Issue 202 • 6 March 2009 Creating an Icon Plans Revealed for the New Face of Imperial > Centre Pages

www.imperial.ac.uk reporter issue 202 • 6 March 2009 Creating an icon Plans revealed for the new face of Imperial > centre pages

photo stories steve bloom leonardo Exhibition on thiakis society celebrates Developing an Who says Imperial’s female anti-obesity scientists scientists therapy aren’t artistic? PAGE 3 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 news update editorial Editor Emily Ross Research reserve launched [email protected] Making the most of university libraries, while The spring term brings about a wave safeguarding access to of themed weeks from Raising And information, is the aim of Giving to Fairtrade and Green Week—which see students and a new scheme launched at the College last month. staff taking action on issues they care about. These events Imperial is leading certainly have to compete for our attention—the internet the UK Research Reserve serves up a reason for us to celebrate every day of the year. (UKRR) programme, which March, for example, kicks off with National Pig Day and other will see low-use research The UKRR programme allows more space for creativity highlights include Peanut Butter Lovers day, a day to reflect journals stored and main- on the invention of rubber bands and not to forget Mother’s tained by the British Library, on Imperial’s Hammersmith Campus played freeing up university a key role in the pilot with over 1,100 metres Day on 22 March. While cynics may regard these ‘celebrations’ library space to be used of space being released. as manufactured simply to benefit card companies, they do more creatively. Deborah Shorley, Director of Library provide a focus that can lead to impressive results. Take, for Access to the journals Services, adds: “Libraries are being example, the £58,000 raised by the medical students during will be through an ordering transformed before our eyes, with IT giving RAG week (see page 12). There’s definitely something to be and delivery service at the us opportunities for innovation as never said for making every day count. British Library. before. We are determined to provide all “We want to use the our library users with the full range of space in our libraries in a services they need, either on campus in new more creative way whilst exciting spaces like level one of the Central securing knowledge for the Library on the South Kensington campus, future,” explains Frances or remotely.” Boyle, manager of the UK The UKRR programme will be imple- Research Reserve pro- mented across all of the other campuses at Fire at Northwick Park gramme at the College. Imperial. It is a five-year programme funded Imperial has recently through a £9.84 million grant from the Higher A fire broke out at Hospital’s A&E depart- completed an 18-month Education Funding Council for England. Northwick Park Hospital ment and other clinical pilot project to see how the —Naomi Weston, Communications on Wednesday 11 services were also severely UKRR programme would February causing major affected with patients work in practice. The library • For more information visit: www.ukrr.ac.uk disruption at the site, but being transferred to no injuries. other hospitals. Around 40 fire-fighters Imperial laboratories rushed to on the site the scene “Most of the have been following facilities are now connected to reports of a the Hospital’s blaze in the operational and emergency basement at it is hoped that generators but around 14.20. full mains power frequent power Ask the Rector College staff will be restored interruptions and students are causing were evacu- before Easter.” problems, Q&A > Wednesday 11 March • 12.30 ated and the particularly for research laboratories and researchers using sensi- The Great Hall, South Kensington Campus undergraduate medical tive equipment. Campus education centre were Administrator Paul Purcell Submit your questions at: temporarily closed. The said: “Most of the facilities www.imperial.ac.uk/rector/ are now operational yourquestions and it is hoped that full mains power will be restored before Easter. The cause of the fire is thought to be an electrical fault but this is • Attendance will be on a first come, first served basis. The event will still being investigated be streamed live online and available as a podcast afterwards. Visit by the fire service.” the above website for details. —Emily Ross, Northwick Park’s main hospital entrance Communications

2 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 6 March 2009 • Issue 202 news update 100 women, 100 visions Creation of National Transport

One hundred portraits of women scientists Research Centre of female staff and stu- and engineers across formalise the already dents—scientists and engi- the College. strong relationship we neers from all disciplines The exhibition was have with our colleagues and levels of academic designed and commis- at Leeds and UCL, and work—will be on display sioned by the Student more widely throughout in the Main Entrance on Society for Women in the transport research the South Kensington Science, Engineering and community. It will also Campus during the week Technology (SET). provide new funds, an following International Ellin Saunders, PhD administrative infrastruc- Women’s Day on 8 March. student in the Department ture, and an academic of Electrical and Electronic focal point for transport Engineering and co-organ- research in this country. iser of the event, says: “We A new £7.25 million research Imperial is set to benefit by being at wanted to illustrate the real centre aimed at tackling the the very hub of all this activity.” diversity of individuals UK’s transport policy issues was One of the principal objectives who study and work here. announced by the Minister of State of the UKTRC is to enhance multi- There is an excite- for Transport, Lord disciplinary working ment about the Andrew Adonis, “Imperial is set to between transport future among during a visit to benefit by being at researchers and social us and a com- Imperial on 5 March. scientists to generate mitment to change The UK Transport the very hub of all new evidence and across College which Research Centre this activity.” insights into key “We wanted to illustrate we felt was important to (UKTRC) will be transport problems. the real diversity of capture and communicate.” jointly run by Imperial, One of its first —Naomi Weston, the University of Leeds and projects will involve researchers individuals who study Communications University College London (UCL). from Imperial and the LSE and work here.” Research will be investigating the long-term effects carried out by leading of major transport projects on the The portraits have academics at universi- development of London, the impact been taken by Jackie King, ties from across the they have on the city’s economy recipient of the British country. and labour market, and their Professional Photographer The College’s success in easing commuter of the Year Award, and Centre for congestion. These may include aim to capture a sense of the Transport Studies (CTS), based the Crossrail project, a major rail growing community in the Department of Civil and network that will link Essex to the Environmental Engineering, will be City, Heathrow and Maidenhead one of the major contributors to the by 2017. The research outcomes Above: a postgraduate student from the UKTRC, providing academic and will be used to guide future Department of Chemical Engineering and administrative input. Professor John investment in major transport Chemical Technology. Right: an undergraduate student from the Department of Physics holding Polak, Director of the CTS (pictured infrastructure projects. up a drawing of a star constellation above), explains: “The UKTRC will —Colin Smith, Communications

in brief • Imperial makes • Diversity lecture • EPSRC Doctoral • Director of a difference with On 17 February Ram Gidoomal CBE Training Grants Development One water presented the 2009 Diversity Lecture In February, Imperial received its Judy Beard has been appointed as entitled Multicultural societies under Imperial has taken a small step in Doctoral Training Grant (DTG) of £7 Director of Development in succession pressure: sustaining dialogue. During helping to provide clean free water million from the Engineering and to Fiona Kirk. Ms Beard will join the event Mr Gidoomal—a Crown to those who really need it by raising Physical Sciences Research Council Imperial from The Management Centre, appointee on Imperial’s Court and money through the sale of approxi- (EPSRC). The grant will enable the a not-for-profit training and consul- Council—discussed ways of improving mately 150,000 bottles of One College to recruit and provide indus- tancy organisation, where she has the dialogue between different ethnic water over the last 18 months. Thanks try training for the next generation of been Principal Management Consult- and cultural groups and reviewed to students and staff who bought the engineers and scientists. This year, ant since October 2007. Prior to this progress that Imperial has made in water, the College has been able to DTG funds were awarded to 45 univer- appointment she worked for 30 years terms of equality and diversity. donate a One water play pump sities and higher education institu- in the charity sector, most recently at to Ngabeni Primary School in www.imperial.ac.uk/media/ tions in the UK with Imperial among Macmillan Cancer Support. Ms Beard Maxesibeni, South Africa. onlinelectures the top three grant recipients. will take up her post in early May.

6 March 2009 • Issue 202 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 3 news update

awards and Another Varsity win for the medics honours With 42 teams, 21 matches and nine different sports including rugby, football, Professor Holden’s new fellowship lacrosse, squash and water- Professor David Holden (Investigative Science) polo, the day was packed with is one of 73 microbiologists elected to become fierce competition. Fellows of the American Academy of Following a tight game Microbiology. Fellows are elected annually this year’s J.P.R. Williams through a highly selective, peer review Cup match between the 1st process, based on their records of XVs of the Imperial College scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced Union and Imperial Medicals microbiology. There are now over 2,000 rugby teams was 7–7 at full Fellows representing all subspecialties time. During extra time the of microbiology, including basic and applied Medicals seized the initiative research, teaching, public health, industry and taking three points from a government service. penalty and then scoring a try to win 15–7, making Professor Nethercot OBE This year’s annual Varsity day took place them the J.P.R. Williams Cup champions for wins 2009 Gold Medal on 25 February with matches between the seventh time. Professor David Nethercot, Head of Imperial College and Imperial Medicals at It wasn’t all misery for the Imperial the Department of Civil and Environ- Harlington sports ground, Ethos and Wilson College teams, as they were the clear overall mental Engineering, will be presented House during the day. In the evening, the winners in the Varsity competition, beating with the Institution of Structural J.P.R. Williams Cup match was played at the their medical counterparts by 13.5 to 7.5. Engineers’ highest accolade, the Gold Richmond Athletic Association ground. —Leena Barrett (Commercial Services) Medal, this April. The award recognises his contribution to raising the profile of structural engineering. Global surgery honour for New induction materials to inspire new staff Professor Hakim Professor Nadey Hakim (SORA) has been New staff will be first day. The Imperial personally value: teamwork, appointed the first Max Thorek Pro- welcomed to Imperial with Insights course (formerly innovation, energy, ideas, fessor of Surgery by the International a new suite of induction Introduction to Imperial) effectiveness, collaborations College of Surgeons. The International materials available from run by the Learning and and dreams becoming a College of Surgeons is a global organisa- the end of March. The Development Centre reality. It is why I came here tion with active, practising members in over outputs of the College’s has also been revamped, and I imagine other new 100 countries. The honour was officially awarded to Professor Hakim at the International College of Induction Project, which offering new staff a chance staff will be inspired to be Surgeons World Congress in Vienna, Austria, on has been underway since to network, as well as to part of it too.” 4 December 2008. early 2008, the resources learn about the College. Louise Lindsay, aim to give new staff a Director of HR Operations

Imper ial C oll ege Lo nd on Female engineer wins top award professional, relevant and Induction Project I ns id e

Im p e r ia Hanna Sykulska, a postgraduate in Elec- l • and inspiring A Director, said, “The review g u i d e

f o r

n trical and Electronic Engineering, has e w

introduction s of induction materials t a

f f been elected Young Woman Engineer of to Imperial. included representation

I m

p the Year for 2008 by the Institution of e r Inside Imperial i a l A guide for new staff

From later C from all areas of the College. o l l e g e Engineering and Technology. She is the L o n d o n this month offers I would like to thank all

Inside Imperial In s id first candidate from academia to have e A guide for new staff Im pe ri al ge. • of employment A g those who contributed ui de f or ne achieved this honour in its 30-year history. w staff rovides fits. Welcomewill to Imperial be Collegesent London out time and effort to ensure er have This 12-minute film is for anyone about to start a new job at the Colle Feldmann wins Curtin Medal It takeswith you inside Imperial, key explains the contract College’s key activities, new role, l. we hope that the final products give introduces you to a handful of your 6,000 new colleagues, and p Professor Marc Feldmann (Kennedy Institute of useful information about our campuses, facilities and staff bene Sinceinformation 1907, Imperial has attracted outstanding staffand who togeth a professional and wel- forged the College’s outstanding reputation. Whatever your Rheumatology was awarded the 2007 Curtin aImperial DVD will open doors for providing you and allow you to fulfil your potentia Magdalena coming impression to our Medal last November. The award is given insight into Imperial’s Bak-Maier, Learning and new starters”. annually to Australians who have made activities. All other impor- Development Consultant, —Caroline Davis, an outstanding contribution to medical tant documentation and who describes the develop- Communications science. Professor Feldmann was guidance previously issued ment opportunities avail- awarded the medal for his work on autoimmune disease, in particular to new staff in hard copy able at Imperial on the • Every department will for his discovery of the role of cytokines has been placed on the DVD, said of the 12-minute receive a copy of the new DVD and for developing treatments for ‘new staff’ web pages and film: “There are many key in the next month. Visit the rheumatoid arthritis. in an induction folder that messages that come through website for new staff at: they will receive on their about Imperial which I www.imperial.ac.uk/newstaff

4 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 6 March 2009 • Issue 202 news update media mentions —Danielle Reeves, Communications

BBC News Online • 11 February The number of maternal deaths related to heart Pregnancy heart deaths ‘warning’ disease in England, Wales and Northern Ireland New research suggests doctors should be has doubled since 1990 to 2.27 per The science of sleep more vigilant about the threat of 100,000. The Imperial research team heart disease during pregnancy, behind the new study told the BBC that A new centre to help children who have warns BBC News Online. the rise was due to unhealthy lifestyles. problems with breathing when they Dr Emily Gelson (SORA) said: “We sleep has opened at St Mary’s Hospital, must be more aware of this problem, bringing together researchers, doctors and diagnose it and then manage it to help nurses from Imperial College London and halt the worrying rise in deaths.” Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The centre will offer a special sleep diagnostic service for children, and it will also enable researchers from the College to conduct studies into sleep disorders. The centre will help diagnose and plan The Sun • 13 February treatment for children whose breathing slows Doctor nose best down or stops when they sleep because of Michael Jackson’s nose has been infected by a superbug, and may collapse, conditions like autism, asthma, allergies and reports The Sun. The paper revealed that Michael Jackson was seen with neuromuscular disease. Children will spend painfully inflamed skin on his hands and face, as he visited a Beverly Hills clinic. the night in one of two specially designed MRSA expert Professor Mark Enright (Epidemiology, Public Health and Primary bedrooms where their breathing pattern, care) told The Sun that it was important the pop legend received swift treatment vital signs and brain wave patterns will if he is suffering from a severe infection that is resistant to antibiotics. He said: be monitored during the different stages “A wound infection like MRSA on a delicate area like the nose could cause the of sleep. Using state-of-the-art equipment, tissue to collapse.” children will be assessed to pinpoint abnormalities, with the results compiled to suggest how each child can best be treated.

The Sunday Times • 14 February “Children have very different sleep La geek, c’est chic patterns to adults and sleep medicine is a A new generation of women scientists have taken their geek status and made it something to be proud of, claims The Sunday Times. According to journalist relatively new area in children’s care” Alice Fordham, these researchers are blazing a trail through the traditionally male-dominated areas of maths and physics, seeing no discrepancy between Dr Parviz Habibi, Clinical Reader in what they call “hardcore science” and a penchant for Topshop. Hanna Sykulska the Division of Medicine and Consultant (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) describes the excitement of helping Respiratory Paediatrician for Imperial design a microscope that landed on Mars: “It’s hugely exciting and very challenging… We are really College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: explorers, making discoveries, going to places where nobody has gone before.” “Children have very different sleep patterns to adults and sleep medicine is a relatively new area in children’s care. We are really excited about the new facility, The Daily Telegraph • 17 February handheld device has been developed which is one of a few dedicated purely to Star Trek-style gadget checks by Imperial engineers. From a diagnostic research.” patient suitability for medicines drop of saliva or cheek swab Professor John Warner, Head of the A Star Trek-style medical device the size it can analyse DNA to tell Department of Paediatrics, added: “Sleep of a BlackBerry could soon be used if a patient has the right serves an incredibly important function for by doctors to check patients’ genetic genetic fit for a particular a child’s health, growth and development. suitability to different medicines, reports drug. Researcher Professor Many, many diseases can disturb sleep and The Daily Telegraph. A prototype of the Chris Toumazou (Institute breathing, and have a knock-on effect on a of Biomedical Engineering) child’s behaviour and performance at school. told The Daily Telegraph: “The In some respects sleep disturbance can > Sign up for Imperial news Snip Doctor could provide another layer in actually exacerbate disease so understanding Join our mailing lists that bring regular Imperial the treatment process that could help GPs to the interaction between different diseases news, information and website alerts to all personalise treatments according to the genetic and sleep is very important.” subscribers. To sign up: www.imperial.ac.uk/ requirements of each patient.” [See page 6 for —Caroline Weller, Imperial College Healthcare media/jointsignup the full story]. NHS Trust Press Office

6 March 2009 • Issue 202 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 5 scienceroundup scienceroundup scienceroundup scienceroundup scienceroundup

HIV treatment test on the horizon

A rapid and inexpensive minutes if they should begin for the new test. One of test to analyse the immune antiretroviral treatment. these will be chosen for system of people living CD4+ T-cells are critical manufacture and mass- with HIV/AIDS is closer for a healthy functioning production in 2010. to manufacture, thanks to immune system and are “There has been a lot of a $7.3 million grant from slowly destroyed during the progress increasing access On-the-spot the Bill and Melinda Gates course of HIV infection. When to life-saving HIV drugs in Foundation to Imperial’s the numbers of CD4+ T-cells the developing world, but testing for drugs CD4 Initiative. the lack of access to essen- The initiative was estab- tial diagnostic tests like a tolerance lished in 2007 to develop CD4 test is a major barrier to A handheld device to predict an easy to use point- “Our new test providing the best possible whether patients will respond of-care test, costing will have a huge care,” said Dr Hans-Georg adversely to medication could be on around $2, which Batz (Medicine), Director of the market soon. can rapidly positive impact for the CD4 Initiative. Imperial and its spin-out company measure the people living with HIV “Research shows that if DNA Electronics have developed a pro- numbers across the world.” you wait until you’re sick to totype healthcare device that assesses of CD4+ start treatment, you have a whether patients are genetically pre- T-cells in a much poorer outcome than if disposed to suffering adverse reactions person’s blood. in a person’s blood drop, you start based on CD4 count. to prescription drugs. They are now Healthcare workers rely this makes them increasingly Our new test will have a carrying out trials to test its effective- on a CD4 count to make deci- vulnerable to illness. huge positive impact for ness, thanks to a new partnership with sions on how HIV-positive Imperial’s academic and people living with HIV the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. patients should be treated. industrial partners in the across the world.” The device undergoing trials is The new test would enable CD4 Initiative have been —Laura Gallagher, the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism patients to find out within developing three prototypes Communications Doctor, or SNP Dr (pronounced ‘snip doctor’). The SNP Dr analyses genetic variations found in DNA called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the ‘Wildlife knowledge in decline’ reveals study parts of human DNA that make us all respond differently to disease, bacteria, Our ability to conserve and that their local environment may have changed dramatically viruses, toxins or medication. The protect wildlife is at risk since their parents’ and grandparents’ days. SNP Dr may be able to detect genetic because we are unable to accu- This could be bad news for conservation projects because sequences linked with metabolism—a rately gauge how our environ- if people do not perceive any degradation of the world slow metabolism can make drugs stay ment is changing over time, around them, they may be less willing to sign up to protecting in the body longer, causing adverse says a new study, published their environment. side effects, while a fast metabolism in Conservation Letters on 13 The new study provides the first evidence of so-called can process medication too quickly for February. The study shows that ‘shifting baseline syndrome’—a it to have any effect. people may not realise species conservation theory stating that “In the course of a Principal investigator Professor are declining around them, or people’s perception of the envi- Chris Toumazou (Institute of Biomedical ronment is determined by what generation, changes Engineering) says: “The SNP Dr could they see now. To test the theory, in bird populations provide another layer in the treatment scientists surveyed villagers have been collectively process that could help GPs to person- in Cherry Burton, Yorkshire, ‘forgotten’ by the alise treatments according to the genetic on changes in the local bird requirements of each patient.” populations over the last two community” Dr Leila Shepherd, Chief decades. Older residents could Technology Officer of DNA Electronics, more accurately name the three most common species in the adds that the SNP Dr could also pave past, whereas young and old residents were equally accurate the way for new types of drugs to reach in naming the current common species. patients. “At the moment, some cancer Sarah Papworth, lead author of the paper and a PhD fighting drugs are deemed uneco- student in the Department of Life Sciences, comments: “In nomical because they only work for the course of a generation, changes in bird populations have a certain subset of patients. If doctors been collectively ‘forgotten’ by the community. If this trend had a method of screening patients to continues, this knowledge will be lost altogether in a couple see whether these drugs work, then more generations, and people will have little idea that their suddenly these therapies would be local wildlife was ever any different to what they see today more cost-effective to use.” A starling, one of Britain’s with their own eyes.” most common birds —Colin Smith, Communications —Danielle Reeves, Communications

6 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 6 March 2009 • Issue 202 scienceroundup scienceroundup scienceroundup scienceroundup scienceroundup

Search narrows for genes Paving the way for new linked to ‘seeing’ sounds superbug drugs and vaccines

A new study has identi- Lead study author, Dr Julian The detailed structure of a protective ‘jacket’ that surrounds cells of fied specific chromosomal Asher (Medicine), designed a the Clostridium difficile superbug, and which helps the dangerous regions linked to auditory study to look for genes linked pathogen stick to human host cells and tissues, has been revealed in visual synaesthesia, a neu- to auditory-visual synaesthesia. part in the 1 March issue of Molecular Microbiology. rological condition charac- Researchers identified four candi- Imperial scientists working on the research hope that unravelling the terised by seeing colours in date regions linked with suscep- secrets of this protective layer’s molecular structure might reveal possible response to sounds. tibility to synaesthesia, but found targets for new drugs to treat C. difficile infections. The research, published no support for an earlier theory The S-layer is believed to help C. difficile cells colonise the human gut, by Cell Press in the American of linkage to the X-chromosome. where they release sickness-causing toxins. Journal of Human Genetics They did, however, identify a The researchers used X-ray crystallography techniques to produce the (5 February), makes major number of interesting genes. first ever high-resolution images of the structure of LMW-SLP, one of the strides towards identifying “The region on chromosome 2 two proteins that make the genes underlying syn- with the strongest linkage is par- up C. difficile’s S-layer. aesthesia together with an ticularly interesting as it has been The team also produced improved understanding of linked to autism,” says Dr Asher, lower resolution images typical and atypical cogni- who carried out the work as part of the two S-layer proteins tive development. of his PhD at the University of linked together to form In synaesthesia, which Oxford. “Sensory and perceptual the ‘building block’ which affects less than one per abnormalities are common in makes up the layer. cent of the population, autism spectrum conditions, Understanding exactly stimulation of one sensory and synaesthesia is sometimes C.difficile bacteria how the S-layer is formed, pathway results in experi- reported as a symptom.” and how it works, could reveal new ways of fighting C. difficile infections, ences in another pathway The findings reveal the com- because without the S-layer, the pathogen cells cannot function, and die. (e.g. hearing sounds triggers plexity of the genetic basis The team behind the new study say that the long term aim is to use this colours) or a different facet of auditory-visual synaesthesia. structural knowledge to design a drug of the same pathway (e.g. Dr Asher explains: “This “We’re confident that that will target the S-layer, leading to reading black text triggers study comprises a significant continuing this work will cell death, and the defeat of infection. colours). step towards identifying the Professor Neil Fairweather (Life reveal new targets for genetic substrates underlying Sciences) comments: “We’re confident synaesthesia, with important effective drugs to beat this that continuing this work to better implications for our under- dangerous pathogen” understand the formation of this standing of the role of genes protective coat and its exact function in human cognition and will reveal new targets for effective drugs to beat this dangerous perception.” pathogen, and could even lead to an effective vaccine.” —Press Office, Cell Press —Danielle Reeves, Communications Meningitis bacteria mimic human cells

The way in which bacteria that cause bacte- meningitides, which is the most common disease and there is an urgent need to create rial meningitis mimic human cells to evade cause of bacterial meningitis. They explored an effective vaccine against it,” said Professor the body’s innate immune system has been how this protein stops Neisseria meningitides Christoph Tang (Investigative Science), revealed in new research. being attacked by a part of the immune co-lead author on the Imperial study. The study, published in Nature, could system called the complement system. “Our study gives us a clearer understanding lead to the development of new vaccines that The researchers found that factor H of how meningococcal bacteria shield give better protection against meningitis binding protein themselves from B, the strain which accounts for the vast “There is an urgent mimics a type of the immune majority of cases of the disease in the UK. need to create an sugar molecule system and it Bacterial meningitis mainly affects that the body uses suggests that we infants and young children, but is also often effective vaccine ” on its own cells to could tailor new found in teenagers and young adults, and ensure that its own vaccines to fight approximately five per cent of cases of bacte- immune system does not attack them. This this impor- rial meningitis result in death. disguise means that the Neisseria menin- tant human The research team looked at a protein gitides bacteria can avoid being detected and pathogen.” called ‘factor H binding protein’ on the destroyed by the complement system. —Laura Gallagher, outside coat of bacteria called Neisseria “Meningitis B can be a devastating Meningitis-causing bacteria Communications

6 March 2009 • Issue 202 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 7 An artist’s visualisation of the new-look front entrance on Exhibition Road

engineering departments In addition, a lower and the Business School ground concourse suitable Introducing the sharing all their teaching for exhibitions and displays spaces. Most of these will be created which will be will be newly developed visible from the street. This South East Quadrant state-of-the-art facilities in will provide an opportunity the Skempton Building, for Imperial to promote its Last month Imperial embarked on a major programme Mechanical Engineering world-class activities on to transform the ‘South East Quadrant’ (SEQ) of the and the new Exhibition Exhibition Road. South Kensington Campus. Road Buildings. Staff from across the In addition to the College have been involved The eight-year project will radically change shared teaching spaces, the in the development of the the face of Imperial’s main campus and lead development will include project, in particular the four to new ways of working for the Faculty of new laboratories in the departments in Engineering, Engineering by co-locating the Departments Mechanical Engineering the Business School and of Aeronautics, Civil and Environmental Building and new lecture Building Projects. Engineering, Computing, and Mechanical theatre space in Skempton. David Begg, Principal Engineering in close Break-out of the Business School, proximity to the “It is a splendid act of study spaces comments: “The Business Business School. for the four School is rapidly growing Professor Stephen faith in the future of engineering its activities in executive Richardson, Principal engineering.” departments education, research and of the Faculty of will replace teaching. The building of Engineering, says: reading the SEQ is essential for “Physical proximity really does enable rooms, common rooms and the School in realising its people to collaborate more—and do so more computing rooms. All the ambitions for these areas. productively. The SEQ programme will make new spaces will be designed In particular, I am very the Faculty of Engineering better able to with flexibility in mind to excited about the prospect tackle some of the world’s major problems, accommodate current and of a dedicated executive such as global water provision, green or sus- evolving teaching methods, education suite, tailor-made tainable aviation and global resource man- and will be fitted with to allow us to teach profes- agement. The Faculty desperately needs to advanced audio-visual sionals, which will impact update its facilities and the new programme technology. on the business of today.” will provide the teaching and research Another major element Given the current infrastructure to enable it to continue to be of the SEQ programme economic climate Professor world-class.” is the development of a Richardson says: “The The SEQ project is being undertaken new façade for the South College has to do things like Kensington Campus. Top to bottom: a plan of the new by top architects Foster + Partners, who are this if it is going to remain Exhibition Road Building with a view famous for the design of the gherkin-shaped The design concept is a a great institution. It has to of the Queen’s Tower; architectural skyscraper in the heart of the City, and closer series of interlocking bay have a vision beyond the detail from the new building to home, buildings on the South Kensington windows that will run along next few years and it is a Campus including the Main Entrance and Sir Exhibition Road and turn splendid act of faith in the Alexander Fleming Building. the corner to continue down future of engineering. ” The project will lead to the four Imperial College Road. —Emily Ross, Communications

8 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 6 March 2009 • Issue 202 Building the SEQ Development zone Stephen Reid, Project Programme Director for the

development of the South East Quadrant, talks to Phase one Reporter about the biggest project the College has seen (completion by early 2011) Phase one will see the in over 40 years. construction of space for lecture theatres in the Skempton Building and the What does the SEQ project mean What stage is the College at now? How much of the South Kensington relocation of some laborato- for the College? As part of the first phase, we have Campus will be affected? ries. While the building work SEQ will provide the College with started work on Skempton, con- Over the life of the programme there takes place these laboratories a dramatic and inspirational new structing a mezzanine floor and will be a significant impact on all will be partially replicated building, an improved entrance, and moving and building technical occupants of the Mech Eng Building within space freed up else- the Mechanical Engineering Building laboratories—all set to be completed and on some parts of the Business where in the same buildings. and part of the Skempton Building by the middle of this year, after which School, and residents of Skempton Levels 0 and 1 of the will be transformed. It will create an work will start on the construction of are already being affected. We are Mechanical Engineering outstanding addition to London’s a large lecture theatre and additional carefully addressing issues of noise, Building will be refurbished. architecture. For staff and students teaching space. The new facilities will dust, decanting and the provision of The undergraduate ther- within the affected departments it will help house students unable to use teaching spaces. mofluids teaching labs will provide additional lecture theatres, Mech Eng teaching spaces during have new equipment, such as new shared teaching spaces, new future phases. We are also applying When will be the main period of a small jet engine, thermo- offices, new research facilities and for planning permission for the Exhibi- disruption for the College? dynamic benches and flow new break-out spaces for students. tion Road Building. When we demolish the black tower, visualisation rigs. Similarly the The creation of a concourse-type the building above the College Main applied mechanics under- space at lower ground floor level, How many people are involved Entrance, we shall need to shut the graduate laboratories will have visible from Exhibition Road, will in the project? Main Entrance. This may inconven- new testing machinery and provide a unique opportunity to There is a team of about 100 ience anyone using the site though we automatic data-logging through display and share our activities. designers, engineers, planners, shall try to keep the period it is shut to advanced instrumentation. specialist consultants and project a minimum. The Department’s general Where has the money for the managers contributing to the testing facilities and its spe- project come from? programme of work. Large numbers What is being done to minimise the cialist research laboratories The project is being funded by of Imperial staff are also actively par- disruption to staff and students? on levels 0 and 1 are also to Higher Education Funding Council ticipating in user groups, programme We are carefully scrutinising the be redeveloped. In total three for England (HEFCE), College money management, planning applications construction logistics to ensure undergraduate teaching labo- and through fundraising. So far the and decant work. we demolish and build at the most ratories will be fully renovated, College council has approved spend of convenient time in the academic cycle. as will four major research approximately £75 million for the first How have staff been represented We’ve a top quality team working laboratories. phase of the project. in the process? on the programme and we’re care- Staff from all over the College are fully scheduling when and how we Phase two How long will the building work last? directly feeding into the design can move staff and students in the (completion by early 2014) There will be three phases. The brief through a number of different quickest and least disruptive way. Phase two will see the demoli- first, mainly focusing on Skempton user groups. For example, there is tion of the annex and the black and Mech Eng levels 0 and 1, will a Teaching User Group, headed up If staff have any comments or tower (the building standing be completed by early 2011. The by Anthony Bull [Bioengineering], questions about the project where above the College Main next, involving demolition work and which is looking into the future and should they go? Entrance) and the construc- the building of the Exhibition Road identifying what teaching and learning The main hub of information will be tion of the Exhibition Road Building and refurbishing Mech Eng will look like after 2015 and what the SEQ website [see below, right] Building, which will include levels 2 and 3, will be completed in facilities are required to support these where you will find an overview of shared teaching spaces. early 2014, while the last, involving activities. There is also a very strong the project, the most up-to-date SEQ refurbishment of Mech Eng levels 4 to governance structure in place. developments and a list of contacts Phase three 8, will be completed in early 2016. who will help to answer your queries. (completion by early 2016) The final phase will see the refurbishment of floors 4–8 of the Mechanical Engineering Building which will provide additional flexible office and Foster and Imperial research space. The final floors of the Mechanical Engineering Foster + Partners has been working with the College since the Building will also be completed 1990s to create some of the state-of-the-art buildings on the South Kensington Campus. These include: the Sir Alexander in this phase. Fleming Building (finished in 1998), the multidisciplinary Flowers Building (completed in 2001) and the Faculty Building (completed in 2004). F+P also completed the refurbishment of the Main Entrance in 2004 as well as the creation of the • For more information Business School’s new facilities, which include a six-storey drum on the SEQ, see: containing six circular lecture theatres. The new Exhibition www.imperial.ac.uk/seq < Road Building

6 March 2009 • Issue 202 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 9 s >science for beginner science > made easy mini profile science science science > for beginners > from scratch > Professor Hughfor beginners Spikes Altruism Animals display science for beginners altruism if > Stem cells and their behav- How does it apply to the joints. I think the future will be iourE benefits another real world? the same. Reducing frictionSCIENC is individual There are so many applications in the verys big at the moment since> for beginners at a cost to real world thatscience you might not for realise beginner it improves efficiency and thus > stem cells themselves. The cost is measured involve tribology. For example, we’re lowers CO2 emissions. in the number of young the animal Professor Hugh Spikes working with Unilever at the moment would have produced in the future reveals the secret of on low-fat yoghurts. What inspired you to go if it had survived. However, many smooth tasting yoghurts, It’s not so much the into science? seemingly selfless actse in nature reliable engines and taste that people Well I almost went into sciencare entirely selfish. don’t like in these, English! But I decided to > forOne beginners such act occurs when vervet replacement hip joints. but the sensation study chemistry in the end monkeys put themselves in danger E by emitting alarm calls if predators in the mouth. Using and I’m glad I did. I like the SCIENC are close. They warn their relatives, You work in the Tribology science tribology we analyse definitiveness of science— > for beginners but attract attention and reduce Group, what is tribology? >for beginnertongue-palettes friction you act on knowledge and E their own chance of survival. science The word tribology was invented and make sure the feedback and can leave a SCIENC > for beginners However, as the ultimate aim is to in the mid 1960s to describe the lower fat content doesn’t affect how the legacy that you know will last.> forpass beginners on their genes, the probability science of friction, lubrication> and yoghurt feels. I was born at St Mary’s of this is improved because other wear. Of course research inscience these We’ve also researched hair Hospital, so working late, I members of the group also carry areas took place long before the forconditioners, beginners skin creams and the sometimes think it could well them. Another example is the way 1960s but we hoped the new name redesign of engine oils to comply with be the cradle to the grave at vampire bats will regurgitate blood would help us escape from the idea emissions controls. The nice thing is Imperial for me! to feed unrelated individuals if they of oil cans and worn out engines. that it doesn’t matter where the friction fail to feed. Once again, though, no People tend to think of occurs in the body or in a machine, the Who inspires you as a altruism here, just an expectation that the favour will be returned. machines when they think of underlying process is still the same. scientist? Controversially, some tribology—bearings, gears, It would have to be Professor scientists suggest that human lubricants—but this is only one How do you see the future of David Tabor, who died in 2005. altruism can also be accounted part of tribology. Biotribology, for tribology? He was the greatest tribologist for. One possibility is that altruism example, focuses on friction Tribology tends not to produce step of this generation; as well as a is actually used to ‘show off’ to and lubrication in biological changes—rather, steady improvements kind and gentle scientist. potential mates. systems, such as artificial hips and over time: lower friction, silkier hair, more —Katie Weeks, Imperial —Gemma Chapman, contact lenses. reliable engines and replacement hip Consultants MSc Science Communication

Poly lactic acid (PLA), is a long-established, rapidly says: “If it had been left up to us as academics we inventors corner biodegradable transparent plastic, mainly used would have been still there in our lab coats! John for medical products but is an expensive product gave us access to great information. Without his to create. industry insight we had no way of knowing how Producing biodegradeable In conjunction with Professor Vernon Gibson (Chem- much this process was needed.” plastics istry), Dr Marshall combined research from his PhD in Realising his idea had such recognised poten- polymer chemistry and postdoctoral research in tial was surprising to Dr Marshall. He says: “After Dr Ed Marshall has inorganic chemistry to develop more cost-effective getting into an area of study that excites you in worked at Imperial ways of producing polymers through chemical your twenties, you kind of go where the research for almost 10 synthesis. His methods, when applied to producing is and can feel closed off from the views of the years and is PLA, not only enhance the physical properties such as outside world. To have a project like this come out higher operating temperatures and durability, but also a lecturer in of your work is the most exciting thing!” reduce the production costs. The next step for Dr Marshall and Plaxica is to Chemistry. He In 2007 Geoff Gaywood (Chief Operating Officer of show that the technology is economically feasible. has developed new Safripol, a South African based producer of polymers) In the next few months Plaxica will be moving methods for producing became aware of Dr Marshall’s work and provided the into its first home in laboratories in the Imperial a new generation of commercial rationale for PLA. Six months ago John Bioincubator, where Dr Marshall can continue his biodegradable plastics which, Hamlin (Entrepreneur in Residence at Imperial Innova- research whilst continuing his journey into the because of their enhanced tions) and Philip Holbeche (formerly Chairman of Ceres industrial world. physical properties and low cost of Power—an alternative fuel company and Imperial spin- —Anoushka Warden, Imperial Innovations manufacture, could see them overtake out) joined forces with Dr Marshall to form Plaxica, one existing oil-based materials. of Imperial’s latest spin-out companies. Dr Marshall • www.imperialinnovations.co.uk

10 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 6 March 2009 • Issue 202 A big deal

In December 2008 Thiakis, an Imperial spin-out company headed by Professor Steve Bloom (Investigative Science), was sold to US pharmaceutical company Wyeth for over £100 million. Wyeth plans to develop Thiakis’ lead product candidate, TKS1225, for the treatment of obesity.

Reporter speaks to further research into the bypass In 2004 Imperial Innovations Steve Bloom and operation, which was originally was approached about the com- “It was amazing when Susan Searle, CEO of designed to make patients absorb mercial potential of Steve’s idea the hormones we had Imperial Innovations, less food: “We found that patients and Thiakis was established. Chief been tinkering with don’t actually malabsorb food, as Executive of Imperial Innova- to get the inside story had been predicted, but instead tions, Susan Searle, says: “We for 20 years suddenly on Thiakis. they lose their appetite. A long- had obesity on our radar as being revealed this term effect of the operation is that a significant unmet need in the powerful effect.” The origin of Thiakis dates back to patients have greatly reduced industry and were keen to get into —Professor Steve Bloom the 1970s in Sweden when Steve heart attack and stroke rates, half this area. Drug development is an first helped discover a number the cancer risk and are frequently expensive process so the plan was of new peptide hormones in the cured of diabetes. We decided to set up a company, develop a gut. However it wasn’t until 20 to test for the gut hormones in therapeutic agent and show it was years later, when the worldwide patients who had had the surgery valuable enough to be developed and Thiakis decided that if the pandemic of obesity hit the public and found that they were into a full-scale drug by a large price was right they would sell consciousness, that funding significantly elevated. It was at pharmaceutical company.” the company. was received to take forward the this stage we realised we could Imperial Innovations patented Susan says: “We shopped obesity research. have the key to an effective anti- Steve’s field of work in both the around for the right investor and In the late 1990s Steve re-tested obesity drug.” UK and international markets and walked away from a number some of the hormones from the was able to attract substantial of companies that didn’t share gut and found they had a powerful Drug trials investment by putting down Steve’s vision. When US firm effect inhibiting appetite. He £1.5 million of its own money. Wyeth approached the company had previously shown that these Two venture capitalist firms, we knew they were right. Now hormones are naturally released Advent and Novo, led a £10 million they will fund its development and by the body after a meal, but now funding round into the company if it gets to market the revenue found they were telling the brain together with a small investment will be shared with the College. you are no longer hungry. He from the Royal Society and Since the credit crunch hit, more says: “It was amazing when the investment company Esperante. large pharmaceuticals are cutting hormones we had been tink- Steve says: “If Innovations hadn’t back on their own research and ering with for 20 years suddenly But there were still two major had faith in us, putting money are looking to universities for new revealed this powerful effect.” obstacles which needed to down themselves and thereby ideas. This success story shows Steve knew that obesity was be overcome. Firstly, peptide encouraging others to invest, we that the College is benefiting from a key issue for medical research hormones could not be swallowed never would have got started.” the current climate.” to tackle. He says: “Every day 80 as they are destroyed by the Thiakis moved to the Imperial Steve comments on how he people die from obesity in the UK digestive system. They therefore Incubator and outsourced a felt when the company was sold: and there are only two licensed needed to be injected into the number of pre-clinical trials and “It really makes you feel your anti-obesity drugs on patient. Secondly, the effect of toxicology tests focusing on the research must have been worth- the UK market, both with the injected hormones only lasted hormone oxyntomodulin and its while if other people are prepared undesirable side-effects and 10 minutes (when occurring variations. Steve’s expertise guided to invest in it to such a very large limited effectiveness. That said, naturally in the body, they are the teams on which would be the extent. If the drug does get to the surgical bypass operation released continuously). best combination to develop. market it has the potential to do a really does cause weight loss but Over the next few months, Steve The chosen drug successfully massive amount of good.” it is associated with a one-in- and his team at Imperial worked to passed a number of tests and the —Emily Ross, Communications 30 death rate and sometimes re-engineer the peptide hormones initial volunteers had no serious nasty side-effects.” so they were long-lasting and able side-effects. As a result, it was Hear Steve Bloom in February’s He describes what the team to be administered by a small clear the drug itself didn’t need edition of the podcast: www3. found when they did some painless injection. further changes. Innovations imperial.ac.uk/media/podcasts

“We are happy to talk to anyone in the College about the potential commercialisa- Imperial Innovations has an established process for tion of their research—even at the earliest stages. It’s all about finding the right translating research into marketable products. If you plan for the opportunity.” have an idea with commercial potential please visit: —Susan Searle, CEO of Imperial Innovations www.imperialinnovations.co.uk

6 March 2009 • Issue 202 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 11 vox pop —Jean-Paul Jones, Communications Would you spend more for Fairtrade goods?

Esmé McKernan, Mark Lethby, Pilar Kristina Ostman, MSc in Translation, second year, Gonzalez, third year, Physics Humanities Medicine MSc in “Yes I would, the more we “I would, but generally “Yes definitely, but Translation, buy, the more large compa- only if I was comparing it frustrates me that Humanities nies realise there’s a market products and I thought Fairtrade is always “When I can for Fairtrade and start the product was the best quality, especially associated with higher prices. The afford it I certainly would because supporting it too—keeping prices down. with food. There are some things I’d tend to key difference with Fairtrade is where it’s a matter I care about, though at People are often surprised by the range of buy more than others, such as tea and fruit. the profits go and I’d rather they go times like these I would tend to go stuff you can get that’s Fairtrade—the clothes Fairtrade chocolate is always nice too.” directly to the most deserving people” for cheaper options.” I’m wearing today for instance.”

Imperial RAG week

Imperial College School of Medicine RAG shown by all. The Circle week kicked off on 23 February with students Line was the highlight out and about collecting money. Suzanne of the week with 500+ Rayner, an undergraduate in the Faculty of people turning out to Medicine, comments on the week and how take the crawl. I would the Imperial Medics raise a stag- just like to say a par- gering £58,000. She says: “RAG ticular thank you to Week has shown the true spirit the freshers this year, of the medical school in a way they have been spec- Imperial College Union students were that only RAG can. From freshers tacular and raised so also out and about for RAG week and getting up at 5.00 to go collecting, much for the Winnicott raised £6,500. to starting the Circle Line pub Foundation—it wouldn’t To watch a video of their experiences visit: crawl at 10.00 even with a Varsity have been the same www3.imperial.ac.uk/news/ragweek09 Imperial medics dress to impress during RAG week hangover, dedication has been without them!”

never get funding for something Members in society: 60 which would simply be aestheti- Average number per class: 20 ut cally pleasing!”

o Society meeting time: He explains: “That said, the two 19.00 every Monday disciplines aren’t so far removed. Location: Room 407, Electrical As an artist you have to produce Engineering Building something abstract that says some- ime

t thing about the world; in science Members also have access to a studio in the west basement of Beit on everyone knows a graph represents the South Kensington Campus which figures but in reality it is also a has a turntable, easels, and a number of made-up concept—an abstract.” art materials. The level of expertise in the Membership fee: £8 + £1 per session class varies; some have artistic experience, others just enjoy trying new things. Peter says: “Once you Leonardo Fine Arts Society case”, comments Dr Peter Spencer, a stop worrying about trying to do The Imperial College Leonardo research associate in the Department everything well, you realise it is Fine Arts Society is full of staff and of Physics, who has an opportunity to students looking for a break from the been a member of “It is an opportunity take a risk and see norm. The classes are run by a teacher the society for over to take a risk and what happens. You from the Royal College of Art and eight years and might end up with members get the chance to try a range enjoys taking time see what happens.” something which of techniques – from water colours, to out from the lab. He didn’t work out but life drawing and sculpture. says: “Sometimes it is a relief to look it’s about giving it a try.” • To see some artwork produced by the Society visit the Blyth Gallery, Level 5 “People always assume scientists at the world from a different point of —Emily Ross, Communications Sherfild Building, from 4–13 March. aren’t creative but that really isn’t the view. In the scientific world you could

12 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 6 March 2009 • Issue 202 A winning tale The Varsity experience PhD student Toby Wood Graduate Schools announced ence would propel us into the (Computing) and member their own version I immediately lead? The minutes ticked away Steve Aldous of the Graduate School volunteered. and the scores inched upwards (Finance) shares of Engineering and “Confident in my incredible evenly for both the teams. In the his experiences Physical Sciences (GSEPS) knowledge of, well, my PhD dying moments I pressed my of being in the describes his experience subject area and very little else, I buzzer and proudly admitted crowd at the J.P.R. of the Graduate School’s proceeded to to all present that Williams Varsity University Challenge do no prepara- “I was going to sit in front I knew who had Match on 25 February. competition which took tion. Of course, a top 10 hit with “After the tightest of finishes in an audience, including place last month. He says: on the day Heart of Glass, last year’s Varsity rugby match, I “For 12 weeks of the things seemed people who actually knew even though it looked forward to the 2009 event, year when I was growing rather me, and demonstrate was released hoping to watch Imperial College up, Monday night dinner different. precisely how little I knew before I was born. gain revenge against the medicals conversation was banned Walking into And then we but more importantly to enjoy a about the world.” as my parents insisted on the venue I won! As our brave similar evening. A huge number criticising Jeremy Paxman’s was impressed captain stood up of staff and students travelled to pronunciation on University by the lengths the Grad School to collect the shield, I sat back to Richmond to support the teams Challenge. So when the team had gone to: buzzers, a savour the glory and felt content and spend a night together doing BBC journalist to ask the ques- that my previously pointless something different. Some staff tions, even a scoreboard of knowledge of 1970s pop music had never been to a rugby match sorts! Suddenly nerves kicked had finally been useful for before so it was a great place in—I was going to sit in front an something.” to start. The place looked very audience, including people who —Toby Wood, PhD Student (Computing) professional—floodlights, press actually knew me, and demon- box, scoreboard, pre-match music strate precisely how little I knew about the world. University Challenge first “We were treated to “The competition started and appeared on our television screens in things only got worse. My buzzer 1962 and in the 38 series to date, another game of quality didn’t seem to work and I had famous contestants have included rugby and a tight finish Victory salute no idea how many steps were in Stephen Fry and Clive James. Imperial involving extra time.” From left to right: George the Queen’s Tower. I knew one of won the contest in 1996 and came Wang, Andy Turner, Toby Wood and Heather Jackson my team-mates had been on the second in 2002. real thing—surely his experi-

Long servers party like it’s 1988

Staff who passed the milestone of 20 years’ Anderson, Rector, said: “You are the keepers of our service to Imperial in 2008 celebrated at a traditions, the source of all sorts of arcane facts, from reception hosted by the Rector on why the Queen’s Tower bells ring on certain days to 16 February. Observing that nearly 700 where the best coffee and cake on campus is served.” years of experience and He thanked guests for all they had invested in the knowledge could be found in College over the past two decades. the heads of those John Grover, who joined and there were even official present, Sir Roy Imperial as Stores Manager for the pre-match handshakes with Department of Electrical and the guests of honour, including Electronic Engineering and J.P.R. Williams himself, former St is now Building Manager for Mary’s Hospital Medical School buildings across the South student and Welsh rugby legend! Kensington Campus, was The atmosphere was great and among the guests. He said: we were treated to another game “It was extremely nice to of quality rugby and a tight finish have my twentieth anniver- involving extra time before the sary of working at Imperial medicals again lifted the cup. recognised by the Rector Overall, a fantastic evening—the and senior management organisers should feel proud of a team and I enjoyed the evening top event!” very much.” —Steve Aldous (Finance) —Caroline Davis, Communications

6 March 2009 • Issue 202 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 13 celebrating long Obituaries service Rosalie Jane Strong, Pavilion Supervisor at Imperial’s Teddington Sports Ground • Jane Strong died of cancer on 7 January 2009. Her colleagues Neil Mosley (Sport Imperial) and Brian Lee (Grounds Manager 20 years at Teddington) pay tribute: “Jane had been employed in the Department for 23 years, starting in October 1985. She was Tom Sensky, Professor of Psychological Medicine a tremendously loyal and hardworking employee and did an (Medicine) exceptional job at Teddington looking after the pavilion, the Tom Sensky joined Charing Cross and Westminster sports teams and users of the ground. In 1995 she was awarded first prize in the Medical School as a Lecturer in 1985, and later took a year Outstanding Service category of the Rector’s Award for Excellence and continued off to work as a consultant psychiatrist, before rejoining to provide this exceptional level of service throughout her employment. Jane’s as Senior Lecturer in 1989. He was appointed Professor catering was legendary and her chilli con carne was a particular favourite amongst in Psychological Medicine within the Division of Neuro- football and rugby teams alike. Her attention to detail and honed gardening sciences and Mental Health in 2003, a role which combines teaching – he leads skills were among her many strengths and she always adorned the pavilion with on year five of the undergraduate medicine course – and research, predomi- hanging baskets and pots full of fragrant flowers. nately into the psychological effects of chronic illness such as schizophrenia Following her husband’s death from cancer in 2004, Jane raised considerable and rheumatoid arthritis. He also has a clinical role within the West London sums for the Macmillan Cancer Trust. Jane will be missed by all and the Commer- Mental Health Trust. “I have been very privileged,” says Professor Sensky, “to cial Services team are committed to raising money throughout 2009 for the charity be able to combine three things – interesting research, teaching which I’ve as a tribute to her.” always been very enthusiastic about, and working with patients – into one very stimulating job.” Outside work, Tom enjoys photography and music and, time Oliver Priestland, IT Support Specialist permitting, plans to resume playing the French horn sometime soon. (ICT) • Oliver Priestland died from cancer on 23 December 2008, aged 51. His colleagues from the Faculty of Natural Sciences pay tribute: “Oliver joined the Department of Eric Yeatman, Professor of Microengineering Biology in January 2001 as an IT and AV support technician (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) under Peter Mueller. He quickly became a valued member Eric Yeatman travelled from Canada to study for a PhD at of the Department for his technical skills and expertise with Imperial in the 1980s and liked it so much that he’s stayed specialised applications. Oliver transferred to ICT in a similar ever since. Following his PhD, which was supervised by role in December 2003 and was based in SAF and for the past year in Chemistry. former Rector Sir Eric Ash, Professor Yeatman joined Elec- Before coming to Imperial he led quite a varied life. The son of BBC foreign cor- trical and Electronic Engineering as a Research Fellow. respondent Gerald Priestland, he was brought up in the US, Middle East and India. Within a year, he was promoted to Lecturer, becoming Before coming to Imperial he built up a business repairing Citroen 2CVs, another Senior Lecturer in 1996 and Professor of Microengineering in 2005. His work as a cabaret impresario and he also returned to India to own and run a hotel in in the Optical and Semiconductor Devices research group is divided between Varanasi. Oliver was a great friend, colleague and mentor, always willing to share teaching courses, such as optical communications, and his research into his vast experience of everything and anything, always there if you were stuck micro-machined devices. He is also Chairman of Microsaic Systems, a spin-out and needed a hand. He leaves a wife and daughter, to whom we extend our company specialising in miniaturised mass spectrometers for chemical deepest sympathies.” analysis. He says: “When I moved to England, I didn’t intend to stay, but I was offered a good job and things just developed.” He adds: “It’s great Bozena. Chawkwala, Archives Assistant to work for a prestigious university, surrounded by very able colleagues in (Estates) • Bozena. Chawkwala, who worked at Imperial for many disciplines.” 22 years, died in November following a neurological illness. Her colleagues, Mark Fisher and Janice Bailey, pay tribute to Bozena,. who • Senior Library Assistant: Faculty Support Services retired in 2005. Donaval Bishop . (Library Services) “Bozena’s career started in the Department of Chemistry in 1984, where she was PA to Professor Albery. In January 1987 she moved Alan Finch • Technician (Physics) to the Lyon Playfair Library [now the Central Library] where she stayed for 15 years, as PA to the Director, Magda Czigany. In her final role, Bozena. was responsible for the upkeep of the Estates Archive. 30 years Bozena. was a warm and generous person and a pleasure to work with. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was well known for her organisational skills William Bobinski • Technician (Civil and Environmental Engineering) and meticulous attention to detail—these being most apparent at the many library staff parties, formal receptions and functions that she arranged. Michael Staite • Advanced Fitter (Estates) Bozena. was very family orientated, and was proud that her late brother, George, was an Imperial alumnus. Bozena. married Hasan in 1976 and he was always a Staff featured celebrate anniversaries during the period 1 February–20 March. huge support to her, especially in the difficult last few years.” Data is supplied by HR and is correct at the time of going to press.

An eggsellent effort Teams were given three and a half hours to Dr Shaun Crofton (Mechanical Engineering) On 18 February the Great Egg Race returned build a device to help them launch their egg kicked off the afternoon with a short intro- to Imperial with 18 teams fighting it out to and were awarded 25 points if their egg duction to the principles of flight and sat on see whose egg could travel the furthest survived, and a further 50 marks for the this year’s judging panel alongside Professor from the balcony of the Queen’s Tower distance travelled. The team which scored the Stephen Richardson, Principal of the Faculty of without breaking. This year three teams most points was the Eggonautics whose egg Engineering, and Mark Mearing Smith from City from local schools were invited to take part. survived 20.2 metres. and Guilds College Union.

14 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 6 March 2009 • Issue 202 Ms Yasmin Gopaul, EYEC Ms Susanne Gifford, Library Mr Omair Ghafur, Physics Dr Renee Germack, NHLI Ms Marilyn Garraway, Educational Dr Sonia Gandhi, NMH Ms Sarah Farr, EYEC Elliott,ESE Dr Gavin Dr Marc Dumas, SORA Mr Olivier Dubois, Faculty of Ms Nav Dogra, Human Resources Miss Sonia Da Silva, Catering Mr Eike Cser-Tarnai, Library Mr Daniel Credgington, Chemistry Mr Matthew Cowan, Library Mr Juan Correa Valle, Estates Ms Valerie Clayton, NHLI Ms Pamela Clarke, NHLI Ms Margarita Chli, Computing Miss Charlotte Chaney, Faculty of Miss Hollie Cancro, Sport and Dr Monica Burriel, Materials Mr Dean Brown, Library Services Ms Frances Boyle, Library Services Dr Matthieu Boulesteix, Biology Mr Alessandro Borghi, Biomedical Mr Douglas Blackie, Physics Dr Clare Bishop, Materials Mr Ivano Benedetti, Aeronautics Dr Francesco Belardinelli, Mr David Beales, Library Services Mr Kevin Balbi, Biology Ms Maria Angelopoulou, EEE Dr Tiziano Agostinelli, Physics new starters Welcome informal busking. exhibitions, and Entrance, talks, Kensington Main in theSouth ensemble concerts College, including place across the events hadtaken Throughout theweek, and funkology, aformofhiphopdance. wushu,bellydancing art including martial on Friday 20February, withadiverse line-up Finale Imperial culminatedintheArtsfest at The week-long celebration ofarts finale dancing inArtsfest From Burns to belly

Services Services Quality Medicine Services Services Services Medicine Leisure Engineering Computing

Dr Corinna Schnoeller, NHLI Ms Michaela Ruhmann, Kennedy Mr Jens Roehrich, Business School Mrs Maria Ramil, Estates Mrs ManasiRamanna, Biomedical Mr Mark Potter, Aeronautics Mr SandeepPotnis, ICT Mr Robin Pitman, Faculty of Mrs Anna Phillips, EPHPC Mr MarkosPapadonikolakis, EEE Ms Georgia Papacleovoulou, Miss Adriana Paluszny Rodriguez, Mr Daniel O’Dea, Physics Dr Jonathan Myles, EPHPC Miss Joanna Murray, EPHPC Dr Christopher McLeod, Dr Edward McGowan, Medicine Mr Eamonn McEvoy, Registry Mrs Melissa Matthias, NMH Mr Hassan Masood, Humanities Ms Laura Maher, SORA Dr AsadLuqmani, Investigative Mr Andrea Listorti, Chemistry Professor Anne Lingford-Hughes, Mr Duncan Law, Library Services Mr Sunil Kumar, Physics Ms Rachel Keen, Faculty of Dr Chahrazade Kantari, Medicine Dr Andy Jones, Biology Dr Agnes Jenes, SORA Miss Nur Incedal, EYEC Dr Catriona Houston, Cell and Dr Andrew Homer, Registry Ms Kerry Hedley, Library Services Miss Maria Hawkins, Library Dr Emanuel Habets, EEE Mr David Granger, SORA Institute Engineering Natural Sciences SORA ESE Biomedical Engineering Science NMH Medicine Molecular Biology Services launched into the performance. thick Scottishaccent,before we Robert Burns poem, read in a the work for performance. score, had done his best to polish liberal interpretations of the Dan Capps,alarmedbysome been brief, and our conductor, Celtic melodies. Rehearsals had ments inspired bytraditional piece fororchestra infourmove- Scottish Dances, a short Malcolm Arnold’s to opentheFinale: Sinfonietta orchestra, of the College’s Great Hall, as part out intoapacked describes stepping Chisnall (Planning) Violinist Ben www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter6 March 2009•Issue 202reporter The mood was set by a ”We were playing Ms Emma Massie, NHLI Dr Jaime Luna-Ortiz, Chemical Dr Deepak Julka, Medicine Ms Amanda Jones, Health and Mr Kin Ho, Aeronautics Dr Anthe George, Chemical Mr Robert Finnis, Physics Miss Anna Donaldson, Mr Glynn Cunin, Computing Mr Tony Coppen, Finance Miss Wendy Collidge, College Dr Alessio Ceroni, Molecular moving on Farewell Dr Fapei Zhang, Physics Dr Amelle Zair, Physics Mr Zacharias-Ioannis Zachariadis, Mrs Jing Yang, EYEC Professor Bill Wisden, Cell and Mrs Marie Wilcox-Perks, Faculty of Dr Paul White, BusinessSchool Ms Elizabeth Webb, EPHPC Dr Silene Wavre, NHLI Miss Sarah Watson, Business Mr Junsheng Wang, Materials Dr Wing Tsoi, Physics Miss Maria-Belen Trujillo-Torralbo, Mrs Kimberley Trim, NHLI Mr Tri Tat, SORA Dr Kirsten Sugden, EPHPC Mr Roy Smith, Faculty of Medicine Dr Brian Slafer, Chemistry Dr Zarrin Shaikh, NHLI Engineering Engineering Safety Engineering Investigative Science (5 years) Headquarters (5years) Headquarters Biosciences Mechanical Engineering Molecular Biology Medicine School NHLI

was underway!” With a triumphant sigh of relief, the Finale audience could not contain their applause. strings excelledintheslowerthird, andthe with the tricky second movement, the grit by the orchestra. The winds coped well gusto and a healthy portion of Scots the dances were carried off with lively, and crisp and was smooth, the playing Fortunately Fortunately active role inCollegelife. an individualwillcontinuetoplay years. Asterisk (*) indicates where member ofCollegestaffforover five given where anindividualhasbeena going topress. Years are ofservice 2009. It was correct at the time of covers the period 1–21 February This data is supplied by andHR Dr Sanjay Vijendran, EEE Miss Ruth Vieira, Biomedical Mrs Louise Turner, Mrs Veronica Russell, Business Dr Lee Potiphar, NMH Mr Alexandre Patrice, Molecular Dr MatthewNoy, Physics(5years) Mrs Toyoko Nakamura, Kennedy Dr Hiroyuki Nakamura, Kennedy Dr Iona Millwood, EPHPC Dr Andrew McGough, Computing these asnecessary. right to edit or amend The Editorreservesthe [email protected]. retirees to the Editor at starters, leavers and comments about new images and/or brief > Engineering Engineering (9 years) Accommodation Services School Biosciences Institute (5years) Institute (5years) (9 years)

Please send your

15 moving in. moving on. notice board 6 March 2009 what’s on take note

5 March 18.00–19.30 11 March 17.30–18.30 March podcast Darwin and Targeting dendritic cells to better Bring some colour into your life with the March edition human society understand and treat allergic asthma of Imperial’s monthly magazine podcast. In the latest Professor Paul Seabright, Professor Bart Lambrecht, podcast, Paul Dolan (Business Professor of Economics, Professor of Finance, Lancaster University School) discusses the economics University of Toulouse, France Management School of wellbeing and why experience Darwin Lecture Series 4th Annual Margaret rather than fear should be the Lower Ground Square Lecture Theatre, Tanaka Building Turner-Warwick Lecture deciding factor when it comes to Paul Wood Lecture Theatre, Guy Scadding Building, healthcare funding. Plus Murray q Registration in advance: [email protected] Royal Brompton Campus Shanahan (Computing) tells all Registration in advance: [email protected] q about the light that cognitive robotics can shed on 9 March 17.30–18.30 fundamental and ancient philosophical questions about what it means to be human, and Julian Asher Spectrum of partial differential 12 March 18.00 – 19.30 equations: from Weyl asymptotics to (Medicine) explores the mysteries of synaesthesia, a Lieb-Thirring inequalities 2009 Ig Nobel Tour of the UK condition that can make you see sounds as colours. Professor Ari Laptev, Head of the Celebrating research that makes people laugh and then think Department of Mathematics • Download podcasts at: Inaugural Lecture Great Hall, Sherfield Building www3.imperial.ac.uk/media/podcasts Clore Lecture Theatre, Huxley Building q Registration in advance: [email protected] q Registration in advance: [email protected]

18 March 17.30–18.30 11 March 17.30–18.30 Metal forming technologies: Learning volunteer programme evolution and mutation Plasma physics using pulsed power Project ID: 1596 Professor Jianguo Lin, Chair in Mechanics of Organisation: Natural Professor Sergey Lebedev, Materials and Head of Materials Division History Museum Professor of Plasma Physics, Dates: Ongoing Natural Sciences Inaugural lecture Times: once a week for four Lecture theatre G34, Sir Alexander Fleming Building and a half hours Inaugural Lecture (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Blackett Lecture Theatre 1, Blackett q Registration in advance: [email protected] Thursdays, Saturdays or Laboratory Sundays) LOCATION: SW7 (nearest q Registration in advance: volunteering tube South Kensington) [email protected] 25 March 17.30–18.30 The Natural History Museum’s Department of Learning High-power lasers and the is looking for volunteers with good communication extraordinary conditions skills and a passion for nature. Volunteers will get they can produce involved in face-to-face learning programmes, making • All events are at the South Kensington learning more accessible and memorable for museum Professor Steven Rose, Head Campus unless otherwise stated. visitors. The role involves encouraging visitors to of the Plasma Physics Group interact with the exhibits and generally being on and Director of the Institute of Shock Physics standby to answer questions or assist. During term-time, learning volunteers will be involved in Inaugural Lecture meeting school groups and kick-starting their museum Blackett Lecture Theatre 1, Blackett Laboratory learning experience. With the Darwin Centre opening in September 2009, new roles are currently in develop- q Registration in advance: ment. The Department is committed to providing [email protected] rewarding experiences for its volunteers. Previous experience is not essential, as full training is provided (March–May). Out-of-pocket travel and lunch expenses are available up to a maximum limit on production of valid receipts.

First published in 1995, Reporter aims to Editor share stories of Imperial’s community and to Emily Ross For more information highlight individual and College achievements. [email protected] To take part in a scheme or to hear more about Reporter is published every three weeks during term time in +44 (0)20 7594 6715 volunteering in general, contact Petronela Sasurova • 020 7594 8141 print and online at www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter. Layout • [email protected] The copy deadline for issue 203 is Wednesday 11 March. Caroline Prew Publication day is 26 March. Contributions are welcome (no Principal photography For full details of over 250 volunteering opportunities visit: www.imperial.ac.uk/volunteering more than 300 words). Please note the editor reserves the Imperial College London right to cut or amend articles as necessary. Information correct Additional photography Subscribe to the weekly newsletter by emailing [email protected] at time of going to press. Foster + Partners, Shao Jin Ong

16 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 6 March 2009 • Issue 202