Edit Summer 2007
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60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:01 Page 1 The University of Edinburgh INCLUDING BILLET & GENERAL COUNCIL PAPERS SUMMER 07 Zhong Nanshan honoured Zhong Nanshan, who first identified SARS, received an honorary degree at a ceremony celebrating Edinburgh’s Chinese links ALSO INSIDE Edinburgh is to play host to the first British centre for human and avian flu research, while the Reid Concert Hall Museum will house a unique clarinet collection 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:01 Page 2 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 09:35 Page 3 Contents 16xx Foreword Welcome to the Summer 2007 edition of Edit, and many thanks to everyone who contacted us with such positive feedback about our new design. A recent ceremony in Beijing celebrated the University’s links with China and saw Professor 18 Zhong Nanshan receiving an honorary degree; Edit takes a closer look at our connections – historical and present-day – to that country (page 14). The discovery of H5N1 on a turkey farm in Norfolk earlier this year meant avian flu once 14 20 again became headline news. Robert Tomlinson reports on plans to establish a cutting-edge centre at the University to research the virus Features (page 16). The focus of our third feature is the Shackleton 14 Past, Present and Future Bequest, an amazing collection of clarinets Developing links between China and Edinburgh. recently bequeathed to the University that will be housed in the Reid Concert Hall Museum 16 From Headline to Laboratory (page 20). Edinburgh takes lead in Britain’s fight against avian flu. Anne Borthwick 20 Art meets Science Editor The remarkable musical legacy of the paleoclimatologist Editor who championed the clarinet. Publisher Communications and Marketing, The University of Edinburgh Centre, 7-11 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9BE Editor Anne Borthwick – [email protected] Design Freight Design 0141 552 5303 Cover Photography Courtesy of Getty Images Printing J Thomson Colour Printers Mailing Services Capital Communications Advertising Enquiries Landmark Publishing Regulars Services 0207 692 9292 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any 2 University News form without the prior written consent of the publishers. Edit is printed on environment-friendly, Forestry Stewardship Council-accredited paper. Edit, the University of Edinburgh’s magazine, is published twice a year. 18 Talbot Rice Gallery The views expressed in its columns are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the University. 22 Alumni Events 26 World Service Cert no. TT-COC-002242 28 Alumni Profiles 29 Billet 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 4 02 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine University News Chinese contribution to the University officially acknowledged More than 150 years of collaboration between China and the University of Edinburgh were marked in style when a University delegation visited Beijing to celebrate Chinese academic achievement. The highlight of the trip was the award of an honorary degree to Edinburgh alumnus Professor Zhong Nanshan, who identified the SARS virus. The award was made in the presence of Chinese graduates of the University who were invited to attend a special graduation ceremony celebrating Chinese academic achievement. The event was held 152 years after Huang Kuan graduated in medicine from the University of Edinburgh, making him the first Chinese graduate of any European university. Following this, the Edinburgh delegation hosted ‘A University of Edinburgh Day in Peking University’ to develop further the existing research and educational links University launches Cinema China with the University of Edinburgh. The event provided the opportunity for The University participated in the launch of Cinema China, academics to discuss future and existing the UK’s largest-ever Chinese film festival. Launched on collaborations. 9 March, this major event featured more than 20 important Vice-Principal Professor Geoffrey Boulton, who is in charge of developing films from the past 80 years of Chinese filmmaking. relationships between the University and Cinema China was conceived Cinema China Education, an China, says: “We are extremely proud by the University of Edinburgh extensive learning package for of our historic links with China and they and presented audiences with adults and children, complemented are links which we are eager to build on. an overview of the entire history the screening programme. As a crucial part of its current rapid of Chinese film. The festival development, China is investing The University presented an exclusive showcased classic action movies, massively in education and research, series of lectures looking at aspects melodramas, musicals and art films and is keen to engage with the best of Chinese society, history, culture, from the People’s Republic, Hong international universities in doing so. movie-stardom and filmmaking. Kong and Taiwan. Many of the films “We can, because of long-standing and were screened on extremely rare Cinema China is a new partnership developing links, knock on doors that prints imported especially from Asia. between the University of Edinburgh, many Scottish institutions and businesses the Confucius Institute at the Key highlights of Cinema China can’t at the moment. From the graduation University, the Filmhouse Cinema, included masterclasses with Asian in Edinburgh of Huang Kuan back in 1855 the Scottish Executive, Beijing Film superstar Maggie Cheung and through to the establishment of the Academy, Scottish Screen, the acclaimed director Xie Fei, the Confucius Institute for Scotland at the National Lottery and the Edinburgh premiere of Zhang Yimou’s Riding University in 2006, we have demonstrated International Film Festival. Alone For Thousands Of Miles and that we have a special relationship with the world premiere of a new film China and we want to ensure that it score by composer Kimho Ip. continues for many years to come.” 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 5 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 03 For all the latest University news, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/news Study shows cats can succumb to feline Alzheimer’s disease Edinburgh researchers are involved in a major study that reveals that cats can develop a feline form of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists at the Universities of Edinburgh, St Andrews, Bristol and California have identified a key protein that can build up in the nerve cells of a cat’s brain and cause mental deterioration. In humans with Alzheimer’s disease this Dr Danielle Gunn-Moore, at the “As with humans, the life expectancy of protein creates ‘tangles’ inside the nerve University’s Royal (Dick) School of cats is increasing and with this longer life cells, which inhibits messages being Veterinary Studies, says: “This newly runs the greater chance of developing processed by the brain. The team says discovered protein is crucial to our dementia. Recent studies suggest that that the presence of this protein in cats is understanding of the ageing process in 28% of pet cats aged 11–14 years proof that they too can develop this type cats. We’ve known for a long time that develop at least one old age-related of disease. cats develop dementia, but this study behaviour problem, and this increases By carrying out post-mortem examination tells us that the cat’s neural system is to more than 50% for cats over the age of cats that have succumbed naturally to being compromised in a similar fashion of 15.” to what we see in human Alzheimer’s the disease, scientists may now be able Experts suggest that good diet, mental sufferers. The gritty plaques had only to uncover vital clues about how the stimulation and companionship can hinted that might be the case – now we condition develops. This may eventually reduce the risk of dementia in both know. help scientists to come up with possible humans and cats. Dr Gunn-Moore treatments. “The shorter lifespan of a cat compared explains: “If humans and their cats live in Scientists already thought cats were to humans allows researchers to more a poor environment with little company susceptible to dementia because rapidly assess the effects of diet, high and stimulation, they are both at higher previous research had identified thick, blood pressure and prescribed drugs on risk of dementia. However, if the owner gritty plaques on the outside of elderly the course of the disease. However, we plays with the cat, it is good for both cats’ brain cells which are similar to those also need to understand more about our human and cat. A good diet enriched found in humans. But by pinpointing this geriatric cats for their own benefit, so we with antioxidants is also helpful in second key marker, the Edinburgh-led can slow down the degeneration the warding off dementia, so a cat owner team says we can be sure that cats can disease brings and keep them as happy sharing healthy meals like chicken and suffer from a feline form of Alzheimer’s. cats for as long as possible. fish with their pet will benefit them both.” concentrate on his writing career. He is OBE for services to medicine in University in New an Emeritus Professor in the School of Scotland. Law. Professor J Fraser Stoddart, who was Year Honours list Dr Stuart K Monro is Scientific Director the Edinburgh Alumnus of the Year 2005, of Dynamic Earth. He is an Edinburgh is Director of the California NanoSystems Numerous staff members and alumni of alumnus and honorary fellow of the Institute at UCLA at Los Angeles and the University were recognised in the College of Science and Engineering. He was awarded Knights Batchelor for New Year Honours List. was awarded an OBE for services to services to chemistry and molecular Among them was Professor Alexander science. nanotechnology. McCall Smith, who has been awarded a Professor Stuart Gowans Macpherson Alumna and percussionist Dr Dame CBE for services to literature.