The free magazine for The University of Manchester

15 January 2007 Uni LifIessue 5 Volume 4

Museum wins funding to break down barriers Features Letter from the President

News Deaf student overcomes obstacles to graduate page 6

Research War zone artists visit Manchester page 8

Profile Professor Simon Guy For institutions as well as for individuals, adversity is hidden cumulative subsidies totalling billions of page 10 the true test of character. pounds over the years? Surely this concentration of resources cannot be in the interests of the country?” The new University of Manchester has been relatively free from adversity. We have had problems Every word of that critique is true, and sad. aplenty, along with disappointments and difficult Equally, however, The University of Manchester must choices. But in general we have maintained the not rely on research strategies predicated on regional momentum that Project Unity created and managed deprivation, nor ask for favours because we may have to negotiate the not inconsiderable teething Contents been disadvantaged historically. International problems of the merger. Most importantly, we have research is not a handicap race. Winning reached most of the early targets we had set for international recognition as a research university ourselves en route to 2015. 3 News means leading the world in the quality and impact In early December, however, we heard the deeply of our research in some areas, while contributing 7 Knowledge and disappointing news that, against all hope and significantly to the advance of knowledge in many Technology Transfer expectation, the partnership between the University others. There is simply no alternative to being and the Central Manchester and Manchester internationally competitive at the highest level, 8 Research Children’s NHS Trust had not been selected as one of irrespective of the gradients of the playing fields 10 Profile England’s comprehensive Biomedical Research where the competition takes place. Centres. Having made a short list of six, our bid (the Sometimes that may mean re-grouping and trying 12 What’s On only one from outside the “golden triangle”), was again where we have not at first succeeded. rejected, largely, we have now been told, because Alternatively, it may mean changing tack, and being 14 Reaching Out some aspects of our clinical research capability were ruthlessly realistic when choosing the grounds upon deemed to fall short in some areas of the high 16 Museum Piece which to compete. It certainly means being willing international standing required to secure BRC status. to reappraise our strengths, re-think our strategies The concentration of comprehensive BRCs in the and learn from set-backs, which in this particular South East is a very dispiriting outcome for medical case means ensuring that Manchester and its science in England. More generally, it is bad news for community can benefit from access to world class Front cover photo: patients, for patient care is enhanced by the presence clinical medicine. of the world class clinicians who are attracted to Adele Finley There were always going to be obstacles on the road hospitals offering advanced research opportunities. ‘In Touch’ Project Manager, to 2015 but we must never allow them to weaken Manchester Museum. The medical research playing field is not level in the our resolve or temper our ambition. UK. Professor Alex Markham, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, has allowed me to quote from a letter he wrote to the Secretary of State for Health on 8 December, following the BRC announcement. “This decision”, he said, “will perpetuate the situation that has persisted in the NHS for decades – namely that more than 80% of the NHS R&D budget goes to London and its environs. Is it a surprise that these Professor Alan Gilbert centres win ‘open’ competitions when they have had President and Vice-Chancellor 2 News Helping people to get involved The Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum North have been awarded £424,500 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to run a new volunteer programme called 'In Touch'.

This programme aims to beneficial for both the museums and overcome the many barriers the collections too, allowing more that prevent people from items to be brought out of storage. being able to get involved Designed for people with little with museums through an knowledge of the sector, the course innovative scheme that will will be delivered by North Trafford establish a national blueprint and Salford FE Colleges and will include literacy and mathematical for museum volunteer qualifications (City and Guilds entry training and community level three) delivered in partnership engagement. with Skills for Life tutors.

Over the next three years, the project “We are thrilled that the In Touch will engage with people who have programme has been funded by the not traditionally had much contact HLF. It’s a chance to do just that, with museums, such as young people create a means for people from very and refugees. 180 volunteers will get different cultural backgrounds and the chance to go on a 20 week experiences to get ‘in touch’ with cultural heritage skills course, others through volunteering and covering areas such as object telling their stories in a museum handling and acting as orientators. setting, while they gain valuable skills for life” says Dr Nick Merriman, They will gain new skills and Director of The Manchester Museum. knowledge, while visitors to the museums will get a highly trained team of people to help them enjoy Pictured: Adele Finley ‘In Touch’ Project Manager their look round. It will be mutually Photography: Steve Divine

Building honours Rutherford A historic building that once some of his most significant housed one of the University’s contributions to science, including most famous scientists has been the splitting of the atom. renamed in his honour. The newly-named Rutherford The Coupland Building just off Building houses the University’s Oxford Road has been officially International Development, renamed in honour of Nobel Prize Student Recruitment, Admission winner Ernest Rutherford. and Widening Participation activities, and also a small The event in December was exhibition celebrating Rutherford’s marked by a special ceremony, work in Manchester. which was attended by Rutherford’s great-granddaughter Professor Alan Gilbert, President Professor Mary Fowler and also his and Vice-Chancellor of The great-great granddaughter Dr University of Manchester, said: Ellen Nisbet. “The renaming of this historic building is a fitting tribute to one Established in 1900, the Physical of the University’s best-known Laboratories at the University pioneers. were, at the time, among the largest in the world. They soon “It will ensure that the became a centre for the study of contribution made by Rutherford atomic and nuclear physics. to the world of science is celebrated and remembered by New Zealander Rutherford led the staff, students and the wider laboratories between 1907 and public in years to come.” 1919. During this time he made Left to right: Dr Ellen Nisbet, Professor Mary Fowler and the President. 3 News University scoops £500,000 In brief Warm Wellcome for Sir Bill Sir Bill Castell, Chairman of the Wellcome Trust, science and engineering prize paid a visit to the University towards the end of last year to see some of our world-class research facilities. Sir Bill was given a tour of the Michael Smith Building, the Core Technology Facility and the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility. Professor Martin Humphries, Associate Dean for Research in the Faculty of Life Sciences, and his opposite number in the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Professor Colin Sibley, each outlined their Faculties’ research strategies.

Left to right: Dame Julia Higgins, Alison Bowen, Professor John Perkins, Rt Hon Alistair Darling, Heather White, Professor Andrew Ball, Lord Alec Boers. The University has beaten off fierce Apple to adapt its entire Macintosh software line competition from dozens of major for Intel processors in an extremely short period universities across the UK to scoop of time. Sir Bill Castell, Chairman of the Wellcome Trust, chats £500,000 in a Dragon's Den-style "This is a fantastic achievement and great news with Experimental Officer Peter March in one of the contest. for The University of Manchester," said Professor Michael Smith Building’s microscopy suites. John Perkins, Vice-President and Dean of the The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Council (EPSRC) launched the KT Challenge to The University of Manchester. "I would like to pay WTCRF toasts five great years - celebrate outstanding examples of knowledge tribute to the team who worked so hard on the transfer from the academic world into industry proposal and the final presentation to the judges. and a rosy future and the public sector, and to encourage further November saw the fifth anniversary of the first innovation and development in this field. "This injection of funding will allow us to build operational study at The Wellcome Trust Clinical upon the firm foundations already laid and build Research Facility (WTCRF) - the University and four The entry from the University's Faculty of new bridges between the University and the local NHS Trusts’ dedicated clinical research facility. Engineering and Physical Sciences made a five- business sector." To celebrate, the Facility hosted a birthday strong shortlist after detailing the success of symposium attended by both potential new Transitive Ltd, which was founded in 2000 by After being invited down to London, the investigators and representatives from across the long-standing Computer Sciences lecturer Manchester team had to present their proposal to a panel of industry experts and convince them partnership. Presentations by current and Alasdair Rawsthorne. they were offering the best investment for the previous investigators included Professor Chris Its QuickTransit family of products has allowed prize money. Griffiths’ ‘Impatient Inpatients,’ which described his 2005 psoriasis study at the WTCRF, and Professor Kennedy Cruikshank’s review of the Manchester Mothers and Children Vascular Health Terrorism to be tackled by University scientists Study. THE University has been awarded Earth Science and Materials development of a new type of In the first five years the Facility has hosted more funding by the Government to Science. Each of the projects will low cost sensor which uses than 170 studies from over 20 different research play an important research role in last four years and will focus on organic semiconductors to detect areas, as well as over 65,000 participant visits. It is the ‘War on Terror’ over the next the development of innovative chemical agents. currently enjoying its most productive period to four years. new technologies. And Ray Goodacre, Professor of date, with 70 studies now active. The Faculty of Engineering and Professor Paul O’Brien, Head of Biological Chemistry, will lead the Physical Sciences is to develop a the School of Chemistry, said: development of a portable device host of new counter-terrorism “Our aim over the next four years which uses the interaction of Physics Student wins a technologies following the award will be to fulfil the strategic laser light with matter to detect DUO Award of a multi-million pound research requirements for innovative new bacteria in the air. Clara Nellist, a second year student in the School contract by the Home Office. technologies by providing world- The project will form part of the of Physics and Astronomy, has won an award to class research and expertise.” The funding will be used to fund Home Office’s Chemical, spend a semester at the National University of three projects focusing on the Professor Francis Livens, an expert Biological, Radiological and Singapore (NUS). detection, identification and in radiation sciences, will lead a Nuclear-terrorism (CBRN) decontamination of chemical, project focusing on the Resilience Programme. The CBRN This award is one of only seven given to students biological and radiological identification and development of programme was set up in 2001 to throughout Europe to go to NUS, one of the materials. new molecules which can be ensure that in the event of a world’s leading universities. incorporated into materials and terrorist incident an effective The three projects, all separately The DUO Fellowship Fund aims to promote used as decontaminants on response with minimal impact on funded, are led by members of exchanges between students from three the School of Chemistry surfaces and in liquids. lives, property and the environment is carried out. Singapore universities and European universities. with support from Michael Turner, Professor of Students from any academic field can apply. 4 Chemical Engineering, Materials Chemistry, will lead the The best of the best In brief University Engineers meet up with German counterparts Germany was the destination for a team from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences as they took part in an exchange visit to learn new ideas. A delegation from the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE) recently visited Hannover University to meet up with counterparts to discuss topics in Precision Engineering. The two-day visit was set up through I*Proms, Left to right: Philip Bull, David Appleyard, Christopher Devlin, Ruth Watkinson, Katie Maltman, the President, Kiran Horwich, Laura Roddis, Thomas Esler and Rupert Gaze. the European Network of Excellence on Innovative Production Machines and Systems. Nine students have been awarded that no able student is denied a place in Manchester Delegates took part in a number of prestigious £10,000-a-year because of an inability to pay.” presentations and also visited a factory that specialises in ABS and EBS (vehicle braking) scholarships to study at The University Accompanying these Awards, Manchester has a technologies. of Manchester. multi-million pound programme of widening participation scholarships and bursaries reserved for The awards are reserved for ‘the best of the best’. able students from low-income families. Only the very highest academic credentials are Nicola scoops top award at considered, with eligibility depending not only on at The University also invests very considerable time BBC Sports Awards least three “A” grades at A-level, including grade “A” in and resources into a range of widening participation First year medical student every module, but also on the results of a “Thinking initiatives concentrating on the needs of primary and Nicola Pugh has been Skills Assessment,” a special examination and an secondary schools and their pupils in educationally awarded Young Performer of interview. deprived areas of Greater Manchester. the Year at the BBC North The nine inaugural Award holders are: West Sports Awards for In addition, the award holders have demonstrated trampolining. personal qualities indicating that they have the • David Appleyard, 18, from Skircoat Green in Halifax Nicola, who is on the potential to make distinctive contributions to the (BSc Management) University and the wider community. University’s Sports Scholarship • Thomas Esler, 19, from By-Cupar in Fife (BA Classics) Scheme, was delighted to win The University of Manchester wants to strengthen its an award at the ceremony • Katie Maltman, 18, from Ilkley in West Yorks reputation as a preferred destination for many of the alongside boxer Amir Khan best and brightest students from across the UK and (MB ChB Medicine) and gymnast Beth Tweddle. throughout the world. This new President’s Awards • Philip Bull, 18, from Meir Park in Stoke-on-Trent Nicola is Great Britain programme of up to ten generous, highly prestigious (MPhys Physics with Astronomy) Champion for double mini- scholarships is one element in a range of • Rupert Gaze, 35, from Stalybridge trampolining and finished programmes designed to encourage outstanding (MB ChB Medicine with foundation year) fourth in the European students to come to Manchester, irrespective of their Championships in May. capacity to pay. • Christopher Devlin, 19, from Limavady in Londonderry (BA Law with Politics) The President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Gilbert, in congratulating the new President’s • Ruth Watkinson, 19, from West Bridgford in Law lectures Scholars, said how important it was for one of the Nottingham (BSc Biochemistry with The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer of Thoroton country’s foremost research institutions also to be industrial experience) will be visiting the University to give a lecture. seen to be investing heavily in creating opportunities The event will be hosted by the School of Law • Kiran Horwich, 18, from Ealing in London and will take place on Friday 9 February 2007. for students. Professor Gilbert said: “We want the (BA History) The event will start at 5pm and further details brightest young people in the UK increasingly to see can be found on the Law School website at Manchester as a logical and rewarding choice, just as • Laura Roddis, 18, from Wrexham in North Wales www.law.manchester.ac.uk we want a wider scholarship programme to ensure (BSc Speech and Language Therapy)

Malaysian visitors enjoy VIP trip to Old Trafford Two young Malaysians enjoyed a visit to the UK and Mooi told Unilife: “This is a dream come true for me - box seats to watch Manchester United play Chelsea I was particularly interested in a postgraduate after winning a competition with The University of course at The University of Manchester but now this Manchester and the British Council. is a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget.” 25-year-old Mooi Yen Nian, a Senior Executive at Professor Rod Coombs, Vice President for Innovation Bank Negara, and 23-year-old management trainee and Economic Development (pictured left), said: “We were delighted to host both Mooi and Wang in Aileen Wang Jin Jen, watched the biggest game of Manchester and provide them with all they want to the season so far from the University’s VIP box at Old know about our postgraduate courses.” Trafford and were also given signed United shirts. They also toured the University and the Manchester Dr Tim Westlake, Director of International Museum. Development, hosted the visitors: He said: “Our winners have discovered that they can receive a first Manchester is one of the UK’s most popular class education at our campus, but also how living in destinations for Malaysian students, with more than Manchester is a stimulating, exciting 450 students registered at the University last year. experiencing thanks to its multicultural nature.” 5 News Winning ways The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in the University of the Year for 2006 and University of North West has chosen the University’s President the Year by the Times Higher Educational and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Gilbert, as its Supplement in 2005. business leader of the year, and Renovo, a In addition, the CBI chose Renovo, a University University spin-out company, as its emerging biotechnology spin-out company, as the region's business of the year. emerging business of the year. Professor Gilbert was recognised by the CBI for his Renovo, based at the Manchester Incubator work in launching and leading the University since Building, was set up and managed by Professor its establishment in October 2004 following the Mark Ferguson of the Faculty of Life Sciences. The merger of the Victoria University of Manchester Brain scanner company develops drugs to prevent scarring. with UMIST. The judges acknowledged Professor Gilbert’s role in launching the University’s Renovo floated on the London stock exchange in reaches patients ambitious Manchester 2015 Agenda and overseeing April, raising some £50 million, valuing the The Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre has the largest campus rebuilding programme ever in company at more than £200 million. carried out its first positron emission British higher education, with a £630million plan to tomography (PET) brain scan on a patient deliver eight new buildings and a number of major The University of Manchester has set up more volunteer. refurbishment projects by 2010. than 70 businesses and University of Manchester Intellectual Property Limited (UMIP) nurtures Under Professor Gilbert, The University of these businesses until they are ready to go it alone The £22million Centre houses amongst the Manchester has been named Sunday Times in the outside world. world’s most advanced brain and body scanners, and its High Resolution Research Tomograph (HRRT) brain scanner is unique in the UK. It is the highest resolution clinical PET camera in the world, allowing researchers to see how the brain functions and its metabolism at work.

A 77 year-old former RAF pilot and air traffic controller volunteered to be the first patient through the brain scanner, as part of a study of early Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Researcher Stephen Carter of the School of Psychological Sciences is investigating the transition from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to early AD, as MCI is often considered a precursor of Professor Alan Gilbert Professor Mark Ferguson Alzheimer’s*.

He said: “It is of significant clinical importance to be able to detect the early changes Student overcomes obstacles to graduate associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and thereby enable more accurate diagnosis, as by A totally deaf Japanese student has overcome hearing and language problems to graduate from the time dementia is currently diagnosed the University with flying colours. significant and irreversible brain damage has typically already taken place. Early detection Kenichiro (Ken) Onishi has thanked University and could identify possible candidates for future Faculty disability co-ordinators for supporting him clinical drug trials before large-scale global to achieve an MA in International Relations. damage has occurred. Ken became totally deaf at the age of two after contracting mumps while living in Japan. As such he “Combining our new-breed, high-resolution has never learnt to speak and has had to learn to PET scanner with MRI scanning in a single communicate by sign language and by writing. research environment allows us to compare However Ken has not let adversity stand in his way the brain functions of MCI and probable AD and with the help of the University Central Left to right Pat Horrocks, School Disability Co-ordinator, patients in a unique way. Our machine also Disability Support Team and Pat Horrocks, Social Ken and Bryan Coleman, Disability Officer. allows us to accurately measure deposition of Sciences Disability Co-ordinator, he achieved a merit Ken, who plans to take a PhD and train as a solicitor, the protein amyloid in the brain, which is not for his dissertation paper on the discourses of said: “I strongly believe that my achievement would possible with standard PET scanners.” Human Rights in Islamic countries. not have been possible without the support of the The Centre’s Director Professor Karl Herholz Ken, communicating by writing, said: “When I disability office.” said: “This first patient brain scan represents started my MA studies I was concerned that as an Pat Horrocks said: “Ken’s achievement has been international disabled student any funding for the whole essence of the WMIC; bridging the fantastic and shows that a disability does not have disabled students would be denied. However my gap between advances in the lab and their to be a problem to a student who is positive and worries were quickly removed when I was offered application to help patients. We hope that a well supported.” computer equipment to help me.” convergent approach that investigates the Professor William Callahan, Co-Director of the Ken’s course was mainly seminar based and to help multiple aspects of physiology and cognition British Inter-University China Centre, supervised Ken him communicate with staff and other students the at play in AD can be developed, which will throughout his dissertation and said: “It was a University provided a staff member and an enable early accurate diagnosis and pleasure to see the smile on Ken's face at his electronic note-taker to relay messages in a quick distinguish MCI patients who will progress to graduation, and we hope that his story will show and efficient manner. The electronic note-taker also full AD from those who will not.” what can be achieved with a little bit of help, and had the added benefit of allowing Ken to will encourage others to seek the support of the keep his files up-to-date. *Not all patients diagnosed with MCI progress 6 Disability Team.” to a clinical diagnosis of AD. Knowledge and Technology Transfer Aquacart could improve health A University researcher has won a The award from the RSC recognises the prestigious award for an innovation practical application of Dr Brown’s which could help deliver pollution-free innovative cleaning process, which is water to people around the world. housed in a special unit. Dr Nigel Brown (left) has been given For the first time, this unit allows the Award for Innovation by the Royal simultaneous and continuous Society of Chemistry Process adsorption and regeneration to take Technology Group, in recognition of five place. years of research into a system called “The supply of safe water to the Aquacart, which removes toxic organic world’s people, animals and plants will contaminants from waste water. be an over-riding concern of the 21st Harmful compounds can be removed century,” said Dr Brown. “I hope this will from sewage and waste water by a make a small, yet significant, process called ‘activated carbon contribution to a healthier world.” adsorption’ – a technique used in Aquacart’s development has been kitchen water filters. possible thanks to grants from the On an industrial scale the carbon used Engineering and Physical Sciences is regenerated at high temperature, Research Council. The University of which is a complex and costly business. Manchester Intellectual Property Ltd (UMIP), is now helping Dr Brown Dr Brown’s Aquacart system makes use explore Aquacart’s commercial of a new material called Nyex. This has potential. a high electrical conductivity allowing fast, effective and cheap Dr Brown completed a PhD within the electrochemical regeneration, which School of Chemical Engineering and allows the material to be used again. Analytical Science in 2005 and is currently continuing his research Using this technology, it appears that within the School. pollutants are completely destroyed, Dr Nigel Brown leaving no residue. New ideas venture out An ambitious student has scooped a £1,000 first prize in The University of Manchester's Venture Out competition for an idea that could vastly improve quality of life for amputees. Marcus Haggers, 24, is one of dozens of students who entered Venture Out, an ideas competition for individuals or teams, which is open to all students from The University of Manchester. Marcus, who started a one-year postgraduate Master of Enterprise (MEnt) in Computer Science at the University this year, put forward an idea for a system that senses the 'electrical' activity of the human nervous system within the body. Rebecca Hughes (kneeling), Lynn Sheppard, Abdellah Berrouk (kneeling), Jez Chance, Marcus Haggers, Robert Quinn, Fionnuala Costello. It's hoped this technology can then be used to give people who have lost arms or legs greater flexibility Other winners include Abdallah Berrouk of MACE for winner of the ‘student’s favoutite’ award was Rebecca and control of prosthetic limbs. an easy to use and accurate tonometer for diagnosing Hughes of Life Sciences for Green Switch. glaucoma and Ann-Marie Hamilton of Psychology for "A lot of development work is needed but I'm looking an alternative source of energy for domestic use. The competition is sponsored by AstraZeneca and to get backers for the idea by the end of the course or Manchester Science Park and supported by Barclays, within the next 18 months,” said Marcus. “The plan is A high number of entries was received from students Eversheds, Thread Creative and the University of to produce a computer-based proof of concept and of all four Faculties – and due to the high standard of Manchester Incubator Company. take it forward from there.” entries, the judges decided to award two additional The next stage of the competition, Venture Further, is prizes. Lynn Sheppard, Acting Director of Manchester Science running this semester and will give entrants the Enterprise Centre said: "The aim of the competition is Hang Cui of Manchester Business School was opportunity to actually start their own businesses to give students across the whole University the commended for his innovative set of measuring with a £25,000 first prize. Check out the website for chance to turn their ideas into reality and learn more spoons and Robert Quinn of Life Sciences was more details. about the process of new venture creation.” commended for his bus tracking system idea. The

www.manchester.ac.uk/venturecompetition 7 Research War zone artists make a drama out of a crisis

Professor James Thompson in Sri Lanka Six artists from across the world paid a In Place of War researches and creates performances articulate what has happened to them and provides visit to the University to explain their in sites of armed conflict. It also supports and a way for them to comes to terms with such documents performance work by artists and tragedies. work in war zones and places of conflict. communities displaced by war. Some of the most astounding and demanding The directors, playwrights and actors from Lebanon, So far, the project team have worked in post performance projects in recent years have come Sudan, Burundi, Kosovo, Sudan and Congo joined genocide Rwanda , Palestine and Israel, Sri Lanka, from areas most affected by wars. staff at the Martin Harris Centre to talk about their Northern Ireland, Indonesia, Sudan, Kosovo and work. refugee and asylum seeking communities within “We in the department are interested in initiatives the UK. such as theatre in refugee camps, in war-affected They also watched a new play by Congolese band villages, in towns under curfew and in cities under Britannia Rhumba and Congolese writer Frederick The visitors came from Lebanon, Sudan, Democratic siege. Yamusangie which played to packed audiences. Republic of Congo, Kosovo, Sri Lanka and Burundi. “We want to know why in times of disruption have Part of the Exodus Onstage - Refugee theatre Professor of Drama, James Thompson, said: individuals and communities turned to festival, the gathering talked about their work at a “Performance is a powerful way for people to performance?” public event in November organised by the University’s In Place of War Project.

Parental genes do what’s best for baby

A molecular ‘battle of the sexes’ long considered the genes. If one copy of a gene is damaged, for major driving force in a baby’s development is being instance, then the second copy can compensate; challenged by a new genetic theory of parental imprinted genes lose this safeguard and so are teamwork. more susceptible to disease. Errors in imprinting have also been linked to cancer and other genetic Scientists in the Faculty of Life Sciences say the disorders. prevailing view that maternal and paternal genes compete for supremacy in their unborn offspring Scientists have argued that the reason some genes fails to answer some important questions relating only use or ‘express’ one copy is due to a conflict to offspring development. between paternal and maternal interests. In fact, rather than a parental power struggle, the “The idea that imprinting evolves because of researchers suggest that certain offspring conflict between males and females over maternal characteristics can only be explained by their theory investment in their offspring has become a imprinting – only use one parent’s copy; the spare of genetic cooperation. generally accepted truth that has remained largely copy from the other parent is silenced by a chemical unchallenged,” said Dr Wolf. “When we are conceived we inherit two copies of stamp.” every gene – one set from our mother and one from “But we have shown that selection for positive The concept of imprinting has long puzzled our father,” explained Dr Jason Wolf, who interactions between mothers and their offspring, scientists as it appears to undermine the natural led the research. “But some genes – rather than conflict, can produce the sorts of benefits organisms gain from inheriting two sets of 8 through a process called genomic imprinting patterns we see for a lot of genes.” New anti-psychotic drugs no In brief Young Biotechnologist of the Year better than older, cheaper ones Dr Stephen Richardson of the Division of Research led by the Division of Psychiatry Shôn said: “We were so certain we would find Regenerative Medicine was named Northwest exactly the opposite that we went back and checked Young Biotechnologist of the Year at the NWDA’s has found that schizophrenia patients annual BioNow awards in mid-November, for the respond just as well - and perhaps even the data. “But it all suggested that careful prescribing of first-generation anti-psychotics, at lower back pain (LBP) treatment he has better - to older psychiatric drugs as least in the context of a trial, is not associated with developed using a patient’s own stem cells. newer, costlier alternatives. poorer efficacy or a greater adverse effect. According to the study, patients with schizophrenia “A parallel trial did show that the second-generation whose medication is being changed gain little from drug clozapine improved quality of life and being put on the newer drugs - despite their much symptoms better than the other newer drugs,” he larger market share. This runs contrary to the continued. “However, our research suggests that widely-held view that second-generation anti- second-generation anti-psychotics are not the great psychotics are safer and more effective. breakthrough they were once thought to be – and certainly may not justify their ten-times-higher Antipsychotic medication is the main method of price tag. treating schizophrenia, with most UK patients currently receiving second-generation drugs. “Further trials to evaluate both the role of second- Previous trials suggested these were more effective generation anti-psychotics and the usefulness of and better tolerated than the first generation, cheaper, older drugs could save the NHS millions of leading most experts to recommend using them pounds.” first despite their additional cost. The NHS commissioned the study to assess whether these costs were off-set by improvements in patients’ quality of life or resort to health and social care services. “We thought that we would show the NHS that their misgivings were unfounded,” study leader Professor Shôn Lewis said. However, after studying 227 schizophrenia patients who were randomly assigned to one class of drug or the other, the results failed to reveal the advantage in side effects or effectiveness predicted for the second generation drugs. Instead there was a trend towards the older drugs working better. Boost for new cancer therapies Gym membership not Scientists have revealed the critical role a key catalyse the reactions that lead to cell division. enzyme plays in helping cells divide in what could just a way keep in trim prove an important breakthrough for new cancer “Our study has identified a new target protein that A University of Manchester researcher says the therapies. uses these phosphate groups to switch on genes and alter the properties of cells. huge growth in the popularity of health clubs Cells divide to form two identical cells as part of and gym membership is down to the human “When the actions of enzymes like Polo kinase go the body’s natural development and replenishment need for kinship and not just a way to keep fit. processes but when cells divide in an abnormal unchecked, cells divide in an uncontrolled manner manner, tumours can develop. to form tumours. However, if we block their activity Professor Nick Crossley, from the School of Social using chemical inhibitors the cells can no longer Sciences, spent three years studying the world of Research has shown that an enzyme called ‘Polo divide and the cancer cannot grow and spread.” gyms to shed some light on the activity to which kinase’ is involved in normal cell division but that it also goes into overdrive in cancer helping cells to The identification of a new key step in which Polo 14 per cent of the population are now involved – multiply in an uncontrolled way. kinase functions confirms the choice of this enzyme according to a 2002 citizen’s audit. as a target for anti-cancer drug development and Clinical trials on drugs that block the actions of will spur on efforts in this direction. He said: “ Gyms are almost as popular as trade Polo kinase started in the United States last year union membership at 16 per cent of the but the complete picture of how the enzyme population, double that of church/religious assisted the cell-division process has not been clear membership - at seven per cent and over four until now. times greater than membership of Writing in the highly respected science journal, environmental, animal rights or women’s groups Nature, a team of researchers from the Universities at three per cent each. of Manchester and Newcastle-upon-Tyne have described a new way in which the enzyme works. “My research has shown that its popularity reflects the fact that going to your gym is more “Enzymes are proteins that speed up or ‘catalyse’ than an effort to lose some weight. I have found the body’s chemical reactions such as those that gym-based friendships, learning required for normal cell division,” explained experiences and feeling better about yourself are Professor Andrew Sharrocks, lead researcher in the an important part in this trend as well.” Faculty of Life Sciences. “As its name suggests, the enzyme we have studied is from a group known as kinase enzymes which use a particular chemical – a phosphate – to Andy Sharrocks 9 Profile

Guy’s goals

Considering that he left school at 18 to join the BBC to The research was to do with understanding buildings As well as working closely with academic, professional train (and qualify) as a radio engineer, it seems - their culture, technology and materiality. In other and industrial colleagues with specialisms in remarkable that Simon Guy is now Professor of words, the interplay of architecture and cities and the architecture, planning, property and social Architecture. “At school, I enjoyed music and being a lives of the people who live in them. So, the dye was infrastructure, connecting them to the wider debate dj, and my goal was to join the BBC and get into cast. Off he went to the research post at Newcastle - of urbanism, Simon has an international agenda. He radio,” he says. And he did, successfully. But, having and ended up with him spending 12 action-packed has established links across Europe and America, completed his training, he realised that being on the years there, during which he co-established the completing many research projects and publications. technical rather than the creative side of innovative Centre for Urban Technology, was And he has held Visiting Research Fellowships in broadcasting was not for him - and he set himself appointed to a Chair in Architecture, and became leading institutions from Texas to Tokyo. another goal. Aged 21, he wanted to break out and Dean of Research, which clearly reflected his experience other cultures, so he took the back “I believe passionately in interdisciplinary and enthusiasm for championing interdisciplinary packers' trail to India and Nepal for a year. Then he international research, concerned with issues which research. set himself the goal of extending his education and affect our everyday lives and the cities which we returned to University to read Humanities. “Having The key to the research which has earned him an inhabit,” he says. One of his current major projects, for specialized so young I was very keen to explore a international reputation is pulling together previously instance, is concerned with the practices of domestic range of perspectives from photography to disconnected research fields like architecture and energy use and how widespread fascination with new philosophy”, he says. urban planning, the property sector and utilities forms of lighting, heating and even cooling our homes is affecting attempts to reduce carbon industry. In developing and applying an innovative It was after that that things began to come together emissions. to shape his future career - and bring him to the then socio-technological approach, he has attracted more unlikely destiny of Architecture from a particular than £1.6 million of research income, significantly On the back of his track record, his goal here is to aspect. He went to York to do an MA in the Sociology spread across the social sciences (ESRC), engineering establish social science-based research into of Contemporary Culture, following which an (EPSRC), environmental (Global Environmental architecture and urbanism and build a research group unexpected research opportunity came up. Change) and economic themes (Cities and Economic of international standing. “It's an exciting new 10 Competitiveness). challenge and nowhere is better placed than CV

Name Simon Guy Education 1992 MA (Distinction) Sociology of Contemporary “I believe passionately in Culture, University of York, ESRC funded. 1990 interdisciplinary and BA (Hons) 1st Class, Humanities, international research, University of the West of England. 1984 concerned with issues ETSI - BBC Professional Engineering Diploma. which affect our Present Appointment Professor of Architecture and Director, everyday lives and the University of Manchester Architecture cities which we inhabit...” Research Centre (UMARC). University of Manchester Appointments 2002 - 2004 Dean of Research, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2000 - 2004 Member University Research Committee. 2000 - 2001 Chair Research Committee, Faculty Law, Environment and Social Sciences. 1998 - 2003 Director Centre for Urban Technology. 1999 - 2001 Alternative Head of School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. 1998 - 2001 Research/RAE Coordinator School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. Brief Career History 2002 - 2005 Professor of Urban Development, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Newcastle. 2000 - 2002 Reader in Urban Development, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Newcastle. 1998 - 2000 Manchester to meet it,” he says. The team he is Perspectives on Property (Blackwells 2002), Lecturer in Built Environment, building here and the appointments he has already Reinterpreting Sustainable Architecture (Routledge Department of Architecture, made (including an environmental psychologist, a 2006) University of Newcastle. sociologist and a geographer/planner) reflect the “Because of my background in social science and 1994 - 1998 disciplinary mix underpinning his approach. engineering, I enjoy connecting the technical and Senior Research Associate, His own appointment, which he took up a year ago social aspects of design, development and cities,” he Department of Town and Country Planning, when he decided to move on from Newcastle, also says. “I also enjoy the opportunity my research brings University of Newcastle. reflects his interdisciplinary approach, since he is me to collaborate with academic and professional 1992 - 1994 Professor of Architecture within the Faculty of Arts, experts in so many areas, from design to property Research Fellow, School of Social and Head of Discipline within the School of Environment management, GIS modelling to transportation International Studies, and Development and Director of UMARC which planning, environmental science to econometric University of Sunderland. forms part of the Manchester School of Architecture, analysis and so on.” a partnership between this University and MMU. 1990 - 1991 Apart from his enthusiasm for and focus on his work, “The fact that it is a curious institutional position Lecturer, Simon has a relaxed style and a ready sense of excites me,” he says. “It links our research centre with City of Bath College of Higher Education. humor. He is also enjoying the social pleasures of a wide range of disciplines, with our neighbour Manchester, particularly the music (jazz and 1982 - 1987 institution and with the professional education and classical) and the accessibility of the Peak District for BBC Engineer, practice a large.” walking. And coming here has brought him back to Broadcasting House, London. The titles of some of his books, as author or editor, his home region - he was born and had his early show the purpose of his work: education in Formby (which accounts for his supporting Liverpool FC), before going off to the BBC A Sociology of Energy, Buildings and the Environment as a teenager with a goal. (Routledge 2000), Development and Developers: 11 What’s On

The Whitworth Chaplaincies Contact Theatre Art Gallery St Peter’s House Chaplaincy Wed 17, Thur 18 and Sat 19 Jan SUNDAY WORSHIP Contact Young Actors Company Auditions DISPLAYS/COLLECTIONS 11am Holy Communion Visit our website for details. 12.15am Bible Study Thurs 18 Jan 12.30pm Indigo: A Blue to Dye For 12.45 Lunch (1st Sunday) RAW Jam from 20 Jan to 15 April 2007 6.30pm Evening Worship (term-time only) Monthly lunchtime Rhythm and Words Jam at The Object of Encounter: FOYER 10am - 5pm Contact Lounge Resonance and Wonder to March 2007 An area where students and staff can relax and Sat 20 Jan - 7.30pm £10/£6 meet friends. A tea/coffee machine is available. Featuring Walls: celebrating three centuries Drill Hall presents Signs of a Diva of wallpaper decoration to 30 Sept 2007 Precinct Centre 0161 275 2894 Emotional rollarcoaster of signed songs by Deaf The Textile Gallery email [email protected] diva Caroline Parker. The new displays are arranged thematically RC Chaplaincy , Avila House Sun 21 Jan £4 around subjects such as Rites of Passage, Mass Times (term-time only) Sketch City Inspiration for Design and Recycling, with each SUNDAY: 7pm (in the Holy Name Church) next A monthly Sunday session of art, music and highlighting the wide geographical and door to Chaplaincy chilled out vibes. historical range of the collection. Mon, Wed, Fri: 6pm in the Chaplaincy Chapel Monday 22 Jan 6.30 - 9.30pm FREE Tues, Thurs: 12.15 pm in the Chaplaincy Chapel TOURS AND EVENTS Drama Drop In Every Saturday at 2pm there is either an Oxford Road (opposite the Students’ Union) Taster sessions in the performing arts for Exhibition Tour or an Eye-Opener Tour. 0161 273 1456 beginners aged 13 – 16. www.rc-chaplaincy-um.org.uk Opening hours Thurs 25 to Sat 27 Jan - 7.30pm £6 / £4 Mon to Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 2pm - 5 pm The Jewish Student Centre and Synagogue Live & Direct FREE Admission Hillel House, Greenheys Lane. This year’s Live & Direct sees Annie George, Collection Exhibitions Archive Now Online 0161 226 1139 Jonathan Man and Keith Saha showcasing their The Whitworth’s online ‘Collections Catalogue’ [email protected] directorial debut. www.rabbiyy.com now allows you to browse and search selected Wednesday 31 Jan 7.30pm £10 / £6 exhibitions held at the Gallery over the past 10 Culture Word presents years. Follow the link from homepage at: BrothaTalk with Julian Daniel, Segun Lee French, www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk Mabrak, Dike Omeje and John Siddique. Oxford Road, International Society For information on other events please 0161 275 7450 Sat 27 Jan visit our website. [email protected] Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet and Chester Oxford Road, Manchester Sat 3 Feb Tickets/Info: 0161 274 0600 Liverpool with Guided Tour www.contact-theatre.org Courses for the Public Sun 4 Feb Manchester United `Theatre of Dreams Tour’ The Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) runs a large and varied programme of courses designed Opening hours Jodrell Bank for adults studying part-time whether for Mon-Fri 9.30am – 7.00pm (during term time) pleasure or personal/professional development. Mon-Fri 9.30am – 5pm (during vacation) The facilities at Jodrell Bank are going through a Most are open to beginners and no prior period of redevelopment. The Visitors Centre 327 Oxford Road (next to Krobar) knowledge is assumed unless stated. currently has a café, an exhibition space and a 0161 275 4959 Concessions are available to staff and graduates 3D theatre open, and visitors can still explore the [email protected] of the University of Manchester. various trails and the natural habitats of the www.internationalsociety.org.uk Brochures/application forms available. Arboretum's 35 acres with its 2000 species of trees and shrubs and National Collections. CCE, 1st Floor, Humanities Devas Street 0161 275 3275 Jodrell Bank Observatory www.manchester.ac.uk/continuingeducation Macclesfield, Cheshire 01477 571339 www.jb.manchester.ac.uk

12 John Rylands The Manchester Gig Guide University Library Museum Manchester Academy MANCHESTER ACADEMY 1, 2 & 3 (Deansgate) SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS Wild Britain until Sun 25 Feb 2007 Mon 15 Jan Sun 28 Jan The John Rylands Library, Deansgate is coming to Ben Hall is rapidly developing a reputation as one of Academy Unsigned 136 Scott Matthews the end of a three year, £16.5 million the UK’s best young wildlife photographers. In this, Tue 16 Jan Mon 29 Jan transformation. The Library is due to re-open to his first major exhibition, you will see the A Wilhelm Scream Bruce Cockburn outstanding quality of his pictures of Britain’s the public in spring 2007. The temporary Special Nerina Pallot Collections Reading Room which has been wildlife and also learn something of the craft of Wed 17 Jan nature photography. Norma Jean + Thur 1 Feb operating from the Main Library is now closed to He Is Legend Larrikin Love readers. Special Collections reader services will EVENTS Justin Currie Ben Taylor re-open on Tuesday 10 April 2007 in the John Some of the highlights for January include: Academy Unsigned 137 Fri 2 Feb Rylands Library, Deansgate. During the closure Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jan Thur 18 Jan Clap Your Hands Say period we shall do our best to meet the needs of Victorian Gentlemen Homemade Memory Yeah + Cold War Kids + readers who require urgent access to specific Collect an `I’ve spied Mr Pye’ sticker from Graeme Fri 19 Jan Elvis Perkins items and would appreciate advance notice of Pye Esquire, somewhere in the Museum today. The Blood Brothers Brian James Gang such requests whenever possible. If you have any Fri 26 Jan 11am-12 noon Nightmare of You Sat 3 and Sun 4 Feb queries about Special Collections reader services, The Magic Carpet Sat 20 Jan NME Awards Indie Rock Stories from around the world introducing the please telephone 0161 275 3764 or visit our Kerrang Tour 2007 Tour 2007 Museum to the under 5s website at www.manchester.ac.uk/library feat. Biffy Clyro, The feat: The Automatic + Sat 27 Jan 11am-4pm Bronx, The View + The Horrors Big Saturday The Audition and I Am + Mumm-Ra RaW – storytelling in gallery spaces and in the Ghost Mon 5 Feb special BBC Storymaker Theatre. Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly Black Label Society Music and Drama Presented as part of the BBC Reading and Writing Sun 21 Jan CANCELLED (PLEASE Campaign and National Storytelling Week. Most big John Cale DON’T BLAME US!) at Manchester Saturday activities are free but some may cost £1.50. Mindy Smith Thurs 8 Feb Thurs 25 Jan 1.10 pm All ages. Jamie T +44 Quatuor Danel Prebooked Family Events (0161 275 2648) Mon 22 Jan Fri 9th Feb Profundity and tunefulness in one of Schubert’s Drop-in Family Events (£1 per child, unless The Boy Most Likely To Guillemots The Get most popular chamber Works; and deceptive otherwise stated. For group bookings please call Tue 23 Jan Happy Tour feat: simplicity from Shostakovich disciple 0161 275 2648. Children must be accompanied by Soil Bowling For Soup, Miecczysiaw Weinberg. an adult). Thurs 25 Jan Sat 10 Feb Hellogoodbye Son of Dork, Wheatus Fri 26 Jan 7.30pm Opening hours & Army of Freshmen Quatuor Danel Open: Tues-Sat 10 - 5pm Fri 26 Jan Beethoven’s Op.18, modernistic Weinberg, and a Sun-Mon (and Bank Holidays) 11- 4 pm Cute Is What We Aim For life-affirming piece from Schubert featuring a FREE Admission Califone dream-team of extras. Oxford Road, Manchester The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama 0161 275 2634 Tickets from: Bridgeford Street www.manchester.ac.uk/museum Students' Union, Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL Piccadilly Box Office @ easy Internet Cafe (c/c) 0161-275 8951/8950 0871 2200260 [email protected] Royal Court (Liverpool) 0151 709 4321 (c/c) www.manchester.ac.uk/martinharriscentre Tabley House Students’ Union Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL Small conference and meeting rooms available 0161 275 2930 year-round. Licensed for weddings and baby- www.manchesteracademy.net Burlington Society naming ceremonies. Tabley House The Society of Mature Students and Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0HB 01565 750151 Postgraduates in the Universities of Greater [email protected] Manchester www.tableyhouse.co.uk Burlington Rooms, Schunck Building, Burlington Street (next to JRUL) 0161 275 2392 www.burlington.man.ac.uk

13 Reaching Out

Youngsters are aiming high A report has shown that more than 1,000 students across the North West have been able to benefit from The University of Manchester’s Widening Participation Summer Schools since 2004.

The three-year programme of activity, funded by activities have included the Year 10 ‘Step Ahead’ Saskia Metcalf, who coordinated these the Government’s flagship Aimhigher programme programme, a week-long ‘Wise-Up’ event in Year 11, Aimhigher/ESF Summer Schools said: “It’s pleasing and the European Social Fund, has demonstrated a Performing Arts Summer School and a Year 12 Manchester has been recognised for the breadth Manchester’s extensive commitment to reaching ‘Applic8’ programme focusing on getting into HE. of activities that have helped extend out to young people who are traditionally opportunities to so many young people across the A number of Summer School ‘graduates’ are now underrepresented in higher education. region. Credit and thanks must go to the range of students at Manchester. Charlotte Jones and Peter people who help make our Summer Schools a In the past three years of the project, the Student Bebbington (pictured) both attended a success – be it catering and residential staff, Recruitment, Admissions & Widening Manchester Summer School in Year 11. As academics, support staff or our own Participation Division has worked with colleagues undergraduates they now work as ‘Student undergraduate student ambassadors. We look in academic Schools and cultural and Ambassadors’. “The Summer School made a forward to working with colleagues again on a administrative services to run residential activities massive difference to my confidence” said range of new activities from 2007.” for pupils across a wide spectrum of ages. Charlotte, now in her second year of an LLB in Law. “By working as a Student Ambassador I’m now Aiming to break down both real and perceived able to help inspire others who, like me, are the barriers to higher education, campus-based first in their family to consider higher education”.

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The bird that glows in the dark

This isn't the dead parrot sketch but - if you look at the Some parrots go one better and have a special yellow photograph you will see a glowing parrot. No, seriously, pigment that absorbs the UV wavelengths, this excites parrots glow - well, they fluoresce, strictly speaking - the pigment molecules and re-emits it as a yellow glow. when you place them under UV light. Researchers discovered that parrots use this special Researchers discovered some time ago that birds can see pigment to select a mate by placing harmless sunblock ultraviolet light. In poetic terms, birds see a wider on a budgerigar's yellow face: the female budgerigar lost rainbow than we do and many birds have ultraviolet- interest as the UV could not reach the pigment and the reflecting feathers. male budgerigar would have seemed dull to the female.

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Next issue is 5 February 2007 News Contact Events Contact Adverts Contact News and story ideas Events and listings information Ads and distribution queries Internal Communications Office Philippa Adshead Internal Communications Office tel 0161 275 2112 tel 0161 275 2922 tel 0161 275 2113 email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected] online www.manchester.ac.uk/staffnet/news Deadline Noon 18 January Deadline Noon 18 January Deadline Noon 18 January J1432 04.07