Issue 264 ▸ 26 September 2013 reporterSharing stories of Imperial’s community

The journey begins The pioneering staff and students at our new joint medical school in Singapore → centre pages

A broad church Euro triple Wanderlust How Imperial for rowers Lorraine Craig Horizons is giving Imperial crews on overseeing undergraduates a pick up trio of student new perspective medals at Euros expeditions PAGE 10 to buoy team GB worldwide PAGE 4 PAGE 11 2 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264

Imperial celebrates He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be here tonight having seen the whole project through to fruition, LKCMedicine launch and having just seen the first students welcomed a few weeks ago.” Imperial recognised the contributions of staff and Dr Naomi Low-Beer, the school’s Vice Dean (Education), editor’s corner students to Singapore’s newest medical school at an gave colleagues an insight into the innovative LKCMedicine event on 10 September at Campus. curriculum, which is pioneering the use of e-learning tools. Claire Vassie, a fifth year Imperial medical student, New The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), told how she and some of her peers helped review these a collaboration between Nanyang Technological e-learning materials and forge early links between beginnings University (NTU) and Imperial, welcomed its first 54 Imperial and LKCMedicine students. students in August (see pages 8 and 9). Professor Dermot Kelleher, Dean of LKCMedicine It’s the first time that I’ve The LKCMedicine Office has led on and Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine, closed the formal been at College for the curriculum development and much of the organisation. proceedings, paying tribute to NTU for their commitment start of the academic year, Paul Ratcliffe, Singapore Project Manager, set out how and thanking staff at LKCMedicine for their dedication. and although a very familiar the London Office delivered Imperial’s responsibilities He said: “Creating the new medical school is a rhythm for most, it does for the partnership despite the numerous challenges historic moment: for Imperial, for NTU, and for Singapore.” feel rather special this inherent in such ambitious international collaborations. —Andrew Scheuber, Communications and Public Affairs time. Thousands of miles away in Singapore, first year medical students have just started on their journey to become doctors at the new Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine – a historic moment for the College (pages 2, 8 and 9). Closer to home, undergraduate students ’ in London have perhaps Freshers more reasons than ever to be excited about their FAir 2013 time at the College and ➜ uesdayT 6 October the future. In this year’s Support staff turnout despite the rain. National Students Survey gather at Village “The Committee has organised 11.00 – 16.00 (NSS) Imperial gained its events before – walks, staff highest ever satisfaction Fete and BBQ choir, tours of the Queen’s score and response rate, Tower – but we wanted to do thanks to the work every Support staff from across something on a larger scale department and the Union College gathered for a Village to give people the opportunity have done to improve the Fete and barbeque at South to meet a wider group of student experience (page Kensington Campus on the support colleagues,” said 3). Meanwhile, both first evening of 9 September. Louise Lindsay, Director of and second years now Human Resources. have the chance to study a Many braved the rain to take Imperial’s new Provost diverse range of modules part in an assortment of Professor James Stirling took All staff are welcome to from the Horizons games and activities around to the stage to address the explore the Freshers’ Fair programme (page 10) the Queen’s Lawn hosted by audience of staff: and join the many Union so they will be better College support services prepared for the workplace divisions. Around 100 staff clubs and societies. when landing their first from the Hammersmith and While we Freshers’ Fair is taking place across job – which given the Campuses are rightly famous the South Kensington Campus with excellent prospects for made the journey, arriving stalls at Dalby Court, Sherfield Building, Imperial graduates (page 4) by coaches. for the quality of Main Entrance, Sir Alexander Fleming shouldn’t prove too The event, organised by the teaching and Building, and Beit Quad. difficult. the Support Staff Social You can find a full list of all the Union’s andrew czyzewski, Acting Editor Committee, aimed to respond research we also clubs, societies and projects at: to survey feedback that support have an incredibly Reporter is published every staff had little opportunity to imperialcollegeunion.org/a-to-z three weeks during term time in print and online. The next meet people from other areas talented body of publication day is 24 October. of the College doing similar professional and Contact Andrew Czyzewski: jobs to their own. Over 1400 [email protected] registered initially with a good support staff.” 3 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264 >> newsupdate

Student last year and 2% higher than satisfaction the sector average (85%). The College’s performance on the up across all NSS question categories was better than Students have given Imperial in 2012. its best ever rating in the The survey revealed National Student Survey (NSS), particular progress in the according to the 2013 results Assessment and Feedback released in August. category, with a 66% satisfaction rate, an increase of 4% on last year and a 12% improvement over the past two years. Academic Support satisfaction rates reached 79%, Engineering honours large group of Imperial academics also a 4% increase on last year. for staff and alumni have been recognised by the Royal The College achieved its Academy of Engineering. All six are highest ever rating for Imperial academics received a record leaders in their field and thoroughly satisfaction with Learning haul of honours from a prestigious deserve recognition for their outstanding Resources at 95%, the engineering academy this summer. contribution to engineering.” joint-second highest rating Five Imperial alumni were also in the sector. The Royal Academy of Engineering honoured including: Naomi Climer, Over the past two years announced the election of 60 new President of Sony Media Cloud every Imperial department has Fellows at its annual general meeting Services (Chemistry, 1986); Dr Richard focused on improving their on 22 July. The Fellows include some of Greaves, Group Chief Technology student experience through the UK’s most accomplished engineers Officer, Meggitt plc (PhD Life Sciences, The feedback from 1,634 departmental action plans. from academia and business. This now 1987); Professor Lin Li, Deputy Head, students – four-fifths of the In addition to this, recent takes the number of Imperial Fellows School of Mechanical, Aerospace and graduating cohort – gives student-centred reforms to 84. Civil Engineering, The University Imperial its highest student include: the Union’s ‘You Said, Among this year’s cohort were of Manchester (PhD Mechanical satisfaction score and response We Did’ Campaign to promote Professors Jeff Magee, Dean of the Engineering, 1988); Dr Andrew rate in the survey’s history. changes in teaching; student-led Faculty of Engineering; Molly Stevens Rickman, Founder and Chairman A greater proportion of teaching awards; a place for (Materials); Robin Grimes (Materials); of the Rockley Group (Mechanical Imperial students took part the Union President and Jianguo Lin, (Mechanical Engineering); Engineering; 1982) and Dr Andrew in the survey than any other Deputy President (Education) Washington Ochieng (Civil and Shields, Assistant Managing Director, university in England and Wales. on the Advisory Group to the Environmental Engineering) and Toshiba Research Europe (Physics, 87% of final-year Imperial Vice Provost (Education); and Stratos Pistikopoulos (Chemical 1986, PhD 1990). students responding to the the expansion of the Imperial Engineering). The Royal Academy of Engineering survey “definitely” or “mostly” Horizons programme to Sir Keith O’Nions, President & also awarded a Research Fellowship agree that their overall broaden the range of academic Rector, said: “Our Faculty of Engineering to Dr Edmund Kelleher (Physics) in experience at the College and professional training is a world beater in terms of the quality, August for his work in next generation was satisfactory. (see page 10). depth and breadth of research and short-pulse visible and ultraviolet light This is a 1% improvement teaching being carried out. It is lasers and an outstanding contribution —Andrew Scheuber, Communications on the College’s performance and Public Affairs absolutely fantastic news that such a to engineering.

Introducing the City and Moving on up £22m to improve Guilds Building Seventy eight Imperial healthcare in NW London More than 100 Mechanical Engineering and academics will begin the autumn The Department of Health has Aeronautics staff joined alumni and guests term with new positions in announced £10 million of renewed for the naming of Imperial’s City and Guilds recognition of their research and funding for a programme of teaching successes. The 2013 in brief Building. The 18 September ceremony research aimed at improving marked the launch of a major redevelopment academic promotions round healthcare services. The National programme for what was previously known acknowledges the achievements Institute for Health Research as the Mechanical Engineering Building on of staff from the Faculties of Collaboration for Leadership in the South Kensington Campus. The present Medicine, Engineering and Applied Health Research and Care building was completed in the early 1960s Natural Sciences, the Business (NIHR CLAHRC) for Northwest and stands on the site of the former City School and the Centre for London was established in October and Guilds College building, constructed in Co-Curricular Studies. 2008 to help translate research 1885. City & Guilds College, founded in 1884, from the lab bench to the hospital merged with the and A full list of the 2013 academic bedside. The NIHR CLAHRC for to form Imperial promotions can be found in the Northwest London is hosted by College London in 1907. The refurbishment College Notice on the Central Chelsea and Westminster Hospital of the City and Guilds Building is due for Secretariat’s web pages: NHS Foundation Trust, with Imperial completion in 2017. bit.ly/1aQlt3h as the lead academic partner. 4 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264

Imperial tops graduate means providing an educational employment stakes experience that’s relevant and innovative, often with a significant Imperial has been named ‘University practical element.” of the year for graduate employment’ Elspeth Farrar, the Director of the by a UK university guide this week. College’s Careers Service, added: “Our students are uniquely placed to be The inaugural Times and Sunday Times targeted by a wide variety of potential Good University Guide places the employers with Imperial’s STEM College at the top of the table for disciplines developing great analytical, graduate prospects, with 89.2 numerical and problem solving skills. per cent of graduates going to Many of our degree courses use project professional-level jobs or postgraduate work and real industry scenarios as study. Imperial was also number part of the curriculum which also one for graduates’ starting salaries, contributes to the development of with a calculated average of £31,304. valuable employability skills.” Welcoming the employability award The new guide follows the merger Professor Debra Humphris, Vice Provost of the Times and Sunday Times New centre to strengthen (Education) said: “Imperial has some individual league tables, and sees international science links of the most talented students in the Imperial take fifth position in the world, and we’re committed to helping overall UK university rankings. Imperial scientists will act as mentors for researchers them achieve their full potential. This —John-Paul Jones, Communications and Public Affairs from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in a new centre launched this month.

Wellcome Trust–Imperial College Centre for Global Health Research aims to make advances in preventing and treating major health problems of LMICs while fostering the careers of a new generation of scientists from partner institutions in Asia, Africa and South America. It will build on the work of the Wellcome Centre for Clinical Tropical Medicine, established at Imperial in 1995, which has formed strong partnerships with numerous institutions worldwide and helped researchers establish their careers in clinical tropical medicine. The new centre will have a broader scope, encompassing non-communicable diseases such European hat trick Michelle Vezie (Physics), Myriam as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in for Imperial rowers Goudet (Life Sciences), Georgie Phillips, addition to infectious diseases such as HIV, and Hannah Patterson (both Medicine) tuberculosis and malaria. It will also support Imperial crews built on a strong made up Imperial’s women’s quadrupal scientists from LMICs to apply for PhD and rowing season to secure three medals scull who won a silver medal, while the postdoctoral positions at Imperial, funded by at the bi-annual European Universities women’s double scull (Michelle and Wellcome Trust fellowships, and receive Rowing Championships (EURC) in Myriam) received a bronze. mentorship from experienced researchers. Poznan earlier this month. It has been a season of In addition, the centre will offer exchange visits, achievements for Imperial’s rowing short courses, workshops, and distance learning. That helped to lift Great Britain’s crews, who had the strongest It will work closely with the Institute of Global Health medal tally to 12, placing them third performance of any university at Innovation to provide opportunities to collaborate overall behind Germany and hosts the British Universities and College with and be trained by researchers from other Poland. Sports (BUCS) regatta in early May, faculties and the Business School, such as Stuart Whitelaw, Head Coach at and recently won the prestigious Prince engineers, physicists and computational biologists. the Boat Club said: “The EURC is a Albert Cup at the Henley Regatta. Professor Michael Levin (Medicine), fantastic event where European This year the entire Great Britain the centre’s director, said: “Imperial already has universities come together every year team was coordinated for the first time well-established partnerships with institutions in low to fight it out for their university and by Imperial’s own Stuart Whitelaw. and middle-income countries, but we want to make country.” Neil Mosley, Head of Sport said: those links even stronger. We hope to contribute A gold medal went to Imperial’s “Stuart has worked with a diverse to scientific excellence within local institutions and lightweight men’s coxless four field of talent from a number of build capacity in those countries to carry out consisting of Tim Richards (Medicine), UK universities, so for the entire internationally competitive research into the Wilf Kimberley (Life Sciences), team to place third under his guidance major health problems that affect them.” Myles Holbrough and Paul Jones is a real credit to him.” —Sam Wong, Communications and Public Affairs (both Materials). —Jessica Adams, Communications and Public Affairs 5 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264 >> newsupdate

media mentions —SAM WONG, Communications and Public Affairs

Comets could spark life $2 trillion bill to cancer in the UK (about 3,700 a year) could be the guardian ▸ 15.09.13 prevented by keeping slim and active. “If you are stablise the climate physically active and if you don’t have excess new scientist ▸ 18.09.13 body weight you can reduce your risk of womb cancer and improve your health in general,” There is still time to prevent global temperatures study author Dr Teresa Norat (School of Public from rising by more than 2°C – but only if we part Health) told BBC News. with some serious cash, reported New Scientist. To do this, we need to reduce annual global Death rates provoke alarm emissions of carbon dioxide from 30 gigatonnes channel 4 news ▸ 11.09.13 to 15 gigatonnes by 2050. This can be achieved, according to a report from the Grantham Institute Mortality rates in NHS hospitals are startlingly Violent impacts from comets and other hurtling for Climate Change at Imperial, but kicking the high compared with other countries, according bodies can pepper planets and their moons with carbon habit will cost $2 trillion per year, or one to data compiled by Professor Sir Brian Jarman the molecular building blocks of life, according per cent of global GDP in 2050. “It sounds like a (School of Public Health) and reported on to Imperial scientists. Their research, reported big figure,” said lead author Nilay Shah (Chemical Channel 4 News. Professor Jarman collected in The Guardian, suggests that shock waves Engineering), but it is probably cheaper than hospital data from six other advanced economy produced by such collisions can turn simple the alternative. “It’s not going to cost the Earth, countries, adjusting them where possible to organic compounds into amino acids, which quite the opposite.” take into account the different health systems. make proteins, cells and ultimately all living In 2004, the death rate in English hospitals was organisms. The findings suggest that rather than Weight key to womb cancer 22 per cent higher than the average of all seven being a purely destructive force, the impacts bbc news ▸ 11.09.13 countries and 58 per cent higher than the best increase the chances of life originating. “We country. “I expected us to do well and was know that impacts are very common in the The risk of womb cancer can be reduced by staying very surprised when we didn’t,” Professor solar system because we can see the craters slim and exercising, new research suggests. Jarman said. “But there is no means of denying left behind on different planetary bodies,” said Endometrial cancer – cancer of the womb the results. They are absolutely clear.” Zita Martins (Earth Science and Engineering). “If lining – is the fourth most common of all cancers impacts occur then more complex molecules can in women in the UK. Scientists at Imperial carried Join our mailing list be made, so these building blocks of life could out a review of research on the disease, and for regular news alerts: be widespread throughout our solar system.” concluded that almost half of cases of womb www.imperial.ac.uk/media/jointsignup

awards and Lim and Dario Magliocchetti-Lombi for Londoners. The commission will College of Music. The company honours (both Electrical and Electronic take into account London’s specific secured a €20,000 investment Engineering) have been awarded health challenges such as its prize and a place in the Climate-KIC £5,000 by digital technology high rates of tuberculosis, HIV finals which will take place in charity Jisc to continue their work and sickle cell anaemia alongside Wroclaw, Poland, on 22 October. on TeachBack, a student feedback mental health conditions, a rising application for graduate teaching population and child poverty. medicine assistants. Respiratory presidency business school for Barnes medicine Clean tech prize for Care for the capital start-up Professor Peter Barnes (National Heart and Lung Institute) has The Mayor of London has invited Econic Technologies, an Imperial been appointed President of Professor Lord Ara Darzi to lead an spinout company founded by the European Respiratory engineering analysis of healthcare needs and Professor Charlotte Williams Society, which is the largest Feedback facility claims services in the capital. Professor (Chemistry), has won a prestigious respiratory society in the world. innovation award Darzi, Director of the Institute European competition for clean Professor Barnes’ work is of Global Health Innovation at technology start-ups. Econic’s focused on cellular and molecular Two Imperial students are Imperial, will head up the new method of manufacturing plastics mechanisms of asthma and developing a new web application clinically-led London Health using waste CO2 gas from industrial chronic obstructive pulmonary to help improve the student Commission, which will conduct an processes caught the judges’ eyes disease and developing therapies experience, after winning an award evidence-based investigation into at the Climate-KIC UK Venture and biomarkers for these for their innovative idea. Thomas healthcare provision and resources Competition held at the Royal diseases. 6 >> scienceroundup www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264

Copycat orchid uses trickery to reproduce

Bees are tricked into pollinating orchids that produce a plentiful supply of oil. disguise themselves as the brightly coloured Vincent Savolainen (Life Sciences), Professor of flowers of neighbouring plants, according to Organismic Biology explains: “These reward-giving new research. flowers have evolved a very special colour called bee-UV-green, that is highly distinguishable to In the plant world, successful fertilisation comes bees’ sensitive eyes. The Trichocentrum down to enticing pollinators, such as bees, ascendens and other Oncidiinae orchids copy to transfer pollen from one flower to another. the special colour so precisely that bees are This is usually in return for a reward. unable to distinguish between the flowers, The Oncidiinae group of orchids is one of the visiting an orchid and pollinating them without most diverse groups of flowering plant in the world, the reward they may expect.” with around 1700 different species being found Some now believe this evolutionary trick across South and Central America. is the key to the orchids’ success. By not Researchers from Imperial and Kew Gardens producing nectar, they can divert more energy have been looking at a specific orchid of the to growing strong and producing more successful Oncidiinae group, which does not offer any reward: future generations. the Trichocentrum ascendens from South America. Professor Savolainen continues: “In this In a 10-year study they found that the case the scale and accuracy of the mimicry has Trichocentrum tricks pollinators by closely surprised us, as it happens so many times and mimicking the colour and flower shape of another involves so many orchid species.” plant family, the Malpighiaceae, whose flowers —Jenny Mitchell for Communications and Public Affairs

The need for nitrogen

Nitrogen is a key element in living things, and although abundant in air, it exists in a form that is impossible to use. In nature, only bacteria are capable of capturing nitrogen from the air. All other species rely on nitrogen-fixing bacteria to convert nitrogen into a state where it can be used to make proteins, RNA and DNA. Some plants obtain nitrogen from bacteria with which they have developed a symbiotic relationship. New project hopes to wean crops off nitrogen fertilizer Other plants rely on picking up nitrogen from the soil, and since this is often at low Researchers at Imperial will join a global effort to they will test for a very special nitrogen-fixing enzyme levels, plant growth is often reduce the reliance on nitrogen fertilisers for future that was originally reported to be able to work in the limited by nitrogen availability. crop production. presence of oxygen, which is unlike all other known To counteract this, nitrogen fertilisers are applied to crops, nitrogenase enzymes. increasing the nitrogen levels This will make crop production cheaper and more Professor Rutherford said: “All other nitrogenases in the soil and increasing crop sustainable, as well as reducing the environmental are inhibited by oxygen and thus do not function in air, yields. By 2015, it is estimated impact of arable farming. greatly limiting their use in biology and biotechnology. that nearly 200m tonnes of nitrogen fertiliser per year will Two projects at Imperial have been awarded over “This oxygen-tolerant enzyme is therefore be required for crop production. $3.75m jointly by the Biotechnology and Biological something of a holy grail; a mystery waiting to be Not only is fertiliser expensive Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and US National solved and one that could have a major impact not to manufacture, it also uses Science Foundation (NSF). only on the mainstream thinking in the field but also up lots of fossil fuels in the manufacturing process. Professors Bill Rutherford and Martin Buck on what is possible biotechnologically.” Added to this, the fertiliser together with Dr James Murray (all Life Sciences) will The second project will re-engineer the processes not absorbed by crops is search for a ‘lost’ nitrogen-fixing bacterium that was in bacteria that use solar energy to drive nitrogen often washed away into rivers originally discovered in soil covering a charcoal fire fixation, so that it can ultimately be done inside and streams and leads to environmental problems. in Germany. The aim is to scour the planet for the plants and thus reduce the need for fertilisers. missing bug, and any related bacteria. Once found, —Michael Jones, Communications and Public Affairs 7 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264 >> scienceroundup

Weight loss surgery: bypass or band?

An estimated 10,000 weight loss procedures were carried out in the UK in 2011, of which 31 per cent were gastric banding and 55 per cent were gastric bypass. The gastric bypass procedure involves creating a small gastric pouch, which means that food makes women who had lost weight from either a gastric contact with the intestines Weight loss surgery changes earlier than normal, bypassing bypass or gastric band surgery carried out on average brain’s response to food the stomach. This makes eight to nine months previously, as well as a control the gut release more satiety Gastric bypass surgery changes how the brain group of unoperated participants. These three groups hormones, meaning patients responds to food, reducing not only hunger but also were of similar body weight. feel less hungry after gastric bypass. The same does not the drive to eat for pleasure, an Imperial-led study They found marked differences in the brain’s happen in gastric banding. In has found. response to food in patients after gastric bypass, this procedure, an adjustable compared to gastric band surgery. Patients who had band around the stomach The research helps to explain why gastric bypass gastric bypass had less activity in the brain’s reward reduces hunger by increasing pressure on the nerves in patients lose more weight over the long term than regions when shown pictures of food compared with the stomach, making the those who undergo a gastric band operation those who had gastric banding. brain think it’s full. Gastric (see box-out). Patients after gastric bypass also rated banding is a quicker, simpler surgical procedure, but over “This may have important implications for the high-calorie foods as less appealing to look at and 20 years, people who undergo way we treat patients with obesity and could help less pleasant to eat, had healthier eating habits gastric bypass surgery lose on pave the way for a more personalised approach when and ate less fat in their diet than patients after average 25 per cent of their deciding on the choice of bariatric procedure,” said gastric banding or the unoperated control group. body weight, compared with 14 per cent for those who lead researcher Dr Tony Goldstone (Institute of Clinical Both the gastric bypass and banding patients had have a gastric band. Science) from the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre. similarly reduced hunger compared with the The scientists used functional magnetic resonance unoperated group. imaging (fMRI) to examine the brains of 61 men and —Sam Wong, Communications and Public Affairs

Brain-training games tailored to the patient’s requirements. games could The study involved 110 patients being treated at Charing Cross help symptoms Hospital, a major centre for stroke care in west London. Five of them were already diagnosed with a of stroke serious attention disorder called neglect, but computerised tests A majority of stroke patients have showed that over half of them had problems paying attention and attention problems that hadn’t could be helped by brain-training been recognised. computer games, a new study “We’ve shown that specialised suggests. computer games are very sensitive at picking up deficits in stroke Researchers at Imperial found that patients,” said the study’s senior problems such as difficulty filtering author Dr Paul Bentley (Medicine). out distractions, difficulty following “They can also be tailor-made instructions, and reduced alertness for each patient to rehabilitate them are much more common in stroke for the specific deficit they show. patients than doctors realise. These findings therefore suggest They showed that brain scans a new strategy by which stroke and bedside tests can be used to treatments can be personalised An estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke each year. It can cause a wide diagnose these three types of depending on information gained range of effects on the mind and body, including problems with memory, attention attention problems, each of which from patients’ brain scans.” and speech; emotional problems and physical disability could be addressed with computer —Sam Wong, Communications and Public Affairs

8 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264

LKCMedicine: The journey begins

The story so far

It all began five years ago when the Singaporean Government, noting a pressing need to train more doctors to meet the country’s healthcare needs, approached Imperial, seeking expertise in medical education. The government initiated the collaboration with NTU – a university which, like Imperial, was established with a focus on engineering and science. For both partners it was a unique and unmissable opportunity to redefine the way Singaporean medicine is taught and delivered, as Professor Jenny Higham, Senior Vice-Dean of LKCMedicine and Vice Dean of Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine, explains. “If you have a very long-standing course with large numbers of students which relies on partnerships with myriad health organisations, the ability to change anything is very complex. “Whereas when you start with a Students perform virtual dissection on the Anatomage Table, which offers an interactive 3D experience blank piece of paper – with a new cohort of students, new buildings, new teachers and a new environment – it’s a totally Last month, 54 nervous but excited Beside them stood a team of equally different experience.” excited teachers who will guide them The result of that process is a truly first year medical students donned white on this journey and deliver a pioneering innovative curriculum incorporating coats and stethoscopes to mark what medical curriculum at a new and unique elements of simulation, team based learning medical school. and early clinical exposure. For example, promises to be the journey of a lifetime. The Lee Kong Chian School of first year students who are learning about Medicine (LKCMedicine) in Singapore is a the science that underpins breathlessness, partnership between Imperial and Nanyang chest pains and heart palpitations will get Technology University (NTU) – one of the the opportunity to examine a patient who fastest rising universities in Asia. has had a heart attack. LKC MEDICINE Timeline

2008–2010 October 2010 2010–2013 January 2011

The Singaporean Imperial and NTU sign an Over 150 staff from The new medical school is named ministries of health agreement to establish a across Imperial support the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and education work third medical school for the development (LKCMedicine) after the founder of the Lee with Imperial and Singapore. of a curriculum for Foundation, renowned business leader, Nanyang Technological Singapore’s newest pioneer and philanthropist TanSri Dato Lee University (NTU) on a medical school. Kong Chian. The name recognises a gift proposal to develop for of $150 million towards the new medical a new medical school school from the Lee Foundation which, to train more doctors with matched funding from the Singapore to meet Singapore’s Government, amounted to $400 million. healthcare needs. His Excellency Michael Eng Cheng Teo, Singapore’s High Commisioner to the UK, opens the London office of the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, housed on the twelfth floor of Imperial’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering Building. 9 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264 >> featurefocus

All students will have iPads, giving in Medical Education and a Team Based The idea that the culture and them access anytime and anywhere to a Learning Facilitator. traditions of LKCMedicine will in suite of e-learning materials that support “I didn’t really plan to leave St Mary’s the course content. Students are also where I was based, but in the end the part be determined by us, the first expected to solve problems together using opportunity to be part of something new and students, is quite surreal.” specially designed, team-based learning exciting proved enticing – I wanted to make facilities that hook into iPads and project my mark in the world of medical education. work onto large flat screen displays. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to machine of its kind in the world – and we’re create new simulation methods and apply my attracting young and talented postdocs Second opinion novel hybrid simulation ‘know how’ directly from around Europe.” into an undergraduate medical curriculum.” All this proved particularly attractive to one The road ahead of the new students, Dylan Fones, who notes Research ambitions that this is the first time aspiring medical Although LKCMedicine is a new and untested students in Singapore have had a choice. While the need to train more doctors school with a pioneering curriculum, it is Until this year the Yong Loo Lin School of for Singapore was the driver behind the not a complete step in the dark. Imperial’s Medicine (YLL) at the National University of development of LKCMedicine, research will undergraduate medical course has fed into Singapore was the only medical school in play an ever more important role as the the development of the new curriculum and Singapore training undergraduate medics. school evolves. This will prove crucial in will act as a benchmark in the future, offering “I believe that LKCMedicine, with the the future when tackling big and growing comparators for students’ performance. help of Imperial’s pedigree, can be a real health challenges such as diabetes, Jenny notes that there will be regular trailblazer in the field of medicine,” Dylan metabolic disease and cancer. analysis of the course’s success through says. “YLL clearly has experience and Among the staff with a research focus formal and informal feedback from students: strong foundations whereas LKCMedicine is Professor Daniella Rhodes, a Fellow of the “One of the things we need to do is respond is new and untested. But convention isn’t Royal Society who spent 40 years working for to the feedback we get. We have an idea, quite for me. the Medical Research Council’s Laboratory we’ve set a vision but this will be informed “The idea that the culture and traditions of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Taking by students curently on the course, the of LKCMedicine will in part be determined compulsory retirement at 65, she wanted teaching, and very importantly the end by us, the first students, is quite surreal. to continue with her research into genome product – good doctors.” Most of my life I’ve been following customs function and chromosome telomeres For first year student Rachel Lim Wei and listening to instructions from others, which has particular relevance to ageing Shan, the inspiration to be a good doctor so to be setting things in stone myself for and cancer. Since moving to LKCMedicine was sparked when her grandfather was once is exciting.” she has been awarded a large research admitted to hospital. Of course the team of teaching staff also grant from the Singaporean Government’s “The doctor’s warmth and sincerity in had to weigh up what it meant to join a brand Ministry of Education. treating my grandfather greatly touched me new medical school, with many making the “I felt it was my last real opportunity to and inspired me to work towards a career of move from prestigious institutions in Europe. escape Cambridge and it was one of the giving in medicine. Now that I’m embarking Dr Jason Maroothynaden was few places where I thought I would have on that journey I feel excited, yet a little previously based at Imperial in Professor the same level of intellectual freedom the overwhelmed! It is a brand new chapter in Roger Kneebone’s group in the Department MRC afforded me,” she says. “My research my life, working towards a career that is of Surgery and Cancer. He originally came has the potential to impact on medicine likely to span the next 40 to 50 years.” out to Singapore to contribute to a series of and patients, but it is very much basic And that’s very much the legacy that open days and special lectures promoting science which I believe is important.” Imperial and NTU wish to deliver in the LKCMedicine, demonstrating the group’s Daniella also praised the infrastructure long term: a whole generation of doctors simulated ‘pop-up’ operating theatre. At at LKCMedicine: “We’re getting a state of equipped to deal with whatever health LKCMedicine Jason is Head of Technology the art electron microscope, the first such challenges the next half century throws up.

March 2012 May 2012 November 2012 April 2013 August 2013

Over 800 prospective Over 800 students More than 400 students visit sit the BioMedical prospective LKCMedicine for Admissions Test students, its first open day, (BMAT), an aptitude shortlisted receiving a taste of the test used by UK from over 800 curriculum through medical schools applications, e-learning sessions including Imperial. are interviewed. and demonstrations of LKCMedicine is the medical simulations. A ground-breaking ceremony takes first medical school LKCMedicine place to celebrate the start of work in Singapore to staff move into The first 54 students of LKCMedicine begin on LKCMedicine’s Novena Campus at include BMAT among the school’s new their training. At the school’s inaugural Mandalay Road, oppsite Tan Tock Seng its admissions headquaters on white coats ceremony the students affirm Hospital, the medical school’s primary requirements. Mandalay Road. their commitment to medicine and receive teaching hospital. their first stethoscopes and white coats.

10 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264

Expanding Horizons

After a successful introductory year, the Imperial of different modules from ‘Japanese Level 1’ up something different. Horizons programme, which aims to broaden through ‘Science and Faith’. One such individual, Alex Mytenka a Geology the education of students, will be rolled out to The Global Challenges courses examine the student, took both Introduction to Business and second years from the start of the academic year. interface between science, society, politics, a Global Challenges course in his first year at ethics and culture in attempting to address Imperial, and will now try out Italian in his At this year’s June Open Days, prospective pressing matters of worldwide concern. It is second year. undergraduate students had the chance to designed specifically to put students’ main “Horizons provided some respite from my find out about a new, and possibly surprising, degrees in a broader context. main degree, but it also started me thinking about aspect of studying at Imperial. Among the usual As such, Elizabeth, alternative career departmental and Union information was, who devises and delivers options that I could for the first time, a stand focused on the Imperial all the course content, What this course has explore in the future Horizons programme — which offers students consciously opts for done is increase my confidence – for example I could the chance to study humanities courses alternative forms go into the business alongside their degree programme. of learning. when discussing how science and finance side of “We were busy the whole time,” recalls “I want to give the affects policy.” my course rather than Dr Elizabeth Hauke (School of Professional students a different straight up geology,” Development), who delivers part of Horizons. experience so that they develop skills they says Alex. “On the other hand Global Challenges “Students were really excited to come and talk wouldn’t necessarily pick up sitting in a lecture complemented my degree because I could to us about it and were really impressed by the theatre. We have discussions, debates, group apply the geology I had learnt to water-resource options available. Parents thought it was a sessions and poster presentations. Students challenges, for example.” really positive thing too.” feel able to take risks and express their own Uttara Raju, a second-year physics student Horizons was developed as a means to opinions, saying things they might not feel completed a ‘Science and Policy’ module from complement the education of undergraduate confident saying if they know they’re being the Science, Culture and Society area in the first students giving them an edge in their future marked towards their degree — to me that’s year and ‘was hooked’ from the start. She now career — as well as simply being a way to inspire really valuable.” intends to continue in the same area, studying creativity. It came about after feedback from After a few pilot courses in the Spring of a ‘Politics’ module in the second-year. employers that although Imperial graduates 2012, the full programme was rolled out for all “What this course has done is increase my tend to be excellent academically, they freshers at the start of the academic year in confidence when discussing how science affects sometimes lack the skills required in the October 2012, with over 1500 students enrolling policy,” says Uttara. “I feel I would be able to workplace. Horizons replaces the Humanities on at least one course over the year. Feedback have an informed discussion about scientific programme which has been running for over 25 on the Student On Line Evaluation (SOLE) tool policy and I am much more interested in learning years but to which students had limited access showed that 72% of students taking Horizons about the wider aspects of science.” in the past. courses rated the content as ‘very good or good,’ The Horizons programme is still evolving and Horizons consists of about 50 courses from while 80% rated the structure and delivery of there are some issues to be ironed out, such as four fields of study – namely, Business and the teaching sessions as ‘very good or good’. how completed modules are formally recognised. Professional Skills; Languages and Global Now the scheme is being extended to second It’s increasingly looking like Horizons could Citizenship; Global Challenges; and Science, year students, allowing them to continue deeper become a valued part of the wider experience Culture and Society – each offering a number into areas they studied in the first year, or take Imperial offers to students.

11 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264 insidestory inside story

mini profile Lorraine Craig

Dr Lorraine Craig (Earth Science and Engineering) has been Chair of the Exploration Board since 2006 and has overseen and advised on many successful recommend someone to polish adventures to every corner of the plan. We see them for final globe, including this year’s time in June just before they ‘big wall’ climbing trip to go, which is along the lines of Life Blood Yosemite, US. “remember to stay within your comfort zone, and tell your Since time immemorial humans have Firstly, tell us about the parents where you’re going.” rightly linked blood flow to life and two penguins wearing ties health – although this has often led in your office. Any particularly hairy to misguided interventions such as That’s a nod to my background moments over the years? bloodletting and leeching. in polar research, particularly We received an emergency call geology field trips to Svalbard from a team in Alaska a few We now have a quite comprehensive and Greenland. years ago. They’d understanding of the role of the The penguins are climbed a peak circulatory system in human physiology; actually from the We received and were skiing but researchers are still trying to better early Antarctic down with their understand how blood vessels form, an emergency Dr Graeme Birdsey expeditions in the equipment. how they are repaired after damage 1900s, but the call from a team One of the and the precise role they play in ties are awards in Alaska a few students slipped, various conditions including heart Using microscopy in combination of mine for years ago…luckily fell on an ice disease, cancer and dementia. with molecular techniques such as fellowships of screw and opened Key to this field of vascular science fluorescence antibody tagging they can the Royal School our evacuation up three big are endothelial cells, which line the identify and track important signalling of Mines and procedure gashes in their entire circulatory system – from the molecules and structures. Imperial Student worked.” leg. It was night, heart to the smallest capillaries – The image shown above, dubbed Union! the satellite controlling what goes in and what spaghetti junction, was recently phone was goes out. shortlisted for an image competition What’s the application running out and they had Drs Anna Randi and Graeme run by the British Heart Foundation. process for expeditions? problems getting hold of the Birdsey (National Heart and Lung It shows how the cell is supported and First the team submit a plan helicopter pilot. Eventually Institute) are focused on better held in the correct shape by elongated anywhere between three and we got through and the first understanding how these cells behave actin stress fibres (green) and a 40 pages long. They’ll then thing I asked was: ‘how’s the and function. tangled web of microtubules (red). get grilled by the Board which weather?’ I knew if it “A lot of work over many decades This structure ensures that cells consists of a diverse group was good they’d have the has clearly identified these cells as key are organised in a tight single layer to of 20 people, some Everest student out the next day; to maintaining healthy, happy and prevent leakage and allows cross talk mountaineers, health experts, if not we had a real problem on functioning blood vessels,” says Anna. between cells, which is important for representatives from the Union, our hands. Luckily it was the The team works with cell cultures coordinating a response to wounding the College and the various former. Our emergency incident obtained from the blood vessels of amongst many other functions. associated Colleges. After plan worked based on a proper human umbilical cords. Like their preliminary approval, I’ll see evacuation procedure risk native counterparts, these endothelial To see the full interview with Graeme and Anna them a few more times or assessment. cells form a single layer on a plastic dish. visit: http://bit.ly/12i1hEJ 12 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264

Student blogger Liam Congratulations Prize fund gives green light on your place! to study gridlock in Peru

Peru is famous for the Inca Trail, a supply route once part of an advanced empire. But two Imperial students went to examine much more modern roads.

Maud Macary and Melina Cristina (both MSc Transport, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering) spent five weeks in Peru’s capital Lima Melina examined the experience of First of all well done to all of you who getting to grips with gridlock as they pedestrians in Lima. At least 25% of secured a place at imperial, it really is researched the city’s transport the population make the journey to something to be proud of and definitely network for their dissertations. Their work or school on foot, but the design worth celebrating. I thought I’d write a expedition is thanks to the Basu Prize of the city favours vehicles and short post giving some advice for the for Civil Engineering. pedestrians account for 78% of first few weeks of term. The sprawling capital provided traffic accident fatalities. In her a fascinating case study for the two research, Melina focussed on 1. Use the Facebook groups students. With a population of 9.5 potentially unsafe pedestrian 2. Check out the union website million, one-third of Peru’s population, infrastructure, such as badly placed 3. Check your email the city’s residents use 425 bus routes barriers or missing pavements. 4. Don’t pack the kitchen sink operated by 307 companies. Both students are writing up their 5. Go to the freshers fair Maud looked at the bus and tram dissertations which are due in late 6. Try something new network, meeting the local authorities August. Melina said: “The trip made 7. Keep your door open on the moving in day and sitting in on planning meetings, a real difference to our work. Being in 8. Eat well before experiencing the oversupply the city challenged our assumptions 9. Try things outside university problem first hand. Her research took and gave us the opportunity to meet 10. Go out and meet new people her all over the city, and she was both the people driving change and able to analyse the feasibility of those affected by it.”

For the full list of Liam’s tips visit: government plans to formalise the —Calum MacLeod for Communications imperial.ac.uk/blog/studentblogs bus system. and Public Affairs

New starter

Peter Wilcox (Estates Facilities) The royal baby was delivered at joined the College in July as Assistant St Mary’s last month – what was Building Manager for St Mary’s that like? Campus. The St Mary’s swimming pool refurbishment started just days before the royal baby was What path led you to St Mary’s? due, so hundreds of journalists and I was working as a property manager in photographers from all around the world Liverpool but I wanted to move to London had set up camp outside the hospital, and the chance to work for a leading making access for the pool contractors university was too good to pass up. and scaffolding deliveries difficult. We had to be patient though and work closely with What appealed to you about the role? the Trust, as we knew that we weren’t the I relished the opportunity to be involved only ones waiting for an important delivery! with such a diverse building portfolio and one with such significance – to be You must have needed a drink after working just yards away from where that. What do you to relax? penicillin was discovered is inspiring. I needed several! I mainly relax by listening Being part of the Imperial community and to a wide variety of music, or by having a working with top professionals is exciting good workout in the gym. Sometimes it’s and it’s satisfying to think that I am nice to blow the cobwebs away with a ride helping to support them in some way. in the countryside on my motorbike. 13 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264 insidestory

inventor’s corner Battling blood cancers

Professor Guido Franzoso (Medicine) a series of drugs that de-stabilise leads a research group developing this partnership, leaving MKK7 free novel drugs for the treatment of to destroy tumour cells. blood-based cancers, in particular multiple myeloma. This work led to the How is this different from formation of Imperial spinout company current approaches? Kesios Therapeutics Ltd last year. Not one NF-KB inhibitor developed to date has been effective in killing How do you go about tackling tumour cells without also causing harm these blood cancers, which by to normal healthy cells, which has Imperial Fringe on tour their nature are dispersed and very undesirable side effects for the difficult to get at? patient. While Gadd45beta is highly The Imperial Fringe went on tour for the first time asking the I began by trying to understand a active in the cancer cells of multiple question ‘What makes me me?’ at the Imperial West campus. protein complex called nuclear myeloma patients, it is silent in many factor-kappa B (NF-KB), which controls normal cells, so by targeting its gene As plans evolve for the College’s new campus in White City, the Fringe a very important gene signalling we have demonstrated a truly disease programme travelled to Imperial West on the evening of 12 September, pathway responsible for the body’s specific approach. bringing an evening of activities about the science of identity as a response to inflammation and way to get to know our new neighbours. infection. Many types of tumours What’s next? Brain simulations, kitchen science demonstrations for prison show activation of this pathway so Following very promising pre-clinical inmates and a photo booth that gave visitors a fantastic new look we wanted to get to the bottom of it. studies, the next step is to proceed filled up the Common Room at the Wood Lane Studios GradPad. I was interested in the ‘downstream’ with phase l and phase lla clinical Meanwhile the community space in Brickfields Hall was transformed genes and encoded proteins that trials in multiple myeloma, with into a mock-up operating theatre. NF-KB activates to drive tumour the support of a substantial MRC Researchers spent the evening discussing their research with development and inflammation. translational grant. Additionally, visitors, including people who live and work in the local area as through Kesios, we have started a well as alumni and school students from further afield. What did you find? programme that will build a pipeline At one exhibit, the brain of neuroscientist Dr John McGonigle A key protein called Gadd45beta, of Gadd45beta targeted therapeutics was rotating on a giant 3D screen. Visitors donned coloured glasses which prevents the death of tumour tackling a broader range of cancers. to view the delicate structure of his neurons, while he explained cells by binding to and inhibiting its —Kailey Nolan, that what they were seeing and how these cells are physical partner MKK7, a protein responsible For help in finding a commercial application connections central to his identity. for cell death. We have now developed for your research visit: bit.ly/YQZ1Vi —Simon Levey and Jessica Adams, Communications and Public Affairs

Teenagers gain sharp insights from stabbing simulation

A group of teenagers from east mock operating theatre. The teenagers “The idea was not to tell them London saw first-hand how knife were taking part in Saracens Rugby that knives are bad as they crime affects victims and their Club’s Hitz programme, an initiative already know that, but to families at an event organised by designed to foster confidence in educate them about the Imperial researchers. disenfranchised young people from potential personal impact challenging backgrounds. Some of and wider consequences of Doctors, nurses, policemen and them had been involved with knives a stabbing. Hopefully it will paramedics staged a life-like in the past. The event was organised give them the knowledge to simulation in Haggerston Park in by Mr Howard Tribe and Mr Alexander think differently when they which the victim, played by an actor, Harris, both of Professor Roger have to make a decision was stabbed with his own knife that Kneebone’s group in the Department about whether to pick up or he carried to protect himself. The of Surgery and Cancer. use a knife in the future.” group watched as the victim, a young Mr Tribe —Sam Wong, Communications and man, was rushed into surgery in a Public Affairs 14 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 26 September 2013 • issue 264

Rock Staff featured in this column have given steady many years of service to the College. Staff listed below celebrate anniversaries during Imperial students rocked out electric the period 1 September–30 September. tunes on a famous TV show to The data is supplied by HR and is correct demonstrate how their prototype at the time of going to press. generator could help make sustainable music. 20 years • Mr Paul Crudge, Workshop Technician, Department The PhD students, Billy Wu, Michael of Chemical Engineering Parkes and Sam Cooper, took their • Ms Jenny Zhenli Huang, Senior Library Assistant, Library Services zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell • Professor Karim Meeran, Professor of Endocrinology, powered generator to the BBC’s Energy Department of Medicine Day. By playing their electric guitar live • Dr Ambrose Taylor, Reader in Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering on children’s show Blue Peter and on • Professor Boguslaw Zegarlinski, Professor of Pure BBC Breakfast, they demonstrated how Mathematics, Department of Mathematics noisy and polluting diesel generators that are typically found at music festivals could 30 years be replaced by their sustainable version. enables the students to learn about fuel • Professor John Barrett, Head of Numerical The Imperial team built their cells and electric vehicle technologies. Analysis, Department of Mathematics prototype generator over the last five The visit by the team to the BBC • Mr Tyrone Wright, Improver, Estates years in the Department of Mechanical was funded by the Energy Futures Centre Engineering as part of the Imperial Racing for Doctoral Training. 40 years Green project, which brings students from —Colin Smith, Communications and Public Affairs • Professor John Cosgrove, Professor of Structural different engineering disciplines together Geology, Department of Earth Science & Engineering Hear more about the prototype fuel cell generator to design, build and race low emission in the 28 August edition of the Imperial Podcast: vehicles. Developing the generator bit.ly/17EL3Wj

Graduating with honours

Andrew George has been at the College Who are the most memorable people for 21 years, starting as a lecturer in you have met during your career? the Royal Postgraduate Medical School Probably my colleagues. I have enjoyed working (RPMS), rising to Professor of Molecular with a diverse range of scientists, mathematicians, Immunology. He moved to South chemists, clinicians and engineers – all of whom Kensington to head up the Graduate bring their own insight and perspective on issues. School and the School of Professional When I first started at Imperial I joined a group Development. He is leaving at the end of that met on Thursday evenings to critique each the month to take up a new role of Vice other’s grant applications. Perhaps not surprisingly Principal (Education & International) at it was tough when the group contained people Brunel University. like Mark Walport (now Chief Scientific Officer), John Savill (Head of MRC) and Robert Lechler What are you most proud of? (Vice Principal at King’s) – all knighted for At Imperial I am very proud of the developments services to science! in the Graduate School and the School of Professional Development – down to the What have you done outside the College? commitment of so many people. However, One of the fun things about being an academic I think what I will be most proud of are the is that you get to do a range of things outside students that I have been involved with as a the ‘day job’. For me a large part of that has been lecturer, tutor or supervisor. When I look at research ethics. I was chair of the Hammersmith my book shelves with the students’ theses on Research Ethics Committee for 10 years, it I have strong memories of them, what they and now chair the national body that achieved in their time with me and what they provides ethical oversight to the NHS ethics have gone on to. committees. It has been a challenge to try and make sure that research participants are protected, while facilitating ethical research. Surgery and Cancer Dr Alwyn Dart(9 years), Dr Christopher Dancel, Physics Dr Aaron Dale, Life Sciences Mr Stuart Croghan (10 years), ICT Mr Stuart Cook, Materials Faculty of Medicine Miss Hannah Cockerill, Aeronautics Mrs Karen Clarke (25 years), Dr Deborah Chong, Medicine Miss Jee-Sun Cho, Life Sciences Computing Mr Jianzhong Chen (9 years), Surgery and Cancer Dr Kathryn Charles, Mr Ping-Lin Chang, Computing Miss Tina Chan, NHLI Dr Andrea Cavallaro, Materials Dr Angela Cassidy, CHOSTM Imperial College Union Casambros,Mr Victor Ms Brigid Buckley, EYEC Dr Paul Brookes, Chemistry Development Division Miss StephanieBrims, Dr Michael Bresalier, CHOSTM Medicine Ms Gemma Brennan (6 years), Dr Ilaria Bravi, Medicine Environmental Policy Dr Caterina Brandoni, Medicine Miss Carolina Branco Estevao, Mr Richard Bradshaw, Chemistry Mechanical Engineering Dr Robert Bracewell, Dr David Boland, EEE Dr Georg Bohn, Medicine ESEDr Nina Bertini, Dr Pawel Bembnowicz, Computing Imperial College Union Mr Paul Beaumont, Dr TravisBayer, Life Sciences Miss Rani BAL, Faculty of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Mrs Alexandra Baines, Dr Abdelmalik Bachir (5 years), EEE Life Sciences Miss Oluyomi Awofeso, College Headquarters Mr Edward Astle (5 years), College Union Mr Tim Arbabzadah, Imperial Mr Adeel Aqil, Surgery and Cancer Aeronautics Dr Jesper Ankersen (14 years), Dr Nicola Ambrose, NHLI Medicine Miss Cherry Alyahya years), (7 Registry Mr Samuel Alston (13 years), Computing Miss Amy Allinson (5 years), Dr Waqar Ali, Life Sciences Miss Werd Al Najim,Medicine Surgery and Cancer Dr Maria Ahmed, Dr Amy Agahi, Medicine Bioengineering Mr Oshiorenoya Agabi, Dr Mohammed Abdullah, EEE moving on Farewell www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter

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26 September 2013 • Life Sciences Dr Nien-JenHu(6 years), Civil and Environmental Engineering Mr Ramtin Hosseini Kamal, Medicine Mr Michael Hollinshead (11 years), Faculty of Medicine Miss Joanna Holeniewska (5 years), Dr David Hoffmann, Physics Environmental Policy Mr Michael Hoevel, Dr Polly Hirons, Surgery and Cancer Mechanical Engineering Dr Andrew Heyes (18 years), Dr Richard Hayden, Computing andSport Leisure Ms Adrianna Harezlak (5 years), Miss Barbara Harder, Computing Life Sciences Mrs Elizabeth Hansford, Communications and Public Affairs Miss Lucy Handford, Computing Mr Ankur Handa (5 years), Dr Josef Habib, NHLI Dr Laura Gunn, Public Health Surgery and Cancer Guenther,Dr Sabine Surgery and Cancer Mr Charlie Greenhill (6 years), Life Sciences Ms Sandy Gray (13 years), Dr Samuel Godfrey, Medicine Chemical Engineering Dr BenGoddard, Mr Aulo Gelli, Public Health Dr Laura Garcia Alvarez, Medicine years),(9 ICT Mr Pranavan Ganesanayakam Public Health Dr Manoj Gambhir (9 years), Mr JoeGale, Public Health Dr Jean-Baptiste Fressoz, CHOSTM Miss Aisling Fowler, Life Sciences Mr Samuel Foster, Physics Dr Maria Buratti, Forti Medicine Medicine Miss Julie Fitzpatrick (6 years), Dr Patrick Farrell, ESE Environmental Engineering Mr Cheng Fang, Civil and Chemical Engineering Dr Davide Fabozzi, Dr Noushin Emami, Life Sciences Dr Joshua Ellul, Computing (20 years),CHOSTM Professor David Edgerton Dr Lydia Durant, NHLI International Office Miss Christine Doran, Dr Luigi Dolcetti, Medicine Development Division Miss Clare Dodds, Dr Shobana Dissanayeke, Medicine Computing Mr Nicolas D’Ippolito (5 years), Mr Dahir Dini,EEE Mr Paul Dingwall, Chemistry OccupationalHealth Service Mr ThomasDigby, Dr Romain Demangeon, Computing Catering Mr Marcelo Degaspiri Lima, Imperial College Union Mr Clebson DeMendonca, Medicine Dr Kate deMattos-Shipley,

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MsNolas,Life Sarah Sciences Accommodation Mr Edward Noel-Hill, Environmental Policy Mr Jack Nicholls, Dr Kalnisha Naidoo, Medicine Miss Tahmila Nahar, Materials Dr Reto Mueller, Mathematics Dr HaniMuammar, EEE Dr David Mozley, Research Office Surgery and Cancer Miss Joanna Moore, Dr Philip Molyneaux, NHLI LifeMitchell, SciencesDr Sara Miss Jenny McCullough, Library CHOSTM Dr Rachel Mason Dentinger, Medicine Dr Miriam MartinezBiarge, Surgery and Cancer Dr Marcus Martineau, Dr Natalie MacDermott,Medicine Surgery and Cancer Dr Jenifer Loudon, Miss Michelle Lopez, EYEC Dr Luciene Lopes, Medicine Mr James Lockley, Library School Business Lewis, Becky Miss Dr Sebastien Leurent, Physics Mr Bjorn Lellmann, Computing (29 years),Chemistry Professor Robin Leatherbarrow Medicine Professor John Laycock (41 years), Surgery and Cancer Dr Derek Lavery (5 years), Miss Roslyn Lavery, Mathematics Dr Alessandra Lanfrancotti, NHLI Imperial College Union Miss Rebecca Lane, Catering Miss Laila Lamzouri Edagdaqui, Environmental Engineering Dr Nicole Kudla, Civil and Dr Adam Kucharski, Public Health andSport Leisure years), (6 Kruhlik Anastasiya Ms Mr Dimitrios Kouzapas, Computing Mr Marios Koutsakos, Medicine Public Health Dr Artemis Koukounari, Kool,Dr Martijn Mathematics Dr Chuay Koo, Surgery and Cancer Miss Marion Koch, Medicine Mr JeongKo, Medicine Chemical Engineering Dr James Kimber, Mr HanmeKim,Computing Mr Arshad Khan, Life Sciences Global Health Innovation Miss Philippa Kennedy, Institute of Dr Aleksandra Kata, NHLI Chemistry Dr Christos Kalyvas (8 years), Dr Nicola Kalk, Medicine Dr Andras Juhasz, Mathematics Mr Edward Johns, Computing Dr Yunfeng Jiang, Mathematics Dr Eleanor Jay, Materials Dr Tudor Ionescu, EEE Imperial College Union Mr DougHunt, Humanities Mr John Hughes (23 years), Surgery and Cancer Dr Wenlong Huang,

Faculty of Medicine Stace, Rowan Miss Miss Natasha Smyth, Public Health Dr Clare Smith, NHLI Miss Jennifer Smith, Medicine Environmental Policy John Skolout,Mr Life SciencesMondonedo, CrisMs Silva-Santisteban Clinical Sciences KatharineMrs Silk, Computing Mr German Sibay (5 years), Dr Marco Siano, Physics Business School KayaneMs Shadarevian, Miss Farah Seedat, Medicine Dr Federica Secci, Medicine CareersEileenMrs Scott, Service Clinical Sciences Dr Samantha Scholtz, Dr Jan Schlueter, NHLI Surgery and Cancer AhmadMr Sayasneh, Dr Henry Savage, NHLI Dr Mario Sassano, EEE Business School Professor Ammon Salter (10 years), Dr Antonino Salerno, Computing Dr Samira Salek-Ardakani,NHLI Mechanical Engineering Dr Srikrishna Sahu, CateringMr SanjuSaha, Mr DarrylRyan (8 years), ICT Surgery and Cancer Ms Claudia Rueb, Public Health Dr Luciana Rubinstein, Communications and Public Affairs Mrs Emily Ross-Joannou (5 years), Imperial College Union Mr Giulio Romano, Miss Rebecca Robey, Medicine Dr Bhargavi Rao, Public Health Faculty of Medicine Ms Natasha Rao, Miss Priya Raniga, Medicine Library Ms Jennifer Randall (15 years), Miss JaneProudfoot, NHLI Dr Kar Poon, NHLI Surgery and Cancer Dr Angela Pathiraja, Dr Brijesh Patel, Surgery and Cancer Public Health Dr Georgios Papageorgiou, Dr Casian Pantea, EEE Miss Lydia Paniccia, NHLI Life Sciences Professor IanOwens (13 years), Medicine Mr Andrew Owens (5 years), Computing Dr Francisco Orozco Cano, Computing Dr Antonios Oikonomopoulos, Physics Dr Brian O’Halloran (5 years), Ms Judy O’Connor, Clinical Sciences Mechanical Engineering Miss Mel O’brien(6 years), Dr ThomasClinicalOates, Sciences Imperial College Union Mr StefanNubert, Mathematics Dr Johannes Nordstrom, Dr Pumza Nongena, Medicine

insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter visit theonline supplement at going to press. For Moving In, was correct at thetimeof July–11 September. Thisdata College during theperiod 15 and covers staff leaving the byHR issupplied data This Dr Abigail Zabron, Medicine Miss Beata Wrotniak, NHLI Professional Development Ms SarahWorton, CHOSTM AbigailDr Woods(8 years), Witney,Dr Tim Cancer Surgeryand Dr Nicola Winstone, Medicine Mr Alex Will, Catering Imperial College Union Whittaker,Henry Mr Health Service Ms SarahWest, Occupational Dr Thomas Weil(26 years), ICT Careers Service Miss VivienneWatson, Dr Klaus Wanisch, Medicine Mechanical Engineering LeonardDr Wanigasooriya years),(7 Dr Baojun Wang, Mathematics Environmental Engineering Dr Li-Pen Wang, Civil and Surgery and Cancer KenjiDr Wakabayashi(6 years), Union Mr Shiv Vohra,CollegeImperial years),(5 Medicine Professor Junia Vaz deMelo Dr Karine Vauchez, NHLI Mathematics JorisDr Vankerschaver, Surgery and Cancer James Turton,Dr Dr Clare Turner, Medicine Miss Amy Turner (5 years), NHLI Danielle Tucker,Dr Business School Dr Andre Trindade Pereira, Physics Surgery and Cancer Gianpaolo Tomasi,Dr Life Sciences years),Dr Thomas(5 Thorne WilliamMr Thomas,CHOSTM Dr Helena Tellez Lozano, Materials Faculty of Medicine Mrs Weng Teh years),(5 Human Resources Tanna, Natasha Miss Miss Fiona Tam, Catering Mrs Inez Talbot, Medicine Faculty of Engineering Ms Tayjal Tailor, MathematicsDr SongSun, Mr Anton Stefanek, Computing Clinical Sciences KayleneMs Steenkamp, necessary. to edit or amend these as The Editor reserves the right [email protected] retireesEditor tothe at new starters, leavers and and/or comments about Please sendyourimages

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moving in. moving on. for complete details: events highlights www.imperial.ac.uk/events September 2013

9 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC TALK take note The UK in a China-centric world The rise of China will change the world in the talk, author and China expert Martin Jacques Staff LGBT most profound ways, not just economically asks whether we can adapt quick enough network but also politically and culturally. For two to a world dominated by China and other centuries the world has been dominated by fast growing global economies. relaunches the West but that era is fast coming to an end. In the term’s first Imperial Business Insights

Imperial’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff network, 15 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC TALK Imperial 600, will celebrate its relaunch Ada Lovelace day on Wednesday 16 October. The network welcomes LGBT staff and postgraduate The annual celebration of women in science, With live demonstrations, biomedical wonders, students. Join our email list to receive technology, engineering and maths is this neuroscience, inspiration, laughter and song, invitations to our wide range of social year hosted by the College and features a line Ada Lovelace Day Live is an event not to be events. Straight allies are also welcome. up including Professor Molly Stevens (Materials), missed! Tickets can be purchased online Dr Bernadette Byrne (Life Sciences), UCL’s using discount code ‘imperial’. For more details visit: Professor Sophie Scott and MP Chi Onwurah. http://is.gd/imperial600

27 SEPTEMBER ▸ 8 OCTOBER ▸ MUSIC 16 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC TALK meet the PUBLIC TALK Evening concert From safety-I to safety-II: reader Science Uncovered Lendvai String Trio the past and future of safety Imperial research management returns to the Natural Professor Erik Hollnagel, History Museum 10 OCTOBER ▸ MUSIC University of South Denmark Lunchtime concert Chloë Hanslip and Danny Driver 2 OCTOBER ▸ 17 OCTOBER ▸ SEMINAR PUBLIC TALK The Centre for Blast Injury Can autonomous 10 OCTOBER ▸ Studies Network event machines SEMINAR Symposium and poster competition be trusted? Image credit: Glenn Micheal Harper How could Professor Alessio underground Anthony Hennelly, Sports Lomuscio (Computing) development 17 OCTOBER ▸ MUSIC Development Officer, Sport contribute to Lunchtime concert and Leisure Services slope safety in 3 OCTOBER ▸ MUSIC The Badke Quartet Hong Kong? What are you doing in the picture? Lunchtime concert Ir Raymond Chan Kin Sek, President, Taking part in a world record breaking The Tippett Quartet Hong Kong Institution of Engineers 24 OCTOBER ▸ MUSIC 5-a-side football match where we played for Lunchtime concert 46.5 hours. Some friends and I were raising money for the charity Inspiring Futures, London Tango Quintet 4 OCTOBER ▸ SEMINAR 16 OCTOBER ▸ which helps to promote development in Combating non-communicable PUBLIC TALK Africa by better equipping school teachers and preventing malaria. diseases Jiggling molecules 24 OCTOBER ▸ Talks and discussion Professor Erich A PUBLIC TALK What would you do if you were editor Müller (Chemical 20 maxims of an of Reporter for day? Engineering) I would run a sports special issue covering entrepreneur 7 OCTOBER ▸ SEMINAR the work that our sports scholars and Beyond the Luke Johnson, clubs and societies do in representing the engineer of 2020 – Entrepreneur university in competitions throughout the what is the future year. It would also be a chance to highlight for engineering the positive impact sport and physical education? activity has on both students and staff in general at Imperial. Professor Daniel Hastings, former Dean for Undergraduate Education, MIT Who would be your cover star? Well there are a few colleagues who I am sure would love to be the focus of a cover shoot! I’d have to choose Precious Enoch from Ethos as he always has a huge smile on Stay in the loop → Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/events for more details about these events his face and is great with staff and students. and others. To sign up for regular updates about Imperial events please Want to be the next reader featured in email: [email protected] Reporter? Send in a picture of yourself to: [email protected]

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