In the news – 19-26 April

Our Vice Chancellor, Nick Petford, wrote a piece for Times Higher Education discussing social value for money for students. As Nick explains, better recognition of the wider social benefits of both teaching and research would help universities regain public goodwill.

Professor of Social Innovation, Richard Hazenberg, shared his thoughts with The Guardian on a new initiative by Oomph Wellness that encourages older adults in care to get active.

Head of Fashion, Dr Julie King, has plenty of advice on what to wear in a heatwave, and crucially, how to retain a sense of style. She gave her top fashion tips to BBC Radio Leicester’s Ben Jackson last week (when the weather was a bit warmer than it is now), and you can listen again here – (from 2:20)

Listen back to the thoughts of our Senior Marketing Lecturer and resident social media guru, Kardi Somerfield, who featured on a new podcast from digital agency, Jisc. Kardi, who was named in Jisc’s list of Higher Education’s top 10 social media superstars, discusses her use of digital channels to engage students at the University of Northampton. Listen to the podcast in full here (Kardi features from 24.41)

Adrian Pryce, our Senior Lecturer in Strategy and International Business, spoke to Stuart Linnell on his drive time BBC Radio Northampton show about University of Northampton’s Doing Business in China event and building local business links with China (from 2.23.40)

Listen back to International Development student Emma Leering’s interview on John Griff’s show on BBC Radio Northampton – as she discusses the inspirational work that her charity, United Amayi, is carrying out in Malawi. Listen here (from 2.37.42)

A photography student from the University of Northampton is playing a crucial role in bringing the nation’s collection of sculptures to a global audience. Mark O’Connor is one of a few photographers selected to travel around the UK taking pictures of sculptures in museums, galleries, parks, streets and squares. The Northants Chamber shared the story.

Royal & Derngate were awarded the free services of a University of Northampton intern to help them shape and implement their plan to make the theatre better serve the needs of people with dementia and their carers. The intern – who has yet to be chosen – will be introduced to Royal & Derngate during ‘Dementia Awareness Week’ which runs from 21-27 May. Their services will be paid for by University of Northampton and match-funded by sponsor Santander bank. Read more in the All Things Business article

An annual charity bike ride and a family fun day, held each year at Silverstone and organised by our BA Event Management students, was reported by All Things Business. The NorPIP 7th Annual Bike Ride will be held at the home of the Formula One British Grand Prix on Monday 7 May.

Bowmer and Kirkland has won a UK-wide award for socially and environmentally aware construction. Our official building partner of the new Waterside campus won Silver for Top National Site at the Considerate Constructions Skills Certification Scheme’s (CCSCS) awards. As reported by Roofing Today

Our students made history this month, when they held a fashion photoshoot at Waterside Campus. Read all about it on the All Things Business website.