reporter www.imperial.ac.uk Issue 175 • 21 March 2007

Supporting a healthy outcome A key step forward for UK’s first Academic Health Science Centre centre pages

early years grows darling pays a call up! Secretary of State for 44 new places for Trade and Industry visits Imperial children Imperial PAGE 3 PAGE 5 Sponsor Ben Support the Student in brief Opportunities Fund

One for all and all for one! Imperial as One, the College’s black and minority ethnic race equality advisory group, was estab- lished in 2005 with the aim of promoting good race relations and supporting good practice throughout the organisation. All staff are welcome to join. If you are interested in being involved or wish to Running for Opportunity receive further details, register your interest at [email protected]. Or why not have a taste of a paradise island by going along to their Ben Ryall is Imperial College’s first ever themed ‘Splash’ party this Friday 23 March? A runner. He will be running buffet and entertainment will be provided. Contact Sunday 22 April to raise money for the Student Opportunities Fund. The Fund Clive Mendes on 020 7585 7809 to order your enables students from all over the world to tickets. receive a scholarship to support them for the duration of their course at Imperial. Established in 2003, the Student Opportunities Fund has awarded 60 scholarships. Visit Ben’s website to keep track of his weekly blog and training diary, see photos of Ben’s training, and keep him Research grant on the up on his toes by sending him good luck messages. Imperial’s total recurrent grant for teaching and Support Ben to the finish line and to the goal of raising £50k research will increase by 5.1 per cent in 2007–08, for Imperial students — sponsor Ben today! which is two per cent more than the sector average. The news was released by the Higher Education www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/marathon2007 Funding Council for England at the beginning of March as part of the overall funding allocation for higher education of £7,137 million. The College has particularly benefited from the introduction of a business research element, which rewards the research income received from UK industry, com- merce and public corporations, receiving 10.6 per Making trade fair cent of this funding, the highest proportion among English higher education institutions. ‘Change today, choose Fairtrade’ was the Catering, said: “I know a lot of our customers Red Nose Day message of Fairtrade Fortnight which ran believe in fair trade and we have a respon- The College raised £934.03 for Red Nose Day this from 26 February to 11 March. Imperial sibility to reflect that in the products avail- year on 16 March. Senior staff donated prizes for a was keen to engage with the Fairtrade able to them.” Jane’s team and a team from Red Tombola where each prize was, rather unsur- Foundation’s vision of an even bigger move- headed by Kirsty prisingly, red! Support from Catering in organising ment for positive change on unfair trade, and Patterson have formed a Fairtrade steering internal catering suppliers to donate scones and ran several events to underpin its new year group and are working hard towards October sandwiches for sales of afternoon tea went a big resolution to achieve Fairtrade status by the accreditation. She explained: “We know the way towards helping to raise the money. end of 2007. College has embraced Peros, the UK’s the idea. For example, leading independent in October 2006 we Fairtrade coffee supply sold 3,500 ancillary company, invited Fairtrade products and Nicaraguan coffee in January this year growers to the College the figure had risen to to address an enthusi- 15,000.” astic student audience Currently all tea about their experiences and coffee sold at the of life before and after College’s outlets and their produce began served at meetings is to be traded fairly. In Fairtrade, and muffins conjunction, a coffee and flapjacks are being morning supported by introduced. Peros was held in the — Alex Platt, Main Dining Hall Ante Communications Room, offering free samples of Fairtrade • Visit www.fair- drinks and foods. trade.org.uk for more Jane Neary, Head of information.

 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 21 March, Issue 175 Early Years Centre grows up The Imperial College Early Years Education features including perspex on the windows taken care of here,” explains Dr Yaliraki. “In Centre (EYEC) is undergoing major refur- and finger guards on all doors. my opinion it is one of the best childcare bishment work to expand from two to three The refurbishment comes in response to facilities in London and it is ideally located floors of 8 Prince’s Gardens. The new-look increasing demand for high quality childcare with open spaces and a secret garden. If EYEC will be able to accommodate 110 from working parents. Dr Sophia Yaliraki, Philip is ever sick, I can easily pick him children and babies aged between six months a senior lecturer in the Department of up straightaway and take him home.” She and five years old, a jump from its previous Chemistry and the Institute for Mathematical added: “It really helps academics with their capacity of 66 places. Sciences, uses the Centre to look after her 11- work knowing that their children are so Teresa Moloney, EYEC Manager, is month-old son, Philip, while she is at work close.” delighted with the expansion and explained five days a week. The EYEC is divided into three age how the refurbishment would improve the “I feel confident that my child is being groups: six months to two years, two to three service provided: “The EYEC is a years and three to five years. There homely place and we pride ourselves are a number of themed rooms in on our personal touch and attention the centre, including the starlight to detail. Now we are spread over room, the marine room and the three floors, we can adapt the new meadow room. The Centre also runs found space for our needs and move a vacation play scheme for older the older children up to floors one children. and two, freeing up the ground level The waiting list will be sig- for the youngest babies.” nificantly reduced as a result of New children’s bathrooms, the refurbishments, which will be including low level sinks, on the completed by 2 April. first and second floors will make this — Naomi Weston, Communications rearrangement possible. The over- haul of the accommodation has also • Visit www3.imperial.ac.uk/eyec for included the introduction of safety Children enjoying their day at the Early Years Education Centre more information.

Cheers! Centenary Ale launched

Imperial 100, an ale specially brewed to mark the College’s Centenary, was launched in the College Union bar last week. Students and staff, including the Rector, and representatives from Blindman’s Brewery in Leighton, Somerset, who brewed the ale, congre- gated to sample the special Centenary drink. Carol Marsh, Centenary Communications Coordinator, was one of the first to try the ale. She said: “It’s delicious, creamy and light and very drinkable.” The Rector was also impressed with the ale and thanked the brewery for making it: “This is a great way to celebrate 100 years of the College,” he said. Stuart Williamson, Trading Manager at the Union, and Will Dugdale, Special Projects Administrator, were responsible for finding the perfect ale for the College’s celebratory year. Stuart explained: “We sampled a number of different brews in Somerset and came up with a combination of two or three. We wanted it to appeal to a wide range of people and come up with an ale which was mid range in colour and quite light.” Will originally discovered the brewers on a trip to Bath and said: “We wanted to get the taste right, so students and traditional ale drinkers would both like it. It is unique in its ingredients as it was brewed solely for the College.” The Union bar also served steak and Imperial 100 ale pie on the evening as the ideal accompaniment to the new brew. The Imperial 100 ale will be available at all licensed outlets across the campuses throughout the Centenary year. — Naomi Weston, Communications Sir Richard Sykes pulling a pint to celebrate the launch of Imperial 100

21 March, Issue 175 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter  The Times • 20 March media mentions No sex for 40 million years? No problem Microscopic creatures that have not had sex for 40 million years have —Naomi Weston, Communications overturned the theory that animals need to mate to create variety, scientists at Imperial have discovered. A study of the jaw shapes of bdelloid rotifers, combined with genetic data, showed that the tiny animals have diversified The Guardian • 27 February under pressure of natural selection and had evolved into distinct species Smart scientists needed, says Rector by adapting to differences in their environment. The research, published Promoting science education in schools and training the scientists of in PLoS Biology, focuses on the study of these aquatic animals that live in tomorrow is a necessity, says Rector Sir Richard Sykes, in an interview to watery habitats including ponds, rivers, soils, and on mosses and lichens. mark Imperial’s Centenary. With falling numbers of young people showing Dr Tim Barraclough (Natural Sciences) told The Times: “These really are an interest in studying science, it is vital to showcase what scientists can amazing creatures, whose very existence calls into question scientific under- achieve, he tells The Guardian: “We’ve got to be making clear to people, standing.” a flu pandemic will only be taken care of if we’ve got some smart people doing research and development. All these big threats, whether it’s energy or disease, we need good scientists and technologists to deal with these The Guardian • 5 March issues.” Raising the school leaving age—a cost too far? Raising the school leaving age to 18 could be a weapon against the lack of education that can draw young people into a life of crime, according to Edu- In Our Time, BBC Radio Four • 8 March cation Secretary, Alan Johnson. Opponents of the plan, however, claim that Five minutes of fame for “masters of the the scheme could be a burden on taxpayers without achieving results. “The universe” Treasury has the right analysis of the challenges facing the UK but absolutely The history of what Radio Four presenter Melvyn Bragg the wrong answers,” says Professor Nick Bosanquet (Engineering). “Heavy calls “the invisible masters of the universe” is put under public spending increases have already gone a long way to mortgaging the the microscope this month with a programme looking at future of a generation who will have to pay for enlarged public spending, as microbes. These tiny entities, says Andrew Mendelsohn well as for their own pensions and higher education. Further tax increases (Natural Sciences), can spread disease but can also be will increase the pressure on young people and middle income families used to cure it, as well as providing us with the funda- without helping the poorest groups.” mentals of life through their key role in breadmaking and brewing. “When most of us ever have to take an antibiotic for something we The Scotsman • 6 March > Sign up today for think of it as a pill Puberty hormone offers hope to infertile women Imperial news that’s come from Scientists from Imperial have discovered that the hormone kisspeptin, which out of a factory triggers puberty, could offer hope to infertile women. The research suggests Join our mailing lists that bring or a pharmaceu- that kisspeptin stimulates the release of luteinising hormone (LH) which is regular Imperial news, information tical company,” important for ovulation. Kisspeptin increased LH concentrations at all stages and website alerts to all subscribers. he says. “But of the menstrual cycle, but the effect was greatest in the pre-ovulation phase, To sign up, please visit: of course what which is essential for fertility, the researchers showed. Dr Waljit Dhillo, who www.imperial.ac.uk/aboutimperial/ we’re really doing is using microbial worked on the study, told The Scotsman: “Kisspeptin is a promising new tool news/newsandpremailservices relationships for our own pur- for the restoration of normal reproductive function in women with low sex poses.” hormone levels.”

Insulin and polycystic ovary syndrome link to be explored

Understanding the link between polycystic tify a defective point on the insulin signal- counter the insulin resistance and the fertility ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resist- ling pathway in women with PCOS. The problems that PCOS can cause. ance is the aim of a new project announced researchers from Imperial hope this will Professor Stephen Franks, SORA, said: on 12 March, funded by the charity enable the development of new therapies “These studies will give us the chance to WellBeing of Women. which target this part of the pathway, to look directly at the mechanism of insulin It is known that women with PCOS resistance at the level of an important target have a three-fold increase in their risk of tissue—the ovary. We expect the results of developing Type 2 diabetes, where the body these studies to give us information that does not produce enough insulin or cannot will help to devise new and more effective use insulin properly. Insulin resistance is an methods of treatment for this very common important factor in the condition, which is hormone problem.” the most common female hormone disorder. — Laura Gallagher, Communications PCOS affects between five and 10 per cent of women and is a major cause of infertility. • Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/news for the full The new £97,000 project aims to iden- story.

 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 21 March, Issue 175 Sibling sex matters for saiga antelopes

Having a twin sister could put male saiga antelopes at a reproductive disadvantage, says new research published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences on 7 March. The study shows that male twins with a sister are born lighter than those with a brother, making them smaller than the optimal size for males. The study’s results call into question current understanding of the development of male and female foetuses of this species, and give scientists a new insight into the impor- tance of sibling sex and the implications this may have for the animals as they mature. This study shows that when a female is pregnant with mixed sex twins, the male foetus does not undergo the substantial A female twin can put male saiga antelopes at a disadvantage amount of growth that occurs in a male foetus with a brother, resulting in a sub- Aline Kühl from the Division of Biology, are limitations in the ability of the mother optimal birthweight. Saiga males mate lead author of the paper, explains that to distinguish between male and female with many females and face strong male- although they do not yet understand the foetuses when there is a mixed twin litter in male competition during short mating precise mechanism behind this suboptimal the womb.” seasons. This means that size matters for development in male twins, its existence — Danielle Reeves, Communications males—being smaller than average is one is clear: “When siblings in a litter vary in of the major limiting factors for reproduc- sex, the male foetus should grow bigger • Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/news for the full tive success. than the female. However, it seems there story.

New international partners for CD4 Initiative

A project developing a quick and cheap test (USA), PATH (USA) and Zyomyx Inc (USA) prick blood and have a simple read-out, pos- to analyse the immune system of people with the aim that working together will sibly similar to a home pregnancy test. living with HIV/AIDS announced new part- enable the new partners and Imperial to Dr Hans-Georg Batz, Director of the CD4 ners on 7 March. Five international organisa- create the much needed device in the shortest Initiative from the Division of Medicine, tions will be working collaboratively, as part possible time. said: “There are 40 million people world- of Imperial’s CD4 Initiative funded by an Many people in countries with limited wide living with HIV/AIDS and this test $8.6 million grant from the Bill and Melinda resources are currently unable to access CD4 will mean that many will gain access to CD4 Gates Foundation, to make this test a reality testing. The new test, specially designed for testing for the first time.” within the next four years. use in such countries, will work with finger- — Laura Gallagher, Communications The CD4 Initiative aims to develop an easy to use device which can measure the number of T cells possessing CD4 protein (CD4 + T lymphocytes) in a patient’s blood. These cells play a central role in orchestrating the immune system, and HIV infection leads to a progressive reduction in their numbers. Healthcare workers rely on a CD4 + T cell count to make decisions about how patients should be treated and when they should begin antiretroviral therapy. The Initiative has awarded grants to Beckman Coulter Inc (USA), Macfarlane Burnet Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling (pictured left), visited the College this month to find out about current Institute (), research on biofuels. Dr Thorsten Hamann, from the Division of Biology, showed him around his lab and explained the work he is doing on the structure of plant cell walls. Cornell University

21 March, Issue 175 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter  Imperial alumnus David Hindle (MSc Geology 1989) Thanks a million! is one of many donors who have contributed through the telethon. He says: “As alumni, our support is vital and has the capacity to change lives. Gifts to the Student Opportunities Fund make an immediate impact on talented students who The Student Opportunities Fund was estab- might not otherwise come to Imperial.” Another regular lished in 2003 to provide entry scholarships donor is the Rector, Sir Richard Sykes, who has given every for some of the world’s most gifted and year since the Fund was deserving students whose financial circum- established. He said: £1,500,000 2010 stances could prove a barrier to studying “Imperial’s students at Imperial. Since that time the Office of are the lifeblood of Alumni and Development (OAD) has under- the College and the taken numerous initiatives to raise money for premise behind the the fund, and a total of 60 scholarships has been Student Opportunities £1,250,000 awarded so far. Now, as the College celebrates Fund is that it enables its Centenary year, the fund has broken the £1 the brightest students million mark! to study here, regard- £1,000,000 less of financial con- £1,000,000 raised Farhad Timuri, who studied bioengineering from 2003- siderations. Students to date 06, was the first undergraduate Student Opportunities like Farhad show that

Fund scholar to graduate from the College. He com- the fund really works, 2006 ments: “I feel unbelievably privileged to have benefited and the level of support from my scholarship. My time at Imperial gave me so generated from alumni, £750,000 many fantastic opportunities, and the fact that I was able to friends and staff means graduate with first class Honours really was the icing on the that the fund will con- 2005 cake. It’s great to hear that the Student Opportunities Fund tinue to support many £500,000 has made £1 million and I know only too well the positive more like him in the effect the money can have.” future.” The College’s main entrance projection Over a third of the first £1 million has been raised through With the first £1 tracks income into the Student Opportunities Fund the College’s bi-annual telethon campaign. The first telethon million raised, the took place in February 2003, and since then Imperial students work doesn’t stop here. have called thousands of alumni in the UK and mainland Although the OAD will continue with existing activities and Europe to ask them to consider making a gift. initiatives, plans are already underway to take the Student

Imperial’s spiderman the next ‘science-idol’?

An Imperial postgraduate student with allow them to stick to vertical surfaces by designs on Spiderman’s superpowers has exploiting the molecular ‘pull’ between the reached the final of a national ‘science-idol’ molecules in the hairs, and the molecules in competition. Nicholas Harrigan, who is stud- the wall. He explains that in theory we might ying for a PhD in quantum physics, wowed one day be able to develop technology to the judges of this year’s NESTA FameLab allow humans to scale walls in the same way: competition with a three- minute talk on how “It would be really exciting if we could spiders cling to walls. build some gloves, covered in tiny hairs, NESTA FameLab is an annual competi- which would allow a person to climb walls tion to find the new voices of science and like Spiderman,” he says. “The thing that engineering communication in the UK. stops us being able to do it without special Entrants have to deliver an entertaining and gloves is the irregular surfaces of our skin informative presentation on a science topic of and of walls, which mean not enough of our their choice in front of a Pop Idol-style panel skin molecules are close enough to the wall of judges. molecules at any one time for the molecular Nicholas’s talk pull to be strong enough.” explained how Nicholas joins the winners of heats from the thousands across the country in a grand final taking of minute place on Saturday 9 June at the Cheltenham hairs on Science Festival. spiders’ — Danielle Reeves, Communications PhD physics student Nicholas Harrigan is hoping to weave his web over the judges to win this year’s NESTA FameLab legs competition.

 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 21 March, Issue 175 Awards and honours

£40,000 award for entrepreneurial bioengineering PhD A novel therapeutic device that offers effective treatment for patients with breathing-related conditions such as emphysema has won a major grant from the Royal Academy of Engineering. The £40,000 ERA Foundation Award, which rewards entrepreneurship in UK universities, Student Opportunities Fund scholar, Tobi Lucas, talks with alumni donors at the annual Student Opportunities Fund donor reception. was won by Imperial bioengineering PhD student Mario Iobbi for his development of Saturation Driven Oxygen Therapy. This device, Opportunities Fund forward into its next £1 audience and guests will have the opportu- now being trialled at Royal Brompton , million. nity to meet some of the scholars who have automatically adjusts the flow of oxygen to The College has been awarded a place benefited from the fund. patients according to their needs, rather than in the 2007 London Marathon and, as well In addition to this, the College has having a fixed flow. Mario is developing the as training hard in the hope recently unveiled a new way commercial potential of his invention through of completing the 26.2 mile of highlighting the Student his company Dynamic Therapeutics. event in less than three hours, Support the Fund Opportunities Fund and runner Ben Ryall is also thanking its donors through Double win for professor in busy collecting sponsorship You can see your name added an eye-catching series of Japanese awards towards the fund from staff, to the College’s donor list by projected images in the Two prestigious prizes students and alumni (see visiting www.imperial.ac.uk/ main entrance on Exhibition recognising excellence page three). In May, a special alumni/supporting where Road, which explain how in research have been you can make a direct online gala dinner in aid of the the fund works, detail awarded to Professor So donation or sponsor Ben in the Iwata from the Division of Student Opportunities Fund income to date and display London Marathon. Molecular Biosciences. He will be held at Banqueting a scrolling list of donors. received both the House in Whitehall. The — Sophie Corcoran, Office of Academy Medal and the Alumni and Development event will target a corporate Japan Society for the Pro- motion of Science (JSPS) prize for excellent young researchers in Tokyo this month, for his work on defining the struc- ture of proteins. Professor Iwata is currently Did ewe know climate affects genetics? concentrating on determining the structure of cell receptors, which are the target of over 50 A new way of mapping the link between influenced fluctuations in the overall size per cent of drugs currently in use. genetic changes and population change of the population. They found that in years in animals was published in Science on 16 with harsh winters that the population grew Anti-TNF pioneer named among March. The study shows how the distribution fastest when there were many large indi- European Inventors of the Year of genetically-controlled traits, such as size, viduals within the population. However, Professor Marc Feldmann within a population of animals has a direct this effect disappeared in recent years when of the Kennedy Institute impact on the growth of that population. winters were more favourable. of Rheumatology has Additionally, it suggests that the impact of — Danielle Reeves, Communications been nominated in this year’s European Inventor these traits could be affected by changes in of the Year awards for climate. • Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/news for the full his work on treating The study, which provides the most story. auto-immune diseases. detailed method of examining the complex The nomination, in the relationship between ecology and evolution, lifetime achievement also has significant implications for under- category, recognises standing the impact of environmental factors, research carried out such as climate change, on populations of with Professor Sir Ravinder Maini identifying animals. the molecules that cause the immune system Researchers at Imperial and the to fight itself in diseases such as arthritis. This Universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh and discovery led to the development of anti-TNF drugs that have now improved the lives of mil- Stanford, studied a population of Soay lions of patients around the world. The awards sheep in the Outer Hebrides, and used a ceremony, organised by the European Patent combination of existing population data and Office, takes place on 18 April in Munich. field observations to track how changes in • Log on to www.imperial.ac.uk/events for the distribution of sheep in the population further details.

21 March, Issue 175 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter  UK’s first Academic Health Science Centre moves a step closer

A key step forward for the UK’s first Academic Health Science Centre Public consultation (AHSC) was taken at the end of February following agreement from The creation of the new organisation in the autumn of this year is the London Strategic Health Authority (SHA) that the new organisation subject to a successful public consultation—due to start in April—to should ultimately work to become an NHS Foundation Trust sponsored merge St Mary’s and Hammersmith Trusts and better inte- by Imperial College. This objective has been agreed by Hammersmith grate Imperial College with all the Trusts’ work. An application for Hospitals NHS Trust Board and St Mary’s NHS Trust Board. This will Foundation Trust status from the AHSC would then be prepared some be the first time any organisation other than an NHS Trust has bid to time later. become a Foundation Trust sponsor. Hammersmith, Imperial and St Mary’s have together been Combined leadership exploring a proposal to create an AHSC since autumn 2005. The AHSC The SHA believes that the benefits of an AHSC will be best realised will be the first organisation of its kind in the UK, bringing together the through leadership from a single role combining the Chief Executive of delivery of clinical services, teaching and research. the new Trust with the Principal of the College’s Faculty of Medicine. For this transition phase, until the appointment of a Chief Executive Lessons from the USA later in the year, the College and the Trust Boards have asked Professor The partners have based their vision on the integrated approach— Steve Smith, Principal of the Faculty of Medicine, to be responsible for joining together hospitals with medical education and research insti- the establishment of the AHSC. tutes—in place in other parts of the world, notably at Johns Hopkins Professor Smith said of the AHSC: “Since the organisation is such a Medicine in Baltimore, USA. This model, which the AHSC will seek new concept, there is a lot of work going on to ensure we really make to replicate, is yielding improvements and better clinical outcomes this happen and provide a world class service to our patients. We will for patients and its success was recognised when the Johns Hopkins need the support of all staff and students in each organisation as we Hospital was placed first in the US News Best Hospital ‘Roll of move to implement this model, the key focus of which is to provide Honour’ 2006. excellent medical care and excellent outcomes for our patients.” In partnership with the Trusts, Imperial carries out some of the best — Caroline Gaulter, Communications biomedical research in the world and ensuring that this is completely allied with the service given to patients will make the new organisation • Further information, including a copy of the pre-con- a world leader in healthcare. Patients in west London will be treated by sultation booklet, is now available online at the AHSC staff with knowledge of the latest advances in treatment and tech- website www.ahsc.org.uk. You can also sign up on the nology, the foundations of a healthcare system that is more innovative website to receive a copy of the consultation document. and responsive to the needs of the community. Consultation on the creation of an AHSC is due to start in April 2007.

April–June 2007 July 2007 October 2007 Timeline Public consultation on Agreement expected from the Secretary Subject to successful consultation merger of Hammersmith of State that the merger can go ahead and agreement from the Secretary Hospitals Trust and St Mary’s on the understanding that the new organi- of State, merger of Hammersmith Trust and strengthening of sation will later become an NHS Academic Hospitals Trust and St Mary’s links with Imperial College Foundation Trust (under Section 5*) Trust. New organisation to be sponsored by Imperial College managed by a single Trust Board 2007

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 21 March, Issue 175 Working in partnership with St Mary’s and Hammersmith NHS Trusts

Over many years Hammersmith NHS Trust and St Mary’s NHS Trust have established a first class reputation. Both hospitals are in theDr Foster Good Hospital Guide 2005 top five. The Trusts have some of the best outcomes and survival rates in the UK for a range of conditions, such as: • Heart attacks and heart diseases • Kidney failure and transplantation • Cancers, including breast, prostate, stomach, lung and colon • Viral liver infections and pneumonia. AHSC Road shows Professor Steve Smith, who is responsible Through integration with research and teaching, the AHSC aims to change patient for the creation of the AHSC, spoke to care from first class to world class. around 500 staff about his vision for the new organisation at Charing Cross, St Mary’s and Hammersmith Campuses h e a l t h c h e c k at the beginning of March. Visit www.ahsc. org.uk to watch a video of his presentation. Hammersmith Hospitals St Mary’s Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust is St Mary’s NHS Trust is St Mary’s , and the Western Eye Hospital. Hospital and Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital. • £260 million budget • 500 beds • £430 million budget • 3,700 staff (1,400 nurses and • 1,100 beds midwives, 400 junior doctors, • 5,900 staff (2,500 nurses and 350 consultants) midwives, 600 junior doctors, • 111,000 adults and children cared 300 consultants) for by A&E Future date AHSC will apply for Foundation • 120,000 adults and children cared • 440,000 outpatients cared for Trust status (under Section 5*) for by A&E • 4,500 babies delivered • 350,000 outpatients cared for • 1,500+ student teaching placements • 4,800 babies delivered (500 medical students, 100 • 1,500+ student teaching placements nursing students and 16 (500 medical students, 150 nursing midwifery students students and 20 midwifery students qualified) qualified)

* Section 5 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 covering NHS Foundation Trusts. Foundation Trusts established so far have been formed under Section 4, Applications by NHS Trusts. Section 5 of the Act covers Other applications, which will apply to the AHSC. inventors corner Support you can count on Dr John de Mello tells Reporter about keeping it in the family Over 40 staff from across the College assembled on 27 February for the inaugural meeting of the Trainee Dr John de Mello is a member of the team that recently Accountants Forum. The aim of the forum is to provide won the Royal Society’s Brian Mercer Award for Innova- a support structure through mentoring, networking and tion in Nanotechnology. He is a senior lecturer in nano- sharing of good practice for staff studying for accountancy materials in the Department of Chemistry and a founder examinations. of spin-out company Molecular Vision, together with his Simon Passey, Commercial Services, currently working brother, Professor Andrew de Mello, also from Chemistry, towards the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and Professor Donal Bradley, Head of the Department of Physics. (CIMA) qualification, spends two nights every fortnight at His previous employment before joining Imperial lectures with much additional time devoted to coursework. included a brief stint in the civil service. He said: “I couldn’t wait to get back to science. He said, “The study fits well with my work and helps me to Let’s just say the civil service wasn’t for me, but at least they taught me to touch type.” fully understand what the figures mean.” Working with his brother at Imperial was unplanned. When asked how he finds it, he In opening the meeting, Andrew Murphy, Director of joked: “It’s absolute hell, but mum said I had to.” Finance, stressed the importance of the new forum in devel- John enjoys the challenge of working in a spin-out company: “I don’t think you’re ever quite prepared for the sheer hard work and effort involved in getting a company off the ground. It’s all a bit daunting in the early days and it helps to have companies like on hand to provide advice.” He explains the biggest difference between working in academia and in a spin-out company is the need to focus, saying: “In academia, you’re generally driven by curiosity— it took me a while to realise that what’s interesting to an academic isn’t necessarily what’s important to a company.” The Brian Mercer Award of £250,000 is a welcome boost to the team. Dr de Mello explained that the funding would be used to develop new technologies for solar elec- tricity developed in the Physics and Chemistry Departments at Imperial. He said: “These technologies have reached that point where they’re just a bit too applied for the Research Councils but still too early stage for most venture capitalists. The Brian Mercer funding bridges this gap perfectly.” — Charlotte Stone, Innovations

• Imperial Innovations may be able to help you find an alternative commercial applica- From left to right: Phillip Blissett, Faculty of Medicine Finance Officer, Andrew Murphy, tion for your research. For further information, please visit www.imperialinnovations. Director of Finance, Sonia Hinze, Faculty of Medicine, Nick Rogers, Accounting Opera- tions, Martin Knight, Chief Operating Officer, Melvyn Tamplin, Head of Accounting co.uk or contact the technology transfer team on 020 7581 4949. Operations, Apurvi Northam, Divisional Finance Trainer.

oping talent. He said to the trainee accountants, “Your influ- ence in helping the College to spend its money better is vital to the development of the institution.”

World-class results Two members of staff who have recently achieved out- standing results in their accountancy examinations are Sonia Hinze, Faculty of Medicine, and Nick Rogers, Finance Division. Sonia’s mark in her latest CIMA examination was top in the world, building on her success last year when she achieved seventh place worldwide in another module. Nick Rogers, who works in Accounting Operations, attained the top score in London in the Association for Credit Programme, which he hopes will act as a springboard to a further account- ancy qualification. Congratulating them at a presentation earlier this month, Martin Knight, Chief Operating Officer, said “These tremendous results are testimony to Sonia and Nick’s talent and dedication. The College is committed to providing professional support for its academic mission and Eminent stem cell researchers visited Imperial on Thursday 1 March for a roundtable event where they developing staff is key to this approach.” discussed the potential of stem cell therapies with Malcolm Wicks (left), Minister of State for Science — Caroline Gaulter, Communications and Innovation, and Professor Sir Keith O’Nions, Director General of Science and Innovation at the DTI. Imperial’s Dame Julia Polak, from the Regenerative Medicine Consortium, told the group that stem cell science was now a robust discipline and that it was starting to reap some fruits. “We need to remember • Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/finance/traineeaccountantsforum that this field is extremely new. We are breaking new barriers,” she said. for more information.

10 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 21 March, Issue 175 New website on its way

Work is well underway to develop a new website for the to enhance the College’s reputation with particular emphasis College, using the views of current and potential users of the on modernising the visual design and making it easier for site to model its structure and influence the design. users to find relevant information. The Web Redesign and Information Architecture Project American company New City Media have been employed was set up in the summer of 2006, with funding granted by to design the new site. Staff visited London in February to the Portfolio Review Board. Its aim is to develop the website work with the Imperial project team on the content of the top level pages and a new home page structure. The findings from 39 interviews with representatives of key website user groups, including prospective students, staff and industry contacts, informed the process that involved mapping the routes users take to find information on the current website. Dr Chris Towler, Director of Project Management and member of the Web Management Board, said: “Feedback from staff and students argued the case for an overhaul of our website. There are lots of things that the current website does very well and technically a lot of work has been completed in the past, but now is the time to look at the design and navi- gational aspects. Essentially we want a website to reflect our status as a world-renowned university.” The new website will be live in October 2007. Visit www. imperial.ac.uk/webredesign to see how work is progressing David Poteet (right), New City Media, and Tom Miller, Director of Communications and and find out how to offer your views. Project Director, examine a wall of Post-It notes which show users’ requirements for — Caroline Gaulter, Communications the new College website.

Charity begins at work

Ben Ryall may be running for Imperial’s that you realise how debilitating an illness it free. We would like other families that may Student Opportunities Fund in the upcoming can be.” be in our situation to benefit.” London Marathon (see page 2), but he’s not • Visit www.justgiving.com/tresco for more • Visit www.bmycharity.com/tarragonafamily the only member of staff going the distance information. for more information. for charity this year. Professor Chris Phillips Professor Bill Lee Peter Savage, Trevor Savidge, Paul Professor Chris Phillips, from the Twenty-five years after last sprinting Crudge, Ian Clark, Roger Hare, Ashok Experimental Solid State Group, is part of over the finishing line, Imperial’s Head of Jamdagni a team of amateur rowers from Richmond Materials is planning his London marathon taking on the challenge of rowing across the comeback. Along with his brother and long- English Channel to raise money for their standing running partner Bob, Professor Bill local charity Shooting Star, an organisa- Lee will be raising money for the charity tion dedicated to providing support for the Kidney Research UK. It will be the second families of terminally ill children. The team time the two have tackled the event, which plan to make the estimated six hour crossing they last ran in 1982 after becoming inspired on 8 July through one of the busiest ship- while watching the previous year’s race on a ping lanes in the world, negotiating both the pub TV. “After the fourth pint it seemed like treacherous waves and the huge cargo ships a good idea,” Professor Lee recalls, however, and cross-channel ferries. he is not expecting to match his previous • Visit www.vineyardvoyagers.org.uk for more time of three hours and 19 minutes, saying This Imperial team, all from the High Energy information. “At my age, I’ll be happy with anything Physics group apart from Paul Crudge, under four hours.” Chemical Engineering and Chemical Dr Tony Tarragona The Lee brothers chose to support Kidney Technology, will be running this year’s Tresco Dr Tony Tarragona, IAVI Core Lab Manager Research UK because of their family’s history Marathon, held on the Isles of Scilly. This is at the Chelsea and Westminster Campus, of renal failure. the smallest marathon in the world with a is running in the London Marathon sup- • Visit www.justgiving.com/LeeBros for more maximum of only 125 runners allowed. The porting the charity Children with Leukaemia, information. team are running for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust something close to his family’s heart. He because one of the members has a son with explained: “One of our children has had Good luck to everyone doing something for the disease. They explained: “It’s not until Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, however charity in the coming months. you know someone that suffers from CF since Jan 2004 is in remission and treatment — Alex Platt, Communications

21 March, Issue 175 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 11 archive corner Predicting the future Science Challenge winners announced

What will be the most significant scientific breakthrough of A question the next hundred years? This was the question facing Imperial and secondary school students taking part in the essay writing competition of the Imperial College Science Challenge 2007. of sport The competition attracted nearly 400 entries with a wide range of ideas of what the future holds from reconstructing the human cell to anti-ageing therapies. A vision of a future that includes brain-computer inter- faces, a mix of human and man-made brains, was the subject With the fifth J.P.R. Williams Varsity Match played earlier this month, this edition of of Imperial physics postgraduate Naaman Tammuz’s winning Archive Corner looks at Imperial’s sporting history. essay. He predicts that by the mid 2030s scientists will possess The constituent colleges that later became Imperial College all had sports clubs dating a complete model of the human brain with ample computing from the nineteenth century, including association football and rugby union, boxing, power to simulate its activity. By the 2040s, he says, there rowing and cycling. Swimming was another popular activity that became more wide- will be a significant number of human brains consisting of spread through the founding of the Science and Arts Swimming Club in April 1887. The man-made components, radically changing the way man and club used Fulham baths and St George’s baths, Westminster, for activities that included machine interact. water polo, a male-only pursuit until after World War Two. Naaman won the prize of £2,500 and the chance to spend a day shadowing Dr Other clubs with a long history are the Boat Club, the Hockey Club and athletics clubs Roger Highfield, science editor offering track and cross-country running, and tug-of-war. Women’s teams had great of The Daily Telegraph. Mark success in athletics, winning the University Challenge Cup at various times. Nicholson, 16, from the Tennis, badminton and fencing were also played where the space was available, and Reading School, won the climbing and sailing were popular secondary school essay pursuits, often requiring travel and competition with his idea overnight stays. of revolutionising computer technology by using quantum Imperial College held an Annual physics to speed up processors Sports Meeting, an event that and shrink the size of PCs. was described in Phoenix The Science Challenge was organised in January 1921 as being as by the Union. It aims to promote important for the College socially science communication and creative thinking among young as for its sport. Sports that were individuals. Students and school children were invited to showcased included running, shot putting and the long jump. submit an essay of 800 words describing a future scientific The 1920 meeting was held at breakthrough or major development. Stamford Bridge, an ambitiously Judges on the panel included Lord Robert Winston, large venue that was scarcely Professor of Fertility Studies at the College, Dr Roger filled by the few hundred specta- Highfield, science editor ofThe Daily Telegraph, Dr Raj C&G RFC first 15, 1938 winners tors who attended. The knock-on effect of Persaud, broadcaster and journalist, and Dr Simon Singh, of the Engineers Cup. this was that in 1921 costs had to be kept MBE, science writer and alumnus. down. Winners were awarded small brass — Naomi Weston, Communications plaques instead of individual silver cups and spectators were charged an entrance fee. • Visit www.rcsu.org.uk/index.php?page/SCfinalists to read the One of the more unusual sports offered by the College winning entry. was gliding. The Gliding Club was founded in February 1930 when work began to build one of its own gliders. The first flight took place in 1931 and the club went on to travel far and wide to the best locations for flying. 120 launches took place at the club’s second camp in September of that year and a certificate was awarded to the then Rector, Sir Henry Tizard, for his thirty-second flight. The club was grounded during World War Two, but took off again afterwards.

— Anne Barrett, Archives and Corporate Records

Competition winner and runners-up (L-R): Udennaka Paul Igboanusi, Emma Rose McGlone, Costas Koufaris, Jad Marrouche , Naaman Tammuz (overall winner), Sang Ngoc Nguyen, Dirk van Swaay.

12 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 21 March, Issue 175 Chasing the sun for boating success

Imperial mechanical engineering students will make up the only UK team in an international solar powered boat race taking place in July 2008. The team of undergraduates will design and make their entry, Solar Spirit, for the Frisian Solar Challenge in the , the only solar powered boat race in Europe. Made of glass fibre, the one man boat will be powered by 175W five solar panels and will be six metres in length. Currently the students have finished the design and are working on the manufacture. The boat will be powered by an electric outboard motor that will source its power from a combination of solar and battery power through the course of the challenge. The solar panels are capable of generating electricity in ambient conditions with more energy being generated when the sun is brightest. The competition is open to teams from higher education institutions, the business community and members of the public. The race is 220km long, lasts six days and runs through the Frisian cities of the Netherlands, via canals and lakes. Thomas Middleditch, team leader on the project, says: “As a group we are keen to promote green Imperial’s team of mechanical engineering students are hoping to technologies. We are very take first place in the Frisian Solar Challenge next year. excited that we are the only UK team entering. We are looking forward to representing Imperial, London and the UK at this important international event.” The Team’s tutor Dr Shaun Crofton, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said: “There are many challenges for engineering and engineers in the future and this project encompasses the most pressing. This group has risen to the challenge and I hope and am certain that they will prove worthy challengers and bring some innovation to the race.” Imperial Medicals RFC beat Imperial College Union RFC 17-7 in the fifth J.P.R. Wil- — Naomi Weston, Communications liams Varsity Match on 7 March. The match was the culmination of a day’s intense sporting competition between the Medics and Imperial teams who battled it out in sports including hockey and lacrosse at the Harlington ground, as well as water • Visit www.solarspirit.co.uk for more information. polo and basketball in the Ethos Sports Centre at South Kensington Campus. (Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/sports/news/varsity.htm for the full match report.)

Three ‘R’s for scientists

Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir David King, challenged scientists to back Sir David emphasised the need for scientists, researchers and the Universal Ethical Code for Scientists in a lecture held at Imperial industry to subscribe to the code and, in particular, to encourage its on 13 March as part of National Science and Engineering Week. implementation in universities and schools. Urging scientists to adopt and help promote the values of rigour, The code, completed in 2006, has been piloted and tested in key respect and responsibility, which are the cornerstones of the code, Sir governmental agencies and David said: “I have no doubt that the vast majority of scientists are will now be rolled out more highly ethical and already adhere to many elements of this code. There widely across government, is a lot of existing good practice but the code sets down some basic with the Office of Science practices and beliefs explicitly. We use the terms ‘rigour, respect and and Innovation and the Chief responsibility’ as a simple illustration of our promise to the commu- Scientific Advisors Network nity as scientists, and as a demonstration to the public that scientists helping take it forward. take ethical issues seriously.” — Naomi Weston, The universal code aims to foster ethical research, encourage active Communications reflection among scientists on the implications of their work and support constructive communication between scientists and the public • Visit www.dti.gov.uk/ on complex and challenging issues. science/science-and-society/ Key points of the code include encouraging scientists to engage public_engagement/code/ with the public, minimise and justify adverse effects their work may page28029.htm to access the Sir David King urged scientists to back the Universal have on others and work to avoid misleading the public. code. Ethical Code at a lecture held at Imperial last week.

21 March, Issue 175 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 13 Celebrating long service

30 years Miss Lorna Bailey, Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer, NHLI

20 years Mr Tariq Rasheed, IT Support Engineer, ICT

Mrs Joy Lowe, Accounts Assistant, Finance

Miss Joan Dance, Clerk, Finance

Mr Adrian Russell, Plant Growth Services Supervisor, Biology

Mrs Margaret Quinn, Clerical Assistant , Student Residences

Staff featured have celebrated anniversaries during the period 28 February to 30 March 2007. Data is supplied by HR and is correct at the time of going to press.

Pedal power!

Night, camera, action! Stunning images of the South Kensington Campus, taken by renowned architectural photographer Christian Richters, are now available from the College’s digital image library. Visit https:// imageslib.cc.ic.ac.uk and search for ‘buildings at night’.

Obituaries

Kenneth Anthony Kalanyi Kebba (Tony enabled him to investigate how exposed Kebba) MBChB, PhD but uninfected individuals are protected With regret, from infection, and how others who Reporter records become infected do not progress to AIDS. the untimely Such understanding may form the basis of death on 15 a successful prophylactic vaccination in the February 2007 future to help combat HIV worldwide. In his of Tony Kebba, final years, as well as the appointment he Thanks to a tax free govern- aged 36, a former held at Imperial, he was Senior Scientist ment scheme, you can save up to 40 PhD student and honorary lecturer in the and Project Leader in the MRC Basic Sci- per cent of the recommended retail price on Department of Immunology. Professor ences Programme and achieved the award a wide range of bicycles. The College purchases the Frances Gotch, who trained Tony as an of a Career Development Fellowship from bikes and leases them to you as a tax exempt benefit. You then immunologist and supervised his PhD the Wellcome Trust, and funding from other pay the cost of the loan by means of a salary sacrifice over a studies, writes of her former student: “Tony donor agencies including the International 12-month period. The salary sacrifice is not subject to tax or undertook his medical training at Makerere AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the Centre national insurance deductions, allowing basic rate tax payers University in Kampala and devoted his for HIV-AIDS Vaccine Immunology (CHAVI). to save up to 33 per cent and higher rate tax payers to save up career to research into HIV infection in He will be remembered as an internation- to 40 per cent. Uganda. In 2000 he was awarded a pres- ally acknowledged scientist, a dear col- tigious Rogers Research Fellowship that league and mentor, a champion of African To take part in the scheme, the bicycle must primarily be science, a gentle and resourceful young used for commuting to work, although this does not have to be on a daily basis. 8 The Editor is pleased to accept brief man with great promise of further contribu- appreciations in remembrance of tion to the scientific growth in Uganda, colleagues, reserving the right to edit particularly in the field of immunology, and • For more information visit www.imperial.ac.uk/occhealth/ these before publication. Please email an outstanding servant of the institutions guidanceandadvice/cycletoworkscheme or contact Dougie Mason [email protected] with whom he worked.” at [email protected] or 020 7594 9365.

14 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 21 March, Issue 175 Mr Andrew Kinloch, Mr Sandy MacKenzie, ICT welcome Kennedy Institute Dr Viet Bui has recently Dr Nicola Marks, NHLI Dr Anastasios Koutsos, joined the Composites Mr John Mason, Medicine new starters Cell and Molecular Centre in the Department Miss Rhiannon Medhurst, Biology of Aeronautics from the Medicine Miss Cristina Amil-Leon, EYEC Dr Elisabeth Kugelberg, Laboratory of Aeronautic Dr Eleftherios Meridis, SORA Miss Alexandra Anderson, Cell and Investigative and Spatial Techniques of Dr Simon Michaelis, Chemistry Molecular Biology Science the University of Liège, Belgium. His research Mr Phillip Muckett, Faculty of Dr Eugene Kuzmin, Medicine (5 years) Dr Nikolaos Apostolou, EEE interests include modelling and simulation SORA Dr Mathew Parker, Investigative Mr Samuel Armstrong, Faculty of in solid mechanics by the finite element Mrs Susu Li, Science Medicine method, which can be used to detect failures Mr Jon Ashton, Communications Humanities Mr Tam Rankin, Registry in aircraft or engine rotors due to insufficient Mr Marko Aunedi, EEE Mrs Leena Lindholm- Ms Moira Rankin, Investigative strength or to predict defects in fabrication Mr Edward Barrett, Physics White, ESE Science Dr Aidan Bell, Faculty of Medicine Mr Antony Mayhew, processes, such as metal forming. Mrs Bharti Rao, Neurosciences Dr Claudio Belotti, Physics Biology and Mental Health (5 years) Mr James Berry, Biology Mr Carlos Merchan, Miss Aggie Schikora, Occupational Mr Niels Boyadjian, ICT Estates Health Service Ms Gemma Brennan, Mr James Milner, CEP Dr Sunita Sinha, Medicine Neurosciences and Mental Miss Thunicia Moodley, farewell Mrs Jackie Smith, Faculty of Health Investigative Science Natural Sciences (18 years) Dr Viet Bui, Aeronautics Dr Simon Moore, Bioengineering moving on Dr Sarah Tagg, Medicine Ms Kelsey Case, EPHPC Mr Xavier Mulet, Chemistry Dr Susern Tan, Clinical Sciences Dr Subarna Chakravorty, Mr Neil Murray, Aeronautics Mrs Barbara Adam, Medicine Dr David Thornley, Computing (6 Investigative Science Professor James Noble, Computing Dr Yeni Astuti, Chemistry years) Dr Julie Cornish, SORA Dr Wieslawa Olszewska, NHLI Mr Nektarios Bampalas, Dr Claire Thornton, Clinical Dr Tamera Corte, NHLI Ms Christine Palmer, Kennedy Aeronautics Sciences Dr Nicholas Cutfield, Institute Mr Richard Barker, Finance Miss Gabrielle Turner, NHLI Neurosciences and Mental Dr Michail Papathomas, EPHPC Dr Amanda Barnard, Investigative Dr Nina Ullrich, NHLI Health Mr Alexandre Patrice, Molecular Science Mr Charles Vuntarde, Clinical Mr Richard Darnley, Physics Biosciences Mr Clinton Blair, Communications Sciences Dr Giuseppe Digesu, SORA Dr Antonio Postigo, Investigative Mr Paul Bowyer, Cell and Mrs Anne Want, NHLI Ms Milja Djurkovic, Investigative Science Molecular Biology Dr James Warner, Neurosciences Science Dr Francois Potgieter, Ms Nicola Bradbury, Medicine and Mental Health (8 years)

Ms Tracy Dos Santos, Chemistry Neurosciences and Mental Professor Brian Briscoe*, Chemical Mr Richard Wearne, Sport and moving in. moving on. Dr Gregory Durnan, Clinical Health Engineering (29 years) Leisure Services Sciences Dr Ailsa Powell, Cell and Molecular Mr Ernst Buyl, Faculty of Medicine Miss Cordula Wetzel, SORA Dr Edward Erin, NHLI Biology Dr Surinder Chander, Medicine (5 Dr Angela Williams, SORA Dr Colin Fontaine, Biology Mr Daniel Ramirez Cano, EEE years) Dr Diego Fontaneto, Biology Ms Jemma Reilly Ayton, Mr Riki Clarke, Registry Mr Michael French, EPHPC Neurosciences and Mental Miss Camila Clemente, Richard Barker, Dr Valentina Gallo, EPHPC Health Catering Services Engineering Faculty Dr Ivan Gentil, Mathematics Dr Angelika Ress, Investigative Miss Claire Dady, Medicine Finance Officer, has Dr Richard Grenyer, Biology Science Ms Thaneeya Duangchinda, left the College after Miss Rebecca Roberts, Medicine Mr Li Guo, Computing Medicine four and a half years Dr David Rogers, Cell and Mr Emad Hamoudi, ICT Dr Rade Durbaba, to take up the post Molecular Biology Neurosciences and of Head of Finance Dr Alexis Rohou, Mental Health (11 years) and Administration at the Royal Society. Molecular Biosciences Dr Christopher Edge, SORA Dr Arash Soleiman Fallah Dr Giselle Rowlinson, Mrs Julie Fletcher, Registry (9 Colleagues from the Engineering Faculty has been a PhD student in NHLI years) and Finance Division held a farewell the Department of Civil and Mr Gil Saville, Sport and Miss Leah Glass, ESE reception for Richard at 58 Prince’s Gate Environmental Engineering Leisure Dr Sarah Glennie, Kennedy on 23 February to wish him well. for the past three years Dr Judith Schweimer, Institute (5 years) and has recently been appointed a Research Clinical Sciences Mrs Lyndsay Gordon, EYEC (5 Associate there. He is working on a project for Mr Asif Shafiuddin, ICT years) Miss Jane Wilson, SORA the European Union Collaboration for Long Dr Arash Soleiman Mrs Neidja Gould, NHLI Dr Keith Woodgate, Aeronautics Term in Defence, researching the survivability, Fallah, Civil and Miss Rebecca Hansey, Cell and (16 years) durability and performance of naval Environmental Molecular Biology Dr Clare Wykes, Investigative Engineering Science composite structures. His work will assist in Mr Lizhong Hao, NHLI Miss Elizabeth Swift, Dr Shouyi Yin, Computing the construction of ships that will resist high Mr Laurence Hey, EEE Security Services Dr Susan Hodgson, EPHPC pressures of blasts and impacts. Ms Liyan Tang, Business Mrs Lydia Holden, SORA School Mr Johannes Janse van Rensburg, retirements Miss Michelle Tetlow, Medicine Dr Laurence Huc, Medicine SORA Dr Julian Jarman, NHLI Mr Chris Anderson, Estates (16 Mrs Claire Hunt, CEP Miss Victoria Thomas, SORA Mr Gawesh Jawaheer, Computing years) Dr Dilan Jayaweera, EEE Miss Claire Thompson, Finance (5 years) Mrs Anne Horn, Estates (13 years) Ms Diane Job, Library Services Dr Evren Unsal, ESE Miss Roma Jhalli, Medicine Mrs Hazel Hover, Student Dr Cecilia Johansson, NHLI Dr Judith Van Holten, Kennedy Miss Karen Jones, Student Residences (13 years) Dr Angela Jones, NHLI Institute Residences Mrs Patricia Jimenez, Finance (17 Miss Mary Jones, Faculty of Mr Geoffrey Williams, Cell and Miss Catherine Jury, Business years) Medicine Molecular Biology School Ms Susannah Keeling, Medicine Ms Sabine Winkler, Medicine Miss Catherine Keshishian, EPHPC Professor Jonathan Kydd*, CEP (23 years) This data is supplied by HR and covers the Ms Poppy Lamberton, EPHPC period 18 February to 10 March 2007. It was Dr Alexander Lange, EPHPC correct at the time of going to press. Years > Please send your images and/or brief comments about new Dr David Langley, Research of service are given where an individual has Services been a member of College staff for over five starters, leavers and retirees to the Editor, a.platt@imperial. years. ac.uk who reserves the right to edit or amend these as necessary. Dr Ludovic Lemaignen, ESE Miss Denise Leonard, Human Asterisk (*) indicates where an individual will Resources continue to play an active role in College life.

21 March, Issue 175 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 15 notice board 21 March 2007 what’s on 21 March 2007 18.00–19.00 25 April 2007 19.00–21.00 Imperial College Wind Band Imperial Innovations Stock Market Debut CENTENARY END OF TERM CONCERT Susan Searle, Chief Executive of Imperial Innovations 8 Concert Hall, Student Union Building, Beit Quad Group plc FRIENDS OF IMPERIAL SPECIAL LECTURE 8 Lecture Theatre G34, Sir Alexander Fleming 22 March 2007 13.00–13.45 Building Belcea Quartet Registration in advance: LUNCHTIME CONCERT [email protected] 8 Reed Lecture Theatre, Sherfield Building 26 April 2007 13.00–13.45 volunteering Jessica Chan (Piano) The Volunteer Centre, part of Imperial Outreach, currently LUNCHTIME CONCERT has over 250 active projects and all are listed on www. 8 Reed Lecture Theatre, imperial.ac.uk/volunteering. You can also subscribe Sherfield Building to the weekly newsletter by sending an email to volun- [email protected]. 22 March 2007 16.30–17.30 > All events are at the South Kensington Campus unless otherwise stated. Urgent project... Many Ways to Make Ends Meet: mechanisms of DNA double-strand Help school students with revision break repair by NHEJ during the Easter holidays Dr Aidan Doherty, University of Sussex Project: Easter Revision Volunteer take note Project ID: 1731 8 Room 122, Sir Alexander Fleming Building Organisation: St Clements and St James Community Devel- Updated 2007 Hotel opment Project Date(s): 10–18 April 2007 23 March 2007 18.00–23.30 Directory—now available Time(s): 14.00–17.00 on any of the above dates A Social Evening with Imperial as One If you are seeking central London hotel accommoda- Location: W11 (nearest tube Latimer Road) Buffet and complementary drinks on arrival tion for a conference, business or simply for pleasure, 8 Main Dining Hall, Level 1, Sherfield Building Imperial’s hotel booking service is available to all. The Volunteers are needed to help students, year nine and 2007 Hotel Directory offers 22 hotels, ranging from above, with coursework and revision during the Easter Tickets to be purchased in advance: two star to five star standard, at specially negoti- holidays. Internet access is provided, as well as practice [email protected] ated rates representing savings of up to 35 per cent, papers, test software and tutorials on any subject. Volun- subject to room type and season. Each hotel has been teers can do as many sessions as suits them. St Clements specifically chosen for its reputation, quality of service and St James Community Development Project is a volun- 3 April 2007 17.30–18.30 and proximity to Imperial’s London campuses, with tary sector agency that manages and Reviving the Failing Heart: one cell at a time each hotel just a few minutes walk from its respective local campus. provides a regular programme Professor Sian Harding of activities and special events PROFESSORIAL LECTURE to meet the needs of groups 8 Paul Wood Lecture Theatre, Guy Scadding • Call 020 7594 9507/11 to request a brochure and individuals within the Building, NHLI, Royal Brompton Campus or visit www.imperial-accommodationlink.com local community. The purpose Registration in advance: [email protected] to make an online booking request or download of the service is to motivate the 2007 Hotel Directory. children to become more effec- tive learners through activities that improve their core skills, including helping them to plan and prioritise workloads and develop their organisational skills. Reporter is published every three weeks Editor during term time in print and online at Alexandra Platt > To take part in this scheme or to hear more about www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter. Tel +44 (0)20 759 46715 volunteering in general, contact Minna Ruohonen on email [email protected] Reporter will be back in the Summer Term. 020 7594 8133 or email [email protected]. Contributions are welcome (no more Photography than 300 words). Please note the editor Emma Bowkett Christian Richters • Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/volunteering for full reserves the right to cut or amend articles Ian Gillett Emerson Vigoureux details of over 250 volunteering opportunities. You can as necessary. Information correct at time Jean-Francois Lagrot Colin Whyman also subscribe to the weekly newsletter by emailing of going to press. New City Media [email protected].

16 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 21 March, Issue 175