TEDx Staffordshire University

17/06/2024

🌟 Highlights from TEDxStaffordshireUniversity! 🌟

On 16 May 2024, we hosted an inspiring TEDx event with the theme 'Back to the Future'. Chef Cris Cohen introduced us to the concept of "total hospitality," a groundbreaking training experience that immerses young chefs in cooking, ambition, and a sense of place.

👨‍🍳 Cris Cohen, with 30 years of industry experience, transitioned to teaching culinary arts in 2010. Through F E A S T E D, he has continually developed innovative training for young people and adults, blending gastronomy with community outreach.

🍽️ In October 2022, Cris launched Chef’s Table, an exclusive dining experience in the heart of the Potteries. Every weekend, 10 guests enjoy 9 exceptional courses at this hidden gem on the iconic Spode site in Stoke-on-Trent. Cris skillfully weaves the city’s rich history into his menus, turning each meal into a storytelling adventure.

🌟 This year, Cris launched a second dining experience called Stock and is working on several exciting projects, including a Chef Academy and a book titled ‘Stories from the Chef’s Table.’

Cris’s talk highlighted the intersection of food, community, and storytelling, demonstrating the transformative power of "total hospitality."

Don't miss Cris Cohen's inspiring talk on how chefs can make a difference beyond the kitchen. Watch now on TEDx's official YouTube channel:

Chef Cris Cohen introduces us to the concept of "total hospitality" a new training experience which engages young chefs in cooking, ambition and a sense of p...

15/06/2024

Andy Edwards shared his transformative journey as a sculptor.

🗿 Andy Edwards spoke about how his work in sculpture has not only shaped his career but also transformed him personally. He emphasised the sacrifice and the compulsion to create art and give back to the community.

🎓 Andy, a Staffordshire University graduate with a first-class honours degree in Design, initially pursued a love of animation in London, working in film and TV. His passion for sculpture led him to Madame Tussauds and later to collaboration with Stoke statue sculptor Colin Melbourne.

🌟 As the course leader in Figurative Sculpture at Stafford College, Andy's breakthrough into public art came with the acclaimed Sir Stanley Matthews triple statue. Since then, he has created and installed over 50 bronze statues and public sculptures, including the iconic Liverpool Waterfront Beatles monument, the UK’s most visited statue.

💬 Andy’s talk highlighted the power of art to transform lives and communities. His dedication to his craft and his desire to give back are truly inspiring.

Don't miss Andy Edwards' inspiring story of transformation through art. Watch now on TEDx's official YouTube channel:

A mould or mould maker is the object or agent of transformation or transmutation.Andy Edwards describes how his work as a sculptor has transformed him, the ...

14/06/2024

🌟 Highlights from TEDx Staffordshire University! 🌟

A powerful talk delivered by professional boxer Nathan Heaney, who opened up about the importance of honest conversations around mental health. In his words, “A journey from the depths of despair to the peaks of triumph…today I share the story of how a loser became a winner…”

🥊 Nathan Heaney shared his journey of overcoming failure, personal tragedy, and finding resilience. With over 23 years in boxing, Nathan recently made history as the British Middleweight Champion.

🎓 Nathan is not just a champion in the ring but also a proud Staffordshire University graduate with degrees in Sports Science and Foundation Law. While he initially pursued teaching, he made a remarkable comeback in professional boxing six years ago, earning the nickname "Hitman" for his powerful style.

🌟 Known for his dedicated local fanbase, Nathan personally delivers tickets to his supporters. A diehard Stoke City Football Club fan, he dreams of a world title fight at bet365 Stadium.

💬 Mental health is a subject very close to Nathan’s heart, and his advocacy for open, honest conversations on the topic is truly inspiring.

Don't miss Nathan's compelling story of resilience and advocacy. Watch now on TEDx's official YouTube channel:

Professional boxer Nathan Heaney is a passionate advocate for honest conversations around mental health.In this talk, he shares his journey of failure, perso...

13/06/2024

🌟 How to communicate when you disagree | Genelle Aldred | TEDxStaffordshireUniversity 🌟

Among remarkable TEDxStaffordshireUniversity ‘Back to the future’ speakers was communications specialist Genelle Aldred, addressing the power of words in our divisive times.

💬 Genelle emphasized that while disagreements are inevitable, we must strive to disagree with respect. She advocates for communication that fosters generosity and optimism, especially in challenging conversations.

🌟 Genelle Aldred has an impressive background in media, working with ITN, ITV, the BBC, and more. She holds an MA in Broadcast Journalism from Staffordshire University and serves as Deputy Chair of Women in Journalism. She’s also an ambassador for the Charity SANDS and an accomplished golfer, contributing to Golf Monthly, GBQ, and the R&A.

📚 Her book, Communicate for Change: Creating Justice in a World of Bias, published in 2021, explores improving cultural conversations on social cohesion, diversity, and inclusion.

Don't miss her insightful talk on how we can change the course of our conversations for a better future. Watch now on TEDx's official YouTube channel:

Words can hurt you. We live in divisive times and the conversations we have are disrespectful. So, what can we do to change course? Communications specialist...

12/06/2024

🌟 Why schools should talk about s*x | Sharanya Ranganatha Urs | TEDxStaffordshireUniversity 🌟

On 16 May 2024, we hosted an incredible TEDx event with the theme 'Back to the Future'. Amongst a line-up of 10 outstanding talks, Staffordshire University alumni, Sharanya Ranganatha Urs, shed light on the vital topic of s*x education.

🌏 Over half of young people worldwide lack adequate information about s*xuality and reproduction before age 18. Sharanya shared her eye-opening experiences as an international student, contrasting s*x education in India with that in the UK.

💡 She passionately argued that knowledge through s*x education isn’t just power - it’s liberation. Breaking down these barriers is crucial.

🎓 Sharanya, a 23-year-old journalism graduate from Staffordshire University, hails from a conservative middle-class Hindu family in India. Her values and traditions, which she carries with pride, inspire her aspirations in media and communications. She dreams of becoming a news presenter, offering a fresh perspective that blends cultural sensitivity with a global outlook.

Don't miss her thought-provoking talk and join the conversation about breaking down awkward barriers. Watch now on TEDx's official YouTube channel:

Over half of young people worldwide receive inadequate information about s*xuality and reproduction before the age of 18.Sharanya Ranganatha Urs tells how he...

12/06/2024

We are delighted to share that the talks from TEDx Staffordshire University in May 2024, are now available to watch on the official TEDx YouTube channel.

🎬 You can watch the talks via our website now, and watch this space as we roll out the talks!

Topics ranging from the future of antibiotics to s*x education are covered in a new series of video being shared on the global TEDx platform.

23/05/2024

One week on, we are excited to share with you the gallery of photographs TEDxStaffordshireUniversity's latest event 'Back to the future' 📸

Featuring our speakers Nathan Heaney, Nikki Barratt, Deborah McAndrew, Cris Cohen, Andrew Edwards, Sharanya Urs, Genelle Aldred, Catherine Flick, Claire Gwinnett, Patryk Majewski

📸 Black Star Photography

View the gallery on Flickr:

May 2024

17/05/2024

📸 About last night…a small snapshot.

On a rainy night in Stoke-on-Trent, 10 speakers, with links to Stoke and Staffordshire, came together Staffordshire University to share their thoughts on the theme ‘back to the future’ at the second TEDxStaffordshireUniversity event.

Hosted by Director of Communities and Commercial Engagement Staffordshire University, Martin Tideswell, the event provoked thoughts on microplastics, resilience, artificial intelligence, antibiotic resistance, s*x education and so much more.

In front of an intimate and limited studio audience, speakers delivered their TEDx talks, which will be rolled out on the official TEDx YouTube channel.

With thanks to our audience for attending, the speakers for their enthusiastic commitment and to the team behind the event.

Speakers: Deborah McAndrew, Cris Cohen, Genelle Aldred, Andrew Edwards, Catherine Flick, Patryk Majewski, Sharanya Urs, Claire Gwinnett, Nikki Barratt of Affordable Food Stoke, and Nathan "Hitman" Heaney.

16/05/2024

To our speakers of TEDx at Staffordshire University - Nathan “Hitman” Heaney, Claire Gwinnett, Patryk Majewski, Catherine Flick, Cris Cohen, Sharanya Urs, Deborah McAndrew, Andrew Edwards, Nikki Barrett, Genelle Aldred, thank you 🙌👏

You are inspirational and we hope that tonight our audience took a profound moment away from your talks.

📸 Official photos incoming - watch this space.

16/05/2024

“Roads? Where We’re Going, We Don’t Need Roads” 🔙🚗💨⚡️⏰

We’re set to go back to the future tonight for TEDxStaffordshireUniversity!

🔗 www.tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com

16/05/2024

Today's the day! We are excited to welcome ten speakers to Staffordshire University for our returning TEDxStaffordshire University event tonight.

The fully booked event will share talks on the theme of 'back to the future' 👦👴🚗🏫🚗💨⚡🌆

Which talk are you looking forward to?

08/05/2024

One week to go until TEDx returns to Staffordshire University for it's 'Back to the Future' event 📅⌛

Did you manage to get a ticket? Comment below with which talk you're looking forward to hearing!

See the line-up: https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

16/04/2024

Our 'Back to the Future' event on 16 May 2024 is now fully booked! 🎉

🎟️ Missed out on a ticket? You can join the waitlist here: https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

16/04/2024

🎟️📢 Tickets for TEDxStaffordshireUniversity's 'Back to the Future' event are out now!

👉 With limited tickets available, be quick!
🔗 Book now: https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

The prestigious event, which takes place in The Catalyst at Staffordshire University on Thursday 16th May from 5.30pm.

Confirmed speakers for our “Back to the Future” themed event are Genelle Aldred, Nikki Barrett, Cris Cohen, Andy Edwards, Professor Catherine Flick, Professor Claire Gwinnett, Nathan Heaney, Patryk Majewski’s, Deborah McAndrew, Sharanya Raganatha Urs. Speaker profiles and more details of their talks are available on the website.

15/04/2024

Completing the line-up is an Advanced Specialist Pharmacist from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM). Patryk Majewski’s talk centres around how pharmaceutical companies are looking back at what we know to produce new antibiotics that will help us now and in the future.

Patryk moved from Poland to the UK at the age of 10. After overcoming the challenges of adapting to living in a new country and learning a new language, he decided to pursue his passion for science and graduated with a Masters in Pharmacy at the University of East Anglia.

Once registered as a pharmacist, he moved to Stoke-on-Trent to work as a clinical pharmacist at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM). He developed into an Advanced Specialist Pharmacist in Antimicrobial Stewardship and Critical Care and his role involves working within the infectious disease and ITU wards to support the medical and nursing teams.

He is also part of the antimicrobial stewardship team which aims to support responsible use of antimicrobials across the entire Trust by developing guidelines, teaching sessions, and providing treatment advice.

🎫 Tickets will be released to the public tomorrow on 16 April 2024: https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

14/04/2024

Recent graduate Sharanya Raganatha Urs will tackle the often-taboo subject of s*x education.

Sharanya Ranganatha Urs is a 23-year-old Staffordshire University journalism graduate from India. Growing up in a conservative middle-class Hindu family has shaped her values and traditions, which she carries with pride.

Beyond her academic pursuits, she has aspirations to work in media and communications and dreams of becoming a news presenter. Sharanya is driven by a desire to bring a fresh perspective, blending her cultural sensitivity with a global outlook to challenge stereotypes.

🎟️ Tickets available on Tuesday 16 April 2024.

13/04/2024

Professor Claire Gwinnett will be considering how we can use ingenuity to tackle the global challenge of plastic pollution.

Claire is a Professor in Forensic and Environmental Science at Staffordshire University. Her expertise is in the analysis and interpretation of trace particulates for the purposes of investigating crime and understanding environmental pollutants.

Awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship for her forensic fibre and microplastic work in 2018, she set up and leads the international Forensic Fibres and Microplastics Research Group which works with Government bodies, research establishments, charities and industry partners in 22 countries to provide global solutions to forensic science and environmental challenges.

Claire was part of the team that first discovered microplastics being ingested by deep sea organisms and has worked on microplastic research on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Hudson and Mississippi Rivers in the US, farmland in Turkey, Weddell Sea in Antarctic and rivers and coastal areas around the UK (including investigating freshwater otter spraint (poo!).

Tickets available on 16 April 2024 - bookmark https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

12/04/2024

⌛ Countdown to ticket release for TEDxStaffordshireUniversity ⌛

🎟️ Tickets released at 1pm on Tuesday 16 April 2024
🔖 https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

The date is set and the speakers are confirmed for TEDxStaffordshireUniversity which takes place at Staffordshire University on Thursday 16 May from 5.30pm.

The prestigious event, which takes place in The Catalyst on Leek Road is limited to just 100 guests, and tickets will be made available at 1pm on Tuesday 16th April on our dedicated website.

TEDxStaffordshireUniversity event manager Klaudia Tomkowiak said: ”Last year, all tickets had gone within an hour. We have announced a sensational line-up of speakers and are expecting similar demand for tickets this time around. Because of this, the University is having to limit the tickets to one per person.”

“However, the beauty of the TEDx event is that even if you don’t get a ticket to be part of the audience, you can see the individual talks online afterwards.”

Presentations from the inaugural TEDxStaffordshireUniversity event have been viewed thousands of times on the TED website putting us on the world map for creativity and innovation.

Confirmed speakers for our “Back to the Future” themed event are Genelle Aldred, Nikki Barrett, Cris Cohen, Andy Edwards, Professor Catherine Flick, Professor Claire Gwinnett, Nathan Heaney, Patryk Majewski’s, Deborah McAndrew, Sharanya Raganatha Urs.

12/04/2024

Journalist and communications specialist Genelle Aldred will speak about how, in a year of elections, using better communications can fight against a culture of disinformation,

Genelle Aldred is a Senior Associate Director of Communications Training at Hill & Knowlton. Since 2007 she has worked for media organisations including ITN, ITV, the BBC, ITN Productions as a newsreader, journalist and producer.

Genelle holds an MA in Broadcast Journalism from Staffordshire University. She is Deputy Chair of Women in Journalism and an ambassador for the Charity SANDS where she has held a spokesperson role since 2020. She is also a keen golfer and writes for Golf Monthly, GBQ and the R&A.

Her book Communicate for Change: Creating Justice in a world of Bias was published in the autumn of 2021. Its focus is on how we get better at tough cultural conversations around social cohesion, diversity and inclusion.

🎫 Tickets available on 16 April 2024: https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

09/04/2024

🚨 One week to ticket release 🎉
📅 Mark your calendars for Tuesday 16 April, as tickets for TEDxStaffordshire University's 'Back to the Future' event tickets will be released to the public.

Tickets are free, and limited, so you'll need to be quick to secure your place.
🔖 Bookmark: https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

08/04/2024

🎮 Catherine Flick is a Professor of Games Technology at Staffordshire University, and she will be talking about responses to new technologies including AI.

⭐ 💬 Catherine Flick is a Professor of Ethics and Games Technology at Staffordshire University. She graduated from University of Sydney, Australia, and worked in industry as a systems administrator and web programmer. She gained a PhD in Computer Ethics from Charles Sturt University, Australia, with a thesis on informed consent and ICT.

Areas of research have involved online child protection, trusted computing, anonymous technologies and the darknet, cryptocurrencies, and she has a specific interest in the ethics in and of video games.

Catherine is vice-chair of the Association for Computing Machinery’s Committee on Professional Ethics.

She is currently working on projects relating to understanding video game play through big data.

🎟️ Free tickets will be available in April 2024 - bookmark 🔖 https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

05/04/2024

🍜 Foodie entrepreneur Cris Cohen of Feasted will share his passion about effecting positive change in the area at TEDxStaffordshireUniversity’s event in May 2024.

💬 ⭐ Cris is an experienced chef with 30 years in the industry. In 2010 he became a teacher, teaching culinary arts to young people. Cris has continued to develop teaching and training to young people and adults through F E A S T E D.
In October 2022, Cris began Chef’s Table, a dining experience in the heart of the Potteries. Just 10 people dine at Chef’s Table for 9 incredible courses every weekend. Chef’s Table is hidden away on the iconic Spode site in Stoke-on-Trent.
Cris weaves the narrative of the city’s history into his menus and experiments with storytelling through food.

This year Cris has overseen the launch of a second dining experience called Stock and has other projects in the pipeline including a Chef Academy and a book called ’Stories from the Chef’s Table’.

🎟️ Free tickets will be available in April 2024 - bookmark 🔖 https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

02/04/2024

🍽️ Taking their place in the spotlight will be co-founder of Affordable Food Stoke Nikki Barrett.

⭐💬 Former chef Nikki co-founded Affordable Food Stoke with her husband Duane in 2017 to reduce food waste and to find a way to use surplus food to feed families.

In 2021 Affordable Food Stoke was awarded charitable status and its services include a foodbank, a social supermarket, community café and warm space. Nikki has been recognised among the top 100 most inspirational people in North Staffordshire.

Affordable Food Stoke has also netted several awards including Staffordshire University Business Awards Charity Business of the Year and Team of the Year 2023, VAST Totally Stoked Biggest Impact Award 2024 and Stoke City Community Trust Community Champion 2024.

🎟️ Free tickets will be available in April 2024 - bookmark 🔖 https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

29/03/2024

👤 North Staffordshire based sculptor Andy Edwards who will be giving a talk to align to this year’s theme “Back to the Future”.

⭐ 💬 Andrew Edwards graduated from Staffordshire University with a first-class honours degree in Design before moving to London to pursue a love of animation, working in film and TV.

He turned to sculpture full time at Madame Tussauds before meeting Stoke statue sculptor Colin Melbourne. After joining him at Sir Henry Doulton Sculpture School, he became course leader in Figurative Sculpture at Stafford College, Stafford.

Andy’s big break into public art came with the acclaimed Sir Stanley Matthews triple statue. Has since created and installed more than 50 bronze statues and public sculptures - including the iconic Liverpool Waterfront Beatles monument, officially the UK's most visited and popular statue.

🎟️ Free tickets will be released in April 2024 at https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

25/03/2024

🎭 Award-winning playwright and actor Deborah McAndrew to speak at TEDx Staffordshire University on the theme ‘Back to the Future’

⭐💬 Deborah is co-founder and Joint Artistic Director of CLAYBODY THEATRE Company, based in Stoke-on-Trent.

In her acting career Deborah has worked extensively in television, radio and theatre. She is perhaps best known to television viewers as Coronation Street regular Angie Freeman, having starred in the soap during the 1990s.

Claybody Theatre shapes new and ambitious theatre and audio drama from the unique cultural heritage and contemporary lives of the people of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

In 2023, Claybody Theatre joined Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of Organisations that receive funding over three years, and also became a registered charity.

Claybody presents its work in found spaces with links to communities and heritage, including Burslem School of Art, Fenton Town Hall, and Spode, where the company is now developing as a permanent venue for the city – named after its former use as a Dipping House.2

🎟️ Free tickets will be available in April 2024 - bookmark 🔖 https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

20/03/2024

🥊 British middleweight champion boxer Nathan Heaney joins a sensational line up of speakers for TEDxStaffordshireUniversity, coming in May 2024!

⭐💬 Nathan is a professional boxer from Stoke-on-Trent. It's a sport he has competed in for over 23 years and recently he created history by becoming British Middleweight Champion.

He graduated from Staffordshire University with a Sports Science degree and a Foundation Law degree with the intention of becoming a teacher.

Although he taught for a time at Stafford College, he made his boxing comeback as a pro six years ago, earning himself the nickname “Hitman” for his hard-hitting style.

Nathan has a significant local fanbase and makes it his mission to hand deliver tickets to his army of supporters. A diehard fan of his beloved Stoke City Football Club, his ambition is to target a world title fight at bet365 Stadium.

He is also a passionate advocate for honest conversations around mental health – a subject very close to his heart.

🎟️ Free tickets will be available in April 2024 - bookmark 🔖 https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/

18/03/2024

The stage is set for our TEDxStaffordshireUniversity speakers of 2024’s ‘Back to the Future’ event.

The line-up includes influential and inspiring voices connected with Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. 👇

🥊 British middleweight champion boxer Nathan Heaney
🎭 Award-winning playwright Deborah McAndrew
🕺 North Staffordshire based sculptor Andrew Edwards
📝 Journalist and communications specialist Genelle Aldred
🇮🇳 Recent Staffordshire University journalism graduate Sharanya Urs
🍽️ Co-founder of Affordable Food Stoke Nikki Barratt
🍜 Foodie entrepreneur Cris Cohen of Feasted
🎮 Professor of Games Technology at Staffordshire University Catherine Flick
🔬 Professor in Forensic and Environmental Science at Staffordshire University Claire Gwinnett
💊 Advanced Specialist Pharmacist from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust Patryk Majewski

Save the date - tickets will be released in April 2024.
🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/49Ndmr7

20/02/2024

📢 A huge thank you to our judging panel who today chose our TEDxStaffordshireUniversity speakers for the event in May on the theme of 'Back to the Future’, chaired by Staffordshire University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Martin Jones.

Thank you to all 120+ applicants. All will be contacted in the coming days and our speakers’ list will be announced soon.

With thanks to our judges:
Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Staffordshire University (panel chair)
Baljinder Kuller, Founder and Managing Director of The Supply Register
Josie Morris MBE, Managing Director, Woolcool (and previous TEDxStaffordshireUniversity speaker)
Clare Wood, Artistic Director & Chief Executive of the British Ceramics Biennial (and previous TEDxStaffordshireUniversity speaker)
John Hendy, Head of Digital Pedagogies, Staffordshire University
Gemma Smith, Executive Director, International Development, Staffordshire University
Olayemi Ajiteru President, Students' Union, Staffordshire University

01/02/2024

One year ago today! 📅😍

On 1 February 2023, TEDxStaffordshireUniversity arrived at The Catalyst building on our Stoke-on-Trent campus with a stellar line-up of creative minds to deliver their talks on the theme “Thinking through Making”.

The line-up included inspirational figures and changemakers in the county including co-founder of mental health charity Sanctus George Bettany, Josie Morris MBE who is the Managing Director of sustainable family business Woolcool, social entrepreneur Darren Murinas who is helping others as CEO of Expert Citizens CIC. Honorary graduate and The Great Pottery Thrown Down star Keith Brymer Jones and Clare Wood, who is Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the British Ceramics Biennial.

Staffordshire University expert in AI, Professor Raheel Nawaz, and Associate Professor Anna Francis, who is Director of The Portland Inn Project. Completing the line-up was Staffordshire University graduate and journalist Gemma-Louise Walsh whose talk on ‘imposter syndrome’ was featured by TEDx, notifying their 34 million YouTube subscribers and student Sophie Jackman who discussed the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in animation.

🎟️ Tickets for this year's event will be available in April 2024.

30/01/2024

📢 Final call for applications to ⌛ You have until Thursday 1 February 2024 to apply for a talk under the theme 'back to the future'.

👉 https://tedxstaffordshireuniversity.com/