Chester Connections
Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor
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It is my pleasure to welcome you to the latest edition of Chester Connections, our termly newsletter celebrating the people, achievements and opportunities that make the University of Chester such a vibrant community.
This edition highlights the impact of our students, alumni, staff and partners, and the many ways you can engage with the University.
This summer, we are delighted to host our free Festival of Ideas, bringing together a programme of events for all ages. I encourage you to take part, hear from our experts and enjoy opportunities to learn, discover and connect.
You'll also read about research making a difference both locally and globally, from supporting seal rehabilitation to exploring the vulnerability of a shark population in the Philippines. These projects reflect our commitment to sustainability and real-world impact.
We are proud to share inspiring alumni stories, including success in book publishing and the restoration of a historic Bible, demonstrating the lasting connections our graduates maintain with the University.
You'll also learn more about the important work of our Outreach and Widening Participation team in this edition and as Clearing opens ahead of A-level results day, we look forward to welcoming the next generation of students and supporting them on their journey.
Thank you for reading Chester Connections and for your continued support. I wish you a restful and enjoyable summer and look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.
Warm regards,
Professor Eunice Simmons
Vice-Chancellor
University of Chester
WUSCAs
The University was named first in the North West for University of the Year for the third consecutive year at the WUSCAs, while receiving honours in the categories of Halls and Student Accommodation, Student Support, Postgraduate Study, Lecturers and Teaching Quality, and International Study. The WUSCAs are the only UK higher education awards entirely voted for and judged by students.
Educate North
At the ENAs, the University was announced as the winner of the Student Experience Award – University Sector, for the Chester Credentials Nano-credentials project. Chester Credentials develops work ready skills through employer visible digital certificates. There was further reason to celebrate as Assistant Hindu Chaplain Ramitha Nittore Ramnath collected a Highly Commended certificate for University Student Achievement of the Year.
Business Awards
Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons won Change Maker of the Year at the 2026 Downtown in Business Cheshire & North Wales Business Awards. Since becoming Vice-Chancellor in 2020, Professor Simmons has led the implementation of the University’s ambitious Citizen Student Strategy, and has played a prominent role on the national stage.
National quality watermark for public engagement
The University has been recognised with a national quality watermark, highlighting its commitment to public engagement.
The Bronze Engage Watermark was awarded this term to the University by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE).
The watermark celebrates the University’s dedication to sharing knowledge, skills and opportunities with its communities. The honour acknowledges universities that have embedded meaningful engagement into their strategic priorities and are actively investing in further, long-term improvement.
Activities for schools and colleges
The University's Outreach Team delivers a wide range of activities for school and college groups of all ages, empowering students, educators, and advisors through educational programmes, partnerships, and community initiatives.
It visits schools and colleges across the North West, North Wales, Shropshire and Staffordshire to provide higher education information, advice and guidance. It also offers online sessions and arrange visits to our campus, as well as attend HE fairs, progression events and sessions for parents, delivering a wide range of presentations and workshops on all aspects of Higher Education. Many academic departments also offer a variety of subject-focused activities, taster lectures and events in person and online.
Please feel free to contact the University’s Outreach Team via outreach@chester.ac.uk, or 01244 512450.
Image: Subject fairs are held at the University of Chester, offering information on careers, courses and potential pathways.
Chester Festival of Ideas - four days of free events not to miss
The countdown is almost over to the 2026 Chester Festival of Ideas, featuring its biggest-ever line-up of more than 100 free events for all ages and interests.
The award-winning four-day summer festival organised by the University of Chester with partners is returning for the third time, from Thursday July 2 to Sunday July 5, at venues across the city.
Celebrating imagination, inspiration, learning and culture, it offers the chance to see high-profile figures on the festival stage including:
- Comedian, writer and broadcaster, David Baddiel
- Journalist, broadcaster, author and campaigner, Mariella Frostrup
- Greg Jenner, best known for working on the award-winning BBC TV series, Horrible Histories as its historical consultant, and for creating and hosting the BBC podcast, You're Dead To Me
The guests are part of a diverse programme of talks, discussion panels, exhibitions, performances, interactive activities - with hands-on workshops focused on everything from art to animals, spectacular shows, guided walks and more.
While all events are free to attend and attendees are welcome to turn up on the day, for events that are not drop-in sessions, advance booking is recommended to guarantee a place.
Image top row, left to right: Numerous talks are again on offer; The Royal Institution will lead a trio of science shows; David Baddiel. Bottom row, left to right: Mariella Frostrup (photo by Kate Martin); a warm welcome awaits at Chester Town Hall and all the festival venues; Chester Zoo will return to host events.
Monitoring sharks
The vulnerability of a shark population to losing even small numbers to fishing has been highlighted by researchers from the University and partners in the Philippines using a remote stereo camera system. The study provides a framework for future non-invasive assessments of threatened species of marine life.
Brontë manuscript
A University of Chester Professor is one of the first people to see and study a lost manuscript by literary great, Charlotte Brontë. Professor Deborah Wynne had the privilege of being selected to study a miniature magazine manuscript written by the 14-year-old Charlotte Brontë which had been hidden from public view for more than a century.
Seal welfare
A new study examining harbour and grey seal pups undergoing rehabilitation in the UK has identified important steps that could improve animal welfare during their recovery. Researchers found that the results can help refine welfare assessments and improve rehabilitation protocols for both harbour and grey seal pups, ultimately supporting healthier releases back into the wild.
Careers, employability and volunteering recognition
An event shined a light on the contribution of students, graduates, staff, employers and external supporters who play a vital role in the University’s employability community.
The recent Careers and Employability Recognition Awards also highlighted how opportunities such as internships, volunteering, mentoring, enterprise and part-time work can help students build confidence, develop career readiness and take their next steps after university.
Bringing history to life
The University has been awarded public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, to develop an innovative immersive virtual reality (VR) experience based on Chester’s iconic Roman amphitheatre.
The project, Our City, Our Story: Deva Victrix in VR, invites members of the public to play an active role in shaping a powerful digital reconstruction of one of the city’s most significant heritage sites. By combining cutting-edge immersive technology with robust archaeological and historical research, the initiative aims to bring Roman Chester vividly back to life.
Developed in collaboration with immersive design specialists IMITO and Julian Baum, archaeological reconstruction artist specialising in Roman Chester from Take27, the experience showcases the diversity of life in Roman Deva Victrix nearly 2,000 years ago.
Rather than viewing artefacts in traditional ways, visitors will step inside a dynamic virtual world and encounter characters inspired by real people from the past - including a soldier, a trader, a gladiator and a Romano-British woman - each offering unique insights into daily life on the edge of the Roman Empire.
Working with NoWFOOD
A Michelin-starred chef brought his elite culinary team to prepare an exclusive menu at the University of Chester.
The expert team, led by renowned chef Roberto Toro, made the most of the state-of-the-art kitchens at the University’s NowFOOD Centre, working alongside NoWFOOD’s staff to craft a multi-course dining experience for the private gathering of UK business leaders in the travel industry. The collaboration brought together Sicilian craftsmanship and cutting-edge British food innovation.
Sicily-born Roberto travelled the world to learn about international cuisines before opening the Otto Geleng restaurant, which obtained a Michelin star just one year later. Roberto is best known for elevating modern Sicilian cuisine while championing regional ingredients, while Otto Geleng is now considered one of Italy’s most exclusive restaurants.
Roberto praised the NoWFOOD facilities and staff for enabling the event to take place at short notice.
Ian Dawson, Kitchen Manager of the NoWFOOD Centre, welcomed the international collaboration. He said: “Hosting chef Toro and his team demonstrates how our facilities can be used to produce food of the very highest level.”
The NoWFOOD Centre at the University of Chester provides end-to-end support for food and drink innovation, including product development kitchens, technical consultancy, sensory suites, and commercial incubation space for startups and established brands.
Image: Business leaders enjoyed an exclusive menu prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.
Aaron Agbanu
An inspirational student conquered a stammer to present his research, achieve a Master’s, give a speech at his graduation ceremony and now looks to make a difference by contributing to advances in medicine.
Ruthie O'Brien
A former student who overcame hearing loss to graduate with a Music degree has talked about her “unforgettable moment” as TV host Michael McIntyre’s ‘Unexpected Star of the Show’.
Rachel Munro
An author who studied at the University has told how a creative writing assignment, student accommodation life and watching her rugby team-mates proved hugely influential in the development of her debut novel.
Alumni corner
A historic Bible gifted to the University in memory of alumnus Billy King has been carefully restored and preserved for future generations.
The 1935 Bible, donated in 1955, honours King’s legacy and is now expertly conserved and housed in the University archive.
Image: Chester Bookbinders owner and proprietor Phill Woods with Amy Hultum, Alumni Assistant at the University of Chester.
Clearing support
Like all universities, the University of Chester is preparing for the upcoming Clearing period.
Clearing is part of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) process and allows students to find and apply for courses that still have places available. It can be useful for those applying after the June 30 deadline, as well as for students who may have changed their plans, received different results than expected, or are reconsidering their original choices.
For many, Clearing is simply another opportunity to review options and focus on finding the course that is right for them. Having a conversation can often make that process easier - giving students the space to ask questions, talk through different courses, and reflect on what best matches their interests, goals, and next steps.
If you are a teacher or an advisor, the University is always happy to speak directly with your students to help them explore their choices and understand what might suit them best. The University's courses offer flexible entry criteria, and accommodation is guaranteed for Clearing offer holders who apply before Friday, September 4, 2026. If you’d like to connect your students, the University's advisors are available on 01244 567470.