Bridging the Gap: Teesside University Fuels Innovation in Science and Housing
May 16, 2025, 12:51 am
Location: United Kingdom, England, Middlesbrough
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1927
In the heart of Darlington, a vibrant dialogue is unfolding. The Pint of Science festival is set to return, transforming local pubs into stages for scientific exploration. This festival is not just a gathering; it’s a bridge connecting the public with the world of academia. It invites curious minds to sip on knowledge while enjoying a pint.
From May 19 to May 21, The Forum Music Centre will host a series of talks led by researchers from Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre. The topics range from the futuristic allure of cyborgs to the microscopic solutions for plastic pollution. Each speaker is a guide, illuminating the path of discovery. They bring cutting-edge research to the forefront, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
Dr. Craig McBeth will explore the thin line between science fiction and reality. Are we on the brink of merging man and machine? Meanwhile, Dr. Sreejith Raveendran will delve into the potential of DNA as a weapon against cancer. These discussions are not just academic; they are lifelines to hope and innovation.
The festival doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of science. Dr. Kamar Ameen-Ali and Dr. Ahmad Khundakar will tackle the misdiagnosis of cognitive disorders. Their insights could reshape how we understand mental health. Dr. Caroline Orr will reveal the hidden biodiversity beneath our feet, reminding us that even the smallest organisms play a crucial role in our ecosystem.
This festival is a testament to the power of community engagement. It’s a chance for the public to step into the shoes of a scientist, to ask questions, and to spark curiosity. The relaxed atmosphere encourages dialogue, breaking down barriers between researchers and the community.
But the Pint of Science festival is just one part of a larger narrative. Teesside University is also making waves in the housing sector. In a bold move, the university has partnered with industry giants Persimmon and Bellway to create a new talent pipeline for the housebuilding sector. This initiative aims to address the pressing need for skilled Quantity Surveyors, specifically tailored to the demands of housebuilding.
The housing crisis in the UK is a ticking clock. With a government target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029, the urgency is palpable. Teesside University is stepping up, crafting a Level 6 degree apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying. This program is not just about education; it’s about building a workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the housing market.
Joanna Burgess, Director of Professional Apprenticeships at Teesside University, emphasizes the importance of aligning education with industry needs. This collaboration is a lifeline for the housing sector, ensuring that future professionals are equipped with relevant skills. It’s a proactive approach, addressing both the skills gap and the housing shortage.
The partnership with Persimmon and Bellway is a strategic move. It aligns academic training with real-world applications. Laura Cooper from Bellway highlights the importance of tailoring education to meet the unique demands of the industry. This is not just about filling positions; it’s about nurturing talent that can drive innovation in housebuilding.
The apprenticeship program is set to welcome its first cohort in January 2026. It promises to be a game-changer, offering a focused curriculum that prepares students for the specific challenges of the housing sector. This initiative is a beacon of hope for aspiring Quantity Surveyors, providing a clear pathway into a rewarding career.
As the Pint of Science festival and the new apprenticeship program unfold, they represent a broader trend. There’s a growing recognition of the need for collaboration between academia and industry. This synergy is essential for fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges.
In Darlington, science and housing are not isolated realms. They are interconnected threads in the fabric of community development. The Pint of Science festival invites the public to engage with scientific ideas, while the apprenticeship program prepares the next generation of professionals to build the homes of tomorrow.
Both initiatives reflect a commitment to progress. They highlight the importance of education, community engagement, and industry collaboration. As Teesside University leads the charge, it sets a precedent for other institutions to follow.
In conclusion, the Pint of Science festival and the new apprenticeship program are more than events; they are catalysts for change. They embody the spirit of innovation and the power of collaboration. As Darlington embraces these initiatives, it positions itself as a hub of knowledge and opportunity. The future is bright, and the journey has just begun.
From May 19 to May 21, The Forum Music Centre will host a series of talks led by researchers from Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre. The topics range from the futuristic allure of cyborgs to the microscopic solutions for plastic pollution. Each speaker is a guide, illuminating the path of discovery. They bring cutting-edge research to the forefront, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
Dr. Craig McBeth will explore the thin line between science fiction and reality. Are we on the brink of merging man and machine? Meanwhile, Dr. Sreejith Raveendran will delve into the potential of DNA as a weapon against cancer. These discussions are not just academic; they are lifelines to hope and innovation.
The festival doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of science. Dr. Kamar Ameen-Ali and Dr. Ahmad Khundakar will tackle the misdiagnosis of cognitive disorders. Their insights could reshape how we understand mental health. Dr. Caroline Orr will reveal the hidden biodiversity beneath our feet, reminding us that even the smallest organisms play a crucial role in our ecosystem.
This festival is a testament to the power of community engagement. It’s a chance for the public to step into the shoes of a scientist, to ask questions, and to spark curiosity. The relaxed atmosphere encourages dialogue, breaking down barriers between researchers and the community.
But the Pint of Science festival is just one part of a larger narrative. Teesside University is also making waves in the housing sector. In a bold move, the university has partnered with industry giants Persimmon and Bellway to create a new talent pipeline for the housebuilding sector. This initiative aims to address the pressing need for skilled Quantity Surveyors, specifically tailored to the demands of housebuilding.
The housing crisis in the UK is a ticking clock. With a government target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029, the urgency is palpable. Teesside University is stepping up, crafting a Level 6 degree apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying. This program is not just about education; it’s about building a workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the housing market.
Joanna Burgess, Director of Professional Apprenticeships at Teesside University, emphasizes the importance of aligning education with industry needs. This collaboration is a lifeline for the housing sector, ensuring that future professionals are equipped with relevant skills. It’s a proactive approach, addressing both the skills gap and the housing shortage.
The partnership with Persimmon and Bellway is a strategic move. It aligns academic training with real-world applications. Laura Cooper from Bellway highlights the importance of tailoring education to meet the unique demands of the industry. This is not just about filling positions; it’s about nurturing talent that can drive innovation in housebuilding.
The apprenticeship program is set to welcome its first cohort in January 2026. It promises to be a game-changer, offering a focused curriculum that prepares students for the specific challenges of the housing sector. This initiative is a beacon of hope for aspiring Quantity Surveyors, providing a clear pathway into a rewarding career.
As the Pint of Science festival and the new apprenticeship program unfold, they represent a broader trend. There’s a growing recognition of the need for collaboration between academia and industry. This synergy is essential for fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges.
In Darlington, science and housing are not isolated realms. They are interconnected threads in the fabric of community development. The Pint of Science festival invites the public to engage with scientific ideas, while the apprenticeship program prepares the next generation of professionals to build the homes of tomorrow.
Both initiatives reflect a commitment to progress. They highlight the importance of education, community engagement, and industry collaboration. As Teesside University leads the charge, it sets a precedent for other institutions to follow.
In conclusion, the Pint of Science festival and the new apprenticeship program are more than events; they are catalysts for change. They embody the spirit of innovation and the power of collaboration. As Darlington embraces these initiatives, it positions itself as a hub of knowledge and opportunity. The future is bright, and the journey has just begun.