Invenite

In February, I had the pleasure of formally opening the new Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC) at Plymouth Science Park.

A partnership between the University, the research charity DDRC Healthcare and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, BRIC directly improves patient outcomes because, as part of the project, we have installed the most advanced frontline 3-TeslaMRI scanner in the South West. This scanner will not only bring enormous benefit to our work on conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and autism, but will also be used by clinicians at Derriford Hospital.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic over these past two years, we have remained true to our mission to ‘Advance Knowledge and Transform Lives’ – whether igniting the curiosities of our students, delivering impactful interdisciplinary research, supporting innovation – not least in the vital marine economy that is Plymouth – or creating sustainable social capital through outreach and community engagement. 

In this edition of Invenite you will find further evidence of how the University’s mission is reflected in the actions of its staff, students and alumni. Whether campaigning for a treaty against plastic pollution or building global networks in the maritime sector, our extended academic community is making a significant difference and is earning international recognition. It is something that defines us, and of which we can be proud.

I hope you enjoy the edition. Please do keep in touch – our alumni are important to our success.

Professor Judith Petts CBE
Vice-Chancellor
University of Plymouth