Issue 238 ▸ 14 October 2011 Reportersharing Stories of Imperial’S Community

Issue 238 ▸ 14 October 2011 reporterSharing stories of Imperial’s community

Leading the charge Meet Swiss triathlete Nicola Spirig, one of the Olympians Imperial will host in 2012 → page 9

tiny technology Crick Institute ugandan London Imperial joins adventure Centre for partnership to Staff and Nanotechnology found world students celebrates five class research experience life year anniversary facility in the jungle PAGE 3 PAGE 10 PAGE 12 2 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238

house-to-house voluntary testing of delivering a combination HIV Major grant for HIV, the offer of medical circum- prevention approach, awarded for HIV cision to men who test HIV nega- proposed by math- tive, and the offer of immediate ematical mod- prevention study in initiation of antiretroviral therapy els to have the editor’s corner Africa for all those testing HIV positive. capacity to An international research Researchers at Imperial and significantly partnership involving Imperial and partners, including LSHTM, the reduce HIV Extra- London School of Hygiene and Zambia AIDS Related Tuberculosis incidence. Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has been Project and the Desmond Tutu TB This study curricular awarded $37 million to test an inno- Centre at Stellenbosch University, will not only enhance the vative combination of strategies to South Africa, will work closely on provision of life-saving treat- prevent HIV in African countries. this trial with colleagues from the ment for all those infected Last week, the Queen’s HIV Prevention Trials Network. with HIV, but also incorpo- Lawn, Dalby Court and The project, called PopART (Pop- Commenting on the trial, Dr rates additional strategies to Beit sprang back to life ulation Effects of AntiRetroviral Sarah Fidler, Senior Clinical Lecturer limit risks of viral acquisition, again after the summer Therapy), will test the impact of a in HIV at Imperial, said: “The PopART potentially conferring both individ- for the annual Freshers’ combination prevention strategy trial is the first international study ual and population level benefit.” Fair, where new students that combines community-wide to test the feasibility and impact —Sam Wong, Communications and Development were introduced to most of Imperial’s clubs and societies. From the human daffodilproudly promoting the Welsh Society to the Students sweep ahead of human pyramid created by the amazingly enthusiastic iGEM competition Cheerleading Society; club presidents became A team of Imperial students salespeople for the day, will be making its way energetically pitching to the final of the 2011 the benefits of their International Genetically societies and showing Engineered Machine (iGEM) new students that there Competition at MIT next is more to Imperial than month, after winning the studying. I was out and European final lastS unday. about capturing students’ half the size of the UK each year. impressions of the Fair for The nine undergraduates Professor Richard Kitney (Bio- and join Imperial’s green team the College website. I met from the Departments of engineering) and Professor Paul one new undergraduate Bioengineering and Life Freemont (Life Sciences) co- The College is striving for a 20% reduction who had signed up to over Sciences came first out of led the team and congratulated of its carbon footprint by 2014, and you can 20 clubs, and I chatted to 50 teams with a project them on their success. Professor play an active role in making Imperial more a couple of postdocs, who using genetically engi- Freemont said: “Imperial under- had been wowed by tales neered E.coli bacteria to graduate students never cease to environmentally sustainable. of the skies by members of solve the dual problems of amaze me in their commitment the Pilot Club. Good luck to desertification and poor to tackle serious world problems Find out how College is going green, and what staff and students for the crop growth in arid climates and their abilities to come up you can do to make a difference, by joining autumn term and please around the world. They with innovative solutions.” Brian Hoskins, Director of the Grantham keep sending me your also received an additional Imperial’s iGEM team is stories about activities major prize in the Best Wiki one of 18 teams from the Euro- Institute for Climate Change, and Nick Roalfe, you’ve been involved in, category, for the online pean heat of the competition, Director of Facilities Management and Property whether they are inside or research diary that they who will go on to compete in the Management, at the StepChange ambassadors outside the office. To see developed to explain and World Championship Jamboree reception at 17.00 on 1 November in the Queen’s Freshers’ Fair in action visit support their project. on 5–7 November 2011 at MIT Tower Rooms. http://bit.ly/p4MWIV Soil erosion is caused in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Emily Ross-Joannou, Editor by wind and rain sweeping USA. Their projects will be pitted away fertile topsoil, and it against those of 60 teams from RSVP by Monday 24 October 2011 to Reporter is published [email protected] every three weeks during term is accelerated by climate the Americas region and Asia time in print and online. The change and unsustainable region in the final competition to next publication day is farming practices. Across be crowned Grand Winner. 3 November. the world, these problems —Simon Levey, Communications Contact Emily Ross-Joannou: and Development [email protected] prevent crops and other STEPCHANGE >>> Stamp down our carbon footprint plants from growing on See Reporter online for the results www.imperial.ac.uk/sustainability land areas equivalent to of the final. 3 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238 >> newsupdate

Celebrating five years of Postgrad accommodation big nano-achievements opens its doors

Earlier this month light using nanoparticles researchers celebrated and have developed the work of the London new ways to screen for Centre for Nanotechnol- antibiotic resistance ogy (LCN) at a seminar in bacteria. They hope held in honour of the to build on these and fifth anniversary of its other successes with opening. commercial products in the coming years. They The Centre brings have won significant together scientists from investment for their work UCL and Imperial Col- from research councils The first residents of the brand new postgraduateaccommodation lege London to probe and private sources. complex for Imperial students began moving in last week. the natural “Our world and society LCN co-directors Professor Griffon Studios is a development of 566 studios in Battersea, develop continues Gabriel Aepelli and Milo which was developed by the College together with Berkeley First. “The LCN is Shaffer celebrate with a mega- new tech- exceptionally to face sized cake Its aim is to expand the limited provision of accommodation nologies enor- available to postgraduates in London, with priority given to at scales well mous chal- Imperial students. measured positioned lenges like can make a major con- Postgraduate Henry Addison (Computing), an occupant of one in bil- to lead this the clean tribution to solving of the new studio flats, said: “I’m looking forward to living in Lon- lionths of a provision these problems and we don and Clapham in particular and being well connected to the metre. The work” and effi- believe that the LCN rest of London. And I’m especially looking forward to living and researchers cient use is exceptionally well making friends with lots of other Imperial graduates.” are particularly focused of energy; in water sup- positioned to lead this The accommodation, which is close to Clapham Junction on using nanotechnology ply, in the efficient work in the future. We station, also includes a gym, common room and gardens. Its to improve healthcare, processing, retrieval look forward to more rooms are being released in two phases. The first phase has information technology, and communication great science over the seen 452 studio apartments made available for postgraduates energy and the of information, and in next five years, and this year, with the remaining 114 scheduled to be ready for the environment. the provision of effec- we are confident that beginning for the 2012–13 academic year. At the event on 27 tive healthcare for our nanotechnology can Jane Neary, Director of Commercial Services, said: “There is a September, a line-up populations,” said Milo make a real difference to shortage of high quality postgraduate accommodation in the capi- of VIPs from academia, Shaffer, Professor of the world around us.” tal in general, so we hope the studios will be a great new addition government and indus- Materials Chemistry and —Simon Levey, Communications for Imperial’s postgraduate population and postgraduates across try praised the Centre’s co-director of Imperial’s and Development London. We’re looking forward to seeing how they settle in.” ongoing success in a side of the Centre. To watch a video about the The College’s other efforts to improve London’s postgraduate variety of disciplines. Its “Over the last five celebrations and to read more accommodation provision include plans for postgraduate halls researchers have found years, it has become ever about the research being at its new campus in west London. conducted in the LCN, visit new ways to manipulate clearer that nanoscience http://bit.ly/lcn5year —John-Paul Jones, Communications and development

Director of ICT Business School New deputy principals Latest league Dr John Shemilt programme leaps in appointed tables became the new rankings The Faculties of Natural Sciences Imperial has been Director of ICT on The Business School’s MSc in and Engineering have announced ranked in eighth place in 1 October, succeeding in brief Management has been ranked new senior appointments. Professor the THE World University Mr Arthur Spirling, first in the UK and 13th in the Steven Rose, Head of Plasma Physics Rankings 2011–12. Rising MBE, who retired from world in the Financial Times’s 2011 and Director of the Institute of Shock from ninth position in the College last month. Master’s in Management ranking, Physics, became Deputy Principal of last year’s table, Imperial Dr Shemilt gained jumping more than 10 places from the Faculty of Natural Sciences on has maintained its rank his undergraduate last year. Programme Director Dr 1 October 2011, succeeding Professor of third in the UK, behind degree in physics, as Marco Mongiello (Business School) Donal Bradley on his appointment Oxford and Cambridge well as his MSc and PhD degrees, at Imperial, before welcomed the news: “This is a as Pro Rector (Research). Professor (fourth and sixth in the becoming a research assistant in the Department of fantastic achievement that reflects Neil Alford and Professor Peter world respectively). Metallurgy and Materials Science in 1978. Dr Shemilt the success of our graduates. It Cheung have been appointed Deputy Caltech has replaced was appointed Microcomputer Centre Supervisor in also serves as recognition of the Principals of the Faculty of Engineer- Harvard at the head of the Imperial College Computer Centre in 1980 and held dedication and professionalism ing, reporting to Professor Jeff the rankings, while 32 posts of increasing responsibility before promotion to of staff at the Business School Magee, Principal of the Faculty UK institutions made it his previous position as Head of Technology Operations involved in the programme”. of Engineering. into the top 200. and Deputy Director of ICT in February 2009. 4 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238

Business School’s Strategic Marketing MSc incorporates new technologies

should receive for the whole year of their programme. QR (quick response) codes will be used at the start of each lecture, allowing students to download Singapore Medical School the slides directly to health check their iPads, while apps such as GoodReader, The curriculum for the MBBS course due to be delivered by the Digital and social media is at the heart iAnnotate and Evernote Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, the joint medical school of a new Master’s programme that will be used to facilitate established by Imperial and Nanyang Technological University in welcomed its first students at Imperial note taking. Singapore, has passed a milestone in its development. College Business School last week. The Programme Director MSc in Strategic Market- Colin Love said: The first external review of the curriculum, a standard requirement ing is doing away with “We want our “We want our in the development of any Imperial course, saw five world experts traditional paper-based students to students to (pictured above with Imperial and NTU staff) in the field appraise teaching and learning understand understand eve- the proposed curriculum during a three day visit to NTU. and instead the Business everything about rything about Among their findings the reviewers noted that the course was on School is providing the these new and these new and track to meet the requirements of the School’s first intake in 2013 students with an iPad2 rapidly changing rapidly chang- and well ahead in some areas, and also praised the team behind the with which to conduct technologies” ing technologies curriculum for their commitment and experience, and the excellent their studies. and how to make facilities and resources that the School will offer. the best use of them, Following feedback from the review team Imperial will consider The programme leaders are asking stu- and a large part of that further innovations for the course, in particular how teaching in bio- dents to communicate and carry out much is immersing the stu- medical engineering and other areas could enrich the curriculum, of their research and coursework using dents in that world from and how to communicate the school’s vision more clearly. sites such as Posterous, Facebook and day one. Our course will The Senior Vice Dean of the School, Professor Martyn Partridge, Twitter. The Business School has also cre- equip students with the said: “We were delighted that the external review panel felt the ated an online ‘communication hub’ for marketing skills that are school was well on track. There will be no slackening of pace over the course, where students can ask ques- immediately relevant for the next 12 months.” tions and have discussions with each companies, business Reports from the review, together with the curriculum, will now other and their lecturers. leaders and entrepre- be submitted to the College’s Medical Studies Committee and At their induction, the students will neurs around the world.” Senate, alongside appropriate bodies at NTU. be presented with a single A5 leaflet rep- —Tanya Gubbay, Communications and —John-paul jones, communications and development resenting the amount of paperwork they Development Seedcamp Week 2011 Last month, 400 investors and marketing gurus all email systems. The team of two brothers was from high profile companies, such as Microsoft, only selected last month at a mini Seedcamp in Google, Facebook, eBay and Twitter, came to London and includes Imperial undergraduate Imperial to take part in Seedcamp Week. Hosted Kahin Farah. Mr Farah, who is studying Maths by Imperial College Business School and the and Computing, explains why this programme is This is the first time that Seedcamp Week Department of Computing, the event linked up so important to their business: “We have already has been hosted by Imperial and, as Dr Itxaso new entrepreneurs with industry experts from received €50,000 from winning the mini Seed- del Palacio Aguirre, teacher and coach at the across Europe. camp in August and Seedcamp Week provided Entrepreneurship Hub in the Business School a great opportunity to get everyone as excited explained, it was a great opportunity: “This type As part of the week, 20 start-up companies about Fractal as we are. of event brings in many top investors, profes- from across the world were invited to come and “It is extremely useful to have the opportu- sionals and entrepreneurs from across the world. seek advice from experts on how to take their nity to meet successful entrepreneurs who can Holding it here allows our students to network business to the next level. share their experiences with us. Getting any personally with these influential people and Among the participants was Fractal, a web- start-up business off the ground is very tough, learn from real entrepreneurial experiences.” based service which converts the computer lan- and these valuable insights will hopefully help —Tanya Gubbay, Communications and Development guage, HTML into templates which work across us avoid making big mistakes.” www.seedcamp.com/our-process 5 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238 >> newsupdate

Join our mailing list for regular media mentions news, information and website alerts: —tanya gubbay, Communications and development www.imperial.ac.uk/media/jointsignup

wall street journal ▸ 8.9.2011 chemistry world ▸ 8.9.2011 daily mail ▸ 19.9.2011 daily mail ▸ 29.9.2011

Green light for Battery power Berry good news Flu jabs essential for GM crops doctors A natural product made from Berries have Global seaweed could one day be used overtaken Health officials are warning that doctors attitudes to improve the rechargeable apples at the and nurses are putting lives at risk by could shift batteries that power our laptops top of the not having their flu jabs, reported the if China and phones, reports Chemistry league of most Daily Mail. Only a third of frontline supports World. When mixed with a popular fruits reported the workers get the vaccine according to genetically silicon nano-powder, scientists Daily Mail. Sales now make up figures published by the Department modified say a sugar extracted from 18.4 per cent of Britain’s £4,160 of Health. A study by Imperial has crops brown algae (seaweed) can million fruit market. Emeritus found that at least 30 patients caught such as pest resistant rice and wheat, help to improve the storage Professor David Hughes, former swine flu in hospital during the 2009 according to the Wall Street Journal. capacity and the life-cycle of Professor of Food Marketing pandemic. The researchers looked at While European courts have ruled Lithium-ion batteries. Given the at Wye College, said: “Even in 1,520 patients being treated for swine that foods containing pollen derived portable nature of the batteries, recessionary times berries are flu at 75 NHS hospitals. Professor from a genetically modified source it is also important to maintain an affordable treat for most Peter Openshaw (NHLI) must be specifically authorised before or improve a battery’s capacity families and unlike many other said doctors were they can be sold, China is expected without increasing its weight fruits are easy to handle. Add to coming in to work even to approve genetically modified crops or volume. Emeritus Professor this the context of consumers, though they had for mainstream cultivation within the Mino Green (Electrical and increased understanding of the flu because next year. Professor Sir Gordon Conway Electronic Engineering) said: benefits of berries in a healthy they liked to (Environmental Policy) said: “I think “Improving the anode capacity diet and the excellent in-store think of themselves next year, or the year after, they will alone only gives a limited position that retailers offer and as indispensible. “We release a rice that is GM and that will battery capacity improvement, this has established over time a know that staff do change everything. They’ve got 30–40 because there is still the very strong market presence for come into work and stay [GM crop tests] underway right now. unimproved cathode that is berries which is shown in the on even when they are feeling We’re very close.” heavy and bulky.” excellent sales growth over the lousy because they don’t want to let past few years.” their colleagues down,” he said.

awards and als industry at a ceremony at the The approach has been refined honours Institute of Materials, Minerals steadily over five years to the and Mining in July. point where student satisfaction for the School’s online teaching is natural sciences comparable to face-to-face classes. Wolfson Research Merit Award medicine business school Smith elected to Professor David van Dyk Recognition for online German academy (Mathematics) has been learning courses awarded the Royal Society’s Professor Geoffrey Smith Wolfson Research Merit Award. The Educational Technology Unit at (Medicine) has been elected to A statistician, Professor van Dyk Imperial College Business School membership of the Leopoldina, engineering develops new statistical methods recently won the 2011 Sloan-C the German national academy Monhemius wins gold and models that help to bridge Effective Practice Award for the sec- of sciences. The Leopoldina, the the gap between newly available ond year in succession. The team, world’s oldest academy of natural Emeritus Professor John high quality data and the headed by David Lefevre (pictured sciences, has around 1,400 mem- Monhemius (Earth Science and scientific questions astronomers middle) and including Marc Wells bers who are chosen on the basis Engineering), pictured right, for- are asking about the formation, and Karlie Etim, won the award in of academic excellence. Professor mer Dean of the Royal School of evolution, and structure of the recognition of their work in provid- Smith’s research focuses on the Mines, was awarded the Futers universe. The award scheme ing online courses for students that interactions between viruses and Gold Medal for outstanding ser- provides up to five years’ funding deliver the skills and knowledge the host cell and immune system. vices to the international miner- for winners. required for face-to-face classes. 6 >> scienceroundup www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238

UK homes need to warm to new sustainable heating technologies

UK homeowners need to be UK greenhouse gas emissions. encouraged to replace gas boilers A number of different types of and adopt new low-carbon sus- low-carbon residential heating tainable heating systems in the systems are available and would future, if the country is to meet reduce the impact on the envi- its CO₂ reduction targets, accord- ronment if ways to integrate them Aboriginal Australians ing to a briefing paper released in more effectively into our infra- are descendants of late September by the Grantham structure were found. However, Institute for Climate Change. as the paper argues, further first humans to government support is necessary leave Africa The paper explores the options to help households make this already on the market for reduc- transition a reality. A major international collaboration ing carbon emissions to almost Professor Sir Brian Hoskins, involving scientists from the School zero in homes. It argues that Director of the Grantham of Public Health has for the first time wholesale adoption of these Institute, said: “By issuing these sequenced the genome of a man who technologies, such as heat briefing papers, we hope to was an Aboriginal Australian. They have pumps (effectively refrigerators inform policy and policy debate. shown that modern day Aboriginal working in reverse), is vital if the One of the clear messages from Australians are the direct descendants government is to meet its long- this work is that we already have can make a real dent in our of the first people who arrived on the term commitment of reducing the technology available to make CO2 emissions.” continent some 50,000 years ago, and carbon emissions in the UK by home heating more sustainable. —Colin Smith, Communications and that those ancestors left Africa earlier 80 per cent by 2050. Looking ahead, we need to come Development than their European and Asian counter- Gas boilers have a significant up with a clear strategy for the full Listen to the Imperial audio interview parts. The work was published on 22 impact on our climate and scale implementation of these on sustainable home heating systems: September in the journal Science. account for 12.4 per cent of total technologies in homes, so that we http://bit.ly/qcmVky Although there is good archaeo- logical evidence that shows humans in Australia around 50,000 years ago, this genome study rewrites the story of their journey there. The study provides Blood pressure genes could a good indication that Aboriginal Australians are descendants of the earliest explorers, leaving Africa prevent heart disease around 24,000 years before their Asian and European counterparts. This is A total of 23 gene other measures are also predictive of hypertension contrary to the previous, and most regions associated and heart disease. Pulse pressure is the difference widely accepted, theory that all mod- with measures of blood between systolic and diastolic pressure, and mean ern humans derive from a single out- pressure have been arterial pressure is a weighted average of the two. of-Africa migration wave into Europe, identified in two major Four gene regions associated with pulse Asia and Australia. studies published in pressure were identified in the study published in The study derived from a lock of early September in Nature Genetics, two linked with mean arterial pres- hair donated to a British anthropolo- Nature and Nature sure and one with both traits. The analysis was based gist by an Aboriginal man from the Genetics, which were on data from over 120,000 people of European ances- Goldfields region of Western Australia co-authored by try in 35 previous studies. in the early twentieth century. Imperial scientists. The study published in Nature, which involved Dr Francois Balloux (Public Health), The findings repre- over 270,000 people, identified 16 gene regions asso- who led the UK team, said: “Thanks to sent a major advance ciated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The tremendous progress in sequencing in our understanding of combined effect of these variations on blood pressure technologies, it is much easier to com- the inherited influences on blood pressure is similar to the effect of a standard pare genomes of individual people, and offer new potential therapeutic targets “Pulse pressure medicine to lower blood pressure. including those from geographically for prevention of heart disease and stroke is a marker of the Professor Paul Elliott (Public distinct populations. And by doing this – the biggest cause of death worldwide. stiffness of the Health) said: “Pulse pressure is a you can learn a lot about when, and via Around a billion people worldwide arteries that carry marker of the stiffness of the arteries what route, they came to be where they have hypertension, defined as a blood from the heart that carry blood from the heart round are today. In this way, the science of systolic blood pressure above 140 round the body” the body. Our results could help under- genomics makes a unique contribution millimetres of mercury (mmHg) or a standing about the genetic mecha- to our understanding of when and how diastolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg. nisms underlying relationships of humans colonised the world.” So far, genetic studies have looked for variants asso- pulse pressure with risk of heart disease and stroke.” —Sam Wong, Communications and Development ciated with these measures of blood pressure, but —Sam Wong, Communications and Development 7 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238 >> scienceroundup

Foam injections for varicose Cancer-killing cells veins better than lasers caught on film

Foam injections to treat varicose veins cause less pain for patients and could save Scientists have revealed NHS money compared with a popular alternative treatment, according to research in more detail than ever presented by Imperial academics in late September at the annual meeting of the before how white blood European Society for Vascular Surgery. cells kill diseased tissue using deadly granules, Varicose veins develop when the in research published valves in veins stop working prop- on September 14 in the erly, causing the veins to swell. journal PLoS Biology. About one in three people has varicose veins when they reach retire- The study looked at a type of white blood cell called a ment age, with women affected more natural killer (NK) cell that protects the body by identify- than men. They do not present a ing and killing diseased tissue. The researchers immo- serious health problem for most, but bilised a NK cell and its target using a pair of ‘optical’ in severe cases they can cause ach- laser tweezers so that a super-resolution microscope ing, itching, swelling or leg ulcers. could capture all the action at the interface between the Patients requiring treatment often This is the first two cells. They then watched inside the NK cell as actin undergo surgery to strip out the affected time that anyone in the filaments parted to create a tiny portal and enzyme- vein. However, in the last decade new non- filled granules moved towards the portal, ready to pass surgical treatments, called endovenous NHS has compared foam out onto the target to kill it. laser ablation (EVLA) and foam and laser treatments The scientists hope that learning more about how sclerotherapy, have become more popular. to see which is better NK cells identify which tissues to kill and initiate the The study found the two treatments killing process, could lead to better healthcare for some were equally successful at closing off value for money” patients. Professor Daniel Davis (Life Sciences) said: varicose veins. However, foam therapy “In the future, drugs that influence where and when procedures were more than twice as quick and cost over four times less than laser NK cells kill could be included in medical treatments, treatment on average. Patients who had foam therapy experienced less pain in such as the targeted killing of tumours. They may also the week following treatment and could return to normal activity in three days, prove useful in preventing the unwanted destruction by compared with eight days for patients who had laser therapy. NK cells that may occur in transplant rejection or some Mr Christopher Lattimer (Surgery and Cancer) said: “This is the first time that auto-immune diseases.” anyone in the NHS has compared foam and laser treatments to see which is better Dr Alice Brown (Life Sciences) said: “These previously value for money. We found that the cost of foam was just one quarter the cost of undetectable events inside cells have never been seen in laser, taking into account their effectiveness, and was also quicker, less painful, such high resolution. It is truly exciting to observe what and had people back to normal activity sooner.” happens when a NK cell springs into action.” —Sam Wong, Communications and Development —Simon Levey, Communications and Development

Scientists ‘disarm’ HIV in step towards vaccine

The research shows that HIV is In the new study, cholesterol immune system. It’s like unable to damage the immune was removed from the membrane revving your car in first gear for system if cholesterol is removed surrounding the virus and this too long. Eventually the engine from the virus’s membrane. stopped HIV from triggering the blows out. Usually, when a person becomes innate immune response. This led “This may be one reason why infected, the body’s innate to a stronger adaptive response, developing a vaccine has proven immune response orchestrated by immune so difficult. Most vaccines prime provides an “This may be cells called T cells. These the adaptive response to recognise immediate defence. one reason why results support the idea the invader, but it’s hard for this Research led by scientists at However, some developing a that HIV overstimulates to work if the virus triggers other Imperial has found a way to researchers believe vaccine has proven the innate response and mechanisms that weaken the prevent HIV from damaging the that HIV causes so difficult” that this weakens the adaptive response.” immune system, according to a the innate immune immune system. The team are now looking to new lab-based study published in system to overreact Dr Adriano Boasso investigate whether this inacti- the journal Blood in September. and that this weakens the (Medicine) said: “HIV is very vated virus could be developed The study could have important immune system’s next line of sneaky. It evades the host’s into a vaccine. implications for the development defence, known as the adaptive defences by triggering overblown —Sam Wong, Communications of HIV vaccines. immune response. responses that damage the and Development 8 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238

Imperial gets set

Next July, as you tuck into your water swimming and triathlon machines that are great for train- Gian Gilli, who heads up morning muesli in the SCR or work teams. They will be staying at the ing. The new functional zone is full the Swiss Olympic team, visited up a sweat in Ethos, the track- Southside halls of residence – the of multipurpose strength machines, Imperial in August to look at the suited person eating or power- Japanese Olympic Committee has which are perfect for last-minute accommodation and facilities that ing the treadmill alongside you booked 290 rooms and the Swiss honing and stretching, and ensur- the team will be using next year. might just be an Olympian. With Olympic team has booked 22. In ing no form is lost – an impor- He was accompanied by a group of events for the London 2012 games addition to this, the Great Britain tant consideration for athletes,” Swiss athletes who were compet- happening on the College’s door- triathlon and open water teams will explains Neil Mosley, Assistant ing in the Dextro Energy triathlon in step in Hyde Park and Earl’s Court, be using Imperial’s swimming pool Director of Commercial Services. Hyde Park. The event allowed the Imperial will be hosting a number and gym facilities. Neil says that the team is partic- athletes to test themselves on the of Olympic teams on the South Since the beginning of the year, ularly confident about hosting the proposed 2012 Olympic triathlon Kensington Campus. Reporter Commercial Services has been Japanese fencing team, as fencing course and gave them the oppor- finds out how the College is gear- working with the respective Olym- is one of Imperial’s strongest sports tunity to review the distances and ing up for the challenge. pic committees and the Great check the logistics. to ensure that Britain men’s foil “With the open water teams A number of Olympic teams are the athletes and We want team already trains swimming in the Serpentine and choosing to stay outside the Olym- their entourage to support the at Imperial on a the triathletes competing in Hyde pic Village and are, instead, bas- of coaches, nutri- regular basis. “Our Park, Imperial’s location in South ing themselves at UK universities tionists, chefs, Olympic teams as facilities are more Kensington is ideal for us,” he said. either before or during the games. psychologists, best we can and than fit for purpose Gian noted that the swimming pool This arrangement will allow ath- masseurs and see them succeed – we currently have and upgraded weightlifting facili- letes to maintain their focus away sports physiother- four fencing pistes ties will be particularly useful for from the spotlight of the Games apists will have in the games” [defined playing the Swiss athletes. and give them exclusive access to everything they strips] and elec- To keep track of the compe- training facilities, rather than shar- need when they arrive. tronic scoring equipment, plus the tition, one of the things that the ing them with other nations. The £300,000 refit of the staff at Ethos understand the partic- Imperial visitors have asked for is So far, it has been confirmed College’s Energia gym over the ular needs of fencers. The athletes access to a special Olympic televi- that Imperial will be hosting the summer means the athletes will will need to do lots of speed work, sion service, which will simultane- Japanese Olympic triathlon, fenc- be using state-of-the-art, inter- foot work and reaction work and ously broadcast coverage of each ing, volleyball and badminton active facilities. “We have lots of we are providing space for them to event covering all the venues on teams, alongside the Swiss open new resistance and cardiovascular concentrate on these skills.” separate channels. 9 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238 >> featurefocus

(L–R): Japanese athletes compete and nutritionists will have access to in the 2011 women’s world fencing the kitchen facilities in Southside, so cup in March; Nicola Spirig at a training camp in Gran Canaria. that they can prepare meals. For the Japanese, these are likely to include of Below: Staff from the Department a lot of fish, rice and Japanese vegeta- of Humanities demonstrate traditional Japanese dancing. bles sourced from specialist suppliers with whom the College already works.

Culture

As part of the preparations at Imperial, the Commercial Services management team has been taking Japanese language lessons from the Department of Humanities in order to provide the best service to the teams when they Profile: Nicola Spirig arrive. They are learning basic greet- ings, food and sports vocabulary and Swiss triathlete in the world, so it never directions to the Olympic village. Nicola, 29, currently feels like I’m making any In addition, to raise awareness ranks 19th in the world sacrifices. I feel lucky to of Imperial’s role in the games and and is one to watch be able to live this life. to celebrate the international dimen- in the London 2012 sion it offers, Commercial Services Olympics. Reporter What does competing last month invited children from local spoke to her about what in the Olympics mean schools to get a taste of Japanese keeps her motivated and to you? Food power culture on campus at a Sanka Day– what she’s looking for- For me the Olympics are ‘Sanka’ being Japanese for participa- ward to doing in London. the ultimate dream. It’s As an athlete’s diet is key to their tion. The participation ranged from the biggest race you can performance, getting the catering learning Japanese words to making How did you get imagine, but it’s also a right for the Olympic teams is a major sushi, as well as experiencing a little into sport? very, very special event, consideration. Judo and Japanese Both my parents are PE with all the sports and Over the next dancing. teachers so I’ve always different athletes omingc 10 months the Neil admits that been surrounded by it. together in one place. Swiss athletes next July is going I feel very honoured to will be working to be a challenging You have been compete in the Olympics. with nutrition- time: “Not only do competing since 1992, ists to create we want to support what has kept you Can you describe your the right diet the Olympic teams motivated? training regime? for them, so as best we can and I’m fascinated by the I train 25–30 hours a that their per- see them succeed in three different disciplines week. There is no typi- formance will the Games but, at the of triathlon and how they cal day but I tend to train peak at compe- same time, we want combine in one sport. I three times a day. tition time. Gian to ensure the like to see how far train- Gilli explains disruption to Imperial ing can get me, how fast How will you be that the Swiss athletes eat very simple staff and students, and the service I can be and where my spending your free but nutritious meals, for example, for we provide to them, is as small as limits are. time in London? breakfast they are likely to have bread, possible,” he says. After my race, my free muesli and fruit. After training they’ll —Emily Ross-Joannou, Communications Have you had to make time at the Olympics will have a lunch, perhaps chicken with and Development any sacrifices to get to be spent by visiting other rice, vegetables and salad, and they This is the first in a series of Reporter features your level? Olympic sports events, tend to have a high carbohydrate din- on the London 2012 Olympics as we begin To be a professional enjoying the Olympic ner, such as pasta, rice and potatoes. the countdown to the start of the Games. athlete means lots village, spending time Over the coming months Reporter will speak “They try to avoid eating heavy fatty to Imperial’s own student Olympic hopefuls, and lots of training with friends and fam- meals with a lot of red meat, as this hear from College academics about Olympics- but as well as that, it’s ily, and hopefully getting can affect the quality of their sleep,” related research and welcome the arrival of the also important to eat, the chance to look at the he says. athletes and delegations next July. sleep and recover like city from the top of the For the Japanese team, it will be a professional athlete. London Eye. particularly important for the ath- You need to give up a letes to be eating known ingredients lot for your sport every as they can’t risk their performance day but for me, triath- being affected by a change of diet. lon is the best profession Both the Swiss and Japanese chefs

10 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238

Graphic visualisation an extraordinary opportu- employees being seconded of a typical write-up area in the Institute. nity. We’ve also never seen to Imperial, so there will be a a collaborative effort on this dynamic interaction between scale between major funding the two organisations. agencies and HEIs. What kind of facilities will there be? Those who It’s going to be a spectacular [...] have specialist state-of-the-art building full of stunning equipment for knowledge of activities such as microscopy, technologies should imaging and protein structure be well placed to analysis. The labs are open plan and one of the key get involved” design briefs was to ensure the plan provided enough How much has social and mingling space to Imperial invested? encourage maximum interac- All the HEIs involved have tion between different groups. invested £40 million into the project – it is a major Who will work at Crick? investment so we have taken Academics from every faculty time to ensure that academ- at Imperial will have a chance ics and scientists across the to get involved with the A bold College are engaged with the Institute. In total it will employ Crick mission. 1,500 staff, including 1,250 scientists, but we can’t say biomedical What are the research aims exactly how many will be of the Institute? from Imperial at this stage. I The Institute aims to under- envisage there will be around venture stand the human body, 10-15 Principal Investigators, determine what happens along with their students and when normal processes – postdocs. physiological, homeostatic Sir Paul Nurse is On 11 October, Imperial celebrated officially joiningT he Francis mechanisms – go wrong and particularly keen on having Crick Institute at an event in King’s Cross. The Institute – a cause diseases such as early career scientists work- cancer, heart disease and ing there for a few years to £650 million world class interdisciplinary biomedical research stroke, infections and neuro- allow them the opportunity institute set to open in 2015 – was founded by the Medical Research degenerative diseases. They to develop their research then aim to use this knowl- portfolios. Only the most Council, Cancer Research UK, the Wellcome Trust edge to prevent and help to outstanding researchers will and UCL. Reporter speaks to Professor Maggie treat the conditions. be considered. So, those who have written novel papers, Dallman, Principal of the Faculty of Natural What can Imperial bring employ novel approaches or Sciences, about her involvement in the project to the Institute? have specialist knowledge of Imperial’s strengths in physi- technologies should be well and what it means to Imperial. cal sciences and engineer- placed to get involved. ing sciences will be applied to issues of global healthcare. What’s your advice When did you first become and the Business School have been The AHSC will act as one of for those wanting to involved with the Institute? working towards our accession. the translational outlets for get involved? When Sir Keith O’Nions became the basic sciences that will be We are beginning to map out Rector in 2010, we considered Why were you so keen to be developed at the Institute. activities and facilities with whether it might be appropriate to involved with the project? all the partner organisations start discussions with the partners This is one of the most exciting How will Imperial benefit and are planning to hold and he was really keen to do so. I developments in research relating from the collaboration? workshops and other engage- talked to the CEOs of all the part- to healthcare that I’ve seen in the The idea is for Imperial staff to ment activities for staff to find ner organisations as well as Sir Paul UK in my lifetime. The opportuni- be seconded to the institute out about what is happening. Nurse, who is now the Institute’s ties for collaboration in the physical for periods of time and then Keep an eye out for adverts in first director, and they were excited sciences, engineering and biomedi- return to the College, bringing Reporter and Staff Briefing. for both Imperial and King’s College cal sciences will deliver amazing new research knowledge with —Emily Ross-joannou, Communications London to be engaged. Since that new knowledge, as well as prac- them. What is of increasing and Development time, members of all the faculties tical benefits for patients – it is excitement is the idea of Crick

11 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238

Promoting mathematics in Ghana

Dr Lorenzo Pellis, who works on mathematical models for infectious inside disease epidemiology in the School of Public Health, went to Ghana over the summer to teach mathematics to school children, with the help of funding story from the Postdoc Development Centre. Lorenzo describes his experience.

“My friend Franca Hoffmann, who able to grasp many of the fundamental mini profile studies mathematics at Imperial, was concepts of the field ofmathematical contacted via Facebook by Joel Dogoe, epidemiology, despite the lack of an electrical engineer currently work- mathematical tools. For the majority of Walter ing in quality assur- the time, there ance management at were 15 pupils Distaso Vodafone Ghana. Joel Working with aged 10–16. My started the MISE the children in Ghana aim was to teach Walter Distaso, Professor Foundation, a reg- them about of Financial Econometrics istered non-profit was a pleasure – the combinatorics; a (Business School), on prevent- science education children and their branch of math- ing economic instability and foundation dedicated parents were incredibly ematics that con- how he is using his research to promoting math- cerns counting, on risk management to make by the time they realise there ematical and sci- enthusiastic” and probability. climate change predictions is instability in the system it is entific education in I found teaching more accurate. too late. Our project is about Ghana in order to tackle its declin- such a wide age range really difficult as devising a way to provide ing performance in maths. Franca the students worked at different speeds. What is econometrics? regulators with early indicators recruited me, Outi Supponen Naturally, it was very satisfying to teach Econometrics is somewhere in- of systemic risk. (Aeronautics) and Leonard Williams the fastest group, but it was even more between economics and sta- (Chemical Engineering and Chemical rewarding seeing the youngest showing tistics. Since the beginning How are you working with Technology) to come and teach with the same enthusiasm, even though they of the nineteenth century the the Grantham Institute for her at the Lincoln Community School were learning only the basic concepts. analysis of economic data has Climate Change? in Accra for a couple of weeks. I enjoyed the opportunity become more and more quanti- One of the Institute’s research Working with the children in Ghana to work with the organisers as, tative and there has also been a programmes is on risk and was a pleasure – the children and their despite our cultural differences, we huge increase in the availability extreme events and I’m parents were incredibly enthusiastic and shared the same goals and passion for of both financial and economic leading a programme which I was surprised how the children were education and mathematics.” data. Econometrics is the appli- combines statistical analy- cation of mathematics and sta- sis, meteorological statistics tistical methods to that data. and mathematics. The aim of science from scratch the project is to bring risk onto As explained by Thea Cunningham, MSc Science Communication Are you doing any work the agenda of policy makers on the current economic so that when, for example, the climate? Intergovernmental Panel on We have been working on better Climate Change says that the Ribosome ways of estimating and forecast- global temperature is likely to ing market activity which has rise by two degrees in 10 years, The protein factories of our cells, ribosomes, translate our huge implications for risk man- the uncertainty around the final genetic code into proteins needed for our survival. The term ‘ribosome’ agement. We are also finalising number, which is normally is derived from the Greek word soma, meaning ‘body’. Each a project on systemic risk – this achieved by combining ribosome comprises a large and a small subunit. To synthesise is the idea that all things are a number of models, a new protein, the small subunit attaches itself to a strand of related to one another, so that is considered in the messenger RNA (mRNA), that encodes the genetic information a shock hitting one institution scenario. Having an needed to create a protein. The large subunit subsequently (like a bank or an economy), is understanding of such attaches amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, to very likely to hit another. uncertainties will help the mRNA by creating a peptide bond. The ribosome moves policy makers to make along the strand of mRNA, assembling amino acids in the How can your research into more informed decisions sequence determined by the mRNA thus creating a protein chain. systemic risk help countries and better plans to Once the chain is complete, the ribosome releases the chain and to prevent economic crises? combat climate change. unbinds itself from the mRNA. The amino acid chain is then made into Traditionally regulators rely a —emily ross-joannou, Communications a functional protein. Impaired ribosome function has been associated with the lot on historic information and and Development onset of Alzheimer’s, where proteins accumulate in the brain, killing brain cells. 12 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238

Imperial students share their experiences of life at the College on the student bloggers website. The ultimate field trip

Student blogger David on a tropical biologist firsthand, working on getting lost in his their own research projects, from examin- ing the relationship between a baboon’s dissertation: place in its group’s hierarchy and its health, “About an hour ago, I thought it to investigating which colours generally was Wednesday. In fact, I only just were most attractive to the rainforest’s realised it was Tuesday. In the past varied insect life. two days I’ve written 4,300 words of Dominic Andradi-Brown described his my dissertation, as most memorable moment from the trip: well as processed “I was out in the forest collecting tree a bunch of results A lone road winds into the Ugandan leaf samples for my project and a mother and read more rainforest towards the Makerere University chimp with a baby climbed into a nearby literature than I field station, through dense jungle packed tree. She sat up there for about half an hour probably should with chimpanzees, baboons, rainbow-hued eating fruit – remarkably chilled out as we have. It’s good tropical birds and even the watched her. Every now and that I’m getting occasional leopard. “I was out in the then the baby would poke his it done, but I’m For two weeks in forest collecting head out from behind her body also wondering September, this setting was tree leaf samples and reach out his tiny arms – why I didn’t do this much earlier! My home to 30 Imperial biology for my project and a an amazing experience!” dissertation, by the way, is studying and ecology undergraduates, mother chimp with a One of the academics the response of online communities together with staff from the baby climbed into a who run the course, Professor sceptical about evidence of global Department of Life Sciences. nearby tree” Vincent Savolainen, said: warming. It’s interesting, and no-one It was the Department’s “This course gives the has looked at it before, but gee, it’s third visit to Kibale National students a unique introduction been bringing me into close contact Park in western Uganda since establish- to the excitement, challenges and opportu- with people whose views are quite ing its tropical biology field course. As part nities for biological research and conserva- extreme. Mentally exhausting!” of the course, the undergraduates had tion in tropical habitats.” the opportunity to experience the life of —John-Paul Jones, Communications and Development www.imperial.ac.uk/campus_life/studentblogs

cross culture

What does ice hockey mean to Canada and why is it different to other sports?

Identity • Ice hockey is a key part of our national identity. A lot of people immigrate to Canada from all over the world, and of all my friends from home I’d say only two or three have parents who were born Canada in Canada. It’s really important to have an activity Gillian Forsyth, Programme Coordinator like ice hockey, which everyone can get behind and (Business School) support regardless of their background. Ice hockey brings About cross culture I was born and raised in Canada. Since people together in a way other things can’t. moving to London three and a half years Cross culture is a ago I’ve worked at the Business School. A fairer game? • Unlike the professional football leagues, the NHL has a cap scrapbook for staff and One of my favourite things to do in Canada students to fill with is watch ice hockey – it’s a fast-paced on salaries and a selection method for new players called a ‘draft pick’. Both their local recipes, game and similar to football in terms of of these mean that talent is more evenly spread across the teams. cultural traditions and the passion it elicits from spectators. Ice experiences of moving from another part of hockey is the national sport and the main Favourite game • One of the most memorable games I’ve watched was competition is called the National Hockey the world to work or League (NHL), which is played in the US Game 6 of the 2002 Stanley Cup playoffs between Toronto and our most study at Imperial. and Canada, and incorporates players from despised enemy, the Ottawa Senators. I was watching the game in the pub, those and many other countries. The winner eating chicken wings and drinking pitchers of beer, as is customary in Can- To contribute to of the NHL gets the prestigious Stanley Cup. ada. It was a very intense match, with Toronto trailing 2-0 at the end of the first cross culture please Despite the time difference, I still follow the send your ideas to progress of my favourite ice hockey team in period, however they made an amazing comeback and ended up winning 4-3 reporter@imperial. Canada – the Toronto Maple Leafs. I’m still – the mood in the pub was unreal! ac.uk loyal to them even though they haven’t won the cup for over 40 years! 13 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238 insidestory

inventor’s corner Mixing it up

Mark Sephton, Professor of Organic Geochemistry and Meteoritics (Earth Sciences and Engineering), is currently working on the ExoMars joint ESA/ NASA mission to deliver rovers to the surface of Mars, where they will search for evidence of past or present life on Talking it out the planet. On 29 September, Jessica Adams (Communications and What have you invented? Development) joined a lecture theatre full of new international As part of the ExoMars mission, we were students for Brett Harmony’s (Humanities) orientation asked to develop a method for extract- workshop on the fundamentals of English pronunciation. She ing organic compounds from rock, which 2020, around 10 per cent reports on her experience and what she learnt about the quirks could then be analysed by the ExoMars of the oil we use will come of English language. rover’s Life Marker Chip for evidence from these sources. At the of life such as hydrocarbons. Usually, moment, the processes used “One of the central tenets of the presentation was amusingly we’d use organic solvents to get at the to extract the oil are envi- framed as ‘English’s overall system of meaning is stress’. It was organic compounds, but the Life Marker ronmentally damaging and fascinating to learn that where words like ‘conflict’ or ‘progress’ Chip uses antibodies to identify specific either inefficient (hot water are concerned, where the molecules, and they would be destroyed flotation) or very expensive stress is placed when the by the organic solvents. So we were (using organic solvents). The word is spoken in most Brett’s examples tasked with developing a new solvent process we’ve developed is cases defines whether it’s of the dangers of based on water, because antibodies around 10 times more effi- being used as a verb have no problems in water. Essentially, cient than using hot water or a noun. mispronunciation we had to dissolve oil in water but they flotation, it’s inexpensive Another interesting included a risky take don’t mix. So we looked at a range of and all its components are lesson was the tendency on the word ‘sheet’” different surfactants that would help environmentally benign. for native English speak- them mix, and found one that does this ers to dramatically shorten extremely well – it is almost as efficient How are you the non-stressed sounds when speaking informally or quickly. as an organic solvent. commercialising Marina Sideri, a new student from Greece starting an MSc in civil the work? engineering, said that this point explained a few of the confusing And now you’ve discovered We’ve filed a patent and conversations she’d had since arriving in London! another application for the are currently working with Clearly the most important part of the presentation was oil industry? industrial partners under a the litmus test of laughter. Brett’s examples of the dangers of Two thirds of the world’s oil sup- knowledge exchange grant mispronunciation included a risky take on the word ‘sheet’, ply is in so-called ‘unconventional from the UK Space Agency. and judging by the laughter in the lecture theatre, the students hydrocarbons’ such as oil sands. By —Gavin Reed, Imperial Innovations definitely got the point.”

How to succeed in science

On 27 September, Imperial’s Centre for an insight into the peer review process flexible research careers can be from Integrative Mammalian Physiology and and how publishing is rapidly changing Mark Christie, who’d spent 20 years Pharmacology (CIMPP) put on an event with increasing online activity. I learnt in the pharmaceutical industry before for around 150 life science students about funding opportunities from the becoming director of a pre-clinical called How to Succeed in Science. It National Centre for the Replacement, consultancy. I also heard from Sarah focused on how to get research funded Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Joseph, from the MRC in London, who and published, and where a career in Research, Cancer Research UK and the spent many years doing clinical trials science might lead. PhD student Wellcome Trust. The main message was in remote parts of Africa. David Carr (Life Sciences) went along that competition is hot but if you plan I found the event very stimulating to find out more: ahead, find a good group andfollow and was left with a really positive mes- your passions, then you might secure sage to do what you love, because “Over the course of the day, I heard Philip that longed for postdoctoral fellowship. then you’ll have succeeded no Campbell, Editor-in-Chief of Nature, give In another session I heard just how matter what.” 14 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 14 October 2011 • Issue 238

Running to prevent malaria Staff featured in this column have given many years of service to the College. Staff listed below On 11 September, Professor celebrate anniversaries during the period 12 August– Azra Ghani, Professor Christl 30 September. The data is supplied by HR and is correct Donnelly, Dr Emily Lyons, Dr Lucy at the time of going to press. Okell, Dr Deirdre Hollingsworth and Dr Bhargavi Rao (all Public 20 years Health) took on the Adidas • Ms Alison Ahearn, Principal Research Fellow Women’s 5k Challenge in (Civil and Environmental Engineering) Hyde Park, to raise money for • Dr Thomas Clarke, Teaching Associate (Electrical and Electronic the charity, Malaria No More. Engineering) • Professor Lesley Cohen, Professor of Solid State Physics (Physics) Emily shares her experience of (L - R) Azra, Emily and Christl competing in • Mrs Carolyn Dale, Senior Group Administrator (Physics) Hyde Park the day: • Mrs Wendy Gould, Deputy Faculty Operating Officer (Faculty of Medicine) • Robert Harvey-Wells, Corgi Plumber (Support Services) “The majority of the team currently or historically work on malaria, and • Professor Jonathan Morrison, Professor of Experimental Fluid Mechanics (Aeronautics) we all have a huge interest in supporting infectious disease research • Professor Stratos Pistikopoulos, Professor (Chemical Engineering and and charitable activity. As the primary PI for malaria research in the Chemical Technology) MRC Outbreak Centre, Azra keeps up with the work of the Malaria No • Ms Susan Ponter, Head of Management Accounting (Finance) • Mr Ian Phillips, Forward Delivery Assistant (Faculty of Medicine) More charity that we supported, and many of our team are postdocs and • Miss Janette Shiel, Student Services Manager (Faculty of Medicine) students in her group. We didn’t train together per se but what we lacked • Dr Sumangali Wijetunge, Research Lecturer (NHLI) in preparation, we made up for in creativity! Lucy, Bhargavi and Deirdre dressed up as mosquitoes and walked the route, while Azra, Christl and I ran in a bid to earn supporter contributions with sweat. It was an 30 years excellent day out, complete with sunshine and torrential rain, and a • Mr Tony Meredith, Mechanical Workshop Manager (Chemical Engineer- huge success. To date, we’ve raised £1,250 towards malaria prevention ing and Chemical Technology) and treatment.” • Professor Peter Cawley, Professor (Mechanical Engineering) • Dr Duncan Rogers, Reader (NHLI) To support Malaria No More and the team, visit: www.justgiving.com/RCOutbreakCentre

Taking time to think about equality

This month Imperial hosted an event to share its equality practices and innovations. The Imperial as One symposium, organised by the Equalities and Diversity Unit, brought together participants from the College’s black and minority ethnic (BME) network, Imperial as One, as well as other College staff, visitors from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, other universities and beyond. The day-long programme of events included speakers from Homespun Imperial and from within and outside the higher education sector. During the day, the Equality Challenge Unit also launched its study on the experiences of BME staff in higher education. Closing mythologies remarks came from the equalities champion Lord Ouseley, the former Chief Executive of the Commission for Racial Equality. He said: Artist Sarah Gillham is currently exhibiting her work in the Blyth Gallery “Imperial’s Equality and Diversity Unit is leading the way in in the Sherfield Building. Her installation features quilted wall hangings showing what can be done even with limited resources. Events which display stylised, mirrored female figures inspired by mythological such as this give hope to all those who believe that education and archetypal women. should be the arena where people of all backgrounds can realise Head First, pictured left, is made of lampshades, fabric and mirrors their full potential.” while Open Wide Blanket, pictured right, is constructed of velvet, patch- One of the participants, Okan Kibaroglu, IT Production Services work quilt and hand embroidery, and reminds us that material and fibre Manager (ICT), said: “It was a day full of new learning – from Lord are forms of matter that abound in references to the body. Darzi’s vision for the future of patient care, to Lord Winston’s pas- sionate speech about the benefits of the Reach Out Lab.” The exhibition will be in the Blyth Gallery until 4 November. —John-Paul Jones, Communications and Development WelcomeWeek videosand tweets: http://bit.ly/welcomewk Harlington sports ground, near Heathrow. society, and take part in sports trials at Imperial’s at Freshers’ Fair, including the daffodil-wearing Welsh of Imperial’s 300 clubs and societies theygotchance the tosample some After settling in over theweekend, the start ofWelcome Week 2011. into Imperial halls on1October at Thousands ofnew students moved Computing Miss Delaram Jarchi, Medicine Miss JoHorsburgh, Faculty of Services Ms Laura Hopkins, Catering School Miss Maria Healy, Business Chemical Technology Chemical Engineeringand Miss Maria Fuentes Gari, Catering Services Mrs Eva Farkasne Keller, Dr Andrew Edwards, Medicine Ms Aida DiGregorio, NHLI Dr Bruno Clerckx, EEE NHLI MissChowdhury, Sajidah Dr Thomas Cass, Mathematics Dr Gaelle Carrat, Medicine Business School Dr Richard Carmichael, Environmental Policy Dr Chiara Candelise, Medicine Dr Dhamyanthi Burtt, Surgery and Cancer Professor Peter Buckle, Cancer Ms Abigail Brown, Surgery and Mr Daniel Brown, Medicine Dr FilibertoBraglia, Physics Services Mr Alan Bane, Catering Chemistry Miss Paola Armengol Barriga, Professor Ron Allan, EEE new starters Welcome

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Dr Simon Peake, Medicine Dr David Payne, Materials Miss Rebecca Parkin, NHLI Health Ms Alexis Palfreyman, Public Engineering Dr Cora O’Reilly, Faculty of Mr Alan O’Neill, Medicine Health Innovation Ms Neha Okhandiar, Global Mechanical Engineering MissNwokeoha, Sandra Bioengineering Dr Niamh Nowlan, Miss Tayo Nong,Aeronautics Medicine Dr Pratap Neelakantan, Dr Sean McMitchell, Materials Development Communications and Mckinlay, Rachel Miss Computing Matthews, Dr Stephen and Cancer Dr Marcus Martineau, Surgery Miss MartinaLundberg, NHLI Dr Karen Logan, Medicine Dr Korina Li,Medicine Cancer Mrs Kathy Lewis, Surgery and Miss Elizabeth Lemm, NHLI Dr Daniel Langer, Medicine Mathematics Dr Igor Krasovskiy, Dr Caroline Knapp, Chemistry School Mrs Patricia Keener, Business MissKaur, Soni Life Sciences Surgery and Cancer Mr Murtaza Kaderbhai, 14 October 2011 •Issue 238 Partnerships Dr Oliver Worsfold, Corporate Mathematics AlexanderDr White, Mr Nuno Vieira Da Silva, ESE Dr Geva Vashitz, Public Health Technology Engineering and Chemical Ms Argyro Tsipa, Chemical School Dr Claire Thorne, Business Mr Lindsay Taylor, Medicine Dr John Soong, Medicine Natural Sciences Dr Emma Sharp, Faculty of Dr Iulia Salaoru, EEE Medicine Mr Christopher Rubery, Surgery and Cancer Dr Sushmita Roy Nawathe, Science Dr Maxime Rotival, Clinical Dr Tristan Rodriguez, NHLI Dr Anil Rao, Computing Dr Amandine Prelat, ESE Mrs Yvonne Phillips, Physics Mr David Beales, Library Engineering Civil and Environmental Miss Caroline Ballard, Sciences(8 years) Mr Kenneth Baker, Life Mr AmrAswad, Life Sciences Dr William Astle, Public Health Dr AdrienAngeli, Computing moving on Farewell

Accommodation Patel, Reeya Miss Computing Dr Nikolaos Papadakos, Accommodation Mr Harshil Palan, and Cancer MissYasmin Mowat, Surgery years)Medicine(5 Dr FlorineMorrison, Faculty of Cancer Dr Clare Monk, Surgery and Dr Yue Ma, Clinical Science Public Health Miss Katharine Langford, Dr Nicholas Jones, Materials Mr Sylvain Jacques, Chemistry Chemistry Dr Emanuele Instuli, Ms Melanie Ikeh, Medicine Engineering Dr David Howey, Mechanical Sciences years)(7 Dr Edward Hendriks, Life EducationalQuality Ms Marilyn Garraway, years) Mr Raymond Farley, NHLI(16 Miss Rachel Evered, Medicine Miss Sarah Dodman, Physics School Mr Rikki Dean, Business Medicine Ms Justyna Czyzewska-Khan, Mr Oliver Coen, Library Chemical Technology Chemical Engineeringand Dr Altannar Chinchuluun, Ms Michelle Brophy, Medicine Ms Sharleen Bowes, NHLI Services(6 years) Mr Anthony Benn, Security speak out Contact Emily Ross-Joannou: reporter and online at www.imperial.ac.uk/ weeks during term timeinprint Reporter is published every three publication day is 3November. across theCollege. The next We welcome contributions from Story ideas?

+44 (0)207594 6715 [email protected] insidestory to press. press. to correct at thetimeof going –25 September.was Thisdata covers theperiod 5 September This data is supplied by HRand Technology Engineering and Chemical Dr YingruZhao,Chemical (6 years)Engineering Ms Lex Young, Faculty of Medicine(6 years) Miss Carol Weyman, Faculty of Dr Anju Verma, Public Health Mrs Beata Traczykiewicz, EYEC College Union Mr Darren Tomkins, Imperial Miss Hannah Thornton, NHLI 8 years) Professional Development Mrs Victoria Thomas, Leisure Daniel Taffard,Mr and Sport years)(5 Miss Lucy Smeaton, Medicine Chemical Technology Chemical Engineeringand Dr SibdasMahapatra, Singha Dr Holly Shelton, Medicine Dr Anthony Rowe, Computing Advisory Service Mr Thomas Reynolds, Careers Medicine Ms Laura Penny, Faculty of these as necessary. right to edit or amend The Editor reserves the [email protected] and retirees to the Editor at about new starters, leavers images and/or comments Please sendyour

moving in. moving on. for complete details: events highlights www.imperial.ac.uk/events 14 October 2011

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2 NOVEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE risks that often no-one is able to fully grasp. In the 2011 Imperial College London / The Lloyd’s How we perceive and live Register Educational Trust lecture, Professor Loyalty scheme for with risk and uncertainty Gudela Grote, ETH Zürich, introduces some of internal bookings the fundamental features of risk perception The Fukushima incident has shown how quickly and decision-making under uncertainty, and Imperial’s Conference and Events team has the perception of risk and its communication, discusses how we can communicate risk to the launched a new loyalty scheme for staff even by experts, can change dramatically. Our public without frightening or belittling people. using internal hospitality and event services. societies are built on accepting technological Each time you make a booking worth £600 or more, you will earn a reward stamp. Once you have collected 10 stamps, up to £150 will be deducted 3 NOVEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE hitherto poor people not only aspire to the stand- ards of living of more advanced countries, but from the cost of Living with limits: expect to achieve them within their lifetimes. But a future event growth, resources such a leap will impose vastly greater demands booking. on the planet’s resources and threaten profound For more and climate change changes in the global environment. Martin Wolf, information The affluent economy, enjoyed until recently by Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial visit: www. just a small proportion of the world’s human Times, asks whether humanity has any hope of imperial.ac.uk/ population, is now becoming global. Billions of addressing these challenges successfully. conferenceandevents/rewards

meet the 13–14 OCTOBER ▸ 20 OCTOBER ▸ MUSIC 27 OCTOBER ▸ MUSIC reader CONFERENCE Lunchtime concert Lunchtime Prostate Cancer Andrew Lucas (organ) concert Charity national London Mozart Trio conference 20 OCTOBER ▸ SEMINAR Various speakers Using switchable genetics to 13 OCTOBER ▸ MUSIC identify effective 27 October ▸ Public lecture therapeutic Lunchtime concert cancer targets A business and its ideas: shaping a Florian Uhlig (piano) company and a century Professor Gerard Evan FRS, University Sam Palmisano, CEO of IBM 18 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE of Cambridge The wealth of universities: 2 NOVEMBER ▸ CONFERENCE implications for management 25 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE Institute of Shock Physics Sara Muir, Head of Energy research Your days are numbered: the maths showcase and Environment (Facilities Professor Maryann Feldmann, University of death Talks and tours of the Institute of North Carolina Management) Comedians Timandra Harkness and Matt Parker 3 NOVEMBER ▸ SEMINAR What are you doing in the picture? 18 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE Innate immune responses in acute I’m standing in front of the sustainability stand at Freshers’ Fair – we were there to 26 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE HIV-1 infection: protective or The extended recruit students to help cut the College’s pathogenic? mind: recent The nuclear fuel cycle – its vital role carbon footprint by 20 per cent by 2014. experimental in the nuclear renaissance Dr Persephone Borrow, University of Over 300 students signed up – it was very evidence Oxford Dr Noël Camarcat, EDF Generation heartening to see how engaged they are. Dr Rupert Sheldrake, Fellow of the What would you do if you were Institute of Noetic 26 OCTOBER ▸ SEMINAR 3 NOVEMBER ▸ editor of Reporter for a day? Sciences Communicating climate MUSIC I would devote an issue to encouraging staff and students to calculate their personal just got harder Lunchtime carbon footprint. 19 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE Sanjay Khanna, journalist and founder of concert Adapting institutions the Resilient People initiative Andrew Zolinsky Who would be your cover star? (piano) to climate change I would like to see Kevin Cope, Head of Building Operations, on the cover. He is Sir John Lawton FRS currently leading a project to develop an on- site system that uses pyrolysis (the process of heating up a material in the absence of oxygen), to destroy clinical waste, producing heat which will be used in the Sir Alexander Fleming Building. Stay in the loop → Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/events for more details about these events Want to be the next reader featured in and others. To sign up for regular updates about Imperial events please Reporter? Send in a picture of yourself with a email: [email protected] copy of Reporter in your location of choice to: [email protected]

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