Issue 251 ▸ 20 September 2012 reporterSharing stories of Imperial’s community

Hidden gems Scientists unravel the secrets of proteins in Imperial’s Oxfordshire outpost at Diamond Light Source → centre pages

£6 million feature focus “it’s been a labs opened Getting to know privilege” Facility to new College Professor explore ways Secretary Kinloch reflects of storing CO2 and Registrar, on his time underground John Neilson as HoD PAGE 3 PAGE 10 PAGE 13 2 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251

Imperial physicists help to make accelerator science go faster

The John Adams Institute for help accelerator science develop ­hospitals or research centres. ­Accelerator Science (JAI) is expand- beyond its current use for research Professor Zulfikar Najmudin, JAI’s editor’s corner ing, with a new research base at in fundamental physics, such as deputy director (­Physics), said: “The Imperial joining two existing ­centres the hunt for new bosons at the JAI now ­connects the world-leading at Royal Holloway, University of Large Hadron Collider. efforts on laser plasma acceleration Starting ­London and the University of Oxford. Experts at Imperial will now that were developed in Imperial’s help to develop advanced ­medical Plasma ­Physics Group and Oxford’s out Scientists at the Institute are treatments, such as new forms Atomic and Laser Group. It creates researching ways to improve of cancer radiotherapy that avoid new opportunities for developments particle accelerator technology damaging tissue surrounding a of laser plasma acceleration With the glamour and and its applications in science tumour. Future ­developments ­applications and new instruments, excitement of the Olympic and medicine. New funding from would help to reduce the size in particular ­compact X-ray and Paralympic Games the government’s Science and and cost of machines, making light sources.” fading into our memories, Technology Facilities Council will them accessible for use in smaller —Simon Levey, Communications and Development Imperial has returned to its regular cycle – welcoming new starters to the College for the autumn term. And it’s not just students who AHSC Director appointed Investigating the science are joining the Imperial of cyber security community for the first Professor David Taube, one time – over 150 new of the country’s ­leading A new academic research institute to improve staff members will also kidney experts and the understanding of the science behind the ­ be finding their feet this UK’s only Professor of growing cyber security threat was announced month. I remember starting Transplant Medicine, was on 13 S­eptember. The initiative will enable in my role over four years appointed Director of the ­leading cyber security academics from seven ago and feeling amazed Imperial College Academic ­universities, including Imperial, to collaborate by how many people Health Science Centre with social scientists, mathematicians and com- undertaking such diverse (AHSC) on 1 September. puter scientists from across the UK. research existed across the campuses. Luckily Professor Taube, former ­College Healthcare NHS Trust, The institute is a virtual organisation funded by a things fell into place after a medical director at Imperial described how Professor £3.8 million grant, as part of a government com- couple of months. If you’re College Healthcare NHS Taube embodies the tripartite mitment to increasing the nation’s academic a new starter this year, I Trust and ­Professor of mission of the AHSC: capability in all fields of cyber security. hope that Reporter plays a Transplant Medicine at “He is one of the country’s Researchers part in helping you get to Imperial, brings more than finest nephrologists, aprolific ­ from the Institute know what’s going on and 25 years’ experience in translational researcher with This of Security Science who people are. We are research, education and a proven track record of rais- research will and Technology always keen to highlight clinical leadership to the ing education and training at Imperial were new writing talent so if you role. The AHSC was estab- standards, and of driving the help businesses, selected through a fancy writing for Reporter lished as a partnership adoption of innovative prac- government and tough competitive over the coming year, do between the College and tice in the largest renal and individuals to process in which get in touch at the address the Imperial College Health- transplant centre in the UK.” they worked with below. We are keen to get care NHS Trust in 2007 Professor Dermot better protect Queen Mary and as many members of the with the aim to transform ­Kelleher, incoming ­Principal themselves from Royal Holloway community involved healthcare by translating of the Faculty of Medicine, cyber threats” colleges, University as possible! research discoveries into said: “Professor Taube will of London, to Emily Ross-Joannou, Editor medical advances in as fast play a vital role in steer- devise new a timeframe as possible. ing the AHSC to deliver research programmes for security science. Reporter is published every three weeks during Reporting jointly to the academic and clinical Congratulating the successful teams, David term time in print and online. Principal of the College’s ­excellence. His energy and ­Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: The next publication day is Faculty of Medicine and outstanding reputation as a “This new research institute will draw on the lead- 11 October. the Chief Executive of the medical leader mean he is ing expertise in our universities from both techno- Contact Emily Ross-Joannou: [email protected] Trust, Professor Taube will well equipped to develop the logical and behavioural disciplines to address key drive the AHSC and facili- AHSC to deliver world class challenges. It will help businesses, government tate close collaboration healthcare to local, national and individuals to better protect themselves from between the partners. and global populations.” cyber threats so they can make the most of the Welcoming the appoint- —Caroline Davis, Communications opportunities the internet presents.” and Development ment, Mr Mark Davies, ­­—Adapted from a joint press release by Government Communication Headquarters and the Engineering and Physical Chief Executive of Imperial Sciences Research Council 3 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251 >> newsupdate

Business secretary shares Rock solid research his vision for UK industry gets a boost during Imperial tour On 13 September, four new laboratories were The Secretary of State for opened at the College Business, ­Innovation and that will enable scientists Skills, Dr Vince Cable MP, to study in high detail introduced his vision for ­carbonate rocks and how ­British industry during a visit fluids flow in them. These to Imperial on 11 ­September, rocks are the ­predominant before taking a tour of the ­reservoir type in the ­ ­College’s £2 million pilot ­Middle East, storing plant in the Department of more than 70 per cent of Chemical Engineering. the world’s oil and gas reserves underground. In a speech which praised ­Business School, Professor Gann, British universities as a strong who is also Head of Innovation and The laboratories were export industry, he outlined ­Entrepreneurship, said: “This is an apt officially opened by Mr how government can support setting for the launch of your strategy Saad Al-Kaabi, ­Director of Oil and Gas Ventures for Qatar Petroleum, Mr Peter and work with business in the today. Here at Imperial we are always Voser, Chief Executive Officer of Shell, and Dr Tidu Maini, Executive ­Chairman long term. The new industrial looking to the future, and our own of the Qatar Science and Technology Park. strategy includes plans for research and teaching is focused on The Imperial researchers working in the £6 million labs are developing a partnerships to expand sec- translating ideas into practice.” deeper understanding of what happens to these emissions at the microscopic

tors such as aerospace and Following his speech, Dr Cable level by carrying out experiments to observe CO2 within the rock under reser- new approaches to trans- toured the Department of Chemical voir conditions and modelling how it flows through tiny pores in the rock. This late academic research into Engineering’s carbon capture pilot is then linked to imaging experiments and models on a larger scale, so that

­commercial developments. plant. The facility was developed as part the researchers can predict what happens to CO2 when it is stored in carbon- Dr Cable also announced that of a partnership between the College­ ate rock reservoirs, which can be hundreds of kilometres in size. an Innovation and Knowledge and industry, and demonstrates to The research is part of the Qatar Carbonates and Carbon Storage Research

Centre for Synthetic Biology ­students how CO2 emissions can be Centre (QCCSRC) run jointly by researchers in the Departments of Chemical would be created. captured by a power plant of the future. Engineering and Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial. Professor Geoffrey The event was hosted by PhD student Amelia Foo gave a Maitland, Director of QCCSRC (Chemical Engineering), said: Professor David Gann, Dep- ­demonstration in the plant. She said: “A deeper understanding will enable us to improve processes such as uty Principal of the Business “We had a mock emergency situa- ­carbon capture and storage and enhance oil recovery. These rock formations, School, and guests including tion to demonstrate one of our training which are located all around the world, including the Middle East, could provide

representatives from industry, ­scenarios for him. It was a great opportu- us with a valuable repository for storing CO2, but more work needs to be done to the media, Imperial and the nity for us to raise awareness about the understand how to lock away these greenhouse gas emissions effectively.” College’s corporate partners. world class training we get at Imperial.” ­–Colin Smith, Communications and Development Welcoming Dr Cable —John-Paul Jones, Communications Watch a video about the work being done in one of the new labs at: http://bit.ly/rocksolidvid to the College and to the and Development

New head for Singapore medical Second term for Welton Planning approval Mechanical school appointment Tom Welton, Professor of Sustain- for Imperial West Engineering Professor Dermot Kelleher,­ able Chemistry, has been appointed Imperial West, the new cam- Professor Peter Cawley the incoming Principal of as Head of the Department of pus located on the former BBC ­Chemistry for a second term. in brief has been appointed the Faculty of Medicine­ site on Wood Lane received as the next Head of at Imperial, has been ­Professor Welton joined Imperial in ­planning permission from the the Department of appointed Dean of the Lee 1993 as a Lloyds of London Tercen- London Borough of Hammer- Mechanical Engineering Kong Chian School of Medi- tenary Fellow. Following a series of smith and Fulham in July. The He will lead the Department from 1 October, cine in Singapore, founded promotions, he became Professor 88,000m2 site will allow Imperial succeeding Professor Anthony Kinloch who as a partnership between of Sustainable Chemistry in 2004. to bring together research and retires after 28 years. Professor Cawley joined the Imperial and Nanyang Tech- He held the position of Director of teaching facilities, postgradu- College in 1981 as a lecturer and, after a series nological University. As Undergraduate Studies within the ate accommodation, commercial of promotions, was appointed Professor in 1996. Dean, Professor Kelleher Department from 2002–2007 and and r­esidential space, and new He has served as Deputy Head of the Department will lead the next phase became Head of the Department on retail and leisure services. Plans since October 2007. His research aims to solve of the development of the 1 August 2007. His research focuses include a 20,000m2 business problems in industrial inspection and monitoring. School to train more doctors on making chemicals and related incubator, a publicly accessible to meet Singapore’s future industries environmentally and square and improved pedestrian ­ See page 13 for an interview with Anthony Kinloch. healthcare demands. economically sustainable. and cycle routes. 4 >> newsupdate www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251

Heavens above! MBA alumnus wins The Angel on Sky 1

Business School ­alumnus Yakub Zolynski, pictured right, won £100,000 invest- ment for his business idea in August after competing in Sky 1’s new entrepreneur show The Angel. Imperial to develop “My worst fear was going out in the Yakub came up with the ‘Marsquake’ technology first round. I kept on idea for Market Mavens, thinking about the Technology for detecting ‘­Marsquakes’ Dr Pike said: “In some ways a recruitment agency for grief I would get from will be developed by an Imperial engi- the Insight mission will see history business school gradu- my friends!” neer as part of NASA’s next unmanned ­repeating itself as we will be using ates, while studying for his mission to the red planet, it was the same spacecraft design that we MBA in 2009. Looking for announced at the end of August. used for the Phoenix mission. How- opportunities to grow his ever, on board will be a very different idea into a successful busi- Competing against Dr Tom Pike (Electrical and Elec- payload with instruments to help us ness, Yakub decided to enter four other hopefuls, tronic Engineering) will develop to peer deep into the Martian interior. the game show after notic- Yakub fought his way ­miniaturised seismometers, based This could help us to understand more ing the advert on Imperial’s through the rounds and on silicon chip sensor technology, to about the early evolution of planets LinkedIn page. emerged as the winner, detect ­Martian seismic activity, known like the Earth.” With a £100,000 invest- securing investment for as ­Marsquakes, on Earth’s ­nearest The Insight mission is due to launch ment up for grabs, contest- his business. ­neighbour as part of the Insight in March 2016 and touch down on the ants are put through their Commenting on ­mission to Mars. The mission’s aim Martian equator in September that paces with four rounds the competition Yakub is to understand the formation and year. The lander will be equipped with a based on first impressions, said: “My worst fear was ­evolution of rocky planets by investi- geophysics station that will be used to teamwork, a sales pitch going out in the first gating Mars’ internal structure. carry out three experiments that include and a final interview. The round. I kept on thinking This is the second mission that measuring tremors below the surface ‘angel’ is billionaire John about the grief I would Dr Pike has been involved with. In with the seismic experiment for interior ­Caudwell, a successful get from my friends if 2008, as part of the Phoenix mission, structure instrument package; determin- entrepreneur who ­created I let this ­happen. I did he developed technology for holding ing the precise rotation of Mars using mobile telecoms company actually find myself in samples of Martian soil and helped the spacecraft’s onboard communica- The Caudwell Group in 1987. the firing line in every NASA to detect water in the form of tions system, and working out the tem- The company is best known single round but man- ice, just below the surface, as part perature inside the planet with the heat for the high street chain aged to get through.” of the search for evidence of past or flow and physical properties package. Phones4U. —Tanya Gubbay, Communications and ­present habitability on the planet. —Colin Smith, Communications and Development Development

The new initiative follows recom- ­academic and support staff in Paul Beaumont said: “Our New charter mendations by the Student ­Charter ­partnership with undergraduate ­Principles will be an accessible Working Group, established by the and postgraduate student repre- way for students to learn what to for working government in partner- sentatives, and will be expect from Imperial. It highlights ship with Universities “[The Charter] will reviewed annually. It that studying here is a two-way together UK and the National be an accessible outlines ­expectations ­agreement that relies on students Union of Students, way for students of how the College working hard, through which they A new student charter, setting­ out which suggested that to learn what and students can will be rewarded with support in all the principles by which Imperial each higher education to expect from work together across their endeavours.” Imperial” staff and students work together, institution should have four categories: what —John-Paul Jones,Communications and has been signed by Imperial’s a high level statement Imperial will provide Development ­President & Rector Sir Keith setting out the mutual expecta- through its staff, what it will provide Read Our Principles here: O’Nions and the President of tions of universities and students. its students with, what students www.imperial.ac.uk/students/ Imperial College Union, Imperial’s version, Our should expect to do, and what ourprinciples Paul Beaumont. ­Principles, was developed by Imperial College Union will do. 5 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251 >> newsupdate

Join our mailing list media mentions for regular news alerts: www. —tanya gubbay, Communications and Development imperial.ac.uk/media/jointsignup

Screening failure Rise of the machines Sex differences neglected bbc radio 4 ▸ 31.7.2012 daily mail ▸ 7.8.2012 daily mail ▸ 28.8.2012

Areas with These are exciting times for robotic surgery, according to Emeritus Alzheimer’s the highest Professor Brian Davies (Mechanical Engineering), who invented disease ­tuberculosis the first robot to remove tissue from a living human in 1991. researchers (TB) rates in the Today’s robots are transforming treatment for joint problems, are giving UK are failing irregular heartbeats and many other conditions, and their accu- insufficient to implement­ racy makes it possible to carry out complex operations with mini- attention to screening pro- mal trauma to the patient. Speaking to the Daily Mail he noted differences in grammes for that “Robots can work much more accurately than the human how the condition affects the sexes, high-risk groups, hand, which is fantastic now that we are seeking minimally inva- according to scientists speaking to the Radio 4’s File sive surgery through a tiny incision where precision is key.” Daily Mail. Recent research showed on 4 reported. There are often no visible that the disease tended to cause more ­symptoms of TB infections, so migrants from rapid deterioration in men than in areas where TB is prevalent are supposed to Physicists seeking superpartners women and to affect different parts have blood tests to check for the bacteria.­ nbc news ▸ 8.8.2012 of the brain between the genders. However, Imperial research found that many Professor Glenda Gillies (Medicine) primary care providers­ are not performing­ Following their detection of the elusive Higgs boson, scientists said that there have not been enough the tests. “Those areas with the highest at CERN are now trawling through data produced in the Geneva studies addressing such discrepancies. rates are devoting all their resources to the research centre’s Large Hadron Collider for signs of what they “We need much better data about daily burden of treating active TB disease,­ call ‘SUSY’, reported NBC news. Formally known as super- gender differences,” she told the but what that leaves below the surface is symmetry, SUSY is the idea that every one of the elementary newspaper. “It’s women who are losing the vast reservoir of latent TB,” Professor ­particles that make up the universe and everything in it has an out because of this. And because they Ajit Lalvani (NHLI) said. “It’s frightening almost, but not quite identical, ‘superpartner’. “SUSY is still a live longer, at any one time significantly and it’s part of the reason why TB has been very valid option and we have just started to constrain it on the more women will have the disease than ­progressively increasing for the last two energy scale,” said Dr Oliver Buchmueller (Physics). “There are men. So we need to know a lot more ­decades in Britain.” many regions on the map of where it should be that we have about what works for them.” still to explore.”

awards and ­international research and and each of the winners­ received honours ­teaching in respiratory medicine. £15,000 to fund their research. Only one award is made each year. ­Professor Barnes will receive medicine his award in October 2012. DSc for Taylor

engineering Graham Taylor, Reader in Commu- Pistikopoulos recognised nicable Diseases (Medicine) has been awarded the DSc degree of Professor Stratos ­Pistikopoulos medicine Imperial College London for his has received the 2012 Com- UNESCO Women in work on the human T-lymphotropic puting in Chemical Engineer- Science Award virus type 1 (HTLV-1) which belongs ing Award by the Computing to the family of viruses called and Systems ­Technology Divi- Dr Katrina Lythgoe (Public Health) ­retroviruses. Since joining Imperial medicine sion of the ­American Institute of has received a L’Oréal UNESCO in 1992, Dr Taylor has developed a Barnes becomes a Chemical Engineers. Professor For Women in Science Award, research team to provide care for Master Fellow ­Pistikopoulos was honoured as r­ecognising her work in applying patients with HTLV-1 infection and a world leading authority in pro- ecological and evolutionary theory­ associated diseases, determine­ Professor Peter Barnes (NHLI) cess systems, with innovative to better predict the evolutionary the frequency and spectrum of has been elected as a Master and breakthrough technologies dynamics of infectious disease in ­disease, understand the causes ­Fellow of the American College of ­recognised by an ERC award and humans and other species. The of disease, develop tests to Chest ­Physicians in recognition industrially applied by companies results were announced on 28 June ­monitor the infection and to study of his contributions to such as Shell. at a ceremony at the Royal Society novel treatments. 6 >> scienceroundup www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251

Drug improves vaccine response in HIV patients

The drug maraviroc could roc or a placebo in addition to help some vaccines work more their ­normal combination of ­effectively in people with HIV ­antiretroviral drugs in a trial at infection, according to a study Chelsea and Westminster Hospi- by researchers in the Department tal, sponsored by St Stephen’s of Medicine. AIDS Trust. The patients were Universal health vaccinated against meningi- coverage improves HIV causes a progressive tis, tetanus and cholera, and ­weakening of the immune system, the researchers measured their health for all which results in patients respond- ­biological responses. Evidence suggests that progress ing poorly to vaccinations and After being given an injected towards universal health cover- becoming increasingly vulnerable meningitis vaccine, the levels of age generally results in substan- to infectious diseases. antibodies in the blood rose in the tial improvements to population Maraviroc is already used maraviroc group, but did not rise health, according to a new paper from in combination with other significantly in the placebo group. researchers at Imperial published on ­treatments for HIV as it prevents The maraviroc group also showed 7 September. the virus from entering white an increased response to an HIV blood cells, but now a clinical trial protein, unlike the placebo group. response. The outcomes of our trial The issues surrounding universal health has found that it also enhances Dr Samantha Westrop using maraviroc were very encour- coverage – how an adequate stand- the body’s response to immuni- ­(Medicine), the study’s first aging and we think as a result clini- ard of healthcare can be provided to sation. The findings were pub- author, said: “People with HIV are cians may, in future, be interested all people, while ensuring that use of lished on 7 August in the journal vulnerable to infectious diseases in prescribing maraviroc in con- health services does not expose people­ Molecular­ Medicine. and they don’t respond as well to ­ junction with certain vaccines.” to financial hardship – have never Forty-seven patients with ­vaccinations, so there is interest —Sam Wong, Communications been more controversial or politically HIV were given either maravi- in how to improve their immune and Development ­relevant than now. Dr Rodrigo Moreno- Serra and Professor Peter Smith, from the Business School and the Centre for Health Policy, provided a comprehen- sive assessment of the current evidence for the effects of universal coverage on Flu is transmitted before symptoms appear people’s health in the first of a series of papers on universal health coverage ­Imperial National Institute for occurred before the first symp- published in The Lancet. Health Research Biomedical tom, fever, appeared, both The researchers found that the evi- Research Centre. when the ferrets were in the dence available suggests that broader Knowing if people are same cage and when they were health coverage leads to better access ­infectious before they have in adjacent cages. to necessary care and improved pop- symptoms is important to help Professor Wendy Barclay ulation health, particularly for the authorities plan for an epi- (Medicine), the study’s lead poorest people. Countries that rely demic, but it has been ­difficult author, said: “This result on out-of-pocket payments to finance to establish has important their health systems are often in a this from data “The spread of flu ­implications for worse position to guarantee access to ­collected dur- is very difficult to pandemic plan- care and protect their citizens from the ing outbreaks. control, even with ning strategies. financial risks of illness, which tends Previous­ research self-diagnosis and It means that the to be damaging to people’s health. using mathe- measures such as spread of flu is Dr Rodrigo Moreno-Serra, the A study from the Department of matical models temperature screens very difficult to paper’s lead author, says: “Progress ­Medicine­ examining influenza trans- ­estimated that at airports” control, even with towards universal health coverage may mission in ferrets suggest that the most flu transmis- self-­diagnosis and be at risk in the current financial climate virus can be passed on before the sion occurs after measures such as and, if financial pressures result in uni- appearance of symptoms. If the find- the onset of symptoms, but temperature screens at airports.­ versal health coverage being neglected ing applies to humans, it means that some happens earlier. It also means that doctors and in some countries, this is likely to have people pass on flu to others before they The new study is the first to nurses who don’t get the flu jab an adverse effect on people’s health know they’re infected, making it very investigate this question exper- are putting their patients at risk and their broader welfare. For example,­ difficult to contain epidemics. imentally in an animal model. because they might pass on an in Greece and Spain the global eco- Ferrets with flu were put in con- infection when they don’t know nomic downturn has led to an increase The research, published in the tact with uninfected ferrets for they’re infected.” in user payments for health services.” open access journal PLOS ONE on short periods at different stages —Sam Wong, Communications and Development —Adapted from a news release issued by The Lancet 29 August, was supported by the after infection. ­Transmission 7 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251 >> scienceroundup

Study suggests benefits Maser power comes of TB vaccine have been out of the cold underestimated

Imperial scientists have demonstrated that they can The BCG vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis (TB) has a ­operate a ‘maser’ at room temperature for the first time bigger role in protecting children than previously thought, using new technology, paving the way for its widespread according to an international study led by ­investigators adoption, The research was published on 16 August in Pink crystal technology holds at Imperial and published in the American Journal of the key to maser power. the journal Nature. ­Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine on 15 August. BCG was understood to prevent severe illness from tuberculosis, Maser (microwave amplification The researchers suggest that the but not to prevent infection with TB bacteria. Now data col- ­simulated emission of radiation) was maser could be used in a range of appli- lected from five countries in Europe suggest that the vaccine invented by scientists more than 50 years cations including more sensitive medical is also effective at preventing infection. ago, before laser technology was devel- instruments for scanning patients and oped. Instead of creating intense beams improved chemical sensors for remotely The BCG vaccine is made from a weakened form of bacteria of light, as in the case of lasers, masers detecting explosives. closely related to human TB. The vaccine is 70-80 per cent deliver a concentrated beam of micro- Professor Neil Alford, co-author and effective against the most severe forms of TB. waves. ­However, Head of the Depart- TB is the second biggest killer, after HIV/AIDS, out of all the maser has had ment of Materials, said: infectious diseases worldwide. It is caused by bacteria called little technological When lasers were “When lasers were Mycobacterium tuberculosis that infect the lungs, but people impact because it invented, no-one quite invented, no-one quite can be infected for years without showing any symptoms. was inconvenient to knew exactly how they The new study, by a network of paediatricians from use, only function- knew exactly how they would be used and Europe called ptbnet, analysed skin test and blood test ing in high magnetic would be used and yet, yet, the technology­ results from 1,128 children in Greece, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria fields, a vacuum the technology has ­flourished to the point and the UK to establish whether BCG prevents TB infection. and at temperatures where lasers have now The senior author of the study, Professor Beate close to absolute flourished” become ubiquitous ­Kampmann (Medicine), said: “We set up a paediatric zero (-273°C). in our everyday lives. ­tuberculosis network in Europe in 2009 which has enabled Now, the team from Imperial and We’ve still got a long way to go before the us to compile a much bigger dataset than we’ve had before. the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) maser reaches that level, but our break- This has given us the opportunity to answer important have developed technology that enables through does mean that this technology ­questions about childhood TB, such as how the blood test masers to be operated at room tempera- can literally come out of the cold and start performs in children and what role the BCG vaccine plays in ture and without the need for an external becoming more useful.” preventing infection.” magnetic field. —Colin Smith, Communications and Development —Sam Wong, Communications and Development

Black belts’ white matter shows how a powerful punch comes from the brain

Karate experts are able to gener- infrared markers on their arms ate extremely powerful forces with and torso to capture the speed of their punches, but how they do this their movements. is not fully understood. Previous “The karate black belts were studies have found that the force able to repeatedly coordinate their generated in a karate punch is not punching action with a level of determined by muscular strength, coordination that novices can’t suggesting that factors related to ­produce,” said Dr Ed Roberts the control of muscle movement by ­(Medicine), who led the study the brain might be important. published on 14 August in the The study looked for differ- ­journal Cerebral­ Cortex. ences in brain structure between “We think that ability might 12 karate practitioners with a black be related to fine tuning of ­neural belt rank and an average of 13.8 ­connections in the cerebellum, years’ karate experience, and 12 allowing them to synchronise their Brain scans have revealed distinc- UCL found that differences in the control subjects of similar age who arm and trunk movements very tive features in the brain ­structure ­structure of white matter – the exercised regularly but did not accurately,” he said. of karate experts, that could be connections between brain regions have any martial arts experience. —Sam Wong, Communications and linked to their ability to punch – were correlated with how black The researchers tested how Development powerfully from close range. belts and novices performed in a powerfully the subjects could Researchers from Imperial and test of punching ability. punch. The participants also wore 8 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251

Diamond discoveries

Simon Levey (Communications and Development) goes on a guided tour of Imperial’s Membrane Protein Lab

A short train journey from Paddington ­station followed by a taxi ride through a sleepy village and rolling green fields brings into view a space-age aircraft hangar rising out from behind a clump of trees. I arrive in the reception hut of what looks like a gleaming metallic ­fortress and a massive aerial photo on the wall shows that the building I’m in actually bears more than a passing resemblance to a Krispy Kreme doughnut nestled in the Oxfordshire landscape (pictured right). According to my tour guide Dr Isabel de Moraes (Life Sciences), last winter’s heavy snowfall even gave it a topping of thick white icing. Set inside the futuristic doughnut is the ­Membrane Protein Laboratory (MPL), a ­multimillion pound research centre ­established by Imperial, the Wellcome Trust and Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national powerful­ beams of light to illuminate topics­ its external scientific collaborators, whilst ­synchrotron science facility and the ­building’s as diverse as earthworm digestion, nano-­ directly supervising three Imperial postgrad- primary occupant. electronics and super-thin solar panels. The uate students and 11 external PhD students Diamond Light Source is the only facility synchrotron light beam allows them to see and postdoctoral scientists. of its kind in the UK, Isabel says. This spring details that ordinary light microscopes cannot. Their well-furnished laboratory sits just marked 10 years since it came into existence, across the hall from the beam called I24. It when the government and the Wellcome Trust Diamond jubilation boasts an extensive range of high-tech equip- signed a joint venture agreement to create ment that can be used by visiting scientists Diamond Light Source Ltd. It opened its doors Set up in 2006 by Imperial’s Professor and postgraduate students. There Isabel five years later in 2007, replacing a 28-year- So Iwata (Life Sciences) and University of works with technician ­Matthew Jennions and old synchrotron at Daresbury in Cheshire. Oxford’s Professor Dame Louise Johnson alongside colleagues Dr ­Konstantinos Beis “You’ve heard of a particle accelerator?” Asks FRS, the MPL team have earned themselves and Dr Alex Cameron (all Life Sciences). Isabel. “Well, the synchrotron is a ­particle a global reputation for their combination Studying proteins is Alex’s passion. accelerator for electrons.” Powerful ­magnets of knowledge and expertise. Over the years “These bundles of molecules, strung out in guide electrons around the doughnut in a they have brought new understanding to the twisted, winding chains and intricately folded 562-metre-long circular path at speeds so ­biological secrets behind pain, allergy and in on themselves form some of the most fast that they complete 555,000 circuits photosynthesis by helping other scientists complex biological machines in our bodies, every ­second. Unlike the accelerator at CERN, to fully visualise the proteins at the heart few more than one ten billionth of a metre which smashes particles head-on at one of of these research fields. In fact, they are so in size,” he explains enthusiastically. “Each several giant underground detectors, scien- proud of their discoveries that models of three ­protein has its own superpower, the ­ability to tists at the Diamond facility use accelerated of these proteins are immortalised in fist- grab a passing molecule or release a waste electrons to create an extremely bright light, sized blocks of perspex on a windowsill for all ­product from a cell. Almost all these super- which they siphon off in a beam into one of to admire. powers are activated by a protein subtly 20 ­experimental laboratories around the ring, Isabel joined the team two years ago from changing its shape,” he adds. where they sit like ­junctions on the M25. drug discovery company Evotec in nearby To illustrate an application of their work, Scientists and engineers use these Abingdon. She manages the laboratory and Alex explains that pharmaceuticals work by 9 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251 >> featurefocus

interacting in some way with proteins in our bodies, and changing how they behave. For example, antihistamines prevent specific receptors on cells from binding to the mole- cules that cause allergic reactions. Using new insights gained from work at the laboratory, scientists in pharmaceutical development can design new types of drugs that have fewer side effects – an important concern when it comes to drugs for chronic pain, cancer treatments and antihistamines for common allergies.

Crystal clear

An important step in understanding a protein is creating an accurate 3D model of it, Isabel­ explains later, which is a straightforward­ process for around five per cent of proteins that have potential to form new drugs. For the remaining 95 per cent of promising drug ­targets, the process is more complicated.­ These are proteins that control what enters or leaves a cell through its surrounding­ The MPL team. Back row: Yilmaz Alguel, Mutsuko Grant, ­membrane, and are at the centre of many Indran Mathavan, James Birch, Nienjen Hu, Matthew health problems. exciting things to come out of the laboratory Jennions, James Foadi. Front row: Tian Geng, Isabel Moraes, So Iwata, Alex Cameron, Momi Iwata. To build a 3D model of any protein, was first seeing a membrane protein, called ­scientists need to gather information about Mph1, take on three different shapes: “It had it using the beam, often lining up lots of the long been hypothesised that proteins changed ­successful experiments,­ they have not yet had the same type of protein to magnify the image. shape in order to perform their superpower, but breakthrough they are hoping to see. However, these more com- nobody had been able to provide­ “The MPL plays an important role in developing­ plicated membrane proteins clear evidence of it happening.­ new technologies for molecular biology,” says unravel and become floppy Each Then the beam detected the ­Professor Paul Freemont (Life Sciences), who heads outside the special­ condi- protein has its three steps by which this pro- up several research units on the South Kensington tions that would normally hold tein grabbed a passing molecule Campus. “It performs a fantastic service for Imperial them together in the cell, and own superpower, and spat it back out somewhere researchers and external scientists by allowing them to this makes them very diffi- the ability to else.” This discovery was made access the equipment, as well as the expertise at the cult to prepare. Isabel­ explains grab a passing by So in 2006, and led other lab.” Paul has recently taken up a position on Diamond­ that instead, scientists in the ­scientists to realise the power of Light Source’s scientific committee,establishing ­ laboratory spend many hours atom or release the technique. ­further ties between the College and the facility. painstakingly trying to arrange a waste product Since 2008 the laboratory The sun is beginning to set as I say goodbye to proteins into the perfect con- from a cell” has helped to unveil the struc- ­Isabel and the team, but the outlook for the lab looks figuration by assembling them ture of 13 new proteins, but rarely brighter than ever. Imperial has just been awarded a into a rigid and uniform pattern­ is this research all plain sail- Wellcome Trust grant to help fund new equipment and called a crystal. Once they have achieved this, ing, says Isabel.­ “Often you need to grow the increase the laboratory’s potential. the crystals can be stored at a set tempera- ­crystals under really unusual­ or extreme condi- As the train carries me home to more familiar ture in giant incubators or fridges before being tions. This means that sometimes­ you just can’t urban surroundings, I think back on everything I have ­carried across the hallway to be scrutinised in put an end date on a project.­ For example,­ it seen over the course of the day and reflect that even the beam. “This is a great benefit for the scien- may take a long time to experiment and work though this Oxfordshire outpost isn’t based on one of tists at the MPL,” says Isabel, “otherwise we’d out what temperature makes them grow.” our main campuses, it clearly embraces the Imperial have to transport crystals to labs in Europe or In one strand of work she is looking­ for new ethos of excellence. I hope to hear about many more across the Atlantic on a journey many of these ­targets for chemotherapy drugs with the help discoveries from the Membrane Protein Laboratory delicate structures would not survive.” of scientist­ Dr Anastasia Mylona from Cancer­ over the coming 10 years. According to So Iwata, one of the most Research UK, although, despite two years of –Simon Levey, Communications and Development

10 >> featurefocus www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251

What personality traits are useful in your role? I think boundless enthusiasm is helpful! I hope colleagues find I’m approachable, make myself available, and that I enjoy meeting people. So many interesting things happen in College – there’s a lot to communicate, outside Imperial as well as within.

Do you wear any other hats within the College? I’m also the Disability Champion, chairing the Disability Action Committee. We have a responsibility as a world class institution to support all our staff, and that means we’re as helpful as possible to anyone with a ­disability. It’s particularly important to be aware of mental health issues, which often fall beneath the radar becasue they are less visible. I was impressed by an excellent series of articles called Unseen Imperial in Felix People person recently, which explored some of these issues.

Imperial’s new College Secretary Imperial’s strategic direction, Are you looking forward What are your upcoming thinking through the challenges on to the start of term? challenges? and Registrar, John Neilson, took the horizon over the next five to 20 Yes, it has particular resonance We need to keep focused on up his post in May after 30 years years, and am involved in nurturing because in the week Imperial our strategy for the College’s external relations for the College, welcomes its new students, future – how we can develop working in government, including in particular with government and I’ll be dropping my daughter partnerships with others and six as Director of the Research funding bodies. off at Oxford to study mitigate sensibly the risks we Geography. Both my children might face. Continuing the Base in the Department for What do you enjoy most followed in their mother’s excellent efforts to enhance Business Innovation and Skills. about your current role? footsteps in their choice of the student experience So much of what degree. As a remains a top priority. I am John spoke to Reporter about Imperial does is at mathematician, I particularly keen to support how he has settled into life the cutting edge In the did however lure further collaboration across of research and them into A Level Imperial, so we remain at the at the College. week Imperial teaching. It’s great Further Maths! forefront of multidisciplinary being part of that, welcomes its working in research, teach- How would you describe and being able new students, I’ll What are ing and translation, which is the role of College Secretary to hear firsthand be dropping my your interests already one of the greatest and Registrar? what people are outside work? strengths of the College. My role has a number of parts. working on. I’ve been daughter off at Apart from ­acting —JOHN-PAUL JONES, COMMUNICATIONS First, I am concerned with the fascinated by some Oxford to study as the family AND DEVELOPMENT effective governance of the College. of the research I’ve Geography” taxi driver, I play At the same time, I have direct heard about through golf and have a management responsibility for attending inaugural ­season ticket to some of the underpinning areas lectures. I also have a personal support Harlequins. I like going of the College – from the research link to Imperial; my father was a to concerts, and enjoyed hear- reactor to the Registry and the Master’s student here in the 1950s, ing the College choir perform in school outreach work. I also share studying aeronautical engineering. St Stephen’s­ Gloucester­ Road responsibility for developing earlier in the summer.

11 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251

Debating sustainable energy

A panel discussion on sustainable ­imperative for separating material con- energy policies for the so-called sumption growth from financial growth. inside BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India He showed two projected GDP and China – was held at Imperial on growth scenarios for the next 20 years 16 August. – one for an economic policy with stringent climate change mitigation story The event featured experts including­ and one without. A policy for climate Professor Paul Ekins, Director of change mitigation is one that tries to the UCL Institute for Sustainable decrease the causes and effects of Resources, Minister-Councillor Rodrigo climate change (or global warming); mini profile de Azeredo Santos from the Brazilian one example of this is the European Embassy, and Mr Magued Eldaief, the and UK 2020 (and 2050) targets to ­Executive Director, Energy Accounts, decrease emissions. Charles GE Energy. Students Edo Abraham Professor Ekins estimated that (Electrical and Electronic Engineer- ­mitigation would cost the economy Dumoulin ing) and Bing Feng Ng (Aeronautics), only one year’s growth by 2030. His ­President and Publications­ Officer of ­conclusion was that it is the lack of Visiting Professor Charles the Imperial College­ Energy Society, political will, not economic cost or Dumoulin, Scientific Director who helped to organise­ the event in lack of technology that is the main of the Imaging Research collaboration with the Imperial College ­constraining factor for environmentally Centre at Cincinnati Children’s Brazil Forum, report: sustainable economic growth . Hospital, USA, who has worked “With the big emerging economies Mr Eldaief discussed the best and with researchers at Imperial like Brazil, Russia, India and China worst policy scenarios for investment since the 1980s, is giving two driving the global agenda on sustain- in sustainable energy development in guest lectures this month able energy, there is a question over the BRIC nations. He also highlighted (see page 16 for more details). whether these new economies should the policy risks and opportunities faced Reporter caught up with him model their development and poli- by energy companies like GE in doing to find out why he wants to cies around the path taken by devel- ­business in these countries.” see MR – a new type of MRI You have carried out a study oped western nations. The consensus Hear an audio recording of the event and see scanning – readily available for trialling a new type of MRI of the panel was that they should the presentation slides at: www.ic-energy.org premature babies. scanner. Could this improve not. Professor­ Ekins explained the neonatal care? What is an MRI? The NICU MR scanner that we Magnetic resonance imaging have developed is considerably (MRI) is an imaging technique smaller and easier to site than a used in medicine to diagnose­ conventional MR scanner. This disease. It employs large is expected to have a substan- m­agnets but, unlike X-rays, it tial impact in reducing the cost does not use ionising radiation. of MRI for premature babies. By making MR readily available­ What is the current problem to premature babies, therapies­ with MRI scanners? that manage and minimise Premature babies in neonatal­ trauma can be more quickly and intensive care units (NICUs) accurately applied. are among the most fragile patients treated by doctors How would you like to see today. They are very sensitive to this technology used in light, sound, temperature and the future? physical disturbances. While In light of the value that MR NICU babies have many medi- brings, it is not unreasonable cal conditions that could be to expect that, in addition to diagnosed with modern imag- medically-indicated­ scanning, ing techniques, in reality babies every NICU baby may one day be Exploring Slovenia’s longest cave are rarely sent out of the NICU MR scanned on admission and/ for advanced imaging exams, or discharge from the unit. During a summer caving expedition under the mountain of Tolminski Migovec, such as MRI, as the risk of mov- —Colin Smith, Communications Imperial students and postdocs discovered the longest cave in Slovenia, ing them typically outweighs the and Development pictured above. medical benefits of the exam. Read the full story here: http://bit.ly/newcaves 12 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251

Imperial students share their experiences of life at the College on the student bloggers website. Adrenalin-fuelled creativity

Student blogger Bernadeta on Dr Duncan Casey is a illustrating science: postdoc working on the Proxomics project “If there’s one thing that in the Department of I would like to see more ­Chemistry, develop- of in science education ing the tools needed to it’s teaching of scientific probe cells at a micro- illustration. Today’s science scopic level, in order illustration is based on computer to identify the changes animation and Photoshop-edited that they undergo during Participants of the creativity workshop that Duncan attended. images – which is not bad – science ageing and in diseases in all its forms has to keep up with all like cancer. He reports technological advancements, especially on a creativity workshop ­established, in which you’re thrown into a five-day, because it helps to promote it. he attended in June. £10 million competition with around 30 total ­strangers However, I cannot help feeling jealous to put together a proposal to work on a strategic, of scientists from previous decades or “The course was held at ­multidisciplinary target. It’s certainly an intense, ages who, at the same time as being Cumberland Lodge – a ­high-adrenaline way to plan your next project. scholars, were also real artists. If fantastic old venue in The best, but also the hardest, thing about the you have ever seen illustrations in the shadow of ­Windsor idea is that you’re working with people with wildly Robert Hooke’s ‘Micrographia’, ­Castle – and funded different skill-sets and experience. I helped develop well … even mind-blowing through a grant awarded a synthetic biology proposal with a plastic electron- doesn’t describe it!” to Dr Laura Barter (Chem- ics designer and an economist, amongst others. istry) by the Postdoc ­Fortunately, the event came equipped with a group of www.imperial. ac.uk/ Development Centre and facilitators and trainers from EPSRC and the Biotech- campus_life/ the Institute of ­Chemical nology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and studentblogs Biology at Imperial. It talks included one from an ex-editor at Nature, who developed from the spent a day helping cram some showmanship and ‘sandpit’ events that the theatricality into dry scientific presentations. It was Engineering and Physi- great to hear that EPSRC would like postdocs to start cal Sciences Research appearing at the full sandpit events, and I’m very Council (EPSRC) has keen to get stuck into one.”

Demonstrating excellence

Getting to What is REF? What is the code of practice for REF? know the REF is the exercise that is used to assess the qual- All higher education institutions making submis- ity of research in UK universities – it is used by sions to REF are required to have a code of practice research the Higher Education Funding Council for England which governs the processes to determine which excellence (HEFCE) to determine the research funding we get staff will be included in the REF. The code contains framework from them. information about how, and by whom, the decisions will be made, how the College will communicate (REF) How does it differ from the Research those decisions and how submission patterns will Assessment Exercise (RAE)? be monitored. The main difference between REF and RAE is that With departments preparing to there is a new requirement to demonstrate and What are the key milestones for REF? ­demonstrate the quality of their measure the impact of research. Academic staff must be in post on 31 October research through the new Research 2013 in order to be considered for inclusion in the Excellence Framework, Reporter Why is REF important for Imperial? REF submission. We will return our submission caught up with Director of Strategic Aside from the funding impact, we have always done to HEFCE on 29 November 2013. During 2014 the Planning, Michelle Coupland, to find well in previous research assessment processes so it assessment panels will meet and we’ll hear the out more about the new system and is vital for our reputation. The results of REF will affect results in December­ 2014. what it means to the College. whether people want to work or study at the College. For more information see: www3.imperial.ac.uk/ref 13 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251 insidestory

inventor’s corner Brain power

Dr Aldo Faisal is a lecturer in How does this work? neurotechnology, jointly based in the We have two small cameras mounted Departments of Bioengineering and into framed spectacles, which allows Computing. Neurotechnology fuses us to observe where your eyes are look- together the principles of neuroscience ing. If you’re looking at a computer and engineering and the Faisal lab screen and want to interact with the was set up two and a half years ago computer, we simply make the mouse to understand the brain in terms of cursor follow your eyes on the screen A pleasure and its engineering design principles and and a wink enables the click of the apply this knowledge to technology. As mouse. In a test, we asked subjects­ to a privilege a result, researchers have developed play fast-paced arcade video games an eye movement and, excitingly,­ we saw Professor Anthony Kinloch is retiring in October as tracker that enables that people­ who used this Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering patients who are To interact ­system for the first time for – a post he has held for the past five years. Reporter movement impaired with a computer just 10 minutes could reach caught up with Professor Kinloch to hear about his to operate an ordinary the performance level of career highlights and his plans for the future. computer. we simply make able-bodied players within the mouse cursor a 15 per cent range. The good news is that you are not leaving How did you come follow your eyes Imperial entirely. What is your new role? across this idea? How does this differ I am donning a lab coat once again to take on the part- The brain can move on the screen from what is currently on time role of Senior Research Investigator. I aim to fur- the body as long as and a wink the market? ther my research, developing tougher plastics used in it is operational. But enables the click Measuring eye movements adhesives and to bind composite materials together. when the links break is not a new concept but down due to injury, old of the mouse” systems typically cost tens What does your wife think about age or illnesses such of thousands of pounds. We your retirement? as Parkinson’s, MS or stroke, we need have reverse-engineered­ video game She says that she does not want me at home for more another way to harness the brain’s hardware, aiming to maximise the per- than one day a week. For the other four days, I am power to interact with the world – for formance of cheap cameras by using allowed to do research only – no more admin. example, by controlling computers smart software, allowing us to make or wheelchairs. Curiously, eye move- systems costing less than £40. A recent What is your first memory of Imperial? ments are not affected by these types study by the NHS showed that over five I joined Imperial from the Department of Defence in of motor disorders and readily con- million people in the UK alone would 1984 as a Reader under a government initiative to vey a person’s interaction intentions benefit from our eyetracking ­ hardware recruit new academic blood to universities. I remem- by how they observe an object or the and software, so there is clear low-cost, ber being told at the interview by the then Head of environment, so we looked at using high-volume commercial potential. Department (HoD) that while I might aspire to become them to interact and control things. —Kailey Nolan, Imperial Innovations a professor, I could never be the HoD because I was not a mechanical engineer – I am a materials scientist by training. I replied by asking him to please put his comments in writing, as a guarantee for the future.

Enjoy the buzz on campus How has the College changed over the years? as term begins by joining the The addition of the Faculty of Medicine to the College team of volunteers to give new has been a really important change, which has ena- students a warm welcome. bled medical engineering research in our Department If you can spare a few hours to flourish. It has meant that our engineers can take please contact: part in clinical trials with their medical colleagues Volunteers [email protected] and see their work taken from the lab bench to the bedside to improve patient care. More about Welcome wanted! Week 2012: http://bit.ly/ What has been your favourite thing aboutwelcomeweek about your time at Imperial? Are you available for a half day on: It sounds really clichéd, but being able to teach Saturday 29 Sept–Sunday 30 Sept and undertake research at Imperial has been a real or Monday 1 October? ­pleasure and a privilege. —Colin Smith, Communications and Development 14 insidestory www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter | reporter | 20 September 2012 • issue 251

obituaries

professor david binnie David ­Binnie, Emeritus Professor­ of Physics, who died on 31 May 2012, was Deputy Head of the Department of Physics from ­October 1992 for three years. ­Emeritus Professor William G. Jones (Physics) pays tribute to his colleague:

Dr Joseph Footitt “David first joined Imperial in 1961. Dr Joseph Footitt, Walport Clinical Lecturer in He helped to pioneer new types of the Airway Disease Infection Section, (NHLI), detectors of fundamental particles died in an accident on 13 June 2012, aged 37. in experiments carried out at what Corrections and clarifications was then the new CERN laboratory Joseph trained at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in Geneva using its first accelerator, Reporter would like to apologise to Emeritus ­Professor medical school in London and joined Imperial the synchrocyclotron, which was Bob Spence (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) in 2007 and started a period of research, tiny compared with today’s Large who we inaccurately reported as serving 30 years at registering for a PhD under the supervision of Hadron Collider at CERN. Later the ­College in issue 249, published on 20 July. Bob Professor Sebastian Johnston, Professor Ian he became head of the ‘Counter has in fact been a staff member for an impressive 50 Adcock and Dr Patrick Mallia (all NHLI). He Group’ in the High Energy Nuclear years ­starting as a lecturer in 1962. Above, Bob is pic- undertook a clinical study on inflammation Physics Group and developed a new tured at the wheel on his way to the Royal Academy of in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease technique for studying fundamental ­Engineering’s New Fellows Dinner in 1993. (COPD) aiming to make discoveries about the particles. The approach involved mechanisms that cause acute attacks of the detecting neutrons and measuring disease which could lead to new approaches their velocity using accurate timing to prevention and devices, thereby computing the Staff featured in this column have given many treatment. In 2011 “Joseph was an mass of the particles produced. years of service to the College. Staff listed below Joseph returned to extraordinary man David and his team went on to ­celebrate anniversaries during the period his clinical training in the true meaning develop high resolution cylindrical 1 August–1 September. The data is supplied by HR within the NHS of the word – multiwire drift chambers which and is correct at the time of going to press. before joining the energetic, extremely were used on the LEP electron- NHLI as a Walport talented and positron collider in CERN. David 20 years Clinical Lecturer universally liked” was an inspiring teacher and • Dr Graham Taylor, Reader in Communicable Diseases, Medicine following the developed the ‘Quantum Lab’ • Mr John Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the College Fund, award of his PhD in which enabled students to confront Finance February 2012. some deeply puzzling aspects • Professor Andrew George, Professor of Molecular ­Immunology, Medicine Sebastian Johnston, Professor of Respiratory of quantum mechanics through • Professor Jonathan Halliwell, Professor of Medicine and Allergy, said: “I worked with making their own observations Theoretical Physics, Physics Joseph over the last five years, and was looking and measurements. Following his • Mrs Sandra Scott, Research Nurse, NHLI forward to working closely with him into the retirement in 1996 David joined • Dr Simon Leather, Reader in Applied Ecology, Life Sciences • Professor Gad Frankel, Professor of Molecular Pathogenesis, future. He was an extraordinary man in the true a medical physics group at the Life Sciences meaning of the word – energetic, extremely Royal Marsden Hospital and his talented and universally liked with a great contributions to solving physics 30 years sense of humour. His loss is devastating to problems in diagnostic imaging • Mr Stefan Algar, Laboratory and Concrete Operations many, both personally and professionally. My resulted in better treatment for ­Manager, Civil and Environmental Engineering thoughts are with his wife, his parents and all cancer patients. David continued • Dr Alan Swann, Director of Occupational Health, Occupa- those friends who were lucky enough to enjoy his association with the College tional Health Service • Emeritus Professor Mino Green, Senior Research Investigator, his wonderful company. We will miss as a Senior Research Investigator EEE him enormously.” and, latterly, as a Distinguished Research Fellow. He will be sorely 40 years missed by his many colleagues and • Professor John Laycock, Professor of Endocrine Physiology, ex-students at Imperial.” Medicine Environmental Policy Dr Audrey duCauze deNazelle, Mr Thomas Dray, ESE Miss Lara Dooley, Accommodation Dr Sourabh Diwan, Aeronautics Dr Zsolt Diveki, Physics Sciences Miss Tamara Diamond, Clinical Engineering Mr Charles Dean, Chemical Dr Timothy Dawes, Medicine Mr Brian Daughton, Humanities Dr Christopher Dancel, Physics Mr Peter Damerell, Life Sciences Dr Rosenildo da Costa, Chemistry Institute Ms Emma Critchley, Grantham Dr Steven Cowman, NHLI Ms Serena Coultress, Computing Mr Lee Coppard, ICT MsContu, Sara Life Sciences Ms Melissa Collins, NHLI Mr Enrico Cocchi, Business School Engineering Mr Faeruque Choudhery, Faculty of Mr Yao Chen, EEE Miss Kiara Chang, Public Health and Technology Chana,Deeph Dr Security Science Mechanical Engineering Professor Richard Challis, Ms MegCassamally, Humanities Accommodation Mr Matthew Carney, Mr Lukasz Bukowski, Life Sciences Mr Oliver Bujanowski-Duffy, ESE Dr Peter Budd,Business School Life Sciences Dr SamanthaBryan, Dr Matthew Brown, Bioengineering Mathematics Professor Damiano Brigo, Dr Joseph Boyle, NHLI Professor AnneBowcock, NHLI Dr Mark Bolstridge, Medicine Sciences Ms Jennifer Biggs, Clinical Dr Neha Bhatnagar, Medicine ESEMs MartinaBertini, College Union Mr Paul Beaumont, Imperial Accommodation Ms Nicola Bartlett, Mrs Tammy Barrett, Medicine Dr Beeta Balali-Mood, Chemistry Ms Rebecca Atkinson, Medicine Health Dr Christina Atchison, Public Dr Elham Ashoori, Mathematics Miss Aparna Ashok, ESE Dr Hena Arif, Medicine College Union Mr Tim Arbabzadah, Imperial Dr Elihu Aranday Cortes, NHLI Bioengineering Mr Luca Annecchino, Miss NadineAmersi, Mathematics Dr Anita Alvarez Laviada, NHLI Engineering Mr Diego Alvarez Feito, Mechanical Mrs Victoria Allen, Humanities School Dr Katja Ahoniemi, Business Dr Helal Ahmed,Graduate School Office Mr Christian Adams, International Mr Edo Abraham, EEE new starters Welcome www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter

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20 September 2012•issue 251 and Cancer Dr Maximilian Johnston, Surgery Accommodation Miss Courtney Johnson, Dr Christopher Johnson, Chemistry Miss Sarah James, EYEC Jacobs,Dr Henry Mathematics Business School Professor Rustam Ibragimov, Union Mr DougHunt, Imperial College Health Innovation Sir Tom Hughes-Hallett, Global Sciences Mr Lawrence Hudson, Life Mr Kevin Hochstenbach, Medicine Dr Yonek Hleba, Life Sciences Cancer Miss Allison Hills, Surgery and Life SciencesDr SamanthaHill, Miss HeliHietala, Physics Mr Pierre Herman, Humanities Chemical Engineering Dr Carmelo Herdes Moreno, Accommodation Miss Faye Hemsley, Dr Edwin Hawkins, Life Sciences Health Dr Sondus Hassounah, Public Dr Katharine Harman, NHLI Dr Sally Hargreaves, Medicine CollegeHeadquarters Harding-Roots, Mr Simon Dr Rui Hao, Materials Dr JieHao, Surgery and Cancer Mr John Hall, Accommodation Mr AmirHakim, NHLI Dr Lisa Haigh,Chemistry Mr Matthew Haddrill, Humanities Cancer Guenther,Dr Sabine Surgeryand Dr Lisa Grover, Research Office Mr Davide Grandolfo, NHLI Cancer Miss Nicolle Grace, Surgery and Dr Carolyn Goh, Bioengineering Bioengineering Mr Rishi Goburdhun, Dr Alexey Glukhov, NHLI Medicine Miss Rebecca Glover, Faculty of Engineering Dr Chiara Gattinoni, Mechanical Dr Kevin Public Garwood, Health Dr Alejandra Garcia Cattaneo, NHLI Accommodation Mr Benjamin Ganesh, Ms Paula Fyans, Public Health Dr Jake Foster, Surgery and Cancer Dr Remy Flechais, Medicine Accommodation MissFeehan, Sarah Secretariat Mr Riccardo Feasey, Central Ms Nasheed Faruqi, Library Ms Maria Farkas, Business School Engineering Dr Olivia Fandino Torres, Chemical Engineering Dr Davide Fabozzi, Chemical Mrs Josephine Evans, NHLI Dr Christoph Life Engl, Sciences Mr Gray Elkington, Public Health Computing Mr StefanosEleftheriadis, Mr Dirk Ekelschot, Aeronautics Miss Victoria Edwards, Medicine International Office Miss Catherine Eames, Accommodation Mr Iheukwumere Duru, Professor FionnDunne, Materials

Development Communications and Morris, Mr Samuel Leisure and Mr Andre Moretti Raimundo, Sport Services Mr John Moola, Commercial Ms Aikaterini Mitsaki, Humanities Dr Brian Mitchell, Humanities School Miss Heena Mistry, Business Mr Badr Missaoui, Mathematics Miss Florencia Minuzzi, Medicine Miss NaomiMiller, Physics Miss Carina Mill, Bioengineering Accommodation Mr Matthew Merker, Engineering Mr Ali Mehmanparast, Mechanical Mr GlenMcKeon, Accommodation Accommodation Miss AimeeMckeon, Mr IanMcGilloway, ICT and Cancer Dr Grainne McDermott, Surgery Accommodation Mr Christopher McCully, Mr James Mc Govern, Public Health Accommodation Mr Kyle Matthews, Dr Lorenzo Matteini, Physics Mrs Shonali Mathur, Medicine Health Miss Sonia Marquardt, Public Environmental Engineering Miss Severine Marechal, Civil and Mathematics Dr Cristina Manolache, Dr Noel Malod-Dognin, Computing Careers Mrs Yasmina Mallam Hassam, Dr Susannah Maidment,ESE Accommodation Mr ThirukumaranMaheswaran, Dr Natalie MacDermott,Medicine Professor Michael Lovett, NHLI Mr James Lockley, Library Dr Cong Liu,Chemical Engineering Lisboa,Mr Martin Business School Mr Craig Lindo, Accommodation Dr Chong Lim,Medicine Dr Sebastien Leurent, Physics Miss Roslyn Lavery, Mathematics Environmental Engineering Mr Mohamed Latheef, Civil and College Union Miss Rebecca Lane,Imperial Miss Sadie Lamb-Bentley, NHLI Mr Kevin Ladhams, Physics Accommodation Kumar, Manisha Miss Mr Kostas Konstantinidis, ICT Medicine Mrs Jayne King,Faculty of Mr Angus King,Life Sciences Dr Mark Kennedy, Business School of Medicine Professor Dermot Kelleher, Faculty Accommodation Miss Joanna Kefas, School Mr Andrew Keegan, Business Miss Anna Kazarian, NHLI Mrs Ramandeep Kaur, NHLI Anandamma, Chemistry Dr Kalesh Karunakaran Nair Engineering Dr Santanu Karan, Chemical and Cancer Dr Manuja Kaluarachchi, Surgery Mr Mendel Kaelen, Medicine Dr Petri Jylha, Business School Dr Andras Juhasz, Mathematics Miss Emily Skiggs, Humanities Dr Dinesh Sivakumar, NHLI Dr Rudy Sinharay, NHLI Engineering Miss Fiona Singh, Faculty of Dr Donal Simmie, Computing Dr ThomasPhysics Siegel, School Mrs Nataliya Shiraz, Business LifeXia SciencesMr Sheng, MedicineMr Sachin Shah, Dr Alexandra Sevko, Medicine Miss Farah Seedat, Medicine Dr Gregory Scott, Medicine Ms Anida Sarajlic, Computing Schools GraduateMr Sergio Santos, Engineering Dr SheilaChemical Samsatli, Miss Farhana Saloo, Mathematics Medicine Mr Thomas Faculty Rylett, of Mr Reuben Rowe, Computing Dr Clare Ross, NHLI Dr Neesha Rockwood, Medicine Miss Rebecca Robey, Medicine School Mr Steven Riddiough,Business Cancer Mr James Richards, Surgery and Dr JuanRibes Fernandez, Medicine Sciences Miss Sophie Rehman, Life Dr BonnieRazzaghi, Medicine Mr Bandula Ratnasekara, Physics Sciences Dr Masooma Rasheed, Life Dr Sasha Rakovich, Physics Dr Deepa Rajagopal, Medicine Dr Georgios Raikos, EEE Dr Daniela Proprentner, Materials Mr Thomas Prince, Mathematics Development Price-Davies,Dr Eryl Professional Sciences Dr Michael Povelones, Life Sciences Dr Emmanuelle Porcher, Life Mr Karl Phillips, Accommodation Dr Jasmine Pham, Life Sciences Dr Ajay Perumal, Physics Ms Fiona Persaud, NHLI Dr Johann Peltier, Life Sciences Mr Rikesh Patel, Bioengineering Miss Deeviya Patel, Medicine Dr Emma Passmore, ESE Accommodation Mr Jehan Pasangha, Mr Ioannis Panagakis, Computing Resources Miss Ireti Oyejola, Human Mr Michael O’Shea, EEE Ms Suat Ooi,Medicine School Miss BheeOlaganathan, Business Ms Leyla Okhai, Equalities Unit Accommodation Miss Esther Ogundeji, Union Mr Stefan Imperial Nubert, College Miss Alison Nolan, Life Sciences and Development Ms Kerry Noble, Communications Mr Symeon Nikitidis, Computing Miss Katie Murray, Life Sciences School Dr Catherine Mulligan, Business Dr David Mozley, Research Office Miss Elisa Mountain, Public Health Ms Sian Morriss, Medicine Dr Cecily Morrison, Public Health

insidestory and retirements Reporterpdfs for staff moving on online supplement at http://bit.ly/ June–2 the 2012. See September covers staff moving in from 25 This data is supplied by HRand Miss Ann Zielonka, EYEC Mr Frank Zhao, Life Sciences Engineering Dr Yunbo Zhao,Chemical Dr Yingsong Zhang,EEE Cancer Miss Elisa Zanini, Surgery and Ms Maria Woringer, Public Health College Union Mr Henry Whittaker, Imperial Mr Barry Whiteside, Physics Dr Claire Westwood, Public Health Ms Hilary Watt, Public Health Miss VivienneWatson, Careers Environmental Engineering Mr Li-Pen Wang, Civil and Dr Yiqun Wang,Medicine Mr James Walker, NHLI Wai,Dr SannMedicine Dr Apostolos Voulgarakis, Physics Dr Rakesh Vora, Medicine Union Mr Shiv Vohra,CollegeImperial Engineering Dr Eirini Velliou, Chemical Mathematics JorisDr Vankerschaver, Office Miss Clare Turner, International Anna Trenaman,Dr Life Sciences Engineering MsZoe Townsend,Chemical Sciences Dr Pawel Tokarczuk, Clinical Dr Richard Till, NHLI Mr TimoTiirikka,Life Sciences Mr Jamie Thomas, Accommodation Mrs Mafalda Teresa Novo, EYEC Mr Steve Tauroza,Humanities Environmental Engineering Dr David Taborda, Civil and Mr Adam Szczepanski, NHLI Dr Daniel Sykes, Computing Mrs Christine Swift, Medicine Dr Dilveer Sually, NHLI Dr Jessica Strid, Medicine Materials Jean-Philippe St-Pierre,Dr Dr Elizabeth Starren, NHLI School WorrawatMr Sritrakul,Business WilliamDr Spinner,EEE Health Ms Christina Spencer, Public Miss Emma Spearing, NHLI Miss Joanna Smee, NHLI Development Communications and RebeccaMrs Sleap-Ireland, these as necessary. right to edit or amend The Editor reserves the [email protected] and retirees to the Editor at about new starters, leavers images and/or comments Please sendyour

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moving in. moving on. for complete details: events highlights www.imperial.ac.uk/events 20 September 2012

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10 October ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE functional differences are thought to underpin Brain sex differences: the different characteristics between the gen- Thirst for the new equality ders in brain disorders such as Parkinson’s and knowledge? depression. In her inaugural lecture, Professor Evidence shows fundamental differences in the Glenda Gillies (Medicine) explains why this Get back into the classroom this autumn brains of men and women, primarily due to the understanding is needed in order to develop and give your brain a workout with the different hormonal and genetic environments optimal therapeutic strategies for both sexes. ­College’s evening in which fetuses develop. These structural and course programme. From Mandarin to Opera and Creative Writing 17 october ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE is the line between the development of offensive versus defensive cyber capabilities, and how can to French, there’s Defining the legal and ethical law enforcement most effectively combat cyber something for boundaries of the cyber frontier crime and cyber terrorism while maintaining anyone who wants to civil liberties and privacy? Ex-Secretary of the limber up their grey cells. Developing effective, strong strategies for dealing US Department of Homeland Security, the Hon. Courses are held once a week with the cyber threat will require societies to Michael Chertoff, discusses these issues at the and are open to all. answer key legal and ethical questions, such as: 2012 Vincent Briscoe Annual Security Lecture. when is a cyber attack a genuine act of war, what www.imperial.ac.uk/humanities/evening

meet the 25 SEPTEMBER ▸ SEMINAR 28 SEPTEMBER ▸ PUBLIC EVENT 10 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE reader Neonatal MRI – Science Uncovered Tracking program footprints: a new approach Imperial researchers at the guaranteeing what computers do Professor Charles Dumoulin, Cincinnati Natural History Museum evening event Professor Philippa Gardner (Computing) Children’s Hospital, USA

2 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE 19 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE 26 SEPTEMBER ▸ SEMINAR Food and sex: intimately related, Imperial business insights MR guided vascular interventions hormonally controlled Dinesh Dhamija, former CEO of Professor Charles Dumoulin, Cincinnati Professor Waljit Dhillo (Medicine) Ebookers.com Children’s Hospital, USA 4 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE 22 OCTOBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE 26 SEPTEMBER ▸ MUSIC Curing cancer – overcoming The changing shape of Evening concert problems on the line UK energy supply Mozart’s Kegelstatt Trio and other works Professor Justin Stebbing Charles Hendry, Minister of State, (Surgery and Cancer) Department of Energy and Leyla Okhai, Staff Disability Climate Change Adviser (Equalities Unit) 27 SEPTEMBER ▸ PUBLIC LECTURE Open access: going for gold? What are you doing in the picture? Panellists from Research Councils UK I’m about to go to the Paralympics women’s­ and Nature News wheelchair basketball quarter finals. I’m particularly interested in the Games as I support disabled staff at Imperial. The ­Paralympics are said to be sold out for the first time, so I was thrilled to get tickets.

What would you do if you were party in the park editor of Reporter for a day? I would focus the issue on what disability encompasses, how disabled staff bring Students cool down with a ‘soak the scientist’ both skills and expertise to a job, as well as game, pictured left, at this year’s uncommonly fresh perspectives due to their own personal sunny Silfest on 21 July, which attracted over 300 journey and the way they see the world. For ­revellers at Silwood Park Campus. With face paint- example, staff with mental health problems often have huge powers of empathy making ing, jousting and dancing to DJ sets til 03.00, the them willing to go the extra mile in their jobs. event had something for everyone. Who would be your cover star? See http://bit.ly/silfest for the full story and a slideshow I’d feature alumna Alexandra Rickham (Environmental Policy 2006), a tetraplegic who just won bronze for sailing in the 2012 Paralympics – she is a great role model.

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