The Salford Review of 2012
Peel Building in the snow
After thousands of people attended the opening of our MediaCityUK building in 2011 you’d be forgiven for thinking 2012 was going to be quiet in comparison. But if you have a look at our roundup of the year: featuring royals, robots and rock stars – to name but a few stories – you’ll see there was plenty going on! Enjoy the rest of the year and here’s to a 2013 that’s as varied and exciting as these highlights from 2012.
January
The University achieved 21st place in the annual top 100 ranking of organisations for employing lesbian, gay and bisexual staff, climbing substantially from its previous ranking of 60th.
Salford was second only to Cambridge University as the top-ranked higher education institution in England on the Workplace Index published by lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall, which is based on a 25 question survey sent to a large range of stakeholders.
February
A Salford academic’s research challenged traditional notions of widowhood through a study of independent, busy and fulfilled older widows.
In contrast to earlier research which portrays older widows as a vulnerable, passive and homogenous group, Dr Tracy Collins’ study of women aged 62-90 years old found that the majority of them were practical, active and autonomous in the way they live their lives.
March
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the University of Salford’s MediaCityUK building on Friday 23 March.
Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited Salford as part of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. While Her Majesty toured the Studios at MediaCityUK, The Duke unveiled a specially-commissioned holographic animation at the University’s state-of-the-art facility and met staff and students.
April
A team of acoustics researchers from the School of Computing, Science & Engineering hit the headlines when they successfully recreated what Stonehenge would have sounded like in its Neolithic heyday.
May
Energy Minister, Charles Hendry, visited Salfordto see how the University is combining training and cutting-edge technology to meet the UK’s carbon emissions targets and reduce fuel poverty.
During his visit Mr Hendry also toured the Energy House – a unique, fully rebuilt terraced house inside a climate controlled lab, which is used to test the very latest technology and behavioural science in domestic carbon reduction. He also met students on an infrared thermography course designed to give participants the skills they need to monitor heat loss from buildings.
June
A taste of Paris and Milan came to the University of Salford’s MediaCityUK building in June when it was transformed into a catwalk auditorium to host the Fashion Design graduate degree show.
July
He found fame with legendary Manchester band The Smiths, and in July Johnny Marr’s outstanding achievements in a music career spanning four decades were recognised with the granting of an honorary degreeby the University.
Johnny joined thousands of Salford students who celebrated the completion of their studies during a week of ceremonies at Salford Quays.
August
More famous for trying to wipe out humanity (in science fiction at least), robots can in fact improve our quality of life considerably, according to a University of Salford researcher who’s been taking them on visits to old people’s homes.
September
Music originally played on the occasion of a visit by Queen Victoria in 1851 to Salford was heard for the first time in 150 years as part of an exhibition of finds and memories from nearby Worsley New Hall.
October
UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative commended the breast feeding knowledge and skills of Salford’s midwifery students – scoring them the highest of any university in the UK.
November
A key phase in the redevelopment of the University of Salford’s campus was achieved when the refurbished Chapman Buildingwas opened to reveal a beautiful, contemporary and environmentally-friendly space.
The building has been modernised to improve its internal and external appearance. Students now enjoy six lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays, a series of learning and breakout spaces, plus a Fairtrade café with views across the campus.
December
Peter Kay returned to his roots at the University of Salford this month when he passed on advice and tips from his hugely successful comedy career to more than 50 performance students.
Need to get in touch over Christmas?
The University is closed for the Christmas break from 6pm on Friday 21 December and reopens on 2 January. For more information on services that remain open, and out of hours contacts, visit the Student Channel
