We're working with others, locally, regionally and nationally, to improve life chances and promote prosperity in our region and nation. In her monthly column, our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien explores some of our regional partnerships and the benefits they will bring to North East England.
Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Sunderland’s Beacon of Light, on the doorstep of the Stadium of Light - home to Sunderland Association Football Club.
The visit was to announce our partnership with the Foundation of Light, the football club’s charity, which does great work across North East England by using the power of football to involve, educate and inspire young people.
Together, we will be able to do even more to transform education, health, and wellbeing in our towns and villages.
The first project will be a Youth Health Hub in Stanley, one of our most disadvantaged communities, that will address educational attainment, health challenges and social care.
Earlier this week, I was at Darlington Economic Campus, to announce a partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This will not only see our data science and business students benefit from ONS expertise but also experts from our Business School providing training for ONS staff.
We will contribute to the further upskilling our local workforce, and making sure our region reaps the benefits of the Government’s relocation of departments and jobs to Darlington.
One thing Durham has is a lot of prisons.
Several of our researchers are working to support and improve the prisons system – from conditions for mothers to teaching classics; and I was very glad to accept an invitation to become honorary president of Nepacs, a charity that works with people impacted by the criminal justice and social care systems.
Finally, we’re working with partners to ensure a just and smooth energy transition for our region.
We were recently ranked in the top 30 universities worldwide for sustainability, and we are grateful to the North East Combined Authority for recently committing a total of £16.8m to two critical green energy projects in which we are involved.
Funding of £11.3m for NETPark, in Sedgefield, will support the £100m Phase 3 development; and £5.5m for Energy Central Campus, in Blyth, will go towards the Energy Central Institute, providing training for local people.
As we look to 2025, we will continue to drive inclusive growth in our region.
Thank you for your support and partnership in the past year. I hope you have a very happy Christmas period, and all best wishes for year ahead.
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