2009/10 Contents Introduction 1 Mission, vision and values 2 Education and the student experience 5 Research 9 Students 13 Staff 16 The engaged University 20 Estate development 22 Information technology and libraries 24 Alumni distinctions and honorary degrees 26 Philanthropy 27 bristol.ac.uk Review of the year The year in pictures 2009 August Twitter channel takes off The University launched a channel on the web-based group messaging service, Twitter, which it uses to disseminate information about news, events and general announcements. In April 2010 it also launched its official YouTube channel. September Sir David packs the Great Hall Sir David Attenborough received a standing ovation after his lecture about the Council members British scientist Alfred Russel Wallace, one of the early proponents of the theory of natural selection. The legendary broadcaster’s talk in the Great Hall of the Wills Memorial Building was part of the University’s centenary lecture series. Lay members (18) Produced by October Royal opening for new Medical Centre Mr James Wadsworth – Treasurer Public Relations Office The Princess Royal officially opened the new Bristol Heart Institute Medical August September October Cllr Christopher Davies – Bristol City Council Communications Division Centre, a £61-million, state-of-the-art regional cardiothoracic centre funded by Mr Denis Burn – Society of Merchant Senate House the Department of Health. The Centre is a partnership between the University Tyndall Avenue and University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. Venturers (Chair) Mr Bill Ray – Convocation Bristol BS8 1TH November War, patriotism and conscience Elected by Court Design A new book, Telling Tales About Men, by Lois Bibbings, Senior Lecturer in Law, Mr John Bramhall explores how conscientious objectors to compulsory military service were viewed www.pelotondesign.co.uk and treated in England during the First World War. Mr Roy Cowap Mr Chris Curling Print and reproduction December Brains + beauty = art Mr Colin Green MWL Print Group. This publication is ‘Sunrise’ by Eva Polk, a postgraduate in the Department of Physiology and Mr Ronald Kerr printed on Revive Pure White Offset, Pharmacology, one of the winners of the annual Art of Science competition held Mrs Dinah Moore by the Faculty of Medical and Veterinary Sciences. The works were exhibited at a 100% recycled paper stock using the city’s At-Bristol science centre. Mr Bob Morton (Vice-Chair) vegetable/mineral oil-based, Mr George Morton environmentally friendly inks. 2010 January Light gets knotted Mr David Ord A team of physicists at the universities of Bristol, Glasgow and Southampton Mrs Cindy Peck achieved the remarkable feat of tying light in knots. The team designed Mr Tim Ross holograms using a branch of abstract mathematics called knot theory and created ‘optical vortices’ which can be tied into knots. The research could lead November December January Ms Anne Stephenson to a new generation of laser devices. Mrs Cathy Waithe Mr James Wetz February RAG fund opens coffers The Students’ Union invited local voluntary and community groups to apply for grants of up to £1,000 from its Raising and Giving (RAG) fund. The fund is open University members (10) to local groups supporting people who are disadvantaged or isolated – in Professor Eric Thomas – Vice-Chancellor particular children, older people and those with long-term illnesses. Professor David Clarke – Deputy Vice- Accessibility Chancellor March Brains ahead If you need all or part Professor Len Hall – Pro Vice-Chancellor A giant brain appeared in Bristol’s Millennium Square to mark International of this publication in an Brain Awareness Week, which aims to increase public awareness about brain Professor Avril Waterman-Pearson – accessible format (eg in research. Bristol Neuroscience, which brings together all neuroscience research Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University, worked with At-Bristol to run activities throughout the week. Braille, in larger print or Elected members of the academic staff on tape), please contact April Probing phantom jams Professor Paula Booth the Public Relations Office Dr Eddie Wilson in the Department of Engineering Maths published his research Professor Tim Bond into the causes of ‘phantom’ traffic jams (ie jams with no apparent cause). Dr Sally Heslop on 0117 928 8895. Mathematical modelling revealed that changes in vehicle speed and road position sometimes combine in a ‘perfect storm’ to create these jams. The February March April Dr David Newbold EPSRC-funded research will lead to better traffic-flow forecasting and help prevent congestion. Elected members of the non-academic staff May Bristol promotes interactive learning in India Mr Robert Massie Dr Sri Subramanian from the Department of Computer Science led a project Ms Pru Lawrence-Archer examining the use of interactive technology in schools in India, in collaboration with several Indian non-profit organisations. Multi-touch tables were installed in two Delhi schools, and students’ experiences were assessed. Initial results Students (3) suggested that this activity-based approach encourages greater co-operation and communication between students. Mr Owen Peachey – President of the Students’ Union June Bristol celebrates Penguin’s birthday Ms Ruth Jackson – Vice-President of the The art and design of Penguin Books come under the spotlight at the University Students’ Union as part of an international event celebrating its 75th anniversary. The University Ms Emma Di’Lorio – Vice-President of the Library’s Special Collections are home to the Penguin Archive, a wealth of materials relating to Penguin Books Ltd from its foundation in 1935 to the mid-1980s. Students’ Union July Chinese Herb Garden opens A traditional dragon dance featured at the official opening of Europe’s first dedicated Chinese Herb Garden at the University’s Botanic Garden. There are 200 May June July species of Chinese herbs in the garden, including a mature female ginkgo tree and a sacred lotus, whose essential oil is, weight for weight, more expensive than gold. 2009/10 REVIEW OF THE YEAR Introduction This review of 2009/10 complements Of course, these are challenging times for our formal Annual Report and Financial all organisations and universities are not Statements and provides a snapshot of immune. For this reason, we have looked some of the many accomplishments and at every aspect of our organisation with successes that support our world-class absolute rigour to ensure that we are best reputation. The fantastic achievements of placed not only to deal with the realities our students and staff are inspirational. of a tough economic climate, but also to Amazing things happen at Bristol. continue to invest in order to maintain our global reputation as a first-class institution. We are dedicated to academic endeavour We are well positioned to navigate through at the highest level. Our students benefit these difficult waters, but there is no doubt from an intellectually demanding, research- that Council, the senior team and the informed education that encourages University as a whole, have an important independence of mind and prepares them contribution to make. to achieve their personal goals and serve society’s needs across the globe, both We remain true to our mission and, as the NICK SMITH during and after their time here. Discovery, successes highlighted in this review show, learning and enterprise – this is what are well placed to survive in uncertain times defines us. and build on our considerable strengths to achieve global recognition as a leading Council, the governing body of the institution in the 21st century. University, is proud to play an important role in ensuring that the University maintains its position as a leading institution at the top of its game, making a significant and unique contribution to society and the economy. MARTIN CHAINEY Eric Thomas Denis Burn Top: Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Chairman, University Council Below: Denis Burn, Chairman, University Council 1 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2009/10 2009/10 REVIEW OF THE YEAR Mission, vision and values Through its Royal Charter granted in 1909, the University of Bristol is committed to ‘the promotion of Arts, Sciences and Learning’. In its centenary year, the University restated its mission, together with its vision and values. These are set out below. They also appear at the start of the University’s Vision and Strategy for 2009-16. This Review of the Year, together with the associated Annual Report and Financial Statements, charts progress in 2009/10 against the Vision and Strategy. Mission To pursue and share knowledge and understanding, both for their own sake and to help individuals and society fulfil their potential. VIision The University of Bristol is an international powerhouse of learning, discovery and enterprise. Its vision is of a university whose excellence is acknowledged locally, nationally and globally and that is: • dedicated to academic achievement • an inclusive and collaborative community • engaged with society’s interests, across a broad range of disciplines, and to of scholarship that attracts and retains concerns, priorities and aspirations continuous innovation and improvement people with outstanding talent and • a major contributor culturally, • research-intensive, supporting both potential from all walks of life and all environmentally and economically individual scholarship and interdisciplinary parts of the world to Bristol and the South West or thematic research