Issue 245 ▸ 29 March 2012 reporterSharing stories of Imperial’s community Doctor to be?

Martyn Partridge starts the search for the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine’s students → centre pages

Gene therapy professor S arah Brown Groundbreaking Paul Matthews judges the next trial for cystic on launching generation of fibrosis gets the new global health public funding Division of innovators PAGE 3 Brain Sciences PAGE 13 PAGE 7 2 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245

New award scheme looks for leaders among schoolchildren Imperial is to take part in a new national award scheme to editor’s corner inspire schoolchildren about university study. The Russell Group’s Dux programme, announced by Schools Minister Nick Gibb MP, intends to recognise the top achievers in every sec- Y es man? ondary school in England, and those showing great potential.

Dux (which is Latin for leader or champion) is open to all main- Nick Gibb MP, centre, on a visit to the Reach Out Lab. Earlier this month, I saw tained secondary schools, and will see teachers selecting a year Imperial College Union nine pupil as their dux. They will be rewarded with a visit to one President, Scott Heath, of the Russell Group universities. will work with current students and research- give a presentation about Speaking at the launch, Nick Gibb said: “Visiting any of these ers on carbon capture and storage solutions, what he had learnt from great educational institutions, and seeing firsthand the possibili- explore fuel cell technology that could power high his time in the role. He ties that exist there, will open pupils’ eyes to an exciting world in ­performance, low emission cars, and e­ xperiment talked about following which they can not only take part, but thrive.” with new solar cell technology that could make the ethos of the film Imperial’s participation is being coordinated by Alan West, solar energy cheap and accessible for all.” Yes Man, where Jim Director of the Reach Out Lab. Alan said: “The prizewinners — Simon Watts, Communications and Development Carrey plays a man who challenges himself to say ‘yes’ to everything for a year, with the aim of seizing and creating Major funding boost as many opportunities as possible. Scott reported for PhD training that saying yes to even the most random of The College is to receive opportunities has resulted imperial more than £8 million in in unexpected benefits for funding from the Engineer- the Union and Imperial ing and Physical Sciences students. Listening to Research Council (EPSRC) festival Scott, it occurred to me as part of their £83 million that we could all benefit national investment in doc- from being more open to toral training grants (DTGs). FREE new ideas. For me, I could All staff welcome embrace some of the This year’s investment more daring suggestions in DTGs is the largest the additional one or two years after FRI 11 May • 16.30–22.00 on my features planner EPSRC has ever made and they have completed their PhD, SAT 12 May • 12.00–18.00 and participate in the allocations have been to ensure that the impact of their College’s juggling club, awarded to 42 universities work is more fully realised. despite my lack of across the UK. The DTGs Professor Donal Bradley, As part of the Imperial Festival coordination, or beat my support the provision of a Pro Rector (Research), said: “I ­celebrations, please join us for a ­special fear of extreme sports range of measures related am delighted that the EPSRC staff event16.30–18.00 on Friday 11 May. sessions and train with to postgraduate training, has chosen to support PhD stu- Cheer on the teams competing in the Imperial’s Olympic including studentships dents at Imperial. Without this, Imperial Olympics, discover what your hopefuls at the crack of for UK, EU and overseas we would not be able to offer the ­colleagues get up to by taking part in dawn. I think it’s time to nationals. The grants allow scale of high-quality research interactive demos and enjoy a free glass start saying yes and see institutions to be flexible in training that we currently deliver of wine in Imperial’s pop-up pub, the what adventures this terms of the duration of the to students in the engineer- Haemo Globe Inn. Sign up to receive your change of attitude takes studentship; between three ing and physical sciences. The drink voucher and register attendance at: us on. and four years dependent DTG will enable a new cohort of Emily Ross-Joannou, Editor on the project. The flexibil- ­excellent students to strengthen www.imperial.ac.uk/festival ity of the DTG mechanism their knowledge and skills, Reporter is published every three weeks during term also allows universities to ­working with world-leading time in print and online. leverage funds, for example research teams on challenging The next publication day from industry, to generate and timely projects. Like EPSRC, is 3 May. more money and poten- we consider this to be an essen-

Contact Emily Ross-Joannou: tially support higher num- tial component in developing the [email protected] bers of students. There is UK’s competitiveness.” also funding to support the — Simon Watts, Communications

very best students for an and Development 3 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245 >> newsupdate

Admission requirements for Singapore C ystic fibrosis gene therapy medical school announced programme gets green light

Imperial and Nanyang ­Technological Imperial researchers will begin University (NTU) announced the the largest clinical trial of its type admission requirements for the Lee to test a new gene therapy treat- Kong Chian School of Medicine in ment for people with cystic fibro- Singapore earlier in March. ­Students sis (CF ) thanks to a new grant vying for one of the first 50 places from a government funding body. at Singapore’s newest medical school, which opens in August One hundred and thirty adults and 2013, will need to demonstrate they children with CF will take part in have the skills to be an outstanding the trial starting this spring coor- doctor, as well as hold first class dinated by the UK Cystic Fibro- qualifications. upon attributes, such as empathy sis Gene Therapy Consortium The School will identify the and professionalism, on their (GTC). The GTC is a group of scientists and clinical teams from ­students best suited for the new commitment to medicine as a career Imperial, the Universities of Oxford and Edinburgh, Royal medical course through robust and on their potential to meet Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust and NHS admission ­requirements which exacting ethical standards. We want Lothian, who have worked together for the last decade to include the BioMedical Admissions to develop the best students into develop gene therapy for CF. Test (BMAT) and a series of multiple the best doctors to serve the people The trial will be funded by a £3.1 million grant from mini-int­ erviews. The BMAT, which of Singapore in the future.” the National Institute for Health Research and the Medical assesses skills in problem solv- The Lee Kong Chian School of Research Council. ing, communica- Medicine, established in CF is the most common lethal inherited disease in the tions and applying October 2010 to help to UK, affecting around 9,500 people nationally and over scientific knowl- “We want to meet the demand for doctors 90,000 worldwide. Patients’ lungs become filled with thick edge, is used by develop the best in Singapore, will offer a sticky mucus and they are vulnerable to recurrent chest UK ­universities, students into the five-year undergraduate infections, which eventually destroy the lungs. The cause of including Imperial, best doctors to medical course leading to CF, mutations in a gene located on chromosome 7, was iden- for admission to serve the people the award of a joint Imperial- tified in 1989, opening the door to replacing this faulty gene medical­ courses, of Singapore in NTU MBBS degree. The using gene therapy. but has not pre- the future” admission requirements Patients will receive the treatment by inhaling molecules viously been a were announced to of DNA wrapped in fat globules that deliver the replacement requirement of any university coincide with NTU’s open house gene into the cells in the lung lining. Half the participants in Singapore. on 10 March, where prospective will receive the real treatment and half a placebo in a double- Professor Martyn Partridge, students were given a taste of the blind study. Senior Vice Dean of the School and new medic­ al course. Professor Eric Alton (NHLI), the GTC Coordinator, said: Deputy Director of Education in —arc oline davis, Communications “This trial will assess if giving gene therapy repeatedly for a Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine, said: and Development year will lead to the patients’ lungs getting better. Eventually “As well as our requirement for the For more on the development of the we hope gene therapy will push CF patients towards a normal highest academic qualifications, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, life expectancy and improve their quality of life significantly.” see pages 8–9. our students will be assessed —a S m Wong, Communications and Development

DSc for George M aking the NHS THE world reputation New partnership Andrew George, a safer place rankings takes off Professor of Imperial College Healthcare NHS In the Times Higher Education On 15 March, Imperial and Molecular Trust, in partnership with the World Reputation Rankings major aerospace manufacturer Immunology

in brief College, has been awarded 2012, published on 15 March, Aviation Industry Corporation (Medicine) and £7.2 million to establish a Centre Imperial was ranked 12th of China (AVIC) agreed to Director of the for Translational Research in in the world for teaching establish a £2.5 million centre Graduate School, Patient Safety. The five-year award, reputation (down from 10th) forming lighter and stronger has been awarded from the National Institute for and 14th in the world for aircraft components at the the DSc degree of Health Research, extends the research reputation (down College. The researchers at Imperial College duration and scope of the existing from 12th), leading to an the AVIC Centre for Structural London. His research for the doctorate involved Centre for Patient Safety and overall reputational ranking of Design and Manufacturing investigating ways to prevent transplants from being Service Quality in the Department 13th, a fall of two places from from the Department of rejected by the immune system. His group was the of Surgery and Cancer, and brings 2011. Imperial maintained its Mechanical Engineering first to genetically modify corneas – an approach together a range of disciplines to position of third in the UK. The will also focus on developing that could be used to block rejection in corneal develop new ways of improving the 2012 Reputation Rankings are advanced computer transplantation. “I was very pleased and proud to get safety, quality and effectiveness of based on a survey of academic modelling to improve my DSc from Imperial,” said Professor George. healthcare services. opinion around the world. manufacturing processes. 4 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245

Harvesting energy and water C hanges to teaching day from human waste A prototype system for recover- Imperial’s Management ing drinkable water and harvest- Board has approved ing hydrogen energy from human several changes to the ­faecal waste beat more than 2,000 College teaching day other proposals to receive funding from next year onwards, from the Bill and Melinda Gates to build in time for Foundation in November 2011. undergraduates to take part in activities which The winning team of scientists go beyond their disci- from the Department of ­Materials, pline-based teaching. tunity for students to expand their the University of Manchester and people in developing countries Changes include a ­perspectives and gain as much benefit Durham University, believe the to adopt the technology where new time-slot on Mon- from expertise around the College as ­technology could be used in an large sewage networks may not day afternoons for co- possible, and this has meant carefully inexpensive device by people in exist. Where sewage infrastruc- curricular activities and reviewing how the teaching day the developing world to gener- ture is in place, the ­technology phasing out the is structured.” ate clean water and energy from could be hooked into the current two-hour “We want to Two programmes, waste. It also could be used as a ­system, minimising implementa- free period over provide the Business Imperial and sustainable source of hydrogen tion costs for home owners. weekday lunch- opportunity Horizons, have been energy to power homes. Dr Martyn McLachlan times, with all for students to piloted, allowing stu- The researchers say that the ­(Materials) said: “In the future, Departments still expand their dents to engage with device will be portable, allowing we may see homes in the UK being required to perspectives” business and environ- installation in homes and remote generating their own clean set aside at least mental issues through locations. The ­technology is water, energy and fertiliser an hour for lunch. seminars. based on a porous scaffold that ­simply by doing what comes Professor Julia The changes will be phased in, holds bacteria and metal nano- ­naturally to us all once or twice Buckingham,­ Pro-­ with alterations to lunchtimes and particles. When faecal sludge day. More important are the Rector (Education and the Monday afternoon slot beginning is filtered through the scaffold, implications for developing ­Academic Affairs) said: introduced for first year students in these particles react with the countries, where the provision of “These changes will give 2012–13, taking in second years in waste matter to generate the clean drinking water is ­essential room in the timetable 2013–14 and third year students and recycled resources. These can for supporting life and self-­ to offer undergraduates above in 2014–15. either be used immediately or generated energy could be used classes going beyond Wednesday afternoons will con- stored for later use. to support ­economic growth.” their own areas of study, tinue to be free from teaching. The first stage of the project —Colin Smith, Communications and helping enhance their —John-Paul Jones, Communications will see the team developing a Development employment prospects and Development standalone sanitation device, Read the full story: http://bit.ly/ in the future. We want See the College Notice: http://bit.ly/ making it easier and cheaper for harvestingwaste to provide the oppor- CollegeDay

Imperial scientists investigate childhood bacterial infections

Imperial researchers will study the genetic fac- disease processes, using cell biology and tors that influence children’s susceptibility to functional ­genomics studies. bacterial infections in a €12 million research “This is a truly interdisciplinary project collaboration announced on 9 March. that will go beyond state-of-the-art genetics to tell us about the biological mechanisms Despite the availability of vaccines and anti- underlying how genetic factors influence dis- microbial drugs, large numbers of children ease,” said Professor Mike Levin (Medicine), continue to be affected by bacterial infec- who is coordinating the project. tions, both in developed countries and the “We hope to identify new therapeutic tar- developing world. They account for more than gets which would possibly allow treatments to a quarter of child deaths globally. be matched to individuals based on their pre- As well as looking for genetic differences dicted immune response.” that affect susceptibility to disease and how The new project, called EUCLIDS, is funded involve 14 partner institutions in six countries, with a severe the illness is, the project aims to by the European Union’s Seventh Frame- budget of €12 million over five years. understand how the genes identified affect work Programme for Research (FP7), and will —a S m Wong, Communications and Development 5 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245 >> newsupdate

Join our mailing list for regular media mentions news, information and website alerts: —John-Paul Jones, Communications and Development www.imperial.ac.uk/media/jointsignup

the guardian ▸ 8.3.2012 los angeles times ▸ wired ▸ 15.3.2012 bbc news ▸ 21.3.2012 11.3.2012 Cosmic weather forecast Size isn’t everything Brain boost One year on Scientists A meteorite Researchers claim to have identified the predict that Twelve months after the believed to mechanism by which electroconvulsive we will see Fukushima nuclear incident be the UK’s therapy (ECT) – a psychiatric treatment more solar concerns over radiation largest is in which seizures are electrically storms over exposure continue. However currently on induced in anesthetised patients for the coming Imperial Visiting Professor display at therapeutic effect works for people months. As Robert Gale (Medicine), a Royal Society exhibition. Size, suffering from severe depression. The an active together with radiation risk however, is not enough to impress scientists conducted a study involving area of the Sun continues to generate expert Owen Hoffman from the scientists who examine severely depressed patients, taking MRI solar flares, charged particles are SENES Oak Ridge Inc, says meteorites for clues to the solar brain scans before and after treatment ejected into space, which have the fears over an increase in system’s past. Speaking to Wired, using ECT. The research suggests that potential to cause geomagnetic storms cancer since the incident Dr Zita Martins (Earth Science ECT effectively reduces overactive as they crash into Earth’s magnetic are unwarranted: “Humans and Engineering) says the most connection strength field. These could potentially cause are exposed to radiation important thing for her is what is between parts disruption to satellites and even the every day. About 50 per cent under the surface: “The meteorites of the brain. national grid. The active area of the comes from natural sources. I’m interested in are the stony Professor sun first rotated into Earth’s view The other 50 per cent is from ones, specifically carbonaceous David Nutt on 3 March. Speaking at the time, Dr manmade sources. When chondrites. Those are very rich in (Medicine) Jonathan Eastwood (Physics) said: “At it comes to exposures like carbon, and I’m interested in them said: “These the moment, the Earth’s magnetic field at Fukushima, the question because they have lots of organic findings make is trying to deflect the solar material is: what is the relative molecules.” These molecules are a lot of around the Earth, and scientists in magnitude of the increased the building blocks of life and sense. This the UK and around the world are risk from Fukushima central to theories suggesting life is why my research group is progressing monitoring the situation to see if our compared to our baseline evolved on earth thanks to the psilocybin – which also disrupts magnetic shield will hold up.” cancer risk? Despite our delivery of such key ingredients this network,– as a treatment for fears, it is quite small.” by meteorites. depression.”

awards and ICT were completed in 2007 and 2009, honours ICT recognised for were described by the panel as training materials high quality, attractive, contempo- rary buildings which respect and Imperial is one of five institutions respond to their surroundings. medicine in a consortium that won the 2011 Pennell wins gold Universities and Colleges Informa- natural sciences tion Systems Association Eduserv commercial services W ave research funding On 4 February award for excellence in developing Prince’s Gardens Dudley information security training mate- halls recognised Dr Greg Pavliotis and Professors Pennell, rial. The award was presented at a Richard Craster and Andy Parry Professor of ceremony on 14 March. The award- Steve Howe, Director of Capital (Mathematics) have been awarded Cardiology winning material was developed ­Projects and Planning, and Jane funding of £678,000 by the (NHLI) and by a collaboration of ICT teams Neary, Director of Commercial Ser- ­Engineering and Physical ­Sciences Director of the Cardiovascular led by the University of Leicester vices, picked up a Civic Trust award Research Council to investi- Magnetic Resonance (CMR) which involved Imperial, Cranfield for the new halls of residence in gate three fields of wave study in Unit, was awarded the Society ­University, the University of Leeds Prince’s Gardens at a ceremony on applied maths. They aim to predict for CMR gold medal in Orlando and the University of York. The 2 March. The Civic Trust recognises the how waves reflect off designed USA. The award recognises submission focused on a project excellence in the built environ- structured ­surfaces and how they outstanding contribution to the to develop, at minimal cost, high ment and its awards are given to change when they encounter a field of cardiovascular magnetic quality training material on infor- projects which make an outstand- micro-patterned surface. They also resonance and to the society. mation security suitable for staff in ing contribution to the appearance hope to model how waves diffuse a higher education institution. of the local area. The halls, which through a physical mesh. 6 >> scienceroundup www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245

Gene clue to how virus causes cancer V irologists and immunologists at Imperial and the University of Zurich have identified mutations in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that increase the capacity of the virus to escape detection by the virus to cause cancer, in a study immune system and cause cancer. published on 12 March in the “This is the first known ­Journal of Clinical Investigation. example of a cancer-causing virus The research reveals that EBV carrying a tumour suppressor Patient safety issues in carries a tumour suppressor gene gene,” said Professor Martin – the first such gene known in a Allday (Medicine), who led the developing countries ­cancer-causing virus. study with Professor Christian Münz of the University of Zurich. A new study published in the British Medical Journal has outlined for the EBV is one of the most common “We can speculate that this first time the frequency and nature of harm to patients brought about by viruses in humans, persistently gene might help ensure the healthcare in developing countries. The study, published on 12 March, infecting more than 90 per cent long-term survival of the host ­sponsored by the World Health Organisation, involved researchers at the of the population. The virus can without serious disease, which Centre for Patient Safety and Service Quality at Imperial. remain in the allows the virus to body for many persist in human The researchers looked at patients from 25 hospitals in Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, years without any This is populations. Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, South Africa and Yemen. They found that harm to obvious symp- the first known “The findings patients caused by their healthcare, rather than their disease, is a major pub- toms, but it also have highlighted lic health problem, as it is in the developed world, but in these countries causes glandu- example of a the importance patients are more likely to die from such harm. lar fever and is cancer-causing of factors like Common adverse events recorded in the study included hospital-acquired associated with virus carrying CXCL10 that attract infections, patients being given the wrong drugs, adverse drug reactions, surgi- several types of immune cells in cal complications and delays in diagnosis. Across the countries studied, eight cancer, including a tumour the surveillance per cent of hospitalisations involved at least one adverse event to the patient. lymphoma. suppressor gene” of tumours. Over 80 per cent of these events were judged preventable and 30 per cent con- The new Understanding how tributed to the death of the patient. research has these factors are “We know that safety is a concern in all advanced healthcare systems,” found that EBV normally car- regulated and work in tumours said Professor Charles Vincent, Director of the Centre (Surgery and Cancer). ries a gene that suppresses can- may assist in the development “This study tells us that it’s an equal concern in developing countries. cer, at least in part by making of better strategies for “The vast majority of adverse events are preventable. Better training and infected cells secrete a protein manipulating the immune supervision of clinical staff and the use of clinical protocols could help to called CXCL10 that alerts the host system in cancer therapies.” reduce harm caused by healthcare.” immune system. Mutations that —a S m Wong, Communications and Development —a S m Wong, Communications and Development inactivate this gene allow the Making machines from yeast The researchers, from the Centre for Synthetic which to engineer biological machines. Biology and Innovation and the Department of Future applications of this work could include Bioengineering, have demonstrated a way of tiny yeast-based machines that can be dropped into creating a new type of biological ‘wire’, using water supplies to detect contaminants, and yeast proteins that interact with DNA and behave like that records environmental conditions during the wires in electronic circuitry. The scientists say the manufacture of biofuels to determine if improve- advantage of their new biological wire is that it ments can be made to the production process. can be reengineered over and over again to create Dr Tom Ellis, senior author of the paper, potentially billions of connections between DNA (Bioengineering) says: “From viticulture to making components. Previously, scientists have had a bread, humans have been working with yeast for limited number of wires available with which to thousands of years to enhance society. Excitingly, Imperial scientists are one step closer to link DNA components in biological machines, our work is taking us closer to developing more making more complex microscopic biologi- restricting the complexity that could be achieved. complex biological machines with yeast. These tiny cal machines, following improvements in The team has also developed more of the key biological machines could help to improve things the way that they can ‘rewire’ DNA in yeast, DNA components needed for reprogramming yeast such as pollution monitoring and cleaner fuels, according to research published in the to perform different tasks. Scientists currently which could make a difference in all our lives.” journal PLoS ONE on 16 March. have a limited catalogue of components from —Colin Smith, Communications and Development 7 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245 >> featurefocus

Brain power Reporter speaks to Professor Paul Matthews, head of the new Division of Brain Sciences, who has big ideas for neuroscience and mental health at Imperial.

Why is Imperial launching a However, what we lacked was a Division of Brain Sciences? sense of cohesion and support In recent years, government for neurosciences and mental and public funders have been health. The Rector and the Faculty increasing their focus on brain Principal strongly endorsed the diseases, especially chronic creation of a new Division of problems, such as depression, Brain Sciences to link mental schizophrenia and bipolar health research, neuroscience disorder, and the late-life disorders and neuropsychopharmacology While embracing bold and We are also here to create new of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. (the science of how drugs affect creative thinking, we also need knowledge and we need to set a The Faculty of ­Medicine wants to the mind). By pulling together to acknowledge the challenge of high bar. We do not want to just ensure that Imperial c­ontinues everyone under one roof, we can funding in a more uncertain future. add to the detail of the science; to lead with prominent research develop synergies and enhance The ­College has we want to programmes that advance the foundation for further growth. given the Division see Imperial understanding and treatments in It will create a nationally unique resources to initi- While contributing neurosciences and mental health. academic research grouping. ate its development embracing bold and to changes in and has provided a concepts of What are the special What are the challenges in clear remit to grow. creative thinking, how the brain opportunities for Imperial? turning Imperial into a major If we can come we also need to works and of Last year, I convened an external force in brain sciences? together around a acknowledge the brain disease. expert panel to look closely First, we need to help individually big and compelling Finally, at what was happening in the successful investigators in the vision, and demon- challenge of funding” to make College. We quickly came to some College appreciate that our strate how that can our efforts exciting conclusions. There are strength lies in the fact that we are be transformative, then I am con- sustainable, we must share our areas of unique strength in the a community of scholars who can fident that the necessary funding knowledge and educate. We need brain sciences. Some of these are support each other, rather than a will follow. to focus on ensuring that we are outside the Faculty of Medicine, set of individual entrepreneurs getting the most outstanding in, for example, bioengineering, who happen to share a common What will success look like? trainees and that we contribute physics, chemistry and computing. space. We need to find new and Those of us who care for patients to their development, so that Here in the Faculty of Medicine, better ways of working together for are aware of how few therapies excellent people come here and we have innovative leaders brain sciences, within and across we have that have a major impact leave us as unparalleled! We also developing new concepts for the faculties. on brain disorders. As physicians need to extend our reach outside diagnosis and treatment. These Second, we must help our and scientists in a major medical the walls of Imperial. New teaching include pioneering applications ­scientists rediscover their long-term school, we have an overarching tools, such as web-based media, of molecular imaging to the vision. We live in a world where it is responsibility to direct our efforts will allow us to teach students not diagnosis and monitoring of too easy to focus on the immediate towards making a step change in just here, but across the world. neurodegenerative disorders, next steps and take safe decisions treatment. We will closely monitor —a S m Wong, Communications bringing new stem cell treatments based on what is possible now. We the progress of this ambition – and Development to multiple sclerosis and finding want people to think boldly, and measurable by changes in health The Division of Brain Sciences will new ways of tackling problems of go well beyond anything they’ve outcomes, by new treatments or launch on 2 April addiction or personality disorders, done before. With this approach, diagnostic methods in the clinic, to name just a few. We also have I believe that extraordinary things and by a research portfolio that some special strengths in the could happen! includes concepts that will fundamental neurosciences. deliver tomorrow’s treatments. 8 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245

Show and tell Headphones plugged into shiny iPads, clusters of Singaporean school students are sitting in the L ee Kong Chian School of Medicine seminar room, tapping in responses to multiple choice questions designed to test their understanding of the online lecture they have just watched. The prospective students are among 800 who visited the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine on 10 March, 18 months after Imperial signed an agreement to partner with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to develop a new medical school in Singapore.

Over the course of the School’s first open day, undergraduate curriculum project for the Royal through ­e-learning ­sessions and dem- College of Obstetricians. onstrations of medical ­simulations, Naomi and her team started by evaluating the visitors received a taste of the Imperial’s existing degree, alongside the ­innovative ­curriculum developed medical curricula used at other UK and by a ­dedicated team of over 60 international institutions, to explore what people in London and ­Singapore. new approaches might be beneficial to the ­Professor ­Martyn ­Partridge, ­Singaporean course. “We wanted to build ­Deputy Director of ­Education in the on the strengths of the Imperial curriculum Faculty of Medicine and Senior Vice but innovate where we felt it would improve Dean of the School, has been its ­student learning. We also wanted to look for driving force and was one of the first methods and approaches to embed caring and to meet the prospective students as they compassionate behaviours,” she explains. came through the door. Naomi consulted extensively with junior doctors, who had recently graduated from Martyn has been developing the School’s Imperial, to seek their views on what they ­curriculum since October 2010, when he went enjoyed about the course and their ideas for to Singapore to analyse what was needed how to excite and inspire incoming students. to train a new generation of doctors for the Experts in Singapore were also involved country. Until then, he had assumed that at every stage of the development to ensure much of Imperial’s MBBS medical degree the curriculum would offer training relevant curriculum would simply be transferred to to the country’s healthcare needs. Thanks the ­Singaporean course. In speaking to local to their input, the School’s students will be ­people, GPs, the Ministry of Health and well-equipped to deal with the country’s ­Ministry of Education, however, it quickly high prevalence of diabetes and infectious became obvious there was a thirst for diseases like dengue fever, but will have less something new. “We agreed we needed to in-depth knowledge of rarer conditions to start from scratch,” M­ artyn explains. Singapore, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle Over the next few months, Martyn and cell disease. ­Professor Jenny Higham, Deputy Principal of the Faculty of Medicine, assembled a team headed Clinical scenarios by Dr Naomi Low-Beer, C­ urriculum Develop- ment Lead and a consultant g­ ynaecologist, Naomi explains that one of the key aims of to take on the mammoth task of developing a the curriculum is to give students wide experi- Pictured, from top: Professor Martyn Partridge; prospective students try out ­five-year c­ urriculum. Naomi was well versed in ence of healthcare, allowing them to special- the e-learning methods on open day; curriculum development, having been involved ise in a range of fields when they graduate, simulated surgery sessions at Imperial were a source of inspiration for the team in projects to improve Imperial’s medical whether their ­interests take them into pri- designing the curriculum. degree, in addition to working on a national mary care or research. To work out how to 9 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245 >> featurefocus

team-based learning ­facilities that hook into iPads and project work onto plasma screens, students will be encouraged to solve problems together. Seventeen-year-old Toh Wer Shien, from the Anglo Chinese School, trialled the approach at the Open Day and was impressed by the School’s use of technology to support communal learning. “You don’t just learn from textbooks or journals but from one another, as you debate the issues,” he said.

Sharing expertise

Martyn says that both Imperial and NTU are gaining from the sharing of expertise through the deliver such breadth, the team a chronic condition for two years with patients’ emotions and collaboration. For example, he looked at the s­ tructures of other and learn about their day-to-day reactions to medical situations, hopes that innovations used in courses for inspiration, and life, and how they are looked and allowing them to develop the Singapore School could be homed in on the impor­ tance of after by the healthcare system. and refine their clinical practice incorporated into the medical early ­clinical exposure to bring Martyn is skills without degree at Imperial. There has to life what students learn in insistent that putting people been particular interest in the the classroom. the curriculum We wanted at risk. “By team-learning approach and First year students taking should reflect to build on the using simulated a taster session organised by a cardiorespiratory course will the reality patients, we Naomi for medical students, learn about the science under- of ­modern strengths of the aim to make our junior­ ­doctors, clinicians, pinning breathlessness, chest ­medicine. Imperial curriculum students feel scientists and administrators pains and heart palpitations. “Whether the but innovate where confident in in the Faculty of Medicine has They will then get the opportu- students go taking histories, already received excellent nity to examine someone, either on to be a we felt it would examining feedback.“The consensus was in a hospital or a polyclinic, who neurosurgeon improve student patients and that team based learning is has had a heart attack, allow- or a GP, a major learning” doing simple an excellent way to teach large ing them to better understand part of their procedures. groups while keeping them fully the c­ ondition signalled by the careers will be So, when they engaged and accountable,” symptoms and how it is treated. spent caring for eventually get she says. “Sitting in a lecture theatre patients who are elderly or who to a real patient or work with a When the curriculum is can be very ­frustrating without have chronic medical conditions. teacher on an attachment, put into practice in 2013, it really knowing how what you We want them to learn from an they are better equipped to will be carefully monitored are learning links together. It’s early stage how satisfying and learn from that episode,” and evaluated using feedback about u­ nderstanding the context enjoyable it can be to do this explains Naomi. from staff and students to – that’s what makes excellent well,” he says. All students will be given enable developments and ­doctors,” says Martyn. iPads in the first year, ­giving refinements. For Martyn, the The School has been Innovative teaching them easy access anytime and success of the curriculum established to meet the anywhere to a suite of ­e-learning will be signalled ultimately healthcare demands of In addition to interactive face-to- materials that ­support the by the accomplishments of ­Singapore’s ageing population, face teaching on basic science course content. The ­e-learning the School’s ­graduates: “I so helping students to and clinical attachments, the materials will also be used as can’t wait to see our excellent understand the needs of the course’s teaching techniques a tool for reflection, helping doctors working in a range of patients they will be treating is a will include simulation, allowing ­students to eval­uate their professions, and for patients to key aim of the course. Building students to get hands-on learning­ experiences. recognise their doctors’ care and on the experience that features experience of medical scenarios Doctors cannot deliver the compassion as characteristics in Imperial’s MBBS course, in a realistic environment. highest quality of care to patients of a doctor from the Lee Kong Singapore students will have Students will be exposed to in isolation, so the new medical Chian School of Medicine.” the chance to follow either an actors posing as patients, course will emphasise teamwork —Emily Ross-Joannou, elderly patient or a patient with giving them practice in dealing skills. Using specially designed, Communications and Development

10 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245

The Elephant in the Room

Professor Jonathan Waxman is ­Clinical Chair in Prostate Cancer in the inside Department of Surgery and Cancer at ­Hammersmith Campus. He founded the Prostate Cancer Charity, the first national organisation promoting story research and patient support for this condition. Jonathan writes about how he was inspired to write The ­Elephant in The Room, his recently published mini profile collection of short stories about the lives of cancer patients and the ­writing it by myself. The stories are ­doctors treating them. fictionalised accounts of real people Rob Gross and their struggles, “The book was inspired and in them I try to Reporter speaks to Dr Rob by my friend, the I try to explain explain how ­cancer Gross about the many ‘hats’ novelist J.G Ballard, how c­ ancer patients patients feel, but that he wears at Imperial. In whose book Crash was also explore the particular, his role as Policy adapted into a film feel, but also feelings and the Director at the Energy Futures by David Cronenberg. explore the feelings ­doctors who care for Lab (EFL) and his penchant for Jimmy helped me and the doct­ ors who them. The ­elephant fast(ish) things. publish my first novel, is a metaphor for by introducing me to care for them” what’s obvious, What are some of your roles shore wind has gone up. We his agent. I had the omnipresent and here at Imperial? found that problems include privilege of looking after him when he perhaps ignored. One of my favourite I am the Director for the C­ entre bottlenecks in the supply chain, became ill. When Jimmy developed things about my job is getting the for Energy Policy and Technol- ­currency fluctuations and a cancer, I asked him if he would write chance to help patients through their ogy, Head of the UK Energy rise in commodity prices. More a book with me; a discourse between illness. ­Seeing patients get better is Research Centre’s Technology widely, we’re looking at the a doctor and his patient, explaining amazing, but being allowed to observe and Policy assessment function, future costs of gas, nuclear and the view from both sides of the clinic. the love between a patient and their Convenor of the Energy Policy other renewables. The aim was to help people who family and friends is the best thing in option and Thesis Term ­Director had cancer understand what it was the world.” of the MSc En­ vironmental Is it true that you are a car all about. When Jimmy became too For more information about the book visit: ­Technology course at Imperial. enthusiast? ill to write, I thought that I would try www.jonathanwaxman.co.uk Well, yes, admittedly it’s not a Can you describe your role very green hobby, but I do have at the EFL? a 1965 Austin Healey Sprite The key aim of in the garage at science from scratch my role is to home. It doesn’t investigate the The key work at the economic poten- aim of my role moment and it has C atalysis tial of new tech- been off the road explained by Antonio Torrisi, MSc Science Communication nologies, such is to investigate for about 10 years. as solar and the economic wind power. potential of new Like most In nature, spontaneous chemical reactions can be fast like combustion, or slow Understanding Imperial like rust formation. Catalysis is the field of chemistry that pushes slow chemical the economic technologies, academics, you reactions to go faster. A catalyst loosens the chemical bonds in a molecule and dimension is the such as solar and juggle a number can be seen as a pair of scissors cutting the ties between atoms. The catalyst key to energy wind power” of roles. How do causes the molecule to break down into smaller parts which can quickly form research. It also you do it? new bonds with another molecule and ultimately generate new molecules. helps inform All academics have Catalysis can be homogeneous, where catalyst and reactive species are in the governments, so that they can to combine teaching, research same physical state, or heterogeneous, where the catalyst is adopt effective policies that put and engagement with the wider in a different physical state compared to the reagents (those our energy usage on a more sus- community as part of their job substances taking part in the chemical reaction). Biomolecules tainable path. and it is a constant juggling task. called enzymes are examples of homogeneous catalysts That’s probably why I haven’t that control the chemical reactions in living beings. What are you working on? had a chance to put the Sprite Metals like platinum act like heterogeneous catalysts A recent EFL project with the UK back together yet. in catalytic converters of cars to transform toxic Energy Research Centre looks —Colin Smith, Communications gases, products of the engine’s combustion, into and Development at why the overall cost of off- gases such as CO2 and nitrogen. 11 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245 insidestory

Presenting to parliament

Dr Arjun Ghosh, a cardiologist and final year PhD student atI mperial and the MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and ­Ageing, attended parliament on 12 March to present his work to a range of po­ liticians and a panel of expert judges, as part of SET for Britain – an organisation which supports Britain’s early-stage and early-career research scientists, engineers and technologists. Arjun (pictured with his local MP Lynne of its kind, after being shortlisted Featherstone) describes his experience: from hundreds of applicants. I wanted to show the importance of the work Irrational avoidance of “I was excited to take part in the event researchers do to change clinical prac- as it was my first time in parliament tice, and how necessary it is for that the unpleasant and it was a fantastic opportunity to work to be supported at a ­government give visibility to my work, and policy level. During the On 14 March, Jeremy Grantham, the prominent mining ­industry which will benefit many “I enjoyed the day I learned about related philanthropist and co-founder who attempt to influence patients, to key decision- challenge of research and also got to of asset-management firm ­government decisions through makers in healthcare and communicating discuss possible future col- Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo, the use of muscle power. In to other scientists. I pre- my research to a laborations. It was quite a gave a special lecture at Imperial ­Britain it’s hard to tell how some sented a poster on the lay audience” different experience from entitled Attitudes in America to of the ­critics of climate science effects that raised blood my day job, and I enjoyed investing, resource limitations are motivated; are they doing it pressure in early adult life can have the challenge of communicating my and global warming: irrational because they’re contrarians who on the heart in late adulthood. I was research to a lay audience. I would avoidance of the unpleasant. His want to go against the likes of judged against dozens of other scien- definitely recommend it to other lecture explored the mismatch the [pro-climate change stance tists in the only national c­ ompetition Imperial researchers.” between finite resources and of the] Royal Society? Or are they exponential population growth, doing it because they enjoy the and questioned what can be limelight and the sense of their done to address this in the own influence? Or are they just world’s most powerful economy. such natural passionate con- Reporter spoke to Jeremy before trarians that they will challenge his lecture, to find out what the science whatever the facts? goes on in the mind of a Probably some of them are successful businessman with merely hired guns, like profes- such a keen interest in the sional ‘experts’ in a murder trial. future of the planet: What are you most proud of What do you think is the most having achieved? unpleasant thing American For me, it’s running a really investors are avoiding? substantial, ethical investment I think the thing investors get firm that puts its clients first, most agitated about, partly which, believe me, is not because it’s what they’re paid to that common. And on the do, is climate change. You would environmental side, we’re say that was irrational unless really proud of the work done you recognise what a substantial at the Grantham Institutes at investment of time and money Imperial, the London School Varsity 2012 people put into it when they of Economics and the Indian have interests in energy. There Institute of Science. In general, Imperial College’s rugby first XV ended a decade of defeats to finally lift the are many in the USA whose scientists have been quite J.P.R. Williams Cup on 21 March. In a historic night at the Twickenham Stoop beliefs lead them to deny the wimpy but I think these three ­Stadium, the College team scored an outstanding win against Imperial College science behind climate change. institutions have tried to make School of Medicine, running away to a 31–0 victory. Despite a strong start with the point that these are the both teams enjoying equal possession, the scoreboard remained untroubled until Do you think this issue facts, unpleasant or not, and Syarif ­Hertog (Mechanical Engineering) broke through after 23 minutes to cross is mirrored in the UK and that they really matter. the line and break the deadlock. Four further tries followed as more than 1,000 internationally? — Simon Levey, Communications ­students, staff and alumni witnessed a fine display of rucking, running and kicking The Australians have a pretty and Development which the Medics had no answer for. Man of the Match, Jack Flanagan (Physics), healthy dose of climate change For the full interview see: said: “It feels amazing. We’ve waited 10 years for this – it’s such a good feeling.” avoidance thanks to people in http://bit.ly/JGrantham — Simon Watts, Communications and Development 12 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245

Imperial students share their experiences of life of their Christmas dinners in December, at the College on the student bloggers website. we had the dishes we’d be serving in March going round in our heads.” Student blogger Ali on Since then a group of lucky the perfect tasters, including Commercial Services Director, Jane Neary, have had the supervisor: chance to sample courses, such as “Before I started their award-winning herb crusted rack my PhD, colleagues in of lamb with sweetbreads, suet kidney labs I worked in described pudding, dauphinoise potato, morel a student’s perception of mushrooms and rosemary port jus, their supervisor much like over the course of 10 tastings. Their Marmite. You either love them, suggestions have helped the chefs to or hate them. This can be true, but Master chefs create the perfect menu. The chefs, it depends on one major factor: meanwhile, have been what you are looking for in Three of Imperial’s chefs have “It’s worth all the giving up free time and a supervisor. There are a couple won the main course category in effort. It’s a really evenings to prepare the of people I think would make the ­British ­University Chef’s exciting competition courses under timed good supervisors: ­Challenge, held in Blackpool on and gives you a conditions, factoring in 1) Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid: How 26 and 27 March. fantastic buzz when the minutes they will AWESOME would it be if there was you’re taking part.” need to put aside to talk a ‘WAX ON, WAX OFF’ equivalent The Challenge, organised by the the judges through their to science. ‘PIPETTE UP, PIPETTE ­University ­Caterers Organisation ingredients. DOWN. CLONE IN, CLONE OUT!’ to showcase talent in the industry, saw chefs “It’s worth all the effort. It’s a really 2) YODA from Star Wars: Imagine ­prepare a four-course meal in two hours, under exciting competition and gives you that you don’t just have any strict competition c­ riteria. Imperial sous chef a fantastic buzz when you’re taking supervisor? Nope, you have ­Steven R­ obertson had been preparing for the event part. Any prize is also great for our own the oldest and most wisest of since September, together with colleagues Martin professional reputations and for the supervisors.” ­Stafford and Andrew Crook – all of whom work in College,” adds Steven. the Sherfield Building kitchens. www.imperial.ac.uk/campus_life/studentblogs For photos of the team’s culinary creations, Steven says: “When everyone else was thinking visit www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter

TIME OUT group’s founding members. They now run a packed programme of food and cooking-related events, which Cooking have ranged from cooking a full Highlights turkey for Christmas dinner to a visit to one of Gordon ­Ramsay’s • Meeting times: society restaurants. They’ve ­organised usually once a week a pizza and pasta-making even- • Cost: £15 to join Hot apple fritters, sweet p­ umpkin ing, a session on ­making sushi • Society size: around pie, olive bread fresh from the and a lesson devoted to the 30 paying members,

oven... You’d be hard pressed not delicious world of desserts. Members of 120 on Facebook to feel peckish after reading about The society is open to the Cooking • Experience required: some of the edible treats members ­anyone and the members Society make all levels and skills salmon and of the ICU Cooking Society have vary from beginners to those welcome tuna nigiri. made. The society teaches them how who are so good that they are • More information: to cook healthy and delicious food, invited to lead sessions. Cur- search Facebook for and to have fun while doing so. rent Chairman, Chan Sze Chun ‘IC Cooking Society’ The idea for the society came (Bioengineering), says: “At the start of the “The club isn’t just about c­ ooking; from a group of freshers in P­ embridge Cooking Society, some people were really it’s a connection of cultures. This year Hall, who began cooking together reg- hesitant and just stared at the pots. But we plan to run events with all sorts of ularly in 2009. “We’d cook t­raditional we run sessions which cover the basics other union clubs like the ­Buddhist food from our home c­ ountries and and the members just grow in confidence Society, the Italian Society and the then try out a bit of ev­ erything, – we recently had to make a roux – a white Chocolate Society. It’s a society of accompanied by a drink or two,” says sauce that is known for its difficulty – but ­societies!” Sze Chun adds. Enrico Fantoni (Chemistry), one of the everyone managed to pull it off!” — jessica adams, Communications and development 13 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245 insidestory

inventor’s corner course review Flexible computing

Dr George Constantinides is a Reader in Digital Systems and Head of the Circuits and Systems Group in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. His research focuses on improving the flexibility and energy efficiency of computational ­systems By course attendee Dr Joanna Shearer, and he has formed the Imperial Head of International Student Recruitment ­spin-out company Novocore, with and Marketing (International Office) Dr ­Christos Bouganis (also Electrical and Electronic Engineering). L eadership and Management Development What do you hope to achieve A low cost, small FPGA platform uses very little energy compared through your research? to current hardware systems Programme Standard computer architectures like those you find in desktop PCs Why did you go on the course? are general purpose and not suited When I was recruited to this newly developed student recruitment role three years ago, I was new to management. to specific applications. We want to the hardware is designed, we can ensure it ends up I had done a lot of teaching and thought it might be similar, design customised systems that can cheap, simple and power efficient. We use FPGAs but after a few months I realised it required a completely be tailored to perform specialised (field programmable gate arrays), a technology which different set of skills. tasks, such as real-time face allows us to reconfigure hardware design, using small recognition, automatically, without low energy platforms. This avoids the need to design What did you learn? using large amounts of hardware. In a new chip, costing potentially millions of pounds, for This has been the ideal course for me, as, over the past few embedded systems, which are small every new technology. years, I’ve had the opportunity to develop a new team from scratch. Everything I needed to do, from thinking about specialised systems within larger what roles I required, conducting recruitment and selection, devices, such as mobile phones, the What next? to setting objectives for PRDPs and managing successful capacity to engage with apps has Energy efficiency is no longer only a concern for teams, has been contained within the course. increased, but battery life has reduced embedded systems, and companies like Google, significantly. There is a market for who use computer systems that operate at the high- How has it been helpful in your role? devices which are considerably more est possible level, must now monitor their energy I hope this programme has allowed me to give my team the energy efficient. consumption. We are working with high perfor- freedom in their roles that they deserve, whilst engaging them as a team to achieve common goals. I am incredibly mance computing specialists to find out how our proud of what they have accomplished over the past How will you do this? technologies can be applied in these areas. Through few years, and of their contributions and insight to the The complexity of hardware sys- Novocore, we are trying to bridge the gap between international student recruitment strategy. tems lies in producing the hardware research and industry. www3.imperial.ac.uk/staffdevelopment/ldc/leadership itself. However, by changing the way —Kailey Nolan, Imperial Innovations

Judging the next generation of global health innovators

O n 21 March, five students pitched their on behalf of my Twitter followers. If I talk the energy of each presentation, the ideas for a pilot project or prototype to students on any topic away from poli- breadth of research topics from cancer addressing global health challenges to tics, it is invariably about clusters through river salinity a panel which included Sarah Brown, social media. So, it was “Every one of the to the hip topic of frugal inno- Adjunct Professor at the Institute of a welcome diversion to students should vation, and the individual- Global Health Innovation (IGHI) and wife join two health experts persevere with ity of each set of PowerPoint of the former Prime Minister, Gordon to assess five rather bril- their worthwhile images. I think we identified Brown. The winner was named as John liant research projects and fascinating the right ­winner but, truth- Chetwood (Medicine). Sarah shares her as the ‘lay person’ for topics” fully, every one of the stu- experience of being a judge: IGHI Imperial. I do have dents should persevere with an ancient science degree but every- their ­worthwhile and fascinating pro- “When I am asked to do anything with stu- thing has moved on so far since then, jects. I wish I had had that confidence dents, I usually think that I am just invited it is barely worth mentioning. I loved and experience when I was 20!” 14 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 29 March 2012 • Issue 245

obituaries Staff featured in this column have given many years of service to the College. Staff listed anthony rippon below ­celebrate anniversaries during the Anthony E. Rippon, former Academic Laboratory period 30 March–24 May. The data is supplied by Manager (Medicine), died on 22 February 2012. HR and is correct at the time of going to press. Dr Atul Purohit and Professor Desmond Johnston (both Medicine) share their memories of their 20 years former colleague: • Professor Andrew Olver, Professor of Tribology, Mechanical Engineering “Tony Rippon started at St Mary’s Hospital Medical • Professor Mike Laffan, Professor of Haemostasis and School in 1965 as Technical Head of the Steroid Thrombosis, Medicine Research Unit. In 1974, his role expanded as • Dr Christian Onof, Senior Lecturer, Civil and Environmental the unit merged with the academic Department Engineering of Chemical Pathology and he began to take on College-wide responsibilities. Tony became Chairman of the Medical School 30 years Laboratory Managers Committee and represented the technical staff of the Medical • Professor Marek Sergot, Professor of Computational Logic, School’s Safety Committee. He also took responsibility for the technical management Computing of the clinical endocrinology research laboratories. When St Mary’s merged with • Professor Kellogg Stelle, Professor of Physics, Physics Imperial, the Rector, Lord Oxburgh, invited him to sit on the Technicians’ Training • Emeritus Professor Kim Parker, Senior Research Committee. Tony worked long and hard, without seeking any personal reward. He was Investigator, Bioengineering someone of the highest integrity and with unquestioned loyalty to the College. • Mrs Mandy Thorpe, Faculty of Medicine Tony was an active member of the Medical School Arts Committee and he and Kevin Brown jointly organised annual staff and student art exhibitions. Tony’s 40 years wood turnings were always a popular feature and in 1995 he was awarded the Rec- • Mr Alan Smith, Technician, Aeronautics tor’s Award for improving the environment of St Mary’s through art. Tony retired in 2005 and in 2006 he was awarded an Associateship of Imperial College in recognition of his contribution to Imperial for over 40 years. He will be sorely missed by us all. He is survived by his wife Lynda, daughter Natalie and son Matthew. To share your memories of Tony visit: www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter

College Secretary retires after 25 years’ service

After 25 years of service, including worked in ‘Albertopolis’, working five as CollegeS ecretary, Dr Rodney my way up Exhibition Road to join Eastwood retires this month. During Imperial as a Planning Officer in his career, Rodney has helped 1987. I took on more responsibilities Imperial through many important for planning and, later, strategy, milestones, including achieving before being appointed College independence from the University ­Secretary in 2007. of London, and four mergers with Has your career brought you What are your London medical schools. Reporter What are you most proud of into contact with any retirement plans? caught up with him to find out about in your career? memorable people? I’m looking forward to having his career: I’ve always been very proud that we When the Labour government was a little more time for travel were able to obtain the freehold on consulting universities regarding and perhaps some new Can you describe your role? land to the south of top-up fees in hobbies to add to making I always struggle to explain con- Imperial College Road, 2003, I went music. I have acquired a cisely what I do! A large part of my where the Sir A­ lexander A large part with the then breadmaker so I’m hoping job involves acting as the College Fleming, Chemistry of my job involves Rector, Sir to start baking! And, despite ­conscience, ensuring Imperial stays and Flowers Buildings Richard Sykes, spending my career on on the straight and narrow. stand. It took some ensuring Imperial to meet Tony Exhibition Road, I have careful and protracted stays on the straight Blair. I remember visited some of the museums How did you end up negotiation with the and narrow” the first thing pitifully infrequently, so I’m at the College? Science Museum in the to greet me on going to enjoy having time to Since starting out as a computer late 80s and early 90s, entering Number explore them. programmer at the Natural History which, being young and impetuous, I 10 was young Leo Blair’s toy tractor, —John-Paul Jones, Communications Museum in 1974, I have always pursued to the end. ­abandoned in the hall. and Development nature of the human form. found andadapted that explore the exhibits aquirky set of statues hehas solitude incity life.Inaddition,he of subjects, includingloneliness and light-reflective studies feature arange large monochrome paintings and Art Gallery over the next month. Chris’s sculptures will be shown at the Blyth His exhibition ofpaintings and as hewas unable to afford theoriginal. 25, whenhepainted apicture ofAudrey Hepburn for his fiancée, Chris Allan (Occupational Health) became anartist at the ageof Leisure Missand Jewell, ShannonSport Dr Eleanor Jay, Materials Sciences Dr Andrew Innes, Clinical Miss Angela Innes, Climate KIC Cancer Mrs Amanda Hinks, Surgery and Mr Jost Henkel, Physics Ms Sharon Gould,Medicine Ms Vera Gielen,NHLI Dr Nicolas George, Chemistry Materials Dr Esther Garcia Tunon Blanca, Dr Kun Fu, Business School Mr Joseph Franklin, Materials Dr Tom Ford, NHLI Dr Anezka Fiserova, Medicine Public Health Miss Julia El-Sayed Moustafa, Mr Derek Eaton, EEE Mr Jimanta Dutta, NHLI Services Ms Valina Doyninska, Catering Dr Sean Donnellan, Physics Medicine Dr Rachel Culley, Faculty of Dr AnneCournol, Physics Environmental Engineering Mr Benjamin Condry, Civil and Dr Rona Chandrawati, Materials Services Miss Lauren Burton, Security Mrs Maria Broadbridge, Physics Miss Emily Brewster, NHLI School Ms JulieBusiness Bennett, Dr Paul Armstrong, NHLI Mr David Alonso Chacon, NHLI Ms Angelica Ale, Life Sciences ome Mr Bashar Ahmad, EEE Mr David Adey, Physics new starters W Visit Chris’s exhibition in the Blyth Galley until 26 April

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Bioengineering Bioengineering Mr Satpal Sangha, Sciences Dr Eleanor Sandhu, Clinical Health Dr Luciana Rubinstein, Public Office Mr Callum Romeril, Research Mr Andres Rivera Pena, EYEC Sciences Dr Benoit Raymond, Life Dr Albert Power, Medicine Ms Ranjana Poudel, Physics School Mrs Christine Business Pinsent, Mr John Phillips, Chemistry Medicine Dr Cristina Perez Becerril, Mathematics PereiraDr TiagoDa Silva, Ms Ilaria Pepponi, Medicine Mr James Patterson, Computing Medicine Miss Nisha Patel, Faculty of Computing Dr Athanasia Panousopoulou, Dr Jose Palacios Fabrega, NHLI Dr Kalnisha Naidoo, Medicine Dr John Mina, Chemistry Ms Lynne Messenger, Finance Dr QiuMeng,NHLI Dr Paul McKay, Medicine School Mr James McCloskey, Business Mr Stuart Lowe, Materials Dr Yiyang Lin,Materials and Cancer Mrs JudithLeworthy, Surgery Mr Eoin Leen, Life Sciences Miss Heather Lambie, NHLI Life Sciences Dr Sara Lamas Oliveira Marques, Mr Haseong Kim,EEE Mr Edmund Kelleher, Physics Mr Asher Kaboth, Physics Chemical Engineering Mr Ioscani Jimenez Del Val, 29 March 2012•Issue 245

Engineering Engineering Mr Nathan Eng,Mechanical and Cancer WilliamDr Edmands, Surgery Dr Eric de Silva, Public Health Dr Lise deJonge, Materials College Union Miss Emma Coxhill, Imperial Dr Thomas Collins, NHLI Sciences Miss Charlotte Burstrom, Life Mr Adam Britton, Life Sciences International Office Dr Christopher Bird, Medicine Miss SharandeepBhogal, years)(5 Dr Claudio Belotti,Physics Dr Kevin Balbi, Life Sciences moving on F Mr Hugo Wride, Computing Dr Melanie Wood, Medicine Medicine Mr Andrew Wilson, Faculty of Miss Jane Whitton, Public Health Dr Andrew Ulijasz, Medicine and Cancer Miss Samrawit Tzehaie, Surgery of Medicine Mr Matthew Treadgold, Faculty Engineering Miss Danlu Tong, Chemical Sciences Dr Izabela Szostkiewicz, Life Cancer SurgeryDeepti Sood, and Ms Business School KayaneMs Shadarevian, GiovanniLife Sciences Sena,Dr Development Communications and Dr Shira Schnitzer, and Cancer Mr Vincent Sauvage, Surgery Dr Savvas Saouros,Chemistry ar ewell

Cancer Ms Reen Polonsky, Surgery and Dr Lorenzo Pellis, Public Health Dr Mayca Onega, Medicine (8 years) Miss Kemi Olafare, Finance Dr David Noonan, Computing Miss Damaris Njoroge, Library Dr Keng-Wooi Ng,NHLI Miss Komal Nayak, Medicine Dr David Miller, Chemistry Sciences(6 years) Dr Alexandru Milcu, Life Health Dr Andrea McDonald, Public Partnerships Mr Rafat Malik, Corporate Miss MartinaLundberg, NHLI Miss Nicola Lloyd, Public Health Policy Ms Tracy Lane,Environmental Chemical Engineering Kumbharkar,Dr Santosh years)(5 Engineering Dr Michalis Koutinas, Chemical Mrs Fatma Ibrahim, EYEC Environmental Policy Mr Yassine Houari, Dr Yaik Ho, Medicine (33 years) Mr Roger Hare, Physics Engineering Dr Jeff Hardy, Faculty of Sciences Mr AndrewLife Hammond, Mr GaryHahn,NHLI Medicine Miss Elisabetta Grecchi, Environmental Policy Ms Emily Gillespie, Cateringyears) Services(9 Mr Petros-Zewdie Getahune, Computing Dr Andreas Georgiou, Services Mr Oriol Garcia Rovira, Catering Dr David Gamez, Computing Dr Benjamin Medicine Field,

speak out Contact Emily Ross-Joannou: term timeinprint and online at ­p lication day is 3May. Reporteris across theCollege. The next pub - We welcome contributions from S

www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter ublished every three weeks during tory ideas? [email protected]

+44 (0)207 r insidestory at thetimeof going to press. –11 March. This data was ­c This data is supplied by HRand (10 years) Dr Celia Maier, Public Health retirements Policy Miss Fiona Wong, Environmental Ms Farah Williams, Medicine Miss Katie Wetherell, EYEC Medicine GrahamMr Wadsworth, Miss Carmelina Vinci, Registry Medicine Mr Ivan Vallado Echevarria, (10 years) Miss Helena Tutill, Medicine years)(5 Mr Geoff Thompson, Medicine Cancer MarcusDr Swann, Surgeryand Dr Andre Studer, Chemistry Dr ShwetaLife Sciences Singh, (8 years) Dr Andriy Shevchuk, Medicine Robert Shaw,Dr Life Sciences Mr Anil Sharma, NHLI Dr Jobanpreet Sehmi, NHLI Environmental Engineering Mr Andy Rutt, Civil and Sciences Dr Sarah Robinson, Life years)Medicine(7 Ms Ruth Poulter, Faculty of overs theperiod 20February these as necessary. right to edit or amend The Editor reserves the [email protected] and retirees to the Editor at about new starters, leavers images and/or comments Please sendyour 594 6715

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moving in. moving on. for complete details: events highlights www.imperial.ac.uk/events 29 March 2012

take note

1 may ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE at CERN are addressing some of the most fundamental questions about the origin, evolu- The LHC project at CERN: tion and composition of our universe. In the S urvey about staff exploring physics moments fifth Peter Lindsay Memorial Lecture, Professor accommodation Tejinder Virdee (Physics) outlines some of the after the Big Bang challenges faced by scientists building and run- As part of proposed plans for the new What is the origin of mass? Why is the universe ning experiments operating in the harsh envi- Imperial campus on Wood Lane, the composed of matter rather than antimatter? ronment created by hundreds of millions of high ­College is exploring opportunities to Experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) energy proton-proton collisions every second. offer private residential accommoda- tion, which may include apartments for staff. An anonymous survey 14 may ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE ­neuroscience. Research into genetically encoded reagents that can powerfully and precisely has been launched Optogenetics and other activate and silence specific neuron types in to seek input to tools for the analysis of response to pulses of light could be used in the the proposals from treatment of neurological and psychiatric disor- staff, ­specifically their neural circuits ders. Professor Ed Boyden, Associate Professor accommodation requirements and what pricing would be attractive. Understanding how neural circuits implement of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive brain functions and how these computations Sciences at MIT, talks about the potential of this To complete the survey, visit: go awry in brain disorders is a top priority for new field in the 2012 Bagrit Lecture. https://www.ox-p.com/imperial

meet the 30 MARCH ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE 24 APRIL ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE 3 MAY ▸ MUSIC reader A retrospective Bootstraps, spurs and gift horses: L unchtime on 50 years as an the financing journey concert academic chemical Panel includes Professor Bart Clarysse Cavaleri Quartet engineer (Business School) Professor Stanley 3 MAY ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE Sandler, University of Delaware 25 APRIL ▸ SEMINAR Athena Lecture: Insights into the S tructural biology of cell surface career of a neuroscientist 17 APRIL ▸ SEMINAR signalling assemblies Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, Dendritic cells in influenza Professor Yvonne Jones, University of Manchester and asthma University of Oxford Professor Bart Lambrecht, Ghent 3 MAY ▸ SEMINAR University, Belgium 25 APRIL ▸ CONFERENCE R efugee scholars at LSE C omplexity Dr Felicitas Starr-Egger (Humanities) Scott Heath, President, 18 APRIL ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE and risk Imperial College Union Behind the scenes at the Industry and 11–12 MAY ▸ festival Lifelong Health Project academic speakers I mperial Festival What are you doing in the picture? Professor Armand Marie Leroi A celebration of I’m reading my copy of Reporter to Mike the Micrometer – the Union mascot made (Life Sciences) 1 MAY ▸ MUSIC Imperial research and culture of gun metal which normally resides L unchtime concert under my desk! Micrometers are used 24 APRIL ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE Abbracci piano quartet to accurately measure wires and other R egeneration components. It was created in 1966 and is deliberately heavy to make it difficult and the immune 2 MAY ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE to steal! system N ew vistas of Mars Professor Nadia Professor Sanjeev Gupta (Earth Science What would you do if you were Rosenthal (NHLI) editor of Reporter for a day? and Engineering) I would turn it into a broadsheet for the shock value and I’d create a satirical column pretending to be members of senior staff.

Who would be your cover star? I’d like to see a group of the PAs who ­support the senior staff at the College on the cover. I’m in contact with them r­egularly to set up meetings but I’ve never had the chance to get to know them, and I think they’d have some interesting stories to tell for the centre spread feature! Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/events for more details about these events Stay in the loop → Want to be the next reader featured in and others. To sign up for regular updates about Imperial events please Reporter? Send in a picture of yourself with a email: [email protected] copy of Reporter in your location of choice to: [email protected]

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