thebulletin27 May 2010 Issue 94

Illustration students succeed in national art competition

See centre pages for update on UWE’s links with Vietnam

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In this month’s issue

2 Illustration students succeed in national Lloyds TSB competition

3 Focus on the future at UWE managers’ conference

5 Media star Lisa Harrison

7 UWE cancer expert reports new global guidelines for oestrogen receptor testing

10 Blue plaque at Glenside Campus commemorates Stanley Spencer

20 UWE at forefront of UK Education links with Vietnam

The Bulletin is published by the Marketing and Communications Office who reserve the right to select items for inclusion and to edit copy. For further information contact Jane Kelly or Mary Price on ext 82208, e-mail Jane.Kelly@uwe.ac.uk and Mary.Price@uwe.ac.uk.

Editor: Jane Kelly

Editor: Mary Price

Contributor: Lesley Drake, Kate Mooney

Production: Jayne Andrews, Kate Mooney

Designed by Graphic Design

Printing and Distribution by Printing and Stationery The next issue will be circulated at the end of June. Please do keep sending contributions in. The Bulletin regrets that it cannot be held responsible for any claims that arise out of advertisements carried.

Front cover:

Front cover: Lloyds TSB art competition winner Gaby Selby and finalist Katie Harnett with their illustrations 3

Illustration students succeed in national Lloyds TSB competition

Third year illustration student Gaby Selby (SCA) has won the national final of Art of Nurture, a prestigious art competition organised by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance and held at the Saatchi gallery in London. Gaby’s winning artwork, which depicts the symbiotic relationship between cows and egrets, will be used in an advertising campaign for the bank.

Fellow student Katie Harnett (SCA) was also one of the 18 finalists out of an original field of 500 entries, having succeeded in the South Wales and West regional heats.

As well as the opportunity to see his work used in an international advertising campaign, Gaby will have the opportunity to take a paid work placement at a top UK creative agency.

Gaby hopes to stay in Bristol and work as a freelance illustrator after he graduates this summer. He said, “I'm delighted to have won, especially since the quality of the other entries was so high. Art of Nurture is a really respected competition and having this accolade will look fantastic in my portfolio.

“I am very excited to see my work used in the advertising campaign and the combination of this and the work placement will really help boost my career.”

UWE students have a great track record in this competition with winners in the national top three for the past four years. Christine Hill, award leader for UWE's Illustration programme, said, “It is wonderful news that Gaby has won this prestigious prize. The University continues to attract top calibre students and this speaks volumes for the quality of the course we offer. Everyone is delighted for Gaby – it is tough making your mark in this competitive arena. We always seek to encourage students to take part in competitions because the opportunity to work to a real creative brief is invaluable.”

To read the full story see: http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/article.asp?item=1732&year=2010

Lloyds TSB art competition winner Gaby Selby

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UWE’s ‘Future+Focus’, the University’s first ever management conference, brought together around 400 senior and middle managers from Faculties and services across the University at the ECC (Frenchay Campus) on 4 May for a day of presentations and workshops.

The conference aimed to enable managers to get a clear understanding of the University’s strategy for sustainable growth, to get managers from across the University working together on the challenges facing the University.

The day was led by Nick Isles from Elementa Leadership, and included interviews with Katy Phillips (SU) Fiona Jordan (BBS) and Steve West (Vice-Chancellor) on their different perspectives on the University; presentations from Yvonne Hawkins (HEFCE) on current funding and policy priorities and from Richard O’Doherty (AVC) on the UWE Design team and their role. There was a talk from Professor Laurie Taylor who gave his own entertaining perspective on the issues facing HE. There were several interactive sessions in which delegates brainstormed key issues with colleagues, and developed their understanding of University processes. One task involved choosing an object which best represented the audience view of ‘how UWE needs to be in the future’.

Of 50 artifacts chosen a windmill won the overall vote as the symbol that best represented UWE’s future. The delegates on Table 4 included Brian Allen, Kevin Burnside, Jan Dekker, Janet Jones, Carolyn Morton and Jan Richardson. Janet Jones said, "We imagined that the multi-coloured children's flywheel chosen to represent UWE's preferred future suggests an institution able to resonate energy outwards but also use energy from the outside to generate growth. Since there's no sign of calm weather ahead,

we wanted something that could move fast, but in unison, with strong and unpredictable weather and that rotated easily as it adapted to different wind directions.

“The hub of the wheel plays a co-ordinating and unifying role but the wings are not uniformly coloured and remain vibrant and distinct. Windmills evoke a coherence and responsiveness;

but the small hub is not so controlling that the result is homogenisation. Should the winds stop momentarily, the energy stored will keep us going, and once placed solidly in the ground, the whole thing is sustainable for a long-term future."

At the end of the event, Vice-Chancellor Steve West thanked HR who had organised the event, ECC staff, and all those who participated. Further events and workshops are planned.

Steve West wrapped up by saying, “This is a unique moment in the life of the University and we need to reflect on signing up to a huge cultural change. It’s important that

we all recognise that this is a journey that is just beginning. We need to build a stronger university with a culture of belonging to a wider community and where we focus on how to improve without accepting the status quo.

“The energy at today’s event needs to be captured so that we can all move the University forward. I’m not going to pretend that some of what we need to do will not be painful but we need to empower people to take risks and to engage in the change agenda.

“A big challenge for the senior management team is to allow people to be innovative. And let’s not just simply focus on the finance. We are in a very strong place right now with people wanting to come to the University. So let’s focus on what is right for UWE, on what is sustainable and make the right decisions. We should be proud of what we have achieved but recognise we must now move on with commitment and focus.”

Focus on the future at UWE managers’ conference

Staff comments on the day:

“It was lovely to meet other people from across the University. It was good to refresh on priorities, but I think we need to now move faster and further with a bigger group of staff.” (Jackie Rogers, FET)

“It was nice to meet everyone and see lots of people coming together.” (Vaughan Castell, Estates)

“I really valued meeting a cross section of people from across the University. We were able to find areas of commonality, even though we came from different disciplines and jobs. The discussions were useful and gave a University-wide perspective to issues.” (Craig Donaldson, FAS)

Fiona Jordan (BBS); Katy Philips, SU President; Steve West, Vice Chancellor

The windmill suggests an institution able to resonate energy outwards but also use energy from the outside to generate growth.

Picture credit: Ruth Ackroyd

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Professor Martin Boddy has been appointed to the newly created role of Assistant Vice Chancellor: Research, Business Engagement and Professional Development.

This new role signals the University’s strong commitment to partnership and collaboration with business in the Bristol region, the South West and beyond, as a core aspect of the UWE mission. This will support new opportunities for workforce and professional development shaped by the needs

of employers. It will generate new opportunities for research, consultancy and knowledge exchange with business partners. Close engagement with businesses will further strengthen the relevance of our taught programmes and boost the employability of our graduates. In his new role, Martin will draw both on his extensive links with business and business organisations in the West of England and the South West, and on his wide-ranging knowledge and experience of research and consultancy in regional economics, skills and labour markets and regional development.

Martin will be moving to Bristol Business School which will provide a strong platform for this university-wide role. There he will join the Executive of the new Faculty of Business and Law, with particular responsibility for Research and Knowledge Exchange within the Faculty. In this role he will draw on his

long and successful record of leading research and knowledge exchange in Built Environment and more recently Environment and Technology. In this role, Martin will continue to draw on his particular expertise in the costing of different activities, research in particular, using Transparent Approach to Costing information as part of the wider programme of change management.

Martin has a formidable record of achievement in leading business-facing activities at Faculty and University level. As he has shown in his time in Built Environment and more recently in Environment and Technology he is able to draw upon a unique network of business, professional and research contacts to deliver high quality results which make him eminently suitable for the top team at UWE.

Commenting on his new role, Martin said: “The competitive success and prosperity of Bristol and the South West have been driven by knowledge, enterprise and innovation. With its strong vocational focus and its excellence in applied research and consultancy UWE has already done much to contribute to the success of the region. But we can do a lot more and I see this new role as an exciting opportunity to help realise this ambition. I intend to work closely with businesses and employers and with colleagues across the University to help us respond to the demands and needs of businesses and the region. This will include a focus on professional development and the skills needed in the region, new opportunities for collaboration in research and consultancy, ensuring that our taught programmes – and our graduates - meet the future needs of employers.”

Professor Martin Boddy appointed to AVC role

Professor Martin Boddy

The Equality and Diversity Unit held a photo and imagery competition earlier this year that called on students and staff to submit an image on the theme 'equality and diversity - what it means to you'.

A total of 1,367 people voted online and at exhibitions which took places at all campuses. The winning submission was from Professor Richard Luxton, Director of UWE’s Institute of Bio-sensing Technology (IBST) for a photograph of duplo figures holding hands.

Richard said, “No matter how different, by working together everyone can contribute to a common goal. The figures represent all types of people and the chain is the common goal; with UWE enabling people to be better together.”

In second place was Matt Owen from Marketing and Commmunications who submitted a circle of different pairs of

shoes. Matt said, “The assembled shoes of UWE staff and students express individual identities, tastes, genders and practical needs. If we were all to be barefooted, would our diverse identities be less defined? The diverse shoes working in conjunction make the shape of a circle, something they can only do together, not alone. Perhaps that is what the UWE community is all about.”

Angeline Carrozza, Equality and Diversity Manager, said, “We had an overwhelmingly positive response from our staff and students. We will be using these images in our future publications”. Images can be seen at: www.uwe.ac.uk/equalityanddiversity

UWE Equality and Diversity photo and imagery competition

The winning images from Richard Luxton and Matt Owen

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Lisa Harrison, UWE’s politics key commentator, has experienced an extraordinary media circus during the lead up to the general election. During the past month Lisa has been interviewed on BBC Radio 4, Jack FM, ITV and BBC national and local news, New Zealand TV, BBC Radio 5 Live and countless regional radio programmes. Her views have also been cited in the Bristol Evening Post and Swindon Advertiser. On election night Lisa began commentating at 02.00, carrying on until Friday afternoon, commenting on the results as they unfolded.

Speaking on the day before the results were known, Lisa said, “It really has been an incredibly exciting election. The televised Big Debates have sparked an intense interest and Bristol was placed firmly on the map as a media hub for politics when the second Big Debate was held here on Thursday 22 May. This combined with the fact that locally we have a new seat in Filton and Bradley Stoke and Bristol North West as a key marginal seat means that the area has been constantly in the media spotlight over the past few weeks. For the first time in a general election in over a decade no-one is really quite sure what will happen!

“Since joining UWE in 2001 I have been regularly asked to appear on the BBC’s weekly Politics Show. I am known by the politics reporters there and the nature of political reporting means my name is passed on to other contacts. Paul Baltrop from BBC Points West has recommended

me on a regular basis, and as a result I have been requested by national and even international programmes. Appearing on Paul Henry’s national breakfast show in New Zealand was quite a coup for me as I became familiar with his sharp and pithy style of presenting when I went on holiday there two years ago.

“I think I am requested because I am comfortable in putting forward my thoughts and I’ve been told that the media like the fact that I am able to answer questions in clear sound bites. It’s rare that my actual academic interest in women, political parties and representation is the subject of interviews - more general electoral analysis is usually the focus. I’ve also found that one comment can lead to another appearance. When Kerry McCarthy twittered the result of postal votes recently I was asked for comment by the Bristol Evening Post and by the next day BBC Bristol Politics had seen my comments and requested a contribution to their evening news programme.

“Despite my experience I’m happy to learn more - attending the Media Training offered by UWE’s Media Relations team was really useful in learning how to deal with uncomfortable questions. It’s important to learn how to make interviews seamless, avoiding being forced to make a comment you would rather not - a skill which many politicians adopt. UWE has

also been brilliant at seeing the value in getting staff into the media as commentators, and people in the department and the Faculty have given me the space to do this which is something I appreciate hugely.”

Mary Price from the Media Relations team said. “Lisa is a true media star and we really appreciate the way she is always so responsive to requests. She is very highly regarded by all the contacts we speak to.

“It was as a result of working with people like Lisa that we decided to develop a list of key media commentators to sit alongside the comprehensive experts database as a way of gaining more media exposure for people whose work touches on topics that are regularly requested.”

Media star Lisa Harrison

Lisa Harrison on Election Day

A new web-based resource called Key Commentators aimed at media contacts is now live on the news pages on the UWE website. UWE Key Commentators contains profiles of key people at the University who have the expertise and experience to comment on a range of topics that are the subject of ongoing media discussion.

Mary Price from UWE’s Media Relations team explains, “We wanted to make more of the experts who are regularly requested by our media contacts and also to encourage others who are working in areas of media interest to put themselves forward. It’s critical for UWE’s reputation to have academics offering media commentary as this helps put UWE on the map not just in this region but nationally and internationally.

“There are currently around 30 people included on the Key Commentators pages. Expert areas include politics, higher education policy, human rights and the financial markets to name a few.

“When a media topic is in the spotlight we will highlight the relevant expert to our media contacts. Do take time to look at the pages. The new resource is designed to run alongside the experts database that has a very comprehensive overview of academic expertise at UWE.”

UWE Key Commentators http://people.uwe.ac.uk/KeyCommentators/Pages/AllExperts.aspx

Key commentators launched on UWE web pages

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First overseas convocation ceremonyOn Sunday 28 March 2010, UWE held its first overseas convocation ceremony in Malaysia to celebrate the achievements of both UWE alumni and graduates from partner colleges. The ceremony took place in the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

As well as the students, the congregation was made up of families, distinguished guests and colleagues from UWE and its partner colleges. The platform party included the Chancellor of the University, The Rt Hon, The Baroness Butler-Sloss GBE and the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Steven West. The ceremony also welcomed Justice Datuk Seri James Foong as guest speaker.

An article about the visit will appear in the June Bulletin about the visit to Malaysia.

Malaysian Business graduate Sher Lyn Chew and Vietnamese Law graduate - Chau Huy Quang at the ceremony

UWE welcomes latest performance indicators on widening participationThe latest HESA performance indicator data for 2008/09, published on 15 April, show a significant rise in the proportion of young full-time undergraduate entrants from low participation neighbourhoods (LPNs), up from 9.1 per cent in 2007/08 to 9.4 per cent in 2008/09. The result means that UWE is now only 0.6 percentage point adrift of the location adjusted benchmark of 10.0 per cent for young full-time undergraduate entrants from LPNs.

Chris Croudace, Head of Widening Participation, said, “This is a strong achievement which reflects the considerable efforts the institution is making to reach out to young people from local communities and families with no tradition of HE and encouraging them to see university as a realistic and worthwhile option. The performance is especially encouraging given that the proportion of young full-time undergraduate entrants from state schools and colleges fell to 88.8 per cent in 2008/09, down from 89.2 per cent the previous year.

“It is also pleasing to see a continuing positive trend in the proportion of mature full-time undergraduate entrants with no previous HE and from LPNs, up from 14.4 per cent in 2007/08 to 16.6 per cent in 2008/09. Many of these students will have entered UWE via the Access to HE pathway or be enrolled on UWE Federation programmes.”

Figures also show that 34.5per cent of our young full-time undergraduate entrants came from lower socio-economic groups in 2008/09, against our location adjusted benchmark of 36.0 per cent. So the gap between our socio-economic performance indicator and location adjusted benchmark has narrowed to 1.5 percentage points. By way of comparison, the England average for the same year is 33.1 per cent.

The proportion of undergraduate students in receipt of Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) rose sharply from 4.1 per cent in 2007/08 to 4.6 per cent in 2008/09. This means the University is now within 0.3 percentage point of its externally set location adjusted benchmark of 4.9 per cent for students in receipt of DSA.

Steve West, Vice-Chancellor, said, “I welcome the latest widening participation indicators which show that more young people and adults from under-represented backgrounds, families and communities are coming to UWE than ever before. This demonstrates that our strategy is delivering real results The University won the XCEL Widening Particpation University of the Year award earlier this year and this recognition aptly reflects our commitment to welcoming everyone who has interest or ambition to join us, whatever their background.”

Dr Ray Priest, Principal of The City Academy

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steven West, invites you to attend the annual Bolland Lecture given by Dr Ray Priest;

City Academy, Bristol: A principal’s story of transforming education for young people through partnership and community engagement

The lecture will be followed by a buffet supper to which you are also invited.

Reception 17:30 – Glendinning Lecture Theatre (2D67)

Lecture 18:00 – Glendinning Lecture Theatre (2D67)

Supper 19:30 – Onzone, Frenchay Campus

The Bolland Lecture was established in 1976 to commemorate Dr Robert Bolland, who held the post of Director of Bristol Polytechnic from its foundation in 1969 to his death in 1974

RSVP –Please e-mail events@uwe.ac.uk if you wish to attend and if you are bringing guests.

Please reply by Tuesday 8 June 2010

The Bolland Lecture: Tuesday 15 June 2010

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UWE cancer expert reports new global guidelines for oestrogen receptor testingA cancer research specialist from the Faculty of Life Sciences is one of a panel of international experts who have had a report published in the Journal of Clinical Oncolgy recently that gives new global guidelines for testing regimes for breast cancer patients. The guidelines relate to cancer patients with oestrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PgR) positive breast tumours. This approximates to around 70 per cent of the 42,000 new cases of breast cancer occurring each year in the UK

The international expert panel was convened by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the College of American Pathologists to conduct a systematic review of the literature in partnership with Cancer Care Ontario to develop comprehensive evidence based recommendations for optimal ER/PgR testing performance.

UWE’s Dr Anthony Rhodes explains, “Not all treatments will be effective on all women who have breast cancer. There are some important tests that need to be carried out to ascertain what treatments will work. Inaccuracies in results on some occasions have led to erroneous results and emphasise the importance of standardising each stage of the testing process so that patients are given the most appropriate treatments.

“About three years ago international guidelines relating to Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2) hit the headlines (Journal of Clinical Oncology 2007; 25: 118-45). I was on the panel that determined these guidelines and it is this and previous experience that has led to my involvement in the new set of recommendations that will have an even greater impact in terms of the numbers of patients with ER/PgR positive tumours. It is known that Herceptin is an effective treatment in approximately 25 pe rcent of patients who show positive results for HER2 and these guidelines had considerable impact globally in helping to standardise the clinical tests that predict the likely response to Herceptin therapy.

“However, a lot more breast tumours (around 70 per cent) are driven by oestrogen which acts as a powerful growth stimulant when it binds to receptors in the tumour cells. The new guidelines relate to the most appropriate testing regimes for oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors for predicting response to therapies such as tamoxifen. The new guidelines include recommendations for standardised tests for specimen handling, proper use of controls, and interpretive and reporting criteria.

“The key is to reliably identify those patients whose cancers are driven by the oestrogen receptor – patients who fall into this category are likely to benefit from the drug tamoxifen, or similar drugs such as aromatase inhibitors. In cases where oestrogen is not driving the tumours growth other drugs are more appropriate.”

The full report can be viewed at http://jco.ascopubs.org/

Dr Rhodes has also recently been appointed a visiting professor to the University of Malaya.

Dr Tony Rhodes

Rachel Gruber has been appointed as Internal Communications Project Manager to work with Dr Richard O’Doherty, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Business Change and Innovation), on communications relating to the change management programme. Rachel will be based in Marketing and Communications, and comes to UWE from UWIC with expertise in Internal Communications in both the public and private sector. Rachel says, “I am excited to be part of the team at UWE. I am looking forward to the challenge of this new role and to working with the Richard and the change management team.” Rachel can be contacted at Rachel.Gruber@uwe.ac.uk

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£1.4 million to make car fuel from thin airResearchers from the South West are working on a £1.4 million project that could take carbon dioxide from the air and turn it into car fuel.

Scientists and engineers from UWE are collaborating with colleagues from the University of Bath, who are leading the research, and colleagues from the University of Bristol.

The project aims to develop porous materials that can absorb the gas that causes global warming and convert it into chemicals that can be used to make car fuel or plastics in a process powered by renewable solar energy.

The researchers hope that in the future the porous materials could be used to line factory chimneys to take carbon dioxide pollutants from the air, reducing the effects of climate change.

Dr Frank Marken, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry (University of Bath) said: “Current processes rely on using separate technology to capture and utilise the CO2, which makes the process very inefficient. By combining the processes the efficiency can be improved and the energy required to drive the CO2 reduction is minimised.

“It will be a massive challenge but we have a strong inter-disciplinary team that includes chemists, chemical engineers, biologists, and life-cycle analysts.”

Dr Petra Cameron, RCUK Fellow from the Department of Chemistry (University of Bath), said: “We hope that the use of renewable energy to recycle CO2 will be an effective way to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.”

The Bath-Bristol collaboration brings together scientists from a range of disciplines, including researchers from Bath’s Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment , the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol, and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) and School of Life Sciences at UWE.

Dr Ioannis Ieropoulos (BRL), said, “One of great advantages of this project is that it will exploit the natural abilities of micro-organisms to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere and at the same time produce electricity or hydrogen, as required.”

Dr David Fermin from the University of Bristol said: “Currently, there are no large-scale technologies available for capturing and processing CO2 from air. The facts are that CO2 is rather diluted in the atmosphere and its chemical reactivity is very low. By combining clever material design with heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis and biocatalysis, we aim at developing an effective carbon neutral technology.”

The project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, is in its early stages but the researchers predict the new technology could make a real difference in the fight against climate change.

The project is part of Research Councils UK cross-Council programme Nanoscience: through Engineering to Application. www.rcuk.ac.uk/nano

UWE’s dream expert, Jennie Parker, took part in a Twitter-based dream experiment to mark the release of the Avatar DVD earlier this month.

The world’s most lucrative blockbuster film was based on a dream - “I had a dream, in 1995… It had characters and creatures and settings…” - James Cameron on how the inspiration for Avatar came to him in a dream.

The UK-based movie streaming service www.blinkbox.com invited the twitterverse to ‘tweet’ their dreams, with the chance to have them interpreted and analysed by Dr Jennie Parker who has been dubbed the Dream Doctor.

Dr Parker said, “This experiment is just so unique. What really excites me is that Twitter has not ever been used to collect data for dream research so this in itself is a ground-breaking opportunity. I imagine that there will be thousands of people who are inspired to take part having been wowed by the beauty of the film. Even though I will be interpreting just ten dreams for the blinkbox.com experiment I can see the potential for so much more analysis. I am already planning to use data as the basis for a future book that will analyse the efficacy of Twitter as a means for data collection and hopefully present this information in a peer reviewed journal. This type of media is going to be essential in moving dream research forwards using state of the art technologies.”

For full news story see

http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/UWENews/article.asp?item=1733&year=2010

Tweet dreams are made of this

Porous Metal Organic Framework (MOF)

Dr Jennie Parker

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Researchers from the Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR) at UWE have discovered a new way of using 3D printing technology (rapid prototyping) which will allow exact real clay objects to be printed using a digital file.

This research in 3D printing technology means that a cup, a saucer, or almost any 3D shape can be rapidly built in ceramic materials from a computer generated file, and then placed in the kiln and fired.

Producing a prototype previously took many hours, tools and skilled labour. Drawings were sent to skilled craftspeople where a 3D prototype was produced by hand from a design on paper. This was expensive and slow, so there was a need to develop a faster and cheaper way to produce prototypes. Rapid prototyping was born in answer to this need. For example, if you break the heater knob in your car, at the moment you go to a retailer, who stocks thousands of similar parts or has to order it from a wholesaler, which takes time, and involves transport and overhead costs. In future, with the aid of rapid prototyping technology, you will collect a replacement from a high street 3D copy shop, who will print you a part to order from a downloaded file.

The technology is developing fast. The Centre for Fine Print Research has taken a clear lead in the quality of objects that can be printed. The research team has now developed novel ceramic materials which replace the plaster powder currently used for the rapid prototyping process. This takes rapid prototyping from the realm of being able to replicate a model of an object to being able to print the actual object digitally, to order.

Following a three year research project, funded by the AHRC, researchers looked at how the latest technology in 3D printing could be used to create one-off functional bespoke artworks, rather than creating a prototype which forms the basis for a mould or has to be recreated in another media. This new process allows the artist to develop the object digitally on screen and then produce the finished work directly in ‘real’ ceramic materials. The object is then placed in a kiln and fired. The technology has potential for use in the wider ceramics industry; it will now be possible not only to make exact trial versions in ceramic before a production

run, but also to operate specialist short runs which allow every piece to be different. In the long term the technology may have implications in the medical field, as research is already taking place for ceramic replacements in serious bone fractures.

David Huson, who worked on developing the new ceramic method, explains, “My background is in ceramics, so when I first saw this machine I was excited by the potential to find new uses for it. During our research we tried many different methods and processes for ceramics and looked at different substances. One of the key challenges was to develop ceramic objects which were strong enough when they came out of the printer, but still had the right properties to be able to be fired in a kiln. We needed to develop something which would allow for the same density and shrinkage as traditional ceramic materials, and also meet the requirements of the ceramics industry. For example we can design an object, such as a ball inside a lattice sphere, which is impossible to create in any other method, but can now be made in a single process using the new technology.”

The team used current 3D technology (such as the Z Corp printer), which uses an inkjet printing system. In this system a bed of powder (instead of paper) is printed with a bonding liquid (instead of ink) which builds up an object in layers, working from a computer design as the print head passes back and forth over the powder. On completion the finished object is removed from the powder and cleaned.

The research team, led by Professor Steve Hoskins, includes Dave Huson, Dr Paul Thirkell and Dr Peter Walters. The University is applying for an international patent for the new method, and the team has produced a number of research articles and conference papers reflecting on their findings which may be found on the CFPR website .

Researchers reinvent the potter’s wheel

Ceramic skeletons printed in 3D using the new technology.

Bristol Robotics Lab (BRL) researchers were invited to an exhibition at the European Union parliament in Strasbourg (21 – 21 April 2010) as part of an initiative to engage MEPs with EU science projects funded by the Future and Emerging Technologies programme. The picture shows Jason Wesby of BRL on the left demonstrating the BRL Scratchbot to Dr Wolfgang Boch, Unit Head of Future and Emerging Technologies. The robot was also shown to Herman Van Rompuy, the EU president, EU commissioners and various MEPs. The robot was very well received and raised a great deal of interest in the future applications of robot technology for future exploitation in the EU.

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Blue plaque at Glenside Campus commemorates Stanley SpencerA blue plaque was unveiled at UWE’s Glenside Campus on Wednesday 28 April in memory of the time war artist Stanley Spencer spent working there as a medical orderly during the First World War.

The plaque was unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Christopher Davies, at 12.30 and the event was attended by Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor; Professor Paul Gough, UWE Pro Vice-Chancellor, war artist and Stanley Spencer expert and John Williams from Bristol City Council Museums and Archives who is Co-ordinator of the Blue Plaque scheme.

John Williams said, “Glenside is an historic building and Sir Stanley Spencer’s involvement is now becoming

more widely known. The blue plaque recognises his unique achievement as one of Britain’s great 20th century painters and his memories of the city of Bristol and his time at the Beaufort Hospital. It complements the good work being done by volunteer staff in the nearby Glenside Museum.”

Professor Paul Gough has written a book about Stanley Spencer and cites him as a key inspiration for his own output. He said, “It’s fitting that Spencer’s time at what is now the Glenside Campus of UWE is marked in this way. Tending for the wounded and the sheer bustle of the vast military hospital in Bristol had a lasting impact on Spencer, and led directly to his extraordinary murals for the Burghclere chapel – one of the unsung glories of Northern Europe.”

Paul Gough’s book Stanley Spencer: Journey to Burghclere was published in 2006; his new book on Great War Art A Terrible Beauty has just been published.

For full story see news release http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/article.asp?item=1734&year=2010

Professor Paul Gough, Lord Mayor Councillor Christopher Davies, Professor Steve West at the unveiling of the blue plaque on Glenside Campus

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Dragana (Dee) Smart has been appointed as Co-ordinator Public and Community Engagement at UWE. She will be working within RBI, complementing the existing range of activities in business, community and knowledge exchange activities.

Prior to taking up this post Dee worked in the Faculties of Creative Arts and Education. In 2003 she took up a period of secondment at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol as part of the strategic alliance agreement between UWE and RWA.

In the role of Executive Administrator she was responsible for day-to-day management of one of Bristol’s leading visual arts organisations as well as building its public profile, and leading major strategic bids for capital expansion and heritage projects. She developed many projects with a range of partners that encouraged public engagement and audience participation and, during her tenure, helped increase visitor numbers from 12,000 to over 69,000 per annum.

Dee also introduced creative apprenticeships, secured Full Museum Registration, several major grants, and worked with business, cultural and educational partners across the city and region. In a recent poll by Venue magazine she was included in the West’s 50 most influential people in the arts and culture. For her contribution to the development of the Academy she was awarded the accolade of Honorary Royal West of England Academician.

On taking up her new post in UWE, Dee said, “I am very excited to have an opportunity to continue facilitating creative partnerships, not just in the arts but across the University’s portfolio and contributing to the University’s engagement and exchange agenda. There are so many excellent initiatives in all parts of UWE with a real public benefit and I look forward to collaborating with professionals across the University at a more strategic level in bringing all this wealth of activity together and creating very strong public awareness.”

Professor Paul Gough, who will be working closely with Dee, said, “Dee has a formidable record of success in working with a wide range of business, professional and creative organisations. She is extremely well known in Bristol and the region, and her strong record in working with the diverse communities of the city stands her in good stead for this crucial role in UWE’s programme of exchange, engagement and social enterprise.”

New UWE appointment in Public and Community Engagement

Dee Smart

Male models in advertising - body shape does not impact on the bottom line?Findings presented at 4th Appearance Matters conference

22 -23 June, Wills Memorial Building, Queen’s Road, Bristol, UK

Much has been reported in the media about the use of waif thin female models in fashion advertising and the influence this can have on the health of women who strive to be thin in the belief that ultra thin is beautiful. However recent research suggests that in fact average sized female models are well received in advertising campaigns and promote a much healthier body image.

A researcher from the Centre for Appearance Research has investigated if the same theory applies to male models.

Phillippa Diedrichs will present her paper ‘GI Joe or Average Joe? The effect

of average –size and ultra-muscular male fashion models on body image and advertisement effectiveness’at the CAR Appearance Matters Conference in June.

Phillippa Diedrichs recently joined CAR from the University of Queensland in Australia. She was inspired to come to the UK after attending the Apppearance Matters conference two years ago.

Phillppa explains, “Policy makers and governments have suggested that including a more diverse range of body sizes and shapes in media images may be an effective strategy for promoting positive body image.

“Previous research suggests that attractive, average-size female models may provide a healthy alternative to ultra-thin fashion models. The potential for using average-size male fashion models to improve body image and appeal to consumers, however, has not been well examined. To address this we examined the impact of average-size and muscular male fashion models on men’s and women’s body image and how they perceive advertisements.”

We showed 619 young Australian men and women advertisements that featured male models of different body

sizes, including muscular and average-size models. We asked them to rate the effectiveness of the advertisements and to report how they felt about their own appearance.

Phillippa continues, “Men and women rated average-size male models as equally effective in advertisements as ultra-muscular models. For men, seeing average-size models was also associated with more positive body image than viewing no models, with no difference to ultra-muscular models. Similar results were found for women.

“These findings contribute to a growing evidence base for the health and advertising benefits of using average-size models in media imagery. Furthermore, they provide support for recent calls to increase size diversity in media imagery to promote positive body image.”

For more information about the Appearance Matters conference and to register online go to http://www.uwe.ac.uk/events/appearancematters/registration.shtml

or e-mail CAR@uwe.ac.uk

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Teens need support with appearance issues resulting from cancer treatmentFindings presented at 4th Appearance Matters conference

22-23 June 2010 Wills Memorial Building, Queen’s Road, Bristol

A researcher from the world renowned Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) has investigated what it is like for young people to undergo cancer treatment that impacts on the way they look. Researcher Heidi Williamson will present findings from the study at the forthcoming CAR Appearance Matter Conference taking place in Bristol, in June.

Heidi explains, “Treatment for cancer can result in temporary or permanent changes to patients’ appearance, including hair loss, weight changes, skin complaints and scarring. These changes present particular challenges for adolescents because this is a time when young people are acutely aware of their bodies, and physical appearance contributes more than any other factor to levels of self-esteem.

“Until now, some research has suggested that altered appearance during cancer treatment can be problematic

but there has been very little in-depth exploration of how adolescents and their parents respond to or cope with these challenges, nor ways in which support is provided. This study provided a detailed insight into adolescent patients’ and their families’ experiences of managing an altered appearance as a result of cancer treatment.

“Many adolescents described feeling anxious and self-conscious about how they looked and reported staring and teasing which often led to low self-confidence, avoidance of social activities and, in some cases, not wanting to continue with treatment. Some of them used strategies such as concealment, warning friends and using humour in order to manage their altered appearance and its social consequences. Parents felt poorly prepared to manage appearance-related anxieties. Adolescents wanted advice and support to maintain a ‘normal’ appearance and skills to manage negative social responses.”

Heidi Williamson’s research findings are now informing the development of ways of providing support for young people with appearance-related concerns during cancer treatment.

For more information about the Appearance Matters conference and to register online go to http://www.uwe.ac.uk/events/appearancematters/registration.shtml or e-mail CAR@uwe.ac.uk

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UWE leads the way in food technology research

UWE is playing the key role in an international partnership involving eight institutions from seven countries in the field of genetic aspects of food quality and food safety. The multidisciplinary research team based in UWE brings together complementary expertise of the Institute of Bio-Sensing Technology (IBST), Centre for Research in Biomedicine (CRIB) and Centre for Research in Analytical, Materials and Sensor Science

This work is funded by the EU People Marie Curie Action International Research Staff Exchange Scheme and at UWE it will be led by Dr Olena Doran (IBST/CRIB). The project will involve researchers from UWE, Institute for Food and Technology Research (Spain), University of Lleida (Spain), Iowa State University (USA),

University of Bologna (Italy) Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (China), Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Pig Breeding (Ukraine) and University of Leuven (Belgium).

Dr Doran explains, “This project is a successful development of the previous EU project on food quality and food safety by UWE which involved 20 organisations from 12 countries.

“We are bringing together international expertise to develop new effective tools and approaches for the improvement of food quality. The partners’ experience and facilities will be used to create and develop an international genetics and food quality network which would ensure sustainable international collaboration and long-term training schemes for both young scientists and senior staff.”

The UWE research team will be involved in several strands of work and will lead the work package on the development of novel technologies for rapid and

inexpensive evaluation of meat quality traits.

The impact of the work is far reaching as it is anticipated to influence EU policies related to farm animals/meat production.

In addition to Dr Doran the team from UWE includes IBST Directors Professor Richard Luxton and Dr Janice Keily, Director of CRIB, Professor Simon Jackson and Professor John Hart.

In related work, researchers in IBST and Research Centres at UWE are also working on projects to develop rapid methodologies for detection of fat partitioning using an impedance technology and magnetic particle-based method; on the development of 3D cell culture system for studying the mechanisms regulating food quality traits and on identification of physiological candidate genes/ genetic markers for food quality traits.

To read full news release see http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/UWENews/article.asp?item=1718&year=2010

Final-year undergraduate psychology students from six universities in the South West presented their dissertation research at a conference at UWE attended by over 100 students.

Hosted by the Psychology department (SLS), the conference illustrated the wide range of topics open for students to investigate for their final-year work. It included topics as diverse as the neuropsychological outcomes of paediatric stroke; group identity, money and well-being; cognitive impairment and dementia; children’s language development; pain and EEG alpha generation, and detecting changes in facial expression.

Fifty-four students from UWE and the universities of Bath, Bath Spa, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth presented their work as a talk or a poster and gained feedback from other students and lecturers. Second-year students also attending found the conference a useful source of ideas and information for their own final year project. Conference Co-ordinator Dr Jane Humphreys said, “For most students, this is the first chance they have had to present their work outside their own institution. The undergraduate conference offers a safe and supportive environment for them to do this. Presenting gives them valuable transferable skills, and provides a useful addition to their CV.”

UWE student Natalie Lowen was awarded a prize for one of the best talks - her research investigated the psychological benefits of volunteering with female sex-workers in Bristol. Dr Di Harcourt (SLS), Co-director of the Centre for Appearance Research, gave the keynote lecture, Appearance Matters, and showed how the topic is relevant to all areas of psychological research and practice, including clinical, health, social, cognitive, developmental and counselling.

UWE psychologists host SW undergrad conference

Undergraduates from SW universities attend UWE’s psychology conference

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UWE researcher evaluates the use of Alexander Technique in pain clinics

A researcher from the Faculty of Life Sciences is looking into the use of the Alexander Technique as a teaching method to help people with chronic back pain and to explore the role of a specific service in an NHS pain clinic.

UWE researcher Dr Stuart McClean will be working in collaboration with Dr Lesley Wye from the University of Bristol, health practitioners at St Michaels Hospital and STAT Alexander Technique teachers.

Dr McClean explains, “The Alexander Technique uses hands-on to achieve greater ease and poise by removing unhelpful habits that get in the way of simple activities such as sitting, standing and walking. It is all about self management and awareness.

“Alexander Technique teaches people first to pause and to realise that there are conscious choices in everyday activities such as raising a hand, talking, using a computer or playing a musical instrument.

“Alexander Technique requires significant effort on the part of the patient, which the teacher calls the ‘student’. For this reason the long term impact can be very positive. Once the technique is learned ‘students’ can practise the technique themselves, emphasising self management, so

that the effects may last long after the conclusion of formal treatment.”

The University of Bristol and University of Southampton carried out a randomised controlled trial, published in the BMJ, and found the Alexander Technique was both clinically and financially effective for the treatment of back pain in primary care. This research builds on that study, as the researchers are looking at what happens when Alexander Technique is introduced into a hospital pain clinic.

If the study demonstrates that the Alexander Technique service is feasible, acceptable, cost-neutral and beneficial to service users, the Alexander Technique teachers will seek longer term funding to extend the service. The findings will also be disseminated widely within the local Primary Care Trust and nationally at conferences. Stuart McClean concludes, “This is a scoping study but it could have a significant impact if Alexander Technique is seen to demonstrate clear benefits to the service users as well as the NHS. The results will be widely published and used to inform future decisions surrounding pain management.”

To read the full story see http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/article.asp?item=1714&year=2010

Dr Stuart Mclean

UWE and UWESU join forces to help students manage money

The UWE Students’ Union and Student Services have launched a joint initiative to provide the essential information about managing money to help UWE students.

The first Managing Your Money week was held from 11 to 17 March on Frenchay Campus. Similar events were also held for students at Glenside and Bower Ashton campuses on 10 to 14 May.

At Frenchay, representatives from the Students’ Union Advice Centre, Advice and Welfare Service, Careers and UWE Volunteering were on hand to offer advice and assistance. Over 200 students entered the competition to guess the price of a ‘value brand’ shopping basket (£5.70) and a ‘named brand’ basket (£14.49) containing similar items. Prizes were donated by Blackwells and Sainsbury’s.

1,000 factsheets were distributed on making the most of your money. The most popular was the tax refund factsheet as students can often overpay tax by having two jobs or changing employers frequently. For graduates, there was information on postgraduate funding, the repayment of student loans and council tax liability.

Kate White, Head of the Student Advice and Welfare Service, said, “We see about 1,500 students a year to discuss financial issues. Financial worries can contribute to mental health difficulties, the missing of lectures and deadlines as well as under-performance in assessments. We realise that money is tight for most students so we are hoping these events will encourage greater financial awareness and where possible prevent problems from occurring.

“There are several other measures that the University has taken to help out. The University has paid the UWE Bursary in termly instalments to help

6,000 students with their cash flow. UWE Careers provides assistance with developing polished looking CVs to help students find work and the UWE SU JobShop works in partnership with businesses all over the city to help find part-time work aimed specifically at students. Students can also access help and advice from the Student Union Advice Centre and the Student Advice and Welfare Service.”

Further events are scheduled for the 2010/11 academic year.

Managing your money event at Frenchay Campus

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Research to assess badger vaccine deployment

A major social science study to accompany the Government's Bovine TB Badger Vaccine Deployment Project (BVDP), to be launched this summer will be led by Dr Damian Maye (UWE, based in CCRI) with colleagues from the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), in collaboration with Exeter and Cardiff Universities, Drew Associates Limited, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the Food and Environment Research Agency).

The social science study has been funded for four years in the first instance and will assess the level of farmer confidence in the use of vaccination before, during

and after vaccine deployment. It will also identify motivators and barriers that could influence the future use of TB vaccines. The research is being funded with a grant of just over £630,000 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Bovine TB is a complex animal disease affecting farmed cattle and badgers. The disease can seriously affect the livelihood of farmers, both in terms of the economics of livestock production and increased stress levels brought about by TB testing and the potential farm business impacts the disease might have. In England, vaccination of either cattle and/or wildlife is an important long-term policy to help reduce the impact of bovine TB. Defra is funding a project to vaccinate badgers against bovine TB. The aim of the BVDP is to vaccinate badgers in six different locations with high incidence of bovine TB. Farms representing an equivalent of 100km2 will be recruited in each area. The areas chosen for the vaccination project are in Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Devon.

Dr Maye says, “The bovine TB problem is seriously affecting the livestock industry and there are a lot of strong views amongst the farming community on the issue of bovine TB and whether culling or vaccination is the best way forward.

“We will begin with a baseline study of 75 farmers in eight separate areas before the vaccine is rolled out this summer, asking farmers their views on vaccination as a means of dealing with bovine TB. Once the programme is under way we will carry out qualitative work with smaller groups of farmers, vets and Animal Health Officers in each area to ask them how they have found the process and whether their views have changed over time and why.

“Over the life of the project we will be able to build up a picture of attitudes which may affect farmers' future use of bovine TB vaccines and what lessons can be learned and practical know-how developed to inform the future use of (injectable and oral) badger vaccines.”

*The full team carrying out the Social science study to accompany the Badger Vaccine Deployment Project is: Dr Damian Maye (UWE); Professor Brian Ilbery, Dr James Kirwan and Dr Peter Gaskell, all University of Gloucestershire staff based in the CCRI; Professor Chris Gaskell and Dr Will Manley (The Royal Agricultural College and CCRI associates); Gareth Enticott (Cardiff University), Martin Turner (University of Exeter) and researchers from Drew Associates Limited. Staff from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the Food and Environment Research Agency will also provide inputs.

Bovine TB is an animal disease affecting farmed cattle and badgers.

UWE Staff: Inspire + Celebrate

National Volunteers’ Week: 1-7 June

Tuesday 1 June: 12.00 – 14.00 in Frenchay 2S703: Celebration Lunch and Learn for Reading Buddies, Number Partners, Mentors and those interested.

Thursday 3 June: 10.00 – 14.00 in Frenchay EEZone and out and about: Cake sale / Fundraising for Race for Life + Info about One-offs and Action days.

Saturday 5 June: 10.00 – 16.00: World Environment Day: Staff Community Action Day at a local community garden or nature reserve.

Friday 11 June – Coffee Morning with HEFCE with information on all kinds of volunteering roles.

Saturday 12 June – Race for Life

For more details go to:

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/volunteer/staff/staffwhatson.shtml

or Contact cvp@uwe.ac.uk

UWE is taking an active role in this year’s free and family-friendly Bristol Festival of Nature. The UWE stand will feature topics such as:

Bugworld – invertebrates and microscopes Science + Nature Biodiversity Evolution Bristol Harbourside

12 and 13 June

This year’s festival supports the International Year of Biodiversity. For more information visit www.festivalofnature.org

Festival of Nature

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Researcher investigates juvenile fire starters

The findings of a unique research project into why some young people show a dangerous interest in starting fires were presented by UWE PhD student Donna Lovell at the British Psychological Society's Annual Conference 1-16 April.

Titled, ‘Why do some young people set fires?' the research was part funded by Great Western Research and Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) which carries out one-to-one interventions with young people referred to the service due to their interest in firesetting.

Initially Donna surveyed 321 pupils aged between 11 – 16 across the South West to investigate the prevalence and type of firesetting behaviour amongst the general population. She discovered that 65 per cent of secondary pupils in the survey (75 per cent of boys and 53 per cent of girls) had been involved in fire-related activities.

Donna also worked closely with staff at AF&RS who provided access to young people and families involved with their Firesetters scheme. She carried out a two-year qualitative in-depth study of 12 families where one or more child was involved in the intervention programme for firesetting behaviour in order to get a better understanding of the underlying motivations and behaviour related to firesetting.

Her research has already been recognised at the Gore / Fire Research Excellence Awards 2009 and has been presented to the Chief Fire Officer's Association.

Donna explains: “We know that fires can have devastating emotional, social and economic costs, so it is crucial that we understand how to prevent this dangerous behaviour. It is estimated that a third of car fires and half of all property arsons are carried out by youths under 18, so this is clearly an important area where more research is needed.

“Many of the families I interviewed had multiple problems and their lives were very chaotic. Interventions that incorporate fire safety advice and detailing the consequences

of firesetting can be very effective for many youths; however, there are some youths who do not respond well to interventions. These are often the result of chronic social and personal issues and unresolved frustrations.

“The findings from the study suggest that many children and adolescents have an interest and involvement in fire, with some experimenting with fire and others being involved more frequently and taking more risks.

“It is far better for a youth to learn about fire from a responsible adult rather than from their peer groups. Fire and rescue services carry out many interventions with youths and their families and are excellent role models for the young people.”

Jane Carvell, Youth Intervention Manager at Avon Fire & Rescue Service explained: “Donna's work is extremely important, not only here in Avon, but nationally as juvenile firesetting in the UK is an area in which there has been very little research.

“Over the last six years we have trained 30 members of staff to carry out one-to-one interventions with young people referred to us from a range of agencies, and in many cases our staff have identified serious underlying issues that haven't been picked up by any other agencies.

“While we have enjoyed successes through the Firesetters programme, the insight this research provides will allow us to focus our efforts more effectively on interventions that are proven to work. The fire and rescue services have a duty of care to the community and this valuable research will help us take steps to prevent fires with tragic outcomes happening in the first place."

Donna Lovell

Year 12 students from ten local schools and colleges recently enjoyed a Facing your Future Media Conference, an outreach post-16 event at St Matthias Campus.

For the 16-17 year olds attending, this was an opportunity to find out about courses in Media, Journalism, Film and Drama, learn about student finances, life as a student and think about the career paths that might be open to them in the future.

Students participated in a range of hands on activities including a Drama Workshop in which they paired up to test their acting skills by pretending to be cars and their drivers. This setting

allowed them to display their emotions through playing out scenarios such as stealing a car.

Susan Walsh, Partnerships Officer, said, “The event was a huge success and feedback was very encouraging. Over 40 students attended and they were really engaged and enthusiastic; the event opened their eyes to university and replicated the experience of being a university student. Many of them are considering applying to UWE. Thanks to the staff members from the Culture, Media and Drama Department and student ambassadors whose energy and hard work made it such an enjoyable day.”

Facing your Future Media Conference

Driving cars: students enjoying the drama session

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From left to right, Andrew Staples, Elizabeth Apap Bologna, Adam Wattrus, Tony Parraman (BLOODHOUND Education), David Stark, Matthew Baillie, Matthew Coker, Aled Jones and James Burch (FET).

Dr Antonia Beringer is working on an evaluation of end of life advance care planning guidelines for health practitioners working with children.

Dr Beringer has received funding from the UWE Early Career Research Grant scheme to evaluate end of life planning, including the Child and Family Wishes document, designed to improve end of life planning for children with life-limiting conditions developed by a team involved in children’s palliative care in the Bristol area which included medical, nursing, management, academic, psychology and chaplaincy staff. .

Antonia explains, “The Child and Family Wishes document’ offers support and guidance during discussions about end of life care with families, by providing a practical and flexible document on which to record the wishes of the child and family.

“It has now been available for one year locally through UH Bristol and Bristol Primary Care Trusts and nationally through The Association for Children’s Palliative Care where it can be downloaded from their website www.act.org.uk.

“The plan is now to measure the impact the ‘Wishes’ document has had. We will set out to map current end of

life planning practice, present a set of case studies based on people’s experience and tease out the factors that impede or support the planning process. The evaluation will also consider the training implications for those involved in end of life plannning.

“One of the main motivations for developing the document was to promote early planning which would enable children to be cared for in a place chosen by their family, recognising that this may promote a shift in location of end of life care from hospital to home or hospice, when this is appropriate and wished for by families. We are also aiming to demonstrate that end of life plans can have tangible benefits for families and health practitioners at a time of tremendous emotional strain on all involved. The evaluation will also provide evidence for children’s services commissioners on which to base decisions about development and training for professionals in planning for end of life care.”

Dr Beringer will work in partnership with Dr James Fraser, Paediatric Intensive Care Consultant, University Hospitals Bristol NHS, Dr Nicky Harris (Medical Director, Children’s Hospice South West)’ Chris Roys (Chief Executive, Jessie May Trust), and Dr Emma Heckford, Paediatric Registrar, North Bristol Trust.

UWE researcher evaluates end of life plannning

From left to right, Andrew Staples, Elizabeth Apap Bologna, Adam Wattrus, Tony Parraman (BLOODHOUND Education), David Stark, Matthew Baillie, Matthew Coker, Aled Jones and James Burch (FET).

Significant start-up investment over the past 20 years has contributed to family owned businesses now accounting for around 67 per cent of all UK companies. A researcher at the Bristol Business School is interested to find out more about the long term planning of such businesses.

Dr Lorna Collins is working in partnership with Veale Wasbrough Vizards, a law firm based in Bristol and London with expertise in family law, on a project to investigate the governance, scope, scale and strategy of first generation family businesses. This will include a survey of around 5,000 businesses that will form part of a longitudinal study spanning three years.

Nicholas Smith, Head of the Family Business Team at Veale Wasbrough Vizards, commented, "I am thrilled that we are working in partnership with the University of the West of England on this project. We have acted for over 1,000 family businesses in the last five years and we recognise that there is very little information on this vital sector of the UK's economy.

We are proud to be pioneering quality research into the family business sector and we are confident that the survey will provide interesting and useful information on family businesses. The more information we have the better the firm will be equipped to support our family owned business clients."

Dr Collins explains, “I am interested to find out more about how family businesses are run and how strategic they are with regard to handing over the business to second and third generations. We have over the past 20 years seen significant government support for start-ups. As a result it is logical that many of these businesses will be reaching a critical stage where the original directors need to think about long-term viability and setting up structures and systems to support this.”

To read the full story visit http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/article.asp?item=1731&year=2010

What happens to family businesses by second and third generation?

Spring has finally sprung as the wildlife around UWE in these pictures taken by Senior Technician, Liza McCarron (LS) show;

Geese were spotted on Frenchay Campus on Election Day. The geese, who nest near B Block every year, proudly lead their six goslings down to the pond at the front of the campus.Goslings.jpg

These rare Snakeshead fritillaries were spotted by the fishing lake on the new campus land.

Liza also saw a roe deer stag run out of bushes alongside the lake, saw buzzards flying overhead and also heard the ‘yaffling’ call of a green woodpecker.

UWE Biodiversity

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Prizes worth over £22,500 were awarded to the winners of the best business, social enterprise and creative ideas in the final of theBizIdea competition. The best ideas in each category won £5000 and a rent-free space, worth around £2,500, in UWE Ventures business incubator, and various start-up packages to boost the winners' skills and business.

Seventeen finalists competed at the finals event to win the opportunity to make their business a reality. Guest speaker and world land speed record holder Richard Noble OBE shared the secrets of his success in an inspirational presentation. He encouraged all the finalists saying that building a new enterprise was not just having an idea but about making it happen.

Winners of the business category, Alex Tristram and James Purslow of Pies Cream, came up with a unique product concept

which enables event and festival goers to enjoy hearty foods on the move. They aim to establish themselves as a leading brand for the events food market. The runner-up was Tom Dennett of ADR solutions, a security deposit advice and support service for landlords.

First prize in the social enterprise category was awarded to Joe Constant, founder of Kick Start Enterprise, who works with young people, parents and teachers on the Hero programme to give young people greater self-knowledge, confidence and self esteem. Joint runners-up were Luke Boulton-Major for Karma Care, a community interest company providing alternative sports and activities for primary school children, and Steve Glover for Severn Project CIC, designed to support individuals post treatment for addiction issues.

Winner of the creative idea category was Holly Hearn, of Start Cards, a greetings card business which promotes up and coming Bristol and West Country artists and is already on sale in a major high-end retailer. Runner up in this category was Paul Blakemore of Photoboy, a photographic archiving service that digitally remasters family historical photographs.

In all, eight budding business, creative and social enterprise ideas won nine awards at theBizIdea’s prizegiving evening, which celebrated innovation and enterprise among UWE’s staff, students and alumni. There were also prizes for the idea with the best marketing element, the idea that makes the best use of social networking and for the idea that got the most interactive audience votes.

Presenting the prizes, Vice-Chancellor Steve West said, “Each year the competition gets better and better. Among the 35 start-up businesses in the UWE Ventures incubator, three have already reached annual turnovers of £250,000.

“UWE is using a range of activities including theBizidea competition to develop skills recognised by employers as entrepreneurial. We are working with the community to see that Bristol and the region come out of the recession faster and in a sustainable way.”

For more details on the competition visit theBizIdea

www.uwe.ac.uk/thebizidea

To read the full story see: http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/article.asp?item=1743&year=2010

UWE’s theBizIdea competition boosts innovation

Creative winner Holly Hearn (left) and runner-up Paul Blakemore (right) with Richard Noble

From left: Business category runner-up Tom Dennett, winners Alex Tristram and James Purslow receiving their awards from Steve West.

Sizzling skewers, chocolate torte with mixed roasted nuts and banana and blueberry muffins were the Brain Foods enjoyed by students on Thursday 29 April as part of a BBC Grub Club promotion to encourage students to boost their mood and wellbeing through cooking healthy meals together. Pictured are event organiser, Leanne Carter-Brown (Facilities) and chef Quinton Nicholls on the grill on the Core24 patio.

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Following a second round of applications, 17 more UWE staff have been successful in securing Early Career Researcher Starter Grants for 2010/11. This brings the total allocated from the Strategic Research Development Fund to 38 awards over two rounds with a total value of more than £500,000, supporting early career researchers across the University.

Professor Paul Gough (PVC: Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange) said, “I’m delighted to be able to announce this further tranche of projects involving some of our most promising researchers. This scheme is not just about funding new research but also about developing research careers. All projects have a senior mentor to oversee the project and RBI will be working with the researchers to bid for external funding to take their work forward. It’s proving to be a very popular scheme and is already beginning to lead to some positive outcomes.”

Awards varied in size from £8,000 to £18,000. Among the award winners in this second round are:

Nicola Walsh (HLS) who is looking at better ways of managing osteoarthritis in older people, especially those suffering from degenerative joint conditions in more than one part of the body. Current practices tend to treat each part of the body separately but Nicola’s study will explore patent priorities and experiences with a view to improving treatments by being more responsive to their holistic needs.

Charlotte Crofts (CA) is researching the use of mobile technologies in a heritage context. Based at the historic Curzon Cinema in Clevedon, Somerset, Charlotte will pilot test a range of mobile and digital technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth, to provide site-specific digital content and so enhance the visitor’s experience and understanding of the cinema and its archive of equipment and paraphernalia.

Chris Parker (FET) is aiming to take advantage of a unique opportunity to assess the way in which the introduction of large wood debris is used to re-naturalise rivers. The National Trust has delayed the re-naturalisation of

the River Bure in Norfolk to enable researchers, including Chris, to study different aspects of the river system prior to as well as after re-naturalisation. Chris’ project will look in particular at the effects of the process on flood risk downstream.

MariCarmen Gil and Susanna Romans-Roca (SSH) are working together to explore the potential of 3D virtual worlds for distance learning. Working with UWE’s e-learning team led by Dr Liz Falconer, the pair will assess how 3D virtual worlds are used in distance learning, find out more about the needs of staff and students involved in these innovations and produce examples of good practice. The scheme has already led to some exciting outcomes.

Tom Abba (CA)), a 2009 award winner who is exploring new methods for curating digital narratives, has recently been invited by the British Library to compile and curate a special collection of digital narratives from within their vast archives.

Another first round award holder, Sanja Dogramadzi (FET) has been awarded a prestigious EPSRC First Grant, worth £100k, to study robotic bone fragment reduction in heel fractures This builds on a promising collaboration in robotic orthopaedics with the BRI Limb Unit, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at University of Bristol, and a software company. It also involves collaboration with another award holder, Peter Walters at the Centre for Fine Print Research (CA).

The second round of the scheme attracted 48 applications from 49 individuals. Applications were reviewed by senior managers in faculties, considered by members of the Research Strategy Implementation Group, chaired by Professor Gough, and recommendations made to the Vice Chancellor’s Executive.

An Early Career Researcher Conference is being planned for September 2010 which will feature a range of presentations by those successful in the first round of the scheme.

For further information on the scheme, contact Alison Vaughton in RBI (Alison.Vaughton@uwe.ac.uk)

Successful applicants 2010/11:

Alexa Simm (BBS) - A contingency perspective on the performance outcomes of NHS Foundation Trusts

Bahareh Vahabi (HLS) - Development of novel experimental systems (organ models) for biomedical research

Carolyn Paul (HLS) - The interaction of engineered nanoparticles with the blood-brain barrier

Charlotte Crofts (FCA) - The creative application of locative media mobile technologies in a heritage context

Chris Parker (FET) - Ecological sponges within river catchments: assessing and quantifying the impacts of re-naturalised reaches on the transfer of water and sediment in British rivers

Christine Screech (SSH) - The impact of the Every Child a Talker initiative in two Bristol primary schools.

Deborah Southerland (FCA) - Edible 3D printing

Deirdre Toher (FET) - Statistical techniques for visualisation of the discrimination of groups in high dimensional data

Eleimon Gonis (BBS) - Credit ratings-based investment strategies: empirical evidence from the UK stock market

Isabel Tavora (BBS) - Employment relations and gender equality in the workplace

Kate Mattacks (FCA) - Creating a scene – material practice and Victorian drama

Kieran McCartan (SSH) - Public disclosure and sex offenders in the UK: social evil or community empowerment?

Maricarmen Gil and Susanna Romans-Roca (SSH) - Exploring the potential of 3D virtual worlds for distance learning

Nicki Walsh (HLS) - Managing the person with multi-site osteoarthritis: patient priorities and experiences

Selma Babayigit (HLS) - Cognitive and linguistic components of higher-level language comprehension skills: comparison of monolingual and bilingual speakers of English

Tom Mitchell (FET) - Gesture and musical interaction

Further boost to Early Career Researchers

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Following strong, exciting and innovative applications from across UWE’s services and Faculties, 17 Fellowships and seven Associate Fellowships have been awarded under the 2009-10 Learning and Teaching Fellowship Scheme round.

Vice-Chancellor Steve West presented the awards at an event on 20 April to celebrate the success of Fellows and Associate Fellows with friends, family and colleagues.

He said, “Congratulations to all our new UWE Learning and Teaching Fellows and Associate Fellows. We look forward to working in collaboration with them as they continue to make a significant contribution to the enhancement of the student and staff learning experience at UWE.”

The event was opened by Professor Geoff Channon, Pro Vice-Chancellor: Learning, Teaching and the Student Experience, and included a keynote presentation from Dr Penelope Harnett (EDU), one of UWE’s four Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellows. Penelope shared her own experiences to identify some of the opportunities and challenges arising from educational encounters for both teachers and learners - along with her hopes for the UWE Learning and Teaching Community.

The UWE Learning and Teaching Fellowship Scheme recognises, celebrates and supports colleagues who are making a significant, demonstrable and continuing contribution to enhance student learning. The scheme was launched earlier this academic year. The following Fellowships have been awarded:

UWE Learning and Teaching Fellows

Paul Catley (SSH)

Dr Lisa Claydon (SSH)

Peter Fewings (FET)

Manuel Frutos-Perez, E-Learning Development Unit

Dr Nadine Fry (BBS)

Dr Rhys Gwynllyw (FET)

Cathy Higgs (FET)

Dr Jenny Hill (FET)

Susan Hughes (SSH)

Dr David Lush (HLS)

Dr Marcus Lynch (FET)

Dr Elizabeth Newman (SSH)

Dr Margaret Page (BBS)

Dr Nick Plant (FET)

UWE Learning and Teaching Associate Fellows

Graham Baker (BBS)

Linda Cinderey (BBS)

Dr Sabita Menon (HLS)

Dr Grace O’Donovan (HLS)

Paul Rycraft (SSH)

Patrick Thornhill (FET)

David Wornham (BBS)

Dr Sarah Robertson (SSH)

Elspeth Williams (Library Services)

Dr Wendy Woodland (FET)

More information on the Fellowship Community and the scheme itself can be found on the Learning and Teaching Fellowship website at www.uwe.ac.uk/ltfs.

Learning and Teaching Fellowship awards announced

2010 PhD Showcase LecturesThe annual PhD Showcase Lectures event was this year hosted by the Faculty of Environment and Technology in and around 1N5 on 18 March. The event was jointly organised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) and the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET) as part of the National Science and Engineering Week and this year also included a poster session and opportunity to see a number of UWE research project demonstrations in action. These lectures offer an opportunity for some of the best regional PhD students from the universities of Bath, Bristol and UWE to present their work to an audience of around 50 academics, industrialists and students.

Professor Paul Olomolaiye, Pro Vice-Chancellor and FET Executive Dean gave the welcome address. This year UWE was represented by Mark Hansen of the Machine Vision Laboratory who delivered a presentation entitled 3D face reconstruction and recognition using photometric stereo. Mark’s work involves a novel 3D face capture system. Most approaches to face recognition are not modelled on the very powerful processes which humans employ when identifying faces.

Mark described how he has been investigating promising ways of incorporating these human processes such as caricaturing and neural networks to improve recognition performance over traditional methods, with some interesting early results. Following the presentation visitors were able to have their faces scanned using a portable version of the UWE system.

For further information please contact: Mark.Hansen@uwe.ac.uk

Melvyn.Smith@uwe.ac.uk Face recognition at UWE: www.uwe.ac.uk/cems/research/groups/mvl/projects/photoface.shtml

Mark Hanson at the PhD showcase lecture

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The University looks set to become a major player in provision of Higher Education awards in Vietnam. The ground has been prepared by UWE’s leaders over the last six years and already some of Vietnam’s top universities have signed up to validated courses in law, economics and biosensing technology.

One of just 18 UK universities delivering academic programmes in Vietnam UWE was one of the first to enter into dialogue with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Justice in Vietnam. These early discussions are beginning to bear fruit.

The newly established partnerships are wide ranging and involve the collaborative delivery of UWE degrees in Vietnam, the creation of progression and exchange opportunities for Vietnamese and UK students, collaborative research projects and joint staff development.

Over 80 Vietnamese students are now studying UWE-led programmes but recent developments suggest that provision will expand hugely over the next decade with trans national offerings likely to attract thousands of Vietnamese students seeking to gain validated qualifications in economics, law and biotechnology.

In Vietnam UWE is perceived as a ‘University of the Future’ with strengths in economic and legal provision that are key to helping Vietnam grow expertise to enable participation in the global market. Delivery of programmes such as international trade law is critical to this emerging economy as it begins to become a significant force in global markets.

Since deciding to treat the development of academic links with Vietnam in 2004 as a high priority UWE has forged strong partnerships with the National Economics University, Hanoi, the University of Danang, HCMC Law University, Hanoi Law University, Can Tho University and the Vietnam National University.

UWE’s leaders recognised early on that the large regional universities in Vietnam had significant similarities both as providers of Higher Education courses and in ambitions to grow international links through partnerships and research collaborations. Vietnam is emerging as one of the fastest growing economies in the world with strong ambitions and a need to build expertise in international trade and this is where UWE has stepped in.

Key leaders from UWE’s executive team have been instrumental in establishing links and developing the Vietnamese partnerships and these include Professor Alan Bensted, Warwick Jones, Professor Geoffrey Channon, Professor James Holland who are all on UWE’s senior executive team and Jo Midgley, Director of Admissions and International Recruitment.

UWE’s Pro Vice-Chancellor; Professor Alan Bensted, with the support of the Admissions and International Development team, identified Vietnam as a country which offered unique collaborative opportunities in Higher Education. He developed the initial country strategy, focusing on the top national and regional universities in the key regional centres.

Professor Bensted, explains, “We already had strong links in Asia, particularly in Malaysia and whilst the many UK universities had eyes turned towards China we decided to refocus and explore the potential to develop links in Vietnam. We researched opportunities with the British Council to ensure that our ambitions to forge links in this area were realistic and workable. The British Council

UWE at forefront of UK education links with Vietnam

Alan Bensted, Jo Midgley, Sue YilmazSue

Yilmaz and Geoff Channon.

Left to right: Nguyen Huu Hien, Vice

Director of International Cooperation

Department (ICD); No Long Ngoc,

International Program Officer (ICD); Paul

Dowdall, UWE; Duong Mong Ha, Director

(ICD); Warwick Jones, UWE

National Economics University, Hanoi 12 May 2010Left to right Le Thi Huong Lan, Program Co-ordinator; Dr Pham Thai Hung, Director of

International Programmes; Assoc. Professor Dr. Pham Quang Trung, Vice Rector; Warwick Jones, UWE; Dr Hguyen Tni Thanh Huang, Vice Dean,

Faculty of International Affairs, Paul Dowdall, UWE

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was also invaluable in suggesting partner universities and introducing us to the Ministry for Education and Training and the Ministry for Justice in Vietnam.

“When working towards international collaborations it is vital that we ensure that we talk to the right people from the outset and the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry for Justice were extremely helpful in introducing us to our partners, Danang University on the South China coast and the National Economics University in Hanoi.”

Steve West, UWE Vice-Chancellor elaborates on UWE’s international rationale, “At UWE an international partnership is not just about financial contracts to deliver education, although these are key. We see our relationship with Vietnam as a chance to collaborate

in research projects and as a way of enriching the student experience for students in both countries.

“Part of UWE’s mission is to ensure that all students have an international experience and we can see that these partnerships will eventually lead to opportunities for students in both countries to spend time studying overseas and to gain experiential enrichment before they graduate.

“In developing partnerships of this sort it is important to be able to respond to the needs of the partner universities and as a comprehensive university we have been able to provide high quality programmes in a wide range of subjects in law, business and biotechnology.”

UWE has agreed to provide a range of programmes that will be delivered in

English in Vietnam, giving local students the chance to work towards much sought after UK validated degrees. These include the LLM in three distinct areas, International Economic Law; International Trade Law and International Law. In addition, students will also be able to study for undergraduate degrees in Business Studies, Banking and Finance, Business Studies and Tourism.

Steve West, concludes, “The relationship with Vietnam is fundamental to our bid to offer our students an international experience and to share our excellent degree courses widely. Watch this space – we believe that UWE will be a very significant player in provision of validated programmes in Vietnam and we look forward to growing and maintain strong links with our partner universities in the country.”

Key partnerships include• HoChiMinCityLawUniversity–collaborativeMaster’s

programme.

• HanoiLawUniversity-collaborativeMaster’sprogrammesand a proposed further collaboration for an LLB Common Law programme. This follows on from a recent successful joint UWE-Hanoi bid for a 200,000 Euro EU research grant.

• TheVietnamNationalUniversityinHoChiMinCity-undergraduate partnered programmes in business, IT, and biotechnology/biosciences.

• DanangUniversitysituatedontheSouthChinaSeacoast.Danang University is similar to UWE in that it is a large regional institution with a comprehensive subject remit. Vietnam has distinct types of provision dividing universities into large comprehensive regional institutions and single subject area specialist universities.

• NationalEconomicsUniversityinHanoi.Thissubjectspecialist university serves 50,000 students. UWE will deliver three awards in Economics, Business Studies and Accounting and Finance.

• CanThoUniversity-collaborativeLLMandundergraduatebusiness provision.

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UWE is working with award-winning Bristol-based production company, ArthurCox on a pioneering community project Time Traveller’s Guide to Bristol that will bring to life a century of audio, photograph and films of the local landscape.

The University is one of the project sponsors and has three recent graduates working at ArthurCox on the project.

UWE Business graduate and Project Manager, Hilary Light explains, “A Time Traveller’s Guide to Bristol is an exciting project, bringing together local communities and organisations to create a location-specific experience of archive film, photographs and audio over the past 100 years. This is really to spark an interest in people who live and work in Bristol and want to discover more about their urban landscape. The project concentrates on six areas of the city in particular Redcliffe Hill, Broadmead, Park Street, The Harbour, Castle Park and Stokes Croft.”

The project will be launched with a free website which will showcase the films and provide a 3D virtual environment to explore some of the locations. A free app for iTouch and iPhone users will also be available via the Apple Store from May 2010.

Recent UWE Animation graduates Thomas Malins and Dominic Pitt have established successful careers at ArthurCox and are actively involved in compiling this project. Thomas is currently in research, looking through film, photos and audio archive and Dominic is involved in the editing process.

To read the full story see: http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/UWENews/article.asp?item=1730&year=2010

UWE + ArthurCox collaborate on A Time Traveller’s Guide to Bristol

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The Digital Cultures Research Centre (DCRC) was officially launched at the Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol’s Harbourside, where it will share space with the Studio’s diverse network of creative talent, technology companies and content commissioners.

More than 100 guests from industrial partner organisations, UWE and other academic institutions in the region experienced some of the exciting research taking place in the centre.

Visual artist and PhD student Tine Bech ran a light drawing

workshop as a digital visitor’s book. UWE lecturer Duncan Speakman installed a test version of his new piece Vicinity Songs that is being generated between Canada and the UK as a work that reflects on time and space, using phone messages from a traveller interspersed with daily reflections from everywhere and anywhere.

Stephen Allan presented an acoustic landscape created by the echoes and reverberations of ancient sites, a QR-code based narrative ghost story by Tom Abba and Sam Kinsley ran throughout the space and research works on display included

projects from Phil Stenton, Mandy Rose, Judith Aston, Paul Matthews and the Play Research Group.

The DCRC is a space for researchers from across UWE to share their work. Researchers will investigate the meaning and uses of media technologies in everyday life, specialising in play, user-generated content, and pervasive media.

Centre Director Jon Dovey (CA) said, “The DCRC is a network of UWE researchers who share an interest in the transformations of everyday life that are being brought about by digital communications technologies. These technologies have become ubiquitous and yesterday’s new media is already taken for granted. But we now understand that technological outcomes are determined by users as much as they are by the corporate state. That’s where we come in.

“We are building on a strong tradition of engagement in this field that UWE has had for 15 years through research in cultural studies and the early adoption by Art and Design of the Apple Mac design and media revolution. We are actively working across Art and Design, Culture and Media Studies and Computer Sciences at UWE to investigate the ways in which people make culture through their use of digital communications.”

The research will take many forms and there is already a broad range of projects under way, including a major AHRC Knowledge Transfer Fellowship, which involves UWE academics working with the Studio to develop its work.

For more information on the DCRC and the research projects and people involved visit the website www.dcrc.org.uk

Digital Cultures Research Centre is launched

Vice Chancellor Steve West; Clare Reddington, director, Pervasive Media Studio; Jon Dovey, director of the DCRC and Constance Fleuriot, KTF Research Associate, at the launch.

Photographer: Nick Ball (UWE BA Photography student)

UWE’s Science Communication Unit has just launched a second free news alert service for the European Commission. Entitled Socio-economic and Humanities Research for Policy, the latest service aims to help policy makers respond to the complex economic and social dynamics of the modern world, by providing access to the latest research results.

Each month, subscribers will receive an e-news alert containing articles featuring research supported under the European Union’s sixth and seventh Framework programmes. Research activities covered include growth, employment and competitiveness in a knowledge society; economic, social and environmental objectives from a European perspective; major trends in society; the role of Europe in the world and the citizen in the European Union.

The news service is specifically designed for policy makers at local, regional, national and European levels, NGOs, businesses and the media with an interest in socio-economic and humanities research.

The launch of this new service coincides with a recent independent survey showing a high degree of satisfaction with the existing service, Science for Environment Policy, which has been edited by the SCU for over two years, and is published by the EC Directorate General for the Environment. Science for Environment Policy strengthens links between environmental research and policy, and provides easy-to-read summaries of policy-relevant research.

The survey of subscribers to Science for Environment Policy revealed that 97 per cent of respondents said they found the service useful, including 38 per cent who considered it very useful. Respondents found that the news alert ‘keeps them up to date with the latest environment policy relevant scientific research’ (93 per cent), provides useful summaries of high quality scientific research (92 per cent) and makes it easier to understand what is going on in environmental research (83 per cent).

To receive the Socio-economic and Humanities Research for Policy e-mail news alert service, send an e-mail to ssh4policy@

uwe.ac.uk with the subject line ‘Subscribe SEHR Alert’. The first issue can be seen at www.scoopproject.org.uk.

To receive the Science for Environment Policy e-mail news alert service send an e-mail to sfep@uwe.ac.uk with the subject line ‘Subscribe SfEP’.

Subscribers can also access Science for Environment Policy via two new RSS feeds.

The two feeds add to RSS feeds for individual policy themes such as air pollution, biodiversity, chemicals or water. To access the Latest News Alert RSS feed visit http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/latest_alerts.htm

To access RSS alerts to the special monthly thematic issues visit: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/specialissue_en.htm

For more information on both projects contact Emma.Weitkamp@uwe.ac.uk

UWE launches second news service for EC

Science for Environment Policy editor Michelle Kilfoyle, project leader Emma Weitkamp and Socio-economic and Humanities Research for policy editor Karen Desborough

Congratulations to Media Practice students Nick Jones, James Thomson and Toby Lucas whose film Jutvari was shortlisted as one of the best three student documentaries nationally at the recent Royal Television Society Awards.

The film is set in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and is a documentary about Segun, the Nigerian coach of a football team of young gypsy boys, who is a role model and father figure in their otherwise disoriented lives. The team won the South West Region heats in February before going on to represent the region in London.

Janet Jones, Deputy Head of Culture, Media and Drama said, “Although the film didn’t win, it was nominated as one of the three best undergraduate factual films and we are very proud of the team’s achievement.”

Nick Jones (left), James Thompson with a young member of the Jutvari football team in Plovdiv Bulgaria.

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A questionnaire developed by Dr Paul Pilkington for his UWE doctoral study has been adapted and used 6,000 miles away for a research project in Macao, a Special Administrative Region of China.

The study by Dr Yim King Penny Wan at the University of Macao, into attitudes towards exposure to secondhand smoke among casino workers in Macao, sought to replicate the research conducted by Paul, who surveyed casino workers in London as part of his doctoral studies at UWE.

Macao is a major international centre for gambling which rivals Las Vegas. Indeed it has been called the Las Vegas of the East. Unlike the UK, where enclosed venues went smoke-free in 2007, Macao still permits smoking in all casinos, and smoking in casinos is a contentious issue there.

Paul’s questionnaire was translated into Chinese before being piloted and used for the survey of 377 casino workers. They were asked about their knowledge of the health effects of second-hand smoke, their experiences of working in a smoky atmosphere, and their attitudes about this exposure. As well as providing the questionnaire, Paul also acted as an adviser on

the research and co-wrote a peer-reviewed paper with Dr Wan.

The results indicated that the majority of casino workers disliked second-hand smoke exposure at work, recognised that such exposure is harmful to their health, supported the establishment of separate smoking and non-smoking areas for customers and wanted greater restrictions than those that exist at present.

The findings from the study have been used to lobby for the inclusion of casinos in proposed smoke-free legislation in Macao. The study, published in the current issue of International Gambling Studies journal, has been quoted in the press in Macao as part of the debate

about whether casinos should become smoke-free.

Paul said, “It was very exciting to think that my questionnaire was being used on the streets of Macao. Around the world, casino workers are exposed to high levels of second-hand smoke in the workplace, yet are often excluded from smoke-free legislation. So it is great that my work is being used to give vulnerable workers a voice on the other side of the world.”

Casino workers in Macao given a voice by UWE questionnaire

Senior lecturers Rita Phillips, Gail Born, Ben Roe and Jan Chianese (HSC) took part in two marketing events to attract more science graduates into health-related careers. The Life Sciences Futures Fair was held at UWE in January and the Science fair was held at the University of Plymouth in March. Rita is leader of a South West Strategic Health Authority funded project to support access for science graduates into health care careers.

These events were aimed at Health and Life Sciences students and graduates who want to explore different options to enhance their employability and future careers development in health care roles.

Rita and two student ambassadors demonstrated careers in ultrasound using the new Viamo ultrasound system. A portable VERT (Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training) system was used

by Ben Roe and Jan Chianese to inform students about careers in radiotherapy. Gail Born used the newly developed interactive www.dayinthelife.org.uk website to show students possible pathways open to graduates in health care careers.

Students found the hands-on demonstrations and the Day in the Life website very enjoyable. Attendees’ comments included “I had no idea that diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy had so much to offer”, and “It is great to be able to talk to health care students about their experience directly.”

Rita is exploring further marketing strategies such as website adverting and text- messaging to graduates. For more information, contact Rita.Phillips@uwe.ac.uk

Life Sciences fairs attract graduates to health careers

Jan Chianese, senior lecturer radiotherapy; Gail Born, project leader, NHS workforce and recruitment and Rita Phillips, project leader, support access for science graduates into NHS roles.

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After the 2007 floods in Gloucestershire and the UK, the Government committed to investing more in Flood and Coastal Risk Management, to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure like power stations. The Government is pushing a new Floods and Water Management Bill through parliament, which will give more responsibility to local authorities. Linked to this is a significant challenge to improve the capacity of those authorities by training and developing the new staff that will be needed.

This year the Department for the Environment Fisheries and Food (Defra) doubled the size of the intake to the Foundation Degree in River and Coastal Engineering run by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology by sponsoring 21 trainees on the programme. The programme

is taught in a form of blended learning with six block week long sessions during the year combined with electronic distance learning topics.

Huw Irranca Davies MP, Minister for Marine and Natural Environment, visited the students on 8 March, at Eastwood Park conference centre, to see how they were doing. He discussed the students’ work on practising the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to look at the distribution of population and he emphasised the opportunities that flood risk management will present to them in their new careers.

For further information, contact: Trevor Goodhew, Programme Director, River and Coastal Engineering. E-mail:Trevor.Goodhew@uwe.ac.uk. Tel: 0117 32 86561

Minister for Marine and Natural Environment meets River and Coastal Engineering students

David Lesser (left) talking to Huw Irranca Davies.

Researchers at UWE are taking part in a European project aimed at creating an

intelligent system comprising a robot and smart sensors that can support independent living for elderly people.

MOBISERV (an Integrated Intelligent Home Environment for the Provision of

Health, Nutrition and Mobility Services to the Elderly) has been funded with

an EU Framework 7 grant of 2.7 million euros, of which UWE will

receive 267,605 euros. The project co-ordinator is Systema Technologies SA, and the consortium has nine European

partners from seven countries.

The project will bring together a multi-disciplinary team in UWE with expertise in care for older people (Tina Fear and Simon Evans), robotics (Sanja Dogramadzi), and human-computer interaction (Praminda Caleb-Solly). The team will look at the needs of

older people and the potential of technology to meet those needs, with

companies such as Robosoft (France) Smartex (Italy), CSEM (Switzerland) and Smart Homes (Netherlands). The team will also include health care providers St

Anna in the Netherlands and the universities of Thessaloniki and Lappeenranta.

The project aims to produce three key systems of caring for older people. A wearable health status monitor with smart sensors woven into undergarments (Smartex and CSEM); a secure tele-alarm and health reporting system; and a nutrition support system (Thessaloniki), which might consist, for example, of reminders for when meals and drinks should be taken.

All these systems will be linked to a robotic platform, which will also facilitate communications – helping people to keep in touch with friends or relatives, or create shopping lists using voice recognition. ROBOSOFT will deliver two Kompaï-R&D robots for trials starting in May 2010.

The priority for the research team is to engender a people-centric approach to the design and implementation of the MOBISERV technology, striving towards an engaging interactive experience that not only addresses real needs and is easy to use, but is also acceptable from emotional, cultural and social perspectives.

To read the full story see: http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/UWENews/article.asp?item=1711&year=2010

The project website is available at www.mobiserv.eu

Could robots and smart devices help older people maintain active independent lives in their own homes for longer?

The Kompai R & D robotic platform

The UWE MOBISERV team colleagues from the Faculty of HLS, Christine Fear (centre) and Simon Evans (top left), meet with the new FET Executive Dean, Paul Olomolaiye (top right) to mark the start of the collaborative project . Sanja Dogramadzi (left) and Praminda Caleb-Solly (PI) (right) from FET.

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As part of the University’s support for academics interested in bidding to the European Commission, more than 20 UWE staff attended a workshop in March with the UK Research Office (UKRO). Emma Carey, the University’s UKRO representative based in Brussels, led the workshop, providing a wealth of advice and guidance on applying for EU projects. Emma also provided bespoke assistance to staff through a series of one-to-one sessions. RBI’s Stephen Batty provided guidance on managing EU projects. Other elements of the workshop included information about the RBI travel fund and overviews of specific EU schemes including the Marie Curie, Health and Security programmes.

The workshop featured a lively discussion about the pros and cons of European funding. This included views on the sometimes daunting challenges of the application process, considering ethical issues and counteracting some of the myths and legends of EU bureaucracy. In particular the many benefits resulting from collaboration with partners at an international level were noted.

For additional details of the event and funding opportunities please contact Dr Neil Phillips in RBI (neil.phillips@uwe.ac.uk) or go to http://rbi.uwe.ac.uk/intranet/research/europeanprojects/efs.asp

Support for bidding in Europe

Dr Neil Phillips (RBI) and Emma Carey (UKRO) at the European Funding Seminar

On Tuesday 9 March 2010 a group of young people from across the UK travelled to the Houses of Parliament to showcase their opinions about the future of robotics. The event was part of a national programme run by the UWE’s Science Communication Unit.

Robotic Visions is a unique project which provides an opportunity for key stakeholders to understand public concerns about robotics research, as well as enabling young people to have their voices heard. The programme so

far has involved a series of four Vision Conferences throughout the UK, each bringing together 20-30 young people and robotics researchers to jointly explore current and future robotics research. Conferences have been held in Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow and Oxford, with another planned in Aberystwyth in summer 2010.

Students at the parliamentary event discussed the main areas where they see robotics research having an impact in the future, including medicine, the military and in the home. They also expressed specific concerns about robotic technologies, including human replacement, trust, reliability and safety, and affordability.

A fuller description of the students’ deliberations is available at http://scu.uwe.ac.uk/index.php?q=node/198

Robotic Visions is led by Dr Karen Bultitude and Dr Claire Rocks (Science Communication Unit). Roboticists and science centres throughout the UK, including the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, contributed specialised expertise, ensuring that the young people

were able to consider cutting edge developments during their deliberations.

Professor Alan Winfield, newly appointed Director of the Science Communication Unit, provided one of the keynote speeches at the start of the parliamentary event. Speaking about the event, he said, “Young people’s views are especially important when we consider future robotics technology: it’s their lives that will be most affected. The Vision conferences enabled young people to become involved in this debate; to find out first hand from researchers about what robots can and can’t do, and to express their views on how intelligent robots should or should not be used in the future. This event enables the views of young people to be heard at the highest level, and to widen the debate that needs to take place about this technology.”

Robotic Visions is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and was run in partnership with universities and science centres throughout the UK. For further information visit: http://scu.uwe.ac.uk/index.php?q=node/198

UWE leads the way in bringing young people and parliamentarians together

The Science Communication Unit and young people at the Houses of Parliament

Chad Staddon (FET) and colleagues from the Bristol Group for Water Research at UWE have been working with external stakeholders including the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the Environment Agency, Wessex Water and the Consumer Council for Water to create the first ever Water Map for England and Wales’. This unique publication (an A0 poster as well as electronic version) is designed to communicate major issues related to water management, conservation and climate change to the general public. The poster is both a successful collaboration and a contribution to the public communication of science regarding water. To see the map go to the Bristol Water Group Research page and follow the link to the news items http://www.bne.uwe.ac.uk/bgwr/

Chad says, “We tend to forget about the importance of water in our lives until we have a drought or a flood, but water is essential to so many human activities that it needs to be managed to the benefit of all. We hope this map will raise awareness more widely of the issues around managing our water supply. We plan to use this same format for a series of maps exploring a range of water-related issues.”

Chad has also had recently published a detailed text called Managing Europe’s Water Resources – Twenty-first Century Challenges published by Ashgate (ISBN: 978-0-7546-7321-7) The

book is illustrated with case studies which explain key concepts and provide practical examples, offering a detailed and comprehensive introduction to water management issues from a European perspective. For details of the book see: http://www.ashgate.com/

Geography academic focuses on water management

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North Bristol NHS Trust (Product Innovation Seed Fund) awarded £10,000 for a project entitled Three Dimensional Techniques for Mole Watching at a recent Research Day at Southmead Hospital. The project is collaboration between Mr Rob Warr, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Mr Robert Warr, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at North Bristol NHS Trust and Professor Melvyn Smith and Dr Lyndon Smith in UWE’s Machine Vision Lab (MVL).

Dr Lyndon Smith explains, “This project involves development of a mole watching device employing MVL techniques to facilitate recovery of 3D and 2D skin texture patterns in a calibrated and repeatable fashion. This is expected to be very useful for examining patients with individual or multiple lesions for determining whether lesion change has taken place and for measuring the amount of change. Such information would provide a useful indicator of the presence of melanoma.”

It is proposed that a mole watching device for capturing 3D skin texture in conjunction with enhanced 2D images of skin could be employed both in primary care where the index of suspicion is low and in secondary care where patients are being reviewed at a deferred interval. 3D data captured by the device can be analysed to determine changes in the height, surface texture or morphology of the moles. MVL vision techniques also enable the quality of 2D image recovery to be enhanced by removing artefacts such as shadows and specular reflection. This enables further lesion analysis to be performed if required, such as automated ABCD and Spectrographic analysis (as is employed in the SIAscope).

SEED award for Mole Watcher project

Mr Rob Warr receives SEED funding at a recent Research Day at Southmead Hospital

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Rachel Sara and Thom Gorst (Senior Lecturers in the Department of Planning and Architecture) run an options project which brings together second and third year Architecture and Planning, Architecture and Environmental Engineering and Architectural Technology and Design students in small groups of around 12 students.

One of the options this year was a live project to explore design ideas for a new/refurbished building for Lower Shaw Farm – a charitable status community farm. The farm trustees were so impressed with the quality of the students’ work as well as their enthusiasm that they asked the local paper to write a piece about them (please see the link below). www.swindonlink.com/news/show/1450. Pictured are the students working on their designs.

Peter Hemery, Ken Jukes and Saffaanh Soobratty pictured in Florida

Two UWE students, Saffaanh Soobratty and Peter Hemery (son of Olympic Gold medal winner David Hemery) studying BSc (Hons) Computer Systems Integration recently spent a semester at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, on a new exchange scheme set up by Dr Rob Williams (BIT). The students were hosted in their

Spring Break by Ken and his wife Ildiko at their home in Lakeshore Village, Sarasota, on the Gulf of Mexico. During their visit, Saffaanh and Peter addressed the Lakeshore Village Computer Club, answering questions about the UK and US educational systems and technical questions about contemporary issues in computer science.

UWE Professor Emeritus Ken Jukes hosts UWE exchange students

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UWE was invited to host the first international user meeting in the VERT facility on 10 March 2010 by Vertual Ltd, the manufacturer of the VERT software. VERT is the Virtual Environment for Readiotherapy Training.

The programme was developed on behalf of and in conjunction with Vertual Ltd. This one day conference meeting was used to highlight good practice in pedagogy of immersive simulation and the use of VERT and to explore user experiences from around the world.

International experts in the field attended the meeting to inform a collaborative research strategy and to identify how VERT could be further utilised in the development of CPD and postgraduate training opportunities. This highly successful meeting was attended by 70 delegates including 13 international delegates from Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Hosting the users’ day enabled UWE to showcase the extensive expertise in this field and disseminate the experiences of the radiotherapy team in embedding novel immersive virtual environments into curricula at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Jan Antons, Product Specialist, Vertual Ltd, said, “We held our recent user meeting for VERT at the Glenside Campus of UWE in the suite where VERT is housed. The venue was excellent and the facilities were great, everyone was very helpful from the domestic staff to the porters to the catering staff. We used the interactive survey tool; Turning Point to discover

information on how the participants are using our system. The feedback from the participants was very positive.

“Our partnership with the radiotherapy staff at UWE helped to contribute to the success of our recent user meeting. We are grateful to Ben Roe and the radiotherapy team at UWE for making our event such a success.”

Benjamin Roe, VERT Project Lead, UWE said, “This was a great opportunity not only to showcase the work and active research that is going on here at UWE, but also to engage with the commercial sector and build relationships with other experts in this sector internationally. It was excellent that UWE were asked to host the first users’ meeting and I hope that we can continue to build on this relationship and continue to be at the forefront of the practical implementation of novel technologies into a range of educational applications.”

More information about VERT can be found at www.uwe.ac.uk/hsc/radiography.

UWE hosts the first international VERT user day

From left – Alison Assiter, Clare Carlisle (Liverpool) at the Kierkegaard conference at UWE

Exploring Learning, Identity and Power through Life History and Narrative Research has just been published by Routledge. The book is edited by Ann-Marie Bathmaker and Penelope Harnett (EDU), with a number of chapters written by colleagues from within the School, and from Health and Social Care. There are chapters by a number of international experts, including contributions from Australia and the USA, all of which address key issues of social justice and power. In addition to exploring these issues in a range of different learning and education contexts, the book offers diverse approaches to doing and writing life history and narrative research. Contributors: Ann-Marie Bathmaker, Penelope Harnett, Pat Sikes, Christine Halse, Elizabeth Newman, Richard Waller, Shekar Bheenuck, Jane Andrews, Dean Smart, Nick Clough, Jacky Brine, James Haywood Rolling Jr. Pictured with the new book are: Back row from left: Dean Smart, Jackie Brine, Shekar Bheenuck and Elizabeth Newman. Front row from left: Nick Clough, Penelope Harnett, Ann-Marie Bathmaker and Richard Waller.

Recently, a research student working in the University’s Centre for Transport and Society embarked on a novel method for the collection of qualitative data. Recognising the high costs in both time and effort often inherent in gathering/generating exploratory data of this type, Billy Clayton tested a potential new platform for research in the social sciences using Facebook.

To generate data, a Facebook group was set up – named Bus Tales – which people could join and then engage in discussion (led by the researcher) related to key questions in the research. The broad idea behind this approach is to take the method to the participants, and conduct it in a ‘place’ where they choose or like to spend some of their free time; thus at a stroke eliminating much of the challenge normally faced by the researcher in recruitment and sustained contact with participants. SNSs are designed around communication, and the researcher’s only task is to tap into this already existing and advanced communicative network.

The study is now complete, and produced useful exploratory data which is informing the next stages of the project. A brief summary of some of the advantages of this method is outlined below:

Why use Facebook

• Ithasahugenumberofmembers–Facebookiscurrentlythe most popular SNS: 350,000,000+ users [Facebook data]

• Theresearchisconductedina‘place’whereparticipantschoose/like to spend some of their free time

• Itpresentstheresearchinaformatthatisalreadyunderstood by the participants (eg on group pages, discussion boards, etc)

• Itprovidesadedicatedandrefinedcommunicativestructure that makes regular contact with participants simple and quick

• Participantsarearguablymorehighlyaccustomedtodisclosure

• Theresearchcanbeconductedasynchronously;orratherwithout many of the normal constraints of time

• It’s(largely)free!

This method is recommended as an option to anyone looking to conduct a broad, exploratory, qualitative study online. For any further information on this method, feel free to contact Billy at: William2.Clayton@uwe.ac.uk.

On 15 April an international philosophy conference took place on the St Matthias campus at UWE on Kierkegaard and the Political. The Conference was organised by Alison Assiter following the publication of her book Kierkegaard, Metaphysics and Political Theory (Continuum) in 2009. The speakers were David Wood (Vanderbilt, USA); Christine Battersby (Warwick), Clare Carlisle (Liverpool) and Alison Assiter (UWE).

Although the volcanic dust prevented some delegates from making their way to Bristol, one visitor made it from the home of Kierkegaard – Copenhagen. While the conference was a focused and scholarly event, concentrating the minds of a number of specialists, it also attracted visitors from further afield.

Professor Assiter’s Kierkegaard studies have contributed to the recent resurgence of scholarly interest in Kierkegaard’s writings, both by philosophers and theologians. Indeed, she and several other delegates travelled on to the conference on Kierkegaard’s Upbuilding Discourses held at Oxford University on the days immediately following the UWE event. However, much of the recent scholarship has focused on Kierkegaard as a religious thinker; UWE’s event challenged this consensus by considering him as a political philosopher. Due to this theme, the conference organiser was able to attract substantial funding from the NGO Human Rights Aid.

Bus Tales – taking the research to them

International Conference on Kierkegaard and the Political

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The Iain Firkins Division One title was contested between current holders Facilities and last season’s Division Two Champions HEFCE. The two teams blew away all other challengers, meaning it was the head to head matches that would decide the title. Facilities won the first match, tightening their strangle-hold on the championship and leaving HEFCE needing an unlikely nine goal victory over their rivals in the final game to steal away the Division One crown. It was not to be as a strong Facilities side took the game 5-0 and retained the title.

The Iain Firkins Golden Boot went to Ricardo Demarchi for the second time, with his record 25 goals propelling Facilities to the summit of Division One.

Human Resources and FAS were the unlucky sides relegated both accumulating only six points and finishing seven points adrift of safety. They will be

playing in the Neil Edmunds Division Two when the new season begins.

The Neil Edmunds Second Division title race was clinched by BBS with a total of 23 points and just one loss from their ten games. They will be promoted to the Iain Firkins First Division next season and will be joined by FBE. The FBE side won a closely fought battle with HSC, after both finishing on 16 points. FBE clinched promotion with a superior goal difference.

The Neil Edmunds Golden Boot was shared by Nick Biggs of FBE and Andrew Conn of BRL, both notching 12 goals for the season.

The staff league is a popular event where people can get involved in sport and meet colleagues. We always welcome new teams and players so if anyone is interested in joining the league or setting up a new side please contact James Tokley at the Centre for Sport.

Staff Five-a-side League: Season Seven Report

Division Two Winning Team: Matt Rusling, Matthew Amor and Ollie Moss

Division One Winning Team. Facilities: Wayne Sweet, Ricardo Demarchi, Mike John, Martin Mcloughlin, John Jackson and Liam White

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Breast cancer conference at UWECurrent issues in breast cancerGlendenning Theatre, UWE Frenchay Campus, Saturday 3 July 2010An opportunity to join a forum to discuss issues surrounding breast cancer is taking place at the University on Saturday 3 July 2010.

‘Current issues in breast cancer’ will include presentations by internationally renowned local researchers to build awareness of the wide range of projects that are happening on the doorstep, here in Bristol.

Keynote speakers include Professor Jeff Holly, Head of Research at the Dept of Clinical Sciences, North Bristol and Dr Anthony Rhodes, Reader in Cellular Pathology from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

The conference will include an overseas dimension with special invited guest speaker Professor Cheng Har Yip, who is the leading authority on breast cancer in Asia and is Head of Breast Surgery at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. UWE has an ongoing research collaboration with the University of Malaya and this is the first time that a Malaysian partner has given a keynote address at a UWE Breast Cancer conference.

Pat Turton, a specialist lecturer in cancer care professional training at UWE, said, “This conference was inspired by the success of the prostate cancer symposium held by UWE last year that attracted over 100 people.”

Steve West, Vice-Chancellor, said, “Researchers at UWE are doing important work in cancer diagnostics and the University excels in specialist training for health practitioners. This conference is a dual opportunity both to showcase the research activity in the region and to highlight the international research links that we have been developing over the last few years, particularly in Malaysia.”

Read full news release at http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/UWENews/article.asp?item=1715&year=2010

Are you actively involved in or want to develop research into gender? Would you like to be part of a UWE-wide network of researchers working in this area? Have you recently started or completed research into gender issues that you would like to disseminate more widely? Do you want to find out what colleagues in other faculties or departments are working on?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then come along to the Gender Studies Research Snapshots Day, Monday 7 June 2010 in Rooms 2D73 and 2D74, Frenchay Campus.

This event will launch the UWE Gender Research Group and is free and open to anyone who is interested in taking part. As well as offering an opportunity for colleagues to meet each other and establish links, the day will be built around a series of brief ten minute snapshots of the research being done by each participant. No conference style 20 minute papers or powerpoints - just an outline of the things we find most interesting/exciting about our work.

The day starts at 10:00 with coffee and will formally finish at 15:30 (with tea for those who want to have an informal chat). The presentations will begin around 10:30 and we will have lunch between 12:30 and 13:30 to give ourselves plenty of time to talk to each other and plan for future activities. This is just the beginning!

If you would like to take part please email: cmd.admin@uwe.ac.uk

UWE Gender Research Group

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The library at Bower Ashton underwent a refurbishment last summer. For some, the worn and lived in look of the old library gave it a ramshackle charm but for most it just seemed

tatty, shabby, cluttered and badly in need of a re-fit. The furniture now is bright and we have been bold in the choice of colours and materials - acid greens, pink, radiant oranges and azure blues, including a touch of neon! There is more soft seating than before (including bean bags), with new mirrored displays for books and journals, and new shelving to deal with the once crowded bookshelves. Some of the IT provision has been reconfigured to deal with past congestion and we have acquired new equipment including A3 scanners and an upgrade of our audio visual viewing facilities too. To reflect some of the activity and work done by students in the Faculty we can now offer bigger glass cabinets to display their work.

The intention is to try and create a more open, flexible and inviting looking space that is fit for the needs of all who use the library. Numbers are up in respect of gate counts and book issues so we like to think the new-look library works!

Pretty in Pink: refurbishment of the library at Bower Ashton

Refurbished Bower Ashton Library

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Nigel Cooley, a UWE graduate and now sports co-ordinator for Bristol Metropolitan Academy and City Academy, Bristol, and fencing coach John Rohde have organised a schools fencing tournament in honour of their friend, the late historian Dr Trevor Johnson. Trevor, who had taught Nigel when he was studying for his Bachelor of Education Studies at UWE, had died suddenly in 2007.

Trevor had been a keen fencer and had brought John and Nigel together, when Nigel was looking for opportunities to introduce the sport to schools where fencing is normally not part of the curriculum. John, who runs the White Eagle Fencing Club in Easton, now offers taster sessions for students from both schools and has donated the Trevor Johnson Memorial Trophy in memory of his friend.

The latest tournament which took place on 31 March involved teams from both schools as well as students from Bristol Brunel Academy and St Mary Redcliffe and Temple. The cup was presented to the winners (City Academy, Bristol) by Trevor’s wife Raingard Esser (History). This was the second competition of what will hopefully become an annual event.

The aim of Nigel and John is to introduce fencing sessions to all secondary state schools in Bristol. Looking at the enthusiasm, the team spirit and the discipline that the children, mostly aged 11 to 13, demonstrated on the piste,

the organisers are convinced that they do not only offer interesting sporting alternatives for the students, but also teach them important life skills. Bristol Brunel Academy, Bristol Metropolitan Academy and City Academy, Bristol are co-sponsored by UWE and are members of the university’s enhanced partnership programme. The Trevor Johnson Memorial Trophy now provides an additional link between the University and the schools.

Trevor Johnson Memorial Trophy

Nigel Cooley, Raingard Esser and John Rohde with the Trevor Johnson Memorial Trophy

Staff and students are warmly invited to attend the 2010 symposium, to be held in 4B031 on Monday 14 June. Research students from across the Faculty will be presenting their work in progress on a range of business and management-related topics. Refreshments and buffet lunch provided. Please contact Helen.Frisby@uwe.ac.uk to reserve your free place.

BBS Doctoral Student Symposium

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The Neil Edmunds Amicable Tournament ran for the second time on Thursday 22 April. Players divided into four teams of nine players and played each other at games lasting 25 minutes. Having no referees or linesmen the games were played in a gentlemanly spirit. Good grace secured a win for each team and the overall winners were the Historians (pictured), the Daffodils and the Bandanas shared second place and the Welsh taking fourth spot.

If you would like further information on this tournament or other staff football at UWE, please contact Dominic Foster.

Children of Glenfrome Primary enjoying their new equipment.

Nigel England has taken up post as Community Liaison Manager. Nigel has held similar roles at Bristol City Council and South Gloucester Council.

Nigel explains what he will be doing to maintain and improve community liaison, saying, “I will work closely with local communities, students, staff and

statutory and voluntary partner agencies to build networks and promote good relationships between UWE and the wider community.

“A UWE Community Group has recently been set up and this work is being carried out in collaboration with Professor Paul Gough and Dee Smart to help develop Community and Public Engagement.

“A twice yearly news letter Neighbourhood News will be sent to local residents and businesses informing them of local events and activities from the UWE.

“An important new initiative concerning neighbours resident at Stoke Park is a recent public consultation walkabout that involved local residents, Councillor Trevor Jones and Mark Shearman from South Gloucestershire Council Transportation services around the whole estate. Suggestions have been put forward by residents for restrictions to be put in place which will entail double yellow lines around corners and bends and single yellow lines on the straights. A time limit restriction has been suggested on the single yellow lines. UWE is funding this initiative.”

Nigel will also work with UWE’s Community Volunteer Programme, Accommodation Services and the Centre for Sport to find new ways of involving and engaging community partners.

As a result of St Matthias Nursery demolition works, UWE Estates Department has donated the play equipment in the garden of the nursery to Glenfrome Primary School. The school arranged for the play equipment to be removed and installed in its new home on their school playing field. Kelly Paterson of Glenfrome Primary school said, “The equipment has been a great success and it has enhanced our school playing field. The children really enjoy it. Thanks again to UWE for this generous donation.”

Community Liaison update

Nigel England

Nigel England (Community Liaison Manager) presenting an IPod to prize draw winner, David Drew who won a competition as part of Road Safety Day on Thursday 29 April on Frenchay Campus.

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Data Centre carbon savings Facilities and Estates have installed a new free cooling unit in the P Block Data Centre. This is predicted to reduce the energy consumption from 66,900kWhrs per annum to 27,500kWhrs thereby reducing UWE's carbon emissions by 26 tonnes per annum.

The project provided an alternative cooling system to the existing heat pump system which continuously re-circulated and cooled air within the room. The new system takes advantage of outside air to provide free cooling during the colder parts of the year and at night times.

Student Rep Awards 2010UWE Students’ Union held the fifth Annual Student Rep Awards on 22 April 2010 at The Thistle Hotel, Bristol. The event saw both University staff and students gathering to celebrate the success and achievements of UWE’s student reps and to thank them for all of their hard work over the last year.

Throughout the evening, seven special awards were presented to the student reps; recognised by both staff and students; who had gone above and beyond in their duties as student reps. The recipients of these awards are listed below:

Vice Chancellor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement: Mark Hughes (Creative Arts)

Most Dedicated Rep: Joe Newman (Law)

Most Outstanding Achievement by a School/Faculty: Faculty of Environment and Technology

Most Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Rep: Jon Shorter (Bristol Institute of Technology)

The Student Rep Award: Joanna Jackson (School of Life Sciences)

Best Chair Award: Jannike Riege (School of Health and Social Care)

Halls Rep Award: Lauren Jones (Brecon)

In amongst all the celebrations the event also saw several key note speeches made by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve West, The Dean of Students Jonathan Bradley, and the outgoing SRC President, Katy Phillips all of whom commended the hard work of student reps in helping shape the UWE Student Experience.

Katy Phillips (SRC President) said, "We're very lucky to have such outstanding students involved in the representative system. The Student Rep Awards is a fantastic event which really gives us the chance to recognise our reps for all the time and effort they have put in over the year. This year I was really proud to see they receive acknowledgement from staff members and the University Executive. Thanks for everyone who helped to make it such a brilliant evening!'’

WP expert visits NZKate Thomas (UWE Outreach Centre and UWE’s Western Vocational Lifelong Learning Network representative) recently returned from a visit to New Zealand where she spent time exploring and observing widening participation practice and policy at two of New Zealand’s eight universities.

Kate says, “Other than the obvious difference in scale (the NZ tertiary sector includes eight universities, nine Institutes of Technology and ten Polytechnics for a population of 4.3million) the most startling feature of the NZ higher education system is the special admissions policy. Anyone over the age of 20, legally resident in NZ or Australia may enter higher education without any evidence of academic qualifications. This policy is held dear by many as a way of providing a university education for anyone who wants it, but at the time of my visit, significant funding cuts and caps on student numbers meant that special admissions faces a precarious future. At present, NZ efforts to 'widen access' to HE are directed primarily to Maori and Pacifica communities and with good reason as these are under-represented in higher education - in 2007, 66 per cent of Asian and 44 per cent of European/Pakeha school leavers achieved a University Entrance qualification or Level 3 certificate, compared with 20 per cent of Pacific and 18 per cent of Maori students.”

Read the full version at www.notesfromalongwhitecloud.blogspot.com

Milford Sound and Mitre Peak, Fiordland, New Zealand

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Obituary for Michael Foot Members of UWE learned with great sadness of the death of Michael Foot on 3 March 2010. He had been a good friend to the University and in 1993 became an Honorary Doctor of Letters. Michael was most well known for his political career, which spanned over 70 years and led to him becoming leader of the Labour party in opposition to Margaret Thatcher between 1980 and 1983. In addition, he was an accomplished writer, a leading journalist, newspaper editor and the author of acclaimed political and literary biographies, including the celebrated two-volume work on his hero, Aneurin Bevan. As well as being a great writer, Michael was also a great reader. He constantly reminded everyone he knew of the importance of reading, now more than ever. For him, literature and politics were inseparable. His love of books was enthusiastically imparted to our students and staff through talks he gave at the University, though the last one, sadly, had to be cancelled because of illness. This would have been on HG Wells, whom he had actually met and, who was the subject of one of his many books.

Over the years, Michael attended book launches and other literary events connected with the University in Bristol and London and socialised with members of the English and History departments. He was a proud supporter of feminism, being the only male member on the editorial committee of the international journal, Women’s Writing run from the Department of English. In 1994, Michael and I co-edited a book written by William Thompson, the so-called father of Socialism, Appeal of one half the human race women against the pretensions of the other

half men. Since the book had also been co-authored by a major pioneer for women’s rights, Anna Wheeler, we decided to include her name on the cover for the very first time. In addition, Michael edited a book by Jonathan Swift in a series for which I was general editor for a local publisher, Thoemmes Press, whom he befriended on one of his many trips to Bristol. He will be greatly missed.

Michael Mackintosh Foot, politician, journalist and author, born 23 July 1913; died 3 March 2010

Marie Mulvey-Roberts (Department of English, HLSS)

Honorary graduates, the late UA Fanthorpe and Michael Foot with Marie Mulvey-Roberts (HLSS)

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Coach Club

The Staff Association is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2010 and as part of that the Coach Club will be continuing to offer special offers on trips over the next few months. Look out for these bargains!

Sat 26th June – Joint destination trip!Clothes Show at Earls Court, LondonSpecial ‘anniversary’ cost:- Members - £39, Non-members £40 Not the usual December event that we have been to in the past at Birmingham – this year it is also being held at Earls Court. ORLondon onlySpecial ‘anniversary’ cost:- Members - £11, Non-members £12 Have a day in London doing whatever you wish. This price may not be repeated if fuel costs keep rising!

NEW – Sat 17th July – DawlishSpecial ‘anniversary’ cost Members £9, Non-Members £10, child price available on request.

Last trip before the summer break! Why not join us for a day in the south Devon!

Part Victorian and part Regency, the seaside town of Dawlish has a special charm and character. Situated on Brunel’s stunning South Devon Coast Railway, one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, Dawlish has been a popular seaside resort since the 18th century.

Any request for seats on trips will only be provisional until full payment or deposit is received and they will not be held indefinitely without it. If we have a waiting list those seats may be offered to others.

If you are interested in any of the above please contact us through the following channels only:- Coachclub@uwe.ac.uk, Tel: 0117 32 83001 Bookings or payments sent elsewhere or through other means may be delayed and result in bookings or payments being too late and your places not being held!

N E W S

News in Brief

Staff in the mediaDavid James (HLSS) was interviewed on 10 March for BBC Radio Bristol about a new co-operative school which is being set up at Ashton Park in Bristol.

Lisa Harrison (HLSS) was interviewed on 14 March for the BBC’s Politics Show and after the announcement of the General Election on 6 April was interviewed during that week by BBC Points West, BBC News 24, BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Radio Gloucestershire. On Thursday 22 April, Leaders Debate in Bristol, Lisa appeared on BBC Radio Bristol from 07.00-9.00, BBC News Channel at 15.30, live on ITV The West Tonight at 18.00 and BBC Points West. Also BBC Radio Gloucestershire on 28 April.

Guy Keith-Miller (AID) look part in a Radio 5 live election debate on the Tony Livesey show immediately after the second leaders’ televised debate held in Bristol on Thursday 22 April. Panel members included Will Straw (Labour Blogger – Left Foot Forward), Professor John Tong (Head of Politics, University of Liverpool), Iain Dell (Conservative Blogger) and David Walter (ex-Liberal Democrat Director of Communications).

Alan Tapp (BBS) was interviewed on May 5 on BBC Radio Bristol’s breakfast show on the impact election leaflets could make on voter choice.

Linda Moysey (Careers) was interviewed live on 16 March for the ITV West News about career changers. Trainee Secondary Science teacher Sarah Marks (EDU) was also featured as a case study.

Jon Tucker (BBS) was interviewed on 17 March by Heart Radio about the new stock market trading room in the Business School.

Stephen Hunt (HLSS) was interviewed on Sunday 28 March by BBC Radio Wiltshire for the Face Programme, attempting to answer the question ‘Does Politics mix with Religion?’

Andrew Crawley (BBS) was interviewed on Thursday 25 March by BBC Wales Dragon’s Eye about the impact of the budget in Wales.

Derek Braddon (BBS) was interviewed on Friday 26 March on ITV West today about upgrades to the Lynx helicopters deployed in Afghanistan. Derek also appeared on BBC Points West in April discussing the arrival of the new Agusta Westland helicopters to support the British troops in Afghanistan and the associated problems with defence procurement.

Professor Richard Coates (HLSS) was interviewed 1 April on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about the Family Names UK research project.

Havi Carel (HLSS) was interviewed on Thursday 8 April on Star/Jack FM and BBC Radio Bristol about the public debate - Addiction: should we penalise or treat?

Tony Rhodes (HLS) was interviewed by Star Radio on Monday 19 April on his research on new global guidelines for testing regimes for breast cancer patients.

Jim Longhurst (BNE) was interviewed by Radio 4’s You and Yours on Tuesday 20 April about the effect of the disruption to air travel on local air quality and emissions of carbon dioxide.

Chris Alford (SLS) did an interview with Steve Bailey of BBC radio Leeds on 5 May concerning new research indicating that sleeping less than six hours per night over a prolonged period was associated with a significantly shorter life span. This work further reinforces the link between sleep and health, with reduced sleep now associated with a number of health conditions including obesity and type 2 diabetes.

PublicationsProfessor Simon Clarke (Centre for Psycho-Social Studies) has published a new book with Dr Steve Garner (Aston) entitled: White Identities: A Critical Sociological Approach (Pluto, 2010), ISBN 978-0-7453-2748-8 paperback and hardback, 242 pp.

The book is the result of a successful ESRC funded project (100K) completed at UWE entitled 'Mobility and Unsettlement: New Identity Construction in Contemporary Britain' (RES-148-25-003).

Lisa Harrison (HLSS) has a publication (research note) coming out next month: Lisa Harrison (2010) Women Candidates and Party Practice in the UK: Evidence from the 2009 European Elections, Parliamentary Affairs; 63 (3)

The following two analyses for Cancer Research UK – one relating to their 2009 Omnibus Survey, the other to a specific sunburn study.

Eagle, L, Jones, S, Scammell, K, Naumann, L, Hiom, S Foundations for Change: A Benchmark Measurement of Sun Protection Behaviours within the UK.

Jones, S, Eagle, L Scammell, K, Naumann, L, Hiom, S, Trends in Skin Cancer Awareness – Implications for Intervention Development.

The following expert papers have recently been produced for the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence and were presented at the May meeting of the Public Health Interventions Advisory Committee in London:

Hiom, S Eagle, L, Kemp, G , Jones, S Overview of national campaigns in England and international campaigns aimed at improving sun protective behaviours

Jones, S, Eagle, L, Kemp, G ,Verne, . Intervention strategies aimed at improving outdoor workers’ sun protection

Eagle L, Kemp, G Jones, S, Verne, J Impact of celebrity role models’ behaviour on sun protection communications targeting young people

The contact for the publications listed below is Lynne Eagle ext: 83249

Dr Christien van den Anker (HLSS) edited a symposium in the Journal of International Political Theory Volume 6, Number 1 (April

2010) on Global Justice and Migration: A Multidisciplinary Conversation with three articles: Free Movement? On The Liberal Impasse in Coping with the Immigration Dilemma by An Verlinden; Transnationalism and Cosmopolitanism: Towards Global Citizenship? by Christien van den Anker; and An Ethnography of Migrant ‘Illegality’ in Sweden: Included yet Excepted? by Shahram Khosravi.Christien also edited a series for Palgrave on Global Ethics, with five titles currently out. The series will be launched at the iGEA conference 30 June - July 2010 at UWE Bristol.

AppointmentsDr Andrew Mearman (BBS) has been invited to join the Academic Advisory Panel to the UK Government Department of Business Innovation and Skills. The Panel includes a range of academics and government economists and is meeting to discuss policy responses to the current economic conditions as well as the creation of a low-carbon economy.

Michèle Wheeler (AR) has been accepted as a Fellow of the Association of University Administrators (AUA). Michèle’s award is in recognition of her contribution to the development of the Association and the management and administration of the higher education sector. She will receive her award at the AUA Annual Lecture in November. This brings UWE’s total number of AUA Fellows to two, the other having been awarded previously to Beryl Furey-King (SSH).

Tessa Gordelier (Energy Manager, Facilities and Estates) has recently become a qualified European Energy Manager after studying recently with the Energy Institute.

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ConferencesNick Bell (Facilities and Estates) gave a lecture to the Welsh College of Architecture entitled Safer by design on 11 March 2010. This was his fourth lecture to an audience of approximately 70 people. On 16 March Nick also lectured to engineering students at the University of Wales, on the subject of Construction Safety. The President-Elect of the Association for Project Safety, John Banks, attended presentation and lent his extensive engineering knowledge to the proceedings. The presentation was well received.

The Film Studies Research Group and the Journalism Policy and Practice Research Group hosted a one day symposium entitled Venezuela, Myth and Reality on Friday 12 March. The symposium brought together academics from a range of disciplines, alongside documentary makers to investigate the context of the Bolivarian Revolution taking place in Venezuela, its regional significance and how it has been misrepresented in the British news media. The well-attended symposium, which included staff and students from around the University, culminated in a screening of Mike Wayne and Deirdre O'Neill's film Listen to Venezuela, followed by a Q&A session with the directors. Participants were: Steve Presence, UWE PhD student, CMD; Dr Francisco Dominguez, Head of the Department of Brazilian and Latin American Studies, Middlesex University; Dr Lee Salter, UWE CMD; Dr Thomas Muhr, Bristol University; Dr Mike Wayne, Brunel University; Deirdre O'Neill, Inside Film.

Dr Stephen Hunt (Department of Sociology and Criminology, HLSS) gave a talk entitled Sexual vs Religious Rights – A Clash of Interests?, as part of the Department of Sociology and Criminology's Public Seminars series on 24 March, 2010.

Professor Danny Burns (SOLAR, HLSS) is part of an international expert group developing models and approaches to systemic conflict transformation. The group is made up of around 20 people half of whom are academics and the other half peace builders in global conflict zones. The group, which was initiated by the Berlin based Berghof Foundation for Peace Support, is also compiling a book The Non-Linearity of Peace Processes - Theory and Practice of Systemic Conflict Transformation to which Danny is contributing a chapter. The second international meeting of the group was held in Washington DC. This was sponsored by the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Transformation at George Mason University and the International Center for Co-operation and Conflict Resolution at Teachers College, Columbia University. At this meeting the group explored the conditions necessary for sustainable peace drawing on a detailed case study of the peace process in Nepal and supported by two of the key international negotiators Günther Baechler and Hannes Siebert who helped to secure the peace agreement. It is anticipated that the next meeting of the group will be in the Lebanon.

Marie Mulvey-Roberts (English, HLSS) gave a plenary lecture on Brides of Frankenstein: From Text to Flesh at the Third Gothic Congress on The Monster in Art and its Different Manifestations at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City on 24 March 2010.

Professor Martin Boddy chaired the seventh annual conference of the South West Observatory on the theme of Health, Wealth and Happiness – What Makes a Prosperous Region’, held in the Assembly Rooms in Bath on 31 March. Speakers included Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce; Dr Gabriel Scally, SW Regional Director of Public Health; Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Charity Commission; Dr Sarah Eppel, head of sustainable products and consumers at DEFRA; Jonathon Porritt, Former Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission and founder of Forum for the Future; Professor Katie Williams, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Planning and Environments at UWE; John Savage, board member of the SW Regional Development Agency; and Professor Tom Schuller, director of the independent inquiry into the Future of Lifelong Learning. Martin presented the opening plenary on Getting the Measure of Prosperity. The SW Observatory is a region-wide network providing evidence and analysis in support of public policy across the region. Conference proceedings and presentations are available on the website at www.swo.org.uk

Dr Owain Jones (CCRI) presented a paper at the Trees and Forests in British Society conference organised by Forest Research - Centre for Human and Ecological Sciences, held at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, 13 - 15 April. The conference explored the demands that society places on forestry and the role it is expected to play. Owain's paper, which was entitled Forest landscapes: embodiment, identity and materiality, suggested that new affect-based understandings of place and landscape in a range of social science approaches can be of great use to the forestry policy community in understanding how individuals and communities engage with forest spaces in imaginative and in embodied (practical) terms, and also in how the complex composition of forest spaces (as cultural, ecological, political, economic, and living entities) can be appreciated. These ideas are connected to questions of wellbeing and social benefit through the ways people construct their individual and collective identities in terms of sense of self and sense of place. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-7RXE7A

Dr Richard Waller (Edu), Dr Helen Bovill (Edu) and Dr Bob Pitt (HSC) presented a paper entitled Parents, Partners and Peers: The hidden costs of lifelong learning to the British Sociological Association's Annual Conference in Glasgow, 7-9 April.

Dr Richard Waller (Edu) and Chris Croudace (Widening Participation and Outreach) presented a paper Two Tales of a City: Widening participation at the universities of Bristol to the 3rd Annual Widening Participation Conference at Edge Hill University, 14-15 April. The paper was co-written with Dr Tony Hoare and Betsy Bowerman from the University of Bristol.

Mike Jempson (SSH), Senior Lecturer in Journalism, ran a week-long series of workshops in April for journalists and NGOs in Ukraine as part of an EU programme to improve public awareness and media coverage of violence and abuse against woman and children. He then found himself stranded under the volcanic

ash cloud, and made his way back crossing Ukraine, Poland, Germany and Holland by coach in 36 hours, then had to wait five days to get on Eurostar. On 10 May, he addressed the annual conference of the British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect in Birmingham, on the topic of building relationships of trust with the media. On 13 May Mike Jempson he gave evidence in person to the Press Complaints Commission governance review in London, which will set out the MediaWise proposals for reform of press self-regulation regulation.

Research Dr Christien van den Anker (HLSS) has won the tender for the Gangmasters Licensing Authority Workers Survey, which will take place between May and October 2010. The project involves interviews with migrant workers about their experiences and knowledge of their rights in nine UK regions. The results will be published in a report and disseminated in worskhops and academic publications.

Bulletin deadlines

Month/Issue Copy deadline

June/94 1 JuneJuly/95 1 JulySept/96 1 SeptemberOct/97 1 OctoberNov/98 1 November

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thebulletin27 March 2010 Issue 94

Illustration students succeed in national art competition

See centre pages for update on UWE’s links with Vietnam

N E W S

Human Resources Update

Important message for staffHave you gained additional academic qualifications?As you may be aware, the University is required to provide information about its staff to HESA (the Higher Education Statistical Agency) on an annual basis. The majority of the data required by HESA is already held by Human Resources either in our normal records or from survey questionnaires completed by staff in previous years.

One element of the return is information about the highest academic qualification held by staff and this of course might change between return years. To ease administration we will assume that this data is unchanged and it will be resubmitted in September 2010. If, however, you have gained a higher level of qualification in the last year please would you pass the details to me as soon as possible in order that your record may be updated, describing the level of qualification and the subject discipline – please email Lesley2.Donnithorne@uwe.ac.uk

Data Protection Act Collection NoticeThe information the University provides to HESA about its staff is submitted in coded and anonymised format and held on a database which is passed to central government departments and agencies and devolved administrations which require it to enable them to carry out their statutory functions under the Education Acts. It is also used for statistical analysis by HESA and the above bodies resulting in publication and release of data to other approved non-statutory users. These may include academic researchers and unions. You may wish to note that your name and contact details will not be made available to HESA and precautions are taken to minimise the risk that you will be able to be identified from the data. If you have concerns about, or objections to, the use of data for these purposes, please contact HESA at www.hesa.ac.uk or by writing to HESA, 95 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1HZ.

Lesley DonnithorneThe weather is getting warmer…. why not cycle to work? For the last three years, UWE has offered a cycle to work scheme and 300 staff have now taken the opportunity to save money on the purchase of a bike …. would you like to be next?

The exact amount of saving depends on your tax band but on average the savings are between 30 per cent and 40 per cent of the original cost of the bike. Under the rules of this salary sacrifice scheme, you must also be over 18 and on a permanent or fixed term contract that outlasts the 12 month hire period and where you will be receiving consecutive monthly payments for at least that 12 month hire period.

As well as saving money on the purchase of the bike, you will also save money on parking and car running costs. Other benefits include:

• Improvementstoyourhealth-cyclingfourmilesadayhalvestherisk of coronary heart disease and regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level equivalent to being 10 years younger.

• Helptheenvironmentbycuttingvehicleemissions.

• Reducestresslevels-cyclingisanexcellentstress-relieverhelpingyou feel good when you arrive at work and at home.

• Gettoworkquicker-theriseinroadcongestionmeanscyclingisincreasingly becoming a faster means of transport than the car for shorter journeys

For further information regarding the scheme please visit www.uwe.ac.uk/cycle or contact Michelle Gregory in HR – Michelle2.Gregory@uwe.ac.uk

$ $

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Car share partner needed – travelling from Llanishen, Cardiff (CF14) to Frenchay campus. Can offer and share lifts. Flexible on times. Please contact Rachel.Gruber@uwe.ac.uk on 81739 or register with 2CarShare.com.

French holiday home in Vendée town of Aizenay, West France. 15 mins from the coast and golf courses, sleeps 10, fully equipped from £300 per week. For further details and DVD contact 01454 850698.

Wedding hats! One Debenhams coffee-and-cream (worn three times) and one M&S turquoise (worn once) £10 each. Turquoise peep-toe shoes size six - £6. Photos available! Tel: 81638 Caroline.Bannister@uwe.ac.uk

Tang Soo Do Martial Arts classes - learn self defence, improve fitness and confidence. Families and beginners welcome. Contact Victoria.Nash@uwe.ac.uk for further details.

Flooring innovations: Domestic and Commercial floor laying. Tiles, vinyl and laminate, all types of work undertaken. Please contact Colin Doran on 0117 937 2589 or 07989 558 545 or e-mail flooringinnovations@yahoo.co.uk.

Dawlish Warren. Six berth/two bedroom caravan to let on family run site. Fully equipped. Site facilities include four swimming pools, kids club, evening entertainment. 10 minutes walk from beach. Close to Torquay, Dartmouth, Paignton etc. Prices from £110 per week. Tel: Tracey 07957 232 763 or Shaun 07932 907 882. Bookings now being taken.

Holiday home for let, France, Dordogne Region very near town of Eymet. Farmhouse, set in two acres (with orchard), four double bedrooms, swimming pool (12 x 5), outside BBQ area, very picturesque – visit www.my-eymetexperience.com or e-mail Kath_Feltham@hotmail.com

Florida – Gulf Coast Three bedroom/two bath villa for rent. 30ft pool, barbecue and bicycles available at our private property that backs onto a freshwater canal. Five golf courses nearby. Enquiries@sunstatevilla.co.uk

Kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, tiling, decorating. Full range of suites and units to suit all budgets. Magnet products available at trade prices. Reliable, experienced and reasonably-priced work carried out

to your instructions. Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire etc. All work to quotes unless otherwise requested. Call 01454 312535/ 07825 816 050. rhtbuilding@googlemail.com

Elite Turkish property. New exclusive complex located in Akbuk, 45mins from Bodrum airport, 20mins from Altinkum’s new proposed golf course. All villas have four bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, roof-top terrace, BBQ and seaviews. Due for completion May 2011. From £115,000 off-plan to £130,000 completed. Details 07855 961 405 or www.eliteturkishproperty.co.uk.

Beautiful villa for rent in Monte Pedreguer, Spain. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, air-conditioned, satellite tv, fully equipped kitchen, large private pool, bbq area, fantastic views. Valencia airport 75mins, Alicante airport 70 mins. Terms negotiable. www.villacolina.co.uk

VW Polo for sale. 1.6 CL 5 door, dark metallic green, reg ‘P’ 1997. 56,000 miles. 6 months MOT, well looked after, full service history. £800 ono. For further details ring 0117 968 1220.

Staff ads

Beale Park Wildlife and Animal Park and Garden, plus the Beale Park Boat Show 2010, Saturday 5 June: A great trip with something for everyone, animals, train rides, boats and veteran cars, crafts and entertainments, brought to you at our subsidised price of £15 Adult Members, £10 Child, £20 Guest/Non-Members. Tickets and enquiries to Staffassociation@uwe.ac.uk or Tel 0117 32 82969 (office voicemail).

40th Anniversary Summer Dinner and Dance: Join us for our special 40th anniversary celebration on Saturday 19 June! This great evening, subsidised by the Staff Association, will be held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Bristol and includes a 3 course meal with live entertainment and a disco.

Cost: £18 Members, £23 Third Age Members,

£25 Guests. Tickets from the Staff Association Office (FC00)

Staff Buffet: The Summer Buffet will be held on the 24 June in 1L1, tickets should become available from the beginning of that month.

Third Age Club: For all retired UWE employees, this is a great way to keep in touch with each other and join in some great activities. There is generally something going on throughout the year apart from July/August, ranging from talks and trips to skittles and walks. Here’s a sample of some upcoming events:

Weds 26 May Lunch and walk in the Badminton area

Weds 16 June Visit to Gatcombe Court, Flax Bourton

Weds 15 September Visit to Abbey House Gardens, Malmesbury

If you’re without transport of your own, the club endeavours to arrange car sharing so there’s no need to miss out, and don’t forget, as Third Age members, you can join in the Staff Association events, including Dances, Buffets and Coach Trips.

Your contact is Club Secretary Colin Parsons. Tel: (0117) 951 3334

For further information on UWE’s Staff Association, including all clubs and upcoming events, please see our web pages at: www.uwe.ac.uk/staff-assoc/

Staff Association

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N E W S

Sixth form colleges from across Bristol met in March to take part in the Business Education and Nationwide Business Game event. The event was organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) in partnership with Bristol Business School.

BASE is an interactive day in which the students are given a business scenario where they have to come up with the best solution. The exercise tests their team work and problem solving skills. The teams are then expected to present their solutions to the other competitors at the end of the day.

The day is designed to give students an understanding of careers in business and accounting, while developing employability skills such as team work, communication, problem solving, time management and presenting.

The event was held in the new UWE conference centre. As well as the sixth form colleges there were also businesses

such as KPMG, PKF, Grant Thornton, ACA and BPP who were there to talk to the students about job opportunities within the industry.

ICAEW believe that there are many benefits to students taking part in these events. It encourages students to think on their feet, build their confidence and enhances students’ understanding of financial career opportunities. Collaborating with the ICAEW allows Bristol Business School to develop professional and employer connections As Debbie Sturge, leader of BBS student support and guidance stated, “Events like this are key to building local business links and promoting potential career opportunities in the financial sector”.

The winners of the South West heat were John Cabot School. They will go on to compete in the final in July.

BASE Game

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On 5 March staff from the Department of Geography and Environmental Management co-organised an ‘Energy Day’ with Geography teachers in South Gloucestershire. The day was designed by Dr Chris Spencer (FET), Tony Battista (Bradley Stoke Community School) and Garry Atterton (The Castle School, Thornbury) to support a new Energy module on the A-level Geography syllabus that teachers were having to deliver for the first time.

The day included key note lectures, ‘Is there an energy crisis?’ (Dr Simon Arlidge, FET) and ‘What will we do

when the lights go out? – Transition Towns’ (Dr Wendy Woodland, FET). The lecture programme was followed up by the 6th form pupils engaging in small group discussions, aimed at identifying economic, social and environmental issues relating to nuclear and tidal power options in the Severn Estuary region. These discussions were led and facilitated by current UWE Geography and Environmental Management students. The remainder of the day was field based, at Severnview services, a location overlooking the Severn Estuary - one of the proposed sites of a

Severn barrage, and with a clear view of Oldbury nuclear power station. Issues relating to renewable energy generation options were discussed.

Finally the group visited the wind turbines based on the sea front at Avonmouth docks and a discussion of issues associated to wind power took place at the foot of one of the 120 metre turbines. Approximately 90 staff and students attended the day from schools in the South Gloucestershire area and there was extensive positive feedback on the event which is planned to run annually from now on.

Geography Energy Day

Dr Simon Arlidge, FET at Severnview with Oldbury Power Station in the background

Professor Danny Burns (SOLAR, HLSS) recently returned from Uganda, where he has been working as a methodology adviser to the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Capacity Development Initiative). This is part of a UNHABITAT programme which is implementing water and sanitation facilities to urban centres on the edge of Lake Victoria in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Lake Victoria is the second largest fresh water lake in the world and the largest lake in Africa. The lake catchment provides the livelihood of about one third of the combined populations in the three countries or about 30 million people. However, it is estimated that more than 50 per cent of the lake basin population lives below the poverty line. The rapidly growing urban centres in the Lake Victoria basin are playing an increasingly important role in the economic development of the region. Most of these towns are experiencing unplanned growth and this is negatively affecting basic infrastructure, living conditions, the environment and the fragile ecosystem of the lake.

The capacity building consortium includes four international partners and one East African regional partner: SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation), the Gender Water Alliance, the Canadian Federation

of Municipalities and UNESCO - IHE a specialist water institute, and NETWAS. Danny worked with a team of 20 plus researchers from across these organisations in Uganda from 27 February to 7 March. The capacity building work aims to ensure that an effective social and economic system work in tandem with the technical developments. Danny advised the team on an action research model where complex issues are identified and mapped, through an extensive inquiry process. From this process two types of capacity need were identified:

(1) Straightforward training and development responses to issues where solutions were clear (eg micro finance training; gender awareness programmes; support in contracting procedures.)

(2) Inquiry based programmes aimed at unlocking and identifying solutions to complex problems which involve multiple stakeholders.

Following this mission Danny produced a detailed methodology report which will both underpin future work on the Lake Victoria initiative and provide a framework for future research.

Reference: Burns, D. (2007) Systemic Action Research: A strategy for whole system change, Bristol: Policy Press

Academic advises on Lake Victoria water and sanitation

Danny Burns inquiring into patterns of water collection with the children

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A new MA in Teaching and Learning) was launched by the School of Education in the Street Café on 22 April. The launch was led by Professor Ron Ritchie, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Dean (Edu) and Dr Carolyn Bromfield (Edu), Programme Director. It was well attended by MA Teaching and Learning participants and school coaches from partner schools as well as representatives from the Training and Development Agency for Schools, local authorities in the West of England and partner HEIs.

MA Teaching and Learning is a new national, classroom-based programme designed specifically for practising teachers. In the South West region, the programme is developed and delivered by the consortium Transform. The consortium is led by UWE and delivery partners include the Universities of Plymouth and Gloucestershire and MARJON (University College Plymouth St Mark and St John). The programme is initially open to newly qualified teachers and some heads of department in Secondary National Challenge Schools and Schools in Challenging Circumstances.

UWE launches new Master’s in Teaching and Learning

Prof. Ron Ritchie, Dr Bruce Butt (City Academy), Alison Keyworth (MARJON), Dr Carolyn Bromfield, Tony Whiteley (Somerset CC), Sarah Whitelaw (TDA) and Kate Rick (Bristol CC).

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www.uwe.ac.ukRegister online

UWE Open Days Wednesday 9 June 2010

hello+ welcome

UWE 01/01d

www.uwe.ac.ukwhat'sonDistinguished Executive Address Series Date: 1 June 2010 (Time: 18.00-20.30)Sir Mike Rake, Chairman, BT Group plc andeasyJet plcVenue: Future Inn, (Cabot Circus), Bristol

Admission: £15. UWE Alumni: £7.50. UWE Staff/Students - Free Contact: BBS Events Team Telephone: 0117 32 86432 Email: bbs.events@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/bbs/news/dea10a.shtml

'An afternoon with Michael Silvey' Date: 2 June 2010 (Time: 16:00-19:00)Michael Silvey, Former CEO of Thomas Silvey LtdVenue: Felixstowe Court, Frenchay Campus

Admission: Free Contact: Lorna Collins Telephone: 0117 328 3182 Email: lorna.collins@uwe.ac.uk

Opening Doors 2010: An introductionto Cognitive Analytic Therapy (C.A.T) Date: 4 June 2010 (Time: 10:00-16:30)Andrea HalewoodVenue: School of Life Sciences, FrenchayCampus

Admission: £90 (concessionary rate £60 - UWE staff/students) Contact: Mandy James Telephone: 0117 32 82493 Email: Mandy.James@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/hls/ls/news/openingdoors.shtml

Hartpury College Open Day Date: 5 June 2010 (Time: 10:00–16:00)Venue: Hartpury College

Contact: Hartpury College Telephone: 01452 700283 Email: enquire@hartpury.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.hartpury.ac.uk/events/

Slumdog Millionaire: Critical Perspectives on a Global Phenomenon Date: 5 June 2010 (Time: 10:00-17:00)

Venue: Pervasive Media Studios, Leadworks, Anchor Square, Bristol

Admission: £8 / £6 (students) Contact: Fabian Frenzel Email: Fabian.Frenzel@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://kokoens.nl/blog/2010/05/11/35/

Undergraduate Open Day Date: 9 June 2010 (Time: 10:00-16:00)Venue: Frenchay, Glenside, and BowerAshton Campuses

For more information visit: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/openday/.

Historic Towns Forum Event - 'HistoricCore Zones' Date: 10 June 2010Historic Towns ForumVenue: Bradford on Avon

A visit to the proposed Historic Core Zone in Bradford on Avon, organised by the Historic Town Forum (partnered with UWE).

Admission: from £45 Email: htf@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.historictownsforum.org/bradford_on_avon_10

Centre for Performing Arts Prizegiving Date: 10 June 2010 (Time: 19:00)Professor Leslie Bunt MBEVenue: Royal West of England Academy,Bristol

Admission: By invitation only Contact: Centre for Performing Arts Telephone: 0117 32 82067 Email: cpa@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/cpa

Planning and Architecture DegreeShow Date: 11 June 2010 - 12 June 2010Time: Fri 17:00 - 19:00; Sat 10:00 -17:00

Sunand Prasad President of the Royal Institute of British Architects

Venue: Studios (R block) Frenchay Campus

The Planning and Architecture Degree Show features the creative and design work of students on our undergraduate and postgraduate architecture, urban design and planning courses.

Admission: Free Contact: Julian Spicer Telephone: 0117 32 83000 Email: bne@uwe.ac.uk

Bristol Institute of Technology DegreeShow Date: 11 June 2010 (Time: Registration andwelcome from 17.30)Venue: Frenchay Campus

On behalf of students and staff from Bristol Institute of Technology, you are invited to 470° our annual final year Degree Show. 470° provides you with a unique opportunity to see projects and talk to final year students from across the Institute.

Admission: Free Telephone: 0117 32 84242 Email: bit.enquiries@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.formstack.com/forms/?951114-SnUhKmZmic

Bristol Festival of Nature Date: 12 June 2010 - 13 June 2010Venue: Harbourside, Bristol

For more information visit: http://www.festivalofnature.org/

BEN Workshop: User Centred Design(led by South West DesignProgramme) Date: 15 June 2010 (Time: 15.30-18.00)Roberto FraquelliVenue: Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton Pavilion, Bristol

Find out for yourself how user-centred design can help you to give your customers what they want at this FREE hands-on BEN workshop. Made for technology businesses Run by the South West Design Programme on behalf of BEN, and delivered by award-winning designer Roberto Fraquelli, it is tailored specifically for entrepreneurs and senior managers in technology businesses. This FREE workshop will help you focus more sharply on customers and deliver more effective new products and services.

Admission: Free Contact: Bath and Bristol Enterprise Network

For more information visit: http://www.bristolenterprise.com/events/workshop-user-centred-design-led-south-west-design-programme

The Bolland Lecture Date: 15 June 2010 (Time: 18:00)Dr Ray PriestVenue: Glendinning Lecture Theatre(2D67), Frenchay Campus

Admission: By invitation, or register your interest Contact: UWE Events team Email: events@uwe.ac.uk

Captain Louie Date: 15 June 2010 - 17 June 2010Time: 19:30Venue: Sefton Park Junior School / AshelyDown Junior School / St Barnabas CEVCPrimary School

Contact: Centre for Performing Arts Telephone: 0117 32 82067 Email: cpa@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/cpa/

Hartpury College: Higher Education Open Morning Date: 16 June 2010 Venue: Hartpury College

Admission: Register your place Contact: Hartpury College Email: enquire@hartpury.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.hartpury.ac.uk/Hartpury-Careers-Events/Higher-Education-Open-Events

N E W Swww.uwe.ac.uk

Student Experience Seminar: FromStudent Experience to Student Engagement Date: 16 June 2010 (Time: Time: 12:50-14:30 (buffet 12.30-12.50)Hosted by Jonathan BradleyVenue: 2Q50-51,Q Block, Frenchay Campus

Admission: Free Contact: Isabel Cooke Telephone: 0117 32 81551 Email: isabel.cooke@uwe.ac.uk

Establishing a prisoner health program within a human rightsframework: Who cares? Date: 17 June 2010 (Time: 14:00 - 16:30)Professor Michael Levy, Director of theAustralian Capital Territory CorrectionsHealth ProgramVenue: 1H12, Glenside Campus

Admission: Free Contact: Vivien Jones Telephone: 0117 32 81163 Email: vivien2.jones@uwe.ac.uk

Creative Arts Degree Show 2010 Date: 18 June 2010 - 24 June 2010Venue: School of Creative Arts, BowerAshton Campus and Spike Island

The Creative Arts Degree show is a visual treat which showcases the work of the School’s talented students. From Animation to Fine and Applied Arts, Graphic Design to Photography, this is an opportunity to see original and innovative work by the next generation of artists, designers and media practitioners.

Contact: School of Creative Arts Email: CreativeArtsDegreeShow@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/sca/eventsandnews/degreeshows.shtml

Appearance Matters 4 Date: 22 June 2010 - 23 June 2010Venue: Wills Building, University of Bristol,UK

Appearance Matters 4 is a two day conference highlighting current research and good practice around appearance-related issues including visible

difference, ethics, information provision, education, the media, resilience, identity, weight, provision of care, psychosocial interventions and areas for further research.

Admission: See website for rates Contact: Appearance Matters Team Telephone: 0117 32 83967 Email: CAR@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/events/appearancematters/index.shtml

Family Business Growth Conference2010: Buying and Selling your Business Date: 22 June 2010 (Time: 09:00 – 16:00)Venue: Bristol Business School

A one day conference that will present the latest thinking on buying and selling your small or medium-sized business.

Contact: Gwen Coombs Telephone: 0117 328 3660 Email: familybusiness@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/bbs/research/centient/enterprise/growth.shtml

The Fourth Wall: Paintings by StephenFarthing RA Date: 23 June 2010 - 4 July 2010Venue: Royal West of England Academy, Clifton, Bristol

Admission: £4, (concessions £2.50). Children Free Telephone: 0117 973 5129 Email: info@rwa.org.uk

For more information visit: http://www.rwa.org.uk/

Department of Primary, Early Childhood and Education StudiesResearch Seminar Series Date: 24 June 2010 (Time: 18:00-19:30)Venue: The Street Cafe, S Block, FrenchayCampus

The Primary, Early, Childhood and Education Department of the School of Education is organising a series of seminars to report on some of the Cambridge Primary Review's

recommendations; to disseminate research relating to the recommendations and to stimulate debate amongst all those interested in children's wellbeing, and their education and futures.

Admission: Free Contact: Sue Tainton Telephone: 0117 32 84222 Email: sue.tainton@uwe.ac.uk

UWE bettertogether Awards 2010 andthe Vice-Chancellor's end of academicyear staff event Date: 25 June 2010 (Time: 12:00-14:00)Venue: Exhibition and Conference Centre,Frenchay Campus

Contact: Sue Fox Telephone: 0117 32 82608 Email: sue.fox@uwe.ac.uk

Photogravure Masterclass Date: 29 June 2010 - 2 July 2010Time: 9:30 - 16:30Dr Paul ThirkellVenue: Centre for Fine Print Research,Bower Ashton Campus, UWE

Admission: £820 (£656 concessions) Contact: Centre for Fine Print Research Telephone: 0117 32 85864 Email: CFPRinfo@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/sca/courses/photogravure_masterclass.shtml

Global Ethics: 10 years into themillennium Date: 30 June 2010 - 2 July 2010Speakers include: Simon Caney (Universityof Oxford) and Darrel Moellendorf (SanDiego State Uni)Venue: Frenchay Campus

Admission: Non-student: 3 days- £200; Student: 3 days- £75 Contact: Dr Christien van den Anker Email: globalethics@uwe.ac.uk

For more information visit: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/hlss/politics/ngehr/conferences.shtml

what'son