University Updates
18 January 2008
News
Discovery cuts cost of next generation optical fibres
Scientists from the Centre for Photonics & Photonic Materials (Physics) have discovered a way of speeding up the production of hollow-core optical fibres - a new generation of optical fibres that could lead to faster and more powerful computing and telecommunications technologies.
Bioimaging facilities extended thanks to new grant
Researchers in the departments of Pharmacy & Pharmacology and Biology & Biochemistry have been awarded new funding worth £95k that will extend and develop the range of imaging facilities in the University’s Bioimaging Suite in the Centre for Electron Optical Studies.
Professor to address international centres of excellence network
Gary Hawley (Mechanical Engineering) has been invited to address the Canadian AUTO21 network of centres of excellence in June this year at its annual conference. AUTO21 was formed to focus Canadian research expertise on the task of improving and enhancing the global competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. Professor Hawley, who holds the Medlock Chair of Engineering, said: “Collaboration with industry is vitally important as it recognises the value of the research work being undertaken in universities.”
Bath is the new home for experts on Latin America
The Bath Latin American Network (BATLAM), based on campus, will act as a platform to strengthen and develop expertise in Latin America. The network’s inaugural event will take place at 2pm on Wednesday 23 January.
Research centre for older people moves to its new home
Local charity RICE, which is linked to the School for Health, has moved to its new home at the Royal United Hospital after 23 years at St Martin’s Hospital.
Public lecture on engineering design
Professor Steve Culley, Head of the Design Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, will trace the development of the research discipline of engineering design at his inaugural lecture next week (6.15pm, Wednesday 23 January).
Information
Nominations now open for 2008 University of Bath teaching awards
Nominations are now open for the 2008 University of Bath teaching awards, which encourage and recognise significant contributions by staff to the academic lives of students. Nominations are welcome from both staff and students. The deadline for nominations is Friday 7 March. There are three awards which focus on different aspects of teaching.
Local Government Pension Scheme to change
Changes to the Avon Pension Fund are to come into force from 1 April.
Student Services is re-accredited by Investors in People
Student Services has been successfully re-accredited as continuing to comply with the requirements of the Investors in People standard. Student Services staff are happy to advise other departments who are interested in IiP.
Election of research staff to serve on Equalities & Diversity Committee
Nominations are requested for a research staff representative to serve on the Equalities & Diversity Committee until 31 July 2010.
Students encouraged to claim bursaries
Please remind your students that first & second year undergraduates (including foundation degrees) and PGCE students are eligible for a Bath bursary of up to £1,500 if they are liable for £3,000 fees and receive any maintenance grant as part of their student support.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs
New websites
Staff Development
The Staff Development website has recently been revamped. New features include improved course search & sort options and a feedback form, for any aspect of service provision. A number of additional sections have also been added to the site.
In the media
- Ian Walker (Psychology) appeared on the BBC’s flagship TV news programme Newsnight.
- Joe Devine (Economics & International Development) was interviewed by BBC Radio Scotland on the political situation of Bangladesh, one year after a state of emergency was declared and a caretaker government was put in place.
Training & development opportunities
Fancy a new challenge for 2008? Learn a language
Staff who work 0.5 FTE are entitled to a 75 per cent discount on all language courses.
Part-time courses for spring
The chance to go to a Hogwarts for adults’ magic school or crack a crime scene investigation are two of the unusual leisure and learning opportunities on offer in this spring’s new programme of part-time courses run by the University in Bath. Discounts are available for staff.
- Using your voice effectively 28 January
What's on next week
Monday 21
13:15 PM BICS seminar
Tuesday 22
13:15 PM CNM seminar
19:30 PM Slugs, snails & puppy dog tails
Wednesday 23
18:15 PM Inaugural lecture by Steve Culley
19:30 PM How accountable is BANES Executive?
Thursday 24
12:00 Noon SF Reading Group
Friday 25
19:30 PM Skeletons
Sunday 27
11:00 AM Orientation for new exchange & visiting students
Exhibitions
Photography Exhibition | ICIA Art Space 1, until 16 February
A showcase of selected works from this year’s
University of Bath Photography Competition.
Lines of Enquiry 4 | ICIA Art Space 2, until 4 April
A showcase of work by graduates of BA Fine Art Drawing School of Art & Design, Swindon College, investigating drawing and its role in contemporary art.
Arts
Ever thought you might like to sing?
The University Choir invites all staff and students to come and sing Handel's Messiah this semester.
New 2008 season – booking now open
Concessionary prices are available to University staff. Email ICIAinfo@bath.ac.uk to receive your brochure through internal post.
Drop-in Clay Sessions Sat 2 Feb, 11am-1pm or 1.30pm-3.30pm | Studio 2, ICIA Arts Complex
Learn some basic techniques, such as hand building and how to throw clay on the wheel to make pots.
Concerts & performances
- I Am The Mighty Jungulator Elements, Sat 9 Feb, 8.30pm
Glistening electronic textures, rich soundscapes and live visuals are synced, created and mixed into a complete live performance. - Artists’ Talk: Curious BRLSI, Sat 2 Feb, 2.30-4.30pm
Performance artists show their three short films entitled Lost & Found, filmed on location at Lost Property, Baker Street; the Black Country, West Midlands: and Shanghai, China. - Carol Brown Dances Dancing Aloud ICIA Arts Theatre, Sat 16 Feb, 7.30pm
Internationally regarded choreographer Carol Brown moves through memories, re-drawing a map of choreographies from Philadelphia to Finland, and from Cork to Calcutta.
Sport
Aldershot is chosen as 2012 preparation base
The British Olympic Association announced that it has chosen the Army's Aldershot barracks as the location of its preparation camp ahead of the 2012 London Olympics. The University of Bath had been one of four locations shortlisted for the camp.
Four earn places in new England Students 40-man training squad
Chris Ashwin (Sport & Exercise Science), who plays fly half or centre; Tom Booth (Chemistry), who plays number 8; Adrian Griffith (Sports Performance), who plays second row and prop Tom Fidler (Sports Performance), have all earned their first call-ups to squad.
Great Britain is celebrating a brace of Bob Skeleton World Cup medals in the fourth round of the 2007/8 competition, with Ant Sawyer winning silver and Adam Pengilly bronze.
Wright on target
Sports Performance student Harry Wright made a good start to 2008 by winning the men’s singles title at the Lancashire Open Satellite Badminton Championships.