OLDJOETHE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE Autumn 2015
The time lords Giving birth to hope Creativity close up 2 OLD JOE THE FIRST WORD The firstword This special edition of Old Joe magazine celebrates something truly extraordinary; GUEST EDITOR the University’s pioneering Circles of Influence fundraising campaign raising Each year Birmingham has many an astounding £193,426,877.47 million. reasons to celebrate, and this year Circles of Influence substantially has been no different. The Circles exceeded its £160 million target to of Influence campaign has officially become the largest charitable campaign raised £193.4 million, funding outside Oxford, London, and Cambridge, extraordinary projects on campus, and this was only possible through the locally and globally (page 8). kindness and generosity of our donors I am honoured to represent the and volunteers. University by graduating as its From completing the Aston Webb semi-circle with the Bramall Music Building symbolic 300,000th alumna (page to funding life-saving cancer research, the campaign has left a wonderful legacy 36). Being part of this momentous to the University and the impact of donors’ gifts will be felt for years to come. From occasion has been a fantastic way to our very conception as England’s first civic university more than a century ago, end my three years as an Birmingham has been founded through philanthropy and our donors’ generosity is undergraduate. I have thoroughly keeping that vision strong. enjoyed my time here. Inside this magazine, you can read how our extraordinary campaign has changed During my final year I was treasurer thousands of people’s lives, and learn more about some of the exciting new areas of the Women in Finance society, so addressing society’s biggest challenges where our fundraising will now focus, it was inspiring to read alumna Billie from saving mothers’ lives in Africa to innovative new cancer treatments. Major’s career path (page 31). Having We have shown, through Circles of Influence, the impact our community of volunteered for a range of causes, I donors and volunteers can make when they give generously, and I would like also enjoyed ‘A Wheely Good Cause’ to encourage you to join them. There has never been a better time to support (page 30) and would encourage you your University. all to get involved. Birmingham is renowned for its Best wishes, world-class research, and learning about the transplant revolution (page 48) and new diagnostic equipment for diseases (page 39) was an exciting Professor Sir David Eastwood glimpse at the very near future. Vice-Chancellor and donor to the University Whether this is your first time reading Old Joe or you’re a regular, I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I did. What’s on the cover? Image: This edition of Old Joe has been produced with two Shenaid Tapper (BSc Planning different covers. Yours features Philosophy researchers Dr Nik and Economics, 2015) RBS Effingham and Dr Al Wilson, who are investigating the Graduate Scheme probability of time travel, posing with the Doctor Who Tardis at BBC Birmingham. Read about their research on pages 46–47. Donors and volunteers to our Circles of Influence fundraising Be a guest editor campaign have received a special commemorative edition with Let us know if you would a cover image featuring three of more than 250 extraordinary like to be a guest editor via projects they supported. Find out more about what the alumnicommunications@ campaign achieved and the University’s vision for future contacts.bham.ac.uk fundraising on pages 8–11. CONTENTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 3 Contents
Features
Regulars
The first word 2 Your year in pictures 4 B15 faces 6 News 7 My favourite books 14 Spotlight 21 Campus connections 32 Alumni events calendar 33 School and department news 40 32 Your news 52 Honorary graduates 54 Studies before space 13 Qur’an discovery 23 Win 55
If you have difficulties reading any part of this publication, please contact us to request a plain text version.
The views and opinions expressed in Old Joe are not necessarily those of the Alumni Office or the University of Birmingham. The University is an exempt charity under Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011. An exempt charity enjoys all the tax Reflections: exemptions and other benefits of a charity, but is exempt from certain requirements, Smart opportunity 24 Joe Biddlestone 34 including the need to register with the Charity Commission. The University is not on the Register of Charities, but it is tax-exempt. Inland Revenue charities reference number: X7237.
STOPSTOP PressPress
TheThe University University of of Birmingham Birmingham has haswon won University University of the of theYear Year for forGraduate Graduate Employment Employment in Thein The The transplant TimesTimes and and The The Sunday Sunday Times Times 300,000 alumni 36 revolution 48 GoodGood University University Guide Guide 2016 2016. . 4 OLD JOE YOUR YEAR IN PICTURES YOUR YEAR IN PICTURES
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2 3 YOUR YEAR IN PICTURES ALUMNI MAGAZINE 5
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1. SINGING SOLICITOR: Criminal defence lawyer Laurie Neale (LLB Law, 1978) and his three sons create a sensation when The Neales reach the final of the television talent contest Britain’s Got Talent.
2. ROUND OF APPLAUSE: Alumna Joanne Lowe (Occ PG Enabling Others, 2013), pictured left, is named Adult Social Worker of the Year at the 2014 ‘Social Worker of the Year Awards’. A social worker in Birmingham for 15 years, she has worked across a variety of areas including dementia care, mental health and learning disabilities.
6 3. PUT A BOW ON IT: The University’s iconic clock tower Old Joe looks even smarter than usual adorned with a six metre long red bow to celebrate the generosity of donors. The tallest freestanding clock tower in the world was built thanks to philanthropic gifts in 1905 and more than 100 years later the Circles of Influence campaign raised £193.4 million.
4. WHAT A HOOT: Heads are turned on campus as the University joins in with the Big Hoot, Birmingham’s largest public art event. Two giant owls became part of a trail across the city, highlighting the talent and creativity of regional artists, schools and community groups.
5. ENTER THE DRAGON: Prospective entrepreneurs with big ideas will have to win over Nick Jenkins (BA Russian Language and Literature, 1990) in the latest series of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den.
6. TOP OF THE POPS: Donations from alumni enable the launch of a student-run record label New Street Records. The label aims to sign and promote an array of musical acts in the city, focusing on student talent as a priority. 6 OLD JOE B15 FACES B15 FACES
What do you miss most about the University of Birmingham? Old Joe hears from 15 alumni on what they remember with particular fondness about their alma mater.
Marcella Meehan Lauren Carradice Sam Bennett Isabella Seeger Chez Stainer (BA Modern (LLB Law with (Inter BMedSc Public (MA Teaching English (BA English, 2015) Languages, 2015) French, 2014) Health and Population as a Foreign/Second ‘…the Guild (between ‘…all my language ‘…the sense of Sciences, 2015) Language, 2011) 12am and 4am).’ “chicas”.’ community I felt ‘…my great education!’ ‘…the truly supportive whilst studying there.’ atmosphere from staff.’
Leighton H. Triplow Daniel McLeod Rachel Preece (BA Safiyyah Gareeboo Simon Washbrook (Occ UG Music (BA French Studies French Studies and (BA English Literature (PGCE Education, (Occasional), 2013) and History, 2015) German Studies, 2008) and Philosophy, 2015) 2004) ‘…the world-class music ‘…living in the glorious ‘…tuna sandwiches ‘…the walk up through ‘…the cash machine facilities that assisted Selly Oak with friends.’ and Wotsits from Selly the Bramall arch.’ that dispensed my development as Oak Tesco Express £5 notes – every a classical singer.’ after a night out.’ student’s best friend!’
Sereena Gill Jaclyn Hill (MSc Adam Elgey Susana Reyes (PGCE Olivia Scott (BA History and Political Applied Meteorology (BSc Biological Education, 2010) (BA History, 2015) Science, 2015) and Climatology, 2013) Sciences, 2015) ‘…having the time to ‘…making bad ‘…nights at Fab!’ ‘…seeing Old Joe’s ‘…Dodgeball!’ immerse myself in the decisions!’ face every day.’ world of books.’
#oldjoeoldfriends you to join in – tweet pictures of you and your Birmingham is a place where you make friends for University friends with #oldjoeoldfriends to life. We asked students to send us images of @birminghamalum or send your stories to themselves with their new mates during Welcome [email protected]. Week using #oldjoenewfriends. Now we’d like ac.uk, and we’ll print the best in the next issue. OBESITY IN CHINA ALUMNI MAGAZINE 7 CHIRPY DRAGON COMBATS OBESITY Childhood obesity has increased dramatically in China over the past 30 years, with a quarter of under-18s estimated to be overweight or obese (one in three in major cities). Public health researcher Dr Bai Li is intervening to solve this health crisis.
The CHIRPY at Birmingham, post-doctoral obesity, but at behaviour, environment, DRAGON (CHInese researcher Bai (MSc Marketing, 2007; understanding, beliefs, and attitudes. pRimary school PhD Health and Population Sciences, Many of the activities target main carers, children PhYsical 2013) is delighted to make it a reality, in China often grandparents, who are activity and DietaRy with more than 61,000 children at invited to attend workshops offering behAviour chanGe 43 primary schools in Guangdong practical child feeding tips and InterventiON) province now involved. promoting physical activities. Family research programme helps educate ‘It would have been a pity on my quizzes aim to dispel commonly held pupils, family members, teachers and graduation day if I hadn’t been able to misconceptions that overweight children school cooks through fun, hands-on put this research into practice, as we cannot develop diseases such as sessions. After developing the need to test its feasibility and diabetes and heart disease, and Bai is programme while studying for her PhD effectiveness in real settings. We have adapting the example of UK television an outstanding team running this project chef Jamie Oliver by working with school in a place I know and love and hopefully cooks to improve the nutrition of menus. we can make a real impact at a policy ‘The beauty of CHIRPY DRAGON level in China,’ she says. is that we worked with local people to In a first for the University of understand their needs. We spent five Birmingham, the research is funded years understanding what Chinese by a donation from China. The children and their parents require. If this programme has been made project is successful, I hope it could be possible thanks to a £500,000 a model for transfers to other (nearly ¥5 million) donation from parts of China or developing Zhejiang Yong Ning countries,’ Bai says. Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. It marks one of the first instances of a Chinese business funding DIDYOUKNOW? a UK-led research project, with In 2009, donors funded an academic knowledge and obesity research programme support in the UK reinforced by at the University, including a locally recruited health children’s exercise study using promotion officers. dance mats. Find out more at The research does not www.birmingham.ac.uk/obesity look at the genetics of 8 OLD JOE CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE PIONEERING CAMPAIGN FUTURE FUNDRAISING We’re honoured to announce the official closing of the University’s Circles of Influence fundraising campaign in this edition of Old Joe. A huge thank you to the 11,000 donors who Go to page 26 raised £193.4 million, smashing the £160 million target. to learn more about the impact of Circles of Below, you can find out more about some of the extraordinary projects that our donors have Influence and see pictures funded, and learn about some of the exciting new areas you can support as the tradition of of our Community Day charitable giving which founded the University 100 years ago continues. celebrations.
SUPPORTED: FUNDRAISING FOR: Hydrogen Collaborative Teaching Laboratory
Robert Steinberger-Wilckens was appointed as The hydrogen engineers of the future will be honing their Professor in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Engineering skills in the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL), an thanks to donations to our Circles of Influence exciting new facility opening for the 2017/18 academic fundraising campaign. year bringing together teaching activities across a broad ‘Charitable giving has helped the University build an range of science and engineering disciplines. The CTL international presence in this exciting field. Thanks to will be a state-of-the-art hub that brings all Science, donors’ support we are part of a consortium developing Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects at hydrogen vehicles for regional and municipal transport Birmingham under one roof and promotes partnerships and have been awarded £5.5 million to create and run between them. It will aim to revolutionise teaching a Doctoral Training Centre in Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and and learning, drive innovation and engage and inspire their Applications, the first of its kind in the UK.’ careers in STEM. CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 9
FUNDRAISING FOR: PIONEERING GUEST ED LOVES CAMPAIGN SUPPORTED: Institute of Global infection FUTURE Translational Medicine research Antibiotic resistance and the A groundbreaking new medical control of infectious diseases research facility opens in the such as TB are global issues. former Queen Elizabeth Hospital Scientists at the University are FUNDRAISING this autumn. Dr Tom Clutton-Brock, Interim Director of the Institute carrying out pioneering research of Translational Medicine (ITM), explains how your support has made to understand diseases and the a difference. spread of antibiotic resistance, ‘Translational medicine bridges the gap between taking original research identify new strains of disease, to patients’ bedsides. Medicines, devices and diagnostics and facilitate the development of as well as health care delivery and education will all be new antibiotics. possible within the building, which will capitalise on many By supporting this work you will of Birmingham’s unique strengths. Donations like yours help address an issue deemed a will help the ITM to save, improve, and extend the lives of major global threat by the World many people for years to come.’ Health Organisation.
SUPPORTED: FUNDRAISING FOR:
University of Birmingham School Student support
The first pupils have been welcomed to the University Our donors have funded 570 student of Birmingham School, which opened in September scholarships through the Circles 2015. Support from donors allowed the building to of Influence campaign. However, include bigger classrooms, wider corridors, state-of- more and more bright young people from under- the-art IT equipment, and specialist facilities for represented backgrounds apply each year, and we hope teacher education. the University School will increase this further. Your Principal Mike Roden says: ‘We’ve created a school donations will help us continue sector leading initiatives that the city of Birmingham can be proud of and such as Access to Birmingham (A2B) Scholarships. donors’ support has helped us make certain that we provide the best learning environment possible for our pupils. I can’t thank them enough.’ 10 OLD JOE CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE
SUPPORTED: Prostate cancer
A prostate cancer trial led by Mr Richard Viney (MBChB Medicine, 1995), Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Birmingham and Consultant Urological Surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, gave 20 men with advanced prostate cancer the possibility of extending their life for six months. Mr Viney says: ‘Thanks to the kindness and generosity of donors my research project, trialling a cutting-edge new combination treatment for prostate cancer, began up to two years earlier than it otherwise might have.’
FUNDRAISING FOR:
Alternative cancer treatments
‘This could be a real step-change in cancer treatment,’ according to Professor Ben Willcox, of the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, whose team is researching the immune system’s response to cancer. They are developing treatments to stop tumours ‘switching off’ immune responses to the cancer, so a patient’s own immune system can fight the cancer cells. This produces significantly fewer side effects than chemotherapy but can be just as effective. The team has seen transformational results in treating solid cancers that lung cancer specialist Professor Gary Middleton says: ‘made the hairs on the backs of our necks stand up.’ Your support could fund more specialist scientists and help Birmingham establish a world-leading institute for this exciting work.
SUPPORTED: FUNDRAISING FOR:
Music
Completing the red brick Aston Webb semi-circle, the Shakespeare Institute Bramall Music Building Based in historic Stratford- includes a 450-seat upon-Avon, the Shakespeare auditorium plus Institute was founded in 1951 rehearsal and and has become a globally teaching space for our important research centre. Your world-leading Music Department. Head of Music Dr Paul Rodmell says: support will help further the ‘To say that the Bramall Music Building has had a positive impact on our centre’s world-leading position students would be an understatement, and it’s all thanks to our supporters. and provide funding to support The Music Department underwent a colossal transformation when it moved into academic endeavour and enable the building in 2012 and has been enjoying its excellent facilities ever since.’ new discoveries. CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 11
SUPPORTED: Tweet, like, Brain cancer share in children
Brain cancer is the Alumni across the world have been most common connecting with the University, and cause of death from each other, through social media. cancer in childhood. Thanks to our supporters, a team led by Professor Andrew Peet have #UoBpartofit improved scanning methods to diagnose and treat children with the disease. @birminghamalum celebrated the ‘This research has helped us personalise treatment for success of the Circles of Influence each child, which is so important in making their outcome fundraising campaign with a 100-day the best that it possibly can be,’ he says. ‘The very close countdown sharing some of the partnership between the University and Birmingham amazing things donors helped Children’s Hospital has really helped translate this achieve ahead of the campaign’s research from basic ideas into techniques which can be close on 31 July. used on our patients.’ Find out more about Circles of FUNDRAISING FOR: Influence on page 26.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital Partnership
Again working in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Dr Frank Mussai’s team is developing new treatments for children with cancer. His research investigates the links between childhood cancers and the immune system, and focuses on both blood cancers, such as acute myeloid leukaemia, @oldjoeclock was built via and solid cancers like neuroblastoma (two of the most common and hardest to #philanthropy - something we treat childhood cancers). Results from recent laboratory studies are currently celebrated with #oldjoebow being developed into new forms of therapy and will soon enter clinical trials. Funding for research into childhood cancers lags behind adult cancer studies. Donations will be used in direct support of the research, including purchasing essential equipment, funding scientists to perform the work and running the laboratory trials.
How @unibirmingham looked in 1930. Green heart to be restored in new developments
HOWCANIHELP?
If you are interested in supporting any of our new fundraising projects, Since 2009 you’ve helped please visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/giving, or complete the donation form support 570 student scholarships enclosed with this edition. @unibirmingham 12 OLD JOE NEWS OLDJOE NEWS
Image credit - www.katiemitchellphotography.com
met,’ remembers Daniel. ‘Luck brought us together when we separately returned to Birmingham to visit friends who Love were still studying, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.’ The couple have built a life together in Australia where they is in the air have met many fellow Birmingham graduates yet had nothing to commemorate their shared time on campus. ‘Sarah’s Old Joe has shared many happy stories of alumni who met graduation photos were lost,’ explains Daniel, ‘and the ones their partner on campus but the romance of Daniel and my sister took for me are unfortunately completely blurred.’ Sarah Collins (neé Hardiman) could have come straight Old Joe rose to the challenge and tracked down a copy from a Hollywood hit. of the couple’s Class of 2005 graduation photo, which Daniel Despite studying the same BSc Geography and presented to Sarah as a surprise on their wedding day this Environmental Sciences course and sharing many of the same July. ‘This was a perfect wedding gift from the University,’ says friends the couple never met during their time at university, Daniel. ‘It’s an ideal reminder of how happy we both were at not even when they graduated in the same ceremony in July Birmingham and how lucky we are to have found each other 2005. However fate had a different plan for the pair and finally when we could have so easily missed our chance.’ brought them together in a chance meeting at the Guild of Students a year after graduation. Do you have a University of Birmingham love story? ‘We must have walked past each other thousands of times Send your memories and photos to alumnicommunications@ or even sat next to each other in lectures, and yet we never contacts.bham.ac.uk or tweet @birminghamalum All that glitters…
Unlocking the secrets of a treasure examine different sections and identify the hoard’s owners, Birmingham and trove of sparkling Anglo-Saxon objects organic materials used to construct the Stoke-on-Trent City Councils, and the is the focus of one of the UK’s largest objects. ‘Being able to use the research partnership has been jointly research projects. University’s resources and expertise is sponsored by the University and The Staffordshire Hoard is the a great advantage to the project,’ says Birmingham Museums Trust. biggest collection of seventh century Conservation Coordinator Pieta gold and silver objects ever discovered Greaves. ‘This work will bring us a little For further information visit and the final phase of an academic closer to understanding these dark www.staffordshirehoard.com. quest to explore it is now underway. ages of history.’ University of Birmingham researchers Ian Jones, Professor of Physical are working with Birmingham Museums Metallurgy, said working with Trust to understand the art, symbolism Birmingham Museums Trust was and craftsmanship of each item, and an excellent opportunity for the reflect on the hoard within the context School of Metallurgy and of seventh-century Europe. Materials to engage with Thanks to the partnership, the local community. conservators have been able to use The project is funded specialist on-campus equipment to by Historic England and NEWS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 13
GUEST ED LOVES STUDIES BEFORE SPACE
PhD student Maggie Lieu, who made global She does not regret making the shortlist headlines when she was shortlisted to become for the Mars One mission or the media one of the first human visitors to Mars, has attention over her aspirations to become the pulled out of the mission. first Martian mother. Maggie, who was selected as one of the final ‘I see the attention as positive as I’ve had so 100 applicants for the Mars One programme, much interest from schoolchildren in science, has decided to put her studies first but she is particularly young women who also hope to still determined to become an astronaut and become astronauts,’ she says. visit the Red Planet. ‘Mars is so close. It is right around the corner. Why haven’t we been there yet?’ she asks. Currently in the third year of a PhD in Extragalactic Astrophysics at the University, Maggie now hopes to apply to become a European Space Agency astronaut.
Follow Maggie on Twitter @Space_Mog
Picture location kindly provided by BiSON - the Birmingham Solar Oscillations Network 14 OLD JOE NEWS
MY FAVOURITE BOOKS
Dr Benjamin Zephaniah (DLitt, 2008) is a poet, novelist, playwright, musician, television and radio presenter. He stars in the BBC series Peaky Blinders and his latest book Terror Kid is out now.
Book of Red Shelley The People Nonsense Paul Foot Speak Mervyn Peake Colin Firth and When I first Anthony Arnove Growing up started writing I as an angry didn’t want to be This is based on young black man called a poet. My The People in Birmingham work was about Speak event I thought being black in where people nonsense poems Britain, and in my performed about animals mind ‘poets’ inspirational living in jars wouldn’t be for me but a were dead white men. Discovering speeches from throughout history and friend recommended this book and I this book made me realise that Shelley I read Mask of Anarchy by Shelley. loved its playfulness. It made me was a revolutionary, and sexy! Foot Firth and Arnove found they had so realise that not all poems have to shows how Shelley has been cleaned much material that it became a book, make sense and it recaptured my love up by critics. This book inspired my and I’m proud to say that my poetry is of rhyme. tour Zephaniah on Shelley and shows included. The great thing about this that not all poets of the past were book is that it has famous voices
establishment figures. alongside people you will never have heard of and combines the history of The all of us not just the establishment. Unauthorised Version Dreaming Robin Lane Fox in Chinese Deborah Fallows My full name, Benjamin This book isn’t For your chance Obadiah Iqbal about learning a to win these five Zephaniah, is language but WIN books, answer the Muslim, Jewish, understanding a following question: and Christian philosophy. and I have always been interested in Fallows explains What is the full name religion and why people are religious. how some things of the lead character in Terror Kid? This book is about the Bible, who that may seem strange or rude in a Email your answer and alumni wrote it; and how it is comprised of new language are actually part of a many books edited over time. It nation’s culture. I lived in China for six number (on the update form with teaches the reader to be open minded years and think people should take this Old Joe) by 31 December 2015 to and to make their own decision this approach when learning any alumnicommunications@contacts. about religion. new language. bham.ac.uk NEWS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 15 WARMING UP TO TECHNOLOGY Tweet, like, Research to improve the efficient use computer servers, food, and buildings of heat in the home and workplace will cool) – wastes energy and puts share be developed after the University was additional strain on electricity supply awarded major government funding. and carbon emissions. #UoBbackintime Birmingham was one of six As a world leader in thermal energy Alumni, staff, students and friends universities in the Midlands to benefit research, the University will concentrate shared their photos and memories from the £60 million investment into its work in this area, working with from 2009 – the year that saw the energy research. industrial partners to develop new ways launch of the University’s Circles of Professor Martin Freer, Head of the to reduce energy costs. Influence fundraising campaign. School of Physics and Astromony and Professor Freer adds: ‘In the future, Director of the Birmingham Energy technology should be able to take @yasmin0687 Institute, says: ‘The development and heat from the surrounding area – I graduated management of heat is a bigger and pump it back into the building. in 2009 @ challenge to society than electricity If that heat can be successfully birminghamalum generation and decarbonisation. stored and distributed, then it could – ready to It has been neglected because it is benefit whole cities rather than just conquer the so complex.’ individual homes.’ world! Inefficient production and use of heat – and by extension, the Learn more at management of cold (e.g. keeping www.birmingham.ac.uk/energy @parsons_AJ – Where was I in 2009? Commanding my Royal Suddy marvellous! Signals regiment. Almost 400 University alumni, students, ‘Being awarded overall conference and staff descended on the Great Hall winner was a great honour, especially in June for the ninth annual Research as a first-year EngD student. Poster Conference. ‘The poster provides a basic Postgraduate researchers from understanding of the project accessible across all of the University’s five to people from all disciplines. The Colleges presented more than 120 focus of the project is low temperature posters on a wide range of topics, stability of detergent systems so it is from medical imaging to biblical possible to relate my work to products manuscripts, at the event hosted by used in everyday life.’ the Graduate School. @Katie_Dancey – Emily Summerton, completing an To find out more about Graduate School in 2009 I was a brand new Fresher Engineering Doctorate in the School events and the support it provides at the world’s best uni! of Chemical Engineering, was selected to the University’s postgraduate as the overall winner for her poster, community visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/ receiving £1,000 towards her research. graduateschool Emily’s winning poster described her research group’s work into crystallisation rates of everyday household cleaning items such as washing up liquid. ‘Our goal is to minimise the risk of crystallisation and subsequently @mattharrisonnn – 2009 me: improve profits for companies and terrible hair, not thinking about reduce waste for consumers,’ applying to uni, let alone explains Emily. 4 great years at @unibirmingham! 16 OLD JOE MATERNAL HEALTH GIVING BIRTH to hope Imagine being a mother in labour, suffering severe complications and being forced to walk miles to hospital to seek medical treatment. The idea seems absurd in the UK, but for women in developing countries it is a reality. Researchers at Birmingham are working on simple ways to save mothers’ lives. MATERNAL HEALTH ALUMNI MAGAZINE 17
Sessay, from Sierra Leone, was reality. A woman dies unnecessarily Arri’s team is fundraising for married aged 14 and had her first child every 90 seconds in childbirth, four key projects in Tanzania aged 15. At 18 years old, she became leaving more than a million children and Malawi: pregnant with twins and delivered the motherless each year. � Sepsis prevention (see below) first baby in her village home, but her Birmingham’s global maternal � Emergency transport, life-saving birth contractions stopped before the birth health researchers know they can kits and health promotion services. of the second child. save lives by working with For this, the team needs funding for She travelled for several hours, on communities to develop better care a community transport service. foot and by boat, to get to the nearest plans for new mothers, covering Reducing travel time can make the hospital, where a midwife helped her everything from health care and food difference between life and death deliver the second baby, nearly 24 security to transport. � ‘Do women eat last?’ A data project hours after the first. Lead academic Professor Arri involving food security and nutrition She then started to haemorrhage Coomarasamy says: ‘Our research (healthy eating for mothers is key for large amounts of blood and was taken will have a global impact and not saving lives) to a surgical ward, where she waited just for a set period of time. We’d � Community groups. Setting up to see the only doctor in the district. like to invest in local people to women’s groups in Tanzania to It took about an hour for the doctor achieve sustainability when our help mothers share experiences and to get to her; but by that time it was intervention stops and if these inspire community action. This project too late. simple measures can be introduced will explore the effects of women For women in developing countries, on a wider scale, we will save coming together to work out solutions Sessay’s experience is a too-common lives indefinitely.’ for themselves
FOCUS ON maternal sepsis
Sepsis is when infection causes a sepsis get the right care, without delay. don’t spot signs of the infection early, severe, widespread and dangerous Doctors and nurses throughout the UK then the sophisticated hospital care reaction from the body and is suffered are trained to use the kit, which includes needed to treat it is simply not available. by five million pregnant women giving antibiotics, conducting blood We’re developing a care package that worldwide each year. This can cause tests and ensuring patients are carefully can be used by everyone from nurses septic shock, a rapid fall in blood monitored. and midwives to community healthcare pressure that can lead to multiple organ In Malawi, Arri’s team are working officers to identify sepsis in its early failure and if left untreated, death. with communities to understand which stages and treat it immediately.’ In developing countries, a third of parts of this sepsis bundle could be Ultimately it is hoped that the package women who develop severe sepsis applied in the developing world and are will be widely adopted in developing during pregnancy or childbirth will die adapting the package to suit the countries, saving the lives of millions of compared to just 0.05% in the UK. environment and facilities available. mothers worldwide. The Sepsis Six Tool is a suite of steps David Lissauer, clinical lecturer in developed by the UK Sepsis Trust and Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Learn more at www.birmingham.ac.uk/ used in the NHS to ensure patients with project lead, says: ‘In Malawi, if you globalmaternalhealth
How can I help? care package in Malawi and These projects will empower Tanzania. Donate £50 today by women, enable life-saving completing the donation form transport, and equip clinicians with enclosed with this magazine or visiting tools to battle sepsis but we need www.bhamalumni.org/givenow your help to make them a reality. and you could fund a day’s sepsis Your support can help Arri’s prevention training for a healthcare team trial the life-saving sepsis professional. Thank you. 18 OLD JOE THE AVIATORS
Old Joe meets two of the many Birmingham graduates who just can’t keep their feet on the ground…
He was air sick the first time he flew a after his flatmates put his name down for plane with the University Air Squadron, the squadron to make up the numbers. but Captain Jock Lowe (BSc Chemical He found he had a passion and skill Engineering, 1965; PhD Chemical for flying, and joined British Airways as Engineering, 1969; Hon DUniv, 2003) a trainee pilot after studying for his PhD. went on to pilot Concorde and become He flew VC10s and worked as a pilot a leading figure in the aviation industry. instructor before he captained the Jock, so called by his Chemical plane credited as being a marvel of Engineering classmates because they modern engineering. mistook his Geordie accent for a ‘I don’t know anybody that didn’t think Scottish one, got into flying by chance Concorde was their favourite aeroplane. THE AVIATORS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 19
It just had some charisma about it. It was per minute. Later in his career, Jock the Heathrow Airport expansion. a beautiful fly, once you got used to its moved into various aviation management One of his favourite pieces of life idiosyncrasies,’ he says. roles with BA and other airlines. advice is to remember there are no Jock flew Concorde from 1972 Among the achievements he is most god-like creatures. until the fleet was retired in 2003, the proud of is a marketing campaign that ‘I’ve met all the world’s top longest of any BA pilot, and also trained kept Concorde flying in the late 1970s, politicians, businessmen and royalty colleagues how to fly. transforming it from making a loss to and everyone is human,’ he says. ‘In A keen sailor in his retirement, he says making £50 million net profit a year. some cases, it’s amazing how just a there have been more tricky moments in Post retirement, he has used his little bit of turbulence will bring even his boat on the Thames than behind the lifetime of knowledge to design those who think they’re superior controls of a plane travelling at 22 miles and promote one of the options for metaphorically down to earth.’ 20 OLD JOE THE AVIATORS
Former Royal Air Force fast jet pilot Mandy Hickson (BSc High fliers Other successful alumni in the Geography and Sports Science, 1994), is now a motivational world of aviation include… and keynote speaker. Robert Martin (MSc(Eng) Integrated Manufacturing Systems, 1994), Mandy’s ambition was literally sky-high: Director of Martin-Baker, world-leading to fly with the RAF; something she producer of ejection seats achieved in 1994 when she became the second ever female Air Force fast Air hostess turned executive pilot to jet pilot. ‘It was challenging,’ she says. the stars, Anita Mays (BA English and ‘I was the only female on every French, 1983) squadron I was on, but when you are working as part of a team, it really Major Laura Nicholson DFC AAC doesn’t matter, as you bond and work (BMus Music, 1997), heroic Chinook together regardless of gender.’ helicopter pilot who twice entered an Another challenge Mandy faced in Afghani firefight to extract casualties her 17 years with the RAF was serving three tours of duty in Iraq. ‘Being shot Group Captain Simon Paterson (BSc at on a daily basis was of course a Chemistry, 1993), Station Commander harsh environment,’ says Mandy, and Puma Helicopter Force ‘but I also got to collaborate closely Commander at RAF Benson with cross-national teams, which was Flying is in the blood for Mandy. very enjoyable.’ Former Red Arrow and Royal Her grandfather was a pilot in the Mandy now keeps her feet firmly Australian Air Force pilot Zane Second World War, and from joining on the ground as a motivational Sennett (BSc Geography, 1998) the Air Training Corps at 13 to flying speaker using skills and stories from jets on the frontline for the Royal Air her years as a pilot. Her work also Retired petrolchemical engineer Ian Force, she has followed in the family takes her into schools to share her Bremner (BSc Chemical Engineering, flight-path. experiences, something she uses 1958) became an International Service ‘Listening to my grandpa sparked to encourage other women in their Manager for Continental (now United) my ambition,’ explains Mandy. ‘I loved careers. ‘I hope to inspire the Airlines at the age of 62, and has been his stories, but there was no way at next generation to look outside the flying for the past 15 years. He plans to the time that a woman could enter box and aim high,’ she explains. re-retire when he turns 80! that world. ‘However, I believe in aiming high, Find out more about Mandy’s If you can add to this list, please email no matter how unachievable your career in our video interview at alumnicommunications@contacts. goals may seem.’ https://youtu.be/4eAoH33JeNo bham.ac.uk and let us know. SPOTLIGHT ALUMNI MAGAZINE 21
SPOTLIGHT GUEST ED LOVES
Red Fort
Delhi Presidential Palace India Gate Delhi is famous across the world for its outstanding culture, cuisine, and cricket.
Said to be one of the oldest cities in The University has long-established the world, and with a population of links with Delhi: students from India more than 16 million people, modern were first welcomed to the Edgbaston and old Delhi sit side-by-side. From campus in 1909; and the University temples to transport terminals, minarets has had an office in New Delhi since to malls, and even an International 2009 to strengthen and build Toilet Museum, Delhi sights are as partnerships with universities, diverse as its history. Delhi is also businesses, and government. These known for its sporting prowess, hosting include research collaborations on Humayun’s Tomb the Commonwealth Games in 2010 railways and public health, and and Cricket World Cup in 2011; a internship opportunities for students. competitive edge that carries through to business and has made the city Visit www.facebook.com/ the largest commercial centre in indiaofficeuob for the latest Northern India. news and events from the India Office.
What do alumni and staff recommend to see and do in Delhi?
James Billingham (BSc � Indian Railway Museum – � Temple complex of Akshardham – one Mechanical Engineering, comprehensive collection of of the modern marvels of architecture 1984) has travelled to locomotives and artefacts from � Rajghat – a serene memorial where India more than 30 times. India’s rich railway heritage Mahatma Gandhi’s remains are buried � Humayun’s Tomb – tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, Aprajita Kalra is Country NEXT STOP commissioned by his wife in 1565 Coordinator for the Send your TOKYO � India Gate – India’s Cenotaph. It is University’s India Office tips and so poignant to stand in the India sun � Dilli Haat open-air food pictures to looking up at those familiar names plaza with more than 60 alumnicommunications@ from France and Flanders from a artisan craft shops contacts.bham.ac.uk and the best century ago � Okhla Bird Sanctuary – located in will be featured on this page in the � The Red Fort – curtain walled fort in the heart of the city, this is a pleasant next issue of Old Joe. the city centre surprise amidst the hustle and bustle 22 OLD JOE NEWS A POSITIVE SPIN From improving mobile phones to monitoring the condition of roads and railways, entrepreneurial academics are developing innovative The reigning Midlands businesses at Birmingham. Enterprise University of the Year provides specialist expertise to academics and start-up companies through the Enterprise Acceleration Team, which has helped 100 companies since 2013. These include University spin-out company Smart Antennae Technologies (SAT), which is developing a highly compact next generation mobile phone antenna to replace existing types, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, 3G and 4G. Originating from research in the School of Electronic and Electrical David Coleman and Dr Sampson Hu Systems Engineering, the product BOOSTING BUSINESS is a single multi-band multi-input- BizzInn, the business incubator at Birmingham Research Park, was set-up output antenna system, which saves to help new innovative businesses and provides a range of free services to space in handsets, costs less to start-up companies with technology based commercial concepts. build and improves performance. The Birmingham Research Park also offers the BioHub to science-based Founder Dr Sampson Hu start-ups. This new building houses state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities (BEng Communications Systems they may not otherwise be able to afford to rent. Engineering with Business Head of Enterprise Acceleration David Coleman says: ‘Hi-tech startup Management, 2006; MPhil Electronic companies can take a lot of time and money to get to market, whether they are and Electrical Engineering, 2008; PhD Electronic and Electrical developing a new therapeutic or diagnostic device. We can Engineering, 2012) says: ‘We’re now help by providing intellectual property protection, applying in phase two of our development for patents, securing investment to develop the proof of contract of the antenna for a leading concept and a business plan – and a local base laptop manufacturer, and aim to have for the business.’ a fully commercial product by the end of 2016. Once that is established, we can then continue discussions ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT with phone manufacturers.’ A product that will help minimise disruption for commuters won the Most Innovative Idea category at the University’s 2015 Innovation Competition. NUMBER OF SPIN-OUT Altasense is a suite of tools which monitors road and rail COMPANIES ON THE temperature and moisture levels to tackle common problems such UNIVERSITY’S PORTFOLIO as ice and snow, leaves on the line, and buckling rail tracks. 30 Dr Lee Chapman, from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences invented the product: ‘This innovative technology £650 million will minimise cost to companies caused by the impact of weather and COMBINED VALUE OF THOSE COMPANIES climate on infrastructure and has already generated a lot of interest from potential industry partners,’ he says. To find out more about how the University can help your spin-out business grow, £320 million contact David on [email protected] TOTAL INVESTMENT RAISED SINCE 2010 QUR’AN DISCOVERY ALUMNI MAGAZINE 23 Qur’an discovery CREATES GLOBAL IMPACT
The unearthing of one of the world’s Susan Worrall, the University’s Director The parchment is part of the Mingana oldest manuscripts of the Qur’an at the of Special Collections, says: ‘The Collection of Middle Eastern documents University this summer created a surge response to this story has been in the Cadbury Research Library. of interest across the globe. tremendous, with blanket media Funded by Quaker philanthropist Radiocarbon dating of two parchment coverage across the BBC and national Edward Cadbury, the collection was leaves previously misbound with newspapers, as well as internationally. acquired to raise the status of others from a similar, newer document, ‘The story was on the front page of Birmingham as an intellectual centre suggested with 95.4% accuracy that the New York Times, as well as the for religious studies and attract they originated in the period between Wall Street Journal, China Daily, prominent theological scholars. the years 568 and 645. The manuscript The Times of India, Terra and O Globo The Qur’an manuscript will be therefore appears to date from close to in Brazil, and film crews from ITV, Sky, on public display at the University the time of the Prophet Muhammad, who Al Jazeera and Reuters were also during October. is generally thought to have lived on campus. between 570 and 632. ‘The radiocarbon dating contributes SUPPORT OUR WORK Researchers conclude that the significantly to our understanding of the To find out how you can support the manuscript is therefore among the earliest written copies of the Qur’an. University’s work to preserve and earliest written textual evidence of the We are thrilled that such an important date historically important Islamic holy book known to survive, historical document is here in manuscripts, email giving@ giving it global significance to Muslim Birmingham, the most culturally diverse contacts.bham.ac.uk heritage and the study of Islam. city in the UK.’
Image credit: Cadbury Research Library, University of Birmingham 24 OLD JOE SMART OPPORTUNITY
SM OPPORTUNITY The question of serendipity has intrigued philosophers for years, and Richard Howard-Griffin (GDL Law, 2007) is proof that even the smallest incident can have profound results.
In 2007 Richard was embarking Richard found himself armed with across the art world and international on a career at international law firm determination but no outlet for this media, and cemented both of their Slaughter and May; today he runs new-found freedom. ‘I had a vague art careers. The show allowed John successful galleries in London and notion that I wanted to run my own and his dog George to turn their Los Angeles and is at the forefront business, and obviously I still had bills lives around, and was the first of of UK street art. But what inspired to pay,’ Richard explains. many sell-out exhibitions for the this change of passion? ‘I had an interest in street art but Howard Griffin Gallery; something Entering a top-ranking London firm had never considered it as a career Richard believes is an example of marked the culmination of years of until I began to immerse myself into serendipity in action. hard work, but for Richard something it more.’ ‘You could say it was just luck that didn’t feel right. ‘I was a fairly maverick Richard took the first steps into the I was walking down the street, and student and went into law with the world of street art by getting to know saw a guy drawing,’ explains Richard, same attitude,’ he explains. the many artists around his home ‘but you have to be able to see the ‘Law as an academic subject in London and running a couple of opportunities out there and not just intrigued me but working as a solicitor shows. However, things really took walk past. I think too many people close did not match my sensibilities. I was off in 2013 when a chance meeting themselves off from success by not simply too radical for it - at least in my led to a sell-out show and the launch opening themselves up to possibility.’ own mind!’ of the Howard Griffin Gallery. With two successful galleries, Frustrated by the limitations of his ‘I was walking down Shoreditch Richard is certainly seizing his own work Richard began to feel that a high street and saw a guy with his opportunities. ‘Having had two careers change was due. ‘I had a real unease dog drawing away on the street,’ says that are so different really opens your about what I was doing with my life. Richard. ‘I liked his art so stopped eyes to just how many possibilities I’d worked so hard to get to this to chat.’ The ‘guy’ was John Dolan, are out there,’ he concludes. position, but felt I simply couldn’t go a homeless artist who Richard any further along that line,’ he says. subsequently worked with to launch Find out more at Drawing a line under his legal career a pop-up show that became a hit www.howardgriffingallery.com SMART OPPORTUNITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE 25
For a chance to win a limited What is the name of the artist Richard edition print from the collaborated with on his first sell-out show? Howard-Griffin Gallery To enter send your answer and name to WIN answer the following question: [email protected]. ac.uk by 31 December 2015. 26 OLD JOE CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE
GUEST ED LOVES #UoBsaysthanks as Circles of Influence smashes fundraising target
It’s official. Supporters of the University’s Circles of Influence 4 campaign have raised £193.4 million for the University. Our generous donors have raised £84.8 million, with the rest of the total coming from philanthropic donations to research.
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WE ARE WORKING ON CLINICAL TRIALS IN MALAWI TO TREAT A VERY AGGRESSIVE FORM OF BLOOD CANCER CALLED BURKITT’S LYMPHOMA THAT AFFECTS PREDOMINATELY CHILDREN IN AFRICA. WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT WE SIMPLY WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO DO THIS WORK TO SAVE CHILDREN’S 3 LIVES. THANK YOU!
Dr Farhat Khanim, Research Scientist, School of Biosciences CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 27
Thank you to everyone who has helped the campaign 5 Transforming campus since 2009; you are among 11,000 donors and 5,000 Circles of Influence has supported volunteers who have supported 250 extraordinary campus developments equivalent projects, making a difference on campus, locally, to 9.6 football pitches including redevelopment of the Lapworth and across the globe… Museum, and the new Library, Sports Centre, University School, 1 Bramall Music Building 3 Funding scholarships and Institute of Translational Medicine. Completed in 2012, and completing The campaign has awarded 570 Joseph Chamberlain’s vision for the student scholarships through the 6 Enhancing teaching Aston Webb semi-circle, the Bramall Access to Birmingham (A2B) Researchers at the Autism Centre Music Building was made possible scheme, helping many students for Education and Research (ACER) thanks to donations from 260 donors who otherwise may not have been are using Nao robots supported including a transformational gift from able to attend university. by Circles of Influence to teach the Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation. children with autism and improve 4 Student support their classroom experience. 2 Innovative research More than £2.5 million has been given More than £5.5 million has been to improve our student experience. 7 Birmingham Fellows donated to support research across This includes the Hands Up fund, Support for the Birmingham Fellows the University. Projects include which has supported student projects scheme has helped more than 60 research to treat childhood blood from careers fairs to cheerleading, outstanding post-doctoral researchers cancer, breast cancer, and prostate and ballroom dancing to battle to join the University. cancer, hydrogen research, and re-enactments. support for the Shakespeare Institute.
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What next? These are just a few of the people and projects that our amazing donors have helped to support through Circles of Influence. The campaign may have closed on 31 July 2015 but the tradition of charitable giving to the University will continue with a wide range of groundbreaking research and student support schemes that you can help fund. For examples see pages 8–11.
Visit www.uobsaysthanks.com to find out more about how the campaign has benefited students, colleagues and the community, and how you can get involved in the next steps of fundraising for the University. 28 OLD JOE COMMUNITY DAY
As part of the celebrations for the successful completion of the Circles of Influence fundraising campaign, the University opened its doors to staff, students, alumni and the people of Birmingham in September for Community Day. Visitors enjoyed a wide range of free activities and events, as well as taking part in a trail around campus to find out more about projects supported by Circles of Influence.
The Ballroom and Latin American Dance Society - who received Circles of Influence funding - offered lessons to visitors
Dr Farhat Khanim, Research Scientist, Total raised: School of Biosciences, talks with donors £ 193,426,877.47 COMMUNITY DAY ALUMNI MAGAZINE 29
Music scholar Samuel Booth performs in the Elgar Concert Hall
Terry Bramall (centre) - founding donor for the Bramall Music Building 30 OLD JOE NEWS
GUEST ED LOVES A wheely good cause Professor Charlie Craddock believes (BCom Commerce, 2002), above right, Birmingham has taken a significant step and other alumni also took part and towards finding a cure for all blood Charlie says: ‘I am extremely grateful to cancers within 30 years following the everyone who took part and all those who Have you been inspired? London 2 Paris: Inspiring the Revolution have donated. Could you help raise money charity bike ride. ‘The ride was an unforgettable for the University? We are always The Director of the Centre for Clinical event and with the funds raised going looking forward to the next Haematology and the co-founder of towards the completion of the Institute charity challenge, which could be Cure Leukaemia joined former England of Translational Medicine, more patients as small as a bake sale or as big footballer Geoff Thomas and other will have access to pioneering treatment as taking part in the Morrisons sporting celebrities when 300 intrepid to fight this terrible disease.’ Great Birmingham Run. For a cyclists took on the challenge, riding You can find out more at Fundraise for Us pack, contact 500km in four days for Birmingham, Let’s www.birmingham.ac.uk/cureleukaemia Laura Fairbanks at Cure Leukaemia. and make a donation by visiting [email protected] or The University’s Deputy Head of www.justgiving.com/ProfCraddock/ +44 (0)121 414 8894. Business Engagement Vickie Pargetter
An online degree to take you further
As a graduate of the University of Birmingham, you’ll be familiar with our reputation for pioneering new approaches to education. We’re proud to announce three new online postgraduate courses:
n Masters of Business Administration (MBA) n Masters of Science (MSc) in International Business n Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Students will have access to dynamic and interactive learning via our online Classes for all programmes platform, providing a modern solution for today’s postgraduate students. start in January or May 2016 Teaching will be delivered through a series of videos, live online webinars, and applications are now being and interactive media which means students can study from home, accepted. For further information, work, the train and so on. For some programmes there is also the please contact onlinecourses@ option to attend a weekend residential on campus. contacts.bham.ac.uk ALUMNI OF THE YEAR ALUMNI MAGAZINE 31
GUEST ED LOVES PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF The 2015 Alumni of the Year share the secrets of their success.
While they may have followed different career paths, Billie Major (BSc Geography and Physical Education, 1980) and James Eder (BCom Commerce, 2005) both agree that their success has been down to persistence and believing in themselves. James has been running his business, The Beans Group, since he left Birmingham while Billie Major had a lengthier journey to her current position as Corporate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Capgemini Aspire. After graduating, Billie expected to pursue a career in sports science but in the tough economic climate of the early 1980s, was out of work and even lived in a squat for a while. She took a 60% drop in salary to retrain in a new career in IT, working her way up the company ladder and gaining valuable insight into the roles and responsibilities of the The Beans Group has since expanded to incorporate 2,000 IT professionals she now leads at Capgemini, a three different strands, with more than 40 employees £700 million business. and offices in both Birmingham and London. She identifies her ability to build loyalty with her James claims he is motivated by the idea of making a colleagues as a major asset, as well as consulting others’ difference in people’s lives by helping them connect with opinions before making major decisions. others and adds: ‘The Beans Group is all about helping Entrepreneur James set up Student Beans with his that to happen and the University was hugely important in brother Michael almost from the moment he graduated, providing me with the opportunities to learn the skills having identified an opportunity for students to have a necessary to run a business. single online hub they could visit for offers and discounts ‘From the moment I arrived at Birmingham, I’ve tried to from retailers, restaurants and businesses. be open to meeting new people. My room in Mason Hall was one that 300 people walked past to get to the bar and canteen, and left me with an amazing network of friends.’ James, who has returned to the University every year to volunteer by giving guest lectures or running training courses, adds: ‘I always tell students who want to know how to be successful to think about what they can do to add value and make a difference to a company. Do that and you become invaluable.’
DIDYOUKNOW?
Do you know any inspirational alumni like Billie and James? Nominate them for the alumni of the year award at www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumnioftheyear 32 OLD JOE CAMPUS CONNECTIONS What’s your
campus connection? Tell us about your family, work or friendship connections to Birmingham, share your latest news or a story from your time at the University. Tweet @birminghamalum or email alumnicommunications@contacts. bham.ac.uk
Three alumni tell Old Joe about the respective lifelong friendships they formed with classmates during their time at Birmingham.
Sport is also a connecting factor for Godfrey Worsey (BDS Dentistry, 1957) Adam Freeman (LLB Law, 1992) who Moves overseas have not proved a kept up his ties with classmates from the runs an alumni cricket team called the barrier to one particular set of friends University despite moving to Tywyn in Bunnies (Birmingham University from Birmingham, and according to Wales to open a dentistry practice. Nomads Naughty In Every Sense) Clive Fowler (BSc Geology, 1970) He runs an annual class reunion pictured above. it has even worked as a prompt for each October in Tewkesbury for up to Originally formed by AJ Smith (BA informal reunions. 10 of his fellow alumni, and enjoys hill Clive and some of his friends from Hispanic Studies, 1989), all members walking, gardening and skiing in Europe played for the University and tour at the the 1970 class of Geology recently and the USA with friends and family. end of July in and around Chipping celebrated the 45th anniversary of their Now retired, the family connection with Norton in England. Adam says, ‘Age graduation in the South of France, Birmingham extends to his niece Jenny has diminished our sporting prowess, and reunion trips abroad have been a Ayres (BSc Geography/Physical but it is great to get together every regular occurrence. Education, 1985) while nephew Stewart Many members of the group, who year and share our love of cricket, Langston (BDS Dentistry, 1989) now curry and the University.’ have unofficially dubbed themselves the runs the Tywyn practice. Birmingham University Geological Graduation Reunion Society (complete with personalised t-shirts and baseball caps), have enjoyed trips in the past to Western Australia, Tuscany, Botswana and the USA. EVENTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 33
For full event details or help organising your own alumni event or reunion visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumni/events, email EVENTS [email protected] or call +44 (0)121 414 8904 OCTOBER VICE-CHANCELLOR’S DISTINGUISHED BRAMALL COMEDY NIGHT LECTURE SERIES Elgar Concert Hall, Simon Stevens, CEO of NHS starts Thursday 8 October England, Edgbaston campus, www.birmingham.ac.uk/ Wednesday 14 October, 6.00pm bramall/events
BIRMINGHAM BOOK TO THE FUTURE QUR’AN MANUSCRIPT HEROES LECTURE Festival celebrating the written On public display on Edgbaston Professor Clive Roberts on ‘The and spoken word, featuring the campus until 25 October Future of Our Railways: Embracing BBC’s Jane Garvey (BA English, Digital Railway Technology’ 1985) interviewing SJ Watson Edgbaston campus, (BSc Physics, 1992), plus Tuesday 20 October, academic, student and local talent. 6.30–9.30pm Campus-wide, 15–17 October
NOVEMBER DECEMBER
HOUSE OF FESTIVE DRINKS LORDS AT THE UNIVERSITY RECEPTION Carol Service, Great Hall, Invitation only, Monday 7 December, Friday 6 November, 6.00–9.00pm 6.45–8.30pm
MARCH MAY
LONDON PROFESSIONAL NETWORK BIRMINGHAM HEROES LECTURE Network with fellow alumni from finance, insurance, London, date to be confirmed property and legal professions, date to be confirmed
JUNE JULY SEPTEMBER
ENGINEERING WORLD GOLDEN AND AND PHYSICAL SHAKESPEARE 50TH ANNIVERSARY SCIENCES REUNION CONFERENCE REUNION Edgbaston campus, Stratford -upon-Avon and London, Edgbaston campus, Saturday 18 June Sunday 31 July–Saturday 6 August Friday 16 September 34 OLDREFLECTIONS JOE RAILWAYS REFLECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 35
Joe Biddlestone
(BSc Chemical Engineering, 1958; PhD Chemical Engineering, 1961) Celebrates 60 years since joining the Chemical Engineering department as an undergraduate this autumn. After half a century as a member of staff, working in various departmental and leadership roles, he is a Birmingham stalwart, an Emeritus Professor, and still actively involved with University life.
I was not encouraged to consider a career in was available. I was eventually offered the job, chemical engineering, which was possibly at a cut in salary, but I wanted to come back to why I chose it as my degree subject. Chemical research and the University. I’m the only Chemical engineering was not really known in the school Engineering alumnus to have become Professor system but fortunately the Institute of Chemical and Head of Department at Birmingham. Engineers produced some very good literature. That always gives me a little smile.
There were only 4,700 students at Birmingham There is and has always been a friendly, community during my studies as opposed to 30,000 today, ethos about the department. That’s probably and I have many fond memories of my time as an related to the fact that it’s a relatively small undergraduate and postgraduate. A highlight was discipline. We have an excellent relationship with Rag Week; the department built a float every year recruiters, we maintain links with our students, to process through the city. and the staff, probably without exception, come from industry. No-one would have dreamed of asking the students if their lectures were any good in the 1950s. That all One of the joys of my job is the continual procession changed after the sit-in year, 1968, when students of students who go on to be graduates and enjoy were given a voice and representation on Council. successful careers. What alumni will tell you is that they have very fond memories of their student I’ve often wondered what drew me back to work days and that they owe the department and the at the University. I got a phone call from my University for their careers. They leave feeling that PhD supervisor who told me a lectureship they really belong.
My favourite place on campus is the Great Hall. I’ve probably attended every Chemical Engineering degree congregation ceremony there since 1965.
If you have a demanding career, which working at the University is, it’s very positive to do a totally separate activity. I’m a church organist and I sing in, and conduct, choirs. I do have another life, and a family!
We'd love to hear your memories of your favourite tutors and lecturers at Birmingham. Email alumnicommunications@contacts. bham.ac.uk and let us know. 36 OLD JOE 300,000 ALUMNI
GUEST ED LOVES 300000 alumni The University’s 300,000th graduate 2 completed their degree this summer, 3 1 joining a proud heritage of outstanding Birmingham graduates spanning more than 100 years.
To celebrate this momentous occasion the University launched a search for a member of the Class of 2015 to act as the symbolic 300,000th alumnus. Many outstanding students applied and Shenaid Tapper was selected to share her final year, from the suspense of results day to the excitement of graduation, with fellow students and alumni. Due to the volume and quality of nominations, the University was also delighted to introduce its ‘12 to watch’ from the Class of 2015. Each student 7 has been involved in a range of academic and extra-curricular activity 8 across the University and is passionate about their time at Birmingham.
1 Amy Bainbridge 2 Joe Taylor 3 Edward Fitter (LLB Law) (BA Sociology) (BSc Biochemistry) ‘My favourite sight on campus is Old ‘Using just three words to sum up my ‘I’ve loved every minute of my time at the Joe. The clock tower is awe-inspiring; time at the University is hard but they University. The only thing I regret is not every time I look at it I’m reminded of would have to be challenging, awesome, joining the battle re-enactment society.’ how hard I worked to get here.’ and memorable.’
7 Alice Power 8 Hannah Bevington 9 Katrina Coleman (BA English Language) (BA Childhood, Culture (BNurs Nursing) ‘The best thing Birmingham has given and Education) ‘I have had many special moments at the me is self-belief and confidence. I’m ‘Birmingham has connections to some University but the best has to be when a staying here next year to study a Masters amazing places and offers great patient took my hand, and told me that degree and can’t wait.’ opportunities to gain experience in a I’m going to make a great nurse.’ different country or culture.’ 300,000 ALUMNI ALUMNI MAGAZINE 37
Shenaid Tapper 10 is officially our 300000 alumni 300,000th alumna! 5 4
6
10 12 9 11
4 Tom Stanley 5 Matt Harrison 6 Joe Alderman (BSc Economics) (BSc Physics with (MBChB Medicine) ‘My advice for new students would be International Study) ‘The University has given me the – plan your time well and you should ‘Summing up my university life in three confidence to drive my own development. never have to sacrifice a friend’s birthday words can’t possibly do it justice, but I The skills my course has helped me party for a night in the library!’ would have to go with formative, develop will be vital for my continued enriching, unforgettable.’ education as a junior doctor.’
10 Shenaid Tapper 11 Suna Yokes 12 Carly Thomas (BSc Planning and Economics) (MSci Human Geography) (BSc Chemistry) ‘As we make the transition from students ‘University gives you the chance to try ‘My favourite place on campus is to graduates we follow in the footsteps lots of new things. As my favourite quote Chancellor’s Court. It’s the perfect place to of 300,000 amazing UoB graduates. I goes: you never know what result will relax and take a break from work. It’s also can’t wait to see what the Class of 2015 come of your action, but if you do the perfect spot for a selfie with Old Joe!’ will achieve – good luck, everyone!’ nothing there will be no result.’ 38 OLD JOE 300,000 ALUMNI
As the University celebrates the graduation of its 300,000th student, Old Joe looks back at 300,000 just a few of the amazing alumni who share alumni the Birmingham bond with the Class of 2015. 1914
Dame Hilda Lloyd (InterBSc Applied/Pure Science, 1914; MBChB Sir Paul Nurse Medicine, 1916) became the (BSc Biological Sciences, 1970; Hon DSc, 1998) University’s first female is one of the University’s eight Nobel Prize winners. professor in 1944, and the first A geneticist and cell biologist, Sir Paul was female President of any Royal Medical College, honoured in 2001 for his discoveries of protein the Royal College of Obstetricians and molecules that control the division of cells and Gynaecologists, in 1949. She also introduced enabled the development of new treatments for obstetrical ‘flying squads’ in Birmingham, which cancer. He is now President of the Royal Society saved the lives of countless mothers and babies. and Chief Executive of the Francis Crick Institute.
1970 1917
Li Siguang (BSc Applied/Pure Science, 1917; MSc Applied/Pure Science 1918; DSc Geological Sciences 1931) helped develop a fuller understanding of how the continents and oceans move around the planet. He was influential in the discovery of much of China’s oil and gas reserves, a pioneer in predicting earthquakes, and a trailblazer in establishing the geological history of China. Chrissie Wellington MBE (BSc Geography, 1998; Hon DUniv, 2010) is a Matthew Goode four-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion and (BA Drama and Theatre Arts, 1999) is one of the the first British athlete to hold the title. In 2009 UK’s rising actors, as shown by his roles in many film Chrissie was voted Sunday Times Sportswoman and television hits. From graphic novel adaptation of the Year and in 2010 was awarded an MBE for Watchmen to Downton Abbey, Matthew has worked her passionate campaigning for women’s sport. with Hollywood stars including Woody Allen, Nicole Kidman, and Colin Firth, and is currently working with Benedict Cumberbatch on animated adventure Magik. 1998 1999 NEWS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 39
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The latest in our series about equipment staff at the University simply couldn’t do without looks at how a USB stick RECOMMEND is helping combat deadly viruses… YOUR UNIVERSITY
Dr Nick Loman (PhD Biosciences, to laboratory settings and results could Young people across the world use LinkedIn to select a 2012), of the Institute of take weeks. With these portable ‘USB university, and by giving five Microbiology and Infection: stick’ sequencers we have been able minutes of your time, you The recent Ebola epidemic in West to travel to a virus source and sequence could recommend your alma Africa claimed thousands of lives results in less than 48 hours. mater to the next generation and is the largest outbreak of the virus MinIONs, developed by the British of students. ever seen. By using this new MinION company Oxford Nanopore, test a kit we are able to take genome patient’s blood sample on-site rather Please write your review and post it on the recommendations tab on the surveillance technology to the heart than having to wait for lab results. University’s LinkedIn page to of outbreaks, helping to stop the As time is of the essence in treating spread the word about Birmingham spread of disease and improve and containing outbreaks this can as a great place to study, learn and patient recovery. have life-saving results for patients. make friends. Thank you. Genome surveillance provides a unique view of how viruses evolve by Find out more about The University of sequencing their entire genetic code. Dr Loman’s research at: Birmingham Until recently this had been restricted www.birmingham.ac.uk/ebola 40 OLD JOE SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT NEWS AcrossAcross campuscampus To find out more about your School or Department visit www.birmingham.ac.uk
Arts and Law Simon Halsey awarded Engineering and Queen’s Medal Simon Halsey (Hon DMus, 2008), Physical Sciences Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University, has been Have we seen you this year? awarded the Queen’s Medal for The College has enjoyed a great Music. The prize, established in year of events for alumni, staff, and 2005, is awarded to an outstanding students including Distinguished individual or group who have had a Lectures, the first Christmas Lecture, major influence on the musical life the second annual EPS Reunion, of the nation. Professor Halsey said: and EPS Societies’ Awards. Videos ‘Choral music is a vital part of our from the Distinguished Lectures national life and is such a force for can be viewed at www.birmingham. social and educational good.’ ac.uk/eps/distinguished
Decades of Drama New Head of College appointed Sir Kenneth Branagh supports The Department of Drama and Professor Andy Schofield has been Shakespeare collaboration Theatre Arts celebrated its 50th appointed as the new Head of Sir Kenneth Branagh (Hon DLitt, anniversary at mac birmingham College, as successor to Professor 2001) attended celebrations of (Midlands Arts Centre) in May. Richard Williams. Previously Shakespeare’s 451st birthday at the Talented students and graduates Head of the School of Physics University’s Shakespeare Institute in performed pieces for fellow UoB and Astronomy and Director of Stratford-upon-Avon. Sir Kenneth, alumni and friends. Fittingly for its Research for the College, Professor an Honorary Fellow of the Institute, 50th anniversary year, the Department Schofield studied at the University discussed his forthcoming season was also ranked top Drama and of Cambridge and worked in the in the West End and applauded Theatre Arts Department in the USA and at Cambridge before the Institute’s partnership with the country in The Guardian University joining Birmingham. In 2002 he was Royal Shakespeare Company. League Table 2015. awarded the Maxwell Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics.
Life and Environmental Sciences Professor appointed Chief Scientific ‘Chilesaurus’ dinosaur uncovered Adviser at BIS An international group of Professor Tim Dafforn of the School palaeontologists, including researchers of Biosciences has been appointed from the School of Geography, Earth Chief Scientific Adviser at the and Environmental Sciences, has Department for Business, Innovation discovered a bizarre ‘platypus’ dinosaur and Skills (BIS). Professor Dafforn will in Chile. Although closely related to the ensure that the Department’s policies notorious carnivore Tyrannosaurus Rex, and operations and its contribution to this new lineage of dinosaur is proving wider government issues are informed to be an evolutionary jigsaw puzzle, by fit-for-purpose science, technology as it preferred to graze upon plants. and engineering advice. SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT NEWS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 41
Medical and Dental Sciences Birmingham Dental Hospital and School opens The Birmingham Dental Hospital and School is the first integrated, stand-alone dental hospital and school to be built in the UK for almost 40 years. A key Social Sciences element of the Edgbaston Medical Quarter, it has been built on the site of the former BBC Pebble Mill studios, just a mile from the main University campus. School of Social Policy The £50 million building will soon accept the first of 600 students who will The Department of Social Policy and study in its state-of-the-art facilities. For more information and to watch a Social Work has won a Step Up to time-lapse video of the building taking shape visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/ Social Work contract, a national, university/building/dental intensive full-time training programme that covers everything trainee social New insight into antibiotic resistance workers need to know in 14 months. A team of scientists led by University researchers, including Laura Piddock, www.stepuptosocialwork.co.uk Professor of Microbiology, has identified a new mechanism of antibiotic resistance in bacterial cells, which could help us in understanding, and Excellent REF results for developing solutions to, the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The School of Education research describes the way in which a strain of Salmonella within a patient was The School of Education was able to develop resistance to the commonly used antibiotic drug Ciprofloxacin. announced as one of the best The team used whole genome sequencing to reveal a mutation in the bacterial schools in the UK for its areas of cells that allowed them to become resistant to the effects of some antibiotics. research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. There are Institute of Translational Medicine opens four research centres in the School Based in the original Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston, the Institute of – the Centre for Higher Education Translational Medicine (ITM) has begun a phased opening ahead of its official Equity and Access, the Centre for inauguration in October 2015. A hub for the Research in Race and Education, development of pioneering advances in The Jubilee Centre for Character and personalised medicine, the ITM will house all Values, and the Centre for Research necessary facilities to create an environment on Multilingualism. for industry partners in pharmaceuticals, www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/ diagnostics and related sectors to engage education/research/index.aspx with health care and clinical research, bringing their products to market through the Distance learning successful development of early research Birmingham Business School and from ‘bench to bedside’. the Institute of Local Government Studies launched three new exciting postgraduate distance learning courses in September. The polo. Events culminated indoors as UBSport programme offers comprehensive the Gymnastics and Trampolining club online MBA, MSc in International Alumni Sports Day 2015 jumped and somersaulted their way to Business, and Masters in Current students and alumni came the Guild of Students for the evening’s Public Administration courses. together to celebrate the 14th annual festivities. With the University’s new www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/ Alumni Sports Day in June. Participants sports centre set to open next year, latest/2015/04/online-postgraduate- enjoyed a total of ten sports including Alumni Sports Day 2016 looks set to degrees.aspx badminton, basketball, and water be just as popular. 42 OLD JOE FILM IN FOCUS CREATIVITY CLOSE UP From novels to new media The Department has excellent research centre at the University collaborative relationships with that collaborates with universities and cinema to community professional partners in film, television, and institutions across the world on engagement, the University’s and theatre, and students take on research, screenings, and publications. a practical approach to their work Old Joe met Michele Aaron, a Department of Film with films, poetry performances Senior Lecturer in Film Studies, to and Creative Writing, and screenplays. The department find out more about her research also works closely with B-Film, and community projects. established in 2014, is an interdisciplinary, international home to award-winning academics and students. FILM IN FOCUS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 43
1 What drew you to film studies? Mainstream cinema represents 4 What’s next for you? death in clearly defined parameters Film is a mass cultural influencer; and imposes a ‘Hollywood glamour’ I’m involved in community projects and you have millions of people around that shows it as beautiful and collaborating directly with filmmakers. the world all watching the same film. meaningful. There is generally a One such project is SSAVI (Schools’ CREATIVITY CLOSE UP That’s obviously very important and lack of pain and a disassociation Social Action Video Initiative), which fascinates me. My undergraduate from the body in a Hollywood death. allows me to work with local school degree was in English literature and children who perhaps wouldn’t I think there is a definite crossover Are any film-makers taking normally have the opportunity to go to between the stage and the screen. 3 university. We work with pupils to different approaches to these make their own films that they then 2 What inspired your recent difficult topics? get to edit on campus. I also run Screening Rights, a research research on death in Definitely; for all of my criticism death campaign that encourages the in film can offer a therapeutic process. mainstream cinema? production, promotion and discussion When people are grieving sharing The underlying theme of all my work of films looking at human adversity. We that experience through the cinema is the representation of difficult topics recently held the first Screening Rights can be a cathartic experience. I am in mainstream and documentary film. Film Festival with three days of social also running a project in a hospice Death is of course a part of living justice films at the Midland Arts Centre exploring how digital technologies and we’re shown images of death (mac) plus special talks from directors, can transform connections between all the time but are never shown and panel discussions. These activities people. We are working with terminally how to deal with it sensibly. are great for Birmingham but ill patients to make their own films desperately need more support. My using handheld cameras and smart research has always been demanding phones. As demographics of Western but at least, in my experience, the most countries become older I am pleased enthusiastic and exciting individuals to see that there is a growth in are those who choose to work on the end-of-life studies across health most difficult topics. care and academia.
WIN
Michele’s book Death and the Moving Image: Ideology, Iconography and I recently won the Kraszna- Krausz award for best Moving Image Book of the Year. The Kraszna-Krausz Foundation Awards are the UK’s leading prizes for books on photography and the moving image and Michele was praised for her exploration of the impact of gender, race, and nation on representations of death in cinema. For your chance to win a copy of the book answer this question: What is the name of the recent film festival Michele held at the mac? Send your answer, name, and degree information to alumnicommunications@contacts. bham.ac.uk by 31 December 2015.
Michele is leading the Digital Storytelling: Filmmaking for the Web MOOC, running in conjunction with the BBC. Find out more about this and the University’s other MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) at www.birmingham.ac.uk/moocs 44 OLD JOE RESEARCH REPORTS RESEARCH REPORTS A round-up of some of the most eye-catching research recently published by the University.
BABY TALK WITH SOUR TASTE FOR LIVER DISEASE A TWIST Members of the Molecular Physics Group revealed a new breath test for a natural compound found in citrus fruit that Researchers at Birmingham can be used to diagnose liver disease. have discovered that wild The compound, limonene, was found in far higher levels bonobos – our closest living in the breath of patients with cirrhosis than healthy people, relatives in the primate world as the patients were unable to fully metabolise it. – communicate in a similar Primary investigator Dr Margaret O’Hara says: ‘Now that manner to human infants. we have found a biomarker for Bonobos use a high- cirrhosis, we can continue to pitched call type, or ‘peep’, verify how good limonene is for that requires context to be understood. They produce diagnosing liver disease. these calls in a wide range of situations, across positive, ‘If our further research is negative and neutral circumstances. successful, in the future we The finding that the peeps alter in meaning depending can envisage a small portable on context echoes the manner in which human babies can breath analyser for health also communicate. professionals to use, leading to Dr Zanna Clay from the School of Psychology says: ‘It earlier treatment and better appears that the more we look, the more similarity we find survival rates.’ between animals and humans.’
THE SMARTER OPTION REFUGEE STATUS Professor of Public Health Kate Jolly advocated for all Professor Rob Cryer, Chair in International and Criminal pregnant women in the UK to receive iodine supplements, Law, has changed how the human rights of refugees are protecting children from possible mental impairment protected under international law thanks to his studies. and providing huge cost savings to the country’s health He investigated how refugee applicants were rejected care systems. based on their membership of groups accused of crimes, With iodine not made naturally in the body, it must be and argued that joint criminal enterprise requires that the consumed by eating foods like dairy or seafood or accused individual, at a minimum, made a significant supplements. An iodine deficiency during pregnancy contribution to the group’s crime can cause delayed mental development and a lower IQ or criminal purpose, and did so in children. with some form of awareness The study by University of either. researchers examined the His research significantly cost-effectiveness of iodine influenced Canadian supplementation versus no jurisprudence, with the supplementation for pregnant Supreme Court of Canada women in the UK, and developing a new eligibility estimated that the benefits test for refugee status, as equate to more than one IQ well as shaping revised point per child, as well as guidelines by the UN’s saving the NHS £200 a time. Refugee Agency, UNHCR. NEWS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 45
RESEARCH REPORTS Top-class teaching 1 2 3 NEW TITLES FOR CHANCELLOR
University Chancellor Lord Karan 4 5 Bilimoria of Chelsea has been Academics from announced as the new President of the UK Council for International across the University Student Affairs (UKCISA). have been recognised The independent cross-bench peer for their teaching and Cobra Beer entrepreneur has first-hand experience as an international prowess by the student in the UK, at what is now student community. London Metropolitan University and at the University of Cambridge, where The inaugural Outstanding Teaching involved in student welfare. he graduated in Law. Awards were organised by the Her nomination said: ‘Dr Jones Lord Bilimoria says: ‘This appointment University and Guild of Students to is highly knowledgeable and has enables me to fully support the show the impact of excellent teaching. enhanced our learning experiences. UKCISA manifesto and make a full Winners included Professor She uses multi-method teaching, commitment to speaking on behalf of Stan Siebert (1), of the Department has a warm and approachable Britain’s talented international student of Business and Labour Economics demeanour, and a genuine interest community in Westminster, in Whitehall, at Birmingham Business School, in student wellbeing.’ to the UK business community and where he has worked since 1980. Other award winners were around the world. In my new role I He is also a co-ordinator for the alumnus Dr Gareth Sears (BA hope to represent our bright young Access to Birmingham widening Ancient History and Archaeology, people from overseas and to urge the participation scheme. 1998; PhD Ancient History and government to reconsider its strategy His nomination said: ‘Professor Archaeology, 2003), a Senior Lecturer towards those who have travelled Siebert makes the lecture fun by in Ancient History (3); Human Biology, from all over the world to learn in our engaging with us; he brings the Biochemistry and Disease Lecturer world-class universities.’ subject to life.’ Dr Steve Jacques (4); and Dr Zoe Dr Lisa Jones (2), a Senior Lecturer Schnepp (5), a Birmingham Fellow in Psychiatry in the School of Clinical in the School of Chemistry. DIDYOUKNOW? and Experimental Medicine, also Who were your favourite lecturers received an award. Contributing during your student days? Old Joe Lord Bilimoria has also been awarded widely to education within the College would love to hear your teaching the title of International Indian of the of Medical and Dental Sciences, memories. Share them by emailing Year by India Link International, a Dr Jones set up the Psychological alumnicommunications@contacts. magazine for people with connections Medicine programme and is very bham.ac.uk to India published in the UK. 46 OLD JOE THE TIME LORDS THE TIME LORDS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 47
It’s not just scientists working to master time travel – Dr Nikk Effingham and Dr Al Wilson are considering the philosophical implications.
Ask a Birmingham alumnus what they understand about would then follow the instructions, build the machine and time travel and you’ll probably find the conversation will go back in time to that moment, and complete the loop. quickly turn to television shows or films such asDoctor ‘But where did the information on the blueprint come Who, Back to the Future or The Terminator. from? What was the probability of that loop occurring – The concept of turning back the clock to try and change and is there a greater chance of it occurring if you are the future is popular in fiction and, according to Dr Nikk Stephen Hawking than if you are Joe Bloggs?’ Effingham and Dr Al Wilson, science fiction has actually The idea of ‘completing the loop’ is touched upon in films helped drive forward the academic study of time like Back to the Future and 12 Monkeys. Hollywood travel for more than 100 years. has also utilised alternative theories about Al, a Birmingham Fellow in the time travel, revolving around the idea that Department of Philosophy, is working THIS PROJECT HAS for every choice you make, a universe with Department Head Nikk on a exists in which the other choice was research project entitled ‘Probability THE ABILITY TO played out. and Time Travel’ – investigating CAPTURE PEOPLE’S This ‘what if?’ or butterfly effect issues around assigning IMAGINATIONS; IT’S WHY theory has proved fertile ground for probabilities to various different science fiction stories where it is time travel scenarios, rather than WE USE TIME TRAVEL TO played out to change the course simply discussing whether time GET PEOPLE THINKING of history – from HG Wells’ 1923 travel is possible at all. IN INTRODUCTORY novel Men Like Gods through to ‘It seems very unlikely that there PHILOSOPHY various episodes of Star Trek and will be any usable form of time travel entire television series such as Sliders at any point soon,’ says Al. ‘So we are CLASSES. and Fringe. not interested in that side of things – you While such works of fiction invariably need to be talking to physicists researching create their own ‘rules’ to suit their needs, the quantum teleportation for that. For the purposes of our popularity of such stories demonstrates how time travel research we are asking hypothetical questions: supposing has always been able to intrigue and stimulate debate. time travel is possible, how might it work and how likely As Al acknowledges: ‘This project has the ability to might it be?’ capture people’s imaginations; it’s why we use time travel Nikk offers one example of the kind of question they to get people thinking in introductory philosophy classes. are deliberating over: ‘If time travel is possible, then there ‘The project has been more successful than we expected would also exist the possibility that time travel would be and we will be applying for further funding. If you want to spontaneously created by someone coming back in time think about the metaphysics of time travel, Birmingham is to hand you the blueprint to make a time machine. You as good a place as any in the world.’ 48 OLD JOE TRANSPLANT REVOLUTION
GUEST ED LOVES
the transplant revolution
Birmingham’s scientists and researchers have been leading the way in medical innovations since 1825. Old Joe looks at some key projects It’s easy to take for granted some of the life-changing advances made set to revolutionise transplants in medicine since the 1950s; vaccine development, the treatment of and related surgical cancers and artificial limbs are three examples. Just as important has been the progress in organ transplantation. Anyone procedures. who developed a disease of the heart, lung, liver or kidneys 60 years ago faced a grim long-term prognosis. Now, a comprehensive donor programme and skilled surgical teams across the country have dramatically improved the odds of survival for those patients. Nevertheless, the risk of organ rejection is still considerable, and patient death rates climb with each year following a transplant. In addition, there is a shortage of viable donor organs. In all three areas, researchers from Birmingham are working to change things for the better. TRANSPLANT REVOLUTION ALUMNI MAGAZINE 49
Problem: Problem:
Once organs become available for donation, there is Potential organ a small window in which they are healthy and suitable donors were assessed for transplantation. to be unsuitable due to the risk of transmitting Response: cancer to the recipient. Andrew Ready (MBChB Medicine, 1979) has Response: pioneered the use of hypothermic machines to maintain and even improve the function of kidney transplants. The UK’s waiting list for donations is around 10,000 Upon removal from the donor, the organ is given oxygen and 1,000 people a year die before a suitable donor is and fluids and artificially pumped to make it live outside found. Dr Rajeev Desai set out to investigate the risk of the body for longer. cancer transmission from organ donors to recipients, Andrew is also co-founder and Medical Director of with the hope that he would be able to widen the pool of the charity Transplant Links, working in the developing potential donors. His research demonstrated that a small world to help set up, support and maintain transplant proportion of donors previously rated as high-risk for programmes, and notably performed Ghana’s first cancer transmission did not actually pass on the disease organ transplantation in 2008. following transplantation.
Result: Result:
Keeping the organs The publication of his study led to the rewriting of national healthy for longer guidelines in April 2014 so that more potential donors means potential were passed as fit. While only a small group, they recipients from further should help reduce waiting times for patients awaiting a afield can benefit. donated organ.
Problem:
The body’s natural reaction to a foreign object – in this ‘My primary interest is in how this could help patients case a donated organ – is for the immune system to with liver diseases and those who received solid organ attack the object with white blood cells. Unchecked, transplants – replacing daily immunosuppressive this quickly leads to organ rejection. medication with one-off or regular interval cell therapy treatments, perhaps just once a year for a fixed period of Response: time,’ he says.
Currently, medication is given to patients to suppress Result: the immune system. As the medication is non-specific, it suppresses all immune system reactions, leaving the Dr Oo’s research patient vulnerable to other illnesses and disease. will begin clinical The medication is required over the lifetime of the trials in 2016. transplant, so the risk of a toxic reaction to the medication Watch this space steadily increases. for an update Dr Ye Htun Oo is conducting research on regulatory on progress. T-cells (a type of white blood cell), isolating and growing them for testing, with the aim of infusing them to restore tolerance in autoimmune liver diseases and prevent rejection of a transplanted liver. 50 OLD JOE TRANSPLANT REVOLUTION
THE PAST THE FUTURE
Some of the most significant medical advances Problem: made by the University include: Research from Liam Grover (BMedSc Biomaterials n The research of skin grafts by Nobel Prize winner Science, 2001), Professor of Biomaterials Science, Sir Peter Medawar, Professor of Zoology between could see a major breakthrough 1947 and 1953, provided the foundation for the in the creation of lab-grown first successful organ transplant in 1954. medical implants – a big step on the path towards artificial n Leon Abrams (MBChB organs for transplants. Medicine, 1945) and Ray Lightwood (BSc Applied/Pure Response: Science, 1974) together Professor Grover’s exploration of the interface created the first between synthetic materials and living tissues, alongside variable-pace clinical partners and researchers in the College of heart pacemaker. Medical and Dental Sciences, is currently focused on the growth of a cruciate ligament that could n Hip replacement surgery saw revolutionise patient recovery from a devastating a step-change in knee injury. the 1990s thanks to Dr By fusing ceramics with materials containing human Ronan Treacy (MBChB cells taken from a blood transfusion, the aim is to grow Medicine, 1983) and Dr the ligament ready for transplantation. The jelly material Derek McMinn, who combines with ceramics and ligament cells to contract pioneered Birmingham Hip and take the shape of the ligament. Resurfacing, which removes Professor Grover says, ‘We are the damaged surfaces of the still attempting to create new bones inside the hip joint and replaces them with a tissue strong enough for metal surface. clinical trials, but I’m hopeful that in the next decade or so n Nobel Prize-winner we could see life-changing Sir Norman Haworth transplants.’ (MSc Applied/Pure Science, 1926), Mason Professor of Chemistry Moataz Attallah (PhD Metallurgy from 1925 to 1948, and Materials, 2008), Professor devoted his life to in Advanced Materials pioneering research into Processing, is working with carbohydrates. His work Professor Grover on 3D culminated in the synthesis of Vitamin C in 1933, printing of metallic medical which significantly helped to improve health and implants that would aid food production. post- operational n Dr Chris Poole’s oncology investigations improved care. Drugs contained in the breast cancer survival rates by more than 30%, after implants are released over his team of researchers discovered that adding a time, reducing the risk of new drug to established chemotherapy treatments infection and inflammation. had a significant impact over standard therapies. TRANSPLANT REVOLUTION ALUMNI MAGAZINE 51
DIDYOUKNOW?
Life-changing medical research at Birmingham would not be possible without the ‘clean room’ contained within the Advanced Therapy Facility. The only laboratory of its kind in the West Midlands, the Cell Therapy Suite is a specialised unit that uses negative pressure through three hermetically sealed rooms to keep the air as free from contaminants as possible. Jane Steele, Director of the Human Biomaterials Resource Centre, explains, ‘Typically, cells are taken from patients’ blood and isolated for purification. Scientists have to wear fully sealed suits to provide a safe, sterile environment for cell and tissue growth and manipulation.’
How you can help If you are interested in supporting advances in health research at Birmingham, turn to pages 8–11, or visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/giving 52 OLD JOE CLASS NOTES
What’s your story? These pages are for you to share what YOUR you’ve been doing since leaving Birmingham and to celebrate your successes with fellow alumni. Let us know what you’re up NEWS to and update your contact information by using the enclosed form or emailing [email protected]. We will print as many updates as we can.
1940s 1970s Margaret Honey (BA English, 1948) Heather Cox (née Smith) (BA helping make the festival a great I was one of the first group of freshers to Mathematics/Music, 1977) success. We are already planning the inhabit Winterbourne. During my degree Having grown up in the Black Country 2016 event. I took part in University orchestral and and moved to Kidderminster in 2006, I choral activities and was on the Guild was delighted to be named as Council. I lived in the Far East for some Worcestershire’s Poet Laureate 2015. I 2000s years before and after my marriage have published three illustrated poetry Ravinder Singh Chumber (LLM to Raymond, a New Zealander. We collections and compiled and edited two Commercial Law, 2003) eventually settled in rural Herefordshire. books of Black Country reminiscences. I recently became a Law Society member I have been thrilled to hear of the new for the Small Firms Committee, and also developments, especially the splendid Law Society Council member for new music building. 1980s Birmingham and District. Richard Walden (MEd Education, 1985) Geoffrey Holroyde I retired in August after 18 years as Joseph Flanagan (BSc Physics, 1949) headmaster of Castle House School, (BA Media, Culture and Society, 2008) My working career was a varied one. Newport, Shropshire. During my career, I am now the director of my own digital I began in the Royal Navy, teaching I was an external examiner on the marketing agency based in Birmingham midshipmen how to navigate. I had two teacher training courses at the University called Rank Easily (rankeasily.com). stints leading management training, of Central England in the 1990s, I’ve used the skills learnt from my course more than 20 years apart. In the 1970s and also spent ten years as a school to apply to many varied situations within I was the first Headmaster of Sydney inspector. In 2014, I was chairman of the creative industry. Stringer Community and Comprehensive the Independent Schools Association, School in Coventry and then became one of the five national heads’ Director of Coventry Polytechnic. I was associations in the Independent 2010s Director of Music at St Mary’s Church, Schools Council. Ashley Dickson (BMus Music, 2010) Warwick and founded and ran the I have just returned to the University to Chapter House Choir at Coventry study for a Masters in Computer Science. Cathedral. Aged 67, I graduated from 1990s After graduating, I completed the NHS Birmingham Conservatoire with a BMus Somia Shafiq (BSocSc Money, Grad Management Scheme in health Music, and I am now an Honorary Banking and Finance, 1995) informatics management and an MSc in Fellow there. I helped Dr Khalid Anis (BDS Clinical Health Informatics at UCL – hence my Dentistry, 1993) to organise the 2014 interest in IT. Living Islam Festival, which was held at 1950s the Lincolnshire Showground. More Ruth Sheaves (BSc Geography and Fred Blick (LLB Law, 1950) than 100 speakers spoke at more than Environmental Sciences, 2010) After retiring from a successful legal 40 seminars covering a breadth of I spent four weeks in practice, I have carried out literary topics, including ‘What Do British Peru this summer research on Spenser, Shakespeare, Values Look Like’ by Dr Rowan volunteering for Projects Wordsworth and Coleridge and Williams. We organised the not-for Abroad, helping published papers in peer-reviewed profit event in our spare time, with 150 with a rainforest literary journals. other volunteers across 30 departments conservation project. CLASS NOTES ALUMNI MAGAZINE 53
Campus R mances
Emily Hickey-Mason (BA Sociology, 2014) Did you meet your ‘significant Here’s a picture of me and my other half, other’ at Birmingham? Daniel Baird (LLB Law, 2014). We met at the
Guild Awards in our final year and have been Email alumnicommunications@ inseparable ever since. Three of my other contacts.bham.ac.uk with a best friends are also still with the partners they picture and your story and we’ll met in our final year at university – romance feature you in the next edition is definitely in the air at UoB! of Old Joe. Laura East (BA Classics, 2006) I have been working in the Admissions Department for the University since January 2012, following four years with the NHS. I also belong to the UoB Gilbert and Sullivan Society as an external member and do a lot of theatre in my spare time. I met my husband Chris (BA Classical Literature and Civilisation, 2006) in 2004 through mutual friends in the Classics department and we got married in November 2014. I see my Classics classmates as often as we can but I would be thrilled to hear about any upcoming reunions in Birmingham.
Queen’s Birthday Honours 2015 Congratulations to all alumni who were awarded Honours in 2015.
� The Rt Hon The Lord Woolf � Professor Anita MacDonald OBE � Andrew Jackson MBE of Barnes CH (PhD Paediatrics and Child (MSc Plant Genetic Resources, 1988) (LLD Honorary Degree, 2002) Health, 1999) � Claire Layland MBE � Sir Christopher Munro Clark KB � Peter McPartland OBE (PG Diploma Special Education: (DLitt Honorary Degree, 2014) (BPhil (Ed) Education, 1984) Speech and Language � Sir Peter Downes KB � Dr Matthew O’Callaghan OBE Disorders, 1999) (PhD Biochemistry, 1981) (BSc Chemistry, 1974) � Ann McDonald MBE � Sir Thomas Jeffery KB � Maureen Boylan OBE (Social Services Management, 1993) (Cultural Studies, 1991) (MA English, 1978) � Councillor Frances Oborski MBE � Dame Frances Cairncross DBE � Professor Gwyn Griffins MBE (BPhil (Ed) Education, 1978) (DSc Honorary Degree, 2002) (MSc Information and Systems � Dr Nigel O’Connor MBE � Dr Simon Halsey CBE Engineering, 1976) (Occ UG, 2000) (DMus Honorary Degree, 2008) � Julia Grove MBE � Dr Clare Taylor MBE � Dr Mark-Anthony Turnage CBE (BPhil (Ed) Education with (MPH Health and Population (DMus Honorary Degree, 2005) Distinction, 1989) Sciences, 2010) � Margaret Manning OBE � Dr Judith Hooper MBE � Sergeant Helena Thomas QVRM (BSc Psychology, 1983) (MBChB Medicine, 1978) (BA English, 1979) � Professor Judith Cross OBE (MBChB Medicine, 1984) If you are a Birmingham alumnus who was awarded a birthday honour � Dr Nicholas Harding OBE and your name is not included here, please accept our apologies and email (Inter BSc Pharmacology, 1991, [email protected] with your details. MBChB Medicine 1994) 54 OLD JOE HONORARY GRADUATES
Honorary Fifteen outstanding individuals and alumni graduates received honorary degrees in July 2015.
1 Dr Clive Hickman – Doctor of Engineering 1 2 3 Clive is Chief Executive of the Manufacturing Technology Centre, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult which bridges the gap between academic research and industrial exploitation. He previously held numerous positions in the automotive industry.
2 Lim Ming Yan – Doctor of the University President and Group CEO of CapitaLand, Lim is also 4 5 6 a Board Member of the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, as well as a Board Member of the Singapore Tourism Board.
3 Lord Victor Adebowale, CBE – Doctor of the University Lord Adebowale is Chief Executive of Turning Point, providing health and social care services for people with complex needs, including those affected by substance 9 13 14 misuse, mental ill health and learning disabilities.
4 Chancellor Phyllis Wise – Doctor of Science Phyllis is Chancellor of the University of Illinois, and previously was interim President of the University of Washington, where she had served as Provost and Executive Vice President for five years. Professor Pascale Cossart – Doctor of Science 5 Andy Street – Doctor of the University Educated as a chemist, Pascale obtained a MS at 11 The Managing Director of John Lewis since 2007, Georgetown University and a PhD at the Institut Pasteur, Andy is Chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull where she is now Professeur de Classe Exceptionnelle. Local Enterprise Partnership, the body tasked with She pioneered the introduction of cell biology driving economic growth in the region. approaches in infection biology. Ajit Kumar Seth – Doctor of the University Gregory Doran – Doctor of Letters 12 6 Ajit is Head of the Civil Services and the highest ranking Gregory is the Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare civil servant in India. In a 40-year distinguished career, Company. In January 2016 his productions of Richard II, he has served in important capacities involving field Henry IV Parts One and Two, and Henry V at the administration, diplomacy and policy making. Barbican will launch the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. 13 Simon Stevens – Doctor of the University Simon is Chief Executive Officer of NHS England. Billie Major – Alumna of the Year 7 He spent seven years acting as the Prime Minister’s See page 31. Health Adviser at the Department of Health and a decade 8 James Eder – Alumnus of the Year running international health services across the globe. See page 31. 14 Dame Una O’Brien, DCB – Doctor of the University 9 Professor Philip Sugarman – Doctor of Medicine The Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, Philip retired in 2014 after a decade running the Una has 25 years’ experience of government and health United Kingdom’s charity sector’s largest NHS provider, policy, with previous senior roles in the department St Andrew’s Healthcare, helping to open several new including Director General of Strategy. specialist teaching hospitals. 15 Ed Smith, CBE – Doctor of the University 10 Dr Clifford Cocks, CB – Doctor of Science The Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council of the University In his career at GCHQ, Clifford developed the first of Birmingham, Ed is Chairman of Crown Commercial workable system of Public Key Cryptography, now the Services, Deputy Chairman of NHS England and lead foundation for secure internet communications. non-executive director of the Department for Transport. WIN ALUMNI MAGAZINE 55
Competition winners WIN
Thank you to everyone who entered last issue’s competitions. Helen Rees (BNurs Health Sciences, 2009) won branded University merchandise, and Deepak Thuse (BSc Computer Science, 1999) Have you been won Narinder Dhami’s top five books. Julie Steele paying attention? (BA Latin, 1977) was the lucky winner of a day class at the Royal School of Needlework. For your chance to win University merchandise, just answer this question:
What is the name of the University’s 300,000th alumna?
Email your answer, with your name, address, and telephone number to: alumnicommunications@ contacts.bham.ac.uk, or post them to Old Joe, Alumni Office, University of Birmingham, Birmingham Research Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SQ, by 31 December 2015. Terms and conditions apply: www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumnicompetitions. TRY Rattle a Researcher returns! AT THIS You may remember the competition in last autumn’s edition of Old Joe to baffle the University’s experts HOME with your children’s trickiest questions. From atoms to aliens there were some fantastic questions for the University’s academics, and now Rattle a Make a rocket Researcher is back for more of your tough teasers. The University has experts in everything from You will need a 35mm film canister, water, dinosaurs to dentistry, physics to philosophy, so if a vitamin C tablet and plenty of space – it there are any questions to which you have always is best to create your rocket outdoors. wanted the answer – now is the time to ask. 1. Fill the canister a third of the way up with water. 2. Add a quarter of the tablet to the water. 3. Snap the lid on top and quickly give it a shake, then To enter, email your child’s question to turn it over so the lid is touching the ground. [email protected] 4. Stand back and wait – it will take longer than you with the subject ‘Rattle a Researcher’ or tweet think, so give it some time. @birminghamalum using #rattlearesearcher. 5. Bang! You have now made a rocket! Please include your child’s name, and age (competition open to under-18s only); plus your As the tablet fizzes more in the water the fizz own name, address, degree subject and year (carbon dioxide) builds up inside the canister and of graduation by 31 December 2015. the pressure increases causing the canister to fly up! OLDJOE OLDJOE
Don’t worry – the University isn’t altering the face IS GOING DIGITAL of its historic clock tower, but Old Joe magazine is going digital with a great new online edition to complement our lovely print version.
From the next issue of Old Joe you will be able to read the latest news from across campus, share memories with fellow alumni, and enter fantastic competitions from your phone, tablet, and computer. The digital edition of Old Joe will be much more than just an online version of the magazine. You will be able to: n Click straight through to more detailed content n Register immediately for events and competitions n View image galleries WIN n Watch video interviews HAVE WE GOT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? n Directly submit your stories and The next issue of Old Joe will be the first digital-only magazine feedback edition, distributed to our email database. If you’re not n Read Old Joe anytime, anywhere, already receiving email from the University, please send your and on any device contact email address to [email protected] with n Receive additional news and updates the subject heading ‘Digital Old Joe’ by 31 December 2015. You’ll from your School and College be entered into a prize draw to win a University hoodie.
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@birminghamalum
Development & Alumni Relations Office University of Birmingham The University of Birmingham Birmingham Research Park, Vincent Drive Alumni and Friends Birmingham, B15 2SQ, UK alumnicommunications@ www.birmingham.ac.uk contacts.bham.ac.uk