The magazine for the staff of the University of Cambridge lent term 2013

Hit the switch: how to cut energy use

Genius of scale: I, fly: a life in flies, Chopin reinvented midges and gnats page 6 page 10 snapshot

A friend to the University: Dr Alan Reece, who donated £5m to the Institute contents of Manufacturing for its new home at West Cambridge, passed away on New Year’s Eve aged 85. He was one of the Cover North East’s most successful business- The University’s first Switch men, and the mind behind engineering Off Week is a chance for staff business the Reece Group, which has a and students to get to grips turnover in excess of £211m and 450 with the importance of employees. cutting Cambridge’s carbon footprint. Turn to page eight.

2-5 News round-up

Winter shot: January’s snow may have 6-7 Feature brought about travel disruption, school Professor John Rink of the Faculty of closures and rolling news coverage on Music explains how a new online tool the inclement weather, but it also gave can help researchers, performers and the University’s photographer at large listeners appreciate the restless genius Sir Cam the opportunity to capture of Fryderyk Chopin. some of Cambridge’s finest buildings in 8-9 Cover feature winter clothing. Here is the Sainsbury Laboratory on a particularly bleak 10-11 Profile afternoon. More pictures can be found on Dr Henry Disney’s lifetime commitment the University’s Flickr site at http://www. to Diptera (flies, midges and gnats) has flickr.com/photos/cambridgeuniversity. brought him into contact with all manner of people and places.

SIR CAM 12 People Royal visit: The Duchess of Cambridge met staff and students during her and 13 Small adverts Prince William’s visit to the city and 14-15 Prizes, awards and honours University in November of last year. Among other events, the royal couple 16 Backpage joined more than 400 students, Heads of Houses from the 31 Colleges, as well Front cover photograph: Sir Cam as long-serving University assistant staff and postdoctoral researchers on Senate House lawn.

SIR CAM newsletter The Newsletter is published for the staff of the New appointment: Professor Geoffrey University of Cambridge and is produced by the Ward of Royal Holloway College, Office of External Affairs and Communications. University of London, will become Please send in ideas for content and other ways Homerton’s next Principal on 1 October we can improve the publication. succeeding Dr Kate Pretty. Professor Ward Tel: (3)32300 or email [email protected]. Suggestions for articles for the next edition is currently Vice Principal for Students should reach the Editor by 6 April. and Staff at Royal Holloway, where he Editor: Andrew Aldridge previously served as Dean of Arts. Prior Design: www.creative-warehouse.co.uk to that he was Professor of English and Printers: Labute Printers Head of Department at the University Contributors: Andrew Aldridge, Becky Allen, of Dundee before taking on the role of Jacqueline Garget, Sheila Kiggins, Tom Kirk. Deputy Principal. Newsletter online www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/newsletter

2 | lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter WHAT’S NEW Your comments and contributions are always welcome. Please send them to the Editor at [email protected] The deadline for the next issue is 6 April.

CRI transfer to strengthen cancer research

Cancer Research UK’s Cambridge The integration of the Institute Research Institute – based in the Li brought together the skills and hard Ka Shing building on the Biomedical work of two project teams, with staff Campus – became part of the on both sides providing expertise and University on 1 January 2013. advice in human resources, finance, The University and Cancer procurement, estates, IT, health and Research UK have also announced safety and legal services. the appointment of Professor Simon Professor Patrick Maxwell, Head Tavaré as the next Director of the of the School of Clinical Medicine newly branded Cancer Research UK and Regius Professor of Physic, said: Cambridge Institute, succeeding Sir “Cambridge is extremely strong in Bruce Ponder. cancer research. The Institute coming The transfer will strengthen the into the University is an important University’s presence in cancer – one step in bringing our strengths of its strategic research initiatives together to accelerate progress in – and benefit the Institute and its understanding the biology of cancer researchers by facilitating interactions and developing new approaches to not only with partners on the Cambridge. Its key research strands premises – and approximately 250 treatment.” Biomedical Campus, but also across focus on: staff to become a department within Professor Tavaré said: “It is an other research disciplines, particularly l Basic research into the cellular and the School of Clinical Medicine. honour to be chosen to direct in the Biological and Physical molecular biology of cancer Cancer Research UK will continue to the Institute after its move to the Sciences. l Research in molecular imaging, core-fund the Institute, in addition to University. The Cambridge Institute Since it was formally opened genomics, bioinformatics and providing significant grant funding looks forward to working with Cancer by the Queen in February 2007, computational biology to other departments within the Research UK and the University to the Cambridge Institute – one of l Translational research on specific University. uncover more of cancer’s secrets.” five CRUK institutes in the UK – cancer sites has established an international l Clinical investigations including reputation for academic and experimental medicine-based research excellence, building on clinical studies and trials. strong scientific and clinical links Cancer Research UK transferred with Cambridge University Hospitals the assets of the Institute – both NHS Foundation Trust, and across equipment and the lease on the

NWC: approval given for phase one

The Regent House, the University’s have towards the continuing success governing body, has given formal of Cambridge and the wider region.” approval for the first phase of the Phase one includes approximately North West Cambridge development. 530 homes for qualifying University Pro-Vice-Chancellor for and College staff, 450 homes for sale, Institutional Affairs Jeremy Sanders accommodation for 300 students, welcomed the decision. “The North a local centre with community West Cambridge development facilities, and substantial landscaping is a major part of the University’s and public space. There will be long-term future, providing much enhanced connections to and within of the residential and research the local area. accommodation that the University It is estimated to cost £281 million, needs as it grows over the next with the scheme in its entirety costing 20 years. £1 billion. Work will start later in “The endorsement of phase one 2013 with the first buildings due for by the Regent House illustrates the completion in late 2015. commitment that members from For more information, visit www. across the University and Colleges nwcambridge.co.uk

lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter | 3 what’s new

Reaching out to people in care

Young people who grew up in care are hugely under- represented in higher education. It’s an issue the University is working to redress through taster days for potential students, foster carers and social workers

This spring the University is is fun, interactive and academically gearing up to deliver its annual challenging. Oxford and Cambridge student In 2011/12, 390 children from 35 conferences. Among the biggest local authorities took part in Realise outreach events in the UK, these events. So far this year almost 200 seminars will be held in football and more young people have been to rugby stadia, as well as race courses, Cambridge for events as diverse as and engage 10,000 students and astronomical observation, enzyme teachers. analysis and understanding the But large-scale national forums science of risk. are not the only way in which the To give an authentic taste of University fulfils its commitment to university, each Realise event identifying and recruiting the very includes at least one session led best future undergraduates. by a current Cambridge academic. “For some, a Realise Above: a young person taking part in one This half-term, two carefully October’s Arts and Humanities Day of the Realise events for children in care focused events will be taking place introduced students to Archaeology event can be the first in Cambridge for a group that is and Anthropology, Philosophy, and time they meet another up by a student on October’s Science hugely under-represented in higher Experimental Psychology. “I study and Environment Day. The last thing education. Young people in care, love. I’m happy about that,” said Dr young person in care he said to me before getting on the their foster carers, social workers and Alex Kolgan, from the Department of who wants to aim for train was: ‘Thank you so much, you education advocates will come to Psychology, describing his work on have all changed my life and I’ll never Cambridge for a taste of university the biology and psychology of human university” forget today’.” life through the collegiate University’s kindness. Tom Levinson, If academic commitments allow, Realise programme. Asked why he wanted to Head of Widening a current undergraduate from a care The University was awarded get involved with Realise, Dr Participation background will also join the day and the Buttle UK Quality Mark in 2010 Kolgan explained: “Our childhood share some of their own story. in recognition of its commitment experiences play such a massive role information” about university life. Tom Levinson, Head of Widening to supporting applicants and in determining our futures. This may Sam, currently reading History Participation, who coordinates the undergraduates who have experience be especially true for individuals who at Lucy Cavendish, volunteers Realise programme for the University, of the care system. face difficulties in childhood and need regularly on Realise events. “Part said: “For some, a Realise event can The Realise programme was extra help early on to find their path. of my role is to meet the students be the first time they meet another launched two years ago as a specific “Realise events such as the Arts at the station in the morning and young person in care who wants to initiative within the University’s and Humanities Day allow us to begin escort them throughout the day, aim for university. For others, the fact widening participation (WP) work to level the playing field ever so answering any questions they may that one of our students can stand to encourage young people in care gently. We won’t solve the problem have. It’s very rewarding to see the in front of them and say, ‘I had 30 to regard higher education as an in one day, but we can provide some shy groups of the morning develop foster placements before I was 16 but achievable goal. opportunity for these young people into lively, motivated students whose I made it to Cambridge’ gives them a Coordinated by a member of to see a different path.” perceptions of not only Cambridge, sense of possibility. the WP team in the Cambridge The events are well supported but also opportunities out there for “We wouldn’t be able to offer such Admissions Office, undergraduates, by current undergraduates. Their them, have been transformed. a broad and inspiring programme academics and University staff give participation is valued by the young “The success of these days and the without the support of the colleges their time to ensure that each event students as a source of “the real reason I work on them were summed and departments,” Tom adds.

4 | lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter what’s new

at the Large Hadron Collider; and Pharmacology. There’s also a series Science Festival returns science journalist Tim Radford hosts of talks aimed at older teens and a panel discussion on the future adults called ThinkCon at the McCrum of energy. Lecture Theatre. with hands-on fun This year the festival welcomes Elsewhere, 2012 guest director actor Benedict Cumberbatch as guest Robin Ince returns with his follow-up director – someone who, in his own show to Happiness through science words, has kept an amateur interest with a look at Charles Darwin and wilkinson in science alive through his work: the American theoretical physicist paul “As an actor who has researched Richard Feynman on 17 March, with a playing Stephen Hawking, Joseph second Saturday of science talks and Hooker, Werner Heisenberg, and both events on 23 March centred around Frankenstein and his creation, I’ve the West Cambridge site. long had a passion for all fields of Details of all events can be found science,” he said. at the Science Festival website at Family activities have always www.cam.ac.uk/sciencefestival. been central to the popularity of the If you would like to volunteer at Science Festival. This year many of the the Science Festival email Sue Long at events for children are on Science on [email protected] Saturday on 16 March. Listen to BBC Radio 2 Drivetime host and children’s author Simon Mayo talk about his Dr Pete Wothers is one of the many academics appearing at the festival books Itch and Itch Rocks. Get to grips with fascinating experiments at the how to book The 2013 Science Festival opens on winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize for Department of Zoology in Crash, ➔ Online: www.cam.ac.uk/ 11 March, offering staff, students, city Physiology or Medicine, will discuss bang, squelch! Or brace yourself sciencefestival residents and visitors an opportunity his research and the future of cell for an exposition on nasal defence ➔ Phone: (01223)7667666 to discover and take part in scientific replacement; Professors Andy Parker in Why snot? at the Department of ➔ Email: [email protected] activity at the University. and Val Gibson of the Cavendish A quick glance through the Laboratory will talk about a new programme reveals some exciting chapter in particle physics following highlights: Professor John Gurdon, the ground-breaking experiments

UAS success recognised

More than 100 people gathered The winners – both individual to celebrate individual and team and teams – came under four values. successes across the UAS at the first They were: UAS Employee Recognition Awards. l ‘We deliver an effective and The event, held last December in high-quality service’: Mike Sinclair the Combination Room of the Old (Finance Division); the International Schools, brought together people Student Team (Academic Division) from a range of teams and Divisions, l ‘We collaborate and work in including those who were nominated partnership’: Felicity Webster for recognition, their colleagues and (Finance Division); the Admissions partners. and Data Services Team (Academic Sue Davis, Childcare Services Division) Manager, compered for the evening, l ‘We are open, responsive and introducing Pro-Vice-Chancellor for innovative’: Diane Ingham (Estate Institutional Affairs Professor Jeremy Management); the MISD Services Sanders and the Registrary Development Team Dr Jonathan Nicholls. l ‘We respect others and value Both Professor Sanders and Dr diversity’: Alan Baldock (Estate Nicholls congratulated everyone Management); the Childcare present for their hard work and Office Playscheme Team (Human excellent service to the University. Resources Division).

lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter | 5 feature The virtual Chopin

One of the greatest composers of the 19th century, Fryderyk Chopin, had an irrepressible creative imagination, and his music experienced continual evolution as a result. Now, a new online resource is bringing the many versions of his compositions together in one place, opening up new possibilities for performers, listeners and researchers alike

Lovers of classical music reading options from which to choose. “For Chopin there was no definitive this will know that it is unusual to go John Rink, Professor of Musical version: he continually changed his mind,” to a piano recital and not hear a piece Performance Studies at Cambridge, is Rink says. “We might identify a particular by Fryderyk Chopin. More than 200 director of a project that is transforming source as representing his conception years after his birth, Chopin is not only a the way in which we understand of the music at a given moment, but household name, but also probably the Chopin’s work by bringing this the next day he might well have heard, most enduring composer of his age. compositional cornucopia together played or notated it differently. We For some, this comes down to the in one place. Launched in 2005 with therefore need to understand his music ineffable beauty, subtlety and technical funding from the Andrew W Mellon as existing in a state of flux; a process refinement of the music he wrote. Foundation, the Online Chopin involving not only the composer but also Others point to the fact that unlike many Variorum Edition (http://www.ocve. all those who later come into contact Romantic composers Chopin rarely tried org.uk) is still under development, but with it – including performers, listeners, to convey a specific message or story eventually will provide digital images editors, critics and so on.” through his music. Publishing under of all the available primary sources of “We need to Contemporary evidence confirms neutral titles that gave little away, he Chopin’s music – whether sketches, understand that Chopin’s genius was restless and preferred to leave interpretation to the complete manuscripts (both Chopin’s boundless, in that he continually modified listener. The result is that, even today, and those of copyists), first editions, or Chopin’s music his work on paper while correcting errors, audiences tend to find something later impressions. Thousands of pages as existing in a refining the notation, or indulging in uniquely personal in each piece. from these documents are already other creative possibilities. To minimise Yet while listeners can simply sit back available, and the entire site is free of state of flux – a the risk of piracy, he also published and enjoy the music, the obscurity of charge. Users anywhere in the world process involving separate editions in France, England Chopin’s intentions makes understanding can explore, compare and combine and the German states, usually leading his work a challenge for anyone elements from the great composer’s not only the to the release of three distinct versions seeking to get closer to the composer music, comment on it as they go, and composer but of his music, which might be altered yet himself. Chopin is both fascinating and ultimately construct their own version again – either by Chopin or his publishers frustrating in this respect, because he of the Chopin work to an extent that also those who – when a given print run sold out and a rarely left behind just one version of his has never before been possible. later came into new impression was required. Even his compositions. More often, there are three, Purists might call that sacrilege, but contact with it” rare, sensational public performances four, five or more – any number of which Rink believes that it is very much in the were a creative act: according to one of might be an ‘authoritative’ representation spirit of what Chopin wanted. In fact, he Professor John Rink his piano tuners, Chopin never played his of how he wanted the piece to sound. describes as “indefensible” the notion own music the same way twice, instead Listeners, performers and researchers that a given version of Chopin was varying his approach to suit the occasion. alike may find this liberating, but also necessarily what the composer would The numerous variants that he pencilled bewildering because there are so many have intended for all time. into the scores of his students hint at the

6 | lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter rance F de

nationale

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improvisatory character of his playing. second version is more imposing than its Above left: Professor John the music as they work their way through Rink can point to numerous examples understated counterpart. Rink, in a film about Chopin it. They can keep these annotations to already available through the Variorum Rink believes that despite this that will appear shortly on the themselves, or share them with others. University’s YouTube channel that prove just how flexible the Chopin seemingly limitless variety, Chopin’s Above right: the Online Chopin Despite the growing significance of work is. The C minor Prelude Op. 28 No. music should not be altered capriciously. Variorum Edition provides digital media in the arts and humanities, 20, for example, is a controversial piece “To make a musically sensible decision digital images of primary no musical resource quite like this has because nobody is sure what Chopin about what you put forward as a sources of Chopin’s music been attempted: the Variorum offers really wanted. Remarkably, the debate performer, you need to have sound unprecedented opportunities to compare hinges on the ending of a single bar. criteria along with the knowledge and and reconstruct Chopin’s creative process Trivial though that may seem, the music judgement that can accrue only over in a way that would not be possible sounds different depending on which time,” he says. This last point is critical: on the printed page – where even the version is played – one is brighter, the “Merely having access to the original comparison of a few bars in different other sombre. Either could be correct, sources does not in itself allow one to sources requires a large desk as well as but then again both versions might make informed, convincing decisions juggling skills. In time, Rink hopes that simply represent what Chopin wanted about how this music ‘should’ be played the Chopin Variorum might serve as a at different times. Even more striking, and understood.” model for “dynamic editions” of other perhaps, is the fact that the piece exists For this reason, the Variorum provides composers’ works. in two original versions: one nine bars more than just an archive of digitised For now, it means that, rather than long, the other thirteen. Only the latter is manuscripts and printed editions culled having Chopin’s musical legacy mediated performed today, but the former, which from dozens of international libraries for us, we can make up our minds about was not meant for publication, may and private collectors. Visitors to the how to hear or perform his works. This reflect Chopin’s earliest conception. OCVE site can browse a full index of seems to have been Chopin’s intention. In some cases users can see several the materials that have been uploaded, “Music does not exist in a single, correct layers of corrections on the page itself. select a work, then view the different version,” Rink notes. “It constantly The Second Ballade Op. 38 is a case in versions on offer. But the main feature changes over time. Chopin reminds us of point. Here, Chopin wrote two different of the Variorum is the ability to select that because he himself kept changing endings and then vacillated between and compare particular bars or passages his music. Whenever we perform or listen them; his manuscript shows the original across all the different sources for a given to it, our experience is different from the ending scribbled out and replaced with a piece, thereby revealing the music’s last. By putting his compositions into a second version, which made its way into creative history. Background information digital space, we can model and capture one of the first editions, whereas another is provided at an overview level and that evolutionary process. In doing so, we conforms to the original. Again, the effect on an in-depth, bar-by-bar basis. The breathe new life into Chopin’s music and is quite different depending on which site also works as a ‘virtual notepad’, witness for ourselves his compositional ending the pianist chooses to play, as the enabling users to jot down ideas about genius at work.”

lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter | 7 making a difference

technology); the University Library; and three large energy users ­– Plant Sciences, the Gurdon Institute and Chemistry. The object of the exercise is to find the best behavioural and technological ways of reducing energy use. “That might mean more efficient pumps and more efficient computer cooling, but also everybody being more careful about turning off lights and computers. All those things contribute,” Professor Sanders explains. “The five pilots have been chosen for their different patterns of energy use, the idea being to test experimentally ways of reducing energy consumption in those departments. The second part of ECRP’s remit is to take those successful approaches and apply them across the operational estate.” The Gurdon Institute decided to Tune in, take part because of its high energy consumption. “We use about 5m kWh of electricity a year but only occupy a 7,000m2 building,” explains its Building Facilities Manager Kathy Hilton. “The switch off Gurdon volunteered because we’re aware that we are an energy intensive building and we also have a biomedical facility. It’s The University’s first Switch Off Week runs from 18-24 February. It’s a an area that has very close environmental chance for everyone to get involved in cutting Cambridge’s carbon conditions with lots of air turnover, heating and cooling.” footprint and consider the best behavioural and technological ways The Gurdon decided to focus on of reducing energy use behaviour change for the pilot, holding a three-day exhibition in their tea room and asking staff to sign a pledge to be more energy aware. Then, between As well as being home to a world- benefits for their departments.” Staff can March and September 2012, they ran leading university, Cambridge can lay Those costs and potential benefits a competition to see which lab could claim to being the UK’s capital of cycling, are enormous, he says: “Environment get more reduce its energy use most each month. and in February a new velocipede arrives and energy are important from at least involved by The results impressed Hilton, in the city. Looking like a cross between two perspectives. The first is purely somewhat sceptical at the outset. “You a gym bike and a unicycle, it should get financial. The University’s electricity volunteering as see places lit up like Christmas trees and staff across the University talking about bill is more than £10m a year and, if a departmental wonder what the point is of saving a some very important issues. we don’t do anything, it will carry on couple of kilowatts on your computer. The Energy Bike, as it’s known, will increasing. Secondly, there’s the whole Energy But we’ve shown that little savings from tour different parts of the University question of leadership and our impact Champion or everyone make a significant difference.” during Switch Off Week. As well as being on the environment. The University has The winning lab was Professor Andrea a fun break from work, the intention is to world-class research in energy, from Environmental Brand’s. “They took it really seriously show people how hard it is to power their fundamental physics and chemistry Coordinator and transformed their whole culture,” gadgets, and to demonstrate the energy to applied engineering. We have a says Hilton. “The reductions persisted costs associated with everyday tasks. wonderful range of expertise in the after the competition ended. Looking at Taking a ride on the Energy Bike is just research area but the question is how the year-to-date, 80 per cent of the labs one way of getting involved in Switch do we apply that expertise in our own had managed to reduce their energy Off Week. Many of the events will be fun, buildings?” consumption, and the Brand lab by an but the underlying message is serious, The answer lies partly in the impressive 60 per cent overall.” says Professor Jeremy Sanders, Pro- University’s Energy and Carbon Reduction For its part of the ECRP, the Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Affairs: Project (ECRP). Launched in 2010 with Engineering Department has focused on “Switch Off Week is a great opportunity an annual budget of £2m, the ECRP is how existing building services – heating, for staff and students to understand working with five pilot departments: lighting and ventilation – are provided, the environmental and financial impact Engineering (the largest department centralising and updating key services. of their actions, to take responsibility, in the University and one with major “One example is our computer rooms,” change their behaviour and see the research and teaching interests in energy says David Green, Superintendent of the

8 | lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter Departments exist to teach, as well Photovoltaic panels as do research, and Engineering’s energy at West Cambridge roof has formed part of fourth-year and PhD student projects. Involving students in sustainability is vital says University Environmental Officer Joanna Simpson: bennett

x “Cambridge graduates are going to feli

: go on to become future business leaders and politicians, and could have a huge positive or negative impact llustrations

I on sustainability, depending on their viewpoint, when they leave university.” As well student societies with a green focus, staff and students can get involved with the Green Impact scheme. “This is the first year Cambridge has been involved. It’s a staff and student engagement programme that supports them to undertake simple actions in offices and departments. It’s structured through an online workbook and at the end of the year teams are recognised with either a bronze, silver or gold award,” Simpson explains. Staff can get more involved by volunteering as a departmental Energy Champion or Environmental Coordinator. For the past two and a half years, Web Services Manager Sarah Cater has been Environmental Coordinator at the Cambridge Judge Business School, where she’s examining how to save paper by making more material available online. Over coming months she will be documenting paper consumption and time staff spend on producing printouts, and asking users for their views. “Our cam

sir Executive MBA programme is a great example. Delegates are mostly from Engineering Workshops. “We’ve moved has shared with other departments, overseas and the programme is 100 per from having several small computer student groups and other universities. cent paperless, so it’s a great example of rooms with two or three racks of servers “We were proud of it, we wanted to fly Find out more how it can work,” says Cater. to two much larger facilities, and then the flag, but we also wanted to share Colleges also want to share best we’ve made them as efficient as possible. the knowledge of what we’ve learned ➔ Switch Off Week: practice, says Carole Birtwhistle, CRC We’re particularly proud of the work and achieved. It’s been a good academic www.admin.cam. Coordinator for the Cambridge Colleges. we’ve done to improve the energy exercise,” he explains. ac.uk/carbon/getting_ “The National Trust has developed an efficiency of the cooling in the server But saving money is only one reason involved/sow.html energy map for its properties showing rooms.” for saving energy, he believes. Leading ➔ University of the kind of technologies they have at Using evaporative cooling (or fresh by example and putting engineering Cambridge Carbon: different sites, and I’d like to introduce air) Engineering is saving £75,000 a year research into practice are important too. www.admin.cam.ac.uk/ something similar for the colleges.” Prime on its electricity bills, as well as hundreds “We’re putting photovoltaics onto one of carbon candidates for inclusion will be Jesus of tonnes of carbon, and payback time our roofs, which will put energy back into ➔ Cambridge University College’s new ground source heat pump, on the investment is just five years. The the grid using technologies developed in Environmental photovoltaic installations at Downing and improvements make a major difference to this department. We’re particularly proud Consulting Society: Homerton colleges, Churchill’s Combined the department’s performance under the of that.” www.societies.cam. Heat and Power plant, and Magdalene’s Energy Incentivisation Scheme. “At the Rather than installing commercially ac.uk/cuecs new staircase sub-metering. end of 2008/09 when the scheme came available photovoltaic units, Engineering ➔ Green Bridge: There’s a great deal going on, but in we got a bill for £35,000 because we’d is fitting panels that incorporate a www.societies.cam. a great deal more needs to be done, exceeded our target. Our computer room microinverter and thin-film technology ac.uk/greenbr/index. says Simpson: “The target in our Carbon has reversed that in one hit,” he explains. developed at Cambridge. “That means htm Management Plan is to reduce our At the time, it made Engineering’s data we can compare and contrast, push the carbon emissions by 34 per cent by centre one of the most efficient in higher boundaries a bit, which is what we’re here 2020 from a 2005 baseline. It’s a big education and beyond – lessons Green for,” Green adds. challenge.”

lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter | 9 profile

Abuzz about ecology bennett x feli

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Dr Henry Disney’s career as an Ulcerating lesions, botched Back in the 1960s, Disney was a burglaries and mysterious, blood-sucking medical entomologist at the Dermal ecologist researching flies, midges flies – Dr Henry Disney’s passion for an Leishmaniasis Research Unit in Belize, and gnats has brought him into order of winged insects has taken him employed by the Ministry of Overseas from courtrooms to tropical rainforests, Development. contact with all manner of people where his meticulous attention to “The people working in the rainforest detail has solved countless puzzles and were contracting a parasitic infection and situations, while his discovery generated a new understanding of an that formed ulcerating lesions on their of new species – and abolition of integral component of the natural world. skin,” he says. “It was my job to find out Disney graduated from the University what insect was transmitting this. It others – demonstrates the invaluable as an ecologist in 1962. Fifty years later, was an unforgettable moment when I contribution taxonomy still has to as a Senior Research Associate at the proved that the parasites in a sandfly I University Museum of Zoology, his had dissected were in fact Leishmania make to science. enduring fascination with the Diptera mexicana, the cause of the problem. – a large order of two-winged insects Within the first 100 years of medical including flies, midges and gnats – and entomology existing as a science I had scuttle flies in particular, continues to the privilege of discovering a disease- connect him with an incredible range of transmitting vector.” people and situations. Disney went on to join the overseas

10 | lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter staff of the Medical Research Council literature. I started finding new species in which he started and co-edited with as the medical entomologist at the my own garden – I became an obsessive.” colleague Dr Sarah Corbet, helping Helminthiasis Research Unit in Cameroon, With the subfamily Termitoxeniinae, thousands to undertake field studies and where he investigated black flies in whose highly aberrant females live in the make accurate identifications across a relation to river blindness, before fungus gardens of termites: “What have whole range of taxonomic groups. He returning to the UK to run the Malham been described as different species of has also published the only book ever Tarn Field Centre and natural nature scuttle fly have, in many cases, turned out devoted to scuttle flies, plus a staggering reserve in North Yorkshire. to be the same species at different stages 500 papers on this family of insects. “In Yorkshire they had done a big of their development,” says Disney. “Ninety per cent of the flies I work insect survey in the 1950s, but they “In one case, I took a sample of on are sent to me from other people,” hadn’t dealt with scuttle flies because these females – presumed to be various said Disney. “When people heard I was the taxonomy was in such a mess. The different species – from a termite nest in working on scuttle flies, they started textbooks said they were all muck- Java. I mounted the flies on microscope asking me to look at specimens they had.” breeders, but I didn’t agree. I found one slides and measured the lengths of their Through many decades of observations scuttle fly species parasitising the larvae hind femora. When I plotted a graph of at the microscope, Disney has become of a lesser fungus gnat, and another femora length against the lengths of intimately familiar with the critical preying on slug eggs. So I set out to put the developing eggs the flies contained, features of the scuttle fly, and his expert together a complete list of species for the there was a perfect correlation. These eye now enables him to identify them, nature reserve, this time including the different-sized flies were actually the and determine whether they are entirely scuttle flies.” same species, just growing. To grow, new species. That said, many scuttle flies do breed which is not usual in adult flies, it was “I greatly enjoy sorting out the in muck – or decaying organic material hypothesised that by imbibing juvenile taxonomy to help people with the to be more precise – and this includes hormones from the blood of the termites publication of novel natural history human corpses. It was their predilection “We now realise they were preventing cessation of growth data they have obtained,” he says. “For for dead bodies that led to one species that about 80 as adult flies.” example, a new species found in Trinidad being nicknamed the coffin fly. Since his In 1995, the Leverhulme Trust funded whose larvae prey on the eggs of a frog, return to the University’s Department per cent of Disney to travel to the Far East to try to and another whose larvae feed on the of Zoology, Dr Disney’s expertise has the species on unravel the uncertain and much debated pollen stores of a solitary bee in Australia. led him to be involved in high-profile taxonomy of Termitoxeniinae. “I revised At the moment I’m looking at a collection murder inquiries in which scuttle flies planet Earth the taxonomy of the Afrotropical and from ancient forests in England. I’ve have provided key evidence leading to a are actually the Oriental species. The latter enabled already got three species new to science, conviction. unknown to my Japanese collaborator Dr Munetoshi and this is from Britain, which has the “There was a case in Sussex in 1999 in Maruyama to identify species found living best documented fauna in the world.” which a man broke into an elderly lady’s science, and in the extreme south of Japan, and to Dr Disney’s work has enabled him house. He killed her and left her on the fundamental recognise a whole new genus. This led to to amass the greatest collection of floor before working through the house a publication in Entomological Science in slide-mounted scuttle flies in the world over the next few weeks, even forging taxonomic work 2011 that aroused exceptional interest, at the University Museum of Zoology. her signature on cheques to pay the bills is vital” and has just won an award from the A staggering 638 of his 1,296 named and keep up the pretence that she was Entomological Society of Japan.” species are ‘Type’ specimens, which are of still alive.” Dr Disney’s work has led to many the highest scientific importance, acting When a species of scuttle fly was important publications, including the as the universal references for classifying found on the body in the ensuing popular Naturalists’ Handbooks series, and naming species. forensic investigation, Disney was called “I’m really an ecologist who found that in. “I worked out that the fly eggs had every question comes back to taxonomy, been laid in July, which conflicted with because you keep finding things the written evidence of the date of death,” that aren’t in the literature,” he says. he says. “When I was “This proved that the offender had a graduate student been lying. In the end the whole case studying ecology at hinged on the scuttle flies.” Cambridge in 1962, I Dr Disney has also been asked to shared the common identify and comment on specimens view that taxonomy submitted for forensic examination by was something trading standards officers, commercial the Victorians did. companies under threat of litigation, and But in fact we now animal welfare officers. realise that about 80 per “I’ve abolished a lot of species and cent of the species on contradicted a lot of facts in textbooks planet Earth are actually about scuttle flies over the years,” he unknown to science, and says. “In the 1990s I got funding to pull fundamental taxonomic work is together everything that was known vital. The habits of most species on scuttle flies, and I published a key to remain unknown, so there is still a world genera, and a review of the world great deal for naturalists to explore.”

lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter | 11 people

Appointments djanogly

caroline

Dr Beverley Glover has been Mr Tim Knox will succeed Timothy Professor Didier Queloz, one of Professor Ottoline Leyser has been appointed Director of the Botanic Potts as Director of the Fitzwilliam Europe’s leading experts on planets named as the new Director of the Garden. Dr Glover will take up Museum when he takes up the post located beyond the Solar System, has Sainsbury Laboratory. the post, and the associated in April. been appointed Professor of Physics Professor Leyser, formerly Professorship of Plant Systematics Mr Knox is currently Director at the Cavendish Laboratory. Associate Director of the Laboratory and Evolution to which she has been of the Sir John Soane’s Museum in Professor Queloz said: “I and also Professor of Plant elected, in July 2013. London where he has been since am delighted to be moving to Development at the Department of Dr Glover, currently Reader in 2005. He studied History of Art at the Cambridge. It is a real honour for me Plant Sciences, said: “This is a really Evolution and Development in the Courtauld Institute of Art, and was to join a University that has been the exciting time to be a plant biologist. Department of Plant Sciences, said: appointed Assistant Curator at the home and source of inspiration to so We have an impressive array of “The Botanic Garden is a central Royal Institute of British Architects many great scientists.” tools and technologies to make and much-loved part of both the Drawings Collection in 1989, moving Extra-solar system planets, or rapid progress, and the Sainsbury University and the wider community, in 1995 to the National Trust as its exoplanets, were first detected by Laboratory will be at the forefront and I am very much looking forward Architectural Historian, becoming Professor Queloz and his colleague of a new integrative approach to to working with the Garden’s highly Head Curator in 2002. Michel Mayor in 1995. Since then, understanding biological systems.” skilled and dedicated staff to develop The Fitzwilliam Museum has more than 800 exoplanets have been Professor Leyser received her further the collections, and to ensure enjoyed record-breaking visitor discovered. BA and PhD in Genetics from the they play their full part in botanical numbers in recent years, with Professor James Stirling, Head University of Cambridge. After research and teaching.” critically lauded exhibitions including of the Department of Physics, said: postdoctoral research at Indiana Dr Glover read Plant and Vermeer’s Women and The Search for “We are delighted that Didier will University and Cambridge, she built Environmental Biology at St Andrews Immortality: Tomb Treasures of Han be joining us as a professor in the an independent research programme University before completing her PhD China drawing tens of thousands Cavendish Laboratory. We have at the University of York, where she in the molecular genetics of cellular of extra visits to these and the made a very considerable investment worked from 1994 until 2010. differentiation in the plant epidermis permanent collections. in experimental astrophysics in She was appointed a CBE in at the John Innes Centre. She came to Mr Knox said: “I am extremely recent years, including a brand new the 2009 New Year Honours list, Cambridge first as a Junior Research pleased and proud to be appointed building to house our astrophysics is a Fellow of the Royal Society, a Fellow at Queens’, before progressing the next Director of the Fitzwilliam group. Didier’s appointment will Foreign Associate of the US National from Lecturer to Reader in the Museum. open up a new strand of research Academy of Sciences and a Member Department of Plant Sciences. “The museum and the other in one of the most exciting areas of of the European Molecular Biology Professor Keith Richards, Chair collections of the University play modern astronomy, and will build Organisation. of the Botanic Garden Syndicate, an important role in the cultural on the expertise we already have Professor Sir David Baulcombe, said: “Beverley is well known to enrichment of the University, the in instrument development, star Regis Professor of Botany and everyone in the Garden, having city of Cambridge and its surrounding and planet formation, atmospheric Chair of the Sainsbury Laboratory served on the Syndicate for ten years, area – and indeed of the nation as chemistry, planetary geophysics and Management Board said: “We and has already made many highly a whole.” climatology. warmly welcome the appointment of valued contributions to its outreach Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir “It will also further cement links Professor Leyser to the Directorship programme and its integration into Leszek Borysiewicz said: “Tim Knox with our colleagues in the Institute of the Laboratory. University teaching. has a tremendous reputation as a of Astronomy and the Department “She has worked in partnership “Her own interdisciplinary museum director. He has shown at of Applied Mathematics and with inaugural Director Professor work will help to strengthen the the Soane Museum a sensitivity to Theoretical Physics, and help Elliot Meyerowitz to establish Garden’s research role and build on the legacy of the founder coupled maintain Cambridge and UK the Laboratory and recruit the relationships with the Department with a creative vision. leadership in fundamental science. founding group leaders. We look of Plant Sciences, the Sainsbury “I am delighted that he will Professor Queloz will maintain a forward to her continued work in Laboratory and the Cambridge bring these abilities to bear at part-time connection with the developing research, recruitment and Conservation Initiative.” the Fitzwilliam.” University of Geneva.” collaborations.”

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lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter | 13 prizes, awards and honours

➔ Professor Daan Frenkel, Head of ➔ Dr Eric Miska is the 2013 winner Awards the Department of Chemistry, has of the British Society for Cell Biology ➔ Dr Duncan Bell (Department of been elected an Associate Fellow Hooke Medal, awarded each year to Politics and International Studies) and of the Academy of Sciences for the an outstanding UK cell biologist who Dr Sujit Sivasundaram (Faculty of Developing World. The honour has has been working as an independent History) have won Philip Leverhulme been made in recognition of his research scientist for less than 10 years. Prizes, awarded “to outstanding outstanding contribution to science ➔ Professor Andrew Pitts of the scholars who have made a substantial and its promotion in the developing Computer Laboratory has been made a and recognised contribution to their world. The academy is an autonomous Fellow of the Association for Computing particular field of study, recognised international organisation whose mission Machinery (ACM) for his contributions at international level, and where the is to promote scientific capacity and Professor Henry Elderfield to the theory of programming language expectation is that their greatest excellence for sustainable development semantics. The ACM Fellows Program achievement is yet to come”. in the developing world. was established in 1993 to recognise and ➔ Dr John Coates was shortlisted for the ➔ Professor Stephen Hawking has honour outstanding ACM members for 2012 Wellcome Trust Book Prize for been announced as recipient of a Special their achievements in computer science The Hour Between Dog and Wolf. Fundamental Physics Award of $3m for and information technology, and for ➔ Professor Alastair Compston, his discovery of Hawking radiation from their significant contributions to the Head of the Department of Clinical black holes, and his deep contributions mission of the ACM. The ACM Fellows Neurosciences, has been elected to quantum gravity and quantum serve as distinguished colleagues to to the Institute of Medicine (IOM). aspects of the early universe. The whom the ACM and its members look for Election to the IOM is considered one Fundamental Physics Prize Foundation is guidance and leadership as the world of of the highest honours in the fields of a not-for-profit corporation established information technology evolves. health and medicine, and recognises by the Milner Foundation and dedicated Dr Robert Macfarlane ➔ Margaret Scott Robinson, individuals who have demonstrated to advancing knowledge of the universe Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at outstanding professional achievement at the deepest level by awarding annual the Cambridge Institute for Medical and commitment to service. prizes for scientific breakthroughs, as Research, has been elected to the ➔ Professor Dame Athene Donald well as communicating the excitement Fellowship of the Royal Society. has been appointed a member of the of fundamental physics to the public. ➔ Dr Chris Smith of the Naked Scientists Scientific Council, the governing body of Professor Hawking said: “I’m delighted won the Society of Biology’s 2012 Science the European Research Council. The term and honoured to receive a special Communication Award for established of office runs until the end of 2013 when prize for fundamental physics. No one researchers. The awards recognise the European Union Seventh Research undertakes research in physics with the and reward outreach work carried out Framework Programme ends. intention of winning a prize: they do so by biologists to inform, enthuse and ➔ Professor Henry Elderfield of for the joy of discovering something that engage the wider community, including the Department of Earth Sciences no one knew of before. Nevertheless, Professor Margaret Robinson schoolchildren, patients and the general has been awarded the 2013 VM prizes like these play an important public. Sue Thorn, Chair of the judging Goldschmidt Award, the premier role in giving public recognition for panel, said: “Chris works to bring medal of the Geochemical Society. The achievement in physics. They increase science to a wide audience of different award recognises major achievements the stature of physics and interest in it.” backgrounds in the UK and abroad. His in geochemistry or cosmochemistry ➔ Miss Katherine Hughes, Girton approach is always innovative and makes consisting of either a single outstanding Fellow in Veterinary Medicine, has science appealing to new audiences.” contribution or a series of publications been awarded the Royal College of ➔ Dr Marcella Sutcliffe was awarded that have had great influence on Pathologists’ Gold Research Medal the 2012 Scouloudi Historical Award for the field. Professor Elderfield is for her entry covering the specialty her forthcoming monograph Victorian acknowledged for his wide-ranging of veterinary pathology. The medal is Radicals and Italian Democrats: a Long contributions to marine geochemistry awarded for the best original research Connection, which will be published and paleoclimatology. The award undertaken across the College’s various Dr Rowan Williams within the Royal Historical Society’s will be presented at the Goldschmidt specialties and published between 30 Studies in History series. Dr Sutcliffe Conference in Florence in August. June and 1 July. works in the Faculty of History as AHRC ➔ Professor David Ford, Founder and ➔ Dr Robert Macfarlane (Faculty of postdoctoral research associate on Director of the Cambridge Interfaith English) is to chair the judging panel the project Active Citizenship, Public Programme, has been honoured with of the 2013 Man Booker Prize. Fellow Engagement and the Humanities: the the Coventry International Prize for judges are biographer and critic Robert Victorian Model. Peace and Reconciliation. The peace Douglas-Fairhurst, author, broadcaster ➔ Professor David Watkin, Emeritus prize is an annual accolade that was and classicist Natalie Haynes, writer Professor of the History of Architecture, relaunched in 2010 to commemorate and critic Stuart Kelly, and broadcaster has been announced as the winner of the 70th anniversary of the Coventry Martha Kearney. The longlist of the Henry Hope Reed Award for 2013. Blitz. It honours initiatives, organisations, authors will be announced in July The award is given by the University individuals or projects that have made this year, followed by the shortlist in of Notre Dame to an individual who an exemplary contribution in the areas of early September. The winner will be has supported traditional and classical peace, reconciliation and campaigns for announced at an awards ceremony at architecture through writing, planning social and environmental wellbeing. London’s Guildhall on 15 October. and promotion.

14 | lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter prizes, awards and honours

➔ Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, has been New Year Honours for Cambridge academics made a life peer. He takes the title Baron Williams of Oystermouth in Three Cambridge academics were by this award. Along with other the City and County of Swansea. Lord named in the New Year Honours list. scholars, I’ve devoted a lot of my life Williams was admitted as Master of Professor Frank Kelly, Master of to the study of past women writers Magdalene in January during a short Christ’s, is awarded a CBE for services who were largely ignored when I ceremony witnessed by Fellows, junior to mathematical sciences; Professor began, so I’m delighted that this members and staff of the College. He Mary Beard of Newnham receives aspect of my professional career said: “I am delighted and honoured to an OBE for services to classical has been honoured. I’m also glad be joining the College as Master. My scholarship, and Professor Janet that the award has come while I’m first priority is to get to know this richly Todd, President of Lucy Cavendish, President of Lucy Cavendish. We’ve varied community, and to work with its an OBE for services to higher just celebrated the 40th anniversary members to keep the College a place of education and literary scholarship. Professor Janet Todd of women’s entry into Cambridge warmth and cooperation, challenge and Speaking after the announcement men’s colleges but, although great excellence.” Professor Beard said: “This is strides have been made, equality ➔ Three academics from the Department delightful and flattering. While I of opportunity still has not been of Engineering have been awarded am not sure I believe in the British achieved, and I believe there remains fellowships of the Institute of Electrical Empire, I do believe in Classics, and a place for women’s institutions”. and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). They so long as people can get any kind Also honoured were Cambridge are Professors John Robertson (Solid of award for services to classical businessman Dr David Cleevely, State Electronics and Nanoscale Science scholarship, I’m over the moon. Founding Director of the Centre for Group), Phil Woodland (Machine Whatever I’ve been able to do for Science and Policy, who is awarded Intelligence Laboratory) and Nick Classics over 25 years has been with a CBE for services to technology Kingsbury (Signal Processing and the amazing collaboration of all my and innovation, and Sherry Coutu, Communications Group). The IEEE is the mates in the Classics Faculty. It’s an Professor Frank Kelly the angel investor who sits on the world’s largest professional association unrivalled place to study Classics and University’s Finance Committee, dedicated to advancing technological I’ve been very lucky to be here.” who is awarded a CBE for services to innovation and excellence for the benefit Professor Todd said: “I am pleased entrepreneurship. of humanity.

lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter | 15 back page

and become endemic, and sometimes they don’t.” Dr Mitchell now plans to extend The worm that his research even further back in time, focusing on the wider Fertile Crescent – a region that stretches from Jordan to turned east Iran. Some of the earliest civilisations developed here as long as 10,000 years ago. The contents of Crusader latrines are helping researchers “There are theoretical arguments that when our ancestors were hunter probe the history of parasite infections in humans gatherers perhaps they had fewer parasites because they kept moving. Once they settled and lived in the When the crusaders of the Order of continue to have, upon our evolution,” same places, did that make them more St John first built a 35-latrine toilet explains Mitchell. predisposed to reinfecting themselves complex in the medieval city of Acre, Viewed collectively, the Crusades were with their parasitic diseases?” they could scarcely have considered that arguably the greatest migration event His new research will trace the researchers would be sifting through its that took place in medieval Europe. In history of parasitic infections in contents 900 years later. Yet the 13th- the 12th and 13th centuries, hundreds the Middle East century latrine soil is providing another of thousands of Europeans travelled to from 9,000 BC chapter in understanding the long the eastern Mediterranean on military until Roman history of our relationship with intestinal campaigns, pilgrimage and trade. times, and will ask parasites. “The Crusades are often blamed for such fundamental questions Biological anthropologist Dr the spread of disease during the medieval as: when did intestinal parasites first Piers Mitchell of the Department of period,” says Dr Mitchell. “But only limited become common in humans? Did the Archaeology and Anthropology has research has investigated which diseases introduction of farming practices such been extracting sediment derived might have been spread, in which as irrigation expose people to new from decomposed faecal material and direction, eastwards or westwards, and species of parasite? And even, what analysing it under the microscope. Long what impact this may have had upon the impact did the invention of the humble after the many types of parasite have endemic patterns of disease.” toilet seat have on public health? perished, their tenancy in the intestine of their human host can be deduced by the Latrine analysis “Migrations of the presence of their eggs, now hundreds or When Dr Mitchell analysed the crusader even thousands of years old. latrines, he was able to identify the past can move There is a growing body of research eggs of roundworm, whipworm, beef/ diseases around worldwide that attests to the fact that pork tapeworm, dysentery and fish parasitic worms have been uninvited tapeworm. The latter is of particular the planet” guests of the human intestine for interest. “Fish tapeworm is found millennia. It’s a relationship that is still as in northern Europe where it strong as ever: today, 740 million people infects humans when they in the tropics have human hookworm eat salted, smoked or according to estimates by the World dried fish: it’s not found in Health Organization. the Middle East, probably One aspect that has captured the because the environment attention of researchers is the ability to doesn’t seem to support the trace ancient human migrations through lifecycle of the worm,” he explains. the parasites they took with them – “We were able to confirm that for instance, the sequential waves of the parasite was not there before peopling of the Americas has been timed the Crusades. We believe through the hookworms the migrants the crusaders brought took with them from Asia. the parasite with them Such research also provides an when they travelled to the opportunity to look back to when and eastern Mediterranean with fish how parasites came to cause disease tapeworms in their intestines. This in humans. is a great example of how migrations in “We can then understand what impact the past can move diseases around the these infections have had, and will planet. Sometimes they take hold there

16 | lent term 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Newsletter