Research News Last updated 27 June
A successful student mentorship scheme between 探花直播 (BCU) and residential property developer Court Collaboration will be extended to a second year, following a successful pilot.
Five BCU built environment students took part in the initiative, gaining hands-on experience and insights into the industry while working on dissertation topics ranging from social housing repairs to cost assurance in construction.
They worked with Court Collaboration, the developer behind One Eastside - a 155-metre residential tower currently under construction on James Watt Queensway, which will become 探花直播鈥檚 tallest building once complete.
鈥淭his mentorship gave me invaluable exposure to the industry and an opportunity to engage with professionals to understand the unique challenges and solutions facing them,鈥� said undergraduate Jack McGowan.
鈥淭he quality and depth of my research has improved too as I was able to gain more insight from hands-on industry perspectives.
鈥淭he scheme has given me real excitement to begin my journey when I graduate.鈥�
Alex Neale, Court Collaboration CEO and BCU alumnus, said the mentorship scheme has benefitted students and his company: 鈥淚t鈥檚 been great to get students鈥� perspectives on industry challenges.
鈥淭heir confidence - which is an important skill in this industry - has also grown over the last 12 months.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to getting more students involved so we can share good learnings between BCU and Court Collaboration.鈥�
The mentorship initiative is the result of a wider research project between BCU and Court Collaboration.
One Eastside听is developing a digital twin to manage indoor conditions and facilitate preventative maintenance which can be used a blueprint for safe, healthy and environmentally friendly high-rise builds.
Dr Saeed Talebi, Associate Professor in Built Environment and BCU鈥檚 One Eastside project lead, said: 鈥淭his was a proud moment for me to see our students developing beneficial solutions for our industry partner.
鈥淎s we continue working towards delivering an innovative digital solution at One Eastside, I鈥檓 delighted that the project is also directly benefitting our students and preparing them for handling industry challenges.鈥�
Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at BCU, said the One Eastside project and mentorship scheme are helping the university reach its听Strategy 2030 goals: 鈥淚 am delighted see how our partnership with Court Collaboration has expanded beyond research and enterprise, and into our students鈥� experiences and curriculum.
鈥淭hese industry-led initiatives show we鈥檙e committed to developing the talent of tomorrow through innovative projects based in 探花直播.
鈥淎s this partnership continues and grows, we鈥檙e looking forward to seeing more students get involved with One Eastside and Court Collaboration.鈥�
The scheme will welcome a new cohort from September 2025.
Professor Nick Morton, Deputy Dean for BCU鈥檚 Computing, Engineering and Built Environment faculty and project co-lead, said: 鈥淭his project is not only developing cutting edge knowledge and technology to manage buildings more efficiently but is also helping to support the next generation of industry professionals and student talent.鈥�
Read more about the One Eastside research project.
Photo: (L-R) Dr Shahreen Bashir, Dr Danstan Chiponde, Roy Milanzi, Dr Saeed Talebi, Stephanie Wellington, Alex Neale, Ria Curtis, Libbie Hall, Thomas Taylor, Dr Paige Tien, Professor Nick Morton, Jack McGowan听