Lord Bilimoria New Chancellor

August/September 2014 Introducing our Lord Bilimoria New Chancellor

buzz 151 2 VICE-CHANCELLOR’SNEWS VIEW NEWS

Vice-Chancellor’s view Building on success As I write, we are coming to the end of a remarkable year. The year began with the news that we had been named by The Times and The Sunday Times as the ‘University of the Year.’ It ended with the Installation of our new Chancellor, Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea.

Between these two notable events far Next year we will be taking time to more happened than can be captured develop the University’s new Strategic in one short article. We said farewell to Framework which will act as a compass Sir Dominic Cadbury, and thanked him guiding us through the second half of this for his quite remarkable 11 years as our decade. We can embark on this exercise Chancellor. We acclaimed the election with real confidence that we are shaping of Professor David Charlton to the Royal our own future, and will continue to do Society and Professor Richard Backhouse so. Indeed, as Professor Andy Schofield to the British Academy. This was welcome suggested to the University Leadership Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood recognition by our National Academies Forum, we might think about moving from a of two remarkable colleagues. Professor strategy where we are aspiring to succeed Richard Williams was named by the to a strategy where we expect to succeed. Engineering and Physical Sciences That, symbolically, would mark the distance YOUR BUZZ Research Council in the first select group that we have travelled. of its RISE Fellows. Academic colleagues The work on the Strategic Framework Next edition 1 October 2014 across the University continued to be will involve conversations, focus groups, Copy deadline 5 September 2014 lauded for the quality of their research. and open events right across the University. Contact us I cannot remember a year where we have It is a process to which I hope many of [email protected] won more academic prizes. you will feel that you can contribute. Equally heartening were the colleagues As I have said before, it is a characteristic Buzz online whose contribution to teaching has been of great universities that they are constantly buzz.bham.ac.uk recognised externally, while colleagues in looking forward and reshaping themselves. Follow us on Twitter professional services carried off a Times The very best do that in ways which twitter.com/buzzunibham Higher Education award, and colleagues break new ground and remodel the idea Find us on Facebook in HAS have been garlanded with prizes of a university for generations to come. facebook.com/buzzunibham and awards. We can now, I believe, claim to be in Indeed so successful has the University that select group. been this year that, at the suggestion So next year, the next five years, and of the Provost, we are going to produce indeed the years beyond will be as exciting a supplement to the next edition of as the year that is now coming to a close. Edited by Rebecca Vowles Buzz celebrating all that our colleagues As we face the future with a sense of [email protected] have achieved. excitement and privilege to be working at the It is on these and other successes that University at such an exhilarating moment, Your details we are building the future of the University. we can all reflect with satisfaction at having Please let us know if you want extra Never has the University of Birmingham been part of a truly memorable year. copies of buzz or if you think we need been more popular. Our undergraduate I would like to thank all of my colleagues to amend your distribution details. applications are up by 18 per cent for everything that they have contributed. and we have seen substantial increases Our new Chancellor said at his Installation Views expressed in the magazine are in applications from international and that to be associated with this university not necessarily those of the University postgraduate taught students. Our research at this time is an honour. We are equally or a statement of University policy. awards run ahead of target, though there honoured that he has agreed to become All submissions may be subject to is still much further to go. We have broken our Chancellor and shares our vision. editing. The Editor’s decision is final. ground with Rolls-Royce on the High Our future will be what we choose Temperature Research Centre and, to make it. with colleagues at University Hospital Birmingham, work is well advanced on Vice-Chancellor, Front cover image: Lord Bilimoria the Institute of Translational Medicine. Professor Sir David Eastwood of Chelsea, Chancellor NEWS NEWS 3

University staff recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

The University is delighted that its Vice- University for 29 years, supports the Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood, University’s core activities by managing the has been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday services, buildings and physical resources Honours. Sir David has been honoured in an integrated and co-ordinated way. Her in recognition of his remarkable services work ensures a safe and efficient working to higher education and the drive and environment for staff and students. commitment he has shown to enhancing Earlier this year Pro-Chancellor and the UK’s reputation in this field. chair of University Council Ed Smith was Donna Willmetts, College Facilities recognised in the New Year’s Honours Manager for the College of Social list. Mr Smith is pictured receiving his CBE Sciences, received a British Empire for services to higher education from His Medal for services to higher education. Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. Mrs Willmetts, who has worked at the

University of We would like your Birmingham wins Views on Equality Outstanding in the Workplace As part of our submission for the International Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2015, we are asking all staff to fill in Strategy a questionnaire on their experiences working for the University. Taking part The University recently won the to enhanced grant capture, increased in the Workplace Equality Index is an Times High Education Leadership & joint publications, increased student effective way to create an inclusive Management Award (THELMA) for its enrolments and plans to enhance workplace for lesbian, gay and bisexual bold approach to securing its position education collaboration and mobility. employees. Please complete the short in Brazil as the higher education institute Over the past academic year, the University questionnaire via the link below; the partner of choice. Working with key of Birmingham has collaborated with all University’s unique three digit code is stakeholders Birmingham has developed of the top ten universities in Brazil and 662. www.stonewall.org.uk/WEI15/ flourishing partnerships that have led 17 of the top 20. weistaffattitude2013.htm

Responses submitted online will go directly to Stonewall; you can find more Life Sciences Review – information about the staff feedback questionnaire at www.stonewall.org. your opportunity to contribute uk/at_work/workplace_equality_ index_2015/default.asp. As many of you may be aware, the stakeholders to ensure that we continue University is currently in the process of to enhance our national and international conducting a Life Sciences Review in profile in this area. order to develop a co-ordinated strategy To support the work of the academic at University level that allows us to deliver advisory group conducting the review, world-leading research and teaching. the opinions and input from across The review will assess our current the University community are actively portfolio of activity across the broad encouraged. span of life sciences, identifying existing and potential future strengths. It will also Find out more at: intranet.birmingham. define links with relevant partners and ac.uk/life-sciences-review 4 FEATURE: THE EMERGING POWER OF BRAZIL

THE EMERGING POWER OF BRAZIL Dr Marco Vieria, Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) and Dr Jonathan Grix, Centre for Policy Research in Sport (CPRS), look at Brazil’s role in International Affairs and engagement with the University.

The question of how emerging powers and University of Birmingham pump-priming will affect the global order, and the award to critically investigate Brazil’s international regimes and norms that role in the management of international sustain it, is fast becoming one of the security, international development, global Dr Jon Grix, André Almeida Arantes (Brazilian most pressing of the 21st century. economic governance, climate change, Ministry of Sport), and Zena Wooldridge Brazil is a prime example of a new power regional integration, and the political trying to adapt its foreign policy to the leveraging of sports mega-events. This fast-changing context of global politics project has already resulted in a successful and governance. From issues as diverse two-day workshop that brought together this November, will focus on how best as climate change, international policy and academic experts from Brazil to use the Rio Olympic Games (2016) peacekeeping, development assistance, and the UK to discuss the prospects for to improve education and sport in Brazil. humanitarian intervention and economic cooperation between these two countries A major outcome of this will be drawing reform, Brazil is deeply involved in in several areas of global governance. up a set of recommendations for Brazil, reshaping and renegotiating the current A central part of the University’s led by the University, using the experience rules of global governance. engagement with Brazil is what could be and best practice of states around the Since the end of the millennium, Brazil termed a ‘sports agenda’, which has seen world. The final workshop, taking place in has played a central role in the creation University experts advising on a variety December, will conclude the first phase of a web of regional institutions in South of sport-related topics, ranging from elite of collaborative work by bringing together America, provided unprecedented levels sport development to school and youth scholars not just from Brazil, but from each of development assistance to Africa and sports. This has been spearheaded by of the University’s strategic partner states, actively promoted its own and other CPRS; the Centre’s Director, Dr Grix, has including the USA (University of Illinois at developing countries’ interests in the been heavily involved with the Brazilian Urbana–Champaign), China (Shanghai World Trade Organisation, which currently Ministry of Sport and was invited to Brasilia University) and India (Institute for has a Brazilian diplomat as its director- in 2012 – along with Zena Wooldridge, Economic Growth). The next phase of general. In the aftermath of the world Head of UB Sport – to speak to an Brazil-related research will benefit greatly financial crisis in 2008, Brazil flexed its audience of National Governing Bodies from the Institute of Advanced Studies’ diplomatic muscle to make the G20 of Sport on how Brazil can improve its next major research theme ‘The Politics and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, elite sport system. of Sport’ launching in September. Led China and South Africa) important new The University’s engagement with the by Dr Grix, the wider team is drawn from structures in the international landscape. Brazilian Ministry of Sport has revolved across the University and will offer a As part of the University’s broader around four specific workshops held in multi-disciplinary perspective on, amongst strategy of engagement with Brazil, Dr Birmingham and Brazil. The first two other things, the impact of Brazil’s double Vieira and Dr Grix have received a São workshops were held at the University host status (2014 FIFA World Cup and Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in 2012 and São Paulo in 2013, the next, 2016 Olympic Games). BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL: BRAZIL 5

BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL BRAZIL

Birmingham’s engagement with Brazil n 70+ University of Birmingham academics are involved in collaborative continues to progress apace with recent engagement with Brazilian partners highlights including: n 224 jointly authored papers with Brazilian academics produced in 2012 – n An EPS delegation to São Paulo a threefold increase from 2011 and Paraná, led by Head of College n 25 full time Brazilian PhD students currently studying at the University, Professor Richard Williams, to host a one of the largest cohorts in the UK series of Energy Storage workshops and n 66 Science Without Borders undergraduate students spending meet University and industry partners. a year at the University n A visit to the University by the Brazilian n Joint pump-priming funds with the two largest state research foundations Ambassador to the UK to attend the in Brazil: FAPESP and FAPERJ President of the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Professor Celso Lafer’s honorary degree ceremony. development. Professor Lafer, a former Innovation Initiative (GII) which provides n The University being recognised as government minister and senior diplomat, funding to support collaborative projects being sector-leading in Brazil winning received an honorary doctorate (Doctor involving one US, one UK and one other the Times Higher Education Leadership of the University) from the University. partner from selected countries, including and Management Awards (THELMA) Professor Lafer has led a process of Brazil. Grants are available of £110,000– for Outstanding International Strategy. internationalisation of FAPESP that £150,000 for university consortia focusing n The launch of a £240,000 fund with includes the establishment of a jointly on STEM-related (Science, Technology, the state funding agency for the State funded pump-priming research scheme Engineering and Mathematics) multinational of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ) to fund worth £480,000 with the University and research. Proposal guidance and collaboration with Rio. the University of Nottingham, to support application details will be available when research collaboration with Brazil. the call opens on 18 August from: The University has recently launched a This innovative scheme is one of the www.britishcouncil.us/programmes/ joint pump-priming fund with FAPERJ cornerstones of the University’s successful education/higher/policy-dialogue/ and the University of Nottingham. Worth engagement with Brazil and contributed international-partnerships. £240,000 over the next two years and to the institution receiving an Outstanding open to all disciplines the first call for International Strategy Award. proposals is now open. With funding With a Brazilian student community Further information: available for a range of activities the of more than 100 students on campus, a Strategic lead: Andréa Edwards ultimate purpose is to foster collaboration number which will grow in September, the Operational lead: Marion Fleming-Froy that has the potential to lead directly to Guild of Students has recently approved Recruitment: Emma Hewitt further applications to external funding the establishment of a Brazilian Society. [email protected] bodies to support joint activity between This student-run society will host a series academics in Brazil and the UK. The call of social and cultural events each year; Brazilian Society: is also open for a new Visiting Fellows volunteers are currently planning events www.facebook.com/pages/ scheme with São Paulo State University for the autumn term so please keep an Brazilian-Society-University-of- (UNESP) that will see the exchange of eye out for details. Birmingham/575911932529823 three academics in each direction per Also International Relations will shortly year for visits of up to three months. be circulating details of the £375 million More information: In early July the University hosted a visit Newton Fund to support collaboration with intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/external/ by Professor Celso Lafer, the President of a number of countries, with £18 million set international/relations/Brazil/ FAPESP, an independent public foundation aside for Brazil collaboration. The second CollaborationwithBrazil.aspx that fosters research and scientific call is also about to launch for the Global 6 FEATURE: BIRMINGHAM FOUNDATION ACADEMY FEATURE: THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND

BIRMINGHAM FOUNDATION ACADEMY Leading the way

Buzz examines the inspiring breadth of the work of the University’s ‘The Birmingham Foundation pioneering Birmingham Foundation Academy (BFA) and uncovers Academy really helps me to why the BFA attracts so many of the brightest international improve my English. It not only students from around the globe. teaches us about the modules When it was launched in February 2012, fully integrated into campus life giving we need for next year but also the BFA boasted one of the first foundation them the best preparation for starting the study skills such as writing programmes of its kind and merged undergraduate study at the University. skills and critical thinking.’ with the University’s existing English for This brings tangible benefits to the students International Students Unit to become and academic community and increases Tiara Utomo, Indonesian BFA student one of the most respected and unique our international student recruitment international student offerings in the UK. whilst ensuring that we recruit only the This June saw the BFA’s management very brightest of overseas students.’ The courses range in length from 4–42 team shortlisted for the Times Higher Dr Steve Minchin, Academic Director, weeks and are only open to students who Education Leadership & Management Birmingham Foundation Academy. hold a University of Birmingham offer, Award’s (THELMA) Outstanding The International Pre-Masters be that for a foundation, undergraduate, Leadership and Management Award. Programme offers international students pre-masters or postgraduate course. The BFA acts as a feeder for the option of integrating a pre-masters Students with offers conditional on international students to undergraduate year into their academic study at the improving their International English and postgraduate study at the University. University of Birmingham. The Pre-Masters Language Testing System (IELTS) score The programmes ensure that our programmes are designed to help can be offered the option of attending one international students have the academic students make the leap from their current of these courses instead of retaking the test. English and study skills, as well as the qualification to a postgraduate programme The presessionals are delivered by subject specific knowledge, to succeed at Birmingham; this maybe because the English for International Students on their programme. There are currently their current degree is not equivalent to Unit (EISU) which is also responsible three main pathways but there will be a a UK honours degree or because they for offering English support to all current new addition to the BFA arriving soon. have not previously studied some of the students whose native language is not The BFA’s title pathway – the topics required for entry to their desired English. This includes free open access Birmingham Foundation Programme masters programme. English classes, self assessment English offers a one-year course to enable Despite the perception that the summer tests, individual language tutorials, and academically talented students, from months are a quiet time on campus, the provision of self study materials. countries with twelve year education each July and August, hundreds of There are also courses specifically systems, to enter into undergraduate study. international students begin Presessional designed for the partners of international This therefore enables highly motivated Academic English Courses, and this postgraduate students and staff. learners, with an excellent academic summer has seen a record breaking record, to bridge the gap between their number of international students arrive current qualifications and entry onto an on campus. At the last count, 967 undergraduate degree at Birmingham. Presessional students are due to join More information ‘We are very proud that all our students their college programmes in September, www.birmingham.ac.uk/ are taught by University of Birmingham having improved their knowledge of International/foundation-academy/ academics and English language tutors. spoken and written English in preparation index.aspx Our students live on campus and are for their academic study. FEATURE: BIRMINGHAM FOUNDATION ACADEMY FEATURE: THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND 7 THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND

From a holiday in the ‘Axis of Evil’, post-conflict resolution and artificial intelligence, to the possibility of robot overlords, the University’s first TEDx conference tackled the theme ‘Throwing Caution to the Wind.’ Faye Jackson reports.

TED is a non-profit organisation that is Ben said: ‘I was thrilled to be asked to do devoted to spreading inspirational ideas a TEDx talk as a member of non-academic You can watch all seven talks in the form of 18-minute long talks. staff. I think it was a great initiative to be from the first Birmingham TEDx at: TEDx is run independently to share ideas hosted by the University of Birmingham, www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/ in communities around the world. The and I hope we can do something similar tedx/index.aspx inaugural conference took place in May in the future so that more people can enjoy and saw a variety of academic and non- the TEDx experience.’ Discover more about the TED academic speakers. The event proved Tom Farrar, Digital Communications organisation www.ted.com popular so we may see another meeting Officer and organiser of the TEDx on campus in the future. conference said: Contact Tom Farrar for further Dr Jeremy Pritchard, Senior Lecturer information about TEDx at the University and Head of Education at the School of ‘Organising TEDx was an 0121 414 8783 Biosciences, discussed the issues of human [email protected] evolution, asking questions about how exhilarating experience and perfect evolution is as a process. Dr Nick Hawes, Senior Lecturer in Intelligent I am proud to have given Robotics at the School of Computer students, staff and the Science, gave a talk about the potential robot overlord uprising, which certain community an opportunity to mathematical systems predict, and the gain an insight into a range use of autonomous robots in everyday life. Ben Goodwin, International Media of academic disciplines and Relations Manager, spoke about his inspirational talks they wouldn’t recent trip to North Korea, discussing his experiences as a tourist in the ‘Axis of Evil’. normally be exposed to.’

CAMPUS CURIOSIT?ES What is it? became famous for his grid-paintings, the University of Birmingham continue Field Grid: Pleiades Field Grid: Pleiades feels perfectly to enjoy his marvellous contribution by David Prentice (1936–2014) specific to the department in which it to our Campus Collection of Fine is situated. It directly interacts with the and Decorative Art. Where is it? geometric architecture of the building, Ground Floor, Materials and and more subtly refers to features Metallurgy Building of the department’s work. David Prentice, who recently passed This series of works by David Prentice away, played a key role in establishing was commissioned for opening of the Birmingham as an important place Materials and Metallurgy Building in the for contemporary art; notably he was 1970s by the Department of Physical a founding member of the Ikon Gallery Metallurgy, as it was then known. in 1964. He will be remembered for his The work consists of a series of substantial contribution to landscape complex, geometric grids painted directly painting, in particular his body of work onto mirrored panels. Although Prentice focusing on the Malvern Hills. We at 8 CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS

Transforming our campus

Tests of life, not a lifetime of tests – transforming pupils’ lives at the University of Birmingham School

Michael Roden is a man with a vision – I mean a shared way of doing things The School will be a centre for trainee but he’s also a man on a mission. Moving that is essential to who we are and what teachers to learn their craft – but Mike to the University of Birmingham to head we stand for. And that is the pursuit stresses that this School is no experiment, the University School at Easter this year, of excellence in what we do, how we and that pupils will benefit from the extra he now has 14 months to develop a behave, how we support and encourage numbers of adults in the School. curriculum, plan his school day, draft rules each other.’ ‘The additional support to the teaching and regulations, work on governance and He is quite clear that the University staff, stretch and challenge for students, recruit staff. Plus, enlist enough pupils of Birmingham School will be a very energy and innovation will be a real bonus to fill both Year 7 and the lower sixth different school – academically non- for all as they provide increased contact form before the school opens its doors selective for 11–16-year-old pupils, and with able and well qualified adults in in September 2015. Thankfully there are with a broad and academic sixth form, its the school,’ he said. ‘We aim to play a other people ensuring that the £23 million aim is simple: to transform the lives of its crucial role in creating the next generation school building on Selly Oak campus is pupils, whatever they want to achieve. The of outstanding teachers both for the all on track to be finished in plenty of time, School, as well as striving for academic school as we grow to capacity, but also although as you would expect, Mike is still excellence, will focus on equipping pupils the city and region as a whole.’ keeping a watchful eye on proceedings. with the skills they need for life, or, as Mike The School is being developed by Joining the University from King Edward puts it, ‘equipping children for the tests the University to reflect the original civic VI Camp Hill School for Boys where of life – not a lifetime of tests.’ mission that Joseph Chamberlain decreed he was headmaster for six years, Mike Hailing from a coal mining community in should underpin the institution, and it will has moved from the rigidity of a school South Yorkshire, Mike and his twin brother cater for a predicted under-capacity in day marked by fixed periods, bells and Martin were the first in their family to go to school places. Half of the pupils in the breaktime, to a school for which he has university – this is a man who knows what 11–16 school will come from the area an almost completely blank canvas to he is talking about when he stresses how around the School, with the remaining half create the ethos, timetable and staffing a good education can transform lives: coming from the ‘nodes’ of Small Heath, which best fit the aims of the University ‘I knew my teachers believed I had the Hall Green and the Jewellery Quarter, creating it. talent and ability to be successful in life while the sixth form entry will be caused on But Mike is not a man to be phased and they did everything they could to academic performance and GCSE results. by that challenge – in fact, quite the challenge, engage and support me to These sixth formers will expected to be opposite, and it’s clear that the ability realise my potential.’ the leaders of the School, and, in turn, to establish new traditions and ways At the University of Birmingham School, Mike hopes that there will be a pathway of working is something that delights, Mike wants his pupils’ aspirations to be for students at the University to mentor the enthuses and motivates him. similarly raised – and the offer of an sixth formers, and volunteer at the School. He said: ‘It is both a little daunting extended school day, containing a broad Above all else, it is quite clear that the but also immensely rewarding in being academic curriculum, a diverse student notion of character, and helping to create responsible for the shaping, at its birth, body and access to the facilities and a well-rounded person, is what makes of the culture of the school. By this, expertise at the University are key to this. this school stand out from the crowd. CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS 9

Ringing the changes

Dramatic changes to the University Ring Road will already have been noted by staff who circumnavigate the north of campus on a regular basis; the old ring road, which ran round the bottom of the running track, is now closed, with a new loop constructed around what will eventually be the new library. However, another new road is now being constructed which will run from the side of the Munrow Sports Centre to Pritchatts Road, where vehicles will be able to exit campus on to the public While many of the most successful and highway. The road now in use as the ring traditional schools in the country have road will eventually, after construction structures which support the development of the new library and demolition of of character, the focus on ‘taught and the old, be kept as a service road caught’ character education will underpin for maintenance vehicles, to enable the entire school ethos at the University of the pedestrian-friendly green heart Birmingham School. The Jubilee Centre to function as a large public space for Character and Virtues in the School of without being bisected by a road. Education is in the process of developing a bespoke scheme of work and set of resources for the new school, which Mike hopes will help pupils to both acquire and strengthen virtues. He concludes: ‘As a community From pub to pool – your new committed to self-improvement, we must all sports centre becomes a reality be dedicated to getting a little better each day, to be the best we can be, as a team or The Gun Barrels pub passed into University of Birmingham folklore community of learners. We want our pupils last month, when it was taken down in readiness for the construction to become better people not just become of the new University sports centre. Contractors Interserve and their better in exams. sub-contractors Braithwaite Demolition did not so much demolish the ‘Our aim will be to equip our pupils with buildings as carefully take them apart, ensuring many of the materials the experience and develop their skills in could then go on to be recycled. making wise choices that, eventually, will The pub, which closed in May 2013, has made way for a 50m hole in enable them to flourish in society – that is, the ground that before long will become the city’s first 50m swimming to be happy and to fulfil their potential.’ pool. It will be accompanied by a multi-sports hall, six glass backed To find out more about the University squash courts, an extensive gym and a range of activity and fitness of Birmingham School, visit www. studios. The new sports centre, which will be open to staff, students, birmingham.ac.uk/university-school alumni and community members, will open its doors in early 2016.

Anyone interested in seeing what a 50m swimming pool looks like in its early phases and the progress of the new library and surrounding roads can follow construction via webcams at www.birmingham.ac.uk/building. 10 MEET THE TEAM MEET THE TEAM

meet the TEAM

Communications Team

The University’s Communications Team is responsible for protecting and enhancing the University’s reputation as a leading global higher education institution, internally and externally; locally, nationally and internationally. Although you may think of it as ‘the press office’, the team, led by Deborah Walker, Head of Communications, actually does much more than just sending out press releases. We promote research, support the University’s impact agenda and strive to enhance Birmingham’s performance as an ‘engaged University’.

Promoting Academic Research select committee or to advise government bodies By promoting your research and expertise to our contacts in or departments as a result of a media appearance. the national and international media, the Communications Team Because important research doesn’t always match the generates more than £5 million worth of media coverage every national or international news agenda, we use a range of month. That’s because we use our journalistic expertise and channels to promote your work such as: The Birmingham media contacts to turn leading-edge research into stories of Brief, a comment piece written by a different academic each national and international significance. The team is always week and sent to relevant policy-makers, stakeholders and ready to react to the news but we also aim to be proactive; we journalists; The Perspective, published on the University can’t always set the news agenda but we can contribute to it. website homepage, and The Conversation, an academic news The University is full of experts who can provide informed and website. The University of Birmingham remains the biggest thought-provoking comment on what’s happening around the contributor of articles to The Conversation, of all-time. Then, world whom we match with relevant and influential print, online of course, there is social media. A considerable number and broadcast media. We have even developed a mobile of journalists are among our 1,500 Twitter followers. phone app for our Media Expert Guide, to ensure journalists turn to University of Birmingham experts first. Academics, Engaged University to be included in the app, speak to your college web manager about adding a media tab to your profile page. Developing our Public Intellectuals is a key part of ensuring Don’t worry if you are a bit nervous about appearing in the the University of Birmingham remains an engaged university. press. We offer bespoke media training for academics who want We are always looking for opportunities to promote our Public to engage with the media and we are on-call 24/7 to answer Intellectuals, whether that is through events at political party media enquiries and support academics who have themselves conferences or placing experts as panellists at key events. been contacted by the press. Our out-of-hours number is The recent appointment of a Public Affairs Manager will +44 (0) 7789 921165. further facilitate interaction between the University and our key political stakeholders. Supporting Impact Original magazine is the University’s flagship bi-annual magazine we produce to showcase some of our best research Demonstrating impact can be tricky. A positive news story to an external audience. Internally, Buzz magazine and Buzz does not, in itself, demonstrate impact but often has impactful Bitesize are two of the ways we keep University staff up-to-date, consequences. We have numerous examples of academics alongside events such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Forum and the who have been called to give evidence to a Parliamentary Birmingham Professional Forum. MEET THE TEAM MEET THE TEAM 11

Deborah Walker Head of Communications 0121 414 6681 07776 465 138 [email protected]

Deborah oversees the work of the ‘I love going Communications Team and deals with corporate to work each and crisis communications. Before joining the University, Deborah was the web Politics Editor morning and of The Guardian and spent more than ten years as a political correspondent based within the not knowing House of Commons. ‘I love going to work every morning not knowing what the day will hold. From what the day pursuing global coverage for our research successes to protecting the University’s reputation in a crisis it’s my job to liaise with senior colleagues, journalists and will hold.’ politicians to ensure we get our message out there.’

Deborah Walker, Head of Communications

A day in the life of…

A day in the Communications Team were postponed. I took the camera and Branch and conference organisers. can vary greatly from handling national lighting crew to the venues I had scouted However, the nature of public and political or international press calls, to meeting and the Rodney Hilton Library was affairs means our final programme of colleagues across campus to identify selected. Later in the day we were joined activities will remain fluid right up until stories and produce internal and external by Richie Woodhall, the series presenter, the last minute but we are confident it communications using a variety of mediums Dr Wynter and Sir Dominic. We spent will be a successful conference season including print, web and social media. more than six hours filming. The crew for the University.’ Here are some of our recent highlights... returned a week later to do external shots and close-ups of the artefacts. When the Ben Goodwin on International Relations: Faye Jackson recounts our involvement show aired the footage from the University in the BBC documentary series lasted approximately six minutes. It takes ‘When I was recently in Brazil ahead of a World War I at Home that examined time to arrange a feature like this but Pro-Vice-Chancellor-led trip to one of our the Cadbury family’s role in the War – it is worth it.’ key territories, I met journalists from the one brother fought while the other nation’s top newspapers, magazines and was a pacifist. Ed Thomas on our public websites. Talking through the University’s affairs activities: research interests within Brazil, I was able ‘Back in January the Communications to generate interest prior to the senior Team was contacted by a researcher ‘My main focus now and throughout delegation’s arrival, which was reflected in from the programme enquiring about the the summer is preparing for the party subsequent interviews and media coverage. University’s archives and potential filming conference season in September. In I continue to nurture relationships with locations. A BBC producer was given a addition to organising high level meetings, international journalists from afar, sending tour of campus and following a meeting speaking opportunities and networking, them carefully selected research news with staff at Special Collections it was we will be capitalising on the fact the from across the University that I know they confirmed the University would feature Conservative conference is in Birmingham. will be interested in and, consequently, in the programme. The next step was to We are exploring a range of exciting are more likely to publish to their global coordinate the logistics. Dr Rebecca Wynter opportunities including inviting some ‘big readerships.’ was identified as the lead academic, Sir names’ to visit campus and mooring the Dominic Cadbury, the former Chancellor University’s hydrogen barge alongside the was contacted, security was informed, conference centre as a dynamic venue insurance arranged, a venue located and from which to showcase our research and archive items moved into position. engage with key stakeholders. To that end, ‘On the day we were due to film, it was we are in talks with the Canal and River raining heavily so exterior shots of campus Trust, West Midlands Police, Special Continues overleaf… 12 MEET THE TEAM FEATURE: CHRIS ADDISON CONTEMPLATES HAPPINESS

meet the TEAM Ed Thomas Public Affairs Manager Rebecca Vowles 07837 337 585 Internal Communications Officer [email protected] 0121 414 3312 [email protected] Ed’s role in public affairs is to @buzzunibham connect academics and policymakers. Ed would be interested in meeting academics Rebecca joined the University in May from right across the University to assist in maximising policy 2014 having previously worked in engagement opportunities. He also monitors the higher communications roles for not-for-profit membership education policy landscape. organisations; her job involves editing Buzz magazine and compiling Buzz Bitesize. She also works on other key areas of staff engagement including staff events, social media and Stuart Gillespie the staff intranet. Media Relations Manager (Arts and Social Sciences) 0121 414 9041 / 07813 521 270 Faye Jackson [email protected] Press and Public Relations Assistant 0121 414 6029 Stuart covers the College of Arts [email protected] and Law and the College of Social Sciences and is always on the lookout for exciting Faye handles regional press enquires, research stories that may be of interest to the national and keeps reports of press coverage, international media. He joined the press team at Birmingham facilitates film crews on campus and in June, having previously looked after media relations for arranges Expert Alerts, where academics put the humanities division and museums at Oxford University. themselves forward to speak to the press on current affairs. ‘The most rewarding part of my job is being able to She is an alumna of the University (MA Contemporary History, communicate important academic research to a wider audience. 2013) and initially worked in the press team as a Media There are countless fascinating projects being carried out in Monitoring Assistant during her studies. the arts and social sciences at Birmingham at any one time, ‘Every day is different; one day I can be with a film crew and I’m keen to hear from anyone who’d like to seek media and the next fielding calls on a breaking news story – coverage for their work.’ I love the variety.’

Ben Goodwin Kate Chapple International Media Media Relations Manager Relations Manager (Science and Technology) 0121 414 8254 / 07827 832 312 0121 414 2772 / 07789 921 164 [email protected] [email protected] Birmingham alumnus Ben is Kate looks after publicity for science and responsible for international media works with academic colleagues across the relations at the University to enhance the institution’s global Colleges of Engineering and Physical Sciences media profile. His role involves arranging interviews with and Life and Environmental Sciences to source positive news international publications, pitching articles, offering guidance stories around research outcomes. Kate is particularly interested on preparation for interviews with overseas media outlets in research results and scientific breakthroughs led by and producing corporate and research communications. Birmingham that could generate coverage in the national media. ‘This is my dream job; I am involved in a breadth of stories across all colleges, which is an exciting prospect for me.’

Jenni Ameghino Media Relations Manager Luke Harrison (Corporate Publications) Media Relations Manager 0121 415 8134 / 07768 924 156 (Health Sciences) [email protected] 0121 414 5134 [email protected] Jenni is a former national newspaper journalist who works across all subject Luke recently joined the University areas on corporate editorial content for our brochures, from a similar role at the University of magazines and the web. She is also editor of the University’s Warwick. He covers all human health stories, creating flagship research publicationOriginal magazine and press releases, promoting new research and liaising co-ordinates the Birmingham Brief. with key journalists. MEET THE TEAM FEATURE: CHRIS ADDISON CONTEMPLATES HAPPINESS 13

COMEDIAN CHRIS ADDISON CONTEMPLATES HAPPINESS

On 11 June Chris Addison, award-winning writer, stand-up comic, actor and director, took to the stage in the Great Hall to deliver the annual Baggs Memorial Lecture.

The Baggs Memorial Lecture began in Staff at the University were a big 1976 and was named in honour of alumnus, influence on Chris and his career; in Thomas Baggs. He left a legacy donation particular Dr Tom Davis, who lectured in to stage an annual public lecture on the the English department until his retirement. theme of ‘Happiness – What it is and how Dr Davis was clearly an inspiration to it may be achieved by individuals as well Chris; ‘the things that Tom taught me as nations.’ Past speakers have included about how to organise your brain and David Attenborough, Benjamin Zephaniah pieces of work, I still use that today when and Alastair Campbell. putting a show together. He told me a way Prior to the lecture Buzz caught up of putting essays together that I still use with Chris to talk about his time at the as a way of constructing pretty much University and what makes him happy. anything creative, it’s really good.’ Chris, who received an Honorary Chris has gone on to carve out a Doctorate last year, is an alumnus of the successful career, making regular University (BA English, 1994) with fond appearances on popular panel show memories of campus and the surrounding Mock the Week and working on both areas. Chris observed the look of the sides of the Atlantic behind the television University had ‘changed massively’ camera. ‘I’m very grateful, I’m an incredibly but ‘fundamentally it’s the same place, fortunate person’ said Chris: ‘I’m happy as they are ‘the first chord ofA Hard Day’s because so much of what Birmingham is, I am one of the luckiest people I know.’ Night’ and ‘the tiny bit of yoghurt you is the feeling you get from Chancellor’s However, there is one thing in his career discover on the foil lid.’ During the lecture Court which hasn’t changed much.’ that can make him unhappy: ‘Like a lot of Chris went on to share his tools for dealing Chris is well known for his career in people in my line of work, I went into this with creative unhappiness and offered a comedy, yet comedy was not his first when I was a young person with no notion unique insight into the creative process creative outlet. As a student he was of any kind of responsibility, beyond that behind television programmes such as Co-Chair of the Guild Theatre Group and month’s rent. And what you don’t realise The Thick of It and VEEP. worked behind the curtain as a director is you are setting yourself up for a career The lecture, delivered to a capacity on several Guild productions. He considers where, if it works well, if you’re doing ok, audience, was intelligent and entertaining, Alan Ayckbourn’s Table Manners his there will be large periods where you’re offering food for thought on where we finest hour as director yet he also enjoyed taken away from your family.’ find happiness. Chris Addison is currently his moment in the spotlight when he Chris began his lecture saying he was working as a director and producer on the was convinced to take to the stage in ‘terrified’ to take to the stage in the Great HBO series VEEP and was recently seen the Michael Frayn farce Noises Off: Hall as to him it remained ‘the exam room.’ starring in the Sky sitcom Trying Again. ‘the best work of comedy for the stage, He also noted the little things in life that an amazing piece of writing.’ resonate and make us feel happy; for Chris Follow him on Twitter @mrchrisaddison 14 EVENTS NEWS AND VIEWS BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL

The British Science Festival (BSF) 2014 will take place in Birmingham this September hosted by the University.

Events will be held on campus from drop-in activities. The Festival will be Saturday 6 until Thursday 11 September focused around Chancellor’s Court with BritishScienceFestival with additional activities happening across events being hosted in the Aston Webb the city. The programme includes lectures, Building, Bramall Music Building, Poynting @BritishSciFest #bsf14 hands-on experiences, family fun and Physics and the Arts Building. There will evening entertainment celebrating science, be a Marquee on the lawn – The Flask & www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/ engineering and technology, and the Bunsen – throughout the day and into the british-science-festival/index.aspx impact that it has on all our lives. evening offering a range of food and drink. The Festival is open to all and staff are Many of the lectures will be delivered www.britishscienceassociation.org/ encouraged to attend events during their by University academics on a wide range british-science-festival lunch hour and after work. Some of the of fascinating topics. events are pre-bookable but many will be Meet the Robots: www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/ british-science-festival/meet-the- HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE: robots.aspx

Inside Future Robots – Making Body Parts – Professors Dr Nick Hawes and Dr Jeremy Wyatt Liam Grover and Duncan Shepherd Dates for the diary Journey to the frontier of intelligent robotics Explore the history of implant development and take a peek at new advances in Vice-Chancellor’s Open Forum The Sound of Stars and the Search for creating replacement body parts. Thursday 16 October, 12.30– New Worlds – Professor Bill Chaplin 1.30pm, Elgar Concert Hall, When you look into the night sky many The Art of Anatomy – Bramall Music Building of the twinkling stars are playing a stellar Professor Alice Roberts Join the Vice-Chancellor, Professor symphony; find out more about how Trace the history of the illustrated anatomy Sir David Eastwood, for his first staff astronomers are sounding stars. text through time, illuminating advances address of the academic year. All in anatomical knowledge. staff are encouraged to attend and Dawn of the Giants: How Dinosaurs there will be an opportunity to ask Rose to Dominate the Triassic Community Day questions on the day. World – Dr Richard Butler The University’s annual Community Day Discover how approaches such as is taking place on Sunday 7 September Birmingham Professional Forum CT scanning allow palaeontologists and will offer a variety of family friendly Friday 7 November, 10.30am to peer deep inside fossils and extract activities for all age groups. Elgar Concert Hall, exciting new information. Bramall Music Building Evening Entertainment This event is for all Professional High-Speed Rail: An Engineer’s There will also be plenty of time to Services colleagues (administrative, Perspective on HS2 – Professor relax and take part in the programme support and technical staff) from Felix Schmid of evening entertainment activities. across the University. Introduced Investigate how HS2 could benefit Enjoy a cabaret night hosted by by the Registrar and Secretary, from better integration of engineering, comedian Steve Cross, join astronomers Lee Sanders, the forum is a great urbanisation and societal aspirations that for a spot of stargazing and get your opportunity to hear from colleagues would allow integration of high-speed thinking-caps on to enter the science on a wide range of topical subjects railways into the fabric of society. pub quiz all on campus. for both staff and the University.

EVENTS NEWS AND VIEWS 15

news views Our regular feature gives Buzz readers a quick tour of the latest University news hitting the headlines and activity among our online community.

in the news… Many articles about Birmingham research and expertise appear in local, national and international press every day. feeling social... Here are just a few examples of our recent highlights. Congratulations Class of 2014 Bob the autonomous robot’s work experience as a security Cheers, celebrations and the relief of being able to walk under guard at G4S and Dr Nick Hawes were featured on the BBC News Channel, BBC Breakfast, BBC News (website) the Daily Old Joe without jinxing exam results filled campus in July Mail, Metro, the Daily Star, the Daily Mirror, BBC Radio 5 Live, as around 6,000 students celebrated their graduation. CBBC’s Newsround, the Birmingham Mail, The Times, BBC Radio Gloucestershire, BBC Radio Newcastle, the Birmingham The buzz was captured by two students from PhotoSoc, the Post and The Telegraph. The story also featured on the blog student Photography society, who snapped graduands and Mashable, the article was shared over 1,200 times. their families throughout the ceremonies. Some of our favourite moments are here but you can view all the photos at facebook. Dr Nick Hawes and Bob the robot were featured widely in the com/birminghamalumni international coverage including the Nigeria Sun, Exame.com, Graduands were also asked what they will miss the most WebNews, Último Segundo, Terra, Ambiente Brasil, NDTV, about Birmingham, and their huge range of responses included: RTL Nieuws, and Silikon Vadisi. Plus international blogs n ‘Amazing campus, amazing friends’ Ubergizmo (USA) and UOL (Brazil), the largest online portal n ‘Absolutely everything’ in Latin America. n ‘The ducks on campus’ Professor Laura Piddock (MDS) was interviewed for an article n ‘Fab!’ on Channel 4 News about the Longitude Prize, discussing n ‘It has been the best three years of my life… so far!’ how research into antibiotic resistance should be refocused. Birmingham’s newest alumni also had the chance to win a Professor Sir David Eastwood’s Knighthood in the Queen’s working wardrobe by using #uobgraduation in their Twitter and Birthday Honours was featured in The Guardian, the Instagram posts; watch a few familiar faces say well done in a Birmingham Mail, MyScience, Western Daily Press, BBC celebratory film, and share tips and knowledge from fellow former News Somerset, BBC Radio Somerset, and Wales Online. students through The Graduate Guide. To find out more, visit www.bham.ac.uk/classof2014 Dr Pat Hanlon (CoSS) was interviewed on BBC Radio WM concerning the ‘Midlands Connect’ meeting about possible long-term strategies to improve transport provision in the Midlands. If you would like to work with An Indian delegation’s visit to the University of Birmingham Join the the press office, or find out more was featured in DNA India; Peter Clack (International Relations) UoB online about how they can help you was quoted discussing institutional links with Punjab state. community promote your research, email The story was also featured in the Hindustan Times, [email protected] India TV and The Times of India. Follow us on Twitter or call 0121 414 6029 at @unibirmingham. Dr Jonathon Reinarz (MDS) and Martin Killeen (Cadbury If you use social media Research Library) were featured in World War One At Home: at work and would like to increase War Hospital on BBC Radio WM which looked into the First your visibility, get in touch with our Digital Marketing and Southern General Hospital in the University’s Great Hall during Communications Team via [email protected] the First World War. profile in myownwords Lord Bilimoria… with the largest solid organ transplantation programme with thelargest solid organtransplantationprogramme the MedicalSchool, whichisattachedtoahospital to achievegreatthings. we have,thenIbelieveeverything isalignedforus anything. Ifyoualsohavetheright leadership,which doing. Ifyouhavethatpassion, youcanachieve fields andwhoarepassionate aboutwhattheyare met –verytalentedpeoplewhoareexpertsintheir received, andI’mreallyimpressedbyeveryoneI’ve in termsofdepthandbreadthtoachievethat. before itispermanentlyinthetopten:haseverything a top20UKuniversityandit’sonlymatteroftime amazing jobintakingtheUniversityforward.Itisnow supported byPro-ChancellorEdSmith,havedonean became Vice-Chancellor.Ithinkheandhisteam, the postfiveyearsafterProfessorSirDavidEastwood but itiscompletelyforward-lookingandcutting-edge. is thatithashistory–it’smorethanacenturyold education andwhatIlikesomuchaboutBirmingham given thisopportunity.Iampassionateabouthigher and humbled,Ifeelveryprivilegedtohavebeen Chancellor herecamealong,Iwascompletelythrilled for fiveyears.Whentheinvitationtobecome London) in2005andIreallyenjoyedthatexperience to ThamesValleyUniversity(nowofWest youngest ChancellorintheUKwhenIwasappointed after Iwasinstalled,weactuallyfoundheroldroom. three years(whenitwasahallofresidence).Theday based atUniversityHouse,wheremymotherlivedfor School AdvisoryBoardsince2005,andtheis Birmingham. IhavebeenamemberoftheBusiness comes toEngland,shealwaysmakesapilgrimage Chancellor andthatwassospecial.Whenevershe children, mymothercametoseemeinstalledas ‘I’m sorryittookmesolong!’Aswellasmywifeand Installation CeremonyinJuly,Ilookedupandsaid, When Iwasmadeanhonorarygraduateatmy to Birmingham’,butIdidn’t,andfeellethimdown. My grandfatherusedtosay,‘ah,mygrandsonwillgo uncle andmaternalgrandfathergraduatedfromhere. for aslongIcanrememberbecausemymother, I have known about the University of Birmingham I haveknownabouttheUniversityofBirmingham peer intheHouseofLordsisfounderandchairmanCobraBeer. seventh Chancellor.TheIndian-bornentrepreneurandindependentcrossbench Lord BilimoriaofChelseaCBEwasrecentlyinstalledastheUniversity’s Birmingham has manyjewelsinitscrown: I havebeenoverwhelmedbythewelcomeI’ve I amalsoveryluckyintermsofmytiming–takingup I’ve beenauniversityChancellorbefore:Iwasthe

to strengthenthose linksyetfurther. does thisverysuccessfully andIhopecanhelp with industryand business.Birminghamalready research-led universitiestoforge strongrelationships its highereducationsystem. a lotmore,especiallynowthat India isopeningup We alreadyhavelinkswithIndia, buttherecouldbe trauma medicine,whichweshouldbelinkingupwith. For instance,Americahassomegreatcentresfor become increasinglymoreofaninternationalinstitution. Then there’stheinternationalrole:Universityhas and Iwouldbeinapositiontogiveobjectiveadvice. to theVice-ChancellorandPro-Vice-Chancellors, to dothat.TheChancellorcanalsobeanadviser the otherrolesIhave,shouldhopefullybeable what Birminghamisdoing.I’mfortunatethatwith University andusingeveryopportunitytotryconvey ambassador, makingconnections,promotingthe happening andgetfeedback,bothgoodbad. for measwellthem,sothatIcanlearnwhat’s that Icanmeetstudents.thinkit’sreallyimportant, at degreeceremonies,butIamplanningeventsso can bealooffiguresthatstudentsneverseeapartfrom forward tointeractingwiththestudents.Chancellors staff toBirmingham. students totheUniversity,italsoattractstalented crucial. Havingthesenewfacilitiesnotonlyattracts community. IntegratingwithBirminghamasacityis for staffandstudents,butwillbesharedwiththelocal Birmingham School.Thesewillnotonlybefantastic the newLibrary,SportsCentreandUniversityof phenomenal –amazing,world-classfacilitiessuchas as wellpostgraduatecourses. of “triple-crown”accreditationandofferundergraduate elite businessschools,wenowholdthegoldstandard Business Schoolopened.Alongwiththeworld’smost which datesfrom1902,sixyearsbeforeHarvard grandfather didhisBCommdegreeinthe1920s– country, andthere’sourBusinessSchool–wheremy one ofthefourbestuniversitycentresartin trauma andburns.Thenthere’stheBarberInstitute, in Europeandwhichisalsoaregionalcentrefor As a businessman, I know how important it is for As abusinessman,Iknowhow important itisfor The Chancelloralsohastheroleofbeingan My roleasChancellorisveryclear.I’mlooking The infrastructureprojectsgoingonare