University Updates
5 February 2010
Research
Celebrating research – the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Day
The first Vice-Chancellor’s Research day took place on Wednesday 3 February, to showcase and celebrate the research being carried by early career academics across the University.
Venture capital lowers unemployment, study shows
Readily available venture capital for start-ups lowers both the unemployment rate and the share of long-term unemployed among the total number of unemployed, suggests a study of 20 industrial countries conducted by Horst Feldman (Economics).
Rugby research which could reduce injury and ultimately change the game
Scientists from the School for Health are carrying out pioneering tests on rugby players that could potentially reduce injury by changing the way they side-step. From this week (1 February – 5 February) a series of volunteers have been put through their paces in the lab to study the side-step technique and the forces it exerts on players’ joints and ligaments.
Engineers aim to make air travel greener
Carbon emissions from air travel could be reduced thanks to a new collaboration between engineers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the University of Bristol, and the aerospace industry. The project will investigate new ways of using composite materials for wing panels in aircraft, leading to reductions in cost and weight of up to 30 per cent.
News
New PhD studentships in developmental, stem cell biology and neurobiology awarded
The Departments of Biology & Biochemistry and Pharmacy & Pharmacology have been awarded a prestigious doctoral training grant worth almost £400,000 by the Medical Research Council (MRC). With additional support from the University, the grant will fund eight postgraduate students in total, for a period of up to four years.
Study for a funded masters and gain work experience
The University is inviting local businesses in the south-west to apply to the Graduate Experience Scheme for project help from its graduates and academics. Firms working in the field of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) have the opportunity to take on a graduate for five months to work on a specific project, with support from an academic at the University.
Researchers’ conference to take lively look at impact
This year’s researchers’ conference takes a lively look at impact. It will have impact stories, where researchers talk about their research and the impact (not always intentional!) that it has had. There will also be a ‘Question Time’-style debate on impact. The conference takes place on Friday 5 March at the Hilton City Hotel, Bath.
The Cycle Hub mobile cycle shop is coming to campus
The University is pleased to announce that The Cycle Hub mobile cycle shop will be on campus on Wednesday 10 February from 12-3pm. The Cycle Hub will be running a Dr Bike safety check clinic. This service is free of charge to University staff.
Staff news
Bath academic goes to EU to protect European film
Wendy Everett, (European Studies) spoke of the central role of home-grown cinema in European identity at a conference at the European Parliament last week, organised by the Federation of European Film Directors.
Furong Li wins Rushlight Power Generation & Transmission Award
Dr Furong Li, (Electronic & Electrical Engineering), is the proud winner of a 2009 Rushlight Power Generation and Transmission Award. This category celebrates the most significant engineering development within the electricity sector that has improved the efficiency of energy conversion and/or transmission from fuel source to consumer.
Information
Alumni Web site will be unavailable Friday 5 Feb - Monday 8 Feb
Due to essential maintenance, the Alumni Web site will be unavailable Friday 5 February 2pm-Monday 8 February 12noon. Those visiting the website will see a holding page with alternative contact information.
Specialist tour of the WW2 battlefields of Normandy
The University Staff Association invite you to discover the most poignant locations of the Normandy Landings, including the landing beaches of Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah; key War Museums and Battlefields of WW2. This 4-day, 3-night stay is open to all University staff, family and friends from outside the University.
Private Flu Clinics – University Medical Centre
The University Medical Centre is able to offer private flu vaccinations to staff who do not automatically qualify for a vaccination for free from their registered GP.
NB! Please keep records of television & radio recordings
During the months of February and May 2010, staff members who record television and radio programmes for teaching purposes (whether on campus or off) must keep records of any recordings they make, and send the details to the Audio Visual Unit as part of an annual survey conducted by the Educational Recording Agency.
EPSRC Study Day and Mock Panel
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council is holding a Study and Mock Panel day at the University's Council Chamber on Wednesday 17 February.
Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council regional meeting in Bath
One of a series of EPSRC Regional Meetings taking place during February and March of this year is being hosted here at Bath. They are open to the entire engineering and physical sciences community with the aim being to share information about our strategies and encourage constructive discussion to help shape our plans for the future.
Scientists/engineers: Do you want to learn how the media works?
The British Science Association Media Fellowships are intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists, social scientists, clinicians and engineers.
Hospitality & Accommodation February newsletter
This month we celebrate our Fairtrade university status for the second year and we will be hosting Fairtrade Fortnight with the Students’ Union to promote fair and ethical trading.
Swap Shop wiki
Save on your departmental budget by asking others for furniture and equipment that they may no longer need.
Jobs
Vacant posts: http://www.bath.ac.uk/jobs/
Learning & teaching
Register now for Cancer Research@Bath conference
Open to all staff and students with an interest in Cancer Research and will include a poster session, diverse talks all related to cancer, with a coffee break and opportunity to view posters and lastly an informal networking drink.
Innovations in Learning and Teaching Week 2010 - 22 - 26 February
- Monday 22 - Innovations Week Launch Event
- Tuesday 23 – Workshop on Peer Mentoring
- Wednesday 24 – Annual Learning and Teaching Enhancement Seminar
- Thursday 25 – Paper Lunch: review of an academic paper on L&T
- Friday 26 – The ‘Dragons’ Den’ presentations and award giving
Deadlines & nominations
Do you know someone worthy of an honorary degree?
Staff and students are being encouraged to nominate people for honorary degrees. The University is accepting new nominations for consideration by the Honorary Degrees Committee from any member of the University or person associated with it. Deadline: 19 February
Nominations now open for University Teaching Awards
Let us know who you think has made a significant contribution to an aspect of teaching at the University by nominating a member of staff for a teaching award. Nominations are welcome from both staff and students and eligible candidates may be teaching and/or learning support staff. Deadline: 12 March
Times Higher to change their rankings methodology - have your say
Times Higher has signed an agreement with Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading research data specialist, to provide all the data for their annual World University Rankings from 2010 and beyond. You can tell them what you think about the change.
In the media
- Linda Bauld (Social & Policy Sciences) discussed the Government's new strategy to cut the number of smokers by half in the next ten years to Heart FM
- John Troyer (Social & Policy Sciences) spoke to BBC Radio Five Live and was filmed by BBC Points West about Sir Terry Pratchett's proposal of tribunals to consider allowing assisted suicide for the terminally ill.
- Grant Trewartha (School for Health) was filmed by BBC Points West and ITV West Country Tonight explaining his new tests on rugby players that could reduce injury. He also spoke to Bath FM and BBC Radio Bristol.
- Richard Butler (Mechanical Engineering) spoke to BBC Radio Bristol about his new research into designing lighter planes that will make air travel greener.
- Isabella Stefanutti (Foreign Languages Centre) spoke to Heart FM about swapping sandwiches for languages at lunchtime.
Training & development
- Mandatory training: Chairing recruitment panels - 10 Feb
- Managers' Forum - 16 Feb
- Presentation Skills Parts 1 & 2 - 22 Feb & 5 March
- Grant Applications workshop (run by Research Design Service - South West) - 18 Mar
- SW Institutions' Middle Managers (Deadline: 20 January) - 24 - 26 March
- Introduction to Project Management (Manchester) - 29 Apr /17 June
- I’m a scientist, get me out of here!
- Open Programme of Events | PDF to print
- Staff: Improve your IT skills, new timetable available
- Training for Technical Staff - HEaTED
- CMS training courses
- Staff Development programme | PDF to print
- e-Learning staff development programme
- Monthly learning & teaching paper lunches
Lectures & seminars
Labview engineer to host seminar on campus
Adam Bakehouse, a technical Labview Academic Field Engineer will be at the University on Tuesday 16 February. He will be here to answer technical questions, provide hands on advice and explain the new features of version 2010, which will be available on campus in academic year 2010/2011.
Bath science café: a close-up on cremation
A day in the life of Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium is the revealing subject of the next Bath Science Café (7.30pm Monday 8 February in the Raven pub, Queen Street).
How crows make tools and other clever tricks
Video footage of crows making and using tools to find food will help to explain how animals think, in a free public lecture at the University (Wednesday 10 February). The lecture will be held in 5W2.3 from 4.15pm to 5.05pm, no tickets necessary.
Public Lecture: The Rite of Spain? Stravinsky, flamenco and ‘a lot of Jerez’
A lecture at the University of Bath on Wednesday 10 February will explore the influence of Spain on the composer Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky. The lecture is free and open to the publicand will be held in Lecture Theatre 8 West 1.1 at 5:15pm.
LGBT history month 2010 lunch lecture
All are welcome to attend this lunchtime lecture as part of the LGBT History Month series. On Tuesday 16 February Eric Anderson (Education) discusses the strengths and limitations of the labelling of sexual identities, concerning their political purposes.
Professor Ray Land to speak at Annual Learning and Teaching Enhancement Seminar
This year’s seminar is entitled ‘Overcoming barriers to student understanding: threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge’. The seminar will take place on Wednesday 24 February, 13.30 - 3.30, 6 West 1.1. To book a place please email acdev@bath.ac.uk or telephone extension 4086.
Faculty of H&SS Research Seminars
Faculty Research Seminars have been arranged for the academic year 2009-2010, starting on Thursday 25 February. In this seminar Jonathan Goodhand from University of London will talk on 'Afghan State-building Viewed from the Margins'.
Public lectures
The programme of free lectures open for staff, students and the general public is available online.
Podcasts
Catch up on any lectures you may have missed.
What's on
Monday 8
07:30 AM Trees in my garden
10:00 AM What can the Careers Advisory Service do for you?
11:00 AM PricewaterhouseCooper drop-in (until 2pm)
12:00 Noon Games Day
13:15 PM Complexity/BICS seminar: Hierarchy of models for entangled polymers
17:15 PM Iyengar Yoga for Absolute Beginners
18:15 PM Introduction to fundraising and event management
19:30 PM Bath science café: a close-up on cremation
Tuesday 9
12:15 PM Mid week Eucharist/H C Service
12:15 PM The Bath Award - information session
12:45 PM Oxfam lunch
13:15 PM CNM seminar - The porridge (and magma) problem
16:30 PM Policy & technology challenges in a highly distributed energy future
18:00 PM Business funding in tough times
18:15 PM Essay Writing Skills
19:30 PM The potential for Queen Square
19:30 PM Mega Refresh Quiz
Wednesday 10
13:00 PM Travel poems from Germany & America
13:15 PM SPS Placement Conference 2010
13:15 PM How to run a student household
16:15 PM Who's a clever birdie, then? Tool use in New Caledonian Crows
17:15 PM The rite of Spain? Stravinsky, flamenco - and ‘a lot of jerez’…
Thursday 11
01:15 AM Numerical reasoning test
17:30 PM Advanced word version 2003
18:15 PM How to sell your volunteering 1
18:30 PM University of Bath & Photosoc - Photography Exhibition
20:00 PM Open Mic Night
Friday 12
16:15 PM Maths Landscape Talk
Arts
Concerts and Performances:
Bonachela Dance Company - The Land of Yes and The Land of No | ICIA Arts Theatre | Sunday 7 February, 7pm
Bonachela delves into the world of signs and symbols that rule our everyday lives and spark our hidden memories. Award-winning Bonachela is renowned for his instinctive, dynamic and highly physical movement.
Catherine Laws - Hammered! and other things | Music Room, University Hall | Thursday 18 February, 8pm
By turns explosive, playful and meditative, Catherine Laws explores the expressiveness of the piano. Includes the premiere of a new work by Damien Harron. Followed by a free Post-Concert Conversation with Catherine Laws and Damien Harron.
Exhibitions:
Alex Pearl - Goodbye to most of the daydreams | ICIA Art Space 1 | Until Friday 19 February, Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm
Alex Pearl applied to the British Antarctic Survey proposing not to go to the South Pole. He then documented his non-journey. Both haunting and humorous, his mini epic films, texts, drawings and sculptures carry an acceptance of failure and disappointment as important parts of the human condition.
Swindon College - Lines of Enquiry | 6 ICIA Art Space 2, 3WN 2.1 | Thursday 21 January – Friday 19 March
The sixth in a series of exhibitions showing work by graduates of the BA Fine Art Drawing at Swindon College’s School of Art & Design.
University of Bath & Photosoc - Photography Exhibition | ICIA Art Space 3 | Thursday 11 February - Friday 26 March, Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm
The winning entries and runners-up from this year’s competition go on show, revealing a varied and intriguing response to this year’s theme the place of work. Includes an on-screen slide show of all the entries submitted. The winners will be announced at the opening on 11 Feb at 6.30pm.
Music Workshops
Creative Sound Factory - Weekend Workshop | Studio 1, ICIA Arts Barn | Friday 19 – Sunday 21 February
Creative Sound Factory is the most exciting music workshop around. Over one weekend up to sixty talented musicians are guided by seven pros through improvising and composing an original piece of music, with a rousing final performance on the Sunday evening. All types of musicians welcome. For those aged 16+. Music reading not required. Apply online by 12 February.
Conducting with Richard Gonski Music Room | University Hall | Wednesday 17 February, 4pm-6pm
This is a chance for aspiring conductors to learn the craft and for those with experience to hone their technique with leading conductor, Richard Gonski. Ability to read music required.
Come and try drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture next week!
ICIA are running visual arts demos and taster sessions on the parade next Monday 8 February and possibly Tuesday 9 February at lunchtime 12-2pm and will also be at the Refresh Fair on Friday 12 February from 10am-2pm in the Founders Sports Hall. Come along and have a go before you book a class!
Sport
Buccs resume campaign with top of table clash
The University's Sports Training Village hosts a top of the table clash between TeamBath Buccaneers and Fareham on Sunday (7 February) when England Hockey League Men’s Conference West resumes following the traditional Christmas and New Year break.
Emmanuel and Holly are our athletes of the month
Judo player Emmanuel Nartey and endurance runner Holly Rush are TeamBath’s latest athletes of the month.
Adam and Amy selected for Vancouver Olympic Winter Games
University-based athletes Adam Pengilly and Amy Williams have been selected to represent Great Britain at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.