You'll always be part of Portsmouth.
It’s hard to think of a time when health was in sharper focus. COVID-19 continues to affect us all. What the future holds – what ‘normal’, ‘healthy’ look like - remains to be seen.
Research, teaching and community health leadership is nothing new at Portsmouth. Every day, our academics add to the understanding of health challenges, including COVID-19. And every day, our students and alumni set a course to help the many people grappling with these challenges.
The pandemic reflects the complexity of ‘health’, its many faces, from disease - mental and physical - to policy and practice. It shows us the impact of inequity on health outcomes. It asks us to consider all those who suffer from chronic conditions, including the ones who’ve taken a backseat to COVID over the last year.
This edition of your alumni newsletter shines a light on health. Don’t miss the breakthrough study that could make early Alzheimer's diagnosis a reality; or the stories of incredible alumni making a difference, at home and abroad.
We wish you good health!
Guided by the Science
How many times during this pandemic have you heard that?Executive Dean of Science, Professor Sherria Hoskins, shares the incredibly exciting research taking place within the University, and how it's making a real difference, both locally and globally.
Alumni in Action
The pandemic has changed us. The way we interact, work, live on a daily basis.
This SOLVE alumni digest and accompanying podcast tells the stories of six Portsmouth graduates who are playing key roles in creating better health around the world. From groundbreaking research to vaccine roll out, these are people driven by a passion to help.
You can also hear their inspirational stories in our Making Waves podcast series.
Alumna sets up Vaccination Centre
Hearing your stories and meeting alumni is a fabulous part of our job. We love seeing where your careers have taken you and your fantastic achievements.
We recently caught up with Melissa Lang BA History'19 who is Assistant Project Manager for the NHS. Melissa has led the monumental task of setting up the COVID-19 Vaccination Centre at Epsom Racecourse.
Hear Melissa tell her story - her journey since Portsmouth and what her role involves.
Alumni Voices
To mark British Science Week last month, we spoke to Portsmouth graduates about their STEM roles and how they’re innovating for the future.
Amongst the stories shared, Simon Munro, Senior Biomedical Scientist and Quality Lead for Microbiology for the NHS, told us how he's had to adapt his role due to the pandemic and his advice for those of you looking to get into STEM.
We love hearing your inspirational stories and reflections so please keep them coming.
Upcoming events
- 21/04/2021 - Novel Reading during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- 22/04/2021 - European Alumni Event 2021
- 22/04/2021 - Charity Shopping: Second Hand Citizens
- 28/04/2021 -Research Futures: Resilience through leadership
- 21/05/2021 - Stephen King Writing Workshop
Stay active, WIN a Fitbit
Sneak peek of the new Ravelin Sports Centre! One of the UK’s most sustainable sports facilities, the centre will boast an eight-lane 25m swimming pool, ski simulator and climbing wall when it opens later this year. And you can use your alumni discount to join. In fact, membership applies to all Sport facilities.
Until then, the Uni gym offers workouts at home. To complement your fitness, we’re giving away a Fitbit Inspire 2. All you need to do to enter is ‘Like’ our Facebook page by 30 April. Two runners up will win personalised UoP hoodies. Check your FB messages in May to see if you’re a winner!
Alzheimer's breakthrough
The discovery of a new brain protein could make earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis a reality. Neuroscientists at the University of Portsmouth have completed a breakthrough study to understand brain changes in the earliest phases of the disease.
Combating
infection
Portsmouth researchers are helping to develop new materials that combat infection and odour in chronic wounds. If approved for clinical use, it could speed the detection of emerging infections, allowing for earlier intervention, before a wound deteriorates.
Your child's mental health
How does the pandemic look to children? Dr Emma Maynard, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education & Sociology, considers this in the context of making the current situation as easy for them as possible through routine and touch.
You'll always be part of Portsmouth
We are stronger, better, more empowered together.
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