25 February 2011
Research & Knowledge Transfer
EPSRC visit - Wednesday 23 March
The University will be hosting a visit from EPSRC when Dr Clive Hayter, Associate Director of Research Base Programmes, will explain the new EPSRC Implementation Plan of how EPSRC will deliver their recently published strategy to 2014. The event in 4W 1.2 will start promptly at 2pm and last around one hour; it will be important to all who see EPSRC as a future research funding partner.
Runners asked to log on to help prevent injuries
PhD student Jenny Perkins (Health) is looking for keen runners to keep an online diary of their training habits and injuries, to help find ways of reducing common running injuries.
Eight Bath Professors invited to help develop criteria for REF assessment
HEFCE have announced the members of the expert panels for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and eight Professors from the University of Bath have been invited to serve as panel members across a range of disciplines. The panels have already started to meet to develop the criteria for the REF assessment.
Collaborative research into sport & technology
Academic staff from across the University came together for three days to participate in the first in a series of research sandpits. These events are aimed at stimulating research proposals and encouraging cross-faculty collaboration. Similar events will be advertised on the Uni homepage in due course.
KTA: Continuous flow solutions for pharmaceutical manufacture
Stan Kolaczkowski (Chemical Engineering) and Jonathan Williams (Chemistry) have been awarded Proof of Concept funding from the EPSRC Knowledge Transfer Account. The aim of this KTA project is to investigate if the expertise at Bath on using continuous processing in combination with smarter and greener methods of chemical synthesis, can be transferred to the pharmaceutical industry.
Engaging with policy: Strategies, successes & traps
Ian Butler (Social & Policy Sciences) and Brenda Taggart from the Institute of Education, London, led an interesting and informative seminar on how to engage with policy on the 15 February 2011. The event was hosted by Jane Millar (PVC Research) and was funded by the University of Bath's EPSRC Knowledge Transfer Account. Copies of the presentations are available on request from the KTA Office.
News about students
PhD student returns from epic South Pole adventure
Joe Kinrade (Electronic & Electrical Engineering) has just returned to campus after spending six weeks in the Antarctic. Whilst most students were at home enjoying time with their families and friends during the festive season, Joe was embarking on an epic research trip to the South Pole with the British Antarctic Survey.
Mechanical engineering attempt to build wind turbine on campus
30 students from Mechanical Engineering, in conjunction with Engineers without Borders, are currently attempting to build a 1kW wind turbine, with the hope of installing it on campus in a permanent capacity in the future.
Graduates take Bath by Storm
David Kelly (Business Administration) and Adam Pope (Computer Science), two 2009 graduates who founded a marketing business in the city are celebrating their success in the 2011 Bath Life Awards.
What do you think?
Staff Survey 2011: ‘Your survey – Your say’
The University will be carrying out a survey from 14 March 2011 for four weeks to provide an opportunity for members of staff in all areas of the University to have their say on the issues that affect them in the workplace.
What do you think of food on campus?
Once a year Bars & Eateries conducts a survey of the services they offer. Please take part in the online survey and make suggestions on how they can improve.
Widcombe traffic scheme
If you use Widcombe Parade, you may want to attend a public exhibition is being organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council to allow residents, businesses, and road users to give their opinions on a proposed major traffic scheme.
Learning & Teaching
New promo film highlights University’s strengths
A new promotional film which highlights the University's main strengths has been created to help recruit new students. The film is a collaboration between Corporate Communications and the Audio Visual Unit.
Consultation: Revision of QA53 Examination & Assessment Offences by 7 April 2011
Comments are now invited on the draft revision of QA53 Examination and Assessment Offences intended to apply from 1 October 2011.
CPD Support Office represented at HR Directors' Business Summit
Staff from the CPD Support & Development Office (CPDSDO) spent two days at the International Conference Centre in Birmingham to promote the University’s provision. The HR Directors’ Business Summit brings together senior HR Directors to evaluate current and future trends and their impact on the HR function and corporate strategies.
NUS highlights Bath’s student involvement
Effective student involvement at the University has been highlighted by the National Union of Students as part of their EngageMonth activities.
Information
Fees & Access Working Group – update on progress
As reported in the last update from the Fees & Access Working Group (FAWG) a number of principles for fee setting and access have been drafted. These have already been considered by Executive Committee and Senate, and will be considered by the University Council on 3 March 2011.
Support for those affected by global events
Lecturers: If you have an international student that is struglling because of the current political protests in the Middle East or the recent earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, please be aware of the support they can access. Support is also available for international staff.
Vouchers wanted
Please collect Sainsbury's Active Kids and Tesco for Schools and Clubs vouchers, and send them to the Westwood Nursery. Thank you very much.
Watch your speed on Claverton Hill
If you use Claverton Hill to drive to and from the A36 (past the American Museum), please watch your speed on this narrow stretch of road, taking extra care in icy conditions. Local residents have expressed their concern about the safety of other car drivers and pedestrians.
Recycle & save with Swap Shop wiki
Purchasing Services' Swap Shop wiki aims to make use of University assets more productively, saving on your departmental budget.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs/
In the media
www.bath.ac.uk/news/bathinpapers/
- Joe Kinrade (PhD student Electronic & Electrical Engineering), who has just returned from the South Pole has appeared on various TV and radio programmes, including BBC Online; ITV West Country tonight; BBC Radio Bristol [listen again at 02:14:30]; BBC Radio Somerset [listen again at 00:56:40]and Manx Radio (based in Joe's home the Isle of Man).
- Anna Gilmore (Health) wrote a comment piece for The Guardian with a colleague from Edinburgh University urging the Government to learn from "the vector concept, adapted from infectious disease control: liver disease and myriad other health and social problems are being spread by alcohol companies just as the mosquito vector spreads malaria".
- Rod Thomas spoke to BBC Radio Bristol [listen again at 01:54:04] about the discovery of an Iron age settlement on Bathampton Down, which formed the basis of a lecture run by the Division for Lifelong Learning.
- Amy Williams (Sports Performance graduate) was featured on BBC Sport one year on from winning Olympic gold.
Work perks
Learn Spanish in Alicante – free of charge Deadline 1 April 2011
Under the Cooperation Agreement between the Universities of Bath and the University of Alicante, members of staff can attend intensive Spanish language courses free of charge, with free bed & breakfast accommodation.
- There's still time to sign up for the trip to France visiting important sites of the First World War.
- All the fun of the Fair! Check out the exciting Omnibus Thorpe Park outing on Saturday 25 June.
- The University of Bath Gardening Society's next talk is from Dan Hinkley, American gardener and plant explorer. Thursday 17 March 2011 at 7.30pm in 8W 2.1.
Organic fruit & veg box scheme on campus
Small (£7.50) and large (£10) boxes of organic produce can be ordered from the SU shop. Order by Monday night and your box will be delivered to the Chaplaincy on Thursday for you to collect.
Staff discounts
The University has negotiated a number of discounts for staff. If you have family or friends who run a business and they would like to participate in the Staff Discount Scheme, please ask them to contact Alison Flindall, HR Manager.
Designated Car Share parking spaces
Six reserved Car Share spaces have been created in East and West car parks to encourage car sharing.
Nominations & bids
Bids for CPD Development Fund Deadline - 28 February
The fund seeks to encourage University staff to work with external employers to investigate and develop Continuing Professional Development opportunities which meet the needs of their workforce.
Pilot Sabbatical Leave Scheme Deadline - 4 March
Individuals wishing to apply for sabbatical leave commencing 1 February 2012 should submit an application for sabbatical leave via their Head of Department/School.
Learning & Teaching Awards Deadline - 11 March
Nominations are now open for the University of Bath Teaching Awards, which encourage and recognise significant contributions by staff to the academic lives of students.
Chancellor's Prize Deadline - 21 April
If you are teaching an outstanding final year undergraduate student, you may want to nominate them for the Chancellor's Prize.
Training & development
- Mentoring workshop for women in SET Thursday 10 March
- Training for the occasional trainer - Thursday 10 March
- Mental health first aid - Two-day course - Friday 11 & Friday 18 March | Friday 13 & 20 May
- Advanced video conferencing (AGN) demo - Saturday 26 March
- KTA seminar: Practical networking Tuesday 29 March
- The enterprising academic | University of Plymouth - Friday 4 March
- Researchers: Find out what it's like to be a science journalist Deadline 1 March
- IT skills
- Staff development
- e-Learning courses
- Training opportunities for researchers
Dates for your diary
Fairtrade Fortnight 28 February-13 March
There will be a number of competitions running to celebrate the University's Fairtrade Accreditation status.
Equality Forum 2011 - The inclusive university Wednesday 30 March 2011
A joint Equality Forum taking place at Claverton campus, co-sponsored by the Universities of Bath and Bath Spa.
The morning panel session will consist of an informative, lively debate on the inclusive university. The afternoon will consist of facilitated workshops on aspects of the inclusive environment.
Global Future 2011 Week of 4-8 April 2011
Global Future 2011 is a series of events to be held week commencing Monday 4 April 2011, run by University of Bath students and staff to encourage people to act to protect our future. The aim is to provide people with a glimpse of how lives are going to be affected by sustainability issues and to inspire people to embrace these changes. Will you help to organise and run the events happening throughout the week? Please contact Mark Colling or Sally Lampkin.
Innovations Day Thursday 12 May 2011
Dai Hounsell, Vice Principal for Academic Enhancement at the University of Edinburgh, will be this year’s keynote speaker at the Annual Learning & Teaching Seminar.
Lectures & seminars
Workshop: Framing climate change | 27 February-1 March
Axel Goodbody (ESML) has convened a workshop on the subject of framing of environmental issues, and of climate change in particular. The workshop opens with a public lecture at 7.30pm on Sunday 27 February, at the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution (BRLSI). Entrance is free.
Robots with emotions: do we need them? | Wednesday 2 March
Joanna Bryson (Computer Science) will discuss the role and nature of synthetic emotions in intelligent machines, from entertainment to assistants and companions in a GULP lecture.
The Paralympic legacy - Research in disability sport & exercise | Thursday 3 March
Making the University of Bath the base for Great Britain’s Paralympic team and a research centre of excellence in disability sport & exercise ahead of and beyond London 2012 is the subject of a public lecture being held on campus next week.
Jade Goody & the internet: a new way of looking at death | Friday 4 March
Jade Goody’s public death in the tabloids & magazines, and how the internet can make death a less isolating experience are two of the topics that will be discussed at a seminar which looks at changing perceptions of dying.
Will Hutton to call for a fairer society | Friday 4 March
Writer and columnist Will Hutton is set to put his case for a fairer society in Britain, in a free public lecture on campus next Friday.
Green Science Talk | Wednesday 16 March
Saiful Islam (Chemistry) will be giving a free talk (with 3D specs!) entitled: 'Watts new with clean energy materials?
- batteries included' at the
Bath Royal Literary & Science Institution (BRLSI),
16-18 Queen Sq. (Joint RSC / IoP / IoM event)
Listen to David Nutt's lecture 'Science in drug politics' online | Podcast
Good news for those who were unable to attend David Nutt's sell-out lecture: it is now available online.
What's on
www.bath.ac.uk/whats-on
Monday 28 February
18:00 PM Conducting workshopTuesday 1 March
12:15 PM Eucharist/Holy communion
12:30 PM Lunchtime workshop - Preparing students for assessment to enhance learning
12:45 PM Oxfam lunch
Wednesday 2 March
13:15 PM Politics undergraduate placement conference 2011
19:30 PM The spirit of '76 and the letter of '87
Thursday 3 March
13:00 PM Classic quilts from the American museum in Britain
16:15 PM Council
19:30 PM Evolutionary generalities lie in the details
Saturday 4 March
10:00 AM Workshop: The life of a digital image
Arts
www.bath.ac.uk/icia
Concerts & performances:
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Bath University Student Theatre Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw | The Mission Theatre, Corn St, Bath | Until Saturday 26 February, 7.30pm
This Shaw classic witnesses Professor Henry Higgins' attempt to create an ‘ideal woman’ out of the cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle. Is the notion of an ‘ideal woman’ even possible? -
Practice | ICIA Arts Theatre and Arts Barn | Saturday 26 February, 7.30pm
A unique opportunity to see new professional theatre, live art and dance, followed by an opportunity to help shape ideas through a dialogue with the artists and performers. -
Class Wargames re-play HG Wells’Little Wars: | Claverton Down Community Hall, Bath | Saturday 26 February, 1.30-5pm,
Multi-disciplinary group Class Wargames stage a participatory re-performance of H.G. Wells’ Little Wars. Wells’ wargame simulates the inter-imperialist conflicts of the British Empire.
Exhibitions:
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Class Wargames present Guy Debord’s The Game of War | ICIA Art Space 2 | Until Saturday 26 February
Class Wargames is a collective of artists, academics and activists. Their multimedia exhibition is inspired by The Game of War, the life’s work of French anti-capitalist intellectual, Guy Debord, begun after the riots of May 1968. - Swindon College Lines of Enquiry 7 | ICIA Art Space 1 | Until Friday 18 March
The seventh in a series showing work by graduates of the BA Fine Art Drawing at Swindon College’s School of Art & Design.
Workshops:
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Introduction to writing for performance | ICIA Arts Theatre | Sunday 27 February, 10.30am-4.30pm
Suitable for aspiring playwrights, this one-day workshop offers an introduction to the fundamentals of creating stories for the theatre and performance. -
Conducting workshop with Richard Gonski | University Hall Music Room | Monday 28 February, 6-9pm
This is a chance for aspiring conductors to learn the about the craft, and for those with experience to hone their technique.
Sport
TeamBath netballers record emphatic 69-33 victory over Leeds
A devastating 13-goal salvo without reply at the start of the third quarter laid the foundations for TeamBath netball to record an emphatic 69-33 victory over Leeds Carnegie in the Fiat Netball Superleague on Monday (21 February) night.
Kim collects gold and silver to help University women to fourth
Student Kim Murray (Sport & Exercise Science) collected gold and silver medals to help the University of Bath women’s team to fourth place overall at the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Indoor Athletics Championships.
Seven-strong British team prepare for first pentathlon World Cup of 2011
A seven-strong British team including student Samantha Murray (French & Politics) will contest the first Modern Pentathlon World Cup of the year, in Palm Springs.
Bath Half Marathon
Are you running the Bath Half for charity this year?
Let us know your name, department and the charity you are raising money for (with www.justgiving link) and we'll add you to our Bath Half webpage . Email comms@bath.ac.uk with 'Bath Half' in the subject line. Good luck with your preparations!