University of Chichester presents its pioneering research to the world
A SERIES of new and ground-breaking research projects being undertaken at the University of Chichester has been presented in public.
Nearly 100 academics from the institution gathered at a conference to speak about their latest work – which includes an investigation into developing gender-neutral tests for the army. The annual event was hosted at the University’s new £35million Tech Park, which is developing pioneering research in engineering, healthcare, and STEM disciplines.
Leading the conference was Head of Research Dr Rosana Pacella, who said: “Our innovative research tackles global challenges to solve real and pressing problems that impact our society. Our reputation for research excellence is growing and we strive to deliver impact at regional, national, and international levels.”
The conference included lectures on the University’s recent work with the Ministry of Defence to redevelop British Army fitness tests for new recruits. Academics from the Occupational Performance Research Group (OPRG) spoke about how they created the new physical employment standards to make sure soldiers’ individual capacities match the demands of their tasks.
Also at the event was new Emeritus Professor Seamus Higson, who spoke about the importance of hydrogen as a key source of renewable and sustainable energy, as well as Dr Melissa Day, who is helping children with amputations overcome barriers to sport and exercise.
Academics welcomed keynotes from Cardiff University’s Professor Keith Harding CBE, about his work on helping patients with chronic wounds, and Professor Lisa Hall CBE, from Queens’ College Cambridge, who spoke about high death-rates in low and middle-income countries from infectious febrile diseases.
It was the first time the annual event had been hosted at the Tech Park, which specialises in courses in engineering and creative and digital technologies to create a new area of academia focused on STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
A series of awards were given out to academics in recognition of a significant and superior contribution to University research. Winners included Professor Stephen Myers (top), for Best Output in the University’s Repository (published between 2017-19), Dr Antonina Pereira, Dr Sarah Needham-Beck, and Madeleine Bates, for Best Oral Presentation Abstract in the categories of experienced researcher, early-career researcher, and PhD student, respectively, and Simon Augustus for Best Research Poster.
Dr Pacella added: “The conference showcased how our agile researchers are seizing new opportunities in a changing world. I would like to thank all our passionate researchers including staff and students for their participation and engagement in support of our research community.”
For more about the University of Chichester’s ground-breaking research, and how it is is changing the world, go to www.chi.ac.uk/research.