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32 Imperial Summer | 2008

mattersAlumni magazine of Imperial College London including the former Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, St Mary’s Hospital Medical School and Wye College

The h A fond farewell After nearly eight years world’s Sir Richard stands down as Rector Science and Society biggest Lord Winston speaks about his new role Plus all the news from the College experiment and alumni groups 35503_IM32_Cover:Layout 1 1/8/08 16:59 Page 3

Summer 2008 contents//32

16 NEVILLE MILES STFC/IMPERIAL COLLEGE

10 THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

22 news features alumni cover 2 College 10 A Rector to remember 29 Services and awards The insertion of the last Sir Richard Sykes bids farewell 4 30 electromagnetic Business to the College UK CERN GENEVA calorimeter 5 Engineering 14 The rise of the 34 International (ECAL) supermodules 6 Medicine virtual surgeon 38 Catch up into the Compact A new centre of excellence for 7 42 Muon Solenoid Natural Sciences medical robotics Books detector at 8 Music and sport 16 The world’s 44 In memoriam CERN, Geneva. The ECAL forms the biggest experiment first calorimeter layer within the 9 Felix 45 The bigger picture detector and is designed to measure, Meet alumni working at CERN with high precision, the energies of 20 electrons and photons from the Large Pitch perfect Hadron Collider beam. Imperial College Symphony Orchestra – winners of Symphuni 22 Pillar of society Professor Robert Winston on his new Science and Society role 26 A matter of time Imperial College through the decades

Imperial Matters is published twice a year by the Office of Alumni and Development and Imperial College Communications. Issue 33 will be published in January 2009. Contributions are welcome by the copy deadline, Friday 7 November 2008. Editor Zoë Perkins Managing editor Saskia Daniel Contributors Leena Bharadia, Edward Charnley, Sophie Corcoran, Laura Gallagher, Liz Gregson, Danielle Reeves, Tom Roberts, Abigail Smith, Colin Smith and Naomi Weston Design Jeff Eden Print Prolitho ltd Distribution Pharos International Address for magazine enquiries Office of Alumni and Development, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ +44 (0)20 7594 1971 [email protected] www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/matters © Imperial College London, 2008. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any photograph, text or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Due care is taken to ensure that the content of Imperial Matters is fully accurate, but the publisher cannot accept liability for omissions and errors. In the interests of providing a free flow of debate, views expressed here are not necessarily those of the editor or Imperial College London. 35503_IM32_p1-21:Layout 1 1/8/08 16:22 Page 1

Editorial

Welcome

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Infectious Disease Epidemiology, which is fundamental to that mission, so it is the summer edition of Imperial Matters, my colleagues and I established in wonderful that you maintain your and to introduce myself as the new 2000. For those who are interested, my connection with your old College and Rector of Imperial College. full biography is available online at want to stay in touch with all that is We said farewell to my predecessor, www.imperial.ac.uk/rector. happening here. Sir Richard Sykes, in June, following his So I have firsthand knowledge of You will have noticed that this exceptionally successful seven years of what a vibrant, exciting and important edition looks and feels a little different leading the College. His appointment as place Imperial is, home to some of the from the magazine you are accustomed Rector in 2001 ushered in a period of best and most dedicated students and to receiving. We would welcome your great energy and a strong sense of staff in the world. It is a place where opinions on our redesign, and on any purpose, the most obvious sign of which challenges are tackled head on, where a other subject you wish to discuss. The is Imperial’s status as an independent spirit of entrepreneurship infuses every worldwide Imperial family is growing university with a new Royal Charter corner of every campus, and where all from year to year and I hope the future reaffirming its unique mission. eyes are focused on making the world a will bring me many opportunities to You can read an overview of Sir better place, in a myriad of ways. meet you. In the meantime, I would Richard’s time at the College on page 10. As the world squares up to the welcome any comments you wish to His are very significant achievements and challenges of the twenty-first century, make, which can be sent to me at my task is to further develop Imperial’s science, technology and medicine will [email protected]. facilities and reputation. I am very become ever more important. It is excited about the opportunities ahead. incredible to think that there have been As some of you may know, I have had a as many scientific advances in the last long relationship with Imperial. I studied five years as there were in the previous zoology here as an undergraduate and 50, and as many in the previous 50 as went on to complete a PhD in parasitology there were in the 500 before that. in 1971 – perhaps some of you reading It is Imperial’s task, and its desire, to this are my old classmates! be at the forefront of these advances, Following my student days, I was conducting ground-breaking research and lucky enough to spend a great deal of my finding ways to turn it into real-world career at the College, most recently as solutions in the service of society. the Head of the Department of The continued support of our alumni Sir Roy Anderson

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news college Redited by Naomi Weston

Largest ever Postgraduate NEVILLE MILES Awards Ceremonies

Working in tandem

A new international career development scheme focusing on mentoring, training and networking for female research staff was launched in February 2008. Designed by the IDEA League, a network of Europe’s leading technical universities; TANDEMplus aims to increase the number of women in high level scientific positions. Each female scientist is paired with a mentor who is best placed to provide career guidance. The scheme’s launch event gave researchers from different countries the opportunity to meet each Over 1,600 students graduated, and five other and discuss cultural similarities and honorary degrees were awarded to differences, as well as to gain valuable NEVILLE MILES leading figures in business and contacts, and identify and clarify their academia, at the largest ever personal career aims. Postgraduate Awards Ceremony on Throughout 2008 there will be eight 14 May 2008. days of seminars on career planning, The College’s new purple robes, analysing personal potential, obtaining which symbolise Imperial’s research funds, applications for independence from the University of appointments and promotions, and London, made a significant appearance managing people. for the first time as one third of students opted to receive an Imperial College RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR London degree instead of a University of London degree. The Student Award for Outstanding Boost for university fundraising Achievement was awarded to A new government initiative aimed at encouraging universities to enhance their Bioengineering PhD Adam Hill for setting fundraising efforts and stimulate further investment from individuals and up Operation Frameworks, a charity to private investors in higher education was announced in April 2008. help children with spinal and limb Following a consultation with the higher education sector, the scheme will deformities in the developing world. operate on a three-tier basis, designed to allow institutions to set their own “I feel really privileged and honoured fundraising aspirations. Colleges and universities will choose from one of the to receive this award; it was all the more three funding tiers to win a share of a £200 million matched funding scheme. poignant to be recognised by the Find out more about this initiative on page six of your copy of building institution that has made my passion for the connection. this possible,” explained Adam.

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news R Journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown delivers thought provoking Annual Diversity Lecture

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college news

Aspiring inventors wanted Awards and Honours

A new competition for aspiring inventors in the College community has New Medical Sciences Fellows been launched by Imperial Innovations, the College’s technology transfer Professors Terence Cook and commercialisation company. (pictured), Jonathan Friedland The Imperial Innovators of the Year Competition will award £1,000 for the and Anne Dell are amongst 40 best innovative idea from either staff and students. Individual academics, leading academics who were admitted to the Fellowship of graduates and students of Imperial, or teams of people, can enter the the Academy of Medical Sciences in June, competition by describing an idea that has evolved from their research and in recognition of their exceptional has significant commercial value. contribution to medical science.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Researchers win Brian Mercer Awards Royal Society awards that Students go green encourage innovation in science and technology, and promote its commercial application, have been awarded to Professor Andrew Livingston (pictured), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, and Professor Roy Taylor, Department of Physics. Each received a £25,000 Brian Mercer Award.

RCoA honour for Biophysics Head Professor Nick Franks, Head of Biophysics in the Department of Life Sciences, has become the first basic scientist to be elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Outstanding contribution to space physics The Royal Astronomical Society has awarded the 2008 Chapman Medal to Emeritus In February, Imperial joined universities unified green week. Professor Andre Balogh, across the capital in collaborating with The week’s events included a lecture Department of Physics. The the Greater London Authority and the by climate change experts who shared Medal recognises a long career of charity People and Planet for Students their insight on the work of the contributions to the field, including most Go Green Week 2008, London’s first Intergovernmental Panel on Climate recently his work on the magnetometer Change, and what can be done to instruments for the European Space mitigate global warming in the future. Agency’s Cluster mission. A Green Fair was held to promote Fair Trade products and the College’s Support for young researchers new recycling scheme, and stalls were Two Royal Society Wolfson Research set up by Friends of the Earth and the Merit Awards have been presented to Whole Foods Market, who gave a Professors Dan Davis and E.J. Milner- cooking demonstration using locally- Gulland, both from the Department of sourced ingredients. Life Sciences, in recognition of their Green week was rounded off with a outstanding achievements and great Big Green Party held at the College potential. The Merit Awards offer Union with live bands and an ethical universities support to enable them to fashion show with models wearing attract and retain young researchers. organic cotton. RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR e R Bernie Ecclestone among Imperial’s honorary graduates R Imperial as One celebrates third anniversary

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news business Redited by Elliott White

Entrepreneurship reach extends Centre’s conversation begins

Tanaka Business School’s expertise in existing Entrepreneurship Research entrepreneurship research and Centre, and aims both to exploit the development has been reinforced by the knowledge the research group creates creation of the Entrepreneurship Hub. and to establish relationships with FERGUS BURNETT The Hub sits alongside the School’s relevant corporate partners. The Hub now runs the School’s well- established business plan competition, which is being redesigned for the next academic year. The competition has run for seven years and inspired previous

THE PHOTOGRAPHIC UNIT College winners to go on and win international contests. Professor Bart Clarysse, Head of the Hub, said: “This move reflects the School’s ambitions of working on rigorous research in partnership with a wide range of partners. Providing insights that are useful for multinational corporates and one-man entrepreneurs – facilitating cutting edge research that in Dr Sam Pitroda turn informs teaching. The Hub’s The High Commissioner of India to the outreach activities will drive us in this UK, His Excellency Shiv Shankar virtuous circle.” Mukherjee, and Dr Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Knowledge RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Commission, joined Professor Gerry George in the first Conversations with Telecare lessons to be learnt India seminar at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Innovation and by business school team Entrepreneurship in May 2008. During the talk Dr Pitroda said: Professor James Barlow and Dr Jane Hendy have THE PHOTOGRAPHIC UNIT “Collaborative networks with global received a £350,000 research grant from the partners, like the Rajiv Gandhi Centre, Department of Health to investigate the sustainability will unlock India’s next millennia of of the government’s ‘telecare’ initiatives, which use technological innovation and help India sensors to monitor vital signs remotely. become the workforce of the world.” Telecare is heralded as a way of increasing the Dr Pitroda and the High independence of people with long-term chronic Commissioner invited the Centre and diseases, whilst helping to reduce the demand on Imperial College to make “a significant healthcare resources, like hospital beds. contribution to [India’s] journey in the Professor Barlow said: “Telecare is now Professor James Barlow coming 20 years and beyond – as it has embedded in government health and social care since the 1950s with the establishment policy but it has yet to be embedded in mainstream services. There is a great of the Indian Institute of Technology deal of expertise in the UK in the development of telecare products and the (IIT) Delhi.” challenges in introducing them. The task now is to translate this into practical A film of the event is available at lessons that can help its widespread adoption and diffusion.” www.imperial.ac.uk/rajivgandhicentre. The research will focus on the roll-out of telecare in the Department of The next conversation will be held in Health’s Whole System Demonstrators programme, which will see telecare September with Sir Mark Tully and services launched in a large-scale trial in three UK regions – Cornwall, Kent Ramalinga Raju on the opportunities and and east London. challenges faced as India’s healthcare infrastructure expands.

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news R New research studentships at Malaysian hospital opened to students

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Redited by Colin Smith engineering news

NASA The mine of the future DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Martian terrain explored Advanced mining and mineral processing techniques to extract minerals from deep Following the successful touchdown of Electronic Engineering, are part of a underground are being developed at NASA’s Phoenix spacecraft near the red NASA team who are looking for ice Imperial thanks to the establishment of a planet’s icy north pole in May, Imperial particles in soil samples which would £6 million research centre. engineers were amongst the first to carry indicate that Mars could once have had The centre is a partnership between out the most detailed analysis of Martian conditions sympathetic to life. Imperial College London and mining soil and dust samples ever. Dr Tom Pike said: “This is an exciting company Rio Tinto aimed at developing Drs Tom Pike and Sanjay Vijendran, mission giving us the rare chance to be the mine of the future. It will push and PhD student Hanna Sykulska, all the first people to analyse water, frozen forward innovative mining technologies from the Department of Electrical and and stored beneath Mars’ surface.” and techniques to improve the extraction of minerals, whilst minimising environmental impacts. Journey to the centre of the Earth Professor Jan Cilliers, Department of The first direct evidence of how and when tectonic plates move into the deepest Earth Science and Engineering, said: “If reaches of the Earth was published in February’s edition of Nature. we were to find copper close to a major An Imperial and Swiss team found that, contrary to common scientific city, the associated environmental and predictions, dense plates tend to be held in the upper mantle, while younger and social concerns would make it impossible lighter plates sink more readily into the lower mantle, which is a zone underneath for us to mine this resource. However, the Earth’s crust encompassing its super hot molten core. research to be developed by the Rio Tinto Lead Imperial researcher, Dr Saskia Goes, said: “It is exciting to see direct Centre for Advanced Mineral Recovery evidence of plates transiting from the upper and lower mantle.” could make this a reality without any adverse impact on the environment.”

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Henry Moore sculpture could be re-erected

The Arch, a dismantled Henry Moore The team believe that they have sculpture, could be re-erected in devised a method using fibreglass London’s Kensington Gardens thanks to dowels and bolts, which could see the the latest rock engineering techniques. six-metre tall Arch re-erected next to Imperial engineers working with the the Serpentine Lake. International Drawing Institute, Lead researcher Dr John Harrison, Glasgow School of Art, and Tate carried INSTITUTE, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART Department of Earth Science and out an analysis of the sculpture to see Engineering, said: “We can now apply

whether engineering and computer IMPERIAL COLLEGE AND THE INTERNATIONAL DRAWING this knowledge to preserving some of simulation techniques could be used to the nation’s most important and preserve complex artefacts experiencing historic artworks.” structural problems.

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news R Low drag motorcycle design wins top European award

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news medicine Redited by Laura Gallagher

Heart research boosted Cause of disease revealed with £8.9 million award by metabolic fingerprinting Your metabolic ‘fingerprint’ can reveal much about the Finding innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat heart possible causes of major diseases, according to the first and circulatory disease is the focus of a new Centre of Research ever ‘metabolome-wide’ association study, published in Excellence at Imperial, established in April 2008 through an Nature in April 2008. £8.9 million award from the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Analysing the metabolic fingerprints of 4,630 adults in Over 2.6 million people in the UK live with coronary heart the UK, USA, China and Japan showed that adults in the UK disease, and almost a million with heart failure. The new centre and USA, which have similar incidences of high blood brings together medical researchers, scientists and engineers pressure and cardiovascular problems, have similar from 20 different disciplines to find novel approaches to metabolic fingerprints, reflecting similar lifestyles. In tackling heart problems. contrast, adults in Japan and China have similar genetic Professor Michael profiles but very different metabolic fingerprints. Schneider, the new centre’s Professor Paul Elliott, Division of Epidemiology, Public director, said: “At Imperial, Health and Primary Care, said: “Whereas a person can't the BHF Centre can be best alter their DNA, they can change their metabolic profile by described as a triangular changing their diet and lifestyle.” alliance among cardiovascular medicine, the underpinning biomedical sciences like Gene sequence that can make genetics and stem cell biology, and leading edge research half of us fatter in the physical sciences, such as chemical biology, computational biology and bioengineering.”

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New TB test means quicker and easier diagnosis for patients A gene sequence linked to an expanding waistline and weight gain was revealed in a new study published in Nature Genetics in A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in March May 2008. The study showed that the gene sequence is 2008 showed that doctors can determine that a patient does significantly more common in those with Indian Asian rather not have tuberculosis (TB) with 99 per cent accuracy when than European ancestry. The research could lead to better ways using a new blood test, ELISpot-Plus, in conjunction with a of treating obesity. skin test known as tuberculin skin testing, already in use. The sequence, found in 50 per cent of the UK population, is TB is difficult to diagnose and the combination of ELISpot- Plus and tuberculin skin testing can rule out TB within 48 associated with a two-centimetre expansion in waist hours. Obtaining results using existing testing methods can circumference, a two-kilogram gain in weight, and a tendency take several weeks. to become resistant to insulin. Professor Ajit Lalvani, National Heart and Lung Institute, “Until now, we have understood remarkably little about the said: “Our new test could revolutionise the way we manage genetic component of common problems linked with obesity, people with suspected TB.” such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” said Professor Jaspal Kooner, National Heart and Lung Institute.

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news R £3.4 million Centre for Respiratory Infection is launched

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Redited by Danielle Reeves natural sciences news

What’s the difference between a human and a fruit fly?

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that the dramatic differences between humans and fruit flies are due not to the number of genes each species has, but to the number of protein interactions in their bodies. Humans have approximately 10 times Professor Michael Stumpf, Department more protein interactions than fruit flies, of Life Sciences, said: “Understanding the and 20 times more than single-cell yeast human genome does not go far enough to organisms. This contradicts comparisons explain what makes us different from more ‘Sudden oak death’ between the numbers of genes in different simple creatures. Our study indicates that organisms; humans have approximately protein interactions could hold one of the disease tackled 24,000 genes, but fruit flies are not far keys to unravelling how one organism is A disease that kills trees by creating behind, with 14,000 genes. differentiated from another.” cankers, open lesions in plant tissue, RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR which girdle their trunks and clog up their water-carrying ‘veins’, is the target 140 of a major research project underway -year-old maths at Imperial. DANIELLE REEVES The project, based in the College’s problem solved Centre for Environmental Policy, is focused on predicting and preventing A problem which has defeated mathematicians for future outbreaks of Sudden Oak Death almost 140 years has been solved by the Department which, despite its name, primarily of Mathematics’ Professor Darren Crowdy. affects beech trees. The breakthrough in conformal mapping, a key theoretical tool used by To assess the risk of a future epidemic mathematicians, engineers and scientists, translates information from a complicated of Sudden Oak Death, researchers are shape to a simpler circular shape so that it is easier to analyse. analysing experiences from the 1970s Professor Crowdy has made additions to the formula used in conformal mapping to when an epidemic of Dutch Elm Disease improve its performance. He explains: “This formula is an essential piece of claimed an estimated 30 million trees, mathematical kit which is used the world over. Now, with my additions to it, it can be changing the face of the British used in far more complex scenarios than before. countryside forever.

Launch of new Institute to study shockwave science The Institute for Shock Physics, a new different aspects of shock physics: £10 million research institute dedicated experimental, theoretical and to studying the fundamental science computational. Together this group of behind shock waves, high velocity specialists will work to understand and collisions and extreme temperatures accurately predict the outcomes of very and pressures, is to be established fast impacts, wherever they take place.” at the College, it was announced in The Institute’s research could be April 2008. applied to analysing the effect of Steven Rose, interim Director of the meteorite impacts on planets, spacecraft Institute, said: “The Institute will bring and satellites, understanding how together a team of scientists and tsunamis are formed, and using engineers who each specialise in shockwaves to break up kidney stones.

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news R Mosquito genes affecting malaria transmission are revealed

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news sport and music Redited by Leena Bharadia and Richard Dickins

Imperial College IAN GILLETT Symphuni wins Varsity 2008 win for JOEL BALDWIN College The big clash between Imperial College and Imperial Medicals took place on 27 orchestra February 2008. With nine different sports, 23 matches and 46 teams, it was a thrilling day packed with fierce competition. Harlington Sports Ground hosted hockey, Despite representing the only university that does not teach football, lacrosse and rugby matches, a music degree in the competition’s final, the Imperial whilst over at Ethos, the College’s sports College Symphony Orchestra (ICSO) beat off competition centre, the netball, basketball, badminton, squash and from Cambridge, Manchester and Southampton Universities waterpolo matches got underway. to win Symphuni, a university orchestra competition sponsored by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The day culminated in the evening J.P.R. Williams Cup Symphuni’s final took place in London’s Cadogan Hall match at Richmond Athletic Association Ground between on 29 March 2008, before an audience that included a Imperial College and Imperial Medicals Rugby first XV teams. judging panel made up of cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, leader With over 1,000 people there for the match, the atmosphere of the Royal Philharmonic Clio Gould, composer Debbie was electric. Both sides worked to their limits to win the Cup, Wiseman and Classic FM magazine editor John Evans. and after finishing 19 all at full time, were forced to go into extra You can read more about the competition on page 20. time. The Medics scored in the end and brought the final score to 22-19, winning the Cup. Whilst the medics won the J.P.R. Williams Cup, Imperial College were the clear winners in the overall tournament, beating their medical counterparts by 14.5 points to 8.5. The event also helped to raise £5,000 for the Developing Excellence Scheme – which sponsors Imperial’s sports scholarships.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Second place for Imperial in Head of the River race

Making a grand entrance JAMES BLACKLEY A Steinway grand lauded as one of the best concert pianos in London was unveiled at Imperial in March. Its inaugural performance was given on 12 March 2008 by renowned Japanese pianist Noriko Ogawa. She commented: “This is a wonderful piano to play, and is sure to bring a great deal of pleasure to many people.” The Head of the River Race took place on 15 March 2008 with 420 The five-year-old Steinway was purchased through the crews rowing down the River Thames from Mortlake to Putney. Imperial College Trust from a private home where it had been Hundreds of spectators lined the Thames to watch the crews treated with huge care and attention. racing for first place. Imperial’s boathouse in Putney, which is It was then completely reworked and brought up to concert an ideal location from which to see the crews finishing, hosted a standard by piano technicians Clive Ackroyd from the Royal special reception to mark the occasion for about 40 Imperial College of Music, and Dietmar Assimis-Kohls from the Purcell alumni, who were delighted to see the Imperial crew finish an School of Music, in time for Ms Ogawa’s recital, which included amazing second. Chopin’s Three Mazurkas and Beethoven’s Sonata in F minor. The crew, coached by Imperial’s new Head of Rowing, Steve The new piano is located in the Great Hall on the South Trapmore MBE, who was part of the gold medal-winning men’s Kensington Campus and is available to the Imperial community eight crew at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, consisted of three for performances. The piano previously positioned there will Imperial students, two of whom have received support for their be sold and funds used to buy a new piano for the Wolfson rowing from the College via the Rowing Scholarship Scheme. Conference Centre on the Hammersmith Campus.

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Redited by Tom Roberts, Felix Editor-in-Chief Felix news

Masterplan moves FELIX to phase two

Imperial College Union has announced that it has secured funding for the second phase of its Beit Quad redevelopment project, the so-called Masterplan. After months of negotiations, the College agreed to grant the Union £1.9 million, taking the total funds raised for the second phase to £3.3 million. This pot of gold will be used to rejuvenate the Union building’s ageing facilities, including refurbishing entire floors and upgrading the early twentieth century mechanical and electrical infrastructure. The main change will be an entirely revamped Student Activities Centre on the second floor mezzanine, which will act as a central hub for the Union’s 300-plus clubs and societies. A considerable amount of reshuffling Quest to find sabbaticals complete will be required within Beit Towers, including shifting meeting rooms to the This year’s sabbatical officers election squad emerged from the shadows and east basement along with the relocation passed without the anticipated farce planted pies into the unsuspecting faces of the staff offices; the latter of which has students have become accustomed to of the incoming sabbaticals. The hit squad caused ire amongst the current over the years. In fact, the turnout completed their contract when the late sabbaticals since it looks probable that surpassed that of many previous years arrivals finally showed and were unable to the Deputy Presidents’ successors will be with an impressive, by Imperial standards, escape their foamy fate; job done. forced to share offices. The horror! 18.5 per cent of the electorate casting their The current Felix Sport Editor, Jovan Financing for the second phase will votes in the presidential race. Nedic, will be next year’s Felix Editor. also come from the Imperial College Next year’s team of sabbatical Engineer, Christian Carter, and medics, Trust, the Harlington Trust, the officers will be led by a member of the Lily Topham and Hannah Theodorou, College’s Annual Fund and the Union’s Royal College of Science Union won the remaining places. own coffers. The Union will be hoping (RCSU), Jennifer Morgan. The current for a swift and efficient construction, RCSU President managed to beat her especially since completion of the nearest rival by 1,011 votes to 821 in the FELIX Masterplan’s first phase took twice as final round, after clawing her way into long as intended. Work is due to begin in the lead by way of redistributed votes September 2008, and students can get from candidates knocked out in the odds on when it will be finished at all early stages. good betting outlets. Felix decided to congratulate Miss Morgan and her fellow election winners by organising a photoshoot under the pretence that the pictures would be

COLIN WHYMAN published on the front page of the next issue. This wasn’t a lie; however, we forgot to mention that copious amounts of shaving foam and paper plates would be involved. The stage was set, albeit without two of next year’s ultra-efficient Deputy Presidents who were late arriving. After a few genuine photographs, two contract hit men from the City and Guilds hit

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Sir Richard Sykes made his mark during seven ARectorto years at Imperial College’s helm. Imperial Matters looks back at some of remember his defining moments.

Rby Abigail Smith

Sir Richard’s portrait by Paul Brason, unveiled on 12 June 2008, is on display alongside paintings of all former Rectors in the Council Room of 170 Queen’s Gate.

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Sir Richard Sykes

In December 1999, the pharmaceutical The Sunday Times, should be freed from After taking up the post of Rector company Glaxo Wellcome released a government constraints on tuition fees, in January 2001, Sir Richard statement regarding its Executive as long as mechanisms were in place quickly established himself as Chairman that declared: “Sir Richard to offer financial aid to less well off one of the most quotable Sykes has no plans to join Imperial students. Universities producing university leaders in the country. College or any other institution. His ‘Rolls-Royce’ graduates, he added, prime focus remains fully on the should be allowed to charge more than RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR business of Glaxo Wellcome.” those producing ‘Skodas’. In June 2008 however, Sir Richard The question of how university stood down after seven and a half years teaching should be funded continues as reaction to the success. as Imperial’s Rector, a period that saw one of the major education issues of the “The introduction of tuition fees at the College celebrate its Centenary, decade. The height of this debate came at any level is a start, one that I am certainly establish itself as an independent the end of 2003 and start of 2004, with not complaining about, and one that I university and award its own degrees. the government’s Higher Education Bill believe will in time be seen as essential His global outlook and innovative which proposed that the cap on tuition to maintain the quality of university thinking has propelled the College into fees should be raised to £3,000. education in this country and for the the Times Higher Education’s list of top five Sir Richard became one of the first true knowledge base of any country, its world universities, helped to create the university leaders to put their head universities, to prosper,” he said. UK’s first Academic Health Science above the parapet in support of the bill. While the tuition fee debate rumbled Centre, and provoked horror at UCL by Following a costing exercise showing that on, Sir Richard also had his mind fixed the proposition of a merger with Imperial. Imperial lost an average of £2,800 per on finding ways to improve Imperial’s At the same time, he threw himself year for every home undergraduate financial robustness and ability to into all aspects of College life, from student it taught, he insisted that more compete internationally. submitting to the annual RAG Week money had to be injected into the system. pieing to dancing enthusiastically at the “Every university in this country is Introducing the faculties Centenary staff party, a video of which under tremendous pressure because it is One of his first moves was to introduce a made its way onto the YouTube website. running at a loss,” he told The Guardian faculty system at Imperial, streamlining in 2002. “To have this artificial system management and establishing an Tuition fees where students pay £1,000 a year and the environment that encouraged After taking up the post of Rector in government gives you some additional collaborative, cross-disciplinary January 2001, Sir Richard quickly money that’s not enough to cover the cost research. Over time, one of the most established himself as one of the most of teaching the students is ludicrous.” tangible benefits of this approach has quotable university leaders in the country. The Higher Education Bill scraped been the growth of innovative In March of the same year, he put his first through parliament with a majority of interdisciplinary institutes and centres, toe into the tuition fee debate, in which he just five votes in January 2004. Sir including the Institute of Biomedical was to become thoroughly immersed Richard spent much of that evening Engineering and the Grantham Institute throughout his tenure at Imperial. huddled inside a BBC van parked next for Climate Change, each of which bring The UK’s best universities, he told to Imperial’s Southside bar giving his together researchers from across the R

01.2001 07.2003 JAN CHLEBIK

Sir Richard’s first official With winners of the first Green Design Challenge, aimed at Imperial College photograph female sixth-form students with an interest in maths and science

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Sir Richard Sykes

scientific spectrum to tackle major knowing what I know now, I just think it’s Financial security global challenges. almost impossible to merge universities.” The redesign and refurbishment of At the same time, he led the College With the two institutions left to get Imperial’s campuses has been possible to completely re-think its pay scales, their breath back following the end of thanks to one of Sir Richard’s overriding negotiating Imperial out of national pay their whirlwind courtship, Sir Richard priorities – making Imperial financially bargaining and allowing it to offer turned again to his day-to-day concerns – secure and reducing its reliance as far as competitive salaries to attract the best strengthening Imperial’s financial possible on government funding. staff from around the world. position and world standing. The main plank of this was the establishment of the Imperial College UCL merger Transforming the campuses Fund, into which all College assets not Other bids to cement Imperial’s The following years saw huge investments required for its core academic mission international standing were more made in Imperial’s research and teaching have been transferred, allowing them to controversial. In October 2002 Imperial infrastructure, with the South Kensington be centrally managed. and UCL (University College London) Campus transformed through new Other pioneering financial schemes announced that they were talking buildings including an impressive new include the flotation of the College- seriously about a merger, holding out Norman Foster-designed front entrance owned technology transfer company, the prospect of the creation of a new on Exhibition Road, opened by Her Imperial Innovations, and a £50 million heavyweight ‘super university’ with Majesty The Queen in 2004. unsecured private placement borrowed global clout. Motivated by his belief that “good on a 50-year term. The favourable terms Interpreting the proposed merger as students deserve to be looked after”, on which Imperial was able to access an Imperial takeover bid, UCL staff and Sir Richard made improving Imperial’s these funds – at under five per cent cost – students sprang into action. Their accommodation a particular priority. shows the extent to which it has come to campaign of defence included the launch Central to the Prince’s Gardens be regarded as a fiscally stable institution of a ‘Save UCL’ website, which resurrected Restoration Project, launched in 2005, was under Sir Richard’s leadership. philosopher Jeremy Bentham, the the demolition of the outdated Southside College’s spiritual forefather, to offer halls of residence dating from 1963, and Global reputation sage advice on resistance tactics. their replacement with new buildings This cementing of its worldwide The weight of dissenting voices caused designed and built to a high standard. reputation has also provided the College merger talks to be abandoned a month The new Southside halls opened in with the enviable status as partner of later, and Sir Richard subsequently September 2007, with similar choice for leading governments, agencies commented that he doubted any merger accommodation in Prince’s Gardens, and businesses around the world. From of this nature could be successful. known as Eastside, on track to welcome the Imperial College Diabetes Centre “I think it was very logical at the time,” its first students in October 2009. in Abu Dhabi to the Schistosomiasis he told student website Live!, “to put those Another exciting development for staff Control Initiative established at the two institutions together, get all the and students was the opening in 2006 of College with £20 million funding from synergies one could get out of a merger, Ethos, a state-of-the-art sports centre with the Gates Foundation, Imperial and create what would have been one of facilities, including a gym and swimming researchers are in demand to tackle the the first class institutions in the world. But pool, available free to students. major challenges of today and tomorrow.

06.2004 03.2005 NIGEL YOUNG COLIN WHYMAN

Following the announcement of a £10 billion investment in UK science, Tony Blair, then- Her Majesty The Queen, Prince Andrew and Sir Richard at the Prime Minister, joined Sir Richard for a tour opening of the College’s new main entrance and Business School of Professor Blackmond’s laboratory

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Sir Richard Sykes

Despite this, government funding with some commentators applauding speak openly on the issues of the day, remains important to the higher him for speaking out and others have provided Imperial with a stronger education sector and the mechanisms by deploring such candidness. The fact and higher profile role on the world which universities receive this support that Professor Les Ebdon, Luton’s stage than ever before. In June 2008 the remained on Sir Richard’s mind. They Vice Chancellor, was an alumnus of College is a thriving, financially sound, formed the main topic of conversation Imperial added an extra piquancy to independent university, rated the fifth during an interview with the Financial the debate. best in the world by the Times Higher Times in March 2004, in which he was Luton used the media attention to Education Supplement’s 2007 rankings. quoted as saying: defend its standards and teaching, Shortly after taking up the post of “For a maths student going to winning it the Times Higher Education Rector, Sir Richard told The Times: Imperial College we get less than the Supplement’s ‘best spin’ award later that “I would like to leave this university in maths student going to Luton… Is that year. The newspaper commented: a strong financial position and for it to the way the Chancellor wants to spend “Other universities must be praying for be recognised as one of the top his money? Because a penny spent here an insult from Sykes.” universities in the world.” is a hell of a lot better than a penny The Richard Sykes years, which have Seven and a half years later, there spent at Luton for the economy.” been characterised by imaginative can be no doubt that he has achieved Predictably a media flurry erupted leadership, passion and a willingness to those goals. m

A fond farewell to alumni RSir Richard Sykes It’s been a wonderful seven and a half years as Rector of It was terrific to see the enthusiasm people still have for Imperial College London, and there are many people I would their old College and the connection they still feel. I very like to thank for their support and generosity. Foremost much hope this continues and I’m sure that there will be many among them are you, the worldwide family of Imperial more opportunities in the future for everyone to get together. alumni, whose active involvement in the College is so I would like in particular to thank all of you who have important to its continued success. supported the College during my time here. In 2003 we started I always say at our graduation ceremonies that the day the Annual Fund to which over 3,000 alumni have made a gift, does not mark the end of a student’s association with Imperial, and through this, you have given valuable support to projects but the dawning of a new relationship and one that we hope which directly help our students. Other alumni besides have will last a lifetime. We are genuinely very proud of our talented made significant gifts to specific projects and I thank these graduates and are always excited to follow your progress. donors for supporting the College in this way. Imperial is more than just a place of work and study – it’s a I know Imperial will continue to grow and flourish in the living, evolving community. Nothing could have brought that capable hands of its new Rector, Sir Roy Anderson. I look home more than the Centenary celebrations we held last year. forward to Imperial’s future with a great sense of optimism, Alumni played a vital part in commemorating our landmark and I hope that you do too. birthday, and I took great pleasure in meeting many of you at events both in the UK and in many countries around the world. R View Sir Richard’s farewell at www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni

10.2006 07.2007 05.2008 TOM WHIPPS NEVILLE MILES COLIN WHYMAN

Sir Richard plants a sprig of yew Sir Richard at the Postgraduate during the topping out ceremony for Sir Richard dances during Award Ceremony, his final graduation the new Southside Halls of Residence the Centenary celebrations ceremony as Rector of Imperial College

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Imagine a surgeon who can operate with extreme precision and enhanced three-dimensional vision, without scalpels or stitching tools, whilst reducing blood loss and NEVILLE MILES post-operative trauma for patients.

Rby Sophie Corcoran

Theriseofthe virtual surgeon

The scope of medical robotics is Lord Darzi (Division of Surgery, development of robotics for some years, changing the face of global healthcare Oncology, Reproductive Biology and and this national Centre will enable delivery. Clinicians and scientists at Anaesthetics) and Professor Guang- Imperial to extend their pioneering work Imperial College London have led these Zhong Yang (Department of Computing) in this unique field.” developments from their inception and co-direct the Centre. Welcoming guests to the launch now have the opportunity to further The Centre’s launch on 5 March 2008 event, then–Rector, Sir Richard Sykes, develop their research and innovations was marked by an official reception at 170 spoke about a growing awareness of the thanks to the launch of the Hamlyn Queen’s Gate, attended by Lady Hamlyn, need for researchers from all kinds of Centre for Robotic Surgery. Chair of Trustees of the Helen Hamlyn different disciplines to come together Establishing the Centre was made Trust. Lady Hamlyn said: “I am delighted to tackle the big scientific problems. possible thanks to support totalling that the funding from my Trust, together Sir Richard also personally thanked £10 million from both the Helen Hamlyn with my personal donation, will be Lady Hamlyn and her Trust’s generosity, Trust and Lady Helen Hamlyn contributing to the future development saying: “We are absolutely delighted personally, and the funding initiates of robotic surgery and other innovations that you will be our partner in this new a major campaign to establish an in this very important new field, which centre, and we look forward to sharing international centre of excellence for will greatly improve patient care in many the adventures to come.” medical robotics in the UK. areas, particularly in cancer care. My The Centre is based both at the South Trust has been closely involved with the The next generation of Kensington and the St Mary’s surgical robotics Campuses, where its The Centre’s overarching aims are to push contribution to translational forward the integration of robotics into NEVILLE MILES research supports the concept of medicine and patient care by developing the Academic Health Sciences advanced robotic technologies that will Centre. It houses world-leading transform conventional key-hole surgery, experts across a range of develop new ways of empowering robots disciplines, creating a national with human intelligence, and create resource in medical robotics to revolutionary ‘microbots’ that have benefit other UK research groups integrated sensing and imaging for and industry. Two UK pioneers From left: Lord Darzi, Lady Hamlyn, Sir Richard cancer surgery and treatment. in medical robotics, Professor Sykes and Professor Guang-Zhong Yang Fifteen years ago, the ongoing debate

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Hamlyn Centre

in medicine was whether robotics would information to the surgeon about what The future ever play a leading role in surgery. Today, the mechanical tool feels inside the body, In addition to considering the latest robots are a fast-growing division of the therefore the surgeon’s sense of touch advances, concepts and breakthroughs medical industry, and whilst the idea of is lost. Dr Moll suggested that the in robotic technology, the Centre’s robotic systems in the operating room development of haptic technology could inaugural workshop also discussed some may seem new, they have in fact been in be particularly beneficial, especially for of the projects currently underway and use for over a decade. use in knee surgery, where minute showcased some of its latest innovations. Ara Darzi was one of the first surgeons precision is required. ORMIS (operating room in the world to pioneer the use of robotic Haptic feedback could also be useful management information system), is an surgery with the Da Vinci Surgical System, during robotically assisted cardiac orthopaedic robot designed to aid which was created by California-based surgery, where only an enclosed and small minimally invasive surgery in the 64,000 company Intuitive Surgical, and is area of the heart is visible, and there are hip fracture operations that are currently the most widely used robotic forbidden regions (such as those performed in the UK each year. ORMIS surgical system in the world. containing veins and arteries) which must helps to guarantee accurate and precise Despite the extraordinary be protected, as well as regions in which surgery, decreases radiation exposure achievements of surgical robotics to the robot can freely move. Excessive force and reduces the number of attempts date, early technologies are missing a could damage or completely destroy needed to ensure successful procedures number of key capabilities and many tissues or objects. On the other hand, a first time round. challenges and exciting discoveries are minimal amount of force is needed for The workshop also examined a new sure to be on the agenda for the Hamlyn decisive gripping, particularly when type of endoscope probe which can plot Centre over next few years. gripping solid objects such as needles. a three-dimensional course inside a The direction of next-generation Radiosurgery is a medical procedure patient using fibre optics. Once the development in surgical robotic devices which allows non-invasive treatment by software has found a route, the robot was the focus of an inaugural workshop means of directed beams of ionising can push the probe safely through organised by the newly launched Centre radiation. Dr Moll proposed that delicate tissue to deliver drugs and carry in May 2008. Speaking at the workshop, continuous image guidance could out biopsies in areas of the body, such as Dr Frederic Moll, Co-Founder of Intuitive improve the accuracy of radiosurgery, the brain. This will help to guide the Surgical and now CEO of Hansen Medical in a moving chest cavity for example, by surgeon in real time, as he or she Inc., discussed the latest international autonomously tracking and detecting performs delicate, minimally invasive advances in surgical robotics and suggested patient movement in real time. medical procedures. that the Da Vinci robot is currently missing Commenting about the workshop, A similar proposal was also significant competencies. Professor Guang-Zhong Yang said: presented which looked at using probes In the Da Vinci system, a surgeon sits “The benefits of medical robotics in to investigate soft tissue conditions. at a computer console, looks through a healthcare are enormous and the Such abnormalities are traditionally three-dimensional video display of the workshop provided a forum to discuss difficult to recognise. By using a probe surgery site and moves the finger some of the latest advances in the field. with camera abilities, surgeons have controls that direct the motion of the We were particularly fortunate to have the opportunity to see the damage first surgical tools inside the patient. Dr Frederic Moll on board to discuss his hand and prepare the correct course of Currently, this system does not use research which is pushing forward the action to encourage recovery. m haptic feedback, which sends boundaries of medical robotic care.”

The Da Vinci Surgical System consists of an ergonomically designed surgeon’s

NEVILLE MILES console, a patient cart with four interactive robotic arms and a high-performance vision system. Da Vinci also has a patented feature known as the EndoWrist, designed to mimic the movement of human hands, wrists and fingers to ensure that a surgeon’s actions are accurately translated with unmatched precision. Thanks to the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery, mitral valve repair and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are just two mainstream cardiac procedures being performed with significant reductions in operative invasion. Minimally invasive mitral valve repair offers an alternative to open heart surgery, enabling surgeons to operate with supreme precision and dexterity and requiring just a few small incisions. CABG creates a path around blocked heart vessels so that blood can reach the heart muscle. Conventional surgeries have required the chest to be opened with a 15–25cm incision. Robotic surgery however, allows the surgeons to gain access to the heart with several small incisions and precise motion control.

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The world’s biggest experiment

According to CERN, our understanding of the Universe is about the change. Meet the Imperial alumni and staff who are involved in CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, the world’s biggest experiment.

Rby Liz Gregson STFC/IMPERIAL COLLEGE

Staring through the 12,500 ton CMS detector, which was built around a huge solenoid magnet that generates a field of 4 teslas, about 100,000 times that of the Earth. Unlike other detectors associated with the LHC, the CMS was constructed on the surface, before being lowered underground in 15 sections and reassembled.

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CERN

CERN (the European Organisation for setting up the worldwide collaboration for the CMS in 1990. Nuclear Research) is one of the leading Today, this experiment involves over 2,000 scientists and scientific laboratories in the world, with 2,500 engineers from over 170 institutes in 37 countries, and its RALPH HODGSON employees and 8,000 visiting scientists from central magnet contains more iron than the Eiffel Tower. 580 universities throughout the world. Its The Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment, led current focus, the Large Hadron Collider by Professor Andrey Goluvtin, is looking for matter-antimatter (LHC), is one of the most exciting projects in asymmetry (the fact that our universe is made of matter fundamental physics for decades. remains a puzzle!). The LHC is a 27km particle accelerator spanning the border All of the LHC experiments are an extraordinary challenge between Switzerland and France, located about 100m and a huge intellectual endeavour; decades in planning, with underground. After over 20 years in planning and construction, billion dollar budgets, delivered on time and on budget. How it is being switched on this summer, and hopes to revolutionise many other projects like that do you know of? our understanding of the laws of nature. Imperial’s High Energy Physics Group has been involved with In a number of experiments linked to the LHC, physicists CERN since its inception, and preparing for the LHC has been its from around the world will study the smallest known particles, focus for more than a decade. When data-taking starts, they will which will be created by the collision of the two hadron beams be dealing with more data per second than all of the radio stations inside the accelerator. There are four large and two small and all of the TV stations in the world broadcasting together. experiments planned on the LHC, and two of the former are led The many staff and students from Imperial, supported by the by Imperial College physicists. Science and Technology Facilities Council, have devoted years The Compound Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment, led by to this project and we eagerly await the first science to emerge. Professor Jim Virdee, is looking for signs of the Higgs boson, //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// the particle responsible for generating mass. Professor Virdee R Professor Sir Peter Knight, was one of the small number of physicists responsible for Principal of the Faculty of Natural Sciences

In addition to the Imperial physicists who are playing a vital role in the LHC, many alumni of the College are also involved, both as staff

members at CERN and as staff of institutions involved in research STFC/IMPERIAL COLLEGE there. Imperial Matters spoke to some of them about what it is like to work on the threshold of the world’s biggest experiment.

Marco Cattaneo am, I can only answer European!” he says. characteristics of the collision event. Marco (PhD Physics 1986) was born in Marco has been a member of CERN He is ultimately responsible for the Italy and moved to the UK at the age of staff since 1994, although his first visit to performance of the selection software, 10. Today he lives in France, works in CERN took place a decade before when which uses fast pattern recognition to Switzerland, has a Swiss-British wife and studying for his PhD, as part of a team select approximately one in 20,000 of two children who can speak three who were developing a silicon detector the ‘pictures’ taken by the detector, and languages fluently. “When asked what I capable of measuring the trajectories of the analysis software used on the particles with a precision of 20 microns. reconstructed data. The technology was the precursor of the Marco values the working environment pixel detectors in modern day cameras. his job affords: “CERN is a world leader in Today, Marco is deputy project leader many of the technologies it uses, not only on the software and computing project its particle accelerators and detectors, for the LHCb experiment. His main job is but also cryogenics, superconducting “The vast majority to coordinate the work of around 50 magnets, and grid computing. of people working physicists, who develop software which “It attracts about 50 per cent of the enables reconstructions of the original world’s particle physics community, at CERN are highly trajectories of the particle collisions meaning that the vast majority of people skilled in their field and very recorded by the detector, and then to working at CERN are highly skilled in motivated by their work. It is not integrate this into one single their field and very motivated by their unusual to be on first name terms reconstruction programme, so that work. It is not unusual to be on first with Nobel laureates” others can subsequently study the name terms with Nobel laureates.” R

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CERN

Dr Jo Cole Dr François Grey Jo (Physics 1995, PhD 1999) is a François (Physics 1984) has been Head of “The facility is not CERN GENEVA postdoctoral research associate at the IT Communications at CERN for the last the shiny high-tech University of Kansas, and has worked on four years, having previously worked as a place depicted in the CMS experiment since 2006. Her Professor of Nanotechnology at the Dan Brown’s Angels PhD at Imperial involved her working on Technical University of Denmark. He and Demons.” the ZEUS detector at the DESY was employed to establish CERN laboratory in Hamburg. openlab, a new concept for public- private partnership where leading IT accelerator physicists to find the optimal

STFC companies sponsor testing and validation parameters for tuning the LHC proton “Now I am helping of their latest technologies in CERN’s beams, so they remain in stable orbits.” to write chapters in demanding computing environment. For Of his workplace François says: “The physics textbooks CERN, this provides valuable insight into facility is not the shiny high-tech place instead of future trends in computing hardware and depicted in Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons and this reflects the fact that reading them!” software, as well as supporting additional research funding. most of the budget is invested Much of Jo’s time is spent refining François has managed a wide range of underground, in the accelerator data acquisition for the CMS silicon strip communications projects, including the facilities. Above all, there is a magnet tracker, which sits at the heart of the volunteer computing project, effect; if you wait around long enough, experiment, providing precision LHC@home. This initiative was set up in just about anyone who’s somebody in measurements of the charged particles 2004, and allows the general public to physics and technology will come by for produced in proton-proton collisions. She contribute to LHC computing via their a visit or to give a seminar.” explains: “It is made up of two sections: personal computers. He says: “This has François enjoyed his time as a physicist the silicon pixel detector in the centre, been very popular, with over 60,000 at Imperial: “In particular, I enjoy being which gives a very precise measurement people contributing over the last few able to tell CERN colleagues that I was in of the position of the primary interaction years, producing the equivalent of more the lecture theatre when Abdus Salam point, as well as identifying the decays of than 3,000 years of continuous burst in to announce the discovery of the any long-lived particles. It is surrounded computing power. The results of these W and Z bosons at CERN. It has always by the strip tracker, which then follows calculations are being used by the been a great throwaway line!” the charged particles seen in the pixel detector, giving precise momentum and RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR charge measurements.” The tracker was installed Katharine Leney world’s top physicists. The LHC is the underground in late 2007 and Jo’s days Katharine (Physics 2004) is currently in largest, most complex machine in the are currently filled with preparations the second year of her PhD at Liverpool world, and aims to recreate conditions prior to the LHC being switched on, University, and is based at CERN full-time, in the universe as they were just a few checking that all the connections are where she is working on the ATLAS billionths of a second after the big bang. supplying power, retrieving signals, detector experiment at the LHC. Her There’s still lots of work to do before it properly connected and that the thesis will ultimately focus on the search is switched, and once the LHC starts, associated electronics are working well. for the as-yet undiscovered Higgs boson. it will be running 24 hours a day and Jo says: “I think it is the international In addition to this, Katharine is also each experiment will need to be nature of CERN that I enjoy the most. I developing a tool to look at conditions continuously manned.” have lots of friends from many different in the detector, in order to ensure that Katharine finds the practice that she countries and it is a lot of fun to learn about the data obtained will be usable. had giving presentations at Imperial different aspects of each others’ cultures. She says: “It’s a really exciting time to incredibly helpful for her PhD studies. “In This makes for a very good atmosphere, be here, working alongside some of the my third year, I took the ‘Communicating although sometimes differences can make Science’ course,” she explains. “This was it interesting. The fact that we are all great for understanding how to explain aiming for the same goal, namely, the best scientific concepts to a non-scientific detector possible, means that there is a audience and how what you say can great sense of community. impact their views on science. Recently I MIKE FLOWERDEW “It’s a really became a CERN guide, showing visitors “A lot of what I learnt at Imperial is exciting place directly relevant to the work I do today,” the experiments and explaining the work to be working she continues. “It’s just that now I am we do here. Since starting this, I have helping to write new chapters in physics alongside some of the world’s come to appreciate just how useful this textbooks instead of reading them!” top physicists.” course was.”

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CERN

Dr Shaun Roe languages to display the data stored in the is still a sense that it is a privilege to Shaun (Physics 1985, PhD 1988) has been databases, everything from the current work here.” based at CERN since 1992, first as a fellow temperature inside the detector, to the Shaun has found the skills that he and then in a permanent position as an processing status of the latest data run. gained at Imperial useful in his work, applied physicist. He is currently working After Shaun completed his PhD, but not necessarily in the most obvious on the silicon tracker and database supervised by Professor Geoff Hall, he ways. He explains: “Everyone takes it software elements of the ATLAS took a research assistant post at the for granted here that you know about experiment, having also been involved in College, working on radiation damage to particle physics, so it’s the little extras the early development of electronics for silicon detectors and the use of silicon from other courses that can make one the experiment. drift chambers for liquid xenon stand out: using autocorrelation in His role involves developing C++ calorimetry. He was able to transfer a lot noise analysis (optics), understanding software for data capture, and using of this expertise to CERN when he took charge mobility in semiconductors various web programming techniques and up his fellowship there. (surface and electronic materials), or Shaun says: “Being a physicist and the courses on statistical analysis of working at CERN is like being a bit-part measurement uncertainties. Imperial “Being a physicist and working actor in Hollywood: all the names are also instilled a note-taking discipline I at CERN is like being a bit-part here or pass through, and, even in the maintain to this day...I now have log actor in Hollywood.” present under-financed climate, there books spanning 20 years!” STFC/IMPERIAL COLLEGE STFC/IMPERIAL COLLEGE

Working on the first half tracker inner barrel/inner The last piece of the CMS, which was lowered disk in the CMS clean room at CERN in 2006. into its underground cavern in early 2008.

Dr Jamie Shiers the large electron-positron (LEP) collider Jamie (Physics 1978) has worked in the experiments and the services related to the IT department at CERN since 1984. He is construction of the LEP machine. He then CERN GENEVA currently Head of the Grid Support moved into the area of data management group, which enables the LHC and application software, had a spell in experiments and others to use the LHC R&D and then onto his current role. “For someone with a physics computing system effectively in terms of Jamie says that one of the best background there is currently handling vast amounts of LHC event experiences that he has had at CERN was: no better place to be.” data. This involves working with offline “mixing with Tim Berners-Lee as ideas computing communities outside of leading to the World Wide Web were CERN, including many in the UK actively discussed. These days this is (Imperial is part of London Grid), to replaced by delivering production grid R You can watch a lecture by ensure that all of the computing systems services and evangelising about how Professor Jim Virdee on his work at are fully ready for first data. they could be used for a wide range of CERN at www.imperial.ac.uk/ Jamie has worked in many different disciplines with very different needs. media/onlinelectures/2007 areas within CERN, initially in central For someone with a physics background onlinelectures. computing services, focusing mainly on there is currently no better place to be.” m

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Pitch perfect Showcasing the best musical talent from UK universities through orchestral repertoire, Symphuni, a major new competition, confirmed the Imperial College Symphony Orchestra as the finest university orchestra in the country

Rby Zoë Perkins

The rhythmical sound of oars meeting repertoire, completed its dramatic music “The great delight of my life is the waters of the River Styx as ferryman selection with the thunderous rain and coming here to the College” Charon carries the recently dead across spray of Benjamin Britten’s Storm from Richard Dickins the boundary between Earth and the the Four Sea Interludes. underworld, Hades, underlies Sergei Remarkably it was three months Rachmaninoff’s symphonic poem Isle of since the orchestra had last performed Universities of Cambridge, Manchester the Dead op.29. The Imperial College these pieces, which were part of their and Southampton, the Imperial College Symphony Orchestra’s portrayal of the autumn term repertoire. Richard Dickins, orchestra represented the only university river’s inky depths was one of two the orchestra’s conductor and Imperial’s in the final that does not teach a music performances that brought them victory Director of Music, commented: “We did degree. But whether that proved a in Symphuni, a UK universities’ orchestra a whole series of concerts in the spring disadvantage, Isobel Blake, principal competition sponsored by the Royal term of a totally different repertoire, and second violinist and the orchestra’s Philharmonic Orchestra that took place then in one evening rehearsal had to put Chair, wasn’t so sure: “When you have on 29 March 2008. together these two pieces that we hadn’t to study so hard, you need something to The orchestra, which focuses on a done for three months. It’s a great take your mind off it all sometimes. nineteenth and twentieth century testament to the orchestra that in one Our attitudes are so different to other four-hour rehearsal they managed to university orchestras because it’s a relearn these two pieces.” change to our everyday subjects.” “This programme was a complete Not only had the 90-strong orchestra Home to the Royal Philharmonic change of gear so it gave us a had very little practice, but the Orchestra, Cadogan Hall, formerly a real buzz” competition was tough. Up against church, is London’s newest concert hall. Richard Dickins symphony orchestras from the With its steeply raked stalls and low

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Symphony orchestra FJ GAYLOR JOEL BALDWIN JOEL BALDWIN FJ GAYLOR

gallery, audiences enjoy a surprisingly in the four orchestras we heard have not and promoting our autumn term concert intimate venue and fantastic acoustics. chosen music as their career. More’s the in December,” said Richard. No strangers to the venue, Imperial’s pity as the standard displayed – especially The orchestra will be returning Orchestra took to the stage to face their by the winning Imperial College orchestra to Cadogan Hall for their next concert audience for the afternoon, a tough under their excellent conductor Richard on Friday 6 December 2008. This time judging panel made up of cellist Julian Dickins – was quite exceptional.” they will be joined by the Imperial Lloyd Webber; the first female leader of Richard trained as a conductor at College Choir and singers from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Clio the Royal College of Music, coming to the Dorchester’s Thomas Hardye School College as its first Musician-in- for William Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, Residence whilst still a postgraduate and by international cellist Raphael “We weren’t sure how we’d compare, student. When away from the College, Wallfisch for Edward Elgar’s Cello but we were all out there to win” he works with some of the UK’s finest Concerto in E minor op.85. m Isobel Blake musicians, and has conducted a number of first performances including works by Gould; composer and Ivor Novello award Timothy Salter and Anthony Bailey. R Hear the magnificent Imperial winner Debbie Wiseman; and Classic FM Not only did the orchestra earn the College Symphony Orchestra for magazine editor John Evans. title Orchestra of the Year 2008, they also yourself on 6 December 2008; tickets Each orchestra had just 30 minutes to won the £5,000 prize money. “We’ve got for the concert can be purchased demonstrate the depth of their musical it earmarked for some exciting projects; directly from Cadogan Hall at talent, and clearly Imperial impressed. In buying instruments that we couldn’t www.cadoganhall.com or by calling his Daily Telegraph column, Julian Lloyd otherwise afford, spreading the word +44 (0)20 7730 4500. Webber said: “The vast majority of players that we’re off on tour in a year’s time,

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Pillar of society Science is an essential part of our culture, yet much is still to be done to draw society into scientific conversations. Professor Robert Winston’s new role aims to do just that.

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Robert Winston

Rby Zoë Perkins Maintaining an environment in the UK where scientists are able to work at the cutting edge of stem cell and embryo research is the foundation of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, which is currently working its way through the Houses of Parliament. The bill hit the headlines in May 2008 when MPs voted in favour of the use of admixed embryos – those which contain both human and animal material – in stem cell research, as a means of developing treatments for cancer and conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, having previously been backed by the House of Lords. Encompassing assisted reproduction and embryo use in research and therapy, the bill begets impassioned debate and strong public opinion. As a member of the House of Lords, and its sole stem cell practitioner, Professor Robert Winston has been at the centre of these debates. Speaking about January’s vote in the House of Lords, he said: “There weren’t many speeches in favour of the stuff I was doing, but when it came to the vote on the hybrid embryo I had a 200-vote majority, which is very, very significant.” Despite the potentially lifesaving therapies for debilitating human conditions that could result from the bill’s approval, it is not without opposition. Among the moral and ethical concerns raised by prolife groups is the inserting of human cells into animal eggs. The case of admixed embryos is not the first, and will not be the last, scientific advance which causes controversy; legitimate public interest in the research priorities that are pursued and the results that emerge is the reason that scientists must engage with public opinion. The concept of public engagement has, in recent years, been based around public understanding of science as the catalyst for less hostile criticism in the press and greater public acceptance of science. However, Robert Winston is among a growing number of scientists now challenging that view. He observes: “What this is really about is scientists’ understanding of the public. As scientists we need to change the environment in which we do our research and teaching, to try to explain to the public that actually the science we do is the science that they own because they’ve paid for it. It’s their science. “It’s the notion that we listen to try to work out what the public’s concerns are. Why are people concerned by synthetic biology? What are the issues behind the acceptance of climate change? As citizens we have to have a responsibility to respond to the public’s concerns and take into account the issues they feel society faces in consequence of the work we do.” Professor Winston demonstrates a huge personal commitment to public engagement in science, and it is for that which he is perhaps best known by the public. Child of our Time, the BBC documentary which has followed the development of 25 children since their births in 2000, completed its eighth series in May this year. It is one of many successful television series he’s made, and Professor Winston’s broadcasting work is R

“As scientists we need to change the environment in which we do our research and teaching, to try to explain to the public that actually the

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Professor Winston in The Human Body, Professor Robert Winston with a fascinating series showing the human children from Child of Our Time body as never seen before on television

just the tip of the iceberg; he’s also “Giving young people the chance to get involved in practical work in a published a number of books, is a sought scientific environment is the key to inspiring them to see science as exciting.” after speaker for audiences of adults and children alike, and despite all of that he still maintains a research group at they’ve had a stake in them, that has in line with the government’s agenda for Imperial’s Institute of Reproductive made him so successful at engaging with increasing science participation in and Developmental Biology. the public. He strongly believes that all schools, he will establish a school science It’s within this context that Professor scientists must also be communicators – laboratory and seminar facility based at Winston has been appointed as something he’s always tried to impart to the College to give pupils and teachers Imperial’s new Chair in Science and his PhD students. He says: “If a PhD experience of hands-on science such as Society. Supported with funding from student can’t explain to a completely lay DNA analysis and robotics. To be the Garfield Weston Foundation, the member of the public in two or three constructed on the South Kensington freshly-created Chair will focus on sentences what the point of their project Campus, the laboratory will give developing paths for better engagement is, and what they hope to get from it, then students ownership of science activities between scientists and the public. As a the project probably isn’t worth doing.” in a safe environment where expertise is highly regarded researcher, clinician and At least some of his communication on hand to provide that ‘x-factor’ that science communicator, he has a vast abilities Professor Winston attributes to can inspire young people to pursue a wealth of experience from which to draw. his Jewish upbringing. He says: “My science education. Speaking about Professor Winston’s earliest memories are of argument, but He comments: “Giving young people new Chair, just prior to standing down as not acrimonious argument. It’s a Jewish the chance to get involved in practical Rector, Sir Richard Sykes said: “With trait – you examine everything, you work in a scientific environment is the science and technology increasingly don’t take it as given. I had a fantastic key to inspiring them to see science underpinning all our lives, a scientifically education both at home and at school, as exciting.” aware population is amongst the greatest where we were taught to debate. The school science laboratory will be assets a nation can possess. Robert “Sadly school children nowadays coupled with a ‘teachers in residence’ Winston is one of the UK’s most aren’t taught to debate enough, I think scheme, which will help the professional prominent scientists and has an that’s something we need to do more of.” career development of science teachers. impressive track record of drawing a Inspiring and motivating school Initially two teachers will work within diverse cross-section of society into children to engage with science forms the new laboratory, and participate in scientific conversations.” one of the main pillars of Professor research at the College. Professor It is Professor Winston’s ability to Winston’s programme over the next five Winston says: “These teachers have the make complex issues completely years. Expanding Imperial’s already advantage then of being in the best intelligible, so that people can feel that wide-ranging engagement activities, and surroundings to give the latest experiments in ideal classrooms, but equally they will have access to research workers and they can rejuvenate “It is trying to harmonise how science is their science after five or 10 years out conducted in our own eyes and in the eyes of the public.” of university.”

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Robert Winston MIKE FINN-KELCEY

“The arts and the sciences are really the same expressions of the human mind.”

A third strand of Professor Winston’s dearth of good research. He explains: Bringing together the arts and the programme will tie these elements “We will see if after three or five years sciences, the area between Cromwell together; conducting research into the whether we’ve actually changed Road and Kensington Gore in South most effective methods of science scientists’ perceptions of what they do, Kensington, affectionately referred to engagement and evaluating its impact. and equally we have to measure the as Albertopolis, is home to a plethora of “The school science laboratory provides impact on the public as a consequence.” educational and cultural institutions, an ideal test bed for research,” explains “It is trying to harmonise how science of which Imperial College is a key part. Professor Winston, “because you can is conducted in our own eyes and in the This has become the reality of Prince research what kind of lessons work, how eyes of the public,” he adds. Albert’s vision for one of the most many lessons you need, do you bring back As an essential part of our culture, successful cultural quarters in the the same children to have repeat lessons or science should not operate in a vacuum, world, which is now presided over by do you go for as many schools as possible? believes Professor Winston. He says: his memorial. “You can evaluate the effect of this on “The notion that the arts and science are At the centre of a modern the children, immediately, in three years actually one culture is a very important re-establishment of Prince Albert’s vision time, and in 10 years time. So you can do consideration. I think in our society there is Professor Winston, who, as a member actual research on the public in a very has been an alienation of these cultures, of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group controlled way and you can compare so people have said, almost proudly: ‘Of and the recently appointed Chairman of different courses that you might course I don’t know any science, I’m an the Royal College of Music council, is undertake with those children.” artist’. However, the arts and the sciences ideally placed to bring arts and science Imperial’s science community will are really the same expressions of the together in “one of the most powerful feature strongly in his research plans as human mind.” cultural areas in Britain.” m well. Whilst much has been written about the need for the science community to find out how best to engage the public “I had a fantastic education, where we were taught to debate. and to measure the impact of Sadly school children nowadays aren’t taught to debate enough, engagement activities, there is a serious I think that’s something we need to do more of.”

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A matter of time On Saturday 20 September, Imperial College will welcome back alumni celebrating a decade anniversary since graduating to a reunion that celebrates innovation. Imperial Matters takes a look back at life in those years.

Rby Liz Gregson © ENGLISH HERITAGE. NMR. AEROFILMS COLLECTION

1938 followed in May. In the US, scientist and everybody knew each other, As Hitler assumed power of the German George Gamrow put forward the ‘Big including the staff who worked there. armed forces and Orson Welles broadcast Bang’ theory as an explanation of the “Music was important to me and I his adaption of Royal College of Science origins of the universe and Edwin Land joined the University of London choir, alumnus H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds invented the Polaroid camera. singing carols in St Paul’s each in the US, causing listeners to believe Meanwhile, Imperial College December. My last concert was in the that Martians had landed in New Jersey, welcomed future Nobel prize winner Central Hall Westminster in June 1948 students at Imperial College celebrated the Professor Denis Gabor to the Department with the London Symphony Orchestra opening of their new boathouse in Putney. of Physics, where he continued to develop and the late Owen Brannigan. We sang The new sporting facility was opened the theoretical basis for holography; and Verdi’s Requiem and Kodaly’s Te Deum.” by the president of London’s 1908 future Imperial Professor Lord Patrick Olympic games, Lord Desborough, on Blackett was awarded the Nobel prize for 1958 21 October 1938. The commemorative physics for his development of the Wilson As 1958 dawned, organic chemist Sir plaque from the occasion reads: ‘May all cloud chamber method. The College’s Patrick Linstead was in the fourth year who use this boathouse in it find such rectorship was handed from engineering of his tenure as Imperial’s Rector, happiness and make such friendships scientist, Sir Richard Southwell, to overseeing a period of great change and as may endure throughout their lives’. former WWII Commander in Chief of rebuilding for the College. Elsewhere, Fighter Control, Sir Roderick Hill. General Charles de Gaulle became first 1948 Alumnus Peter Clark (Metallurgy President of the Fifth Republic in France, The year began with the assassination 1948) was coming towards the end of his and the US Billboard debuted its Hot 100 of Mahatma Gandhi on 30 January and undergraduate studies. He recalls: “The chart with Ricky Nelson’s Poor Little Fool the proclamation of the nation of Israel Royal School of Mines was such a small the first number one. BOAC launched the and the start of the Arab-Israeli wars place, not many more than 100 students, first transatlantic jet passenger service

1938 1948 1958 1968 1978 RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

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Alumni memories

from New York to London, and the become more widely available, and we all message issued by Rector Sir Eric Ash existence of the Van Allen radiation belt had to become proficient programmers and Dean of St Mary’s Professor Peter was confirmed by the Explorer 1 satellite. in Fortran (using stacks of punched Richards states: Jim Platt (Mining Geology 1960) cards to feed lines of instructions slowly ‘The merger of our institutions was was in the first year of his studies, taking into a computer with limited storage). inspired by a vision of the great advances advantage of the variety of social activities Although our time coincided with ‘les in science and medicine we could on offer: “I joined the Rowing Club and evenements’ in Paris, and general make together ... bringing together was put to row in the number four student unrest, I don’t remember any multidisciplinary teams with established position of the RSM Lowry boat crew of us becoming politically involved – records of achievements.’ (the second crew of two, the first being Imperial left that kind of thing to LSE!” the Morphy crew) in the annual winter 1998 river race versus crews from Royal College 1978 In the year that US President Bill Clinton Science (RCS) and Guilds between A year that saw the deaths of two popes was impeached, and the male impotence Hammersmith Bridge and Putney Bridge. (Paul VI and John Paul I), the drug Viagra approved by the US Food As far as I recall the RSM Lowry boat came introduction of the Sony Walkman, and and Drug Administration, 1998 saw the third. It wasn’t so terrible to be beaten by the birth of Louise Brown, the world’s opening of the Sir Alexander Fleming Guilds, but to come in behind “RCS!” first test tube baby, 1978 was also a time Building, a purpose-built headquarters (as we of the RSM used to call out in high of educational reform in the UK and at for medical and biomedical research; falsetto), now there was humiliation!” Imperial. The four-year engineering the foundation of the Department of course was introduced to the curricula Bioengineering under Professor Colin 1968 of many departments following a Caro; and the introduction of tuition fees As the Vietnam War continued and recommendation in the Dainton report throughout UK universities. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated that adding a year of study would serve In 1998, the Business School was quite in Memphis, the prototype of the world’s to expand opportunities for graduates to a different place, as William Wong (MBA first Soviet-designed supersonic airliner obtain managerial posts in industry. 1998) recalls: “It was ‘The Management made its first flight, and James Lovell David Huddie had come to similar School across the road’, and fleeting and William Anders became the first conclusions about the need for images include David Norburn’s dickie humans to orbit the moon. expansion studies from his own in-depth bow collection, Gail and Paolo in the At Imperial, Linstead Halls of investigation of Imperial, commissioned cafeteria and the friendly security chap Residence, funded by an anonymous by the Rector, the Rt Hon. Lord Brian who knew just about everyone. benefactor in 1963, were opened in Flowers. The Department of Social and “Giving presentations was part and Prince’s Gardens. They were named after Economic Studies was founded as a parcel of studying there, and, on behalf former Rector Sir Patrick Linstead, who result, with Dorothy Wedderburn, of our syndicate group, I co-presented died in 1966, in honour of his vision that Professor of Industrial Sociology, to the entire cohort comparing and every student should have a year in halls. becoming its first Head. contrasting the UK and German Dennys Watson (Operational economic and political models. On the Research and Management Studies 1988 day itself, I wore my best suit to look the 1968) was halfway through a newly- As Benazir Bhutto became the first part and, after a gratifying applause from formulated Master’s course. He recalls: Islamic woman prime minister in the audience, the lecturer asked if there “The course had been recently developed Pakistan and a Pan Am 747 exploded over were any questions, sending shockwaves by Professor Sam Eilon, a by-product of Lockerbie, Scotland, 1988 was also the through everyone as this was not in the his well-established Production year in which NASA scientist James brief! I dealt with all the unprepared Engineering courses. It seems that, in the Hansen first warned the US congress of questions and my peers declared me a 1960s, ‘management’ was not considered the dangers of global warming and the natural, a seasoned politician. That must to be sufficiently academic to merit its greenhouse effect. have given me the bug for public speaking own postgraduate degree (despite, or At Imperial, 1988 saw the merger of and taking centre stage years on.” m perhaps because of, the concurrent the College with St Mary’s Hospital establishment of the MBA-awarding Medical School and the formation of London Business School). Imperial College of Science, Technology R The Alumni Reunion 2008 takes “By 1967, computing power had and Medicine. An excerpt from the joint place on Saturday 20 September at the South Kensington, St Mary’s and Charing Cross Campuses. For 1988 1998 further information, please visit RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni or contact the Alumni Relations team

JAN CHLEBIK at [email protected]. RALPH HODGSON

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Welcome to the Alumni section within your new look Imperial Matters

This section is designed to bring you up to date with the activities of our alumni SOPHIE CORCORAN around the world; events that have taken place or that are coming up, individual alumni achievements and successes, and information about alumni services and benefits.

Your Alumni Relations team. Left to right: Liz Gregson, Emma Jones, Edward Charnley, Zoë Perkins and Louise Birrell.

We have changed the way that we has set up a medical charity to tackle It would be great to hear from you if report news from alumni networks and HIV and AIDS in Malawi, and P.J. Toh, you have any questions or suggestions groups around the world, focusing on who recently took part in the gruelling about alumni relations activities. You the most interesting UK and Atacama Crossing. can get in touch with us by email at international activities, including This section’s new editorial gives us [email protected] or by calling those organised by Imperial’s Alumni the opportunity to introduce the Alumni +44 (0)20 7594 6138. Relations team. The split reflects the Relations team to you. We are here to fact that, although many alumni develop and carry out alumni activities activities and events happen on and at the College, and are responsible for: Alumni Relations team around Imperial’s London and south east England campuses, more and • managing College-run events for more alumni events are taking place alumni; around the world. We also feature forthcoming alumni event calendars • making sure that alumni are kept up within this section, so take a look to to date and informed about other see what is coming up in your area over appropriate College and alumni-led the coming months. activities and events You will also find a new section called Catch up, which features • liaising with the many alumni groups updates from alumni of the College. in the UK and around the world to In this issue you can read the catch up help them promote and carry out notes of alumni from many disciplines their activities; and eras, as well as stories about some of the remarkable achievements of our • delivering online, and on and off- alumni, including Kate Mandeville, who campus alumni services and benefits.

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services and awards alumni Higher education Awards and Honours New Medical Sciences Fellows Add new skills to your with 20 classes in total. Professor John Loughhead (Mechanical Engineering 1970, MSc 1971, PhD 1975), repertoire long after FJ GAYLOR As an alumnus you leader of the UK Energy Research Centre, you’ve graduated can benefit from an was among eight alumni elected to the If you are interested in impressive £80 discount Royal Academy of Engineering in July learning a new language off the course of your 2008. Also elected were Professor Nigel or skill in your spare time, choice. To take advantage Brandon (PhD Earth Science and take a look at the range of of your special discount, Engineering 1985), Dr Charles Davies evening classes run by the the Department of (Physics 1975, PhD 1978), Dr Franz Durst Department of Humanities will require (MSc Mechanical Engineering 1968, PhD Humanities. There is proof of your alumnus 1972), Professor Jeffrey Kramer (MSc plenty of choice on offer status, which you can Computing 1972, PhD 1976), Professor from Mandarin Chinese obtain from the David Owens (Physics 1969, PhD 1973), to Arabic, as well as many Alumni Relations team. Stephen Payne (Chemistry 1979), and Ian European languages and Contact them at Shott (Chemical Engineering 1978). others besides. The Department has [email protected] to request recently introduced courses in creative your confirmation message. New Fellows of the Royal Society writing, the pleasures of music, music If you are interested in learning Among the 44 new Fellows elected to the technology, and film appreciation more about the courses on offer, visit Royal Society in May 2008 were four as well. www.imperial.ac.uk/humanities/ alumni: Professor Alan Ashworth Evening classes take place once a eveningclasses or contact the (Chemistry 1981), Professor Derek Fray week, beginning the week of 20 October Department on +44 (0)20 7594 8756 or at (Materials 1961, PhD 1964), Professor 2008 and finishing by 19 March 2009, [email protected]. Stephen Jackson (PhD Biochemistry 1985) and Professor John Marshall

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR (Physics 1976, PhD 1979). Royal recognition The honour of Knight Bachelor was At the heart of the capital bestowed upon Professor Sir Andrew McMichael (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1968) in the Queen’s 2008 and the countryside Birthday Honours; he was one of six alumni recognised. Dr Michael Marks (St Exclusive discounts for alumni on of the Kent countryside, each offer Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1969) and conference bookings residential conference facilities in John Metcalfe (DIC Biology 1956) received If you have ever thought about holding stunning rural settings. MBEs, Dr Paul Leinster (Chemistry 1974, an event or meeting at one of Imperial’s Conference Office representatives PhD 1977) a CBE, and Dr Gordon campuses, now is a great time to make would be delighted to give you a personal Masterton (MSc Civil Engineering 1982) your booking. The Conference Office is tour of any of the College’s conference an OBE. The late Professor Dennis currently offering an exclusive 20 per cent facilities. Please contact Charles Anderson (Mechanical Engineering 1960) discount on its published room hire rates Gallagher, Head of Hospitality and received a posthumous OBE. and 15 per cent off its published catering Events in the Conference Office, to make New Medical Sciences Fellows rates to all Imperial alumni making new an appointment on +44 (0)20 7594 9518 Professor Michael Frenneaux (Westminster bookings before 31 August 2008, and or [email protected]. Medical School 1980), Professor John whatever your event and needs, there are Hardy (PhD Biochemistry 1979) and some magnificent venues on offer. Professor Victor Tybulewicz (Chemistry In central London, the South 1981) were elected to the Academy of Kensington and Hammersmith Campuses Medical Sciences in April 2008. host conference facilities which will suit a CHRISTIAN RICHTERS wide variety of business needs, from one- Accelerator physics contribution to-one interviews to formal presentations In recognition of his contributions to for up to 750 people. Alternatively, if accelerator physics, Dr Robert Palmer you’re looking to leave the hustle and (Physics 1956, PhD 1960) was elected a bustle of London behind, Silwood Park, member of the National Academy of just outside Ascot; and Wye, in the heart Silwood Park Sciences in April 2008.

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alumni uk

Sixty alumni joined over 2,400 students for the most lavish event on the College’s Dancing the IAN GILLETT IAN GILLETT calendar – the Imperial College London night away Summer Ball 2008. The evening kicked off with a formal four-course dinner, which the Ball’s organiser, Chris Larvin, rated as the highlight of the evening. He said: “It was made extra special by having Richard Sykes there at his last Summer Ball. At the end of the dinner, the Union President Stephen Brown (MSci Mathematics 2007) presented him with Honorary Life all the staff and students of Imperial for Membership of the Union.” giving me a great seven years.” The after dinner speech was one of Sir Revellers enjoyed great music acts, a Richard’s final opportunities to bid funfair and a fireworks display, launched farewell to the College community, he from the top of the Electrical and said: “This evening has become a Electronic Engineering building. Alumni highlight of the College year for both were even able to escape the hustle and staff and students. Thank you to the bustle of the Ball into the VIP lounge and organisers of the Ball for making it such a cocktail bar with musical entertainment successful and high quality event and to from a pianist, a violinist, a harpist, and the Jazz Big Band. Those who made it through to the small hours of the morning joined over

IAN GILLETT 1,000 students for the traditional 4am survivors photograph.

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Presidential plea How the Royal School of Mines Association (RSMA) channels its resources to best serve Royal School of Mines alumni and its members is the subject of a questionnaire which

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// will be reaching you soon. Paul Holmes (MEng Earth Science Fresh faces the Faculty of Engineering. and Engineering 1994), President of After many years of valued the Royal School of Mines Association, TOM WHIPPS service to the St Mary’s said: “Many alumni may have lost Over the past six months, Hospital Association, touch with the RSM in the years before the City and Guilds College Patricia Dymond has stepped common usage of the internet and Association (CGCA) and down from the post of email, and we need you to get back the St Mary’s Hospital Honorary Secretary, in touch. Others may want to break Association have both although she will continue to the connection with the RSM. We welcomed new members to manage the membership and need to know who you are as well!” their committees. subscription database. Kevin He added: “These days Dame Julia Higgins took Brown, Imperial College questionnaires come from all on the presidency of the Julia Higgins Healthcare NHS Trust directions, but we really do need you CGCA at the association’s Archivist and Curator of the to engage in this one, if we are to be AGM and President’s Evening in May, Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum, a proactive and meaningful taking over from Peter Garratt (Civil has been elected to the post in her association committee.” Engineering 1968). Dame Julia has a long place, and will be assisted by Cynthia Keep an eye out for the survey, association with the College, going back Horan. Kevin can be contacted on which will be dropping through your to 1976, and during this time she has held +44 (0)20 7886 6528 or by email at letterbox soon. various positions including Principal of [email protected].

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uk alumni

established the post of Student Liaison Portrait Student liaison Officer within the City and Guilds College Union to achieve this. Sponsored of by the Old Centralians’ Trust, Ashley Brown, a PhD student in the Department Pinker of Computing, is already initiating A portrait of relationships between the association the late Sir and the student departmental societies. George Pinker, The initiative aims to identify a small Chairman of team of recent alumni from each the St Mary’s department to assist current students Hospital in such areas as project work, work Association experience and career advice. Recent from 1986 to Keen to strengthen its links with current alumni interested in participating in 1994, is to be students and recent graduates, the City this scheme should contact the unveiled in the boardroom at St Mary’s and Guilds College Association has association at [email protected]. Hospital. Sir George, who died in May 2007, qualified from St Mary’s in 1947 and ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// remained closely attached to the hospital for the rest of his career, much of which Collaboration without Borders was spent as surgeon-gynaecologist to the Queen. Becoming ‘the most dynamic and Former Rector and alumnus Sir Eric The portrait, donated by the competitive knowledge-based economy in Ash (Electrical Engineering 1948, PhD association, is a copy of a portrait at the the world’ is no small challenge, but it’s a 1952) was among the audience of 60 Royal College of Obstetricians and challenge that Europe’s leaders agreed for alumni, staff and friends of the College Gynaecologists, where Sir George was the European Union back in March 2000. who heard about the European, and President from 1987 to 1990. One of a series of goals to achieve this indeed global, collaboration in various objective, the European Research Area was research areas at Imperial. created to inspire the best talent to enter Professor Wood’s enthusiasm for his research careers in Europe, incite industry subject, coupled with his personal JAN CHLEBIK to invest more in European research, and involvement with the projects he talked strongly contribute to the creation of about, shone through, making for a sustainable growth and jobs. In his lecture, thoroughly enjoyable lecture. Collaboration without Borders, in April 2008 Canapés, wine and beer from around Professor John Wood explained a variety the continent were served to alumni in of European collaborative the European-themed initiatives such as the Large drinks reception that Hadron Collider at CERN, followed the lecture.

the first example of cross- NEVILLE MILES The reception gave all European collaboration alumni plenty of which will be celebrating 50 opportunity to meet up years in 2008; the European former classmates and Enriching student lives Space Agency; and the to continue their avid European Synchrotron conversations about Set up to enrich the lives of medical Radiation Facility in Geneva. the lecture. students who have talents in areas of drama and football, two newly instituted ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// St Mary’s Hospital Association Scholarships have been conferred on a Scientists to celebrate science fiction handful of the Faculty of Medicine’s students. Adam Hughes has been Commemorating its centenary this year, the Royal College of Science awarded the Football Scholarship, and Association is planning an event to celebrate the milestone and the Ricky Stanton and Eleni Josephides association’s first President, War of the Worlds author, H.G. Wells. The received Drama Scholarships. proposed date is 9 December 2008, with the association’s annual dinner In addition, the St Mary’s Association proposed for 7 November 2008; the association would welcome expressions Elective Awards have been awarded to of interest by email to [email protected]. Michelle Camarata, Olivia Kenyon,

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alumni uk NEIL MADHVANI EDWARD CHARNLEY

Pure GOLD

Seventy of Imperial’s ‘Graduates Of the Last Decade’, affectionately referred to as GOLD alumni, joined old friends to enjoy a free drink on the College at London’s Motion Bar in April 2008. The bi-annual Cool Britannia? event is always a great opportunity to network with other Imperial College alumni. Congratulations go to Winston Lord Tristan Garel-Jones who, as Nurturing a young Chan who won an iPod shuffle in the Foreign Secretary in Margaret evening’s business card draw. Thatcher’s government, was association If you’re a GOLD alumnus, why not responsible for guiding the Maastricht join us for the next drinks evening at Bill through parliament, was the guest With only four years of alumni, Imperial Motion Bar on Thursday 16 October. speaker at the 95th City and Guilds College School of Medicine Alumni is one Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/ College Association Annual Dinner. His of the College’s newest alumni groups GOLDdrinks for more information. address was both thought provoking but there’s plenty of activity taking place and amusing; unsurprisingly themed to build it into a thriving association. Whither Europe? he discussed whether The association has set up an alumni Wye not go to the ball? ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Cool Britannia’ committee comprising an impressive All Wye College alumni, Agricola CHRISTIAN RICHTERS might be followed by ‘Fool Britannia’ if collection of past Imperial College Union Club members or not, will be invited we in the UK did not embrace Europe presidents, and this year’s Imperial to an ‘End of an Era’ ball to be held with greater enthusiasm. College School of Medicine Student Union on 27 June 2009. The association Held at the Ironmongers’ Hall in March officers, among others. A website to keep would like to gauge interest, so if 2008, over 150 people filled the hall to members up to date with news about you are interested please email capacity for the association’s annual social, sporting and academic events, and John Walters (Wye College 1970) at flagship event. The association’s much more, will go live soon. Among the [email protected] or contact President, Peter Garratt, was joined by association’s other plans is a database of him by post at 38 High Street, Wye, Lord Garel-Jones in the City and Guilds consultant mentors to give advice about Kent, TN25 5AL, United Kingdom. College mascot, Boanerges, for the journey careers, and plans to establish strong links to the hall. The old car ran faultlessly, with the well-established St Mary’s and thanks to the skilled ministrations of the Charing Cross and Westminster groups.

car’s student custodians. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Calling alumni in Aberdeen

With over 200 Imperial College alumni living in and around Aberdeen, the recently ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// formed Imperial College Alumni Network of Aberdeen has a great chance of becoming a thriving alumni group. Members of Imperial’s first UK regional group RIf you would like more information have plenty to look forward to, including a trip to the Shetland Islands over the about joining one of Imperial’s UK coming months. Victor Lamy (MSc Petroleum Geoscience 2007), the group’s alumni groups, please visit representative, would like to hear from alumni who would like to join. You can www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/groups, contact him through the Alumni Relations team at [email protected] or by email [email protected] calling +44 (0)20 7594 6130. or call +44 (0)20 7594 6130.

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uk alumni

UK Event Calendar August 2008 – January 2009

Imperial College School of Medicine: Saturday 27 September 2008; South City and Guilds College Association Alumni Association AGM Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ Reunion Lunch For all alumni of the School of Medicine Contact Rob Holton at For members of the CGCA Thursday 18 September 2008; Sir [email protected] Saturday 22 November 2008; Alexander Fleming Building, South Polish Club, 55 Exhibition Road, Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ Is Human Evolution Over? London, SW7 2PN Email najette.ayadi-o-donnell04@ A Friends of Imperial College lecture Visit www.cgca.org.uk imperial.ac.uk for more information with Professor Steve Jones or call +44 (0)20 7594 1184 Wednesday 15 October 2008; Sir Alumni Reunion 2008 Alexander Fleming Building, South Imperial College Symphony For all alumni, particularly those Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ Orchestra Concert celebrating a decade anniversary Visit www.friendsofimperial.org Imperial’s award winning symphony Saturday 20 September 2008; South or +44 (0)5601 308693 orchestra will be joined by international Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ cellist Raphael Wallfisch GOLD alumni drinks Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/ Saturday 6 December 2008; Cadogan Hall, Informal drinks evening for graduates reunion2008 or call +44 (0)20 7594 6130 5 Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X 9DQ of the last decade Visit www.cadoganhall.com Thursday 16 October 2008; Motion Bar, Agricola Club Annual Dinner and AGM or call +44 (0)20 7730 4500 Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 6PA Members of the Agricola Club are invited to the annual dinner Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/ Winter Wonderland GOLDdrinks or call +44 (0)20 7594 6130 Saturday 20 September 2008; Dining Festive celebrations for alumni with Hall, Wye Campus, TN25 5AH Faculty of Engineering Networking mince pies and mulled wine Contact the Agricola Club at Reception Thursday 11 December 2008; South [email protected] For alumni and students of the Faculty Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ of Engineering, RSMA and CGCA Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/ West London Chaplaincy: Thursday 23 October 2008; Mechanical winterwonderland 50th anniversary reunion Engineering Building, South Kensington or call +44 (0)20 7594 6130 At the Chaplaincy’s 1962–70 home for Campus, SW7 2AZ Sunday worship Visit www.cgca.org.uk City and Guilds College Association Saturday 20 September 2008; or call +44 (0)20 7594 1184 Christmas Lunchtime Seminar St Augustine’s Church, 117 Queen’s Gate, For members of the CGCA London, SW7 5LP The eco-cities of China: Can they teach Thursday 11 December 2008; 170 Queen’s Contact Reverend Andrew Willson at us a lesson? Gate, London, SW7 5HF [email protected] A Friends of Imperial College lecture Visit www.cgca.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7594 9600 with alumnus Peter Head or call +44 (0)20 7594 1184 Wednesday 19 November 2008; Behind the scenes at the UK’s first Skempton Building, South Kensington Eleven dimensions of the Academic Health Science Centre Campus, SW7 2AZ unifying theory A Friends of Imperial College event Visit www.friendsofimperial.org A Friends of Imperial College lecture with Professor Stephen Smith or +44 (0)5601 308693 with Professor Michael Duff Monday 22 September 2008; St Mary’s Wednesday 14 January 2009; Sir Royal School of Mines Association Hospital, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY Alexander Fleming Building, South Annual Dinner Visit www.friendsofimperial.org Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ For Royal School of Mines alumni or +44 (0)5601 308693 Visit www.friendsofimperial.org and students or +44 (0)5601 308693 Chemical Engineering 1968–71 Reunion Friday 21 November 2008; Polish Club, Marking 40 years since the class of 55 Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2PN 1971 began at Imperial Email [email protected] or [email protected]

R For a full events listing, visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/events

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alumni international

Building new connections Four new alumni groups have recently launched in far flung corners of the globe.

In the Middle East, Ghanem and reminisce about the good times Nuseibeh (Civil Engineering 2000) in London.” has agreed to be the main contact for Back in Europe, Michael Byrne the Imperial College Alumni (Chemistry 1994), became the Network of Dubai, open to all alumni representative for the new Imperial in the UAE, and Inbarajan Rajavel College Alumni Association of Ireland (MSc Civil Engineering 1997) will do and in early July he hosted an evening the same for the Imperial College in Dublin for alumni interested in Alumni Association of Qatar. learning more. Chih-Lan Chan (MSc For information about any of the new International Health Management 2006) has volunteered to groups, please contact [email protected] with your set up a group in Taiwan, encouraging alumni to be in touch: name, date of birth, and degree and contact details, specifying “With this organisation we can share our career experiences which group you are interested in learning more about.

Ambassadors on the up and up Reliving the ‘good The Office of Alumni and Development Buckingham, Pro Rector for Education; old days’ in Kolkata started the year with a reception to thank Ebrahim Mohamed, Director of the Imperial’s International Ambassadors Executive MBA Programme; and Lord and their support staff for their Robert Winston, Professor of Science and

participation in the International Society. Sir Roy and Ebrahim have already NEVILLE MILES Ambassador scheme during 2007, during made their first ambassadorial visits. which they attended a total of 25 events In May, the College was delighted to around the world. The evening included learn that the scheme had been awarded a light-hearted awards ceremony in a silver medal in the 2008 Council for the Sir Eric Ash which Fiona Kirk, Director of Advancement and Support of Education Development, thanked the Ambassadors (CASE) Circle of Excellence Awards, Around 60 alumni and guests for their enthusiasm, energy and help in coming second out of 21 entries in the gathered in Kolkata for a dinner on maintaining a vibrant international category Alumni Relations Programming 23 February 2008, hosted by the alumni community. for Special Constituencies. President of the Imperial College Since then, four new Ambassadors View the International Ambassadors Alumni Association of India, Rajive have been welcomed to the scheme: Sir Annual Report 2007 at www.imperial.ac. Kaul (Materials 1971), in honour of Roy Anderson, Rector; Professor Julia uk/alumni/ambassadors. Sir Eric Ash (Electrical Engineering 1948, PhD 1952; Rector 1985–1993) and his wife, Lady Ash. Mr Kaul made a presentation on the College’s Centenary activities

EDWARD CHARNLEY including the December 2007 launches of the Imperial College India Foundation and Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Sir Eric also entertained attendees with a few words about the ‘good old days’, the Queen’s Centenary address and Imperial’s ascent to fifth in the world in the Times Higher Education Supplement’s university rankings, before a vote of thanks was given by Paramesh Dhar (Civil Engineering 1960).

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Presidential updates The Imperial College Alumni Association of Switzerland has warmly welcomed Pantha Roy (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2005) as its new President, following in the footsteps of Paul Dyson (Mathematics 1989). Pantha plans to organise regular alumni gatherings for alumni in Switzerland. If you are interested in learning more, please contact him at [email protected]. Elsewhere, the Imperial College Alumni Association Hong Kong has also elected a new executive committee, including Chairman, Professor Paul Cheung (Electrical Engineering 1973, PhD 1976), and Vice Chairman, Simon Lam (Mechanical Engineering 1993, MBA 2001).

Tea in the Golden Gate City Miners meet up Australia-resident Royal School of Over 30 alumni and friends gathered in sandwiches, jam tarts and, of course, a Mines alumni met up for a casual San Mateo, California, on 7 June 2008 to cup or two of tea. midday lunch on 28 March 2008 at meet an International Ambassador and Arjuna Jayasinha (Civil Engineering the Phillips Foote restaurant in the indulge in a traditional English 1980, MSc Management Science 1981), Rocks area of Sydney. The event, afternoon tea. committee member of the Bay Area which was organised by RSMA Professor Christopher Kennard, alumni group, said: “It is always interesting Australia representative Ron Butler Deputy Principal of the Faculty of to hear about pioneering research and (Materials 1952), incorporated Medicine, delivered a talk on his research Professor Kennard’s talk was fascinating. catching up with old friends and into cognitive neuroscience and visual We also enjoyed the opportunity to learn discussing the still booming mining sciences. A lively question and answer more about alumni relations initiatives at industry in Australia. If you would like session followed, before guests were the College and look forward to working to get in touch with Ron, contact him treated to a traditional English afternoon with the alumni relations team on further at [email protected]. tea complete with scones, cucumber developing activities in the area.”

Members of the Imperial College Rector, Sir Roy Alumni Association of Singapore have Anderson made his been treated to a number of events over first International recent months, starting with a talk by Ambassador visit, Professor Richard Parker (Physics meeting alumni for 1975), Director of Research and dinner at the Tanglin Technology, Rolls-Royce Group, at the Club. Sir Roy spent Jurong Regional Library in April 2008. time talking with Blue Skies to Green Skies focused on alumni about diverse reducing the impact of aviation on the topics, including the environment, holding the audience rapt Asso iation members with Atacama Desert Sir Roy Anderson (fifth from left) for over an hour. Crossing recently The following month, Dr Martin National Library Building with his completed by alumnus Poh Joo Toh Walker (DIC Physics 1967, PhD thoughts on the Future of Grid (see page 41), the coexistence of Mathematics 1969), Hewlett-Packard, Computing – In the Cloud? polytechnics and universities, and EMEA, entertained alumni at the In June, only weeks before becoming the economic growth of China. R

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Following in Nobel footsteps Tales of the tower Since 1999, the Imperial College festivities, and the prize winners In January, the Imperial College Alumni Association of themselves. Along with Alumni Association of Hong Kong Singapore has presented other talented young welcomed visiting International the annual Most scientists from around Ambassador Professor John Outstanding Junior the world, Amelia had Burland, Senior Research College Science the opportunity to Investigator from the Department Student Award to a present her own of Civil and Environmental student who has research project, Engineering. Professor Burland, demonstrated take part in an ethics who was a member of the Italian exceptional academic seminar and build a Prime Minister’s Commission for achievement in miniature maglev stabilising the Leaning Tower of science. In 2007, the train. The trip Pisa, began the evening with a award was given to Raffles concluded with the Nobel College update, following with a Junior College student Amelia Prize presentation ceremony talk, Rescuing the Leaning Tower Chang, who went on to represent and subsequent banquet, which of Pisa – the inside story. Singapore at the annual Stockholm Amelia enjoyed with her new-found Professor Burland said: “It was International Youth Science Seminar friends. a great evening, meeting up with (SIYSS), held in Stockholm, Sweden, to Amelia said: “The experience and old friends and making new ones. coincide with the Nobel Prize memories gained are priceless. SIYSS The Association did a great job. presentation ceremony and its was an eye-opening experience, Many thanks for the highlight of associated celebrations. culminating in one of the most my visit!” As an attendee of the SIYSS, Amelia memorable weeks of my life.” was given exclusive access to Swedish To read a full account of Amelia’s trip science institutes, the Nobel lectures and to Stockholm, visit www.icaas.org.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Honouring an alumnus

The Geophysical Society of Houston and (Physics 1953, PhD 1956). the Society of Exploration Geophysicists Notable geophysicists gathered to sponsored a Spring Symposium in May review Dr Sherwood’s contributions to 2008 in Houston, Texas, honouring the geophysics, and attendees were offered work of alumnus John Sherwood an excellent technical programme. At a banquet during the symposium, Dr Sherwood was toasted by his friends, family and colleagues. Dave Agarwal (MSc Geology 1959), the Symposium’s Chairman, read and presented congratulatory letters from former GEOPHYSICAL SOCIETY HOUSTON Rector, Sir Richard Sykes; Director of Development, Fiona Kirk; and Head of the Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Professor Martin Blunt, together with Dr Hannah Gay’s book The History of Imperial College, 1907–2007 and a beautiful agate specimen. The meeting allowed colleagues to recognise past collaborations and renew friendships; those who did not know John were able to meet the man whose contributions advanced the science and those still in school to John Sherwood (front) witness the achievements of a and Dave Agarwal consummate mentor.

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International Event Calendar August 2008 – January 2009

Cambridge Society of Ottawa Informal Drinks For London and Oxbridge alumni Thursday 28 August 2008; Earl of Sussex Pub, Ottawa, Canada Email [email protected] for more information

Imperial College Club of Germany Reunion Weekend Beautiful Heidelberg is the setting for this year’s meeting Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September 2008; Heidelberg, Germany Innovation in the land of Email [email protected] for more information Ambassador Event in Beijing the rising sun Join International Ambassadors Professor Dot Griffiths The South Kensington Kai (SKK) hosted International and Mr Ebrahim Mohamed Ambassador, Professor Nelson Phillips, when he visited Monday 15 September 2008; Beijing, China Tokyo in May 2008. Professor Phillips, Head of the Email [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 7594 6126 Organisation and Management Group at Tanaka Business School, delivered a talk on Leading Innovation: Understanding Ambassador Event in Shanghai the Leadership Behaviours that Create Highly Innovative Work Join International Ambassadors Professor Dot Griffiths Groups to around 50 guests at the British Council Japan, and Mr Ebrahim Mohamed including alumni from Imperial and the University of Thursday 18 September 2008; Shanghai, China London, and a number of MBA students who travelled to Email [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 7594 6126 Tokyo with Professor Phillips. The event concluded with a dinner party at a Japanese- Imperial College Exiles North America East style pub restaurant, where everybody enjoyed great food, Reunion Weekend interesting conversations and learning about different Join fellow alumni in the resort destination of Lake Placid cultures; a late but fun night for all concerned! Friday 26 to Saturday 27 September 2008; Lake Placid, New York, United States Email [email protected] for further information Exciting times for Bahrain network IC in VIC Annual Dinner Following the appointment of Christos Poullaides (Civil Join alumni in Victoria for their annual dinner event Engineering 1979) as the international representative for Monday 13 October 2008; Brighton, Melbourne, Australia the Imperial College Alumni Network in Bahrain, the Email David Bishop at [email protected] group’s first meeting was held at the Monsoon restaurant in Adliya on 25 June 2008. “The Imperial alumni in Ambassador Event with Professor Sir Peter Knight Bahrain are very excited about forming their own For all alumni in Australia association and the response so far is overwhelming,” Sunday 16 November 2008; Pennant Hills Golf Club, said Christos at the event. Sydney, Australia In an early boost to the group’s activities, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Dr Hassan Contact Bill Macmillan at [email protected] Fakhro (DIC Earth Science and Engineering 1964), has agreed or on +61 (2) 99484928 to place the association under his patronage. Alumni Asia Forum Join several International Ambassadors including RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Sir Roy Anderson Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December 2008; Bangkok, Thailand R If you would like more information about joining Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/events/asiaforum2008 one of Imperial’s overseas alumni groups, please for more details visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/groups, email [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 7594 6126. R For a full events listing, visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/events

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catch up Make sure you keep us updated with your life post-Imperial; we would love to hear from you. Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/catchup to view updates from other alumni or to submit your own update, alternatively see the inside front cover for other ways to get in touch with us.

1950s was spent as Wilton Site Senior Process University, joined IBM, and worked on Engineer working with global teams on computer graphics, image handling and Michael New adipic acid expansion, modernisation, data management. I was President of the Botany 1954 and technology interchange. Retirement ACM’s SIGGRAPH. I’m a Fellow of the I’ve worked for many public and private is being spent helping my daughters’ ACM and IEEE, and on advisory boards entities, including the Food and families, and enjoying the countryside for US Santa Cruz and UC Merced. I Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United and coast of north east England with my became the Associate Director of the Nations Development Programme, wife of 40 years and her dog. IBM Almaden Research Centre, helping European Commission (EC), Syntex Inc, to run the lab and to set research and Rank Hovis McDougall. Now retired, Nigel Fitzpatrick directions. I now offer consulting in but still consulting for FAO and EC. I was Materials 1965, PhD 1968 R&D management. President of the World Aquaculture www.robinwilliams-randd.com Society (1997–98), now an Honorary Life Member; and President of the European 1970s Aquaculture Society (2002–04). I founded Aquaculture without Frontiers in 2004, Chris Avison a charity devoted to the alleviation of Aeronautics 1974 poverty in developing countries through Graduate apprentice at BAC 1970–75; small-scale aquaculture. In 1999, I was moved from BAC Warton (flight test awarded an OBE for services to engineer) to Douglas Aircraft Company aquaculture in developing countries. Nigel, right, at Fort Dufile in 2006 Flight Test in 1979; merged with Boeing www.aquaculturewithoutfrontiers.org in 1999; currently Boeing Material In Vancouver, consulting, after being the Management Manager at founding CEO of Azure Dynamics, a Palmdale/Edwards Air Force Base. hybrid vehicle company now working with Ford. This followed relatively calm Martin Braithwaite years at Alcan where, with due attention Chemical Engineering 1971 to both chemistry and metallurgy, beer I’m now a consultant with visiting can recycling technology was patented academic posts at Imperial and the and launched in the US. My involvement University of Queensland (Brisbane, in Imperial’s 1965 Uganda Expedition led Australia). I am helping organise a to my being coordinator of the Fort reunion of my year (Chemical Aquaculture without Frontiers Dufile archaeological project on the volunteer identifying fish Engineering 1968–71) on Saturday 27 Uganda/Sudan border in the 2006–07 September 2008; we are expecting about dry season. Skiing and running ( just). two-thirds of the year back for a 1960s Four children, three grandchildren, cats, champagne reception and dinner. etc. Chair, Legends Strata Corporation. Email me for further information. Robert Bacon www.legendswhistler.com [email protected] Chemical Engineering 1968 For 25 years I worked for ICI at Nylon Robin Williams Brian Davies Works, Wilton, mainly in technical roles Electrical Engineering 1962 MSc Biochemistry 1972 but with spells in production After Imperial, I joined Mullard, met my Following Imperial, I settled in the management and projects. Sold with wife while on assignment in Eindhoven, newly formed Pharmacokinetics business to DuPont, but I retired eight moved to New York and worked for Section at Beecham Pharmaceuticals in years later in 2001. My time with DuPont Philips. I earned a PhD at New York 1975. In 1990 I relocated from the UK to

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the US following the merger of Robert Fisher none are physicists unfortunately! Since Beecham with SmithKline and joined Physics 1971, Mechanical Engineering 1974 1998 I have worked in Essex at e2v, a the Clinical Pharmacokinetics Group After years, pond and career hopping, I high-tech company that has changed its based in the Philadelphia suburbs. In find myself a Bechtel IT project manager name several times. 1995 I started an independent in Houston. I arrived here via Foster consultancy specialising in the Wheeler in Reading, UK, then Intergraph Raymond Kwok pharmaceutical industry. Even though in Houston, in Montreal (building the Mathematics 1974 this was successful, I decided to re-join Hibernia offshore platform), in My working career had been in the life industry and six years ago moved to Huntsville, Alabama (marketing), in insurance industry with only two New Jersey to work for Hoffmann-La Swindon, UK (data warehouses) then companies, namely Prudential and UOB Roche as a clinical pharmacologist. Houston again (Intergraph then Life in Singapore. I’ve been retired since I live in East Hanover with my wife ChevronTexaco). My Mexico City wife July 2008, I now have two fine dining and dog. of 18 years is Trade Commissioner for Chinese restaurants. Bon appétit! Energy at the Canadian Consulate. www.huang.com.sg Maynard Davies We have two trilingual, Aeronautics 1976 tri-national children. Snimer Sahni After spending 11 years with Alcoa in Bird brain that I am MSc Management Science 1973 Swansea, I joined the National Health (thank you, IC Gliding In the more than 30 years since I left Service in 1988. In the last 19 years I have Club), I still regularly Imperial, I have worked in different fields, spent time seconded to the Welsh fly my hang glider but converging on economic development in Assembly Government and the Centre am working towards the past 15 years. I worked in the IT for Health Leadership in Wales. I’m my private pilot’s industry, in the Indian Government, as currently Associate Director of licence for old age. a management consultant, and in a Information Management and multilateral development bank. In 2007, Technology. More importantly, I have Paul Jorden I completed an MSc in Agricultural been married to Paula for over 25 years Physics 1972, PhD 1975 Economics at Imperial’s Wye Campus and have two great sons, Rhys and I worked at the Royal Greenwich and I’m proud to have a second degree Gareth. I’m also team leader for youth Observatory from 1978–98, including its from Imperial, 34 years after I earned and children’s work at Parklands move from Sussex to Cambridge. In this the first. I am currently on sabbatical, Evangelical Church, Swansea. time I got married and had three sons; based in New Delhi.

1980s Spotlight on Clare Duggan diaries, and featured real-life doctors, nurses and patients. It was so Edmund McGuire Executive Producer of Stone City successful that it’s led to the BBC Civil Engineering 1982 Films, Clare Duggan (Microbiology commissioning a follow up series of I went straight from Imperial into the 1981) faced the challenge of recreating six programmes. Clare and her team City where I have worked as a corporate the Royal London Hospital as it was are on the lookout for historical banker arranging debt finance in the 100 years ago for the BBC drama medical equipment and information fields of project finance, acquisition Casualty 1907, which was screened in regarding scientific developments finance and loan syndications. I have March 2008. from the period (1908–10) for the worked in London and Singapore for Set 20 years before the discovery next series, so if you have a collection Guinness Mahon merchant bank, British of penicillin, Casualty 1907 was based that they might be interested in and Commonwealth Merchant Bank, Hill on ward reports, autopsy records and please get in touch. Samuel, Sanwa Bank, Commerzbank AG Clare trained as a Television (advising on infrastructure debt funding Producer in the BBC Science in the TMT, Oil and Gas, Energy and Department, before taking up the post Transport sectors) and most recently at of Science Producer for Channel Four Standard Chartered Bank (arranging News, which took her around the loan syndications in Europe, Africa and world covering the latest events in South Asia). I am married with one child. science and the environment. This included access to film inside the Jan E. Stenis secret city in Siberia where the Soviets Business School 1984 developed their first nuclear bomb. Following some time within the The cast of Casualty 1907 [email protected] construction and real estate businesses, I took up an Industrial Environmental R

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Economics PhD in 2005. Currently, I Society of Chemistry in Cambridge, first Warrior of Kenya in 2005. Currently I am study how to utilise the natural as a Journals Assistant Editor and now a working as Centre Director for the Kenya resources of the globe, as well as its Books Commissioning Editor. Agricultural Research Institute in Eastern interstellar surroundings, in a more Kenya. [email protected] cost-effective and environmentally- Richard Jones friendly way, based on my innovation: MSc Management Science 1990 Markus Peter the model for Efficient Use of Resources I spent five years at Cable and Wireless plc in Biotechnology 1992 for Optimal Production Economy – global product management. I then joined After completing a PhD (clinical EUROPE. The EUROPE model is the Equant, a global telecommunications pharmacology) in Cambridge, I ended up mathematical expression [a/(b+c)] of and IT services provider and held a range joining a biotechnology company in the Equality Principle, implying total of European and global marketing roles. Canada. About 10 days before the company equality in a financial sense between Latterly I was responsible for the closed its doors for good, I joined Merck residuals and regular products. leadership and management of Equant’s and Co in New Jersey as a project manager. global marketing function. Since leaving Most recently it’s involved leading the team 1990s Equant in July 2005, I’ve had a change of for Merck’s new diabetes drug Janumet. I career to teaching science at secondary look forward to catching up with anybody Antonis Agiovlassitis school level, currently at the Heathland from Biotechnology/Biochemistry 1992 Civil and Environmental Engineering 1999 School in Hounslow, Middlesex. especially if you are close to New York. I’m After Imperial, I went back to Greece for trying to get back into a rowing boat but my my national service. I have been working Gordon Lau seven-year-old son and my exec-MBA in various construction firms since, both Aeronautics 1999 classes prevent me from doing so... in the public and private sector, and in Since graduating, I’ve been working in Jens Petersen fields spanning from port construction the greater China region. I laboured for Physics 1990 and road building to dams and housing. Standard Chartered Bank for over seven I currently divide my time between years but in June 2007 I moved to After spending 12 years in Japan, I Athens and Antiparos. Natixis Asia. I would love to hear anyone relocated to Brisbane, Australia, in 2006 from Aero 99! where I continue working as a senior software engineer for Red Hat leading the Zia Akbar Mathematics 1992 Terry Murphy Internationalisation Engineering team. MSc Electrical and Electronic I’m currently working as a software Engineering 1993 Suffian Sahadan engineer in Lyon, France, and training to After graduation, I spent three years in the Mechanical Engineering 1998 use my IT skills in the actuarial field. I UK with Predictive Control, working on After graduating, I joined Sony Design keep in touch with a few fellow Imperial multivariable control and optimisation Centre designing Discman for the world graduates, and I’d be happy to hear from projects for clients such as ICI, Unilever market. I had a wonderful four years there, any others. I’ve been married to Huma and National Power. I returned to Ireland prior to landing a job with PETRONAS since August 2006. with Kathryn in 1996 and joined a control specialising in engine design. I’m still in systems integrator. I worked mainly in the design business, but there are way Keith Allenby GSK Cork until summer 2005, and then more challenges which my brain craves. Civil Engineering 1991 joined Centocor (part of Johnson and Graduated so long ago now! I spent Johnson). We’re now living in Cobh, Georgia Sigala another five years in and around London County Cork, and have been married Chemistry and Biochemistry 1992 before flying east to work in Singapore. since 2001. We have two lovely boys Jack After spending 17 years in the UK and I’ve been here for nearly 12 years now, (five) and Harry (three); both are future having the privilege of working in the previously building metros but I’m now Munster and Ireland rugby players! British civil service, I have now relocated building theatres in the Marina Bay to Athens living the good life ... Friends Integrated Resort Project. I’ve two little Stephen Njoka are always welcome to visit! girls, aged five and three, am still loving MSc Applied Entomology 1990 the sun and enjoying the Asian way of life. In 2004, at Moi University in Kenya, I 2000s earned a PhD in environmental science Merlin Fox with a thesis titled The biology and impact Sybil Derrible Applied Environmental Science 1998 of Neochetina weevils on Water Hyacinth, MEng Mechanical Engineering 2006 After Imperial I went to Bristol for a PhD Eichhornia Crassipes in Lake Victoria Basin, I am about to start my third year of a PhD (agricultural sciences) and then a postdoc Kenya. Due to my efforts on the at the University of Toronto and feeling (soil chemistry) at Rothamsted Research. successful biological control of water great; my field of work is sustainable Since 2004, I have been developing a hyacinth in Lake Victoria, I was honoured urban transportation. I have great hope career in publishing, working for the Royal with the award of the Order of the Grand and a great future in front of me.

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catch up alumni

Anthony Hsiao can plan, book and share their trip, and MEng Electrical and Electronic EnTrip automatically customises Spotlight on Kate Mandeville Engineering 2007 external services such as flight booking Just before graduation, Nicholas Adams and local travel information. No more (also Electrical and Electronic trawling through countless travel sites, Engineering 2007) and I decided start just EnTrip – the Swiss army knife for up a company in the internet domain. trips! We’re loving India and trying to As we didn’t have a concrete business find a way to continue to work here. idea at the time, we temporarily www.entrip.com relocated to India to develop our ideas, experience an exciting country and save Teng Jiang on living costs. We soon converged on MSc Finance 2004 developing a next-generation travel MPhil, University of Cambridge, application – EnTrip. Using the Cambridge, UK; Intern, United Nations intuitive graphical user interface, users Headquarters, New York, USA; Consultant, The World Bank Group, Washington DC, USA.

Munem Rashed NICHOLAS ADAMS MSci Physics 2005 Kate visiting the medical After being clueless in my final year, I school in Malawi now find myself working in structured finance for a bank in London. Missing The World Health Organisation student life! highlights two main challenges that [email protected] need to be addressed in Malawi, where half of the population lives Yulia Steseva below the poverty line: tackling the MSc Finance 2003 risk of HIV infection and the burden of AIDS, and reversing the weakening Anthony taking in the Portfolio Manager, UFG Asset view across India Management, Moscow. of the national health system. Kate Mandeville (Medicine 2006) has taken some initial steps Spotlight on Poh Joo Toh kilometre footrace through Chile, one to help make that happen by setting mile above sea level. up the Medic-to-Medic Programme, The Atacama Desert is noted as the The thought of giving up did briefly a charity through which British driest place on earth; it stretches 600 cross PJ’s mind on day four of the doctors and medical students miles between the Andes Mountains gruelling seven-day race, he said: sponsor named medical students in and the Pacific Ocean, and the dry river “Walking on the salt plains was like developing countries. Only in its beds that have not seen water in stepping on million pieces of broken first year, the programme is already 120,000 years. glass, uneven pebbles and hard rocks at sponsoring 15 promising medical Yet Poh Joo Toh (Mechanical the same time. Parts were so soft that I students at the Blantyre College of Engineering 2000) was among 80 could hardly find balance and sank my Medicine in Malawi. individuals who braved the desert’s feet into it; otherwise they were so The lack of trained doctors in extreme climate to take part in the hard to make walking miserable.” Malawi impedes the delivery of basic Atacama Crossing, a six-day, 250- Yet he pressed on, crossing the healthcare to the country’s finish line in 32nd place. Later PJ said: population, but by providing “Such a triumphant feeling – it was like students’ medical fees for a full year nothing I had ever experienced before. the programme is supporting the It was then I knew that this was not next generation of Malawi’s doctors. going to be my only race!” Speaking about the programme, No stranger to outdoor challenges, Kate said: “It enables talented but PJ is Director of MXP Adventure, poor trainee doctors to focus on which specialises in trips to Outer their studies by guaranteeing their WOUTER KINGMA, RACINGTHEPLANET LIMITED Mongolia. He is also a lecturer in tuition fees, getting them nearer PJ during the final stretch Singapore, teaching mechanical graduation and working in their of the Atacama crossing engineering and business enterprise. home country.”

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books Recently published Imperial College alumni and their books are also listed on the alumni website at www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/books. If you would like to submit details of a book for a future issue of Imperial Matters, please email [email protected], alternatively see the inside front cover for other ways to get in touch with us.

Microwave System Design Tools maintaining margins through pricing, the formal rigour of conventional and EW Applications moving ahead with new product-offerings, investment appraisal techniques, the Peter East (Electrical Engineering 1962) and winning new customers. The book management of risk and the strategic covers over 100 strategies from five posture of the firm. Artech House economic recessions. The book offers the definitive In this expanded account of the FAP model and discusses second edition, Measuring Employee Satisfaction many of the practical issues involved in comprising a book and Joanne Lawrence née Anderson its implementation. CD-ROM package, (Chemistry 1985), Barry Whittaker engineers find a wealth and Heidi Lampi An Introduction to Turbulent of practical tools and Management Books 2000 Ltd Reacting Flows guidance that helps R.S. Cant and Epaminondas Mastorakos This is a practical tool speed up design, (Mechanical Engineering 1987, PhD 1994) evaluation, and for any manager Imperial College Press specification of microwave components and wanting to assess the EW (electronic warfare) systems. The book level of employee This book provides covers a broad range of essential topics in satisfaction within physical intuition and the microwave design field, from RF their organisation. The key entries to the ever- analysis, microwave component evaluation, book explains a proven growing body of and antennas to amplifiers, signal detection, method of researching literature on turbulent microwave receivers, EW measurement and analysing reacting flows. systems, and EW propagation. Professionals employee satisfaction within A selection of basic gain a solid understanding of the properties organisations step by step. It is packed and advanced and dependencies of microwave component with examples of questions and inquiry materials is used to designs and discover how electronic warfare techniques to establish a true picture of build the necessary systems perform operationally in the field. the current position, and shows how to background and emphasise some of the analyse the data collected, including an main concepts that the student or Recession Storming: Thriving explanation of the basic statistical newcomer to the field of turbulent reacting in Downturns through Superior principles involved. flows should know, thus facilitating further Marketing, Pricing and study of specialised research papers and Product Strategies The Financial Appraisal research monographs. Rupert Hart (MSc Mechanical Profile Model Engineering 1986) Frank Lefley (Tanaka Business School Street Smart: Competition, CreateSpace 2000) and Bob Ryan Entrepreneurship and the Palgrave Macmillan Future of Roads No times are more Gabriel Roth (Civil Engineering 1948) difficult for the survival This book describes an The Independent Institute of a company than integrated capital recessions. They are appraisal procedure Street Smart explores a defining moments for that is commanding variety of roles for the managers. Yet there are increasing attention in private provision of road few books on recession the academic world, services, including strategy out there. industry, commerce and testing and licensing If you want to thrive the professions. The vehicles and drivers; you need to storm through recessions and financial appraisal profile concessions to downturns. Recession Storming covers five (FAP) model has been written about and construct or manage main areas: understanding the business discussed widely in professional government-owned environment, retaining existing customers, literature. FAP bridges the gap between facilities; and outright private ownership.

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books alumni

The book also traces the history of riveting work about experiment and prostheses. It includes up-to-date privately-provided public roads in Great discovery. It is also an affecting portrait of information on musculoskeletal pathology Britain and the United States and the individuals who have devoted their and the current management strategies, examines contemporary examples of lives to astrobiology. Illustrated including the latest interventional entrepreneurial innovation in road pricing throughout, this is a revelatory book about radiology techniques. and privatisation. a science that is changing our view of the It won the 2008 Sir Antony Fisher universe, a mesmerising guide to what life Trick or Treatment? International Memorial Award for its actually means and where it may, or may Alternative Medicine on Trial publisher. One of the judges praised the not, exist, and a stunning work that Simon Singh (Physics 1987) book as “excellent and extremely explains our past as it predicts our future. and Edzard Ernst comprehensive, clearly the best book in its Transworld Publishers area. Very, very good in every way”. Teaching Atlas of Musculoskeletal Imaging Millions of people swear by it; most UK doctors The Living Cosmos: Our Search Peter Munk and Anthony Ryan (MSc for Life in the Universe Biological and Medical Systems 1997) consider alternative medicine to be little Christopher Impey (Physics 1977) Thieme Medical Publishers more than superstition Random House Teaching Atlas of and a waste of money. Astrobiology – the study Musculoskeletal But how do you know of life in space – is one Imaging provides a which treatments really of today’s fastest complete overview of heal and which are growing and most the most common potentially harmful? popular fields of manifestations of Together, the formidable partnership science. In this musculoskeletal of Professor Edzard Ernst and Simon compelling and disorders as well as Singh have written the definitive book on elegantly reasoned new the most important the subject. It is honest, impartial but book, award-winning rare diseases. hard-hitting, and provides a thorough scholar and researcher Chris Impey Multi-modality imaging approaches for examination and judgement of more explores the foundations of this rapidly 130 problems are grouped according to than 30 of the most popular treatments, developing discipline, where it’s going, broad categories, including internal joint such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and what it’s likely to find. derangement, tumours, infection, aromatherapy, reflexology, chiropractic The Living Cosmos is more than just a avascular bone, trauma, arthritis, and and herbal medicine.

Biography Playing the Empire: Cosmic Anger: Abdus A Dancer’s Life Salam, the First Muslim John Chapman Nobel Scientist My World: The Life and Times (Wye College 1954) Gordon Fraser (Physics 1964, PhD 1967) of a Civil Engineer Pedlar Press Oxford University Press Peter Ackers (Civil Engineering 1944, MEng 1957) Born into the Edwardian The first Muslim to win a The Memoir Club theatre, Peggie Sheridan Nobel Prize for science, danced her way through and also Professor of More than just a India and the British Theoretical Physics at memoir, My World: The Empire in the 1920s and Imperial College from Life and Times of a Civil 1930s. She survived some 1957 to 1993, Abdus Salam Engineer is also a of the great upheavals of was nevertheless fascinating and well- the century; she saw the excommunicated and crafted social history Empire in its prime, branded as a heretic in his tracing life from before and she knew it in its last declining years. home country of Pakistan. the Second World War, Married three times, she had her share Realising that the whole world had to through the bombing of of triumph and tragedy; and she died in be his stage, he pioneered the International Liverpool, to university life and then the Bournemouth, alone and unknown. Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, opportunities offered to civil engineers Playing the Empire tells of Peggie’s Italy. A staunch Muslim, he was ashamed throughout the world. Peter Ackers adventures – appearing in music hall as a of the decline of science in the heritage of interweaves the personal and the child, joining a Russian ballet company in Islam, and struggled doggedly to restore it professional to give us a rare insight into Vladivostok, travelling all over India and to its former glory. Undermined by his the life of a civil engineer. the Far East, escaping from the Japanese excommunication, these valiant efforts and settling in post-war Malaya. were doomed.

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in memoriam It is with regret that we announce the death of the has obtained more than one degree from the College following alumni of Imperial College London and the they are listed according to the graduation year of their constituent medical schools and Wye College. first degree. Alumni are listed by decade of graduation, and Where indicated by an *, obituaries are available online alphabetically within these categories. When an alumnus at www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/obituaries.

1930s Mr Brian J. Hardcastle (Civil Engineering 1938, Dr David A. Senior (PhD Chemical Mr Ian J. Robinson (Materials 1977) DIC 1964) Engineering 1957) Mr Anthony E. Scerri (MSc Civil Engineering Mr H.D. Ling (Wye College 1939) * Mr William J. Stevens (Mining Engineering 1951) 1975) * Mr Leon Lubett (Mining Geology 1932, Mr Adrien J.G. Sturgeon (Civil Engineering 1956) Mineral Technology 1933) Mr Peter L. Thurman (Mathematics 1954) 1980s Mr Jonathan Chonoweth (Electrical Engineering 1940s 1960s 1986) Mr Ronald E. Boone (Materials 1947) * Professor John S. Archer (PhD Chemical Mr Paul J. Denning (Chemical Engineering 1983) Dr Arthur G. Davies (Westminster Medical Engineering 1969) School 1943) * Mrs Dorothy A. Baker (DIC Physics 1962) 1990s Dr Arthur J. Head (Chemistry 1948, PhD 1951) * Mr Ewan C. Christian (Chemistry 1963) Dr Italo A. Dodi (PhD Immunology 1996) Dr David G.G. Jones (Charing Cross Hospital * Mr Malcolm J. Clare (Civil Engineering 1960) Mrs Elizabeth L. Holme (MSc Environmental Medical School 1940) Mr R.J.W Dight (Wye College 1960) Science and Technology 1996) * Mrs Frances M. Lochhead (Wye College 1947) Dr David J. Emery (Mathematics 1966, Dr Sai W. Lee (PhD Charing Cross and Mr William J. Marshall (Chemistry 1949) MSc 1967, PhD 1972) Westminster Medical School 1997) Dr Alfred L. Minter (Mining Engineering 1943) Mr William E. Fairbairn (Mining Engineering Dr Kjartan Magnusson (Environmental Science Professor Antoni K. Oppenheim (PhD 1968) and Technology 1997) Mechanical Engineering 1944) * Dr David G. Fearn (Physics 1960, PhD 1963) Mr Benjamin A.H. Mee (MSc Science Dr Stewart J. Peerless (Mechanical Mr Robert L. Heron (Civil Engineering 1968) Communication 1993) Engineering 1944) Mr Shek C. Hung (DIC Civil Engineering 1964) Mr Ian R. Moore (Biology 1990) Mr Harry M. Spanton (Mining Engineering 1945) Mr Robert Maundrell (Wye College 1962) Mr Adrian A. Pagan (Chemistry 1990) Mr Frank E. Thurston (Mining Engineering 1941) * Mr Bernard C. North (Mechanical Dr Debra J. Shepherd (St Mary’s Hospital * Mr Wright Waddington (Chemistry 1942) Engineering 1960) Medical School 1996) Dr Julian C. Nover (PhD Materials 1968) Dr Ian D.A. Spanton (Charing Cross and Dr P.J. Pegg (Westminster Medical School 1950s Westminster Medical School 1996) Mr Peter A. Brooks (Mechanical Engineering 1950) 1960) Sir Robert Davidson (Civil Engineering 1953) * Mr David Pizer (Electrical Engineering 1961) Mr Colin R. Edwards (Electrical Engineering Dr James R. Potts (MSc Biochemistry 1969) 2000s 1954) * Mr Brian A. Rowe (Electrical Engineering 1962) * Miss Joanna E. Causer (Mathematics 2003) * Mr Ivor P. Gillson (DIC Civil Engineering 1957) Mr Peter Shirley (Electrical Engineering 1969) Dr Trevor J. Hall (St Mary’s Hospital Medical Members of Staff School 1957) 1970s Emeritus Professor Alfred R. Burkin Mr John R.K. Hickman (Electrical Engineering Mr Robert A. Armitage (Physics 1973) (Professor of Hydrometallurgy) 1950) * Dr Jan A.M. Barynin (PhD Chemical Professor Tom E. Oppe (Head of Paediatrics, Dr P.O. Jones (Westminster Medical Engineering 1970) St Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1960–90) School 1953) Mr David R. Easterbrook (Mining Geology * Dr Gwenda D. Leedham (Charing Cross 1973) Friends of Imperial College Hospital Medical School 1959) * Dr Jonathan Edwards (Mechanical * Mr Philip Temple (Hon. Secretary and * Dr Michael F. Madelin (Botany 1951) Engineering 1974) committee member) Dr Anthony J.F. Manners (PhD Mechanical Mr Michael J. Harden (Physics 1973) Engineering 1956) Mr Richard J. Jedrocha (Chemistry 1977, * Mr Sydney Marland (Electrical Engineering MSc 1978) 1951) Dr Peter F. Lewis (Botany 1973, PhD 1976) Mr Ian P.M. McQueen (Wye College 1952) * Mr Iain A. MacLauchlan (Mining Engineering R Printed copies of obituaries are Mr Henry M. Milling (DIC Mechanical 1976) available on request from Engineering 1959) * Dr Jean F. Magni (MSc Computing 1979) [email protected] or by writing Dr Charles J. Moore (St Mary’s Hospital Mr Steven Marsden (Electrical Engineering to Imperial Matters, Office of Alumni Medical School 1955) 1979) and Development, Imperial College * Mr Donal R. Murray (Civil Engineering 1956) Mr Leonard M. Newnham (Aeronautics 1979) Dr Peter A. Rayment (Physics 1959, DIC 1960) Mr Alfred W. Nimmo (MSc Mathematics 1973) London, South Kensington Campus, Dr Warren Redding (Westminster Medical * Dr Stephen C. Norton (Charing Cross London SW7 2AZ. School 1956) Hospital Medical School 1971)

44 Imperial Matters The bigger picture NATHAN GALLAGHER, RED BULL COMMUNICATIONS

Magnificent flying machine Daredevil pilots from across the UK flew, and crashed, their homemade flying machines into Hyde Park’s Serpentine in June 2008; among them were several of Imperial’s third year undergraduate Mechanical Engineering students. Named ICarus after the Greek mythological character who flew too close to the sun, melted his wings and plummeted into the ocean, the craft was constructed from a combination of plywood, redwood and aluminium. Dressed in Grecian togas, the team pushed ICarus off a six-metre ramp in front of thousands of onlookers, managing 22nd place in the competition

Imperial Matters 45