your manchester The University of Manchester Alumni Magazine May 2006

Re-live your student days

Good news on cancer

Making a difference The Brooks World Poverty Institute

Physics gets funky

YOUR MANCHESTER 1 welcome to your manchester

Welcome to this second edition of rates, media commentary and feedback new researchers, attracted record levels “Your Manchester”, the magazine for from within the wider higher education of external funding and launched our the 200,000 graduates of The University sector also indicate that the University is first Research Institutes in health sciences, of Manchester. widely perceived to be pulling away from neuroscience, photon science, nuclear the competition. science and molecular imaging. It has been another exciting year for the In November 2005, we assumed University and I am pleased that I can While it is important not to become responsibility for the activities of the report real progress towards meeting the carried away with such impressionistic Paterson Cancer Research Institute and goals identified in the Manchester 2015 judgements, they do confirm that the established the Manchester Cancer Agenda, our ambitious strategic plan for new University has a unique opportunity Research Centre (MCRC), The MCRC repositioning The University of to achieve the kind of “step change” will work in close partnership with the Manchester over the next decade as one improvement that inspired the merger Christie Hospital and Cancer Research UK of the world’s leading institutions of between UMIST and the Victoria to consolidate the largest cancer research higher learning. University of Manchester. The major task centre in Europe and an international over the past 18 months has been to leader in the care of cancer patients. In the past year, there has been begin to invest real substance in the vision reassuring recognition of the strength of of a world class university in Manchester In November 2005, we appointed Nobel the new University in international and confirm that the ambitious goals and Laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz to lead ranking of universities and in November aspiration of the Manchester 2015 the Brooks World Poverty Institute 2005 we were named as the UK’s Agenda are indeed realistic. (BWPI), a multidisciplinary centre of “Higher Education Institution of the global excellence researching poverty, Year” at the inaugural Times Higher Evidence of progress towards those goals poverty reduction, inequality and growth. Awards. Research amongst our key is perhaps best illustrated in the research Graduate Rory Brooks - and his wife external stakeholders, student application field. We have recruited many wonderful Elizabeth – generously agreed to support the BWPI with a gift of £1.3 million over three years. Rory has been a long-term supporter of the University and his donation represents one of the largest known gifts to support poverty research in Europe. In the field of teaching and learning, evidence from our own surveys show that the merger did not adversely affect the student experience and exciting proposals for new courses and for improving existing programmes are emerging from all four faculties. In February, we signed a pioneering partnership agreement with the Open University that will enable students at Manchester to benefit from the latest technologies developed by the OU to enhance student learning. The partnership promises to provide an unparalleled platform for launching new joint e-learning courses around the world. The University has demonstrated a pioneering approach in other areas. In the field of knowledge and technology

2 YOUR MANCHESTER Contents

The News 4

Investing against World Poverty 8

The good news about cancer 10

Warming to the nuclear option 12

8 Musical Manchester, the hot ticket is still here 14

28 Scientist Brian Cox puts some fizz into physics 18

Understanding diabetes 20

Women’s work 22

Manchester’s burgeoning media industry 24

10 Meera Syal’s Manchester memories 28

A most brilliant pupil: George Gissing 30 24 Alumni Association News 32 Development News 40

A Portrait of The University of Manchester 42

‘Your Manchester’ is published by the Communications, Media and Public Relations 18 14 Division in conjunction with the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, The University of Manchester. transfer, our new arrangements for graduates have for their university, and For further information concerning any commercialisation and application the very practical ways in which they are of the articles in this issue please contact: of intellectual property have produced prepared to demonstrate their support by Donna Prince, some notable success stories in the participating in events, organising local Co-ordinating Editor/Alumni Officer, the fields of computing and biotechnology. alumni groups and supporting our Division of Development and Alumni Relations, Our ambitious £620 million Capital student recruitment, fundraising and The University of Manchester, G9 Christie Building, Oxford Road, Development Programme is being research partnerships around the world. Manchester, M13 9PL. delivered “on time” and “on budget” tel +44 (0)161 306 3066 with a host of new and refurbished I hope that the highlights that we have fax +44 (0)161 306 8066 buildings and laboratories set to selected for the pages of this magazine email [email protected] will give you a flavour of the range of transform the Manchester campus The articles printed here, to the best of our over the next few years. the University’s success over the past year knowledge, were correct at the time of going and the achievements of our graduate to press. We cannot guarantee that all articles I have been particularly impressed since community. The main satisfaction that submitted will be printed and we reserve the right my arrival in Manchester in February we – and I hope you – will derive from to edit material where necessary. Furthermore, the views expressed in this magazine are not 2004 by the commitment, enthusiasm the last year’s achievements is the strong necessarily those of The University of Manchester, and support for the University foundation they provide for the major The University of Manchester Alumni Association, demonstrated by our alumni community. successes in the next phase of the or the Editor. Wherever I have travelled in my first Manchester 2015 Agenda. eighteen months as President and Vice- Chancellor, I have been struck by the Professor Alan Gilbert affection and support that Manchester President and Vice-Chancellor

YOUR MANCHESTER 3 the news Manchester is crowned Higher Education Institution of the Year

The title, announced at the In a message to staff, Professor Gilbert inaugural Times Higher said: “This award is a tribute to the Awards, was in recognition of efforts of all of our staff and students the efforts made to ‘advance following what has been an exciting year. substantially the University’s I am deeply grateful to all of you for the reputation in the course of the skill, determination and vision you have academic year’. Prime Minister shown in getting the University up and Tony Blair commented: running following the merger”. “Manchester has impressed the whole Higher Education sector by its successful He said there was still much more work merger last year with UMIST. But what to be done to achieve the aims and particularly impressed the judges was ambitions of Manchester 2015, but the how, under the leadership of its President award was a true recognition of and Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan everyone’s efforts – “it is thoroughly Gilbert, Manchester’s vision for the future deserved and I am immensely proud and determination to reinvigorate itself and grateful to you all.” to become one of the top research universities in the world has enthused both staff and students.” And we won University Challenge! The celebrations continued this spring after the Manchester team won this year's University Challenge contest on BBC TV. The University beat Trinity Hall, Cambridge in one of the most nail-biting finals ever seen, eventually triumphing by 160-150. Team member Joseph Meagher said: "The final was extremely tight - it was great television, and we were delighted to come out on top." Manchester were semi-finalists last year but went one better this time around, under some tough questioning from host Jeremy Paxman.

This year's winning team is made up of (Mathematics). They were selected and programme makers to set questions for Joseph Meagher (Politics), Gareth Aubrey coached by Stephen Pearson from the University Challenge in the future, because (Astrophysics), Chris Holmes (Material John Rylands Library. Mr Pearson has even he wants to stay on to coach future teams Science) and Adrian Anslow turned down an approach by the at the University.

4 YOUR MANCHESTER Genome discovery to help combat disease An international consortium of researchers led by The University of Manchester has cracked the gene code behind a key family of fungi. Aspergillus is a very common air-borne fungus which is carried all over the world as spores. Although usually Jonathan Trigell harmless, the species Aspergillus fumigatus is now the leading infectious cause of death in vulnerable Literary prize for leukaemia and bone marrow transplant patients. Project co-ordinator Professor David Manchester graduate Denning said that fungi including Aspergillus played a critical role in the Jonathan Trigell, has won the John earth's ecosystem, being responsible Llewellyn Rhys Prize with his thought for almost all degradation of plant provoking debut novel Boy A. material as well as recycling nitrogen. Boy A tells the tale of a teenager called “Aspergillus fumigatus is a major Jack who has had to shed his old name constituent of compost, and mould in order to rid himself of his former life. fungi have been important sources of drugs including penicillin,” he said. The prize, which recognises fine young “However, they are something of a writers early in their careers, is one of Jekyll and Hyde and also produce toxins Britain’s oldest and most prestigious such as aflatoxin which can cause liver literary awards. cancer. Aspergillus also causes a life- threatening infection for transplant and Mr Trigell was both an undergraduate leukaemic patients, as well as being a New widening and postgraduate at the University major allergen for asthmatics.” completing a BA Hons in English participation Language and Literature in 1996, Identifying these genome sequences followed by an MA in Novel Writing in will transform scientific understanding programme 2002. He now organises events and of why this group of fungi is so lethal races throughout the Alps for and allergenic. “The importance of the A new flagship widening participation Natives.co.uk and is writing his second project in helping develop new drugs outreach scheme: Manchester Access novel CHAM. and diagnostic tests, and understand Programme (MAP) has been and prevent allergies and diseases like Sarah Waters, Chair of the Judges, pneumonia and sinusitis, cannot be developed by the University to help commented: “Boy A impressed us on talented young people across Greater overestimated,” Professor Denning many levels: as a compelling narrative, added. “The information revealed will Manchester. The scheme will target a beautifully structured piece of writing, students from under-represented and also develop our understanding of the and as a thought provoking novel of biology of composting and mycotoxin disadvantaged backgrounds who ideas. It’s a wonderful debut.” have the potential to excel production, and provide benefits for educationally within a world class many other areas of science research-intensive institution. and medicine."

YOUR MANCHESTER 5 the news New commitment to environmental sustainability

The University has joined more than 300 higher education institutions in 40 countries by signing the international Talloires Declaration, the official commitment to environmental sustainability in higher education. World Sport Comet dust Composed in 1990 in Talloires, France, the declaration forms an action plan samples to for environmental sustainability in Academy teaching, research and outreach unlock secrets activities. The declaration pledges to: will boost - Increase awareness of of the Universe environmentally sustainable development Olympic Manchester scientists are to be among the first in the world to receive samples - Create an institutional culture of of comet dust brought back to earth sustainability legacy by NASA's Stardust space mission. - Educate for environmentally responsible citizenship The University has announced the The cometary dust will be analysed by - Foster environmental literacy for all creation of The World Academy of Sport the Cosmochemistry research group which is hoping to unlock the secrets - Practice institutional ecology Executive Centre to provide intensive, tailored education to managers and of what space was like before the solar - Involve all stakeholders administrators working in the sport and system was formed. - Collaborate for interdisciplinary major events sector. The grains are one tenth the diameter approaches With the UK now hosting the 2012 of a human hair and the most - Enhance capacity of primary and advanced technology will be needed secondary school Olympic Summer Games, Leader of Manchester City Council Richard Leese, to break down their structure in detail. - Broaden service and outreach said: "Manchester has a proud history Manchester was chosen by NASA nationally and internationally of hosting major international sporting because of its highly sophisticated - Maintain the movement events. It gives me great pleasure to see equipment and expertise. one of our universities teaming up with President and Vice-Chancellor the international sporting community to Professor Alan Gilbert signed the deliver education solutions to the declaration on behalf of the University, administrators of sport and major events. saying: "Signing the Talloires From a local and regional perspective this Declaration is symbolically important, initiative will mean that we are further as it commits The University of developing our considerable expertise Manchester, both as a corporate and knowledge in this sector and I have citizen and as an educational no doubt that this will help to ensure institution, to responsible practice that the North West is able to share the in relation to sustainability." regional legacy of the 2012 Games."

6 YOUR MANCHESTER One of the world’s leading centres of excellence

The University’s £40 million Photon Science Institute, which will pioneer cutting-edge light and laser technologies, has been officially launched. The Institute will be the largest research and teaching centre of its kind in the UK, with a projected annual research income of £5 million and more than 30 full-time academic staff led by internationally renowned scientist Professor Klaus Müller-Dethlefs . President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Gilbert and Professor Brenda Gowley, Vice-Chancellor of the Open University Research will focus on the development and application of laser technologies for medicine, pharmaceuticals, life sciences and Open University physical sciences. Projects will include new optical materials such as solar cells, and the development of new non-invasive medical technologies partnership sends enabling diabetics, for example, to measure blood-sugar levels without multimedia message taking a blood sample.

The University of Manchester and the learning materials and in the excellence Open University have agreed a new of its student support systems. These partnership to develop combined degree competitive advantages, coupled with the programmes, initially for overseas OU's growing strength and sophistication student markets. in on-line delivery, make it an ideal partner for The University of Manchester as we The partnership will allow the UK's two seek to enrich the learning experience of largest universities to access each other's our campus-based students and embark curriculum and draw on their on our ambitious international plans." complementary strengths in serving both part-time and full-time students. Programmes will be targeted in key markets in China, India and other parts Professor Alan Gilbert said: "The OU is of Asia, as well as smaller but just as undoubtedly the world leader in modern important markets in Africa and distance and open learning, in the Latin America. Professor Klaus Müller-Dethlefs, development of multimedia-based Director of The Photon Science Institute

YOUR MANCHESTER 7 Nobel prize winner Joseph Stiglitz is heading up a new interdisciplinary research centre focusing on the world’s poorest nations Investing against Poverty

Well over a billion people - about a World Trade Organisation’s agenda on Professor Stiglitz said that as an fifth of the world's population - live in free trade should be scrapped. Economist he was attracted to absolute poverty and the United Nations Manchester as the city that gave birth Poverty reduction, he said, requires plans to halve this figure by 2015. to the idea of free trade, and to the not just market liberalization but also That is the same target year that University's efforts to be a catalyst for massive investment in aid. In other The University of Manchester has set development in the North of England. words, poor countries need to have for becoming one of the world’s top stronger economic foundations before It was in the mid-19th century that a 25 universities. And the two goals are their markets can be thrown open to group of English political economists not mutually exclusive. international competition. including John Bright and Richard Cobden formed the “Manchester Former World Bank Chief Economist Professor Stiglitz has an illustrious Professor Joseph Stiglitz’s appointment School”. Their core belief was that the pedigree: he was an advisor to President state should interfere as little as possible as Chairman of the new Brooks World Clinton and won the Nobel Prize for on economic matters, and they Poverty Institute at The University of economics in 2001. He also recently hit advocated free trade. Manchester is a timely opportunity. He the headlines when he published a study has already played a significant role in the arguing the Iraq war could cost America At the Institute’s launch in February debate over tackling poverty, famously $2 trillion, far above the White House’s Professor Stiglitz said: “The Hong Kong arguing last year for example that the pre-conflict estimates. trade talks for securing a fair trading

8 YOUR MANCHESTER system for the poorest nations of the world were vitally important. But the deal, however, is of little more than symbolic value to the developing countries, who are coming to realise that, despite the promises they have been given, this trade round will once again deliver them little of real value.” He said that one of the first projects he had undertaken with the Institute was to hold a conference at The University of Manchester to assess the value of these trade talks. “It is the start of what I am sure will be an exciting and productive relationship with the Brooks World Poverty Institute and The University of Manchester,” he said. Through the creation of the Institute, the University aims to become a major international research centre on poverty and well-being. Rory Brooks and Professor Stiglitz It is a multidisciplinary centre seeking to devise new approaches to poverty research and the development of strategies to combat it. Staff from the Rory Brooks funds School of Environment and Development will have substantial involvement. The Institute will be staffed by over world class research 40 researchers bringing together an international group of policy makers The World Poverty Institute came into establishment of the Brooks World and representatives from the academic, being after Manchester graduate and Poverty Institute at the University of business, and voluntary sectors. It will international businessman, Rory Brooks, Manchester, my alma mater, under the also publish a new international journal donated £1.3 million over three years to leadership of Professor Joseph Stiglitz. on world poverty. the project. “That the Institute has been able to The University has already gained Rory graduated with a bachelor’s degree attract an academic of his calibre is international recognition for its in Management Sciences from The testament to the ambitious vision for work on poverty reduction through University of Manchester in 1975. He has the University, set out by President and its Government-funded Chronic maintained a strong relationship with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Gilbert.” University, having been the Alumnus of Poverty Research Centre (CPRC) Professor Alan Gilbert said: “We already whose work has been drawn on by the Year in 1999, funding a Chair in Enterprise in 2000, the first of its kind at a have a reputation for research and policy the Africa Commission, aid agencies engagement in the fields of development and governments. British University, and chairing the UMIST Alumni Association. Rory Brooks received economics, development studies, social Chancellor Gordon Brown launched an Hon LittD from UMIST in 2003. anthropology, sociology and politics. The the CPRC's Chronic Poverty report role of the BWPI will be to build on this at the House of Commons in 2004 This gift, being made through the Rory through world-leading research on calling it "a landmark report." and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation, is one poverty in all its manifestations.” The CPRC, a partnership involving of the largest personal life-time gifts in the University’s history, and among the He added: “On behalf of the University researchers from the UK, Bangladesh, largest known gifts to fund poverty I would like to offer my sincere thanks India, South Africa, Uganda and West research in Europe. to Rory and Elizabeth for the far-sighted Africa, is run out of Manchester's generosity that has played a catalytic Institute for Development Policy and The co-founder of investment firm role in launching this landmark project. Management. Established in 1958, Mezzanine Management, an investment This is exactly the kind of imaginative the IDPM is the UK's largest university- firm focusing on providing private equity partnership based on shared values that based International Development funding to growth business, Rory Brooks, will be critical to the success of the Studies department. said: “I am proud to be involved with the Manchester 2015 agenda.”

YOUR MANCHESTER 9 The good news about cancer…

Around half of all cancers could be prevented through changes in lifestyle – 135,000 cases a year in the UK alone

Furthermore, death rates have dropped Cancer Research which was acquired by will include existing work on breast by 11 per cent for most of the common the University this year, the Christie cancer; paediatric cancer; cell types of cancer over the last decade. Hospital and Cancer Research UK. proliferations, death and genome And most of this is thanks to cancer stability; experimental cancer The Centre aims to double cancer researchers and their unprecedented therapeutics; and tumour research activity and increase funding advances in understanding the microenvironment. In each of the areas from £30 million to £60 million per year. molecular and cellular basis of cancer. the MCRC aims to be a world leader. This will not only build on the partners’ The University of Manchester has a internationally renowned strengths, it Fulfilling these ambitions will require distinguished history in the field and is will also allow strategic development of considerable investment over the next about to become a world leader in the their work to have an even greater five years in scientific researchers (to exploration and treatment of cancer, impact on cancer research. include ten world class researchers), new offering real hope of even more The focus will be multi-disciplinary with laboratories, clinical research facilities advances in diagnoses and treatments in academics based across the research and supporting technology. the future. spectrum, from basic science to clinical Director Nic Jones said the establishment Links between fundamental scientific work. They will seek a better of the centre had come at the most understanding of the events that discovery, clinical research and improved opportune time. “By coordinating our cause, develop and maintain cancer patient outcomes are now vital to enable research activities and emphasising the while identifying new targets for further progress, and the University has need to bridge the gap between possible intervention. recently established the Manchester research and patient treatment, we can Cancer Research Centre (MCRC). The Extensive early phase trials of new become a major international centre of centre brings together scientists and agents enhanced by technology such as cancer research,” he said. “This research researchers from The University of molecular imaging will also be carried will lead to safer and better treatments Manchester, the Paterson Institute of out at the centre. Research programmes for the future.”

10 YOUR MANCHESTER Professor Nic Jones, Director MCRC

Professor Tim Eden

Complementing the launch of the 12 million euros, has the potential to are trying to understand the basic MCRC is the appointment of Tim Eden fight a broad range of cancers. biological mechanisms underlying cancer as the UK's first Professor of Teenage development. One group of researchers, T-cells are part of the body’s immune and Young Adult Cancer. The disease for instance, is trying to understand how defence machinery which naturally affects over 2,200 teenagers every year cells interact with their local protects against infections and some and is increasing. Improvements in environment and how this then cancers and can be used to treat some survival rates have been much poorer malignant disease. But many cancers regulates their decisions to live, die, stay than in children and many older adults avoid destruction by the immune put or migrate. These studies are in the last 20 years, and the number of system. The project team, involving an particularly important in the patients entered into clinical trials is international consortium of 16 partners, understanding of how breast cancers also much lower. This lack of research hopes that state of the art technologies evolve and spread. means very little is known about why can be used to modify the T-cells, to Several other groups are deciphering the teenagers get cancer. hunt down and destroy cancer tumours. mechanisms which determine if and The charity Teenage Cancer Trust has Professor Hawkins, Cancer Research UK when cells should grow and divide. A invested £2.5 million over ten years to Professor of Medical Oncology at the third group is studying the mechanisms fund Professor Eden and his team, based University, said: “Unlike radiotherapy which maintain genome stability in across The University of Manchester, the and chemotherapy, which destroy both normal cells and how these mechanisms Christie Hospital and Central cancerous and healthy cells, Engineered go wrong during tumour evolution. Manchester and Manchester Children's T-cell Therapy has the potential to Since the vast majority of human University Hospitals NHS Trust. selectively destroy cancers within a cancers have highly abnormal genomes, patient’s body using its own infection- Another recent development is the award this area has implications for fighting mechanisms. This project of a major EU grant to Professor Robert understanding many different tumours. focuses on optimising that system in Hawkins for his work to develop cancer the laboratory.” www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/ fighting cells from within the body’s own cancerstudies immune system. The pre-clinical research Other work is being carried out at the project, which has been awarded nearly Faculty of Life Sciences where scientists www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk

YOUR MANCHESTER 11 Nearly a century after Ernest Rutherford paved the way for nuclear physics, Manchester is once again at the forefront of the search for clean energy

Hans Geiger and Ernest Rutherford Warming to the Nuclear Option

Tucked away in a small room in the received world acclaim with the award In a recent MORI poll (17 January, Schuster Building, just off the Oxford of the Nobel Prize to Rutherford. 2006) 54 per cent of people said they Road, is an old bureau. At first glance it would be willing to accept the building looks like a desk which never quite The Dalton Nuclear Institute was of new nuclear power stations if it made it to the tip – stained, chipped launched in July 2005 with the aim of would help tackle climate change, and and ragged - but enquire as to why it becoming one of the world's elite 48 per cent agreed that the nation has been left behind and you will be centres for nuclear teaching and needs nuclear power because promptly given a short history of physics, research. It has plans to be the largest renewables alone are not able to meet life and nearly everything. Institute of its kind in the UK its electricity needs. encompassing postgraduate training and Incredibly it belonged to Ernest research. It boasts one of the country’s The government’s position on the future Rutherford and is believed to have been leading experts on nuclear power, of nuclear power is yet to be defined. used while carrying out his research on Professor Richard Clegg, former Director The current UK energy policy is to Keep properties of the alpha radiation of Science at British Nuclear Fuels plc, as the Nuclear Option Open (KNOO). emitted by radium at the University in its Director. However, currently no new nuclear 1910. It is radioactive - as the Geiger power stations are planned in the UK counter (an invention of Rutherford’s Since its launch the Institute has been in and many are coming to the end of their student) proves in a sweep over its the headlines for all the right reasons. life. In fact, by 2020 the current 22 per surface. Fitting then, that nearly a Both the media and academia have cent of electricity generated via nuclear century later, the University has welcomed its arrival – which may have will be reduced to just seven per cent if launched a new institute which aims to been very different ten years ago at a they are not replaced. build on Manchester’s rich heritage for time when nuclear power was perceived pioneering atomic and nuclear as a much ‘dirtier’ form of energy. But Richard Clegg’s standpoint is very clear. research. This started with John as supplies of key fuels like gas and oil He is adamant that new power stations Dalton’s atomic theory (presented to show signs of decline, it appears Britain are essential if the UK is to meet rising the Manchester Literary and could be slowly warming to the idea of energy demands and meet its CO 2 Philosophical Society in 1803) and nuclear power. emission reduction target. He is also

12 YOUR MANCHESTER Professor Richard Clegg, Director, Michael Parker, Chief Executive BNFL The Dalton Nuclear Institute

clear about the role the Dalton Nuclear technology - and in October the Institute will play in this process. Consortium launched a new MSc course in Nuclear Science and Technology. “While the UK is going to need a basket Cockcroft of energy generation technologies Alastair Walsh Atkins, NTEC Rutherford Lecture including clean-coal, oil and renewables Coordination Centre Manager, said: to meet its long-term energy “NTEC, through this MSc course, aims ‘History of the requirements, nuclear also remains one to address this shortfall by providing Future’ of the best options that we currently an industry-recognised programme have for a sustainable and reliable which will equip individuals with the The annual lecture series, organised by source of energy. It can be used to the Division of Development and Alumni educational background required to provide a base-load supply of electricity help manage the UK's nuclear Relations, is held in memory of alumnus and has the added benefit of being Sir John Cockcroft and of Lord Ernest decommissioning programme safely virtually carbon-free,” he says. Rutherford, whose work in the early and economically as well as 1900’s laid the foundations of all future “If a positive decision is taken on new supporting any forthcoming new nuclear research. reactor build then a whole new reactor build programmes." investment will be needed to ensure the The 2005 lecture was delivered by Group UK has the indigenous capacity to be The International Energy Agency Chief Executive of British Nuclear Fuels, able to select, licence and operate a predicts a rise in global energy demand Michael Parker, entitled: 'Nuclear Power: new reactor fleet, as well as attract of 50-60 per cent by 2030. If all else Consigned to History or a future source of bright new graduates into the field. The remained equal, that rising demand Sustainable Energy?'. Michael is also a Dalton Nuclear Institute will underpin would be accommodated principally by Manchester alumnus, receiving a that future, supplying trained graduates fossil fuels, which have generally been Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and delivering five-star research in the cheapest and most convenient in 1968 and an MBA in 1972. support of the industry.” available. But oil supplies show signs of The lecture focused on the changing Over the last thirty years the UK’s running down and natural gas stocks landscape of the nuclear industry and on nuclear research and development skills also show signs of depletion. Coal whether nuclear power would become base has fragmented due to successive remains relatively abundant, but of all consigned to history or would become a privatizations and reorganisations. It has fuels it produces the most greenhouse future source of sustainable energy. He shrunk significantly since the 1980’s. But gas emissions for the energy it gives. said: "The future for the nuclear while the industry waits for a decision sciences looks much rosier now than a Sitting behind his desk, strewn with from the government on its energy decade ago. We are beginning to see policy, there is still a great deal of work formulas and parchment, it is hard to green shoots of a re-emergent industry, to be done. imagine what Ernest Rutherford would which is global in its outlook. Nuclear have made of this ‘climate’ versus ‘cost’ technologies have a strong future in the The Dalton Nuclear Institute is tackling conundrum. Tossing another spade of world; the UK, BNFL and Manchester this skills shortfall head on. Last year it coal onto his fire to keep his Victorian intend to make a full contribution to helped to launch NTEC - a consortium lab warm, it is doubtful the thought these developments." of UK Higher Education Institutions ever crossed his mind. offering a portfolio of postgraduate education in nuclear science and www.eps.manchester.ac.uk/dalton

YOUR MANCHESTER 13 14 YOUR MANCHESTER The list of gigs from the 1960s and 70s reads like a Who’s Who of pop aristocracy and outstanding music is still a magnet for Manchester today The Hot Ticket is still here

Trawl through Student Union archives might as well do it anyway.’ I think will be in a band now. It’s something I’d and you’ll soon discover just why any everybody got their money back. rather be doing than playing golf.” music-crazy student might want to There were about 35 people there and make The University of Manchester although there was a sound system, Admittedly, the early 1960s didn’t presage great things for student gigs. their place of study. Indeed Anna Ford there were no lights, so they just The annals of history reveal dad-like acts (BA EconHons Economics 1966), now switched on all the lights in the hall.” such as Kenny Ball, Acker Bilk and Co-Chancellor of the University, With his former colleague on the Radio Lonnie Donegan first played the Union, admitted that it was meeting the Beatles 1 Breakfast show ‘Lard’, Mark did go on but at least they paved the way for the at Granada when she came for her to play sell-out gigs at the Academy as future megastars. interview which persuaded her that this the Shirehorses. was the place to be. A list of gigs from the 1960s and 1970s “It was still a thrill to play at the MDH. reads like a Who’s Who of pop Radio 2 DJ Mark Radcliffe was another We could have played at the Academy, aristocracy. The Yardbirds, The Who, former student (BA Hons Combined but playing at the smaller venue made Them featuring Van Morrisson, Jimmi Studies 1979) who got a thrill out of people feel that they’d got a really hot Hendrix Experience, Captain Beefhart, seeing bands at the Union’s MDH, now ticket. Of course, as soon as they saw us Cream, Pink Floyd, T Rex, Hawkwind, Academy 2. they actually knew they hadn’t.” Velvet Underground, TheWailers, “I saw Queen on there, ACDC and Talking Magazine, XTC, The Stranglers and The Even now, Mark turns up every now and Heads – their support was Dire Straits. Cure are amongst the many who found again for a gig with his new band, The The ticket price was £1.20,” he recalls. an appreciative audience amongst the Family Mahone, the last time supporting city’s student population. “I was in a band with my best mate to Shane McGowan. Mark Radcliffe reveals he saw the this day, Phil Walmesley, and we were “I still feel nostalgic when I go there, Stranglers when they played the Squat, supposed to be supporting Cheap Trick especially when I am going up those which used to be close to the – remember them? So we were really stairs. It is just like it was when I was 18, Contact Theatre. excited because we were going to be which is nearly 30 years ago, but it’s a on that stage. Then Cheap Trick nice feeling,” he reflects. “It was 30 pence and they were awful,” cancelled, but the base player who he says. “It’s not often you see was also the Social Secretary said “I’ve always been in a band since I was something for 30 pence and felt you ‘well there’s nobody else playing, so we 14 and I’m now 47 and I think I always were robbed.”

YOUR MANCHESTER 15 According to Tom Copping, General there. We had Nirvana and Coldplay. Secretary of Manchester Student Manchester is perceived as cool and Union, bands are able to break at the what’s cool always attracts great talent.” University these days because the Union now has three major venues: the Currently the latest Indie darlings to Academy with a capacity of 1,400; the emerge from the University are The Academy 2 taking 700-800 and the Long Cut, who last year returned to Academy 3 or Hop & Grape which can their alma mater to grace the stage of hold 400. the Academy 3, supporting The Kills. Earlier this year, the band toured New “The great thing about it is that new York and a live session on Radio 1’s bands can start off in the 400 capacity Steve Lamaq show confirms their rising venue and as they get bigger move up star status. until they play the big one. We can bring bands straight through from the They follow a fine tradition that includes beginning, especially those from the one of the most successful crossover Indie and Rock scene at the moment. club acts, The Chemical Brothers, known simply to fellow students in the “We’ve had Robbie Williams doing his 1980s early ‘90s as Tom Rowlands and first comeback at the Manchester Ed Simons, two friends who shared a Academy and people like the Kaiser love of dance music and who would DJ Chiefs, all the new bands have been under the name The Dust Brothers.

16 YOUR MANCHESTER The two graduated with BA (Hons) in signed to the city’s ultra-cool Factory couple of hit albums, Smart and The History in 1992, changed their name to label and later Phonogram and had a It Girl and contributed to the track of the Chemical Brothers and by 1995 string of hits, most famously Sit Down Trainspotting. In the end, fame and they’d signed to Virgin, transforming in 1989. fortune came too much for Louise, them from champions of the club scene Another band that had its origins in the who has admitted a lot of what you to superstar DJs with the first arena hear about the pop industry is sized sound in the electronica University was Sleeper. Britpop ‘It Girl’ actually true. movement. Their debut album Exit Louise Wener fronted a number of Indie Planet Dust was critically acclaimed and student bands before meeting guitarist As Britpop began to wane and the hits Jon Stewart. When Louise graduated a year after supporting Oasis at the dried up, Sleeper became casualties of with a BA in Combined Studies in 1988 then-named Nynex Arena in in-house friction at their record and Jon a BA in Politics and Modern Manchester, they had their first number company: "It's quite a scummy one with Setting Sun. Most recently History in the same year, they moved to industry," Louise once confessed in an Push the Button, released in 2005, has London and formed a four-piece band interview on Radio London. secured their position as one of the called Surrender Dorothy. In 1993 they most exhilarating sounds around. changed their name to Sleeper and had "It's very drug-addled and all the clichés a chart-topping Indie hit with their you've heard are part of it." Bravely Honours Drama graduate, Tim Booth, debut single. formed James during the ‘Madchester’ putting pop fame behind her, Louise has era of the late 1980s and 1990s, when However it wasn’t until 1995 they swapped life as a pop star for writing practically every funky young student had their first mainstream top 20 hit novels - or as she puts it - "a job fit for wanted to come to the city. The group with Inbetweener. They notched up a a grown-up".

Mark Radcliffe James The Chemical Brothers Sleeper

YOUR MANCHESTER 17 Scientist Brian Cox is leading an international team researching big questions in particle physics. But he used to be on Top of The Pops and now spends his spare time appearing on daytime TV

18 YOUR MANCHESTER Putting some fizz into physics

If you want to get on TV then get a Dr Cox’s media career actually began If they asked him what his day job was, physics degree. That is Brian Cox’s much earlier when, as a keyboard player Dr Cox would no doubt blow their advice and he should know. A particle with rock bands DARE and D:REAM, he minds with his latest experiment to physicist who has laboratories in appeared on Top of the Pops. He went simulate the environment of the early Geneva and The University of on to have many top-ten hits including universe by accelerating particles to Manchester where he is the New Labour election anthem Things ultra-high energies, colliding them researching the origins of the Can Only Get Better. He is, he admits, a together inside precision detectors and universe, he born performer even though the heady observing what happens. days of live rock concerts have now can often be found on a The experiment is made possible by the TV screen or radio station been replaced by occasional latest in a long line of these machines near you. appearances in front of a lectern. called the Large Hadron Collider at the Dr Cox is a well known Does he worry though that his media CERN laboratory in Geneva. It is a 27km face thanks to his savvy reputation might lead to accusations tunnel which can achieve collision appearances on that he is trivialising his subject? energies an order of magnitude larger than anything previously achieved in the Channel Four’s Following a TV appearance this week in laboratory. “For an experimental physicist Richard and Judy which he found himself explaining the it is tremendously exciting,” he says. as well as more science of good dancing, Dr Cox said: weighty shows As is his latest movie project. Over “We have to accept that there has been including Horizon recent months Dr Cox has been busy a failure on the part of the media and and a regular slot on advising the producers of a forthcoming the school system to engage people ITV’s This Morning. science fiction film called Sunshine. with science. It is incredibly difficult to It seems that Although the details are still top secret get science on TV and if I have to programme bosses as the film isn’t out until 2007, the story sometimes do silly stories - then slip in cannot get enough is written by Alex Garland (also a former some particle physics or whatever - of his particular brand Manchester graduate BA (Hons) History then so be it.” of popular science of Arts 1992 and author of The Beach) with just enough Actually, he says, when it is presented and happens to be about a 30 year old authoritativeness to appropriately physics is almost physicist. Scarily, the sun is beginning to lend credibility - universally interesting to people from die out taking mankind with it. All without sending his all walks of life. “The trick is not to go hopes are pinned on the crew of a viewers to sleep. His off on worthy rants or to treat your spaceship carrying a device to breathe new life in to the sun. appeal is that while subject as sacred,” he says. Another clearly knowing his stuff (first turn-off is scientists pretending they As well as advising on the credibility or class honours from know everything. “Admit that there otherwise of the science, Dr Cox made The University of Manchester; are questions we don’t yet understand sure that the character of the scientist PhD at the DESY laboratory and be authoritative without being was right, a task he was well qualified in Hamburg; numerous awards preachy. Then you find that people – for. “I even wrote down bits of physics and currently a coveted Royal whether they are school children or which were pinned up inside the Society research fellowship) he day-time TV viewers - have hundreds spaceship,” he said. “Lets hope it helps makes sense to ordinary people. of interesting questions.” to save the world.”

YOUR MANCHESTER 19 Sweetening the Pill

Diabetes is predicted to become one of the greatest threats to human health over the next twenty years. The disease is still incurable, but Manchester scientists are making progress with stem cell research

As global obesity levels rise, so too Professor Mark Dunne is a leading “We hope in the future to derive does the incidence of diabetes with the expert in diabetes research and co- human insulin-secreting cells from World Health Organisation predicting a founder of the University of embryonic stem cells - according to doubling of the estimated 150 million Manchester’s Diabetes and Obesity guidelines of the Department of sufferers by 2025. Research Network. His research, much of Health and with full ethical and which is carried out in collaboration with And while the problem looks set to legal permission.” remain acute here in the West, MRC research fellow Dr Karen Cosgrove, is investigating the potential of insulin- Research elsewhere in our Faculty of Life predictions for developing countries Sciences, in collaboration with Oxford look even gloomier. secreting cell biology and human embryonic stem cells – master cells that University, has for the first time laid bare Diabetes is an incurable condition scientists believe can turn into any kind the structure of a key house-keeping causing loss of insulin-producing cells in of human tissue, including potentially protein implicated in diabetes and other the pancreas. Sufferers manage the healthy cells for the cure of diabetes. diseases of insulin-secreting cells. disease with medical intervention and through careful regulation of sugar “It is now widely recognised that The research, recently published in the intake in the diet, but they often face embryonic stem-cell technology has the European Molecular Biology an uncertain future with the threat of future potential to alleviate the problem Organization Journal, will not only heart disease, damage to the body’s of human tissue supply for give a greater understanding of nervous system and other serious transplantation-based therapy of causes of the disease but may lead to health complications. diabetes,” Professor Dunne said. better treatments.

20 YOUR MANCHESTER Professor Dunne added: “For more than Faculty of Life Sciences believe their 20 years we have known that these research into a new treatment for nerve channels are important. They are the damage caused by the disease could target for the many anti-diabetic drugs bring relief to millions of patients. that are taken by many millions of patients. Defects in the genes encoding The team, working with colleagues at the channel give rise to a rare form of American biotech firm Sangamo infantile diabetes. They also predispose BioSciences Inc, has discovered a way some people to the disease, and cause of stimulating genes that prevent nerve a lethal disease of uncontrollable insulin damage caused by the disease. secretion in newborns – Hyperinsulinism Professor David Tomlinson, who is in Infancy.” leading the research in Manchester, While studies to find better treatments says the study has massive potential for diabetes continue, another group of for the management of diabetic researchers may hold the key to neuropathies or nerve disorders. tackling the problem of obesity – a “Diabetic neuropathy is a major major cause of diabetes in adults. problem in insulin-dependent diabetes, particularly in patients who have had Manchester biologists, working with the disease for a period of time,” he colleagues at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in said. “This approach to gene therapy Baltimore, have made a major advance is quite different to previous attempts in understanding what makes a at treatment as, rather than injecting a substance taste sweet. gene that produces a ‘foreign’ copy of a therapeutic protein we turn on the The research could help pave the way patient’s own gene to produce a for the development of low-calorie natural version of this beneficial sweeteners that mimic natural sugar protein. The most significant and leave no bitter aftertaste. advantage of this is that the protein is “Our study has for the first time made as if the patient’s body had measured how sugar and one synthetic made it naturally. sweetener interact with the two types “Our study has shown that a single of taste receptors on the tongue,” said treatment with a DNA-binding protein, Dr Graeme Conn, who heads the team protected against nerve damage that in in Manchester. humans can lead to limb loss.” “Some synthetic sweeteners only Meanwhile, other researchers in Life interact with one receptor but we “We have managed to produce the Sciences are working on the control found that sugar interacts with both. first three-dimensional picture of this of appetite and obesity (Dr Simon Similarly, sucralose, the sweetener used protein,” said Professor Robert Ford, Luckman, Denis Burdakov, and in Splenda®, also interacted with both the structural biologist leading the Professors Alexei Verkhratsky and Anne receptors but with a greater affinity to research in Manchester. “It’s a very sugar. Knowing what molecular White) and on the signalling events complicated beast: it actually comprises mechanisms are at play has given us a caused by insulin (Dr Alan Whitmarsh). eight different proteins cooperating greater understanding of what makes In our Faculty of Medical and Human together in a large, complex structure. sugar taste sweet and will no doubt Sciences researchers are investigating Until now, scientists have had to work help us design better sweeteners.” diverse clinical aspects of diabetes, largely in the dark; our research at last The research findings, published in the including early methods of diagnosis, shines a light on the functionally scientific journal Current Biology, have links with cardio-vascular disease and significant parts of the structure.” implications for diabetic patients who obesity and high blood pressure. Other The protein, a receptor for need to regulate their sugar intake. medical research in the Faculty is focussing on wound-healing and the sulphonylureas, is part of an ion One of the serious medical conditions use of larval therapy to treat infections, channel complex which act as ‘tunnels’ suffered by diabetic patients is damage as well as looking at depression and in the membranes of cells and, in the to the body’s nervous system, which in anxiety in diabetic patients. insulin-secreting cell, serve as ‘electric severe cases can result in loss of toes sensors’ of sugar levels in the blood. and feet. But experts in Manchester’s www.ls.manchester.ac.uk

YOUR MANCHESTER 21 Women’s Work Many people dream of ditching the boss and starting their own business venture but it seems men are much more likely to take the plunge. Just what is holding back female entrepreneurs?

Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Alan But while the number of self-employed Sugar….most of us could come up with workers has doubled over the past two a handful of household names who decades, women account for less than have turned small businesses into global one-quarter of all self-employed successes, but why are so few of them business owners. women? Do men have all the good business ideas? Or are other barriers Long business hours and the lack of preventing women from getting started good quality childcare repeatedly with their own business enterprises? cropped up as difficulties for female entrepreneurs in the study. The male- Having interviewed more than sixty oriented business culture was also a women business owners from across recurring complaint. But some women the North West of England, senior simply lacked confidence in their lecturer, Sandra Fielden, has established business skills and needed help in that women entrepreneurs have no establishing a network of other women shortage of great business ideas. They entrepreneurs for mutual support. book-keeping, women often really do, however, face a number of needed to be put in touch with debilitating hurdles. Dr Fielden, of Throughout the study, women pointed other female entrepreneurs to Manchester Business School, argues out that their needs were not identical share experiences. that only when the various support to those of men, and that they required agencies start to take account of these specific categories of help and advice “Feeling isolated can be a huge problems will they really be able to help which were often simply not available, barrier for women to overcome, women succeed in small business. Dr Fielden said. particularly if they do not have any means of access to other women and Figures show that the number of people Her research revealed that women networks,” Dr Fielden said. “Making starting new businesses in the UK is often have different motivations, the transition from working in a large increasing, and the entrepreneurial rate challenges and pressures than their organisation to setting up a business is now higher than that of Germany, male counterparts. One respondent is understandably difficult for some France, Italy and Japan. At the start of said women often started a business women and this tends to be related 2002 there were an estimated 3.8 for lifestyle reasons: “This is not a to feelings of loneliness.” million business enterprises and it is choice that many men are faced with,” widely acknowledged that small and she said. One 32-year-old female entrepreneur micro businesses have a crucial role to echoed the need for companionship: play in the regeneration of the UK. They While formal business support “Knowing someone is there is also contribute significantly to the organisations were useful sources of important…it provides security and creation of new jobs. practical guidance on, say, cash-flow or peace of mind,” she said.

22 YOUR MANCHESTER Many women in the study referred As one respondent put it: “It would main stumbling blocks stems from to the need for this kind of intangible be good to have someone to talk to the lack of appropriate and accessible support over and above practical so that you knew what important business support. training. “They felt that women often questions to ask - because I don’t “Whilst they are not only working hard just needed someone to talk to,” know what I don’t know.” to set up their business, women are Dr Fielden said. “Talking through Another agreed: “Coaching would be a also trying to perform a 'balancing act' problems would help to clarify issues great deal more helpful to me than between their work and domestic and would enable women business perhaps something like the Chamber of roles,” she said. “Only by raising owners to gain a different viewpoint Commerce. They don’t tend to get to awareness of this, and ensuring that and perspective. This type of support the nitty gritty things. For example, you business support goes someway to could also bring to light problems or might have a problem which you don’t reconciling these opposing forces, can issues which women had not have a solution to and it’s only when you there be a true levelling of the playing previously considered.” break down that problem into bits you field for women and men in business.” might see that it’s actually a marketing There was a consensus according that problem rather than something else Support needs to fit more appropriately coaching by women for women could which you first thought of.” with women’s lifestyles and daily provide the necessary support and responsibilities, she added. “Normal personal service that is not currently Dr Fielden’s study clearly highlights the business hours can be a real problem available. It could just as easily be on- many barriers faced by women starting for women with children. It’s often as line as face-to-face. out in business, and that one of the simple as that.”

YOUR MANCHESTER 23 24 YOUR MANCHESTER London eat your heart out

Manchester has a burgeoning media industry bringing new jobs and prosperity to the region

The BBC is planning to invest at least hopes that global IT giants like British Volunteer, Manchester Gazette £400 million in a move north which will Microsoft might be persuaded to do and Manchester Observer. But by the create more than 1500 new jobs. The business here. 1830s the Manchester Guardian was decision will cement Manchester’s Britain's third most successful provincial This spring, Channel M, Manchester's position as a key media player and newspaper, and many of its rivals had own TV station, will be moving to Sky should have a number of knock-on ceased publication. effects as other creative industries satellite transmission, and new studios realise the city’s potential. in the Urbis museum of the modern city, By the end of the 19th century, all the where visitors will be able to see live national newspapers had offices in Under proposals which are expected to programmes being made. Manchester and full quotas of reporting be formally endorsed by BBC governors, staff. They were to stay until the 1980's The new upsurge in activity may be a Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport, Children's BBC, - when the large regional operations of New Media and Formal Learning are all to dramatic one - but the city has long been a place where the media's movers the Daily Mail, Express and Telegraph re-locate from London to what the BBC were closed and hundreds of journalists has described as "a world-changing and shakers are happy to do business. In the early 19th century, it was also a made redundant. Even The Guardian broadcast centre" on a new site replacing (now based in London) massively scaled the existing HQ on Oxford Road. hotbed of radical, campaigning journalism, and of course the birthplace down its Manchester operation. BBC Director of Nations and Regions Pat of the legendary Manchester Guardian. The Withy Grove premises of the Daily Loughrey says: "We are convinced that Mirror and Sunday Mirror (in what is Manchester can steal a march on the The first four-page edition of this August publication appeared on now The Printworks) closed at around whole of the rest of the industry in the the same time and downsized to a small UK with a very new kind of broadcasting Saturday, 5 May 1821. Its avowed aim was to "zealously enforce the principles office near Oldham. The Manchester centre with a very different kind of BBC. Evening News, the Guardian's sister It's about audiences and services of the of civil and religious liberty, warmly paper, survives but its circulation is now future. It is the entire research and advocate the cause of reform; and significantly lower than in its heyday just development core of the BBC." endeavour to assist in the diffusion of just principles of political economy." before and after the Second World War. In a separate development, the BBC has Even City Life, required reading for also been engaged in preliminary talks In its first couple of years the weekly generations of The University of about re-locating its Surrey-based circulation of the Manchester Guardian Manchester students, ceased publication research centre to a new site on The hovered at around a thousand copies but just before Christmas 2005. University of Manchester campus. actual readership was much higher than this. When the Manchester Guardian was But the good news for Manchester is Manchester City Council is doing its first published, the city had six other that broadcast and film media are more best to encourage new technology weekly newspapers. The Manchester successful than would ever have seemed companies to set-up shop and there are Mercury, Chronicle, Exchange Herald, possible back in 1954, when

YOUR MANCHESTER 25 Independent Television was launched In 2000 Granada bought Meridian, production in spring 1998 on Russell T following the Television Act. Anglia and HTV, and 12 months later Davies' groundbreaking drama Queer as Border TV. Granada and Carlton then Folk, which turned the city's gay village On 3, May 1956, Granada TV began its owned all the franchises in England and into a tourist Mecca. Other highly bid to supply the north-west of England Wales. In February 2004, Granada successful productions included with first-rate programming - and Media and Carlton Communications Clocking Off, Bob and Rose, and The quickly gained a reputation for ground- were eventually allowed to merge to Second Coming, in which Salford actor breaking TV like World In Action and form one single company: ITV plc, Christopher Eccleston played the Seven Up, Michael Apted's famous which now owns four additional Messiah. Shameless, Paul Abbott's documentary charting the lives of television channels (three using the ITV comedy set on a Manchester estate, is children from very different brand), broadcasting on cable, satellite another success for Channel 4. backgrounds. There were also landmark and digital terrestrial. The company also moments like the first TV appearance of has interests in cinema advertising North West Vision, the regional arm of The Beatles and, of course, the start of businesses. To some, this monopoly the UK Film Council, has a Manchester Coronation Street in 1960. At the may seem an unhealthy one - but many office which provides a comprehensive weekends, ABC TV supplied independent production companies with film liaison service covering all aspects programmes from its Didsbury studios. a new take on TV drama and news are of filming and production - sourcing also flourishing in Manchester. locations, organising filming access and All that changed in 1968, when Granada putting companies in touch with a TV was awarded the full week franchise A classic case is Red Production network of film industry professionals. for the north-west and a new company Company, which was set up by Nicola The Manchester film office also helps called Yorkshire Television, which Shindler in January 1998 to work with facilitate introductions to 'film friendly' Granada later bought along with LWT writers on modern, innovative and local authorities and agencies. Last year and Tyne Tees, set up over the Pennines. entertaining dramas. Red first went into it had 761 filming days across the whole

26 YOUR MANCHESTER of Greater Manchester - generating over £30 million for the local economy and making it the busiest filming year ever. Manchester's lead as one of the UK's most popular filming destinations is increasing so much that the city is even becoming a regular "double" for London. On several occasions, Manchester Town Hall has served as the House of Commons. The city's Northern Quarter even doubled up as "New York" for the recent re-make of Alfie, with Jude Law in the role made famous by Michael Caine. If all goes to plan, it's been estimated that the expansion of Manchester's media industries could help generate another £1.1billion for the local economy over the next ten years - with over 4000 more jobs. Good news spreads fast.

YOUR MANCHESTER 27 Writer and actor Meera Syal, who is being awarded an honorary degree this year, believes her undergraduate days prepared her uniquely for the demands of the creative world in which she has since achieved so much. She took time out from nursing her new baby to speak about her student experience in the early 1980s in Manchester

Meera’s Manche

The oft-heard criticism that arts students department was thriving and I had tutors gave us our own space, they have too few lectures worked in favour chosen a really quite unique course.” instilled in me the discipline of writing. of Meera Syal. A student of English and That was the course’s great strength.” Academically she recalls the course was Drama who, after achieving a double very hard work, particularly during the Whilst an undergraduate Ms Syal wrote first has gone on to become a prolific first two years when she was effectively and acted in One of Us, a play about a and multi-talented writer and performer, studying for two degrees. “But I loved young Asian girl who runs away from Ms Syal says her tutors encouraged her what I was doing and I was very home because she wants to be an to be creative by giving her the time to active,” she says. “We were doing actress. The character rejects her develop her own style. shows all the time, as well as parents and becomes intoxicated with Reflecting on her work as a writer and experimentation and improvisation. Its her white friend, Carol. where I cut my teeth and it was a very performer in numerous film, television She took the play to the Edinburgh and theatre productions, Ms Syal good grounding for what I later went on to do. Looking back it was as good Festival, and that same year it won the acknowledges that her sense of personal as drama school.” National Student Drama Award. A discipline was developed while studying London theatre director saw her in the and has been the foundation of her Most importantly though, the degree play and offered her the chance of an hugely successful career: “I remember course encouraged Ms Syal to become Equity card. It was time to abandon her my time at the University with great creatively self-sufficient. “I have always plans of going on to study for an MA affection” she says. “The drama generated my own work and, as the and start to act for a living.

28 YOUR MANCHESTER P i c t u r

Kulvinder Ghir, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Nina Wadia and Meera Syal from ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ e

c o u r t e s y

o f

B B C

T e l e v i s i o n

ester Memories

For seven years after leaving university the Guardian Fiction Prize and won a 'Media Personality of the Year' award at Ms Syal acted in London at the Royal Betty Trask Award. the Commission for Racial Equality's Court Theatre, before receiving a call annual 'Race in the Media' awards three Her second novel, Life Isn't All Ha Ha from the BBC who were looking for an years later, as well as the EMMA (BT Hee Hee, charts the adventures of three Asian woman to co-write a script. Ethnic and Multicultural Media Award) young Asian women growing up in for Media Personality of the Year in 2001. Despite having no experience of Britain and was turned into a television she went on to write My Sister compelling BBC series. So what next? “I have thought about going back to studying, in fact I had a Wife, a three-part BBC television series Ms Syal also wrote the film Bhaji on the place at Leeds to do an MA in Drama on marriage, before completing such Beach for Channel 4 and has appeared and Psychology, so maybe sometime in enormously well received shows as The and written for many different television the future...But at the moment I am Kumars and Goodness Gracious Me. and radio comedy shows as well as trying to juggle the demands of a 13 making guest appearances on shows like As if that wasn’t enough Ms Syal is also year old daughter and a four week old Ruby, Absolutely Fabulous, and Drop The a highly acclaimed novelist - her first baby – teenage strops and sleepless Dead Donkey. She also starred in the book Anita and Me draws on her BBC sitcom Keeping Mum. nights is an interesting combination! childhood experiences growing up in a And I am missing work. I love my small mining community near Little wonder then that Ms Syal was children very much but I’m not made to Wolverhampton and was shortlisted for awarded an MBE in 1997 and won the stay at home and bake biscuits.”

YOUR MANCHESTER 29 “One of the most brilliant pupils Owens College ever had”

The University of Manchester’s early of course as one of our earlier students. While a student at Manchester Gissing days as an intellectual haven for bright We already have a very fine collection moved into lodgings in Grafton Street lads born in modest circumstances are of first editions of most of Gissing's and befriended a prostitute, Nell, for reflected in the works of one of its most works. But the Heritage Lottery Fund whom he had naïve ideas of reform. famous, if most unfortunate, alumni. has given us lots more significant Unfortunately for his good intentions, archival material." she was already an alcoholic. Born in 1857, the son of a Determined to keep her from the pharmaceutical chemist in Wakefield, Gissing’s most well-known novel is New streets, Gissing stole from his fellow Gissing became a student at Owens Grub Street, first published in 1891. students. But he was caught in the act College at the age of 16, and It describes the life and career of a and sent for one month's hard immediately showed enormous promise. novelist who is forced to labour to Belle Vue jail on Sadly, however, he left the College in compromise his art by the Hyde Road, Manchester. In scandalous circumstances and never demands of the literary the event, he was bailed fulfilled his hopes of a degree. But the market-place. This was out by J Greenwood, University has not forgotten the work of a subject on which the Principal of the man whose spectacular fall from Gissing felt Owen's College. But grace is one of the most intriguing passionately. As his hopes of a stories in English literature. well as his many glittering academic novels he wrote career were over. Now a £97,000 Heritage Lottery Fund an important grant has recently helped fund the study of Dickens, Alan Shelston, acquisition of an important collection together with John Rylands of new Gissing material by the John many articles and Research Fellow, Rylands University Library. It includes Gabrielle literary essays. Fleury says: "Gissing was several leaves of a draft of his novel one of the most Verandila (published posthumously in Critics concur that brilliant pupils 1904), as well as some unpublished one of his best Owens College ever family letters. Personal items relating to books is Born In had. He loved the Gissing’s time at the University include Exile (1892), which classics, took first the three volumes of Virgil, which begins at an awards place in Latin and Gissing was awarded in 1874 as a ceremony at "Whitelaw English and won prize for Latin when he was a brilliant College" (recognisable as academic prizes. His future young student. Owens College) which he was full of promise but he describes as "an institute which The John Rylands University Library suddenly had to leave. It must had conferred humane distinction on have been devastating and I suspect he already holds a substantial collection the money-making Midland town." of material relating to Gissing, never really came to terms with it." including examples of his magazine His fictional hero, Godwin Peak, like He was sent to America and scraped a writing, as well as a number of first Gissing in real life is a social outsider living by teaching and writing short editions along with key biographical lacking money and status who is articles for local papers. Gissing and critical material. frustrated in his attempt to find a career returned to England after a year but outlet for his intellectual ambitions. And tracked Nell down in Manchester and, Head of Special Collections Dr Stella just like his protagonist, Gissing's life Butler says: "Gissing was important as much to his family's horror, he married was to end prematurely, far from home her. He moved to London to escape to a 19th century social commentator, and and without the admiration of his peers.

30 YOUR MANCHESTER Unfortunately he was brought down by scandal but George Gissing is widely respected as one of the most gifted writers of his time and a new archive brings an important collection of his work to Manchester

anonymity, did a little tutoring and began writing the social realist novels for which he became renowned. Eventually, the couple separated. But Gissing continued to support his wife financially until her early death from alcohol in 1880. He later married a girl who turned out to have a serious mental health problem, and then compounded this catalogue of romantic disaster by fleeing to France to live with a French woman named Gabrielle George Gissing Fleury. Gissing and Gabrielle did not lead a very happy life together. Indeed, Madame Fleury allegedly fed Gissing a He was also a major influence on later which deals with a class of young men very frugal diet about which he writers like George Orwell, who distinctive of our time - well-educated, complained bitterly to many of his similarly wrote about life as lived by the fairly bred, but without money.” friends back in England. He was lonely, dispossessed. Gissing's determinist view missed England and soon his health of life, and bleak view of the universe, After Gissing’s death a group of began to suffer. has earned comparisons with Thomas admirers provided the money for a university prize to be established for In December 1903, George English Literature, and there Gissing died in South West is a tablet to his memory in France. He was only 46. His the main building. The great friend H G Wells was University which had at his deathbed. Unlike excluded George Gissing Wells, Gissing was never recognised him after all. lionised by the London literati nor did he make a Alan Shelston concludes: lot of money from his "Gissing is not always easy novels. Today, however, his to read because his view of work is highly regarded and the world was such a his novels are being pessimistic one. Though he brought back into print. had sympathy for working people he had also suffered Works like The Odd personally a great deal and Women, Born In Exile, and had little faith in the society The Nether World explore the issues of Hardy, whose Jude The Obscure also which had rejected him. the day such as women' s explored the territory which Gissing emancipation, the constraints of the claimed as his own "But he's certainly an interesting, important writer and in works like Born English class system, the terrible "What I desire to insist upon is this, that hardships endured by the poor and In Exile he gives us a fascinating glimpse the most characteristic, the most of student life as it would have been in those - like Gissing himself - who had important, part of my work is that fallen on hard times. Manchester at that time."

YOUR MANCHESTER 31 Manchester Means Business Want to meet others in the professional service sector who share your interests in the North West? The University of Manchester Alumni Association has teamed up with Pro-Manchester - which promotes professional skills and networking in the region - to launch a Common Interest Group to bring people together

Left to right - John Barnacle, Daniel Hall, Professor Rod Coombs, Sir Howard Bernstein, Peter Saville, Colin Sinclair

The aim is to encourage and extend Development, The University of growth and prosperity of the entire city- networking opportunities for alumni in Manchester, Daniel Hall, Head of region and MIDAS recognises the the North West as well as to Corporate, Eversheds and Peter Saville, valuable role that alumni can play in the demonstrate the benefits of doing Creative Director, Manchester City inward investment process. Manchester business in Manchester. The group is led Council deliver a series of short can now rightly call itself the Economic by Ian Rankin (BSc Hons Management presentations on the regeneration of Capital of the North and compete for Science 1983, Director, Scott Lang and Manchester and its competitive business on a world stage.” Company) and was launched in advantage in the financial and November, at the University’s newly professional services sector. Guests were To celebrate the success of the city’s opened Incubator Building, a state of also given plenty of time to network and thriving corporate finance community, the art biotechnology research and meet fellow alumni. MIDAS held a further event in development centre. November, to which alumni were again Head of Alumni Relations Annette invited, in London’s prestigious Capital Plans are also underway to create a Babchuk, said, “Our partnership with Club. Among the speakers was alumnus London branch of the group and a Pro-Manchester and MIDAS has given us Richard Bailey (BA Hons American breakfast briefing was held in June, in the this opportunity to engage with our Studies 1974, Managing Director, appropriately named Manchester Square, alumni employed in the financial and Northern Practice, NM Rothschild), who organised by MIDAS (Manchester’s professional services sector in London at discussed Manchester’s dynamic position investment agency) and Pro-Manchester this event, which we hope will be the as ‘deal Capital of the North’. in conjunction with The University of first of many of this type.” Manchester Alumni Association. If you, or any colleagues are interested Neil Fountain, MIDAS Chief Executive in advancing your business by joining Guests heard Sir Howard Bernstein, added: “The continued success and either the Manchester or London Chief Executive, Manchester City further expansion of the Financial and business networking group, please Council, Professor Rod Coombs, Vice- Professional Services sector in contact Alex McAlinden, President for Innovation and Economic Manchester is fundamental to the [email protected]

32 YOUR MANCHESTER Re-live your student (party) experience! The University of Manchester Alumni Association is offering the chance to be reunited with the best bits of your student days…that is, the people you partied with!

• Dr Hong Liu, Senior Lecturer in Fusion Going back a bit… Marketing, Manchester Business These Manchester University Lounge The University of Manchester Alumni School also Director of the Chinese Nights, held on Thursday nights in Association invites you to take a trip Business Centre, who will discuss London or Manchester, are especially for down memory lane to revisit your time building and maintaining business those who graduated from 2000 here and join us at our big, Alumni relationships in China. onwards. Celebration in June. • Dr Stephen Taylor, Cancer Research Thanks to all those who came along to The weekend in question will be Friday, UK Senior Fellow, who will talk about our first ‘Fusion’ event in London. We 9 June until Sunday, 11 June and will cell division from basic cell biology to very much hope you enjoyed yourselves, take place on campus and in the city. anti-cancer drugs. caught up with some old friends and • Professor Geoffrey Beattie, Head of maybe even made a few new ones Among the highlights will be a welcome School and Dean of Psychological along the way. reception of drinks and canapés in the grand surrounding of the Banqueting Science, regarded as one of the leading We were very interested to read all your Hall at Manchester Town Hall, followed international figures on non-verbal comments on the doodle board – by an optional trip to Rusholme – the communication and resident certain themes seemed to feature quite world famous ‘curry mile’ for dinner. psychologist to the UK reality TV strongly – kebabs, alcohol (vodbull in programme, Big Brother, who will outline particular), partying and not forgetting On the Saturday there will be a series of new research into bodily communication. Kro Bar munchies! high-profile lectures offering the chance to hear from: There will be a special dinner on the ‘Fusion’ is coming back on Thursday, Saturday night in the elegant Whitworth September 14 in Manchester and on • Professor John Perkins, Vice-President Hall, hosted by the President and Vice- Thursday, October 26 in London, so and Dean of the Faculty of Chancellor, Professor Alan Gilbert, please put the dates in your diaries. For Engineering and Physical Science, who followed by entertainment for those more information please go to: will give a personal and highly brave enough to carry on partying! www.manchester.ac.uk/alumni/ selective view of the history of science For more information please go to: groups/youngalumni . A special warm and engineering at The University of www.manchester.ac.uk/alumni/events or welcome to our new 2006 recruits – we Manchester and its precursors, email Alumni Officer, Alex McAlinden: look forward to seeing you there! concluding with a personal vision of the future. [email protected]

YOUR MANCHESTER 33 John Rylands Library, Deansgate Cottages 4 You Conference Office

Benefits for Alumni Your Alumni Association membership card entitles you to discounts and special offers from many organisations. For the latest deals visit: www.manchester.ac.uk/alumni/benefits

UNIVERSITY SERVICES University Sports Facilities ACCOMMODATION Careers Service The University of Manchester Directorate of The University of Manchester The Careers Service provides a wide range of Sport is pleased to offer members of the Conference Office information, advice and guidance to recent Alumni Association use of the University’s Discounted rates are available to all graduates and more experienced alumni. sports facilities, including sports classes, at Manchester graduates in many city centre Whatever stage of your career development the rates available to University staff. Please hotels if they are booked through The or job hunting, visit the graduates section of note that alumni will have to show a University of Manchester Conference Office. the careers website to find out more about University Sports Card to qualify for this Please telephone them directly quoting how the Careers Service can help: offer. To obtain a card, please call + 44 ‘alumni’ on + 44 (0)161 306 4068 or www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/graduates or (0)161 275 4961 or email email [email protected]. telephone + 44 (0)161 275 2828. [email protected] Cottages 4 You www.sport.manchester.ac.uk Civil Weddings A ten per cent discount is available to Members of the Alumni Association are RESTAURANTS members of the Alumni Association on over entitled to a ten per cent discount on the cost Market Restaurant 15,000 fabulous properties from castles to of a Civil Wedding held in either the cosy cottages in the UK, Ireland and France. Northern Quarter, Manchester Whitworth Hall or the Council Chamber. For more information telephone 0870 336 For more details please contact + 44 (0)161 The Market restaurant is offering Manchester 2833 and quote MAN10 or visit 306 4100 or email [email protected] alumni a 15 per cent discount off the total www.cottages-4-you.co.uk/ManUni. FOOD bill excluding Saturday nights and Library InterContinental Hotels Groups special dates. Please make all bookings in You are entitled to free membership of the Visit the Alumni web pages (address above) advance, quoting ‘the Manchester graduate John Rylands Library and the Joule Library – to see the latest bargains. discount’ telephone + 44 (0)161 834 3743. just remember to show your membership card as proof of identity.

34 YOUR MANCHESTER The Lowry

LEISURE The Magazine Group TRAVEL/TRANSPORT City Sightseeing Members of the Alumni Association can save BSM City Sightseeing is the world’s largest up to 75 per cent on over 400 magazines Members can take advantage of some great operator of open-top double-decker hop on and trade journals, from current affairs to savings and benefits, including a free one hour and off town and city tours, and operates cars, science to fashion and finance to driving lesson. For more information please call over 80 tours throughout the world – from health. For each subscription made, The 08457 276 276 and quote ESO500. Calls may Athens to York, and of course Manchester! Magazine Group will make a generous be monitored and recorded. donation to The University of Manchester Members of the Alumni Association are Flypark Alumni Association. entitled to a special introductory voucher A five per cent discount is available to which gives a ten per cent discount on the members on car parking options at 15 UK For more information, please visit first tour. Keep hold of this ticket as it is airports, including Heathrow and www.manchester.ac.uk/umaa or telephone worth ten per cent off the next tour. Manchester. Please visit 0870 787 9885 (UK) or + 44 (0)1795 414 ww.flypark.co.uk/discount or telephone You can request a voucher from the Alumni 787 (overseas) 0870 733 0545. Relations Office. For more information about City Sightseeing, please visit: Open Fairways RAC www.city-sightseeing.com The Open Fairways green fee & hotel Members of the Alumni Association can save privilege cards will entitle you and your up to 18 per cent on RAC membership. To Interflora friends to 50 per cent off your play or stay at join, please call 0800 581 077 and quote Interflora is pleased to offer members of the over 1000 of the finest golf courses and GE0301. Existing RAC members can take Alumni Association a ten per cent discount hotels in the UK and Ireland. The University advantage of the discounts at renewal, by on flowers and finishing touches when of Manchester alumni can join for an phoning 08705 722 722 and quoting ordering online at www.interflora.co.uk using exclusive rate of £89 (RRP£120). GE0301. Terms and Conditions apply. Calls voucher code busact0310. This offer excludes may be monitored and recorded.For more funeral items, overseas orders, Simply information, please visit www.rac.co.uk. Interflora products and all courier delivered Apply now for your Open Fairways products as well as Interflora delivery. Please membership via the secure server at SeaFrance refer to their website (www.interflora.co.uk) www.openfairways.com (please quote Ref Members are able to take advantage of a for full Terms and Conditions. For more UMAN06 in the special offers box) or ten per cent discount on all fares. information please call 0870 9045459. telephone 028 9076 9111. Please telephone 08705 711 711 and quote The London Pass THEATRES 113016UNI. The London Pass is London’s only inclusive Royal Exchange, Manchester Financial Services sightseeing card, offering free entrance to Members can take advantage of a £3 The Co-operative Bank over 50 of London’s top attractions, discount off any performance in the Main The Co-operative Bank is unique amongst including the Tower of London, Theatre. This excludes Saturdays and is the high street banks in working to a strict Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour and subject to availability. For further Ethical Policy, developed after extensive Exhibition, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington information please call + 44 (0)161 833 consultation with their customers. Palace and the London Aquarium. 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk. The Co-operative Bank is developing a range The London Pass also offers added benefits of financial products for The University of and offers in shops and restaurants, The Lowry, Salford Quays Manchester Alumni Association. See the including Harrods and the Hard Rock Café. The Lowry, in Salford Quays, will offer Alumni webpages for further details. Terms With fast track entry at many popular certain concessionary prices to Manchester and conditions apply. locations, you save time as well as money. graduates. For more details please telephone: 0870 111 2000. Disclaimer: The London Pass offers over £500 worth of The benefits and services listed do not imply value and you can see London from just £12 Contact Theatre endorsement of the listed companies, nor per day (based on a 6 day pass). Choose Members can take advantage of their products or services nor is this list from a 1, 2, 3 or 6 day pass and enjoy the concessionary priced tickets on production of exhaustive. While as much care as possible best of what London has to offer! their Alumni Association membership card. has been taken in compiling this information To take advantage of a ten per cent discount, For more information please contact the Box these descriptions may not truly represent please visit www.londonpass.com and quote Office on + 44 (0)161 274 0600 or visit the full capabilities or function of the the code Aluman04 or call 0870 242 9988 www.contact-theatre.org respective company, which may be and quote ‘The University of Manchester’. determined more fully by contacting the company in question.

YOUR MANCHESTER 35 Despite Manchester’s colder climate, it is a magnet for Greek students and has one of the largest populations of Greek students of any UK city

Greeks gravitate to Man

During the daytime, when not in According to the University’s records it five of the houses were owned by my lectures they can normally be found seems that the first Greek student to fellow countrymen. Those days are long congregating at Le Café Mykonos, at enrol at The University of Manchester since gone. Other ethnic groups now The University of Manchester Precinct was Michael Megalides of Volo, Greece inhabit those homes. Times have Centre, getting their daily dose of in 1908. Following this, more and more changed and I look back on the rich traditional Greek coffee, or frappé Greek students registered over the years tapestry which has formed my life in this (instant coffee with iced water, milk and and they were later joined by Greek city with great affection.” sugar) and catching up on the Greek Cypriots. Among them was alumnus There are currently more than 350 football scene. Indeed, the Manchester Sophocles Christodoulou Andreades Greek and Greek Cypriot students experience does not seem to have who studied Law in 1953 and later registered at The University of diminished any loyalty to Greece as far taught Modern Greek and Exegesis at Manchester. Over recent years Greek as football is concerned with the extra mural department of the students have shown an interest in a Panathanihos, Olympiakos and AEK University. In his book, ‘A personal wide range of courses especially those Athens football supporter’s clubs all history of the Greek community of leading to professions in accounting, formed in the city. Manchester and its Church’, he writes: finance, economics, law, engineering, The presence of Greek students in “Manchester is a very cosmopolitan city computer science, natural sciences, Manchester is by no means new and its people are renowned for their development studies, and dentistry. however and is no doubt a reflection of warmth and hospitality. I like it very There is a strong bond amongst the the strong Greek community that much and by now I am almost a native. Greek students whilst studying here and developed in the city. This has its official My life has been here. Here it was that I the Greater Manchester Cyprus Society birthday as 26 April 1843 when Greek met a Manchester girl, with whom I fell (GMCS) and the Hellenic Society of merchants, who had been here for some in love. We married, produced a family Manchester are both active. Elsa years, gathered together at the York and although my two daughters live in Markoulidou (BSc Computer Science Hotel. The community steadily grew and London, we have remained in our Old 2005) is on the GMCS committee, by 1860 they had established their own Trafford home these past 51 years. This responsible for public relations. She says: Church in Bury New Road, called the was once an area popular with the Greek Orthodox Church of the Greek Cypriots and I well remember the “Our aim is to enhance the Annunciation. This still exists today. time when in my street alone, four or Manchester experience for students

36 YOUR MANCHESTER George Tsakogiannis, President of The University of Manchester Alumni Association in Greece What does your role as President entail? In this first year we shall be concentrating on increasing the number of our members and on organizing events to bring people together. We need to raise awareness among the 4,000 Manchester graduates in Greece. Of course in that way we shall also be making people here aware of the of the Manchester teaching and research enormous changes that have recently programmes, and to enhance the status taken place in Manchester and the of the University and its graduates. ambitious aims of the new University. How was your time at Manchester – We intend to do this through our website, do you have any lasting memories? which already has a healthy number of visitors, through the local mass media and Before first going to Manchester in by word of mouth. As President one of September 1986, my final year project my own tasks will also be to contact key supervisor at the National Technical players in Greece with whom we shall be University of Athens told me that I had able to collaborate in the future. chosen the “most rainy and dark city in the world” for my postgraduate studies. chester Already we have started planning for a By the time I left Manchester in February social event in the Spring, aimed more 1992, I knew that living among good at the younger members. In January friends and colleagues in a lively city coming from Cyprus. Leaving the small next year, we’ll organize the traditional while working on an interesting research country we call home and coming to a Greek event of cutting the New Year project can largely compensate for the big city like Manchester is a huge step cake, or “Vassilopitta”, which will bring lack of sunshine! for Cypriots. We are here to offer help all ages together. on the same difficulties we faced when As a research student, I was glad and What are the benefits to Manchester lucky to become a member of the team we first arrived – to give practical alumni in Greece? advice such as how to open a bank working on the Flagship Parallel Machine account and we also organise social Already our memberships includes – yet another innovative computer to be and cultural gatherings and parties. people with a wide range of interests designed and built at the University’s The University of Manchester is in the and ages. For those starting or in the Computer Science Department. Getting a heart of a lively, buzzing city with middle of their professional careers, PhD meant hard work, long hours and events, cinemas, clubs and bars. It is contacts with members through e-mail many years! It also meant testing my an ideal place to study and offers and the website and through the events limits, for there were several occasions of overseas students a great opportunity we organize will provide continuous complete disappointment and loss of self- to spread their wings. ” channels for networking. confidence. It was during these times of difficulty that strong and lasting This sense of community does not stop Social and cultural events will reunite old friendships were developed. once the students leave the University friends and provide opportunities not and it is hardly surprising, with such a only for members but also for their Today, Manchester remains present in sizeable Greek student population, families to socialize, and for new my professional life, as I meet UMIST that there are a huge number of friendships to be created. and Owens graduates all over the Greek alumni who despite having left Greek computing and We hope to develop even closer links with the city, are still keen to keep The telecommunications industries. The University of Manchester, including University of Manchester spirit alive! the possible joint organization of scientific My hope for the near future is to make In November 2005 The University of events. Through these events and the UMAAG a success story and to visit Manchester Alumni Association in development of close links to the Greek Manchester again – this time with my Greece was formed. We talk to the academic and business community, we wife and our two sons. new President: hope to raise awareness of the strength

YOUR MANCHESTER 37 A new partnership between the University and IBM seeks to bring experts together in a unique way to find solutions to problems - both local and global

Partners sign Pact

The partnership underpins a key aspect of expert information covering seven millennia graduates the University’s mission to work more closely of Egyptian culture using currently working with world class industry, and will inspire www.eternalegypt.org . As well as three - for IBM, among collaborative projects ranging from improving dimensional images of artifacts, the site also them is Jo Strain. the health of mankind to helping students allows visitors to explore the Pyramids, the with disabilities. Sphinx at Giza and the tomb of Jo was an Tutankhamen. undergraduate at A partners programme has been devised to Manchester from link IBM staff with academics from the Looking towards the future, the University 1982-5 when she University so that research - and teaching - is considering becoming a partner of World Jo Strain studied for a can be informed by a real life business Community Grid, joining IBM and more than degree in Botany. context. Joint projects will be developed 110 leading companies and academic She began her career at IBM as a trainee across the engineering disciplines and also in institutions which are encouraging people to programmer and is now designing business the life sciences and the humanities. For assist humanitarian research simply by systems for insurance and utilities industry example researchers in the Business School making use of idle PC time. customers. She also gives talks to schools will be working with IBM partners this year about women in the IT business and is a investigating aspects of work life balance in The idea is to link some of the world’s keen historic rally car enthusiast: “Looking the modern workplace. estimated 650 million PCs to focus on back to my time as a student I realise I humanity’s most pressing problems, creating picked up excellent key skills which I have In addition, the People with Disabilities a large system with massive computational been able to transfer to my work at IBM. project is seeking ways to help disabled power that far exceeds the power of a few Most importantly I learnt the rudiments of students on campus using IBM Assistive supercomputers. project management as we were required to Technologies and staff training. The World Community Grid is providing conduct our own work, even then. We were A mentoring programme is also researchers with a readily available pool also encouraged to be open to new ideas up and running, to provide of computational power that can be which I think allowed us to be more IBM mentors to University used to solve problems like the spread rounded people. And we learned how to staff and students. of HIV/AIDs and other infectious structure our thinking which is a key diseases, hunger and natural business skill of course. About 90 per cent And the Manchester catastrophe. Alumni are of what I do is people management. So, Museum has teamed up encouraged to join in this project by although technology expertise is important with IBM to host a contributing their unused computer in my work, dealing with people in a purpose-built kiosk giving time. To find out more visit commercial setting while managing change visitors unprecedented www.worldcommunitygrid.org is vital. When I was a botany undergraduate access to collections from I would never have imagined myself doing museums and ancient sites According to the Alumni this. Now I can’t imagine anything else all over Egypt. Visitors can Association records, The which would give me the same satisfaction get virtual access to University of Manchester is in as helping people to achieve their personal hundreds of exhibits and to contact with just over 200 goals. It is hugely rewarding.”

38 YOUR MANCHESTER The International Society - 40th Anniversary Celebrations

From September 2006 the International Society will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary. One of the major celebrations will be a Gala Concert held at the Royal Northern College of Music on Tuesday, 31 October 2006. Anna Ford, Co-Chancellor of The University of Manchester and BBC News Presenter will be present. Anna was instrumental in the formation of the Society in the mid 1960’s and in securing the Society’s first permanent base on Plymouth Grove.

The Society has expanded steadily and last year had over 3,300 members from over 150 countries. It currently offers an extensive visits programme all around the UK, over 50 language classes a week, dozens of social events each year and support groups for partners and children of students. The Society has its own international café and continues to promote international friendship and to celebrate cultural diversity.

If you were one of the many students who benefited from the Society and has fond memories of time spent taking part in the Society's trips, social activities and classes, the organisers would love to hear from you and about what you are doing now. They would be happy to keep you informed about the various celebrations, the Society’s work and hopefully even meet some of you over the coming year.

Please email [email protected], the Director Sue Fernley at [email protected] or visit the website www.internationalsociety.org.uk

Rear-Admiral Teo Chee Hean has become the Since then he has held a number of senior First Alumni Patron first Patron of The University of Manchester government posts including Minister for the Alumni Association in Singapore. Environment, Minister for Education and Second in Singapore Minister for Defence. On 1 August 2003, he Teo Chee Hean studied Electrical Engineering was appointed as Minister for Defence. and Management Science at UMIST (First Class e r o Honours) degree in 1976. He continued with Teo Chee Hean is married to Chew Poh Yim. p a g his studies at Imperial College in London, They have a son and a daughter. n i S obtaining a Masters of Science degree (with F

E Chair of The University of Manchester Alumni

D distinction) in Computing Science in 1977. N

I Association, Andrew Spinoza, said: “We are M f Teo Chee Hean, 51, has held various command honoured that Rear-Admiral Teo has agreed o y s and staff appointments in the Republic of to become our first Patron in Singapore. The e t r

u Singapore Navy and the Joint Staff. He was University of Manchester currently has 2000 o c promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in 1991. former students based in Singapore and we o t o

h Four years later, he was named Acting Minister are keen that they all remain involved in the P for the Environment and Senior Minister of life of the University and maintain links with Commander, Royal Brunei Land Forces, COL Rosli Chuchu, calls on Minister for Defence, Teo Chee Hean. State for Defence. one another.”

YOUR MANCHESTER 39 Development News Disease and Boosting the Fight poverty to be tackled by major against Parkinson’s benefactions Professor Crossman said Parkinson’s disease was a devastating disorder which affects about one in 1,000 of The University has received two landmark private donations over the last twelve the general population months, both of which will promote new worldwide. There is currently approaches to deep-seated problems. no cure. s

w “On a personal level, I am e

The support of Rory and Elizabeth Brooks N deeply grateful to Bill for g

for the launch of the Brooks World Poverty n i this generous and public- n

Institute in February (see page 9), e v spirited gesture which will E

represents one of the largest lifetime gifts r e

t stimulate further research

in the University’s history, supporting top s e

h for the benefit of the many

quality researchers to identify and address c n sufferers of Parkinson’s blockages to progress in tackling chronic a M disease,” he said. poverty - and developing networks to e h t

influence those developing national and f o Mr Edmonds’ son John, who

y

international poverty alleviation policies. s

e lives in Devon, said: “Dad t r

u nursed my mother for many o c years through what was a o t

o long and difficult illness. He h Sheila and Bill Edmonds P was absolutely shattered when she died.” Only a few months earlier, the disease, Mr Edmonds researchers leading the met Professor Alan Chris Cox, Director of fight against Parkinson’s Crossman, a world- Development, commented: disease heard that they renowned Parkinson’s expert "The scale of these two were to receive £2 million based in the University’s major commitments says a through the estate of a Faculty of Life Sciences. Mr great deal about the quality businessman whose wife died Edmonds was so inspired by of the work undertaken by from the condition. Professor Crossman’s the University’s leading research that he bequeathed researchers, but still more Winston (Bill) Edmonds, the a significant proportion of about Rory and Elizabeth former Managing Director of his estate to the research Brooks and Mr Edmonds as the Manchester Ship Canal team’s work, funds which visionary supporters; we are Company, had cared for his are now being put to active highly fortunate to have wife, Sheila, and had use with the involvement of such far-sighted and witnessed how cruel members of Mr Edmonds’ generous friends. All Rory Brooks Parkinson’s could be. After family, following his death in concerned at the University his wife finally succumbed to July 2005. are deeply grateful." Legacy Information

The Edmonds bequest builds on a long their career or ensuring a Manchester degree University – Your Values”, or to speak to tradition of support from alumni and friends remains accessible to the brightest students someone in confidence about remembering who have remembered Manchester in their irrespective of financial circumstances. Some the University as part of your plans, please wills. Each has different reasons for individuals invest in an area of research which contact Louise Hancock, Legacy Officer, on supporting the University. Some are is close to their own priorities and interests. + 44 (0)161 275 7230, commemorating their own or a loved one’s email [email protected] time on campus while others may be If you would like to receive a copy of our celebrating the University’s part in launching new legacy information booklet – “Your

40 YOUR MANCHESTER

Re-launch of UK North American Alumni Fund The University’s UK Alumni Fund has been Foundation reorganised and re-launched with the creation of a new Steering Group being chaired by Andrew Spinoza, Chairman of the Update Alumni Association, with representatives from the University’s four faculties, the Students’ Union, alumni donors, and staff across the University who specialise in providing student support where it is most needed. The new Fund, which builds on the success of the equivalent programmes at VUM and UMIST, will support five student- focused areas across campus:

• Alumni Welcome Scholarships

• Developing Country Scholarships Leah Smith, one of the student calling team

• Emergency Student Hardship The calling team’s first programme of the States, all so enthusiastic about the UK and year was to contact alumni in the US on their time spent at Manchester. It was also • Student Resources behalf of NAFUM - the North American quite a novelty to be calling at such • Research for Society Foundation for The University of Manchester. unusual times with the international time differences. It was great fun!” The Steering Group met in February to The calls gave alumni the chance to allocate over £500,000 across these engage with what has been happening at The President of NAFUM Robin Mills (BA priorities, including hundreds of Manchester since the bringing together of Economics 1967), joined Professor Gilbert undergraduate scholarships, and support for VUM and UMIST, to receive updates on and Rory Brooks with Professor Joseph PhD students across the Fund’s four priority their own subject areas at Manchester, and Stiglitz at the announcement of the Brooks research themes: World Poverty, Cancer, to share their current interests with the World Poverty Institute in London in Science 2015, and Regenerative Medicine. University. Many showed their appreciation November. The appointment of Professor by pledging donations which totalled more Stiglitz had been assisted via NAFUM’s The University’s team of student callers are in than $30,000 for the principal purpose of ‘Laureates Fund’. Robin spent two further the process of contacting previous and current supporting outstanding students from the days in Manchester meeting key academics donors to UMIST and VUM, with a major US undertaking postgraduate research at and university leaders taking forward a programme of calling for new donors planned Manchester. Overall, 174 donors gave a number of initiatives, and commented: “I for Autumn 2006, providing an opportunity total of over $150,000 to NAFUM during am most impressed by the universal for alumni to support those aspects of the 2005, representing a 40 per cent increase commitment and dedication to ‘Manchester programme that most resonate with them. on the previous highest annual figure. 2015’. This team is really switched on and there is excitement in the air. All in all it For further information and to see how you Leah Smith, one of the student calling was a great experience and I came away can help, visit team who is reading English and Linguists, very excited about Manchester. It will www.manchester.ac.uk/ said: “I really enjoyed speaking to so many happen and our support as alumni can alumni/alumnifund/ diverse and interesting alumni in the make a real difference”. Partners in progress

University President Professor Alan Gilbert going forward, and that we are fully For more information on the University’s commented: “Ever since my arrival in committed to engaging you in what we philanthropic priorities and programme of Manchester in 2004 I have been struck by the believe to be a profoundly important agenda. donor relations, please contact Chris Cox, extraordinary level of interest and support There are few things more satisfying than Director of Development, Division of among alumni for what we are seeking to enabling outstanding people to address issues Development and Alumni Relations, on achieve in the new University. My first and of fundamental human importance. Working +44 (0)161 275 2620 or most important message to alumni is therefore in partnership with alumni and friends in these email [email protected]. a simple ‘thank you’. But I also want to stress great endeavours is one of the most rewarding that we need your support more than ever and important aspects of our work.”

YOUR MANCHESTER 41 “A busy University for busy people”

Manchester was a crucible of radicalising ideas in the nineteenth century and the progressive tradition continues today according to a new portrait of the University

In a recent Guardian article about also a crucible of radicalising ideas achievement of university status for the Manchester’s radical roots in the 19th generated by industrial dynamism. Victoria University of Manchester – all century, the author quoted historian Asa Nineteenth-century Manchester looked this was made possible by the efforts Briggs:’ The fact that Manchester was not to the South, but outwards to and bequests of Manchester taken to be the symbol of the age in America and Germany. philanthropists, manufacturers and the the 1840s was of central importance in municipality itself. modern world history.’ The civic pride of what was effectively Britain’s industrial capital city lay at the The years 1903-1939 are often referred This was the Manchester of the Anti- heart of the establishment of higher to as a Golden Age for Manchester's Corn Law League, of Cobden and education in Manchester. The journey Victoria University, a period in which Bright and the Chartists, where Friedrich from medical colleges in the early giants such as Rutherford and Bragg Engels wrote The Condition of the nineteenth century and the Mechanics laid the foundations of modern science, English Working Classes and Institution in 1824, to the establishment while the University, in the days of Tout corresponded vigorously with Karl Marx. of Owens College in Quay Street for and Unwin and Samuel Alexander, and The Manchester of that time was a city local boys, then to the foundation of a later of Lewis Namier, was equally not simply at the forefront of the federal University of northern England distinguished in Arts. After the War the Victorian Industrial Revolution but was in 1880, and finally to the 1903 University invented the world's first

42 YOUR MANCHESTER Manchester in the 1900s, the 1930s, global issues of the time such as the the 1960s, the 1980s, the 1990s with Vietnam War, but also reacted the most recent alumnus, Philip Ryan, against perceived authoritarianism in graduating in the year 2000! the disciplinary structures of the University itself. Demonstrations, sit- Through these personal accounts we can ins and occupations took their place catch a hint of the genteel Thirties, of beside the Rag Days of an older fiercely segregated halls of residence, with tradition, generating a turmoil from students wearing gowns at meals, and which, interestingly, a number of being addressed by tutors by surnames today’s cultural and political leaders with or without benefit of Mr or Miss. The were to emerge. strangeness of the wartime years is expressed in a number of contributions, What had now become a distinctive self- including this atmospheric evocation of a sustaining student culture in Manchester pivotal moment between two worlds: received another boost in the hedonistic Eighties, with an exploding club scene It was in the second week of May that centred round locations such as the my school-friend Kenneth and I took legendary Hacienda. Yet despite the the train from Grimsby to Manchester in excesses, and the occasionally frightening order to sit for the Whitworth frictions generated between what might scholarship. The city was calm and the once have been called Town and Gown, cobbled streets reverberated with the the cross-cultural buzz of Manchester has sound of the iron-shod wheels of drays continued to the point at which a thriving full of cotton goods and the sharp clash and dynamic urban scene is now actively of horseshoes. All vehicles had their recognised by the University as a positive headlamps fitted with metal shields attraction to new generations of students with shaded louvres and most shops from all over the world. had strips of sticky tape stuck across the plate-glass windows, diamond fashion Putting together an illustrated … Before dusk we were taking a walk panorama of this story in words and along Mosley Road to The Firs when pictures has been a challenge, but a suddenly we realised that the sky was fascinating one. It is hoped that every filling up with barrage balloons. The reader of every generation will find Maginot Line had been outflanked by something of interest over and above the German invasion of the Low the flashes of memory which such an Countries and the War had taken a new account inevitably evokes. Despite the and dangerous turn for Britain. huge changes that have taken place, there seems to me to be a spirit and The post-war 1940s, a time of tradition about university life in stored-programme computer and rationing, fuel shortages, cold winters Manchester that has always had a developed radio astronomy at Jodrell and freezing fogs, was marked by the radical and progressive tinge, a sense of Bank. Between the wars the University presence of older students, male for the practical engagement with the world, had fewer than 3,000 students. Today, most part, who had served in the armed and that Manchester has been an when 'Owens' and the 'Tech' have forces or, later, had completed their experience from which people go on to united, it has nearly 35,000 and a National Service. determination to revive in the twenty- do things with their lives – and that it first century the traditions of its Golden The first great expansion of the continues to be what an early Age as a world-class research university University following the Robbins Report commentator described as ‘a busy and leader of the knowledge economy of 1963 laid the foundations of a new university for busy people’. of the North West. sort of student life with large numbers of students living in newly built halls of There is sadly no time left to send you A Portrait of The University of residence forming a significant memories of university life in Manchester is the first publication to proportion of Manchester’s population. Manchester for inclusion in the book. tackle the step-changes in scale that Conflicts emerged between a baby- However, as long as you subscribe to have taken place over the last 60-70 boomer generation and a more staid this book by Monday, 17 July 2006, you years in a non-academic fashion. When university administration – at first will not only receive it by post at a we asked for personal accounts from cultural, along the now-standard lines discounted price, but will also get your Manchester alumni we didn’t expect – of youth-culture informality, name listed as a subscriber. Check the although perhaps we should have – eccentricities of dress, a burgeoning colour page at the back of this contributions from every living music scene – then, later, political. magazine to find out how to order by generation from 1928 to the present post, or subscribe securely online at day. Indeed at least one family, the In the Sixties and Seventies, students www.tmiltd.com and click on ‘Books Ryans, can count generations attending responded not simply to the great Gallery’ and then ‘Forthcoming Titles’.

YOUR MANCHESTER 43