wyvern

February 2008

page 3 New partnership with Santander Universities page 5 A haven for dragonflies page 10 and 11 Focus on: Support for sporting students Move to faculty organisation

A new organisational structure is to be introduced within the University to integrate management and budgetary planning more closely with academic decision-making. The new structure, based around the Screenshot of the new existing four academic faculties, will also University website offer an opportunity to organise the University by academic activity rather than by geographical location. Preview of new website Each of the University’s four faculties will be headed by a Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PVC), working with a faculty support team, the This is a preview of how the University’s new website will dean, the relevant heads of department and look when it is launched next month. their departmental administrators. A project manager, Sally Conner, has been The new website has been developed in feel to the site, but also rich and varied appointed to oversee the transition to the conjunction with a wider project to refresh content, with a more intuitive navigation new structure, which takes effect in August. the Essex branding, and takes into account structure.’ not only the website’s visual appearance, Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan Features of the new site include a detailed but ease of use and maintaining high levels explained: ‘The aim is to improve interactive course finder, providing more of accessibility for all users. communication and ensure key resourcing comprehensive course details with a decisions are taken on the basis of a close The main body of the new corporate site marketing focus, dynamic news and events understanding of academic priorities. It will will go live on 10 March, with sites on other information, targeted information for a wide bring administration, decision-making and University servers going live during the range of users, visitor information specific budgetary planning closer to our front-line course of that week. to campus and type of user, consistent and activities of teaching, research and relevant multi-campus information, and a Debbie Nicholson, from the Web Support outreach.’ ‘keylinks’ feature which will provide access Unit, explained: ‘This has been a co- to departments and services from any The University is currently recruiting four ordinated effort right across the University, corporate page. faculty managers who will support the with staff from many areas making a huge PVCs in introducing and operating the effort to make this rebuild possible. It has Extensive research underlies both the look new structures. involved gathering ideas on how to develop and feel of the website, and the grouping dynamic content, building new and exciting and positioning of links on the homepage The four faculties are: Social Sciences, components, rewriting content, proof and in navigating throughout the site. headed by Professor Rob Massara; checking and gathering information. Humanities and Comparative Studies, A second phase of website development headed by Professor Andy Downton; ‘Users will see not only a fresh and modern will continue after March. Science and Engineering, headed by Professor Christine Temple; and Law and Management, headed by Professor Student surveys underway Nigel South. This month saw the launch of both the National Student Survey (NSS) and Essex Student Satisfaction Survey (SSS), giving all taught students at the University the opportunity to rate the quality of their course.

The NSS, for final-year undergraduates, experience at Essex. March, when the University takes part in takes place across the country, carried out the nationwide Postgraduate Research The SSS gives all other undergraduate by research company Ipsos MORI. The Experience Survey for the first time. students, and taught postgraduates, at results allow the University and future Essex the same opportunity to rate their For more information, see: students to compare different subjects at degree. www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/offices/smo/ different universities to ensure students survey.htm. get the best quality education and Research students will be contacted in

2 News New partnership with Santander Universities

The University has signed a new partnership with Abbey National plc, Banco Santander’s UK subsidiary, through which it will receive support for students, researchers and entrepreneurs.

The agreement, which represents a The Vice-Chancellor presenting Luis Juste, UK Director significant donation to the University, of Santander Universities with a UECLAA print provides annual scholarships for postgraduates from Iberoamerican countries in the scheme, as well as relationships with members of the Grupo bursaries for students or staff wishing to Santander, and its potential to provide ‘Pride in People’s Homes’ undertake study or research overseas. work placements for our students.’ Residential Services has launched a It also includes awards for non-academic Luis Juste, UK Director of Santander customer excellence and cultural change achievement, support for entrepreneurship Universities, said: ‘We are happy to programme to further enhance the student activities and Excellence in Enterprise and welcome the to experience within student accommodation. Entrepreneurship awards. Funding for Santander Universities. Our agreement Following its success in the International technology research projects will also be covers support for a significant number of Student Barometer awards, Residential available. ambitious projects. These will include Services has been working with Liam research programmes, international Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, O’Connell, service excellence and cultural scholarships and awards for students, said: ‘The University is delighted to have change consultant and author of Don’t entrepreneurial initiatives which we are launched this new partnership with Abbey. Feed the Ducks – Inspire your People. sure will be successfully advanced by the Not only will our students and staff benefit Together they have developed a series of University. This signing marks the from the considerable financial contribution interactive events with staff culminating in beginning of what will be a long-term and the bank is making, we will also be able to the launch of ‘Pride in People’s Homes’. fruitful partnership.’ draw on its significant expertise, existing Darren Baker, Customer Services and Marketing Manager for Residential Services, said: ‘We have developed five core values that underpin what we are about as a service supplier and created New research centre opens the ‘Pride in People’s Homes’ initiative. It is about recognising what we do and the The University has opened a new, interdisciplinary contribution we make to the lives of our research centre focused on advancing the development of students whilst working in their homes.’ intelligent computer systems. During the launch, Liam O’Connell along with the Senior Management team, The Computational Intelligence Centre insights from nature to create programmes thanked staff for their hard work and includes experts from a variety of fields that are in some way intelligent. between sessions with flying ducks, flying including biological sciences, business fish and speed dating, introduced the core Professor Hani Hagras, Director of the and entrepreneurship, mathematical values that staff have helped to develop. Centre, said: ‘It is believed that by taking sciences as well as computing and an interdisciplinary approach to research, electronic systems. It aims to capitalise on the Centre will break down barriers the wealth of expertise at the University between the different disciplines and and use an interdisciplinary approach to sciences contributing to computational pioneer ground-breaking research. intelligence. In doing so our findings will Computational intelligence is a new have the potential to address numerous perspective on what was known as real world problems that traditional artificial intelligence. It draws on advances computing methods cannot resolve.’ in a range of techniques such as neural For further information, see: networks, fuzzy logic and evolutionary Ducks taking a well earned rest http://cci.essex.ac.uk/. computing and combines these with

News 3 200mph on a motorcycle Sports psychologist Dr Murray Griffin will be gaining a unique insight into the world of extreme sports when he attempts to break the land

Participants will use a variety of facilities speed record on a motorcycle. including the climbing wall Dr Griffin and his support team will be travelling to the Bonneville salt flats in the US to compete in the annual Bonneville Speed Week in August. Fit 4 Life To beat the current record, Dr Griffin will need to reach average speeds of 215mph It doesn’t take a lot to stay fit and healthy - but a little over two attempts. In the 60 years of the Speed Week, just 80 motorcyclists have exercise could go a long way. reached over 200mph at this event. The University, together with the leading health and fitness experts, along Using a Modified 2003 Nitrous injected Physiological Society, is offering a unique with sporting stars of today and tomorrow. Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle, Dr Griffin opportunity for members of the public to believes he has a good chance: ‘Although Participants have the opportunity to get explore what a healthy lifestyle is, and how this is the first time I have competed at involved and test their fitness levels and it can be achieved. Bonneville, our practice times in training health status in a variety of physical have been very encouraging.’ The free one-day event is spearheaded by challenges and health checks - ranging Dr Valerie Gladwell from the Department of from how fast you can run, or how flexible Dr Griffin is no stranger to speed, having Biological Sciences: ‘We want to welcome you are, to measuring heart rate and blood competed on motorcycles for over ten people of all ages and levels of health and pressure. There will also be the option to years, he has reached 200mph no less fitness to the Colchester Campus and tell have a go at sports taster sessions, from than five times previously. them the full story about achieving and yoga to climbing, so come suitably There are a number of conditions that the maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise dressed. team will need to overcome in order to be doesn’t have to be strenuous and involve Fit 4 Life takes place on the Colchester in with a chance of achieving their optimum gyms - and a healthy diet doesn’t mean Campus on Friday 4 April. Suitable for the speed. The salt flats provide a loose just eating lettuce.’ over 12s, the day also links in with the surface which the bike has to move Find out what happens to the body during national science curriculum. Individuals, smoothly over, and high winds, humidity exercise; how to go from couch potato to families, schools, sports clubs and youth and temperatures of more than 35˚C have athlete; what the 2012 Olympics can do groups are all welcome to attend. To to be overcome. for you; and how the University is register your interest, e-mail: Dr Griffin and his team are among just a contributing to knowledge about health [email protected]. The first ten family handful of bikers flying out to the US to and exercise, in a series of information groups to register will receive a free family attempt the record. As well as needing sessions running throughout the day. Or health check. sponsorship to compete, they will also be get a chance to question some of the UK’s raising money for the Riding for the Disabled Association. To sponsor the team, or to add to the charity collection, visit: With a variety of talented musicians drawn http://www.fourfourzero.co.uk. Musical showcase from the staff and student body at Essex, this annual concert will include The Classical Music Society will performances of works by Schubert, be showcasing its talents next Poulenc and Mozart. month at a concert in the The concert is at the Lakeside Theatre on Lakeside Theatre. 1 March at 7.30pm.

4 News A haven for dragonflies One of the dragonflies pictured in the book

Sociologist and naturalist Professor Ted Benton has published a new book charting the species and locations of dragonflies found in Essex.

The Dragonflies of Essex, co-written with ‘This time, John Dobson and I were The book includes accounts and John Dobson, updates Professor Benton’s delighted to find that all the species distribution maps of all resident and original survey of the county’s dragonflies present 20 years ago are still with us. migrant species with colour photographs published 19 years ago. Some, indeed, have become more throughout, and a review of the best common, and we have two new arrivals. places in the county to watch dragonflies. Professor Benton, of the Department of One of these, the small red-eyed Sociology, explained: ‘My long-standing Professor Benton has also authored a damselfly, even chose Essex as its first interest in watching and photographing number of books on bumblebees and foothold in the UK. Some species wildlife has taken me to many remote and butterflies. His latest work, published by appreciate our county, even though some beautiful parts of Europe, but for many the Essex Field Club in association with humans seem not to! The new arrivals, and years I’ve also worked with other Lopinga Books, is available from the much earlier spring emergence of naturalists to study and raise awareness of bookshops and wildlife outlets or email: some other species may be evidence of the value - and vulnerability – of our own [email protected]. climate change.’ local wildlife and their habitats.

Holocaust remembered Gold medal event The University marked national Holocaust Memorial Day with a series of events to Paralympic athlete Dame Tanni Grey reflect and remember. Thompson will be the keynote speaker at the 28th Colchester Lecture in May. Commemorations began with a seminar exploring how the Holocaust is The University and Colchester Institute are represented in public museums, organised among the sponsors of the prestigious by Dr Rainer Schulze, Head of History. event, which will take place at the Mercury Speakers included Wilfried Wiedemann, Theatre at 6.30pm on Thursday 8 May. of the new permanent exhibition at Dame Tanni holds 16 Paralympic medals Bergen-Belsen, and Suzanne Bardgett, of including 11 gold, and has won the the Imperial War Museum, as well as Dame Tanni Grey Thompson Marathon six times. Her Professor Peter Vergo, Head of Art History comprehensive set of British and World and Theory. The Lecture is run by Colchester-based records place her second to none in the PR agency Mosaic Publicity. Event The Students’ Union organised a series of disability sport arena. Born with Spina organiser, Anne Sherer-Broom, said: readings and reflections on Square 3 Bifida, Dame Tanni will talk about her ‘Dame Tanni’s international career reaches which culminated with the lighting of extraordinary career and athletic out as an inspiration to everyone, able- candles. achievements. bodied or disabled alike.’ Previous keynote The commemorations ended in the Tickets are now on sale for £10, £9 speakers at the event include the architect Colchester and District Jewish concessions, from the Mercury Theatre box Rafael Viñoly, Lord Robert Winston, Tony Community’s annual Holocaust Memorial office telephone: 01206 573948, or visit: Robinson, and the University’s Professor Service, held at the Colchester Campus www.mercurytheatre.co.uk. Jules Pretty. for the second year.

News 5 Southend Dental Campus treatment to smile about new name A new dental service offering free NHS dental care delivered in state- of-the-art facilities has opened at unveiled the Southend Campus. Barts and The London Academic Dental The University’s new Clinic has been developed in partnership between Barts and The London NHS Trust Southend Campus building which runs one of the country’s top rated is to be officially opened teaching hospitals, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, and next month. South East Essex Primary Care Trust. Dental treatment on offer will include The occasion will also see the unveiling of dental surgery. Used by local residents check-ups, routine fillings, simple root the building’s new name, the Gateway and students, this provides a valuable canals, extractions, crowns and bridges, Building, at a special event for funders service to the local community. and dentures. It will be carried out by and supporters of the development and The Business Incubation Centre is senior dental students studying at Barts representatives of the University and the supporting the economic regeneration of and The London under the supervision of local community on Tuesday 4 March. the area, providing affordable business qualified local dentists. All treatment It is now 12 months since the University spaces and professional support to provided at the clinic is free and there is no welcomed the first students into the new fledgling businesses, while the new iLab need for referral. building and, in October, Southend’s provides a venue for business training The clinic is part of a broader NHS health status as a university town took another days. and dental facility, Southend Health and step forward as undergraduates and Dental Care, which also comprises a GP postgraduates from many countries came It is now 12 months since the service, an NHS Dental Practice run by a to register with the University. University welcomed the first qualified dental practitioner, and a Clinical The £25 million multi-use building, which students into the new building Skills Training laboratory run by the was largely publicly funded, is now fully- University of Essex. functional and home to three areas of The building’s new name, the Gateway The Clinical Skills labs, made possible study: East 15 Acting School, the Building, was suggested by a member of through funding from the Strategic Health Department of Health and Human the local community, Julian Abel. It was Authority, mean Essex students on the Sciences and the School of chosen by the University for its Foundation Degrees in Health Sciences Entrepreneurship and Business. significance in terms of its Thames and Oral Health Sciences benefit from a Gateway location, but also for its meaning Innovative dental and medical skills labs range of high-tech equipment, including a as a gateway to learning, business and have been developed, and the Gateway ‘simulated man’ known as SimMan and 15 ultimate success. Building also houses a working GP and work stations, each with a ‘phantom head’, and a networked computer and camera.

Partnership to develop intelligent mail server

The Department of Computing and information systems. Together they aim to Electronic Systems has launched a new develop a server to support collaborative knowledge transfer partnership with an management and cross-enterprise Ipswich-based company to develop an projects. intelligent mail server. The two-year project will be led by Drs Researchers will work with colleagues at Udo Kruschwitz and Simon Lucas from

Active Web Solutions (AWS) which Essex and Rob Blackwell and Richard (left to right) Dr Simon Lucas, Rob Blackwell, Richard develops cutting-edge enterprise Anscombe from AWS. Anscombe, James Callaghan (REO), Jan Stringer (KTP Advisor, Momenta) and Dr Udo Kruschwitz

6 News Aesthesis //CREATE Dr Ian King and Dr Ceri Watkins, both of the School of Accounting, Finance and Management, along with the University of Warwick, are calling for proposals for a unique international project. (left to right) Mark Savory, Richard Ransom, Tony Jordan, Gordon Lund, The Aesthesis//CREATE project invites Marisa Bostock, Vice-Chancellor contributions from individuals, groups, Professor Colin Riordan, and Colin Paris societies or organisations from any background to submit an idea, proposal or scheme that employs art/aesthetics to Long service awards inform or benefit organisational life. Over the last few weeks more than 10,000 Members of staff who have Mark Savory started his career at the arts-based groups and organisations each clocked up 25 years of University on a work experience across the world have been invited to get service to the University were programme in the Printing Centre. This led involved in the project. to a permanent position and Mark currently rewarded at a lunch hosted by works as a Production Assistant. A keen The project, in association with partners, the Vice-Chancellor. The squash player, Mark regularly uses the Arts and Business, aims to provide following members of staff Sports Centre facilities. resources to develop these proposals for received awards: inclusion in a global touring gallery – an Two members of staff were also rewarded exhibition of developed proposals which Essex graduate Marisa Bostock joined the for 40 years of service: will reach a broad range of audiences in Department of Computer Science as a Richard Ransom joined the University in over 12 countries and four continents. Graduate Secretary. Following the merger 1967 as Technician in the Polymer Section Dr King, explained: ‘This is an exciting of the Department with Electronics Systems of the Department of Chemistry. He later opportunity to provide support for new Engineering, Marisa took on the role of moved to the Organic Chemistry labs ideas, but it also offers the fantastic Postgraduate Research Administrator. where he stayed until its closure in 2005 prospect of conducting both a longitudinal Gordon Lund initially worked in the and currently works in Biological Sciences. and comparative ethnographic study with Catering Section as a Chef before being Tony Jordan first joined the University as a each of the 12-15 projects we select for appointed Assistant Head Chef. After Senior Technician in Physics before support. Furthermore, this project will several years Gordon decided on a career moving to the Department of Electronic provide the opportunity to examine each of change and took up the role of Patrol Systems Engineering. Following his these projects in the contexts of different Officer. retirement in 2007, Tony returned to work cultures and audiences.’ Colin Paris joined the University as a on a part-time basis in Biological Sciences. The project hopes to reach as many Patrol Officer at a time when the student A keen golfer, Tony has participated in the people, groups and societies as possible. population numbered just 3,000. Today, as University’s longest-running sports For further information and submission Campus Security Supervisor, Colin enjoys competition, the Clacton Cup, every year details, see: www.essex.ac.uk/aesthesis. dealing with a wide range of issues on a since 1981. daily basis.

Prestigious accolade for audio engineer

Professor Malcolm Hawksford, of only presented to those academics with a the Department of Computing and long and proven record of internationally Electronic Systems, has been recognised work. Candidates are judged by peer-examination through publications awarded a Doctor of Science in and research. recognition of his considerable academic achievements. The honour will be conferred upon Professor Hawksford, who specialises in The award, presented to Professor audio engineering and related electronics, Hawksford by the University of Aston, is in July. Professor Malcolm Hawksford

News 7 BOOKSHELF

Codifying Cyberspace: opting instead to encourage media Communications self- providers to develop codes of conduct and regulation in the age of technical measures to regulate themselves. Internet convergence Codifying Cyberspace, co-authored by Damian Tambini, Danilo Chris Marsden of the Department of Law, Leonardi and Chris Marsden looks at media self-regulation in practice, in a variety of countries. Glasshouse Press, Taylor and Francis It also examines the problems of balancing private censorship against fundamental Can the internet regulate itself? rights to freedom of expression and privacy Faced with a range of ‘harms’ and for media users. conflicts associated with the new media - from gambling to This is the first full-scale study of self- pornography - governments have regulation and codes of conduct in these resisted the temptation to regulate, fast-moving new media sectors.

Developmental Psycholinguistics This volume, co-edited by Professor Harold Multiple aspects of experimental design, Clahsen of the Department of Language data collection and data analysis are Edited by Irina A Sekerina, Eva M and Linguistics, introduces readers to an addressed in detail, alongside surveys of Fernández and Harold Clahsen emerging field of research, experimental recent findings John Benjamins Publishing developmental psycholinguistics, and to about how Company the four predominant methodologies used infants and to study online language processing in children process How do infants and young children children. The chapters cover event-related sounds, words, coordinate information in real time to arrive brain potentials, free-viewing eyetracking, and sentences. at sentence meaning from the words and looking-while-listening, and reaction-time structure of the sentence and from the techniques, also providing a historical nonlinguistic context? backdrop for this line of research.

Logics of Critical Explanation in The authors articulate a distinctive practices and regimes. While the first part Social and Political Theory perspective to social science explanation of the book critically engages with law-like, Jason Glynos and David Howarth that avoids the problem of scientism and interpretivist and causal approaches to which steers a course between law-like critical explanation, the second part Routledge explanations and thick descriptions. elaborates an alternative grammar of concepts informed by a poststructuralist In Logics of Critical Explanation in Social Drawing upon hermeneutics, ontology. In developing their approach, a and Political Theory, Jason Glynos and Dr poststructuralism, psychoanalysis, and post- number of empirical cases are included to David Howarth, both of the Department of analytical philosophy, this new approach illustrate its basic concepts and logics, Government, propose a novel approach to furnishes a particular set of logics - social, ranging from the apartheid regime in South practising social and political analysis political and fantasmatic logics - with which Africa to recent changes in higher based on the role of logics. to construct critical explanations of education.

US-Grenada Relations: From Commonwealth Caribbean island of during the Carter and Reagan Revolution to Intervention in the Grenada in October 1983? presidencies and the deterioration of relations with the Marxist-Leninist People’s Backyard This book, by Dr Gary Williams of the Revolution Government (PRG) of Research and Enterprise Office, focuses Gary Williams Grenada. It considers in detail the on US-Grenada relations between 1979 murderous internal power struggle that Palgrave Macmillan and 1983 set against the wider historical destroyed the PRG and the decision- context of US-Caribbean Basin relations. It Why did the world’s strongest power making process that resulted in a joint US- presents an in-depth study of US policy intervene militarily in the tiny Caribbean military intervention.

8 Research Radical movement explored

A major research project in Biological Sciences has secured more than £470,000 Professor Mike Wilson from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. possess tyrosine using the DNA of the sea-hare (Aplysia). Council (BBSRC) to investigate Professors Mike Wilson and Chris Cooper free radicals. with Drs Dima Svistunenko and Brandon Professor Wilson continued: ‘Ultimately we Reeder are leading the research. Professor aim to identify the rules that govern free Many enzymes use highly reactive free Wilson explained: ‘The way in which radical movement. This information will be radicals to perform their catalytic functions. enzymes control free radical movement is valuable in understanding the mechanisms Free radicals are compounds containing of important scientific interest and is the by which proteins control radicals and will unpaired electrons and play an important focus of our research.’ also be of importance in understanding role in a number of biological processes, why these processes go wrong in some Using proteins that contain the amino acid many of which are necessary to sustain life. proteins.’ tyrosine, the team will be able to track the However, because of their high reactivity radicals to discover if their movement is ‘If we can identify how the free radicals free radicals can also participate in mainly within one protein or is transmitted move, it may be possible to identify how to unwanted side reactions, causing cell to other proteins. The test bed for their stop or remove them in those areas where damage that may lead to diseases such as research is a protein that does not we know they have a damaging effect.’

Making reparations for slavery

Two major conferences next month will hear presentations from Fernne Brennan of the Department of Law and Human Rights Centre in relation to her work on making reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.

Fernne’s ongoing research addresses could be built into trading rules.’ Trade Inequality’, her paper argues for human rights principles that victims of reparations to provide a trump card in Fernne and Sonya Fernandez of rights’ violations should be afforded changing trading rules. Canterbury Christchurch University will access to justice in line with the guidelines chair and provide lead papers to the As part of her reparations projects Fernne on the right to a remedy and reparations. Socio-Legal Studies Association’s Law, hosted contributions from Esther Stanford, She explained: ‘There are problems Race, Religion and Human Rights Panel at Chair of the pan Afrikan Reparations surrounding any claim for reparations for the . Coalition in Europe, and Deborah Gabriel, the African Holocaust because the events Director of human rights organisation Imani The panel will include papers relating to happened in the past, and it is difficult to Development at a Human Rights Centre slavery, reparations, international trade and assess the consequential damage caused seminar last month. race discrimination from a number of to the descendants of slaves. However, experts from UK and French universities. The project continues with an international there are issues regarding the conference entitled, ‘Colonialism, Slavery, development of ex-colonial economies, Fernne has also had a paper accepted for Reparations and Trade: Remedying the which are heavily reliant on international Hamline University’s Spring Symposium ‘Past?’ in November, at the Brunei Gallery markets for a few export commodities. This ‘The Declaration of Human Rights: A in London. This is an inter-institutional trade legacy provides the link between the Reality Check’, being held in Saint Paul, venture between the University, the School past and current discrimination. I am Minnesota. Entitled ‘Exploring a of Oriental and African Studies and the looking at how a reparative framework Reparations Framework for Addressing Centre for Commercial Law Studies.

Research 9 Focus on Support for sporting students

This month Wyvern takes a look at how the University is encouraging sporting talent and working with local and national bodies to enhance and develop elite athletes’ potential.

Students benefit from new bursary scheme

The sports talent that exists amongst the student body has been recognised by the University for a number of years. This month, however, saw the launch of a comprehensive new programme of support to help talented students combine their academic and sporting achievements.

The 2008 Sports Bursary Scheme offers women’s category. Abi achieved silver place at Blenheim Elite Triathlon. Abbie won support to student athletes competing on a whilst representing England in September the BUSA 2007 Triathlon Championships national or international stage. Eight awards and won bronze in the Under 21s and was Junior National Triathlon Champion have been made this year, two scholarships Nationals. in 2006. She was also selected for the worth £2,500 each and six sports bursaries European and World Junior Triathlon Motorsport driver and Computer Science each worth £1,250. Championships. student, Martin Galpin is the 2007 Formula The bursary award includes support Vee Champion. He was named 2007 Club services such as strength conditioning, Driver of the Year by Autosport magazine. Kathryn Hall sports science and sports nutrition, financial Sport and Exercise Science student assistance with equipment, travel and Kathryn Hall won the national marathon expenses, educational workshops, personal kayaking championships in August, and mentoring and free use of sports facilities. came third in singles. In addition, students receive physiotherapy French and Modern Languages student, services from The Colchester Paul Lillis is the English Junior Pistol Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic. Shooting Champion and achieved 13th The 2008 students are: place at the English Senior Championships. Paul is a member of the Team England Sport and Exercise Science student Junior National Squad and the GB Junior Michael Aley achieved 19th place in the Development Squad. English Junior Squash Open this year, won the Essex Men’s Plate, and achieved 21st Third year Sport and Exercise Science at the English Junior Grand Prix. student, Abbie Thorrington was selected for the European Senior Triathlon Fourth-year Law and Politics student, Championships in 2007 and achieved 2nd Alexander Dinopoulos is currently ranked 19th in the men’s national tennis rankings in Greece. Paul Lillis Emma Dunmore is in her first year of Sport and Exercise Science and currently plays for Colchester United Ladies First Team. She is also Colchester United Under-19s Academy ‘Players’ Player’ of the Year and Colchester United Ladies First Team ‘Most Improved Player’. Table tennis champion and Clinical Physiology student Abi Embling is

currently ranked fourth in the senior Abbie Thorrington

10 Focus on Essex cricket boost The University’s cricket teams have received a boost with two new stars and several members of the ladies team joining the county side. The women’s cricket team has welcomed Isha Patel to its training sessions after she was accepted onto the University’s Academy Bursary Scheme. Through the Martin Galpin scheme Isha will be able to draw on the many support services, and expertise offered by the Sports Centre and Human Eye on the future Performance Unit. A cricketer has also become the most recent young athlete supported by the Whilst the Sports Bursary offers an Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme opportunity for talented athletes to (TASS) through the University. Matt Everitt, continue their sport whilst combining who is deaf, is a member of the England it with studying for a degree, athletes Deaf Cricket Team that placed second at can only enter if they have undergone the most recent World Championships. years of preparation prior to arriving As well as welcoming elite athletes, at university. Essex’s cricket teams have also received Will Meadows valuable recognition from the county club. With this in mind the Academy Sports Three members of the women’s squad - Bursary has been launched with the aim of development. We offer an excellent Emma Webdale, Hannah Jeffreys and supporting the development of talented programme of training and real personal Jamie Newstead - have all won places on young athletes and sportspeople aged 15- attention and support. The more young the Essex County Cricket Club squad. 17, in conjunction with their coaches, clubs athletes that experience this and be made Their success is a reflection of the hard and schools, and to provide a progression aware of it, the better.’ work put in by their coach Mike Boyers. from the school based Talented and Gifted Fifteen year old William Meadows from programme. Woodbridge, is an Academy Bursary Worth up to £1,000 per year, the athlete and took part in the triathlon Academy Bursary provides lifestyle training day. He said: ‘Having had some National partnership mentoring, free access to sports facilities, success at local triathlons, I have strength and conditioning coaching, been hoping to compete at the next The University is also working with the performance lifestyle workshops, and level. The Bursary Scheme has given me national governing body, UK Athletics, to access to expert coaching. the opportunity to access the level of support three young athletes, Olufunmi training I need. It helps improve my skills Squash and triathlon are the first two Sobodu, Louis Persent and Matti and technique in swimming, bike and disciplines that the Academy Bursary is Mortimore. The University is working with running as well as supporting my training focusing on, but the scheme will grow to UK Athletics to support the training and schedules and manage my study, training encompass other sports. development of the young stars. When on and racing. campus they have access to facilities The first triathlon training day for Academy For more information about the scheme, including the gym and coaching and athletes was held recently. University and applications, contact Ruth Owen- support from specialist Essex staff. Triathlon Coach, Dave Parry led the Evans, e-mail: [email protected]. activities. He said: ‘This is an exciting

Focus on 11 Financial boost to Gene brainwave research breakdown Communication direct from the brain to the computer is the goal of More than 20,000 the latest research by Professor Riccardo Poli and Dr Francisco GeneChips of different Sepulveda of the Department of Computing and Electronic Systems. types have been accessed

The pair has recently been awarded a An additional plus is that the user only by the Bioinformatics grant of more than £350,000 to cover requires a few minutes training before Group, a partnership three years of research on Analogue using the mouse. Dr Sepulveda said: Evolutionary Brain Computer Interfaces ‘Everything we do in the lab is meant to be between the Departments (BCI) where limited movement means that easy-to-use. Most of the work being done of Mathematical and some people are unable to use computer around the world assumes people will be keyboards in their current form. The result available for months of training. Biological Sciences. aims to be flexible and cheap enough to ‘We hope to get a lot more disabled As these chips are thought to record the make a real difference to people’s lives. people involved in the project to find out activity of almost all human genes, Through electrodes attached to the head the problems associated with each investigations into the behaviour not just of via a simple cap, brainwaves can directly individual.’ individual genes but also of gene transmit instructions to a computer, components can begin. BCI could also revolutionise computer moving the cursor across the screen to gaming with gamers also being able to As an example of a GeneChip, the image choose different functions. So far they control their devices without the need for here show the cross correlation between have developed a prototype Brain joysticks. 11 measurements of a human gene which Computer Interface mouse capable of full regulates the activity of other genes. The 2-D motion control. 11 measurement points are placed in order along the gene. Yellow indicates highly correlated pairs of measurements while red is low (or even negative) correlation. The picture makes it clear that Art research revealed this gene is not acting as a single whole but instead subregions in the gene can be Adverse health reactions to artworks can be predicted, clearly seen. analysis by Professor Arnold Wilkins of the Department The Bioinformatics Group has produced of Psychology has shown. many of these heatmaps, showing a wide range of different behaviours, some Professor Wilkins, whose work focuses on scenes in nature have a particular expected and some new. Many more vision and health, investigated concerns relationship between contrast and scale, examples can be found at: that some examples of contemporary art the smaller the scale the smaller the http://bslin11ha/users/wlangdon/HG- lead to seizures or migraines. In contrast. Professor Wilkins and PhD U133A/. collaboration with local artist Debbie Ayles student Dominic Fernandez analysed all and colleagues from the Department of the images mathematically and showed Biological Sciences, he set out to discover that uncomfortable images do not have how these reactions could be anticipated, this ratio. Instead they have too much using works from the University of Essex energy where the viewer’s visual system is Collection of Latin American Art and most sensitive. This has led to the photographs of urban and rural scenes. suggestion that overloading the visual system can cause headaches and More than 100 volunteers of all ages, seizures. A simple mathematical formula including University staff and students from predicts how uncomfortable an image is St Helena School in Colchester, were likely to be. asked to judge images both in terms of art appreciation and if they felt any level of It is hoped this formula can be used when discomfort when viewing them. images are being chosen for public spaces, particularly in hospitals. It has been known for some time that

Image illustrating how gene components work together 12 Research News from partner colleges Colchester Institute lecturer and music composer, Mark Bellis. Coming to a cinema near you… What have Indiana Jones, James Bond, Batman and a group of south Essex students’ work got in common? They’re all coming to an Essex cinema this year. Ten Media and Performing Arts students from South East Essex College were Première of A Chelmsford Service commissioned to make a 30-second cinema commercial to promote Essex Mark Bellis, course leader for the BA choir to perform the piece. based training scheme, Train for Your Music programme at Colchester Institute, Mark Bellis said: ‘It has been a privilege to Future. has composed a spectacular new music work with the Cathedral to create this piece for The Chelmsford Cathedral The students were involved in every aspect piece. The men and women of the choir Consort, which received its première at the of the production from acting, directing, performed it beautifully at the première Cathedral last month. sound, music, location scouting and performance.’ editing, and the advertisement received its The work was specially written for the The composition was supported by première at cinemas across the county last Cathedral’s small girls’ choir, which Colchester Institute’s Research and month. consists of nine sopranos, aged 13-17 and Scholarly Activity Committee and it is is directed by Robert Poyser, the The initial creative concepts and scripts hoped that this will be the first of several Cathedral’s Assistant Organist. The choir were conceived by trainees on the Train for collaborations between the Cathedral and was joined by the men of the Cathedral Your Future initiative before being worked Colchester Institute. into production and shot by the students, many of them on degree courses, at South

Splash, ridden by Marcus East Essex College. Roberts, in competition UCS plans further Lecturer Steve Sadler said: ‘It‘s fantastic development to see further and higher education students come together to work as Building work at University Campus Suffolk professionals on such a high profile and (UCS) continues to gather pace as the unique project.’ consultation process for the second phase of development gets underway. With the phase I building on the waterfront now taking shape, and on schedule to open in September, Neil Jackson, Director of Estates and Facilities, has turned his attention to the next stage of development. Following a successful community Splash makes Olympic bid consultation process in advance of the phase I development, Neil and his team are A horse owned by Writtle College lecturers once again seeking to inform, engage and has won a place on the 2012 World Class involve the local community in the run-up to Equine pathway which could culminate in the planning application for the next phase an appearance at the 2012 Olympics. of building work. Splash, owned by Pennie Wallace and UCS is again working with RMJM Marcus Roberts, will benefit from five years Architects who are leading the team of of world class equestrian training that could professionals, master planning and win him a place in the Olympic team. developing the conceptual designs for the phase II site. The campus will develop Ridden by Marcus, the eight-year-old bay further along the waterfront into Orwell horse was up against 12,000 other British Quay. This second, larger site will house a entrants. mixture of student accommodation, Marcus said: ‘It was clear to see that teaching buildings and private residential Splash from an early age showed great buildings. talent. For a horse to be selected at this The commercial premièred in cinemas last month Ipswich Borough Council will consider the age is fantastic.’ phase II planning application this spring. News 13 Stop! Trafficking; and Professor Sir Nigel International Eggstatic about Rodley, Chair of the Human Rights Centre. speakers at poultry The event, sponsored by University departments, the Vice-Chancellor, Essex An Essex student is doing his bit to conference County Council, and Café Direct, included support ’s campaign for better a two-day simulation of the newly formed Speakers at the Islamic Society treatment of battery hens through a new United Nations Human Rights Council. conference this month have been booklet entitled Very Important Poultry. announced. Plans are already underway for the second The book, by PhD student John Ashdown- annual conference in 2009. For more Amongst those contributing are: Dr Jaafar Hill, has been published by the Battery information about the Society, visit: Sheikh Idris, considered to be one of few Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) which works www.munex.org.uk, e-mail: Muslim Scholars who comprehend both with farmers to improve conditions and re- [email protected]. Islamic and western ideologies; Khola homes ex-battery hens. Hassan, author and an outspoken figure on the position of women in Islam; The 35-page book is a light-hearted survey Professor of Economics at the University of chickens who have made history, and of Durham, Rodney Wilson, whose every penny of its £3 price goes directly to UN speaker for research interests include the Middle the BHWT. To obtain a copy e-mail: Eastern political economy, and Ahmad ibn [email protected] or see: 25th anniversary Saifuddin, Associate Professor at Al-Imam www.bhwt.org.uk. The first President of the recently-formed Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in United Nations Human Rights Council, Saudi Arabia. and Mexican Ambassador to the UN, Luis The conference, ‘A Journey into Islamic Alfonso de Alba Góngora, is to give the Values’ will be held at the Colchester MUNex debates Human Rights Centre’s 25th Anniversary Campus on Saturday 23 February. For international Lecture next month. more information, visit: Entitled ‘From United Nations Commission http://ueic.essexisoc.com. issues on Human Rights to Human Rights Human trafficking was the topic for the Council: Reflections on the Transition’, the first international conference organised by lecture takes place on Friday 7 March at Kazakh culture the Model United Nations Society 5pm in LTB 8. (MUNex) last month. Ambassador de Alba has been Permanent Kazakh students on a mission to dispel Organised in partnership with the Human Representative of Mexico to the United myths about their homeland recently Rights Centre, around 50 delegates Nations and other international hosted an evening of Kazakh music at the attended the conference from across the organisations in Geneva since 2004. He Colchester Campus. UK, Europe and beyond. was Chairman of the Committee on Disarmament and International Security of The infamous Borat, created by comedian the United Nations General Assembly Sacha Baron Cohen, has certainly put (First Committee) in 2004; President of Kazakhstan on the map in recent years but the Council of the International students from the country now want the Organisation for Migration from 2005 to University, and local, community to learn 2006; and President of the United Nations about the true culture of the country. Human Rights Council from June 2006 to Well-known Kazakh musicians, Bulat and 2007. Botagoz Tynybekov and Sophia Rahman, performed a selection of works by Kazakh composers to a packed audience of more than 130. Bulat and Botagoz are former Commissioner to pupils of the Baiseitova Music School in Almaty and are now studying at the Royal The conference included a simulation of the give lecture United Nations Human Rights Council College of Music in London. Children’s Commissioner for England, Organised by the Kazakh Society, the Workshops were held by some leading Professor Sir Albert Aynsley-Green, will be event was the first in a programme of figures in the human rights world, including the speaker at this year’s Essex Law events which also includes a comedy night Jean Lambert MEP; Zarin Hainsworth, Lecture. and screenings of Kazakh films. President of UNIFEM UK; Claudia Sir Albert was appointed as the first For further information about the Kazakh Agresta, from International Organisation Children’s Commissioner for England in Society please contact President of the for Migration; Christine Beddoe, President April 2005. Prior to this, his roles included Society, Vladislav Afimin, e-mail: of ECPAT UK; Nadine Finch, a leading National Clinical Director for Children and [email protected]. human rights barrister; Archana Sinha from Chair of the Children’s Task Force at the

14 Footnotes Department of Health, as well as Nuffield Customers in the outlet can chose their opportunity to sample university life, to Professor of Child Health at Great raw ingredients and watch as the chefs improve their A-Level performance and to Ormond Street Hospital and the Institute cook their stir-fry in minutes. gain an insight into what Sociology of Child Health, University College involves at degree level. New focus groups and a questionnaire London. also mean that students, and staff will be The day also includes talks from University He will be speaking on ‘11 million able to contribute to Catering’s ongoing staff, examiners and representatives from concerns over children and young people improvements. The focus groups, run in the Students’ Union and alumni. in conflict with the law’ on Wednesday 12 collaboration with the Students’ Union, will March at 7pm in the Lecture give students the chance to give valuable FOOTNOTES Hall. Admission is free. For more feedback on the catering services information contact Gail Chapman, provided. An online questionnaire will telephone: 01206 873484. precede the groups and will later be made Alan retires available in all outlets. Alan Thomas, of the Estate Management Section, retired last month after more than 15 years at the University. CCFEA Alan, a Maintenance Craftsperson (Mechanical), joined the University in 1992 appointment with responsibility for gas appliance The Centre for Computational Finance and servicing and safety. As Duty Engineer he Economic Agents (CCFEA) has welcomed was often called upon to respond to out- Dr Nick Constantinou as HSBC Senior of-hours emergencies, and as a mentor for Research Fellow in Risk and Insurance. less experienced colleagues.

HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking (from left to right) At a presentation to mark his retirement, and financial services organisations, Danny Farrow, Tony Wall and James Ford attended by friends and colleagues, Mark sponsored this position at CCFEA and Vinter, Deputy Director of Estate attached will be up to three student Management (Maintenance) presented internships at HSBC for the 2007-2008 Alan with a cheque, thanking him for his academic year. work and wishing him and his wife Brenda a long and healthy retirement. An Essex graduate, Dr Constantinou will Culturenomics A letter from Alan will appear in next spearhead the development of applied risk Art and culture in the economic life of month’s Wyvern. management at CCFEA. His research cities was the focus of an international interests cover applied risk management conference attended by Dr Thomas Scotto encompassing asset and liability of the Department of Government. management in insurance, market and credit risk of structured products as well Academics from countries including Japan, Promoting as the capital implications that arise in Italy and the US explored the economic manufacturing these complex products. value of culture during the two-day equality and conference. Dr Scotto was one of nine academics to present case studies on cultural diversity sustainable development and the quality of The next meeting of the University of Essex life in their cities. New catering International and Ethnic Minority Staff Held in Seoul, culturenomics is at the core Forum takes place on Wednesday 27 initiatives of the city’s strategy, developed by the February from 1pm to 2pm in Room Mayor, to enhance its competitiveness and 4SA.6.17. New catering initiatives launched recently create value by promoting the culture aim to improve services and encourage The aim of the Forum is to promote industry. new customers. equality, multicultural diversity, awareness and good practice in dealing with issues Customers can now buy University- relating to race, ethnicity, nationality and branded thermal mugs from all outlets at xenophobia. the Colchester Campus. The mugs, which Sociology taster cost £2 (including the first drink), allow If you would like to attend, please contact customers to save 10p every time they A-Level sociology students will be enjoying Karen Stephenson, e-mail: purchase a drink with the mug. The a day at the University on Wednesday 26 [email protected] or telephone: 01206 popularity of the scheme is such that the March on the annual A-Level Conference 873507. first 500 mugs sold out in the first week. organised by the Department of Sociology See next month’s Wyvern for more about Customers wanting a taste of the Orient with Colchester Sixth Form College. the Forum. are now in for a treat thanks to the new The Conference offers students an Fusion Noodle Bar in Food on 3.

Footnotes 15 What’s On February 2008

Once More with Feeling explores the work of six artists who investigate what it is to be Colombian. They explore issues of identity, memory and living with violence. A major international One of the works shows artist Juan exhibition of contemporary Pablo Echeverri’s ever-changing photography and video work identity through a series of photo from Colombia opens in the booth photographs taken over a Gallery on 21 February. period of seven years. There will be a diverse programme of events to accompany the show, including gallery tours, talks, film screenings and educational events for schools. For further information e-mail: [email protected] or telephone: 01206 873162. The University Gallery is open Monday to Friday 11am to 5pm and Saturday 1pm to 4.30pm. Admission is free.

Monday 18 Department of Psychology Seminar School of Accounting, Finance and Professor Tom Ormerod (University of Management - Centre for Global Institute for Social and Economic Research Lancaster): ‘The Importance of Failure for Accountability Seminar Seminar Insightful Thinking’. Room 4.722. 4pm. Melina Manochin (Aston Business School): Josef Zweimueller (University of Zurich): ‘Cultural ‘Group Identity and Trust Discourse in a Determinants of Unemployment Duration’. Room Arts on 5 Negotiation Setting’. Room 5N.4.7. 2.30pm. 2N2.4.16, Social Science Research Centre. Paths to Playwriting Workshop. Over five 4pm. Tuesday evenings. £25 (£20, UoE students School of Accounting, Finance and £15). For further details, e-mail: Management - Management Seminar Department of Health and Human Sciences [email protected]. Dr Diane Skinner (Warwick Business School): Seminar ‘Organising Organic: Self-regulation in a Professor Jonathan Smith (University of London): Headless Organisation’. Room 5N.4.6. 4pm. ‘Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis’. Room Wednesday 20 6.300. 5pm. To attend, contact Lucy Brown, e- Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies Seminar mail: [email protected], telephone: 01206 School of Accounting, Finance and Marie Bridge (University of Essex): 874856. Management - Finance Seminar ‘Psychoanalysis and Literature’. Room 4N.6.1. Dr Stephan Kessler (Morgan Stanley): Title tba. 5pm. LTB 4. 2pm. Tuesday 19 Arts on 5 (until Friday 22) Human Rights Centre Speaker Series Centre for Theatre Studies presents Vinegar Tom Department of Art History and Theory - Work Seminar by Caryl Churchill. Tickets £6 (£4, £3). Lakeside in Progress: The Essex Research Seminars Jan Hessbruegge (UNMIS): ‘Human Rights Theatre. 7.30pm. Professor Catherine Hall (University College Work in a Complex and Integrated Mission: A London): ‘Remembering 1807: An Historian in Perspective from Sudan.’ 1pm. East 15 Acting School (until Saturday 23) the Museum’. Room 5A.108. 4pm. BA Acting students present Afore Night Come

16 What’s On February 2008

by David Rudkin. Studio Five, Roding House, Arts on 5 Centre for Theoretical Studies in the Loughton. 7.30pm. Matinee on Friday 22 at Spotlight on Latin American Art with Dr Joanne Humanities and Social Sciences Seminar 2.30pm. Harwood, Assistant Director of UECLAA. Foyer, Dvora Yanow (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam): Albert Sloman Library. 1pm. ‘Fitting Space in: Against Placeless Policy Third-year BA Specialist Performance Skills Analysis’. 5S.4.11. 5pm. (Stage Combat) students present Julius Caesar. The Corbett Theatre, Rectory Lane, Loughton Arts on 5 IG10 3RY. 7.30pm. Matinee on Friday 22 at Saturday 23 The Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter. Tickets: £6 2.30pm. Islamic Society Conference (£4, Students: £3). The Studio. 7.30pm. For more information, and to book tickets for all ‘A Journey into Islamic Values.’ 9am-6pm. To ON WHAT’S shows at The Corbett Theatre or at Studio 5 at register and for more information visit: Roding House, contact the Box Office, http://ueic.essexisoc.com. Thursday 28 telephone: 0208 508 5983. Centre for Computational Finance and Monday 25 Economic Agents Expert Lecture Series Ian Lyall (IDEA Group Ltd): ‘Straight Through Thursday 21 Institute for Social and Economic Research Processing via Nova Case Study’. Room 4.304. Visual Arts on Campus (until 22 March) Special Policy Seminar 2pm. Contact CCFEA for details of registration/fees, e-mail: [email protected]. Once More With Feeling - Contemporary Gillian Parker (University of York): ‘Care ‘Closer Colombian Photography. University Gallery. To to Home’ Policy and Research Evidence: Is There Department of Mathematical Sciences find out more visit: www.essex.ac.uk/arts. a Link?’ Room 2N2.4.16, Social Science Research Centre. 4pm. Seminar Centre for Computational Finance and Dr Dimitrii Vinogradov (University of Essex): Economic Agents Expert Lecture Series Arts on 5 ‘Least Unmatched Price Auctions’. Room 6.314. 2pm. Kyriako Chourdakis (Fitch): ‘Introduction to Credit Film Screening: Maria, Ilena Eres De Gracia Modelling and Structured Finance’. Room 4.304. (Maria Full of Grace). Admission free. Lakeside Department of Art History and Theory - Work 2pm. Contact CCFEA for details of Theatre. 7.30pm. in Progress: The Essex Research Seminars registration/fees, e-mail: [email protected]. Dr Wölfgang Brückle (University of Essex): Department of Mathematical Sciences Tuesday 26 ‘Feature Films and the Shock of the Real: Seminar - PhD Student Seminar Day Aspects of Wartime Documents in Art House Department of Psychology Seminar Cinema and Beyond’. Room 5A.108. 4pm. Juhasz and Yousaf (University of Essex): ‘Algorithm for Constructing a Partially Ordered Dr Emily Holmes (University of Oxford): ‘Mental Department of Language and Linguistics - Set with a Given Convex Subset’. Room 6.314. Imagery - its Impact on Emotion, Cognitive Bias Linguistics Seminar 2pm. and Psychological Disorders’. Room 4.722. 4pm. Ray Wilkinson (University College London): Department of Art History and Theory - Work Spirit of Enterprise event run by the Research ‘Formulating Actions and Events with Limited in Progress: The Essex Research Seminars and Enterprise Office Linguistic Resources: Direct reported speech and enactment in agrammatic aphasic talk’. Professor Dawn Ades (University of Essex) and Babs Moore (BoldOak): Supersize your Sales. Room 4S.6.28. 4pm. Katie Kroll-Knight (AHRC Collaborative PhD, Open to all University of Essex students and staff Tate and Essex): ‘On Duchamp, Man Ray and with free drinks and pizza. Networks Centre foyer Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Picabia - Current Exhibition at Tate Modern’. and seminar room. 6pm. Booking required, visit: Studies Seminar Room 5A.108. 4pm. www.essex.ac.uk/reo/SpiritCal08.htm. Vincent McInerney (Royal Literary Fund Fellow, Department of Language and Linguistics - Arts on 5 University of Essex): ‘A Bank-note Not to be Linguistics Seminar Segue Productions presents JAZZ at the Imitated or How I ‘Saved the Lives of Thousands of Men.’ George Cruikshank’s Anti-Hanging One Professor Paul Kerswill (University of Lancaster): Lakeside Basquiat Strings (featuring Seb Pound Note; and the Literature of the Streets.’ ‘Phonological Innovation in London Teenage Rochford). Tickets £10 (£6). Lakeside Theatre. Room 5A.118. 4.30pm. Speech: Ethnicity as the Driver of Change in a 8.30pm. Metropolis’. Room 4S.6.28. 4pm. Department of Philosophy Seminar Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Dr Ken Gemes (Birkbeck College, University of Studies Seminar Wednesday 27 London). ‘Nietzsche, Nihilism and the Paradox of Affirmation’. Room 5B.202. 5pm. Dr Hal Gladfelder (University of Manchester): Arts on 5 ‘Sentimental Machines: Sexed and Unsexed UECLAA presents Baño en el cañito (Bathing in Department of Sociology Seminar bodies in Cleland and La Mettrie’. Room 5A.118. the Stream), a short video by Colombian artist 4.30pm. Wilson Diaz. University Gallery. 2pm. No booking Professor Chulanee Thianthai (Chulalongkom necessary. Admission free. University): ‘Changes in Body Image Perceptions Department of Philosophy Seminar Series of Bangkok Youths: What Does it Tell us About Gender Differences and the Future Effects on Dimitris Platchias (University of Essex): ‘Does School of Accounting, Finance and Health’. Room 6.345. 5pm. Perceptual Experience have a Non-conceptual Management - Centre for Global Content?’ Room 5B.202. 5pm. Accountability Seminar John McKernan (University of Glasgow): Title tba. Arts on 5 LTB B. 2.30pm. Limbik Theatre Company presents The Harbour. Tickets £8 (£5, £3). Lakeside Theatre. 7.30pm. Friday 22 Department of Health and Human Sciences Department of Computing and Electronic Seminar Systems Seminar Professor David Armstrong (King’s College Dr Nadia Bianchi-Berthouze (University College London): ‘The Origins of Health Behaviours’. London): Title tba. Room 1N.4.1. 3pm. Room 6.348. 4pm. To attend, contact Lucy Brown, e-mail: [email protected], telephone: 01206 874856. What’s On 17 February/March 2008

School of Accounting, Finance and Professor Bev Skeggs (Goldsmiths): ‘The Friday 29 Management - Management Seminar Incitement and Response to ‘Governing the Soul’ Department of Computing and Electronic Professor David Sims (Cass Business School): Produced by ‘Reality’ TV’. Room 6.345. 5pm. Systems Seminar ‘Looking for the Key to Leadership under the Arts on 5 Dr Damien Coyle (Ulster University): ‘Advancing Lamp Post’. Room 5N.4.6. 4pm. Brain-computer Interface Technology with a Shams Theatre Company presents The Black Prediction-based Preprocessing Framework’. Department of Health and Human Sciences Stuff. Tickets: £8 (£5, £3). Lakeside Theatre. Room 1N.4.1. 3pm. Seminar 7.30pm. Professor Patrick West (Medical Research Council): ‘Is the Mental Health of Young People Really Getting Worse and Why Might that be?’ Friday 7 Saturday 1 March Room 5A.101. 5pm. To attend, contact Lucy Arts on 5 Brown, e-mail: [email protected], telephone: Arts on 5 The University of Essex Classical Music Society 01206 874856. Spotlight on Latin American Art with Dr Joanne presents Our Music. Tickets £8 (£5, £3). Harwood, Assistant Director of UECLAA. Foyer, Centre for Theoretical Studies in the Lakeside Theatre. 7.30pm. Albert Sloman Library. 1pm. Humanities and Social Sciences Mini Course (until 6 March) School of Accounting, Finance and Alan Finlayson (University of , Swansea). Management - Finance Seminar Monday 3 Title tbc. Professor Giorgio Consigli (Bergamo University): Institute for Social and Economic Research Title tba. LTB 4. 2pm. Seminar East 15 Acting School (until Saturday 8) Department of Computing and Electronic Ana Rute Cardoso (IZA, Germany). ‘Big Fish in Third-year students on BA Acting present The Systems Seminar Small Pond or Small Fish in Big Pond? Money Machine Wreckers by Ernst Toller. Corbett and Status in the Labour Market’. Room Theatre, Rectory Lane, Loughton IG10 3RY. Dr Ben Azvine (BT): ‘Novel IT Applications: Case 2N2.4.16, Social Science Research Centre. 7.30pm. Matinee on Friday 7 at 2.30pm. For Studies from BT’. Room 1N.4.1. 3pm. 4pm. more information, and to book tickets for all shows at The Corbett Theatre or at Studio 5 at Human Rights Centre 25th Anniversary Arts on 5 Roding House, contact the Box Office, Lecture telephone: 0208 508 5983. Film Screening: La Estrategia Del Caracól (The Luis Alfonso de Alba (First President of the UN Strategy of the Snail). Admission free. Lakeside Human Rights Council and Permanent East 15 Acting School (until 8 March) Theatre. 7.30pm. Representative of Mexico to the UN): ‘From Third-year students on BA Contemporary Theatre United Nations Commission on Human Rights to present Attraction to Atrocity. The Space, 269 Human Rights Council: Reflections on the Westferry Road, London E14 3RS. 7.30pm. Transition’. LTB 8. 5pm followed by a Reception Tuesday 4 Tickets for this production are available from The in the LTB Foyer. Department of Psychology Seminar Space Box Office, telephone: 0208 858 7755. Arts on 5 Dr Guy Brown (University of Sheffield): ‘Perceptually-inspired Strategies for Robust Segue Productions presents Zoe Rahman Trio. Speech Recognition in Reverberant Thursday 6 Tickets £12 (£7). Lakeside Theatre. 8.30pm. Environments’. Room 4.722. 4pm. Centre for Computational Finance and Economic Agents Expert Lecture Series (also 13 and 20 March) Monday 10 Wednesday 5 Richard Olsen (Olsen Associated and Visiting Institute for Social and Economic Research Department of History Research Seminar Professor, CCFEA, University of Essex): ‘Forex Seminar Electronic Markets and Experiments with Olsen Matthijs Kalmijn (Tilburg University, Netherlands). Dr Clodagh Tait (University of Essex): ‘Jumping Routes Programme’. Room 4.304. 2pm. Please ‘Explaining Group Differences in Ethnic Churches, Wandering Graveyards and Lone contact CCFEA for details of registration/fees, e- Intermarriage: A Comparative Analysis of Protestants: Devotion, Sectarianism, and mail: [email protected]. Problematic Corpses in Irish Folklore’. History Immigrant Children in the United States’. Room 2N2.4.16, Social Science Research Centre. Common Room. 1pm. Department of Art History and Theory - Work 4pm. in Progress: The Essex Research Seminars Human Rights Centre Speaker Series Seminar Professor Peter Vergo (University of Essex): ‘Something like a Fugue in Colours: Visual Mervat Rishmawi (Legal advisor for the Middle Artists’ Love Affair with Music, 1885-1925’. All events listed are open to the public. East and North Africa, Amnesty International): Room 5A.108. 4pm. ‘The Protection of Human Rights in the Arab A web version of the What’s On diary, World’. Room 4SA.6.19. 1pm. Department of Literature, Film and Theatre updated daily, is available at: Studies Seminar www.essex.ac.uk/comms/events/ School of Accounting, Finance and whatson.htm. Management - Finance Seminar Martyn Waites (Royal Literary Fund Fellow, University of Essex): ‘Less Cake, More Blood – Staff and students can receive a daily Professor Bart Lambrecht (): The CSI-ification of the Modern British Crime Title tba. LTB 4. 2pm. Novel.’ Room 5A.118. 4.30pm. electronic version of the diary by e-mailing [email protected] with the School of Accounting, Finance and Department of Philosophy Seminar Management - Centre for Global text ‘subscribe daily.’ Accountability Seminar Professor Howard Caygill (Goldsmith’s College, University of London). Title tbc. Room 5B.202. For further information about arts events Warwick Funnell (Kent and Wollongong): 5pm. and tickets see: ‘Accounting for Liberty’. Room 5N.4.7. 2.30pm. www.essex.ac.uk/arts/office/. Department of Sociology Seminar - International Women’s Day Lecture

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For further information contact: Printing Centre Copy Centre 01206 824229 www.essex.ac.uk/ Off Square 2 On Square 4 for further information and Telephone: 01206 873141 Telephone: 01206 872376 wyvern E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] appointments to view.

Moore from Computing and Electronic Systems, who will be working LTU News with experienced staff to develop his design concept. Look out for further improvements to the website as Damian’s work develops. What’s on? FirstSteps For more information on any of the events or resources below, visit the The two-day workshop event for PhD students in the early stages of LTU website, which is updated daily – www.essex.ac.uk/ltu. study was a success again this year. Participants were given the opportunity to develop a range of practical skills and consider the TALIF importance of research skills training, while networking with Two rounds of TALIF funding are available each academic year as colleagues from other departments. Feedback on the event was financial support for the design and delivery of innovations in teaching extremely positive: ‘What was good? Topics, lateral thinking, how to and learning. The following projects have received funding from the plan and manage time, experiences, knowing challenges faced by first round of TALIF this year (a number of other projects are still others. Taking steps to overcome weaknesses. Information on the pending): regulations IT and supervision…’

■ ‘Cities in context: out-of-classroom learning’ – Literature, Film and GTA Survey Theatre Studies In order to keep training for Graduate Teaching Assistants and ■ ‘Student self-submission to TurnitinUK’ – various departments Graduate Demonstrators fresh and relevant, those who have covering all faculties attended the induction programme since 2005 have taken part in an ■ ‘Student-run speech and language therapy groups’ – Health and online survey. Results will be published on the LTU website. Human Sciences ‘Smart Guide’ on Student Engagement ■ ‘SCRUPAC: Scientific Concepts Revealed Using People As Components’ – Computing and Electronic Systems Student engagement is the topic of the next quick-read Guide for busy academics that is being produced by the LTU to promote the mySkills Logo – Competition Winner launch of the Good Practice Database – www.essex.ac.uk/goodpractice. The booklet follows ‘Feedback’ and The LTU is pleased to announce that the winner of the competition to ‘PDP’ and is in the process of being circulated. Additional copies are redesign the logo for the academic skills website, mySkills, is Damian available from Richard Yates (ryates / 4141).

Adverts 19 A recent East 15 production World première at East 15 Lakeside highlights The spring arts programme As part of its exciting spring includes three interesting season, East 15 Acting School professional productions in offers drama enthusiasts a March which it is hoped will world première in March. draw in audiences from far Third-year BA Acting students are and wide. performing the first translation, by Alan The month’s events get underway on 6 Raphael Pearlman, of The Machine March with the Shams Theatre Company Breakers from Wednesday 5 March to production The Black Stuff. This funny, Saturday 8 March (2.30pm matinee, touching and provocative play takes Friday) in the Corbett Theatre. The play, comedy to physical and emotional directed by John Gillett, charts the fight extremes to ask: just how far would you go of the Luddites against the new steam to defend your lifestyle? machines introduced to the Nottingham weaving industry in the early 1800s. On 12 March f.a.b. – The Detonators Contemporary Theatre students take two present Extraordinary, putting the ‘extra’ BA Acting students are also performing productions to The Space on the Isle of into an ordinary life with their intense, Afore Night Come from Wednesday 20 Dogs. Attraction to Atrocity, which looks at energetic dance-theatre. It is a comic, dark February to Saturday 23 February (2.30pm war crimes, and Round Round, a modern and unorthodox take on reality, fantasy, dull matinee, Friday). It will be the first re-telling of Arthur Schnitzler’s cautionary jobs and Hollywood glamour. production in a new studio at Roding drama La Ronde, will run from Wednesday House, just five minutes from the Hatfields 5 March to Saturday 8 March and Shortly before the end of term Mem Campus. Wednesday 12 March to Saturday 15 Morrison, a second generation British March respectively. Each will have a 2pm Turkish Cypriot, presents Leftovers, a Third-year BA Specialist Performance matinee on the Saturday. heart-warming and poignant work that Skills (Stage Combat) students will put explores cultural differences as expressed their skills into practice by staging a For more information, and to book tickets, through food. modern day version of Julius Caesar from please contact the East 15 Box Office, Wednesday 20 February to Saturday 23 telephone: 020 8508 5983 or e-mail: For more information, or to pick up a full February. Later in March, BA [email protected]. programme of Arts on 5 events, drop into the new-look Arts Office, now located on Square 4. Tango classes help Argentinean children

Tango dancing has been brought to Essex to help children with HIV in Buenos Aires. Language and Linguistics student Michael The classes, costing £1, run on Tuesday Aidan is running classes on the evenings in the Sports Centre. In the first Colchester Campus, supported by the term they raised £443 for Casa Manu. This Latin American Centre. Tango is an term a show is being choreographed and Argentine dance originally danced will be performed on campus, with between men in the brothels of La Boca proceeds going to the charity. district of Buenos Aires. Michael explained: ‘The children often have Proceeds from the classes go to the complicating factors in their lives beyond charity Casa Manu, which provides a home the virus, and therefore require a special for up to 12 children with the HIV virus level of care and attention which they who do not have immediate family to take receive in Casa Manu, until leaving in care of them. permanent adoption.‘ Leftovers will be at the Lakeside Theatre on 18 March

This issue of Wyvern was produced by Kate Clayton, Jenny Grinter, Heather Leathley, Read Wyvern online at: Sarah Mills and Holly Ward of the Communications Office www.essex.ac.uk/wyvern Photographic assistance by Michael Sansom and Van Cols Ltd Advertising rates are available by telephoning: Telephone: 01206 873529 E-mail: [email protected] 01206 873270 Design / Production: University of Essex Printing Services © University of Essex 2008 The next issue of Wyvern will be published on Issue no. 5 Monday 10 March 2008. The deadline for receipt Front cover: Image from The Dragonflies of Essex. Photographed by Professor of all material is Wednesday 20 February 2008. Ted Benton

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