Imperial West: a Once in a Generation Opportunity → Centre Pages

Issue 254 ▸ 22 November 2012 reporterSharing stories of Imperial’s community

Our new campus Imperial West: a once in a generation opportunity → centre pages

Superstar Principal aims Superstorms Scientists Professor What exactly PhD scholarship Dermot Kelleher are they and scheme now on leading why was Sandy open to top the Faculty of so destructive? talent worldwide Medicine PAGE 11 PAGE 3 PAGE 10 2 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254

Autumn telethon under way

The autumn telephone fundraising appeal for the Rector’s Scholarship Fund kicked off on 29 October. editor’s corner President & Rector Sir Keith O’Nions visited the call room on 13 November as pledges from alumni donors edged the appeal over the £100,000 mark. Taking the Congratulating the callers, Sir Keith said he admired the generosity they showed in bringing the next generation of excellent reins students to the College. Student callers update alumni with news and events at the College, as well as asking them to make a gift to the Rector’s explained how positively alumni had reacted to More than 10 years ago I Scholarship Fund. her as a scholarship recipient, and how keen was offered a conditional For the first time, calling is taking place in the Alumni Office many had been to share careers advice and place to study biochemistry which increases capacity to 20 callers per shift for a total of six professional expertise. at Imperial College London. weeks. Students from all subjects and levels of study are taking —ELIZABETH ATKIN, COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT In the event, I turned it part, calling alumni in the UK, Europe, USA and South Africa. If you’d like to visit the telethon and meet the student down, too apprehensive Caller Claire Brash, a second year medical student, callers, contact Elizabeth Atkin on [email protected] about coming to the big city as a country boy and not fully appreciating Imperial’s global reputation. So it’s quite strange that I Thai PM visits Imperial with now find myself editing message for student scholars the College newspaper Reporter. As a science The Prime Minister of journalist with a particular Thailand, Ms Yingluck interest in engineering and Shinawatra, visited the innovation, I’ve already College on 13 November, worked alongside Imperial addressing Thai students academics and I’m quite and representatives of the familiar with the world class Thai media. reputation for research that Many of those in the the Imperial badge carries. audience were Imperial stu- cutting close to the But working in-house will dents supported by Thai allow me to get under the government scholarships. surface of the institution. The purpose of the offi- I’m keen to explore how cial state visit to the UK was students, researchers and to strengthen relationships support staff all ultimately between Thailand and the towards a PhD in Energy Engineer- contribute to making UK, and foster collabora- ing, attended the prime ministerial Imperial the force it is. Just tions in trade, technology address on Tuesday. • FREE + OPEN TO ALL • as each part of an aircraft and academia. “The PM emphasised the plays its role in keeping Imperial already has importance of our generation as From stem cells and osteoporosis to the whole thing aloft. institutional links with the major driver for national devel- density and strength, our bones are And so it’s a chance for Chulalongkorn University, opment and encouraged every stu- as complex as they are mysterious. me to share stories about King Mongkut’s Institute dent to be part of this – no matter With demonstrations, drinks and of Technology Ladkrabang, if they are on a scholarship or are exceptional people and a special debate, meet those at that have so far and the National Science projects privately funded,” he said. the forefront of bone research for remained under the radar. and Technology Develop- Talking about his own experi- a lighthearted evening of discovery. I hope many of you will get ment Agency of Thailand. ences at Imperial, Pongsathorn A pay bar will be open throughout. in touch. Around 195 Thai went on: “Within the next two

Andrew Czyzewski, students, both undergrad- years, I would like to see myself acting staff Editor uate and postgraduate, achieving a doctoral degree from THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER enrolled to study at Imperial the College and then start my Reporter is published 17.30–21.00 every three weeks during in 2011–12. Around 70 stu- academic career in Thailand. term time in print and online. dents receive scholarships “Being a scholarship student, The next publication day is 13 December. Contact from the Thai government I am very grateful for the opportu- Main Entrance, South Kensington Campus Andrew Czyzewski: each year. nity which has been given to me, [email protected] Pongsathorn and am looking forward to using Dechatiwongse (Chemical my potential for the national www.imperial.ac.uk/festival/fringe Engineering), who is working benefit of Thailand.” 3 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254 >> newsupdate

Worldwide hunt for New centre will offer ‘precision science stars of the future medicine’ to patients

A new research centre on the St Mary’s Campus has been established to help doctors diagnose illness more efficiently and choose the best treatments based on a patient’s individual characteristics.

The Imperial Clinical Phenome Centre brings state-of-the-art laboratory technologies into the hospital setting. The data it gath- In mid-November the College launched President & Rector, Sir Keith ers on patients’ metabolic and physiological characteristics will a worldwide search for the brightest O’Nions, said: “At Imperial we have inform treatment and also enhance clinical trials of new therapies. and best students to take up 50 some of the most talented research- The term ‘phenome’ describes the individual products of a per- prestigious new PhD scholarships. ers and students from across the globe son’s genetic profile and their lifestyle habits and environment. working in world class facilities. If you Professor Jeremy Nicholson, Head of the Department of Surgery The new Imperial College London PhD have the curiosity and drive to make a and Cancer, said the announcement of the new Centre represented Scholarship scheme will provide highly real impact through your research, we “the dawn of a new age of ‘precision medicine’”. competitive opportunities for talented invite you to join our community.” Meanwhile, Professor Lord Darzi, Head of the Division of students with the ability, commitment As well as support from their Surgery, said: “As a surgeon, I’m tremendously excited by the and creativity to join the College’s host departments, students will have potential to provide real-time diagnostic information in the operat- research community, working alongside access to the College’s award-winning ing theatre. Last year we brought the first solid state NMR (nuclear internationally renowned scientists. Graduate School, which works with magnetic resonance) spectrometer into the hospital at St Mary’s The scholarships are available to postgraduate students on their profes- and we have already begun using it to analyse tissue samples from students with the passion and apti- sional development, both within their surgical patients to tremendous effect.” tude to work in one of the College’s research programmes and for their The Centre is jointly funded by the National Institute for research areas in science, engineering, future careers. Health Research (NIHR) Imperial Biomedical Research Centre and medicine or business. Including fully The scheme is now open for appli- industrial partners including the Waters Corporation and Bruker funded fees and a £20,000 per annum cations, with candidates required to Spectrospin GmbH. It will be equipped with three NMR spectrome- stipend, they are open to Home, EU have agreed a research project with a ters and six mass spectrometers, plus a new research team. and international applicants. supervisor in an Imperial department in This is the second phenotyping research centre to be estab- The scheme forms part of more than advance. Full details of how to apply can lished at Imperial this year, and both are the first of their type in 1,000 new postgraduate research oppor- be found here: http://bit.ly/UCqdP6 the world. This new Centre will be closely linked with the MRC-NIHR tunities available at the College every — JOHN-PAUL JONES, COMMUNICATIONS AND Phenome Centre, a collaboration between Imperial and King’s Col- year and has been partly funded by the DEVELOPMENT lege London, which is more focused on population screening and is generosity of Imperial College alumni. due to open in early 2013 at the Hammersmith Campus. —Sam Wong, Communications and Development

Research commercialisation Royal invitation for funding apprentice supervisors We want the Imperial has received £6 million Workshop supervisors from light to do a kind of from the Engineering and Physical the College were invited to

in brief Sciences Research Council, as part a National Apprenticeships chicane, like a skier of a nationwide scheme to increase Service event at Buckingham the conversion rate of research Palace hosted by the Duke of going round a tree, into potential commercial ventures York last month. Paul Brown but after it’s done Imperial judges car contest and enable new partnerships with (Physics), Russell Stracey Low emission vehicles converged on the industry. The College received (Materials) and Graeme this chicane it should College on 3 November as part of one the the largest Impact Acceleration Rae (Bioengineering) repre- continue on the same UK’s premier car challenges. The Royal Auto- Account (IAA) award, which sees sented the College’s techni- mobile Club’s Annual Future Car Challenge 31 universities sharing a total cian apprenticeship scheme path as it started on.” sees low emission vehicles travel a 63-mile investment of £60 million. The IAA will – a four-year training pro- Professor Sir John Pendry (Physics) route from Brighton to Imperial using the fund a range of activities including gramme for engineers that explains the principle of a cloaking least amount of energy possible. This year an secondments for both scientists and combines on-the-job training device at the 2012 Schrödinger Lecture Imperial team carried out a technical analysis business people to spend time in with academic study – which on 6 November. watch the video at: http://bit.ly/RYBWdU on each vehicle to determine the winner. each others’ environments. they helped set up. 4 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254

Student bloggers chosen for new academic year Singapore-Imperial links set gold standard The blogosphere will have some new and interesting voices this month, as our latest group of student bloggers look for inspiration for their first posts.

Now in its fourth year, the blogs collective aims are to give an insight into what life is really like at Imperial – whether that’s being thrown around at Judo Club, trying new foods or wandering round London taking random photos. There will be nine students blogging for the first time, while three students have decided to carry on from previous years. Reporter caught up with a couple of the bloggers and asked them why they wanted to share their musings with the world, what they hoped to get from it and what we might expect from their posts. Imperial’s commitment to developing partnerships with Singapore was praised by the British High Commissioner for the city state, His Excellency Bernadeta (second year, BSc Antony Phillipson, during an event at his residence on 5 November. Microbiology) – pictured right: “I just feel like I sometimes have Addressing 110 guests of the College, including Singaporean alumni something to say and I like the idea that and staff from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, he said: you can share things with other people. I’m “Imperial has set the gold standard in building strong collaborations sort of a knowledge freak, and I feel the day here over many years”. is wasted if you don’t find out anything new, The High Commissioner was speaking at a reception also hosted so I’m going to do something like a fact of by the President & Rector, Sir Keith O’Nions, and the Imperial College the day.” Alumni Association of Singapore. Professor Martyn Partridge, Senior Vice Dean of LKC Medicine, opened the evening with a briefing on the vision Fi (second year, MBBS) for Singapore’s newest medical school, which is a partnership between “I’ve been writing for years; I did a gap year in Imperial and Nanyang Technological University. With less than nine Israel teaching underprivileged children and months until the first cohort arrives in August 2013, Professor Partridge set up an English-speaking newspaper, so it set out the process underway to select the brightest students and seemed a natural thing to do. Some of my friends described the School’s innovative curriculum. do some really interesting things, like ice skating The event formed part of celebrations in 2012 for the 35th at 04.00 in the morning, so I’d like to do a day-in- anniversary of the Alumni Association of Singapore. There are over the-life type thing.” 2,000 Imperial alumni in Singapore and Sir Keith thanked them for being among the College’s greatest ambassadors. —Caroline Davis, Communications and Development

Dr Susannah Maidment (Earth College welcomes latest Science and Engineering): “Becoming a JRF will allow me to focus more heavily on my Junior Research Fellows research and take it in a more independent direction.” A new group of Imperial scientists has been welcomed onto the popular Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme, which is now in its fourth intake.

This year’s 21 new JRFs are working in diverse Champion of the scheme and Principal of the areas that include neurodegenerative disorders, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professor Maggie the biodiversity of dinosaurs, neglected tropical Dallman, said: “It was my dream to create a new diseases and quantum mechanics. community of the brightest and best at College and Set up in 2009, the scheme aims to help give them the freedom to focus on their research. It early-career researchers transition from postdoc is very rewarding to see this come to fruition.” to independent investigator by providing them Ten of the original class of 2009 have gone with a competitive salary for three years, and by on to hold lectureships and one is enjoying a encouraging them to build their research careers five-year fellowship. Many of them have also won without any obligatory teaching or administra- international awards from bodies such as the tive duties. Royal Society. 5 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254 >> newsupdate

Join our mailing list media mentions for regular news alerts: www. —cher thornhill, Communications and Development imperial.ac.uk/media/jointsignup

New tech gives business Gene therapy milestone sited onshore wind farms will make schools the edge the wall street journal asia ▸ 6.11.2012 consumers’ bills higher than they would otherwise be.” financial times ▸ 6.11.2012 The first drug to provide gene therapy – a way of delivering a functioning gene in place of a faulty version – has been approved Some business by the European Union, reported The Wall Street Journal Asia. The Subway tunnels schools have approval of the expensive drug is the first time that either the EU stand up to Sandy been wary or the USA has licensed such a treatment. Dr Uta Griesenbach new scientist ▸ 30.10.2012 of emerging (NHLI) notes that scientists have long hoped that gene therapy technologies in would revolutionise treatment for cystic fibrosis, but develop- When the winds of ‘superstorm’ Sandy the past but it ment has since hit obstacles. This summer, Dr Griesenbach and (see Science from Scratch, p11) peaked appears that the colleagues began the largest study to date of gene therapy for at 145 kmph in Long Island, New York, tables may be turning, the Financial Times cystic fibrosis, when they enrolled 130 patients with the disease. they damaged infrastructure and sys- reported. Imperial’s Business School has tems, New Scientist reported. The New introduced technology to its on-campus York subway was feared to be at threat Master’s programmes to provide a Debating energy policy from water which might overload the ‘seamless learning’ environment. Students the independent ▸ 31.10.2012 pumping system that removes 50,000 are linked to faculty, key materials and cubic metres of seawater each day. How- other students in an online portal akin to The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has stressed that the ever, Professor Nick Buenfeld (Civil and social media. David Lefevre, Director of energy policy of the government is unchanged but admits Environmental Engineering) said that the Educational Technology Unit (Business that wind farm development could be brought to a standstill structural problems are unlikely to be School) says: “Schools like ours have after projects already planned are completed, it is reported caused by flooding because tunnels are been held back by earlier virtual learning in The Independent. However, Philip Heptonstall (Centre for designed to withstand the weight of the environments that have not encouraged Environmental Policy) said this course of action might be a ground above. “If you fill the tunnel with successful student interaction. By putting mistake: “The evidence shows that onshore wind in the UK is water you are pressing back against the infrastructure in place that reflects how amongst the lowest cost per unit of electricity produced from external pressure,” he said. “You could students interact, we can help them learn the available suite of low-carbon power generation options. argue structurally it is in a better state more and faster.” It follows that preventing the construction of appropriately when it is full of water.”

awards and engineering £6,000 for her work on the norovi- honours Biotech business brains rus, known as the ‘winter vomiting put to the test bug’, while Stephanie won £3,000 for her work on nanomagnets. A team of aspiring scientist- Medicine entrepreneurs from Imperial engineering Academics recognised as will put their business skills to Alumni receive prestigious top ‘Women in the City’ the test when they compete in medicine and natural sciences fellowships the finals of Biotechnology YES Students scoop top Professors Lesley Regan and Jenny (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) awards for female The City and Guilds of London Higham (both Medicine) were in London on 10 December. The graduates Institute has elected two Imperial both shortlisted for the Woman of team that made it through the alumni and global businessmen Achievement Awards on 30 October initial rounds comprises three Two Imperial PhD students have as Fellows. Mr Rajive Kaul, at the Museum of London, which Imperial students – Chris Holton, won scholarships awarded President of the Imperial gathered senior female figures from Claire Williams and Lucy Brooks to female graduates for aca- College Alumni Association accountancy, financial services, (all Medicine) – and two students demic excellence. Lucy Thorne of India and Chairman of the insurance, legal, medicine and from UCL. The scheme aims to (Medicine), pictured above, Nicco Corporation, graduated in technology. Run by the Women in raise early stage researchers’ and Stephanie Walton (Physics) metallurgical engineering from the City organisation, the award awareness of bioscience received two of the nine annual Imperial in 1971. Mr Cyrus Pallonji recognises senior women who are commercialisation. awards from the British Federa- Mistry, who is Deputy Chairman of actively promoting and encouraging tion of Women Graduates at the the Tata Group, graduated in civil the progress of women. University Women’s Club, Mayfair engineering in 1990. on 3 November. Lucy received 6 >> scienceroundup www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254

Robotic pill could deliver drugs directly to small intestine

A tiny robotic pill that will deliver therapies to hard- to-reach places inside the body is being developed by a team at Imperial’s Winston Wong Centre for Bio- Inspired Technology.

When swallowed by a patient, the pill has the potential to deliver drugs to the small intestine, an area Smokers leave that is difficult for doctors to get at and treat. Robotic pill with anchor deployed (left) and retracted (right). It could enable chemotherapy to be targeted a history of more precisely to intestinal tumours and adrenaline to be injected locally to help treat ulcers, reducing their addiction inflammation and pain. positioned and injected near a tumour or ulcer to Currently, hospitals across the UK use robotic deliver drugs, stored inside the casing. in their DNA pill technology as a diagnostic tool. The team say Dr Tim Constandinou (Electrical and Electronic their pill is an improvement because it can also Engineering) says: “The small intestine is a really dif- Smokers are leaving a history of their deliver treatments. ficult place for doctors to access using conventional addiction in their DNA, which may The pill will travel through the body via the con- surgical methods, which are often invasive and impact help to measure their risk of cancer, traction and relaxation of muscles in the intestine – on patient recovery times. We are still a long way off according to research presented at a process called peristalsis. It will be equipped with a from delivering this technology to the hospital bedside, the recent NCRI Cancer Conference. miniature camera to relay real-time video. but we hope it could one day improve outcomes for The pill can be stopped remotely when it reaches patients undergoing treatments.” Researchers at Imperial and the a tumour or ulcer by lowering a miniature ‘anchor’ —Colin Smith, Communications and Development Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF ) in from its casing. A tiny moveable needle can then be Italy found that smoking leaves a foot- See a video demonstration at: http://bit.ly/TyN9jE print on the surface of the DNA but the sequence of genetic code remains the same. This is known as an “epigenetic” Heart disease map of England shows growing modification. Once you give up smok- social inequality in elderly ing, these tags start to disappear although they never quite match the unmarked DNA of a non-smoker. There is a widening gap between In this initial study, measuring the rich and poor in the number of level of tagging allowed the research- deaths from heart and circula- ers to investigate the risk of breast and tory disease among the over bowel cancer associated with smok- 65s, a study of electoral wards ing. They plan to expand the work into in England shows. other areas such as lung cancer. Dr James Flanagan (Medicine), Mortality from heart and circula- Breast Cancer Campaign scientific tory disease – the leading cause fellow at Imperial and co-author of the of death in the UK – declined in research, said: “Previous research into most places between 1982 and smoking has often asked people to fill 2006, but for men and women The slide above shows deaths from heart and circulatory disease per 100,000 out questionnaires, which have their population, by ward for men aged 65 and over from 1982–86 (left) and 2002–06 aged 65 or older, the decline was (right). Darker colours represent higher mortality rates. obvious drawbacks and inaccuracies. smaller in the most deprived com- Using this approach, we will be able to munities, resulting in a wider gap read the fingerprint on a person’s DNA between rich and poor. “It’s clear that both social Broadly, the places with the to tell us a story of how their habit The authors warn that the conditions and the quality of the highest death rates were in areas may have changed over the course of declining trend in heart disease health service strongly affect heart around Manchester and Liver- their life.” mortality could be threatened in disease mortality,” said study pool, in parts of Yorkshire, around Professor Paolo Vineis (Public some areas if the economic down- author Dr Perviz Asaria (Medicine). Birmingham and in deprived bor- Health) who also heads the HuGeF turn and austerity measures affect “The Health and Social Care Act, oughs of London. Outside of laboratory in Italy, said: “We hope poor communities dispropor- which allows private companies London, death rates were generally that smoking is just the start – further tionately. Changes in the health to provide care under the NHS, low in southern England. work will look into other factors like system, such as the devolution and the extraordinary pressure on The study is published in alcohol and start to measure the risk of public health responsibilities the NHS to make savings might the International Journal of an individual has built up over a life- to local authorities, might also jeopardise health services, includ- Epidemiology. time of exposure to these contributors put some communities at risk of ing the crucial role of GPs, in poor —Sam wong, communications and to cancer.” development falling behind, they suggest. communities.” —based on a news release by cancer research Uk 7 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254 >> scienceroundup

Researchers Salmonella’s infectious test solution secrets revealed to fungal disease of A new study has identified a way in which Salmonella bacteria ash trees counteract the defence mechanisms of human cells. Researchers at Imperial’s Different strains of Silwood Park Campus are Salmonella cause gastro- testing a solution that it enteritis, blood infections is hoped can control the and typhoid fever, which Chalara fungal disease together are responsible for threatening the UK’s millions of human illnesses 80 million ash trees. and deaths each year. One way in which our The fungus Chalara cells fight off infections is fraxinea, pictured right on by engulfing the smaller an ash tree, entered the country via ash saplings imported from the bacterial cells and then Salmonella bacteria (green) inject a protein into cells European mainland and it has led to the destruction of an estimated to counteract their defences attacking them with toxic 100,000 diseased saplings and mature trees in the UK in recent weeks. enzymes contained in Environmental company Natural Ecology Mitigation Ltd is work- small packets called lysosomes. ing on the solution with the Forestry Commission’s Forest Research The new study, led by Professor David Holden (Medicine), has shown unit, the International Pesticide Application Research Consortium that Salmonella protects itself from this attack by depleting the supply of (IPARC) and Imperial researchers in the Department of Life Sciences. toxic enzymes. Laboratory trials show that the product, called CuPC33 (a The group discovered that Salmonella has developed a specific way solution of copper sulphate and other minerals) is highly effective to interfere with the system that restocks the lysosomes with enzymes. at controlling fungi that cause tree diseases. Greenhouse trials at This means that Salmonella effectively cuts off the supply line of Silwood Park also show the product does not harm the trees, either the enzymes that would otherwise kill it. As a result, the enzymes get re- when injected or sprayed onto them. routed out of the cell and the lysosomes lose their potency. Salmonella is Visiting Professor Simon Leather (Life Sciences), who has been then able to exploit the disarmed lysosomes by feeding off the nutrients overseeing the field research through Imperial Consultants, said: they contain. “We hope to be able to develop a number of ways to apply CuPC33 Professor Holden said: “This seems to be a very effective way for these that will be appropriate to different types of fungal and bacte- harmful bacteria to interfere with our cell’s defence mechanisms, and then rial diseases and different species of tree. For example, a hand exploit the defective lysosomes to their own benefit. spray formulation of CuPC33 would enable gardeners to treat their “Our challenge now is to understand in greater detail how the injected ornamental plants and could help to limit the spread of disease.” Salmonella protein works at the molecular level, and – potentially – to The consortium is now awaiting the green light from government exploit our findings to develop more effective vaccines. This is especially and investors to carry out further tests in spring 2013, which would important since many Salmonella strains are now resistant to antibiotics.” then allow this solution to be rolled out to the nation’s woodlands. —MICHAEL JONES, COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT —Simon Levey, Communications and Development

Research investment neglecting certain infectious diseases

UK funding of research into resistance and some neglected funding from public sources must inconsistencies between infectious diseases is overlooking tropical diseases receive particu- follow transparent criteria to ensure investment and disease burden. some of those with the highest larly low levels of investment, rela- fairness and alignment with the For example, gastrointestinal burden of death and disability. tive to the disability and death that current and emerging problems diseases received less than they cause. faced by the UK and the global 10 per cent (£254 million) of over- The study, performed by research- Professor Rifat community.” all funding, although analysis ers at Imperial, UCL, and the Atun (Business “Research funding Over the study suggested that they accounted for London School of Hygiene and School) an author of from public period, non-commercial more than 22 per cent of infectious Tropical Medicine, is the first the paper said that sources must funders such as the disease-related deaths. By contrast, ever detailed analysis of research it revealed “unac- follow transparent Wellcome Trust and HIV, which causes a comparable investments into infectious dis- ceptable disparities criteria to ensure Medical Research number of deaths, received almost eases made by funding organisa- in research funding fairness” Council (MRC) invested twice the amount of funding tions to UK institutions. for infectious dis- £2.6 billion in research (£460 million or about 18 per cent Focusing on data from 1997 to eases, especially for into infectious diseases. of the overall amount). 2010, the study shows that gastro- conditions affecting children and The results of the current —Cher Thornhill, Communications intestinal infections, antimicrobial the elderly”. He added: “Research study found a series of and Development 8 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254

Part of the Research Last July planning permission was academics and industry partners and Translation Hub given for Imperial’s masterplan to cre- collaborate to translate knowledge (centre) with the ate a new seven-acre mixed-use cam- and expertise into solutions which conference centre in pus with a postgraduate focus where enhance the world around us.” the foreground the BBC buildings once stood. On looking around, there is some Opportunities at Imperial West evidence of what is to come. Phase one of the development saw the Now work has begun to scope out the construction of Wood Lane Studios academic uses for the site, an activ- on the northern section of the site ity that will be led by Deputy Rector – a complex of over 600 studio Stephen Richardson and Pro Rector apartments for postgraduate students (Research) Donal Bradley, working – and the first residents arrived here in closely with Chief Operating Officer September. A modern mix of brick and Simon Harding-Roots to define the copper, glass and steel, the buildings facilities required, and to consider are certainly of high quality and finish. the mix of wet and dry labs, office and Among the many facilities included teaching space, and other facilities for are a communal lounge, quiet study staff and students. rooms, private courtyards, a gym and “The South Kensington site is as secure cycle storage. full as I’ve ever seen it,” says Stephen. With Wood Lane Studios complete, “We just can’t do any more here, attention is moving to the second and Imperial West presents a unique phase and the wider site. Last month, opportunity to do things that would the College was awarded £35 million simply not be possible elsewhere.” by the Higher Whilst the academic

Education Funding vision for the site is still Council for England For anyone taking shape, given its (HEFCE) through doing research close proximity to the the UK Research Hammersmith Campus, Partnership that requires those activities with Investment Fund access to patients, a medical leaning (UK RPIF). This the opportunities may be a good fit. funding will be “For anyone doing directed towards at Imperial West research that requires a £150 million will naturally be access to patients, the Research and of interest” opportunities at Imperial Translation Hub, West will naturally be of which will provide interest,” said Stephen. high specification, multidisciplinary Other considerations, as the research space for 1,000 scientists project moves forward, include what and engineers and state-of-the- additional transport links will be art incubator space for spinout necessary to connect all the Imperial companies. As well as the award from sites in west London. “The area is HEFCE, one of the largest by the UK well served by tube stations at White RPIF, the new hub will be funded by a City and Wood Lane, but we will be £90 million contribution from investor exploring the provision of a high Voreda, with the remainder funded by frequency bus service, during both the College. peak and off-peak hours, so that staff Construction of the Research and and students can move around freely,” Imperial West: Translation Hub is expected to begin in Stephen added. early 2013, and the site will eventually Neatly summing up the include leisure and retail facilities, a opportunities Imperial West offers, conference centre, homes for College Donal says: “Being able to work from a bold vision and Imperial NHS Trust key workers a blank canvas allows us to set our and for private sale, and a publicly ambitions incredibly high and to create It’s difficult to picture its potential now.T his long-neglected accessible square. Added together it something that is very much designed patch of west London – once the BBC’s Woodlands site – now an creates a bold new vision to support and for purpose. And having £150 million expanse of brownfield land. But it could well be where Imperial’s expand the College’s existing activities. to start spending on getting it right is a next generation of great minds will come to hone its skills and “This really is a once in a pretty good place to be.” develop new ideas and technologies. A brand new campus for the generation opportunity,” says —Simon Watts, Communications and Development College in London. President & Rector, Sir Keith O’Nions. Take note: There will be an event for staff “Imperial West will foster a culture and students to launch the College’s plans of research and innovation electric for Imperial West in early March. Look out for with ideas. A place where students, further details in the new year. 9 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254 >> featurefocus

Story so far Imperial West in figures • September 2009: College purchases former BBC Woodlands site for £28 million. 7 acres – size of site • July 2012: Planning permission for College’s masterplan granted by London Borough of 606 postgraduates accommodated Hammersmith and Fulham. in Wood Lane Studios • September 2012: Phase one completed with the opening of Wood Lane Studios. 3,200 – number of permanent jobs • October 2012: College receives £35 million created on site on completion award to support development of £150 million Research and Translation Hub. 42,000m2 – size of Research and Construction expected to begin early 2013. Translation Hub

◂ The completed Wood Lane Studios 500m – distance to Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine at Hammersmith Campus

99% of the material transported from site during demolition and clearance was recycled

In terms of the scale 35 – number of storeys on building F of its facilities and of our ambition, it is unlike anything that exists in London, and will be an exemplar in the UK” –Sir Keith O’Nions F G

westway E B

Building key D C B A,G Academic buildings (future development) B Wood Lane Studios postgraduate accommodation (completed) C, D Research and Translation Hub (completion 2015) E Conference centre with hotel facility (future B development) F Accommodation tower (future development)

Transport links Above: Research and Translation Hub • White City (Central Line) – 500m N • Wood Lane (Hammersmith and City Line) – 700m • Shepherd’s Bush (Central Line, Overground) – 1km • Heathrow Airport – 25km

10 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254

“We have within our labs most exciting thing is to wonderful findings and new take the raw material that knowledge about mechanisms we have right now, which is of disease, but the critical really excellent, and make issue is how we take that to something even better,” a place where we can deliver he says. changes to health for patients His goal is to move up the and populations.” international rankings, by Key to this, Dermot further improving the quality believes, is working with a of education the College mix of disciplines. “If we stop offers. The opportunity thinking about what we’re for Imperial to develop an doing on a regular day-to-day innovative curriculum for basis and think the Lee Kong about what we Chian School could possibly “Think about what of Medicine achieve with we could possibly in Singapore engineers, achieve with engineers, could play an physicists, physicists, chemists important role. chemists and and academic clinicians When the first academic working together…the students begin clinicians opportunities here at the School in working are endless” 2013, they will together, the be using a new, opportunities team-based here are endless.” learning approach to medical Dermot is already leading training, and if it works as a multidisciplinary working well as hoped, there’s a group to harness expertise high chance that such an from across the College approach will be brought back in the field of imaging. He to London. “There’s huge says one way to encourage enthusiasm around this for Principal aims more collaboration between the education of prospective disciplines is to set up students. We will be looking Master’s courses that span at how we can modify different faculties. “When you and optimise team-based One-time dentistry student Professor Dermot Kelleher is bring people together to think learning, but it’s extremely getting his teeth into the challenges of leading Imperial’s about education programmes, likely that elements of that they very often find ways to will be brought in here.” Faculty of Medicine. work together in research.” Academic rankings are There are challenges a convenient yardstick for ahead for the Faculty which assessing the Faculty’s Looking back on Dermot Kelleher’s career, you have the capacity to will require strong leadership. performance, but success or career as a gastroenterologist, an take on and analyse major research The NHS is planning a major failure for Dermot ultimately eminent researcher in immunology questions and it’s a fantastically reconfiguration of services boils down to the impact of and latterly Head of the School of challenging career.” in north west London which its work outside the College Medicine at Trinity College Dublin, On 1 October, after 23 years could mean that Imperial’s walls. “We measure our it might appear that he was always at Trinity, Dermot took up a new teaching activities at the success by our capacity to destined to be a medical leader. challenge as Principal of the Faculty Charing Cross Campus have change the world in which But that wasn’t quite what he had of Medicine at Imperial. He was to move elsewhere. “That we exist, to develop new in mind at the start of his academic particularly attracted by the College’s could cause us difficulties, or discoveries that change the life, which he began as a dentistry capacity to undertake translational if we do it properly it gives us way we live.” student. In his second year, he research. Driving new discoveries an opportunity to streamline —Sam Wong, Communications and realised that he was on the wrong into clinical practice has been a our academic offerings and Development path, and transferred to medicine. theme of Dermot’s work in Dublin, our hospital care,” Dermot He hasn’t looked back since. exemplified by his role in founding says. “It’s a very important “From the point when I started the Dublin Molecular Medicine opportunity.” contacting patients, that’s when Centre, a joint venture between three The new principal is I thought that medicine was the major medical schools and their relishing life in London, and career for me,” he says. “It gives you associated hospitals, to accelerate he’s already been impressed something that very few careers can. the translation of biomedical by what he’s seen at Imperial. You’re looking at different problems research into improved diagnostics But he’s determined to aim every day. If you have an academic and therapies. even higher. “To me the

11 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254

Creative writing

Ronnie McGrath is an author, performance poet and creative writing lecturer who runs courses inside for Imperial staff and students through the Centre for Co-Curricular Studies. The creative writing sessions take place for two hours each Thursday evening for 20 weeks, with a more story intense programme offered during the summer.

“Most people are creative but they suppress this for whatever reason, sometimes through neces- mini profile sity. Then they reach a stage in their lives where he could tell if someone was maybe they’ve achieved the things they wanted about to die, so he knew she to, and they can now give the creative side some had cancer and it raised all Ari Laptev attention. Some people come to the course and sorts of issues. they yearn to be creative again, because maybe There’s always a sharing Reporter speaks to Professor they’ve been doing something that they per- element built in towards the Ari Laptev (Mathematics) about ceive to be quite rigid. end of the course; that’s his lifelong passion for math- During the course I might introduce an idea something that you have to ematics and the fascinating or look at a particular genre of writing, then have. For the writer it’s really story that led him to Imperial. we will work through an exercise – sometimes good for them to hear other just with images to begin with and then we writers who have dealt with a How did you first become introduce text. problem in their own particu- interested in maths? People on the course tend to draw on their lar way – that’s really where One simple problem was How did you come to finally own diverse experiences. I had a student who the learning takes place.” crucial to how I became a leave the Soviet Union? was a radiologist and she was a little sceptical To learn about courses starting next mathematician. When I was I was told that because of my at first, but she wrote a really great short story term, visit: www3.imperial.ac.uk/ about 14, I was a member of relationship with a foreign about this guy who fell in love with this girl, but humanities/eveningclasses a ‘mathematical circle’ run by woman, I could no longer hold a university students and I had position at Leningrad University, been wondering how to write and so I became a construction x4+1 as a product worker for five science from scratch of two expressions. years. Marilyn and After a time, one I could I got married and As explained by Laurence Pope, MSc Science Communication of the students no longer hold eventually our case made a suggestion: for emigration was “why don’t you a position at presented in 1986 add and subtract the University by Geoffrey Howe, What is a superstorm? something?” That so I became a UK Foreign Sec- was it. It was a retary, to Edvard The term ‘superstorm’ isn’t crucial moment construction Shevardnadze, strictly a scientific one, for me. One year worker” Soviet Foreign but a subjective name for later I entered Minister. They met a very destructive storm a school that specialised in in Helsinki and somehow they event. Hurricane Sandy deeper mathematical courses allowed me to go! was technically a tropi- and then joined the Department cal cyclone (a hurricane is of Mathematics at Leningrad Can you explain a bit more the name given to tropical University as an undergraduate. about your work at Imperial? cyclones that form in the My research is in a beautiful Atlantic or east Pacific). What did you do next? area – functional analysis and Tropical cyclones can After completing my PhD at spectral theory. It’s a way of be thought of as engines that require fuel in the form of warm, moist air from waters Leningrad in 1978 my supervisor solving problems inversely. A above 27°C. This air begins to rise, eventually condensing in the cooler upper suggested that I apply for classic example is if you have atmosphere, producing storm clouds and releasing excess heat. This heat warms a postdoctoral position in a drum or instrument and you the surrounding cool air, causing that to rise up. Warm, moist air from the ocean Stockholm. It was very difficult record all the tones, can you surface then rushes in to fill the resulting low pressure void, causing further heat- to leave the country but after infer its shape? Inverse prob- ing and more rising air, propagating a cycle. Coupled with low winds and the Earth’s two years my application was lems are actually important for rotation the system begins to spin and gain momentum. When it reaches land or accepted. While I was in Sweden many things, such as finding oil cold water it starts to ‘power down’ – but not before causing major damage. I met my future wife, Marilyn, or in cancer technology. Did global warming produce Hurricane Sandy? No – tropical storms occur but was soon ordered to return —anthony wilkinson, Communications regardless of global warming. However, rising global temperatures and warmer to the Soviet Union. and Development oceans could make them more severe. 12 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254

inventor’s corner Imperial students share their experiences of life at the College on the student bloggers website.

Super-efficient screens Student blogger Bernadeta on Leonardo da Vinci : Dr Matt Fuchter is a senior lecturer in synthetic “Recently I had the chance chemistry (Chemistry), whose work involves the to visit an exhibition of design, synthesis and study of molecules with anatomical drawings by interesting functions. Together with Dr Alasdair Leonardo da Vinci at the Campbell (Physics), he is developing more efficient Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that could be Palace. Well, the conclusion used in the next generation of screen displays for TVs, from this is quite plain – mobile phones and cameras. Leonardo was one of a kind. I have no Why have you developed this? idea how Current screen display technologies, such as backlit Commercially available back-lit LCD TV by electronics firm LG one man LCD TVs (see image), are actually quite energy- can be so inefficient. That’s because talented in they use polarising filters How have you achieved this? so many as a means to switch Standard OLEDs contain a light-emitting polymer, things individual pixels on and we simply mixed this with a small amount of (mind you, and off and ultimately a molecule known as a helicene. This blend was that was create different visual then used to fabricate OLED devices using exist- probably projections. The problem ing procedures. The helicene organises the poly- at the is that the filters mer into an appropriate conformation, so that it same time effectively cut out 75 per can directly emit circularly polarised light. his biggest downfall; he cent of the light generated hardly finished any of his Single OLED device by the backlight. In What are the benefits? projects because in the end fact, after absorption by Since no special processing conditions or mixing he always wandered off to additional colour filters, methods were used to achieve this result, it should do something else). This only 4 per cent of the light originally generated is be readily incorporated into standard production exhibition was of particular actually transmitted, resulting in energy-inefficient lines. Removing the need for polarising filters interest to me because I’m displays. An alternative approach would be to use means circularly polarised light emitting OLEDs taking a course in the history an OLED backlight that directly emits circularly could be made more compact and, as one exam- of medicine.” polarised light, meaning the polarising filters aren’t ple, would result in highly energy-efficient LCD dis- www.imperial.ac.uk/campus_life/ actually needed. plays with significantly extended battery life. studentblogs —kailey nolan, imperial innovations

Disability history month

The inspiring performances of athletes This will be followed by a learning and developmental dis- at the Paralympic Games this sum- webinar on 4 December by Dr orders can ultimately lead more mer did much to raise awareness of Patricia Oliver-Africano (Medi- active lives with the potential for the rights of people with disabilities cine), whose research focuses on employment. in the minds of the British public. But people with learning and devel- With the once taboo subject it is an ongoing process and the need opmental disorders. Designing of mental health now very much to improve disabled people’s experi- clinical trials to test therapies in the public discourse, the Col- ences in the workplace still, arguably, for these people is traditionally lege will welcome performance remains ‘the final frontier’.T his is one problematic due to issues with poets, who will be offering their of the issues that will be explored in a informed consent. As a result very own unique responses to issues who has become one of the top public lecture on 22 November by Dr few trials actually go ahead and of mental health on 6 December scientists in the humane livestock Ossie Stuart (previously an academic people with these conditions are as part of the This poetry, it’s handling industry. at the Universities of Oxford, York and somewhat neglected. Patricia’s madness! event. –Andrew Czyzewski, communications and Roehampton) as part of a series of work involves designing better tri- Lastly, on 10 December, there development events by the College in support of UK als so that treatment approaches will be a screening of the film For more information about times and Disability History Month (UKDHM). can be properly validated and Temple Grandin, a biopic about locations of Imperial UKDHM events, implemented, and people with the eponymous autistic woman visit: http://bit.ly/XEwSyw 13 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254 insidestory

Joined-up thinking course review

Boyang Chen, a joint Imperial-National University of Singapore (NUS) PhD student in Aeronaut- ics, reports on his experience attending the Imperial-NUS symposium on Tools and Technology Development, hosted by the International Office on 22–23 October at South Kensington Campus. Attendees included the Singaporean Deputy High Commissioner Mr Stephen Quick, Dr Simon Buckle, Pro Rector (International), academics from both institutions, and current and prospective joint PhD students.

“In my talk on the student experience of a joint PhD, I highlighted the benefits of the programme, which frequently blends the expertise and per- By course attendee Dr Mathew Lilley, spectives from both sides of the collaboration. Working with supervisors at Junior Research Fellow (Physics) different institutions gives me access to two networks and two sets of ideas. Researchers from various departments at both institutions then Managing your first presented their work and proposals for potential collaboration, having research group identified gaps in expertise or equipment where this could be beneficial. During a poster fair where 10 joint PhD students exhibited their research, Why did you go on the course? people from a completely different background to my own asked questions I am just about to submit a grant which, if successful, will double my that I had never considered. team. I felt like this was the right time to learn about what it means to manage a team of scientists and how I could be most effective in a The symposium showcased the importance of collaboration as well as management role. its practicability between the two institutions. It was a wonderful break from my own field of research and a good occasion to broaden my knowl- What did you learn? edge and vision.” Broadly, I learned about the different roles that people play in teams and where I fit into that spectrum. It was particularly interesting to To find out more about joint PhD programmes visit: see how your self-perception contrasted with how others see you. www3.imperial.ac.uk/international/prospective/phds/nus/what We discussed the general issue of how to balance your own research objectives with managing your team and it was very useful to hear different people’s perspectives in the group. In summary, I would say the course gave me a better appreciation of how a career in science develops over time and gave me some new ways to see myself and the An ambassador’s memoirs people I work with. How has it been helpful in your role? Good ambassadors are vital for any that my tour was the reason why he The course was extremely helpful; I used the ideas to redefine my institution – whether a state, busi- decided on Imperial!) day-to-day work routine to enable me to better focus on my priorities. Knowing what my weak points are has helped me to create a strategy ness or university – and Imperial “My fondest memory during my to ensure I work on improving those areas. is no exception. The International time as an ambassador has to be Office runs the Rector’s Ambassa- when I was selected to attend the To find out more about the course visit: http://bit.ly/XrUyaC dors Scheme, in which participating International Sustainable World students act as an official repre- Engineering, Energy and Environ- sentative of the College, ment Project Olympiad giving tours, presenting “Within a short in Houston, Texas, in at schools and confer- span of time I the summer of 2011. My ences, attending formal was directing role was to promote the events and generally several tours a College and answer any assisting with external day and receiving queries about Imperial, relations. Abdul Patel high praise by and I even got to visit the took part in the scheme the attendees” NASA space centre on as an undergraduate one occasion. whilst studying Materi- Just to be abroad als Science and Engineering. representing the College is a privi- “When I first became an lege few will ever have the fortune ambassador, the concept of talk- to experience but is something you ing in front of what I deemed at the could be involved in as an ambassa- time to be a large audience was dor. I highly recommend the scheme daunting. However, within a short to any student, regardless of back- Well done to Imperial RAG Society span of time I was directing sev- ground or year of study.” eral tours a day and receiving high On 7 November Imperial students collected nearly £11,ooo for the To find out more about the scheme, visit: praise by the attendees. (I was www.imperial.ac.uk/international/ Poppy Appeal at tube stations around London. No wonder they even, at one point, told by a fresher prospective/rectorsambassadors look pleased! So far this year’s RAG has raised over £20,000. 14 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254

obituaries Staff featured in this column have given many years of service to the College. Staff listed maria petrou below celebrate anniversaries during the period Maria Petrou, Professor 18 October–18 November. The data is supplied by of Signal Process- HR and is correct at the time of going to press. ing (Electrical and –sam tracey, communications and development intern Electronic Engineering), died from cancer on 20 years 15 October at the age of • Professor Dudley Pennell, Professor of Cardiology, National Heart and Lung Institute 59. Professor Richard • Mrs Marjorian Whyte, Team Leader, Expenses, Finance Division Vinter (Electrical and Electronic Engineer- 30 years ing) pays tribute to his • Ms Anne Barrett, College Archivist and Corporate Records colleague. Manager, College Archives and Corporate Records Unit • Mr David Slough, Leading Postal Officer, Security Services

“Maria spoke of herself 40 years as a problem solver, and enthusiastically took on projects involving the applica- Miss Sheila McKenzie, Administrator, Department of Medicine tion of image processing, computer vision and pattern recognition to medical, geo- scientific sensing and other fields. The range of research activities she undertook is, SPOTLIGHT in part, a testament to her intelligence, dynamism and scientific curiosity. David Slough, Leading Postal Officer (Security Services) Maria was Head of the Communications and Signal Processing Group in the 30 years Department until 2009. She subsequently accepted the position of Director of the David Slough has been the Lead Informatics and Telematics Institute of CERTH, Thessaloniki, Greece, while retaining a Postal Officer at the Department quarter-time position at Imperial. of Security and Post Services for Maria was a supremely clear-minded person: in discussion, any position she took 30 years and says he remem- was backed by a fierce logic, compellingly articulated. bers the exact day he arrived, 18 October, 1982. In those days A deeply engrained rationalism co-existed in her personality with warmth and he and his colleagues were a sense of fun. Her newsletters were often playful and illustrated with her own dis- referred to as “messengers” he tinctive, humorous cartoons. She was uninhibited in expressing her opinions. She says. He now deals with all the maintained a Greek language blog on which she shared her views on a wide range of post for the College at offices on the Hammersmith Campus. topics, from politics and economics to art and film. “I’ve seen many people come Maria’s untimely death has deprived the academic community of a distinguished and go over the years and the buildings are unrecognisable researcher, a dedicated teacher and a champion for women in engineering.” now from when I joined.”

Weathering the storm The last few and the financial position of the College is reported in no small part to the team here at the Finance years have on a regular basis both internally to management Division. This enables the College to face the future been financially and externally to stakeholders. It’s a varied role with confidence and make its own choices. challenging for which allows me to get involved in different all universities; areas across College and deal with many Has your career brought you into but Imperial’s interesting people. contact with any memorable people? Finance Divi- I remember when Boris Johnson came to open sion, headed by How did you end up at the College? Eastside and gave a very entertaining speech. He Andrew Murphy, I previously worked for a number of large compa- arrived on his bike and the security team had to has helped the nies including British Airways, Amersham Plc and assign someone to personally guard it. You can College main- finally GE, but found that I preferred working at the imagine the negative PR had it been stolen! tain a strong centre of organisations where the decisions are position. After seven years of service, made. A recruiter then persuaded me that the uni- What are your future plans? Andrew is moving on to a new role at the versity sector would be an interesting and chal- I am looking forward to a different set of challenges University of London. lenging environment to work in and he was right as Director of Finance and Planning at the Univer- – I’ve really enjoyed my time at Imperial. sity of London. On a personal note, my two elder Can you describe your role at Imperial? boys are doing their A-levels and GCSEs at the I am responsible for ensuring that staff and What are you most proud of from moment and so it feels like a job in itself helping suppliers are paid each month, students your time at the College? them achieve their maximum potential. receive their bursaries, we pay the right Despite the uncertain times that we are in, the amount of tax, money owed is collected, College is in very good financial health, thanks Dr Olivia Geraghty, Medicine Mr Simon Funke, ESE Health Mr Angelo Franchini, Public Mr Xiuyi Fan, Computing Dr Lydia Durant, NHLI Dr Emmanuel Dupont, NHLI Office Dr Claire Doyle, Outreach Fernandes, EYEC Miss Ernestina Dias Medicine Dr Kate deMattos-Shipley, Dr Sara DeMatteis, NHLI Development Communications and Ms Olivia Davenport, Development Communications and Mr Andrew Czyzewski, Dr Katrina Curtis, NHLI Medicine Ms Florence Christofi, Sciences Mr David Charles, Life Sciences Dr Vidya Chandran, Life Dr Matthew Cane, Medicine Mechanical Engineering MissCampen, Sophie Mr Paul Brookes, Chemistry Health Mr Patrick Brock, Public Dr BenBritton, Materials Medicine Miss Ana Branco Estevao, Dr David Boyle, EEE Miss Abigail Bentley, NHLI Dr Lucie Baudino, Medicine Mr Mark Batten, Finance Chemistry Miss Hanna Barriga, Mr Fabio Argentia, Medicine Health Ms Maria Aresu, Public and Cancer Dr Anna Andreou, Surgery and Cancer Miss Lara Al-Olabi, Surgery Services Miss Tola Alao, Commercial Chemical Engineering Dr Cristobal Aguilar Gallardo, Cancer Mr Mark Abel, Surgery and new starters Welcome www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter

reporter

22 November 2012• Partnerships Fernandez, Corporate RebecaDr Santamaria- Computing Antonino Salerno, Dr Mr Mark Rackham, Chemistry Dr Andreas Pusch, Physics Miss JaneProudfoot, NHLI Dr Constandina Pospori, NHLI Mr Benjamin Pollard, NHLI Dr Alexander Plato, Physics and Cancer Dr Angela Pathiraja, Surgery Mr Neki Patel, Chemistry Dr Ankoor Patel, Materials School Mr Bob Parish, Business Dr Ioannis Pandis, Computing Nikolakopoulou, NHLI Dr Zacharoula ESE Neal, Will Mr Computing Music, Jasmina Miss Mr John Murray-Bruce, EEE and Cancer Miss Joanna Moore, Surgery Medicine Mr James Monkman, Engineering Ms Ruth Misener, Chemical NHLI Mr Karikaran Manoharan, Miss Ruchi Maniar, Medicine Engineering Mr Michael Mace, Mechanical Dr Yu Luo, Physics Dr Jared Leisner, Physics Mr Michael Lange, ESE Miss Wendy Kuo, Chemistry Health Dr Sonia Kumar, Public Mr Gokul Kolipaka, Medicine Computing Dr Alexandros Koliousis, Commercial Services Miss ZarineKhurshid, Chemistry Dr Prashant Kapadnis, Medicine Ms Dimitra Kalogiannopoulou, Human Resources Ms Iwona Josko-Dowlut, Engineering Civil and Environmental Mr Ramtin Hosseini Kamal, Dr BethHolder, Medicine Professional Development Dr Elizabeth Hauke, Mathematics Dr YoshinoriGongyo, issue

254 Medicine AndrianosMr Yiorkas, Mr Hainan Xie, Materials Physics Dr SebastianWuestner, Miss Beata Wrotniak, NHLI Dr Matt Woolf, EEE Mr Phillip Wood, Climate KIC Computing CharenceMr Wong, and Cancer Mr TaliesinWilliams, Surgery Professional Development MichaelMr Weatherburn, Mrs Ann Watson, NHLI Dr Paul Turner, Medicine Ms Miriam Toro Castro, NHLI Medicine Miss Kathy Tognon, Faculty of Business School RanjeetaDr Thomas, Mr Samuel Taub,Materials Development Communications and Ms Tamara Szucs, Medicine MissMilena Szczegielniak, Sciences Dr Jorge Soza Reid, Clinical and Cancer MsZinah Sorefan, Surgery Mr Marco Siano, Physics Mr Thomas NHLI Shea, Mathematics NicholasDr Sharples, Medicine MissFederica Secci, WilliamDr NHLI Scott, (11 years) Dr Nicole Bilek, Public Health Aeronautics Dr YacineBentaleb, (6 years) Dr Colin Belton, Physics Development Dr Alice Bell, Professional Medicine Dr Alessandro Barbarulo, Baltas,Business School Dr Akindynos-Nikolaos Bioengineering Balasubramanian, Dr Sivakumar Dr Minas Bacharis, Physics Dr Maria Angelopoulou, EEE moving on Farewell

Mr John Phillips, Chemistry Miss Deeviya Patel, Medicine Mechanical Engineering Paksoy, Hillal Miss Mr Michael O’Shea, EEE Faculty of Engineering MarianelaMs Vermeer, Sciences Miss Alison Nolan, Life Surgery and Cancer Dr Natasha Mohammed, Dr Maxime Mioulane, NHLI Aeronautics Dr StephanieMiot, Resources Ms Faye Minshall, Human Surgery and Cancer Mrs Helena Mapanzure, Health Mr Joseph Malone, Public Accommodation Mr ThirukumaranMaheswaran, Miss Sanja Maglajlija, EYEC Medicine Mr Marc Faculty Lind, of Dr Haksung Lee, Materials Dr Kalpana Life Lal, Sciences Dr Sam Ladak, Materials Chemistry Dr SivaKrishnadasan, Accommodation Mr TrevorJohnson, Sciences years)(5 Miss EmerHughes, Clinical Accommodation Miss Faye Hemsley, Medicine Mr Kyriakos Hatzaras, Policy(17 years) Dr David Environmental Hart, Sciences years)(5 Dr Thorsten Hamann, Life Dr Ciara Greene, Medicine Dr Tony Gong,Chemistry Dr Tanya Goldberg, ESE Dr Rashid Ganeev, Physics (6 years) Dr David Futyan, Physics Accommodation MissFeehan, Sarah Mechanical Engineering Professor TrevorDean, Engineering Mr Charles Dean, Chemical Sciences(12 years) Professor Daniel Davis, Life Mr Yao Chen, EEE Dr Susan Brook, Medicine Dr Peter Boehm,Computing

insidestory to press. correct at thetimeof going 6 November. This data was covers theperiod 17 October– This data is supplied by HRand Health(8 years) Mrs Kate Woodhouse, Public (8 years)Engineering Mr David Tomlin, Mechanical (11 years)Engineering Mrs Ann Sewell, Chemical years)(37 Mr John Dennis, ESE retirement years)(7 Dr Alex Yue, Bioengineering International Office MsNaomi Wynter-Vincent, Dr Robin Wolz, Computing (28 years) Dr Marjorie Walker, Medicine years)(5 Wakefield,Dr Stuart Physics Chemical Engineering RajagopalMr Vellingiri, years)(5 Dr Andrei Tarasov, Medicine Mr Sinbad Sweeney, NHLI Computing HaukeMr Strasdat, Dr Jerome Sohier, NHLI LifeXia SciencesMr Sheng, Mr TakuyaMedicine Sekine, Dr Katherine Scott, Medicine Mr Mohammad Saidi, Library (10 years) Mrs Kirsten Rose, Medicine Leisure and Rodrigues,Mr Victor Sport (6 years) Dr Steven Reid, Medicine Cooper, Medicineyears) (7 Mr Andrew Raxworthy Dr Sanjay Popat, NHLI Chemical Engineering Dr Konstantinos Pipilis, these as necessary. right to edit or amend The Editor reserves the [email protected] and retirees to the Editor at about new starters, leavers images and/or comments Please sendyour

moving in. moving on. 16 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 22 November 2012 • issue 254 for complete details: events highlights www.imperial.ac.uk/events 22 November 2012

take note

28 NOVEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE dioxide produced by burning oil makes it a significant contributor to climate change. It’s not oil gone Professor Ann Muggeridge (Earth Science ICIS system to be Crude oil is the major source of today’s energy and Engineering) uses her inaugural lecture upgraded supply, particularly for transport, and is pro- to explore the methods used to recover jected to remain so for many decades to come. oil and the opportunities to exploit the A team at ICT will be It is, however, a finite resource and will eventu- remaining reserves through new and emerging upgrading the ICIS ally run out. Not only this, but the carbon technologies. (Imperial College’s main Finance, HR, Grants and Student Management Information System). The functionality 29 NOVEMBER ▸ imperial fringe demonstrations, drinks and a special debate. Three of Imperial’s bone experts will take you of ICIS will remain the Cutting close to the bone on a journey beneath your skin to the skeletons same, but there will be some changes to how it looks on screen. The cutting close toFrom the stem cells and osteoporosis to density in your closet. What do our bones tell us about changes will lead to an extended outage and strength, our bones are as complex as they ourselves, and how does our 21st century of ICIS, currently scheduled from are mysterious. Meet those at the forefront of lifestyle change them? A pay bar will be open 29 November–4 December. bone research for a lighthearted evening of dis- throughout. covery at November’s Imperial Fringe, featuring For more information visit: http://bit.ly/UVuEKL

• FREE + OPEN TO ALL •

From stem cell and osteoporosis meet the 25 NOVEMBERto density and ▸ strength, our bones 29 NOVEMBER ▸ MUSIC 6 DECEMBER ▸ SEMINAR reader MUSICare complex as they are mysterious. With demonstrations, drinks and Lunchtime concert This poetry is Barnardo’sa special benefitdebate, meet those at Florilegium madness! concertthe forefront of bone research for a light-hearted evening of discovery. Poets Zena Edwards PerformanceA pay bar by will the be open throughout. 29 NOVEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE and Mark Gwynne European Doctors Orchestra Jones Imperial Business Insights THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER Professor Dieter Helm, 27 NOVEMBER17.30–21.00 ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE University of Oxford 11 DECEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE Clearing the air: asbestos, cigarette Impact: policy, politics and science smokeMain and Entrance, nanoparticles South Kensington Campus 29 NOVEMBER ▸ Adam Afriyie, MP and Imperial alumnus Professor Terry Tetley (National Heart and PUBLIC LECTURE www.imperial.ac.uk/festival/fringe Lung Institute) Electronic 12 DECEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE tsunami: Breaking into your brain changing human 27 NOVEMBER ▸ SEMINAR behaviour Dr Aldo Faisal (Bioengineering) Karen Lyle, Centre Manager, Introduction to Grants and Professor Nelson Phillips Centre for Environmental Policy Fellowships (Business School) 13 DECEMBER ▸ imperial fringe Royal Society Grants Team A feast for the sciences What are you doing in the picture? 5 DECEMBER ▸ open day Christmas themed Fringe event I’m just waiting for the editor of Reporter, who is running a little late! He can be 28 NOVEMBER ▸ SEMINAR Postgraduate Open Day forgiven as we’ve just moved into 13, 14 26,000 km down 13 DECEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE and 15 Prince’s Gardens from the annex of the Pan-American 5 DECEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE Grantham annual Mechanical Engineering. It’s a much nicer, highway in an The scar that binds lecture quieter location. But more importantly it electric car’ gives us a proper identity. Professor Robert Goldin (Medicine) Dr John Holdren, Clemens Lorf Director of the What would you do if you were (Mechanical White House Office editor of Reporter for a day? Engineering) 5 DECEMBER ▸ SEMINAR of Science and Having worked in administration for 22 years, We made water from every Technology Policy there are areas that never get highlighted, 29 November ▸Seminar living thing they all get moaned about and, actually, Magnetoresistance and spin- Katrin Glatzel (Centre for Environmental they’re doing a really good job – for example, transfer torque in magnetic tunnel Policy) our faculty research team (Natural Sciences) junctions work incredibly hard behind the scenes. Professor Shinji Yuasa, AIST, Japan Who would be your cover star? The Centre’s new Director, Zen Makuch, is trying to link up more with other departments. Environment is something a lot of people are working on, and there’s huge potential in adopting an even more joined- up approach. Together we can be stronger! Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/events for more details about these events Stay in the loop → Want to be the next reader featured in and others. To sign up for regular updates about Imperial events please Reporter? Send in a picture of yourself with a email: [email protected] copy of Reporter in your location of choice to: [email protected]

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