2 QMYOU / Principal ' s Welcome
Principal ’ s Welcome
We are delighted to share with you a range of exciting news and initiatives from QMU , and to shine a spotlight on the excellent work of our researchers and academics , as well as our inspirational students and graduates .
Following the pandemic , most of us became increasingly aware of the importance of nature to our health and wellbeing , and the need to create opportunities and spaces to allow people to learn about the natural world so we can utilise and preserve it for future generations . Over the past few years , we have put increasing emphasis on outdoor learning within our teacher education courses . This year , we have launched the Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail on campus which is encouraging students , staff and the wider QMU community to connect with each other in an attractive natural environment . It ’ s a unique and interesting facility , which you can read more about on page 5 and on the QMU website .
In this edition , we are looking at the impact that QMU has had on the world of sport . In our special sports feature , you can read about the career of female trailblazer , Dame Louise Martin , Former President of the Commonwealth Games Federation , who has led a fascinating life working at the top level of sports administration . I hope you will also enjoy reading about the great sports clubs and teams that help to create exciting social and competitive experiences for students , as well as taking a nostalgic look back at some of the great photos of our sporting students and events from the past . We also give you an insight into the work of our Lydia Osteoporosis Project and their recent conference , which called for osteoporosis to be made a public health priority , and promoted the necessity of physical activity in maintaining good bone health .
QMU is very proud of the relevance of its research work . Recently , our research to create a replacement for the use of palm fat in the bakery industry made headline news across the globe . Interest in our novel replacement product , PALM-ALT , was intense , with broadcasters , news agencies , food companies and investors all keen to know more about how our healthy replacement ingredient could provide solutions for the food industry whilst reducing deforestation of the world ’ s rainforests . Read more about PALM-ALT on pages 8 & 9 .
The magazine also looks at our use of ultrasound technology in healthcare . On page 10 , you can find out how our research is being used to assess and improve swallowing function among stroke patients and people with progressive illnesses such as Parkinson ’ s disease and motor neurone disease ( MND ).
We also introduce you to new teaching techniques which are helping better prepare our health students to navigate challenging situations in the workplace . Our use of virtual reality ( VR ) is providing paramedic science students with a truly immersive learning experience . Find out what our students think about their step into the virtual classroom on pages 6 & 7 .
I hope you enjoy reading the stories about our research , and community and teaching initiatives , and take inspiration from the great work of our students and graduates . It has been fun delving into our archives around sports , and as we approach our 150th anniversary in 2025 , we look forward to sharing more stories from our past in the next edition of QMYOU .
If you are a graduate , please stay connected with us through our alumni team E : alumni @ qmu . ac . uk . If you are a member of the public or are new to QMU and want to connect , please don ’ t hesitate to talk to our Development team or email development @ qmu . ac . uk about ways to get involved and support the University ’ s work .
With best wishes Sir Paul Grice , FRSE , FAcSS
2 QMYOU / Principal ' s Welcome