Vice-Chancellor's View

February/March 2015 P

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buzz 154 2 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S VIEW NEWS AND EVENTS

Vice-Chancellor’s view Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood

Most people over Christmas either a cruel and unusual punishment! (Quality Research Funding). As a mode eat too much or drink too much. Research Assessment has loomed of distributing research funding it is In my case I probably had too much large in my own academic career. As extraordinarily cost-effective. The total cost of Research Assessment. a historian I was involved in the RAEs of the 2008 RAE, for example, including As well as the results of the UK Research from 1989, the first of the modern style the costs borne by institutions amounted Excellence Framework (REF) in late Research Assessments. After both the to about 0.6% of the funding that was December, in the first week of January 1996 and 2001 RAEs I was a member distributed over the RAE cycle. No other I was in Hong Kong dealing with the final of the committees which reviewed and mechanism for distributing research funding stages of their Research Assessment to some extent reshaped the RAEs. is anything like as cost-effective as this. Exercise (RAE). Results of this will be In 2006 I prevented the abolition of the Nobody suggests that the REF is published by the end of the month. RAE, and with it the dual support system, unproblematic, nor that it cannot be Dealing with two research assessments and in 2008 as Chief Executive of the reformed and refined. It is, however, a in the space of three weeks is probably Funding Council I ran the RAE. necessary part of the research funding I am not so naïve as to believe that the and evaluation landscape and critical RAE or REF should be loved; it is, however, to the future of the dual support system. important that research assessment is The dual support system, which divides YOUR BUZZ understood. the public funding of research between The genesis of Research Assessment the Funding Councils and the Research Next edition 1 April 2015 in the 1980s was an attempt to create the Councils has produced a research base Copy deadline 6 March 2015 evidence base which would prevent the in UK universities which is more cost- then Thatcher government from dramatically effective than any competitor system. Contact us reducing research funding to universities. Given this success, it is one of the [email protected] In this the RAEs were extraordinarily peculiarities of the British that we keep Buzz online successful. Funding was stabilised in re-examining it! When Alan Langlands buzz.bham.ac.uk the 1980s and early 1990s and, under took over from me as Chief Executive New Labour, the RAEs played a key role of the Funding Council I said to him that Follow us on Twitter in making the case for a doubling of he would have to defend dual support twitter.com/buzzunibham investment in the research base. Without every two months. When Alan retired Find us on Facebook the evidence of the RAEs there is no doubt from the Funding Council he said publicly facebook.com/buzzunibham that the sustained increase in research that I had misled him, and that he had to investment which we saw in the first decade defend it every two weeks! We would save of the century would not have happened. a great deal of time and column inches There is a price to pay for the public if we simply accepted that this is a system funding of research, and a very legitimate that works well and focused on making Edited by Rebecca Vowles concern on the part of government that it work still better. [email protected] universities should be accountable for the We should, therefore, anticipate a very substantial investment which the public REF around 2020 and the planning for Your details makes in research in universities. The RAE this begins now. Please let us know if you want extra is part of this accountability mechanism. At Birmingham we are embarked on a copies of Buzz or if you think we need It is also part of the way in which the ten-year strategy to transform our research to amend your distribution details. sector makes the case to government performance. This was always an avowedly for research funding. To achieve this the two-REF cycle strategy. In December Views expressed in the magazine are exercise has, from time to time, to be we had the results of the 2014 REF. not necessarily those of the University reshaped. For example, in 2008/9 the There were some stunning successes. or a statement of University policy. Treasury insisted that the next Research On sheer quality our School of History All submissions may be subject to Assessment (the REF of 2014) had a is the best in the country. The results in editing. The Editor’s decision is final. mechanism for measuring research impact. Philosophy, Theology and Religion, Sport Without this, dual support again would have Exercise, and Psychology were stunning. collapsed. Impact case studies were the The transformation in quality of outputs in mechanism through which we met that Biosciences was remarkable. The School Front cover image: Christopher Mills, Treasury requirement. of Education has re-established itself as Technical Assistant at the Barber The REF also serves a critical purpose one of the leading centres for Education Institute of Fine Arts in determining the distribution of QR Research in the UK. All colleges had VICE-CHANCELLOR’S VIEW NEWS AND EVENTS 3

results which were outstanding in some to recruit outstanding individuals and groups, The Edward Cadbury units of assessment or parts of them. to invest in the areas of excellence which Lectures 2015 Taken overall the University held already thrive in the University, and to station in this REF. The percentage of continue to enhance the research as well as The School of Philosophy, Theology 4* publication, though significantly higher the educational environment of the University. and Religion is pleased to invite all than in 2008, was disappointing. When Alongside these investments there will staff, students, alumni and members we analysed the overall results, the need to be important reconfigurations. of the public to this year’s Cadbury University is enormously strong in 3* Work is well-advanced in MDS to develop Lecture series between 16–21 March. research and needs, as a matter of a structure which will build on the The theme is ‘God Over All’ and priority, to translate a significant portion recommendations of the Life Sciences includes a series of lectures by of that 3* into 4* research for 2020. Review. I sense very considerable Professor William Lane Craig, Research We also did not score as well as we excitement in MDS, and a confidence Professor of Philosophy at Talbot should have done in impact. Chemical that the new structures will enable us to School of Theology and Professor Engineering had a stunning result with deliver still greater research excellence. of Philosophy at Houston Baptist 100 per cent of its impact at 4*. Elsewhere Similar reconfigurations will take place University. The events are free and open we probably told the story of our research within some other colleges. to all but registration is required as a impact in ways which were less compelling This is not simply restructuring for limited number of seats are available. or less well evidenced than they might restructuring’s sake, but a way of enhancing have been. This, too, is an area that we our ability to compete at the highest level. Learn more www.birmingham.ac.uk/ will need to strengthen for REF 2020. We know from the experience in the cadburylectures In evaluating the REF 2014 results we College of Arts and Law that restructuring should note that in terms of the quality works and can deliver outstanding results of outputs, the REF is a judgement on in short order. the position of the University in 2012/13. Our research ambition is not, and must

As far as impact case studies are not, simply be focused on the REF of 2020. Dates for the diary

concerned, much of this reflects research We have a parallel strategy to enhance our Vice-Chancellor’s Open Forum which was undertaken in the University research grant income which should see Wednesday 11 February in the previous decade. In short, there are us with research grant income in excess of 12.30–1.30pm, Elgar Concert Hall important lags here, and the University £160m by 2016. No one should mistake the Bramall Music Building is more strongly placed now than it was central purpose of our research strategy. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir at the REF census date. This is not about chasing rankings, it is not David Eastwood, will be interviewed Nevertheless, the REF tells a story of about enhancing our league table position. by the BBC’s award-winning Education the leading half dozen universities pulling It is designed, rather, to do two things. Correspondent Sean Coughlan, away from the rest of the pack. This reflects It is designed to enhance our position on key issues facing the higher the results of the concentration of research and reputation as a leading centre for education sector and the University. funding and the particular advantages research, as a place of discovery and All staff are encouraged to attend that the leading universities in London research translation, and as a university and will have the opportunity to ask and the ‘Golden Triangle’ have enjoyed. characterised by intellectual excitement. questions during the forum. It is pointless us protesting against this, It is also designed to ensure that we we have to compete. compete for the funding which is essential Birmingham Professional Forum We are now well-advanced in developing to enabling us to achieve our research Thursday 2 April, 2.00–3.00pm our strategy for REF 2020. This, I am ambitions. Elgar Concert Hall confident, will build on the result of By 2020 the number of well-funded, Bramall Music Building REF 2014 and will see the University of comprehensive research universities will, This event is for all Professional Birmingham making very substantial strides by one means or another, be reduced still Services colleagues (administrative, in the next REF. To achieve this we will need further. Birmingham must, can, and will support and technical staff) from to continue our investment in outstanding be amongst that group. We are, I am across the University. Introduced early-career researchers, mentor those confident, moving into a truly exciting, by the Registrar and Secretary, colleagues to produce 4* outputs, and with and richly challenging, period in our Lee Sanders, the forum is a great them and others to continue to animate the University’s history. opportunity to hear from colleagues intellectual environment of the University. on a wide range of topical subjects We have the resource and the Vice-Chancellor, for both staff and the University. determination to use our financial strength Professor Sir David Eastwood 4 BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL: INDIA BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL: INDIA

BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL

FORGING LASTING COLLABORATIONS WITH INDIA

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor reception for alumni took place. The press The University has a range of research Sir David Eastwood, and the team also generated significant coverage and teaching partnerships with India; of the visit in the Indian press and at highlights are presented below. Chancellor, Lord Bilimoria, home in the UK. n Clinicians are studying the salt accompanied a ministerial The University’s connection to India intake of Indian adults as part of an delegation to New Delhi in spans more than a century, welcoming international research team led by the first Indian students to our campus in the Public Health Foundation of India. November 2014, to underline 1909 to study for degrees in mining and The research will provide vital new the University’s commitment commerce. Since then we have provided data to aid the development of a to forging closer ties with India. education to more than 1,300 Indian national salt reduction strategy. alumni, including the late author Dr U R India has a diverse dietary culture The visit, headed by Universities Minister Ananthamurthy, who was shortlisted for where salt is used extensively but Greg Clark, involved more than 20 senior the Man Booker International Prize 2013, up-to-date figures on population salt representatives of the UK higher education and Indian Cabinet Secretary Ajit Kumar consumption are very limited. sector and was aimed at promoting Seth and Dr Alwyn Didar Singh, Secretary n The University is working with the stronger and deeper partnerships between General of FICCI. University of Delhi and Yale University the two nations. It is hoped the delegation In 2009 the University opened an office to support the development of a will not only boost student recruitment in New Delhi and India continues to be an pioneering global justice programme from India but also bolster research, important region for academic engagement in India. The Nyaya Global Justice teaching and business collaborations. and student recruitment for the University. Programme at the University of Delhi The delegation attended the Federation The University is committed to continuing will be a major intellectual hub for the of Indian Chambers of Commerce and to build long-term, mutually beneficial, study of international ethical questions, Industry (FICCI) Higher Education Summit academic-to-academic engagement, key which have strong implications for India as well as an event hosted by the Indian institutional partnerships and stakeholder and neighbouring countries. Government Minister Smriti Zubin Irani. relations, which will lead to increased staff n The School of Physics and Astronomy In addition to the official ministerial and student mobility, education innovation and the Indian Institute of Science programme a number of bilateral meetings, and teaching partnerships, and enhanced Education and Research (IISER) in a business engagement event and a research collaboration. Pune are collaborating in joint curriculum development, computer-based learning and experimental tool design, and knowledge transfer in the area of ultra- cold atoms. The partnership is paving the way for students to acquire the highly developed experimental and theoretical skills and knowledge of cutting-edge technologies required for research in this discipline, and aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry in this field.

The Chancellor, Lord Bilimoria (left, image 1) and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood (centre, image 2) at the University’s Business Engagement event BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL: INDIA BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL: INDIA 5

Peter Clack, Director of International Relations (second from right), greets potential collaborators in New Delhi The Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor were joined on the trip by a team of staff from across the University. Buzz asked colleagues who visited New Delhi on the University’s behalf to tell us their stories… Ben Goodwin, International Media Relations Manager Peter Clack, Director of International Relations ‘Here in the UK, both the Times Higher Education and The Independent ‘Securing the University’s place on the ministerial delegation to Delhi only a few covered news of the delegation prior months after we installed Lord Karan Bilimoria as the first India-born Chancellor of to the visit itself. On arrival in New a Russell Group university presented a wonderful and timely opportunity to raise the Delhi, we met with new and existing profile of our institution in India; to step up our engagement with Indian business press contacts, including journalists and to re-engage with our large Indian alumni group. from key national newspapers and ‘Initially as we started planning there were concerns about how we could really respected education publications. make the most of this opportunity with a very short lead in time. The answer though ‘Both the Vice-Chancellor and came down to getting the right colleagues around the table from the very start and Chancellor also spent time being drawing on the expertise of colleagues in Alumni Relations, Business Engagement, interviewed by Indian journalists Student Recruitment and Marketing whilst in New Delhi, discussing and Communications. the purposes of their visit and ‘It was this collaborative approach the University’s proud historical Gurmit Kler, Head of Business that really enabled us to step up engagement with India. As a result, and meet the challenge, pulling Engagement 56 news articles were published together a complex programme ‘As India’s status as a major global about the Birmingham delegation at short notice and delivering real power continues to thrive we alone, with subsequent articles in impact in-country. So much so, that recognise that there are increasing prestigious Indian newspapers such in the words of the Vice-Chancellor, opportunities to collaborate for as The Times of India, Deccan Herald “It felt like Team Birmingham had mutual benefit. and Hindustan Times focusing on our descended on Delhi”.’ ‘The visit to New Delhi provided an breadth of research links with India.’ excellent platform and opportunity to host an event with Indian businesses and educational institutions to showcase the breadth of research Claire O’Sullivan, Head of Alumni Relations strengths of the University and demonstrate to Indian organisations ‘As part of the India trip, the Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor hosted a reception that we are keen to engage with them. and dinner for alumni and friends of the University. These occasions are great ‘Feedback from delegates who opportunities to meet alumni and to hear from them directly about the positive attended the evening was extremely impact the University has had on them. Our international alumni are particularly positive and the event was a great thankful for their time at Birmingham and the trip was valuable to explore how we success. As a direct result of the could work together to utilise their affection to support recruitment and graduating Business Engagement Networking students returning to India. event we will, for example, be having ‘It was beneficial to be part of a large delegation as it offered an opportunity a further discussion with Delhi Metro to work more closely with colleagues from around the University. I enjoyed the Rail Corporation Ltd to explore opportunity to pop along to a student recruitment event and to speak to some reciprocal areas of research interest.’ applicants about life at Birmingham.’ 6 FEATURE: CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS FEATURE: CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS

transforming Grange Road development also gets the thumbs up from planners

Planning permission was recently our granted by Birmingham City Council for the brand new hall of residence and a new sports pavilion being built near the Grange Road gate of main campus campus. There will be space for 178 student bedrooms in the new residence and the plans also include a new sports pavilion and changing rooms for people using the nearby Staff and students count down to the new Birmingham Bournbrook pitches. Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry at Pebble Mill

Clinical staff and students from the delivery of world-class service, teaching new Birmingham Dental Hospital and Birmingham Dental Hospital and School and research for many internationally School of Dentistry has been a significant of Dentistry have visited the construction renowned leaders in their clinical field. attraction and cause of great excitement site of the new facility to have a ‘sneak Questions about the new building this year. I have no doubt that our preview’ of the build, with a year to go were one of the most popular topics of new building will continue to attract until students begin their studies and conversation at recent open days with prospective students for years to come.’ clinicians start treating patients at this excitement about the project mounting landmark building. among prospective students. Students This integrated, stand alone dental applying to the University this year will hospital and new home of the University’s be the first to go straight into the new School of Dentistry is the first to be built building from year one. in the UK for almost 40 years. Kris Coomar, the School Admissions Reinforcing the strong partnership Tutor said: ‘The strong international between Birmingham Community reputation of the School has always Healthcare NHS Trust and the University been a draw for applicants to our of Birmingham, the new facility will secure courses. However, the opportunity for dental training in the region for many years our latest candidates to be the first to come, supporting the future workforce, cohort of students fully trained in the attracting high-quality healthcare and academic staff and guaranteeing a high standard of expertise and dental care for patients. This significant investment evidences the commitment of the NHS and the University of Birmingham to secure a state-of-the-art clinical and educational dental resource fit for the 21st century Youssef Mousa, first-year Dentistry student, for the population of the West Midlands. An aerial shot of the new School with a year to go. Professor Phil Lumey, Head of the School of Dentistry The new environment will incorporate Credit: BaS LiFT and Yuhong He, first-year Dentistry student at the University on the site of the new School leading-edge technology, supporting FEATURE: CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS FEATURE: CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS 7

Chamberlain – first block reaches the top

The new Chamberlain hall of residence, expect. Jack said: ‘After visiting the site due to open to students in September – I cannot wait for the finished result! this year, is being built on the site of The project is a massive one that has the former Chamberlain Hall. The new not been an easy feat – a lot of hard residence, which will be home to around work and motivation has already gone 726 students when complete, is made up into the project. I am confident the end of three low rise blocks and one tower of result will be fantastic.’ Colin Harper, Balfour Beatty Project Manager

around 20 storeys. The lower blocks are Lesley Stewart, Director of Residential and Lesley Stewart, Director of Residential and positioned to allow views into the Vale and Environmental Services at the Environmental Services, at the topping out ceremony from Church Road, and the first of these University also attended the ceremony. blocks has now reached its highest point. She said: ‘Today is the culmination At a topping out ceremony held of years of planning, discussion and recently to mark this milestone, Guild design and I am delighted to see of Students Vice-President for Housing Chamberlain reach this important and Community, Jack Mably, was invited milestone. This project illustrates to lay the final area of concrete on the our on-going commitment to invest roof. Outgoing Aitken Wing Residents’ in our stock of accommodation to ensure Association representatives Bryony that our buildings are both modern Anderson and Eloise Hopes were also and sustainable and offer up-to-date present to take a closer look at what Vale facilities for our students.’

residents of 2015/16 might be able to Guild VP Housing and Community, Jack Mably, fills the final section of concrete

Unique forest experiment given the green light

A major new decade-long experiment expected to prevail in 2050. Autonomous and to ensure that the facility sits to study the impact of climate and sensors and instrumented trees will unobtrusively in its location. environmental change on woodlands allow scientists to take measurements Director of BIFoR and Professor of is a step closer to reality, as planning continuously and remotely, over Atmospheric Science, Rob MacKenzie, permission was granted by Stafford timescales ranging from seconds to said: ‘We are delighted that Stafford Borough Council. decades, to follow the carbon as it Borough Council has approved our The Birmingham Institute of Forest is taken up by the plants and moved application, and we look forward to Research (BIFoR) field facility, which through the woodland ecosystem. becoming part of the community in has been made possible thanks to a The woodland at Mill Haft has been Norbury. We want BIFoR to become a transformational £15 million donation, chosen because it is an unmanaged world-leading centre in the understanding will be created in Mill Haft Wood in forest of mature trees – whereas similar of how forests react to the threats which Norbury, Staffordshire. BIFoR will experiments have only been carried they face. Our Institute is supported be a world-leading initiative, which out on young trees in plantations. by the Forestry Commission, Natural combined with four similar experiments The findings of the experiment will England, the Woodland Trust, and in other climate zones, will form the provide the evidence on which to base many other organisations who share largest machine ever built to study strategies for the protection of iconic our ambition to understand and manage how landscapes will respond to our landscape features, such as oak our precious land resource in the UK.’ changing climate. The development woodlands, into the future. will begin on site in late spring 2015, The entire experiment depends with tree enabling works and work to on changing the woodland as little protect the ecology of the area carried as possible. Therefore, all of the out beforehand. experimental equipment will be nestled ‘We want BIFoR to become BIFoR will carry out a unique scientific into the woodland by hand, and the a world-leading centre experiment called Free-Air Carbon ancillary buildings are designed to Dioxide Enrichment (FACE), which ensure they blend in with the forest in the understanding of involves treating 30-metre plots of rather than stand out. The proposed how forests react to the semi-natural oak woodland to the lighting is low-level and non-intrusive concentrations of carbon dioxide to minimise interference with wildlife threats which they face.’ 8 FEATURE: ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE FEATURE: ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Meet the ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE ‘The University of Birmingham’s Artists in Residency programme invites artists onto campus to explore what we have here and what we do. They often ask questions and challenge the way that we think, offering new interpretations and fresh perspectives. This academic year we are hosting residencies for some superb artists who will work across a range of media and draw on diverse aspects of our research and cultural collections. Please do make contact with these artists, visit their studios on campus and talk to them about your work. We want you to excite and inspire each other.’ Clare Mullett, University Curator

Anne Parouty Matt Westbrook Anne’s residency is based at Hayloft Matt’s work considers how illustrations can be used to tell Studios, Winterbourne House and Garden a story; most recently working with creative writing students and will see her creating cyanotypes using via a series of workshops. Students were shown an object plant materials from the garden. out of context and asked to develop a story around it. Cyanotype, invented by Sir John Using specialist equipment available at the University, Herschel in the 19th century, was one of such as a book clamp, Matt is hoping to produce a fore-edge the first processes to successfully capture images with light. book. Fore-edged printing allows an image to be seen on the Cyanotypes use iron salts to give a blue and white image. The side of book when held at an angle. In addition to printmaking process is slow photographically and was used to reproduce he is also interested in collage-making, inspired by archived mechanical drawings, which became known as ‘blue-prints’. books, such as the vintage tool catalogue, the New Motoring Many of Anne’s images are exposed for over a month. The quality Encyclopaedia, which features detailed sketches. of light, paper type, chemicals and the plant materials themselves During his one-year residency at the University Matt aims all affect the image meaning that every picture is unique. to ‘visualise rare books from the Cadbury Research Library During a spell in Paris, she developed her love of photography and draw a narrative of campus.’ Illustrations can alter an and experimented with different traditional types of developing audience’s perspective of a written piece of work; Matt tells images, such as gum bichromate. Art college was never on the story of how the drawings by John Tenniel in the original the agenda, she developed her practice by making work, ‘when publication of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in I’m working at my best it just flows, Wonderland presented an interpretation of the characters I’ve never been one for over- that has shaped how we continue to view them. thinking, capturing a moment Utilising the audience on campus Matt will also conduct of beauty is what draws me.’ research exploring the relationship and interplay between Her current project was a words and images. ‘I want to look at how people interpret happy accident, after leaving images, specifically those used online to tell a story including a mushroom on a pile of paper new forms of imagery such as emoji. I would like to create she was intrigued by the imprint a visual representation of campus using emoji icons.’ that it left behind. Working with Matt is also involved in Birmingham Art Zine (BAZ), a fungus appealed to Anne who tongue-in-cheek art-world think-tank, that uses humour to loves walking the line between present ideas. Projects include the imaginative campaign art and science, ‘I’m constantly to link the 31 Birminghams around the globe and celebrate learning as an artist and see my them as ‘Magic Cities’; the Magic City being the moniker work as one long experimentation.’ of Birmingham, Alabama. www.cyanne.co.uk www.mattwestbrook.co.uk FEATURE: ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE FEATURE: ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE 9

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE Antonio Roberts Antonio’s interests lie in re-mix culture – the taking of an art work and creating a new piece. He explains his motives can be misunderstood but ‘it is not done with any malice but as an homage to the original. Some of Andy Warhol’s best work and those by seminal Hip-Hop artists would not have existed if they had not been inspired by the imagery or sounds around them.’ In recent years there has been a liberalisation towards copyright and a push towards ‘free culture’, something that Antonio identifies with:‘the “Copyleft” movement enables Caroline Devine the sharing of works for remixing, allowing great things to happen.’ Antonio shares all of his work online and wants Caroline works with sound, creating compositions from sounds to highlight the benefits of doing so. and signals around us that are ignored or ordinarily imperceptible In November he began a 12-month residency at the and presenting them in the form of multi-channel sound University and will work to inject new life in the University’s installations. Her sound works can include electromagnetic and cultural archives while exploring unconventional ways of other signals, mediated through technology as they are usually creating art and record his research into the growth of inaudible to the human ear. digital art forms. He has already used photographs of Scientists at the University run a global network of telescopes sculptures in the Barber to create digital animations with called the Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network (BiSON) free online editing tools. that studies the Sun’s natural acoustic resonances (or listening ‘As new technologies appear there will be new ways of to the Sun). Gentle oscillations on the surface of the Sun and producing and reinventing art, for example you could 3D other stars are observed and analysed by the team, providing print a traditional sculpture, the possibilities are endless. information on stellar structure and evolution. I’m particularly interested in the collection at the Lapworth Caroline began working with Professor Bill Chaplin and the [Museum of Geology] – imagine if you could find a method BiSON team in 2012 and became ‘fascinated with the sounds of breathing life into the fossils held there, metaphorically of the stars.’ She used BiSON data for 5 Minute Oscillations speaking.’ of the Sun, a multi-channel sound installation sited in an outdoor Antonio has previously curated an exhibition of 3D printing dome structure that was shortlisted for a British Composer and glitch art at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, sharing the Award. Her recent residency with the University, funded with same space with centuries-old classical paintings. Glitch art a Leverhulme Grant, allowed her to work with astrophysicists is the visual presentation of digital errors by corrupting digital in the School of Physics and Astronomy and further her codes or by physically manipulating electronic devices. understanding of the science behind the data. Working alongside Archiveremix.tumblr.com and www.hellocatfood.com experts in helioseismology, the study of waves within the sun, and asteroseismology, the study of waves within other stars, presented a unique opportunity for Caroline to use data from the NASA Kepler mission in her work. ‘The residency has been a fantastic opportunity to explore and discover, and to develop conversations with others seeking to understand the natural physical world through sound.’ An installation, part of the Arts & Science Festival and sited in Birmingham’s historic landmark, Perrott’s Folly, will use sonified stellar frequencies and rhythms generated by the orbits of newly discovered exoplanets from data collected during NASA’s Kepler mission and analysed by the University’s academics. www.carolinedevine.co.uk 10 ARTS AND SCIENCE FESTIVAL LGBT HISTORY MONTH

The University’s Art & Science Festival will return for its third year in 2015. Running Monday 16–Sunday 22 March and themed ‘Sight & Sound’, the festival will be a free programme showcasing culture, research and collaboration at the University through talks, exhibition, performances, workshops and screenings. Festival highlights include:

PERFORMANCE: TALK: e-x-p-a-n-d-i-n-g: The History The Music of the Stars and the WORKSHOPS: of the Universe in 45 minutes Search for New Worlds The Cake Orchestra Tuesday 17 March Tuesday 17 March (6.00–8.00pm) Friday 20 March (12.00noon, 2.00pm and 4.00pm) Large Lecture Theatre, Poynting (12.00noon–2.00pm) Munrow Sports Centre, Sports Hall Building Computer Science, Atrium Lie down, look up, and listen – this is When you look up at the sky on a The cake orchestra is a cake- an unmissable immersive, entertaining, clear night did you know that many technology-music interface for people mind-expanding experience in a of the twinkling stars are playing without much musical ability but with mobile planetarium dome with 360 a stellar symphony, as if they were an interest in technology and cakes. degree visuals! The performance musical instruments? And that many Drop in and move the cakes around to brings together an astrophysicist, host planets like our Earth? Dr Tiago trigger the instruments. Guaranteed to two poets and a musician in a careful Campante, School of Physics and be more edible than a real orchestra! balance of voices, music, sound and Astronomy, explains how astronomers Admission free, no booking required. visuals. Admission free – advance are listening to the sound of stars booking essential. and finding new worlds in our Galaxy. Visualising Sound – Admission free, no booking required. Art & Music Workshop Friday 20 March (2.30–4.00pm) EXHIBITION: Barber Institute of Fine Arts Explore sound and instrumental Imagining Mushrooms technique with leading professional 16–23 March (Monday–Friday, musicians Jack McNeill and Ulrich 10.00am–4.00pm and Saturday– Heinen, discovering the collection Sunday, 11.00am–4.00pm) through improvisation. Working with Courtyard Gallery, Winterbourne a visual artist, create your own music House and Garden through drawing, creating graphic Winterbourne artist in residence, interpretations of paintings that will, Anne Parouty, invites photographer in turn, be used by the musicians to and forager Ming de Nasty, chemical create a unique and original sound engineer Dr Philip Cox, and composer tour. The workshop offers the chance and Professor of Composition to explore familiar Barber paintings Michael Zev Gordon to imagine and in a new way and create a truly original explore mushrooms from alternative experience. Open to adults only. The perspectives; from representations workshop will be led by composer produced using the oldest View the full programme and educator Jeremy Clay: photographic printing processes and booking details at: www.jeremyclaymusic.com. and micro-imaging, to sound shapes www.birmingham.ac.uk/ Admission free, booking essential. captured within a musical score. Call 0121 414 2261 or email Admission free, no booking required. artsandsciencefestival [email protected] to book. ARTS AND SCIENCE FESTIVAL LGBT HISTORY MONTH 11

LGBT History Month Launch Celebrating EQUALITY, Wednesday 4 February, 4.00–6.30pm Beorma Bar, Guild of Students Come help us toast the University’s championing DIVERSITY success at being ranked within the Stonewall Top 100 Employers at this networking event. Equality staff from It’s a double celebration for diversity during February as, not only both the University and the Guild of does the University mark Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) Students, alongside members of the staff Rainbow Network and the student History Month, it is rejoicing at being ranked among the top LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, gay-friendly employers in the country. Transgender and Queer) Association, will be looking back at a successful The University has been placed 79th the visibility of senior lesbian, gay year, as well as ahead to planned overall in the prestigious Stonewall and bisexual (LGB) role models to diversity initiatives. Top 100 Employers 2015, which is guaranteeing access to benefits an impressive rise of 180 places from for same-sex partners and training Sexuality, Identity and Ambiguity last year and reflects the University’s employees on discrimination issues. in the Barber Collection ongoing commitment to creating an The University will observe LGBT Friday 13 February, 11.00am–12.00noon inclusive workplace. History Month, which takes place every Barber Institute of Fine Arts The Stonewall Top 100 Employers year in February and celebrates the lives Celebrate LGBT History Month with is compiled from submissions to and achievements of the LGBT community. a revealing gallery tour exploring works Stonewall’s annual Workplace Equality Acting as a focal point for LGBT History in the Barber collection that consider Index. The Index assesses employers’ Month in the city, the University offers issues of gender, sexuality and identity. activities in a comprehensive survey a range of events and activities across The tour will focus on the ‘effeminate’ of policy and practice; from promoting campus that are devised and hosted by pose of Alexander the Great, the both staff and students and open to all. ambiguous body of Venus in our Renaissance panel painting and the The University’s Vice-Chancellor, A full programme can be found at beauty of our Pre-Raphaelite muse. Professor Sir David Eastwood www.birmingham.ac.uk/lgbt2015 commented: ‘I am delighted that Flatpack Film Festival Shorts Stonewall has formally recognised Thursday 26 February, 12.30–1.30pm the University’s commitment to Lecture Theatre, Barber Institute promoting equality, diversity and of Fine Arts fairness for LGB members of staff Leave your prudish side at the door, and this is something that will remain and enjoy a selection of LGBT shorts, crucial to our core values as we strive aimed to put a smile on your face. Expect to remain an employer of choice.’ embarrassing stories, innuendo, and the very finest in LGBT filmmaking from across the globe. Curated by Flatpack The Blue Bower (Rossetti, 1865), Alexander the Great (Master of Griselda Legend, about 1494) Film Festival. Suitable for ages 15+. 12 HAVE YOUR SAY HAVE YOUR SAY

Have Your Say (HYS), the University’s staff survey, took place in Autumn 2013. The results were made available in the spring of last year and since then teams of colleagues from across the campus have been busy analysing the results for their own area, devising action plans and UPDATE putting those plans into practice.

Having received updates MEDICAL AND DENTAL SCIENCES HAVE DEVELOPED on the actions being taken A SERIES OF INITIATIVES IN RESPONSE TO HYS 2013. in the autumn of last year Staff requested a bigger focus on Education Office had come together it is clear that a great workplace wellbeing as well as increased as a team. There was also an opportunity deal is happening, some communications and awareness of to network with other colleagues and organisational decisions and change understand how individual roles contribute important issues are being management. In response the College to the University’s success. The weekly tackled and a number of redeveloped its induction processes e-bulletin newsletter, MDS Messenger, very exciting initiatives are both College-wide and School specific. has been redesigned to include new being developed. This is a The new induction resources are sections, such as a community segment, coordinated at a College level and provide allowing staff to have a greater input University-wide activity and each member of staff with the resources into the content of the newsletter. what we have presented they need to do their job effectively and Responding to HYS, the College here is only a very small efficiently. It also ensures that information wanted to raise awareness of the about ongoing decisions and processes University support services available to selection of some of the at School, College and University level staff. A College Health & Wellbeing event, outcomes of this process. are consistent and easily available on the attended by 400 colleagues, gave staff We hope that this will intranet with the ultimate goal of making an opportunity to network with other staff feel well supported in all aspects of colleagues, receive advice and information inspire you to make their working environment. Going forward, on University wellbeing services and enjoy contact with the local HYS the College is looking to continue to create a variety of interactive activities. The event champions in your area, to further resources, such as welcome videos was also attended by external charities find out what is happening from key members of College staff. and health services that offer guidance The College has also redeveloped around work-life balance. In addition to within your team and to see its communication channels including this, a number of the College’s researchers how the responses that its newsletters and organising new away exhibited at the event to showcase the you made over 18 months days. An away day was organised for College’s work in key research areas. all members of staff within the Education Highlights of the event included posture ago are already beginning Operational Group, the first time all screening, Roy Castle Lung Foundation’s to make a difference. professional services staff in the wider inflatable lung exhibition, strawberry DNA extraction with our Neurotrauma Martin Stringer, Deputy Pro-Vice- and Wound Healing research team and Chancellor for Staffing ‘making a cell’ competition with the Rheumatology Research Group. ‘The whole atmosphere was brilliant. Having these events for staff is really encouraging – the range of different activities available this time was good – it brings everyone together within the College which is nice and you meet people who you only have the opportunity to talk to on the phone.’ Wendy Trevis-Smith, Education Administrative Officer. HAVE YOUR SAY HAVE YOUR SAY 13

Learn more what would intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/ YOU change? university/survey/index.aspx or intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/mds/ staff-survey-results shape your university We are now looking towards the follow up to HYS 2013. We have run the staff surveys every two years and have been through three cycles under what do how do the current format. The advantage of YOU want? YOU feel? keeping the same format is that this allows us to track trends, especially in staff engagement, from one survey to the next. However, as things change within the University and in the wider sector, we are aware that POD Consultants have worked with n Identifying practical local actions we might not always be asking the local teams to explore issues related to promote balance most appropriate questions. As to work-life balance. These activities n Sharing personal recommendations we move into a new phase of the typically include: for maintaining balance and control; University’s strategic plan, and as n Understanding the differences between including managing email, planning, we look around at alternative ways of personal views on work-life balance and and maintaining focus engaging staff and seeking their views, individual preferred ways of working In addition to these team activities the we are looking seriously at the format n Clarifying work priorities and Coaching Academy has been supporting of the next survey, due to be held in expectations that leaders and teams individuals across the University to deal spring 2016. We would value any have of each other related to goals, with issues related to maintaining balance comments and feedback from across priorities and communication and control. Individuals or teams who the University as we explore the n Exploring when and how to raise wish to discuss specific issues and possible approaches and will inform concerns when balance is threatened what support could be provided should you towards the end of the year how n Creating a supportive working contact their local POD Consultant. this process has developed. environment and agreeing associated intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/hr/contact/ standards of behaviour pod/index.aspx

CAMPUS CURIOSIT?ES

What is it? Turing made several advances in the field of Alan Turing III 2000 by Eduardo Paolozzi computing. He developed early computers and undertook important work at Bletchley Park Where is it? during WWII to crack German Enigma codes. Campus Collection of Fine and Decorative In line with the law at that time, in 1952 he Art, Research and Cultural Collections was prosecuted for gross indecency for having a homosexual relationship. Instead of prison, This piece is one of a collection of plaster he opted for a series of hormone injections maquettes, bequeathed to the University of that left him chemically castrated. In 1954, Birmingham by the artist following his death he committed suicide by cyanide poisoning. in 2005. Maquettes are created as small scale models for larger sculptural works. Alan Turing Learn more III 2000 represents mathematician and computer Please see http://rcc-redmarley.tumblr.com scientist, Alan Turing. Throughout his career for an expanded blog post. 14 NEWS AND EVENTS NEWS AND VIEWS

UNTIL 8 FEBRUARY WE ARE OFFERING 10% EXTRA FREE ON GROUP EXERCISE VOUCHERS.

Striving for a healthy lifestyle in 2015, If you are usually put off dance UBSport can help classes by tricky moves, then the brand Enjoy Outdoor Boot Camp classes in and new dance class, Sh’bam, is for you. around our beautiful campus on Tuesdays Set to chart-topping music with easy-to- Matthew Parris to and Fridays (5.00–6.00pm). Meet at follow steps, it is the ultimate fun way Munrow Reception five minutes before to work out. Classes are Wednesdays deliver Baggs 2015 the start of this circuits-based class. 8.15–9.15pm. www.sport.bham.ac.uk Happiness Lecture

Monday 22 June, 6.00pm Great Hall, Aston Webb Building The Baggs Memorial Lecture began in 1976, when Birmingham-born Thomas Baggs bequeathed a legacy donation to the University to provide for an annual public lecture on the theme of ‘Happiness – what it is and how it may be achieved by individuals as well as nations.’ Introducing Beacon: recognition for This year the University is pleased to welcome Matthew Parris, who teaching and the support of learning worked for the Foreign Office and the We are pleased to announce that with of the Higher Education Academy. The Conservative Research Department effect from February 2015 the Centre for categories of fellowship correspond to before serving as MP for West Learning and Academic Development & types of role and experience applicants Derbyshire. He joined The Times as Learning Spaces (CLAD & LS) will be have in teaching and supporting learning, a parliamentary sketch-writer in 1988, offering an institutional route to professional labelled descriptors in the UKPSF. The a post he held for 13 years. He now recognition by the Higher Education categories will also have a direct link to writes as a columnist for the paper and Academy (HEA) for those who teach and Teaching Academy membership categories. in 2011 won the British Press Award for support learning. You will no longer have Beacon is a development scheme Columnist of the Year. He broadcasts to apply directly, at a cost, to the HEA. available to all those who are unable to for radio and television, and presents The University of Birmingham has take part in the CLAD & LS accredited the biographical programme Great Lives received approval to grant professional programmes. If you are interested please on BBC Radio 4. He is also a regular recognition against descriptors 1–3 of the email [email protected]. columnist for The Spectator magazine. UK Professional Standards Framework Matthew won the Orwell Prize for his (UKPSF). Successful Beacon applicants Learn more acclaimed autobiography, Chance will apply for and be awarded ether www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/ Witness, published in 2002. Associate Fellow, Fellow or Senior Fellow downloads/UKPSF_2011_English.pdf

Green Supplier Fair Fairtrade Fortnight 22 February–7 March and Ethical Market A number of events are being Thursday 5 March, 11.00am–3.00pm organised including the Fairtrade Great Hall, Aston Webb Building Wine Tasting in Café Aroma on Come along and see how the 25 February, 6.00pm. University’s suppliers are helping us Learn more to reduce carbon through a variety of www.birmingham.ac.uk/fairtrade sustainability initiatives. There will also be an opportunity to purchase Fairtrade and ethically traded goods from the Oxfam Society’s Ethical Market. NEWS AND EVENTS NEWS AND VIEWS 15

news views Our regular feature gives Buzz readers a quick tour of the latest University news hitting the headlines and activity among our online community.

in the news… Many articles about Birmingham research and expertise appear in local, national and international press every day. Here are just a few examples of our recent highlights.

Dr Kay van Damme featured extensively on the BBC News Channel, feeling social... BBC Breakfast and BBC News Online discussing the University’s project to send Daphnia water fleas to the International Space Winter Wonderland on Campus Station for an experiment into how they cope with zero gravity During November and December 2014 staff, students and in space and the affect that zero gravity could have on humans. visitors were asked to send us their pictures of campus looking lovely and wintery using the hashtag #uobwinter Dr Rosa Freedman wrote an article for The Conversation on Instagram and Twitter. There were some beautiful website about the attacks in Paris. The article was a lead story images shared and the best are printed here. and shared over 1,000 times. Professor David Charlton was interviewed on BBC Radio 4, in the Guardian and the Taipei Times about the Atlas experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. Dr Talat Farooq commented on Pakistan’s anti-terrorism measures, in the wake of the school massacre that claimed the lives of more than 130 children, in an article for The Times. The School of Metallurgy and Materials 3D laser printed a penguin family, which were featured on Meteoweb in Italy and on Industrie-techno in France. Dr Berny Sèbe was interviewed in an episode of Great Continental Railway Journeys on BBC Two. Professor Scott Lucas was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 4 about the publication of the CIA’s report on torture.

The Duke of Cambridge’s visit to St Basils, a charity for If you would like to work with homeless young people, to see the results of a mental health Join the the press office, or find out more programme, run jointly with the University’s academics, was UoB online about how they can help you featured on ITV News Central. Dr Jennifer Cumming was community promote your research, email interviewed as part of the piece about the use of sports [email protected] psychology to help residents rebuild their lives. Follow us on Twitter or call 0121 414 6029. Professor Laura Piddock was interviewed on the Jeremy Vine Show at @unibirmingham.

(BBC Radio 2) about the discovery of a new antibiotic and how If you use social media this is a ‘game-changer’ for research into new antibiotics. Professor at work and would like to increase Piddock was also featured in The Telegraph, the Mail Online, your visibility, find out more at: New York Daily Times, The Japan Times and BBC News Online. intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/socialmediaguidelines profile …in myownwords Christopher Mills free concerts at lunchtime, and I have the opportunity free concertsatlunchtime,andIhavetheopportunity public. OnFridaysduringtermtimetheBarberoffers welcoming musicians,artistsandmembersofthe guests. Iparticularlyenjoybeinginvolvedinevents– staff inthegalleries,handlingworksofartandgreeting and externalhirefunctions,coveringforthesecurity role, whichincludespreparingthevenueforinternal (and behind-the-scenes)team.Ihavequiteavaried for thepast20years,aspartoftheirfront-of-house University campuswilllooklikeinthefuture. expanding anddevelopingIdowonderwhatthe now containstheBusinessSchool.Weareconstantly to teachingspace,suchasUniversityHouse,which to thecentre,butthesehavenowbeenconverted I startedhere;alotofthehallsresidencewerecloser on sheetsofacetate. overhead projectors,withtheclassnoteshandwritten theatres, whichbacktheninvolvedblackboardsand set-up andchemicalhandling.Ialsoservicedlecture such asreprographics,photography,audio-visual more than25yearsIworkedthere,undertakingtasks Department, basedintheHowarthBuilding,andfor I leftschool,initiallystartedworkintheChemistry century, yetitreallydoesnotseemthatlong.When to be at the Barber after hours, although it’s not quite to beattheBarber afterhours,althoughit’snot quite I havebeenhere manyyears,yetIstillfinditexciting as worksowned bytheBarbercanbecenturies old. them carefullyfromtheirframes. Itisadelicateprocess, course tolearnhowhangpaintings andtoremove galleries. WhenIbeganattheBarber, Iwassentona Technician withtransportingitems inandoutofthe to receiverenownedclassicalmusicians. I haveworkedattheUniversityforalmosthalfa currently aTechnicalAssistantattheBarberInstituteofFineArts. Christopher MillshasworkedattheUniversityfor47yearsandis I have been based at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts I havebeenbasedattheBarberInstituteofFineArts The University’scampushaschangedsomuchsince Over the years, I have assisted the Curatorial Over theyears,Ihaveassisted the Curatorial

be appreciated. retire.” Ifindit a littleembarrassing,butitisnice to know whatwe’regoingtodowithout youwhen and theUniversity. definitely keepupwithdevelopments attheBarber to becomeaFriendoftheBarber InstituteandIwill retirement, butwhenIdodecidetogo,I’mplanning to thepublic.Iam65now,soI’mthinkingabout to progressandfindinnovativewaysofferfineart parts ofcampus.YetIthinkthegallerywillcontinue sure itwillbetransformedinthesamewayasother contemporary artiststhespacetoexhibitatBarber. provide activitiesforschoolsandfamiliesoffer The typesofeventshavealsochanged;nowadayswe is different;itwasallslideprojectorswhenIstarted. staging issimilar,theaudio-visualtechnologyinvolved significantly duringmytimeattheBarber.While halls forsymposiums,recitalsandtalkshaschanged sad toseeitgowhenisreturned. my eyewhenIwalkthroughtheBlueGallery.willbe in aChair,onloanfromJapan,whichalwayscatches We currentlyhaveaPabloPicasso,WomanSleeping by ElisabethVigée-Lebrunisalsoaverybeautifulpiece. get tiredofseeingit.APortraitCountessGolovine is JockeysBeforeTheRacebyEdgarDegas–Inever a loveoffinearts.MyfavouritepaintingattheBarber spent manyofmydaysinthegallery,Ihavedeveloped courier iswatchingoveryou. but itcanbenerve-rackingwhentheowneror to theresponsibilityofhandlingvaluableworksart, Night attheMuseum!Ihavebecomeaccustomed Colleagues at the Barber often say, “we don’t Colleagues attheBarberoften say,“wedon’t The BarberisaGradeIIlistedbuilding,soI’mnot The method of preparing lecture theatres and concert I havealwaysappreciatedart;however,as