The free magazine for The University of Manchester

2 June 2008 UniLifeIssue 8 Volume 5

Naomi Klein first to speak at University Place Features Letter from the President

News Students race to a top award page 4

Research ‘Crispy noodle’ chemistry could reduce carbon emissions I was bemused recently to see the national press vital in the interests of social justice and equality of page 8 pick up a piece from the Times Higher Education opportunity, and because the UK can ill afford to (THE) purporting to be based on “leaked” squander the talent of all its people, irrespective of documents from The University of Manchester. social background. Someone has obviously managed to persuade the In embracing widening participation, neither The THE that we are trying to conduct our Review of University of Manchester nor any other authentic Undergraduate Education in secret, and that leaking university is going to compromise the essential idea of secret documents is the only way to bring the of a university as a meritocracy. Our essential and Profile whole clandestine process into the open. over-riding purpose is to attract the very best Keith Cole The truth is rather more prosaic. We have not tried students we can from around the world, and offer to keep our Review secret. There is no reason why them a world class higher education. page 12 we should. In short, upholding the principle of entry on the Indeed, I welcome the fact that Manchester is basis of merit is the single most important thing we getting a reputation for taking seriously the can do for our students and for the UK. challenge of improving the quality of But identifying the most talented students is a undergraduate education. While being placed complex challenge. We know that some of the under external scrutiny is not easy, it does reduce brightest young people in the UK – and potentially Contents the risk of us giving up on the absolutely vital task some of the best graduates – come from of reviewing and radically improving the disadvantaged backgrounds, where they have not Manchester student experience. enjoyed equality of opportunity to good primary 3 News One feature of the recent publicity did appal me, and secondary education. We also know that some however. While the substance of the reporting was of them may be deterred from seeking access to a 8 Research reasonable, whoever was responsible for captioning university because of cultural reasons, including a the pieces in The Telegraph and the Daily Mail fear of student debt, or because of the opportunity 12 Profile: Keith Cole misconstrued Rebecca Attwood’s report in the THE. cost of remaining out of the full-time workforce 14 Reaching Out The idea that our “leaked” documents blame during their student years. “widening participation” for threatening the quality Effective widening participation strategies tackle both of UK higher education is preposterous. 15 Teaching and Learning problems. We must continue to provide financial 16 What’s On What we are facing up to here in Manchester is the support for talented students who might otherwise crucial truth that, over several decades, public be denied a higher education for reasons of financial 20 Discover the Whitworth outlays on higher education in the UK (as in most disadvantage. Equally, we have to recognise that fair other countries) have fallen well behind the growth admissions policies must be able to identify of higher education enrolments. applicants who genuinely merit a university place, but whose intellectual potential has been partly As a result, funding per student has declined to the Front cover, internationally- obscured by previous educational disadvantage. acclaimed journalist Naomi Klein point where it is not just the quality of formal undergraduate learning, but also the quality of the Reviewing our admissions criteria to better measure student experience more broadly that is now under educational potential is entirely consistent with the serious threat. Despite the best efforts of idea of The University of Manchester as a dedicated staff, there is a point beyond which it is meritocracy. The right solutions will significantly lift impossible to keep doing more for less without the quality of the undergraduates we educate. quality being compromised. They will also serve the interests of social justice. None of us in The University of Manchester would want to argue against the opening up of higher education to more and more students. The rise of mass higher education has been an important driver of economic development and social inclusion in the modern world. We enthusiastically applaud the Government’s “widening participation” policies, which seek to open up the opportunities afforded by higher Professor Alan Gilbert education to people from social backgrounds President and Vice-Chancellor 2 under-represented in universities. Such policies are News

‘Cursus’ is older than Stonehenge

Archaeologists are one step closer to solving the 250-year-old riddle of an ancient monument thought to be a precursor to Stonehenge. A team led by University archaeologist Professor Julian Thomas has dated the Greater Stonehenge Cursus at about 3,500 years BC - 500 years older than the circle itself. They pinpointed its age after discovering an antler pick used to dig the Cursus – the most significant find since it was discovered in 1723 by antiquarian William Stukeley. Carbon-dating results pointed to an age which was much older than previously thought - between 3600 and 3300 BC – and has caused a sensation among archaeologists. The dig took place last summer in a collaborative project run by five British universities and funded by the Arts and Histories Research Council and the National Geographic Society. Professor Thomas said: “The Stonehenge Cursus is a 100-metre-wide, mile-long area which runs about 500 metres north of Stonehenge. We don’t know what it was used for – but we do know it encloses a Stonehenge pathway which has been made inaccessible. That suggests it was either a sanctified area, or for some reason was cursed.” He added: “Our colleagues, led by a team from “But what is still so intriguing about the Cursus is Sheffield University, have also dated some of the that it’s about 500 years older than Henge – that Professor Thomas believes that the Cursus was cremated human remains from Stonehenge itself. strongly suggests there was a link and was very part of a complex of monuments, within which That’s caused another sensational discovery, proving possibly a precursor. We hope more discoveries lie Stonehenge was later constructed. Other that burial cremation had been taking place at in store when we work on the eastern end of the elements include the ‘Lesser Stonehenge Cursus’ Stonehenge as early as 2900 BC – soon after the Cursus this summer. It will be a big step forward in and a series of long barrows - all built within a monument was first built. our understanding of this enigmatic monument.” mile of Stonehenge.

Naomi Klein first to speak at University Place

The University’s flagship building University Place, has cemented its position as one of the North West’s most important cultural venues with its first event – a lecture from internationally-acclaimed journalist Naomi Klein. A packed house of 600 people filled University Place’s main auditorium to hear Naomi Klein discuss her controversial views on Western foreign policy. It was her only appearance in the region to promote her new book: ‘The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism’. The eight-storey £65 million building is to become a focal point for major events and a point of first contact for prospective students and members of the public. The lecture theatre encompasses either two halls of 600 and 270, or a single 1,000 seat auditorium. Richard Handscombe, Sales and Marketing Manager for conferences, said: “University Place is irrefutably one of the most breathtaking developments in the business meetings’ world and the interest we have been receiving has been truly phenomenal. It offers the most booked, we are confident that the venue has a Professor O’Neill said: “We were pleased advanced technology, professional IT technicians bright future ahead as a conference destination hat the event went so well and we would on site, high spec of audio visual aids and wi-fi and that it will raise the profile of events here at like to thank everyone involved in making it access to exhibition and catering areas. the University even higher.” such a success.” “It is fitting that its first event has someone with The Centre for the Study of Political Economy For more information on events, contact the the global profile of Naomi Klein; this is a great organised the event, which was directed by Conference Sales Office on 0161 306 launch for Manchester's premier conference Professors Nicola Phillips and John O’Neill. 4100 (64100), or email venue. With a number of key events already [email protected] 3 News

In brief Students race to a top award

Three students won a major award after attracting some of the biggest international names in motor sport to raise money for cancer research. The students, from the University’s motor sport society, launched ‘The Race Against Cancer’ (TRAC): an outdoor motor sport race using go-karts. Their efforts clinched them a Student Team Working Award. Third-year Accounting and Finance student Matt Roberts, International competitors took part in TRAC one of the organisers, said: “We felt it would be an interesting The TRAC team received first developing and strengthening project to host a truly global prize for the Undergraduate their disciplines scheme. event founded upon the Extra-Curricular award, The School of Nursing, knowledge we had learnt from sponsored by Midwifery and Social Work our years of study at the PricewaterhouseCoopers. Their gained a team award in University. Having all had family award was presented at the recognition of the considerable affected by cancer in recent years, tenth annual ‘Students as efforts demonstrated by all we decided to send all proceeds Partners’ presentation evening student and staff coordinators in to Cancer Research UK.” held at the University, which introducing Peer Support into all highlights outstanding work The three secured sponsorship of the School’s discipline areas undertaken by students to from some of the world’s this academic year. biggest companies and attracted support and develop their peers. Award-winning competitors from countries More than 1,500 mentors and Tim Westlake and Badru John Rylands University including Australia, France, 350 Peer Assisted Study Scheme Bukenya highlighted the Equity Library gains National Spain and Switzerland to take (PASS) leaders were recognised and Merit Scholar Peer Support part in the race at Rye House in for their contributions this year. Scheme, recognising student Research status consultants who are helping to Hertfordshire. Formula One Five students and two staff The John Rylands University Library (JRUL) design and implement a stars Fernando Alonso and members received prizes in the gained coveted status and a four-fold increase in sustainable scheme to support Damon Hill sent supportive Outstanding Contribution to funding after being designated one of only five future cohorts of students messages, while ex-F1 champion Peer Support Awards category, National Research Libraries (NRL) in the country arriving from Uganda to study at Sir John Surtees turned up to for their contributions in by the Higher Education Funding Council for offer his endorsement. Manchester. England (HEFCE). NRL status acknowledges the Library’s support for external researchers and entitles it to long- term funding from HEFCE, subject to regular reviews. Funding will leap from its current Prime-time slot for annual level of £125,721 to £504,650 for 2008- 09 and approximately £883,579 for 2009-10. Ghosthunter-with-the-stars Geoff The only north-based NRL, JRUL joins the ranks of Cambridge, Oxford, London School of He gallantly held the hands of trembling pop Economics and the School of Oriental and princesses as they toured a haunted house in African Studies. ITV’s Christmas special ‘Ghosthunting With Jan Wilkinson, University Librarian and Director, Girls Aloud’. said: “This is excellent news. Our challenge Now it’s the turn of Christopher Biggins, Paul now is to ensure that we use the funding to O’Grady and Madchester rockers Happy Mondays, support innovative strategic development of the with a prime time airing of ‘Ghosthunting With…’ library, to benefit all our users.” featuring the University’s Professor Geoff Beattie. The Library also recently gained the Manchester The Antix Productions series shows groups of Society of Architects (MSA) Community celebrities spending the night in ‘haunted’ venues. Education Award for the redevelopment of its Professor Beattie profiles their personalities before Deansgate building. This adds to the list of filming to find out how introverted, extroverted awards that the Library has received for its and neurotic they are, then debriefs them when design, including: Most Iconic Building in the they leave, having watched – and analysed – their Manchester Awards; an Institution of Structural every move live on screen. Engineers award; two gold medals in the 2007 “We live in a blasé, modern world, but when you Roses Awards, and Chamber of Commerce Professor Geoff Beattie Building of the Year 2007. take people out of their familiar situation, they cannot hide how they really are: fear changes everything,” Professor Beattie explains. “Dean lets him know he is in charge. The McFly group Gaffney has a very extreme response, but his head dynamic was also brutally exposed. The Happy movements and aggressive screams show that this Mondays have been through a lot together, so they is genuine, not put on. got through the night very well – as you can “You also see how people adapt their behaviour to imagine, it was a lot of fun working with them. others in a group. Cerys Mathews’ voice goes up “I had hours of human behaviour to study. It was 4 in pitch when talking to Christopher Biggins: this a fascinating experience and makes excellent TV.” Manchester rowers victorious In brief More than 5,000 spectators saw Manchester storm to victory in this year’s Two Cities Boat Race. The University won six out of the seven races to beat their Salford rivals in the annual regatta, held at Salford Quays last month. Nick Turnbull, Manchester’s senior captain, said: “It was a brilliant day. We didn’t think we University and hospital staff celebrate new link would do as well as we did, but this just goes to show the talent that we have at the University Wolfson Centre strengthens rowing club.” links with Christie Hospital Among the VIPs watching the A new link corridor has opened between the 37th Two Cities Boat Race were Christie Hospital and the Wolfson Molecular actor Robert Powell, Olympic Imaging Centre. Senior staff from both the athlete Diane Modahl and the hospital and the University recently attended a artist Harold Riley. BBC Radio drinks reception to celebrate the opening. Manchester’s Ian Cheeseman The project has been funded by the hospital to provided the commentary for allow easier patient access between the two crowds enjoying the sunshine. sites. This physical link between the two David Henderson, who took part institutions aims to facilitate closer integration in one of the early Boat Races in between scientists and medical practitioners in 1972, also witnessed Cheerleaders entertain the crowds at the boat race the field of oncology, and pave the way for Manchester’s magnificent display, further ambitious collaboration on projects such along with Professor Alan Gilbert, from both universities, and named as the event’s official as the Manchester Cancer Research Centre. President and Vice-Chancellor, witnessed the stunning spectacle charity. Their Vice-President, and Salford Vice-Chancellor of a WWII Lancaster Bomber actor Robert Powell, said: “This Professor Michael Harloe. flying overhead midway through is a terrific event. I'm delighted the event. to be here – and delighted that Spectators enjoyed performances Creative Writing alumnus SPARKS, a charity very close to by drummers and cheerleaders SPARKS, the children's medical my heart, will benefit.” published researchers, were once again Mark Piggott, 2006 MA in Creative Writing graduate, has had the novel he University prepares for Digital 60 wrote on his course published by the independent Legend A host of events will take Press. place to celebrate Digital 60 Day on 20 June. Digital 60 ‘Fire Horses’ tells the marks the 60th anniversary of story of Joe Noone, a the ‘Baby’ - the world’s first degenerate and stored program digital enthusiastic explorer computer, designed and built of the gutter, and his Mark Piggott, author by the late Tom Kilburn and confused relationships Freddie Williams at the with the people in his University. life. Laced with dark humour and angry political asides, it depicts England over the last 25 years A major daytime event for UK through the eyes and lens of this disturbed schools includes a live video wanderer, revealing back streets, small towns link with the Museum of and the sleazy metropolitan underbelly. Science and Industry (MOSI), a Schools Computer Animation Mark's own life story is one of extremes - from Festival, the Computer Science living on London’s streets in his youth, to writing features for the Telegraph, Guardian and Magic Show, and hands-on Tom Kilburn and Freddie Williams activity rooms. Winners of the Independent. He has had short stories and UK Schools Computer poems published in several collections, Animation Competition – in at an awards ceremony and showcasing research and magazines and anthologies, including ‘Down which hundreds of students drinks reception. Following teaching from the School of the Angel’ (Pulp Books, 2006). this, Professor Steve Furber, Computer Science. created short computer Ian McGuire, Co-Director at the Centre for New CBE, from The School of graphics films using a free Digital 60 unites stakeholders Writing, said: “We are delighted that another of Computer Science, will deliver animation programme called from across Manchester, our graduates has been published. Mark has the Kilburn Lecture, on ‘The Alice – will also be announced. including the University, worked long and hard on his novel and Relentless March of the Manchester City Council, thoroughly deserves his success." Surviving pioneers of the Baby Microchip’. design and development team Manchester Digital will receive The University of Celebrations coincide with an Development Agency Manchester Medal of Honour Industrial Forum for businesses, and MOSI.

www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/digital60 5 News

In brief Nobel prize-winning duo to speak Nowgen’s stem cell research The University’s two Nobel debate at BODY WORLDS 4 prize winners will deliver A public debate on the use of stem cells in public lectures at University scientific research was recently held by Nowgen, Place to launch the Institute the Faculty of Life Sciences’ centre for genetics for Science, Ethics and in healthcare, in partnership with the Museum Innovation on July 5. of Science and Industry. Professor Sir John Sulston will ‘Stem Cells: Hype or Hope?’ was held in chair the cross-discipline conjunction with the BODY WORLDS 4 exhibition Institute, focusing on ethical and chaired by Professor Trevor Cox. A panel questions raised by included Sarah Devaney, Lecturer in Medical Law contemporary science and at the University; Dr Daniel Brison, Consultant technology. The 2002 Nobel Embryologist from the North West Embryonic Prize winner and pioneer of Stem Cell Centre, and Josephine Quintavalle, genomic research will work Founder of the Comment on Reproductive Ethics alongside the School of Law’s Professor Sir John Sulston Professor Joseph Stiglitz (CORE) Group. Approximately 80 members of Professor John Harris, a world- the public attended. renowned authority on bioethics. policies pushed by the World clinic or marketplace and the Discussions explored issues surrounding the use Professor Joseph Stiglitz chairs Bank and the IMF, which led him regulation of this process – there of animal - human hybrids for research; using the University’s Brooks World to leave his World Bank position is an ethical dimension. embryonic stem cells; whether it is preferable to in 2000. He received the Nobel Poverty Institute, a “The moral imperatives and the use embryos created solely for research Prize for economics in 2001. multidisciplinary centre of public interest that underpin purposes, rather than discarded IVF embryos, international excellence and involving the public in making policy Professor Harris said: “John both the theory and the researching global poverty, Sulston and Joseph Stiglitz have practice of science are poorly decisions on sourcing and using stem cells in inequality and growth. Chief research and future medical practice. scholarly interests in this area, understood. What is urgently Economist and Senior Vice- so it’s fitting they will launch required is serious work as a President of the World Bank the Institute. vehicle for examining the role from 1997-2000, he was also and the moral responsibilities of www.nowgen.org.uk “We’ll be looking at the impact Chairman of the Council of science, technology and of the rising tide of new Economic Advisers in the Clinton innovation in society, locally developments in science and White House. and globally.” University promotes industry technology on ethical issues. At He is widely known for his links in Bangladesh every stage – from discovery, To book a ticket, email: critical stance on the through proof of principle to the [email protected] Manchester Business School’s Dr Khaleel Malik privatisation and liberalisation delivered the keynote lecture at a recent British Council seminar promoting interaction between universities and industry in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Dr Malik’s lecture, ‘University-Industry Interactions: UK insights’, explored how Local community developing countries can benefit from dove- tailing their educational curricula to industry celebrates Dig Manchester needs. He discussed the role that universities play in small business growth The University’s Dig Manchester community through knowledge archaeology project, which aimed to inspire transfer and people in inner city areas to aspire to higher innovation, giving education, recently closed with a celebration businesses access evening at Whitworth Hall. to current direct Community representatives and archaeological research groups from across the city took part in the event collaborations and marking the end of the three-year collaborative the opportunity to project, which involved 48 schools and around sponsor staff and 7,000 participants across Manchester. student mobility Exhibitions showcased the work of archaeology programmes. groups who participated in Dig Manchester. The Dr Malik has Dr Khaleel Malik University’s Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit delivered lectures on (UMAU), based in the School of Arts, Histories and this theme, as well as other innovation policy Cultures, displayed finds and results from the St Wilfrid’s School presents at Dig Manchester and management themes, at similar events in project’s three excavation sites, along with celebrations China, India and Pakistan. community art work inspired by the archaeological excavations. project has been a model for collaboration between A highlight of the evening was a presentation by St the city and the University. The archaeology has Wilfrid’s School from Northenden, which they excited local interest and helped to promote presented to MPs at the Houses of Parliament last community pride and better understanding of local year. Paul Goggins, MP for Wythenshawe and heritage. Cabinet Member for the Government, Councillor “But while Dig Manchester has finished, the Paul Murphy, Archaeology Champion for concept has not. Community archaeology projects Manchester, and Eamonn O’Neal, gave speeches. have sprung up across Greater Manchester, all with Norman Redhead, Director and County strong links to the University through support Archaeologist at UMAU, said: “This remarkable provided by our two Archaeology Units.”

6 www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/community/digmanchester Jazz star marks 60 years In brief of American Studies

Britain’s first American Studies programme celebrated its 60th anniversary with a concert by acclaimed Harlem-born Jazz singer Sandi Russell. The programme was created at the University in the academic year of 1947-48, along with the first-ever British professorial chair in American Studies, given to Romanian-born, Manchester-educated and New Ed Potten with the first printed edition of the York-based educational theorist Isaac Kandel, who Divine Comedy is the subject of a new biography. In following decades, major scholars – including Students study Dante’s 700- Marcus Cunliffe, Dennis Welland, Maldwyn Allen Jones and Bob Burchell - occupied the professorial year history at the Rylands chair, helping American Studies to emerge as a Students from the Italian department covered serious academic discipline. seven centuries of Dantean history on an innovative book history course, the only one of The concert launched the first in a series of its kind in the UK. international conferences on ‘Understanding the ‘Beyond the Text: The Book and its Body’ South, Understanding America’, organised jointly Jazz singer and author, Sandi Russell by the Universities of Manchester and Florida. introduces the new field of book history via a study of Dante’s Divine Comedy. However, Current chair of American Studies and conference show, ‘Render Me My Song: African American rather than studying the poem itself, students organiser, Professor Brian Ward, said: “While this is Women Writers from Slavery to the Present’.” investigated the material forms that the book an important interdisciplinary conference with has taken over the 700 years since its delegates from Europe and the US, we were “The conferences will demonstrate how a greater understanding of the American South is crucial to composition, looking at manuscripts, print and especially thrilled to welcome award-winning Jazz electronic editions and other new digital media. singer and author, Sandi Russell. She kicked off understanding the modern US and the nature of its proceedings with her spellbinding one-woman global cultural, economic, ideological, diplomatic The final-year course is taught by Dr Guyda and political connections.” Armstrong of the Italian department, with experts from the University’s John Rylands Library on Deansgate: Assistant Keeper of Printed Books, Ed Potten; Modern Literary Archivist, Stella Halkyard, and manuscript University joins the expert, Anne Young. Ed Potten said: “The University has jet-set at Farnborough extraordinarily rich holdings in Dante studies and the early Italian book, and is therefore one of few institutions worldwide in which a course of Jet engines of the future this type would be possible.” could be designed at Farnborough Air Show between 18 to 20 July. In partnership with North West Students gain insight into Aerospace Alliance (NWAA), the enterprise University’s ‘So you think you “Absolutely fantastic” is how students from can design a Jet Engine?!’ across the University described the panel of exhibition team has been entrepreneurs speaking at Enterprising Futures, selected to exhibit on NWAA an event organised by the MLP, Careers and Farnborough’s stand on the Employability Division. International Youth Day and Public Days. Panellist and UMIST graduate Carolyn Blunt, who has her own company, Real Results Led by Professor Philip Withers, Training, said: “I didn’t conceive of the idea of Director of The University of running my own business until my mid-twenties, Manchester Aerospace Research A 3D journey into jet engine technology so it was inspiring to see so many students Institute (UMARI), the team is already have this in their focus.” collaborating with the Schools of techniques and testing components in much the same Materials, the School of Professor David Auckland, CEO of One Central procedures allow engine way doctors look at X-rays to Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Park, gave the keynote speech. An lunchtime designers to create jet engines diagnose broken bones. Using Engineering (MACE) and The exhibition featured MSEC, UMIC/UMIP, Venture that will lower the environmental this technology, Farnborough Air University of Manchester Point, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the MLP Careers & impact of air travel in the future. Show will be a good opportunity Aerospace Research Institute Employability Division and Blue Orchid, who also to allow everyone to take a (UMARI), as well as the Museum Visitors can then design their gave a talk on setting up a business. The day virtual journey through an of Science and Industry. own jet engine by selecting finished with a Dragons Den competition, which engine and learn about its materials presented on a added to the students’ understanding of what it The exhibition will allow young materials.” computer and simulating their takes to be an entrepreneur. people and their families to take engine flying, exploding or The exhibition is funded by the a virtual 3D journey through a crashing. EPSRC and the Royal Academy jet engine’s critical components, of Engineering and endorsed by seeing how innovative research, Professor Withers said: “We use Rolls-Royce and MACE. materials, manufacturing X-rays to examine engine 7 Research

In brief ‘Crispy noodle’ chemistry could £900,000 awarded to neuroscience project reduce carbon emissions Dr Stephen Welbourne, Professor Matt Lambon A new material with a structure resembling Ralph (both Psychological Sciences) and crispy noodles could help reduce carbon Professor Steve Furber (Computer Science) have dioxide emissions and drive the next received just over £900,000 from the EPSRC, generation of high-performance hydrogen cars. MRC and BBSRC as part of their Cognitive Foresight Scheme. Dr Peter Budd, a materials chemist in the Organic Materials Innovation Centre has won £150,000 of The interdisciplinary project ‘PDP-squared: new funding to explore the use of a special polymer Meaningful PDP Language Models using Parallel in effectively removing carbon dioxide as it is Distributed Processors’ has been funded for five years. It will use a new form of multi-processor belched from fossil fuel power stations or hydrogen computer to build larger and more realistic production plants. models of how the processes underlying The 18-month study, funded by the Engineering and language are implemented in the human brain. Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), will look The cross-Faculty collaboration between at the feasibility of using composite membranes ‘Crispy noodle’ polymers researchers from Medical & Human Sciences and made from a ‘polymer of intrinsic microporosity’, or Engineering & Physical Sciences was facilitated PIM, and a synthetic catalyst, to capture and recover by the Neuroscience Research Institute (NRI). carbon dioxide. “Imagine spaghetti - when it's all coiled together, there's not much space between the strands. Now The project expands on Dr Budd’s current exciting imagine crispy noodles - their rigid, twisted shape collaborative work, which aims to use PIMs to store www.manchester.ac.uk/ means there are lots of holes. neuroscience large amounts of hydrogen. This could enable safe hydrogen storage with an energy-efficient release – “The polymer is designed to have a rigid backbone, an ideal system for running hydrogen-powered cars. and it has twists and bends built into it. Because of this, lots of gaps and holes are created between Dr Budd said: “The PIMs act a bit like a sponge Six of the best molecules - perfect for tucking the hydrogen into. Six University researchers have been appointed when hydrogen is around. It's made up of long in the first cohort of National Institute for molecules that can trap hydrogen between them, PIMs were created at the University several years Health Research (NIHR) Senior Investigators. providing a way of supplying hydrogen on demand. ago by Dr Budd and colleagues. Professors Bonnie Sibbald, Martin Roland, Nigel Bundred, Nick Tarrier, Matt Lambon-Ralph and Shon Lewis, from the Faculty of Medical and Top docs rewarded for Human Sciences, were among 100 successful applicants selected in an open competition by an international panel of judges. contribution to healthcare These prestigious appointments acknowledge Two leading University researchers have been environment interactions and novel treatments for senior researchers and their work in applied elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of airway diseases. He is also a Consultant Respiratory clinical research, and reward internationally Medical Sciences. Physician and Clinical Academic Lead at the prominent, people-focused health researchers University Hospital of South Manchester. whose outstanding research contributions are Professor of Maternal and Fetal Health Philip Baker essential for decision-making in health and and Professor of Respiratory Medicine Ashley Professor Woodcock helped an international panel social care. Woodcock OBE are among 40 new Fellows across of climate change experts win this year’s Nobel The creation of NIHR Senior Investigators is the UK, elected for their outstanding contributions Prize for Peace, which was awarded jointly to the fundamental to the formation of the NIHR to the advancement of medical science, for Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) Faculty. This comprises people involved in innovative application of scientific knowledge and and former US Vice-President Al Gore. He chaired health research for the benefit of NHS conspicuous service to healthcare. the Medical Technical Options Committee, which investigated ozone-depleting chemicals in inhalers patients and the wider public, and people Professor Baker's major research contributions have for patients with respiratory problems for the who work for a UK university or NHS increased understanding and therapy of life- Montreal Protocol, for which he was awarded the organisation whose work is supported by threatening pregnancy complications, such as pre- NIHR or Department of Health Policy Research OBE in 2006. eclampsia. He has also promoted the role of Programme (PRP) funding. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in pregnancy and He has also been Chairman of the Clinical founded the University’s Maternal and Fetal Health Assembly of the European Respiratory Society, Research Centre, now Europe’s largest obstetric Chairman of the Royal College of Physicians research group, with the charity Tommy's. Tobacco Committee and Public Education Officer of the British Thoracic Society. Professor Baker is now Associate Dean for Research at the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences; Head of Research and Innovation at Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s Hospital NHS Trust, and Clinical Director of Manchester: Integrating Medicine and Innovative Technology (MIMIT). He also directs the newly awarded NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, has been Chairman of the Blair Bell Research Society and served on the MRC Advisory Board. Professor Woodcock leads the Respiratory Research Group in the North West Lung Centre, an internationally recognised group in translational and clinical lung research. His research includes Professor Ashley Woodcock Professor Philip Baker 8 early life development of asthma and allergy, gene Diabetes researcher’s In brief double delight A medic whose research has president of the ADA, the award helped millions of diabetes is given to those whose sufferers across the world for outstanding service in the cause three decades has received of diabetes has been performed two prestigious awards from with an international perspective his peers in the field. and with international impact. Professor Andrew Boulton from Diabetes is a fast-growing the Faculty of Medical and problem worldwide, due to the Human Sciences has been westernisation of diets and awarded the first-ever lifestyles in the developing world. Outstanding Achievement Award Professor Boulton’s research at by the American Professional Manchester DIALEX (Diabetes Wound Care Association. The Lower Extremity Research award was given for his lifetime Group), based at the Manchester commitment to research into Royal Infirmary, has shown that diabetic foot disorders, describing one in five diabetics develop him as “a true world opinion active foot problems, such as leader who continues to educate ulceration, and 20 per cent of the global medical community those have to undergo Award-winning Professor and benefit millions of individuals amputation. Most of the rest Andrew Boulton Stressed seaweed with this condition”. have significant risk factors, such contributes to cloudy as arterial disease. The only non-American to chair the important thing for me is to coastal skies an interest group for the Professor Boulton, who has also continue helping people who University scientists have helped to identify that American Diabetes Association, been awarded several NIH grants face such debilitating problems the presence of large amounts of seaweed in Professor Boulton has also been and Diabetes UK funding to due to their diabetes. It is a coastal areas can influence the climate. awarded its Harold Rifkin Award investigate maggots’ ability to growing problem and its effects A new international study has found that large for Distinguished International combat MRSA, said: “It has been need to be addressed.” brown seaweeds, when under stress, release Service. Named after a former a good year all round for us, but large quantities of inorganic iodine into the coastal atmosphere, where it may contribute to cloud formation. The paper’s co-author, Dr Gordon McFiggans, an Are small bioelectricity plants atmospheric scientist from the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, said: “The findings are applicable to any coastal areas dirtier than large ones? where there are extensive kelp beds. In the UK, these are typically places like the Hebrides, Small-scale, community-based bio-power Robin Hood's Bay and Anglesey. The kelps need plants produce higher levels of emissions per rocky, inter-tidal zones to prosper - sandy unit of electrical output than large facilities, beaches aren't very good. according to new research from Manchester’s “The increase in the number of cloud Tyndall Centre for Climate Research. condensation nuclei may lead to ‘thicker’ Dr Patricia Thornley and Dr Paul Upham report that clouds. These reflect more sunlight upwards while small facilities do have their plus points – for and allow less to reach the ground, and last for example, transport impacts are lower and local longer. In such a cloud, there are higher communities tend to like and support them – their numbers of small cloud droplets and rainfall is environmental performance is usually inferior to suppressed, compared with clouds of fewer, that of larger plants. larger droplets. However, they stress that the overall pros and cons “The increase in cloud condensation nuclei by of different types of bioelectricity generating kelps could lead to more extensive, longer- facilities cannot be judged on just one parameter. lasting cloud cover in the coastal region – a much moodier, typically British coastal skyline.” “There is a need to look at emissions, carbon savings, costs and jobs all side by side – and that is The research was published in the Proceedings What is the future for bioenergy? what we have done in this study,” said Dr Thornley. of the National Academy of Science. The researchers also found that, while the The work – as part of the SUPERGEN Biomass and biopower generating systems studied all showed Bioenergy Consortium – assesses the impact of 25 substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions complete bioelectricity systems, from crop compared to conventional grid electricity, using the establishment to energy demand servicing. It is the most efficient technology available in bioelectricity most comprehensive UK-focused study of biomass plants does not necessarily result in the lowest electricity generation systems ever conducted. carbon emissions. For the research, four key airborne pollutants – The research was conducted in conjunction with carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates and The University of Ulster and Aston University and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – were tracked is designed to support future decision-making across every step in the bioenergy system, from when it comes to developing new types of field to power plant. bioenergy resources. 9 Research

In brief Research spotlight

MBS expert advises international investment Leading Zionist’s forum Dr Axèle Giroud, Manchester science Senior Lecturer in International Business at achievements remembered Manchester Business School, The Manchester science career of a leading recently spoke at Zionist has been acknowledged during the prestigious coverage of the 60th anniversary of the State Seventh Global of Israel’s creation. Forum on International Chaim Azriel Weizmann (1874-1952) was an Investment. important international Zionist leader, who became President of the State of Israel. The conference, ‘Best Practices in But his early career was spent working as a chemist Promoting at The University of Manchester, developing Investment for Dr Axèle Giroud, Senior bacterial chemistry techniques that allowed him to Development’, Lecturer in International produce acetone – something that arguably helped was jointly Business the Allied Powers win the First World War. organised by the Organisation for Weizmann arrived in Manchester in 1904 and Economic Co-operation and Development and became a Research Fellow at the University – then the United Nations Conference on Trade and Owens College – in 1905. He progressed to the Development. High profile keynote speakers position of Reader in Biochemistry – but to his included the Prime Minister of Peru, ministers disappointment was never elected to a professorial from Uganda, Egypt, Costa Rica, Ecuador and chair, despite developing a new process of highly ranked officials from Saudi Arabia, India producing acetone through bacterial fermentation. and Vietnam. Acetone, a solvent needed for the production of Dr Giroud presented her paper, which examines explosives, was in short supply before World War I. the implementation of multinational linkage For the anniversary, BBC Manchester Online ran an policies, using the Malaysian government as an extensive article on Weizmann’s scientific Chaim Azriel Weizmann example of best practice. The paper was co- achievements at the University, while BBC Radio 4 authored by Dr Delane Botelho, Escola Braziliera interviewed the School of Chemistry’s Professor the bacterium ‘Clostridium acetybutylicum de Administraçaõ Pública e de Empresas. Paul O’Brien for a special documentary about Weizmanii’ and used them to brew acetone – are Dr Giroud’s research has been recognised by the Weizmann’s life. Euro-Asian Management Studies Association still standing and overlook Burlington Street. On today’s modern campus, references to Weizmann (EAMSA), of which she has recently been His small study and the lecture theatre where he and his scientific work remain. The small basement elected European vice-president. lectured to students also remain, just off the Rear laboratory where he first worked now houses the Quadrangle on Coupland Street, while an Epstein HerbiVores Vegetarian Café on Burlington Street. bust of Weizmann sits proudly in the foyer of the The Perkins Laboratories – where Weizmann bred Rising stars of research meet Chemistry Building. Two University researchers joined an eclectic group of rising stars from science and humanities for the first of four meetings designed to encourage innovation and collaboration. Record funding helps scientists Lecturer in Bioethics Dr Muireann Quigley, from the School of Law, and Dr Tess Phillips, from the study breast cancer protein School of Chemistry, spent the first ‘lab’ discussing ideas and speaking to media and University scientists have been awarded almost £200,000 from charity Breast Cancer Campaign to public policy experts in Cambridge and help them investigate new ways to beat the disease. Westminster. They also quizzed MPs Tim Boswell, Ian Gibson and Evan Harris during a Dr Andrew Gilmore and Professor Charles Streuli, from the Faculty of Life Sciences, have received a three- ‘Question Time’ style discussion. year research grant worth £193,000 to study a protein called Fak, which scientists believe plays a role in changing normal breast cells to breast cancer cells. Dr Quigley said: “It can be hard for researchers to come into contact with others from different The protein tells normal cells that they should only grow and survive when they are in the correct place. disciplines – and that’s a shame, as that sort of Too much Fak can allow cells to grow in locations where they normally would not. collaboration can be extremely innovative. This Cancer cells can move to and grow in other places in the body, leading to secondary tumours. Changes in scheme provides a fantastic opportunity to do the amount of Fak can be seen early in breast cancer. These changes may predispose cancer cells to just that. We also hugely appreciated speaking spread, so it may be possible to target Fak to prevent early cancer cells from spreading. to journalists about communicating with the public by engaging with the media - an Dr Gilmore said: “Treating breast cancer early helps stop the growth and spread of tumours. When we extremely important activity.” understand more about the role of Fak, we may be able to form the basis of a new breast cancer treatment.” The £15 million Crucible programme is run by The National Endowment for Science, The Manchester grant is one of several funding awards announced recently, totalling a record £5 million – Technology and the Arts (Nesta). the most ever awarded by the charity in a single year. 10 Feature

Working towards a diverse future

Aneez Esmail, Associate Vice-President for Equality and Diversity, outlines future diversity and equality strategies in his first Race in Leadership report. “Walk down Oxford Road during term-time and the University’s diversity is clearly apparent, as British students mingle with students from all over the world. Yet, walk into a meeting of academics, or senior University staff, and it’s a different picture. Out of over 600 University Professors, only 45 are from a black or minority ethnic group (BME), while just 18 out of 415 senior administrative positions are held by BME staff members. “As part of the Race in Leadership initiative, set up in 2006 to tackle Aneez Esmail diversity and equality issues surrounding the proportion of BME staff in leadership positions, I have completed the first in a series of biannual reports which identifies problems in this area and recommends suitable solutions. “A baseline survey on staff diversity incorporates results from staff surveys, investigations of complaints and interviews. Over 200 staff were consulted to assess how BME staff identified problems they face in areas such as Students at a Shanghai graduation ceremony career progression. “I believe we have a mountain to climb in making the University more representative of society, especially at senior levels. There is a gulf between the values of equality and collegiality that we espouse, the need Chinese lavish attention to increase our international standing in research and teaching, and the reality of what happens when we try to recruit the best staff and help on British students them realise their potential. “We are already making significant progress. Structures are now in place to collect and monitor relevant data on areas such as recruitment and British undergraduates have had the experience of a lifetime in China, promotion. We have key performance indicators around equality and courtesy of the University’s Centre for Chinese Studies, which is managing the first-ever Government-sponsored study programme to diversity and are questioning, challenging and holding accountable senior the country. mangers and academics. The 420 students from 80 universities unexpectedly found themselves the “We aim to ensure that all staff receive necessary training and development focus of significant media attention as major broadcasters and newspapers – to enable them to apply for senior positions. And we will focus on including Central China Television, Shanghai TV, China Youth Daily and Wenhui recruitment and career progression, challenging Heads of Schools and Daily – were among 30 outlets to cover the initiative. Administration to ensure that applicants and shortlists for senior positions are more representative and include credible and diverse candidates. The project – now in its second year - has been grabbing the Chinese media’s headlines since its launch, when the Vice Chairman of National People’s “The Race in Leadership Report forms part of the University’s equality and Congress Professor Xu JiaLu welcomed the first student group to the country. diversity strategy, along with the Race Equality Scheme, which details The students have lessons in Chinese language, business and society, visit practical steps that we are taking to promote race equality and diversity. cultural sites and local businesses and shadow young Chinese at work. “I think that we are well placed to make significant changes. The President Project Manager and Administrative Manager at the Centre for Chinese and Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar and Secretary are fully committed to Studies, Karen Wang, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the attention our recognising the problems and ensuring that the recommendations of this students have received – it’s amazing. It’s a strong indication the project has report are implemented. There is a huge amount of goodwill throughout been really successful. the University to support these changes and structures are in place to ensure that we can monitor progress. “And we have had a huge response from British students – the demand far outstrips available places. With the confidence of knowing what China is like, “The potential benefits are huge.” and equipped with basic language skills, more students are considering China The Report and the Race Equality Scheme are available on the Equality and as a destination for their future study and employment.” Diversity website. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and the Scottish Government, have asked the Centre to continue managing the project, with the objective of recruiting another 450 undergraduates for 2008/09.

www.manchester.ac.uk/equalityanddiversity 11 Profile

Cole’s Commitment

You wouldn’t think that a bus ride from Salford doing that. Funded as a national resource primarily search engines”. Mimas, along with the UK’s other into Manchester could be “heart-stopping”. But by the ESRC and JISC (Joint Information Systems national data centre, Edina at Edinburgh, is doing that is how Keith Cole describes it. It changed Committee), and hosted by the University, Mimas just that – and Keith Cole is very much alive to and his life. now embraces a family of major resources, up for that challenge. including library catalogues, archival descriptions, “I was reading The Guardian on the bus and Fortunately, he was early in the field. After research articles, socio-economic and geospatial saw an advertisement for a job – it was a heart- graduating in 1977 from Keele, where he did Joint research dataset, learning materials, resource stopping moment,” he says. “I knew at once Honours in Geography and History, he went to discovery tools, electronic journals and so on. that it was absolutely the job for me. It was Portsmouth as an SSRC Research Student – a serendipity.” Meant to be. It really is quite remarkable – and it is available significant beginning on what was to develop into on your desktop. Administratively, Mimas now his life’s interest. “I was looking at the role of local That was nearly 25 years ago – and the job was sits within the Faculty of Humanities – but the government as an agent of change in the local based at The University of Manchester Regional key to its success is that it is totally housing market,” he says. “I needed to use census Computing Centre (UMRCC), supporting users interdisciplinary in focus. data, but was struck by how difficult it was to go who wanted to access 1981 census data. It was beyond the print-out and get computer access to a two-year appointment – and he’s still here, but “I don’t think that staff and students in the the data.” now as Director of Mimas (Manchester University are as aware of our services, and our Information and Associated Services), which research and development activities, as they might Thus, the seed was sown. He started to write data provides access to a vast range of data and be,” Keith says. “We are here to support research, analysis programs on some of the earliest micro information resources to the entire UK Higher teaching and learning across a very wide range of computers. In 1983, he moved to Salford and Further Education sector. disciplines, with access to quality data and University as a Research Associate in the specialist support services.” Department of Geography to develop his work. So, the original job certainly was the job for him Again, using 1981 Census, particularly Small Area – as is his present one. In those early days, he “Quality” is the key word. As a recent Education Statistics, he looked at how the local authority’s got to know all the users, about 100, by name. Guardian article put it, “a digital treasure trove of public services were provided – and used. He also Nowadays, the users number hundreds of information is out there for the taking” – “a looked at the problems associated with analysing thousands and are growing all the time, as the search engine that is both academic and user- the statistics. He then enjoyed a spell as Program scope of Mimas expands. friendly” - describing it as fighting “the Google Advisor to the university’s computer services – effect”, described by one professor as a tendency Put simply, his commitment is to providing which gave him insight into providing a responsive towards mediocrity. world-class quality data and information services user support service. to the UK academic community for research and The challenge, said the article, was to be He also had a brief spell as a Research Assistant in teaching. No-one could be more “sufficiently user-friendly to attract and retain a the Department of Town and Country Planning at committed to or enthusiastic about generation of students reared on commercial 12 CV

Name Keith John Cole Position Director of Mimas - a JISC and ESRC supported national data centre based at The University of Manchester. Education 1977 BA Joint Honours, Geography and History, University of Keele Career Present Director of Mimas. Deputy Executive Director National Centre of e-Social Science (NCeSS) School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, The University of Manchester 2001-2007 Deputy Director and Mimas Service Manager, Manchester Computing, The University of Manchester 1995-2001 Mimas Service Manager, Manchester Computing, The University of Manchester 1986-1995 National Datasets Co-ordinator, Manchester Computing Centre, The University of Manchester. 1984-1986 1981 Census Support Officer, UMRCC, The University of Manchester. 1983-1984 Research Associate, Department of Geography, University of Salford. 1977-1980 SSRC Research Student, this University, working on a Nuffield Foundation- Coming to this University was also “heart- Department of Geography, funded project analysing counter-urbanisation and stopping” in another, more personal, sense – Keith Portsmouth Polytechnic. social change in rural Mid-Wales, 1971-81. met his wife, Diana, then working as a Departmental Secretary (she now runs her own Then came that “heart-stopping” bus ride. “It was garden design and landscaping business). They live good timing,” he says. “I came in at the right at Mellor and have two sons, Thomas, 13, and 11- stage of the development of network-based data year-old Stephen. services and there was a real spirit of going forward in order to provide more access to the The boys are keen on lacrosse and cricket – and in data for more users.” the next few weeks Keith can be found in his role as scorer for the boys’ team at Mellor cricket club. Progress has been – and continues to be – He’s also keen on running – one of the highlights remarkable. Keith himself is a leader in the field, of his weekend is putting on his running shoes and with many publications to his credit and an heading off-road for a five-mile hill run, in all outstanding record of completed research projects. weathers. “From Mellor, that lets me take in And he has served on a number of advisory boards, spectacular views across Kinder Scout in one particularly in relation to UK Census. direction and Manchester in the other,” he says. As Director of Mimas, he now oversees a dazzling “After cleaning off all the mud, I’m ready for array of resources, embracing those such as Copac, whatever the coming week has to throw at me.” providing access to all the major library catalogues; But Mimas is never completely off his agenda – and The Archives Hub, covering archives and for all its size and scope today, at the core of it all is manuscript collections, and Intute, the online Keith’s commitment to providing a quality service to service or web resources for education and individual academics and students – and getting the research, chosen and evaluated by a network of information readily to the user’s desktop. subject specialists. * The annual Mimas Open Forum will be held on Another “first” is providing UK academics and Wednesday, 9 July 2008, at MANDEC, 10am – researchers with free access to key international 4pm. Topic: Anticipating User Needs of the Future. data resources via ESDS (Economic and Social Data Services), covering a range of regularly updated databanks from organisations such as the OECD, the IMF and the World Bank. 13 Reaching Out

School of Pharmacy welcomes young people in care

Local teenagers in care recently had a taste of higher education at the School of Pharmacy, as part of AimHigher Greater Manchester’s Looked After Children initiative. An all-day workshop, attended by 13 and 14- year-olds from Stockport and Trafford, aimed to build aspirations around post-16 education, while introducing Pharmacy as an exciting, MSV Manager Andrea Rannard (left) with the award-winning student volunteers attainable career option. Event organiser and University Aimhigher Coordinator, Alison Gregory, spoke about the Award-winning student benefits and practicalities of higher education and University support available for care leavers, such as 52-week annual volunteers show accommodation and various loans, bursaries and Local Authority funding. enterprising achievements Care leaver Donna Perry, who starts a Nursing degree at the University in September, also gave a talk. Donna has experienced mental health Five Manchester undergraduates won awards second annual Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Relay issues and left school aged 15 with no at this year’s Student Volunteering Gold For Life. Relay for Life, the 24-hour, student-led, qualifications. Awards, run by Volunteering England. community event, was opened by President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Gilbert, Patron of Second-year Physics student Rachel Walsh gained She said: “I enjoy education and believe it’s the University’s relay team, and run in partnership her award for leading the University to victory as important that people push themselves to with CRUK and Manchester Student Volunteers Rookie Champions of the Year in the recent achieve the things they want in life; but I know (MSV). it’s harder for some than others. I wanted to Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) UK competition. do this talk because I thought I could help SIFE focuses on 'learning by doing' in decision- Rebecca said: “I was really pleased to get the Gold others realise their own potential by sharing my making, teamwork, diversity, ethics and building Award, as our committee had to work hard this own experiences.” sustainable organisations. year to organise the event alongside our final-year studies. Raising over £10,000 for Cancer Research Rachel’s team ran two projects: Next Generation, The children and their support adults undertook UK meant that Manchester University Relay for Life teaching sixth-form students skills necessary to a ‘lotions and potions’ class in the pharmacy is still the most successful of all UK relays organised deliver IT classes for elderly people; and Global dispensing lab, and observed a pharmacy by students.” undergraduate aseptics class in operation. Greetings, helping primary school children to Undergraduates assisted throughout the day. produce, market and sell greetings cards to the Final-year Mathematics and Physics student Jill local community. A third upcoming project, The Merrett was also recognised for her work on the David Allison, Widening Participation co- Ethical Tours, will establish a tour guide company SIFE team, while Andrew Smith, third-year Earth ordinator for Pharmacy, said: “Only six per cent where tours are conducted by homeless people, to Sciences student, and Kyriakos Hadjikypris, final- of children from a care background progress to give them skills to enhance their employability. year Economic Science student, were awarded for higher education, compared to approximately their work with Student Action Group for the Rachel said: “As a new team, it was a massive 40 per cent of young people nationally. Events Environment (SAGE). such as these not only help vulnerable children achievement to be awarded Rookie Champions. to learn about different careers, but also show I've had a fantastic time and have learnt so much MSV, part of the University’s MLP, Careers & them that university can be fun and that they through this.” Employability Division, worked closely with all five winning students to support their projects. have every right to attend.” Final-year Psychology student Rebecca Kelly won The event was funded by Aimhigher Greater her award through chairing the University’s recent Manchester, part of a national programme to support widening participation and get more young people into higher education by 2010.

www.aimhighergreater ‘Big Brain’kids are psyched up manchester.co.uk The annual four-day ‘Big Brain Summer School’ consider further education. It is co-ordinated by was recently held at the School of teachers from outside the University as part of the Psychological Sciences for 30 Year Ten students Aim Higher initiative. from local schools who have been identified as The school ran each morning for four days in May “gifted and talented”. with the help of staff members from Psychology, The event is part of the University’s Widening Audiology, Clinical Psychology, and Speech and 14 Participation initiative to encourage children to Language Therapy. Teaching and Learning

Students enjoy animal antics at the Museum

The Faculty of Life Science (FLS) and Manchester Museum recently joined forces to deliver a practical session for first-year Biology undergraduates learning about the adaptations of animals. The session – entitled ‘Animal adaptations to diverse environments: why does that frog have red eyes?’ – was run by FLS staff members Dr Amanda Bamford and Dr Ruth Grady, with the knowledge and enthusiastic help of Andrew Gray, the Museum’s Curator of Herpatology. Around 120 students visited the Museum in order to compare the adaptations of animals using living examples of amphibians, reptiles, spiders and insects, exploring the wide variety of unusual ways animals have adapted to survive. Students experience hands-on learning Dr Bamford said: “It was no surprise that this was at the Museum one of the most popular practical sessions on the Student course course, with an overwhelmingly positive response from participating students. By close examination “Not only was it great fun for the students, but it of the live animals available at the Museum – also illustrates the exceptional resource that project raises including handling them – students could gain a Manchester Museum can provide, providing many deeper understanding of animal characteristics, unique opportunities for innovative teaching classification and adaptation. experiences.” funds for www.manchester.ac.uk/museum cancer research

Four students undertaking a Career Management Skills (CMS) module as part of Tesco CEO speaks to MLP students their degrees recently organised the University’s first-ever Cancer Awareness Week. Humanities undergraduates Yvette Bello, Ffion forms part of the MLP, along with Jones (both Modern Languages), Helen Moore 60 hours of volunteering work. (French Studies) and Alexandra Hayes (English Sir Terry said: “The MLP is the Language) raised £700 for Cancer Research UK best possible preparation for through various fundraising activities and ran leadership… to develop your information stands at the Students’ Union over character and values as a leader, the course of the week. for your future careers and as The star event was a visit from well-known citizens and members of the entrepreneur and Managing Director of St community.” Tropez, Judy Naake, who travelled to Students who have successfully Manchester from her home in Nottinghamshire completed both parts of this to talk to students about her experiences as a year’s MLP will receive the cancer survivor. Manchester Leadership Award at The event was a practical project undertaken as a Celebration Event on 5 June. part of the credit-rated CMS course, which is Colette Cook, MLP Manager, run by the MLP, Careers & Employability said: “The MLP is going from Division. It was generated by Manchester strength to strength, with high Student Volunteers, also part of the Division, profile representatives from which sources community projects for Sir Terry Leahy talks to MLP students business, the community and the CMS students. University offering their input Course Leader Chris Hughes said: “The and support. Sir Terry Leahy, CEO of Tesco, His lecture, which talked about students demonstrated excellent organisational recently delivered a lecture the need to maintain values, self- “Next year, 600 places will be and project management skills in the for students on the awareness and sustainable work- available to students across the development of this successful week-long Manchester Leadership life balance for successful University, including an online event, which was timed to tie in with the Programme (MLP) on the leadership, marked the close of version of the Programme, which University’s Relay for Life for Cancer Research topic of ‘Building a Business this semester’s credit-rated was successfully piloted this year UK. It is likely that Cancer Awareness Week of Leaders’. Leadership in Action unit, which with an intake of 107 students.” will continue to run as an annual event in Manchester’s student calendar.” www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/mlp 15 What’s On

Music and Drama Centre for New Writing The Whitworth Monday 30 June, 5pm, The John Thaw Studio Theatre, at Manchester £3/£2 Art Gallery Estival Joe Stretch and Neil Rollinson DISPLAYS/COLLECTIONS The Martin Harris Centre plays host to a week of Join us for an early evening burst of poetry and prose concerts by The University of Manchester's Music Society. CityVisions until August 2008 with new novelist Joe Stretch and poet Neil Rollinson. See the website for full programme details. Daytime This exhibition looks at how artists have represented concerts FREE/Evening concerts £8/£5/Student Special Tuesday 1 July, 6.30pm, Whitworth Hall, £5/£3 the experience of urban living in the last 150 years. Monday 2 June Martin Amis Public Event Flights of Fancy: Select decorative schemes of the 1920s & 30s, until Oct 2008 String Orchestra Concert, 1-2pm Literature and Religion with James Wood and Graham In the early 20th century the influence of Modernism Afternoon Concert, 3-4pm Ward. Renowned novelist Martin Amis will be joined by encouraged a move away from highly patterned walls. Big Band Concert, 7-9pm noted critic James Wood and leading theologian Graham This change in fashion affected wallpaper production as Tuesday 3 June Ward for this, his third public debate at the Centre. a whole and manufacturers, keen to retain their Brass Ensemble Concert, 1-2pm Wednesday 23 July, 1pm, Central Library customers, produced numerous fancy paper Afternoon Concert (Soloists), 3-4pm decorations to add interest to plain or textured Committee Room, FREE Ad Solem Concert, 7-9pm backgrounds. Michael Symmons Roberts and Ian McGuire Weds 4 June Drop into our free lunchtime reading to hear Michael Anne Desmet: Urban Evolution until Sept 2008 Baroque Orchestra Concert, 1-2pm Urban Evolution features work made by Desmet in the Symmons Roberts and Ian McGuire read from their work. Afternoon Concert, 3-4pm last 10 years, including images based on the Evening MUWO Concert, 7-9pm To book tickets call 0161 275 8951, or visit deterioration and regeneration of Manchester’s Victoria www.quaytickets.com/WhatsOn/EventDetail.aspx? Baths. Thur 5 June EventId=1822 Lunchtime Concert, 1-2pm Neverland: Rediscovering Child Art until Aug 2008 Afternoon Concert, 3-4pm The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama Neverland explores the visual inventiveness and Sinfonietta Concert, 7-9pm Bridgeford Street, Manchester M13 9PL spontaneity of children’s drawings and looks at how 0161 275 8951/8950 artists like Picasso, Klee and Miro have collected Sun 8 June, 5pm £12.50 advance/£15 on the door email [email protected] children’s drawings and been inspired by their creativity. Manchester Does…. The Last Waltz www.manchester.ac.uk/martinharriscentre Manchester's finest musicians pay tribute to the FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS legendary gig playing their own songs plus Colourful Sundays interpretations of the artists you know and love. Every Sunday 1.30 - 3.30pm, Free no need to book Tickets www.quaytickets.com/WhatsOn/ Every Sunday is Colourful Sunday. Join friends, family EventDetail.aspx?EventId=1839 International Society and artists for our popular Sunday drop-in creative Fri 13 to Sun 15 June SPRING TRIPS workshops. There are new exciting arty activities to take part in every week, which explore creative Quatuor Danel Open House Weekend Saturday 7 June This three-day event sees the Quatuor Danel and techniques from drawing to creating your own punk York peg dolls and robot head masks! Suitable for all ages. Professor David Fanning coaching students and Sunday 8 June Toddlertastic Art Adventures! members of the public, directing sight-reading sessions Peak District visiting Matlock Bath and the Heights Workshops, every second Monday of the month, 10.30 and taking part in informal concerts alongside those of Abraham ensembles who wish to perform in public. Registration - 11.30am. Free, please book on 0161 275 7450 Saturday 14 June forms can be downloaded www.arts.manchester.ac.uk/ Come and enjoy a story adventure around the gallery Scarborough martinharriscentre/danels.php while creating your own mini masterpiece! Especially Sunday 15 June for those budding artists under five. The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama Tatton Park Medieval Fayre Bridgeford Street, Manchester M13 9PL Collection Exhibitions Archive Now Online Saturday 21 June 0161 275 8951/8950 The Whitworth’s online ‘Collections Catalogue’ now Liverpool European Capital of Culture guided email [email protected] allows you to browse and search selected exhibitions coach tour www.manchester.ac.uk/martinharriscentre held at the Gallery over the past 10 years. Follow the Sunday 22 June link from homepage at: North Wales visiting Llangollen and Powis Castle www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk Saturday 28 June The Whitworth Art Gallery Contact Theatre Stratford upon Avon (birthplace of William Oxford Road, Manchester Weds 11 to Sat 14 June, 7.30pm, Sun 15 June 6pm, Shakespeare) 0161 275 7450 £10/£6 Sunday 29 June email [email protected] Quarantine, Contact and Tramway presents Peak District visiting Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Old People, Children & Animals Saturday 5 July Why should we never work with children or animals? Anglesey Thurs 19 June to Sat 21 June, 7.30pm £10/£6 Sunday 6 July Courses for the Public Grupo XIX De Teatro presents Blackpool The Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) runs a large Hysteria Saturday 12 July and varied programme of courses designed for adults A Brazilian off-site production at Manchesters Victoria Lake District visiting Coniston Water Festival and studying part-time, whether for pleasure or personal/ Baths. Windermere professional development. Most are open to beginners Thurs 19 June to Sat 21 June, 7.30pm £3/£2 Sunday 13 July and no prior knowledge is assumed unless stated. Contact presents Formby and Southport Concessions are available to staff and graduates of The At Home 08 resident: Akiel Chinelo Saturday 19 July University of Manchester. Brochures and application Marking the final year of At Home residencies... Quarry Bank Mill and Dunham Massey Country forms are available on request. Fri 11 July, 8pm £6/£4 Estate CCE, 1st Floor, Humanities Devas Street Differing Perspectives presents Sunday 20 July 0161 275 3275 Space Dread Yorkshire Dales visiting Bolton Abbey and Skipton www.manchester.ac.uk/continuingeducation Follow the journey of a young rebel who is sent to the Castle end of time. Opening hours Thurs 17 July to Sat 19 July, 7.30pm £6/£4 Mon-Fri 9.30am – 7pm (during term time) Space 3 presents Mon-Fri 9.30am – 5pm (during vacation) Buy:Sell Small World Café opening hours Contact's own rising-stars in their new show Mon-Fri 11am – 3pm Oxford Road, Manchester 327 Oxford Road (next to Krobar) Tickets/Info 0161 274 0600 0161 275 4959 www.contact-theatre.org email [email protected] 16 www.internationalsociety.org.uk John Rylands Library The Manchester Jodrell Bank EVENTS (Deansgate) Museum First Move.2 Literary Festival Weekend Visit the historic John Rylands Library on Deansgate, SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS The weekend marks the launch of the Big Science Read central Manchester, home to one of the country’s an initiative to get people reading and talking about Lindow Man: A bog body mystery greatest collections of printed books, manuscripts and the things that happen in Science and Science Fiction! archives. Regarded as one of the city’s most beautiful FAMILY ACTIVITIES Fri 13 June, 7.30pm, £5 buildings, the Library has just been voted Manchester’s June Big Saturday: Bug Day The Culture of Spaceflight Best Iconic Building in the MCR Awards 2007. Saturday 21 June, 11am-4pm Piers Bizony, author of The Man Who Ran the Moon Permanent exhibitions tell the story of the Library, Celebrate National Insect Week and get up close to live and How to Build Your Own Space Ship, gives a great display treasures from the collections and include insects and specimens from the Museum’s collection. talk on the ups and downs of our quest into space! interactive exhibits to engage visitors. Magic Carpet: Bugs and Insects Sat 14 June, 1.30pm, FREE Close-up Session: every Thursday 12.15-pm Friday 27 June, 11am-12noon. £1, Under 5s. Rocket Workshop Enjoy a closer look at selected items from the Library's Stories, rhymes and creepy crawly craft activities. Come and find out how rockets work – and see how outstanding collections and find out more about the Book on 0161 275 2648. far you can make yours fly! This workshop is free of building every Thursday lunchtime. TALKS AND TOURS: charge, but places are limited. Please call From Kashmir to Kandy: A South Asian Odyssey 01477 571339 to book. until 29 September Showcase seminar: Untangling the threads: Greek embroidery collections in British Museums Saturday 14 June, 7.30pm, £5 This exhibition celebrates the diversity and vibrance of Science and Civilisation South Asia through the John Rylands Library’s collections Wednesday 4 June, 3-5pm. Free With Ann French, The Whitworth Art Gallery. Drop-in. Celebrated Science Fiction Author Brian Aldiss will talk of South Asian books, manuscripts and archives. about 'Science and Civilisation' in our 'Hot Spot' Pavilion. Bedouin Jerry Can Band From Kashmir to Kandy: South Asian Arts Sun 6 July (additional charge £2 per person) Monday 9 June, 5.30-6.30pm. Book, £1 Workshops Plant Fair Working in partnership with Kala Sangam, the Library is Performance of Bedouin Sufi and Rabba folk songs and hosting a summer programme of workshops. dancing. Wed 16 July, 1.30 pm, £13.50 Trees in Summer Poetic Inspirations Public opening hours Join the Arboretum Curator for a talk on Trees in Thursday 12 June, 6.30-8pm. Free Mon and Wed-Sat 10am-5pm Summer followed by a guided walk of the Arboretum Lindow Man inspired poetry reading and creative Tues and Sun 12pm-5pm and afternoon tea. Booking is essential. Reader opening hours writing. Book on 0161 275 3274. Fri 1 August, 8.30am, £8 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Refugee Week: Give + Take Total Solar Eclipse FREE ADMISSION Saturday 14 June, 1-3pm. Drop-in, free Join us for breakfast and view the partial solar eclipse. The John Rylands Library Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST) share their Mon 4 to Fri 8 August and Mon 18 to Fri 22 August, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH experiences and explore their links with Manchester. 2pm, FREE 0161 306 0555 Walking Lindow Moss Ask an Astronomer email [email protected] Saturday 14 June, 2-4pm, £3 Ask a Jodrell Bank Astronomer all those burning www.manchester.ac.uk/library Visit Lindow Moss and find out where Lindow Man was questions about stars, planets or the telescope. found. Book on 0161 275 2643. Sat 9 August, 9pm to midnight, £8.50/£6.50 Ideas Café: Sacrificial Theory and Lindow Man Perseids Meteor Shower Party Monday 16 June, 6.30-8pm. Free Watch the Perseids meteor shower and use telescopes Chaplaincies Bryan Sitch, Curator of Archaeology, explains his to view the planets, weather permitting. personal theory about Lindow Man’s death. BSL St Peter’s House Chaplaincy Summer opening hours interpreted. Book on 0161 275 3274. SUNDAY WORSHIP Every day 10:30am to 5pm, until Sun 28 Oct. 11am Holy Communion Summer School Jodrell Bank Observatory Visitor Centre 12.15am Bible Study Monday 23 – Friday 27 June Macclesfield, Cheshire 12.45 Lunch (1st Sunday) Organised by the Museum and KNH-Centre for 01477 571339 6.30pm Evening Worship (term-time only) biomedical Egyptology. Book on 0161 275 3274 www.manchester.ac.uk/jodrellbank/viscen FOYER 10am - 5pm www.manchester.ac.uk/coursespublic An area where students and staff can relax and meet Opening hours friends. A tea/coffee machine is available. Open: Tues-Sat 10am - 5pm Precinct Centre Sun-Mon (and Bank Holidays) 11am - 4pm 0161 275 2894 FREE Admission Gig Guide email [email protected] MANCHESTER ACADEMY 1, 2 and 3 The Manchester Museum RC Chaplaincy, Avila House Oxford Road, Manchester Flogging Molly Tue 3 June Mass Times (term-time only) 0161 275 2634 Black Kids Fri 6 June SUNDAY: 7pm (in the Holy Name Church) next door to www.manchester.ac.uk/museum Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks Sat 7 June Chaplaincy John Sebastian Mon, Wed, Fri: 6pm in the Chaplaincy Chapel The Road to Download Tue 10 June Tues, Thurs: 12.15pm in the Chaplaincy Chapel Oxford Road (opposite the Students’ Union) Cat Power Wed 11 June 0161 273 1456 Burlington Society Isabel Campbell & Mark Lanegan Thur 12 June email [email protected] The Society of Mature Students and Postgraduates in The Lancashire Hotpots Fri 13 June www.rc-chaplaincy-um.org.uk the Universities of Greater Manchester. Blue Oyster Cult Sun 15 June The Jewish Student Centre and Synagogue Burlington Rooms, Schunck Building Queescryche Tue 17 June Hillel House, Greenheys Lane Burlington Street (next to JRUL) Spocks Beard Fri 4 July 0161 226 1139 0161 275 2392 Drive by Truckers Fri 8 Aug email [email protected] www.burlington.man.ac.uk Nearly Dan Sat 13 Sept www.rabbiyy.com Frank Sidebottom & Charlie Chuck Fri 26 Sept Tickets from: Students' Union, Oxford Road Piccadilly Box Office @ easy Internet Café (c/c) 0871 2200260 Royal Court (Liverpool) 0151 709 4321 (c/c) Students’ Union Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL 0161 275 2930 www.manchesteracademy.net 17 Full colour and black and white digital printing and copying Hardback and Softback Binding International Fax Bureau Design for Posters, Flyers etc T-Shirts and Mouse Mats

Barnes Wallis Building, The University of Manchester, Sackville St, Manchester tel: (0161) 306 3269 email: [email protected] www.u-print.com

18

Discover the Whitworth

Through the eyes of a child

Esmé Ward, Head of Learning at The Whitworth Art Gallery, discusses children’s creativity and its influence on art. “Our new exhibition ‘Neverland: Rediscovering Child Art?’ has just opened for the summer; an exhibition which explores the images and influences of child art. We saw a ready connection between this exhibition, our learning programmes for schools and our early years programme, as well as the family- friendly activities we run here at the Whitworth. “Children’s creativity is very powerful for parents and artists. We could make obvious links with works from our collection, like this 1937 work, ‘Moon Over the Cottage’, by Paul Klee (pictured). “Many big names from 20th-century modern art, such as Jean Dubuffet, Matisse, Kandisky and Joan Miro, acknowledged the influence of children’s work on their own work. In our exhibition, we pick out and explore these artists’ relationships with child art through their art, through their own family relationships and through their words and stories. “Paul Klee, for example, once talked about his five- year-old son, Felix, saying: ‘The pictures my little Felix draws are better than mine.’ Karel Appel Paul Klee, ‘Moon Over the Cottage’ (1937) described children’s drawings as ‘a gust of fresh air’. These artists were interested in the spontaneity and “We wanted to develop a show that was critically their own creativity – so we’ve included children’s inventiveness of children and expressed their desire engaged and would provoke discussion, proving ideas in the exhibition through our work with to recapture that energy in their own work. As well interesting to parents and children alike and giving schools and families.” as revealing the inspiration that youthful creativity them something that they could talk to each other Neverland:Rediscovering Child Art? runs at The held for them, there’s also a certain amount of about. Very rarely do we get to hear what children Whitworth Art Gallery until 17 August. wistfulness apparent in these artists talking about think and, arguably, they have the most insight into something that they couldn’t return to. www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth

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News Contact Events Contact Adverts Contact News and story ideas Events and listings information Ads and distribution queries Internal Communications Office Philippa Adshead Janice Brown tel 0161 275 2112 tel 0161 275 2922 tel 0161 275 2113 email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected] online www.manchester.ac.uk/staffnet/news Deadline 12 noon 18 September Deadline 12 noon 18 September Deadline 12 noon 18 September

Next Issue 6 October 2008 J2035 05.08 The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL Royal Charter Number RC000797