Issue 174 • 28 February 2007 Green Light for Climate Change Research

reporter www.imperial.ac.uk Issue 174 • 28 February 2007 Green Light For Climate Change Research

£12 million cash boost for Imperial’s new Grantham Institute for Climate Change centre pages

STUDENTS GO GREEN BEST OF BRITISH Green Week pledge to Award recognises save energy College support for industry PAGE 10 PAGE 3 in brief

Royal visit to Imperial Diabetes Centre The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall Plug in to 100 years visited the Imperial College Diabetes Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 27 February of Imperial memories as part of their 10-day tour of the Gulf. The royal couple were told about new initiatives to improve the nation’s diet and fitness levels and watched as Imperial’s 100 years of fascinating a group of young children chose from a selection history is now available online in the of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ snacks for their school packed Centenary timeline. lunch boxes. Encouraging pupils to eat sensibly is one of the initiatives of the campaign—Diabetes Knowledge Action—and it is hoped UAE youngsters view hundreds of historic images and snapshots will pass their healthy eating habits on to their read about a staff member who was a member of the families. French Resistance — code name: “Annette” listen to a Nobel prize winner lecture delivered New cancer reform strategy during a time of power shortages board watch and be blown away at the opening of the Two Imperial cancer specialists, Sir Ara Honda Wind Tunnel Darzi, Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery, and Nick Bosanquet, Professor of Health Policy, have visit: www.imperial.ac.uk/Centenary been appointed to the board advising on the development of the government’s new cancer reform strategy. Appointed by Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, the board’s membership is drawn from experts across the cancer field including chief executives of Uganda visit highlights research links major charities, cancer patients, social care and NHS clinicians and managers. To promote the study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, which According to the Department of Health, an College’s international is looking at the biology of acute HIV infec- enormous amount has been achieved following health research pro- tion. Professor Frances Gotch is currently publication of the first ‘cancer plan’ in 2000 and grammes in Uganda, involved with the International AIDS Vaccine the cancer reform strategy will build on that. In Deputy Rector Sir Initiative lab in Entebbe. addition, it will recognise the new challenges and Leszek Borysiewicz Sir Leszek explains: “One of the major opportunities facing cancer, such as more people visited key researchers strategic directions for Imperial is to make living with cancer, advances in cancer treatments The Deputy Rector presents in the country as part a real impact on the international health and rising public expectations. a 100-year mememto to of his alumni tour. agenda. Nowhere is this more evident than Dr Sam Zaramba, Director General of the Ministry of The Deputy Rector in Uganda where we have programmes in Rise in UG applications Health, Uganda. hosted an alumni gath- ‘orphan’ diseases such as schistosomiasis, as The number of people applying to full-time under- ering in Kampala on 12 well as control and prevention of HIV infec- graduate courses at Imperial College has risen by February and, to mark the Centenary year, tion and the development of HIV vaccines.” 9.6 per cent beating the overall national average gave a presentation on 100 years of living — Naomi Weston, Communications of 6.4 per cent. Figures published by UCAS, the science at the College. Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, on Imperial has a range of health-focused • The trip was one of a series of international 14 February, show students have not been put off international research groups. One example alumni events and Centenary events during by last year’s introduction of top-up fees. There was is Professor Alan Fenwick’s Schistosomiasis 2007. See www.imperial.ac.uk/centenary for also a 6.5 per cent rise in Control Initiative (SCI), funded by the Bill further details. applications from overseas and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is students at the College. fighting neglected tropical diseases. There are also a number of ongoing col- laborations between the Faculty of Medicine Students ask Sykes at Imperial and the Ugandan Virus Research A rich debate on topics including top-up fees, Institute (UVRI) based in Entebbe. energy-saving initiatives, the introduction of The Microbicides Development a graduate medicine degree and the future of Programme (MDP), funded by the Medical the University of London was held at the Stu- Research Council and the UK Department for dents’ Union on 22 February at their ‘Ask the International Development, aims to develop Rector’ forum. Sir Richard Sykes said to the vaginal microbicides for the prevention of students, “You are our greatest ambassadors and your views are critically important to the HIV transmission, led by Professor Jonathan There are at least eight research projects running in Uganda, development of the College.” Weber. This works alongside the Spartac working towards fighting neglected tropical diseases and HIV.

www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 28 February, Issue 174 Equality and diversity Best of British marks links with UK industry are key issues for the The vital role that Imperial College London the award at a twenty-first century plays in the UK’s industrial and economic reception at the success was recognised with a win at the Tate Modern, We are not a nation at inaugural Best of British Industry Awards on commented: “The ease with our diver- Thursday 8 February. relationships we sity, argued Trevor The College received the Supporter of continue to build Phillips, chair of British Industry Award, which honours with our indus- the Commission for organisations that proactively engage with trial partners are Equality and Human industry and provide it with resources and a fundamental Rights, to an audience support that make a demonstrable difference. part of the exciting of over 200 staff and Imperial’s founding mission was to apply progress we are students at Imperial’s its scientific research to industry, a principle Business Development’s Dr Colin making in areas third annual Diversity to which the College remains strongly com- Wyatt accepted the award at the such as drug Tate Modern. Lecture on 8 February. mitted according to Rector, Sir Richard Sykes: discovery, cleaner Imperial alumnus, “Strong partnerships between industry and energy production and biomedical engi- Mr Phillips, said that “Imperial universities are win-win for both parties and neering to name just a few.” communities need to is leading in are also vital for the UK’s economy, so Professor Sir David King, Government find ways of coping I’m very pleased that our commitment to Chief Scientific Advisor and one of the with increasing migra- this field and forging relationships has been recognised in judges, said there was a “unanimous tion and diversity. one in eight this way.” feeling” that Imperial should win the award. There are currently “Imperial is on a very sharp upward trajec- more people meeting students “Imperial is on a very sharp tory. If we look at where it was 10 years others from different here is upward trajectory” ago and where it is now, there is a massive origins than at any transformation, especially in interaction with other time in history, of ethnic Professor Sir David King British industry.” he said, with about 200 minority” The Best of British Industry Awards are million people living Current successful partnerships include organised by The Sunday Times, AMEC and outside their country of Trevor Phillips the Imperial-BP Urban Energy Systems the Work Foundation to celebrate the success birth and over 300 dif- project, which explores ways to improve the of UK industry and raise awareness of the ferent languages spoken in London alone. efficiency of cities, and the Systems Biology skills and opportunities that British compa- Mr Phillips called upon the help of scien- Industry Club, which fosters relationships nies offer. tists and praised the work of Imperial. “There between researchers and industrial partners – Naomi Weston, Communications are few black and minority ethnic students with an interest in systems biology. at Oxford and Cambridge, but Imperial is Imperial’s Director of Business • Visit www.britishindustryawards.co.uk for leading in this field and one in eight students Development, Dr Colin Wyatt, who accepted more information and a full list of winners. here is of ethnic minority.” Issues of gender, ethnic and religious difference need the appliance of science, he stated. “If we are to John Wood to be new Principal of Engineering become a nation at ease with our diversity we urgently need to address a baffling mix of Professor John Wood, FREng, currently Chief sometimes conflicting priorities.” Executive of the Council for the Central Laboratory The issue of healthcare was also of the Research Councils, has been appointed the addressed by Mr Phillips. He said that where next Principal of the Faculty of Engineering. people are from affects their health as people Professor Wood, 57, will join Imperial in late from different areas can be prone to summer, officially succeeding Professor Dame Julia particular diseases and conditions. Therefore, Higgins at the start of the 2007–08 session. the health service needs to treat everyone Professor Wood, a materials engineer, took his according to their needs, which will become first degree at Sheffield and his PhD at Cambridge. easier in time as scientists collate more After appointments at Cambridge and the OU he information. became Cripps Professor of Materials Engineering “Two of the greatest issues dominating at Nottingham University in 1989, where he was our lifetime are global warming and equality subsequently Head of Department and Dean of and diversity,” stated Mr Phillips. He con- Engineering. cluded that there should be no barrier on sci- In 2001 he joined CCLRC, where he has been entific enquiry and emphasised that all data responsible for 1,800 staff and an annual turnover surrounding equality and diversity issues of £310 million, particularly focused on large scale should be available to everyone to improve scientific facilities. He was appointed CBE in 2007 for understanding of the subject. services to science. — Naomi Weston, Communications Engineering at Imperial was rated the best in the UK and Europe and fourth in the world in the 2006 • Visit: www3.imperial.ac.uk/aboutimperial/ THES World University Rankings. Professor John Wood (above) and Professor Dame events/onlinelectures to watch the lecture online. — Abigail Smith, Communications Julia Higgins in an Institute of Biomedical Engineering laboratory.

28 February, Issue 174 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter The Times • 13 February media mentions Cancer treatment could save a thousand a year More than 1,000 women a year will survive breast cancer thanks —Laura Gallagher, Communications to a sequence of drug treatments that improves survival rates by 17 per cent, according to new Imperial-led research. A study of 4,742 post-menopausal women found that switching from the The Guardian • 20 February present gold standard breast cancer treatment tamoxifen to Magical moments for President of the new drug exemestane after two or three years resulted in new Research Council a dramatic fall in death rates. Professor Charles Coombes (Medi- Leading one of the most significant developments cine) told The Times: “This is the first time any hormone treatment has been in European research for decades is causing Professor shown to reduce the death rate more than tamoxifen alone. Switching drugs Fotis Kafatos (Natural Sciences) to lose sleep, according also seems to avoid the side effects of long-term tamoxifen therapy, such as to a Guardian interview this week. The paper says that cancer of the womb and deep vein thrombosis.” the excitement and responsibility of being the first President of the new £5bn European Research Council (ERC) is keeping the Professor awake at night. The ERC will create the first Financial Times • 16 February genuine European competition for blue-skies research in all fields, from I’m still standing social sciences to engineering. “I wake up in the middle of the night more As many as 130,000 commuters could be forced to stand on overcrowded frequently than I used to,” said Professor Kafatos. “My colleagues and I very trains each morning within seven years, according to a new paper from much feel the responsibility of this…It’s one of those magical moments when a rail consumer watchdog. The study by Passenger Focus suggests that the time has come for a big idea that has captured people’s imagination.” commuters’ journeys will become increasingly unpleasant as the number of workers travelling into London grows. Professor Stephen Glaister (Engi- neering) told the Financial Times that providing seats for everyone during the The Daily Telegraph • 22 February morning peak would cost “several arms and several legs”. He said: “The only Because the Olympics aren’t worth it? way that money would be raised is through passenger fares and it’s just too Arguments over the cost of the 2012 Olympic expensive. The passengers would never go for it.” Games rumble on following persistent speculation that the final bill will surge from the original estimate of £2.375 billion to £5.1 billion or more. Professor Stefan The Guardian • 13 February Szymanski (Tanka Business School) told The Daily To sleep, perchance to cut heart disease Telegraph that the Games will have limited benefits: People who take short naps during the day cut their risk of dying of heart “The big problems by at least a third, according to a recent study. Researchers found > Sign up today for problem is that that people who had a short sleep at midday had a 34 per cent lower chance Imperial news pretty much of dying from heart disease than those who stayed awake all day. Dr Mary everything that is considered Morrell (Medicine) told The Guardian: “There are various lines of work that Join our mailing lists that bring legacy here would have been suggest that if you sleep deprive people, then you regular Imperial news, information done anyway, apart from the get an increase in sympathetic nerve activity, one and website alerts to all subscribers. stadiums. And all the evidence of the key controllers for blood pressure and To sign up, please visit: from other Games is that the cardiac output… The most important thing is www.imperial.ac.uk/aboutimperial/ stadiums are torn down within to regulate your sleep properly—go to bed news/newsandpremailservices five years because they’re at a regular time and get up at a regular time, uneconomic.” which is something hardly any of us do.”

Cracking the genetic code of type-2 diabetes

New treatments for type-2 diabetes of type-2 diabetes. to change things such as their diet to reduce may be a step closer thanks to recent In addition, one of the genetic muta- their chances of developing the disorder. research into the genetic makeup of the tions which they detected might further We can also use what we know about the disease reported in Nature on 11 February. explain the causes behind type-2 diabetes, specific genetic mutations associated with potentially leading to new treatments. The type-2 diabetes to develop better treat- The findings of scientists from research revealed that people with type-2 ments.” Imperial, McGill University, Canada, and diabetes have a mutation in a particular zinc Professor David Balding, co-author other international institutions should transporter known as SLC30A8, which is from the Division of Epidemiology, Public lead to the development of a genetic test involved in regulating insulin secretion. Type- Health and Primary Care, said: “Until now, to show an individual their likelihood of 2 diabetes is associated with a deficiency in progress in understanding how genes developing diabetes mellitus type 2, com- insulin and the researchers believe it may be influence disease has been painfully slow. monly known as type-2 diabetes. possible to treat it by fixing this transporter. This study is one of the first large studies to The researchers identified four points on Professor Philippe Froguel, senior report results using the new genome-wide individuals’ genetic maps, which corre- author from the Division of Medicine, said: technology that governments and research sponded to a risk of developing the dis- “If we can tell someone that their genetics charities have invested heavily in during the order, and believe their findings explain up mean they are pre-disposed towards type-2 past few years. to 70 per cent of the genetic background diabetes, they will be much more motivated —Laura Gallagher, Communications

www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 28 February, Issue 174 Meningitis bacteria: New enzymes identified

Two enzymes in meningitis bacteria, which prevent the body from successfully fighting off the disease and make the infection extremely virulent, were identified in new research published in The EMBO Journal on 20 February. The study by Imperial researchers found that the two enzymes, AP endonuclease and 3’-phosphodiesterase, which have different functions, work Cleaner fuels come out of their shell together to hamper the body’s efforts to The Shell Imperial Grand Challenge Programme focusing on producing cleaner fossil fuels fight off the disease. was officially launched at theMeeting the Energy Challenge lecture, given at Imperial by Together, they repair Shell’s Chief Technology Officer, Jan van der Eijk, on 15 February. damage done to the The multi-million pound joint research programme between Imperial and Royal Dutch Shell meningitis bacterium’s Plc will research processes to enhance extraction of difficult hydrocarbons with minimal release DNA by the body’s of greenhouse gases. It will examine processes from the extraction stage through to downstream white blood cells sent delivery of energy and chemicals to the consumer. to fight the infection. Speaking at the lecture Dr van der Eijk said: “This is a unique collaboration with Imperial Understanding the College and it clearly illustrates our goal to move towards more use of cleaner fossil fuels and to part these enzymes develop the necessary technology to enable this.” play in the process Programme Director, Professor Geoffrey Maitland, Department of Chemical Engineering and could eventually help Chemical Technology, described the programme as an opportunity to bring together new ideas Bacterial meningitis is an scientists develop and concepts from a broad range of engineering and science areas across the College. He added, important public health novel new treatments “It has the potential to change dramatically the way oil, gas and coal are produced over the next threat in developed and developing countries. for meningitis and few decades.“ The bacterium can reach the the septicaemia it Science and engineering expertise from the Energy Futures Lab will drive the new pro- bloodstream causing sep- can cause. Both are gramme. Established in November 2005, the Lab aims to produce an integrated view of future ticaemia, the most serious manifestation of meningitis. extremely serious energy supply, demand and distribution that encompasses technological, environmental, eco- conditions with a high nomic and security aspects. — Naomi Weston, Communications mortality rate, which take hold quickly and are difficult to treat—sometimes resulting in extreme measures such as limb amputation. Professor Paul Freemont, from Upcoming visits are: Imperial’s Division of Molecular Open Dialogue • Humanities, SK Biosciences, explains: “Our research dem- 28 February – 15.00 onstrates that the ability of meningitis to • Biomedical Engineering, SK repair its DNA is important for its ability with the Rector 15 March – 10.30 • Medicine, Hammersmith to survive attack from the body’s immune Academic departments across the 15 March – 12.30 and system. This work provides an insight into College have invited the Rector, • SORA, St Mary’s the precise roles of two enzymes in mending Sir Richard Sykes, to speak to staff and 20 March – 10.00 DNA and gives us a greater understanding hear first-hand about their work in a tour that began in • Chemical Engineering, SK than ever before into why these infections are January. The Rector’s visits have so far taken him to the 3 May – 9.30 so hard for the body to fight”. Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the Department • Chemistry, SK Professor Christoph Tang, from the of Earth Science and Engineering and the Institute for 18 May – 9.30 Division of Investigative Science, added: Mathematical Sciences. “After realising that the two enzymes had Staff are given the opportunity to quiz the leader of Visits to other departments distinct roles repairing different types of Imperial’s mission on burning issues leading to useful discus- will be arranged for later DNA damage, we were able show the path- sions. Subjects covered to date include the balance of under- in the year. ogen can ‘fend off’ different types of DNA graduate and postgraduate students, maintaining access to damage while in the bloodstream. In theory, students from different socio-economic backgrounds and the • Receive notification of finding some way of disabling these enzymes value of metrics as an assessment method post-RAE. new content on the Rector would render the bacteria unable to repair The Rector gives his views on these points on his blog at blog by signing up at: itself, and therefore vulnerable to attack and www.imperial.ac.uk/rectorblog where staff and students can www.imperial.ac.uk/ defeat by the body’s immune system”. also offer their comments. rectorblog — Danielle Reeves, Communications — Caroline Gaulter, Communications

28 February, Issue 174 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter and Individual Fellowships amongst others. FP7 research funding launched It aims to encourage individuals to become researchers, to structure their research New exciting funding opportunities are open • Environment (including climate change) training and to promote mobility in order to to Imperial staff following the launch of the • Transport (including aeronautics) share and transfer knowledge between coun- Seventh Framework Programme for Research • Socio-economic sciences and humanities tries and sectors. and Technological Development, commonly • Space called FP7, on 1 January. Acting as the EU’s • Security Capacities main instrument for funding research in The Capacities Programme operates in seven Europe, the programme has a budget of €50.5 Ideas broad areas comprising: research infrastruc- billion running until 2013. The aim of FP7 is FP7’s Ideas Programme encompasses all tures; research for the benefit of SMEs; regions to deliver the pledge of the Lisbon Agenda to the activities that are to be implemented by of knowledge; research potential of conver- make Europe “the most competitive knowl- the new European Research Council (ERC). gence regions; science in society; support to edge-based economy in the world”. The aim is that by funding high risk, high the coherent development of research policies; FP7 comprises four specific programmes, impact research at the frontiers of knowl- and international cooperation. each corresponding to a different component edge, Europe will attract and retain the most of European research. talented scientists and thus deliver world FP7 at Imperial class scientific research in new, fast emerging The EU team in the Research Office has fields. The ERC operates on a ‘bottom-up’ already held a successful Introduction to basis without predetermined priorities, FP7 day with a speaker from UKRO (UK across all fields of research. Funding is avail- Research Office) in Brussels which was able for single-centre projects and two types attended by 150 members of staff. The team of grant will be available: is now planning further presentations at Faculty level and is holding advisory meet- • ERC Starting Independent Researcher ings with staff intending to submit applica- Grants (ERC Starting Grants) are designed tions to the first calls for proposals. to support outstanding researchers in the — Carole Meads, Research Office Cooperation EU and associated countries at the stage Funding multi-partner collaborative research of establishing their first research team or Contact projects across the EU, the Cooperation programme, whatever their nationality. Engineering and Natural Sciences Programme is financially the largest, with a • ERC Advanced Investigator Grants (ERC departments formerly in Life Sciences budget in excess of €32 billion. It is organised Advanced Grants) aim to support excel- Carole Meads, telephone 020 7594 6579 into 10 thematic areas corresponding to major lent frontier research projects by leading ([email protected]). science and research priorities in the EU: established researchers across the EU and associated countries, whatever their Medicine and Natural Sciences departments • Health nationality. formerly in Physical Sciences • Food, agriculture and biotechnology Matthew Rackley, telephone 020 7594 6578 • Information and communication People ([email protected]). technologies The People Programme concentrates on • Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, the training and career development of • Visit Imperial’s FP7 web pages at materials and new production researchers via the mobility actions of the www.imperial.ac.uk/researchservices/contract- technologies Marie Curie programme of Fellowships sandcec/fp7 to stay informed of FP7 calls for • Energy which includes Initial Training Networks proposals and College policy and procedures. Personal development scheme backed by EU

A new scheme which will allow up to four the scheme (TU Delft, ETH Zürich, RWTH Imperial female researchers to benefit from Aachen and Imperial) and matched with an mentoring and mobility has received an experienced scientist, also from one of these injection of funding from the EU. partner universities, who will act as a mentor. The programme, called TANDEMplus, Kim Everitt, Deputy Director of Human will be launched by the IDEA League and Resources, is a member of the IDEA League aims to increase the number of women in Equality Group that has helped to drive the high level scientific positions by supporting new programme. She says: “Involving facili- female scientists along their career path to tators, trainers and academics from all four obtaining professorships in natural sciences institutions will allow the female researchers TandemPlus IDEALeague and engineering. participating in the programme to benefit From the start of the next academic year, from a wide range of expertise in a mixture of Dr Carmen Leicht-Scholten from Aachen, the TANDEMplus the scheme will provide opportunities for mentoring and training. Since these universi- IDEA programme’s project coordinator. female researchers who completed their ties attract staff from all over the world, the of the Sixth EU Framework Programme for postdoctoral studies approximately two scheme will have a truly international feel.” Research and Technological Development years ago. Four researchers will be chosen The funding of €466,000 is for 36 months (FP6) in the area of science and society. from each of the institutions participating in from 1 April 2007 and was received as part – Caroline Gaulter, Communications

www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 28 February, Issue 174 Getting stuck in Awards and honours Inventor of the Post-it note and alumnus of the College, Dr Geoff Nicholson, set in motion the Department of Chemistry’s Centenary celebrations with a special lecture entitled Innovation: A Survival Issue on 22 February. The adhesive for the Post-it note was discovered by accident in 1968 and was first put to work on the reverse side of the meaningful employment for the paper in 1975. The popularity of the workforce. He said: “If one considers Post-it note spread and today it is in that research is the transforma- everyday use in offices and homes tion of money into knowledge, and across the world. innovation is the transformation of Innovation award for green energy research Dr Nicholson stressed that knowledge into money, then it is rea- A team of Imperial scientists are the recipients of this year’s Royal innovation is critical to any company sonable to see the interdependency.” Society Brian Mercer Award for Innovation for Nanotechnology, that wishes to survive and provide — Naomi Weston, Communications worth £250,000. Donal Bradley, Lichun Chen and Jinsong Huang from the Department of Physics, John de Mello from the Department of Chemistry and Omar Cheema from Imperial Innovations received the award, which aims to reward and encourage entrepreneurialism, for their plans to develop the potential of plastic electronics. Their How green is your cathedral? winning proposal focuses in particular on organic solar cells and solid state lighting applications, which the team believes could have Putting into practice a new sustainability a major impact on carbon control both through reducing energy programme that encourages people to consumption and producing energy in a non-polluting way. become better stewards of the environment, the Church of England recently Medical student wins invited Imperial students to undertake an Kennedy Scholarship environmental audit of St Paul’s Cathedral. An Imperial undergraduate will travel Forming part of the MSc course in to Harvard University this summer after Environmental Technology, Business and becoming one of just 10 UK students Environment option, the annual auditing to be awarded the prestigious Kennedy Scholarship by the Kennedy Memorial exercise has previously taken place in Trust. Final year medical student Michelle College departments, South Kensington Krishnan, who was alerted to the scheme museums and the Royal Albert Hall. The by Professor David Edwards while aim is to identify the organisation’s envi- working with him at the Hammersmith MSc Environmental Technology course ronmental impacts and suggest ways to Hospital, will use the placement to continue her research using MRI students undertook an environmental audit reduce or preferably eliminate them for the scanning to monitor the progress of premature babies. The Kennedy at St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the UK’s major tourist attractions. benefit of the environment, often resulting Scholarship, established in memory of the former US president, in significant cost savings. gives 10 UK students each year the opportunity to study at MIT or Andrew Blaza, the MSc course convenor at Imperial, says that the objec- Harvard with the aim of deepening their expertise and promoting tive was to provide a real-life learning experience for the students as well as transatlantic relations. performing a valuable service for the client organisation. He explained that operating in an environment such as St Paul’s presented particular challenges. Retrovirus pioneer wins Ernst “Apart from the time pressures of having to complete the audit within one Chain Prize working week, St Paul’s is one of the UK’s major tourist attractions, subject Robin Weiss, Professor of Viral Oncology to strict preservation and conservation regulations, and operates daily as a at University College London, has been working church for the diocese of London.” announced as this year’s winner of the In establishing the scope of the exercise, Major General John Milne, the College’s Ernst Chain Prize, in recognition of his pioneering work on retroviruses Cathedral’s Registrar and head of administration, hoped to see practical solu- and HIV in particular. His achievements tions to the environmental issues faced by the Cathedral. “We are keen, for include the identification of the CD4 example, to reduce our energy consumption through introduction of the best molecule on lymphocytes as the binding appropriate technologies”, he said, “but if you come back and suggest we receptor for HIV and the demonstration install a wind turbine on the Cathedral roof, no-one will take you seriously— that antibodies to HIV provide a tool for blood screening, a finding it’s just not possible under our strict conservation regulations!” that formed the basis for UK and French blood screening tests. The Following a thorough week-long investigation involving interviews and Chain Prize, worth £10,000 and funded by the Kohn Foundation, is data gathering, the students made recommendations that could be imple- awarded annually by Imperial to a career scientist judged to have mented immediately on the Cathedral’s environmental policy and communica- made a contribution to science that furthers understanding or man- tions, energy usage, waste and water. The findings were so warmly received agement of human disease. Professor Weiss will receive the award that the students have been invited to present them again at a Church of and deliver his prizegiving lecture Blocking the docking of HIV on Tuesday 13 March. England conference at Lambeth Palace in May. – Caroline Gaulter, Communications • Log on to www.imperial.ac.uk/events for further details.

28 February, Issue 174 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter Climate change research gets £12 million boost

Jeremy Grantham, a US-based investment manager, and his wife Hannelore are making a philanthropic donation of £12 million to establish the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at Imperial, it was announced this week. This donation represents the largest private funding given to climate change in the UK.

The Institute, which is Professor Sir Peter Knight, Principal of the Faculty of Natural part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, said: “This new Institute will foster collaborative research Sciences’ major research and joined up thinking across the College’s academic departments, initiative in climate change, in the field of climate change. By bringing together this wealth of will bring together under one expertise in one body, we’ll be ideally placed to tackle the multitude of banner researchers working in problems that a changing climate causes.” this field in all of the College’s faculties. The funding will also A generous contribution to vital climate change work provide for 10 new academic Mr Grantham, who is a dedicated supporter of environmental causes, The Granthams are committed supporters of a posts in the first instance, explained his decision to fund the Grantham Institute for Climate number of environmental charities including a Director and a Change, saying: “Climate change is the most important issue we face post that will provide a link over the next 50 years. It is imperative we find technologies that can be between researchers and policy makers, building on the existing work implemented in government policies worldwide. I am confident that of Imperial’s Centre for Environmental Policy. the Institute for Climate Change at Imperial College London will be an idea leader and a strong voice in championing that endeavour. Bringing together the wealth of Imperial’s climate change “Imperial College is one of the most respected institutions in the expertise world for scientific study. It not only has world class facilities and All researchers involved in, and recruited to, the Grantham Institute brilliant people but also an unmatched reputation for innovation. It for Climate Change will remain based in their academic departments, is a great privilege for us to be associated with such a wonderful and but there will be a centrally-located headquarters for the Institute on dedicated organisation.” the South Kensington Campus. These facilities, situated in refurbished space formerly occupied by the Media Services team in Dalby Court, will comprise the Director’s office and team, a central reception area, “Climate change is the most important issue we administration space with open plan ‘hot desking’ facilities, plus a face over the next 50 years. It is imperative we boardroom for meetings and seminars. The College’s research expertise across the Faculties of Medicine, find technologies that can be implemented in Natural Sciences and Engineering means that it is uniquely placed to government policies worldwide.” provide solutions to the wide range of healthcare, environmental and engineering problems caused by climate change. The breadth of work Jeremy Grantham in this field currently underway at the College includes: public health specialists assessing the health risks of heatwaves; engineers identifying changes to flight plans which could reduce environmentally Imperial’s Rector Sir Richard Sykes added: “Mr Grantham’s vision in unsound condensation trails; and physicists measuring the impact that making such a generous contribution to the vital climate change work changes in solar activity have on climate. of Imperial, means that our scientists will be able to continue and

www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 28 February, Issue 174 Exploring some of the research into climate change underway at the College, Communications’ Caroline Gaulter and Danielle Reeves went to meet two of the scientists who will be involved in the new Grantham Institute for Climate Change

Dr Bob Noland Dr Bob Noland from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has been working on policies to mitigate the major climate impact of vapour trails from aircraft. ‘Contrails’, as they are known, are sensitive to temperature and humidity levels and vary with altitude. Dr Noland explained that contrails can produce up to 10 times the quantity of carbon dioxide develop their work to understand and address the greatest chal- emitted by aircraft and spread out into cirrus lenges facing mankind.” clouds, trapping heat. “We are working to implement operational strategies for air The donation is being made by the Grantham Foundation for traffic controllers. They can use these to navigate aircraft round the regions of the the Protection of the Environment, established by the Granthams atmosphere particularly prone to the effects of contrails.” He added. in 1997. The Foundation already supports a number of interna- The research was conducted by Dr Noland, Research Fellow Dr Victoria Williams tional and American environmental charities, including the Nature and Professor Ralf Toumi from the Department of Physics. Current work will con- Conservancy, WWF, Oxfam and Environmental Defense. tribute to a guide book for air traffic controllers being produced by the European Dr Tidu Maini, Pro Rector for Development and Corporate Commission to deal with environmental issues. As well as policies relating to climate change, the document will cover other effects of air travel such as local air Affairs, led the negotiations with the donor and the College’s quality and noise. Office of Alumni and Development worked closely with Speaking of the new Climate Change Institute, Dr Noland praised the benefits the Grantham Foundation to finalise details of the of interfaculty working. He said, “The Institute hopes to break down the barriers donation. Dr Maini said: “Securing this level between the different areas of research. It’s all about interaction, an approach that of private finance for climate change is an adds value to the work of all the researchers involved.” achievement unmatched by any other major — Caroline Gaulter, Communications university, and we’re delighted with the potential it will give Imperial’s scientists to lead the way in this Professor Ian Owens vital field.” Professor Ian Owens from the Division Jeremy Grantham is the of Biology is carrying out research to chairman and co-founder of construct high resolution maps of global GMO, a $140 billion global biodiversity, highlighting the environmental factors that are associated with investment manage- diversity, and with rare and threatened ment company based in species. His findings have shown that Boston with offices in the areas of the Earth that are richest London, San Francisco, in terms of biodiversity are also those Singapore, Sydney and Professor Owens’ research shows that cer- that are most likely to be at risk through Zürich. He earned his tain bird populations will evolve fast as the climate change—namely highland and climate changes. undergraduate degree island ecosystems. from the University Professor Owens explains: “Tropical mountains and islands have acted as a of Sheffield and an ‘cradle’ of diversity by producing new species at a very high rate, but this process MBA from Harvard will come under threat with as the climate changes, with upland environments Business School. becoming more arid, and rising sea levels covering archipelagos.” The next steps in Professor Owens’ research will involve trying to predict exactly — Danielle Reeves, Communications which areas of the globe, and which species, are going to be most affected by climate change. His team are particularly interested in how fast species will be able to evolve as the climate changes. Previous work has shown that evolution can be very fast indeed among certain bird populations, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to keep up with the changing environment. Climate change will alter the distribution of extinction risk among species across the planet, explains Professor Owens. “For conservation strategies and policy to be effective as the climate changes in the future, they need to use new data, models and maps that reflect and predict these changes”, he says. — Danielle Reeves, Communications

28 February, Issue 174 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 100 acres of living rainforest

Students at the Green Fair at the launch of the week’s events. Students go green

by turning off Members of the Silwood Park project team raising funds for 100 acres of rainforest in Ecuador (from left): Martina DiFonzo, Natalie Cooper, Susanne Fritz, Yael Kisel, Tom Oliver, Lizzie Jones and Richard Black, all from the Ecology and Evolution Section, ‘The Power of Off’ was the official slogan of this year’s Green Week (19–23 Natural Sciences. February) which focused on the issues of climate change and energy. Students were encouraged to sign a pledge to reduce their energy use by In celebration of Silwood Park’s Diamond Jubilee and the turning off lights, turning appliances off standby, turning their thermostat College’s Centenary year, Silwood students are raising money down and washing their laundry at a lower temperature. Energy saving light- to buy 100 acres of rainforest in Ecuador. bulbs, books and other eco-friendly goods were given out in a raffle. The project is coordinated by the charity Rainforest The Green Week organisers also put forward a proposal for an Concern, which promotes the sponsorship of areas of rain- environmental policy for Imperial College Union. The policy proposes waste forest for permanent protection. Through the charity, an acre reductions of 60 per cent by 2009 and carbon neutrality by 2012, along with an of rainforest costs £25, meaning that 100 acres will cost £2,500, environmental officer who would be responsible for the suggested target. which the students plan to raise throughout 2007. Thanks to Vice Chair of the Environmental Society and organiser of Green Week, Joao their fundraising efforts, part of the Choco-Andean Rainforest Serra says: “Green Week was a huge success. It is all about raising awareness Corridor in north west Ecuador will become the ‘Silwood and encouraging students to Park Centenary Reserve’. recycle more and save energy Natalie Cooper, a postgraduate biology student, is one where possible.” of the leading organisers of the project. She explains: “Our During the week, a number acres will form part of a corridor in the rainforest. Corridors of talks were given by industry have been shown to increase plant species, richness and this experts and Imperial aca- particular corridor will ensure continuity of forest between the demics on issues from the cost three largest reserves in western Ecuador.” of climate change to the future The students are organising a number of fundraising of transportation. An ethical events including Silfest 2007 in June, an outdoor music fes- careers exhibition in the Great tival, the Silwood Arts Society concert and the Extinction Ball Hall showcased the wealth in the autumn. of careers that involve ethical “We have already raised money for 15 acres,” says Lizzie issues, focusing on environ- Jones, another biology postgraduate. “This is a subject mental sustainability, social Silwood Park students are passionate about as most of us are justice and corporate social studying subjects related to animal and plant conservation.” responsibility. Ecuador is home to the largest number of species per Other Green Week high- unit area in the world. There are approximately 350 mammal lights included Saab’s new species, 1,600 species of bird and 2,500 plant species. biodiesel car on display by — Naomi Weston, Communications the Queen’s Lawn and a screening of the documentary • You can support the project by contacting Lizzie Jones at An Inconvenient Truth, nar- [email protected] or Natalie Cooper at natalie. rated by America’s former Vice [email protected] or visit www3.imperial.ac.uk/ Vice Chair of the Environmental Society and organiser of Green President Al Gore. Week, Joao Serra, dyes his hair green to match the Rector’s silwoodparkcampus/aboutthecampus/diamondjubilee/ — Naomi Weston, Communications new style! 100years100acres to find out more.

10 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 28 February, Issue 174 Growing support for ‘marathon man’

Over £21,000 has been prom- ised so far to Imperial’s very own ‘marathon man’. PhD student Ben Ryall has (as reported in the last issue of Reporter) been chosen to run the London Marathon on 22 April on the College’s behalf. His sponsorship money will go towards the College’s Student Opportunities Fund, providing scholarships for gifted undergraduate and postgraduate students. Ben, who is finishing a BBSRC-funded PhD in the Division of Biology, is training hard for the event. Over the last month, spinning classes at Ethos, regular practice runs of up to 20 miles and long walks in the Lake District, have been included in his schedule. – Wendy Raeside, communications

• Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/marathon2007 to Students tour London for Rag Week catch up with Ben’s latest preparations and to pledge your Student fundraisers getting ready for the annual London Raid as part of this year’s Rag Week (5–9 February). support. You can also see the latest total money pledged on the Equipped with a list of challenges to encourage the public to hand over some cash, the students toured London projection in the front entrance on Exhibition Road. collecting for three charities: Cancer Research UK, Shooting Star Children’s Hospice and WaterAid.

Members of the martial arts society practise their moves for the week-long Arts Fest. Thriving College arts scene on show Imperial College Arts Fest 2007 brought a range of dancing, singing, shops featuring students performing capoeira and martial arts, the drama and martial arts performances to the South Kensington Campus Battle of the Bands concert and the Grand Finale concert held in the last week (12–16 February). Great Hall, showcasing all the dance and music from the week. Organised by students, the festival is now in its fourth year and aims Eugene Chang, Arts Fest committee chair and maths under- to encourage and promote the active arts scene at the College. Over 20 graduate student said: “Last week was fantastic. The daily busking, clubs and societies were involved including the drama society, ICU dance exhibitions, workshops and the fantastic finale concert, were all of the company, the jazz and rock society, Imperial College Sinfonietta and the highest quality.” He added, “It could only have happened through the chamber music society. hard work and dedication put in by each of the team.” Highlights of the week included the dance, art and drama work- – Naomi Weston, Communications

28 February, Issue 174 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 11 Design education: new approach needed

archive corner The UK is Europe’s powerhouse for design, but tough times lie ahead for the current crop of design students unless a new approach to design Dining through education is adopted, according to a report by Tanaka Business School researchers. the ages The report Making the most of design excellence: equipping UK designers to succeed in the global Dr Jennifer Whyte, Tanaka economy was launched by its authors, Business School Dr Jennifer Whyte and Professor John The 1907 menu on the Centenary launch day was an Bessant, at a major industry debate hosted by the Audi Design example of the fine dining enjoyed by staff since the nineteenth century, even pre-dating the founda- Foundation on 8 February. tion of Imperial. Dining clubs were fashionable and Their research found that design companies and agen- particularly popular with the Royal School of Mines cies do not feel that the majority of design students receive was the Red-Lion Association, formed in 1845 by the the training necessary for them to succeed in the field. The palaeontologist Edward Forbes. Those attending consequence of this mismatch of graduates with employment the dinners in London hotels or restaurants showed needs means that over 10 per cent of design graduates are their approbation or disapprobation of speakers by unemployed six months after graduation—a high percentage roaring or growling and waggling their coat tails in compared to business and management graduates (5.9 per the manner of lions. cent) or civil engineering (3.9 per cent). Such lavishness was a far cry from the dining The report suggests a set of complementary skills that facilities in the College’s early days, provided for the designers need in order to make the most of their design skills most part by the Students’ Union and the Hostel, the first student residence in Beit Quad. Senior College in innovation. This includes brokering skills and the ability staff took control of the menu with the foundation of to manage client relations and international supply chains, the Refectory Committee in 1930 but students’ views having hands-on knowledge of production and the ability The menu for Centenary launch day continued to be represented. The student mem- to use tool-kits for innovation. In other words, they need to was based on dishes served at the bership campaigned for the number of rashers of have a full understanding of the fast-moving world of new 34th annual dinner of the old bacon at breakfast to be increased from one to two, students of the Royal School of Mines techniques. on 26 March 1907. a debate that ran for two years until it was finally — Eoin Bedford, Tanaka Business School resolved in favour of the students in 1933. The catering routine saw breakfast, lunch and tea served daily with differing hours on Sunday when tea dances were sometimes held. The College Dinner was served at 19.00 during term time to all who signed up by 14.00 on the day they proposed to dine. Dinners for special occasions could also be negotiated.

“The student membership campaigned for the number of rashers of bacon at breakfast to be increased from one to two, a debate that ran for two years until it was finally resolved in favour of the students in 1933.”

So successful was the Refectory Committee’s approach that in 1931 King’s College London sought its advice on the revamp of its refectory facilities, enquiring if a table d’hôte was provided. Indeed it was, for two shillings and sixpence (12.5p) including a choice of meat and two veg, a sweet or cheese and biscuits, and coffee. Work to redevelop Dalby Court on the South Kensington Campus is underway and News of the College’s facilities will be complete by the end of April. Key features, as shown in the artist’s impres- sion of how the area might look, will be new lighting, seating areas and planting. The spread and spurred on the start space previously occupied by Media Services on the walkway is also being developed of the conference business. In the and will become the headquarters for the new Grantham Institute for Climate early 1930s the annual meetings of Change in May. the Institute of Sociology and the Science Masters Association, along with the Centenary Meeting Corrections and clarifications of the BMA, were held at the The photograph featured in the article EnVision launched on page College, using Hostel and refectory three of Issue 173 is of IC Racing’s car and team members and not of accommodation. Racing Green. The article was about the Racing Green project, which — Anne Barrett, Archives and will be one of the first underEnVision 2010. IC Racing team members are from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and compete Corporate Records Staff enjoying the 1907 menu in the senior common room on 30 January. every year in the IMechE Formula Student event.

12 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 28 February, Issue 174 a word with... Fiona Kirk

Fiona Kirk, Director of parts’ lead and take a much more strategic Development at Imperial for approach to fundraising. My aim at Imperial is to create a more focused programme to the past three years, has a gain financial support from our alumni and build up support. We need to let people pivotal part to play in the other major donors. know how they can help us and show our gratitude when they do. campaign to raise £207 million What have you been particularly proud of? to celebrate the College’s Fundraising is a mix of being proactive, reac- Can you tell us more about the Centenary tive, flexible, structured, process-driven and Campaign? Centenary. Communications’ creative. I’ve built a great team who between Basically, it’s a 10-year campaign to raise Wendy Raeside met Fiona to them exhibit all of these attributes and who £207 million by 2010. To date, we have have great potential to take Imperial to raised £123 million, so we have £84 million find out more about her role another level in terms of fundraising. It’s still to raise. We are aiming to do this by and the increasing importance that potential that I am particularly proud involving staff, students and alumni in our of. Being a fundraiser can be a little bit like Centenary and encouraging them to feel part of fundraising. running a dating agency—trying to find great of the Imperial community. My team are partners for Imperial to work with, finding particularly involved in events for alumni How did you first become involved in a match of values, a meeting of minds and including a special reunion weekend in fundraising? putting the right people forward to meet the UK this September. The Rector and his By mistake! My background is in chartered prospects. senior management team will also be visiting accountancy and I worked in the City for I am also proud of our renewed relation- key regions of the world to celebrate the BDO Binder Hamlyn for 17 years before ship with the Wolfson Foundation—which centenary with our international alumni being headhunted to lead fundraising at the has supported projects such as the refur- and friends. In addition, we are keeping in Science Museum. The museum particularly bishment of the Biochemistry Building touch with former students in all the usual wanted someone with a corporate back- and the Wolfson Conference Centre at ways—with our bi-annual Imperial Matters ground to drive corporate income for the Hammersmith—and regaining contact with magazine and regular e-bulletins for 30,000- new £65 million Wellcome Wing. Over the some of our ‘lost’ alumni, including Winston plus subscribers. next three years, I headed up the develop- Wong (PhD Chemistry, 1976) who has, since Money raised from the campaign ment team and the new wing successfully will go to a number of different pri- opened on time and to budget in June 2000. orities for Imperial, including the Student I stayed at the Science Museum for a further Opportunities Fund which is currently year working on the Dana Centre, an innova- providing bursaries for 60 undergraduate tive meeting place for contemporary science and postgraduate students. Money will also dialogue and, I understand, a great place for go towards refurbishing facilities across our lunch if you’re ever stuck! I then spent two campuses, and new academic initiatives such years fundraising for English Heritage before as the Institute for Mathematical Sciences joining Imperial in late 2003. which alumnus David Potter (PhD Physics, 1970) has donated £1.25 million to start up. What were your aims on joining Imperial? I was appointed as Director of Development Imperial alumni enjoying their reunion at South Kensington Finally, are you happy in your work? with the specific aim of embedding a culture in 2006. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t! Experience in of philanthropic fundraising within the other sectors, and indeed at other UK univer- College and establishing a sustainable alumni we ‘found’ him, joined our Development sities, shows that embedding a proper under- relations function. Although various parts Advisory Board and become a major donor standing of fundraising bears fruit. I am of Imperial had a good record for receiving to a Chair in Biomedical Circuits. However, motivated to achieve this for Imperial so that gifts—particularly in Medicine—there was, we still have a long way to go—my 20- the fundraising function is sustainable and and remains, still plenty of work to do in strong team at Imperial compares with 35 at truly supports the needs of our academics. identifying and cultivating new prospec- Edinburgh and 77 at Oxford. And, although My working hours are often long, but tive donors, matching them to Faculties’ we have over 2,000 registered donors, that’s I am mostly able to keep weekends free to priority needs and improving the way we from an alumni base of 90,000. Our penetra- spend time at home with my husband and handle relationships with funders. Shortly tion is incredibly low, but it takes time to 15-year-old son. after I arrived, a government task force (led by Professor Eric Thomas, Vice Chancellor > Is there someone you’d like to see Reporter have a word with? of Bristol University) strongly encouraged Contact the editor Alexandra Platt. Email [email protected] UK universities to follow their US counter-

28 February, Issue 174 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 13 inventors corner Celebrating long service Mr Ashok Jamdagni A part-time student job turned into Dr Molly Stevens tells Reporter something more permanent for Physics about her life-changing year Research Officer Ashok Jamdagni who is celebrating 40 years’ service with The last year has certainly been an eventful one for Dr the College. Ashok joined the High Molly Stevens, Reader in Regenerative Medicine and Energy Physics team during his Nanotechnology and head of the large eponymous evenings off to provide analysis of research group. Bubble Chamber films. He was offered Dr Stevens has become the mother of twins as well as a full-time post and has since played a a founding scientist in a new company, BCT Ltd, which key role in projects including the ZEUS develops tissue engineering products. In scientific experiment, providing programming circles, she had already made a name for herself—being voted one of the world’s top 100 scientific innovators and hardware support for a Central under 35 by Technology Review magazine in 2004 and receiving the Philip Leverhulme Tracking Detector based in Hamburg, Germany. “I’ve stayed so long at Prize for Engineering in 2005, as well as several other notable awards. Imperial because the atmosphere is fantastic and the people are so nice,” BCT will develop synthetic biologically active tissue engineering products, aimed says Ashok, who faces a further milestone this year. He is training for his initially at the orthopaedic and maxillofacial markets. She is confident that additional first marathon—at Tresco on the Isles of Scilly on 22 April—running with interaction with the orthopaedic industry and surgical teams will be of great benefit to her colleagues to raise money for cystic fibrosis. Ashok also hopes to spend core research group at Imperial. more time on his other interests including swing jazz, golf and athletics. Dr Stevens believes that her research group’s success lies in a focus on high quality innovative work and the group’s multidisciplinary nature, resulting in new exciting ideas Mrs Louise Green emerging all the time. She is excited about seeing a number of the therapies that she is “I knew from my first day here that it working on help patients in the future. suited me and I wanted to stay,” says Asked how she balances her many responsibilities, Dr Stevens says: “It comes down to a lot of organisation, creativity and hard work, but it is also a lot of fun. The members Louise Green, Academic Administrator of my research team are excellent and without their hard work and motivation, balancing in Civil and Environmental Engineering everything would be an impossible feat.” who is marking 20 years’ service. She adds: “I would strongly encourage more women in academia to feel that they can Louise joined the College as a junior balance their work role with a family. We need to encourage institutions across the UK clerk in the Registry’s Admissions to provide much more support to female academics. I have a large number of excellent Office, moving to Civil Engineering female researchers in my group, one of whom has just had twins herself.” as Admissions Officer in 1989. Her — Charlotte Stone, Innovations promotion to academic related grades in 1991 marked her increased respon- • Imperial Innovations may be able to help you find an alternative commercial applica- sibilities handling undergraduate tion for your research. For further information, please visit www.imperialinnovations. admissions and development of her post. Louise has a long commute into co.uk or contact the technology transfer team on 020 7581 4949. Imperial from Milton Keynes and in 2004 helped found a local rail user group to bid for better travelling conditions. She also enjoys walking—particularly in the Lake District—whenever she gets the chance and is something of a ‘foodie’, encouraged by her husband who’s a chef!

Obituaries Mr Martin Gill An interest in geology and an inspira- Professor Patrick Purcell senior research fellow and tutor in design It is with great regret research at the Royal College of Art. His tional leader are behind Martin Gill’s that Reporter records the book, Networked Neighbourhoods: 40 years’ service for Imperial. Martin, death of Professor Patrick The Connected Community in Context, a Research Technician in Earth Science Purcell, Department of was published last year and considered and Engineering, says: “I enjoyed Electrical and Electronic the impact of the internet on familial and geology at school and, in fact, followed Engineering, just before social relationships, the way people work my chemistry teacher to Imperial. his 78th birthday. Pro- and live, and even their civic involve- My Principal for many years was fessor Purcell was an Irish-born academic ment. According to Sir Christopher Professor Doug Shearman who was and researcher in social computing, the Frayling, RCA Rector and Chairman of Arts both inspirational and wonderful application of digital media, and human- Council England: “Patrick was a pioneer to work with.” Martin started in the computer interaction (HCI). Based in the of computing and design long before art sedimentology section, but now divides Department for the last 13 years, he was and design education caught up with the previously Professor of HCI at the Univer- digital age. As a result, he was something his time between running the gas chromotography laboratories and, once a sity of Ulster (1990-94), a visiting professor of a prophet without honour in his own week, overseeing X-ray powder diffraction in the Natural History Museum. at the MIT Media Lab (1982-90), and a country.” He was known for being He walks to work every day from his home in Battersea and, away from supportive of his colleagues, and especially College, enjoys watching ballet, theatre and film, as well as travelling over- students, and will be sorely missed. seas whenever possible. 8 The Editor is pleased to accept brief appreciations in remembrance of colleagues, reserving the right to edit • Visit www.ee.ic.ac.uk/inmemo- Staff featured have celebrated anniversaries during the period 7 to 27 these before publication. Please email riam/patrickpurcell for Professor February 2007. Data is supplied by HR and is correct at the time of going [email protected] Purcell’s memorial website. to press.

14 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 28 February, Issue 174 Dr Valerie Nadeau, SORA Ms Clare Brown, NHLI Dr Nitesh Panchal, Chemistry welcome Dr Hema Narayanaswamy, NMH Mr Mate Car, EPHPC Dr Trupti Patel, NHLI Dr Alice Norton, EPHPC Mr Peng Chen, Conference Office Dr Elspeth Pickering, SORA new starters Dr Tessa Ogden, Business School Dr Steven Clowes, Physics Dr Robert Porter, SORA Dr Demetri Panayi, SORA (5 years) Dr Gunnar Pruessner, Physics Miss Reena Ali, Investigative Ms Sophie Pegorier, NHLI Dr Patricia De Souza, NHLI Mr Bob Pullen, Computing Science Dr Fanie Pelletier, Biology (5 years) Dr Ravi Rao, NHLI Dr Elsa Arcaute, Physics Dr Peter Petrov, Materials Miss Elodie Douarin, CEP Mrs Caroline Rouault, ICT (5 years) Mr Vasileios Argyriou, EEE Dr Marco Porretta, Civil and Mr Stephen Dowsett, SORA Dr Sheila Sadeghi, Molecular Dr Anna-Karin Axelsson, Materials Environmental Engineering (9 years) Biosciences Dr Francesco Belardinelli, Dr Rob Pullar, Materials Mrs Marie-Louise Dudley, EPHPC Dr Barry Seemungal, NMH Computing Mrs Adri Querido, EYEC (7 years) Miss Laura Snowling, Faculty of Dr Adel Benlahrech, Investigative Mrs Evelyn Rosivatz, Ms Clare Erskine, Graduate Medicine Science Cell and Molecular Biology Schools Ms Ayelet Spiro, Medicine Dr Clive Sabel, EPHPC Ms Farrah Fatih, Biology Ms Veena Supramaniam, NMH Dr Sejal Saglani, NHLI Mr Daniel Symes, Physics Mr John Griffithis a Dr Matt Finn, Mathematics Dr Jose Saldana, Kennedy Dr Viswanath Talasila, EEE Senior Project Manager Miss Samantha Fox, SORA Institute Mr Bhuwan Tiwari, Clinical in Support Services Dr Anna Furmanski, Cell & Mr Sergio Sawh, SORA Sciences and joins us from the Molecular Biology Dr Sarah Sebastian, Dr Nadia Wahab, Medicine NHS where he worked Dr David Green, NMH Cell and Molecular Biology Dr Mark Witkowski, Computing as Construction Group Leader on the new Dr Ariadne Hager, Cell & Molecular Mr Vineet Sharma, Medicine (9 years) Barts and Royal London PFI project and in Biology (6 years) Mrs Poonam Singh, NMH Professor Nigel Wood, Chemical senior management roles at several other Miss Jane Hildon, EPHPC Dr Andrew Smith, SORA Engineering (5 years) trusts. At Imperial, he will concentrate Mr Terry Hosten, Bioengineering Ms Relve Spread, College Ms Caroline Woollin, Estates (14 on the College’s programme of medical- Dr Haibi Hu, Medicine Headquarters years) related developments at the Hammersmith Dr Grigorios Itskos, Physics Miss Siyma Taj, Catering Dr Qin Yang, Medicine Campus. Mr Srinath Kamineni, SORA Services (5 years) Dr Atsuko Yoneda, NHLI (5 years) Mr Geoff Thompson, Ms Marie Kearns, Chemistry (11 Dr Christopher Zappala, NHLI Dr Paul Bentley, NMH Investigative Science years) Dr Helin Zou, EEE (6 years) Ms Eleni Bitziou, Bioengineering Dr Gulden Uchyigit, Mr Paul Bowyer, Cell and Business School Molecular Biology Dr Matjaz Valant, Materials Miss Cheryl Apsee has recently moved on from the College to live moving in. moving on. Mr Jon Breeze, Materials Mr Maarten Van Reeuwijk, in Bristol where she is currently working freelance. As Publications Dr Sarah Brice, SORA Civil and Environmental Officer in the Communications Division, Cheryl was responsible for Mr Kevin Canis, Molecular Engineering the layout of this paper over the past three Biosciences Dr Qiang Wu, Computing years and played a key role in its redesign last Mrs Maggie Causley, Humanities Dr Katie-Jane Wynne, Investigative summer. Other publications that she designed Miss Florence Chow, NHLI Science and produced include the College Strategy 2006- Mr Richard Coombs, SORA Dr Ying Xu, NHLI 09 and the EnVision 2010 launch brochure. Her Ms Joanna Cruden, Faculty of Dr Sarah Zaher, Medicine colleagues wish her well for the future. Medicine Ms Sara Zanardelli, Investigative Mr Pieter De Beule, Physics Science Mr Rom Dube, ICT Dr Hahnsang Kim, Computing Dr Carlos Esteban, Biology Mr Aris Krikelis, Molecular retirements Dr Bridget Fox, SORA farewell Biosciences (5 years) Miss Sally Gadsdon, Biology Ms Olga Leytes, Catering Services Dr Anne Staton-Bevan, Dr Halina Garavini, Medicine (5 years) Department of Materials Mr Nicholas Green, NMH moving on Dr Georgina MacArthur, (35 years) Mr John Griffith, Estates Dr Patricia Aguiar, ESE Investigative Science Dr Murtaza Gulamali, ESE Mr Peethamparam Anpalahan, Dr Donna Mackay, NMH Mrs Sophie Helaine, Investigative Mechanical Engineering Mrs Patricia Mason, Catering This data is supplied by HR and covers period Science Miss Cheryl Apsee, Services Dr Andrew Horsfield, Materials 28 January and 17 February. It was correct at Communications Miss Thunicia Moodley, NHLI the time of going to press. Years of service are Mr Nigel Houghton, Faculty of Miss Victoria Arbabzadah, Natural Mr William Oldridge, Estates given where an individual has been a member Medicine Sciences Division (22 years) of College staff for over five years. Professor Norbert Hubner, Clinical Mr Jose Baben, Security Services Dr Susan Outram, Cell and Asterisk (*) indicates where an individual will Sciences (25 years) Molecular Biology (8 years) continue to play an active role in College life. Dr Min Jen, EPHPC Ms Noura Bahardrian, Medicine Ms Sarah Jones, NHLI (5 years) Dr Ageliki Karatza, Medicine Ms Yusura Bakar, NHLI take note Dr David Kimber, Materials Miss Christine Bensted, NHLI (13 Dr Constantine Konstantoulas, years) Clinical Sciences Mr Gareth Blissett, SORA 24-hour access to the Central Library Dr Michailis Koutinas, Chemical Mrs Gaynor Bovis, Research Engineering Services The Central Library on the South Kensington Campus will be offering 24- Dr Yuet-Ming Lam, Computing Miss Clare Bowler, Catering hour access earlier in the year than previously. Based on its popularity Dr Andrey Lyalin, Physics Services with students last year, and noting that current building works may at Ms Devinder Mehet, NMH Mr Guilherme Bozola, Catering times be disruptive, the library will be open for 24-hour periods from Miss Natalie Moghaddam, SORA Services Monday 5 March until Friday 22 June. It is hoped that the extension will help support students as they prepare for exams.

As usual, there will be a short period of service closure between Friday Please send your images and/or brief comments about new > 23.00 and 9.30 on Saturday to allow for cleaning and maintenance. The starters, leavers and retirees to the Editor, a.platt@imperial. Library will also close between 17.30 on Thursday 5 April and 9.30 on ac.uk who reserves the right to edit or amend these as necessary. Monday 9 April for Easter.

28 February, Issue 174 reporter www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter 15 notice board 28 February – 20 March 2007 what’s on 28 February 2007 17.30–18.30 8 March 2007 18.00–19.00 Hippocrates and the Beast of Business Behavioural Finance: what has it achieved thus Professor Duncan Gillies far, and where is it headed? Inaugural lecture Professor Nicholas Barberis 8 Clore Lecture Theatre, Huxley Building, South Inaugural Annual Public Lecture of the Woolley Centre Kensington Campus 8 Lower Ground Floor Lecture Theatre, Registration in advance: Tanaka Business School [email protected] Registration in advance: [email protected] 1 March 2007 18.30–19.30 8 March 2007 13.00–13.45 HIV AIDS: the expanding ethical challenges classifieds Professor Jim Keenan Melissa Daly (Piano) 8 Lecture Theatre 201, Skempton Building Lunch time concert JVC GR-DVL166 digital camcorder (mini DV cassettes) hardly used. Registration in advance: [email protected] 8 Read Lecture Theatre, Sherfield Building Includes manual, charger, all connecting cables originally supplied, original battery plus a further large-size battery (for longer recording time), and carrying case. Perfect for holidays or special 1 March 2007 13.00–13.45 13 March 2007 13.00 –14.00 occasions. Email [email protected] for more details.

Noriko Ogawa (Piano) Using Routinely Collected Data to Evaluate > Reporter now includes a regular classifieds section. Please Lunch time concert Cancer Care Provision submit no more than 50 words to the Editor, Alexandra Platt, by email at [email protected] for a chance for your advertise- 8 Read Lecture Theatre, Sherfield Building Professor David Forman ment to appear. The Editor reserves the right to edit these as 8 Rothschild Lecture Theatre, Level 2 necessary.

1 March 2007 16.30–18.00 13 March 2007 18.00–19.00 Policy Instruments and their Use in Tackling volunteering Climate Change Blocking the Docking of HIV Chris Huhne MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary Professor Robin Weiss The Volunteer Centre, part of Imperial Outreach, currently for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Ernst Chain Lecture has over 250 active projects and all are listed on www. Centre for Environment Policy Seminar 8 Tanaka Lecture Theatre, Lower Ground Floor, imperial.ac.uk/volunteering. You can also subscribe 8 Lecture Theatre G16, Sir Alexander Fleming Tanaka Business School to the weekly newsletter by sending an email to volun- Building Registration in advance: [email protected]. Registration in advance: [email protected] [email protected] Urgent project... 15 March 2007 18.00 –20.30 6 March 2007 17.30–18.30 Help school pupils design IG Nobel Awards Tour Show airport playground Learning from iPod: strategies for succeeding The Ig Nobel Prizes honour achievements that first Project: Senior Science Club Assistant in digital consumer environments make people laugh, and then make them think. The Project ID: 1878 Professor Nelson Phillips, Tanaka Business School prizes are intended to celebrate the unusual, honour Organisation: Baytree Centre Inaugural Lecture the imaginative—and spur people’s interest in Date(s): Thursdays 15.45–17.30 science, medicine, and technology 8 Tanaka Lecture Theatre, Lower Ground Foyer, Location: SW9 (nearest tube Brixton) Presented by the Graduate Schools Tanaka Business School Registration in advance: [email protected] Registration in advance: Eight girls aged 11 to 14 are looking for support as they [email protected] work towards the Crest Award for Science and the final 18 March 2007 19.00 round of the Young Engineers Award competition. Their 7 March 2007 19.30–22.00 entry includes an airport playground to entertain young Memorial Concert for Emeritus Professor people in the departure lounge. Volunteers would assist E.H. Brown J.P.R. Williams Rugby Varsity Match their science teacher in delivering the physics/engineering Imperial’s biggest sporting event. Imperial College Eric Brown was Professor of Structural Analysis in project. As this role is in direct contact with beneficiaries, Union RFC versus Imperial Medicals RFC. Civil Engineering and also conducted the IC Choir and only female volunteers are accepted. Madrigal Singers for over 47 years. 8 Richmond Athletic Ground, Kew Foot Road, Surrey, TW9 2SS 8 Holy Trinity Church, Prince Consort Road > To take part in this scheme or to hear more about Tickets to be purchased in advance: volunteering in general, contact Volunteer Centre on > All events are at the South Kensington [email protected] 020 7594 8141 or email [email protected]. Campus unless otherwise stated.

Reporter is published every three weeks during term time in Guest Editors Photography print and online at www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter. Caroline Gaulter Emma Bowkett Emerson Vigoureux Wendy Raeside Jan Chlebik IDEA League and The copy deadline for issue 175 is Friday 9 March. Publication Alan Fenwick TandemPlus date is Wednesday 21 March. Contributions are welcome (no Editor Neville Miles Ralph Hodgson more than 300 words). Please note the editor reserves the right Alexandra Platt James Moore to cut or amend articles as necessary. Information correct at Tel +44 (0)20 759 46715 John Stillwell/PA Wire time of going to press. email [email protected]

16 www.imperial.ac.uk/reporter reporter 28 February, Issue 174