| 3 Home Secretary launches ISCR | 4 Profile: Professor Nairn Wilson | 6 Student’s South Pole adventure | 9 January Graduation Ceremonies

CommentThe College newsletter Issue no 179 | February 2008 PM speaks at King’s greg funnell Prime Minister chose King’s as the setting for his first major speech on health last month. Health Secretary Alan Johnson was also in attendance for this important keynote speech on the future of the NHS. Welcoming the Prime Minister to King’s, the Principal, Professor Rick Trainor, commented: ‘It is fitting that the Prime Minister chose King’s as the location for his keynote speech on the Future of our NHS: Personal and Preventative, given our reputation for medical excellence.’

‘A modern reputation for outstanding professionalism’

Mr Brown also opened his speech by congratulating staff at the College for their outstanding professionalism and dedication to health and education. Referring to the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, Mr Brown said: ‘Almost one hundred and fifty years old, yours is one of the oldest colleges of nursing and midwifery in Britain with a modern reputation for outstanding professionalism, excellence in research and world leadership in the training of nurses and there is nowhere more appropriate for me to talk about how we can work together The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, presented his first major speech on the NHS in the Great Hall at the College last month. He is continued on page 2 pictured here with the Secretary of State for Health Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP. News

PM speaks at King’s Principal’s Column

greg funnell continued from page 1 King’s, with its unique academic greg funnell record and geographical position, should attract such influential policy makers. On another note, I would like to apologise on behalf of the College for the two recent disruptions that have caused much inconvenience recently. Firstly, the loss of the email service between 3-6 January 2008 was an unfortunate start Dear Colleagues to the New Year and was due It is immensely gratifying to a hardware failure. The that the Prime Minister took College has committed £8 the highly significant step of million to a significant three-year The Principal, Professor Rick Trainor, greeting Gordon Brown at the Strand Campus. announcing his new plan for ‘Connected Campus’ capital the NHS at King’s, underlining investment programme aimed greg funnell the College’s growing at modernising our IT and importance in the field of information infrastructure. healthcare (lead story). The replacement of old There have been an electronic communication unprecedented number of systems from April, in a phased distinguished visitors to the implementation scheduled for College in recent months, and completion by September 2008, more are expected in the spring. will deliver a far more robust By the time that this issue of system. We will be acquiring Comment is published, King’s will new hardware in the interim to have been visited again by the minimise the potential of further Prime Minister and by Minister major disruptions of this kind of State , and until the new service is launched. the Home Secretary will have ISS colleagues worked heroically addressed a major conference during the loss of service and From left: Nursing students Angelina Kennedy, Claire Pearson, Georgina Marks, Louise organised by the College (see are working very hard both Reynolds, Eleanor Dallman. opposite) which will be attended on interim and longer term by two former Presidents, and improvements. to renew Britain’s NHS for the had the opportunity to meet the former Prime Ministers of The loss of electrical power future.’ nursing students from the four nations. We also hope that in parts of the Strand Campus Some of the new plans Florence Nightingale School of Kofi Annan will give a major in December was also the cause announced included extending Nursing & Midwifery Angelina speech here in the near future. of considerable inconvenience. the availability of diagnostic Kennedy, Claire Pearson, Besides the Prime Minister, The power outage was caused procedures in the GP surgery, Georgina Marks, Louise Reynolds, over the last year King’s has by the failure of a major electrical and making ECGs, blood tests Eleanor Dallman. welcomed a number of important distribution component which and ultrasounds available when Professor Anne Marie Rafferty, visitors including Ed Balls, carried the power supply for key and where patients want them. Head of the Florence Nightingale Secretary of State for Children building systems. Unfortunately, Recognising the care and School of Nursing & Midwifery, and Families; Des Browne, replacement of the component dedication of staff in the NHS, gave the vote of thanks to the Secretary of State for Defence; required special manufacture Mr Brown also highlighted the Prime Minister following his Ben Bradshaw, Minister of and therefore there was a delay, need for doctors, nurses and speech. She welcomed the State for Health; Bill Rammell, until mid January, in installing other medical professionals to be Government’s commitment Minister of State for Higher a replacement. ‘partners in care’ with patients so to improving the NHS and Education; Malcolm Wicks, My thanks for the under- that they are better informed and emphasised that patients rely on Minister of State for Science standing and patience shown feel more in control: ‘During 2008 superlative nursing care. Echoing and Innovation; Ann Keen, by those affected. I am we will bring forward a patients’ the sentiments of Florence Parliamentary Under-Secretary particularly grateful for their prospectus that sets out how Nightingale, whom she described in the Department of Health; cooperation with the interim we will extend to all 15 million as an exponent of improvement Boris Johnson, Shadow Minister alternative arrangements which patients with a chronic or for health benefits with a relentless for Higher Education; Admiral were in place and to the many long-term condition access to pursuit for reform, Professor Sir Jonathon Band, Chief of the individuals who managed and a choice of ‘active patient’ or Rafferty concluded by saying Naval Staff; and Lord Bingham implemented these arrangements ‘care at home options’. his vision held out the prospect of Cornhill, Senior Lord of under difficult circumstances. Before laying out his plans for of lasting improvement to the Appeal. It is only right that Rick Trainor the future of the NHS, Mr Brown nation’s health.

 | Comment | February 2008 News

Home Secretary launches ICSR

david tett At a major conference organised opened the two-day conference, by King’s, the International Centre held at RIBA, which was attended for the Study of Radicalisation by two former presidents, four and Political Violence (ICSR) former prime ministers and was launched with a keynote over 150 experts, policymakers, speech from Home Secretary journalists and senior practitioners Jacqui Smith, who outlined from 20 countries. They discussed the Government’s policy on some of the most pressing radicalisation in her first speech issues surrounding terrorism, on the subject. radicalisation and political violence. Keynote speakers included HE Mary Robinson, former President ‘The first global centre of Ireland and UN Commissioner for knowledge and on Human Rights, Senator Chuck Hagel, US Senate, Francisco leadership’ Santos Calderon, Vice-President of Colombia and Rt Hon Terry She spoke about plans to target Davis, Secretary-General, Council websites promoting extremism, as of Europe. part of efforts to stop people being Together with the main drawn towards radical groups. speeches there were a number She said that she wants to use of working groups and panel technology to stop ‘vulnerable sessions discussing issues such people’ being ‘groomed for violent as how should states counter extremism’. She pointed out that terrorism; human rights and the Security Service estimated that counterterrorism; why do the number of people in the UK people become radicals; and do believed to be operating terrorists negotiations work? The conference was the Home Secretary’s first major speech on radicalisation. increased in 2007 from 1,600 to Panellists included HE Andrés 2,000. ‘These figures show that the Pastrana, former President of HE Kim Campbell, former ‘Also it is the first initiative threat is real and serious,’ she said. Colombia, HE Garret Fitzgerald, Prime Minister of Canada, HE in this area in which Arab and The Home Secretary’s speech former Prime Minister of Ireland, Kjell Magne Bondevik, former Israeli academic institutions david tett Prime Minister of Norway, HE are openly collaborating. ICSR Sadiq Al Mahdi, former Prime is the product of a unique Minister of Sudan, Frank Gardner, partnership which brings together BBC, Professor Olivier Roy, King’s College London, the Centre National de la Recherche Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Scientifique, Paris, Shiraz Maher, the University of Pennsylvania former member of Hizb-ut Tahrir, and the Regional Centre on Peter Burgen, CNN, Sir Richard Conflict Prevention, Amman.’ Dearlove, former Head of MI6, A celebratory dinner to HE Andrés Pastrana, former launch the ICSR was held at President of Colombia, former the Strand during the conference. UK Security and Intelligence Vice-Principal Professor Sir The discussion panel (from left): Sadiq Al Mahdi, Nick Fielding, Sir Richard Dearlove and Co-Ordinator Sir David Omand, Lawrence Freedman welcomed Frank Gardner. former British Ambassador Sir the guests, and ICSR founder david tett Michael Packenham, former EU and trustee Henry Sweetbaum, Ambassador Denis Corboy, and formerly Executive Director of Dan Benjamin, former Special the Plessey Company Ltd, Assistant to President Clinton at and spoke of his hopes for the the US National Security Council. Centre. Both Kim Campbell Dr Peter Neumann, Director and Mary Robinson talked of of the new centre, explained its the importance of the new Centre importance: ‘This is the first in the fight against terrorism, global centre for knowledge and and of their confidence in Peter leadership addressing the issues Neumann, with whom they, of radicalisation and political and other world leaders, had violence. It will produce world- worked when he was Academic class research and organise regular Director of the Club de Madrid’s From left: HE Mary Robinson, HE Kim Campbell, Dennis Corboy, Pete Rinfret and Dr Peter high-level meetings and outcome- International Summit on terrorism Neumann. driven dialogues on security issues. in 2005.

February 2008 | Comment |  Profile

Professor Nairn Wilson The Dental Institute is currently one of the top five academic dental centres in the world, but according to its Head, Professor Nairn Wilson CBE, it has much more to give…

What are your priorities as the Head of Near the end of this three-year deanship, the Dental Institute? I was appointed to be one of four Pro-Vice As Dean and Head of the Dental Institute, Chancellors of the . my priorities are to promote and facilitate Subsequent election as President of the General excellence in teaching, research and clinical Dental Council (GDC) resulted in me spending service provision. Through excellence in all most of my time in London, notwithstanding its activities, the Dental Institute strives to travel overseas to maintain involvement in build on its substantial standing as one of the collaborations dating back to my ICI days. world’s leading clinical academic centres for Within a year or so of my four to five year dentistry and oral health sciences. presidency of the GDC coming to an end, Being one of the top five academic dental I was appointed to my present position – one centres in the world is a great achievement, of the most dynamic positions in academic but the Institute is yet to realise its full potential. dentistry in the world. Looking back, it has been a career of many, What led you into dentistry? varied challenges and opportunities home and I was led into dentistry by the attraction of the abroad. Regrets, I have a few, but all pale into Fact file art and science, let alone the multidisciplinary insignificance given the things I have achieved, nature of the profession. My father having been the roles and responsibilities I continue to have, Book on my bedside table a dental practitioner, I had seen the impact and, above all else, the tremendous professional Brother surgeons – the story of the life and dentistry could have on quality of life. Also, fulfilment I have had throughout my career. times of the Hunter brothers. I like to think that I sensed the potential for innovation and development in dentistry and What other academic and related activities Favourite holiday destination was keen to be part of it. are you engaged in? My bolt-hole on the coast of Mull of As to what led me into academic dentistry, The major themes of my research have included Galloway – no mobile phone signal, no hard as it may be to believe, it was money. A the topography of the articular surfaces of email, no alarm clock, and lots of fresh air move from a junior hospital post to cover for synovial joints, novel systems for dental and exercise. a lecturer off on sabbatical leave came with diagnostic imaging, photoactivation of dental a very attractive financial incentive – £500 – materials, the clinical testing of systems and Proudest work moment a lot of money at the time. The lecturer never devices for the restoration of teeth, reasons Recognition of my contributions to dentistry returned, my post became permanent, with for the placement and replacement of dental and healthcare regulation through my another increase in remuneration and there restorations (fillings) and various aspects of appointment as a CBE. was no looking back. dental education. I remain research active, Would I go into dentistry if I had my time thanks largely to many of my former PhD again? It would certainly be on my shortlist and, students continuing to involve me in projects develop to maintain its tremendous reputation despite the attractions of other professions, it in locations around the world. and standing as a leading academic centre in would, in all probability, be my choice of career. I continue to edit, subsequent to 17 years the field. There may be only one obvious way as the editor of the Journal of Dentistry, and from the top, but the Dental Institute has no Tell us about your career. following my time at the GDC, I continue to intention of going down that road. In contrast, Following a short period as a lecturer in have substantial involvement in dental politics the Dental Institute will be striving to reach Edinburgh, I moved to Manchester to join a and related areas. new heights. Immediate projects include department offering excellent opportunities Some of my present positions include IVIDENT – the International Virtual Dental for research and related career development. Chairman of the Council of Heads and Deans School, LONDEC – the London Dental Within a few years of this move, I found of Dental Schools, the Joint Committee for Education Centre; a self-financing centre myself seconded to ICI to be the only clinician Specialist Training in Dentistry, the Oral and for postgraduate and continuing professional in a team of five tasked with developing ICI Dental Research Trust and the British Dental development and various other initiatives at Dental. Seven years later, and months before Editors Forum. Then there is the overseas different stages of planning. ICI sold its successful multinational dental travel, predominantly now in support of the business to a company in Japan, I returned to Dental Institute’s international activities. How do you see your future? the University of Manchester to fill a vacant I am presently not planning beyond the chair in Conservative Dentistry. Six years How do you see the future of dentistry immediate future. In the meantime, it is more later, I was Dean and Head of the University at King’s? of the same with, I hope, some new national Dental Hospital of Manchester. Then followed Good as the Dental Institute is, there are and international innovations in the offing. election to the position of Dean of the Faculty still many new challenges and opportunities. Whatever the future holds, I intend to find of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Dentistry is changing rapidly on all fronts, ways to make it exciting and different. Lots Surgeons of Edinburgh. and the Dental Institute needs to adapt and to do and not time to lose.

 | Comment | February 2008 News

Ian McEwan reads at King’s jo mieszkowski pa photos Award-winning author Ian McEwan read from his acclaimed novel Atonement at the College in December. The book, made into a Golden Globe-winning film, was directed by Joe Wright and starred Keira Knightley and James McAvoy. The book features nursing scenes at St Thomas’ Hospital during the Second World War.

‘A connoisseur of his craft’

The reading was given to a packed Great Hall at the Strand Campus and was organised by the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery. Ian McEwan was introduced by Professor Anne Marie Rafferty, Head of the School, before Ian McEwan with Anne-Marie Rafferty, Head of the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & reading from sections of the Midwifery. book which described one of the main characters – Briony Tallis’ by Time magazine. It also received 1976 for his first collection of – training and life as a nurse in the WH Smith Literary Award short stories First Love, Last Rites; wartime London. (2002), National Book Critics’ the Whitbread Novel Award Professor Rafferty paid tribute Circle Fiction Award (2003), Los (1987) and the Prix Fémina to ‘the outstanding writer of his Angeles Times Prize for Fiction Etranger (1993) for The Child in generation’ and a ‘connoisseur of (2003), and the Santiago Prize Time; and Germany’s Shakespeare his craft’, describing his ‘exquisite for the European Novel (2004). Prize in 1999. imagination’ and his ‘freshness, Ian McEwan’s works have He has been shortlisted for Keira Knightley, star of the award-winning immediacy and authenticity’ earned him worldwide praise and the Man Booker Prize for Fiction filmAtonement. which pulled the reader into the recognition, and his latest novel five times, winning the award world of his characters. On Chesil Beach, also shortlisted for Amsterdam in 1998. He was The reading at King’s was Atonement, published in 2001 for the Booker Prize (2007), has awarded a CBE in 2000. In part of the Culture and Care to great critical acclaim and was been top of the best sellers list for 2006, he won the James Tait programme launched in September shortlisted for the Booker Prize a number of weeks. He won the Black Memorial Prize for his by the Florence Nightingale and named best novel of that year Somerset Maugham Award in novel Saturday. School of Nursing & Midwifery. London leaders: tackling climate change

The Principal, Professor Rick environmental problems, and means initiating, welcoming and public policy issues relating to Trainor, was appointed a ‘London the College’s strong efforts to participating in a major symposium sustainability. This will draw Leader’ in September 2007 as improve its record with regard to on ‘Achieving sustainable air on the considerable academic part of an initiative from the carbon emissions, the Principal quality’ on 23 January. expertise and improving London Sustainable Development was identified as one 15 London The conference was organised institutional practice within Commission. Their objective is Leaders expected to inspire and by the College’s Environmental King’s. I hope that this symposium to provide a ‘Greater London’ in empower others to take action in Research Group, a leading provider will advocate novel, integrated all senses: a sustainable London their own communities, homes of air quality information and solutions that can be put to which supports its residents and and workplaces, with benefits research in the UK. regional and national government.’ thinks of future generations. permeating all sectors. On his contribution to the King’s was one of the first The London Leaders In autumn 2008, each London Leaders programme universities to have 100 per cent programme will catalyse change London Leader will be asked the Principal comments: ‘My of its electricity from renewable to tackle London’s ingrained to demonstrate sustainability in commitment is to promote sources. For more information problems. As a result of the strong action and show what can be collaborative, inter-disciplinary about London Leaders, see academic record at King’s on achieved. For the Principal, this research to develop solutions to www.londonsdc.org/londonleaders

February 2008 | Comment |  News

Student’s South Pole adventure robert harding world imagery

Preparing for the artic weather, medical student Lynsey Gawn.

Second-year medical student, novice to join their polar team the Describing her determination for her determination in pursuing Lynsey Gawn has embarked on a following year. I wrote in saying and dedication to raise the money her goal and can’t wait to see her unique and formidable expedition I would love to take part, and and complete the challenge, she back and congratulate her – and to the South Pole. Lynsey left following a selection process, was says: ‘I told Mike and Fiona that make her catch up with the course. the UK on 29 December and chosen to go. I then had to find I loved personal challenges, and Well done Lynsey’. was hoping to reach the South £24,000 in six months, get all my how I thrived on being out of Adam Farley, President, Pole by 1 February. She will also kit together and try and get fit.’ my comfort zone. When I was at KCLSU commented: ‘It is be celebrating her 24th birthday school I never did very well, and fantastic to see a King’s student while in Antarctica. had very little confidence in my involved in such an amazing The trip has been planned by ‘Life is so short, academic or sporting ability. But opportunity. It shows real strength polar explorer (and record breaker) we have to live it to when I was 17 I moved schools of character and determination Fiona Thornewill and led by and had teachers who told me that Lynsey is going push her self her husband Mike Thornewill – the full’ that I could do whatever I wanted to the limits both mentally and only the third British person if I applied myself. That really physically. We are willing her all ever to walk to both the North To raise the £24,000 needed to motivated me. Life is so short, we the way to South Pole and look and South Pole. go to Antarctica, Lynsey secured have to live it to the full!’ forward to hearing the stories and Lynsey explains how she came £4,000 from the College’s alumni, Lynsey’s tutor, Dr Despo seeing the photos on her return.’ to be selected for the trip: ‘In £14,000 in sponsorship and raised Papachristodoulou, Head of Regular updates to the team’s November 2006 Fiona Thornewill the rest by going to schools and Medicine for Years one and two, latitude and progress can be was on GMTV, and invited a involving the children. says: ‘I am so proud of Lynsey followed at www.polarchallenge.org Parenting Academy opens its doors at King’s

The National Academy for training and information. a lot from each other about their Parenting Practitioners (NAPP) The Academy was opened in children, and parenting programmes has officially opened its doors at November by Children’s Minister make for fascinating television, but King’s Strand Campus. Beverly Hughes MP. Ms Hughes for real help that makes a difference, NAPP will work directly with was joined at the opening by the parents need support from someone parenting practitioners to increase Principal, Professor Rick Trainor, who is properly trained. That is why the high-quality skills and Professor Stephen Scott from the the new national academy is going knowledge they need to support Institute of Psychiatry, who is also to play such an important role. parents in dealing with day-to-day Director of Research at the Academy, At the launch, the Principal challenges and give their children as well as the Academy’s newly also formally announced the the best possible start in life. The appointed Chairman, Hilton appointment of Mark Dadds, Academy’s aim is to improve the Dawson, and Chief Executive, previously Professor of Psychology quality of support that is made Angela Sibson. at the University of New South available to practitioners and in At the opening of the centre Wales in Australia, as the new Chair Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes MP and turn parents through research, Ms Hughes said: ‘Parents can learn of Parenting Studies at King’s. Professor Stephen Scott.

 | Comment | February 2008 News

FCO library transferred to King’s foyle special collections library An extensive ‘Historic Collection’ of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Library has been formally transferred to King’s College London. The transfer to King’s of this unique collection will ensure, that for the first time ever, the collection will be fully accessible to the research community. Work will be undertaken to sort and catalogue the collection which will be released incrementally.

‘The most exciting print acquisition in a hundred years’

Sir Peter Ricketts KCMG Permanent Under Secretary and A Chilean fair from: Peter Schmidtmeyer. Travels into Chile, over the Andes, in the years 1820 and 1821. London: printed by S McDowall … for the Head of the Diplomatic Service, author; and published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, Brown, & Green 1824 [FCO Historical Collection]. FCO, formally transferred the Greg Funnell collection to Professor Rick including the material on all Trainor, Principal of King’s, at aspects of British, European, a ceremony held at the College Imperial and South Asian History. in November. It will also complement holdings Patricia Methven, Deputy relating to military history, Director of ISS and Director defence studies and contemporary of Archives & Information security analysis. Management at King’s, describes A number of interested the riches of this acquisition: organisations were approached ‘This is the most exciting print to take over the collection, but acquisition the library has received King’s was selected because it in at least a hundred years. was able to demonstrate Spanning over four centuries the professional management, access, FCO Library offers matchless an ability to keep the collection coverage of Britain’s role as a together, alignment of the trading nation, imperial and collection to existing holdings, diplomatic power and as a member and academic interests and of the Commonwealth.’ strengths, particularly in its top- The Collection will complement rated departments of History The Principal, Professor Rick Trainor with Sir Peter Ricketts, Permanent Under Secretary, the College’s other collections, and War Studies. Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Centre for Crime & Justice Studies’ annual event david tett The 2007 Annual Event of the Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Crime and Justice International Prison Studies Studies was held in Great Hall Centre and member of the House in December. Split for purpose? of Lords and Martin Bright, The implications of Political Editor, New Statesman. reform was the topic, and featured The panel discussed the a panel discussion chaired by implications of the splitting Robin Lustig, presenter of Radio up of the Home Office, with the 4’s The World Tonight news debate focusing on whether it From left: Martin Bright, Baroness Stern, Robin Lustig and Lord Falconer. programme, with Lord Falconer, would bring about positive former Secretary of State for change within criminal justice of an ever growing prison penal policy, with questions from Justice, Baroness Vivien Stern, system especially in the context population and toughening up of the audience.

February 2008 | Comment |  Focus Film Studies Film Studies at King’s is a young and growing department devoted to the aesthetic, historical, social and technological study of film and cinema.

ilm Studies, which developed in the 1970s in the UK, is a young Facademic discipline. Initially taken up by the newer universities, the subject has now spread to more established institutions, in recognition of its intellectual legitimacy and high student demand. Film Studies at King’s was established as a small programme in 2000, as part of the College’s strategic initiative. It included three members of staff but rapidly grew with the appointment of the current Head, Professor Ginette Vincendeau, in January 2006. With Dr Mark Betz, Dr Sarah Cooper, Professor Richard Dyer, Dr Michele Pierson and Dr Mark Shiel, there are now six full-time academic staff (with plans for a seventh soon), currently teaching over 200 undergraduate students and 44 postgraduates. As a result, Film Studies was granted departmental status in the School of Humanities in July 2007, Amélie (directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring Audrey Tautou; France, 2001) is a popular film with students, which has making it the leading dedicated Film Studies been studied on several courses in the department, in particular for its innovative style using computer-generated special department in central London. It is based in effects and its controversial portrayal of a nostalgic Paris. the Norfolk Building at the Strand Campus. in our taught MA in Contemporary Cinema points out, ‘especially with BFI Southbank on Signature art form Cultures and a fast-growing population of the other side of Waterloo Bridge’. The British ‘Film is the signature art form of the 20th PhD students.’ Film Institute (BFI) is one of the institutions century’, explains Professor Vincendeau. ‘It through which King’s Film Studies staff provides a new visual grammar and inescapably Research spread their research outside academia: shapes our understanding and perception As in most humanities departments, research publishing books, giving seminars and of the world. For this reason, our research tends to be based in individual scholarship, designing film retrospectives. Other institutions and teaching focus on the cinema in all its although some collaborative projects have with which they have collaborated in London manifestations, including new media. Our aim emerged both within and outside the include Somerset House, the French Institute, is to offer students the analytic tools needed Department. Research focuses on three Australia House and the . to understand and appreciate the creative clusters: European cinema, which is There is now a well-attended regular potential and formal features of the medium considered in both its art and popular series of research seminars, and in May 2006 and to assess its ideological and social impact. dimension, with an emphasis on French Film Studies organised its first international ‘Film studies has already diversified and Italian cinema; cultural history (the conference at King’s, on Eminent Europeans tremendously, with most institutions offering representation of the city, national and – the representation of famous Europeans in some form of film or media courses, many trans-national cinema, stardom, music and American cinema: part of research on the with practical elements. Capitalising on staff film); and critical theory, in particular the relationship between Europe and Hollywood. expertise, at King’s we are, emphatically, a relationship between film and other disciplines Plans for future international conferences film studies department, and we concentrate such as philosophy, psychoanalysis, literature, include: New Developments in Stardom in on historical, critical and theoretical work. geography and art. March 2008 (organised by PhD students), This has implications for both our teaching As a result, while core courses are taught Los Angeles in the Cinema in 2009 and the and our research.’ in film history and theory, specialist options sixth Popular European Cinema Conference, ‘Traditionally we have offered range from ‘Serial Killers in Film’ and ‘Cinema on Melodrama, in 2010. undergraduate courses for students coming and the City’ to ‘Fathers in Film’, ‘The French ‘We are members of the London University from other departments, and we teach a joint New Wave’, ‘Avant Garde Cinema’ and Screen Studies Group, through which we BA in Film Studies and American Studies. A ‘Asian Popular Cinemas’. PhD topics range exchange MA modules and organise events’, key development was the launch of our first from Greek stardom to the representation of Professor Vincendeau adds: ‘Within the single honours degree, the BA in Film Studies, the American suburbs, to the spy film. College, we are keen to link with other in autumn 2007, which immediately attracted departments, whether through joint seminars, a high level of recruitment. Similarly, our Collaborations courses or projects. Current and future partners graduate programme has greatly expanded in ‘It is clearly an advantage to teach Film Studies include American Studies, Geography, War the last two years, with a much larger cohort in the heart of London’, Professor Vincendeau Studies and Nursing.

 | Comment | February 2008 King’s people

New director January Graduation Ceremonies all photos by tempest graduation photography Internationally renowned stem cell scientist Dr Alan Colman has been appointed as the new Director of Stem Cell Research at the School of Biomedical & Health Sciences. Dr Colman will be joining the Health Schools on 1 May 2008. Dr Colman was part of the team who created ‘Dolly the Sheep’ – the world’s first mammal cloned from an adult cell – at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, and currently leads a research team at the A*STAR Institute of Medical Mikhael Essayan QC Dame Nancy Rothwell DBE FRS Stephen Schilizzi Biology at the Singapore. At the Graduation Ceremonies Foundation, which has supported Byzantine & Modern Greek on 15 and 16 January Fellowships scholarship at King’s in many Studies and scholarships for Professor Hamnett of King’s College London were ways. Mr Essayan is a grandson students of Greek nationality in awarded to Mikhael Essayan QC and of Calouste Gulbenkian, who in any discipline to study at King’s. accepted to ACSS Stephen Schilizzi, and an Honorary 1887 was awarded a Diploma Dame Nancy Rothwell is a Professor Chris Hamnett, degree of the University of with Distinction from the distinguished neuroscientist and Department of Geography, has London was awarded to Dame Department of Engineering & communicator of science who is been accepted as a member of Nancy Rothwell DBE FRS. Applied Sciences at King’s. Professor of Physiology Research the Academy of Social Sciences The award to Mikhael Essayan Stephen Schilizzi is Chairman and Vice-President for Research (ACSS). Professor Hamnett, who recognises his work as Honorary of the Schilizzi Foundation, at the University of Manchester, has conducted extensive research President and Trustee of the which has provided major and a graduate of Queen on social inequality and social UK branch of the Gulbenkian support for the Department of Elizabeth College. polarisation in large cities, was nominated for the post by the Royal Geographical Society. post Mr Ball aims to help raise He is currently co-principal awareness and increase security Honorary Degree Ceremony investigator with Professor Tim on Campus and Residences alike. tempest graduation photography Butler on a study of Gentrification, Ethnic Change and Education in East London. New member of Council New LMS Rory Tapner, Chairman and CEO Asia Pacific UBS, has President been appointed Treasurer to Professor Brian Davies FRS, one the Council of King’s College of Britain’s leading mathematical London. Mr Tapner was appointed analysts and a member of the Chairman and CEO Asia Pacific From left: Principal Professor Rick Trainor, Viscount Runciman of Doxford FBA, Chairman Department of Mathematics, in May 2004, and became a of Council Lord Douro, Professor Deborah Greenspan BDS, Professor Colin Blakemore FRS, Dr Mark Walport FMedSci. has been elected President of the member of the Group Executive London Mathematical Society. Board of UBS in January 2006. Four key academics have diseases; Professor Colin Blakemore Professor Davies took up the role received recognition for their FRS, Director of the Medical in November 2007 and will be outstanding contribution to Research Council, a highly in post for two years. Unique Research their fields at an Honorary distinguished neuroscientist, Degree Ceremony held in the with particular interests in Translator Chapel at the Strand Campus. vision, the early development Steve Ball Dr Julie Lotharius has been The Ceremony took place in of the brain and conditions; appointed as a Research Translator November and was officiated Professor Deborah Greenspan BDS, Steve Ball has taken up the post to the School of Biomedical & by the Chairman of Council, one of the world’s outstanding of Head of Security. This is a Health Sciences. This post is the Lord Douro and the Principal. investigators in dental science; new position which has been first of its kind in the UK and will The academics include: and Viscount Runciman of created with the intention of assess the results of pre-clinical Dr Mark Walport FMedSci, Director Doxford FBA, is a leading British improving security across all biomedical research for potential of the Wellcome Trust, who sociologist, a Senior Research areas of King’s College. development into new therapies. specialises in immunology Fellow at Trinity College, Previously an officer with the King’s has provided £60,000 and the genetics of rheumatic Cambridge. , in his new funding towards the scheme.

February 2008 | Comment |  King’s people

New Year Honours

The 2008 awarded an OBE, along in Theoretical Physics, for have been announced with many with current member of staff services to physics were awarded King’s staff and alumni receiving Professor Saman Warnakulasuriya, MBEs for their contributions to awards. Professor of Oral Medicine and medicine, the armed forces and Experimental Oral Pathology physics respectively. CBE at the Dental Institute, who Mrs Comfort Momoh, a Visiting Former member of staffD r was recognised for his services Lecturer, Florence Nightingale Margaret Bent was recognised in to medicine. An OBE was also School of Nursing & Midwifery, this year’s honours list for services awarded to alumnus Lieutenant and Female Genital Mutilation to musicology. She was joined by Colonel Matthew Porter MBE, Royal and Public Health Specialist at Comfort Momoh Hanif Kureishi, author, playwright Marines, Military Division. Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and alumnus of King’s who was NHS Foundation Trust, was awarded a CBE for services to MBE also among those honoured literature and drama. Professor Alumni to receive this award with an MBE for her services Jonathan Shepherd also received included: Barry Shooter, to Women’s Healthcare. a CBE for his contributions to pharmacist, for services to healthcare and the Criminal pharmacy; Edwin Tritschler, DBE Justice System. Commander in the Royal Navy. Nuala O’Loan, alumna and Police Alumni Dr Ian Baker, a retired Ombudsman for Northern OBE Consultant in Public Health Ireland, received a DBE for Professor Saman Warnakulasuriya The 2008 honours list saw Medicine, Major Carl Harris public service. Knight’s Batchelor alumnus Wing Commander Ian of the Royal Marines, and Dr Professor Bruce Ponder, alumnus of a Knight’s Batchelor for services Valley, RAF Military Division, Cyril Isenberg, retired lecturer medicine at St Thomas’ received to medicine.

Obituaries

Steven Ackerley productive team with another (1972-2008) talented young scientist, Andy Grierson and together they published several important papers on axonal transport and motor neuron disease (MND). Following his time at the IoP, Dr Ackerley continued his studies on MND, firstly in John Hopkins University in Baltimore and then in Oxford. He returned to the IoP in 2006 where he was studying axonal transport and MND. Dr Ackerley was a highly talented scientist who was always willing to find time to help other researchers and especially Afghanistan in December. to extend our condolences younger research students. Jack, who was from Devon, to his family.’ Dr Steven Ackerley was a senior Professor Chris Miller, died when his vehicle was caught Captain Jim McCaffery, research fellow in the MRC Department Head in the Centre in a blast in Helmand province. troop commander of 4/73 Centre for Neurodegeneration for Neurodegeneration Trooper Sadler first joined Special Observation Battery Research. His BSc was from the Honourable Artillery which Trooper Sadler joined Stirling from where he moved Company as a recruit in October in May, said: ‘He was always to the Institute of Psychiatry Jack Saddler 2005, and had hoped to join keen to be in the thick of (IoP) to undertake an MSc (1987-2007) the regular army after his tour the action and would not in Neuroscience and then a of Afghanistan. countenance being left behind. PhD. His PhD was funded by Trooper Jack Sadler, 21, who The Principal, Professor Rick His dry wit and his resilient the Motor Neurone Disease completed a War Studies degree Trainor said: ‘On behalf of the character will be sadly Association. last summer, was tragically killed College community I would like missed and our thoughts are During his PhD research, in an explosion while on patrol to express profound sadness at the with his family during this Dr Ackerley formed a highly in Helmand province, southern loss of this brave young man and difficult time.’

10 | Comment | February 2008 Flashback Pearl before line The model locomotive on the stairs’ landing in the entrance hall at the Strand Campus is the oldest large-scale model railway engine in existence.

Greg Funnell nown as Pearl, she was built by Peter Brotherhood, a former Kstudent of King’s College School and a talented engineer, in about 1861. She was restored a hundred years later by a group of King’s students led by railway writer Sydney A Leleux, then a Chemistry undergraduate. Peter Brotherhood was born in 1838 and studied at King’s College School between 1852 and 1855. He was the second son of Rowland Brotherhood who had been a contractor under Brunel for parts of the Great Western Railway main line from London to Bristol, and who subsequently set up a large engineering works at Chippenham. Leleux believes the engine was built by Peter Brotherhood ‘purely for personal reasons’, and is probably the model which accompanied the lecture on ‘The Steam Engine and Its History’ he gave in January 1862.

Tank engine Pearl is thought to be only the second 15- Pearl, as she is now, on the south staircase of the entrance hall at the Strand. inch gauge locomotive to be built, and Leleux describes her as having no known prototype Sorry state but as ‘a very interesting model of a typical By 1958, Pearl was in a sorry state. The passenger engine of the 1850s’. He points out smokebox and well tank were full of waste that she seems never to have had a tender. paper and the safety valve cover was crammed ‘Since there is a small well tank under the with nutshells. cab floor and there is no provision for The King’s Railway Club (of which Leleux connection to a feed tender anywhere in was Secretary and President between 1959 the feed-water system, it is unlikely that and 1961) asked the College for permission to one was ever provided.’ Therefore Pearl, like restore the engine, and in November 1959 Pearl Revd W Audrey’s famous creation Thomas, was slowly and carefully run downstairs on is a tank engine. scaffolding planks and rolled on a series of old Letters in the College Archives show that doormats out into the Quad and round via the Brotherhood gave Pearl to the George III Strand to the Mechanical Engineers’ workshop Museum at King’s in 1868. On 26 March in Strand Lane. 1868 Brotherhood wrote: ‘I have in my Mechanical Engineering Technical staffAlex Heaney, Paul possession a fine working model of a locomotive Railway at King’s Leforte, Dave Elgar, Mike Harrington and Les Clarke lowering Pearl down the staircase in Spring 1987, en route to the which was made by me soon after leaving The renovation was completed by March 1961, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch miniature railway. King’s College. Having no further use for it with the boiler, firebox, wheels and springs and as I received my first instruction in repainted in Pearl’s original royal blue, the (about £110 today), including a few new parts practical mechanics at your Institution I frames in dark red and the buffer beams in to replace missing old ones. shall be most happy to present it to you for dark red, bright red and black. The engine was Pearl did finally make it to Romney in 1987 your Museum.’ returned to her station by the same route she for the 60th anniversary of the miniature railway. The College Council accepted the offer, had come, although because by this time her Paul Leforte and Alex Heane, technicians in the and on 7 April Brotherhood wrote: ‘I will weight was known (10.5 hundredweight) she Mechanical Engineering Workshop, recall her at once have the locomotive put into good could be taken up in the College lift. being taken out of the Strand in almost exactly order.’ It is not clear where the engine was At one stage the restorers had hoped to run the same way as in 1959. kept once it came to King’s. A ‘locomotive Pearl on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch For further details see Sydney A Leleux, engine’ is listed in the 1900 catalogue of the miniature railway or even to construct a Brotherhood’s Engineers, published by David & George III Museum, but the well-known 15-inch gauge railway to run her at King’s, but Charles in 1965 (revised edition planned) and railway enthusiast JN Maskelyne had no her boiler was found to be leaking and it was King’s College London Archives, Secretary’s recollection of seeing it while he was a student decided that the cost of restoring or replacing it in-correspondence, refs KA/IC/B292-3 and in the College from 1910 to 1914. By 1919, could not be justified. The total cost of repairs K/MUS4/6. however, it was on display in the entrance hall. and painting came in fact to only just over £7 Christine Kenyon Jones

February 2008 | Comment | 11 Around the College

New lease of life for Museum the anatomy museum and Theatre guests included Steve Tompkins, on the Strand Campus, survivors RIBA award-winning architect of an era when the medical responsible for the rebuilding sciences were studied alongside of the Young Vic and advisor the Humanities at King’s, are being to the project. transformed for the 21st century. Professor Read also outlined Following research investment his ambition to create a state- from the Department of English, of-the-art facility for research and support from the Arts and collaborations across the College Humanities Research Council, disciplines from medicine to a collaboration between Alan materials science from war studies Read, Professor of Theatre in the to law where performance plays School of Humanities, Centre for a part. He said: ‘My vision Computing in the Humanities, is to create a research centre the Arts and Humanities Data and publicly accessible project Service and Information Services performance space in this and Systems proposes to restore historic area.’ these spaces for digital scholarship Alan Read in the Anatomy Museum and Theatre. A new website and interdisciplinary performance www.anatomytheatre.com will carry research. leading figures from the theatre & Engagement and to introduce news on the progress of the project To help celebrate this change, and arts community to launch his the research venue to the London and further scheduled events from Professor Alan Read invited 150 new monograph Theatre, Intimacy theatre community. One of the March 2008, when it goes live. News in brief Masterminds at the Maughan Greg Funnell Early day motion on outdoor RAE return submitted Initial Teacher Education and the The College submitted its Outdoor Classroom, a report co- Research Assessment Exercise authored by Dr Justin (RAE) return on 30 September Dillon, Senior Lecturer in 2007. This consisted of the Science and Environmental publications, student information Education at King’s, has and research income of around been used to support an early 1,500 researchers in 37 different day motion in the House Units of Assessment (UoA), of Commons. Among the as well as a statement on research recommendations, the report strategy and activity for each suggested that the Office for UoA. The outcome of the Standards in Education should RAE is crucial to the College report on the degree and quality both in terms of its reputation of fieldwork training and and the income that it generates. development in ITT providers The outcome of RAE 2008 and schools. will be published in December.

Annual Fund Grants 2008 New species Applications are now being A new species of tapeworm, welcomed for the 2008 Annual Oochoristica whitfieldii, Fund grants. All of the College’s has been named after Schools and departments can Professor Phil Whitfield, apply for the grants, which are Vice Principal (Students), intended to enhance student and an internationally The Maughan Library was the setting for contestants’ last minute revision for Junior life across the College and renowned parasitologist. Mastermind in December. Here are the finalists of the competition in theR ound Students’ Union. The deadline The parasite was discovered Room. Back row (from left) David from Lancashire, specialist subject George Lucas (who went on to win), and Mathew from Manchester, specialist subject for applications is 20 March by Dr Sergio Guillen- Alfred the Great. Front row (from left) Edmund from London, specialist subject Sir 2008, and the Committee will Hernandez, a former PhD Issac Newton, Andrew from Biggleswade, specialist subject the Spanish Armada, make its decision on which student of Professor Whitfield’s, and Graeme Lockheart Information Specialist (Classics and Music) at the Maughan projects to support in May 2008. now Head of Marine Biology Library and ISC. Junior Mastermind first aired onBB C1 in August 2004. The show is For more information visit: at the University of Yucatan, the same as the original version, with children answering questions on a specialist subject and then on general knowledge, but the contestants have to be aged www.kcl.ac.uk/support/fund Mexico. between 10 and 11.

12 | Comment | February 2008 Research

World’s first virtual reality simulator Bullying genes The world’s first virtual reality delighted to be the first in the simulator in keyhole kidney world to have this facility. The surgery has been launched. simulator will revolutionise The simulator, called the the way that we train our Procedicus MIST (Minimally surgeons. Ultimately the true Invasive Surgical Trainer) beneficiaries of the simulator Nephrectomy, was developed will be our patients.’ by staff from Guy’s Hospital, The simulator allows trainee Kings College London and surgeons to practice in a safe Mentice, a technology company environment by holding controls who develop virtual reality representing the instruments applications in medicine. The they would use during an project was funded by a grant operation and following of £185,000 from Guy’s and commands on screen. St Thomas’ Charity. The screen shows a life-like Mr Prokar Dasgupta, representation of the organs and In the first research project of becoming victimised, or being a Reader in the Division of the simulator guides the trainee its kind to look at genes and the bully with genes responsible for Immunology, Infection and through procedures, step-by-step. environmental effects on the role 73 per cent of children’s risk for Inflammatory Disease at King’s, It also gives a competence-based of bullying and victimisation, being a victim and 61 per cent of and Consultant Urologist at assessment of surgical trainees Harriet Ball, Louise Arseneault their risk for being a bully. The Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS without any concern about and colleagues in the Social, study shows that further research Foundation Trust, said: ‘We are harming a single patient. Genetic and Developmental is needed to focus on the heritable Psychiatry Centre at the Institute characteristics within victims, as of Psychiatry, have found there well as those within bullies. are strong genetic influences on The research paper ‘Genetic being a victim, a bully, and being a and environmental influences on HIV protein discovery bully-victim (a victim and a bully). victims, bullies and bully-victims It was found that genetic in childhood’ is published in the factors can influence a child’s the Journal of Child Psychology individual characteristics in such and Psychiatry, Volume 49, a way as to increase their risk of Issue 1 (January 2008). New trial for breast cancer A new UK-based clinical trial has been launched to improve breast cancer treatment for women with aggressive hormone and HER2 negative tumours. The trial is to be led by Dr Andrew Tutt Director of the new Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit The discovery of a novel human Dr Neil, and a team of at King’s and Consultant protein called tetherin which researchers at King’s, will set up oncologist at Guy’s and St appears to block the replication a laboratory to focus on trying Thomas’ NHS Foundation. of HIV-1 thereby halting the to understand the mechanisms This type of breast cancer is spread of the virus, has been made by which the HIV-1 gene Vpu referred to as ‘triple negative’ does not target the specific biology by Dr Stuart Neil, Lecturer in counteracts tetherin. because the tumours lack hormone of this type of cancer. Ultimately, the Department of Infectious Dr Neil comments: ‘With this (oestrogen and progesterone) and we hope the drug carboplatin Diseases at King’s. new discovery there is potential HER2 receptors. It is also more could become part of a new, Dr Neil isolated tetherin for opening up a novel drug target likely to spread to another part of standard treatment for patients whilst working in the group of for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. the body than hormone-driven with hormone and HER2 negative Paul Bieniasz at Rockefeller Understanding how Vpu takes breast cancers. breast cancer.’ University’s Aaron Diamond out the activity of tetherin will Dr Tutt says: ‘Due to its nature, Breakthrough Breast Cancer AIDS Research Center in New facilitate the design of therapeutics hormone and HER2 negative, or and Cancer Research UK are York. This breakthrough study, to inhibit this part of the virus, ‘triple negative’, breast cancer does jointly funding the Triple Negative published in Nature, is particularly allowing the cell’s natural defence not respond to targeted treatments Trial. To find out more about the exciting because tetherin might be systems to interfere with HIV like tamoxifen or Herceptin. Triple Negative Trial, please visit an important antiviral inhibitor of replication’. The research will be Women with these tumours face the Breakthrough Breast Cancer many diverse viruses. funded by the Wellcome Trust. standard chemotherapy, which website www.breakthrough.org.uk.

February 2008 | Comment | 13 Media watch

Knife crime Eating disorders Iraq jihadists Constant combat

Following the publication Professor Janet Treasure, Head Dr Rory Miller, senior lecturer in Sir Lawrence Freedman, Vice- of a report on knife crime of Eating Disorder Unit, was Mediterranean Studies, wrote Principal (Research) and by the Centre for Crime & interviewed by Simon Mayo on in The Irish Times on the US’s Professor of War Studies, wrote Justice Studies, the Director, BBC Radio 5 Live about eating achievements in Iraq. an opinion column in The Times Richard Garside, and author disorders and her new book for where he stated that there are of the report, Roger Grimshaw, carers. some very personal elements in undertook interviews on Radio Homesickness the spat between retired senior 4’s Today programme, BBC officers and the Government, Breakfast News, GMTV and Australian politics In a Radio 4 Woman’s Hour but the underlying issues go the local London news. programme about students back to the Blair years. Dr Frank Bongiorno, Menzies returning home for the holidays Centre for Australian Studies, and the possible issues that Look after dad commented on Maxine could arise, Ann Conlon, Director Cloned embryos McKew’s rise in Australian of Student Services, took part in On BBC1’s, Panorama, politics, the other women to a discussion on homesickness. Professor Chris Shaw, Institute of Professor Clive Ballard, of the watch and how the parties are Psychiatry, commented in The Wolfson Centre for Age- now vying for the female vote Guardian and appeared on the Related Diseases, investigated on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Top toys Channel 4 news on scientists the effects of anti-psychotic having created the world’s first medication, which is given to Dr Richard Howells, Reader cloned monkey embryos and nearly half of dementia patients Moon & madness in Cultural and Creative extracting stem cells from them. in care homes at an annual cost Industries, discussed the Also on Channel 4 News. of £80 million. The link between the moon perceived difference between and madness was explored on girls’ and boys’ toys, along with Radio 4’s All in the Mind. Niall the semiotics of the colour pink Serial killers Heroin clinic McCrae, psychiatric nurse and on BBC2’s James May: My clinical trial manager at the Sister’s Top Toys. Dr Glenn Wilson, Institute of John Strang, Professor of Health Services and Population Psychiatry, commented in The Psychiatry of Addictions, Research Department at the Observer on the characteristics discussed a pilot scheme in Institute of Psychiatry, was Iraq war of serial killers, following which addicts inject themselves interviewed. excavations at the former home with diamorphine and its Professor Simon Wessely, King’s of suspected serial killer Peter initial results on Radio 4’s Centre for Military Health Tobin. Today programme. Also in the Junk food Research, appeared on ABC Independent, Daily Mail, The News (US) commenting on the Sun and BBC Online. Tom Sanders, Professor of increasing and on-going cost of Soldiers in the Sun Nutrition and Dietetics, the War in Iraq in the light of offered his expertise on a new research in the American Professor Simon Wessely, Director Benazir Bhutto BBC1 television programme Medical Association Journal that of King’s Centre for Military on junk food. shows screening soldiers twice Health Research, contributed to Professor Anatol Lieven, Chair helps identify more who need a Radio 3 drama-documentary of International Relations & further treatment. on the psychological effects of Terrorism Studies, wrote about Russian religion conflict. the implications of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, in the Dr Marat Shterin, Lecturer Monarchy future Financial Times. In his regular in Sociology of Religion, Housing problem column, Professor Lieven and a specialist in religious Robert Blackburn, Professor also examined the Israeli and movements in Russia, of Constitutional Law, was In an article for the Financial Palestinian conflict in the commented on the current interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Times, Chris Hamnet, Professor Financial Times. religious situation in Russia Today programme, on the future of Geography, wrote on for BBC Radio 4’s Sunday of the monarchy. London’s soaring house prices programme. and the impact City bonuses Plastic surgery and wealthy foreign buyers Great smog have on the property market. The issues surrounding overseas Youth justice surgery and the impact of As weather conditions in See www.kcl.ac.uk/headlines corrective surgery on the Rob Allen, Director of the the UK worsened, the great for the latest media coverage NHS was the subject for Alex International Centre for Prison London smog of 1952 was or on Campus noticeboards. Callinicos, Professor of European Studies, took part in an edition discussed by Professor Glenn Comment is keen to know of Studies, and the rest of the of Unreliable Evidence on McGregor, Department of any staff featured in the media, Radio 4 Moral Maze team. Radio 4 on youth justice. Geography, on BBC News 24. email [email protected]

14 | Comment | February 2008 Student news

Medical careers day

KCLSU Volunteering, in conjunction with MedSoc, hosted a Medical Student Careers Day on Friday 12 November with 75 school children, aged between 15 and 17, from five different south London schools attending the event. Volunteer medical students delivered a number of workshops including introductory talks on the King’s medical degree, practical sessions on how to take a patient’s blood pressure and history, as well as giving tours of the Guy’s Campus. All the sessions were designed by King’s medical students, with 25 volunteers helping out both on the day and to arrange the event. KCLSU were also delighted to have Professor John Rees, Dean The day gave hands-on experience for students considering following a career in medicine. of Undergraduate Education give a brief introduction to the children a chance to talk to current The response from each school that we need for medicine. The Medical School, which was medical students, learning from taking part was extremely positive. interview skills workshop was very well received. their experience of successfully One year 12 student stated, ‘We great because it will help us to The event gave the school applying for a medical degree. were able to learn the basic skills become a successful applicant.’

Gerontology Section held their Election fever hits Student wins top Annual Trainees’ Prize evening. All those presenting were Specialist KCLSU pharmacy award Registrars. Nominations are now open for King’s Pharmacy student Seema Dr Judith Partridge was awarded candidates to enter the KCLSU Mehta has won the UniChem the oral prize for her presentation spring 2008 Elections. customer forum pharmacy student ‘Back from the dead: an interesting During Spring elections, award. Seema Mehta, who is a case of end stage dementia?’ Dr candidates are chosen by the third year student was selected Partridge is an specialist registrar student body to stand for the as winner of this award for (SpR) in Care of the Elderly at President, Vice President and demonstrating a comprehensive St Mary’s Hospital in London. Student Trustee positions within insight into the impact that the Dr Karen Kee won the best KCLSU. Each role entails sitting Community Pharmacy Contract poster prize for her poster ‘The on the Trustee Board of KCLSU, is now having on the pharmacy truth behind acopia’. Dr Kee is which has over 300 staff and a profession. an SpR in Elderly Care at Mayday £5 million turnover, as well as Her competition entry showed University Hospital in . acting as representatives for an encouraging understanding Both Dr Partridge and Dr photographic displays of a range the King’s student body which of the extended services role Kee were awarded the MSc in of King’s student activity as well involves liaising with the Principal for pharmacy, as well as a Gerontology with Merit this year. as a live ballet display from the and the national student network great enthusiasm for how the Dance Society, and a presentation to improve the student experience. Community Pharmacy Contract and live performance from the Spending a year in any of these has impacted not just pharmacy, KCLSU showcases Diwali Society. roles is a worthwhile experience but also the wider healthcare sector. Students who freely give their for any King’s student and the student talent time to organise sports clubs and responsibility involved ensures that In celebration of recently being societies through committees, ex-Trustees are highly favoured MSc graduates awarded Investing in Volunteers are all classed as volunteers, and amongst graduate recruiters. status, KCLSU presented a without them KCLSU would not College staff aware of bright, shine at RSM showcase of student activity at the be able to provide the range of confident and articulate students Congratulations go to two KCLSU Student Support Centre, student activity currently available. are invited to encourage them to recent graduates of the MSc in Boland House on in December, Being awarded ‘Investing in consider standing in the election. Gerontology who have won awards which was well attended by both Volunteers’ status is a mark of Full information can be found at at the Royal Society of Medicine. KCLSU volunteers and senior KCLSU’s commitment to www.kclsu.org. Last November the Geriatrics and College staff. The event featured these students.

February 2008 | Comment | 15 Books

Three favourite... Cycle rides near the James Clerk Maxwell Building As recommended by Wendy Russell, Widening Participation Co-ordinator

waterloo to Hyde Park From the James Clerk Maxwell Building, scoot round the IMAX cinema and head over Waterloo Bridge. Turn left down the Strand and carry straight on through Trafalgar Square and underneath Admiralty Arch for a mooch down The Mall past St James’s Park, and Buckingham The Earls Of Mercia: Shakespeare and the Idea The Sovereignty of Law: Palace. Continue up through Lordship and Power in of Late Writing: Authorship The European Way Green Park via Constitution Hill Late Anglo-Saxon England in the Proximity of Death to Hyde Park corner and follow the cycle route into Hyde Park. Professor Stephen Baxter, Professor Gordon McMullan, Professor Francis Jacobs, Wend your way alongside the Department of History Department of English School of Law Serpentine and enjoy the respite from the traffi c for a while. The earls of Mercia off ers a fresh What do we mean when we speak This book is addressed, not interpretation of power structures of the ‘late style’ of a writer, artist primarily to the specialist, but to waterloo to st Paul’s and political patterns in late Anglo- or composer? a wider audience. It tackles some Strike out along Stamford Saxon England. Its principal Professor Gordon McMullan basic questions about the role of Street and cross the river over focus is the family of Ealdorman argues in Shakespeare and the the law, and the courts in a society Blackfriars Bridge, then head Leofwine, which obtained Idea of Late Writing that, far from ever more complex. east to St Paul’s Cathedral, power in Mercia and retained being a natural phenomenon Recently, the role of courts has nipping through the quieter it throughout an extraordinary common to a handful of geniuses changed dramatically. Not only do streets such as Pilgrim Street period of political and dynastic in old age or in proximity to death, courts now have to decide cases and Carter Lane. Head back upheaval between 994 and 1071. late style is a critical construct between parties, they also often down towards the river and The family survived through which has helped creative artists have to choose between competing walk across the Millennium events such as the Viking wars, give shape to the work they fundamental values. Bridge (no cycling allowed over and further rounds of political produce late in life. Judges may have to balance the the bridge) for a fantastic view bloodletting during the reign of Taking Shakespeare as his potentially confl icting interests of of the Tate Modern. Athelred ‘the Unready’. exemplar, he maps the human life and human dignity; It describes and explains why development of the ‘discourse freedom of speech and the right waterloo to Borough market this family managed to retain of lateness’ from the 18th century of privacy; or free trade and the There is usually a great power for so long, and in doing to the present, noting not only protection of the environment. The atmosphere during weekday so off ers a major new appraisal of the mismatch between that courts may have to circumscribe lunch hours at Borough Market, some fundamental elements of the discourse and the actual freedom of religion, and decide especially so on a Friday. late Anglo-Saxon government and conditions for authorship in when religious dress may be worn. Cycling along the South Bank society: the nature and limits of the theatre of Shakespeare’s With the non-specialist in is the most enjoyable and scenic the powers of earls; forms of land day but also its generativity mind, and starting from the basic route to the market. Trundle tenure and the mechanics of royal for subsequent projections of notion of the rule of law, this book along next to the Thames, patronage; the social and political creative selfhood. explores how judges can and heading towards Southwark functions of religious patronage; And he provides the fi rst full should address such issues. Cathedral, and moor your bike the structures of pre-Conquest critique of the idea of late style, Both the European Convention just outside Borough Market. lordship; and the relationship one which will be of interest not on Human Rights and the Pottering round the market is between local and national politics. only to literature specialists but European Union often play a best done on foot. The earls of Mercia is a new also to art historians, musicologists decisive role, and The Sovereignty interpretation of the late Anglo- and anyone curious about the of Law points out both the Let us know your three favourite Saxon polity, and of the origins relationship of creativity to old advantages and the diffi culties things related to a Campus. of the Norman Conquest. age and to death. posed by this. Email [email protected] Oxford Historical Monographs Cambridge University Press Cambridge University Press

Comment is the College’s regular newsletter, edited by the Public Relations Department and designed by the Corporate Design Unit | Comment is printed on paper produced with 80 per cent recovered fi bre| Articles are welcomed from all members of the College, but please note that the Editor reserves the right to amend articles | Copy for the next issue can be sent to the Internal Communications Offi cer, Public Relations Department (ext 3075), James Clerk Maxwell Building, Waterloo Campus, or emailed to [email protected] by 22 February.

16 | Comment | February 2008