Annual Report 2000 • 2001 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Visitor HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
OFFICERS 2000-2001 Chancellor SIR MICHAEL ATIYAH, O.M., F.R.S., M.A., Ph.D., D.Sc. Pro-Chancellors J. C. FOSTER, O.B.E., M.A., Dip.Ed. T. F. M. McKILLOP, B.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc. Vice-Chancellor PROFESSOR R. G. BURGESS, B.A., Ph.D. AcSS. Treasurer M. A. CHAMBERLAIN, LL.D., F.C.A. Pro-Vice-Chancellors PROFESSOR J. L. BEEBY, M.A., Ph.D. Mission Statement PROFESSOR P. S. FEARON, B.A. PROFESSOR J. H. HOLLOWAY, O.B.E., Ph.D., D.Sc., C.Chem., F.R.S.C. Dean of the Faculty of Arts PROFESSOR S. M. PEARCE, M.A., Ph.D., F.S.A., F.M.A. Dean of the Faculty of Science The University of Leicester re-affirms the commitment in its Charter to the advancement of PROFESSOR W. A. LIGHT, B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D. knowledge, the diffusion and extension of arts, sciences and learning and the provision of Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences R. M. NEGRINE, B.A., Ph.D. liberal, professional and technological education and: Dean of the Faculty of Law PROFESSOR R. C. A. WHITE, M.A., LL.M., Solicitor of the Supreme Court will strive to enhance its position as a leading research and teaching institution, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences PROFESSOR W. J. BRAMMAR, B.Sc., Ph.D. cultivating the synergy between research and teaching; Dean of the Faculty of Education and Continuing Studies PROFESSOR K. R. FOGELMAN, B.A., C.Psychol., F.B.Ps.S. will strive to enhance and fully utilise its physical resources and develop and nurture Dean of the Leicester Warwick Medical School PROFESSOR I. LAUDER, M.B., B.S., F.R.C.Path., F.Med.Sci. its human resources in order to further these academic purposes; Graduate Dean PROFESSOR G. W. BARKER, M.A., Ph.D., F.B.A., M.I.F.A. will offer an education of the highest quality to its undergraduate and graduate Registrar and Secretary K. J. JULIAN, M.A. students, encouraging and stimulating critical intellectual development through Librarian T. D. HOBBS, M.A., Ph.D., Dip.Lib., A.L.A. guided learning in a research environment;
will develop and enhance its international reputation for research at the cutting edge of a range of disciplines through the encouragement of centres of excellence and individual scholars;
will make available the University’s knowledge and expertise to the international, national and local communities and to industry and commerce through publication,
COVER PICTURES technology transfer and other ways of disseminating knowledge; Front cover: (left to right) Students on campus by the his- toric Fielding Johnson Building – the original building of will develop its role as a significant resource to enrich the local community and the University of Leicester; The Engineering Building, a landmark of modern architecture, designed by architects provide continuing professional, vocational and adult education to the surrounding Gowan and Stirling; A graduate of the Department of Chemistry – part of the Faculty of Science, which has an region, collaborating with nearby educational institutions in order to maximise the international reputation gained through the pioneering work of its departments. benefits to the community. Back cover: (left to right) Students with an interest in drama find an outlet in the activities of the University Theatre – the University generates an attractive pro- gramme of arts events, all of which are open to the public; The £52 million National Space Centre – brainchild of the University – which welcomed its first visitors in June 2001; Graduates celebrate their success following the University’s degree congregations.
There is one companion volume to this report: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2000/2001: Contains Treasurer’s Report, statements on corporate governance and the responsibilities of Council, and detailed accounts for the year ended July 31 2001.
Available from Press & Public Relations Office University of Leicester University Road Leicester LE1 7RH Tel: 0116 252 2415 Email: [email protected]
Annual Report 2000/2001 is available on the University of Leicester’s web pages via http://www.le.ac.uk/press/
© University of Leicester Law Quadrangle, Fielding Johnson Building.
2 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
The University
A University College was established in Leicester in 1921 and the independent University of Leicester was created by Royal Charter in 1957. The University marks its Contents 80th Anniversary in the academic year 2001-2002.
The University is world-renowned for the discovery of the revolutionary technique of DNA Vice-Chancellor’s Report ....04 genetic fingerprinting. Progressive ...... 06 Leicester houses one of the biggest University-based space research groups in Europe and is a co-founder of, and a principal participant in, the National Space Centre – the Distinctive ...... 08 Millennium Commission’s £52 million Landmark Project.
The University was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Pioneering ...... 10 Education in 1994 for ‘world-class teaching, research and consultancy programme in astronomy, space and planetary science; practical results from advanced thinking.’ Inclusive ...... 12
Leicester has over 40 departments in six faculties. An extensive programme of Beneficial ...... 14 continuing education and professional development is offered and there are over 140 undergraduate degree programmes and more than 100 postgraduate programmes. Influential ...... 16
Leicester is among the largest providers of postgraduate distance learning courses in the Innovative ...... 18 country, offering many vocationally relevant courses and, in particular, a wide range of management courses. Of the total of more than 17,000 registered students, nearly 5,000 Distinguished ...... 20 students read for their degrees by this method. In 2001, the University of Leicester was ranked as the biggest provider of taught postgraduate courses in the UK. (Financial Times, 2001) Tributes ...... 21 The University is a prominent member of the international academic community and has world-wide links in teaching and research. Students from more than 100 countries Accolades ...... 22 study courses run by the University. Statistics ...... 23 The University is reputed for its teaching quality and has been graded as Excellent by the Quality Assurance Agency in 18 subject areas, including 12 successive scores of Excellent (22 points or above out of 24). These subject areas are: American Studies, Ancient History, Archaeology, Chemistry, Economics, Education, English, History (including Economic and Social History and English Local History), History of Art, Law, Mathematics and Statistics, Medicine, Molecular Biosciences, Museum Studies, Organismal Biosciences, Physics and Astronomy, Politics, and Psychology.
The University has a very strong research base. In the latest national Research Assessment Exercise (2001), the University gained 13 top grades of 5 and 5* – and 84% of staff were rated as conducting research of a national and international calibre. The total value of grants and contracts during the year 2000-01 was nearly £33 million.
Leicester houses more than 45 specialist divisions and centres studying, inter alia, sport and society, crime and public order, the labour market, ethnicity, forensic psychology, pluralism, the Holocaust and community care.
Leicester is home to the unique Richard Attenborough Centre, and the pioneering Centre for English Local History and Department of Museum Studies are the only postgraduate course providers of their kind in the world. The Centre for Mass Communication Research is one of the oldest centres in the field. The School of Historical Studies, comprising History, Economic and Social History, Urban History and English Local History, is one of the largest in England and Wales.
The University works closely with business and industry and, particularly in the fields of Medicine, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences and Engineering, has many established links with company research and development programmes. 3 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Vice-Chancellor’s Foreword
The University achieved a high profile for many of its activities and developed strategies that will have a far reaching influence over its work in the coming years.
The pages of this report indicate that the Foundation Degree. The University of award of scholarships in national competi- academic year 2000-2001 involved a rich range Leicester was the only institution in the tions. It was this record that resulted in the of activities in the University of Leicester. The East Midlands to win support for prototype Financial Times naming Leicester as the national press carried numerous reports and programmes which were on Educational University with the largest number of reviews of the University’s work and placed Studies for Classroom Teaching Assistants taught postgraduate students. This pro- Leicester among Britain’s top twenty universi- (with Bishop Grosseteste College in vides a good base from which to recruit ties – an accolade that was given by both the Lincoln) and Security and Risk more research postgraduates – a major Financial Times and The Sunday Times. The Management (with the national profession- challenge for all parts of the higher educa- University achieved a high profile for many of al body). It is programmes such as these tion community. its activities and developed strategies that will which will help Leicester play its part to The research activities in the University have a far reaching influence over its work in increase participation in higher education. increased in importance with more the coming years. Student numbers are important to the research grant and contract income being Members of the University continued to academic, social and financial well being of generated compared with previous years. Much of this income is essential to employ contract researchers who play an essential It is members of the role and whose career development needs University of Leicester staff, to be carefully nurtured. However, all researchers need support. students, parents, alumni and In this respect, Leicester has excelled many other supporters who add through awards received from the Joint Infrastructure Fund, the Wellcome Trust to the richness of our institution. and the Science Research Infrastructure Fund. Resources obtained through these schemes will result in two new buildings play a significant role in the region through the institution. The University completely being planned for biomedical research, work with City and County Councils, the overhauled its approach to student recruit- space science and mathematical modelling; East Midlands Development Agency and the ment at undergraduate level with the the latter being an interdisciplinary centre East Midlands Universities Association result that the admissions programme in that is being developed by staff from math- (EMUA). It is through many of these organi- summer 2001 saw the University achieve ematics, engineering, physics and chem- sations that the University has contributed and exceed its recruitment targets. This istry. Alongside these projects, some build- to the social, cultural, political and econom- was a splendid achievement that was the ings will be refurbished for chemistry and ic life of the region. Much of this work is result of co-ordinated activity between all archaeology. These subject areas join a conducted in conjunction with other higher members of the academic and administra- growing list whose facilities need upgrad- education institutions and is effectively por- tive staff. Similarly at postgraduate level, ing if we are to meet the challenge of pro- trayed in a regional report from EMUA enti- increases in student registrations were viding high quality research infrastructure tled The Regional Mission: East Midlands: recorded in the distance learning pro- in the twenty-first century. Innovation Through Diversity. grammes and on some of the campus The University needs to plan boldly so One way in which the University con- based courses. Many departments are to that Leicester can be developed over the tributed to higher education in the region be congratulated on their recruitment of next fifty years. This process began when a is through the newly developed two year home and overseas students and the series of architectural practices were invit-
4 ed to tender to become the development plan architects for the University. The result was a programme of discussion and consultation with Shepheard Epstein Hunter who will bring forward a develop- ment plan to match the research and teaching aspirations of the institution. Throughout this year, members of the University continued to play significant roles – many of which are discussed else- where in this report. At the start of the academic year we established link meet- ings with parents of new students which were widely reported in the national press and the subject of a special feature in The Guardian that suggested Leicester had developed a unique programme for par- ents and new students. In turn, we also developed a series of events with our alumni who have organised special meet- ings in different parts of the country. It is members of the University of Leicester staff, students, parents, alumni and many other supporters who add to the richness of our institution and to whom I wish to record my thanks for their work and their support. As we enter the 80th year since higher education was pro- vided on University Road in Leicester, it is apparent that the institution is well placed to develop its role regionally, nationally and internationally.
Professor Robert Burgess
Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Burgess. Vice-Chancellor
5 Rocket science: inside the tower of the National Space Centre.
The University of Leicester continues to grow in size and stature, providing the impetus for developments of international significance.
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The University has been showing that the University Times (September 2001) 2002, with the Anniversary Diana, Princess of Wales. rated among the Top 20 had risen from 26th to 19th where the University was Day on October 4, 2001. Civic receptions, an universities in the UK by place in one year. placed in the nation’s top An anniversary committee anniversary dinner, special The Financial Times (April The University was also 20 universities. was established to co-ordi- media coverage, art exhibi- 2001). The FT 100 League cited in the first division for nate the year-long pro- tions and concerts, anniver- Table, which covers 16 cat- teaching by The Daily The University started gramme of activities which sary lectures and sports egories, provides an employ- Telegraph, which was fur- preparations to mark its included the naming of the challenges were among the er-orientated snapshot of ther reinforced by the latest 80th Anniversary during hall in the Richard proposals for the pro- university performance, edition of the Sunday the academic year 2001- Attenborough Centre after gramme.
6 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Progressive
a star attraction graduate students, whatever their course or the presentation of lectures via a new elec- mode of study, receive the same high quality of tronic link to Warwick. The University’s The £52 million National Space Centre education and support. Audio Visual Services Unit was a finalist in Millennium Project, the UK’s only visitor The University also created an Institute of the AV Magazine Awards for Installation of attraction dedicated to space science and Lifelong Learning – reflecting Government the Year for 2001 in respect of its work on astronomy, opened on June 30, 2001. initiatives highlighting the importance of life- this project. The first phase of upgrading Scientific themes covering launchers and long learning to the individual, the labour of the anatomy suite was also completed space missions, astronomy, planetary science market and the life of the community as a as part of this work. and Earth remote sensing are covered in sep- whole. The Vice-Chancellor established the • Adrian Building refurbishment, £2.4m. A arate zones. These themes reflect the range Institute to broaden provision for adults in major reorganisation of space and refur- of space science programmes that are carried line with the needs of the 21st century. bishment of laboratories commenced in out in the University’s Space Research The Institute was created to embrace all early 2001 which enabled departments Centre, embracing cross-departmental activities in every department and centre with cognate research activities to be research in atmospheric chemistry and plane- across the University, providing continuing located adjacent to each other and tary geology as well as the main space professional development, part-time degrees, released the former BioCentre building for research activities of the Department of social and cultural activities, traditional liberal other research activities. Physics and Astronomy. adult education, day schools, certificate • Gilbert Murray Hall, £2.15m. During the The University is a founding partner of courses and diplomas. Its serves private and refurbishment, S and L blocks of the hall of the National Space Centre which is spon- public sector needs as well as the future residence and Stoughton Leys were rewired sored by the Millennium Commission. The training needs of its own graduates. and upgraded (including the provision of University is a member of the governing growth and development wash hand basins) and Clivedon House was charity, the National Space Science Centre, converted to en-suite bedrooms. and appoints members to its board of During the year major work was undertak- • The Coppice hall of residence in Manor trustees. It also appoints a scientific director en in a number of areas of the University to Road, Oadby, purchased for £1 million just to the operating company and participates enhance and upgrade existing accommoda- before the start of the academic year, was in various advisory groups. tion – over £5.6m was spent during the peri- brought into use and provided accommo- initiatives for a new era od. The most notable projects were: dation for 66 students. • Engineering Building South Block refur- Preparation work commenced on the design The start of the academic year saw the bishment, £728,000. This project provided for the new Biomedical Sciences Building establishment of a new Graduate School at refurbished accommodation in the grade (£20m) to be constructed adjacent to the the University. Throughout the UK, participa- 2* listed James Stirling-designed Maurice Shock Building. The building, to be tion in postgraduate education and training is Engineering Building for a new research completed in 2003, will provide state of the growing more rapidly than in any other sector group specialising in electrical and elec- art laboratories for biomedical research. The of Higher Education. tronic power engineering. project is part-funded by a grant of £10m The University has one of the largest post- • Maurice Shock Medical Sciences Building from the Wellcome Trust. graduate populations in the UK, with 54% of upgrading, £350,000. Teaching in the The University was able to commence students registered for postgraduate degrees. Leicester Warwick Medical School depends design work on the second phase of the The creation of a single Graduate School is an heavily on the simultaneous presentation Space Research Centre (£3.7m). The building important development, allowing the University of lectures at Leicester and Warwick. The will contain clean room facilities for the to build on existing strengths and expand post- main lecture theatre in the Maurice Shock Department of Physics and Astronomy and graduate provision. The over-arching mission of Building was upgraded and equipped to form the base for the University’s the Graduate School is to ensure that all post- provide the principal lecture theatre for Mathematical Modelling Centre.
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A survey at the has emerged evidence of a versal acceptance of learn- womb – and recognise The discovery exploded University has charted the seismic shift in students’ ing technology as an inte- them well into later life. the theory that babies can emergence of a new type of attitudes to the use of gral part of teaching. The study carried out in the only remember things for a student – the e-student. information and communi- Music Research Group month or two – and suggest- The Faculty of Medicine cations technology. A study carried out by a demonstrated how one- ed that memory could last a and Biological Sciences Dr Alan Cann, of the University psychologist year-old babies recognised great deal longer than that. conducts annual surveys of Department of Microbiology revealed for the first time music they were exposed students on many different and Immunology, said that babies remember to up to three months Research conducted in courses – and from these there was now almost uni- sounds they heard in the before birth. the University’s
7 Strategy: a model of ‘The Leicester Graduate’, drawn up by the University, has been commended by the Higher Education Funding Council (England).
The University of Leicester’s initiatives and achievements in a variety of fields brought it national recognition.
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Department of Child Health Professor Mike which could be ascribed to revealed timbers dating from from across the UK con- revealed that the number of Silverman, Head of Child changes in diet, hygiene, AD44, making it the earliest tributed to an exhibition, pre-school children with Health at the University, medications or road traffic. dated timber from the With the Body in Mind, at wheezing disorders has said the increase covered all Roman period ever recov- the Richard Attenborough doubled over the past 10 types of wheeze – from In the School of ered in Britain and indicat- Centre. A total of 23 artists years. Asthma has reached insignificant wheezing to Archaeology and Ancient ing the speed of the Roman took part in the exhibition, epidemic proportions with severe asthma. He said fac- History, Dr Eberhard Sauer’s advance into the interior. including Helaine one in seven children now tors unrelated to allergies excavations of the Roman Blumenfeld whose sculp- having the disease. were to blame for the rise fortress at Alchester has Distinguished sculptors ture, Souls, has adorned
8 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Distinctive
assessors perceive excellence and form a critical appraisal of evidence and University, has pioneered a programme of prac- the skills to give clear and concise presenta- tical learning in which medical, nursing and Economics and Museum Studies at the tions of material. social work students work together to learn University were graded excellent for their Graduates will be able to communicate from the everyday experiences of patients. teaching by the Quality Assurance Agency. effectively, both orally and in writing, and will Professor Donaldson said: “The They join Psychology in gaining a maximum be proficient in IT and numeracy. A Leicester Government is very keen to learn from this score of 24. graduate will adopt a critical, careful and objec- good practice, targeting health inequalities The University has gained a result of tive approach to complex problems, and will and tackling the root causes of inequality. Excellent in 18 subject areas including 12 suc- be a good team member, appreciating his/her One of the most important and impressive cessive scores of 22 or above – equating with own and others’ strengths and weaknesses. aspects of this centre is that medical stu- Excellent – with Education and Archaeology initiative to boost interest dents from the University spend time here. and Ancient History recently adding to the in science When I was here 20 years ago, the tradition- run of successes during the past year with al medical curriculum was based around scores of 24. Leicester also has the rare dis- Children as young as eight years old may hospitals – now students have an under- tinction of achieving five successive maxi- have made up their minds not to become sci- standing of the full background to life which mum scores. entists – because they believe scientists are makes a difference to health.” a model of success ‘middle aged white males who never have fun!’ medical school set to be the As a result, educationalists at the University biggest in england A model of ‘The Leicester Graduate’ has have devised support materials targeting been drawn up by the University. The 12,000 new primary school teachers which The Leicester Warwick Medical School is set University has reviewed the qualities it break down these stereotypes and provide to become one of the biggest in England by expects in all its graduates and has developed stimulating projects of interest to children. 2003, according to figures revealed in a House a Teaching and Learning Strategy to produce The activities include using the Three of Commons Written Answer. The School graduates who not only have subject specific Little Pigs nursery rhyme and a Young received funding for an extra 100 medical skills, but also the essential generic skills to Sherlock Holmes role play. The project is places accompanied by some £4.26 million of succeed in the workplace. being spearheaded by the SCIcentre – the investment in new buildings and facilities. The strategy, which is being implemented National Centre for Initial Teacher Training in The Medical School had an intake of 175 over a three-year period, has been commend- Primary School Science. and it will have more than doubled in size ed by the Higher Education Funding Council chief medical officer when its intake reaches 403 from 2003-4. (England) which believes that the University’s praises project programme ‘may provide an exemplar for the sector.’ The result of the demanding new The Government’s Chief Medical Officer strategy will be graduates who can demon- Professor Liam Donaldson – a former mem- strate not only an appropriate body of knowl- ber of academic staff in the University – visit- edge in their subject, but also an understand- ed a pioneering project that has been ing of key concepts and techniques and their praised in Parliament. He met with application; the ability to analyse key issues University representatives at Prince Philip House, a health centre which has been described as a ‘super surgery’ – providing a model for healthcare in the future. Dr Angela Lennox, Director of the Centre for Studies in Community Health Care at the
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the lawn in front of the exhibited and local art stu- the banana genome within fungus Black Sigatoka, as help lift millions of people University’s Fielding dents also contributed. five years. well as other diseases and out of poverty. Johnson Building since The scientists from gov- pests. Bananas are a sta- 1990. The broad range of Scientists from organisa- ernmental, university and ple food for nearly half a Researchers in the work in the exhibition also tions in 11 countries, non-profit organisations will billion people world-wide, University’s Scarman included works by artists including the University of use the genetic date to but their crops are increas- Centre received £186,000 with disabilities. A number Leicester, announced the enable developing world ingly lost to disease. from the Economic and of works by staff and stu- founding of an international farmers to grow bananas Developing a crop that is Social Research Council to dents of the Centre were consortium to sequence that are able to resist the resistant to disease will investigate retail crime. The
9 Star struck: a computer simulation of two merging neutron stars by Stephan Rosswog, University of Leicester. Visualisation by Richard West, UKAFF.
Medical and scientific advances at the University of Leicester continue to have an enormous impact.
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Business Intelligence Crime ers across a wide geo- emphasis on high-volume, of a Cow or the Beatles’ exposed to slow music System programme seeks graphical area. high-value travelling thieves. Back In the USSR, a rather than fast music. to secure the development, The aim is to share data Leicester study discovered. implementation and suc- for the purposes of the pre- Dairy cows produce more Music Research Group Geologists from Leicester cessful use of an electronic vention and detection of milk when listening to scientists from the formed part of a team of system for collecting and crime, and the apprehen- REM’s Everybody Hurts or Department of Psychology scientists which found fos- collating and disseminating sion and prosecution of Beethoven’s Pastoral found the cows’ milk yield sils providing evidence for information about known offenders or suspected Symphony than when sub- rose by 0.73 litres per cow the earliest known occur- and suspected retail offend- offenders, with particular jected to Wonderstuff’s Size per day when they were rence of crustaceans, the
10 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Pioneering
new discoveries to wheezing, bronchitis and asthma. On the basis of this new technology, the Harmful particles were found in the lungs University also won an award to investigate Scientists from Leicester and Switzerland of all 22 Leicester children examined in the the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease in reported to the UK National Astronomy two-year study, including babies as young as rheumatoid arthritis. Meeting about a new way in which gold, plat- three months old. Children living beside busy lung disease gene discovery inum and other heavy elements are made in main roads were found to have twice as Nature. Dr Stephan Rosswog and colleagues many cells containing the particles as chil- Scientists from Leicester were among an explored the idea that these heavy elements dren from quieter side streets. international group which succeeded in iden- were formed in the violent collisions of world’s largest study into tifying the gene for primary pulmonary super-dense neutron stars. These stars – the family heart disease hypertension (PPH). The approach was to dead cores of old stars – weigh a million search for the location of the gene within the times more than the Earth, but are only the The British Heart Foundation launched its human genome and then to use the recently- size of London. 40th anniversary celebrations by announcing mapped human genome sequence. Neutron stars are sometimes found close the launch of the world’s largest study into Professor Richard Trembath said PPH is a together in pairs and Dr Rosswog has calculat- family heart disease. The research project, devastating disorder of blood vessels in the ed what happened when these binary stars are called the BHF Family Heart Study, aims to lungs, with heart lung transplants being the close enough to collide. He has found that, in pinpoint the rogue genes which contribute final option for selected patients. The finding addition to a huge amount of energy released to coronary heart disease. has immediate implications for families with – enough to fuel the most powerful explosions The £2.5 million project, carried out by the disorder, providing a tool for testing at- in the Universe (known as gamma-ray bursts) the Universities of Leicester and Leeds, risk members. – a large quantity of gold and platinum is made involves families across the UK who have a In the long term, new drug treatments and thrown out into space. history of hereditary heart disease and are could emerge through studies looking at the first evidence of pollution prepared to give a small blood sample to the normal and altered function of the gene. damage to children’s lungs project. Through a special DNA library, Recent studies indicate that the same gene researchers will be able to match genes causes 25% of apparent single cases. These Researchers from the Department of Child across family groups in order to identify and studies represent a major breakthrough in Health and the Centre for the Mechanisms of isolate the problem genes. this condition and also identify one of the Human Toxicity at the University uncovered first for new technology most important mechanisms by which blood the first evidence that carbon particles in vessels communicate with the outside. exhaust fumes are getting into children’s The University won funding to establish a lungs and causing disease. Gene Microarray Facility –- the first academic Medical scientists discovered pollution parti- institution in the UK to possess this newly cles in the lungs being attacked by the body’s developed technology. defence system, the white cells. This, in turn, Professor Joe Lunec, Head of the Division can trigger inflammation in the lungs – leading of Chemical Pathology, said the new facility, developed in Silicon Valley in California – home of the computer chip – allows the expression of 60,000 genes simultaneously on one chip. The technology will be used in the first instance to investigate diet-gene interactions in colon cancer, particularly looking at fats.
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major group that includes picture of the early evolution The Management Centre The two-year project to improve the way in crabs, lobsters, shrimps of life. The tiny crustacean at the University was undertaken in collaboration which organisations cap- and barnacles. fossils, less than a millime- awarded a grant of with the Inter-University ture the learning generated The fossils are also the tre in size, were recovered £160,000 by the IKON (Innovation, during projects. oldest known find of an ani- with acid techniques from Engineering and Physical Knowledge and mal with its body comple- limestone rocks belonging to Sciences Research Council Organisational Networks Women working at home ment of limbs preserved in the Cambrian period of geo- to investigate Knowledge Unit) involves a number of who do higher grade work three dimensions. The dis- logical time and are about Management for Project- major organisations from a are paid more on average covery helps build up the 511 million years old. based Learning. range of sectors and aims than their equivalent office-
11 Reaching out: the University held a careers fair targeting ethnic minorities.
Outreach activities by the University of Leicester involve diverse communities in higher education.
AUGUSTSEPTEMBEROCTOBERNOVEMBERDECEMBE bound colleagues, accord- which explodes some of cer moved into expanded ters in the city. in overall survival for chil- ing to new Leicester the popular perceptions new premises. The United The Group is dedicated to dren with cancer, so that research funded by the that home working is all Kingdom Children’s Cancer advancing the study of child- now approximately 70% are ESRC as part of its £4m liberation or all drudgery. Study Group, which co- hood cancer, and improving cured of their disease. Future of Work programme. ordinates specialist treat- survival rates for children This is one of the several The headquarters of a ment and management of and young people with can- Students of English Local surprise findings from the national organisation, childhood cancers in 22 cer. In the 24 years since History at the University Centre for Labour Market based at the University, centres across the UK, the Group’s creation, there have begun unravelling Studies at the University which combats child can- opened its new headquar- has been a steady increase some of the mysteries of
12 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Inclusive
new accord signed at university cessful Summer School attracted about 50 number of Science Week events held on cam- GCSE students from across the country who pus. Staff engaged in activities in the communi- School and college students in Leicester and were given a foretaste of undergraduate life at ty and a Science Day saw activities in archaeolo- Leicestershire are to be given recognition for the University. The aim was to remove the mys- gy, biology, chemistry, the computer centre, their achievements outside of areas that can be tique about higher education and give support geography, mathematics, physics and astronomy tested by formal exams - for example the skills, and encouragement to school students who are and pre-clinical sciences. attributes and achievements that can be gained expected to gain above average A-Levels. innovative programme from a good careers education programme, new educational links curriculum enrichment such as HE taster Reception and information sessions for par- courses and wider key skills. Plans were laid for a Colleges-University of ents were held at the start of term when the The New Progression Accord, signed at the Leicester Network, designed to promote new students arrived. More than 1,000 par- University, brings together the county’s greater collaboration, particularly in terms of ents heard addresses from the Vice- schools, colleges and universities in a partner- the contemporary lifelong learning agenda Chancellor and other senior representatives ship that will provide real benefits for students. and widening access. Principals from educa- of the University and were told about how Under the terms of the new Accord, students tion and sixth-form colleges in the region dis- they can stay in touch with the University at Key Stage 4 and at Advanced level gain cussed initiatives that the University is devel- through its Family Programme. accreditation for units they undertake. The oping in the field of lifelong learning, and This is a new dimension to the innovative University of Leicester, along with De Montfort ways in which closer links might be estab- programme at the University acknowledging the and Loughborough universities, have agreed to lished with colleges. increasingly influential role that parents have in recognise the achievements of students suc- Ways of working together include collabora- the decision making, financial and other sup- cessfully completing units by granting an tion on lifelong learning courses, continuing port that they provide for their children. enhanced offer of 30 points under the new professional development, staff development celebrating cultural diversity UCAS points tariff – or a one A-Level grade and the exchange of information and ideas on reduction – for applicants who have completed initiatives by the government and others, such The University’s Richard Attenborough three Accord Units at advanced level, Level 3. as the East Midlands Development Agency and Centre received funding from the Foundation widening participation the Learning and Skills Councils. for Sport and the Arts and the University for space school takes off an innovative and multicultural music educa- The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland tion project. widening participation project has devised a The University hosted Space School UK for Mexican percussionist Alonso Mendoza led number of programmes in order to broaden students aged 14-18, exposing them to disci- a series of workshops dealing with Latin the educational opportunities and aspirations plines ranging from physics, astronomy, engi- rhythms and performance based on of local school and college students. One of neering and astronautics to geology, the envi- Cuban/Salsa percussion techniques. He also the many activities involving the University is ronment and the humanities. explored 20th century percussion repertoire the Aiming for a College Education (ACE) days. The ‘five days in space’ that students enjoy in demonstration lectures and encouraged For the first time, the University invited at the University are aimed primarily at those student composers to write new music for parents/guardians of those school and college preparing for GCSEs and post-16 education, percussion ensembles to perform. students who have already attended an ACE with an interest in space or space science and The project was designed to meet the day to visit the University to see for them- technology. Students meet with space scien- musical needs of the multicultural popula- selves what University life can offer. tists, academics and employers, while their tion of Leicester as well as the international The University has been running successful perceptions and understanding is stretched population of the University. Open to all, ACE Days for five years, along with other widen- through lectures and supervised work. the project particularly welcomed people ing participation activities. For example, a suc- Children also flocked to the University for a with disabilities.
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‘Dark Age’ Leicester. They boundaries, and identifying Britain and on the conti- some 800 students. Three Association donated put the plan of the city as blocks of land which seem nent, but never before in a workshops were delivered by £3,892 to the Lord it was 1,000 years ago to have been laid out at systematic way in Leicester. employers to help students Mayor’s chosen charity ‘under the microscope’ in particular periods, unsus- with the selection process. which aims to provide an effort to date the various pected features of the For the first time, the Approximately 30% of stu- sports equipment and phases of the city’s growth. medieval town have come University held a careers fair dents attending were from opportunities for disadvan- By measuring property to light. This has been targeting ethnic minorities. A ethnic minorities. taged children in the city. plots, studying anomalies done successfully in his- total of 24 exhibitors attend- The University Sports in the pattern of streets and toric towns elsewhere in ed the event which attracted The University’s Sports Association has its own
13 Medical knowledge: Leicester research provides direct health benefits.
Health investigations and recommendations from the University of Leicester are shaping medical policy and practice.
AUGUSTSEPTEMBEROCTOBERNOVEMBERDECEMBE charity with similar aims a new blood test technique and the medical profession. The Chemistry teaching Nobel Prize for Chemistry in called Sports Kids in Need which could help GPs to The new test offers GPs building was named the 1967. A former President of which was due to close diagnose heart failure and the potential to diagnose George Porter Building in the Royal Society, he was down, so both it and the may obviate the need for heart failure in their own honour of the former awarded the Order of Merit Association were pleased to patients to join a hospital practice without having to Chancellor of the University. in 1989 and made a Life make the donation. waiting list to check for the send patients for an Lord Porter, Chancellor Peer in 1990. condition. The new tech- echocardiogram at a hospi- between 1985-1995 was Medical experts at the nique will provide enor- tal for which there are long the University’s third The discovery of a hye- University are investigating mous benefits to patients waiting lists. Chancellor and shared the nas’ den in Rutland which
14 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Beneficial
leicester report offers guidance research because of its long-standing inter- mate the scale of murders over the 24 years for NHS est in islet transplantation research and the of the doctor’s career. fact that there is an active programme of Government measures have been in place A University of Leicester professor was human islet isolation. over the last two years to minimise the risk asked by the Chief Medical Officer to exam- birth study hope of similar tragedies in the future. But ine the problem of intrathecal injection Professor Baker concluded these measures errors in the NHS and to make recommenda- Professor David Taylor and Sara Kenyon in were not enough. He recommended the tions on preventive measures. the University Department of Obstetrics and monitoring of GPs’ death rates, more infor- Professor Kent Woods examined the world Gynaecology reported the results of a major mation on death certificates, more rigorous literature on intrathecal injection errors and MRC funded trial – ORACLE – which showed record keeping by GPs and more accounta- the circumstances surrounding 11 recorded that giving an inexpensive antibiotic, bility over the administration and distribu- cases in the UK. His report recommended spe- Erythromycin, to women in preterm labour tion of drugs such as diamorphine. cific steps which should be immediately imple- rupture of the membranes prolongs and new institute for lung mented in staff education and training, in the improves the health of babies. The babies had health launched dispensing of drugs and in ward procedures. less respiratory, infectious and brain morbidity. As a further level of protection, urgent Approximately 13 million babies world- Honorary graduate Dame Professor work was proposed to create a design barrier wide are born preterm every year. These Margaret Turner-Warwick, ex-President of the to injection errors – an equipment modifica- babies are at risk from many problems Royal College of Physicians, formally launched tion which would make it physically impossi- including short term breathing and feeding the Leicester Institute for Lung Health. ble for a drug intended for intravenous injec- difficulties, infection and long term disabili- The Institute, which brings together scien- tion to be accidentally injected through a ties. 11,050 women took part in the trial tists in Leicester active in the field of respira- spinal needle. which took place in 161 centres across the tory research, aims to establish Leicester as diabetes breakthrough world, constituting the largest perinatal trial an international centre of excellence for to date. research into lung diseases such as asthma, The University is to receive the major share scale of Shipman’s COPD, TB, pneumonia and lung cancer. of funding allocated by Diabetes UK to seven killings revealed The new Institute has been founded on a centres across the UK, leading to a new tech- partnership between NHS practitioners in nique to conquer diabetes. Following suc- Investigations carried out by Professor adult and paediatric respiratory medicine in cessful tests by Dr James Shapiro in Canada, Richard Baker, Director of the University’s the county and scientists in the Department in which pancreatic islets have been injected Clinical Governance Research and of Immunology and Microbiology within the into the livers of diabetes sufferers, 13 out of Development Unit, at the request of the Medical School. 15 patients no longer needed insulin injec- Chief Medical Officer revealed the likely scale tions. The process took only half a day and of convicted GP Harold Shipman’s killings. required a local anaesthetic. In the 145 pages of his audit of Shipman’s Further trials in the UK, costing £300,000 career from 1974-98, Professor Baker calculat- will carry out 10 islet transplants during the ed that as many as 236 people may have course of the year. Leicester was chosen as been victims of the GP. By investigating the one of the principal centres for this patterns in deaths certified by Harold Shipman, cremation forms and medical records, and comparing those deaths with those recorded by similar GP practices in the same area, Professor Baker was able to esti-
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was also used as a hunting ing from English Heritage marks for its teaching qual- out of five categories in Geneticists at Leicester, post by early humans – pos- and specialist support by ity from the Quality Geography, with the working with international sibly Neanderthal – provided the British Museum and the Assurance Agency, also remaining two being colleagues in Switzerland, a rare snapshot of daily life Natural History Museum so scored top marks in all five appraised as good. found that the mutation on an English Ice Age that the excavation could be categories in Social The School also received rates in plants exposed to steppe, 30 to 40 thousand extended. Sciences PGCE secondary a high score in its modern ionising radiation after the years ago. The discovery by training during an OFSTED languages training at sec- Chernobyl disaster of 1986 University of Leicester The School of Education, inspection. The School also ondary level which also is unusually high. archaeologists brought fund- which achieved maximum scored top marks in three received a rating of good. Researcher Dr Yuri
15 On the ball: football researchers at the University advised the Home Office.
Significant commercial, educational, governmental and industrial partnership placed the University of Leicester at the fore of activities.
AUGUSTSEPTEMBEROCTOBERNOVEMBERDECEMBE
Dubrova found evidence for dose chronic exposure to Centre for Labour Market the expertise of the two are women. Dr Marianne a remarkably strong induc- ionising radiation, which Studies established official organisations and staff Coleman, of the School of tion of germline mutation in make this type of radiation links with the Singapore attachments to CLMS. Education, carried out wheat upon chronic expo- substantially more muta- Government’s Productivity research covering the career sure to ionising radiation genic than previously and Standards Board. This Approximately half the progress of these successful from the Chernobyl acci- thought. involves collaboration on secondary teachers in women, looking at the barri- dent. The results of the workforce development England and Wales are ers to progress that they per- study point to as yet As part of its expanding research projects, co-ordi- women, but under a quarter ceived, and at their own per- unknown effects of low- international activities, the nation of seminars to share of secondary head teachers ceptions of the ways in
16 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Influential
promoting business partnerships mates that the UK drugs market equates to which has been undertaken in Leicester, and 1% of GDP or £8.5 billion – these funds need is also keen to draw upon the University’s The University is involved in an innovative to be hidden somehow. The United Nations expertise in analysing football hooliganism. business partnership project as part of a Human Development Report 1999 stated that As well as looking at issues of ticketing and government scheme which links small and organised crime generated $1,500 trillion per managing supporters, the group will also medium-sized businesses with the latest annum – laundering the money avoids the examine ideas for reconfiguring the collective research and expertise in the HE sector. risk of confiscation. identity of fans when they follow the England TCS, formerly known as the Teaching The Leicester study will include an indus- team. Education and community initiatives Company Scheme, helps companies to draw try-wide survey and will seek the views of a are also on the agenda. on the expertise of the knowledge based range of regulatory and law enforcement Among the first evidence considered by sector to carry forward key development agencies which will aid in the development the Working Group was a Leicester survey on projects within the company. of a comprehensive study of the issues. anti-racism and policies of inclusion at pro- At Leicester, Professor Charles Pollock, of new link between universities fessional English clubs. the Department of Engineering, is Grant key contribution to regional Holder for a TCS with Stebon Ltd, manufac- A Memorandum of Understanding was development turers of industrial stepping motors used for signed between Leicester and a new university high accuracy positioning applications in in Jordan. Al-Hussein Bin Talal University is a Higher education institutions in the East manufacturing machinery and processes. new public university with a substantial budg- Midlands are playing an increasingly impor- The TCS involves the design and manufac- et to provide for its rapid development. As tant role in the economic development of ture of a new power electronic controller for part of the process, new staff will be trained the region through innovation, knowledge industrial stepping motors, which will be overseas and the agreement provides for staff and technology transfer. smaller and lighter, and will offer significant to come to Leicester for Master’s courses and A conference, Innovation Through performance improvements over the con- study for PhDs in three areas – archaeology, Diversity: Higher Education’s Role in the East trollers manufactured by other companies. education and engineering. Midlands, highlighted how universities con- The TCS is the culmination of six years of There is also provision for the develop- tribute to regional development and improve fundamental research carried out involving ment of academic and research links in other competitiveness. Activities include knowl- Stebon Ltd and Professor Pollock. areas of common interest. edge transfer, the education of high quality money laundering probe university involved in new graduates, economic regeneration through home office working group directly relevant training, business re-engi- Research into the response of the financial neering and lifelong learning. services industry to the threat of money laun- John Williams, of the University’s Sir The university sector in the East Midlands dering has been launched at the University. A Norman Chester Centre for Football provides direct employment for some 20,000 call to firms to participate came from Research, was invited by the Home Office people and generates income in excess of Andersen’s Fraud and Integrity Risk group Minister Lord Bassam to sit on the Home £750 million through direct government and the University’s Scarman Centre which is Office’s new Working Group on Football funding, research, commercial contracts and carrying out the study. Disorder. The group has been convened to export income from students outside the EU. The scale of money laundering is stagger- review the sometimes xenophobic and racist ing – the Office for National Statistics esti- behaviour of football supporters who follow England’s international matches at home and abroad. The Home Office has been impressed by the anti-racist work involving the Centre
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which they led and man- time of appointment and in providing part-time on the opportunities they Astronomy at the aged their schools. over 50% reported that employment opportunities offer based on an under- University. He was part of The survey of 670 they had experienced sex- for students while they are standing of present and an international team that female head teachers in ism in dealings with peers still studying were hon- future student needs. made the discovery using England and Wales and colleagues. oured at annual awards the X-ray telescope received a 70% response ceremonies at the The discovery of a new Chandra. Until now, scien- rate. Over 60% of those Businesses in University. type of Black Hole was tists have observed only responding reported experi- Leicestershire that have The Employer Award announced at NASA by two types of black hole – ences of sexism at the made an exemplary effort Scheme judges employers Martin Ward, Professor of those that are about the
17 A virtual fossil: a 425 million year old, 5mm long, distant ancestor of today’s king crab.
Novel techniques and theories put forward by the University of Leicester helped to advance the frontiers of knowledge.
AUGUSTSEPTEMBEROCTOBERNOVEMBERDECEMBE same mass as stars and other. The more massive of University geneticists are information in the Y chro- of the population move- those that are a million to a the two stars is around 500 exploring the link between mosome, a piece of DNA ments that have occurred billion times more massive. times that of the Sun. genes and genealogy, in passed down from father to since the industrial revolu- Using Chandra, the team Finding this ‘middle weight’ research which could help son, to ask whether men tion, and help us to under- of scientists probed deep black hole will mean police catch criminals by sharing Y chromosomes stand the history of the into the galaxy called M82 astronomers have to rethink revealing their surnames also share a surname. By people of the British Isles. where they have observed a some of their ideas about from traces of DNA left at exploiting regional sur- giant binary system – two how stars form and the role crime scenes. names, this research can Music researchers at the stars orbiting around each of black holes in the cosmos. Dr Mark Jobling is using also bypass the problems University have concluded
18 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Innovative
back to the future provide elderly people with six sound chan- being re-established as a prestigious medium nels. The combination of quizzes, stories, for writing, it became clear that a Standard The first ever detailed computerised 3-D spiritual discussions, music, news and keep-fit form of the language was essential. The obvi- images of soft-bodied fossils have been devel- exercises is designed to improve physical ous choice was a dialect from the middle of oped by scientists at Leicester, Oxford and mobility, mental agility and connectedness the country, intelligible to all. Bristol. The images are of 425-million-year with friends, relatives and the outside world. The immigration of many East Midlanders old fossils from the Silurian rocks in there are no flies on us! to London influenced the emergence of Herefordshire. Standard English as they worked in crucial The new technique which has been devel- Flies are buzzing to the aid of insomniacs, areas of trade and administration. Their oped involves micro-grinding of the fossils night shift workers and victims of jet lag. The dialect merged with a form of the London combined with computer regeneration tech- flies’ body clocks are surprisingly similar to dialect, giving rise in succeeding generations niques, which project the fossils in 3-D those of humans and Leicester biologists are to Standard English. imagery and show their anatomy in unprece- trying to find ways of controlling the flies’ centres of excellence dented detail, including their soft parts. time switches – as a means of tackling sleep The detail in which the fossils have been disorders among humans. The University houses a number of special- rendered will assist scientists as they build Already 500-strong clouds of flies have set- ist centres and research groups. During the up a more complete record of the diversity tled into the rhythm of rising at 8am and nod- year, the University of Leicester launched the and ecology of life hundreds of millions of ding off at lights-out, 12 hours later. When the Centre for European Law and Integration. Its years ago, which will now – for the first laboratory lights are turned off at different interests range from commercial, competition time – be fleshed out by high fidelity mod- times, the flies suffer the equivalent of jet lag. and intellectual property law, human rights, els of the distant ancestors of many of Greater understanding of the ‘fly clock’ will be the economic law of the single market, social today’s invertebrate animals, such as mol- directly applicable to the human system. and labour law, and immigration and migra- luscs and anthropods. the language of leicester tion law issues. new project sounds good In the Faculty of Science, a Centre for The role of Leicester and the East Midlands Mathematical Modelling was established Forget pills and potions – ‘sound vitamins’ as ‘the birthplace of English’ was much cited linking researchers in Physics, Chemistry, may soon be the latest thing to put the pep in the national media. Dr Elaine Treharne, Mathematics and Engineering. A new back into old age. An innovative international Head of the Department of English, £350,000 supercomputer provided the tech- project co-ordinated from the University explained that the origins of the East nical base for the new Centre. This, linked Department of Psychology, funded by the EU, Midlands dialect derive from the Anglo- to the UKAFF computer facilities in Physics may transform the quality of life for older Saxons, who settled in the Mercian region and Astronomy provides Leicester with people. It will use IT speech and music chan- from approximately 500AD. They spoke a computational facility that is among the nels to provide older people with the stimula- Germanic dialect similar to that preserved in best in the world. tion they need to keep healthy, alert and in the Old English poem Beowulf. This form of The United Kingdom Astrophysical touch with the outside world. language was complicated in the ninth centu- Fluids Facility (UKAFF) is a £5.9million proj- Researchers have long argued that the ry by the arrival and settlement of the Vikings ect funded mainly by the DTI and the com- right physical and psychological stimulation in and around Leicestershire. puter company Silicon Graphics, with fur- can slow down mental and physical decline in The emergence of the East Midlands ther support from the Particle Physics and older people and a Finnish company, Audio dialect in the post-Conquest period demon- Astronomy Research Council and the Riders, has recently developed a system that strates clearly the eventual intermingling of Leverhulme Trust. It was formally opened can achieve this cheaply. the two peoples. In the 14th and 15th cen- by Dr John Taylor, Director General of the The system uses global digital networks to turies, when English was in the process of UK Research Councils.
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that the pop charts could Using a computer model How quickly cervical advanced cervical because of life-style fac- provide a barometer to eco- to analyse lyrics, Dr North cancer grows is more cancer tend to have a tors. Regular smear tests nomic performance. classified them into 31 cat- important in predicting particularly fast growing are crucial for reducing Psychologist Dr Adrian egories such as optimism, cure rates than a delay in and aggressive kind of the risk of developing North analysed 1,400 pessimism and certainty. presentation or diagnosis, tumour. advanced cervical cancer, songs making the top 5 He found the optimistic researchers from Leicester They also warned that said lead author Dr Paul since 1960 and found a lyrics turned to pessimistic and other colleagues have poorer women tend to be Symonds of the link between the lyrics and ones just before an eco- found. They established more at risk of suffering Department of Oncology the economic outlook. nomic recession. that women with from these tumours at the University.
19 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Distinguished
More than 4,400 students celebrated degree success at the University of Leicester and honorary degrees were awarded to a number of distinguished people in recognition of their sterling contribution to various fields.
Spring ceremony: Summer ceremonies:
Professor Susan Mrs Jean Humphreys, Professor Jack Spence, Greenfield (DSc) CBE, (MA), honoured for her (DLitt), Director of Professor of contributions to the Studies at the Royal Pharmacology and development of the Institute of International Fellow of Lincoln University of Leicester Affairs (Chatham House) College, Oxford. for over 50 years from 1991-97, and for- Professor Greenfield has Sir John Robertson mer Professor of Politics been Director of the (Sir Rob) Young, KCMG, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Royal Institution since (LLD), British High of the University of 1998 and is a member Commissioner to India Leicester of the National Advisory and graduate of the Mr Richard Pearson, Committee on Cultural University of Leicester (DLitt), distinguished and Creative Education Dr Hugh Greenwood, economist, Director of and a Trustee of the OBE, (LLD), business- the Institute for Science Museum. Much man, honoured for his Employment Studies and of her work has contributions to child a graduate of the involved publicising sci- health worldwide University of Leicester ence. Her husband, Professor Colin Professor Liam Professor Peter Atkins, a Humphreys, FREng, Donaldson, (DSc), Chief Leicester graduate and (DSc), Professor of Medical Officer in the Professor of Chemistry Materials Science at the Department of Health, at Oxford, is a member University of Cambridge and former Lecturer in of the University of Dr John Taylor, OBE, Community Health and Leicester Court. FRS, FEng, (DSc), Senior Lecturer in Dr Bruce Smith Director General of the Epidemiology at the (DSc) CBE, Chairman Research Councils, and University of Leicester of the Smith Institute former Director of Professor Sir Brian for Industrial Hewlett Packard Follett, FRS, (DSc), for- Mathematics and Laboratories mer Vice-Chancellor, Systems Engineering, Mrs Elvy Morton, University of Warwick, Chairman of the (LLM), who has con- honoured for his contri- Economic and Social tributed to community bution to Biological Research Council and relations in Leicester and Sciences. Chairman of the has organised the National Space Science African-Caribbean Centre. Dr Smith is a Carnival for 17 years graduate of Christ Mr Gerry Cinderby, Church, Oxford, and (LLD), Member of the has a wealth of experi- University's Council who ence in scientific indus- served as Treasurer from try. He is Chairman of 1995 to 1999 Industrial Technology Securities Ltd and has served on the executive committee of the Parliamentary Space Committee.
20 Tributes
The University of Leicester has had a very formative influence on my life and career. I feel deeply privileged to be receiving an Honorary LLD. It will strengthen my links with and affection for the University. Sir John Robertson (Sir Rob) Young, KCMG
I am pleased to return to Leicester and to see it play its role as a major university, helping the community and the economy. Dr Richard Pearson
I am delighted to receive an honorary degree from the University of Leicester where I spent 18 very happy years. Professor Jack Spence
I am delighted that the University has cho- sen to recognise my contribution to its gover- nance by this award of an honorary degree. The University is continually improving its per- formance and thus gaining recognition as one of the top academic institutions in the UK. Dr Gerry Cinderby
It has been a rare pleasure and privilege to be in at the birth of a university and to see it grow through succeeding stages to the large and flourishing institution it is today. I have known some of the people whose generosity and vision created the University College, and all of the Principals and Vice-Chancellors who guided it on its way from 1947 to this day. Mrs Jean Humphreys
I am delighted to be receiving this honorary degree from the University of Leicester for my work in materials science. My research has involved using a beam of electrons for ultra- small writing so that the entire contents of Encyclopaedia Britannica can be written on a pinhead. My current work involves new mate- rials which emit brilliant light of all colours. It may be possible to make a light-bulb which consumes much less energy than at present and which lasts for 60 years. Professor Colin Humphreys, FREng
It is a great pleasure and privilege to receive the Honorary Degree of DSc from the University of Leicester. I am delighted to be able to strengthen the link with the University that I have already made through the National Space Science Centre. Joy: celebrating success at the University of Leicester graduation ceremony. Dr Bruce Smith CBE
21 Annual Report 2000 – 2001
Accolades
Staff, students, graduates and other mem- Professor Peter Jackson (Management was elected a Fellow of the Academy of bers of the University were honoured in Centre) was appointed a specialist adviser to Medical Science. various ways through the year by a range of the Financial Committee of the Scottish Professor Nick Standen (Cell Physiology and learned and distinguished bodies. A full list Parliament. Pharmacology) was elected to a Fellowship of appears in the Official Record on the Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys received The the Academy of Medical Sciences. University website. Eduard Buchner Prize from the German Professor Iain Stewart (Mathematics and Professor Richard Baker (General Practice Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Computer Science) was appointed as MathFIT and Primary Health Care) was invited to deliver Biology for his fundamental work on min- Co-ordinator by the EPSRC. This is an initiative the James Mackenzie Lecture in 2003 – this is isatellite DNA and DNA fingerprinting, as well to encourage research at the interface between the highest honour the Royal College of General as for the application of the findings that he mathematics and computer science. Practitioners can bestow bar the presidency. pioneered in basic research, forensic science, The work of Leicester scientists was fea- The Archaeological Institute of America medicine, human and population genetics tured in a national newspaper, the THES, awarded the James R Wiseman book award to and human evolution. under the heading ‘Would-be Wonders.’ In a Graeme Barker, David Gilbertson, Barri Dr Kamlesh Khunti (General Practice and report on ‘potential blockbuster gene Jones and David Mattingly for Farming the Primary Health Care) was chosen for the John patents’, the THES identified research by Desert: the UNESCO Libyan Valleys Fry Award from the Royal College of General Professor Richard Trembath (Medical Archeological Survey; Vol. 1 : Synthesis edited Practitioners for outstanding research conduct- Genetics), Professor of Medical Genetics, who by Graeme Barker and Vol 2 Gazetteer and ed by a practitioner under the age of 45. is carrying out research on therapy for psoria- Pottery, edited by David Mattingly. Professor Ian Lauder (Dean of the Leicester sis. Also cited was Wilhelm Schwaeble A talent for teaching helped Dr Alan Cann Warwick Medical School) was elected Treasurer (Microbiology and Immunology) who is inves- become the first recipient of the Society for of the Council of Heads of Medical Schools. tigating the innate immune system. General Microbiology Peter Wildy Prize for Dr Angela Lennox (Medical Education) was Professor Martin Ward (Physics and Microbiology Education, awarded in recogni- appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire. Astronomy) was invited to serve as a Deputy tion of his distinguished contribution to Dr Patricia McKeever (Pathology) received Chair of PPARC’s new Science Committee. microbiology teaching. an award from Leicestershire’s Chief Constable Jacky Wetzig, Schools and Colleges Liaison Professor David Critchley (Biochemistry) for outstanding service. As one of a team, she Officer was appointed a Section Judge for the was appointed Chairman of the Molecular and was the consultant paediatric pathologist inves- canoe/kayak events at the Sydney Olympics Cell Grants Committee of the Wellcome Trust. tigating the death of a four-year-old boy. She 2000 by the International Canoe Federation. Professor Lin Foxhall (Archaeology and played a full part in the investigating team’s A prestigious award, judged by an interna- Ancient History) was awarded an honorary work, which led to the conclusion about the tional panel of experts, went to Professor MBE in recognition of her contribution to the cause of death. She also gave medical post Bryan Williams (Medicine). The International Millennium celebrations. Professor Foxhall mortem evidence at the trial. Investigator Award is given each year to a clin- secured National Lottery funding to support Dr Roger Merry (School of Education) won ical scientist who has made an outstanding the ‘Ringing in the Millennium’ Project, a major award for communication, the HCI contribution to the field of hypertension. through which a national network of churches Award for Communication. Nominated by The University’s Audio Visual Services was and town bells were installed or restored in past and present students of the University, recognised for the excellent University pro- order to ring in the New Year in January 2000. Dr Merry received a Category 1 Award which motional video produced by Jon Shears and Professor Martin Gill (Scarman Centre) was recognises contributions to research or prac- Carl Vivian winning the national Learning on installed as a Freeman of the City of London. tice in this field. Screen Award for Best Camera Work and a Philip Herbert (Richard Attenborough Professor Vince Newey (English) was elect- runners up place for Best Editing. Centre) received high commendation for his ed a Fellow of the English Association and a The Scarman Centre received official music following the first Stephen Lawrence Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. recognition as an Investor in People by the Charitable Trust annual memorial lecture. Professor Marilyn Palmer (Archaeology and Leicestershire Training and Enterprise HRH Prince Charles, who gave the lecture, Ancient History) was invited by the Royal Council, joining a number of other areas in described Philip’s composition as a ‘wonder- Archeological Institute to give the Annual Young the University with this accolade – ful piece of music’. People’s Lecture. Professor Clive Ruggles Residential Services, Catering Services and The House of Lords Appointments (Archaeology and Ancient History) was the co- the Centre for Labour Market Studies. The Commission announced that former Leicester author of a paper which was chosen for the Management Centre, Sports and Recreation student Valerie Howarth OBE is to be one of Antiquity Prize 2000 as the Best and Most and the Staff Development Centre have also the new People’s Peers. Ms Howarth had Enjoyable Contribution in the Year. formally committed themselves to achieving been Chief Executive of ChildLine. Professor Gordon Roberts (Biochemistry) the Investor in People Award.
22 Statistics 2000/2001
Total Registered Students ...... 16,909
Undergraduate ...... 7,656 (7,879) Postgraduate ...... 9,253 (9,050)
Distribution of Full-time Students Home/EU ...... 7,627 (7,678) Overseas ...... 870 (762)
Full-time undergraduates over 21 on admission ...... 7.9% (9%) Taught Postgraduate Students ...... 3,335 (3,081) Total postgraduate research students...... 1,142 (1,129) Total Registered Distance Learning Students...... 4,776 (4,840)
Full-time Student Numbers Staff Numbers
Full-time Academic Arts 1,795 21.3% (22.1%) Staff 575
Full-time Academic- Science 1,977 23.9% (25.3%) Related Staff 591
Full-time Non Teaching Staff Social Sciences 1,605 21.3% (22.1%) 769
Part-time Non Law 764 9.2% (8.5%) Teaching Staff 441
Medicine & Biological 21.3% (21.2%) Sciences 1,764
Education 374 4.5% (4.1%) (All figures in brackets relate to 1999/2000)
Total Full-time Students: ...... 8,279 (8,440)
First Degree Graduates entering employment/training/research ...... 89% First Degree Graduates not available for employment...... 6% Full-time Higher Degree Graduates entering employment/further training ...... 94% Full-time Higher Degree Graduates not available for employment ...... 3% (These figures relate to year 2000)
Endowment Income and Interest Receivable ...... 1.1% (1.1%) Grants from the HEFCE ...... 30.8% (32.1%) Academic Fees and Support Grants...... 21.1% (20.9%) Research Grants and Contracts ...... 25.3% (25.1%) Other Operating Income ...... 21.7% (20.8%) Honoured: Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys. Total Income 2000/2001: £130.87m
23 University of Leicester · University Road · Leicester LE1 7RH Telephone: 0116 252 2522 · Facsimile: 0116 252 2200 World Wide Web Address: http://www.le.ac.uk/