Aston University

Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE arrived at Aston University in the 1980s into an industry where informal networks routinely shut out anyone without connections.

Aston's deep ties to industry gave him what those networks wouldn't; a summer placement before he'd even finished his degree, and an MBA that put him on a board at 35.

Over the following three decades, Nelson led the Association for Consultancy and Engineering for 14 years, became CEO of The International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), and brokered agreements with the World Bank and seven multilateral development banks governing over $170 billion in annual global infrastructure investment across 102 countries.

"I'd gone from being a small boy in Birmingham to someone representing the whole of global engineering across 102 countries around the world."

Read more about Dr Ogunshakin's journey: https://www.aston.ac.uk/aston-made/nelson-ogunshakin

60 stories for 60 years. Aston Made. For the world. 🌍

Aston University is offering a new master’s programme designed to build an understanding of how generative artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can shape business models.

The programme blends technological insight with strategic business acumen, preparing graduates for dynamic roles driving digital transformation across industries and is being delivered by The Aston University and Capgemini Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI.

It offers students guidance on how to use AI and analytics-focused tools, which together with essential leadership and change management capabilities, will equip course participants with the skills needed to lead organisation's business transformation processes.

Learn more about the programme here: https://www.aston.ac.uk/latest-news/aston-university-launches-new-masters-programme-capgemini-help-businesses-benefit-ai

When global trade turns volatile, UK businesses and policymakers need signal, not noise. Aston University provides the signal.

Founded in 2018 by Professor Jun Du, the Aston Centre for Business Prosperity was built on a simple premise: rigorous economic research should move at the speed of the news cycle. When Brexit reshaped UK trade, when COVID disrupted supply chains, and when US tariffs returned under Donald Trump, the centre published evidence-based analysis within weeks, leading national debate across the BBC, Financial Times, and CNN.

That speed has translated into real influence. Research is cited in the UK Trade Strategy 2025, raised at Prime Minister's Questions, and adopted by the government's Industrial Strategy Advisory Council. Professor Du also joined a Foreign Office delegation to China to examine supply chain resilience firsthand.

Aston doesn't just study the challenges facing UK business, it helps solve them.

Read more: https://www.aston.ac.uk/aston-made/policy-input-export-ready

60 stories for 60 years. Aston Made. For the world. 🌍

Teaching has officially wrapped up for the majority of our final year students. 📚

We hope exam season is going smoothly and that all your hard work pays off.

You’ve got this! ✨

Our Tech Industry Gold Awarded Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship is supporting businesses in shaping the future tech experts.

The programme is designed to stay ahead of industry trends and demands.

Choose from five tailored career pathways to suit your business needs:
💻 Software Engineering
🌐 Network Engineering
🔐 Cyber Security
📊 Business Analysis
📈 Data Analysis

This apprenticeship delivers a blended learning approach, combining on-campus and online teaching, strengthened by our partnership with Cisco. Ideal for organisations looking to develop digital skills and grow internal talent.

Want to learn more about how to develop your team?
📧 Contact us: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DJWFoCVM1USUWrhS-kSiIf0-rSaIG6dNn56jTmAsJTxUOFMxU0MwQzBWTU8xTlVQVlAwNkpCVDJLMC4u

🔗 View our programme: https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-degree-apprenticeship

At Aston a 70% of our students travel in from home for their whole degree, so if you want to stay at home for your degree, you’d be joining the majority here, not the minority.
Don’t stress about missing out on the social side.

Birmingham is one of the best-connected cities in the UK, meaning getting to campus is quick and easy whether you’re coming from down the road or a nearby town. Loads of our commuters build tight friendship groups, get stuck into societies, and have the full uni experience. Just with the comfort of their own bed at the end of the day.

In this video, follow four Aston students on their journeys into campus and see what an average day actually looks like. Real routes, real routines, real student life.

When Lorraine Copes began her career in hospitality leadership, diversity was visible but not reflected at the top. Two decades later, as founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, she is changing that.

After almost 20 years at executive level in an industry celebrated for its diversity, she saw the full picture: opportunity existed, but not equally. In 2018 she stepped back, retrained as a coach, and when the pandemic hit, built something of her own.

Be Inclusive Hospitality now works across research, education and consultancy, supporting over 500 Black and minority professionals, training more than 2,000 leaders in inclusive practice, and partnering with global brands including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Uber Eats and The Alchemist to drive industry-wide change.
More than 70% of participants on her programmes have gone on to career progression or business growth. From kitchen to boardroom, the work is reshaping how hospitality approaches leadership.

As Lorraine puts it: “Don't wait for permission. You have more control than you think.”

Read more: https://www.aston.ac.uk/aston-made/lorraine-copes

60 stories for 60 years. Aston Made. For the world. 🌍