The free magazine for The University of Manchester UniLife 24th January 2005 Volume 2 Issue 7 Meeting of Minds Ministers Praise University’s Vision
2 UniLife
NewsDigest
A summary of the key news in this issue of UniLife: Contents
3 University hailed as The University received three visits from members “world-leader” of the Cabinet this month in the shape of Chancellor Gordon Brown, Secretary of State for 4 News 3 Education and Skills, Ruth Kelly, and Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. All 10 Research three praised the ‘powerful symbol of change’ that has come from the merger. 14 Feature
15 Teaching
16 Plan Pushes Public Transport The ‘Unlocking the Rylands Appeal’ to refurbish the 18 Profile 5 historic library on Deansgate has reached its first fundraising milestone. 20 People
24 Students
26 What’s On
28 Seminars The Centre for Process Integration, one of the 29 Noticeboard smallest research groups within the University, is 12 proving size doesn’t matter when it comes to 30 Classified Ads attracting funding.
32 Just The Job
Media Relations Officer Aeron Haworth visits the 14 extended and fully refurbished Sugden Sports Centre for a light work out.
Reporting on the public transport plan that aims 16 to get University staff out of their cars and on to the buses.
UniLife 3
University hailed as “world-leader”
The University was hailed as “one of the great world leaders of the future” by Chancellor Gordon Brown on a visit to the campus earlier this month.
And his was not the only high-profile As a North West MP, I know the Ruth Kelly speaking at the conference praise for the University, in a week which contribution you will make to the saw three ministerial visits to separate economy of the region and to the UK.” events on campus. Along with Gordon The following morning, Gordon Brown Brown’s, visits were made by newly- officially opened a new £1 million facility appointed Secretary of State for Education which will house the University’s high- and Skills, Ruth Kelly, and Secretary of tech spin-out companies - the second State for Culture, Media and Sport, such facility on the campus. Tessa Jowell. He said:”The University of Manchester is On 6 January, Ruth Kelly spoke at the going to be one of the great world leaders North of England Education Conference, of the future. I have seen their plans and I the sector’s major annual event, which am convinced that it is going to happen.” this year was hosted by the University’s Centre for Educational Leadership. Her Also visiting the campus on 12 January, visit attracted particular interest as it was was Culture Minister Tessa Jowell, who the Minister’s first major speech since her officially opened the Centre for Research appointment three weeks previously. into Socio Cultural Chance (CRESC), which is based in Waterloo Place. Paying tribute to the University, she said:“You are a powerful symbol of change See news pages 4, 5 and 11 for full details in our higher education system today. of the visits.
Chancellor Gordon Brown with Vice-Presidents Paul Layzell and Nancy Rothwell 4 UniLife
News Making History
It features images of international there has only been black migration to the heroes such as Malcolm X speaking at UK since `Windrush’ in 1948.” the Students’ Union and Muhammed Ali To illustrate this, the calendar features 19th at a book signing in the city, as well as Malcolm X A 2005 calendar celebrating Century campaigner Frederick Douglas, one speaking in the more local figures such as Viraj Mendis of the foremost anti-slavery campaigners of Main Debating Manchester’s historical and Manchester’s first black Mayor, his generation who visited Manchester and Hall at the relationship with key figures in Yomi Mambu. Clayton-born Len Johnson (1902–1974), a University’s Education Outreach Co-ordinator Jackie mixed-race boxer who became a Communist Students’ Union in black and other ethnic-minority and between 1947 and 1962 stood for local Ould said:”We wanted to try and highlight 1964 – one of the groups has been produced by the elections six times in Manchester. images from the the fact that there has been a black Making History University’s Ahmed Iqbal Ullah presence in Manchester for a number of Calendars are available from the Centre in calendar. years. There is a tendency to think that Devonshire House, priced £6. Race Relations Resource. www.racearchive.org.uk Education Conference
Secretary of State for Education and Skills, successful merger of the Victoria University qualifications with over 4,000 clients Ruth Kelly, gave her first public speech of Manchester and UMIST. You are a working both regionally and nationally. since her appointment in December at the powerful symbol of change in our higher Nevertheless, Ms Kelly made it clear that UK’s largest and most prestigious annual education system today. As a North West her driving principle would be satisfying education event, hosted by the MP,I know the contribution you will make parents. She said she wanted them placed University’s Centre for Educational to the economy of the region and to the UK. at the heart of decision-making and she Leadership earlier this month. “I would also like to pay tribute to my intended to be their "champion". The North of England Education predecessor Charles Clarke whose passion She said she wanted to improve parental Conference (NEEC) is now a national for education and skills was well known. choice of schools by increasing the range event, the first of which took place in When he attended the official launch of of providers and using "competitions" to Manchester in 1903. This year it was The University of Manchester, he said that find the best organisations to open new attended by more than 500 delegates and the creation of the new University was an schools. covered extensively by the media. historic day for the UK and that he hoped what Manchester does today, the world However, she was coy about whether this The conference brought together some of does tomorrow. This University has much meant encouraging private sector the UK's leading politicians and education to be proud of and I wish it every success.” education management companies to run professionals under the theme 'Leading state schools, as they do already in one or Together', and examined how higher Brendan Murden, Director of the University’s two city academies. education institutions, schools and Local Centre for Educational Leadership, Education Auhorities can collaborate to commented:“We were thrilled to host such Despite this, she was explicit that she did develop leadership potential, and to lead a prestigious conference at the University. It not want any more grammar schools. education improvement. was the first time a university had hosted She would, she said, be guided by two the conference, and it was a great success.” Opening her speech, the Minister said: principles - the need to improve “I want to first of all pay tribute to the new The CEL is one of the largest providers of vocational education and the desirability University of Manchester following the educational leadership programmes and of "stretching" the brightest students.
www.dfes.gov.uk
UniLife 5
News Library’s Landmark
The ‘Unlocking the Rylands This figure represents a quarter of the Library Development Officer Alison Firth amount the University Appeal is aiming to said:“Passing this formal milestone is a Appeal’ reached its first major raise in addition to funding from the real boost to our campaign. There's still milestone last month having Heritage Lottery Fund and the European £3 million more to raise but the Lord Regional Development Fund towards the Mayor congratulated us all on working £16 million project. raised £1 million towards the so hard to make our campaign a success refurbishment and The announcement coincided with a so far. special visit to the Library by the Lord Pictured are Lord Mayor Councillor Tom redevelopment of the historic Mayor of Manchester Councillor building on Deansgate. Tom O’Callaghan, Edward Pysden O'Callaghan, University Librarian and representing Eversheds LLP, and senior Director, Bill Simpson; Deputy University Library staff. It was Evershed’s cheque Librarian, Dr Diana Leitch; Head of which took the Appeal over the Special Collections, Dr Stella Butler and £1 million mark. Alison Firth. Chancellor Opens Incubator
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown has opened a new £1m incubator unit at the University.
The Sackville Street Incubator Units incubator units and the contribution it is Tony Walker, Sackville Street Incubation complete the University’s portfolio of making to the economy. Manager, said: "This incubator will provide facilities, providing hi-tech offices for a full and comprehensive support for He said: "It is a pleasure to be in early-stage spin-out companies. creating new companies. We will facilitate Manchester to see the huge changes The units have been created by converting taking place in this great city that led the and provide access to workspace, risk three disused railway arches into modern, industrial revolution and is now leading capital, business management and an glass-fronted offices using funding the knowledge revolution of the 21st environment for innovation." provided by the North West Development Century best symbolised by us being here Companies that will occupy the units Agency and the European Regional today under these railway arches to open Development Fund. include Dmist Ltd, which has developed this new incubator." video technology that allows cameras to The Chancellor unveiled an official plaque The units, managed by The University of see through fog, Smart Life Technologies outside the units before meeting Manchester Incubator Company (UMIC), which has developed sensing representatives from the companies are part of a cohesive and leading strategy technologies that can be woven into which occupy them. developed by the University to turn ideas clothing to monitor medical conditions, In a brief speech, Mr Brown congratulated and research conceived in its laboratories and software development company the University on the opening of the into real businesses. Thread Creative. 6 UniLife
News Advice Centre Scoops Outstanding Project Award
The University of Manchester’s Legal throughout their lives, while making a Advice Centre has scooped a Higher constructive contribution to society.' Education Active Community Fund (HEACF) outstanding project award for its Dinah Crystal, External and Professional work within the community. Liaison Officer within the University’s School of Law, commented:“To give our The awards are intended to reward students an advantage, we felt it was student and staff volunteers who have essential to give them practical clinical shown significant commitment to, or education as more than 70 per cent of our exceptional execution of, activities funded students go on to have a career as or initiated by the HEACF. practitioners. To have real life experiences The award was presented to the Law as well as giving back something to the students Jenny Steer and Nicola Bodger community is extremely important, and at a special ceremony last month by Sir the work they perform within the Centre Howard Newby, Chief Executive of the allows them to do this“ Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). He said:“The HEACF The project to set up the Legal Advice Awards provide recognition to students Centre was endorsed and supported by and staff who have been most active in the local Manchester Law Society and serving their communities. People the Northern Bar Circuit, the College of engaging in volunteer work carry the Law and sponsored by City lawyers positive values and experiences Clifford Chance.
www.law.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/lac.htm City is Banking on Big Apple Success
The University of Manchester’s Regional Business Team, based in the Business, Careers & Community Division (BCCD), together with Manchester’s Inward Development Agency (MIDAS), played a key role in the Bank of New York’s recent decision to locate new offices in the city of Manchester.
The promise of access to a wide pool He said:“The offer of a dedicated resource “The large availability of skilled graduates of graduate talent and a dedicated by the Business, Careers and Community and the research excellence of the University account manager from BCCD to assist Division of The University of Manchester are vital ingredients of the city's inward with the move, helped Manchester beat was an important factor in our decision to investment proposition. MIDAS values highly other competing world cities, including locate in the city. The recruitment and its strong partnership with The University of Amsterdam. development of high-calibre graduates is Manchester in helping to secure critical to our operations in Manchester.” Manchester's place amongst the world's Stephen Richardson, Chief Operating leading international business centres.” Officer of The Bank of New York Europe BCCD continues to work with MIDAS to described BCCD as a “world-class attract more businesses into the city. Neil For more information, contact graduate resource”. Fountain, Chief Executive of MIDAS, said: [email protected]. UniLife 7
News Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health
Health and safety at work over 200 years is the subject of a new exhibition in Manchester, organised to mark the 60th anniversary of the University’s Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH).
The exhibition was initiated by the COEH makers and even by the professions. The which has collaborated with the People’s 60th birthday of the oldest academic unit History Museum in Manchester and in this field in the UK is therefore a very colleagues from the University’s Centre for apt opportunity to hold such an health of cotton workers and miners, the the History of Science, Technology & exhibition – to involve and educate the introduction of safety legislation and the Medicine, (CHSTM). public and others. issue of child labour, to more modern hazards in leisure industries such as loss Professor Raymond Agius said:”Besides a “The city’s industrial manufacturing of hearing by DJ’s and new forms of ill number of events in 2005 for scientific, heritage means that Manchester is a very health such as stress and back ache. medical and other professional audiences apt centre for this area of study.” I felt it was important to reach out and It also highlights the research which is It wasn’t until the 1830s that campaigners include the public. crucial to understanding, preventing and began to demand better protection for treating occupational disease. “The effects of health on work are often workers and the exhibition charts the under-recognised by the public, policy history of workplace hazards including the The Exhibition runs until July 2005.
www.coeh.man.ac.uk www.peopleshistorymuseum.org.uk A New Dictionary
A new dictionary of British politics compiled by Research Fellow, Dr Bill Jones, has been inspired by students on the course he has taught since 1977.
Bill’s latest book, part of his highly for the entries such as the Suez crisis and mostly retired professionals, which makes successful Politics Today Series published Westland. Many of the group members the classes so interesting.” by Manchester University Press, is remember these events and make a really Bill added:“There are a huge number of dedicated to all members of the interesting contribution to the discussions. older people in the community with a very Wednesday Current Affairs Group run by Hilda Turner, a retired teacher, now 88, and bright intellect who want to keep that the Centre for Continuing Education. Sheila Gardner, were among the first active. These classes are an important part Bill said:”The group members, like myself, members of the group, and have been of the service provided by the University.” are all political “junkies” obsessed with attending for 28 years earning them a The book is aimed at students, teachers and politics of all kinds and this is the ultimate special mention in the book’s dedication. anyone with an interest in British politics. It reference guide for people like us. The Hilda said:”I really enjoy the classes, they covers the personalities, policies and topics we have discussed in class over the are terrifically stimulating and part of my institutions that have shaped British politics, years have provided some of the inspiration life. They attract a real mix of people, focusing on the early 20th century onwards.
www.manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk 8 UniLife
News Now Hear This….
History has been made in the world of The BAA is a newly formed professional participation of staff and students in the audiology – thanks to the help of The body for UK healthcare workers and conference consolidates The University of University of Manchester which played a professionals from as far afield as North Manchester as a major player in audiological major role in organising the inaugural America and Australasia gathered in the science and we can be justifiably proud of its city for the event. overwhelming success.” meeting of the newly founded British Academy of Audiology (BAA). One of the keynote speakers was Kevin NHS audiologists are responsible for the Munro, Senior Lecturer in Audiology in the assessment, diagnosis and management Around 700 delegates from the field School of Psychological Sciences at the of adults and children with hearing attended the event last November – the University, who said:“The School is at the problems. This University was one of the largest ever UK audiology conference - forefront of many national developments first places to offer a BSc in Audiology, entitled ‘Audiology United!’. within audiology. The involvement and two years ago. Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami
In response to the tsunami disaster, the International Society contacts with Christian Churches and University can offers a number of sources tel 0161 275 4959 with other faith communities. of support and advice to staff and email [email protected] Student Services Centre students who have been affected by the A social, cultural, and welfare centre for all 0161 275 5000 or email [email protected] tragedy. These are listed below: overseas students in Manchester Advice and assistance to students on Staff should contact their Head of School Students Union Advice & Information Centre matters concerning financial difficulties or Human Resources Manager in the first tel 0161 275 2930,Welfare Officer 0161 275 2945 and concerns about forthcoming instance to discuss any concerns. email [email protected] examinations. Occupational Health and Student Avila House (Roman Catholic Chaplaincy) Tutors and Supervisors Occupational Health tel 0161 275 2858 tel 0161 273 1456 Students concerned about academic commitments or about their studies University Counselling Service St Peter’s Chaplaincy should contact their tutor or supervisor. tel 0161 275 2864 tel 0161 275 2894 email [email protected] email [email protected] Student Accommodation Office Confidential, individual counselling to The team of chaplains, including a 0161 275 2883 or email students and staff chaplain for overseas students, has [email protected] Great Gatsby Grant
The University of Manchester Intellectual two or more separate disciplines and will university projects with commercial Property Ltd (UMIP) has been selected to be managed by UMIP. potential face a big hurdle early on, which receive a Gatsby grant of £375,000 to is to demonstrate proof-of-principle UMIP plans to make awards in the £30K- support its goal of bridging the funding satisfactorily. “To have our own dedicated £50K range per project, the intention is to gap between the laboratory project and very early-stage fund is vital”, says seek further funding to complement the the early stage commercial process. Professor Gilbert.“I am very grateful to award and to make UMIP’s early-stage The Gatsby Charitable Foundation for this The Gatsby Charitable Foundation is an fund an enduring, self-sustaining source prestigious award which will help us more endowed grant-making Trust for general of support for the commercialisation of readily overcome a major obstacle in the charitable objectives. academics’ business ideas and inventions. intellectual property transfer process”. The Fund is available only to inter- University President and Vice-Chancellor,, disciplinary project proposals involving Professor Alan Gilbert, says that most
www.gatsby.org.uk UniLife 9
News Noble Launch for MACE
More than two hundred staff, The special launch event was held to mark the UK’s few Engineering schools to have the creation of the UK’s largest school of received a top ‘5’ rating for research students and VIP’s came engineering (in terms of student excellence. numbers) with over 1200 students and together for the official launch A £20m budget will fund the School’s 250 staff. of the School of Mechanical, world-leading research into areas such as Guests heard a lecture by world land environment, energy, medical, aerospace Aerospace and Civil Engineering speed record holder Richard Noble who and nuclear engineering. The School’s delivered a humorous,‘loud’ and facilities include The Goldstein Laboratory, (MACE) last month. informative talk on how he broke the the Tyndall Centre and the Laser sound barrier with the Thrust SSC car. Processing Research Centre. Event organiser, Senior Lecturer Andrew Professor Graham Thompson, Head of Starr, said:“Almost 300 people attended, MACE, said:“Our mission is to advance and feedback indicated that the audience knowledge and practice of engineering by was on the edge of its seats as the sonic means of high quality research and boom filled the room.” teaching in order to provide a stimulating environment and an excellent learning The event, attended by industry leaders experience for students and staff.” from Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Pilkington, marked the opening of one of Tsunami Concert
Manchester`s two great symphony orchestras, the Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic, in association with The Bridgewater Hall, are joining forces to mount a major fundraising concert in support of the Disasters Emergency Committee Tsunami Earthquake Appeal this Thursday, 27 January at 7.30pm.
The concert will see both Orchestras All of those involved, including both appear on the same stage, together and conductors and soloist are giving their separately, for the first time ever in The services free and all money raised will be Bridgewater Hall, with Mark Elder, passed on to the Disasters Emergency Sir Edward Downes, Hallé Choir and Youth Committee Tsunami Earthquake Appeal. Choir and the outstanding young Ukrainian pianist Igor Tchetuev, a recent Tickets priced £10, £20 and £30 are available prizewinner at the Leeds International form the Bridgewater Hall Box Office on Piano competition. 0161 907 9000 or via the website.
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
10 UniLife
Research Cleft Palate Research Receives £200,000 Award
Pioneering research that could lead to a “The underlying developmental mechanisms cleft palate using gene-targeting breakthrough in understanding the are poorly understood but recent genetic technology. This strategy will allow her to causes of cleft palate in newborn babies studies have provided important insights investigate the downstream effects of this has begun in Manchester. into this complex process.” mutation on other proteins involved in palatal development. Dr Jill Dixon, in the University’s School of Helen Moore, a PhD student working with Dentistry, has been awarded a three-year Dr Dixon, has already shown that a In the short term, the results of this £200,000 New Investigator Award by the reduction in the level of p63 precedes research will help to dissect the role of Medical Research Council to look into the palatal fusion. Dr Dixon’s research aims to p63 in normal and abnormal development distressing birth defect by investigating reveal how the p63 protein works during of the palate. In the longer term, this the role of a DNA-binding protein – p63 – normal palatal development and how it is information may help in the design of during the development of the palate in disrupted in cleft palate. therapies to improve the way in which unborn babies. clinicians manage patients affected by In the first part of the project, Dr Dixon cleft palate. “During a baby’s development the palate will analyse whether cleft palate results if forms from two distinct halves that fuse p63 levels are maintained. together to form a complete structure separating the oral and nasal cavities,” In addition, she will introduce a mutation explained Dr Dixon. in p63 that has been shown to underlie Web Boost for Patients
Bone-disorder experts from across The hi-tech referral system means a their patient has. This web-based, case- patient, say, in Italy could have their case management system overcomes Europe have turned to the web in referred to a bone specialist in Belgium geographical barriers and brings together a unique alliance that will improve and a genetics expert in Manchester, the scarce clinical resources for these rare while a laboratory in Switzerland confirms conditions.” patient care. The European the diagnosis. The technology behind the system was Skeletal Dysplasia Network The network allows a doctor to submit a provided by Certus Technology, a young IT description and x-ray images of their company with engineering and consulting (ESDN), which was developed by patient to the portal, which are then experience. The University of Manchester, referred to a group of specialists connected through an electronic discussion forum Dr Mike Briggs, of the Wellcome Trust links eight institutions in six who can consider the case. Centre for Cell Matrix Research in Manchester, heads the eight partner different countries by means of “There is no one centre with all the centres, which in the UK also include The a secure web portal. necessary experience or facilities to cope with the diagnosis of so many types of bone University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and disorders,” said project administrator Jacky the Central Manchester and Manchester Taylor, who is based at the National Genetics Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust. Reference Laboratory in Manchester. He said:“Now ESDN has a system that “There are more than 200 different kinds works, the trick is to broaden its reach. of complaints ranging from mild to life- There are significant barriers to its threatening, so clinicians face significant adoption; the general uptake of IT in problems identifying which condition medicine is a problem.”
www.esdn.org UniLife 11
Research Ministerial Launch for Research Centre
Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, The new Centre's output will be diverse Media and Sport, has officially launched and include agenda-setting work on the University's new Centre for Research business-related issues, like the role of new on Socio-Cultural Change (CRESC). corporate elites in an era of mega pay for chief executives and the future of public- The Centre, which has a budget of £3.8 service broadcasting in a digital age. It will million over five years, brings together researchers from The University of also cover a broad range of political issues through work on new forms of governance, Manchester and the Open University in a strengths of numerous academics across series of interdisciplinary inquiries. Their changing identities and participation in old and new political processes. two universities to develop a world-class research programme will examine different research centre exploring exciting issues aspects of socio-cultural change, such as Professor Mike Savage, Director of the at the forefront of contemporary change." exploring the significance of cultural Centre, said: "The presence of Tessa Jowell production and consumption inside and at our launch indicates the importance of Following the launch event, CRESC held a public debate where distinguished outside the media industries. The Centre this new Centre. will also look at the impact of changing keynote speakers looked back at the work cultural values, especially those related to “The funding gives us a fantastic of Raymond Williams, who 50 years ago, diversity, inclusion and cultural citizenship. opportunity to harness the research pioneered a new kind of cultural studies.
Essential Oils Could Stamp Out Spread of MRSA
Essential oils usually used in aromatherapy have been found to kill the deadly MRSA bacteria, according to research carried out at the University.
Tests have revealed that three essential Warn from the University’s Faculty of they are made of single compounds which oils killed MRSA and E. coli as well as many Medicine who worked on the research MRSA relatively quickly becomes resistant other bacteria and fungi within just two said:“We believe that our discovery could to, so treatment is only successful in minutes of contact. The oils can easily be revolutionise the fight to combat MRSA around 50% of cases. blended and made into soaps and and other ‘super bugs’.” shampoos which could be used by “While a wide range of products currently hospital staff, doctors and patients in a Essential oils are chemical compounds exist to help prevent the spread of MRSA bid to eradicate the spread of these found within aromatic plants, which the these are often unpleasant for patients as deadly ‘super bugs’. plants use to fight off infections. their application can cause skin irritation. MRSA is often carried inside the nose which Jacqui Stringer, Clinical Lead of Following extensive media coverage, means that patients often have to insert Complementary Therapies at the Christie which highlighted the problem of treatments up their nostrils, whereas these Hospital, who instigated the research, obtaining funding for the research, essential oils can simply be inhaled to said:“The reason essential oils are so former DJ Sir Jimmy Savile has stepped in prevent the patient being at risk.” with a donation of £40,000 which will effective is because they are made up of a now enable a clinical trial to go ahead complex mixture of chemical compounds The National Audit Office estimates that allowing researchers to test their work. which the MRSA and other super bug infections such as MRSA kill 5,000 people They then hope to be able to reveal the bacteria finds difficult to resist. The each year and hospital-acquired infections three oils which are most effective. Peter problem with current treatments is that cost the NHS around £1 billion a year. 12 UniLife
Research Process Success
A University research group is proving that good things do come in small packages after securing five new research contracts in the latest round of FP6 European funding.
The Centre for Process Integration, now This reflects our experience accumulated SHERHPA - Developing heat pumps that part of the School of Chemical Engineering over many years with EU projects and the are cost-energy efficient and in compliance and Analytical Science, has only eight development of a wide network of with the future environmental regulations. members of academic staff. Nevertheless, collaborative organisations across the EU.” the research group has secured more FP6 FP6 is the current EU Framework INSERT - Developing novel technologies contracts than any other research group at Programme for Research and Technological that will improve product yield and the University. The EU funding secured last Development. The aim of the framework is product quality, energy consumption, year is over 800,000. to encourage collaborative research across waste generation, environmental impact Europe between individual research groups Senior Project Officer, Dr Jiri Klemes, and capital investment in a range of and institutions, and it is this aspect which who oversaw the group's bids for the industries such as pharmaceutical, makes securing funding so difficult. funding, said: "The process of securing biochemical and petrochemical. funding is not easy and the usual success The group’s research projects include: For full details of the group’s work visit rate is only about 10%. But we have achieved AITEKIN - Developing a system that uses more than 60% success rate, which makes it artificial intelligence software to improve their website. an incredibly good year for us, especially efficiency and reduce costs in the when you consider how small our group is. chemical industry.
www.cpi.umist.ac.uk Bomb Book Wins Top Honour
A University of Manchester academic The book, Dr Hughes’s first, charts the re-examining the history of science we has been awarded a prestigious rapid growth in the scale of scientific can illuminate present-day thinking and international prize for his book about projects during the course of the 20th inform public understanding of science the history of science. Century but questions the widely held and science policy.” belief that this expansion began during Dr Jeff Hughes received the History of Larry Owens, Chair of the Prize World War II with work on the atom Science Society’s 2004 Watson Davis and committee, said:“This slender volume bomb. Helen Miles Davis Prize at a ceremony in deftly summarises the bomb project Austin, Texas. At its height, the Manhattan Project, as it while embedding it within a larger became known, employed 130,000 people narrative that traces the trajectory of Big His book, entitled ‘The Manhattan and cost $2 billion, equivalent in size to Science from the early 1900s through the Project: Big Science and the Atom Bomb’, the entire American automobile industry. collapse of the Superconducting was unanimously chosen as ‘most Supercollider in 1993. outstanding book directed to wide However, Dr Hughes argues that ‘Big public audiences’. Science’ existed well before the “Reminding his readers that the Manhattan Project, citing the growth of Manhattan Project and the scientific style Dr Hughes, who is senior lecturer in the interest in astronomy in the late 18th and it represents were as much a European as Centre for the History of Science, 19th centuries as just one example. an American phenomenon, Hughes forces Technology and Medicine, joins an students to grapple with the pros and illustrious list of former winners that Of the award, Dr Hughes said:“I was cons of a style of science that dominated includes Dan Kevles, Nancy Tomes, Peter utterly amazed when I found out I had the post-war years.” Dear, Richard Rhodes and John Heilbron. won; many of my heroes in the field are past recipients. The last British winner of the award was John Brooke, now of The University of “Hopefully, winning this prize will help Oxford, in 1992. get the message across that by critically UniLife 13
Research Mother and Baby Study Hopes to Reveal Health Trends
Researchers at the University are South Asian people living in the UK are Epidemiology Group, led by Dr John 50% more likely to die from a heart attack Oldroyd who said:“This is the first time seeking volunteers to help them than white Europeans and are also more research has been done involving such carry out a major study looking likely to suffer from diabetes, while people young children and the ethnic aspect to of Africano-Caribbean descent are less the research is unique too. This work will at why certain ethnic groups are likely to suffer from heart disease, but are help us to understand the link between more likely to suffer from heart more likely to have a stroke. the mother’s blood sugar in pregnancy disease than others. The study will look at mothers and their and growth in children as well as the babies in the hope of finding out whether difference in risk of disease between these health trends start in infancy. different ethnic groups. This will help mothers and babies in the future.” Those babies involved in the project will have a comprehensive health check Researchers are now looking for pregnant annually from birth to 4 years of age women from across Greater Manchester where their height, weight and blood to take part in the project. To be eligible, pressure will be tested. Researchers are women should be due to give birth in St particularly interested in differences in Mary’s Hospital and will need to take a growth in the children and whether this simple sugary drink test at 28 weeks into growth varies between children from their pregnancy to check their blood sugar different ethnic backgrounds. levels. Anyone interested in taking part The study is being run by a team of should contact the research team on researchers from the University’s Clinical 0161 906 7503 or 0161 275 7506.
Six Million Dollar Plan
The Centre for Formative The University’s involvement in the internal and independent external project will have immediate implications moderation procedures are in place to Assessment Studies (CFAS) has for the upgrading of primary education in assure the reliability and accuracy of been contracted by The World ten provinces of Vietnam, with a assessments, as well as monitor and prospective roll out to all the country’s 64 evaluate all aspects of provision to Bank and the UK government’s provinces in the short-term future. improve its quality. This will ensure that it complies with the quality accreditation Department for International The project has the aim of developing standards for primary teacher training. Development (DfID) to initiate a primary teachers’ professional standards by introducing new regulations and Bill Boyle, Director of The University’s potential $6 million programme procedures to ensure quality assurance of Centre for Formative Assessment Studies, training providers, and to regulate teacher commented:“This project is to improve the quality of primary training standards. groundbreaking as it lays the foundations education through upgrading the for a nationwide programme to upgrade Through the work of the CFAS team, in the teacher training institutions in Vietnam national primary teacher training conjunction with the Vietnam Ministry of and their training programmes for primary Education primary teacher training teachers. It aims to sustain the initial programme in Vietnam. providers will ensure that they comply teacher training reform impetus through a with the Ministry regulations on quality planned and focused programme of accreditation. They will also ensure that continuous professional development.” 14 UniLife
Feature
It doesn’t help having a smoking habit that supports “ the families of six Colombian Healthy tobacco farmers and keeps Philip Morris in the manner to which he’s accustomed. Conscience ” Aeron Haworth, from the University’s media relations office, overcomes his fear of gyms to visit the newly extended Sugden Sports Centre.
The last time I made a New Year’s The site originally opened in 1985 as the resolution was in 2001 when I resolved to former UMIST sports centre, complete with stop making resolutions. six squash courts, a free-weights room and outdoor five-a-side and tennis courts. This wasn’t, you understand, because there was little in my life to improve, far from it; In 1998, in a joint venture between UMIST when it comes to ‘vice’ I’m there in Miami. and Manchester Metropolitan University, a large sports hall was added. The latest, No, the reason I put paid to this annual £2.25 million development by The ritual is that, come New Year’s Day, my University of Manchester sees the complex good intentions had invariably been used nearly double in size to include another to pave the Devil’s driveway and I would sports hall equivalent to eight badminton spend the rest of January riddled with courts and a state-of-the-art fitness facility guilt as well as the obligatory cold. comprising a 200-piece suite. But having honoured my ‘no resolution’ When I arrived, the centre was playing pledge for four years, I felt the time was host to a national students frisby right to attempt that most difficult of competition, an example of the wide range January promises – and get fit. of sporting and fitness activities that are It’s a resolution I have tried before but catered for at the Grosvenor Street site. when you have enough vices for a From martial arts to table tennis, Don Johnson comeback, it’s a little harder volleyball to fencing, there is something than you might imagine. to get even the most reluctant fitness It doesn’t help that I have a smoking habit enthusiast, well, enthused. that supports the families of six Colombian And while I haven’t yet managed to kick tobacco farmers and keeps Philip Morris in the dreaded weed or stopped quaffing my the manner to which he’s accustomed. way through the equivalent of a European Then there’s my appreciation of fine wine Union wine lake, at least by attending the – ‘appreciated’, that is, in the same way a gym, I feel far less guilty about the vices I fish appreciates water. have yet to conquer. After all, there’s always next New Year. But, for me, perhaps the most daunting task of embarking on a fitness regime is For more information about the Sugden the thought of joining a gym. Sports Centre and the current membership offers available, call 0161 306 4026. I have always found gyms and sports centres to be intimidating places, full of uber-healthy people and machinery you need a degree in electronics to operate. And so, when UniLife was asked to check out the new extension and refurbishment at the Sugden Sports Centre, my colleagues thought it an excellent opportunity for me to overcome my coyness and, for once, keep my resolution. UniLife 15
Teaching Personal Development for Successful Learning
Curriculum Development and Innovation (CDI), part of the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Office (TLAO), designs and delivers a variety of student development opportunities across the University.
The Personal Development for Successful • Provide an opportunity to attend a questions, now I’ve started to re-write my Learning (PDSL) course is a voluntary course that enhances their CVs and notes using colour and various techniques student development course run over five demonstrates participation in I learned during the Learning Styles part weeks. Initially developed at UMIST it ran co-curricula activities and personal of the course. for the first time in spring 2003. development “PDSL was also a good opportunity to Since the merger students from the • Enhance the student experience meet new people and it was an Faculty of Engineering and Physical interesting experience learning about Substantial student feedback is Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities their courses and the way they were run. incorporated into the design of the course have engaged in the course as a pilot and because the sessions are highly “Although not all the skills covered by the project for its expansion. More than 250 interactive and based around group-work; PDSL course were new to me (because of students have benefited from the core students engage with their learning in a the nature of my course structure), many course with many others attending lively and active way. The delivery of the were. It’s also extremely good to show specialist, tailored sessions in their course has brought staff together from some proof on my CV that I have schools. Students who complete the core faculty, CDI and the Careers Service endeavoured to improve myself outside course receive a Certificate of ensuring students benefit from a mixture my degree programme and that I value Achievement from Student Enterprise, of approaches to training and skills key transferable skills.” presented at the Annual Student Team development. Working Awards evening. Ben Clement, Third year student, The Student Perspective Aerospace Engineering The course is designed to: “The PDSL course has helped a great deal Students are now being recruited for the • Provide an enhanced opportunity for with a number of aspects of my university PDSL courses taking place this semester. academic and social interaction career. One of the largest effects that I For further information on PDSL, personal • Promote active student involvement have noticed recently as a direct development planning or skills and provide students with information consequence of the course is the way development, contact Patricia Clift, on areas that they might not cover in that I revise. Before I did the course I Curriculum Development and Innovation their degree programmes tended to just read my notes and do ([email protected] x 57286) Fitness timetable launched
The Directorate of Sport in partnership The fitness classes offer a wide range of This term’s courses include Kick Boxing, with the Student Counselling Service have activities and a varied programme Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Body Balance now released their new timetable to kick- including aerobics, body conditioning, and Tai Chi Yang Style. There are also start the second Semester of 2005. circuit training, jogging club, step several free sessions. Fitness classes and enrolment courses aerobics, stretch and tone and fit ball. For more information on the centre, are being held at the Well-Being Room on Oxford Road in the Main Campus and Enrolment Courses, which run for seven contact 0161 224 0404 and for the Armitage Sports Centre in the weeks and must be booked in advance information on activities at the Well-Being Fallowfield campus. All classes commence at the respective centres, also provide Room contact Gail Heathcote-Milner 31 January 2005. a diverse service. on 0161 275 5985.
www.manchester.ac.uk/sport
Plan pushes public transport 16 UniLife
Feature Plan Pushes Public Transport
The comfort of driving to work with the radio set to Terry Wogan and your feet warming nicely under the dashboard isn’t a luxury many of us are prepared to sacrifice, but the launch of a new scheme promoting public transport through cut-price travel and interest-free loans might just be enough to tempt even the most die-hard drivers out of their cars and on to the buses.
The Staff Travel Plan (STP) is a comprehensive project, says:“Many staff find it difficult to plan which not only aims to encourage staff travel to work. On all of our sites, car to use public transport, but also aims to help parking is restricted and driving to work is staff save time and money. becoming increasingly difficult and time- consuming. With the merger the The Staff Travel Plan offers: The scheme offers interest-free loans for shortage in car parking has become acute, annual tickets, discounted bus tickets, free Interest Free Loans as buildings are erected on what was once inter-campus buses, a rail-link bus service to surface car parking.” Interest-free loans are now available to Piccadilly Train Station (March), discounts at staff for the purchase of public transport bicycle shops throughout the city, and sees “It has therefore been critical to produce a annual season tickets. These tickets offer a the introduction of a new car share scheme. Staff Travel Plan, with the aim of considerable saving on the cost of regular redressing the balance by providing more The plan has been organised by the Higher annual travel over the year, and also save assistance to staff who are considering Education Precinct Travel Group, of which time and effort on the purchase of daily, sharing car journeys, switching to public The University of Manchester, Manchester weekly or monthly tickets. transport or, if they live close enough, Metropolitan University and the Central using bicycles or walking. In this way it is Loans are normally limited to 5% of your Manchester and Manchester Children's hoped that staff will be able to choose the annual salary, and the amount is then University Hospitals NHS Trust are members. most suitable means of travel, with car recovered from your monthly salary over Ian Goodwin, Higher Education Precinct parking remaining available for those who the next eleven months, interest-free. Travel Co-ordinator, who has overseen the have no reasonable alternative.” For further information and an application form contact your local Human Resources office: Sackville Street: x 64058 Oxford Road: x 66186 Discounted Megarider Tickets Discounted Stagecoach Megarider weekly vouchers and monthly tickets are available to staff at the Income Office (First Floor, John Owens Building) and now from the Cashiers Office (B10, Sackville Street Building) on presentation of valid ID. The cost of a weekly voucher is £7.20 and a monthly ticket is £26.70. Any member of staff should contact the Cashiers Office B10 in person or telephone x63043or x63044 for further information.
UniLife 17
Feature
Rail Link Bus Service Car Sharing Cycling Funding has been agreed between Higher A private members area has been created Two new fully-secure cycle compounds Education Precinct partner organisations for staff on a national car sharing scheme have been created underneath the railway and a tender has been submitted to website at: www.2scompany.org.uk. The arches opposite the Renold Building. The create a high frequency shuttle bus to link website allows you to register your details compounds can hold 100+ cycles and are Piccadilly Railway station with all of the and the journey you normally make by car covered by CCTV and can only be accessed institutions in the Higher Education with a view to matching you with via a programmed swipe card. To access Precinct. The service will also link the members of staff who make similar these facilities you will need to contact North Campus with the South Campus. journeys and would be prepared to give the security lodge on Sackville St who will The service will be operational in March or receive a lift to work. program your staff or student ID card. 2005 and will be open to staff, students, How Do I Car Share? If you would like information regarding visitors and members of the public. cycle facilities at your organisation please 1 Go to www.2scompany.org.uk It is envisaged that the route will be set as contact Damian Oatway for further follows and will pick up and drop off at 2 Click on ‘GROUP DIRECTORY’. information on telephone: 275 2277 existing bus stops. 3 Click on ‘SORT IT’With 2scompany Cycle shop discounts and loans Grafton St private group. Withington Cycles Oxford Rd 4 Click on ‘Please Register’ in the New Charles St 26 Burton Road Users section. Sackville St Withington Whitworth St 5 Enter the details as requested and click Manchester Fairfield St on ‘Submit’ M20 3EB Piccadilly Station tel 0161 445 3492 6 Check your email – here you will receive 0161 446 2102 Piccadilly Station your password. email [email protected] Fairfield St How to enter your details and find a car www.withingtoncycles.co.uk Whitworth St share partner Sackville St Withington Cycles is offering all staff a 5- Charles St 1 Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 from above. 10% discount on bikes and accessories on Oxford Rd presentation of a staff ID card. Brunswick St 2 Type in your email address and The Bicycle Doctor Upper Brook St password in the Member Sign In Grafton St section and click on ‘Sign Me In’. 60-70 Dickenson Road Rusholme 3 Click on ‘add a new journey’ and The service is expected to run from 7.15am Manchester enter the required details of your – 6.45pm Mon-Fri and would operate at a M14 5HF journey to work. 10 minute frequency during peak periods tel 0161 224 1303 and at a 15 minute frequency during the 4 Once the various steps have been email [email protected] off peak. completed, click on ‘Search For www.bicycledoctor.co.uk Journeys’. The buses would be state of the art low Bicycle Doctor is offering staff interest-free floor single-deckers that would be fully 5 The website will then look to see if credit up to £1000 and the opportunity to branded with the service’s logo and livery. there are any similar journeys that you pay back from £50 per month. All new There would be a flat 50p single fare, a £1 could be matched with. If so 2scompany bikes over £150 are entitled to 3 free day saver ticket and a discounted £150 will list them for you. services in the first 12 months. annual season ticket. 6 Select your preferred journey and Inter Campus minibuses 2scompany will send an email to the sharer on your behalf. To overcome the problems of inter-campus travel for students and staff a free private 7 At this point the only details revealed mini-bus service has been set up. The will be your preferred name, email service operates on a 10 min frequency address and journey details from 7.30am - 9.30pm Mon-Fri. The route 8 If the other person agrees to share, your taken is shown below: e-mail addresses are exchanged and Refectory (Bridgeford Street) you are then free to start car sharing as Roscoe Building soon as you like. Security Lodge (Sackville Street) N.B if you don’t have internet access and Security Lodge would like to join the car share database Math and Social Sciences Building by telephone or are having difficulties Materials Science Building joining via the internet please call Refectory 08700 111199. 18 UniLife
Profile
Coming back after nearly ten years, “ I can see what Boyd’s terrific progress has been made. ” Belief “If I did not genuinely believe that Manchester now has a special opportunity in research and development, I would not have taken on this job. We can demonstrate to the country and beyond that money spent here is more effective than in other places. We can also demonstrate that we are doing a good job for UK plc. It is a real privilege for me to play a part in helping to seize the opportunity.”
So says Professor Sir Robert Boyd, who, It is nearly ten years since Sir Robert went “We have so much to build on now,” he having “retired” from being Principal of St off to London, following an outstanding says.“Coming back after nearly ten years, George’s Hospital Medical School, London, career here. At St George’s, he established I can see what terrific progress has been has been drawn back to the place where a reputation for innovation, such as the made. There is better collaboration previously he spent 16 years as Professor first programme to enable graduates between the University and the NHS. Our of Paediatrics and Dean of the Medical from any discipline to do medicine – a research groups are stronger and more School. He has agreed to take up the model that has been taken up now by coherent – arguably, the most coherent in newly-established NHS post, supported other institutions. He also introduced a the UK. The University’s 2015 agenda to by the University, of NHS Director of foundation course, bringing together be a world-class enterprise gives a clear Research and Development for Greater medics, physiologists and radiologists. He focus. We have a terrific clinical base, Manchester. He is also a Member of the is a great believer in inter-disciplinary caring for sick people and maintaining University’s Board of Governors. health in a region which traditionally has collaboration and inter-professional a health record worse than in other parts He will work crucially at the interface synergy. He also served as Pro-Vice- of the UK.” between the five NHS Trusts and their Chancellor for Medicine of London hospitals, and the University.“Research University and as Chair of the Council of His experience in London has made him carried out in the NHS in Greater Medical Schools. All this, and much else able to judge that the components – Manchester and the North West gave the besides in the service of medicine, earned primary health care, district hospitals, world hip replacements and IVF babies, him his knighthood. teaching hospitals, NHS and University which have brought a better quality of research groups – fit together much life and much happiness to literally For anyone who knows him, Robert, a lean better in Manchester. millions of people,” he says.“The task is to and youthful-looking 66-year-old, is build on this tradition to benefit the next engaging, amusing and famously “To make the most of that, a key task is to generation, through drawing even closer courteous. He comes from a clinico- try to lever more resources out of together the excellence of research in academic family, the second of four sons government agencies, NHS R & D and Manchester’s NHS, and the quality of care who have all enjoyed distinguished other players,” he says.“We have to which goes with it, and the research careers. One is a former British demonstrate a really good product and to strengths of the new University. Ambassador to Japan, another is Master show that every pound invested in Importantly, this also means Manchester is better value than one of Churchill College, Cambridge (their demonstrating successfully to spent anywhere else.” government and other funders that home city). He brings energy and Manchester is increasingly the best place enthusiasm to everything he takes on. His appointment signals a serious intent to invest for long-term NHS quality That is certainly true of his new, albeit to balance the current geographical across the country.” part-time, job. inequality in the amount of medical UniLife 19
CV
Name Robert David Hugh Boyd MB, Hon DSc, FRCP, FRCPCH, FFPH, FMedSci
Currently Professionally retired
Chair, Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales 2003-
Chair, Council for assisting refugee academics 2004-
Previous employment Main post: Principal (and Professor of Paediatrics), St George’s Hospital Medical School, London, 1996-2003
Board Member (and Honorary Consultant Paediatrician), St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, 1997-2003
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Medicine, University of London, 2000-03
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of London, 2002-03
Chair, Council of Heads of UK Medical Schools, 2001-03 research money allocated between the across Greater Manchester. Sir Robert will Other recent memberships include north and the south of the country. help to strengthen the research Board of Governors, Kingston University performance within the Trusts and the Not that there isn’t huge investment in University, which in turn will improve Council, Royal Veterinary College the North-west already. In 2005/6, the healthcare services delivered to our NHS will give £28.2 million to NHS Trusts Steering Group, London Higher Education community.” here for Research & Development. In Consortium (representative body of all addition, the Faculty of Medical and In addition to this task, he is set to London’s 40 universities and colleges) Human Sciences attracts more than £37 continue with his charitable work. He is million in research grants from other Health Committee, Universities UK Chairman of the Lloyds TSB Foundation, a organisations, such as the Medical (the committee of all UK universities charity dealing with marginalisation, Research Council, medical charities and in health matter) which disburses £25 million annually to the pharmaceutical industry. Despite this give non-medical help to people in need. success story, London’s share of NHS funding in 2004/5 is £308 million, nearly He has also recently taken on the 68% of the total amount across the chairmanship of the Council for Assisting country. This imbalance needs to be Refugee Academics, which dates back to addressed, he says the 1930s.
Sir Robert’s willingness to take on this Then, there are his private and family task has been warmly welcomed. concerns, foremost among them his four Professor David Gordon, Vice-President grandchildren. And he is learning to play and Dean of the Faculty, says:“This is the flute – a retirement present from the an important step, firstly to raise the family, which reflects his keen interest in profile of research within the teaching hospitals and the University and, music, especially opera, one of his secondly, to secure additional favourite works being, naturally, The investment for healthcare research in Magic Flute. Greater Manchester.” Right now, his priority is to work his Laura Roberts, Chief Executive of own bit of magic on those sources of Manchester Mental Health and Social funding which will help to develop Care Trust, says: “This is great news for Greater Manchester’s medical prowess staff and patients of the NHS Trusts to new heights. 20 UniLife
People New Year’s Honours
Among those recognised in this Professor Garside was honoured for his paediatrics and clinical genetics and has a services to education, as the last Principal major interest in the study of patterns of year’s New Year’s Honours List, and Vice-Chancellor of UMIST (2000-4), he birth defects. She is also very involved were former UMIST Vice-Chancellor is one of the founders of The University of with the development of genetic services Manchester. Professor Garside was at and sits on many national and Professor John Garside; Professor UMIST from 1982 when he was appointed international committees concerned with of Medical Genetics, Dian Donnai Professor of Chemical Engineering. He genetics policy and research. twice served as Head of Department, as Dr Pauleen Lane, a Lecturer in the and Lecturer in Engineering, well as serving as Vice-Principal from University’s School of Mechanical, 1985-87, and Pro Vice Chancellor with Dr Pauleen Lane, who were all Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE) responsibility for Academic Development and a Councillor on Trafford Metropolitan awarded OBEs. from 1997. Borough Council representing the Old Professor of Medical Genetics and Director Trafford area, was honoured for her of the North West Genetics Service, Dian services to local government. Dr Lane is Donnai was honoured for services to also a graduate of the Victoria University Medicine. Professor Donnai trained in of Manchester. Tallis’Trilogy Completed
Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Consultant in Health Care of the Elderly at Hope Hospital, Ray Tallis, has completed the third part of his half million word trilogy which looks at the nature of differences between human beings and other animals.
Described as “controversial”, the three-part overcome the constraints of biology; work puts forward a new approach to I Am, selfhood and agency; and the third truth, solves the problems of free will and volume The Knowing Animal which agency, puts a new spin on knowledge argues that knowledge is unique to and addresses logic in a new way. humans and sufficiently important to call man `the knowing animal’. Each volume addresses a single idea about the unique nature of human beings The trilogy is published by Edinburgh - The Hand: how human beings have University Press.
www.eup.ed.ac.uk UniLife 21
People
Liberating Experience
A scientist from the School of Chemistry has swapped the lab for life as a Liberal Democrat in a unique MP-scientist ‘pairing’ scheme.
Dr Martin Attfield, Royal Society University Research Fellow in the Centre for Microporous Materials, recently spent four days shadowing Andrew Stunnell, MP for Hazel Grove.
The aim of the scheme, run by the Royal “I got him to make one of the materials I “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and Society, is to build bridges between MPs and make and then gave him a tour around learnt a lot, but I am not thinking about some of the UK’s top scientists allowing the new undergraduate labs,” Martin said. running for office just yet,” Martin said. them both to gain a better understanding While in London Martin was given a “What it did show me is how much easier of science and how science policy is formed. ‘behind the scenes’ insight into how it is to get your voice heard than I’d Martin spent four days in Westminster science policy is formed and what life is previously thought, and how busy being attending seminars and select committees really like as an MP and also spent time an MP really is. The scheme is an before being joined by Andrew in his lab at the shadowing Andrew at his Stockport experience I would definitely recommend University for some hands-on experiments. constituency. to other people,” he added.
Science Honour
Professor Nancy Rothwell, The University and friendship” are writer Bill Bryson, film company of such distinguished people,” of Manchester’s Vice President for director Gurinder Chadha, broadcaster said Professor Rothwell, who received an Research, has been awarded an honorary Andy Kershaw, philanthropist Marjorie Ziff honorary degree from The University of degree by The University of Leeds. and mathematician Sir David Cox. Salford in 2003. Professor Rothwell, a Royal Society research Professor Rothwell’s “strong interest in “I very much look forward to receiving my fellow and trustee of Cancer Research UK public involvement in science” and her degree from another great northern and the National Endowment for Science, “commitment to increasing the popularity university with which this University has Technology and the Arts, will receive a of science as a career choice for young such close ties.” Doctorate of Science from Leeds Chancellor women” were cited as reasons for her Lord Melvyn Bragg at a ceremony in July. inclusion in the list. Also receiving honorary degrees in “It is a great honour to be awarded this recognition of “cultural diversity, science degree by my peers at Leeds and be in the 22 UniLife
People House Manager Hits Half Century
A Jodrell Bank technician has been officially named the University’s longest serving member of staff.
John Ryder, House Manager of Jodrell John joined the University in 1955 working as Bank, received the honour on January 9 an Electronics Technician at the Observatory, after completing 50 years of service. before becoming a Safety Adviser and later entering his current role of House Manager. To mark the occasion Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and John, 65, who will officially retire in the next Physical Sciences, John Perkins, presented couple of months, added:“When I first him with a cheque for £1,000. arrived, the telescope was only just being built. It was rushed to get it operational for “It is great to be recognised in this way. the first Sputnik launch. Since then they I was very surprised and didn’t expect it have opened a visitors’ centre and now, of at all,” said John. course, the new University.” Presidential Appointment
Stuart Lyon, Senior Lecturer in Corrosion Science and Engineering in the School of Materials, has been appointed President of the Institute of Corrosion.
Stuart became the President Elect in June to corrosion annually in the UK) but very last year, but was formally adopted as the often ignored. My vision is to try and President in November 2004. The term develop a unified voice in the area of will last two years but his appointment corrosion and corrosion technology by will see him actively involved in a senior identifying similar interests in other, role until 2008. smaller Institutions so that we can use Stuart said:“I am very honoured to do this our combined efforts to punch above our job. Corrosion is a subject that is very weight with some of the bigger important economically (3% of GNP is lost Professional Institutions.”
UniLife 23
People
Encore, Encore
The colourful Violin Concerto of Professor’s Casken’s work was performed “I composed the concerto in 1994 and it as part of The Barbican’s James MacMillan was first performed at The Proms in 1995,” John Casken, Professor of Music Festival on Saturday, January 15. said Professor Casken.“It is being at The University of Manchester, performed again after being short listed James, a former student of Professor in the Encore project for work it is felt has was broadcast live on BBC radio Casken, conducted the concert performed been neglected. by the Manchester-based BBC and television from The Barbican “This is a work that had very favourable Philharmonic Orchestra and young British reaction 10 years ago and this scheme has violinist Daniel Hope. in London. been created to give works another Professor Casken’s concerto was chosen to chance to be heard.” feature in the ‘Darkness into Light – the The Violin Concerto will receive its next Music of James MacMillan’ evening after performance during a BBC Resonance being selected in a Royal Philharmonic Festival at the Royal Northern College of and BBC project called ‘Encore’. Music in Manchester on May 4.
Professor Maguire
Academics from across Europe Until his recent retirement from the Medicine at the University, said:“Peter’s University, Professor Maguire was a work is seen as ground-breaking in converged on Manchester last consultant psychiatrist and director of the scientific terms and immensely important month for a special event to Cancer Research UK Psychological Medicine in the improvement of cancer services. His Group based at the Christie Hospital. work has ramifications beyond the celebrate the career of As well as offering clinical services to psychological care of cancer patients, and Professor Peter Maguire. cancer patients and their families he led the techniques he has developed for a team of researchers looking at the improving communication skills are being psychosocial impact of different cancers, used widely outside of the cancer setting. and ways of detecting and treating Peter’s impact on medical training has anxiety and depression in people suffering been considerable.” from the disease. He also taught The meeting, which was held at the communication skills to doctors and Christie Hospital, included a talk by nurses working in the field of oncology. Professor Maguire about his work. Invited Commenting on Peter’s career, Professor speakers then outlined the impact his Francis Creed, Professor of Psychological work has had on an international level. 24 UniLife
Students From left: Daniel Corrigan, Sam Murray, Rachel Turnbull, Hannah Mosley, Lizzie Borehma, Rachel Pritchard. Front Laura Llewellyn MUWO win Gold!
Manchester University Wind Orchestra was MUWO consists of students from the area, allowing its members the awarded a Gold Award at the recent National various higher education institutions in opportunity to make music at an Concert Band Festival Regional finals. Manchester, and gives many concerts extremely high level, and perform in around the region. It has increased in size To attain such a standard requires the prestigious venues all over Europe. from initially just 40 musicians to around players reach specific, demanding targets 95 players at full strength. The orchestra is MUWO rehearsals take place on Tuesday in categories such as ‘Articulation and a non-profit making organisation evenings during term time, from 7-9pm in Phrasing’ and ‘Style and Interpretation’, managed by Gareth Parry and William the new Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall in criteria that are assessed by a panel of Carey, operating with assistance from the some of the most respected wind the Music Department. Anyone interested Manchester University Music Society and musicians in the country. This prestigious in joining is invited to come along to a the University’s Music Department. achievement means the players will rehearsal to 'try it out' before committing participate in the National Finals at the Membership is open to all wind players themselves. For further details, please RNCM in March. and percussionists in the Manchester contact [email protected]
www.muwo.co.uk
A new mentoring scheme in the Faculty of “What we are noticing is that because it is Engineering and Physical Sciences is going a voluntary scheme, and it’s in a more Mentoring from strength to strength thanks to relaxed environment, students appear to football. EPS has set up its own football be more willing to open up and discuss Scheme’s a Bit team, called the Whitesox, in a bid to any problems they have.” introduce a more social side to mentoring. The team, which is open to students in all of ‘All White’ The scheme, which replaces traditional years of study, has been organised by Guy study groups, has only been up and Conway, a third year Aerospace and running since the start of the academic Engineering student. year, but already organisers and students “We thought it would be a good way of are hailing it as a success. getting the first years more involved in Adam Skinner, Head of the Faculty’s the faculty,” he said.“We entered the Mentoring Scheme, said:“Previously the Universities Intersocieties Leagues at the mentoring scheme had a very academic start of the year and so far we’re focus, so what we have tried to do is unbeaten, and lie third in the table.” concentrate on providing a service focused more on the social and welfare side.”
A University of Manchester Computation marketing and relationship management Computing student has been recognised for his activities with clinicians and patients “outstanding achievement and across many countries and cultures. Lee commitment” in the field at the prestigious was also instrumental in initiating a web Success for Lee British Computer Society IT Awards. accessibility group across the company, Lee Englestone, a final year BSc student, helping AstraZeneca to comply with was nominated for the Society’s Young Disability Discrimination Act regulations on IT Practitioner of the Year Award at the website considerations (web accessibility) annual event held in London. for people with disabilities. Lee was nominated for the work he completed during his placement year with Lee said:“I’ve learned a great deal AstraZeneca’s Global eBusiness team. from AstraZeneca’s Global eBusiness During his placement Lee worked as a web Group. I wouldn’t have been a finalist developer and web accessibility analyst. without them, and I think a lot of His web development work played a part in businesses can learn from the successes implementing AstraZeneca’s high-level e- of student interns.” UniLife 25
Heard it through theWine Grapevine Club
Staff were treated to a tipple or two – strictly after working hours – at the latest meeting of the University Wine Club on January 20.
Members from both of the founding substitute for boring old Cabernet, “In case you were wondering,” says Universities came together at Staff House Chardonnay, Shiraz and Sauvignon.” Secretary Janet Vale,“we don’t spit it out - on the Oxford Road site to try some of the unless you want to, of course!” The Wine Club has been in existence as The more unusual grape varieties available, in University of Manchester and UMIST Wine Other themes for the spring include a session entitled ‘Time to bury the Club for nearly 30 years. Members attend women winemakers and New Zealand Cabernets and Chardonnays’. monthly tastings and sample a number of wines, but as Janet says,“The Wine Club is Participants were encouraged to sample wines from a particular region or grape about meeting people and socialising, as wines that they may never before have variety. Everyone from beginners to experts well as about tasting wine.” tasted, including Picpoul de Pinet, Rosette is catered for, with the emphasis being very Tastings begin about 5.30pm and de Savoie and Petit Verdot. Many are only much upon individual taste above expertise. usually cost between £5 and £9, plus an produced in minute quantities, although The club enjoys a celebratory buffet in annual membership cost of £3. Members technological advances and new growing mid-summer and at Christmas, and in receive an advance list of the wines on environments have led to the revival of offer, and may bring guests along to any February indulges in a gourmet restaurant some of these varieties in recent years. of the tastings. meal with courses complemented by a Presenter Louis Quesnel said:“This is a different wine. This year the dinner will Staff interested in joining the club should tasting to convince everyone that there be at Smith’s Restaurant in Eccles, and contact [email protected] are thousands of interesting grapes and will be accompanied by a range of wines or [email protected] for wines out there, ready and able to from Bordeaux. more details.
WineHighland Club Fun and Games
Members of the University of Manchester Staff will be staying at the Aviemore Inn “Breaks like this are a great way for staff at Staff Social Club will be enjoying a taste Hotel situated in the foothills of the the new University to get to know people of Scottish Highlands during a weekend Cairngorm Mountains and just a few they might otherwise never meet, which is break to Aviemore next month. miles from some of the best skiing what the Staff Social Club is all about.” The club, formed from the coming facilities in Britain. Anyone interested in last-minute together of the UMIST Staff Social Club bookings for the trip should contact and University of Manchester Staff “This will be the first trip that members Pam to check availability. Similarly, anyone Association (UMSA), will make the trip of both clubs have been on together,” wishing to become a member of the club north of the border on Friday, February 4, said Pam Hyde, chair of the former can contact her on 276 4590 or returning to Manchester on Sunday. UMIST Staff Social Club. email [email protected] 26 UniLife
What’s On Contact Theatre
The Happy Theatre Collective BUBBYSAURUS Directed by David Spencer Have your glo sticks at the ready cos BUBBYSAURUS is BACK. After their sell out success at Contact Theatre Manchester last year Happy Theatre return with more Love, Friendships, Babies and Raves. Set against the backdrop of the 90s Madchester era Bubbysaurus takes you on a The Whitworth Art Gallery rave roller coaster ride Through Langworthy Road Salford, to a world where Bassbins, The Wages of Sin and Virtue’s Reward - DISPLAYS/COLLECTIONS ramraidin' an' livin' for the weekend are the Moral Prints in the Age of Dürer only things that matter to The Jilted Ship Ahoy! to 6 March 2005 5 February - 6 November Generation. This exhibition of watercolours, prints, Woodcuts, engravings, etchings and illustrated Tue 25 Jan 2005, £8/6 wallpapers and textiles includes depictions books from the collections of the University of of galleons, fishing smacks, trading vessels, Manchester in the Whitworth Art Gallery and FELIX DEXTER warships and freshwater boats. The the John Rylands Library. This exhibition Felix Dexter needs no introduction as he is highlights the moral messages communicated exhibition also features a Ship Ahoy! one of the most lively and entertaining to people of the late Middle Ages and early Reading area providing children’s books with stand up comedians you are ever going to Reformation through the medium of prints stories about ships, pirates and the deep see! For this special night of comedy, he published in Northern Europe. blue sea. promises to perform his EMMA award winning character,‘Nathaniel’ the Nigerian Truce - New 21 January - 10 April TOURS AND EVENTS Accountant who has become so popular Sculpture & Drawings by Shirley Diamond Every Saturday at 2pm there is either an Exhibition Tour or an Eyeopener Tour. that Felix has been commissioned to do a movie about him! As seen on the BBC’s Beauty and the Beast - New Swedish Design Shirley Diamond Curator’s Tour - Absolutely Fabulous, The Real McCoy, The 26 February - 24 April Tues 1 Feb, 1.15pm, FREE From wave-shaped walls of lighting and Felix Dexter Show amongst others. sculptural glass to rat-gnawed wallpaper CONCERTS Sat 29 Jan 2005, £11/8 and hairy ceramics, Beauty and the Beast Phoenix Brass Quintet: programme will LOVE, SEX & CIDER explores the intriguing duality of include Malcolm Arnold and Bozza, Love, Sex and Cider follows the lives of four contemporary Swedish design. Sun 30 Jan, 3pm, FREE hormone-ridden Geordie teenagers in a particularly eventful week. A hilarious Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Road, 0161 275 7450 [email protected] reminder for those that can remember and an Opening hours Mon to Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 2pm - 5 pm FREE Admission insight for those that can’t, of the trials and Gallery Café 0161 275 7497 The café sells a selection of drinks and light meals. tribulations of youth. Gallery Shop 0161 275 7498 The bookshop stocks a range of art and design books, cards and gifts. Set against a back drop of the 90’s, in a typical week of these fourteen-year-old lives we see Collection Exhibitions Archive Now Online. The Whitworth’s online ‘Collections Catalogue’ now teen angst at its most ruthless. Jealousy, allows you to browse and search selected exhibitions held at the Gallery over the past 10 years. Follow the link from homepage at: www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk betrayal, self-exploration and some love, sex and cider can all be found in the local park. RECOMMENDED AGE 15+ - Contains moderate language and sexual references Gig Guide Manchester Academy 1, 2 & 3 Thu 3 Feb 2005 - Fri 4 Feb 2005, £8/5
Tues 25 Jan Sat 29 Jan Fri 4 Feb Sun 6 Feb Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester Kevin Montgomery Boo Hewerdine The Dears Mylo Tickets/Info: 0161 274 0600 Thurs 27 Jan Sun 30 Jan Sat 5 Feb Mon 7 Feb For information on other events please visit Academy Unsigned American Music Club Goodgreef Megadeath our website www.contact-theatre.org Fri 28 & Sat 29 Jan Weds 2 Feb The Duke Spirit A limited number of tickets are available NME Tour 2005 Thin Lizzy from just £4 on the day from the Ticket Cake Office between 11am - 4pm daily.
Students’ Union Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL Tickets from:Piccadilly Box Office, easy Internet Cafe, (c/c) 0871 2200260 Online @ www.manchesteracademy.net Royal Court (Liverpool) 0151 709 4321 (c/c) Students' Union 0161 275 2930 Jodrell Bank UniLife 27
The facilities at Jodrell Bank are going through a period of redevelopment. The Visitors Centre currently has a café, an exhibition space and a 3D theatre open, and visitors can still explore the various trails and the natural habitats of the Arboretum's 35 acres with its 2000 species of trees and shrubs and National Collections. In January 2004 Jodrell Bank completed a 180 degree observational pathway close to the base of Manchester Music at the world famous Lovell radio telescope. Museum Manchester Jodrell Bank Science Centre & Arboretum Macclesfield, Cheshire Fridays (during term time), 01477 571339 www.jb.manchester.ac.uk THE LINDSAY EVENING CONCERTS 11am -12pm Friday 28 January, 7:30pm Magic Carpet The Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall Storytelling and story making for the under Mozart Quartet in E flat K.428 fives. Tippett Quartet No.3 Schubert Quartet in A minor D.804 John Rylands Thursday 27 January (Adult), 6.30 - 8.00pm The Contribution of Manchester's Coal CHORAL AND ORCHESTRAL Library miners to the Geology gallery (Dr. Fred CONCERTS Broadhurst) - £22 package price Saturday 5 February, 7:30pm The John Rylands Special Collections Library, The Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall Saturday 29 January Deansgate, will be closed for a period of The University of Manchester Sinfonietta (Pre-booked), 1.30 - 2.30pm approximately 2 years, until 2006, for Simon Lloyd and O-J Ruthven Conductors Dinosaur Descendants Nick Crompton Baritone essential refurbishment and the Find out about the modern descendants of Mahler Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen construction of a new visitor and the dinosaurs and meet some of the live Schoenberg Chamber Symphony No.2 interpretative centre. Access to all the creatures from the Museum's vivarium. FREE Berwald Sinfonie Singulière special collections is available through the main University Library on campus. A Special Saturday 29 January THE WALTER CARROLL LUNCHTIME Collections Reading Room is open on Floor (Drop-in), 2.30 - 4.00pm CONCERTS AND RECITALS Purple Four, Monday to Friday 10am - 5.15pm Crafty Creatures Thursday 3 February, 1.10pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm. Readers may find Create a creature inspired by the animals Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall it helpful to contact us in advance on 0161 from the Museum's vivarium. £1 275 3764. Further information can be found The Lindsays Beethoven Quartet in F Op.18 No.1 on our website: Monday 31 January (Adult), 6.30 - 8.00pm Tippett Quartet No.5 The Generation Game www.rylibweb.manchester.ac.uk/spcoll/ 'Your Country Needs YOU!' to participate in School of Music and Drama their future. Find out how in this glimpse Bridgeford Street, 0161 275 8950/1 into the possibilities that lie ahead. See www.art.manchester.ac.uk/MUSIC where the decisions that you make today may take us tomorrow with writer Mandy Precious, artist Elaine Bennet and with quizmaster Dr Daniel Brison of the IVF Unit, St Mary's Hospital. A collaboration with the Chaplaincies Centre for Continuing Education, supported by the Wellcome Trust Impact Award. FREE St Peter’s House Chaplaincy SUNDAY WORSHIP Saturday 5 February 10am Group Work (Pre-booked), 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Creation Myths 11.15am Morning Worship Join our storyteller on the galleries and 6.30pm Evening Worship (Term-time only) listen to traditional tales of how the world FOYER 10am-4pm. An area where students began. Our curators will also be available in and staff can relax and meet friends. A International the Discovery Centre with related objects tea/coffee machine is available. from the Museum's collections. £1 Precinct Centre 0161 275 2894 Monday 7th February 2005 [email protected] Society (Adult), 6.30 - 8.00pm Counter-intuitive Science Avila House RC Chaplaincy THEATRE AND MUSIC (Kevin Byron National Endowment for (next to the Holy Name Church) For details about the availability of tickets Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA)) Mass Times for various theatre and music performances, An exploration of the creative techniques that Mon - Fri 1.05 pm (term-time only) please visit our website. are used by scientists to complement the Oxford Road 0161 275 6999/273 1456 TRIPS more formal approach to doing science. FREE Chaplains also available Monday - Friday Sat 29 Jan Monday 7 - Saturday 12 February Floor B, Room B25, Renold Building Day visit to Liverpool (Drop-in), 11.00am - 4.00pm 0161 200 2522 Sun 30 Jan Life through Time Mosque: Sackville Street Building Day visit to Manchester United Stadium A series of drop-in art and craft sessions Prayer Room: Renold Building B26 Sat 5 Feb giving you the opportunity to help our Day visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon resident artist create a spectacular new Sat 5 Feb exhibition exploring the history of the earth, Day visit to Bolton Abbey And Skipton starting with the Prehistoric era. FREE
International Society, Manchester Museum Oxford Rd, Manchester 327 Oxford Road (next to Krobar) 0161 275 2630, www.museum.man.ac.uk 0161 275 4959 Open: Mon-Sat 10 - 5pm; Sun 11- 4 pm. www.internationalsociety.org.uk FREE Admission Open: Monday-Friday 9.30am 7 5pm www.museum.manchester.ac.uk
28 UniLife
Seminars
Wednesday 26 January Tuesday 1 February Tuesday 8 Feburary Faculty of Life Sciences AstraZeneca School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Manchester Medical Society SURGERY Seminar: “Segmentation and limb formation Work: “Gatekeeping access to community Michael Boyd Memorial Lecture: “The in the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus”. mental health teams - a critical realist Surgeon Scientist - an endangered species or Thomas Kaufman (University of Indiana). perspective”. 12.30pm, COPE Room, Coupland a contradiction in terms”. Prof N J M 12pm, LT6, Stopford Building. 3 Building. Mortensen (Oxford). 8pm, Chancellors Conference Centre. Manchester Museum: “The end of Petra”. Planning and Landscape: “Advertising and Dr Zbigniew Fiema (Helsinki University). the metabolism of the city: urban space, Planning and Landscape: “Site-based travel 5.30pm, 2nd Floor Lecture Theatre, commodity rhythms”. Anne Cronin plans and sustainable transport”. Richard Manchester Museum. (Lancaster). 4pm, Hanson Room, Humanities Armitage (Richard Armitage Consulting Ltd). Bridgeford Street. 4pm, Hanson Room, Humanities Bridgeford Manchester Medical Society - SOCIETY- Street. Symposium: “Violence in society”. Speakers: Wednesday 2 February Prof S Bailey OBE, Deputy Chief Constable Wednesday 9 February A Green, Mr I W R Anderson, and School of Materials: “Enzyme catalysed Prof J Shepherd. 2pm, MANDEC. polymer synthesis for drug delivery Sociology: “Queer intimacies and Manchester Medical Society - SOCIETY - applications”. Dr Gillian Hutcheson sociabilities (gender, sexuality and culture - Telford Memorial Lecture: “The challenges (Liverpool John Moores). 2.15pm, Room D13, new exchanges). Sasha Roseneil in ahead”. Prof A Halligan (Deputy Chief Manchester Materials Science Centre, conversation with Angelica Wilson. 4.30pm, Medical Officer). 5.30pm, MANDEC. Grosvenor Street. Room 3.51, Williamson Building. Transport Seminar: “The bus operator’s Faculty of Life Sciences AstraZeneca Thursday 27 January viewpoint”. Jim Hulme (GM Bus Operators Seminar: “Serum response factor - a Association. 5.30pm, Cordingley Lecture convergence point for signalling pathways”. Manchester Medical Society - Public Health Theatre, Humanities Bldg, Bridgeford St. Richard Treisman (CRUK London Research Forum Debate: “This house believes that the Institute). 12pm, LT1, Stopford Building. Government Choice Agenda for the NHS is Sociology: “The politics of the heart: an diametrically opposite to the reduction of exploration of moral issues in recent British Manchester Medical Society PATHOLOGY inequalities in health”. For the motion, politics”. Ralph Fevre. 4pm, Room 4.9, AND MEDICINE: “Bioterrorism”. Dr A J R Scott-Samuel (Liverpool). Against the Roscoe Building. Dr N J Beeching (Liverpool). 5.30pm, LT2, motion, Prof P Corrigan (Special Advisor to Stopford Building. Faculty of Life Sciences AstraZeneca the Secretary of State for Health). 6pm, LT4, Seminar: “Extracellular ATP and membrane Stopford Building. ion channels”. Alan North (Manchester). Thursday 10 February Faculty of Medicine Imaging Science and 12pm, LT1, Stopford Building. Faculty of Medicine Imaging Science and Biomedical Engineering: “Sedation for Biomedical Engineering: “Assessing the radiological procedures - what every Thursday 3 February shoulder”. Speakers: Dr L Funk (Salford), radiologist should know”. Prof D F Martin Dr J N Harris (Salford) and Dr C E Hutchinson Faculty of Medicine Imaging Science and (Manchester). 5.15pm, LT3, Stopford Building. (Salford). 5.15pm, LT3, Stopford Building. Biomedical Engineering: “Talking to patients: Monday 31 January how much can we say?” Dr M Flanagan Manchester Medical Society ANAESTHESIA (Lancaster). 5.15pm, LT3, Stopford Building. Abbott Trainees’ Prize Papers. 7pm, Manchester Medical Society - Postgraduate Health Sciences Centre, MRI. ODONTOLOGY: Alan Hilton Medal and Members’ Evening. 6pm, MANDEC. Tuesday 15 February Planning and Landscape: “Development cultures”. John Henneberry (Sheffield). 4pm, Hanson Room, Humanities Bridgeford Street. UniLife 29
Noticeboard
Postgraduate Open Day Environment and Development Café Scientifique Wednesday 2 February 2nd Manchester Lecture on Environment 31 January 6.30pm 10am - 5pm and Development Café Muse Whitworth Hall Wednesday 2 March Dr Daniel Bryson, IVF Unit, St Mary’s Hospital. For further details please contact Amanda Mathews on 0161 275 8841, email Immigrants and Citizens - A New Your country needs you to participate in its [email protected] or visit Architecture for Political Membership future. Find out how in this glimpse into the University’s website at: the possibilities that lie ahead. Use the quiz by Prof Saskia Sassen, University of Chicago questionnaire – with quizmaster Dr Daniel www.manchester.ac.uk/studyhere/ 3.30pm, Crawford House Lecture Theatre 1 Bryson – to see where the decisions we postgraduate make today may take us tomorrow. Booking via www.cafescientifique.manchester.ac.uk 30 UniLife Classifieds
ACCOMMODATION TO LET Glossop, Padfield. 2 bed stone cottage. New Roseland, Cornwall. Secluded, super comfort kit & bathrm, dec throughout. Stone chalet with own woodland, between tidal Withington. Short term solution. 1 rm + box fireplace, gd carpets, exc cond. Small gdn to creek (50yds) & sea-beach (300yds), en-suite, rm to let for 2 mnths from Sept. Rent neg. rear, close to train station, Longendale trail verandah, fab views. Sleeps 4-6. Short breaks 0161-434 6139. countryside. Dept & refs reqd. £495pcm. welcome. £195 - £580pw. 0113 274 6474 or 0161-480 8583. Bramhall/Cheadle Hulme. F/F 2 bed email: [email protected] or website: Bungalow, GCH, newly dec throughout. New Whalley Range. 1 bed secure ground flr flat. www.hoadworks.com/towan.htm Combi boiler, microwave, auto washer etc. F/F to a high standard. New fit kit, all mod Very comfortable & cosy. Small pleasant gdn cons. Small gdn avail for use. Close to Univ. Italy-Venice. Charming apart, f/f, 3 bed, 2 f & r. Parking for 2/3 cars. Extremely sought Car parking. Would suit single prof or couple. bathrms. Can sleep 5. £650pw. Email: after loc. Close to bus/train to £450pcm + bills. 07841 716 007. [email protected] Stockport/M/cr. Prof staff only. 0161-485 3112. Glossop Victoria St. 2 bed 1st flr flat. First let, Holiday cottage in West of Ireland. Unusual, Victoria Park. Spac f/f luxury 2 bed apart. new kit, new bathrm, neutral dec throughout, Walking distance to Univ. Open plan liv rm, highly scenic costal position in Country cream carpets. Galleried lnge, exc acc must be Donegal. Sleeps 6 in 3 rms. laminate flrs througout. French windows viewed. 2 mins centre & train station direct to Email: [email protected] onto grounds, parking, w/dryer, d/washer ch. M/Cr. £525pcm. 0161-480 8583. £650pcm. 0161-256 1173. HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION CARS FOR SALE Didsbury Village. Comfortable 2 bed Victorian Cottage in quiet cul-de-sac for rent Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote. Large stylish Ford Fiesta 1.25LX 16V. 1996 P Reg. 64k miles. for 6 mnths intitially, poss longer. Suit apart. Sleeps up to 5. Both dble bedrms en- FSH with Kenwood CD Player & Sony speakers. visiting academic.couple. F/F& mod with suite. Balcony overlooks beach & sea. From Genuine reason for sale. £1,100 ono. 07763 217 gch, dble glazed & a mod alarm. Close to £245pw. Special prices for families. 329 or email: [email protected] shops & transport. No pets & non-smokers www.casapalmeras.co.uk only. £695pm + bills & dep. (27)54003 or Honda Civic 1.6 VTI. 3 dr, V Reg, low mileage. 07717 171 779. Languedoc-Roussillon. French village hse to Aqua Green, sunroof & air cond. £3,000. let in spectacular loc. Walks, mountains, 0161-273 6048 or 0161-969 4986. Wilmslow. Attractive superior 2 dble bed rivers, wine in abundance. 30 mins from mews property with mod kit & bathrm. coast, sleeps 4-6. 07985 168 099 or email MISC SALES Garage, award winning communal front gdn from www. geocities.com/roquebrun_let & private rear patio. £680pm. 0161-980 7766. Conservatory suite, from housing units. Tuscany holiday cottage to let. Superb setting Castlefield, City Centre. Brand new luxury f/f 2 seater settee with 2 chairs & matching near mountains. Lrge gdn, air conditioning. 1 bed loft style apart, exposed bricks walls & Florence, Siena, Arezzo easily accessible. Ideal glass coffee table. Only 3 yrs old, lovely design video entry. Mod dark wood flrs to all living for walking, sight-seeing, museums, & cond. £270. 0161-442 9763 (evgs). rms with cream carpet in bedrm. Canal side restaurants, wine tasting, swimming & much loc, seconds from bars & restaurants of more. 0208 699 8883. Details and photos on Home Clearance Sale inc 22in widescreem tv Deansgate locks. £550pm ono. 07970 075 874 website:http://freespace.virgin.net/gp.ck/ + freeview, digital box + Nicam stereo, vcr or email: [email protected] Email:[email protected] £150 all 3. 2 Ikea tables & 4 chairs £75. 2 Chorlton. 2 rms to rent in lrge 5 bedrm hse mountain bikes £150 ono each. Plus much Andalucia-Gaucin. Beautiful white village, while owners on sabbatical. Avail between Feb more, Email: [email protected] uniquely designed villa, built as 3 apart & 2 & Aug. £250pcm per rm inc most bills. 0161-861 for a full list. 9122 or email: [email protected] cottages with central courtyard & pool. Sleeps 2-13. Breathtaking views to Gib & N Africa. Futon 2ft 6ins. Frame Blue, medium thickness 07801 341 856 or www.thespanishvilla.com Hulme. Mod spac 2 bedrm 3rd flr flat. mattress. Hardly used, cost £125. Sell for Walking distance from Uni. Suit staff or pg. £75ono. (27)58649 or 01457 832 072 or email: £550pcm exc bills. Will neg for sharing. Georgian Country house on Shropshire/Welsh [email protected] Flexible let, non-smoker prfd. Email; border. About 1 hr from Manchester. Private [email protected] gdns, lovely trees. Sleeps 16 in 8 bedrms, 6 bths. Luxury. Ideal for family gatherings. Email: Schimmel Upright model 112k piano. Finished Spac 2 bed f/f s/c 1st flr flat in quiet safe [email protected] in antique cherry satin & John Austin single residential area close to public transport. Suit stool. Beautiful cond for both works & finish. staff or pg. £525pcm inc water rates. 0161-431 Great comforatble farmhouse holiday in S Buyer to collect. Altrincham. £2,500ono. Brittany. Spac, attractive, comfortable, 4897 or email: [email protected] 07973 542 969. peaceful. Sleeps up to 8. Visit Withington. 1 dble rm to let start 1 Febr 05 in www.tajaouen.com or pjone +33 2 98 59 48 83 Lean-to garage. 24ft long by standard width. a lrge bright & airy 2 bed flat. Sharing with or +33 2 98 59 45 88. Concrete panels easy to dismantle. Exc cond. friendly & tidy non-smoking acad male. Spac lnge, sep bathrm & kit. 1 min walk to Visiting Bulgaria short or long term? For Only a few years old. Doors to f & r. £500ono. Withington high street, amenities & bus local friendly advice on apartments to rent or (27)54094. stop. £260pcm + bills. 07811 138 328. buy in Sofia ring 0161-449 7161 or email:[email protected] or WANTED Chorlton. Housemate wanted for Jan early www.sofiacentral.com Feb. Lovely hse & gdn, close to all amenities, Car sharing. Travelling everyday between gsh. £325pcm. 07974 733 914. Spain Costa Blanca. Apart sleeps 4 people. Liverpool & Manchester Uni. Needs someone Alicante Airport Nr Quesada. Golf couse & to share the driving & the petrol. (27)50728, Chorlton/Old Trafford. Single, f/f rm in hse country club, restaurants, shops & bars all on 07917 068 408 or email: with 3 other females & cat. Avail imm. 3 miles site. Guardamar beach 10 mins. Aqua Park [email protected] to Univ, freq buses. All mod cons & a small nearby. £150 - £200pw. 0161-864 1535. gdn. Quiet & clean. Lrge kit & liv rm to share. Native speaking Italian to assist lecturer of Newly renovated bathrm & hall. £260pm, no Loire Valley (Somloire-49). Spac rural holiday dep. 1st & last mnths rent payable in advance. home sleeps 5. Places of interest close by. Italian in understanding basic grammar, Would suit pg or visiting lecturer. 6 mnth min Open all year. English owners with 14yrs improving punctation & increasing stay. 0161-848 0068 or 07739 869 606 or experience of French living. £380pw. 00 33 02 vocabulary. 1 hr pw. £12ph. 0161-848 0068 or email: [email protected] 41 55 35 86 for brochure/further information. 07739 869 606 or email: [email protected]
UniLife 31
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Barnes Wallis Building Internal 63269 Class 1 disabled access and ETC *** The University of Manchester Telephone (0161) 306 3269 Sackville Street Email [email protected] see www.lkh.co.uk or tel: 0161 224 6404 Manchester Web www.u-print.com
Serving The University of Manchester for 30 years 0161 274 3060 Flights worldwide, UK and overseas rail, hotel reservations, car hire, package holidays, weekend breaks, and more…
University Precinct, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9RN Tel: 0161 274 3060 email: [email protected] Fax: 0161 274 3555 Web: www.deltatravel.co.uk 32 UniLife
Just The Job Paul White Senior Information“ Technology Officer ”
When Senior Information Technology Officer Paul White isn’t busy beaming the University’s VIP events to computer screens over the Internet, you’ll find him practising his high-kicks or mastering the art of Kung Fu.
Paul is responsible for media-streaming army of plasma screens across campus to meet a lot of people and it is very within the University the technology broadcast the event live to staff - but rewarding working on such high profile which allows live video footage to be what he wasn’t counting on were the projects - especially when they go well.” broadcast on the Internet from filming thousands of people who logged on. Paul streams all of the University’s to editing the footage, managing the “I had the unfortunate duty of shutting graduation ceremonies and any other hosting - and all the running about off the University from viewing the event, special events which the University is in between. as we couldn’t deal with that sort of load. hosting. One of the most successful When the Queen came to open the new I made sure all of the other designated events he has worked on was a live video University in October last year it was Paul areas in the University (the plasma link-up between Jodrell Bank and a host of who was responsible for ensuring that the screens) were still able to see the event, other observatories across the world for entire event went out live over the but I thought it was better that the public BBC 2’s All Night Star Party. Internet. Unfortunately in his job, which saw something working rather than Outside work Paul’s interests couldn’t be relies heavily on technology, there are keeping it all internal,” he says. further removed from what he does all always some eventualities you can’t Paul joined the University as part of the day. Paul became Britain’s second prepare for. Advanced Telematics Centre four and a youngest black belt at the age of 10 and “We were hoping to allow 2,500 people to half years ago. Before that he worked as a aspires to eventually open his own martial be able to watch the Queen’s visit over the network consultant in South Wales, but arts gym. Internet, but what we didn’t expect were made the move to Manchester to be with “I have been doing marshal arts for the the eight to ten thousand that we got,” his girlfriend. What he enjoys most about last 23 years. I do Kyokushin-Kai Karate, Paul says. the job is the number of high-profile Shin-Ga Do Kung Fu and Tae Kown-Do – projects he gets to work on. Paul was given five days to prepare that’s my main passion outside of work,” everything for the event - which included “I really enjoy the large scale projects. he says. the technical set up and supporting the Dealing with numerous departments at Media Centre's distribution of a small once is the best thing for me; you get to
Next Issue is 7 February News Contact Events Contact Adverts Contact News and story ideas Events and listings information Ads and distribution queries Lisa McCarthy Philippa Adshead Lorraine Harrop, Susan Howard Telephone 0161 275 2112 Telephone 0161 275 2922 Telephone 0161 275 2113 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Email uniads@@manchester.ac.uk Deadline 28 January Deadline 28 January Deadline 28 January