winter 2012/13

University Magazine Cardiff for Alumni & Friends The future’s bright Cardiff’s world-class postgraduates

Life-changing science A laboratory for the humanities Breakthroughs in cancer Revealing the Cardiff Rare Books research and IVF treatment Collection’s hidden gems Welcome contentsWinter 2012/13 Regulars 4 s New Cardiff in the top 20; Satisfied students; New academic structure; Anthrax research 8 Development T he University’s links with business and alumni 24 Network 10 From circumventing the globe in a tuk-tuk to building homes Welcome to this issue of the Cardiff University Magazine. from old shipping containers Giving postgrads Since I took up my new role as Vice-Chancellor and 14 President of Cardiff University on 1st September, I’ve learnt the edge much about Cardiff, its staff, its students and its alumni. 30 First person Attracting the world’s sharpest Power your business I’ve already been lucky enough to meet some of our Dr Graham March researchers former students on a recent trip to Beijing and I hope to Pharmaceutical pioneer be able to meet many more of you around the world in 17 The knowledge the months and years to come. The network What is clear to me is that when our students arrive postgraduate Linking academia and here in Cardiff, whether as excited new undergraduates, issue organisations representing with Cardiff Talent experienced postgraduate researchers or mature students multicultural Wales juggling their studies with other responsibilities, that first 10 The future’s day is the start of a lifelong relationship, one which brings bright 18 A laboratory for them friendship and fellowship with both the people and Cardiff PhD students outline the humanities the place where they spend their student life. The AMP Project is a new partnership between the Cardiff their groundbreaking research Cardiff’s stock as a centre Amongst the many thousands of students here in for research excellence has Cardiff we have a vibrant and growing postgraduate Network of Alumni and Friends and the University’s risen with a new collection of research community, one which is vital to our research Careers & Employability Service. efforts and success. Their work and experiences are the 14,000 rare books focus for this issue of the Cardiff University Magazine. From their innovation and commitment working alongside 21 Breakthrough our leading researchers in the fight against cancer to thinking AMP stands for Alumni Mentoring & Placements, and will link students helping to support orphans of HIV and AIDS in rural Radical developments in the who are looking for paid work placements and mentoring with the wider Malawi, Cardiff postgraduates are trailblazers. treatment of breast cancer Our postgraduate research students are leading the 18 and IVF Cardiff alumni network. way in solving the many problems we all face in our varied societies worldwide; medical, cultural, ethical and political. These bright and brilliant minds are busy solving the problems we all have today. I believe all our tomorrows will Alumni will benefit by having access to the wide pool of talent available be the better because of their hard work. Wherever you are when you read this magazine, thank Wherever you are, stay in touch at the University, while students will have an opportunity to earn while you for your continued support of our work. with Cardiff University gaining work experience crucial for today’s job market. On the go? Simply use your smartphone Professor Colin Riordan to scan this code and it will take you Vice-Chancellor & President straight to the Alumni section of our website

Cardiff University Editor: Sarah Price Cardiff University Magazine is available in alternative formats upon To find out how your business can benefit, Development and produced in association with: request. It is also available on our Alumni Relations Print: Immediate Media Co website at www.cardiff.ac.uk/alumni. Division, The Westdale Press Limited Tower House, Fairfax Street, take a look at www.cardiffnetwork.cf.ac.uk/amp Cardiff University, 70 Portmanmoor Industrial Estate, Bristol BS1 3BN Views expressed in Cardiff University Deri House, 2–4 Park East Moors, T +44 (0)117 927 9009 Magazine do not necessarily reflect Grove, Cardiff CF10 3AP Cardiff CF24 5HB www.immediatemedia.co.uk those of the University. The Editor T +44 (0)29 2087 6473 reserves the right to edit contributions F +44 (0)29 2087 0326 Unless otherwise indicated, copyright received. While care is taken to ensure E [email protected] in this publication belongs to Cardiff accuracy of information, this cannot be www.cardiff.ac.uk/alumni University. This document can be made guaranteed. update

For the latest news and events at

Cardiff University, Guardians of visit www.cardiff. the word ac.uk/news A new partnership with one of the UK’s largest media companies updatenews and events at Cardiff University will further enhance the University’s reputation as a centre for excellence in journalism. The year-long programme will see Guardian News & Media working alongside the University to Satisfaction guaranteed offer a new master’s degree in Journalism with Digital Media. To be based at a central Student satisfaction at Cardiff has reached its Cardiff coming well above the UK average. London location, a mixture highest level since the introduction of the annual Cardiff has the highest number of overall of guest lecturers will teach National Student Survey in 2005. Students satisfied students in Wales, and ranked students the core fundamentals rated the University highly in a number of areas, fifth amongst the best research-intensive of journalism. including teaching, assessment and feedback, universities in the UK. Professor Patricia Alan Rusbridger, Editor-in- academic support and learning resources, with Price, the University’s newly appointed Pro Chief, Guardian News & Media, 89 per cent of the University’s students satisfied Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and said: “Journalism is changing with the quality of their course. Academic Standards said: “There is much to Cardiff: top 20 at the speed of light. Virtually Satisfaction rates were high throughout the be proud of in our learning and teaching. This ranking every week we are learning new humanities, science, engineering, healthcare result is especially pleasing as it reflects the true techniques and fresh truths about and the professions. The survey also included a views of our students – and the hard work of Those who sing Cardiff University’s the way digital technologies are question on the quality of students’ unions, with staff across the University.” praises recently got confirmation of In the spotlight transforming the media. the institution’s position as one of the “Guardian News & Media has UK’s top universities. The Sunday Times The University’s Vertical Studio module gave in a way which explored architecture been at the forefront of that University Guide 2013 places Cardiff first and second year Architectural Studies outside the studio. The results engaged change. By partnering with a in the UK’s top 20, and also shortlists students the opportunity to project animation the public through an exciting and novel well-established and respected the University for the ‘University of the and imagery onto some of the University’s best medium,” says Nick Humes, Research university department we can Year’ title. known buildings this autumn. Associate and Module Leader. offer a master’s degree that will The guide states: “This powerhouse Students learned how to translate designs, Nick hopes that this new way of produce a generation of students of academic and research excellence surveys and theoretical discussion into 3D looking at buildings not only “energised who are completely up to date boasts one of the best graduate modelling and animation, giving them the the facades, but also provided the students with the skills needed to succeed employment rates in Britain. Students opportunity to explore themes and techniques with a new understanding of architectural in journalism today. don’t just get any old job either – most outside those of normal design projects. techniques,” something that can assist “Everything about the media secure degree-level posts with decent “Innovative methods and tools were used them in future career development. is there to be re-imagined and starting salaries.” reshaped. Our new master’s Cardiff’s position comes through degree will be applicable to a attaining high standards in a number wide range of careers, from news of areas: student satisfaction, teaching Reducing the threat to website content management and research quality, entrance of bioterrorism and social media.” qualifications held by new students, degree results achieved, student/staff Researchers from Cardiff misuse of where anthrax ratios, graduate employment levels and are working with scientists anthrax: represents retention levels. from the USA, Turkey “Currently, a significant Alastair McCall, editor of the and Georgia to develop the majority disease of guide, said: “Our league table rewards a vaccine that could be of the world’s animals and universities which have placed used if anthrax is used in population humans, such as great focus on providing top quality a terrorist attack, as was is susceptible to the Caucuses. teaching. the case in the US postal infection with Bacillus In addition to NATO “If a university provides a great attacks of 2001. anthracis, the bacterium countries being prepared student experience and offers good Cardiff Microbiology which causes anthrax.” for the threat of anthrax graduate job prospects, plus a strong Professor Les Baillie, from However, as natural attacks, the establishment track record for degree completion the School of Pharmacy & human infection of anthrax of a research centre in and outcomes, good rankings and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is rare in NATO countries, Georgia will ultimately help students will follow.” is leading a NATO project scientists are conducting improve the lives of people that will study the potential research in regions in that region.

4 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 5 update update

university view Cardiff’s new with Professor Colin Riordan structure New Vice-Chancellor and President Professor The University took on a new look in September as three Colleges, Colin Riordan outlines his vision for the each under the leadership of a Pro Vice-Chancellor. future of Cardiff University

The College of Arts, Professor Mike Owen Humanities and Social Sciences Pro Vice-Chancellor and Recognition for two Head of College – Professor George Boyne The College consists of 11 The road ahead decades of research Schools: Business; Planning and Geography; English, It’s a pleasure to write University View for the Cardiff work or volunteer abroad. It also means giving all our students the Having spent 20 years looking at the causes, The $50,000 prize rewards the achievement, Communication and Philosophy; University Magazine, the first issue since I took up opportunity for valuable and practical work experience during their prevention and treatment of schizophrenia, in as well as providing further incentive to carry out European Languages, Translation my role on 1st September. time as students, both in the UK and overseas. This is something October Professors Mike Owen and Michael future research. and Politics; History, Archaeology Some of you may be aware that significant change is afoot at which I hope our thousands of alumni around the world will be able O’Donovan from the University’s MRC Centre “It’s great for science in Wales and great for and Religion; Journalism, Media Cardiff University. to help us with, and which I believe will enable Cardiff students to for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics Cardiff University, which has really backed us and Cultural Studies; Law; I have already started work on refreshing the University’s strategy get ahead in today’s competitive worldwide employment market. were awarded the distinguished Lieber Prize for over the past 20 years,” said Mike Owen. Lifelong Learning; Music; Social and priorities. We need to focus on research excellence, student Our research will tackle critical global issues that require cross- Schizophrenia Research in New York. Michael O’Donovan continues: “Psychiatric Sciences; Welsh. experience, internationalisation and engagement with Wales. I already disciplinary co-operation. We need to ensure our research income The professors’ work involves finding genetics has not always been a popular area of have a new senior team in place and we’re working on how to realise remains high and that it is funded from a diverse range of sources. out which genetic variations make people research – it still isn’t. But while the job isn’t The College of Biomedical our ambitions in these areas. We also need to invest significantly in our research, and in providing more susceptible to the disease, and the way finished, enough progress has been made in this and Life Sciences I want Cardiff University to be recognised for its research and the best education and facilities that we can offer our students. They psychiatric disorders are classified may be revised area of research to merit the team’s reward and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of teaching excellence and to be a top 100 university in international deserve nothing less. as a result of their findings. to move the field forward.” College – Professor Dylan Jones league tables, as well as being a main driver for the knowledge I want Cardiff University to be known around the world as an The College consists of nine economy in Wales. I want it to be a place where students not only institution that is dynamic, determined and financially resilient, one Schools: Biosciences; Dentistry; receive an excellent education, but also have an outstanding and where our students and our staff are known for their integrity and pleased to see the Academic to lead Healthcare Studies; Medicine; memorable experience during their time as a student. Cardiff their academic brilliance and where our graduates are sought after by Inbrief sociology of science conservation charity Nursing and Midwifery Studies; needs to fulfil its potential as a global university, and so I want employers for their experience as well as their excellent intellectual recognised in this way.” The Royal Society Optometry and Vision Sciences; our staff, our students and our alumni to think of us in that way, capacity. The science of scientists for the Protection of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical and to act accordingly. My sincere hope is that you will want to join Cardiff Professor Harry Public recognition Birds, Europe’s largest Sciences; Postgraduate We will need not only to develop strategic alliances with a select us on our journey and when we do arrive at our Collins’ role in establishing Professor Nick Pidgeon conservation charity, has Medical and Dental Education; number of prestigious international partner universities, but also destination, to know that you played an important the sociological study has been made an elected Cardiff’s Professor Psychology. to ensure that our home students have every opportunity to study, part in getting us there. of science has been Honorary Fellow of Steve Ormerod as its new recognised with a the British Science Chairman. The College of Fellowship of the British Association, in recognition As a professor of Physical Sciences Academy. Professor of his contribution to ecology in the School Pro Vice-Chancellor and Collins (below) said of promoting openness of Biosciences, he has Head of College – Professor his Fellowship: “I’m very about science in society. published over 250 Karen Holford Professor Pidgeon’s papers on ecosystems, The College consists of work has been at the and was previously Chair seven Schools: Architecture; forefront of understanding of the RSPB’s Advisory Chemistry; Computer Science public attitudes towards Committee for Wales and Informatics; Earth and environmental and as well as President of Ocean Sciences; Engineering; technological risk issues the Institute of Ecology Mathematics; Physics and such as climate change and Environmental Astronomy. and nuclear power. Management.

6 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 7 Development Developmentupdate Banking on postgraduate students who regularly use Body of the laboratory. In addition to the dental, Cardiff medical and biomedical science students research who benefit from these donations, the Cardiff further strengthened update Between 40 and 50 people leave their laboratory is also used by students of links with the Spanish banking a round-up of the new developments made possible bodies to Cardiff University each year. radiography, physiotherapy, podiatry, giant Santander, when Ana Botin, thanks to the support and generosity of our donors Without donations of this kind, dentists, art and optometry, and for medical and CEO of Santander UK plc, gave a doctors, surgeons and pathologists surgery training sessions and courses. guest lecture at the University in of the future would be unable to get Bernard Moxham, Professor October. experience of the human body that is so of Anatomy in the Cardiff School Ms Botin’s talk focused on A lifetime vital for their training. of Biosciences, said: “This valuable how crucial partnerships are to It’s to honour those who have donated learning experience is due entirely to the UK’s economic recovery and of service their bodies to the University that Cardiff’s the generosity of donors who leave their growth, including the importance Anatomy Laboratory, the largest anatomy bodies to the University, and, in doing so, of the transfer of knowledge from Cardiff was honoured to have one room in the UK, has recently unveiled a give a gift of life and knowledge for universities to society and the of the University’s longest-standing unique piece of artwork by renowned future generations.” role of student entrepreneurs in benefactors visit in September. Captain artist Tom Phillips. driving economic growth. Ken Nelson (below), who was born The marble artwork (right) bears the The bank’s history of in South Wales, was studying for inscription ‘Alive we thought beyond our supporting the University dates a degree in civil engineering when lives to give our bodies as a book for you back to 2008, when Cardiff his studies were interrupted by the to read’, words that will be considered became the first Welsh university outbreak of the Second World War. by the 800 undergraduate and 100 to join Santander Universities Service in the Army and Royal Air Global Division which provides Force was followed by a return to the funding for scholarships and University to complete his studies, awards for students and staff to before Captain Nelson took a job with study in the UK and abroad. the Victoria Water Commission in Long-term thinking Santander also supports the Australia, his adopted country where University’s Student Hardship he remains to this day. In November, Griff Rhys Jones brought an generated new ideas around the management Fund, a research grant for the Throughout his career as a element of celebrity to the celebration of the and policy needs for integrated solutions to School of Welsh, support for water engineer, Captain Nelson has work of Cardiff’s flagship Sustainable Places sustainable living. the Cardiff School of European been contributing to the Nelson Research Institute. Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan Studies, mobility grants for Scholarship Fund, with a total As one of the UK’s best-known television said: “The Sustainable Places Research Institute Cardiff Business School and donation of £150,000. personalities, Griff knows a thing or two is a brilliant example of how our research is support for the Student Trevithick thank you Along with a tour of the School about adopting the long view, which helping to create a sustainable future for Development Unit. of Engineering, Captain Nelson is perhaps one of the reasons he communities around the world. Across Luis Juste, Director Santander Anyone who has studied engineering, had the opportunity to meet with decided to become patron of the the University there are other such Universities UK said: “We are computing, physics and astronomy at Cardiff students who have benefited from his Institute in 2011. examples. committed to maintaining our will doubtless have memories of the University’s generosity over the years. A Cardiff University “Alongside our research, staff long-term support for Cardiff Trevithick Library. Honorary Fellow whose father and students are working hard to University, an exemplary higher The complete refurbishment of the library in was a graduate of the University, ensure our day-to-day operations education institution not only in 2009 has been met with resounding praise from Griff said: “I am delighted to are generating less waste and are as Wales but also worldwide.” everyone who uses the facility, with its highest be in Cardiff supporting the efficient as possible. ever visitor numbers since it reopened. Sustainable Places Research “What Cardiff has achieved to In September, the sponsors who made the Institute. There are a lot of issues date is something to be proud of, but refurbishment possible were invited to an event and even government policies that as a University we need to take the that showcased the library’s importance in rest on the notion of next step. Cardiff can be the digital age. sustainability. We one of the greenest Captain Ken Nelson, in addition to being all need to be universities a vital source of funding for the University’s aware of what in the UK, engineering department (see next story), also this means for one that sets funded the silent study area within the Trevithick every industry, the standard Library. Having travelled with his daughter from business and for other Australia to the UK to visit the library and see discipline.” institutions and the plaque dedicated in his honour, he said: Since its organisations “It was well worth the trip!” creation in – we mustn’t 2010, the be afraid to Institute has think bigger.”

8 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 9 the postgraduate issue the future’s bright

Mandayachepa Nyando, helping to further the study of The future’s HIV/AIDS in Malawi bright Cardiff is internationally recognised as one of Britain’s top research-intensive universities. Meet four of the University’s postgraduate research students leading the way ahead Mandayachepa Nyando Caring for victims of HIV/AIDS in Malawi

‘Mayi is an old lady in her 70s. She looks after her niece, These women demonstrated that they are highly motivated who is 11 years old and HIV positive.’ and resilient, however, their role as carers is largely It’s hard not to be moved by the first sentence of unrecognised.” Mandayachepa Nyando’s research paper, but unfortunately Mandayachepa’s research has found that, as well as this is a situation all too commonplace in many African having the responsibility of looking after a child who is countries, including his homeland of Malawi. HIV positive, women are often having to look after their ‘The small animal’, as HIV/AIDS is known in Malawi, husbands and the burden of financially supporting their directly affects an estimated 12% of the population. This family also passes to them. was one of the factors that led to Mandayachepa’s decision Mayi continues: ‘My husband – the problem is that he to do a PhD on HIV/AIDS in Malawi, and follows a is a farmer and he is also touched by the small animal and master’s in Nursing also taken at Cardiff. he has problems finding money as well. He gets sick often “The majority of caregivers are mothers who live in and sleeps in the hospital frequently.’ rural areas,” says Mandayachepa. “They are less educated “It’s a disastrous situation for the HIV and AIDS and are amongst the poorest in the country. Resources orphans,” continues Mandayachepa, “because they won’t are very limited for caring for children living with grow up within a family. Some have suggested there will HIV/AIDS, and the carers struggle to get materials and be social disintegration in Malawi because of this.” food resources for their family members. Although it’s hard to believe, Mandayachepa often “The women described their child’s illness as a found these people, facing the toughest of situations, heavy burden. Caring for a child who has a lifelong were able to present a positive face to the tragedy around illness such as HIV and AIDS is a difficult task. In them: “The mood of caregivers was generally positive addition to looking after this child, they also talked of about the future, although my interviews rekindled taking care of other children who are HIV negative. sad memories and experiences.” Images: Kate Berry Images: Kate

10 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 11 the postgraduate issue the future’s bright

George Ford at the School of Physics Roz Warden and Astronomy Social service provision for British Muslims

While Islam has a long history in the has involved speaking to professionals UK, events in the past decade have working at grassroots level and some led to much debate as to how this of their service users. I’m aiming particular religion fits within a modern to understand how contemporary British society. Muslim communities are developing But while certain elements of professional faith-based approaches British Muslim identity are frequently and also the potential impact and discussed, other areas have suffered benefit this might have for their through a lack of research. One such service users. The research will help George Ford “Between 1976 area is the provision of support for inform statutory and non-Muslim Muslim families using social services. professionals about how they may and 1979, almost “I studied a module on Islam in the provide more accessible and sensitive Studying the modern world as part of my degree in services to Muslim communities. 800 events took Religious Studies, which really got me “It also potentially contributes formation of stars interested in this subject,” says Roz to broader debates regarding the At the start of 2013, the Herschel Space Observatory place under the Warden. “This carried on through role of religious identities within the will be performing its final tasks. This is because Rock Against my master’s and now into my PhD. I public sphere and issues surrounding the observatory, the largest infrared space telescope realised that although British Muslims multiculturalism in Britain.” ever launched, is likely to run out of liquid helium, Racism banner” are often in the news, there wasn’t Roz hopes that, by helping to the coolant vital for its survival as a super-sensitive as much research into this particular inform social service providers of how telescope. subject as you’d expect. I really wanted welfare services may increasingly meet George Ford has been studying the data sent back to be able to provide relevant research the needs of diverse, multicultural and from the observatory, and in particular that relating to that could further inform the debate. multi-faith communities, professionals Andromeda, our own Milky Way’s nearest spiral galaxy Above: Joe O’Connell outside “In times of difficulty, people can will be better prepared to help with neighbour, since starting his PhD in 2010. the Students’ Union. often look to their faith for guidance, problems as they arise. “The Herschel Space Observatory reached its Joe O’Connell The Great Hall has comfort and so on. However, it seems “I hope the research has focused on current location a couple of months after being played host to many big names over the that the services in place to look after issues of relevance to British Muslim launched in May 2009,” says George. “It’s far enough years, including people who need help aren’t always communities. Cardiff’s Centre for the away from Earth to avoid the radiation that our planet The politics of punk David Bowie, The Manic Street prepared for this, with training in Study of Islam in the UK is a fantastic produces, but just near enough – 930,000 miles – to The punk rock years have taken on an with the rise of the National Front.” generation British-Pakistani members. Preachers, Super matters such as faith and wellbeing place to study as Cardiff has one of be pulled along by Earth’s gravity.” Furry Animals and almost mythical status in the history of “Rock Against Racism was a They saw Rock Against Racism as Motörhead being fairly limited. the oldest and most diverse Muslim The observatory’s 3.5-metre diameter mirror is UK popular music. As well as giving grassroots musical protest movement a natural home when many around “My research is looking at Islamic communities in Britain. If this research capable of capturing images of the coolest and dustiest young people the opportunity to rebel formed in 1976, and between then them seemed to be questioning approaches to social work and mental informs future policy and furthers objects in the universe. Caption: George against the norms of the day, the genre and 1979 almost 800 events took place their right to be in this country. health within the voluntary sector, and academic debate I’d be very happy.” Ford“Dust at the helps School to drive the formation of stars and was also a voice for many against under the RAR banner, including two Interestingly, although Alien Kulture my mainof Physics interest and is star formation within Andromeda, Thatcherism, the establishment, carnivals that drew crowds of up to were firmly against the establishment which isAstronomy the largest galaxy in our local group, similar Roz Warden, one of Cardiff’s racism… and the 10-minute prog-rock 100,000 in Manchester and London.” at the time, two members of the band Jameel PhD scholars in size to the Milky Way. Andromeda is approximately guitar solo. At its peak the National Front have gone on to work in the financial 2.5 million light years away, but if our eyes were Joe O’Connell, a trained became the fourth largest political services in London!” sensitive enough it would look much bigger than instrumentalist who first came to party in the UK, successfully stirring And what about today – is there the full moon. This makes it our best view of a Cardiff to study clarinet, before up tensions between minority and still a strong association between whole galaxy outside of our own, so we can see coming to Cardiff University, is white working class communities. popular music and politics? phenomenal detail.” dedicating his PhD to punk and the This fascist organisation’s popularity “In the late 70s the Labour and Specifically, George is comparing how many stars politics of the bands, and people who was boosted by notorious speeches by Conservative parties were about as far are formed with the amount of interstellar material followed them. Enoch Powell, while musicians such as apart politically as it was possible to of which they are made. “I’ve always had an interest in David Bowie and Eric Clapton seemed be. Nowadays there doesn’t seem to be To emphasise the importance of this research, popular music and politics, and the to play to these views. that fragmentation to the same extent, George cites one of the most famous living astronomers, time the two came together in a way as “Some interesting field work has perhaps that has meant young people Professor John Bally: “‘Star formation is the single never before was during the post-punk included interviewing members of don’t feel the need to rebel through most important process for determining the fate and era,” says Joe. “While initially punk a punk band called Alien Kulture. music. However, a song such as ‘Ill evolution of normal matter in the universe.’ In other wasn’t political, some punks saw the This band, which was formed Manors’ by Plan B shows there’s still words, if we want to know our ultimate origins, we potential for political discourse and after members went to a RAR gig anger with the system, and that gets need to study star formation. We are all made of stars.” activism within the genre, especially in London, comprised three first played on BBC Radio 1.”

12 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 13 the postgraduate issue postgraduate facilities Giving postgraduates the edge Cardiff’s mission: to attract the world’s brightest postgraduate researchers. With cutting-edge facilities and greater investment in training and support, students are already reaping the rewards, reports Sian Phillips

n the not so distant past, “Cardiff is one of the UK’s top between the schools. starting a research degree research universities. It’s our vision to “When we created UGC, we was often the beginning be a location for world-class research wanted to make sure that all research of a meandering journey and to attract the highest-quality students had the same experience of languorous study over research students from the UK and – that they all had the same access Ian indeterminate number of years. overseas,” says Professor Terry Marsden, to any training and development Nowadays, the postgraduate experience Dean of UGC. support, good facilities and dedicated couldn’t be more different. “To ensure Cardiff attracts workspaces in which to do their work, “The vast majority of research and maintains a vibrant research and access to everything they need to students at Cardiff University complete 200 community, we opened the University carry out their PhD,” says Professor their doctorate within a four-year development Graduate College, which works across Wann. “We wanted to make it very limit,” says Professor Ken Wann, programmes the schools and colleges. The aim attractive for postgraduates to study Deputy Dean of the University available to is to develop and improve the PhD at Cardiff.” Graduate College (UGC), which PHD students experience by supporting postgraduate opened two years ago to support students with training, providing Training and postgraduate students. excellent study facilities and increasing development “It’s a big ask,” he says. “We want the capacity for research.” One of UGC’s functions is to offer an our postgraduates to produce high- 2,000 UGC has also fulfilled the extensive training and development quality research – this is vital for research function of building a more cohesive programme for postgraduate our reputation and can help secure students postgraduate community. Over 500 researchers – around 200 different funding for the University – but are enrolled research students begin their PhD courses in all. they are also teaching and interacting at Cardiff work at Cardiff University each year, “There are the expected courses with undergraduates. We also want University and they and their supervisors are all such as presentation skills and project the research students to develop a members of UGC. Previously, there management, as well as topics like skillset that might be useful for them were four graduate schools arranged understanding the impact of research beyond their years at Cardiff. It’s a very by disciplines (social sciences, arts on policy, or engaging with schools and demanding few years.” and humanities, physical sciences communities,” says Terri Delahunty, The expectations it has of and engineering, and biomedical Head of Administration for UGC. postgraduate students are high, but and life sciences) and although The UGC Programme was the university is unequivocal about individually each was highly effective, shortlisted for the 2010 Times Higher its ambition. there wasn’t much connection Education Award, Outstanding Support Illustration: Darrel Rees Darrel Illustration:

14 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 17 the postgraduate issue Multiculturalism in Wales

for Early Career Researchers. Its success, Terri Delahunty, who oversees says Professor Wann, comes down to the facility, says that it is a vital hub President’s Scholars results. for those who are new to the city. The knowledge network “We canvass deep and wide by “Pursuing a postgraduate degree can The President’s Research Scholarships are the asking our postgraduate research be quite lonely – especially if you’re University’s flagship postgraduate awards. community what they need to coming to Cardiff from elsewhere – The 72 scholarships are fully funded by Cardiff complete their PhDs. We want support so we felt that it was important to have University at RCUK (Research Councils UK) Y rhwydwaith gwybodaeth that is fit for purpose. a space where graduates could socialise level. Here three President’s Scholars describe “We know that only a fraction apart from the undergraduates. We their experience: of research students will remain in offer lots of trips and social nights to By linking academia and Drwy gysylltu academia a academia after their PhD and therefore give students a reason to turn to the Anwen Cope we need to support them for their person next to them in a lecture theatre Antibiotics for Primary organisations representing sefydliadau sy’n cynrychioli’r future. This could be simply helping and suggest meeting up.” Care Dental Problems them write a CV, but there are many The Graduate Centre also runs “Cardiff has a really strong multicultural Wales, Cardiff Gymru amlddiwylliannol, mae ways to enhance their professional a ‘Welcome Fortnight’ with a emphasis on collaboration. development.” packed programme of events such as The interdisciplinary students are hoping to enhance myfyrwyr yng Nghaerdydd yn quizzes and a café crawl to help new support that I’ve received Funding conferences postgraduates to settle in. during my project has cultural understanding gobeithio gwella dealltwriaeth Each year the UGC facilitates and In October last year, a new graduate allowed me to develop my research interests funds student-led conferences, which social and study space also opened in and has made me excited about continuing ddiwylliannol enable postgraduate researchers to the Heath Park campus to serve the my research in the future. communicate their work to a wider medicine, dentistry, healthcare and Being part of a postgrad community is one-day forum to create a dialogue for multicultural Wales ynhaliwyd fforwm undydd i greu trafodaeth ynghylch y Gymru audience of students from different midwifery and nursing researchers. especially important while completing a PhD was held at the University in October. The event, organised amlddiwylliannol yn y Brifysgol ym mis Hydref. Rhoddodd y disciplines. “It helps the students to as it gives you much needed support when A by Connecting Interculturalism Cymru (CIC) and supported Cdigwyddiad, a drefnwyd gan Cysylltu Rhyngddiwylliannedd share and develop their research and to Social support things might not be going quite to plan!” by the Cardiff University Graduate College, gave organisations from up Cymru (CIC) ac a gefnogwyd gan Goleg Graddedigion Prifysgol establish interdisciplinary links,” says New students coming to the capital and down Wales the opportunity to discuss what multiculturalism means Caerdydd, y cyfle i sefydliadau ar hyd a lled Cymru drafod yr hyn y mae Terri Delahunty. to begin their research degree can also Esther Warnert for Wales, and how the gap between academia and practitioners can be amlddiwylliannedd yn ei olygu i Gymru a sut y gellir pontio’r bwlch rhwng The University is keen to join one of the postgraduate house Brain imaging bridged. academia ac ymarferwyr. promote information-sharing and hunting events, held each summer. “I was very happy to One of the day’s organisers, Geraint Whittaker, who is researching Dywedodd un o drefnwyr y diwrnod, Geraint Whittaker, sy’n to this end offers an additional pot Organised by the Postgraduate be awarded one of the Welsh identity for his PhD, said: “With a keynote speech by Vaughan ymchwilio i hunaniaeth Gymreig ar gyfer ei Ddoethuriaeth: “Gan of funding – up to £1,000 – to Recruitment Office and the Graduate President’s Scholarships. Gething, Assembly Member for Cardiff South and Penarth, and fod araith gyweirnod gan Vaughan Gething, yr Aelod Cynulliad dros support interdisciplinary activities Centre, it helps students link up For me it meant that I representation from Cardiff’s Welsh Language Initiative, Black Association Dde Caerdydd a Phenarth, a chynrychiolwyr o Fenter Iaith Caerdydd, such as themed forums, seminars or to find housemates and provides could spend the next of Women STEP Out, Muslim Council of Wales and North Wales Race cymdeithas Black Association of Women STEP Out, Cyngor Mwslimiaid workshops. information and advice for those three years in the UK Equality Council, there was certainly a lot to discuss.” Cymru a Chyngor Cydraddoldeb Hiliol Gogledd Cymru, yn sicr, roedd new to the city. doing research, with a decent standard of The day also featured a panel of Cardiff academics including Professor llawer i’w drafod.” Modern facilities living, without having to find a job on the side. Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost, who is currently leading a substantial Roedd y diwrnod hefyd yn cynnwys panel o academyddion o Next summer, interdisciplinary Communication It enables me to rent a nice place to live, and research project on Welsh as a second language amongst adults. Gaerdydd gan gynnwys yr Athro Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost, sy’n arwain activity will be made even easier as The Graduate Centre also sends to join sports teams as well. In this way, I can “We had over 60 people attend the forum over the course of the day,” prosiect ymchwil sylweddol ar Gymraeg fel ail iaith ymhlith oedolion. UGC moves into a dedicated space in fortnightly email bulletins to students, really focus on my PhD itself, and not have to continued Gerain. “We’re really hopeful this is a first step in establishing a “Roedd dros 60 o bobl yn bresennol yn y fforwm yn ystod y dydd,” the new Hadyn Ellis building which is on Twitter and has a quarterly worry about money.” network of contacts between the third sector and academia in Wales. The ychwanegodd Geraint. “Rydym yn gobeithio’n fawr mai dyma’r cam will sit within the new Maindy Park newsletter laden with pertinent organisations that were represented during the day can only benefit from cyntaf o ran sefydlu rhwydwaith o gysylltiadau rhwng y trydydd sector ac research campus. There will be a University news and professional Lisa Caryn Sheppard access to some of the detailed research on multiculturalism that is taking academia yng Nghymru. Gall y sefydliadau a gynrychiolwyd yn ystod y 150-seat lecture theatre as well as guidance. A recent issue gave a Multiculturalism in Wales place in our academic institutions.” ■ dydd ond elwa ar fanteisio ar yr ymchwil fanwl i amlddiwylliannedd sy’n exhibition space, four training rooms lowdown on how to use Twitter for “The research network cael ei chynnal yn ein sefydliadau academaidd.” ■ and a café area. research, for example. has been very useful as Professor Wann says that the Professor Wann believes that the it has given me a chance dedicated space will further enhance support that the University gives these to familiarise myself UGC and he anticipates some students isn’t just a gesture but a duty: with different aspects unexpected outcomes: “Having a “The contribution of PhD students of multiculturalism. ‘collision area’ for UGC is very exciting to the research output of the University In addition, the financial support that my because some of the best ideas and is huge – and vital for our position scholarship has given me is very important. best discussions come from corridor as a leading university,” he says. “While Without it, I would have had to study part time, chats.” these students are with us, we are and it would have meant taking much longer to Since 1999, there has been a effectively their employer. We have complete my thesis. Graduate Centre in the students’ a responsibility, therefore, to look On a university level, the University union building on Park Place in which after them, make them comfortable Graduate College offers funding for postgraduate students can socialise in and make sure that they have a good postgraduate students to organise conferences a café bar, use the IT room, or meet in experience and are ready for the and the like to develop practical skills that will Prominent Welsh one of five dedicated study rooms and outside world when they leave be helpful for us in our careers.” personalities, from left to right: lounge. Cardiff University.” Vaughan Gething, Colin Jackson, Shirley Bassey, 16 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 Colin Charvis 17 the postgraduate issue Cardiff Rare Books Collection A laboratory for the humanities The Cardiff Rare Books Collection is a huge boost to the University’s standing as a centre for research in the humanities, discovers Tom Burnett

utside the room “With no university in Wales until next, with notes inside the front cover that houses the the later 19th century, it was the great giving us a glimpse into the past.” University’s families of the day – the Howells, Ken is halfway through a three- recently acquired Butes and Corys for example – who year cataloguing programme funded Cardiff Rare built up the libraries that form much by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Books Collection, of this collection. There are also texts and admits that he does sometimes I’m almost nervous at the thought of from scholarly families, people who lay awake at night thinking about the being able to look amongst the 14,000 had been to Oxford and Cambridge enormity of the task. or so dusty volumes that make up one who then continued to collect for their “I’ve worked with ancient of the UK’s most important collections private libraries.” manuscripts at a number of of texts. The books are kept in a vault “These collections were either institutions, including the Bodleian in the basement of Cardiff’s Arts and donated to or bought by Cardiff City Library at the University of Oxford, Social Studies Library, and with one Council over the years, but as the but this is the first opportunity I’ve turn of a handle an entire room of municipal library’s remit has become had to catalogue a collection almost bookcases moves silently along runners more about new books rather than from scratch. The books have been concealed beneath the floor. old texts, the collection ended up in largely untouched since the 1950s, so Peter Keelan, Head of Special storage, available only to those who the first task is to find out what’s in the Collections and Archives, and Rare knew of its existence.” collection, what condition the books Books Cataloguer Ken Gibb show “One of the most exciting aspects are in, and to keep people informed as me around, and it’s quickly apparent is that you are given a glimpse into the to the gems we’re finding, which we that their joy at securing a collection personalities of the people who owned do through the Special Collections and of this importance hasn’t diminished these books,” continues Ken. “A Archives blog.” in the slightest. gentleman’s library exhibited his taste And how do the archivists envisage “There are so many books of in authors and subjects, but the marks the collection will be used in the huge importance for those studying he made within these books show future? Does the condition of many the humanities,” says Peter. “The what he was thinking at the time. The of the books mean they’re going to be collection includes examples of books also tell us how books were used kept under lock and key? incunabula, as books printed before and given. Many have been handed “The books are already being used 1500 are known; over 400 ancient down from one generation to the for research and will help to attract the bibles dating from 1540 onwards; atlases, including a world map Peter Keelan (left) published in 1492; a set of 17th- “The marks made within these and Ken Gibb in the century Restoration plays; 17th- Salisbury ‘stack’, Cardiff University’s century copies of Shakespeare’s works books show what collectors unique collection of and many examples from the private Welsh literature and were thinking”

reference books Images: Sean Malyon presses of Victorian publishers.”

18 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 19 the postgraduate issue life-changing science

Hidden gems Tiny monsters This 1667 edition of Robert Hooke’s Micrographia gave biologists the chance to study

tiny organisms for the first time, and was the country’s first scientific bestseller.

Works of art William Morris, a giant of the Breakthrough Arts and Crafts movement in the late 19th century, established the Kelmscott Press in order that book publishing could become thinking an art form once again. The collection Killing cancer cells and bringing the spark of life to includes embroidered human embryos are among the developments being book covers and elaborate fonts, and even has proofs best scholarly minds to Cardiff, they excellence has skyrocketed – it really Above: John Gould’s with scribbled comments and pioneered at Cardiff, discovers Katrina Hendley pictures of birds led will also be available for members could be called a ‘laboratory for the to him becoming suggestions by Morris himself. of the public to browse through humanities’ – thanks to the efforts of the most celebrated ornithologist in using Turning the Pages equipment those determined to keep a collection Victorian Britain. John Dee and software, which can be lent out of such importance both in the UK His subjects were The book signed by John Dee stuffed skins sent to libraries around the country,” and in the public realm. back from the is a copy of Summa contra says Peter. Janet Peters, Director of University Americas, and he gentiles by Thomas Aquinas, only saw a live University Archivist Alison Harvey Libraries and Chair of the Board of hummingbird much published in Paris in 1519. adds: “We work with academics to find Research Libraries UK and one of later in life when he Dr Dee, as mathematician out what’s currently being studied and the figures instrumental to bringing travelled to the US. and astrologer to Elizabeth I, how the collection could enhance this. the collection to the University, had a library of 4,000 books, As archivists, we build up knowledge of said: “With today’s public libraries however his house was looted what’s in the collection, both through having a very different remit from that by a mob in 1583 and, although cataloguing and in our heads. We of the past, Cardiff Council Library many of the books were encourage people from the University Service decided to sell the collection recovered, Dee eventually had and wider public to come and see us to raise funds to further modernise the to part with them due to his to find out how we can help with their city’s libraries. straightened circumstances. research or interests.” “But, as there was huge interest The books were dispersed But that’s not to say the collection from the private sector, it was never a throughout Europe and is open for general viewing. With foregone conclusion that the collection researchers have long been some of the books perilously close to would come to the University. Indeed, working to track down disintegration, many will have to wait when we eventually secured the surviving books to reconstruct for the texts to be conserved, digitised purchase of the books, they were with Dee’s library, which was at or written about in the blog to find out the auctioneer in London!” the time the greatest scientific what secrets the collection holds. and philosophical collection However, the collection means that To find out more, take a look at in Europe. Cardiff’s stock as a centre for research http://scolarcardiff.wordpress.com/

20 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 21 life-changing science

Breakthrough thinking Killing cancer cells and bringing the spark of life to human embryos are among the developments being pioneered at Cardiff, discovers Katrina Hendley

www.cardiff.ac.uk 21 the postgraduate issue life-changing science

Kick-starting life

While some research groups are making breakthroughs that could save lives, a team in the School of Medicine is concentrating on the other end of the spectrum... creating life

In a discovery that could help couples going through IVF treatment – 45,264 couples a year in the UK, according to figures from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority – Cardiff researchers have found that injecting a missing sperm protein into eggs can kick-start embryo development. This research, carried out in a model of human infertility, could dramatically increase the chances of a successful pregnancy where there is a problem with the sperm – around half of involuntarily childless couples who seek IVF. Two of the researchers behind this study – Professors Tony Lai and Karl Swann – are the scientists who first discovered that sperm transfers a vital protein to the egg on fertilisation, which uke Piggott, a Above and centre: all happened at once. I’m lucky that my microscope,” he recalls, “but it had If the treatment proves successful cancer treatment. This group has sets off all the biological processes necessary for PhD student based Luke Piggott in the coach and my supervisor have been so killed literally all the stem cells. We – Dr Clarkson reckons they’ll have an been funded by the British Cancer the development of an embryo. That protein is lab and on the ice. in the School of Right: Dr Richard supportive and made it all possible. And repeated it several times before we really answer in about two years – they’ll move Campaign to investigate whether high PLC-zeta (PLCz) and initiates a process called egg Biosciences, is Clarkson I’ve learnt to be much more efficient believed it.” It was a big breakthrough, on to clinical trials. And as TRAIL is activity of a cell protein called Lyn activation – if it’s missing or defective, the sperm proving a little with my time!” and there was more to come. already approved for clinical trials in kinase creates the conditions for triple won’t activate the egg. elusive. He has Luke also found that TRAIL can other types of cancer, they won’t have to negative tumours, the most aggressive Their latest achievement, along with fellow played a leading A surprise result be used to kill the cancer stem cells contend with the usual red tape. form of breast cancer. researcher Dr Michail Nomikos, is to prepare role in the breast cancer research Luke’s first breakthrough was finding in patients that have become resistant Just as Luke is wrapping up his “We’re trying to understand in active – ie viable – human PLCz protein and obtain breakthroughs achieved in Dr Richard a way to kill breast cancer stem cells. to tamoxifen, a drug commonly PhD, another postgrad in the lab more detail what Lyn kinase does in positive results that had previously only been Clarkson’s lab, so I’m keen to talk to To understand the signficance of this, used to treat breast cancer. “This is is starting out on hers. Funding normal cells and breast cancer cells,” observed in the laboratory. him about the group’s next project. it’s necessary to know a little about the particularly exciting because clinicians from Cancer Research Wales has explains Dr Smalley. “We know that “We’ve shown that when an unfertilised egg Everyone has been impressively efficient biology of breast cancer – so here, as are crying out for a therapy that will enabled Olivia Hayward, a pharmacy it’s a druggable target – that we could is injected with human PLCz, it responds exactly in responding to my requests for they say, comes the science bit. treat relapsed patients,” explains Dr postgraduate, to spend the next three design molecules that would inhibit as it should do at fertilisation,” explains Professor interviews, but not Luke. Breast cancer, like all cancer Clarkson. Currently, they can only years investigating c-FLIP, with its activity – so if our hypothesis Lai. “We’re working to design a kit to indicate the Then, while Dr Clarkson is very tumours, is a complex growth with a call on very toxic therapeutics such the aim of designing a drug that is correct, that would be a real likelihood of a man’s fertility, by determining the patiently putting his lab’s complex work mix of different cells and tissue types. as gamma irradiation and aggressive will inhibit it. She joins fellow PhD possibility. It would be a big step presence of PLCz in sperm. If missing, the active into context for me, I find out why Luke The current thinking in cancer biology chemotherapies – TRAIL is far more student Rhiannon French – funded forward because targeted treatment protein could be added during IVF.” has had other things on his mind. After is that a tiny minority of these cells – gentle and it eliminates the stem cells. by the MRC and the Sian Griffiths isn’t currently available for triple Alongside this, the team will continue with other breaking off to take a phone call from about 1% – is the pernicious part of the It’s a kind of holy grail, really, for Memorial Fund – who is looking at negative tumours.” That, though, is a PLCz-related research. “We want to establish how his student, Dr Clarkson explains: “It’s a tumour, able to establish new growth relapsed patients.” how c-FLIP works inside the cell. As little way down the line and the next many cases of infertility are related to a lack of big day for him – he’s handing his PhD and hence spread the disease around The next stage of the research, then, Olivia says: “It’s highly novel research three years will be a crucial time for PLCz and test its safety in activating eggs for later thesis in.” That’ll explain it, then. the body or cause a treated tumour to is to test these breakthroughs on cancer and very relevant and important, the lab. development,” says Professor Swann. Luke has, in fact, had something of regrow. In short, they’re the cells that cells taken directly from patients (up given that breast cancer affects around This project will start in January Both professors are keen to point out that a run of big days over the course of his are likely to kill the patient and they’re to now they’ve been working with 50,000 women in the UK every year.” 2013, and Dr Smalley is hoping to postgraduate students have played an important PhD. Not only has he notched up two resistant to existing therapies. tumour cells grown in the lab). Thanks have two postgrads working in his lab role in this research. Not least of these is Michail significant research breakthroughs, he’s Luke was testing TRAIL, a naturally to funding from the Breast Cancer Tackling negative over the next year. “We’re very new Nomikos who, although now qualified, was the first also established himself as a professional occurring anti-cancer drug that hadn’t Campaign (BCC), Luke will stay on tumours so we don’t have any postgraduate PhD student to study PLCz following its discovery ice hockey player for the Cardiff Devils. been tried against breast cancer, for his at Cardiff University as a postdoctoral Finding a method that kills off breast research students yet, but I think it’s and has remained involved with the team – in “It’s a pretty unusual situation and can PhD research. In the course of this, he researcher and, in collaboration with cancer stem cells is a major coup, really important to have them in the fact he was the lead author of the recent study, be demanding at times,” he admits (after found that by combining TRAIL with the Cardiff School of Pharmacy but it isn’t the only groundbreaking lab. They bring a great sense of fun published by Fertility and Sterility. handing his thesis in). “I have very long a substance to suppress a gene called & Pharmaceutical Sciences and research in this field taking place at and enthusiasm – and they tend to ask days, but the ice hockey is a great release c-FLIP, which effectively instructs cells Llandough Hospital’s Breast the School of Biosciences. Another difficult questions.” for me and I find it actually helps me to ignore TRAIL, he killed off all the Centre, will use cells taken directly research group, headed up by Dr As both research groups are moving focus on my research. stem cells in the sample. “I was doing from patient biopsies. It’s about as Matt Smalley of the European Cancer towards therapies for breast cancers 45,264 “The last few years have been surreal it as a side experiment and I expected close as you can get to treating the Stem Cell Research Institute, is that are currently very difficult to treat – things I never thought I’d achieve have to see these cells moving under the actual patients. investigating another potential breast effectively, many others could benefit too. couples in the UK have IVF every year

22 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 23 network Ben Kangwa network MA Journalism Studies, 1994

With 25 years of experience with the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation – including news interviewing all 11 candidates on television for the 2001 presidential elections and presenting Business Review for 12 years – Ben Kangwa proved a natural choice to represent Zambia’s interests around the world. Welcome to the Cardiff This he did by becoming First Press Secretary Network. I hope that you’ve all had a good at the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC year and that if you were in the UK you in 2007, before rising through the ranks to his enjoyed a summer full of celebration – with current position of Deputy Chief of Mission. both the Queen’s Jubilee and the amazing Since moving to the US, Ben has served London 2012 Olympics. For those of you under three presidents of Zambia, representing overseas I hope that seeing both of these his country in relations with Central American events reminded you of happy times spent countries such as Haiti and El Salvador, in the UK, and in Cardiff in particular. international institutions such as the World Bank Congratulations to all of our alumni who helped make the summer Group and International Monetary Fund, and the Zambian High Commission in Canada. of 2012 such a success. Ben counsels serving press secretaries in You will have noticed this year that we have greatly improved our various Zambian missions abroad to ensure they website and our electronic communications with you. The regular devote their time to preparing ambassadors for CardiffConnect email newsletter goes to all of you who we have an hostile questioning. email address for. If you are currently missing out, please contact us at Nick Gough “The press is not something one can control, [email protected] and we’ll add you to the mailing list. but it can turn out to be something very helpful in one’s day-to-day work. It is important to Increasingly, we are also sending School specific newsletters out, so BSc Economics, know how the press works, not only in one’s own again, don’t miss out on your copy. Record numbers of you have joined MSc International Relations, 2008 country, but in the country of representation. In our LinkedIn Group this year – thank you for that – and I hope that Adrian Dilkes this regard, a positive attitude to the host country you find it a useful network for your business. is always paramount,” he said. Talking of which, if you would be interested in utilising the MA Music, 1987 Described by actress Joanna Lumley as we’re more likely to meet people. This has fantastic student talent that we have here in Cardiff to help in your “inspired lunacy with a heart of gold and the already happened in places like Slovenia and workplace, we have launched the Alumni Mentoring and Placements mind of Aristotle”, ex-Cardiff student Nick Albania, beautiful countries where we met Alumni Adrian Dilkes, who teaches Year 6 children at Bryn Coch Gough and his friend Rich Sear’s trip around some fantastic people along the way.” Scheme. Details can be found on our website if you would like to Primary School in Mold, added two music tracks to the Times the world in an open-sided tuk-tuk is probably Although originally developed in Italy, register your interest – visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/alumni/amp. You can Educational Supplement website in August. The site can be accessed by among the more bizarre endeavours attempted variations of the tuk-tuk are now used around also follow us on Twitter @CardiffAlumni or join us on Facebook. If more than two million educational professionals in 197 countries. The by a University alumnus. the world, particularly in developing countries, you are on Twitter yourself, let us know and we’ll follow you – and songs have since been downloaded over 6,000 times by educational The tuk-tuk is currently hogging the slow where they’re used as taxis, to deliver produce re-Tweet any successes you have along the way to all our followers. professionals around the world. lane somewhere between Cairo and Cape and as family vehicles. Wherever you are, stay in touch – and do keep us up-to-date with “I have been teaching, performing, conducting and arranging Town, but the idea first came to the two It was with this in mind that Nick and Rich your news – you might even find yourself in a future issue of the music for children for many years,” says Adrian, “but I was delighted friends as they commuted from London to decided this unassuming three-wheeler would Cardiff University Magazine! to have such a great response to the two songs. I am delighted that Guildford each day to teach. They realised that, be perfect to get them around the world. “So my music is appreciated by other teachers and being used around the by combining a round the world trip with the much of the world relies on these vehicles,” With my very best wishes to you all, world, one of the songs has even been performed in a school in Italy! aims of their charity – the Tuk Tuk Educational said Nick, “that we thought it would be pretty “From this response I am now in the process of setting up my own Trust – they could also help get children in inclusive to travel by this method of transport. website – www.primarysongs.co.uk – which will provide instantly developing countries into school. It also means that, when the inevitable happens downloadable songs and I am aiming to go live sometime in the Nick (above left), who gained a BSc in and we break down, there’s likely to be new year.” Economics and an MSc in International someone nearby who can help out!” Sarah Price Relations at Cardiff, said they were fully aware Deputy Director of Development & Alumni Relations Division To access the songs, take a look at the website www.tes.co.uk and of the challenges ahead: “We’re open to the Find out how Nick and Rich are doing by search for musicbyadrian elements, but with the nature of the vehicle taking a look at www.tuktuktravels.com

24 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 25 network network Ed Green Michael von BSc, MArch, MPhil and PhD Bertele The recession has forced many families to The design will now be realised for the 2013 rethink their house moving plans. One Ideal Home Exhibition, held at Earl’s Court in Cardiff School of Medicine, solution has been to develop underused parts London and visited annually by over 250,000 of the house, such as the attic, garage or proud homeowners. The completed house will 1974-79 basement, to increase the amount of living then be moved to the BRE Innovation Park near Director General of the Army Medical Services Michael von Bertele’s space available. Watford, to be seen by building consultants, retirement from the forces was marked with a portrait at the Royal Military But an award-winning design by Cardiff housing experts and representatives from housing Academy Sandhurst in Surrey. School of Architecture alumnus Ed Green has associations up and down the land. The portrait, by Cardiff-based artist David Griffiths, was unveiled in taken this idea one step further. Using the storage Ed has worked at Cardiff-based practice October and marks the Director General’s official retirement from the containers that are usually seen balanced on Pentan Partnership since finishing his PhD at Royal Army Medical Corps. It will hang alongside portraits of 40 previous the top of huge oceangoing ships, Ed has come Cardiff University in 2003, and the company has director generals at the Former Army Staff College at Sandhurst. up with S,M,L (Stacking,Modular,Lifetime), a built up a reputation through their work with After leaving Cardiff with a degree in Medicine in 1979, Michael served sustainable and self-energising solution to the local authorities. in the Falklands, the Balkans and the Gulf, and led exercises and training as housing needs of the future. “Four housing associations have already far afield as Brunei and Nepal.

“These containers are only £2,000 each,” approached us about these houses, and Zena en route from John As the first medical officer into Port Stanley after the Argentinian says Ed. “They can be converted to habitable hopefully this will increase after the show house O’Groats to Land’s End. invasion of the Falklands, he describes his experiences as: “the moment that connecting pods away from the final building is developed for the exhibitions. After the Below, Zena’s son Keir, convinced me that my job was worthwhile.” He spent two weeks on the and post ordeal site. This means that tradesmen get to work in containers are adapted off site, a zero-carbon Ed Green’s S,M,L surgical team in Ajax Bay, treating British and Argentinian casualties. design means that far more comfortable conditions as they can S,M,L house, big enough for a family of five, adding an extra In 1993 he received an OBE for his work with the UN during the war avoid the vagaries of the weather.” can be interconnected, weatherproofed and room to your home in Croatia, and in 2012 was made a Companion of the Bath (CB) in the In September, S,M,L beat 250 other entries inhabited in just a month, and all for around has never been Queen’s Birthday Honours. easier! Zena Brenchley to win The Sunday Times British Homes Award. £100,000.” Of the painting, he said: “The portrait is outstanding, almost unsettling: MOrth and MScD, 1990-93 it is like looking in a mirror. But I feel privileged to have been honoured in this way by my corps.” John O’Groats to Land’s End… a phrase that’s burned into the psyche of many a fitness fanatic or hardcore fundraiser. However, Zena Brenchley, has taken this well-worn route one step, well, one pedal of the wheels, further. After cycling from one end of the country to the other in 2010, Zena mentioned to her husband Ian that she was still feeling fairly fresh and could probably have cycled further. Jokingly, Ian suggested that next time she could turn around and do the whole thing again. This is of course what Zena then decided to do, and in August 2012 completed the gruelling 1,779 mile round trip in just 15 days, raising £3,800 for children’s charities as she went. Zena and Ian, who are partners at Torrington Dental Practice in north Devon, have helped raise over £50,000 for children’s charities since they opened 15 years ago, much inspired by their son Keir, who has Down’s syndrome. Zena says she really enjoyed the 15-day slog, although it’s Ian who tells me what she really went through: “Zena’s legs were fine on the second leg, but unfortunately she lost all the feeling in her left hand, not great when you’ve got to change gears with both hands – she had to lean over and change gears with her right hand for much of the return leg!”

Portrait by artist David Griffith hung at Sandhurst

6 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2013 www.cardiff.ac.uk 27 network network

Anni winning the Crown at the 2012 Eisteddfod

Mychlogyd

Mae ’na lefydd sy’n bodoli na fedar neb eu cyrraedd heb ddefnyddio ychydig bach o ddychymyg. Yn y llefydd hynny mae’r hud a lledrith ’na y clywsoch chi sôn amdano pan oeddach chi’n blant yn digwydd. Lle tebyg iawn ydi Mychlogyd. Mae hi’n anodd ofnadwy cyrraedd y pentra bach diflas, di-nod, di-ddychymyg. Ond mae hi’n anoddach byth ffeindio’ch ffordd o’na. Mae ’na fryniau yng ngheseiliau ei gilydd o amgylch coed trwchus crafangllyd yn cau am y pentra nes bron iawn a’i fygu. Ym Mychlogyd, dach chi’n gweld, mae’r rheini sydd wedi disgyn o’r nunlla dychmygol yn byw. Y rheini sy’n bodoli ond ddim yn bod dim ond pan fydd ’na bobol eraill, o du allan i Fychlogyd, yn meddwl Anni Llyn Parri amdanyn nhw. Un o’r bobol eraill ’ma ydw i. Am rwan, does gen i ddim lliw llygaid, na BA, MA, 2009-11 lliw gwallt. Does gen i ddim siâp i fy nhrwyn Rhys Jones na thaldra. Does gen i ddim chwerthiniad unigryw nac ogla gwahanol. Does gen i ddim BSc, MPhil, PhD “After studying Welsh for my degree at Cardiff I The Urdd Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s enw. Ond mae gen i ddau beth; y gallu a’r took up an MA with a creative writing element. largest youth festivals, attracting over 100,000 gwybod. Dwi’n gallu gweld y stori’n digwydd, Although he suffers from severe dyslexia and entomology and a PhD in molecular evolution, This included writing a short novel of 12,000 to visitors and 15,000 competitors annually. Last dwi’n gallu teimlo fy nghymeriadau, er nad didn’t enjoy school, a childhood spent gazing in where Rhys specialised in herpetology and 15,000 words,” said Anni. “The theme for last year’s event was held in Snowdonia, close to ydwi’n eu nabod nhw... awe at the animal exhibits at Cardiff Museum set parasitology. year’s prose section of the Eisteddfod was Egin where Anni grew up at Sarn Mellteyrn. Rhys Jones in good stead for his eventual career. A talk at the Natural History Society was [Shoots], which, after a bit of rewriting, fitted in “I’ve always been involved in the Eisteddfod ...a dwi’n gwybod y ffordd i Fychlogyd. “I was told at school that I’d be stacking followed by a stint on Iolo William’s Welsh Safari with what I’d written for my master’s.” – reciting or singing – so having the festival in shelves at Tesco,” said Rhys. “I got into the pet show, before Rhys joined Chris Packham for Anni’s crown-winning prose (an excerpt of my home area made it pretty special for me, and Ac yn fano yr oeddwni’n prysur ymgartrefu trade and worked as a bouncer, but then decided Nature’s Calendar. Rhys now presents Rhys to which can be read on the right), is set in a world as I’ll soon be too old to enter a youth festival I’m wrth y bwrdd, a phryfyn yn cerdded yn araf ar I wanted to go into academia.” the Rescue on BBC Wales, which gives him the where some people are incapable of imagining, really proud to have won the crown for prose.” ei hyd. Roeddwni’n dod i ddiwedd fy mheint, Although he left school with no chance to work with some of Wales’s wildest while others are imagination thieves. “I’d not Anni was offered a job at S4C when she was a thrwy waelod y gwydr hwnnw yr oeddwn i’n qualifications, Rhys approached Cardiff animals, including his greatest passion: snakes. written something of this length before, it’s doing her master’s, and now presents Stwnsh, gallu gweld y stori’n dechrau. Stori a fu bron University and was awarded a grant to fund a “I just fell in love with them. It’s easy to pretty complicated getting the plot together, so which is on every weekday evening. “It’s great a bod yn ddiwedd ar fy ngallu a fy ngwybod. foundation year in physics, chemistry and maths. make them out to be evil, nasty creatures but if much so that I’d sometimes be surrounded by to work on children’s television, it’s very creative Stori a fu’n raff am wddf fy nychymyg. Next came a degree in zoology and genetics, you look at the bigger picture, they’re incredible pieces of paper, trying to work the plot out!” and gives us a chance to be silly!” a Master of Philosophy in medical molecular survivors,” he says.

28 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 www.cardiff.ac.uk 29 first person Change the Future – Today Medicine man Dr Graham March Chairman, Special Products Ltd BPharm (1967) PhD (1974)

thought I was entering heaven when cup of coffee when a consultant came and For instance there might only be five people I first went to Cardiff in 1964,” says sat down with me, which was pretty unusual in the country that needed them. The original Graham March. “The clean white as they generally kept their own company. brief I worked out with Great Ormond Street buildings, red roads, open spaces, He said they were having trouble getting was that I’d continue to develop whatever they it was like being in Washington babies to take the laboratory grade chemicals needed for their patients, no matter how few IDC! I really couldn’t believe how different it necessary for them to survive inherited people actually needed the medicine.” was from Birmingham, which was still a very metabolic diseases, but had heard that there’d Since the company was founded in 1997, industrial city and very quiet after dark.” been some success in the USA by making the Graham and colleagues have gone on to The young Graham March was similarly chemicals more palatable. Once I’d had a look develop 55 ‘specials’ for a targeted range of impressed with the new School of Pharmacy at the chemical he was talking about I knew therapeutic areas. These mainly involve liquids building and the facilities the University instantly what the problem was. It was bitter for children with rare diseases and tablets for offered, although the Dean quickly reminded and smelled awful! Babies and young children older children and adults. The company’s the students not to rest on their laurels. would not swallow it at all.” products are now used in children’s hospitals “There were 35 in our class, and he said Graham developed a palatable liquid from throughout the UK and also overseas. they had space for 25 next year as there were the chemical that the children found easier “We now employ 40 people in Surrey, and only that many microbiological cabinets to go to take. He also formulated an injection for have just opened a subsidiary company in Cardiff University is the home Making a gift in your will round. I was fairly self-sufficient for my age so children in a critical condition who were Dubai to accommodate the growing market Would you like of explorers and visionaries. to Cardiff University is an I knew I had to work hard to survive. I made vomiting so severely People come here to understand excellent way of making a up my mind in that first week that I’d stay in that they were the world around them. difference to the future of the top five throughout the course!” unable to take “Studying for my PhD at to help us find... Our students and researchers research and scholarship here. Graham stayed on after his degree to take medicines orally alike are united by a desire Your support will enable us to a PhD: “Studying for my PhD at Cardiff gave until the condition Cardiff gave me the ability to bring to light new ways make discoveries and inventions me the ability to think independently and was under control. to think independently the cure for cancer? of thinking, to share ideas that will change the world and logically which, looking back, was the passport “Babies in dire and inspire others, to explore have far-reaching effects. to credibility and responsibility.” need of medical and logically which, unfamiliar territory and to help started discover a brighter future. Moving with the times surviving their first looking back, was the an effective Graham’s long and varied career as a registered few days as they passport to credibility But we cannot do it without pharmacist has taken him through the private were able to take treatment for the support of people like you. and public sectors, and ultimately led to him what essentially and responsibility” founding Special Products Ltd., a company looked like normal Alzheimer’s and other that develops and distributes unlicensed medicines, rather To request your free copy medicines prescribed for conditions found in than hospital-developed powders that they for ‘specials’ in the Middle East. We’ve tried neurological diseases? of our guide to leaving a small populations of children. couldn’t stand. Children with certain life- before to grow beyond UK borders but I’ve gift in your will, Your gift But it was a chance meeting with a threatening illnesses were doing so well they learned that you need to build a critical mass consultant while Graham was controlling were then able to go home. They even lived of sales by distributing products from the for the future, please contact the quality of medicines produced at Great long enough to be able to take the tablets that UK rather than spending lots of money setting a sustainable Eleanor Hewett, Ormond Street Hospital in London that I developed for them. up a speculative company overseas. Our Legacy Officer on changed the course of Graham’s professional “It was then that I realised I could set up a Dubai sales office reached that level earlier way for future life for ever. company that developed these sorts of drugs this year and is now thriving as an +44 (0)29 2087 0372 or “I was sitting in the refectory having a – medicines for people with niche diseases. independent company.” generations to live? email [email protected]

30 Cardiff University Magazine WINTER 2012/13 Cardiff University is a registered charity no. 1136855. All gifts in wills are tax free. Watch us on YouTube

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