University of Leicester research project celebrated as a Big Idea for the Future
Issued by University of Leicester Press Office on 16 June 2011
The University of Leicester’s groundbreaking work on health education has been chosen as one of the most important research projects taking place in universities today, with the publication today of the Big Ideas for the Future report.
The report, which is being jointly published by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and Universities UK, pulls together the leading research projects currently taking place across UK universities. Research from all fields, including science, social sciences, engineering, the arts and the humanities, were eligible to be included and The University of Leicester’s project was selected for inclusion from hundreds of submissions. The report is narrated and backed by high-profile celebrities such as Professor Lord Robert Winston, Dr Alice Roberts and Professor Iain Stewart.
The Health Education Reaching Out (HERO) programme aims to improve long-term health through education and evaluate the best practical approaches to deliver lifestyle outreach messages. This is done through fun and interactive workshops and public events which provide people with the insight to prevent and reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The programme is being spearheaded by GENIE Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR-CLAHRC) for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Successful approach strategies and resources will be disseminated widely through health and education networks and the training of others.
Professor Rick Rylance, Chair Elect of RCUK said of Big Ideas for the Future: “Research has an impact on all our lives. Whether it is a breakthrough in experimental science, or an invention that makes new things possible, or a project that leads us to understand better the strengths and weaknesses of our society, research is the key to the UK’s growth, prosperity and wellbeing. Big Ideas for the Future showcases just some of the excellent research being carried out in UK universities that achieves these aims. It is vital we continue to support the talented individuals whose work makes a real difference.”
Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “The research that has taken place at UK universities has helped to change the world and the way we live, whether that’s discovering DNA, inventing the world’s first computer or finding cures for life-threatening illnesses. It is great to see this tradition of world-leading innovation continue and get an insight into the many inspiring and potentially-life changing projects currently being developed by our universities. I would like to congratulate The University of Leicester on their inclusion in the Big Ideas for the Future report, and wish them the best of luck with their research.”
The publication of the report forms part of the second annual Universities Week, which takes place from 13-19 June 2011, and aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities. Universities Week looks at the many different ways in which universities affect all of our lives — from supporting the economy, to working within local communities, to looking at how their research programmes could change our futures. Hundreds of events will be taking place around the country open to members of the public, as well as high-profile media coverage and activity across social media networks.
To download a full version of the report, please visit http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/bigideas. For more information on Universities Week, visit www.universitiesweek.org.uk and to show your support, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ukuniversities.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Please direct any media enquiries to:
Regional media enquiries contact:
Ather Mirza
University of Leicester press office: 0116 252 2415
National media enquiries contact:
Elizabeth Porter
elizabeth.porter@kindredagency.com
020 7010 0851
2. Universities Week is taking place from 13-19 June 2010, and aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities. A full list of events taking place can be found at www.universitiesweek.org.uk. Supporters can also find out more about the campaign by joining the Universities Week Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/ukuniversities. The campaign is being co-ordinated by Universities UK.
3. Universities UK is the representative organisation for the UK’s universities. Founded in 1918, its mission is to be the definitive voice for all universities in the UK, providing high quality leadership and support to its members to promote a successful and diverse higher education sector. With 133 members and offices in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh, it promotes the strength and success of UK universities nationally and internationally. Visit: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk
4. Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure, and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the public, business, government and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
