Three research projects selected for leading national report

The University’s groundbreaking work in three areas has been chosen as some of the most important research taking place in universities today, with the publication 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 underway across UK universities.

The three Teesside projects selected were:

Early diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Researchers led by Professor Zulfiqur Ali are developing a portable device that can diagnose DVT earlier and help save lives. Currently diagnosis of DVT is confirmed by an ultrasound, but this is expensive and patients can wait for several days before examination. This new device is fast and lower in cost and could reduce the number of referrals without compromising patient care.

Healthy lifestyle - fighting fit The research team have created an alternative to existing virtual fitness games called the exergaming system. The aim is to see if this can help make middle–aged men healthier by inviting participants to take part in a thorough workout in their local workingmen’s club. Health indicators of participants will be measured before and after the trial period to see whether this fun approach to health promotion can have real benefits. The research is led by Dr Iain Spears, Reader in Sports and Exercise.

Co-researcher Dr Alan Batterham, Professor of Exercise Science, said: ‘There is a growing body of evidence that brief, relatively high-intensity exercise of this type is beneficial for health. It is very unlikely that our exercise program will lead to weight-loss. However, there is a good chance that our exercise program will lead to improved metabolic fitness.'

Tackling worklessness Researchers led by Professor Tracy Shildrick are challenging the widely-held view that in some disadvantaged areas of the UK intergenerational cultures of worklessness, (IGCW), have taken hold. The term has been used to explain the lack of aspirations among people locked into cycles of unemployment, with the suggestion that they embrace anti-work. The research, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, will provide robust and detailed evidence around IGCW. Policies to assist the long term unemployed will benefit from a deeper understanding of the exact nature of IGCW and how, if at all, these processes operate across and within families and within deprived communities. The research findings could have lasting significance for welfare policy development in the future.

The Big Ideas for the Future report is narrated and backed by high-profile celebrities such as Professor Lord Robert Winston, Dr Alice Roberts and Professor Iain Stewart.

High quality research taking place at Teesside Professor Cliff Hardcastle, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at Teesside, said: ‘We are delighted that three of our projects were selected for this report. It is indicative of the very high quality research with direct relevance to society that is taking place here at Teesside University.’

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.’

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, added: ‘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 Teesside University 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.

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Big Ideas for the Future report.