Michael Magwira from Malawi was another scholar who graduated, after gaining a distinction for his MSc in Medical and Molecular Virology. Alongside resuming his career as a Molecular Laboratory Scientist, he will use his newly-acquired knowledge of virus biology to understand the HIV pandemic in his home country, which he hopes will have a positive effect on its future transmission and control.

“Prior to applying to The University of Ұ������, I spent a considerable amount of time researching the standards of teaching and facilities available at a number of UK universities,” he said. “When I received notification via the Equity and Merit Facebook page about the scholarship, Ұ������ rose to the top of my list as it had everything I was looking for, from my education to the environment I wished to study in. I then spoke to few E&M alumni from Uganda and Tanzania who had nothing but positive things to say - two highlights of their feedback that encouraged me to apply were the high standards of teaching and the support available at the University.”

“The support that the University gives to its students is fantastic, and is centred around the wellbeing of the students. The lifestyle in Ұ������ is very diverse and inclusive - regardless of your nationality, you will always find someone to talk to. Apart from good entertainment and football exposure, the road and transport networks make it easier to access the University from all around the city.”

Another of our graduates was Rufaro Matsika from Zimbabwe, who attained an MSc in International Development majoring in Environment, Climate Change and Development. She wants to assist businesses to account for their emissions and monitor the progress of their decarbonisation strategies. She aims to establish a consultancy firm that facilitates the integration of sustainable practices in business operations while providing opportunities for young individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain hands-on work experience in the field of sustainability.

“I enjoyed everything about the University, from the vast number of resources available to help my academic journey to the exceptional support and guidance I received from the university staff and my academic advisor,” she said. “Everything you need as a student is at your disposal, including career guidance, creating a CV and preparing for interviews. I also liked how the model of learning allows students to apply critical thinking skills.”

“Living and studying in Ұ������ was a highlight due to its remarkable diversity, making it easy to connect with like-minded individuals. There is so much entertainment and many activities that one can do with friends, and transport is easily accessible. I also liked the fact the city houses two prominent Premier League football teams, Ұ������ City and Ұ������ United - these are teams that I used to just see on TV, but having them in your neighbourhood was a dream come true!”

Jessica Buckle is a Medical Biochemistry graduate who bravely battled to recovery from a stroke in the middle of her final year, which temporarily affected her mobility and sight.

Luckily, her sight came back after a week, but it still took eight weeks for her full mobility to recover, enabling her to walk independently once again. Reflecting on her journey, Jessica committed to completing her degree and graduating whilst on her recovery journey.

She said: “The last semester of final year was completed from my family home in Euxton where I balanced recovery and my studies as best as I could, I contemplated deferring the year but I could see the finish line and I was so determined.

“My time at Ұ������ has been a wonderful experience meeting so many friends that I will keep and have for the rest of my life.

“I would like to raise awareness of strokes in the younger generation as I had no idea younger people even had strokes at my age. I am so grateful for all my tutors and professors that helped me throughout this time at The University of Ұ������ and I am so thankful to be graduating with a 2:1 and lots of friends for life.”

Strokes are a serious life-threatening medical emergencies resulting from interrupted blood supply to the brain. According the UK’s , strokes occur 100,000 times annually in the UK, once every five minutes – it also ranks as one of the leading causes of death and disability.

A conducted as part of World Stroke Day 2022 found a sharp increase in the incidence of stroke in young adults, in a study of more than 94,000 people in Oxfordshire.

For further resources please visit:

Celebrated every October, Foundation Day marks the coming together of the Victoria University of Ұ������ and The University of Ұ������ Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 2004.

The event saw Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, Edward Astle and Julie Hesmondhalgh become honorary graduands of the University. Nazir Afzal now succeeds poet Lemn Sissay who has been Chancellor for the past seven years, although Lemn will be remaining within the University community as he takes up an Honorary Chair in Creative Writing.

Giving the annual Foundation Day address President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell said: "Our people are at the very heart of the University and I want to thank my colleagues, students, alumni, friends for their tremendous effort and commitment throughout the year. 

“We’re all aware that these are uncertain times and we cannot underestimate the challenges and difficulties, such as cost of living, are creating for our community and society more generally. We will continue to adapt and lead with the resolve and spirit that Ұ������ is known for and seek to deliver change that is responsible, inclusive and sustainable.”

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University and ambassador who works with the President and Vice-Chancellor and other senior officers to promote the University's achievements regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Nazir Afzal OBE was Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England and formerly Director in London. He was Chief Executive of the country’s Police and Crime Commissioners and, most recently, National Adviser to the Welsh government.

Speaking at Foundation Day Nazir Afzal said: "Becoming Chancellor is an immense privilege, I was born in Birmingham, nurtured professionally in London and made in Ұ������, which is now proudly my family’s home. To be an ambassador for the work the University does and the people who do it will be an extraordinary honour and I can’t wait to get going.

“This University builds great things, it makes massive technological advances, it explores the universe, cures disease, enriches our culture, reaches for the stars, aspires to intelligence and does not belittle it. It looks for the truth and it will find the truth. Ұ������ is nothing without its people and it has some damn fine people and I’m proud to be your Chancellor.”

During a 30-year career, he has prosecuted some of the highest profile cases in the country, advised on many others and led nationally on several legal topics including violence against women and girls, child sexual abuse and honour-based violence. As Chief Crown Prosecutor, he had responsibility for more than 100,000 prosecutions each year. His prosecutions of the so-called ‘Rochdale grooming gang’ and hundreds of others were ground-breaking and changed the landscape of child protection.

Nazir has received many accolades. In 2005, he was awarded an OBE by the late Queen for his work. He also had the honour of being the only lawyer to ever prosecute a case before the Queen. Nazir was also selected for the Asian Power 100 and the Muslim Power 100 list in recognition of his position as one of the 100 most influential leading Muslims and Asians in the UK.

This year honorary doctorates were awarded to the following:

Dr Amani Abou-Zeid

Dr Amani Abou-Zeid is the twice-elected African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation. For more than 35 years, Amani has served in international organisations, leading and implementing national, regional and cross-continental infrastructure projects in Africa and both launching and integrating transformative initiatives, such as the Single African Air Transport Market, Africa’s Single Electricity Market and the Digital Transformation Strategy.

Amani has a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Cairo University; an MBA in Project Management from Université Senghor; an MPA from Harvard School of Government; and a PhD in Socio-Economic Development from The University of Ұ������. She also has a degree in Arts from Université Sorbonne-Paris IV. Amani was decorated with the Wissam Alaouite of Morocco, a Royal honour, and has often been selected ‘Most Influential Woman in Africa’. She previously received an Outstanding Alumni Award from The University of Ұ������.

Edward Astle

Edward Astle was Chair of the Board of Governors at The University of Ұ������ from September 2016 to August 2022. Edward, who joined the Board of Governors in 2014, spent most of his career in the telecoms and utilities sectors where he served on the boards, and ran substantial divisions, of Cable and Wireless, BICC and National Grid. From 2008 to 2013 Edward was Pro-Rector (Enterprise) at Imperial College London.

Edward is currently Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee of Openreach, chair of the charity UpReach, which helps students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds get top graduate jobs; and is a trustee of the Lakeland Arts Trust. He has previously held non-executive positions on other company and charity boards. Edward was educated at Ұ������ Grammar School and Queen’s College Oxford and holds an MBA from INSEAD.

Julie Hesmondhalgh

Julie Hesmondhalgh is a Ұ������-based actor, writer, theatre producer and activist. She trained at LAMDA and set up Arts Threshold Theatre in the early 90s. She co-runs Take Back, a political theatre collective, and the fundraising group 500 Acts of Kindness. Her Working Diary was published in 2019. Her second book, An A-Z for Actors (Stuff I’ve Learnt, Stuff I’m Still Learning) will be published this year. Julie is a patron and supporter of many organisations including the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, Reuben’s Retreat and Arts Emergency.

Her theatre work includes: The Greatest Play in the History of the World; Mother Courage and Her Children; The Almighty Sometimes; Wit (winner of Best Female Performer 2017 MTAs); Black Roses: The Killing of Sophie Lancaster (winner of Best Studio Performance 2012, MTAs) and Blindsided, all at Ұ������’s Royal Exchange Theatre. In addition, Julie appeared in The Report at the Royal Court, There Are No Beginnings at Leeds Playhouse and God Bless the Child at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Upstairs. Her TV credits include: You & Me; The Pact; The A Word 3; The Trouble with Maggie Cole; Dr Who; Catastrophe; Broadchurch (BAFTA-nomination for Best Supporting Actress); Happy Valley; Black Roses (Royal Television Society Best Actress 2014); Moving On; Inside No 9; Cucumber; and playing the role of Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street (1998-2014) (National TV Award 2014 and Royal Television Society Award 2013). Julie is also a regular voice on BBC Radio 4, including in dramas, documentaries and Pick of the Week.

The video featured Natalie, who has graduated from her MSc in Audiology – she says that training new audiologists is extremely important as the field is massively understaffed. She said she enjoys seeing the faces of patients after she has fitted a hearing aid, as it is a simple thing which improves their life greatly.

Other recent graduates are featured in videos on the University’s website – these include Adam Mellor, who has recently become one of the 2,616 University alumni working in the region's hospitals and NHS trusts. He has secured a role as a nurse at Stockport’s Stepping Hill Hospital where he works on a busy surgical assessment ward, and he hopes to provide outstanding healthcare to the people of Greater Ұ������.

“The University has such an enormous impact - not just here in Ұ������, but globally - and I knew I wanted to be a part of that from the moment I attended their induction day. I just fell in love with the university, the course, everything. The academics are some of the leading researchers across the whole world, and to be a part of that is just phenomenal.”

Another is teaching graduate Hannah Ruddock, who is set to join the thousands of graduate teachers currently working in primary and secondary schools across our local communities. Hannah, who will begin her journey as a history teacher at St Anthony's school in Urmston this September, was inspired to pursue a career in education when the support of her teacher at a difficult time in her life made school bearable.

“Education had such a positive impact on me, so I want to inspire my students and support them in the same way so that education is a positive experience for them too. The University of Ұ������ has taught me to believe in myself, and to have more confidence. Without them, I wouldn't be walking into my dream job. I can't wait to be a part of the school and make a difference in the lives of the students I will be teaching.”

For more information about graduation at The University of Ұ������, please visit the website.

“Laura was told that she had a life expectancy of around a year and wouldn’t be going back to university at all, so to see her graduate is just incredible,” said Laura’s Mum, Nicola. “I know how hard she’s had to work to achieve her degree alongside her chemotherapy, surgery and treatment, and this day is a real celebration of her tenacity. We really couldn’t be more proud of her.”

“I have met very few people with such a determination to live their life to the full,” Professor Jackie Carter, who met and bonded with Laura as she also has a child with an incurable brain tumour. “Unlike most of my students who are wondering what to do with their futures, Laura quite literally doesn't know what hers holds - but she's getting on with it, and doing it all with a spirit that shines through her every pore when you meet her.”

Laura and her Mum were keen to tell their story, as they want to draw attention to the research being undertaken at The University of Ұ������. The Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre opened at the university last year, which brings together some of the world’s leading brain tumour, stroke and dementia scientists - alongside experts in brain inflammation, imaging and rehabilitation - to carry out groundbreaking research and develop new treatments to transform the lives of people with neurological diseases. 

These conditions have a devastating impact in the UK - brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, dementia is the leading cause of death, and 100,000 people have strokes every year. 

The Centre - a partnership between The University of Ұ������, the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group and Ұ������ Cancer Research Centre - is named after Professor Sir Geoffrey Jefferson FRS, the UK’s first Professor of Neurosurgery at The University of Ұ������ who worked at Salford Royal and Ұ������ Royal Infirmary in the 1920s and 1930s.

Donations to The University of Ұ������ play a critical role in delivering this world-leading brain research. If you'd like to find out more about how you could support the future of the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, please contact supporters@manchester.ac.uk.

In the coming months, the appointment of a new brain research chair will be also announced at The University of Ұ������ – this person will drive a world-leading programme of research working in partnership with the NHS and Ұ������ Cancer Research Centre, bring in new grants and brain tumour models, and attract research trainees into the university.

Nebeyou Bikila Legasse learned about our Equity and Merit Scholarships while browsing the British Council website. The University awards these each year to academically excellent students from Sub-Saharan Africa, in order to empower them to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries and beyond. 

The scholarships are jointly funded by the University and its donors. The University covers students’ tuition fees in full, and the generosity of our donors pays for their living expenses, flights to the UK and visas.

Nebeyou obtained his MSc in International Development, and is now working as a project supervisor for an AI company. He has around nine years of experience working with vulnerable communities in local NGOs, including people with disabilities and other groups. 

Telling us about the motivation to apply for E&M scholarships, he explained: “I am interested in pursuing knowledge in terms of international relations or international development. I found the course at The University of Ұ������ and the scholarship opportunity to be a good fit.”

He said that his time studying at our University has been unforgettable. Due to Covid, all the study sessions had to be online - yet he was still able to get to know a lot of people, and received a great deal of support from the University.

The situation back in Ethiopia is not so good, according to Nebeyou. As the population grows and cities increase in size in Africa, he focuses on coping with these issues and how to assess urban informality issues and aspects of urban migration. He is also learning more about digital skills that he is currently engaging in, and he therefore hopes to pursue both fields in the future. 

Joanne Jacobs from the University’s International Office oversees the Equity and Merit Scholarships. She said: ‘I am delighted to see that Nebeyou is doing so well, and I'm sure he will continue to make more significant contributions to sustainable development in Ethiopia. Our Equity and Merit scholars really do change lives, but that's only because of their calibre and the hard work and effort they put in. Nebeyou is one of many students we have supported throughout 15 years and we're looking forward to helping other talents in the future.’

The initial award announcement was made in July last year, but due to the pandemic, an official in-person ceremony and celebration has been unable to take place until now.

The prestigious award is for his ongoing charity work and well-publicised campaign against child poverty off the field, as well as his outstanding sporting achievements on the pitch.

The accolade is the highest honour the University can bestow and, at just 23 years old, Marcus is the youngest recipient of an honorary degree in the history of The University of Ұ������.

He joins fellow Ұ������ United club legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, who have also been honoured by the University in the past. Sir Alex Ferguson joined Marcus’s friends and family in attendance to see the England international receive his award from The University of Ұ������’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell.

Marcus said: “To be here in the presence of a great such as Sir Alex, and those who have played a huge role in my journey to be where I am today is special.

“I’m here to receive my Honorary Doctorate for my work around child poverty. Yesterday, millions of families across the UK lost a lifeline and a means of staying afloat. A move that could see child poverty rise to 1 in 3 children. For that reason, today is bittersweet.

“It’s time that representatives got out into communities like mine. It’s time they saw first-hand the true measure of struggle. COVID-19 can no longer be used as an excuse.”

On presenting Marcus with his honorary degree, Professor Rothwell said: “Marcus is an exceptional young man who continues to demonstrate a sense of community and generosity that goes well beyond his years.

“Our University also has social responsibility at its core, and we are extremely proud to share these values with Marcus. It really is an honour to finally present him with this well-deserved award on behalf of our institution.

“His ongoing charity work and high-profile campaigns not only help millions of people across the country, but inspire many more to try and make a difference themselves. Long may it continue.”

In remarks at the ceremony, Collette Roche, Ұ������ United’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Marcus is an exceptional footballer and an exceptional person. He is a young man who embodies everything which this club stands for – he is humble, he is passionate and he is driven to succeed in everything he does.

“Those qualities have shone through in his work to champion the needs of young people, to tackle food poverty and to deliver real change which has helped thousands of families across the country when they needed it most.

“We are all so proud of you Marcus and it is wonderful for us all to be with you and your family this evening to see your efforts recognised.”

Ұ������ United and England footballer, Marcus Rashford, will receive an honorary doctorate from The University of Ұ������ later this summer it has been announced today (Wednesday, 15 July).

The award, which is the highest honour the University can bestow, will be for his remarkable campaign against child poverty off the field and outstanding sporting achievements on the pitch. At just 22 years old he will be the youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree from The University of Ұ������.

The University, like Marcus, has social responsibility at its core and has given such awards to Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, sharing a long history with the club that Marcus is now a part of. Rashford is already a key player for club and country, but his ongoing charity work has seen him make headlines on both the front and back pages in recent weeks.

He said: “It’s a proud day for myself and my family. When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it’s humbling. We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country but receiving recognition from your city means we are heading in the right direction and that means a lot. Thank you to The University of Ұ������.”

During the lockdown, Rashford, from Wythenshawe in Ұ������, teamed up with the poverty and food waste charity, FareShare. The collaboration has led to £20 million raised in financial and food donations enabling 3.9 million meals to be distributed to the country’s most vulnerable every week during the Global COVID-19 pandemic.

On 15 June, he pushed the campaign forward even further by writing a heartfelt open letter to the UK Government. He followed up this message with a high-profile publicity and social media campaign drawing on his own personal experiences of using foodbanks and afterschool clubs growing up.

36 hours later the Government announced a change in policy, extending the food voucher scheme for those children on free school meals throughout the summer holidays. Rashford’s campaign was credited as a major turning point in the Government’s thinking.

Now, despite the return of Premier League football, the striker says he will continue to campaign for those most vulnerable across the UK.

President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: “Marcus is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and drive that stretches well beyond the football field.

“His work for charity and his high-profile campaign will not only help countless young people across our own city, but across the entire country.

“Our university has social responsibility at its core and this sense of civic pride and duty is something we are proud to share with Marcus. That is why the University is delighted to make Marcus our youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree.”

Now back on the pitch, Rashford is enjoying one of his most productive seasons for the club he joined at just seven years old. Since scoring on his debut in February 2016, so far in his United career Rashford has won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, FA Community Shield and UEFA Europa League.

A spokesperson from Ұ������ United said: “Marcus is an exceptional player and an exceptional person. His work with FareShare and his focus on child poverty make him richly deserving of this tremendous honour and everyone at Ұ������ United is incredibly proud of him.”

The University of Ұ������ has been named the most targeted university by the UK’s top 100 graduate employers for the third year in a row, according to .

The Graduate Market in 2020 is an independent annual review of graduate vacancies and starting salaries at the UK’s leading employers. It is carried out by High Flyers Research.

This is the fifteenth year that the organisation has produced the independent assessment of the graduate job market. In that time, no other institution has been number one more frequently than The University of Ұ������ or ranked as consistently amongst the top three.

This is just the latest graduate employment achievement for the University follows other recent successes. Ұ������ was named the University of the Year for Graduate Employment by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020.

It was also ranked in the top ten UK universities for overall graduate employability, alumni outcomes, employer reputations and partnerships with employers in the latest which lists more than 1,000 universities globally.

The  has moved up to 5th in the UK, 11th in Europe and 45th in the world in the Financial Times annual ranking of the 

The top ten universities targeted by the largest number of top graduate employers was Ұ������, Birmingham, Warwick, Bristol, Cambridge, Nottingham, Leeds, University College London, Sheffield and Oxford.

Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: “I’m delighted that, once again, the University has retained its position as the most popular destination for the UK’s top employers to find the best and brightest graduates.

“As always, it demonstrates the immense amount of effort and hard work our students and graduates put into their studies and additional co-curricular activities that gives them the edge in the graduate employment market.”

High Fliers Research is an independent market research company which specialises in student and graduate research. The company also produces The UK Graduate Careers Survey, a comprehensive annual study of over 20,000 final year undergraduates at thirty-four leading universities, which is supported and funded by up to 75 national and international employers each year.

Tammy Goldfeld, Head of Careers and Employability at the University, said: “This is another great achievement for the University and our careers service. It also shows the huge effort a large network of academic and professional staff put into helping our students to succeed once they graduate.”

This year’s Winter Graduation saw the first five students from Ethiopia receive their awards and celebrate their academic achievements.

These were Aida Bayissa (MSc International Development), Binyam Andargie (MSc International Fashion Marketing), Brook Makonnen (MSc Environmental Governance)

Ruth Bezu (MSc International Development: Poverty, Inequality and Development) and

Yacob Tsegaye (MSc Communications and Signal Processing).

The Equity and Merit Scholarships are for academically excellent students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development in their home countries.

Aida, who was attending the ceremony with her mother, said: “The graduation itself was great, oh yes. My mum was very proud. This was her first time in the UK and it was a great occasion to celebrate that.”

Now in its eleventh year, the has been awarded to nearly 300 students from Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, with Ethiopia being the latest country to benefit.

Whilst the positive aspects of the scholarship are apparent, it still leaves the recipients with a lot of sacrifices to make. For example, prior to gaining her scholarship, Aida had a successful career in policy at the Tony Blair Institute in Ethiopia, as well as already having a master’s in Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

She adds: “It was a really a big decision. I left a successful job and career in my home country. It took a lot of sacrifice, but I knew it was what I wanted to do. I had no hesitation once I knew my application had been successful. So, yes, it was a big decision but it was also an easy one in the end.”

Plus adapting to a new culture and country can also be challenge, but Aida says the friendly nature of the University and city itself helped her settle in: “Ұ������ is a very welcoming place. Of course there were some adjustments.

“The weather for example, I came in August when it was meant to be summer and it was raining, but that’s true Ұ������, right? But overall it was a very positive experience from the day I arrived. I’m very happy I chose to come here and have no regrets at all.”

However, had it not have been for a tweet on social media by a high profile member of university staff, Aida may have never applied to Ұ������ at all: “I saw the Equity and Merit Scholarship in a tweet by the Chancellor, Lemy Sissay. I follow him on social media due to his connections with Ethiopia and a charity I have worked with. Once I saw that it peaked my interest and the rest is history as they say.”

Aida now aims to use her extensive knowledge and varied skillset to set up her own policy-based consultancy that will work with governments and international agencies.

Joanne Jacobs, from the University’s International Office, oversees the Equity and Merit Scholarships, said: “Having the full cohort of Equity and Merit scholarships from Ethiopia attend our Winter Graduation is a really special occasion.

“Graduations are always a time of celebration and our Equity and Merit scholars really do change lives but that’s only because of the calibre of the recipients and the amount of hard work and effort they put in. That’s why it was such an honour to welcome them back.”

A University of Ұ������ graduate is raising money for girls’ football through a company she started while studying for her Bachelor’s degree.

Grace Vella, 22 and originally from Skelmersdale in West Lancashire, graduated on Tuesday (16 July) from The University of Ұ������’s . She leaves not only with a First Class honours degree in Psychology, but also at the head of a new company that aims to empower and engage women and girls in football.

Started by Grace in her third year, while she was on placement with a charity supporting young homeless people, was launched at the annual Skem Athletic Tournament in 2018. Through the sale of female-oriented football merchandise, MissKick is able to fund grassroots girls’ football teams, with over £500 raised so far.

As a student of The University of Ұ������, Grace was eligible to take part in , a student start-up programme based in Greater Ұ������. After a selection process in which she had to pitch her idea, Grace was one of 15 finalists from 125 applicants. Through the programme, she was given funding, support and office space for six months, something she says supported her in establishing MissKick.

Football has always formed a large part of Grace’s life. As a child, she played for her local team, before signing with Liverpool at 13 years old. At 18, she moved to Ұ������ City, and while she then left to pursue her degree in Psychology, she remains heavily involved in the sport, currently playing for Chorley FC.

One of her long-term goals for MissKick is to challenge the perception that football is a sport “just for boys”, something she came up against growing up. The recent surge of popularity around the FIFA Women’s World Cup has encouraged Grace that the women’s game is being noticed and taken seriously. As she points out, viewing figures for the semi-final game between England and the USA beat those of the men’s game’s Champions League final earlier this year.

“Ұ������ will always hold a special place in my heart. I’d never known anything other than Skelmersdale, so moving to a city like Ұ������ was a big transition. I’ve the best memories, and walking away with my first class degree is all that I’ve ever wanted. The University were super supportive of MissKick. I can’t thank my Academic Advisor, Alison, enough for the support she has given me.”

Needless to say, Grace’s achievements during her time at The University of Ұ������ have not gone unnoticed. Alison Fisher, Programme Director of BSc Psychology at the University, complimented the “outstanding” student for her accomplishments so far, adding: “Grace’s hard work, determination and her drive to improve the lives of others embodies what it means to be a Ұ������ graduate; we are incredibly proud to have her as a member of our alumni community.”

After graduating, Grace plans to focus on MissKick. She said: “Studying at university and trying to work on my business has been super tough! So I am excited to be able to have the time to focus on just the one thing. I’d never say never to coming back to do a Masters, however, for the meantime, I feel the best option is to put all my energy into MissKick, as I want to be able to give myself the best opportunity for this to work.”

Grace shares regular updates on MissKick’s events and achievements through the , as well as via , and Twitter .

Two brothers, who have both graduated from The University of Ұ������, are aiming to build on their world-leading rankings in basketball by being selected for the Irish 2020/2024 Olympic team.

Twins Cian and Tadhg Hickey, 23, from County Donegal in Ireland, are both LLB students graduating from The University of Ұ������ this summer. The brothers are also Sport Scholarship students who have been described as ‘the heart and soul’ of the carrying out a range of officer roles as well as voluntary coaching in the community.

In the 5 vs 5 traditional format of basketball they have represented Ireland at under 18 and the UK Select under 23 squads at International level, whilst attending one of the best academies in England - Myerscough College. They have both played top flight Men’s Basketball in England, securing the prestigious BUCS Division 1 title earlier this month. Now the siblings have set their sights on the Olympics.

Tadhg said of their Olympic selection target: “As we continue to achieve international success and recognition throughout the 3x3 community, we compete against the best in the world and our sights are now set on the FIBA 3x3 professional tour and Olympic selection. As the only team in the world made up of three brothers, Séamus Hickey being our final teammate, we are excited to show what we can do.”

The past 12 months have seen the Hickey twins travel across the globe whilst balancing their studies competing against NBA and professional standard players, winning titles and gaining increasing profile-currently ranked the number one team in Ireland. After success in Holland and Germany they are targeting 2020 and 2024 Olympic selection.

Speaking about his time at the University Cian said: “Ұ������ has been amazing and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time at the University representing PURPLE&PROUD. We have balanced our academic studies, work and sporting goals while self-funding our 3x3 ventures thus far. As we push forward as international athletes and aspire for Olympic selection, we are seeking sponsorship that will allow us the opportunity to play in higher profile tournaments more consistently throughout the world.”

Cian and Tadhg were speakers at the Future Champions Breakfast Event held earlier this year, and were jointly awarded the prestigious Sports Man of the year accolades at the annual Sports Awards.

A University of Ұ������ graduate is leaving with a First Class degree, after juggling academic studies with an elite level para-swimming career.

Rosie Bancroft, 24, originally from Oxford, graduated on Tuesday from The University of Ұ������’s with a First Class Honours degree in Zoology. But that’s not all she’s accomplished in her time at the University; she’s also an international athlete who’s coached for The University of Ұ������’s swimming team, and is now starting a new job as part of the University’s sports department.

Starting at a young age, Rosie has always loved being in the water. “Swimming,” she says, “was a sport in which I never felt held back at all by my leg” (Rosie has been missing her right leg since birth, and wears a prosthetic). She trained for the City of Oxford team before beginning her degree, which was initially based at the University of Glasgow. After a year there, Rosie was offered a place to train at the in Ұ������, having been selected for the world class pathway program during her A-levels.

Her passion for biology began equally early. “When I was a teenager I loved biology at school”, says Rosie, “[and] I always knew I wanted to do a course related to animals.” Balancing a zoology degree with an international sports career, as well as working part time and volunteering with animals, has been hard work. “When I was swimming I doing up to ten 2-hour swims a week and 3 gym sessions. I was very tired a lot of the time but as I was passionate about everything I was working towards I felt motivated. And it all payed off in the end!”

“The University has been so supportive the whole time I’ve been here. For example, when I was training in Thailand on a Team GB camp I missed one of my exams, and my lecturer wrote me my own exam so that I could sit it when I got back. I found that a lot of the staff at the University went out of their way for me whilst I was here.”

Now, Rosie is bringing her experience as the head coach of the University’s swim team into her new role as a Sports Sabbatical Officer, heading up the Executive Committee which works alongside the sports department and has input into decision making and events organising. This is a full-time, one year post, after which she hopes to utilise her degree through working in wildlife conservation project management.

As she comes to the end of her studies, Rosie has this advice for students just starting out; “Being part of the university swim team has been a highlight of my time at university and I would definitely recommend trying out different sports or societies. It’s a great way to meet people and adds a lot to your time at university!”

Scientist and businessman, Dr Gerald Chan delivered The University of Ұ������’s prestigious annual Foundation Day lecture yesterday. He was then awarded an honorary doctorate along with scientists Emmanuelle Charpentier and CNR Rao, architect Rachel Haugh and actor Sarah Lancashire.

Dr Chan chose the subject of ‘Biotechnology and the Conflation of Science, Business and Ethics’ for his speech and told the audience in the University’s Whitworth Hall how his work as an investor and scientist has made him reflect on the limitless possibilities of science and medicine and how this interacts with economics and ethics and the ways in which we make decisions about funding our healthcare.

The speech was the centrepiece of the Foundation Day, which the University holds each year to mark the bringing together of the Victoria University of Ұ������ and the University of Ұ������ Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 2004.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Ұ������, said: "This year's five honorary graduates share with the University a fundamental commitment to improving lives through science, medicine, industry, the built environment and the creative arts.

"Foundation Day marks an important annual milestone in our history and highlights our identity as a global institution anchored in the city of Ұ������. We are delighted to award these honorary doctorates to such inspirational individuals on this special day."

This year honorary doctorates were awarded to the following:

Dr Gerald Chan is the co-founder of Morningside, a private investment group with venture capital, private equity and property investments. He has led the start-up of many biotechnology companies, enabling pioneering technologies in oncology, infectious disease and many other areas.

In addition to industrial companies and property, he invested in many of China’s internet companies. Some of these have joined the ranks of the largest companies in China such as the mobile phone company Xiaomi.

Dr Chan is a member of Harvard University’s Global Advisory Council, the Dean's Board of Advisors of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Harvard China Fund. He chairs the Innovation Advisory Committee of the Wellcome Trust in the UK and the Overseers Committee of the Morningside College of Chinese University of Hong Kong.

He received his BS and MS degrees in engineering from UCLA, his Master's degree in medical radiological physics and Doctor of Science degree in radiation biology from Harvard University. He received his post-doctoral training at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School.

In 2013, he was elected to an honorary fellowship at Wolfson College, Oxford University. In 2017, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Widely recognised for her innovative research that laid the foundation for the ground-breaking CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering technology, Professor Emmanuelle Charpentier is founding and Acting Director of the Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens, Scientific Director at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology and Honorary Professor at Humboldt University, Berlin.

Previously she was Alexander von Humboldt Professor and Head of Department at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Professor at the Hannover Medical School, Germany, Associate and Visiting Professor at the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (EMBL Partnership), Umeå University, and Assistant and Associate Professor at the Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna. She has also held several research associate positions in the US.

Professor Charpentier received her education in microbiology, biochemistry and genetics from the University Pierre and Marie Curie and the Pasteur Institute in Paris. She has received prestigious international awards and distinctions and is an elected member of national and international academies. She is co-founder of CRISPR Therapeutics and ERS Genomics.

After graduating from the University of Bath, architect Rachel Haugh returned to the northwest, co-founding SimpsonHaugh in 1987. Inspired by the belief in the power of high quality design to lead to the regeneration of post-industrial cities and a passionate advocate for her home city, Rachel has played an integral role in building the practice‘s strong portfolio and reputation as leading urban and civic architects.

Having spearheaded the masterplan for the rebuilding of the city centre after the 1996 IRA bomb, notable Ұ������ projects include Urbis (The National Football Museum), No 1 Deansgate, Beetham Hilton Tower, the Town Hall Extension, Two St Peter’s Square and No 1 Spinningfields and in London, Battersea Power Station, and One Blackfriars. Internationally, Queen Elisabeth Hall, a new world-class and acoustically exemplary concert hall in Antwerp, has recently completed.

Rachel was a finalist for the AJ Women in Architecture, Architect of the Year Award 2015, is a key representative for the Women in Architecture (WIA) campaign, an Age Friendly Ұ������ Ambassador and a member of the London Legacy Development Corporation Quality Review Panel.

Sarah Lancashire was born in Ұ������ and trained as an actress at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Sarah was awarded a Guildhall Fellowship in 2010.

She has received numerous industry awards both here and abroad in recognition of her work across television, theatre and film. Her 33 year career has taken her from the Library Theatre in Ұ������ via the West End in London, along a certain cobbled ‘Street’ in Weatherfield and onto countless other dramatic landscapes.

Her most recent credits include ‘Last Tango in Halifax’ and the internationally acclaimed ‘Happy Valley’ both of which gained her awards from BAFTA and The Royal Television Society. She was awarded an OBE in 2017 for Services to Drama.

Professor CNR Rao research interests are mainly in the chemistry of materials. He obtained his PhD degree from Purdue University (1958) and DSc degree from the University of Mysore (1961). He is Linus Pauling Research Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and Honorary Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (both at Bangalore).

He is a fellow of the Royal Society, London, foreign associate of the US National Academy of Sciences and a member of the Japan, French and Russian as well as other science academies. He is the recipient of the Einstein Gold Medal of UNESCO, the Hughes and Royal Medals of the Royal Society, the August Wilhelm von Hofmann medal of the German Chemical Society, the Dan David Prize and Trieste Science Prize for materials research and the first India Science Prize. He was conferred the von Hippel award by the Materials Research Society in 2017. He has published 1,600 research papers; authored and edited 52 books. He is the recipient of Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour of India.

In keeping with Dr Chan's speech, a video about the University's work in Industrial Biotechnology was also shown.

Whilst most students are eager to celebrate the end of university life with a party before planning their next move beyond university life, Physics graduate, Jake Johnson, is instead preparing to cycle more than 10,000 miles for charity.

After four years of rigorous studies in the , Jake will continue his uphill cycle by biking from Singapore to France for the charity , which provides mobility equipment and funding for disabled children and families.

It is a cause that hits close to home for Jake – much, much closer to home than he will be during the next year – as the charity greatly improved the life of his younger sister, who uses a wheelchair.

Preparing for his journey, Jake says the people he’s met and the positive experiences he’s had during his time at The University of Ұ������ helped inspire him to make the epic journey.

He said: “Being part of such a big university meant that there were motivated, driven and interesting people to meet, work and play with. It was great to meet like-minded people with whom I share certain to values, and even better to meet different people who have made my values evolve!”

While he may not have learned about cycling in the physics labs, he says his time at Ұ������ also helped him to learn about diverse people, places and giving back to others. He is now ready to put this into practice and begin a new next chapter away from university.

He added: “My favourite thing about studying at Ұ������ was the huge variety of people I had the privilege of meeting throughout it. But now I’m ready to tackle the next stage of my life and try to use what I’ve learnt through the last four years as a base from which I can learn more.”

With his cycling marathon on the horizon – they set off on New Year’s Day 2019, Jake’s summer will be devoted to supporting Newlife and preparing for his travels. Jake plans to attend cycling and adventure festivals, where he will run fundraising mini-competitions for festival-goers by challenging them to do 1km sprints on exercise bikes. He will also be giving talks about his journey and donating funds to Newlife.

Beyond outreach and fundraising, Jake will be practicing other endurance challenges and working at a bike shop to save money for his journey. Jake and Pierre will be sharing updates about their cycling challenge on , and their blog, .

They will be taking for securing equipment and finalising their journey until October. Any donation, no matter how small, will be warmly received to set them on their way to adventure.

An ‘outstanding’ engineering graduate’s exceptional academic success has been rewarded with a double-award win and a sought-after internship at one of the world’s biggest companies.

Nicolo Frisiani, who is 21 and originally from Milan, is graduating from The University of Ұ������'s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering today (Thursday 18^th July). He will then head to London to spend his summer as a Marketing Strategy and Data Analyst Intern at PayPal.

However, not only is he celebrating his gradation and placement, but also winning the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Prize for Outstanding Students and University’s own Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (OAAA).

The IET prize is awarded annually to students nominated by their universities as that year’s most exceptional student. Nick Winser CBE, IET President said: “Our IET Prizes are a way for talented engineering students to be recognised for their outstanding ability in the early stages of their engineering journey.”

The University’s OAAA is given only to the top 0.5% of graduating students every year for their exceptional achievement and hard work. Nicolo received the award not only for his studies during university hours and being active member of campus life, but also his impressive drive to gain practical, industry experience.

This included a Business Development internship at V-Nova, a video-encoding start-up, in London after finishing his first year. The following year, he balanced working part-time as a Lead Student Head Hunter for Sanctuary Graduates while acting as treasurer of the University’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering Society (EEESoc). Finally, last summer, Nicolo packed his bags for Madrid, where he worked as a Data Science Intern at multinational bank, Santander.

Despite all his academic, placement and award-winning success, Nicolo says it will be the staff and students at the university that he will remember most fondly.

He said: “I would say that despite really liking my course and the challenges that came with it, the thing I enjoyed the most was the people. The University is filled with really amazing students and teachers and in these three years I built very strong relationships with many of them that will certainly last forever.”

After gradation he will be spending his summer as a Marketing Strategy and Data Analyst Intern at PayPal before staying in London to complete his master’s in Machine Learning at Imperial College this autumn. 

Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green visited the University of Ұ������ this weekend to celebrate the achievement of local pupils who have successfully completed The Scholars Programme – a prestigious national scheme which gives school pupils an opportunity to experience university-style learning.

The programme recruits, trains and places PhD researchers in non-selective state schools to deliver university-style tutorials based on their own research to small groups of pupils. The pupils Kate Green met with have been studying a diverse range of courses with their PhD tutors in schools across the region, including ‘What is Fairness?’ and ‘Diabetes: It Really Does Get on our Nerves’.

The Scholars Programme is run by , an award-winning charity whose aim is increase the number of pupils from under-represented backgrounds progressing to highly-selective universities.

An independent evaluation by the Universities and Colleges Application Services (UCAS) showed that nearly sixty percent of pupils who complete the programme go on to attend a highly-selective university.

For pupils on the programme who were eligible for free school meals, 58% progressed to a highly-selective university, compared to a national rate of 11%.

said: “It was great to take part in The Scholars Programme graduation ceremony today, and meet pupils who had worked so hard in their tutorials and on their final assignment.

“I was very impressed at how they engaged with such a complex and challenging academic topic. I wish the pupils the very best for the future, and I encourage more schools to give their pupils the chance to benefit from this programme.”

Very excited to be presenting graduation certificates today at Ұ������ university to students who’ve completed the Scholars Programme. Well done all!

— Kate Green (@KateGreenSU)

One of the PhD students who took part was Connor Rogerson, who is studying molecular cancer. He said: “Being able to teach your own research to secondary school pupils is such an incredible and unique experience and I was so impressed by their innate ability to understand complex topics at the forefront of research.”

Stephanie Lee, Head of Widening Participation at The University of Ұ������ said: “Here at The University of Ұ������ we were delighted to welcome Kate Green MP to give the keynote speech today and share in the pupils’ success. We are proud to be a partner university of The Brilliant Club and to work with pupils across the North West in order to widen access to highly-selective universities.”

Dr Chris Wilson, CEO of The Brilliant Club said: “In Britain today, there’s an entrenched link between a young person’s background and their chance of education success.

“The Scholars Programme helps pupils develop the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil their academic potential and secure places at highly-selective universities. We’re really grateful to Kate Green for taking time to come and see the great work that our partner schools and universities are doing, and the amazing things pupils are achieving.”

This month has seen Ұ������ City Football Club Captain, Vincent Kompany graduate from Alliance Ұ������ Business School with a Master's in Business Administration (MBA).

Vincent studied , which is made up of core business and management courses, specialist electives and two practical business projects. He was awarded a merit grade and achieved a distinction with a score of 72 on his dissertation project, which looked at how professional football clubs in the Premier League can benefit from home game advantage and achieve game-changing levels of improvement.

Commenting on his achievement, Vincent said: “I’ve always felt education is very important and this was instilled into me by my late mother from an early age. It felt like a fitting tribute to my mother to pursue my academic career by studying an MBA. The programme at Alliance Ұ������ Business School was the ideal option for me.

“When you’re playing football at the top levels, even managing your personal finances starts to become like running a business. It was important to me that I understood what my accountant was talking about and that I could confidently assess a business plan to take ownership of this area of my life. I’m an entrepreneur at the core so have a natural interest in business. The MBA was about backing this up with academic learning and research.

“The MBA itself was extremely rewarding and quickly demonstrated how our learning could be applied practically. It was a huge personal challenge initially and I really had to persevere but the academic staff and other students on my course provided vital support and positivity, which I continuously learned from. I was reassured by the fact other people on the course, who were clearly brilliant in their own professional fields, also faced real human challenges and limitations. Ұ������ has a brilliant ‘get up and get on’ attitude. The Global MBA provided me with the flexibility around my football career to be able to complete the course around the demands of the day job.

“Football is more than a sport. It impacts social issues and is big business. I was able to focus my research on the football industry and how clubs can benefit from home advantage. Part of this involved interviewing 25 footballers who have played at the top levels of international football. I feel I have crossed the finishing line of the course much better than when I started and although I want to continue playing football as long as possible, I may look to use this combination of academic learning and years of playing experience in the future.”

This international MBA promises to fit around a student’s career and personal commitments, providing a flexible and cohesive blend of face-to-face workshop residentials and online interactive elements. The workshops allow students to learn in small group environments through the University of Ұ������’s network of global centres (Ұ������, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai or Sao Paulo) from expert faculty and peers who are well-respected professionals. This learning is complemented by online interactions with academics, business professionals and peers from all over the world.

The learning in the MBA is applied throughout the programme of studies with a Business Simulation, a live business project, and intensive group work at the workshop residentials, leaving graduates with practical business and management skills to propel their careers.

MBA Programmes Director at Alliance Ұ������ Business School, Xavier Duran added: “Vincent’s remarkable academic performance culminated with an excellent final MBA project that, following robust methodology, concluded with strong and timely strategic recommendations. His graduation is an impressive achievement.

“Having met Vincent on his first day on the course, it has been a joy to watch his progress through to graduation. At the business school, we use a teaching approach we call the Ұ������ Method, which Vincent fully embraced. This focuses on group work, practice-based critical learning and personal reflection.”

Find out more about the 

A nursing student and single mum of two, has defied the odds to achieve a first as a Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) at the University of Ұ������.

Emma Ridpath, from Warrington, was also part of the nursing team who looked after victims of the Ұ������ Arena bombing at Royal Ұ������ children’s hospital intensive care unit.

She was based at the unit during the final part of her training when the tragedy happened.

Even the loss of her beloved grandfather William, just before she started her final year’s studies, did not stand in the way of her success.

Her success has been a family affair: daughter Courtney, 11, son Nathan, 9 and mum Pam have all been doing their upmost to support her.

She said: “There have been a lot of setbacks along the way, but with the help of my two wonderful children I managed to achieve a first class honours.

“It’s given me a chance to pursue my life-long dream of being a nurse. I’ve always wanted to be able to care for people.

“I’ll never forget the amazing patients and relatives who came into the unit on that terrible day in May. I could hardly believe it was happening – but the bravery and dignity of those people was a very powerful experience.”

As soon as Emma finished her studies she was snapped up by Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, intensive care unit, where she has been working since September.

Her studies, she says were tough but ultimately gave her the skills she needed to find her dream job.

She is also hoping to publish her dissertation on the experience of nurses and their families of bereavement in an intensive care unit.

She added: “The course gave me an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology - which is very helpful for anyone who wants to work in intensive care.

“I made some wonderful friends on the course. And without my wonderful academic advisor I don’t know what I would have done. Diane was always there for me.

“Dianne and the staff went above and beyond their duty in the help they provided for me.

Dianne Burns who is a senior lecturer in nursing said: “As Emma’s academic advisor during her studies, I have seen her work exceedingly hard to develop her academic and clinical skills whilst overcoming much personal adversity.

Even during those hard times her commitment to her learning journey was clearly evident in everything she did, always submitting a high standard of academic work.

As a future Children’s nurse, Emma’s passion and dedication to the patient’s in her care was also clear to see, especially in the wake of the Ұ������ Arena attack when Emma was involved in providing nursing care to some of the unfortunate victims.

“I think I speak for all of us here in the Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work when I say that she is truly an inspirational student of whom we are very proud.”

A life-story which took one 12-year-old refugee on an inspirational solo journey from war-torn Afghanistan to graduation in Ұ������ was retold on Wednesday as delivered the University’s annual Foundation Day lecture.

Gulwali, who is the author of the best-selling book, the Lightless Sky, spoke about his journey in ‘From a war zone to the lecture theatre’ as part of a programme of celebrations and honorary graduations to mark the foundation of The University of Ұ������.

In his lecture, Gulwali detailed how, as a 12-year-old about to be forced to join the Taliban or the NATO-backed army, he endured an unimaginably difficult year of solitary hardship on the road.

His journey forced him to contend with hunger, illness, a terrifying 50-hour sea crossing in darkness with 100 other refugees, and a motorway journey clinging to a hot engine inside a lorry.

Arriving in the UK, he taught himself English and eventually enrolled on the Ұ������ Access Programme which helped him to gain a place on a from which he . Since then he has continued to work as a fervent advocate for many social justice issues and causes.

Gulwali said: “I am truly honoured and privileged to have this enormous opportunity to give the Foundation Day Lecture. The University and Ұ������ have welcomed me with open arms and hearts and I want to give back through advocacy, activism and campaigning for social justice, human rights and education.

“I greatly enjoyed meeting the people who support those like me who attend university because of programmes like MAP.”

The annual marks the bringing together of the Victoria University of Ұ������ and the University of Ұ������ Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and, as well as a lecture, honorary degrees are conferred.

This year, four of these were awarded.

Nazir Afzal OBE, was Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North West of England and formerly Director in London. Most recently, he was Chief Executive of the country’s Police & Crime Commissioners. During a 24 year career, he led nationally on several legal topics including Violence against Women & Girls, child sexual abuse, and honour based violence and had responsibility for more than 100,000 prosecutions each year.

His prosecutions of the so-called ‘Rochdale grooming gang’, BBC presenter Stuart Hall and hundreds of others were ground-breaking and drove the work that has changed the landscape of child protection. Since stepping down, he has become an international expert on extremism and radicalisation and also holds an honorary position in the University’s School of Law.

The acclaimed BBC film, Three Girls, was based on his Rochdale case and he is also the only lawyer to ever prosecute a case before the Queen.

Professor Dame Janet Finch is a social scientist who has spent her professional career in universities, and latterly in non-executive roles in public service and the not-for-profit sector. She has occupied a variety of leadership roles in the university sector, and was Vice-Chancellor of Keele University (1995-2010).

Her academic discipline is sociology; she has researched and published widely on the topic of family relationships in particular. She has also provided academic leadership nationally in a number of roles related to research policy and funding.

She was awarded a CBE in 1999, and a DBE in 2008, for services to social science and higher education.

Dr Eli Harari received his from The University of Ұ������ in 1969 and his PhD in Solid State Sciences from Princeton University in 1973.

In 1976 he invented the practical floating gate EEPROM. This led to the publication in 1978 of his research work which is the foundational physics for today’s Flash memory.

In 1988 he founded SunDisk (later renamed SanDisk) where he served as CEO and Chairman until his retirement in 2010.

At SanDisk he drove the industry-wide adoption of the System-Flash invention that is at the heart of today’s memory cards, USB flash drives, solid state drives, and the flash storage in every smartphone.

He is the inventor or co-inventor of 180 patents and was inducted into the American National Inventors Hall of Fame. Among numerous awards and honours, he is a recipient of the US 2012 National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

Artist Cornelia Parker OBE is internationally renowned for her sculpture and installations. Parker’s work is concerned with formalising things beyond our control, containing the volatile and transforming it into something that is quiet, contemplative and often tragi-comic. Some of her most noted works include The Distance (A Kiss with String Attached) (2003), The Maybe, in collaboration with Tilda Swinton (1995), and Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1988-9).

Her recent solo exhibitions include The Roof Garden Commission: Transitional Object (PsychoBarn) (2016), Metropolitan Museum NY, Magna Carta (An Embroidery) British Library London (2015). Her mid-career retrospective helped relaunch , Ұ������ in 2015.

She was nominated for the Turner Prize in 1997, elected as a Royal Academician in 2009 and appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2010.

She is currently an Honorary Professor at The University of Ұ������, Honorary Fellow of Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oxford and she was the Official Election Artist for 2017.

, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Ұ������, said: “On the University’s Foundation Day it was an honour to award degrees to four outstanding people who have achieved so much in their own fields.

“Our speaker, Gulwali, has a remarkable story of determination to tell and I’m sure his words will help to inspire others to similar levels of success.”

You can read a blog written by Gulwali Passarlay earlier this year on the .

This lecture coincides with - a series of events, activities, blogs and features in October to explore migration's relationship with inequalities, social justice, belonging and Brexit.

A student from The University of Ұ������ is celebrating after graduating from her degree only three months after giving birth to twin girls.

Harriet McMahon had just started the final year of her Archaeology & Anthropology degree when she discovered she was expecting twins. She was delighted, but also knew this would make her final year much more complicated to complete. 

Against the advice of some family and friends, Harriet decided to carry on with her course rather than deferring until she had given birth. However, she took her studies and her pregnancy in her stride, and university staff and her fellow students offered support wherever they could.

Despite having extreme morning sickness for the first three months of her pregnancy and having to spend a lot of time at home during this, she was closely supported by her academic supervisor Dr Melanie Giles, who met with her one-on-one and prepared her for her final year exam.

She was also supported by her fellow students, who stepped in to help in their group work projects, including their archaeology radio programme.

She thought she would be able to complete her studies before giving birth, but her twins - Florence and Mathilda – actually arrived three weeks early, which meant she had to finish her dissertation while caring for them. Dr Giles ensured she helped with this by meeting with Harriet – and the twins – and helping her to meet her deadlines.

Harriet now plans to take some months off with her new arrivals, but has applied for several graduate schemes and hopes to begin one of these next year.

"When Harriet told me she was not just expecting, but expecting twins, I was delighted - not least because I am also a twin - but also daunted," said Dr Giles. "They were due before the end of term, and we knew we would have to work hard to get all of her assessments completed by the time they arrived. We nearly managed that!"
 

Skyscanner co-founders, and University of Ұ������ alumni, Gareth Williams and Bonamy Grimes, have been honoured as Outstanding Alumni at the  graduation ceremony today (14^th July).

The Computer Science graduates finished university in 1992 before creating Skyscanner in 2001 with the simple idea of making it easier to book flights online. Since then it has grown into one of the world’s leading travel websites, employing more than 800 staff in ten global offices. Last year it was sold for a massive £1.3 billion to China’s biggest online travel company, Ctrip.

Bonamy attended the ceremony to pick up the award on behalf of them both. On returning to the university 25 years after his original graduation, he said: ‘It was fantastic. I haven’t been back into the hall since my graduation and to see all those faces and think back to when I was in the audience and my big day – it was lovely to see so much optimism and ambition in that room. It was really fantastic.’

Bonamy and Gareth met in their first year at Ұ������ within hours of arriving at the University’s  accommodation in 1989 and have been friends ever since. Bonamy added: ‘We used to socialise together, we were involved in the University ski club together and we kept in touch, we developed a friendship. We kept that going, we kept in touch – and when we both found ourselves in London we used to meet up and that’s how we got the idea of “we need to create something that’s our own”. And that’s how it all started.’

From the humble beginnings of those idea sessions in London, Skyscanner now has approximately 60 million users each month with the company’s app also being downloaded more than 60 million times.

So what guidance would Bonamay give to any budding entrepreneurs graduating today? He said: 'The one piece of advice I’d have is that it’s not about the idea – it’s about the execution. The execution is so much easier if you’ve got people to help you and bounce the idea off and to help deliver and make that idea a reality. Use the contacts you made at university, keep in touch with your friends, take that critical feedback, give that critical feedback when it’s asked for and make something happen – don’t just have the idea.'

Since the company’s sale, Gareth has remained as its CEO whilst Bonamy has stepped down from day-to-day involvement and is now involved in several start-up businesses and a range of charity projects.

A mature student who has stammered since the age of three, has finally achieved his dream of qualifying as a at The University of Ұ������ with a first-class honours, graduating on July 13.

Richards Stephens, 37, went through his child and teenage years, he said, as being seen as stupid, shy or anxious, because he repeatedly avoided speaking to others to escape negative reactions towards his stammer.

But now he is preparing to commence an MSc in neuroimaging and neuroscience at Ұ������- the first Speech and Language Therapy graduate ever to do so.

“When you are young, stammering affects everything,” he said.

“I wouldn’t offer to perform in school plays or speak up in class. I couldn’t even say my own name”.

Richard, treated by a speech and language therapist from the age of 7, says therapy repeatedly failed to deal with the deep-seated psychological and social problems he was going through.

In his early thirties, Richard attended the British Stammering Association’s Ұ������ support group, meet many other people who stammered, one being a speech and language therapist. With this support, he gained confidence in his speech and formed a better relationship with his stammer.

His volunteer work at Camp SAY - a camp for children who stammer - in America over the past 3 summers, has been a revelation, as has his friendship with the world-renowned stammering researcher Professor Edward Conture from the United States.

He said: “Stammering used to dominate all of my life choices. I first chose to study IT as an undergraduate at Liverpool John Moores because I thought I wouldn’t have to talk much and could communicate via e-mail.”

“In restaurants I’d order dishes which were easier for me to pronounce and not the ones I really wanted.”

But after gaining confidence in his speech after working as a psychiatric nurse, and through the support group, Richard decided to follow his dream at Ұ������, and ever since, his life has been transformed.

He added: “I was so happy with being able to pursue my dream of being an SLT and working with children and adults who stammer.”

“And yet, 4 years down this path, I’m now getting ready to further my dream with a potential career in postgraduate stammering research. I want to help better understand this speech disorder, not only for myself, but for the benefit of the millions of people who stammer worldwide.”

“I would not have even contemplated this future if not for the influence of so many people I have been fortunate to have met through my experiences at Camp SAY, ASHA, and the support group.”

“But more closer to home, through the on going support from my family, and the support and inspiration I have received from all of the staff attached to the SLT course at Ұ������.”

A high-kicking student is to graduate this week (13 July) at The University of Ұ������, after successfully juggling academic excellence with international success as a Taekwondo athlete.

Second Dan Black Belt Sanjida Faiza, from Wilmslow, was bronze medallist at this year’s prestigious International Brussels Cup where 400 top fighters compete.

Her diminutive 4 ft 11 frame hasn’t held her back from achieving international success.

Sanjida, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of her hero Jade Jones by competing in the 2020 Olympics, was also Mpharm Student of the year in 2016.

The athlete has also found time to be a National Bronze medallist in 2014, 2015 and 2016, coach budding Taekwondo athletes and attend training in Spain with members of the French, Spanish and GB national teams.

She has been a Taekwondo athlete since the age of ten and says it’s the core values of taekwondo such as the discipline, respect and perseverance in the sport which attract her.

She is indebted to her coach Jason Mayoh, who has been with her since the very start, and recalls with pride training with world champions Moldovan Aaron Cook and Belgian Jaouad Achab.

She said: “You need a lot of flexibility, fitness, strength and mental toughness to compete at this sport.

“It’s been a hard slog, training many times a week and competing around the UK and abroad and combining that with my studies.

“I also teach and coach Taekwondo at my local Taekwondo club at least twice a week and have also taught Taekwondo taster sessions at the University.

“But the staff at the University have been brilliant and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

The athlete recalls the time when a head kick knocked her out “I have been knocked out but to be honest it just fires you up. It hurts though, even though you are protected.

She added: “The study is not easy: there’s lots of chemistry and biology and you really need to know your stuff.

“But my academic advisors, family and friends have helped me balance my lifestyle. They have been amazing and have done everything they can to help.”

A student at The University of Ұ������ has overcome serious illness to qualify as a teacher of the deaf, graduating on July 13.

Former primary school teacher Kim Shepherd had her studies interrupted in 2014 when doctors discovered a brain tumour needing urgent surgery.

Thirty years after her first degree, she had started the part-time in 2013, thinking she would be qualified by June 2015.

Though the tumour was benign, Kim was seriously ill for over a year, eventually returning to the course in September 2015.

She said: “Discovering the tumour was a tremendous blow, but my doctors reassured me it could be removed and I would make a complete recovery, probably within six to eight weeks,” she said.

“My course leaders were great: rather than having to give up, I was reassured that I could take an ‘interruption’ and return when I was better.”

“If it hadn’t been for the concern shown for my situation and the flexible arrangements that were made for me after surgery, I wouldn’t have been able to complete my training.”

In spite of the adversity, Kim achieved high grades in her course and was even able to present a break-out workshop at a conference in March

Kim chose her area of study - balance and deaf children – as a direct result of her own experience as her illness had made it difficult for her to balance.

In January Kim was offered her dream job, working part time as a teacher of the deaf at the school where she did her first placement.

She added: “Learning about deaf education was like an awakening for me – I began to view everything I knew about language learning through the prism of hearing loss and realised I wanted to refocus my skills and work with this exceptional group of children.”

“There is always something to learn when you are teaching deaf children. It is a job that keeps you on your toes.

“I am always trying to think of new, better or different ways to engage and involve the pupils I teach, and championing their cause.

“For me, completing the course was a marathon, not a sprint, but I got there in the end.”

A student who is the Managing Director of his own start-up company aiming to design and build the world’s first spaceplane is graduating today (July 11th).

Adriano Parisi, who is graduating with a Masters in Phyisics from the , led a team of physics and aeronautical engineering students in setting up start-up company, Vanguard Advanced System (VAS), to design and build the plane. The team already have an engine concept and an Athena-class aircraft design. 

During the final year of his studies, Adriano even set up a kicker-starter campaign to help fund the project. Whilst it didn’t raise the lofty £100,000 target, Adriano is still confident he will get his spaceplane concept off the ground in the future.

He said: “The end goal remains the same for us, to build the plane we imagined. Everything we learned during the year we operated under the Vanguard name we are taking forward and improving our approach. Currently, we are looking to develop relatively lower level technologies that will eventually be part of the bigger project to act as funding for expansion and work in the future.”

Even though Adriano remains focused on creating the world’s first spaceplane, it is also just one part of his grand, post-graduation plan. He added: “It is feels great to finish university but probably not for the same reasons as everyone else, which is typically 'no more work', 'no more study' and so on. For me, it feels more like that I am ready to really tackle the projects and issues I want to work on, which makes the last four years seem more worth it in my eyes."

But he is also excited about the potential unpredictability of the life that beyond university that now awaits him. He added: “As cliché as it sounds, the world is my oyster. I'm looking forward to the shear amount of things I can now do. Places to go, people to meet, and to potentially leave a positive legacy whatever that may be. Also looking forward to not knowing what is going to happen in the future. I don't know where I'll end up, what I'll be doing, or who I'll be with. Whilst that scares some, it excites me. The shear uncertainty adds a nice flare to life.”

A student who helped care for her elderly relatives has just graduated from The University of Ұ������, thanks to a scholarship which enabled her to take her dream nursing course.

Lucille Noone has been interested in nursing as a career since she was a child, and recognised that adult nursing was the right field for her when she worked at Ormskirk and Southport hospitals as a domestic assistant and a linen assistant at the age of 16.

She dreamed of attending The University of Ұ������, but thought chances of getting there were slim due to the cost of accommodation and travel.

She was able to go to Ұ������ thanks to the Ұ������ Access Programme (MAP), the University’s flagship social mobility programme, which supports talented pupils aged 16+ who would otherwise be unlikely to attend university due to them living in areas with very low participation in higher education, having low household incomes and/or no family tradition of attending university.

Over a period of 18 months, Lucille participated in a programme of workshops and seminars and received support with her UCAS application. Having achieved her grades at A Level, she was guaranteed a place at The University of Ұ������ and received an Undergraduate Access Scholarship funded by the Himor Property Group.

Lucille’s Undergraduate Access Scholarship eased the financial burden of university, enabling her to continue living at home and helping to look after her relatives throughout her course.

“I am excited to graduate, follow my passions, and explore the variety of places that nursing can take me.”

She has already started to look for employment, and is looking for roles within neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery or surgical oncology.

Lesley Dowdall, Deputy Director for Development at The University of Ұ������, said: “We are thrilled to see Lucille fulfil her lifelong ambition to become a nurse with the help of her donor. We believe a young person’s background should not be a barrier to them gaining a world-class education, and through the generosity of our donors, we are redressing this imbalance. We wish Lucille and our other scholarship students a long and happy career.”

Find out .

To find out more about the Ұ������ Access Programme, .

A Nigerian public health professional has graduated from a world-leading Ұ������ course, and she now hopes to use her skills to improve the health of young people in her home country.

Ogochukwu Okoye, a physician and lecturer at Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria, took the University’s online Master of Public Health course, and wrote her dissertation about the risk of chronic kidney disease in young Nigerians exposed to crude oil - a major concern in the country, as the oil industry has left areas of the Niger Delta heavily polluted.

She now hopes to apply for a grant that will enable her to carry out this research in reality, with the intention of influencing Government policy, improving the local population’s health and instigating a clean-up of the environment.

The University’s Master of Public Health course offers an innovative training approach for public health professionals, or those interested in a career in the area. It equips students with the skills and knowledge to apply to public health concerns at local, national and international level, and the ability to apply theory and scientific principles to practical situations.

The course can be studied entirely online, and most students spread the programme over 3-5 years, remaining in their own country and in employment. Participants come from over 40 countries worldwide, including many in Africa.

"I registered for this course to improve myself in areas of medicine that are key for a wholesome practice," said Ogochukwu. "The team at Ұ������ exposed me to a highly effective manner of teaching, thus made learning worthwhile."

“Our programme teaches students to develop a critical evidence-based approach to the discipline of public health.” said Isla Gemmell, a senior lecturer on The University of Ұ������’s Master of Public Health Programme.

“Throughout her studies, Ogochuckwu demonstrated a great deal of self-motivation and willingness to learn. She is in a unique position to make a real difference to the health of the population in Nigeria through her research and her teaching.”

If you would like to learn more about the Master of Public Health course, .

A young Mum has been able to graduate from Ұ������ with a PhD, thanks to the support and encouragement the University offers to female early career researchers.

Dr Heather Robinson, 30, was working for a pharmaceutical company when she received a fully-funded place on the Evolutionary Genetics masters course at Ұ������. After finishing this and taking a year off, she returned to Ұ������ to work on ancient DNA and microbial ecology.

When she fell pregnant with her second child at the end of her first year, her supervisors enabled her to take 10 months of leave, and when she returned they gave her complete flexibility in her working hours and around-the-clock access to labs and workspace. This enabled her to finish her PhD in 4 and a half years, as opposed to the 6 or 7 it would have taken if she had worked part-time.

Her research involved finding magical and medicinal substances inside ancient African ritual figurines, and identifying the contents of Roman Amphoras at The Ұ������ Museum. Her choice to pursue her PhD at Ұ������ was heavily influenced by the fact that it is one of few British universities to have custom-built Ancient DNA laboratories.

She is now working as a Health Data Analyst in the University’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, where she looks at regional child height and weight measurements and BMI trajectories, and uses data to predict medical conditions. She hopes to stay at Ұ������, both to research and to teach.

“The University has a strong female representation in life science roles, which makes long-term STEM careers seem more feasible to early career researchers. I am proud to be an alumnus.

“It is important to me that my children see me working, even when this has been difficult - it has already changed my son’s view of women’s roles in society, and I am sure it will influence my daughter. They are both very excited that their Mummy is a Doctor!”

A new graduate from The University of Ұ������ who has represented her country at sailing will combine her passion for the sport with her speech and language therapy knowledge as she embarks on a new career.

Blaire Hannan from Bristol graduates on Thursday 21 July with a degree in to cap an amazing four years in which she has carried the Olympic torch in her home town and been involved in Britain’s Paralympic sailing squad.

This is all the more remarkable due to Blaire having a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Fixed Dystonia, which means she is confined to a wheelchair and suffers from chronic pain.

She now hopes to combine her work with a charity which helps disabled and marginalised groups take to the water with her qualification in speech and language therapy to provide an accessible way for people with conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injuries or with learning disorders to receive therapy in a fun and supportive environment.

She said: “I’m passionate about sailing and I believe that sport is a way for people who are disabled to enjoy life to the full. If that can be combined to help them access speech therapy then it’s a win-win situation. Now that I’ve graduated I’ll be looking to secure a position with a hospital which I can link in with my work with Bristol Sailability.”

During her studies Blaire was often forced to miss lectures because of her condition, which she developed following an accident at the age of 13. She had to take a year out at one point but resumed her course and will graduate on Thursday with a 2:1 grade.

She added: “The University was amazing really. They allowed me to have extensions on essays and extra time to complete exams. Now that I’ve graduated I feel that if you put your mind to it you can make anything possible.”

Blaire’s sailing career is also a major part of her life with one of her finest moments being part of the team at the 2012 London Paralympics. Because of her efforts for charity and her impressive sporting record, she was also selected to be an Olympic Torch bearer in 2012 – carrying the flame on an accessible power boat along Bristol Floating Harbour.

Her tutor at The University of Ұ������, senior clinical lecturer, said: “The way Blaire has battled through and performed so well on a very demanding degree programme, not letting her disability stand in her way has been amazing. Not to mention her accolades in sport being a Paralympic sailor and the way she helps others.”

A record-breaking weightlifter will also be carrying the expectations of his patients now that he’s graduated from The University of Ұ������ with .

Scott Wong from graduated last week to add another honour to a list that includes representing his country at the Commonwealth Games.

As well as representing Singapore, he has also represented The University of Ұ������ with distinction by winning the British Student Championships in 2014 and 2016 and the English Northern championships in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

That’s all despite the fact that he only turned to the sport when he couldn’t afford the airfare to attend the South East Asian Games in his original sport of track and field.

Scott said: “I was originally a track and field athlete, and I competed for my country from 2003-2013 as a shot putter and discus thrower. In 2013, I could not obtain funding for my air ticket to compete in the South East Asian games, so I decided to pick up weightlifting and try to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which was just a train ticket away.”

Scott originally came to Ұ������ because of the quality of the medical course and . It’s a decision that has paid off as by combining his training with his studies he’s become the Singaporean national record holder in three categories of the sport.

“My training and study times would complement each other,” said Scott of his time at university. “I would train when my mind was too tired or stressed, and my fitness level would give me the physical and mental fortitude to study smart and study hard.

“Also I had many supportive staff from the University of Ұ������, including dedicated physios, administrators and lecturers, which gave me a solid foundation to work from. Friends and family are also a solid pillar and words cannot describe the help they have given me when the going gets tough.”

Imogen Greatbatch, The University’s Performance Sport and Business Development Manager added: “Scott has been an outstanding student; everything he does is completed to the highest standard. Dual career athletes have to balance a lot, to be graduating from a degree like medicine is testament to Scott’s organisation and commitment to both his university and sport.”

As for Scott, he’ll be returning to Singapore as a houseman and his preparations for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He said: “The trick will be to balance up training and full-time work and to ensure that my patients receive the best care from me.

“I am looking to take some time off to train in Melbourne before the Commonwealth Games, and I will do it for the people supporting me. With precision, panache, and perseverance I believe I can balance both medicine and sports at a high level.”

A recent University of Ұ������ graduate is dealing with the challenges posed by the influx of refugees and migrants into Europe by helping countries ensure they have adequate supplies.

Matteo Dembech from Cremona Italy is a graduate of the University’s and a civil servant for the World Health Organization’s Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe project, where he works in the field making sure countries are working together and adequately supplied as thousands of people from the Middle East and Africa attempt to cross into Europe.

In his day-to-day role Matteo works with the Heads of WHO Country Offices in the field where large influxes of refugees and migrants arrive or transit.

He said: “Practically we study, conduct field assessments and talk with the governments in order to understand the needs of refugees in, for example border or migration centres.

“Interventions may vary from drafting a contingency plan for large influxes of migrants - to buying a cargo of medical equipment.

“During my course I acquired skills to conduct better statistical and epidemiological analyses; studied health system functioning during humanitarian crises; and learned how to plan community-based interventions.

“These are all skills that I can use in my day to day tasks.”

, who leads the University programme said: “Many of our students play a crucial role in helping others and provide significant contributions to their own countries as well as internationally. I am extremely proud to say Matteo is no different. We are pleased that the skills he has learnt on our MPH are helping him to perform a vital role in one of the most pressing issues of the day.”

A medical graduate who has spent more than 20 years treating thousands of victims of conflict around the world has been given an Outstanding Alumnus award by The University of Ұ������.

David Nott is a prominent trauma surgeon, with over 20 years of experience of working in conflict areas including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chad, Darfur, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gaza, Iraq, Libya, and Syria, with organisations including Médecins Sans Frontières and the International Committee of the Red Cross, taking unpaid leave from his job as Consultant Surgeon at Chelsea and Westminster hospital for up to six weeks each year to carry out this work.

He graduated from The University of Ұ������ in 1981 and was appointed as a consultant surgeon in 1992.

During his career David has helped thousands of wounded civilians and his considerable experience in reconstructive surgery has enabled him to offer his patients the chance to lead normal lives. He has recounted horrific tales of operating on children and pregnant women with terrible injuries whilst also under fire and without access to basic drugs and equipment.

Most recently, David has worked in frontline hospitals across a large area of northern Syria, operating on patients severely injured by air strikes, barrel bombs and sniper fire. During his first trip to Syria alone, David performed over 160 life-saving and reconstructive operations.

David has done much to raise the profile of the situation in Syria, appearing on BBC television and radio, and in a Channel 4 documentary. He has also spent time teaching and training Syrian surgeons, giving presentations and demonstrations on innovative, life-saving conflict-zone surgery techniques and actively training dozens of surgeons. He has pioneered an intensive training course (funded by the Department for International Development) alongside the Royal College of Surgeons, to equip doctors with the skills needed in war zones. As a result there is now a register of medics willing to be deployed.

David received the Humanitarian of the Year award in the Arab Business awards, and has an OBE. In 2015 David established the David Nott Foundation with his wife Elly. The Foundation will support surgeons to develop their operating skills for warzones and austere environments.

He was nominated for the award, which was given on Friday 18 December, by Professor of International Emergency Medicine at The University of Ұ������, Tony Redmond.

David said: “It’s great to come back to Ұ������ as I’m aware of the work which goes on at the University in responding to humanitarian disasters and promoting research into resolving global conflict.

“There is an urgent need for more surgeons to work in conflict zones and for better training and resources for those who do so. I hope that by talking about my experiences, I can help to bring that about.”

A University of Ұ������ master’s student graduating today, 18 December, will receive a prize for not only his outstanding medical science studies but also his volunteering activity in the community.

Ben Abbott has regularly given up his time to help feed homeless people in Ұ������ and was the chairman of the University’s Red Cross Society for two years while an undergraduate – organising fundraising, and HIV awareness and first aid training sessions.

He has also volunteered for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Aged 22 and from Shaw in Oldham, Ben is now embarking on a PhD in cancer sciences at The University of Ұ������. He said: “Studying in a lab environment, I wouldn’t normally get to see patients or the work of a hospital so I felt it was important to volunteer in a way that would give me that insight.

“I think it’s important that students engage with their communities while they’re studying and give back to the towns in which they’re living.”

Ben is graduating with his Master’s Degree in - understanding the molecular basis of disease and drugs to enable more biological and scientific data to be fast-tracked into advanced therapies.

However he is already two months into his PhD which will be carried out at the University’s .

He added: “I learned an incredible amount during my MRes and I’m really happy that I took the course; it helped me to make sure that a PhD was the correct step to take next. It’s a privilege to be awarded the Distinguished Achievement medal, especially given the calibre of the other students in my year. Being recognised in this way is a good start to my research career.”

A University of Ұ������ psychology student who has dedicated her studies to helping Syrian refugee families graduates today (Friday, 18 December).

Aala El-Khani began her in 2011 just as the war in Syria broke out and people living in the country began to be displaced. Moved by the scenes she saw, Aala changed the subject of the PhD to exploring ways to support families and children in the warzone and nearby refugee camps.

During the course of her studies she has visited refugee camps in Syria and Turkey numerous times exploring the parenting needs and challenges of families. Having identified a significant and urgent need for families to access parenting support, Aala, along with colleagues, funded by , developed a system of inserting parenting advice leaflets into bread parcels which have been distributed to people living in the conflict zone.

This advice helped parents and their children begin to overcome the traumatic events that they have fled, with 3,000 leaflets distributed over three days and a response rate of over 60%.

The leaflet has been adapted and is now being translated to various languages as a possible tool for refugees across Europe. It was uploaded in Swedish and within 45 minutes was downloaded 343 times.

Aala said: “I initially started my PhD on a different topic, but as the events in Syria unfolded, and with my background in parent training, as well as having two young children myself, I began to wonder what it must be like to parent children in war and refugee situations and how could families in that context be supported through training and advice.

“My supervisor, was incredibly supportive, even though changing your PhD subject is quite an unusual thing to do. Her attitude was, ‘If that's what you want to do, and it means so much to you, then let's do it' and this is the kind of support I have had throughout my PhD from my supervisory team.”

As well as the work in Syria, Aala and colleagues have been helping Syrian refugees in Ұ������. She received funding from which enabled her research team to put on an exhibition of artwork by children in refugee camps, of the images they’d seen and raise awareness of the issue. A documentary film was also commissioned which shows interviews with parents talking about their journey with their children from the warzone to the UK.

The end of the PhD doesn’t mean the end of Aala’s work on behalf of Syrians. She and her colleagues have been expanding the development of a parenting intervention that they are currently trialling in Turkey where she has already trained four teachers and has received funding to do the same with refugee families in Ұ������.

At her graduation, Aala will be presented with a special award: the Sue Fielder Memorial Award for outstanding academic achievement. Her supervisor, Professor Rachel Calam, Head of , said: “Working with Aala is an inspiration. She shows how much can be achieved when you work with both your heart and mind.

“Her research has highlighted the psychological needs of children and families fleeing conflict, and created new ways of offering help. Her work is already recognised as being of international importance, a tremendous achievement for a PhD student.”

A doctor who graduated at The University of Ұ������ last week (10 December 2014) is already using his skills in the world’s newest country to transform the way authorities care for pregnant women.

Charles Nwosisi is originally from Nigeria but has been based in Juba, the capital of South Sudan for the last month.  Working for an NGO, he is tasked with bringing his expertise to improve health outcomes through the work in 22 health facilities across the country which has a population of about 10 million people.

The newest country in the world is still building up its infrastructure and needs human resources dedicated to health care service delivery. UNAIDS estimates HIV prevalence to be about 2.2%. Charles’ job is to help train and mentor health staff who are often non-specialists on reproductive health care and to increase the number of pregnant women being tested for HIV in the country.

He said: “Staff in South Sudan are often very enthusiastic, but deal with a heavy workload and a shortage of supplies and equipment, so providing technical help to make the most of the resources they do have is crucial to transforming the situation.”

To help in his role, Charles took a distance learning course at The University of Ұ������. The covers subjects such as epidemiology, biostatistics, evidence-based practice and primary health care.  In his previous role planning health services in Nigeria he was able to apply his learning directly to practice by using data to predict the areas which would need facilities for HIV testing among pregnant women and then working to resource these facilities.

Originally graduating from medical school in Lagos, Charles moved into public health following postings in more remote areas of Nigeria.  During a year in a village health centre where alongside, other health care workers had to treat many children with preventable illness and deliver pregnant women without electricity.  This inspired him to focus his career on prevention and improving public health services.

He said: “Primary care in lower income countries is all about mobilising resources where they’re most needed – for example having HIV centres which people can travel to.  In South Sudan that is a challenge as there are few roads and few trained medics, but by providing support to the people already working there we can improve standards dramatically.”

While he admits the situation in South Sudan is challenging – with long distance travels in very difficult terrain to get to all the health facilities – Charles is determined to stay in the country and carry out his job. “I miss Nigeria, but I feel I’m useful where I am and helping the people of South Sudan,” he said.

One of Charles’ tutors, Judith Clegg said: “Charles is one of our students who is making a big difference to health services in one of the countries that most needs help.

“His experience on the ground is invaluable both to the communities that he serves but also to us as a Master in Public Health Programme.  I’ve already asked him if he’ll give feedback on the course to help us to further meet the needs of students who come from low and middle income countries and I am hoping that he will be one our first Alumni Ambassadors for the Programme!”