Private View A series featuring artefacts in UCL’s varied museums and collections

What is it? What else is in the collection? Who uses it? A silver Athenian four-drachma coin The institute’s collections consist of an estimated It is used for ‘hands-on’ teaching in Greek (tetradrachm), weighing about 17g 180,000 objects and play an important role in archaeology courses, as well as public teaching and research. Originally formed in events including National Archaeology Day How old is it? 1936 by the gift from Sir Flinders Petrie of and widening participation events for young c440–410BC his Palestinian collection, the collections have archaeologists in Camden grown greatly and include objects from around Where is it from? the world. The Classical Archaeology Collection What’s new? The coin was perhaps found in Athens. One side (6,000 objects) contains superb examples from In February 2003, the institute collections of the coin shows the head of Athena, patron of mainland Greece, but mainly from related sites received a development grant from the Arts Athens and goddess of wisdom. The other side around the Mediterranean. The material covers & Humanities Research Board to employ shows her two favourite symbols, the owl most periods, from the civilisations of Crete to someone for one year. That will result in a and the olive. The letters next to the owl are the Byzantine period, with some excellent web-based access initiative for the collections, ancient Greek letters, an abbreviation of examples of prehistoric Cypriot material which will contain details of the material held ‘of the Athenians’ by the institute on a region-by-region, What makes it special? country-by-country and site-by-site basis. Where is it now? There is decent evidence that these coins The new website will be launched in the The Classical Archaeology Collection, which were minted in large quantities: one inscription next few months forms part of the Institute of Archaeology mentions 3,000 talents of coined silver. One Collections talent equals 6,000 drachma, or 1,500 of How can I view it? these basic issue coins. It is the only one Temporary displays at 31–34 ; How did it get there? of the type in the collection and it is a very Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm; or by appointment. It was given to the collection in the 1970s good example Contact Mr Ian Carroll (x24789; [email protected])

Shows and Exhibitions at UCL

Institute of Archaeology Department of Earth Sciences Only Connect: Opening UCL’s Collections Stories from the Stores Infinite Possibilities: The Past, the Present to the World Exploring the Institute of Archaeology’s and the Future of Earth Sciences at UCL Highlighting outreach work by UCL’s museums artefacts through the themes of collecting, Drawing on UCL’s Geological Sciences Collection and collections, and the university’s widening preserving, discovering and learning – Rock Room, South Wing; 1–2pm, participation activities – 31–34 Gordon Square; Wednesdays; or by appointment – North Cloisters; until May 2004 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday Ethnographic Collection UCL People Strang Print Room Bartlett School of Architecture Gallery Fabric of Life: Materials & Culture Photographs of UCL staff, students and Work from visiting designers, artists and Examining the attitudes behind collecting alumni taken by Andy O’Connell for the writers, as well as from School’s artefacts at the turn of the 20th century, university’s publications own staff and students and how those attitudes have changed – Torrington Space, outside 1–19 Torrington – Wates House, 22 Gordon Street – Department of Anthropology, Foster Court; Place by appointment Grant Museum of Zoology & Hybrid: Work from the Staff of the Slade Comparative Anatomy The Galton Collection School of Fine Art A diverse natural history collection covering Featuring Sir Francis Galton’s pioneering work – Art Space, 5th Floor, Sherfield Building, the whole of the animal kingdom, including on fingerprint investigation, his studies of Imperial College, Exhibition Road, SW7; cases packed full of skeletons, mounted biometry and developing the field of eugenics 11am–6pm, Monday to Friday, until 23 January; animals and specimens preserved in fluid – Department of Biology, Darwin Building; or by appointment – Department of Biology, Darwin Building; by appointment 1–5pm, Wednesdays and Fridays; Strang Print Room or by appointment Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology Paper Cities: Topography & Imagination Housing an estimated 80,000 objects, making in Urban Europe c1490–1780 Department of Electronic & it one of the greatest collections of Egyptian Featuring printed media depicting urban Electrical Engineering and Sudanese archaeology in the world views across Europe from the Renaissance Sir John Ambrose Fleming – DMS Watson Building; 1–5pm, Tuesday to the late 18th century On the centenary of the invention of the to Friday and 10am–1pm, Saturday; – South Cloisters; 1–5pm, Wednesday to Friday; thermionic valve, which made radio and or by appointment until 26 March Petrie Museum modern electronics possible, a tribute to UCL’s first Professor of Electrical Engineering For further events information and contact details – 7th Floor, Engineering Building see Events at UCL Online: www.ucl.ac.uk

Galton Collection

UCLNEWS Story suggestions for future issues of UCL News are welcome; the deadline for the next issue – to be published on 9 February 2004 – is 18 January 2004. For guidelines on suggesting story ideas for UCL News or the ‘News’ or ‘Events’ sections of UCL Online see ‘Your News’ at www.ucl.ac.uk/news Distribution enquiries should be made to Marianne Miles, Communications Administrator (x09721; [email protected]) UCL News is published by the Communications Team in UCL’s Development Office © UCL 2004 08UCLNEWS UCLNEWS Issue 03 Volume 01 12 January 2004

UCL pioneers 1 Cultural treasures 1 Nanotechnology 2 Mars mission 2 New journal launched 2 Campus Questionnaire 3 Virtual London 3 Information support 3 UCL Grid 4 Research images 4 Prostate treatment breakthrough 4 UCL picture club 4 People 5 In the News 6 Child health innovation 6 Moon map 6 Paranoia study 7 Political prize 7 Alumni Matter 7 Private View 8 Shows and Exhibitions 8 UCL pioneers honoured by Queen

Professor Rick Battarbee Professor Dave Delpy Sir Peter Hall Professor Linda Partridge Professor Alan Thompson

UCL academics’ groundbreaking work celebrated at Buckingham Palace

Five members of UCL staff attended a Europe, has been awarded a major €12.5 million, Professor Partridge’s research is based in reception at Buckingham Palace in October five-year EU-funded project to study the effects UCL’s Centre for Evolutionary Genomics, where 2003 to ‘celebrate Britons who have made of climate change on the ecology of lakes and she coordinates the Wellcome Trust research a significant contribution to society’. UCL rivers across Europe. programme on functional genomic analysis of professors Rick Battarbee (Geography), During the 1980s, Professor Delpy’s ageing. She is Director of the UCL Centre Dave Delpy (Medical Physics & Bioengineering), research focused on monitoring oxygen supply for Ecology & Evolution, a Fellow of the Royal Sir Peter Hall (Bartlett School), Linda Partridge and utilisation in tissues, especially the brain, Society and was recently awarded a CBE for (Biology) and Alan Thompson (Neurology) were and he has applied the techniques of Nuclear services to evolutionary biology. honoured along with pioneers from areas as Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Near Infrared Professor Thompson has led national diverse as the arts, sports and commerce. (NIR) spectroscopy to monitoring brain function and international research into multiple sclerosis Ten Nobel Laureates were invited, including in newborn infants. These techniques are now (MS), and his work has directly improved the Professor Francis Crick (Physics 1937), used routinely and the instrumentation management of care for MS patients. He said: co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, as well manufactured commercially. “It was a surprise, but very exciting to be invited as personalities such as Sir Richard Branson, Sir Peter was Special Advisor on Strategic to the Palace. It is great that work in MS, that Bridget Riley and Sir Bob Geldof. Planning to the Secretary of State for the has a clear patient focus, is being recognised Professor Battarbee is Director of UCL’s Environment in the early 1990s, and hugely because it is very important for those affected Environmental Change Research Centre influential in the development and planning by the condition.” (ECRC), which is developing new methods of of the East Thames Corridor and the Channel understanding long-term environmental change. Tunnel Rail Link. He later became a member He, together with colleagues in the ECRC, has of the government’s Urban Task Force and been responsible for the UK government’s has received the rare accolade of the Founder’s research programme on acid rain and its impact Medal of the Geographical Society for distinction on surface waters for the last 20 years. Most in research. recently, the ECRC, along with partners across

Cultural treasures online

UCL’s Library Services, together with UCL’s Media Resources team, have produced an ‘internet shop window’ on to the cultural treasures housed in UCL Library Special Collections. Created with a £15,000 grant from alumni, staff and friends donating through the UCL Friends Programme, the website illustrates more than 500 objects from the collections in several different categories. The collections contain material dating from medieval times to the present day, covering a huge range of subject areas. Highlights include the C K Ogden and Graves collections of rare medieval books and manuscripts – rich in science, language and literature – ’s manuscripts and the George Orwell Archive, which includes personal documents and photographs. Mr Simon Brown, Director of Media Resources, who managed the project, said: “This project is a template for future work in a major development area. It will ensure that rare and valuable items are safely preserved in digital format for future generations, it will make them easily accessible to interested parties across the globe and it will act as a pilot for the subsequent digitisation of the many other historical collections held at UCL.” For a link to the project, see the UCL Newslink site at www.ucl.ac.uk/news Left to right: Nick McAlpine, Freelance Producer/Director, UCL Images; Les Roberts, Executive Producer, UCL Images; Wendy Tester, UCL Business; and Dr Abid Khan, Development Manager, LCN, on the set of the new LCN video Snooping Nanotechnology makes around Mars giant steps with Beagle 2 The European Space Agency’s Mars Express mission was due to reach the red planet on London Centre for Nanotechnology Christmas Day 2003. The mission’s orbiter to present latest research component contains seven instruments, three of which have been created by UCL scientists The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) memories a thousand times the size of a in collaboration with other laboratories and will host a showcase event on 14 January 2004 current desktop PC, yet which take up the institutions. UCL’s Mullard Space Science to publicise new research and raise awareness of same or less space. Laboratory (MSSL) has provided calibration and this cutting-edge technology. A video produced Dr Abid Khan, the LCN’s Development ‘blackening’ technology for the electron sensor by UCL Images (Media Resources) and designed Manager, believes this applications-focused, used in ASPERA, the energetic neutral atoms to promote the centre will also debut at the interdisciplinary approach will be the secret to analyser, which is looking at how the solar wind event. This marks the latest phase in an ongoing LCN’s success: “Business likes us because erodes the Martian atmosphere. campaign to launch LCN which will culminate in we’re telling the truth and science likes us “For more than three billion years, since the opening of its new purpose-built centre at because it’s great quality research using the Mars lost its magnetic field, its atmosphere and UCL’s central campus in January 2005. best staff.” Because of this LCN is also fast ionosphere have been ‘scavenged’ directly by Nanotechnology is manipulation and becoming the media’s first point of contact the solar wind,” explained Dr Andrew Coates manufacturing on the smallest scale. The regarding nanotechnology. The series of (Space & Climate Physics), who is on the Mars technology is multidisciplinary, with scientists four videos, by UCL Images’ Nick McAlpine Express team. “We know that water is being from physics, medicine, electrical engineering, and Les Roberts, will further enhance this replenished into the Martian atmosphere from chemistry, materials and astronomy all working relationship by showing LCN’s academics somewhere below the surface, only to be lost together on projects which are at a scale of discussing real-world research. by scavenging. ASPERA is measuring the loss one billionth of a metre. The aim is to produce A number of key individuals interested of water and studying scavenging in detail. new solutions for a wide range of commercial, in nanotechnology from industry, academia, The water loss can then be estimated over scientific, engineering and biomedical government and the media will be present billions of years, giving clues about conditions applications. at the event to hear presentations from for past life on the planet.” Nanotechnology is widely regarded as a Professor Malcolm Grant, Provost of UCL, MSSL has also provided the lead for the fundamental enabling technology of the 21st Sir Richard Sykes, Rector of Imperial College, stereo camera system, the ‘eyes’ of the century and UCL, in partnership with Imperial and Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Parliamentary mission’s Beagle 2 lander. The system provides College, is at the forefront of its development Under-Secretary of State for Science & accurate and detailed images of the surface with LCN. The centre has already been Innovation, among others. Following the and atmosphere. Dr Coates said: “The scientific successful in forging strong links with industry presentations members of LCN will discuss objectives of the system include producing a by concentrating on harnessing the technology their research, which is organised around three digital elevation model and colour panoramas to provide real-world applications. This could socially and commercially important areas: of the landing site.” mean, for example, the design of minute drug novel low-cost healthcare, new paradigms for A team from UCL’s Department of Earth doses tailored for the optimal treatment of information technology and communications, Sciences has worked on the Mars Advanced disease, or the manufacture of computers with and the earth environment. Radar for Subsurface & Ionospheric Sounding (MARSIS). It employs ground-penetrating radar to map underground water, if there is any, on Mars. Low frequency waves will be directed towards Mars from a 40m antenna, which was UCL academics due to unfold when Mars Express went into orbit on 19 December. Analysis of the echoes produced will generate data about the get domesticated composition of the top 5km of the Martian crust. In addition, UCL’s Department of Geomatic Engineering has contributed to the High/Super A new interdisciplinary journal, Home Cultures, studies and history. The journal’s International Resolution Stereo Colour Imager, which is invites submissions. Produced by Berg Advisory Board includes Professor Iain Borden generating the best-ever geological maps Publishing, the journal is edited by Dr Victor (Bartlett School) and Professor Daniel Miller showing the location of different minerals Buchli (Anthropology), with colleagues from the (Anthropology). and rock types. universities of Vienna and Virginia, and examines Dr Buchli said: “More than ever before, UCL’s three-pronged approach in the study of the home. the home, whether as a concept or a physical the examination of water loss is thus linking Until now, there has been little place, represents a key arena for the production measurements below the surface (MARSIS), interdisciplinary collaboration or discussion on of personhood and social relations. The domestic on the surface (Beagle 2) and in the escape the subject, and the journal aims to rectify this. sphere is a highly fluid and contested site of to space (ASPERA). The editors invite submissions from design human existence that signifies and produces For a link to more information on the practice, design history, architecture, identities and societal values.” project, see the UCL Newslink site at anthropology, sociology, archaeology, For a link to more information on the www.ucl.ac.uk/news urban planning, contemporary art, geography, journal, see the UCL Newslink site at psychology, folklore, cultural studies, literary www.ucl.ac.uk/news

02UCLNEWS Campus Virtual London Questionnaire

Mr Samuel Massiah (Information Systems) is Manager of the Applications & Academic Support Group, which is responsible for central computer accounts, IT training and support, and integrating software into services

Prototype Virtual London model, derived from raw data with the permission of Infoterra Ltd and Ordnance Survey ©. Aerial photography reproduced with the permission of the GeoInformation Group. All rights reserved Of what are you most proud about UCL? Its efforts to celebrate diversity and be open and inclusive in how it runs. Many institutions just go through the motions of equality but A virtual reality map of London is being developed fantastic way to draw people in to thinking about I believe that many at UCL really mean it by researchers from UCL’s Centre for Advanced their city”. Spatial Analysis (CASA). The project, funded For the past six years CASA has been What is your greatest extravagance? I once spent £3,500 on a power amp for my by the Greater London Authority and led by working on a series of innovative projects which hi-fi. I also spent £800 on a tonearm for my turntable Dr Andrew Hudson-Smith and Mr Steve Evans, use the latest technology to engage the public will ultimately result in a three-dimensional digital in issues relating to the environment. Virtual With which historical figure do you most identify? The apostle Peter. Sometimes map of the whole of London. London is the largest of these projects to date speaks before he thinks, but his heart is in the right place and he got there in the end The 3D map will provide Londoners and employs the latest broadband technology. with information about the impact of planning It is envisaged that the first phase of the project What was your most memorable experience at UCL? It was at a reception held for initiatives, and encourage tourism by providing will be completed by March 2004. This will the Provost. He came up to a group of people I was talking with and said, “Hello, Sam, detailed information about sites of interest. concentrate on the Southwark Pool area of how are you?” I had only met him to help set up his computer and was really touched Visitors to Virtual London will be able to roam London and include enhanced information that he remembered me around the site as avatars (digital characters) about sites of interest such as the Tower of What is your claim to fame? I’ve sung bass for a number of internationally acclaimed and take part in interactive simulations. It is London and City Hall. Once London has been groups and choirs. This has taken me on tours of Zimbabwe, Australia, Europe and, hoped that the map, which will be accessible recorded in its entirety it is hoped that the map most memorably, Beirut with Jessye Norman. I’ve also performed for TV, radio, in the to all online, will encourage debate and give will grow and evolve as the city does. Sydney Opera House, Toronto Skydome and Royal Albert Hall Londoners the opportunity to have a say in For a link to more information on the the way their environment is shaped. Dr project, see the UCL Newslink site at Where would you most like to live? Somewhere that’s as tolerant as London but Hudson-Smith says: “A 3D London is a www.ucl.ac.uk/news warm all year round. Probably Atlanta or Sydney

What is the biggest threat facing humanity? Ourselves: principally our unwillingness to learn the lessons of the past What could you not live without? My relationship with God UCL’s new vision What is the last book you read? Overcoming the Overload – A Christian Guide to Managing Stress. An excellent book What characteristic do you find most attractive in other people? Wisdom for student What is your favourite part of UCL? The Front Quad. A very impressive view How would your friends describe you in three words? Passionate, focused, talented information What do you like most about your time at UCL? The breadth of people that one is able to meet UCL staff involved with programme or student design and quality assessment. The suite will be What is your favourite film and why? Malcolm X. Brilliant film about a man who was administration across campus – as well as specifically designed to respond to UCL’s needs, passionate about a cause but wasn’t afraid to change when it became clear that there students themselves – will benefit from a and is compatible with existing systems that will were flaws in his thinking new suite of software that will improve the not be replaced. management of a host of organisational ‘e-Vision’ complements the ‘SITS: Vision’ What single thing would most improve your life? More money. Then my wife could issues and tasks. suite through the delivery of information and give up working full time Strategic Information Technology Services secure processing across the internet. Current (SITS) Ltd – a specialist in the field of student students and staff will have access to a range Who at UCL has most influenced you? Robert Clark, my boss. He is brilliant and course management systems for higher of functions through the UCL website. Current yet understanding education institutions – has been awarded a students will be able to view and maintain their five-year contract by UCL’s Student Information personal details, update and print their CV, What makes you depressed? When I read about man’s inhumanity to man System Programme Board to install its ‘SITS: view their results, and register or enrol online What do very few people know about you? I really like Rod Stewart’s music Vision’ and ‘e-Vision’ suite of software at UCL. where appropriate. Mr Robert Churm, Project Services Manager in UCL staff will also have access to the same What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My tendency to procrastinate UCL’s Management Systems Division, said: tools as students, plus some additional features “UCL required a replacement system which took intended to aid the management of courses and What is your favourite building and why? Big Ben. Fantastic structure, exquisite detail into account the needs of our current users, the modules. Staff could have access to the whole evolving needs of the university and a changing ‘e-Vision’ database, and be able to view What is your favourite pastime? Playing with my children external environment. It was also a pre-requisite information about their students, such as that the new system integrated and interfaced examination results. What was the last CD you listened to? Deitrick Haddon, Lost and Found (a gospel CD) with other UCL systems. SITS was by far the Mr Churm added: “The ‘e-Vision’ and best candidate for the provision of a system ‘SITS: Vision’ tools will offer a highly flexible and What other career would you like to have had? A jazz pianist or a life management which met our criteria.” user friendly interface that will modernise UCL’s consultant The ‘SITS: Vision’ suite is made up of information services. I’m sure that UCL staff a number of component parts, including and students will find the software a great Which living person do you most admire? Nelson Mandela. The epitome of leadership timetabling, examinations and assessment, improvement to the current systems.” award ceremony management, absence and For a link to more information on the attendance recording, student registration and new system, see the UCL Newslink site at enrolment, fee processing, course management www.ucl.ac.uk/news and design, and academic review for course

UCLNEWS03 UCL IN FOCUS

e-Science – harnessing the real power of the internet Calculations in days rather than years

UCL is at the forefront of research into, and the exploitation of, Grid technology. This provides From left: Professor Roland Rosner; Mr Paul Wilson and Dr John Broadholt, Condor mechanisms for many computers linked to the internet to work simultaneously on the same problem so that calculations which might previously have taken years can now be completed in days. The technology allows teams located all over the world to collaborate on major projects requiring massive computational power and large volumes of data. UCL’s Grid community brings together researchers in many disciplines and IT service providers in Education & Information Support Division (EISD), all sharing an interest in the technology. The UK Research Councils and the EU are funding about 20 Grid projects at UCL and part of the university’s Science Research Infrastructure Fund allocations is being used to enhance the IT infrastructure to meet their needs. Professor Roland Rosner, Director of EISD, comments: “UCL’s e-Science community is one of the largest in the country and its work will have a major impact on medical, scientific and engineering research. Most of the projects are due to come to an end in 2005, by which time the technology should be better established and starting to be applied in industry and commerce.” Contact Professor Rosner (x37323; [email protected]). For a link to the UCL Grid website see the UCL Newslink site at www.ucl.ac.uk/news

Artful research Pictures on Progress in wins through offer to prostate staff treatment

Members of UCL staff who fancy an original Major advances in alleviating millions of men work of art to brighten up their office or home are from the discomfort of benign prostatic invited to join the UCL Picture Club. The club hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, owns 146 works of art to cater for every taste, are promised by the results of a research ranging from attention-grabbing abstracts in oils collaboration between UCL’s Wolfson Institute to delicate watercolour landscapes. New for Biomedical Research (WIBR) and the pictures, funded by membership subscriptions Institute of Urology & Nephrology. and revenue from picture sales, are added to The team, led by Dr Selim Cellek (WIBR), the collection on a regular basis. Artists developed a new drug that inhibits the enzyme currently represented include Jo Volley, Rho-associated kinase. BPH currently affects Charlotte Cornish, Barto Dos Santos, Heidi 85% of men over the age of 50 and causes König and Philip Sutton. frequent urination and irritation due to the The winners of the UCL Graduate School’s the judges with Medieval Mind-Changing? Meetings are held once a term where obstruction of urine flow. Current treatments 2003 Research Images as Art/Art Images a microscopic cross-section of a 15th century members socialise over a glass of wine while either relax or reduce the size of the prostrate, as Research competition were announced on painting. Mr Simon Pericich (Slade School) choosing their favourites. A draw then takes with unwelcome hormonal effects. Patient 4 December 2003. The first prize of £250 was presented Painting #1. Mr Alan Todd place. The next meeting is at 5.30pm on 27 compliance is also problematic, due to the awarded to Dr Stephen Nesbitt (Medicine), (Mechanical Engineering) earned his prize January 2003 in the Haldane Room. two separate medications. The Rho-associated for his image Osteoclasts with Alien Hands with Broken, a photograph of a broken quartz Ms Marion Mark, the club’s secretary, said: kinase inhibitor both relaxes and reduces the (pictured), produced by an electron micrograph. window used for observing fuel sprays in optical “For only £20 a year, members get to borrow at gland in one treatment, without risk of hormonal Dr Nesbitt said: “Osteoclasts are bone cells that engines. Miss Charis Chi Man Tsang (Bartlett least three pictures a year. They may even be side effects. resorb bone and, in part, regulate the skeleton’s School) aimed to bring out the beauty of water able to purchase a picture at one of the sales Dr Cellek said: “We are very excited at this mass. The fine finger-like processes that project droplets in her entry Droplets (iii). or auctions that take place from time to time. discovery, as it is a medical breakthrough which from the osteoclasts – alien hands – may provide A record 223 entries were submitted this New members are always welcome, and those represents a major advance in treating a a communication network between the cells year, all of which can be viewed in full colour interested can just to turn up on the night.” condition that affects such a large proportion of in bone.” at the Graduate School’s online gallery. Winning Contact Ms Ruth Dar (x32594; the population. We are still at the development Five runners-up, representing a diverse images are displayed on the noticeboard outside [email protected]) stages and more research will be required range of disciplines, won £100 each. Mr Aaron the Graduate School office in the Octagon. before the new treatment becomes available. Hunter (Earth Sciences) presented a photograph For a link to the online gallery, see the The next step will be to develop links with of fossilised sea lilies entitled After the Storm. UCL Newslink site at www.ucl.ac.uk/news investors interested in developing this drug Ms Libby Sheldon (History of Art) impressed for the treatment of BPH.”

04UCLNEWS Two current UCL CONDOR MIAS More than 900 UCL PCs have had the Grid computer 50 days to complete; it took The Medical Images and Signals (MIAS)-Grid Grid projects program Condor installed to enable them to the cluster room computers just five hours. is being developed by the Department of do complex scientific computations. The PCs, In theory the program could be installed on Medical Physics & Bioengineering in found in the many computer cluster rooms, every UCL desktop PC, increasing the speed partnership with the University of Manchester are more used to handling student essays and efficiency of the system exponentially. and King’s College London. The grid is or emails but, unknown to their regular users, UCL’s Condor project is the largest designed to tackle a central problem for the they may also be doing someone else’s work system of its type in Britain and is available MIAS Inter-disciplinary Research Consortium at the same time. The system was set up by to all members of the academic community (IRC): that of sharing images and signals Dr John Brodholt (Earth Sciences) and Mr with computing requirements of up to and their associated clinical information Paul Wilson (Computer Science and Earth several thousand short-duration (<5hrs) and interpretation methods. Through the Sciences) and since coming online in January win2K-compiled batch processes. Access development of an e-Science workbench 2003 has processed more than 1,000 hours to the server is via remote ssh and requires MIAS-Grid will enable the IRC to transform of computational chemistry, physics and a valid UK e-science grid certificate. the overwhelming flood of medical images geological programs. Requests for UCL Condor accounts can and signals data now available into useful Condor takes advantage of the be made through UCL’s Computing clinical information. In the long term the relatively small demands on the machines’ Research Allocation Committee (CRAC). workbench will also allow prototyping of Central Processing Unit, to harness their For further information contact the new algorithms and their evaluation on collective power and enable scientists to use CRAC administrator, Mr Wilson (x33424) a large clinically validated database of it to their advantage. The time saved using images and signals. An additional benefit this system is significant. For example, in of the research is it acts as a testbed for one day 2,000 different jobs were submitted, larger-scale applications in healthcare and a task which would ordinarily take a single biomedical research.

Read it first – People online

Dr David Becker (Anatomy & Developmental Professor Jeffrey Jowell (Laws) – appointed UCL regrets to announce the deaths of: For the latest Biology) – ‘Best Biotechnology Start-Up’, a member of the Royal Commission on Brian Law, Bsc(Econ) (1949), Medical Futures Innovation Awards, for Environmental Pollution, which advises the departments of Economics and Geography; news and developing Nexagon, a gel which helps Queen, Government, Parliament and the Assistant Lecturer (1952–1954), Lecturer wounds heal in half the time it usually takes public on environmental issues (1954–1955), Department of Geography; comprehensive Fellow of UCL (2000) Dr Selim Cellek (Wolfson Institute for Professor Laura Lepschy and Professor Lord Rayne, Inter Laws Evening Course events listings, Biomedical Research) – ‘Award of Excellence’, Giulio Lepschy (Italian) – Commendatore of (1935–1936), Department of Laws; European Society of Sexual Medicine, for the ‘Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana’, Honorary Fellow (1966) see ‘News’ and his outstanding contribution to the sexual for their dedicated commitment to the promotion Keith Wolfenden, Professor of Information medicine field of the Italian language and culture in Britain Processing, Statistics & Computer Studies (1973–1983), Special Lecturer (1983–1984), ‘Events’ at Professor Peter Coveney (Chemistry) Professor Helen Margetts (School of Public Emeritus Professor of Information Processing – ‘Most Innovative Data-Intensive Application’, Policy) – ‘Making a Difference Award’, Political (1984), Department of Computer Science; www.ucl.ac.uk High-Performance Computing Challenge Studies Association of the UK, for political Teaching Assistant (1984), Department of Competition, for his Teragyroid project scientists who have done the most to improve Psychology; Honorary Research Fellow public policy (1985–1987), departments of Computer Mr Stephen Fingleton (Student, English Science and Psychology Language & Literature) – ‘Runner-Up Prize’, Dr Stephen Nesbitt (Medicine) – ‘First Prize’, Richard Wollheim, Assistant Lecturer Best Student Arts Journalist, National Union UCL Graduate School’s 2003 Research Images (1949–1955), Teacher of Philosophy of Students Media Awards as Art/Art Images as Research Competition, (1955–1959), Reader in Philosophy for his image Osteoclasts with Alien Hands (1959–1963), Grote Professor of Philosophy Professor Karl Friston (Institute of Neurology) of Mind & Logic (1963–1982), Emeritus – ‘Golden Brain Award’, Minerva Foundation Mr Les Roberts (UCL Images) – ‘Gold Camera Professor and Honorary Research Fellow Award’, 36th US International Film & Video (1983–2003), Department of Philosophy; Professor Bastien Gomperts and Dr Peter Festival 2003, and ‘Freddie Award’, International Honorary Fellow of UCL (1994) Tatham (Physiology) – ‘Highly Commended Health & Medical Media Awards, the highest Prize’, BMA Medical Book Competition, honour to be given to medical/health video for Signal Transduction productions internationally, for the film Just an Ordinary Day Professor Sir Peter Hall (Bartlett School) – ‘Gold Medal’, the highest accolade from the Royal Town Planning Institute UCLNEWS05 In the News

Professor Malcolm Grant Professor Alimuddin Zumla Dr Kate Jeffrey UCL makes headlines all year round. Here are a few recent highlights; for much more see ‘UCL in the News’ at www.ucl.ac.uk/news

Fees, bursaries and scholarships equality of opportunity, and to ensuring access Cheap test gauges HIV drug success Logical positivist “Sir, England’s leading universities have standards to higher education for any students capable of “Spots of dried blood could help to monitor the “I was fascinated by your article on the finding of teaching and research that are amongst the benefiting from it, regardless of their financial success of HIV drugs in the developing world. that animals are able to indicate they do not best in the world, despite a long-term decline in means. But this principle is at risk unless our Antiretroviral drugs stop the Aids virus from killing know something (Animals ‘can think about government financial support which has seen the universities become sufficiently well funded key immune cells in the blood. But patients in thought’, 3 December). ‘Metacognition’ is a funding per student reduced by 50 per cent in to be able to offer adequate bursaries and Africa, for example, often miss out on essential slightly complex concept, but I came up with real terms in just 25 years. Government wants scholarships from the increase in fee income blood-cell monitoring because it requires fresh, the following explanation for my students: ‘The more students to go to university, but it is not to each institution. Further, this should be a refrigerated blood and expensive analytical results show that there are things that animals able to provide a commensurate increase in matter for the universities to manage, and not machines. But now there is an alternative. know that they know. We also now know the funding. So it has two options: to spread the for the Government to impose.” ‘You just need a finger prick,’ says Professor animals have known unknowns; that is to say, existing funding out even more thinly, or to Professor Malcolm Grant, Provost Alimuddin Zumla (Centre for Infectious Diseases they know there are some things they do not allow universities some freedom to close the of UCL, and the heads of the London & International Health). In a trial on 42 Zambian know. And of course there are the unknown gap by charging more realistic fees to UK and School of Economics, Oxford, Cambridge patients reported in last week’s Lancet, unknowns – the things they don’t know they EU undergraduates. We are pleased that the and Imperial College London, The Times, Professor Zumla’s team has shown that cell don’t know.’ What do you think?” first option is evidently as unacceptable to the 24 November 2003 counts obtained using dried blood spots are Dr Kate Jeffrey (Psychology), Letters, Government as it is to us, for it would destroy largely comparable to those from hi-tech The Guardian, 5 December 2003 the excellence of our institutions. We therefore monitoring. Professor Zumla says that he has believe that the Government’s proposals for a adapted the prototype so that it can also gauge new approach to student fees, which will levels of the Aids virus, another key indicator of become repayable only after graduation, are treatment success. It costs about $1 per test, right in principle. This will start to restore financial he says. Cheaper reagents could slash it to health to our universities. But we must voice two only 20 cents.” overriding concerns. We have a commitment to The Guardian, 6 November 2003

No more Moon mapping first growing pains

A revolutionary implant has been developed which reduces the need for repeat surgery

Researchers from UCL’s Centre for Biomedical Three patients between the ages of 10 and 13 PhD student Miss Katherine Joy (Earth The D-CIXS will be able to provide absolute Engineering have invented an award-winning with osteosarcoma – a highly malignant form Sciences) has won a studentship from the measurements of elemental abundances, device that can help young patients with bone of bone cancer – of the femur took part in the Particle Physics & Astronomy Research Council especially magnesium, aluminium and silicon. tumours avoid painful repeat surgery as their clinical trials. Since insertion, one implant has to work on the first-ever global map of the Moon This will allow for advances in several areas of limbs grow. The centre’s head, Professor been extended twice, a total of 8mm, and the in x-rays, providing a valuable dataset for the lunar science, including an improved estimate Gordon Blunn (Institute of Orthopaedics & others once each to 4mm. The procedure takes planetary sciences community. The map will of the Moon’s composition and the nature of Musculoskeletal Science), who leads the approximately 15 minutes and the patient is able be compiled from data retrieved by a D-CIXS its crust.” research team, said: “Young patients who to walk immediately after the treatment. (demonstration of a compact x-ray For a link to more information on the receive treatment for malignant bone tumours The device is the culmination of 11 years spectrometer), currently heading towards project, see the UCL Newslink site at are given extending prostheses to accommodate of research, and has recently been awarded the a lunar orbit as part of the European Space www.ucl.ac.uk/news growth in the affected limb. Up until now, ‘Best Innovation to Improve Child Health’ prize Agency’s SMART-1 mission to the Moon to this extension had to be carried out surgically. at the Medical Futures Innovation Awards 2003. investigate lunar geochemistry. This leads to discomfort for the patient, Professor Blunn said: “The outcome of the initial Miss Joy and supervisor Dr Ian Crawford, extended hospitalisation, risk of infection trial has been very positive. This development is from the joint Birkbeck–UCL Research School and costly treatment.” suitable for patients over the age of ten and for of Earth Sciences, will work with the Rutherford The UCL team has overcome these large bones such as femur and tibia. Patients Appleton Laboratories’ D-CIXS team, to provide problems with a telescopic implant that can experienced no sensations of vibration, heat, a working, calibrated dataset of the Moon be extended non-invasively. Constructed in two stretching or any other discomfort. Most using lunar samples, theoretical modelling, parts, and containing a magnet and a gearbox, importantly, the extensions were achieved the D-CIXS data and information from previous the prosthesis can screw apart 1mm at a time. without surgery, discomfort or risk of infection.” NASA missions. Dr Crawford said: “The Moon Once implanted, the prosthesis is extended For a link to more information on the is one of the most important test-beds for by placing the affected limb inside a coil that project, see the UCL Newslink site at theories relating to the origin of planetary electronically generates a magnetic field and www.ucl.ac.uk/news bodies and the solar system as a whole. triggers the implant magnet to rotate in synchronisation, extending the prosthesis.

06UCLNEWS Virtual reality explores paranoia

A collaboration between UCL, King’s College nine of the 24 found that “someone in the room initial stage of the research is concerned London and the University of East Anglia has had it in for me” and 13 felt “they were talking with exploring the thinking processes behind found a new way of identifying paranoia. about me behind my back”. However, the results persecutory ideation and identifying sufferers, The study, led by Professor Paul Bebbington weren’t a surprise to the researchers as these it is hoped that virtual reality may be used (Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences), involves the thoughts are quite appropriate in certain as a treatment in the future. “Potentially the use of virtual reality and builds on research which situations and reinforced the evidence which technique could be used with people recovering has already shown success in the treatment of proves people react to virtual environments as from schizophrenia to give them control over conditions such as claustrophobia and fear of if they were real. a particular situation,” explained Professor public speaking. Professor Bebbington said: “We initially Bebbington. Virtual reality library populated by avatars In these latest tests, 24 non-clinical started the experiment using ‘normal’ subjects, The technology used in the study has been volunteers entered a virtual reality library as psychosis shares patterns with normal developed by Professor Mel Slater (Computer occupied by computer generated figures thinking. There are real advantages to having Science) and is funded by a Wellcome Trust and were then asked their thoughts about the a standard environment which is interactive but grant. For a link to more information on the characters. Both the room and its occupants where you ultimately have control, because this project, see the UCL Newslink site at were designed to be as neutral as possible but can’t be achieved in the real world.” While the www.ucl.ac.uk/news

Political prize UCL academic wins top honours in the UK Political Studies Association awards

Professor Helen Margetts, Director of UCL’s project suggests areas of policy innovation, satire, while the dubious honour of ‘Political School of Public Policy, and Professor Patrick access and participation and has contributed Turkey of the Year’ went to the new Scottish Dunleavy (LSE) have been awarded the Political to the improved delivery of public services, Parliament building. Science ‘Making a Difference’ Award by the by encouraging development of information A dedicated website, maintained by UK Political Studies Association. The award technologies.” the school, has publicised the e-government recognises research which has most The awards celebrate the achievements research throughout the world and experiences influenced public debate and policy. of academics, politicians, organisations and thousands of downloads each week. Professor Professor Margetts and Professor journalists involved in British politics. Among Margetts also co-designed the London Mayoral Dunleavy’s work on e-government was those others honoured were Ken Livingstone, voting system and as a result introduced the Professor Helen Margetts, described by the judges as “pioneering and will politician of the year, Polly Toynbee, political British electorate to both the ‘supplementary winner of the Political Science have long-term ramifications”. Their research into journalist of the year, and Baroness Williams vote’ and ‘additional member’ systems for ‘Making a Difference’ Award the use of information technology by government of Crosby, who received a lifetime achievement the first time. dates back to the early 1990s and since 1998 in politics award. Further awards were made For a link to the e-goverment website, has included two major studies into government to Bremner, Bird and Fortune for best political see the UCL Newslink site at on the web. The judges commented: “The satire on TV and to Private Eye for best printed www.ucl.ac.uk/news

Alumni Matter: Pen Haddow Geography 1984

Pen Hadow made history in May 2003 by becoming the first person to walk alone and unaided from northern Canada to the north Geographic Pole

On 17 March 2003 Rupert Nigel Pendrill swim through the water, pushing his way through school,” he says, somewhat eerily, referring as Hadow, known as Pen, set off on an exploration thin ice – while also becoming potential prey to much to the precariousness of life in general no one before him had completed. Temperatures polar bears lurking in the black water below. as his endeavours in particular. And on an were as low as –46ºC and reached a high Towards the end of his 70-day, 765km trek expedition? “A fear of failure, the public of –2ºC, with more than half the journey skiing, swimming and clambering his way to the humiliation of not making it to my destination and below –30ºC. North Pole, his satellite phone’s battery was on disappointing third parties such as charities and In 2000, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, described its last legs and he spent nine days waiting for the media, not to mention my family and friends.” by The Guinness Book of Records as “the his plane, surviving on minimal rations including Ultimately, though, Pen is an individualist world’s greatest living explorer”, was forced to porridge oats and cups of black tea. and he relishes the benefits of the solitude give up this journey after only a week. It was So what does a man do when he’s made which his explorations bring him. He’s happy his fourth attempt to reach the Pole with partners it single-handedly to the top of the world? in the knowledge that he is entirely responsible but without re-supply and, on this occasion, Restore a library, apparently. for what goes right and what goes wrong. his sledge became submerged under moving Pen’s now aiming to raise £250,000 and While Pen used to regard his polar journeys ice. His frostbite was so severe that several he’s devoting his next journey to restoration and with a sense of adventure and challenge, he now of his fingers had to be amputated. digital cataloguing of the Royal Geographic sees them as secular pilgrimages requiring an Pen carried all supplies with him – food, Society’s entire polar heritage collection. element of discomfort and suffering. “I often This article first appeared in clothing, equipment, fuel. While negotiating the Though it won’t be a groundbreaking expedition, compare the sledger’s lifestyle to the simplicity the Autumn 2003 issue of the infamous pressure ridges of the Arctic ice, he he sets off in early December for almost two of a monk’s monastic existence. After all, you alumni magazine UCL People. pulled with him a 20-stone sledge. After an months with British sledging partner, Simon don’t go to Mecca by Rolls Royce and first-class If you know of a former UCL inevitably slow start, on day 45 he fell through Murray, to walk 1,200km from Hercules inlet, British Airways,” he notes. thin ice up to his neck and lost a ski, forcing the edge of continental Antarctica, 1,200km student involved in interesting, him to walk the rest of the way. Ultimately, to the South Geographic Pole. He’ll climb from exciting or unusual activities, Pen reached his destination in a record-breaking sea level to 2,835m. please let us know. Contact 64 days. His speed can be somewhat attributed Pen is momentarily at a loss for an answer details are on the back page to his ‘immersion suit’, which he climbed into when asked about his greatest fear. “I’d like to when he saw water ahead. It enabled him to be around with my children to see them leave

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