Spring/Summer 2019
THE CULTURE ISSUE alumni.kcl.ac.uk
Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)20 7848 3053
Fundraising & Supporter Development King’s College London Virginia Woolf Building 22 Kingsway | London | WC2B 6LE
#ForeverKings
Spring/Summer 2019
THE CULTURE ISSUE Michael Luck Sabrina Mahfouz Jonathan Andrews is Professor of Computer (Classics, 2005) is (English, 2015) is currently OUR Science and Executive a playwright, poet, completing his training Dean of the Faculty of screenwriter and contract at leading law Natural & Mathematical performer who firm Reed Smith. He is Sciences at King’s. He also has recently been extensively involved in COVER works in the Agents and elected a Fellow raising awareness of Intelligent Systems group, of the Royal Society autism in employment undertaking research into of Literature. and wider society. STARS agent technologies and intelligent systems. PAGE 10 PAGE 26 PAGE 20
Dr Christine Aicardi Maureen Duffy FKC Daniel Peltz OBE FKC Munira Mirza is a Senior King’s (English, 1956) is the (History, 1982) is the is the Executive Director Research Fellow in author of more than 30 CEO of London Freeholds for Culture at King’s. She the Human Brain Project published works, covering Ltd. He is a Fellow of King’s provides leadership for the Foresight Laboratory. fiction, non-fiction, poetry and received his OBE in King’s cultural community Prior to joining King’s, and plays. She is President 2012 for charitable and and its dedicated Culture she was a Wellcome of Honour of the British philanthropic services. team, which includes Library Research Fellow. Copyright Council and Science Gallery London. a Fellow of King’s. She is the former Deputy PAGE 26 Mayor for Culture and PAGE 20 Education in London PAGE 10 (2008–2016).
PAGE 16 WELCOME
04 08 ALUMNI OFFICE WELCOME TO INTOUCH SPRING/SUMMER 2019 IN THIS KING’S IMPACT WHY I SUPPORT KING’S +44 (0)20 7848 3053 THE ART OF WELLBEING PAYING IT FORWARD [email protected] ISSUE – THE CULTURE ISSUE We take an in-depth look Malcolm Swift (Law, 1969) Spring/Summer at King’s pioneering work, shares how his unlikely journey King’s College London 2019 exploring the benefits of to secure a place at King’s has Virginia Woolf Building incorporating the arts inspired him to support the next 22 Kingsway The Oxford English Dictionary definition of culture London, WC2B 6LE is ‘The arts and other manifestations of human into healthcare. generation of legal scholars. © King’s College intellectual achievement regarded collectively’ London 2018 but also ‘The ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society’. Both of these InTouch is published by definitions resonate highly here at King’s. We are the university’s Department of Fundraising & Supporter home to a rich cultural community, bringing together Development. The opinions students, staff and alumni with a diverse range expressed in it are those of partner organisations in London and beyond. of the writers and not necessarily those of To support, strengthen and showcase this community, the university has a specialist the university. Culture team that works across the university to broker, enable and facilitate partnerships 14 16 18 EDITORIAL that help to achieve the research, education and service ambitions of the cultural community. 10 +44 (0)20 7848 3053 Partnerships and collaborations across all faculties help to drive innovation and enrich THEN & NOW STUDENTS AT THE INSIDE KING’S ENTREPRENEUR’S MARKET [email protected] education through original learning opportunities, serving the needs of the cultural sector WRITERS AT WORK HEART OF KING’S THE CULTURAL COMMUNITY WHERE ART MEETS TECH SUPPORTING THE and, more broadly, of society. Senior Advisory Fellow for Culture, Baroness Deborah Bull, Writers Maureen Duffy AT KING’S AND BEYOND Marrying her loves of EDITOR BRIGHTEST AND BEST is responsible for the university’s imaginative cultural strategy and the team is led by (English, 1956) and Sabrina We meet Munira Mirza, tech and culture, alumna Rachelle Arthey Executive Director for Culture, Munira Mirza. You can meet Munira on page 16, where Mahfouz (Classics, 2005) Midwifery student Isobelle the new Executive Director Olga Kravchenko has found CONTRIBUTORS she takes us ‘Inside King’s’ to explore some of the highlights to emerge from the share their memories of King’s talks to InTouch about the for Culture, who introduces a unique way to encourage Katherine Chinn, James cultural community at King’s over the past year. and how their time here positive impact of the us to some recent highlights children to explore museums. Horrocks, Martin Jones, has informed their careers. Hardship Fund. from the King’s cultural Billy Nichols, Evelyne Rose, On page four we examine the ‘King’s Impact’ of our arts, health and wellbeing work. community. Janella Sillito, Siobhan Wakely King’s unique approach has connected artists and researchers to explore how
PHOTOGRAPHY engagement with art can benefit patients dealing with a variety of conditions, from stroke to postnatal depression. The impact of this work has been felt by patients Michael Donald, Piers Vernon-Kell, Matt Writtle, and professionals alike, as well as influencing government policy in some areas. Julian Anderson, Sarah Torretta Klock In putting together this issue, it struck me how the King’s alumni community has a culture of kindness and compassion that is hard to rival. Whether sharing your time as a mentor COVER ILLUSTRATION or supporting students in crisis through donations to the Hardship Fund, your generosity 26 40 James Taylor, Debut Art makes such a difference. You can read just what kind of a difference it makes on page 14, 20 DESIGN where we meet Isobelle, a third-year Midwifery student who was only able to stay at King’s KING’S DEBATE SERVICE TO SOCIETY YOU RECOMMEND AI – ONE OF SOCIETY’S RECOGNISING EMILY BERRINGTON pslondon after receiving support from the Fund. When we come together in support of King’s GREAT OPPORTUNITIES OUTSTANDING ALUMNI +44 (0)20 7375 6450 students, great things can happen, and for this we are incredibly grateful. Emily Berrington, Approved by OR THE NEXT BIG THREAT Meet the winners of this year’s King’s alumna and star [email protected] Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoy exploring the cultural aspects TO PRIVACY AND CONTROL? King’s Alumni Awards. of stage and screen, tells PRINT of King’s in this issue. We put the debate to us about some of her W G Baird Ltd some King’s experts. favourite things. Best wishes, FULFILMENT PR Fulfilment Ltd OTHER FEATURES PRINT MANAGEMENT RACHELLE ARTHEY Brooke-Leeming Project EDITOR Management Consultancy Ltd LATEST UPDATES 2 EVENTS, BENEFITS 30 CLASS NOTES 33
InTouch has been produced & SERVICES using paper from sustainable LIVING ABROAD 25 OBITUARIES 36 JOIN THE CONVERSATION BY JOINING OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITIES: sources and bleached using NEW APPOINTMENTS 32 an elemental chlorine-free process. The paper is WE MET AT KING’S 29 & COMMENDATIONS PUZZLES 39 produced at a mill that meets facebook.com/ alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ @KCLalumni the ISO 14001 environmental KCLalumni LinkedIn management standard and the EMAS environmental @KCLalumni alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ management standard. The magazine is fully recyclable. wechat LATEST UPDATES
Promoted to Chief of NATO STATE General Staff, Major APPOINTS FIRST General Ermenc is the first LATEST UPDATES woman in a NATO member FEMALE HEAD OF state to hold this position. ARMED FORCES Prior to this role, Major General Ermenc had been King’s alumna Major General serving as Deputy Chief of HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS SCIENCE GALLERY LONDON Alenka Ermenc (International General Staff, which was OF CAMBRIDGE ANNOUNCED AS ANNOUNCES ITS NEW EXHIBITION Studies, 2008) has been then the highest military announced as Head of position held by a woman PATRON OF EVELINA LONDON the Slovenian Army. in a NATO member state. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL From left to right: Sandi Toksvig, Amy Lothian, Julie Devonshire OBE, Ed Halliday, Katherine Horsham, Hayley Ard and Ceri Nursaw (NCEE sponsor) KING’S WINS ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD AT ‘OSCARS OF HIGHER EDUCATION’
King’s has been announced community. The ventures as the Outstanding have had huge success Science Gallery London at university’s Theoretical Entrepreneurial University and include C the Signs, King’s opens DARK MATTER Particle Physics & at the Times Higher Education an app to help diagnose on 6 June, running until 26 Cosmology Group. (THE) Awards. Central to cancer that is now being August 2019. DARK MATTER the award is the work of rolled out by the NHS, The announcement was of Cambridge has chosen will examine the fundamental Last chance to King’s Entrepreneurship Gamely Games, a board made as Her Royal Highness to become our Patron. The nature of reality – and see SPARE PARTS Institute. The Institute games company who visited Evelina London (part Duchess shares our passion attempt to make sense Open until 12 May, SPARE supports all King’s students, pitched on BBC Dragons’ of King’s Health Partners) for giving children and young of what we deem to be PARTS encourages visitors staff and alumni to develop Den, and Girls United, a alongside the Duke of people the very best start in ‘real’ – through artistic, to explore the themes in the an entrepreneurial mindset, social enterprise helping Cambridge in December life and Her Royal Highness’ scientific and philosophical exhibition by getting ‘hands- and develop the skills they girls gain confidence and 2018. Marian Ridley, support will help champion investigation, and research on’ and exploring ‘The Gut’, will need to succeed, leadership skills through Director of Evelina London, the lifesaving care our from King’s Faculty of an immersive experience whether in their chosen football. Founded by King’s says: ‘We are hugely proud staff provide to patients.’ Natural & Mathematical in the exhibition. Drop by career or building a venture students, staff and alumni, and honoured The Duchess Sciences. The exhibition will to find out more about of their own. The Institute the ventures have gone on feature newly commissioned tissue grafting by splicing also runs the King’s20 to create new jobs and have and existing works by a cacti. Learn more about Accelerator, a year-long a positive impact on society. diverse group of international innovations in biotechnology programme designed to artists (Desire Machine from King’s and brush up support King’s-founded Read more Collective, Andy Holden, on your needlework skills ventures to reach their full King’s20 Accelerator Carey Young, Aura Satz, by sewing electrodes. potential. The programme alumna Olga Kravchenko Semiconductor and Enrico Find out more about provides unique support has gone on to run two Sachetti), alongside research Science Gallery London from experts in residence, businesses. She talks from Theoretical Physicist and SPARE PARTS, visit: access to investment, to InTouch about one Professor Malcolm Fairbairn leadership growth, of them on page 18. london.sciencegallery.com from King’s and the space and a supportive
2 KING’S IMPACT
Items created by Weaving a New Story participants. Images courtesy of Dr Tamara Russell and Liz Finegold
WEAVING A NEW STORY participants with the self-management People normally think Weaving a New Story explores how tools to alleviate symptoms such mindful textile work can support women as anxiety, low self-esteem and of arts and crafts in a with postnatal depression. More than exhaustion. The large quilt created particular way. Maybe, THE ART one in ten women experience depression in these sessions was exhibited in within a year of giving birth. Clinical Atrium 1 at Guy’s Hospital. rather than thinking psychologist Dr Tamara Russell and Each of the mothers taking part in artist and psychological therapist Liz the workshops completed questionnaires of what is produced, Finegold collaborated on the initial assessing mood, parenting confidence we should be thinking project, which consisted of 10 mindful and mindfulness. The results show
sewing sessions for recent mothers with a significant decrease in depression, about the process and postnatal depression. The sessions with the average postnatal score combine the focus of mindfulness lying just below the cut-off for conversations it can stir. of wellbeing WEAVING A NEW STORY WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT practice with the creative activity postnatal depression. of sewing. The aim is to provide
There is a growing interest in the ways together King’s world-leading in which arts and culture can support resources with strong partnerships health and wellbeing. King’s and its across culture and higher education, health partners, Guy’s, St Thomas’ the university can seize this moment and King’s College Hospital, have long by bringing together the expertise of Baroness been alert to the benefits of making staff and students to help to tackle Deborah Bull connections between these fields. inequalities, prevent the onset of ‘We are seeing an emerging national illness, support recovery and enable commitment to arts, health and wellbeing longer lives, better lived through arts- improve health and wellbeing in and King’s has a major opportunity to based approaches to health and wellbeing.’ participants and help raise awareness become a global leader in this field,’ says King’s distinctive approach to of specific health issues amongst Baroness Deborah Bull, Senior Advisory arts and health engages academics, the wider public. In this article, we Fellow for Culture and Vice President students, patients, carers and healthcare showcase a number of cultural projects & Vice-Principal (London). ‘Drawing professionals. Arts interventions can led by King’s and our health partners.
4 5 KING’S IMPACT
COULD DRUMMING IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION IN AUTISM? We believe that learning Autism Spectrum Disorder a new physical activity is a range of similar conditions, including Asperger syndrome, such as drumming will that affect a person’s social benefit many subjects with interaction, communication,
interests and behaviour. It affects impaired motor movement at least one in a hundred people in the UK. Professor Steven and co-ordination. Williams, Head of the Department PROFESSOR STEVEN WILLIAMS of Neuroimaging at King’s, is interested in drumming as an participants’ brains. Early results intervention in brain disorder are positive, with scans showing that Stroke Odysseys participants research. Drumming is a complex drum training makes visible changes in in workshops and performing activity that encompasses a unique two areas: the cerebral cortex (the outer The most amazing thing about the brain MAKING A DIFFERENCE set of physical and mental challenges. layer of the brain comprising three parts: The impact of projects like these
Understanding the physical changes the sensory, motor and association areas) is that we never stop learning. Recovery is beginning to have an effect in the in the brains of those learning to and the cerebellum (which sits below and policy arena. King’s recently provided drum could help develop important behind the main part of the brain and also from stroke is possible, and there is hope. the research for a two-year inquiry by interventions for people with autism plays an important role in motor function). STROKE ODYSSEYS PROJECT PARTICIPANT the All Party Parliamentary Group and other neurological disorders. The hope is that these results can be on Arts, Health and Wellbeing. Funded by a grant from The Waterloo replicated and used to develop practical STROKE ODYSSEYS independent living, higher The research involved academics, Foundation, this latest study focuses on interventions that will improve the lives Stroke Odysseys gives stroke survivors cognitive functioning, greater practitioners, service users and young people with autism. It builds on of young people with autism. the opportunity to explore their personal mobility and communication skills. policymakers. It resulted in a previous research also funded by The Professor Williams says ‘We believe narratives. It is a five-year collaboration They also gained a deeper knowledge comprehensive report in 2017, which Waterloo Foundation, which showed that learning a new physical activity between the Health Innovation team of the use of dance and the arts as cited more than 200 practice examples that a short programme of drum training such as drumming will benefit many from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity a form of rehabilitation. Many chose and proposed a range of policy could lead to changes in brain structure subjects with impaired motor movement and Rosetta Life, a health charity to become Stroke Ambassadors, recommendations. The report aims and function associated with autism. and co-ordination. We hope that our that develops arts initiatives to advocating for life after stroke. to influence the thinking and practice The studies use Magnetic Resonance current efforts will inform future challenge stigma around disability Speaking about the Stroke of health and arts professionals as well Imaging (MRI) to detect changes in endeavours to improve quality of life.’ and illness, supported by the Odysseys project, Professor as government, to ensure we take university’s Culture team. Tony Rudd CBE, Professor of advantage of the potential benefits of The programme encouraged Stroke Medicine at King’s says: arts engagement on health and wellbeing. patients who have suffered a stroke ‘There are relatively few This is just a snapshot of the wide array to explore their stroke stories through interventions for people living of arts, health and wellbeing initiatives song and movement. A series of 12 with stroke to address some of being undertaken by King’s and our creative workshops culminated in the psychological complications health partners, which we are able to informal ‘sharings’ with family and that arise. It would seem that fund through the generosity of individual health professionals and, in some this is an intervention that donors, as well as trusts and grants. instances, public performances. could be developed and used Participants in the workshops widely at relatively low reported greater optimism about cost and great benefit.’ TO READ MORE ABOUT ARTS, HEALTH AND WELLBEING INITIATIVES AT KING’S, VISIT: alumni.kcl.ac.uk/artofwellbeing
7 WHY I SUPPORT KING’S
This was an opportunity not to be taken As someone who is eternally for granted and Malcolm knuckled down. He was determined to make the most of his grateful to King’s, I simply want chance, knowing that a law degree from King’s was just the stepping stone he needed. to help other students from ‘The lecturers and tutors at King’s were backgrounds such as mine PAYING IT forward simply the best. We were so privileged to have the top experts in their fields. I was also who might, without financial fortunate to be in an outstanding student year assistance, be deterred from Inspired as a teen to pursue a career in law, group (1966–69) from which many of my fellow Malcolm Swift (Law, 1969) overcame many graduates went on to greatness. I used to go across pursuing a career in law. to the Royal Courts of Justice and watch cases and barriers to take his place at King’s. With a hard- see how people did things there. I would go to the won degree under his belt, he has gone on to have Old Bailey to watch trials in action. King’s links ‘I do not think there were any barriers to me with Gray’s Inn were invaluable. I wanted to be a pursuing my career after King’s. I had support a legal career most students can only dream of. criminal lawyer so it was an obvious place to join. from my Local Authority who gave me a grant You had to stand up and speak. You would have for tuition and funding for three years of living people barracking you from the floor. It was the expenses. I worked in various jobs to support alcolm Swift glimpsed a world perfect training ground. I learned tolerance and myself at Bar School. My parents did as much as he wanted to join from the comfort patience. As a barrister, you have to keep in they could, but they could ill afford to support me.’ Mof his sofa at home in Yorkshire. control of your emotional expressions. I learned Today, the competition to study law at King’s ‘I wanted to pursue a career in law since I saw the art of making sure people want to listen is even tougher. And current students face the television programme Boyd QC. I was hooked. rather than have to listen.’ challenges that the generations preceding I have always loved the English language, public Malcolm’s time at King’s served him well them did not have to overcome. speaking and the art of persuasion. I knew and he was called to the Bar in 1970. He took ‘Students graduate with considerable debts immediately that I wanted to be a barrister.’ Silk in 1988 and was Leader of the North which hang over them for years. No student today But as quickly as he had identified the path Eastern Circuit between 1997 and 2001. could enter university by the route I took. This he wanted to take, Malcolm found obstacle upon is why I have decided to leave a legacy to King’s. obstacle blocking his way. ‘My careers master My careers master at I owe my career to King’s willingness to think at school told me not to be so daft. No one from outside the strict admission rules. As someone my background could ever be a barrister. I was school told me not to be who is eternally grateful to King’s, I simply want determined to prove him wrong.’ But when to help other students from backgrounds such as none of the initial universities he applied to so daft. No one from my mine who might, without financial assistance, be offered him a place, it looked like his legal background could ever be deterred from pursuing a career in law. It would be career was over before it had even started. gratifying for other graduates to join in contributing
‘I thought, “What am I going to do now?” a barrister. I was determined towards scholarships. They could last for a very I still wanted to pursue this career, so I did long time and benefit many deserving students.’ a bit more research on my own. I applied to to prove him wrong. King’s independently of the clearing scheme. I actually rang the Faculty of Law and asked His career has been punctuated by headline- IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LEAVING A LEGACY TO KING’S, VISIT OR CALL: for an interview. My request was granted making cases. In 2008, he defended in R v Iain and I was interviewed by Professor Davies. Davis (UKHL 36 – the landmark ruling on the alumni.kcl.ac.uk/give-back/legacy We talked about what I wanted out use of anonymous witnesses in criminal trials, +44 (0)20 7848 3053 of life and eventually he offered me which reasserted the longstanding common a place. It would never happen these law right that an accused has the right days. I was incredibly lucky.’ to know the identity of his accuser).
9 THEN & NOW
THEN & NOW Writers at work Quote from Maureen's novel That’s How it Was
King’s has been the university of choice for some of the world’s most renowned writers, from John Keats to Virginia Woolf and Thomas Hardy. aureen Duffy FKC (English, It was almost impossible factory. Her day job inspired her, What draws an aspiring creative to King’s and how does their experience here shape 1956) is a poet, playwright and prompted her to write Pearson, a and novelist. Alongside her for a female playwright in drama set in contemporary London with their life and work? We posed these questions, amongst others, to two of our most M writing, she is celebrated for her activism characters reflective of London’s growing celebrated writers, Maureen Duffy FKC and Sabrina Mahfouz, both of whom have on a wide variety of causes, from animal those days, and eventually diversity. Maureen entered the play into found inspiration for their work in London, its people, and all it has to offer. rights to LGBTQ+ causes and authors’ a publisher said to me, the City of London Young Playwright’s rights. She holds many positions of note, Award, and, as a result, was asked to join from Vice President of the Royal Society “You keep writing these the legendary Royal Court Writers’ of Literature to President of Honour plays that nobody wants, Group. She went on to write several of the British Copyright Council. She more plays, but her early success proved was made a Fellow of King’s in 2002. why won’t you write a hard to repeat. ‘I had applied to Oxford, but was ‘It was almost impossible for a female unsuccessful, and one of my teachers novel and I’ll publish it?”. playwright in those days, and eventually wanted me to go to Royal Holloway. MAUREEN DUFFY a publisher said to me, “You keep writing But King’s, being in the centre of these plays that nobody wants, why London, right on the Strand, settled We found that some of the staff were won’t you write a novel and I’ll publish it for me. I found a little two-room really quite elderly but, in contrast, there it?”. I’d never attempted one before, lodging with two elderly ladies that were also two very young assistant but, at that point, I’d been thinking was very cheap, which was important, lecturers from Cambridge, Mark and about my life, and if there was a reason but also I could get the train from there Molly. They brought a very lively, more why I was gay. That formed itself into straight to the Strand.’ expansive way of teaching with them. an idea, so I wrote That’s How it Was.’ Getting a place on a chosen course They were favourites amongst us.’ Her first novel was a success, and finding somewhere to live are the In time, Maureen found that there and was closely followed by The first challenges to tackle, but starting were many opportunities to take Microcosm, set in the now legendary the course itself can prove to be the advantage of at King’s. She published lesbian nightclub, the Gateways. As the biggest test. numerous poems in Lucifer, the student first female public figure to come out as ‘The very first language lecture we magazine, and went on to take the role gay, Maureen has long been lauded for had, the lecturer came in and announced, of Sub-Editor there. Writing became her work as both an LGBTQ+ writer “You must all lose your accents”, which her primary focus and, in her third year, and campaigner. In 2014, she won the was such a blow. We came from all over when not studying, she began writing Icon Award for Outstanding Lifetime the country, all different backgrounds. plays. However, just as students do today, Achievement from Attitude magazine Of course, we did as we were told, she also needed to work to supplement her in recognition of this. Maureen is but it was a bit of a setback. income, and took a job in an electronics currently working on her next novel.
11 THEN & NOW
abrina Mahfouz (Classics, 2005) Much like Maureen’s experiences Her dedication to writing paid off London nightclubs, which is being is a playwright, poet, screenwriter at King’s, Sabrina found that her I’m so grateful for and in 2010 her first play,That Boy, accompanied by national creative Sand performer. She has recently arrival at university came with the opportunities this won a Westminster Prize for New writing workshops for young people.’ been elected a Fellow of the Royal significant challenges she would Playwrights, the current incarnation In spite of the years between Society of Literature and was a recipient have to overcome. city has opened up for of the very same award that propelled Maureen’s and Sabrina’s time at the 2018 King’s Distinguished Alumni ‘There were times when I felt me and so lots of my Maureen to success. This proved at King’s we are struck by the Awards, where she won the Arts & like it was difficult to feel settled and to be just the first of many awards many similarities to be drawn Culture Alumni Award for inspiring comfortable, as my background was forthcoming projects for Sabrina and, in 2018, she was from their experiences. You can change in the industry. She has been quite different to that of most of my elected as a Fellow of the Royal delve deeper into their stories shortlisted for the Arts Foundation classmates in my particular department. will be about attempting Society of Literature. by reading the extended version Award for Performance Poetry and Receiving support from the King’s to help others access ‘I’m so grateful for the opportunities of this article online. has won a Sky Arts Academy Award Hardship Fund made everything so this city has opened up for me and so for Poetry, a Westminster Prize for New much easier, as I was able to work creative opportunities. lots of my forthcoming projects will be READ MAUREEN AND SABRINA’S Playwrights and a Fringe First Award. a bit less and concentrate more fully SABRINA MAHFOUZ about attempting to help others access FULL INTERVIEWS ONLINE AT: On choosing King’s Sabrina told us, on studies. I’m so grateful to have had creative opportunities. I’m editing an ‘I wanted to be a Greek and Roman that opportunity and now always try With the extra support from the anthology due out in September 2019, alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ Antiquities Curator at the British to donate to the Hardship Fund. There Hardship Fund, Sabrina was also able Smashing It: Working Class Artists on Life, writers-at-work Museum and King’s had a specific was a point in my second year where to take advantage of other activities Art and Making It Happen (Westbourne course that took place at the museum. there’s no doubt I would have left if available to students, including taking Press), which will celebrate current Plus Somerset House, Waterloo Bridge it had not been for that Fund. The part in the annual Greek play. But, British working-class artists, as well and Southbank had been some of Hardship Fund’s importance alongside all of this, she always as offer guidance on applying for arts my favourite places for my whole life. in ensuring students from all found the time to write. funding. I’m also working on my first I also knew I’d have to work full time backgrounds are represented ‘I used to write on the job when I was novel, The Lost Clubs of London, about at night to afford to attend university, in their chosen fields cannot working elsewhere – on receipts, envelopes, abusive teenage relationships and which is far easier to do in London.’ be underestimated.’ meeting minutes, the clichéd serviette even.’ the golden age of now-closed
12 STUDENTS AT THE HEART OF KING’S
Without alumni like you who wanted to give something back to King’s, I would not be here. I am 100% certain I would have had to STUDENTS drop out. Thank you so much for BACK STORY your support. AT THE HEART ISOBELLE HOW DONATIONS TO THE HARDSHIP FUND HELP
The average King’s student has OF KING’S minimum monthly outgoings of over £1,000 per month. • A gift of £40 could go Supporting the brightest and best towards textbooks or Students on campus at King’s other vital study materials.
• A gift of £80 could King’s has been welcoming In the UK, only 4% of doctors, 6% I could afford to eat, let alone pay my Without alumni like you who wanted help cover a month’s The worry was travel expenses. the most gifted and ambitious of barristers, 11% of journalists and 12% rent or fares. I started applying for jobs, to give something back to King’s, I of solicitors have working-class origins. constant and my studies even though I had no idea how I could would not be here. I am 100% certain students since we opened our • A gift of £150 could Each year, 3,000 state school students began to suffer. I even have fitted in working with my studies. I would have had to drop out. Thank help cover a month’s doors in 1829. But access to a do not attend the country’s leading The worry was constant and my studies you so much for your support.’ worth of groceries. highly selective university like universities, even though they have failed two assignments, began to suffer. I even failed two King’s is out of reach for some the A-level grades to do so. King’s assignments, which was devastating. CAN YOU HELP US SECURE THE FUTURE • A gift of £500 could go which was devastating. towards one month’s rent. of the most talented and is determined to challenge this I could feel everything I’d worked OF A STUDENT LIKE ISOBELLE? and provide true equality. ISOBELLE so hard for slipping away. At King’s, we would like to support deserving students. Lack of family income should I had a personal tutor meeting with all of our students who need urgent WAYS TO GIVE: never be a barrier to educational THIRD-YEAR STUDENT one of my lecturers. She asked how I financial support. However, last year, ing’s is working hard to achievement. Support from the King’s ISOBELLE ON COMING TO KING’S was doing, and then suddenly everything there were almost 200 applications Each and every donation improve this and, thanks to Hardship Fund provides students with ‘All I ever wanted to be was a midwife came out. I had never heard of the we could not fund. With this number will help a deserving student K the generosity of the alumni vital living expenses and the chance and King’s is the best place in the UK Hardship Fund, but my lecturer said set to rise, alumni donors can play like Isobelle stay at King’s. community, we are getting there. to live and study in London. For many, to study Midwifery. When I was looking she would support me in applying.’ a crucial role in funding a number You can make your donation Over the past five years, together we this can be the difference between at universities, King’s stuck with me. I of key initiatives that will allow using the donation form and have helped give over 60,000 students staying at university and dropping out went for it, got it and that was amazing. HELP FROM THE HARDSHIP FUND every student the opportunity Freepost envelope included educational opportunities they might altogether. Whether a care leaver with I am from a single-parent household, so ‘The Fund is so important. I would to reach their potential and be in this pack. otherwise not have had. In doing so, no family to rely on, a student from a it was just me, my mum and my brother. not be here without it. University now is all that they can be at King’s. we have changed the face of our student disadvantaged community, or a student My mum’s not well off, but during my seen as a given and it’s often assumed that By making a gift towards the YOU CAN DONATE ONLINE AT: body, with 77% of our students now dealing with a sudden change in first year she was able to help me out everyone can go. Actually, it’s really not Hardship Fund, you will help coming from state schools. We have circumstances due to parental job with money for things like travel and food. feasible for a lot of people, especially when us to provide equal opportunities alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ much to be proud of but there loss or bereavement, we want to But then she lost her job and everything you come from a background where there to students from all backgrounds, intouch-appeal is still so much to do. be able to support them all. started falling apart. I didn’t know how just aren’t any spare financial resources. so that no one gets left behind. YOU CAN CALL: +44 (0)20 7848 3053
14 15 INSIDE KING’S
THE CULTURAL COMMUNITY at King’s and beyond
Collaboration is at the heart of the cultural community at King’s. Working with artists and cultural organisations helps us to develop and illuminate our teaching and research. With projects like King’s Artists, an artists in residence programme that brings together artists and academics to test pioneering approaches, to spaces like the new Science Gallery London at Guy’s campus that connects King’s with London and its communities. These King’s initiatives generate new insights, learning experiences and networks. Details of #MagicCarpet being made Dr Kai Syng Tan and Professor Philip Asherson in front of the completed #MagicCarpet. Photograph courtesy of Studio Maba
STEPPING FORWARDS to its work. I’m excited to build on AN ARTIST AND A PSYCHIATRIST MEET WEAVING IDEAS TOGETHER #MagicCarpet seeks Over the last five years, the university’s the strong connections that King’s Dr Tan tells us: ‘I first approached Together, Dr Tan and Professor Asherson Culture team has supported King’s in has developed with London’s cultural Philip [Asherson, Professor of Molecular created a tapestry, titling the work We sat to raise awareness of ADHD developing a distinctive approach to and creative sector, and there is an Psychiatry,] as I wanted to learn more on a mat and had a chat and made maps! (aka and engage wider society in arts and cultural partnerships. These incredibly rich and varied cultural about my ADHD.’ Attention Deficit #MagicCarpet), which weaves together collaborations bring new perspectives community here which we want Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, research, narratives and questions about a conversation about how to research, drive innovation and enrich to celebrate and strengthen.’ is a common neurodevelopmental trait mind-wandering and the boundaries education while serving the needs of She describes the Culture team with a wide range of outcomes, including between ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ we think about difference, the cultural sector and, more broadly, as ‘a swiss army knife – a tool that very high achievement for some, and behaviour. #MagicCarpet seeks to raise disability, (neuro)diversity society. Munira Mirza joined King’s can do many things. The team works severe impairments for others. awareness of ADHD and engage wider in January 2019 in a new role as across all the faculties on a range of Professor Asherson’s research interests society in a conversation about how we and mental health. Executive Director for Culture. opportunities and challenges, from We live in a world include the phenomena of mind-wandering think about difference, disability, (neuro) DR TAN Munira’s 18-year career has spanned increasing public engagement in the and how the minds of people with diversity and mental health. Their work arts, academia, politics and media. university’s world-class research where culture plays an ADHD jump between ideas. Through is contributing to local and national and staff at King’s, and as they continued She is a former Deputy Mayor for to enhancing campus life and increasingly important their conversations, Dr Tan realised training with healthcare professionals and these conversations with others, similar Culture and Education in London co-creating creative educational there was a connection between this researchers, and features in an academic badges were handed out, thus ‘infecting’ (2008–2016), where she led City experiences with students.’ role – in the economy, phenomena and the way artists like paper exploring mind-wandering as a the university with (conversations about) Hall’s cultural planning for the One programme Munira is herself worked, allowing their minds to new framework to understand ADHD. mind-wandering, ADHD and wellbeing. 2012 Olympic and Paralympic particularly excited about is the politics, health, roam and drawing disparate ideas together. The project arose out of Dr Tan’s Games. Speaking about the cultural artists in residence programme. She communities and Dr Tan explains that by working interactions with Professor Asherson community at King’s, Munira said: says, ‘King’s Artists is a flagship initiative across borders and disciplines she is able and his fellow academics, as well as YOU CAN HEAR FROM DR TAN AND PROFESSOR ASHERSON IN A VIDEO AT: ‘We live in a world where culture which places artists in faculties with the global exchange. to produce what she calls ‘productive with students and diverse communities plays an increasingly important role aim of generating new and thought- MUNIRA MIRZA antagonisms’. These antagonisms are across London and beyond. alumni.kcl.ac.uk/magiccarpet – in the economy, politics, health, provoking approaches to research.’ collisions between different people and Whilst working on the project, communities and global exchange. We hear from artist, curator and ideas that open up new areas of thought Dr Tan has also been wearing specially TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT INNOVATIVE It’s exciting that King’s has led the researcher Dr Kai Syng Tan about that help open up the conversation to designed badges reading ‘Mind-wanderer PROJECTS FROM ACROSS THE CULTURAL way in placing culture at the heart her involvement with the programme a wider audience. in action’. As she spoke to more students COMMUNITY AT KING’S, VISIT: of the university and made it integral and why it was so rewarding. kcl.ac.uk/cultural
16 17 ENTREPRENEUR’S MARKET
WHERE ART MEETS TECH
Olga Kravchenko (MA Arts & Cultural Management) is CEO of Musemio, an educational technology start-up she co-founded with Kaitlin Fritz. Originally from Ukraine, Olga has spent the last seven years in the UK. She tells us about studying at King’s, the King’s20 entrepreneurship programme, and bringing her first product to launch.
ON ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY understand the value but can’t we worked on with the Petrie Museum A lot of people ask I’ve always been in love with necessarily connect with it. How do Virtual reality of Egyptian Archaeology, the child is culture. I studied Arts & Cultural we explain the importance of Leonardo improves a time-traveller and ends up in Egypt. me “Shall I quit my job?”. Management at King’s because da Vinci to a child? To a child, the Mona children’s 92% We start with some context around So I ask them, “Have you I wanted to understand how we Lisa is just a portrait, but when I tell attention by Egypt, how many dynasties there could improve cultural programming them da Vinci also sketched out ideas were, and we talk about the River Nile. written a business plan?”. to bring culture closer to people. Tech for helicopters and bicycles hundreds A robot named Mio invites the child OLGA KRAVCHENKO can help people to engage with culture. of years ahead of their invention, Entrepreneurship Institute is helping on a journey to find a pyramid. Once However, there’s a need to educate suddenly the child thinks it’s genius. us to raise money by putting us in touch inside, they find all sorts of information You need to understand that you specialists in how tech can develop with investors. We’re eternally grateful about hieroglyphs and the child needs will have a couple of years when you their collections and audiences. We’ve ON KING’S20 for how they’ve helped us develop our to solve a challenge by connecting the will sacrifice your evenings, youwill GET INVOLVED just launched Musemio, a virtual reality King’s20 gave us incredible mentorship idea and not give up. hieroglyphs to the modern Latin alphabet. sacrifice your free time. But as long as (VR) educational game that stimulates support. It helps during that difficult you know that you’re on a mission to children’s curiosity in arts and culture. time when you’re trying to find out HOW MUSEMIO WORKS TIPS FOR BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS deliver something great, it all pays off. Apply for the King’s20 We introduce museum and cultural who you are in the business world, and We want to make Musemio fun – we’re It’s really important to identify So for alumni who want to realise their objects into a gamified VR environment fighting between ‘I can do everything’ not trying to be a museum-related lesson, your passion because that’s what’s passion, I would recommend trying – The King’s20 Accelerator is a alongside a series of challenges. VR and ‘I can’t do anything because I’m too but more a museum-inspired game. The really going to drive your business maybe part-time first – to see if you year-long programme aimed at improves children’s attention by 92%, small’. We also received funding, as part museums we spoke to told us their displays growth. Most of the time, it’s not have enough passion for it, because it’s supporting 20 ventures from King’s so it’s not just a toy – it can also help of the Stefan Allesch-Taylor Scholarship, for children served to spark an interest necessarily about the idea itself, it’s a challenging journey. I started running brightest students, staff and alumni. them do better in life. to help with our product development. in the past, in what art was about, or about whether you can show other my business after graduating. Now, a lot We’ve been through many ups and technology. For us, it’s also about sparking people – the people who will go on of people ask me ‘Shall I quit my job?’. FIND OUT MORE AT: KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE downs, especially with financing. We’re an interest so that the child wants to learn. to be your teammates, your supporters, So I ask them, ‘Have you written a We interviewed more than 200 an educational company that deals with First we ask the museum to select four your investors, your clients – the passion business plan?’ and they tell me, ‘No, kcl.ac.uk/entrepreneurship children over a year, and the way they arts and culture, so it’s not as trendy as or five different objects from their displays, that you have inside. It won’t work but I don’t have the time’. Well, if you see art is very different to what we see. blockchain or cryptocurrency. But we’re then we write stories around them and if you’re just trying to make money, don’t have time to do that, you’re not When they enter a museum they still closely connected to King’s, and the gamify it. In one of the challenges that because, for a start, entrepreneurship going to have the time to run a business. is not about making money.
18 19 KING’S DEBATE
NEWS JUST IN:
Training a new generation of researcher
A new Centre for Doctoral Training on Safe and Trusted Artificial Intelligence, led by Professor Luck, and based in the Department of Informatics, will bring together world-leading experts from King’s and Imperial College to train a new generation of researchers over the next eight years. It is part of a UK-wide £100 million investment in AI by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.
ichael Luck is Professor What I think people worry about most is ‘In the Department of Informatics of Computer Science and the effect on employment and the economy, at King’s we are looking at not only MExecutive Dean of the but in my view it will mostly be positive. the technical possibilities, but the wider AI Faculty of Natural & Mathematical There are some incredibly societal impact. As a result, we are Sciences at King’s. According to sophisticated forms of AI being developing a vision for what we call One of society’s Professor Luck, AI has been around developed. AI is especially interesting ‘safe and trusted AI’. We are involving for a long time and has the potential to me not just because of the different people from many fields, not just those great opportunities or the to change our lives for the better. application areas, but also because of that are traditionally tech-focused. ‘I’ve been working on AI for more the many disciplines that make up AI Our safe and trusted vision is next big threat to privacy than 20 years, like others at King’s. The techniques and technologies – computer important. First, AI should be safe in very significant role of AI has now been science, philosophy, psychology, that we need to provide some degree and control? recognised, with the creation of the new economics and many others. There of assurance around the technologies. government AI Council and Office for are also massive potential benefits There is, rightly, a pressure to ensure Everything we love about AI, which aim to support the UK’s AI for many King’s research areas – that software does what we intend it sector and maintain its leading position. and that can only be a good thing.’ to. Second, and no less important, AI civilisation is a product of intelligence, AI is already having an impact on our Professor Luck is aware of the should be trusted because we need to so amplifying human intelligence with lives. Millions of euros are traded by reservations that some people have: have confidence in the decisions made artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential machines every day in financial markets, ‘AI is sometimes viewed as a scary, by AI systems. As the sophistication to help civilisation flourish like never before. our leisure time is increasingly guided disturbing future scenario in which of AI increases, this becomes ever Right? The buzz around AI is growing – bots by machines predicting what we watch we as humans will lose control and more important.’ are replacing humans to deliver personalised and AI software is managing processes machines take over the world. In fact, So, according to Professor Luck, communications and the era of surgical AI has Who is right? Is AI the answer to ranging from logistics in manufacturing what is far more likely to occur in the the potential of AI is hugely positive commenced. However, big thinkers including all our problems or the next big risk to to chatbots interacting with customers. next few decades is the development of and the risks, sometimes overblown, This impact will only increase, with systems that combine the capabilities of are already being managed: Elon Musk and Bill Gates have expressed privacy and control over our own lives? Here we speak to two leading King’s AI touching every aspect of society, humans and machines – in other words, ‘Our work on AI, here in the concern about the risks posed by AI. improving efficiency and effectiveness. ‘augmented’ intelligence. This means UK and at King’s, is leading the academics with very different takes on If we get this right, and we must, we will have the best of both worlds.’ world. While there are always the development of AI. We also speak to AI’s primary area of impact will be King’s is already working on areas for improvement, I am a King’s Clinician-Scientist who is on automating time-sucking tasks systems to ensure that AI is not optimistic about the future and using robotic surgery to improve that are dirty, dull or dangerous. misunderstood or misused. the positive role AI can play in it.’ outcomes and recovery time for cancer patients. 20 21 KING’S DEBATE
AI IN PRACTICE Computer vision rokar Dasgupta has been The adoption of robotic surgery and facial recognition a pioneer in the field of robotic- and AI is driven by a desire to techniques can be Passisted technology for almost improve patient outcomes. For 20 years. He is Chair of Robotic example, a prostate recognition misused when Surgery & Urological Innovation algorithm could make a machine manipulating images at King’s and is an Hon. Consultant learn whether an image is prostate Urological Surgeon at Guy’s cancer or not, thus reducing the and videos. Many and St Thomas’. variability in MRI readings by Professor Dasgupta’s work is radiologists. Video recordings of such uses of AI could already having a hugely beneficial surgeons performing RARP [robot be problematic if not impact – meaning shorter recovery assisted radical prostatectomy] can time and less pain for cancer patients. now be converted through a ‘black properly regulated. ‘About 18 years ago, we conducted box’ into automated performance DR CHRISTINE AICARDI a trial because I felt we needed to metrics, and show that not all high- improve patient outcomes. We surveyed volume surgeons are necessarily the effectiveness of a robot to remove those with the best outcomes.* kidney stones via the first ever random Many of our trials have been controlled trial into robot-assisted successful, but you must always technology. Machine learning (ML) temper success with pragmatism r Christine Aicardi is a Senior The expansion of specialised AI as young as 13 to install software is a subset of AI, using decision-making – we also learn from what doesn’t King’s Research Fellow in the technology raises important ethical which ‘spied’ on them, without computer algorithms to grasp and work. For example, while we achieved DHuman Brain Project Foresight concerns. For example, computer vision parental permission.’ respond to specific data. excellent outcomes in areas such as Laboratory. The Human Brain Project and facial recognition techniques can Dr Aicardi believes that ethical The trial showed the robot prostate and kidney cancer, we had aims to put in place cutting-edge be misused when manipulating images questions surrounding AI should be to be more accurate at placing less success in reducing complications research infrastructure that will allow and videos. There have also been some addressed when people are starting a needle into a kidney, but slightly while treating bladder cancer. scientific and industrial researchers to contentious military uses of autonomous out in their careers: slower than a human surgeon. Then And of course we involve patients advance knowledge in neuroscience, and semi-autonomous weapons – for ‘It is very important that people we worked with instruments with in our work – they attend our trial brain-inspired computing and brain- example, research into the use of drones studying computer science and ‘wrists’ and 3D vision techniques. boards and give advice. When we related medicine. The lab evaluates to locate and attack targets without engineering should receive ethical It gave us a magnification of more develop new techniques, we ask patients the potential social and ethical any human involvement. Many such training so they can put technical than 10 times and the enormous “Are these procedures you are willing implications of the knowledge uses of AI could be problematic capabilities in the context of the benefit of no tremors. to undertake?”. Their answers matter.’ and technologies produced by the if not properly regulated.’ human dimension.’ Human Brain Project. Dr Aicardi Dr Aicardi believes that a lack of So, while Dr Aicardi, like Professor The adoption believes that, though there are some understanding means that we are not Luck, can see the potential of AI, she fundamental misunderstandings focusing enough on the real risks that believes that more needs to be done of robotic surgery around AI, it does bring inherent risks current AI presents. to manage its development: that must be addressed and managed. ‘There are a few scaremongers ‘While AI may have lots of potential, and AI is driven ‘In the media, aspects of AI can get who like to talk about the day robots we must remember that it can also serve by a desire to blurred – in particular, the fundamental develop consciousness and become the interests of powerful people and difference between specialised AI, more intelligent than us, and that leads organisations. This means that it can improve patient which currently exists, and the to ‘taking over the world’ apocalyptic be used for purposes other than the projected, much fantasised advent scenarios. That actually distracts us common good – financial gain, political outcomes. of artificial general intelligence. from the problematic aspects of the AI influence, or something else. In the end, PROKAR DASGUPTA This means that there is a reduced we already have. AI requires masses of I think we need to go beyond soft understanding of what AI actually data. There is currently a lot of concern regulation to also deploy hard laws to entails. As a result of this blurring, about how data is collected and used. ensure that AI is managed properly.’ some think the main goal of AI This is especially worrying when it research is to replace human relates to information about vulnerable intelligence; my own view is populations. For example, there was *Taken from BJU International that it is more fruitful to think widespread shock when it was recently how it could complement it. reported that Facebook paid children
22 23 KING’S DEBATE LIVING ABROAD SPOTLIGHT CONCLUSION ON FIND OUT MORE rofessor Dasgupta’s work shows the potential of AI to make real and meaningful improvements Shanghai We are now P LEARN MORE to people’s lives. Meanwhile, Professor on WeChat Luck’s work shows that AI can be applied to many aspects of society – Understanding Xijiang ‘Tiger’ Jin alumni community (after To better connect with alumni making our lives easier and more (MSc Engineering with the UK and US). In order to in China and across Asia, we the terms: are excited to announce the efficient. However, like any emerging Business Management, foster this growing audience launch of our official King’s technology, as Dr Aicardi attests, it is Specialised (or weak) AI 2010) lives in Shanghai. and establish more effective important that politicians, scientists and relations with the university, Alumni WeChat account. is designed to achieve a specific After graduating from society keep a watchful eye on what King’s has gained the support focused task (such as facial King’s, he returned Scan the QR code to follow us these exciting developments are used for. recognition, internet searches, of several key alumni, and be the first to know about: to Shanghai to work It is reassuring to know that King’s plays predictive shopping or driving including Tiger. a leading role on both the practical on his own business Tiger and the committee • Exciting alumni events an autonomous car). including our annual tour application and addressing the ethical organise monthly events in projects, including ANPI of China in May. implications. For now, we remain General (or strong) AI Technology, a cross-border order to bring alumni together. KING’S ALUMNI • Information about local cautiously optimistic about the is more general multipurpose e-commerce trade business. Alongside this, Tiger also COMMUNITIES IN CHINA future of AI. supports King’s on its South There are over 3,500 King’s alumni groups and how intelligence. This is more of an you can make the most of East Asia tours and alumni alumni living in China, with abstract concept since such your King’s connections. AI does not yet exist. iger is the Chair of networking events. This active alumni committees the King’s College May, King’s will also host in Beijing and Shanghai. For • Exclusive alumni benefits and discounts. T London Shanghai a China tour, with visits more information about how Alumni Committee, and to cities including Beijing to contact alumni committees • Support for your supports alumni by acting and Shanghai. in China and the rest of career including mentoring, webinars SHARE YOUR VIEW ONLINE WITH: as a point of contact for those Tiger told us, ‘Shanghai the world, visit: based in, or visiting, Shanghai. alumni members are active and professional alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ #KingsDebate facebook.com/KCLalumni @KCLalumni Over the last 10 years, and passionate. International development branches opportunities. the King’s alumni group alumni groups are great for in China has quickly those wanting to share ideas • All the latest news and grown to become the and network. These events BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW developments straight third-largest King’s offer a unique opportunity FOR KING’S CHINA TOUR 2019 from King’s, including our groundbreaking to learn about research and Shanghai – 27 May research and projects. developments from King’s, Beijing – 29 May meet people and broaden alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ alumni contacts.’ china-tour
24 25 SERVICE TO SOCIETY
HELEN HUDSON AWARD It’s not just healthcare that interests So what’s next on the horizon for Daniel Peltz OBE FKC (History, 1982) Daniel. ‘We were also attracted to Daniel? ‘We’ve only just started on Daniel is CEO of London Freeholds supporting the King’s Postgraduate the Children and Young People Mental Ltd and is a longstanding supporter Scholarship programme,’ he adds. Health initiative that King’s is involved of King’s. ‘I’ve always believed in the ‘Adult education is so underfunded, in, so I think the future depends on what concept of giving back. The great thing yet so important for today’s society.’ needs to be done where and when we about King’s is that, as well as being so Daniel has been a driving force on the finish. Whatever happens, I would still influential during my past, it still plays King’s Campaign Board for the past eight like to be involved, given that anything an important part in my life,’ he says. years. ‘The board is a seriously impressive King’s wants to progress will inevitably Daniel and his wife Elizabeth collection of people. I find myself slightly have an impact on the world we live in.’ have been generous donors, and their in awe of some of its members,’ he says. involvement with King’s has benefited Board members meet and advise King’s I’ve always believed in a number of areas, most notably across leaders on fundraising initiatives and King’s College Hospital, Guy’s and Daniel has been drawn towards the concept of giving back. St Thomas’ and the Evelina London supporting King’s Health Partners. The great thing about Children’s Hospital. ‘The research into Winning the Helen Hudson Award areas such as mental health, motor means a great deal to Daniel. ‘To be King’s is that, as well as Recognising neurone disease, haematology and selected for such a prestigious accolade cardiology, to name but a few, obviously that recognises the work one has done being so influential during affects us all. How gratifying it is that for the College and that has been so my past, it still plays an one can give to things that you feel so influential on one’s development is OUTSTANDING attached to, for the benefit of everyone.’ really gratifying,’ he says. important part in my life. DANIEL PELTZ OBE FKC KING’S IN SERVICE AWARD He tells recruiters that, as well as Jonathan Andrews (English, 2015) being the right thing to do, inclusive ALUMNI Diagnosed as being on the autism employment makes good business sense. spectrum aged nine, Jonathan never ‘I’ve given autism awareness and Building on the success of the saw it as a barrier to reaching his neurodiversity talks across businesses aspirations. ‘It gave me a focus, to open up the concept of hiring from a inaugural King’s Distinguished a determination, and a passion for different talent pool – one full of talented Alumni Awards, this year once learning that undoubtedly assisted people, but which clearly isn’t being more we recognise students and me in achieving my ambition of tapped enough,’ he says. Employers alumni who have demonstrated reaching a top university from my sometimes worry that widening outstanding professional achievement, local comprehensive,’ he says. recruitment will be costly. But, civic leadership or service to King’s At 16, he started volunteering according to Jonathan, the evidence and society. Here, we profile Jonathan with organisations supporting autistic shows the opposite and adjustments children and adults, and has continued for autistic people are often procedural. Andrews and Daniel Peltz OBE this ever since, in a variety of roles Through his work on disability FKC, the winners of this year’s King’s including serving as the first autistic and autism awareness and acceptance, in Service and Helen Hudson awards. trustee of Ambitious about Autism, Jonathan was able to build industry Turn to page 40 to hear from the the national charity for young people connections, securing a training contract winner of the King’s Arts and Culture with autism. He decided on a career at Reed Smith. He plans to continue Award, Emily Berrington, in our in law while at King’s, but found that offering his support, and was delighted to regular feature, ‘You Recommend’. there were few openly autistic people be asked to advise government ministers speaking about their experiences at the and HRH the Duke of Sussex on making events he attended. ‘I resolved to change the Commonwealth Heads of that,’ he says, ‘because it is difficult Government Meeting 2020 to see yourself in a role if you can’t disability-inclusive. Though, for now, see anyone like you doing it.’ his focus is on qualifying as a solicitor. Only 16% of autistic adults are in So how does it feel to win the King’s full-time employment and Jonathan in Service Award? ‘To know that those wants all autistic and disabled people at King’s have kept up with my to be able to achieve their ambitions work and recognised its impact on a level playing field to their peers. is heartwarming,’ says Jonathan.
26 SERVICE TO SOCIETY WE MET AT KING’S
ALUMNA KING’S ARTS OF THE AND CULTURE A FRESHER’S FAIR YEAR AWARD ALUMNI AWARD Farrah Storr Emily Berrington TO REMEMBER MEET (French with (Development THE REST English, 2001) Geography, 2008) Farrah Storr is the award-winning Emily gained a place at the Sophie and editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine prestigious Guildhall School of OF THE and an author. Farrah has spoken widely Music and Drama and now combines Adedoyin Ogunbiyi on the issue of inequality and was recently her acting career with voluntary work WINNERS: appointed a commissioner for the Social and campaigning for social issues. Mobility Commission. Sophie (née Hudson) (European SOPHIE: I went on to start my career in Studies, 2006) and Adedoyin (Doyin) political consultancy at a PR firm. For the last 10 years, I have been working in KING’S ALUMNI KING’S FUTURE KING’S Ogunbiyi (Geography, 2005) first spotted each other over the crowds government affairs for a world-leading IMPACT AWARD ALUMNUS AWARD INTERNATIONAL automotive manufacturer. In 2018, I was at the Strand Campus Freshers’ Fair Johan Eldebo James Frater ALUMNI AWARD shortlisted as one of the ‘Top 100 British (International (Medicine, Rita Kakati Shah in 2002. They met just a few days Women in the Automotive Industry’ Peace & 3rd year) (Mathematics & later at the gym and it was the start by Autocar. It was the highlight of Security, 2009) Management, 2001) of something wonderful. my career so far. Johan is the Regional Security Director James takes a strong interest in Founder and CEO of Uma, for southern Africa at World Vision widening participation, particularly a company dedicated to empowering SOPHIE: For me, it was love at first DOYIN: I’m currently Associate Director and co-creator of the rapid context in his capacity as King’s African & women returning to work, Rita is a sight, or at least I can say I knew of Finance at one of the largest NHS analysis tool GECARR, which has Caribbean Society President and diversity, inclusion and retention strategist as soon as I saw him that he would trusts in the country, but it’s interesting been used to guide humanitarian student ambassador. He also speaks and advises companies on best practices. play a significant role in my life. to note that it’s not just my academic and operations in more than 20 countries. on student engagement. She is also a King’s leadership mentor. professional life that King’s really helped DOYIN: Sophie didn’t know this at the with. During my studies, I rekindled my time but I came to university with the interest in aikido, a Japanese martial art. KING’S STEM KING’S KING’S EMERGING hope I’d meet the person I’d marry and I’ve gone on to represent Great Britain ALUMNI AWARD TRANSFORMATION LEADER AWARD grow old with, so I was primed for a at many international tournaments. Jesse Lozano AWARD Amira Modi positive introduction. We’d seen each (Law, 2012) Shereen (Mathematics other a few times around the university SOPHIE: We got married on 29 Mashhadi Ahvazi & Management, in that first couple of weeks and we’d August 2009 in the King’s College (Midwifery, 2018) 2002) ‘exchanged a lot of eyes’. London Chapel on the Strand. It was Jesse is co-founder and CEO Shereen faced acute financial Amira has held a number of a magnificent day, full of laughter, love SOPHIE: of pi-top, a global educational pressures and wasn’t sure she could senior roles at GlaxoSmithKline, We were both really active and fun. Bringing together our Nigerian technology company recognised continue her Midwifery studies. Support including; Chief of Staff Global as student ambassadors for King’s, and and Irish-Scottish-English cultures I have really fond memories of being made for a very vibrant, colourful in The Times Tech Track. More from the King’s Hardship Fund meant Pharmaceuticals, Global Marketing than 1,500 UK schools use pi-top’s she was able to graduate with a 2:1 Director and Finance Director. She student mentors in London schools and and dynamic wedding day. Since we machines to teach computer science. and secure a job as an NHS midwife. volunteers as a school governor and a welcoming prospective students to King’s got married, we enjoyed four years of business mentor for The Prince’s Trust. – sometimes working together, which wedded bliss before we were blessed with was a really special thing to do. the arrival of our first daughter, who was KING’S GLOBAL KING’S followed two and a half years later by HEALTH ENTREPRENEUR DOYIN: I enjoyed having someone I her younger sister. There is never a dull ALUMNI AWARD AWARD could create special, lasting moments moment in our house and filling our DID YOU MEET SOMEONE SPECIAL AT KING’S? Elizabeth Tissingh Devika Wood with. Most of all, though, we’d often home with children has been the WHETHER YOUR PARTNER OR BEST FRIEND, (Medicine, 2008) (Human be up late at night pondering life’s greatest privilege and adventure WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT. Sciences, 2013) great questions together. we could have ever asked for. SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US AT:
[email protected] Elizabeth is a trauma and orthopaedic Devika worked in digital health surgeon and the King’s Kongo Central before founding health technology firm Partnership Lead at the King’s Centre for Vida in 2016. Her passion to innovate Global Health and Health Partnerships. and disrupt in the care industry has She also lectures on the King’s Global led to many industry awards. Health MSc.
29 EVENTS, BENEFITS & SERVICES
ALUMNI EVENTS MAKE CONNECTIONS THROUGH KING’S King’s Alumni Reunions – Events to remember There is nothing quite like catching up with old friends, We are excited to announce Are you interested in mentoring? Mentor: Barbara Stahley Looking to create or join a (Human Resource reminiscing and sharing news. Just a quick glance at that our popular mentoring platform King’s Connect has group? Perhaps you want to Management, 2003) some of the reunion photos that alumni share shows just request an introduction to a ‘Mentoring is a great way how much fun these events are. If you have yet to attend relaunched on a new cloud- based platform developed by friend’s connection? Or find to connect with other people a King’s reunion, or you haven’t seen one listed for your class, an event to go to? With King’s who are trying to figure out Barbara Graduway, global leaders Stahley (Human perhaps you could consider organising one yourself. To get Connect, you can do all of those their careers and to give back Resource in alumni networking Management, you on the right track, we have put together a handy guide and more. King’s Connect is to our King’s community. It can 2003) to help you organise a reunion to remember. and mentoring. your gateway to the King’s be as simple as saying, “Hey, We made this change because community, wherever you you’re on the right track”, or Let’s get started… we wanted to create a platform are in the world. Sign up “Have you thought about doing for an account to: this differently?” – or even just • Tell us about it… Drop us an • Tell everyone else about it… fit for the future needs of our email or give us a call to let us There are so many ways to students and alumni. The result offering to listen. And I’ve learned • Expand your professional know that you’re planning a drum up interest from your is a new King’s Connect benefits a lot from my mentee, Alina.’ network by interacting reunion. Give us a summary old classmates, and we can and mentoring platform. It offers help you do that. We can with other King’s alumni of the event and who you an improved user experience Mentee: Alina Gutierrez would like to attend. You can contact alumni across the and students. and many fantastic features to Melendez (Cultural & get in touch with us using the world and list your event on • Easily create or join groups help you make the most of your Creative Industries, 2012) contact details at the bottom our webpages, ensuring that and start conversations. ‘I had lunch with one of my of this page. news of your reunion spreads. King’s benefits. • Sign up for mentoring, either mentors just the other day and • Start planning your event… • Party time…. as a mentor or mentee. walked away feeling invigorated. After a 45-minute meal, I started If you want to hold your With everything in place, now • See relevant news, reunion on campus, our is the time to relax and enjoy event and group updates to look at a pretty thorny topic dedicated university the event, and make sure on your timeline. through a new lens. That’s the Alina Gutierrez hospitality team, King’s to take lots of pictures. power of mentoring!’ Melendez (Cultural & Creative Venues, can offer advice. Industries, 2012) You might prefer to host We would love to help your event in a local you organise an event to restaurant or bar in London. remember. If you would like We can provide suggestions to know more about organising and share information a reunion, get in touch with the on how past reunions have been organised. alumni office. We can answer your queries, and send you • Invite your guests… a full guide to organising We can send the invitations an alumni reunion. out for you. Once you have confirmed the event details To find put more about hosting with us, things like location a reunion, contact us on: and date, and let us know who you would like to invite [email protected] (eg English Literature class of 96), then we can get the +44 (0)20 7848 3053 Join our ball rolling. We will contact community your classmates on your To find full listings of behalf by email,* asking upcoming events, visit: King’s Connect is open to all anyone who is interested King’s students and alumni. You can to contact you directly. alumni.kcl.ac.uk/events register using your Google, LinkedIn or Facebook account, or simply sign up in a few minutes using the registration form. Start making connections at: *In compliance with data protection rules. kingsconnect.org.uk
30 31 NEW APPOINTMENTS & COMMENDATIONS CLASS NOTES
NEW APPOINTMENTS & COMMENDATIONS FINDING A MATCH FOR NOTABLE COMMENDATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS FOR MEENA KING’S STAFF AND ALUMNI MEENA KUMARI-SHARMA Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke (Business Management, 2000) Professor Sonuga-Barke of the Meena Kumari-Sharma started Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology 2018 with a life much like many & Neuroscience has been elected a Fellow of the British Academy. of her peers. She was successfully He was elected to the fellowship in juggling her career as a recruitment recognition of his work on ADHD consultant alongside being a mother and related neurodevelopmental to five-year-old twins. But then she disorders. Professor Sonuga-Barke Professor Anne Marie Rafferty CBE Farrah Storr (French with English, 2001) was diagnosed with leukaemia. is Professor of Developmental Anne Marie Rafferty, Professor Farrah Storr has joined the independent Psychology, Psychiatry & of Nursing Policy at King’s College Social Mobility Commission, established Shortly after her diagnosis, Meena Neuroscience in the Department London, has been elected as the next as an advisory commission to the found out that she would require of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. President of the Royal College of government. The role of the commission a stem cell transplant. Nursing (RCN). Professor Rafferty is to collectively work towards making In many cases, people are able to joined the Faculty of Nursing, England a fairer society. Farrah has joined Meena and her children Midwifery & Palliative Care at 11 other social mobility commissioners to find a donor match within the family, King’s in 2004, where she served support the Chair of the Social Mobility but that was not the case for Meena. as Dean, before becoming Professor Commission, Dame Martina Milburn. There were further challenges to face 69% of white northern of Nursing Policy in 2011. when she discovered that a donor match could not be found on any of the national European patients can and international stem cell registers. find the best possible ‘69% of white northern European patients can find the best possible match match through one of the NEW APPOINTMENTS NEW YEAR’S HONOURS through one of the donor registers, but donor registers, but this this drops to 20% for patients from Black, Sir Gary Streeter (Law, 1977) Asian and Minority Ethnic groups. This drops to 20% for patients MP for South West Devon, issue is even more serious for me as I am from Black, Asian and IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND Sir Gary Streeter has been knighted a complex tissue match,’ Meena told us. Undeterred by this distressing news, OUT MORE ABOUT MEENA’S for services to Community Nursing, Minority Ethnic groups. CAMPAIGN, PLEASE VISIT: Meena set up an online campaign called Children and Families. MEENA KUMARI-SHARMA Match4Meena via social media. The @Match4meena Dr Sridevi Kalidindi (PhD campaign aims to educate people who Psychological Medicine, 2013) may not have heard the terms blood Meena launched the campaign while Munira Mirza Matthew Gorman Consultant psychiatrist for South cancer or stem cell donation before, or undergoing intensive chemotherapy Munira Mirza has joined King’s Matt Gorman has joined King’s London and Maudsley NHS Foundation realise how easy the donation process is. and making sure she spent quality College London as Executive College London as Director of Trust, Dr Sridevi Kalidindi has been ‘Myself, my family, friends and a time with her five-year-old twins. Director for Culture. Working Development. Joining us from honoured with a CBE for services to network of volunteers have now organised ‘I was a regular mummy, doing the alongside Baroness Deborah Bull, Cancer Research UK, Matt will Rehabilitation Psychiatry. over 60 donor drives. These have taken school runs, completing homework, in her role as King’s Senior Advisory lead on UK and international place across the UK, USA, Canada and taking them for play dates. I made the Fellow for Culture, Munira will lead fundraising priorities for King’s India with the aim of increasing the most of the everyday activities as I the university’s Culture team and the College London and King’s YOU CAN FIND THE FULL LIST OF ALUMNI number of donors on the international missed so much when I was away from RECOGNISED IN THE NEW YEAR’S HONOURS HERE: delivery of the refreshed cultural Health Partners. stem cell register to ultimately save lives them during treatment.’ strategy, in support of the research, alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ across the world. Meena is still searching for a donor education and service ambitions new-year-honours-2019 We have added over 2,500 people, and continues to campaign and organise outlined in Vision 2029. not including online registrations.’ donor drives both at home and abroad.
32 33 CLASS NOTES
they provide has progressed from of them (gynaecologists Kym Jansen, practical teaching in theatre to Emma Readman, Sam Hargreaves, FROM workshops on estimating blood loss, and Dr Popham himself) were awarded DECORATING epidural techniques, emergency the Nairamdal (Friendship) Medal by MELBOURNE airway management, peri-operative the President of Mongolia, Battulga A ROOM OF pain relief and basic life support. Khaltmaa. It is the highest honour TO MONGOLIA But no two days are the same. bestowed upon a foreign citizen by ONE’S OWN ‘Our Mongolian colleagues often the Mongolian Government, and it – surprise us with their requests. Perhaps comes in recognition of the medical SUSAN HARLAN the most notable example was to be advances in surgical care that their (MA Shakespeare Studies, 2002) A DOCTOR’S asked to perform gynaecological teaching has enabled. As a professor of English at laparoscopy on anaesthetised pigs. Such awards are wonderful to Wake Forest University, it is TRAVELS And, yes, you can look up the receive, but for Dr Popham it comes anaesthetic side of it on YouTube, alongside other valuable gifts. perhaps unsurprising that alumna DR PHIL POPHAM as we had to.’ ‘It is perhaps a trite comment that Susan Harlan is a lifelong fan of (Medicine, 1982) Just as surgical techniques evolve, so teaching in Mongolia is a humbling literary classics such as Jane Eyre, Dr Phil Popham emigrated to do other approaches, and the Melbourne yet exciting experience, and that Frankenstein and the many other Australia in 2001, where he is currently team have worked hard to show their we learn more from them than they a Consultant in Anaesthesia at the Royal Mongolian colleagues the benefits of from us. It is, however, also true.’ notable works that line bookshelves Women’s Hospital, Melbourne. For a more collaborative methods. across the world. number of years, Dr Popham has been ‘Medical hierarchy in Mongolia can Once we emphasised Alongside her love of literature, Susan sharing his medical skills even further limit nursing input to medical teaching. is also enamoured with art and design, afield. Working alongside a group of A pivotal changing point came when how we use a team and her latest book, Decorating a Room of obstetricians, gynaecologists and theatre and perioperative nurses formed approach to medical care, One’s Own, brings together her great loves anaesthetists from a range of hospitals part of the Australian group. Once we of literature and design. With tongue-in- in Melbourne, he has made regular emphasised how we use a team approach teaching opportunities cheek humour and illustrations by Becca I thought it would be funny to trips to the First Maternity Hospital to medical care, teaching opportunities Stadtlander, the book pokes gentle fun think about Jane Eyre giving a in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. suddenly increased due to the willingness suddenly increased due at modern designer trends, and uses kind of similar tour of Thornfield ‘Our initial aim was to teach clinical of the local healthcare team to to the willingness of the the type of language more commonly Hall, and mapping that whole narrative skills for gynaecological laparoscopies embrace change.’ found in design blogs. of ‘what your house means to you’ (keyhole surgery), which had been In recognition of their work local healthcare team ‘I wanted to bring together my life as an onto this really Gothic, terrible space. requested by the local team.’ in Mongolia, Dr Popham and his English professor, and as a reader – and my I decided to keep going, thinking Over the years, the anaesthetic colleagues have been bestowed with to embrace change. love of homes and home decor culture. about which houses in literature are my team have found that the training various honours and, in 2018, four DR PHIL POPHAM The book started with Jane Eyre. I was favourites, and it turned into a regular watching a film adaptation one night and column, at the [now defunct feminist thinking about the house that was used as website] The Toast. Writers can be sort of Thornfield Hall in that movie, and also my obsessed with their living spaces (maybe love of home design sites like Apartment because we tend to spend a lot of time Therapy, which had actually done a House in them?), so this book was a way of Tour (a regular feature on their site) of thinking about the relationship between my house when I moved into it. my living space and my reading life, but thinking about it humorously. And it’s a way of thinking about homes in classic I wanted to bring works of literature and how important together my life as (and sometimes absurd) they are. Literary homes tell us about characters, To see all the latest class an English professor, the past and about class and about notes and find out which gender. They tell us about just of your classmates have and as a reader – and about everything.’ been performing on stage, my love of homes and Published by Abrams, you can find Decorating a Room of One’s Own online writing books and planning home decor culture. and in stores across the UK and US. reunions, visit our website: SUSAN HARLAN Dr Phil Popham (right) and colleagues in surgery From left to right: Dr Unurjargal, Dr Phil Popham, Dr Bayasgalan, Dr Kym Jansen, alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ President Battulga Khaltmaa, Dr Emma Readman, Dr Sam Hargreaves, Dr Munkh-Od classnotes
34 35 OBITUARIES
FOR FULL DETAILS, VISIT US AT: OBITUARIES alumni.kcl.ac.uk/obituaries
SURGEON, CHILD ACTOR, ARTIST AND SAFARI PARK ENTREPRENEUR LEGAL PIONEER AND HUMAN RIGHTS CHAMPION FINDING A VOICE Gerald Moore has died aged 91. Outside of the surgery, Gerald high court judge, and was appointed AS WRITER AND He was an oral surgeon with a followed many other paths. Art a Queen’s Counsel in 1971, becoming successful Harley Street practice. was a passion and he became a Head of Chambers at Goldsmith’s LIFE COACH This, however, was just one aspect widely exhibited painter and sculptor. Buildings. He later joined Doughty Street of a richly colourful life. He also wrote poetry, novels and Chambers, a human rights practice. Gerald was born at Guy’s Hospital. an autobiography. In the 1960s, he Sir Louis chaired many public Following an eclectic early education, turned the grounds of his palatial inquiries including the Mental Health at 14 he enrolled at the Italia Conti family home, Heathfield Park, into Act Commission from 1987 to 1994. Academy of Theatre Arts. From here, a successful wildlife park. He also had Between 1989 and 1990, he was Chair he landed a career as a child actor, a motor museum, displaying vehicles of the Press Council, the forerunner and appeared in many films with stars such as the original Chitty Chitty to the Press Complaints Commission. including Petula Clark, Thora Hird, Bang Bang, Lady Penelope’s FAB1 He was also a prolific legal author and Bob Monkhouse and Irene Handl. from Thunderbirds and Rudyard journalist and wrote for The Guardian Photo courtesy of Rimal Books After ‘retiring’ he studied at Guy’s Kipling’s last Rolls-Royce. and The Financial Times. Medical School. He even turned After his first wife Irene’s death, SIR LOUIS BLOM-COOPER QC, FKC A pioneer and trailblazer, Sir Louis’ SHERINE BEN HALIM down a Hollywood contract in favour Gerald married Ruth and retired to (Law, 1952) work foretold, and often led to, important (English, 1986, MA, 1990) of studying. He graduated in dentistry Devon. In 2012, he set up the Gerald Sir Louis Blom-Cooper, the eminent changes in law. He was a passionate Sherine Ben Halim, DR GERALD MOORE and later in medicine in Dublin, which Moore Gallery at his former school, lawyer, has died aged 92. advocate for human rights, championed writer and life coach, (Guy’s, Dentistry, 1949) set him up for a successful career as Eltham College, where many of his After studying at King’s and Fitzwilliam penal reform and campaigned against has died aged 54. a surgeon. His patients ranged from works are now on display. College, Cambridge, Sir Louis was called the death penalty. In 1961, he helped Sherine’s father was the pop stars to politicians and included to the Bar at Middle Temple in 1952. found Amnesty International by former Prime Minister of Sir Cliff Richard and Harriet Harman. He worked on many landmark cases publicising an appeal for amnesty Libya. Her family fled the as a barrister and later as a deputy for political prisoners. country when she was just five years old and she lived much of her life in exile. She made Palestine, Syria, DIPLOMATIC HISTORIAN, TEACHER AND BON VIVANT GREEN INVESTMENT PIONEER Tessa devoted her career to making Lebanon, Iraq, Iran and the corporations and fund managers invest their UK, where she studied at money more responsibly. She set up the King’s, home. In later life, Michael Dockrill, the leading Military and Strategic History, to UK’s first green investment fund, the Merlin she wrote the cookbook diplomatic history professor and which he encouraged young scholars Ecology Fund, in 1983. She went on to Under the Copper Covers, scholar, has died aged 81. to contribute. He chaired the British found associations that lobbied for green which explores her Mike was a lecturer and Professor International History Group and and socially responsible investment in the experiences away from of Diplomatic History at King’s for over promoted Anglo-German UK and across Asia. Tessa was behind home through the dishes 30 years. Few did more to promote the research collaboration. the drive for companies to disclose their she came to love and study of the history of British foreign Mike studied international history greenhouse gas emissions. The Carbon consider part of her identity. policy, and generations of students at the London School of Economics Disclosure Project, which she co-founded, Her friend, alumnus Stephen benefited from his deep knowledge and American history at the University now involves over 6,000 companies across Spencer (English, 1986), of 20th-century history and his of Illinois, returning to LSE to complete the globe. Tessa’s work had a huge impact. described her as having good humour. his PhD. He was a fellow at the Institute Colleagues described her as a visionary with ‘vitality, humour, curiosity Mike was a published scholar of United States Studies, Yale University a wonderful ability to bring people together and a deep and personal on diplomatic history and strategy. and the Royal Historical Society. and drive real progress. She was awarded an interest in the people she PROFESSOR MICHAEL DOCKRILL FKC He also served as the founding editor Mike was at the heart of department life TESSA TENNANT OBE OBE and received a Lifetime Achievement met. It is no surprise that she of the Palgrave Macmillan Studies in for many years and is remembered fondly. (Environmental Sciences, 1983) Award from the Financial Times and became a life coach in later Tessa Tennant, the green investment International Finance Corporation just life, since she was on a campaigner, has died aged 59. months before she died, in 2018. mission to help people.’
36 37 OBITUARIES PUZZLES
FOR FULL DETAILS, VISIT US AT: OBITUARIES alumni.kcl.ac.uk/obituaries LOGIC puzzles PROFESSOR PROFESSOR DR EDWARD YATES DR MARTIN HALL ALESSANDRO DE VITA MICHAEL WALKER OBE (Geography, 1950)
This issue’s puzzles have TETRIS SIX-YEAR-OLDS been set by the students at Can you use non-overlapping L-shaped This is a problem that six-year-olds King’s Maths School following Tetris pieces to cover every square bar solve very quickly, while university one on the 7x7 grid below? Rotations professors take a long time… their end of term ‘mathsaganza’. and reflections are allowed. Each number on the left The School is run in partnership is associated with each with King’s College London, number on the right. providing high-quality 99000 " 5 mathematics education 23256 " 1 in the heart of London. 73531 " 0 Alessandro De Vita, Michael Walker, former Head ‘Ted’ Yates has been Dr Martin Hall, a former 15722 " 0 Professor of Physics at of King’s School of Natural & described as a ‘geographer lecturer in Eighteenth- HOW MANY SQUARES? 22222 " 0 King’s, has died aged 53. Mathematical Sciences and in the true sense of the word’. century French Studies, How many squares are shown below? 55523 " 0 Alessandro worked at the telecommunications expert, After serving in the Royal Air died suddenly in April last 88888 " 10 universities of Keele, Oxford, has died aged 71. Force throughout the Second year. Martin was a hugely 99999 " 5 Cambridge and Trieste and Michael was a mathematician World War, he came to King’s popular and well-respected 33721 " 0 at the Swiss Federal Institute who, after working in academia, in 1947 to study Geography. lecturer at King’s who taught of Technology, before joining moved into telecoms. He spent In 1955, Ted was appointed in the Department of French 66988 " 7 King’s in 2003. He was a key many years at Vodafone where lecturer at King’s and began for over 35 years. Martin’s 83725 " 2 member of research networks he was responsible for research his 30-year career at the teaching was characterised 96007 " 4 including the JCMaxwell and innovation, cybersecurity, university. His breadth of by his sharp intellect and 11102 " 1 CECAM UK Consortium intellectual property and knowledge was legendary. encyclopaedic knowledge, 77666 " 3 and the EU’s Psi-K. He technology standards. He His background in maths his wonderful sense of 87656 " 4 co-founded and was King’s made a huge contribution to and physics, along with his humour, and the deep For which odd x odd sized 60751 " ? Director of the Thomas telecoms, including to today’s proficiency in languages, commitment he showed grids is this possible? Young Centre. Colleagues smartphone technology and allowed him to range widely all his students throughout For which even x even grids can What is the number described him as an he was instrumental in SIM across different aspects of the their time at King’s. The you cover every square with non- associated with 60751? outstanding scientist, card, 3G and other pioneering discipline, from physical to department has set up overlapping L-shaped Tetris pieces? a great teacher and projects. Michael was a Fellow human geography. Ted was ‘The Martin Hall Prize in mentor and a source and council member of also an inspirational field Eighteenth-century French of inspiration for all. the Royal Academy of teacher, setting up the Rogate Studies’ in memory of a Engineering, President of Field Centre for King’s. He much-missed colleague, Did you get all four solutions? the Institute of Mathematics continued to research and lecturer and friend. We have 50 Reggie pin badges to Solutions are now available and its Applications and write long after retirement. give away. To be in with a chance on the website for last issue’s Chair of the European of winning one, just contact us with crossword. The solutions for Telecommunications your solutions by 30 June 2019. the puzzles on this page will Standards Institute Board Email your solutions with ‘InTouch be available from July 2019. (2008–2011). He held roles puzzle’ in the subject line. at several academic institutions alumni.kcl.ac.uk/puzzles including King’s. [email protected]
Photo courtesy of The European +44 (0)20 7848 3053 Telecommunications Standards Institute
38 39 YOU RECOMMEND
Emily Berrington RECOMMENDS
Emily Berrington (Development Geography, 2008) is an English actress, best known for her role in the Channel 4 TV series Humans. After graduating from King’s, Emily spent a year working for the Labour Party before gaining a place at the prestigious ALUMNI WEEKEND Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Emily has appeared on stage and screen, 7–9 JUNE 2019 with credits including Dead Funny (Vaudeville Theatre), The Miniaturist Advice you would give to someone Standout memory of King’s? (BBC) and Outnumbered (BBC). wanting to pursue a career in the arts? A night in the weeks before second-year When I decided to pursue a career as an exams when the Maughan Library was She combines her career as an actor actor, fees were so much lower, so I could open 24 hours. Just about everyone with voluntary work and campaigning find a way to do two degrees. I realise I knew seemed to be there, and by for social issues. Every week, Emily that isn’t realistic for most people now – 4am we’d all become slightly delirious. METAMORPHOSIS volunteers for GoodGym, which and wouldn’t have been for me either. I think there was a game of hide and involves visiting isolated people My advice would be to do as much seek... It turned from a moment of great What does it take to change? in the community. research as you can and don’t be afraid to anxiety and stress to total mad joy. ask for help. Talk to people and ask them where they trained or how they got their Artificial intelligence – humanity’s Favourite piece of music? first job. I started by looking at drama salvation or a risk to the vulnerable? Paul Simon’s Obvious Child. schools whose alumni were doing the This topic is close to my heart From ideas to identity, from approach To find out more and to book kind of work I wanted to do. Look at because of my role in the television your place, please visit: Treasured childhood memory? making your own work too – even if it’s series Humans. I’m often cautious of to action, the impact of transformational Family camping holidays in our trailer tent just a way of increasing your range of new developments in technology and change can be far-reaching. alumni.kcl.ac.uk/events with my parents and siblings. Specifically experience. University is a great place then discover they can offer so much. waking up to the smell of breakfast cooking to do this. You’ll easily find a budding I refused to have a mobile phone for outside on our little camping stove. director, costume designer, actor or years. With artificial intelligence, the Join us at this year’s Alumni Weekend musician who might want to collaborate. unknown element is so great. I suppose for an exploration of metamorphosis. Finally, have other things you enjoy the question I would ask is – even doing, and if they pay the bills if we can achieve such a huge Hear King’s expert insight into the current – even better! technological leap, should we? hot topics and debate with scholars and
Biggest achievement? fellow alumni. Revisit the campus you If we’re talking work-related, probably KEEP UP TO DATE WITH EMILY: know so well and consider your own managing to make a living as an actor. @emily_berrington_ I never thought it would be possible transformation from student to alumni. and I feel very lucky. Emily in Humans (Channel 4) Forever King’s Your global alumni community
40 alumni.kcl.ac.uk
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