13 May 2011
Awards & appointments
Vice-Chancellor appointed to the ESRC Council
Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell, has been appointed as a new member of the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC). Her appointment was made by David Willetts, the Minister for Universities & Science and is for a three year period from 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2014.
Ivor Powell MBE, veteran soccer coach, unveils coaching award at STV
A bronze statue of former Welsh international footballer and University of Bath football coach Ivor Powell MBE was unveiled at the University this week. It will be presented annually to future winners of the Ivor Powell Award for Excellence in Coaching, which is awarded to a coach at the University at the annual Blues Awards ceremony.The 94-year-old retired a year ago after 37 years working as a football coach at the University. It followed a remarkable career that saw him play for Wales, Blackpool, Aston Villa and Queen’s Park Rangers.
Great Western Research (GWR) shortlisted for Impact Award
Great Western Research (GWR), of which the University of Bath is a part, has been shortlisted for a Collaborative Impact Award.
University of Bath beats 40 other universities to win the 8 Task Challenge
A student team from the University won The 8 Task Challenge last Saturday (9 April) in Rutland Water. The 8 Task Challenge is a unique test of stamina, motivation, commitment and intelligence and involves the active participation of the cream of graduate recruiting organisations.
Winners of University’s Arts & Media Awards
The University recently celebrated its vibrant arts and media scene at the annual Arts & Media Awards. The evening was introduced by Vice-Chancellor Professor Glynis Breakwell and 15 students were delighted to receive awards in front of more than 150 guests.
News & Information
Barking business plan has big future
Baran Ceylan and Matt Manders have big plans for their business after their company, which aims to reduce the cost of keeping track of treasured possessions, won the PricewaterhouseCoopers & Bright Futures National Business Champion competition. They now hope to use the start-up fund they've received to expand on their original idea, a pet ID tag called RECollar, to market an alternative to GPS tracking known as the I-tag.
University Travel Survey 2010/11 - Deadline Extended
20 May
The closing date of the University Travel Survey has been extended until 20 May to give people more time to participate. Completing the survey gives you the chance to win £150 of STA Travel Vouchers, and the survey will help the resubmission of the University Masterplan. So far, 1,019 staff have completed the survey, but there's still time to take part.
To complete the staff travel survey, or for more information, visit http://go.bath.ac.uk/2010-11StaffTravelSurvey
New campaign launched for prospective students & parents about student fees
A new campaign was launched this week aimed at informing prospective students and their parents about changes to the student finance system proposed for 2012. The press, radio, media and social media campaign links students and parents to a new dedicated website for future students. It describes how the tuition loan system will operate, how to get a student loan, help with living costs and what support is available from government.
Graduation party bookings open
Food Direct is the hospitality service for staff at the University and is offering to host your department's graduation party this summer. A menu (Pdf) is available to download.
Get involved - volunteer runners required - 22 May
Researchers led by Mahnaz Alsharif (Health) are looking for volunteers to help assess the genetic limitations to human performance during a 15-km track race. Up to 56 volunteers with running experience are required from the University community to run alongside members of the Bath Athletics Club. Participants will be required to undergo a series of short pre-race tests. Personal data and a briefing will be provided after the event. Please contact Mahnaz in advance for a participant information sheet and consent form.
Oracle Calendar unavailable - Tues 17 May
An upgrade to improve compatibility with new mobile phones such as the iPhone 4 will take place on Tuesday 8am till 9am, during our 'at risk' period. At this time you will be unable to use the desktop client or the web interface to view or schedule any meetings or tasks. To minimise the disruption caused take a print-out of your agenda and critical tasks for Tuesday morning before the end of Monday 16 May.
Events
University research in pictures Friday 13 May to Sunday 15 May
This weekend a free exhibition in central Bath will display images of research conducted at the University in an effort to show how research impacts on our daily lives. Academics have been set the challenge of explaining their research to the public through the use of a single striking image and a short piece of text. The event takes place at the Octagon, Milsom Place, Bath from Friday 13 May to Sunday 15 May from 11am to 4pm.
Wellbeing Fair - Thursday 19 May
This May's staff Wellbeing Fair brings you the Bionic Ear Roadshow! A unique interactive show revealing the complex machinery that lies inside the ear, how it helps us hear sounds and music, what causes it to break down, and whether scientists can replace the parts to create an artificial ear. There will also be stalls and activities hosted by the Royal United Hospital, Sports Training Village, Stop Smoking Advisor, Hospitality, Estates Green Impact team, and others, allowing you to discuss other aspects of your health. The event takes place in 4West 1.1 & 1.2.
Alumni news
Over 260 alumni and friends gather to reminisce at annual gathering
The annual Alumni reunion took place last weekend with those attending celebrating the 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th or 45th anniversary of their graduation. The day was a huge success with those present having the opportunity to take a guided tour of the campus, enjoy a lecture from David Gillespie (European Studies & Modern Languages) about how his teaching has changed since 1985 and to hear from Vice-Chancellor Professor Glynis Breakwell. There was also plenty of opportunity to reminisce with old classmates, and an evening in Bath city centre, re-visiting old haunts and paying tribute to former student years, proved a popular end to the day.
Bath graduate appears on BBC1's The Apprentice
Graduate Thomas Pellereau (Mechanical Engineering Hons in Innovation & Engineering Design, 2002) has this week begun his quest to become The Apprentice. Thomas has been running his own business for the last five years, but will now be aiming to court the favour of Lord Alan Sugar in the popular BBC1 show. In his audition video he warns against being ‘fooled by the glasses and the laid back approach’ claiming he knows it can be tough. The story was also featured in this week's Bath Chronicle. We would all like to wish Thomas the best of luck!
Other alumni in the media:
- Stuart Snell (BEng Hons in Chemical Engineering, 2003) has moved to Brisbane and become national champion in surf lifesaving, a fusion of iron man challenges and lifeguarding skills - Wales Online.
- Richard Knight (MBA, 2007) has been appointed airport manager at Cambridge Airport - Corporate Jet Investor
- James Burrell (BSc Hons in Business International Management - French, 1996) became the Chief Financial Officer for the Sky City Group this week - Scoop Independent News
In the media
Would you like to receive a daily email of news stories that mention the University? Please email press@bath.ac.uk and include the word 'Headlines' in the subject box. A selection of HE stories in the national media is also included.
- Yiannis Gabriel's (Management) research was the main story in the Recruitment News section of the Financial Times (May 12). This research was also featured in an article in the Sunday Times (8 May, Section 7, page 5no link)
- Kate Woodthorpe (Social & Policy Sciences, CDAS) commented on the rise of "paupers' funerals" on the Wales Online website.
- Lizzie Richmond (Library, Records Manager & Archivist) was interviewed, for BBC Radio 4's Word of Mouth programme [Listen again at 20:23], about the archives the library keeps on Sir Isaac Pitman who developed a revolutionary form of short hand.
- Christian Stadler's (Management) new book Enduring Success was featured in an article entitled “Five signs your company is on the wrong track” by BNet in Australia
- Andrew Johnson’s (Chemistry) research about creating antimicrobial films from zinc & copper complexes for wound dressings was highlighted in the Royal Society of Chemistry.
- Jane Millar (Pro-Vice-Chancellor - Research) explained why University is worth it? to Steve LeFerve on BBC Radio Bristol [listen again at 09:31 12/05/2011]
Lectures
Promoting positive adolescent & adult functioning through social development intervention in childhood - Tuesday 17 May
Richard F. Catalano (Bartley Dobb Professor for the Study & Prevention of Violence at the University of Washington) will be visiting Bath to give a special seminar organised by the Centre for the Analysis of Social Policy in 3East 4.17 at 3.15pm. He will discuss prevention science and the Seattle Social Development Project. More details about the seminar can be found in the abstract.
Inaugural lecture: Crystals, particles and powders - Wednesday 18 May
In his inaugural lecture Rob Price (Pharmacy & Pharmacology) will be exploring the field of aerosol science. Rob’s research investigates how the properties of sub-microscopic materials influence how the medicine in inhaled drugs is delivered.
Gerald Walter’s Memorial Lecture – 40th Anniversary - Wednesday 18 May
Leading architectural historian Dr Simon Thurley will present the 40th Anniversary Gerald Walter’s Memorial Lecture . The lecture, titled ‘Civilisation: Who decides? Heritage and the fabrication of history’, will look at the growing role of the state in the cultural life of the nation and will determine perceptions of civilisation.
Drinking, music, having fun and stuff: The importance of identity and belonging in young people's lives - Thursday 30 June
Christine Griffin (Psychology) will discuss how the activities of young people have often been the focus for adult anxiety, disapproval – and fascination - in her inaugral lecture. Drawing on material from several collaborative research projects she'll consider how adult concerns about young people’s alcohol consumption, sexuality, appearance, unemployment, mental health and taste in music, are not always shared by the young people themselves.
Previous Lectures:
Lecture tour to Beihang University 1 - 7 May
Gary Lock travelled to China recently where he presented twelve lectures to undergraduates, postgraduates and staff at the Beihang University of Aeronautics & Astronautics (BUAA). The lectures focused on the jet engine thermodynamics, as well as research topics related to turbine cooling. The tour supported the research and teaching link between the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bath and BUAA.
Losing the plot in the era of image: When a picture tells more than a thousand words Thursday 28 April
In his Inaugural lecture Professor Yiannis Gabriel from the School of Management critiques our desire to look for a story in every image. Download MP3 [21MB] | Press release
Work perks
- The Wizard of Oz theatre and shopping trip - 21 September
Follow the yellow brick road over the rainbow and into the London Palladium for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz. This combined London shopping and theatre trip is available for only £55.00 per person (additional £2 for non-members). We expect these tickets to sell fast. - Summer Quiz 'Around the world in 80 questions ... or maybe fewer!' – Tuesday 28 June
Summer is here and the time is right for exercising those little grey cells. Take part at 12.30 in Elements in the Student Centre. Enjoy these lazy, hazy days with the Omnibus crowd. - Still places on Thorpe Park Trip – 25 June
Enjoy the thrills and spills of a day out at Thorpe Park: Over 30 extreme rides and attractions are available including SAW - The Ride, the world's most terrifying rollercoaster and thrill seeker rides for younger children. - Petanque team - Starts 17 May
We have had quite a lot of interest in joining the Petanque team. Practices are taking place on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes on campus and the first league game is on 17 May. If you want to join in contact Kate Woodthorpe.
Nominations
Nominations for Off Campus prize by 19 May
If you know a student who has taken part in an immense amount of voluntary work and has given a lot to the community, please nominate them for the Off Campus prize which recognises a student who has maintained a high level of community involvement throughout the academic year.
Times Higher Education Awards - Now open for entries by 10 June
The THE Awards celebrate achievements during the 2010/11 academic year. To enter you need to complete the downloadable entry form for your relevant category.
Learning & Teaching
Call for bids: HEA Development Funding - Deadline 15 June 2011
The Higher Education Academy is offering bid-based development grant funding to stimulate evidence-based research and encourage innovations in learning and teaching that have the potential for sector-wide impact. The first phase begins with an open call for individual grant scheme bids. If you are intending to submit a bid, you are encouraged to contact the Learning & Teaching Enhancement Office who can provide advice and feedback on your proposal. Email Helen King for further information.
Supervising undergraduate & taught Masters projects - Tuesday 17 May
Project work is increasingly being used as a learning activity in university courses for training young people to develop higher-order skills. Supervising these projects to generate skills is not an easy task, and this workshop aims to discuss and enhance the all-round effectiveness of such project supervision.
Understanding & supporting students with Asperger Syndrome - Wednesday 18 May 2011
Asperger Syndrome is an autistic spectrum condition (ASC) that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. Communicating effectively with students with ASC often requires some extra thought and understanding. This short session is for academic and administrative staff who teach, supervise or have contact with students with ASC.
This new forum will be launched at its first workshop to be held on Thursday 9 June 2011 - 12.30-2.00 pm. Further information is available from Helen King.
Training & development
- Slips & trips - Wednesday 18 May
- Demonstration of new online expenses claims - Monday 16 May; Friday 20 May; Tuesday 24 May & Friday 3 June
- Agresso Marketplace Demo sessions - Tuesday 17 May; Thursday 19 May; 24 May; 2 June
- Chairing recruitment panels - Friday 20 May
- TSB event: engaging with stakeholders - Wednesday 25 May
- Visit of the EPSRC - Wednesday 22 June
- IT skills
- Staff development
- e-Learning courses
- Training opportunities for researchers
What's on
www.bath.ac.uk/whats-on
Monday 16 May
19:30 PM Europe & modern wars - from Bosnia to Benghazi
Tuesday 17 May
12:15 PM L&T paper lunch
Wednesday 18 May
17:15 PM Rutherford's legacy: From the nucleus to superstrings
Arts
www.bath.ac.uk/icia
Performances:
- Northern Soul Victoria Melody | ICIA Arts Theatre | Saturday 21 May, 7.30pm
Victoria, an untrained dancer, has been travelling the dance halls and living rooms of England being taught to dance by Northern Soul’s ex-champions. Northern Soul explores the ‘soul of the north’ using film, original Northern Soul dance moves and a basset hound…
Exhibitions:
- Artist-in-Residence Janek Schaefer | ICIA Art Space 1 | Until Friday 17 June
Janek Schaefer is a sound artist, musician and composer. As the Olympics approach, Schaefer explores the University’s Sports Training Village via his camera lens and microphones to create a mixed-media installation that responds to ICIA’s 2011 theme Set in Play. - Artist-in-Residence Tom Marshman | ICIA Art Space 2 | Until Until Friday 17 June
This multi-media exhibition marks the conclusion of Tom’s residency. Inhabiting the gallery space, Tom creates a domestic dwelling; combining real furniture from students’ rooms with simple, life-size, wall drawings of interiors, interwoven with video and photography from interactions on campus. Join Tom for a party in Art Space 2 on Friday 8 April 7pm-10pm - Photography Exhibition University of Bath & Photosoc | ICIA Art Space 3, University Hall Foyer | Until Until Friday 17 June
A chance to see the winning entries and runners-up from the University’s competition based on ICIA’s 2011 theme “Set in Play…”
Classes:
- ICIA summer classes
These are now underway. Places are still available on: Experimental Drawing, Portrait Photography, Developing Skills: Drawing & Painting, Drawing Skills: Observation, Samba Drumming and Ballet. For more information, see www.bath.ac.uk/icia
Sport
TeamBath Netball face wait to confirm home play-off after Storm defeat
TeamBath Netball will have to wait until Saturday (14 May) night to confirm a home tie in the Fiat Netball Superleague play-offs after going down 60-47 to Surrey Storm at the University of Bath on Thursday (12 May).
Spence wins second World Cup medal of year
Mhairi Spence (Coach Education & sport Development graduate) won her second Modern Pentathlon World Cup medal of the season when she took bronze in Hungary last weekend. It means British women have won medals at all three World Cups this year following Spence’s silver in the USA in February and Freyja Prentice’s (Biology) bronze in Sardinia three weeks ago.
Netballer prepares for Namibia expedition
Jo Binns (Sport & Exercise Science graduate) is swapping the netball court for a 19-day expedition along one of Africa’s most rugged and challenging coastlines. The University of Bath and former England midcourt player is a member of a 12-strong team tackling the 400km trek along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast.
Graduates named in England squad for World Championships
Pamela Cookey (BBA graduate), Rachel Dunn (Biology graduate), Tamsin Greenway (HND Media Production graduate) and Stacey Francis (Sports Performance graduate) have been named in the England squad to contest the World Championships in July. TeamBath captain Pamela Cookey is accompanied in the 12-strong squad for Singapore by other TeamBath players Eboni Beckford-Chambers, Stacey Francis and Serena Guthrie.