blueprint Staff magazine for the | October 2012

Ghosts in modern culture

ROQ revealed

Botanic Garden secrets news in brief u Philanthropy was the theme of this year’s Management team. Further information is Vice-Chancellor’s Oration, delivered by at www.admin.ox.ac.uk/estates. Professor Andrew Hamilton on 2 October. Speaking in Convocation House, the Vice- u The way in which restricted content is Chancellor hailed the success of the Oxford accessed on UAS websites has changed. Thinking campaign in reaching its initial Previously administrative pages that were target of £1.25bn in under eight years and restricted to members of the University looked ahead to the next major milestone could only be accessed when you were of £3bn. He also announced a major new logged onto a computer in the University funding initiative for graduate students, network. The system now allows you to the Oxford Graduate Scholarship Matched access restricted content on any computer

Fund, which envisages an endowment pot of and from any location. It does this by Woods Wytham £100m, made up of £40m from University asking you to provide your Webauth funds and £60m from philanthropic giving. credentials (single sign-on) when you You can hear a recording of the oration at try to open a restricted web page. Links www.admin.ox.ac.uk/vc/news. to restricted content can be recognised by a small grey padlock. u Research staff wanting to find out about the support and professional development u Did you know that your University opportunities available to them should visit Card can unlock a wide range of discounts and preferential rates? Enjoy 50% off www.ox.ac.uk/supportforresearchers. The iStockphoto/BarbaraDudzinska site provides information about internal vehicle breakdown cover with the RAC, services that support Oxford’s researchers, 50% off your first eight weeks of storage from induction programmes, professional with Big Yellow Self Storage, 25% off development courses and careers guidance your food bill at Strada Oxford, or 20% to finding funding and advice about off Pay Monthly mobile phone plans communicating research. You can also keep with Vodafone. Details of these offers, informed about career and professional together with a range of other discounts, development opportunities by signing up are available on the Discounts for Staff to a mailing list for researchers. Just send website at www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/ a blank email to researchstaff-subscribe@ staffinfo/discountsforstaff. maillist.ox.ac.uk or follow @ResStaffOxford on Twitter. u The Oxford University Press museum has re-opened following a major refurbishment. u As of 1 October, the Estates Directorate Located in the OUP offices on Great has become Estates Services, with the change Clarendon Street, the museum provides a reflecting an increased focus on customer fascinating insight into the Press’s 500- service. October also marks the merger year history, tracing its origins in the 15th between Estates and the Land Agent’s Office, century to the present day. Exhibits include

bringing together the University’s estates, an 1805 Stanhope printing press used during David Fisher David property and land activities for the first time. the making of the first edition of theOxford The Land Agent’s Office, which includes English Dictionary, while a video archive property acquisitions, disposals and features clips from the 1925 film ‘Oxford from top: the wonders of wytham leases, graduate accommodation, staff University Press and The Making of a Book’. woods, now under the umbrella of housing, parks and Wytham Woods, has The museum is open 10am to 4pm Monday estates services; pizza perks with your become part of a new Asset & Space to Friday (free admission). university card; peruse the past at oup

u October sees a new look for Blueprint and Oxford cover: blueprint Today. Both magazines have increased in length − Blueprint punts on Staff magazine for the University of Oxford | October 2012 to 20 pages, with the addition of more pictures, and the river Ghosts in modern culture Oxford Today to 68 pages, with a greater number of ROQ cherwell revealed Botanic G features and opinion pieces as well as the return of the arden secrets crossword. The frequency of the University’s alumni magazine will reduce to two print issues per year (October and April), but a range of new material will be published regularly on the Oxford Today

iordan

website, from blogs and videos to a book of the week. r

jaani The revamped www.oxfordtoday.ox.ac.uk will launch

by on 16 October.

hoto

p

2 | BLUEPRINT October 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint Research round-up

iStockphoto/alengo Wytham Woods Wytham

iStockphoto/BarbaraDudzinska innovative webcam software reveals vital signs remotely

u Caught between land and sea, an oyster’s OxeHealth, a company set up by the the adolescent Gibbon experimenting with life is a daily battle against the elements, University’s technology transfer company irony for purposes of scholarly polemic – a predators, and disease. ‘An animal such as Isis Innovation, will now bring the webcam technique which made The Decline and Fall an oyster must cope with searing heat and software into wider use, offering a simple, notorious,’ Professor Womersley says. desiccation when the tide goes out, and non-invasive way of monitoring patients’ then coolness, high salinity and crushing vital signs in ‘real time’, even at home. u Being obese as a child has a larger effect currents when the tide washes back over on risk factors for later heart attacks and it,’ says Peter Holland of the Department u Yet more evidence for the benefits of strokes than may have previously been of Zoology. ‘The sea is also a breeding exercise: the most active women have a 13% realised, according to Oxford research. ground for innumerable parasites and lower chance of developing breast cancer The researchers looked at 63 studies on pathogens.’ Now he and colleagues have than those who are sedentary, according to the correlation between BMI and blood decoded the oyster’s genome to gain a a study involving researchers at Oxford’s pressure, cholesterol, regulation of blood better understanding of one of life’s great Cancer Epidemiology Unit. Being active sugar levels, and other risk factors for later survivors. They discovered that the oyster could include gardening and walking, not heart attack and stroke – covering nearly has many more genes for coping with just sports, they say. 50,000 healthy children aged 5–16. They environmental stress than other species found that even at this age, the risk factors u A newly-discovered manuscript may studied so far – for instance, it has over were more likely to present in those who are

David Fisher David represent historian Edward Gibbon’s earliest 80 hsp70 genes, involved in protecting overweight and obese. Dr Carl Heneghan, experiment in the irony for which he would cellular proteins from heat. Sequencing reader in evidence-based medicine, says: become famous, Professor David Womersley the genome may help with oyster farming, ‘Based on what we have found, policy of the English Faculty has found. Professor allowing for selection of hardier oysters – makers should make the epidemic of obesity Womersley discovered a manuscript written though Peter Holland himself won’t benefit, in children a priority for urgent public by the 19-year-old Edward Gibbon which as he is allergic. health action.’ had been left in the attic of a house in u Respiratory rate, pulse rate and oxygen Lausanne. It reveals what may be Gibbon’s saturation can all be monitored accurately earliest use of irony as scholarly polemic – a with a remote webcam without the technique he polished in The History of the need for any physical contact, research Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. It from Oxford’s Institute of Biomedical also reveals that certain memorable turns of Engineering has shown. Professor Lionel phrase in Gibbon’s most controversial use of Tarassenko and colleagues collaborated irony in chapter 15 of The Decline and Fall with the Oxford University Hospitals were borrowed from a Christian apologist Trust to run a clinical study with patients writer who had been on the sharp end of in the Oxford Kidney Unit, using specially Gibbon’s barbs. ‘The paper is important developed software based on their research. because it is perhaps the earliest example of Stockphoto/Peter Langdon Stockphoto/Peter For more information, visit www.ox.ac.uk/news and i ◢ www.ox.ac.uk/staffnews the battle’s over for this oyster

www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint October 2012 BLUEPRINT | 3 people and prizes Royal society recognition Francesco Billari, Wallis Professor of Mathematics, has been Professor of Sociology nominated as President-Elect of the London Two Oxford scientists have been and Demography, has Mathematical Society. He will take up the recognised by the Royal Society in this been elected President role in November 2013. year’s Awards, Medals and Lectures. of the European Association for Lord Robert May Fraser Population Studies of Oxford, Professor Armstrong, for the period in the Department Professor of 2012–16. of Zoology, has Chemistry and been awarded the fellow of St Dr Martin Booth, EPSRC Advanced 2012 medal of the John’s College, Research Fellow in the Department of Institute of Ecology has been awarded Engineering Science, has won the Young and Environmental the Davy Medal Researcher Award of the Erlangen Graduate Management for his in recognition School in Advanced Optical Technology ‘outstanding commitment to biodiversity of his pioneering protein film for his pioneering contributions in adaptive and the natural environment’. electrochemistry, in particular studying optics for microscopy and photonic the metal centres in enzymes such engineering. Dr Sergey Nadtochiy, a senior postdoctoral as hydrogenases. This research research fellow at the Oxford–Man Dr Yulin Chen of could help in the development of Institute of Quantitative Finance the Department microorganisms that could be farmed and in the Mathematical Institute, has of Physics has to produce hydrogen from sunlight been awarded the 2012 Junior Scientist been awarded the using photosynthesis. Prize of the Society for Industrial and Outstanding Young Applied Mathematics (SIAM) activity Frances Ashcroft, Researcher Award group on financial mathematics and Royal Society of the International engineering. The prize recognises ‘his Research Organisation of impressive contributions to mathematical Professor and Chinese Physicists finance and his original, sophisticated fellow of Trinity and Astronomers, in recognition of his and rigorous mathematical analysis of College, has been pioneering contribution in advancing our challenging problems in volatility modelling awarded the knowledge of topological insulators using and derivative pricing theory’. Croonian Lecture angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. for her work John Wass, on finding the missing link connecting Tim Donohoe, Professor of Organic Professor of an increase in the blood sugar level (as Chemistry, has been awarded the 2012 Endocrinology happens after you eat a chocolate bar) AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and consultant to secretion of the hormone insulin. She & Syngenta prize for process chemistry endocrinologist unravelled how genetic mutations in a research. at the Churchill particular protein cause a rare inherited Freddie Hamdy, Nuffield Professor of Hospital, has condition, known as neonatal diabetes, Surgery and Professor of Urology, has been been awarded the in which patients develop diabetes soon awarded the St Peter’s Medal by the British US Endocrine after birth. This has enabled many Association of Urological Surgeons for his Society’s Distinguished Physicians Award. people with neonatal diabetes to switch notable contributions to the advancement This is the first time this award has been to a better form of medication. of urology. bestowed upon an endocrinologist outside the USA. Dr Skirmantas Kriaucionis, of the Professor Bernard Wood of the Department Ludwig Institute for of Earth Sciences has been awarded the welsh Fellows Cancer Research Abraham Gottlob Werner medal, the highest honour bestowed by the German in the Nuffield The Learned Mineralogical Society for outstanding Department of Society of Wales scientific work. Clinical Medicine, has has elected three been given a ‘science Oxford researchers Kathryn Wood, bonus’ award by the Lithuanian Ministry amongst its new Professor of of Science and Education for his discoveries Fellows. They Immunology, in DNA research and collaborative links are: Hagan has been awarded with Lithuanian biotechnology. The prize Bayley, Professor the TTS-Roche Award is awarded to Lithuanians working of Chemical of the Transplantation outside Lithuania to encourage them to Biology; David Charles, Professor of Society for be ambassadors for their country. Philosophy; and Min Chen (pictured), outstanding Professor of Scientific Visualization. Terry Lyons, Director of the Oxford–Man achievement in Institute of Quantitative Finance and transplantation science (basic).

4 | BLUEPRINT October 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint new british academy fellows Balzan prize For Seven Oxford academics are among 38 new and a fellow of musicologist Fellows of the British Academy, the UK’s Exeter College. She national academy for the promotion of the specialises in German Reinhard humanities and social sciences. literature and culture Strohm, Emeritus in the period 1450– Professor of Oliver Braddick is 1750 and works on Music, has won Emeritus Professor the culture of the a 2012 Balzan of Experimental European courts, on prize. Two prizes Psychology and writing by women are awarded co-director of the and on the representation of women in annually by the Visual Development German literature from 1500 to the present. Unit, which has International linked programmes Lucia Zedner is Balzan Prize Foundation in each of two of research in Professor of Criminal general subject areas: literature, moral Oxford and University College London. His Justice in the sciences and the arts; and the physical, research focuses on visual perception and its Faculty of Law and mathematical and natural sciences development in early childhood. a fellow of Corpus and medicine. Christi College, and Professor Strohm, who was Heather Vincent Crawford is a member of the Professor at Oxford from 1996 to 2007, Drummond Professor University’s Centre was praised by the prize committee for of Political Economy for Criminology. extensive research on the history of and a fellow of All She is also a conjoint professor in the European music from the late Middle Souls College. His Faculty of Law at the University of New Ages to the present. His research teaching and research South Wales, Sydney. interests include 18th-century Italian interests are primarily Her research interests include criminal opera; late-medieval music and its social in economic theory justice, penal theory, and security and context; and modernist/postmodernist and the field of counter-terrorism law and policy. debates in musical historiography. behavioural and experimental economics.

John Darwin is the Beit Lecturer in the History of the thompson to give humanitas lectures Commonwealth and a fellow of Nuffield Mark Thompson, address major themes in the arts, College. His teaching who has just social sciences and humanities. and research centre stepped down Created by Lord Weidenfeld, the on the theory and from his post as programme is managed and funded history of empires, Director-General by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, including decolonisation, and the politics of the BBC, will supported by generous benefactors. of the British imperial system. be lecturing at It is administered by Oxford’s Oxford next Humanities Division and the Centre Jane Humphries month following for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences is Professor of his appointment as Humanitas Visiting and Humanities in Cambridge Economic History Professor in Rhetoric and the Art of Mr Thompson, himself an Oxford and a fellow of All Public Persuasion. humanities graduate, will give lectures Souls College. Her Mr Thompson will shortly become from 5–6.30pm at St Peter’s College research interests Chief Executive of the New York Times. Chapel: on Healthcare and Rhetoric include economic He has held various positions at the BBC on Monday 5 November; on Science growth and including Editor of the Nine O’Clock and Argument on Tuesday 6 November; development and News and Panorama, Controller of and on War and Morality on Wednesday the industrial revolution. BBC2 and Director of Television. 7 November. He will also take part Martin Stokes He was also Chief Executive of in a symposium with Andrew Marr, is Professor of Channel 4 from 2002 to 2004. His David Willetts, Polly Toynbee and Gus Ethnomusicology lectures will analyse the language O’Donnell on Friday 9 November to and Tutorial Fellow of political debate in the UK and the discuss how language shapes public at St John’s College. USA, examining the role of both the debate. The lecture series, which is He has a particular media and politicians in defining and supported by Freud Communications, interest in social and restricting the way complex policies is called ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’. cultural theory of are discussed. To register for (free) tickets, visit ethnomusicology. The Humanitas visiting professor- http://humanitas-live.nsms.ox.ac.uk/ ships bring leading practitioners and humanitas/rhetoric-and-art-public- Helen Watanabe-O’Kelly is Professor of scholars to Oxford and Cambridge to persuasion. German Literature, Chair of the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages

www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint October 2012 BLUEPRINT | 5 arrivals board

from left: professor derek penslar, professor graham ward, professor michael keane and julian duxfield

Stanley lewiS ProfeSSor of iSrael became a fellow of Christ Church. microeconomics, econometrics, consumer StudieS Professor Ward’s research interests lie choice behaviour, and marketing. Derek Penslar, Samuel J Zacks Professor of in the fields of Christian dogmatic and director of Human reSourceS Jewish History at the University of Toronto, philosophical theology, political theory, Canada, took up this post in the School and cultural hermeneutics. He has recently Julian Duxfield has been appointed as the of Interdisciplinary Area Studies and the completed a five-year international research University’s Director of Human Resources Department of Politics and International project into ‘The new visibility of religion with effect from early January 2013. He is Relations on 1 October. He is also now in European democratic culture’, sponsored currently UK & Ireland Human Resources a fellow of St Anne’s College. by the British Academy. Director at G4S, where he has been His research encompasses Israeli history responsible for HR leadership across seven nuffield ProfeSSor of economicS and politics; modern Jewish history; business units, with a combined workforce comparative nationalism; transnationalism Michael Keane, ARC Laureate Professor of 50,000. Prior to joining G4S, he was HR and ethnicity. in the School of Economics at the Director at the Department for Transport Australian School of Business, University and Carlsberg UK, before which he held regiuS ProfeSSor of divinity of South Wales, Australia, took up this various HR roles across Unilever. Graham Ward, Samuel Fergusson Professor post in the Department of Economics on Julian is an Oxford graduate (PPE, Corpus of Philosophical Theology and Ethics, and 1 September. He also became a fellow of Christi), has an MSc in human resource Head of the School of Arts, Histories and Nuffield College. management from LSE, and is a Fellow of Cultures at the University of Manchester, Professor Keane’s chief areas of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and took up this post on 1 October. He also research are labour economics, empirical Development.

make a splash at the rosenblatt pool

Iffley Road may be more commonly Pool, which enabled him to improve his davis tarwater associated with the track where Roger national ranking. Bannister ran the first sub-four-minute mile Opened nine years ago, the Rosenblatt in 1954, but just behind the running track Pool has over 2,100 members, including lies another sports facility that has served as staff, students and members of the local the training ground for world-class athletes. community. If you’ve been inspired by The University’s Rosenblatt Swimming the Olympics to take up a new sport, Pool is a 25m eight-lane swimming or you just want get back into a regular pool that was used by the New Zealand exercise regime, the pool offers excellent Olympic Triathlon team leading up to facilities, from adult lane swimming to their competition in July 2012. Oxonian beginners’ swimming lessons, as well as Olympic gold-medallist Davis Tarwater extended opening hours which start at 6am was also a regular visitor while completing on weekdays. As a member of University a Master’s at Oxford; he returned to the staff, you can benefit from discounted sport in 2010 and went on to represent membership rates, as can your partner. the US in the 4 x 200m freestyle relay at Membership for staff costs just £11.50 per London 2012. One of his teammates at month if you pay by direct debit – less than Oxford was Jack Marriott, an engineering £1 per swim if you go three times a week – student at Hertford who won gold in the while your partner will pay a reduced rate 50m butterfly at the 2011 and 2012 British of £21.75 per month. Swimming Championships. Jack, who is If you’d like to try out the pool before currently taking a year out to swim full you commit to membership, you can visit

John Cairns time, ascribes much of his early success to for a free trial swim - see www.sport.ox.ac. the facilities and coaching at the Rosenblatt uk/swim or phone 01865 240476.

6 | BLUEPRINT October 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint new heads of house

from left: professor , , professor werner g jeanrond, dame , professor margaret snowling and lord macdonald qc

Six new Heads of House took office in science at the Universities of Saarbrücken wadHam college September. and Regensburg. He received his PhD in Lord Macdonald QC, one of the country’s theology from the University of Chicago. top criminal lawyers and a former Director lincoln college Previously he has taught theology at Trinity of Public Prosecutions, has become Warden Professor Henry Woudhuysen has taken College Dublin, the University of Lund, of Wadham College. office as Rector of Lincoln College. He and the University of . , who read Politics, spent three years as a Junior Research Philosophy and Economics at St Edmund Fellow at Lincoln, having gained his first St HugH’S college Hall, was one of the founders of Matrix degree and DPhil in English at Pembroke Dame Elish Angiolini has become Principal Chambers and was Director of Public College. of St Hugh’s College. She is the former Prosecutions from 2003 to 2008. He was Professor Woudhuysen was until recently of and prior to knighted in 2007 for services to the law Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities this was Solicitor General for Scotland. and in 2010 was appointed to the House at University College London. His research She was the first woman, and the first of Lords, with the title Lord Macdonald interests lie in the literature of Renaissance solicitor in the modern era, to hold either of River Glaven QC. In January 2011 England and in bibliography, palaeography, position. he became chair of Reprieve, the human editing, and the history of the book. He was Dame Elish has been instrumental in rights charity. a member of the Curators of the Bodleian reforming the operation of the justice Libraries and was co-general editor of system in Scotland, in particular making The Oxford Companion to the Book, a it more responsive to the victims of crime. 1.1 million-word reference work covering She supervised some of the most significant the book in all countries. He was elected prosecutions in Scotland in the last decade, noticeboard a Fellow of the British Academy in 2010. and acted as the Scottish Government’s legal advisor during a period of major change. nuffield college She was awarded the DBE for services to David De Roure, Andrew Dilnot, formerly Principal of St the administration of justice in 2011 and is Professor of Hugh’s College, has become Warden of also a QC and Privy Counsellor. e-Research, has Nuffield College. He recently chaired the been appointed Commission on the Funding of Care and St JoHn’S college Director of Support, an independent body responsible Professor Margaret Snowling has taken the Oxford for the review of the funding system for care office as President of St John’s College, e-Research and support in England, which reported to coming to Oxford from the University Centre. He aims government in July 2011. He is currently of York where she was Professor of to continue Chair of the UK Statistics Authority. Psychology. OeRC’s commitment to technical Mr Dilnot took a BA Hons in Politics, An expert on childhood disorders innovation and the generation of new Philosophy and Economics at St John’s of reading and language, Professor research outcomes and capabilities via College, Oxford and, as an economist, held Snowden currently holds a Wellcome collaborations across the University. a variety of roles at the Institute for Fiscal Trust Programme Grant investigating He also intends to build the centre’s Studies (including director, 1991–2002). the developmental relationships between international reputation in e-science He has also been a member of the National dyslexia and specific language impairment. and advanced digital scholarship. Consumer Council and has served on the She was a member of Sir Jim Rose’s Expert Social Security Advisory Committee. Advisory Group on Dyslexia, and the work of her research group has been included St Benet’S Hall

in government guidance on the teaching viewfinder found Professor Werner G Jeanrond is now Master of literacy and supporting pupils with basilica. early an of vision

of St Benet’s Hall, a Permanent Private Hall difficulties. She holds a BSc in psychology Victorian a create to work Wyatt’s swamped who Nikolaus Pevsner) of High Victorian architects, architects, Victorian High of Pevsner) Nikolaus

of the University run by the St Benet’s Trust. from Bristol University and a doctorate to (according potent’ most the of ‘one Burges,

He is the first layman ever to run the Hall. from University College London and is William by 1866 and 1864 between redecorated Professor Jeanrond was born in a qualified clinical psychologist. She is a but century 18th the in Wyatt James by designed

Saarbrücken, Saarland (now Germany) and Fellow of the British Academy and of the was (p20) Chapel College Worcester of ceiling The studied theology, German, and educational Academy of Medical Sciences.

www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint October 2012 BLUEPRINT | 7 ‘The beautiful setting of the Botanic Garden, with such a diverse array of plants, is the perfect way to get people thinking about chemistry in a new light’

Polygonum orientale (also known as ‘kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate’ or prince’s feather) is at trail stop 20, which discusses pigments called betalains in the Caryophyllales order of flowering plants BLUEPRINT January 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint Karl Harrison senior curator alison foster loves plants - and chemistry a garden of chemical delights The molecular secrets of plants are revealed to visitors to the Botanic Garden in a new audio trail voiced by Oxford chemists, John Garth reports Malcolm Rutherford Malcolm

The secrets of the caramel tree, the the increasing technological complexity of Sciences Research Council and by equipment molecular world of caffeine, and the the world around us it’s really important already installed at the Garden for a ‘Trail origins of ancient pigments – and poisons to be able to talk to the public about what of Trees’ featuring staff with author Philip and modern medicines – are among the we’re doing.’ Pullman. mysteries unveiled in a new audio trail at Dr Foster hopes to counter widespread Cross-fertilisation with the Department the Botanic Garden. Voiced by members negativity about chemistry in the press. ‘It’s of Chemistry continues next year with a of the Department of Chemistry, 20 expert normally doom and gloom: people don’t series of chemistry ‘summer strolls’ at the commentaries can be played when an want their food to contain chemicals. But Garden guided by academics (including audio pen is touched to a numbered map their food is made up of chemicals. Using some of the audio trail experts). Beyond as visitors stroll around the Garden. Big the beautiful setting of the Botanic Garden, that, Dr Foster envisages chemistry research molecular models help to illustrate what’s with such a diverse array of plants, is the projects from undergraduate to doctoral going on inside the plants. perfect way to get people thinking about level. Dr Anderson, for instance, would like Alison Foster, the garden’s senior chemistry in a new light.’ to know exactly how the giant water lily curator, has a PhD in organic chemistry and The association between the Garden and flowers change from white to plum–pink worked in pharmaceuticals for eight years chemistry at Oxford is historic. Waynflete from one night to the next. Even after before leaving to train in horticulture. ‘The Professor of Chemistry Sir Robert Robinson decades of modern research, the Garden is love of plants was lifelong, but the passion won his 1947 Nobel prize thanks partly to alive with chemical mysteries. grew,’ she says. ‘Being able to combine the research on plants from the Garden, using two is even better.’ poppies to solve the chemical structure of

Her brief at the Garden is public morphine – ‘the chemistry equivalent of The University of Oxford Tales of trees and other plants Botanic Garden and An audio trail told by our gardeners, also featuring author Philip Pullman Harcourt Arboretum outreach and promoting research, and climbing Mt Everest’, as organic chemist Suitable for ages 10+ she was ideally placed last year – the Ed Anderson says on the audio trail. 1 Welcome

Place the pen Glasshouses Curator, International Year of Chemistry – to involve ‘Molecules from plants growing in here to begin Kate Pritchard the trail

Director of the Botanic Garden & Harcourt Arboretum, the Department of Chemistry in a poster the Garden revolutionised the way we Timothy Walker exhibition on the chemistry of plants at the think about organic chemistry. But just as Storyteller, 2 Xanthe Gresham

Garden. Several volunteers then went on to important as the history, is to explain what What do Primary and Families the labels Education O­ cer, mean? Emma Williams collaborate in the audio trail. Each explored modern research and applications have Rosaceae

Family name Rosa canina Europe, N Africa, W Asia Author, Philip Pullman Species name reads from the last pages Country of Origin of The Amber Spyglass - the Garden and, with Dr Foster, selected a arisen from things we get from plants, and the  nal part of the His Dark Materials trilogy. Glasshouse Gardener, plant with exciting molecular activities to how humans are continuing to develop Lili Friend Generously supported by The Helen Roll Charity Recorded and produced by Eka Morgan explain. The short pieces they prepared, them,’ says Dr Anderson. recorded on site, have a warmth and The audio trail was made possible by an spontaneity not stereotypically associated award from the Engineering and Physical join the trail and hear the tales with white-coated chemists. ‘As chemists at the lab bench it’s exciting

for us to get to see some of the plants that For more information, visit www.ox.ac.uk/news and have links to our research,’ says Dr Kylie ◢ www.ox.ac.uk/staffnews Vincent, one of the trail’s voices. ‘And with

www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint October 2012 BLUEPRINT | 9 Karl Harrison On a sure foundation THE RADCLIFFE OBSERVATORY TAKES CENTRE STAGE Matt Pickles dons his hard hat to report on progress at the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter

‘The University’s most significant development in more than 100 years is really beginning to take shape’

10 | BLUEPRINT October 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint Years of hard work have gone into the first time in its modern history. From laying the foundations for the Radcliffe next year, a new chapter in the history of Observatory Quarter (ROQ), both literally the subject will begin.’ on the building site and figuratively in Radcliffe Humanities has been the meeting rooms of the University and refurbished and will be formally opened the planning committees of Oxford City by the Vice-Chancellor on 22 October. Council. Now, people walking past the The new design does not shy away from University’s most significant development the building’s previous life as the Radcliffe in more than 100 years will notice that it is Infirmary. ‘The project has largely taken really beginning to take shape. the building back to the layouts that On the Woodstock Road side, the were in place when the building was first scaffolding has been removed from the constructed,’ explains Mr Wigg. ‘The end Radcliffe Humanities building (the former wings, which were ward blocks, have been Radcliffe Infirmary building), and the converted into open-plan office areas, so Rob Judges Humanities Divisional Offices, Philosophy in many ways we have kept the original faculty and library, and Theology library are concept of the design. The refurbishment already moving in. Behind it, the Somerville was really well received at Oxford Open accommodation buildings are entering their Doors weekend in September, when more second academic year of being occupied than a thousand people visited the building.’ by students. The Mathematics Institute There are still some missing pieces in recently ‘topped out’ and the cladding is the ROQ puzzle. Radcliffe Humanities now being put over the building, revealing is a crucial first step in developing the an impressive design. On the Walton Street Humanities presence on the site. Over the side, thousands of patients are already coming year, the Humanities Division and benefiting from New Radcliffe House, the Bodleian Libraries will be opening up which was completed over the summer, and a wide-ranging debate about how best to at a public consultation later this month realise the original vision for the site. The more information will be released about Blavatnik School of Government is currently the stunning design for the new Blavatnik in a period of extensive consultation, with RobJudges School of Government building. the second phase of public consultation ‘We’re entering an important phase of to begin in late October. An application development on the ROQ,’ says Mike Wigg, for planning permission would then be head of capital projects at Estates Services submitted towards the end of the year, with (the new name for the Estates Directorate). the city council to consider the design in ‘It’s nearly 10 years since the University early 2013. Meuron de & Herzog bought the site and, after thousands of pages Initial designs have been well received of plans and thousands of conversations by the South East Regional Design Panel with staff, academics and other interested and English Heritage. ‘The building will parties, we are now starting to see in the real be the first major project in the UK to be world the designs which had previously only delivered by Herzog & de Meuron outside existed on paper.’ London and the stunning, innovative design New Radcliffe House opened in July and will hopefully be the latest addition to is already occupied by three Jericho-based Oxford’s long tradition of world-renowned GP practices, the Department of Primary architecture,’ says Mr Wigg. ‘The building Care Health Sciences and part of Oxford pays tribute to features of Oxford’s skyline works in progress: (from top) the radcliffe University Press. Up to 20,000 patients – its circular shape evokes the Radcliffe humanities building is now welcoming its new could be served by the new building and it Camera and the design is squared off on inhabitants; the maths institute is nearing has already proved a hit with patients. ‘The one side like Christopher Wren’s distinctive completion; and the blavatnik school of new Jericho Health Centre enables GPs to Sheldonian Theatre.’ government’s home is on the horizon practise 21st century medicine in a spacious, Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the architect-designed, exciting new building,’ Blavatnik School, adds: ‘The School will says Dr Judith Bogdanor, who runs one of hold regular lectures by prominent figures says Mr Wigg. ‘We will open two access the practices on site. to which the public will be warmly invited. routes on the site to allow people to walk The Mathematical Institute is on track We hope to create a new, discursive space in between Walton Street and Woodstock for completion in September 2013, having north Oxford.’ Road, opening up a large area of North had a ‘topping out’ ceremony in August to But ensuring successful delivery and Oxford – one of these routes is already mark the building reaching its highest point. completion of buildings is not the only open. Development on the ROQ site will ‘The new Mathematical Institute is going consideration for the University’s building bring traffic improvements to the Woodstock up at an astonishing rate,’ says Professor experts. ‘It’s vital that we work closely with Road so that pedestrian and cyclist access to Sam Howison, head of the Maths Institute. the community and with staff so that the the site will be safe. We’re also planning a ‘The frame has grown by about one floor ROQ benefits as many people as possible,’ series of public artworks across the site.’ every month, and Oxford’s mathematicians can now get a real idea of what their new home will look like. It will be a magnificent Follow progress on the ROQ via www.ox.ac.uk/roq, where building and, crucially, it will bring the ◢ whole department together in one place for regular time-lapse videos of the work are posted

www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint October 2012 BLUEPRINT | 11 what’s on

of the eurozone crisis on the EU and on Christmas Light Night a lorikeet, Britain’s place within it. Fri 23 November by lear University Museums The triumph of the humanities www.mhs.ox.ac.uk; www.ashmolean.org; Thurs 18 October, 5pm www.oum.ox.ac.uk Rothermere American Institute The University museums offer their own www.rai.ox.ac.uk/seminars evening celebrations as Oxford switches Author and journalist Michael S Malone on its Christmas lights. For example, learn challenges the notion that the humanities fascinating facts about snowflakes and enjoy are facing a crisis and argues they are icy activities for all the family from 6pm at about to enjoy a golden age. the Museum of the History of Science or make golden decorations at the Ashmolean An evening with Henry Bonsu 6–8pm. Meanwhile the Oxford University Wed 31 October, 5.30pm Museum of Natural History offers global Edmond Safra Lecture Theatre, sounds with composers and DJs, polar Saïd Business School exhibitions animal crafts, torchlight trails and the Frozen www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/race/bhm Planet Bar 5–10pm. College Commissions: All Souls and New Henry Bonsu, presenter of Shoot the College 2012 Messenger, Voxafrica’s flagship current family friendly Until 28 October affairs programme, presents this Black Ashmolean Museum History Month event. An Oxford graduate, Autumn-inspired art www.ashmolean.org Henry has worked extensively in radio and Wed 31 October, 1–3.30pm Two new commissions made for Oxford TV for both BBC and commercial stations, Botanic Garden colleges. All Souls College honours 27 and written for national newspapers. He www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/whatson members of its non-academic staff in is a regular contributor to Press TV, Sky Be inspired by the Botanic Garden and create Benjamin Sullivan’s three-panel group News and Al Jazeera. your own work of art to take home. This portrait All Souls Triptych, the first large- drop-in activity is part of the Big Draw. scale depiction of people in their workplace How the media promote the public to be made in Britain. Jeni Ross’s New misunderstanding of science Planet Ocean College commission, Dance to the Music Tues 27 November, 6pm Sat 17 November, 1–4pm of Time, consists of six tapestry panels of Lecture Room 23, Balliol College Oxford University Museum of Natural abstract design, with 12 shades of blue www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/current-members/ History representing the passing of time. seminars www.oum.ox.ac.uk Talk by Dr Ben Goldacre, author of Explore the wonderful world beneath the Needlework and the Universe Bad Science. Part of the seminar series waves at this drop-in event. Touch real ocean Until 4 November ‘Leveraging social media to raise public objects and make a deep sea diorama. Museum of the History of Science understanding of health research’. www.mhs.ox.ac.uk Family fun day at the Bate Collection Artist Meredith Mackworth Praed explores concerts Sat 24 November, 10am – 2pm the far reaches of the Universe through Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Scheherazade stitch, working with images from NASA, www.bate.ox.ac.uk Thurs 29 November, 8pm the Hubble Telescope and the Cassini Family friendly musical performances and Sheldonian Theatre space probe. demonstrations, plus a chance to play some Tickets £37 / £26 / £17.50 / £10 instruments. Happy Birthday Edward Lear: 200 Years www.oxfordphil.com of Nature and Nonsense Tamsin Little joins the Oxford Philomusica Until 6 January 2013 to perform Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade Ashmolean Museum and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G new college’s new tapestry www.ashmolean.org minor, Op. 26. A celebration of the bicentenary of Edward Lear (1812–88) featuring 100 works of art special events from the collections of the Ashmolean and Continuing Education Open Day the Bodleian as well as private collections. Wed 14 November talks Rewley House, Wellington Square www.conted.ox.ac.uk/openday The place of Britain in a future Europe The Department for Continuing Education Fri 5 October, 2.30pm provides over 800 classes and programmes a Ship Street Centre, Jesus College year for part-time adult learners, plus online www.fljs.org learning and much more. A drop-in day of Talk by Martin Wolf, chief economics taster sessions, lectures and information. commentator at the Financial Times, on Most events will take place noon–2pm Britain’s status as a semi-detached member and 5–7pm; register online for events with of the European Union and the impact limited space.

12 | BLUEPRINT October 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint haunted by the past? Why are ghosts, apparitions and the undead commonplace in modern culture? Karen Leeder shares an academic explanation with Matt Pickles

‘people writing in the context of an east german totalitarian regime had to find ways to say the unsayable while eluding the censor’ Rob Judges Rob

‘In the last 15 years or so, Anglo-American ‘So the spectral turn may reflect modern the context of an East German totalitarian culture has become obsessed with ghosts,’ insecurities – the end of the certainties of the regime so they had to find ways to say the says Karen Leeder, a fellow of New College post-war consensus, the crisis of capitalism, unsayable while eluding the censor. This and Professor of Modern German Literature the feeling of dawning end times, the search created an extraordinary tension as people in the Faculty of Medieval and Modern for something beyond the secular, for were writing under pressure of the threat of Languages. ‘People have become more example,’ she adds. ‘But they have a special political retribution, rather than the pressure interested in ghosts, apparitional figures, relevance for the German Republic (GDR, of the market which was felt by West phantoms, spectres, manifestations of the or East Germany) – it was founded on the German authors.’ undead – it’s everywhere, in literature, film, spectre of communism and is now in itself She adds: ‘Writers had to smuggle music and culture. Look at the Twilight a ghost which colours politics in Germany what they wanted to say under the eyes novels, TV programmes like Buffy the today. I hope to fully explore this in a book, of the censor – often by putting in glaring Vampire Slayer, Susan Hill’s novel The The Spectres of the GDR: The Haunting of mistakes which the censors would pick Woman in Black, or Peter Ackroyd’s the Berlin Republic, which will be published up on while the real subversive messages English Ghosts. I could go on and on’. next year.’ slipped below their radar. The East German Professor Leeder has coined the phrase Professor Leeder first became interested reader also became finely attuned to picking ‘spectral turn’ to describe this trend and, in the GDR when studying German and up on these messages.’ along with Dr Kirsten Gwyer, organised French as an undergraduate at Magdalen Poets and novelists therefore took on a symposium at New College last April College. She returned to Oxford in 1993 as a vital role. ‘Poets and writers had to take to explore this ghostly phenomenon from a fellow in German at New College, having the place of the compromised print media an academic perspective. taught at Emmanuel College in Cambridge, and made serious political statements – ‘We brought together experts from and was appointed professor in 2008. they became the moral conscience of the different areas – the visual arts, music, She is interested in the politics of German nation – for better and for worse. It is Latin America, cultural studies, Russia, literature and poetry, and in particular no surprise that in 1989, protestors were European Literature – whose work has how poetry was used by writers in East holding up placards with poetry on, while involved spectres,’ she says. ‘All agreed Germany. But her initial interest in this authors were publishing short stories and that we were experiencing a contemporary topic simply came from a desire to poems as the protests went on,’ she says. obsession with the haunted – indeed, when modernise her studies. ‘Oddly, when This role also means that East the conference began all of Oxford’s cinemas I studied German as an undergraduate German writers are mainly read today happened to be showing a film the “modern” period of literature stopped by people looking for the political messages, with paranormal elements.’ in 1933 and the only way around this was and not on their own merit. ‘This So what does the recent increase of to do a special paper about the post-1945 “dissident bias” is a real problem for ghosts in art mean? ‘Traditionally, a period,’ she says. GDR literature,’ Professor Leeder says. ghost is seen as a sign of unfinished business, The way in which literature was used as ‘I would encourage people to try GDR appearing because something has gone a political tool in East Germany fascinated poetry and literature – it is not only an wrong, then leaving when it is resolved,’ Professor Leeder. She says: ‘I was intrigued important part of European history, but Professor Leeder explains. ‘But at the by the way in which people were writing in an enjoyable read.’ moment the spectres seem to persist as a sign of cultural crisis – perhaps to indicate censored or taboo aspects of the past. And they also create a disturbed, a ◢ For more information, visit www.mod-langs.ox.ac.uk/leeder spectral, aesthetic.’

www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint October 2012 BLUEPRINT | 13 a ‘patriotic cosmopolitan’ A celebration of Alain Locke, the first African-American Rhodes Scholar, and his legacy to Anglo-American culture and black modernity will sit alongside the University’s Black History Month events, reports Julia Paolitto

Alain Locke has earned his place in person.’ Being confronted so directly with many an American literature syllabus as prejudice, while unwelcome, shaped Locke’s the architect of the Harlem Renaissance thinking on racism, African-American – a cultural movement in 1920s and identity, and the virtues of cultural 1930s America that embraced African- exchange – however uncomfortable. BHM events American artistic and intellectual In an essay entitled ‘Oxford by a negro ‘Locke in the 21st century’ production while laying the groundwork student’ written in 1909, Locke described coincides with Black History for the Civil Rights movement of the the virtues of ‘the Rhodes man’ in terms Month celebrations at Oxford 1950s and 60s. that foreshadowed his later writings: ‘He organised by the Campaign In addition to blazing a trail promoting will be a man whose sympathies are wider for Racial Awareness and the art and culture of African Americans, than his prejudices, whose knowledge Locke broke significant barriers abroad – is larger than his beliefs, and his hopes Equality (CRAE), part of the including becoming Oxford’s first African- greater than himself. He will be...a patriotic Oxford University Student American Rhodes Scholar in 1907. His cosmopolitan.’ Union. United by the theme imprint on 20th-century culture and racial The picture of a man whose sympathies of ‘Black Oxford: Awareness, politics runs deep on both sides of the outstretch his prejudices, and the image Knowledge and Sensitivity’, Atlantic, yet among the many cultural and of the ‘patriotic cosmopolitan’, are central events will include interna- intellectual pioneers to come out of Oxford, to Locke’s intellectual legacy, as well as tional economist and author his distinct achievements have perhaps yet what make him ‘a man for today’, says Dambisa Moyo speaking at to be fully considered. Professor Boehmer, herself a 1980s the Oxford Union, and a ‘Black The legacy of Locke’s work and his Rhodes Scholar. ‘Locke was intensely Oxford’ lecture series that relationship to both Anglo-American aware of the legacies of racist thought, CRAE chair Joshua Oware culture and black modernity will be and how important it was for the African honoured in depth at Oxford with a American community to distance itself says ‘will look at the long and two-day conference on 12–13 October from those prejudices and stereotypes proud history of Black and jointly hosted by Rhodes House, the – while not, on the one hand, losing a Minority Ethnic Oxford alumni, Rothermere American Institute, and the sense of race identification within the black raising awareness of their English Faculty. Coinciding with Black community, nor, on the other, repudiating achievements beyond History Month activities at the University white interaction and white cultural Oxford, their legacies and and around the country, the event will traditions either.’ their contributions toward explore Locke’s broad intellectual legacy The ‘Locke in the 21st Century’ enriching the cultural and against the backdrop of his experience and conference will be an event with a social fabric of the University.’ development at Oxford. redemptive aspect, she notes. The meeting Locke’s experience at Oxford will both properly recognise Locke’s Events around the University’s was a formative one, says Dr Michèle achievements at Oxford and take up his museums and collections will Mendelssohn, one of the conference commitment to enshrining black thought recognise the wider ethnic organisers. Growing up in educated and culture in mainstream culture as an diversity of Oxford, from surroundings in America’s Northeast and equal, rather than marginal, contributor. an exhibition by student largely shielded from the virulent racism Oxford’s role in helping to form Christian Thompson which of the South, his first encounters with Locke’s distinct intellectual legacy may have draws on his Aboriginal intense racial prejudice only came from his been a negative one, but his experience encounters with Southern Rhodes Scholars of self-discovery will still resonate with heritage to a series of world at Oxford. current students and staff today, Professor food and music events. ‘Locke only really discovered he Boehmer adds. ‘Oxford is a place of was black at Oxford,’ explains Elleke transformation – you can discover who Boehmer, Professor of World Literature you are at Oxford,’ she says. ‘There is a in English. ‘He hadn’t experienced racial huge amount of room for self-expression Conference details at http:// prejudice to such an extent before, and at Oxford, and what is put at your disposal alainlocke21.webs.com. BHM had to find ways of dealing with this while is phenomenal – whether you are a student ◢ at Oxford information at www. not compromising his identity as a black or a staff member here.’ admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/race/bhm

14 | BLUEPRINT October 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint ‘Being confronted so directly with prejudice, while unwelcome, shaped Locke’s thinking on racism, African- American identity, and the virtues of cultural exchange’ Scala, Florence. Portrait by Betsy Graves Reyneau 1888–1964 Reyneau by Betsy Graves Portrait Florence. Scala, advertisements

16 | BLUEPRINT October 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint advertisements

THE UNIVERSITY OF IT Services was created on 1 August 2012 through a merger of the three central IT departments: OXFORD SHOP Oxford University Computing Services (OUCS), Business Services and Projects (BSP) and ICT Support Team (ICTST) Bespoke Oxford

A new approach to Oxford inspired gift and homeware

Oxford Cityscape plate designed by Lizzie Prestt www.it.ox.ac.uk Available in 4 colours There’s no change to phone numbers. Email addresses become @it.ox.ac.uk but old 106 High Street, Oxford www.oushop.com addresses, and web bookmarks, will continue to work.

Blueprint Vertical.indd 1 15/08/2012 09:40:02

www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint October 2012 BLUEPRINT | 17 advertisements

Department of Physics INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS www.physics.ox.ac.uk SERVICES OPEN DAY Tuesday 6 November 2012, 10AM – 4PM

Tel: (01865) 848770 Fax: (01865) 849543 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.oxfordadvisory.com

Our association with the University of Oxford is now in its 19th year.

We have extensive practical knowledge of its various pension and benefit schemes and are ideally placed to assist those who wish to maximise their pension and tax-free cash from either USS or OSPS. Please contact us to arrange an initial consultation at no charge or obligation to take further action.

We offer a comprehensive personal financial planning service and just some of the areas where we can provide advice include: Electronics Mechanics Thin Film Coating Retirement Planning Savings & Investments Critical Illness Cover 3D printing Stakeholder Pensions Ethical Investments Income Protection Electron beam lithography Photo etching Inheritance Tax Holistic Financial & Life Assurance Guaranteed Funds Trust Planning Mortgage Broking If you think we might help your research, come and see our facilities during our Open Day YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP or contact us at any other time. UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. For mortgages, we can be paid a fee; usually 0.5% of the loan www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/enterprise subject to a minimum of £1,000, or by commission.

• Managing paperwork Reducing hassle • Invoicing & payments

• Negotiating contracts Minimising risk • Providing insurance

• Securing competitive rates Increasing income • Identifying opportunities

Call OUC on (2)80829 or Oxford University Consulting Making academic consultancy email: [email protected] (OUC) supports staff and research www.isis-innovation.com/consulting groups wishing to provide work for you expertise or facilities to private and public sector organisations Oxford University Consulting is part of Isis Innovation Limited, the wholly-owned technology transfer company of the University of Oxford

18 | BLUEPRINT October 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint advertisements

airport/taxi service

highly reliable service 20 years’ experience of getting you to the airport stress free A breadth of

▸ comfortable Mercedes saloon or ▸ Business or pleasure academic, cultural and volvo xc 70 estate and 7-passenger ▸ child seats available xLWB Mercedes for those with ▸ Fully licensed and insured sporting education that lots of luggage otherwise would not sample car prices: oxford to Heathrow, from £75; eurostar, £95; cambridge £125 call clive roberts to discuss your needs or for advice have been possible account customers welcome Parent of Dragon bursary pupil

DRAGON FOUNDATION FEE ASSISTANCE Up to 100% Bursaries, Year 4 entry Up to 50% Ability Awards, Year 4 to 7 entry Boarding & Day places ENQUIRE NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2013

T: 01865 315405 E: [email protected]

Mobile: 07917 566077 Home: 01865 778608 www.dragonschool.org email: [email protected]

Thinking of selling or letting?

Established I Professional I Recommended

Call us today for a free of charge market valuation

LETTINGS SALES SUMMERTOWN 01865 554577 01865 759507 HEADINGTON 01865 761111 01865 759500 EAST OXFORD 01865 244666 01865 759508 WITNEY 01993 777909 01993 705507 scottfraser.co.uk

www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint October 2012 BLUEPRINT | 19 why am i here?

KiSHore Seegoolam General Manager, the University Club

What exactly is the University Club? rooms have flat screen TV, a hospitality It’s a members’ sports and social club, tray and wi-fi. Booking is open to with catering and hospitality facilities members, University departments and plus accommodation, at 11 Mansfield the public, via our website. Road. We have a ground-floor café Where do I find out more? and bar, and on the first floor we It’s all at www.club.ox.ac.uk. have function rooms that can host

anything from a meeting for five people What’s your own role? Rob Judges to a wedding for 120 – also very I joined in January 2011 with a wealth popular for Christmas parties. The of experience in the hospitality industry, function rooms are equipped with a data having worked in operations, sales and projector, 50-inch flat-screen TV and marketing. My brief was to manage the surround wi-fi. club in its entirety and to turn it around Blueprint is published bimonthly for the staff of the into a break-even situation (which I University of Oxford by the Public Affairs Directorate So who can join? Editor: Sally Croft have accomplished). All staff working for Oxford University Designers: Laëtitia Velia/Katy Dawkins Picture research: Janet Avison plus retired staff, visiting academics and Tell us about some of the jobs Items for possible inclusion are welcome and should members of some associated institutions you’ve done be sent to [email protected] can join for free, as can postgraduate I come from Mauritius and started If you would like to receive an email alert when future students. Family members and alumni out in the 1970s as a receptionist issues are published, please send a blank email to [email protected] at the Saint Géran Hotel there, voted can join for £25 a year. Blueprint is printed by Oxuniprint on recycled paper. one of the most prestigious resorts in What kind of sports and classes Advertising the world. In 1978, I moved to South To advertise in Blueprint, please contact Rosalind are on offer? Africa and held various senior positions Cuomo on 01865 280548 or email blueprint.ads@ We have a five-a-side football pitch, admin.ox.ac.uk with resort, business and conference The University accepts no responsibility for the content of any a gym and a multipurpose room for a hotels. Before coming to the UK in material in Blueprint. Readers should note in particular that the variety of (charged for) classes including inclusion of news, editorial items and advertisements does not December 1998, I was the Business imply the endorsement by the University of the matters reported, aerobics, salsa, pilates, fencing, martial the views expressed or the goods or services advertised. Manager for the famous luxury arts, zumba and yoga. The classes are ‘Blue Train’, which received ‘The run by independent professionals and Best Train in the World’ award during must be pre-booked with the individual my leadership. instructors. viewfinder What brought you to Oxford? And what food do you serve? I came here after a couple of years where’s this sumptuous ceiling? answer on p7. The café serves breakfast (including at the Holiday Inn in Stevenage, for full English) to residents and members a new challenge and to be closer to until 10.30am, and lunch from my family. It took a while to adjust Mondays to Fridays. Lunch changes from a commercial environment, daily and there is a vegetarian and a but I think I’m now well embedded non-vegetarian main course, a salad in the system, processes and procedures bar, sandwiches, filled baguettes and a of the academic world. daily soup – the menu is available on And finally, what’s been your our website. After lunch, the café’s open most embarrassing moment? till 5pm for a tea or coffee with a piece When I was managing a well known of cake or cookie. The bar overlooks hotel in Winchester, I had to tell the cricket field and serves drinks daily a wedding couple that they had from 11.30am and a variety of freshly booked the wrong venue for their prepared evening meals ranging from a civil ceremony. Although the wedding Greek salad to a steak. Thursday is our breakfast was booked at my hotel, the speciality evening – currently a curry ceremony was booked at an adjacent buffet night. Our local ales are also property with the same name but a very popular. ‘Hall’ instead of a ‘Hotel’. Luckily the What accommodation is available? error was resolved after a few phone The Club has 14 en-suite bedrooms: two calls and (later) lots of Pimms – for the singles, two twins and 10 doubles. All guests, of course! Mark Crau/PlausiblefishMark

BLUEPRINT October 2012 www.ox.ac.uk/blueprint