Issue 270 ▸ 7 march 2014 reporterSharing stories of Imperial’s community
Reaching further Bold new outreach projects inspiring a generation of future scientists → centre pages
Olympic Galaxy quest Need for speed showdown Researchers find Imperial racing Historic Varsity distant galaxy engineers basketball cluster 10 billion past and game at Copper light years away present unite Box Arena PAGE 6 PAGE 11 PAGE 4 2 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270
Postgrad energy research Marina Montero Carerro was awarded a grant in 2010 scholarship fund renewed for an MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures and has recently taken up a PhD place at Vrije Universiteit The Scottish Power Foundation has announced a new Brussel, working in an area closely related to her round of scholarships for Imperial postgraduates Imperial studies. editor’s corner pursuing energy and environment related studies. “I knew that if I really wanted to make a contribution to the energy world through my work, I had to better The scholarships, delivered in partnership with the understand the links between energy technology, Doing ScottishPower Foundation’s Spanish equivalent – economics and policy. Fundacion Iberdrola – aim to develop and educate “My time at Imperial was an amazing experience – our bit the next generation of leaders in the energy industry. the multidisciplinary aspect of the programme and the The grants, which form part of a £1.65 million diverse and international student community at the No institution, however investment in research and education across the UK College made me realize how important it is to think large, can be an island. and Spain, are available at five UK universities – outside the box and consider different perspectives Imperial has always including Imperial. when approaching the complex challenges faced by sought to benefit Students can choose courses in areas such as the energy industry.” society through its renewable energy, sustainable energy systems, Scholarship applications for the forthcoming academic year research and education environment and biodiversity, clean coal technologies, opened on Monday 3 February and close on Thursday 3 April. – and in recent years emissions management, energy efficiency and storage, bit.ly/1higCvd outreach and community electric vehicles and smart grids. —Deborah Evanson, Communications and Public Affairs initiatives have played an increasingly prominent role in supporting the College’s mission. New PhDs to In this issue we look at how Imperial’s Outreach boost sustainable Department along with staff and students across food production the College are forging lasting links with local Thirteen PhD students will join Imperial in schools, in an effort October to devise ways of making food to inspire and prepare production sustainable, in a new training the next generation of initiative with industry. scientists (centre pages). The Student’s Union With the world’s population estimated to grow is also very active in Tracey Batten to lead to nine billion by 2050, demand for food is promoting volunteering expected to rise by 50 per cent, putting pressure and fundraising, which we Imperial NHS Trust on farming and food production. hope students continue Students on the NexGenAgriChem as they forge their future Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has appointed doctoral training programme will work on a careers in STEM (page 10). Dr Tracey Batten, a leading Australian healthcare expert, collection of complementary research projects, As the third Imperial as its new chief executive. which together will seek new ways of increasing Festival fast approaches crop yields. on 9 and 10 May we all Dr Batten has had a distinguished career as a clinician and The training programme is being offered have the chance to get clinical leader and until recently was the chief executive of in partnership with Syngenta, a world-leading involved in the big St Vincent’s Health, Australia’s largest charitable hospital group. agrochemical company, and has been effort to share what She will take up her new post with Imperial College’s partner made possible through a €3.8 million the College does with NHS Trust in early April. European grant. society at large. Plus, Announcing the appointment, Sir Richard Sykes, Chairman Dr Laura Barter (Chemistry), Director as pointed out by many of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We conducted of NexGenAgriChem, said: “By directly of the people I’ve talked an exhaustive, global search for our new chief executive and in partnering with industry, our students will get to about outreach over Tracey I am certain we have found the kind of aspirational and the exciting opportunity to learn about the the last weeks, it’s just inspirational leader we were looking for.” agrochemical innovation pipeline, turn their good fun too. Dr Batten said: “The prospect of leading one of England’s research into practical tools and bring plant andrew czyzewski, Editor largest and most prestigious NHS trusts is both an honour and potential to life, which could make a significant an exciting challenge. I am deeply committed to ensuring not impact upon society.” Reporter is published every only the very best clinical outcomes for patients but that their three weeks during term time The new studentships are now open for application in print and online. wider experience of the healthcare system is the very best too. for EU and overseas students, with the programme I look forward to meeting my new colleagues and our many beginning in October 2014. For details visit: Contact Andrew Czyzewski: patients in the near future.” bit.ly/1c4pOE9 [email protected] To find out more about Dr Batten visit: bit.ly/1fxNsrX —Gail Wilson, Communications and Public Affairs —Andrew Scheuber, Communications and Public Affairs 3 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270 >> newsupdate
Research centre will get to grips with market risk Imperial centre will presented by staff from the College Imperial has launched a new research partnership and the Trust. CTMs are AHSC to model risk in financial markets in collaboration ‘drive healthcare delivery groups that bring together with a European hedge-fund. agenda in Europe’ College and Trust staff to accelerate the translation of science into The global financial crisis has underlined the need Imperial College Academic Health health discoveries. for a better understanding of market failures and risks. Science Centre (AHSC) held a special Exhibition highlights included Capital Fund Management and the Department event last month to mark its recent Professor Roger Kneebone’s research of Mathematics at Imperial have joined forces to award of AHSC status. group’s live surgery simulation create the CFM-Imperial Institute of Quantitative using a pop-up operating theatre Finance which will develop new approaches for At the event, AHSC leaders launched to recreate an angioplasty, where modelling and managing risk. their vision for 2014–19, which aims a balloon catheter is inserted into The institute will fund a postdoctoral fellowship, to improve the quality and length of an artery narrowed by coronary PhD studentships and a programme for visiting lives of patients and populations by heart disease (pictured above). international scholars, as well as a series of translating pioneering discoveries into Speaking at the event, Sir Gordon seminars and conferences. medical advances, new therapies and Duff, Chairman of Imperial College Professor Rama Cont (Mathematics), Director of techniques. AHSC, said: “We’re creating an the CFM-Imperial Institute of Quantitative Finance, The prestigious designation from AHSC that will drive – not follow – said: “As markets continue to rebound from the the Department of Health recognises the healthcare agenda in the UK recent global financial crisis, we are glad to seize Imperial College AHSC – a partnership and Europe.” this opportunity to explore new directions in between Imperial College London Professor Dermot Kelleher, Vice financial modelling. We see the CFM-Imperial and Imperial College Healthcare NHS President (Health) and Chairman of Institute as a platform for interdisciplinary research Trust – as a centre of excellence in the Joint Executive Group of Imperial and exchange of ideas, open to academics from healthcare, research, education and College AHSC, said: “Our strategy all departments as well as our industry partners.” value creation. puts the patient at the centre of Jean-Philippe Bouchaud, chairman of CFM, The special event also showcased everything that we do. All of our added: “CFM has a long history of research outstanding innovations in healthcare research is designed to support excellence in the field of finance. We have a lot of within the Centres for Translational patient care. This will transform common research interests with Imperial so we Medicine (CTMs) through a number quality of life in our community.” make an excellent fit for each other.” of interactive displays and posters —Sam Hiew, Faculty of Medicine Centre —Gail Wilson, Communications and Public Affairs
Korean connections Top tweet The International Office is We have a problem Debra Humphris collating information @debrahumphris about Imperial’s academic in trying to maintain our engagement with South Korea lifestyles further down the You just get better as it explores opportunities to and better, well done, in brief strengthen links following the road in say 50 years’ time. especially Kath on visit of the President of South hatrick @Womens Korea in November 2013, and Optimists would put off RugbyIC: 52-7 win in advance of an upcoming that day… ‘someone will over Royal Holloway Imperial visit to the country. @SportImperial All academic staff with fix it’! But wind turbines @icunion professional collaborations provide a sustainable or interests in South Korea are invited to contact Felicity source of energy now.” Scott, International Relations Officer (East Asia): READER RAJ SHAH COMMENTS ON AN IMPERIAL WEB STORY ABOUT RESEARCH INTO WIND FARM [email protected] ECONOMICS (Page 6) The Korean president visits Imperial in November 4 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270
Call to ban smoking in cars with children
Last month over 700 respiratory healthcare professionals urged MPs to legislate against smoking in cars with children.
In a letter to the BMJ, organised by sudden infant deaths (cot death). Dr Nick Hopkinson (National Heart Most of this additional burden and Lung Institute), they say there of disease falls on the more is “a strong consensus that disadvantaged children in society. children need to be protected from The authors point out that there are Olympic unnecessary hazards, that exposing precedents for legislation to determine children to tobacco smoke is behaviour while driving, such as the unacceptable, and that removing wearing of seatbelts, the use of child Varsity this exposure is effective.” car seats and the ban on mobile phone Smoke inhalation damages use while driving. the developing lung, and the Royal “Smoking in cars where children showdown College of Physicians estimates that are present has been banned in other each year in the UK second-hand countries,” they write. “We urge MPs A small slice of Imperial history was made on Friday smoke by children is responsible for to support this important public health 28 February as the annual Varsity basketball game 300,000 primary care contacts, 9,500 measure, which will protect the wellbeing was contested for the first time at an Olympic venue. hospital admissions, at least 200 of children now and in the future.” cases of bacterial meningitis, and 40 —Sam Wong, Communications and Public Affairs An intrepid crew of supporters made their way across London to the Copper Box Arena at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford to see Imperial College School of Medicine team take on Imperial The medical school has now at basketball. identified the areas in which it could With the Imperial team being a division above the best achieve research excellence Medics, they went in as clear favourites; but this and support the healthcare needs of being Varsity at such a prestigious venue, who would Singapore’s ageing population. The feel the pressure most? four themes of the new strategy are: With tip-off at 16:00, Imperial quickly got the Infectious Disease, Metabolic Disease, advantage opening the scoring in what was an Neuroscience and Mental Health, ominous sign. The medics hit back with a perfect and Dermatology and Skin Biology. long range jump shot, but Imperial found their LKCMedicine Dean Professor rhythm pretty quickly to go 8-2 up. The first quarter Singapore medical Dermot Kelleher, who is also Dean of finished 22-6 to Imperial. Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine, said, That was to be a theme of the game as Imperial school launches “If you look at the areas that we’ve were always several steps ahead. The Medics staged research strategy chosen, they are areas that are going a brave fightback in the third quarter to close it down to be of critical importance for the to 52 vs 30. But it was only truly going one way and The Lee Kong Chian School of people of Singapore. We’re hoping IC once again found their ruthless pace from the Medicine, Imperial’s joint medical that we’ll find increasing solutions for first quarter, finishing the game at 62 vs 36. school with Nanyang Technological diabetes and neuro-degeneration over Congratulating the winning Imperial team, Neil University, has unveiled a new the next five to 10 years, but it may Mosley (Head of Sport Imperial), said: “It was a real research strategy. take longer.” thrill for players from both teams to play at such a top Professor Philip Ingham, Vice class venue and hopefully it’s just the start of bigger The new strategy, which aims to Dean for Research LKCMedicine things to come with basketball at Imperial.” address Singapore’s key health said: “Strengthening the research Receiving the winning trophy from Imperial’s challenges, is published six months partnerships that we have with former Pro Rector Professor Rees Rawlings, Imperial since the School welcomed its first Imperial, NTU and the School’s Captain Wouter Thijssen said: “It was simply intake of 54 students. In August 2013 hospital partners is one of the amazing. The atmosphere, the arena, the crowd; the students began working towards many areas that I am keen to it all made for an unforgettable experience. their Medicine and Bachelor of explore and expand further so The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the Surgery degree, pursuing an as to promote impactful fundamental game though, went to Medic Ranjodh Sanghera, who innovative curriculum developed and translational research.” was credited with his never-say-die attitude in the face by a team in Imperial’s Faculty of —Caroline Davis, Communications and of relentless pressure from Imperial (see back page). Medicine since 2010. Public Affairs 5 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270 >> newsupdate
Join our mailing list media mentions for regular news alerts: —By Gail Wilson, Communications and Public Affairs www.imperial.ac.uk/media/jointsignup
My child is not obese, painkillers, so researchers hope that it may also be useful in treating other types of chronic it is just ‘puppy fat’ pain including nerve injury and chemotherapy. The Times ▸ 14.02.2014 Professor Andrew Rice (Surgery) said: “Conventional painkillers don’t tend to help Parents of obese children are in denial about people with severe chronic neuropathic pain… their child’s weight problem, reported The we hope that the new drug will ultimately Times. In a study carried out by Imperial, offer hope for patients who aren’t helped by parents believed their child’s weight to be current treatments.” normal. They felt they were simply still carrying their ‘puppy fat’ or genes were the main Where are all the gay scientists? cause of the problem. Doctors are concerned Let the robot do the chores The Guardian ▸ 14.02.2014 that parents are ignoring health risks which BBC News ▸ 9.02.2014 could create a public health ‘disaster’. As the world celebrated Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Dr Sonia Saxena (Public Health), one of the Have you ever needed to vacuum, but wished a and Transgender (LGBT) History Month, Professor study’s authors, said: “There was disbelief robot could just do it for you? Soon this science Tom Welton (Chemistry) asked why scientists that these measurements were accurate. fiction of the future could become a reality. Up remain almost completely invisible in the LGBT There was a rejection of the fact that this is until now robots have not been able to respond community. The Independent on Sunday’s a valid way of defining a weight problem.” to the real world environment, but Dyson have Pink List and The Guardian’s World Pride Power invested £5million in a new robotics lab at List honoured influential LGBT people who Imperial to develop vision systems that can help make a real difference in their profession and Shingles relief robots see and think in the same way as humans community. But very few scientists made the The Daily Mail ▸ 05.02.2014 do. Speaking to BBC News, Professor Andrew lists. Writing in The Guardian, Professor Welton Davison (Computing) said: “A truly intelligent asks “what reasons are there for the apparent Shingles sufferers have reported a 30 per cent domestic robot needs to complete complex absence of LGBT scientists?” He suggests that reduction in pain following a new treatment, everyday tasks while adapting to a constantly among LGBT friends they either don’t get the says The Daily Mail. After just four weeks of changing environment. We will research and opportunity, or simply don’t bother, to talk taking the experimental drug EMA401 more than develop systems that allow machines to both about the positive contributions they make half of patients felt significant pain relief. The understand and perceive their surroundings – every day to society. drug works in a different way to conventional using vision to achieve it.”
awards
and grantham insitute honours US meteorological honour for Hoskins
Professor Sir Brian Hoskins has been made an Honorary Member of the American Engineering Meteorological Society. The Director of the Chip maker commends Grantham Institute was one of a group of computing research three selected by the Council of the American natural sciences Meteorological Society (AMS), in recognition NVIDIA, the world largest producer of graphics Citizen science project scoops of his “outstanding achievements in the processing units (GPUs), has designated government award atmospheric and related sciences.” the College a ‘2014 CUDA Research Centre’. The status recognises the work of several An Imperial led collaborative project that aims to public health Imperial departments in using CUDA get the public more involved with conservation Euro grant for HIV work (Compute Unified Device Architecture) – has been recognised by the Department for a form parallel computing which employs Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The Professor Christophe Fraser (Public Health) has thousands of GPUs. It opens up new Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Tree Health Survey been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant for the possibilities in fluid dynamics in aeronautics engaged the public to act as extra eyes for pests project BEEHIVE (Bridging the Evolution and research, molecular modelling in chemistry and diseases which are threatening our trees. Epidemiology of HIV in Europe). The €2.5m and quantum prediction in physics amongst Officials are alerted immediately of any suspect project will start in Feb 2014 and run for 5 years. other areas. The College will receive state sightings of pests and disease which pose the During the project, viral RNA sequences will of the art equipment from NVIDA, special greatest threat to the country. For this the team be generated and analysed from over 3,000 training and the opportunity for further won the Civil Service Reform Award at the Defra infected individuals with known date of infection collaboration. Team Awards 2013. and well characterised clinical follow up. 6 >> scienceroundup www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270
New galaxy clusters take researchers Cosmic evolution Galaxies are divided into two types: spiral galaxies like our own, the Milky Way, which further back in time contain lots of dust and gas, and elliptical galaxies that have many stars, but little Four unknown galaxy clusters, each potentially dust and gas. Spiral galaxies are generally containing thousands of individual galaxies, have considered to be in an early stage of been discovered some 10 billion light years from Earth. galactic evolution and can potentially form into more ‘mature’ elliptical galaxies (sometimes by merging with other spirals). An international team of astronomers, led by Imperial used a new way of combining data from the two Galaxies can also form into clusters, which are the most massive objects in European Space Agency satellites, Planck and the universe, containing hundreds to Herschel, to identify more distant galaxy clusters thousands of galaxies, bound together than has previously been possible. The researchers by gravity. Most clusters in the universe believe up to 2000 further clusters could be today are dominated by giant elliptical galaxies in which the dust and gas has identified using this technique, helping to build a already been formed into stars. While more detailed timeline of how clusters are formed. astronomers have identified many nearby Galaxy clusters are the most massive objects in the universe Lead researcher Dr David Clements (Physics) clusters, they need to go further back in explains: “Although we’re able to see individual time to understand how these structures are formed. This means finding clusters galaxies that go further back in time, up to now, Herschel satellite, then cross referenced with at greater distances from the Earth. The the most distant clusters found by astronomers date Herschel data to look at these sources more closely. light from the most distant of the four back to when the universe was 4.5 billion years old. The team then used additional existing data and new clusters identified in this study has taken over 10 billion years to reach us. Our new approach has already found a cluster in new observations to estimate the distance of these This means the researchers are seeing existence much earlier than that, and we believe it clusters from Earth and to determine which of the what the cluster looked like when the has the potential to go even further. galaxies within them were forming stars. The universe was just three billion years old. “What we believe we are seeing in these distant researchers are now looking to identify more clusters are giant elliptical galaxies in the process of galaxy clusters using this technique, with the aim being formed,” says Dr Clements. of looking further back in time to the earliest stage The researchers used Planck data to find sources of cluster formation. of far-infrared emission in areas covered by the —Gail Wilson, Communications and Public Affairs
Turbines get farm and used to develop a formula supply of fossil fuels leaves the UK that enabled them to calculate how vulnerable to price fluctuations and Our study second wind wear and tear of the machinery affects with a costly import bill. However, provides some the performance of the turbines. This in the past it has been difficult for Wind turbines can remain productive is in contrast to the previous study, investors to work out whether wind certainty, helping for up to 25 years, making wind farms which only used the average estimates farms are an attractive investment. investors to see a good long-term choice for energy of nationwide wind speeds. “Our study provides some that wind farms investors, according to new research. The finding showed that the certainty, helping investors to see turbines will last their full life of that wind farms are an effective are an effective There has been some debate about about 25 years before they need long-term investment and a viable long-term whether wind turbines have a more to be upgraded. way to help the UK tackle future investment.” limited shelf-life than other energy The UK’s earliest turbines, energy challenges.” technologies. A previous study used built in the 1990s, are still producing —Maxine Myers, Communications and Public Affairs a statistical model to estimate that three-quarters of their original electricity output from wind turbines output after 19 years of operation, declines by a third after only ten years nearly twice the amount previously of operation, making it an unattractive claimed, and will operate effectively option in economic terms. for up to 25 years. This is comparable In a new study, researchers from to the performance of gas turbines Imperial College Business School used in power stations. The study also carried out a comprehensive found that more recent turbines are nationwide analysis of the UK fleet performing even better than the of wind turbines. They used data from earliest models, suggesting they NASA, collected over a twenty year could have a longer lifespan. period, to measure the wind speed at Study co-author Dr Iain Staffell the exact site of each onshore wind (Business School) said: “Wind farms There are 4,246 wind turbines in the UK (in 531 wind farms) generating 7.5% of farm in the UK. This was compared with are an important source of renewable our total electricity. The UK is committed to generating 15% from renewables, including wind, by 2020 actual recorded output data from each energy. In contrast, our dwindling 7 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270 >> scienceroundup
Vaccinating mothers-to-be could protect their babies from infection
Researchers from Imperial are developing a new maternal immunisation programme to protect pregnant women and their babies.
Small babies are particularly vulnerable to infections, because their immune system is immature and has not yet produced the necessary antibodies to fight off diseases. Smoking has long been linked to circulatory disease Vaccinating women during pregnancy can protect their babies from infections when they are very young. Influenza and pertussis Smoking impairs For example, if the cells are treated vaccines are already recommended for pregnant women in the UK. blood vessel repair… with resveratrol, a compound found in However, concerns have been raised that for some infections, red wine and known for its anti-ageing high levels of certain antibodies present at birth could reduce Smokers are less able to repair damage properties, the levels of the SIRT1 babies’ own antibody responses when they receive their first jabs to blood vessels because stem cells enzyme are restored, opening up from the age of two months onwards. in their blood age more quickly, possibilities for new therapies. “We really need to get a better grasp of which vaccines can according to new research. “Ageing of cells causes safely be given to mothers in pregnancy,” says Professor Beate dysfunction, but on the other hand it’s Kampmann (Medicine). The findings shed light on why a very important tumour-suppressing Kampmann and team investigated this question for three tobacco use is linked to a higher mechanism,” Dr Paschalaki said. infections that remain dangerous in the UK: pertussis, pneumococcus risk of heart and circulatory disease, “It is our body’s way of eliminating and haemophilus B. They took blood samples from 61 mothers and which is the leading cause of death defective cells. So we still need to babies at birth, then asked them to come back after the infants had worldwide, killing over 7 million understand more about the molecular received the three doses of their recommended baby vaccines at people in 2011 alone. mechanisms involved.” two, three and four months of age. The study, funded by the The mothers had not received vaccines in pregnancy, but had Wellcome Trust, looked at stem antibodies due to natural infection earlier in their lives or following cells called endothelial progenitor their own vaccinations in childhood. cells (EPCs), which circulate in the The team measured the level of antibodies each baby had blood. These cells can develop into received naturally from his or her mother, and whether there were endothelial cells, which line our differences in the infants’ response to their own vaccines later on. blood vessels. The role of EPCs They found that all the vaccinated babies had the right is to repair damage to the vessels, Endothelial progenitor cells level of protection from their vaccines, regardless of the level of which can otherwise lead to antibodies provided by the mother. But it also showed that some cardiovascular disease. women had very low antibody to pass on to their babies. The study found that EPCs were … and impairs “These are very promising results,” Professor Kampmann adds. dysfunctional in both smokers and responses to “We are excited to continue further trials with women who have in patients with a smoking-linked asthma treatment received vaccines now recommended during pregnancy and assess inflammatory lung disorder called the effect of maternal vaccination on the responses in their babies.” chronic obstructive pulmonary Children exposed to cigarette smoke Listen to an interview with Professor Kampmann on the Imperial College podcast: disease (COPD). Their EPCs had at home have lower levels of an bit.ly/1cVaa9d aged prematurely and showed enzyme that helps them respond to damage in their DNA. asthma treatment, a study has found. —MARION FERRAT FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS Lead author Dr Koralia Paschalaki (National Heart and Lung Institute) Passive smoking is known to worsen said: “We found that the stem cells asthma symptoms in children and that repair blood vessels are effectively impair their response to inhaled older in people who smoke than in steroid treatment, but how this non-smokers, and they don’t work effect occurs was not known. as well. This is important because Researchers at Imperial found damage to blood vessels can lead that children with severe asthma with to heart disease.” a parent who smokes at home have Both were found to have low lower levels of the enzyme HDAC2 levels of SIRT1, an enzyme that compared with those whose parents protects against damage in the blood don’t smoke. HDAC2 is required for vessels and inhibits ageing in steroids to exert their beneficial cells. Most importantly, the anti-inflammatory effects in asthma. researchers observed that the —NICOLE SKINNER FOR COMMUNICATIONS Babies have immature immune systems vulnerable to infection ageing process is reversible. AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS 8 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270 Reaching
Outreach initiatives at Imperial are helping to inspire and prepare a generation of future scientists.
Matthew Speight, Exscitec demostrator (and Imperial Biology alumnus) helps a pupil with a DNA fingerprinting practical
A serious crime has been committed. 16–18 year old school pupils over a composition of aspirin. There was Swabs have been taken from the scene two year period. During this time they also a drop-in physics clinic to help It’s nice and scientists are now busy cross receive support to develop their skills with tricky syllabus topics such as to see students referencing the DNA profile against and abilities. magnetism. those of five potential suspects. The DNA fingerprinting task was The success of the ISEP programme, really excited by It could be a description of a police just one of several ISEP workshops now in its third year, has seen over what you do and forensics lab or the start of a CSI which ran for sixth formers last month 300 pupils selected to take part. it reinvigorates episode, but this is in fact a mock during February half term. The kind of Many of the students who completed experiment being carried out by sixth biotechnology equipment required to the programme have since entered your own form pupils at the WOHL Reach Out do this sort of work is rarely, if ever, Higher Education with 11 pupils opinions that Lab on the South Kensington Campus. available at schools and sixth form gaining places here at the College what you do The scenario might be fictional but colleges. this academic year. the methodology and DNA are very “The only DNA I’ve ever seen is in a is genuinely much real. The activity is part of the text book,” said one of the pupils taking Expanding networks exciting.” Imperial STEM Enrichment Programme part. “So to be able to work with it for (ISEP), launched in 2011 and run in real – the stuff of life – is pretty cool.” ISEP is one of a number of long-term, partnership with outreach specialists In the case of this pupil, overarching outreach activities now Exscitec. It encourages high achieving inexperience was no barrier, as she ran running at the College that aim to forge students from under-represented a near perfect DNA electrophoresis gel lasting links between Imperial and groups to apply to the College and and solved the ‘crime’. schools around London. other leading universities. Another workshop running that Perhaps the most ambitious of The scheme involves Imperial staff week was ‘spectroscopy in a suitcase’ these schemes is Reaching Further, and student volunteers working with where pupils analyse the molecular which aims to introduce current ‘hot 9 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270 >> featurefocus
As part of the Reaching topics’ in scientific research into Initially the Reaching Further Further scheme, PhD student secondary (and potentially primary) programme will form links with five Shamim Quadir (Medicine) school classrooms, while also secondary satellite ‘hub’ schools. devised a robotics demo about advances in prosthetic providing transferable skills training The idea is that those hub schools limbs, based on his own for early career researchers. can then cascade STEM activities research, which was trialled It was originally conceived by to their wider group of affiliated at a London school Professor Sara Rankin, Lead for primary and secondary schools. Outreach at the National Heart and This model forms a central Lung Institute and Alan West, Director element of the London Schools of the WOHL Reach Out Lab. Excellence Fund programme of “In my case, I decided to do which Imperial is a beneficiary. science at university because I had Ultimately it aims to bring STEM the opportunity to visit a professional experiences and knowledge to laboratory whilst I was at school,” says around 250 schools and teachers Sara. “Neither of my parents went to and approximately 33,000 students university, so that was quite an eye across London Boroughs. opener for me. For that reason alone I would always want to do some sort A real taste of research of outreach, but now I’m in a position to do things with greater impact. While Reaching Further is providing Pupils are now in the process of “I think the problem with a lot of strong STEM foundations across putting together a formal project brief outreach activities is that they are a different age groups and diverse and will be matched with Imperial one off thing – what schools want is backgrounds, another new initiative postdoc mentors who will meet with something in place they can come will challenge those pupils who want pupils over the next six months to back to. That’s what this is about.” to take science and engineering to make their project a reality. They What makes Reaching Further the next level. The CREST awards are will then hopefully be able to claim a special is the commitment and run by the British Science Association silver CREST award and be eligible for creativity of early career researchers and encourage pupils to plan and an attempt at gold the following year, (ECRs) who devise hands-on execute long-term science projects with the possibility of applying for experiences for pupils at various with guidance from a professional £3000 worth of funding for each key stages that can also be used scientist. There are bronze, silver and They are project from the Royal Society. by teachers as a learning resource. gold awards up for grabs – and Sara more creative “That would be a huge boost. ECRs can also partner with newly Rankin likens them to the Duke of There’s a lot you can do with 3K,” says qualified and early career teachers to Edinburgh’s Awards where pupils than we Ali. “And most importantly they get increase their confidence in delivering plan their own expeditions. are. I really a feel of what it’s like to be a real research-led practicals and topics. Sara and Dr Leo Carlin (NHLI) have believe that.” scientist – you apply for money, Dr Jennie Hutton (Chemistry) is a now established an Imperial CREST collaborate, and learn something new. postdoc who decided to get involved academy and enlisted a group of That will help them down the line.” in Reaching Further and designed early career postdoctoral researchers It’s not all a one way street in terms a workshop about drug discovery. at the College to help pupils with of benefit either – Sara is very keen In the workshop she talks about the potential projects. In January this to emphasise how important such different ways to combat malaria and year, 15 postdocs who showed an schemes can be for scientists’ careers. how drug resistance means scientists interest in the scheme were brought “These are absolutely critical must develop new therapeutics. She together with 35 pupils, aged 16 transferable skills. Once you’ve goes on to discuss her own research and 17 years, from two schools. The mastered how to communicate to looking at ways of blocking an enzyme postdocs gave 5 minute presentations GCSE and A-level pupils, you can in the malarial parasite. The pupils about themselves and their work. communicate to anyone – be it then do an enzymatic jigsaw puzzle They then mingled with pupils, policy makers in parliament, charities, and practical lab experiment using who were encouraged to brainstorm grant holders and VIPs.” enzyme reagents. and discuss possible project ideas. Ali takes this further and suggests “I try to get across to them that Among the group of postdocs his own research might conceivably this is work that no one else outside was Ali Salehi-Reyhani (Chemistry) – benefit from the blue skies thinking of our group is doing,” says Jennie. a physicist by training who has now of the younger generation. “It’s nice to see students really excited switched to investigating cancer. “They are more creative than by what you do and it reinvigorates “There were some boys who we are. I really believe that. They’re your own opinions that what you do came up to me at the end and told certainly less encumbered; all they is genuinely exciting.” me that they wanted to build a have is their enthusiasm to guide Reaching Further is now run particle accelerator. I said, ‘well ok them. And I’m hoping that will be by Exscitec working with Imperial then, you need to get down to a scrap infectious.” Outreach and supported by grants yard because you’ll need magnets Please contact Professor Sara Rankin or from RCUK and the Mayors London and if your parents have got an old Dr Leo Carlin if you are a postdoc or PhD Schools for excellence funds – both washing machine lying around that interested in getting involved in any of these led by Lord Winston, Professor of will be useful too’. Their enthusiasm schemes. [email protected]; Science and Society. was just brilliant.” [email protected]
10 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270
Campus RAG Week £6,000 Amount raised by RAG for charities, high life Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Caritas Anchor House. Last month the South Kensington Campus witnessed a rare and exciting coming together, as Arts Fest, RAG week and Student Volunteering Week coincided to show that Imperial is about much more than just science and studying.
Arts Fest highlighted the diverse range of creative activities on offer to staff and students through a series of free events, music concerts, dance performances and an art exhibition in the Blyth Gallery. Meanwhile, the fundraising efforts of RAG week included bungee jumping next to the Queen’s Tower and a ‘jailbreak’ contest, where student teams were given 36 hours to get as far away from the College as possible without spending any money. Then as part of Student Volunteering week, 200 feet Imperial students took part in a range of activities The height of this year’s charity bungee jump. across the city, from volunteering with the elderly, running a number of Hammersmith’s charity shops and supporting the homeless through Imperial’s Soup Run project. Imperial Hub’s Local Action Arts Fest Committee who organised the week, were on hand at the Queen’s Lawn to provide information The Imperial Fringe brought art and science together and help get more people involved. on 20 Feb, showcasing collaborations between student societies and Imperial’s researchers. Among them was the Juggling Society and Professor Kevin Buzzard (Mathematics) unveiling Student Volunteering Week the maths behind juggling.
It’s so important that people from poorer backgrounds have the same access to quality education and get the chance to push themselves to succeed.” Charlotte Mykura (below, right), PhD student and Schools Plus volunteer
Blyth Gallery exhibition
Imperial is well known for its world-class scientific research, but it’s easy to forget that there is also a lot of artistic talent at the College.” Luke Salter, Chair of ArtsFest 2014 The ‘physics of pole dancing’ at Imperial Fringe
11 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270 insidestory inside story
mini profile Over 70 Imperial race engineers past and present gathered at the College Chris John Racing reunion Dr Chris John started at the College in 1996 as a PhD Last month the College hosted a student in what was then the unique and unprecedented gathering Department of Pharmacology, of students, staff and alumni all under the supervision of with one thing in common: a love Professor Julia Buckingham for speed. (former Pro Rector for Education). He is now a The group of over 70 from across Senior Lecturer in the the generations had all built or raced Department of Medicine vehicles and bikes in Imperial’s and recently completed a racing teams. My fondest Master’s degree in University Since 2000, Imperial has memory was taking the Learning and Teaching (MEd). formed interdisciplinary teams of undergraduate students who design, car for a drive around How did you come to focus teaching. You can see what make, test and race racing cars and the test track after an on teaching? individual students know bikes. Since 2011 the focus has been all-nighter in the garage.” Back when I started, the and their interpretation of on low and zero emission vehicles Department was very much what you taught them. This under the Imperial Racing Green supercar. In 2010, they drove the pro-teaching and Julia was helps because often what you (IRG) banner. car 26,000 kilometres down the always incredibly supportive thought you were explaining Among guests at the event were Pan American Highway, passing of my own teaching. I basically did not come over that well. alumni working at Mercedes, Rolls through 14 countries in 140 days. continued teaching as a Royce and Jaguar who met to network, Toby Schulz is a veteran of both postdoc because I enjoyed it. What did you gain from celebrate their achievements and IRG and the RGE projects. “I have so The people I knew best (Julia, the MEd? catch up on the latest news from many fond memories of the RGE trip,” Sue Smith, John Laycock) were I wanted to know whether today’s student engineers. he says. “In particular reaching all involved in teaching and what I’m doing relates to how David Zong, an alumnus veteran Ushuaia in Argentina and realising often asked me to help out. students actually learn. I used of IRG, worked in the suspension and how far we had driven and how So I developed a heavy teaching concept maps to look at brakes team, designing, testing and many challenges we had overcome load with organisational student understanding pre- manufacturing them for the IRG04 to make it to the end. Sometimes I involvement from an early and post-course to think about vehicle. These are skills he now puts still wonder how we did it!” stage in my career. course improvements so that to good use working in Nissan’s Dr Gregory Offer is the Academic students retain concepts. suspension design group. Project Manager of IRG, and was the Did that put a strain on “My fondest memory of the IRG driving force behind the reunion. your research? Is formal training in teaching project was taking the car for a He said: “It was fantastic to bring It’s difficult generating research the new norm? drive around a test track in Dunsfold together everyone who has been when you have to split your Not yet. The people heavily following an all-nighter in the garage involved in the racing teams over focus. But research can be involved with teaching are to get it ready. It felt extremely the past 14 years. The room had a a hard slog; you can put in still in small pockets around rewarding and exciting driving it, palpable buzz and I’m looking forward tremendous effort for little gain. College, although the following two years of hard work by to building on the many connections Whatever you put into teaching, Educational Development everybody to make it track worthy.” that were made on the day. Hopefully you always get that back. Unit’s courses build networks A major spin-off from Imperial it will translate into opportunities for for knowledge-sharing within Racing Green was the Racing Green current undergraduates, and ultimately What do you most enjoy and across faculties. Endurance (RGE) project, where future racing wins!” about teaching? —Tamara Szucs, Communications and alumni and undergraduates got —Jessica Adams and Colin Smith for I especially enjoy small group Public Affairs together to build an all-electric Communications and Public Affairs 12 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270
Student blogger Mala Make a Anatomy lessons difference
A few days ago The Faculty of Natural Sciences I began anatomy has launched its Make-a-Difference of the thorax and Competition, searching for took a trip up to innovative student ideas to the 14th floor to contribute to society. meet the body my group would The competition, running for the be working with first time this year, challenges all for the next few undergraduates in the Faculty of weeks. Natural Sciences to harness their I have so much creativity to develop solutions that respect for people could bring real benefits, under the that donate their theme ‘healthcare and well-being’. bodies to science The top three teams decided by and even after just the judges will be given access to one session I can facilities to develop their project to we want to go from the initial idea see how useful it a proof-of-concept stage over eight to seeing its implementation.” really is. weeks this summer, with each student The competition will be judged I was terrified though. receiving a bursary of £1,500 to by a panel of experts comprising of Genuinely so nervous cover their costs. Professor Lord Winston, Professor to have the responsibility Competition organiser Professor Sir John Pendry (Physics) and of someone’s body in Ramón Vilar (Chemistry) said: Professor Lesley Yellowlees, my hands only a term “We want to encourage students to President of the Royal College of and a bit into my degree. use their creativity, ingenuity and Chemistry and Vice-Principal and Just being able to imagination to tackle challenging Head of the College of Science touch a lung or feel problems. and Engineering at the University the muscle fibres “What’s important in this of Edinburgh. was incredible though. competition is that it’s not just For more information visit: bit.ly/1hK8AvO about providing ideas and suggesting —JON NARCROSS, COMMUNICATIONS AND possible ways to solve them, but PUBLIC AFFAIRS through the period of the competition
Digging for remains are from creatures that lived on Earth and in the sea approximately dinos 140 million years ago. The school is now working with School children love dinosaurs. Susannah, a Junior Research Fellow, A fact that all of us who work at South to find more fossilised creatures from Kensington will know from battling our ancient past. half terms crowds coming to or from She says: “We know that Ardingly the Natural History Museum. And so College sits on a rocky treasure trove a school project to unearth dino of ancient fossils. The problem is we fossils from within their grounds do not usually get access to them seems like the stuff of fantasy. because this area of England is so heavily urbanised. The discovery of But that is what pupils from Ardingly these fossils is rare. The pupils are Dr Susannah Maidment College in West Sussex have been going to be further examining this doing with the help of Dr Susannah fossil rich layer to figure out what sort The aim is to collect, catalogue and Maidment (Earth Science and of animals were living in West Sussex curate as many items as possible, We know Engineering). 140 million years ago. We expect to so that a new national fossil bank that Ardingly While builders were excavating find ancient fish, crocodiles, and more can be established as a resource rubble from under a new boarding dinosaur bones. for learning more about the early College sits on house, Godwin Hall, which was In the coming weeks, Ardingly Cretaceous period, the heyday of a rocky treasure completed last year, they came across villagers are to be invited to join a the dinosaur. trove of ancient fossilised dinosaur bones, fish teeth, ‘Dig for Dinosaurs’ event at the school —Colin Smith, Communications and scales, plants and shells. These as part of a Citizen Science Project. Public Affairs fossils.” 13 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270 insidestory
Rising to the alumnus Dana Zingher and Levi Young, the VCC after approaching Imperial co-founders of Enclothed – a men’s Innovations with technology they We had challenge fashion retailer that offers personal wanted to unleash. They are currently the technology, styling services, now successfully developing a ‘smart bracelet’ for As the UK tries to plot a course trading online. “You can discuss your gesture control of various devices. but not a back to economic growth it is more idea with everybody without feeling “We had the technology, but not a product. The important than ever that we work like you have to have all the answers,” product. The VCC taught us how to VCC taught us hard as a nation to foster a culture Levi says about the VCC. build the product,” says student of enterprise. Key to that is supporting Ben Miles, now a PhD student in Alfredo Belfiori (Bioengineering). how to build and encouraging the creative minds Chemistry, was part of the team behind —David Barreto Ian, Imperial Innovations the product.” of our students. Flow Microfluidics, a company set up to design bespoke microfluidic chips The Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC) is used in scientific research. the UK’s largest university innovation “Whilst I am not pursuing the contest. It is organised annually by project that I entered into the VCC the Imperial Create Lab – an initiative with, all of that experience makes run by Imperial students and Imperial me a stronger candidate for any career Innovations. that I wish to pursue,” says Ben. Running for six weeks through This year’s 28-strong cohort February to 20 March, the VCC invites (selected from 152 applications) Imperial students and recent graduates covers a variety of areas, such as home to set up a business in an accelerated automation, image recognition and programme that gives them access to wearable technology. one-to-one mentoring on key business With workshops and networking skills, such as marketing, product still going on, participants are already development and customer acquisition. reaping the benefits. “The VCC has Ultimately, teams get the chance to completely changed the way we were pitch their ideas to some of London’s thinking about the business,” says top investors with a share of £20,000 PhD student Renato Salas-Moreno grant funding and working space to (Computing), co-creator of SLAM++, develop their businesses. Last year’s a system that constructs virtual worlds participants were able to collectively in videogames. With the VCC, he raise over £1.25 million in the first believes, they have gained the skills 3 months after the challenge. and motivation to approach clients. The Imperial Incubator hosts a VCC gathering Among them was Business School Fledgling company Wees applied to
Smartphone has attracted more than 2,400 staff payment app and student users. Jemma Morris, Head of Catering takes Imperial Operations at Imperial, says: “The by storm cafes and restaurants on campus can get really busy during lunchtime An innovative app which allows and we are always looking for users to pay for items with their ways to speed up transactions smartphones is being pioneered and improve the service we offer at Imperial. to staff and students.” Michael Rolph, Co-Founder of Yoyo is a new cashless payment Yoyo, said: “Imperial, being a unique platform that allows students, community of exceptionally bright staff and visitors to purchase food minds with high expectations of and drink on campus without the mobile technology, represented a need for cash or cards. tough audience for Yoyo – making it Co-founded by Imperial an ideal launch-pad for our product.” Innovations and launched last month, The app can also be used to collect the app can be used across all Taste loyalty points from participating Imperial outlets at South Kensington outlets on campus, automatically Campus and, from 26 February, generating vouchers when these at the Imperial Students’ Union bar. points can be redeemed for a reward. Since then the app, available free —Deborah Evanson, Communications for both iPhone and Android users, and Public Affairs 14 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270
Climate facts and fiction
For those of us who aren’t climate scientists, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes the great debate about the magnitude of climate change.
Fortunately the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society have released a joint publication which lays out those aspects of climate change that are well-understood, and where there is still uncertainty and a need for more research. One of the authors, Professor Sir Brian Hoskins, Director of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change, said: “We hope that people in the USA, UK and wider Stranger is as important as knowing about will find it useful to have a short document that gives what they produce. Who are they? clear responses to the sort of questions on climate than fiction Why they are doing the work? How do change that they may have, put together by top they achieve their objectives? A good climate scientists from both sides of the Atlantic.” By any standards Imperial is a unique way to describe these working lives It is hoped that the report will help inform policy place to work and study – with a is to tell interesting stories about debates about the choices available to nations and mind-boggling diverse array of (actual or fictional) characters and the global community for reducing the magnitude cutting-edge research, innovative how they go about their business. of climate change and adapting to its impacts. teaching and excellent support services A copy of the paper can be found here: bit.ly/1ftbgsE underpinning it all. Now a new initiative How will it work? is aiming to capture a glimpse of those We hope to encourage people who work experiences in the form of prose. may or may not already have literary aspirations to write about their work The Albertopolis Writing Circle is a or study experience. Like most writing Staff featured in this column have project – based mainly in the Centre circles the core activity will be regular given many years of service to the for Co-Curricular Studies – seeking out workshops where writers present College. Staff listed below celebrate staff, students and alumni of the work-in-progress for peer comment anniversaries during the period College and the other institutions by fellow-authors. Writers help each 01 February–31 March. The data is in South Kensington to tell factual other to write better. We also want supplied by HR and is correct at the or fictional stories based on their to put them in touch with professional time of going to press. working lives. Nick Russell, Emeritus writers looking for fresh ideas and Reader in Science Communication, subject matter themselves. 20 years who is co-ordinating, explains. • Geoff Fowler, Research Fellow, Civil and Environmental What do you aim to achieve? Engineering Why do this? We would like to produce material • Gillian Parker, Laboratory Manager, Medicine The Circle will have a public of genuine literary merit with a view • Squirrel Manning, Payroll Officer, Finance • Louise O’Neill, Library Assistant for Faculty Support engagement function and will also to wide publication. We also intend Services, Library help to foster informal collaborations to build networks with creative writing • Mark Curtis, Site Manager, ICT across the South Kensington programmes in other colleges and institutions. A lot of current public universities. The plan is based on 30 years engagement initiatives tend to focus a couple of previous initiatives, • Tom Tate, Lab Facilities Manager, Electrical and on outcomes – new science, new notably the engagement initiative in Electronic Engineering technology, new art, or new displays Manchester which led to the recent • Joanna Haigh, Head of Department, Physics – which is of course important. But story collection Litmus. • Paul Docx, Chief Executive, Imperial Consultants • Linda Jones, Operations Manager, Physics our feeling is that this is not enough; For more details contact Nick at: knowing about the people involved [email protected] 15 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 7 March 2014 • issue 270 insidestory
Ms Raunaque Hasnat, Public Health Dr Antonios Tsitos, Mr Christopher Kwan, EEE Welcome Miss Simone Henderson, Estates Division Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr Ismael Lopez Duarte, Chemistry Miss Veronika Valovicova, Public Health Ms Despo Ierodiakonou, Medicine Dr Natalie McLymont, Surgery and Cancer new starters Dr Huseini Kagdi, Medicine Dr Venanzio Vella, Medicine Mrs Eve-Marie Musulanov, Public Health Mr Chen Wang, EEE Dr Marieke Aarts, Clinical Sciences Dr Debora Keller, NHLI Dr Venkata Naranammalpuram Sundaram, Dr Barbara Wild, Medicine Chemistry Miss Dolapo Aina, Public Health Dr Combiz Khozoie, Medicine Mr Karthick Parashar, EEE Ms Daphne Babalis, Public Health Dr Oleksiy Klymenko, Chemical Engineering Dr Sudhakar Selvaraj, Clinical Sciences Dr Yan Bao, Aeronautics Ms Emilie Kottenmeier, Public Health Farewell Miss Helen Sigoura (13 years), Mr Arafat Bhallizada, Faculty of Medicine Chemical Engineering Miss Marina Krouski, NHLI moving on Miss Jelena Skulic, EEE Mrs Jennifer Brown, Estates Division Mrs Ellie Lange, Public Health Dr Elihu Aranday Cortes, NHLI Dr Marko Storch, Life Sciences Dr Sophie Campen, Dr Michael Mace, Bioengineering Mechanical Engineering Ms Jessica McGillen, Public Health Mr Alan Ashton-Smith, Dr Blake Suttle, Life Sciences Chemical Engineering Ms Chanelle Candy, Business School Mr Justin Miller, Educational Quality Dr Chris Thompson (5 years), Physics Dr Laura-Lina Benzonana, Medicine Ms Karyn Chappell, Surgery and Cancer Miss Nazma Mojid, Estates Division Ms Dora Tomor, Catering Ms Merrilee Briggs, Surgery and Cancer Ms Annette Wilson (6 years), NHLI Dr Adam Coleman, Medicine Miss Lindsey Morse, on. in. moving moving Dr Sally Burtles, Surgery and Cancer Mr Jose Cortell Fores, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr Hilary Wong, Medicine Mechanical Engineering Mr Filippo Mortari, Life Sciences Ms Lucy Chapman, Educational Quality Miss Franca Davenport, Miss Ashley Moyes, Surgery and Cancer Ms Michelle Coupland (17 years), This data is supplied by HR and covers staff leaving the College during the period Communications and Public Affairs Dr Salomon Narodden, Clinical Sciences Strategic Planning 6 February–24 February. This data was Mr Christopher De La Force, Public Health Dr Cher Ooi, Life Sciences Mr Joao De Sousa Valente, Surgery and Cancer correct at the time of going to press. Miss Anne Delaporte, Public Health Mr Alvaro Perdones-Montero, Mr James Docker, Surgery and Cancer Ms Rama Desai, Life Sciences Surgery and Cancer Miss Elisa Dominguez Huttinger, Dr Philippe Donatien, Medicine Mrs Esther Perea, EEE Please send your images and/or Bioengineering comments about new starters, Miss Pippa Douglas, Public Health Miss Monique Pereboom, Public Health Dr Jenny Donaghey, Chemistry leavers and retirees to the Editor Miss Stephanie Dutton, Estates Division Miss Nisha Rana, Surgery and Cancer Miss Catherine England, Public Health at [email protected] Mr Ian Evans, Estates Division Mr Francesco Reale, Materials Mr Mark Fisher, Surgery and Cancer Mr Kieran Fahy, Chemistry Dr Stuart Rison, Medicine The Editor reserves the right to edit Mr Michael Igiebor (5 years), Medicine or amend these as necessary. Dr Agnieszka Falinska, Medicine Ms Marianna Sanna, Public Health Dr Clifford Jones, Medicine Mr Celio Fernandes, Catering Miss Gabrielle Selcoe, Public Health Dr Remi Joubaud, Mathematics Mr Robert Floyd, Faculty of Medicine Mr Roddy Slorach, Educational Quality Dr Beril Kavukcuoglu, Materials Dr Irina Glotova, Public Health Ms Charlene Smith, Business School Miss Swarna Khare, Public Health Mr Gordon Haggart, Surgery and Cancer Miss Anastasia Sylaidi, Bioengineering for complete details: events highlights www.imperial.ac.uk/events March 2014
20 March ▸ Fringe Join your colleagues for a drink in the College take note Main Entrance after work and explore how Species species are interconnected, adaptable and Species come in all shapes and sizes: unique, shaping our lives in astounding ways. Stub it out feathers and fur, flowers and leaves, On 12 March charity Quit will molecules and ions. From the huge to the Imperial Fringe events are family friendly be giving expert advice to staff microscopic, find out how their diversity and open to all. Interact online with #impfringe wishing to stop smoking, as part and adaptability affect so many biological and @ImperialSpark of national No Smoking Day. and chemical aspects of our lives. The charity will be on hand at the level 1 concourse area of the Sherfield Building between 10.00 26 March ▸ Public talk modern electronics revolution that has and 16.00. Further information Bright, flexible, stretchable: transformed our daily lives. Now unconventional about quitting smoking can be semiconducting materials offer numerous found at Imperial’s Occupational electronics of the future advantages. Professor Thomas Anthopoulos Health website: bit.ly/NzBIuz (Physics) gives his inaugural lecture about Plastic electronics are set to revolutionise this new branch of electronics, and how we the ways we learn, communicate, shop are developing these new materials using and entertain ourselves. Silicon-based innovative technologies and large-scale transistors were the building blocks of the manufacturing techniques.
6 March ▸ Arts 14 March ▸ Public event 26 March ▸ Seminar 27 March ▸ Conference meet the Artifact speedmeeting Ig Nobel Awards 2014 Privacy and the Education day 2014 reader Networking with staff and Show featuring science from digital city Various speakers and students from Imperial and the Annals of Improbable Debate about the impact of discussion about academic Royal College of Art Research, presented by editor technology on privacy, and transitions at Imperial Marc Abrahams talk from electronic business
expert David Birch 11 March ▸ Seminar 31 March ▸ Seminar Presenting the future 14 March ▸ Wellbeing Faculty of Medicine Presentation of UKERC report London by cycle 26 March ▸ Seminar fellowships 6th annual welfare on electricity cost estimates, Free stuff, advice and training Guest lectures and ceremony seminar with Dr Rob Gross on campus from London for fellowship awardees (Environmental Policy) Cycle Campaign Discussion with student including Professor Sir reps and staff including Malcolm Green (NHLI) 12 March ▸ Seminar 18 March ▸ Seminar Professors Denis Wright and Debra Humphris Technology push versus Understanding open 2 April ▸ Seminar market pull access IC3D Ranjodh Sanghera, 26 March ▸ External EntrepreneurshipARSITY hub event Library services session for Meeting about 3D imaging third year medical student journal editors in Faculty of Science on a sphere 12.03.14 research at Imperial Natural Sciences Imperial researchers What are you doing in picture? predict future climate, food 3 April ▸ Conference Catching my breath after finishing playing resources and energy supply 19 March ▸ Chaplaincy 8th UK and Ireland the Varsity basketball game at the Copper at Science Museum Lates Box Arena at the Olympic Park in Stratford. Imperial College occupational & Unfortunately for us, the College team Chamber Choir environmental got the better of the Medics, but we Choral evensong in Holy epidemiology meeting fought hard and I managed to get the 12 March ▸ Sport Imperial Trinity Church Subjects include shale most valuable player (MVP) award Varsitythe 2014 ultimate battle gas, shift work and (hence the gold basketball!) jpr williams cup 21 March ▸ Seminar Annualicsm rfc sports 1st xv competition vs. ic rfc 1st xv nanotechnology The role of digital What would you do if you were Editor betweenkicks Imperial off at 19.30 Medics and Imperialat the stoop College stadium, students, twickenham technologies in future 3 April ▸ Public talk of Reporter for a day? including rugby rivalry for the transport systems 27 March ▸ Public talk Wheeze and I’d like to take a look at some of medical buy match and travel tickets at school sports teams. They play an JPwww.imperial.ac.uk/sports/varsityR Williams Cup Transport Futures event A stroke of bad luck breathlessness; important role in instilling team work with Professor John Polak Professor Dame Nancy but is it really asthma? #impvarsity and giving a release for training doctors. (Civil and Environmental Rothwell, University of Café Scientifique event with Engineering) Manchester, talks about Dr James Hull (NHLI) Who would be your cover star? how stroke causes massive Headline Sponsor I would go for my peers Shaan Rashid and disability, yet there are Rustam Karanjia who recently won the few effective treatments annual clinical quality improvement project for third years with a new mobile application for the West Middlesex Hospital. They’ve now progressed and are actually developing the app commercially.
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