A £400,000 project led by the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation (CBIT) at Nottingham Business School aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry by training technology transfer professionals and STEM researchers in entrepreneurship – with a focus on AI to empower businesses.

At the heart of the initiative is a “Train the Trainer” model developed by CBIT, which will prepare 40 staff from partner institutions to mentor researchers in commercialisation and innovation practice. Unlike traditional technology transfer offices, this approach is designed to build enduring local capacity for venture creation – equipping mentors to guide researchers beyond patents and licensing into real-world venture building. By embedding entrepreneurial expertise within institutions, the program fosters self-sustaining ecosystems of innovation.

These trained mentors will play a pivotal role in delivering the STEAM Founder Program, which will support 120 researchers from the UK and Thailand in aligning their work with the needs of industry and society. The program equips STEAM researchers (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) with the practical tools to work across disciplines, engage with external stakeholders, and develop solutions with global relevance.

With funding from the British Council’s prestigious International Science Partnerships Fund and Thai Science Research and Innovation, it will be delivered as part of an established partnership with Chiang Mai University’s Science and Technology Park (STeP).

The program will focus on personal AI and health technology to address Thailand’s pressing socio-economic challenges and align with its national strategies. The country faces significant gaps in healthcare access, especially in rural areas, and is prioritising innovation-driven economic growth, particularly in the health and wellness sectors. The project also opens up access to new expertise, partnerships and global markets for UK researchers.

In addition to fostering interdisciplinary thinking, the program develops the commercial capabilities needed for international venture building. Participants will gain practical skills in opportunity assessment, sustainable business modelling, and market validation—preparing them to take research-driven products to market. With Thailand acting as a launchpad into Asian markets, and the UK serving as a gateway to Europe, the program positions researchers to grow globally connected ventures from day one.

Researchers will test early-stage products with a range of selective ventures from CBIT Venture Builder in the UK and Chiangmai Science Park in Thailand, , gaining experience in applying their ideas in real-world, international contexts.

The program will evolve into a formal course and will be supported by a new International Network of Entrepreneurial Interdisciplinary Champions (INEIC), which will build lasting partnerships and promote knowledge-sharing between the UK and Thailand. The network will connect researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovation professionals to collaborate on real-world

CBIT has a proven track record in developing scalable, market-ready solutions and a growing global reputation as a convener of interdisciplinary and cross-border partnerships.

Professor Xiao Ma, project lead and Director of CBIT, said: “UK researchers often work within single disciplines and focus on academic goals, which can create a disconnect between their work and real-world industry needs.

“This narrow approach limits the practical impact of their research and contributes to lower industry research income compared to countries like the US. The program addresses this by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to better align research with real-world applications.”

Dr Phavika Mongkolkittaveepol, General Manager of STeP, which boasts a network of more than 2,700 researchers and will provide incubation platforms to support the commercial adoption of innovation, said: “The Train the Trainer model is critical for building national capacity that drives transformational economic growth. By equipping institutions with the ability to nurture entrepreneurial talent, the programme lays the groundwork for a more dynamic, innovation-led economy.

“Coupled with an emphasis on international venture building, it enables researchers to scale their ideas beyond local contexts and position Thailand and the UK as regional launchpads for global innovation.”

NBS is triple crown accredited by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA – globally recognised hallmarks of excellence and quality for business education. Its commitment to supporting businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth has recently been recognised with reaccreditation from the Small Business Charter for the maximum five-year period.

For further information email cbit.vb@ntu.ac.uk

The Home Secretary has appointed Reverend Clive Foster, NTU’s Multi-Faith Manager as the first Windrush Commissioner – as part of the government’s commitment to achieve justice for victims of the Home Office Windrush scandal.

The announcement comes ahead of Windrush Day this Sunday (22 June), marking the 77^th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush to Britain and the community’s extraordinary contribution to this country.

The Commissioner, a newly created role on a three-year term, will provide independent oversight of the government’s work to address the Home Office Windrush scandal and ensure the voices of victims remain at the heart of efforts to deliver justice.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“The story of the Windrush generations is woven into the fabric of our nation and this government is absolutely determined to right the wrongs they suffered at the hands of the Home Office.

“This is why I am delighted to welcome Reverend Clive Foster as our new Windrush Commissioner. His deep understanding through his own connections and dedicated community work makes him the perfect champion for those affected by this historic injustice.

“I look forward to working closely with Reverend Foster as we continue our vital work to rebuild trust and deliver the justice that the Windrush generations so rightfully deserve.”

Clive is Multi-Faith Manager and Executive Dean EDI at NTU as well as a senior pastor at the Pilgrim Church in Nottingham. With personal connections to the Windrush generations through his parents who migrated to the UK from Jamaica in 1959. Clive brings both lived experience and professional expertise to the role. He is the founder of the Nottingham Windrush Support Forum and serves as Vice Chair of the Windrush National Organisation where he volunteers.

Windrush Commissioner Reverend Clive Foster MBE said:

“I’m honoured to take on the role of Windrush Commissioner. I’m committed to ensuring justice is delivered for the Windrush generations – people who have given so much to this country and deserve better than the treatment they have received.

“The injustices they faced must never be repeated, and that requires more than words; it requires cultural change, accountability, and action. My aim is to deliver change that the Windrush generations can see and feel in their everyday lives, particularly in how the Windrush Status and Compensation Schemes operate.

“I will carry out this role independently, without fear or favour, while creating a constructive relationship with government where challenge is welcomed and scrutiny leads to specific, transparent improvements.”

Professor Sarah Speight, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at NTU said:

“This is a prestigious appointment for Clive, reflecting his commitment and dedication to helping the Windrush Generations receive justice as well as showcasing the valuable contribution they have made to this country.

“A valued member of the NTU community, Clive is a familiar face on campus, and his passion for supporting colleagues and students of all faiths and none is unrivalled. We are truly lucky to have a colleague such as Clive, and we have no doubt that he will continue to play a pivotal role both at NTU and within Government.”

Clive Foster was awarded an MBE for services to the Windrush generation and broader community in the New Year Honours in 2022.

A new initiative aimed at enhancing Welsh primary school children’s reading skills has received a grant of £99,637 by Welsh Government.

The Cymraeg PALS-UK project sees Cardiff Metropolitan and Nottingham Trent universities teaming up to adapt ‘Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies’ (PALS) to align with the Curriculum for Wales and Welsh language requirements. PALS is delivered 3 times a week over 20 weeks for 32-minutes-per session to boost reading comprehension and oral reading fluency. Each Key Stage Two pupil is paired with a peer, taking turns as tutor and tutee while working through structured reading activities.

Originating in the United States, PALS has been implemented in England, Iceland and Taiwan. A 2024 trial conducted by Nottingham Trent University found that pupils who received PALS instruction made, on average, two months’ additional progress in reading compared to their peers. Teachers reported positive feedback, noting a marked increase in reading for pleasure, supported by informal book discussions between pupil pairs.

The new project will adapt PALS for Wales by translating all content and training resources into Welsh. This approach will ensure the intervention is not only pedagogically sound but also culturally and linguistically relevant to the needs of the Welsh education system.

Each PALS manual will include comprehensive resources for teachers, including scripted lesson plans and student materials, making the intervention easy to implement alongside existing literacy programmes.

Developing and piloting PALS-UK training for the Welsh context is Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Education at Cardiff Met’s School of Education and Social Policy, Dr Emma McDonald: “I am tremendously pleased to be leading the development of PALS-UK in partnership with schools across Wales and have it supported by Welsh Government. This collaborative approach enables us to adapt the programme specifically for the Welsh educational landscape and ensure it effectively supports both English and Welsh medium provision. Working directly with Welsh educators allows us to develop the evidence-based intervention that is genuinely responsive to the linguistic and cultural context of Wales.”

Dr Emma Vardy was instrumental in securing the funding and leads the PALS-UK team at Nottingham Trent University: “PALS-UK is an evidence-informed programme that can transform children’s reading outcomes, it is therefore exciting to work with Cardiff Met University and the Welsh Government to translate PALS-UK into Welsh and to ensure the programme aligns with the Curriculum for Wales”.

Cymraeg PALS-UK grant is part of Welsh Government’s £44m investment to boost standards and support education. Commenting on the support made available, Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle, said: “This is a huge investment in high-quality, nationally consistent support for all our schools. We are helping schools to ramp up investment in literacy and numeracy standards, challenge and engage with their learners across the curriculum.”

Further information about PALS can be found via The Fuchs Research Group.

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Brian Morgan has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List, recognising his outstanding contributions to business development, entrepreneurship, and the Welsh economy.

Professor Morgan, who was recently appointed Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University’s School of Management, described the honour as a deeply meaningful moment at the close of an impactful academic and professional journey: “It’s a great honour and I was absolutely delighted to receive it. The letter came through just after I’d officially retired and been made Emeritus Professor, so it felt like a final flourish after many years of work.”

Since joining Cardiff Met in 2007, Brian has played a transformative role in embedding enterprise and innovation into the University’s culture and curriculum. As Director of the Creative Leadership and Enterprise Centre (CLEC), he developed new models of applied leadership education tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Wales.

One of his most notable achievements at Cardiff Met was the creation of the 20Twenty Leading Business Growth Programme, a flagship initiative that equipped SME leaders with the tools, confidence, and networks needed to scale their businesses and contribute to the Welsh economy. The programme blended academic insight with real-world application and helped raise Cardiff Met’s profile as a national leader in business and entrepreneurship support. Though now semi-retired, he continues to provide mentorship and one-day-a-week support to the CLEC team, ensuring its legacy of impact continues.

“The Centre is in good hands,” said Professor Morgan. “The colleagues who worked with me over the years are now taking the reins and pushing the programme forward, which is incredibly rewarding to see.”

Beyond his work at Cardiff Met, Brian is a renowned Welsh economist and champion of innovation-led business growth and has had a wide-ranging and influential career across academia, government policy, and private enterprise. He is currently chair of Severn Estuary Tidal Bar Ltd. – a company that is developing a new turbine to promote a tidal range energy project in the Severn.

He began his professional life at the London School of Economics, where he studied alongside figures such as the UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Chair, Sir Clive Jones CBE, who would later encourage and support his nomination for the honour.

Over the years, Professor Morgan has held key roles at institutions including Cardiff Business School and the Welsh Development Agency (WDA). His work as WDA’s Chief Economist was instrumental in shaping enterprise policy and supporting business investment across Wales.

In the private sector, he played a pivotal role in the early growth of Penderyn Whisky, Wales’s most celebrated distillery, helping to bring a uniquely Welsh brand to global markets. His commitment to local enterprise and sustainable economic growth has been a recurring theme throughout his career.

Brian hopes to attend an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle later this year, where he will be formally presented with the OBE. He plans to be joined by his wife and family to mark the occasion.

Also honoured is Cardiff Met Governor, Kevin Coutinho, who received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Kevin is Chair of the Board of Trustees and Director at the Windsor Fellowship, a charitable organisation enabling talented people from diverse communities to fulfil their potential.

In total, Kevin has amassed 25 years’ experience in EDI, 15 of which have been in higher education. He helped deliver the Race Equality Charter at the University of Oxford and provided EDI policy guidance and developed initiatives with the University of Cambridge. At University College London, Kevin worked as their Athena SWAN manager.

A new project will seek to introduce cutting-edge AI and smart technologies to green spaces across the UK, helping to redefine how people engage which nature while enhancing visitors’ wellbeing.

Nottingham Trent University has received almost £600,000 from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to lead the work, which will create inclusive, tech-augmented spaces that aim to improve physical and mental health.

The initiative is part of a wider ‘Engineering Healthier Environments’ project and will involve establishing a ‘GREEN+ Network’ to drive it forward and establish a roadmap for how new technologies can be integrated into public landscapes to promote healthier, more connected lives.

The project, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, will bring together academics, healthcare professionals, greenspace managers, technologists and community organisations.

It will involve investigating and incorporating nature-based interventions across environments such as parks, forests, zoos, adventure parks, botanic gardens and community green spaces.

Low cost and inclusive

The partners argue that a key aim will be to reimagine these green spaces not as static parks, but as interactive, intelligent ecosystems.

The team at NTU previously developed the ‘TagWithMe’ project, a smart wellbeing platform for green spaces which challenges visitors to identify tagged smart objects in different locations through a mobile app that delivered real-time challenges, quizzes and prompts.

It is hoped that, in promoting physical and mental wellbeing, the work will help to support social prescribing and strengthen community connectedness.

Partners will co-lead pilot projects, workshops and other events exploring how pervasive technologies can help to support health and wellbeing in natural settings, and feasibility projects will be co-designed with potential users.

Ideas developed through the network will be low-cost, inclusive and designed to work within communities across the UK.

The team wants to harness the existing value of green spaces and the role of nature in lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety and depression, improving cardiovascular health and enhancing creativity.

The aim is not to replace nature with technology, but to enhance the benefits people already gain from being outdoors by layering in subtle, supportive interventions.

“These are spaces people already trust, already love and are freely accessible – they are woven into daily life yet often overlooked as platforms for innovation,” said network director Eiman Kanjo, Professor in Tiny Machine Leaning and Pervasive Computing and Head of the Smart Sensing Lab in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology.

Bridging the digital divide

The technologies developed will be broad and inclusive, benefitting older adults looking to stay active, young people engaged by gaming and exploring, people with mental or physical health conditions, and those in areas where access to healthcare or community resources is limited.

Experiences will range from imaginative and playful to clinically impactful and low-cost wearables and offline-friendly tools will help bridge the digital divide, ensuring no one is excluded for lack of devices or data plans.

Visitors could follow digital wellbeing trails, for instance, where AI-generated prompts encourage breathing exercises or gentle stretches, or smart sensors embedded in benches or pathways might offer live feedback on movement patterns and encouragement to keep walking.

Apps could suggest new areas to explore based on mood or health goals, using AI to personalise each visit.

And in locations such as zoos or botanic gardens, families might engage with augmented storytelling experiences, where children unlock educational content about biodiversity by interacting with tagged objects or responding to challenges.

Meanwhile, people recovering from mental health challenges might find nature-based prompts supporting mindfulness, resilience and grounding techniques tailored to their condition.

“Our work will harness AI systems, pervasive sensing and low-energy digital technologies, embedding them into our green spaces as a way to encourage movement and support physical and mental wellbeing,” said Professor Kanjo.

“AI systems and smart infrastructure are reshaping how we engage with our surroundings. Through this bold interdisciplinary collaboration we hope to transform these spaces into responsive, data-informed hubs for healthier living.”

Enjoyable, empowering and evidence-based

It is considered important timing the project as the technological landscape has shifted dramatically – with the rise of energy-efficient microcomputing, edge AI and non-invasive biosensors – alongside an urgent health and societal need.

“Sedentary lifestyles continue to fuel a crisis in chronic disease and mental health concerns are at an all-time high,” added Professor Kanjo.

“Social fragmentation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has left many people isolated, disconnected from their communities and the natural world.

“This work helps to answer all of these challenges at once, inviting people back outside, back into movement, back into connection, through experiences that are enjoyable, empowering and evidence-based.

“It’s about finding new ways to move, breathe, play and connect – not by escaping into a screen, but by engaging more deeply with the world around us. It’s about seeing technology not as something separate from nature, but as something that, when designed with care and purpose, can help us rediscover it.”

The team hopes that individuals will experience improved physical health through increased activity, reduced stress through mindfulness and engagement and a greater sense of purpose and connection.

And at the community level green spaces will become hubs for social interaction and public health outreach, reducing pressure of traditional service and fostering more resilient neighbourhoods.

For healthcare systems, meanwhile, the project offers new avenues for preventive care and data-driven support, and for policymakers, it is hoped to be a blueprint for how digital innovation can enhance public assets in equitable, sustainable ways.

Professor Kanjo added: “Importantly, the design process will be co-led by users themselves, with healthcare professionals, social prescribers and community groups shaping every stage of development.

“Through workshops, and funded pilot projects, we will continuously generate new ideas and partnerships, feeding back into a growing network of sites and stakeholders.”

Kia Nazarpour, Professor of Digital Health, School of Informatics, at The University of Edinburgh, said: “I am excited to join forces with Professor Kanjo to build the GREEN+ network community. The research at the intersection of health, care, and physical activity stands to benefit from this coordinated effort to address critical challenges in movement, rehabilitation, and mental health and wellbeing.

“Together, we can unlock equitable, scalable AI-enabled solutions to promote lifelong physical activity.”

Green space managers, industry innovators and healthcare professionals interested in being involved are invited to contact eiman.kanjo@ntu.ac.uk.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is once again proudly represented in the Welsh Universities Hockey programme, with both staff and students playing key roles in the women’s squad ahead of this summer’s Nations Cup fixtures against England Universities. The representative teams, a long-standing tradition in Welsh student sport, bring together top players from institutions across Wales, offering a unique and memorable experience of international-level competition.

Following a competitive trial process, including sessions held before and after Cardiff Met students’ participation in the EuroHockey Club Challenge I in Antalya, Turkey, 13 Cardiff Met representatives have been selected, including 11 players and 2 coaching staff. Student-athletes named in the squad are: Ella Bradley, Jamie Bulbring, Lucy Crompton, Casey Hillidge, Molly Hulcup, Amelia Lavington, Hannah McShane, Izzy Ricoux, Pip Venner, Tegan Waters, and Megan Watts, who will also serve as Vice Captain.

The coaching team includes Cardiff Met staff members Alf Dinnie (Head Coach and Lecturer in Performance Analysis for Cardiff Met School of Sport and Health Sciences, Dave Robinson and Sam Webster (Assistant Coaches).

“It’s a real honour to be invited back to lead the Welsh Universities Women’s Hockey squad,” said Head Coach Alf Dinnie. “This programme is a special opportunity for student-athletes to represent their universities and country with pride. We’ve got a talented and motivated group coming together, and I’m looking forward to building on the momentum from last year when we were the only Welsh team to defeat England, coming out on top in a dramatic shootout after a hard-fought 2–2 draw.”

Last year, Cardiff Met had 16 players and staff involved across the men’s and women’s hockey squads. The university looks forward to supporting the current cohort as they proudly represent Wales on the university sports stage again this summer.

The 2024 Nations Cup will once again be contested over two legs. The Away fixture will take place at Nottingham Hockey Centre on Saturday 21st June, with the Home leg hosted in Cardiff at Llanrumney Sports Fields on Thursday 26th June. Additional friendly fixtures are being to support final preparations.

Cardiff Met continues to lead the way in developing elite student-athletes and staff contributing to representative sport at the highest level.

The University of Leicester, De Montfort University and Loughborough University are inviting people from the local community to apply for paid, full-time PhD, and part-time Placement research projects that aim to improve the lives of communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The Collaboratory programme is an eight-year ambitious project that commenced in 2022, initially as part of the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement before bringing in the three Leicestershire universities – along with the Leicestershire Universities Partnership Civic Agreement into the fold from April this year.

The Programme aims to bring together academia and the community to support growth and development within communities, broaden prospects, drive change, and improve wellbeing.

The research projects have been created to solve real-life problems in the community, designed following input from researchers and those involved in local civic and community organisations.

Applications are open now, and the project team is looking for individuals, particularly those with a professional or community-centred background; those with experience and passion for creating positive change in the community are invited to apply. Successful PhD applicants will undertake a paid, three-year period of research on the fully funded Doctoral Training Programme, resulting in a PhD qualification. Successful Research Placement applicants will undertake a paid, part-time period of research, over 10 weeks, resulting a formal Certificate of Recognition.

Professor Richard Thomas, Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise at the University of Leicester, said: “I would urge anybody with a passion to create positive change in our local community to apply for these PhD and placement projects. We’d particularly like to hear from researchers from non-traditional backgrounds who would like to develop their academic skills”.

Professor Mike Kagioglou, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Planning, Research and Innovation at De Montfort University said: “At De Montfort University, we are deeply embedded in the heart of Leicester and committed to ensuring that our research reflects and responds to the needs of our communities. Collaboratory is an exciting opportunity to bring new talent into the research landscape — people with real lived experience and a passion for making a difference. 

“These projects are about working with communities to tackle challenges that matter to them. We’re proud to be part of a project that breaks down barriers and redefines what research excellence can look like, and we’re really looking forward to seeing applications from people who want to create lasting, positive change.”

Professor Emily Keightley, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Vibrant and Inclusive Communities at Loughborough University, said: “We’re delighted to be working with our Collaboratory partners to drive a new community-centred approach to doctoral research. These newly-launched PhD projects are an exciting opportunity to create meaningful change for the people of Leicestershire and Rutland”.

The PhD projects that are available explore challenges such as:

• Understanding the factors that influence children’s financial literacy skills in Coalville
• Energy for All: Spreading the benefits and broadening engagement in community energy projects in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
• The role of community-centred organisations and social enterprises in addressing “invisible” local poverty.
• Rethinking models and policies for first and last mile travel – connecting rural areas beyond city boundaries.
• Transformative and innovative strategies for improving social support, educational outcomes and opportunities for children, young people and families in Leicester
• Identifying nurse perspectives in suicide safety planning and risk management for children and adolescents in Leicester.
• Inclusive Heritage in Superdiverse Places: Redesigning inclusion in heritage content, practice, and policy in Leicestershire

Applications close on Sunday 29 June 2025.

Anyone interested in applying is welcome to attend an information webinar which will introduce the Collaboratory programme, provide an overview of the research projects, how to apply and what the expectations are. Full details can be found on the Collaboratory website.

People who are neurodivergent could benefit from a new device created by a Nottingham Trent University (NTU) undergraduate which uses psychology to help them complete day to day tasks.

Lia Kamenova, 22, created the ‘Buddy Double’ to help people, like her, who struggle with procrastination and executive dysfunction.

She was inspired by her own experiences and those of her partner, Matthew Wroe, 22, who is autistic, and spotted a gap in the market for young neurodivergent adults.

Her design aims to replicate the supportive effects of body doubling – a strategy widely recognised within the neurodiverse community as one that aids task initiation, enhances focus, and reduces overwhelm.

This approach is particularly helpful for individuals with executive functioning challenges, such as autistic people and those with ADHD.

Research shows that people with ADHD  may experience challenges with self-regulation when working alone. The presence of another person (a ‘body double’) can offer a sense of shared focus, accountability, and external structure, which can support task engagement.

“My partner and many of my immediate circle of friends are neurodivergent – we all struggle with executive dysfunction, although in different ways,”  said Lia, originally from Plovdiv in Bulgaria, who is studying BA Product Design in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.

“Many people find everyday tasks unexpectedly difficult – especially when managing executive functioning challenges, where even the simple routines can feel overwhelming.

“You don’t have to be neurodivergent to struggle with this – anyone can find care tasks overwhelming, especially during times of stress and exhaustion. It’s completely valid to struggle – and that’s exactly where Buddy can help.

“I wanted to create something that makes everyday tasks feel lighter, eases the pressure and brings friendliness through playfulness. For me, this project is about showing how play can make daily life feel more doable and joyful.”

The Buddy Double is a  palm-sized, friendly digital companion. Its design draws on Gen Z’s affection for technology, nostalgia, and all things cute – echoing the charm of iconic toys such as the Furby and Tamagotchi.

A flexible stem on top of its head wags back and forth in response to voice-activated commands, mimicking a dog’s tail to create a sense of warmth and encouragement.

It can be programmed with a user’s daily care tasks and can provide reminders through visual and auditory cues such as movement and beeping. When it’s time to complete a task, it grabs the user’s attention by wagging its stem and making a small noise after which it displays an animation relevant to the activity, such as a ‘thirsty face’ when it’s time to drink water.

Once a task is completed, the user can track their progress via the accompanying app,  unlocking digital rewards called ‘Buddy Bucks’ which they can exchange in-app to customise their Buddy Double’s facial features.

The aim is to incentivize people to use the physical device rather than just the app, encouraging engagement without relying on a smartphone.

“We use our phones for everything – organising, connecting, even coping – but constant engagement can be exhausting. Buddy Double offers a playful way to stay on track without screens, gently easing phone dependence and encouraging more mindful, less overwhelming daily routines.”

The device connects to smart devices via Bluetooth and responds to its name, which can be set by the user.

Made with a hard acrylic outer casing and a soft silicone stem, it is designed to be customizable and users can personalise their Buddy Double with interchangeable stems and fabric costumes to truly make it their own.

The device features three task modes suited to different needs:

• Finite Tasking: For short, fixed-time tasks like brushing teeth, which are checked off automatically in the app – this can help users with working memory difficulties remember their routine or completed tasks
• Timed Tasking: Ideal for users who struggle with time blindness, it provides a visual countdown using its moving stem
• Infinite Tasking: For open-ended activities such as washing dishes, users verbally start and end tasks with ‘Buddy’, let’s wash dishes together’ and ‘Okay Buddy, all done.’ This mode allows users to task for as long as they can, which can improve motivation by letting the user tap out of the task when needed, not necessitating completion.

Lia’s design is set to go on show for the 2025 NTU Student Showcase, which is one of the largest displays of graduating art and design talent in the UK.

Max Pownall, course leader of BA Product Design at NTU, said: “Lia has taken her personal experiences used them to create a product which could benefit thousands of people who are neurodivergent.

“She has created a unique product which harnesses the benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy to help improve people’s lives by empowering them to overcome low motivation and enhance their productivity.”

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University are involved in a study to develop a new type of treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition affecting over five million people worldwide.

Together with University of Nottingham and University College London they received £1.3 million from the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Current IBD therapies often fail to fully relieve symptoms for many patients, especially those also suffering from serious gut infections like Clostridioides difficile, which can worsen inflammation and lead to more severe outcomes.

The team is harnessing the power of microRNAs—tiny molecules that help regulate the immune system—by packaging them into microscopic particles called nanoparticles.

These are designed to deliver treatment directly to damaged parts of the gut, reducing inflammation and protecting cells. Early results in lab models have been very promising, showing targeted action with no signs of harm.

Now entering a critical development stage, the project brings together a cross-disciplinary team of experts from leading UK institutions.

These include Dr Christos Polytarchou, Dr Maria Hatziapostolou, Dr Sarah Kuehne and Professor Lesley Hoyles at NTU, Dr Tanya Monaghan, Professor Cameron Alexander and Dr David Scurr at the University of Nottingham, Dr Pratik Gurnani at University College London, Professor Roisin Owens at the University of Cambridge, Dr Anna Seekatz at Clemson University, USA.

The team will refine and test these therapies in cutting-edge systems that mimic the human gut, while also exploring the potential to treat other conditions, such as inflammatory conditions of the gut-brain axis and neurodegenerative diseases.

If successful, this groundbreaking technology could lead to a new generation of personalised treatments, offering real hope to IBD patients who do not respond to current therapies.

Dr Tanya Monaghan, Associate Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, and project lead, said: “We urgently need more targeted and effective treatments for people living with inflammatory bowel disease and more severe forms of C. difficile infection.

“This project takes us a step closer to personalised therapies that can not only reduce inflammation but also help repair and protect the gut. I’m excited about the potential impact this could have for patients who currently have limited options.”

Dr Christos Polytarchou, Associate Professor in Health and Disease in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology, said: “This collaboration brings together world-class expertise to push the boundaries of RNA-based therapies.

“Our goal is to develop precision nanomedicines that not only treat inflammation more effectively, but also address the underlying molecular drivers of disease. It’s a unique opportunity to translate pioneering science into real clinical solutions.”

Rewriting the rules for menswear – new wearable skirts for men

Fashion student Katie Cooper is turning menswear on its head with a collection of wearable skirts which challenge gender norms.

Inspired by historical fashion, the 21-year-old created a range of clothes which would pave the way for men to once again feel comfortable wearing skirts.

“Originally, skirts were made for men – many powerful figures were seen wearing them in Ancient Egypt and all the way up to the Renaissance,” said Katie, who is studying BA Fashion Design in the Nottingham School of Art & Design.

“But over time, fashion changed and masculinity was channelled through the tailored suit, and now men distance themselves from anything that could be seen as feminine.

“So I wanted to offer a small step forward and show men that skirts can be strong, wearable, and part of everyday fashion again.”

Katie’s catwalk collection blends historical references with modern craftsmanship.

Pleats are hand-sewn, drawing inspiration from the classic kilt, and silhouettes are designed to challenge perception without sacrificing practicality.

Her catwalk collection includes three outfits which comprise skirts, baggy shorts with a skirt silhouette, or trousers which resemble long skirts:

– Look One: A long, kilt-inspired skirt made from deadstock Harris Tweed – mimicking traditional tartan. It is paired with a deconstructed pinstripe suit jacket, missing one sleeve and asymmetrical in cut, designed to question traditional notions of masculinity and power

– Look Two: Oversized, baggy trousers with side pleats – giving the silhouette a skirt-like appearance. Paired with a shirt inspired by 19th-century pilgrim collars (a feminine detail at the time) and a detachable hood, the outfit blends streetwear with historical nuance

– Look Three: Pleated jorts – baggy denim or tweed shorts that visually echo the silhouette of a skirt

Katie interviewed men from different backgrounds and found that many heterosexual men expressed they would “never wear a skirt” due to social stigma, while LGBTQ+ participants were more open to the idea.

“It was fascinating to see how deeply these gender rules are ingrained,” she said. “So my garments are aimed at younger men, especially in bigger cities, who seem more open to experimenting and pushing those boundaries.

“I don’t want my designs to be extravagant for the sake of it. They’re made to be worn, cherished, and lived in – pieces that stay in your wardrobe for years, not just for one statement moment.”

Katie’s designs are on public exhibition for the 2025 NTU Graduate Festival. The show is one of the largest exhibitions of graduating art and design talent in the UK.

Emma Prince, course leader for BA Fashion Design at NTU, said: “Katie’s designs show how fashion can challenge societal norms while remaining completely wearable and gender appropriate.

“Her collection is bold and well-crafted, showing a strong understanding of historical context, sustainable practice and innovative approaches to menswear.”