Loughborough University: Loughborough University London team deliver first-ever ‘Collaborate Sprint’ with Loughborough undergraduates

Held at the end of June, Collaborate Sprint was an opportunity for Loughborough undergraduates to experience the Loughborough University London student experience. Academic staff from across the seven Institutes worked with members of the Future Space team to deliver a condensed version of the Collaborative Project.

Students were tasked with the challenge of looking at ways to improve global health through the utilisation of Holland & Barrett supply chains. They were given two days to build a team, research the challenge and come up with sustainable solutions.

Professor Tony Edwards, Dean of Loughborough University London said: “Bringing an international, interdisciplinary and innovative lens onto the world’s challenges is a real mainstay of the Loughborough University London experience. There was a great buzz during the workshops and it was wonderful to see how students studying in the East Midlands can benefit from the opportunities in London. Thanks must go to Holland & Barrett, colleagues involved and the Future Space team for making this all possible.”

Fiona Sweny, Holland and Barrett’s Journeys Science Lead commented: “Being part of Loughborough University London’s Collaborative Sprint was a real opportunity for us at Holland & Barrett. It gave us the chance to meet talented students and gain new ideas about the challenges we face. Having an impact on global health requires diversity of thought and thinking – Collaborate Sprint really gave us that. It was amazing to see what the student teams came up with in such a short amount of time.”

Students took part in fun and interactive sessions that gave them skills in ideation, design thinking, analysis and pitching and presenting. They networked with staff from across the London campus, Holland & Barrett staff, and each other. They were also able to tour the local area, including Europe’s largest Innovation Centre (Plexal), as well as the BT Sports studios and the creative art scene in Hackney Wick.

Learning Partnerships Manager Ashley Gray added: “Interdisciplinary collaboration is at the heart of the Loughborough University London experience. It was great to share the way our teams work with companies and students to create new solutions to real-world problems.”