October/November 2014 Head ofCollege Life andEnvironmental Sciences welcomes new

buzz 152 2 VICE-CHANCELLOR’SNEWS VIEW BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL: USA

Vice-Chancellor’s view Working together to build a better future A century ago students and staff arrived Universities develop over decades, for the start of the 1914 academic year indeed centuries. They shape themselves under the shadow of what became through their own ambition, their own ‘The Great War’. Fourteen years after the confidence, and their own integrity. University was established, and only five The great universities since classical times years after the formal opening of the Great have always stood for something. In a Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood Hall and the Aston Webb buildings, world where understanding is still fiercely the world was at war, and so much of what contested and knowledge generated at a the University was founded to promote was quite remarkable pace, standing for overshadowed by what became a ‘second something and modelling that kind of YOUR BUZZ thirty years war’, and ended only in 1945 institutional integrity has never been when Europe was a very different place. more important. Next edition 3 December 2014 As we start an academic year a century Since our predecessors arrived in that Copy deadline 7 November 2014 on, we not only live in but have a continuing fateful autumn of 1914, this university has responsibility to shape the world that achieved prodigiously. The blue plaques Contact us emerged from that great conflict. which adorn our campus are one [email protected] In one profound sense, all members recognition of the great people and the Buzz online of the University are in a vastly different great things which have happened here. buzz.bham.ac.uk position from our forebears in 1914. Our graduates throughout the world attest Follow us on Twitter For us locally the spectre of war does to our continuing commitment to shaping twitter.com/buzzunibham not cast a pall over our university life. the finest minds and creating citizens rich Of course we live in a world which is still in responsibility. Those of us who are Find us on Facebook riven by conflicts and needs more than starting this academic year together have a facebook.com/buzzunibham ever the values of understanding, responsibility to nurture and indeed to internationalisation, and enlightened enhance that great tradition. tolerance which have always animated As the conflict of the Great War great universities and the quest for deepened, the Great Hall was turned over

knowledge. None of us, staff and students to a military field hospital. In our Great Hall Edited by Rebecca Vowles alike, should resile from our responsibilities the injured were healed and lives, which [email protected] to build a better future. had been torn apart, through skill and It is often easy in university life to think kindness, began to recover health and Your details and to look parochially. For very good hope. When the Great Hall was returned Please let us know if you want extra reasons, we seek to promote our university; to the University in 1919, a moving copies of buzz or if you think we need and we compete for the most interesting inscription was etched in the marble above to amend your distribution details. students, the most outstanding staff, the main door. It reads, ‘From August 1914 and the finances that we need to underpin to April 1919 these buildings were used Views expressed in the magazine are all of our activities. This kind of competition by the military authorities as the 1st not necessarily those of the University and a preoccupation with the success of Southern General Hospital. Within these or a statement of University policy. our own institution is not ignoble. Indeed it walls men died for their country. Let those All submissions may be subject to is a prerequisite for everything that we who come after live in the same service’. editing. The Editor’s decision is final. should strive for. That said, the success of our university Let us together try to live up to this. is ultimately a means to an end and not an Front cover image: end in itself. We are here to study, to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Myra Nimmo, Pro-Vice- explore, to communicate, to challenge, Professor Sir David Eastwood Chancellor and Head of the College of and to be a beacon of something better in Life and Environmental Sciences a world which is often short-sighted and self-interested. NEWS BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL: USA 3

BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL USA Building Bridges with the USA

The UK and the USA enjoy the most inaugural Chair. In addition, we will productive higher education relationship in be hosting two Fulbright Scholars: the world. Enhancing dialogue between US Dr Sharon Mastracci, Head of and UK partners offers a major opportunity College of Urban Planning and to build meaningful partnerships, promote Public Affairs, University of Illinois knowledge exchange, educate new and Dr Angela Eikenberry, Associate audiences and support global engagement Professor, Business Administration, on both sides of the Atlantic. Here at the University of Nebraska. University we fully recognise the value of Given the scale of the country transatlantic partnerships and have invested and self-reliance of its elite institutions, significantly in growing academic building reputation in the US and been launched that staff at the University engagement with the US as a key strategic developing genuinely productive linkages are encouraged to apply to; there are international territory. is particularly challenging, the need for a two deadlines a year, the next being 15 We are currently working with 30 more strategic institutional approach October 2014 and 28 February 2015. institutions across 23 States to provide towards managing transatlantic Our focused approach to building exciting transatlantic exchange relationships is thus widely recognised. meaningful international partnerships opportunities. The US remains the most As you would expect, Birmingham places us in a strong position to leverage popular destination for our students and academics enjoy wide-ranging research external funding, such as the British we’re always looking for new partners. relationships right across the US and there Council’s US–UK Global Innovation Partnerships based on academic is a North America Travel Fund available Initiative (GII). The GII aims to strengthen relationships are always the most productive, to support them. Yet we have also Science, Technology, Engineering so if you have academic connections that sought to strategically focus academic and Mathematics (STEM) research might facilitate an exchange relationship, engagement on Birmingham’s sister between the UK and US with universities please do get in touch. city Chicago and the state of Illinois. in Brazil, China, India and Indonesia. We regularly participate in best practice Over the last four years we have Following success in 2013, we are exchanges with US administrators. Last developed an innovative platform approach hoping for a positive outcome this year. year we hosted the Fulbright Administrators involving civic, academic and cultural The closing date is 31 October 2014. programme and this summer we welcomed engagement initiatives to enhance our 34 North American Fellowship Advisers profile in the region and facilitate Further information: during their UK study tour. The event signature partnerships with world-class For more information on the showcased the US graduate scholarships institutions. Most recently we have formed opportunities outlined above we have established in collaboration a unique strategic alliance with the please contact: with the Fulbright Commission, Marshall University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Commission, Banco Santander and our (UIUC), one of the US’s leading public Dr Erica Arthur, North America North American Alumni Foundation. research-intensive universities. Development Manager at: Our links with Fulbright have created The BiRmingham–Illinois Partnership [email protected] new avenues for US researchers to engage for Discovery, EnGagement and Education with the University on a longer-term basis. (BRIDGE) aims to deepen wide-ranging or visit: intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/ We’re proud to be one of only three UK connections that have flourished over external/international/relations/ universities to host the prestigious Fulbright the last four years and develop wider North-America/Collaboration- Distinguished Chair award. This autumn faculty networks to progress collaborative with-North-America.aspx. we welcome Dr David Stoesz, Professor teaching, learning and research initiatives. of Social Work, University of Illinois, as our A joint BRIDGE Seed Fund has just 4 NEWS

College of Life Barber Institute and Environmental to display Sciences News A new dinosaur species from South Picasso painting America has been identified by an international team of scientists, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts including Dr Richard Butler from will be displaying Pablo Picasso’s the School of Geography, Earth and Woman Sleeping in a Chair, until March Environmental Sciences. Laquintasaura 2015. Cubist Picasso is considered to walked on two hind-legs and was be one of the most important artists of about the size of a small dog. It is Photo Credit: Pablo Picasso, Woman Sleeping in a the last 100 years and the painting, thought to have been largely Chair,1927. © Yokohama Museum of Art, Japan. which is on loan from Japan’s Yokohama herbivorous, but long curved tips on Museum of Art, is the first of his artworks some of its teeth suggest it might have to go on public display in the city for Fluβbaulandschaft (River-engineering also eaten insects or other small prey. more than 50 years landscape). The 200 million year old fossils are from Also coming to the Barber this autumn the La Quinta Formation in Venezuela, will be Johann Zoffany’s A Life Class at Find out more at: www.barber.org.uk/ making this the first dinosaur find in St Martin’s Academy and Paul Klee’s major-loans-gallery the north of South America.

College of Arts and Law News

Professor Vincent Gaffney, Chair in Landscape Archaeology and Geomatics, revealed at the British Science Festival that a host of previously unknown archaeological monuments have been found around Stonehenge. The discovery was made during an unprecedented digital mapping project that will transform Dates for the diary our knowledge of this iconic landscape. The remarkable new findings include the Vice-Chancellor’s Open Forum world’s largest ‘super henge’, Durrington Thursday 16 October, 12.30–1.30pm Walls. The research also formed part of a Elgar Concert Hall, BBC Two programme Operation Bramall Music Building Stonehenge: What Lies Beneath, Join the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir broadcast in September. David Eastwood, for his first staff address of the academic year. All staff are encouraged to attend and there will be an opportunity to ask questions College of Engineering and re-named as the School of Electronic, on the day. Physical Sciences News Electrical, and Systems Engineering from 1 October to reflect a new Birmingham Professional Forum n Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, strategic direction. Friday 7 November, 10.30–11.30am Dean of Engineering at Taylor’s Elgar Concert Hall, University, Malaysia, was appointed Bramall Music Building Honorary Professor this summer. This event is for all Professional This appointment enhances the strong Services colleagues (administrative, collaborative relationship between the support and technical staff) from University of Birmingham and Taylor’s across the University. Introduced University, Malaysia’s leading private by the Registrar and Secretary, educational institution and comes Lee Sanders, the forum is a great amid plans for the partners to further opportunity to hear from colleagues on strengthen these important ties. a wide range of topical subjects for n The School of Electronic, Electrical both staff and the University. and Computer Engineering will be NEWS 5

BUAFTA nominations College of Medical and collaboration of University Hospitals Dental Sciences News Birmingham, the University of now open! Birmingham, and Birmingham n Professor David Adams, currently Children’s Hospital. The ITM will The BUAFTAs (Birmingham University Professor of Hepatology, Dean of deliver the very latest research findings Awards for Tremendous Achievement) Medicine and Director of Birmingham and enable new treatments to be are organised every year by University Health Partners (BHP) will take up the developed faster than ever before. staff to recognise and celebrate the post of Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head Donate at www.birmingham.ac.uk/ achievements of Professional Services of the College of MDS when Professor ITM. colleagues who have gone the extra Eric Jenkinson retires in July 2015. mile and contributed significantly to the n With generosity from Alumni and success of our University. You can Friends, just over £500,000 has been nominate any administrative, technical, raised for the Institute of Translational academic-related, support staff or a Medicine (ITM). The £24 million team for an award. research institute will open in summer 2015 and is delivered by BHP, a joint Further information: intranet. birmingham.ac.uk/staff/university/ BUAFTAS/index.aspx Have you got an idea for an innovative enterprise based on your research? Or have you been involved in a project working collaboratively with business?

The Enterprising Birmingham Innovation First prize of £10,000 Competition has been designed to with Runners-Up prizes of highlight and reward researchers who £2,000. Initial expressions of interest have identified a commercial opportunity should be received by 15 December 2014. based on their research and have the ‘Most Successful Collaboration drive and vision to transform innovation with Business’ into enterprise. First prize of £5,000 and a closing date The competition is open to all research of Friday 9 February 2015. staff and doctoral students (supported by World Cup their supervisor) and has two categories: For further information please visit: ‘Best Innovative Idea for Commercial / www.bizzinn.org/competitions.php Winners Enterprise Development Based on or contact Sofia Hansrod at s.hansrod@ Your Research’ bham.ac.uk. Congratulations to Laura Keates and Kat Merchant! On 17 August they were crowned champions in the women’s 2014 Rugby World Cup College of Social a new project with Health Exchange Final as England beat Canada 21–9 Sciences News a leading health and wellbeing at Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris. organisation in Birmingham. The study Laura works as a Sports Assistant n Academics from the College of Social will undertake a review of the effects at the Munrow Sports Centre and Sciences are showcasing their work of integrating workplace wellbeing graduated from the University in 2010 in this year’s ESRC Festival of Social activities into organisations. with a BSC Zoology. Kat is also an Sciences. Find out more at www. alumna of the University (2007 Sport birmingham.ac.uk/festival-of- and Exercise Sciences). social-science. n Newsnight’s Evan Davis will soon visit the Department of Economics to speak on the question, ‘Why London dominates and what the rest of the country should do about it?’ Register at www.birmingham.ac.uk/evan-davis. n Academics in Birmingham Business School and the School of Health and Population Sciences are working on 6 FEATURE: CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS FEATURE: CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS transforming ‘We are so excited to our see it taking shape before campus our eyes.’

Back to basics at the heart of Aston Webb

If you have ever wondered what the Grand spaces are being opened up, venerable Aston Webb building looks like and stunning original features exposed inside when stripped back to basics – and renovated. now is the chance to see. As work to The conservation officer has given convert C Block into a student hub ready permission for windows to be taken away for our 2015 intake of students from the site to be repaired and restored continues, the contractors have been by specialists. Elsewhere, structural documenting progress on the 100-year- steelwork has been installed to support old building with a series of photographs the top floor dormer windows, which showing the phases of construction. were previously supported by the top The intriguing images show what the floor and has now been removed to open Grade II listed building contains when all up the space. A wall with an original of the fixtures and fittings are taken away, chimney flue running inside it has also exposing Aston Webb’s original ideas. been opened up and will be preserved As busy campus life continues beyond and supported through the new design the walls of C Block, the images show a of the building. services and attend lectures in the building from another era. People hurrying The dramatic beams and archways new 250-seat lecture theatre. There will about their business outside may not be will form a focal point of the hub be facilities including Student Services, able to visualise the work going on inside when complete, providing an airy, Registry and Careers Network, as well as the contractors turn the building into a pleasant space for students to ask for as a reception, information zone and a truly modern, 21st century student hub. help with enquiries, access a variety of suite of one-to-one consultation rooms.

CAMPUS CURIOSIT?ES

What is it? sculptor Peter Randall-Page. The design is Theme and Variation by Peter Randall- based on a visual representation of music Page, 2014. Campus Collection of and was created by the implementation of Fine and Decorative Art, Research and strict structural rules within which the artist Cultural Collections improvised. The resulting pattern is both otherworldly and reassuringly familiar and Where is it? the eye can trace a variety of shapes in the The Bramall Music Building abstraction of the design. You can find out more about the frieze on the project blog We are delighted to announce the and there is a new display of photography installation of Theme and Variation, a new of the making of the frieze in the Bramall ceramic frieze by internationally renowned Foyer. www.thebramallfrieze.com FEATURE: CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS FEATURE: CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS 7

Library Services Director digs in to aid construction

Library Services Director Diane Job as well as a cultural space for donned her hard hat and high-vis jacket the University, which will be open recently as she helped out with a spot of to the people of Birmingham, piling at the site of the new library. across 13,000sqms of floor space If you have taken a glance at the over six levels. webcam recently, you’ll see that the new Diane said: ‘The library we are library construction is well underway, building now on campus will be and the piling phase is now almost transformational. The opening of the complete. And if you want to take a building will be the culmination of a closer look, our contractors Carillion lot of hard work behind the scenes have now established a viewing platform to organise our incredible resources which will be open on selected days allowing our students and staff to throughout the coming months. take advantage of the considerable Contractors Carillion began work on amount of materials we hold in the the library in March after being most straightforward way. The new appointed as the main contractor earlier library will be the most fantastic this year. Due for completion in mid- space for students and researchers 2016, the library development will to be able to interact with provide outstanding facilities for a new these resources.’ generation of students and researchers,

Swim coach has a hole lot of love for the new sports centre

The head swimming coach at the including several elite swimmers, and is University took his chances to get on also involved in the learn to swim site when he climbed into the hole dug classes which take place at the current for the 50 metre swimming pool this sports centre, and said that the impact summer – despite there being quite a of a 50 metre pool on swimming could wait until the water goes in! not be underestimated. Gary Humpage has been desperate to He said: ‘For our elite swimmers, be able to get into a 50 metre pool in his to be able to train in a 50 metre pool, home city since he started training back the difference cannot be stressed in the early 1980s. And when he began enough – they will effectively be able to coaching at the University in 1996, he swim ten per cent more because of not started to hear whispers that the having to turn every 25 metres. And the longed-for pool might actually be built at pool will be wider – at the moment, the his own venue. lanes are narrow – we struggle to do When work finally began on the butterfly training because of that. The realisation of that dream earlier this year, new pool will enable much wider lanes.’ with the construction of the University’s The pool will have a moveable wall new state-of-the-art sports centre, and floor so that the pool can split into Gary was delighted. The sports centre, two 25 metre pools and alter the depth including the pool, will be open for for all swimmers of all abilities. Gary said ‘Having this 50 metre action at the beginning of 2016. the increased capacity for swimming as pool in Birmingham will Gary said: ‘It was around the time of a result would make a huge difference make us so much more the 1984 LA Olympics when people to swimming in the city: ‘It will change started to talk about getting a 50 metre how people participate – everyone can competitive – it really pool in Birmingham – and I’m so excited benefit from the wider lanes and variable will boost the things we that now it’s finally happening, it’s here floor. We can also have lane swimming can achieve through at the University of Birmingham.’ in one half of the pool throughout swimming in this city.’ Gary coaches the University’s teams, the week.’ 8 FEATURE: MOOCS MOOCs One Year On

In September 2013 the University joined a MOOCs starting this autumn: consortium of universities to provide free online learning or Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) via the new UK-based World War 1: Aviation Comes Of Age FutureLearn platform. The first University of Investigate how the white heat of Birmingham MOOC was launched in innovation in World War One shaped the December 2013 and there have since history of human flight. This course starts been more than 50,000 registrations. 20 October for three weeks with three hours of study recommended per week. This MOOC also launches the University’s ‘What a great course! This was partnership with the BBC, who have my introduction to MOOCs and provided an iWonder guide presented I’m hooked! Thank you all at the Dan Snow to support the course. University of Birmingham and

FutureLearn – it’s rare to have Liver Disease: Looking After Your Liver such quality in a free course!’ Learn about how your liver works, ways to Feedback received from a look after it and how liver damage is MOOC participant. caused, studied and treated around the world. This course starts 27 October for three weeks with three hours of study MOOCs last for two to ten weeks and recommended per week. contain a good mixture of guided reading, articles, videos and peer review activity. The amount of study varies but typically Good Brain, Bad Brain: learners are required to participate for two Parkinson’s Disease to six hours per week including time to join Learn the fundamentals of Parkinson’s in conversations and pursue options for disease; what causes it and what we deeper study. can do to ameliorate the symptoms. This course starts 17 November for three weeks with three hours of study ‘Courses are delivered in simple recommended per week. individual steps, and are accessible on numerous electronic devices, so you can University has the potential to connect with new innovations in e-learning such as ‘MOOCs have enhanced fit learning around your life, Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs). the University’s reputation as a rather than your life around SPOCs are also free and delivered online leading light in academia learning.’ Liz Wragg, MOOC but access is restricted to a smaller and have demonstrated the Operations lead at the University. number of learners with the capacity for a more customised experience. possibilities of online learning. Our courses connect learners The University has led MOOCs on a worldwide and aim to provide More information: number of diverse topics from Hamlet to an enjoyable social experience dental photography to international politics. www.futurelearn.com Feedback was positive with 94 per cent of www.birmingham.ac.uk/ with opportunities for discussion participants responding that the course postgraduate/courses/ and debate.’ Professor Giles Perryer, had met or exceeded their expectations. moocs/index.aspx Birmingham’s academic lead for MOOCs. Following the success of MOOCs the FEATURE: MOOCS 152

4-PAGE AWARDS PULL-OUT Celebrating buzz Success 2014

A truly great by many external organisations over the last our ambition of being recognised amongst organisation is 12 months. the world’s leading universities. defined by the This special supplement to Buzz highlights I would like to take this opportunity to quality of its people: some of the accolades achieved during the congratulate and thank colleagues for their at Birmingham our last year spanning across the colleges and continued commitment and look forward to people are amongst professional services. The breadth and depth another successful year and celebrating many the most talented of the accomplishments is impressive and more achievements with you over the next and dedicated covers everything from teaching, research, 12 months. of any sector. and student support to sustainability and Whilst we promotion of equality. Vice-Chancellor recognise and celebrate success internally The enthusiasm, energy and quality of work Professor Sir David Eastwood through awards such as our teaching awards, delivered by colleagues across the University the HAS OSCARS, BUAFTAs, and Founders were a key factor in our recognition as The Awards, I am absolutely delighted that the Times and The Sunday Times University of outstanding contribution and dedication of so the Year. Your outstanding individual and team many colleagues has also been recognised contributions are collectively helping us fulfil

Focus on Fellowships

To be awarded a Fellowship at a national Research councils, societies and foundations � Dr Celia Taylor – Fellow of the Higher academy is the highest accolade for academics, also appoint inspirational academics as Fellows Education Academy reserved for those displaying excellence in to support the strategic direction and research � Dr Ruth Whittle – Higher Education their field. Academics are elected for life aims of their organisation. Academy National Teaching Fellowship by their peers to become a Fellow and lead the � Professor Richard Williams – Engineering way in the promotion and recognition of high- � Dr Richard Clay – Arts & Humanities and Physical Sciences Research Council quality research. Research Council (AHRC) Commons Fellow (EPSRC) RISE Fellow � Dr Jamie Coleman – Fellow of the British � Professor Hongming Xu – Society of Professor David Charlton – Pharmacological Society Automotive Engineers Fellow of the Royal Society � Professor Arri Coomarasamy – Fellow A Professor of Particle Physics, David Charlton of the Royal College of Obstetricians and is Spokesperson of the ATLAS Collaboration Gynaecologists at the Large Hadron Collider at the European � Dr Michael Grove – Higher Education Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Academy National Teaching Fellowship � Dr Karen Guldberg – Principal Fellow of the Professor Roger Backhouse – Higher Education Academy Fellow of the British Academy � Dr Gareth Lavery – Wellcome Trust Senior A Professor of the History and Philosophy of Fellowship Economics, Roger Backhouse’s recent research � Professor Leam Craig – Fellow of the includes a book on John Maynard Keynes and British Psychological Society the history of the social sciences since 1945. � Dr Wendy Leadbeater – Senior Fellow, Professor Backhouse was also awarded a Best Higher Education Academy Book Prize by the European Society for the � Professor Richard Palmer – Fellow of the History of Economic Thought. Learned Society of Wales Rated Researchers Professional People

The University’s researchers are recognised as cardiologist at Birmingham City Hospital and Professional service staff across campus some of the finest in the world, producing original leading multidisciplinary research through contribute enormously to the prosperity and significant research that has a major influence the University’s Centre for Cardiovascular of the University; whether it is keeping on society. In the past year, academics from the Sciences. His work over the last year has led colleagues fuelled for the day or ensuring University have achieved exceptional impact by him to be listed as a ‘Highly Cited Researcher’ the campus remains clean and tidy. producing highly cited research papers that are in in Clinical Medicine and ‘Science Watch Hottest the top one per cent most cited for their subject Researcher’ by Thomson-Reuters, and as the � Cleaning Services – Customer Service in its year of publication. world’s leading expert in Atrial Fibrillation and a Award, BACHE (British Association for top ten world-leading expert in hypertension Cleaning in Higher Education) � Professor Yulong Ding – by Expertscape. � Catering Services – Best Staff & Highly Cited Researcher – Engineering Professional Services staff were also Community Scheme, Birmingham � Professor Jane McKeating – recognised as leaders in their discipline including Sustainability Recycling Awards Highly Cited Researcher – Microbiology the University’s Director of Legal Services, � Go-Mex, Catering Services – Casual � Professor Stephen Wood – Carolyn Pike, who was listed by The Lawyer Dining Concept, U-Dine Awards Highly Cited Researcher – Psychology magazine in the ‘Hot 100 Lawyers 2014’. � Professor John Jefferys – The University is ranked as a top 40 Century Citation Club – Journal of Physiology participant in the European Research Framework Programme; listed as 39th overall and 24th for Professor Gregory Y H Lip divides his time HE organisations, in terms of number of projects, between a clinical role as a consultant out of the thousands of organisations taking part.

Strong leadership

Sir Dominic Cadbury, a former Chancellor of Honours the University (2002-2013), was given a Europe Leadership Award by the Council Staff at the University have been recognised for Advancement and Support of Education for their services to Higher Education or (CASE). Sir Dominic was presented with achievements in their academic discipline in the the award in recognition of his service to New Year and Queen’s Birthday Honours listings. Birmingham and his personal support for equal access and of fundraising activities. � Professor Sir David Eastwood, Vice-Chancellor – Knighthood � Edward Smith, Pro-Chancellor – CBE � Professor Paul Cannon, School of An Ethos of Equality Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering – OBE When the University was founded in 1900, Athena Swan Bronze Awards � Emeritus Professor David Morton, it provided equal access to men and women, � School of Chemical Engineering School of Biosciences – CBE and has continued to ensure an ethos of equality � School of Chemistry � Sylvia Gardiner, Academic Services – and diversity for the institution ever since. � School of Civil Engineering British Empire Medal Today, the University continues to offer � School of Mathematics � Donna Willmetts, College of Social education and employment to people from all � School of Biosciences Sciences – British Empire Medal backgrounds and actively encourages an � School of Geography, Earth and � Dr Simon Cotton, School of Chemistry – inclusive environment for all members of the Environmental Sciences British Empire Medal University community. During the last year the University has The School of Physics and Astronomy been recognised for its pledge to advance the also achieved Juno Champion Status from Sporting Sensations careers of women in Science, Technology, the Institute of Physics for its dedication to Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) addressing the under-representation of Staff at UBSport work to encourage participation subjects, achieving Athena Swan awards women in physics and encouraging the best in sport, deliver high-quality coaching and for several of its schools. Athena Swan awards practice of all colleagues. maintain sport and exercise facilities for acknowledge a commitment to challenging colleagues, students and the local community the under-representation of women in – but two staff members at UBSport are also STEMM subjects and supporting the career world-class athletes. advancement of women in academia UBSport Scholarship Manager Luke Gunn and research. competed for England at the Commonwealth Games 2014 in the 3000m Steeplechase and Athena Swan Silver Award Laura Keates, a Sports Assistant at the Munrow � College of Medical & Dental Sciences Centre, won the World Cup as part of the England Women’s Rugby Team. Bright Beginnings Cultural Campus

The University is committed to providing a Cultural spaces at the University are also supportive environment for academics at � Martin Ling – Sir Wilfred Fish Prize, recognised as being of a high standard by the beginning of their careers and offering British Society of Periodontology the general public. Winterbourne House them the space to develop through � Dr Andrew Lovering – Young Investigator & Gardens and the Barber Institute of the Birmingham Fellowship programme. Award, European Molecular Biology Fine Arts are both consistently listed in The scheme has attracted the brightest and Organisation the top five attractions in Birmingham on the best academics from around the world; � Dr Anna Phillips – Early Career Award the review website Tripadvisor. emphasised by the numerous early career for Research, Stress & Anxiety Research awards won by our Birmingham Fellows. Society � Dr Angela Taylor and Vasilis Chortis � Christina Anderson – First Time – European Network for the Studies Presenter’s Award at The Networking for on Adrenal Tumours-Adrenocortical Education in Healthcare (NET) Carcinoma 2013 for Best Research Paper � Dr Elizabeth Blackburn – Mosley Medal, � Dr Sebastian Watt – Arne Richter Institute of Physics Award for Outstanding Young Scientists, � Dr Bharat Malkani – 2013 Young Scholar European Geosciences Union Prize, International & Comparative Law Quarterly A sustainable campus

Through environmental policies and sustainable travel schemes, the University’s activities aim International to build and maintain a sustainable campus for all. Staff in the Hospitality and Accommodation Institution Services team have been rewarded for their sustainability initiatives and continue to work with As a global institution, hosting approximately colleagues to promote a green future for all. 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries and working in partnerships with Environmental Services – Junkbusters initiative institutions worldwide, it is essential for the � Overall Winner Birmingham City Council University to have a strong team of staff Recycling Award 2013 dedicated to facilitating international initiatives. � Best Waste Reduction Scheme in the The University’s International Relations Education Category Team were awarded a Times Higher Education � Highly Commended for Best Community Leadership and Management Award for or Neighbourhood Project Outstanding International Strategy. Transport Services � Highly Recommended – Green Van Fleet of the Year, Fleet News Supporting Students � Runners Up – Fleet Hero Leadership Award, Energy Saving Trust Students are the heart of any university � Careers Network, Silver Award and at Birmingham staff are on-hand to for Best Visual Identify from the Public provide support and guidance to students Sector, Transform Awards throughout their time at the University � Worklink, Finalist, Best Innovation, and beyond. Global Recruiter Awards

� Margaret Flynn, worked for the University for more than 22 years until her retirement in 2013 was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) � Careers Network, Best Careers Support for International Students, Famous Fiction NUS Internationalisation Awards � Careers Network, Most Improved Dr Richard House’s novel The Kills was long Commitment to Employability, listed for the prestigious Man Booker Prize National Placement and Internship Awards for Fiction 2013. Dr House, lecturer in creative � Careers Network, Bronze Award writing, has also been shortlisted for the Gordon for Best Use of Visual Property, Burn Prize and nominated for a Sky Arts Award. Transform Awards FEATURE:NEWS APPS Corporate Services � Dr Lee Chapman, Remote Sensing Letters � Professor Mark Kilby, Sims Black � Human Resources Team, HR Excellence in Award, Taylor & Francis and Cuthbert Peek Professorship Award, Royal College of Research Award, European Commission Award, Royal Geographical Society Obstetricians and Gynaecologists � Human Resources Team, Exceptional HR � Dr Juliet Coates, Senior Research � Dr Jackson C Kirkman-Brown, Healthcare Achievement, Universities Human Resources Fellowship, Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Scientist of the Year, Chief Scientific Officer’s � Human Resources Team, Finalist in � Joan Duda, Presidency of Division 12 Award the Performance and Reward Category, (Sport & Exercise Psychology), International � Laura Lord, Poster Award, Division of Health Chartered Institute of Personnel and Association of Applied Psychology Psychology British Psychological Society Development (CIPD) Awards � Professor Timothy Dafforn, Entrepreneur-in- � Professor Janet Lord, Glenn Award for � Postgraduate Recruitment Team, residence for synthetic biology, Department Research in Biological Mechanisms of Aging, Gold Award for the Best Use of Innovation for Business, Innovation and Skills Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and Creative Thinking, Heist Awards for � Professor David Hannah, Tison Award, � Professor John Marriott, Dr Jamie Education Marketing International Association of Hydrological Coleman, Sarah Thomas, Dr Anthony Cox � Buzz Magazine, Finalist, Best Internal Sciences and Dr Christine Hirsch, Improving Safety Publication, CIPR Awards � Ahmad Osailan, Best Abstract in the area of in Medicines Management, Patient Safety � Original Magazine, Finalist, Best External Clinical Sciences, European League Against Awards Publication, CIPR Awards Rheumatism � Dr Stuart Morgan, International Endocrine � The University’s Registry Team and the � Dr Rosemary Waring, Lloyds Science of Risk Scholar Award, European Society of Birmingham Foundation Academy were Prize Endocrinology finalists at theTimes Higher Education � Peter Morgan-Warren, Colt Prize for Military Leadership and Management Awards Research, Royal Society of Medicine � Hannah Kinney, Student Employee Award, College of Medical and � Dr Faye Morris, The Heatley Payne Prize, National Association of Student Dental Sciences Society of General Microbiology and Employment Services � Mr Ricky Bhogal, Syme Medal, Royal College American Society of Microbiology � Linden Thomas, Corporate Social of Surgeons of Edinburgh � Professor Dion Morton, Honorary Professor Responsibility and Pro Bono Lawyer of the � Professor Julian Bion, President’s Award, of Surgery, Faculty of Health Science at the Year, Birmingham Law Society Intensive Care Society UK University of Southern Denmark � Lorraine Bartram and Tim Owen, � Professor Iain Chapple, President Elect, � Professor Laura Piddock – part of a team Student Acquisitive Crime Team Award, British Society of Periodontology awarded the Longitude Prize to undertake West Midlands Police � Myriam Chimen, Dr Helen McGettrick, research into antibiotic research and Clara Yates, Dr Amy Kennedy, Dr Ashley Marjory Stephenson Prize for Outstanding Martin, Dr Francesca Barone, Dr Lucy Contributions to Microbiology, Society for College of Arts and Law Walker, Professor Chris Buckley, Professor General Microbiology � Professor Matthew Hilton – Appointed to Gerard Nash, Professor Ed Rainger � Wing Commander Professor Robert AH the Advisory Board of the Arts and Humanities and Dr Parth Narendran, Eli Lilly Basic Scott, Lady Cade Medal for Meritorious Research Council (AHRC) Science Poster Award, Diabetes UK Annual Research, Royal Air Force � Dr Leon McRae, Best Overall Publication, Professional Conference � Dr Abd Tahrani, Sleep Related Breathing Institute of Mental Health � Professor Angus Dawson, Chairmanship, Disorders Investigator Award, American Scientific Advisory Board for Interdisciplinary Academy of Sleep Medicine Research Initiative Governing Obesity, � Professor Damien Walmsley, Presidency, College of Engineering and University of Copenhagen Association Dental Education of Europe and Physical Sciences � Karen Doyle, Special Commendation Scientific Advisor, British Dental Association � Professor Michael Adams, Recognition Research Engagement Flame of Hope Award, � Professor Deborah White, Chairpersonship, of Outstanding Contributions to the Cancer Research UK British Dental Association Clinical Academics Development of Agglomeration Science, � Dr Clare Eddy, Best Oral Presentation, Group International Granulation Workshop European Society for the Study of Tourette � Weight Management Team, Heartlands � Dr Haider Butt, Philip Leverhulme Prize, Syndrome Diabetes UK Primary Care Poster Award Leverhulme Trust � Professor Pam Kearns, Joint Winner � Professor Paul Cannon, Presidency, Research Engagement Flame of Hope Award, College of Social Sciences International Radio Science Union Cancer Research UK � Carol Solley, Emily Hargreaves and Jade � Professor Charalampos Baniotopoulos , � Dr Nikos Efstathiou, Adjunct Professor, Bressington were awarded Universitas 21 Honorary Professorship, Jordan University of School of Nursing at the University of Ottowa Fellowships Science and Technology and the European Oncology Nursing Society � Emeritus Professor Rita Jordan, Autism � Professors Daniela Kuhn Deryk and Research Travel Grant Professional Award, National Autistic Society Osthus , Whitehead prize, London � Professor Robin Ferner, The Distinguished � Dr Daiga Kamerade, Campbell Adamson Mathematical Society Clinical Pharmacologist and Mentor Award, Memorial Prize for the Best Research Paper, � Professor Richard Palmer , John Yarwood South Asian Chapter of the American College National Council of Voluntary Organisations Memorial Medal, British Vacuum Council of Clinical Pharmacology � Professor Mondor Ram, Best in Education, � Dr Athanasios Tsolakis , Outstanding Paper � Chandrika Gordhan & Dr Rebecca Stack, British Indian Awards Award, Engineering Science and Innovative Clinical Prize, British Health Professionals in � Birmingham Business School has achieved Technology International Conference Rheumatology AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate and Best Poster Prize, Future Powertrain � Dr Vanessa Heggie, Visiting Fellowship, Schools of Business) Accreditation; Conference Sydney Centre for the Foundations of Science consequently the School now joins an elite � Professor Martin Hewison, Wolfson Merit group of Business Schools holding Triple- Award, Royal Society College of Life and Accreditation. � Dr Christine Hirsch and Dr Anthony Cox, � Birmingham Business School, Silver Award, Environmental Sciences Pharmacy Practice Research Poster 3rd Prize, College of Arts and Law Small Business Charter � Professor Gurdyal Besra, Jeremy Knowles Royal Pharmaceutical Society Edgbaston,Award, Royal Birmingham, Society of Chemistry � Dr Laura Jones, Wellcome Trust Institutional B15� Professor2TT, United Steve KingdomBusby, Chairmanship, Strategic Support Fund Mobility Scholarship www.birmingham.ac.ukBiochemical Society i FEATURE:NEWS APPS 139

LEADING THE WAY ON MOBILE DEVELOPMENTS

The proliferation of mobile devices and all Summit again in December. The focus the capabilities that they have to offer has of this year’s Summit will be on sharing given a new lease of life to the creativity of experiences on the development and University staff. It has opened new horizons exploitation of mobile apps in research, in quantitative and qualitative data the consolidation of the network and gathering methodologies for research on building collaborations leading projects across the University. to specific projects. In an institution like the University of The MARS Summit 2014 will take Birmingham that puts research at the core, place at the University of Birmingham the IT Innovation Centre is leading the way on 4 December 2014. with initiatives such as the Mobile Apps in The IT Innovation Centre also Research Summit (MARS Summit) that is works with other universities and instrumental to showcase the work of our industrial organisations on the staff in this field. Student Mobile App Competition, The MARS Summit, a one day mini- now in its third iteration. Official conference run in partnership with Ideas sponsors of the event, like IBM and Lab, is the first event in the UK to bring Deutsche Bank, are boosting the together researchers, funders and University’s employability agenda by developers from all over the country to offering paid placements in their examine the role of mobile apps in organisations to the competition research. The MARS Summit taps into a winners. Last year’s winner, Yatisa Patel, current gap in the mobile app market by a student from the School of Dentistry has shifting the attention from commercial apps seen her app, “Dentify”, which offers Mars Summit: www. to focus specifically on the role of mobile provisional tooth care advice, adopted by appsinresearchsummit.com apps in research: as data gathering tools, the NHS Health Library. Academic staff as tools to deliver the products of research like Dr Tom Chothia or Professor Giles Student Mobile App Competition: to professionals and as tools for public Perryer who supervised the development https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/ engagement. of the “Dentify” app, are instrumental to it/innovation/Student-Mobile-App- The success of last year’s MARS inspire, encourage and support students Competition/SMAC-Prizes.aspx Summit proved that there is a growing high to progress with their projects from idea to level of demand for training, networking commercialisation and release. IT Innovaton Centre: http://intranet. and discussion in the area of apps in birmingham.ac.uk/itinnovation research. The MARS Summit 2013 put the University of Birmingham at the centre of a Further information: Ideas Lab: https://intranet. network of academics with interest and Nandy Millan, Head of birmingham.ac.uk/external/ expertise in using these new technologies the IT Innovation Centre: marketing-communications/ in research. The demand for this type of [email protected] Ideas-Lab.aspx event has led us to organise the MARS 10 FEATURE: BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL FEATURE: BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL

Engaging With SCIENCE Looking back at the British Science Festival

In September the University hosted the British Science Festival – six days full of talks, demonstrations, research, entertainment and activities. The Festival, organised in conjunction with the British The University produces world- Science Association, welcomed top researchers, Nobel Prize leading, distinctive and significant winners and fantastic entertainers to communicate the value of research that has an impact on the global society. As part of the Festival, science and its impact on culture, our society and economy. academics from the University presented the findings from seven exciting research projects including new discoveries at Stonehenge, Greg Clark, UK Minister for Universities, the identification of potential food Science and Cities, visited the Festival sources, and insight into how different and was greeted by the University’s generations cope with loss. t Provost and Vice-Principal, Adam The press coverage generated by Tickell. He also joined Alice Roberts, these stories was worth more than Professor of Public Engagement in £5.2 million. Birmingham’s academics Science, on stage to discuss the also led many of the talks and debates government’s policy on science, on campus covering robotics, technology and innovation. astronomy, anatomy, palaeontology, Alumnus and Nobel Prize winner Professor Sir Paul Nurse, Rt Hon evolution, drones and ecology. Greg Clark MP, British Science Association Chief Executive Imran Khan, Provost and Vice-Principal Adam Tickell

School and college students from the Birmingham area and beyond also benefited from attending

the event as part of the Festival’s Young People’s Programme, which aimed to inspire and encourage participation in science subjects. FEATURE: BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL FEATURE: BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL 11

The University’s annual Community Day also took place on the Festival’s second day offering local people the chance to explore the beautiful campus and celebrate all things science. It is estimated that 12,500

came along to join in the fun –

making robots, building rockets, using a microscope, learning aerial acrobatics and riding a traditional carousel.

EXPLODING CUSTARD – a love of food and science

CBBC’s Gastronaut Stefan Gates visited campus on Community Day to perform a science showcase – with everything from exploding custard and locusts to worm flavoured fudge. After the show Faye Jackson caught up with Stefan to ask him about his love of food and science.

Stefan’s love of science came from a recently presented a documentary Cooking between cooking and chemistry. He added: childhood curiosity about why foods tasted in the Danger Zone I asked him about his ‘We eat food every day so why not make differently when cooked. This pushed him views on future global food security. Stefan that into something fun that tells you to delve deeper into recipes and discover stressed the need to look not only at new something about the world?’ what differences simple alterations made. food developments and genetically He began to investigate further and became modified (GM) food but to look back to old fascinated by the chemistry of food. crop varieties: ‘For example Teff, which is used in Ethiopian Injera bread, is an ancient grain that grows really well in many ‘Why does bacon taste climates. But to change people’s attitudes awful when you microwave we need to get young people interested in the chemistry of food.’ commented Stefan. it but sublime when you Discussing his show and the chemistry experiments he demonstrates, Stefan said: fry it? Why does an egg ‘You can no longer just stand in front of start off see-through kids and talk about something that you find fascinating. My show takes the fun bits of then turn white?’ chemistry that you can eat and creates a whizz-bang moment that creates the spark The University has recently published which gets them interested in chemistry.’ research highlighting a vast quantity of wild Stefan’s top tip for someone who is relatives of crops that are native to current interested in science is to ‘cook and look.’ conflict zones which could be crucial to the Look at what happens to food as it cooks future of world food security. As Stefan and ask people why – make the connection 12 FEATURE: ANCESTRAL DEVICES EVENT: BOOK TO THE FUTURE IS BACK Ancestral Devices Helen Barrell spends her days working at the University’s Barber Fine Arts and Music Libraries yet out of hours she is a super-sleuth, tracing her family’s history back as far as the early 1600s.

Helen has been researching her family tree for over 15 years and has discovered Where to begin researching censuses, newspapers, fascinating links between her ancestors and your family tree… directories, will indices, historic events. Charles Savage, a cousin employment records, of her great-grandmother, was a crew- n Genealogy magazines frequently parish registers, non-conformist member on the Titanic and survived. produce guides on how to get started, registers and passenger lists Another, George Owler, was wounded at and tips for advanced searching n www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk: Alma the first battle of the Crimean War. n www.rootschat.com: an excellent Scottish censuses, wills, parish Helen’s interest in genealogy began place to start, a forum full of registers; birth, marriage and when she sat listening to her grandfather enthusiastic and experienced death records telling tales of his forefathers’ escapades. researchers n www.freebmd.org.uk: a free index She asked him to write down some of his n www.ancestry.co.uk and www. for birth, marriage and death memories and this formed the basis of her findmypast.co.uk: two of the registrations in England and Wales initial research. Helen said: ‘The information main subscription websites with n www.freereg.org.uk: free he provided was fascinating but it wasn’t worldwide coverage that provide transcriptions of British parish joined up, I wanted to connect it all together access to original sources, such as registers to get the bigger picture. Memories can be a useful starting point for your family history research, but use a variety of Essex and Suffolk, and publishing them Helen’s Top Tips: sources, if you can. I use paper records, online, as part of the FreeREG project, online sources and I’ve also recently to aid her research and trace her ancestry n Write down what you already know utilised genetic genealogy.’ further back in time. However transcribing n Speak to family members about from the microfiche copies of centuries old their memories documents can be problematic: ‘Reading ‘I know it’s a cliché to compare n Be organised and develop a little bits of information to handwriting from the 1600s can be tricky strategy for your research and even more so when large portions are puzzle-pieces, but once you’ve put n Be forever curious and prepare recorded in Latin’, said Helen. yourself for surprises it all together, it’s only then you’ll Genetic genealogy is a relatively new n Keep up-to-date as new resources get the fullest picture you can discipline that is done for the purpose of become available learning about one’s heritage; it uses of the lives of those who lived n Learn to read different types of DNA testing but is not the same as the old handwriting. The National before us. It provides you with process used to catch criminals. Helen has an awareness of your own history Archives’ tutorial is excellent: utilised the mitochondrial DNA, which looks www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ and it’s fascinating.’ at maternal lineage, and autosomal tests, palaeography which look at all of your chromosomes, For those whose ancestors were resident in to learn more about her origins. After taking the UK it is usually possible trace your family a saliva swab test Helen discovered that history back to the mid-1800s. However, she has a global make-up with elements of o go back further it is likely you would need Northern European, the Mediterranean and Further information: access to parish records. As many of the North Africa. Genetic genealogy is in its www.essexandsuffolksurnames. records are bound books held within local infancy and may not provide detailed results co.uk archives they cannot easily be searched. on its own, but can be useful in conjunction Follow Helen on Twitter: Helen is currently transcribing parish with other methods when mapping out @essexsuffolk registers and historical documents from your family tree. FEATURE: ANCESTRAL DEVICES EVENT: BOOK TO THE FUTURE IS BACK 13

BOOK TO

On 11 June Chris Addison, award-winningTHE FUTURE IS BACK... writer, stand-up comic, actor and director, Book to the Future, the University’s festival of the written and spoken took to the stage in the Great Hallword, to is deliver back and will take place across campus from 14–18 October. the annual Baggs Memorial Lecture. Launched last year to celebrate the FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS: wealth of student, alumni, and staff Aspiring novelists creative talent in the spoken and Jan Watts, an alumna of the University and written word, Book to the Future allows former Birmingham Poet Laureate, will show us to explore different research themes. Working 9–5? you how to write a novel in just a month! This year, in the shadow of Old Joe, Hear how you can see your we will be exploring ‘Time’, including writing in print while still working Procrastinators commemorating the WW1 centenary, that day job as Danann Swanton, Jo Usmar, an alumna of the University, marking the 450th birthday of Shakespeare, Communications Officer in the journalist, and co-author of the This Book and finding out how to write a novel in College of Social Sciences and Will series will teach you how to maximise a month! The festival features workshops, alumna of the University, tells you your time. Jo said: ‘My talk will be based on lectures, poetry and performances how she became part-time time-saving strategies from my books,

from students, staff and alumni and is and published. This Book Will Make You funded by the College of Arts and Law Calm/Happy/Confident and and supported by venuebirmingham. the forthcoming This Book Will Make You Mindful. I Artists spoke at Book to the Future Join Neil Gibson, UK comic 2013 on journalism and it ‘Book to the Future motivated me book publisher and alumnus was so brilliant meeting to write my first novel. After attending of the University, as he tells students, past and present, you how comics can help you that I’m really excited to events last October, I got to work and in both your studies and your come back.’ had written my first novel by the end of career! Neil said: ‘I didn’t November. My novel, ‘The Sheriff’, read comics when I was at Birmingham, because I Have a passion

is now available online, which wouldn’t perceived them for literature? have happened had it not been for as childish and Our creative writing student society, frankly, beneath Writers’ Bloc brings you the Book to the Future.’ me. I now Birmingham Revue of Books, Simon Fairbanks, an alumnus of the University realise I had celebrating and appreciating literature been ignoring and local author. Simon will be delivering two in a light-hearted evening of comedy, an entire poetry, theatre, and music. talks at the festival discussing his experiences world of of self-publishing his book. literature.’

Commemorating the centenary of WW1 Mike Robinson, Professor of Cultural Heritage and More information on the Director of the Ironbridge International Institute for festival can be found at: Cultural Heritage, and Dr Josef Ploner, from the

www.birmingham.ac.uk/bttf University of Hull, host the event: ‘Spoken for the First Time: Postcard Messages from the Trenches.’ 14 EVENT: BLACK HISTORY MONTH NEWS AND VIEWS

October 2014

For the fourth consecutive year the University is hosting Danford Screenings Danford Room, 2nd Floor, Arts Building a diverse programme of events and activities to mark Join the Research and Cultural Collections the occasion and be part of the national celebration of the team for two special films. Both screenings contributions black people have made to British society. are free to attend but booking is essential. The programme includes film screenings, talks and exhibitions. Visit: mudandwaterman.eventbrite.co.uk and mondaysgirls.eventbrite.co.uk to book.

Black History Month The Hip Hop Fellow n Mud and Water Man Poetry Trail [dir: Kenneth Price, 2013, 78m] Tuesday 21 October, 5.00–7.30pm 6–31 October, 9.00am–5.00pm Tuesday 7 October, 6.15pm Mud and Water Man traces the career Across Edgbaston Campus of English potter Michael Cardew, This feature-length documentary follows from his establishment of Pottery Collect a map from Aston Webb Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Training Centres in Nigeria and Ghana, Reception and embark on an inspirational Wonder’s tenure at Harvard University as to the running of his pottery studio at trail of poetry and letters at the University he teaches ‘The Standards of Hip-Hop’ Wenford Bridge in Cornwall. of Birmingham. Following a competition course, conducts research for his thesis n Monday’s Girls inviting reflections on the theme and explores hip-hop’s history, culture and Tuesday 28 October, 5.00–7.30pm ‘inspirational change’, a selection of poems role in academia. This special screening Monday’s Girls is a documentary and letters will be displayed in creative will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the traditions associated with and surprising ways across campus. chaired by Dr Erin Sullivan from 7.30- the initiation of women into adult society Open to all. 8.15pm. Admission is free but booking is in Nigeria. Combining voice-over and recommended. Visit: thehiphopfellow. interviews, the film documents tradition, eventbrite.co.uk. modernity, and dissent in African Leslie Primo and His women’s lives. Barber Favourites Tuesday 21 October, 3.00–4.00pm Danford Room of West Black History Month Menus Barber Institute Of Fine Arts African Art and Artefacts Wednesday 22 October Every Friday in October, 9.00am–5.00pm Back by popular demand, acclaimed art Danford Room, 2nd Floor, Arts Building Go Central, University Centre historian and National Gallery lecturer Leslie (8.00am–4.00pm) Primo returns to the Barber. Join Leslie This exhibition celebrates the extensive Pop in to the Go Asia counter in as he shares his favourite works from the cultural traditions and artistic expression University Centre and sample their Barber collection in this exclusive guided of countries in West Africa. The collection special Caribbean menu – all for tour of the galleries. Admission is free but ranges from domestic and ceremonial only £4.50! booking is essential. To book a ticket please objects to contemporary fine art and is contact the Barber on 0121 414 2261 or considered one of the finest collections of Noble Room, Staff House at [email protected]. its kind in Europe. Open to all. (12.00noon–4.00pm) Following a University-wide Black History Month recipe competition, in which we asked you to submit your favourite African, Caribbean and Asian influenced dishes, the Noble Room will serve up the winning dish, alongside other Black History Month dishes. EVENT: BLACK HISTORY MONTH NEWS AND VIEWS 15

news views Our regular feature gives Buzz readers a quick tour of the latest University news hitting the headlines and activity among our online community.

in the news… feeling social... Many articles about Birmingham research and expertise appear in local, national and international press every day. Over the summer months our attention was predominantly Here are just a few examples of our recent highlights. directed towards confirmation and clearing with a campaign based around online reputation building leading up to results day.

Professor Sir David Eastwood was featured in an article in The When the day itself came our profile building paid off with a Telegraph and on ITV News bulletins including News at Ten fantastic response including 2,000 tweets to the University’s discussing Clearing and the opportunities it presents to attract central Twitter feed, 1,500 uses of our officially endorsed good students. #hellobrum hashtag, which resulted in it trending nationally, and to top it off, 300 new followers to our recently launched Professor Jeremy Wyatt was featured in articles in the Financial Instagram feed. Times, Daily Mail, The Times Online, Mail Online UK, Yahoo! UK and Ireland, BBC News online, MSN UK, FT.com and The majority of our engagement was the result of elated firm Birmingham Mail, discussing the abilities of the University’s robot, acceptors and successful clearing applicants and we made a Boris. Professor Wyatt was also interviewed on BBC Radio 2 point of acknowledging every contact with a hugely congratulatory and several local BBC radio stations including BBC WM and BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire. Boris performed in public response. There were also a high number of enquiry based tweets for the first time in front of an audience of journalists at the and being located in the Learning Centre, along with Admissions British Science Festival. allowed us to respond to these quickly and accurately. In addition the Living team were also very active in solving accommodation Dr Richard Butler featured on BBC Midlands Today talking about tweets through their own feed. It was an excellent feeling and his research and the discovery of the first dinosaur to be found in extremely rewarding to know the team were successfully engaging Venezuela. He was also interviewed on BBC Radio Stoke, BBC with our core demographic through the medium they are most Radio WM, BBC Hereford & Worcester, BBC Radio Shropshire, at ease with. and BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire. Dr Butler was also interviewed in The Sunday Times ahead of his talk at the British Science Festival on dinosaur evolution. Mr Tony Belli and Dr Michael Grey featured in articles on Yahoo! UK and Ireland, The Times Online, The Times, The Telegraph website, and Professor Vince Gaffney was featured in The Times, The Times Mail Online UK, discussing the development of a pitch-side Online, Nature, MSN UK, Financial Times, Yahoo! UK and Ireland breathalyser that can show if a footballer or rugby player is suffering The Telegraph website, Mirror.co.uk, ITV.com, theguardian.co.uk, from concussion. and the Birmingham Post, discussing his research findings from a geophysical survey undertaken at Stonehenge. If you would like to work with Join the the press office, or find out more Dr Nigel Maxted’s work into areas around the globe where crop about how they can help you wild relatives (species closely related to our crops) could be UoB online promote your research, email conserved as a food source was featured on BBC News Online, community [email protected] The Independent and The Irish Times. Follow us on Twitter or call 0121 414 6029 Dr Anna Phillips and Professor Janet Lord were featured in an at @unibirmingham. article in The Independent, The Guardian, The Daily Mirror, MSN If you use social media UK, i, and theguardian.co.uk, describing their research outcomes, at work and would like to increase your which found that age alters our immune response to bereavement. visibility, find out more at: http://intranet.birmingham.ac. uk/socialmediaguidelines profile in myownwords Myra Nimmo… advancement ofwomen’scareersinsciencesand have achievedawardsforcommitmenttothe research. Colleaguesarehighly-ratedasresearchers, in areallypositivestatetermsofitsteachingand accessibility totheartsthatcitylifecanbring. prospect forme,Ienjoythecafécultureand Living andworkinginBirminghamisalsoanappealing becoming partofsuchateamhasbeenhugelyexciting. was awareoftheambitionUniversityand across campus.Iwasattractedtotherolebecause there isstillmuchformetoexploreanddiscover I arrivedattheUniversitystartofOctoberso Science. This Institute’s purpose was to translate the Science. ThisInstitute’spurpose wastotranslatethe of TheScottishInstituteSports MedicineandSports co-founder, withcolleaguesat Aberdeen University, to myresearchIwasableinitiate andbea effect onmuscleandwholebody adaptation.Inparallel stress associatedwithextremetemperaturesandthe of Strathclydemyresearchwasappliedtothethermal in particularskeletalmuscleandlaterattheUniversity into theinterventionofexerciseintermsmetabolism, Professions AlliedtoMedicine.Icontinuedmyresearch Glasgow whereItaughtphysiologymainlytothe My firstlecturingpostwasatTheQueen’sCollege, characteristics ofskeletalmusclefibrecomposition. Trust ResearchFellowshipinvestigatingheredity Thoroughbred racehorses.IthenwonaWellcome from theVeterinarySchool,wheremy‘subjects’were an undergraduatephysiologydegreeandthenaPhD interdisciplinary research. Birmingham, astheUniversityboastsahighstandardof athletes; somethingIhopetocontinuedohereat collaborating withclinicalcolleagues,patientsandelite College undertakes. and increaserecognitionoftheworkthat to buildonthisstrongbasefortifyourresearch the commitmentofstaff.Iwanttoworkwithcolleagues Festival hostedattheUniversity–alldemonstrating have beenheavilyinvolvedintherecentBritishScience of LifeandEnvironmentalSciences. Professor MyraNimmo,Pro-Vice-ChancellorandHeadoftheCollege I feel I have joined the College at a good time – it is I feelhavejoinedtheCollegeatagoodtime–itis My careerbeganattheUniversityofGlasgowwith My researchhasinvolvedworkingacrossdisciplines

to realise such aspirations. to realisesuchaspirations. College andwiderUniversity, workingwiththem hearing abouttheirambitionsfor thefutureof and Iamlookingforwardtoengaging withstaff, it continuestobuildonthesuccessesoflastyear for science,andsportexercise. interesting lifeexperienceandcombinedmypassions more academicapproachtosport,itwascertainlyan Sports CouncilandUKSport.AlthoughInowhavea international sportingbodiesincludingtheScottish Games. Iwentontoservemanynationaland years andcompetinginthe1976MontrealOlympic holding theScottishlong-jumprecordforanumberof has beenlifelong–Ihadashortcareerinathletics, running andwalking.Myinterestinsportexercise the timetoexercise;Ispecificallyenjoycycling, to thehumanbody,itisnotsurprisingthatItryfind an activitywhichshouldonlybeundertakenonce! Research ExcellenceFramework(REF)submission– challenges andofcourseleadingtheUniversity’s development ofsixcross-disciplinaryresearch activities asPro-Vice-ChancellorResearchwasthe the LoughboroughCampusin2015.Myothermajor Council forEngland(HEFCE),andareduetoopenon Department ofHealthandHigherEducationFunding and itsactivities,whichhavebeenfundedbythe funding ofTheNationalCentreSportandExercise fortunate toleadthewider2012OlympicLegacy colleagues fromUniversityHospitalsLeicester.Iwas Biomedical ResearchUnit,atLoughboroughwith Loughborough Diet,LifestyleandPhysicalActivity two tothreeyearsIhavesteeredtheLeicester- as thePro-Vice-ChancellorforResearch.Forlast School ofSportandExerciseSciences,then at LoughboroughwerespentfirstlyastheHeadof with TheRoyalColleges. this endwedevelopedane-learningsuiteofmodules research findingstopractitionersanddoctors It isanexcitingtimetobepartoftheUniversityas After manyyearsresearchingthebenefitsofexercise I thenmovedsouthoftheborderandmysevenyears

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