A fine art student used her own skin to create a public installation to raise awareness of the skin condition ichthyosis.

Abigail Hutchinson-Dodd spent 12 months collecting flakes of her own skin and stored them in a jar to help create Are you contagious? for the 2025 at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Graduate Festival.

The 21-year-old, who has had ichthyosis since birth which covers all of her skin, wanted more people to be aware of the condition and how it can affect an individual.

Using a vacuum, she collected flakes from her home and student accommodation and used a sieve to obtain the smallest pieces.

“It’s such an unheard of condition that even a doctor I went to once had never heard of it and was adamantly saying it was something else,” said Abigail, who is studying BA Fine Art in the Nottingham School of Art & Design.

“It has affected me. At school people weren’t very nice and would ask if they could catch it.

“I can’t sit in the sun too long. I struggle to cool down and don’t sweat much. I used to bleach my hair to remove layers of skin from my scalp for relief.

“It’s not just an average skin condition. Some people with it can even have blindness as their eyelids are so affected.

“So I wanted to incorporate it into my art to communicate the feeling of how it can affect people.”

Abigail’s installation centres on a pathogen-shaped sphere that is made from a transparent resin which features small stumps to represent spike proteins.

The pathogen is cast from a mould and the centre remains hollow so that the flakes of skin can be placed inside and seen by the viewer, resembling a dark patch.

The pathogen is hung from the ceiling over a small hospital linoleum flooring which is covered by a glass frame, with five clay emollient cream bottles on top.

Petroleum jelly coats various areas and the space is illuminated by green lights.

“My work speaks a lot to genetic mutation and a feeling of anxiety. A pathogen is invisible and provokes a fear of hygiene,” said Abigail. “And because of my skin, I am more likely to get infections as the epidermis is broken.

“When I first used skin in my art some people thought it was quite repulsive.  But now people know what I do, they think it’s really interesting.”

Abigail’s work is on show for the 2025 Graduate Showcase, which see hundreds of art and design students putting their work on public display at NTU’s City Campus.

Fine Art senior lecturer Lisa Selby said: “Abi has shown how the choice of materials in art can make a significant difference to its meaning and can enhance the experience of the viewing public.

“Her installation communicates a strong but subtle message about ichthyosis and enables the viewer to develop a greater appreciation of the condition.”

Crucial habitats in many UK estuaries are at high risk of being squeezed out, potentially disappearing entirely in the face of climate change and human development, a new study has revealed.

Environmental scientists at Nottingham Trent University have identified exactly where coastal waters meet freshwater rivers, unlocking insights into one of the most overlooked and at-risk aquatic habitats.

Using more than 76,000 salinity measurements, the team has identified and mapped tidal freshwater and low salinity zones at the top of all 85 estuaries across mainland England and Wales.

Estuaries are bodies of water, found on the coast where the river meets the sea, with water becoming less salty as it moves inland from the estuary mouth to the river.

These transitional waters serve as essential habitats and corridors, transporting nutrients, energy and species between land and sea and are considered to be one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet.

According to the researchers, however, many are now in serious trouble due to climate change and human development.

The study revealed that nearly 70% of estuaries in England and Wales are blocked by man-made barriers, such as weirs or sluices, at their tidal limits – the point where the estuary meets the river.

Nineteen estuaries identified as being at ‘high risk’

These barriers – combined with rising sea levels and dwindling summer river flows – are slowly squeezing the important tidal freshwater and low salinity zones at the top of the estuaries from both ends.

As part of the study, 19 estuaries were identified as being at ‘high risk’ from this phenomenon – which the researchers have termed ‘estuarine squeeze’.

Worryingly, the researchers argue, these 19 estuaries hold nearly two-thirds of all the tidal freshwater and low salinity waters in England and Wales.

Estuaries in southern England such as the Medway, Exe and Ouse were most at risk of their tidal freshwater and low salinity zones being lost, the study revealed.

Historically, tidal freshwater marshes – lush, flood tolerant wetlands – lined the top of many of the UK’s estuaries, providing crucial habitats for birds, fish and other wildlife, but centuries of drainage for agriculture and development have all but erased them.

Opportunity to recreate freshwater marshes

The researchers suggest that this issue presents a unique opportunity to recreate these marshes in the right estuaries – helping to combat estuarine squeeze while also helping to improve water quality and build resilience against climate change.

In recent years UK sea levels have risen by 3-5.2mm per year and the UK coastline is projected to experience a relative sea level rise of up to 1.15m by 2100.

Estuaries are home to many different plants and animals, including some which are found nowhere else. They are a breeding place for a range of important species, act as a passage for migrating species which are under threat and support large numbers of wading birds.

They also store carbon, offer protection from storms and help improve water quality by filtering nutrients, contaminants and sediment from the land before they enter the sea.

Despite their importance, very little was known about the distribution of tidal freshwater and low salinity zones at the very top of estuaries, or the extent to which were constrained by man-made barriers.

“Tidal freshwater and low salinity zones at the top of our estuaries are crucial.” Said researcher Dr Sally Little, an estuarine ecologist in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences.

She said: “They are home to many different plants and animals, are productive, help store carbon, cycle nutrients and improve water quality. They are also critical habitat and corridors for migratory fish moving between river and sea.

“Many of these zones are being squeezed due to climate change and development, and we now risk losing some of them completely.

“Our study underscores the urgent need for monitoring and management, but it also presents a unique opportunity to compensate for their loss through the creation of tidal freshwater marshes.

“Recreating tidal freshwater marshes would not only combat estuarine squeeze, but also help meet biodiversity goals, improve water quality, and build resilience against climate change.”

Many of these zones are being squeezed due to climate change and development, and we now risk losing some of them completely

Dr Sally Little

Cardiff Metropolitan University Football Club Academy has been granted Category A Academy status and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) Girls Academi status for the 2025-26 season, recognising the team’s outstanding quality and commitment to developing young female footballers in Wales.

This is the first time Cardiff Met has been granted FAW Girls Academi status, which will allow the football club to drive participation locally through better experiences and access, while providing more professional opportunities and removing barriers to progression.

Chris Baker, Director of Football at Cardiff Met said, “Securing both Category A and FAW Girls Academi status is a fantastic achievement and testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff who support the development of young players year after year. We are looking forward to continuing to build a high-quality programme for some of the best young footballers in Wales, while our new FAW Girls Academi status opens exciting opportunities to grow the girls’ game locally.

“Both statuses mean we can provide better experiences, greater access, and a more professional environment that helps remove barriers and support players on their journey. We’re proud to align this progress with Cardiff Metropolitan University’s ambition to be Wales’ sporting university, and we look forward to working closely with the FAW to raise standards and strengthen domestic football across both the boys’ and girls’ pathways.”

This is also the second year running Cardiff Met has received the Category A Academy status which will allow the football academy to continue to develop and grow its offering to some of the best young footballers in Wales.

Jack Lyons, Academy Manager at Cardiff Met, said: “A huge thank you to the FAW, especially Drew Sherman and Brad Flay, for their continued support, and to Amethyst for helping raise standards across the Welsh game. With our Under 12s recently crowned National Champions, we’re excited to build on that success and keep pushing the academy forward — creating the best possible environment for young players to develop and thrive.”

As the club turns its attention to the 2025-26 season, trial dates for the Archers Girls’ Academi will be announced soon.

The annual NTU Apprenticeship Awards took place on 8 May 2025, with over 135 guests attending the ceremony to celebrate the outstanding achievements of NTU apprentices, employers and mentors.

Last week, NTU hosted our annual Apprenticeship Awards which seeks to highlight and celebrate the excellent work and achievements of apprentices studying at NTU.

As well as apprentices, the awards shine a light on both employers and mentors, without whom an apprenticeship wouldn’t be possible.

This year’s awards saw the highest amount of nominations since the awards started in 2019, with the quality of submissions being at an all-time high also.

Over the duration of the awards ceremony, seven apprentice awards are given out, including the prestigious NTU Apprentice of the Year award, as well as six employer awards.

David Drury, Degree Apprenticeship Manager, Employer Engagement commented. “this year’s NTU Apprenticeship Awards has been the most competitive awards with the highest number of nominations we’ve ever received. All the finalists should be incredibly proud of themselves and all they’ve achieved.“

The awards opened to submissions in October 2024 and are anonymously reviewed and scored by an external judging panel who shortlisted the finalists.

The finalists were then announced in February 2025 during National Apprenticeship Week, the judges then score the finalists’ nominations again to determine the winners, who were announced at last week’s ceremony.

Apprentice Award Winners

First Year Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Jacob Henry, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Construction & Engineering

Winner: George Hodgson, Derry Building Services

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Financial, Legal & Business Services

Winner: Joshua Georgiou, E.ON

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Food, Manufacturing & Service Industries

Winner: Jenny Rose, Boots

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Health, Education & Care

Winner: Natalie Selby-Shaw, NTU

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Public Services

Winner: Konstantinos Karagounis, NTU

Employer Award Winners

Apprentice Mentor of the Year

Winner: Anup Pancholi, Experian

Equality & Diversity Award

Winner: Experian

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Small enterprise, 1-49 employees)

Winner: Hope Architects

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Medium enterprise, 50-249 employees)

Winner: Landermeads

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Large enterprise, 250 employees)

Winner: E.ON

NTU Apprentice of the Year 2025

Jane McNeil, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education [left] and NTU Apprentice of the Year 2025, Jenny Rose

The winners of the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year categories are automatically entered into the NTU Apprentice of the Year category.

The judges unanimously considered Jenny Rose, a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprentice working at Boots, to be NTU’s Apprentice of the Year 2025.

In their deliberation, the judges found Jenny to be “an exceptional apprentice, achieving one of the highest academic profiles ever seen on their programme while making a significant impact at their employer. A supportive peer, inspirational role model, and influential leader, Jenny exemplifies the transformative power of apprenticeships at the highest level.“

The Judging Panel

We would like to thank our judging panel who work hard to read, review and score every single application made.

• Anne Wright, Managing Director, Workpays
• Louise Cairns, CEO, The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink
• Lucy Grierson, Partnerships, Projects and Communications Manager, NHS Charities Together
• Nick Ebbs, Chair of the Nottingham Growth Board
• Penny Guard, Learning & Development Manager, Nottingham Alliance Training Hub
• Simeon Powell, Executive Coach, Babington

A national survey of more than 4,000 UK workers has revealed that while employee engagement has seen its first rise since the pandemic – climbing 3% to an average of 65% – inequalities continue to divide the workforce.

The annual Engage for Success survey, run in partnership with Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, directly questioned a diverse and representative sample of employees across all sectors, industries, organisational sizes, and regions of the UK.

Using resources and expertise from Stillae Ltd and the Involvement and Participation Association, it explored current emerging issues influencing engagement – including organisational practices, hybrid working, health and wellbeing, bullying and harassment, and leadership.

Despite the rise for the first time in three years – since the survey began – engagement remains below pre-pandemic levels, and findings reveal a stark divide between UK organisations which prioritise their people, and those which do not.

Two in five employees work in organisations that actively embed people-focused issues into decision-making. With engagement levels of 77%, they reported more positive attitudes toward work, including a willingness to ‘go the extra mile’, support colleagues, and drive performance.

Employees with higher engagement are far less likely to see their job as simply a way to earn a money. Instead, they experience a sense of purpose and fulfilment in their work, which positively contributes to their overall wellbeing.

In contrast, another two in five employees feel that people issues are overlooked in their organisation, where engagement drops sharply to 45%, unmanageable job stress is five times higher, and levels of presenteeism and intention to leave are significantly increased.

The survey also revealed that employees with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, or protected characteristics report 20% lower engagement, higher stress, and a greater intention to leave. Many don’t disclose their condition due to fear of discrimination, and over a third who do receive no adjustments. However, with proper support, their engagement matches that of other employees – highlighting the power of inclusive practices.

Results also highlighted the crucial role that managers play in shaping employee engagement and workplace experience. When both senior leaders and line managers prioritise people issues, engagement rises significantly, creating more positive attitudes and healthier work environments.

Report author, Dr Sarah Pass, Senior Lecturer in Human Resources Management at NBS and Engage for Success Advisory Board member, said: “Line managers are key to translating organisational goals into daily practice, supporting individual performance, development, and inclusion, particularly for employees with health conditions or neurodivergence. They are the people who turn employee feedback into action.

“To lead effectively, managers need proper training and time to support their teams, and those who receive this preparation report higher engagement and greater confidence in their role.

“The rise in engagement is encouraging, but if we are to truly Keep Britain Working, we must focus not just on getting people into work, but on helping them work well. Disengagement – driven by unmanageable stress, presenteeism, and poor workplace culture – risks worsening health outcomes and pushing more people out of the workforce.

“To change this, we need to embed engagement, inclusion, and wellbeing at the heart of employment strategies, from government policy to organisational leadership and everyday practice. Engaged people are the foundation of resilient workplaces, stronger organisations, and a more productive economy.”

Nita Clarke, Director of the Involvement and Participation Association and co-founder of Engage for Success, said: “This survey has a strong message about how important effective employee engagement is to attracting people into work and keeping them there. Government needs to ensure this message underpins the industrial strategy so we can achieve permanent improvements at organisation level in productivity as well as employee wellbeing.”

David MacLeod OBE, Co-Founder of Engage for Success, added: “It is clear that if individual organisations and the UK overall are to grow, then we need to give higher priority to the people issues which result in increased levels of employee engagement and therefore better organisational outcomes. There is a huge opportunity, and need, to harness the rich diversity in our workplaces so that everyone can work to their full potential.”

Nottingham Business School is triple crown accredited by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA and has recently been reaccredited by the Small Business Charter for five years, succeeding in all 30 dimensions of assessment, showcasing its exemplary support and development for SMEs.

Its Centre for People, Work and Organizational Practice conducts research on human resource management, innovation and performance to address business and policy imperatives through the effective formulation and deployment of human and knowledge capital.

Read the full report on the NTU website.