University Updates
19 December 2008
Research
RAE 2008 confirms world class standing of research at Bath
The results of RAE 2008 have been published and show that the majority of the University's research activity is at the forefront of international excellence. Congratulations to all staff (academic and support) who participated in the assessment exercise.
Men sexually abused in childhood are ten times more likely to contemplate suicide
Sexual abuse in childhood increases the risk of suicide in men by up to ten times, according to research carried out by Patrick O’Leary and Nick Gould (Social & Policy Sciences). A recent study of Australian men has found that those who were sexually abused as children are more likely than women to contemplate taking their own lives.
Could graphite from pencils replace silicon in microchips?
A new research centre studying the properties of the thinnest known conducting material, graphene, has been announced by the Universities of Bath and Exeter.
Cancer Research Forum
Academics and other independent researchers are invited to a meeting to discuss the inauguration of a University of Bath Cancer Forum. The meeting will take place in the Pavillion in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry (4S) on 6 January 2009 at 2.15pm.
Learning & Teaching
QAA Institutional Audit outcome: full confidence for learning & teaching at Bath
The quality and standards of our programmes, teaching and learning opportunities at the University of Bath have recently been audited by the Quality Assurance Agency. The outcome of the process is ‘confidence’ in the management of our quality and standards, and the quality of our learning opportunities. ‘Confidence’ is the highest recognition that can be given to an institution. Thank you to all those involved, at whatever level, in Learning and Teaching at Bath.
Consultation about defining Individual Mitigating Circumstances (IMCs) in assessment
Comments from staff and students are being sought on a proposed single-page definition of individual mitigating circumstances which, if adopted, could become a helpful and clear part of the procedures associated with assessment in the University. The closing date for responses is Friday 9 January 2009.
New MSc in International Management launched
The Bath MSc in International Management is designed to meet the growing demands of graduates who are looking to develop their contemporary international business skills.
40th Anniversary Dinner: Materials Science and Sports & Medical Engineering
If you are in contact with any graduates or former members of staff from Materials Science and Sports & Medical Engineering, please invite them to attend the annual dinner. This year will be the last dinner as the last cohort of sports engineers, from the original degree scheme, will graduate in summer 2009 and thereafter sports engineering will be fully integrated into the suite of degree programmes offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
David Parkin Scholarships for Indian students
Staff are reminded that they can give information about these studentships to any undergraduate currently studying at an Indian Institute of Technology. The award enables students to study for up to 10 weeks during the summer (May to July 2009) in the Faculties of Science and Engineering &
Design. Deadline for applications: 31 Jan 2009
National Teaching Fellowship Scheme
Staff are invited to put themselves or their colleagues forward for
nomination by the University for the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme.
Christmas
Opening times during Christmas vacation
A list of opening times for services on campus and in Bath for those who are staying at the University over the vacation.
Send an e-Christmas card
The Web Team have created their usual facility enabling students and staff to send electronic Christmas cards.
Five top tips to enjoy a lean and green Christmas
Geoff Hammond, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy & the Environment, shares his five top tips to save the planet and your pocket.
Energy saving at Christmas
The Department of Estates has published a list of things to remember before you leave the office for the holiday. Please turn electrical items off (preferably at the plug) and turn radiators down to a low setting. Please remember communal areas as well as your own office. Many thanks.
Information
Summary report of University Council meeting
A number of items were discussed at the meeting of University Council on 27 November 2008, including allocations of additional student numbers, a review of communications prompted by the results of the Staff Survey and pay negotiations in 2009.
Lunchtime reflexology
There will be a Women's Development Network meeting on 28 January which will focus on the benefits of reflexology as well as providing an opportunity to network with colleagues. Book your place now.
Bath Literature Festival discount and advance tickets available to all staff
University staff can now buy tickets for Bath Literature Festival 09 in advance of the general availability and at a ten per cent discount.
Photographs of Winter Award Ceremonies
The photographs taken at the six Winter Award Ceremonies, which took place at the Assembly Rooms, are now online.
Recycle your waste in SU shop
You can recycle carrier bags, used stamps and postcards (the stamps and postcards will be sorted and sold to raise funds for education and health projects in the Sudan) in the Students' Union shop and there are various places to recycle inkjet cartridges on campus.
Will you run for RICE? Bath half marathon places
The Research Institute for the Care of Older People is appealing for volunteers to run on its behalf in order to support its research into Alzheimer's disease and other conditions that affect us as we get older.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs
In the media
- John Hudson (Economics) appeared twice on BBC Points West commenting on the effect the recession is having on sales this Christmas and the future implications for the retail sector.
- Jane Millar (PVC Research) talked about the University's RAE results on Bath FM.
- Patrick O'Leary (Social & Policy Sciences) gave interviews on BBC Radio Bristol and GWR about his research that men sexually abused as children are far more likely to contemplate suicide.
Training opportunities
Conferences & workshops
Annual UK Research Office visit
The University of Bath's annual UKRO event will be taking place on 22 January 2009. The day will be presented by Emma Carey, the new European Advisor for the UK Research Councils European Office.
Fostering partnership between Royal United Hospital and University
The Technologies for Healthy Living & Wellbeing Interdisciplinary Research Cluster will host a networking event for clinicians and academics at the RUH on 12 January 2009.
New frontiers in cellular imaging
This BioImaging conference will take place on Friday 16 January 2009.
This one-day conference is being organised to meet the need of growing interest in national and international interdisciplinary collaboration. 12 February 2009, Hilton City Hotel, Bath.
Action research to promote the social stewardship of ecosystem services
The fourth in the series of interdisciplinary conferences ‘Sustaining Future Ecosystem Services – From Understanding to Action’ organised by the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment (I-SEE) will take place on Thursday 19 February 2009, at the Hilton Bath City Hotel.
Arts
Weekly Classes and Workshops
ICIA runs classes and workshops in music, dance and visual arts for all levels. Classes are open to all and start the week of 19 January 2009. More details will be available in the first week after Christmas at www.bath.ac.uk/icia/classes/
- Music:
DJ Skills, Bath University Big Band, Pop Choir - Dance:
Contemporary, Street Dance, Jazz Dance, Ballet, Flamenco, Tap - Visual Arts:
Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Life Drawing, Stained Glass, Creative Sculpture, Botanical Illustration, Creative Digital Art, Photography, Portrait Studies, Mixing 2D Media
Sport
Footballers and netballers help provide festive treat
Team Bath footballers and netballers joined Mayor of Bath Councillor Tim Ball to provide a festive treat for local children with special needs. The athletes and Team Bath donated money to provide the food for the annual Mayor of Bath’s Christmas Party at the Guildhall. They also went along to the party to join in the festive fun and dish out the food to the children.
Team Bath’s netballers secure biggest win at Loughborough
Team Bath’s netballers opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Co-operative Superleague table with a 59-48 win at Loughborough tonight (Saturday) – their biggest win at Loughborough in the Superleague.
Student takes a second off personal best at Euro Champs
Team Bath swimmer Richard Webb took more than a second off his 200m breaststroke personal best on the final day of the European Short Course Championships in Croatia. Richard, who studies in the School of Management, clocked a time of 2:10.45 seconds to win heat one, though it wasn’t enough to book a place in the final.
Penalty ends Team Bath FC’s Trophy campaign
Team Bath’s FA Trophy campaign came to an end when they went down 2-1 at home to Blue Square Premier side Lewes. A 76th minute penalty separated the sides.