Issue 230 • 4 March 2011 reporterSharing stories of Imperial’s community Data city What can the digital economy do for us? > Centre pages

iTunes U launch artsfest 2011 Professor Innovative Creative talents Al Fraser educational exhibited in on the resource week-long arts importance of showcases celebration on collaborations Imperial life campus with industry PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 10 2 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230

Imperial plans to charge £9,000 tuition fees

Imperial confirmed in follows recommendations editor’s corner mid-February its intention made by the College’s Fees to set fees at £9,000 for and Financial Aid Working Home and EU students Group, which is chaired Strange for 2012 entry, subject to by the College Secretary, agreement by the Office Dr Rodney Eastwood, and happenings for Fair Access (OFFA), whose members include in order to maintain the the President of the Stu- excellence of the educa- dents’ Union, Alex Kendall. Being greeted by a pink tion the College provides In a message to staff, panther with a charity to students. Rector Sir Keith O’Nions students. Our message to its proposal to charge bucket at South Kensington The announcement explained the next focus for the outside world, though, £9,000 for tuition fees, tube station on Monday was made at the meeting the Working Group: “We must be that for those who alongside details of its morning and seeing an of the Court, Imperial’s still have a way to go in can manage Imperial’s plans for financial support array of fancy dress on formal stakeholder body, our considerations about courses, the College will for students, to OFFA in campus can only mean one on 11 February following what forms of financial aid work to ensure they can April. OFFA is expected to thing – Raising and Giving approval by the College’s would attract and support manage its costs.” inform the College of its (RAG) week has rolled Council. The decision the most able, but needy, The College will submit decision by mid-July. round again. Anything goes in this week of madness and I saw the RAG “hit squad” in action for myself Climate survey: Blow a bubble and last week while on my spot a contrail way to an interview. The Rector was walking ahead Meteorologists and other of me as I left the Faculty scientists are asking Building and, unbeknown everyone in England to to him, crouching behind take part in a new survey Professor Welton the Queen’s Tower was a exploring the impact we group of animal-masked have on our climate and goes to Mars students waiting for their how good we might be at prey to appear. As Sir adapting to its changes. In the 1 March edition of the Keith crossed the Queen’s Open Air Laboratories You can measure wind speed by blowing bubbles. Lawn the group encircled (OPAL) launches its Climate­ Imperial College Podcast, Professor him clutching cream pies Survey this month, led Tom Welton (Chemistry) talks on paper plates. They by the Met Office in collaboration with other OPAL partners. The data about the book, luxury item and paused tentatively before ­collected will play a key role in meteorological research. guest he’d take with him to launching into the attack, Dr Geoff Jenkins of the Royal Meteorological Society explained: Mars, and Science Communication pie-ing the Rector directly “We’re asking people to go outside and observe and measure the lecturer Gareth Mitchell in the face! In true Imperial weather. What they see and record will be useful in checking the style the students threw models we use for forecasting weather and predicting climate. and science writer Simon themselves into RAG week You don’t need any hi-tech equipment; just download a free sur- Singh discuss whether activities whole-heartedly. vey pack. You’ll be spotting plane condensation trails to measure air UK libel laws have Admirably, their purpose temperature and humidity, watching cloud movement to record wind failed science. behind providing some direction at cloud level, blowing bubbles to measure wind speed light relief on campus was and noting the clothes you wear to get a better understanding of to raise money that will be thermal comfort.” Visit: www. donated to various charities Imperial is the lead partner of OPAL and Dr Linda Davies (Envi- imperial.ac.uk/ including the children’s ronmental Policy) is the project’s director. She said: “Everyone can charity, Barnardos and the take part in OPAL by exploring and discovering the natural world media/podcasts SOS Children’s Village in around them. OPAL wants to inspire a new generation of nature lov- Bosnia-Herzegovina. ers and increase environmental awareness, which has both local Emily Ross, Editor and global relevance.” The new insights will complement and build on existing Reporter is published every three weeks during term time research into the potential impacts of climate change through the in print and online.The next twenty-first century. publication day is 24 March. —Simon Levey, Communications and Development Contact Emily Ross: [email protected] To download a survey visit: www.opalexplorenature.org/climatesurvey 3 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230 >> newsupdate

Imperial’s new iTunes U channel Engineers and Blue Peter put Rapunzel to the test

Last month a team of Imperial engineers developed a ­contraption made of human hair, enabling presenters from the world’s longest running children’s television programme to test the theory behind the fairy tale, Rapunzel.

The producers­ of BBC TV’s Blue Peter approached Imperial’s Dr Andrew ­Phillips (Civil and ­Environmental Imperial College London’s new iTunes U – an educational­ resource that can be Engineering) to channel launched on 21 February, offer- used within the College community and ask him, and ing more than 700 pieces of audio and more widely. We’re keen for the amount of ­senior technician Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere hangs from video content covering all areas of the content to develop and grow. We’re look- Ron Millward, the harness as co-presenter Barney Harwood College’s research, teaching and student ing forward to staff and students getting to help them demonstrates the strength of the ropes made of hair. activities. The channel allows users to involved, and creating and sharing their build a rig to test download audio and video clips, including content on College­ life and activities.” the strength of gems from the Imperial archive, scenes of — Simon Watts, Communications and Development human hair. The TV show wanted to see if hair could support the ­modern campus life, and interviews with weight of a person, as it did in the fairy tale, Rapunzel. In the fairy Explore Imperial’s iTunes U channel and find out academics about their research. how you can showcase your videos of Imperial life tale, Rapunzel throws her extremely long hair out of her window, First launched in 2007, iTunes U offers www.imperial.ac.uk/itunesu allowing a prince to use it like rope and climb into her room at the universities a global shop window to con- top of a tower to attempt a rescue. nect the public with their activities. Users “Part of the reason for working with Blue Peter on this across the world can tap into the expertise Which five videos are making the ­project is that we wanted to show a young audience that our of university staff and students or gain grade with the iTunes U community? bodies manufacture really incredible materials like hair, which insight into life on campus. There are now has some amazing properties,” says Dr Philips. “For instance, more than 75,000 files available to down- 1 Christmas Lecture 2010: Chemistry for a hair can be as strong as aluminium and a full head of hair can load on iTunes U from over 800 institu- cleaner world, Professor Tom Welton support up to 12 tonnes in weight.” tions and, last year, iTunes U surpassed 2 Kohn Lecture 2010: Cell cycle control, After Dr Phillips’s team built the harness, incorporating 300 million downloads. Sir Paul Nurse ropes made of human hair, it was driven to the Blue Peter stu- Elizabeth Atkin, Digital Media 3 Discovering the quantum Universe: The LHC dio at the BBC Television Centre, where it was used to suspend ­Coordinator and one of the driving forces Project at CERN, Professor Tejinder Virdee ­presenter Andy Akinwolere one metre above the ground. behind the launch of the Imperial iTunes U 4 Molecular cooking is cooking, Dr Hervé This At the end of the TV experiment, the Imperial researchers channel, said: “Curating Imperial’s were awarded Blue Peter badges for their efforts. 5 Athena Lecture 2010: No escape from wealth of content for iTunes U has been stress, Professor Julia Buckingham —Colin Smith, Communications and Development a demanding project, but we hope that Watch the experiment: www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/bluepeter/videos/hairtest the work has paid off in the final product

RAG week Rector’s Away Day Director of RAG (Raising and Giving)­ Senior staff gathered for the ­Corporate Arguably it is the Week takes place every Rector’s Away Day on Partnerships translation of our core year and sees students 18 February to consider a Dr Simon Hepworth, raising money for a range of topics of strategic activities – broadening

in brief ­currently Corporate variety of good causes. importance to the College ­Partnerships Manager the reach and impact ­During the 2011 event, including tuition fees, out- for the Faculty of taking place over the reach activities and Imperial’s ­Engineering, has accepted of our education and week of 28 February, col- research priorities. There appointment as Director lections and auctions was also a broad discussion of Corporate­ Partnerships, research – that brings were held while students about the challenges facing with effect from 1 April most value to society.” took part in challenges the College,­ with students’ 2011. Dr Hepworth­ will across College campuses and beyond. Money raised will be changing expectations and report to Mr Edward Astle, Rector Sir Keith O’Nions addressing Pro Rector (Enterprise), His Royal Highness The Duke of York, donated to the children’s charity, Barnardos, and to the SOS the need to recruit and retain who visited the College on 2 March, Children’s ­Village in Bosnia-Herzegovina, amongst others. outstanding staff among the and succeeds Dr Sarah to hear about Imperial activities to In keeping with tradition, and setting the tone for the week, points highlighted. Reports Shepley, who will continue translate education and research into healthcare benefits. the Rector, Sir Keith O’Nions, was ‘pied’ with cream pies on will be emailed to all staff in to work for the Enterprise the Queen’s Lawn in the run-up to RAG week. early March. Division while based over- seas for 12 months. 4 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230

KIRF Maternal Health Programme

Imperial medics and senior members pioneer the project, based on his ideas. They identified complicated of the ­Faculty of Medicine attended previous experience working with cases, treated women who would an event at the House of Lords on the Kashmiri government and the ­otherwise have been abandoned, 26 January, to discuss the Kashmir Medical Advisory Committee to and provided healthcare­ literature ­International Relief Fund’s (KIRF) Kashmir. When the project started and educational seminars to project to develop maternal health- in March 2010, Adeel discussed his the community. Final year medical student Adeel Iqbal, who care services in Azad Kashmir. ideas with Imperial professors, who As a result of this pilot pioneered the maternal health programme. suggested ways of carrying out the ­programme, KIRF and members of Final year medical student, project, such as working with local Imperial were invited to the House Adeel Iqbal, who won an Imperial teams to educate and treat patients. of Lords by Lord Avebury, to and Gynaecologists. Outstanding Achievement­ Award The pilot project, which won discuss avenues for extending Professor Alan Fenwick (Public­ in 2009, has worked with the KIRF ­Department for International this work, so that thousands more Health) attended the event and over the last year to pioneer a pilot ­Development and Voluntary Service­ women could benefit. The event spoke highly of the KIRF initiative. ­programme delivering antenatal and Overseas funding was carried out was attended by MPs, professionals Addressing guests, he discussed postnatal care to women from poor over a six-month period involving and the media, as well as organisa- the importance of collaboration, backgrounds living in rural areas a dedicated team of UK doctors tions such as Maternity Worldwide, and the need to invest in resources in Kashmir. and nurses who flew toKashmir ­ the World Health Organisation and and academic expertise in the Adeel was selected by KIRF to to implement many of Adeel’s the Royal College of Obstetricians ­developing world.

Making fertility treatment safer

syndrome (OHSS) which can be a life- threatening complication. This translational research project aims to test the ability of kisspeptin Artistic invasion to release eggs in IVF treatment while ­eliminating the risk of OHSS. on campus Symptoms of OHSS include producing too many eggs from the ovaries, bloating At the end of February, staff and students on the through fluid retention and a very swollen South Kensington Campus enjoyed a week-long abdomen, and may require a patient to be burst of creativity as many showcased their talents hospitalised for weeks. in music and the arts. Principal investigator Dr Dhillo, Reader and Consultant in Endocrinology, Running from 21–26 February, ArtsFest 2011 Grant funding of £2.5 million has said: “The study will see the development included art exhibitions and singing, dancing, and been awarded to a research project of the drug hCG taken to the next stage as performance events, which were attended by staff investigating a drug intended to make IVF Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital and students whose donations went to support the safer. The study involves collaboration IVF patients begin to try it out and, hope- British Heart Foundation. between researchers Dr Waljit Dhillo, fully, see its benefits.” Jonathan Silver, an undergraduate from the Professor Steve Bloom The scientists will look Department of Bioengineering and this year’s (both Medicine), Professor into how well kisspeptin ­ArtsFest Chair, said: “It’s a way for us to discover the Deborah Ashby (Public The study works compared to hCG, fantastic creativity that’s going on under our own Health) and Dr Geoffrey will see the how many eggs patients noses, give ourselves a pat on the back for being Trew (Surgery and Cancer). ­produce and the quality of artistic scientists, and raise money for an excellent development the embryos which result. cause in the process.” The funds will be used of the drug hCG This project has been Highlights included a speed dating evening to test a hormone called taken to the jointly funded by the that paired Imperial scientists with artists from ­kisspeptin which could National Institute for Health the Royal College of Art to create art inspired by help women trying to next stage” Research, the Medical­ science; taster sessions in belly dancing, singing ­conceive a baby using Research Council and the and drama; orchestral recitals and, for the first IVF treatment. Imperial Biomedical­ Research Centre. The time in ArtsFest’s history, a live bands night called A drug called hCG is currently used hormone kisspeptin is currently being RockFest, held at the Union nightclub, Metric. The to stimulate the ovaries to release eggs ­manufactured for the trial and the study line-up included Musictech Live, an experimental when women undergo IVF treatment. will start next year. electronic music act. However, hCG sometimes causes a con- —John-Paul Jones, Communications and Development dition called ovarian hyper stimulation 5 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230 >> newsupdate

Join our mailing list for regular media mentions news, information and website alerts: —sam wong, Communications and development www.imperial.ac.uk/media/jointsignup

new scientist • 5.2.2011 daily express • 5.2.2011 msnbc.com • 15.2.2011

Breath sensor predicts Smart app can Reasons to eat a asthma attacks spot cancer berry good diet

A handheld Scientists have developed a gadget Regularly eating berries and breath sensor­ that turns an iPhone into a medi- the guardian • 10.2.2011 other foods high in com- can warn cal tool that can detect skin cancer, pounds called anthocyanins someone with according to the Daily Express. Offshore wind can ward off Parkinson’s asthma that an The £995 Handyscope device powers industry disease, suggests­ a new attack is immi- plugs into the smartphone and study reported on MSNBC. nent, buying converts it into a dermatoscope, Engineering firms around the world are com. Men and women in the them time to which doctors use when looking racing to produce mega wind turbines­ study who consumed­ the take preventive medication, according for melanoma. “This shows the capable of matching the output of most anthocyanins­ – a type of to New Scientist. The sensor, developed way technology to help health can conventional generators, according f­lavonoid – over two decades by Siemens, detects a rise in levels of be applied to everyday areas of to The Guardian. Robert Gross (Cen- were about 25 per cent less nitrogen monoxide, which can signal­ our lives,” said Professor Justin tre for Environmental Policy) says likely to develop Parkinson’s the beginnings of inflammation in the Stebbing (Surgery and Cancer). that although the huge turbines are than those who consumed the ­bronchial tubes. If unchecked, the Describing the benefits of the ­currently manufactured overseas, the least. Professor­ David Dexter inflammation will constrict the airways new technology, he said: “It will rise in offshore wind in Britain creates (Medicine) said, “There are and trigger an asthma attack. Asthma be particularly good at comparing other opportunities for green indus- quite a few flavonoids that researcher, Professor Peter Barnes changes in moles over time using try in the UK. “One of the main myths can get into the brain, but I (NHLI), told the magazine that he images previously taken. This about wind power is that because think we need to do large, expected the device to be useful. should be useful for raising initial ­British-owned companies do not pro- extended clinical trials to I think it will work,” he said, “but it will concerns. Anything that raises duce turbines there is no role for UK find them.” probably be of most benefit to people awareness of melanoma is to be industry in offshore­ wind,” he said. “In with unstable asthma, who have unex- welcomed. It is one of the fastest fact, UK companies are active in many pected attacks quite frequently, and growing cancers worldwide but parts of the supply chain, from special- they may have to take measurements if caught early enough it is often ist components­ used within turbines, quite often.” highly curable.” to towers, foundations and cables.”

awards and study in the journal BMC prize of £10,000 as part of honours Bioinformatics. The paper the award package, which describes a computer tool also recognises the Depart- called Graphcrunch, which ment as a centre of teaching Dr Przulj has developed to excellence. analyse different types of networks, including trans- natural sciences port, biological and social. Professor’s theories bear fruit engineering Inspiring engineering Professor Darren Crowdy annually at the society’s (Global Health Innovation) engineering lecturer recognised (Mathematics) has been annual conference for the have won the Bluetooth Computer whiz’s awarded the Cherry Ripe best presentation by an Innovator of the Year Prize work wows The Royal Academy of Prize as judged by a panel of established academic. and also the Healthcare readership ­Engineering has recognised students from the Austral- Category Award at the Senior Lecturer Dr Sandra ian Maths Society. Professor­ medicine 2010 Innovation World Cup A paper written by Shefelbine (Bioengineering) Crowdy is recognised as Bluetooth innovator Awards, held in Munich Dr Natasa Przulj (Comput- as one of the most inspiring one of the world’s lead- of the year in February. The awards ing), pictured above, that lecturers in the UK, as part ing experts in applying the ­recognise their development describes a software tool of the ExxonMobil Excel- theory of complex, or imagi- Professor Guang-Zhong of wireless sensor technol- for analysing large net- lence in Teaching Awards. nary, numbers to solving Yang and his team (pictured ogy worn behind the ear to works, is currently listed as Dr Shefelbine is one of only real-world problems. The above) from the Hamlyn measure balance, posture,­ the second most accessed five academics to receive a Cherry Ripe Prize is given Centre for Robotic Surgery activity level and heart rate. 6 >> scienceroundup www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230

Flu reduction policies don’t need to start at the beginning of an outbreak

Researchers at Imperial and Utrecht University used math- Atom-thick sheets ematical models to consider hold the key to new the effectiveness­ of short-term ­interventions and to evaluate the technologies best policies for a range of objec- Scientists from the Departments­ tives, such as minimising the peak of ­Materials and Chemistry have demand for public health services or ­developed a new technique­ for splitting­ minimising the social or economic ‘layered materials’ into atom-sized costs of containing the outbreak. nanosheets, which could lead to The study was co-authored advances in energy storage technolo- by Dr Deirdre Hollingsworth, a gies and electronic­ devices, according Junior Research Fellow from the to research published­ on 4 February in It might be better to implement poli- influenza or another severe disease ­Medical Research Council Centre for the journal Science. cies to reduce the impact of a flu like SARS takes hold and grows rap- ­Outbreak Analysis and Modelling epidemic a few weeks after the start idly, governments consider various­ at Imperial, and Dr Don Klinkenberg,­ Layered materials are manmade of an outbreak rather than straight ‘social distancing’ measures to limit from Utrecht­ University­ in the and there are more than 150 types, away, according to the impact of the Netherlands. ­including boron nitride, ­molybdenum a new study that “We found that waiting a outbreak, such as Dr Hollingsworth said: “We disulfide and tungsten disulfide. uses mathematical few weeks is as effective ­closing schools found that waiting a few weeks is These materials have the potential to models to simu- at achieving key public and public­ places, as effective in achieving key public ­conduct and store energy when they late the effects of health aims as starting and placing restric- health aims as starting interven- are split into microscopic layers called different interven- interventions immediately” tions on transport. tions immediately. If you take into ‘nanosheets’. For decades, scien- tions. The research However, the eco- account the impact that those poli- tists have been working on methods was published nomic cost and cies will have on society, it might be to ­create nanosheets but previous on 11 February in the online journal societal impact of these measures better to hold back at the start.” attempts have been time-­consuming PLoS Computational Biology. mean that it is undesirable to use —Sam Wong, Communications and resulted in the nanosheets being When an outbreak of severe them for a sustained­ period of time. and Development damaged, making them fragile and unsuitable for use. The international study includes researchers from Imperial, the ­ ­University of Oxford, Trinity College Periodic table of shapes Dublin, Korea University and Texas A&M ­University. Dr Shane Bergin (Chemistry), Imperial mathematicians are creating their own Professor Corti’s colleague on the project, who took part in the study, says: ­version of the periodic table that will provide a vast Dr Tom Coates (Mathematics), has created­ a “It is amazing to think that directory of all the possible shapes in the universe ­computer modelling programme that should ­something the size of atoms can have across three, four and five dimensions, linking shapes enable the researchers to pinpoint the so much potential, and that nanosheets together in the same way as the periodic table links basic building blocks for these multi-­ could one day provide the basis for a groups of chemical elements. dimensional shapes from whole new revolution in computing and a pool of hundreds of electronics, which could rival the The three-year project, announced on 16 February,­ ­millions of shapes. silicon based technology that we should provide a resource that mathematicians, The researchers use today. Our study is the first step ­physicists and other scientists can use will be using this towards realising the potential of for calculations and research in a range ­programme to iden- nanosheets as the building­ blocks for of areas, including computer vision, tify shapes that tomorrow’s technology.” number theory and theoretical physics. can be defined by Professor David McComb The researchers, from Imperial ­algebraic equations­ ­(Materials), who was also involved and institutions in Australia, Japan and that cannot be in the study, adds: “Nanosheets and Russia, are aiming to identify all divided any further. The could be used to advance a range of the shapes across three, four and five researchers calculate that ­technologies, from sensors to batteries ­dimensions that cannot be divided into there are around 500 million and super-strong materials. Nanosheets other shapes. shapes that can be defined could also be combined with other con- Project leader Professor Alessio Corti algebraically in four dimen- ventional materials such as silicon to (Mathematics) explained: “We think we may find sions and they anticipate that create new kinds of hybrid computing vast numbers of these shapes, so you probably won’t they will find a few thousand building blocks technologies.” be able to stick our table on your wall, but we expect it from which all these shapes are made. —Colin Smith, Communications and Development to be a very useful tool.” —Laura Gallagher, Communications and Development 7 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230 >> scienceroundup

Fear of infection drives HIV Scientists weigh out ingredients for decline in Zimbabwe the perfect galaxy Imperial astronomers working Remarkably, this occurred against with Europe’s Herschel Space a background of massive social, Observatory have found out just political and economic disruption how much dark matter it takes in the country. to make a new galaxy bursting The study’s findings strongly with stars. show that people in Zimbabwe have primarily been motivated The discovery is a key step in to change their sexual behaviour understanding how dark matter­ Distribution of dark matter in the Universe because of improved public – an invisible substance that according to Herschel. awareness of AIDS deaths and a pervades our universe – contrib- subsequent fear of contracting uted to the creation of massive­ the virus. The researchers found galaxies early in the life of the Photometric Imaging Receiver that other important drivers have universe, about 13.7 billion (SPIRE) instrument and HerMES, been the influence of education years ago. the Herschel­ Multi-tiered programmes that have shifted According to the scientists’ ­Extragalactic Survey,­ over the A huge drop in the numbers people’s attitudes towards calculations, the last 20 years. of people infected with HIV in having multiple, concurrent recipe for a perfect “We have made Dr David ­Zimbabwe is due to mass social sexual partners in extramarital, galaxy requires just an important ­Clements is one change, driven by fear of infection,­ commercial and casual relations, about 300 billion step forward in of the Imperial according to an international and increased the acceptability of times the mass of our the hunt for dark ­physicists on the study reported on 9 February in using condoms for casual sex. Sun of dark matter. matter, although international team. the journal PLoS Medicine. The Senior investigator on the Herschel, the no discovery has He said: “This scientists unravelling the reasons study, Professor Simon Gregson world’s largest space yet been made” work shows just behind this unexpected downturn (Public Health), said: “Very telescope, launched how powerful­ the have revealed what they hope are few other countries around the into space in May Herschel Space the most important lessons in the world have seen reductions 2009. The mission’s large ­Observatory is, allowing us to get fight against the disease for the in HIV infection and, of all ­telescope detects far-infrared new insights into the mysterious rest of Africa. African nations, Zimbabwe was light from a host of objects, dark matter that is impossible thought least likely to see ranging from asteroids and for us to see directly. And this Zimbabwe’s epidemic was one such a turnaround. This is why ­planets in our own solar system paper is based on only a small of the biggest in the world until there was such an urgent need to faraway galaxies. fraction of the data we’re going to the number of people infected to understand its direct and Physicists from Imperial get from Herschel,­ so there’s lots with HIV in Zimbabwe almost underlying causes.” played a key role in conceiv- more exciting science­ to come!” halved, from 29 per cent to 16 per —Simon Levey, Communications ing, designing and develop- —Adapted from a news release issued by cent, between 1997 and 2007. and Development ing Herschel’s­ Spectral and the UK Space Agency and NASA

Babies born to mothers with HIV might be more vulnerable to infection

Babies whose mothers women with HIV have a infections such as pneumo- have HIV, but who are not higher risk of illness and nia and meningitis, and are HIV-infected themselves, death early in life. up to four times more likely are born with lower lev- Major programmes using to die before their first birth- els of specific proteins in antiretroviral drugs have suc- day, compared with babies their blood called antibod- cessfully reduced the rate of born to HIV-negative women. ies, which fight infection, mother-to-child transmission The new study, by scien- compared with babies not of HIV from 20-30 per cent to tists from Imperial and Stel- pneumococcus and tetanus). to vaccination. We might be exposed to HIV, a new study around five per cent in some lenbosch University in South Dr Christine Jones able to protect them even has found. The finding, areas of South Africa and Africa, found that babies ­(Medicine), the study’s first better against infections, published on 8 February in to less than one per cent in born to HIV-infected moth- author, said: “Although they either by vaccinating them the Journal of the Ameri- developed countries. How- ers had significantly lower appear more vulnerable earlier or by vaccinating the can Medical Association, ever, HIV-uninfected infants levels at birth of antibodies in the first few months of mother in pregnancy.” might explain, in part, why born to HIV-infected mothers against a range of bacterial life, the good news is that —Sam Wong, Communications uninfected babies born to in Africa are more prone to infections (Hib, pertussis, these babies respond well and Development 8 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230

athletes in training and competition,­ enabling performance analysis and improvement. One of Guang-Zhong’s areas of research concentrates on ­developing wireless sensor technol- ogy that can be worn behind the ear to measure balance, body posture, activity level and heart rate. One potential application is to use the ear sensors to monitor the health of older people in the comfort­ of their own home. Eric believes sensors will revolutionise our lives. “In the future I envisage ­people will be using devices a bit like iPhones, which interact with the environment in real-time,” he says. If sensors became ubiquitous in public areas, they could have a dramatic­ effect on healthcare, ­infrastructure and energy consump- tion. Hospitals could use them to track the use of medical equipment

and help reduce CO2 emissions and waste. Or they could simply help with the day-to-day grind: “They’ll allow commuters to see how full The new in the train ahead is before they ghost decide whether to run to catch it,” says Eric.

Business the machine Gathering digital data in a more active and creative way is leading to transformations in businesses. “As digital technology proliferates, A silent, unseen trace Professors David Gann and Eric act with new breeds of device to more and more industries face ­Yeatman believe that society’s share real-time data about what’s ­serious challenges,” says David, remains of everywhere ­collected data is an untapped going on in new and useful­ ways. Chair in Technology and Innovation you’ve been. Almost every ­treasure trove for innovation. An example of this type of Management in the Business School Through their new Digital­ Econ- research is already happening at the and the Faculty of Engineering. “It’s transaction – every journey, omy Lab, they plan to harness it to College in the Centre for Pervasive opened up space for new services improve the deci- Sensing, where with innovative business models, every tap of an Oyster sions that public­ bod- Professor Guang- but for those already there, innovat- card, every online order – ies make, define the In the future Zhong Yang, ing and taking advantage of digital sorts of businesses I envisage people Deputy Chairman opportunities are key to their sur- generates computer data, that will thrive tomor- of the Institute vival,” he explains. row, and improve the will be using devices for Global Health He cites the music industry and it is all being captured way we live. a bit like iPhones, Innovation, is as a case study. With Spotify, the and recorded somewhere. Eric, a micro- which interact with pioneering the free music streaming service, on electro-­mechanical use of pervasive­ a smartphone, the demand for a Every day across the world systems expert and the environment in sensing with music megastore in every town Deputy Head of real-time” ­medical applica- diminishes. “The internet has vast oceans of digital data the Department of tions. He leads ­revolutionised the way that people­ are created and stored. Electrical and Elec- the Elite Sport consume music, yet changes to tronic Engineering, wants to make Performance Research in Training how we buy and listen to music data-gathering sensors smaller and project, which focuses on devel- haven’t spelt the death of the music cheaper. He believes that an envi- oping body sensor networks that ­industry, as many predicted,” ronment rich in sensors­ could inter- extract continuous information from says David. 9 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230 >> featurefocus

To develop ideas on how digital Projects Second Life with a 3D visualisation technology can help create­ a smarter system in the Innovation­ ­Technology society, Imperial launched the Digital Swapping and sharing masses of ­Centre at Design London – a joint Economy Lab, a cross-faculty­ initia- data between different services in ­initiative between Imperial and the tive coordinated by David and Eric, in order to come up with novel uses is Royal College­ of Art. The aim of this is September 2010. They hope to repeat the goal of proposed work led by Eric to test how new healthcare services the success of other College initia- and Professor Yi-Ke Guo (Computing). might perform, before they are built tives that use the multidisciplinary “Many industries have vast or commissioned. ‘grand challenge’­ approach. quantities of measur- “Imagine you are able data locked up designing a new cancer­ Funding and no-one else can The lab service in a new health access it,” says Eric. will be a portal facility,” says David The Lab has already attracted inter- Their project­ wants to Gann, “You can’t test est from academic staff across the develop a standard- for the outside and optimise that College who are keen to contribute ised format of data world to see the ­service in the physi- their expertise to the evolving digital so that it is possible work that we cal world, as the facility economy, which includes supporting to recognise interde- has not yet been built. a new MSc in Digital Business, run by pendencies between are doing” However, if you build an the Business School. Applications are sectors. For example, exact digital replica of Professor Guang-Zhong Yang, Director of Medical Imaging in the welcome from students interested in data on the amount of carbon being the service, staff it with virtual doc- Institute of Biomedical Engineering a career exploring digital solutions. used and the pollution generated tors and nurses and allow poten- (IBE), working on the e-AR sensor. The research theme is not new could be a goldmine for transport tial patients to explore the 3D digital The activity-recognition sensor fits easily behind the ear and is able to to the College – the Business School planners and consumers keen to curb environment, you can do just that.” transmit real-time information about has existing collaborations with their carbon footprints, if they had the wearer’s speed, stability and Microsoft and IBM focused on digital access to it and could easily make Outward looking impact on the body, supporting the technologies, and Imperial is already sense of it. training of athletes. working closely with UCL on the ICT Professor John Polak (Civil and New ventures and start-up Labs, which is one of three Knowl- Environmental Engineering)­ and ­companies will also benefit from the edge and Innovation Communities ­Professor Nilay Shah (Chemical­ Lab through an incubation facility­ (KICs) set up by the European Insti- ­Engineering and Chemical which the Business School plans to tute of Innovation and Technology. ­Technology) are looking at how to set up with Imperial Innovations, the The themes of the KIC, which will use ICT to better manage transport.­ company that commercialises tech- see a digital economy hub created­ They already have two projects nologies and discoveries emanating­ for London, include investigating how underway that focus on using sen- from the College. “Students and staff ICT can contribute to smart energy sors to pick up emissions from buses will be able to use the Incubator­ systems, health and well-being, and cars and feed this data into a to develop new go-to-market intelligent transportation systems ­computer system. Nilay wants to ­propositions, apps and business and digital cities, all of which reso- turn this data into real-time maps models,” David explains. “The lab nate strongly with those of Impe- of pollution,­ which will help to find will be a portal for the outside­ world rial’s Digital­ Economy Lab. To take ways of managing­ traffic in order to see the work that we are doing.” the Lab’s work further, Imperial has to reduce emissions. The long-term Such early exposure for new made a £6.5 million bid to Research aim is to bring together all the emis- ideas is critical. Eric points out that ­Councils UK for projects ranging sions datasets­ coming out of London, the digital economy field is at a from sensor technology through to to extract specific information and young age. “One of the interesting research into creating viable digital ­create a new energy consumption things here, is the chance not just to business models. map of London. solve the known problems but also Using new digital tools to cre- to look at possibilities that emerge, ate and visualise new services as more and cheaper technology and businesses is another Impe- becomes available. What’s exciting is rial strength that is contributing to that we just don’t know what all the the digital economy. Researchers in ­applications are yet.” the Medical Media Design Labora- To find out more about ­Digital Economy Lab tory (MMDL) led by Mr Dave Taylor research, upcoming events and how you can ­(Surgery and Cancer)­ use a multi- get involved, see: www3.imperial.ac.uk/ disciplinary approach to study and digital-economy-lab ­redefine the way that new digital media is used in healthcare. Imperial­ academics from the MMDL have ­combined the computer program 10 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230

Why are collaborations between universities and industry so important?

Reporter speaks to Professor Al Fraser, EGI Chair in Petroleum Geoscience (Earth Science and Engineering), who has spent 30 years working as an exploration geologist for BP before joining the College last year.

“I’ve always felt that there helping with immediate con- of the area. These find- is a wonderful, symbiotic­ cerns of locating gas and oil. ings and ­others led BP to relationship between ­withdraw its exploration in academia and industry New insights the North Sea, and saved and that they are natural the ­company significant ­collaborators. Big compa- One of the first collabora- sums of money, which nies have easy access to tions I was involved in was would ­otherwise have been large budgets and data- when I was working on a spent on drilling dry wells. sets, and academics have project focused on the North the expertise and time to Sea in the early 1990s, a Solving global problems do research thoroughly and time when oil companies­ creatively – it makes sense were unsure whether there Today the oil industry­ is to work together. was any further oil left in facing some major global the area. By collaborating­ challenges, in particular, Christopher Hunter, Elizabeth Riley and Ben Said (all Earth Science and I was lucky enough to go with academics at the Uni- the depleting oil and gas Engineering undergraduates) are undertaking offshore survival training during their summer internship at BP. straight into a job with BP versities of Edinburgh and supplies, and the increas- after I graduated with a ­Manchester, who specialised ing demand from develop- degree in geology from the in rocks in ing countries Opportunities University of Edinburgh in the North “Research like China, India, for students As in my previous 1977. The key aim of my Sea, we collaborations Russia and Brazil. role, part of my job at the role was to seek out oil in were able are also great for A question­ that As well as all the other ­College is to stimulate petroleum basins around the to test and helping students concerns us all benefits I’ve discussed, ­collaborations between world and, as a result, I got improve our gain direct is where the next research collabora- academia and industry but the opportunity to travel and models, and contacts in the major source of tions are also great for this time I’m on the other see some amazing geology shed new industry” oil and gas will be. ­helping ­students gain side of the fence. I actively in places such as the Arctic, light on the My view is the Arc- direct ­contacts in the encourage students to China and the Middle East. problem. tic but the exploi- ­industry – which is increas- apply for internships to Throughout my career, I The researchers we tation of resources in this ingly ­important in this help them understand was always more ­passionate collaborated with got the region will be highly contro- ­competitive ­market. the industry before they about geology than the opportunity to use the versial. Industry, in partner- One of the reasons I ­graduate and get ahead of commercial side of the busi- North Sea as an immense ship with governments, will decided to leave BP last the game. ness, and I actively kept laboratory for testing have to protect the interests year and return to academia I’d really like to see even ties with people in the aca- ­geological ideas and mod- of the indigenous popula- was that I was attracted to more industrial partners­ demic world and looked for els. A paper was published tions and demonstrate that ­Imperial by the considera- joining up in research ways to collaborate with as a result of one project they can conduct operations ble reputation of the MSc in ­collaborations with Imperial universities. co-authored by Professor safely in the harsh and frag- Petroleum Geoscience.­ The and look forward to ­building Companies can get John Underhill from the ile arctic­ environment. course is really applied and more bridges.” very introverted­ and often ­University of Edinburgh I believe geologists can is taught by an enthusiastic —Emily Ross, COMMUNICATIONS AND arrogant about their mod- and Dr Mark ­Parkinson who play a huge role in helping and knowledgeable mix of DEVELOPMENT els. I found it rewarding to worked in my exploration to come up with possible ­Imperial staff and indus- develop ideas and challenge team in Glasgow. The paper solutions and universities try guests. Importantly, industry paradigms with aca- described the discovery of will be able to access fund- there are opportunities for demics and students. These a large thermal dome in the ing to develop new research ­students to work together relationships often led to central North Sea, which in areas of mutual benefit. on real problems using data innovative solutions to long- had lots of ­implications generously provided by term problems while also for the petroleum geology oil companies.

11 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230

Tim likened the challenge of writing about science to “writing about politics and having to explain who the Prime ­Minister is every time”. He also cautioned against the inside ­dangers of “thinking you can get away with reporting something boring, just because it’s science”. story In his 25-point manifesto for science journalism, which was published on The Guardian website to coincide with this Tim Radford: event, Tim warned that: “The classic error in journalism is to overestimate what the mini profile Life as a reader knows and underestimate the reader’s intelligence”. simple scribe Whilst the bulk of the lecture con- David Dexter sisted of Tim regaling us with tales of On 19 January, science journalist his early journalistic career – I, for one, Dr David Dexter, Reader Tim Radford came to spent much of the lecture in Neuropharmacology Imperial to give a lecture straining forward on the ­(Medicine), talks to Reporter about his varied career. The edge of my seat – the about taking part in a play Andrew Purcell, who is classic error in event was perhaps most called Mind the Gap at the studying for an MSc in notable for the candour Royal Albert Hall during­ Science Communication, journalism is to with which he tackled National Science and reports on the event: overestimate journalism’s somewhat ­Engineering Week. what the reader thornier issues. main characters. One, an “From author Primo Levi Towards the end of the Why did you become elderly lady, has Alzheimer’s, to sperm whale autopsies knows” lecture, he declared, with interested in public another is a drug addict, who and from Dante to urine as straight a face as I’ve engagement? once pushed a woman under disposal in space, the range of topics ever seen the line delivered: “Journalism I’m always looking for new a train, and there is also the covered in Tim Radford’s journalistic­ is about defending democracy – that’s ways of communicating victim’s boyfriend, who has career, which has lasted over half what we’re here for”. my work to the public – it’s suffered from depression a century, is both enthralling and This was, in fact, one of the rare occa- important to encourage since her death. awe-inspiring. sions where the ingenuousness of this people to take an interest in Those in the lecture theatre who, like claim did not seem in doubt.” medical research. What’s your part in the play? me, were hoping for a few insights into To read Tim’s 25-point manifesto for science I sit on a panel of scientists the world of science journalism, were cer- journalism see: http://bit.ly/fK2fwy What is Mind the Gap? and experts who take ques- tainly not left disappointed. It’s a play for schoolchildren­ tions after the performance produced by a theatre and lead a discussion with ­company called Y Touring, schoolchildren about the which uses drama to enable play’s themes. science from scra tch young people to explore and debate scientific and Why are plays like As explained by Thea Cunningham, MSc Science Communication ethical dilemmas such as this important? mental health. When I was in my late teens, my stepfather developed How did you get involved ­Alzheimer’s. I saw first-hand Hadron in the project? how hard it was on him and The play evolved from a on my mother as his carer. I Catapulted into the limelight following the launch of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider discussion I had about my would have been so much (LHC), hadrons are particles found in the nucleus of atoms. The term research with a writer at a better prepared for it, ‘hadron’ derives from the Greek word hadrós, meaning stout or thick. workshop about the brain at if there’d been a play It was coined in 1962 by Russian scientist Lev Okun to describe the Dana Centre. I specialise like this around at particles that strongly interact. A hadron comprises electrically in Parkinson’s and many of the time to explain charged particles called ‘quarks’, in a sea of particles called ‘gluons’. my patients have cognitive all the issues to me. The gluons act a go-between for the strong force that holds the problems and memory issues —Katie Weeks, quarks together. Only a tiny part of the mass of a hadron is due to Communications – this play relates directly and Development the quarks in it – the rest arises from the energy associated with the to them. strong interaction. Hadrons containing two quarks are called ‘mesons’ Mind the Gap is showing at the and those containing three quarks are called ‘baryons’. Protons are a well- Royal Albert Hall from 14–18 March. What’s the play about? To find out how you can get involved known example. Because of their positive electric charge, hadrons are affected Mind the Gap is set on a in future plays and get a free ticket, by magnetic fields. In the LHC, beams of protons are steered using superconducting tube platform and has three contact: [email protected] electromagnets in order to study particle collision. 12 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230

Imperial students share their experiences of life at the College on the student bloggers website. Inside the Imperial College Women’s Club

Student blogger Corrie on Lady Rita O’Nions, Chair of the Imperial College Women’s Club (ICWC) and wife of Rector, Sir Keith, Why cooking is better shares her experience of the organisation which than chemistry: brings together Imperial’s women:

1. You don’t have to measure out “The last 12 months since Keith took up his post ingredients to the fourth decimal place. have brought a wealth of wonderful experiences, In fact, sometimes, the rougher you are, many of them provided by the ICWC. the better the result. The Club holds termly lunches in the Council Attendees at the ICWC lunch in March. 2. You don’t run the risk of killing your Room of 170 Queen’s Gate for women of all ages; lungs with silica vapour, or accidentally academics and administrators, College-wide. gave us an account of his experiences inhaling too many fumes from the These lunches provide sociable networking time as a 20 year-old RAF navigator, shot acetone dried samples. followed by talks, given by a variety of speakers. down attempting his 13th mission in 3. You don’t have to record every little Through the Club I 1942. His book On the Run step you took while you were cooking. have met many women describes the eight days 4. It doesn’t take four weeks to cook with a close connection to The society before he was captured, a meal. Once the meal is made, no Imperial. The society pro- provides relaxed, after which he spent three further effort – apart from mastication vides relaxed, enjoyable years as a prisoner of war. – is required. events with opportunities enjoyable events with More books followed, 5. Your future success to meet and connect. For opportunities to meet alongside a long career does not depend me it has certainly fulfilled and connect” running a grant-making on the outcome its mission of “Inspir- charitable foundation.” of each meal ing and Connecting the The ICWC is organising two events over the and your ability Women of the College”. coming months. The first is Know Your Antiques, to critically Recent speakers at ICWC events have been the a presentation given by antiques expert Chris analyse the first female Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, Gower on 22 March, and the second is on results. Merlyn Lowther, whose signature has appeared on 12 May, featuring a talk, Human Evolution by palaeontologist Chris Stringer. banknotes, and the author Calton Younger, who www.imperial.ac.uk/ See: www.imperial.ac.uk/womensclub campus_life/studentblogs Going where no student has gone before

The College’s Exploration Board, which supports ­exploratory trips that challenge students, has approved three new expeditions. In the summer of 2011, students will be mountaineering in the Reru Valley in India, trekking the Arctic in Svalbard and caving in North Africa.

Jonathan Phillips, a postgraduate from the Department of Materials, who was expedition leader on an expedition to scale unconquered Untethered at Blyth Gallery peaks in the Himalayan Obra Valley in India in 2010, tells Reporter about one of the trip’s As part of ArtsFest 2011, an installation of paper highlights last summer. birds has been on display in the Blyth Gallery “In the last few days before leaving the val- on the South Kensington Campus. The birds are ley, we decided to attempt a peak called Rang- made it on to the summit, facing the great- made either from photos taken by members lana. At 5,554 metres, it had been attempted est difficulties in the last 50 metres. It was of the Photographic Society or from drawings five times without success by other teams and an amazing feeling to realise our goal and by members of the Leonardo Fine Arts Society. it was with some trepidation that we started the confidence gained will remain with each Commenting on Reporter online, Caroline Jaffe- up its hazardous slopes. After spending a bit- member of the team through all the chal- Castle (NHLI) said: “I was fortunate enough to walk terly cold night sleeping on a glacier below the lenges they may face in the future. We stayed through the evolving exhibition for Untethered last Western Col, we crossed over it early in the only briefly on top for some pictures, before Wednesday…a young man was busy creating birds morning and began climbing the south ridge. being chased down to the valley by storm to the already beautiful display. The white space The location was stunning, affording us clouds building up around us.” allows for fabulous shadows, giving a feeling that a view covered with peaks as far as the eye To see a slideshow of the expedition to the Obra the birds are in flight. Fabulous display!” could see. After several hours, we finally Valley visit: http://bit.ly/gVgP5U 13 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230 insidestory

Inside the Imperial College Women’s Club Demystifying science

trust between ­science and the public. Dr Zita Martins is a Royal ­Society ­University Research Fellow in the ­Department of Earth Science and ­Engineering, researching astrobiol- ogy. She has ­discussed her work on ­television, radio, and in newspapers and magazines across the world, and she clearly lists her media appear- The Heretic reviewed ances on her College professional web page (PWP) at www3.­imperial.ac.uk/ Anoushka Warden (Imperial Innovations) reports on people/z.martins. I asked her why she The Heretic, Richard Bean’s new play about climate Dr Alice Bell, Senior Teaching Fellow finds communicating her work change at the Royal Court Theatre. (Graduate Schools), is a firm believer so rewarding: in communicating science to the public ‘Doing media work has been an “I refuse to use ‘a bag for life’ and I don’t buy energy- and thinks everyone should have a go. important part of my career,’ she says. saving light bulbs. This is not a line from the play but, She tells Reporter why: ‘I really enjoy communicating my work in fact, the terrible truth that I have kept hidden for to the public. It allows everybody to years. I am an eco-sceptic. For me, the purpose of “Thou shalt communicate! know what I do and understand (in a going to see The Heretic was to get some kind of reas- It’s one of those woolly simple way) the origin of surance that my views are shared by others. ­commandments poured life and the wonders of The difference between myself and the play’s upon twenty-first century the universe. protagonist is that Dr Diane Cassell, played by Juliet scientists (on top of Stevenson (pictured above left), is a lead academic in admin, management, earth sciences and her climate change scepticism is ­teaching, policy and, “Thou shalt based on her scientific findings. Measuring sea levels oh yes, research). Scien- communicate! It’s in the Maldives leads her to conclude they have not tists today are expected to be good one of those woolly risen in 20 years. Her head of department (James Fleet communicators, often without much commandments poured – Hugo from the Vicar of Dibley) wants to delay the ­direction or even support. upon twenty-first century publication of her research for his own personal rea- While I realise that it’s not scientists” sons. Diane is suspended after voicing her theory on always easy, ­science com- Newsnight, in a brilliantly funny scene in which Jeremy munication has lots of Paxman himself makes a very comical appearance. The benefits. It can help you finale is action-packed and includes computer hacking, talk to your ­colleagues and think For me, it is very rewarding when I kidnap, and a life or death situation complete with heli- about your work in different ways. It ­successfully inspire young students. It is copter and real snow.” can also have huge benefits for your also interesting to see that my most cited The Heretic is playing until 19 March at the Jerwood Theatre research and your career prospects, as scientificarticles ­ are also the ones that Downstairs at the Royal Court Theatre: www.royalcourttheatre. well as being fun and helping­ to build got lots of media attention.’” com/whats-on/the-heretic

At the end of January, students donned much cheaper. For example, you can get a iConnect Imperial brings www.iconnectimperial.com T-shirts and 50 per cent discount for a theatre ticket if a handed out leaflets and free oyster card group of at least 10 people go together, but discounts to community holders to staff and students on the South ­organising that can be a hassle. Through our Kensington Campus­ to promote their new website, the group from Imperial is formed group-buying website. The website offers virtually, so everyone gets the discount with- staff and students 20–50 per cent discounts out the need to form our own groups. mainly at restaurants and cafés in the South As well as giving lots of discounts to Kensington area. Final year Chemical Engi- the Imperial community, the website also neering and Chemical Technology student, gives local businesses the opportunity to Nigel Kheng, who co-founded the website reach out to staff and students. All profits and is also the President of Imperial’s Innova- go to the Prince’s Trust charity, which helps tion Society, tells Reporter about the idea: young people in difficult situations to build “iConnect is a project started by the ­meaningful lives.” Innovation Society. The idea is simple: if Nigel is keen to know what staff and there are enough people willing to pur- students think of the website. Contact him at: chase the same product, it can be much [email protected] 14 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230

Is the future Reporter features staff who have given many years of nuclear? ­service to the College.­ Staff listed below celebrate­ ­anniversaries in the period 1–8 April. Data is supplied­ by HR and is correct at the time of going to press. —emily ross, communications and development SPOTLIGHT 20 years Dr Glen Powell (Life Sciences) 20 years • Professor Nagy Habib, ­Professor of Hepto-biliary Dr Glen Powell joined Imperial as a ­Surgery (Surgery and Cancer) Postdoctoral Research Associate in April • Miss Fionnuala Ni 1991. He began on an 18-month contract at ­Dhonnabhain, General and Silwood Park Campus but ended up working Postgraduate Office Manager there for 10 years, investigating the signals (Civil and Environmental that determine how aphids recognise Engineering) plants and how this knowledge can be used to manipulate aphids’ behaviour and Andrew Purcell, who is probably more desirable than • Mrs Benita White, Higher Executive Office (Surgery protect crops. Glen moved to Wye Campus ­studying for an MSc in ­Science continuing to burn fossil fuels and Cancer) in February 2001 and became a Lecturer in ­Communication, reports at our current rate. Perhaps • Ms Betty Yue, School Manager, horticultural crop protection. “It was great on his experience of the Is Professor Jim Skea, Director of Marketing and Develop- having the freedom to establish my own ment (School of Professional research group on aphid-plant interactions,” the Future Nuclear? panel the UK Energy Research Cen- ­Development) he says, “It was a really collaborative ­discussion hosted by A Global tre, which is based at Imperial, environment and I was able to take my work Village, ­Imperial’s journal on was able to sum up the panel’s 30 years in new directions, in particular, looking at ­international affairs: collective opinion best: “Is molecular signalling and genetics of plant • Professor Richard Jardine, resistance to aphids and other insects”. Glen the future nuclear? It’s partly Professor in Geomechanics, was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2006 “I’ve been to A Global Village nuclear but there have to be Head of Geotechnics (Civil and and in 2008 his group moved to the South events before, but I found other things involved as well.” Environmental Engineering) Kensington Campus. Glen is a Fellow of the • Dr Philippa Cann, Research myself feeling­ Neil Hirst of Imperial’s Royal Entomological Society and enjoys Fellow (Mechanical communicating his research at international ­particularly ­Grantham Institute ­Engineering) conferences. He will be leaving the College excited as I for Climate Change later this year following the restructuring of waited for this The added: “Carbon­ the Department of Life Sciences. one to start. detrimental ­emissions need to Perhaps this peak by 2020, which is because the effects of using is difficult, given the tricky issue of nuclear power growth in countries nuclear power are greatly like China and India. has stalked me In these countries, throughout my outweighed by coal is really cheap to life. You see, my the detrimental access, so, not using father works at effects of not nuclear power means a nuclear power that more coal will plant but I like to using it” inevitably be burnt.” think of myself as In his concluding­ a closet eco-warrior. I spent most remarks, Neil went on to sum- of my teenage years walking marise the situation by say- around with a CND (Campaign ing: “The detrimental effects of for Nuclear Disarmament) sym- using nuclear power are greatly bol hanging around my neck outweighed by the detrimental Celebrating 20 years service and I am somewhat partial­ to effects of not using it”. brown rice. At the end of the event, the On 21 February, Mrs Linda Childs, Administrative Officer (Security The debate about the role audience members were asked ­Services), attended a celebration for staff marking 20 years of service that nuclear power is likely to to vote either for or against the to the College in 2010. She describes her experiences: play in helping meet future future proliferation of nuclear energy demands was, on the power. Perhaps surprisingly, the “What a lovely evening! Sir Keith gave us an excellent speech mention- whole, rather tame. The three audience voted almost three to ing how technology has evolved over the last 20 years. His words set the speakers generally agreed that, one in support of nuclear power. tone for the occasion and we all enjoyed discussing the many different while there are inherent dangers In case you’re interested, changes we had experienced. Everyone I spoke to agreed that Imperial to consider, nuclear power is I abstained.” is a very inspirational place to work.” w

15 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 4 March 2011 • Issue 230 insidestory

Miss Joanna Higson, Medicine Mr James Swingland, Medicine Mr Edmund Henley, Physics Dr Candice Howarth, Environmental Policy Dr Farid Tariq, ESE Dr Claire Imrie, ESE (11 years) Welcome Dr Michiyo Iwami, Medicine Miss Betelhem Tewoldemedhin, Dr Amanda Jackson, Life Sciences Miss Ellen James, Medicine Sport and Leisure Dr Mohammad Jahangiri, EEE new starters Miss Katie Judd, Medicine Miss Lisa Thomas, Business School Dr Benjamin Jefferys, Life Sciences

Dr Narcis Kabatereine, Public Health Dr Vasiliki Tileli, Materials Dr Sarika Kapoor, NHLI Mr Tomasz Aarnio, Catering Miss Myrsini Kaforou, Medicine Miss Severine Toson, Chemical Engineering and Dr Emily Kay, Medicine (5 years) Mr Olle Akesson, ICU Chemical Technology Mr Joseph Kaplinsky, Chemistry Dr Andrew Kinloch, Kennedy Institute Mr Feras Al Jayoosi, NHLI Miss Ana Vieira, Public Health Ms Marie Kirsten, Chemistry Dr Murthy Konda, Chemical Engineering and Miss Rachel Amos, Medicine Mr Joseph Warren, Accommodation Services Miss Ewelina Krysztofinska, Medicine Chemical Technology Mrs Ranetta Athwal-McNair, NHLI Miss Anna Wheeler, NHLI Miss Natalya Kusel, Library Services Mr Sebastian Kroll, Chemistry Dr David Barneda Ciurana, Surgery and Cancer Dr Simone Wiesler, Life Sciences Mr Romain Lara, Surgery and Cancer Dr Andrea Listorti, Chemistry Dr Gareth Barnes, Medicine Mr Oliver Windram, Life Sciences Mr Alexander Lee, Life Sciences Dr Warren Macdonald, Bioengineering Mr Emiliano Berni, ICU Mrs Stacey Loghdey, Business School Ms Fahriya Zandari, NHLI Dr Kalle Magnusson, Life Sciences Miss Margherita Bertuzzi, Medicine Dr Vincenzo Mallardo, Aeronautics Mrs Deborah Mckenna, Clinical Sciences Dr Damien Bigourd, Physics Dr Tara Mangal, Public Health Mr Sohail Mushtaq, Physics Ms Isabelle Bisson, Clinical Sciences Ms Eleni Manoli, Life Sciences Farewell Mr Panos Navrozidis, Public Health Miss Ceri Bosede-Alabi, Natural Sciences Mr Jan Marchant, Life Sciences Mrs Lara Buchmayer Campos Palhares, Sport Dr Alessandro Brancati, Aeronautics moving on and Leisure Dr Jason Maroothynaden, Surgery and Cancer Dr Pablo Brito Parada, ESE Dr Ardan Patwardhan, Life Sciences (12 years) Mr Ioannis Marras, Computing Dr Abdul Ali, Mechanical Engineering on. in. moving moving Mr Gareth Brown, Environmental Policy Dr Tudor Phillips, Surgery and Cancer Ms Maria Martinez, Surgery and Cancer Miss Helen Alsop, Surgery and Cancer Dr Serena Brusamento, Public Health Mr Robin Pitman, Security Science and Ms Eva McGuire, Materials Dr Ivan Campeotto, Medicine Dr Fatin Altuhafi, Civil and Environmental Technology Mr Nicholas Morshead, Medicine Engineering Mr Ivan Carubelli, NHLI Dr Akos Putics, Medicine Mr Scott Mullaney, Medicine Miss Peita-Lee Ambrose, Medicine Dr Luis-Miguel Chevin, Life Sciences Mr Adaikalavan Ramasamy, NHLI Mr Richard Munday, Medicine Ms Sope Amidu, NHLI Mr Alistair Cott, ICU Miss Anna Ramsay, Business School Mr Miguel Munoz Zuniga, Chemical Engineering Dr Assaf Anderson, Chemistry Miss Emma Coxhill, ICU Dr Ramon Rojas-Diaz, Aeronautics and Chemical Technology Ms Marlene Attard, Public Health (5 years) Dr Wei Dai, EEE Dr Anindita Roy, Medicine Dr Marloes Naarding, Medicine Dr Sarah Baker, Physics (6 years) Mr Clebson De Medonca, ICU Dr Ben Ryall, Life Sciences Miss Agata Nowak, Medicine Dr Paul Barton, NHLI (22 years) Ms Madeleine Dean, Medicine Mrs Petronela Sasurova, Registry Dr Eduardo Oliver Perez, Medicine Miss Ioana Boureanu, Computing Ms Elizabeth Dubois, Public Health Mr Andrew Scott, NHLI Ms Oghenevworhe Omeru, EEE Dr Minsuk Choi, Mechanical Engineering Mr William Edmands, Surgery and Cancer Dr Zarrin Shaikh, NHLI Mr Robert Osborne, ICU Mr Dustin Connor, Bioengineering Dr Salvador Eslava, Materials Dr Michiyo Shima, Global Health Innovation Miss Sarah Parkes, Humanities Miss Carys Cook, ESE Mr Pietro Ferrantino, ICU (7 years) Dr Libuse Pazderova, Clinical Sciences Dr Michael Doube, Bioengineering Mr Jurijs Fjodorovs, ICT Dr Lukas Shrbeny, ESE Mr Peter Pesl, EEE Professor Ron du Bois, NHLI Miss Tally Forte, Business School Dr John Silva, Life Sciences (6 years) Mr Manuel Pinuela, EEE Ms Christina Duffy, ESE Dr Claire Furlong, Civil and Environmental Ms Ruth Skeeles, Public Health Dr Alan Poots, Medicine Engineering Dr Robert Duller, ESE Miss Lenka Sykorova, Sport and Leisure Dr Tomas Prior, Surgery and Cancer Miss Frankie Galati, Business School Dr Cedric Duprat, Aeronautics Dr Balint Takacs, EEE Mr Alessandro Pristera, Life Sciences Dr Debbie Garside, Medicine Mrs Karen Durham, NHLI Dr Sylvain Tollis, Life Sciences Mr Marco Proietti Tocca, ICU Mr Duncan Gates, Medicine Dr Darren Ennis, Kennedy Institute Mrs Kate Turner, ESE (5 years) Mr Spyridon Psarras, Aeronautics Mr Apostolos Georgiadis, Chemical Engineering Mr Stephen Fox, Estates Division (28 years) Dr Kristian Unger, Surgery and Cancer Mr Reiaz Rashied, ICT and Chemical Technology Dr Sabine Frenz, Mechanical Engineering Miss Bethan Unsworth, NHLI Dr Claudia Ribeiro de Almeida, Clinical Sciences Miss Natalia Goehring, Chemistry Dr Anil George, Surgery and Cancer Dr Anthony Uren, Clinical Sciences Dr Jaime Rosas, Medicine Ms Catherine Griffiths, Business School Dr Mazdak Ghajari, Aeronautics Ms Huijun Ying, Medicine (10 years) Mr Thorsten Grohsjean, Business School Mr Michael Schaub, Chemistry Ms Tamaswati Ghosh, Life Sciences Dr Jiebin Gu, EEE Ms Urvi Shah, Surgery and Cancer Dr Stephen Goldring, Medicine Dr Andrea Guerra, Medicine Dr Ekaterina Shamonina, EEE Dr John Goulding, NHLI retirements Dr Hannes Guhl, Physics Mr Mansour Sharabiani, Public Health Dr Rosemary Greaves, Civil and Environmental Mr David Gray, Engineering (5 years) Miss Ruzanna Gulakyan, Surgery and Cancer Dr Clare Smith, NHLI Engineering Mr Colin Grimshaw, Communications and Development (45 years) Dr Chinmay Gupte, Surgery and Cancer Mr Ian Smith, Health and Safety Mr James Grellier, Public Health Dr Boumediene Hamzi, Mathematics Mr Clement Stevens, Humanities Mrs Agnieszka Grzybowska-Kowalczyk, NHLI This data is supplied by HR and covers­ the Mr Cai Heath, Public Health Dr Benjamin Styles, Public Health Dr Murtaza Gulamali, ESE perio 24 January–14 February. This data was Mrs Faaria Henry, Engineering Dr Lei Su, Surgery and Cancer Mr Will Hargrave, ICT (9 years) ­correct at the time of going to press. Dr Shanthi Herath, Medicine Dr Andrea Suardi, EEE Dr Susannah Heck, Physics Ms Christine Sweed, Medicine

One-to-one postdoc coaching

Dr Ati Sharma, Junior Engineering. When I heard abilities and character, where I presented to a Research Fellow about the one-to-one and what could be done panel and got detailed (Aeronautics), on how coaching the PDC offers, I to improve it in terms of feedback. It really helped one-to-one coaching decided to give it a go, as I length and style. me reconsider my talk from supplied by the Postdoc know how important it is to My second session was the point of view of the Development Centre (PDC) get objective feedback. with Dr Carol Spencely, non-specialist. helped him find a new role. In the first session, I Consultant at the PDC. We The work was ­ worked through my CV with focused on which points definitely worth it as I got “I had an interview at the Manager of the PDC, to cover in the interview the first job I applied for Sheffield coming up Dr Liz Elvidge. We consid- and what to emphasise, and the feedback from my for a lectureship in the ered whether it was tar- such as funding, research ­prospective employer on Department of Automatic geted to the job, whether and teaching. She then my final presentation Control and Systems it reflected my experience, set up a mock interview, was excellent!” for complete details: events highlights www.imperial.ac.uk/events 4 March 2011

take note

17 March • Talk columnist. It will feature a whole host of Ig Nobel Share your passion Ig Nobel Awards Tour Show Prize winners and other researchers whose work has been recognised for first making people for science The Graduate Schools are hosting the Ig Nobel laugh and then making them think. Entry to the Awards Tour Show for the sixth consecutive year. show is by ticket only, limited to two per person. Every year the Nuffield The show will be presented by Marc Abrahams, Further information about the Ig Nobel Awards Foundation provides organiser of the Ig Nobel prizes, editor of the and details of this year’s performers can soon be 1,000 bursaries to Year 12 Annals of Improbable Research, and Guardian found at: http://bit.ly/gOHLS school students in science, technology, engineering and medicine to take up 22 March • Talk Advances in technology mean that astronomers summer placements at have made astonishing progress in probing and universities, research labs and companies for From ‘big bang’ to biosphere understanding our cosmic environment, but a six-week period. Imperial College Outreach, they also raise new questions. Visiting Professor via its partner organisation Exscitec, helps How widespread is life in the cosmos? Should we Lord Martin Rees (Physics), Astronomer Royal, coordinate the scheme. be surprised that physical laws have permitted presents the 2011 Kohn Lecture. Following the the emergence of the complexity of which we lecture, the Kohn Award will be presented to If you are interested in hosting a project are part? Is physical reality even more extensive Lord Rees by Sir Ralph Kohn, who set up the in your department, contact: sarah. than the domain our telescopes can probe? Kohn Foundation. [email protected] or visit: www. nuffieldfoundation.org/project-host-faqs

meet the 7–9 March • Conference 10 March • Talk 17 March • Music reader Mathematical Adventures through a geek nation Lunchtime challenges Angela Saini, science journalist concert in molecular Florian Uhlig, piano dynamics 16 March • Talk Annual conference of 21 March • the UK network Wizards and Luddites: science, Churchill and the Second World War Lecture Professor David Edgerton (History of Human sweat and insect 8 March • Talk Science, Technology and Medicine) repellents: the molecular biology of mosquito smell The responsibility of women in Dr Leslie Vosshall, Rockefeller University technology innovation: why should 16 March • Lecture we care? Understanding Sarah Williams-Gardener, IBM how cell- 22 March • Talk generated forces The role of business schools in an shape tissue 8 March • Seminar entrepreneurial economy Amna Siddiq, Events and Professor Karl Panellists include Professor David Gann Dissecting the human T cell Kadler, University of Communications Officer, (Business School) response to microbes Manchester Communications and Development Dr Federica Sallusto, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Switzerland 16 March • lecture 23 March • Lecture What are you doing in the picture? The incredible shrinking laboratory Mechanical I’m in the north west of Bahrain visiting a family friend on my holiday. Bahrain is an 9 March • Seminar Professor Andrew de Mello (Chemistry) Engineering research island in the Middle East where I grew up – it Human joint and is well known for its oil and gas industry and showcase 2011 musculoskeletal 17 March • Talk pearl diving. News of the protests in Bahrain modelling Departmental since my return to the UK is obviously a Chaotic cards and dynamic dice research showcase Professor Frédéric concern for me. Dr Frank Berkshire (Mathematics) and guest lecture Marin, University What would you do if you were the of Technology of editor of Reporter for a day? Compiègne, France 17 March • Inaugural lecture 23 March • Talk To start with, I would introduce Imperial- Bioresources for sustainable food Musculoskeletal mechanobiology branded gifts like chocolate bars, USBs and energy Dr Mark Thompson, University of Oxford and Post-Its, stuck onto the front of the Professor Stephen Smith (Civil and publication – everyone loves a freebie! Environmental Engineering) Who would be your cover star? I’d like to see Misha Levi, Sales and Events Executive (Catering Services) on the cover. I work with her a lot in my role and she always ensures that Imperial events run smoothly and without any hiccups! Stay in the loop > Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/events for more details about these events Want to be the next reader featured in and others. To sign up for regular updates about Imperial events please Reporter? Send in a picture of yourself with a copy of Reporter in your location of choice to: email: [email protected] [email protected]

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