Learning Discovery Enterprise CONTENTS

Introduction 1 Mission, vision & values 2 Education & the student experience 4 Research 9 Students 15 Staff 18 The engaged University 22 Estate development 24 Information technology & libraries 27 Alumni distinctions & honorary degrees 29 Philanthropy 31

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

Cover: ‘Follow Me’ by Jeppe Hein, a public sculpture in Royal Fort Gardens bristol.ac.uk 2008/09 commissioned as part of the University’s centenary celebrations THE YEAR IN PICTURES

August Milk: a potted history A paper published in Nature by Professor Richard Evershed in the School of Chemistry describes how his analysis of early Neolithic pottery vessels from south-eastern Europe, Anatolia and the Levant suggests that humans were processing and using milk in the seventh millennium BC – over 2,000 years earlier than previously thought.

September Bristol scientists in tiny collisions COUNCIL MEMBERS The largest scientific experiment in the world – the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland – was launched, with scientists from the Department of playing key roles in its construction and the interpretation of the data resulting Lay members (19) Written and produced by from the measurement of tiny particles as they collide. It is hoped that the findings Mr James Wadsworth – Treasurer Public Relations Office will fill in some major gaps in our understanding of the laws of nature. Cllr Royston Griffey – Bristol City Council Communications and Marketing Services August September October Mr Denis Burn – Society of Merchant Venturers Senate House October Dating in caves Mr Stuart Goldsmith – Convocation Tyndall Avenue A team from the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology returned from an expedition to the Cantabria and Asturias regions of Spain where they took Bristol BS8 1TH samples from over 20 prehistoric painted caves. This three-year, Natural Elected by Court Environment Research Council-funded project uses a new method, based Mrs Alison Bernays (Vice-Chairman) Photography on the radioactive decay of uranium, to determine the age of the paintings. Mr John Bramhall Front cover: Jamie Woodley Mr Chris Curling November Students rough it for charity Other photographs supplied by members Around 20 Bristol undergraduates swapped their warm beds for sleeping bags, Mr Colin Green of University staff and students, and cardboard boxes and freezing temperatures for one night. The students spent Mr James Foulds (Chairman) by Tamany Baker, Bristol Evening Post the night in the Students’ Union car park to raise money for the Bristol homeless Mrs Dinah Moore (p30), Fotohaus (p25, p26 bottom), charity, the Julian Trust. Mr Bob Morton Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (Year in Mr George Morton pictures: December image), Jason December Bristol makes TIME’s Top 10 Mr David Ord The stem-cell research carried out by Professors Anthony Hollander and Martin Ingram, William King, Dave Pratt, Birchall (see p9) appeared in TIME magazine’s Top 10 medical breakthroughs Mrs Cindy Peck Sheppard Robson Architects (p26 top), and scientific discoveries of 2008. Three other research projects with Bristol Mr Tim Ross Nick Smith involvement also made the list: the Large Hadron Collider (see September); Ms Anne Stephenson NASA’s Phoenix probe mission to Mars (Professor David Catling in the Department of Earth Sciences); and the discovery by Dr Alastair Pike and November December January Mr Tim Stevenson Design colleagues of the earliest evidence of a nuclear family (see p9). Mrs Cathy Waithe www.pelotondesign.co.uk Mr James Wetz 100 treasures unveiled online January Print and reproduction The Cobden Book of Hours was among 100 treasures from the University University members (10) Library’s Special Collections to feature in an online exhibition of some of the Portishead Press. This publication is rarest and most interesting items held at the University, organised as part of the Professor Eric Thomas – Vice-Chancellor printed on Revive Pure White Offset, celebrations of the centenary of the granting of the University’s Royal Charter. Professor David Clarke – Deputy a 100% recycled paper stock using Vice-Chancellor vegetable/mineral oil-based, February Bristol’s brains go to work Professor Malcolm Anderson – environmentally friendly inks. Local pupils took part in a series of interactive workshops, hosted by Bristol Pro Vice-Chancellor University neuroscientists to help the children discover more about the science of the brain by creating brain-based works of art. The children’s work was displayed at Professor Avril Waterman-Pearson – At-Bristol during Brain Awareness Week in March (see p22). Pro Vice-Chancellor

March ChemLabS sets new record Elected members of the Bristol ChemLabS, one of the University’s two Centres for Excellence in Teaching academic staff and Learning (CETLs; the other is AIMS – Applied and Integrated Medical Professor Paula Booth Sciences), had a record month for chemistry outreach activities, clocking up almost 1,000 face-to-face engagements as far apart as South Africa, France, February March April Professor Rosemary Deem Spain and Italy. Dr Stephen Lyne Dr David Newbold Accessibility April Naturalist/broadcaster visits Langford If you need all or part Sir David Attenborough visited the Department of Clinical Veterinary Science at Elected members of the Langford to open the new, £3.9 million Animal Welfare and Behaviour Building of this publication in an (see p24). non-academic staff Mr Robert Massie accessible format (eg in May Centenary garden unveiled Mr Tony Macdonald Braille, in larger print or Historian Sir Roy Strong opened the University’s new centenary garden, situated in on tape), please contact the grounds of the Wills Memorial Building and designed by Bristol alumna Anne Students (3) de Verteuil. the Public Relations Office Mr Tobin Webb – President of the on 0117 928 8895. June Nature on display Students’ Union Biodiversity Jenga was one of the many attractions presented by University staff Ms Ruth Jackson – Vice-President and students as part of the 2009 Festival of Nature, organised by the Bristol of the Students’ Union Natural History Consortium, on Bristol’s Harbourside. Vacancy

July Debut for whiskered robot Researchers from the Bristol Robotics Lab (a partnership between the University May June July of Bristol and the University of the West of England) and the unveiled the SCRATCHbot, a robot with sensory whiskers that marks a milestone in a pan-European project to develop biologically inspired artificial intelligence systems. 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

INTRODUCTION

This review of 2008/09, which complements It has been a year of challenge as well as our formal Annual Report and Financial celebration. The University’s outstanding Statements for that year, helps to account performance in the 2008 Research for the ’s overwhelmingly Assessment Exercise has had favourable positive reputation within and beyond the financial consequences, but the severe higher education sector. The achievements pressures on the public sector, combined of the students and the range and quality with the global economic downturn, have of the work undertaken by academic and created uncertainties that are likely to support staff are truly inspiring. Council, the prove persistent. Bristol is at least as governing body, is proud to play its part in well placed as other leading universities to ensuring that the University continues to be come through these difficult times in good renowned for high standards and academic shape, but there is no disguising the fact success, and to deliver invaluable benefits that Council – and, indeed, the whole to individuals and to society at large. University – will have to navigate some inhospitable waters. Throughout 2009, the University has been celebrating the hundredth anniversary of The objective is to maintain the University’s the granting of its Royal Charter. What academic trajectory and to keep investing better year than the centenary to refresh in the estate, but to do so in a prudent the institution’s overarching Vision and and sustainable manner. That way, the Strategy? Doing so has been a stimulating University will not merely survive the exercise; the outcome, which you can see current economic turbulence but continue in full at www.bristol.ac.uk/university/vision/, to achieve national and international is that the University is clearer about its distinction as a leading centre for future direction, its priorities and how best education, research and enterprise. to pursue them.

Eric Thomas Jim Foulds Top: Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Chairman, University Council Below: Jim Foulds, Chairman, University Council

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MISSION, VISION & VALUES TITLE HERE

Through its Royal Charter granted in 1909, the University of Bristol is committed to ‘the promotion of Arts, Sciences and Learning’. In its centenary year, the University restated its mission, together with its vision and values. These are set out below. They also appear at the start of the University’s new Vision and Strategy for 2009-16. This Review of the Year, together with the associated Annual Report and Financial Statements, charts progress in 2008/09 against the Vision and Strategy.

MISSION To pursue and share knowledge and understanding, both for their own sake and to help individuals and society fulfil their potential.

VISION The University of Bristol is an international powerhouse of learning, discovery and enterprise. Its vision is of a university whose excellence is acknowledged locally, nationally and globally and that is:

• dedicated to academic achievement • an inclusive and collaborative community of • engaged with society’s interests, across a broad range of disciplines, and to scholarship that attracts and retains people concerns, priorities and aspirations continuous innovation and improvement with outstanding talent and potential from • a major contributor culturally, • research-intensive, supporting both all walks of life and all parts of the world environmentally and economically individual scholarship and interdisciplinary • a stimulating and supportive environment to Bristol and the South West or thematic research of the highest quality for all students and staff, distinguished • well led and responsibly run, with an • a centre for intellectually demanding, by a commitment to high standards, emphasis on consultative decision-making research-informed education that nurtures respect for the individual and a strong and open communication as well as independence of mind and helps students sense of collegiality personal responsibility and accountability. achieve their personal goals and serve • committed to operating in a society’s needs, both during and after sustainable manner their time here

VALUES Our mission and vision are underpinned by these values:

Truth Responsibility Transparency We seek and are inspired by truth, which we We aim to make a positive difference to the We want to be accountable for our pursue for its own sake wider world and the future decisions and actions Excellence Independence Diversity We strive for the highest quality in all we do We encourage independent thinking and We view the diversity of our staff, students cherish academic and institutional autonomy and alumni as a great asset Innovation We welcome the challenge of the new and Collaboration Equity value the creative and entrepreneurial We are committed to teamwork and to We believe in the equitable treatment of all partnership with others Ambition We have high aspirations for the University Right: The winning entry, by Timo Kunkel in the Department of Computer Science, in a competition to design a centenary banner for and all its staff, students and alumni display on the wall of the Physics Building

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EDUCATION & THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

The University recognises the academic potential of students as a resource precious to the The Office works in partnership with Pastoral care: Student Counselling individuals concerned, to their communities and to society at large. Its extensive investment schools, other higher education institutions, Service and the Multifaith Chaplaincy Connexions, the Learning and Skills Council, The moral, spiritual and personal welfare of in teaching and learning facilities, in training of staff, in widening participation and in the government’s Aimhigher programme, students is a concern shared throughout the technological innovation reflects the centrality to the University’s mission of helping every further education colleges and the voluntary network of student support services, which and community sector to raise aspirations includes the Student Counselling Service student to fulfil his or her potential. and attainment with a view to increasing the and the Multifaith Chaplaincy. numbers of people from under-represented The Student Counselling Service is staffed groups attending and succeeding at by a team of professionally trained and The University’s priorities Audit and survey: grounds for confidence Centre’s Dr Paddy Ladd and colleagues university. The Office’s busy programme widely experienced counsellors accustomed in this area are to: The results of an institutional audit of the introduced the Deafhood concept (now includes taster days and residential summer to helping people from many backgrounds University by the Quality Assurance Agency adopted globally) to reflect the enormous schools to give young people an insight into and cultures. Counselling is available free • attract and retain academically for Higher Education in April 2009 expressed changes in Deaf and hearing communities university life; school visits and mentoring of to all students at the University, including gifted and highly motivated ‘confidence’ in Bristol’s academic standards over the past 30 years. The course includes pupils by student volunteers; and specialist on-site counselling at Langford. In response students from a wide range of and in the value of a Bristol degree. units on Deaf history, sign language literature masterclasses to help raise pupils’ to an escalation in the number of students backgrounds, creating a diverse and folklore, sign linguistics and Deaf culture. attainment in specific subjects. and international University It was also encouraging to note that some requesting counselling in 2008/09, the departments improved their National In 2008/09, widening participation Service extended its evening opening hours community; Bristol to offer 75 new Student Survey scores over the past year. events included: and appointed a new receptionist. It also Humanities studentships • provide an education of The Education Support Unit, along with joined forces with the Staff Counselling The Arts and Humanities Research Council • Aimhigher-funded activities involving 57 other divisions of Support Services, is Service and the Access Unit to provide the highest quality that is research- (AHRC) has awarded the University £2.6 local schools and colleges, during which committed to working with academic workshops on managing students in led and focused on the needs and million to support postgraduate studentships the University worked with around 5,000 departments and the Students’ Union distress and crisis, available to all sectors expectations of our students; in Arts and in Social Sciences and Law. young people and 1,500 parents; to ensure that the student experience at of the University. The funds, which will come to Bristol under • ensure students have a fulfilling, Bristol is as good as it can be within the • outreach work targeted at mature the AHRC’s new Block Grant Partnership The Multifaith Chaplaincy maintains an demanding and intellectually resources available. students, young people and their parents, scheme, will provide 75 studentships over active role in the spiritual and social welfare stimulating experience while at teachers and careers advisers, totalling the next five years. of the University community. There are Student residences some 9,000 people via schemes such as University, that prepares them currently 17 University chaplains, all In 2008/09, the University continued to Access to Bristol, the Sutton Trust and for employment and worldwide Fundraising professionals to train at Bristol appointed by faith communities in Bristol, develop its residential strategy. This is aimed higher education summer schools, and opportunities when they leave; Bristol is one of 12 UK universities to and the Multifaith Chaplaincy Centre offers a at ensuring that halls of residence and other events in schools and colleges throughout offer a new, three-year graduate trainee range of quiet rooms and social spaces. In • provide effective and enabling University homes offer students a choice of the region. programme aimed at increasing the 2008/09, events organised by the Multifaith educational leadership and high-quality, affordable places to live with number of fundraising professionals working The profile of the student body has proved Chaplaincy included a lecture by Mona Top: Undergraduates at Manor Hall, one of the University’s halls structures that support educational good facilities for living and learning, better of residence in higher education. The programme is resistant to change, with the proportion Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic Studies and transport links and improved safety and Bottom: Dr Mike Barton, Senior Lecturer in Microelectronics, enhancement; funded by CASE (Council for Advancement of students from low-participation areas Public Understanding at Glasgow University, with a postgraduate student in the Dynamics Laboratory, Faculty security. The strategy is not only about of Engineering and Support of Education) Europe and and from social classes 4 to 7 remaining on Christian-Muslim relations (arranged as • ensure that learning takes place prioritising further capital investments in the the Higher Education Funding Council stubbornly low at around 5.5 and 14.9 per part of the University’s centenary lecture within a high-quality environment residential estate, necessary though these for England. cent respectively. The University cannot series) and the annual thanksgiving service that enables both students will be; it is also about how to achieve address this challenge alone, but it will for those who bequeath their bodies to the and staff to achieve their full residential communities that work for Widening participation continue to play a full part, both in the Department of Anatomy. academic potential. students – communities that support The Widening Participation Office exists to interests of fairness and in order to gain students’ education as well as their social encourage and support people who have the benefits of having a student body that and welfare needs. Over the past year there the ability, motivation and potential to thrive is uniformly strong in terms of academic has been widespread consultation and debate at university, but who come from groups ability and potential but more diverse in about these and related issues. The emerging that are currently under-represented in terms of background and experience. strategy will be far stronger as a result. higher education. These include people from certain minority ethnic groups, those with Master’s degree in Deafhood Studies – disabilities, ‘mature’ candidates (people over another first for Bristol the age of 25) and those from families who The University’s Centre for Deaf Studies has have little or no history of going to university. launched the world’s first Master’s degree in Deafhood Studies, only five years after the

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EDUCATION & THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE CONTINUED TITLE HERE

Teaching prizes Rising Star Awards Engagement Awards In January, the University held its annual For staff who have been teaching in higher Recognising staff whose work in public Learning and Teaching Exhibition and education for less than five years and who engagement has been exceptional awarded prizes to members of academic show excellent potential through the quality and/or innovative. and support staff across the University in of analysis and practice in teaching. Lois Bibbings recognition of their efforts in supporting Dr Emma Hornby (School of Law) and the Widening the student learning experience. The event, Department of Music Participation Office Meriton Law organised by the Education Support Enrichment programme Unit, included an exhibition of innovative Dr David Drury learning and teaching practice from Electrical and Electronic Engineering Professor Jon Keating, Chrystal across the faculties, short talks on recent Cherniwchan and Azita Ghassemi Dr Emma Robinson developments in learning and teaching, and (Department of Mathematics) Department of Physiology and Pharmacology a keynote presentation by Dr Nick Harris, Mathematical Ethnographies project a British Council-appointed UK Bologna Dr Andy Salmon Dr Caroline McKinnon Expert, on the implications of the Bologna Clinical Science at North Bristol (Department of Biochemistry) Process for higher education. Dr David Leslie Science Alive! initiative in Biochemistry During the evening, the 2008 awards Department of Mathematics Dr Linda Sellou (School of Chemistry) were presented to the following people: Dr Jo Haynes Bristol ChemLabS outreach programme Department of Sociology Teaching and Learning Prizes Tom Sperlinger (Department of English) Awarded to members of staff who show BA in English Literature and Community Awards Recognising Support for the characteristics of an excellent teacher. Engagement programme Teaching and Learning Tricha Passes Recognising outstanding contributions to e-Learning Awards Department of History of Art education by members of support staff. Recognising innovative and effective use Dr Martin Lings Paula Coonerty of e-learning in the delivery of programmes Department of Civil Engineering Arts Faculty Office and the support of staff and students. Dr Lynda Moore Dr Evan Jones Dr Martin Homer Department of Clinical Veterinary Science Department of Historical Studies Department of Engineering Mathematics Dr Angela Hague Anne Thorpe, Gina Stuart, Dr Dominic O’Sullivan Department of Oral and Dental Science Martin Baker and Phil Wade Department of Oral and Dental Science Faculty of Engineering Dr Andrew Blythe Dr Colin Western Community-based Medicine Ruth Batterham School of Chemistry Department of Biochemistry Dr Sean Collins Gervas Huxley Department of Mathematics Deborah Hawkings Department of Economics Department of Social Medicine Dr Tony Hoare School of Geographical Sciences Melanie Stodell Community-based Medicine Elisabeth Lazarus Graduate School of Education Dr Tim Obey and Dr Tom Podesta Chemistry Janet Woolway-Allen Department of Experimental Psychology Kes O’Donnell Social Sciences and Law Faculty Office

Right: Postgraduates on the staircase inside the Wills Memorial Building

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EDUCATION & THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE CONTINUED RESEARCH

Statistics and commentary Research at Bristol includes much that is of public benefit. The University’s activity is engaged in the fullest sense: engaged with urgent issues such as disease, climate change, Financial support to students Bursaries Scholarships Hardship funds The University can provide financial support to students £m £m £m energy, social justice, natural resources and the welfare of the individual; engaged with the in the form of bursaries, scholarships and discretionary Undergraduate 2.4 0.2 0.3 assistance from hardship funds. In 2008/09, the Postgraduate 0.1 2.0 0.1 cultural life and history of nations and communities across the world; engaged with the future University disbursed the following amounts in these kinds of financial support: Total 2.5 2.2 0.4 of technology and science and the development of innovations in medicine, nanotechnology, , composite materials, stem-cell engineering and other emerging fields. Total student numbers 2008/09 Undergraduate Postgraduate taught Postgraduate research Total Arts 2,774 (83.81%) 248 (7.49%) 288 (8.70%) 3,310 The University’s priorities Strong showing for Bristol in Research Adult stem-cell breakthrough Science 2,950 (81.16%) 87 (2.39%) 598 (16.45%) 3,635 in this area are to: Assessment Exercise Academics from Bristol played a key role in a Engineering 1,584 (67.84%) 424 (18.16%) 327 (14.0%) 2,335 The results of the 2008 Research breakthrough in stem-cell research that was Medical and Veterinary Sciences 1,414 (81.59%) 62 (3.58%) 257 (14.83%) 1,733 • be recognised globally for the Assessment Exercise (RAE), an independent announced in November 2008. Professor Medicine and Dentistry 1,658 (71.50%) 468 (20.18%) 193 (8.32%) 2,319 quality of our research; assessment of the quality of research in UK Anthony Hollander from the Department of Social Sciences and Law 2,583 (53.68%) 1,501 (31.19%) 728 (15.13%) 4,812 universities, confirmed the University of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Professor Year total 12,963 (71.45%) 2,790 (15.38%) 2,391 (13.18%) 18,144 • create a positive research environment and infrastructure Bristol as a world leader in research. Martin Birchall from Clinical Science at South Bristol were part of a pan-European team Total student numbers 2007/08 that will attract and retain the The RAE, a rigorous exercise carried out Undergraduate Postgraduate taught Postgraduate research Total that achieved a breakthrough in tissue highest quality researchers and on behalf of the higher education funding Arts 2,644 (84.28%) 271 (8.64%) 222 (7.08%) 3,137 engineering using adult stem cells, leading bodies, helped the Higher Education Funding Science 2,876 (80.95%) 78 (2.20%) 599 (16.86%) 3,553 postgraduate students worldwide; to a life-saving transplant operation. A young Council for England to determine how more Engineering 1,555 (69.61%) 384 (17.19%) 295 (13.21%) 2,234 woman’s diseased trachea was replaced by • develop our portfolio of flagship than £1.5 billion in research funding would Medical and Veterinary Sciences 1,473 (83.65%) 61 (3.46%) 227 (12.89%) 1,761 a length of cartilage grown from the patient’s and high-impact research, working be allocated annually. Over 90 per cent of Medicine and Dentistry 1,613 (69.89%) 524 (22.70%) 171 (7.41%) 2,308 own stem cells in Professor Birchall’s lab, and across and between disciplines eligible staff at Bristol were included in the Social Sciences and Law 2,355 (50.46%) 1,729 (37.05%) 583 (12.49%) 4,667 matured into cartilage cells using an adapted to answer important societal University’s RAE submission – thought to be Year total 12,516 (70.87%) 3,047 (17.25%) 2,097 (11.87%) 17,660 method originally devised by Professor questions and contribute to the one of the highest percentages in the sector. Hollander for treating osteoarthritis. The Number of degrees awarded social, political, environmental and Over 61 per cent of the research work operation was performed in June 2008 in 2008/09 2007/08 economic well-being of the region, Undergraduate 3,471 3,309 assessed in 48 research fields at Bristol was Barcelona by Professor Paolo Macchiarini the UK and the wider world; Postgraduate taught 1,810 1,749 awarded either the top 4* rating, defined of the University of Barcelona. as ‘world leading’, or the 3* rating, classed Postgraduate research 409 408 • seek, manage and provide The breakthrough gained global media as ‘internationally excellent’. The quality of professional support for strategic coverage, and by April 2009 Professor Bristol’s research in geography emerged relationships and alliances with key Hollander had raised over £1.6 million to Graduate destinations Graduate destinations 2008 as first equal with Cambridge in the UK. Every year, new graduates are asked to complete a questionnaire concerning their Full-time paid work 51.0% national and international partners – fund trials, including the first human study, employment or study status. The resulting figures enable the University to build a Part-time paid work 5.3% business and industry, the public Epidemiology and public health, health of the pioneering ‘cell bandage’ technology, year-on-year picture of the destinations of its graduates. Voluntary/unpaid work 1.8% sector, user communities, sponsors services research, chemistry, mathematics, which aims to save thousands of patients As might be expected, the most significant labour market trend during 2008/09 was the Work and further study 7.5% of research and policy-makers; drama, mechanical engineering, economics, from the type of knee surgery that currently economic downturn and its impact on students and graduates – and on the level of Further study 22.0% accounting and finance, aeronautical leads to premature osteoarthritis. The trials employer activity on campus. The number of vacancies registered with the University’s • play a leading intellectual role in Careers Service fell by an unprecedented 33 per cent compared with the previous year. Assumed to be unemployed 5.4% engineering and sports-related studies are will be conducted by the spin-out company Not available for employment 4.9% enterprise, knowledge exchange among other research areas in which the he co-founded, Azellon Cell Therapeutics. In response to these conditions, and to student concern, the Careers Service Other 0.7% implemented a series of measures: and economic and social impact University achieved particular distinction. Explicit refusal 1.4% Found: world’s earliest nuclear family • running a programme of ‘Job hunting in a recession’ workshops for current students; agendas, and continue to be a Bristol’s faculties of Science and Engineering Graduate destinations 2007 An international team including Dr Alistair • staying open throughout the summer to meet the increased demand from beacon of good practice and performed exceptionally well, but there were recent graduates; Full-time paid work 53.4% Pike, Head of Archaeology at Bristol, and leader of innovation in the city areas of outstanding research performance • enhancing provision for Bristol graduates, including more access to online vacancies; Part-time paid work 4.3% PhD student Hylke de Jong, has uncovered and region; across all six faculties. • running short courses for unemployed graduates and professionals in the region Voluntary/unpaid work 1.3% the earliest evidence of a nuclear family, through Jobcentre Plus; Work and further study 8.8% • develop a sustainable portfolio of Taking into account the 2* rating – defined dating back to the Stone Age. A 4,600-year- • offering a telephone helpline for graduates. Further study 20.8% research informed by evidence- as ‘recognised internationally’ – as well as old grave excavated at Eulau in Germany At the same time, the University approved a new Employability Strategy, reorganising Assumed to be unemployed 4.0% based leadership, management the 3* and 4* ones, nearly 93 per cent of contained a female, a male and two the Careers Service to offer broader support to academic departments, introducing a Not available for employment 4.4% new Bristol Plus Award recognising extra-curricular achievement by students and and administration and supported research at Bristol was deemed to be of children, buried facing each other – an establishing a new, accredited, commercial-awareness module. Other 1.0% by high standards of governance. international standard. unusual practice in Neolithic culture. Explicit refusal 1.8%

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RESEARCH CONTINUED

Using state-of-the-art genetics and isotope and concludes that the precariousness of Bristol chemists make liquid protein experiments, practise the techniques and Socio-legal Studies in the School of Law, techniques, the researchers established employment is not a natural consequence Chemists at Bristol have created the first make mistakes – all before they tackle the and FRANK Water, a locally based social- that the group consisted of a mother, father of the new global economy but is known example of a liquid protein, opening real thing. enterprise company, to study and improve and their two sons. This provides the oldest manufactured, emanating from neoliberal up the possibility of a number of medical the delivery of FRANK’s support of molecular genetic evidence in the world of policy that advocated greater exposure and industrial applications. Interdisciplinary work community-run clean water projects in a nuclear family and fills in an important gap of the economy to market forces and Interdisciplinarity, currently a buzzword in India and Africa. Professor Stephen Mann and Dr Adam in our knowledge of human social evolution. encouraged extraordinary levels of academia, has for some time been a major Perriman, along with Helmut Cölfen of the financial speculation, consumer debt component of the University’s research Bristol Neuroscience Max Planck Institute for Colloid and Quantum cryptography sets new and over-production. strategy, with many instances of Bristol Neuroscience (BN) is a focal point for Interface Research in Germany, made a standard in ‘unbreakable’ encryption collaboration across disciplines that have the University’s neuroscience community. It Professor Doogan explains that the book, liquid form of the iron-storage protein, A Bristol team led by John Rarity, Professor already yielded concrete, highly beneficial enables neuroscientists working at separate which has received huge critical acclaim ferritin, by modifying its surface. The of Optical Communication Systems in the outcomes (see, for example, the work on sites to make full use of the expertise and around the world, ‘aims both to counter resulting highly concentrated protein could Department of Electrical and Electronic breast cancer screening, p10). At the facilities within the University and its partner despair and to contribute to the restoration pave the way for a new generation of Engineering, is one of the partners in a organisational level, the University has hospitals and to create opportunities for of rationality in the management of protein-based pharmaceuticals, sensors, Europe-wide project to establish a secure invested heavily in establishing a number collaboration across disciplines. BN’s economic affairs’. coolants and lubricants. communications network using quantum of new centres and networks to make the co-ordinator, Dr Anne Cooke, also organises cryptography. The network was demonstrated walls between disciplines more permeable, public lectures and other events. Breast cancer screening transformed DVD sheds new, detailed light for the first time in October 2008 in Vienna. and to create opportunities for imaginative by radio waves on Jacobean theatre BN is affiliated to the Institute for Advanced collaboration between disparate researchers. The encryption process uses quantum A revolutionary new technique for breast Professor Martin White and colleagues in Studies, has close links with the local Here are just a couple of examples. cryptography to generate and distribute cancer screening, which has been in the Department of Drama: Theatre, Film, NHS Trusts and works in partnership with ‘keys’ that encrypt confidential development at the University for several Television have made a major contribution to the Cardiff Neurosciences Centre via the Institute for Advanced Studies communications with the highest level of years, began trials at North Bristol NHS our understanding of theatre history, with a Bristol-Cardiff Neuroscience Collaboration. The University’s Institute for Advanced security ever achieved. Potential users of Trust in November 2008. DVD reconstruction of a candlelit Jacobean This latter initiative has established Young Studies (IAS) promotes and encourages this network include government agencies, playhouse. The Chamber of Demonstrations Neuroscientists’ Day, a highly successful Alan Preece, Emeritus Professor in Medical interdisciplinary research at Bristol, facilitates financial institutions or companies with (an outcome of a project funded by the Arts networking event for early-career UK Physics at Clinical Science at South Bristol, visits by distinguished international scholars distributed subsidiaries. and Humanities Research Council) features neuroscientists. Autumn 2008 saw the has been collaborating with Professor Ian and creates conditions for collaboration and high-definition (HD), multi-angle footage of second of these annual events, hosted by Craddock from the Department of Electrical the generation of ideas that otherwise might Work transformed: new study scenes from The Duchess of Malfi, The Cardiff University and featuring workshops, and Electronic Engineering to develop a not see the light of day. Its programme of earns plaudits Changeling and other works, performed mini-symposia and a plenary lecture by breast-imaging machine that uses radar. fellowships, Benjamin Meaker Visiting An acclaimed new book by Kevin Doogan, by classical actors in costumes from Dr Sarah-Jayne Blakemore from University Their prototype adapts the pioneering work Professorships, workshops and other Jean Monnet Professor in the School for Shakespeare’s Globe. The DVD, produced College London. of Bristol’s Professor Ralph Benjamin on events forms the framework for a vigorous Policy Studies, examines the undercurrents by Ignition Films, includes a wealth of landmine detection. It produces a detailed, Top: A still from the Chamber of Demonstrations (see p11) and lively culture of discussion and Among many illustrations of the fertile of the new global economy and challenges Bottom: Professors Alan Preece (left) and Ian Craddock with their supporting material on 17th-century English 3D image of the breast in less time – and exchange between individuals, disciplines environment fostered by BN is a recent conventional thinking about the causes breast cancer screening prototype drama practice and is one of the first HD with much greater comfort for the patient – and institutions. discovery by three scientists from different of the current economic crisis. New DVDs to be created specifically as an than either a mammogram or an MRI scan. departments that suggests a new approach Capitalism? The Transformation of Work academic research and teaching tool. A notable instance of the work of the IAS to the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). looks at the modern economic landscape It is hoped that the new technique, is its hosting of the Water and Health Professor David Wynick in the Henry through the lens of the labour market, developed with funding from the Virtual chemical labs bring safety Research Centre (WHRC), an interdisciplinary Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative examining themes such as globalisation, Engineering and Physical Sciences to school science partnership between all six University Neuroscience and Endocrinology, who technological change, and the pension Research Council and the trustees of Learning Science Ltd, a start-up company faculties that provides a research focus works on the function of a neuropeptide and demographic time-bombs. University Hospitals Bristol, will prove based in the University’s SETsquared for over 30 academic staff in 13 different called galanin in the relief of neuropathic successful enough to be commercialised via Business Acceleration Centre, has launched departments. The largest WHRC project Professor Doogan takes issue with the pain, wanted to investigate whether galanin Micrima Ltd, a University spin-out company. a groundbreaking chemistry e-learning tool is AQUATEST, an international programme prevailing view that the more precarious might play a role in the treatment of MS. developed at Bristol. The LabSkills Schools (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates world of so-called ‘new capitalism’ is the A BN symposium provided the opportunity Dynamic Lab Manual (www.labskills.co.uk), Foundation) to develop and distribute an result of rapid technological change, the to discuss his ideas and propose a the result of a collaboration between easy-to-use, low-cost device for testing mobility of multinational capital and the collaboration with David Wraith, Professor Bristol ChemLabS and teachers from water quality in developing countries. In privatisation of the welfare state. His book of Experimental Pathology in the Department Southampton, Bristol, Leicester and Sheffield, 2008/09, other WHRC projects making includes a comprehensive analysis of of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and allows trainee chemistry teachers and significant headway included a collaboration developments in Europe and North America, Neil Scolding, Burden Professor of Clinical their pupils to watch or carry out ‘virtual’ between Bronwen Morgan, Professor of Neurosciences in Clinical Science at North

10 11 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

RESEARCH CONTINUED

Bristol. Their tests showed that mice bred Supporting research to produce high levels of galanin were Staff in Research and Enterprise completely resistant to an MS-like Development (RED) work with University disease called experimental autoimmune colleagues, students and external partners encephalomyelitis. This and other results to support world-class research and provide powerful insights into how MS might enterprise, and to develop a sustainable be treated in humans. portfolio of activities that strengthen and underpin the University’s research base. AN EYE TO The RED team provides training and advice on entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer BRITAIN’S FUTURE and the exploitation of research and expertise. RED also holds the annual The University recognises its New Enterprise Competition, which is responsibility to help improve the future judged and sponsored by local government of the UK population – our health, our and national businesses. infrastructures, our preparedness for new challenges. In December 2008, as SETsquared part of a £250-million initiative to create RED manages the University’s SETsquared 44 training centres across the UK, the Business Acceleration Centre, part of Engineering and Physical Sciences the SETsquared Partnership, which Research Council announced funding also includes the universities of Bath, of over £24 million for four new centres Southampton and Surrey and is now the at Bristol that will train the scientists and UK’s largest enterprise collective, with some engineers needed for Britain’s future: 6,500 researchers. The Centre draws on The Advanced Composites Centre in-house expertise and a wide network for Innovation and Science of seasoned entrepreneurs, investment (based in the Department of advisers, professional services firms and Aerospace Engineering) academics to provide support for emerging technology companies, accelerate growth The Doctoral Training Centre in and pre-empt the common pitfalls of Functional Nanomaterials technology businesses. The Centre was (based in the new Centre for named ‘Established Business Incubator of Nanoscience and Quantum Information) the Year 2008’ by the UKBI, the professional Top: Professor David Wynick (see p11) Bottom: The first cohort of students in the Holistic Doctoral The Holistic Doctoral Training Centre body for the business incubation industry. Training Centre for Chemical Synthesis for Chemical Synthesis It was reported late in 2008 that 12 of the (based in the School of Chemistry) companies in the University’s SETsquared The Industrial Doctorate Centre Business Incubator had between them in Systems raised over £23 million in the Centre’s (based in the Faculty of Engineering) busiest year since its inception in 2002. The Centre’s 37 early-stage, high-tech, high-growth businesses together increased turnover by 20 per cent to over £6 million and increased headcount by 66 per cent to 175 people.

Left: Professor Bronwen Morgan (left) and PhD student Sarika Seshadri, who are helping FRANK Water to develop its support of clean water projects in India and Africa (see p11)

12 13 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

RESEARCH CONTINUED STUDENTS

New Enterprise Competition Education is at the heart of the student experience, but university life should also offer GRANTS The winner of the 2009 New Enterprise outstanding opportunities for social, vocational, intellectual and personal development. Competition was Jennifer Griffiths, a fourth- The University attracted a total of or ill patients. The ultimate aim is to find year student in the Department of Computer £102 million in grants during 2008/09. ways of enhancing the body’s healing The University is proud of its students and works tirelessly to provide an environment, Science, for Snap-Fashion, a new website This included the following: capacity and reducing chronic inflammation. a set of support structures and a range of opportunities that will enable students to excel that uses a number of image processing techniques to provide a ‘pictorial search £1.5 million in Doctoral Training Grants €1 million from the European Space in every aspect of their lives at Bristol and to make their university career a genuinely engine’ for fashion items. The prize included from the Biotechnology and Biological Agency to a team including members of transformative experience. £15,000 plus six months’ managed office Sciences Research Council to the Faculty the Department of Aerospace Engineering space at the Bristol SETsquared Business of Medical and Veterinary Sciences for the working on the design of a reusable space Acceleration Centre and free legal advice training of postgraduates. plane, the SKYLON, that can take off from The University’s priorities Student Community Action and RAG a conventional aircraft runway, carry over from Bristol law firm Osborne Clarke. A European Research Council Advanced in this area are to: Student Community Action (SCA), a 12 tonnes into orbit and return to land on volunteering organisation in the Students’ The joint runners-up were: Grant of €2.4 million over five years to the same runway. • ensure a fair and transparent Union with over 1,000 members, provides • Srilakshmi Sharma, a member of staff Professor Steve Sparks in the Department system of student representation opportunities and training for student in the Department of Ophthalmology, of Earth Sciences for a study of volcanoes £0.6 million from the Economic and Social that provides students with the and their environmental and social impact. Research Council to Dr Maurizio Marinelli volunteers working in support of community for Selo, a low-cost device that increases opportunity to shape their (Centre for East Asian Studies), Professor projects. A Volunteer Development Co- the efficiency of eye injections to treat £1.1 million from the Medical Research Robert Bickers (Department of Historical educational and extra-curricular ordinator, initially funded by the Higher macular degeneration, a major cause Council for a study led by Chris Salisbury, Studies) and Professor Nikki Cooper (a experience; Education Funding Council for England of blindness, potentially saving the Professor of Primary Health Care, to improve former Bristol academic now at Swansea through its Teaching Quality and NHS some £50 million per year; access to physiotherapy in the NHS. • support a vibrant, active and University) for a three-year research project Enhancement Fund, organises and • Engineering Mathematics undergraduate democratic Students’ Union; oversees training and development Over €2 million in the form of a five-year on colonial Chinese history, focusing on Edward Matos for Shamba Technologies, European Research Council Advanced the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin. • ensure the provision of learning and programmes for the students involved. a social enterprise that will distribute Grant to Jeremy Henley, Professor skills opportunities that enhance SCA ran 33 projects between August 2008 biodigester technology among the rural £1.7 million from the Biotechnology and of Molecular Neuroscience in the students’ future employability; and July 2009. Each project is run by one poor of developing countries, introducing Biological Sciences Research Council Department of Anatomy, for a study of or two student volunteer co-ordinators; a fuel source derived from livestock to a team including Keith Edwards, • offer a rewarding extra-curricular Above: A Panda Club outing to a local ice rink brain proteins entitled ‘Mechanisms and regular volunteer numbers vary but 2008/09 excrement – a cleaner alternative to Professor of Cereal Functional Genomics experience that provides for consequences of synaptic SUMOylation saw a total of 2,365 volunteers working on • The Big Give, which organises collections the firewood that causes disease and and Dr Gary Barker, Research Fellow in the in health and disease’. students’ health, well-being and SCA projects. The 29 training programmes of left-over food and objects from halls death for thousands every year through School of Biological Sciences (along with personal development; for volunteers were attended by some of residence and student houses at the smoke inhalation. £1.2 million over three years from the researchers at the University of Liverpool end of the academic year and donates Biotechnology and Biological Sciences and the John Innes Centre) to carry out • provide advice and support for 1,080 people. The 2009 competition entries were judged them to local homeless shelters and Research Council to David Murphy, an extensive genetic analysis of the wheat students’ personal welfare and SCA projects include: by a panel of experts from the sponsoring charities (see p26); Professor of Experimental Medicine in the genome, with a view to increasing disease ensure effective integration into the • Greenforce, a conservation group that organisations, including Bristol City Council, Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative resistance, quality and yield. University and local community. has recently begun working with bodies • Breast Cancer Awareness, which provides Business Link, Deloitte, EADS, Edwards, Neuroscience and Endocrinology, and such as the British Trust for Conservation workshops and presentations for students Ginko Investments, IP Group, North Bristol Funding of €1.0 million from the Professor Julian Paton in the Department of Volunteers and the Avon Wildlife Trust and members of the local community NHS Trust, Osborne Clarke, Santander and energy company E.ON to Dr Neil Fox Physiology and Pharmacology, for studies (via its School Grounds Project), and was about breast health. Wyvern Seed Fund. from the School of Chemistry and the of gene expression and hypothalamic involved in a project to build a green space Department of Physics for a project to RAG activities in 2008/09 encountered an plasticity in response to dehydration. for the Totterdown community in Bristol; exploit solar heat to produce electricity uncertain economic climate but still raised An EC grant of nearly €11 million to an using devices called thermionic energy • Door to Store, a free service offering a total of £94,000. Over 5,000 student international consortium, including Paolo converters. Dr Fox is developing special transport to supermarkets for elderly volunteers were involved in RAG fundraising Madeddu, Professor of Experimental electrodes for these converters using people that has teamed up with the events and activities, including regular street Cardiovascluar Medicine at the Bristol nanoparticles of industrial diamond powder, Bristol charity Dial-A-Ride to reduce collections, an art exhibition, a ‘Massage-a- Heart Institute, that seeks to understand which is low-cost and readily available. costs and organisational load, also thon’ (in which the Massage Society the molecular mechanisms that impair enabling volunteers to gain experience provided ten volunteers to give massages wound-healing and organ repair in ageing in Dial-A-Ride’s offices; for donations), a Soccathon (involving 15 football teams), a 10km race, and the • Panda Club, in which volunteers take annual RAG Ball, which raised over £8,000. five- to 11-year-olds from disadvantaged areas on outings and trips;

14 15 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

STUDENTS CONTINUED

Engineering entrepreneur takes flight Rare publishing achievement for STUDENT AWARDS AND PRIZES George Mills, a student in the Department Earth Sciences undergraduate Bristol students win SET Awards Bristol engineers ride high as of Mechanical Engineering, was one of only A fourth-year student in the Department of Two Bristol students were winners of the role models 11 students in the UK to be awarded a Earth Sciences achieved the rare distinction prestigious 2008 Science, Engineering Five engineering students were selected place on the prestigious Flying Start Global of having his work accepted for publication and Technology (SET) Student of the Year by the Royal Academy of Engineering as Entrepreneurs programme. The scheme, in a major scientific journal while still an Awards, organised by the World Leadership ‘inspirational role models to the next made possible by a collaboration between undergraduate. Felix Marx’s paper, ‘Marine Forum. Philip Ewels from the Department of generation of engineers’. Graham Hinchly the UK’s National Council for Graduate mammals through time – when less is more Biochemistry won the AstraZeneca Award (Mechanical Engineering), Peter Levi and Entrepreneurship and the Ewing Marion in studying palaeodiversity’, was published for the Best Biology or Biotechnology Tom Mynors (Civil Engineering), Edward Kauffman Foundation in the US, includes in Proceedings of the Royal Society. His Student, and Niall Oswald from the Thompson (Aeronautical Engineering) mentoring from some of America’s leading paper offers new insights into the fossil Department of Electronic Engineering and Richard van Arkel (Engineering entrepreneurs. Mills spent the first six record of whales, seals and sea cows. won the e2v Award for the Best Electronic Mathematics) competed against 150 months of his fellowship developing his Engineering Student. students from other UK universities to win technology-based business idea within the national Royal Academy of Engineering Research and Enterprise Development Medical student wins Penguin Prize Leadership Advanced Awards. These (RED) at Bristol, followed by six months in Sethina Adjarewa, a British-Ghanaian awards allow engineering undergraduates the US as a Kauffman Global Scholar at fourth-year student in the Faculty of with aspirations to leadership roles to leading universities such as Harvard, MIT Medicine and Dentistry, was one of the undertake an accelerated personal and Stanford. winners of the 2008 decibel Penguin Prize, development programme. awarded by Penguin and Arts Council Bristol’s genetic engineers beat England for accounts by writers with a Fulbright Award for Chemistry postgrad the world’s best mixed-heritage background of their Mike Shaw, a PhD student in the School An interdisciplinary team of Bristol students experiences. Her piece is published by of Chemistry, gained a prestigious triumphed over 83 other teams, including Penguin in The Map of Me, the third Fulbright Commission Distinguished some from the best universities in the world, annual anthology of decibel winners. Scholarship Award in June to pursue his in a prestigious competition to genetically work on the synthesis of anti-cancer engineer a machine. The Bristol Centre for Chemistry student shines agents at the Scripps Research Institute in Complexity Sciences team comprised nine Liam Ball, a final-year MSci undergraduate California, the world’s largest independent, students from departments including in the School of Chemistry, was awarded non-profit biomedical research facility. It Biology, Biochemistry and Engineering a 2009 Graduate Prize – one of only five – is hoped that his work, which attempts to Mathematics, working together on their by the Salters’ Institute, which supports synthesise a rare molecule found only in entry for the competition at MIT, in which teams were given a set of ‘bio-bricks’ (or Top: The Bristol Centre for Complexity Sciences team chemistry teaching, encourages young Japanese Sea Squirts, will lead to the Bottom: Earth Sciences student Felix Marx people to pursue careers in the UK development of powerful new clinical DNA parts) with which to engineer biological Top: Georgie Twigg (left) and Philippa Newton with their AYOF systems and test them in living cells. chemical industries and promotes medicines to fight cancer. gold medals chemical education. Bottom: Niall Oswald (left) receives his SET award from Keith The Bristol team designed microscopic Attwood, CEO of e2v Sport ‘Bacto-builders’ that could perform tasks Bristol student wins 2009 Medics score victories in fencing Josh Hill from the School of Medicine won such as removing toxins from drinking GHS Essay Prize and powerlifting in the British Junior (Under 23) Powerlifting water, and investigated the possibility of Three postgraduate students in the Three members of the University’s High championships – and also broke the combining large numbers of E.coli bacteria Department of Archaeology and Performance Squad won events at British record (Under 100 kg category), to push particles around – a feat considered Anthropology took top honours in the 2009 national level in the latter part of 2008. lifting a total weight of 835 kg. virtually impossible until recent developments Garden History Society (GHS) Essay Prize. Francesco Egro from the School of in complexity sciences. Having created a Judith Preston won the prize for her essay Future Olympians win gold Medicine and Naomi Taylor from the Dental mathematical model and simulation software, ‘Thomas Wright: A polymath in Arcadia’, Undergraduates Georgie Twigg and School represented England in the 5 they tested it on Blue Crystal, the University’s while Janet Davidson Carter and Helen Philippa Newton were part of the Great Nations fencing tournament. Egro won new supercomputer. It was for this that they Lawrence were highly commended for their Britain Women’s Hockey Team that both foil and sabre events, and Taylor won the Best Model prize. essays on Birkenhead Park and Thomas won gold medals in the 2009 Australian won the épée event. Archer respectively. Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF), while neuroscience student Emily Cousins won the Gold Medal for Equestrian Dressage.

16 17 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

STAFF

The University of Bristol is committed to ensuring that it has the right people in place to achieve practitioners from leading UK research- its vision and mission in an increasingly competitive international market for the best intensive universities meet to discuss and influence strategic and policy development, academic talent. It also needs outstanding people across the broad range of support roles. share best practice and respond to national Personnel activities in 2008/09 focused above all on the organisation’s aim of providing a issues relating to equality and diversity; • developing networks for disabled staff and stimulating, supportive working environment where staff can achieve their full potential, while Positive Working Environment (PWE) initiative, black and minority ethnic staff; individuals’ and departments’ achievements over the course of the year are evidence of their which aims to make working life productive, rewarding and enjoyable for all staff. • expanding the successful Mentoring Circles model for women in the faculties contribution to the success of the University. The PWE agenda, which encompasses staff of Science, Engineering, Medical and counselling, career advice and healthy living Veterinary Sciences, and Medicine opportunities, has led to a reduction in Integrated recruitment policy • establish an overview of where change and Dentistry; The University’s priorities in this absenteeism and sick leave, increased The University recognises that staff is happening and how much impact it is area are to: institutional loyalty and improved staff well- • launching a process of equality risk recruitment is a strategically important having in order to minimise bottle-necks being. Ann Mroz, editor of Times Higher assessment across the whole • recruit and retain first-class talent; activity that needs to be undertaken and encourage collaborative working. Education, said: ‘This holistic approach to organisation, whereby decision-makers professionally with the full engagement of all • foster a high-achieving workforce Perhaps the most significant change human resources management has produced are encouraged to consider the impact those involved. In 2008/09, it agreed a fresh that is competent, committed, programme initiated in 2008/09 was brilliant results. The fact that other institutions of any existing or proposed policy on approach to the recruitment of academic creative and capable of managing Support Process Review. A new vision for the have enlisted the services of the University of people from diverse backgrounds and staff, which will be implemented in the and responding positively to change; University’s support services was adopted Bristol’s HR consultancy proves that this is an circumstances in an effort to ensure that coming year. The new policy aims to provide as the basis for an effort to transform the initiative that could have far-reaching effects.’ such policies are inclusive. More than 30 • develop a culture and an an effective platform to face the challenges efficiency, consistency, resilience and cost- policies and 14 capital projects have been of the modern recruitment landscape while Bristol also won an award from City of Bristol environment that motivates and effectiveness of the structures and processes subject to this process so far; upholding the University’s commitment to College for its Modern Apprenticeship enables people to make an that underpin the academic endeavour. The ensuring equality, diversity and transparency Scheme, provided by Personnel Services • working with academic colleagues to excellent contribution. cost pressures on the University (which have throughout the organisation. and Staff Development. In addition, two better support Deaf and disabled parallels across the higher education sector) apprentices working at the University won students. An annex on disability equality The emphasis is on robust selection criteria have increased the urgency of this project, Apprenticeship of the Year Awards: Charlotte was also developed for inclusion in and effective decision-making as well as and of measures to boost income. An early Wyatt, working in the Department of Anatomy, the University’s Code of Practice for on proactively representing the University retirement and voluntary severance scheme was named Business Administration the Assessment of Students on as an attractive destination for exceptionally implemented in 2008/09 was helpful in Apprentice of the Year and Steven Bush, Taught Programmes to encourage a talented people. Integral to the policy is a controlling costs, as was a ‘salary exchange’ an advanced fitter in Estates Services, won consistent approach to this element partnership approach in which Personnel programme that should save about £1 million the Best Apprentice Engineer Award. of the student experience; Top: Professor Bridget Lumb, first female Head of Department in Services works closely with the recruiting a year. However, further measures will be Physiology and Pharmacology department or faculty to co-ordinate the required in order to achieve financial • supporting the University’s commitment Bottom: Personnel Manager Christian Carter (left) receives the Equality and diversity high on the agenda Times Higher Education Outstanding Human Resource Initiative recruitment and selection process and a sustainability and allow ongoing capital to the Athena SWAN Charter, an initiative Award from satirist Rory Bremner The University’s equality and diversity smooth introduction for new staff. investment. The costs and risks associated that recognises excellence in employment strategy supports the organisation’s efforts with pension schemes are among the major in science, engineering and technology. In to attract the best employees from all walks Managing change factors that the University, in common with particular, the Department of Physiology of life and all parts of the world, improve Continuous improvement and strategic other organisations in every part of the and Pharmacology won a silver SWAN motivation and productivity and reduce staff change are a central part of life at the economy, will have to address. award in recognition of its success in turnover. Activities undertaken in 2008/09 University. In order to maintain staff recruiting and retaining women and by the Equality and Diversity team to help effectiveness during such changes, Excellence in human resources developing an innovative staff review and create a stimulating and supportive working Personnel Services established a Bristol University won the Outstanding development programme designed to environment that values difference included: Change Team in 2008/09 that aims to: Human Resource Initiative Award at the encourage more women to advance their Times Higher Education Leadership and • establishing a Work and Family Buddy careers; the University’s Equality and • support change within individual projects Management Awards 2009 ceremony. Scheme, where staff with caring Diversity Manager was invited to sit on the and programmes; The award recognises the single initiative responsibilities share their experiences national judging panel for the Athena SWAN • build change-management awareness, or innovation that has had the most positive with others; Awards; and the University featured as an understanding and capacity within impact in the field of higher education human example of best practice in several sector- • setting up a Russell Group Equality the organisation; resources. Bristol won for its exceptional wide guides for its success in recruiting, Network, where equality and diversity supporting and retaining women in science.

18 19 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

STAFF CONTINUED

Movers and shakers the support they give to vulnerable workers, • George Davey Smith, Scientific Director of conduct periodic external reviews of Many Bristol academics achieve the in partnership with voluntary and community the University’s Children of the 90s study research administration capacity and distinction of being appointed to sit on the organisations that have specific expertise in and Professor of Clinical Epidemiology in process within organisations. boards and decision-making committees of this area. This focus on vulnerable workers the Department of Social Medicine, was external organisations, which in many cases is particularly important at a time of rapidly elected a Foreign Associate of the Institute Awards and prizes enables them to contribute to shaping rising unemployment and recession. of Medicine of the National Academies in Staff continue to distinguish themselves national policy. Some examples from the the US. Professor Davey Smith is one of through the receipt of awards and prizes. Many others, such as Joe McGeehan, year are as follows: around 80 foreign associates elected by Accolades from the year include: Professor of Communications Engineering, the Institute on the basis of professional • Professor Tariq Modood of the Director of the University’s Centre for • Four Royal Society-Wolfson Research achievement and of demonstrated interest, Department of Sociology was appointed Communications Research and Managing Merit Awards, to Professor Nigel Smart concern and involvement with problems to the National Equality Panel, an Director of Toshiba’s Telecommunications in the Department of Computer Science, and critical issues that affect the health independent panel of experts that will Research Laboratory in Bristol, play an active Professor Peter Cullen in the Department of the public. The Institute of Medicine provide the government with an role in industry, helping to stimulate the in Biochemistry, Professor Richard is a non-profit organisation that provides authoritative analysis of inequality in Britain economy and enable businesses to compete Evershed in the School in Chemistry and unbiased, science-based advice and by the end of 2009. The panel will provide globally. Professor McGeehan, who is Professor Jens Marklof in the Department authoritative information on biomedical a factual analysis of how equality trends credited with pioneering many of the major of Mathematics. The awards recognise science, medicine and health to policy- have changed over the past ten years developments in mobile communications, researchers of outstanding achievement. makers, professionals and the public. and map out where gaps have narrowed was appointed a member of the South West Professor Davey Smith has pioneered the • Two Leverhulme Prizes, to Dr Harald and widened in society; investigate how Science and Industry Council (SWSIC). use of genetic studies to inform us about Helfgott and Professor Andreas Winter, people’s life chances are affected by factors SWSIC promotes greater understanding disease prevention and is a recognised both in the Department of Mathematics. such as gender, race, disability and age; of science and technology to business, international leader on research in this area and show how these factors interrelate. and raises awareness of the opportunities Elsewhere, the University’s Quantum and in social inequities in health. presented by science for the overall Photonics group won a global award for • Dr Jo-Anne Baird of the Graduate School of economic advantage of individual • Professor Jenny Donovan, Head of the innovation in the Institution of Engineering Education was appointed an independent businesses and of the region. Department of Social Medicine, was and Technology’s annual Innovation adviser by the government’s Department elected to the Fellowship of the Academy Engineering Awards. The team, led by for Children, Schools and Families to give Fellowships and professional appointments of Medical Sciences, which promotes Professor Jeremy O’Brien, Professorial advice to an expert group on future Many members of staff represent the advances in medical science and Research Fellow in Physics and Electrical assessment and accountability systems for University through prestigious Fellowships campaigns to ensure these are converted Engineering, and including Alberto Politi, primary and secondary schools. Part of the and membership of professional into healthcare benefits for society. Dr Martin Cryan, Professor John Rarity group’s remit was to examine government organisations as leaders in their field. and Dr Siyuan Yu, won the award for the proposals for the introduction of a new • Judith Squires, Professor of Political 2008/09 saw the following influential development of silicon chips for optical School Report Card, designed to give Top: Mike Ashfold, FRS, Professor of Physical Chemistry Theory and incoming Dean of the appointments, among others: Bottom: Jon Keating, FRS, Professor of Mathematical Physics quantum technologies. parents a new, simpler and more Faculty of Social Sciences and Law comprehensive way of understanding • Mike Ashfold, Professor of Physical (from 1 August 2009), was elected an Beth Tarleton, a research fellow at the Norah Subtext10 Autumn 2009 schools’ performance and achievements. Chemistry, and Jon Keating, Professor of Academician of the Academy of Social Fry Research Centre, received an Early Career

Mathematical Physics, achieved the rare Sciences. Academicians contribute Research Award from the International The road from Latvia • Professor David Gordon of the School A European odyssey

distinction of being elected Fellows of evidence drawn from in-depth research Association for the Scientific Study of That thinking feeling for Policy Studies and Director of the A pair of philosophers the Royal Society for scientific excellence. that has a positive impact on public policy- Intellectual Disabilities for her work with get into an argument Open wide Townsend Centre for International Poverty Accountancy’s loss is The Fellowship of the Royal Society is making and practice through knowledge parents with learning disabilities. dental health’s gain Research was appointed to the Supervisory The swimming composed of the most distinguished exchange and public engagement. detective Pulling wonders from Board of the Union Modernisation Fund Subtext, the University’s magazine, won two the wreckage scientists from the UK, other (UMF) by the Ministry of Business, • Dr David Langley, Director of the University’s medals in the 2009 Circle of Excellence Commonwealth countries and the Republic Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. The Research and Enterprise Development Awards, an international programme run by of Ireland. It is the highest accolade a UMF is a government grant scheme that division, was appointed a Distinguished the US-based Council for Advancement and scientist can receive, short of a Nobel provides financial assistance to trade unions Faculty Member of the Society of Research Support of Education. Subtext, which was Prize. These latest awards bring to 31 the to help them improve the services available Administrators International. Members are conceived as a magazine for staff but has number of current Bristol academics whose to their members. The Supervisory Board of called upon as expert consultants and developed a much wider readership, was work in the fields of science, engineering, the UMF advises government ministers on speakers to present and review professional selected for a gold medal in the Print Internal technology and medicine has been the projects that should receive financial workshops, continuing education Audience Magazines category and a silver Top: Judith Squires, Professor of Political Theory, elected honoured in this way – a remarkable total Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences support in each bidding round. The current courses and professional development medal in the Periodical Staff Writing for for a relatively small institution. Middle: Joe McGeehan, Professor of Communications Engineering, funding round aims to help unions improve programmes, and as expert researchers to Internal Audiences category. appointed a member of the South West Science and Industry Council Bottom: Subtext, the University’s award-winning magazine

20 21 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

THE ENGAGED UNIVERSITY

Public engagement at Bristol includes all the ways in which University staff and students Engaged University Forums Kathy Sykes, Professor of Sciences and interact with members of the public, encompassing talks, debates, festivals, performances, The Engaged University Steering Group, Society, was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s which oversees this area of the University’s Birthday Honours and has contributed to widening participation, research with, and driven by, communities, volunteering, lifelong work, has organised a series of forums to national strategies on science engagement learning, action research and engaged learning. The Centre for Public Engagement works enable external organisations to play a part by advising funders, government, learned in setting the institution’s engagement institutions and others. She also co-authored alongside colleagues throughout the University to support, reward and celebrate engagement strategy. Three key areas in which the city of a report on the use of dialogue and public activity. Here we cover some of the vast array of such activity that took place in 2008/09, Bristol excels – sustainability, creativity and consultation in shaping government policy. ideas, and connectivity and digital media – to the mutual benefit of the public and the University. have been identified as potential areas for Responding to community needs further engagement work. In May 2009, the The University continues to encourage Engaged University Forum on Sustainability members of staff to take part in volunteering The University’s priorities in this Involving the public This annual event, which involved more than brought together representatives from the activities in Bristol communities by awarding area are to: The University is committed to sharing its 60 Bristol neuroscientists this year, gives University (research staff, support staff and an extra day’s annual leave for the purpose. teaching expertise and research findings the public the chance to meet experts students) and from external organisations, Students, too, have always made a huge • support and promote dialogue with members of the public. One of the in the field, try their hand at interactive including Bristol City Council and the Green investment in the well-being of the local area between staff/students and ways it does this is through organising or neuroscience activities and learn about Capital Momentum Group, Sustrans, through volunteering and more details of their the public; promoting an extensive programme of free new research at Bristol; Arnolfini, Bristol Zoo, Wildscreen and the activities can be found on p15. public events. In 2008/09, these included: University of the West of England, to identify • play a leading role in setting • a series of informal ‘Twilight Talks’ held The Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health areas where the University might add value the national agenda on public • a series of lectures to celebrate the just after work where members of the is involved in a wide variety of community to current work in the sustainability arena. engagement in higher education; University’s centenary, featuring renowned public met academics to hear about and projects. Among the year’s highlights was the Outcomes included proposals to develop speakers such as Jonathan Kestenbaum respond to their latest research. Festival of School Sports and Culture. The multi-partner research bids, training for • respond positively to on innovation, Leonard Susskind on three-day event, held at the Coombe Dingle undergraduate and postgraduate students in community needs; Darwin and the cosmic landscape and Leading role for CPE Sports Complex and involving 18 Bristol sustainability-related skills and shared visions Will Hutton on the shifting global economy; The University’s Centre for Public secondary schools, aimed to celebrate sport • play a positive role in the affairs of Bristol as an eco-city. Engagement (CPE) went from strength to participation and achievement and provide of the city, region and nation; • a major exhibition of photographs of life strength in 2008/09, co-ordinating efforts to pupils with a positive experience of sport. in China at the Grant Bradley Gallery in Setting the national agenda • nurture relationships with alumni ensure that engagement is embedded in the Bedminster. The five-week Picturing China The University continues to play an active The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and other friends of the University; University’s culture. As well as organising 1870-1950 exhibition was accompanied part in the activities of the National Co- and Children is engaging further with the engagement events in partnership with • behave responsibly as an institution. by a series of evening talks about China ordinating Centre for Public Engagement local community by turning participants others, it gave presentations to departments past, present and future, a schools (NCCPE). The Centre, which is funded by from its Children of the 90s study into young and faculties throughout the year, and to outreach programme to primary and the Higher Education Funding Council for researchers themselves. It has set up a Top: Participants in the Children of the 90s study Court and Council, outlining the ways in Bottom: Brain Awareness Week secondary schools involving more than England, Research Councils UK and the Teenage Advisory Panel, which provides a which it can support academics in sharing 500 local children and a Chinese New Wellcome Trust, is working to embed public forum for the young people to contribute their work with wider audiences. It also Year celebration in conjunction with the engagement across the higher education their views on the study and inform its Excellence 2009. It was judged to be organised the University’s first Engage City Museum; sector. Its steering group is chaired by the future direction. making a strikingly positive and sustained 2009 conference, providing an opportunity Vice-Chancellor. The University’s own Centre impact on the community through its strong • a series of ‘citizen science’ activities for staff and postgraduates to hear from The University maintained its involvement for Public Engagement represents Bristol on schools outreach programme. This is the co-ordinated by researchers in the School national figures in public engagement, share in the Merchants’ Academy in Withywood, the NCCPE project group, which provides first Big Tick ever awarded to a university of Biological Sciences (during National experiences and ideas, and find out about South Bristol, which has completed its first valuable opportunities to share learning, department for outreach activities and is Science and Engineering Week and at the the range of public engagement activity at year of operation. As co-sponsor with the propose joint work and co-ordinate with also the first awarded to an educational Festival of Nature) that involved hundreds of the University. Another new initiative, aimed Society of Merchant Venturers, the University counterparts at the University of the West of programme in the chemical sciences. schoolchildren in the task of identifying and at helping staff to capture and articulate the played a significant role in the establishment England. Joint work during 2008/09 focused recording invasive moths and their pest- value of their public engagement activities, of the Academy, including its education on training for public engagement and on the controlling parasites, bringing the issue of was the creation of a public engagement strategy. Three members of staff at the research impact agenda, which asks biodiversity alive for thousands of people; stories website (www.bristol.ac.uk/ University continue to serve as governors. academics to articulate the economic and publicengagementstories). • Brain Awareness Week, hosted by Bristol societal impacts of their work. This learning Bristol ChemLabS, one of the University’s Neuroscience and supported by The will be shared across UK higher education two Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Physiological Society and the Biotechnology with a view to securing the culture change Learning, won a prestigious Big Tick award and Biological Sciences Research Council. sought by funding bodies. in Business in the Community’s Awards for

22 23 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

ESTATE DEVELOPMENT Through its estates programme, the University aims to provide consistent, high-quality services that support day-to-day operations and help staff and students achieve their goals by providing a sustainable and positive physical working environment. In 2008/09, the Estates Office continued to develop, service and manage the University estate in keeping with the institution’s high standards, with particular emphasis on the environmental performance of new and refurbished buildings.

The University’s priorities in this Bumper year for new buildings Improving existing spaces area are to: Several new buildings were completed in Several refurbishment projects came to 2008/09, boosting research and learning fruition, in keeping with the University’s aim • provide all parts of the University opportunities in a continually changing of making the most of its current assets: with flexible accommodation which academic environment: is of a quality, size and functionality • The refurbishment of the Medical Library appropriate to the activities to be • The £4.1 million extension to Canynge Hall, was completed in January at a cost of delivered and which supports the home of the Department of Social Medicine, £2.1 million (for more details, see p27). opened in September 2008. The extension, University’s vision; • The £2 million refurbishment of the ground which includes clinical examination rooms, floor of the Arts and Social Sciences teaching rooms, a lecture theatre and office • ensure the most efficient Library was completed in February (for space, greatly enhances research and use of existing space and the more details, see p27). development of capacity within teaching capacities. • The refurbishment of the fifth floor of Senate the central precinct area • The new £3.9 million Dolberry Building, House was completed in March, creating wherever appropriate; housing the Animal Welfare and Behaviour additional office space and allowing for Group at the Vet School in Langford, • continue to work to reduce carbon flexible use of the remaining accommodation opened in April 2009. Its facilities will help emissions and improve the while refurbishment continues as part of a the University build on its position as a wider project to transform the entire building. sustainability of the physical estate; world leader in animal welfare research. • Following the external restoration • provide residential accommodation • The £12 million Centre for Nanoscience and cleaning of the Wills Tower, further which is attractive to students in and Quantum Information was finished improvements included the internal form, service and location; in May 2009. The building is a unique, restoration of the building fabric, upgrading interdisciplinary centre, designed to keep • deliver an ambitious capital of ventilation and heating services and the Bristol at the forefront of research in programme in support of the provision of an internal lighting scheme for science, engineering and medicine. It the key public spaces within the tower. renewal of accommodation and houses state-of-the-art laboratories where the creation of adaptive capacity; temperature, air movement, vibration and • Improvements totalling £4 million were • provide an attractive, safe, acoustic noise levels are strictly controlled made to the Social Sciences and Law accessible and welcoming to produce conditions suitable for working Faculty complex in Priory Road. The setting for University buildings at the nanoscale. new facility links a number of disparate buildings into a coherent whole and that is sympathetic to the wider • A new, £2 million Multimedia Centre for the provides a prominent, main entranceway urban context; Faculty of Arts was completed in July 2009. with a café and social space for students. The two-storey extension greatly enhances • produce a new Estate Strategy to modern language teaching facilities and • Work began on a High Voltage Network inform future strategic decisions provides access to live European media. project designed to deliver an improved about the size, nature and direction The building comprises a teaching space, electrical services infrastructure with the of the University’s estate. areas for open access learning, a necessary capacity to support the new substantial media resource store, a small and improved facilities. This includes the recording studio and a screening room. construction of a shared power distribution sub-station with University

Right: Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum Information

24 25 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & LIBRARIES

Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, swimming pool cover that reduces the need The University’s Information Services division provides information resources and library a new switch room and two high-voltage for air and water heating and humidity services, information and communications technology (ICT) and a robust ICT infrastructure ring mains in the precinct. control. A further combined heat and power unit was installed during 2008/09, this time to support University learning and teaching, research and enterprise. Some of the division’s Go-ahead for new Biological Sciences at Langford, providing savings of £100,000 achievements and developments, undertaken during 2008/09, are outlined below. and Maths buildings and 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Planning permission was granted in April for the first phase of an exciting development Building environmental awareness The University’s priorities in this New-look libraries Helping students to find and use information of the old Children’s Hospital site on the The University encouraged staff and students area are to: The University is committed to ensuring that all effectively and ethically has also been a key corner of St Michael’s Hill and Tyndall to improve the environmental performance of students and staff have access to high-quality target. This year, in addition to offering library Avenue. This paves the way for the creation their own departments with the introduction • provide IT and library facilities library and IT facilities appropriate to a leading induction and training courses to all new of new education and research facilities of the Green Impact Awards, an accreditation to support education, learning institution. To this end, 2008/09 saw major students, and refresher sessions to returners, for the School of Biological Sciences and scheme for environmental best practice. Over and teaching and to enhance the refurbishments of both the Medical and Arts Library Services used £9,000 awarded from Department of Mathematics, aimed at 2,000 staff and 4,225 students representing student experience; and Social Sciences Libraries. These projects, the University’s Annual Fund to develop an keeping the University at the top of its game 46 departments took part in the scheme • provide IT and library facilities partially funded by the Wolfson Foundation, online resource bank. This new interactive in key areas of science. The plans include to see which could be the greenest. Their provide modern learning environments tool consists of video tutorials and quizzes to support research activities and a new route into Royal Fort Gardens, which combined efforts resulted in over 1,000 comprising a wider, improved range of study designed to help students improve their would also improve the public realm at the sustainability actions being taken across enhance research impact; spaces and facilities. information literacy skills, including heart of the precinct. Implementation of the the University. Many other activities reflect understanding and avoiding plagiarism. • support the University’s business Improvements to the Medical Library planning consent will, of course, be subject a growing concern with sustainability: for objectives by providing efficient include more social learning space, using to the achievement of financial sustainability. example, Student Community Action, working Using IT to support learning and effective processes enabled an innovative, flexible design to enable with the Sustainability team, collected nearly A major achievement in 2008/09 was the by well-designed, integrated individual study, group problem-solving Working towards a sustainable future two tonnes of unwanted domestic items from development and approval of the University’s information systems; activities, presentation work and resource In planning new buildings and refurbishing students during this year’s ‘Big Give’ project, new Information and Technology Strategy, sharing; a coffee bar; improved IT facilities; existing ones, the Estates Office works passing them on to charities to sell or reuse. • ensure that our IT Strategy is following consultation with staff and students contemporary furnishings and decoration; closely with the Sustainability team to during the previous year. The strategy includes people-focused and that all and improved learning technology reduce the University’s carbon footprint Travelling light a Development Plan, which identifies members of the University are equipment and self-service facilities. and environmental impact. The University’s commitment to promoting well supported, trained and significant projects and activities. Many of sustainable modes of transport was reflected The refurbishment of the Arts and Social these are currently under way, such as the The new Dolberry Building (see above) has a equipped to fulfil their roles; in improvements to its travel plan in 2008/09, Sciences Library comprises a new glass development of timetabling and room-booking BREEAM (Building Research Establishment including new cycle-parking facilities at • provide excellent, responsive and wall and doors at the front of the building, systems and a programme of learning support Environmental Assessment Method) the School of Medical Sciences, Oakfield resilient IT services for all members increasing the natural light available. New developments, including a system for ‘excellent’ rating for sustainability in design, House, Barley House, 8-10 Berkeley Square, Top: Artist’s impression of Biological Sciences building of the University; refreshment facilities have been developed, summative assessment, a clinical-experience materials and energy usage. External Bottom: Dolberry Building, home of the Animal Welfare and the Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum and contemporary furnishings, newspapers recorder and an electronic portfolio tool to insulation keeps the building cool in summer Behaviour Group Information and Langford; cycle maintenance • develop sustainable approaches and on-screen information systems support reflective learning. and retains heat in winter. The primary and cycle training sessions; an improved to the provision of IT, in order introduced to create a space where visitors heating source uses waste heat from a nearby Student-focused initiatives include the staff car-sharing scheme; and a car club to minimise the impact on can relax after studying in quieter zones of the building and a green roof significantly introduction of a student laptop clinic, and for students. the environment. library. The issue, help and reception desks enhances biodiversity. The new Social an out-of-hours IT help desk covering have been redesigned and relocated to Sciences entranceway, which also has a green evenings, weekends and University closure Bristol top of the class for security maximise the use of space. The Short Loan roof and low-energy heating system, achieved days. There has also been a great demand The University’s efforts to provide a safe Collection has been redesigned to create a ‘very good’ rating at the design stage. for wireless network access points around environment in which staff and students can better accommodation and a new self-issue the University. Following improvements to Waste management has taken a significant work, study and live were recognised when service improves the availability of loan items the underlying infrastructure, the number step forward with a new plastic recycling Bristol became one of only two universities by allowing users to borrow books at any time of points increased to 300 during the year, scheme in all buildings that aims to divert in the UK to win a police-approved Secured while the library’s doors are open. covering all study desks in the Arts and nine per cent of the University’s waste from Environments Award in January. Certification The library resources budget has risen by Social Sciences Library and including new landfill. In 2008/09, the University invested is awarded to organisations that have ten per cent a year over the past four years. access points in the Hawthorns refectory. over £200,000 in energy-saving technologies adopted six key principles of crime In addition, a pilot project was launched to within the precinct, saving an estimated protection. The University demonstrated develop electronic study packs aimed at £70,000 and 750 tonnes of carbon dioxide that it had invested in effective processes improving student access to materials in a year. Projects included an organic liquid and management in order to reduce crime. high demand.

26 27 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

ALUMNI DISTINCTIONS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & LIBRARIES CONTINUED & HONORARY DEGREES 2008/09 also saw a dramatic increase in the Other significant activities during the year ALUMNI DISTINCTIONS usage of the University portal, My Bristol, with include work with Research and Enterprise around 300 staff, 5,000 undergraduates and Development (RED) on the creation of Bristol alumni excel in many fields. The following are among those who were awarded 2,000 postgraduates regularly using the a research applications and contracts particular distinctions by external organisations in 2008/09. facility since 1 October 2008. The portal is a database for better visibility and gateway to web-based services within and management of contracts and awards from Fellow of the British Academy Nicholas Campbell Paul (BSc 1966) Alwen Williams (BA 1980) Chief Executive, beyond the University. By signing in, students application through to completion. Work Professor Paul Cloke (DSc 1993), Chairman, Advantage West Midlands, for Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust, for and staff can access a range of tools and also began on a project with RED and Professor Glyn Humphreys (BSc 1976, services to business services to healthcare services in one place, such as email, course Communications and Marketing Services PhD 1980), Professor Margaret Snowling, David Tanner, OBE (BA 1970) Performance DCMG details, Blackboard, the Students’ Union and to develop a new website through which FRSA (BSc 1976), Professor Peter Taylor- the Sports Centre. to showcase the University’s research. Director, GB Rowing Team, for services Denise Holt, CMG (BA 1970) Ambassador Gooby (BA 1969) to sport to the Kingdom of Spain Help for researchers in Community collaborations CBE Professor Peter Neil Temple Wells, FRS Olympic medals developing countries As well as providing tools to enable Professor Linda Colley, FBA (BA 1972, (MSc 1962, PhD 1966) Research Professor Iain Percy, MBE, OBE (BSc 1998) Olympic The University’s Institute for Learning communication between members of the Hon DLitt 2006) Author and Shelby MC and Senior Scientific Director, Institute of Gold Medal for Great Britain – Sailing and Research Technology has developed University, Information Services facilitates Davis 1958 Professor of History, Princeton Medical Engineering and Medical Physics, Tony awards a new website for an international project projects with external collaborators. During University, for services to historical studies University of Cardiff, for services to Peter Darling (BA 1985) Best aimed at helping researchers in developing 2008/09, the division worked with the healthcare science Keith Elliott (BSc 1968, Diploma in Social Choreography in a Musical (Billy Elliot) countries to publish their work and National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Sciences) Principal at the City of Bristol Professor Lynn Gladden (BSc 1982) Shell advance their research careers. AuthorAID Engagement to develop web-based Matthew Warchus (BA 1988) Best College, for services to further education Professor of Chemical Engineering, University (www.authoraid.info) is a free online resources to support its local and national Direction of a Play (God of Carnage) Dr Patricia Hamilton (BSc 1972, of Cambridge, for services to science community providing access to advice, activities. The Bristol-based Centre is a MBChB 1975) President, Royal College BAFTA awards mentoring, discussion forums and a range partnership between the University of Bristol Professor Peter Toyne (BA 1962) Lately of Paediatrics and Child Health, for services Esther May Campbell (BA 1995) Best of material on best practice in writing and and the University of the West of England Vice-Chancellor, Liverpool John Moores to medicine Short Film (September) publication. It is based at the International and aims to co-ordinate UK universities’ best University, for services to the community Network for the Availability of Scientific practice in public engagement and to deepen Publications and supported by the Swedish the social impact and relevance of their work. International Development Corporation Information Services also worked with the HONORARY DEGREES Agency, the Norwegian Agency for Department of Drama and Bristol’s Development Co-operation and the UK Every year, the University awards its own distinctions. Below we list all those who received Watershed Media Centre on the Semantic Department for International Development. Tools for Screen Arts Research (STARS) honorary degrees from Bristol in 2008/09 in recognition of outstanding achievement. project. This provides an innovative way Boosting research Top: Refurbished Medical Library of mapping and annotating connections Bottom: Refurbished entranceway to the Arts and Social The University’s new High Performance Dr Philip Ball Science writer and a Bristol Josh Lewsey Rugby international and a Clerical Medical Investment Group, between artists, video performances and Sciences Library Computing system, Blue Crystal, became graduate, Doctor of Letters Bristol graduate, Doctor of Laws Doctor of Laws other research centres on the web, fully operational, and now has more than 250 supporting new collaborations and new Dr Andrew Garrad Managing Director of Sue McMullen Chair of the Vassall Centre Alison Smale Executive Editor, active users. The system supports research perspectives on screen arts research. Garrad Hassan Group Ltd, Doctor of Trust, Master of Arts (see p30) International Herald Tribune and a Bristol in disciplines such as aerospace engineering, Engineering graduate, Doctor of Laws molecular modelling, climate change and Batook Pandya Campaigner for racial Maintaining high-quality social medicine, among others, with a Professor Caroline Gipps Vice-Chancellor tolerance, Master of Arts (see p30) Trevor Smallwood, OBE Chairman, information systems Advanced Transport Systems Ltd, Doctor combined project income to date of around of the University of Wolverhampton and a Iain Percy, OBE, MBE Double Olympic Underpinning all these developments, the of Laws £9.5 million. In November 2008, Blue Crystal Bristol graduate, Doctor of Laws gold medallist and a Bristol graduate, division invested more than £1 million in core was ranked as the 86th most powerful The Very Reverend Robert Grimley Dean Doctor of Laws Dr Alison Taunton-Rigby, OBE Founder, ICT infrastructure, such as the University’s supercomputer in the world, helping to of Bristol (1997-2009), Doctor of Laws President and Chief Executive Officer of data network, IT systems hardware and Professor Chris Rapley, CBE Director, establish Bristol as a world-leading centre for Ribonovix Inc and a Bristol graduate, software and PC provision in Information Professor Geoffrey Hill Poet, literary Science Museum, Doctor of Science research. The next stage of development will Doctor of Science Services sites. Such investment ensures that scholar, theologian, Doctor of Letters be the introduction of a large-scale (one Dr Una Ryan, OBE Formerly President critical IT services are robust and resilient Dr Peter Taylor Civil engineer and a Bristol petabyte) data-storage facility to complement Caroline James Nurse and chair of and CEO of AVANT Immunotherapeutics and that business continuity plans are graduate, Doctor of Engineering Blue Crystal’s computational power. Frenchay After Burns Children’s Club, and a Bristol graduate, Doctor of Science established, tested and kept up to date. John Wilkins Fundraiser, Master of Arts Master of Arts (see p30) Louis Sherwood Former Chairman of (see p30) Gateway Foodmarkets, HTV West and

28 29 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09 2008/09 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

ALUMNI DISTINCTIONS & HONORARY DEGREES CONTINUED PHILANTHROPY Four of the honorary degrees awarded in 2008/09 deserve special mention. As part of its Teaching and research at Bristol has always been enhanced by the generosity of alumni, centenary celebrations, the University conferred honorary Master of Arts degrees on four friends, companies, charitable trusts, students and staff. In every aspect of life, from the creation individuals who have made a significant contribution to the local community. The University of 3G mobile technology, to life-changing research that has saved thousands of babies from cot teamed up with the Bristol Evening Post to find the four local heroes, with readers death, to finding the blueprint which enabled the accurate recreation of the Globe Theatre, the nominating 56 individuals in total. The recipients are featured below. University makes an impact. Philanthropic support makes this great university – the extraordinary outcomes of its research and the successes of its graduates – even greater.

The Centenary Campaign, launched 2008/09 Bristol Pioneers Mr Charles D Z Martin (LLB 1982) Mr Denis A S Burn (BSc 1975) in anticipation of the University’s £25,000+ Mr Alastair J G Matchett (BSc 1991, Mr James Burstall (BA 1987) MSc 1993) Ms Jane A Camblin (BA (Hons) 1973) Mr Andrew E J Burton (BA 1988) centenary this year, has now raised Lady Merrison – J & M Britton Mrs Linda Carr (BSc 1969) Dr John M Davis Charitable Trust Mr Russ Carr (BSc 1969) over £45 million towards its target of Emeritus Prof Geoffrey Eglinton Dr A David Milne OBE (MSc 1967, Mr Nigel S Cawthorne (BSc 1970) Mrs Pamela Eglinton £100 million. PhD 1969, Honorary DEng 2007) Dr Tim L Chambers Dr Paul J England (BSc 1965, PhD 1968) Mr Iain C S Morpeth (LLB 1974) Mr Patrick D Cheng (BSc 1978) Mrs Kate Holmes Bristol’s alumni and friends Mrs Maria Morris Mr Ian B Chicken (LLB 1987) Mr Roger A Holmes (BSc 1981) Professor Steve Morris Dr Andreas M Chrysaphinis (MB participated in greater numbers Mrs Janet Hulme – The Hadley Trust Mr Timothy A Page (LLB 1985) ChB 1961) Mr Philip W Hulme – The Hadley Trust and with ever more generous Mrs Margaret R Peacock Professor David Clarke Mr Terence C Mordaunt LLD donations in 2008/09: Mr John K Pitts (BSc 1948) Miss Kitty Clarke (BA 1971) (Honorary LLD 2000) – First Mr John D W Pocock (BSc 1982) Professor Richard R Clements Corporate Shipping Ltd Mr Timothy Ritchie (BA 1978) Mr Nigel J Cobb (MB ChB 1952) • Campaigns and Alumni Relations, Mr David C Ord – First Corporate Mr William J Rucker Mr Ian J Cockerill (BSc 1987) Shipping Ltd working with academic and other Mr Daniel J O Schaffer (LLB 1986) Mr Andrew Collender QC (LLB 1968) Mr John Rutley colleagues, raised £5.1 million. Dr Peter L M Sherwood (Honorary Mr Nigel W H Cooper (BSc 1978) Mr Trevor Smallwood LLD 2009) Dr Mary F Corbin (BSc 1937, PhD 1939) Professor Eric J Thomas (Honorary Mr Andrew S Sibbald (BSc 1988) Mr Richard H Cunningham (BEng 1982) • Regular annual gifts totalled over LLD 2004) Ms Lesley G Silvester (BA 1968) Mr Jeremy R Davidson (BSc 1970) Mrs Narell Thomas £750,000 for more than 100 Mr Philip G Symonds (BSc 1973) Mrs Alison C Davis (BSc 1984) projects across the University. Mr Robin Thring (BSc 1947) Mr Peter G Dawes (LLB 1969) £5,000+ Sir James Tidmarsh (Honorary LLD 2002) Professor Richard N Dixon, FRS • The number of Bristol Pioneers Dr John M H Andrews (BSc 1969, Lady Virginia Tidmarsh Dr Niels T Doble (BSc 1960, PhD 1968) PhD 1973) Mrs Julia M Wathen (BSc 1972) Mr Richard H Dodd (BSc 1983) (donors giving £1,000-plus in an Mrs Linda J Andrews (BA 1971) Mr Simon W J Wathen (LLB 1972) Mr Robert Dufton (LLB 1983) academic year) reached 268, Mrs Carol A Barnett Dr Michael Wong Pakshong (BA 1957, Dr Barry J Dunne (BSc 1985, PhD 1990) with members contributing over Mr Stuart W Barnett (BSc 1973) Honorary LLD 1994) Mr Alastair M Ennals (LLB 1969) Mrs Helen M Bennett (BSc 1973) Mr Nigel W Wray (BSc 1970, Honorary Mr Peter K Estlin (BSc 1982) £1.2 million. Mr Richard E T Bennett (LLB 1973) LLD 2005) Dr Roy F Followell (BSc 1954, PhD 1958) Mrs Alison Bernays – J & M Britton Mr Charles A Wynn-Evans (LLB 1988) Mr James S Foulds • 5,905 individuals, companies and Charitable Trust Mrs Judith Fowler Caroline James A nurse at the Barbara Batook Pandya A leading figure in race From left: John Wilkins, Caroline James, Sue McMullen and trusts made gifts, 1,362 of whom Mr Robert E J Bernays – J & M Britton £1,000k+ Professor Robert L H Fowler Batook Pandya Charitable Trust Mr Gati S Al-Jebouri (BEng 1990) Mr Bill Fullagar (BA 1961) Russell Children’s Unit at Frenchay relations in Bristol who has been closely Mr Graham H Blyth (BSc 1969) made a donation to the University Dr Gerald Avison (BSc 1962, PhD 1967) Mrs Helen Gaastra (BSc 1979) Dr Roger J R Cairns (MSc 1971, Hospital and chair of the Frenchay After involved with Support Against Racist for the first time. Dr Adebola O Bada (MB ChB 1969) Mr Stephen Gaastra (BSc 1979) PhD 1977) Burns Children’s Club, a charity set up Incidents (SARI) since it was established in Dr Harry Beckhough (BA 1935) Dr Brian A Gennery (MB ChB 1964) Mr Charles J Cazalet • Over 1,500 alumni returned to Mr John S M Beckwith-Smith Professor Julia M Goodfellow CBE by nurses and run by volunteers that 1988. SARI’s main aim is to combat racial Mrs Jenny Cazalet (BEng 1993) (BSc 1972, Honorary DSc 2002) Bristol for the Centenary Alumni The Rt Hon Lord Chilver FRS (BSc rehabilitates children and young people intolerance and discrimination against any Mr Simon D J Beddow (LLB 1986) Dr Peter N Goodfellow (BSc 1972, 1947 , PhD 1951, DSc 1962) with burns by encouraging them to try ethnic groups or individuals in Bristol. Weekend (3-5 July 2009). Mr Nick P Bell (BSc 1981) Honorary DSc 2002) Dr Genevieve R Davies (BA 1994) Mr John E Benson (BSc 1976) Dr Stephen P Goodwin (BSc 1979, confidence-building activities, such as Mr William G R Davies (BSc 1971) John Wilkins A former paratrooper who has Mr Nicholas J Bishop (BSc 1998) PhD 1985) Mrs Diana E S Dunn (BA 1977) abseiling, archery, climbing and sailing. Professor Dame Carol M Black CBE Mr Ben Gordon (BSc 1981) raised £100,000 for Wallace and Gromit’s Mr Luke S Ellis (BSc 1985) DSC (BA 1962, MB ChB 1970, Mrs Christine D Gorman (BA 1958) Mr A Stephen Fagg (BSc 1962) Sue McMullen Founder and chair of the Grand Appeal though a variety of activities, MD 1975, Honorary DSc 2003) Mr Michael J Gorman (BA 1960) Mr Gerard I Fox (BSc 1986) Vassall Centre Trust, which provides including, at the age of 77, a 10,000-foot Mr Paul Blackham – The Bristol Mrs Anne P Gray (BA 1956) Mr David T Frank (LLB 1976) Commonwealth Society Mr Colin H Green CBE (BSc 1971, accessible accommodation to 15 charities freefall parachute jump. His other fundraising Mrs Elinor Goldsmith Mr Steven A Blakey (LLB 1980) Honorary DEng 1997) Dr Stuart A Goldsmith (BA(Econ) 1966, and charitable organisations in Bristol that stunts have included bungy-jumping, Mr Donald Bourgeois Professor Len Hall Honorary LLD 2007) are run by and employ disabled people. abseiling, white-water rafting and zip-sliding. Mrs Judith Bray (BSc 1959 Certificate Dr Rachel Hall Dr Ian J E Keil (BA 1955, PhD 1965) in Education 1960) Mr Andrew Hartley Mrs Teresa Keil Miss Davinia Bulford-Cooper BSc Mr Christopher I J Hartley (BSc 1983) Mrs Kyung Lloyd (BSc 2004) Mr Timothy J Herrington Mr C Stephen Lloyd (BSc 1982) Mr Kevin J Burke (LLB 1973) Mrs Aglaia Hill (Honorary MA 1999)

30 31 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2008/09

PHILANTHROPY CONTINUED

Mr Lester B Hillman Mr Jonathan D Punter (BSc 1978) Dr Christopher A Wright (BSc 1968, Mr Christopher Hobbs (LLB 1980) Mrs Julie C Punter (BSc 1978) PhD 1971) Dr Lesly Huxley (EdD 2002) Mr Nicholas Rawlinson Dr Allen Zimbler Mr Patrick W Jacob (BA 1979) Mrs Tania Jane Rawlinson A further 22 Pioneers wish to Mr Alfred S L James (BA Comm) Mr Bill Ray (BSc 1975) remain anonymous. 1948, Certificate in Education 1949) Mrs Karen Ray Mrs Gwyneth M James (BA 1941) Mr Neil P Record We are grateful to the Ms Sarah Jarman Mr David S Redfern (BSc 1988) following organisations, Mr Michael H V Jeans MBE (BA 1964) Mrs Elizabeth L H Ridley Mrs Barbara J Jester (BA 1952, Mr Mark Ridley which have made significant Certificate in Education 1953) Mr R Andrew Roberts (BSc 1968) contributions to the Mrs Caroline M Johnston (LLB 1984) Dr Susan C Roberts (BSc 1979) – University in the past year: Mr Christopher J H Jolly (BSc 1968) The Dorothy Holmes Charitable Trust Mr Nicholas D E Jones (BA 1978) Mr Geoffrey H Rowley (BA 1958) Advanced Laser Ltd Mrs Sally J Jones (BA 1978) Dr Una Ryan OBE (BSc 1963, Honorary BP plc Mr John A C King (BSc 1954) DSc 2009) Capital World Investors Dr Julie Knox (BSc 1973, PhD 1977) Mr Dominic A B Sanders (LLB 1987) City Solicitors Educational Trust Professor Selby A R Knox (BSc 1966, Mrs Ellen M Schmidt (LLB 1977) Countess Eleanor Peel Trust PhD 1969, DSc 1985) Mr Richard M Schmidt (LLB 1977) First Corporate Shipping Ltd Mr Alastair F D Scott (BSc 1965) Mr Simon J Lake (BSc 1977) Fondazione Cassamarca Miss Charlotte E Lambkin (BA 1994) Mr Keith D Scott (BA 1960) Franklin Adams Trust Mrs Caroline Leeds Ruby (LLB 1985) Mr George E S Seligman (BSc 1973) IJ Gates Charitable Trust Mr William J Lewis (BSc 1990) Mrs Veronique S Seligman (BSc 1975) “A good education can have an Professor Nick Lieven Mr John H H Shannon (BSc 1972) J & M Britton Charitable Trust Mr William J Littlewood (BSc 1987) Professor Quentin Skinner LDJ Design & Display Ltd incredible impact, both for the Mr Stephen T Lloyd (BA 1972) Ms Alison C Smale (BA 1977) Misys Charitable Foundation Mr Anthony H W Luckhurst (BSc 1974, Professor Edward Snyder National Eye Research Centre student as well as the country MSc 1975) Ms Victoria P Stace (BA 1971) Oregon Zoo Foundation Mr Ian Z Mackenzie (MB ChB 1966, Dr Rosalyn M Stanbury (BSc 1975, P W E Brown Charitable Trust and potentially the world. MB ChB 1980) MD 1981) Perivoli Trust Mr Barry R Marshall (BSc 1976) Ms Clelia Steele Bristol’s current research into Quartet Community Foundation Dr Geoffrey Alan Matthews (BA 1962, Mr Adam M D M Steiner (BA 1993) Rita & David Slowe Charitable Trust Honorary LLD 2006) Dr Robert J Stokes (BSc 1952) climate change is a shining Mrs Jacqueline Matthews (BA 1962, Mrs Elizabeth L J Stradling (BA 1955) Rory & Elizabeth Brooks Foundation Certificate in Education 1963) Mrs Eileen B Stott (BSc 1957) Rosetrees Trust example of this. We wanted Mr Ian J Maurice (BSc 1973) Mr Robert L Sweeney (BSc 1954) Shimadzu UK Ltd Mr Daniel H R McCausland (BA 1992) Dr Peter J Szanto (BSc 1975, MSc Sigma-Aldrich Company Ltd our donation to support the Mrs Muriel G McGee (BA 1949) 1976, PhD 1981) The Bristol Commonwealth Society Dr Alasdair A D McKerrell (PhD 1981) Dr Lip Ping Thean (LLB 1955, The Dorothy Holmes Charitable Trust development of those young Honorary LLD 2002) Mr Antony D Metcalfe (BSc 1985) The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Mr Adrian J Mezzetti (LLB 1965) Mrs Edna Thornley (BSc 1946, minds that may hold the key The Greene Charitable Settlement Mr Anthony S Minns (LLB 1968) Certificate in Education 1947) The Hadley Trust Mr Marco Momigliano Miss Sarah J Turcan (BA 1993) to this pressing issue, which Dr Nicoletta Momigliano Dr Frank Turner (BDS 1958) The James Tudor Foundation Mrs Dinah A Moore (BA 1971) – Miss Doris Tweed (BA 1939 PGCE 1940) The John Oldacre Foundation is a growing concern not only The Greene Charitable Settlement Mr Christopher R Wallis (BSc 1978) The Langford Trust Mr Robert N Myers (BSc 1970) Mrs Maria A Wallis (BSc 1976) The Priory Foundation for our own generation but for Mr Adam A Nabeebaccus (BSc 2002, Professor Avril E Waterman-Pearson The Rock Solid Trust MB ChB 2005) (BVSc 1970, PhD 1977) The Tubney Charitable Trust generations to come.” Dr Christopher M K Watts (BSc 1966, Mr Peter E Nicholas (BSc 1980) The Underwood Trust Professor Nick C Norman (BSc 1979, PhD 1969) Simon Wathen (LLB 1972) and The Wolfson Foundation PhD 1982) Mrs Veronica M Watts (BA 1969) Julia Wathen (BSc 1972) Tulchan Communications Professor A Guy Orpen Dr John T Weaver (BSc 1953) Mrs Monica A Owen (BSc 1970, Professor Michael Welch MD (MB ChB MSc 1972) 1966, Honorary MD 2006) Dr Thomas D Owen (MSc 1968, Mr Clive J Wells (LLB 1987) PhD 1974) Mr Jonathan Wheatley (BA 1959) Mr Keith Painter – The Bristol Mr Edward T Whitley (BSc 1976) Commonwealth Society Mrs Patricia R C Willford (BA 1948) Dr Mary-Clare Parker (MB ChB 1986) Mr Robert A Willford (BSc 1948) Mr Andrew Paynter (BSc 1986) Mr Peter G Williams (BSc 1952) Mrs Cindy Peck (LLB 1973) Mr Alex S Wilmot-Sitwell (BA 1983) Professor Charles E Polkey (BSc 1960, Mr Daniel C Witter (BSc 1990) MB ChB 1963) Mr Philip E C Wolfe (BSc 1990) Mrs Maureen A Polkey (BSc 1960, Mrs Gillian E Woolley (BSc 1957, Certificate in Education 1961) Certificate in Education 1958) Ms Maria Polycarpou (BSc 1993) Dr Moger Woolley (BSc 1959, Mr Rupert W Prescot (MB ChB 1957) Honorary LLD 2005)

32 THE YEAR IN PICTURES

August Milk: a potted history A paper published in Nature by Professor Richard Evershed in the School of Chemistry describes how his analysis of early Neolithic pottery vessels from south-eastern Europe, Anatolia and the Levant suggests that humans were processing and using milk in the seventh millennium BC – over 2,000 years earlier than previously thought.

September Bristol scientists in tiny collisions COUNCIL MEMBERS The largest scientific experiment in the world – the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland – was launched, with scientists from the Department of Physics playing key roles in its construction and the interpretation of the data resulting Lay members (19) Written and produced by from the measurement of tiny particles as they collide. It is hoped that the findings Mr James Wadsworth – Treasurer Public Relations Office will fill in some major gaps in our understanding of the laws of nature. Cllr Royston Griffey – Bristol City Council Communications and Marketing Services August September October Mr Denis Burn – Society of Merchant Venturers Senate House October Dating in caves Mr Stuart Goldsmith – Convocation Tyndall Avenue A team from the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology returned from an expedition to the Cantabria and Asturias regions of Spain where they took Bristol BS8 1TH samples from over 20 prehistoric painted caves. This three-year, Natural Elected by Court Environment Research Council-funded project uses a new method, based Mrs Alison Bernays (Vice-Chairman) Photography on the radioactive decay of uranium, to determine the age of the paintings. Mr John Bramhall Front cover: Jamie Woodley Mr Chris Curling November Students rough it for charity Other photographs supplied by members Around 20 Bristol undergraduates swapped their warm beds for sleeping bags, Mr Colin Green of University staff and students, and cardboard boxes and freezing temperatures for one night. The students spent Mr James Foulds (Chairman) by Tamany Baker, Bristol Evening Post the night in the Students’ Union car park to raise money for the Bristol homeless Mrs Dinah Moore (p30), Fotohaus (p25, p26 bottom), charity, the Julian Trust. Mr Bob Morton Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (Year in Mr George Morton pictures: December image), Jason December Bristol makes TIME’s Top 10 Mr David Ord The stem-cell research carried out by Professors Anthony Hollander and Martin Ingram, William King, Dave Pratt, Birchall (see p9) appeared in TIME magazine’s Top 10 medical breakthroughs Mrs Cindy Peck Sheppard Robson Architects (p26 top), and scientific discoveries of 2008. Three other research projects with Bristol Mr Tim Ross Nick Smith involvement also made the list: the Large Hadron Collider (see September); Ms Anne Stephenson NASA’s Phoenix probe mission to Mars (Professor David Catling in the Department of Earth Sciences); and the discovery by Dr Alastair Pike and November December January Mr Tim Stevenson Design colleagues of the earliest evidence of a nuclear family (see p9). Mrs Cathy Waithe www.pelotondesign.co.uk Mr James Wetz 100 treasures unveiled online January Print and reproduction The Cobden Book of Hours was among 100 treasures from the University University members (10) Library’s Special Collections to feature in an online exhibition of some of the Portishead Press. This publication is rarest and most interesting items held at the University, organised as part of the Professor Eric Thomas – Vice-Chancellor printed on Revive Pure White Offset, celebrations of the centenary of the granting of the University’s Royal Charter. Professor David Clarke – Deputy a 100% recycled paper stock using Vice-Chancellor vegetable/mineral oil-based, February Bristol’s brains go to work Professor Malcolm Anderson – environmentally friendly inks. Local pupils took part in a series of interactive workshops, hosted by Bristol Pro Vice-Chancellor University neuroscientists to help the children discover more about the science of the brain by creating brain-based works of art. The children’s work was displayed at Professor Avril Waterman-Pearson – At-Bristol during Brain Awareness Week in March (see p22). Pro Vice-Chancellor

March ChemLabS sets new record Elected members of the Bristol ChemLabS, one of the University’s two Centres for Excellence in Teaching academic staff and Learning (CETLs; the other is AIMS – Applied and Integrated Medical Professor Paula Booth Sciences), had a record month for chemistry outreach activities, clocking up almost 1,000 face-to-face engagements as far apart as South Africa, France, February March April Professor Rosemary Deem Spain and Italy. Dr Stephen Lyne Dr David Newbold Accessibility April Naturalist/broadcaster visits Langford If you need all or part Sir David Attenborough visited the Department of Clinical Veterinary Science at Elected members of the Langford to open the new, £3.9 million Animal Welfare and Behaviour Building of this publication in an (see p24). non-academic staff Mr Robert Massie accessible format (eg in May Centenary garden unveiled Mr Tony Macdonald Braille, in larger print or Historian Sir Roy Strong opened the University’s new centenary garden, situated in on tape), please contact the grounds of the Wills Memorial Building and designed by Bristol alumna Anne Students (3) de Verteuil. the Public Relations Office Mr Tobin Webb – President of the on 0117 928 8895. June Nature on display Students’ Union Biodiversity Jenga was one of the many attractions presented by University staff Ms Ruth Jackson – Vice-President and students as part of the 2009 Festival of Nature, organised by the Bristol of the Students’ Union Natural History Consortium, on Bristol’s Harbourside. Vacancy

July Debut for whiskered robot Researchers from the Bristol Robotics Lab (a partnership between the University May June July of Bristol and the University of the West of England) and the University of Sheffield unveiled the SCRATCHbot, a robot with sensory whiskers that marks a milestone in a pan-European project to develop biologically inspired artificial intelligence systems.