ANNUAL REVIEW 2009-2010 UN AN THE IVER IN RE TE GION SITY RNAT F IONAL OR ANNUAL REVIEW 2009-2010 14- 10- 1 CO 6- 2- 9 5 17 13 NT Eli EN nor ‘Ent Ins Da E-l Im Wh Su Vi Re He Cl Bank Che Ponti Nor Cl Ce Love COMUN R A TEACH H 40 He ESARCH IGHL si i i WOR ri ni mat p ver p nci ad al ear tan E y o th m t er ro v TS erch li h ca th th n Flo i o s-Wi B An n n a i s pr n W t st e e Sy lly an g R g nd e i and in Fe ng we ale i r Ch ni ac arg Cl D ING T GH Defin En se l s y go g lia Ob he ed B v tems am es St an Re rin FROM s t er g S od ms IT r by ing o so TS ir back in O o an ge sar ache Ahe AND Ad g Y y ed cial , rg e Way Des le Co dard Wal Pl Lic That OF anis te y r rpo ad res an ing Ca s of ig e T A es t LE o s Out ts n’: 209/1 nt HE at re at s R Se ' t of Flue he adic e Kno ib in Our io ARN A (Ba e Co to El iot n V t Pitch Human Like he m ncy ite f IC wl al t ng W i or he cs ING oun A edg E- R or un Co Ran Huma nt C C evo fo ica CH o omunity ach Trial arcti ds e r uld Brain: do t l E I ions utio n ANCE i conm n ns mised s b g ovat We e Em Unit na a Have in nd Used Build bsi ai ry T Wels i Ma L OR l: ) o y el Tr t Ma n e p : Wa r : res i 0 ket to ng a w 1 EDI h rk ls rmed 2 w s Trea ing 48 Sport Ma @ ed w.b i TO n ba 3 De R chine a 8 t ng ng 3 to pa 2 o or 98 rt r.a .a m . c c. ,ent .uk uk Bangor Unive rsity, Bangor, Gwyne d L57 2DG. A WORD FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR s the new Vice-Chancellor of Bangor reputation for looking after its students, and AUniversity it is my pleasure to present it is vitally important that this continues. our Annual Report for the 2009-10 academic year. With the likely introduction of higher fees, universities must be more attentive to the During the period covered by this report, quality of the student experience at all the University was led by Professor Merfyn levels. Working closely with industry, Jones as Vice-Chancellor and following his improving research performance and retirement by Professor Fergus Lowe as internationalisation are crucial for our Acting Vice-Chancellor, and I would like to students’ future as well as the University’s thank them both, as well as the Acting continued success. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr David Roberts, for their valuable contribution during the I look forward to working with all of you to year which has ensured that Bangor is well ensure that Bangor University continues to placed to face a challenging future with make a major contribution to the region, to confidence. Wales and to society at large.

As a result of the economic situation, Professor John G. Hughes universities throughout the UK have faced Vice-Chancellor a great deal of uncertainty. However there have been significant achievements at Bangor which have contributed to a sound foundation for next year. Student recruitment, both in the UK and overseas has been strong, there are promising developments in research, and tremendous progress has been made with the Pontio project which will transform the University and the wider region. Many others are outlined in this report.

Since I took up my post, I have been pleased to see great enthusiasm and loyalty to the University, and I am proud to have been appointed only the seventh Vice-Chancellor in our 126-year history. There are major strengths and opportunities here of which we can all be proud.

Financial stability of course is a crucial component of achieving academic success, and in turn meeting the demands of our students. Bangor has an excellent

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1 Mike Peters, front man of rock band, The Alarm, was among the individuals awarded Honorary Fellowships for their distinguished contributions in various roles.

Also honoured were 2 Welsh author Jane Edwards, 3 the scientist and businessman, Sir Christopher Evans, 4 Denbighshire local historian, Robert Morris Owen, 5 the journalist and author, Sir Simon Jenkins, 6 former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales, Lampeter, Professor Keith Robbins, and 7 High Court Judge, Mr Justice Roderick Evans.

02 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 HIGHLIGHTS 09/10

Bangor University became the first UK Bangor University achieved a First Class university to lead a twinning partnership degree in the People & Planet's Green under UNESCO's UNITWIN Network. Under League 2010, which ranks all 133 UK the Network, academics at the School of universities according to their Ocean Sciences are sharing their expertise environmental performance. This is due to in sustainability and marine sciences with team work to understand and marine scientists and academics at the address environmental issues Institute of Marine Sciences, Zanzibar, part throughout the University, ranging from the of the University of Dar es Salaam, in energy and water used, the wastes Tanzania, east Africa. produced and the way staff travel, to the protection of our environmental assets and Bangor student Catrin Haf Jones won the the goods and services we procure. Crown in the Urdd National Eisteddfod. This The University has improved its is the second year in succession for a environmental performance by developing student following the MA in Creative an Environmental Management System Writing in the School of Welsh to win the (EMS), describing all the University's Crown, the main prize for writing creative environmental impacts, and how it plans to prose - the prize was won last year by achieve continual environmental Lleucu Hughes who is currently working improvement. for the weekly newspaper Y Cymro. Reef biodiversity off the Student Manon Wyn Williams won the The PILSen: Practice Interventions for east African coast. Drama Medal - for the second time. She is Language Sensitivity: a Pilot Study to also studying an MA in Creative Writing at Inform the Delivery of Pharmaceutical the School of Welsh . She won the award in Services in Wales won a Welsh Language 2007, and also won the prestigious Bryn in Healthcare Award for 'Innovative Terfel Scholarship as an actress the practice in primary care which responds to same year . patients' needs for service'. PILSen is a partnership between the NHS and LLAIS, A new book tracing the fascinating history the language awareness research group of of Bangor University marked the the Centre for Health-Related Research, University’s 125th Anniversary. Written by the ESRC Centre for Research on Dr David Roberts , University Registrar, the Bilingualism in Theory and Practice, the book traces the University’s rise from North Wales Organisation for Randomised modest beginnings in October 1884 as the Trials in Health and CEPhI, the University's ‘University College of North Wales’, with health economics group. just 58 students in the Penrhyn Arms, to an independent university with Andrew Smith, Fine Art Academic degree-awarding powers and 12,000 Co-ordinator at the College of Education & students and staff. Lifelong Learning won a public art commission to produce artwork for Cardiff’s Splott Road Railway Bridge, following a public consultation which received 150 responses. The community chose ‘Constellation’ from two artworks produced after working with local groups and schools. It covers the two sides of the bridge creating a dynamic and colourful public art statement.

Work began in October to make a hidden and precious treasure of medieval Bangor universally accessible on-line. Owned by Bangor Cathedral, the Bangor Pontifical is a unique, decorated, hand-written book dating from the 14th century. Catrin Haf Jones, Manon Wyn Williams, Dr David Roberts winner of the Urdd winner of the Drama and his book. Eisteddfod Crown. Medal at the Urdd Eisteddfod. BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 03 1 2

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1 Wolverhampton Food Dudes project manager, Charlotte Cameron, with local children (and Gold HIGHLIGHTS 09/10 Medal) at St. Paul’s Primary School Wolverhampton. Three School of Creative Studies and Media A bust of the late Professor Bedwyr Lewis students experienced the buzz of election Jones, one of Bangor University's foremost 2 The first Santander Scholars arrived in night at close range while working for the past Professors, was unveiled in May. Bangor in 20010/11. Here, BBC on the night, gaining invaluable first Bedwyr Lewis Jones was Professor of postgraduate students hand experience of news gathering. Second Welsh at Bangor from 1974 until his death Maialen Herrero, Fernando Pinillos, year student Kelvin Jones was updating the in 1992 and a lecturer at the University Alejandro González and BBC from the count at Dolgellau, while Illtud since 1959. He was renowned as a scholar Eduardo De Valle are Deiniol reported from Pontypridd and Dewi and literary critic, as an unparalleled being welcomed by branch Jones from Llandrindod. broadcaster and as an individual who manager, Veselina Vasileva. inspired an interest in Welsh language and The Food Dudes healthy eating programme literature. The commission by the 3 Sculptor John Meirion was awarded the top gold medal award at University followed a successful appeal Morris and Mrs Eleri Jones widow of the late the Chief Medical Officer’s Public Health among his friends and acquaintances, and Professor Bedwyr Lewis Awards. The award ceremony held at the represents the first new bust to be Jones with the recently Royal College of Physicians, acknowledges commissioned by the University in half a unveiled bust. the efforts of all those working to improve century. the health of the nation and celebrates innovative and successful public health The University’s partnership with initiatives. Santander has included the opening of a The Award was for a particular Food brand new branch of Santander bank on Dudes project promoted by Wolverhampton the University campus and the Primary Care Trust, as part of their announcement of five Santander strategy to tackle the higher than average Scholarships for post-graduate students level of childhood obesity in the region. from Latin America, Spain and Portugal applying to study at Bangor.

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1 Professor John G. Hughes became Bangor University’s seventh Vice-Chancellor.

2 John Griffiths AM, then H.R.H Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip In June Bangor University’s Council Deputy Minister for Skills, speaking at the launch of visited Bangor University during their tour announced the appointment of Professor the Aber-Bangor Skills of north and mid Wales. They visited the John G. Hughes as Vice-Chancellor. He took Centre. Management Centre for a reception and up his post in the autumn. lunch and viewed the recently developed Prior to the appointment, Professor 3 Professor Judy Hutchings with Jane facilities. Hughes was President of the National Davidson AM and University of Ireland, Maynooth. A Professor David Egan who A new skills Centre, set to benefit both mathematician and theoretical physicist by was one of the judges for employers and learners in the region, was academic background, he became the class. launched in October by the Aberystwyth Professor of Information Systems 4 HRH the Queen visits the and Bangor Universities Partnership . The Engineering, and later Dean and then Pro Management Centre. virtual centre will build on the high-quality Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the training already available ensuring that University of Ulster from 1991 to 2004. skills training is flexible and matches the requirements of employers. Professor Judy Hutchings, Director of the Incredible Years Wales Centre was awarded Professor Merfyn Jones announced his the Inspire Wales Educator Award retirement as Vice-Chancellor in December. presented by the Western Mail and the Professor Jones became the sixth Vice- Institute of Welsh Affairs. Professor Chancellor in the University's history in Hutchings was among 70 individuals 2004 having also been acting Vice- nominated for the award for her work to Chancellor in 2003. bring effective services to children in Wales Professor Jones has since been who are at risk of anti-social behaviour appointed as a specialist policy adviser on through the Incredible Years Cymru Centre higher education to the Welsh Assembly at the School of Psychology . Government.

BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 05 TEACHING & LEARNING

E-LEARNING TO ADDRESS OUR WOUNDS An innovative e-learning course developed course either as part of their continuing Web-based learning provides a virtual at the School of Healthcare Sciences is professional development or as they gain a classroom environment which facilitates assisting trained nurses and wound-care degree while at work. study away from the University, and is specialist nurses across Wales to achieve particularly suitable for students wishing Wales’ unique national standards of This is an exciting development by the to learn at flexible times, and for students competence for wound care. School of Healthcare Sciences together in rural areas. The e-learning environment with IT & Computing Services which will delivers academic activities and learning in There are few nurses who do not come into lead the way for further e-learning combination with the electoronic library contact with individuals with wounds, and opportunities at the School. services. It also provides colour visual tissue viability is a vital area of clinical images to enhance student understanding importance. This is demonstrated by the The course module sits within the BSc of wound presentation and management. mix of students currently studying this new modular framework providing 20 credits at wound e-course. They include district HE level 6. It provides students with the The individual student can access tutorial nurses from around Wales, staff from educational experience that will allow them support through the discussion board various departments within Welsh to understand and manage individuals with within the module’s shared e-learning hospitals and NHS direct and the private complex wounds. environment. The course has interactive healthcare sector. They are following the assessments which include an on-line discussion.

06 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 'ENTERPRISE BY DESIGN': A PITCH FOR INNOVATION The introduction of an ‘Enterprise’ module The challenge set was to design a new for students is planned for 2011/12 as part product for outdoor leisure, and 'pitch' their of the Pontio project, following a successful product to an expert panel at the end of the pilot scheme. six week intensive course.

In the pilot, 48 students were introduced to The winners, 'Team Geranium' developed a entrepreneurship through ‘Design multi-functional bag that transforms into a Thinking’, an holistic approach to camping mat. They received the first prize innovating new products and services. of £2,500.

Led by 'Academic Champions of Enterprise' “Anyone attending the final presentations and working with the Careers & could not fail to be impressed by the hard Employability Service , they were asked to work put in by all the teams competing. It consider a design challenge from the really demonstrated the creative and perspective of their own discipline, then entrepreneurial flair of Bangor’s students balance competing views by working and showed that they are a talented bunch, together creatively within multidisciplinary said Dr Ian Barwick, of Bangor University's teams. Research and Innovation Office .

Inspired and informed by invited business The next step is to provide an extended people and experts, creative activities course, followed by the first optional addressed functional and aesthetic value, module for as many as 600 students. sustainable materials, marketing and financial planning.

The winning ‘Team Geranium’: Product Design student, Elinor Owen; Psychology student, Philip Sinfield; Electronic Engineering student Andrew Clayton, and Business student, Junda Zeng.

BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 07 DANCING THEIR WAY TO FLUENCY You might not expect to be salsa dancing The group is committed to creating links your way to fluent Welsh, but that’s been with other societies and social groups, and the experience of Welsh speakers and are always looking for new opportunities to learners in the Mold area. Salsa nights, communicate with the local Welsh- quizzes and theatre trips are just some of speaking community. the activities Welsh Language Social Group C3 have undertaken to take language The group is co-ordinated by Eirian Conlon, learning out of the classroom. Tutor-Organiser for Welsh for Adults in the area for Bangor University, aided by The initiative won a European Award for Pauline Owen, a tutor and former-learner. Languages, co-ordinated by CILT, the “We are delighted to receive this award, National Centre for Languages, which which is a testimony to the enthusiasm and recognises innovation in language learning, support of many sociable people - adult The idea is to team new Welsh speakers learners and tutors from Lifelong Learning with native speakers of the language to at Bangor University, former students, really help them to develop their skills and members of cultural societies and the understanding outside the classroom itself. Welsh-speaking community in North East Wales. It is an honour to represent Welsh According to the Award adjudicators: “C3 is for Adults!” said Eirian. an excellent and vibrant initiative which has created a win-win situation: learners Bangor University leads a partnership gain in confidence and fluency; a real responsible for providing Welsh language community spirit has evolved locally, and for adults courses across north Wales the Welsh language itself is benefiting.” through its Welsh for Adults Unit .

TEACHING & LEARNING

SUPERCHARGING WALES’ KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY Over 400 Welsh companies and students level research, innovation and business will be involved in commercially focussed, training tailored to each individual. collaborative research projects over the next five years, thanks to a £33 million The programme focuses on projects which programme developed and led by Bangor address the needs of the Welsh Assembly University on behalf of all universities in Government’s priority sectors, namely: the Wales. digital and low carbon economy, health and bioscience as well as advanced engineer - Unveiled by the Welsh Assembly ing and manufacturing sectors. KESS is Government at Bangor University, the backed with £21 million from the Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships Convergence European Social Fund (ESF) (KESS) programme will provide over 400 through the Welsh Assembly Government PhD and Masters places over the next five with further funding from Higher Education years. This ground-breaking approach to Institutions and the private sector. postgraduate research builds on ideas developed through an Objective 1 European KESS is significantly increasing Bangor’s funded programme and promises to provide postgraduate research profile, providing a a vital boost to the research and develop - new approach to skills based development ment skills of the graduates and businesses for postgraduate students and offering of Wales; skills that are so essential to a employers an opportunity to directly successful knowledge economy. influence graduate employability whilst adding critical research and development Each scholarship comes with an annual skills to their organisation. bursary of up to £13,300 and provides high-

08 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 INSTANT FEEDBACK The traditional lecture and seminar are no Personal Response Systems, sometimes longer the only tools at the lecturer’s known as ‘Clickers’, are one tool being used disposal. In the ‘multi-platform’ age, the at Bangor, and one which a number of lecturer now has a range of techniques and lecturers have found to be particularly tools at their disposal to engage students useful in providing an indication of how in learning. well student have understood something that has just been explained. Students hold Providing ‘blended learning’ is the aim - clickers during a lecture and use them to incorporating a range of approaches and respond instantly to questions set by the technologies to ensure that students get lecturer during the lecture. This provides the best from their learning opportunities, instant feedback, which is displayed on and using the most appropriate medium screen in the lecture room or privately to for conveying different types of information the lecturer. This can be used to show how and engaging students in learning. With well a group has grasped a complex nearly all centrally timetabled rooms concept, for example. If the responses equipped with audio-visual technology, cross the range of answer options, it gives academics are able to include a range of an instant opportunity to review or re- audio-visual applications in their teaching. explain complex subjects. It is particularly effective in large teaching groups. The case for Personal Response Systems - “Clickers” Psychology students have appreciated It can be difficult to gauge how well their introduction, saying that the clickers students are understanding key concepts, were: ‘very useful, really helped me during the course of a module, especially understand better’, ‘An excellent way to in larger groups. keep everyone’s attention’, and ‘useful way to see what you’ve learnt.’

BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 09 Vegetation around the British Antarctic Survey base on Signy Island.

RESEARCH

WHY FLOWERING PLANTS IN THE ANTARCTIC HAVE WARMED TO CLIMATE CHANGE We think of the Antarctic as a land of snow Now, a team of UK and Australian has been slow to decompose in the cold and ice. But, in summer on the Antarctic scientists led by Professor Davey Jones of conditions, but is now becoming more Peninsula, and the islands surrounding the the School of the Environment, Natural available as temperatures increase. frozen centre of the continent, the snow Resources and Geography may have Professor Jones’ team has made the melts and many areas become green with discovered the secret to the success of this discovery that Antarctic Hairgrass can use mosses and two species of native flower - plant. The team has carried out research its roots to access this nitrogen much more ing plant. Recently, as global temperatures funded by the Natural Environment efficiently than plants were previously increase, and Antarctic summers have Research Council at the British Antarctic thought able. Consequently, in the struggle become longer and warmer, one of these Survey base on Signy Island in the to find the nutrients needed to exploit the flowering plants, Antarctic Hairgrass Southern Orkneys. sunlight of the brief Antarctic summer, this (Deschampsia antarctica ), has become grass has a key advantage over the increasingly widespread. Most of the nitrogen of the Maritime mosses with which it competes for Antarctic is locked in organic matter, which resources.

10 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF WALES AND BEYOND Bangor’s North Wales Organisation for trials unit works closely with partners Randomised Trials in Health (NWORTH) throughout Wales and the UK. A significant was one of an initial cohort of only 17 relationship which part of the new funding clinical trials units across the UK to be is specifically intended to provide is a approved with full accreditation in 2007 by Support Service to NHS researchers the UK Clinical Research Collaboration across North Wales, including the new (UKCRC). Following three years of success, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. NWORTH’s importance to the ongoing improvement of health and social care in Collaborative research in clinical fields Wales and beyond has been recognised by such as cancer, epilepsy, childhood the award from the Welsh Assembly conditions, mental health and dementia are Government of a further five years of currently being explored and developed by funding worth over £3.3 million. the three centres of IMSCaR and, ultimately, this will lead to improved NWORTH is one of three research centres services for people with such long-term that make up the Institute of Medical and conditions. Recent projects have included Social Care Research (IMSCaR) at Bangor research into the role of Endoscopic University and its researchers use clinical UltraSound (EUS) in the staging and trials to provide a rational approach to the subsequent management of patients with use of public funds by identifying evidence- gastric and oesophageal cancer, and an based and cost-effective health and social evaluation of the effectiveness and cost- care practices. Working in close collabora - effectiveness of improving ventilation in tion with IMSCaR’s Centre for Economics heating in the homes of children with and Policy in Health and Dementia moderate or severe asthma who live in Services Development Centre , the clinical Wrexham.

“Developing cost-effective interventions in health HanIGdHsoScTiAaNl cDaArReDisOeFsRseEnStEiaAlRfoCrHtRheECbOeGstNuISsEeD of scarce resources. The Bangor Trials Unit is making a major contribution to this vital work, with the support of Bangor University, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the Welsh Assembly.” Prof Bob Woods Acting Director, IMSCaR.

400 TH ANNIVERSARY OF RADICAL REVOLUTIONARY MARKED Late in 2009, Oxford University Press of acclaimed prize-winning literary political thought and radical religion and marked the 400th anniversary of the birth scholars (Corns’ Blackwell Companion to illuminates his literary achievements, of Gerrard Winstanley, (1609-76), the Milton, was winner of the Irene Samuel while the annotation elucidates the wealth foremost radical social thinker and activist Prize of the Milton Society of America), and of his biblical allusion and his engagement of the English Revolution, by publishing the a leading historian of seventeenth-century with the politics of his day. The work first complete edition of his works. The two England. Professor Corns took particular ensures Winstanley's standing as one of massive volumes of 'The Complete works responsibility for the text and publishing the most significant prose writers and of Gerrard Winstanley' were edited by history, and for the theological and radical thinkers of early modern England. Professor Thomas Corns, Professor of linguistic aspects of the commentary. English at the University’s School of Writing in the TLS (2/7/10), Michael English , Ann Hughes (Keele) and David The edition sets a new standard in the Braddick acclaimed the edition in glowing Loewenstein (University of Wisconsin, presentation of controversial prose of the terms: 'Underpinned as they are by Madison). period of the English Civil War. Its formidable learning, these volumes will substantial introduction establishes become the standard edition.' The editorial team combined the expertise Winstanley's distinctive contributions to

BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 11 BANKING DEFINED The banking crisis and its aftermath have the role of banks in the economy. Professor received almost daily attention in the Molyneux’s expertise and international international print and broadcast media reputation among banking scholars and since 2007. The publication in 2009 of the researchers were central in enabling him first edition of The Oxford Handbook of and his editorial team to compile this Banking has therefore provided a timely definitive and comprehensive text, and and authoritative source of information for attract contributions from the leading anyone interested in banking and its study. experts from institutions such as Columbia This hefty volume encompases a University in the US, the World Bank, IMF comprehensive examination and analysis and the European Central Bank. of the role of banks in the economy and some of the most important issues in Professor Raghuram G Rajan of the banking by over 60 leading contributors, University of Chicago Booth Business representing world authorities among School and former Chief Economist of the banking and academic institutions. International Monetary Fund described the book as a veritable tour de force, saying The book was conceived and edited by Phil that the book is: “an accessible, Molyneux, Professor of Banking & Finance comprehensive and state-of-the-art at Bangor’s Business School , along with treatment of the subject. It is a must-read former Bangor postgraduate, John for students and researchers alike, as well O.S.Williams, now Professor of Banking at as anyone interested in understanding the St Andrews and Allen N Berger of the origins of the financial crisis of University of South Carolina. Its 36 2007-2009.” chapters provide a definitive explanation of

CLINICALLY OBSOLETE ANTIBIOTICS COULD BE USED TO TREAT HEAD AND BODY LICE New simple and effective treatments for particularly among the young in the west g i a r

B body and head lice infestations could be and even more so in developing countries. . R .

H developed using clinically ‘obsolete’ antibi - , i t t o r otics. This news follows the completion of Parasitologists at Bangor’s School of e P .

A genetic sequencing of our oldest and Biological Sciences and Reading University . M closest human ‘neighbour’, the human body were responsible for sequencing a louse ( Pediculus humanus humanus L .). bacterium ( Candidatus Riesa pediculicola) The research paper describing the that lives within the louse, and is essential sequencing appeared in the American on- to its survival. They worked alongside over line peer-reviewed journal, Proceedings of 25 other institutions in the international the National Academy of Sciences. genetic sequencing project.

The body louse transmits endemic typhus, The parasitologists also established that relapsing fever and trench fever as well as these bacteria have no immunity to leaving the host, if not infected with a more antibiotics due to their isolation within the serious disease, feeling ‘lousy’. Head lice body of the lice. For this reason, they can, as with body lice, lead to unexpected represent a new target for the development conditions such as cervical of novel anti-louse agents especially for lymphadenopathy or corneal epithelial cases were classical treatment fails. The keratitis. They are also increasingly scientists suggest adopting antibiotics resistant to insecticidal treatments. This is which are clinically ineffective for any other leading to endemic infestations, treatments, to treat both head and body lice. Confocal fluorescent image of a human head louse nymph (red). The yellow shows the chambers containing the bacteria without which human lice cannot survive.

12 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 The distributions of human eye movement patterns during 3D object recognition.

RESEARCH

REVERSE ENGINEERING THE HUMAN BRAIN: BUILDING MACHINE VISION SYSTEMS THAT SEE LIKE HUMANS The ability to create artificial vision "A seemingly simple task such as recognis - systems as complex as our own human ing, reaching for and grasping an object is vision has challenged robotics experts for a massive task to recreate artificially," decades. Artificial vision systems able to recognise objects and function beyond a "We're particularly interested in identifying stable, controlled, environment would have what makes particular features of these a range of applications. objects key to their recognition in our visual system. If we can establish the An innovative cross-disciplinary approach 'check-list' that is being carried out in by scientists at the School of Psychology identifying objects, then we can perhaps and Computer Sciences received nearly recreate the process in artificial vision." £550,000 in funding from two of the UK's main funding bodies, the Economic and Working together, the project aims to Social Research Council and the Engineer - 'reverse engineer'; to work out the highly ing and Physical Sciences Research complex neural processes involved in Councils. simple tasks such as recognising objects, despite changes such as changing position, The research is indicative of the type of light and shadow. multi-disciplinary work that will drive forward the knowledge economy. Dissolv - "Our input literally involves translating data ing traditional boundaries will bring a fresh from one discipline into the language of combination of approaches to bear on another. We will be in converting the data defining exactly how the vision system being collected in the psychologists' vision recognises three dimensional objects. laboratories into computational models that will underpin the development of more "The visual system is highly complex and complex artificial visual systems." explains science can only hope to solve it Dr Ik Soo Lim of the School of Computer piecemeal,” explains Dr Charles Leek from Sciences. School of Psychology.

BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 13 COMMUNITY

IMPROVING THE STANDARDS OF ELITE COACHING IN WELSH SPORT For the past year, members of the Institute individual needs regarding the application teaching psychological skills can reduce for Psychology of Elite Performance (IPEP), of psychological skills with their athletes. the extent to which coaches promote the housed within the School of Sport, Health The project is currently being carried out use of psychological skills with their and Exercise Sciences , have been develop - with coaches based in North Wales who athletes. ing and running an innovative project to coach potential and current elite athletes improve the quality of elite coaching within across a range of Commonwealth and The current programme therefore aims to Welsh sport. Olympic sports including; athletics, ice- provide coaches with the knowledge, skating, Para Olympic dressage, canoe practical experience and confidence to Dr Nichola Callow, Dr Ross Roberts and slalom and weightlifting. integrate the teaching of psychological PhD student Rosie Poynor are currently in skills into their coaching. Coach education partnership with the Sports Council for Psychological skills such as goal setting in a one-on-one mentoring programme Wales investigating the practices of elite and imagery can help improve the quality such as this one aims to support and Welsh coaches in relation to their of athletic performance. However, to be empower coaches in their professional understanding and use of psychological effective, these skills need to be practiced development. This transfer of expertise skills. and well learned. Coaches are becoming and knowledge from sport psychology increasingly knowledgable regarding the researchers and practitioners to coaches is The research involves designing and application of sport psychology principles designed to improve the quality of coaching delivering coach mentorship programmes within their coaching, however, a lack of in North Wales and ultimately, the perform - which are tailored to meet coaches' confidence and practical experience of ance of Welsh sportsmen and women.

14 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 Bangor students 'give litter the chop'.

LOVE BANGOR In 2009, Bangor Students' Union launched environmental clean ups and after school their 'Love Bangor' campaign, which clubs for children. highlighted the positive results that can be achieved when students work with, and The campaign also includes the ‘Love within, the local community. Bangor Card’, which encourages students to shop locally. Local businesses back the Last year the campaign involved the Love Bangor campaign by offering biggest ever clean-up of student areas of discounts and promotions to Bangor the City, when the Students’ Union, in University students who possess a Love conjunction with Gwynedd Council, Fly- Bangor card; in return Bangor Students' Tipping Action Wales and other Bangor Union uses all of its available marketing Pride partners, succeeded in keeping 17.1 outlets to advertise each business and tonnes of rubbish off the streets in the last their specific offer. two weeks of the academic year. Commenting on the Love Bangor scheme, However encouraging students to take Bangor Students' Union President Jo pride and care in their city is only one Caulfield said "The Love Bangor campaign aspect of the campaign. Love Bangor also is a long term commitment to improving aims to publicise to the local community community relations. There are clearly the benefits that students can bring to the tangible benefits of students and the other city, for example the 500+ volunteering members of the local community coming hours a week that our students contribute together, and the team hope that our through Student Volunteering Bangor’s continued efforts will lead to even more projects alone, which include successes this academic year.”

CERI THE CLAM An interactive cartoon character, Ceri the lived animal on Earth". The exhibit had Clam, brought the science of ageing to life something for everyone, with a series of for young visitors to the prestigious Royal touch-screen based interactive games that Society’s annual Summer Science explain the science, a ‘real’ beach for Exhibition at London’s Southbank Centre. toddlers, spectacular specimens of shells, a 1,500 year old section of a giant Sequoia Ceri was created to guide visitors through tree and the longest-lived animal known to the exhibit - " Arctica islandica , the longest- science.

Scientist leading the research at the University’s School of Ocean Sciences were also on hand to chat to the public. They are leading an international consortium of researchers working together on the project.

“Our display highlights investigations into climate change and ageing processes which make use of a remarkable marine clam that can live for more than 400 years,” explains Professor James Scourse. The team were among 27 exhibitors who got through a very competitive selection process.

“The Exhibition was a great success and we have since been invited to take it to Edinburgh and the House of Commons,” added Professor Chris Richardson.

BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 15 Architect's images of the new development.

PONTIO RACES AHEAD Bangor and the surrounding area will Pontio will include a dynamic Innovation and services, bioscience, advanced software experience a major transformation as a Hub, cutting-edge teaching and learning and visualisation amongst many others. It result of the new Pontio development, facilities, a home for our Students’ Union, will also showcase and help to develop a which has progressed at tremendous pace new social learning spaces, and a range of range of world-class research on pressing in the last 12 months. indoor and outdoor performance spaces socio-economic issues, particularly in the including a theatre and cinema space, an areas of health and protection of the During the year, work has progressed on outdoor amphitheatre, cafés, restaurants environment. The project is expected to finalising the design, planning permission and parkland where people can meet, create or safeguard around 900 jobs. has been obtained, demolition of the old learn and be entertained. Students’ Union and Theatr Gwynedd has Professor Lowe added: “We are grateful to been completed, and funding secured. It will be a world-class centre for innovation the Welsh Assembly Government and the in science, technology and the creative European Union for their vision in supporting Professor Fergus Lowe, Deputy industries, and will be a cultural beacon for this crucial project in north Wales.” Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, who Wales and a champion of the is leading the project said: “It has been a Welsh language. major undertaking by the staff and students involved and a tremendous The new building will achievement to have got this far in so little open early in 2013 time. and will focus on quality skills that will “We’ve overcome many challenges, partic - generate new ularly in relation to the tight timescale technologies for we’ve had to work within. Though there is businesses in areas still a long way to go, I would like to as diverse as digital express my thanks and congratulations to technologies, the everyone involved for their great efforts creative industries, thus far.” environmental goods

16 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 COMMUNITY

BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 17 COMMUNITY

CHEMISTRY REACHES OUT TO THE COMMUNITY Bangor’s School of Chemistry , a founding Schools Analyst Competition for AS level events, highlighting the different and department of the University, provides students at Bangor, Ruthin School went on varied career choices open to Chemists. extensive schools and out-reach to win the UK Competition. Dr. Mark These included a careers event, a programme. With support from the Royal Hannant, Ruthin School’s Head of Chemistry Pharmaceuticals event and a Society of Chemistry, they extended their Chemistry said, “The university lab Chemistry Textiles workshop. activities in order to celebrate the School's experience far exceeds anything we can 125th anniversary. offer in a small school. Our team thought The activities culminated in a two-day the regional heat was very challenging and celebration of chemistry. The School As part of their regular activities, primary enjoyed having access to analytical opened its doors to both schools and the school children were wowed with a hardware. I’m sure this victory will have a public for hands on demonstrations and travelling chemistry show and secondary great influence on their future academic chemistry fun. This final event involved pupils visited the School for several choices.” staff, students and alumni, who attended a different events including the Salters' student ‘ChemSoc’ hosted “Tea in the Festival of Chemistry for 11-13 year olds. Local companies were engaged to give Tower”, followed by a prestigious lecture by “Chemistry - your Future” careers past member of staff and Honorary degree Having won a regional heat of the National presentations to students at a number of recipient, Sir John Meurig Thomas.

18 BANGOR UNIVERSITY ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10