| 5 HFEA defers decision | 6 Ray Mears’ Wild Food | 10 New Fellowships and Honorary Degrees | 12 Global partners choose King’s | 14 Opera world premiere

CommentThe College newsletter Issue no 172 | February 2007 Three wins for King’s

King’s has been successful in contribution to the nation’s Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. from the clinical research facilities joint bids with its partner NHS international competitiveness. The Centre will bring together on the St Thomas’ and Guy’s Trusts for Department of Health The Comprehensive Centre clinicians and basic scientists, Campuses, which have recently Research Centres of Excellence. will be directed by Professor educators and representation been funded by Tate & Lyle, and The awards were announced in Richard Trembath. Professor from industry to explore the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity. December by the Department of Graham Lord will be the opportunities for translation. It The Specialist Centre, to be Health as part of its Best Research Deputy Director with specific will be organised around seven directed by Professor Simon for Best Health initiative. responsibility for training. themes: Allergy and Asthma, Lovestone, will allow the Institute They will work closely Transplantation, Immunology and of Psychiatry to accelerate its with Professor Charles Wolfe, Infection, Atherosclerotic disease, programme of translational The Research Centres Research & Development Dermatology, Oral Health and will be leaders in Director for Guy’s and St Cancer. The Centre will benefit continued on page 2 scientific translation HRH opens flagship research Centre King’s will be collaborating dominic turner on a ‘Comprehensive Centre’ with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, on a ‘Specialist Centre’ with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and on a ‘Patient Safety and Quality Research Centre’ in collaboration with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. King’s is the only university to provide academic partnership in the three categories of research centre. Last year the Department of Health invited NHS/academic partnerships to put forward proposals for research centres to drive progress on innovation and translational research in biomedicine and NHS service quality and safety. The Research Centres will be leaders in scientific translation and early adopters of new insights in On 10 January Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Chancellor of the University of London, formally opened the £30 million James technologies and treatments for Black Centre at King’s Denmark Hill Campus. Here the Principal, Professor Rick Trainor, introduces The Princess Royal to Sir James improving health. These Centres Black, Emeritus Professor of Analytical Pharmacology at King’s, Lady Black, Professors Jack Price and Ajah Shah and Mr Michael Parker (right), Chairman of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. For the full story see page 3. are a key component of the NHS News

Three wins for King’s

greg funnell greg funnell continued from page 1 research so that new discoveries in the area of mental health can yield clinical benefits for patients. The new Centre will provide a strong basis for new ways to investigate, diagnose, treat and support people with mental illnesses and their carers.

‘This is a very proud day for King’s’ Professor Naomi Fulop will direct the Patient Safety and Quality Centre. The Patient Safety and greg funnell Quality Centre will be directed by Professor Naomi Fulop. Its innovative approach to translating high quality research into improving patient safety and quality will focus on four major programmes: Workforce, Risk, Innovations and Organisational Governance. The Centre will examine, for instance, staff commitment to an organisation From left: Professor Graham Lord, Deputy Director of the Comprehensive Centre, Dr Lynn and how that affects quality Carlisle, Deputy Head of Administration and Deputy College Secretary (Health), Professor of patient care. It will focus The Specialist Centre will be directed by Richard Trembath, Director of the Comprehensive Centre, and Professor Frank Nestle, on risk management and Professor Simon Lovestone. Director of the Clinical Research Facility. greg funnell communications in accident and emergency departments and it will develop organisational King’s joins UK global elite strategies for reducing the risk of In a major new initiative The establishment of the hospital associated infections. announced in December at 10 cluster is seen as an essential Professor Robert Lechler, Vice- Downing Street the Government move if the UK is to compete Principal (Health), said of these launched a ‘Global Medical effectively with other existing awards: ‘I am absolutely delighted Excellence Cluster’. The launch and emerging clusters such as that King’s is the academic was attended by the Principal Boston and Shanghai. Singapore, partner in these Research Centres and Professor Robert Lechler. Dubai, Shanghai and New awarded by the Department of As well as King’s, other members Delhi are all developing similar Health. This represents a major include Imperial College, approaches linking business, step forward for King’s and its UCL, Oxford and Cambridge, healthcare and academia. NHS partners in terms of external NHS partners and leading ‘I am very concerned about the recognition of our excellence pharmaceutical companies. risk from India and China and across a wide range of health Professor Charles Wolfe, R&D Director for This is a unique opportunity competition from America,’ the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. disciplines. Many people were for the UK to bring together its Prime Minister, Tony Blair said. involved in the preparation of tremendous efforts made by my universities, hospitals, and drug ‘The development of science these bids but in particular from a colleagues in producing such and medical device companies and technology is now central to College perspective I would like high quality bids for each of to build a world-class cluster our economic future. If we fail to to thank the three Directors, who these Centres. These successes to take leading positions in make the most of what we have, with their NHS counterparts were also reflect the increasingly medical research, product then we will fall behind.’ instrumental in formulating the close alignment of the College’s development and improved Professor Lechler comments: bids: Professor Richard Trembath, strategies with those of its NHS patient outcomes. It is hoped ‘This is an extremely important Professor Simon Lovestone and counterparts. The award of it will bring improvements initiative for King’s and is the Professor Naomi Fulop.’ these Centres acknowledges at to the quality and delivery of first tangible benefit of recently The Principal, Professor a national level our unparalleled healthcare, benefits to the UK winning Department of Health Rick Trainor, added: ‘This is a translational research portfolio economy and improvements Research Centre status. We plan very proud day for King’s and and will facilitate even greater to the performance of the to participate actively in the its partner NHS Trusts. These opportunities to bring real benefit participating institutions. establishment of this cluster.’ awards are fitting tributes to the to the nation’s health.’

 | Comment | February 2007 News

HRH opens flagship Centre

dominic turner On 10 January Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Chancellor of the University of London, formally opened the £30 million James Black Centre at King’s Denmark Hill Campus. The new Centre specialises in research in cardiology, neuroscience and sickle cell disease, with a major focus on stem cell research. The Princess Royal was welcomed by Sir Graeme Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Professor Rick Trainor, Principal, and Baroness Rawlings, Chairman of Council. The Chancellor was then introduced to Nobel Laureate Sir James Black, Emeritus Professor of Analytical Pharmacology at King’s, after whom the Centre has been named, and Professor Anne Greenough, Head of the School of Medicine, and Professor Peter McGuffin, Dean of the Institute of Psychiatry.

Dr Manuel Mayr presents his poster on his current research to HRH The Princess Royal. A unique, state-of-the- art facility seeing poster presentations which look in particular at the molecular behavioural neuroscience, neural further outline the groundbreaking mechanisms that determine heart stem cells and the neurobiology research at the Centre. The tour failure and stem cell research into of mental health, exploring the Following a short speech by culminated with the Chancellor atherosclerosis. Work on sickle cellular basis of some of the most the Principal and presentations unveiling a plaque. cell disease and b thallasaemia, devastating neurological and by Professor Ajay Shah and The James Black Centre is a under Professor Swee Lay Thein, psychiatric conditions affecting Professor Jack Price on the main unique, state-of-the-art facility, will explore cellular mechanisms the population.’ areas of work to be undertaken bringing together more than 200 of sickle cell and potential clinical Professor Rick Trainor said: at the Centre, the tour moved scientists researching a number trials for new therapies. ‘This new Centre represents to the new building itself. The of different diseases. The Centre will also enable a tremendous opportunity to Chancellor was shown around the Research into cardiovascular scientists from the Institute bring together clinical and laboratories, technical facilities disease, led by Professor Shah of Psychiatry to increase non-clinical scientists in a wide and office areas, along the way and Professor Qingbo Xu, will research programmes in range of disease areas. Their dominic turner neuroscience. This group, led research programmes, many of by Professor Price, will look at which include stem cell science, neurodegenerative conditions will make a major contribution such as stroke, Parkinson’s and towards understanding and Batten’s Disease and psychiatric treating some of the world’s disorders including schizophrenia. most debilitating conditions. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of King’s staff, who have ‘Double our efforts in worked so hard developing the neuroscience’ research strategy for the new Centre as well as those who have coordinated the construction of Professor Price comments: the building. I’d also like to thank ‘The new facilities and laboratory our numerous donors, including spaces at the Centre have the British Heart Foundation, given us a unique chance to our partner NHS Trusts and double our efforts in the field of their associated charities, whose neuroscience. Our team can now generosity has helped to make The James Black Centre at King’s Denmark Hill Campus. focus more on molecular and our vision a reality.’

February 2007 | Comment |  News

Principal’s Column New approach to giving ingrid rasmussen julian anderson the College. The Chairman of Council and I visited New York before Christmas; in February we go to India to meet with alumni, donors and key academic institutions, as well as to host a seminar on international terrorism at which Professor Michael Clarke is the keynote speaker. Closer to home, since my last column Council has approved the strategic plan for the years Dear Colleagues 2007-16 which will shortly be A number of King’s academics published. Work has begun on have recently made the trip to a complementary document, an 10 Downing Street to advise the implementation plan, which will Government on various policy focus on the next three years. initiatives, and I was pleased The connection between to follow in their footsteps in King’s and the University of An innovative new approach to Development Office will December when Professor London continues to attract alumni-giving is to ask large establish whether alumni will Robert Lechler and I attended attention. The University numbers of alumni to engage give direct to their alma mater to the launch of a ‘Global Medical Council has given tentative directly with College research support research in areas that are Excellence Cluster’ of which approval to the plans of King’s for the first time. important to them such as cancer King’s is a founding member. (and of UCL, LSE and the Traditionally the College has and childhood illness. We were in good company: the Institute of Education) to award approached alumni for support Kathrin Ostermann, Head of other members are Imperial degrees in our own name starting for student-related causes. This Individual Giving, is cautiously College, UCL, Oxford and some time in the academic year has proved highly successful; in optimistic: ‘Before Christmas we Cambridge, as well as prominent 2007-8. The College Council the last decade alumni support mailed 20,000 alumni who have NHS trusts and pharmaceutical has also approved these plans of the Annual Fund has provided never made a gift before with a companies. (See page 2.) under which degree certificates more than £2 million to assist direct mail letter in support of our This launch followed would mention King’s continued activities and facilities of direct autism research at the Institute hot on the heels of the membership of the University benefit to students, including of Psychiatry. We are currently announcement that King’s has of London. The next steps sports equipment and funding processing gifts from alumni and been successful in joint bids are to obtain final University for student societies. The Annual although it is still early days we with its partner NHS Trusts approval and to resolve technical Fund is the foundation of alumni are encouraged by the response. for Department of Health issues relating to medicine and giving and will remain so in the Our aim is to engage with former Research Centres of Excellence. dentistry. Meanwhile, reforms future. However, in order to reach students who perhaps were not King’s will be collaborating to the University’s constitution new donors the Development motivated to support student- on a Comprehensive Centre may well be agreed in March. team is reaching out to alumni related projects but who would be with Guy’s and St Thomas’ I shall be continuing visits to who do not yet give with a willing to support other charitable NHS Foundation Trust, on departments and divisions as different approach. causes through the College.’ a Specialist Centre with the well as my termly fora talks. I The College is in touch with This approach has sparked South London and Maudsley hope the latter, which continue 94,000 alumni in the UK and considerable interest from other NHS Foundation Trust last term’s innovation of a around the world. Many will universities as ‘cause-based’ and on a Patient Safety and preceding sandwich lunch, will already support causes such as requests for support are still a Quality Research Centre again be well attended. medical research and care, relative novelty for individual – a collaboration between the Likewise, I would encourage overseas development and human giving programmes in the UK School of Social Science & attendance at the ceremony on rights. The College excels in higher education sector. The Public Policy and King’s College 8 March at 17.00 at which King’s, research in these areas, indeed a Development Office welcomes Hospital NHS Foundation for the first time, will exercise large number of the UK’s leading views on this new approach. Staff Trust. King’s is the only powers it has long had (and charities make significant grants wishing to add their support to university to provide academic which other colleges have long to research at King’s. either the Annual Fund or the partnership in each of the exercised), to confer honorary The approach now being Autism appeal should contact the three categories of research degrees of the University of trialled by the College Development Office (ext 3005). centre. (See cover story.) We London. (Tickets are available also currently await the official from [email protected].) outcome of a bid for a fifth This event, which will be PRINCIPAL’S FORA MRC Research Centre. annual, will emphasise the 20 February, Great Hall, Strand Campus, 13.00-14.00 We continue to develop our College’s academic self- 21 February, Small Lecture Theatre, IoP, Denmark Hill Campus, 13.30-14.30 international contacts in line confidence and sense of identity. 26 February, Henriette Raphael Function Room, Guy’s Campus, 13.00-14.00 with the global aspirations of Rick Trainor 27 February, Prideaux Lecture Theatre, St Thomas’ Campus, 13.00-14.00

 | Comment | February 2007 News

HFEA defers decision

The Human Fertilisation and animal eggs and replace them a proposed ban on such research, Embryology Authority (HFEA) with cells from the patients. The citing public opposition to it. has delayed its decision on resulting ‘disease-specific’ cell The scientists therefore held whether to grant licences for stem lines will then be studied to see a press briefing in London to cell research which combines how these neurodegenerative explain the benefits of this animal eggs and human cells. disorders develop. The scientists research. They highlighted that Dr Stephen Minger, Professor believe that the efficiency of the resulting embryos (which Chris Shaw and Professor Clive this technique (known as SCNT would be 99 per cent human) Ballard of King’s and a team at – Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer) would be destroyed within Newcastle University, led by Dr should be improved before 14 days, in line with HFEA Lyle Armstrong, will now have human eggs, which are in short regulations and would only be to wait until the autumn, after a supply, are used. used for research, not therapeutic public consultation on the issue. The deferral of the HFEA’s purposes. The conference Dr Stephen Minger The research involves deriving decision comes after the King’s resulted in very positive coverage licensing committee, we are human embryonic stem cells and Newcastle scientists had been across the media. happy with their decision to using adult cells from patients informally told by the HFEA that Dr Minger, Director of the consult both public and scientific with diseases such as Alzheimer’s, their licence applications would Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, opinion. This will, I hope, provide Parkinson’s and Spinal Muscular be turned down. This followed said: ‘Although we are naturally the scientific community with the Atrophy. Instead of using the Department of Health’s disappointed that the HFEA opportunity to inform the public human eggs, the researchers December white paper on has not recommended that our and Government of the merit of will remove the nuclei from fertility treatment which included research applications go to the this research.’ Primary care grants Higher rates of psychoses

Science Photo Library greg funnell Professor Roger Jones and Researchers from the Institute Professor Andre Tylee, primary of Psychiatry have found higher care specialists at King’s, have rates of schizophrenia and other secured nearly £1 million psychoses in certain ethnic in research grants from The minority groups and that parental Health Foundation’s Engaging separation in childhood is with Quality in Primary Care associated with an increased risk programme which will improve of developing later psychosis. primary care in the fields of These findings, published in gastrointestinal disorders and Psychological Medicine, provide mental health care. new scientific evidence into Professor Jones’ £520,000 grant these disorders as well as social From left: Dr Craig Morgan, Professor will develop a Quality Outcomes risk factors. Robin Murray and Dr Paul Fearon from the The digestive system Institute of Psychiatry. Framework for the care of This research forms part of gastrointestinal disorders in Professor Tylee’s grant of the largest ever study of the increased risk of developing general practice. Gastrointestinal £416,000 will develop a new development of psychoses in psychosis in adulthood. (digestive) problems account training intervention for school the UK. The Medical Research Dr Craig Morgan, MRC for about 10 per cent of the nurses to enable them to better Council (MRC) has announced Research Fellow and Lecturer National Health Service’s work recognise and assess mental its intention to provide continuing at the Institute of Psychiatry, and yet currently there are no targets health problems in young people funding for this multi-centre first author on the second paper for the management of these in schools and to know when and study over the next five years. added: ‘These findings provide problems. how to refer them for help. In the first paper researchers evidence that early social adversity Professor Jones, Wolfson ‘We will also be helping found that African Caribbean may increase the risk of later Professor and Head of school nurses in South London and Black African populations in psychosis. Such early adversity Department of General Practice to develop support and learning England suffer from remarkably may be one factor contributing to and Primary Care, will be working networks,’ commented Professor high rates of schizophrenia and the high rate of psychosis in the with a number of groups including Tylee, Head of the Section of manic psychosis. African-Caribbean population. CORE, the digestive diseases Primary Care Mental Health at The second paper looked at However, while these findings charity, the National Association the Institute of Psychiatry and the the possible causes of these high are an important step forward, for Crohn’s and Colitis and the project’s Principal Investigator. rates. The researchers found further research is now needed British Society of Gastroenterology ‘We will also be raising awareness that separation from one or to more fully understand to develop quality criteria in a about mental health problems both parents for more than one how specific types of early national project involving GPs and suffered by pupils with their year before the age of 16, as a social adversity interact with Primary Care Trusts in England, teachers, who are key in referring consequence of family breakdown, psychological and biological Scotland and Wales. pupils to school nurses.’ was associated with a 2.5 fold factors to cause psychosis.’

February 2007 | Comment |  News

King’s research impacts Commons Committee

King’s researchers have had an based UK Centre for Evidence the Committee’s report. research, the falsity of maintaining impact on a recent report from Based Policy and Practice. The prime concern of the that decisions are ‘evidence the House of Commons Science Subsequently William Solesbury, evidence from the Centre for based’ when clearly and properly and Technology Committee. The Senior Visiting Research Fellow Crime and Justice Studies was other considerations of interest report, Scientific Advice, Risk and at the Centre, was invited to give the Home Office’s record in and ideology come into play as Evidence Based Policy Making, was oral evidence. commissioning and misusing well, and the need for openness published in November following criminological research. The about how evidence has been an inquiry lasting 12 months. Committee took this seriously regarded in making decisions. The report was critical of the The only submissions and urged the Government’s ‘In due course the Government Government’s arrangements from university Chief Scientific Adviser Sir David will issue a response to the for obtaining good quality King to be more proactive in Committee’s report. What scientific advice and applying research centres investigating such allegations. changes of procedure and practice it to policy decisions, and also The evidence from the Centre it adopts will be the true test made a number of proposals for Another Memorandum was for Evidence Based Policy and of the influence of these King’s improvement. submitted by the Centre for Crime Practice ranged more widely, researchers,’ explains Keith Britto, A Memorandum was submitted and Justice Studies. The impact of including the capability of civil School of Social Science & Public to the Committee by the King’s- the King’s evidence is apparent in servants to interpret and use Policy.

Ray Mears’ Wild Food Asian Games drug testing

The International Olympic samples tested by the Centre, Committee accredited Drug led by Professor David Cowan, Control Centre undertook all were on the scale of the Turin the drug testing of athletes Winter Olympic Games. for the fifteenth Asian Games, Samples were couriered which began on 1 December to the Centre within hours in Qatar, Doha. of collection and the results More than 6,500 athletes reported within 24 hours of competed from 45 countries, in receipt. Each sample was tested 39 sports and 46 disciplines. In for the full range of substances a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week covered by the World Anti- operation, the numbers of Doping Agency Prohibited List.

Ray Mears, Dr Tony Leeds and Professor Gordon Hillman at Wicken Fen. C4 agoraphobic programme

Dr Tony Leeds and a team of Last summer during a visit Channel 4’s The House of colleagues in the Nutritional to the Northern Territories Agoraphobics, shown in Sciences Division with Dr Tony of Australia, Ray and Gordon December, was the work of Brain of the Centre for Ultra watched river washing of thin anxiety expert Paul Salkovskis, Structural Imaging worked with shavings of roasted cheeky yam, Professor of Clinical Psychology Professor Gordon Hillman a process developed by the and Applied Science at the of the Institute of Archaeology indigenous peoples to reduce Institute of Psychiatry and and bushcraft and survival expert the amounts of toxic oxalate. Clinical Director of the Centre Ray Mears to help them identify Back in Britain this method for Anxiety Disorders & Trauma plant foods present in Britain in was applied to black briony, at the Maudsley, and his team the Mesolithic period (10,000 to another potential carbohydrate from the South London & 6,000 years before the present) staple but for its potential toxic Maudsley Foundation Trust. as part of the recent series Ray components. Chemical analysis It followed his groundbreaking Professor Paul Salkovskis (second from Mears’ Wild Food which was aired and scanning electron-microscopy programme The House of Obsessive left) and colleagues from the Centre for on BBC2 throughout January. at King’s showed that oxalate Compulsives also shown in 2005. Anxiety Disorders and Trauma. Roots of sea kale were shown was greatly reduced by this The House of Agoraphobics agoraphobia as they receive to be the Stone Age equivalent process. Filming at King’s finished emphasised the need for people intensive therapy from Professor of potatoes and sea buckthorn on 5 December. suffering from agoraphobia to Salkovskis. berries – protected from The results will be reported leave the safety of their house Often wrongly conceived scavenging birds and animals in greater depth in a forthcoming and risk having the panic attacks of as a fear of open spaces, by vicious thorns – might have ‘book of the film’, and a foretaste they fear. The programme agoraphobia is more properly a provided vitamin C throughout was given at King’s in a lecture followed three people suffering fear of environments which may the winter months. by Ray Mears on 2 February. from panic disorder and cause panic attacks.

 | Comment | February 2007 Profile

Anne Greenough Professor Anne Greenough is Head of the School of Medicine. Here Comment talks to Professor Greenough about her career, priorities and interests outside work…

Could you describe your career. Tell us about developments in your field. Since I was a small child I have always wanted Physiological research and subsequent to be a paediatrician. Two of my friends at multi-centre studies have led to enormous primary school had been crippled by the improvements in the outcomes of neonatal last major polio epidemic and seeing their intensive care. Forty years ago 80 per cent of struggles with everyday life resulted in my babies who required mechanical ventilation ambition to be able to treat, and better still, died, now 90 per cent of even prematurely prevent children’s illnesses. born infants survive. Research at King’s has My undergraduate medical training was at made a major contribution to this success. questions and my husband, Anthony Milner, the University of Cambridge and University Emeritus Professor of Neonatology, is a College Hospital, London. At Cambridge, What are your priorities as Head of School? like-minded soul. Until my accident I loved my life-long love of physiology began and The School of Medicine is the most popular playing tennis and sailing, but as always most early in my clinical training it became in the UK as judged by the number of of all spending time with Anthony and our obvious to me that a sound understanding undergraduate applications. Yet there daughter Antonia. of physiology would answer key research are further opportunities to develop our Eighteen months ago on a supposedly questions to improve treatment and prevent highly successful course. My priorities peaceful barge holiday my lower leg got adverse outcomes of critically ill infants and include building on our many teaching and caught in a lock gate and was smashed into children. As a consequence, I went back to research strengths, such as anatomy and pieces. Due to the incredible expertise the University of Cambridge to undertake clinical pharmacology and to give further of the orthopaedic surgeons, my leg was research for my MD and then completed my opportunities to highly motivated graduates pieced together like a jigsaw with internal clinical training as a lecturer at Cambridge who wish to study medicine. fixation and external metal work involving and then the Hospital for Sick Children, King’s, with partner Trusts, has been very rods and screws operated by spanners. It Great Ormond Street. During that time I successful in the Department of Health’s meant, however, four months in a wheelchair became focused on respiratory disease. competition for Research Centres of Excellence and a year on crutches and even now going In 1985, I was appointed at King’s as as part of Best Research for Best Health. Another of downstairs remains an adventure. My limited, Senior Lecturer and honorary consultant at my priorities is to further develop our graduate but temporary immobility made me feel very King’s College Hospital, and subsequently training pathway for clinical academics, humble; many people suffer greater problems became Professor of Neonatology and building on our popular academic foundation all their lives. I returned back to work after Clinical Respiratory Physiology. Professor programme through to being awarded more my holiday, which was only possible because Sir Eric Stroud’s leadership, as the then clinical senior lecturerships. I was so sympathetically and ably supported. Head of Department, was inspirational. I I cannot thank everyone enough for all their subsequently took on additional roles, firstly What do you enjoy most about your roles? kindness, not only my family, friends and as Clinical Director in Child Health at King’s This is a difficult question as I enjoy almost colleagues, but all those who prior to my College Hospital and then, on merger of the everything about my work. I very much accident I hardly knew, yet they too went out Medical Schools, I became Academic Head appreciate the achievements of the medical of their way to wish me well and help. of Paediatrics. I was appointed as Campus students, including their extra curricular Dean at Denmark Hill, then Vice-Dean of activities, such as MedSin; the RAG magazine the School of Medicine, and for the last 18 I suspect will always have my disapproval, but Fact file months Head of the School of Medicine. I understand this improves sales! Graduation day I look forward to with pleasure and worry Book on my bedside What are your areas of expertise? (no matter how hard I rehearse, I always Like many doctors, I love detective stories My main research interest is to prevent mispronounce some poor graduate’s name!). and am currently reading PD James’ Death and treat breathing problems in infants My research informs evidence-based in Holy Orders. My favourite novels are and children. This includes developing practise and better outcomes and my clinical Pride and Prejudice and The Hitchhiker’s and evaluating antenatal interventions and practise enables me to determine which Guide to the Galaxy. preventative and treatment strategies in are the important questions that need to be infants and children with chronic problems, addressed to improve care; aged five this is Favourite holiday destination such as sickle cell disease or those exposed where I hoped to be – a clinical researcher. Florence. I love the art. to insults such as respiratory syncytial virus There are equally very important aspects of infection. I am Director of the tertiary my roles which are to help students and staff Proudest work moment neonatal intensive care unit at King’s with problems and to support families whose Perhaps my proudest moment was College Hospital. I very much enjoy babies are critically ill. obtaining my MD at Cambridge, as I felt teaching and helping students and trainees it represented an important contribution realise that medicine is not about learning Do you have many interests outside work? to reducing respiratory complications in lists but understanding basic physiological Much of my time outside work is devoted prematurely born infants. principles. to research, there are so many fascinating

February 2007 | Comment |  Research

Juries and rape cases Brain differences

Changes in the law that were unless they were convinced supposed to make it easier to that the drink had been spiked convict men of rape might not with the specific intention of result in more convictions in sexual assault; it also emerged cases in which the woman was that jurors were less inclined to drunk, according to research. equate ‘taking advantage’ of a Under the current law in drunken women with rape in England and Wales rape can situations in which the woman’s only be established if it can normal behaviour was to drink be demonstrated that sexual heavily in the company of men; intercourse took place to by contrast, in cases where the which there was no consent date rape drug had been used, Researchers from the Institute what we found is that when and that the defendant lacked jurors were more inclined to hold of Psychiatry have identified psychopaths were exposed to a reasonable belief that such the defendant responsible for that the way in which the brain frightened faces the distress cue consent had been given. rape, even though the effect of processes other people’s emotions didn’t increase the psychopath’s Researchers Dr Vanessa the drug on the woman was the could be one reason why criminal blood flow. It decreased it.’ Munro, Reader in the School same as if she were very drunk. psychopaths do not care about Tom Fahy, Professor of of Law, and Emily Finch found ‘In cases in which the others. Their findings were Forensic Mental Health and co- that: in situations where the evidence suggests clear links published in a study in The British author of the study, said that the woman had become involuntary between excessive alcohol Journal of Psychiatry. condition might be inherited or drunk, many jurors continued consumption and sexual assault, By scanning the brain emotional acquired through very deprived to hold her partially responsible these findings suggest that more responses of six men who had and abusive childhoods. He for what took place; even when needs to be done at both legal committed repeat offences and added that the findings of the a woman had unknowingly level and in society as a whole, to comparing them to the scans study opened possibilities for new drunk spiked drinks, juries were secure justice for victims of rape,’ of nine healthy volunteers, treatments other than counselling reluctant to convict defendants commented Dr Munro. researchers, led by Professor therapies, and could be used to Declan Murphy, deduced that identify people who had a higher psychopaths may have learned to risk of re-offending. dampen their brain’s response to More research is now needed other people’s distress signals. to clarify how brain abnormalities Black hole found Professor Murphy comments: in people with psychopathy ‘We’ve never been able to look arise and how they affect social Astronomers, including King’s directly in the brain before and behaviour and socialisation. astrophysics and cosmology expert, Dr Ignacio Ferreras, have found evidence of a supermassive black hole at the heart of a tiny Diabetes drugs trial galaxy about 54 million light years away from the Milky Way galaxy In December Giancarlo Viberti, – where Earth resides. VCC128 Professor of Diabetes and is an elliptical dwarf galaxy, about Metabolic Medicine, announced one per cent the size of the Milky the results of a major international Way, located in the Virgo Cluster. clinical trial comparing the ‘The detection has only been efficacy of three drugs currently possible because of the superb supermassive black hole has being used to treat Type 2 spatial resolution of the Hubble been discerned in a dwarf galaxy, diabetes. The findings, published Space Telescope,’ explains and only the third time that in the New England Journal of Dr Ferreras, Lecturer in the astronomers have observed a Medicine, show that the most Department of Physics. ‘VCC128 double nucleus at the heart of a expensive drug, rosiglitazone, glycaemic control was maintained. is effectively the smallest galaxy galaxy. The researchers believe slowed the progression of the Diabetic patients are considered in which there is a supermassive the black hole has at least about disease longer than the other in good control when HbA1c – an black hole.’ the same mass as the ring of stars drugs, metformin and glyburide. index of blood glucose control Black holes lie at the centre surrounding it, ranging from The randomised, controlled – is less than 7 per cent. In this of many galaxies, and have 6 million to 50 million times the trial evaluated the three drugs as trial, patients taking rosiglitazone gravitational fields so powerful mass of our sun. an initial single treatment. 4,360 maintained this level for up to 60 that nothing – not even light – ‘After this discovery, one could patients, within three years of months, those taking metformin can escape. Supermassive black speculate whether other dwarf diagnosis and who had been on maintained it for up to 45 months, holes are so large that their mass galaxies may harbour similar diet and lifestyle modifications while those given glyburide kept can equal anywhere between black holes but lie beyond the only, were treated for up to six at this level for up to 36 months. 100,000 to 10 billion times that resolution limit of the Hubble years. The researchers studied Therefore, rosiglitazone gained of our own sun. Space Telescope,’ noted Dr the progression of the disease 15 months of good glucose control It is only the second time a Ferreras. by measuring how long good compared to metformin.

 | Comment | February 2007 Focus

Centre for Language, Discourse & Communication King’s has a substantial number of staff specialising in descriptive and applied linguistics but because they are spread out across a range of different departments, the College hasn’t had the collective strength and reputation in this field that it could have. Until recently, it was even difficult to find ‘linguistics’ on the King’s website. Change however is afoot as the College has set up a new Centre for Language, Discourse & Communication (LDC) for staff and research students working in this area.

greg funnell n descriptive and applied linguistics there are more than 30 staff Iworking on language, literacy and discourse in a range of different settings – in everyday interaction, literature and popular culture, new and mass media, medicine, education and the workplace. They also focus on a number of different languages, including English, Chinese, Creoles, German, Greek, Hindi, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish. Even so, there is great potential for closer liaison between these researchers. Methodologies are often shared and there is a good deal of overarching interest in the ways that language and literacy are being affected by globalisation and inter-cultural contact. There have also been cross-School PhD supervisions and success with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). in this field receives the full benefit of the ESRC for recognition as an outlet for graduate national and international reputations that we research training in applied linguistics. New Centre have as individuals.’ In spring 2006, the College’s Strategic Funded research Investment Fund agreed to set up a new Positive signs Funded research on LDC is currently Centre for Language, Discourse & The early signs are positive. Nearly 40 people focused in employment and education. There Communication with funding for an from across Humanities and Social Science is ongoing research led by Celia Roberts, administrator for three years. The Schools & Public Policy attended the Centre’s first Senior Research Fellow, (DEPS) on Job of Humanities and Social Science & Public Research Day in November, and there has been interviews, ethnicity and disadvantage, funded Policy have provided start-up funds and there a noticeable increase in graduate recruitment. by the Department for Work & Pensions. is substantial infrastructural support from the According to Professor Rampton: ‘There was Dr Vally Lytra, Visiting Research Fellow, in Department of Education & Professional an impressive response to the Graduate School Byzantine & Modern Greek Studies (BMGS) Studies (DEPS). Studentship we advertised in March last year is heading the King’s side of a collaborative The new Centre’s purpose is to help and half a dozen candidates are now starting ESRC project Investigating multilingualism in generate a trans-departmental research with us as MPhil/PhD students. The enrolment complementary schools in four communities. culture that attracts more graduate students in of MPhil/PhD students working on language, Joint work between staff in DEPS and language, discourse and communication, that discourse and communication has almost BMGS forms the basis of a project in the supports them better, and that makes it easier doubled this year and they’ve also done very ESRC’s Identities and Social Action Programme for staff to turn their common interests into well on competitive awards.’ (Urban classroom culture & interaction). Also funded projects. This academic year also seen a 30 per cent from this year the Centre will be leading a ‘Most of us are based in inter-disciplinary growth in enrolment at Masters level: the MA three-year advanced training programme departments and the interaction with non- in English Language Teaching and Applied for social science researchers UK-wide on linguists is a really valuable part of our work,’ Linguistics continues to recruit very well; an Ethnography, language and communication. This says the Centre’s Director, Professor Ben MA in World Englishes has also started up involves collaboration with the Institute of Rampton. ‘But it is also vital to stay connected in the Department of English; and in DEPS, Education and Oxford University, and it is to other linguists with similar interests and the enrolment on the MA in Language, Ethnicity being funded under the ESRC’s Researcher Centre will facilitate this. We want to make and Education has more than doubled, and Development Initiative. more of the linguistics ‘diaspora’ at King’s, flag there is a new MRes in LDC. If you would like more information about up LDC as an area of collective strength, and This year one of the Centre’s first tasks is the Centre visit: www.kcl.ac.uk/ldc or email ensure that institutionally the College’s profile to consolidate this work by applying to the [email protected]

February 2007 | Comment |  King’s people

Dr George Szmukler, former Dean, Honorary Fellowships Honorary Degrees New Fellowships & Institute of Psychiatry, King’s Honorary Fellowships are Honorary Degrees are College London awarded to individuals by virtue awarded to individuals who Honorary Degrees Professor Frank Walsh, former of their distinction in fields are of conspicuous merit as The College Council approved the member of College staff, and outside academic life. The new demonstrated by the outstanding following awards at its meeting in Executive Vice President, Honorary Fellows for 2007 are: academic contribution to December: Wyeth Research HRH Duchess of Cornwall, President their field. The new Honorary Professor Peter West FRS, Professor and Patron of charitable societies Graduates whose degrees will Fellowships of Theoretical Physics, King’s including President, National be conferred for 2007 are: Fellowships are awarded to those College London Osteoporosis Society Professor Colin Blakemore FRS, who have been associated with Professor Philip Whitfield, Mr Othman Benjelloun, Chairman distinguished neuroscientist, the College as a member of staff, Vice-Principal (Students), King’s and CEO, BMCE Bank Morocco Chief Executive, Medical or as a student or as a member College London Sir Martin Jacomb, Chairman, Research Council of the Council, coupled with Professor Gwyn Williams, former Canary Wharf Group, Chancellor Professor Deborah Greenspan, outstanding achievements and/or Dean, School of Medicine, of the University of Buckingham distinguished dental scientist, through exceptional services King’s College London Hon Therese Keswick, former Professor of Clinical Oral rendered to the College. The Dr Kevin Zilkha, Trustee, King’s chairman, Centre for Policy Studies Medicine, Department of new Fellows for 2007 are: College Hospital Medical Mr Malcolm Lowe-Lauri, Chief Stomatology, University of Professor Robert Lechler, Vice- Research Trust, (former student Executive, King’s College California, San Francisco Principal (Health), King’s College of Guy’s Hospital Medical School) Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell FRS, London patrick barth Mr John-Dmitry Panitza, Founding distinguished neuroscientist, Professor Tak Lee, Head of Depart- Board Member of the American Vice-President (Research), ment of Respiratory Medicine & University in Bulgaria University of Manchester Allergy, King’s College London Sir Robert Worcester, founder, MORI Viscount Runciman of Doxford FBA, Mrs Olga Polizzi, Vice Chairman, and Chancellor, University of Kent distinguished social scientist, College Council Dr Paul Zuckerman, Development Ex-President, British Academy Professor Charlotte Roueché, Economist and Foreign Honorary Professor Mark Walport FMedSci, Professor of Classical & Byzantine Member, American Academy of distinguished clinician, Director Greek, King’s College London Professor Charlotte Roueché Arts & Sciences of Wellcome Trust

January Graduation Ceremonies

all photos by Tempest Graduation Photography

Lakshmi Mittal James Wolfensohn Professor Peter Jenner Professor Richard Proudfoot

The College held four Wolfensohn, an investment distinguished editors and textual outstanding achievements of Graduation ceremonies at the banker and former President scholars of Shakespeare and the College and its staff. Barbican on 15 and 16 January of the World Bank. early modern English literature In closing the ceremonies the with more than 1,300 students Fellowships where awarded who has been a member of the Chairman of Council, Baroness graduating from all Schools of to Professor Peter Jenner, King’s English Department for Rawlings, called upon the the College. international leader in the more than 30 years. graduating students to ‘aspire Honorary Fellowships were field of basal ganglia research In his address the Principal, to join the ranks of King’s conferred on Lakshmi Mittal, and chief scientific officer of Professor Rick Trainor, spoke graduates who have contributed President and CEO of Arcelor Proximagen, a College spin-out about the significant benefits significantly to British society Mittal, the world’s largest company; and Professor Richard graduates bring to the country and worldwide over the last 175 steel company; and James D Proudfoot, one of the most and the world as well as the years’.

10 | Comment | February 2007 King’s people

in 2005. Her three main privileged to be among people Gran. The award was for the King’s first areas of research interest are: receiving honours for service to highest rated play of the 40 given administrative justice, law and society in such a variety fields,’ rehearsed readings during 2006. This is the first year during psychiatry and the regulation of comments Professor Nelson. The organisation has around 150 which Honorary Degrees of biomedical research. members – both well-known the University of London will actors and amateurs. be conferred by King’s College Playwright 2006 London. This will take place DBE during a secular ceremony in the Roger Mayhew, Staff Development New CIO Chapel at the Strand Campus. & Training Unit, has been named The honorary graduates (whose the 2006 Playwright of the Year awards were approved by Council by the Central London based in March 2006) are: Player-Playwrights organisation Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE, the for his 90-minute farce A First first woman to become a Lord of Time for Everything. Appeal in Ordinary Previous recent holders of the Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys FRS, award include the TV writers the geneticist who developed Laurence Marks and Maurice techniques for DNA Dame Jinty Nelson and her family at greg funnell Buckingham Palace. fingerprinting and DNA profiling Judith Weir CBE, composer and former Last summer King’s eminent Karen Stanton has taken up Foundation Visiting Professor at medieval historian Professor Jinty her post as Chief Information Harvard University, 2004 Nelson FKC FBA was recognised Officer and College Librarian. In for her services to history in the this role, she has responsibility There will be a number of places Queen’s Birthday Honours with a for Information Services and at this ceremony (on 8 March at DBE. On 23 November Professor Systems, and Management 17.00) available for staff on a first- Nelson and her family attended a Information Systems. come basis. If you would like ceremony at Buckingham Palace She was previously Chief to attend, email: where Professor Nelson received Information Officer at the [email protected] her award from the Queen. ‘I felt University of Nottingham. Joseph Nye, Professor of International Relations at Harvard University, will receive his Honorary Degree before he Obituaries delivers the College’s Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives in public broadcasting and Annual Lecture on 14 February. NEIL RYDER among his publications was a DR HELEN HUDSON FKC 1938-2006 chapter in a book on Vernacular 1919-2006 Science: something to rely on in CBE your actions? This is just one greg funnell example of his wider interest in exploring ways in which people have scientific thoughts about situations which matter to them. Throughout his time at King’s, Neil pursued his interests in the public understanding of science and more recently he provided a set of four courses to under- Dr Helen Hudson FKC met and graduate science students and advised thousands of King’s Neil Ryder joined the newly- similar service courses to students students in her lifetime. She established Centre for Science in life sciences before taking early came to King’s in 1959 as Tutor Education at Chelsea College retirement. He continued to to Women Students. In 1973 in 1968 as Lecturer in Audio- pursue his interests at Royal she became Dean of Students Visual Aids bringing expertise Holloway College. and set up what was to become in audio-visual work and in Neil was one of the pioneers the College’s counselling and Genevra Richardson, Professor of communication through the of improving the understanding welfare services. She retired in Law, was awarded a CBE in the media. He became a Senior of science. He will be missed by 1982 but her involvement with Queen’s New Year’s Honours Lecturer in 1973. many but his work will continue King’s remained strong – she in recognition of her services to One of his tasks was to run a to be appreciated and valuable was Patron of the King’s College public law. small studio which could create for many years to come. London Association until 2005 ‘It’s incredible how kind and and edit TV programmes for Professors Paul Black and Margaret and also a former President of supportive people here have research and teaching. Neil Cox, Department of Education & the Association. A full obituary been,’ comments Professor had worked as a producer Professional Studies will appear in March’s Comment. Richardson, who joined King’s

February 2007 | Comment | 11 International

Global partners choose King’s

Last autumn the Dental Institute five-year agreement will promote entered a new era of global institutional collaboration prominence as key Memoranda by developing graduate of Understanding were signed dental education in Pakistan, with Baqai Medical University establishing faculty and research in Pakistan and the University staff exchange, and promoting of Malaya, and positive moves flexible and distance learning toward a similar agreement were programmes. made with the Government In November Professor Nairn of Brunei. These agreements Wilson, Dean and Head of the will provide new and exciting Dental Institute, committed opportunities for staff and the Institute to a further series students and will strengthen of partnerships with leading further the Institute’s scope of names in international dentistry. research and its international He welcomed representatives reputation. from Brunei Darussalam to the Institute to discuss how they Datuk Rafiah Salim, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malaya, and the Principal, Rick could work together in the Trainor and seated, Dean and Head of the Dental Institute, Nairn Wilson. Signalling the rising future. Key figures in Brunei’s University of Malaya following of Dentistry at Thammasat status of the Institute healthcare and academic sectors a visit to the Guy’s and Denmark University (Thailand), Tohoku toured the Dental Institute Hill Campuses by leading University School of Dentistry and met the Principal during figures of that University. (Japan) and Curtin University In October, Professor Stephen their visit. It is hoped that an Once again, the agreement in Western Australia. Challacombe, Vice Dean and agreement promoting academic will promote exchanges of The agreements represent Director for External Strategy collaboration and staff and great mutual benefit between an unprecedented level of for the Dental Institute, visited student exchange will be undergraduate elective students, international activity for Professor Dr Farid Baqai, the finalised in 2007. graduates and staff. King’s dentistry, signalling the Chancellor and Founder of Baqai Later in the month the Over the past year the Dental rising status of the Institute Medical University, in Karachi Principal and the Dean signed Institute has signed collaborative amongst international centres of to sign the Memorandum. This a Memorandum with the agreements with the Faculty excellence.

Security workshop King’s expert witness called the Department of War Studies, in fully the most effective and On 14 December Lord Stevens of French law, procedures conjunction with the International efficient means by which threats published his report on the and practices to assist the Society for Photogrammetry and problems can be solved. death of Diana, Princess of understanding of actions in the and Remote Sensing and the ‘The results of this workshop Wales, her companion Dodi Al French inquiry where specific European Commission’s project clearly demonstrated the Fayed and chauffeur Henri Paul. legal issues had been raised. Global Monitoring for Security advantages and benefits that Dr Eva Steiner, Lecturer in The report contains some & Stability (GMOSS), hosted a are to be gained from the use French Law in the School of of Dr Steiner’s comments on workshop on Treaty Monitoring of commercial remote sensing Law, was asked to provide a both the practice of autopsy and and Data Dissemination Policies. satellites,’ comments King’s description and interpretation embalming in French law. The Department is currently Professor Bhupendra Jasani, a involved in GMOSS, coordinating nuclear weapons expert. ‘Not some of the most important only do such capabilities offer a elements of European security- means towards arms control treaty Promotion of Science event related research dealing with verification; they also have the the use of space-based remote potential to contribute to other The Careers Service recently natural and physical sciences. sensing information. areas of security, for example: hosted a presentation by The The speaker suggested that The workshop was a small-scale, peace-keeping operations and Japan Society for the Promotion King’s students and post-docs high-level event with participants humanitarian assistance. It is of Science (JSPS) to publicise the interested in the programme from India, Japan, Denmark, important now that the issues of Society’s Fellowship schemes should start developing Poland, the United Kingdom, data dissemination policy, as well open to UK PhD students collaborative links with Japanese France, Germany and Italy. A as the information gap between and post-docs. The particular scholars and researchers. The number of technical presentations technical experts and decision- focus was the short-term award team at JSPS is keen to stimulate recognised that in today’s world it makers, are discussed in order programme, available for interest from the King’s research is imperative to have a technical to fully appreciate the inherent periods up to 11 months, which community. Please email and political understanding of advantages and efficiency offered covers most disciplines in the [email protected] with any queries situations in order to appreciate by such technologies.’ humanities, social science and or visit www.jsps.org

12 | Comment | February 2007 Flashback

Both world wars brought great changes to King’s, as reflected in these photographs and anecdotes from the King’s at War College Archives at the Strand Campus.

King’s College London Archives The Strand on 8 October 1940, with Head Porter Mr Beaver standing to attention beside a bomb crater in the Quad: 27 feet deep and 58 feet long. At the opening of the Second World War in September 1939 the Theology, Arts, Science and Engineering faculties of King’s were evacuated to Bristol. Their library of 7,000 volumes, which had been carefully transported from the Strand, was destroyed in a bomb attack on Bristol University in November 1940. The Medical Sciences Faculty moved to Glasgow and then (in 1940) to Birmingham. The medical students returned to London in 1942 and the rest followed in 1943. This photo was marked on the back by the Press Censorship Bureau ‘Not to be published’.

King’s College London Archives King’s College London Archives On the outbreak of war the main College buildings were handed over to the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) Service: a group consisting of about 40 porters and members of the administrative and support staff.Robert Hutton, Librarian and Deputy College Secretary (sixth from the left in the front row), was in charge, spending several nights each week in the College. On his left is John Combridge, Assistant to the Secretary and later Registrar, who became head of the King’s ARP when the students returned in 1943.

King’s College London Archives While King’s students were in Bristol, a magazine covered A student learning the art of trench cookery at the ‘a day in the life’ of one Household & Social Science Department of King’s student, John Macdonald College for Women during the First World War. This Paterson, who was studying Department remained at Camden Hill, Kensington, for a General Honours but the Arts and Sciences departments moved to the BSc. Fourteen photographs Strand in 1915, and the arrival of women students and followed his day, from his staff at the Strand helped King’s to maintain continuity morning call from his ‘Scout’ of existence during the 1914-18 war. By the end of 1915, at 07.15, shown here, through 300 male students had left for the armed forces, and to bedtime. Then, according instead the Strand was full of refugee students from to the caption, he would Belgium, Russia and other allied countries – who, ‘dream no doubt of passing however, generally paid no fees, observed no rules his finals in June and the and did no work, according to the College historian, commission that he hopes F J C Hearnshaw. awaits him at the end of summer in the Royal Artillery of the British Army’.

Text and images provided by Geoff Browell (Archives) and Christine Kenyon Jones (External Relations)

February 2007 | Comment | 13 Around the College

La traviata inspires staff and students in november As part of the staff – formed part of the full A week later students and staff reflect on the subjects of death development of the Care and house at the last night of the run returned to The Coliseum for and dying, denial, concealing Culture strategy for the Florence of La traviata at The Coliseum. a workshop facilitated by ENO illness from loved ones, and the Nightingale School of Nursing & Baylis. Themes included the resurgence of tuberculosis in 21st Midwifery 28 staff and students voice of nursing and midwifery century London. from the School took part in an ‘Provided the perfect and the health-related issues ‘This part of the School’s opera workshop in collaboration dramatic setting’ within the opera. By singing strategy represents the exciting with the Baylis Project at English and acting together participants beginnings of collaborative National Opera. explored the ways voices are work between the School, KCL The project was in two parts: ‘Everyone was moved by the used in teaching, comforting, Enterprises and a number of attending a performance of opera and drew comparisons caring, instructing and advocating. arts organisations in London,’ the opera and taking part in an with moral judgements made Issues around tone, pace, rhythm added Ian. ‘It also provided a experiential workshop. The about women, sexuality and and volume of speech were unique opportunity for a range of group – including pre-registration, illness in contemporary society,’ considered. participants to learn together, as post-registration and graduate said Ian Noonan, Lecturer in ‘La traviata provided the perfect peers, contributing to a stronger students, research and lecturing Mental Health. dramatic setting to discuss and sense of identity as a School.’

Opera world premiere King’s adopts green transport

Into the Little Hill, composed by George Benjamin, the internationally renowned composer and conductor and Henry Purcell Professor of Composition at King’s, premiered in Paris on 22 November. The opera marked the centrepiece of a retrospective of Professor Benjamin’s works by the 35th Festival d’Automne. The opera is a collaboration between George Benjamin and the English playwright Martin Crimp. The lyrical tale is based on an old story of a pact made King’s ISS Directorate has taken possession of four electric vehicles from Logicalis, between a statesman and a bizarre George Benjamin an international provider of integrated information and communications technology. stranger before an election, and The two electric scooters and two electric bicycles will be used by IT support staff the consequences suffered when, expression for Benjamin, the to travel between the College’s campuses enabling a faster response to IT issues in an environmentally sound way. Patricia Methven, Director of Archives & Information once elected, the statesman does result is more ravishing than Management, [pictured with Miron du Plessis, Senior Data Communications Officer] not honour his promise. anyone could possibly have commented: ‘These electric vehicles complement our programmes to reduce energy ‘If composing for the stage imagined,’ commented Andrew consumption across the board. We have installed flat screen displays throughout, ensured that all student computers enter an efficient sleep mode when idle, and are introducing has opened up new areas of Clements from The Guardian. LED and other energy efficient technology lighting. These actions will result in an annual saving of over £20,000 in respect of energy costs. The College has an agreement to source electricity from environmentally friendly hydro electric generation. ISS is aware of Physiotherapy event its carbon footprint and is doing all it can to reduce and mitigate wherever possible.’

More than 300 London-based Dr Beith’s colleague, Duncan audience discussion. extent but there is room physiotherapists attended an Critchley, spoke alongside Dr Beith comments: ‘We were for improvement in terms evening event at Guy’s Campus Professor Jennifer Klaber-Moffet surprised and excited by the of effectiveness and we are entitled Physiotherapy and low back of the University of Hull, and Dr high turn-out and participants continuing to investigate within pain – the current state of play. Lucy Goldby a physiotherapist in were not disappointed as the Division.’ The event was organised for clinical practice. Each presented they had an opportunity to The NPRN has been set up the London hub of the National their results from recently hear contemporary research to support research at all levels Physiotherapy Research Network published clinical trials into the from those carrying it out of the physiotherapy profession (NPRN) by Dr Iain Beith of the effectiveness of different forms and to question the speakers. and it is hoped further events Division of Applied Biomedical of physiotherapy for low back Each speaker confirmed that can be organised to facilitate this Research and the Physiotherapy pain. This was then followed physiotherapists can manage with King’s being ideally placed Department. by a lively 30-minute panel and low back pain to a certain to act as host.

14 | Comment | February 2007 Around theResearch College

Bureaucracy busting initiative

As part of an effort to increase managers with a view to actioning in certain areas and excessive bureaucracy busting and it will efficiency within the College, where possible,’ comments Robin form-filling, which will be be important that all managers, staff have been invited to identify Shonfeld, Head of Internal Audit addressed. Areas already agreed seek to cut down the paperwork inefficient administrative processes & Management Review. for revision by management and improve administrative or targets for improvement, with a include the development of an efficiency within the systems web-based suggestion box set up electronic internal order/payment and processes for which they for this purpose. ‘There has been an system by August 2007, better are responsible,’ adds Robin. ‘To date there has been an impressive response’ targeting of emails, a review of Should any member of impressive response and the committee structures (with a staff have further thoughts efficiency review group, which view to ensuring the effective or suggestions relating to the was established as part of the There have been some co-ordination of business) and the College’s efficiency agenda then strategic planning process, is consistent messages, notably possibility of creating a web- contact a member of Internal grateful for the range of helpful in terms of suggesting areas for based version of the research Audit or make use of the comments and suggestions made. improved use of IT in support of application (RG1) form. bureaucracy busting web form: These have been analysed and business, inefficient meetings and ‘It is recognised that there www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/intaud/secure/ are now being reviewed by committees, poor communications is a long way to go in terms of suggest-form.html

Companies on Campus Emails and new staff ezine greg funnell greg funnell The number of all-staff emails has risen significantly in recent years. This issue has been raised by staff in the internal communications review, a bureaucracy busting initiative and email policy roadshows. Staff overwhelmingly requested a drastic reduction in the number of emails they receive. It has also been the subject of discussion at College Committee, the Principal’s Central Team and other committees. From left: Gareth Hartwell, LogicaCMG, Joachim Wegener, DaimlerChrysler, Berlin, Brian Shea, Vizuri, Mark Harman, King’s, and Paul Bristow, Motorola. Consequently, a new College directive from the Head of The skills gap in InformaTion were: Gareth Hartwell, a King’s Administration & College technology and the current lack graduate and now Project Secretary on all-staff emails has of IT graduates is a major concern Manager on the Galileo Team now come into effect which From left: Timur Asar (Web Editor), for industry. In partnership with at LogicaCMG UK; Joachim limits all-staff emails to Chris Coe (Director of Communications) the CBI, the UK IT industry and Wegener Head of Software messages about emergencies, and Julie Munk (Internal Communications the British Computer Society are Testing R&D at DaimlerChrysler, messages relating to major new Officer) press the button on the new King’s staff ezine. urging Government to increase Berlin; Paul Bristow, a policies, and messages from the study incentives. project leader from Motorola, Principal or his delegate. This is volunteers for research projects To help address this concern, Basingstoke; and Brian Shea, in line with policies adopted by involving human subjects.) Professor Mark Harman of CEO of Vizuri Ltd, a 50-strong many other higher education To communicate information the Department of Computer testing and risk management institutions including most previously provided by all-staff Science, and Anna Thornton from consultancy in London that Russell Group universities. For emails a new weekly staff ezine KCL Enterprises, organised a recently recruited seven the new directive visit the has been launched. It is internally joint session between third-year graduates from the Department Policy Zone (www.kcl.ac.uk/ focused and provides information students and masters students of Computer Science at King’s. college/policyzone/attachments/ about events, training courses and and leading industrialists. The Department has strong CircularEmailDirective.pdf). issues of interest to the majority The session involved links with industry and a Other global lists, such as of staff. The ezine is sent via presentations and a panel session prestigious Industrial Advisory School lists, the Administration email each Friday. from captains of industry. Students Board has been established list etc, will still exist and staff Email Julie Munk at were able to discover, at first- in collaboration with KCL can be targeted effectively [email protected] by 12.00 each hand, the current challenges and Enterprises. This is one of a series through these. (There is a Wednesday with copy or images. opportunities within the European of activities linking the academic special set of mailing lists that is Ideally articles should be no IT sector. work of the Department with the used for the recruitment of more than 100 words. The industrial participants forefront of industrial practice.

FebruaryFebruary 20072007 || CommentComment || 1515 Around the College

‘Baby Friendly’ midwifery News in brief King’s has become the first of infant feeding for maternity university in England to achieve units and now universities in Repair and restoration London Genetics the first stage of acquiring the the training of midwives. The Work is currently underway at London Genetics was prestigious ‘Baby Friendly’ award. award for maternity units was the Maughan Library & ISC to launched at the end of 2006. The College gained a Certificate established a decade or more repair and restore the Round London Genetics is formed of Commitment, which was ago and currently 50 of the 315 Room’s glazed dome. It is from a consortium of seven presented to Sophie French and maternity units in the UK have expected that these repairs will world-renowned medical Louise Long from the Florence the award. By comparison the be completed by Easter 2007. research institutes, including Nightingale School of Nursing & award for universities is relatively The room will still be available King’s, to generate and Midwifery at the Baby Friendly new having been started in 2002. for reference users below the manage partnerships between conference in November. To date only one other university access floor during the majority leading academic and clinical The Certificate of in Scotland has a Certificate of of the works. Repairs will also researchers and the biotech Commitment can be gained Commitment, making King’s the begin on the stonework in the and pharmaceutical industries. when a university offering leader in England. Chancery Lane wing early this A key strength will be its ability midwifery or health visitor The final stage in achieving year and be completed by early to commission multi-centre training can demonstrate that the full award is planned in April June. For further information studies and provide a point its curriculum includes the and June 2007 when student visit: www.kcl.ac.uk/iss of contact for companies knowledge and skills deemed midwives will be assessed to see seeking to carry out genetics necessary for newly qualified if they have met the 19 learning Life Writing and genomics-based studies midwives to effectively support outcomes set by the Baby A series of free talks by in London. women who choose to breastfeed Friendly initiative. If successful, prominent biographers and their babies. King’s will have acquired full autobiographers is taking place Dental prize giving The Baby Friendly initiative accreditation. Further information this term for staff and students. At the Dental Society and the is a UNICEF WHO project about the initiative can be found Speakers include Hermione Dental Institute’s fifth annual which sets standards in support at: www.babyfriendly.org.uk Lee, acclaimed biographer Presidential Address and Prize of Virginia Woolf, Alexander Giving Ceremony, Professor Masters, prize-winning author Nairn Wilson, Dean of the Annual Fund applications of Stuart: A Life Backwards, Dental Institute, presented James Shapiro, author of medals to past presidents of the best-selling book on the Dental Society and Shakespeare, 1599; and welcomed the Society’s new Clare Pettitt, Lecturer in president, Warren Birnbaum. the Department of English, The newly appointed student on Livingstone. For more president, Ian Arad, was also information email Max Saunders introduced, and prizes were ([email protected]). awarded to students.

Nursing: US perspective Last year the King’s Players Society received a grant from the Annual Fund which enabled them to participate in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Development Committee regarding general repair and invites staff to submit funding maintenance of existing facilities applications for consideration at where there is no obvious its next meeting in early May extension of facilities or new 2007. The Committee disburses facilities being made available. funds raised from alumni, staff and In each case, evidence of how friends through the Annual Fund. the project will make a difference, The Committee welcomes and to whom, is required. A applications from across the complete budget is also necessary. College that will be of great The Committee is happy to benefit to departments, or discuss potential applications a significant proportion of and offer comments prior to the the College as a whole. The deadline. An application form and Committee is particularly keen further information can be found to receive any proposal designed at: www.kcl.ac.uk/fund/applying.html to enhance the overall quality of or by contacting the Development On 4 December Sarah Kagan, Professor of Gerontological Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania, gave the first (Nursing & Midwifery) Dean’s Lecture for this academic year student life and resource provision. Office on ext 3005 or by emailing at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery. Her talk explored current The Committee will not accept [email protected]. trends in collaborative practice in the USA and offered an analysis of value and worth, academic research projects and The deadline for completed opportunity and challenge, and outcomes for patients, clinicians and academic systems in collaborative nurse-physician practice. advises against applications applications is 23 March 2007.

16 | Comment | February 2007 Around the College

Proteomics facility…five years on

On 29 November 2001 one of the will help the diagnosis of disease of Psychiatry, in which plasma- Professor Brian Anderton, most advanced proteomics and also be useful for monitoring based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Director of the MRC Centre for facilities in the UK opened at the effects of drugs and new Disease were identified using Neurodegenerative Research and the Institute of Psychiatry. Five therapies presently in pre-clinical the mass spectrometers available founder of the facility, comments: years on, the laboratory is still development. The partnership within the facility. ‘Biomarkers ‘The state-of-the-art mass spectro- at the forefront of cutting-edge with Proteome Sciences plc has are a key area of research at metry and the expertise of our biological research. proved highly successful with the moment. You only have to collaborators in Proteome Sciences The facility was established several patents for biomarkers look at the fields of oncology has given us a lead in neuro- in partnership with Proteome in Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s and cardiovascular medicine for degeneration research over many of Sciences plc and the assistance Disease, numerous peer-reviewed example to see how important our competitors. It also certainly was of a Joint Research Equipment papers and many presentations they are. In psychiatry we are an important factor in our successful Initiative award from HEFCE. and posters at high-profile only just beginning to discover application to become an MRC A number of mass spectrometers international meetings. biomarkers but it is at least Research Centre since it enabled us including a Q-TOF and MALDI- possible that they will become to demonstrate our ability to TOF were commissioned. as important to diagnosis and to conduct translational research.’ Since that time the facility has Biomarkers are a key monitoring treatments as they are The facility primarily provides commissioned a new Q-TRAP area of research in other branches of medicine. mass spectrometry analysis mass spectrometer with funding Proteomics is critical to biomarker and data processing to King’s from the Medical Research discovery as proteins, like lipids researchers on a ‘fees for service’ Council. This has increased the The journal Brain recently and other metabolites, are state basis. For more information facility’s technological capabilities published work led by Professor markers as opposed to genes contact Steve Lynham (ext 0248) in discovering biomarkers which Simon Lovestone at the Institute which are trait markers.’ or Malcolm Ward (ext 5112).

NI Parliamentary debates online King’s dynasties Do you come from a long line of King’s, Guy’s, St Thomas’, Chelsea or Queen Elizabeth College graduates? The next issue of the College’s alumni magazine In Touch (due out in April) will feature staff and alumni who have connections with the College that stretch over a number of generations. If you have a story like this, or if any one you know comes from a King’s dynasty, please contact Rachael Corver ([email protected]), Development Communications Manager, ext 3052.

Minister of State visits

From left: Malcolm Polfreman (AHDS), Paul Ell (Centre for Data Digitisation and Analysis), Vijay Alberquerque, Alistair Dunning and Sheila Anderson (AHDS), in front of the Stormont Parliament.

More than 50 years of Stormont previously held by various parliamentary records have been institutions as reference made available to the general only copies, and with no public for the first time. A new comprehensive subject website has been created by the index were inaccessible and Arts and Humanities Data Service difficult to use,’ says Alistair (AHDS) at King’s and the Centre Dunning, AHDS. for Data Digitisation Analysis at Now stormont-papers.ahds. Queen’s University Belfast. ac.uk offers users the opportunity The website features all 93,000 to access this important and pages of the Northern Ireland intriguing collection of papers Parliamentary Debates produced and to search by key subjects or between 1921 and 1972 available people, many of whom are still online for the first time. involved in ongoing political Andy Burnham MP, Minister of State for Delivery and Reform, Department of Health ‘Casting a unique and valuable discussions today. The website (centre), meets Professor Nigel Leigh, Head of Neurology at the Institute of Psychiatry and Director of King’s Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Care and Research Centre, with light on political developments has also been indexed by subject Kirstine Knox, Chief Executive of the MND Association. The Minister came on a fact-finding within Northern Ireland, heading and an introduction to site visit in December to hear about ongoing research into MND, see the King’s MND Care these important debates were political figures has been provided. and Research Centre at work and meet with patients.

February 2007 | Comment | 17 Media watch

Listener polls Ashes ‘whitewash’ Away in a manger Bone jewellery Dr Richard Howells, Reader in Professor Carl Bridge, Head of the Dr Christine Kenyon Jones, Dr Ian Thompson of the Biomaterials Cultural and Creative Industries, Menzies Centre for Australian Research Fellow, Department of Group was interviewed about discussed listeners’ polls on Radio Studies, discussed contemporary English, contributed to the Radio 4 his project creating jewellery 4’s The Message and to what extent Anglo-Australian relations on programme The Night The Animals from samples of bone grown they generate audience interaction BSkyB TV World News on the Talked. Dr Kenyon Jones talked in the laboratory on the BBC’s and programme content. eve of the Ashes Test. Following about the biblical origin of the 6 O’clock News. The technique the English defeat, Professor animals in the stable. could eventually be used to grow Female aspiration Bridge offered an Australian large bits of bone for people with perspective to BBC Asian Saddam Hussein cancer or those who need bone In the Radio 4 programme Radio Network news, and then replacements. Analysis: The March of the Monstrous compared the Ashes ‘whitewash’ Efraim Karsh, Professor of Regiment, guest presenter Alison in 1920-1 with that of 2006-7 on Mediterranean Studies, and Male pill Wolf, Sir Roy Griffiths Professor Radio 4’s The Long View. co-author of Saddam Hussein: A of Public Sector Management, Political Biography, contributed A new hormone-free pill, which interviewed a group of ambitious Jury convictions an article on Arab reactions to the can work in a single dose is young Oxford women about execution to The New Republic, being developed at King’s by their aspirations. Professor Wolf Juries are reluctant to convict men and was quoted in numerous Dr Christopher Smith and Dr spoke to Peter Braude, Professor of rape in cases where the alleged media outlets, including The Nnaemeka Amobi. As a result of the of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, victim has been drinking, research Guardian, Washington Post, story appearing in the Daily Mail, about women who put their by Dr Vanessa Munro, Reader in the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York it was picked up by a number of careers above having children. School of Law, suggests. Dr Munro Daily News and Detroit Free Press, local, national and international The Financial Times and the Times was interviewed by ITV’s Tonight: following the execution of the broadcasters, including: Radio Higher ran articles written by Consenting Adults?, BBC Radio 5 Live former Iraqi leader. 4’s Today programme, Channel 5, Professor Wolf on education. Breakfast Programme, Channel 4 NBC (US), CBS News (Canada), News and Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Star Trek Mexican TV and Indo-Asian News. Polonium-210 Tense & explosive The Dean, the Revd Dr Richard Alexander Litvinenko’s death Burridge, spoke to Radio 4’s Sunday Pro-anorexia sites after apparently being poisoned With contributions from many programme about Star Trek, as by polonium-210 was the subject leading politicians, the military, a London convention of Trekkies Professor Janet Treasure, Head of of much discussion in the press. and Professor Sir Lawrence reflected on how religion has been the Eating Disorder Service at the Peter Zimmerman, Professor of Freedman, Vice-Principal making a stealthy comeback in the Institute of Psychiatry, discussed Science and Security, commented (Research), the BBC2 programme storylines over the decades. pro-anorexia websites on Radio 4’s on the use of the radioactive Masters and Commanders: No 10 and Woman’s Hour. material in The New York Times, the Generals explored the tense, and Dr Livingstone USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal sometimes explosive, relationship French union (Europe) and The Los Angeles between politicians and their Dr Clare Pettitt, Department of Times. Dr John Gearson, Reader in generals down the ages and asked English, discussed the meeting The French government proposed Terrorism Studies, discussed the who really called the shots. between Stanley and Dr a union of Britain and France in use of polonium on Radio 4’s, PM Livingstone on Radio 4’s Today 1956, even offering to accept the programme and explained that he Constantinople programme. She was interviewed sovereignty of the Queen, newly would expect the material to come about research in her forthcoming discovered documents show. from a state-backed facility. Judith Herrin, Professor of Late book Dr Livingstone, I Presume, Dr Richard Vinen, Reader in Antique & Byzantine Studies, on Irish national radio, the BBC Modern European History, Prison films discussed the fall of Constantinople World Service and ABC Australia. provided his thoughts on this in 1453 on the Radio 4 programme revelation to the International Dr Ian Henderson, Lecturer at the In Our Time. After Jesus Herald Tribune (Europe), The Menzies Centre for Australian Washington Post and the Globe and Studies, was interviewed by Jordan visit Judith Lieu, Professor of New Mail (Toronto, Canada). the BBC 4 cinema show In the Testament Studies, was inter- Can: The Prison Movie about the Professor Yezid Sayigh, Professor viewed on the CNN programme After NATO Australian prison filmsChopper , of Middle East Studies in the Jesus: The First Christians about the Stir and Ghosts of the Civil Dead. Department of War Studies, early Christians. Michael Clarke, Professor of was interviewed by BBC World Defence Studies, discussed the role World AIDS day Today and BBC Arabic Service on Trident of NATO in a post Cold War world on President Bush’s visit to Jordan Radio 4’s Today programme. Kamika McLean, Research Assistant and the implications for US policy Dr Andrew Dorman, Senior Lecturer in the Department of HIV/GUM, was in the region. Professor Sayigh also in Defence Studies, spoke to See www.kcl.ac.uk/headlines for interviewed for Choice FM (for World took part in a political discussion BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio the latest media coverage or on AIDS day programming) about HIV in on the possible formation of Northampton, LBC and BBC Campus noticeboards. Comment is the Black Caribbean community in a Palestinian national unity News 24, as Tony Blair was set to keen to know of any staff featured south-east London. government on Al Jazeera English. unveil new Trident plans. in the media, call ext 3202 or email [email protected]

18 | Comment | February 2007 Student news

of the event added to the occasion; year the President of the band Asian radio live from King’s one historian commented, ‘You and two other committee greg funnell don’t really get communication members are King’s Music between departments, so an undergraduates – Leah Thomas occasion like this is a real treat’. (tenor saxophone), Susanna Gillis Even Sir Michael made special (bass) and Katherine Lewis (alto mention after the event that the saxophone). King’s staff and students made The band, coached by Pete ‘a great crowd’. Long, musical director of Ronnie ‘You couldn’t have asked for Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, plays swing a better start for this year’s Clio,’ from the 1930s through to the enthused Adam. 1960s and is going from strength to strength. ‘We played a number of gigs Big Band in December, including the University of London Officer Training Corps Winter Ball, Camberwell Church Hall and the University of London Union Anita Rani (right) from BBC Asian Network Radio interviews Jo Williams (KCLSU VP Representation) live in the Waterfront bar. ‘Duck ‘n’ Dive’ Bar,’ enthused Leah Thomas, President. At the end of last term BBC Filmmakers, Breakin’ KCL, ‘These events are always great Asian Network Radio broadcast Yoga, People & Planet, Gospel fun because everyone is up and live from KCLSU’s Waterfront Music – talked about the dancing by the end of the night. bar. The programme was part of extra opportunities available The term ended with a gig at BBC Asian Network Radio Uni to students while they are the Bull’s Head – a prestigious Tour 2006. at College. A number of London jazz venue. We had a Anita Rani hosted her academics including Tom great crowd who really had a regular show from the bar. She Sanders, Professor of Nutrition good time!’ discussed what it is like to be and Dietetics, Dr Ruth In February the band is playing a student today: organising Adams, Lecturer in Cultural at the Chelsea Arts Club and in

study, managing finances, and Creative Industries, and Leah Thomas on tenor saxophone. March, the 606 Club – a venue health issues, career options and Dr Glenn Wilson, Reader in with a great jazz history. The band living in London. Ann Conlon, Personality, also featured on The University of London Big aims to record a CD in the spring Director of Student Services, the show. Band has become the focal and a tour to Southern Europe is and Paul Cornell, Senior Welfare Then Nikki Bedi’s afternoon point for much of the student planned for the summer. Advisor, together with Jenny programme included KCLSU jazz scene in London. The band For more information visit Owen, Head of College Careers societies taking part in quizzes was formed in 2002 and is the www.ulubigband.co.uk or contact Service, answered questions and reviews. It also featured largest group in the University Leah Thomas at leahthomas84@ from listeners. an interview with DJ Bobby of London Jazz Society. This hotmail.com Representatives of various Friction whose set was broadcast student societies – Musical live from Tutu’s later in the Theatre, Asian, Indie, Pakistan, evening. Children of the ice alexander kumar

of the Department of War Studies Sir Michael and the study of war itself; an entirely appropriate topic since Howard lecture the Department, and the wider The Clio Society played host to study of war has largely been one of King’s most prestigious established on Sir Michael’s alumni last term as Sir Michael shoulders. ‘The 84-year-old Howard took the lectern in the professor’s noted authority did opening lecture of the Society’s not disappoint in the 40-minute yearly series. speech which was laced with The former Regis Professor friendly camaraderie, every now of Modern History Oxford and then recalling his days at the gave a lecture entitled The College. The audience were not Development of War Studies lacking either with questions as to a bursting auditorium of wide ranging as the retention of History and War Studies staff the British nuclear deterrent to, Fourth-year medical student Alexander Kumar clinched first place in the International and students including Vice- ‘What is your favourite war?’,’ said Office’s photographic competition for his photographThe place where the world bends (Children of the ice). This contest is open to medical students many of whom have Principal (Research) Professor Sir Adam Harris, Secretary of the Clio completed an attachment or elective abroad. Professor Roger Jones, Dean for External Lawrence Freedman. Society. Affairs, chaired the judging panel. Alexander took this photograph when he travelled to an The lecture traced the history The inter-departmental nature Inuit community in the high Arctic. He found this group of children at the ocean’s edge.

February 2007 | Comment | 19 Books

Three favourite... places for a drink near guy’s Campus As recommended by Martin Harvey, Site Services Manager, Guy’s Campus.

The old guy’s Hospital superintendent’s wine cellar Have a drink here without leaving Campus. These dark brick-lined vaults are home to the Thomas Guy Club (open to staff) and contain the original bottle racks and a fascinating display of old Choosing Methods in The End of The Cold War Era Mozart: A Life in Letters photos of the Campus. Beware Mental Health Research – with no natural light, time Saki Dockrill, Professor of Edited by Cliff Eisen, Department can stand still here! Edited by Dr mike Slade, Clinical Contemporary History and of music Senior Lecturer international Security The Gladstone Arms (Lant Street) Mozart is among the most written- Not a spectacular pub This book develops a new Between 1989 and 1991 the world about of all composers. This (although becoming framework for mental health witnessed a number of dramatic new selection of letters by the increasingly trendy, with good research. It is concerned with how and traumatic changes: the end Mozart family takes as its point of live music and managed by the to choose the most appropriate of communism in Central and departure an earlier selection that people from Filthy McNasty’s mental health research method, Eastern Europe, the reunifi cation was never intended as such: Georg in Angel) but Lant Street has not only to address a specifi c of Germany, the end of the Nikolaus Nissen’s Biographie W. interesting connections with question, but to maximise the superpower nuclear arms race, the A. Mozarts (Leizpig, 1828). Dickens who lodged here while potential impact on shaping demise of East-West rivalries in Nissen, a Danish diplomat his father was in Marshalsea mental health care. the Third World and, fi nally, the and Constanze Mozart’s Prison. Nothing remains of The editors focus attention break-up of the Soviet Union. second husband, based his Victorian Lant Street and the on the type of audience that the The fi nal stages of the Cold War biography on the Mozart only reminder of Dickens is in researcher is seeking to infl uence, were impossible to accurately family correspondence still in the street names nearby. the types of evidence each predict, and many of the Constanze’s possession. audience accepts as valid, and the questions posed by those events What is remarkable about The King’s Head (King’s Head Yard) relative strengths and limitations remain unanswered today. the work is its attempt to tell This pub dates from 1885 and of each type of methodology. This book investigates the Mozart’s story through the family stands on the site of a much A range of research evolutionary (in one sense) and letters, which are generously older coaching inn. (The only methodologies are described and the sudden (in another sense) extracted. It is, in effect, an remaining coaching inn in critically appraised, and the use end of the Cold War in three ‘epistolary biography’. this area is The George – full of evidence by different groups major areas: Europe, superpower The letters are chosen to of tourists – but at one time is discussed. This produces relations and the Third World. preserve the continuity of Borough High Street was some important fi ndings about Freed from the apocalyptic Mozart’s life story and the full of them.) This pub has the interplay between research threat to civilization posed broader context within which recently been redecorated production and consumption, and by the superpower arms race, they were written. It is only in however it is quickly returning highlights directions for future the common hope was that a the context of complete letters, to its previous condition. As mental health research theory post-Cold War world would which show Wolfgang and his the landlord remarked: ‘It and practice. witness more peace and better father, Leopold, to the fullest, will be fi ne when the nicotine The fi ndings presented here government. that a story emerges. Accordingly starts to stain the ceiling again.’ will be relevant to mental health The reasons why this new this is more than an edition of You have been warned! service users and professionals world has failed to materialise, letters: it is also a history and who use research evidence to particularly after 9/11, can be a biography as told by Mozart Let us know your three inform decision-making. It will found in the highly-charged and his father. The volume is favourite things related to a also prove an invaluable resource state of international relations copiously annotated on the basis Campus and they could provide for students and researchers in both during the Cold War and of both recent and new Mozart colleagues with useful tips. the fi eld of mental health. its conclusion. scholarship. Email [email protected] Taylor Francis Hodder Arnold Penguin Books

Comment is the College’s regular newsletter, edited by the Public Relations Department and designed by the Corporate Design Unit | Comment is printed on paper produced with 80 per cent recovered fi bre| Articles are welcomed from all members of the College, but please note that the Editor reserves the right to amend articles | Copy for the next issue can be sent to Julie Munk, Public Relations Department (ext 3075), James Clerk Maxwell Building, Waterloo Campus, or emailed to [email protected] by 21 February.

20 | Comment | February 2007