THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS YOUR UNIVERSITY 2018 / 2019 THE PROFESSIONAL BIRDWATCHER Tim Birkhead PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Rediscovering Sheffi eld Castle THE POWER OF PEOPLE What makes Sir Keith Burnett proud

Age better, live well The power of technology YOUR UNIVERSITY THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS 2018 / 2019 C 19

A note from your editor O t’s been an exciting year for the University and also one of change. We will say goodbye to our President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor I Sir Keith Burnett, who is retiring in N September (page 27); the Students’ Union was voted best in the UK for the 10th year in a row (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018); the University was recognised as one of the ‘most international’ T universities by Times Higher Education; and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018 names us as the top university in the north of England for producing employable graduates. E 24 Thanks to support from the Sheffield community and beyond we are also well over three quarters of the way in our mission to raise £2 million to fund the Sheffield Scanner (page 10) – a pioneering MRI-PET facility that will N transform our research into some of the most devastating diseases. More than FEATURES 7,500 people have contributed towards the total with the aim of Sheffield becoming the home of Yorkshire’s first 16 The professional MRI-PET facility. T birdwatcher You can read about these stories and Exploring the career of Professor many other aspects of University life in Tim Birkhead FRS the following pages. I hope you enjoy the magazine. 19 Who is going to care S for me? How the power of technology helps us to age better and live well Sarah Hopkins (BA English Language with Linguistics 2003) Cover illustration: 22 Past, present and future Alumni Communications Manager Danny Allison Rediscovering Sheffield Castle

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FEATURES REGULARS Your University 24 1918: a pivotal year 4 UNIVERSITY NEWS How did the end of World War I 12 FOCUS ON RESEARCH online aff ect the University of Sheffi eld? www.sheffi eld.ac.uk/ 32 IN PROFILE youruniversity 27 The power of people 36 HONOURS AND AWARDS Your alumni magazine is also available to read online, complete Professor Sir Keith Burnett FRS 37 ALUMNI BOARD with exclusive videos. refl ects on his time leading the If you would prefer to receive the University of Sheffi eld 38 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY digital magazine in future, please 40 YOUR NOTES AND NEWS email alumni@sheffi eld.ac.uk with 30 Vibrant, dynamic campus 46 LEGACY the subject ‘Your University Online’ Investing in the future and include details of your preferred 47 ALUMNI BENEFITS AND email address. Next year, we’ll send SERVICES you this instead of the print edition.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 3 BEST IN THE UK The Students’ Union

Voted best in the UK for the 10th year in a row – Times Higher Education D Student Experience Survey 2018 I G E International Student Ambassadors in Firth Court. Our global reputation

S he University of building overseas partnerships minded but recently we have Sheffield was with the world's top universities focused even more on the announced as and industry, efforts which partnerships we know are one of the 'most open opportunities for crucial not only to our research Tinternational' universities by staff and student exchange, but which will also create Times Higher Education, based research collaboration and opportunities for our students on data collected for inward investment in the local and our region. T the Times Higher Education economy. “I am deeply proud that this World University Rankings The diversity of our student is a global university with over 2018. We were ranked 42nd out and staff body, and the extent 140 nationalities represented of the 800 leading universities to which our academics on campus and that our city has All of the worldwide. collaborate with international always made clear that staff and University's A place in the highly regarded colleagues are also signs of students from around the world top news and top 50 marks a significant the University’s global outlook. are welcome. We know these achievements increase in Sheffield's President and Vice-Chancellor students and staff make a huge international reputation in 2018. Professor Sir Keith Burnett contribution to academic life, in the past A key factor in this success has said, “The University of Sheffield knowledge and our economic year been the concerted effort at has always been internationally growth as a nation.”

4 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 THE UNIVERSITY IS RANKED

13IN THE UK IN75 THE WORLD 13IN THE UK 104IN THE WORLD IN THE1 WORLD QS World Times Higher Education library and information University World University management QS World University Rankings 2019 Rankings 2018 Rankings by Subject 2018 Leading the way

he University has cemented its I go people are talking about the AMRC, long-standing commitment to I just had to come.” supporting economic growth Professor Keith Ridgway, Executive in the north by becoming a Dean of the AMRC, commented, TNorthern Powerhouse Partner. The “Our research and innovation assets, agreement was signed during a visit coupled with a strong skills and by Northern Powerhouse Minister and talent base, are making the Sheffield alumnus Jake Berry (BA Law 2000) to City Region the go-to place for the Advanced Manufacturing Research global manufacturing companies like Centre (AMRC), where he was taken Rolls-Royce, Boeing and McLaren. on a tour of the Factory of the Future, This is transforming the region Leigh Factory 2050 and its Training Centre, into the Advanced Manufacturing Worsdale meeting some of the University’s Innovation District of the North: the engineering apprentices. He said, place in the UK where digital meets Apprentice “From Shanghai to London, everywhere manufacturing.” of the Year

Heavy duty diesel engine builder Leigh Worsdale is proving to be an outstanding ambassador for the AMRC Training Centre. The multi- award-winning apprentice, who works at Chesterfield company Foxwood Diesel, was invited to demonstrate Industry 4.0 (the 4th Industrial Revolution) technologies at a High Value Manufacturing Catapult event at the House of Commons. She is now sharing her passion for engineering with students, parents and teachers in the region: “I tell people that the AMRC will give you the skills to go as far as you want to go in life. My apprenticeship training allows me to gain real, valuable skills that are in demand from industry.” More than 1,000 young people, employed by 250 small- and medium- sized companies across the Sheffield City Region, have been trained at the AMRC Training Centre, and a sister organisation is now planned at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry with the President and Vice-Chancellor.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 5 UNIVERSITY NEWS

Attracting major grants

he University is a founding member of the £20 million Institute of Coding – a consortium of more than 60 universities, businesses and industry experts tackling the UK’s digital skills gap. It brings together educators, employers and outreach groups to co-develop digital skills Teducation at undergraduate and masters level for learners in universities, at work and in previously under-supported groups across the country. Professor Guy Brown (MEd Teaching and Learning 1997, PhD Computer Science 1992), Head of the Department of Computer Science, said, “We are delighted to be a founding member of the institute. We were among the very fi rst universities in the UK to introduce a software engineering degree, back in 1988. Since then we have led the development of innovative approaches to The Mindsphere Lounge work-based learning.” Diff erent ways ■ Based in Sheffi eld, theNational Technician Development Centre is tackling the shortage of specialist technical skills in the higher education of seeing sector. It provides access to information, expertise and tools that enable universities to create a sustainable future for their technical staff and services. the world Monies from the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s Catalyst Fund, the University and other partners represents a total investment of A partnership between the £1.125 million. University and Siemens aims to accelerate digitalisation, ■ The leading men’s health charity, Prostate Cancer UK, has awarded two boost digital skills, and promote projects at the University a total of £600,000 for pioneering research to stop technology and knowledge the spread of prostate cancer and prevent the disease from growing back exchange to meet the needs of after primary treatment. Claire Lewis, Professor of Molecular and Cellular industry. The agreement marks Pathology and Head of the Academic Unit of Infl ammation and Tumour the fi rst collaboration for a new Targeting, commented, “It’s only through years of research into the basic global digitalisation network biology of cancer that we’re now in the position we’re in today. This is an to link universities with the incredibly exciting time for prostate cancer research and we’re proud to Internet of Things (IoT) – the be part of a movement which could bring about real change for men within interconnection via the internet our lifetimes.” of computing devices. The partnership is based on the MindSphere Innovation Network (MINe) developed by Siemens to connect a university’s estate and research assets into its innovative IoT platform, MindSphere. Located in the Diamond building, the MindSphere Lounge is a bespoke space for collaboration and learning between students, academics, Siemens and other partner organisations. Here MindSphere may be accessed to harness the value of the data produced from the University and the various projects connected to the cloud-based platform. www.sheffi eld.ac.uk/ business/partners- collaborators/siemens/ mindsphere-lounge

6 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 A skeleton of a hornbill from the Alfred Denny Museum.

School children take part in a buckyballs workshop. The city’s Kroto Schools Laboratory hidden Generous donations from Lady Kroto (BSc Chemistry 1961, PhD Chemistry highlights and our alumni community have resulted 1964, Hon DSc 1995). This teaching space in the opening of the Kroto Schools will welcome hundreds of local school A new illustrated guide book Laboratory in the Department of children and young people each year to showcases Sheffield to a Chemistry, named in honour of the late learn about science in an exciting and new audience of visitors and Nobel laureate Professor Sir Harry Kroto engaging environment. residents, actively encouraging them to go off the beaten track to find the hidden places, stories, shops and neighbourhoods that unlock a Inside the big top city’s true character. 111 Places Baroness in Sheffield That You Shouldn’t Circus! – a major exhibition at Weston Flutterby, a Miss, by Sheffield-born poet Park Museum, created in partnership member of and art critic Michael Glover, between Museums Sheffield and the the Insect features the Alfred Denny University’s National Fairground and Circus. Museum of Zoology, located Circus Archive – marks the 250th in the University’s Department anniversary of circus in Great Britain (it of Animal and Plant Sciences. runs until 4 November 2018). It is part Established in 1905, the museum of a major partnership project between is open on the first Saturday of Museums Sheffield, the University of each month for guided tours. Sheffield, Norfolk Museums Service Follow the museum at and Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums; @admsheffieldon Twitter. concurrent exhibitions are on show in Norwich and Newcastle. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. www.museums-sheffield.org.uk Wild otter on film Circus Performers: Extraordinary Feats from Ordinary People, in the exhibition A research team led by the gallery at the University’s Western Bank Department of Animal and Plant Library until 14 December 2018, examines Sciences has captured the first the stories behind pioneering showmen footage of a wild otter in the and circus performers. Peak District. www.sheffield.ac.uk/library/ https://youtu.be/ exhibition gMz6kW0J48I

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 7 UNIVERSITY NEWS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Confucius Institute Automatic Control and 10 years Systems Engineering 50 years The Confucius Institute at the University celebrated 10 years of collaboration The department is marking its golden between Sheffi eld and China in jubilee in 2018 with a major celebration September 2017. A special event was on 13 October. Find out more, including a attended by senior representatives timeline and memories from staff , alumni including Chinese Ambassador to the and students, on their website: UK Liu Xiaoming, Paul Blomfi eld MP and www.sheffi eld.ac.uk/acse/jubilee President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Email acse50@sheffi eld.ac.uk for Sir Keith Burnett. The institute is a further details. partnership between the University of Sheffi eld, Nanjing University and International Student Beijing Language and Culture Committee University. It acts as a focal point for 50 years all China-related activities in Sheffi eld and the broader region. Embracing Our Place in the World was www.sheffi eld.ac.uk/confucius the theme of this year’s International Cultural Evening at Sheffi eld City Hall, Vote 100 Erasmus+ organised by the International Students’ centenary 30 years Committee as the highlight of their half- century celebrations. Established as the In April, a statue of the suff ragist Thirtieth anniversary celebrations for Overseas Students’ Bureau in 1967, with leader Millicent Fawcett was Erasmus+, the world’s largest exchange its own Union offi ce and budget, today unveiled in Parliament Square, scheme, took place in November the committee works towards London, to mark 100 years since 2017. With almost 400 students integrating home and the passing of the Representation of taking part in the Erasmus+ international students the People Act. The installation by programme each year, the into One Student Turner Prize winner Gillian Wearing University is one of the Community; their also features etchings of 59 key most active sending fl agship events are women and men who were central institutions in the the International in the push for women’s suff rage. UK. For Sheffi eld Food Festival, Dr Julie Gottlieb, of the Department students, France, World Week and of History, has written extensively Spain, Germany and the International on women's political engagement the Netherlands are Cultural Evening. in 20th-century Britain and was the most popular isc.union.shef. one of the historians who helped destinations to spend ac.uk to select the 59 fi gures. She is also a semester or year curating a strand on the centenary abroad. at Sheffi eld’s Off the Shelf literary www.sheffi eld.ac.uk/ International Cultural festival in October, which received erasmus Evening 2018 support from the Alumni Fund.

8 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Graduate prospects: Sheffield top in the north

he University of Sheffield was named the top university in the north of England for producing employable graduates by the Times and Sunday Times Good University TGuide 2018. This result reflects the preparation our students receive in their courses and a wide range of related activities, work experience, enterprise support and volunteering. Actor Helen Monks (BA English and Theatre 2014) – who has appeared in Channel 4’s Raised by Wolves and the BBC’s Upstart Crow – said the University played a key role in helping her realise the opportunities available to her post-graduation: “The Careers Service was so helpful, especially for students studying humanities. It helps you to work out how to be employable and gives you encouragement on how to use the skills you’ve learnt at university and apply them in the real world.” The University has partnerships with a range of employers both in the UK and all over the world who work with us to boost the employment prospects of students. Paul Fennell, Head of Careers and Employability, added, “Leading employers recruit Sheffield students once they finish their studies but, importantly, they also work with our students during their degree through a range of workshops, internships and placements to boost their employability and prepare them for the graduate jobs market. A degree from Sheffield gives students vital skills to help them build a successful and rewarding career in their chosen industries.” English and theatre graduate Helen Monks.

The elections for student officers has empower women across the campus and All-female resulted in an all-female line-up – for the encourage them to take part: 58 per cent first time in the Students’ Union’s history. of all candidates were women, and 55 per Celeste Jones, Women’s Officer for 2017–18, cent of the 8,065 voters in the elections line-up developed the #SheShouldRun campaign to were women.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 9 UNIVERSITY NEWS

THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL IMAGING We can’t do it without you Thanks to generous support from the Sheffi eld community and beyond we are close to our goal of raising £2 million to fund the Sheffi eld Scanner – a pioneering MRI-PET facility that will transform our research into some of the most devastating diseases.

ore than 7,500 people have contributed towards the total so that Sheffi eld will become the home of the fi rst Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron MEmission Tomography (PET) facility in Yorkshire. These contributions have come in many forms – from large individual donations and generous gifts in Wills, through to cash in fundraising buckets at charity events. Each and every donation has made a diff erence.

THE VISION As the artist’s impression shows, the new facility will be attached to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital (RHH), close to the inpatient entrance and the University’s Medical THE IMPACT School, off ering easy access for patients, clinicians and researchers. The University’s Sheffi eld Institute for Lung cancer Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) and the Cancer Clinical Trials Centre at Weston Park Hospital are both close by. “Approximately half of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy The facility will have two entrances: one on the ground to shrink their tumour and kill cancer cells. However, some fl oor beside the drop-off area and another on the second patients can’t have radiotherapy, or their treatment has to be fl oor, connecting with the University and RHH radiology limited to avoid damaging healthy tissue. This is a real problem services. The second fl oor will house a comfortable waiting in lung cancer, where permanent scarring from radiation area, two pre-scan patient rooms, a suite of workstations could leave patients struggling with breathlessness. We are for reviewing scan images and a fully radiation-shielded developing techniques using MRI and PET that give us much space for the MRI-PET scanner itself. more information on these hard-to-treat tumours. Having a Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, Founding Director of combined MRI-PET scanner means we can do this more quickly, SITraN and Vice-President and Head of the Faculty of helping us treat more cancer patients with radiotherapy as Medicine, Dentistry and Health, said, “The new MRI-PET eff ectively and safely as possible.” facility will be at the heart of our medical research campus and will integrate seamlessly with the hospital buildings, off ering the best of both worlds for the University and our Dr Matthew Hatton, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Weston Trust colleagues. We are looking forward to welcoming our Park Hospital, and Honorary Professor in Clinical Oncology, fi rst patients once the Sheffi eld Scanner is up and running.” University of Sheffi eld

10 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 One of only eight MRI-PET scanners in the UK, fi rst in Yorkshire

Fewer hospital visits for patients  Reduced travel time for patients  Faster diagnosis Tracks progression of disease more accurately Enables real-time treatment monitoring Accelerates drug discovery

Visit www. sheffi eld.ac.uk/ Greatest level of detail of sheffi eldscanner inside the human body to keep updated on the progress of the £1.5m+ raised campaign and to add from donations your support.

Multiple sclerosis Alzheimer’s disease

“Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the leading cause of disability in “Most of us know someone who has been aff ected by young adults with 12,000 people aff ected in the UK. It is a Alzheimer’s disease. Like all forms of dementia, it can be complex disease, and a detailed understanding of the way it overwhelming for people who have it and for their carers and aff ects the brain is vital for successful treatment. Traditionally, families. Our ultimate goal is to slow or even halt Alzheimer’s MRI has been the ‘gold standard tool’ to diagnose and disease before it has taken hold. MRI-PET is the best technique monitor MS. However, PET can provide invaluable ‘functional’ there is for detecting the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s information that can reveal subtle changes undetectable by disease. It can also show reliably how novel drugs aff ect these MRI. With MRI-PET, we will have a precise, non-invasive imaging subtle changes to the brain. Leading centres in the UK and method that could enhance our ability to diagnose and monitor internationally are already using MRI-PET to test promising MS – something that is vital for patient-specifi c precision new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The Sheffi eld Scanner therapy. This is why the Sheffi eld Scanner is hugely exciting for will ensure we stay at the forefront of this vitally important advances in MS clinical care and clinical research.” work, and give patients in Yorkshire the chance to take part in pioneering clinical trials.” Professor Basil Sharrack, Consultant Neurologist Professor Annalena Venneri, Professor of Clinical and Honorary Professor of Clinical Neurology, Neuropsychology, University of Sheffi eld, and Honorary University of Sheffi eld Consultant, Sheffi eld Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 11 R

E A scene from the Elysium Room. © English Heritage S Secrets of Bolsover Castle revealed centuries-old puzzle behind have descended from the paintings the meaning of mysterious to greet the King. William Cavendish paintings at Bolsover Castle and his daughters copied the idea and has been solved by a team continued writing plays with characters E Aof researchers from the University. that could have stepped down from the Led by Dr Crosby Stevens, Honorary picture space to become part of the Research Fellow, with the assistance performance. of Angie Hobbs, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy, their results suggest that 17th-century A paintings decorating the castle’s keep, or Little Castle, were used as part of a series of private plays and entertainments. A magically These were organised for friends transformative and relatives of the then owners, the Cavendish family of Welbeck Abbey. experience” R The theme of the paintings was magical transformation, love and virtue. Professor Hobbs added, “The paintings The artworks were intended to be illustrate a quest for transformation and interactive and multisensory. As spiritual enlightenment – these themes Dr Stevens explained, “Visitors could are playful reflections of the Neoplatonic imagine that they moved in and out of ideas that imbued Renaissance C curious painted worlds during banquets philosophy. All the paintings in the Little and bespoke amateur shows that Castle tell visitors that a celebration of featured music, dancing and dressing physical, worldly love can be spiritually up – it was an early form of virtual reality. cleansing and a magically transformative The site was used by the Cavendish experience.” family and their high-ranking friends for H personal engagement with imitation and Bolsover Castle and its paintings can now role play in the pursuit of both pleasure be viewed on the English Heritage and and virtue, encouraged by the paintings.” Google Arts & Culture platform, which King Charles I and Queen Henrietta includes three virtual tours guided by IN Maria were entertained by a piece by Dr Stevens and Professor Hobbs. Visit Ben Jonson when they visited Bolsover g.co/EnglishHeritage and search for FOCUS in 1634 in which Eros appeared to the Bolsover Castle section.

12 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Secrets of Bolsover Castle revealed

The Heaven Room ceiling © English Heritage

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 13 RESEARCH IN FOCUS

Tackling the UK’s housing problems Virtual reality The University is a lead partner in the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE), helping to a network of nine universities and four non-higher education organisations. Launched in April 2017, CaCHE is advancing improve knowledge of the housing system and providing robust evidence to inform housing policy and practice across the UK. It has healthcare received more than £6 million investment from the Economic and Social Research Council, owel cancer is the second most Arts and Humanities Research common cause of cancer- Council and the Joseph Rowntree related deaths in the UK. Optical Foundation. colonoscopy is the preferred Bmethod of colonic examination – but Key themes of investigation it has many contraindications and include: the process is invasive. Computed • Housing and the economy tomography (CT) colonoscopy therefore • Understanding housing markets: offers an attractive alternative because of demand and need, supply and its minimally invasive nature. To aid this delivery form of diagnosis, Research Associate • Housing aspirations, choices and Dr David Randall (PhD Image Processing outcomes 2017) has developed a system to enable • Housing, poverty, health, clinicians to travel inside a patient’s education and employment colon, viewing its mucosal surface with • Housing and neighbourhood an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. design, sustainability and “CT colonoscopy, viewed on a 2D placemaking monitor, is a procedure performed • Multi-level governance routinely within the NHS where the structure of the colon is extracted Two professors from the from a CT image and its lumen is University’s Department of ‘flown through’,” said David. “While Urban Studies and Planning the radiologist transits the colon they hold senior roles within CaCHE look for pathological structures, for – Craig Watkins is the National example polyps (pre-cancerous lumps). David showcased the system to a wide Director of Research and John Reporting involves examination of both audience through his appearance on Flint heads the Housing Choice, the CT data and virtual colonoscopy BBC Radio 4’s Today programme when it Aspirations and Outcomes theme. to reach diagnosis. We hope that by was broadcast live from the University’s The University is a knowledge performing this examination with Advanced Manufacturing Research exchange hub for the North of virtual reality technology we can offer Centre in January 2018. England, and is also responsible potential improvements in efficiency and The work was developed through for developing CaCHE’s doctoral lesion detectability for CT colonoscopy a collaboration between the Medical training and building an early examinations.” Physics Group in the University’s career researcher network. Department of Infection, Immunity Professor Watkins commented, and Cardiovascular Disease and the “Rising house prices, a lack of 3D Imaging Laboratory in the Medical affordable housing and the Imaging and Medical Physics Directorate difficulties facing ‘generation rent’ of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. It was require policymakers, developers supported by the University’s Think and politicians to work together to Virtual reality technology Ahead SURE programme and funded by implement sustainable solutions.” offers improvements in Bardhan Research and Education Trust www.sheffield.ac.uk/usp/ of Rotherham and the Engineering and research/housing efficiency” Physical Sciences Research Council.

14 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Influencing alcohol pricing policy

The Sheffield Alcohol Policy Model is a mathematical model that was originally built for the Department of Health in 2008 by the Sheffield Alcohol Research Group (SARG), a world-leading centre in the School of Health and Related Research. Their research examines how policies affect alcohol purchasing, consumption, health, crime and employment-related harms for different population groups. Many adaptations and updates of the model have since been developed for the National Institute for Care and Excellence, Public Health England, the Scottish, Welsh, Irish and Northern Irish Governments, and the One of Canadian Institutes the most of Health Research. It has also influenced significant health policy debate wins for in Australia, New Zealand and within the public European Union. health” Evidence from SARG underpinned the Scottish Government’s Alcohol Minimum Pricing Bill, which was passed in May 2012, paving the way for the introduction of a minimum price of 50 pence per unit in Scotland. A subsequent challenge by the alcohol industry led to a five-year Dr David Randall battle through the courts. Finally, an wearing a virtual appeal to the UK Supreme Court (2016– reality headset to 17), citing Sheffield evidence, resulted view inside a colon. in the dismissal of the case. Scotland subsequently introduced a minimum unit price on 1 May 2018 – the first country to do so. Professor Petra Meier, Director of SARG, said, “Minimum unit pricing is one of the most significant wins for public health since the smoking ban in public places. It raises the price of the cheap, strong beverages consumed by those who drink heavily, whilst having only very small effects on the consumption and spending of moderate drinkers.” www.sheffield.ac.uk/scharr/ sections/ph/research/alpol

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 15 The professional birdwatcher

From budding twitcher to award-winning teacher, Professor Tim Birkhead FRS is one of the University’s leading academics. As he approaches retirement, he looks back at some of his achievements from his 42-year career at Sheffield, as well as his hopes for the future of an important study into one of the UK’s most abundant seabird populations.

16 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 TIM BIRKHEAD PROFESSOR OF EVOLUTION AND BEHAVIOUR DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND PLANT SCIENCES

hat first sparked your abundant seabirds. Studying them is The population on Skomer is one of just passion for birds? just like going to the cinema. They are a handful of UK guillemot populations Birds are both my passion and my life’s a researcher’s dream to observe and that is doing reasonably well at present. work. My love for them came from my monitor; their behaviour is fascinating But we shouldn’t be complacent. My father who was a keen birdwatcher. He because they are incredibly social. Unlike study monitors both their survival very much saw it as a hobby and was puffins, guillemots breed in the open and breeding success and provides a certain I’d never be able to make a career which makes studying them much easier. unique opportunity to understand the of it. “You’ll never get a job birdwatching!” Importantly, guillemots are excellent consequences of any environmental he said and I’ve been very pleased to be indicators of the quality of the marine change on other seabird populations able to prove him wrong. environment. They are desperately too – such as climate change and vulnerable to oil pollution, for example, over-fishing. When did you begin to realise that you and hundreds of thousands have died We now have a very good feel for this. could turn your hobby into a career? in oil spills. Partly as a consequence What’s crucially important is how long The idea of me working with birds of such disasters, their numbers have the adults live – they lead long lives. Our started when I first went to university fluctuated wildly over the past 80 years. oldest bird will be 40 this year, a fantastic in Newcastle to study Zoology in 1969. age for a bird. Knowing what proportion It was around the time that universities of young birds survive to breed has were expanding and I was able to indulge proved to be very important. It’s turned this interest, undertaking my final-year out to be quite high, and that has driven project on bird behaviour and the design the population increases. of bird skulls. I was very lucky to have academic supervisors who shared my What is going to happen to this passion and they supported me greatly in research once you retire at the end of pursuing it further. the year? I then went on to do my PhD at I’m absolutely passionate about ensuring the Edward Grey Institute of Field that this study can continue for as long Ornithology at Oxford. It was there, in I’ve been inspired as possible. It’s vital for the conservation 1972, that I first began studying guillemots of our seabird populations, so I’m very on the Welsh island of Skomer. I had no by the natural pleased to be handing over the reins to idea that the work I started then would Dr Steve Votier. He’s one of my former go on to become such an important world. It has post-doctoral researchers and a fantastic longitudinal study and that nearly 50 seabird biologist. In my final few months years later I would still be going back shaped me of work, I’m doing all I can to secure there each year. funding for the project. As long as I’m and given me a physically fit, I’ll continue to go to Tell us more about Skomer and your Skomer too. work there. fantastic life and Skomer is one of the most beautiful Alongside your research, you’re also places in the world. It’s an uninhabited I want to share known for your dynamic teaching. island off the Pembrokeshire coast What do you think makes a good which is brimming with wildlife – puffins, that with as many lecturer? grey seals, cormorants and, of course, I think it comes down to empathy. guillemots. They are one of our most people as possible.” I was rubbish at school, partly

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 17 Professor Tim Birkhead with Sir David Attenborough An award-winning academic Inspiring our students • 2017: National Teaching Fellowship for outstanding impact on students’ learning experience, Higher Education Academy • 2013: HE Bioscience Teacher of the Year, Royal Society of Biology • 2009: Animal and Plant Sciences Teacher of the Year, University of Sheffi eld • 2007: Senate Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching, University of Sheffi eld

Breaking new research ground • 2016: Godman-Salvin Medal for distinguished ornithological work, British Ornithologists’ Union • 2016: Founders' Medal for contributions to the history and bibliography of natural history, because I was obsessed with birdwatching that’s standard practice now, but no-one Society for the History of Natural History and wanted to be outside rather than else was doing it back then. In terms of • 2012: Medal for outstanding sitting in a classroom. I found it a real research-led teaching, I think students contributions to the study of challenge at times. However, a few value someone who has been at the animal behaviour, Association for the teachers were truly inspirational cutting-edge – it means they are learning Study of Animal Behaviour to me and, despite my wayward from the horse’s mouth and it helps to • 2010: Elliot Coues Medal for manner, encouraged me enormously. bring a subject to life. outstanding and innovative It’s something that has always stuck contributions to ornithological with me. I still love teaching, especially What have been the highlights of research, American Ornithological fi rst-year students. Had I been super- your career? Society smart and found everything easy, Managing to crack a particular problem • 2004 : Fellow of the Royal Society I may not have the empathy that I have that I’ve set myself; each time I’ve been when undergraduates struggle to successful in obtaining a research Reaching out to the public understand things. grant; getting good feedback from my • 2017: Stephen Jay Gould Prize for I also think it’s important to share your undergraduate students; being inspired increasing public understanding enthusiasm for a subject. I’ve been inspired by some of my PhD students; working of evolutionary biology, Evolution by the natural world. It has shaped me and collaboratively with colleagues from other Society given me a fantastic life and I want to share departments – the list goes on. • 2017 : Clarivate Analytics Award that with as many people as possible. In addition, working with Sir David for Communicating Zoology to a Attenborough on a fi lm about birds’ general audience, Zoological Society You were a pioneer of innovative eggs for the BBC recently was an of London teaching methods. How did this come absolute privilege. He’s such a • 2015: Eisenmann Medal for about and why do you think it is knowledgeable, gentle man excellence in ornithology important? and so modest. The fi rst time and encouragement of the When I fi rst came to Sheffi eld in 1976, I I met him it was like meeting an old friend. amateur, Linnaean Society of simply did what I thought was right at And of course, getting to spend my days New York the time. So, I bought a video camera birdwatching on Skomer – what better life • 2014: Silver Medal for – a Kodak Super 8 – to fi lm the fi eld could you have? contributions to the courses. My colleagues loved it and we understanding and started using the fi lms at open days Support Tim's study into the guillemots appreciation of zoology, to give prospective students a taste of of Skomer Island www.justgiving.com/ Zoological Society of what it was like to study here. Of course, guillemotsskomer London

18 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Who is going to care for me?

There is a growing need for innovation in healthcare – not only in the UK but across the world. Ageing populations and long-term care require radical solutions to help us lead independent, fulfilled lives. CATCH, the University’s Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, is focused on how the power of technology helps us to age better and live well.

ssistive technology supports Sheffield has become an international users to self-manage their focus of research and development conditions – from an ‘intelligent’ in this field. CATCH, established by shoe designed to improve a Professor Mark Hawley (he is the Astroke survivor's walking to delivering Director) and based in the School of speech therapy through apps on a tablet. Health and Related Research (ScHARR), This isn’t a new concept. As Professor Luc is truly multidisciplinary – in both its de Witte of CATCH explained: “Glasses, outlook and its practice. “We have hearing aids, smartphones – they are all health services researchers, clinical assistive technology. What we need now staff, engineers, biologists, biomedical Professor are disruptive innovations that transform scientists, economists, computer Professor Mark Hawley healthcare. We need to achieve more scientists, architects, psychologists, Luc de Witte with less resources, not just in the West therapists and physicists,” said Professor but in countries where there is a need Hawley. “We have access to the to create healthcare systems from latest technologies and advanced scratch. Collaboration on a global scale manufacturing processes – not is required. Future healthcare without only across the campus but across assistive technology is unthinkable.” the region as well. We are also In a few short years, the University of developing productive international

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 19 Home from home Located in CATCH, the Home Lab mimics the home or care environment. Patients or volunteer users test technologies within its living room, kitchen, bedroom or bathroom – under the watchful eye of researchers, carers and clinicians. Fitted with cameras and other sensor devices, a large amount of data is recorded and analysed from each session. A step between the laboratory and home, this facility is an invaluable tool for understanding the challenges faced by individuals. partnerships. Current collaborators are in India, South Korea and China.” Professor de Witte describes the Sheffield City Region as having fantastic potential and energy for assistive technology research: “The future success of affordable healthcare provision relies on innovation and communication aids through to devices Sheffield is a real key player in assistive to help people control the home. If you Research participants technology. The city is at the heart of have a severe disability you can’t turn the interact with MiRO, the UK and there are many partners TV on or you can’t get to the front door. a programmable working in this field close by – the We provide, through the NHS, the types companion robot. two universities with their expertise of technology that allow people to do in robotics, advanced manufacturing that.” and healthcare alongside industry, The initiative grew to the point where charities, medical device and technology NHS England now commissions the companies, and a large NHS presence.” service at Barnsley to support people development of technology that is CATCH developed from Professor across the Yorkshire and Humber region. tailored for their own needs. They Hawley’s work with Barnsley Hospital, “But I always felt that we were missing then get something that they will be where he is an Honorary out on some of the technologies able to use, rather than struggling Consultant Clinical Scientist: that we really needed,” with something that is developed by a “I started up a service for Professor Hawley added. technologist. We work with NHS doctors, people with severe physical “I started working with nurses and clinical scientists and so disabilities in the NHS. £12 the University of Sheffield have access to their patients. We also What we did ranged from million to develop new types of collaborate with other care providers, won in funding technology and eventually and we operate a Citizen Science since 2013 did so much research that Database of people who provide their I decided to move to academia. own perspectives on what works and I set up a group of four what doesn’t for conditions such as researchers in ScHARR and slowly stroke or heart failure.” Can you help? began to build up contacts. Professor Hawley is committed to “Caring for an ageing population is seeing products developed through CATCH are keen for alumni to join one of the UK Government’s Four Grand CATCH being available to people via their Citizen Science Database to Challenges as outlined in its Industrial the marketplace: “It is important for either advise or take part in assistive Strategy. Our needs-driven approach – us to work with companies who might technology projects. The database working with users – received financial manufacture our products and then is run together with the Telehealth backing from the University. Ten years sell them on to the NHS from where and Care Technologies theme of later, we have 70 academics from they are provided to patients for free. the Collaboration for Applied 18 departments across five faculties Much of what we are doing is software Health Research and Care working on projects across the width development for use on smartphones, Yorkshire Humber. For further and breadth of assistive technology. tablets and wearable devices. Grants details, email Lauren Powell at My philosophy is that users should from the Higher Education Funding [email protected] be involved in the research and Council for England’s Catalyst Fund are

20 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Volunteers taking part in research in the Home Lab.

Future healthcare without assistive technology is unthinkable”

Case Studies

VocaTempo He explained, “The extent to which Working as an app on a tablet, urban slum communities can access VocaTempo recognises the speech formal health services is very limited. of children with severe speech While many organisations work impairments, who cannot normally tirelessly to provide care to these be understood, and speaks out communities through health camps, 70 a clear version of the message mobile clinics, home visits and other academics they wish to convey. Once the app initiatives, a wide range of barriers across 18 is trained to recognise a user’s to access remain for many urban departments and voice, it can be controlled vocally. slum residents. 5 faculties It is a hands-free method of “We designed the mobile allowing us to work with a communication, allowing users diagnostic and screening toolkit, number of private sector partners with dysarthria (difficulty speaking) harnessing e-health and mobile to develop these technologies. to communicate with everyone health technologies, to enable Sometimes they come to us with ideas; quickly, easily and without non-medically trained personnel to sometimes we approach them.” breaking eye-contact. perform basic health screening tasks, CATCH and the University welcomed Professor Hawley is the lead and support them in identifying more over 300 delegates – researchers, researcher: “In 2017 we began serious cases that need referral to health and social care professionals and working with Therapy Box, a London- formal health services. The portable representatives from the healthcare based app development agency, and kit was trialled in Bangalore and a industry – from around the world to with funding from a Small Business successful prototype developed. the biennial conference organised by Research Initiative grant, to build a A company is now being set up in the Association for the Advancement proof of concept app for trial with India to market it.” of Assistive Technology in Europe in real users. All major functionality was September 2017 (Professor de Witte built into the test version, and the is the association’s current President). app was designed for ease of use for Professor Hawley commented, “This the therapists who would be setting is just one example of how we actively it up. Early trials with young people facilitate discussions, create networking with moderate to severe dysarthria opportunities and share research. We have yielded very positive results.” know the positive impact that carefully designed and relevant user-friendly Mobile diagnostic and technology can have on healthcare screening toolkit – and I am proud that CATCH is proving This international project, led by to be an international focus Professor de Witte with collaborators for this work.” from the Netherlands and India, developed a low-cost mobile www.catch.org.uk diagnostic screening toolkit. Age better, live well: 2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 21 the power of technology PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: REDISCOVERING SHEFFIELD CASTLE

The original ‘heart of the n the centuries following the The demolition of Castle Market took castle’s demolition after the English place in 2015–17, and Castlegate is city’ will be uncovered Civil War, the town grew, markets now the focus of an imaginative and during the coming months. developed and industry fl ourished. innovative reinvention. A broad range ICity status was granted in 1893. The of partners, including the City Council, Deep beneath 400 years of street pattern in the Castlegate area still the University of Sheffi eld and Sheffi eld history lie the remains of refl ects its medieval origins; however, Hallam University, the Friends of Sheffi eld Castle. Built at wartime bombing and subsequent Sheffi eld Castle and of the Old Town Hall, building work in the 20th century hoteliers, local artists and makers, urban the junction of the Rivers further contributed to the burial of the environmentalists and entrepreneurs, Don and Sheaf – the origin foundations of the castle itself. Covered are collaborating to restore the vitality of of the name ‘Sheffi eld’ – by the concrete fl oor of Castle Market this historical gateway into Sheffi eld. (many alumni will have fond memories John Moreland, Professor of Medieval it was one of the largest of its collection of individual stalls, Archaeology, chairs a University-wide medieval stone-built shops and stands), limited excavations Castlegate Steering Group, bringing during the last 100 years, with the latest together researchers across fi ve faculties castles in the country. in 2001, revealed evidence of substantial – archaeologists, architects, engineers, castle remains. ecologists, computer scientists and town

An artist’s impression of the gatehouse of Sheffi eld Castle, based on the latest research.

22 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 planners. They are working with partners Prehistory 1993). “As a result of to generate a mix of imagined spaces, Pam’s kindness, we have looked at all practical solutions and real projects to the existing archives and objects inspire the transformation. Proposals related to Sheffield Castle in a way that by architecture students helped has not been done before,” explained persuade City Council funders to release John. “We now believe that William de Mary, Queen £800,000 to provide the platform for the Lovetot, who built a ‘new’ castle in the regeneration. Their vibrant and creative early 12th century, planned a town to of Scots visions for what Castlegate could become go with it, with a hospital, market and spent 14 years of her captivity based were very persuasive. church. This information will feed directly at Sheffield Castle from 1570–84. into the archaeological dig that is taking Reassessing the evidence place in 2018.” Led by the Department of Archaeology in cooperation with Museums Sheffield, the Digging deep Martin Gorman, Chair of the Friends of Castlegate Archives Project was made Archaeologists are undertaking a major Sheffield Castle, appreciates the value possible by a generous bequest to the dig on the Castle Market site with plans of the University’s commitment to the University by alumna Pamela Staunton to excavate 10 trenches. They will also Castlegate project: “Together, we are (BEd Education 1982, MA Archaeology and work with community groups to explain shedding new light on the origins of the their finds. John said, “By working down city. Ideally, I would love to see the whole to the castle level, we aim to provide a castle site excavated and preserved. full history of the site. We will also be However, I appreciate that there will need able to confirm our deductions from to be some commercial development the archives project. Most importantly, and we are actively engaged in what that the excavations are the start of the might be.” regeneration project – our results will Professor Moreland agrees, and goes inform what happens next.” further to say, “Personally, I think an iconic building that references the castle Revealing the castle in some way – on a major entry point Another innovative idea to come from our into the city with its hotels, waterways architecture students is a Castlegate Pier. and station – would make a powerful This temporary construction will enable statement. We are at the beginning of the the public to view the castle remains process and it will be fascinating to see during the dig. In addition a project led what our efforts have achieved for the by Professor Dawn Hadley, involving people of the city 10 years from now.” Archaeology, Architecture, Computer Science and design agency Human Department of Archaeology Studio, has received funding from the www.sheffield.ac.uk/archaeology/ Arts and Humanities Research Council to research/sheffield-castle create an augmented reality model of the School of Architecture castle. Users of the associated app will www.sheffield.ac.uk/architecture/latest/ Shedding new light be able to digitally experience Sheffield’s castlegate-projects-1.759027 castle in the 15th century and student www.liveprojects.org/2016/revealing-the- on the origins of ideas for the development of the castle castle site; they will then be encouraged to join Friends of Sheffield Castle the city” the conversation about its future. friendsofsheffieldcastle.org.uk

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 23 The Chancellor of the University, The Most Hon The Marquess of Crewe, inspecting members of the Officers’ Training Corps on 29 June 1918.

24 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 1918 A pivotal year

“… for four years, with a depleted staff and a much diminished student body, the University carried on, adding special war duties to its normal academic work… preparing for the day when the war suddenly clanged to a stop and, within a few weeks, the students came thronging back.”

o wrote Arthur Chapman, old acquaintances, each with a thrilling the author of a history of tale to tell. And with them we welcome the University’s first half- another large body of gallant men who century. He joined the staff as come to us for the first time.” Sa demonstrator in the Department of What a change for the students and Chemistry in 1920, and was well-placed to staff who had endeavoured to “carry reflect on the aftermath of World War I on as efficiently as possible in our own and its profound effect on the University. respective spheres, and make the most The announcement of the Armistice of a restricted scheme of things”. The on 11 November 1918 was greeted by war years saw an increase in the number students with a hastily organised dance; of women studying and lecturing. members of the University’s Officers’ Floreamus! viewed this change with some Training Corps were engaged in putting disdain: “Many student activities have up fencing round a camp for captured reluctantly closed down their doors ‘for German officers. the duration’ and those which bravely An editorial in Floreamus! (the remain open might be better supported. University magazine) of March 1919 The preponderance of women – with enthused: “Men are pouring back into the the inevitable rider, a tendency to form place full of ideas, ideals and knowledge… cliques – is not good for the social life In 1914 half our men students had already of the place.” However, by June 1919 this left us to join the army, and as the weeks sniping had disappeared: “Without the passed by the remnant grew gradually efforts of the women in these years it less till at last only a handful remained. would have been doubly difficult to have This term has seen a reverse of the revived the life and activities of the place picture. We welcome back, not all, alas, in the speedy and gratifying manner who then left us – too many lie in French which has been so noticeable since earth – but still a noble company of the Armistice.” »

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 25 One notable feature was a prolonged epidemic of dancing”

From its beginnings, the University had rules and authority was challenged by the country to form a women’s suffrage actively encouraged the participation the returning soldiers. However, it must society run by women for women – the of male and female students alike, and also have been a maturing experience, Sheffield Women’s Political Association was also unusual in its support of female to mix with the older students who (launched in 1851). Lettice Fisher, the wife staff. Dr Helen Mathers (BA History and were so keen to learn and complete of Vice-Chancellor HAL Fisher, chaired Politics 1974, PhD History 1980), author their degrees.” and spoke at meetings of the Women of the University’s centenary history With the departure of many male Workers’ Organising and Interests Steel City Scholars, has researched the lecturers to the services, Professor Association and was President of the status of female staff: “Women in science Wynne in Chemistry appointed his top Sheffield branch of the National Union of education in Sheffield go back to the women graduates to teaching posts Women’s Suffrage Societies and of the 1880s, and they were taught in mixed – Emily Turner and Dorothy Bennett local Federation of University Women. classes by men. During the war, they took continued as members of staff for There are only two references to the on a lot of teaching and pastoral care. Life several decades. The department’s General Election in Floreamus! One at the University was overcrowded and war-time research on the anaesthetic correspondent notes, “Now many will stressful, and the previous respect for beta-eucaine was entirely carried out have votes in the coming election, none by women. Science graduate Violet of the women, but we can’t leave our Dimbleby became an indispensable preparation to the last minute… when member of staff for Professor Turner in every detail of our national life should the Department of Glass Technology. be reconstructed on a firmer and more Before the end of June 1919 there were lasting basis, should we not evolve some nearly 400 full-time students, about plan of reconstruction of student life and 1918 twice as many as in the preceding year outlook?” A second letter encourages and more than in 1914. As Chapman eligible students and graduates to Installation of the Marquess of Crewe noted: “the next few years had an register so they can vote for the new as the Chancellor of the University. atmosphere all their own… One notable constituency of the Combined English feature was a prolonged epidemic of Universities (Durham, Manchester, dancing… unofficial dances were held, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham indeed broke out, at odd times and and Bristol), another result of the First women’s hall of residence set places, especially in the lunch hour.” 1918 Act. HAL Fisher was one of the up at Oakholme Lodge. Following hard on the heels of the two MPs elected. Armistice was the first General Election Celebrations of the Armistice, and that allowed women (those aged over subsequently the signing of the Treaty  30 who met a property qualification) of Versailles in June 1919, took place Establishment of PhD degree. to vote. The 1918 Representation of the across the city – formal thanksgiving People Act also abolished property and services, flags and bunting and parties. other restrictions for men, and extended A Peace Parade on 19 July 1919 saw many 1,332 the vote to all men over the age of 21. thousands of people flock to the city deaths from influenza in Sheffield Additionally, men in the armed forces centre. Dozens of memorials to the (October–November). could vote from the age of 19. What dead were set up. The University was impact would this have on the University? no exception. The roll of honour housed There must have been discussions and in Firth Court in 1926 lists 196 names, 240,000 meetings involving students and staff on a permanent reminder of all those who people in Sheffield were eligible the theme of women’s suffrage during were lost. to take part in the 1918 General the preceding decades. It was a highly Election (40% were women): political time; however, little evidence Visit www.sheffieldsoldierww1.co.uk/ only 48% cast a vote (Peter Warr, remains in the University’s archives. Memorial to view the roll of honour, Sheffield’s Great War and Beyond). Sheffield was the first known place in listed under ‘Sheffield University’.

26 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Keith Burnett FRS

ust over a decade ago, I became Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield. I applied for the job on the THE recommendation of another Welsh Jscientist, Professor Gareth Roberts, who served as Vice-Chancellor from 1991 to 2000, and who had a deep love for the city and University. But my connection to Sheffield was also personal. POWER My daughter was studying architecture, hard at work in the Arts Tower, and it was in Sheffield that she met her husband-to-be, also an architecture student. As a physicist, I already knew some of the important scholarship which was being done in Sheffield. So I agreed to put myself forward. OF What I found here was both new and yet familiar. I grew up in the Rhondda Valley in South Wales, a place which had once been home to industries founded on steel and coal. I knew that these communities were full of talented people, PEOPLE but that opportunities had been hard to come by in the difficult decades during which these industries had contracted or, in the case of coal, President and Vice-Chancellor Professor almost disappeared. Sir Keith Burnett FRS has confirmed his As a scientist who had worked in the US, as well as at Oxford and Imperial, I also knew that long-stated intention to retire following knowledge could make a powerful difference his 65th birthday and will step down later in the world. Industries and jobs depended on productivity. Excellent hospitals needed in the year. We asked him to reflect on his highly trained doctors and research into time leading the University of Sheffield. the diseases which are no respecters of

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 27 geography. I knew that a university could change a place, and that the staff and students who came to it from around the world could be part of something that benefited the communities in their adopted city, as well as reaching out to make a difference right across the globe. Eleven years later, I have seen much to make me deeply proud. I have, of course, also felt frustration and dismay at decisions made nationally and internationally. You cannot be part of a global community like the one at Sheffield without events around the world directly impinging on staff and students. I have been moved by their dedication to scholarship, generosity and Professor Tony Ryan gets ready to ride around Zaatari, a refugee camp in Jordan run by the sheer determination to use knowledge to UN Refugee Agency. The trailer on the back of the bike will be used as a school bus: “It was a do good. co-creation with the refugee team we work with at Zaatari, and a welder called Rahim was my As I prepare to hand over to a new principal partner in this project. We were just about to set off without a chaperone (this had Vice-Chancellor, I wish him or her all the been an ambition of mine since my first visit) to film camp life passing by. The guy in the back is a very best in the face of the challenges camp journalist called Omar and there is a 360-degree camera above him.” which lie ahead. It isn’t an easy job to lead a university such as ours, but it is a deep privilege to stand for an institution which holes. For the first time, ripples in the wonder what we can do in the face of means so much to so many and which fabric of spacetime were detected, such human suffering. I am proud that has, for over a century, been a powerful confirming Albert Einstein’s 1915 our University has continued to offer force for good. What follows is a selection prediction made in the general theory sanctuary to scholars, working with of work which makes me proud. In every of relativity. the Institute of International Education case, this work also reminds me of the and the Council for Assisting Refugee people who do it, and who are the true Teachers who inspire Academics. But we have also gone out guardians of the University for the future. Whenever I speak to alumni around the to refugees where they are. I burst world, they tell me about the teachers with pride when I think of the work of Outstanding scholarship who inspired them. These memories of Professor Tony Ryan and his colleagues Sheffield is a top 100 research- a person who shaped a career or who in Jordan, applying new techniques to intensive university with scholarship lit a flame of curiosity remain vivid for growing food and developing sustainable at its heart, across every faculty. decades. I hear of the rigour and work technologies to create work within a However, as a physicist I wanted to which stood graduates in good stead in camp for refugees from the war in Syria. pick out those closest to my own field. the years which followed. As a teacher, I particularly want to acknowledge the there is no greater accolade than the Sheffield Institute for work of Professor Maurice Skolnick respect and affection of your students Translational Neuroscience who conducts leading-edge research – I have heard this said about teachers A determination to use knowledge to on the physics of semiconductor here in Sheffield and at our International discover the causes of diseases and to nanostructures and quantum data. I was Faculty in Thessaloniki. treat them more effectively was one also thrilled for my fellow physicist Dr Ed of the University’s founding missions. Daw, whose dedicated work over many Work with refugees in Jordan It is entirely fitting that world-leading years helped to open a new window One of the greatest tragedies of our time research on neurodegenerative on the universe with the detection of is the experience of peoples displaced conditions such as motor neurone gravitational waves from colliding black by conflict or natural disaster. Often, we disease, Parkinson’s disease and

28 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Sheer determination to use knowledge to do good”

Alzheimer’s disease is undertaken in and students with open arms. But our investment to this region, but it is Sheffi eld – work which brings together identity is global, and I am personally increasing productivity at operations in researchers, hospitals and patients deeply proud to have founded the Wales, Scotland, the US, South Korea, themselves to make a real diff erence to #WeAreInternational campaign with Oman and China. In all these places, the lives of people in the greatest need. the President of the Students’ Union, knowledge is helping companies to Abdi Suleiman. This commitment to become more productive, creating jobs Student Volunteering being a place of welcome for scholars and wealth along the way. Sheffi eld Volunteering is a truly and students from around the world remarkable venture, bringing together has now been adopted by every Pioneering partnerships students with more than 100 local university in the country, but it began with China charities, encouraging them to draw on here in Sheffi eld. Surely one of the most important their own skills and talents to develop global developments during my time as their own ways of helping. In my time Industry 4.0 and apprentices Vice-Chancellor has been the growth of as Vice-Chancellor I have rarely been One of the greatest feelings of pride China. From a country in which poverty prouder of students than when I have hits me every time I visit our Advanced and even hunger were once common, seen them dedicate their time, not only Manufacturing Research Centre China has become a global superpower – supporting homeless people through (AMRC), built on the former Orgreave and Chinese students now make up acts of generosity but also, as they Colliery site and now an internationally 10 per cent of our student body. We have identifi ed specifi c needs, setting up a important research campus with over been determined to build partnerships company which off ers employment and 100 companies. The site includes the for the good of both countries. Today, the chance through that to move into world’s fi rst fully reconfi gurable factory. we work with four of China’s top fi ve housing, work and opportunity. What is most impressive to me is our universities, partnering in everything Training Centre, where over 1,000 from work on antimicrobial resistance to #WeAreInternational apprentices have now been sponsored green energy, quantum computing and Sheffi eld is a university which is proud by industry, with some taking Degree the Chinese space programme. of its local roots, and grateful to a city Apprenticeships in Engineering. The which welcomes international staff AMRC is not only attracting inward The Diamond In September 2015 we opened the Diamond building on the site of the old Jessop Hospital. A state-of-the-art home for Engineering and Social Sciences, the Diamond welcomes thousands of students each day and has allowed major growth in the Faculty of Engineering in particular, fulfi lling a real need in the UK and around the world for high-quality engineering graduates. Developing technicians All my working life I have known that science was often dependent on the skills of exceptional technicians. From medical breakthroughs to the Large Hadron Collider, leaps in knowledge need technicians of the highest calibre. For that reason, I was delighted to continue this work in Sheffi eld where we now host Volunteers from Forge Radio in the Students’ Union introduced primary school children to the National Technician Development production, broadcasting, using a mic, voice projection, vox pops and more. Centre for Higher Education.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 29 MAIN IMAGE: Jessop West, home to many departments in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, with the Department of Music's Jessop Building on the right. In the foreground, traffi c is now restricted along Leavygreave Road.

RIGHT, FROM TOP: The Diamond, opened in 2015, is sited between the Jessop Building and St George's Church on Portobello.

Students relax and work among the new plantings along Leavygreave Road.

Jessop Hospital, originally opened in 1878, photographed in 1948. © Sheffi eld Libraries and Archives

30 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 dynamicVIBRANT, CAMPUS

he area around Portobello and INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE of the work complete in time to welcome Leavygreave Road has been all our visitors for Summer Graduation. transformed. Stunning public When did you last visit the Less obvious to visitors but equally spaces with safe routes for University? If it was more important to our students and staff has Tcyclists and pedestrians are now been a makeover of the Information blended with sitting out and open- than five years ago, you are Commons. First opened in 2007, recent air working areas – and plenty of in for a surprise. student feedback has resulted in more new planting and art works. More study spaces and new furniture. spacious and safer crossings on Current projects include the Western Bank and Upper Hanover an extension of the council’s ‘gold development of two new artificial pitches Street make it easier for students, route’ from the railway station through at the Norton Sports Centre – one staff and members of the public the city centre and now up to the for hockey and one for rugby/football, to move around the campus. campus. A cycle hub located close to and the creation of the Engineering This was a joint project the Students’ Union provides secure Heartspace, with a stunning glass roof between the University and storage and changing facilities for our over a quadruple height atrium. This Sheffield City Council, with a cycling community. major addition to the facilities of the funding contribution of £2.9 The Concourse, the key thoroughfare Faculty of Engineering is scheduled for million from the Sheffield City joining the Students’ Union and Firth completion in late 2019. Region Investment Fund. The Court and the Alfred Denny Building, www.sheffield.ac.uk/efm/ cycle and pedestrian routes are has also been refurbished – with most estatesdevelopment/projects

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 31 32 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 IN PROFILE EXPLORING OUR WORLD-WIDE NETWORK OF OVER 180,000 ALUMNI AGNES GRUNWALD-SPIER MA Holocaust Studies 1998, Hon LittD 2018 Author and speaker

Agnes Grunwald-Spier is one of the The sombreness of the Holocaust does war. That led to me writing my first book, youngest survivors of the Holocaust. not mean that I’m just a serious person. The Other Schindlers, about the many Born in Hungary in 1944, today she I love the theatre and ballet, visiting brave people who risked their lives to lives in London and is a passionate galleries, museums and interesting help those who were being persecuted. I campaigner to ensure awareness buildings. I’m an enthusiastic collector realised that they followed their instinct of the Holocaust and its survivors of porcelain and have appeared on two for what was right – not what the remains in the public eye. Agnes was television programmes about antiques. dictators told them. I hope no one will awarded an MBE in 2016 for her work I’m a good cook and love eating with ever again have to experience horrors as a Holocaust Memorial Day Trust friends and family in good restaurants. on the scale of the Holocaust, but if Trustee and for ‘services to Holocaust My time at the University had an someone makes a racist, anti-Semitic or awareness’. She received an honorary enormous impact on my life. In my 50s, homophobic comment in your presence, degree from the University of I realised I needed to know more about doing nothing is not an option. Sheffield in January 2018. the Holocaust, both for me and for my As a pensioner I’ve been able to enjoy a three sons. I felt I ought to be able to whole new career. The Other Schindlers Some time after my birth talk to them about it, but I didn’t feel has gone on to sell over 13,000 copies in Budapest in July 1944, my equipped to. I wanted them to know and has led on to me writing two more mother, Leona Grunwald, who they were and where they came books. I’ve also given talks internationally, was ordered to report the from, and to have pride in their past. including in Germany, which gives me “next day. She went with me in her arms. When I heard about the MA in a great sense of achievement. Many By some miracle, the man in charge that Holocaust Studies, I thought ‘That’s it, women my age are playing bridge and day sent the women with children back. that’s for me.’ I thoroughly enjoyed it having their nails done, but I have a I have no means of knowing who that and I learnt a great deal. much more interesting life. I’ve received official was and what his motives were for For my dissertation, I wrote about an an MBE from the Queen and now an what he did. I cannot know his name or American journalist named Varian Fry honorary doctorate. I’m proud of such his fate. But his actions helped both of us who rescued Jews in France during the public recognition for my work and it to survive the Holocaust. shows that people acknowledge the There is nothing like knowing that importance of the Holocaust. All of this someone wanted to kill you to make you came about because I did the MA, so I appreciate the joys of life. But with it owe an awful lot to the University. comes what is known as ‘survivor’s guilt’. Being published late in life surprises Why me? Why did I survive when people. They see a dumpy old woman so many others didn’t? Was it to do Why me? Why did and assume I am retired. When I say the work I do now, so late in my life? I’m a writer, one chap assumed it was I am very conscious of speaking for the I survive when so many cookery books. I said, ‘I write about the millions of people – including the others didn't? Was it to Holocaust.’ He was silent. I 1.5 million children – who were murdered do the work I do now, added, ‘I was a baby in the by the Nazis simply because they were Budapest Ghetto.’ That shut Jewish. And I was so nearly one of them. so late in my life?” him up.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 33 TECH ENTREPRENEUR ADVOCATE FOR WOMEN ENGINEERS DR LU GANG MSc(Eng) Data Communication 2002, PhD Computer Science 2008 Founder and CEO of TechNode

The recipient of the British Council’s 2018 Study UK Alumni Awards (Entrepreneurial category) for China and the East Asia/ Pacifi c Region, Dr Lu Gang started TechNode as his personal blog when he was undertaking his PhD. Its popularity led to its launch in China as a bilingual technology news platform in 2012. TechNode reaches millions of readers each month and is leading the drive to connect Chinese and global start-up ecosystems. It employs over 70 staff ; international offi ces are opening in 2018.

I remember I had a farewell English media covering stories about dinner with friends the Chinese technology and I realised day before I fl ew back that there were two key words that from the UK to China in were talked about – censorship and “2008 and we made a promise that we copycats – which are not 100 per cent would all come back to Sheffi eld in 10 true. I thought I can probably write SAHEELA years’ time. I was therefore delighted something to tell the truth. I learnt to visit the University again in 2018 with from TechCrunch in the US that a tech the British Council in China, having blog can also be a platform linking MOHAMMED received their Entrepreneurial Alumni everyone in the start-up ecosystem. Award. This recognition means a lot to I decided to take the risk and turn my MEng Bioengineering 2017 TechNode and I felt so honoured. blog into a media company. Engineering Graduate in the My mission for TechNode is to act as There were two reasons why I chose a bridge between China and the global to study at Sheffi eld. First, I have Diabetes Care Division of global tech ecosystem, covering the latest always loved the UK, the football, the healthcare company Abbott developments and start-up stories music, the culture. Second, in China it in China, and to build a platform for takes three years to fi nish a masters entrepreneurs. I really didn’t expect degree and in the UK it’s one year Recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal in this would become my career. I started with great education quality. Thanks 2017 for her outstanding contribution my blog so I could share my PhD to my supervisor and my department, to the Faculty of Engineering, the research fi ndings. I was reading the I reached out to a Sheffi eld-based tech University and the wider community company and they then sponsored of Sheffi eld, Saheela Mohammed my PhD. I was lucky – I didn’t have continues to volunteer with children, to worry about money and I had the promoting education in STEM chance to see technology from both subjects, alongside her work within academic and industry angles. healthcare technologies. I owe everything to my UK experience. I will never forget my Voluntary work is graduation – it was really a happy something that was and glorious moment for me. I also incredibly important to had opportunities to visit universities me throughout school, across Europe as my papers were “later at the University and now at work. accepted at several conferences. It has always been my chance to give I really enjoyed my weekend back to the community and support time, playing football at initiatives involving the engagement Goodwin, hiking in the of children in education. At Sheffi eld, Peak District – so many I volunteered at various events and great memories of Sheffi eld. interactive workshops in local schools FAIRTRADE CHAMPION and colleges, visiting local attractions with children and their siblings for Saturday Playgroup, and attending a TONY HALL nationwide conference for Engineers Without Borders. BA Economics 1969 I was also active with the Women in Principal at Hall Consulting, Engineering student society, and was elected as Secretary and later President. Chair of Fairtrade America We were involved with the national Big Bang event where a large number of organisations showcased the wonders of Tony Hall is a consultant with science, engineering and technology to expertise in business development, young children. We also contributed to marketing channels and global the Engineering Is campaign, which was business. He became involved with launched at the Houses of Parliament. the fairtrade movement in 2003, This included a children’s book written when he volunteered as a business by student engineers as well as online consultant for a project in Asia. games, lesson plans for teachers and When Fairtrade America (which is information on diff erent engineering affi liated to Fairtrade International careers. The engineer and TV presenter and uses the distinctive green and Roma Agrawal was a supporter of our blue logo, familiar in the UK) was work – and Professors Elena Rodriguez- established 10 years later, he joined Falcon and Sheila MacNeil at the the Board and was Treasurer before University were also key players for his election as Chair in 2017. me personally. I feel that my volunteering work at the I have spent many years went into the manufacturing industry University contributes to my working life promoting fairtrade and after eight years – much better pay! very positively. Taking part in the Global supporting fairtrade I soon realised I needed an MBA and Engineering Challenge, as part of my organisations, helping I graduated from INSEAD, in France, course, taught me about reshaping initial “them improve their strategic and before my move to General Electric. ideas and adapting solutions. I was also marketing skills as well as fi nding new Sheffi eld was far enough away from selected for the Sheffi eld Engineering outlets for their products in Europe home for my desire to be independent, Leadership Academy, which further and the US. Brand recognition is yet close enough to get back home developed my project management, a challenge in the US – the UK is a via Manchester – even by hitchhiking, planning and negotiation skills. My fairtrade stronghold – and our main which was fairly common in the internship and research placements task is to build awareness, and begin to 60s. I really enjoyed my time there. allowed me to get ready for work with a unify the complex and fractured nature Highlights were being elected to the glimpse into working life. I always say yes of the main fairtrade players in the US. Student Representative Council as an to every opportunity – any experience, Fairtrade America was launched in 2013 independent; completing the 46-mile good or bad, develops you as a person. and we also have another independent Rag walk in 11 hours; and working on While I was reading bioengineering, player, Fair Trade USA, which can be the Music & Ents Committee in the era I knew I wanted to advance healthcare confusing. of the ‘super bands’. And, of course, technologies so that everyone, I came to the US when I was I enjoyed my economics classes, which everywhere, can benefi t. Within the working for General Electric (GE). went on to defi ne my career later. Diabetes Care Division at Abbott, I am I was managing business development My son, Nicholaus, followed in working on the manufacturing process across Europe before a move to my footsteps to Sheffi eld and is an of their glucose monitoring system – Rockville, Maryland, running Alternate information management graduate. Freestyle Libre Sensor – and supporting Channels for GE Information Services. Initially he didn’t like the food or technical investigations. Helping to I next spent 20 years in Silicon Valley, weather, but he fell in love and is create systems that support the control consulting for software and web still there. I believe there are also six and management of diabetes is a step services start-ups. I now live in Orange alumni among our cousins, and I am for me in achieving my goal of driving County, California, with my wife Jan. researching their stories. I also fi nd positive changes to advance I was brought up in Liverpool in the time to follow Everton – the healthcare technologies. UK – and can safely say I didn’t have original Liverpool football I am looking forward to a career plan when I completed my team! – and I plan to work seeing what future rotations undergraduate degree at Sheffi eld. my way around the world have in store for me. I began as a teacher in London and on trains.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 35 Honours and Awards

Staff and students from the University continue to be recognised nationally and internationally for their expertise.

Frank Brown (Catering Manager, 1970–83) received the Légion d’Honneur from the French Government for his Professor Gill outstanding military service on D-Day Valentine (Provost in June 1944. He served on board and Deputy Vice- torpedo boats in the English Channel Chancellor) was named and provided essential support to his Diversity Champion for fellow soldiers. the education sector at the Excellence in Professor Terry Callaghan (Animal Diversity Awards 2017. and Plant Sciences) has been appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to Dr Julie Hyde (PhD Organometallic advancing knowledge and international Chemistry and Crystallography 1998) collaboration in arctic science. (Chemistry) won an Award for Service from the Royal Society of Chemistry. The Confucius Institute received the China Collaboration Prize at the Imam Sheikh Mohammad Ismail Sheffield City Region Horasis China (MEd Education 1995) (Multifaith Business Awards. Chaplaincy Service) has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire. Professor Chris Deery (Clinical Dentistry) has been appointed Chair of Dr Matt Johnson (PhD Molecular the Dental Schools Council. Biology and Biotechnology 2007) (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology) Isabel Hyde (Biochemistry student) received the Biochemical Society’s won the national Future of Science Colworth Medal for his outstanding competition organised by RB (Reckitt research in biochemistry. Benckiser) with her idea of using aromas to compensate for a reduction of sugar Professors Jackie Marsh (BA English and salt in food. Literature 1980, MEd Literacy 1998, PhD Education 2003) (Education) The efforts of 258 staff ensured that and Craig Watkins (Interim Vice the University of Sheffield came President and Head of the Faculty first in the national Love to Ride of Social Sciences) have been Cycle Challenge; they covered 32,000 appointed as Fellows of the Academy miles on their bikes throughout of Social Sciences. September 2017.

Ossila Ltd, a University spin-out Professor Philip Warren (Animal and company, received the Institute of Physics Plant Sciences) received the British Business Innovation Award in recognition Ecological Society’s President’s Medal. of its solar cell prototyping platform. Dr Elspeth Whitby (PG Cert Teaching Patrick Stowell (PhD student) (Particle and Learning for University Lecturers Physics and Particle Astrophysics 2003, PhD Medicine 2007) (Oncology Group) received the John G Rutherglen and Metabolism) received the The Confucius Institute receive the China Memorial Prize 2017 in recognition of his Distinguished Service Medal from Collaboration Prize. experimental particle physics research. the British Institute of Radiology.

36 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 A L

U Alumni Board

The Alumni Board was established in 2014 to represent the global alumni community within the University of Sheffield. We are an advisory body, working alongside the Development, Alumni Relations & Events office (DARE). The Chair and Deputy Chair of the Alumni Board are also members of the M University Council and were both appointed as Pro-Chancellors in 2017. Over the past year the Alumni Board process and appointment of a new has met three times, twice in Sheffield President and Vice-Chancellor for and once in London. Among the major the University agenda items that we have discussed • Support for the Sheffield Scanner and debated are: Appeal, including participation in The Big Walk N • The biennial Convocation Lecture, • Alumni engagement and support for delivered by a distinguished alumnus/ the Students’ Union alumna; Dr Helen Sharman OBE (BSc • Support for the #WeAreInternational Chemistry 1984, Hon DSc 2017) was our and International Alumni Memories inaugural lecturer in June 2018 campaigns, both of which show • The Alumni Forum – an opportunity our long-term commitment as an for alumni to raise questions with international university. I the Alumni Board and members of DARE – to take place before the A copy of the Alumni Charter and full Convocation Lecture minutes of our meetings can be found • The establishment of an interactive at www.sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/ Alumni Portal, to provide targeted alumniboard. We are always very happy information and services and allow to hear from fellow alumni and we Notes and alumni to make better use of peer welcome your ideas and suggestions at networks worldwide [email protected] news, awards, • Recipients of the Professor Robert honours and Boucher Distinguished Alumni Awards Richard Mayson (BA Geography 1983) obituaries • A consultation on the recruitment Chair, Alumni Board

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 37 ALUMNI NEWS Dates for your Diary

2018 Pop Tarts Reunited Saturday 8 September 2018 Annual Alumni Reunion On campus All Sheffield alumni are invited back to Saturday 8 September 2018 the Students' Union to relive memories On campus from your student days with non-stop Open to all alumni, the annual reunion retro pop at Pop Tarts Reunited! recognises in particular those marking significant anniversaries Alumni Reception in Dubai since graduating from the University. The classes of 1998, 1993, 1988 and Thursday 13 September 2018 1978 are the focus for our 2018 Dubai celebrations. Alumni in Dubai are invited to attend Alumni returning to Sheffield can a special reception, hosted by Miles take part in a selection of daytime Stevenson, Director of Advancement. activities and tours, as well as a This event offers the perfect opportunity delicious buffet lunch. In the evening, to reconnect with the University and we are pleased to announce we will fellow graduates. be holding a four-course dinner celebration, with a live band and Heritage Circle Lunch special guest speaker Lord Jim O’Neill (BA Economics 1978, MA Economics Friday 26 October 2018 1980, Hon LittD 2014), hosted by Firth Hall the President and Vice-Chancellor, A special lunch for those alumni and Professor Sir Keith Burnett. friends who are interested in leaving or have left a gift to the University in their Will. Email [email protected] or call 0114 222 1073. Pop Tarts Reunited Anniversary Reunion April 2019 Luncheon for the classes of 2019 On campus 1954 and 1959 Following on from the sports day, Sheffield Alumni Pub Quiz celebrate or commiserate with a trip Wednesday 1 May 2019 February 2019 to the Students’ Union for a night of On campus London pop pleasure. A special event for alumni celebrating The annual pub quiz is back! Who will 65 and 60 years since graduating from beat their fellow alumni to take home the House of Lords Alumni the University. Invitations will be sent out trophy? Invitations will be sent by email in the spring to all those from these class at the start of the year. Reception years for whom we hold contact details. April 2019 Alumni Sports Day London University Quiz Night Join fellow alumni in the impressive April 2019 surroundings of Westminster for Thursday 2 May 2019 On campus this popular reception hosted by On campus Meet your friends back in Sheffield for Lord Blunkett. Guests also have the Teams of alumni, staff, students and the annual sports day and evening social opportunity to go on private tours of friends are invited to take part in the at the Students’ Union. the Houses of Parliament. Tickets are annual quiz, with prizes for the winners Email [email protected] or allocated via a ballot system, details of and runners-up. Email eventsteam@ call o114 222 6978 to get involved. which will be emailed in the New Year. sheffield.ac.uk

38 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Dates for your Diary Annual Alumni Reunion 2017

e welcomed over 170 alumni back to campus for our 10th Annual WAlumni Reunion. They came from all over the UK and from as far afi eld as Switzerland, Turkey and Australia. This was a special celebration for alumni who graduated in 1977, 1987, 1992 and 1997. The day was packed with tours of old and new landmarks and plenty of opportunities to catch up and reminisce. Alumni were transported back to their student days when revisiting Firth Court and the Arts Tower with its famous Paternoster lift. Recent developments such as Jessop West and the Diamond wowed the crowd and illustrated how the campus has expanded over the years. In the evening, alumni American arrived at Firth Court to Alumni Reunion attend the Annual Alumni spring to all those from this class year Reunion Dinner and Dance, Saturday 4 May 2019 for whom we hold contact details. hosted by Professor Gill San Francisco Valentine, Provost and Deputy This fl agship event for US alumni will Annual Alumni Reunion Vice-Chancellor. Guest speaker take place in San Francisco. Invitations Dr Andrew Hosty (BSc Materials to the evening reception and dinner will Saturday 7 September 2019 Science and Engineering 1987, be sent in March. To fi nd out more email On campus PhD Ceramics 1992), CEO of the usa@sheffi eld.ac.uk Open to all alumni, the annual reunion Henry Royce Institute, shared recognises in particular those marking his memories of student life at Anniversary Reunion 20, 25, 30 and 40 years since graduating Sheffi eld, which included the from the University. The classes of 1999, legendary Pyjama Jump and the Luncheon for the class 1994, 1989 and 1979 are the focus for Limit nightclub. of 1969 our 2019 celebrations. Invitations will The live band were excellent be emailed out in the spring to all those and fi nished their set with Friday 14 June 2019 from these class years for whom we hold an energy-fi lled rendition of On campus contact details. Johnny B Good, which got A celebratory luncheon in Firth Hall, our alumni fi red up for more to mark the 50th anniversary of For a list of all our UK and overseas dancing at the Students’ Union alumni graduating from the University. events visit www.sheffi eld.ac.uk/ – bringing back many a fond Invitations will be emailed out in the alumni/events/upcoming memory into the early hours.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 39 ALUMNI NEWS Your Notes and News

We are always interested to discover what our alumni are doing now. Here is a small selection of news from people who have been in contact with us or who we have spotted in the media.

1930s We were sad to learn of the death of Sir Alan Dawtry CBE, TD (LLB Law 1937, Hon LLD 2007) at the age of 102. His distinguished career in local government began The Medical School, 1976. Photo supplied by Dr Peter Boston (MBChB Medicine 1976) at Sheffield City Council. He later served as Chief Executive of Westminster City Council, and played a major part in the creation of the present pattern 1970s of 32 London boroughs. He served as an officer in the Royal Artillery during Dr Ian Logan (MBChB Medicine 1970) World War II and received the military received the 2017 Annual Best Paper MBE for his part in planning the Anzio Award from the journal Zoological landings. Miles Stevenson, Director of Research, a publication produced by Advancement, said, “Sir Alan was so the Kunming Institute of Zoology, the proud of his University. There were only Chinese Academy of Sciences and the 10 students in his 1937 graduating class China Zoological Society, for his paper and he watched with pleasure how the on the epidemic in South America University grew in size and reputation caused by the Zika virus. over the next 80 years.” Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach 1950s (BA Geography, Economic and Social History 1977, Hon LittD 2007) was Sir Peter Middleton (BA Economics elected Chairman of the NATO 1955, Hon LittD 1984), former Chancellor Military Committee by the Allied Chiefs of the University, received the Lifetime of Defence. Achievement Award at the Non-Executive Director Awards 2018. Professor Stewart Cole (PhD Microbiology 1979) is the President of 1960s the Institut Pasteur, Paris. Sir Bernard Waddingham (BA 1980s Economics 1968) has been invested as a Knight of the Pontifical Order of Saint Paul Mason (BA Music and Politics 1981, Gregory the Great in recognition of his Hon LittD 2014) received the inaugural work in support of the Roman Catholic Sir Peter Middleton Ellen Meiksins Wood Prize from the Church and of the Holy See. Broadbent Institute, Canada.

40 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Union Ball poster, 1974. Photo Susanna Chiu (BA Economics 1982) supplied by Dr Mike Hayes received the Outstanding Business (BA History 1975, MA Japanese Woman of the Year Award from the Studies 1978, PhD Japanese Commercial Daily, Hong Kong. Studies 1981) Steve Oldfield(BA French and Spanish 1985) is the Chief Commercial Officer of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Professor Dr Nizamuddin Ahmed (PhD Architecture 1987) is the Vice-Chancellor of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

1990s Professor Colin Bailey (BEng Civil Engineering 1992, PhD Civil Engineering 1995) is the President/Principal of Queen Mary University of London.

Clare Edwards (BMus Music 1995) received the Lady Hilary Grove Prize 2017 for her outstanding contribution to music in the community.

Dr Spiros Kitsinelis (MChem Chemistry 1999, PhD Chemistry 2003) was nominated for the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards (Social Impact category) for Greece 2017.

St George’s Church was closed as a place of worship in 1978. In 1994 an imaginative conversion created a lecture hall and student accommodation in the north and south aisles.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 41 ALUMNI NEWS

Your Notes and News (CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE) 2000s Katharine Lowrie (née Land) (BA Landscape Design with Planning 2000) has published Running South America with my husband and other animals, the story of the remarkable journey she completed with David Lowrie (BA Business Studies 2000) to raise funds for BirdLife International and Conservacion Patagonica.

Dr Wei Yang (MSc Computer Aided Environmental Design 2001, PhD Architecture 2005), Founding Director of Wei Yang and Partners, London, was made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Alexandros Charkiolakis (BMus Music 2002, MMus Music 2004) was nominated for the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards (Professional Achievement category) for Greece 2017. A postcard of the Concourse and Firth Court, 1980. Image supplied by Richard Mayson (BA Scott Lomax (BA Archaeology Geography 1983) and Prehistory 2004) is the City Archaeologist for Nottingham.

Cllr Ben Curran (LLB Law 2006, Dr Ayesha Saeed Husaini (PhD PG Cert Leadership 2012), Cabinet Education 2009) received the British Member for Planning and Council’s Social Impact Alumni Award for Development on Sheffield City Council, the Middle East and North Africa. is one of the recipients of a Marshall Memorial Fellowship 2017–18, awarded 2010s by the German Marshall Fund of the US, which promotes understanding of Sophie Trew (BA Journalism 2013), trans-Atlantic relations. a vlogger and founder of Trew Fields Festival, was named a Remarkable Dr Nikolaos Dimitriadis (PhD Person at the Spotlight Awards, set up by Management 2006) was nominated for Live Better With Cancer. the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards (Entrepreneurial category) for Professor Dame Hilary Chapman CBE Greece 2017. (Hon MD 2015) is a Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire. David John Henderson (1985–2016) (BA History 2006, MA Historical Research Dr Helen Mort (PhD English Language 2007) was elected posthumously to and Linguistics 2015) won the Mslexia the category of Honorary Fellow by the Women’s Poetry Competition for her Institute of Marine Engineering, Science poem Vanishing Point. and Technology where he held the position of Institute Registrar. Theodore Wing (BSc Biomedical Science 2016, MSc Translational Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill CBE (BSc Neuroscience 2017) received the Psychology 2007, Hon LittD 2010) inaugural Jody de Vos Annual MND received the Lifetime Achievement The Information Commons was refurbished Award for his research into motor Award at the BBC Sports Personality of in 2017, in its 10th anniversary year. neurone disease at the Sheffield Institute the Year 2017 ceremony. for Translational Neuroscience.

42 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Sheffield Alumni Alumni Volunteer Awards The advice, experience and support offered by our alumni volunteers is greatly appreciated Honours by the University. The annual Sheffield Alumni Volunteer Awards recognise their Birthday Honours 2017, Professor Sir Simon Lovestone (BSc outstanding contributions. New Year Honours 2018 Microbiology 1982) Created a Knight Bachelor for services to neuroscience Winners 2017 Dr Jacqueline Bene (MBChB Clinical research. Pioneering Alumni Award Medicine 1988) Awarded an OBE for For a recent graduate who has services to healthcare. Professor Colin Mellors (BA Modern demonstrated outstanding Politics 1971, MA Modern Politics commitment and enthusiasm as Carmen Callil (Hon LittD 1994) Created 1973) Awarded an OBE for services to a volunteer: Michael Conroy a Dame for services to literature. economic development in Yorkshire. (MA Town and Regional Planning 2016) Professor Hilary Chapman CBE (Hon Professor Sir Michael Rawlins (Hon MD 2015) Created a Dame for services MD 2012) Created a Knight Grand Cross Alumni Leadership Award to nursing. of the Order of the British Empire for A member of our alumni services to the safety of medicines, community who has shown Dr Jonathan Clark (MEd Inclusive healthcare and innovation. exceptional leadership skills Education 2001, EdD Education 2005) in their involvement with Awarded an OBE for services to Dr Dorothy Rees (PhD Oral Pathology the University, often juggling disabled children and children with 1999) Awarded an OBE for services to personal, professional and special educational needs (New Year democracy. other voluntary commitments: Honours 2017). Andrew Williams (BEng Metal Susan Ross (née Earle) (BSc Animal Science and Engineering 1989) Kevin Clifford( MSc Health Economics and Plant Biology 1980) Awarded an Find out more about our alumni and Management 1999) Awarded an MBE for voluntary service to UK exports. winners at www.sheffield. OBE for services to healthcare. ac.uk/alumni/volunteering/ Dr Helen Sharman OBE (BSc thankyou Karen Danesi (née Gray) (BSc Chemistry 1984, Hon DSc 2017) Mathematical Studies 1985) Awarded an Appointed a Companion of the Order of OBE for services to British foreign policy. St Michael and St George for services to science and technology and technology Dr Shabana Haque (BSc Chemistry educational outreach. 1995, PhD Chemistry 1999) Awarded an OBE for services to civil service science Stephen Speed (BSc Physics 1983) and the engineering profession. Appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath for services to the oil and gas Paul Harper (BA English Literature 1979) industry. Awarded an MBE for services to the Department for Education. Professor Lord Nicholas Stern of Brentford (Hon LittD 2008) Appointed Roderick Heather (BA Economics 1967) a Companion of Honour for services to Awarded an MBE for services to flood economics, international relations and risk management. tackling climate change.

Lee Hough (AdvDip Nursing Studies Gerald Tessier (BA Economics and 1999) Awarded an MBE for services to Politics 1978) Awarded an MBE for nursing. services to democracy.

James Hurst (BA Geography and Professor Sir David Weatherall (Hon Michael Conroy (top) and Geology 1976) Awarded a BEM for MD 1989) Created a Knight Grand Cross Andrew Williams received their services to voluntary and charitable of the Order of the British Empire for awards from Lizzie Ruse, Alumni services in Salford. services to medicine. Volunteering Manager.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 43 ALUMNI NEWS The Professor Robert Boucher Distinguished Alumni Awards

These awards give the University the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of alumni who have made outstanding contributions to business and community life. They were established in 2011 to honour the memory of Professor Robert Boucher (Hon DEng 2009), the University's 12th Vice- Chancellor who set up the Development and Alumni Relations Office in 2002.

To nominate one of our alumni for this annual award, please submit their biographical information and a letter of nomination (of no more than Sarah Evans receiving her award from David Fyfe with the Chancellor, The Rt Hon Lady 500 words) to: Claire Rosemary Boucher. Justice Rafferty DBE. Rundström, Head of Alumni Relations, The Award winner 2017 Award winner 2017 University of Sheffield, Sarah Evans (BSc Natural Environmental David Fyfe (BSc Mathematics 1972), Development, Alumni Science 1985) was honoured for her who has enjoyed a successful career as a Relations & Events, achievement in reaching the top of two leading financial planner, was honoured 40 Victoria Street, professions – the financial sector and the in recognition of his dedication to raising Sheffield, S10 2TN, wine trade. She served as the first female vital funds for one of the region’s most or email alumni@ Chairman of the Ipswich Building Society well-loved charities, Sheffield Children’s sheffield.ac.ukwith from 2013 until her retirement in 2017; she Hospital. Together with friends Nigel and the subject ‘Professor continues as Chairman of the International Sandra Worthington and his wife, Jean, he Robert Boucher Exhibition Co-operative Wine Society (‘The organised a ‘one-off’ ball for the charity in Distinguished Alumni Wine Society’), becoming the first female 1990. Today, the now-annual Daffodil Ball Award nomination’. Chairman of the mutual organisation in is one of the most popular events on the The deadline for 2009. On graduation, Sarah trained as a Sheffield social scene and has raised over nominations to be chartered accountant with Price £1 million to provide specialist medical considered for an Waterhouse, and worked at the Serious equipment. Highlights include a portable award in 2019 is Fraud Office, specialising in forensic ultrasound for babies in neonatal care, 23 November 2018. accounting, before serving as a partner at which allows them to be tested in their own Ernst & Young and then joining the board cots, a 3T MRI scanner, as well as a new Further details can of the Ipswich Building Society. A keen burns treatment room and outpatient area, be found at www. sportswoman, Sarah played lacrosse for the which has transformed the experience of sheffield.ac.uk/ University and was a founding member of the burns' victims at the hospital. alumni/our_alumni/ University Ladies Cricket Team where she distinguished regularly opened the bowling.

44 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Obituaries

Alumni and friends of the University Dr Sarah Hyde (BA Japanese Studies may submit obituaries – for an alumnus/ 1993) alumna or former member of staff – to Lecturer in the School of East Asian Development, Alumni Relations & Events Studies, and a member of staff from for inclusion on our website. Please email 2002–03. [email protected] Professor Roy Jennings We have been informed of the following Professor of Medical Microbiology in the Professor Geoffrey Sims OBE, FREng deaths of University staff in the past year: Department of Infection, Immunity and (Hon LLD 1991) Cardiovascular Disease, and a member of Professor Sims was the University’s 10th Malcolm Clements (BEng Civil staff from 1972–98. Vice-Chancellor, serving from 1974–90. Engineering 1940) He oversaw a period of great change Senior Lecturer in the Department of Dr Steve Ludlam (BA Politics, and left an institution transformed in Civil and Structural Engineering, and a Economics and Social History 1985, its physical appearance with a proud member of staff from 1957–82. PhD Politics 1991) Senior Lecturer in the reputation for its excellent teaching Department of Politics, and a member of and research. He took seriously the Professor David Fenton staff from 1993–2016. involvement of the University in the Professor in the Department of local community, playing an active role Chemistry, and a member of staff from Professor Josephine Maltby as a governor of local schools and as a 1973–2003. Professor of Accounting and Financial member of the commercial and cultural Management in the Management School, bodies of the city. He was also devoted Professor Edward ‘Teddy’ Garden and a member of staff from 1987–2006 to his work for higher education, active Head of the Department of Music from and 2014–17. in both the work of the British Council 1975–93. and the Association of Commonwealth Dr John Roberts Universities. He remained a close friend Emeritus Professor Bob Hale Senior Research Scientist in the of the University following his retirement. Professor in the Department of Department of Electronic and Electrical Philosophy, and a member of staff from Engineering, and a member of staff from Visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/ 2006–15. 1980–2009. sims-tribute for a full appreciation.

Dorothy Byrne (PG Dip Business Research and Statistics at the Bank of Honorary Studies 1974, Hon LittD 2018): Head of England. Degrees News and Current Affairs at Channel 4. Dr Bernard Johnston (BEng Civil and The University of Sheffield Dr Francis Froes (MMet Physical Structural Engineering 1965, PhD Civil and confers honorary degrees (or Metallurgy 1963, PhD Physical Metallurgy Structural Engineering 1974, Hon DEng degrees honoris causa – as a 1967, Hon DEng 2018): scholar in the field 2018): educator and industrial engineer. ‘mark of honour’) on people of titanium science and technology. who have given distinguished Dr Lowell Lewis (MBChB Medicine 1976, service or brought distinction Brian Gilvary (BSc Mathematics 1983, Hon MD 2018): Chief Medical Officer of to the University, the City of Hon DSc 2018): Chief Financial Officer Montserrat. Sheffield or the region. Alumni and Director of BP. who received honorary degrees Lucy Nickson (PG Dip Management from the University in 2018: Agnes Grunwald-Spier MBE (MA and Leadership 2011, Hon MD 2018): Holocaust Studies 1998, Hon LittD 2018): management expert within the health author and historian committed to and charity sectors in the region. raising Holocaust awareness (also see For further information on page 32). Ann Sansom (BA English Literature how to nominate someone for 1994, Hon LittD 2018) and Peter Sansom an honorary degree, please Andy Haldane (BA Accounting, Financial (Hon LittD 2018): distinguished poets contact Claire Rundström, Management and Economics 1988, and Directors of The Poetry Business, Head of Alumni Relations, email: Hon LittD 2018): Chief Economist and the Sheffield-based poetry publisher and [email protected] Executive Director of Monetary Analysis, writer development agency.

2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 45 The Gift of Education

A very generous legacy

ohn Roach (1920–2015), an eminent and LEFT: Professor John Roach much-loved Professor of Education, left over ABOVE: Chancellor Dame Anne £750,000 to the University in his Will. His Rafferty with the godchildren gift will be used to support students through of Professor John Roach at JThe Roach Scholarships, named in his honour. They the ceremony for the Roll of are expected to benefit over 200 undergraduate and Benefactors. postgraduate students over the next 20 years. Professor Roach was himself the recipient of a scholarship to attend university in 1938. His studies were however disrupted by World War II. He spent three years as a prisoner of war on the infamous Burma-Siam death railway. In 1965, after 16 years teaching at Cambridge, he was appointed Director of the Institute of Education and Professor of Education at the University of Sheffield. In July 2017, in the presence of some of his godchildren, Professor Roach was admitted posthumously to the University’s Roll of Benefactors by the Chancellor, Dame Anne Rafferty. “My gratitude is immeasurable. As a working-class lad from Lancashire, having Create a legacy of your own the chance to study at an institution such To talk through your ideas in confidence or to request a copy of our Legacy brochure, please contact: as this is something my parents and David Meadows, Development Officer for Legacies, grandparents could Development, Alumni Relations & Events, The University of Sheffield, 40 Victoria Street, Sheffield, only have imagined in S10 2TN, Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1073, Email: d.meadows@ their wildest dreams.” sheffield.ac.uk, www.sheffield.ac.uk/legacies Liam Hulmes, recipient of a The University of Sheffield is an exempt charity X1089 postgraduate Roach Scholarship.

46 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2018/2019 Business Discount on sports facilities support S10health offers a discounted membership rate Do you want to for all Sheffield alumni. This membership provides set up a business? access to the gym, swimming pool, steam and sauna Alumni can access rooms, and fitness classes all based at the Goodwin University of Sports Centre; visit www.sport-sheffield.com Sheffield Enterprise and their free Library services for alumni members business services; Postgraduate visit enterprise. discount All our alumni can apply for free alumni membership of shef.ac.uk the University Library: you receive a Library card which As a Sheffield graduate enables you to borrow books from all library sites. The you can benefit from Library card also allows alumni to access all library a 10% discount on sites during staffed service hours, including Western tuition fees if you decide Bank, the Information Commons, the Health Sciences to study with us at Libraries and the Library Connect area in the Diamond, postgraduate level. Terms in addition to the Western Bank and Health Sciences and conditions apply; Libraries during self-service hours. All you need to do is visit www.sheffield. provide proof of study or graduation. To find out more, ac.uk/postgraduate/ International including how to apply for a Library card, visit taught/finance/alumni- alumni loyalty www.sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/services/library rewards-terms discounts for further study

Rewards of £1,500 per year of study are available EXCLUSIVE for returning self-funded BENEFITS University of Sheffield graduates and their siblings, spouses, sons Careers advice for and daughters, terms and conditions apply. Continue to use the Careers Service and Reunions and receive bespoke careers events advice up to three years after graduation; visit ALUMNI Exclusive invitations to careerconnect.sheffield. events both on and off ac.uk to search for jobs. campus.

Wedding venue Discounted hotels Discounted concert tickets discount and cottage hire Graduates of the University are eligible for a 10% Choose from four Enjoy a 10% discount discount off the ticket price for all University concerts. stunning wedding venues with cottages.com and With scores of international and award-winning at the University of 10% receive a discount at performers, choirs, collectives, composers, conductors Sheffield, including Firth OFF several hotels in Sheffield. and ensembles of all shapes and sizes, we have Court, and receive an something to astonish and delight music lovers of all alumni discount. tastes and ages.

Inox Dine Don’t miss out on the benefits Situated on Level 5 of the of staying in touch with us. For full details Students’ Union Building, Inox of the benefits, Dine is an independently run For some of these benefits you may need to show please visit restaurant serving contemporary your Alumni Membership Card. If you haven’t www.sheffield. British food with an international received your card yet or need a replacement, ac.uk/alumni/ twist and Sheffield alumni please email [email protected] services receive a 10% discount on the or call 0114 222 5592. INOX lounge menu. 2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 47 YOUR UNIVERSITY 2018/2019 Special Olympics hosts Our Endcliffe and Ranmoor student residences were turned into the Special REASONS Olympic Village for a week last summer when we hosted over 3,000 athletes, their carers, coaches and families TO BE PROUD who were taking part in the Games.

Ten years at The gift of time Made in Sheffield the top Over 1,500 former Marking 11 years as Vice- Our green Our Students’ Union students from 70 Chancellor, Professor Sir Keith campus has been voted top countries have Burnett was honoured with The University and nationally for the given 12,000 hours the Made in Sheffield Special Students’ Union tenth consecutive of their time over Recognition Award by the city’s have introduced year in the Times the past year to 12 : 00 manufacturers and makers. the UK’s first-ever Higher Education mentor, advise Campus Cup scheme, Student Experience and support aiming to reduce the Survey current students 600,000 disposable 2018. through our Alumni cups thrown away Volunteering each year. programme.

Addressing Grayson Perry the STEM Orwell Lecture gender gap Titled I’ve read all the We welcomed 600 academic texts on empathy, local school girls renowned artist Grayson to campus for our A leading Perry delivered the Orwell STEM For Girls university Lecture in the Octagon event to encourage • 13th in the UK Centre, the them to pursue and 75th in the first time the science, technology, world (QS World prestigious Six in a row engineering and Rankings 2019). event has We successfully maths. • 13th in the UK, been held in defeated Sheffield 104th in the world the North of Hallam to win and 42nd most England for Varsity for the sixth international almost 20 years. consecutive year. Tackling breast university (Times cancer Higher Education A pioneering new World University therapy discovered Rankings 2018). Enabling success by our scientists has • 21st in the UK Thanks to generous received approval (Times and Sunday donations totalling almost to be used to treat Times Good £2.25m, 630 undergraduates breast cancer University Guide have received scholarships patients. 2018). over the past five years. Joining the Sheffield Alumni Family Boeing in Sheffield 10,000 students The Big Walk 2018 Leading aerospace company Boeing announced graduated this Over 300 alumni and friends that their only production facility in Europe will year, joining the walked a 26.2 mile marathon- be opening in Sheffield in late-2018, alongside 180,000-strong distance through the Peak Factory 2050, part of the University’s Advanced Sheffield Alumni District in support of the Manufacturing Research Centre. family. Sheffield Scanner campaign.

TWITTER @SheffieldAlumni FACEBOOK University of Sheffield Alumni LinkedIn University of Sheffield Alumni www.sheffield.ac.uk/alumni ✉ [email protected] Development, Alumni Relations & Events, The University of Sheffield, 40 Victoria Street, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK 0114 222 1071