Keele University Annual Review 2010 Contents

Vice-Chancellor’s Report 3 Faculty of Health 4-5 Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences 6-7 Faculty of Natural Sciences 8-9 Research and Enterprise 10-11 Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning 12-13 Teaching Excellence 14 Key Appointment 15 Honorary Degrees 15 Commercial and Facilities Management Directorate 16-17 Student Experience 18-19

02 Annual Review Keele University 2010 Vice-Chancellor’s Report

It has, without doubt, been As we look back on 2010 we will see it as a Despite these turbulent times there are many period of great change. Teaching will largely positive aspects of our work highlighted in this a challenging time for become funded by student fees only. The review to applaud. universities. The Government’s student fees regime will change radically, A study published by the Foetal Epi-genetics Comprehensive Spending Review with universities able to charge up to £9,000 group in the Research Institute of Science per annum from 2012, but in a competitive in the autumn included a 40% and Technology in Medicine, together market and with strong government control cut in the HE budget, and the with Nottingham University and Derby on their obligations to spending on access and Children’s Hospital, received considerable Lord Browne Report, Securing widening participation as a condition of being media attention for their world -beating a Sustainable Future for Higher able to charge more than £6,000. findings linking folic acid supplementation in Education, will result in a A high quality student experience needs to pregnancy, DNA methylation and birth weight significant change in the way in be maintained to attract students. Keele is in newborn babies. committed to ensuring prospective students which universities are funded. The University’s internationally renowned from all backgrounds have the best Higher research and teaching on issues affecting older Education opportunities, and to ensure good people is featured and there is a focus on value, top quality teaching, well structured Keele’s vision to be a hub to bring together courses and enthusiastic staff. researchers, local communities, schools, The University’s excellent performance in national and international experts, and those the National Student Survey demonstrates wishing to learn about sustainability. the value it offers through the high quality Internationalisation is crucial as we develop as experience students have during their time an institution and move forward. We have seen at Keele. The University was placed among an increase in the numbers of international the best in the country for the quality of its students coming to Keele and two key courses, with an overall satisfaction score international collaborations were announced of 89%. The results in every category of by the University during the year. the survey showed an improving position for Keele. It is a reflection not only of the The Indus Training and Research Institute in excellence in teaching and learning, but also of Bangalore is working with Keele to launch the strong Keele “community”, which supports a teacher training programme, leading to a all aspects of the life of students during their Professional Graduate Diploma in International time here. Education - the first such programme of its kind in India. It is intended that the new A tangible example of Keele’s commitment programme will be the start of a successful to facilitating access and opportunity is that partnership with ITARI. our Charter Anniversary Year (2012) will have as its focus a major fundraising campaign to Representatives of Nanjing Xiaozhuang help create an endowment fund to support University visited Keele to further cement Professor Nick Foskett students from disadvantaged backgrounds. the co-operation reached with the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Nanjing Xiaozhuang MA PhD PGCE FRGS FRSA This Annual Review is my first since joining the University has received approval from the Vice-Chancellor University in the summer of 2010. It gives an Ministry of Education in China for 40 students overview of the work of the faculties and of to progress on to the final year of Keele’s some of the successes we have enjoyed. BSc in Environment and Sustainability, after Keele’s research grant income continued to rise undertaking three years of their degree at to another record level of £11.7m during the Xiaozhuang. last financial year. One third of this income There have also been major developments comes from the prestigious research councils, on campus. The latest stage in a major, multi- followed by 22% from Central Government million pound project to refurbish the student and 21% from charities. Along with quality halls of residence on campus was completed related funding (following the Research during the year. A £3million project at Holly Assessment Exercise 2008), Keele received Cross was the last of the residential blocks over £18m to support its research activities to be given a complete overhaul, completing during 2009/10. a 10-year programme that has seen a huge investment by the University.

Annual Review Keele University 2010 03 Faculty of Health

Report of the Dean

Major grants from Wellcome, The School of Pharmacy gained full The research institutes continue to perform accreditation for the MPharm programme, well. Translational clinical research within NIHR, MRC and the EU, which allowed entry into the Guardian ISTM in the field of stroke medicine was alongside accreditation of International League table and No. 2 ranking in recognised by a Department of Health award our undergraduate Masters the UK. Installation of the Virtual Immersion of £375k to Professor Christine Roffe to programme in Pharmacy and Environment (KAVE) is an outstanding facility establish a Hyperacute Stroke Centre at UHNS. introduction of an MSc in for 3-D simulations of our interactive virtual Research for Patient Benefit grants totalling patient. Software programmes for anatomy, £450k were awarded to Professor Warren Advanced Professional Practice, physiology and chemistry have been installed. Lenney, for evaluating the use of breathe provided notable highlights for On-line access to virtual patients, as part analysis to identify infection in children with the Faculty in 2010. of the HIEC programme, provides support cystic fibrosis, and to Professor Khalid Ismail for continuing professional development for his work on perineal injury and repair We welcomed the appointment of Pauline of healthcare staff. The School’s enterprise in childbirth. Professor Gordon Hamilton Walsh as Head of the School of Nursing and culture and links with the National Centres received £2.5million from Wellcome Trust Midwifery and Professor Elaine Hay as Director for Prescribing and Pathology Benchmarking to undertake field trials with synthetic sex of the ARUK National Primary Care Research attracts substantial funding, linked to its pheromones to aid control of leischmaniasis Institute. Four professorial promotions, six standing as a centre of excellence in medicines and Dr Fredric Tripet received funding under externally funded fellowships, excellent management and prescribing practice. the MRC African Leader Scheme to support feedback in the National Student Survey and research into malaria. Dr Alan Richardson opening of the KAVE, a 3D-enabled virtual Nursing and Midwifery is consolidating its received a MRC grant to study ovarian cancer. learning facility developed by the School of position as a provider of high quality education Other research to hit national headlines Pharmacy, have enhanced the Faculty. and training, as evidenced by excellent NSS included Dr Josep Sule-Suso’s work using the results and improved standing in national Diamond synchrotron aimed at improving The Medical School continues to move league tables. A Masters degree in Advancing diagnosis of cancer by imaging single cells. towards final accreditation. Year 4 of the new Professional Practice was successfully curriculum is being delivered and development validated and 10 students commenced study Professor Elaine Hay has taken over from of the final year is almost complete. A major in 2010. The school is undertaking a project Professor Peter Croft as Director of the focus has been to strengthen relationships on behalf of the Strategic Health Authority Research Institute for Primary Care and with our NHS partners across the health (SHA) to evaluate access and progression in Health Sciences and the Arthritis Research economy to ensure consistently high quality nurse training as it moves to all-degree entry UK Primary Care Centre. Professor Croft led clinical placements. Applications rose by in 2011. Projects in learning disabilities nursing musculoskeletal research at Keele for 16 years, 55% and international interest has increased. and death by indifference have resulted in building from essentially nothing to create an More academically minded students are the development of excellent resources internationally renowned centre. The focus encouraged to take a year out of programme for use within clinical practice. Two staff has been on delivering an extensive portfolio to undertake an intercalated Masters degree. received fellowships from the NIHR and SHA of NIHR and ARUK programmes of clinical Postgraduate medicine continues to grow with to undertake research in conjunction with the research and building new collaborations addition of new MMedSci pathways, alongside Institute of Primary Care Sciences. linked to membership of the National School development of the Clinical Leadership for Primary Care Research. New grants have Academy, a joint enterprise with the Faculty of The QQME inspection of Health and supported the development of young clinical Humanities and Social Science. Rehabilitation, undertaken jointly by the and health professionals, including six NIHR Heath Professions Council and the Chartered Fellowships. Support for research career Society of Physiotherapy, proved extremely development was evidenced by the promotion positive with numerous commendations for of senior lecturers Krysia Dziedzic, to Professor exemplary practice. The University’s own of Musculoskeletal Therapies, and Nadine QA inspection resulted in similarly high Foster, to Professor of Musculoskeletal Health. praise. These results are reflected in a 97% NSS satisfaction rating. The new curriculum The Faculty is also supporting development framework for physiotherapy, developed of the local health economy by undertaking on behalf of the SHA, is being implemented, evaluation and training linked to Fit for the ensuring the School remains at the forefront Future, a programme designed to deliver new of physiotherapy training and can respond models of community-based care driven by to the increasing need for specialist Masters a new hospital that opens in 2011, with 25% level training and professional development. fewer beds. A Health Services Research Efforts internationally have seen a significant Unit has been established, via funding from increase in overseas recruitment to both UG the HIEC, to evaluate care pathways at Professor Andy Garner and PG programmes. Formal partnerships have the primary-secondary interface, thereby Dean of Health been established with Shingu (Korea) and SRM exploiting the expertise of both research (India). institutes.

04 Annual Review Keele University 2010 World First Study into Birth Weight New Keele Designed A study published by the Foetal The significance of the research lies in its Physiotherapy potential to predict low birth weight with Epi-genetics group based in the greater certainty using these new generation Curriculum Research Institute of Science clinical biomarkers. The research also offers and Technology in Medicine, to shed light on the underlying causes of A comprehensive curriculum framework low birth weight, along with the potential for physiotherapy training, designed by together with Nottingham Keele on behalf of West Midlands Strategic University and Derby Children’s to intervene earlier in pregnancy in order to prevent poor outcomes, such as premature Health Authority, covers the spectrum Hospital, received considerable delivery, or even loss, as well as the longer from healthcare assistant to consultant media attention for their term health related consequences. practitioner. Implementing the core element of this programme commenced with the findings linking folic acid new intake of students onto the BSc (Hons) supplementation in pregnancy, programme in September 2010. DNA methylation and birth weight in newborn babies. The programme received formal approval at a joint event involving the Health Professions The research published in the journal Council (regulator), Chartered Society of Epigenetics received extensive national and Pioneers: Research group leader, William Physiotherapy (professional body) and international press coverage and was featured Farrell, Professor of Human Genomics, University QA office. An innovative spiral on BBC television. The study was supported Research Institute for Science and curriculum is structured around five key by the World Cancer Research Fund and used Technology in Medicine (ISTM), and strands of physiotherapy – Clinical Practice, state-of-the-art epigenetic array technology Professor Khaled Ismail, Consultant in Therapies, Health and Wellbeing, Professional that provides a world-first report of a link Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ISTM/ Practice and Evidence-based Health and between changes in specific genes of newborn University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Rehabilitation – and designed to ensure that babies, folic acid supplementation during with Kimberley Yearsley and baby Adrian. graduates are equipped to engage effectively pregnancy and weight at birth. Picture by courtesy of The Sentinel. with a rapidly changing health and social care environment to deliver the highest quality, patient-focused care.

These elements are introduced, developed and enhanced over the three years of study and emphasise the shift towards enhancing the quality of care, via a health model based on personal responsibility and disease prevention. Throughout, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills, both generic to healthcare and specific to physiotherapy. Learning occurs in the School’s well-equipped facilities on the campus, facilitated by clinical tutors and during a wide range of practice-based clinical placements, supervised by approved clinical educators, with their extensive knowledge and experience in a range of clinical specialities. Initial feedback on the new programme from both students and external examiners looks set to ensure the continued success and reputation of the physiotherapy programme at Keele.

Professor Alison Blenkinsopp, Professor of the Practice The Royal Astronomical Society’s Group Achievement Shadow Minister for Health, Stephen O’Brien, MP, of Pharmacy in the School of Pharmacy, is awarded an Award for Astronomy 2010 is given to the SuperWASP visits Keele to be briefed on the University’s health OBE in the New Year Honours for services to Healthcare. team, the UK collaboration that has so far detected teaching and research activities. The Conservative MP 18 planets in orbit around stars other than the Sun was taken on a tour of the Medical School by Professor Professor Andy Garner, Dean of the Faculty of Health, (extrasolar planets or exoplanets). SuperWASP, a Andy Garner. He also took the opportunity to visit leads a successful bid to create one of the country’s consortium of eight academic institutions which the Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Health Innovation and Education Clusters (HIEC) to includes Keele, uses two clusters of eight cameras, where he had in-depth discussions with staff about be based on the Staffordshire and Shropshire health one on La Palma and one in South Africa, watching for their groundbreaking work on sandflies and the economy. The grant of £970,000 will support set-up characteristic dips in the brightness of stars as planets genetic modification of mosquitoes to control malaria costs over the next three years. pass in front of them. Despite their modest resources, transmission. January 2010 the team has made a world-class contribution to exoplanet science.

Annual Review Keele University 2010 05 Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Report of the Dean

2010 was another year of success For staff, too, there is space to highlight A further example of such community only a small number of the many and diverse engagement was the outstandingly successful for the students and staff of the achievements illustrating the Faculty’s national day conference for AS and A2 students, Faculty of Humanities and Social and international profile. This was exemplified ‘Sociology Bites’, organised by the Schools Sciences. Among the numerous in 2010 by members of the School of Law and of Sociology and Criminology and PPPP, and noteworthy achievements by our Research Institute for Law, Politics and Justice funded by the Economic and Social Research students was the Neil and Gina (RI LPJ): Dr Andrew Francis was appointed Council (ESRC). With the employability of one of the first four Academic Fellows of graduates in mind, Sociology and Criminology Smith Student of the Year Award the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, also introduced a module entitled ‘Working to Darrell Simkins (Music and while his colleague Dr Marie-Andrée Jacob was for Justice’. Similarly, KMS forged closer Educational Studies), while Sophie awarded the Socio-Legal Studies Association ties to the business community through Lake received the accolade of Article Prize for the year’s most outstanding the establishment of an Employer Advisory piece of socio-legal scholarship. Dr Ambreena Group and development of collaboration 2010 ‘Law Graduate of the Year’ Manji began a two-year secondment as with the Chartered Institute of Management, from Graduate 100, an initiative Director of the British Academy’s British while PPPP, as well as launching a Professional developed with leading employers Institute in East Africa, based in Nairobi, Doctorate for social workers, joined forces to profile and promote Britain’s becoming the first academic from outside with the Faculty of Health to establish a highest-achieving students. Oxbridge to hold this post. Clinical Leadership Academy. International activity loomed large in the Key Faculty contributions to the University’s Robert Ratcliffe and Jon Weinel, work of the Faculty as a whole. Keele strategic priorities of Environment and PhD students in the Research Management School maintained its position Sustainability and Active Ageing are highlighted as by far the University’s strongest recruiter elsewhere in this Review. Keele’s leadership in Institute for the Humanities, of international students, both undergraduate the field of ageing is further underscored by each had two works selected, and postgraduate. While consolidating existing the appointment of Professor Miriam Bernard, against ferocious competition, for partnerships, such as that with KDU College RI Life Course Studies (LCS), as President of performance at the prestigious Malaysia, KMS also established new ones, the British Society of Gerontology, while notably with Guangdong University of Finance, our credentials in research on environmental International Computer Music Guangzhou, China. For the School of Politics, politics and policy were recognised by the Conference in New York; indeed, International Relations and Philosophy the European Consortium for Political Research, Robert’s works were performed focus was Turkey: SPIRE’s flourishing contacts which funded a summer school organised in a dozen countries over the with the Dialogue Society promise to lead to by Dr Sherilyn MacGregor (SPIRE/LPJ) and course of the year. And Liz Lefroy, collaboration on education and research with attended by 21 PhD students from all over the a wide range of Turkish institutions. world, who worked intensively with leading a student on the newly-launched specialists from Europe and North America. MA in Creative Writing (School The School of Public Policy and Professional of Humanities), became the first Practice (PPPP), already delivering its MBA A welcome surge in the recruitment of recipient of the Roy Fisher Poetry Education in Thailand, reached agreement Keele PhD students was just one example with the Indus Training and Research of the year’s research successes, which also Prize, generously endowed by the Institute (ITARI), Bangalore, to develop included major awards from ESRC in LCS (Dr poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy. programmes of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) David Gadd, Dr Claire Fox) and LPJ (Professor and staff development, making Keele the Andy Dobson); a grant from the Magistrates’ first overseas institution to offer full-time Association (Professor Barry Godfrey, ITE in India. But perhaps the single most LPJ); and, in the RI Humanities, prestigious important development on this front was the fellowships awarded by the Deutsche inauguration of the Language Learning Unit Forschungsgemeinschaft (Dr Anthony Kauders) (LLU), which makes a vital contribution to and by the Arts and Humanities Research the University’s internationalisation strategy Council (Professor Barbara Kelly and Dr Alastair by bringing together the staff responsible Williams). for the institution-wide teaching of both modern languages and English for international students. British Council accreditation of LLU’s English Language Unit was renewed, while under the banner of the national Routes into Language (RINTOL) initiative LLU organised three successful events on ‘Making Languages Professor David Shepherd Work’, involving significant outreach to local Dean of Humanities schools and employers. and Social Sciences

06 Annual Review Keele University 2010 Valuing older people People aged 50 plus are a major part of the UK Each week was based around a themed quiz, population and Keele is set to expand its work discussion, presentations and debate and around ageing across research, professional there was time for networking, socialising development and community education. The and talking. Evaluations from participants University has an international reputation for were consistently good and provided useful Andy Dobson research and teaching on issues affecting older suggestions for improving and developing the people and professionals working in the field. course.

And with people living and staying active Written information was provided and learning Reducing Energy longer, there are opportunities for educational, was tailored to individual interests, including Consumption through voluntary and leisure activities well beyond investigating poverty and older age and retirement age. Keele is developing a major population distribution, and older people from Community Knowledge programme of engagement with a variety of black and minority ethnic communities. stakeholders involved with older people as Networks well as groups of older people themselves. As a result of taking part in these courses, participants have gone on to attend Centre An interdisciplinary team from the social and Keele’s Centre for Social Gerontology for Social Gerontology seminars, as well as natural sciences at Keele, led by Professors Andy organised two courses on an ageing society an open lecture at the Keele Gerontology Dobson and Mark Ormerod, and the Marches for the Valuing Older People partnership, an summer school. There is also considerable Energy Agency, was awarded £453,000 to carry initiative to improve life for older people in interest in the British Society of Gerontology out research over 30 months on ‘Reducing Manchester. conference, hosted at Keele by the Centre for Energy Consumption Through Community Social Gerontology in 2012, as well as interest Knowledge Networks’. Six weekly ‘taster’ sessions, developed by Dr in pursuing other courses at Keele. Mo Ray and Professor Tom Scharf, covered This major grant, in the face of stiff competition topics such as: key issues in demography from over 80 other applications, is an for an ageing society: health and well being; indication of the high regard in which Keele’s social care and social support; age based interdisciplinary, sustainability research is held. discrimination; policies for ageing societies; The award is part of a £4million investment from research and ageing. the Economic and Social Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Professor Dobson, pictured, said: “We know the ‘clean’ generation and use of energy is one of the biggest challenges facing us today, yet while most of the focus has been on tackling energy issues at an individual level, we know less about the potential for community-level initiatives to drive positive change.”

The research will focus on knowledge networks in two types of community, which are called ‘switched-on’ and ‘hard-to-reach’. The aim is to compare and contrast the energy reduction challenges in the two types of community and see which strategies work best in each of them. The hope is that the results will be transferable to similar types of community beyond the target groups. Fieldwork will be carried out in wards in Shrewsbury and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Astronomer Royal and President of the Royal Society, complexity - economic policy after the financial crisis”, Kingdom and the developed world. In 2008 it was Lord Rees of Ludlow, officially re-opens the Keele Earth attracted a large audience of over 200 members of staff, chosen to be the Arthritis Research Campaign’s National and Space Observatory after a major transformation students and the public. Primary Care Centre. designed to open up the natural sciences to a wider audience. The centre aims to raise people’s awareness of The University is presented with a prestigious Queen’s Keele were, for the 12th year running, winners at the science, while continuing its long-standing commitment Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education Meetings & Incentive Travel Annual Awards, announced to teaching and outreach. by The Queen and Prince Philip at a special honours in London. Keele Conferences and Events claimed ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The Award recognises the Silver award for “Best Conference & Banqueting Sir John Gieve, Chairman of VocaLink and former Deputy the work of the Keele’s internationally renowned Staff” and the Bronze Award for “Best Value for Money Governor of the Bank of England, gives the 2010 Annual Primary Care Sciences Research Centre. The Centre’s Conference Venue”. Distinguished Lecture in Economics, organised by Keele work is focused on chronic pain (especially back pain February 2010 Management School. The lecture, titled “The return of and arthritis) – the main cause of disability in the United

Annual Review Keele University 2010 07 Faculty of Natural Sciences

Report of the Dean

It is always a challenge to try Of the ‘work in hand’ projects, especially In the School of Physical and Geographical noteworthy are major improvements to the Sciences, major grants include a five-year to review the activities in the Lennard-Jones reception area and research labs, STFC Advanced Research Fellowship to John Faculty from the preceding an exciting range of international collaborations Taylor (astrophysics), several grants on the calendar year. On the one hand, with universities like Xiaozhuang in China (for environmental/sustainability agenda (Mark there are too many achievements which Tom Duan, our Faculty International Ormerod and Zoe Robinson), and an ecological to be able to record them all, Officer, deserves special mention), and the study on bees led by Falko Drifjhout. A total renovation of Home Farm (see feature on the of eight teaching innovation awards have whilst many projects are ‘on- next page). The latter will be opened in the been funded through Keele and HEA grants; going’, making it hard to pin summer of 2011, and will provide a focus for the excellence of the teaching has been down specific successes. the environmental initiatives that have been so recognised by a fantastic performance across successful in recent years. the School in the National Student Survey (Chemistry, Forensic Science, Geography and Although I’ll mention research again under Environmental Science all came in the top the subject headings, it is great to see EPSAM four for overall student satisfaction), and continuing to perform strongly, with 29 new by the presentation of a Keele Excellence in PhD students starting research projects, and Learning and Teaching Award to Katie Szkornik research grant income up 24% on the previous (Geography). At PGT level, Project Green was year. Of the many achievements, one that highly commended in the Green Gown and warrants special mention is the 2010 Group Lord Stafford Awards, offering environmental Achievement Award for Astronomy, received by training and internships to 175 graduates. the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP) team from the Royal Astronomical Society. In Psychology, teaching success has also been rewarded by two Keele innovation awards, Taking selected highlights from the Schools, and Claire Fox received a Keele Excellence in Computing and Mathematics has been Learning and Teaching Award (the third for successful in winning two prestigious Marie Psychology in two years). From an array of Curie Fellowships, one in applied mathematics research grants, the Marie Curie Fellowship and one in software engineering. The School for Ken Rotenberg and Sally Sargeant is also boasts a new ‘Green IT Lab’, including an particularly noteworthy, as were two major impressive robotics facility. There have been grants to Claire Fox. Finally, there was an Professor Pat Bailey strong links developed with local schools, and unusual but highly prestigious award of an Dean of Natural Sciences this has helped achieve a continuing increase IgNobel prize to Richard Stephens, who in undergraduate numbers, as well as strong has been studying the beneficial effects of uptake in new postgraduate programmes. The swearing; the prizes are awarded at a glittering School hosted the UK Mathematics and Senior ceremony at Harvard University, and celebrate Mathematics Team Challenges, and has a research which ‘first makes people laugh, and growing outreach programme, running events then makes them think’. at Keele each year for over 2,500 students, from over 100 local schools and colleges. The success of the Faculty depends not only on excellent teaching at undergraduate and In the School of Life Sciences, Biomedical postgraduate level, and high quality research, Sciences (with its ‘double accreditation’) but also work with schools and schoolteachers, continues to be a hugely successful to improve the teaching of youngsters, and undergraduate programme; this is now to help them achieve access to university supplemented by a new MSc in Biomedical from a range of backgrounds. The Foundation Blood Science, and Glenn Hussey has Year has worked hard to achieve this; four successfully steered this through the of its tutors were nominated by students for accreditation process. Major new research teaching awards, and they have played a major projects include a £875k award on a DEFRA role in the development of the ‘Access to project to control thrip infestation of Keele Programme’, in collaboration with the strawberries; William Kirk and Gordon Hamilton Widening Participation Division of Academic are leading on this project, having invented a Services. In the Science Learning Centre, pheromone approach to controlling the pest. record numbers of teachers have attended But the research highlight concerns work from courses run by the Centre, and it has played the entomology group, with Gordon Hamilton an important role in developing the highly leading a five-year, £2.5million Wellcome Trust acclaimed Primary Science Quality Mark. project to carry out field studies in Brazil, to control the nasty parasitic disease leichmaniasis. Overall, another varied and successful year. Finally, congratulations to Peter Thomas, who There are undoubtedly tough times ahead in has been elected as a Fellow of the Linnean HE, but Natural Sciences is in a strong position Society of London – the world’s oldest to flourish in this challenging environment. biological society – for his work on tree biology and ecology.

08 Annual Review Keele University 2010 A new dawn for the Keele Earth and Space Observatory

Keele’s historic observatory has been refurbished in a major transformation designed to open up the natural sciences to a wider audience. The observatory has evolved from a centre of scientific research and amateur astronomy to The Keele Hub for Sustainability one which will be by used by a wide range of visitors to increase the public understanding of science. Keele, with the aid of £2.5million secured completely energy efficient. The University from HEFCE’s Strategic Development Fund, is campus has unrivalled potential in delivering The Keele Earth and Space Observatory was renovating a derelict 19th Century farmhouse energy from a diverse range of local energy officially re-opened by Lord Rees of Ludlow, situated in the grounds of the University to sources, such as coal bed methane, wind Astronomer Royal and President of the Royal become a Sustainability Hub Building. turbines and geothermal energy, that are Society. The £360,000 transformation includes expected to power the Hub building, as well as the refurbishment of the existing observatory The vision is for Keele to be a hub with its most of the campus. and telescopes, and an extension to the special features being used to bring together lecture room and its teaching and presentation universities, researchers, local communities, The Hub building will comprise of five distinct facilities. It has been funded by the Wolfson schools, national and international experts, sections: Foundation, alumni donations to the Keele Key and those wishing to learn about sustainability, • An Exhibition Area, to display the most Fund and the University. with activities being coordinated from the new important technologies. The centre aims to raise awareness of Sustainability Hub Building. • A Resource Suite, housing computer-based science, while continuing its long-standing and hard-copy information. commitment to teaching and outreach. Visitors The building will be an exemplar in energy • Training and Education facilities, in which will be able to experience practical examples terms, incorporating: students, businesses and community of astronomical observations, using equipment • Solar thermal members can attend short courses, consult dating from the 19th century to the present • Solar PV with experts, and evaluate options. day. • Climate control and under floor heating • An Applied Research wing, evaluating • Rainwater harvesting technologies throughout the campus, and Professor Nye Evans, of Keele’s astrophysics • Ground source heat elsewhere. group, said: “The Observatory has a long • Bio-fuel woodchip burner • An Earth Observatory, including an ‘outreach tradition of exciting both youngsters and centre’ to demonstrate the environmental adults from the area. We anticipate this new The aim is to turn the Hub building into a importance of the biosphere, atmosphere, facility will enhance the experience, and research and educational complex that is hydrosphere and the earth’s mantle. continue the strong links we have with the community.”

Following on from their record breaking telethon, the The Maldivian High Commissioner for the United Keele’s Students’ Union is presented with a prestigious University’s Development Team is shortlisted for the Kingdom, and a graduate of Keele, Dr Farahanaz national environmental award at the NUS Services prestigious THE Leadership and Management Awards in Faisal, visits the University. The High Commissioner Annual Dinner at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool. The the Outstanding University Fundraising Team section. In was welcomed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Rama Sound Environmental Impact Awards, now in their fourth addition, they are also shortlisted for the best Alumni/ Thirunamachandran and introduced to Professors year, seek to encourage, nurture, reward and celebrate Fundraising programme in the HEIST Marketing Awards. Pat Bailey, Andy Dobson and Graham Williams, who good environmental practice in students’ unions. presented an overview of their work on Environment and Sustainability. March 2010

Annual Review Keele University 2010 09 Research and Enterprise Services

Research and Enterprise Services Major Research Successes (RES) has had a successful year supporting Keele’s academics in The Wellcome Trust awarded more than securing collaborations with a £2.5million for a Strategic Translation Award Exceptional year for wide range of external partners. to Professor Gordon Hamilton of the Research Institute for Science and Technology in enterprise activities RES has also supported an Medicine, along with co-applicant Dr Orin increase in knowledge exchange Courtenay at Warwick University. Keele generated more than £2m additional with business and the community, consultancy income in 2010, with 21% of across a spectrum of activity The project, “Field contracts coming from within the West trials of synthetic Midlands and with an increase in the amount from research to graduate sex pheromone of work undertaken to SME’s to 17%. Licensing placements. 2010 saw major to reduce visceral income was £323K and saw an increase in the changes in the way in which leishmaniasis number of new licence deals to 10. central Government will support (VL) transmission by Lutzomyia Keele spin-outs have been successful with national and regional support for longipalpis in both nanoTherics and Intelligent Orthopaedics enterprise and innovation and Brazil”, will utilise securing additional investment of over £1.7m RES has been closely involved an innovative in total, in a very challenging environment. in developing new partnerships vector control Collaborative research income was nearly approach to £1.5m, with 11% of contracts coming from the to ensure Keele’s enterprise reduce the West Midlands and an increase in the amount activity continues to benefit population of work undertaken with SME’s to 33%. organisations locally, as well as Professor Gordon Hamilton of Lutzomyia nationally and internationally. longipalpis and RES is supporting two new Medici Fellows therefore VL incidence and infectiousness. VL is in two faculties, who will be involved in a a potentially fatal disease which affects half a range of enterprise-based projects, including Record research million people worldwide each year. marketing plans for delivery of services and commercialisation of Life Science technologies. grant income A major new award of £1million In 2010 RES provided innovation Keele (iK) seed Keele’s research grant income continued to from the Medical corn funds totalling over £140,000 to a total of rise to another record level of £11.7million Research Council 16 projects across the three faculties. Projects during 2009/10. One third of this income will support supported included feasibility studies for was from the prestigious Research Councils, links with Africa, CPD opportunities in the care home industry, followed by Central Government 22% and bringing together through commercialisation of IT related Charities 21%. Along with quality related the medical projects, to larger, strategic projects within the funding (following the Research Assessment entomology teams Faculty of Health. Since 2007 more than £340k Exercise 2008), Keele received over £18m to of Dr Frederic has been invested in 38 projects. support its research activities during 2009/10 Tripet at Keele and Dr Abdoulaye Within the Faculty of Natural Sciences Keele’s flourishing research environment was Diabate, of the significant studentships were awarded to Dr also boosted by a record number of research Centre Muraz in Falko Drijfhout with the British Beekeepers’ degree students enrolling to commence their Dr Frederic Tripet Burkina Faso. Association to investigate the levels of studies. pesticide residues in bees and stored pollen and The objective is to better understand male their effects on bees, to Professor Pat Bailey mosquito mating behaviour, enabling new with AstraZeneca to study the bioavailability strategies to eliminate malaria. of drugs, via the oral route, using a conjugated transporter molecule and to Dr Stefan Krause The project will run for five years with with the Environment Agency for investigations significant fieldwork in villages in Burkina into advanced techniques for tracing pollution Faso and lengthy visits of staff to Keele’s and attenuation hotspots at the interface laboratories in the Research Institute for between rivers and aquifers. Dr Neil Telling Science and Technology in Medicine. from the Faculty of Health has been awarded a studentship with Diamond Light Source Ltd to study iron biomineralisation and beta-amyloid aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders.

10 Annual Review Keele University 2010 Graduate Partnerships Graduate School Student Enterprise

Funded by £434,800 from the Economic Research Symposium Student Enterprise is supporting 28 Keele Challenge Investment Fund (ECIF) and match- students and alumni on the 40 week funded by local businesses and partner The University Graduate School held its 6th SPEEDWM and EFS business training organisations, Project Green successfully annual Research Symposium, which brought programmes. The two schemes provide arranged 140 placements for unemployed together doctoral researchers and research funding packages of between £3,500 and graduates in the West Midlands region, in staff from across the University to present £7,200 for start up businesses, alongside 108 different organisations. Focusing on low- their research. regular mentoring sessions and start-up carbon businesses and projects, Project Green business training workshops. resulted in 66% of the graduates going on to The event is one of the most prestigious paid work opportunities, and 19% choosing to events in the PGR calendar and provides a The training covers all aspects of business, continue their studies towards a postgraduate perfect opportunity to find out more about ranging from market research to how to level course in an environmentally related the exciting, life changing and innovative develop a business plan. Participants are subject. research that takes place at Keele. also provided with hot desk office space and a business address in the Stepping Following the success of ECIF, Project FIT was Approximately 260 people attended, Stone incubator unit at Keele’s Science and developed in response to HEFCE’s subsequent providing students with an opportunity Business Park. call for graduate internship opportunities in to promote their work, network with business sectors such as medical technologies, peers and academics, improve their Of the 28 participants there are 18 ceramics, professional services and digital communication skills and raise the profile undergraduates, one postgraduate and nine industries. Keele bid for £272,000 and placed of research at Keele. alumni who, between them, are developing 170 graduates into 111 small, 20 medium sized 18 start-up businesses. The varied businesses and 39 large firms. Both Project FIT and Project Former PhD student, Dr Vicky Weise, who include environmental consultancy, Green carried academic credits as well as has a PhD in Non-Destructive Testing investment fund management, health and providing a bursary for each graduate. of Automotive Structures - Electrical safety training, wine tasting events and a Engineering and now works for QinetiQ as cupcake company. Project Green was short-listed for the Strategic Markets Manager, was the keynote Environmental Association for Universities speaker. and Colleges’ Green Gown Awards and the Lord Stafford Awards. Both entries were Dr Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator of the Highly Commended in the Skills and Open Historic Royal Palaces, leading sixteen Collaboration categories. members of the curatorial team, was the guest speaker.

Professor Chris Main, Professor of Clinical Psychology Professor Paul Eggleston, Professor Hilary Hurd and The Software Engineering research group from the (Pain Management) is the recipient of the 2010 British Dr Frederic Tripet, Research Institute for Science and School of Computing and Mathematics hosts the 14th Pain Society Medal, following his lecture entitled Technology in Medicine, are awarded £221,495 by the International Conference on Evaluation and Assessment “Embedding psychological principles within clinical care: European Union FP7-Infrastructures Programme to in Software Engineering. The event attracts researchers the journey from clinical rehabilitation to secondary support their research into novel technologies for from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, prevention” delivered at the BPS Annual Scientific the control of mosquito-borne disease. The funding Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Pakistan, Spain and the UK. Meeting. is part of a major 8m international initiative entitled INFRAVEC - “Research Capacity for the Implementation April 2010 of Genetic Control of Mosquitoes”, which is co-ordinated by Imperial College and involves 31 international partners from Europe and Africa.

Annual Review Keele University 2010 11 Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning

This has been a successful year Projects, such as the Aimhigher Ambassador, have firmly established themselves as an integral part regarding widening participation, of the Aimhigher programme within Stoke-on- especially as the Higher Education Trent and Staffordshire. Working with a pool of climate has presented many 47 Keele Student Ambassadors, in collaboration dynamic challenges. This has lead with Staffordshire University Ambassadors, the to a strengthening of the shared project delivered 51 sessions in 35 schools and colleges and ran 21 Higher Education road shows services and projects between in schools, reaching in excess of 6,500 learners. wider schools and colleges liaison Campus Based Coupled with this, the acclaimed Aimhigher through an expansion of the Parents and Carers project, now in its fourth year, Keelelink partnership and student Experience exceeded its target of 3,500 parents receiving HE information from parent ambassadors, and 300 support services. There is a strong tradition of providing innovative parents taking part in specific information events. and exciting campus based experiences for A pool of 11 parent ambassadors visited five local A total of 58% of members school and college learners. Seventy-nine schools and colleges 12 times during 2010. have engaged in at least one schools engaged in 25 campus events, delivered for 2,400 learners. As a result of their Keelelink project, which has been engagement 80% said they were now planning significantly enhanced by the to attend university and 65% said this aspiration expansion of offerings to partners had developed as a result of attending an event. through wider faculty, school These included subject specific Key Stage 4 events, university experience days for Key Stage and college liaison projects, as 3, learner journey days for Key Stage 2 and well as better communication residential experience for nearly 500 learners. with members, through the In addition, following demand from local schools introduction of an e-newsletter and colleges for greater provision of academic Faculties flying the flag taster sessions for Key Stage 5 learners, a series of to members, the Keelelink master classes were offered by academics from a for Widening Participation brochure and a re-launch of the range of disciplines across the University. It has been an inspirational year for the

Keelelink website. development of new initiatives focusing Aimhigher at Keele on subject specific links and networks with Developing Keele schools and colleges. The launch of a pilot It has been an exciting year for the Aimhigher project, entitled Chemical Bonding, was a Student Employability Programme at Keele. Additional funding was highlight of this development. The project secured for a new project ‘Access to the focuses on the transition from school/college The Placements Programme continued to Professions’, which has provided opportunities to university, with a particular interest in the develop and flourish. The programme has for new areas of work, such as working with local field of chemistry. Thirteen teachers from expanded in recent years and now provides professionals and organising a residential trip local schools and colleges are involved in a range of diverse opportunities for students for gifted and talented young people to Oxford the scheme with five Keele academics. This and schools to become involved, with University. The new Access to the Professions is a collaborative project with Widening the overarching themes of giving students project was planned following publication of Participation, the Science Learning Centre and experience of working with young people two key policy documents; ‘Fair Access to the School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, in different roles, and giving school learners Professions’ and the ‘IAG, Quality Choice and showcasing excellent good practice in shared contact with current university students, Aspirations Strategy’. A central theme of the services and expertise. A workshop delivered thus raising their educational aspirations two documents was to make sure every young at the national SSAT conference introducing and attainment. Nearly 200 Keele students person, whatever their background, could aim this style of collaborative working between were involved in the delivery of Widening for the top professional careers. Access to HEIs and schools/colleges received very Participation projects the Professions identifies and works towards positive feedback. overcoming the barriers facing young people when trying to access professions such as medicine, law and journalism.

Medical device company PRO Medical Innovations – a The Graduate School holds its sixth annual Research Whitbread Award winning poet Michael Symmons spin-out company from Keele – is the only British-based Symposium at Keele Hall, bringing together doctoral Roberts reads a selection of his verse to an attentive firm to win recognition in the life science and medicine researchers and research staff from across the University audience in the Charles Strasser Theatre. The Cheshire- category of the 2010 Red Dot Awards for Product and providing an opportunity to showcase the based poet read from his award-winning collection Design. They were awarded “red dot recognition” for innovative research taking place at the University. Corpus, which deals with issues concerning the human the design of Safeceps obstetric forceps, a modern-day body and the human genome project, as well as pieces plastic adaptation of the traditional birthing tool. The School of Physical and Geographical Sciences hosts from earlier collections, such as Burning Babylon. May 2010 the Midlands final of the Royal Society of Chemistry National Schools’ Analyst Competition.

12 Annual Review Keele University 2010 International Highlights

Two major international collaborations were announced by the University during the year.

The Indus Training and Research Institute (ITARI), Bangalore, India, has started collaboration with Keele to launch a teacher training programme, leading to a Professional Graduate Diploma in International Education. It is intended that the new programme will be PMI2 - Malaysia the start of a successful partnership with ITARI and a number of areas for future collaboration An eight-strong delegation from Universiti Sains The delegation, headed by the Vice-Chancellor, have been discussed, such as Masters degrees, Malaysia in Penang visited Keele to discuss the Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, joint research, early childhood education and PMI2 initiative in Life Sciences, enabling MSc met with Keele’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Rama the use of technology to support learning. Parasitology and Vector Biology students as well Thirunamachandran, Dave Hoole, Professor of Staff and student exchanges and student as undergraduate Biology students to spend Fish Diseases, and Richard Ward, Professor of volunteering were also topics that have been three months in Penang. Part of the delegation Medical Entomology. explored. briefed the seven selected students about the kind of projects they would be engaged in as Future potential collaborations were Kevin Mattinson, Head of Teacher Training well as cultural aspects of living in Malaysia. discussed around the Natural Sciences and the at Keele and Pro-Vice Chancellor, said: “The This is Keele’s fourth PMI2 International Student Environment. model of training and development that Mobility programme. the programme involves is based on Keele’s multidisciplinary approach that has been shown to be successful, and this is amenable to adaption for the Indian context. Turkey “The Keele Professional Graduate Diploma The Turkish Ministry of the Interior sent in International Education is a full-time seven senior officials to undertake the MA one-year professional course. This is our first in European Politics and Culture at Keele. In collaborative overseas accredited teachers’ conjunction with the Dialogue Society, who programme, as part of our internationalisation sponsor a number of Turkish PhD students at strategy. It is also the first such programme in Keele, a delegation from SPIRE visited Istanbul India.” and Ankara to explore a range of links in Turkey with universities, hospitals, newspapers, Representatives of Nanjing Xiaozhuang business foundations and the Ministry. University, including the President, Professor Li Hongtian, visited Keele to strengthen the co- operation reached with the Faculty of Natural Sciences for a 3+1 arrangement for students. Nanjing Xiaozhuang University has received San Diego Entrepreneurship Ministry of Education approval in China for 40 students to progress on to the final year of Programme Keele’s BSc in Environment and Sustainability, after undertaking three years of their degree at After stiff competition for places, 12 first year students taking the Xiaozhuang. Dr Zoe Robinson, from the School entrepreneurship module spent a week at San Diego State, where of Geographical and Physical Sciences, has they followed lectures on how to set up a company, attended an been to Nanjing to introduce students to the Entrepreneurship Fest on the campus, visited a range of companies different study methods in the UK and to teach that had been set up by American entrepreneurs, and talked to one of the introductory courses. The first Keele alumni who had emigrated to the USA and set up their own cohort of students has already started in China companies. and will come to Keele in September 2013.

Keele jumps six places to 44th position in the Guardian Keele has been successful in its bid to the University Project Green, the University’s Sustainable Business university league table for 2011. The guide, which ranks Modernisation Fund (HEFCE) for new entrant full-time Programme to assist unemployed graduates back into all UK universities according to teaching excellence, undergraduate places in 2010/11 and investments in work, is highly commended at the prestigious Green showed that overall student satisfaction at Keele was projects to generate efficiency savings. The total Gown Awards, which were established to find the UK’s 87% and satisfaction with teaching was also 87%. In funding attracted is £1.2 million and provides 95 most sustainable universities and colleges. The project, the subject tables Keele is placed 3rd for Pharmacy and additional full-time new entrant places for 2010/11. The run by Research and Enterprise Services and the School Pharmacology, 5th for Social Work, 10th for Geography full-time new entrant places are across a number of of Physical and Geographical Sciences, was shortlisted in June 2010 and Environmental Studies, 11th for Social Policy, 13th for disciplines in both the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Skills category, which recognises achievement in the Nursing, 14th for Maths and American Studies, and 15th Keele Management School. development of skills relevant to sustainability. for Medicine.

Annual Review Keele University 2010 13 Teaching Excellence

Student Satisfaction Keele Awards for Excellence in Learning and Teaching Students at Keele rated the University as one The winners of the annual Keele Awards for Excellence in Learning of the best in the country for satisfaction with and Teaching for 2009-10 were: their degree courses. The annual National Student Survey 2010 saw Keele achieve an Ben Ambrose, lecturer in the School of Health and Rehabilitation. Ben has overall satisfaction score of 89%. explored ways of using technology to enhance the student experience in Teaching satisfaction was rated very highly the classroom. This has included a trial of bite size video materials and the by students and the University also saw utilisation of Audience Response Systems across the School. Ben has also improvements in every other category: focused on driving forward the internationalisation agenda, establishing Assessment and Feedback; Academic Support; teaching and learning collaborations in Asia. Organisation and Management; Personal Development and Learning Resources. Claire Fox, lecturer in the School of Psychology. Claire’s main area of research expertise is the problem of bullying in schools and she runs a very National Student Survey popular third year special option on this topic. In 2007 she developed a 2010 peer e-mentoring scheme for 1st year Psychology students.

Top mainstream English universities Elizabeth Mills, Postgraduate Academic Course Manager in the School of Pharmacy. Her main responsibilities are managing the Professional MSc and University overall the Advanced Professional Practice (APP) Programme. She believes that satisfaction taking the time to get to know the learner’s needs and ensuring the courses offered are flexible enough to meet these needs is instrumental in enabling University of Oxford 93% learners to achieve their goals. She has developed the Professional MSc University of Cambridge 91% and APP programme based on this philosophy.

University of East Anglia 90% James Peacock, lecturer in English and American Literatures. Before University of Exeter 90% embarking on his PhD, James was a teacher of English as a Foreign Language, and one of his key interests has been in the possible application University of Sussex 90% of communicative language teaching techniques to the teaching of literature in higher education. Keele University 89%

University of Leicester 89% Katie Szkornik, lecturer in Physical Geography. Katie is deeply committed to incorporating aspects of her research interest in coastal environments Loughborough University 89% into her teaching. In 2008 – 09 she developed Coastal Environments, a University of Sheffield 89% level-3 option module which involves a poster assessment on coastal management, designed to simulate the type of work carried out by University of Warwick 89% environmental consultants and coastal planners. Katie is also keen to inspire and influence students through field-based teaching.

The prestigious Neil and Gina at the International Conference of programmes, both on and off campus, Student of Education in Canada, an indication of and made a significant contribution the Year Smith Student of the Year the very high standard of scholarship to musical life at Keele and in the Award was presented to: and research skills Darrell attained local community. Building upon his Darrell Simkins, a 23-year old student through his studies at Keele. experience overseas, Darrell now in Music and Educational Studies. He pursued part of his studies in works as a Study Abroad Peer Adviser Darrell performed exceptionally a partner university, in the Faculty for Keele, promoting studying abroad well academically, achieving firsts in of Fine Arts at York University, and acting as an ambassador for the every module studied. He was also Toronto. While at Keele Darrell University. invited to present his dissertation participated in extracurricular music

Degrees are awarded to nearly 1,900 students at a The journal `Gender, Work and Organization’ holds its Professor Miriam Bernard, Director of Keele’s Centre series of 16 ceremonies in the University Chapel over 6th Biennial International Interdisciplinary conference for Social Gerontology, takes up the role of President four days. Honorary Degrees are conferred on Gaye in Keele Hall and welcomes 344 delegates from 38 of the British Society of Gerontology, following the Blake-Roberts; Dame Christine Beasley, DBE; Professor nations, organised in 17 streams and four workshops. Society’s 39th annual conference at Brunel University. Dame Hazel Genn, DBE, QC; Professor Sir David King; Professor Bernard will lead the Society’s work for the Professor Sir David Watson and Professor Paul Wiles. next two years. July 2010

14 Annual Review Keele University 2010 Key Appointment

Vice-Chancellor Honorary Degrees

Professor Nick Foskett Awarded in 2010 Professor Nick Foskett was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Keele University in August 2010. Previously he was Dean of the Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Dame Christine Beasley, Southampton, where he was also Professor of Education. DBE, Chief Nursing Officer for England, was awarded an Professor Foskett’s academic expertise lies broadly in the field of educational policy and Honorary Degree of Doctor leadership, with a particular focus on higher and further education. He has an international of Science in recognition of her outstanding leadership in research profile in HE policy. Nursing in England. His work has included many national and international invitations as a keynote speaker, and as a Ms Gaye Blake-Roberts, consultant to government, both in the UK and overseas, on the development of policy in fields FMA, FRSA, Director of the such as HE fees, widening participation and educational careers advisory systems. This has led Wedgwood Museum, was to strong international links in Australia, China and the countries of southern Africa. He has been awarded an Honorary Degree joint Editor of the Commonwealth’s journal in the field of educational leadership, International of Doctor of the University in Studies in Educational Administration. recognition of her contribution to the arts and heritage in Professor Foskett is a Geographer and Environmental Scientist by background. After graduating Staffordshire. from Oxford University he taught Geography and Geology in secondary schools and sixth form colleges before his career took him into higher education. He still retains a strong interest and Professor Dame Hazel Genn, engagement in environmental issues and sustainability, and continues to publish and research DBE, QC, Dean of Laws, on the nature and role of field studies, outdoor activities and education for sustainability within Professor of Socio-Legal primary, secondary and tertiary education. Studies and co-Director of the Centre for Empirical Legal Studies in the Faculty of Laws at University College London, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Socio-Legal Studies.

Professor Sir David King, FRS, Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of his unrivalled contribution to Science and Environmental Policy in the United Kingdom.

Professor Sir David Watson, MA, PhD, who has been a major influence on the United Kingdom Higher Education system, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of his influence on higher education policy and practice.

Professor Paul Wiles, CB, The School of Physical and Geographical Sciences Bamako in Mali, which will soon be rearing Africa’s has its silver Athena SWAN Award renewed for first mosquitoes genetically modified to resist formerly UK Government a further three years. It is one of twenty-seven malaria, has been officially opened. Its research Chief Social Scientist and higher education institutions and individual is part of a partnership, between the University Chief Scientific Advisor for the departments that were successful in the latest of Bamako and Keele, which aims to develop GM annual application round. Athena SWAN Charter mosquitoes to fight malaria and is funded by an Home Office, was awarded an Awards reward good practice in universities £800,000 grant from the Wellcome Trust. Honorary Degree of Doctor supporting the career progression of women of Letters in recognition of his in science, engineering and technology (SET) The programme will build capacity in three outstanding contribution to departments. important areas: genetic engineering of local August 2010 mosquitoes; gene products that kill malaria Criminology and Public Policy. A state-of-the-art laboratory at the Malaria parasites; and fitness and competitiveness of GM Research and Training Centre, University of mosquitoes.

Annual Review Keele University 2010 15 Commercial and Facilities Management

Our commitment to putting student needs at the heart of all our activities was further evident during 2010. Colleagues from across CFM participated in a series of workshops which gave us the opportunity to listen to students and to take action to improve the services and facilities we provide. We understand the importance of the positive interaction we have with students and, therefore, we continue to invest in the development of our people and to recognise those individuals and teams who really make a difference to student life on campus.

The Student Experience Transforming the

We seek to enhance the student experience in and reduced prices at Comus Restaurant plus new Campus all that we do, from offering a warm welcome meal plan options, allowing students to choose by to prospective students through to creating semester, eat at a venue of their choice and pay in The latest stage in a major, multi-million memorable graduation celebrations. Positive installments. pound project to refurbish the student halls changes during 2010 included an open dialogue of residence at Keele was completed during and more opportunities for students to feedback Students saw a change to the Sports Centre as the 2010. regarding halls and external landlords. New for sport: keele brand was officially launched with a the autumn semester was a “welcome to Keele” refurbishment of the centre reception, including The £3million refurbishment at Holly Cross survival box for all freshers, with a copy of our new achievements highlighted on the sports success saw 238 bedrooms, 30 diners, 60 kitchens and bi-monthly magazine, “Residence”. This publication wall. New, simple, cost-effective membership one resident tutor flat upgraded. Holly Cross is designed to make life easier for students by options make it easier for students to get gym was the last of the residential blocks to be providing who’s who information, news and membership, which is complemented by a given an overhaul, including an upgrade to updates, welfare contacts, information and KUSU partnership with the local swimming pool, where mechanical and electrical systems. events. students can enjoy low cost swimming as part of their membership This first part of the programme has taken New innovations were introduced by the catering 10 years to complete and has seen a huge teams, including the development of a campus- Providing a safe and secure campus is essential. investment by the University. wide brand for all catering outlets – taste: keele – The Campus Watch initiative encourages students which was complemented by flexible meal pricing to report any suspicious activity to University Security or local police. Bright yellow stickers are now visible on all student accommodation windows, giving key telephone numbers and serving as a deterrent to potential intruders.

We are continuously listening, talking and

SUMMARY OF TERMSGym AND CONDITIONS - Student Membership responding to student needs – from feedback • T he TASTE : KEELE meal plan is for your personal use on production of a valid Keele card and cannot b e transferred or passed on to any other person. • T he Meal Plan only operates during term time periods. • I n the event of the Meal Plan account not being active (for example, a failed payment or the direct debit h aving been cancelled or the Keele card not activated), the service will be withdrawn when any credits h ave been used. cards to focus groups and indeed day-to-day • T he right to use the Meal Plan may be revoked or suspended by Keele University without notice s hould you be in breach of any of these Terms. In such cases, Keele University shall not be obliged to r efund any fees paid. • K eele University reserves the right to alter or amend these Terms and Conditions at any time, w ith prior written notice. • P ayment terms can be found on the Application Form. interactions – to ensure the student experience at

The Meal Plans are also subject to the following specific Terms & Conditions:

• U se of the Meal Plan excludes the purchase of alcohol and confectionery. • K eele University Students Union (KUSU) andONLY currently campus retail outlets are not p art of the meal plan. Keele is conducive to enabling students to focus Get discounts • M eals and food items can be purchased from any Commercial & Facilities Management ca off food with s ervices outlet. Opening and closing times vary from outlet to outlet and may vary at short notice due our meal plans t o unforeseen circumstances. • £145 tering T he Essential Meal Plan provides a furtherPER 2.5% ACADEMIC discount offYEAR the already discounted student prices and Apply inside t he Flexible Meal Plan gives a further 5% discount. Student prices are normally excluding VAT and give u p to 10% off most items. on achievement of their academic goals, whilst • A ny credit not used by midnight on a Sunday will be ‘lost’ and cannot be carried forward to the f ollowing week. • R efunds will be given in exceptional circumstance. This will be at the sole discretion of the K eele University and considered on an individual basis. • I f you wish to cancel taking the Meal Plan, 28 days notice is required, in writing to the Finance D epartment, based in the Darwin Building. enjoying a sense of community. Our centre provides you with a comprehensive mix of cardiovascular and resistance machines (38 stations) as Contact: well as an 8 station kinesis room. Keele University, Darwin Building, Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5BG Telephone: 01782 734291 Fax: 01782 713054 Website:Focus www.keele.ac.uk your mind, body and soul with our range of fitness classes and get involved in Hip Hop to YogaContact: activities Keele University, Darwin Building, Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5BG that run in the lunch time and evenings. Telephone: 01782 734291 Fax: 01782 713054 Website: www.keele.ac.uk

Coming to University can be daunting as well as very exciting. The last thing you want to be concerned about is how to eat well, so to sustain your energy for those long days of studying and student activities! We have a number of choices to help you throughout your time with us.

Law Graduate, Sophie Lake, is awarded the 2010 Keele’s new Language Learning Unit (LLU) is officially An international workshop focusing on protein Graduate 100 Law Graduate of the Year award. launched with a lunchtime event hosted by Professor structure and function and qualitative protein Graduate 100 is an initiative, developed with leading David Shepherd, Dean of Humanities and Social crystallography is held at Keele. The workshop, An employers and industry figures, that profiles and Sciences. Professor Shepherd, the Deputy Vice- essential guide to 3-dimensional protein structure promotes Britain’s highest achieving final and Chancellor, Rama Thirunamachandran, and the Pro and its determination, was attended by researchers penultimate year students. Sophie has a training Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Student Experience, from The Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Norway and contract with DLA Piper to begin in 2011. Professor Marilyn Andrews, highlight the importance Germany, as well as staff and postgraduate students of English and foreign language learning and support as from diverse research areas within the research integral to Keele’s strategy of internationalisation and institutes for Science and Technology in Medicine enhanced student experience. and the Environment, Physical Sciences and Applied Mathematics. September 2010

16 Annual Review Keele University 2010 Events business going from strength to strength Environmental Initiatives It was another successful year for conferences The University is committed to reducing A campus-wide recycling scheme was and events with a number of prominent events, its carbon footprint and has launched, in launched with co-mingled recycling collection including The British Association of Cleaning partnership with the Carbon Trust, a Carbon points introduced across all academic, in Higher Education; The Chartered Institute of Management Plan that aims to reduce carbon central services and student accommodation Personnel and Development annual conference and The Keele International Cup - Britain’s largest emissions by 18% by 2015. As part of the buildings, which allows for cardboard, paper, international football tournament, with 250 teams plastics and cans to be recycled, the key Carbon Management plan we aim to further competing. We hosted two of the year’s most improve energy efficiency across campus and objective being to reduce waste at source and elaborate events - 400 guests attended a Sony reduce waste and increase recycling rates. re-use items where possible. Ericsson product launch and AMECON, which celebrated Japanese animation. In 2010 Keele launched its environmental awareness campaign – Deep Green Thinking Piranha Audio Visual, the Directorate’s external - to raise staff and student awareness about AV provider, played a key role in the design, the need to reduce our environmental impact, development and installation of Cheshire Fire and particularly on waste, energy, transport and Rescue’s state-of-the-art training facility. associated CO2 emissions. A “Go Green The conference management team had a successful Week” supported the launch where we held year supporting over 20 conferences with their a sustainable cooking demonstration; a free sector-leading event management service. Notable screening of climate change docu-drama, clients included The Society of Legal Scholars, KEELE UNIVERSITY The Age of Stupid, and a guided walk of the WASTE RECYCLING SCHEME 2010/11 the National Association of Cytologists and the campus. (main campus) Homecoming Alumni event.

Celebrating Success Health and Safety 2010 saw the launch of Total Recognition: Head Chef, Allan Jones, was awarded second The Department of Occupational Health and Safety a scheme to highlight those individuals and place in the Masterchef category, whilst (DOHS) continues to provide an essential broad teams worthy of particular praise. Luke Staton took third place in the Chef of range of professional core support, advisory and Tomorrow. James Tudor was awarded first regulatory functions to most University activities. Students and staff nominated individuals and prize for Best Hygiene Practise throughout the teams in four categories. The winners were competition. Kim Barnish picked up the title of Accident rates amongst staff and students remain Sharon Copestick (Catering and Retail) – Vegetarian Society Chef of the Future at a creditable low level. As part of the overall Employee of the Year; Bob Mander (Security), strategy to reduce accident rates even further pictured receiving his award – Unsung Hero; Estates apprentice, Steve Lewis, was “highly DOHS has targeted areas with the provision of The Medical School Cleaners – Team of the commended” in the finals of the West bespoke training courses. Most of these courses have been provided in-house and feedback has Year; and Sharon Hattersley (Accommodation) Midlands Apprenticeship Awards 2010. Steve shown that these have been very well received with began work at the University in 1982 as a chef, – Above and Beyond. Sharon, a domestic the added bonus of being very cost effective. assistant, was nominated for the support she but changed direction in 2008 and joined had given to a disabled student during her four the estates team, working on sports field Keele’s Occupational Health Service, within years at Keele. maintenance. DOHS, has responded well to a variety of different requirements and needs from both Keele Conferences and Events and the staff and students, particularly workplace related Catering teams were also successful during medicals, immunisation and health screening. 2010. The conference team were, for the Fire safety remains one of DOHS’s priority areas. 12th year running, winners at the Meetings In the last year a review of accommodation fire risk assessments has taken place with many & Incentive Travel Annual Awards, claiming improvements identified and already implemented. the silver award for “Best Conference and Working closely with other support functions Banqueting Staff” and the bronze award for across the University, DOHS has had a primary role “Best Value for Money Conference Venue”. in the provision of evacuation plans for disabled In the Staffordshire Masterchef and staff and students. Staffordshire Chef of Tomorrow, Keele Hall

The Chancellor, Professor Sir David Weatherall is It manages applications for full-time undergraduate colleagues at Keele for confirming that swearing awarded a prestigious Lasker Award, the most significant courses, together with applications through the relieves pain. U.S. prize for medical research, in New York. He is the Graduate Teacher Training Registry, Conservatoires UK only person outside America to win one of the awards Admissions Service and UK Postgraduate Application and Keele receives a BREEAM environmental impact rating of in 2010. The 2010 Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Statistical Service. ‘excellent’ for the Lennard-Jones Multi-User Laboratory in Medical Science Award honours the Chancellor for extension. It is believed to be the only lab of its kind “50 years of international statesmanship in biomedical Dr Richard Stephens, Psychology, was one of four in the world to achieve such a rating. BREEAM (BRE science”. researchers from across the UK who were honoured for Environmental Assessment Method) is the leading and their work at the annual Ig Nobel awards ceremony at most widely used environmental assessment method The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Rama Thirunamachandran, Harvard University. The “Igs” are awarded to scientists for buildings. is appointed to the UCAS Board. UCAS is the world’s whose work makes people laugh first, then think. The October 2010 leading shared admissions service for higher education. peace prize was awarded to Richard Stephens and

Annual Review Keele University 2010 17 Student Experience

VE @ Keele is an exciting initiative that supports student engagement in the community and on campus through volunteering activity. Offering access to a diverse range of opportunities, volunteering through VE @ Keele is a brilliant way for students to put something back, develop key employability skills and enhance their whole student experience at Keele.

VE @ Keele volunteers are encouraged to complete a VE award to reflect on their Thailand Challenge experience and evidence learning and skills development. Offered at Bronze, Silver, Gold The exciting volunteer programme, Overseas VE @ Keele participation in Overseas Challenge and Platinum, VE Awards are a great addition Challenge Thailand - now in its second endeavours to develop an educational, to a students’ CV in today’s competitive year - was a highlight of 2010. Working with sustainable and long-term programme graduate jobs market. Students who do not Volunteers for Educational Support and providing not just a cultural exchange and complete an award can still receive a ‘Positive Learning (VESL), Manchester Metropolitan learning experience for Keele students, but also Contribution to the Community’ certificate in University student volunteer project and supports Thai communities in the region. This appreciation of their volunteering activities Edgehill University, we supported seven year VE @ Keele worked with VESL to support and contribution to the community. Keele students to travel to the northern rural two Thai teachers from host schools in Chiang province of Chiang Rai in Thailand to deliver Rai to visit the UK for a month. Throughout the year VE @ Keele has worked English language skills to primary school age with a number of voluntary organisations, children as part of a six week programme. Keele staff and schools also engaged with the generated new partnerships and offered English language is important in the region exchange visit, and the Thai guests met with volunteer opportunities with a range of and working with VESL ensures teaching Keele Education Department, participated in charities and not-for-profit organisations. placements are in areas where volunteers a TESOL training class, toured the University, One-off activities in 2010 have included are most needed and can help to make a experienced teaching in a local primary school community litter picks, bulb planting at a local difference. and visited places of local cultural interest. National Trust site, charity street collections This experience has helped to strengthen our and a tea party for local residents. Many Volunteers undertook extensive training relationship with the host communities and of these events were held during National to prepare for Overseas Challenge, contributed to a unique exchange experience. Student Volunteering Week and CSV Make including cultural awareness, teaching skills, a Difference Day. teambuilding and essential first aid training. Training was facilitated by VE @ Keele, Dr Carol Gray (Director of Student Support, School of Medicine), Russell Clark (English Tutor, English Language Unit) and Keele undergraduate student, Sribhongse Bunnag, a Thai national, who gave an insightful view of culture and language.

Keele Key Fund provided vital funds to help facilitate Overseas Challenge 2010.

Dr Andrew Francis, Law, is one of four outstanding The University hosts a visit from Dr Moses Satralkar, Graduate placement programme, Project Green, legal academics elected Academic Fellows of the Curriculum Coordinator for the Indus Training and involving Keele and Stoke-based environmental Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. They are the Research Institute, Bangalore, India. This is the latest engineering company Wardell Armstrong, is among first academics to hold this honorary three-year post. stage in work to develop programmes of Initial Teacher those shortlisted for a Lord Stafford Award in the Education in collaboration with the Indus International Open Collaboration category. The project allows Schools in Bangalore, Hyderbad and Delhi. The graduates to complete a subsidised placement with University’s Teacher Education team, led by Pro Vice- a local business, while studying for a post-graduate Chancellor, Kevin Mattinson, will also be delivering certificate in Sustainable Business Management. staff development for wider groups of teachers who are linked to the Indus Schools. November 2010

18 Annual Review Keele University 2010 Volunteering benefits Student thoughts on Team:Keele everyone volunteering: The year saw membership of ‘smaller’ clubs boom. Badminton now boasts over 100 Student volunteers bring with them a diverse “Overseas Challenge Thailand members and Keele Boatclub has been a huge range of knowledge and skills, which benefit 2010 was not only an eye- success, not only within Keele but also in the the charities that rely on them to help competitive environment of BUCS. deliver essential community services. Student opening and life-changing volunteering also benefits Keele, as students experience, but it also taught me As ever, charity work has been of high priority positively represent the University, promoting a lot and had a positive effect within many clubs of the AU. Men’s rugby the benefits of higher education and University on the community I was placed have raised over £2,900 for charities, including facilities across the wider local community. in.’ (Second year undergraduate Donna Louise and Children in Need, and For the individual, volunteering can be a women’s hockey raised over £560. fantastic experience and is a great way 2010)” to develop confidence and essential With one league victory in the first semester, transferrable employability skills. It is also a “Volunteering at Save the Men’s Fencing did the name of Team: Keele great opportunity to try something new, meet Children made me realise that proud, and women’s squash, equestrian and people and get involved with a charity or work is not all about money, men’s rugby are all set to follow suit. Various organisation that helps people, communities or outstanding performances have seen Team: the environment. there are more aspects to it, like Keele storm through cup stages, with teams motivation, team building, etc.’ battling for places in cup finals across the All VE @ Keele volunteers are offered an (Volunteering Elective student board. Men’s hockey put UClan in their place introduction to volunteering and are invited 2009-2010)” with a league match home victory of 20-0, to attend weekly training sessions, which quite possibly the highest in Keele Men’s offer an additional learning opportunity, can Hockey history. Team: Keele looks to continue complement volunteering and are open to all “The training provided by to improve as the season draws to a close. Keele students. VE @ Keele enhanced my understanding and appreciation The popular Student Volunteering Elective module enables first year students to of the complexities of everything represent Keele positively in the community, from organising an event to KUBE Radio complements studies and encourages a applying for a national volunteer lifelong commitment to volunteering activity. KUBE Radio, the award winning student role.’ (Undergraduate student radio station, has undergone an overhaul of 2007-2010) technical equipment and a refurbishment of the studio, including a brand new desk. Radio “If you want to meet new 1 DJ Zane Lowe cut a ribbon to officially re- people, try new things and make open the updated facilities and shared some inspirational words with KUBE members before your CV stand out from the performing in the Union. crowd then get involved with volunteering!’ (Undergraduate A team of KUBE presenters and members went student 2007-2010)” to the Radio 1 studios in London to represent KUBE Radio on Tim Westwood’s Radio 1Xtra show. As part of Westwood’s ‘College “The experience was awesome.’ Dropout’ feature, they made a jingle for the (Masters Student 2010)” show, and KUBE’s Station Manager sang live on air for Lethal Bizzle! KUBE Radio was also visited by D:Ream, who played an acoustic set live on air.

Degrees, diplomas and certificates are awarded The Keele Astrophysics group participate in the Professor Ilana Crome, Professor of Addiction to nearly 700 students at graduation ceremonies discovery of the first planet found to have more Psychiatry and Academic Director of Psychiatry, at the University. Graduands and those receiving carbon than oxygen. The Jupiter-sized gaseous is part of the team from South Staffordshire and awards, and their guests, attended three planet, WASP-12b, was observed with NASA’s Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust ceremonies in the Chapel. Spitzer Space Telescope and found to have an that receives the Psychiatric Provider of the Year atmosphere rich in molecules containing carbon award at the Royal College of Psychiatrists annual but depleted in molecules containing oxygen. awards ceremony. Professor Crome is also one of five finalists short-listed for the Academic Psychiatrist of the Year award. December 2010

Annual Review Keele University 2010 19 2009

Tel: +44 (0) 1782 733375 | Fax: +44 (0) 1782 584422 Email: [email protected] | www.keele.ac.uk Keele University | Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG