Loughborough University in London 2015

Hi! I'm Hannah, a current Sports Science student at Loughborough and student ambassador for Loughborough University in London, representing the institutes for Sport Business & Technology, and Media & Creative Industries. Open in 2015, LUiL offers an incredible opportunity for postgraduate study in what is, a leading global city.

[hannahluil]

X2 BioSystems epiphany with cutting edge concussion technology

American football is notorious for intense competition and rivalry, traits which mirror the number of concussions players of the sport experience. This year's world cup final in Brazil featured a perfect example of the problem of concussion in sport, when Germany's Christoph Kramer was injured in a shoulder-to-head collision. The problem with concussion in sport is that more often than not, medical staff fail to appropriately diagnose concussion when evaluating incidents, which was the case with Germany's Kramer;  who was returned to the match after his evaluation and subsequently fell down on the field sometime later leading to his substitution.

Introducing X2 BioSystems and their cutting edge concussion management system, which provides real-time data for head impact. Disguised in a mouth guard, or worn as a patch placed behind the ear, the X2 sensor modules within the management system gather impact acceleration information and injury data. The crucial injury data from the sensors can then connect to iOS mobile platforms and provide rapid feedback of post-injury deficiencies.

Such cutting edge technology provides real-time access to often critical data, which officials, coaches and medical staff can use to correctly diagnose concussion following impacts on the pitch. Such innovation in technology provides a medical revelation in the sporting world and makes an important contribution to the understanding of both acute and long term brain health outcomes. 

[hannahluil]

Technology that changed the world of Sport

Hawk Eye: A piece of technology that has taken the sports world by storm. Hawk Eye is a group of cameras positioned in various angles around a court or stadium, which focuses on smaller objects like the balls in tennis and cricket. Hawk Eye remains to be the power behind the challenge systems in Sport. It is very useful for replays and during challenge systems as it gives the players surety for an accurate decision, whilst preventing officials from making errors that could change the course of the game.

  Goal line technology: The most recent addition to the sports technology is the Goal line technology used in football. This technology helps referees decide whether the ball has passed the goal line.

First tested in Brazil for the confederations cup back in 2012 and due to its huge success, it was used this year at the FIFA world cup. This technology has cameras at various positions, that triangulate the movement of the ball as it moves across the pitch, and is also connected to a watch worn by the referee on the field. Thus, when the ball passes the line it beeps and a goal sign appears on the screen signalling a goal.

[hannahluil]

A fascinating, creative economy.

Media and Creative Industries, also referred to as 'the creative economy', encompasses the economic activities that are concerned with the generation of knowledge and information.  At the heart of this industry, lies the cultural and creative industries of: arts, culture, business and technology, comprised of the following professions: advertising, architecture, art, crafts, design, fashion, film, music and publishing. After completing a quick Google search I have compiled below, a short synopsis of the Media and Creative Industries to aid those of you who are thinking of pursuing higher education within this sector, or simply curious about this intriguing industry.

According to The Financial Times, the creative industries sector contributes more than £70bn a year to the economy . As an exceptionally vast industry, there has been previous speculation surrounding the frustration regarding the apparent lack of support and attention the creative industries receives from the Government. However, a £16 million pound funding scheme has recently been announced by the Government, which is set to secure the UK’s current position as a world leader in the sector. Furthermore, the Creative Industries Council (CIC) recently unveiled their 'Create UK' strategy at the beginning of July, which identifies five priority areas fundamental to the future success of the creative sector - education and skills; access to finance; infrastructure; intellectual property and international (exports and inward investment). The Create UK strategy outlines a plan aimed at addressing the previous frustration expressed within the industry, by further strengthening the relationship between the creative industries and the government, to enable the UK's creative industries to reach their full potential by 2020.

Following such promising findings regarding this industry, I feel compelled to introduce to you the Institute of Media and Creative Industries at the Loughborough University in London campus opening in 2015. The campus, which will be located at the heart of what was the London Olympics Media Centre during the 2012 Olympic Games, and what is now the International Broadcast Centre and 24h media 'hub' for digital media, creative arts and cultural innovation. At LUiL, the MA in Media and Creative Industries will give students the opportunity to gain an awareness of the current issues and debates in the analysis of media and creative industries, whilst introducing them to current research regarding the economic, social, cultural, political and historical dimensions of the creative industries. Furthermore, it aims to prepare students for future employment in the diverse professional environments within the creative industries, through a combination of independent work and industry exposure. 

For more information and to register, by e-mail, for the Loughborough University in London mailing list visit: www.lborolondon.ac.uk

If you have any questions regarding any aspect of LUiL, and particularly to hear more about the Institute of Media and Creative Industries, follow me on Twitter: @Hannah_LUiL

[hannahluil]

The insiders guide to shopping in London..

It is no secret that London is famous for its abundance of retail districts and shopping streets. Oxford Street, the heart of London shopping, with more than 300 shops is sure to cater for all your shopping needs. Not only is Oxford Street home to the legendary Selfridges, but boasts door to door department stores including John Lewis, Debenhams and House of Fraser.

Regent Street, equally as impressive, offers a fantastic range of mid-priced fashion stores alongside some of London's most famous shops, such as Hamleys; the oldest and largest toy shop in the world.  Whether you've got money to burn or love luxury window shopping, Bond Street and Mayfair are the ideal places to go for some extravagant retail therapy. Popular with celebrities, this remains to be London's most exclusive shopping area, home to Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. 

For an indoor shopping experience, the Westfield centres situated in Shepherds Bush and Stratford are perfect. As the largest urban shopping centre in Europe, you'll find high street favourites including Hollister, Zara, Topshop and Boots. There are also more than 250 luxury, premium and high-street retailers including Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, All Saints and Ted Baker. Prepared to be spoilt for choice where food is concerned! As if all of that isn't enough, the Shepherds Bush Westfield centre boats a cinema, gym, several bars and restaurants, all under one roof.

Covent Garden offers something completely different again. Whether you want hip fashion or unique gifts, Covent Garden is a great place to explore. Street entertainers are customary to its character and provide a great experience for all so have your cameras at the ready. 

Finally, the elegance of London's Knightsbridge is not to be missed, with visitors from around the world annually flocking to the district to visit its illustrious shops and department stores. This is the place to go if you're looking for prestigious brands and up-to-the-minute trends from the world's fashion elite. Best known for Harrods and Harvey Nichols, some of the world's most amazing department stores.

 You will forever be spoilt for choice shopping in London!

[hannahluil]

Five LUiL facts you need to know!

1) LUiL is set to be the first university to be situated on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which means that students will have access to many of the incredible facilities used in the London 2012 Olympic games.

2) LUiL will be home to six institutes for postgraduate study:

Design Innovation

Digital Technologies 

Glendonbrook Institute for Enterprise Development

Sport Business and Sport Technology 

Media and Creative Industries 

Virtual Engineering

 3) The ArcelorMittal Orbit is situated at the Olymipic Park and provides outstanding views across central London. Take the lift up, enjoy the London landmarks and be sure to challenge yourself to the stairs on your way down!

4) The LUiL building will be shared with BT Sport and was the former London 2012 Olympics Media Centre during the games. 

5) The Westfield centre at Stratford City by LUiL and the Olympic Park is home to an abundance of shops and a Vue cinema. 

To hear more about LUiL visit the website and sign up to the mailing list at http://www.lborolondon.ac.uk/ 

Tweet me your Sport Business and Technology questions at @Hannah_LUiL