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http://www.le.ac.uk JUNE – JULY 2004 JUNE – JULY

This Issue • e-Learning Conference on Campus • Careers advice goes global • Centenary Celebrations

In ceremonies at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall on 14, 15 and 16 July, eleven celebrated people will receive honorary degrees from the University of Leicester, before thousands of stu- dents and their families. The honorary graduands come from the worlds of music, art, sci- ence, medicine, education, sport and public service. They include Professor Sir , one of the Universi- ty’s most distinguished professors and the scientist who discovered ge- netic fingerprinting. 2004 is the 20th anniversary year of his historic dis- covery. Vice- Professor Robert Burgess said: "This is a time when the University celebrates the achieve- ments of our students, and it is al- ways a great source of pleasure and pride to award degrees to a group of honorary graduates whose contribu- tions to the world and to society range DISTINGUISHED: From left (top) Bob Collins, David Wilson, Professor Sir William Taylor, Rita Patel, over so many different fields. They (bottom) Sir , Charles Palmer, Professor Isobel Armstrong and Professor are amongst 11 are all distinguished in their respec- people due to receive honorary degrees from the University of Leicester at Leicester ceremonies. tive areas of expertise and in many cases have established close links with the University and the region. UNIVERSITY HONOURS They are an inspiration to our stu- dents, many of whom are just setting 3pm, Faculty of the Social Sciences 3pm, Faculty of Arts: David Wilson, Chairman and out on their career paths." and Department of Archaeology: Professor Isobel Armstrong, Profes- founder of Wilson Bowden PLC, LLD Recipients of the University of Professor Rosemary Cramp, Emeri- sor Emeritus in the School of English 3pm, Faculty of Medicine and Leicester 2004 honorary degrees are tus Professor of Archaeology, University and Humanities, Birkbeck College, Biological Sciences and of Durham, D Litt as follows: , D Litt Department of Physics: Wednesday 14th July Thursday 15th July Sir Martin Gilbert, Historian and bi- Professor David Bradley, Professor 11 am, Faculty of the Social 11 am, Faculties of Education and ographer of Sir Winston Churchill, of Tropical Hygiene, at the London Sciences: Continuing Studies and of Law: D Litt School of Hygiene and Tropical Med- Jane Glover, International orchestral Professor Sir William Taylor, CBE, Friday 16th July icine, DSc conductor, D Mus distinguished educationalist, Former 11 am, Faculty of Science and Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, FFSc Rita Patel, Chief Executive of Bel- Director of the University of London In- Department of Psychology: (India), CBiol, Hon FIBiol, FLS, Hon grave Baheno Women's Organisation stitute of Education and former Vice- CBE, Former club FRCP, FRCPath, FRS, FMedSci, and The Peepul Centre and non-exec- Chancellor of the and Charles Palmer, Thames Valley University. D Litt secretary and captain of Royal Society Wolfson Research Pro- utive Director of emda, LLD Bob Collins, former Head of Adminis- County Cricket, Chairman of Leicester- fessor, University of Leicester, DSc. tration, Chief Executive’s Department, shire, an MCC committee member, and Leicestershire County Council, LLM MCC President in 1978-1979, MA Continued on page 2...

Online Bulletin updated daily: http://www.le.ac.uk/ University of Leicester Bulletin News June – July 2004

HISTORIC FIRST CEREMONIES SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE AT LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

This year represents a milestone in 7pm, Postgraduate and mented: “We are particularly pleased In reporting the Vice-Chancel- the University’s history, with the Masters Ceremony: that at this year’s ceremonies, at lor’s talk to Court (April/May is- graduation of the first cohort of 520 Bernard Ashley, writer of children’s which our students will for the first sue of Bulletin, p.2) a table ap- Bishop Grosseteste students in Lin- books and former teacher, D Litt time receive University of Leicester pears that suggests only two new coln with a University of Leicester awards, we are recognising four peo- Dr Robert Price, Chief Executive of academic buildings were con- degree. Professor Robert Burgess, the Linkage Community, LLM ple with such strong connections structed in 10 years. The 10- Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bishop Grosseteste College and with the College and its mission. year period under consideration Leicester, will be officiating at two the University of Leicester are part of “Professor Baker not only led the was 1994-2004 which saw the ceremonies at Lincoln Cathedral on a Midlands alliance with Newman College extremely ably for several completion of the Ken Edwards Friday 9 July 2004, at which he will College of Higher Education in Birm- years but has made a national con- Building and the Space Research also confer honorary degrees on four ingham. The alliance improves ac- tribution to teacher education Centre. In addition, the Richard VIPs, including the former Principal cess to higher education for hun- through her work with the TTA and Attenborough Centre for Disabili- of the College. dreds of students. Among the oppor- GTC; Professor McEvoy, as a ty and the Arts was also com- Honorary Degrees to be tunities to emerge from the partner- renowned Grosseteste scholar pro- pleted. conferred at Lincoln ship is the development of new foun- vides a link with both the diocese of Another table appears indicat- Lincoln, where Grosseteste was Cathedral: dation degrees ing the teaching quality score in Bishop from 1235 to 1253, but also The collaboration also facilitates 1999. The following subject ar- Friday 9 July with Leicester, where he was wider participation in higher educa- eas achieved a score of 23 out of 11am, Undergraduate Archdeacon until 1232; Bernard tion, curriculum and innovative pro- 24 in the QAA assessments that Ceremony: gramme development, opportunities Ashley has made a significant contri- year: American Studies, Medi- Former to develop new educational pro- bution to children’s literature as well Professor Eileen Baker, cine, Physics. Principal of Bishop Grosseteste Col- grammes, increased student choice as to primary education more gener- lege, D Litt and opportunities, and a commit- ally; and Dr Price’s work as a leading Reverend Professor James McEvoy, ment to the highest possible stan- light in developing the Olympic Dean, Faculty of Philosophy, Saint dards of education. Games for disabled people is entire- Patrick's College, Ireland, and biogra- Principal of Bishop Grosseteste ly in keeping with our commitment pher of Robert Grosseteste, D Litt College, Dr Muriel Robinson, com- to widening participation.”

Sir UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER CHANCELLOR AWARDED 'MATHS EQUIVALENT OF NOBEL PRIZE'

The Norwegian Academy of Sci- fluencing profoundly many of the ence and Letters awarded the Abel most important later developments Prize for 2004, jointly to Sir Michael in topology, differential geometry Francis Atiyah and Isadore M Singer and quantum field theory. Its au- of the Massachusetts Institute of thors, both jointly and individually, Technology “for their discovery and have been instrumental in repairing proof of the index theorem, bringing a rift between the worlds of pure together topology, geometry and mathematics and theoretical particle analysis, and their outstanding physics, initiating a cross-fertiliza- role in building new bridges tion which has been one of the most between mathematics and theoreti- exciting developments of the last cal physics.” decades. The Atiyah-Singer index theorem The award was presented by King is one of the great landmarks of Harald of Norway at a ceremony in twentieth century mathematics, in- Oslo. 2 University of Leicester Bulletin June – July 2004 News

E-LEARNING, E-TEACHING, OADBY MASTERPLAN E-SUPPORT CONFERENCE TAKES SHAPE The University is working with AT UNIVERSITY Oadby & Wigston Council, local residents and other stakeholders to The University of Leicester is to Hooley said: “The conference is de- The E-Learning, E-Teaching, E- develop a masterplan for develop- hold a conference on 20 July that signed to support staff who are us- Support conference will be support- ment/change affecting all of the will help teachers and lecturers ing e-learning and would like to ed by a virtual conference which will Oadby campus area owned by the more effectively utilise e-learning. know more about it as well as those run from the start of July. The con- University of Leicester. The plan Entitled E-Learning, E-Teaching, who are considering e-learning for ference will be based within Black- will include the supporting state- E-Support, the conference will bring the first time. It will allow these board and will give delegates a ments and an Environmental As- together award-winning teachers practitioners to engage with re- chance to experience being an e- sessment. and educational researchers to dis- searchers, teachers and developers learning student. All delegates to the This method of planning is be- cuss the impact that computers and at the forefront of e-learning.” conference will be enrolled in this coming increasingly popular and the internet have had on teaching “The University of Leicester has virtual conference where they will has been employed in areas such and learning. Conference partici- an impressive track record in e- have the opportunity to view on-line as Brindley Place in Birmingham pants will be encouraged to consid- learning that spans from the early presentations and take part in syn- er practical ways in which they can days of using computers in teaching, chronous and asynchronous discus- and Broadmead in Bristol. It gives adopt e-learning techniques to en- through the beginnings of the inter- sions. applicants and the planning au- hance the teaching and learning ex- net up to the introduction of the Uni- Materials supporting the E-Learn- thority a degree of certainty suffi- perience. versity’s Virtual Learning Environ- ing, E-Teaching, E-Support confer- cient to establish in broad terms The E-Learning, E-Teaching, E- ment. However it is only recently ence and slides and other materials what can be achieved at a site and Support conference will explore that the responsibility for e-learning generated during the conference will accordingly give confidence to what e-learning means for staff and has begun to move outside of a also be posted on the Virtual Confer- commit funding and reassure ob- students alike. Universities are be- small band of learning technologists, ence area. jectors, without the need to submit ginning to adopt e-learning in a vari- e-learning professionals and brave University of Leicester staff can very detailed applications. The ety of ways that move IT into the pioneers and to become something register for the conference for free flexibility offered also means that heart of curricula. How will this e- that all educational practitioners are on-line at the conference website. the masterplan can respond to learning change the experience of expected to be involved in. This con- For further information, contact the learning at university and what new ference will give teachers ideas Teaching and Learning Unit, Univer- changes within the market or indi- skills will lecturers, tutors, teachers, about how e-learning can enhance sity of Leicester or email, vidual requirements. Importantly, it educational developers, advisors what they are doing and give them [email protected] also gives certainty to local resi- and support staff need to acquire? the confidence to experiment with dents who know, upfront, the Conference organiser Tristram the potential of e-learning.” framework within which long term change will occur. Public consultation commenced with an exhibition held in April de- signed to elicit the issues which STRONGER residents and other interested par- ties felt were important in drawing LINKS WITH up the masterplan and to indicate the potential content of the master- BUSINESS plan principles. A summary of the feedback will be published shortly The University of Leicester played host to a visit by the Leicester Asian together with some suggestions as Business Association (LABA). to the detailed content of the mas- The Vice-Chancellor of the Uni- terplan principles. A link to the versity Professor Robert Burgess electronic version of the exhibition met with Mr Jiva Odedra, Chief Ex- is available via eBulletin. ecutive of LABA (pictured). Since Simon Britton the early 1990s, the University and LABA has worked on a number of initiatives - including hosting quar- terly meetings and the University played the lead role in compiling and editing the annual magazine of the Association for a number of years. 3 University of Leicester Bulletin News June – July 2004

Leicester Law As universities have become interna- tional institutions, attracting students expert in test case from around the world and sending in- CAREERS ADVICE A University of Leicester academic creasing numbers of their graduates to has been involved in a test case relat- all four corners of the earth to work, so ing to the Iraq war. their careers services need to adapt to GOES GLOBAL Professor Malcolm Shaw QC, who is serve this vast cohort of students from range of countries from which they ‘What does this person need? How the Sir Robert Jennings Professor of outside the UK. come. Our new appointee will also de- can we best help?’ International Law at the University, With full-time students from 86 velop resources for international stu- “You also have a record of what is was in a legal case raising novel countries and more than 3,670 inter- dents who wish to work in the UK, said. We find that in one-to-one dis- points of law regarding the legality of national distance learning students – and help to alert graduate employers cussions people may go away with the war. without counting students from within to the qualities of our international stu- messages that were not intended. In It is the first time that the legality of the EU - Leicester is taking a lead in dents as well as those from the UK. writing emails there is less chance of the use of force by Britain and the US specialising in international careers “I believe the role also has the po- this happening.” has been discussed in a criminal pros- advice. One of the first universities to tential to help the growing numbers of One of the drawbacks, he feels, is ecution in England. The case relates use email as a means for advising stu- our home students who want to work the lack of non-verbal cues, which can to peace activists who tried to stop US dents at a distance, it is also about to elsewhere in the world.” indicate how people are responding to bombers taking off for Iraq. appoint a careers adviser to develop The University of Leicester is one of an advisor. Also the response time is Professor Shaw argued that waging the UK’s leading providers of postgrad- slowed down: any question has to war is a matter of 'executive preroga- provision for international students, uate distance learning programmes, wait for an answer, and advisers have tive' over which courts have no juris- both on and off campus. diction. The Judge has issued a provi- Head of the Careers Service Martin and for the past two years the Careers had to learn to be quite disciplined sional judgment stating that the Eng- Pennington said: “Most university ca- Service has been developing email as over the amount of time they give to lish courts have no jurisdiction over reers services pay attention to interna- a medium for careers guidance, partly each email, avoiding the temptation to the question of the legality of the use tional students, of course, but we are in order to serve this distant, but ma- turn each exchange into the ultimate, of force in Iraq. actually recruiting somebody whose jor, sector of their student body. perfectly-crafted reply. main role will be to help international Martin Pennington feels it has de- Feedback so far from students and students tackle their career planning veloped into a system that works well. graduates has been very positive, and Duration of Coughs within the context of other educational “Because it is less immediate than a on a purely practical level it has meant support and guidance available face-to-face interview, both sides can that students can contact the Careers in Children Study throughout their student days at consider what has been said carefully Service, through its website, at times wins Research Paper Leicester. before they reply, rather than having to that suit them. “People can email us at “It will be quite a challenge to be- respond immediately as in a one-to- 2am UK time, if they want to, and we of the Year Award come familiar with the job market for one situation. In the gaps between simply respond when we get into our international students within the emails we have the chance to think: work,” said Martin Pennington. A study looking at the duration of coughs in children was announced as the winning paper for the 2003 RCGP/Boots The Chemists Research ecosystems that would lead to a mass Paper of the Year Award. The au- Volcanoes, Asteroids extinction. thors, Dr Alistair Hay, Dr Andrew The occurrence of flood basalts Wilson - of the University of Leices- (caused by the outpourings of basaltic ter - Professor Tom Fahey and Pro- and Mass Extinctions lava) and bolide impact may both be fessor Tim Peters, were presented Neither massive volcanic eruptions canism, and if they did, whether this necessary to lead to the largest mass with a cheque for £1,000 at an nor extraterrestrial impacts are suffi- is due to random chance or whether extinctions the planet has known. awards dinner at the Royal College ciently powerful on their own to there is any causal link between im- That begged the question as to of General Practitioners (RCGP). cause mass extinctions of life on pact and volcanism. what the likelihood was of the two Coughs are extremely common in Earth, research by University of Dr Rosalind White, Royal Society events occurring over the same peri- pre-school children and generate Leicester geologists suggests. Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellow, od, if they were not linked. considerable parental anxiety. Origi- Instead, both events coincidentally and Professor Andrew Saunders, both Here, Professor Saunders’ and Dr nally published in Family Practice, occurring together may be required to of the University of Leicester Depart- White’s statistical analysis showed the winning study aimed to discover cause the worst mass extinctions. ment of Geology, recently looked at that three random coincidences in- the duration of coughs in children, In the last 300 million years, life on the statistical probability of any link volving both impact and volcanism compare this with clinical and Earth has suffered three major mass between impact and eruptions to see over the last 300 million years are parental prediction of cough dura- extinctions: those of the end-Permian, whether it is credible that they occur likely, and there would not necessari- tion, and to determine the clinical end-Triassic and end-Cretaceous peri- during the same period by coinci- ly have to be any link between them. factors associated with prolonged ods. dence alone. They therefore suggest that theories coughs. The third of these, leading to the Their re-evaluation of the frequency implying that flood basalts are gener- The research was conducted by demise of the dinosaurs 65 million of bolide (extraterrestrial) impacts and ated by bolide impacts are unneces- Dr Alastair Hay whilst he was a lec- years ago, is believed to be caused by massive ‘flood basalt’ volcanism indi- sary and unproven. turer in General Practice at the Uni- a meteorite colliding with the Earth, cates that both events occur individu- A report on the research carried out versity of Leicester, and the research combined with the eruption of huge ally much more frequently than the by Dr Rosalind White and Professor took place in local practices. The floods of basaltic lava. incidence of mass extinctions. Andrew Saunders is to be published paper is derived from work for Controversy rages over whether all This suggests that each, on its own, later in the year by the geological which he was awarded an MD by three mass extinctions involve a simi- is not powerful enough to trigger a journal Lithos. this University. lar combination of impact and vol- disastrous worldwide collapse of 4 University of Leicester Bulletin June – July 2004 News

One of the most prestigious – and expensive - residential properties in Oadby has celebrated its centenary. Beaumont House, part of Beau- mont Hall at the University of Leicester, is the oldest hall of resi- dence in the University’s estate. The hall houses 385 students, with most of those staying in the New and Old Courts and the rest split between the beautiful Edwar- dian Rocklands House and the 100- year-old Beaumont House. To celebrate the centenary of the house the staff and students organ- ised cream teas, music, children's HISTORIC HOUSE entertainment, garden tours, trea- sure hunt and a small display about Beaumont Hall on May 9. CELEBRATES CENTENARY New Library Facilities Bringing Technology for Vaughan College to the Fore

Greatly improved library facilities much-needed modernisation of our Two Leicester universities came to- collaborations including four univer- are set to benefit the many Leices- information resources has moved us gether in an exhibition showcasing sity spin-out companies, and pre- tershire people who study at Vaugh- decisively into the 21st century. We technology transfer, which is expect- sentations from the finalists of the an College, the city-centre site of the are now fully geared up to meet the ed to attract businesses from the re- Business University of Leicester Institute of contemporary learning and teaching gion, as well as members of the Venture Competition. On display Lifelong Learning, following a recent needs of our students and tutors, academic community. were a number of exhibition stands refurbishment project funded from a and we are very proud to celebrate “Energising Innovation - working from the Universities and other or- grant awarded by the HEFCE Higher this substantial advance in our pro- with your local universities”, took ganisations involved in technology Education Active Community Fund. vision of lifelong learning opportuni- place on 8 June, 2004 at the Mid- transfer. BBC Radio Leicester’s John Flo- ties for the community.” lands Conference Centre, Leicester Enterprise Manager at the Univer- rance was present to celebrate with With over a thousand students en- City Football Club. sity of Leicester Institute of Lifelong Vaughan College staff and their rolling each year, Vaughan College The event was organised by the Learning, Anne Newman, com- guests the provision of a much offers a wide range of part-time University of Leicester and De mented: “This was a marvellous op- wider range of up-to-date books in courses for adults, including a pop- Montfort University, and was sup- portunity to bring together local both print and electronic formats, ular evening BA (Honours) in Hu- ported by EMSEN ( businesses, industrialists, enterprise the introduction of new library man- manities, an extensive programme Science Enterprise Network) and and innovation networks, FDAs, agement and security systems and of Counselling courses, and numer- Leicester Shire Economic Partner- academics, students, government improved study facilities. ous Certificates of Higher Education ship. and business support agencies – in Dr Paul Poplawski, Director of in subjects as diverse as Archaeolo- As well as keynote addresses, fact anyone with an interest in uni- Studies at Vaughan College, com- gy, Bird Conservation, Creative Writ- there were case study sessions in versity business collaboration, inno- mented: “While the ‘old’ library had ing, Local History, Management innovation and university-business vation and technology transfer.” served us well since 1962, this Studies, and Psychology.

Leicester Rises in Guardian Table After accepting errors in their appli- lor said: "The data used by the very sensitive to small changes in the table. A number of uni- cation of the University of Leicester's Guardian had been checked by the way departments appear. When this versities are now discussing the mat- HESA data The Guardian has revised University and was essentially correct. mis-application was corrected it had a ter with the Guardian". its 2004 University league table. As a "The problem arose when The very significant effect on Leicester's Links to all league tables are acces- consequence Leicester has risen from Guardian allocated students to a de- position. sible through the Marketing Office's 48th to 27th in the table. partment to which they did not be- "Leicester was not the only universi- website. Director of Marketing, Richard Tay- long. The Guardian's overall listing is ty to have benefited from revisions to 5 University of Leicester Bulletin News June – July 2004

Minister for Arts eBULLETIN: Your one-stop-shop for Estelle Morris University of Leicester news and information Delivers Richard The eBulletin was launched on any news or events you would like tent Management System” technol- Attenborough the 1st March 2002, providing a to advertise in the eBulletin. The ogy. Using the Open Source Zope new way to access University news, new look eBulletin is both an inter- and Plone packages the Computer Centre Lecture features, events, notices and pic- nal and external facing Web site, so Centre has customised and devel- tures. Such has been its success how ever you choose to get in oped an eBulletin Web application. Minister of State for the Arts Es- that it has now become the central touch, you will be raising aware- The eBulletin Web application telle Morris returned to the Uni- source for all University news and ness and improving publicity for has meant that behind the scenes, versity to deliver the Richard At- information. As a consequence, its your news, information or event. editorial staff can write and publish profile has been raised, and from articles through their Web browsers. tenborough Centre Lecture, Edu- Editorial Control cation, The Arts and Inclusion. June 1 2004 it became part of the At the risk of down playing what University's home page. The Press and Publications Office has been generated, if you can type Her visit marked a return to the The eBulletin is more than a Web now manage the eBulletin Web site text into a series of boxes and press University she described as a 'role site, as every Monday morning a with a few exceptions: the Regis- a button you will be able to author model' and to the very centre round up of the week's newly pub- trar’s Office manages bereave- and publish an eBulletin article. where she inaugurated the Insti- lished eBulletin articles will be sent ments, the Personnel Office handles Over time, and given the right au- tute of Lifelong Learning during to CFS account holders via e-mail. Job Vacancies, and Staff from the thority and resources, it is hoped to the University's 80th anniversary This will provide an additional way Students’ Union Marketing and Ad- move the whole CWIS into a similar celebration in 2002. of alerting people about new infor- visory Service will manage the Stu- system. Vice-Chancellor Professor mation. dents’ Union News section. Robert Burgess said at the time of By using the same technology as The eBulletin Team the visit: "We are very pleased to Making a Contribution the rest of the eBulletin, the Press The Information and Communica- welcome back Estelle Morris who On every page of the eBulletin Web and Publications and Marketing Of- tions Strategy Committee (ICSC)and has been a terrific champion of site you will find a "Submit An Arti- fices have also been able to take the Press and Publications Office lifelong learning and the arts- both cle" link, which takes you to a sim- day-to-day editorial control and commissioned the Computer Centre of which are exemplified in the ple Web-based form. This form al- maintenance of the internal and ex- to address the de-centralised ap- work of our lows you to enter your news direct- ternal homepages respectively. The proach to institution-wide commu- Centre. ly into the eBulletin system, which Computer Centre is therefore no nication and the duplication of in- "The University of Leicester con- then notifies the eBulletin editorial longer responsible for processing re- formation between the internal and tinues to work hard to find new, staff of your submission. The edito- quests for publicity on either of the eBulletin homepages and the flexible and innovative ways of de- rial staff will review your article; e- these pages. Weekly Digest. This project was livering higher education to a wide mail the reviewed article back to conceived, specified, designed, im- section of the community. Provi- you for validation before publishing New Technology plemented by a team comprising sion of courses with an accent on it in the eBulletin Web site. The eBulletin project had two aims: Nichola Hayes, Steven Hayles, access for people with disabilities Alternatively, you can still contact one was to create a single news dis- Michelle Heap and Alex Owen reflects one facet of this inclusive the Press and Publications Office di- tribution system and the other was working with the Press Office approach to education." rectly via [email protected] with to evaluate an Open Source “Con- team.

Captions for Photostop (back page) 1. University of Leicester appearance of a Roman armoured also made it a double victory for photographs were of the archaeologist Simon James has cavalryman (cataphract) of the third Leicester and created history in the archaeological site of Charsadda, on published a book revealing century AD, based on archaeological process- this was the first Ladies an old caravan route from Kabul to discoveries from an ancient city in evidence from Dura-Europos, Syria. rugby match on the Tigers turf. Delhi, near to the city of Peshawar in Syria which provide a unique insight Painted by Simon James. (c) S modern North West Frontier into the lives - and violent deaths - James, 2003. 4. A Bollywood picture was shot at Province, Pakistan. Dr Ruth Young, of Roman soldiers on the eastern the University of Leicester's Botanic who teaches a course in South Asian limits of the empire. The location of 2. Lord Carey, former Archbishop of Garden. Actor Aamir Ali and actress archaeology in the School of the ancient city of Dura-Europos was Canterbury, delivered the Seventh Sir Ishaa Koppikar filmed for the movie Archaeology and Ancient History has forgotten until 1920. His new book, Sigmund Sternberg Lecture in Inter- Raakh, due to be released this worked on the archaeological site of Excavations at Dura-Europos 1928- Faith Dialogue hosted by the Centre autumn. Charsadda. She is pictured, centre, 37, Final Report VII: The Arms and for the History of Religious and in Peshawar. 5. High Sheriff of Leicestershire and Armour, is hailed as: "the most Political Pluralism of the University Chairman of the Everard Foundation, important single collection of arms, 7. Professors Len Dissado (left) and of Leicester. Lord Carey returned to Mr Richard Everard, is pictured -with armour and other equipment to John Fothergill in the High Voltage many points of controversy in the student volunteers-holding a cheque survive from the Roman period", and lab in Engineering, in front of a lecture entitled Islam and the West. representing the Foundation's annual uncovers in text and illustrations a painting by Professor Dissado's wife, funding award to the student collection exceptional for its size, 3. The University of Leicester men's Enid. Enid recently completed a volunteer service, Contact. diversity and state of preservation. rugby team won the third annual painting course at the Richard Dura's assemblage of armour and match between Leicester and 6. Two thousand five hundred years Attenborough Centre. The painting weapons also offers a rare view of DMU by 23-3. Both teams had of South Asian history was on show looks like a window in the wall into Rome's forgotten Eastern armies. entered the competition evenly at a photographic exhibition at the the next laboratory in which the two Pictured is a reconstruction of the matched. The women's rugby team University of Leicester. The professors are discussing dielectrics.

6 University of Leicester Bulletin June – July 2004 People

Staff and Student Distinctions As reported at Senate

Staff Distinctions which set the benchmark for excellence University Sports in the Jessup Moot. Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys (Genetics) Manager invited to received a Lifetime Achievement Award Anisha Sinha (LLB Law 3) and Yat launch event at no 10 Ming Benson Tsoi (LLB 3) have won the at The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Sports and Recreation Manager Colin final of the Inner Temple Inter-Varsity Awards 2004 on 15 March 2004. The Hide was invited to No 10 Downing Mooting Competition, defeating teams award ceremony was televised on ITV1. Street on May 13 for the launch of a from Kingston, University College Mr Richard Thomas (Finance scheme to improve athletics in the UK. Northampton, UCL, Newcastle, and (in Office) has been invited by HEFCE to Part of the government-funded Tal- the final) Manchester. join a group responsible for co-ordinat- ented Athelete Scholarship Scheme’s ing the purchase of equipment for the £3 million annual budget will go to pro- sector for SRIF 2. Lecturer Honoured for vide financial scholarships, worth ‘Outstanding Merit’ £3,000 per year, to 1,000 atheletes Student Distinctions Dr Simon Møller, a lecturer in the Uni- aged 19-25 who wish to stay in High- Colin Hide Jonathan Lewis and Rosemary Pilch- versity’s Biology Department, has been er Education. The University of Leices- er (MEng Mechanical with Industry 5) honoured for his ‘outstanding merit’ at a ter is part of the East Midlands Consor- Leicester student have achieved joint first place in the Un- national ceremony where he received the tium that will be participating in the celebrates Entente dergraduate Section of the East Midlands President’s Medal for Cell Biology for TASS scheme. Cordiale Materials Society Lecture Competition. 2004. Colin said: “This scheme will have a First-year Modern Languages student A University of Leicester Mooting Simon, who received the prestigious So- major impact on the level of sporting Gurpreet Singh, studying Law and Team, comprising Da Yu Au (exchange ciety for Experimental Biology award at a performance within Higher Education, French, was recently chosen to join a student), Paula Barnes, (LLB 2), Daniel ceremony in Edinburgh, said “Plant Cell with some athletes going on to full in- trip to Paris to celebrate the 100th an- Cohen (LLB (International) 2), and Sar- Biology is in an exciting phase. I am very ternational honours. Many sports allow niversary of the Entente Cordiale be- la Subrahamiam (exchange student) fortunate to have bright and hard-working students to study and train – a ‘win- tween France and England. He trav- have been awarded a prize in the Inter- reseachers in my laboratory helping to win’ for sport and athlete. elled on Eurostar with Prime Minister national Jessup Mooting Competition make our studies a success”. “This is an exciting time for the Uni- Tony Blair and 99 fellow British stu- held in Aberdeen. The prize was for the Simon’s research is focusing on plastid versity of Leicester, and we will play a dents. On arrival in Paris, they joined team that best demonstrated the ‘profes- division, plastidic Fe-S cluster biogene- big part in the success of the scheme 100 French students and President sionalism, team spirit and fun attitude’ sis/repair and light signaling in plants. within the East Midlands”. Chirac at the Elysée Palace.

Professor C Eaborn, FRS cio members of Faculty Boards, so that Chair of Chemistry at the University of Obituaries Colin Eaborn, who died on February 22, they could devote more time to research Sussex. 2004 at the age of 80, began his acade- and could influence Faculty policy. Emeritus Professor Iain Davidson mic career at Leicester, joining the staff of Colin Eaborn seized the opportunities Mr P J C Strong Mr A Fenton the Chemistry Department in 1947 as an offered by his Readership to expand his The University has learnt, with regret, The University has learnt, with regret, of Assistant Lecturer. Obituaries in the na- research group and to stimulate col- of the death of Mr Philip John Charles the death on Sunday, March 28, of An- tional press have rightly emphasised his leagues to pursue research. By the time Strong in January 2004. Mr Strong drew Fenton. Mr Fenton graduated in distinguished research in organosilicon that the University achieved indepen- read Law at the University and was 1982 with a BSc (Honours) in Chemistry. chemistry and his achievements in dence in 1957 he had earned an inter- awarded an LLB in July 1994. He was The funeral took place in Weymouth on founding and developing the Chemistry national reputation, and had very sub- 30 at the time of his death. Thursday, April 8. Department at the , stantially increased the research output Professor M K Hopkins but he also had a substantial and lasting of the Chemistry Department. He was Dr H Vine The University has learnt, with regret, influence on the University of Leicester. also active in Faculty and Senate, dis- Harry Vine, previously a Senior Lecturer in of the death of Professor Keith Hopkins. In 1947 University College Leicester playing excellent judgement and in- the Department of Geography, died on Professor Hopkins joined the University was affiliated to the University of London sight; he was almost alone at the time Sunday, April 11, aged 87. of Leicester as an Assistant Lecturer in and only had about 200 full-time under- in favouring, and accurately predicting, Dr Vine joined the University in October the Department of Sociology in October graduates. The science departments the substantial growth of the University. 1965 as a Lecturer. In 1979 he was pro- 1961. He left in September 1963. He were small, with few resources for re- Colin Eaborn was exceptionally gen- moted to a Senior Lectureship. He spe- retired as Professor of Ancient History search. Nevertheless, Colin Eaborn em- erous towards colleagues, sharing his cialised in Soil Science and had an earlier at Cambridge in 2001. barked on an energetic programme of re- research resources and giving them career in Nigeria based on this interest. Dr M A Higgins search; he identified high-quality projects every encouragement to undertake re- He was also Tutor for Combined Science The University has learnt, with regret, in organosilicon chemistry, an almost en- search in the difficult circumstances students in the final years of his career in of the death of Dr Tony Higgins. Dr Hig- tirely unexplored field at that time, which prevailing in the 1950s. From the the Department. gins joined the University as an Ad- could be undertaken with simple labora- 1960s onwards, Chemistry at Leicester Following his retirement in September ministrative Assistant in 1967, and tory equipment, and he was highly suc- has had an exceptionally high level of 1981, he maintained a keen interest in was promoted to the post of Assistant cessful in attracting research funding research achievement for a department the Department, using the Soil Laboratory Registrar in 1973. He left the Universi- from industry and from defence agencies of its size; part of that is due to the im- for his research on Nigerian soils and be- ty in 1978 and subsequently held a in the United States. proved facilities since 1960 and the coming a regular visitor, until this year, to number of posts in the sector, including As part of its efforts to achieve inde- sustained quality of new staff appoint- departmental Inaugural Lectures and re- that of Chief Executive of UCAS from pendent status, the College in 1954 took ments since then, but part of the credit tirement celebrations. He will be remem- which he retired in July 2003. Dona- the imaginative step of creating a few also belongs to Colin Eaborn for his ma- bered fondly by his students for turning tions in memory of Dr Higgins can be Readerships to raise the research profile. jor influence on the research ethos of the subject of any tutorial topic into a dis- sent to SportsAid, c/o Ginns & Gut- These Readers, of whom Colin Eaborn the Chemistry Department in its early, cussion on soils. teridge Funeral Directors, 51 Vaughan was one (he with the title, Reader in formative days. Colleagues and friends gathered for a re- Way, Leicester, LE1 4NR. An obituary Physical Organic Chemistry), were given He left the University of Leicester in membrance meeting on Saturday, April 17. will appear in a future issue of Bulletin. reduced teaching loads and were ex offi- 1962 when he was appointed to the Professor Ian Bowler 7 University of Leicester Bulletin Photostop June – July 2004

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Bulletin

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