University Updates
15 January 2010
Research
Major corporations reshape EU policymaking system in attempt to put profits before public health and the environment
A team led by Anna Gilmore (School for Health)
have published a paper in the journal 'PLoS' on major corporations that are reshaping the EU policymaking system in an attempt to put profits before public health and the environment.
Scientists take satellite technology skills to Africa
Peter Long and Tamás Székely (Biology & Biochemistry) have set up a specialist research lab in Madagascar to train local students in using the latest satellite technology to monitor and conserve the environment.
Bath wins £678k EPSRC grant to develop more efficient fluid power
A major grant worth £678,000 has been awarded to Nigel Johnston, Andrew Plummer and Andrew Hillis of the Centre for Power Transmission & Motion Control (Mechanical Engineering). The grant is entitled ‘Efficient Fluid Power Control’ and has been awarded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council.
Knowledge Transfer Account helps to develop life-saving anti-bacterial coating
Toby Jenkins (Chemistry) has begun a new project to develop an anti-bacterial coating that could be used in healthcare and other markets with the potential to save money and even lives.
Volunteers get free gym membership to kick start a healthier lifestyle
Jean-Philippe Walhin, from the Sport & Exercise Science Research Group based in the School for Health is looking for 20 volunteers to take part in a three-week trial that will measure the benefits of exercise on reducing the risk of heart disease.
Staff news
OBE for Professor Ian Jamieson in New Year Honours
The University is delighted that Ian Jamieson, who retired this month as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching), has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours for services to local and national higher education.
Death of Jim Wadley, former Assistant Registrar
It is with regret that the University announces of the death of former Assistant Registrar Jim Wadley. Jim worked in the University from 1974 until his retirement in 1997.
Alister McNeish is awarded the Bill Bowman Travelling Lectureship
Alister McNeish was awarded the 2009 Bill Bowman Travelling Lectureship by the president of the society Jeff Aaronson, at the winter meeting of the British Pharmacological Society held in London.
Information
Cuts in Higher Education funding - will it affect us at Bath?
In addition to the £180m efficiency savings announced in the 2009 Budget, a grant letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills announced a further reduction of £135m in funding for HE. Until we (at Bath) receive our recurrent grant letter in March, we cannot be sure what the impact will be on our own institutional funding for next year.
Implementing proposals for re-organisation - Deans of Faculty
Expressions of interest from eligible members of staff who wish to be considered for the role of Dean of their Faculty are now requested.
Hospitality & Accommodation January newsletter
Food and drink deals on campus; Meat-free Monday; Recipe for Swede & Potato Gnocchi; staff focus: Debbie Williams from Blues Café.
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.
Swap Shop wiki
Save on your departmental budget by asking others for furniture and equipment that they may no longer need.
New starters in December 2009
The new starters update gives the name, job, title and department of all new members of staff at the University who started in the previous month.
Jobs
Vacant posts: http://www.bath.ac.uk/jobs/
Learning & Teaching
Bath singled out for excellence in engaging with students for learning & teaching
The University’s achievements in the area of listening to the student voice were remarked upon by the Quality Assurance Agency when it scrutinised learning & teaching at Bath during last year’s Audit, and we are increasingly recognised by others in the HE sector as exemplary. A podcasted interview on the subject is now featured on the QAA’s website.
Coach Education & Sports Development Research Interaction Day
The Department of Education was delighted to welcome a number of guests including Jan Paterson from the British Olympic Association, & Alison Oliver, CEO of the British Olympic Foundation, to the Annual Coach Education & Sports Development Research Interaction Day (CRID) held in December. CRID is an opportunity for final year BA students to present and receive feedback on a poster that demonstrates their current dissertation research.
Working with the community
New Year, new start - turn your dream into reality
The University is offering people the chance to turn their dreams about starting their own business into reality. The workshops will cover the key actions and stages to develop your business idea whilst minimising any business risks. The first workshop starts on 27 January at Carpenter House in Bath city centre.
A taste of what’s to come
Potential students thinking about enrolling on a course at the University of Bath are being given the chance to ‘try before they buy’. The University is running a series of free Experience Technology Workshops aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds. These taster sessions will give students the unique opportunity to see what a course is really like before they fully commit to it. The first taster sessions start on 16 February.
Deadlines & nominations
Nominations for David Parkin Professorship
Submissions are being taken for the David Parkin Professorship. The deadline for Heads of Departments to put forward one nomination to their Dean/Head of School is 22 January.
Final call for bids to Continuing Professional Development Fund
The University is pleased to announce the third call for bids to the CPD Development Fund. The fund seeks to encourage staff to work with external employers to investigate and develop CPD opportunities which meet the needs of their staff. [Deadline extended till] 29 January
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
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
- Felia Allum (European Studies & Modern Languages) was given the last word about Italian prime minister Berlusconi's 'total war against mafia' in an article in the Telegraph.
- Wang Nang Wang (Electronic & Electrical Engineering) and his involvement in NanoGaN, a University of Bath spin-out, was mentioned in the Financial Times.
- Christine Harland (Centre for Research into Strategic Purchasing & Supply) was featured in the Independent talking about mismanagement of public funds.
- Research about EU policymaking and tobacco companies, led by Anna Gilmore (School for Health), was featured in The Guardian, New Scientist and the French paper Le Post
- Liz Lyon (UKOLN) spoke to Times Higher Education about managing research papers online.
- Jean-Philippe Wahlin (School for Health) spoke to BBC Radio Bristol about a heart trial for overweight people that offers a free gym membership to volunteers.
- Semali Perera (Chemical Engineering) was featured on Bath FM and BBC Radio Bristol as part of the 'Shape of things to come' science campaign which highlights the top 20 jobs of the future.
- Lucy Easthope (CDAS) spoke to Sky News about the Haiti earthquake.
Training & development
- 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
- Training for Technical Staff - HEaTED
- CMS training courses
- Staff Development programme | PDF to print
- e-Learning staff development programme
- Monthly learning & teaching paper lunches
What's on
Monday 18
19:30 PM Rediscovering the common wealth
Tuesday 19
12:15 PM Mid week Eucharist/H C Service
12:45 PM Oxfam lunch
19:30 PM Thomas Hardy the novelist
Wednesday 20
07:00 AM The Watchers
Thursday 21
10:15 AM Stand up and deliver - Is it always that simple?
Friday 22
19:30 PM Enemies unseen - the emergence of new superbugs
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.
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.
Booking now open for all ICIA classes and events - Spring 2010
Booking is now open for all ICIA classes and events.
ICIA runs classes and workshops in music, dance and visual arts for all levels. Classes open to all include:
Music:
DJ Skills, Samba Drumming, String Workshops
Dance:
Contemporary, Street Dance, Jazz Dance, Ballet, Flamenco, Tap
Visual Arts:
Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Life Drawing, Stained Glass, Creative Sculpture, Botanical Illustration, Digital Art, Photography, Portrait Studies
Classes start the week of 8 February.
Check out www.bath.ac.uk/icia for further details.
Sport
STV's exclusive January fitness offer
Pay no joining fee and get a free Personal Training session.
TeamBath aim to slay Celtic Dragons
TeamBath aim to make it three wins from three in the Co-operative Netball Superleague this season when they host Celtic Dragons at the Sports Training Village tonight (Friday 15 January).
Heather to partner European champ
Bath graduate and badminton player Heather Olver is forming a new mixed doubles partnership with European mixed doubles champion Anthony Clark.