Spring 2011

ANNUAL REPORT EDITION 2009-10

Elite without being elitist

www.le.ac.uk 2 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Page 3 ‘The strongest we’ve ever been’ Page 16 Introduction by Vice-Chancellor Professor Space to think Sir Robert Burgess Geographers bring new perspectives to current issues

Page 4 Page 18 Rec ord success Today’s technologies unlock the Leice ster continues to go from strength to mysteries of the past strength achieving success across the board Leicester academics engage in innovative research into our rich heritage

Page 6 Page 22 The floor is yours Research that impacts on public Unive rsity launches Leicester Exchanges, a policy-making new platform for intellectual debate Law centre celebrates ten years of high impact research

Page 8 Page 24 Research that gives hope to Zoo’s unfettered thinking heart patients The future of learning is here, now, at N ew £4 .7million investment for heart Leicester research at Leicester

Page 10 Page 26

Real ising opportunities at d Iran The pursuit of happiness

Leicester Leicester at the vanguard of studies Brazil Lebanon Accessing top universities like Leicester is P measuring happiness and quality of life

Turkey no longer out of reach for all na

Page 12 Page 28 Robo-op that is armed with Success that has changed lives knowledge Leicester at the forefront of diabetes

Futuristic technologies enhance research research and patient benefits

Page 14 Page 30 Mathematics and the way we Annual Repo rt timeline, live now personalia and statistics

How mathema tics helps us understand the world

FOCUS OF ATTENTION: Neuroscie ntist s at the University of Leicester have worked with a renowned international artist in order to gain new insights into perception. Thanks to funding from The Leverhulme Trust, Rodrigo Quian Quiroga, Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Leicester collaborated with Argentinian artist, Mariano Molina, as artist in residence studying the principles of perception from both an artistic and neuroscientific viewpoint. Pictured is “The center of gaze,” an acrylic on canvas in which the focus of attention is clearly directed by Mariano Molina’s technique.

© University of Leicester 2011 University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH www.le.ac.uk · Email: [email protected] If you wish to be removed from the database of this publication, please email [email protected] or ring 0116 252 2415 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 3

‘The strongest we’ve ever been’

Introduction by Professor Sir Robert Burgess, Vice-Chancellor

his Annual Report illustrates Some of our work that influences public that the last academic year policy includes the activities of our Centre Twas one of great success with for European Law and Integration. In the result that the University of addition, the launch of our new Leicester Leicester is well positioned to face Exchanges initiative is designed to drive the challenges that confront the public policy discussion and debate in the sector as a consequence of new UK. Initiatives like these will continue to national policies. The Government’s ensure our research has impact in a wide response to Lord Browne’s report on range of communities locally, nationally Securing a Sustainable Future for and internationally. Higher Education presents what is arguably the most significant One of the most innovative and exciting challenge to universities in half a pieces of research at the University century. Teaching grants are to be comes from an unlikely partnership cut by as much as 80% and higher between our internationally renowned student fees will mean student Space Research Centre and the choice will play a greater part than Department of History of Art and Film. ever in determining the success of Techniques and tools developed for our institutions in the future. exploring deep space are being applied to unlocking the secrets of the It is reassuring that the University of Reformation through the reconstruction Leicester enters this turbulent of tombs. Professor Sir Robert Burgess environment in the strongest shape in its Vice-Chancellor history. In 2009-10 the University Among all these achievements there is achieved a record financial surplus which one that stands out in comparison with My academic colleagues secured will be used to invest in new high quality other leading universities. Leicester is the record grant awards from academic developments. My academic most socially inclusive of Britain’s top-20 competitive sources to fund their colleagues secured record grant awards universities. A University achievement of research and student applications from competitive sources to fund their which I am particularly proud is our to Leicester rose to their highest research and student applications to success in widening participation and ever level. Leicester rose to their highest ever level. reaching out to students whose families We achieved our fourth consecutive have little tradition or engagement with Times Higher Education Award and the higher education. Our role in schemes University rose to its highest ever league such as the Realising Opportunities table position – ranked 12th out of Initiative has been key to our success. Britain’s 120 universities. As we look ahead to future challenges We have plans to invest in cardiovascular we do so from a position of self research through the creation of a confidence, clarity of mission and a £12.6m Cardiovascular Research Centre. strong track record of academic and This development will bring immense financial achievement – all features that health care benefits to our region as well arise from members of the University as driving internationally significant working together as a very effective research in this area. team. n 4 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Record success

Leicester continues to go from strength to strength achieving success across the board – including our highest ever ranking in the world university tables.

National Student Survey 2010

Top mainstream English universities Inspirational Teaching

University % satisfied Leicester’s reputation for outstanding teaching quality was demonstrated again by the results of the 2010 National University of Oxford 93 Student Survey. For the sixth successive year Leicester was University of Cambridge 91 ranked amongst the top-10 universities in England by full-time finalists for student satisfaction. University of East Anglia 90 University of Exeter 90 University of Sussex 90 University of Leicester 89 Keele University 89 Loughborough University 88 University of Sheffield 88 University of Warwick 88

Leicester’s position amongst mainstream English universities

Year Overall satisfaction 2005 1st

2006 1st 2007 1st 2008 2nd 2009 1st 2010 6th LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 5

World Changing Research QS research impact amongst UK universities September 2010 2009-10 saw Leicester academics secure record levels of research grants to support vital research – £56.1m – up 17% QS’s citation per on the previous year. The work of Leicester academics University academic score continues to impact on the world. Analysis by QS published in University of Cambridge 93 October 2010 revealed the impact of Leicester’s research was the sixth greatest in the UK as measured by citations per University College London 91 academic. This level of impact places us amongst the top 1% of universities in the world. University of Oxford 84

Imperial College London 81

University of Bristol 71

University of Leicester 70

King’s College London 70

University of Edinburgh 65

University of Glasgow 62

University of Dundee 61

A prey’s-eye view of a stickleback, showing rows of small teeth. Image: Mark Purnell, University of Leicester

University of Leicester, seen from Victoria Park Climbing League Tables

2010 saw Leicester achieve its highest ever ranking in the Guardian University Guide – ranked 12th out of 120 universities in the UK. It was the third successive year Leicester has been amongst the top-15 universities in the country. The Times ranked Leicester in 15th position and top in the region. Again it was Leicester’s third successive appearance in the top-15.

The QS world rankings placed Leicester in its highest ever position amongst the top 2% of universities in the world (Leicester was up 27 places ranked 169).

Guardian University Guide Times University Guide 1st 1st 2010 2008 2008 10th 2009 12th 10th 2009 2010 14th 15th 2006 14th 15th 15th 2007 18th 2007 20th 20th 2006 20th 2005 21st 25th 2004 24th 2005 29th 30th 33rd 30th

40th 40th 2004 48th 50th 50th 6 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

The Floor is Yours Join the Debate at Leicester Exchanges

We are proud to bring you a new, dynamic way to shape public policy in Britain. Leicester Exchanges unites the UK’s highest profile opinion formers with our academic experts and members of the public to seek new approaches to some very real issues.

Those issues span areas such as ‘Climate change – deny, prevent or prepare?’; ‘Is Britain Broken?’; ‘Should we punish or reform offenders?’ and ‘Should Man go to Mars?’.

So, the floor is yours, will you make the most of it?

To make your opinion count, join the debate at www.leicesterexchanges.com

Here is a taster of the discussion that you can expect.

Dr Angus Cameron Department of Geography The implication is that if Britain is broken, someone must have broken it and that usually draws our attention towards whoever or whatever is ‘new’ or ‘different’ – unruly youth, immigrant communities, benefit claimants, unmarried mothers, the unemployed. LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 7 s e r u t a e F

x e R / e r g e S

x e l A

Dr Angus Cameron, Geography

The short answer to this is clearly ‘no’. This is not because Britain is somehow perfect, but because it is not a single thing. There are lots of Britains for the simple reason that there are lots of Britons – and they are a gloriously mixed up bunch and have been for centuries. Why then has this trite piece of alliteration attracted so much attention? Like many effective campaign slogans it appeals vaguely to a nagging feeling at the back of many minds that things are not quite what they should be. In other words, it is a slogan with which anyone with a gripe can happily (perhaps grumpily) agree. And this can range from concerns about things like the NHS or schools to just about anything else. This way of representing social and political problems is pernicious not just because it is simplistic, but because it directs blame in particular directions. The implication is that if Britain is broken, someone must have broken it and that usually draws our attention towards whoever or whatever is ‘new’ or ‘different’ – unruly youth, immigrant communities, benefit claimants, unmarried mothers, the unemployed.

What is curious about this version of Broken Britain, however, is that almost by definition, the sorts of groups that are expected to carry the greatest responsibility for social problems are those that have the least power to create them. Breaking a society, after all, presumably takes some doing.

The slogan implies that Britain was ‘unbroken’ at some unspecified point in the past. Since Britain is and always has been a nation of immigrants (at least since the Vikings, Angles and Saxons turned up), that seems unlikely to be the cause of its disruption. Similarly, we’ve been host to poverty since time immemorial and being a bit unruly is what young people do. Nothing new there. But during the same period that these groups started to be more noticeable (roughly from the mid-1950s onwards) a different set of disconnections began, that have a far more plausible claim to have ‘broken’ Britain.

First, loopholes started to appear to allow money to flow more quickly, and increasingly profitably, through the world’s financial markets without the state getting in the way. New breeds of corporate ‘citizens’ were created that had the same (or more) rights as ordinary citizens, but a rather different set of responsibilities. New technologies allowed these new citizens to locate more and more of their activities in the new spaces of the ‘offshore’ markets. In short, a large part of ‘Britain’ (the wealthier bits of it) went elsewhere.

Like the many other countries struggling to deal with the current economic situation, Britain needs to address how it is that so much of the wealth it creates ends up circulating endlessly in money markets rather than improving the lives of ordinary people. This is not just a question of persuading Vodaphone, Arcadia and the many other businesses to pay their taxes – important though this is – but means fundamentally rethinking what a ‘society’ means. For (unbroken) Britain it meant having a high degree of social cohesion bought through economic redistribution – not socialism or communism, just common sense. We have replaced that with a system that distributes responsibility downwards, but the resources need to meet that responsibility elsewhere entirely. Britain is not ‘broken,’ but many of its ordinary citizens are ‘broke’. This is because a system intended to stimulate ‘our’ economy, is being used by a privileged minority to escape our society altogether. We need to fix that. n 8 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Research that gives Professor Bryan Williams Deputy Director of the BRU and lead for the Translational hope to heart patients Medicine Facility This is a wonderful new When Health Minister Andrew Lansley launched a state-of-the-art facility, embedded in the heart of the hospital which new £4.7million heart research unit at Glenfield has provided a step change in our Hospital in Leicester, it provided a testament to the ability to bring exciting and novel research innovations University of Leicester’s world-class research that directly to the patients. translates into direct patient benefits. LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 9

Professor Nilesh Samani Director of the BRU and Consultant Cardiologist The centre cements Glenfield’s reputation as a leading international heart hospital. High quality research and better patient care go hand-in-hand.

With Professor Nilesh Samani (right) ultimately leading to better results for patients.” National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), part of the Department of Health. The Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit is part of a multi-million pound The Director of the BRU, consultant scheme to prevent, diagnose and treat cardiologist Professor Nilesh Samani, ill-health. For the first time in the UK, British Heart Foundation Professor of the new centre houses a dedicated Cardiology and Head of the University’s research database linked to a collection Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, of blood samples from patient is one of the foremost researchers in volunteers who have made their medical cardiovascular genetics in the world. Professor Bryan Williams (left) and records available to researchers. Health Minister Andrew Lansley (right) He commented: “The centre cements with PhD Student Daniel Timms This will lead to faster research and Glenfield’s reputation as a leading undergoing a cardio-pulmonary therefore faster results; better information international heart hospital. High quality exercise test used for assessing a on genetics and heart disease; new, more research and better patient care go patient’s cardiovascular status accurate tests to detect the condition and hand-in-hand. Heart disease takes life enhanced clinical decision-making at the prematurely. We will bring together the patient’s bedside. best minds and technologies from all our ndrew Lansley said: “Research local universities and industry so that we is fundamental to our future Key research includes the genetics and can achieve a better understanding of Ahealth – it underpins the inheritance of heart disease, genetics of the disease and how we tackle it.” advances in diagnosis, prevention and cardiovascular disease, studies of blood treatment of disease that are essential pressure and vascular diseases and the One of the key strengths of the new for a 21st century NHS. We simply development of novel treatments for unit is how it allows the latest research cannot expect health outcomes to heart disease, stroke, cardiac rhythm advances to feed into advancing improve without investing in research diseases and the cardiovascular knowledge. Dr Will Nicolson, a and the brilliance of our doctors and complications of diabetes. University Research Fellow investigating scientists. the prevention of sudden cardiac death, More than 100 doctors and scientists are said: “The Leicester Cardiovascular “I’m pleased to be here to open this involved in the centre which is a Biomedical Research Unit has provided pioneering centre, which will lead to partnership between the University of essential funding and facilities for my faster research and more accurate tests Leicester and University Hospitals of work and created a platform for to detect cardiovascular conditions, Leicester NHS Trust and funded by the multidisciplinary collaboration.” n 10 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Daniel Probert Guthlaxton College, Wigston, Leicester Having access to all those universities involved has been brilliant and has given me a real opportunity to get a feel for university life and what is available. This scheme has helped me a lot with all my planning and has helped me in making choices and decisions about what to do in the future.

Realising Opportunities partner universities

• University of Birmingham • University of Bristol • University of Essex • University of Exeter • King’s College London • University of Leeds • University of Leicester • University of Liverpool • University of Manchester • Newcastle University • University of Warwick

• University of York LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 11

Realising Opportunities at Leicester

Gaining a place at one of the UK’s elite universities is no longer out of reach for all – thanks to a programme involving the University of Leicester that seeks to address the challenges students face.

aniel Probert studies at As part of the programme, students gain These activities include academic Guthlaxton College in support through the process of applying masterclasses, e-mentoring, residential DWigston and has just received to university, and also clear recognition summer schools, on-line study skills and his offer of a place at Leicester. His for their work and skills. a supported piece of assessed academic journey to this point, however, has work enabling the students to not been straightforward. “I “I wanted to apply for the scheme as it demonstrate their ability to flourish at a originally thought that when I was a great opportunity,” explains Daniel, research intensive university. hadn’t done well in my exams I “It came with an offer of 40 UCAS points would never be able to get into for full completion and was really “The Summer School at Leicester was university” he explains, “but when I appealing. I was really impressed with the really great” says Daniel, “You got to have received my offer from the opportunities that were being offered and fun taking part in the programme, and University of Leicester it was I knew that they would be really helpful.” you got a real experience of university life absolutely amazing.” while learning some useful study skills.” The programme itself also had a Daniel is one of 350 students from challenging start. In 2008 the Reflecting on his involvement in the across the UK who joined the brand new Government could see that widening programme, Daniel enthuses: “Having Realising Opportunities programme last participation was working across large access to all those universities involved autumn. The programme, funded by sections of higher education, but at the has been brilliant and has given me a HEFCE, addresses the very real most selective end of the sector, real opportunity to get a feel for challenges for many students in progress was slow. They could see all university life and what is available. This accessing a place at the country’s elite sorts of good initiatives taking place, but scheme has helped me a lot with all my universities. wanted students to be able to take their planning and has helped me in making experiences at one institution, and gain choices and decisions about what to do recognition when applying to another. in the future.”

A group of the most selective, research Jonathan Tinnacher, Head of Student intensive universities, including Leicester, Recruitment at Leicester, said: “Our aim is decided to pilot an initiative to make always to attract the brightest and best that happen, and have agreed a series of students based on their potential as well activities for the most able young people as their achievements. It’s great to be part from disadvantaged backgrounds to help of a programme like this and see students them gain access to any of the grasp the opportunity to learn and to participating universities. show their abilities so enthusiastically.” n

Jonathan Tinnacher Head of Student Recruitment, University of Leicester Our aim is always to attract the brightest and best students based on their potential as well as their achievements. It’s great to be part of a programme like this and see students grasp the opportunity to learn and to show their abilities so enthusiastically. 12 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Dr André Ng Robo-op that is armed Department of Cardiovascular Sciences with knowledge A significant advantage of navigating the catheter using the robotic arm over manual Pioneering science that literally puts Leicester at the manipulation is that very fine movements can be achieved. cutting edge.

ardiologist André Ng achieved adjacent control room, watching catheter standing in the Department of a world first when he movements and electrical signals on Cardiovascular Sciences and leading Cconducted a pioneering monitors whilst communicating with position in the management of heart procedure – using a ‘robo-arm’ for a staff in the room via microphone and rhythm disorders are reflected in the heart operation. headphones. The immediate benefit is invitation to be the first to apply this that the operator could move the new robotics system in clinical He became the first person to use the catheters around the heart via a remote procedures which also affirms the world- Catheter Robotics ‘Amigo’ Remote controller outside the x-ray zone. Hence, class research and pioneering work at Catheter System in a heart rhythm it was not necessary to wear the heavy the University of Leicester. n treatment procedure. The system is novel lead aprons which weigh around 7 kg. In because it allows a doctor to carry out a addition, the operator can sit by the desk common heart treatment procedure close to the monitors displaying the x-ray remotely using a robotic arm. and electrical information, instead of standing next to the patient and the x- And he followed up on the procedure ray machine at a distance from the six months later in November 2010 to display monitors. become the first in the world to use 3-D technology for the treatment. “A significant advantage of navigating the catheter using the robotic arm over The procedure at Glenfield Hospital, manual manipulation is that very fine Leicester, illustrates how world-class movements can be achieved via the research by Dr Ng, a Senior Lecturer in robot mechanics. The catheter can be Cardiovascular Sciences at the University advanced, withdrawn, deflected and of Leicester, translates into direct patient turned in tiny increments which greatly benefit. increases the precision of these movements beyond what is humanly The operation involves inserting thin possible by hand. wires, called catheters, into blood vessels at the top of the groin and advancing “The new Amigo robotic system we these into the heart chambers. Electrodes have at Glenfield is unique and a new on the catheters record and stimulate improved version of the original system different regions of the heart to help the which can now be used with different doctor identify the cause of the heart types of catheters, especially allowing rhythm problem which usually involves the combination with the CARTO-3 3D an abnormality in the electrical wiring mapping system. We are the first centre system of the heart. Once this area is in the world to use this new Amigo identified, one of the catheters will be system and hence the first to be able to placed at the location to ablate, or combine the two cutting edge ‘burn’, the tissue to cure the problem. technologies together for the ablation procedure.” Dr Ng said: “I could operate the robotic arm via the remote controller in the Dr Ng and his team’s international LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 13

Left: Surgeons work inside the operating theatre. Below: Dr Ng operates the robotic arm via the remote controller in the adjacent control room. Above: CARTO-3 map of the left atrium with pulmonary veins and location of ablation lesions. 14 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Mathematics and the way we live now

In the 21st century, mathematics is more central to everyday life than ever before, says Professor Jeremy Levesley, Head of the University of Leicester Department of Mathematics.

Professor Jeremy Levesley Department of Mathematics We cannot understand the world around us without mathematics and statistics… Everywhere we look there are complications which require some mathematical sophistication to understand and solve.

rofessor Jeremy Levesley sees renowned strengths in the theory of are good for us; deciding whether or not one of the great strengths of tilings and its links with physics, as well there is man-made global warming; Pmathematics at Leicester as a as biology and earth science. understanding how best to use the desire to interact and explain the airwaves for the increasing amount of world at the intersection of He said: “We cannot understand the telecommunications which is air-borne. mathematics with physics, world around us without mathematics Everywhere we look there are engineering, chemistry, geology and and statistics. Reliable statistical complications which require some economics. Over his seven years at understanding is required for us to mathematical sophistication to its Head he has steered the recognise whether certain sorts of food understand and solve.” n department towards working with other scientists, and through that work to influence people’s lives. Helping the Police with their enquiries Much of this expertise is concentrated in the Mathematical Modelling Centre Leicester mathematicians and chemists are under the directorship of Alexander collaborating on a unique project to Gorban, where mathematics is used in enhance fingerprints etched by sweat on various endeavours, including Nicolai metal objects such as bullets, door and Brilliantov’s international work on the icy window handles and weapons. Traditional plumes of Saturn’s moon, Enceladus, methods cannot clarify the prints well, but and Alexander Gorban’s part in the at Leicester mathematicians have been development of a highly efficient helical helping Professor Robert Hillman and his turbine for use in power generation. team in the Department of Chemistry remove extraneous signals from In the future, Professor Levesley expects fingerprint images so that they get a to see the Mathematics Department clearer view of the true image. developing its already internationally LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 15

Sea-slides and tsunamis

Methane is a harmful greenhouse gas that turns to ice on the ocean bed. But how much is there? What would happen to it during global warming? How would it affect the sea-bed and trans-oceanic cables? Working with Leicester geologist Professor Mike Lovell, mathematicians are producing a simple model of how methane hydrates behave, in instances where a more complex model with lots of variable numbers will often fail to predict future events. This project has been funded by NERC (Natural Environment Research Council).

Rich pattern of life

Leicester is one of the main international centres of mathematical tiling and Professor John Hunton and his colleague Edmund Harriss (now at Arkansas) have had the distinction of an exhibition at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition, which drew on leading scientific research of interest to the public and the media as well as to government policy makers. Currently the greatest interest is in shapes that fit together in highly regular ways that do not simply repeat. These are associated with understanding viruses; minerals with novel properties; and metal alloys which are exceptionally hard, rigid and smooth. Among the uses for these alloys is a non-stick coating for cooking utensils.

Professor Hunton’s research has been funded by EPSRC (Engineering and Pictures by Physical Sciences Research Council), The Edmund Harriss Leverhulme Trust and The Royal Society. 16 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Space to think

How Geography at Leicester is shaping our view of the world

wo diverse projects in the The University was chosen to lead the “We will be training 14 young University of Leicester’s project as it has one of the world’s researchers in satellite remote sensing TDepartment of Geography are leading centres for space research and over the next four years. These young literally challenging perceptions – by satellite monitoring and is internationally scientists will become the research leaders harnessing the latest technologies recognised for its cutting edge research of tomorrow. They will be placed in to change the way we view the training in remote sensing. industry and universities and experience world. working abroad, as well as getting the The new European Centre of Excellence best technical and scientific education.” They demonstrate how Leicester is in Earth Observation Research Training, leading the way in enabling GIONET, will develop better methods for Funded by European Commission, postgraduate as well as undergraduate monitoring climate change, Framework Programme 7 and the Marie students to develop the skills required environmental disasters and land cover Curie Programme, GIONET is a for the environmental challenges ahead change. collaboration between international and to develop a better understanding partners from the private and public of the way we live. Coordinator of the project, Professor sectors: University of Leicester Heiko Balzter, Head of the Department of (Coordinator), Infoterra UK Ltd, Gamma The Geography department has been Geography, said: “This project will lead Remote Sensing AG, Switzerland, selected as the hub of a £3.5 million to better satellite monitoring methods to Institute of Geodesy and Cartography, centre to train skilled researchers to control tropical deforestation, help Warsaw, Poland, Friedrich-Schiller- develop better methods in people affected by natural disasters and University, Jena, Germany, Balaton environmental satellite monitoring. adapt to climate change Limnological Research Institute of the

Professor Heiko Balzter Head, Department of Geography This project will lead to better satellite monitoring methods to control tropical deforestation, help people affected by natural disasters and adapt to climate change.

From left: Professor Heiko Balzter; forest fire at Sharpsand Creek, Canada (photo courtesy of Tim Lynham); drying patch of saltmarsh near Stiffkey, Norfolk LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 17

Dr Gavin Brown Human Geography Lecturer, Department of Geography This modern mobile technology challenges the thoughts of students while creating digital representations of place and space and could be soon seen nationwide on similar field courses.

Hungarian Academy of Sciences, city. The scheme, which is funded by Human Geography Lecturer, Dr Gavin German Aerospace Research the University of Leicester New Brown commented: Establishment, DEFiNiENS AG, Germany, Teaching Initiatives, encourages the use Joint Research Centre of the European and evaluation of mediascape “This modern mobile technology Commission, Ispra, Italy, ITT Visual technology in association with fieldwork challenges the thoughts of students Information Solutions Ltd., UK, to engage students with more modern while creating digital representations of SpectoNatura, UK. techniques of learning about space place and space and could be soon and place. seen nationwide on similar field In a separate project within Geography, courses. researchers have implemented a new In a fieldtrip to Dublin, second year technological system which will alter the students from the University’s “The technology also allows for students face of excursions in the field once and Department of Geography demonstrated to add their own content to the for all. the successful use of these mediascapes mediascape, in a similar style to that in engaging with urban and cultural already experienced on a much larger Geography Undergraduates Integrating geography within the city where the use scale by Google Earth. Students were Neo-geographies and Social Science of digital media, such as images and able to use film footage and personally (GUINNESS) is a project designed to audio enable critical reflection of places conduct interviews to create a advance ideas and thinking with within the field. cumulative collection of information in regards to the spatial exploration of a the Monto district of Dublin.” n

Students using mobile technology in Victoria Park, Leicester 18 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Today’s technologies unlock the mysteries of the past

Think of Renaissance tombs in Suffolk and space science is unlikely to come to mind; think of a history of Britishness and you may not immediately connect it with expertise in genetics and management.

Yet world class research in space science, genetics, archaeology, museum studies and management at the University of Leicester has contributed to two pioneering Arts projects which have between them received major national funding of nearly £2 million.

Top: Fragment of tomb monument excavated from Thetford Priory. Space science technology will help reconstruct these pieces. Below: The third Duke of Norfolk’s tomb, Framlingham, Suffolk LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 19

Renaissance Tomb-Monuments in Suffolk

Dr Phillip Lindley examines tomb monuments in Suffolk

group of Renaissance tomb “The great Renaissance monuments of first time in half a millennium, trying to monuments in Suffolk is Thomas Howard, third Duke of Norfolk integrate the excavated fragments in our Abeing analysed with tools and of Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond virtual reconstructions. It is as if we have developed in space science, to unlock and Henry VIII’s illegitimate son, seem to two (or more) three-dimensional jigsaws: their mysterious past and offer new have been dramatically altered when we need first to sort the pieces out and insights into the Tudor Reformation. they were moved in the middle of the then put them back together.”  sixteenth century. Led by Dr Phillip Lindley, of the Department of History of Art and Film at “Puzzlingly, pieces excavated in the the University of Leicester, this innovative 1930s seem to have originally belonged Heritage Science project draws together to these monuments and this suggests Dr Phillip Lindley space scientists, art historians, that they used to look very different archaeologists and museologists from from what we now see.” Department of History of Art Leicester, with historians at Oxford and and Film Yale, and archaeologists and scientists Materials analysis (using XRF, Raman, Key to this programme is the from English Heritage. and other non-destructive techniques) employment of techniques again developed for Space Science borrowed from space science, Dr Lindley, said: “Key to this programme applications, will provide information principally three-dimensional is the employment of techniques about the original painted surfaces borrowed from space science, principally without even touching the monuments. scanning and non-destructive three-dimensional scanning and non- materials analysis, to solve a destructive materials analysis, to solve a Dr Lindley continued: “We shall virtually complex set of historical, complex set of historical, archaeological disassemble the monuments and archaeological and art-historical and art-historical problems. reconstruct their original forms for the problems. 20 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

The Impact of Diasporas Dr Joanna Story on the Making of Britain School of Historical Studies History plays such an important role in modern perceptions of nother ‘jigsaw’, and one what it means to be British – and which is turning out to be it was equally important 1,000 Amore complicated than traditionally believed, is what years ago. This is a fantastic constitutes ‘Britishness’. opportunity to reassess assumptions that have become A wide-ranging project entitled, The embedded in popular culture and Impact of Diasporas on the Making of to test our longstanding Britain: Evidence, Memories, Inventions, academic theories with new will investigate the impact of the evidence and methods. movement of people in the distant past on the cultural, linguistic and population history of the British Isles.

It will also examine the influence of ancient diasporas – remembered or about the roots of the British in the light research methodologies across the suppressed, perhaps exaggerated or of new data. Humanities and the Sciences to bear on even invented – on the construction of subjects that are of continuing interest, British identities, past and present. The programme is driven by six linked within and outside of universities. projects incorporating some of the latest Dr Joanna Story, of the School of research in genetics, computer “I am delighted that Dr Lindley and Historical Studies, will direct the simulations, cross-generational ‘social Dr Story and their respective colleagues programme alongside experts from remembering’, linguistic variation in from a number of Leicester departments Leicester’s world-class Department of Early Anglo-Saxon England, the impact have been successful in these very Genetics, the School of Archaeology and of Anglo-Saxon and Viking diasporas on competitive schemes.” n Ancient History, the School of English, early English dialects and place names the Centre for English Local History, and and ideas of home and homelands the School of Management, as well as versus exile, exclusion and foreignness. the Institute for Name-Studies at the FUNDING FACTS University of Nottingham. Dr Joanna Story commented: “History plays such an important role in modern Renaissance Tomb-Monuments in The basic population history of Britain, perceptions of what it means to be Suffolk is an interdisciplinary and the cultural and genetic roots of the British – and it was equally important research programme in Cultural Welsh, Scots and English – are con - 1,000 years ago. Heritage. It is funded by the Science tentious subjects. Traditional interpreta - and Heritage Programme of the Arts tions have held that different groups of “This is a fantastic opportunity to and Humanities Research Council people – Celts, Angles, Saxons and reassess assumptions that have become (AHRC) and the Engineering and Vikings – migrated in large numbers to embedded in popular culture and to test Physical Science Research Council the British Isles before AD1000 and that our longstanding academic theories with (EPSRC). The award is for £497,000 each migrant group contributed to the new evidence and methods.” and an additional three fully-funded ‘blood’, language and culture of the PhD studentships. ‘native’ communities. Professor Douglas Tallack, Pro-Vice- Chancellor for the College of Arts, The Impact of Diasporas on the However, recent research has begun to Humanities and Law, added: “The Making of Britain: Evidence, suggest more complex origins for the University of Leicester is extraordinarily Memories, Inventions is to be British people and The Impact of well placed to lead on both of these funded by a £1.37 million Research Diasporas on the Making of Britain: important projects, the analysis of Programme Award granted by The Evidence, Memories, Inventions will Renaissance tomb monuments in Suffolk Leverhulme Trust, over five years. encourage a fresh look at old evidence and the impact of deep-time diasporas and will question popular perceptions on British identity, and to bring the latest LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 21

Right: The project emblem Six linked projects incorporate Below: The project investigates the impact the latest research of ancient diasporas in constructing British identities, past and present.

Surnames and the Modelling Migration Genetics and Early Y-Chromosome British Population History

Immigration and Linguistic Variation in Home and Away in Indigenism in Popular Early Anglo-Saxon Early England Historical Discourses England People and Places

© The British Library 22 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Professor Erika Szyszczak Director, School of Law’s Centre for European Law and Integration (CELI) One has to recognise that there always has to be a basic core of universal services. These can be provided by the state or a private body, it doesn’t matter too much, but regulation is necessary to protect that core.

Dr Virginia Mantouvalou (left) and Professor Erika Szyszczak (right) prepare for the Human Rights Beyond Research that impacts Borders conference held at the University in November 2010 on public policy-making

The financial crisis and its fallout in cuts to public services About CELI provide opportunities to do things better – as long as the right kind of regulation is in place, Leicester’s legal www.le.ac.uk/law/celi/ academics argue. LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 23

Public services and the need to protect vulnerable users of them are the research focus of CELI. Its Director, Professor Erika Szyszczak, holds a Jean Monet ad personam Chair in European Law, funded by the European Commission.

She says recent experience across Europe suggests that rolling back state intervention and creating competitive markets can work well for consumers of services such as telecoms, postal services or electricity and gas supply, because Dr Andromachi Georgosouli they get more choice, with guarantees of quality and efficiency. But problems book, in collaboration with Professor can arise when governments extend this Conor Gearty of the LSE, in which they to basic social services such as health argue for and against ‘social rights’. care or social care which cannot be fully opened up to competition unless there Dr Mantouvalou defines social rights as are strong regulatory safeguards. people’s entitlements to have their basic needs satisfied. She says these are just as “One has to recognise that there always essential as long-established civil and has to be a basic core of universal political rights for their well-being, and services. These can be provided by the that of the community. state or a private body, it doesn’t matter too much, but regulation is The real challenge is how to ensure necessary to protect that core,” people get them, she says, arguing that Professor Szyszczak said. lawmakers and the courts have key roles, nationally and internationally. Other countries provide different models of ensuring service quality and accessibility As to the latest financial crisis, the and continuity in basic services and we Financial Regulation and Commercial can learn from different experiments. Law research cluster – the centre's think tank on matters of financial regulation – “So cutting back need not necessarily be has conducted extensive research headed a bad thing if you can actually replace it by Dr Georgosouli and organised a range with better value products – but they of public events during the past two have to be regulated,” she said. The years such as, for example, a series of tension in Europe arises because some public lectures in ‘Financial Crisis countries use state aids (subsidies) which Management and Regulatory Reform’ can be protectionist and anti-competitive. with distinguished speakers including esearch with a direct bearing Professor J Armour (Oxford), Professor S on public policy-making is She notes that vulnerability, in access to Schwarcz (Duke University, US) and Rflowing from the Law School’s services, is wider than people realise. As Professor N Moloney (LSE). Centre for European Law and well as poverty, policy makers must Integration (CELI), which celebrates consider other forms of vulnerability such Dr Georgosouli believes it is vital to its 10th anniversary in the 2010-11 as physical disabilities – and guard against challenge past perceptions of what makes academic year. ‘digital exclusion’ in light of greater regulation effective. She also questions reliance upon technological innovations the Government’s idea to abolish the FSA The Law School has links and research to deliver efficiency and value in services, and replace it with a new generation of projects with various academic such as broadband internet. public bodies. As she points out “ending institutions in Europe and a number of up with a complex institutional structure individuals have acted as consultants for Other members of CELI work in the area will most likely impede rather than international and European institutions of social rights and human rights. Dr facilitate any attempt to ensure fair, stable and think tanks. Virginia Mantouvalou has produced a and safe financial markets.” n 24 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Zoo’s unfettered thinking

Leicester academics are increasingly incorporating technologies such as podcasting and Virtual Learning Environments in their teaching – thanks to the pace-setting Media Zoo.

Simon Kear Keeper of the Media Zoo The Zoo’s success is partly measured by academics now passing on their skills and knowledge directly to their colleagues without involving us at all.

Back and inset: Media Zoo projects in Second Life LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 25

Online tutors from the Department of Politics and International Relations participate in a workshop run by Dr Phil Cook (back left) and Simon Kear (back right)

t is a fast-moving and unfamiliar podcasting studio at a site on Princess which have been delivered not only at habitat in which only the adaptable Road East, as well as on the web, and in departments in the University but also Ithrive and younger generations the virtual world of Second Life. It is run to other institutions. Shorter, tailored frequently outpace their elders. Yet by the University’s Beyond Distance workshops are also available. the domain of Facebook, Twitter and Research Alliance, responsible for more Second Life is increasingly where than 20 projects from using wikis to As a result of these, Simon says Leicester today’s lecturers are expected to creating Second Life science labs. academics are increasingly incorporating teach – and students to learn. technologies such as podcasting and the Those new to learning technologies can virtual learning environment in their Hence the University of Leicester’s Media start in the Zoo’s Pets’ Corner, where teaching. “The Zoo’s success is partly Zoo, shortlisted in the 2010 Times Higher they can find out about stable, safe measured by academics now passing on Education Awards for the Outstanding technologies such as the virtual learning their skills and knowledge directly to ICT Initiative of the Year. Its aim is to offer environment and digital library and their colleagues without involving us at somewhere for students and teachers to learn how to design e-learning courses all,” he says. confront both the scariest and simplest of and assessments. the new technological creatures that have Late last year, the David Wilson Library recently been thrown in their path. In the Zoo’s Safari Park, they will find drew on the Zoo model to create a research on these core technologies Graduate School Media Zoo, which “It is about disseminating research and applied to new markets, while in the supports postgraduate students in embedding change both at Leicester and Breeding Area they will discover how using innovative technologies for their in the sector generally,” says Simon technologies such as e-book readers, research. The Zoo also hosted an Kear, Keeper of the Media Zoo. “It’s also not originally developed for teaching, international conference in January a safe environment where you can play can be an effective learning tool. Those 2010, which took place entirely online. around with something like podcasting venturing into the Exotics House will find and not make a fool of yourself, or research on the future of e-learning, Later this year it is planning something break anything.” such as use of virtual worlds. even more ambitious – a 48-hour non- stop online conference, shifting from Devised five years ago as part of the Key to the Zoo’s work are two-day Leicester to the West Coast of America University’s e-learning strategy, the Carpe Diem workshops, involving to Australia in line with the path of the Media Zoo exists in a physical space, course teams, subject librarians and sun, and looking, appropriately, at the through access to laptops, PCs and a learning designers and technologists, future of learning. n 26 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

The pursuit of happiness

Leicester is in the vanguard of studies that measure happiness and quality of life – these form key aspects of the socio-economic and political well-being of a country. It provides another example of how cross-disciplinary research at Leicester is having an impact on our understanding of the world.

n 2007, an analytic social an objective measurement of the quality psychologist at Leicester, Adrian of life. IWhite, created the very first world map of happiness following a meta- This research is important because the analysis based on the findings of data it uses are widely required by over 100 different studies. Data were economists and politicians as a measure analysed in relation to health, of economic and social development wealth and access to education. and so used to determine spending Dr David Bartram policies and legislation. Department of Sociology Now, a new method for measuring Many of us are guilty of quality of life has been proposed by a Professor Gorban said: “The believing that money is more Leicester Professor and his colleague from measurement of the quality of life is very important for happiness than it France. They have compiled a league important for economic and social is – and this research suggests table of 171 countries placing Luxemburg assessment and also for public policy, at the top and Swaziland at the bottom. social legislation and community that migrants are not terribly programmes. There is a strong need for different in this regard. Alexander Gorban, of the Department of a systematic exploration of the content, Mathematics at Leicester, and Andrei reach and relevance of the concept of Zinovyev at the Institut Curie in Paris, the quality of life, and ways of making it determined that the pursuit of wealth have developed the new table which concrete and usable”. via migration might not bring happiness. uses a mathematical technique to obtain Gorban and Zinovyev used a Dr Bartram sought to establish whether mathematical technique, the basis of those people who were motivated by which was developed in the mid higher incomes in a wealthy country nineties, to create their table. actually gain greater happiness via migration. He also examined whether They examined four indicators to assess these economic migrants might have each country: exaggerated expectations about what • GDP per capita they will achieve and experience, such that there is some significant Professor Alexander Gorban • Life expectancy at birth disappointment. Department of Mathematics • Infant mortality rate The measurement of the quality • Tuberculosis incidence The results suggest that economic of life is very important for migrants might well experience economic and social assessment Zinovyev and Gorban then plotted this disappointment. Even after an increase in data in four-dimensional space creating wealth, migrants find it difficult to feel and also for public policy, social a Nonlinear Quality of Life Index. satisfied with their incomes – just like the legislation and community rest of us. programmes. There is a strong In the University’s Department of need for a systematic exploration Sociology, happiness has also been the “Many of us are guilty of believing that of the content, reach and focus of research by Dr David Bartram. money is more important for happiness relevance of the concept of the His study, Economic Migration and than it is – and this research suggests quality of life, and ways of Happiness: Comparing Immigrants’ and that migrants are not terribly different in making it concrete and usable. Natives’ Happiness Gains from Income, this regard,” says Dr Bartram. n LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 27

The Nonlinear Qu ality of Life Index

In the Figur e below, countries ca n be contribute significantly to the variance. a different physical quality of life. roughly separated into two groups. The

first group consists of wealthy countries, The second group (left branch of the This classification in two classes is not mostly fro m Wes tern and Northern distribution) consists of poor countries perfect: there are many countries Europe, USA, Australia and some ot hers (mostly, African), which are ‘equally which are localised in the non-linear (right branch of the distribution). For the poor’ in terms of the gross product per junction between these two branches

most part, variation among these capita but can be very different in of the 4-dimensional distribution. This countries c an be attributed to the gross terms of their problems (lower in terms intermediate group includes, for product per capita, while other of higher life expectancy, level of example, most of the Post-Soviet indicators are approximately equal infectious diseases, the state health countries.

between these countries and do not system) which can contribute towards

Estonia Gross product per capita, Russia Trinidad & Tobago Hungary PPP, $/person Kazakhstan Lithuania Slovakia Life expectancy, years Latvia x = Romania 1 Infant mortality, case/1,000 Indonesia

– Peru

Suriname Thailand Iran = Tuberculosis incidence, Mexico case/100,000 ArgentinaA e Chile f Brazil Lebanon i

L Turkmenistan Panama Turkey f Guatemala China Morocco

o Luxembourg El Salvador Bosnia & Herzogovina y

t Iraq Tunisia Costa Rica i l Nicaragua a Albania 1 u +

Syria Q =

Swaziland e f i

Botswana L

Norway Kuwait f o

United States

Djibouti y t

Namibia Ireland i l

Sierra Leone Canada a Equatorial Guinea u Gabon Q Italy Saudi Arabia Afghanistan Slovenia Niger Korea Dem. Rep. Cameroon Russia

Benin Chile Kyrgyzstan

Syria

Caribbean Western Asia Southern Europe North America Southern Africa Middle East Oceania Eastern Asia Eastern Europe Central America Eastern Africa Russia

South East Asia Western Europe South America Western Africa South Central Asia Northern Europe Northern Africa Post Soviet Central Africa

28 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Professor Kamlesh Khunti GP and Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Our educational programme is now used by over 50 percent of primary care trusts in England and is being Professor Kamlesh Khunti, taken up in other countries, including Australia. Department of Health Sciences LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 29

Success that has changed lives

Leicester is acknowledged for housing the leading research group for clinical diabetes in the UK and one of the leading centres in the world.

eicester’s world-class reputation lives of people with diabetes. Through Professor Davies said: “Research success for diabetes research stems from national programmes we influence how comes from being part of a really good Lthe work of two teams, doctors screen for diabetes and we have team. Our skills complement each celebrating ten years of collaboration pioneered educational programmes other’s and we achieve far more at the University and hospitals. that work. together than we could on our own.

One of the group’s great strengths is its “We developed research to show how “People throughout the country combination of expertise in primary and cases can be diagnosed earlier which has recognise that and talk about ‘the secondary care. Melanie Davies is changed the National Screening success of Leicester’ and the Professor of Diabetes Medicine at the Committee’s views on this and we’ve environment that Professor Khunti and I University of Leicester and an NIHR Senior established a simple risk score that GP create around us. Investigator, and Kamlesh Khunti is a GP practices and patients can use.” and Professor of Primary Care Diabetes “We have built a big team and given and Vascular Medicine at the University. Professor Khunti agrees that their work them freedom and support to develop has informed government policy. their ideas. People flourish in that Indications of their reputation are “We’re definitely seeing the result of all environment. We are very lucky to have reflected in their top quality research that coming through now in national such highly-skilled young researchers.” group of 70 people; the number of their policy,” he said. “Our educational reports in major international journals programme is now used by over 50 per - Organisations that have funded and the fact that Leicester presentations cent of primary care trusts in England research by Professor Kamlesh Khunti at national and international meetings and is being taken up in other coun - and Professor Melanie Davies include regularly outnumber other UK groups. tries, including Australia.” the National Institute for Health Research, Diabetes UK, the Medical Professor Khunti has been recognised Paying tribute to those who have Research Council and the British Heart among the top 20 most influential GPs contributed to these achievements, Foundation. n in Britain, published in the health journal Pulse . One of the reasons given was the Leicester vascular health checks Professor Melanie Davies, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences programme, which has now been taken up for the whole of England.

Ground-breaking genealogical work on South Asian people with diabetes has also led to greater success in prevention and treatments among this group of the population.

Professor Khunti said: “A number of factors increase our risk of developing diabetes. Small changes can have large effects in terms of reductions in risk, not only for South Asian people but also for white European people.”

Professor Davies added: “We’re very proud that our research changes the 30 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Annual Report timeline

August – September 2009 Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys n Eight years on from the 9/11 terrorist attacks, new research from n Britain’s first swine flu vaccine trials, the University of Leicester’s Centre for led by the University of Leicester and American Studies examined the impact University Hospitals of Leicester NHS of the atrocity on language, sense of Trust, took place at the Leicester Royal realism, and how it has led to Infirmary. Results from the first trials America’s ‘current state of fear’. The revealed a strong immune response research, undertaken by Dr Catherine after just one dose. Morley, a lecturer in the School of English, reveals that 9/11 not only n A collaboration between the influenced society’s sense of realism University of Leicester Forensic and its ability to express this realism, Research Centre and the National but also led to the manipulation of Offender Management Service (NOMS), language, and a rhetoric – ‘infected East Midlands was formally launched with fear’. on 20 August. This new development will build on existing links to develop n A conference, ‘Election 2009 and research opportunities and secure South Africa’s Emerging Political funding for research of mutual benefit, n “My life changed on Monday Landscape’, was held at the University and assist the university in the morning at 9.05am 10 September under the auspices of the Centre for development of undergraduate and 1984.” This was the morning of Diplomacy and International Studies in postgraduate teaching provision in the Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys’ ‘Eureka the Department of Politics and area of forensic psychology. moment’ and the discovery of genetic International Relations. The conference fingerprinting at the University of explored the impact of the 2009 n Scientists Leicester. In the 25 years that have general election on the country’s uncovered a new followed, genetics at Leicester has political system and included four of role played by continued to go from strength to the leading specialists in the field of vitamin C in strength. As an internationally South African politics. protecting the renowned centre of pioneering skin. Researchers at research, the Department of Genetics n A new study by criminologists at the the University of continues to push back the frontiers of University reveals that ‘hate crimes’ as Leicester and Institute for Molecular knowledge in genetics. The University reported by and Cellular Biology in Portugal studied of Leicester, where Sir Alec has worked the media new protective properties of vitamin C for over three decades and which are just the in cells from the human skin, which awarded him an Honorary tip of the could lead to better skin regeneration. Distinguished Fellowship – the iceberg. In University’s highest accolade – marked fact, hate n The first ever major study into adults the anniversary of his breakthrough crime living with autism was published by the with a series of events including features in NHS Information Centre. The report showcasing a giant DNA model in the a variety of was written by Professor Terry Brugha, building where the discovery was forms a Consultant Psychiatrist with made; a Darwin/DNA Day – a day to across Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the society, Professor of Psychiatry at the University discovery of genetic fingerprinting affects all of Leicester with a team of UK together with the 200th anniversary of marginalised groups and is manifested researchers. This ground-breaking study Darwin’s birth – with public lectures in all sorts of environments, be it in shows for the first time an estimate of and discussion forums; schools social settings, in the workplace and in how many adults are living with autism outreach programmes as well as a schools. spectrum disorders (ASDs) in England. social programme. LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 31

October – November 2009 n The world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra and the University announced a new partnership – the first of its kind between the Philharmonia and a university – that provides a new platform for high quality music to be developed and showcased to a wider audience. h t u o

m n Mintweld, a multi-million pound s t r

o engineering research project, is using P

f

o advanced thinking to revolutionise the n Former Science Minister Lord

y t i welding industry – and offering the Drayson, pictured above, joined s r e

v prospect of saving lives. The University secondary school teachers from across i n

U of Leicester is spearheading the €4.8 the region in a Chemistry masterclass at

,

n million project funded by the European the Science Learning Centre East o t t i Community’s Seventh Framework Midlands based at the University. W

k Programme which involves 11 partners r a

M from seven countries. n The Higher Education Academy and

:

e the GENIE CETL at the University of g a

m n The University’s business training Leicester published research into the I arm, The Leading Edge, successfully reward and recognition of teaching in n An international group of researchers teamed up with Business Link again to higher education. Professor Annette from the University of Leicester School run another series of monthly business Cashmore of the GENIE CETL at of Museum Studies, and the Geological breakfast seminars. This winning Leicester said: “The dominance of the Institute, Beijing identified a new type partnership means that local companies recognition of research over teaching in of flying reptile – providing the first can come along to pick up valuable higher education institutions is clear evidence of an unusual and nuggets of management advice and anecdotally well-established. The aim of controversial type of evolution. network at the same time. the project we have undertaken with Christened Darwinopterus, meaning the Academy is to look at the evidence Darwin’s wing, the name of the new n Following the overwhelming success and to make some practical pterosaur honours the 200th of the previous year’s Literary Leicester suggestions about what can be done anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth Festival, the University produced about it. Our work is timely as interest and the 150th anniversary of the another spectacular array of literary in the quality of the student experience publication of On the Origin of Species . readings, talks and presentations in and grows”. The central recommendation around the award-winning David of the report was the development of n The Centre for Urban History, Wilson Library. criteria for recognising teaching founded at Leicester in 1985, celebrated performance. its 25th anniversary. Recognised as Author Jacqueline Europe’s leading centre for the study of n The University’s Research Centre for Wilson attracted a the urban past, the Centre organised a capacity audience at Museums and Galleries (RCMG), part of number of events to mark the Literary Leicester 2009 the School of Museum Studies, marked anniversary. Simon Gunn, from the its 10-year anniversary with a special Centre said: “Urban history in Britain is event. Since the RCMG was set up in synonymous with Leicester and we 1999, the landscape of learning in intend to foreground its continuing museums has been transformed and vitality and its increasingly global the way museums think about their reach. It’s appropriate that in our social roles and responsibilities has anniversary year we will be radically shifted. This anniversary event appointing a New Blood Lecturer in invited three key figures who have Chinese urban history. The subject been part of these exciting changes to has gone out from Leicester to discuss and debate trends in museum become a global brand”. thinking and practice. 32 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

December 2009 – January 2010 n The return to university after Christmas is a low point for many students as they come back to face exams following a festive break that is often less restful than expected, a unique study has found. Researchers at the University who asked students to keep a regular video diary have discovered that post-Christmas blues are very real for many who find the need to n Despite improvements in earn and revise during the holiday Neolithic tools obstetric care services, women season leaves them drained at the start from deprived areas are still more likely of the New Year. The findings come n A new study from the University has to give birth to a very preterm baby from analysis of two years of video found that most men in Europe compared with mothers from more diaries kept by students at Leicester who descend from the first farmers who affluent areas, finds a University of were asked to talk to the camera about migrated from the Near East 10,000 Leicester study published on bmj.com. anything going on in their university life years ago. The new study, funded by that mattered to them. The project, now the Wellcome Trust, examines the n New bodies which combine the in its third year, will contribute to several diversity of the Y chromosome, which is expertise of industry, healthcare and investigations into the student passed from father to son. education have been formed to experience – particularly work that aims promote innovation in the NHS. Health to identify what make students likely to n The Earth Observation Science Innovation and Education Clusters drop out and what are the best ways of group at the University of (HIECs) are cross-sector partnerships supporting them, which has been part- Leicester released images between the NHS, the higher education funded by the Higher Education Funding of the UK under snow sector and corporate partners. They will Council for England. and explores the work together to provide professional possible causes of education and training to a wide range n In 2010, the University marked 50 this extreme of clinical professionals. The East years of space science with a host of weather. Midlands bid for £600,000 funding is activities celebrating the world-class one of 17 successful bids nationally achievements of the University in space which will share £11 million in the first research and paying tribute to the man year to establish a HIEC. The East who launched Leicester’s space Midlands bid was co-ordinated by the programme, Professor Ken Pounds CBE University of Leicester on behalf of a FRS. Professor Pounds, a UK pioneer of membership of organisations from space science, was among the founders throughout the East Midlands. of the space programme at the University of Leicester – now among n Research led by Professor Panicos the biggest academic space research Demetriades of the Department of centres in Europe. n Scientists have discovered five genetic Economics suggests that privatising variants that are associated with the government owned banks without health of the human lung. The research having an effective system of regulation by an international consortium of 96 in place can result in a collapse of scientists from 63 centres in Europe and depositors’ confidence in banking. This Australia sheds new light on the can not only undermine the ability of molecular basis of lung diseases. The the banking system to finance new findings provide hope for better economic growth but it can also trigger treatment for lung diseases like Chronic bank runs and financial instability. Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. The consortium was led by Left to right: Lord Rees, President of the Royal  Professor Martin Tobin from the Society, Professor Ken Pounds, and Professor University of Leicester and Professor Ian Martin Barstow, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering Hall from the University of Nottingham. LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 33

February – March 2010 n Four students from the University are the only ones in Britain, and among a small number from across Europe, to be selected for a gravity- defying experiment in the framework of the ESA Education Office ‘Fly your Thesis!’ programme. The students from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University have won a place in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) parabolic flight campaign in 2011. James Patterson, n Space engineers and technicians Director of the Media n Scientists from the University of from the University have played a Archive for Central England Leicester have led an international study pivotal role in developing a new (MACE) to capture space images that are instrument to be deployed into space. unique to science. Researchers using They have provided the mechanical n The Media Archive for Central the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope engineering know-how behind one of England (MACE), which is based at the (HST) recently took advantage of the four instruments to be placed on board University of Leicester, was awarded rare opportunity to record Saturn when the James Webb Space Telescope £440,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund its rings are edge-on, resulting in a (JWST) to be launched in 2014 in order for the Full Circle project, which will unique movie featuring both of the to succeed the current Hubble draw communities together in giant planet’s poles. telescope. discovering the rich history available through film footage. Over 60 n Decaying corpses are usually the communities will be supported in this domain of forensic scientists, but region-wide search for local film palaeontologists have discovered that footage. MACE will use the funding to studying rotting fish sheds new light on support local history societies and other our earliest ancestry. The researchers, organisations to aid them in uncovering from the Department of Geology, film and presenting it to the community. devised a new method for extracting information from 500 million year old n A new study at the University asks fossils – they studied the way fish whether popular music is replacing the decompose to gain a clearer picture of role of religion in society. Students and how our ancient fish-like ancestors staff at the University are being asked would have looked. Their results to reveal their music listening habits indicate that some of the earliest fossils and iPod playlists in an original new from our part of the tree of life may n A geologist from the University is survey. The research is being carried out have been more complex than has part of a team that has uncovered an by Dr Clive Marsh who is the Director previously been thought. ancient water flea-like creature from of Learning and Teaching 425 million years ago – only the third at the University’s n Globalisation, and particularly of its kind ever to be discovered in Institute of Lifelong cheaper electronic goods from China ancient rocks. The specimen, which Learning. and the Far East, has altered behaviour was found in rocks in Herefordshire, among Britain’s burglars according to represents a new species of ostracod, research in progress at the University. and has been named Nasunaris flata . James Treadwell, a lecturer in Like water-fleas and shrimps, Criminology, suggests that the ostracods belong to the group of incredible rise of the new superpower animals called Crustacea. The find is has made burglars ‘redundant’ due to important because the fossil has been the decline in cost of household goods found with its soft parts preserved traditionally targeted by thieves. inside the shell. 34 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

April – May 2010 n Just one ‘pulse’ of artificial light at night disrupts circadian cell division, reveals a new study carried out by Dr. Rachel Ben-Shlomo of the University of Haifa-Oranim Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology along with Prof. Charalambos P. Kyriacou of the University of Leicester. “Damage to cell division is characteristic of cancer, and it is therefore important to understand the causes of this damage,” notes Dr. Ben-Shlomo. The study has been published in the n Pupils from five inner city London journal Cancer Genetics and schools were introduced to the Cytogenetics. delights of a geology fieldcourse amid the 600-million years old rocks of n Paintings by Charnwood Forest thanks to a grant The Percy Dr Ala Bashir, Gee to Dr Gawen Jenkin at the Department Iraq’s most building will of Geology. The three-day masterclass, celebrated artist be officially funded by a Royal Society Partnership opened in and a world- Grant and the Widening Participation March 2011 famous surgeon Fund of the University of Leicester, who was once investigated the environment that Saddam Hussein’s personal physician, formed the rocks of Charnwood were exhibited at Embrace Arts, the Prof. Green at The Academy Forest, Leicestershire. University of Leicester’s arts centre. After spending 20 years in the service of one n An international team of of history’s most notorious dictators, the astronomers has discovered artwork of Dr Ala Bashir provides a compelling evidence that rocky planets chilling insight into the horror of Iraq’s are commonplace in our galaxy. recent history. The exhibition – shown University scientist and lead researcher for the first time in its entirety – was Dr Jay Farihi surveyed white dwarfs, called ‘Recent Work: Memories of Keys’, the compact remnants of stars that and brought together Dr Bashir’s were once like our Sun, and found paintings of keys and also a number of that many show signs of his single-line drawings. contamination by heavier elements and possibly even water, improving the n The Academy Music Group (AMG) n Research using material spanning prospects for extraterrestrial life. announced the successful conclusion of twenty-two years has shown that lean negotiations with the University of management practices, including high Leicester’s Students’ Union to launch employee engagement, lead to higher O2 Academy Leicester on campus in levels of productivity. This is the finding September 2010. The Students’ Union, of research carried out by Professor housed in the Percy Gee building, is the Stephen Wood of the School of heart of the University of Leicester and Management, and his colleague Lilian currently undergoing a £15m de Menezes of the Cass Business development. The introduction of the School, City University, London. 1,450-capacity live music and club Together, they examined the integrated venue is an integral feature of this use in British manufacturing of a set of programme, with first-class facilities to lean management practices in which cater for the biggest live acts on the employee empowerment was a major CoRoT Satellite Discovers Rocky Planet touring circuit. component over 22 years. Illustration: ESO/L. Calcada LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 35

June – July 2010 n A team of researchers, including academics from the Engineering Department at the University of Leicester, has been awarded a £1.2 million grant by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) to develop a chip which can be implanted in the brain. The chip will be wirelessly connected to prosthetic limbs. It will collect data from neuron activity in the brain, and send the information wirelessly to move prosthetic arms or n A University archaeologist has Dr Ian Hutchinson, Dr Richard Ambrosi and legs. The technology has the discovered a bone belonging to a late Professor Mark Sims with Bridget potential to enable patients with spinal 19th-century tortoise from Stafford cord injuries to move paralysed parts of Castle, Staffordshire – believed to be n University of Leicester scientists their bodies by using robotic devices the earliest archaeological evidence of a announced the start of work, in which are controlled by the wireless tortoise kept as a family pet. As collaboration with industry, on advanced chip. The use of wireless technology reported in Post-Medieval Archaeology instruments for ExoMars – a new provides an alternate to cables, which (volume 44/1) by Dr Richard Thomas, mission to Mars in 2018. An engineering can be obtrusive and have risk of the significance of the find is in the model of the Mars Rover, called Bridget, infections. This ground-breaking insights it gives on the early developed by Astrium in the UK, was on research is being developed by importation of tortoises and the display at the University providing invited academics from the University of changing attitude of British society schoolchildren as well as staff and Leicester, Newcastle University and towards family pets. students with an exciting glimpse into Imperial College London. the shape of things to come. The event n University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor coincided with celebrations marking the n Researchers at the University of Professor Robert Burgess, who was 50th anniversary of space research at Leicester and the University of Ferrara in Knighted in the 2010 New Year Honours the University of Leicester. Italy collaborated to develop new drugs List, received his honour on 2 June. He which have the potential to relieve can - was the only Vice-Chancellor in the UK n The ninth Sculpture Exhibition cer pain without causing many of the to receive the honour in the 2010 List was hosted in the Harold Martin side effects of current pain-treatments and gained the award for services to Botanic Garden. This exhibition, like morphine. Figures show that 90% local and national higher education. entitled ‘Heart Head and Hands’, of cancer patients experience pain in the was curated by Dr John Sydney final year of their lives and this is a big n Alice, the University of Leicester’s new Carter, FRBS. (Fellow of the Royal problem. Currently, the use of drugs like ‘green’ supercomputer, went into British Society of Sculptors). morphine produces side effects such as operation. The University is aiming to depressed breathing, drowsiness, consti - make the £2.2 million facility the most pation and tolerance. Unfortunately tol - energy efficient in the sector. Alice is ten erance usually results in an increased times more powerful than the system it dose of morphine, which in turn means replaces, and is expected to help attract that patients experience more of these high quality researchers and millions of side effects. The researchers are leading pounds in research grants to Leicester. the early experiments of a new group of Researchers will use the high- drugs which may not produce these side performance computer to help find the effects. The research done at the answers to questions ranging from the University of Leicester has been funded effects of different government policies by the Leicestershire and Rutland charity on the financial markets to the future of Hope Against Cancer. our galaxy. 36 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Personalia 2009-10

Dr Neil Chakraborti, (Criminology) has Professor Sue Wheeler (Lifelong Christopher Bisping (Law), Dr Ipek been selected as one of 15 academics to Learning) has received a British Demir (Sociology), Dr Geoff Folkard form an advisory group for the Howard Association of Counselling and (Engineering) and Dr Bob Norman League of Penal Reform. Psychotherapy Award in recognition of (Cardiovascular Sciences) were named as her outstanding contribution to Research winners of the Students’ Union’s I Love Professor Chris Dyer (Historical in Counselling and Psychotherapy. My Academic campaign. Studies) has been awarded a Leverhulme Emeritus Professorship. Dr Paul Lazarus, (Medical and Social Professor Sarah Hainsworth Care Education), has been elected (Graduate Dean/Engineering) has been Professor Stephen Hall (Economics) President of the Association for Medical invited to serve as one of the ninety has been appointed as consultant to the Humanities (AMH). founder members of the Women’s European Central Bank to develop their Engineering Society ‘Hall of Fame’ of new policy model for the Euro Area. Aaron Porter (graduated 2008, former Inspiring Technical Women. Academic Affairs Officer of the Students’ Professor Martin Halliwell (English) Union) has been elected President of the Gavin Freeman (MA History Student) has been elected Chair of the British National Union of Students. was the overall winner of the 2009 Association for American Studies for a national Young Volunteer Award for his three-year term. Professor Elizabeth Murphy work with Learning for the Fourth Age. (Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of Dr Sally Horrocks (Historical Studies) College of Social Science) has been has been elected President of the British made an Academician of the Academy Society for the History of Science. of Social Sciences.

Dr Neil Chakraborti

Professor Martin Halliwell The Museum Studies winning team: left to right, Jim Roberts, Gurpreet Ahluwalia, Barbara Lloyd and Gus Dinn LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 37

Aaron Porter Professor Sir Robert Burgess receives his Knighthood on June 2 2010 (image: British Ceremonial Arts)

Professor Elizabeth Murphy Professor Sarah Hainsworth Dr Sally Horrocks Kathy Williams

The University bid a fond farewell to New Year Honours Kathy Williams , Academic Registrar, Times Higher Education when she retired after 36 years of The Vice-Chancellor was knighted for Leadership and Management service. Professor Sir Robert Burgess, services to local and national higher Awards 2010 Vice-Chancellor, thanked Kathy for the education. energetic, good humoured and helpful The University of Leicester’s way in which she had supported the Jenny Foxon (Genetics) was awarded School of Museum Studies has University over the years. Kathy will be the MBE for services to science. become a world leader in the awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws museum industry thanks to its Degree at a ceremony in Summer 2011. Maureen Raine (English Language ‘highly engaged and dynamic’ Teaching Unit) was awarded the MBE for administrative team. The School of Museum Studies was services to higher education. awarded the 2010 Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Award for Outstanding Departmental Administration. Queen’s Birthday Honours Paul Jackson Director, Student Support and The Student Support and Janet Paraskeva (Member of Court) Development Service Development Service won the was named as a Dame Commander of We were delighted to receive this Outstanding Support for Students Award the Order of the British Empire for Public award which recognises the at the 2009 THE Awards. Service. excellent support we offer Professor Guy Rutty (Cancer Studies students at Leicester. Leicester is a and Molecular Medicine – Forensic university that competes with the Pathology Unit) was awarded an MBE best whilst opening up the for services to the police. competition for everyone. 38 LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011

Degree Celebrations

JANUARY 2010 spokesperson on the environment and former Labour Whip in the House of rural affairs and member of the Lords and spokesperson for the previous Honorands University of Leicester Court Labour Government on a number of issues Martin Johnson, CBE (Doctor of Laws) Ken Ford (Doctor of Letters) Leicester Rugby Union player and Team Manager born, internationally acclaimed sculptor, John Holloway (Doctor of Laws) has of the England Rugby Union fifteen winner of the 1995 Prix de Rome served the University in a range of roles including Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor Michael Parkin (Doctor of Peter Williams, CBE (Doctor of Laws) Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor, a former Letters) Economist and University of recently retired from the office of Chief Dean and Head of the Department of Leicester Graduate Executive of the Quality Assurance Chemistry Agency for Higher Education and is a JULY 2010 former member of the administration at Jonathan Castleman (Doctor of the University of Leicester Science) Group Managing Director of Honorands Norman and Underwood Ltd John Sinnott (Doctor of Laws) Chief Hilary Devey (Doctor of Laws) Pall-Ex Executive of Leicestershire County Peter Wilby (Doctor of Letters) CEO and entrepreneur who founded the Council and the longest-serving County Leicester-born journalist and education UK’s number one network for the Council Chief Executive columnist, currently writing for the New distribution of palletised freight in 1996 Statesman and the Guardian Lord Bach of Lutterworth (Doctor of Baroness Byford of Rothley (Doctor of Laws) Former Mayor of Lutterworth and Sir Terry Wogan (Doctor of Laws) one Laws) former Conservative Whip in the a Councillor with Leicester City, of the UK’s most popular radio and House of Lords, Conservative Lutterworth and Harborough Councils, television presenters

Martin Johnson Baroness Byford of Rothley

Professor John Holloway Hilary Devey Sir Terry Wogan LE1 · THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · SPRING 2011 39

Statistics Visitor HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

STUDENT NUMBERS 2009-10 Officers and Senior Staff 2009-10 Total Registered Students 22,803 Chancellor Undergraduate 10,946 SIR PETER WILLIAMS , CBE, FREng, FRS Postgraduate 11,857

Distribution of full-time Students Pro-Chancellors R H BETTLES, BDS, DDH, LDS, MCD, Home/EU 9,309 DDPH Overseas 2,921 P BATEMAN, BSc Taught Postgraduate Students 10,563 Vice-Chancellor Postgraduate Research Students 1,294 PROFESSOR R G BURGESS, BA, PhD, Distance Learning Students 8,651 AcSS

Treasurer STAFF NUMBERS 2009-10 B E TOWLE, CBE, BA, LLD, FRSA

Total 3,747 Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor PROFESSOR M P THOMPSON, LLB, LLM Full-time academic staff 749

Part-time academic staff 28 Pro-Vice-Chancellors

Full-time research staff 388 MS C FYFE, BA, MA, MBA PROFESSOR K C LEE, BA, MSc, PhD, Part-time research staff 53 FRSA Full-time academic related staff 545 Pro-Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Part-time academic related staff 128 College Full-time support staff 884 PROFESSOR M A BARSTOW, BA, PhD, CSci, CPhys, FInstP Part-time support staff 972 PROFESSOR E MURPHY, MA (Hons), MSc, PhD INCOME 2009-10 ( Total £255,715,000) PROFESSOR D TALLACK, BA, MA, DPhil PROFESSOR D WYNFORD-THOMAS, MB BCh (Hons), FRCPath, DSc, FMEDSci

Funding body grants Graduate Dean £74,810,000 (29%) PROFESSOR S V HAINSWORTH, BEng, Tuition fees and education PhD, CEng, CSci, FIMMM contracts £85,245,000 (33%)

Research grants and contracts Registrar and Secretary £49,968,000 (20%) D E HALL, BA Other income £45,035,000 (18%) Director of Library Services Endowment and investment £657,000 L JONES, BA, MA, MPA ST Leicester rises to its highest ever position in the Guardian University Guide (12th out of 120 universities)

ST New Government data shows Leicester is the most socially inclusive of Britain’s top-20 leading universities

ST Cross-disciplinary research at Leicester produces new ways of measuring happiness and the quality of life between countries

ST University secures a fourth consecutive Times Higher Education Award

ST New world ranking of universities places Leicester in the top 2% of institutions worldwide

ST Leicester academic authors groundbreaking story of the translation of the King James Bible marking its 400th anniversary

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ST University opens new £15m Students’ Union – the latest project in its ambitious £1 billion campus development plan 2

ST Major study into the impact of diasporas on the making of Britain launched at Leicester 9 1 8 _ 0 1 / 1 1