NEWS 1 172 buzz

February/March 2018 Inspirational Impact 2 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S VIEW BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL

Vice-Chancellor’s view

Why bother with research impact? There As it happened, this was exactly the are, I suppose, two easy answers. The first month that my appointment as Chief is the simple rhetorical question: ‘who Executive of the Higher Education Funding wants to do research that has no impact?’ Council was announced. I therefore And if this does not work for you determined that my first priority was to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood there is the hard reality that in REF 2021 save the RAE. The decision was reversed research impact will count for 25% of in the summer of 2006 and RAE 2008 supported now by a very substantial a unit’s, and thus an institution’s, score. went ahead. investment in professional services staff So the inescapable reality is that impact There were, however, important to support the identification, development, matters. It is, and it must be, an absolute consequences. The Treasury made it clear and crafting of impact case studies. priority. that it remained unconvinced that it was There still needs to be further work to The history of impact and the REF is both getting a sufficient return on the public identify the best impact case studies for interesting and revealing. Back in February investment in research and believed some units of assessment. Where we have 2006, the then Chancellor, Gordon Brown, that the higher education sector, and already identified outstanding candidates announced that the Research Assessment the Research Assessment Exercise, had for impact case studies, work is well Exercise would be abolished, and in future, not yet demonstrated convincingly the advanced to underpin those cases with all research funding would be driven by economic and social benefits of research. the kind of supporting evidence which competitively won funding from research The challenge was put to me and to the will be compelling to REF panels. councils and other research funders. Funding Council to come up with an The importance of impact does mean enhanced mechanism to demonstrate that we will need to continue to think the value of research. and operate differently. It is critical that YOUR BUZZ At stake here was the scale of future colleagues who have outstanding impact research funding, and indeed our ability case studies are appropriately recognised Next edition 11 April 2018 to fund the results of RAE 2008. What we through our promotions and reward Copy deadline 9 March 2018 came up with were impact case studies, processes. We need to make full use of and I persuaded the Treasury that we could the resources that we have made available Contact us incorporate impact through the evaluation to support the development of impact. [email protected] of impact case studies in the next RAE. Nearer the time, we will need to make Buzz online After much work, the methodology was some tactical decisions about where some buzz.bham.ac.uk refined and impact was first run in REF of those impact case studies are most 2014. After much apprehension, the general appropriately returned, and in some cases Follow us on Twitter view was that the impact case studies in how they are further strengthened by twitter.com/buzzunibham REF 2014 were a success. They certainly additional investment. Find us on Facebook gave convincing evidence which persuaded From the analysis that I have seen, I am facebook.com/buzzunibham government to enhance its funding persuaded that if we get our approach right commitment to research. We see some we will have an outstanding return for REF of the fruits of this in the increased funding 2021, which will both recognise the range commitment running through to 2021. Also and transformative impact of our university’s the 2014 impact case studies demonstrated research. All five of our colleges have Edited by Matthew Collins the profound value of research not just in outstanding stories to tell and these impact [email protected] the STEM disciplines but also in Social case studies, combined with outstanding Sciences, Humanities, and Creative Arts. outputs and the investment that we have Your details If, however, we look at this from a made in the research environment, should Please let us know if you want extra Birmingham perspective, in REF 2014 ensure that our REF performance places copies of Buzz or if you think we need we underperformed our ambitions and us in the sector’s research elite. In so to amend your distribution details. expectations, not least because, though our doing, we will have again demonstrated the best impact case studies were outstanding, profound importance both of fundamental Views expressed in the magazine are there was too long a tail of weaker and research and the effective translation not necessarily those of the University less compelling case studies. We are of that research. or a statement of University policy. determined to address this for REF 2021. Interestingly, that was the vision of this All submissions may be subject to Planning is already well advanced. The university’s founders, it is what makes a editing. The Editor’s decision is final. recent appointment of Professor Heather great research university in the twenty-first Widdows as Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor century, and it is what will underpin our future. for Research Impact has given us skilled Front cover image: and inspirational leadership in this area. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Heather Widdows. Heather, and Professor Tim Softley, are Professor Sir David Eastwood VICE-CHANCELLOR’S VIEW BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL 3

BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL USA

UNIVERSITY HOSTS PRESTIGIOUS ‘FULBRIGHT INTERNATIONAL FORUM’ FOR TOP AMERICAN ACADEMIC SCHOLARS REPUTATION: YOUR UNIVERSITY NEEDS YOU! The University recently hosted the prestigious annual Fulbright As the University works to grow its Forum, featuring over 50 top American academic scholars here position as a global university, an at the University of Birmingham. essential measure of this success is securing and maintaining a top 100 During the event, 55 American ‘Fulbrighters’ with them than any other university in position in all the major international had the chance to explore cultural and the UK. We are delighted to be bringing league tables. Whatever we think about historical resources at the University. all our American Fulbrighters to experience leagues tables, they carry an inevitable It was particularly special this year as the their warm hospitality.’ influence when attracting the best staff, inaugural event celebrated the US–UK The University’s academics led sessions students and international research Commission’s 70th anniversary. to engage and challenge the Fulbright connections as well as research income. The US–UK Fulbright Commission was scholars, including topics such as how Our position in the international founded by diplomatic treaty in 1948 to cultural heritage and global engagement league tables has remained largely foster intercultural understanding between provide distinctive experiences in the static or dropped slightly over the past the United States of America and the UK global higher education landscape. few years, despite some significant through educational exchange. The University has also recently tendered gains in several of the underlying Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David for, and was successful in a bid, to host indicators, including citations and Eastwood said: ‘We are honoured to one of the Commission’s popular summer international outlook. welcome Fulbright scholars to the University Institutes for American undergraduates to Academic reputation, based on of Birmingham. We are a global university experience all that Birmingham has to offer. the responses to an online survey and our research creates impact around Applications for Fulbright US academic distributed to academics across the the world; I hope that every scholar will awards to undertake research and/or world by the league table providers, find their visit to Birmingham productive, teaching in the UK will open in March. The is a key indicator in the rankings and insightful and thought-provoking.’ Postgraduate Awards will open in April. represents the biggest opportunity Penny Egan CBE, Executive Director of For more information on the Fulbright to improve our position. the Fulbright Commission, said: ‘We love commission and available awards, please A new International Reputation unit working with the University of Birmingham contact Catherine Lemon (International within External Relations is leading and have more Fulbright partner awards Relations) [email protected]. this work, supported by the Colleges and Professional Services.

SHARE THE QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS SURVEY WITH YOUR INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS

The International Reputation team will contact you in February with the link to the survey. Why not complete the survey for your own international research contacts/collaborators and then let them know, so that they can return the favour? Scholars at the Fulbright Forum 4 NEWS EQUALITIES

Date for the diary

Vice-Chancellor’s Join #TeamUoB Open Forum Tuesday 13 February, for the Great 12.30–1.30pm, The Bramall Part Two of the Vice-Chancellor’s interviews with Mark Leach, founder, Birmingham 10K Editor and CEO of Wonkhe, the higher education policy commentators. The interview will cover key issues facing the higher education sector Whether you walk, jog or run, UBSport Ioana Chiva, who currently works and the University. and DARO are encouraging everyone in Careers Network, will be running from across the University to join for the appeal as part of TeamUoB. Birmingham #TeamUoB for the Great Birmingham ‘Support from a mentor when I was Professional Forum 10K on Sunday 6 May 2018. studying Law changed my life and Friday 23 March, By joining our team you’ll receive a helped me achieve my dream of training 11.00am–12.00noon, The Bramall discounted race fee, a free race t-shirt to become a solicitor,’ she says. ‘That’s All staff are warmly invited to the as well as plenty of training advice. why I’ve committed to running the 10K. forum, which is introduced by the If you are new to running or a seasoned When you choose to run for the appeal, Registrar and Secretary, Lee athlete, you will be joining hundreds every step you take will help transform Sanders. The agenda will follow on the start line supporting this year’s young lives for the better.’ closer to the event. appeal – 10,000 lives. To register for the 10K and for further If you choose 10,000 lives as your information about fundraising for 10,000 charity you will be helping create 10,000 Lives, visit www.sportandfitness.bham. life-changing opportunities for 11–25 ac.uk/great-birmingham-10k Launch of the year olds across the region through the University’s 10,000 Lives appeal. STEP Technical Academy For example, if ten people each raised £100, that could provide an Access to FORWARD. The University recently launched its Birmingham bursary, covering some of CHANGE Technical Academy, designed to deliver the the costs for a student’s first year of skills and career development essential to university, including travel and textbooks. 10,000 LIVES. supporting those in technical roles across the University, both today and in the future. The demand for highly skilled technical staff is increasing, and diverse and specialist technical skills are needed more than ever. A number of nationwide initiatives have been launched to respond to this, notably the HEFCE-funded Technical Development and Modernisation project and the Science Council’s Technician Commitment, of which TEAM WINS Birmingham is a founding signatory. The creation of a Technical Academy at the INTERNATIONAL University of Birmingham firmly supports the national agenda. AWARDS Professor Tim Softley, Pro-Vice- Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Congratulations to Research Support’s HPCwire Readers’ and Editors’ Choice Transfer said: ‘Technical staff are perhaps Birmingham Environment for Academic Awards at the SuperComputing 2017 some of the “unsung heroes” of our Research (BEAR) team, who have won conference in Denver, winning awards for: institution. Their skills and expertise enable two international awards for a High n Best Use of HPC in Life Sciences – the innovative teaching and pioneering Performance Computing (HPC) project for real-time analysis of Zika virus research that takes place across campus funded by the Medical Research Council. genomes; led by Professor Nick Loman, and beyond. I hope that the inauguration The Cloud Infrastructure for Microbial School of Biosciences of the Technical Academy is the first of Bioinformatics (CLIMB) project is a large n Best HPC Collaboration (Academia many positive steps we will take in OpenStack system distributed across Government/Industry) – for providing recognising and supporting the invaluable four University sites, and supports resources for projects that globally and dedicated work of technical colleagues over 200 research groups in the UK. impact public health at the University of Birmingham.’ CLIMB was recognised in the annual www.birmingham.ac.uk/tech-academy NEWS EQUALITIES 5

CELEBRATING LGBT MONTH AND INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The beginning of the year is a busy time for most people on campus, but particularly so for the staff and students who are involved in LGBT History Month in February and International Women’s Day on 8 March. These two events are part of the University’s programme of events to celebrate the diversity that enriches our campus.

LGBT HISTORY MONTH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The LGBT History Month launch The University’s International Women’s I will be fascinated to see the answers event began on Friday 2 February Day project this year will link up with the to these questions and hope that this with a programme of talks, films and Arts & Science Festival, by exploring information will help the University in discussions. The University was the festival theme of ‘Stop/Start’ from understanding and addressing barriers delighted to host a roundtable event an equalities perspective, through a to progression.’ in partnership with Stonewall, which collaboration between Professor Joanne Professor Una Martin, Deputy Pro-Vice- looked at how organisations can Duberley from Birmingham Business Chancellor for Equalities, explains why develop their global inclusion work. School, the Equalities Team and sketch- events such as these are such an important The University is also working in note artist Pen Mendonca. part of the University’s Equality Agenda. partnership with the University of The project aims to ask two questions ‘Creating an inclusive environment in Birmingham School to host the that are particularly relevant to women’s which each and every person is able to MattandNaz Foundation, to deliver careers: flourish is central to the University’s core a series of events which explore n What stops and starts your day? mission to be a global force in teaching sexual orientation, religious belief n What stops and starts your career? and research. and coming out. Before and during International Women’s ‘Our equality events, such as LGBT Professor Robin Mason, Pro-Vice- Day, Pen will work with groups of women History Month and International Women’s Chancellor (International) and across campus to answer these questions Day, are a chance to bring these issues Executive Lead for LGBT Equality, in graphic form. Pen’s ‘sketchnotes’ will to life and remind us that equality is about said: ‘LGBT History Month is an then inform a lecture by Joanne Duberley people and is important to each and important time for the University to as part of the Arts & Science Festival. every one of us.’ demonstrate its strong support for Joanne explained: ‘I have a particular transgender and sexual orientation interest in workplace inclusion and the equality. I have been extremely lived experience of diversity. We know impressed by the way in which staff from initiatives such as Athena SWAN and students have come together to the importance of addressing the loss develop such an informative and of women across the career pipeline. interesting programme.’

More information on LGBT History Month and how to register for events can be found at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/lgbt-history-month/index.aspx and www.facebook.com/UoB.LGBTQ 6 RACE EQUALITY CHARTER RESEARCH IN FOCUS

TACKLING RACE INEQUALITIES Birmingham is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the UK, with nearly half of its residents being Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals. This resonates with the University’s global profile of students and staff coming from over 150 countries worldwide.

It is paramount for any leading global Professor Tim Jones said: ‘Birmingham university like ours to attract and retain has been making an impact on people’s The Race Equality Charter has been top talent. This can only be made possible lives for more than a century. We can only set up to identify and address race if we nurture an environment for individuals achieve our full potential by continuing inequalities in higher education. from all backgrounds to thrive and excel. to break the glass ceiling for individuals The Charter is underpinned by five Such a culture of inclusivity is central to from all ethnic backgrounds.’ key principles: the University’s core values. We were Professor Kathy Armour added: ‘Diversity England’s first civic university where is at the core of our University. It is in our n That racism is part of everyday students from all religions and backgrounds diverse community of staff and students life and racial inequalities manifest were accepted on an equal basis. We were that knowledge, innovation, creativity themselves in everyday processes first to appoint female professors at a UK and impact are developed.’ and behaviours university. And now, we are sending a Staff and students will be asked to n That individuals from all ethnic clear message of our commitment on race provide feedback on their experience backgrounds should benefit equality by being one of the 36 member in race equality on campus and in local equally from the opportunities universities of the Equality Challenge communities. Institutional-wide Race available to them Unit’s (ECU) Race Equality Charter. Equality Charter surveys and focus groups n That solutions to racial inequality The University has been a driving force will be carried out in the next few months should have long-term impact in the higher education sector on race to capture opinions, which will inform the through institutional cultural equality through our success in halving initiatives set out in the University’s action change the attainment gap since 2010, and our plan for Bronze Award application in 2019. n That those from minority partnerships within the sector as well as It is important that participation in these backgrounds are not a with the government, funding agencies, surveys and focus groups encompasses homogenous group and such and community bodies. We are taking the all sectors of the University community to complexity must be recognised next step by applying for the Race Equality ensure that we gain as much input and when exploring race equality Charter Bronze Award as a mechanism as many perspectives as possible. If you n That intersectional identities to develop inclusive strategies for staff have queries about our Race Equality should be considered when and students of all races. A steering group, Charter award application, please contact discussing race equality chaired by Professor Tim Jones, Provost the equality team via equality@contacts. and Vice-Principal, and Professor Kathy bham.ac.uk Armour, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), has been set up to oversee the application process and to develop an action plan to The University also runs a BAME staff network, led by volunteers from across address issues revealed by the analysis of the University. If you would like to get involved or be added to the BAME Staff institutional data with the support of two Network mailing list please email [email protected] or visit sub-groups and a self-assessment team. www.intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/bame to find out more. RACE EQUALITY CHARTER RESEARCH IN FOCUS 7

BUZZ WOULD LIKE TO USE THESE ‘RESEARCH IN FOCUS’ PAGES TO RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT SOME EXAMPLES OF THE INSPIRATIONAL AND IMPACTFUL RESEARCH IMPACT TAKING PLACE ACROSS [ ] THE UNIVERSITY.

SUPPORT FOR THE VICTIMS COMBATTING EBOLA MAPPING THE UNDERWORLD OF CHOLERA IN HAITI IN WEST AFRICA Historically, the world has responded We begin in Haiti, where Dr Nicolas Between 2014 and 2016, over 28,600 to a growing population by building Lemay-Hébert (School of Government Ebola cases were reported in Guinea, outwards and upwards. and Society) is leading the support for Liberia and Sierra Leone. Over 11,000 With the global population expected to the victims of cholera. deaths were reported, making it the largest grow by 83 million every year until 2030, In 2010 a deadly cholera outbreak, and most lethal Ebola outbreak ever seen. the world urgently needs to find ways to which killed 9,000 people and sickened Prior to the outbreak, Dr Nick Loman unlock the potential of underground space almost 1 million people, struck when (School of Biosciences) and his PhD if we are to meet the needs of people Nepalese peacekeepers working for student, Josh Quick – in collaboration whilst minimising environmental impacts the United Nations (UN) Stabilization with Oxford Nanopore – contributed to and building resilience to climate change. Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) brought the development of the MinION™ – a Our researchers are responding to this the infectious disease to the country. portable, real-time genomic surveillance challenge by developing new technologies Dr Lemay-Hébert, along with Professor device that allows for DNA sequencing to and processes which will allow us to more Rosa Freedman (Law, Reading), have be performed and analysed in real-time. fully understand – and utilise – the world worked with the Institute for Justice and In April 2015, Josh travelled to Conarky beneath our feet. Democracy in Haiti and the UN to find in Guinea, and, using MinION™, set up As Director of the UK’s National Buried a practical solution to end the stalemate the DNA sequencing technology in Infrastructure Facility, Professor Chris around compensation and reparations, the European Mobile Laboratory. They Rogers and his team at Birmingham and they have been providing advocacy were able to identify the unique genetic have sensing technologies which allow support for the people in Haiti in their sequence of the Ebola virus in patients engineers to accurately assess the location fight for justice. They have organised a within 24 hours and understand how and condition of pipes and cables. major workshop in Haiti in 2015, bringing cases were related and transmitted. Professor Kai Bongs and his team together experts and former UN officials Results generated in the first ten days are also pioneering the development of to design a framework that could help to indicated that the persisting Ebola cases quantum gravity sensors. The technology resolve the issue, and they have received in Guinea belonged to two major lineages works by detecting very slight changes a follow-up grant to disseminate the and confirmed that the virus was being in gravity at the atomic level, allowing findings in New York with representatives spread across borders (from Sierra Leone us to map underground spaces far of UN member states. into Guinea). Accurate identification beyond the reach of current sensors. In 2016, the UN finally acknowledged of transmission chains meant that the By better understanding the world and apologised to the people of Haiti for sources of transmission of the virus could beneath our feet, urban planners and the epidemic. The apology came after be identified and those involved in the engineers around the world will be many years of silence from the UN, and management of the outbreak could set able to make more efficient use of land was coupled with a promise to prevent up quarantine centres. The technology resources. Building underground could future deaths and suffering and to remedy provided genome sequencing information also help communities adapt to the those that had occurred. But since then, in real-time until the outbreak was challenges, creating infrastructure, the UN has done nothing to make good on officially declared to be over. homes and offices that can cope with its promises, in particular to consult with extreme weather events. and remedy the victims. Dr Lemay-Hébert and Professor Freedman are currently working on practical solutions for compensating victims of cholera in Haiti. 8 CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS transformingour campus

New on campus Pavilion

The brand new Harding Building The Business School’s refurbished The Pavilion, attached to the new officially opened its doors last month, learning space is also now open to all, Bournbrook student residence, which means that students now have providing a refreshed area for students will provide a variety of facilities for access to a brand new 200+ seat and staff. students, staff and the public. There study area, incorporating 30 PCs, is a new Starbucks café, which has eight bookable study rooms and already opened there. In addition, a printing and photocopying facilities. community hub, which will provide In addition, teaching is now taking advice and meeting facilities for all place in the state-of-the-art Selly Oak residents is due to open interpreting suite and moot rooms. soon. There will also be a dedicated The new cafeteria in the Education sports bar, which will provide an Building is now finished, offering additional social space for students enhanced facilities for all those who participating in sporting activities. use the building. School of Education

Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) The Old Gym

With completion due in September this year, work on Work has commenced the CTL is progressing very well. The glass frontage has at the Old Gym, which now been installed and the building is starting to take shape. is being refurbished However, those wishing to get a feel for what the three to provide enhanced laboratories housed inside – e-lab, wet lab and dry lab – teaching facilities and will be able to do so before September. A virtual reality improved staff working environment has been produced and is available for use facilities. This relatively on smartphones and cardboard headsets. small project is due to complete in Visit the website for information on how to access this: December 2018. www.birmingham.ac.uk/ctl Artist’s impression of the new facilities CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS 9

School of Engineering The Green Heart

Demolition of Chemistry West is due to begin very soon to The first wave of carefully selected mature trees were make way for a new School of Engineering. The aim of the lowered into the Green Heart at the end of 2017, with new building is to provide a home to many of the University’s the first one ceremonially planted by the Vice-Chancellor. engineering disciplines. It will also house a new centre of The Green Heart will create a sustainable, natural and excellence in rail innovation, bringing industry into the heart environmentally friendly landscape; both for people and of our campus. wildlife. Not only will the Green Heart enhance the The building will provide different and more flexible ways University’s ecology, but the parkland will provide a unique of working that will use the space to its best advantage. space for performances, socialising, meeting and studying, It will also host a world-class centre of excellence in rail while opening up views across the whole campus, as in partnership with industry, focusing on digital systems. envisaged in the 1920s. Funded as part of the newly created UK Railway Research Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood, said: and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), it will focus on railway ‘It is something of a formidable sight to see these mature control and simulation, data integration and cybersecurity, trees appearing in our landscape. I am honoured to plant condition monitoring and sensing, and improved methods one of the first of these specimens, which have been for technology introduction. carefully chosen by our arboriculturalist. It will be through The team behind the development are engaging with staff trees such as these that we will see the transition of seasons and students through a variety of means, and will continue to in our Green Heart for generations to come.’ do so throughout the work until its completion in 2020. Ellie Keiller, President of the Guild of Students, said: ‘Environmental concerns are, increasingly, a high agenda item for students at Birmingham. This is why I’m delighted to be here, to witness the early stages of the Green Heart project, our new dedicated natural and sustainable space for students, staff and other visitors to our beautiful campus.’ In the coming weeks, work on the side of University Square closest to the Arts Building will complete, and that first part of the Green Heart will be opened up for use by staff, students and the public. The next phase will see the opposite side of University Square, closest to Staff House and University Centre, cordoned off for development.

Artist’s impression of the School of Engineering labelled ‘DSIC entrance’

The Frankland Building

Refurbishment of Frankland is due to start in spring 2018. This will involve provision of more academic offices, teaching spaces and music practice rooms. The works will improve the space and accessibility to and around the building and will reduce the energy needed to run it. The Frankland Building will be complete and ready for occupation in summer 2019. Tree planting in the Green Heart 10 ARTS AND SCIENCE FESTIVAL BARBER EXHIBITION

Monday 12–Sunday 18 March 2018 The University of Birmingham’s Arts & Science Festival is back for its sixth edition – celebrating research, culture and collaboration across campus and beyond. Join leading artists and academics as they respond to this year’s theme, ‘Stop/Start!’, for a diverse programme exploring time, movement, migration, attitudes, behaviours, life, death and a whole lot more…

Ever wanted to learn about the oldest discovers a hidden world of millions known advanced scientific instrument? confined to their homes and bedrooms. Or the geological impact of volcanic There’s plenty to explore on campus eruptions? Festival talks provide the in between events; exhibitions explore opportunity to learn about an array of connections between the world of the topics: enter the world of digital dinosaurs artist and the physicist, anatomy and at the Lapworth; hear about artist Charlotte art. Also on campus is Black Country Jarvis’s approach to collaborating with Lungs, a unique collaboration between scientists; and unearth creepy crawlies of community arts company Multistory, the 1600s through the Barber collection. Dutch photographer Corinne Noordenbos, Arts & Science Festival returns to the and people with Chronic Obstructive Electric Cinema in 2018 with sci-fi thrillers Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Timecrimes (2007) and Flatliners (1990) If you’re keen to get stuck in, workshops introduced by University of Birmingham provide opportunities to experiment with academics, as well as the hilarious Trash visualisation and mark-making to explore Film Night, featuring the brilliantly terrible the intriguing connections between art filmHard Ticket to Hawaii (1987). Other and science. You can also play with the screening highlights include an evening technologies that are helping to reshape with Flatpack Film Festival, on campus art and its production. for one night only with a collection of Get moving and explore campus stop motion shorts curated for the with through guided walks including festival. We’re also delighted to present SOUNDwalks, a new series inviting a screening of powerful documentary you to tune in to hidden audio worlds. Unrest (2017), which charts the journey For family fun, join heroine Oolik on an of 28-year-old Jennifer Brea who upon extraordinary journey into a dazzling Arctic being diagnosed with ME (commonly world as part of Where’s My Igloo Gone?, known as chronic fatigue syndrome) turns an immersive performance presented the camera on herself and in the process by The Bone Ensemble.

Arts & Science Festival explores art, science and the spaces between. Image credits: top right to bottom right: Charlotte Jarvis, Greg Milner Photography, Pamela View the full programme at www.artsandsciencefestival.co.uk Raith Photography, Jason Frank Rothenberg BARBER EXHIBITION 11

Scottish colour to brighten the Barber S J Peploe, Luxembourg Gardens, c.1910

It’s all about colour at the What characterises but it’s true, they’re less known south Barber Institute of Fine Arts their work? of the border. The history of art and exhibitions sometime overlooks certain this spring in the gallery’s lead Still life and landscapes are characteristic artists, groups or periods. This exhibition exhibition, The Rhythm of Light: subjects. To depict many of their later is the first to show the Colourists as Scottish Colourists from the Scottish scenes, they applied the lively a group in the West Midlands. Fleming Collection. We asked brushstrokes and strong colour of their French counterparts. They were each struck the Barber’s Assistant Curator, Where do the works by the quality of light in the Côte d’Azur, too. come from? Helen Cobby, to tell us It became a great motivation for their trips more about this gloriously to France. They really were preoccupied The Fleming Collection, owned by the with colour and light, exploiting them to Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation, based appealing show. communicate form, atmosphere, climate in London, which holds the world’s finest and feeling, and reinvigorating Scottish private collection of Scottish art. The Who were the Scottish painting as a whole. The idea of ‘rhythm’ is paintings were acquired to decorate the Colourists? also characteristic of their attitudes towards London offices of the investment bank creativity. ‘Rhythm’ was regarded not only Robert Flemings & Co. In 2000, when the The Colourists were a group of four early as formal and stylistic innovation, but also bank was sold, ownership was transferred 20th-century Scottish artists, SJ Peploe an exploration of essential, underlying orders to the Foundation, which aims to be a (1871–1935), JD Fergusson (1874–1961), or patterns in nature and the modern world. ‘museum without walls’, bringing Scottish FCB Cadell (1883–1937) and Leslie art to audiences outside Scotland. Hunter (1877–1931). They never What will we like about them? functioned as a formal group, and only exhibited together three times, but they The Colourists’ bright colours and thick, were friends and each reacted against energetic brushstrokes should make for the sentimental realism typical of the art a beautiful and uplifting exhibition. A lot of produced in Scotland. the paintings are relatively small (they were created for a domestic market), which Which artists influenced should enable close, personal encounters the Colourists? with the works. Finally, the artists’ direct links with Europe and the inclusive, creative All four were influenced by the earlier society in which they lived and established Leslie Hunter, Peonies in a Chinese Vase generation of French Realists (particularly for themselves is important and inspiring Édouard Manet), Impressionists and for our own divided and uncertain times. The Rhythm of Light: Scottish Post-Impressionists (including Gauguin Colourists from the Fleming Collection and Cezanne), as well as by their Why haven’t we heard runs at the Barber Institute from 16 contemporaries, Matisse, Derain and the of them before? February to 13 May. Enjoy a special other Fauves – the ‘wild beasts’ – of the evening view of the show and lecture early 1900s. The Colourists were inspired The Colourists are very popular in Scotland, on Scottish Art by artist Lachlan by the Fauves’ use of hot, dissonant hues where there are frequent exhibitions of their Goudie, writer and presenter of BBC and decorative colour blocks, evident in work, perhaps partly due to local interest, Four’s The Story of Scottish Painting many of the paintings in the exhibition, patriotic tendencies and accessibility to and judge for BBC Two’s The Big including Roses by Peploe, 1919, La their work. Many Colourist paintings were Painting Challenge, on Thursday 8 Terrasse, Dinard, 1931, by Fergusson, and owned by private Scottish collectors or March, 5.30–7.15pm. Tickets are £5, Luxembourg Gardens, from about 1910, made their way into institutions like the £4 for Barber Association members. by Peploe – my favourite work in the show. Glasgow Art Galleries and Museums – More information: www.barber.org.uk 12 BTG UNIVERSITY APPRENTICESHIPS BRITISH TRANSPLANT GAMES 2018 TRANSFORMING REAL LIVES

Needing an organ donor sounds like a bad dream. For Nicola Cartwright, Deputy Hospitality Manager for Hospitality and Accommodation Services, it was reality.

Nicola was just 24 when she was diagnosed with heart failure – a marquee with a curry due to myocarditis, likely caused by a virus. Remarkably, she hut, additional bar and continued to work for a further four years, helped by medication, a games area. After the before her struggles with tiredness and her declining heart function ever-popular Darts Night on placed her on the donor register. The call from the Queen Elizabeth Friday, a festival atmosphere kicks Hospital came just four days later, in the early evening as she was off on Saturday for the Donor Run, with climbing into bed, exhausted after a day’s work: ‘we’ve got a heart music, ice-cream, and big-screen movies for families. for you’. Unfortunately, that heart was not suitable for transplant, At Bournbrook Pavilion, Brook’s Sports Bar & Kitchen will offer but another became available the very next day. freshly cooked meals and drinks, while outdoor street food stalls Nicola received her heart transplant on 15 April 2007, in will provide a wide range of snack and meal options all weekend. a five-hour operation. ‘Until I was on the table it didn’t feel real,’ Packed lunch options will also be provided for those staying she says today. By coincidence, a BBC team were there filming at the Games Village. a documentary – meaning she’s had the unique experience With attendance expected to be well over 3,000 people, it’s of actually seeing her own operation. ‘My old heart was massive sure to be a thrilling weekend – the perfect preparation for the and yellow; the new one was little and pink. Every time I watch 2019 World Transplant Games. it I cry, because my Mum was so worried.’ The British Transplant Games team hope to see many more She was told she was the fastest transplant patient to be sign up to the organ donor register thanks to the awareness discharged from the Queen Elizabeth at that time, and went home raised from the games. The UK performs more transplants than to recover after only ten days. Nicola puts this down to the quality any other European country, and recently celebrated the 5,000th of care she received: ‘The hospital was amazing. Critical care liver transplant. However, organ donors remain desperately was brilliant.’ needed, especially from within the BAME community. Although she takes 30 tablets every day, and will always need It’s not only organs that can be donated. Student group to take medication, she’s in good health and able to live a fully Birmingham Marrow is part of national charity Marrow, who work active life. alongside Anthony Nolan to recruit people to the bone marrow Now Nicola is looking forward to taking part in the 5k Donor donor register. These essential stem cell and bone marrow Run at the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in August donations help save lives from blood cancer. If you give blood 2018: a spectacular weekend of competitive sport. Participants and are between 17 and 40 years of age, you can join the register range from young children to older athletes, all of whom have when you next donate – or contact Birmingham Marrows to be received organ transplants. part of their fundraising work: http://uobmedsoc.com/marrow Hospitality and Accommodation Services (HAS) will offer a If you’d like to get more involved, there will be plenty of range of services to the teams and their supporters from 2–5 volunteering opportunities at the Games. The 5k Donor Run is August, starting with a party night with live music at the Vale after open to the general public as well as transplant recipients and Thursday’s city centre Opening Ceremony. their families. And, of course, you can join the organ donation University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness are providing a register – and take the vital step of letting your friends and family range of sports facilities, using the 50m pool, indoor arena, squash know about your decision, too. courts, athletics track and pitches. The Vale will be transformed ‘A lot of people think it’s tempting fate,’ says Nicola. ‘But I into a ‘Games Village’, giving teams easy access to all the events wouldn’t be here without it.’ on campus. Participants and their supporters will enjoy all the usual food and drink offers of the Vale with extended opening hours, plus Join the register today at www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk BTG UNIVERSITY APPRENTICESHIPS 13 BRITISH TRANSPLANT UNIVERSITY

GAMES 2018 APPRENTICESHIPS CASE STUDY: The University is now in its second year TRANSFORMING REAL LIVES THE APPRENTICESHIP EXPERIENCE of successfully welcoming apprentices into Buzz met with Administrative Assistant Alex Wright, who originally came to the a variety of departments. Apprenticeships are University as an apprentice, and the person who recruited and managed her through vital to support succession planning, skills the course, College of Medical and Dental Sciences’ (MDS) Head of Administration, development and the University’s civic duty. Robbie Roberts. WHAT MADE YOU TAKE PART? The University now operates two types Robbie: Our motivations were many. We sensed that apprenticeship schemes were of apprenticeship scheme: going to expand and it was an opportunity to get on board with an exciting and new initiative early on. Moreover though, those involved in the College were genuinely New Entrant Scheme: Designed for those interested in recruiting new talent to the University. who are new to the workforce, supporting Alex: I was coming close to finishing my studies at college and was seeking an entry into the University. apprenticeship. I knew I want to do business admin so when I saw there were a few advertised at the University, I jumped at the chance to be involved. Existing staff scheme: Providing apprenticeship training opportunities WHAT WAS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING/HAVING AN APPRENTICE? (often at a higher level) for existing staff. Alex: The best thing about being an apprentice is gaining a qualification whilst getting paid to work at such a great university. I have supported so many large projects that The Pilot Scheme demonstrated that are college based and University wide that have given me lots of exposure to other apprenticeships are becoming a valuable teams, processes and people from other colleges and areas at the University. Every method of recruiting and developing staff. project I supported has helped with getting my qualification. 75% of apprentices completed their course; Robbie: It’s less about the best thing about an apprentice per se and more about the 92% of those moved into employment. specific person we appointed! Alex settled in very quickly and was eager to learn, and This is well above the national average. absorb as much as she could about the College and the projects we wanted her to get Departments that have successfully involved in. As she became more experienced she took on more and more tasks and engaged with apprenticeships include: responsibilities. If there is a succinct way of answering this question, the best thing n IT was being able to watch Alex develop extremely rapidly over the course of the year. n Hospitality and Accommodation Services WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNT DURING THE PROCESS? n Estates, College of Medical Alex: The most important thing I learnt during the process is to always ask questions, and Dental Sciences there is no such thing as a silly question. n College of Engineering and Robbie: I learnt that the apprenticeship scheme is every bit as relevant in business Physical Sciences administration roles as it is for any other type of role. It was also refreshing to be n External Relations reminded of how someone starting in their career arrives almost as a blank canvas and learns about the various directions their career could take. Even now her apprenticeship has finished and she is now a full-time member of staff, she still has The University will launch recruitment many options ahead of her. for the September 2018 cohort during WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS WHO WANTED TO GET INVOLVED? National Apprenticeship Week, which Alex: Do it! You will not regret it!! starts on Monday 5 March. Robbie: Do it. But invest sufficient time in the process and with your apprentice – they will need additional support particularly at the beginning and time must be For any enquiries about how created to do this properly. apprenticeships can benefit your ALEX, WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW AND WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO GO NEXT? department please contact: Alex: I have finished my apprenticeship and I am now an Administrative Assistant for Apprenticeship Coordinator the Executive Office in the College of Medicaland Dental Sciences and I am thinking Caleb Wright on about going down the marketing route. [email protected] 14 CAMPUS CURIOSITIES | CHANCELLOR’S COLUMN NEWS AND VIEWS

CAMPUS CURIOSIT?ES

What is it? Hans Schwarz’s Certificate of Registration, 1939

Where is it? Research and Cultural Collections Study Centre, 32 Pritchatts Road, (viewable by appointment, please email [email protected])

Artist Hans Schwarz escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria in 1939 and was brought to Bournville, Birmingham by Kindertransport. This scheme brought thousands of refugee enemy alien in 1940, and finally to British Citizen in 1947. Jewish children to Great Britain between 1938 and 1940. The Schwarz collection highlights an historical past, at once Aged only 16, Schwarz would never see his family again. unique and universal, shedding light on an individual refugee Whilst he rebuilt his life in Birmingham – marrying a local experience as well as allowing for new understandings of woman called Lena, starting his own family and attending art the multifaceted intersections between nationality, identity, school, Schwarz’s early experiences of upheaval must have trauma and concepts of home. affected him deeply. Like many others who lived through such traumatic events at this time, Schwarz rarely spoke of his Learn more experiences and it is only through his archive and his prolific On Wednesday 14 March, as part of Arts & Science Festival artistic output that we are able to trace the complex legacies 2018, Research and Cultural Collections’ Researcher in of displacement, migration and identity trauma. Schwarz’s Residence, Ellie Hill, will deliver a talk exploring issues of Certificate of Registration, pictured here, is a prime document displacement, acculturation and identity trauma in the art and highlighting the changing nature of migrant status; from archive of Hans Schwarz. For details and to book please see child refugee escaping Nazi oppression in 1939, to interned the festival programme at artsandsciencefestival.co.uk/

Chancellor’s column

On 29 January, the University of The University now has over 2,000 Birmingham and India celebrated another Indian alumni and has collaborated on development in their story with the numerous successful research projects, launch of the India Institute. including a pivotal investigation into Through a supportive network for the causes of the three most common academics, research councils, institutions, cancers in women in the Punjab region. government offices and commercial Britain and India have a longstanding partners, the Institute will help to deliver and close relationship, with India an impactful research, create innovative emerging global economic superpower. education initiatives and extend influences India remains home to Britain’s largest across the globe. trade mission, while over 700 Indian- The University has had a long owned business are thriving in the UK, relationship with India, starting in 1909 employing more than 100,000 people when the first group of Indian students – many of them in Birmingham and the attended the University. My grandfather, West Midlands region. Squadron Leader J. D. Italia, graduated The 1.5 million strong Indian diaspora from the University in Commerce, starting in the UK is the largest ethnic minority as an undergraduate in 1928. My mother community in the country, and is Yasmin followed in 1955. I came to succeeding in every field. Lord Bilimoria is the founder and Britain from India as a 19-year-old student It is wonderful that the University of chairman of Cobra Beer, Chancellor in the early 1980s – the third generation Birmingham is taking this important step in of the University of Birmingham in my family to be educated in the UK – creating the India Institute at this critical time and the founding Chairman of the where I knew I would receive a world- when there is enormous potential in every UK India Business Council. class education. aspect between our two great countries. CAMPUS CURIOSITIES | CHANCELLOR’S COLUMN NEWS AND VIEWS 15 news views

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The University’s profile in the Middle East was raised with the appointment of Professor Glyn Watson as our first Provost at the University of Birmingham Dubai – covered by The National and other UAE news outlets. Education Journal (UAE) carried a lengthy interview on teacher training with our strategic director of overseas programmes Dr Christine Szwed, whilst Ben Bailey, our new Director of Operations in Dubai, was interviewed with Lord Willetts on Dubai Eye FM. Media outlets in the Middle East reported the Birmingham Qur’an digital exhibition’s opening in Abu Dhabi. The National (UAE) ran an extended feature which focused on Sue Worrall and Sarah Kilroy from the Cadbury Research Library and how the University conserves the holy manuscript. Research by Professor David Grainger, Professor Laura feeling social... Piddock and Dr Prateek Sharma, discovering a new mechanism by which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, During November we hosted our first ever Virtual Open Day was reported on by national, international and science media for international students, exclusively on Facebook. including The Independent, Yahoo! News, India Blooms and The aim of the day was to showcase what it’s like to live The Conversation. and study in the UK and give prospective students that UoB open day experience from the comfort of their own home. Mr Prashant Patel appeared on the BBC Two documentary Hosting it on Facebook meant we could be more dynamic Surgeons: At the Edge of Life, discussing a clinical trial seeking with the content; it would naturally appear in people’s feeds a new experimental approach to treat prostate cancer. and visitors could chat directly with staff at the University, The findings of Dr Tom Chothia, Dr Flavio Garcia and PhD either on the posts or via Facebook Messenger. candidate Chris McMahon Stone which highlighted a security Posts included Facebook Live, videos of the city centre, flaw in a number of banking apps featured inThe Telegraph, information about the Careers Network, accommodation Mail Online, Press Association and a number of technology and how to apply – many of them featuring our international and trade outlets. students themselves. Birmingham’s computing expertise was highlighted with Dr Flavio The project was a cross-University collaboration, with teams Garcia commenting on car key security for BBC Radio 5, whilst from the Colleges, Living, International, Careers Network Ian Batten was quoted on computer chip weaknesses in a range and Marketing all helping out, and it ran from 8.00am until of international publications including the Los Angeles Times, Gulf 11.00pm on the day. News (UAE), Indian Express and the Australian Financial Review. While the content was focused on Facebook, supporting Research led by Damien Neadle into the food cleaning messages were also posted across our social media channels, behaviours of gorillas was covered by the Daily Mail and including Instagram Stories and Twitter. The day was a huge a number of international publications spanning the globe, success: overall impressions reached nearly 850,000 – nearly from Mexico to China. triple that of an average day. The reach was nearly 320,000 Professor Raquel Ortega-Argilés’s research into the economic people (compared with an average of 180,000). impact of Brexit on UK regions was picked up by The Guardian, The event also saw our Facebook page follows jump by New Statesman, Evening Standard, Yahoo! UK and Ireland, 1,633 people and nearly 1,300 one-to-one conversations Metro, Huffington Post, and ITV Central. were had on Messenger. le i Heather Widdows …in my own words

Professor Heather Widdows is the Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Impact and the John Ferguson Professor of Global Ethics.

I grew up in Halifax in the north of England among timeframe, others are not. We need to keep track, look the hills. Predictably, my favourite book is Wuthering back and recognise the impact that past research has

pro f Heights. Aged 18, I took a ‘year out’, much of which I had, and forward as our ideas and findings reverberate. spent in Tanzania. Pre-Internet it took six weeks for Similarly, there was, historically, apprehension about the post to arrive and the nearest phone was in a town the impact agenda in areas like philosophy, where I 60 miles away on unsurfaced roads. I then spent nine work. However, the last REF proved that philosophers years at the University in Edinburgh specialising in Moral have significant real-world impact, shaping policy and Philosophy, particularly virtue theory. After that I took changing society. Today the big research grants are the first job I was offered in genetic and reproductive awarded for multidisciplinary projects and collaborative ethics at Imperial College London. Having never done research, making impact something to be embedded anything remotely ‘applied’, this was a shock to the into our projects and plans. system. I came to Birmingham as a research fellow This changing funding context is part and parcel in 2000 to work in the Centre for the Study of Global of an increasingly integrated, globalised world, where Ethics, then a new initiative. In 2009, I was awarded a funding is driven by the need to respond to big global Chair, and I am the John Ferguson Professor of Global challenges: pandemics, climate change and the digital Ethics, in the Department of Philosophy. My new role revolution. Silo working is not going to find solutions. as Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Impact In my area, global ethics, the only way I can produce started in November 2017, and I’m currently working relevant research that is realistic and well-informed my way around the colleges. is by collaborating with people in other disciplines The impact agenda is partly about looking towards and with organisations outside of higher education. the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF2021), Birmingham is in a really strong position to contribute but more broadly it’s about making a difference ‘out to addressing contemporary challenges and global there’, and making people’s lives better. It is also about dilemmas. We have a breadth of disciplines that few responding to the changing academic climate where universities can match and a longstanding commitment ‘good academics’ are those who change theoretical to working ‘in the world’ as a hub of research in the frameworks, write great papers and have impact. region, but also as a global university with global Impact is something that all research should have, connections. Core initiatives such as Centenary Square to someone, at some point in time; not necessarily and the Institute of Global Development (IGD) will foreseeable or immediately. If research never changes help strengthen our connections and engagement. how we think, what we do or how we are, it is not So much exciting research is happening in colleges research that matters. At Birmingham, we’ve always and in the spaces between colleges. In every unit done research that matters, so in many ways impact of assessment we have the potential to dramatically is nothing new – we just need to use this agenda to improve our REF score and to help establish showcase what we do. Birmingham as a place that is known for exemplary, Some people may be anxious about a conflict impactful research. We as academics need to be between impact and what some call ‘blue skies’ better at telling our stories to demonstrate how what thinking. I think they are complementary. Academic we do impacts on people’s lives and the difference curiosity pushes the boundaries of knowledge and we make to society. What we do is really important often unearths more questions than answers. For and we should be proud of it. many projects, real-world application isn’t immediately I’m really enjoying my latest research, the ‘Beauty obvious – nor should it be – but if it changes the debate Demands’ project (www.birmingham.ac.uk/generic/ and asks and answers important questions it does and beauty/index.aspx). In a visual, virtual world, will matter. Some impact is predictable within a short communication is increasingly done through images. It’s changing who we are, how we understand ourselves and what we think matters. I’m looking across the beauty spectrum, from makeup to cosmetic surgery, and how it’s changing our value framework. The project brings together scholars, practitioners and policy- makers to consider the changing requirements of beauty. It is collaborative, multidisciplinary, aims to change laws and practices, and above all it allows

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