Are We Alone?

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Imperial 33 mattersWinter | 2008–09 Alumni magazine of Imperial College London including the former Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, St Mary’s Hospital Medical School and Wye College

h Seeing the light Sir John Pendry talks optics, invisibility and Are we alone? perfect lenses You ask the questions Sir Roy Anderson under The search for the microscope Plus all the news from the College life on Mars and alumni groups ImperialMatters33_onlinecontents 4/3/09 17:39 Page 1

Winter 2008–09 contents//33

22 news features alumni cover 2 College 10 The Invisible Man 28 Services An artist’s impression of Sir John Pendry explains the 4 30 the ExoMars Business physics of invisibility UK rover which will 5 34 be the European Engineering 14 Turning the page International ESA – AOES MEDIA LAB Space Agency’s Imperial’s refurbished library 6 Medicine 38 Catch up field biologist on 16 Mars. Included 7 Natural Sciences Ask Sir Roy 41 Books Alumni pose questions to in its exobiology Imperial’s new Rector 44 payload will be a lightweight drilling 8 Music and sport In memoriam system, a sampling and handling 9 Felix 20 Life on Mars 45 The bigger picture device, and a set of scientific Europe’s next life detection instruments to search for signs of mission to the red planet past or present life. 22 Innovating the Exclusive social experiment online features Alumnus Michael Birch talks social networks Hands on Meet the new Principal of the 26 Award-winning Faculty of Engineering programmes Innovative teaching Helping PhD Students Imperial staff come together for Finish Up and Move On Education Day

Imperial Matters is published twice a year by the Office of Alumni and Development and Imperial College Communications. Issue 34 will be published in July 2009. Contributions are welcome by the copy deadline, Friday 15 May 2009. Address for magazine enquiries Office of Alumni and Development, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ +44 (0)20 7594 1971 [email protected] www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/matters Editor Zoë Perkins Managing editor Saskia Daniel Contributors Leena Barrett, Edward Charnley, Laura Gallagher, Alasdair Glen, Liz Gregson, Jovan Nedic, Danielle Reeves, Abigail Smith, Colin Smith, Naomi Weston and Elliott White Design Jeff Eden Print Prolitho ltd Distribution Pitney Bowes Corrections to issue 32 The picture on page 36 was incorrectly captioned. It actually shows Dr John Sherwood (front) and Dr Fred Aminzadeh, President of Society of Exploration Geophysicists © Imperial College London, 2009. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any photograph, text or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Due care is taken to ensure that the content of Imperial Matters is fully accurate, but the publisher cannot accept liability for omissions and errors. In the interests of providing a free flow of debate, views expressed here are not necessarily those of the editor or Imperial College London. IM_p1-21:Layout 1 25/2/09 13:51 Page 1

Welcome

Welcome to the winter 2008–09 edition the ways in which they work. Today’s 18- which starts on page two. of our alumni magazine and thank you year-olds have never known a world Finally, I would like to say thank you to for allowing me to say a few words to you without the internet or mobile phones. the 300 alumni who attended the reunion through these pages. They are far more likely to search for in September 2008. It was a marvellous When I introduced the last edition of information online than to sit down with event and a real delight to meet so many Imperial Matters I had just taken up the a book or a journal. And they expect their of you. For those unable to make it, you role of Rector of Imperial College university to keep up with them. can read about the event’s keynote London. The intervening few months That has implications for services speaker, Bebo co-founder and physics have been very stimulating and exciting, across the College, but perhaps nowhere alumnus, Michael Birch, on page 22. with many new people to meet and much more than for the library. I’m sure that And thank you, also, to everyone in to learn. many of you will remember the Central our alumni network who has welcomed As an alumnus, I have a long history Library, a major student facility on the me to my new role and sent in questions with Imperial and have seen the fabric of South Kensington Campus. about my plans and aspirations for the the place undergo enormous change. If This space has been extensively College. My answers can be found on my student self were to find himself refurbished, and was reopened in October page 16. I hope you will continue to share transported to today’s Imperial, I 2008 with vastly increased computer your thoughts and opinions with me – it suspect he would have real difficulties in access plus flexible working spaces for is always a pleasure to hear from you. finding his way about. both group and individual study. The essential character of Imperial, It also boasts over 50 works of art With warm regards, however, remains constant. As Rector, I generously donated to the College by have found myself surrounded by can-do Sussex artist Bob Brighton, creating a people with a tremendous appetite for wonderfully modern and colourful innovation and a global outlook. environment. You can find out more To continue to attract first class staff about our new-look Library on page 14. and students, we must ensure that our Other notable recent events include a environmentandfacilitiesarealsofirstclass. visit from the Prime Minister who joined That is especially important for students, us in October 2008 to discuss the for whom our campuses are places to live economic climate, and revealed in and socialise as well as to work. passing that he once applied for a job as a We are very aware that as generations lecturer at Imperial. You can read about change so too do their expectations and that and more in the news round-up, Sir Roy Anderson

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news college Redited by Naomi Weston

Gordon Brown visits Imperial

Prime Minister Gordon Brown visited of BP and Chair of Imperial College Imperial in October 2008 to meet with Business School Advisory Board, and Ian academics, business leaders and Coleman, Global Head of Emerging MBA students and discuss the global Markets at PricewaterhouseCoopers. financial crisis. During Mr Brown’s introductory New customer service During the meeting, the Prime speech he described his special affinity Minister revealed his plans for dealing with Imperial, saying: “I have seen the initiative launched with the credit crunch and restructuring expansion of this College and how it Providing world class service is the aim the UK economy. He said that the leads the world in so many different behind Imperial’s new Customer Service government was not intending to cut fields.” He also revealed that it was the Academy which was launched in December investment in areas such as education firstplacethatheappliedforajobas 2008. The initiative will focus on raising and training and that the world economy a lecturer when he left university in standards and providing excellent service was set to double in the next 20 years, the 1970s. to the College’s 13,000 students, 6,000 adding “the opportunities are immense In addition, Mr Brown met 10 MBA staff, partners, neighbours and visitors. for those with talent and initiative”. students from Imperial’s Business The Academy aims to raise awareness The meeting attracted key figures in School to discuss the credit crunch and of the importance of meeting the business including Iain Conn, Director hear their views. needs and expectations of Imperial’s RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR diverse customers. Manager of the newly established Academy, Steve Rathborn, says an Greatest concentration of world-leading important element of the project is to influence attitudes across the College: and internationally excellent research “To be a truly great university it is Imperial College London is home to the greatest concentration of research rated important to match the high quality of world-leading and internationally excellent amongst all UK universities, according to research and teaching with high quality the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) results published in December 2008. in every aspect of delivery. This 73 per cent of the College’s staff have had their research judged as world- programme will initiate a fundamental leading or internationally excellent (4* and 3*), the highest percentage of all UK change in attitudes and awareness across multi-faculty universities. The College also has six of the UK’s top-rated research the College by engaging and inspiring areas (4*) in Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Epidemiology; Mechanical, people at all levels”. Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering; History; and Pure Mathematics. “The Academy will provide Rector of Imperial College London, Sir Roy Anderson, said: “Imperial College opportunities for teams representing London is very proud to be part of the UK university research success story. service departments across the College to Imperial has once again demonstrated its commitment to, and achievement of, explore the focus and quality of what they continued excellence, as it has in every previous RAE.” provide and suggest ways of improving this on a continuous basis,” he added.

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news R Bob Westaway appointed new Academic RegistrarR College wins seven European

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college news

Half marathon in memory of Laurent and Gabriel Awards and Honours Chemist elected to Royal Danish Academy A group of biochemistry researchers from Imperial ran the Royal Parks Foundation’s Professor Alexei Kornyshev, half marathon in October 2008 in Department of Chemistry, has memory of visiting students Laurent been elected a Foreign Member Bonomo and Gabriel Ferez, who were of the Royal Danish Academy of killed in July last year. Science and Letters, in Laurent and Gabriel, from the Polytech’ recognition of his outstanding contributions Clermont-Ferrand, France, were studying at to chemical physics and electrochemistry. Imperial’s Department of Life Sciences as Lifetime achievement prize for Kafatos part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP), which Professor Fotis Kafatos, provides opportunities for students to participate in research at Imperial. Division of Life Sciences, has The researchers raised over £5,000 for the charity Victim Support, an been awarded a lifetime independent charity helping people cope with the effects of crime. achievement prize by the Louis- Jeantet Foundation for his significant contribution to the development

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR of European biomedical research on the world stage, and his exceptional research into the biology of the Anopheles mosquito – the carrier of the malaria parasite.

Freemont receives European honour Professor Paul Freemont, Head of the Division of Molecular Biosciences, has been elected to the membership of the European Molecular Biology Organisation. Professor Freemont is among 51 renowned life scientists from across Europe whose excellence in research was acknowledged in 2008.

Lalvani lands top TB prize The Royal College of Physicians’ Weber-Parkes Medal has been awarded to Professor Ajit Lalvani, National Foyle Foundation’s inspirational funding Heart and Lung Institute. The The College’s INSPIRE programme, background in those subjects in medal is awarded once every three years which combines a Postgraduate London’s state schools. for outstanding contributions to Certificate in Education (PGCE) with INSPIRE was launched at Imperial in tuberculosis research and policy. specialised science communication 2002 with the aim of boosting science Optics honour for Professor Dainty training, has been expanded thanks to education in schools. Originally focused funding from the Foyle Foundation. on postdoctoral researchers, the Professor Chris Dainty, Department of The programme has received programme is now open to postgraduate Physics, has been elected vice president £500,000 from the Foundation to help students at the end of their research. of the Optical Society of America for 2009. support the teacher training of 50 It is a full-time nine-month Following his term as vice president, scientists over the next five years. programme made up of seven months Professor Dainty will automatically The Foyle Science Scholarships of standard PGCE training plus two become president-elect in 2010, and then will be targeted at chemistry and months of training sessions and the society’s president in 2011, followed by physics postgraduates in particular due workshops on communicating science a one-year term as past president. to the shortage of teachers with a in engaging and accessible ways. RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Research Council Advanced GrantsR Book launch kick starts Imperial’s Darwin bicentenary celebrations

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news business Redited by Elliott White

Innovation, entrepreneurship and design are placed at the core of the Imperial MBA

The Imperial College Business School Imperial Innovations, the College’s spin- became the first to place innovation, out company, whilst others are entrepreneurship and design (IED) at the contributed by corporate partners. heart of its MBA. The new mandatory Projects owners are involved with the IED course systematically brings student team throughout the course and together students, ideas and receive an entrepreneurial business case methodologies from the three disciplines at the conclusion of the module. This to equip participants with a unique blend presentation is suitable for pitching to a of skills. During the course, students potential investor, or proposing New identity for work in teams on a real-world business corporate venture funding within a Imperial College problem or idea. Some ideas originate in large organisation. RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Business School UK Innovation Research Centre launched In August 2008, the Business School at Imperial College London changed its A new £2.8 million research centre focusing on how innovation name from Tanaka Business School to can make businesses more competitive, improve the delivery of Imperial College Business School. The public services and help the UK meet its social, environmental change was made to emphasise that the and economic challenges began its plan of work in January 2009. School is an integral part of the College The Centre is a collaborative project with the University of by incorporating the Imperial College Cambridge’s Judge Business School, based at both institutions. name directly into its title. The UK Innovation Research Centre will carry out new research The renaming came after research for practitioners and policymakers to help them understand the suggested that its previous name was key issues in all forms of innovation. This will equip them to better respond to a not strongly associated with Imperial worsening economic climate that makes traditional research and development College London. The School offers expenditure less attractive. The output of the Centre will also inform the way unique opportunities for staff and issues like ageing populations and climate change are dealt with, and particularly students through its close relationships how businesses, products and public services will need to change and develop. with the engineering, science and The Centre will ensure that new research on innovation in both the public and medical disciplines at Imperial and the private sectors impacts on policy and practice. Dr Ammon Salter (pictured), name change will enable the School to director of research at the UK IRC and reader in innovation management at underline this positioning. Imperial College Business School, outlines the research programme: “The Imperial alumnus and benefactor Innovation Research Centre explores the relationship between innovation and Dr Gary Tanaka, after whom the School business performance and how this affects both the national economy and the was formerly named, will continue to individual organisation. We’re looking at how to best open companies to new be recognised for his generous support forms of collaboration. We’ll also be working with policy makers to develop new with the naming of the School’s instruments and strategies to promote innovation and knowledge exchange.” accommodation as the Tanaka Building.

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news R New partnership agreement to advance education and research in India

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Redited by Colin Smith engineering news

Official opening of bioengineering labs World leading bioengineering education and research received a boost in October 2008, with the official opening of new £8.4 million facilities at Imperial. The opening of the new facilities consolidates the Department of Bioengineering under one roof after years How ancient Earth escaped of being based in eight separate locations. a deathly deep freeze The new facilities provide room for the Department to expand its The planet’s present day greenhouse Period, about 840 to 635 million years undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD scourge, carbon dioxide, may have ago. This is contrary to the ‘Snowball programmes, as well as fostering played a vital role in helping ancient Earth’ hypothesis, which envisages a scientific creativity. Professor Ross Earth to escape from complete fully frozen planet locked in ice for Ethier, Department Head, said: “Thanks glaciation, said Professor Philip Allen, millions of years. to consolidation of this Department in Department of Earth Science and They speculate that carbon dioxide one location, our researchers and Engineering, in a review for Nature played a key role in keeping equatorial students are set to benefit from closer Geoscience in November 2008. oceans warm during this period. interactions that will facilitate Professor Allen and his team claim Professor Allen said: “This greenhouse collaborative research and hopefully that the Earth never froze over gas probably saved ancient Earth and its the next big scientific breakthrough completely during the Cryogenian basic life forms from an icy extinction.” in bioengineering.” New system to monitor Global Navigation Satellite Systems Imperial and partners announced in December 2008 that they are developing a system to monitor Global Navigation Satellite Systems. These are a network of satellites, antennae, and Global Positioning Service (GPS) devices that help users to find their way. GNSS systems can be affected by failures, causing navigation problems for users. Lead Imperial researcher Professor Washington Ochieng, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, said they are developing a system to monitor signal GNSS quality, and if failures occur, users can employ other navigation methods. Professor Ochieng said: “Captains or pilots could switch to other computerised navigation tools to ensure the safety of crew, passengers or cargo is not jeopardised.” Professor Ross Ethier

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news R New centre launched to spearhead UK research in synthetic biology

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news medicine Redited by Laura Gallagher

Large waist almost doubles Polio could be risk of premature death eliminated in Nigeria with new vaccine Having a large waistline can A recently introduced polio vaccine is almost double your risk of dying four times more effective at protecting prematurely even if you are not children than previous vaccines and overweight, according to a new has the potential to eradicate type-1 study published by Imperial polio in Nigeria if it reaches enough scientists in November 2008 in the children, according to a new study New England Journal of Medicine. The published by researchers from the MRC Centre for study of over 350,000 people across Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, in October 2008 in the Europe provides strong evidence that storing excess fat around New England Journal of Medicine. the waist poses a significant health risk. Polio is highly infectious and Nigeria is one of only four Comparing subjects with the same body mass index (BMI), countries in the world where it has yet to be eliminated. the risk of premature death increased in a linear fashion as the The study showed that with each dose of the recently waist circumference increased. The risk of premature death was introduced monovalent oral poliovirus vaccine, a child has around double for subjects with a larger waist (more than 120 a 67 per cent chance of being protected against type-1 centimetres for men and more than 100 centimetres for polio, compared with an efficacy of 16 per cent for the women) compared to subjects with waists smaller than 80 and standard trivalent vaccine. 65 centimetres for men and women respectively. The research also supported earlier findings showing that a higher BMI is significantly related to mortality. The lowest riskofdeathwasataBMIofapproximately25.3inmenand 24.3 in women. Key AIDS figure joins new Institute The research forms part of the European Prospective for Global Health Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), one of the largest long-term prospective studies in the world. Professor Elio Riboli, European coordinator of EPIC, from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, said: “Although smaller studies have suggested a link between mortality and waist size, we were surprised to see the waist size having such a powerful effect on people's health and premature death.” RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Body clock link to diabetes Diabetes and high levels of blood sugar may be linked to abnormalities in a person’s body clock, according to a study published in December A leading figure in the international fight against AIDS was 2008 in Nature Genetics by researchers in the Section of announced in October 2008 as the first Director of the new Genomic Medicine. The study shows that a mutation near a Institute for Global Health at Imperial. gene called MTNR1B is associated with having an increased Dr Peter Piot (pictured), previously the Executive Director average blood sugar level and around a 20 per cent of UNAIDS, will spearhead the new institute's drive to find elevated risk of developing type-2 diabetes. MTNR1B forms far-reaching solutions to health problems that blight part of a signalling pathway that controls the action of the underprivileged populations worldwide. He will lead and hormone melatonin. This hormone regulates the circadian coordinate work to tackle traditional and new infectious rhythm – the internal clock that controls sleeping and eating diseases, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected patterns – by responding to daylight and darkness. tropical diseases, which continue to be significant causes of premature death globally, especially in the poorest countries.

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news RHeart researcher wins 'Dragons' Den' medical award

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Redited by Danielle Reeves natural sciences news

£18 million for next generation of researchers Three new Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) to nurture the talents of the next generation of young researchers were established in Imperial’s Department of Physics in December 2008 thanks to a funding injection of over £18 Border control: million. The funding is part of a £250 million award from the how proteins permit Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to create over entry to a cell 2,000 PhD studentships at universities across the UK. developing plastic solar cells, and The means by which proteins provide a Unlike traditional PhD programmes, manipulating atom-sized components to ‘border control service’, allowing cells to DTCs enable PhD students to work with, make a new generation of super-small take up chemicals from their and learn from, scientists across a variety electronic devices. surroundings, was revealed in of fields. They aim to produce a new Welcoming the awards, Rector Sir Roy unprecedented molecular detail in a generation of researchers with the Anderson said: “These new training Science Express paper published in interdisciplinary skills and expertise to centres will ensure that the College October 2008 by a team led by Professor tackle the major challenges facing the continues to produce innovative young So Iwata, Department of Life Sciences. world today. researchers who have the breadth of The scientists visualised the structure The DTCs will focus on three interdisciplinary experience needed to of a ‘transporter’ protein called different areas of science and meet the global demand for highly trained Microbacterium hydantoin permease technology: plastic electronics, materials specialist scientists and engineers.” (pictured), or Mhp1, which lives in the theory and simulation, and controlled Researchers from the College’s oily membrane surrounding bacteria quantum dynamics. Over the next five Faculty of Engineering are involved in cells. They showed, for the first time, years 150 newly-funded PhD students in two additional new DTCs led by how Mph1 opens and closes like a gate to these three centres will carry out Cranfield University and the University allow molecules across the membrane research in diverse fields including of Manchester. and into the cell.

R More news online at www.imperial.ac.uk/news RProtea plants help unlock secrets of species 'hotspots'

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news sport and music Redited by Leena Barrett and Richard Dickins

IAN GILLETT Imperial 22nd in UK university sports rankings The 2007–08 sports season proved very fruitful for Imperial with its first appearance amongst the top 25 UK universities in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rankings. The position reflects the year’s achievements across a range of sports. With such top sporting institutions such as Loughborough and Bath to compete with, Imperial proved just how far it has come to reach 22nd, with first place wins in women’s fencing, netball, tennis and volleyball and men’s rugby, squash, tennis and waterpolo. Our growing sporting success in BUCS over the last couple of years has no doubt been aided by the introduction of the Sports Partnership, an alliance between Sport Imperial, the College’s sports department, and Imperial College Union. The partnership has standardised and professionalised the administration of student sport through a permanent partnership administrator, who manages the various processes involved such as arranging fixtures, providing coaching, competition entries and providing advice. The 2008–09 season is looking promising so far and hopes are pinned on a top 20 position!

ICSO returns to Cadogan Hall Race to IAN GILLETT The Imperial College Symphony Orchestra returned to the top at Cadogan Hall on 6 December 2008 for its first performance since clinching the title of Orchestra of the Year 2008 in Symphuni, the UK university orchestra competition. Henley The orchestra was joined by the choirs of Imperial College London and the Thomas Hardye School (THS) to perform Two Imperial students Walton’s thrilling Belshazzar’s Feast. The players were also were part of the winning joined by internationally renowned cellist Raphael Wallfisch Visitors Challenge Cup for a performance of Elgar’s highly evocative Cello Concerto. crew at Henley Royal Sue Burn from THS said: “It Regatta last year. was an amazing experience for Imperial students, everyone; to hear it all come Simon Hislop and George IAN GILLETT together in such a beautiful Whittaker, beat Martyrs building really made a day to Boat Club and Christ remember. We were privileged Church, Oxford, by one and to watch what can only be a quarter lengths on 6 July 2008 in the final of the Visitors described as a master class in Challenge Cup, a coxless four event at Henley Royal Regatta. putting a concerto together in Simon and George made up half of the winning crew with the the afternoon rehearsal.” other two members coming from Kingston Rowing Club. The The orchestra’s next concert composite crew beat Trinity College from the US on 4 July 2008 takes place at the South by three and a half lengths and went on to beat a London and Kensington Campus on 13 Wallingford Rowing Club composite crew on 5 July 2008 easily. March 2009. For more Mathilde Pauls, another Imperial student, made it through information visit to the Princess Royal Challenge Cup final but unfortunately lost www.imperial.ac.uk/ by three and a half lengths in the end. For more information Raphael Wallfisch union/arts/orchestra. visit www.imperial.ac.uk/sports/news/henley2008.

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Felix news

Felix scoops top FELIX Note from prize at student the Editor media award

Felix is certainly on a high at the Members of the Felix team moment and I, for one, intend to keep walked away from The it that way. We have a tradition of Guardian Student Media being slightly quirky, entertaining and, Awards on 26 November 2008 at the same time, informative, and this is why so many with the top two prizes, and students and staff read the paper. My aim this year, apart came runner-up in a further from trying to emulate Tom’s performance last year, is two categories. to try and free the cat, so to speak. I felt that the paper Felix clinched the title of was not as independent as it could have been and it is for ‘Student newspaper of the this that I really want to push. Year’, whilst I, science, was runner-up in the ‘Student The Felix team collect their award Solookout,thenexttimeyouallhearfrommethere magazine of the year’ might be an interesting story for you. For now, enjoy category. The judges, who included The Guardian editor Alan the smaller bits of news the students have for you. Rusbridger, commented that Felix managed to clearly engage RJovan Nedic, Felix Editor-in-Chief 2008–09 its audience, with well thought-out news pieces and a quirky sense of humour that made it stand out above the rest. As the

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR result was announced there was a massive sense of excitement and sheer joy, with the members of last year’s Felix team New look union rushing onto the stage to collect their prize. The Felix team barely had time to sit down and celebrate Over the summer, the Union received a facelift with dB’s and their award, before the ‘Student journalist of the year’ award daVinci’s gettinganewlickofpaintandabrandnewstyle.The was announced. Considered the top prize for an individual, this aimofthisworkwastomake daVinci’s feelmorelikeabar year’s award was given to the 2007–08 Felix editor, Tom than a canteen, and for dB’s tobemorelikeanightclub.Anew Roberts. Everyone’s favourite Angry Geek came runner-up as colour scheme has been employed with funky new wallpaper, ‘Student columnist of the year’. and a new range of drinks have also been brought in, hoping to Clearly Felix, its contributors and its sister publications have attract a larger audience to the Union bars. So if you’re around very big shoes to fill this year, something which they are definitely College, stop by for a quick pint. planning on doing in the hope of a similar result next time.

Online archive of Felix

Past and present students around the world can now view all previous editions of Felix in an online archive. Over the past several months, previously bound editions of Felix have been transferred into an electronic format, so that any word they like across the whole range of issues! the hard copies of Felix can be handed over to the College So whether you were a Faculty Union President or cup archives for safe keeping. winning sports player, you will be able to relive the good old Each individual edition has been made into a separate times, as well as reminisce over the photos from your PDF and can now be found on the Felix website at particular era. www.felixonline.co.uk. By late March 2009, the archive will The project would not have been possible were it not for a allow readers to search by issue number or year and, if that generous donation from the Imperial College Trust, as well as wasn’t enough, readers will eventually be able to search for the help of many members of staff and students.

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TheInvisibleMan

Since 1981, theoretical physicist Professor Sir John Pendry has been beavering away in the Department of Physics’ Blackett Laboratory. During this time he’s laid the groundwork for some of the most scientifically significant discoveries in optics.

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The Invisible Man

Rby Zoë Perkins As a theoretical physicist, Professor Sir John Pendry employs mathematical models to understand natural physical phenomena. “I believe in interacting very strongly with experimentalists,” he said, “so most of my theory either relates to some experiment that’s been done, or I want to suggest that somebody does do an experiment. I think that that is really at the heart of my sort of physics; I like that close contact with experimentalists.” “Most recently I’ve been looking at light; how it behaves and how to control it. When I say light, I mean all sorts of electromagnetic radiation which also includes radar waves and terahertz radiation,” said Sir John. Generally light is controlled using optical materials, for example glass and water both refract light; the properties that result from modifying the chemistry of these materials change the way that the material responds to light. However, the properties that can be created just by altering the chemistry of a material are limited, so Sir John has adopted an alternative idea; creating an artificial structure which has properties beyond those that are available naturally, referred to as metamaterials. SirJohnsaid:“Generallyitisthatcasethatifthelawsof physics allow something to happen, it has usually happened somewhere in the natural world. Surprisingly the materials available in nature for controlling light are rather limited.” Seeing the light As long as the spaces between molecules in a material are much less than the wavelength of light, the way that any material responds to light is down to the average response of the molecules within the material. Provided that the artificial structure within the metamaterial is smaller than the wavelength of light, light will continue to pass through the material, however, the average response of the molecules will be different because of the artificial structure of the metamaterial. Demonstrating his point, Sir John picked up a flat, plastic- looking disc of about 30 centimetres in diameter. “This works on radar waves,” he said, “you can see little black lines running through the metamaterial which are the ends of built-in, little copper coils. The properties of the lens are determined by how you shape the copper inserts, so instead of coils they could, for example, be wires. “Of course, if you design the structure yourself then you could continuously grade the lens to make the metamaterial more refracting at the centre than it is at the edge.” This discovery brought with it far reaching consequences for the world of physics, because as Sir John put it: “You can do strange things with metamaterials.” R

“If you put a stick in a stream of water, the water just flows smoothly round the object and closes up the other side, so if JEREMY WOODHOUSE The key to invisibilty is right in front of your eyes; you’re downstream of the stick then the water’s just flowing a mirage refracts light in a continous curve smoothly as if the stick wasn’t there.”

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The Invisible Man

Rewriting the laws of physics Refraction is one of the fundamentals of scientific education; we all know that MIKE FINN–KELCEY light bends when it passes from one material to another, or through a material that varies in density, which is caused by different refractive indexes, and nature has always dictated that light bends towards the normal (perpendicular to the surface). Victor Veselago, a Soviet physicist, first predicted back in the 1960s that that a material that had a negative permittivity (a physical quantity that describes how an electric field affects, and is affected by, a dielectric medium) and a negative permeability (the degree of magnetisation of a material that Professor Sir John Pendry responds linearly to an applied magnetic field) would also have a negative refractive index, which means that light have to be exactly right, then there is no Invisibility passing through these materials could limit to how finely you can focus light. Metamaterials can also make an object be bent past the normal. However, with “Your ability to focus light is no longer lose its shadow, which will make that no such material occurring naturally his limited by the wavelength of light, but by object invisible. theory remained untested. It was not your ability to make the lens perfectly. So “The easy bit is to stop an object from until 1999 when Sir John and his team it’s just like ordinary tasks, where you’re reflecting light. By making an object suggested how materials with these not limited by a fundamental law, but just black, it doesn’t reflect light, but if I properties could be artificially created how well you can build a lens.” threw a black ball around a bright room that the possibility of negative Of the potential applications of perfect you’d still see it, and that’s because you refraction was resurrected. lenses, Sir John said: “If you have a see its shadow,” said Sir John, “To make It was then that the debate got telephone conversation with America, or something invisible you have to make it heated. even Manchester, your voice is first lose its shadow, just as Peter Pan did. It’s Negative refraction was thought to turned into an electrical signal, but then not easy to do, but you can do it with fundamentally defy the laws of physics, it’s turned into light which travels along metamaterials.” and as a theoretical physicist, Sir John’s an optical fibre across the Atlantic. That In October 2006, scientists from ideas were at that stage just that, theory. conversation between light and electricity Duke University in the United States, Physicists from around the world joined is an unequal one because electricity goes working with Sir John, demonstrated the the debate, to-ing and fro-ing about the into your computer on little wires which first ever working ‘invisibility cloak’ ins and outs of negative refraction, but are 20 or 30 nanometres in diameter in which was built using specially that Sir John’s paper, Negative refraction the most advanced ones, but when it talks manufactured metamaterials. makes a perfect lens, has now been cited to light, the light goes across the Atlantic Sir John explains the concept of almost 2,000 times proves how widely in a fibre that’s 30 microns across – a invisibility as similar to water in a river accepted this theory has become. thousand times thicker – and the reason is flowing around a stick: “If you put a stick the wavelength of light. It’s a conversation in a stream of water, the water just flows Perfect focus between a mouse and an elephant. smoothly round the object and closes up Sir John said: “People believed for a long “What we’d like to do – and actually the other side, so if you’re downstream time that the performance of lenses is Stefan Maier, my experimental of the stick then the water’s just flowing just one of the laws of nature, but it turns colleague, is working on these ideas – is smoothly as if the stick wasn’t there.” out that if you build a lens with this to make materials which can manipulate Applying the same concept to light, he hitherto inaccessible property of light on the same scale as electrons.” said: “We all know that light travels in a negative refraction and if you get the Metamaterials don’t just have one straight line – it takes the shortest design exactly right, and it really does trick though. distance between two points – but what

“Your ability to focus light is no longer limited by the wavelength of light, but by your ability to make the lens perfectly.”

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The Invisible Man

“If light goes on a little chicane around an object but emerges the other side, somebody downstream will believe that the light has

THE ROYAL PARKS travelled in a straight line. What you’d actually see is what’s behind the object, because that’s where the light has come from.”

stars bent as it passed around the sun. Of this first prototype, Sir John said: Sir John explained the application “Their first cloak only worked for one of Einstein’s work to metamaterials: exact frequency of radar waves, so if you “Einstein measured how much space was just retuned your radar kit it wouldn’t be squashed or stretched by something invisible anymore. With one of my called the metric. We take the apparatus postdocs, I designed a broadband cloak that Einstein used – essentially he thinks which would work at many different of a coordinate system which is distorted frequencies which the Duke University by space and writes it as a coordinate researchers have now built.” A boy who lost his shadow; Peter transformation – and we use it to It’s no surprise that comparisons Pan in Kensington Gardens measure, not the metric, but the have been drawn to the invisibility cloak refractive index. It’s a simpler thing, used by fictional character Harry Potter less dramatic, but nevertheless that’s in J.K. Rowling’s novels, but Sir John we have to do is make light move in a how we design a cloak.” doesn’t believe there’ll ever be a cloak quite like his: “There are some things continuous curve. If light goes on a little Engineering on the nanoscale chicane around an object but emerges about Harry Potter’s cloak that do the other side, somebody downstream Visible light has a wavelength of violate the laws of physics, he can see out will believe that the light has travelled in approximately 500 nanometres – a of it for one thing, which you could never a straight line. What you’d actually see is thousandth of a millimetre – and because do, and to build a cloak made of material what’s behind the object, because that’s the structure of the metamaterial has to would be almost impossible.” where the light has come from.” be smaller than the wavelength of the The ground has been prepared very In actual fact there are instances electromagnetic radiation to be well for invisibility by Harry Potter and where light naturally travels in a curve; a refracted, to make an object invisible to PeterPan,butSirJohnwaskeento mirage occurs when light passes from the human eye would require point out that the more scientifically denser, cold air into significantly engineering on a scale much less than significant discovery is the possibility warmer air, or vice versa. The gradually that, just a few nanometres. Sir John of negative refraction. changing refractive index of the air said: “There are not many complex “If you ask scientists which surprises bends the light, so you might see cars structures you can make on a scale of them most, the perfect lens or the cloak, seemingly reflected in a puddle of water nanometres, so we’re not there yet, but every scientist would say a perfect lens,” ontheroadonahotday. we’re working on it.” said Sir John. Understanding how to go about What the researchers at Duke In celebration of the extraordinary cloaking an object is one thing, but a University have demonstrated, breadth and depth of the contribution mirage is uncontrolled, so how do you however, is radar invisibility, which is SirJohnhasmadetotheworldof harness the ability to bend light around possible because radar waves have a physics a two-day symposium was held an object? We’ve already established that wavelength of three centimetres or so. in September 2008; the far-reaching you can build a specified refractive index They used theoretical designs, impact of his work was evident by the into a metamaterial, so if you had the published in Sir John’s Science paper presence of academics from all over the exact prescription for the refractive Controlling Electromagnetic Fields to world whose research is drawn from index needed to hide a particular object build a small cloak, less than five inches Sir John’s theory. you could build a metamaterial across, which would provide invisibility When asked what he considered the accordingly. It was theoretical physicist in two dimensions. most significant of the awards he has Albert Einstein that developed the To test the prototype cloak, the received, Sir John responded: “Other theory enabling this calculation. researchers aimed a microwave beam at scientists would say a Fellowship of the it inside a test chamber between two Royal Society was the most significant, Theory of relativity metal plates, and then measured the but that’s in the little world that Einstein’s general theory of relativity electromagnetic fields both inside and scientists inhabit. The nicest one was my was proven by Arthur Eddington who outside the cloak. Their measurements knighthood, because my relatives knew showed, during an eclipse, that the exact showed that the electromagnetic waves about that. It’s just a nice recognition position of stars near to the sun separated and flowed around the centre towards the end of your career that appeared to shift as the light from the of the cloak, as predicted by theory. someone thinks that you’ve done ok.” m

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When the major £11 million refurbishment of Imperial’s Central Library was declared complete in July 2008 following two years of renovation, Director of Library Services Deborah Shorley and her team waited with bated breath to see what students and staff would think of their new study and work space.

Turning thepage

Rby Naomi Weston and Liz Gregson

The first phase of the refurbishment was completely redeveloped. The work to the ground floor was programme started in July 2006 and Trudy Breuss led the redevelopment driven by the changing work habits of involved work on the ventilation systems project, and she comments: “The greatest Imperial’s students and consultation of the upper floors, which is ongoing. challenge was probably maintaining with library users was a key aspect of the Phase two consisted of housing new normal library services in a quiet early stages of the project. The Library ventilation units for levels one and three. environment whilst being surrounded by team conducted a survey with Imperial In phase three the glass-fronted a building site! It says a great deal about students to find out about their needs, extension to the existing walkway both the quality of the project team and and also undertook research into the looking out onto the Queen’s Lawn was the patience of the students that we changes that other libraries have made built and the whole of the ground floor managed to achieve this.” over recent years.

“I love the mobile zone. I love the colour in it. I love the quirkiness of it, the fact that you don’t quite know where you’re going to go. You go around a corner and there’s something Mobile zone C-screens Library lounge The largest area for group study is So-named due to their shape, the Tucked away in the far-corner of the else there. I think the referred to as the mobile zone vibrant orange C-screens form ground floor, the library lounge is a students will love that because it has moveable chairs, alcoves which enable smaller small area designed for quieter as well.” tables and screens that can be groups of students to meet in study in a calm, relaxed and Deborah Shorley, Director repositioned to define the space and semi-discrete areas for group informal setting. accommodate many different discussions and study. of Library Services configurations for group study.

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Turning the page

Deborah Shorley explains: “In the open 24 hours throughout the academic She says: “We now have a twenty-first pastwehadalotofproblemsin year, meaning that from October to century library to reflect the changing reconciling the needs of people who June students can use the library when way twenty-first century students want really quiet study space and they want.” work. Imperial students deserve the best students who more and more want and Although the majority of funding for and this has set a benchmark for need to study together and to talk as the refurbishment was provided by the College.” m theydoso.Wewantedtoproducea Imperial itself, philanthropic support of space that enables different ways of over £800,000 was raised towards the learning and studying, but at the same project, including over 150 Annual Fund R Watch a film about the new library at time would allow people to work gifts from alumni and friends of the www3.imperial.ac.uk/news/libraryart. quietly elsewhere.” College. Major donors to the project Architects A-EM worked with included the Wolfson Foundation, who Certain on-site library services are library staff to translate the identified funded the library’s new IT Learning available to alumni at the requirements, and the resulting ground Suite and Learning Café, the Lisbet Central Library: floor refurbishment has created a Rausing Trust and Marit Mohn. In • borrow up to six items at any flexible and versatile learning space, addition, over 50 abstract large-scale one time; enhanced IT access through the canvases were donated to the library by installation of 90 new computers, and Sussex-based artist Bob Brighton, and • renew borrowed items and reserve incorporated several types of social are on display throughout the ground new items (for collection from the interaction spaces equipped for group floor of the building. library in person) online; study and discussions. Additionally, with The library was officially opened by •walk-in access to certain e-resources wireless internet access throughout and Sir Roy Anderson on 2 October 2008, in the Central Library (strictly for power blocks installed on many of the who told assembled guests: “Libraries non-commercial purposes). desks, there is now a much greater are in many ways the heart of a capacity to accommodate the increasing university’s campus and they are To make use of these services, number of students who bring laptops certainly of considerable importance to you will need to visit the Central into the library. students. We cannot expect students to Library in person to be issued with Theworkhasledtoreal flourish on our demanding courses if we a library card. On your first visit improvements in the way that Angus do not provide high quality facilities that you will be asked to prove your Brown, Team Leader in the Public support their study. We now have a truly alumni credentials by logging Services team, and his team deliver world class library, in which great into your Interactive Alumni services to library users. He explains: thought has been given to the changing Services account. “The refurbishment has created a needs of the students of today and If you have not yet registered fantastic space in the centre of campus tomorrow, and which looks as for your Interactive Alumni where students can come, meet, study marvellous as it functions.” Services account, please visit and learn. There are an extra 400 study Several months on, Deborah Shorley www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/register. spaces and, for the first time, we will be is delighted with the new facilities.

“An increasing use of laptops and reliance on the internet means that there is an emphasis on both supporting personal use and the provision of College PCs across Think tanks Wolfson IT Learning Suite Learning café The think tanks are formed by semi- The Wolfson IT Learning Suite, As well as providing much needed the ground floor.” transparent screens which create funded by the Wolfson Foundation, refreshments to those hard at work, Angus Brown, Team enclosed informal meeting areas. is an open access area equipped particularly at times when nothing Leader, Public Services Each is equipped with a shared PC with 50 new student PCs. else on campus is open, the Learning Library Team and large-screen monitor to Café is wireless enabled throughout facilitate group work. for those who have their own laptops.

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AskSirRoy

RInterviewed by Zoë Perkins

Sir Roy Anderson took over the reins of Imperial College in July 2008. Following his first few months in office, we gave Imperial Matters readers the chance to pose their questions to the College’s new Rector.

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Ask Sir Roy

What were the influencing factors divisions. We’ve already created institutes that led you to taking the top job at in the areas of biomedical engineering and the College? climate change, among many others, but John Ballard (Mathematics 1968) there will be more announced. When it came up I really didn’t have to think about it for a minute. I’m a great What are your thoughts on Imperial’s admirer of what goes on here. Imperial is strengths and weaknesses with respect a wonderful place, and an outstanding to weathering the current global university, but most importantly, it’s an recession, and what edge do you institution which can react quickly to consider that Imperial can bring into changing circumstances and can direct play to be best placed to take advantage itself and its programme of research of the eventual recovery? and teaching effectively and quickly. Jim Platt (Mining Geology 1960) It’s very unusual as a British university Because of some very good decisions by in the sense that it’s halfway between the College, as far as can be judged at a university structure and a major present, we have a stable financial company, and it’s this that enables us position. Our investment income of to make decisions so quickly. course has suffered, but we had moved a fraction into cash from 2007, so not all You have the benefit of an in-depth our investments are in stocks and shares. knowledge of Imperial due to your We also have tight financial controls, so previous association with the College can monitor our day-to-day financial [as a student and subsequently as an position. But, of course, we do rely on academic]. With this backdrop, what external sources – government, charities are your top three priorities in steering – for a large part of our income and we Imperial to scale even higher peaks? cannot therefore be immune from Rajive Kaul (Materials 1971) external financial shocks. The first is people. Public organisations In this context, our number one now have many more performance targets, strength is that we’re able to react so the burden on individual academics has quickly. We’re also involved in spinning grown quite considerably. My top priority out innovation and bright ideas into is to make sure our brightest and best, and technical companies, so I think our major that’s the vast majority of our academic contribution to helping the UK economy staff, have the space and time to be through the recession is going to be doing effective – to think thoughts that nobody much more of that – taking our else has thought in a particular domain. innovative capabilities and turning them That means that our support staff into inventions which then contribute to must also be the best, and I’m pleased both employment and UK plc’s economy. to say we are privileged by the quality of I feel we are a very attractive brand as our support staff. an institute of higher education, and in fact Number two; we are exploring ways increasingly so since the devaluation of that Imperial can make itself more the pound versus the dollar and the euro. independent of government funding. That I suspect this year we will have a higher includes securing a regular income from percentage of applications from overseas, commercial activities and increasing the of very well qualified students. We will endowment fund and the strategic probably not change the undergraduate monies that Imperial has available to use mix – home and overseas – because we’re as it sees fit, to direct our course through funded dominantly, not totally, by the UK this troubled and difficult time. taxpayer. We have a responsibility and I have always been a strong believer duty to train high quality UK nationals. that some of the most exciting things in But on the postgraduate and taught science and discovery occur at the Masters courses we can contribute to the boundaries between different disciplines, economy by taking more fee-paying so my third priority is creating overseas students. Not all universities will interdisciplinary institutes that reflect the be in that position because they won’t now, not the past history of subject have as attractive a brand as we do. R

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Ask Sir Roy

Here in Silicon Valley, we see many

new ideas born and mature into EIGHTFISH successful companies with the help of Stanford University. What is Imperial doing in this aspect? Ella Shum (Computing 1981) Translation is one of Imperial’s three core strategic themes and an area in which it has been extremely active. To optimise our technology transfer activity, we created a company, called Imperial Innovations, which raised capital and listed on the London AIM stock market two and a half years ago. It has over 150 commercial licence The SARS epidemic was one instance agreements in place and over 80 spin-out where Sir Roy was called to action companies in its portfolio. A number of these we judge are going to be very successful indeed. In the current economic crisis, I think spent two months working in Yangon, In December last year, for example, the Imperial is well placed to translate and then I was asked by the Rockefeller spin out company Thiakis, based on invention or discovery into product. I Foundation to spend time in India and research into the hormonal basis of obesity believe that we’re better placed than Thailand. Subsequently I’ve travelled carried out by Professor Steve Bloom, Oxford or Cambridge here; turning quite extensively throughout Asia, was sold to Wyeth Pharmaceuticals for a science into economic advantage and whether for the AIDS epidemic, SARS consideration of up to £100 million. benefit to society is in Imperial’s DNA. epidemic, or pandemic influenza H5N1. We own 52 per cent of Imperial My first major overseas research Innovations and that’s important for The hardest hit by the current financial project was in India, funded by the encouraging academics at the College to crisis will again be the poorest countries. Rockefeller Foundation, with two very use this company for venture capital and Are there any special programmes to bright PhD students. That was a big management guidance. attract even more students from these project that ran for three years in the We’re the only university in Europe countries so that the gap does not Pulicat villages, which are on the coast that has its own quoted venture capital widen further? quite near Madras. vehicle. We’re looking at opportunities to Achim Lutter (Business School 1988) India, south east Asia, and China are increase this area of activity so we can be all areas that I’ve worked in. I probably even more successful at spinning out our Our alumni and a handful of feel more comfortable in south east Asia discoveries and innovations into products. philanthropists have contributed greatly than most regions of the world. to the scholarship support that we’re What is your strategy and timescale for able to offer high quality UK nationals, overtaking Oxford and Cambridge as European and international students. What is the College’s vision and plan for the top university in the UK? We’re looking for the brightest and the raising its profile in China and increasing George Ong (Mechanical best, independent of where they come cooperation with Chinese institutions? Engineering 1975) from, and we will constantly be looking Henry Wang (MSc Chemical Engineering for ways that we can increase our and Chemical Technology 1977) As Imperial is only 100 years old, as scholarship support. opposed to an Oxbridge college of perhaps We’ve had approaches from two major 600 or more, our major disadvantage is universities in China, and we are Have you visited Asian countries before that we don’t have their endowment looking at the development of some and, if you have, what impression have wealth accumulated over many centuries. collaborative research institutes. you got? However, our advantage is that we are China is not the only region of Shunichi Nakamura (PhD Civil in London. We’re very close to Whitehall, interest; India and the Emirates are also Engineering 1986) the seat of government, and we’re close of deep interest to us. to the head offices of many major One of the privileges of my research life, We’ve been looking very carefully at companies. The second asset is that working on infectious diseases, is that Imperial’s footprint overseas, and there we’reaverycan-doplaceandwecan I’ve probably travelled to most nooks are three potential options. There are the direct, manage, design and act very and crannies in the world. As a young research collaborations that all of us quickly to changing national and global man I was seconded to Myanmar by the have with colleagues overseas, and that circumstances and opportunities. World Health Organisation, where I will continue as always for a world class

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Ask Sir Roy

institution; there are research units and done – the contact with young people, RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR faculties overseas; and then there is the transmitting knowledge and then Biography in brief option of a full Imperial campus debating issues. So I’ve continued to do a overseas. I’m not saying that we’re going number of lectures, and that’s a very 1968 Gained a first class to do all of them, but we’ll be looking enjoyable part of being back at Imperial. degree in zoology and very carefully at each, and those issues went on to do a PhD will very much be part of the future What would you consider your most in parasitology, both development plans of the College. important research result and the at Imperial impact it has had on society? 1971 After achieving his PhD Lionel Baker (Physics 1952, PhD 1955) he became an IBM What are the differences between biomathematics being Chief Scientist at the Ministry I think it is probably two papers which research fellow at the of Defence and being an academic, were published jointly with Robert May University of Oxford indeed being Rector? in 1984. Unusually there were two articles Trevor Stuart (Mathematics 1949, published in consecutive issues of Nature, 1973 Became a lecturer in PhD 1951) as part one and part two. It laid a parasitology at King’s College London theoretical framework for the study of The Chief Scientist at the Ministry of infectious diseases dynamics, evolution 1977 Returned to Imperial as Defence is a permanent secretary-level and control using past mathematical a lecturer post,soyouexistasoneofthe approaches, but broadening it out across 1982 Made Imperial professor collection of senior mandarins in every single class of infectious agent, aged 35 Whitehall. You’d get a view of from viruses through to the tropical everything that is happening across 1984 Became Head of the parasitic diseases. That theoretical government, whether it’s Treasury, Department of Biology framework then permitted detailed Home Office, or elsewhere, so the 1986 Elected a Fellow of the analyses of optimal control policies for advantage is that you really had an Royal Society particular infections, looked at what you extraordinary knowledge of cross- 1989–1993 Served as Director of should measure to understand these government activity at a point in time. the Wellcome Centre systems better, and the evolutionary and It was an unusual period because the for Parasite Infections ecological dynamics of these organisms. UK was very active in two theatres of (at Imperial) As an outcome of those two papers, a war, Afghanistan and Iraq, so a lot of book [Infectious Diseases of Humans: 1993 Moved to the University problems came up that had to be solved Dynamics and Control] was written and of Oxford where he quickly. So I think the first difference for became Head of the published in 1991, again in collaboration a research scientist is that you don’t have Department of Zoology with Bob May, which lays out the the luxury of time and reflection. and Linacre Chair of mathematical theory for the study of Problems had to be solved. Zoology infectious diseases. It’s a very large book The breadth of the problems was I’m afraid – one of these tomes you can 1993–2000 Served as Director of huge – molecular biology right through use to keep doors open! the Wellcome Centre for to the design of an aircraft – and the Epidemiology of therefore you had to use a network of Infectious Disease What do you enjoy about playing croquet? specialists in particular fields. I suppose (at Oxford) Sean Hughes (St Mary’s Hospital in some ways it’s similar to the role of Medical School 1965) 1998 Elected a Founding Rector because you’re dealing with a lot Fellow of the Academy of different problems in science, I like strategic games and croquet has of Medical Sciences engineering, business and medicine, so elements of both skill and strategy; as 2000 Returned to Imperial to you rely extensively on the specialist a schoolboy I enjoyed chess very much set up and lead the expertise of your colleagues. as well. Department of Infectious Universities are, of course, more The other reason is that during the Disease Epidemiology consensual in the sense that early part of my research career, I spent 2004 Acted as Chief Scientific consultation is absolutely essential. The the summers down at Silwood Park, Advisor to the Ministry of Ministry of Defence has a very which has a wonderful croquet lawn. I Defence on secondment hierarchical structure so if you said “Do used to play with Bob May, Mike Hassell, from Imperial until 2007 X”, on average everybody jumped and X Mick Crowley and John Lawton – a was done. Well, universities are not like collection of theoretical ecologists. 2006 Knighted in the Queen’s that, it’s more debate, discussion and We used to do a lot of academic work Birthday Honours list consensus development. actually on the croquet lawn, talking 2008 Became Rector of The second element is the educational through problems. But of course it Imperial College London m role. I do so like teaching, I always have was intensely competitive! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

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The Department of Earth Science and Engineering’s Professor Mark Sephton is one of the multinational team involved in ExoMars, a European-led exploration mission to Mars. He spoke to Imperial Matters about the prospect of finding life on Mars.

What is the remit of your research How do these two subjects overlap? indicators of what happened. We use as Professor of Organic Geochemistry Meteorites are left-over building blocks this understanding to help us locate and Meteoritics? from the early solar system that didn’t go where source rocks for petroleum have Organic geochemistry into making up planets. The most been deposited and to predict where looks at the chemistry primitive meteorites are carbonaceous else oil is in a reservoir system. of organic molecules in chondrites, which have up to about five We also look at biological evolution – rocks. In the same way per cent organic matter in them. They which organisms appeared at what time, that an ammonite or have all the compound classes that you and which organisms disappeared – bivalve fossil in the associate with life – amino acids, specifically extinction events. Consider geological record can carboxylic acids, nucleobases [the the Permian-Triassic, Triassic-Jurassic, be identified as having lived in a components of DNA] and sugar-type and Cretaceous-Tertiary extinctions particular environment in which certain compounds. So that’s where organic where you lost major percentages of rocks were created, as an organic geochemistry and meteoritics coincide, living species. The organic molecules geochemist, I can use molecular fossils in the study of these prebiotic organic that represent organisms just die out and to get at similar information. molecules preserved from shortly after are then replaced by new ones. By looking for these molecules in the birth of the solar system. Another example, is when you look at rocks it’s possible to identify, for a meteorite. You’ve got authentic, 4.6 example, an anoxic marine basin where What is the purpose of studying the billion-year-old organic matter, and it lots of organic matter was deposited or a chemistry of organic molecules found has all these compound class molecules tropical swamp where land plants have in asteroids and Earth’s rocks? that we see in living organisms. We’re accumulated and decomposed. It is effectively forensic science in a going to Mars in 2016, with the ExoMars Meteoritics also involves looking at geological context; we are going back in mission, to look for organic matter rocks but this time the samples are the geological record, trying to use the there. We might see some organic meteorites that have arrived from space. molecular remains of organisms as matter on the surface

Rinterviewed by Zoë Perkins ESA – AOES MEDIALAB

An artist’s impression of ExoMars descent module, which will be delivered LifeonMars to a specific location using an inflatable braking device or parachute system

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Life on Mars

which is non-life, having fallen on the oxidising nature of the Martian surface. well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, surface from meteorites, so we need to ExoMars has a drill, so it can drill down which are a sort of check, as non-biological be able to discriminate between this beneath the oxidising layers and has a organic matter has a lot of these. non-life organic matter and any living series of instruments so that if one There’s also something called a Life organic matter that may be present as detects life it can then be backed up by a Marker Chip (LMC), often called a well. The study of prebiotic organic second and third instrument. pregnancy test for life because it uses matter is very important if you want to This cross-checking nature gives the similar technology, which tells you about be able to conclusively recognise life. whole mission a high probability of a the type of life that’s present. So where So basically, if it’s organic, I do it. definite result. There won’t be too much UREY detects life, and confirms that it is debate when the data comes back – we’ll life and not non-biological organic What is the ExoMars mission? be able to say conclusively whether there matter, then the LMC would then tell ExoMars stands for exobiology [biology is life or not. you what sort of life it actually is, for outside Earth] on Mars; it’s a life detection example, bacterial, algal, or something a mission. It is the first flagship mission of little bit more ancient. the Aurora Programme, effectively the long-term vision of the European Space The launch is scheduled for 2016, Agency (ESA), which eventually intends to ESA – AOES MEDIALAB what are you currently working on send human beings to Mars. in preparation? The ESA is going to send a Rover We’re currently looking at the extraction which will try to understand the surface process, because you can have the most and the subsurface, and work out sensitive instruments in existence, but whether there’s any biology present, they’re no good if you can’t get the what the hazards are, and potential molecules out of the rock first. benefits of the Martian environment to We’re using a Sub Critical Water any sort of human mission. Once that’s Extractor, which is like an espresso successful then you start to think about machine. We heat water, but keep it in Mars sample return; the astronauts have its liquid form; when you change the said: ‘If you want to put a human being The ExoMars Rover will be temperature of the water, it changes the ESA’s field biologist on Mars on Mars and bring that human being type of molecules that it can dissolve. back, don’t you think you’d better try it At 100 degrees celsius you can take out first with a bit of rock?’ We can then go to How will you know if you’ve found life? your amino acids, but at 300 degrees human space exploration of Mars. All life as we know it is based on amino celsius you can start to take out your acids. Meteorites also have amino acids, hydrocarbons; so we can target specific What is your involvement with ExoMars? but because the organic matter in compound classes. There’s a great deal I was invited on to the team because of my meteorites is produced by non-biological of variability, and different methods work on meteorites. It’s a multinational reactions there are about 80 types of would be needed for different rock team, which needed someone who could amino acids, which are both left and right- types, so we need to understand all the recognise non-biological organic matter so handed in form [amino acids are chiral possibilities before we do it on Mars. we don’t get any false positives on Mars. molecules, which are not superimposable with their mirror image, so exist in both Why does it matter if we find life What is so significant about the left and right handed forms]. Life, on Mars? ExoMars mission? however, is very specific; it has only 20 To go to one planet and find life raises the People think that we keep sending types of amino acid, which are all left- possibility that life’s present elsewhere missions to Mars to look for life, but there handed. So if we go to Mars and find left- because you’ve got a 100 per cent success have been very few which are exobiology handed amino acids then we’ve found life. rate. It would mean that every time the missions. There were the two Viking Even if we find life on Mars, it’s possible right conditions and right chemicals are missions in 1976 and Beagle II, which that it originated from Earth and was in place, then life would spring up. didn’t make it to the surface successfully, transported to Mars, or conversely, it I think the possibility of life in the in 2003. The third is ExoMars. could have originated on Mars and been solar system is discussed so much that All the other missions that we keep transported to Earth, leading to us. people forget how absolutely unique the hearing about only support the idea of life However, if we find dominant right-handed detection of non-terrestrial life would on Mars. They talk about water being amino acids on Mars then we know that be, even if only the smallest bacteria. You essential for life, which is true, but they’re we’re looking at a separate origination can only do it once; as soon as someone’s not specifically life detection missions. event – life started on Mars on its own. found evidence of simple life on another The Viking instruments came across An instrument called UREY, for which I planet it will change the whole things which were unexplainable at the was nominated European team leader in philosophical, social, and ideological time, thought to be because of the highly 2007, will look for these amino acids, as landscape of science. m

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Innovating thesocial experience

The College’s newest entrepreneur on the block, Michael Birch, revealed the story behind internet success Bebo at the Alumni Reunion 2008.

Rby Liz Gregson

“The internet is just the best environment to succeed in for someone like me. If you’re from a science background, you can almost certainly be a coder and you can just be a one-man band. You can go from nothing, no financing, working from home or working part time in another job, and actually build something that’s successful.”

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Innovating the social experience

It might be surprising to discover that because we had no money to spend on themanwhotodayisoneofthebiggest marketing and there was no other way success stories of the internet fell into for us to build a big site. computing by accident, but as co-founder “A viral loop is created when a of the social networking site Bebo, member invites another to use the site, Michael Birch (Physics 1991) explains: who invites someone else, who invites “IleftImperialinayearthatwasalow someone else ad infinitum. There are for graduate employment opportunities many opportunities within the viral loop anditwasquitehardtogetajob.My where you can tune the user experience brother Paul, also an Imperial graduate, to attain a viral factor above one, which was working at an insurance company means that you have a site that is and told me about a job opportunity growing. From our first website in programming. onwards, I approached this in a very “I thought that’s probably one of scientific way, constantly analysing data the dullest things I can imagine: to find ways to increase the viral factor, programming’s for nerds, and insurance and I thank Imperial for that outlook.” is just boring. But Paul pointed out that Viral marketing has been a theme that Ididn’thaveajob,soIthought‘I’lldo has run through all of the websites that thisandkillabitoftime’.” the Birches have launched, and the post- To his amazement Michael found launch growth of Bebo suggests that they that not only did he enjoy programming, eventually cracked it. In fact Bebo was he also developed a fascination for not Michael and Xochi’s first foray into insurance. He continues: “I became social networking websites. In 2003, a really engaged with the computing side friend told Michael about a domain of it, building systems and analysing name, ringo.com, that was for sale on data from huge databases. At Imperial, eBay. A huge Beatles fan, and cognisant my physics degree often felt more like a of the potential of owning a generic but maths degree, but my job now involved identifiable domain name, Michael a lot of actuarial modelling and I found bought it and set about thinking of a all of the mathematics that I’d been direction in which he could take Ringo. studying useful.” The couple had by now relocated Eventually Michael quit and worked from the UK to Xochi’s home town of for a number of years as a freelance San Francisco and from here Michael contractor, pausing briefly to marry came across Friendster, one of the first Xochi, who he’d met at Imperial four years social networking sites to gain traction. earlier when she was on a student He says: “I spent about half an hour on exchange from the US. Then, as the the site, navigating around, and I became internet bubble began to inflate, he and totally engaged with it, I loved it. I Xochi followed Paul into an internet start- thought this is the future – social up. He reflects: “It was a high risk thing to networking – and I knew what I wanted do – there were very few success stories to do with Ringo. here at the time and we didn’t know what “To avoid copying Friendster too we were doing. We had a background in much, after half-an-hour browsing the programming and we’d been dealing in big site I decided that I wasn’t going to look database languages that didn’t work on at it again until I’d developed my own the web, but we thought we could work interpretation. I spent 13 days working this out one way or the other.” onRingoandIonlywentbackto From the very beginning, they Friendster before pushing the live believed that viral marketing, a term that button to check that I hadn’t missed enjoys common usage today but was a anything fundamental. I found that I relatively unchartered concept in the late hadn’t got ‘profile comments’, so I went 1990s, was vital to their strategy. Michael back, spent about an hour adding them, explains: “Viral marketing in internet and then went live.” terms is where you effectively try to grow The site did well, attracting 400,000 your site for free by getting your members within a short space of time, members to invite their friends. Part of making it the second biggest site in the

EMMA BOWKETT the reason we were so excited by it was US. It also succeeded in attracting the R

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Innovating the social experience EMMA BOWKETT EMMA BOWKETT

Delivering the keynote lecture Michael and brother Paul (right) join a at the Alumni Reunion 2008 reunion attendee aboard RCS mascot Jezebel

attentions of rival companies, who quickly know how big, and I had agreed to a non- to launching, and then we launched it put themselves forward as potential compete clause so I couldn’t jump as a full-on social network. The day buyers. Michael recalls: “I went to a small straight back in.” after we launched it, we had 6 million social networking conference, probably The day the clause expired, Michael page views, which stayed flat for about one of the first of its time, and two people and Xochi started to develop a new site. two months. Then the growth there offered to buy our company. Then Bebo was born. “Everyone thought we became exponential.” MySpace phoned the next day, so within a were totally crazy,” recalls Michael, “but By this time, Birthday Alarm, an week of going out into the world we had we did it because we thought we still earlier site, had become very profitable, three offers to buy our company.” knew more about viral marketing than enabling Michael and Xochi to inject cash Ringo was sold three months after other people. We switched our focus to into Bebo and hire staff. embarking on the initial development, engagement, determined to become As Bebo grew, the Birches built an bringing about a financial turning point good at building sites that people would innovative work space for their in the fortunes of the Birches’ internet spend a long time on each time they employees with significant space businesses. But the outcome was came, with a really high percentage of dedicated to a relaxed working bittersweet for Michael: “I had seller them coming back really often. environment and entertainment, remorse as soon as I’d sold it because “I spent about three months including a DJ booth and dance floor, then I watched social networking grow. I developing the site, the longest I’ve a pool table, table tennis, fuseball and knew it was going to be big, but I didn’t ever spent developing something prior air hockey.

Michael worked with brother Paul and details. Unfortunately only about 10 per The virtual road to Bebo wife Xochi to build several websites cent of people who you ask to do this before developing Bebo. Not the reciprocate, so you end up with an smoothest of paths – at one point Michael address book with only 10 per cent of your and Xochi found themselves £300,000 contacts in it, which is effectively useless.” down, with a twice re-mortgaged house and two small children – each site proved Babysitting Circle “When I was growing a vital step on the road to Bebo success. up, my parents were part of a babysitting circle in their local village, in which you Lemonlink ”Probably the worst name for babysat for other families and would a website ever. If it was for a website that receive tokens so that you could get linked lemon growers, it might be quite a babysitting hours back when you needed good name but it was nothing to do with them. We took this online, but the that. The concept was that you build an problem was that we couldn’t build viral address book on the web and you connect growth to it. We started spending money it with those of all your friends’ so you on advertising, the only time we ever did only ever have to update your own contact that, but it didn’t really work out.”

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Innovating the social experience

“Before we knew it,” Michael said, work with Charity Water, the US people wanting to do it.” “we had 100 million page views per day equivalent of Water Aid, to make their Michael cites his father, a qualified and we needed a couple of hundred website ‘more viral’ to increase botanist and self-employed agricultural servers to cope. We became the biggest awareness, engagement and support for consultant, as the principal source of social network in Ireland, the biggest in their cause. He has also worked with a inspiration for his own eventual path. New Zealand, and for a short period of television producer to launch a new site He explains: “My father wasn’t trying to time we were the biggest site in the UK called wordia.com, a visual dictionary. bearocketscientist,buthewasan by page view or time spent. We ended up Another project involves developing inventor and he’d always be coming up having the highest engagement of any an office space, similar to the original with very simple ideas.” social network.” Bebo office, in San Francisco whereby One of his father’s ideas was a new type Eventually an Irish, London-based desk space will be rented out by the of dental floss made from latex rubber venture capitalist caught sight, through month, at below-market rates, to small which he called Go Between. He sold it to his teenaged-daughter, of the success early-stage start-up companies. He Wisdom, who brought it to market and that Bebo was enjoying, and approached explains: “Early stage companies can Go Between was sold in chemists around Michael and Xochi with a view to come in, meet other companies, and be the country, initially building a loyal fan investing. In hindsight, this was the part of an environment that’s fun and base. Michael recalls: “I remember being beginning of the end for Michael’s creative. If they get bigger than four very excited as a child going into Boots involvement in Bebo. people, they’re obviously doing too well, and seeing my dad’s product on the shelf. He reflects: “It was an interesting and then they have to get their own office That was a great sense of reward for him, transition because we’d been going solo and pay market rates.” It is a plan that he and I was very proud of my father for for seven years, a long hard slog, but I may try to replicate in London, where having got to that stage.” came to realise that I enjoyed that more office space is four times more expensive. In the family home, Michael’s bedroom than I did when Bebo grew into a bigger He laments the lack of visible was next door to his father’s office and business with professional management, entrepreneurial success in the UK and is he overheard to numerous telephone a lot more process, and many more driven to improve the situation: “My conversations: “He would phone people meetings. I felt I’d done what I’d come to message to the UK start-ups is simple: to convince them that they should work do, and when AOL approached us, we go to the best maths and computing with his new idea; make it, sell it, stock it, started thinking maybe it’s a good time to departments at Imperial, Oxford and etc. I was amazed that he could just cold- sell, that people who were interested in Cambridge, and find the best students call people and try to convince them to buying now wouldn’t necessarily be in the and convince them that they should be do these things. It inspired me, and I future. I think we were right on that one!” joining you. Give them meaningful wanted to be like that.” m Michael recognises the beneficial equity, so that they can actually go along position in which the sale of Bebo has thatjourneywith you and succeed. R View the film of Michael’s full placed him and his family, giving them The view of entrepreneurshipsseems lecture and find out more about the the financial freedom to focus on to be changing, and I know that Imperial Alumni Reunion 2009 at whatever they desire. And for Michael has one of the biggest entrepreneurial www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/events. that means a return to coding, including culturesintheUK,sotherearealotof

Friendly Wills “Next I worked with a viral, because the first thing that you do if Ringo “We bought ringo.com for $1,500 lawyer to produce an online will-writing you want to be reminded of all your friends’ on eBay, which is incredibly cheap for a service. It was very simple – you’d go on birthdays is find out when they are. When domain name as good as that. We had to the site, and there’d be different steps people respond, you get the opportunity no idea what we were going to use it of the process, and then at the end, to sign up more site registrations. for; we just thought this is a really cool you’d have a will which we would mail to “We came up with an idea that you name. I like generic names because you. It didn’t actually do badly. see on sites a lot now, to import people’s you can use them to take your business We were charging about £30 per will, contacts for them by logging into the in any direction that you want to. and we were advertising on Google. I member’s email account, navigating to We decided on social networking and think for every £15 we spent, we got the address book and extracting all of the after programming for 13 days, we about £30 income, so we were making a addresses. It makes it very easy to invite launched the site, seeding it by sending profit, although a rate of £30 a day was great numbers of friends in one go. Prior an email out to about 3 million Birthday never going to cover our running costs.” to introducing the functionality, we were Alarm members, gaining about 400,000 getting about 10,000 members a day, and members over three months. At the time, Birthday Alarm “Birthday Alarm, which we about 10 times that rate when we in the early infancy of social networking still own, sends you an email when it’s one launched it. The peak for the site was sites, we were the second in size only of your friends’ birthdays. It is inherently about 250,000 members a day.” to Friendster.”

Imperial Matters 25 IM_p22-44:Layout 1 25/2/09 13:55 Page 26

Award-winning programmes

The Imperial College London Graduate Schools are working increasingly with the College’s alumni to inspire, inform and motivate current Imperial PhD and MD(Res) students through their transferable skills training programme.

Rby Caroline Hargreaves and Liz Gregson

The transferable skills training the viva voce examination, self-awareness, I am today. I tried to engage them by programme has twice been awarded the career options, networking skills, encouraging them to talk about what they Times Higher Education (THE) Award for leadership and entrepreneurship. are doing and how they’ve been coping Outstanding Support for Early Careers The full success of the course relies with their PhDs.” Researchers for the Finish Up, Move On on the generous efforts of the College’s According to Markus, finishing the (FUMO) course in 2008 and, in 2006, alumni, who are called upon to lead PhD is one of the hardest aspects of for the Research Skills Development discussion groups enabling students to studying for a PhD, so this was what he (RSD) course. gain beneficial insight into possible chose to focus on with his group. He FUMO is an innovative two-day careers. These sessions finish with an commented: “It can be a very difficult course for late stage PhD students. It informal networking reception, which period, especially when you are just provides specific skills development and provides the students with a chance to about to write up and you’re wondering guidance for students who are about to meet the speakers. ‘is the thing that I’ve just spent three complete and helps them to face the Dr Markus Huebscher (PhD years doing worth anything?’ I think post-PhD transition, be that into further Computing 2005), a mobile software one of their major concerns is the viva. research, a move into industry or engineer at Google, is an alumnus who The students are not quite sure what it’s something altogether different. volunteered at the course at the end of going to be like.” The key motivator for FUMO was the November 2008. He explained: “I worked Bea Choi, a PhD student from the “schism between what employers think on a very personal level with a small Faculty of Medicine, attended the PhDs bring and the skills they actually group of students and talked to them course in 2008. She said: “The FUMO have but are unable to communicate with about how I got from Imperial to where course is very insightful, for both those employers”, which was highlighted by choosing to stay in academia as well as Janet Metcalfe, Head of Vitae and a judge those leaving it. It is informative, at the 2008 THE Awards, in an article for practical and fun. Everyone was very THE in January 2007. The course was approachable and very generous with developed based on surveys of employer their time, which helps in getting the perceptions and in consultation with most out of the course. I thoroughly Imperial’s Careers Service and the enjoyed myself and would recommend Business Development team. Students this course to all PhD students.” work in teams to carry out activities and The THE Award is presented to the FUMO is funded by ‘Roberts money’, sessions on writing a thesis, preparing for Directors of the Graduate Schools a funding stream that was set up

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Award-winning programmes

following the Roberts Review in 2002 to with a deeper understanding of their alumni who attend part of the course, support skills training and career own career goals, much better able to giving students an invaluable insight into development for PhD students and early clearly articulate their potential choices made by recent PhD graduates.” career research staff. The course contribution to prospective employers. Catching up with Markus at the end of develops personal effectiveness, career Elaine Walsh, FUMO Course Director, the first day of the course, he concluded: management and skills associated with said: “After the first pilot in 2006, we “A lot of these students feel like they are communicating, networking and team worked closely with colleagues and alumni in a very uncertain position because working. Feedback received indicates to develop the course to its current form. they’re not quite sure what is going to that the topics covered work effectively Our participants are very busy with their happen to them. I’ve been through that to equip participants with the skills to research, so we pack as many valuable so it’s nice to be able to reassure them finish up their PhDs successfully and elements as possible into two days.” about what’s going to come, and the move on to the next stage of their careers She added: “We are grateful to the fact that they have a lot of potential.” m

If you would be willing to come along to future FUMO courses to speak informally to participants, the Graduate Schools would love to hear from you. Alumni who R If you would like to register your have taken part previously have enjoyed the experience and the PhD students are interest in attending, please email always appreciative of those who make time to come. Dr Caroline Hargreaves in the They are specifically looking for graduates who completed their PhDs at Graduate Schools Imperial, and who have a few years’ work experience. Participation involves ([email protected]) leading an informal 45-minute question and answer session with a group of around with details of: 12 students, in which you would talk to them about your career since leaving your name university, answer questions and give informal advice. You are then invited to a your degree (department and year) drinks and networking reception with the other course participants from your current career 17.00–18.30. No preparation is required.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR alongside increasing their awareness of There are plans to run the course other cultures and their understanding again in 2009 in Singapore and to and interest in international develop a similar course in Hong Kong. collaborations. Sessions on networking, We would be interested in hearing entrepreneurship and international from alumni from those areas who collaboration, and a careers insight would be willing to come along and evening, were led by alumni and guest speak to participants: speakers from collaborating • PhD alumni with experience in organisations, enabling the students to entrepreneurial activities, networking, meet successful alumni and guest academia and international academic speakers working in academia, industry collaboration to take part in an Graduate School programmes and the public sector in Asia. interactive presentation session; in Asia Teo Swee Lian (Mathematics 1981), • PhD alumni willing to lead a The Research Skills Development course Deputy Managing Director (Prudential 45-minute session with a small has been running in the UK for pre- Supervision) for the Monetary Authority group of students and talk to them transfer PhD students since 2004 and the of Singapore, was a speaker at the about their careers since leaving first international version was held in careers insight evening. She says: “I was university, answer questions and Singapore in September 2008. Organised happy to help out as I have very fond give informal advice. by Imperial’s International Office and the memories of my time at Imperial. I also Graduate Schools in collaboration with wanted to communicate that there are a R Graduate School programmes Nanyang Technological University (NTU), multitude of roles in the financial in Asia the course was attended by 44 students industry, such as risk management or To register you interest, please email from Imperial College London, A*Star, formulating regulatory policies to Jen Martin in the International Office National University of Singapore and NTU. safeguard the financial system, which are ([email protected]) with: The usual three-day course was for the betterment of the economy and your name extended to five days, supplemented by society, and that young people with good your degree (department and year) additional sessions allowing participants analytical and quantitative skills can your current career to develop their research skills, enjoy fulfilling careers in these fields.”

Imperial Matters 27 ImperialMatters33_online1 4/3/09 16:35 Page 2

Hands on Professor Stephen Richardson speaks about settling into his new role as Principal of the Faculty of Engineering, which he took up in September 2008.

Rby Emily Ross

“You could say engineering is in my College that today spans 37 years. He also do them myself, in some measure. blood,” muses Professor Stephen studied for his BSc and PhD in the For example: I still teach, I do admin, I do Richardson. “When I was young I often Department of Chemical Engineering, and consultancy work and I still conduct visited my grandfather’s workplace, the after a brief spell at Cambridge he returned some research. A balanced diet is what silk printing works belonging to the in 1978 to take up a position as lecturer. you need in this job.” London department store Liberty’s – he Over the years Professor Richardson Professor Richardson’s principal was a trained mechanical engineer and has progressed to senior management research interest is safety, specifically was the first to introduce me to the level roles: from Director of the depressurisation of vessels and workings of huge machines.” Undergraduate Studies in 1995, to Head pipelines, particularly those associated While his passion for engineering of the Department of Chemical with oil and gas production, and began at a young age – his parents enjoy Engineering, and now his current role development of the computer program relating how he unscrewed all the screws as Faculty Principal which he took on BLOWDOWN, which has since been from his playpen and escaped – his last September. used in the design of over 300 decision to study chemical engineering He describes his style of leadership: installations worldwide. was inspired by a Professor of Chemical “My aim is to lead by example, so if I He describes his new role as a huge Engineering at Imperial who was a friend expect other people to do things I should learning curve, but says he is excited of his mother. The professor introduced him to the world of chemical engineering “My aim is to lead by example, so if I expect other people to do things I and suggested it might be something he should also do them myself, in some measure. For example: I still teach, would like to pursue. This suggestion led Professor I do admin, I do consultancy work and I still conduct some research. Richardson to an association with the A balanced diet is what you need in this job.”

Imperial Matters ImperialMatters33_online1 4/3/09 16:35 Page 3

Hands on

“There are still some research projects which are just Chemical Engineering or just Engineering but they are increasingly few. However, if you are not absolutely fantastic at your core subject then being multidisciplinary won’t help you – you have to maintain your expertise.”

Professor Richardson leading a first year class in engineering desgn

about being head of a Faculty in which 79 “There are still some research projects Professor Richardson says that per cent of the research has been rated as which are just chemical engineering or biomedical, biochemical and ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally just engineering but they are bioelectrical engineering research are excellent’ in the 2008 Research increasingly few. However, if you are all set to grow. He also talks about Assessment Exercise. not absolutely fantastic at your core developing the Faculty’s nuclear However, he says there’s no time for subject then being multidisciplinary research. He says: “If the UK does complacency: “When you are at the top won’t help you – you have to maintain decide to invest in nuclear energy then there are only two places to go – either your expertise.” this will be a massive opportunity for stay the same or go down. With the Professor Richardson is particularly us. We have real expertise here.” economic circumstances we need to excited about ‘urban energy’ – a While the economic downturn is keep on our toes.” collaboration between the Faculties of worrying for everyone at the College, Professor Richardson is a keen teacher Engineering and Natural Sciences Professor Richardson is optimistic about and is fondly described by his students as looking at smarter ways of running cities the future for engineering graduates. He the ‘machine-gun’ – a nickname he gained in terms of energy, the environment and says: “While opportunities in the City because when he gets excited about a economics. He also highlights robotic will be smaller there are still lots of subject he talks quickly. Despite his surgery – the high profile collaboration options. I want to see our students go on natural speed he is a firm believer in good between the Department of Computing to be CEOs of companies, school science communication and is not in and the Faculty of Medicine fronted by teachers inspiring more kids to do favour of bamboozling his students. Lord Darzi – as a key research area of engineering, and chief engineers on When asked where the Faculty is the moment. major projects – graduates at Imperial going, Professor Richardson points to a Bio-research is another field which is still have the very real opportunity to lot of multidisciplinary research: likely to expand over the next five years. make a difference.” m

Imperial Matters ImperialMatters33_online2 4/3/09 16:43 Page 2

Around 200 members of Imperial staff with an interest in teaching and learning came together for the College’s first Education Day in December 2008.

Rby Emily Ross and Naomi Weston Innovative teaching Students using an operation simulator to practice keyhole surgery

The College’s first Education Day was scientists and the media and how this innovative methods to inspire students, developed by the Pro Rector for Education, can be both useful in order to get in his speech on Education Day, the Julia Buckingham, and the Centre for messages out to the public as well as Rector also highlighted the Teaching Educational Development (CED). A series detrimental as a result of misleading Excellence Awards presented on 24 of lectures took place throughout the headlines and inaccurate reporting. November 2008. He said: “I was afternoon, given by Imperial academics Using video clips from his BBC1 series privileged to present 14 awards for who spoke of different teaching methods Child of Our Time he showed how devices excellence in teaching to academics from they have adopted. Subjects included the such as case studies can be useful tools all of the College’s faculties. It was use of simulation in teaching medicine and for the effective communication of wonderful to highlight the inventiveness the EnVision programme which fosters complicated scientific processes. and dedication of those involved in initiatives in engineering education. In addition to the lectures, over 30 learning and teaching. The awards clearly Speaking on the day, Rector Sir Roy posters were on display at the event illustrated the link between excellence in Anderson noted that while Imperial is illustrating many of the different initiatives teaching and excellence in research. known for being a research intensive that departments and academics have Students here thrive in a challenging, university, staff shouldn’t forget that the introduced to their courses. Among the research-driven environment.” College is equally excellent at teaching. He varying teaching methods presented was said: “I hope we will continue to do more a clinical e-learning programme with e- to stimulate creativity in education”. lectures, video podcasts and online R Read abstracts of all posters Robert Winston, Professor of Science quizzes enabling students to identify displayed at Education Day 2008 at and Society, also spoke about the gaps in their knowledge. www.imperial.ac.uk/edudev/ challenges of communicating science. Demonstrating that there is cedevents/educationday. He discussed the relationship between commitment across the College to using

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Innovative teaching

Interview with Pro Rector for different disciplines – for example Education Julia Buckingham teaching clinical skills to medical about Education Day students and physics to first year RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR undergraduates. This was an opportunity to learn from each other and to share Why are teaching and learning so best practice. important for Imperial? We have an incredibly important role in What is the value of innovative educating the next generation. Great approaches to teaching? teaching and great research go hand-in- There is no doubt that students’ hand. I suspect that if any of our approaches to learning have changed academics were asked what inspired over the years. We too must move with them to become scientists, most of them the times, be open to testing and would pinpoint a teacher who enthused evaluating new methodologies and them and drew them into their area of Why did you decide to hold taking advantage of new technologies. I expertise. Of course, many of our Education Day? don’t think that e-learning will ever be a students will not pursue careers in substitute for face-to-face teaching but it There are lots of opportunities to discuss science, but whatever they choose to do, is a very powerful tool and has enormous education within the various College they will have had the excitement of potential for further development. learning about cutting edge science and committees, for example, I chair the College’s Strategic Education being taught by some of the world’s What was the purpose of the Committee which is responsible for leading scientists – and a research-led poster presentations? education is something that stays with developing our educational strategy. you for life, not just for Christmas! However there is no forum outside the We felt it was particularly important to committee structure for academics and encourage informal discussions during Who inspired you as a student? others who work with students to the coffee breaks, and the posters, discuss teaching and related issues with created by staff who had been awarded That is difficult, there were quite a few, colleagues from other disciplines in the teaching grants, provided a fantastic but if I had to select just one, it would be way there is for research. I thought a focus for discussion and debate. On the my tutor in Sheffield, Iain Chester-Jones. symposium would provide this platform. day the atmosphere around the posters He was an amazing scientist and teacher was delightful—the noise levels – I always remember him telling me What were the aims of the day? reflected the enthusiasm. about his first ‘big discovery’ and how To discuss strategic issues and excited he was about it; I found that very Is there going to be another innovative approaches to teaching. We inspirational. His tutorials were a bit Education Day? chaotic sometimes but were always started with strategic issues; how to challenging and fun – above all they select the best students, and the Absolutely! We want it to become an opened up a whole new field of biology importance of communicating science annual event and from the feedback we for me and had a very big influence on effectively to the public. Then we heard have had from across the College and the my future career. about some of the challenges faced by Rector, there is a lot of support for it. m

Undergraduate physics students using clickers to take part in an interactive lecture

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Stay connected

On the pages that follow, we are pleased to bring you news new member of the team in November 2008. Birgitta Hall about two new on-campus benefits that we have recently joined us from Community Service Volunteers, and her work introduced. Alumni are now entitled to significant discounts at Imperial College will focus on supporting the alumni at Imperial’s Sports Centre, Ethos, and on professional short relations activities of those of you who live overseas, including courses given by Imperial’s Centre the work of our many international for Professional Development. alumni groups, whose recent news AttheendoftheUKand you can read about on pages 34–36. international pages you will find a Birgitta, pictured standing on the left, calendar of forthcoming events which looks forward to meeting many of you are either being specifically organised in the coming months. or which alumni are welcome to Itwouldbegreattohearfromyou attend – a useful tool for diary if you have any questions or planning over the coming months. suggestions about alumni relations Youmaywishtotakenoteofthedate activities. You can get in touch with of this year’s annual alumni reunion, usbyemailat particularly if you graduated in a year [email protected] or by calling ending in a nine. Watch out for +44 (0)20 7594 6138. further information in the spring. We were pleased to welcome a Alumni Relations team

Professional rejuvenation

Even a seasoned professional needs to professionals, given by leading subjects as diverse as fuel cells, climate keep up to date with the latest authorities from both within and change, medical ethics and mining for developments and advances in the outside the College. Formerly known as bankers. Upon completion, participants workplace, and for professionals the Centre for Continuing Education, it are awarded a Certificate of Attendance working in science, technology, was established in 1987 to provide a and, for some of the courses, healthcare and management, Imperial’s focus for the College in addressing the participation is also recognised by the Centre for Professional Development educational needs of professionals in Institution of Mechanical Engineers, could be just the job. What’s more, as an the most recent research. Since then Institution of Civil Engineers, British Imperial alumnus, you can benefit from a the centre has expanded and, alongside Computer Society and the Continuing 10 per cent discount on the cost of all professional courses in science, Medical Education Scheme run by the courses offered. engineering and medicine, today it also Royal College of Physicians. The centre delivers a diverse range offers professional training in For a full list of courses and details of intensive short courses for marketing, financial administration about how to register, visit and management. www.imperial.ac.uk/cpd. You will Most courses last from three to five need to quote your alumni membership days, although some continue for a number to claim your 10 per cent number of weeks and others are alumni discount. If you do not know provided on a modular basis, over several this, you can find it on the data carrier months. The majority are delivered at that was posted with this magazine or, if the South Kensington Campus. Every you no longer have the carrier, please year over 50 courses are presented, and contact the Alumni Relations team on the portfolio regularly evolves to ensure +44 (0)20 7594 6138 or at that it is keeps pace with the latest and [email protected], giving your most innovative industry developments. full name, date of birth, degree details Currently courses are offered across a and residential postcode. broad range of disciplines including

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services alumni An email for life

Did you know that, as an Imperial forwarded on to. You can amend the alumnus, you are entitled to register for forwarding address at any time, so if you an Imperial College London email move jobs or change email provider you forwarding address? The service can continue to use your Imperial redirects emails sent to your forwarding address uninterrupted. You can also address to any other email address that disable the service here too. you specify and is one of the ways that If you haven’t yet registered for your Imperial can help you to keep in contact Interactive Alumni Services account, you with your former classmates and College can do so by visiting the Registration page Sporting friends, as well as with Imperial itself. on the alumni website: There are many advantages to signing www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/register. up for an Imperial email forwarding Here you will be asked for a few details chance address, not least because it makes you which will enable our database to Ifitisawhilesinceyoubidfarewellto instantly identifiable as an Imperial recognise you as an alumnus, your student days at Imperial, you may graduate to potential employers, including your alumni be unaware of the College’s recently colleagues and other business membership number refurbished sports centre, Ethos, which contacts. In addition, the fact that which can be found on the opened its doors in January 2006 and it is a forwarding address means data carrier that was posted boasts a number of state-of-the-art that you have one less email to you with this issue of facilities, including an exercise studio, account to check and maintain. Imperial Matters. If you no 25 metre pool and 75-station gym. A forwarding address also longer have the carrier, Membership of Ethos is available to enables continuity of email please contact the Alumni individuals external to the College. So if contact, meaning that, Relations team on +44 (0)20 you live or work in the South Kensington particularly if you are a recent 7594 6138 or at area, Ethos could be just the ticket for graduate, you can publish the [email protected], keeping fit and healthy. email forwarding address on giving your full name, date of The types of private memberships on research papers, business cards and birth, degree details and offer are off-peak, weekend and summer, curricula vitae in the knowledge that the residential postcode. meaning that private members can make address will not change, even if, at some From 2006, students enrolling at the use of facilities within the centre at times point in the future, your job or personal College have been given an email address when fewer students and staff will be email provider does. As long as you in the same format that is used by the using them. As an alumnus of the remember to link the forwarding address email forwarding service, which means College, there are also significant to your new email address, you will they can keep the same contact email discounts available to you if you take out continue to receive messages as normal. when they leave Imperial, when the off-peak or weekend memberships: £500 Signing up for a forwarding address address will turn into a forwarding per annum rather than £600 and £350 also makes it easier for the College to address after six months. However, with per annum rather than £450 respectively. remain in touch with you and vice versa. over 7,500 recent and not so recent Life memberships, which offer unlimited Not only that, but, because the alumni already using the email use of all of the centre’s facilities, can forwarding address takes on a common forwarding service, we hope that alumni also be purchased. format (firstname.lastname@imperial.ac.uk), the system also their forwarding addresses and that the sauna and steam room, badminton and enables you to predict the forwarding number of forwarding addresses in use squash courts, massage capsules and addresses of your former classmates and comprehensive sports injury treatment Imperial friends. services. The centre also boasts a 9 metre It couldn’t be easier to enable your climbing wall, complete with overhangs Imperial email forwarding address. and a small chimney section. For avid Simply log into your Interactive Alumni climbers, the centre also offers a Services account, navigate to the climbing only membership. Interactive section, and click on the You can find more about Ethos and ‘email forwarding’ link in the right hand the memberships available to alumni at menu. Here you will be asked to specify www.imperial.ac.uk/ethos, or by the email address (e.g. yahoo, hotmail) emailing [email protected], or you would like email messages to be calling +44 (0)20 7594 6660.

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alumni uk

Engineering a network Sixty companies and 1,500 students took part in a successful engineering careers fair on 23 October 2008, which was followed by a networking reception for engineering alumni and students. Alumni heard from the new Principal of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Stephen Richardson (pictured above), for the first time since he had taken up the post the previous month. Professor Richardson, who is also an alumnus of Imperial’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, gave a brief address about recent changes in the Faculty, which was followed by an evening of networking. Over 100 students joined the reception to learn from alumni about their career experiences and to make valuable networks, while it gave alumni the opportunity to connect with the current Welcome to our new alumni student body. Feedback from both students and alumni was very positive, Imperial College London’s undergraduates to do so since the and included some great ideas for making Commemoration Day ceremonies, held College become an independent the event even better next year! in the Royal Albert Hall in October university in July 2007. The event was hosted by the 2008, saw the graduation of over 2,100 Congratulating the graduands, Engineering Chapter, and generously undergraduate students, making these Imperial’s Rector Sir Roy Anderson supported by npower and the City and the largest graduation ceremonies that (pictured above right) urged them to use Guilds College Association. Imperial has ever held. More than 1,100 their skills and knowledge to address the graduated with an Imperial College world’s most pressing challenges, most London degree, becoming the first notably climate change and international financial stability. “The world that you have inherited will present your generation with major challenges. You in this hall today are the members of that generation who are well-placed to confront and overcome them,” he said. Sir Roy also outlined the major issues facing the College, including the challenge of identifying the best applicants amidst an increasing number with top grades and whether to develop Imperial’s ‘footprints’ overseas. This year’s Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to fourth year medical student Sukhpreet Dubb for his commitment to widening access to Imperial and its medical school.

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uk alumni

Mixing chemicals 40 years on ICSM Alumni going from strength to strength The inaugural Imperial College School of Medicine (ICSM) Alumni AGM was held on 18 September 2008. As well as looking back at the previous academic year, the group discussed key elements of the organisation that it will take forward in 2008–09. The class of 2008 joined ICSM Alumni in record numbers; now armed with a strategy, we should see the group go from strength to strength. Najette Ayadi O’Donnell, Vice President (Alumni and Careers) of the September 2008 marked 40 years since follow up with email was unheard of when Imperial College School of Medicine the Chemical Engineering class of 1971 we began at the College.” Students’ Union, would like to hear began their undergraduate degrees at Thirty-six of the classmates and their what former St Mary’s, Charing Cross, Imperial in 1968. partners from as far afield as New Westminster and ICSM alumni are up The group met in the Department of Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the USA to, and is especially keen to hear from Chemical Engineering and Chemical and France returned to the College in anyone willing to write for the ICSM Technology, which provided a perfect September, and were joined by several of Gazette. You can contact Najette at venue for them to reacquaint themselves their lecturers. [email protected]. with their fellow classmates, acknowledge Following an afternoon in the long-standing friendships and enjoy being Department of Chemical Engineering together once again on old turf. For many and Chemical Technology and a

returning, this reunion marked their first champagne reception, the group JAN CHLEBIK visit back to the College since graduating. adjourned to the Polish Club on Of the 65 students who began the Exhibition Road for a lengthy and course, 53 were located. Terry Knott, who, enjoyable dinner. Discussions turned to along with colleagues Martin Braithwaite, careers and while many of the group still Martin Davies, Rob Holton, Roger practise as chemical engineers, it was Wiltshire and Tony Wragg (all Chemical discovered the spread of careers across Engineering 1971), organised the event, the class of 1971 includes distinguished said: “We could not have achieved this academics, accountants, authors, success rate without the aid of technology. doctors, photographers, stockbrokers Being able to search the internet and andevenaknightoftherealm!

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Elegant RSMA annual dinner An annual event since 1873, the Royal School of Mines Association’s Annual Dinner was originally named the RSM Old Students’ Dining Club. There was a return to elegance for November’s dinner with a black tie dress code for the event, which was held in the ballroom of Exhibition Road’s Polish Club, Ognisko. Alumni sponsorship subsidised the cost of student tickets, both from those attending as well as those that were unable to join the group. Alumni, guests and students alike enjoyed the evening, which included a very entertaining talk given by guest speaker Mark Burridge (Geology 1990), Chief Executive Officer of Cambrian Mining.

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alumni uk

Walking in a winter wonderland RCSA celebrates 100 years On 9 December 2008, 100 years to the day after the Royal College of Science Association’s founding dinner, the association’s current members met at the same venue, the Criterion on Piccadilly, to mark the occasion. “Unfortunately even with the benefit of his time machine, H.G. Wells was not able to attend on this occasion,” said committee member David Legg (Physics 1979) of the first RCSA President. Each diner was presented with a personalised commemorative “O little town of Bethlehem, how still we David’s City, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, booklet prepared with the assistance see thee lie!” rang out from the South and OComeAllYeFaithful. Over 150 of Anne Barrett from the College’s Kensington Campus on 11 December 2008 alumni and their guests joined in the Archives, which included not only the as alumni and their guests were led in song sing-along, while enjoying mulled wine, evening’s menu but also that for by the Imperial College Chamber Choir. mince pies and other festive treats. the dinner exactly 100 years earlier The Main Dining Hall was The Imperial College Chamber Choir and the papers for the inaugural transformed into a winter wonderland, is a small auditioned group of singers, meetings of the association. complete with a beautifully decorated who sing a broad range of repertoire The dinner also marked the Christmas tree, for the event. from Renaissance to the Swingle Singers, inauguration of the RCSA centenary The choir, directed by Jessica and perform three concerts annually as three-handled pot, which was Gillingwater (Biochemistry 2007), sang a well as participating in many smaller charged by John Sanderson (Physics range of carols including Once in Royal events such as the annual carol service. 1962), President of the RCSA. The pot will be presented to the Royal College of Science Union.

Each year, the Friends of Imperial College run a packed programme of lectures and behind-the-scenes events, with the aim of enabling the public, alumni, supporters and local people to have access to the very latest developments at the College, in terms that a non-specialist can understand. In a bid to make their events more accessible to even more people, the Friends have begun to record their lectures which can be accessed from their website at www.friendsofimperial.org.uk. In the past events section of the website, you will already find two lectures: The eleven dimensions of the unifying theory delivered by Professor Michael Duff, Abdus Salam Chair of Theoretical Physics, and TheecocitiesofChina-cantheyteach

us a lesson? given by Peter Head (Civil Engineering 1969), Director of Arup. Current president and past president,

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uk alumniuk alumni

Three decades and four Rectors Held in the Council Room at 170 Queen’s Gate, the City and Guilds College Association Christmas Luncheon once again drew a capacity attendance. Professor Dame Julia Higgins, CGCA John Sanderson presents Daniel President 2008–09, extended a warm welcome to Burrows with his prize the members and guests attending, including the guest of honour Professor Stephen Richardson, In recognition of Principal of the Faculty of Engineering. The company then heard Dame Julia talk on achievement the subject of Three decades and four Rectors – Many of the College’s groups and Outside 170 Queen’s Gate My 32 years at Imperial College. She gave an associations award prizes in recognition insight into her long and varied career at of the academic achievements and Imperial, and particularly into the way that the engineering disciplines have contributions made by students here. interacted with other parts of the College during this period. Since July 2008, the following prizes All of this was followed by a sherry reception, a traditional Christmas lunch and have been awarded: mince pies. Conducted in the style and tradition for which 170 Queen’s Gate is The Peter Harding Memorial Award known, the lunch was conducive to festive discussion and seasonal cheer. 2008, for demonstrating sustained commitment and outstanding ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// contribution to the Royal School of Mines and Imperial College communities, was Finding the way forward awarded posthumously to Bill Harman. Bill, who died in August 2008, was a Paul Holmes (Mineral Resource technician in the Department of Mining, Engineering 1994), RSMA Honorary later the Department of Mineral Secretary, said: “The most telling fact was Resources Engineering, for over 40 years, that alumni commented that they didn’t as well as a member of the Chaps Club. know the purpose of the association, The prize of £150 is to be donated to Great despite the RSM constitution having Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. stood the test of time. Daniel Burrows, a fourth year physics “It’s clear that the RSMA committee student, was presented with the Royal has fallen short in communicating with College of Science Prize by President alumni how it works towards the John Sanderson following the After the Royal School of Mines constitution’s objectives and how it Commemoration Day ceremonies. Association AGM in the summer of 2008, stays relevant to alumni, and the The Charing Cross and Westminster John Sharpley (Geology 1953), RSMA undergraduates that still join the RSM Alumnus Society Prize in General President 1986–87, handed the current and graduate with an ARSM Practice was awarded to Charlotte Burns President, Kurt Budge (Mineral (Associateship of the Royal School of (Medicine 2008) on the basis of her work Resources Engineering 1992), a copy of Mines). This we intend to change with in the field and her finals result. his message from the annual journal of your engagement and financial support, /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// that year. Surprisingly very little has enabling the Committee to harness the R A calendar of events taking place changed during the intervening 20 years; resources it needs to serve RSMA in both the UK and overseas in the John’s call for alumni to join the members and students, and act upon next six months can be found on association and engage with it back then, the findings of our recent survey.” page 37 of Imperial Matters. is still being made today. Further details of the RSMA survey Inthelastissueof Imperial Matters, were included in issue nine of Imperial we brought you details of the RSMA Engineer, the magazine for members of R If you would like more information survey that was being conducted to look the City and Guilds College Association about joining one of Imperial’s UK at the best way for the association to and the Royal School of Mines alumni groups, please visit serve its members, and an Association. For more information visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/groups, overwhelming 850 RSM alumni (not all www.imperial.ac.uk/engineering/about email [email protected] members) responded. /alumni/imperialengineer. or call +44 (0)20 7594 6130.

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alumni international

Promoting London science in China An event in Beijing organised by the London Mayor’s Office and London Development Agency gave an Imperial alumnus the opportunity to talk about the collaborative opportunities that the 2012 Olympic Games could offer to London and China. The London Science in the City Forum took place during the second week of the 2008 Games, and Henry Wang (MSc Chemical Engineering 1977) was invited to speak on the subject of skills and talent for London’s science base. The forum focused on how London’s science base will contribute towards the Olympics in 2012, and how to instill greater collaboration between the UK and China, including between universities that undertake research into sports science and biomedicine, and who work directly Imperial College Asia Forum 2009 with sports professionals.

Alumni and guests are invited to take of Imperial academics, including Sir Roy part in the College’s first Asia Forum, Anderson, distinguished alumni from ¡Hola, alumni in Spain! celebrating the College’s strong links the region, and representatives from Mahesh Mahbubani (Electrical and within the region. With a theme of Tokyo University. Electronic Engineering 1995) is Twenty-first century city – infrastructure The programme will include seeking to establish an alumni group and sustainable urban living, the forum discussions around a wide range of in Spain. Other alumni in Spain will take place in Tokyo on 23 May 2009. topics, including energy, urban wishing to become involved in The forum, organised in association development, finance and health. developing activities can contact with the South Kensington Kai To receive details on how to book Mr Mahbubani through the Alumni (Imperial’s Alumni Association in Japan) for this event, contact the Alumni Relations team at alumni- and Tokyo University, will draw upon Relations team at alumni- [email protected]. the breadth of experience and knowledge [email protected].

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international alumni

Sampling the tastes of Heidelberg Committee The Imperial College Club of Germany’s innovate with bio-wines to keep ahead changes Annual General Meeting took place on 13 of the market. The following day the September 2008 in Heidelberg. group was taken on a guided walk Dariusch Khanzadeh of Siemens AG through the Heidelberger Schloss opened the meeting with a topical providing a perfect end to a presentation about the current successful event. economic crisis facing Europe. His presentation was followed by Niklaus Weissenstein (Mathematics 2004) from Accenture who spoke about IT frameworks which will ensure future competitiveness. There have been various committee Following the conclusion of the member changes within the meeting, guests visited Weingut international alumni associations Clauer to participate in the local over the past few months. Weinfest. Mr Clauer took the group on a tour of his vineyards and cellars Fabien Schmitt (Mechanical Engineering 2000) was elected as where he emphasised the need to At Weingut Clauer new president of the Imperial RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR College Alumni Association of Northern California. Mary Goodman (Aeronautics 1960) and Scott Lieberman (Aeronautics 2001) were also elected to the committee. In Singapore, Tan Hang Cheong (Computing and Control 1978), Lee Yew Wei (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2005) and Yap Tiong Peng (MSc Bioengineering 2003) joined the alumni association’s executive committee, while several alumni stepped down. The association would like to express its appreciation to Oh Lock Soon (MSc Civil Engineering 1993), Dinner in honour of Professor Mary Ritter Dennis Ling (Business School 2003) and Han Neng Hsiu (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2003) for Singapore events their excellent services to the With numerous events taking place over Nanyang Technological University, association. Thanks also go to the past months, members of the Imperial where they shared career insights with Professor Wong Limsoon College Alumni Association of Singapore students. Later in the month, alumnus (Computing 1998) and Timothy Toh have been spoiled for choice. After a Ku Swee Yong (Chemistry 1994) hosted (Mechanical Engineering 1994, MSc breakfast event with visiting alumnus anMBAtalkonthestateofthe 1995) for their contribution as Syamal Gupta (DIC Mechanical residential market in Singapore. Honorary Auditors. Engineering 1965), Chairman of Tata The annual reunion of the Elsewhere, Lars Steinke International in India, the Association Association was held on 5 October 2008, (Physics 1996) has become the also hosted a dinner for Professor Mary organised by Toh Poh Joo (Mechanical new Secretary of the Imperial Ritter, Pro Rector for Postgraduate and Engineering 2000). Around 50 alumni College Club of Germany, and International Affairs, at the Pines Chinese and partners attended this, the second Professor Paul Cheung (Electrical Restaurant on 1 September 2008. such get together. Engineering 1973, PhD 1976) has The following day, four Imperial For more information on the Imperial stepped down as Chairman from alumni were on hand at the Imperial College Alumni Association of Singapore, the Hong Kong group. College London Graduate Schools contact the Alumni Relations team at Transferable Skills programme at [email protected].

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alumni international

Imperial alumnus develops potential cancer breakthrough Alumnus Dr Emmanuel Skordalakes (PhD National Heart and Lung Institute 1998) has been involved in a major medical breakthrough that may provide a vital step towards blocking a chemical that causes the growth of many cancers. Dr Skordalakes of Philadelphia’s Fair opportunities Wistar Institute heads the team that has unpicked the structure of telomerase, in Taiwan an enzyme which is at work in more than nine out of ten types of tumour. Dr Piers Baker and Jennifer Martin He commented to BBC news that from the Imperial International “a drug that deactivates telomerase Office represented the College at would likely work against all cancers, the British Council Education Fair held in Taiwan on 1–2 November with few side effects”. 2008. During their time in Taiwan, a The Wistar Institute, the US’s first small dinner gathering was held independent medical research facility, where the visitors exchanged views was founded in 1892 and is named after and news with some of the College’s Caspar Wistar, a prominent eighteenth Taiwanese alumni. century Philadelphia physician.

North American Exiles enjoying Lake Placid CASE Circle of North American Exiles weekend Excellence Award a roaring success Emma Jones of the Office of Alumni The 34th annual Imperial College Exiles North America East reunion was held, with and Development accepts the Circle great success, at the Crown Plaza Lake Placid resort in upstate New York, over the of Excellence 2008 Silver Award weekend of 27–28 September 2008. Organised by Michael Barron (Mechanical from the Council for Advancement Engineering 1962), the weekend was attended by around 40 members and partners, and Support of Education (CASE), and included an enjoyable combination of golfing, hiking, dinner and drinks. The for Imperial College’s International autumn colour on display at Lake Placid was described as ‘utterly awesome!’ Ambassador Scheme. North American alumni based in the east of the US or Canada should visit www.mccannscience.com/icenae.htm for more details about the 2009 event.

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events alumni

Professor Lord Robert Winston Event Calendar A Friends of Imperial College lecture March 2009 – July 2009 Wednesday 13 May; South Kensington Campus, London, UK www.friendsofimperial.org.uk; Head of the River alumni reception +44 (0)20 8440 0999 Watch the eights’ Head of the River race with coaches and old crewmates City and Guilds College Association AGM and Saturday 21 March; Imperial College Boathouse, London, UK President’s Evening www.imperialboatclub.co.uk; +44 (0)20 8788 3563 For members of the CGCA Wednesday 20 May; South Kensington Campus, London, UK Cheese and wine tasting evening www.cgca.org.uk; +44 (0)20 7594 1184 Join fellow alumni at Whole Foods Market Wednesday 25 March; High Street Kensington, London, UK Asia Forum 2009 www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/cheeseandwine; Our first Asia Forum celebrating the College’s strong links +44 (0)20 7594 6130 within the region Saturday 23 May; Tokyo, Japan Ambassador event in South Africa www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/asiaforum; Professor Dot Griffiths and Ebrahim Mohamed +44 (0)20 7594 6131 Monday 30 March; Johannesburg, South Africa www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/events; +44 (0)20 7594 6131 Behind-the-scenes at the Porter Institute Visit the Porter Institute developing plant based liquid fuels Geotechnical lecture series Tuesday 9 June; 58 Princes Gate, London, UK Organised by the Imperial College Alumni Association of Greece www.friendsofimperial.org.uk; Wednesday 1 April, Monday 4 May and Tuesday 5 May; Athens +44 (0)20 8440 0999 and Thessaloniki, Greece [email protected] Summer Ball 2009 Great acts and DJs, dinner, fireworks, funfair and more Brewery tour for Singaporean alumni Saturday 20 June; South Kensington Campus, London, UK Visit the Tiger Brewery with fellow alumni www.imperialcollegeunion.org.uk Thursday 9 April; Asia Pacific Breweries, Singapore www.icaas.org Pre Henley Royal Regatta reception Meet Imperial’s rowers, old friends and wish the crews good GOLD alumni drinks luck for Sunday’s racing Social gathering for graduates of the last decade Saturday 4 July; Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, UK Thursday 23 April; Motion Bar, Victoria Embankment, www.imperialboatclub.co.uk; +44 (0)20 8788 3563 London, UK www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/GOLDdrinks; International Conference on Boundary Element Techniques +44 (0)20 7594 6130 Co-sponsored by the Imperial College Alumni Association of Greece The first tune – the evolution of music Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 July; Athens, Greece A Friends of Imperial College lecture by Dr Armand Marie Leroi [email protected] Thursday 30 April; South Kensington Campus, London, UK www.friendsofimperial.org.uk; +44 (0)20 8440 0999 R Save the date! The next Alumni Reunion will take place on Quiz night Saturday 26 September 2009. Pit your general knowledge against other alumni Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/reunion2009 for Tuesday 12 May; South Kensington Campus, London, UK more information. www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/quiz; +44 (0)20 7594 6130

R For a full events listing, visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/events

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catch up 1950s 1970s Julian Cooch Physics 1979 John Norman Timothy Bradbury I’ve worked in the nuclear industry all my Physics 1953 Chemical Engineering 1974 life and across most of the nuclear fuel I have been fortunate to enjoy a career in I joined the BP refinery at Grangemouth cycle. I am currently managing projects both science and the arts; I used my on graduation, and then moved associated with nuclear fuel supply. acoustics knowledge (thank you Dr ‘upstream’ to BP in Aberdeen, working John Monk Stephens!) in the making of church onshore and offshore in production Biology 1974 organs, and I eventually became engineering. I went to Jakarta as managing director of an organ company petroleum engineering manager, later Judy and I have two children; James is a which had the royal appointment. After joining southern North Sea gas operations research physicist working on the Large falling out with my chairman, I then near Hull, before two years in Papua New Hadron Collider at CERN, based at UCL. joined IBM where I learned all about Guinea commissioning a new gas field, Gemma is a physiotherapist, married, computers and computer networks. I then to Abu Dhabi for three years, and on lives in Derby and is about to make us later started up, designed and ran a to Alaska as operations manager for grandparents. I worked for 33 years in customer magazine for IBM for four Prudhoe Bay, back to Aberdeen as Forties trading standards and environmental years, but at the same time moved back field manager, then to South Carolina health, and I am now semi-retired. I into the church music world. I am now looking after a PTA plant. Now that BP enjoy travel, sports of many descriptions chairman of the British Institute of Organ Chemicals has been bought by INEOS, and photography. We still live in Enfield. Studies, which owns an online database I’m looking after supply chain for the detailing almost every pipe organ in the polyolefins business, based in Lyndhurst, 1980s UK. My professional work as a consultant Hampshire. My family is still in Aberdeen, Kojo Montford has included organs in the chapel of the so I commute most weeks, but I’m always MSc Biology 1985 Houses of Parliament and the new organ on the move throughout Europe visiting in Worcester Cathedral. our eight manufacturing plants. I have retired from active service and now live in Medie village, near Nsawam in Ghana, with my wife Lucy. I would be pleased to hear from all my classmates. Spotlight on Anne-Marie series of environmental management Warris standards are being developed; Peter Thomas subcommittee 1 is specifically Mathematics 1987, MSc 1988 Anne-Marie Warris (PhD Chemical responsible for producing standards For the last 12 years I have been working Engineering 1982) has been appointed and guidance documents related to for Chubb Insurance, a US-based, but as the Chairman of the International environmental management systems. multinational insurance company. I Standards Organisation’s Technical Anne-Marie had previously been UK work in IT and currently I am Committee 207, Subcommittee 1 principal delegate to the responsible for management (ISO/TC 207/SC1). sub-committee since November 2000. information across Chubb’s Asia Pacific, ISO/TC 207 is the umbrella Anne-Marie joined Lloyd’s Register Canadian, European and Latin American committee under which the ISO 14000 Group in 1989 and is one of their regions. More career information can be leading environmental and climate viewed at www.linkedin.com/in/ change experts. She was board peterjamesthomas if anyone is member of the International Emission interested. In my spare time I enjoy rock Trading Association from 2000–04, climbing and mountain biking. and is currently Vice Chair of the UK Emission Trading Group. She is also 1990s involved in the International Accreditation Forum as secretary to Roongrueng Bhidayasiri the committee which has developed PhD Mechanical Engineering 1998 the accreditation guidance for Due to political tension in Thailand and a ISO14065 and the European Union decade of public service, I have decided Emission Trading Scheme. to quit politics and I am now enjoying a new role in a financial advisory business

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catch up alumni

as a Chief Executive Officer of NewAsset Mavji Patel Advisory Co Ltd. This company focuses Biology 1994, PhD 1997 on risk management, tools and economic I started as a science teacher in a high value strategies for business. Apart from school in 2001; I’m still at the same school. this, I spend a lot of my free time furnishing my estate with house, office Alisdair Philp and gardens. Biology 1997, PhD 2001 Alisdair recently joined Des Moines Werner Freystaetter University as an Assistant Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering 1998 the Department of Biochemistry and In April 2008, I became the team leader Nutrition, having previously been with of the research and development team Howard Hughes Medical Institute. maintaining BasWare eInvoices’ electronic invoicing hub in Espoo, Thorsten Pohl Finland. In 2007 this service delivered Aeronautics 1997 eight million electronic invoices to Since 1998, I’ve been working for Opel, more than 1,400 receiving companies General Motors Europe Engineering, saving a sizeable forest from the paper assembling FE models for various mill.Youcanalsofindmeon LinkedIn simulations, e.g. crash, fatigue, etc. We’re for further networking. based in Rüsselsheim which is between Frankfurt and Mainz in Germany. My wife Dimitrios Glitsos Petra and I have two children, Hendrik, MSc Biological and Medical Systems 1993 born in 2003, and Hannah, born in 2005. Twenty years on and I am still in London, running the rat race in the square mile. Warren Sherliker Electrical and Electronic Engineering Anton Gorostiaga 1996, PhD 1999 Spotlight on Stephen Aeronautics 1993 I’ve recently moved up to Harrogate Spinelli PhD Business School 1994 IhaveworkedinSpain,theUS,and which is going great, as I’m out in the Belgium. Currently, I’m an engineer at countryside most weekends, with the On 5 October 2008, Stephen ITP, which is an aero engine Peak District or the Yorkshire Dales to Spinelli was officially installed as manufacturer in Bilbao, Spain, although choose from. If anyone is up this way feel Philadelphia University’s I have brief spells in Derby. I married in free to get in contact, it’s an ideal place 11th President. 2003,andwehaveonesonwhowas for a short break from London! Stephen Spinelli’s academic born in October 2006. regalia (shown above) was Naeem Siddiqi designed by two Philadelphia Ivan Irlam Civil Engineering 1990 University students and features Biology 1990 I am a global product manager for credit the colours of the University’s six Bridget, also of the class of 1990, and I are scoring at SAS Institute, where I have been schools in its piping,as well as the happily married, with one child, Jordon, for eight years. I wrote a book on credit colours of the academic now 10. Currently I’m a full time parent, risk scorecards about two years ago, and I institutions that he attended; but I’ll be starting my photography travel to Asia and Europe almost monthly, McDaniel College in Maryland business soon. meeting old classmates on occasion. where he obtained his BA, Babson College in Massachusetts awarded Andrew Jenkins his MBA, and Imperial College Physics 1991, PhD 1994 2000s London where he received his PhD. I post-doctored at Imperial, the Speaking at the first graduation Johan Lampinen ceremony he presided over as University of Chicago and Cornell Physics 2002, MSc 2003 University before becoming an assistant President, he said: “This regalia is a professor at Emory University in Atlanta. Since the summer of 2008, I have been representation of the academic My first R01 got funded in 2006; my working for ABB in Sweden as a manager graduations I have experienced in research laboratory is interested in the for the DC motors technical department. my life. It details where I have been, molecular mechanisms of anaesthesia The job includes current orders, research and will remain a special part of and synaptic inhibition. I’m married to and development and after sales matters; every Commencement Meag — no kids yet, but we do have two a true global environment with customers [graduation] ceremony over which dogs called Fenway and Twickers. all over the world. Applications include I will preside.” ski lifts, steel mills, sugar centrifuges, R

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alumni catch up

Spotlight on Jocelyn (Business School 2005) was the only Awards and Honours Siddle Brown member of the global programme to be selected for a placement in the UK. The New Years Honours list recognises Jocelyn has joined Finance Wales outstanding achievement and service The Kauffman Fellows Programme plc, a provider of commercial funding across the whole UK community. In the selects and develops next generation to businesses in Wales, as part of the 2009 honours, 10 Imperial College global leaders in the venture capital California-based fellowship alumni were recognised: industry. In 2008, Jocelyn Siddle Brown programme. She will focus on early Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock (Physics stage investment during her two year 1990, PhD Mechanical Engineering secondment based at Finance Wales’ 1993), Managing Director of Science Cardiff headquarters. Innovation Ltd, was awarded an MBE for “The excellent training I received services to science. through the Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship MBA electives [...] George Band (DIC Geology 1958) was vital in demonstrating the skills received an OBE for services to and enthusiasm required by the mountaineering and charity. Kauffman Programme,” said Jocelyn. She has previously worked at Professor Leslie Ebdon (Chemistry Imperial Innovations, the technology 1968, PhD 1971), Vice-Chancellor at the transfer arm of Imperial College London. University of Bedfordshire, was honoured with a CBE for services to local and national higher education. and also the motor for the aerial cableway the most eager and value conscious Barry Haseltine (Civil Engineering 1954, to the Christ the Redeemer statue atop consumers and represent a tremendous DIC 1955) was appointed an MBE for Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. neglected market for new products and services to the construction industry. business opportunities. Laura Nixon-Corfield Colonel Timothy Hodgetts (Charing Chemistry 2007 Scott Silverthorn Cross Hospital Medical School 1987) was In September 2008, I started a new job as Earth Science and Engineering 2002 appointed a CBE in the New Years a Pancreatic Medical Technical Officer at Oh I keep moving... I am now living back Honours for service personnel and St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester. in Dorset, still working for the same defence civilians. people though! Terry Kivlin (Civil Engineering 1970) was Terry Pollard honoured with an MBE for services to Business School 2003 Samuel Wolfenden skills and the community in King’s Lynn. I have now left Oxford Catalysts to return Aeronautics 2005 to Isis Innovation in Oxford, where I am I recently moved into a flat in Perivale, Dr Nigel Lightfoot (St Mary’s Hospital working to help commercialise new West London. I’m still working for Medical School 1968), Chief Advisor to technologies from across the UK. I am Pepsico, out in Reading, currently as the Health Protection Agency, received a also involved in advising on technology Pricing Manager for the Walkers Crisps CBE for services to public health. commercialisation to companies and brand. It would be great to catch up with David Moorhouse (Civil Engineering research institutions in all parts of any old classmates I’m not already in 1967), Chair of Lloyds Register, was the world. touch with. awarded a CBE for services to the maritime industry. Francisco Rodriguez Sanchez PhD Mechanical Engineering 2007 R Make sure you keep us updated Dr Edward Palfrey (St Mary’s Hospital Since my PhD, I have been working in with your life post Imperial; we Medical School 1976), Medical Director low-cost technologies for developing would love to hear from you. Visit at Frimley Park Hospital NHS countries. This work has taken me to www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/catch Foundation Trust, was recognised with West Africa to design, produce and test up to view updates from other an OBE for services to healthcare. technologies that have the opportunity alumni or to submit your own Professor Richard Williams (Mineral to increase the income of the world’s update. Alternatively you can write Resources Engineering 1982, PhD 1985), poorest. This endeavour is not charity, to us at Imperial Matters, Imperial Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of it’s business. Almost half of the world’s College London, Level 2 Faculty Leeds, was honoured with an OBE for population, more than 2.8 billion people, Building, South Kensington services to science and engineering. live off less than $2 a day (according to Campus, London SW7 2AZ. World Bank). However, these people are RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

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books Just off the Great The Last Taboo: Opening the Door on North Road Hugh Chare the Global Sanitation Crisis (Mining and Maggie Black and Ben Fawcett Mineral (MSc Civil Engineering 1981) Technology 1970) Except in schoolboy jokes, the subject of human waste is The Great North rarely aired. We talk about ‘water-related’ disease when most Road starts at are sanitation-related – in short we don’t mention the shit. Victoria Falls on A century and a half ago, a long, hot summer reduced the border of the Thames flowing past the Houses of Parliament to a Zambia and ‘Great Stink’, thereby inducing MPs to legislate sanitary Zimbabwe and reform. Today, another sanitary reformation is needed, one that manages to runs generally spread cheaper and simpler systems to people everywhere; 2.6 billion people north east currently lack toilets of any kind. through Zambia to Lusaka and on to In the byways of the developing world, much is quietly happening on the the Tanzania border at Tunduma. It is excretory frontier. In 2008, the International Year of Sanitation, the authors one of the major arteries of commerce brought this awkward subject to a wider audience than the world of international for Zambia and of Central Africa. filth usually commands. They seek the elimination of the Great Distaste so that In Just off the Great North Road it is people without political clout or economic muscle can claim their right to a 1972 and James and Katrina Martin take dignified and hygienic place to go. an overseas leave from their jobs in the Earthscan; ISBN 978-1844075430 Zambian Copperbelt town of Kitwe and return to be given the opportunity to work on a start up copper mining operation in Zambia just off the Great North Road. The job is complicated by border closures, freedom fighter encounters and shortages of everything from parts to basic food. James and Katrina overcome these difficulties and build on the relationship they started in the first book of this series, Chaya four one! Trafford; ISBN 978-1425168155

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more Onions and other Vegetable Alliums New Clinical Genetics books by Jim Brewster by Andrew Read and Dian Donnai This fully revised, expanded and updated New Clinical Genetics provides the reader by edition of Onions and other Vegetable with a concise summary of post-genomic alumni R Alliums relates the production and human genetics and guidance as to how utilisation of these familiar and our current understanding can be utilised important vegetable crops to the many in clinical practice. aspects of plant science underpinning Andrew Read and Dian Donnai R Recently published Imperial their production and storage (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1968) College alumni and their books are technologies. Jim Brewster (Wye College have linked genetics and clinical also listed on the alumni website at 1966) gives an insight into how these practice throughout using realistic case www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/books. methods are being applied in the breeding scenarios which are discussed throughout of improved crops. the book. CABI; ISBN 978-1845933999 Scion; ISBN 978-1904842316 R

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alumni books

Treasure Your Exceptions: The Science and Life of William Bateson Alan Cock and Donald Forsdyke (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1961) William Bateson brought the work of Mendel (and much more) to the attention of the English-speaking world and he commanded the biological The Box of Whistles: Organ Case Design sciences in the decades after Darwin’s death in 1882. To understand these years – its History and Recent Development we must first understand Bateson. John Norman (Physics 1953) Through examination of the life of a In the last 40 years, the revival of interest in organ case major contributor to this revolution in design has almost equalled the glorious flourishing of biology, the authors of this volume the art in the late 17th century, yet, so far, little has been reconcile the genocentrism of George documented. This recent development in which the Williams and Richard Dawkins with the battle between modernism and tradition remains quite unresolved is fully hierarchical thinking of Richard assessed in John Norman’s comprehensive historical survey. Goldschmidt and Stephen Jay Gould. Published in 1921, Andrew Freeman’s English Organ Cases is the standard The anti-Darwinian arguments of work on organ case design; John Norman brings the discussion up to date with Bateson are only now, a century later, The Box of Whistles. The book focuses on British organs, tracing the gaining recognition. At last, development of organ case design from the Gothic and Renaissance periods evolutionists can present a unified right through to the present day. front to their creationist opponents. Lavishly illustrated, the volume features 250 photographs and line drawings. Springer; ISBN 978-0387756875 Azure; ISBN 978-1902694313

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Highway Traffic Monitoring and Data Encyclopaedia of Statistics in Quality Modular Forms: A Classical and Quality by Michael Dalgleish and and Reliability by Fabrizio Rugerri, Computational Introduction Neil Hoose Ron Kenett and Fred Faltin by Lloyd Kilford Make the most of traffic data collection and An essential reference for statisticians, Lloyd Kilford (Mathematics 1999) presents assessment efforts with the first book on engineers, and quality professionals in a graduate-student-level introduction to state-of-the-art monitoring and analysis industry, academia, and government, the classical theory of modular forms and methods that are blazing new trails in traffic Encyclopaedia of Statistics in Quality and computations involving modular forms, management. Authors Michael Dalgleish Reliability offers an essential knowledge providing a balanced overview of both the and Neil Hoose (Civil Engineering 1985) give source in an area where one is sorely needed. theoretical and computational sides of the you a hands-on understanding of the latest Ron Kenett (Mathematics 1974) and co subject. It includes applications of modular sensors, processors, and communication authors provide a practical orientation with forms to the theory of quadratic forms, the links for everything from vehicle counts to a large selection of case studies. proof of Fermat’s last theorem and the urban congestion measurement. WileyBlackwell; ISBN 978-0470018613 approximation of pi. Artech House; ISBN 978-1580537155 Imperial College Press; ISBN 978-1848162136

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books alumni

Checkpoint Lisa Saffron (MSc Centre for Environmental Technology 1990) Inspired by a tour of Israel and the Palestinian territories with the Compassionate Listening Project, Checkpoint is the story of ordinary people living in a conflict zone, each struggling to make sense of a situation where it’s not clear who is the victim and who is the terrorist. On 2 October 2002, the Shapiro family’s comfortable life in an Israeli suburb is shattered by a tragedy that sets each member on a journey of self-discovery. Easy-going Yigal, a corporal in the Israeli Defence Force, forms an unexpected alliance with Aisha, a fiery Palestinian teenager. Yigal’s unquestioning mother, Ruth, reconnects with her estranged friend, Vivi, who passionately supports the Palestinian cause. David, Yigal’s father, deepens his Catalysis by Gold relationship with zealous settlers in the occupied West Bank and Geoffrey Bond, Catherine Louis Orli, Yigal’s younger sister, makes a decision about military service. and David Thompson AuthorHouse; ISBN 978-1434354921 (Chemistry 1955, PhD 1958) Gold has traditionally been regarded as Colourimetry: Fundamentals an inactive catalytic metal. However, the advent of nanoparticulate gold on high and Applications surface area oxide supports has Noboru Ohta and Alan Robertson demonstrated its high catalytic activity (Physics 1962, PhD 1966) in many chemical reactions. Colourimetry, the science of quantitatively describing Gold is active as a heterogeneous colour, is essential for colour reproduction catalyst in both gas and liquid phases, technology. Using mathematical techniques, and complexes catalyse reactions colourimetry creates standards by which to measure homogeneously in solution. Many of the colour, ensuring fidelity across media and allowing reactions being studied will lead to new accurate colour mixing. application areas for catalysis by gold in This book is a comprehensive and thorough introduction to colourimetry, pollution control, chemical processing, taking the reader from basic concepts through to a variety of industrial sensors and fuel cell technology. applications. Set out in clear, easy-to-follow terminology, it explains fundamental This book describes the properties of principles such as colour specification, the CIE (International Commission on gold, the methods for preparing gold Illumination) system, and colour vision and appearance models. catalysts and ways to characterise and use This is an ideal reference for practising colour engineers, colour them effectively in reactions. The reaction scientists and imaging professionals working on colour systems. It is also a mechanisms and reasons for the high practical guide for senior undergraduate and graduate students who want activities are discussed and the to acquire knowledge in the field. applications for gold catalysis considered. WileyBlackwell; ISBN 978-0470094723 Imperial College Press; ISBN 978-1860946585

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Macrobrachium: The Culture of Fresh Project Reviews, Assurance and R If you would like to submit Water Prawns by Michael New Governance by Graham Oakes details of a book for a future Freshwater prawn farming enjoys Project Reviews, Assurance and Governance issue of Imperial Matters, please impressive growth in India and has also is about learning from your mistakes and email [email protected] benefited from the recent setbacks in understanding what’s really going on or write to Imperial Matters, marine shrimp farming. In Macrobrachium: with your projects. Office of Alumni and Development, The Culture of Fresh Water Prawns, Michael In order for reviews and assurance to Imperial College London, New (Botany and Plant Technology 1954) provide you with this information and Level 2 Faculty Building, analyses the fast pace of freshwater prawn learning, you need to perform them South Kensington Campus, farming and gives an insight into the effectively. Built around a number of London SW7 2AZ. prospects of making freshwater prawns a models, Graham Oakes (PhD Geology Please include a short synopsis prime contributor to aquaculture in India 1988) has compiled a blend of conceptual and elsewhere. and the practical advice. and a cover image (preferably in Macmillan India; ISBN 978-0230635647 Gower Publishing; ISBN 978-0566088070 high resolution jpeg format).

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in memoriam It is with regret that we announce the death of the following alumni alumnus has obtained more than one degree from the College they of Imperial College and the constituent medical schools and are listed according to the graduation year of their first degree. Wye College. Where indicated by an *, obituaries are available online at Alumni are listed according to their year of graduation. When an www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/obituaries.

1930s * Mr Kenneth D. Barritt (Physics 1951) * Mr Brian P. Last (Electrical Engineering 1960) Mr Bernard W. Buckroyd (Mathematics 1952) Dr George Murdie (PhD Zoology and Applied Mr K.J. Allright (Wye College 1937) Mr Stuart R.B. Chambers (Wye College 1956) Entomology 1965, former Biology Lecturer) Dr Henry E. Bentley (Charing Cross Hospital Medical Mr George A. Collins (Geology 1950) Mr Andreas C. Papadakis (Electrical Engineering 1965) School 1939) Dr Vasudeo P. Damle (PhD Botany and Plant Mr Richard A. Potts (Mining and Mineral Technology Mr Colin D. Brereton (Civil Engineering 1934) Technology 1951) 1966) * Mr George N. Davison (Electrical Engineering 1933) * Mr Michael J. Day (Civil Engineering 1952) Dr Alison M. Watson (Westminster Medical School 1969) * Professor Emlyn H. Lloyd (Mathematics 1938, PhD 1942) Mr Geoffrey Fishwick (Civil Engineering 1952) Mr Eric A. Willett (Chemistry 1950) Mr Ivan K. Nixon (Civil Engineering 1948) Mr Peter Flatley (Metallurgy 1952) Dr Fred J. Wilson (Westminster Medical School 1962) Mr Christopher P. Sames, FRCS (St Mary’s Hospital * Dr Duncan Gardiner (Chemistry 1958, PhD 1961) Medical School 1937) Dr Donald Gough (PhD Chemistry 1950) * Dr John K. Whitehead (Chemistry 1938, MSc 1940) 1970s Mr Arthur Green (Physics 1958) Mrs Esther Wightman née Lyster (Wye College 1937) Mr Peter N. Amey (Aeronautics 1976) * Miss Margaret B. Halstead (Physics 1950) Mr Geoffrey Wood (Civil Engineering 1932) Dr Peter J. Beevor (Electrical Engineering 1971, PhD 1974, Dr John W. Hamlett (Charing Cross Hospital Medical former Electrical and Electronic Engineering Lecturer) School 1951) Mr David J. Colbert (Civil Engineering 1972) 1940s Mr Peter H. Huckin (Geology 1956) Mr Stephen F. Colton (Wye College 1978) Mr Paul H.F. Andrew, FICE (Civil Engineering 1943, * Dr Peter V. Hunt (Westminster Medical School 1958) Mr Paolo P.C. Ferrando (MSc Civil Engineering 1972) DIC 1947) * Air Vice-Marshal Frederick C. Hurrell, CB, OBE, FRAES Ms Caroline M. Fraser (Physics 1978) * Dr C.D. Baker, FRCGP (Westminster Medical School 1941) (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1952) Mr David Green (Mathematics 1973) Dr Silvio Benaim, FRCP, FRCPsych (Westminster * Professor Jacek Jarzynski (Physics 1957, PhD 1960) Mrs Patricia A. Mann née Davies (Botany and Plant Medical School 1948) Dr Tom R.M. Keeble (Westminster Medical School 1959) Technology 1976) * Mr Richard P. Boswell (MSc Aeronautics 1948) Mr Martin A. Kennelly (Chemistry 1954) Mr William D.L. McCarthy (MSc Management Dr Reginald H. Clark (Chemical Engineering and Applied Mr Albert B. Kostandi (Geology 1951) Science 1977) Physical Chemistry 1948, PhD 1951) Mr Brian R. Lawes (Physics 1953) Dr Pius A. Okelo (PhD Electrical Engineering 1970) Dr Dennis H. Eastland (Chemical Engineering and Dr Phillip J.W. Lee (Wye College 1958) * Dr Jorg D. Schroppel (MSc Chemical Engineering 1972) Applied Physical Chemistry 1946, PhD 1949) Dr Arnold M. Luther (Westminster Medical School 1951) Mr Muhammad A. Shelly (MSc Geology 1979) Mr Robert G. Everitt (Mathematics 1944) Dr Donald H. MacDonald (PhD Civil Engineering 1955) Mr Krzysztof L. Smagacz (Mechanical Engineering 1970) Mr Peter J. Fenton (Electrical Engineering 1945) Mr Leonard A. Massam (Physics 1953) Mr John H. Fleming (Civil Engineering 1943, DIC 1950) Dr A.A.D. Moore (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School * Mr Raymond S.M. Frohnsdorff (Chemistry 1944) 1954) 1980s Mr John W. Holman (Civil Engineering 1943) * Mr Dennis J. Moore (Electrical Engineering 1956) Mr Philip A.J. Townend (MSc Civil Engineering 1987) * Dr John G. Howells (Charing Cross Hospital Medical * Mr Arthur R.C. Morphy (Mechanical Engineering 1952) School 1943) Mr A.H. Mount (Wye College 1957) 1990s * Dr Stanley L. Kaye (Charing Cross Hospital Medical Dr Bertram Owen-Smith, FRCS (Westminster Medical Mr Mark J. Catterall (Wye College 1992) School 1942) School 1950) Dr Hugh J.A. Coni (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School Mr Norman J. Keen (Chemistry 1949) Dr Dorothy Sanderson (Westminster Medical School 1953) 1990) Emeritus Professor Geoffrey S.D. King (Chemistry 1944) Professor Bruce M. Sayers (Electrical Engineering 1957, Dr Michael A. Cousins (MSc Physics 1997) Dr Robert W. Lyle (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School Emeritus Professor of Centre for Cognitive Systems) Mr Ajitsingh Medtia (Civil Engineering 1992) 1948) Dr Allen Shelton (Mechanical Engineering 1950, Dr A.P. Gabrielle Sinnadurai née Dolan (MSc Professor Norman F. Morris, FRCOG (St Mary’s Hospital PhD 1954) Computing 1994, PhD 1998, Head of Teaching Medical School 1943) * Mr Geoffrey D. Smithers (Mechanical Engineering 1957) Associates, Computing) * Professor Emeritus Ralph W. Nicholls, OC, FRSC Dr Michael Speight (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School (Physics 1945, PhD 1948) 1955) * Commander Douglas A. Pask, OBE, VRD, FICE Dr David Staig (Westminster Medical School 1955) 2000s (Electrical Engineering 1941) Dr John K. Stonham (Westminster Medical School 1957) Dr Catherine Hasan (School of Medicine 2001) Dr David G.B. Riddick (St Mary’s Hospital Medical * Dr Peter B. Storey, FRCP, FRCPsych (St Mary’s Hospital Dr Catherine M. Mullany née Bowen (School of School 1948) Medical School 1953) Medicine 2002) Dr M. Roper (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1946) Mr Robert W. Strong (Electrical Engineering 1954) Mrs Catherine E. Pointon née Turner (MSc Biological * Mr Alexander C.E. Sandberg (Civil Engineering 1943) Professor Peter R. Vaughan (Civil Engineering 1956, DIC and Medical Systems 2000) * Emeritus Professor Derek W. Saunders (Physics 1945) 1959, PhD 1963) Mr Alexander J. Wright (Earth Science and Mr John Schofield (Civil Engineering 1948) * Mr Robert J. Weeks (Electrical Engineering 1957, Engineering 2002) Mr Roy P. Sheppard (Mining 1945) DIC 1958) Dr Anthony A. Vickers, FRCR (St Mary’s Hospital Dr H.L. Young (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1952) Members of Staff Medical School 1942) * Mr Kenneth R. Welling (MSc Aeronautics 1946) 1960s Dr Edward G. Broadbent (former Visiting Mr Raymond E. Wigg (Mechanical Engineering 1941, Professor, Mathematics) * Professor Dennis Anderson, OBE (Mechanical DIC Aeronautics 1942) Professor Milija N. Pavlovic (Professor, Civil and Engineering 1960, Emeritus Professor of Energy and * Mr John F. Wilson (Civil Engineering 1948) Environmental Engineering) Environmental Studies) Mr Geoffrey A. Wilton (Electrical Engineering 1944) Professor Carl Pearson (former Senior Lecturer, Dr Alan Childs (PhD Geology 1966) St Mary’s Hospital Medical School) * Dr Frank Ellis (Chemistry 1969, PhD 1972) * Professor Robert Stoneley (Emeritus Professor of 1950s Mr Barre W. Goldie (Mining 1961) Petroleum Geology, Earth Science and Engineering) Dr Graham W. Arnold (Wye College 1957) Dr Christopher A. Green (Physics 1966, PhD 1972) * Mr Robert D. Bagnall (Wye College 1959) Mr Martin E. Hutchinson (Wye College 1961) Dr John R. Ball, FRCS (St Mary’s Hospital Medical * Dr David A. Langtry (Mining and Mineral Technology School 1958) 1963, PhD 1966)

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The bigger picture

Fighting for survival Some of the world’s most serious diseases were profiled in Survival, a nine part series aired on the BBC at the end of 2008. Each episode NATHAN HARRISON looked at how diseases such as TB, HIV, malaria and schistosomiasis affect the poorest communities in developing countries. Imperial’s Schistosomiasis Control Initiative supported the series through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Alumni in the UK can watch the programmes online at www.survival.tv.

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Have you thought about reading Imperial Matters online?

Online subscribers receive an email when a new issue of Imperial Matters is available to browse online. Not only is it good for the environment, as you can either read the entire magazine online or just print off the specific articles that you’re interested in, but it will reach you sooner too! You can choose whether you want to receive the magazine both online and in print or just online. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to register for your free account on the alumni website at www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/register. Once you’ve done that, you will be able to update your mailing preferences within your account.