Issue 546 Reporter 14 December 2009

Inside

Bringing the world to Yorkshire schools: How seismometers are causing a stir and bringing earthquakes into the classroom. Page 4

Postgraduate research students: Why and how Leeds is aiming to attract the brightest and best. Pages 6-7 Mapping the landscape of UK family life The first data from the huge Timescapes archive is now freely available to social scientists and researchers, providing them Past, present and future: with an extremely valuable and rich resource. Three very different ways in which Charles Darwin’s legacy is Timescapes – a project being led by a team from the School of Sociology and Social Policy – continuing to have an impact at aims to build an in-depth picture of everyday life in the UK as experienced by a diverse group Leeds. Pages 8-9 of some 400 people. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) it is the UK’s first major, long-term, detailed study of people, their relationships, attitudes and concerns. “There have been similar studies before but these have been quantitative – dealing with lots of people – rather than qualitative, working with a smaller group of people in much more depth, over a long period of time,” says Professor Bren Neale, director of the project. Timescapes focuses on seven key areas of research that explore how personal and family relationships develop and change over time. The research teams include sociologists, oral historians, psychologists and gerontologists from across five universities, as well as experts from the UK Data Archive in Essex and Leeds University Data Objects (LUDOS) who provided the technical platform for the Timescapes archive. ■ Next issue: 1 February 2010 [continued on page 2] Deadline: 6 January 2010 Reporter / Issue 546 Mapping the landscape of UK family life [continued from front page]

“Timescapes is giving us a greater insight data sets have now been archived and are into the complex landscape of family life and accessible to social scientists. It’s a fantastic the rapid social changes that we’re seeing,” resource and will be immensely interesting explains Professor Neale. “Politicians talk and valuable, now and in the future. I also about a ‘broken Britain’ caused by the hope that we’re setting a standard for future THE REPORTER broken families but it’s much more complex projects, so creating this kind of dataset is the University of Leeds’ staff magazine than that – historically, families have always becomes an expected output of research. and produced eight times a year. Over been all shapes and sizes. Far from being the This would enhance the status of research 8,500 copies are distributed to staff selfish individuals portrayed in the ‘broken data. Eventually I’d like to see a situation across campus. Britain’ scenario, we’re finding that family where datasets are acknowledged as The Reporter is written and produced by life and close relationships are incredibly important end products in themselves.” the communications team. important to people, and that they balance their own needs with the needs of others. A collaborative project http://reporter.leeds.ac.uk “By working with people, tracking and Timescapes is a collaborative project. As STORIES AND LETTERS understanding their lives from the inside and well as the partnership between the five Story ideas and letters are welcomed as finding out about their real-life experiences, universities, the BBC is also involved through hard copy or in email. The deadline for the we can gain a better understanding of its ‘Memoryshare’ project, the data from next issue is Wednesday 6 January. the types of support they have and need which is being stored and collated in the at different times, which in turn will help Timescapes archive. EVENTS influence and shape future social policy. Please submit events online at “We’re keen for people to be able to www.leeds.ac.uk/events W To ensure that research provides an document their own lives, and Memoryshare accurate representation of what life’s really enables people to write accounts of DISTRIBUTION AND INSERT ENQUIRIES like for the people involved, the Timescapes important events, such as weddings, births, Phone Cesca Kulikowski, 0113 343 8373 archive includes photos, video and sound growing up, illness, divorces, deaths and or email [email protected] recordings, transcripts of interviews and growing old. Users record their memories – diaries, which help create very vivid and which can be anonymous – on the BBC site EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES compelling personal stories. but their entries are tagged as Timescapes The Reporter and the whole collection sits alongside our “From the outset, part of the Timescapes social scientific data,” says Professor Neale. Communications team objective was to use the research findings to Room 12.72 build an archive of socio-historical records “We’re also affiliated with several other E C Stoner Building for posterity,” says Professor Neale. “The first projects – disability through the lifecourse, Leeds LS2 9JT for example – although these are separately Tel: 0113 343 6699 funded the data will still come into the Fax: 0113 343 6987 Timescapes archive. There are bids going Email: [email protected] in all the time for work that will enrich the archive, and new affiliates bring new data. If you would like information in “In the near future, we will be running an alternative formats (eg. large print initiative to encourage members of the or audio) please contact us. public from across the generations to write about specific times and events in their lives. The aim is to use their contributions as the Timescapes – facts and figures foundation for an exhibition about family lives and turning points, which would take place The project: as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science • is a £4.5 million project funded by the in March 2010. We’re also starting to build Economic and Social Research Council international links. For example, we’re in touch with an Austrian team that’s hoping to • began in 2007 – it’s a five-year project, run a Timescapes-style project.” but it’s hoped that funding will be further extended for at least another five years The project funding will be reviewed by ESRC next year and Professor Neale hopes • encompasses seven research studies: that that Timescapes team will be invited to - children’s relationship with their siblings put in a bid for a further five years. “It’s a - young people’s relationships and difficult economic time but, with so much of identities the groundwork done already, I really hope - a study of motherhood that we can gain commitment from the funder to support the existing investments. - men as fathers - work and family lives “The research we’re doing is important for future generations and it’s fascinating - grandparents, health and social exclusion to be able to ‘walk alongside’ people as - relationships and identity in later life. they go through their lives. There’s always another chapter in their story to be told and • involves five universities – Leeds, London it’s exciting and moving to find out what South Bank, Cardiff, Edinburgh and the happens next.” Open University For further information visit www.timescapes. • has an in-depth involvement with some leeds.ac.uk or www.bbc.co.uk/memoryshare/ 400 people at various stages in their lives. 2 W 14 December 2009 water@leeds makes a splash Getting to grips at the launch of water@leeds (l-r): Dr water@leeds – an interdisciplinary research areas and, together with research, we offer Alison Dunn (Biology), Paula Rosewarne (Biology) and group of some 200 water research experts consultancy, education and training.” Professor Adrian Bailey (Head of Geography). – was officially launched at the University, Speaking at the launch event, Professor creating the largest water-based research Andrew Thompson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for centre in the UK. Research, said: “Through the transformation Director of water@leeds Professor Joseph fund, the University has made significant Holden (School of Geography), said: investment in water@leeds and this is one “We’ve brought together people from the of our flagship research projects. Since its diverse fields of biology, chemistry, law, civil inception in 2008, the group has already The role of WUN engineering, sociology, medicine, geography, attracted funding of £1.5 million and is The Worldwide Universities Network is a environmental science, mathematics and consolidating the University’s reputation for partnership of 15 research-led universities computing, whose expertise will help us excellence in water science, technology and from Europe, North America, East Asia, address real-world water issues. The over- research.” Australia and Africa. WUN exists to make riding focus of water@leeds is the production The Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) significant advances in knowledge and of world-class, cutting-edge research that recently announced that water@leeds had understanding in areas of current global results in a greater understanding of the won funding for a project in the area of concern, with the ultimate aim of tackling aquatic environment and our role within it. the ‘Adapting to Climate Change’ Global big issues currently facing societies, “water@leeds aims to answer the major Challenge. The ambitious project – called governments, corporations and education. questions about water and its future security, Approaching Climate Change for Water WUN supports its mission in a number of such as supplying clean water to the world’s Resource Adaptation (ACCWA) – brings ways, including offering research funding, growing population, urban development, together a 10-partner consortium across the development of online seminars, the predicting and mitigating the effects of the natural and social sciences. It will focus development of elearning theory and the extreme weather, treating wastewater and initially on the impact of climate change on Research Mobility Programme. changes to the water cycle. populations within catchment or drainage basins in the developed and emerging For more information visit “As we continue to grow, we hope to build economies of UK, Netherlands, Australia, www.leeds.ac.uk/wun W stronger links with our existing collaborators China, Brazil and South Africa. The ultimate – regional, national and international – to aim is to develop tools to enable climate strengthen our ability to solve some of change adaptations to be realised. the world’s big water problems. We have international expertise in many specialist Royal award for ITS and Jane Francis, Dean of the Faculty of The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Environment. Higher and Further Education were first awarded in 1994 and originate from the Professor Wardman said: “It is a real honour. commemorations of the 40th anniversary of This is a fantastic achievement and is the Queen’s reign. It is the first time that the testament to the hard work and dedication University of Leeds has won one of the prizes. of all those connected with ITS, past and present, who have helped establish the Robin Gill, Founder and Chairman of the The University’s Institute for Transport Institute’s reputation as a world-leading Queen’s Anniversary Trust, said: “The Prizes Studies (ITS) has been awarded a prestigious centre for transport teaching and research.” confer the highest national recognition on the work of our universities and colleges and Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Over the past four decades, the Institute the part they play in the country’s economic Further Education, in recognition of its for Transport Studies has been providing advance, social wellbeing and industrial self- sustained excellence in transport teaching policymakers with the evidence needed to fulfilment.” and research. make decisions about all forms of transport, The Queen’s Anniversary Prize winners from road and rail to planes, bikes and buses. The Prize will be presented by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at an honours were announced in November at a formal Techniques pioneered at the Institute are ceremony at Buckingham Palace in reception in St James’s Palace. Professor now being used nationally and internationally February. Representatives from the Institute’s Mark Wardman Director of the Institute for to plan roads and public transport networks, staff, students and alumni will accompany Transport Studies attended the reception, assess transport safety, predict driver Professor Wardman to the ceremony. together with Vice-Chancellor Michael Arthur behaviour and examine air pollution. 3 Reporter / Issue 546 Bringing the world to Yorkshire schools involves. It’s also raising aspirations, Earthquake activity encouraging social mobility and taking the around the world is being fear out of science.” monitored by pupils in Phil has a team of postgraduates who are paid to visit schools to set up, maintain Yorkshire schools, thanks and demonstrate the seismometers. “They to specialist equipment prove that scientists are real people who are approachable and enthusiastic about their and training provided subject. Their involvement also helps pupils by a team from the understand what a university is, what it does University’s School of and that they’re accessible to everyone.” The three-year Seismic Schools project, which Earth and Environment. is run in partnership with the University’s Access Academy, is now in its second year The Seismic Schools outreach project, and three more schools are on course to join. funded by the Department for Children, “We have more requests from schools than Schools and Families, has established we can deal with,” Phil said. “The plan is to a seismic network in nine state and apply for more funding to continue expanding. independent schools. We’re currently seeking to work with “By installing seismometers and giving geophysicists at Hong Kong University, which teachers and pupils the knowledge to runs a similar outreach project, and we’re also interpret the data, we’re bringing inspirational working with a school in Montserrat, home to Phil shows off one of the seismometers. global science into classrooms,” said the Soufriere Hills volcano.” Phil Murphy, leader of the project. “The The island of Montserrat and the Soufriere Hills volcano. Phil is delighted with progress: “It’s a seismometers record activity worldwide – national success story and reactions have whether it’s California or Crete – so pupils been fantastic from teachers and students. can work out where an earthquake was and It’s widening the University’s community how big it was. Using a specially built virtual participation and I believe we’ll have a cohort learning environment the schools can chat of pupils keen to take their scientific studies online and even contribute to the world further here at Leeds in the future.” seismological community’s research. To find out more about the Seismic Schools “Different schools use the equipment project, contact Phil Murphy on p.murphy@ differently but, overall, the project can foster see.leeds.ac.uk or Jon Barber at the Access a range of skills and learning, including data Academy on www.leeds.ac.uk/ace/access/ analysis, IT, geography and understanding of what a long-term scientific experiment W New knowledge transfer secondment scheme launched A new award from the Engineering and industry and stimulate innovation.” The scheme is open until September 2012. Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Funding can only be used to support the Dr Ali Hassanpour, Research Fellow at the will support the transfer of skilled people into salary (and on-costs) of the secondee. Institute for Particle Science & Engineering, and out of the University to fully exploit the Additional costs will need to be met by the spent 18-months working on methods for outcomes of EPSRC-funded research. external partner or the parent school of the understanding particulate process at Procter research group. The £886,000 funding will also encourage & Gamble. He said: “I found the experience the development of partnerships between highly rewarding, both personally and Applications can be made to the relevant eligible research groups and external partners professionally. Knowledge Transfer (KT) Director, who will across areas of interest to the EPSRC. be able to offer advice and initial feedback. “I refined existing modelling techniques Final decisions rest with the KTS Director, “The scheme operates on the principle that not previously seriously considered for Professor Simon Biggs (s.r.biggs@leeds. one of the most effective ways to transfer industrial purposes. The results allowed P&G ac.uk) following consultation with the knowledge is to transfer people, through to understand the root causes of problems relevant Pro-Dean for Research and Faculty secondment into the partner organisation and suggested ways to solve them. The KT Director. or into the University,” said Professor Simon experience helped me appreciate how best Biggs, the director of the scheme. “It will to deploy academic knowledge for industrial For more information and application form facilitate the transfer and exchange of applications, maximising their impact. P&G visit: http://enterprise.leeds.ac.uk/enterprise/ knowledge, expertise and skills for mutual continue to use our consultation services and click on the business or staff enterprise benefit, maximise impact of research, and there’s scope for the collaboration to microsites. W strengthen long-term relationships with continue and expand.”

4 14 December 2009 Bringing the world to Yorkshire schools

Looking to the future: (left) Dr Trevor Laird and Professor John Blacker. iPRD lab is a UK first A new £4.3 million process laboratory opened by the Institute of Process Research and Development (iPRD) is the first of its kind in the UK to bring together the Schools of Chemistry and Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering and industry. Part-funded by a £4.3 million investment The lab was opened by Dr Trevor Laird, from the European Commission and an internationally renowned figure in both Yorkshire Forward, the 650 square metre industry and academia for his work in the About the iPRD lab will be used by the iPRD to develop new field of process chemistry. processes and technologies. The institute’s main function is “As the interface between discovery and developing new technologies and Professor John Blacker, iPRD Director in manufacture, process development is one of processes to make chemicals more the Schools of Chemistry and Process, the most important areas of science,” said Dr efficiently and cost-effectively. It has Material and Environmental Engineering, Laird. “And the best process development is a subscription-based industrial ‘club’ said: “This laboratory will harness the a result of chemists and chemical engineers of around 12 members, including inventiveness and creativity of people in working together. pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fine academia to provide solutions for chemicals “This new lab is an excellent collaboration chemical and technology companies, manufacturing companies. It will also be between academia and industry, and I’d which collaborate with iPRD on a used to train postgraduate students in like to congratulate the University on being project-by-project basis. chemical processing and carry out small- the first in the UK to set up this type of scale manufacture of chemicals to order.” arrangement.”

“This workshop brought together renowned scientists to share their Metals could forge new cancer drug expertise in membrane biology to familiarise delegates with the skills Drugs made using unusual metals could form an effective treatment required to produce membrane proteins for structural and functional against colon and ovarian cancer, including cancerous cells that have analyses,” said conference host Professor Peter Henderson. http:// developed immunity to other drugs, according to research at the www.embn.eu W University of Warwick and the University of Leeds. The study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, showed Right first time: pioneering new methods that a range of compounds containing the two transition metals Ruthenium and Osmium cause significant cell death in ovarian and of drug manufacture colon cancer cells. Dr Patrick McGowan (School of Chemistry) said: Engineers at Leeds have developed a simple technology which can “Ruthenium and Osmium compounds are showing very high levels of be used in existing chemical reactors to ensure ‘right first time’ drug activity against ovarian cancer, which is a significant step forward in crystal formation. the field of medicinal chemistry.” Using self-assembled monolayers, the team has shown that crystals form into their desired product form with the correct shape and Membrane course a success particle structure, without the usual problems of polymorphism. Nearly 70 postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers Professor Kevin Roberts (Faculty of Engineering) said: “This could from around the world attended an advanced European Membrane make a huge difference in the efficiency of drug manufacture. Our Biology Network training course held at the Institute of Membrane next steps are to make sure it’s as efficient on an industrial scale.” and Systems Biology in ‘Membrane proteins – production, purification, stabilisation and structures’. 5 Reporter / Issue 546 Creating the best climate for Postgraduate Research at Leeds With plans to welcome more postgraduate research students than ever before to the University in 2010, the challenge is to ensure we continue to build a coherent strategy to attract the very brightest and best students. Here we look at the objectives for future recruitment of PGR students, the experiences of current PGR students and supervisors, and how the University is already helping students to get the most from their PGR studies. Andrew Thompson vibrant community of postgraduate students In setting our course for expanding and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research adding to, and diversifying, its intellectual developing PGR at Leeds, we need outputs and achievements. Our Faculty to understand the current research Delivering a postgraduate research experience Graduate Schools have a key role to play environment and how it’s changing; for that attracts the world’s brightest and best in enhancing the postgraduate students example, the emphasis on impact and students is an integral part of our research experience, supported by academics who innovation, the growing expectation that PGR strategy at Leeds. We have ambitious plans recognise and value the contribution that students shall be exposed to developments to grow our community of postgraduate these students make to the University’s in other disciplines, and the necessity for researchers, to secure greater external research culture. The intellectual endeavours researchers from all disciplines to be able funding opportunities for postgraduate study, of our postgraduate researchers help to keep to mobilise external funding. These will be and to put ourselves at the front of the sector academic staff abreast of new developments reflected in the way we recruit and train our in terms of the quality of supervision and in their disciplines, and, in myriad ways, PGR students. skills training. All of this makes postgraduate can contribute to the progress of their own provision a critical strategic issue for the We are currently formulating a new research research. Working at the cutting edge of University and its Graduate Schools. skills training strategy for the institution their disciplines, postgraduate students which aims not only to highlight the multiple Leeds already has an excellent reputation can also make a distinctive contribution to examples of best practice in the Faculties, for postgraduate research, including undergraduate teaching. but to chart the way forward for enhancing the innovative training it provides for It’s increasingly clear from feedback the training of our PGR students, and students who participate in a wide range that we’re getting from industry and the integrating them more fully into our research of interdisciplinary institutes and initiatives. professions, that there’s an employment culture. If we can do this better than our As research councils move to explore new premium for PGR students. In the hard competitors, it will put us in a much stronger and more concentrated ways of funding sciences, companies want people well-trained place to attract the very best students to postgraduate research, it is vital that we can in a research intensive environment and Leeds from around the world, to secure demonstrate what is distinctive about our other organisations, too, such as law and attractive external funding packages to approach to developing the next generation accountancy, seek PGR students for their support them, and to make them feel an of researchers, as well how we prepare them capacity for critical thinking, well-developed indispensable part of our research activities for their future careers. project management skills, high degree of and ambitions. One of the hallmarks of a world-class, self-reliance, and the ability to articulate ideas. research-intensive university is a lively and

Daniella Fjellstrom Dr Andrew Mullis Dr Simon Phipps 3rd year PGR, CIBUL Director, Engineering Graduate School School of Education (2009) “This has been one of the best experiences “PGR students are an essential and highly “I spent a lot of time searching different PhD in my life. I would warmly recommend the valued component of the research strategy programmes as I was looking for a part-time University of Leeds, particularly CIBUL. of the Faculty, contributing directly to many option that would enable me to work abroad The University has so much to offer of our successes, including an excellent and study at the same time. The split-site and whenever you travel to international RAE outcome with an overall grade-point option at Leeds was perfect for me. conferences everyone you meet knows average of 2.94 and 75% of activity rated as “I feel I have greatly improved my the University and the professors you are internationally excellent or world-leading. understanding of teacher education and working with.” “We strive to be at the forefront of graduate research, and my skills as a researcher in “I have acquired and developed many skills education by providing a world-class terms of designing a study, interviewing skills during my time here, including how to deal environment for research and generic skills and analysing data. I’m currently working with feedback, chairing and organising training and by engaging our postgraduates in Turkey as Director of an MA programme seminars and time management. My next in research projects with real societal and am working on setting up a Research step is to complete my PhD degree, after impact.” Centre; the PhD has been invaluable for both which I would love to stay in academia and of these.” continue conducting research.” PGR6 14 December 2009 Medieval minds (l-r): Dr Mary Swan, University of Leeds, PGR students Thom Gobbitt and Kate Wiles, and Dr Orietta Da Rold, University of Leicester. They are part of a team Key ways in which working on the ‘Production and Use of English Manuscripts 1060-1220’ Project, funded by the Arts and SDDU is helping Humanities Research Council. PGR students Decoding the past • Holding over 140 events with more than 2,000 participations in Dr Mary Swan SDDU ‘central’/Faculty collaborative Institute for Medieval Studies (IMS) provision, covering the PhD process, Kate Wiles learning and teaching, personal and “Co-ordinating and mentoring people who IMS, 3rd year PGR professional development, ethics, are beginning their teaching career has enterprise, etc. “Doing a doctorate has taught me patience, been huge enhancement to my career. PhD accuracy and confidence. Before I came to supervision enhances my own work and the • Running intensive programmes in Leeds, I’d given one paper, now I’ve given work of the Institute for Medieval Studies interpersonal skills, enterprise and more than I can count – including speaking (IMS) enormously; it’s a fundamental engine international collaboration with the at the International Medieval Conference.” that supports what we do here. Universities of Copenhagen and Oslo.

Thom Gobbitt “All of our PhD projects are interdisciplinary • Working across the region through the IMS, 4th year PGR and I’ve learnt an immense amount from University of Leeds and Vitae Y&NE “The experience of doing my PhD has co-supervising. It’s a very interesting Hub, encouraging interdisciplinary been really, really enjoyable. The IMS way of working; it makes for three-way networking. Leeds research students postgraduate community is very active, with conversations and shared responsibility have won three of the last four regional lots of interaction and discussion groups. makes the supervision process easier. It’s research Poster competitions. MA students are involved, too, so they see changed how I look at my own research and made me think in different directions.” • Being a national leader in evaluating the benefits and reality of doing a PhD and, development activity to enhance hopefully, will be encouraged to follow suit.” research student provision. • Running the University of Leeds Teaching Award and short courses for PGs who teach. The PGR project objectives for 2010-11 The current PGR project, which is being led by Edward Spiers, Faculty of Arts Pro- Dean for Research, is focused on attracting Studying Sikh identity: Jasjit Singh (centre) with supervisors Professor Kim Knott and Dr Seán McLoughlin. Jasjit’s high-quality students in greater numbers, in project is funded by a Collaborative Doctoral Award – where an academic and their university collaborates with a public, private or voluntary sector body to fund a PhD student – via the Religion and Society Research Programme, order to deliver growth in Faculty forecasts, which is jointly funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Economic and Social Research put Leeds in a stronger competitive position Council. Jasjit’s external partner is the Bradford Educational and Cultural Association of Sikhs. secure greater funding and to further enhance the student experience. The A collaborative approach to research objectives are to: • attract more high-quality PGR Professor Kim Knott Jasjit Singh students by encouraging and School of Theology and Religious Studies Theology and Religious Studies, supporting more applications for 2nd year PGR “Being involved with postgraduate research external funding students is immensely rewarding; it’s “I undertook a part-time MA in Religion & • raise awareness among academics marvellous to see people’s confidence and Public Life at Leeds which led me to the about the range of external funding skills grow. When you see a good student you subject of my doctorate, a study of how and opportunities don’t want to lose them, and it’s absolutely why British Sikhs between the ages of 18-30 about trying to invest in those who show learn about their religion. • enhance the research skills and enthusiasm and promise for the research opportunities of our PGRs and “Doing my PhD is a chance to explore an enterprise. enhance the PGR student experience area I’m really interested in. I’m hoping to go “This is the first Collaborative Doctorate I’ve into academia once I finish my thesis – there • widen the engagement of academic been involved with and it’s been extremely are currently just a few courses in the UK that staff and broaden the supervisor base successful. My aim is to establish more deal with Sikhism, so there’s an opportunity to • communicate the benefits of PGR collaborative doctoral projects and to continue pursue something here in Leeds.” study at Leeds, mobilising awareness working with partners beyond the academy.” Access Jasjit’s project, Keeping the Faith: of the value of PGR internally, and The transmission of Sikhism among young raising the profile of Leeds as a place British Sikhs (18-30), at www.personal.leeds. of excellence for PGR study externally. ac.uk/~trs5j2s W PGR 7 Reporter / Issue 546 DarwinDarwin

The University’s Darwin Day proved a huge success, with a packed audience listening to key speakers, including the discoverer of DNA fingerprinting, Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys. Guests arriving for the lectures were treated to a display of three specially commissioned panels, representing the development of Darwin’s theory: evolution, through observation, analysis and hypothesis. The panels were designed by Jennifer Jiyeon Han with the support of David Bromilow and Vanessa Walker (School of Design) in collaboration with Pamela Rabbitts (Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine). Specialisation in speciation A long-term study of periwinkles – snails that live in the intertidal zone, the area that’s exposed at low tide and underwater at high tide – is providing a Leeds academic with a real-life example of Darwinism in action. “I’m seeking to find out not only the or speciate,” explains John. mechanisms but also the genes that cause “Using amplified fragment length speciation, the evolutionary process through polymorphism (AFLP) – really a mutation- which new biological species come about,” finding technique – we identified fragments explains John Grahame, Biological Sciences. of DNA that were varying between two forms “Not many people persist for so long with in such a way to suggest that selection was Differences in shell size and shape can be an a study of one group, but I realised that going on. indicator of speciation. periwinkles were very much the kind of “The next step was to take the genome organism that was likely to be relevant to with the differences in shell form which are of the snails and clone it into bacterial questions of speciation. These snails are very of such significance in resisting predators, for artificial chromosomes. You end up with local breeders so there’s opportunity for local example. tens of thousands of bacterial clones each selection to take place.” with a small portion of snail DNA, with “Why is this important? Well, it’s apparent Working on two coastal sites in Yorkshire, skill – and some luck – you have the entire that some species may be good speciators, John and his team collect the snails, genome across all the clones. We are now and others perhaps less so. We’re losing sorting, identifying, recording shell images at the stage of linking genomic variation biodiversity at a rapid rate so it’s vital that we and analysing their shapes. “We found with likely differences between ‘fitness’ of find out more about the process of speciation that within one species there’s a ‘break’ different shell forms – for example one going and the characteristics of good speciators. in form. What we previously thought were for maximising reproductive output, one This knowledge may have a profound effect just straightforward variations in shell and maximising ability to cling on to the shore. on how we approach conservation issues in body form were actually signalling a partial the future. “In the last year or so the group – which reproductive barrier – a block to gene flow – includes collaborators in Sheffield – has been “My research has everything a biologist so the snails aren’t totally free to mate. This using a new way of getting at DNA and it’s could love: fieldwork, variations you realisation is now helping us to understand been very successful. We think we are seeing can see, rigorous lab techniques and how a population may divide into two species several genes now which may be involved challenging analytical techniques. I still find it tremendously exciting.” 8 14 December 2009

– past, present and future As the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species draws to a close, his work is still prompting intellectual debate and research. Here we look at three very different ways in which the University is drawing on Darwin’s legacy Darwin to gain a more complete understanding of the man and the implications of his theory. Ilkley duo shed new light on Darwin Charles Darwin’s nine-week stay in the Greg Radick, Senior Lecturer in History panic attacks with agoraphobia and many Yorkshire spa town of Ilkley is the common and Philosophy of Science. Each academic others. Although people may disagree with Darwinthread that has brought together two distinct examined a specific area of Darwin’s life my conclusions, I think that using Darwin’s but complementary strands of research when writing the book – Mike investigated letters to study the fluctuations in his health to produce a book that sheds important Darwin’s health and the treatments he over a relatively short period has set a pattern new light on his life and health. Darwin in underwent in Ilkley, whilst Greg examined the that others will follow.” Ilkley covers the period just prior to, during important correspondence that took place Greg’s interest focuses on Darwin’s and after the publication of On the Origin between Darwin and his scientific peers intellectual activities in Ilkley, in particular of Species by Means of Natural Selection during the same period. the letters written to and received from his in November 1859, when Darwin visited A keen local historian, Mike already had an scientific peers. “His correspondence around Ilkley to undergo hydropathic or ‘water cure’ in-depth knowledge of the treatments offered this time is incredibly rich in its intensity and therapy for a mystery illness. in Ilkley during the mid-19th century. “Ilkley range as he seeks recruits for his theory, The book is the result of collaboration was a small village when Darwin visited but which he knows will be contentious,” says between Emeritus Professor of it was famous for its water cure which is why Greg. “A complete collection of Darwin’s Gastrointestinal Pathology Mike Dixon and he went there,” explains Mike. “Darwin has Ilkley letters has been in print for some time often been portrayed as a hypochondriac but, because of their huge complexity, they but I think this is inaccurate; if he seems don’t invite a page by page reading, and to be overly anxious about his health it was historians haven’t really dealt with letters probably as a result of the misery caused by from this period in such depth before.” persistent misdiagnosis and subsequent ill- Greg found the letters between Darwin and advised remedies!” Charles Lyell – an eminent geologist who wrote one of the founding books of geological Mike studied letters written by Darwin during science, the Principles of Geology – especially the three months before, during and after interesting. As a young man, Darwin had his Ilkley stay and believes that some of been profoundly influenced by Lyell and he the contents point to a diagnosis of lactose was keen to get his opinion and approval of intolerance. “Like most correspondents of © WALTER SWAN WALTER © the theory he was about to make public in the day, Darwin frequently mentions his Authors Mike (left) and Greg. the Origin. health in his letters,” explains Mike. “By putting these regular ‘bulletins’ together “Their correspondence during Darwin’s and looking at them alongside what Darwin stay in Ilkley is extremely hard-hitting was doing at the time – whether he was and encompasses the most far-reaching undergoing treatment, and thus on a implications of Darwin’s theory, including restricted diet, or whether he was eating what it means for a belief in the existence normally – we can monitor his symptoms of a superintending God,” continues Greg. and the possible causes. “Once I started to ‘de-code’ the letters, they became absolutely riveting and quite moving. “Darwin’s wife Emma was a great believer in You’re listening in to a backstage conversation the health-giving properties of dairy products between two friends who are also, on the and it’s known that Darwin had a sweet question of evolution, opponents. tooth. Eating this rich diet would certainly exacerbate symptoms of lactose intolerance “Our hope is that the book works on a local and this is corroborated by the comments in history level, and that it’s also of interest to his letters.” a much wider audience. Both the areas we’ve looked at are very important to Darwin Mike isn’t the first person to make this scholars but, until now, his time in Ilkley diagnosis, but he believes the subject has hasn’t been quite so thoroughly investigated. never been investigated as thoroughly. We’d like to think that our book makes a “Having looked at the evidence in the letters, valuable contribution to understanding of Darwin’s symptoms don’t fit with other Darwin’s life.” theories about his illness – which include a chronic disease acquired in South America, Darwin in Ilkley is published by the History inner ear disturbances (Meniere’s disease), Press at £12.99 and is available to order. 9 Reporter / Issue 546 Dealing with difference: now and in the future A major four-year study investigating how people deal with difference in an era of super mobility will begin early next year, headed by Professor Gill Valentine, School of Geography.

To be funded by a highly prestigious Entitled ‘Living with difference in Europe: €2.2 million Advanced Investigator award making communities out of strangers in an from the European Research Council, the era of super mobility and super diversity’, project focuses on how different societies deal Professor Valentine’s project will focus on five with living with difference – their attitudes to interlinked areas that seek to identify how to multiculturalism, religious beliefs, gender, develop the capacity to live with difference. sexual orientation, disability and ageing. The award will create a four-year fixed “With unprecedented numbers of migrants term lectureship and bring six postdoctoral coming into and moving between European researchers and two PhD studentships to the countries, managing population change is University. going to be more and more important in the future – it’s one of the key questions of the News of a further ERC Advanced 21st century,” explained Professor Valentine. Investigator Award received by the University will appear in the February “In times of stress – such as economic crisis edition of the Reporter. or terrorist threats – people tend to turn For details of the current Spring deadlines against minority groups. It’s vital that we’re of ERC grants, please contact Martine equipped to handle this and find ways in Peers in the European Office, ext 34300 or which people can establish meaningful and Professor Gill Valentine, recipient of an email [email protected] positive ways of living together.” ERC Advanced Investigator award.

Tiny wasp with the big task

Research from Leeds scientists has shown genetic tests, the researchers tracked the that the tiny fig wasp – just 1.5mm long – movement of pollen between trees and used can travel an amazing 160km in less than 48 this as the marker for insect movement. hours to pollinate fig trees. The trees were DNA tested and seedlings The Leeds team found that the wasps were grown from their fruit. Genetic tests on the travelling ten times further than distances seedlings enabled the researchers to identify previously recorded for any insect, offering which trees had cross-pollinated. As the hope that trees pollinated by similar trees are only pollinated by the fig wasp creatures have a good chance of surviving if (Ceratosolen arabicus), the team was able to The research was part of a PhD they become isolated through deforestation. map the distances travelled by the insects. studentship carried out by Sophia Ahmed Dr Stephen Compton (Faculty of Biological “This is the first research to identify each and funded through the Biotechnology Sciences), said: “More birds and animals individual tree, rather than extrapolate the and Biological Sciences Research feed on fig trees than on any other plant in genetic mix from a sample,” said Professor Council (BBSRC) with additional support the rainforest. Our research shows that trees Philip Gilmartin, formerly from Leeds and from the Natural Environment Research pollinated by this type of insect should be now at the University of Durham. “We were Council (NERC). The findings were very resistant to forest fragmentation. basically paternity testing trees: we knew published in the Proceedings of the which tree was the ‘mother’ and because National Academy of Sciences. “Adult wasps live for just 48 hours, so we already had the DNA results for the other they must have travelled these distances trees, it was easy to identify the ‘father’. incredibly fast. It took our field scientists and It meant we were tracking the route of an volunteers nearly two weeks to walk 250km individual grain of pollen.” and map the fig trees.” The shortest distance recorded for cross- The scientists mapped all the African fig pollination was 14km and the furthest trees (Ficus sycomorus) along 250km of 164km. Trees were not necessarily pollinated the Ugab River valley in the Namib Desert. by their nearest neighbour, and some pollen Due to the climate, the trees were only able came from unidentified trees, indicating that to survive near the river, which made it some insects were travelling even longer possible to identify the 79 trees in the area distances than those recorded. individually. Using a mix of field work and

10 Leader column Professor Michael J P Arthur University Vice-Chancellor

As the term draws to a close and with the fallout from the recession casting a shadow over seasonal celebrations, we can reflect on a year of great progress and achievement. Critical to our future, our refreshed strategy determination of vision who has made an nine months long – is incredibly unsettling for has recently been launched following impact on the lives of many’. staff, and we would like to secure agreement extensive consultation. This will continue to on how we can bring the review to a guide us through the stormy waters ahead. Triathlete Alistair Brownlee became this successful and speedy conclusion. year’s world champion and Paralympics The Research Assessment Exercise restored swimmer Claire Cashmore won two golds In his pre-Budget report, Chancellor Alistair the University to its rightful and indisputable in the individual medley and relay; both Darling confirmed what many expected – place as a leading intellectual powerhouse, have their sights firmly set on London major cuts in public spending loom. We now and although success was not matched 2012. Congratulations also to Leeds know that in 2011-12 and 2012-13 at least by increases in core funding, we saw an Student journalists who triumphed in the £600 million will be axed from the increase in research grants by more than Guardian Student Newspaper of the Year, £13 billion higher education and science 10% to over £112 million at the year end. and to the Leeds Baroque orchestra, led by and research budgets (on top of next year’s Professor Peter Colman, for their outstanding £120 million cut). As government tries to Research income this year is well on performance of Haydn’s The Creation in the restore the country’s battered finances, track, with a success in Europe the result Great Hall last month. As soloist soprano, it’s clear more cuts are on the way. A of a concerted effort to diversify income. Sarah Kelly, one of our postgraduate Conservative government may well turn the Professors Gill Valentine (Geography) and students in Music, was simply superb. screw tighter still, with David Cameron now Edmund Linfield (Electronic & Electrical promising another budget within 50 days of Engineering) have each won €2.5 million I recently met some very enthusiastic election success. The bottom line is that no advanced investigator grants in recognition mechanical engineering students who raved politician (or analyst) has given us any cause of their strong track record in leading high about the feedback they received on their to think again about the need to prepare quality research. We are almost certain professor’s module, so it’s no surprise that now for reductions in our income and other to more than double last year’s European Professor Martin Levesley has become our known pressures, including pension costs. income of £8.7 million, a fantastic 16th National Teaching Fellow, keeping us achievement in the current climate. at the top of this league table. It was also The response across the sector is clearly uplifting to meet arts and humanities second emerging; I am not aware of a single Russell Transport Studies’ Queen’s Anniversary Prize year scholarship students; their passion in Group university that has not embarked was a well-deserved recognition of 40 years pursuing research at undergraduate level is on economy measures and planning for of cutting edge research and as leaders in the supported by the annual (development) fund. significant reductions in their income. drive for cleaner and more efficient transport. A number of schools have thrived this year Staff have responded enthusiastically to Strategic investment in the creative potential having surmounted major difficulties with our appeal for campus-wide savings, with of leading research teams through the the help of reviews. I have written before some 200 ideas – everything from turning transformation fund has brought us great about Process, Environmental and Material down the heating to railcards for the over- success. water@leeds is the now the UK’s Engineering (see April Reporter 542); 60s – and creative suggestions about pay largest academic water research group, Design, Performance and Cultural Industries and working patterns, economies on parking, and still growing, with more than 100 and Civil Engineering can be added to the printing, IT, catering, travel, student support, experts across five faculties, and over 50 list. Our Faculty of Biological Sciences has graduations, propectuses and shared PhD students. Since its formation to link tremendous strengths and world-class services. Head of Procurement Tim Brannon research more strongly to applied innovation expertise in health and disease affecting the has already identified over £1 million of in the fine chemicals industry, the Institute heart, brain, limbs and joints, and in plant potential savings every year in furniture, of Process Research and Development has sciences, and some of the most ‘satisfied’ stationery and printing alone. All will be secured around £5 million of government students on campus. Unfortunately, its considered – the more we can save here, the and industry-funded projects, and last month success is not sustainable, with monthly more jobs we can safeguard. opened a new £4 million process laboratory. losses at the start of this year in the region of £400,000. We will keep control of our finances and The rollcall of personal honours would fill a our destiny in these difficult times by whole column, but a few individuals stand The Faculty’s future has been mapped out by working together to protect and preserve out. Student inventor Emily Cummins was a new academic strategy endorsed at the end all that is great about Leeds, by adapting acclaimed Barclays Woman of the Year for of last month by the University’s academic to new circumstances, and by doing what the ‘sustainable’ fridge she is trialling in the authority, Senate. We would not wish or academics do best – solving problems development world; her citation named choose to be in dispute over how that strategy through new thinking and new ideas. her an ‘exceptional and selfless woman of is implemented. The process – now some 11 Reporter / Issue 546 The recession has had an unexpected, if short-term benefit, for the environment, according to a report from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), co- authored by Professor Andy Gouldson, Director of the ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics & Policy. The Daily Telegraph quotes the report’s prediction that The University’s National Center for global greenhouse gas emissions will be 9% Atmospheric Research European Centre* lower than predicted in 2012 as a result of ranked as seventh amongst the world’s top the recession. “If we return to ‘business as institutions in Geosciences as featured in the usual’ emissions after the economic crisis THE. is over, the profound and severe risks of climate change impacts will continue to Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and grow,” said Professor Gouldson. Teaching Vivien Jones was interviewed about the University’s financial situation The Yorkshire Post reported a potential and strategy for regional news programme breakthrough in the treatment of BSE Calendar. She was also interviewed for BBC In the discovered by a team from Biological Radio Leeds. Sciences led by Professor Nigel Hooper. They have discovered that a protein called Professor Jenny Hewison (Leeds Institute of news Glypican-1 plays an important role in the Health Sciences) was part of an expert panel development of BSE by causing the number asked by consumer magazine Which? to of abnormal prions that cause the disease analyse an investigation into private health to rise. care checks. Undercover researchers visited healthcare companies where they bought comprehensive health checks, paying an average of £423. The panel concluded that people paying for checks could be wasting their money or even damaging their health. An interview with Professor Hewison was broadcast on several radio stations, including Radio Five Live, and she was quoted in the Daily Mail.

Teenage girls and who and what influences their attitude to food, were the subject of a feature in the Times. Professor Andrew Hill (Leeds Institute of Health Sciences) said that today’s teenagers have a more acute sense of weight and body shape than their older female relatives had at the same age: “They are growing up in an environment where it is considered almost normal to exclude food and to pursue what has been billed as the Katherine Mullin (School of English) Music stars who prefer to keep on rocking perfect body shape.” appeared on BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time rather than retiring to their rocking chairs to discuss A Portrait of the Artist as a Young were the subject of an article in the Professor Clive Jones (School of Politics Man, James Joyce’s groundbreaking 1916 Guardian. Simon Warner (School of Music) and International Studies) was interviewed novel about growing up in Catholic Ireland. commented: “Playing live is extremely on the BBC Radio 4 series Document. The demanding. It involves extreme physical programme explored the hitherto hidden Denis McKeown (Institute of Psychological and mental stamina,” he says. “Cheryl Cole involvement of British officials in the palace Sciences) advised on changes to a new, sang on X Factor but she mimed the chorus coup in Oman in 1970 that brought the pared-down weather bulletin now being because it was too ‘exhausting’ to do that current ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said to rolled out on Radio 4. Modelled on the and dance. And Cheryl Cole is 23! If she power. shipping forecast, listeners are given weather can’t do three minutes, how on earth can conditions around the country, region-by- Bruce Springsteen do three hours?” A feature in the Observer about job losses region. Quoted in the Times, Denis said: “It in the financial sector included comment provides a regular order and so turns the Professor David Wall (Centre for Criminal from Professor Mark Stuart (Leeds forecast into chunks that you’ll be able to Justice Studies), gave his views on University Business School). Talking about remember better. If you give a lot of items, Scareware – computer software with limited 460 redundancies made by the Lloyds people remember the first few and the last or no benefit sold to consumers using Banking Group in Leeds, he said: “The few but they don’t remember the middle.” alarmist messages – for BBC Radio 1. “It announcement was inevitable. I’ve been He added that forecasters should pause at has got the look and feel of a professional surprised there haven’t been more job losses the end of the bulletins, rather than joking piece of software,” said Professor Wall. in the financial services sector, but I think with the presenter, as this let the brain pin “A lot of people download, pay for the there are more to come.” down what it had just heard. upgrades, the problem appears to go away and that’s it. They are not aware they have Professor Martin Clarke (School of been scammed.” Professor Wall was also Further details of press coverage can Geography) was on BBC Radio 4’s You and interviewed about cybercrime by Laurie be found at http://mediacuttings.leeds. Yours talking about water debt research. Taylor for BBC Radio 4’s Thinking Allowed. ac.uk/index.aspx W

12 * Spelling is correct. 14 December 2009 Our people

Professor Susanne Karstedt has been appointed to the chair of Criminal Justice and Criminology in the School of Law. From 2000 Professor Karstedt was at Keele University, were she held the title of Professor of Criminology, School of Sociology and Criminology, Keele University. Prior to this she held research and teaching positions at the Universities of Bielefeld and Hamburg. Professor Karstedt’s interests and areas of expertise include comparative and cross-cultural studies of crime and justice, including violence, state crime, corruption, middle class crime as well as punishment and punitiveness; democracy, crime and justice; emotions, crime and justice; and transitional justice. Her current research projects are: democratic values, imprisonment and prison conditions; comparative study of state violence; the European Moral Economy (a comparative study of middle class crime in 25 European countries); life after punishment of sentenced Nazi war criminals; the role of victims in transitional justice; and collective memories in transitional justice. Career highlights include receiving the Thorsten Sellin and Eleanor and Sheldon Glueck Award of the American Society of Criminology, 2007; an Award of Recognition for Outstanding Services to the International Society of Criminology, Stockholm, 2006; and the Christa Hoffmann Riehm Award for Socio-Legal Studies, 2005.

Professor Tim Spiller has been appointed to the chair of Quantum Information Science at the School of Physics and Astronomy. His previous role was Distinguished Technologist and Director of Quantum Information Processing Research with Hewlett-Packard Laboratories in Bristol. Professor Spiller’s interests and areas of expertise are: quantum information – ‘hardware’ and ‘software’; quantum technologies; condensed matter physics and superconductivity. His current research projects include quantum information technologies and applications: quantum communication; quantum computing and processing (particularly few-qubit technologies that could be realised in the relatively near future); quantum-enhanced sensing and metrology and applications of quantum information technologies and concepts to fundamental physics. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics, and founding chair 2006-7 of the UK Institute of Physics QQQ Subject Group (quantum information, quantum optics and quantum control) http://www.iop.org/activity/ groups/subject/qqq/index.html W

Dr Mark Westgarth, School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Honours Studies, delivered the annual lecture for the Society of Furniture Send your honours to [email protected] Historians at the Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House in London. The lecture is a prestigious event and has previously been delivered by distinguished historians, including Sir Nicholas Goodison, Sir Professor Peter J Buckley, Centre for International Business, has Geoffrey de Bellaigue and Christopher Gilbert. been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Uppsala University, Sweden. Dr Westgarth’s lecture, ‘Antique and Ancient Furniture Dealers in the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard A Williams, OBE, has Opening Decades of the Nineteenth Century’, explored the agency of received the 2009 Research and Development for Society award the dealer and the roles they have played in the history of collecting, from the Society of Chemical Industry, in recognition of his and considered the social and cultural identity of the antique dealer contribution in the translation of research into commercial entities in the period. that have benefitted society. Professor John RG Turner, Centre for Compatible and Intelligent As Professor of Mineral and Process Engineering, his recent activities Biology, has been awarded a ‘Commended’ in the Times Stephen have included creation of innovative companies aimed at achieving Spender Prize for Poetry Translation. Professor Turner received the environmental and business improvements in the chemical, nuclear commendation for his translation of L’Automne, a sonnet by the first and energy efficiency sectors. winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Sully Prudhomme. Dr Kate Dossett (School of History) has been awarded the 2009 Leeds Student has been named Guardian Student Newspaper of the Julia Cherry Spruill Prize by the Southern Association for Women Year. The judging panel included Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger, Historians for best book in southern women’s history, for her book Today presenter Evan Davis, Jane Bruton, editor-in-chief of Grazia, Bridging Race Divides: Black Nationalism, Feminism and Integration and Channel 4 News anchor Jon Snow, the latter saying: “The 1896-1935. standard of competition was extremely high but it (Leeds Student) was head and shoulders above the rest. It was a gripper!” PhD students Rebecca Caygill and Mandeep Dhillon (Faculty of Biological Sciences) have both won three-month, fully funded The University’s student-run radio station, LSRfm, was recently placements in the Scientific Advisers Office to Parliament/ named Best Student Radio Station at the Student Radio Awards. The Westminster. They won two out of the nine positions available in UK, station also received a gold award for its chart show. Welsh and Scottish parliaments in a national competition. Meaghan Kitchen, who has just completed her Masters in Nutrition, Ernest Kirkby, Life Fellow of the University, was presented with Obesity and Health (Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics), has an award by the International Potash Institute (Switzerland ) in been named the UK winner of the Alpro Foundation Award for her recognition of his achievements in the field of plant nutrition. Prior dissertation on how to encourage children to eat their ‘five a day’. to retirement, Ernest was part of Faculty of Biological Sciences, The award was presented at the 10th National Nutrition and Health associated with the Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology. Conference. 13 Reporter / Issue 546

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ELECTRICIAN. PART P REGISTERED Contact Good Connections for repairs, installations, alterations, Advertisers are independent from the University. The University periodic inspections and testing. Prompt timekeeper. makes no warranty or representation as to (a) the accuracy of Good value rates. Richard Sykes 0777 249 9414 ads or (b) the quality of goods or services advertised. To the full [email protected] extent allowed by the law the University excludes all liability. Historic ties for Leeds and China An important, new international relationship was cemented during a three-day visit to the School of History by a delegation of historians from Peking University (PKU). As a result of the visit, PKU graduate students will spend three months of the academic year at Leeds, gaining international experience and developing their research projects through various academic activities. Staff and students from Leeds will make reciprocal visits to PKU. The trip to Britain by Professor Gao Dai and his colleagues was a direct result of a visit to Beijing earlier this year by Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Professor Andrew Thompson. “PKU is an outstanding University which, like Leeds, is enthusiastic about developing its international relationships,” said Head of School Richard Whiting. “This is an exciting development for the School of History which we hope, in time, will also benefit other sections Building relationships (l-r): Ms Ma Lan (PKU International Office), Professor Gao Dai (PKU), Mrs Julia Wang (Leeds of the University.” International Office), Professor Richard Whiting, Professor Andrew Thompson and Professor Niu Da Yong (PKU).

14 14 December 2009 www.leeds.ac.uk/events

Noticeboard New Land (2009). Così fan tutte comes to Opera North Signs of Life ‘Signs of Life’, an exhibition by Jim Brogden February sees Opera North continue its lively (School of Design), is currently being shown revival of Mozart’s Così fan tutte, a tale of at Project Space, a large contemporary sexual politics set in 18th century Europe, gallery situated on the waterfront in the fuelled by a young, vibrant cast. Set in the centre of Leeds. Age of Reason, this is a period piece with sumptuous costumes, disguises, deception “Over the last five years, I’ve used both digital and high drama. photography and writing, to investigate the more marginal, prohibited, and abandoned Tim Albery directs and the set and costumes zones within the Leeds urban landscape,” are designed by internationally renowned explains Jim. “Such spaces – as opposed theatre designer Tobias Hoheisel. to places, which denotes some cultural Performances are as follows: value – exist in marked contrast to the Leeds Grand Theatre – 9, 11, 19 Feb 2010 rapid re-generation of other zones often The Lowry, Salford Quays – 25 Feb associated with the aspirations of the ‘young Theatre Royal, Newcastle – 4 Mar professionals’. Theatre Royal, Nottingham – 11 Mar “These prints represent a series of For full programme details see encounters with various forms of chance www.operanorth.co.uk W juxtaposition. One could suggest that they have the potential to provide us with a unique aperture through which we might see beyond the increasing homogenisation of the urban landscape, towards a more heterogeneous ‘place’, offering perhaps – a different beauty.” Curated by Pippa Hale (curator of the Northern Art Prize 2009) and Kerry Harker (Harewood House Terrace Gallery), the exhibition features Jim’s large digital prints. It End of the Glacier (1949) gouache on paper. runs until 26 February 2010. A Discipline of the Mind: Further information can be found at http:// www.projectspaceleeds.org.uk/ W the drawings of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Harry Christophers makes A new exhibition of the drawings of Rannel Theatre in action. Wilhelmina Barns-Graham – one of the most Leeds début significant British artists of the 20th century stage@leeds One of the biggest names in choral music is – is now showing at The Stanley and Audrey stage@leeds has two excellent shows coming making their Leeds début in the Great Hall Burton Gallery. up in January 2010, Fhlip Fhlop by Rannel with Harry Christophers and ‘The Sixteen’ Curated by the writer and critic Mel Gooding Theatre and From Where I’m Standing by Concert series event 28 on 13 February for the Pier Arts Centre and the Barns- Junction 25. 2010. This is probably the highest profile Graham Charitable Trust, ‘A Discipline of the Curiosity meets one-upmanship in Fhlip event the concert series has ever hosted. Mind’ uses works from the Trust’s collection. Fhlop (28 January), as two friends investigate The a cappella programme celebrates the With nearly 40 drawings, the exhibition is a their surroundings and compete to entertain glorious English sacred music of the pre- major survey of work produced by the artist each other. Elements of Hip Hop are and post-Reformation by Sheppard, Tallis between 1947 and 1993. hidden and twisted into a dynamic physical and Byrd. At the centre is John Sheppard’s “That Wilhelmina Barns-Graham was a performance using found objects and ‘Media Vita’, a staggering achievement of painter and printmaker of the first rank intricate choreography to create an energetic, polyphonic composition not only in its sheer in post-war British art is increasingly spontaneous comedy. size but also in its expression which is at recognised,” writes Mel Gooding. “This Junction 25’s From Where I’m Standing (30 times almost overwhelming. exhibition demonstrates her achievement January) was described as: “extraordinary This concert is supported by Mills and as one of the finest landscape draughtsmen and deeply moving... one of the best pieces Reeve LLD (Leeds), Friends of University Art of her generation. Her drawings have an I’ve seen anywhere” by the Guardian’s Lynn and Music (Leeds) in memory of Maurice analytic dynamism and diverse stylistic verve Gardner. Glasgow’s acclaimed company of Kirk (1922-2009) and The Early Music that is utterly original and distinctive.” teenagers, Junction 25, perform alongside Shop. Tickets are £25 and are available The exhibition runs from 8 December their own parents to create a tender, funny at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/music/concerts/ 2009 until 27 February 2010. Admission is and exhilarating exploration of family calendar09full.shtml#event28 W free, and the gallery is open 10.00-17.00, dynamics. Monday-Saturday. Admission is free. For details visit http://www.stage.leeds.ac.uk/ www.leeds.ac.uk/gallery W or call 0113 343 8730. W 15 FAQs Dr Lindsay Bennett Research Fellow, Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science SCHOOL OF EARTH AND

© TIM MARSHALL TIM © ENVIRONMENT Lindsay just after siting one of the ‘tornado pods’ – instrument packs the team were trying to deploy in the path of tornadoes. The tornado in the background is no more than two miles away. Your research at the University is on a This year you took part in the Vortex2 probably the most comprehensive dataset project called COPS – what’s that all about? project in America – tell us more. ever collected of a tornado’s evolution. COPS stands for the Convective and Vortex2 is the Verification of the Origin of We also observed several intense storms Orographically-induced Precipitation Study Rotation in Tornadoes EXperiment, a field that didn’t produce tornadoes, which are and it began with an international field campaign funded by the USA’s National important for comparison. The aim this year campaign in Germany during summer 2007. Science Foundation and the National Oceanic is to collect many more datasets for analysis. One of the main objectives is to investigate and Atmospheric Administration to study What’s your most frequently asked how the topography of the Black Forest ‘supercell’ thunderstorms (characterised by question? mountains influences the development a rotating updraft; the warm, moist air that “Do you get scared?” Not really, because I of convective storms. Leeds scientists are feeds the storms) and tornadoes. know I’m being instructed by an experienced leading the UK involvement of the project. The original Vortex study was in 1994-5 and team and both the storm and tornado Understanding exactly when and where was important because it revealed that two motion is usually fairly predictable. Once the thunderstorms will be triggered is one of the supercell storms can appear very similar, instruments are deployed, we move clear of largest uncertainties in weather forecasting. yet one might produce a tornado and the the tornado’s path to a safe location. Storms can produce severe weather such other won’t. Vortex2 brings together all the as strong winds, tornadoes, hail, lightning sophisticated technology developed over the In terms of your research, what do you want and, most importantly, torrential rain, which last 15 years and aims to better understand to do in the future? can lead to flooding. COPS is related to a exactly how tornadoes form. Pretty much what I’m doing now! I love being UK project called CSIP (Convective Storm involved in field campaigns because it allows What equipment did you use in Vortex2? Initiation Project). me to study convective storms, travel abroad I drove a probe vehicle, a modified pickup and work with different people. There are How did you come to specialise in the area truck with meteorological instruments plans for another storm-related project in the you’re currently researching? mounted on a mast at the front and, to UK in a few years time, which I am hoping to I’ve been fascinated in storms since I deploy the ‘tornado pods’, one-metre high be involved in. was a teenager, so I studied for a BSc in 120lb instrument packs carried in the truck. Meteorology and Oceanography at the The aim was to deploy a picket-fence of You must have been in some extreme University of East Anglia. During my final pods in the predicted path of the tornado weather conditions – what’s the worst? year, I heard about the plans for CSIP and and hope that they’d take a direct hit. During my first storm chasing experience subsequently came to Leeds for a PhD in 2008, a fast-moving tornado we were What was the best thing about working on position to work on the project. My PhD observing veered from its predicted path Vortex2? involved analysing data from remote sensing causing it to move towards us faster than It’s hard to choose just one. I fulfilled a instruments to investigate the processes expected. We were caught in some very life ambition to observe supercell storms responsible for triggering severe storms. strong downdraft winds and heavy rain just and tornadoes, I participated in the most ahead of the tornado, which I had to battle You’re also interested in tornadoes. How ambitious study ever undertaken to against to keep the vehicle on the road. did that come about? understand how tornadoes form and worked During the mid 90s a number of TV with the most prominent scientists in this And the best? documentaries were showing storm chasing area. Seeing my first ever tornado in 2008 was and extreme weather, particularly in the US. amazing, but we only got a short glimpse. You’re planning to go back to the States I found tornadoes fascinating and wanted to Watching the whole lifecycle of the next year. What do you hope to achieve? learn more about them. tornado during Vortex2 and deploying the In 2009, the weather wasn’t quite as active instruments when it was only a mile away as we would have liked. We were only able was phenomenal. to observe one tornado; however it was

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