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• Menopause: Continuing the Conversation will premiere at 12 noon on 18 October • The news-style programme features key industry interviews and news-style reports along with sponsored editorial profiles • It includes a film of Aston University staff telling their own stories. Aston University has joined forces with the British Menopause Society and ITN’s bespoke production hub, ITN Business, to contribute to a programme which raises awareness of the menopause for World Menopause Day. Menopause: Continuing the Conversation features key industry interviews and news-style reports, along with sponsored editorial profiles. It is anchored by television presenter and journalist Louise Minchin and will premiere at 12 noon on 18 October 2022 on the British Menopause Society's YouTube channel. The programme takes a holistic look – from lifestyle to changes in workplace policy - to support and empower women embarking on the perimenopause and beyond. Staff from Aston University tell their own stories in a film which forms part of the programme. World Menopause Day is held every year on 18 October. The day was designated by the International Menopause Society (IMS) to raise awareness of the menopause and to support options to improve health and wellbeing for women in mid-life and beyond. The theme for World Menopause Day 2022 is cognition and mood. According to research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), three out of five working women between the ages of 45 and 55 who are experiencing menopause symptoms say it has a negative impact on them at work, nearly two-thirds of women surveyed said they were less able to concentrate, more than half said they experience more stress, 30 per cent of women said they had taken sick leave because of their symptoms and only a small minority said they told their managers about the real reason for taking sick leave. Beth Lloyd, associate director of organisational development at Aston University, said: “We are excited to announce our involvement in a news-style programme Menopause: Continuing the Conversation in partnership with ITN Business and the British Menopause Society for World Menopause Day. “Menopause is not just a gender or age issue; it is an organisational issue. It can impact on colleagues both directly or indirectly. Awareness on this topic is fundamental to reduce the stigma attached to it so that more people will talk openly about it so it can begin to be normalised and people can get the support they need. “Aston University has taken a proactive approach to raising awareness of the topic including hosting a range of workshops for managers and staff, introducing menopause mentors and creating an informal networking group. Our hope is that these activities will create a truly inclusive workplace and achieve our goal of becoming a recognised menopause friendly employer.”
MEDIA RELEASE: Ten travel tips Manitobans should consider before flying this summer
Winnipeg MB, July 13, 2022 – CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) has compiled a list of ten things that Manitobans should be aware of if they are considering travelling this summer – both inside and outside the country. “Those who are considering booking a trip should make sure they understand the scope of what travel looks like at the moment,” said Susan Postma, regional manager, CAA Manitoba. “The checklist for planning a trip has changed and we want to help people navigate this new environment. “Airports are experiencing delays with varying degrees of impact, and Manitobans should be prepared.” Through consultation with its top travel agents, CAA MB has identified ten key considerations that potential travelers may not be aware of. Anyone who is considering travel in the current environment should remember that travel requirements and regulations are continually changing. Expect itinerary changes. CAA Manitoba travel agents say our Members are experiencing schedule changes for flights. Subscribe to the airline’s text message service to be immediately notified of any changes, and book connecting flights with more time in between than you normally would if available. A travel agent is also a valuable resource if this happens. Consider packing a carryon instead of checking luggage. Potential baggage delays mean that your luggage may not arrive with you, or take extra time to be unloaded off the plane. If you bring a carryon, make sure it fits the size requirements for all the airlines you are flying on, and with any tour operators. When using a carryon to travel, you still need to follow the 3-1-1 rule: three ounces of liquid, gel, aerosol, cream or paste that fit in one quart-sized resealable bag. If you are checking luggage, make sure your carryon has your hygiene essentials, any medications and perhaps a change of clothing. It will take longer to get through airport security. The old standby of being at the airport one hour before takeoff for domestic flights and two hours before international flights no longer apply. CAA Manitoba currently recommends a minimum of two hours before domestic flight departures and three hours for international flights. While waiting in line, take off your jacket, belt, and empty your pockets so you’re ready to quickly place your belongings in the scanner. Make sure all your documentation is in order before you book. Your passport should still be valid six months after your travel date, as this is required in several countries. Passports themselves are taking longer than usual to renew, so it should be done several months before you travel. Each destination has varying documentation requirements, so make sure you fully understand what information you need to have ready and in what format. Buy travel insurance and understand what is covered. Make sure you have $5 million in coverage for emergency medical situations and that illness related to COVID-19 is included. Understand your entitlements for situations like denied boarding in the event of a positive test, trip cancellation or delays, what luggage is covered and what isn’t. Car rentals need to be booked months in advance. High demand as well as a shortage of vehicles means a shortage of rental cars. Some rental agencies, particularly on the east and west coasts, are not allowing vehicles to be rented in one city and left in another. A travel agent can help you navigate this. Be patient, be kind. Around the globe, airlines are dealing with staff shortages and luggage handling back-ups. Keep in mind that the staff at the airports are there to help you, and that things may take longer than usual. COVID-19 is still a major consideration. Confirm the COVID-19 situation at destination prior to booking. Understand the risk level associated with travel to a particular destination by checking the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories website. Individual travel advisories remain on a country-by-country basis. It is important that Manitobans understand the ongoing uncertainty associated with international travel, whether that be related to the continued community transmission of COVID-19, or state of health care systems in destinations hit hard by the pandemic. Stay connected. It is important to have access to trusted, up-to-date information while travelling so you can monitor changing conditions and requirements and adapt accordingly. Bookmark the Global Affairs Canada website prior to departure and check it regularly while abroad. It is also a good idea to sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad and stay in touch with a family or friend that has knowledge of your travel plans. Find these and more information at caamanitoba.com/travel. Confirm change and cancellation flexibility with your travel service provider. Many airlines and hotels have been providing more flexibility when it comes to refunds and changes to bookings. Make sure you understand any key dates related to cancellation and changes and whether you are entitled to a refund or a future travel voucher or credit at the time of booking.
Winnipeg, MB, March 16, 2022 - Longing for your next adventure? Look no further because CAA Manitoba has unveiled a new set of luxurious travel packages designed for travellers who are ready to embark on an iconic Canadian adventure. As part of each package, travellers will be flying on a CAA chartered jet with all business class seating, offered in partnership with Air Canada. They will be joined only by those travelling on a Premier Collection tour. Itineraries are curated with affordable luxury in mind. “Our research has shown us that Canadians are looking to experience travel in a more intimate setting and at this time, many are still looking to stay closer to home,” said Susan Postma, regional manager, CAA Manitoba. “By coupling the best of Canadian culture, food and heritage, with the safety and luxury of travelling on a CAA chartered plane, we are confident that these packages will give travellers a delightful option to start exploring again.” Travellers will rediscover the nation’s greatest sights, sounds and smells on one of five journeys showcasing Canada’s unforgettable wonders and hidden gems. “For many of us, travelling again for the first time is a momentous occasion and we wanted to make that extra special by cultivating a premium experience with the utmost attention to health and safety,” said Postma. “Each destination encourages travellers to immerse themselves in every moment and create lasting memories.” Packages feature everything from stargazing to whale watching; enjoying a pancake brunch on a maple farm to World Famous “Digby Scallops” in Nova Scotia; witnessing the highest tides in the world in New Brunswick to taking in Quebec’s most breathtaking waterfall and many more unique experiences in between. “We are very pleased that CAA is recognizing our superior customer service in choosing Air Canada for its unique, luxury travel packages. Our private charter service, Air Canada Jetz, is specially designed for ultra-premium customers, such as pro athletes, celebrities and music stars, ensuring CAA’s explorers will travel in extraordinary style wherever their adventure takes them,” said Eric Bordeleau, senior director, Network Scheduling and Charters at Air Canada. Tours and dates include: Glorious Lakes and Glaciers: Banff, Jasper and Beyond (August 13-20, 2022) – 8 Days Savour Quebec: A Culinary Journey Through Quebec City, Charlevoix and Montreal (August 15 – 24, 2022) – 10 Days Rich and Enticing Quebec: Explore the Spectacular Gaspé Peninsula (August 15 – 24, 2022) – 10 Days Magical Maritimes: Acadian Culture, Delicious Flavours and Historic Charms (September 10-19, 2022) – 10 Days Platinum Journey - Mountains and Memories: Wonders of the West and Rocky Mountaineer (September 13-21, 2022) – 9 Days CAA Travel has over 50 years of experience in helping members plan and book unforgettable travel excursions around the world. CAA’s new Premier Tours Collection packages are part of CAA’s Extraordinary Explorations collection and range in price starting at $6,300 CDN. Extraordinary Explorations is CAA’s collection of unique travel adventures designed for adventurous travellers looking to embark on a luxe vacation for an affordable price. Experience one-of-a-kind destinations, intriguing itineraries and exceptional excursions. Available as escorted and hosted packages, every exploration is guaranteed to create lasting memories. The 2022 Premier Collection packages can be purchased at all CAA stores or by phone at 1-844- 202-8045. Click here for more information.
MEDIA RELEASE: Ten things Manitobans need to know prior to booking travel abroad
Winnipeg, MB, October, 26, 2021 – CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) has compiled a list of ten things that Manitobans should be aware of if they are considering travelling abroad. “Now that the Canadian government is no longer advising against non-essential travel due to COVID-19, those who are considering booking a trip should make sure they understand the scope of what travel looks like at the moment,” said Kaitlynn Furse, director, corporate communications, CAA Club Group. “The checklist for planning a trip has changed and we want to help people navigate this new environment.” Through consultation with its top travel agents, CAA MB has identified ten key considerations that potential travellers may not be aware of. Anyone who is considering travel in the current environment should make sure they have looked into the following and remember that travel requirements and regulations are continually changing. 1. Confirm the COVID-19 situation at destination prior to booking. Understand the risk level associated with travel to a particular destination by checking the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories website. While the Global Affairs Canada Level 3 Travel Advisory to avoid all non-essential travel has been lifted, individual travel advisories do remain on a country-by-country basis. It is important that Canadians understand the ongoing uncertainty associated with international travel, whether that be related to the continued community transmission of COVID-19, or state of health care systems in destinations hit hard by the pandemic. 2. Understand the type, timing, cost and accessibility of required COVID testing. Every country has different requirements when it comes to the COVID tests that are needed prior to travel, and every country has different testing capacities once you are there. There are also requirements in order to return to Canada. Make sure you understand the difference between molecular PCR and rapid antigen tests, in what time period tests must be taken, the associated costs and locations where these tests are available. 3. Confirm change and cancellation flexibility with your travel service provider. Many airlines and hotels have been providing more flexibility when it comes to refunds and changes to bookings. Make sure you understand any key dates related to cancellation and changes and whether you are entitled to a refund or a future travel voucher or credit at the time of booking. 4. Buy travel insurance and understand what is covered. Make sure you have $5 million in coverage for emergency medical situations and that illness related to COVID-19 is included. Understand your entitlements for things like denied boarding in the event of a positive test and coverage related to isolation expenses. 5. Prepare required travel documentation and the format it must be presented in, for both Canada and your destination. Canadians returning home should have all required documentation loaded onto the ArriveCAN App or website. Each destination has varying requirements, so make sure you fully understand what information you need to have ready and in what format. Make sure you also take into consideration connections and any requirements in the connecting destination due to lay over or delays. 6. Take note of local public health rules prior to departure. Many destinations have measures in place such as curfews and quarantine requirements. You should also understand what the regulations are if you happen to test positive for COVID-19 in the country you are visiting. 7. Be aware of changes between booking and departure. Make sure you reconfirm all the details that were researched prior to booking, to ensure they are still accurate prior to departure. What was true when a trip was booked may not be the case by the time you are ready to travel. 8. Double check all research with the appropriate embassy or consulate. Travel at this time is complex and many factors can change quickly, so ensuring you have the most up to date and accurate information is essential. 9. Plan for extra time. From disembarkment and customs to retrieving luggage and exiting the airport, most things on the travel journey are taking longer than during preCOVID travel times. Also note the check-in and baggage drop off deadline for your flight as it may require you to arrive earlier than anticipated. 10. Stay connected. Fully unplugging while travelling is likely a thing of the past. It is important to have access to trusted, up-to-date information while travelling so you can monitor changing conditions and requirements and adapt accordingly. Bookmark the Global Affairs Canada website prior to departure and check it regularly while abroad. It is also a good idea to sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad and stay in touch with a family or friend that has knowledge of your travel plans.
MEDIA RELEASE: Watch for higher traffic volume in school zones as students go back to class
WINNIPEG, MB, September 7, 2021 – After months of distance learning, many students will be excited to see their friends and classmates again as they return to the classroom. With higher traffic periods anticipated before and after school, CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is urging all pedestrians and motorists to stay alert and take extra caution while travelling through school zones. “Pedestrian safety begins with drivers,” said Heather Mack, manager of government and community relations at CAA MB. “When you’re behind the wheel, you have the responsibility to look out for everyone else around you, including parents, guardians and children.” When COVID-19 public health orders were loosened in the province during August and September 2020, recent data reported by Manitoba Public Insurance revealed a spike in the number of fatalities and serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions. In comparison to the previous five-year average, the number of fatalities caused by distracted driving quadrupled while the number of fatalities due to not wearing a seatbelt almost tripled. Additionally, instances of speeding also significantly increased. “CAA is reminding pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to be fully aware of their surroundings by slowing down and putting away all distractions,” said Mack. “Whether you are a parent or guardian driving, or a child walking or wheeling to school, everyone plays a role in keeping school zones safe.” CAA is encouraging motorists to remember these top five school zone safety tips: 1. Make eye contact with passing pedestrians and cyclists: With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle. Use eye contact to ensure pedestrians are aware of you driving your vehicle. 2. Help reduce traffic with active school travel: Encourage your kids to walk or ride to school to ease traffic congestion. If your school is a further distance, CAA encourages parents and guardians to park a block away and walk to school, if possible, to reduce traffic and make school zones safer. 3. Slow down: Know the speed limit in your neighbourhood’s school zones and respect them. Ensure to give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing. 4. Follow the rules of the road near school buses: Always stop for the buses’ flashing lights and wait for children to get safely on or off. Stay alert and watch for children or parents/guardians crossing the road when the bus moves on. 5. Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school’s rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe. CAA supports safety in school zones through the CAA School Safety Patrol® program. The program was developed to protect, educate and empower elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices.
Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment to host third in a series of livestreamed public lectures This episode of Molecules to Minds will explore Dr Laura Shapiro’s research into how children’s experiences of learning to read impacts on how they learn in the future The one-hour livestream will be followed by a Q&A and round table discussion Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) will host a livestreamed public lecture in the series Molecules to Minds on Aston University’s digital channel Aston Originals on Thursday 3 November 2022. Dr Laura Shapiro, a reader in psychology, will present her lecture ‘From gobbledygook to goblins: how a child learns to crack the written code’. Laura will reveal the hurdles and fortunes on the journey from spoken to written language and will discuss how our experience of learning to read changes the way we learn forever. Dr Shapiro's research focuses on the causes and consequences of children’s language and literacy development and is shaped both by fundamental scientific questions and by the concerns of practitioners and policymakers. The lecture will be co-presented with James McTaggart from the Highland Council, Scotland and hosted by Professor Jackie Blissett, co-director of IHN. Laura said: “Most adults take reading for granted, yet for a beginner reader, writing is just gobbledygook. The ability to crack the written code underpins all subsequent learning and provides the key to discovering new worlds and fictional friends.” After the livestreamed lecture, Dr Shapiro and guests will host a Q&A and round table discussion, where audience members can address researchers with their questions. The panel includes a variety of guests: James Cook, headteacher at Cawdor Primary, Scotland, Roxanne Mahroof, a parent and Dr Pamela Wadende a senior lecturer in education at Kisii University, Kenya. Dr Shapiro added: “Being able to read is like a key to the adult world: it underpins our ability to learn. Our research shows that strong language skills are needed to learn to read, and the journey to mastery is a long one. “The good news is that getting better at reading helps you learn more from each thing you read, and in turn spurs you to read more widely. Warning: reading can be addictive.” The lecture is targeted at anyone interested in literacy development in children and young people, including academics, teachers, parents and young people themselves. The livestream will take place at 16:00 – 17:00 BST on Thursday 3 November on the Aston Originals YouTube channel. To register for this event please visit our Eventbrite page.
Simple 20-20-20 screen rule really does help with eye strain, research shows
Scientists find that a short break to look away from screen every 20 minutes improves symptoms of eye strain for computer users Aston University researchers used special software to monitor participants’ gaze for two weeks, measuring symptoms before and after First time that guidance has been scientifically validated. It’s long been recommended as a way of easing eye strain while working at a computer screen. Now the 20-20-20 rule – taking a break of at least 20 seconds, every 20 minutes, to look at least 20 feet away - has been confirmed by scientists at Aston University to help ease some of the symptoms of prolonged computer use. It’s estimated that at least half of people using computers in their regular work have some form of digital eye strain, resulting in eye surface problems including irritation and dryness, or vision issues such as headaches or blurred vision. Humans normally blink around 15 times each minute. When staring at screens, this number decreases generally to half that rate or less. That can lead to dry, irritated, and tired eyes, but twenty seconds focusing elsewhere is long enough for the eyes to relax enough to reduce the strain. This is the first time that the 20-20-20 guidance rule has been properly validated. Researchers at Aston University’s College of Health and Life Sciences set up their study with the help of 29 participants who suffer from symptoms of eye strain. Special software downloaded onto the participants’ own laptop computers used the built-in laptop camera both to check if a user was sitting at the screen and to monitor their gaze direction every few seconds. After 20 minutes of continuous screen viewing, the programme flashed up a message, asking users to rest for 20 seconds while looking at any distant target around 20 feet away, such as out of the window or across a room. The message couldn’t be removed until the task was performed correctly, as measured by the app. Participants’ digital eye strain symptoms were measured before and after two weeks of using the reminders, and one week after completing the study. Results showed a marked decrease in symptoms including dryness, sensitivity and discomfort. Professor James Wolffsohn, Professor of Optometry at Aston University, who led the research in collaboration with the University of Valencia, Spain, said: “The one previous study merely asked people to carry out the suggestions; but here the access control on the software meant we could be sure that participants really had looked away every 20 minutes. We saw a consequent improvement in the symptoms of the group as a whole.” Researchers noted that after the study, the participants’ eye symptoms returned to what they had been before the intervention. Professor Wolffsohn says: “We are planning to conduct longer term studies to see whether we can teach eyelid muscle memory impulses to blink more often during digital viewing, to help mitigate this chronic issue without long term use of reminders.” The findings confirm that people should try and take breaks from their screens. He added: “Although we used sophisticated software, it’s easy for others to replicate the effect by setting a timer on their phone, or downloading a reminder app. It’s a simple way of reminding yourself to take regular breaks for the good of your eyes.” The effects of breaks on digital eye strain, dry eye and binocular vision: Testing the 20-20-20 rule was published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye journal.
Babies react to taste and smell in the womb – new research
Scientists have recorded the first direct evidence that babies react differently to various smells and tastes while in the womb Study took 4D ultrasound scans of 100 pregnant women to see how their unborn babies responded to flavours from foods eaten by their mothers The research team, which also included scientists from Aston University, scanned some mothers to see fetal facial reactions to the kale and carrot flavours. Scientists have recorded the first direct evidence that babies react differently to various smells and tastes while in the womb by looking at their facial expressions. A study led by Durham University’s Fetal and Neonatal Research Lab, UK, took 4D ultrasound scans of 100 pregnant women to see how their unborn babies responded after being exposed to flavours from foods eaten by their mothers. Researchers looked at how the fetuses reacted to either carrot or kale flavours just a short time after the flavours had been ingested by the mothers. Fetuses exposed to carrot showed more “laughter-face” responses while those exposed to kale showed more “cry-face” responses. Their findings could further our understanding of the development of human taste and smell receptors. The researchers also believe that what pregnant women eat might influence babies’ taste preferences after birth and potentially have implications for establishing healthy eating habits. The study is published in the journal Psychological Science. Humans experience flavour through a combination of taste and smell. In fetuses it is thought that this might happen through inhaling and swallowing the amniotic fluid in the womb. Lead researcher Beyza Ustun, a postgraduate researcher in the Fetal and Neonatal Research Lab, Department of Psychology, Durham University, said: “A number of studies have suggested that babies can taste and smell in the womb, but they are based on post-birth outcomes while our study is the first to see these reactions prior to birth. “As a result, we think that this repeated exposure to flavours before birth could help to establish food preferences post-birth, which could be important when thinking about messaging around healthy eating and the potential for avoiding ‘food-fussiness’ when weaning. “It was really amazing to see unborn babies’ reaction to kale or carrot flavours during the scans and share those moments with their parents.” The research team, which also included scientists from Aston University, Birmingham, UK, and the National Centre for Scientific Research-University of Burgundy, France, scanned the mothers, aged 18 to 40, at both 32 weeks and 36 weeks of pregnancy to see fetal facial reactions to the kale and carrot flavours. Mothers were given a single capsule containing approximately 400mg of carrot or 400mg kale powder around 20 minutes before each scan. They were asked not to consume any food or flavoured drinks one hour before their scans. The mothers also did not eat or drink anything containing carrot or kale on the day of their scans to control for factors that could affect fetal reactions. Facial reactions seen in both flavour groups, compared with fetuses in a control group who were not exposed to either flavour, showed that exposure to just a small amount of carrot or kale flavour was enough to stimulate a reaction. Co-author Professor Nadja Reissland, head of the Fetal and Neonatal Research Lab, Department of Psychology, Durham University, supervised Beyza Ustun’s research. She said: “Previous research conducted in my lab has suggested that 4D ultrasound scans are a way of monitoring fetal reactions to understand how they respond to maternal health behaviours such as smoking, and their mental health including stress, depression, and anxiety. “This latest study could have important implications for understanding the earliest evidence for fetal abilities to sense and discriminate different flavours and smells from the foods ingested by their mothers.” Co-author Professor Benoist Schaal, of the National Centre for Scientific Research-University of Burgundy, France, said: “Looking at fetuses’ facial reactions we can assume that a range of chemical stimuli pass through maternal diet into the fetal environment. “This could have important implications for our understanding of the development of our taste and smell receptors, and related perception and memory.” The researchers say their findings might also help with information given to mothers about the importance of taste and healthy diets during pregnancy. They have now begun a follow-up study with the same babies post-birth to see if the influence of flavours they experienced in the womb affects their acceptance of different foods. Research co-author Professor Jackie Blissett, of Aston University, said: “It could be argued that repeated prenatal flavour exposures may lead to preferences for those flavours experienced postnatally. In other words, exposing the fetus to less ‘liked’ flavours, such as kale, might mean they get used to those flavours in utero. “The next step is to examine whether fetuses show less ‘negative’ responses to these flavours over time, resulting in greater acceptance of those flavours when babies first taste them outside of the womb.”
Aston University expert to join panel discussion hosted by The Independent on how to heal the NHS
Dr Alexis Paton is the director of the Centre for Health and Society at Aston University The online event, How to heal the NHS, will take place on 27 October at 18.30 BST Experts will examine how to secure the future of the UK’s health system. Dr Alexis Paton, director of the Centre for Health and Society at Aston University, will be joining a panel of experts to examine how to secure the future of the UK's health system at an on online event on 27 October at 18.30 BST. How to heal the NHS - is the Independent’s latest panel discussion in its virtual event series. It will be chaired by health correspondent Rebecca Thomas and the panel will also include Hannah Barham-Brown, a GP and deputy leader of the Women’s Equality Party, and Dr Suzanne Tyler the Royal College of Midwives executive director. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to the experts speaking exclusively with The Independent on this topic and have the chance to ask them a question either pre-submitted ahead of the event or during it using the Q&A box on Zoom. Dr Alexis Paton, director of the Centre for Health and Society, Aston University said: “The concerns about the state and stability of the NHS were deeply entrenched before 2020 and then of course the pandemic hit. “The additional pressures and longer waiting times for appointments and treatment have only grown following a time when NHS staff have experienced stresses like they never have before. The situation has led to increased fears of privatisation and increasing staff shortages. “I welcome this opportunity to contribute to a debate about such a vitally important topic.” To find out how to sign up to the event for free click on the Eventbrite page.
Aston University joins Birmingham Health Partners alliance
Aston University becomes second university member to join Birmingham Health Partners (BHP) BHP brings together excellence from University of Birmingham and four regional NHS trusts The alliance brings together translational medicine, encompassing health data and academic excellence. Aston University has joined Birmingham Health Partners (BHP), becoming the second university to join the city’s university-NHS partnership. BHP brings together academic, clinical and translational excellence from the University of Birmingham, Aston University and four regional NHS trusts: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust; Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Trust; and more recently Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, the Royal Orthopaedic NHS Foundation Trust, as well as the regional Academic Health Science Network. BHP is known for its unique ecosystem which enables a full spectrum of translational medicine: encompassing health data, an established local health system, academic excellence and an extensive clinical trials capability – to help bring about answers to complex healthcare issues for the direct benefit of people worldwide. Aston University will be represented at board level by Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University. While Professor Anthony Hilton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor & Executive Dean College of the College of Health and Life Sciences will join the executive group of BHP. Professor Hilton said: “We are excited to join BHP because it gives Aston University the chance to develop cross institutional collaborations under one umbrella of BHP. It provides an important forum for engagement with our regional NHS trusts and beneficiaries for both research, education and knowledge exchange. “We are keen to see how the alliance will support the funding of future research, enabling us to share innovation at the boundaries of each institutional expertise. “By having a unified West Midlands approach, we can harness key skills, expertise and our resources to have an impact on health in the region.” Managing Director at BHP, John Williams said: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome Aston University to be part of Birmingham Health Partners. “Alongside our NHS partners we will make use of our shared capabilities as employers, educators and researchers to positively impact the health and economic growth of our region."