’s universities will depend increasingly on their success in growing their international and employer-based activities, as well as on contributions from students. However the scope for achieving this in the short-term is limited. Managing change in our universities over the next few years will be challenging, and will require support from all those who have an interestin them.’
Professor David Rae, University of Lincoln
For all enquiries, including requests for interviews/expert comment, please contact Su Strange (Information Officer, EMUA) by e-mail or on 01509 217797.
East Midlands Universities ‘Backing Young Britain’
Universities in the East Midlands are proud to be part of ‘Backing Young Britain’, a £13.6m Government initiative to help young people into work. It will provide around 7,000 graduate internships in small businesses by the end of the year.
De Montfort University is managing a £500k scheme, to boost the job prospects of graduates across the East Midlands, in partnership with Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln, University of Derby, University of Leicester, University of Lincoln, Loughborough University, The University of Northampton, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and The Open University in the East Midlands.
The funding aims to support both the increased numbers of unemployed graduates in the economic downturn, and employers in the Government’s priority areas for economic growth.
The East Midlands scheme will deliver 370 internships across the region by the end of September 2010, and is supported by the East Midlands Universities Association (EMUA) and the East Midlands Development Agency (emda).
Graduates will be placed in priority employer sectors identified by the Government – low carbon products and services, digital industry, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, professional and financial services, engineering construction and industrial opportunities presented by the ageing population.
Small companies can build their businesses through new skills and flexible resources, and benefit from access to talented and ambitious individuals who are keen to work. They can bring in graduates, at significantly reduced employment costs, with specific skills to complete time-limited projects.
For each intern universities will provide employers with up to £1,600 toward salary costs. Positions must be for ‘graduate level’ work, pay at least the minimum wage and last for three to six months.
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is administering the scheme and has been working closely with Higher Education Regional Associations, Regional Development Agencies and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to implement it. Universities will be working closely with these organisations, as well as other employer representatives, to promote graduate internships to business.
In England more than 50 universities will support graduates and small businesses as they provide a total of 6,998 internships in the first instance, rising to 8,500 in total.
For more information on the internships scheme, please contact Kasser Hussain on 0116 207 8433 or at khussain@dmu.ac.uk.
Quotes
‘Universities have responded enthusiastically with a wide range of practical and flexible proposals to help graduates towards employment through the internships scheme. This will make a significant difference for businesses, particularly those who are taking on a graduate for the first time.’
Alan Langlands, HEFCE Chief Executive
‘This initiative gives universities, graduates and employing organisations within the region a chance to work together to deliver valuable experience to graduates. At the same time employers will get enthusiastic interns who can bring real benefit to their employing organisations. In addition a number of the specific sectors targeted are of particular importance to the region.’
Jenny Jones, Chair, EMUA Careers Group
East Midlands Universities leading the way
10th June 2009
Universities in the East Midlands can be justifiably proud of their achievements at last night’s Times Higher Leadership and Management Awards 2009.
Universities from the region won five out of a potential 16 awards and every East Midlands university was shortlisted in at least one category. These awards recognise excellence within the higher education sector, in fields ranging from estates to finance and human resources to fund-raising.
Winners were announced at a grand dinner, hosted by the comedian Rory Bremner, which took place at the Park Lane Hilton on 9th June 2009. The keynote speaker was David Willetts MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
Awards received by East Midlands Universities are as follows:
- Outstanding Fundraising Team – Nottingham Trent University
- Outstanding Finance Team – University of Derby
- Outstanding Student Accommodation Team – Loughborough University
- Outstanding Estates Team – The University of Nottingham
- Outstanding Leadership and Management Team – Loughborough University
Quote
‘The University sector in the East Midlands is academically strong, and now we can also say well led and well managed, following the outstanding success of the region's Universities in the inaugural Times Higher Leadership and Management Awards. Universities in the region were represented strongly in virtually every shortlist, and came away with almost one third of the awards.’
Prof John Coyne, VC University of Derby and Chair of EMUA
East Midlands Universities Reap Rewards of Research Excellence
5th March 2009
The Higher Education Funding Council today announced a funding allocation of £108 million for research in the Universities of the East Midlands for 2009/10. This impressive but well-deserved increase of £23.6m, is a direct result of the improved strength and quality of research in the region, demonstrated in the results of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
The region did exceptionally well in the RAE. The Exercise highlighted that 86% of University research in the region is of international importance, with 14% of all research classified as world-leading (4*). The results confirm that universities in the East Midlands all undertake cutting-edge research, across a wide range of subject areas.
Whilst the Universities of Nottingham, Loughborough and Leicester will be awarded the largest funding increases in real terms, other universities are rewarded with large percentage increases that reflect the great strides forward they have made since the last RAE. The University of Lincoln has increased research funding by more than seven times its previous year’s allocation, with the Universities of Derby, Northampton, and Nottingham Trent receiving roughly twice as much funding this year. De Montfort University’s increase of 12% is well above the national average (7.8%) and Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln is celebrating funding received for its first ever entry in the RAE.
Particular research strengths across the region include Engineering and Science, Healthcare and Bioscience, Communications, Cultural and Media Studies, Business and Management Studies, and English Language and Literature. Three research areas placed East Midlands Higher Education Institutions in the top position in the country: Pharmacy at The University of Nottingham; Design and Technology at Loughborough University and Museum Studies at the University of Leicester. The latter was identified as having the highest proportion of world-leading researchers compared with any other subject area in the UK.
Quote
‘We are delighted by the results of our Universities, which all show a significantly higher increase than the national average. This demonstrates that the East Midlands is truly a region that should be recognised for the depth and quality of its research.’
Professor John Coyne, Chair of EMUA and Vice Chancellor of University of Derby
East Midlands Knowledge Network (EMKN) – the route to business success
19th January 2009
 The East Midlands Universities Association (EMUA) has launched the East Midlands Knowledge Network - www.emkn.org.uk – an interactive website which draws together all the services that East Midlands universities can offer to businesses of all sizes.
 In the current economic climate businesses are seeking that extra something that will ensure their survival and onward success. Universities in the East Midlands can supply that key ingredient through their extensive array of high quality business services, now easily accessible through the EMKN.
The EMKN has identified higher education (HE) services across the region and presented them in an accessible format that ensures businesses can easily find the support best suited to their needs.
 Services are divided into eight colour-coded categories or tube lines. These can be navigated through either the menu of services, or through an interactive map that shows a series of stops along each line. Each tube stop gives details of service providers and includes up-to-date case studies.
Details for all the universities involved in the network can be found on the Universities Contacts page. All members of the network are committed to guiding businesses to the best support the region can provide.
In addition to the EMKN website, EMUA have also produced a paper route map which features the striking EMKN tube map design and lists service areas and contact details. Copies of the map can be obtained by emailing contact details to feedback@emkn.org.uk.
 We have a strong tradition of HE support to business in the East Midlands, as demonstrated by the case studies on the EMKN site. We hope that the EMKN will help both HE and businesses build on this tradition and that our universities will give regional businesses the edge they need to survive and thrive in the current economic climate.
Quotes
‘Many businesses in the East Midlands already reap the rewards of working closely with one of our regional universities. We have developed the East Midlands Knowledge Network (EMKN) to enable businesses to access higher education services more easily, and benefit from the range of knowledge and expertise that our universities have to offer.
‘We hope that the EMKN will prove to be a useful tool for businesses of all sizes and for the intermediary organisations that support them. In the current climate it is more important than ever to harness university expertise to help businesses improve.'
Professor John Coyne, Chair of EMUA and Vice-Chancellor of University of Derby.
‘The East Midlands Knowledge Network (EMKN) plays a very important role in building links between regional businesses and universities.
‘Enabling businesses to benefit from the expertise and resources of our universities is more relevant than ever in the current economic climate. The EMKN will support innovation in companies, helping them to develop and implement new ideas which may give them an all important competitive advantage.’
Mike Carr, Executive Director of Business Services, East Midlands Development Agency (emda)
‘The East Midlands Knowledge Network can provide access to a wealth of University knowledge and expertise.
‘During the current economic downturn, closer working relationships between the region's businesses and universities could help to improve business performance and competitiveness.
Business Link aims to build strong links and work in collaboration with our strategic partners to ensure the region's business community has access to the very best resources to help them survive and thrive during this difficult time.’
Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB, Business Link
‘Universities regularly support business, industry and the professions. Clearly this is vital especially at the time of a recession and East Midlands universities provide a range of entrepreneurial services which will help people to think through ways in which to stimulate economic development and, in turn, prosperity.
‘The East Midlands Knowledge Network provides a springboard for new initiatives and collaborations which place enterprise right at the centre of our academic missions. The University of Leicester firmly believes that such partnerships are critical to finding new ways of meeting the economic challenges in these difficult times.’
University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Burgess
Notes for editors
Member institutions of EMUA and the EMKN are:
De Montfort University
University of Derby
University of Leicester
University of Lincoln
Loughborough University
The University of Nottingham
The University of Northampton
Nottingham Trent University
Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln
Open University in the East Midlands
www.emkn.org.uk is developed and managed by the East Midlands Universities Association - www.emua.ac.uk. If you require more information, please contact Su Strange (Information Officer, EMUA) on 01509 217797 or at feedback@emkn.org.uk.
East Midlands triumph at the Times Higher Education Awards 2008
4th November 2008
Universities across the East Midlands had plenty to celebrate at the recent Times Higher Education Awards on Thursday 23rd October with winners in three categories and an assortment of highly commended and shortlisted entries.
 Loughborough University won ‘Best Student Experience’, The University of Nottingham won ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ and the University of Leicester won the highly coveted ‘University of the Year’ award whilst also being shortlisted in the ‘Research Project of the Year’ category.
The University of Lincoln was highly commended in the category ‘Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative’, as was the University of Derby in the ‘Marketing Initiative of the Year’ category. De Montfort University was shortlisted for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Technology’ and alongside Nottingham Trent University for ‘Outstanding Student Financial Support Package’. Nottingham Trent was also shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development’ category.
Loughborough University was awarded ‘Best Student Experience’ for the third year in a row. This award is based on a survey of UK students and recognises universities’ outstanding contributions to the learning experience. David Goss – Loughborough Students Union President – said:
‘The award is a reflection of the well-rounded academic and social experience enjoyed by our students at Loughborough.’
 The University of Nottingham won the new award of ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year in a hotly contested category. Ian Robertson – Chief Executive of the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship said:
‘A very difficult decision was eased by the breadth and depth of that entrepreneurial culture at the University, from senior management through to staff and student societies.’
 The University of Leicester was awarded ‘University of the Year’ in the fourth year of making the category shortlist. The University was also shortlisted in the ‘Research Project of the Year’ for an international project. Looking into the diet of sticklebacks in Nevada 10 million years ago. The judges’ report had this to say about the University of Leicester as the newly crowned ‘University of the Year’:
‘It’s continued commitment to, and real success in, widening access to students from non-traditional groups made it the stand-out choice in a very tough competition. On access Leicester is unique among its research intensive peers – it exceeds its benchmark for widening participation.’
 The University of Lincoln’s Holbeach campus received a ‘highly commended’ from judges in the ‘Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative’. Development of the site and the programmes it provides have been driven by business needs, and each year around 2,000 employees from 200 different companies study there.
 The University of Derby received a ‘highly commended’ in the ‘Marketing Initiative of the Year’ category, for a pastoral care package for applicants prior to and during the 2007 A-level exams. A pack sent out to the University applicants included a penguin stress toy that has since taken on a cult status.
De Montfort University was shortlisted for two awards: ‘Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Technology’ for its work with a small business to support the design and manufacture of an in-car grocery transportation aide; and ‘Outstanding Student Financial Support Package’ for an innovative approach to providing financial and pastoral support for students that come from a care background.
Nottingham Trent University was also shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding Student Financial Support Package’ for its means tested bursary scheme that encourages more local students into higher education. Nottingham Trent’s wide variety of sustainability projects and leadership of the EcoCampus Initiative led to a shortlisting in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development’ category.
EMUA would like to congratulate its member universities on their successes, which reflect the key role that our higher education institutions play in the East Midlands, and raise the profile of our region as a great place to study, work and live.
EMUA showcases sport research from across the East Midlands
17 September 2008
Loughborough University has long been recognised as a centre of sporting excellence but, as the East Midlands Universities Association (EMUA) Sport Showcase Event today proved, academic researchers from every part of the region are making exciting leaps forward in the field of sport science.
The Showcase attracted interest from a wide range of businesses and sport associations, all keen to engage with the ground-breaking research carried out by our university academics. At the same time researchers used the opportunity to discuss the potential for collaborative projects with colleagues from across the regions institutions.
The event brought together experienced and new researchers from very varied backgrounds, covering such wide research fields as the detection of anabolic steroids to the Sustainable Impact of Sport Interventions.
This event was organised by the EMUA Sport Research Group who work to add value to their institutions (De Montfort University, University of Derby, University of Leicester, University of Lincoln, Loughborough University, The University of Northampton, The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University) through collaborative projects.
One exciting partnership between universities in the East Midlands aims to build on existing expertise by offering collaborative PhD studentships in sport. There are seven of these studentships currently running in the region:
- Local sport, ethnicity and community in Leicester (De Montfort University and University of Leicester)
- Bone geometry in amenorrhoeic athletes (Loughborough University and University Hospitals, Nottingham)
- The impact of hypoxic environments on appetite regulation (Loughborough University and Nottingham Trent University)
- New techniques to assess neuromuscular conditioning and joint injury (Nottingham Trent University and Loughborough University)
- Developing a new mobile biosensor for anabolic steroid detection at sporting events (The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University)
- Electrochemical manufacturing of more affordable titanium golf clubs (The University of Nottingham and Loughborough University)
- Parental and coach driven development of psychological competencies in young athletes (Loughborough University and Nottingham Trent University).
East Midlands higher education institutions (HEIs) have a record of excellence in sport research, including a 5* research department and centres of internationally recognised expertise.
There are a number of groupings of research expertise across the HEIs including:
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences and The Sports Technology
Research Group at Loughborough University
- The International Centre for Sport History and Culture (ICSHC) at De Montfort University
- The sport science team at Nottingham Trent University
- Centre for the Sociology of Sport in the Sociology Department at the University of Leicester.
- The Sport & Exercise Research Group at the University of Northampton
- The Centre for Sport Medicine at the University of Nottingham
- Department of Sport, Coaching & Exercise Science at the University of Lincoln
'We are pleased that so many businesses, sport associations and sport researchers took the opportunity of coming together today. It was great to see so much interest in the innovative sport research projects that are currently taking place in the East Midlands.' Professor Fred Yeadon, Loughborough University
Notes to editors
East Midlands Universities Association (EMUA) represents the ten higher education institutions (HEIs) in the East Midlands Region. EMUA endeavours to promote the important role that higher education plays in the East Midlands by encouraging collaborative activities that add value to the work of institutions. We work to enhance the links between universities and business, publicising the unparalleled opportunities for business development that our HEIs are able to offer.
EMUA’s member institutions are Bishop Grossteste University College Lincoln, De Montfort University, University of Derby, University of Leicester, University of Lincoln, Loughborough University, The University of Northampton, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Open University in the East Midlands.
For further information contact :
Su Strange, Information Officer
EMUA, Unit 3, Loughborough Technology Centre, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire. LE11 3GE
Telephone: 01509 217797
E-mail: s.j.strange@lboro.ac.uk
Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands 2008 - The Winners Are Announced
12 September 2008
 Successful business and university collaboration across the East Midlands was celebrated at the Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands 2008 ceremony.
The commitment and expertise of companies from Worksop, Nottingham, Derby and Leicester has been recognised alongside the rigour and talent of academics at the University of Derby, The University of Nottingham, the University of Leicester and Loughborough University.
The 2008 Lord Stafford Award East Midlands winners, announced by Lord Digby Jones and Dominic Heale, presenter of BBC’s East Midlands Today programme, last night, were:
 Innovation in Development Award: Dialog Devices and the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Leicester
This local business and university collaboration has revolutionised heart disease and stroke prevention. Their partnership to develop a non-invasive medical device for use in Primary Care to prevent heart disease and strokes has the potential to save lives around the world.
 Innovation Achieved Award: Progressive Sports Technologies Ltd and the Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University
The technology developed through this partnership has been designed to get the ‘Playstation generation’ moving and help to cut child obesity rates. The interactive play device created here – i.play – is a revolutionary play tool that encourages health-enhancing physical activity among children. It is similar to a games console and has been installed in municipal playgrounds across the UK.
 Innovation for Sustainability Award: Premier Foods and the School of Chemical Engineering and the Environmental Technology Centre at the University of Nottingham
This award-winning example of business and university collaboration has cut costs and reduced environmental impact. The Worksop-based company, which produces brands such as Oxo, Bisto, Sharwoods and Cross & Blackwell – has worked in partnership with academics to develop a system of process improvements to optimise the use of energy and water in food manufacturing.
 Judges’ Special Commendation Award: Amin Ismail and Civil Defence Technology
Iraqi-born, Amin Ismail, receives this award in recognition of his hard work and endeavour to develop the IC Audio Translator. He began working on the design of a wrist worn speech system while he was a student at the University of Derby and was approached by Lincoln-based, Civil Defence Supply to partner with them and develop the device further. The IC Audio Translator is now being manufactured and is enabling soldiers, official agencies and emergency services to communicate quickly, safely and effectively with foreign nationals in the UK and around the world.
The winner from each award category receives a cheque for £5000 and a Wedgwood Trophy to commemorate their achieve. The winner of the Special Judges’ Commendation Award, Amin Ismali, receives a cheque for £1000.
Lord Digby Jones, Minister for Trade & Investment, congratulated the winners and emphasised the significance of their unique contribution to the UK economy:
'Congratulations to the deserving winners of the prestigious 2008 Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands for their unique contribution to the UK economy, said Lord Jones.
“The road to excellence is always under construction and successful collaborations between businesses and universities bring us ever closer to this goal. It’s important these relationships are nurtured, promoted and rewarded as they position the UK as the global leader for innovative thinking.'
The Lord Stafford Awards exist to recognise and encourage the development of collaborative relationships between businesses and universities. They seek to highlight the value that can be gained by businesses that tap into the extensive intellectual and research capacity in the region’s universities and are launched in the East Midlands for the first time in 2008.
Commenting on the 2008 winners of the East Midlands’ awards, Lord Stafford said:
“These awards are a chance for individuals and organisations to be recognised as one of the region’s innovators. By bringing together the wealth of excellent research and development work produced by universities and diverse business enterprise we are able to generate increased competitiveness and knowledge transfer. I congratulate all the winners and finalists of the 2008 Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands and I look forward to following their future success.'
Dave Clarke, head of research and development at E.ON Engineering and award sponsor summed up the importance of the awards for the region:
'As an innovation-driven business we’re proud to sponsor an awards scheme that actively encourages the best in East Midlands’ academia and business to work together to develop sustainable business solutions for the future. The organisations represented in this year’s awards should be very proud of their achievements.'
Notes to editors
For more information on each winner of the 2008 Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands – including photographs of them and their projects – contact Liz Guilford at Communications Management (07734 543 825 / liz@communicationsmanagement.co.uk).
The 2008 Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands were hosted by Dominic Heale, presenter of BBC East Midlands Today and the awards were presented by Lord Stafford and Lord Digby Jones, former chairman of the Confederation of British Industry, on Thursday 11 September 2008. The awards ceremony was held at the Goosedale Conference Centre, Papplewick, Nottingham.
The Lord Stafford Awards were developed in 1997 to recognise and encourage the development of collaborative relationships between Businesses and Universities. Formerly held solely in the West Midlands, 2008 marks the launch of the awards in the East Midlands.
The Awards recognise the region’s innovators and bring together the wealth of research and development work produced by Universities and diverse business enterprises. The awards seek to generate increased competitiveness and knowledge transfer. The Lord Stafford Awards support growth and economic prosperity for the region, and aim to encourage all businesses and universities across these two regions to participate in collaborative activity, and to embrace innovation.
More information on the Awards is available at www.thelordstaffordawards.com/east/about.php.
The organisers of the Lord Stafford Awards are very grateful to their sponsors: BT (www.bt.com), E.ON (www.eon-uk.com/about/technology), CFE (www.cfe.org.uk), MAS East Midlands (www.mas-em.org.uk), East Midlands Development Agency (www.emda.org.uk), ProspectIP (www.prospectip.co.uk) and the East Midlands Universities Association (www.emua.ac.uk).
The support of Winning Moves (www.winningmoves.com), Wedgwood (www.wedgwood.com) and Swindell & Pearson (www.patents.co.uk) and Communications Management (www.communicationsmanagement.co.uk) is highly appreciated.
Hi-tech Help Boosts Olympic Hopes - East Midlands Universities play a key role in Olympic success
22 August 2008
Scientists and engineers from the region’s leading universities helped athletes achieve their potential in Beijing and are now preparing for London 2012.
The East Midland’s double gold-winning swimmer, Rebecca Adlington, who hails from Mansfield and trains in Nottingham and at Loughborough University, wore a Speedo LZR Racer swimsuit when she won Britain’s first female swimming gold medals for 48 years. The suit was developed by Speedo AQUALAB in collaboration with the University of Nottingham’s experts in computational fluid dynamics. The scientists analysed how modifications to the design could reduce drag and optimise streamlining for the swimmer. Over 50 new world records have been set by swimmers wearing the Speedo LZR Racer since it was launched in February, including those by the world’s most successful Olympic swimmer – the USA’s Michael Phelps. The team from Nottingham - whose work with the University of Otago (New Zealand) on flume testing and fabric testing conducted by NASA, resulted in a suit with 5% less drag - are now working with Speedo to develop the next generation of swimsuit for the 2012 Olympics in London.
Meanwhile researchers in Loughborough University's £15m Sports Technology Institute are already developing next generation footwear and clothing, optimised for the individual athlete, that could hold the key to world-beating success in London 2012. In their quest to develop the world's first truly personalised sprint spike shoe, the Loughborough team has discovered that optimal tailoring of the outsole can roughly double the amount of mechanical energy the athlete can generate at the ankle. With world-beating performance being decided on the narrowest of margins, this represents a highly significant breakthrough. The research - a collaboration between Loughborough University's world leading Rapid Manufacturing Research Group, Sports Technology Institute and Design Ergonomics Research Group - can be applied to a range of other sports.
Elsewhere in Loughborough’s Rapid Manufacturing Research Group and Sports Technology Institute, experts are working with Tae Kwon Do masters to investigate ‘SCUTA’ – a unique customised sports body armour that will protect wearers from heavy blows. This project also utilises individual tailoring for a perfect ‘customised’ fit, and the research team are using body scan data to manufacture protective clothing that fits like a second skin. As well as preventing injuries, it is anticipated that the new equipment will help improve performance by giving the wearer a lightweight and flexible alternative to existing, more cumbersome, protective clothing. The research team includes experts in the University’s Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, who will fit electronic sensors to SCUTA which will enable the level of impact to be monitored, as well as assist scoring and refereeing in sports such as Tae Kwon Do.
Also very interested in the potential of SCUTA, is the England & Wales Cricket Board who are collaborating through the National Cricket Performance Centre, which is located on the Loughborough campus.
Nottingham Trent University worked with GB women’s hockey players to identify how the weather conditions would affect them at the Beijing Olympics. Researchers created the exact temperature and humidity expected in Beijing, in the University’s Environmental Chamber, and then put the elite athletes through a gruelling treadmill simulation of a match, in full match kit and carrying a hockey stick. They were then asked to complete complex mental tasks to assess the impact of heat stress on their mental performance. The researchers found that under extreme conditions, the elite athletes were able to draw on cognitive reserves which allowed them to overcome the effects of heat stress.
GB women were not the only hockey players to benefit from Nottingham Trent’s specialist facilities; the GB Men's Olympic Hockey Squad also used the chamber to prepare for the Athens Olympics and the University also hosts the East Midlands National Performance Centre for hockey.
Looking forward to 2012, three of the region’s universities have been selected to provide pre-games training camps. Loughborough University will be available to athletes from 23 disciplines as diverse as swimming and beach volleyball. Nottingham Trent University will have facilities for badminton, basketball and fencing and, like the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme College, will play host to equestrian training camps.
The city of Leicester will host the 2009 National Special Olympics, for a monumental second time. The city will welcome more than 2,500 athletes with learning disabilities competing in more than 21 sports over a period of eight days. The city’s two universities have a pivotal role in the success of the Special Olympics; they are chaired by Ted Cassidy (Head of Regional & International Partnerships at De Montfort University) and The University of Leicester will host the athletes in its halls of residence with use of the University’s sporting facilities.
As well as all this activity ‘behind the scenes’, we must not overlook the contribution of the athletes themselves! Some 65 students and alumni of East Midlands Universities were selected for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, with Loughborough sending its largest ever contingent, representing 13% of Team GB.
Jenny Kenning, Executive Director of the East Midlands Universities Association, said today,
“We are very proud of the collective contribution that our region's universities have made to Team GB's sporting success and look forward to building on this for the 2012 Games”.
Notes to editors
The East Midlands Universities Association (EMUA) represents the ten higher education institutions (HEIs) in the East Midlands Region. EMUA endeavours to promote the important role that higher education plays in the East Midlands by encouraging collaborative activities that add value to the work of institutions. We work to enhance the links between universities and business, publicising the unparalleled opportunities for business development that our HEIs are able to offer.
EMUA’s member institutions are: Bishop Grossteste University College Lincoln, De Montfort University, University of Derby, University of Leicester, University of Lincoln, Loughborough University, The University of Northampton, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Open University in the East Midlands.
For further information contact
Su Strange (Information Officer)
EMUA, Unit 3, Loughborough Technology Centre, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire. LE11 3GE
Telephone - 01509 217797
E-mail - s.j.strange@lboro.ac.uk
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