February 2015Issue 4 Volume 12

unilifeResearchbeaconslight up

The free magazine for The University of Manchester

Message from the President

The results of the national Research Excellence Framework (REF),which reports on the quality of research at higher educationinstitutions in the UK over the period from the start of 2008 to theend of 2013, were announced on Thursday, 18 December 2014.

Contact usNews and story ideasMikaela Sitfordtel 0161 275 2112email uninews@manchester.ac.ukwww.manchester.ac.uk/staffnet/newsDeadline 11 February 2015

Events and listings informationtel 0161 275 8250email unievents@manchester.ac.ukDeadline 11 February 2015

Ads tel 0161 275 8250email uninews@manchester.ac.ukDeadline 11 February 2015

Next issue 2 March 2015 NewsManchester’s researchprowess confirmed

NewsUniversity honours soprano and astrophysicist

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e submitted 1,652 staff (1,561 FTEs) as part of 35 submissions to 30 units ofassessment (subjects), making ours one of the broadest submissions of any

university. The proportion of eligible staff weincluded in our REF return was almost identical(~80%) to the previous Research AssessmentExercise (RAE) which took place in 2007/8.

Like all universities, we were assessed on the basis of the quality of our ‘outputs’ (which are mostlypublications); ‘impact cases’ demonstrating thesocial and economic benefit of research dating backto 1993; and ‘environment’ describing our researchenvironment, our strategy, plans and research training.

For each unit of assessment, independent panelsassigned a profile to outputs with percentages inthe categories of 4* (world-leading), 3*

(internationally excellent), 2* (internationallyrecognised) and 1* (nationally recognised). This carried a weighting of 65%. It was combinedwith similar profiles for impact (weighted at 20%)and environment (15%). By weighting the profiles4/3/2/1 the result is a composite measure known as Grade Point Average (GPA).

The overall GPA of our university was 3.16, meaningthat over 80% of the research we submitted wasscored as 4* or 3*. We did particularly well onresearch environment and impact. The latter isespecially important because of our emphasis ondemonstrating the social and economic value of our research.

On another important measure of research success - research power (GPA times the number of staff submitted), the University was ranked

5th behind University College London, Oxford,Cambridge and Edinburgh.

Particular successes across a range of measures were in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Chemical andManufacturing Engineering; Allied Health Professions(Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy); Anthropology and Development Studies; Biological Sciences; Business and Management Studies; ComputerScience and Informatics; Electrical and ElectronicEngineering/Materials; Modern Languages andLinguistics; Physics and Astronomy; and Sociology.

So our preliminary analysis indicates that there ismuch to celebrate in the results. Over the comingweeks we will review our results in more detail toidentify areas where we need to improve and considerany actions necessary. We have already identifiedsome areas where we need to do much better.

What it already clear is that we submitted fewerstaff than in the RAE 2008, while some otheruniversities grew in size - in some prominent casesdue to mergers and acquisitions. We now need to

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At the architecture model workshop’s exhibition

With Helen Taylor and Terry Flanagan at Mahdlo youth centre

Contents2 Message from the President

4 News

8 Research

12 Features

18 What’s On

20 Making a Difference

Front cover: Research at the ManchesterInstitute of Biotechnology, part of our newResearch Beacons (see page 12).

Photo by Peter Carr

ResearchSoftware to automatically outline bones in x-rays

FeatureWhitworth opens its art this month

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consider how we respond to that challenge giventhat there are not many research institutes on ourdoorstep that we can acquire and we can’t justrecruit more world-class scholars without makingsavings elsewhere.

Over the period of assessment for REF, our researchgrant and contract income was largely staticindicating that our research activity did not growsignificantly. More recent evidence (post REF) showsthat the value of our research grants and contractshas been increasing substantially, so we now needto embed this good practice across all disciplinesand not only continue, but enhance, this trajectory.

We also need to increase the volume and proportionof research at international quality (3 and 4*) andthis is recognised in our research strategy. We havebeen focussing on the quality of research outputsand have seen improvements in the number ofhighly cited publications – 25% of our publicationsare in the top 10% for their fields over the past yearcompared with 22% the previous year. Thisimprovement is welcome but needs to continue.

The most recent ‘Stock Take’ report, which assesses theUniversity’s performance against our Manchester 2020goals after the period of submission to REF, indicatessuccess in most aspects of research, particularly so inindustrial collaborations and invention disclosures.

Nevertheless, it is clear that we need to furtherimprove our research performance if we are toachieve our ambitions and compete globally. Inorder to do this we will need to be ever morefocussed on areas of excellence if we are to providethe necessary investments in people andinfrastructure to be among the best.

The funding outcomes of the REF will not be known for several months, but as a result of ourreduced volume, it is likely that this will mean alower income from QR (quality research) fundingfrom the Higher Education Funding Council forEngland (HEFCE).

At the Board of Governor’s planning andaccountability conference in March, we will beplanning future actions in all areas of University

activity and over the next six months will be‘refreshing’ our strategic plan – Manchester 2020 –to take into account many external factors and the results of REF.

Research is fundamental to The University ofManchester, both the discovery of new knowledgeand its application for social and economic value.Research also informs and enriches teaching, ourstudents’ choice of university and their experience,and is a major underpinning part of our socialresponsibility agenda. We must therefore remaincommitted to the highest quality of research inorder to meet the vision and goals of The Universityof Manchester.

President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nancy Rothwell

Vice-President for Research and Innovation Professor Luke Georghiou

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Visiting Broadfield Primary School with Professor Brian Cox. Photo Courtesy of Oldham Sixth Form College

News

The Purple PigChallenge

Whitworth Directornamed Cultural HeroMaria Balshaw, Director of the Whitworth Art Gallery, has been named CityLife CulturalHero 2014.

Maria – currently overseeing a £15 milliontransformation of the gallery – has beenselected from a shortlist packed withinfluential people from around GreaterManchester as the person who had made thegreatest mark on the region in 2014.

Maria, who is also director of Manchester ArtGallery and the Costume Gallery, was singledout by the Manchester Evening News for her‘vision to take the Whitworth Art Gallery intoa new era’.

• For more details of the Whitworth’srelaunch, on Saturday 14 February, turn topages 14.

University storms up equality indexhe University has risen up the StonewallWorkplace Equality Index, not only enteringits Top 100 Employers but going straight to position 43, out of approximately

400 organisations. It is the third highest university in the Index.

Stonewall is Britain’s leading tool for employers tomeasure their efforts to tackle discrimination andcreate inclusive workplaces for lesbian, gay andbisexual employees.

This is the fourth year running that the Universityhas seen improvement, rising from 235 in 2011, to 161 in 2012, to 158 in 2013.

This remarkable improvement of 115 places reflectsthe hard work of ALLOUT, the LGBT Staff NetworkGroup, and the support of the senior managementteam, business areas and staff and students.

The high placing also sends a positive message ofinclusion to existing staff and students, potentialemployees, future students and the general publicand directly aligns with the University’s 2020 agendaand HR’s people strategy.

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Dementia servicesleader made CBE

rofessor Alistair Burns has been made a CBE inthe Queen’s New Year Honours for services tohealth and social care, particularly dementia care.

Professor Burns – the National Clinical Director forDementia in England – is Vice-Dean for ClinicalAffairs in the University’s Institute of Brain,Behaviour and Mental Health, Professor of Old AgePsychiatry and an Honorary Consultant Old AgePsychiatrist in the Manchester Mental Health andSocial Care Trust (MMHSCT).

He became the University’s Foundation Chair of Old Age Psychiatry in 1992, where he has been Head of the Division of Psychiatry and is DeputyDean of the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences.

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Senior managers support the launch of our participation in Pride

Professor Alistair Burns CBE

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The University has launched the Purple PigChallenge, inviting members of ourcommunity to become part of the tradition of philanthropy here stretching back to 1824.

The Purple Pig Challenge aims to raiseawareness about the importance andcollective impact of small, regular donationsto the University by asking students, staff andfriends to collect a Purple Pig (pictured), fill it with small donations each month, andreturn those donations in March 2015. Morethan 250 students and staff are taking part.

Participants will also be given the opportunityto vote on the cause which will be supportedby their donations.

Maria Balshaw

he University’s place as one of the UK’s topresearch universities was confirmed in theresults of the 2014 Research ExcellenceFramework (REF).

REF is the new system for assessing the quality ofresearch in UK higher education institutions,replacing the Research Assessment Exercise.

The results shows that 83% of research activity hereat Manchester is judged to be “world-leading” (4*)or “internationally excellent” (3*), with 35% at 4*.

This confirms the University’s place as one of theUK’s top research universities – in fifth place in termsof research power (grade point average timesnumber of staff submitted; and on 4*/3* timesnumber of staff submitted).

We had one of the broadest submissions of anyuniversity in the UK, with research evaluated in

35 discipline areas. The University was recognised asexcellent in disciplines which span the full range ofacademic research, including Aeronautical,Mechanical, Chemical and ManufacturingEngineering; Allied Health Professions (Dentistry,Nursing and Pharmacy); Anthropology andDevelopment Studies; and Biological Sciences.

The REF exercise also recognised our excellentresearch environment and how our research is havinga genuine influence on the real lives of people, as evidenced by a series of impact cases studies,from new drugs and inventions to public policy.

• Turn to pages 2 and 3 for a joint message about our REF results from President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwelland Vice-President for Research and InnovationProfessor Luke Georghiou.

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he University will be home to a £235 millionadvanced materials institute following thelargest single funding agreement in its history.

The new national research and innovation centrewas announced by Chancellor George Osborne inhis Autumn Statement.

The Sir Henry Royce Institute for Materials Researchand Innovation will allow the UK to grow its world-leading research base in advanced-materialsscience, which is fundamental to all industrialsectors and the national economy.

The new Institute, supported by industrial partners,will have its centre in Manchester, supported bysatellite centres or ‘spokes’ at the founding partners, comprising the universities of Sheffield,Leeds, Liverpool, Cambridge, Oxford and ImperialCollege London.

The nuclear materials component of the centre, one of 14 such components, will be supported byfacilities at the National Nuclear Laboratory in Cumbria.

President and Vice-Chancellor Professor DameNancy Rothwell said: “This considerable investmentin UK science is testament to the outstandingresearch in advanced materials carried out inManchester and at the new Institute’s partnerorganisations.”

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Award for e-MERLINtelescope team

Healthcare leaderawarded prestigiousfellowshipProfessor of General Practice, Aneez Esmailhas been presented with a Higher EducationAcademy (HEA) Principal Fellowship award.

He was awarded the prestigious fellowship,the highest level of achievement given by theHEA, for his leadership and significantcontribution to his field.

Professor Esmail is the Director of NIHRGreater Manchester Primary Care PatientSafety Translational Centre (GreaterManchester PSTRC), based in the Faculty ofMedical and Human Sciences’ Institute ofPopulation Health.

He has published significant research relatingto public health and primary care and isinternationally recognised for his research on discrimination in the medical profession.He was also the University’s Associate VicePresident for Social Responsibility and Equalityand Diversity until September 2014.

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University home to£235m advancedmaterials institute

Professor Kostya Novoselov andChancellor George Osborne

Manchester’s researchprowess confirmed

A team who helped develop one of theworld’s most powerful radio telescopes hasbeen recognised by the Royal AstronomicalSociety (RAS).

After spending the last ten years designing,building and operating the new e-MERLINtelescope network, the team behind it –based at the University’s School of Physics andAstronomy and its Jodrell Bank Observatory –have won the 2015 RAS team award.

The small team have delivered what is nowone of the world’s most powerful radiotelescopes, created by linking seven individuallarge dishes across the UK, including the iconicLovell Telescope, via a dedicated optical fibrenetwork to a powerful correlator at Jodrell Bank.

e-MERLIN is now being used by hundreds ofastronomers around the world studying theformation of stars and planets to theevolution of galaxies and probes of darkmatter and dark energy.

The iconic Lovell Telescope

News

CampusMasterplan UpdateThis month’s issue of Unilife comes with thequarterly Campus Masterplan Update whichprovides a round-up of stories about – and amap showing – the various capital projects.

This issue features the Fallowfield residentialcampus deal which has now been approvedby the City Council and which will see a3,000 bedroom student village created atOwens Park; news about the Whitworth ArtGallery re-opening; and a focus on theUniversity’s commitment to sustainabilityacross the projects.

New SocialResponsibilityAwardsThe University has launched 11 new awardsfor social responsibility for the 2014/15academic year.

The Making a Difference Awards willrecognise and celebrate the many differenttypes of social responsibility achievements ofthe University’s academic and professionalsupport staff, students and alumni.

Culminating in a major awards ceremonyhosted by the President and Vice-Chancellorin May 2015, the awards will cover categoriessuch as sustainability, community and publicengagement, and applied-teaching.

• For more information, see the insert included in this edition of UniLife or visit: www.socialresponsibility.manchester.ac.uk/get-involved/awards/

Patients to guideyoung doctorsTrainee doctors at the University’s MedicalSchool are to receive greater input into theirstudies from patients and the public, thanksto a significant donation from the Dr EdwinDoubleday Fund.

The £100,000 funding over five years willcreate the Doubleday Centre for PatientExperience and allows students to work withpatients and be assessed by them from thefirst year of study, in order to betterunderstand their needs, feelings and deliverbetter treatment.

Manchester Policy Week successnew infographic shows that over 2,500 people booked tickets for

Manchester Policy Week in 2014– an increase of more than 350%on the previous year.

It highlights a great success for theorganisers of policy@manchester,

who worked with academics andstudents from across the Universityand also external partners todeliver a week-long series ofpolicy discussion and debate withthe theme Addressing Inequalities.

Despite a significant increase inthe size and scope of Policy Week

in 2014, feedback from attendeesreveals that event quality andimpact also went up.

Highlights included an OpeningAddress from former DeputyPrime Minister Lord Heseltine.

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Museum lands prestigious prizeanchester Museum has won the prestigious Lever Prize 2015 for its

project for secondary and post-16students Real Life Science.

The Lever Prize is an annual awardgiven to arts organisations inNorth West England who arejudged to be regionally distinctivewith international or potentiallyinternational significance.

It is judged by the North WestBusiness Leadership Team (NWBLT),an independent group of influentialbusiness leaders who promote theregion’s economic development, inpartnership with Arts and Business.

The Real Life Science programmehelps secondary and post-16students to develop practicalinvestigative skills through scienceworkshops, uniquely combiningpractical science with theMuseum’s collection, and thechance to meet scientists fromacross the University.

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Aerial shot of campus

Manchester Museum

he University has presentedhonorary degrees to British dramatic soprano Susan

Bullock CBE and astrophysicistProfessor Dame Jocelyn BellBurnell DBE.

Susan Bullock was presented witha Doctor of Music (MusD) byProfessor Jeremy Gregory.

Her unique position as the world’smost sought-after British dramatic

soprano was recognised with theaward of a CBE in June 2014. Her notable engagements includehighly popular appearances at theLast Night of the Proms 2011 andat the closing ceremony of theLondon 2012 Olympic Games.

Professor Dame Jocelyn BellBurnell DBE, FRS, PRSE FRAS waspresented with a Doctor of Science(DSc) by Professor Steve Watts.

Bell Burnell is a Northern Irishastrophysicist. As a radioastronomy graduate student sheinadvertently discovered pulsars,opening up a new branch ofastrophysics – work recognised by the award of a Nobel Prize toher supervisor.

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Multi-talented actor returns to campus

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Election of newChancellor

Obituary: Sir John MasonSir John Mason, Chancellor of UMIST from1986 to 1996, has died aged 91.

An expert on cloud physics and formerDirector of the UK Meteorological Office, hiswork includes the Mason Equation, giving thegrowth or evaporation of small water droplets.In the 1960s, he helped to modernise theWorld Meteorological Organization.

Knighted in 1979, his many achievementsincluded being appointed the world’s firstprofessor of cloud physics in 1961. He waselected a Fellow of the Royal Society andreceived the Charles Chree Medal of theInstitute of Physics, the Rumford medal, theBakerian Lectureship of the Royal Society, theGlazebrook Medal of the Institute of Physics,The Symons Gold Medal of the RoyalMeteorological Society and the Royal Medalof the Royal Society.

Sir John served UMIST as Chancellor from1986-96 and received honorary doctoratesfrom 12 universities.

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University honours soprano and astrophysicist

ctor Roger Allam returned to campus to receive an Outstanding Alumni Award.

Roger has been in a wide rangeof theatre, TV and film productionsand is best known for his roles inThe Thick of It and Endeavour.

Roger said: “To receive the award was an honour, and agreat surprise.”

Roger Allam (Drama, 1975) is oneof the UK’s most acclaimed and

versatile actors. A regular on stageand screen for almost forty years,he created the role of Javert in theevergreen musical Les Miserables,starred as the private secretary toQueen Elizabeth II in The Queenand became a household name asPeter Mannion MP in the BBC TVcomedy The Thick of It, and as DIFred Thursday in Endeavour for ITV.

He has been nominated for sixdifferent Laurence Olivier Awardsand won three times.

Professor Dame Joceleyn Bell Burnell (second left) receives her honorary degree

Susan Bullock (second left) receives her honorary degree

Roger Allam

Tom Bloxham

Nominations for the role of Chancellor can be made this month (23 February).

The Chancellor presides over meetings of the University’s General Assembly and theconferment of degrees, along with otherceremonial duties. The Chancellor also fulfilsan important ambassadorial role for theUniversity, working with the President andVice-Chancellor to promote the University’sachievements regionally, nationally andinternationally.

The Chancellor does not hold any paidappointment in the University and is elected bythe staff, members of the Alumni Association,and members of the General Assembly. Theyhold office for a period of up to seven years.

The current Chancellor of the University is Mr Tom Bloxham, whose term of officeends on 31 July 2015. The election toappoint the new Chancellor will thereforetake place over the next few months andnominations for this role can be made fromMonday, 23 February.

• For more information, visit: www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/chancellor-elections

Research

Depression indementia studiedA University study of more than 400 peoplein eight EU countries with severe dementiahas found that those residing in long-termcare homes are less likely to suffer fromdepressive symptoms than those living in thecommunity.

In the groups studied by Professor DavidChallis and his team, 37% of the 217 peopleliving in the community showed signs ofdepression compared to 23% of the 197 incare homes. It is one of the few studiescomparing similar groups of people living athome and in nursing homes.

Toughen up onunhealthy lifestylesMore public health interventions, along thelines of the smoking ban, are needed totackle so-called ‘lifestyle’ diseases, accordingto University academic Dr Stanley Blue.

Dr Blue, a lecturer in Social Sciences, calls fora courageous shift in public health policy,moving focus away from efforts to changeindividual behaviour and towards breakingsocial habits and practices that are blindlyleading us into bad health.

In a paper published in the journal Critical Public Health and co-authored withcolleagues at NICE and Lancaster University,Dr Blue says new ideas are needed to tackle non-communicable – or ‘lifestyle’diseases – including heart disease, cancer,asthma and diabetes.

It examines how some social practicesreinforce each other, such as getting atakeaway and watching TV, whereas others,such as drinking at home or going to thegym, compete for time in our busy days. The smoking ban is given as an example of a measure that effectively decoupled therelationship between going out for a meal or a drink and having a cigarette.

Dr Blue said: “Smoking, exercise and eating are fundamentally social practices,therefore we need to re-shape what isdeemed socially acceptable and normal in order to change them.”

The unbelievable underworld new study has pulled together research into the most diverse place on earth todemonstrate how the organisms below-groundcould hold the key to understanding how

the world’s ecosystems function – and how thoseorganisms are responding to climate change.

Published in Nature, the paper – by ProfessorRichard Bardgett from the Faculty of Life Sciencesand Professor Wim van der Putten of theNetherlands Institute of Ecology – not onlyhighlighted the sheer diversity of life that lives

below-ground, but also how the rapid responses ofsoil organisms to climate change could have far-reaching impacts on future ecosystems. It alsoexplored how the below-ground world can beutilised for sustainable land management.

Professor Bardgett explains: “Recent soil biodiversityresearch has revealed that below-groundcommunities not only play a major role in shapingplant biodiversity and the way that ecosystemsfunction, it can also determine how they respond toenvironmental change.”

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Cloud brighteningfor cooler planet

niversity scientists have identified the mostenergy-efficient way to make clouds morereflective to the sun in a bid to combatclimate change.

Marine Cloud Brightening is a reversiblegeoengineering method proposed to mitigate risingglobal temperatures.

Dr Paul Connolly has identified the best way ofpropelling a fine mist of salt particles high into theatmosphere to increase the albedo of clouds – the amount of sunlight they reflect back into space.This would then reduce temperatures on thesurface, as less sunlight reaches the Earth.

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Mites and ‘springtails’ from below-ground

Conceptualised image of cloud brightening shipCredit: John McNeill

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Rex Features

Researchdisproves Victorian dad stereotype

ictorian working-class fathersweren’t strict, distant andunaffectionate with their childrenaccording to research from

historian Dr Julie-Marie Strange.

Drawing on music hall songs, visual cultureand fiction, Dr Strange’s research followedthe Victorian working man through thefront door of his home to observe him atrest and at play with his children.

It revealed that men were incrediblyaffectionate with their children, very involved and injected laughter andfun into the home.

The study disproved the validity of thenegative stereotypes closely linked withthe Victorian working-class father likebeing absent, tyrannical, distant, drunk,violent and resentful of his children.

She said: “The term ‘Victorian father’ hasbecome shorthand for a man that is strict,distant and unaffectionate with hischildren. This shows how firmly thestereotype is imprinted in our culture. ButI found little evidence of this austere,absent man in my research.”

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App lets kids breathe easyesearchers at the University and CentralManchester University Hospitals NHSFoundation Trust have developed a newinteractive smartphone game which can help

children use a key asthma inhaler (‘a spacer’) far moreeffectively, allowing them to breathe more easily.

Getting young children to breathe into ‘spacers’ isnot always easy and can cause distress for bothchildren and adults. Dr Tariq Aslam was faced withsuch a problem for his son, Rafi, who experiencedrepeated distressing wheezing attacks.

This led Dr Aslam to create a new way of using a spacer by mounting a smartphone onto itprogrammed to display an interactive game linkedto the outflow valve of the mask.

Whenever a child breathes properly into the spacerthey see themselves winning on a game played onthe screen. For example, the child can ‘blow away’unfriendly characters to the hero or blow the hero’sboat across a river.

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An image from the app

£3 million for cuttingedge biotechnology

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University scientists have been awardednearly £3 million to develop new sustainableways of manufacturing the chemicals used in thousands of our everyday products.

Professor Nigel Scrutton and his team at theManchester Institute of Biotechnology areone of five beneficiaries of the BBSRC’sStrategic Longer and Larger Grants (sLoLaS)scheme which funds high-value, long-termresearch projects.

Fossil fuels currently provide the raw materialfor the manufacture of many everydayproducts that we take for granted includingpharmaceuticals, food and drink, plastics andpersonal care. The combined effect of fossilcarbon depletion and climate change areforcing us to replace fossil fuels with cleaner,more sustainable forms of energy.

In total £15.8 million is being handed to fiveresearch teams as part of the sLola scheme,which aims to provide world-leading teamslong-term funding and resources to addressmajor challenges.

Professor Scrutton’s five-year researchprogramme is at the heart of this agenda. His team will design bespoke biological partsand assemble them in novel ways to create abio-based production pipeline within asynthetic, engineered microbial biofactory. By adopting a production pipeline thatembraces the ‘design-build-test-deploy’ life-cycle they will turn knowledge assets intoinnovative chemicals production solutions tosupport industrial and academic drugdiscovery programmes.

Professor Scrutton says the grant is asubstantial boost for Manchester: “Our visionis to harness the power of synthetic biologyto propel chemicals and natural productsproduction towards ’green’ and sustainablemanufacturing processes.”

• Industrial biotechnology is one of our newResearch Beacons. For more informationturn to page 12.

Professor Nigel Scrutton

Research

Power lines and ill-health linkqueriedNew evidence suggesting that power linesand mobile phones do not cause physicalharm to humans has been found byresearchers at the University.

Several past studies have suggested that the magnetic fields created by phones, high-voltage power lines and other electricalequipment are harmful for humans. The International Agency for Research onCancer has categorised low frequencymagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic”.

The team, from the Faculties of Engineeringand Physical Sciences and Life Sciences,studied the effects of weak magnetic fields(WMFs) on key human proteins, includingthose crucial for health, and found that theyhave no detectable impact.

Dr Alex Jones said: “More work on otherpossible links will need to be done but thisstudy definitely takes us nearer to the pointwhere we can say that power-lines, mobilephones and other similar devices are likely tobe safe for humans.”

High-impactjournals might notboost careersEconomists working in academia are beingadvised to think twice before publishing inhigh impact journals.

New research led by Professor Dan Rigby,published in the American Journal ofAgricultural Economics, examined whethercareers were most enhanced by publishing inhigh impact journals.

The key findings were the lack of relationshipbetween journals’ impact factors and theperceived career payoffs from publishing in them.

Kidney disease dangerr Donald Ward has discovered that very smallchanges in the level of acidity in blood mayhave a detrimental impact on the health ofpatients with kidney disease.

His research at the Faculty of Life Sciences identifiedthat these very small changes prevent the body frombeing able to accurately monitor calcium levels.

This leads to too much of the hormone PTH beingreleased, which is likely to lead to a greater risk of calcium and phosphate damaging arteries. D

Computer says ‘yes’!

niversity scientists have developed acomputer model charting what happens in the brain when an action is chosen thatleads to a reward.

The model could provide new insights into themechanisms behind motor disorders such asParkinson’s Disease and also shed light on conditionsinvolving abnormal learning, such as addiction.

Dr Mark Humphries, from the Faculty of Life Sciences,explains: “We wanted to look at how we learn fromfeedback – particularly how we learn to associateactions to new unexpected outcomes.”

The model provides a common framework in which to place new findings on all aspects oflearning from outcomes and could reveal novelinsights into motor disorders and conditions such as addiction, where the association becomes sostrong that the action is repeatedly chosen evenwhen it is not appropriate to do so.

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Dr Donald Ward in the lab

How reward affects our brain

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Rex Features

Rex Features

Software to automatically outline bones in x-rays

esearch into disorders such as arthritis is to be helped by new software developed at the University which automatically outlines bones – saving thousands of

hours of manual work.

Amidst a national shortage of radiographers in theUK and an increasing requirement for researchers towork with large databases of radiograph images,the software is being designed to automatically pickout the shapes of bones in the images.

The system can already identify hips but theresearchers, led by Professor Tim Cootes from theUniversity’s Institute of Population Health, will nowadapt it to map out knees and hands and to be ableto learn to identify other bones and structureswithin the body.

The funding will allow further development toensure the system is accurate enough that it can beused in hospitals to help provide faster diagnosis ofproblems in patients.

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An image from the ‘bone finder’ software

Mind the gap rofessor Dan Davis and his team have beeninvestigating how different types of immunecells communicate with each other – and howthey kill cancerous or infected cells.

The Faculty of Life Sciences researchers, working incollaboration with GlaxoSmithKline, took moleculesof different sizes and colours and used microscopicimaging to see which size of molecule could get

into the gap between an immune cell and anothercell. They found that only the smaller moleculescould penetrate the gap.

Published in Nature Communications, their researchhighlights that some types of drugs aren’t able topenetrate the gap between the cells so they can’teasily reach targets within the gap to workeffectively.

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Images showing differently sized molecules entering or being excluded from synapses

Draining cancer’sfuel tank

Ethnic inequalitiesmapped across the country The lives of ethnic minorities across thecountry have been mapped by researchers atthe University’s Centre on Dynamics ofEthnicity (CoDE).

CoDE staff have drilled down into Censusdata to produce a profile ranking everydistrict in England and Wales by experiencesof education, employment, health andhousing, comparing the experience ofminority groups to White British residentsliving side by side in 2001 and 2011.

Despite Britain continuing to diversify, the work finds that differences in livingstandards for minorities and white Britishresidents have remained persistent since2000. Left alone, the problem will not solveitself, academics warn.

Dr Nissa Finney said: “These inequalities are not, and will not, disappear of their own accord.”

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Scientists at the University have discovered a potential weakness in cancer’s ability toreturn or become resistant to treatment, by targeting the ‘fuel’ part of stem cellswhich allows tumours to grow.

The researchers based at the Institute ofCancer Sciences and the Cancer Research UKManchester Institute, led by Professor Michael P. Lisanti (pictured), investigated therole of mitochondria which produce andrelease energy within cells.

They discovered that mitochondria areespecially important for the proliferativeexpansion and survival of cancer stem cells.

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Feature

orld-class research is the first goal ofour Manchester 2020 strategy. Our aimis to be among the top 25 researchuniversities in the world by 2020.

We’re fortunate to have a wide range of high-quality research activity that is rivalled byfew other universities. In the recent ResearchExcellence Framework, we made submissions in 35 discipline areas. Much of our researchcombines expertise from across disciplines,making the most of the opportunities that oursize and breadth of expertise affords.

The University has identified five ‘researchbeacons’ where we have a uniqueconcentration of high-quality research activityand are at the forefront of the search forsolutions to some of the world’s biggestchallenges. These are:

• Industrial biotechnology

• Energy

• Cancer

• Advanced materials

• Addressing global inequalities

This month, we look at how our industrialbiotechnology experts are finding sustainablealternatives to the petrochemicals used tomanufacture the goods we use every day.

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Global challenges,Manchester solutions

PhD student Ashley Philips lines up nano-electrospray tip to ion mobility mass spectrometer

PhD student Robin Hoeven performs a DNA transformation

The University hasidentified five ‘researchbeacons’ where we have aunique concentration ofhigh-quality researchactivity and are at theforefront of the search forsolutions to some of theworld’s biggest challenges. In a series of five features,UniLife looks at them inmore depth.

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Industrial biotechnologyEnding manufacturing’s reliance on carbon

Fossil fuels have been the primary energy source forsociety since the Industrial Revolution. They providethe raw material for the manufacture of manyeveryday products that we take for granted,including pharmaceuticals, food and drink,materials, plastics and personal care.

But our dependency cannot continue. The combinedeffect of fossil carbon depletion and climate changemeans we must find cleaner, more sustainablealternatives. We need solutions that will help usrespond to society’s grand challenges: an everincreasing and ageing population, affordablehealthcare, resource efficiency, food security, climate change and energy shortages.

The bio-industrial revolution

Just as Manchester was at the heart of the firstIndustrial Revolution, The University of Manchesteris now leading the way, both nationally and acrossEurope, towards a bio-industrial revolution. We’re atthe forefront of a European industrial renaissance,creating next-generation chemicals for industrial and healthcare needs.

Using biological resources such as plants, algae,fungi, marine life and micro-organisms, industrialbiotechnology (IB) is changing how we manufacturechemicals and materials, as well as providing us witha source of renewable energy.

“IB really is at the core of sustainable manufacturingprocesses. It’s certainly the future as we globally movefrom petrochemical to bio-based manufacturingcapabilities,” explains Professor Nigel Scrutton,Director of the University’s Manchester Institute ofBiotechnology (MIB).

“IB provides an attractive alternative to traditionalmanufacturing technologies to commerciallyadvance and transform priority industrial sectors.

It’s yielding more and more viable solutions for ourenvironment in the form of new chemicals, new materials and bioenergy.”

The potential impact on everyday life is huge. IB could spare 33 million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year – the equivalent of the energy use of 2.5 million homes. It could produce detergents thatsave households 30% of electricity by being able towash laundry at 30°C. Half of all our medicines willcome from biotechnology this year.1

Our biotechnology expertise

In the MIB, the University has one of Europe’sleading industry-interfaced institutes, with world-leading capabilities in chemicals synthesis andmanufacture. Professor Scrutton believes that thescale and breadth of research activity at theUniversity enables us to look beyond the immediateor traditional fields to find innovative approachesthat draw upon our varied expertise.

“The University is a beacon of interdisciplinaryresearch. Manchester’s vision and commitment toteam-based research was realised in 2006 in thedelivery of the MIB, the UK’s first purpose-builtinterdisciplinary biocentre. Research institutes of this type are really the engine rooms for drivinginterdisciplinary science, uniting skills and expertisefrom a range of disciplines in highly collaborativeprogrammes,” he explains.

“Here at MIB, for example, we’re making significantbreakthroughs in the areas of IB and synthetic biology,where a multidisciplinary approach is absolutelyfundamental to success, drawing on disciplines suchas organic and synthetic chemistry, biochemistry,molecular biology, enzyme kinetics, genomics,proteomics, bio-informatics and bioprocessing.”

The University partners with some of the world’sleading companies from across the chemistry,biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors –including GlaxoSmithKline, Shell, Unilever and Pfizer–to drive the creation of new bio-based chemicals.

The future

As the 21st century progresses and we movetowards more bio-based economies, we needsolutions for the manufacture of chemicals that are smarter, more predictable and more sustainable.

At The University of Manchester we’re advancing this agenda and have the capacity to deliver renewable and sustainable materials,biopharmaceuticals, chemicals and energy that will transform the UK and European industrial landscape.

At a glanceIndustrial biotechnology in Manchester

• The University leads four of theBiotechnology and Biological SciencesResearch Council’s Networks in IndustrialBiotechnology and Bioenergy (NIBBs).

• 30% of the MIB’s research portfolioinvolves overseas partners.

• MIB drives successful UK and internationalprogrammes in the fine chemicals areas.For example, the Institute produced newoxidase enzymes now used commerciallyby Codexis to manufacture building blocks for the new hepatitis C drugsTelaprevir and Bioceprevir.

• The University’s grant portfolio in industrial biotechnology is worth morethan £100 million.

References1 EuropaBio. Biotechnology Industry Manifesto 2014-2019

for the European Parliament and new Commissioners.

Research Associate Dr Hanan Messiha investigates enzyme mechanisms inside an anaerobic glovebox

14

Feature

ince 2005, the Whitworth’saudience has increased by120%. In 2013, the Whitworthwelcomed almost 190,000

visitors and its formal learningprogramme reaches 12,000 primaryand secondary school pupils annually.

The gallery was “bursting at theseams,” according to Director MariaBalshaw, and the new development hasdoubled the public space with amazingnew facilities such as expanded galleryspaces, a collections centre, a learningstudio and study centre allowing the

gallery to welcome more visitors,engage more school children andpresent more and larger exhibitions.

The opening programme, leadingwith a major solo exhibition from oneof Britain’s most acclaimedcontemporary artists Cornelia ParkerMBE, will celebrate the Whitworth’seclectic and extensive collection ofhistorical and contemporary fine art,textiles and wallpapers.

For the reopening weekend of 14 and15 February, the Whitworth has

compiled a compelling programme of events including 15 curator-ledexhibition tours, nine ‘study centreconversations’ between curators andleading University academics, a literarysalon, performances and a fireworkdisplay in the new art gardenaccompanied by the 80-strong Halle Youth Orchestra.

All the opening weekend’s events arefree and full details are at:www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth

S

Whitworth opensits art this month

Unmanned Nature, Cai Guo-Qiang, 2008

Artist’s impression of the gallery’s East Elevation on Oxford Road

The Whitworth Art Gallerywill reopen its doors onSaturday 14 February2015, Valentine’s Day,following a £15 milliontransformation. The gallerywas bursting at the seamsand the new developmenthas doubled the publicspace, but more than thatit has reimagined itscommunity-spiritedheritage to create anamazing public space for the21st century. Here UniLifelooks forward to its brightand beautiful future.

15

n 1889, the Whitworth was England’s first art gallery to be built in a park. In 2014, the building has

been transformed to bring the insideout, and outside in.

Whitworth Park was originallydedicated to ‘children andneighbours’ and the gallery wants torekindle this with two new posts.

Funding from the Esmee FairbairnFoundation will bring a new CulturalPark Keeper, Francine Hayfron, whosespecific task will be to bring art,nature and people together.

Francine says: “I am passionate aboutusing outdoor creative activities toenhance people’s wellbeing and lives,so I am really excited about thejourney ahead here at the Whitworth.”

In its original form, the park keeper’srole was more focussed oncommunity engagement than keepingvisitors off the grass so theWhitworth’s cultural park keeper willengage ‘children and neighbours’with programmes and activities with a focus on existing park users andnew audiences. Francine will forge

new local partnerships, manage alarge team of volunteers and createmore opportunities to bring theoutside in and vice versa.

Francine’s work will be supported by a second new appointment,Landscape and SustainabilityTechnician, Patrick Osborn.

The Whitworth redevelopment hasnot only opened up the gallery to thepark with its new parkside entranceand art garden, it has alsocommissioned several new sculpturesfor the park. Patrick’s role will be toensure the highest qualitymaintenance and upkeep of the much expanded landscape areas and outdoor environment.

Patrick says: “I am planning toencourage a wide array of diversity inthe garden of both plant and animallife and particularly looking forward to setting up our bee hives.”

Both Francine and Patrick are reallyexcited to be part of a newprogramme that has reimagined therole of park keeper for 21st centuryManchester.

I

Bringing art, nature and people together

Dishing up home-growndelights

he new Whitworth café – overlooking the newly-designedArt Garden and historic

Whitworth Park – will have a familiarface at the helm with the return ofaward-winning chef Peter Booth withhis company, The Modern Caterer.

Peter established The Modern Catererat the Whitworth in 2004 and hisunderstanding of the Whitworth’scommitment to deliver a unique andauthentic experience is echoed in thenew menu, influencing the way thefood is sourced and produced.

He has developed a menu bothtraditional and inspired, with aselection of dishes created exclusivelyfor the Whitworth. Highlights willinclude Orchard Garden smokedsalmon, smoked onsite, and aWhitworth-own sloe gin usingspecially planted fruit trees.

Peter says: “The new café andrestaurant will offer the very best inseasonal organic food and drink thatis expertly sourced and creates big,bold flavours in a stunning newenvironment.”

T

Francine Hayfron and Patrick Osborn on site

Artist’s impression of the Café in the Trees

16

Feature

upporting the University’s strategic goal to deliver an outstanding learning and student experience, My Learning Essentials encourages our students to be proactive,

independent learners, empowering them to identifytheir own areas for development and enabling them to seek opportunities for improvement.

In order to deliver My Learning Essentials to such alarge student body, a flexible and responsivestructure is paramount.

The programme features online and face-to-faceelements which work in tandem to deliver supportto students at the point of need, whether they areworking on a literature review at 2am or planningahead for a presentation or exam.

Both elements use a student-centred and highlyinteractive style, which has achieved significantrecognition for its pedagogy and engaging use oftechnology, including a Blackboard Catalyst Awardfor Innovative Blended Learning.

Everything on the programme is constantlyevaluated in order to inform its future direction andthe student voice is given centre stage.

All resources and workshops are developed inresponse to a demonstrated student need, and student feedback is used to constantly adaptand develop the programme to ensure that theLibrary is providing our students with the rightsupport at the right time.

My Learning Essentials will now continue to develop as part of the University’s My Manchester Plus

SMy Learning Essentials, the Library’scomprehensive skills programme, is making a huge impact on theprogression, development andsuccess of our students. Over 15,000students have become regular usersof the programme in just the first 18 months, and its community ofusers and contributors continues togrow. Here UniLife looks at itsaward-winning work.

To find out more about My LearningEssentials or talk about future development,visit www.manchester.ac.uk/my-learning-essentials, follow us on Twitter(@mlemanchester) or email us atmle@manchester.ac.uk

Putting our studentscentre stage – and onthe road to success

project, which aims to bring together a comprehensiverange of co-curricula development opportunitieswhich support student learning, wellbeing andemployability from across the University.

The Library is also keen to embed the programmefurther into curricula in partnership with ouracademic colleagues to enable it to provide more ofour students with direct access to opportunities todevelop the skills essential for success in their studies.

Students on a My Learning Essentials workshop

17

Listings

What’s On

18

ManchesterMuseum

EXHIBITIONS

Siberia: At the Edge of the WorldSaturday 4 October 2014 - Sunday 1 March2015

Romuald Hazoumè: Dance of theButterflies 14 February 2015 - December2015

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Baby Explorers 3 February 2015, 10.30am and 17 February2015, 11am - 2.30pm (book on 0161 2752648, free)

Living Worlds16 - 20 February 2015 (drop in, free)

Magic Carpet27 February 2015, 10.30am (book on 0161275 2648, free)

Early Opening for Early Birds28 February 2015, 9am - 10am (drop in, free)

Big Saturday: Climate Science Challenge28 February 2015, 11am - 4pm (drop in, free)

TALKS, TOURS AND WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS

Manchester Museum sings1 February 2015, 2pm - 4.30pm (book online at mcrmuseum.eventbrite.com or phone 0161 275 2648, free)

English Corner 3 February 2015, 1pm - 2.30pm (drop in, free)

Collection Bites: Rah-rah, Senenmut -Lover of the Egyptian Queen?4 February 2015, 1pm - 2pm

Tour of Siberia: At the Edge of the World11 February 2015, 1pm and 25 February2015, 9am - 10am (book online atmcrmuseum.eventbrite.com or phone 0161 275 2648, free)

From Amulets to Golden Flies:Understanding Egyptian Jewellery14 February 2015, 9.15am – 4.30pm (book onegyptologyonline.ls.manchester.ac.uk/events)

Talk: Romuald Hazoumè on Dance ofthe Butterflies14 February 2015, 3pm - 4pm (book on0161 275 2648, free)

Opening times Tues – Sat 10am - 5pm

The Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester 0161 275 2648manchester.ac.uk/museum Follow us on Twitter @McrMuseum facebook.com/ManchesterMuseum

John RylandsLibrary (Deansgate)

EXHIBITIONS

Loving Illumination - Paintings of Light4 December 2014 - 29 March 2015

Merchants of Print: from Venice toManchester29 January 2015 - 21 June 2015

Later Day Saints23 January 2015 - 28 June 2015

TOURS

Printing Press Demonstrations3, 9, 19, 27 February 2015, 10am - 2pm

Introductory tourEvery Wednesday and Friday, 3pm

Striking Gold4 February 2015, 12noon - 1pm

Explorer tour10 February 2015, 3pm - 4pm and 22February 2015, 11am - 12pm

Unusual Views: Library tours forphotographers17 February 2015, 11am - 12pm

Tour en Français - French language only tour21 February 2015, 11am - 12pm

FAMILY

Toddler Tales5 February 2015 10.30am - 11.30am

Dragon tales7 February 2015 11am - 12pm

For further details of our events, please visitour website

FREE ADMISSION Public opening times: Sun-Mon 12pm –5pm, Tues – Sat 10am – 5pmReader opening times: Mon-Weds, Fri-Sat10am – 5pm, Thurs 10am – 7pmThe John Rylands Library 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH General/Reader Enquiries: 0161 275 3764 Email: uml.special-collections@manchester.ac.ukVisitor/Event Enquiries: 0161 306 0555Email: jrl.visitors@manchester.ac.uk

Jodrell BankDiscovery Centre

EVENTS

Lovell Lecture – PLATO: DiscoveringEarth-like planets around other stars5 February 2015, 7.30pm – 9pm (book on01477 571766, £8)

Meet the Expert16 - 20 February 2015 (free but normaladmission applies)

Solar System Science Show16 - 20 February 2015 (runs Monday toFriday at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm and last for 30 mins, free but normaladmission applies)

Telescope night25 February 2015, 7.30pm – 9pm (book on 01477 571 766, £20 adults / £18 concessions / 10% discount for annual pass holders)

Opening times10am-5pm

Jodrell Bank Discovery CentreMacclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9DL01477 571 766jodrellbank.net

Later Day Saints exhibition launches on 23 January 2015 and runs until 28 June 2015

The Merchant of Print exhibition launcheson 29 January 2015 and runs until 21 June 2015

19

The Whitworth Art Gallery

Reopens on 14 February 2015An art garden, sculpture terrace andorchard blur the line between the galleryand the park it calls home. A £15 milliondevelopment has created new spaces thatreflect its beautiful setting – and allow it todo more of what it does best: stageoutstanding exhibitions in one of the mostremarkable galleries in the north.

Fall in love again: theWhitworth’s opening weekend14 - 15 February 2015 (free)

To celebrate the reopening, the Whitworthteam will introduce the new spaces andexhibitions with an extraordinary scheduleof events throughout the weekend.Highlights of the programme include talkswith Cornelia Parker, Jeanette Wintersonand Stuart McKnight, performances in thenew art garden including a live performancefrom the Hallé Youth Choir and an eveningparty on Saturday 14 February with acollaborative performance by Italian artistNico Vascellari and French Musician,Ghédalia Tazartès.

THINGS TO DO

Saturday SupplementMonthly, 11am-4pm

Tuesday Talks 17, 24 February 2015, 3, 10 & 17 March2015, 11am-12.30pm (free)

Thursday Lates Each Thursday, 6pm-9pm (free)

Independent Art SchoolEach Thursday, 6.30pm-8.30pm (for pricesand to book, visit:theindependentartschool.com/Manchester)

Great Escape: Yoga and MovementFirst Thursday of the month, 8.30am-9.45am (£5)

Movement First Thursday of the month, 1pm-3pm (free)

Inside ViewLast Wednesday of the month, 1pm-2pm (free)

FAMILY EVENTS

Artist SundaysEach Sunday, 10am-5pm (drop in, free)

Outdoor Art Club, for ages 8+ First Saturday of the month, 10am-11.30am (free)

Artbaby – Musicbaby Each Wednesday, 10.15am-11.15am or11.30am-12.30pm (free, but please bookonline a week in advance)

Toddler Art Club Each Monday, 10.30am–11.30am or11.30am–12.30pm (free, but please bookonline a week in advance)

Early Years Atelier Each Monday, 10am-4pm (free)

Art Picnics Any time during gallery opening hours (free)

This is just a taster of what’s on. To read ourfull events programme or for furtherinformation and booking, visit theWhitworth’s website.

Watch this space for details of ourforthcoming outreach events...

Whitworth Art GalleryOxford Road, Manchester0161 275 7450email whitworth@manchester.ac.ukmanchester.ac.uk/whitworth

Chaplaincies

St Peter’s House Chaplaincy Sunday, 11am Holy Communion12.45pm Lunch (1st Sun)Sunday, 5.30pm Student Service (term-time only)Wednesday 12.15pm Eucharist, followedby free soup lunch (term-time only)

RC Chaplaincy Avila House Mass Times (term-time only)Sun, 7pm (in the Holy Name Church) nextdoor to the ChaplaincyMon, Tues, Thurs and Friday, 5.30pm in theChaplaincy ChapelWeds, 1.05pm in the Chaplaincy Chapel

The Jewish Student Centre andSynagogue07817 250 557Email Rabbi Ephraim Guttentag:ephraim@mychaplaincy.co.uk

Muslim Chaplaincy South Campus Mosque, McDougall CentreJammaat (Group Prayer) Daily Juma Prayer Friday 1.15pm Honorary Imam: Imam Habeeb,h_chatti@hotmail.com

North Campus MosqueBasement of Joule Library, Sackville StreetBuilding Jammaat (Group Prayer) DailyJuma Prayer Friday 12.30pm

The role of Volunteer Muslim Chaplain is toprovide pastoral support, guidance and alistening ear to Muslim staff and students.Chaplains’ contact details are available inthe prayer rooms or via St Peter’s House.

Gig GuideThe Martin HarrisCentre for Musicand Drama

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS

Walter Carroll Lunchtime ConcertSeries: Elizabeth Jordan: Clarinet worksof John Adams and Steve Reich12 February 2015, 1.10pm - 2pm (free)

Walter Carroll Lunchtime ConcertSeries: Psappha 19 February 2015, 1.10pm - 2pm (free)

Quatuor Danel Seminar: PerformingString Quartets (2)26 February 2015, 2.30pm - 3.30pm (free)

Walter Carroll Lunchtime Concert Series- Quatuor Danel Lunchtime Concert26 February 2015, 1pm - 2pm (free)

Manchester Universities String Society27 February 2015, 1.10pm - 2pm (free)

EVENING CONCERTS

MUMS Brass Band and Wind Ensembles7 February 2015, 7.30pm - 10pm (book on 0161 275 8951, £10.50/£6.50/£3

MUMS Symphony Orchestra21 February 2015, 7.30pm - 10pm (book on 0161 275 8951, £10.50/£6.50/£3)

Quatuor Danel Evening Concert (this concert is at Manchester Grammar School)27 February 2015, 7.30pm - 9.30pm (book on tinyurl.com/qymofnr, £10/£4)

MANTIS Spring 2015 Festival28 February 2015, 6pm - 7.30pm (book on 0161 275 8951,£8.50/£5.50/£3)

LITERATURE

Literature Live: Denise Riley andFrances Leviston16 February 2015, 6.30pm - 8.30pm (book on 0161 275 8951,£6/£4)

BBC Quiz The 3rd Degree25 February 2015, 6pm - 8.30pm (free)

The Martin Harris Centre for Music and DramaBridgeford Street, Manchester, M13 9PL0161 275 8951 email boxoffice@manchester.ac.ukmanchester.ac.uk/martinharriscentre

InternationalSociety

French EveningSaturday 14th February (prices/details to beconfirmed)

Ecuadorian EveningSaturday 28th February (prices/details to beconfirmed)

Opening times Mon-Fri 9.30am – 7pm

Small World Café opening timesMon-Fri 11am – 3pm

327 Oxford Road0161 275 4959 email int.soc@manchester.ac.ukinternationalsociety.org.uk

Wed 14 Jan Aaron Carter - £22.50

Fri 16 Jan Drowning Pool + WayneStatic (Static X) - £17.50Cancelled – refunds availablefrom point of sale.

Fri 16 Jan Empire Signal + Tom Walker+ No Sunlight + Ink - £6

Sat 17 Jan Alex Goot + Luke Conard -£10

Sat 17 Jan Colibra + Purple Merlin +Ashes Of The Wake +Creep Joint + Arcadia - £7

Tues 20 and Jan Northern Sessions -Wed 21 RNCM Popular Music Degree

Thurs 22 Jan Fever 105 with GregWilson - Doors 10pm –4.30am – this is an 18 +event - £10

Fri 23 Jan Tove Lo - £12

Sun 25 Jan Amon Amarth - £15

Sun 25 Jan Jessie Ware - £22

Tues 27 Jan King Creosote + SorrenMaclean - £15

Wed 28 Jan Lavrentis Machairitsas +Prospectus - £20

Fri 30 Jan Nazareth - £20

Fri 30 Jan Early Mojo + Jack TheRipper + Alfie Eastwick - £6

Fri 30 Jan Some Kind Of Illness +Alana Bondi + JoseyMarina + Trip Kings +Dave Sheard - £7

Sat 31 Jan Burgaboy - £12

Sat 31 Jan Kosheen - £17.50

Sat 31 Jan Joe + 112 + Ginuwine -£32.50

Sun 1 Feb Neck Deep + Knuckle Puck+ Trophy Eyes + Seaway -£10.50

Fri 6 Feb Milky Chance - £10

Fri 6 Feb Dillon Francis - £11.50

Fri 6 Feb Crown The Empire + Set ItOff + Dangerkids + AliveLike Me - £12

Sat 7 Feb Hudson Taylor + Southern- £11

Sat 7 Feb The Dunwells - £10

Sun 8 Feb Scott Bradlee & PostmodernJukebox - £17.50

Thurs 12 Feb 36 Crazyfists - £14

Fri 13 Feb Gruff Rhys - £15

Fri 13 Feb Freddie McGregor +Johnny Osbourne +Christopher Martin +Romain Virgo + Terry Linen- £27.50

Sat 14 Feb The Used - £18

Sat 14 Feb Kerrang Tour 2015 withDon Broco + We Are TheIn Crowd = BuryTomorrow + Beartooth -£16.50

Sat 14 Feb Chelsea Grin / Veil OfMaya - £12

Sun 15 Feb Saint Raymond - £10

Tues 17 Feb Arrested Development - £20

Tues 17 Feb The Decemberists - £18.50

Thurs 19 Feb Black Label Society + BlackTusk + Crobot - £20

Fri 20 Feb Jack Savoretti - £13

Fri 20 Feb Darlia + Nothing ButThieves - £8

Fri 20 Feb Enter Shikari - £19.50

Sat 21 Feb Gus G - £12

Sun 22 Feb Before You Exit andChristina Grimmie +Hannah Trigwell - £15

Mon 23 Feb Marmozets - £10

Tues 24 Feb Marduk / Belphegor -Doors 7pm - £16.50

Wed 25 Feb Fightstar - £15

Thurs 26 Feb Pond - £12.50

Fri 27 Feb Benjamin Booker - £8.50

Sat 28 Feb Music Beats Austerity withBilly Bragg + Grace Petrie -£20 solidarity / £10 standard/ £5 concession

Sat 28 Feb Attila + Silent Screams +Fathoms - £9. This has beenrescheduled from Monday13th October – Originaltickets remain valid.

Tickets fromStudents’ Union, Oxford RoadRoyal Court (Liverpool) 0151 709 4321 (c/c)Students’ UnionOxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL0161 275 2930 manchesteracademy.net

Manchester Academy 1, 2 and 3

Feature

The University’s strategic plan,Manchester 2020, lists one of ourgoals as contributing to the social and economic success of the local,national and international community.Through our engagement campaign,the University collects stories of howour staff, students and alumni aremaking a difference to society, andhere UniLife shares some of thosestories with you…

Next Issue 2 March 2015

M1256 01.15 The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL Royal Charter Number RC000797 Cert no. SGS-COC-3059

Three University colleagues get to meet some of our future students years before they get here – or before they get to any research-intensiveuniversity or, indeed, anywhere where they areleading a life they thought not possible.

It is a glimpse into the future that is as inspiring to them – and the dozens of University studentambassadors who work for their programme forsecondary schoolchildren, Gateways – as it is to the youngsters invited onto campus.

Emma Britain, Amy Barnett and Sarah Swithenbankare the team behind the award-winning Gateways,a campus-based activity programme for around2,000 Greater Manchester pupils from schools andareas where university attendance is low.

The programme helps the pupils – 12 from eachschool year group, from year 7 through to 11, from 42schools – to find out more about University, the rangeof academic subjects studied at Higher Education, as well as develop their skills and access informationand guidance about their own educational futures.

The activities are designed to fit their ages, whetherit be year 8s extracting DNA from strawberries oryear 11s presenting their enquiry-based learningtask results as any undergraduate would.

Student Recruitment and Widening ParticipationCoordinator Amy, who delivers the programme,says: “I get to see the impact the experience has on the pupils, I see them return year after year andhow they develop. It’s a great experience.”

Student Recruitment and Widening ParticipationOfficer Emma, who runs the programme andmanages the team, agrees: “I get to play with thedata, I remember their names, and we get to see a side of the kids that their parents and teachersmight not see.

“The children see that learning isn’t the sameeverywhere you go, that subject you don’t like atschool might be different here. It blows their minds.

“We get to dispel myths for both children andparents, for example that you need to have moneyto go to university, and remind them that all degreesgive you the chance to develop transferable skillsthat employers look for.

“And I have the opportunity to demonstrate theUniversity’s commitment to the community, which is really good experience for me.”

The team’s inspired work has been rewarded – they were presented with the NEON (NationalEducational Opportunities Network) WideningAccess Initiative Award, 2014.

Opening thegateway to a new future

(l-r) Sarah Swithenbank, Amy Barnett and Emma Britain

Student Ambassador Rummanah Chothia helps Year 8learners extract DNA from a strawberry