BulletinFortnightly news for staff | 5 June 2008 | 483

Crickets inform biomimetics. One of the six forthcoming public lectures As a world-renowned research and teaching 483

| IN THE NEWS: institution, the University of Reading is rarely out of the local, national and international media. This is a selection of media appearances by members of the University and press cutting summaries which highlight the important work being done by the staff and students of the University. 5 June 2008

| View all ‘In the news’ items at www.reading.ac.uk/about/about-readinginthenews2008.asp

Front cover: This year’s Public 13 May, Reading Evening Post 15 May, Reading Evening Post various projects including teaching Bulletin lecture series has been In a feature on the 14 most Professor Gary Butler (Health sixth formers from two local finalised. The lecture on influential businessmen in Reading, Sciences) has discovered height schools, Forest Boys and Reading Ian Smith, senior partner at plays a major part in identifying Girls, about Entrepreneurship and Tuesday 25 November is on PriceWaterhouseCoopers says: ‘We growth-related sickness and is Business start-up. Biomimetics, the branch of should be proud of the University urging the Government to 20 May, Reading Evening Post science that shows what can of Reading, which has established implement a height-screening The University launches SEED, its be learnt from nature. One itself as one of the top 200 in the programme for all UK children. new summer work placement world and generates a pool of example is the remarkable 15 May, Reading Chronicle scheme, offering valuable paid talented graduates each year.’ sensitivity at the receptor Professor Margot Gosney, summer work experience for level and the high speed 13 May, Reading Evening Post Director of the Institute of Health students as well as providing local reaction of crickets. The University is spearheading Sciences, has found that tastebuds companies and organisations with Researchers are concentrating STEMNET, a national science and work differently in older people welcome additional resources. engineering ambassadors scheme and can lead to them becoming on the air currents 22 May, Reading Evening Post to encourage young scientists of malnourished and is now working perception and escape The University’s stand at the RHS the future. with celebrity chef Heston Chelsea Flower Show has won a action arising from hairs on Blumenthal to develop her ground- 15 May, Daily Mail Continuous Learning Silver Award. crickets, which respond to breaking new theory. attacking predators. An article giving advice on how to The award winning stand showed graduate to your dream job. With 16 May, Farm Week how Reading’s research is trying to The Bulletin can be found online at expert advice from Carey An article discussing the answer important questions such www.reading.ac.uk/bulletin Widdows, Director of Reading’s development of a grass that may help as, could UK gardens become vital Careers Advisory Service. tackle global warming by cutting reserves as plants in the wild face The Bulletin is published in-house the level of methane given off by extinction due to climate change? during term time. Items for 15 May, ITV Thames Valley Tonight cows. With expert comment from inclusion should be sent, marked Dr Graham Crampton The University’s Centre for the Professor Ian Givens (Agriculture). ‘Bulletin’, to: Carol Derham, (Economics) was interviewed by International Foundation Communications, DEAO, BBC Radio Berkshire and ITV Thames 17 May, New Scientist Programme (CIFP) has recently Whiteknights, University of Valley, concerning the proposals Recent studies at the University’s launched a new sector-wide journal Reading, Reading RG6 6AH, for the £65million improvements Walker Institute for Climate which has been distributed email [email protected] to Junction 11 of the M4, which System Research suggest that the nationwide to Universities and other We reserve the right to edit items connects the M4 to the A33 and the strong warming seen in the north IFP providers. The journal has been and not all material may be used. Basingstoke Road area of Reading. Atlantic and western Europe since produced in response to a growing 1975, may be due in large part to interest in the cross-curricular issues Small ads will be included if space 15 May, FM World natural oscillations in ocean affecting international students as permits. A report on the University School circulation, unconnected to they embark upon multi-disciplinary Copy date for the edition of Construction Management and human-made global warming. university access courses. InForm published in August is 7 August. Engineering’s project, which aims can be accessed at http://www. to pull together existing best 19 May, Reading Evening Post The Bulletin is typeset by Diana reading.ac.uk/ifp/newsevents/ifp- practice and innovation in The University’s Free Enterprise Arnold in Communications, DEAO inform.asp For a hard copy please sustainable facilities management. Team scooped three awards at the and is printed by Advent Colour, contact: [email protected] or SIFE National competition, for Andover call ext. 6983

New programme for EYPs

Qualified people who work with children’s centres and home- workforce development.’ please contact Angela Mason, young children gathered at the based childcare. For more information about EYPS coordinator, tel. 0118 378 University recently to hear about Delegates at the launch were the programme of events and 5810 or email a.m.mason@ the University’s exciting new addressed by Brian Tytherleigh, the University’s Early Years reading.ac.uk programme of events designed Director for National Professional Status Programme, to improve their standard of Programmes at the Children’s care and learning even further. Workforce Development The programme is the Council, who confirmed the culmination of collaborative Government’s commitment work between the University’s of £73m for EYPS training and Institute of Education and local assessment from 2008 to 2011. authorities across Berkshire, Kriss Turner, the EYPS who are determined to provide Director at the University high-quality professional said: ‘EYPS is proving to be development opportunities pivotal in the improvement of for people who work in outcomes for young children settings such as full day care, and we are delighted to be at nursery schools, pre-schools, the forefront of this  Professor Andy Goodwyn, Head of the Institute of Education, Lorna Dick, Senior Adviser for Early Years at National Strategies, Kriss Turner and Brian Tytherleigh at the launch 483 Silver at Chelsea |

Could UK gardens become vital reserves as plants in the wild face extinction due 5 June 2008 | to climate change?

The University’s silver medal winning Bulletin stand this year at the Chelsea Flower Show featured research which is trying to answer questions like these. It marked the first collaborative venture between the School of Biological Sciences and the University’s Walker Institute for Climate System Research. The stand displayed work led by Dr Alastair Culham focusing on cyclamen, a common garden plant in the UK which grows naturally in the Mediterranean. ‘In the future, the Mediterranean is likely

to become too hot and dry for cyclamen, Science communication in action. Dr Alastair Culham explains Plants and climate change – the theme of this while the climate of central Europe and year’s stand at the Chelsea Flower Show. Stand designed by Dr Culham, School of Biological Sciences, with even the south east tip of England will Kathy Maskell from the Walker Institute for Climate System Research and Paul Luna and students Gemma Watts, Emma Foster and Rachel Bray from Typography. become more suitable. However, the speed of climate change could be too fast for plants to move naturally to new areas and Gardens could become a vital reserve for Mediterranean. Hotter, drier summers many cyclamen species face extinction. this plant in the future’, said Dr Culham. and less frequent winter frosts, ‘For this year’s Chelsea stand we’ve done predicted for the UK, will suit many some preliminary work on a number of species that currently grow further other plants, including olive and south. However, some plants may not lavender. With a 2 to 3 degree warming, withstand wetter winters. Research led olives are likely to do well in the south by Dr Ross Cameron, which sees the of the UK and to continue to thrive in School of Biological Sciences working the Mediterranean where they currently with the Department of Soil Science, is grow in the wild.’ investigating this very subject. However, it’s not as simple as the UK http://www.biosci.reading.ac.uk/Newsand climate becoming more like the Events/Chelsea/Chelsea_2008.htm

Eurovisionomics

For those that have lost interest in harmony with their neighbours this year, Dr Howard’s research uses the same watching the Eurovision Song Contest, with Belarus, Cyprus, Estonia, Israel, ideas as The Big Mac Index, also that seems no longer to be a music Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine awarding called Burgernomics, which the competition, just ask Dr Alan Howard them an unusually high mark in at least Economist newspaper devised in 1986 from the University’s Department of four of the last six contests, totalling as an informal way of measuring the Geography what the result will be. 33 higher than expected showing clear purchasing power parity between two Dr Howard has correctly predicted the evidence of ‘bloc’ voting. currencies. winner of the Eurovison song contest for Dr Howard said: ‘Clearly, every year, ‘We apply Burgernomics to Eurovision, the second year running. This year he some countries will award high or comparing actual voting between forecast Russia’s victory using low scores when compared with the countries, above or below the average in ‘Eurovisionomics’ analysis, or the ‘Wogan majority. However our study only looks a given year,’ said Dr Howard. ‘This may Index’. Research looked at voting patterns at those cases where countries have indicate which countries are routinely since 2001, to identify those countries received unusual scores in more than benefiting or losing out due to ‘bloc- that are ‘over-valued’ in terms of votes 50% of the last six contests from another voting’ or other neighbourly or political received, compared to the Song Contest voting competitor. Such a voting pattern biases. Undoubtedly some countries average when taking into account is highly unlikely to occur by chance, have been ‘over-valued’ since 2001 and a natural divergence (standard deviation). and it’s likely that factors other than the small number ‘under-valued’.’ The study showed Russia are most in quality of the song are involved.’

 483 | Speaking of Book signing Elizabeth Cooke

inclusion On 13 June the Ure Museum of Greek Professor Elizabeth Cooke of the Law 5 June 2008 Archaeology located in the Classics School has been appointed to the post of | The Training and Development Agency Department will be holding a book Law Commissioner by the Lord Chancellor is supporting the Institute of Education signing event. and Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw. Bulletin to provide a series of talks on Special Glyn Iliffe, a former English and Classics Educational Needs. student will be signing copies of his new These have been on various topics by book The King of Ithaca. The book-signing expert members of staff as well as will be preceded with a talk by Glyn on colleagues from outside the University. The Dos and Don’ts of Getting Published. Glyn was a student at Reading from 1994 to 1997 and the book signing is open to current students, staff, visitors to the University Open Day and anyone else who is interested in reading – or writing – historical fiction. ‘Getting published isn’t just about having a good book, it’s also about letting the right people know about it in a way that will get their attention. I aim to give an Simon McKenzie (pictured above), from insight on what publishers are looking Bracknell Forest Local Authority spoke for, how to approach them with your There are five Law Commissioners for recently on the topic of Inclusion. He is work, and what happens once your England and Wales. Elizabeth will take the Head of Service, Learning Difficulties novel gets accepted – the contract, the up the post of Law Commissioner and Disability, Children’s Social Care for editing process, marketing, publicity and leading on Property, Trust and Family Bracknell Forest. His talk was well money’, said Glyn. Law. She will remain a professor at the received by staff and students, and Helen King, Admissions Officer with University, but will be on leave from the produced a lively discussion afterwards. the Classics Department said: ‘Many of University during the period of her Law The talk was recorded using the new tool those who find the ancient Greeks and Commission appointment. Mediasite. This will enable those not at Romans exciting think we could write a Professor Cooke said: ‘Since its the talk to ‘see’ it via the Institute website. novel – Glyn has not only done this, he foundation in 1965, the Law Commission For a copy of the talks for the rest of the has also won a publisher’s contract!’ has played an important role in the term, please email [email protected] reform of property law and family law, and I am very excited at this opportunity to join in the Commission’s work’. Professor Patricia Leopold, Head of the Head of Applied Linguistics University’s Law School, said: ‘Professor Cooke has made a huge contribution to Department in China the University’s Law School for the past 16 years and to research and teaching in Alan Tonkyn, the Head of the Applied including ‘China English’, in relation to the areas of property and family law, in Linguistics Department, has recently the learning of English in the 21st century. particular. Her appointment is a returned from a 2-week visit to China, On his Reading presentation, Dr Tonkyn tremendous accolade, not only for Elizabeth, but also for the University’s Law which took him to ten universities in commented: ‘My aim was to show them School. We wish her well in her new post.’ six cities: Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, what the University of Reading is like Hangzhou, Nanjing and Wuhan. physically, and to discuss not only what Law Commission Chairman, Sir Terence Etherton, said: ‘Professor Cooke has a Dr Tonkyn gave lectures on English Language we can offer, but also what we expect of high reputation for her expertise in a Teaching: Issues for the 21st century and also Masters students. The pictures of the range of legal areas, particularly in the gave presentations on Studying at a British green campus and the single student’s field of family and property law and we University: The Reading experience, in which bedroom – Chinese students usually are delighted she is becoming a Law he focused especially on the Master’s share a room with several other students Commissioner.’ programmes in Applied Linguistics and – were a particular hit!’ ELT offered by his department. During his visit Dr Tonkyn met MA Professor Cooke will take up her five year post on 3 July 2008. In his lectures on ELT, Dr Tonkyn focused alumni Ms Chen Li and Lu Ping in on the way grammar can be taught in the Qingdao and Hangzhou. Dr Tonkyn has new communicative syllabus established noted: ‘They were excellent students on by the Chinese government, and also on our programme, and have proved to be the status of the ‘New Englishes’, wonderful ambassadors for it’.

 483 Professorial double in Guangzhou In Memoriam | In a ‘double first’, Professors Christine and David Cardin, of the Department of

Chemistry, have both been honoured to 5 June 2008 be appointed Guest Professors in the Edith Cairns | School of Chemistry and Chemical We are sad to report the death on 4 May, Engineering, South China University of aged 94, of Edith Cairns, former Deputy Bulletin Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou, China. Librarian, who was a member of the They have just returned from their initial Library staff for more than 33 years. visit, where they both gave inaugural Edith came to Reading in 1946 and lectures, met staff, toured the extensive remained until her retirement in 1979. and beautiful campus, held workshops After her retirement Edith became the with students, and visited research facilities. Honorary Curator of the Children’s SCUT hosts one of the best chemistry Collection. She had been the main force departments in China, and their host behind the creation of the Collection. there was Dr Xuehui Li, previously an Edith gave many items over the years, academic visitor to the Department of Dr Xuehui Li, Reading’s host in China often buying books in jumble sales to Chemistry in Reading. Dr Li acted as read first, then passing them on. One their guide and interpreter during the author of prestigious publications from of her main interests was girls’ school initial somewhat bewildering stages of his time with Professor Edman Tsang in stories of the early 20th century, and the culture shock. In return, an important Reading and this will continue the Collection is particularly strong in this part of the arrangement is the creation Reading connection. It is also planned to area, including schoolgirl story papers. of high quality scientific publications in arrange further visits to Reading for Dr Li The Collection will now be further international journals. Dr Li is already the and members of his large research team. strengthened by a bequest from Edith’s personal library of children’s books.

Top of BVLE David Sim The University of Reading was recognised Dr William Allen as a leader in the implementation of the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment Dr William Douglas Allen died suddenly, in the annual Blackboard Conference in but peacefully, on Wednesday 7 May. Manchester on 12 to 14 May. Dr Allen was Visiting Professor at the The conference focused on best practices University’s Engineering dept (1967–77), and innovative breakthroughs in education at the University of the West Indies in technology and was attended by over 350 Barbados (78–79) and at Southampton senior education leaders, academics and University (79–81) where he received an managers from across Europe, the Middle honorary doctorate in 1984. An eminent East and Africa who had the opportunity engineer and scientist recognised as an to share their knowledge and expertise outstanding figure in the design and in the field of online teaching and construction of large scale electrostatic learning, and discuss innovations that generators, notably at the Clarendon Lab are being used to promote student (the ‘Oxford Project’). engagement and achievement. For fuller obituaries of both Edith Cairns A team from the University led by Maria and Dr Allen please contact bulletin@ Papaefthimiou (CDOTL) and comprising Dr David Sim, a visiting research fellow reading.ac.uk Guy Pursey (CDOTL), Dr Martha-Marie in the group of archaeometallurgists, Kleinhans (Law) and Helena Bampton School of Construction Management and (ITS), made three well received Engineering has been elected a Fellow of presentations on the implementation of the Society of Antiquaries. the Blackboard Academic Suite. More This is a singular honour. Dr Sim’s work specifically, the development of the on Roman metallurgy of tools, arms and School Portals on Blackboard, the armour is so distinguished that he has student e-Portfolios and our approach to embedding e-learning to curriculum been deemed worthy of this honour. design within the Pathfinder Project were regarded as innovative and placed the University as a leading institution in the field. The Blackboard company have asked the University to produce a case study for further dissemination with their international clients.  483

| Whiteknights Italian conference Get active, go green Development Plan A year after the death of distinguished Conservation volunteers needed: writer and founder of the Italian The Friends of Waterloo Meadows (an

5 June 2008 Last November the University sought to Department at Reading, Luigi Meneghello,

| consult as widely as possible with staff, urban park alongside the River Kennet) the Department of Italian Studies at the students, the public and a range of seek volunteers who are fairly fit and University, in conjunction with the Italian stakeholders, on the £250m Whiteknights preferably with a knowledge of Bulletin Cultural Institute in London, is hosting Campus Development Plan 2008-2018. gardening/horticulture to assist with a two-day commemorative conference weeding, trimming bushes etc. plus A six-week open exhibition was held on on 13 and 14 June 2008 at the Museum of some ground clearance to plant new campus, giving everyone the opportunity English Rural Life and the Italian Cultural seeds; also maintenance of bird boxes to view, discuss and comment on Institute in London. proposals. The process elicited 141 written and bat boxes. The hours worked can be responses, with the majority of these The conference is supported by the arranged to suit: Monday–Friday coming from University staff and students. University of Reading, the Italian evenings and/or Saturday and Sunday On completion of the remaining surveys Culture Institute, the Society for Italian am and pm. Necessary tools are provided. and subject to the conclusion of an Studies, and the Association for the The Living Rainforest near Thatcham is Environmental Impact Assessment, the Study of Modern Italy. committed to telling the story of Development Plan will be submitted to Full details, together with a booking mankind in nature and seeks strong and the two Local Planning Authorities along form and related information, are fit volunteers, preferably with a with a Statement of Community available on the University website at: background in animal care or related Involvement, to guide the preparation http://www.reading.ac.uk/Languages/ subjects, to carry out various aspects of and determination of planning news/les-conference-meneghello.asp animal husbandry, food preparation, applications as they develop. An enclosure maintenance and development. exhibition to give more detail on the Volunteers are required 9am–5.30pm on Halls Replacement Programme will be any day to suit. Full training and support. held at the University in July and formal The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife planning applications for the road Map Library on the move! scheme and halls are expected this Trust has opportunities for practical summer and autumn respectively. From the Autumn Term, 2008, the conservation work on Sundays at Moor Copse (near Tidmarsh). In the meantime an interim statement University’s map collection and services, on the consultation, taking account of together with Judith Fox, the Map The National Trust seeks working all the responses, is attached and will be Librarian will relocate to Main Library holiday leaders to participate in the available from tomorrow on the website Whiteknights. Trust’s Working Holiday Programme of at http://www.reading.ac.uk/about/about- The maps and Map Librarian will be on residential conservation projects on one local.asp The final Whiteknights the 2nd Floor, near the Information Desk of their 480 holidays in the UK. (Training Development Plan and Statement of while atlases will be on the 4th Floor. courses provided). Community Involvement will be The University Library has managed the Berkshire Conservation Volunteers, a available on the website from this July. Map Library since 2004. The added group of people who carry out voluntary visibility and accessibility of the environmental work on local nature relocated collection should ensure that reserves, organises various Sunday task Spring Spectacular this valuable resource attracts new users. days and welcomes new volunteers (£5 Other benefits to the University after the annual membership fee). Saturday 7 June, 10am to 4pm move will include being able to: Also wanted are people who can provide This year MERL’s biggest family • search for maps and atlases on Unicorn occasional HR advice, or are able to assist in setting up a book-keeping system, or event will be on the theme of • borrow maps and atlases on your could help with funding applications, to rural crafts to tie in with the current film- Library card/University Access Card based exhibition, Rural crafts take ten. join a register of people willing to offer • borrow atlases whenever the Library is short term specialist help to local charities. There will be craft demonstrations by a open There’s a huge range of other blacksmith, Kath Shortland from Kew • access maps during Library core hours opportunities for volunteering and if Steam Museum, a pole lathe turner, a all year round trug maker, members of the Berkshire you would like to know more, please Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, a To enable the smooth transfer of stock, contact Clare Bonney on c.p.bonney@ willow weaver and a hedge layer. there will be a limited service during the reading.ac.uk She can meet you on Families can take part themselves by Summer Vacation, and a short closure, campus. Many of the vacancies only joining a felt making workshop. probably at the end of August/start of require a couple of hours a month. There will be music from a steam barrel September. If you need maps for These opportunities are publicised as organ and performances by the fieldwork this summer, you might want part of the University’s Employee Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers. to plan ahead – please contact the Map Volunteering Project (TQEF funded). Librarian to make arrangements. For further information, email New general volunteering vacancies in [email protected], call 0118 378 For the latest news, go to the Map the Reading area are posted each week 8660 or visit our website at www.reading. Library website: www.reading.ac.uk/ on the Reading Voluntary Action

ac.uk/merl library/using/sites/lib-map-library website: www.r-v-a.org  483

Public lecture series 2008–9 | The University’s Public lecture series has Tuesday 25 November 2008 confound us with major surprises. How much now been agreed. Biomimetics: learning from nature of the 19th century was plainly visible from

Dr Richard Bonser, Centre for Biomimetics 1809? Why are we likely to have superior 5 June 2008 As we have come to expect from these Biomimetics is a young branch of science that foresight to our predecessors? In this lecture | lectures by some of the University’s seeks to develop new technologies by mimicking Professor Gray predicts some of the expected leading academics, this series will again

materials and mechanisms found in plants and events of the coming century and how we might Bulletin showcase some of the principal research animals. In this lecture, the advantages of the use this knowledge to prepare for the dangers, taking place at Reading: approach will be discussed and an overview challenges and opportunities to come. Tuesday 14 October 2008 given of exciting new commercialised Tuesday 24 February 2009 Cannabis – drug of abuse or medicinal use? technologies derived from natural systems. Dr Ben Whalley, School of Chemistry, The Carbon footprint Food Biosciences & Pharmacy Tuesday 13 January 2009 Dr David Shipworth, School of This lecture will discuss some of the science behind Cardiovascular and metabolic disease – a Construction Management and the mixed messages about the effects of 21st century problem Engineering cannabis, therapeutic potential of individual Professor Jon Gibbins, School of Climate change is a global problem exacerbated by human activity. Buildings, as cannabinoids as anti-epileptic medicines and, Biological Sciences the modern locus of much human activity, are explore the questions: Is cannabis useful or is it This lecture will introduce the current the source of nearly half of emissions of carbon dangerous? Is cannabis a medicine or drug of approaches to the treatment of cardiovascular dioxide. Changes in behaviour will do most to abuse? diseases and their underlying metabolic disorders, and will pose the question – should reduce emissions, but the design, construction, Tuesday 4 November 2008 greater focus be paid in the future to the maintenance and re-use of buildings can play The Ageing Brain prevention of disease development, rather than their part. This lecture will look at the necessity Professor John Harris, School of repairing the damage once it has occurred? Is for us to reduce our carbon footprint. Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences prevention better than cure? All lectures take place at 8pm in the Can anything be done about the ageing of our Palmer Building. They are free to attend, brains? Just as regular exercise can postpone Tuesday 3 February 2009 no ticket required and open to all. some of the physical effects of ageing, can Another bloody century? http://www.reading.ac.uk/about/about- ‘mental exercise’ postpone some of the cognitive Professor Colin S Gray, School of public.asp effects? Is ‘brain training’ worthwhile? Politics and International Relations History tells us that the 21st century would be To join the public lecture mailing list truly extraordinary were it not to present and email [email protected]

Harassment Adviser Update Centre for Staff Training & Development Programme 9–20 June The University is committed to the Places on all sessions can be booked by emailing [email protected], making a web prevention of harassment for all staff and booking at http://www.info.rdg.ac.uk/cstd/type.htm or by visiting the employee self students as demonstrated by the University’s service http://www.reading.ac.uk/humanresources/employee_self_service.htm Harassment Policy and Procedures. 9 June 10am–12noon CMS Drop in and Learn As part of this commitment an informal system of trained Harassment Advisers 10 June 9.30am–4pm ILM Accredited Introductory Certificate in Management Module 5 3–4.30pm Purchase to Pay Training has been established since 2000. This group of staff volunteer their time to talk 11 June 9.30–10.30am Guides for Managers: Writing Job Descriptions 10.45–11.45 am Guides for Managers: Grievance Procedures to both staff and students informally 9.30–10.30am Data Protection Act 1998: The Basics and in confidence about issues relating 10.45–11.45 am Freedom of Information Act 2000: The Basics to harassment and bullying. 12.30–1.30pm International Network 2–5pm Supervising Research Students (Sciences) The Harassment Adviser network complements the additional resources and 12 June 9.15am–4pm New Staff Induction 10am–12noon Financial Year End Training support available to those experiencing or involved with harassment issues. This 13 June 9.30am–12.30pm Advanced Agresso Back Office includes Human Resources Managers, 16 June 10am–12noon RISIS for Department Administrative Staff Trades Union Representatives, Heads of 17 June 9.30am–12.30pm Using the New University Content Management System (Part 1) School (or line manager equivalent), 10am–4pm Essential Guide for new Principal Investigators/Applicants Student Services, Personal Tutors, RUSU 11am–1pm Financial Year End Training Representatives, Counselling & 18 June 9.30am–12.30pm Presentation Skills for Support Staff Psychological Services and the Equal 12.45–13.45 Guides for Managers: Writing Employment References Opportunities & Diversity Officer. 2–5pm Research-Teaching Synergies: Enquiry Based Learning Details of the Harassment Advisers and 19 June 10–11.30am Student Results and How they Progress in RISIS 2–5pm Using the New University Content Management System (Part 2) information on the University’s Harassment 2.30–3.30pm Purchase Card Applicant Briefing Policy and procedures can be found on 20 June 10.30am–12.30pm Financial Year End the Equal Opportunities and Diversity 1–2pm HoS Briefing with the Director of HR website: http://www.rdg.ac.uk/Personnel/ For details of all these courses please see www.reading.ac.uk/cstd or ring ext. 7097 rdg-only/equal_opportunities.htm  The diary is compiled from events posted 483

| on the Events page of the University website. For fuller details and to post your own events please see http://www.reading.ac.uk/events 5 June 2008 | Thursday 5 June Chaplaincy Communion, The Education research seminar, SCR event, Summer wine tasting, Law staff seminar, Law and Language Chaplaincy Centre warmly welcomes Promoting Reading for Pleasure in an opportunity to visit Acacias, Bulletin Games, Ms Mary Ford (Strathclyde), anyone to their informal service led the Primary School, Dr Michael and enjoy drinks on the terrace. G.03 Foxhill House, 4pm in turns by the Anglican, Methodist Lockwood, Conference Room, Cost: £10. Pre-paid bookings via and URC Chaplains and followed by Bulmershe Court, 4pm SCR office ext. 5097 or the wine For other events today please see a shared lunch, Chaplaincy Centre. shop (open 1.15–1.45pm). Bulletin 482 or the website 1.05pm Monday 16 June Law lunch staff seminar, An Analysis Thursday 19 June Friday 6 June Music@Reading lunchtime concert, of the UNESCO Convention on the Construction Management and Ethical status of the market, Bach & Bruch, St James’ Ensemble: Protection and Promotion of the Engineering lunchtime seminar, Philippe van Parijs debates the Clarinet, Viola, Mezzo Soprano and Diversity of Cultural Expression one year The business case development ethical status and limits of the piano, G10 Palmer, 1.10pm after its coming into force, Professor process in the delivery of NHS market with Hillel Steiner, Julian Michael Hahn (Waikato, New Chemistry seminar, Structure of infrastructure, Sepideh Arkani, Savulescu and Karl Widerquist, Zealand), G.03 Foxhill House, 12.30pm liquid crystalline dendrimers, 2n17, URS Building, 1pm Palmer Building, 11am Professor Robert Richardson, Meteorology seminar, The Met (Bristol), Lecture Theatre G, Office Atmospheric Dispersion Model Systems Engineering research Saturday 7 June Chemistry, 4.30pm “NAME”, David Thompson (Met seminar, The cost of Intelligence as MERL Spring Spectacular, Free Office), GU01 Meteorology, 12 noon a Cybernetic Problem, John admission, Museum of English Life, 10 – 14 June 2008 Cummins (Deva Research), Redlands Road, 10am to 4pm Typography student displays of Tuesday 17 June Gordon Lecture Theatre, 3pm work for the following students: Biomolecular Sciences seminar, Sunday 8 June MA Information Design, MA The gut microbiota - implications for SCR event, Reading Bach Choir, Book Design, MDes Graphic human health and disease, Dr Communication, BA Design 20th century Dutch and English Kieran Touhy (Reading), AMS Small Ads music. Family and friends welcome. for Graphic Communication, Lecture Theatre, 1pm Cost: £10 Reserved SCR group Department of Typography, Earley Holiday let Meteorology lunchtime seminar, Gate, 9am-5pm hours Tuesday to Newly built house in Pays d’Auge seating. No refreshments, but there The Use of Satellite Data to Improve Friday; 10am-3pm on Saturday Normandie. 4 beds, 2 bathrms. is an interval – bring a picnic. Pre- Land Surface Model Simulations in Soil Situated in a large field in the paid bookings via SCR office, ext Moisture Stressed Conditions, Heather Wednesday 11 June countryside, 1 hour from Le Havre 5097, Douai Abbey, 3pm Ashton, GU01 Meteorology, 1pm Nanoscience & Materials Theme ferry port, 30 minutes from Monday 9 June seminar, Interfacial Control in Chaplaincy Communion, The Deauville, Trouville seaside resort Meteorology departmental Colloidal Polymer Nanocomposites Chaplaincy Centre warmly welcomes and Honfleur. Rental from March seminar, Land-atmosphere and Applications in Adhesives, anyone to their informal service led to October on a weekly basis. Contact [email protected] interactions: new perspectives from Professor Joe Keddie (Surrey), LT1 in turns by the Anglican, Methodist and URC Chaplains and followed by the African Monsoon Chemistry, 2.30pm a shared lunch, Chaplaincy Centre, For Sale Multidisciplinary Analyses, Chris Classics research seminar, 1.05pm Air-conditioned Mercedes 2.5 Taylor, (CEH Wallingford) GU01 Plutarch and the Enigma of Lysander. Diesel 190, automatic gear, alloy Chemistry seminar, tba, Professor Meteorology, 12 noon Michele Lucchesi (Oxford), 103 wheels, 66,000 miles, Insured for Alison Rodger (Warwick) Lecture Palmer Building, 4pm £16,000 and in excellent condition. The Third Hugh Bunting Memorial Theatre G, Chemistry, 4.30pm Lecture, Agricultural Futures: Wantage Hall Concert in the Quad For sale at £4,000 or nearest Perspectives from the 2008 World 2008, RUMS ensembles and solos Wednesday 18 June offer. Contact Professor P K Basu on 0118 987 5173 after 2 July 2008 Development Report on Agriculture from Wantage residents and RUMS Graduate Centre for Medieval members. Bring a picnic, tickets for Development, Professor Alain Studies summer symposium, To let available from the Wantage Hall Managing in the Middle Ages, In de Janvry (University of California, Four bedroom detached family office, Wantage Hall Quad, 6.30pm honour of Elizabeth Berry, After Berkeley, ), John Madejski Lecture house, very close to Pepper Lane Domesday, Professor Judith Theatre, Agriculture, 6.30pm Reading Classical Association, and Shinfield Road. Ideal for Green (Edinburgh); Managing How was Metamorphosis depicted in visiting academic with family. 9 – 14 June Angevin Acta, Dr Judith Everard Ancient Greek Art?, Dr Emma Available from September 2008. Exhibition of work by BA (Acta of the Plantagenets Project), Aston (Reading), this talk will be Please contact 0118 987 1281 or Honours and MFA Fine Art ‘How to manage and improve preceded by the AGM at 6.30pm, email [email protected]. students, Fine Art, 1 Earley Gate, manors’: Medieval handbooks for 44 HumSS, 7.30pm 10am to 4pm weekdays and 10am administrators, Professor Michael Furnished double room in to 3pm on Saturday. Clanchy (Emeritus, Institute of Victorian terrace house, shared Thursday 12 June Historical Research); College founders, with owner. Located off Construction Management and Tuesday 10 June scholars and artists: organising Southampton Street, close to Engineering lunchtime seminar, Biomolecular Sciences seminar, college building sites in Paris during Town Centre/University. Excellent Incentivisation and innovation in the Genetic therapies for inherited the middle ages, Dr Aurelie Perraut condition throughout, GCH, construction supply chain, Obuks muscular dystrophy, Professor (Sorbonne); Scenes from Clerical Life: uPVC windows, garden. Non George Dickson (Royal Holloway), Ejohwomu, 2n17 URS Building, 1pm James Gloys (d.1473), chaplain and smoking. No pets. Rent £375 (inc. AMS Lecture Theatre, 1pm Systems Engineering research secretary to the Pastons, Dr Elizabeth bills). Available immediately. Matthew (Reading); Archdeacons’ Telephone 07771 691694. Meteorology lunchtime seminar, seminar, Robust nonlinear model predictive control of finite-time seals of the Twelfth and Thirteenth Fully furnished double room to Decadal prediction and processes under parametric Centuries, Professor Brian Kemp let in Earley. 5 minutes walk from predictability: where should we uncertainties, Dr Zoltan Nagy (Reading). Tea: from 4 to 4.30pm. University, and very close to observe the Atlantic Ocean? Ed (Loughborough), Gordon Lecture The symposium is free, but supermarket and bus stops. Hakwins, GU01 Meteorology, 1pm Theatre, 3pm registering in advance is essential. Broadband access. Contact d.guo@ Lunch: £10. To book, please contact reading.ac.uk or 07886062197 Elizabeth Berry, History, 10am