Festival celebrates UEL's innovation and enterprise
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Published
26 May 2022
The University of East London opened its doors to celebrate the positive impact staff and students make in our communities locally and globally.
The Royal Docks Festival of Innovation and Enterprise, hosted on the University of East London's Docklands campus, included fun-filled activities and showcases including an escape room, a Crystal Maze experience, live entertainment, virtual reality, career advice, and an exciting global food and drink market.
Professor Amanda Broderick, the University's vice-chancellor and president, said, "The festival was a wonderful opportunity to open our doors to our neighbours in Newham and celebrate the progress we have made, particularly the continued investment in our wonderful Dockside campus.
"East London has a proud history as a place of industry and innovation - which is at the heart of today's festival. It was an opportunity to celebrate the significant contribution UEL makes to the area and globally."
As part of the festivities, the University hosted the annual Vice Chancellor and President Awards, recognising and celebrating success across all areas of the University.
Professor Broderick added, "The winners of the VC&P Awards display how embedded innovation and enterprise is in our culture with our staff always striving to make a positive impact on those around them."
Student William Hall said he particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people. He said, "I have really enjoyed the festival, it has been a lot of fun. There is a lot going on and the stalls were good because they had lots of activities and it was interactive. It makes a nice change to my studies and got to talk to a lot of new people."
Student Megan Bocker added, "It was a good turnout despite the bad weather, and it has been good fun. The live music was definitely the highlight."
As part of the day, the East Building was transformed into a market, boasting interactive displays including from the Legal Advice Centre and virtual reality technology.
Sustainability was a big focus of the day and highlighted the University's mission to be net zero carbon by 2030.
Business administration student Sajeshkumar Haman took some time at the festival to play the "Rubbish Game" which tested visitors' recycling knowledge. As part of the game, guests were asked to provide feedback and suggestions that could support UEL's vision to become more sustainable.
He said, "The game is really useful for all the students and really great because I want to learn more about these things. It's great to have activities to get involved in and the whole festival has been fun."
The festival also displayed the British Olympic Association Archive as a part of celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the London Olympics.