. . .

. . UNIVERSITY UPDATE : 21 May 2004

Please note, the next University Update will be published in 3 weeks' time on 11 June. (Copy deadline, 9 June)

NEWS: http://www.bath.ac.uk/news

Good news in Good Uni Guide The was placed a creditable 11th out of 99 institutions in the Times Good University's Guide. The table shows that the University is out-performing many bigger Universities and is the highest placed in the West of England, a testimony to the high standard of research and teaching carried out here. In the subject-by-subject league tables, Bath appears in the top 10 in 16 different subjects. Congratulations especially to the following departments who are all rated 2nd in the UK: Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Social Policy and Social Work. http://www.bath.ac.uk/pr/releases/top12.htm http://www.bath.ac.uk/internal/news/subj-rankings04

£1m for new science institute A £1m grant has been awarded to the University to establish a unique institute where researchers from a number of different scientific areas can join together to look for solutions to important scientific problems. The Institute for Complex Systems brings together scientists from mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics and biology who believe that there can be a common approach to diverse issues. The directors of the new Institute - Chris Budd and Giles Hunt - believe that the research carried out there will benefit a number of areas such as aviation, communications technology and the oil industry. http://www.bath.ac.uk/pr/releases/ics.htm

BATH GOES GLOBAL: * Distance Learning in South Africa The MSc Construction Management by distance learning course has been launched in South Africa. 21 students, all sponsored by the Commonwealth Commission, started the course with a seven-day residential in Johannesburg. The course is to be administered locally by the Chartered Institute of Building, Africa. Dr Alex Copping, the Director of Studies for Construction Management, said 'The Commonwealth Commission scholarships have provided a wonderful opportunity for students that would ordinarily not be able to afford the course fees to study the programme. The setting up of a local centre in South Africa complements two existing local centres in Canada and Hong Kong and forms the base from which we hope to expand our market in Southern Africa’.

* Exporting expertise to Chile Dr Julian Padget (Computer Science) is organizing a workshop on eGovernment and eDemocracy in Chile, which takes place in Santiago next week. The objective is to bring together research groups, companies and SMEs in EU and Latin America to encourage collaboration on proposals to the EU's research funding program, Framework 6. The event has acquired a high profile on the political front in Chile and the keynote speaker, Fernando Flores, is running for president of Chile in the forthcoming election. * Bath and la bell'Italia Bath's links with Italy have been strengthened by the creation of a new post at the University, paid for by the Italian government. Italy has funded a 'Lettore di Ruolo' - a senior academic - to teach and research Italian language and culture, one of only ten such posts in the UK. http://www.bath.ac.uk/pr/releases/lettorediruolo.htm

* UK passes on HE expertise to Thailand The University passed on its expertise in teaching and research overseas when it hosted a special delegation from Thailand. Thirty-nine senior managers from Thai universities attended a seminar at the University recently to study how the UK maintains its high standards in education. The seminar focused on the UK's quality assurance system, the training of academics, effectiveness in teaching and research, and building closer links with Britain.

* European Studies helps behind the scenes at the museum The European Studies Department is teaming up with Radstock Museum to produce an exhibition about mining. Radstock Museum is one of six organisations in a partnership that has attracted EU funding to produce an exhibition that will be launched simultaneously in six European venues. The Museum can draw upon the long history of mining in and around Radstock, while the University can provide expertise on Europe. http://www.bath.ac.uk/pr/releases/euromuseum.htm

* Joining the Union Staff, students and local people had the chance to learn about the inside story of European Union expansion from international relations experts in a series of lectures at the University organised by the European Research Institute. The events were organised after the recent accession to the EU of ten countries: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Pioneering recycling scheme on campus More than 4,000 students from the Universities of Bath and Bristol will take part in a new recycling scheme to help the environment and change attitudes to waste disposal across the UK. The programme, which will encourage students in university housing to recycle waste, has been designed by a team of experts from the two universities and from the environmental organisation Envolve. http://www.bath.ac.uk/pr/releases/recycling.htm

Minister praises Swindon Innovation Centre Department of Trade and Industry minister Jacqui Smith said the University of Bath in Swindon's Innovation Centre is "a truly excellent facility" during an official visit she made to Swindon. "New ideas and start-ups are vital to this country's future as a high technology, high- value successful economy, and this centre is a perfect example of how budding entrepreneurs can be properly supported in the early stages of their business development," she said. http://www.bath.ac.uk/swindon/pr/releases/dti-minister

MP Pairing For the last year, Dr Ian Jones (Biology & Biochemistry) has been involved in the Royal Society's MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme. The scheme aims to build bridges between some of the best research workers in the country and members of the UK parliament, giving MPs the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the mindset of scientists and the science community and vice versa. For the final 'formal' exchange, David Drew MP (Stroud constituency) will be visiting the University in late May. He will spend a couple of hours here learning about Ian's day- to day activities as a research scientist, becoming involved with some lab work, possibly on a confocal or electron microscope.

Team Green does 4,600 mpg The Team Green car made by Andy Green (reported in the last University Update) as the sole British contender for the title of world's most fuel-economic car came 13th out of 218 entrants in the global Shell Eco-Marathon championships in France. It managed to achieve 4,600 miles per gallon. Well done Andy and your (small!) team. http://www.bath.ac.uk/pr/releases/3wheelcar-pt2.htm

Estates get a certified pat on back The University has received a certificate congratulating us on being entered into the LABC National Built in Quality awards 2004 for the R3 Eastwood Housing project. These awards acknowledge those companies that have achieved an outstanding level of quality in their work. Although we did not make the shortlist, we were one of only 150 nominated from thousands of building projects supervised by Building Control Surveyors in the last twelve months, which is a great achievement in itself.

...And BUCS come close BUCS were runners up in the UCISA Award for Excellence. They submitted the University's ResNet (Residential Network) project for consideration. Well done to all who are involved in the project.

IN THE MEDIA: http://www.bath.ac.uk/pr/bathinpapers • Dr Maged Boulos wins the prize this issue for most newsworthy Bath academic! His paper comparing dental care across Europe and America showed that provision in most of England and all of Wales is lagging behind. The news was published in the Times, Telegraph, Guardian, BBC, Daily Mail as well as many local papers. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3699871.stm Dr Boulos also made it into the Arab press this week when he explained applications of information and communication technologies in health care at the Saudi Bio 2004 Conference. http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=44807&d=12&m=5&y=2004 &pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom • A profile of Professor Pettigrew appeared in The Independent's MBA supplement. http://education.independent.co.uk/business_schools/mbas_guide/story.jsp?story=518 486. He has also been profiled in the latest issue of Business 550 - a regional business publication. • Tony Trueman (Press Office) was interviewed on GWR and BBC Radio Bristol about the recycling scheme on campus • The news of our £1 million grant to establish the special science institute was covered by Bath FM and was featured on Teletext.

Please contact us if you appear on TV or Radio: [email protected]

INFORMATION:

4 West information session The Department of Estates has organised a 4 West information session for staff and students on Wednesday 9 June @ 11am in 3 East 2.1 . This will provide information on the method of demolition of the 4 West building, the programme of works and proposals for safe removal of asbestos and other material from site. It is anticipated that the session will run for approximately one hour, including time for questions.

Homestay Hosts required The Division for Lifelong Learning is seeking caring hosts who can welcome an adult student into their family and provide them with bed, breakfast and an evening meal within a safe and clean environment between 5 June-18 July. Hosts needed in: Midsomer Norton, Peasedown St John, Malmesbury, Melksham, Frome. Generous remuneration package available and previous hosts have reported finding the experience enjoyable and culturally enriching. Ext 6146 or email [email protected]

On yer bike The bicycle shed in G car park (North Zone) will not be available from Sunday 23 May 2004. Anyone who has cycles parked there at the moment are advised to remove them by this date and seek alternative arrangements.

Disruption on campus roads On Sunday 6 June, the campus will again host the women's Run for Life in aid of Cancer Research. Please expect some disruption on roads from 9am - 2pm as the entrants run/walk over a distance of 5km around the campus.

Works to underdeck • From 7 June to 9 July, a section of the west bound roadway on the underdeck beneath 4 west will be closed for essential fire protection works to the main support beams. Diversions will be in place. • On 7 June, scaffolding will be constructed from the underdeck adjacent to 3 west for access to roofing works. • During June and July, there will be various scaffold constructed to the East end of the underdeck to carry out works on 1 East roof, Norwood windows and 6 East balustrades. Please take extreme caution driving on the underdeck. Remember the speed limit is 5 mph and head lights should be on when travelling through it.

COURSES:

communicate: An International Conference on Conservation and Communication Aim: to expand the way we think about conservation and find innovative ways to convey more effectively some of the most pressing environmental issues of our day. Workshops will explore the communication challenges and opportunities for campaigning groups, policy makers, broadcasters, journalists, zoos, museums, scientists, educators and NGO's. Bristol, 7-9 October 2004. For more information: www.festivalofnature.org

New administrator? An Introduction to Higher Education for New Administrators, 1-3 September 2004, Bristol For those who have been recently appointed or promoted to university administrative posts. It serves as an induction into key aspects of the higher education system. By bringing together administrators from a wide variety of institutions and backgrounds, it enables participants to establish contacts, share experiences and set their jobs and roles in a wider context. http://www.hesda.org.uk/activities/events/newadministratorssept2004.html

JOBS Vacant posts: http://www.bath.ac.uk/jobs

FORTHCOMING EVENTS: Check out http://www.bath.ac.uk/whats-on for more details/abstracts for lectures etc

Coach trip to London - Sunday 13 June 2004 UBSA is organising a coach trip to London in conjunction with the Bath rambling club. Departs Laura Place, Bath at 8:30am, Departs Central London at 6pm. Coach fare £10. Enjoy a shopping or site seeing day in central London or join one of the three Bath rambling club walks. Details and bookings from: Giles Peters UBSA e-mail [email protected]

Lectures 25 May - Theory based studies of implementing national guidelines with Dr Susan Michie, UCL. 5.15pm in 3East 3.5 25 May - Presentation about the Bath Academy (based at RUH). 12.15-1.45pm in 8West 2.13 Sandwich lunch provided. Please email [email protected] if you plan to attend 25 May - CNM Seminar: The helicopter: current research on the boundary between aerodynamics and mechanics with Dr Richard E. Brown. 1.15pm in 4East 2.4 26 May - Potential Changes to Local Government Pension scheme with Bob Bane, University's Pension Officer. 10.15am in 4East 2.16 1 June - ICE Seminar: Sustainability and the New Economy with Dr Adrian Winnett. 4.30pm in 3East 2.4 1 June - Out of the ivory tower: Bringing your work to society with Dr Jon Sutton. 5.15pm in 3East 3.5

Exhibitions at the Holburne Museum * Till 18 July - Rudolf Nureyev: The Life of a Dancer * Till 19 Sept - Living with Art: Bath’s Private Collections

Summer Award Ceremonies July 13, 14, 15 in Bath Abbey. Please return your processing/gown order forms as soon as possible. Full congregation details http://www.bath.ac.uk/event/award-summer

More massage Due to levels of demand the sports injury clinic have extended the amount of days that treatments are available for 20 minute upper back and shoulder massage. These will now run on 11.15-13.45 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost £7. Call ext 3636 to book an appointment.

Wellness @ Teambath Self-indulgent Wellness weekends from our team of health and fitness professionals: • Revitalising May - 22/23 May - A weekend of interactive workshops addressing the work/life balance, healthy eating, and lifestyle management (includes a FREE personal and individualised wellness programme for enhanced health and well being. • Energising June - 26/27 June - A weekend of rest and relaxation to energise tired bodies. Includes a practical and interactive session of stress management techniques, meditation, positive thinking and relaxing yoga to combat fatigue and improve energy levels. • Invigorating July - 24/25 July. An integrated conditioning session, combining different exercise techniques from yoga and pilates, to enhance mental and physical fitness. Also includes massage and 'chill-out' spa (hydrotherapy and sauna) to invigorate both mind and body. All levels of fitness welcome, from the beginner to the experienced. The cost of each weekend is £100 per person, or £75 per person for a single day (inclusive of VAT). Contact Nicky Fossey, Wellness and Lifestyle Manager, Tel: 01225 386713 E-mail [email protected] SPORTS STORIES http://www.teambath.com/news/index.cfm Olympic Bid Boss visits campus: The new London 2012 Chairman Lord Sebastian Coe is to visited University of Bath/TeamBath on this afternoon (Friday 21 May). During his visit Lord Coe updated business and civic leaders on the progress of the Olympic bid and the benefits a successful bid would mean for the region. After a presentation, Lord Coe was taken on a tour of the new £23 million Sports Training Village and met some of the athletes and coaches.

TeamBath Force are champs: TeamBath Force netball season have won the Super Cup for the first time. The Super Cup is the most prestigious domestic netball competition, and the Force have never finished higher than third place. But they beat Northern Thunder 49-43 in the competition final at Blackpool on Sunday to secure first place. And there was an added bonus for the squad with four TeamBath Force players - , , and Claire Elsley all selected for the senior England squad to tour Australia this summer.

Dibens is delighted: TeamBath triathlete Julie Dibens has been selected to compete at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Julie was selected by the British Olympic Association after finishing eighth at the World Championships in Madeira, when she was the highest placed British finisher. It was quite a performance by Julie - who was originally second reserve for the competition for the World Champs and thought she had missed her chance to qualify for Athens.

If you have a news item you'd like us to consider for a future edition, please email it to [email protected]

Gill Smith Communications Officer Marketing and Communications University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY 01225 38 3503