15 April 2011
Research
New project to help children cope with anxiety and depression
A team from the Department for Health led by Paul Stallard is to help one in five children school children who are believed to suffer with incapacitating anxiety or depression.
Fired at fifty: research shows the best way forward
Yiannis Gabriel (Management) and colleagues at the University of Surrey have shown that the way older managers make sense of a sudden job loss dramatically affects how they cope with the experience. Those most inclined to make the best of the situation and open to change fared better than those driven to regain their former status.
University of Bath paper nominated as Nature Research Highlight
A paper written by Laurence Hurst (Biology & Biochemistry), Robert Beardmore, Ivana Gudelj from the University of Exeter and David Lipson San Diego State University in the US, has been nominated as a Research Highlight by Nature Reviews Genetics. The paper questions Drawin's survival of the fittest.
The distinctive start of life in mammals
A research group headed by Tony Perry (Biology & Biochemistry) has found that mammalian eggs are not pre-packaged in the way that the eggs of all other animals are. The discovery was published in the EMBO Journal.
Participants required for chlamydia questionnaire
PhD student Kelly Clifford (Pharmacy & Pharmacology) is aiming to explore your views on chlamydia treatment and is looking for people aged 25 years or over to fill out the questionnaire. It is open to both men and women and it does not matter if you have never been treated or sought screening for chlamydia before.
Delivering impact from research series of events launched
Jane Millar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), launched the series of Delivering Impact events on 6 April 2011, with a Pizza with Impact Lunch. The event was well attended and Professor Millar highlighted how giving your research impact is becoming more important in the current climate which surrounds HE. Presentation slides (ppt).
Changes to Research Council procedures
A report is now available which explains the main changes proposed by the Research Council UK. These changes, the first of which will take effect from 1
April 2011,
affect grant proposals and awards.
Grants & awards
Prestigious research fellowship awarded for education research
Stephen Gough (Education) has been awarded a prestigious research fellowship by the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain (PESGB). The fellowship will allow Stephen time to complete work on a new book (provisionally entitled Education, Nature and Society) that synthesises and significantly extends his work over the last 12 years.
Two BBA students win national competition and internships with PwC
Baran Ceylan (Management) and Matt Manders (Economics) have taken first prize in the Business Champions competition, organised jointly by Pricewaterhouse Cooper and student organisation Bright Futures. The first-year duo beat off other student teams from all over the UK in a competition pitched as ‘the ultimate live business game’, where undergraduates come up with a workable money-making idea and make it a reality.
Technology @UniofBath
University of Bath research students are better connected
Research students at the University are learning about social media through a series of events titled ‘The Connected Researcher at Bath’ which started this week. The series is being run by Jez Cope (Chemistry) and Geraldine Jones (Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, E-Learning Officer). You can follow the University on Twitter @UniofBath and you catch up with the event by searching hash tag #bathcr.
Panopto lecture capture hits 1,000 recordings in March
The number of people on campus using Panopto, the University's lecture capture solution, has grown significantly since its deployment in September 2010. This March the total number of recordings reached 1,000.
Expenses to go electronic! by 31 July
Web Expenses was introduced in April 2010 to allow staff to claim expenses through Agresso on the web. Since its introduction the volume of expenses submitted via the web has grown consistently, supported by the extension of the service to postgraduate students earlier this year. Currently 82 per cent of expense claims are made via the web. It is, therefore, our intention to no longer accept paper claims from 31 July.
New web standards: Turning content ‘lost property’ into ‘found property’
The general aim of the newly launched web standards is to enrich the online experience of our University audience by improving the web content quality (accuracy, relevance, ease of use and so on). These standards, when applied consistently, will have a major impact in delivering a good user experience for our online visitors based upon their needs.
Staff news
Thank you to everyone who completed the 2011 Staff Survey
The final response rate to the Staff Survey was over 53% based on 2,766 surveys sent out to staff employed by the University. The results are now being analysed by Capita, who undertook the survey for us, and we expect to be able to publish the initial results in May. All those involved in administering the survey would like to thank everyone who completed it.
Web developer takes on Tour de France climb for charity
Andy Savin (Web Systems Developer) will be putting his cycling stamina to a gruelling test when he takes the Col de la Faucille (1,232m) a climb regularly used in the Tour de France. He is completing a 580km cycling challenge from London to Geneva in aid of children’s charity the NSPCC.
Dave Cunningham retires from BUCS after 37 years
On Thursday a glass of BUCS fizz was raised to Dave Cunningham (Systems & Networks, Assistant Director), who will shortly be retiring from the University after 38 years of dedicated service.
Appointments
Investing in the future – new academic appointments
The University will be making significant new investment in academic staff in order to further enhance our research profile and the learning environment for our students. This will enable us to enhance key areas of existing research strength and teaching.
Vacancies for Heads of Departments apply by Thursday 21 April
Four departments (Chemistry; Economics; Health; and Politics, Languages & International Studies) are requesting expressions of interest from eligible members of staff for their Head of Department posts. Please contact
Ian Cheetham – i.c.cheetham@bath.ac.uk, by Thursday 21 April. Your expression of interest will consist of a statement of relevant experience, aspirations for the role and a full curriculum vitae.
Welcome to staff who joined the Uni in March
The new starters update gives the name, job title and department of all new members of staff at the University who began their role in the previous month.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs/
Community involvement
Volunteering opportunities at the Holburne Museum
The Holburne Museum will be re-opening its doors to the public on Saturday 14 May. There are many volunteering opportunities available to suit all ages and abilities, and in all areas of the Museum's work. The Museum has close links to the University and would therefore be very keen to hear from any staff who are keen to support their work in this way.
Easter eggs for Barnados children's charity by Tuesday 19 April
Student Services are collecting Easter eggs for children's charity Barnardos. Please drop donations of at the Student Services Centre in 4 West (between 10am & 4pm).
Publications & videos
New videos highlight the student experience in Humanities & Social Sciences
Thirty short videos have been produced by the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences illustrating the diverse range of programmes available. The videos will enable prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students to hear directly from current students about the benefits of studying within the Faculty and what life here is like.
2011 Facts & Figures booklet now available
Up-to-date information on different aspects of the University is now available in the newly published 2011 Facts & Figures booklet.
Accommodation & Hospitality Campus Life Newsletter now out
Accommodation & Hospitality Campus Life Newsletter is out. They would like to congratulate everyone involved with a successful Fairtrade Fortnight.
Learning & Teaching
University demonstrates excellence with talks on the 'student voice'
The University continues to be recognised for its excellent relationship with students as Gwen van der Velden (Learning & Teaching Enhancement Office Director), was invited to present two seminars at the Universities of Newcastle and Leeds earlier this month. The focus of the talks was the 'student voice' - putting the student experience first and foremost in learning.
University to host Royal Literary Fellow
The Royal Literary Fund has selected Bath to be one of three higher education institutions to host a Royal Literary Fellow this year. Sarah Duncan, a contemporary novelist, will be joining LTEO in September to contribute to the support being offered on academic writing skills. Sarah's work is wide and varied including Single to Rome (2009), which was long-listed for Romantic Novel of the Year.
Learning & Teaching Innovations Day 2011 - do you have something to contribute? Thursday 12 May
Examples of effective and innovative practice in learning and teaching are required for a swap shop-style seminar by Thursday 21 April. Presenters will share their examples in small groups, with 10 minutes presentation time per person. Entries are also sought for the Images of Learning' poster competition by Thursday 21
April.
HEA Fellows @ Bath Forum Thursday 9 June
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 from Helen King.
Training & development
- Researchers’ Conference: let’s talk about research Tuesday 19 April
- Using reflective practice for improving teaching workshop - Tuesday 19 April
- Performance management 2 - skills and techniques - Thursday 12 May
- Mental health first aid Two-day course - Friday 13 & Friday 20 May
- Visit of the EPSRC - Wednesday 22 June
- IT skills
- Staff development
- e-Learning courses
- Training opportunities for researchers
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.
- Dr Philippe Blondel (Physics) was interviewed a month on from the Tsunami in Japan by BBC Radio Bristol [Listen Again 01:19:05]
- The University has been announced as one of six institutions contesting the top honour of 'Outstanding Leadership and Management Team' in Times Higher Education awards. We have also recieved a nomination for the 'Outstanding Fundraising Team' award.
- The University's postgraduate qualifications in higher education administration were featured in Times Higher Education
- PhD student Ross Mounce's (Biology & Biochemistry) call for palaeontologists to share more raw information was the subject of an article in Nature.
- Ian Walker's (Psychology) research into motorists attitude to cycle helmets was cited by the Financial Times & Guardian newspapers.
Work perks
- World War 1 Trip Some fantastic photos are now available of the recent trip the staff society made to France to visit some of the most poignant locations of the First World War.
- Thorpe Park - Saturday 25 June Enjoy a fun day at the UK's premier theme park, with over 30 extreme rides and attractions including SAW – The Ride, the world's most terrifying rollercoaster and 'thrill seeker' rides for younger children. £40 per adult, £28 per child (under 12). Interested? Contact Simon Fenne on ext 5037 - open to all.
- The next Omnibus trip will follow the yellow brick road and take you over the rainbow to Andrew Lloyd Weber's latest show The Wizard of Oz. The date is to be confirmed and will provide plenty of opportunity to shop as well as take in the show.
Blue sky thinking at the Foreign Languages Centre
Have you booked your summer holidays yet? With the end of term approaching, you are surely looking forward to a little break! Think how much more you would enjoy your holiday in France, Italy or Spain if you booked a ‘language for holidays’ course through the Foreign Language Centre and took advantage of the great staff discounts available.
Tribe Easter holiday camps 2011
Bookings are now being taken for TeamBath Tribe Easter holiday camps in the STV. University staff pay the discounted members rate.
Nominations, bids & consultations
Deadline approaching for Alumni Fund Grants 18 April & 21 April
The Alumni Fund exists to enhance the student experience at the University of Bath. The deadlines for both Placement Grants (18 April) and group & departmental projects (21 April) are now approaching. Any idea - from the purchase of new equipment to the establishment of a new activity or new event - could be eligible, whether academic or extra-curricular.
Do you teach our best research student? by 21 April
The Ede & Ravenscroft Prize is an annual award for the best postgraduate research student, generously funded by Ede & Ravenscroft, appointed robe makers to HM The Queen. The prize of £1,000 is awarded at a private reception, normally held in early July.
Chancellor's Prize by 21 April
If you are teaching an outstanding final year undergraduate student, please consider nominating them for the Chancellor's Prize.
2011 Staff Recognition Award by 29 April
Do you know someone working at the University whose achievements deserve recognition? The Staff Recognition Award credits members of support staff who have shown excellence in the way in which they have undertaken their duties, and contributed to the University community.
Nominations for Off Campus prize now open 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, make sure you nominate them for the Off Campus prize which recognises a student who has maintained a high level of community involvement throughout the academic year.
Comments invited:
-
QA37 Student Exchange Arrangements by 21 April
Comments are invited on the draft revision of QA37 Student Exchange Arrangement. - ESRC demand management measures by 16 June
The ESRC are introducing an initial programme of measures of improved self-regulation and change to their existing peer review practices and submission policies. They would welcome your views on the potential options.
Lectures & events
Locals invited to find new confidence with free workshop 9–13 May
People in Weston-super-Mare are being invited to attend a free five-day confidence-building workshop being organised by the University.
Bath Alumni Spring reception held at Tower Bridge
Over 140 alumni and guests were treated to an evening of drinks, canapés and splendid views at the Bath Alumni Spring reception held at Tower Bridge on Friday 1 April.
A virtuous circle: science & technology
In the latest lecture in the Research in the World series, Professor Sir Richard Friend (Cavendish Professor of Physics, University of Cambridge) explored the relationship between science and technology, arguing that advances in basis science were, and are, often dependent on breakthroughs in technology. If you would like to hear this lecture the Podcast is now available.
What's on
www.bath.ac.uk/whats-on
Monday 18 April
19:30 PM America's relationship with the United Nations
Tuesday 19 April
12:15 PM Eucharist/Holy Communion
12:45 PM Oxfam Lunch
16:30 PM Measuring the marine environment for sustainability & climate change
19:30 PM University of Bath Gardening Club
19:30 PM The rationality in the belief in God - No argument needed.Wednesday 20 April
11:15 AM Web expenses demo for postgrads
19:30 PM Speaking with stars & horses - modern native American poetryThursday 21 April
12:15 PM Special service of readings & prayers for Holy Week
13:15 PM Exam anxiety workshop
14:15 PM Web expenses demo for postgrads
Arts
www.bath.ac.uk/icia
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 Thursday 21 April
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 -
University of Bath & Photosoc Photography Exhibition | ICIA Art Space 3, University Hall Foyer | Until Thursday 21 April
A chance to see the winning entries and runners-up from the University’s competition based on ICIA’s 2011 theme “Set in Play…”
Sport
Marathon man arrives at Bath
Multi-marathon man Andy McMenemy ran his 28th ultra marathon in successive days at the University this week (Tuesday 12 April). Andy has set himself the task of running a total of 66 ultra marathons - one a day over 66 days - to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Each ultra-marathon is a 50km run – approximately 31 miles.
That Paralympic Show visits the STV
Sport scientists from the department of Sport Development & Recreation demonstrated some of the science behind British sport on Channel 4 programme That Paralympic Show last Saturday (9 April).
Presenters Ade Ayepitan, who played for the British basketball team at two Paralympic Games, and Rick Edwards took part in a series of challenges hosted at the University.
Rec set to host big varsity clash Wednesday 20 April
Bath and Loughborough, another of the country’s top sporting universities, lock horns on the rugby pitch in the seventh annual varsity fixture on Wednesday 20 April. The action kick-offs with a University of Bath v Loughborough women’s contest at 5pm. That will be followed by the men’s match, which gets underway at 6.30pm.
Paralympic graduate selected for European Champs
Paralympians Kate Grey (Coach Education & Sport Development graduate) and Liz Johnson have been selected to represent Great Britain at the IPC Swimming European Championships in Berlin this summer, having been named in the GB team for the championships taking place from 3-10 July.