Su Issue fourtecen autumn c 2013 www.essmmu.ac.uk The University for World-Class Professionals

Dame OBE Broadcaster, journalist, campaigner s

Board of Governors Class Act Research Meet Our Alumni e r u t c i P Education, manufacturing, Actress and comedienne How a caffeine spray Philippa Hallworth on C business and finance Debra Stephenson B B

could enhance her year as a newly : t i leaders take up their remembers her d e

sports performance qualified teacher r c

new roles student days e r u t c i P Contents

Foreword P1 Professor John Brooks, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University News P2 Round-up of news from across the University Opinion P5 Dianne Thompson CBE, Camelot Group of Companies CEO and University Chancellor Graduations 2013 P6 Honorary awards 2013 P8 Interview with honorary graduate Dame Joan Bakewell P10 Graduate Angus McFadyen discusses how he went about P10 creating our new ceremonial mace P11 This year’s Success prize winners talk about their work Building for the Future P12 The latest on the University’s £350m investment in new facilities Board of Governors

P14 Meet the new Chairman and Deputy e v i h

Chair of the Board of Governors c r A

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P16 The new independent Governors r u t c reveal what attracted them to the role i P P20 V T Postgraduates in Focus I P19 Graduate Philomena Chen explains how the Executive MBA benefitted her career Class Act P20 Actress and comedienne Debra Stephenson remembers her student days Working with Business P22 Knowledge Exchange Awards Research P14 P28 P23 Innovative research at the University P24 Psychology senior lecturer, Su cc ess Editor - Rachel Charnock Dr Geoff Bunn, on lie detectors Issue fourteen autumn 2013 Writers - Kat Dibbits P26 Research into the use of a caffeine Success is published by Manchester Gareth Hollyman spray to improve sports performance Metropolitan University Chris Morris Design - Steve Kelly Vice-Chancellor Meet Our Alumni Photography - Ade Hunter Professor John Brooks P28 Teaching graduate, Philippa Mike Frisbee Hallworth, on her first year as a Contact us - [email protected] primary teacher No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from Manchester Metropolitan University Foreword Our Academic Vision

his edition of Success for World-Class Professionals, it is vital T introduces readers to new that we can demonstrate outstanding members of our Board, achievement in each area. including our new Chairman and Deputy Chair, and reflects upon the The Academic Vision for MMU builds success of this year’s graduation upon the success of the 2020 Vision ceremonies and our honorary and sets some ambitious, but graduates. It also showcases our achievable, targets. It is based upon achievements in research and sound evidence, and seeks to position enterprise across the University and the University within the ‘free market’, features an interview with graduate which the government’s policies have Debra Stephenson – with whom I was created. In summary, our aim is to delighted to present our first Staff become a top 50 university for both Awards ceremony at the end of term. teaching and research. The move from raise the bar of both expectation and ‘good to great’ which this Vision achievement still further. Of course, the In my foreword, I want to concentrate on requires will demand a co-ordinated sector is not standing still and we are in the ‘Academic Vision’ for the University and sustained effort across the entire direct competition with many other high and to emphasise the core ‘business’ of University. It will determine how we performing universities in the UK and a modern university. MMU primarily recruit our staff, how we reward their worldwide. Nevertheless, I am confident engages in the three closely related achievement and how we make longer- that we can raise our game and achieve activities of: term strategic investment decisions. our ‘top 50’ aspiration. 1. Creation of new knowledge – Much of the foundation has already been However, we will need your help, so Research laid very effectively. From 2014, our two- please keep in touch. 2. Communication of knowledge – campus University will have world-class Teaching facilities for teaching and research; our infrastructure to support teaching and 3. Commercialisation of knowledge – learning is sector leading; and our Enterprise innovative use of MOODLE is beginning We believe that the ‘three-legged stool’ to set us apart from other universities. of R,T and E is made stronger by the Professor John Brooks interaction between activities. Indeed to The challenge now is to work with our Vice-Chancellor achieve our aim of being the University staff, our students and our alumni to Manchester Metropolitan University

1 News UK's greenest university

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© anchester Metropolitan High marks were also given in areas like The ‘Student Switch Off’ campaign M University hit number one ethical investment, fair trade, and water encourages reduced energy use in halls in the People & Planet and energy management. of residence and has already saved Green League Table 2013 of 140 266 tonnes of carbon dioxide (2009-12), universities, after rising spectacularly Annual carbon emissions are down to with a probable 100 more tonnes saved from 91st when the annual tables were below 20,000 tonnes, which is a fall of in 2013. first produced in 2007. nearly 20% from 2005/6 and which amounts to some 16,000 tonnes. Another campaign, ‘Zero Waste - Give Vice-Chancellor Professor John Brooks it don’t bin it’, where students donated said: “The whole University community MMU has a target to cut carbon unwanted items to local charities has is thrilled with this recognition from emissions by 35% by 2016 and it is reduced waste being sent to landfill by People & Planet. We try to be one of the few institutions with specific 50 tonnes since its launch in 2009 and sustainable in everything we do and policies to reduce indirect emissions has proved so successful that it has have spent £350m rebuilding our from staff and student travel and been adopted by Manchester City campuses along eco-friendly lines. how the goods and services it buys Council. Last year alone, 954 bags of are made. clothing, crockery and other general “In partnership with our students, we household items were donated. are working to create a sustainable It has also invested hundreds of University which goes beyond being thousands of pounds in solar energy When asked whether they were satisfied carbon neutral and actually has a and green roofs at its All Saints campus with MMU’s eco-friendly attitude, 94% positive environmental impact.” on Oxford Road. A further £110,000 is of our students said they were satisfied being invested in solar energy at the or very satisfied – a rise of 11% on the The annual survey audits systems, Crewe campus. previous survey in 2009. performance and attitudes to green living, with MMU scoring 59.5 out of 70 All University buildings are strictly www.mmu.ac.uk/environment and maximum marks in: monitored by an energy rating scheme, Twitter: @MMUEnvironment while the University’s new £75m n Environmental Policy Business School and Student Hub n Environmental Staff incorporates many new ‘green’ n Carbon Management technologies including rainwater n Staff and Student Engagement recycling, borehole cooling and heating, and the new Birley Fields n Sustainability in the Curriculum campus will be zero-rated in waste, n Waste Management water and heating.

2 Studying things that go bump in the night

hosts, ghouls and things that As well as providing a home for G go bump in the night... and researchers, the Centre will be home to how these terrors have the University’s hugely popular Gothic affected our culture will be the focus strand of the MA in English, and the new of the new Manchester Centre for online MA which is launched this year. Gothic Studies. The staff will also organise public events, The Centre was launched in October by host a research conference, and the the Lord Mayor of Manchester during Centre will house an online journal, Dark the Gothic Manchester Festival. Arts: An Online Journal of Gothic Studies.

Dr Linnie Blake, of the Department of Dr Blake added: “To us, studying the English, said: “The public interest in the Gothic is an intellectual adventure on Gothic has never been greater. Books, the dark side and we want to share this films, television, video games and not only with other academics but also graphic novels all illustrate this. with members of the wider world.”

“But the Gothic isn't simply a popular Follow the Manchester Centre for Gothic mode of entertainment. It is a powerful Studies on Twitter at @gothicmmu. form of storytelling that tells us something about our deepest and www.hssr.mmu.ac.uk/gothicmmu/ darkest fears, about who we are as about-the-centre Xavier Aldana Reyes and Linnie Blake people and how our society works.”

Successful applicants can start their business careers with little or no debt plus three years’ work experience under their belt with one of the world’s best- known brands.

Tony Collins, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Trains, said: “This is a great example of partnership between education and the business world, and for Virgin Trains it makes great economic sense as we are investing in 12 future leaders of the business.”

Virgin is offering a three-year, fixed-term job and a place to study a BA (Hons) Business Management degree.

Left to right: Gaynor Stuart (Director of the Virgin Training Academy), Trevor Brown Dennis Dunn, Dean of the (MMU Faculty Enterprise Manager) and Joy Grant (Senior Lecturer in Business Management) campus said: “Virgin Trains are one of Britain’s most successful companies and Virgin Trains he University has teamed up have strong links to Crewe as a rail town. T with Virgin Trains to offer a partnership novel approach to “This is a very contemporary approach management education. to management education and a great opportunity for our participants, the Red From September, managerial hopefuls Track Crew.” are having their university tuition fees paid for as part of Virgin Trains’ new Read about the first 12 students at: Red Track programme. www.mmu.ac.uk/news/news-item2142

3 News

Art allotment at RHS Tatton

auliflowers, cabbages and The garden, which also featured a hive created an exhibition celebrating what Crunner beans all featured in the of porcelain bees, metal and stone we love and do best – making! Manchester School of Art’s birds and tiny origami frogs, came into garden at the famous Tatton Flower being after the Royal Horticultural “We used beds and sheds in the way Show – but nobody was picking them Society opted for a special ‘allotments’ we would normally use plinths, frames for dinner! section for 2013. and showcases.”

That was because the vegetables And it so happened that the Manchester The novel garden also exhibited ‘growing’ in the plot were made from School of Art is full of keen gardeners. dancing daffodils, steel grasses and a wool, thread and clay and were part compost heap of waste materials from of the School’s first exhibition at the Jane McFadyen, a principal lecturer in the making processes. annual flower show. the School of Art and one of the main organisers of the project, said: “We www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/175

Hundreds gain degree while working Transport minister’s praise undreds of professional Working with MMU, it enables its for engineers Haccountants who have trained members – around 100 each year – to with CIMA are enrolling at top up their CIMA qualifications to inister of Transport Patrick MMU to enhance their career bachelor’s and master’s degree level. M McLoughlin MP praised the prospects further. calibre of MMU’s young In July, the first bachelors’ students engineers on a visit to Manchester. CIMA – the Chartered Institute of graduated and among them was Lee Management Accountants – is the Brown, a management accountant at The Secretary of State toured the School world’s largest professional Berwin & Berwin Ltd in Leeds, who ‘got of Engineering where he met accountancy body with around the monkey’ of not having a degree off undergraduates who he said would be 180,000 members. his back. vital in constructing the road, rail and air infrastructure for coming generations. “It’s been holding me back. Many jobs require ‘degree educated’ or ‘excellent He later appeared at an HS2 jobs and academic record’ both of which would skills summit at the Business School result in my CV not even making the first involving the Core Cities group of civic cut,” said Lee. leaders with University representatives.

The CIMA honours degree prides itself The minister was in Manchester to urge on excellent online facilities, supervision city leaders to ensure the government’s and offers the flexibility to dip in and out £42.6bn HS2 high-speed rail project of the material 24 hours a day, 365 days creates the maximum number of jobs. a year. More than 2,000 graduate trainees and apprentices are expected to work on the www.business.mmu.ac.uk/cima new infrastructure side alone. Lee Brown (centre) with fellow CIMA graduates Sharon Parker and Jayne Doherty

4 Opinion Paying it forward

Dianne Thompson CBE, University Chancellor and CEO of Camelot Group of Companies, which is responsible for operating the UK National Lottery, highlights some of the obstacles facing today’s students and how fellow alumni can help.

t MMU, we are less than a £1,000 was introduced in 1998. The We have raised around £35,000 this Ayear away from completing tuition fee changed again in 2004 year through our fundraising activities one of the largest campus under the Higher Education Act to a and we are very grateful to all those who regeneration projects of any UK maximum of £3,000 per academic donated. This money will go largely to university. The legacy of this for future year (increasing by annual inflation academically able students who may students is hugely beneficial – with since then). The average annual tuition feel that the costs of attending university inspiring learning and teaching fee now charged by UK universities are beyond their means. facilities, first-class student services is £8,300. and support, and a complete ‘Paying it forward’ is a simple concept. modernising of the curriculum. Our As fees have risen, we have noticed a We have over 250,000 alumni across collective responsibility as MMU number of trends. MMU boasts one of the globe, one of the largest such alumni is to ensure that future the highest percentages in the UK communities. In ‘paying it forward’ to generations can benefit from all the (22.4%) of university students from those who have to pay considerably opportunities that we benefitted from. black and minority ethnic (BME) more than we did to attend MMU, we backgrounds; however, we are seeing will help future generations. This can Since my last column, the University a decline in the number of young be in the form of donations to provide has embarked on its first fundraising white males from socially and bursaries, but just as good are new programme for a number of years. In economically deprived postcodes employment opportunities for our this issue, I would like to talk to you attending university. graduates, along with placement years about ‘paying it forward’. Put simply, and internships. Please do what you we are all in a position in some way In 2011/12, we gave the greatest can to help. to help academically able, but amount in bursaries (£12.7m) of any economically disadvantaged students UK university to the most students I know we will all want to play our part to go to university. (12,000+) from low-income where possible. backgrounds – but, in the latest budget, If you attended university before 1991, the government has reduced the you will have benefitted from, effectively, National Scholarship Programme (to Dianne Thompson CBE graduated from Manchester a free university education, often with take effect from 2015/16), which we Polytechnic in French and English and was a grants to support your living and match fund to provide these bursaries. Business School Lecturer in the 1980s. accommodation costs, and with no It is highly likely that fewer students from tuition fees. The grant system changed low-income backgrounds will choose to in 1991 and the first annual tuition fee of go to university.

5 Graduations 2013 Honorary awards 2013

Graduation ceremony at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester

ome 7,500 graduands attended Alan Garner OBE , who was awarded Professor Susan Roulstone S the graduation ceremonies at an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall told the students, “This is a starting this summer and among them were point, not a finishing line.” ten individuals who were presented with honorary degrees in recognition Alan is known for his children’s fantasy of their outstanding achievements. novels set in the Cheshire landscape, including Elidor, The Weirdstone of Dame Joan Bakewell OBE , Brisingamen, The Owl Service and broadcaster and journalist, received an his latest book, Boneland. Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of her distinguished Lawrence Grant , the University’s achievements as a writer and former Director of Finance who oversaw broadcaster (see interview on page 8). the ambitious £350m capital estates programme up to his retirement in 2011 Justin Fletcher MBE , television was awarded an honorary degree of programme deviser and presenter on Doctorate in Business Administration. the BBC’s CBeebies channel, was presented with an honorary degree of Stephen Jenkinson , Chief Operating Doctor of Business Administration, in Officer for renewables and environmental recognition of his work entertaining firm Viridor Laing who are part of the young children, particularly those with city’s plans to divert more than 75 per special needs. cent of waste away from landfill was

6 conferred with an honorary degree of sport reflects society and helps society Geoff Thompson MBE Doctor of Science in recognition of his – we are not a panacea, but we can do achievements in the waste much to equip people to be the best management industry. that they can be.”

The Right Reverend Nigel He urged the graduands to “be the McCulloch , the outgoing Anglican change and the global citizens that you Bishop of Manchester who is known can be. Your rights and responsibilities for his openness to other faiths and are everything.” support of women bishops, received an honorary degree of Doctor of Education. John Thornhill JP was given an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Professor Susan Roulstone was John is a Manchester Law School awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of graduate and now holds the Crown Health for her work in the field of speech appointment as Judicial Appointments and language therapy. Sue trained at Commissioner. Elizabeth Gaskell College, which is now part of MMU, and is Director of the Bristol David Threlfall , who studied at the Speech and Language Therapy Manchester School of Theatre and is Research Unit at North Bristol NHS Trust. best known for his role as the foul- mouthed Frank Gallagher in the hit Geoff Thompson MBE , five times series Shameless, was awarded a world karate champion, was conferred Doctor of Arts. He has also appeared an honorary degree of Doctor of in Hollywood films and is a Education in recognition not just of his distinguished stage actor, with credits “Be the change and sporting achievements but his work in including Oedipus, Hamlet and the global citizens social inclusion and his commitment to numerous appearances for the Royal the work of the Youth Charter. Shakespeare Company. that you can be.

When receiving his award, Geoff said: Your rights and “There are still many challenges in how responsibilities are everything.” Honorary awards

David Threlfall Honorary awards are conferred on The awards are conferred at Faculty individuals of national or international graduation ceremonies. distinction who: Since 1970, 240 honorary awards n have made, or continue to make, a have been presented by MMU and major contribution to the academic Manchester Polytechnic. work, the development or the reputation of the University, or Many notable alumni have received n have earned distinction for their honorary awards, including Sarah activities in the fields of education, Burton OBE, His Honour Judge Iain sport, business, culture, creative Hamilton, Thomas Heatherwick, Dianne work, or public or charitable service, Thompson CBE and Paul Walsh. or n have made a significant contribution to the North West region, or To see all our honorands, go to: n through their achievements, or www.mmu.ac.uk/about/ through overcoming disadvantages, honorary-graduates present a worthy role model to MMU students and staff

7 Graduations 2013 Great inspirations

Dame Joan Bakewell OBE, who received an roadcaster Dame Joan honorary degree from the University this B Bakewell has interviewed hundreds of politicians, artists summer, looks back on a career in broadcasting and religious leaders, but one in that spans six decades and remembers some of particular stands out to her.

the people who have inspired her along the way. “I got the first long interview with Nelson Mandela when he came out of prison,” she says. “He had done a few short, general press conferences but someone had managed to set it up and we flew to Sweden to meet up with him in Stockholm. That was a great moment, I was very grateful to have the opportunity to do it.

“Everyone admires Nelson Mandela’s stand on a matter of principle and his ability to endure what he has endured.”

Dame Joan, who was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters at this year’s graduation ceremonies, adds that she also greatly admired fellow broadcaster Alistair Cooke, “who came from my area of the world,” she says.

“I always admired his total professionalism even if I didn’t agree with his thoughts,” she says before adding that she was always more interested in filmmakers than fellow journalists, particularly who was directing television dramas during the early part of her career.

That career began not as a journalist but as a technical manager at the BBC. After growing up in Hazel Grove (unbelievably on a street named Bakewell Road), Dame Joan said she had few female career role models in her early life.

“I grew up in a world in which women were expected to get a job after school and then it was courtship and marriage and children – you stayed home and were a housewife,” she says. “I knew I wanted more than that but I couldn’t formulate the idea – I had no role models.” ITV Picture Archive

8 ITV Picture Archive

It wasn’t until she attended Newnham Dame Joan’s work has been focussed College at the on the serious side of life. that she came across driven, intellectual women, although she says she still “When I look back I can see that I’ve didn’t know what she wanted to do done rather serious stuff – I just didn’t after graduation. fit easily into the light entertainment mould,” she says. “I’m interested in “I don’t think you have to plan your ideas as much as people so I think by career while you’re studying, just try accident – or maybe just by the choices things out,” she says. I made – I’ve always ended up doing quite serious things.” At the BBC a small item on the opening of the Hampstead Theatre gave her her Her advice to young people hoping first taste of broadcasting, but it wasn’t to follow in her footsteps is inspiring: until Television House opened and “Look inward, not outward,” she says. advertised for staff that it was suggested she should make it a “Consider what you yourself in your full-time occupation. heart want to be and only then look outward. The world wants to pigeonhole Despite being the late fifties, a time people and often it’s too early. I’m all for known for being tough for women trying people taking a chance.” to build careers, Dame Joan says the unique environment of the BBC meant she was given more opportunities than most.

“There was a smattering of women in “Consider what you broadcasting, in the drama department yourself in your heart and driving Woman’s Hour, so it wasn’t a shock horror that I was there,” want to be and only she says. then look outward.” “I saw these rather strong-minded women radio producers – who always ITV Picture Archive seemed to be wearing hats – who seemed enormously competent and confident, which I wasn’t, so I drew on their confidence as an example.”

Following her move to Television House, Dame Joan started presenting the discussion programme Late Night Line-Up, and her rise to broadcasting legend began.

“I remember it being a fantastically busy, thriving place because that’s where they made the programmes – in later years they commissioned other people to do the programme making and took on a much more managerial role,” she says. “It was like a whole set of theatres with props departments and scenery departments and costume and makeup – it was a very exciting time.”

Like her current series for BBC Radio 4, Inside the Ethics Committee, much of

9 Graduations 2013 History in the making At this year’s award ceremonies there was a symbolic exchange of the University’s existing mace for a new one created by Manchester School of Art graduate Angus McFadyen.

or silversmith Angus McFadyen Angus graduated in 1984 with a degree “Every day I didn’t know how to do the Fthe opportunity to design a new in Three Dimensional Design. “Student next bit – it was a really complicated bit ceremonial mace for his alma life was very different then to what it is of making,” he says. mater was too good to pass up. now,” he says. But the reputation of Manchester School of Art was as high as “It was important to get each part to sit With the 175th anniversary celebrations ever, and Angus was approached with nicely together and that took a lot of for the Manchester School of Art work even before his graduation. thought. I can’t imagine I’ll ever do underway, the Dean, Professor David anything this intricate again.” Crow, wanted to give a gift from the “At the degree show I was asked to School to the University – and when put some work in to [jewellery design Videos of the 2013 graduation Angus suggested the mace, Professor exhibition] Dazzle – that was how I ceremonies can be viewed at: Crow agreed that it was the perfect idea. got started,” he says. “They have www.mmu.ac.uk/graduation/ done more good for jewellers than archive/2013 It is the first time a mace has been any other organisation.” designed specifically for MMU since it was awarded University status in 1992. Since graduating, Angus’s work has Mace facts been shown across the country, but A real labour of love, the pattern on the he has maintained strong ties to the n The new mace measures one body of the mace is taken from the University – he has created ceremonial metre high same wallpaper design by Lewis staffs in the past and is married to n The main shaft of the mace is made Foreman Day that is cast into the principal lecturer Jane McFadyen. from English oak huge concrete pillars in the new He has also been presented with an Manchester School of Art building. award by the Worshipful Company n It is carried at the front of the of Goldsmiths and has work in the graduation procession by the The silver orb at the top of the mace collection of the V&A Museum. mace-bearer highlights the University’s motto, Many The tradition of mace-bearing dates Arts, Many Skills and is also decorated And while the mace may not be the n back to the 13th century with 18 carat gold bees to honour the physically largest project he has worker bees which are Manchester’s worked on – that accolade goes to n The original mace was designed in symbol, and which are found the trophy for the King George VI 1974 by academic Geoff White to everywhere from the city’s coat of arms diamond stakes in 2001 – it is certainly commemorate the merging of the to the logo of Boddington’s brewery. the most complicated. Cheshire colleges

10 Success prize winners Jade Ashton and David Bright Hammond graduated in Three Dimensional Design in July and their work demonstrates the breadth futures of talent shown by students on the course.

Jade Ashton’s ‘eureka’ moment wax, chicken wire, fibres and came when she realised that ceramics even lentils. “was not just about ‘making pots for the mantelpiece’.” Jade said that one of the best things about her course was the opportunity “I was drawn to large-scale installation to explore ‘traditional’ methods such works, particularly those of Claire Twomey as ceramics. and Anna Collette Hunt,” she said. She said: “To me, the most important Her pieces, which were recently aspect of the degree was that it featured in the University’s Holden actively encourages students to Gallery, take their themes from the design with ceramics and explore the environment – for example one piece material’s boundaries.” explores the decline of Britain’s bees and takes its inspiration from a selection Now she hopes to set up her own studio of bee poems by Carol Ann Duffy and space alongside working in education to William Plomer amongst others. promote clay art in the school curriculum and ensure that other young artists have Pieces are made from the fragile-yet- the opportunity to follow in her footsteps. strong material porcelain paper-clay, Jade has also started the part-time MA in combined with ingredients including Collaborative Practice at MMU.

David Hammond’s highly of glass, which are assembled to create experimental designs combine painting, a larger object. Mirrors are used to sculpture and architecture to create create further special effects. striking glass installations that reflect the constantly changing colours, He said: “I am fascinated by how all shadows and highlights of buildings in aspects and all ages of architecture their environments. tend to support and reflect the qualities of each other, for example the original He said: “I was immensely surprised to and the new Manchester School of win the Success award, because at the Art buildings. degree show there was such a lot of work, of excellent quality, from many “My installations are intended to show very talented students. how old and new can support and benefit each other, much like people. If old and “It gives me the opportunity to express young work together then much is gained my philosophy that paintings need not but unfortunately too many older people be just two-dimensional but can have decry our youth and vice versa, we are true three-dimensional qualities.” not always tolerant of each other.”

David uses site photographs and After three years at MMU, David is drawings to create paintings of the planning to return and study for a selected buildings which are then master’s degree, and has also set up a digitally manipulated. Using a variety of workshop so he can continue his work techniques such as sand-blasting, in partnership with his wife, Shirley. ceramic transfer fusing and painting, imagery is created on individual pieces www.3dd.mmu.ac.uk

11 Building for the future Manchester Metropolitan University is driving ahead with a £350m investment in modern facilities.

ess than a year from now, Birley LFields will open, completing a mammoth building programme which has provided new facilities for Manchester School of Art, Hollings, the Business School and the Faculties of Education and Health, Psychology and Social Care.

The £75m Business School is the first to be completed, bringing the UK’s largest community of business and management scholars from Aytoun to All Saints and setting a new standard for educational building. The iconic glass tower is one of four buildings in the north west named as outstanding examples of architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects, with their judges describing it as “a masterpiece of simple concept and thoughtful layout appropriate for graduates entering the business community.” Business School and Student Hub Neil Banner, a management student from the US, said: “Everything at the new Business School just looks wonderful, it feels professional and I feel my education is taking me down the right path.”

The building has quickly become a magnet for major Manchester events and conferences, such as the digital industry conference SASCon.

Birley Fields

12 Manchester School of Art now enjoys The campus, which comprises a world-class teaching, studio and stunning academic building, car park, workshop spaces following a £34m energy centre and student residences, investment and opening a new chapter boasts strong eco credentials with in the School’s 175-year history. The ambitious targets in heating, light, waste new Art School building offers an and water helping MMU’s position as impressive array of galleries, flexible the UK’s greenest university. studio space and a roof garden and sits just west of the historic Grosvenor Everything is on schedule for completion building on the main campus. next summer and the University is working hard to ensure the campus not In keeping with its craft tradition, the only gives students the best possible School retains expertise and equipment experience but has a positive impact in glass, metal, wood and textiles, on the health and education of the while allowing students to combine their surrounding community of Hulme. work with state-of-the-art facilities in video, CAD, graphics and design for The new Hollings Faculty is in the a digital age. middle of All Saints and offers students of Apparel and Food, Nutrition and Our first students at Birley Fields will Hospitality a location in the heart of begin in September 2014, bringing the Britain’s largest student quarter and curtain down on a century of many excellent new facilities. professional training and education at Didsbury and Elizabeth Gaskell. The multi-million pound investment has The Faculties of Education and Health, created industry-standard facilities in Psychology and Social Care will fashion product development, CAD and be based at the £139m new build fashion technology studios, a human campus, which is located 800m west physiology laboratory and sensory of Oxford Road. analysis facilities.

The new Manchester School of Art building

New Hollings reception

13 Board of Governors Leaders in their field

Malcolm Edge and Vanda Murray OBE, who have recently taken up the positions of Chairman and Deputy Chair of the University’s governing body, the Board of Governors, explain what they hope to achieve in their new roles.

anchester has always been Malcolm said: “The University now has M in Malcolm Edge’s heart – a fabulous estate which has been he grew up, studied, completely changed thanks to £350m worked and settled in his beloved city. of investment. It is a real credit to It is home. Vice-Chancellor John Brooks and his colleagues. He has watched as the city and Manchester Metropolitan University “The University is all about the student have transformed themselves over experience and the interaction between the years. the students and the academics. We have made lots of progress here but Now, the University welcomes Malcolm this continues to be a priority for as the new Chairman of the Board of the future. Governors following his retirement from KPMG. In his 27 years there, he “Birley Fields and the Students’ Union progressed through the ranks to developments are major projects and become UK Vice Chairman at the finalisation of these buildings is a big international accountancy firm. focus for us. Both will be a fantastic asset in terms of student experience. “I’ve lived and worked in Manchester most of my life,” he said. “The University has been on an amazing journey and has reinvented “I know about the developments at itself over that period. John Brooks MMU and its fantastic financial health. and his team are passionate about It’s such a prestigious establishment continuing its transformation and I – and I was honoured to be asked to together with the other Governors – very become involved as a Governor.” much look forward to assisting them with that vision.” Malcolm retired from his KPMG career in March last year. He started with a degree in physics from the University “I was honoured to of Manchester, followed by a brief stint in industry and lecturing, before be asked to become he settled back into life as a fully- fledged accountant. involved as a Governor.”

He holds many hopes and dreams for the new era at MMU, chief among these are goals to develop the student experience, keep students engaged and retained, and to keep the University’s finances in fine fettle.

14 fter two years on the Board of A Governors, Vanda Murray OBE became the Deputy Chair this summer.

Her impressive CV features leading a FTSE-quoted firm and an array of non- executive director roles.

Vanda believes it is a “great time” for MMU and is looking forward to helping the University take the next step.

She said: “MMU is part way through a truly transformational change programme which will affect every aspect of University life. Some of these changes are highly visible – new buildings and improved facilities. Other changes are less visible but equally important and relate to improvements in the quality of the experience students receive at MMU – a world-class higher education, life skills and opportunities. Chairman of Governors, the Vice- Chair of the Student Experience and “I am proud to take up my role as the Chancellor and his team to achieve our Retention Advisory Group and a member new Deputy Chair of the Board of vision for MMU.” of the Nominations, Governance and Governors. I consider it an honour and a Remuneration Committee. privilege to use my own business and Vanda enjoys modern languages, management skills in driving this theatre and opera when she’s not busy programme, working with the new helping the University, where she is also

member of teaching staff and one Co-opted Members Board support staff Christopher Fox membership n Nominee members are: a member of Barry Harwood-Gray teaching staff nominated by the Fred McDwyer facts Academic Board, Students’ Union President and the Students’ Union Professor Sir David Melville CBE Vice-President Cheshire Wendy Wright OBE n There are three categories of Governor: independent, co-opted Current membership Academic Board Nominee and nominee members (plus the Andy Jones, Independent Members Vice-Chancellor) Dean of the Faculty of Education Malcolm Edge (Chairman) n Board comprises 13 independent members, one academic board Vanda Murray OBE (Deputy Chair) Student Nominees nominee, two student nominees, Russell Andrews Kayode Damali, five co-opted members and the David Brewin Vice-President Cheshire Vice-Chancellor Tony Davison Hannah Templeman, n Independent members must have Graham Dawber Students’ Union President experience in industry, commerce, the Norman Harrison professions or employment matters Vice-Chancellor Katrina Michel Co-opted members must have Professor John Brooks n Bhupendra Mistry experience in the provision of education. Up to three of the Stephen Oliver Read more about the Board’s co-opted places are reserved for Mark St John Qualter members at: members of staff – at least one John Thornhill www.mmu.ac.uk/governors

15 Board of Governors Independent spirit The four new independent members of the Board of Governors bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise from the education, manufacturing, business and finance sectors, so Success asked what attracted them to the role.

Role of the Board chool expert Russell Andrews and estate planning, and prior to that S is aiming to drive the University taught for 15 years. of Governors forward with his insider knowledge of the education world. He said: “Clearly a strong foundation for The Board is responsible for: continued success at MMU has been n determining the educational As Director of Planning and Funding at laid over the recent past and I look character and mission of the the Education Funding Agency (EFA), forward to being able to apply some University Russell oversees funding, pupil place of the learning I've gained from working planning, school assets and commercial in the Department for Education on n oversight of its activities and the efficient use of resources and legal advice for school capital school buildings and educational programmes for England. In addition, he excellence to support the University as n appointing external auditors has a cross-agency responsibility for it drives forward.” n safeguarding the University’s assets organisational development. Russell sits on the Leicester Diocesan n approving the annual estimates of He works widely with a range of Board of Education, is a trustee for income and expenditure educational partners on behalf of the the Angelman Syndrome Support n appointing and determining the EFA and the Department for Education Education and Research Trust pay and conditions of service for school capital programmes, and is a (ASSERT) and is an ambassador for the senior staff regular speaker at conferences in the Transformation Trust which supports n setting a framework for the pay UK and abroad on school special projects for children from low- and conditions of service for all transformation and design. income families. other members of staff Russell has worked at a senior level in Russell is the Chair of the Estates and www.mmu.ac.uk/governors local authorities on school effectiveness Services Advisory Group.

16 ony Davison aims to bring T his vast experience of manufacturing and industry to his role as Governor – and is ready to be a part of the “vibrant and growing institution” at MMU.

Tony hails from Yorkshire, but graduated from UMIST, now part of the University of Manchester, with a BSc in Metals and Materials Technology in 1979.

He has already put his leadership knowledge to good use and sits on the board of Nantwich Town Football Club and, until recently, was the Chair of the Corporation at Stafford College of Further Education.

“I am delighted to have become a new Governor at MMU,” he said.

“It is a vibrant and growing institution of which I am now proud to be a part. We certainly continue to face significant challenges, along with all other HE providers, and I look forward to being able to contribute to our continued success.

“I have spent the past 35 years working in the manufacturing industry and hope “Independent members shall be persons to bring this experience with me in the task of helping prepare the next appearing to the appointing authority to have generation of young people for taking experience of, and to have shown capacity in, up leadership positions in the businesses of the future, which is so industrial, commercial or employment matters vital to the lifeblood of the UK economy.” or the practice of any profession.”

Tony’s career started with a graduate (Quoted from the University’s Instrument of Government) position at Rover and he later joined Evode Ltd to head up their Automotive Research and Development team. His role quickly expanded to include extra responsibilities over the next few years, Staff Governors and by 2000, Evode Ltd merged with Bostik Ltd, seeing Tony take up the role Earlier in the year, Andy Jones , Dean of Barry Harwood-Gray – who teaches of Industrial Director in the new the Faculty of Education, was named on a part-time basis on the Bar organisation, later becoming Managing the new academic board nominee on Professional training course, where he Director of Bostik Ltd. the Board of Governors. And the is Subject Leader for Employment Law, following members of University staff and Professional Ethics. Barry is also an Tony took early retirement in 2012 and joined as co-opted members: employment law specialist Barrister and is a member of the MMU Audit Head of Employment Law at Committee. Christopher Fox – Professor of Kenworthy’s Chambers, Manchester. Evaluation and Director of the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit, based in Fred McDwyer – Security Supervisor the Sociology Department and joined the University in 1996

17 Board of Governors

ormer brewery boss Stephen He said: “Just going around the FOliver will bring more than 30 University, meeting a wide range of years’ business and trustee people involved in its running and experience to his role as a new talking to students, I get such a sense independent Governor. of energy and commitment to building on its achievements so far. The University of Oxford languages graduate was in charge of the “I hope that my 33 years in business, Marston’s Beer Company as well as 20 years in education and my being a senior governor at a major experience of leadership training and comprehensive school in Derbyshire. development will be able to add just that bit extra to what is already a Stephen, who started his career in successful mix.” marketing, said he has always been interested in education following on Stephen is a member of the Finance from his stint as a school governor. and Human Resources Committee and the Marketing and Recruitment He added: “As my corporate life drew to Advisory Group. an end – I retired as Managing Director of Marston's earlier this year – I was looking for a stimulating challenge to add to what I am already doing with various non-executive directorships and running my own business coaching practice.

ark St John Qualter joins He said: “I am delighted to have been M the Board after developing appointed a Governor of MMU. I am his career in banking and impressed with the strategic progress finance, having recently been the institution has been making in appointed as Head of Strategy for the challenging conditions. Customer Solutions Group of RBS’s Corporate Banking Division. “I look forward to making a full contribution and hope my background Mark aims to take the University to the in banking, finance and strategy will “next stage of development” using his help take the University to the next wealth of knowledge of the finance and stage of development.” corporate banking world. Mark is also a member of the Audit He joined RBS in 2001 and has held Committee as well as the Student various senior positions there, including Experience and Retention Advisory Director of Strategy for RBS Invoice Group. Finance, UK Head of Corporate Invoice Finance and Regional Director of Corporate Banking for Yorkshire and Humberside.

Mark has also been a member of the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional How to become Applications from experienced alumni Council for the CBI and has an a Governor are very welcome. Please look out for impressive academic pedigree having future adverts for vacancies. earned an MBA from Manchester Business School and a BA honours Board vacancies are advertised Further information can be found at: degree in Hindi and Sinhalese from the regularly and the University welcomes School of Oriental and African Studies, applications from candidates from a www.mmu.ac.uk/governors University of . range of backgrounds.

18 Executive MBA Good for business

Globetrotting Philomena Chen is at the heart of Britain’s drive to tap into new markets around the world, using the skills she gained from her MBA.

s Head of Asia Pacific I wanted to become more strategic, to ADevelopment at UK Trade and plan and prioritise, and to manage AMBA-Accredited Investment North West, people. I wanted to ‘think outside the Philomena helps companies thrive in box’ for my job and that’s what drove Executive MBA markets as diverse as China, me to the MBA.” Block delivery, three days Indonesia and Malaysia. The goal is to every six to eight weeks bring prosperity to businesses in the She started the MBA in 1996 and North West with the ‘strategic thinking’ graduated in 1999 – equipped with a she perfected on the highly respected completely new set of skills and ready n Membership of the Chartered MBA course. to boost British businesses around Management Institute the world. n Dedicated Executive MBA study Wanting to take her career to the next suite in our £75m teaching and level in the late 1990s, she enrolled Philomena believes the multi- research headquarters in on the MBA, which is taught by block disciplinary modules and the chance to Manchester city centre delivery (three days every six to link the project to industry stood her in eight weeks). good stead for the shifting global n An international study tour business landscape. n Two management development Philomena, who hails from Malaysia, residentials said: “In my current role, my job is to “The MBA has definitely helped me to help businesses from the North West think more strategically,” she said. “I n Guest speakers and visits succeed on the global stage. I look now look at the bigger picture of the (past examples include Jaguar Land at what they can do and what business. One of the most important Rover, Siemens and Manchester opportunities there are overseas. things I learned was how to build United Football Club) relationships with people – establishing n Projects and assignments relevant “I came to the UK having been in the rapport is a huge part of my job now. to your company hospitality sector where I worked for eight years. I was a mature student at “Since I finished the MBA there has n MBA scholarships available, including MMU – I first studied hotel management been a lot of change – in my industry, in the Corporate Scholarship (25% in 1985, followed by a PG Dip in HR government and the economic climate. reduction of student tuition fees) management. You could say I’m an MMU student through and through. “The MBA teaches you to adapt and www.mmu.ac.uk/mba build up your experience and “Later, I worked as a business services knowledge for the future. It allows you manager before the role with UKTI. to keep up with change.”

19 Class act

The multi-talented Debra Actress, comedienne, impressionist and T Stephenson always knew that singer Debra Stephenson reminisces about she wanted to study at Manchester School of Theatre. her student days at the Manchester School of Theatre. The only problem was, the first time she applied to the School – they said no.

Undeterred, the star of and the Impressions Show dusted herself off and spent a year working in stand-up comedy before reapplying.

And she says her unintended ‘gap year’ actually paid off, as having had a year of wild nights with her friends in Manchester, she was ready to focus on the course and give it her all.

“I’m glad I did that,” she says. “The acting course was really involved, but I’d already had my year of living like a student, so it was out of my system.”

The long hours and intense nature of the course meant Debra and her fellow students rarely left Didsbury, where the School of Theatre was based at the time, but she says they felt like a community.

Much of her success she puts down to Niamh Dowling, the then head of the School, who believed that the best way to turn the students into actors was to strip the layers of their personality back and then help them rebuild themselves.

Debra remembers one exercise where the students had to close their eyes and walk around, before ending up in curled-up balls on the floor. “We felt really vulnerable – and it was hard not to peep!” she laughs.

“Studying in Manchester was the making of me,” she says – not only because of the opportunities it afforded to her (her breakthrough role in was a direct result of auditions set up for her through her course) but also because it was at University she met her husband, James Duffield.

Photo credit: Karen Fuchs

20 Debra Stephenson’s top TV moments

Reckless: Debra’s first role out of University was in Paul Abbott’s television mini-series Reckless, starring Robson Green and Francesca Annis.

Bad Girls: As Shell Dockley, G Wing’s most notorious inmate, Debra helped the tough girl prison series rise to become one of the country’s favourite shows. Her many exploits included setting a rival’s hair on fire, and apparently dying in a drug-fuelled speedboat crash.

Coronation Street: As the glamorous ITV Picture Archive Frankie Baldwin, Debra broke many hearts on the Street, and at one point Debra and as the Baldwins in Coronation Street was part of a shocking love triangle with her husband, Danny, and stepson, Her love of performing – and particularly With plenty of television roles already Jamie. impressions – started early. At just seven under her belt, Debra says she would years old the young Debra was taping also like to try her hand at theatre, but voices from the television so she could adds that she will have to wait until her perfect her impressions, and at 14 she children are older. was a winner on Opportunity Knocks. Whatever she does, she will be continuing “I have a different way of approaching with the career she chose as a little girl. impressions to how I used to,” she says. “Now I see impressions as “That’s the gift – knowing what you want characters, rather than just getting to do,” she says. “Then you just have to the voice right.” get on and do it.”

ITV Picture Archive Debra is part of an impressive dynasty Jeff Hordley: The Emmerdale star The Baldwins of successful actors who trained at the has also made his name treading the Strictly Come Dancing: In 2011, Manchester School of Theatre, boards, appearing in the likes of The Debra’s American Smooth was highly including Amanda Burton and Julie Caretaker, at Bolton Octagon, and rated by the judges of Strictly’s Walters. Her contemporaries and Animal Farm at the West Yorkshire Christmas Special, and she narrowly influences include: Playhouse. He and his wife, fellow lost out to winner Charlie Brooks. actress Zoe Henry, were DJs at David Threlfall: The Shameless No stranger to talent competitions, in Debra’s wedding. star, who was given an honorary 2005 Debra took part in Comic Relief degree by MMU this year, once held a Steve Coogan: The creator of classic Does Fame Academy, where her workshop for students, including comedies including Alan Partridge and performance of Cry Me A River led to Debra. He later played her father in the Coogan’s Run studied at Manchester a recording contract. Catherine Cookson film, A Dinner Polytechnic in the 1980s. “I really of Herbs. admire him – he’s one of the reasons The Impressions Show with I wanted to study in Manchester,” Culshaw and Stephenson: The Burn Gorman: Most recently seen in says Debra. award-nominated sketch show saw Revenge and The Dark Knight Rises, Debra go back to her impressionist Burn attended Manchester School of roots, taking on characters including Theatre at the same time as Debra. www.theatre.mmu.ac.uk Davina McCall, Coleen Rooney and “He’s made the perfect career choices Kate Winslet. – everything he’s done has been so credible,” she says.

21 Working with Business Knowledge Exchange Project Awards 2013

The University celebrated work with external organisations at the first MMU Knowledge Exchange Project Awards this summer.

Dr Katherine Runswick-Cole and Kay Faulkner’s Adoption Activity Days, which received national press coverage, were the winners from Health, Psychology and Social Care.

Hollings and the Manchester School of Art won an award for collaborating on the spin-out Label AZ, a commercial venture to develop conceptual garment design, label story and creative technology using new software strategies in pattern and imagery print and manufacture.

A second Manchester School of Art winner was Jacqueline Butler and Gavin Parry’s project to put artworks created by photography students into the Ronald McDonald House at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

The recent MMU Football Conference, organised with the National Football Museum, Supporters Direct and Un- Convention was the winning entry from the Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Social Science for Dr Annabel Kiernan, Dr Dee Hynes and Dr Chris Porter.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Brooks at the Awards The final award went to Dr Peter Twigg from the Faculty of Science and he winners of the Awards training for selected entrepreneurs Engineering for his project creating a T were announced by Vice- in the North West, and the Virgin new aerodynamic trailer with Cartwright Chancellor Professor John Trains Red Track scheme to provide Group (see next page). Brooks at a ceremony at the University places for 12 students at Business School. the Cheshire campus. Mark Ratcliffe, Head of Knowledge Exchange, said: “Knowledge Exchange Eight winners were announced – one The Faculty of Education won for its is incredibly important across the whole from each Faculty, along with 15 professional training for science education sector – and we place very runners-up. teachers. The Faculty manages a high value on it here at the University. national Science Learning Centre for the We wanted to celebrate innovation and Winning projects included the work with North West and last year the team creativity across all the Faculties.” Goldman Sachs on the 10,000 Small organised 2,704 training days to equip Businesses programme at the Business teachers in schools and colleges to Knowledge Exchange School, which provides executive deliver inspirational science classes. www.mmu.ac.uk/business

22 Research

Scores of schools Research help with research

A professor of health at the University is searching the UK for imaginative in focus ways to improve education for severely disabled children.

Research has the potential to change policies Professor Juliet Goldbart set out to and practices and make an impact through challenge the usual approach to knowledge exchanges with industries and working with children which could have “significant implications” for businesses. In this section, we highlight policy in England. some of the University’s research. The work has scooped a prestigious prize from the respected journal, Literacy.

Professor Goldbart and colleagues from the Universities of Exeter and Birmingham set up a wide-ranging study to investigate children with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and their engagement with literacy and communication.

Many of these youngsters cannot communicate verbally but are still expected to engage with the National Curriculum’s literacy topics.

The MMU team believe that teachers need to tap into a broader conception of literacy, which uses more accessible forms, such as symbols or story bags CGI research boosts trucking businesses featuring objects related to the tale being told. A new aerodynamic lorry design from Dr Twigg said: “The firm were interested the School of Engineering helps to in not just optimising a design but in Professor Goldbart scoured schools in make trailers more efficient for being able to pull the potential trailer the South West, the Midlands and the commercial vehicles, reducing drag model instantly in the 3-D wind tunnel.” North West of England for examples of and saving on fuel costs. good practice, asking the question – It can now be seen on roads up and where does communication start Dr Peter Twigg worked with Cheshire- down the country, being hauled by becoming literacy? based Cartwright Group on 3-D models some of the nation’s biggest firms, of aerodynamic shapes enabling the such as ASDA. The UK Literacy Association (UKLA) company to save thousands on said the research had significant prototype costs as well as showing And predicted three-year turnover at implications for policy and practice. potential customers just what the new the firm is £18m thanks to the new trailer can do. design approach. Research Institute for Health The four-year project earned him the “It substantially lowers fuel use. It will and Social Change ‘outstanding’ grade from the pay for itself several times over,” said www.rihsc.mmu.ac.uk Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Dr Twigg. scheme which brings industry and researchers together to improve School of Engineering business practices. www.soe.mmu.ac.uk

23 Research Truth and lies

Lie detector expert and psychology senior lecturer, Dr Geoff Bunn, believes that the legendary device is largely an invention of the media – and his recent book explains why.

technique still widely used by North have been promoted and established American law and spy agencies. by the media, not the broader scientific community.” But according to Manchester Metropolitan University’s foremost Indeed, it has no place in the legal or expert on the topic, Dr Geoff Bunn, the political process especially in Europe lie detector as we know it is basically a where they have never been accepted. media invention. Even in the US lie detectors have no legal standing. Dr Bunn’s research has led to a fascinating book, The Truth Machine: The senior lecturer in psychology A Social History of the Lie Detector, and added: “The lie detector is really an a BBC Radio 4 programme to add to American story. There have been one or his ten-part radio series delving into the two attempts to bring it here but never history of the brain. as a real concept. It is still used extensively in America because of He explains: “There was quite a lot of pre-trial bargains, although it’s not interest in the book when it was allowed to be used in court. icture this: a sweating spy is published in the US and some in the P being grilled to see if he is UK. There was a lot more interest in “Scientists only really started to study working for the enemy. He the US because the story of the lie it in the 1970s. It wasn’t anywhere squirms uncomfortably in his chair detectors is primarily a US one. else before that really, apart from in while strapped to a daunting mass of pop culture.” wires as the probing inquisitor fires “I studied it for my PhD in 1998, in questions at the double agent, eager Toronto, because it was quite a North This relationship between fiction and to catch a glimpse of the lies. A American topic and I have been working lie detecting goes deeper. polygraph machine clangs into life, on it ever since. measuring the spy’s vital signs. Harvard psychologist William Moulton “My argument is that the media Marston created the comic book This is a scene beloved by scriptwriters invented it, it is their construct. Things character Wonder Woman in the 1940s. down the years – and an interrogation such as brain scans and polygraphs But he also invented the forerunner of

24 the polygraph in 1913 and, from testing people with his machine, he concluded that women were more reliable than men. This inspired him to create the female superhero.

However, the unwavering belief in the infallible nature of the machine has led to some famous slip-ups down the years.

CIA agent Aldrich Ames, who was also secretly spying for the Soviet Union and Russia, passed two polygraphs during his time with the agency before being caught.

So, how do you beat the lie detector?

Dr Bunn said: “Place a pin in your shoe? Count backwards in sevens from 100? Drink cola spiked with aspirin? Clench your buttocks at strategic Lie detector timeline moments? No. The best way to beat the lie detector is simpler than all these: 1921: Polygraph machine invented 1989: Dr Archie Levy of the Medical don't believe the hype.” by a police officer in Berkeley, Research Council, reporting back to California, based on Harvard Lord Bridge’s review, found the Dr Geoff Bunn investigated the latest lie- psychologist William Moulton Marston’s machine’s ability to detect lies detecting technology in the BBC Radio 4 lie detector which measured systolic was ‘fiction’. programme The Truth and Nothing but blood pressure. the Truth. Listen now at 2013: Polygraph is a multi-million dollar www.hpsc.mmu.ac.uk/psychology Berkeley police officer John Larson industry in the US with 4,000 qualified created the machine, helped by operators. Leonarde Keeler, the 17-year-old son of a Hollywood writer. The classic ‘briefcase’ model sells for THE TRU H MACHI E around $5,000. T N Berkeley police chief August Vollmer wanted to use the new ‘science’ to make police more law abiding in interrogation.

1923: US Supreme Court rules scientific evidence, such as that from “The lie detector is the polygraph, should only be used if it really an American had gained enough acceptance from the scientific community. story. There have

1930: Keeler, backed by the polygraph, been one or two set up the scientific crime detection lab attempts to bring it at Northwestern University in Chicago. here but never as a 1983: Lord Bridge’s review into how a real concept.” A SOCIAL HISTORY OF THE LIE DETECTOR former RAF serviceman could sell GEOFFREY C. BUNN information to the Soviet Union decided not to introduce lie detectors into British intelligence services but ordered a The Truth Machine: A Social History report into their effectiveness. of the Lie Detector by Dr Geoff Bunn is published by the Johns Hopkins University Press and is available online.

25 Research Caffeine boost

New research into the effects of caffeine spray compared to caffeine drinks on sports performance has shown that there are noticeable benefits – which is good news to the company that commissioned the research.

or many gym-goers, a quick Testing a group of people aged A shot of espresso can also increase F cup of coffee before setting off between 23 and 39, the team looked at the metabolism, meaning someone can provide just the boost several markers of performance, who drank a cup of coffee before needed to ensure a productive including blood pressure, heart rate, going to the gym can work at a lower session. blood vessel diameter, strength, oxygen rate but burn the same amount of usage and blood glucose levels. fat, while caffeine also helps the But a new product that has been tested body choose to burn fat rather than at MMU’s Institute of Performance And they found that using the caffeine muscle or carbohydrates. Caffeine Research (IPR) can provide even spray had noticeably better results than can also make gym sessions last greater benefits – without even having simply drinking a cup of coffee. longer by helping to keep fatigue to put the kettle on. at bay. Caffeine improves performance by The research team of Dr Gladys increasing the ability of cells to take in However, it can take around 15 minutes Onambélé-Pearson, Dr Christopher calcium, which is an essential part of for the caffeine in a cup of coffee to Morse and MSc research students the communication process between start having an effect – which is why Jamie Woodroffe and Adam Bentley the nervous system and the muscles. Ben Coomber of the company Body have been looking at the effects of Increased levels of calcium lead Type Nutrition, who commissioned caffeine spray compared to caffeine to greater strength and speed of the research, was looking for an drinks such as coffee. muscle function. alternative method.

26 The team started by measuring the glucose and oxygen, and led to participants while they rested, looking at increased muscle efficiency whereas their blood pressure, heart rate and the coffee appeared to impede muscle blood vessels to find their normal efficiency. The spray also created a cardiovascular performance, while a greater increase in muscle strength. breathing mask measured their oxygen use and the researchers noted the And by using protein or a combination amount of glucose in the blood. of fat and carbohydrates as a source of Glucose is also critical for exercise as it energy, where the drink mainly utilises provides the necessary energy. carbohydrates, the spray was seen to be better at helping to burn fat. Muscle strength was measured using a handgrip and a special chair, which Dr Onambélé-Pearson said: “The utilises strain gauges to measure research showed the participants who pushing and pulling forces, and the used the spray becoming more Ben Coomber from Body Type Nutrition electrical activity of the muscles was efficient – they were able to use less also tested. energy to produce a physical effort. It is Ben said: “It’s a totally innovative like running a car on a better fuel.” product – there’s nothing like this out They then applied the different there. But as a professional sports treatments – caffeine spray, coffee or a She added that there would certainly be nutritionist I would never be happy to placebo version of each and looked people interested in any new product bring out a new product and make bold again at each variable. that could help them to improve their claims without having the research to performance. back it up. They found that while both the caffeine spray and the coffee had a notable “For people who want to prolong their “Gladys was great at explaining the effect on each measure, the effect of exercise session this could enhance process and always made time for me, the caffeine spray was the greater. their gym going, or people who are and that gave me the confidence to feel looking at weight loss programmes I could trust her and we could work While coffee or other caffeine drinks can might be tempted by something that together. This means that my business take up to 15 minutes to take effect, the helps them burn fat,” she said. is now 100 per cent viable – I can take spray showed physiological effects the spray to athletes and gym-goers within five minutes, and these effects Ben Coomber is now planning to and say I have something that is based remained more consistent. launch a performance spray under on real research.” the name of his new company, The spray allowed the participants to Transdermal Technology Ltd, within However, one mystery remains – just work more efficiently by using up less the next few months. why the spray works as well as it does.

“The truth is we don’t really know why there is a difference yet,” said Dr Onambélé-Pearson. “It’s a puzzle and we are hoping to be able to look into it further.”

Dr Gladys Onambélé-Pearson is a research fellow at the Institute of Performance Research, which is based at MMU’s Cheshire campus and engages in internationally recognised applied human performance research.

www.ipr.mmu.ac.uk

Left to right: Adam Bentley, Jamie Woodroffe, Georgina Stebbings and Dr Gladys Onambélé-Pearson

27 Meet Our Alumni Learning from the best

As PGCE graduate Philippa Hallworth begins her second year in teaching, she looks back at how the Faculty of Education prepared and supported her as a Newly Qualified Teacher.

hilippa Hallworth always Thanks to the University’s links with “There is great support while doing a P wanted to help mould young schools around the region, she was PGCE at MMU – the tutors get people minds in the classroom but she able to stay close to her base as tutors in from different agencies to talk to us, had to choose where to take the first aim to place the soon-to-be teachers such as if you wanted to sign up to be step into the world of teaching. with primary and secondary schools a supply teacher. They would always close to where they are living. help with things like application forms Philippa opted for Manchester because applying for teaching jobs was Metropolitan University’s postgraduate Philippa said: “It’s hard work but worth new to us all. certificate in education (PGCE) after it. In Droylsden, my first placement, I researching several other courses. was recommended by the headteacher “There were lots of opportunities with there to the headteacher of the job I sideline courses and they are brilliant. The 24-year-old quickly settled on have now, which is just down the road. They ran a music course for those who MMU and hasn’t looked back since, Quite a lot of my friends experienced were hoping to become music leaders, completing the PGCE in Primary the same thing.” which I wanted to do – and I’m now the Education with Qualified Teacher Status head of music at my primary school.” in 2012 and landing a job thanks to her Talking about her new role as a teacher, work on the course. She has now started Philippa said: “I’m loving it. I couldn’t Reflecting on her first year as a teacher, her second year of teaching at a primary imagine doing anything else. Teaching Philippa said: “Life in the classroom as school in Manchester after a successful is so different to almost all other things. an NQT is extremely hard work and Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year. You’ve got a classroom of children to stressful at times, but in the end it’s very look after and teach – I don’t think rewarding because it is constantly “I always wanted to do teaching but anybody could fully prepare you for changing and challenging without any knew I’d like to specialise in primary what it’s like. time for the monotony that comes with teaching so used my undergraduate many jobs.” degree in sport science to get onto “When I got home after my first day of the PGCE,” said Philippa. teaching, I couldn’t quite believe I was a ‘real’ teacher – and on my own in a She then embarked on a transforming classroom. It was a big moment!” year, turning from graduate into NQT. Philippa had three placements at And thanks to her positive experience at Find out about alumni support for schools as well as tapping into support MMU, she opted to carry on studying at NQTs at MMU and courses available to trainee the University doing a master’s degree www.ioe.mmu.ac.uk/alumni/nqt teachers at MMU. in education.

28 Visit MMU

hy not visit one of Axis Arts Centre The Holden Gallery W Manchester Metropolitan University’s exhibitions or Cheshire Campus Grosvenor Building attend a performance at the Axis Arts Crewe Green Road Cavendish Street Centre or Capitol Theatre when next Crewe CW1 5DU Manchester M15 6BR at the Manchester or Cheshire Bookings: 0161 247 5302 Phone: 0161 247 1751 campuses? Email: [email protected] Info: www.holdengallery.mmu.ac.uk www.axisartscentre.org.uk Check out the Holden Gallery website Concession rate tickets for MMU alumni for information about up-coming exhibitions. Tuesday 5 November GETINTHEBACKOFTHEVAN: Number 1, The Plaza New theatre piece by acclaimed performance company. Humanities Thursday 7 November in Public Florence Peake: Make Institute of Humanities and Social A task force of female performers build Science Research and then dismantle a monolithic Programme details available online at: structure through a series of www.hssr.mmu.ac.uk/hip choreographed actions. A new programme of talks, intellectual debates and social activities – including music, food, film screenings, readings, Capitol Theatre poetry and art exhibitions – covering a wide range of subjects. Events are free Mabel Tylecote Building and open to the public. All welcome! Cavendish Street Manchester M15 6BG Bookings: 0161 247 1306 Email: [email protected] www.capitoltheatre.mmu.ac.uk Special Collections Wednesday 6 November – Sir Kenneth Green Library Saturday 9 November All Saints Manchester M15 6BH Kindertransport Info: 0161 247 6107 By Diane Samuels (Nick Hern Books). www.specialcollections.mmu.ac.uk Directed by Chris Hayes Until Friday 20 December Based on the true plight of Jewish parents trying to get their children out of the The Language of Process growing Nazi territory, the play deals with How new materials and technologies the separation of a child from its parent. are changing product design. Wednesday 27 November – Saturday 30 November Full MMU events listing: The Lower Depths www.mmu.ac.uk/news/events By Maxim Gorky. Translated by Kitty Hunter-Blair and Jeremy Brooks. Directed by Andrew Jarvis Depicting life in a Russian dosshouse, the play was first staged in the Moscow Art Theatre in 1902 and is widely recognised as Gorky’s most accomplished play.

29 Manchester Metropolitan University values its relationships with companies, organisations and alumni, and is keen to make new connections. To find out more about any of the schemes or stories in this issue, please contact us.

Contact us

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