Issue 575 Reporter July 2013
Outstanding achievers
Three top athletes and five outstanding performers in their chosen fields are awarded honorary degrees. Page 4
Farewell to Leeds
Outgoing Vice-Chancellor Michael Arthur reflects on his nine-year tenure at the University. Pages 2-3
Sowing the seeds for collaboration
How seedcorn funding is helping three challenging new collaborative projects. Page 6
Awards recognise teaching excellence
Excellence is recognised as two Leeds academics receive National Teaching Fellowships. Page 11 02 Leader column Reporter 575 July 2013
Leader column Reflections on nine years at Leeds Preparing for this, my last Leader column, and answers to the big, global research challenges. reflecting on the University’s achievements We’ve got better at fostering and benefiting from during the past nine years, it quickly became innovation, particularly since we put innovation obvious that it was going to be extraordinarily closer to the academic community by launching difficult to pick out highlights. But I’m going to the Research and Innovation Service and, more try – with the caveat that I make absolutely no recently, the sector hubs. claim for comprehensiveness! We must, too, recognise our partnerships with What springs to mind immediately is that the world-class organisations such as Marks & the International Student Barometer, a great University now has a very clear vision and Spencer, Opera North, ARUP, Yorkshire Water indicator of how satisfied international students strategy – an understanding of our long-term and Sinochem. We are also a key player in are with Leeds. Initiatives like Study Abroad, mission that is embedded in our daily life. academic partnerships, including White Rose, the Global Community and our Intercultural At my original interview I showed a slide that N8 and, most importantly, the Russell Group, Ambassadors ensure that all our students can simply said ‘T = R’ – teaching equals research. which I thoroughly enjoyed chairing for three take part in international activities. It says it all, doesn’t it? We’ve made teaching as ‘interesting’ years. important as research and have successfully We’re heavily involved in the Worldwide We have a fantastic relationship with our integrated the two. I think that’s a huge Universities Network (WUN), with our students; the Partnership work with Leeds achievement. That’s at the heart of our strategy, academics providing leadership in and around University Union and the quality of our and I believe we’re delivering on it and bringing the Global Challenges, which were introduced Students’ Union is something that I’m going our research alive for students. during my tenure as WUN Chair. The initial to miss enormously. A major achievement has aim of the Challenges was to promote cross- The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) been our improving scores in the National institution collaboration, but they’ve taken on a 2008 was a good result for us, with a Student Survey, which show that we take our much more significant life which has prompted submission which significantly improved our students, their education and experience increased interaction with national and rating for overall quality and saw us ranked incredibly seriously. Viv Jones and the Student international policymakers and organisations. 14th, up from 26th in RAE 2001. Now we’re Education team have done a spectacular job in the midst of the Research Excellence of developing the new model for the Student In nine years we have pulled together a world- Framework, and around 1,100 colleagues will Education Service and the Curriculum class Alumni and Development team. We’ve submit, all of whom, by our own assessments, Enhancement Project. I’m also very proud just had our 10,000th donor and are in contact are achieving a grade point average of at least of Leeds for Life, our outstanding Quality with over 200,000 alumni in 140 countries. 3.0. Assurance Agency reports and the fact that we That’s a huge network of people who are our have more National Teaching Fellows than any natural supporters. Their wide-ranging support We can be proud of our overall performance other university in the country. We have a great – student placements, inspiring students, in research and innovation. We now have the track record of widening participation through entrepreneurship and donations – is a building eighth largest research income in the country, the Access and Community Engagement block that will stand us in good stead for and have successfully diversified the sources team and schemes like Access to Leeds, and decades to come. Success has been down to of that income, particularly in Europe. We’ve a Centre for Lifelong Learning that does an a team effort by the Alumni and Development also kept our investment programme going excellent job for mature and part-time learners. team, the academic community, and alumni and I’m proud of the research investments and themselves. For myself, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the impact they’ve had, particularly in terms We now have an internationalisation strategy my contacts with our supporters – I have met of interdisciplinary research and education. underpinning recruitment activities and some extraordinary people. We’ve recruited some brilliant people through, have seen a huge growth in international for example, the Leadership Chairs Initiative, students, from just over 2,500 in 2004 to Working closely with the unions, and through and funded some excellent research projects, 5,000 today. Our global community is thriving. a fantastic campaign and support from such as the transformation projects which seek We’ve just come top of the Russell Group in colleagues, the serious accident rate at the
• Ziff Building opened by Marjorie Ziff and Chief Rabbi • Leeds for Life goes Lord Sacks • University’s strategy launched online for staff • School of Performance • Alumni call • Collaboration with • The Who return to and Cultural Industries • Leeds Institute of Health centre opens Yorkshire Water campus for celebration moves to stage@leeds Sciences launched of the Live at Leeds album • Institute for • New University visual • Cultural partnership • University Strategy refresh Transport Studies identity unveiled • Leeds for Life launched with Opera North • Submission to Research wins Queen’s • The LOGIK Centre opens • Portal/VLE introduced • First Staff Festival held Assessment Exercise 2008 Anniversary Prize
2004/05 2006 2007 2008 2009 July 2013 Reporter 575 Leader column 03
Leader column Contents
University has fallen to just 2.5 per thousand. News We have a culture that really values health and Page 4 safety – the Vice-Chancellor’s awards for health and safety are a visible sign of our commitment to that – and I trust that this will be a lasting Opening the M&S Company Archive Research and innovation achievement. Page 5 We also now have a culture that takes got to do next. There has been a huge amount sustainability incredibly seriously. Our of work in schools and services to make Sustainability team has input into activities sure that we’re spending money wisely. The Sustainability across the University, from curriculum design Integrated Planning Exercise has just finished to procurement of goods and services. and given us a much clearer understanding of Page 7 Colleagues and students, too, are making what needs to be done to keep us academically their contributions through the Green Impact and financially sustainable. Valuing our people scheme and the behaviour changes prompted If I have a regret it’s about the pace at which by the It All Adds Up campaign. We are now a we’ve made changes. We’re not fleet of foot yet Page 9 ‘zero waste to landfill’ University – a fantastic – we need to respond to the market and move achievement. from idea to delivery faster. We’re beginning Inspire our students This University is healthy financially and that’s to change but there is more work to do. We’ve been critically important. We have had to do woken up to the highly and progressively Page 11 some tough stuff, including the economies competitive nature of higher education. We exercise. We knew that to leave the situation accept that things are never going to go untouched ran the risk of putting us in dire backwards in fact, they’re going to get more In the news financial straits. We realised, too, that our challenging – but I think that understanding has Page 12 review processes weren’t good enough and helped to build our confidence. that we had to renegotiate the organisational change process. We came out with something Since announcing my departure, I’ve had Our people/honours that is fair, collegiate and involves colleagues many lovely emails, letters and comments in owning potential solutions. It has given us from people on campus. The reception from Page 13 a vehicle to do some important work that has students when I received the Riley’s award for lifetime achievement almost had me in led to dramatic improvements in academic and News/small ads financial performance. tears. The leaving present from the Deans also provoked some emotion – a single ‘red brick’ Page 14 More recently, the vagaries of student dressed with a plaque on which was inscribed recruitment in the new marketplace dealt us a “Leeds (is) for Life”. You bet it is! difficult year. Last year, in particular, student Events recruitment was the number one issue for us. Most of all, I have to say a big thank you to my We have all dealt with it incredibly professionally colleagues – the people I’ve worked with have Page 15 and are in good shape and alert to what we’ve been fantastic and I’ve been staggered at their dedication to this institution. I wish Sir Alan Langlands and everyone at Leeds all the best FAQs for a marvellous future. Page 16 Michael PS – All staff and students are invited to the Refectory on Friday 19 July from 6pm to join me to celebrate everything we have achieved About the Reporter together during the past nine years. Receiving the Queen’s Anniversary Prize It’s a free event but please register for tickets at The Reporter is the University of Leeds’ with Professor Mark Wardman http://goo.gl/t4QpT staff magazine, produced eight times a year. More than 8,500 copies are distributed to our staff and stakeholders. The Reporter is produced by the Communications team. • Lord Bragg gifts his literary • M&S Company Archive opens If you have an idea for a story, want to write archive to the University on campus a letter, comment on this edition or would • First Vice-Chancellor’s • Plans for new undergraduate awards for health and safety like to voice your opinion about University library announced matters, please get in touch: • Deal signed with Sinochem • Students, alumni and staff take to collaborate on research part in the London Olympics Email: [email protected] Tel: • Launch of the Leeds • Partnership agreement • Institute of Medical and (0113) 343 6699 International Summer School becomes the Partnership Biological Engineering receives Web: http://reporter.leeds.ac.uk • The Edge sports facility opens • £12m Liberty Building opens Queen’s Anniversary Prize The front cover shows Jonathan and Alistair Brownlee celebrating after receiving their honorary Doctorates of Laws from the University. 2010 2011 2012 2013 04 News Reporter 575 July 2013
News University honours outstanding achievements
Honouring excellence (back l-r) University Secretary Roger Gair, Linda Pollard, Student Executive Alice Smart, Outstanding individuals: Dr Samuel Kargbo, Vice-Chancellor Michael Arthur (front l-r) Martin Wainwright, Claire Cashmore and Stephanie Flanders Dr Kargbo in the robing room Professor Susan Solomon, Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee
Three top athletes and five outstanding performers in their chosen fields have been awarded honorary degrees by the University.
Olympic medal-winning triathletes the Brownlee Alumnus Dr Samuel Kargbo returned to his brothers and Paralympic swimmer Claire native Sierra Leone during the midst of civil war Cashmore were recognised, while Stephanie to deliver basic healthcare to children. Now the Flanders, Samuel Kargbo, Susan Solomon, country’s Director of Reproductive and Child Martin Wainwright and our outgoing Heath, he has made significant improvements Pro-Chancellor Linda Pollard completed this to the care of pregnant women and the year’s roll of excellence. under-fives in a country which has some of the world’s highest mortality rates. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Medicine. Alumnus Alistair Brownlee has been crowned Professor Susan Solomon preparing for the ceremony world champion on two occasions (2009 and 2010) and was 2012 Olympic triathlon gold Professor Susan Solomon led two National medal winner. Alistair trains in Leeds and is a Ozone Expeditions to Antarctica. Her team strong proponent of the Yorkshire countryside made discoveries about ozone layer destruction as a first-class training ground. He received an which led to the signing of an international Honorary degree honorary Doctorate of Laws. agreement to regulate damaging chemicals. She was also attached to the group awarded nominations invited the Nobel prize for atmospheric chemistry Jonathan Brownlee has had a year which in 1995. Dr Solomon received an Honorary Members of the University are invited to has seen him graduate from Leeds and take Doctorate of Sciences. submit names for consideration by the bronze in the Olympics. He recently became Committee on Honorary Degrees when triathlon world champion. Jonathan received an it meets in the autumn. The criteria honorary Doctorate of Laws. Linda Pollard is a successful entrepreneur specify that honorary degrees may be with considerable experience in the private and awarded to individuals of real achievement public sectors. She has played a significant Also receiving an honorary Doctorate of Laws and eminence in their respective fields, role in strengthening links between education individuals who are distinguished by was Claire Cashmore who graduated from and health and is currently Chair of Leeds Leeds in 2011. Claire took silver medals in the excellence, originality and the capacity to Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Linda became excite. 100 metres breaststroke and medley relay at Pro-Chancellor of the University of Leeds and the London 2012 Paralympics, along with a Chair of the Council in August 2007. She was It is expected that the list of honorary bronze in the freestyle relay. She will receive an awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. graduates in any year will reflect the Honorary Doctorate of Laws. breadth of the University’s activities and interests, and in particular the local, Leeds-born Martin Wainwright is best known national and international dimensions to its Stephanie Flanders has made a significant for his 37 years at the Guardian. Martin work, as well as the University’s values. contribution to enhancing the public’s has been a dedicated advocate of northern understanding of economics and its impact England, its culture and countryside, combining Nominations – together with any on daily life through her position as BBC his passion for ‘England’s better half’ with his supporting comments – should be sent Economics Editor, her widely acclaimed blog joy of writing. He was awarded an MBE in 2000 to Jenny Birkinshaw (Governance and Stephanomics, and her recent Masters of for services to the National Lottery Charities Corporate Affairs Officer, Secretariat) Money series. She was awarded an Honorary Board in Yorkshire and Humberside. He was by 6 September under confidential cover. Doctorate of Letters. awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. July 2013 Reporter 575 Research and innovation 05
Research and innovation Music project scores a hit
The music of leading film composer Trevor Jones – who has provided the soundtrack to films as diverse asNotting Hill, Labyrinth and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman – is the subject of a new project based in the School of Music.
The archive of the leading South African-born of bringing this new knowledge to academic, composer’s work has been located in the professional and wider public audiences.” School of Music since 2005. Now, Professor David Cooper and Dr Ian Sapiro have secured Dr Sapiro adds: “The archive is unique in an award of £570,000 from the Arts and the UK, since it contains sound recordings Humanities Research Council to manage, from a range of media at various points in collate and present this significant collection the production process alongside associated over the coming years. documentation and musical scores. The AHRC award offers us a unique opportunity Professor Cooper, who is also Dean of the to interrogate these materials and to work with Faculty of Performance, Visual Arts and leading British film organisations, including Communication, says: “We are delighted that the National Media Museum in Bradford and the AHRC has recognised the value of this the British Film Institute in London, to extract Film composer Trevor Jones, whose work is the subject of a new project to advancing scholarly understanding research project maximum public benefit from the project.” of the processes of film score production, and
Partnership awarded £1m to improve diagnosis of diseases A partnership involving various research centres at the University has been awarded £1m over four years by the National Institute of Health Research to form a diagnostic evidence co-operative (DEC). The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded the sum to form a DEC focused on generating high-quality evidence on diagnostic tests for the clinical management of renal, liver and musculoskeletal diseases. The University partners are based in the Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and MusculoSkeletal Medicine, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences and Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research. On the right track: Dr Ian Sapiro and Professor David Cooper 06 Research and innovation Reporter 575 July 2013
Research and innovation Sowing the seeds for collaborations Three challenging new projects have been awarded ‘seedcorn’ funding by the Leeds Social Sciences Institute (LSSI) and the Research and Innovation Service to encourage collaboration between social sciences and STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – that will explore some of the most pressing research challenges currently facing the world. Dr Effie Kesidou (Leeds University Business School) used the funding to support collaboration between the Business School and the schools of Geography and Earth and Environment by organising a workshop on Eco-innovation and the Porter hypothesis. The Porter hypothesis was developed in the early 1990s by Harvard Business School economist and authority on competitive strategy, Professor Michael Porter, who argues that environmental regulations can stimulate rather than stifle environmental innovations that increase energy efficiency and/or generate eco-technologies. Attracting international experts, the workshop aims to generate a network to discuss new Going for growth (l-r): Kishore Budha, Alison McKay and Chiara Tornaghi ideas and approaches to how the UK can meet its energy and environmental targets. methodology for a participatory research project work will lead to future collaboration and grant The second project – Perceptions and on urban agroecology, urban metabolism and applications for multidisciplinary research Behaviours Related to Leisure Activities – is food security. The strength of this academic projects.” led by Kishore Budha (School of Design) and partnership is in the ability to link scientific Details of the seedcorn funding can be found at Alison McKay (School of Engineering) and understanding with knowledge of planning www.lssi.leeds.ac.uk/opportunities/ involves an interdisciplinary research group regulation, innovative urban agricultural policies seedcorn-funding/ interested in older adults’ wellbeing. The and community engagement, and the ability to project includes specialists in many areas analyse public understanding. across the University, including branding The team organised a one-day workshop, and marketing, mechanical and electronic held at Armley Mills Industrial Museum, engineering, ageing, psychology, and exercise which focused on co-designing outreach and This has been a great incentive studies. They are conducting a pilot study of engaging activities with local communities, to transform what was only an older adults on perceptions and behaviours as well as identifying the specific training idea that two of us had discussed related to two leisure activities (exploring the needs of the non-academic partners. The city and shopping), with a focus on identifying during lunchtime into an ambitious workshop was also an opportunity to finalise barriers to mobility and participation. The data interdisciplinary project involving a funding application to ESRC/EPSRC for an from the study will be analysed, with the aim 10 partners. We are aware that this is action research project and to begin engaging of producing case studies that can be used to local communities in collaborative research, just the beginning: bridging disciplinary stimulate new thinking and research related to establishing a Leeds-based biochar initiative perspectives and developing shared ageing, physical activity and leisure. and developing a network between interested languages with non-academic partners The third recipients of funding were Chiara parties. “Seedcorn funding like this is a great is a huge challenge. But we are Tornaghi (School of Geography), Andy Ross way of kick-starting projects,” says Sophia motivated, and this seedcorn funding (School of Process, Environmental and Kennedy, LSSI Administrator. “The sums reminds us that this is well worth Materials Engineering) and Les Firbank (School of money involved are relatively small but of Biology). Researchers, local government they enable people to come together, have the effort. officers and third sector organisations worked discussions and carry out initial research that Chiara Tornaghi (School of Geography) together to define the research agenda and can lead to bigger things. It is hoped that the July 2013 Reporter 575 Sustainability 07
Sustainability Sustainability stars More than 160 staff and students from across the University gathered in the Refectory for this year’s Sustainability awards, which recognised contributions in many areas, including volunteering, travel, and Even the awards were made from recycled materials encouraging and promoting sustainable behaviours within and beyond the University. Winners of the Sustainability awards Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Arthur gave “The awards evening was a great time to show out the awards and spoke about the important off and celebrate contributions, collaborations Energy reduction role that sustainability does and will play in and creativity,” says Sam McCarthy, an intern John Wheeldon, the successful future of the University. Dennis with the Sustainability team. “I was particularly Faculty of Biological Sciences Hopper, Director of Facilities Management, was excited about our 10 lab teams, especially as Waste and recycling on hand to present the Green Impact awards. the new labs workbook was only launched last Bodington Halls Green Impact had its best year yet, with 49 year. To get 10 teams achieving awards already, awards given to teams and laboratories taking including two gold lab awards, was great to see.” Biodiversity part, with 13 for achieving gold level. Christy Walker, Section of Epidemiology “All of us in the Sustainability team are amazed and Biostatistics, Leeds Cancer Research A wooden dinosaur made with recycled furniture at people’s commitment and we would like to UK Centre from Bodington Hall oversaw proceedings, while thank everyone at the University who has been the table decorations were made from re-spun involved with sustainability. It was a great evening Sustainable travel denim, made into paper and fashioned into of celebration and a brilliant chance to reflect The Secretariat striking pieces by the School of Design. Even the on the past year. Congratulations to everyone Education for sustainable development awards themselves were made from recycled who took part, and to the student auditors and Julia Clark, Business School slate and lab stools! project assistants whose help and time proved invaluable.” Big ideas Dr Jonathan Summers, School of Mechanical Engineering Volunteering Adam Connell, student M&S sustainable partnership Janet Willis, Cleaning Services Outstanding student contribution to sustainability Hannah Robb and Adam Klink Outstanding staff contribution to sustainability Jennie Hibbard, Student Hannah Robb receives her award Faculty of Biological Sciences from the Vice-Chancellor Michael Arthur Just some of the colleagues who received Green Impact awards
A new garden to bloom on campus A new garden is being built in the centre of campus, situated in Chancellor’s Court, next to the Roger Stevens Building.
Based on the University’s award-winning free to come and enjoy it. The Bardon Grange garden at the 2012 Chelsea Flower Show, Project, an award-winning community food the multipurpose garden will utilise previously growing project hosted by LUU, will host regular unused space as a hub for biodiversity gardening sessions open to all. on campus. The project is a collaboration If you are interested in getting involved with the between the Facilities Directorate, Leeds planting (experience not essential), conducting University Union (LUU) and academic research or would like to know more, staff. The garden will be officially opened in please email [email protected] September but, in the meantime, visitors are or [email protected] 08 Sustainability Reporter 575 July 2013
Sustainability Bringing the arts to life The University campus and the city of Leeds were buzzing with all manner of artistic events during our third Festival of Arts, as hundreds of school children, members of the public and staff turned out to enjoy the fun. “The University, Leeds and Yorkshire have a rich, varied heritage of arts and culture dating back hundreds of years,” explains Lindsey Young visitors explore the treasures of the Brotherton Library during the Festival of Arts Strachan, Access and Community Engagement. “The festival celebrates this heritage and makes residential events also took place, aiming to accessible the fantastic range of activities which encourage young people to think about studying the University, in particular, has to offer to arts subjects at Leeds. Along with an exciting people in the region and from further afield.” schools programme, a number of events and activities were open to everyone during the Events for schools included a Discover Asia six-week festival. These included public talks, Day, guided visits to the M&S Company Archive exhibitions and performances, plus self-led and workshops in the Museum of the History activities such as the M&S Heritage Trail. of Science, Medicine and Technology. The Last Yorkshire King – Richard III Day was attended “We have only been running the festival for by 60 year 12 students and their teachers. three years but we were delighted to offer such As well as workshops about the controversial a varied and comprehensive programme,” king, the students went to Special Collections continues Lindsey. “We’re already looking to view our rarely seen copy of Shakespeare’s forward to next year’s event, which will be First Folio, worth in the region of £2m, along themed around Legacies of War; any staff who with other fascinating items, including a letter would like to contribute can get in touch at signed by Henry VII. Two widening participation [email protected]” Encouraging growth in Green League Colleagues’ hard work and commitment to sustainability paid off, seeing us awarded a 2:1 in this year’s Green League* results – up from a 2:2 in 2012. “I’m really pleased with this achievement, sustainability is embedded in our curriculum, and it’s something we can all be proud of,” and engages students and staff in different says Louise Ellis, Head of Sustainability. “The activities, developing skills and promoting University takes sustainability very seriously and positive behaviour changes. is constantly looking for ways to do better. “We are also reviewing our processes to ensure “Although we’ve improved our position by 43 that sustainability is reflected in our decision- places, this still means we are 58th place in making, and looking at ways to reduce and the table, so we are certainly not resting on our improve our resource use.”
laurels. We’re currently developing an integrated * The People & Planet Green League is an annual ranking by the sustainability strategy, which draws together all national student campaign group that assesses the environmental and ethical performance of UK universities. For more details visit our activities: operations, student education and http://peopleandplanet.org/greenleague research and innovation. This will ensure that July 2013 Reporter 575 Valuing our people 09
Valuing our people Team talk – Life after Leeds organising committee What is Life After Leeds all about? Life after Leeds is a celebration of achievement event for international students from over 150 different countries to mark the end of their time at Leeds. The aim is to enhance their student A committed committee: Claire Alford, Debbie Powell and Louise Harrison experience. It is the result of focus group findings and comments from students such Who’s in the team? “Never been with so many international as: “Since many of us are unlikely to be around students in one gathering. It makes me The organising committee is Debbie Powell, for the graduation ceremony, it’s nice to have feel quite at home and comfortable among Louise Harrison and Claire Alford. We all an event like this. This type of activity makes colleagues and enhanced my perspective have different roles in the Careers Centre but international students know that the University of the University as an international-friendly are united in our enthusiasm for supporting cares about us.” institution.” international students, enhancing their The event is organised and presented by the experience and ensuring they’ll become our And some of the most difficult? Careers Centre, and gives us the opportunity ambassadors all over the world, promoting the The funding restrictions are a bit of a challenge. of assuring international students of our benefits of studying at the University of Leeds. continuing support over the years to come We were fortunate this year in being able to use through our e-guidance provision and the use Tell us how the event has external project money to fund the event, but of ‘goinglobal’, to which we subscribe to on the developed over the years. this may not be the case next year. students’ behalf. It’s a case of ‘great oaks from little acorns grow’. Who do you work with across the Written evaluations this year included: The first event in 2007 was attended by just University? 20 students and had an information focus. Best memory in Leeds The Alumni and Development team, and It’s grown over the years, evolving into a real Corporate Services for hire of the Refectory A good way to finish my experience in Leeds, celebration event enjoyed by more than 200 and the catering. Also, friends and colleagues and really value how lucky I was for being in the students. This year it was attended by our in the International Students’ Office help us to University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Arthur, promote the event. Our helpful colleagues in It showed how the University gives credit to and the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Tom the Careers Centre pitched in to ensure that the international students and cares about giving Murray, who informed us in his speech that he event ran smoothly. them a good student experience and is an alumnus. Part of great memories! People and staff are Tell us something about Life after What are the most rewarding Leeds that would surprise people. really friendly. Very nice of the Careers Centre to things about being on the put on this event. committee? It was a bit poignant that it was the VC’s last Life after Leeds event prior to taking up his What does the team do? Seeing how much the international students new post. Everybody wished him well but Everything – from booking a venue, organising enjoy the event, leaving them with happy we’ll miss him next year. He is so friendly and the catering, liaising with the Vice-Chancellor’s memories of Leeds, encouraging them to approachable and enjoys (or endures!) endless and Lord Mayor’s offices to planning raffles and continue to use the services of the Careers photocalls with appreciative students. His quizzes and buying a gown and hat through Centre and to keep in touch with the Alumni photograph will appear in over 150 countries eBay so students can take photographs and Development team. Appreciative – keep your eye on the Careers Centre’s of each other! It’s really hard work but it is comments make all the hard work worthwhile: Facebook page. so rewarding.
The website is just one part of Great Food at Sue Pimblett. “We want to use Great Food at Leeds – the new identity for the University’s Leeds as a platform to establish strong brands Great Food at Leeds Catering Service, created as a result of a series for our business areas such as our cafés, the of consultations with Service staff, customers Refectory, Delivered Catering and Fine Dining, Keep up to date with loyalty and other stakeholders. and we will keep staff informed as these develop.” offers, new menus, special events, “We wanted a name and image that was bright, More information can be found at meal deals and café opening attractive and made a clear statement about our www.leeds.ac.uk/greatfoodatleeds, times by visiting the new Great commitment to excellent service and providing www.facebook.com/greatfoodatleeds Food at Leeds website. fresh, quality food,” says Commercial Services or twitter.com/greatfoodatleeds 10 Valuing our people Reporter 575 July 2013
Valuing our people The choice
Reporter
Issue 569 On the move – is yours November 2012 Now you can
Advisory choose to have Group Be part of a s upport staff group that hel ps car parking address important Universit y issues. Growing a Page 5
sustainable Arts research your regular copy Creating the best pos future sible env ironment for research. How Leeds is creating a sustainab Page 10 le future for our staff, current and future students, and the wider community. Clothworkers Pages 7, 8 and 9 Consort
A new na me hera a bright f lds uture for a of the Reporter University choir . changes delivered as a Page 14 pdf to your inbox, rather than Major construction projects are receive a personal, paper copy. due to start work on campus this “We’re giving people the chance to opt summer, which may affect some out of receiving a paper copy as a result of colleagues with parking permits, feedback from our recent communications staff who purchase daily tickets survey,” says Isabel Hunt, Director of and staff who arrange parking Communications. “It’s clear that people for visitors in the University main really value the information and news that’s campus car parks. in the Reporter, but the option to receive it electronically is something that people have “Work is expected to start on the new been requesting for a while, so it’s great to undergraduate library from the end of July be able to offer them the choice. Producing 2013 through until December 2014,” explains Construction projects mean changes fewer copies will cut down on printing and Support Services Manager Majid Khan. for some University car parks paper costs and it will also mean less time “As a result, there will be some disruption for spent distributing the magazine. staff parking and, although we will be losing “Permit holders in all the affected zones will “Of course, we’ll still be printing copies of the visitor car park, provision for visitors and be emailed with relevant information as and the Reporter as there are many colleagues reserved spaces will be provided elsewhere. when the dates are finalised,” continues Majid. who prefer to read the magazine away The spaces on Hillary Place will also be “Due to the scale of the project, there may from their desk and there are people in the unavailable during this period. General visitor be disruption to traffic flows on campus with University who don’t have regular access parking will be absorbed in the Orange Zone, large contractor vehicles entering the site and to a PC. We also send the magazine to our with reserved spaces transferred to the Blue possibly temporary traffic lights in operation external stakeholders and keep copies in Zone. During the construction phase of the during this period. We apologise in advance central public areas such as the reception library, the space in front of the E C Stoner for any inconvenience the works may cause desk in the Parkinson Building.” building will be temporarily made available for colleagues, but would like to assure people If you would like to opt out of receiving staff with valid permits and for visitors.” that we will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum.” a paper copy of the Reporter, write to The Geography relocation project is also taking [email protected], place during the same period, and the Brown Further information can be found at marking your email ‘Opt out’. Please note Zone car park will be removed from use. www.leeds.ac.uk/facilitiesdirectorate/ that we are only able to process requests Until this project is completed, Brown Zone carparking.htm from individuals, so please avoid sending permit holders will be authorised to park in the and up-to-date information can be followed on ‘bulk’ lists. Purple Zone. Twitter @carparkingatUoL
“Colleagues have been asking for an improved New website staff website, and most of the changes are a “The website looks clean and direct result of their comments and feedback simple and feels easy to use.” A new look For Staff site has in the internal communications survey,” says been launched, offering staff Communications’ Louise Nash. “We also quick and easy access to worked closely with a focus group during the information that is used regularly, with a list development of the site, to make sure the of staff systems and quick links accessible University news and information. changes reflected the functions that people on first view; an events calendar that allows said they needed or wanted.” users to search events by category and faculty; more space for news stories and “Very nice new site – Significant improvements have been made images. worth having as a browser to the site in terms of appearance, navigation homepage now.” and search functionality. Examples include: The URL for the page remains cleaner, brighter appearance; priority given to www.leeds.ac.uk/forstaff July 2013 Reporter 575 Inspire our students 11
Inspire our students Awards recognise teaching excellence Two of our academics are celebrating after each receiving a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship (NTF) for excellence in higher education teaching and support for learning.
The awards, announced by the Higher Education learning, with the highest number of NTFs Dr Jackson says: “It’s fantastic to know that Academy (HEA), go to Dr Simon Lightfoot of any higher education institution in the UK. the work I do with students and in helping (School of Politics and International Studies enhance student education is valued. I know Dr Jackson is an HEA Senior Fellow and a (POLIS)) and Dr Andrea Jackson (School of it will give me greater confidence to do even University of Leeds Teaching Fellowship holder, Earth and Environment (SEE)), incoming Pro- bigger and better things and I’m looking forward with a track record in innovation and excellence Dean for Student Education in the Faculty of to becoming part of a network of other award in student education. She developed Countdown Environment. Nominated by their institutions, winners to share practice and learn from to University Study, an online resource to help submissions had to evidence three criteria: each other.” students with their transition from school to individual excellence, raising the profile of university. Since 2009, it has been used by Dr Lightfoot is also a Teaching Fellowship holder, excellence and developing excellence. Both Dr more than 60% of incoming undergraduate and is Director of Student Education in POLIS. Lightfoot and Dr Jackson were nominated by students in SEE. The resource has been He was nominated for his passion for politics and Professor Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for developed into University-wide initiatives, for ensuring that the subject matter is engaging Student Education. Flying Start for undergraduates and Step Up to to students and for making higher education Their success ensures that the University retains Masters for postgraduates. open to all through his widening participation its leading position for excellence in teaching and work. He visits HE institutions across Europe, engaging students in their learning and sharing best practice with colleagues. “I have great admiration for NTFs, both here at Leeds and in the discipline, and to have my name added to the list is a massive honour,” says Dr Lightfoot. “I was extremely fortunate to be taught by three exceptional academics, who, despite their very different styles, conveyed the excitement and complexity of the subject matter of politics, while also providing empirical and theoretical depth. Twenty years later, I hope students see my passion and enthusiasm for the subject in a similar way.” 12 In the news Reporter 575 July 2013
In the news
Professor Andrew Shepherd (School of Earth and Environment) was interviewed by Al Jazeera about how climate change is affecting glaciers and how this will ultimately impact on us.
BBC One’s Coast looked at quicksand and the dangers it poses. The show included science presenter Professor Alice Roberts testing out There was international media interest in a the quicksand around the northwest coast of study by Professor Bill Kunin, Professor Koos England. Professor Jeffrey Peakall (School of Biesmeijer and Dr Luisa Carvalheiro (School of There was wide interest in research by Dr Earth and Environment) appeared on the show Biology) that found the decline in biodiversity Ewan Wakefield and Dr Keith Hamer (Faculty and discussed how quicksand works. of pollinating insects and wild plants across of Biological Sciences) into the eating habits of Europe had slowed in recent years. Sarah gannets. The study found that the birds avoid Clarke, a national environment and science areas fished by other colonies of gannets even correspondent for Australia’s ABC Radio, though the species shows no territorial behaviour interviewed Professor Bill Kunin for the Lateline while at sea. The story was reported by on the show. The story was also featured in New Daily Mail, Daily Express, Planet Earth Online, the Scientist and Planet Earth. Financial Times Weekend Magazine, Die Welt and The Irish Times.
Dr Rory Sullivan (School of Earth and Environment) wrote an article for the The Spanish publication El Economista picked Guardian arguing that NGOs are relatively up a story published in Nature regarding
unsuccessful at engaging with investors. Dunn Andrew © Photograph research from Professor Steven Tobias (School of Mathematics) and Professor Fausto Cattaneo Quicksand warning sign at Little Paxton Pits near St Neots, Cambridgeshire, England. from the University of Chicago. They have Researchers led by Dr Nicola Stonehouse developed a model to explain the 11-year cycle (School of Molecular and Cellular Biology) of the Sun’s magnetic field. found a new way to destroy a key protein that is The Financial Times wrote an article on the linked to the development of cervical and other possible privatisation of some services in cancers. The story was covered by the Toronto An international study, including scientists the Metropolitan Police that referred to a Telegraph, Newstrack India and the Yorkshire from the School of Earth and Environment at study by Professor Adam Crawford (School Post. Dr Stonehouse discussed the findings on the University of Leeds, found that the Earth of Law). The study found that less than one BBC Radio Leeds. will warm at a slower rate than was previously third of Police and Crime Commissioners expected. Professor Piers Forster said: “We elected in November had clearly stated know much more than we did only a few years in their manifestos that they opposed Former PhD student Anna Woodhouse (School ago about how different factors, like global privatisation. of English) spoke about her research on BBC aerosol emissions, affect the global energy Radio 4’s Four Thought programme in front of budget, and this new study draws out the implications.” The story received wide coverage, a live audience. Recorded at Somerset House, Professor Andrew Hill (School of Medicine) including from New Scientist and the Financial London, Anna considered what glass and received extensive coverage for his team’s Times and was featured in a comment piece in windows mean to us. research on how young children reject The Telegraph. characters from story books who are overweight, but show a positive response to those who are The Daily Mail quoted Professor Philip Conaghan disabled. The study was reported by BBC News, (School of Medicine) in an article about Michael The Times, the Daily Mail, the Guardian and The Vaughan’s continuing knee problems. Professor Atlantic Magazine. Conaghan explained how knee injuries worsen with age. New research by the Royal College of Gynaecologists found that chemicals in household products and cosmetics are a potential risk to pregnant women. Professor Alistair Hay (School of Medicine) talked to BBC News, the Guardian, The Telegraph and The Times arguing that the advice is unhelpful for mothers-to-be. BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and BBC Radio Leeds also interviewed Professor Alistair Hay. July 2013 Reporter 575 Our people/honours 13
Leeds University Library has been successfully Our people/honours re-assessed against the Investors in People Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev will be standard, retaining the Silver status it achieved Leverhulme Visiting Professor in the at its last assessment in 2010. The Library School of Fine Art, History of Art and was first awarded Investors in People in 2001, Cultural Studies during the academic year and is also planning to be assessed for the 2013/2014. Customer Service Excellence standard later Named in 2012 by Art Review as top of this year. its list of the 100 most influential people in the contemporary art world after her brilliant role as Director of documenta 13, Professor Kanti Professor Christov-Bakargiev is the world’s Mardia (Department of Statistics, School leading curator, known for her courageous of Mathematics) has support of art that engages deeply with been awarded the challenging contemporary issues. prestigious Samuel She will be completing her research S Wilks Memorial and writing a book about the concepts Award by the and processes of making the acclaimed American Statistical documenta 13 (documenta is the most Association (ASA), influential quinquennial international the first person exhibition of contemporary art). Professor Linda Pollard in the UK to receive the award in its 50- Christov-Bakargiev will be leading year history. The award is bestowed on seminars and participating in three four- Linda Pollard, the University’s Pro-Chancellor, one distinguished individual annually who day intensive institutes, each taking up a has been made a Commander of the British has made statistical contributions to the theme from her documenta exhibition: art Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours advancement of scientific or technical as research in relation to other forms of List. knowledge, ingenious application of existing research; research process and the ethics knowledge, or successful activity in the The CBE recognises distinguished service to of curatorial studies and practice; and the arts and sciences, public services outside fostering of cooperative scientific efforts the relations between time, temporality, the civil service and work with charitable and that have been directly involved in matters space(s) and embodiment. She will deliver welfare organisations of all kinds. of national defence or public interest. three Leverhulme lectures, visiting the Mrs Pollard has been recognised for services universities of Manchester, Huddersfield to business and to the community in Yorkshire Medical student Luke McMenamin has joined and the Royal College of Art in London, and the Humber. a panel of 20 students who will advise the and during her University residency will Higher Education Academy on a range of contribute to the work of students across issues concerning students in the UK. Forum all levels of fine art, cultural studies, art The excellence of Bright Beginnings and its members will have an opportunity to influence history, museum and curatorial studies. General Manager, Angela Foley, has been how the organisation works with students, recognised again by a major national award. advising on issues which matter most to Professor Griselda Pollock will be The childcare provider for staff and students at students such as teaching, the curriculum, responsible for the programme of the University was awarded the title of Nursery assessment and feedback. Over 150 students seminars, studio visits, lectures and of the Year for the North of England by the from across the UK applied to take part in institutes during Professor Christov- National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) in the forum. Bakargiev’s residency. its 2013 Nursery Awards. A record number of parents voted in the awards, which were co- judged by the parenting website Netmums. Angela Foley was named as an NDNA Member Malcolm Dawson, Security Operations Champion in recognition of her passionate and Manager, has been selected to represent committed voluntary support of the NDNA and the Association of University Chief its e-Quality Counts scheme. Security Officers (AUCSO) on its first ever international exchange programme with the International Association of Campus Law The M&S Heritage Trail has been awarded Enforcement Administrators. the Group Travel award for innovation by the Group Travel Organiser magazine. The Trail, Malcolm beat strong opposition from other which was produced by M&S with its partners, University security managers from all over students from the University and Leeds City the country with an essay referencing Council, is available at Leeds Visitor Centre from current University of Leeds crime the M&S stall in Kirkgate Market. prevention initiatives. The scholarship is The tour includes the site of the very first M&S worth £2,000 and will enable Malcolm to shop – a penny bazaar in the Victoria Quarter’s spend five days at Georgia Tech University Cross Arcade. Groups can book a guide for the in Atlanta, where he will gain first-hand tour and the M&S Company Archive. experience of university security, US style. More information at http://goo.gl/bozs7 14 News/small ads Reporter 575 July 2013
News News Consultancy services moves to faculties Purchasing
From this month, the administration of Consulting Leeds – a centrally managed University consultancy is being devolved from subsidiary company – is transferring activities to survey open to all Consulting Leeds to direct administration within faculties during July and all new consultancies All staff are invited to complete a the University faculties. will now be managed within the relevant faculty. purchasing satisfaction survey which will be Consulting Leeds will remain operational to “We decided to make the change to give the used to help develop the new purchasing support existing projects until the end of August faculties a better oversight of consultancy strategy. and will work with academics to ensure that activities within their areas,” explains Andy their support requests are channelled to the The survey aims to gather information Duley, Director of Commercialisation. “Bringing appropriate person. about the level of service experienced the consultancy closer to the faculties means by customers of Purchasing across the that it will be easier for our academics and Any general consultancy client enquiries University. other colleagues to have more contact received by the University will be managed with external partner organisations and so by the Research and Innovation Service. “Colleagues’ feedback will be valuable in build stronger relationships. It will also align ensuring that Purchasing continues to meet If you wish to start a new consultancy, consultancy administration with the processes the needs of all those staff who buy goods please contact your faculty Research and used for our other innovation funding streams. and services,” says Head of Procurement Innovation office. Tim Brannon. “The results will help us The updated University consultancy policy can strive towards continuous improvement and For further information or advice please contact be found at http://goo.gl/Ju4Qh enhancement of the services that we offer.” Ian Wolstenholme on extension 30910 or [email protected] All those entering the survey will be eligible Small ads to enter a prize draw to win one of six £25 M&S gift vouchers. To access the survey, please visit Professional services Other www.survey.leeds.ac.uk/purchasing- ELECTRICIAN. PART P REGISTERED Contact Good ICE CREAM AND FETE Traditional ice cream tricycle and satisfaction-survey or, if you would prefer to Connections for repairs, installations, alterations, periodic fete stalls, such as Hook-a-Duck and Coconut Shy, for hire complete a paper copy, call Carrie Jackson inspections and PAT testing. Prompt timekeeper. for weddings / corporate / charity / school. Serving ice cream on extension 34102 Good value rates. www.goodconnectionselectrician.co.uk and fun to the Yorkshire region ... It’s Fete!! Richard Sykes 0777 249 9414 www.its-fete.co.uk [email protected] [email protected] HOUSE TO LET in the Brudenells area of Leeds from 100% Proof 15 September. 10 minutes from campus. 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[email protected] STANMORE PLACE, HEADINGLEY Lovely two bedroom Free quotation Malcolm Wells 0789 545 9542 flat, walking distance from University and Burley Park www.mywconstruction.co.uk station. Private parking, communal gardens, gas central Research participants TAX ADVICE and help with your tax return. Save tax, worry heating, double glazing. Ideal first home - 50% ownership and time. Visit 10 Blenheim Terrace (almost on campus) for scheme. Asking price £52,500. ORANGES AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH a free consultation. Discover how professional accountants, Castlehill estate agents, www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for- “You are invited to take part in a research project. familiar with University staff needs, will benefit you. sale/property-40512293.html, [email protected] Requirements: age between 30–60, heavier than average (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), no known CVD or diabetes, non-smoker. Christopher Smart, www.volans.co.uk, [email protected] VICTORIAN STONE TERRACE YEADON 3 large bedrooms, Abdurrahman Sweidan, www.food.leeds.ac.uk/orangejuice, WILLS AND PROBATE SOLICITOR dining kitchen, lounge with wood-burner, wooden floors, [email protected] Wills, inheritance tax, care home fees, Lasting Powers of original features, views to Ilkley Moor. Near parks, good Attorney and probate services. Five minutes from campus, schools, shops and other amenities. Good transport links to FOOD SUPPLEMENT ON HEALTH Non-smoking males will 10% discount if your bring this advert. Leeds, easy access to Dales. £163k. receive £40 for completing this 12-week research project in Food Science and Nutrition, by having a tablet food Nick Rhodes 0113 207 0000, [email protected] www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-39237265. html?premiumA=true supplement daily. Some urine and blood samples need to be collected. For sale (general) Contact: [email protected] House/flat/room to let Registration: www.survey.leeds.ac.uk/onion/ 17” MACBOOK PRO Top model. Over £2,000 new @01/12. 2.2Ghz, Core i7, 4GB NICE APARTMENT TO LET near to Dewsbury train station 1333MHz DDR3. Working perfectly. Asking £800. (only 15 minutes into Leeds). Modern, clean, 1 bedroom, unfurnished. Suit professional/ postgrad. £345 pcm. Small ads can be submitted online at http://smallads. [email protected] leeds.ac.uk The charge is £7 for 10 words or part Ruth 0782 801 5896, [email protected] thereof (University members) or £10 (general public). The deadline for the next issue is 11 September at Car for sale FANTASTIC TWO BEDROOM HOUSE 4pm. Advertisers are independent of the University. Two large bedroom house. Lounge, wood flooring, comfy The University makes no warranty or representation as TOYOTA Yaris S, 1.0L 2002, 72,300 miles, 3-door sofas. Newly installed kitchen with new appliances. Newly to (a) the accuracy of ads or (b) the quality of goods or hatchback in metallic blue with 11mths MOT. installed bathroom & shower, and front garden. services advertised. To the full extent allowed by the [email protected] 0789 453 9052 0794 626 1312, [email protected] law the University excludes all liability. HOUSE TO LET Two bedroomed house in village location Contact the Reporter on 0113 343 6699 east of leeds with excellent transport links. £350 pcm. or [email protected] Phillip Murphy 0791 333 0042, [email protected] July 2013 Reporter 574 Events 15
Events Events in and around the University this summer Rock around the Frock – M&S in the 1950s: New fabrics, new technology and a New Look
Saturday 17 August
The 1950s: glamour came bouncing back and M&S’ take on the New Look M&S embraced the optimism of the decade by bringing high fashion to the high street. Fashion New prize showcases University’s artistic The Friends of University Art and Music was no longer just for the elite; now everyone talent: 7-31 August 2013 (FUAM), as well as the School of Fine Arts, could afford catwalk-inspired clothes in fabulous History of Art and Cultural Studies and the new easy-care fabrics. The excellence of art students at the University School of Design, supported the new initiative has been recognised by the Stanley & Audrey Join M&S for a day celebrating this remarkable and exhibition. The FUAM Graduate Prize Burton Gallery, which this year launched a decade. There’ll be rock’n’roll dance classes Show 2013 will be a highlight of the region’s art student art prize and special exhibition for with Swing Dance Leeds, a display of previously calendar and a fine opportunity to see the best recent graduates from the undergraduate Fine unseen 50s fashions, including those wonderful new art of the year. art and design degree courses. dresses, and special screenings of fantastic M&S 1950s cinema adverts...complete with An expert panel will choose four student popcorn. All this as well as refreshments with a finalists, based on the artwork they present in picnic theme! their undergraduate degree shows. The judges This event is free and everyone is welcome. are Lisa Le Feuvre, Head of Sculpture Studies It’s a chance to show off your 1950s outfits, at the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds, critic and so please dress to suit the decade if you wish! art journalist John Douglas Millar, and Professor No need to book, just drop in between 11am Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and 3pm. Dance classes are at 11.30am and and Teaching. 13.30pm. The finalists will be invited to exhibit a selection of their artwork at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, working alongside professional curators Tantz! Klezmer concert in Parkinson Court on a joint display, which will open to the public at a special opening reception and run for four Traditional tunes and contemporary beats mix Products from the M&S archive in the eclectic repertoire of this young Leeds weeks from 7-31 August 2013. band. Bringing their own brand of electro- klezmer to the world music stage, Tantz deliver a hard-hitting blend of eastern European folk Scriptores: Calligraphy workshop nearly 30 years. She has taught at major and broken beats. with Sara Mack colleges and schools, the International Medieval Congress at the University, and at In connection with the gallery’s special Saturday, 20 July, 14.30-15.30pm; all are Lotherton Hall, where she also exhibited. welcome and no booking necessary. display, Pleasure in Illuminated Manuscripts, master calligraher Sara Mack will be initiating For ages 16+, this is participants in the ancient art of calligraphy. a free workshop but Learn how to hold the writing implement places are limited properly, then practise the basic Roman so please book in alphabet and the Uncial or a Celtic style of advance at gallery@ lettering. Use of wet ink and dip pens will leeds.ac.uk be taught and a simple project will end the Saturday, 27 July, session. 13.30–16.00pm Sara is a professional calligrapher who has worked and taught in the Leeds area for 16 FAQs Reporter 575 July 2013
FAQs Caroline Campbell , Theme Leader for Languages and Intercultural Understanding/ Director, Foreign Language Teaching Unit
Tell us about your job at the students will develop alternative perspectives on University. their primary discipline, explore new interests and gain additional skills. The experience of My main role is to lead the Foreign Language broadening as part of a degree programme will Teaching Unit and to promote the learning of be a distinctive part of the student experience foreign languages across the University. As part at Leeds. of the Language Centre’s management team, I’m responsible for supporting the learning of For students, what is the biggest international students on our range of courses benefit of grouping modules like in preparation for successful completion of their studies in their chosen discipline. It’s a balance this? balance my arts background, while part of me between leading and managing, while remaining It’s much easier for students to appreciate the would want to deepen my existing knowledge. up to date with developments in learning and sheer range of choices available and to then Twenty credits a year wouldn’t be enough for all teaching and encouraging innovative best plan their choice of Discovery modules each the things that I’d like to explore or develop! practice so that we offer an excellent experience year. The themes should also help students for students and staff. articulate the benefits of a broader education What’s your most frequently to future employers, many of whom are looking asked question? to recruit graduates who feel confident in How do you manage your time? Can anyone learn a language or do you have engaging with challenges that aren’t defined by to be good at languages? Anyone who wants to Working as part of an excellent team makes all conventional disciplinary boundaries. the difference and allows me to delegate certain can learn a language! It might come more easily tasks and share others. I’ve learned to prioritise Current students will choose modules from the to some than others. and be strict with time allocated to certain themes when module enrolment opens next activities. I’ve had to become comfortable year. Prospective students are already hearing Tell us about the worst job you’ve with ‘doing the best I can in the time available’ about them at open days. ever done. in order to manage my workload and have a healthy work-life balance. I work at home once Tell us about the Discovery Theme I’ve never done a job that I haven’t enjoyed... a fortnight and Thursdays are now dedicated to you’re leading. though picking raspberries in the summer as developing the Discovery Theme, which is 0.2 a teenager in the north of Scotland was on a The Languages and Intercultural Understanding of my time. There has to be flexibility but having ‘needs must’ basis! theme offers students the opportunity to develop a plan helps me to stay on track. I enjoy the their linguistic and intercultural competence, variety of my roles and find it challenging but What do you do outside work? knowledge and skills from a range of academic rewarding. perspectives and to integrate this learning I recently completed the Scottish bikeathon with their primary discipline. It makes these with friends and enjoyed raising money for ‘Discovery Themes’ is the new disciplines accessible to students for whom Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. This name for broadening strands, part they are new, while offering greater depth for was a useful part of my preparation for a of the Curriculum Enhancement students who have a background in languages cycling holiday in South Africa in September. Project. Tell us more about them. and/or intercultural communication. The Preparation for the wine tasting part of the modules build knowledge, skills and attitudes holiday comes more naturally and is well under The Discovery Themes are a coherent collection in a wide range of fields such as art, cinema, way. of discovery modules (previously known as culture, education, history, language acquisition, electives), grouped according to one of 10 linguistics, literature, religion and society. If you could immerse yourself in themes. Leeds has a very impressive range one culture, which would it be? of modules so grouping them makes it easier for students to see the options. Each theme Which of the other 10 themes I don’t think I could choose just one. I enjoyed leader has worked hard to articulate their vision would you like to find out more living in France and Japan and I’ve loved the and rationale for the theme and to identify about? insights I’ve been afforded from travelling in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New pathways and progression within the theme. It’s really difficult to choose because they’re Zealand. I enjoy watching foreign films and We are also planning to develop new, often all very interesting. Part of me would want to reading literature from around the world, so the interdisciplinary, modules or combinations of explore the more science-based themes to modules. By choosing a Discovery module, multicultural approach suits me best.