In a tour of North East
universities, Chris Skidmore MP visited Northumbria University
and saw a variety of research projects
relating to energy, climate, smart materials and bioengineering being
undertaken there, and talked with staff about universities contributing to
economic growth in the region and the productivity challenge.
The Minster
of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation saw some of the
University’s world-class facilities for research, learning and teaching,
including its £6 million new architecture studios and £7 million Computer and
Information Sciences building, both of which opened in the last academic year. He also heard how Northumbria puts more graduates into
professional and managerial jobs in the North East of England than any other
university - and more than the Russell Group of universities combined.
The
Minister spent time with academics and students undertaking ground-breaking research
in areas of global significance, including those working in cold and palaeo-environments
to understand how climate change is affecting the Antarctic ice sheets, and the
world’s first use of biotechnologies in the built environment. He heard how Northumbria
was recently named as the lead partner working with Newcastle and Durham
Universities to open an £11 million national Centre for Doctoral Training in
renewable energies, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council (ESPRC). The Minister also saw how the University was taking a leading role in
creating a £40 million International Centre for Connected Construction based in
Newcastle, and he met academics carrying
out world-class research into the experience of volunteers working in
international conflict zones.
During his
visit, the Minister also heard how Northumbria is supporting a new generation
of graduate entrepreneurs and innovators through assistance in start-ups and
new business launches, and with a new incubator hub offering well-equipped and
affordable premises for fledgling ventures. Northumbria has been ranked 1st in the UK for graduate start-ups based on turnover for past three years, and
these new businesses are helping to grow the regional economy and boost
productivity.
Commenting
on his visit, Chris Skidmore MP, said: “I was hugely impressed by the enthusiasm of the staff and
students I met at Northumbria University - especially around the graduate start
up firms which can help the local economy. The University’s research in renewable energy and
Antarctic climate science is outstanding and will contribute to the UK’s status as
a global science superpower.”
Professor
Andrew Wathey CBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria
University, added: “Universities are essential partners in the delivery of the
Government’s wider industrial strategy for economic growth and bridging the
skills and productivity gap in the UK. We were delighted to welcome the
Minister of State to the Northumbria campus, and to showcase a small sample of
our world-class research.”
