Bangor International November 2016

Bangor International November 2016

No. 1 in the UK for Student Accommodation WhatUni 2016

US Ambassador visits Bangor University Students from Bangor University and local secondary schools heard the US Ambassador to the UK, Matthew Barzun, talking about the ‘special relationship’ between the US and the UK at a special event at the University's Pontio centre on the 27th of September.

Ambassador Barzun discussed the relationship between the UK and the US – past, present and future and answered questions from the audience about the relationship and the challenges facing both countries, individually and collectively.

The Ambassador, who had learnt some Welsh for a previous visit to Wales, took the opportunity to say a few phrases in Welsh expressing his delight to be visiting Bangor and to further strengthen the ties between the United States and Wales.

Ambassador Barzun said: "In the face of global trends and unexpected political shifts on both sides of the Atlantic, it is easy to see ourselves as powerless to affect the trajectory of our lives, and yet the power to change in a democracy lies, as it always has, in ourselves.

Ambassador Barzun (centre) is greeted by University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hughes and Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the University's Chancellor “The people of the US and the UK have shown over generations that by listening to each other and working together in partnership, we can rise to meet our greatest challenges."

Bangor University's ViceChancellor, Professor John Hughes said: "Ambassador Barzun looked back at the past seven decades to demonstrate how individuals, communities and nations can build bridges - a theme particularly relevant to Pontio which means "to bridge" in Welsh."

www.bangor.ac.uk/international

Ambassador Barzun

Research News Bangor University through to As sea ice retreats, will wind stir up Atlantic water heat in the Arctic Ocean?

The Arctic region is warming up at twice the rate as the rest of the planet, and the most obvious symptom of this warming is the retreat of the sea ice that covers the Arctic Ocean.

Sea ice cover reaches its seasonal minimum around mid-September every year, and recent years have seen it reach record lows. 2016 looks set to become the second lowest on record since the record minimum of 2012.

As Arctic scientists tackle the extent to which the extreme Arctic warming is driven by external oceanic and atmopheric influences, researchers at Bangor University have found that there has been no evidence of increased stirring up of heat by winds from inflowing Atlantic water.

Professor Tom Rippeth, School of Ocean Sciences, explains: “A series a new measurements made by our research team during the ‘perfect storm’ of record low ice levels and the strongest Arctic storm ever recorded in summer, in August 2012, show that this is not the case. The measurements show that, despite the ice-free and stormy conditions, there was no evidence of increased stirring up of heat from the inflowing Atlantic water."

Read the full story here: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/ research/as-sea-ice-retreats-will-windstir-up-atlantic-water-heat-in-thearctic-ocean-28519

Sustain Wales Awards Finals Bangor University has reached the 2016 finals of the prestigious Sustain Wales Awards. The 2016 Awards will bring together over 150 business leaders, innovators, community pioneers, educators and their teams, and are open to any business, organisation or individual that can demonstrate a positive impact and approach to sustainable development within their business or community.

Building on the success of the inaugural Awards launched in 2015, the judges will be looking for outstanding examples from individuals and organisations that are helping to deliver the seven national goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, contributing to the environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability of life in Wales.

Delighted with making it to the finals, Dr Einir Young, the University’s Director of Sustainability, explained:

“It’s just over a year since The Sustainability Lab was established as the corporate focus of sustainability at Bangor University, acting as a hub and catalyst to bring sustainability to life in all aspects of what we do through our research, teaching and learning, public engagement and our campus affairs. It’s relatively early days on our journey towards becoming The Sustainable University so I was delighted to discover that we’ve made it to the finals.”

All nine winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on 17 November in Cardiff.

Dr Coetzer wins BPS Book of the Year 2016 Dr Coetzer, who holds a joint appointment with Bangor University and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has won the prestigious British Psychological Society (BPS) Book Award, with his book titled, ‘Working with Brain Injuruy: A primer for psychologists working in under-resourced settings”.

Dr Coetzer lectures on the MSc Principles of Clinical Neuropsychology and the fact that his book won the ‘Practitioner’ category is a excellent illustration of the exposure to modern neuropsychology practice that Clinical Neuropsychology MSc students get at Bangor.

Dr Coetzer said, “ Writing a book like this would not have been possible without the many years of support, intellectual stimualtion, encouragement and collaborative opportunities consistently provided by both of my ‘homes’ -

the North Wales Brain Injury Service, Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board NHS Wales, and the School of Psychology, Bangor University.”

Dr Coetzer’s co-author is Dr Ross Balchin, a clinical neuropsychologist based at Groote Schuur Hospital.

Hitachi-GE, Imperial and Bangor University developing of UK and Welsh BWR expertise

Research News Pharmaceutical companies are profiting from rare diseases

Image credit www.ccPixs.com

New research led by Bangor University shows that incentives intended to stimulate the development of more treatments for rare diseases are being exploited to boost the profits of pharmaceutical companies.

L-R: Professor John G. Hughes (Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University), Kumiaki Moryia (Corporate Chief Engineer at Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy Ltd.), Dr Michael Bluck, (Director of the Centre for Nuclear Engineering at Imperial College London)

Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd. (Hitachi-GE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Imperial College London and Bangor University, enhancing its commitment to support Welsh and British expertise.

Hitachi-GE will provide industry advice to Imperial and Bangor’s newly formed “Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) Research Hub and Network”, drawing on its extensive BWR experience to provide technical expertise and support.

This will include part-time deployment of a researcher to Bangor, and building on the existing programme of Japanese internships for UK students.

The announcement was made on the back of a successful technical conference hosted by the two Universities in Bangor last week.

Hitachi-GE is already supporting nuclear development in North Wales, providing the UK ABWR reactor to Horizon Nuclear Power for Wylfa Newydd, under contract to delivery team Menter Newydd.

President and Representative Director of Hitachi-GE, Hidetoshi

Takehara, said: “This is about helping create a deeper and broader pool of BWR expertise here in Wales and across the UK, supporting the engineers and industry of the future. This hub provides focus and coordination to BWR research, ensuring that Wales and the UK develop real expertise in BWR technology for now, and for the future. With development of the UKs first BWR proposed just up the road at Wylfa Newydd, this scheme helps ensure that project is a springboard to the UK becoming a world-power in its domestic expertise on BWR technology.”

Prof John G. Hughes, Vice Chancellor, of Bangor University, said:“We are delighted to partner with Imperial College, London with expert input from Hitachi-GE in this important development for the UK energy sector. This collaboration will enable Bangor University to help to build new academic and research capacity here in North Wales to create nuclear expertise in a new generation of scientists and engineers in the field of BWR technology.”

Researchers found that companies which market drugs for rare diseases (known as orphan drugs) are 5 times more profitable and have up to 15% higher market value than other drug companies.

The study, carried out by experts from Bangor University and the University of Liverpool, and published in PLOS ONE, examined the performance of 86 publicly-listed companies which produce nearly 200 orphan drugs. It did this by comparing with 258 matched control companies which are not manufacturers of orphan drugs.

Lead researcher, Dyfrig Hughes, Professor of pharmacoeconomics from the Centre for Health Economics & Medicines Evaluation at Bangor University’s School of Healthcare Sciences, said: “Our findings confirm previous concerns that companies are profiting excessively, and do this by setting very high prices on treatments for rare diseases.”

Read the full story here: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/ research/pharmaceuticalcompanies-are-profiting-fromrare-diseases-29215

Bangor College China News

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‘Bangor College China’ is the result of a successful partnership formed in 2014 with Bangor University and Central South University of Forestry and Technology in Changsha, China.

BANGOR UNIVERSITY

New Joint Research Centre creating a two way exchange programme to enhance students learning experience.

Also attending the opening ceremony were, British Consulate – General Guangzhou, HM Consul – General, Matthew Rous, Vice Director of Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs of the People’s Government of Hunan Province, Qiu Aihua and the CPC General Secretary of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Hu Changqing who lead the ceremony.

Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor, John G Hughes On October 20th, Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hughes along with the British Ambassador to China, Dame Barbara Woodward attended

the opening ceremony of a new Joint Research Centre between Bangor University and Central South University of Forestry and Technology (CSUFT) in Changsha, China.

‘Bangor College China’ was the first UK – China joint higher educational institution in Hunan Province and has provided a solid foundation on which the new Joint Research Centre has been established. The new centre will further stimulate the research collaboration between the two universities and help to develop joint postgraduate and PhD programmes.

British Ambassador to China, Dame Barbara Woodward, addressing attendees at the opening ceremony

Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hughes emphasized during the opening ceremony that one of Bangor University’s long term ambitions was to make Bangor College China a study abroad centre for Bangor students,

Following on from the success of ‘Bangor College China’, the partnership was shortlisted for the prestigious British Council ‘Educational Partnership of the Year 2016’ award.

Professor John Hughes, British Ambassador, Dame Barbara Woodward, Prof HU Changqing, the Party secretary of CSUFT, Prof LIAO Xiaoping, president of CSUFT Read the full story here: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/ university/british-ambassador-tochina-and-vice-chancellor-attendopening-ceremony-of-csuftbangor-university-joint-researchcenter-of-bangor-college-csuft2016-29308

New Memorandum of Understanding signed during CSUFT visit On the 21st September, the Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hughes welcomed a delegation of six senior staff from the Central South University of Forestry & Technology (CSUFT), China. Led by Prof Liao Xiaoping on his first overseas visit since his appointment as President, the visit marks the second year of teaching on Bangor University degree programmes at ‘Bangor College China’.

In addition to the current programmes of Accounting & Finance, Banking & Finance, and Electronic Engineering; BSc Forestry & Environmental Science also commenced teaching in September this year. A total of sixty-four students have transferred to Bangor this autumn to continue their studies, and are settling well into their new home.

During the visit, Prof Hughes and Prof Liao signed a Memorandum of Understanding to extend the co-operation between the two

L-R: Professor Liao Xiaoping and Bangor University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hughes Universities, by further developing collaborations in postgraduate education and research, particularly within the field of Forestry & Environmental Science.

Prof Morag McDonald, Head of the

School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography said,

“Both institutions have a long history of excellence in forestry, and the development of a PhD programme is the logical next step in furthering our collaboration”.

Meet the new ‘Forestry and Environmental Management’ students for 2016!

Dr Tim Pagella pictured left and Dr Andy Smith on the right with the new students

Dr Tim Pagella and Dr Andy Smith of the School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography gave the first lectures to Bangor College China (BCC) students studying Forestry and Environmental Management recently. Based in Changsha City, BCC delivers Bangor undergraduate programmes and teaching is delivered by both Bangor and CSUFT staff.

These students began by studying English for one year and then progressed to study their academic subject area in 2016, and they can choose to study at Bangor University in their second or third years, or can complete the entire programme in China. Dr Tim Pagella said:“We were very pleased with the high level of enthusiasm for learning about forestry from this first cohort of BCC students and were really impressed with their English ability. We are excited to see this programme evolve. It is a great place to teach Forestry and we are looking forward to expanding forestry teaching there over the coming years.”

Three Bangor Business School lecturers recognised for enhancing teaching and learning

Bangor Professor appointed to UK Research Council’s Science Board Bangor University commented: “It’s a sign of the high esteem in which Prof Thomas is held that he has succeeded in this appointment.

The appointment of Bangor University academics to roles such as this is also a clear signal of our research excellence and reflects well on the environmental research being conducted here.”

Professor David Thomas Three Bangor Business School lecturers have been recognised

by Bangor University for their contribution to enhancing teaching and learning.

Sara Closs-Davies (lecturer in Accounting), Dr Clair Doloriert (Lecturer in Management and Organisation) and Dr Sonya Hanna (lecturer in Marketing) picked up their award at the University’s annual CELT conference last week.

CELT (the Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching) gives Associate Awards to staff that have assisted the Centre in any of a number of ways over the past year, be that through delivering some teaching on the PGCertHE programme, marking a portfolio or mentoring staff in the early stages of their career.

Sara Closs-Davies was recognised for her role as an HEA Fellowship application reviewer; Dr Clair Doloriert for her role as a PGCertHE Teaching Advisor; and Dr Sonya Hanna for her contribution to the PGCertHE inductions.

Professor David Thomas, Head of the School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University, has been appointed to the Science Board of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the UK's largest funder of independent environmental science, training and innovation, delivered through universities and research centres.

The Science Board is the key advisory board which advises NERC’s Council's on scientific matters. It is responsible, among other things, for developing NERC's integrated science strategy and for advising on the balance of the science portfolio and advising on the strategic priority of funding new programmes and initiatives.

The post will commence in January 2017 for a period of two years, which can be extended for a further two years.

Prof Thomas said: “I look forward to contributing to the UK’s long-term strategy for research excellence in the environmental sciences. It is a remarkable opportunity to be given the chance to input at such a strategic level”.

Prof Jo Rycroft-Malone, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at

Prof Thomas is Head of School, Chair of Marine Biology and Director of Sêr Cymru National Research Network for Low Carbon, Energy and Environment, a major pan-Wales initiative funded by the Welsh Government Sêr Cymru initiative and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. The Network supports collaborative and interdisciplinary research in Wales into the interactions between land, water, the provision of food and energy production, at different spatial scales across air-land-water systems.

Since he came to Bangor in 1996 Prof Thomas’ main research activities have focused on the ecology and chemistry of Antarctic and Arctic sea ice. In the past 10 years he has combined this with research much closer to home into how the chemistry of organic matter released from soils changes as it passes into rivers and eventually to the sea.

School of Music undergoes £2 million refurbishment

Bangor University secures funding for five Confucius Classrooms The Confucius Institute at Bangor University has recently secured prestigious funding for five Confucius Classrooms at schools in north Wales from a total of only 60 awarded worldwide this year.

Entrance to the Music Building Bangor University’s School of Music celebrated the opening of its refurbished facilities with a ceremony for staff and students.

The ceremony celebrated the completion of the £2 million renovation of the building, creating facilities befitting one of the 5 best music departments in the UK as voted by students in the 2016 National Student Survey.

Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Chancellor of the University, officially opened the building. Staff, students and friends of the School enjoyed performances by the University’s Brass Band as well as having the opportunity to listen in on various musical rehearsals during the afternoon.

The revamp included a comprehensive refurbishment of the building and complete renewal of the mechanical and electrical services installations.

Accessibility has been addressed by the installation of a passenger lift, constructing a ramp to provide level access to the building via a new extension, and re-arranging the central area of the ground floor to improve circulation. The revamped building also boasts

new acoustic practise rooms and a new terrace and seating area outside.

Professor Chris Collins, Head of the School of Music, said: “The transformation of our much-loved building is breathtaking. A stylish new foyer now leads directly into the beautifully restored Mathias Hall, which has been acoustically treated. The building as a whole is lighter, warmer, and really conducive to study. Along with the Gartherwen practice suite, Pontio, and our fabulous concert halls in the Main University Building, these facilities make Bangor an ideal environment to study music. The students will love it, and I can't wait to see them making full use of it.”

Professor John G Hughes, President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “With music achieving a 100% satisfaction rate, placing them at the top of their subject table in the UK in the 2016 National Student Survey, this refurbishment will continue to provide excellent teaching, learning and research facilities for many years to come.”

An initiative of China’s cultural agency Hanban, Confucius Classrooms are based within schools and colleges around the world and are intended as local hubs to stimulate and support the innovative teaching and learning of Chinese language and culture across communities.

“We are delighted to have been granted funding for five of only 60 Confucius Classrooms worldwide this year…” commented Confucius Institute Director Dr. David Joyner.

“This is a very prestigious award for us, particularly as these are also our first Confucius Classrooms, and we look forward to working with the five schools involved as they set out on their journey to develop their own Chinese learning centres.”

All five schools in north Wales have been working with Bangor University’s Confucius Institute for some time now and, with their new Confucius Classrooms in operation, students and staff at each school will be able to benefit from an expanded programme of Chinese language, cultural learning and exchange. Longer term, it is envisaged that every school in north Wales will have the opportunity to access a Confucius Classroom and benefit from the valuable resources these hubs can offer.

Bangor’s Alumni News...

The Development and Alumni Relations Office at Bangor University is always happy to hear from our former students, whether it’s to help you find lost classmates, to organise reunions or to receive photos and memories of your time in Bangor.

September and October have been busy months for the Development and Alumni Relations Office, with alumni reunions being held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Boston, USA, Beijing and Shanghai. The Vice-Chancellor and other senior members of staff have been thrilled to meet so many alumni and to celebrate the successes of Bangor’s former students.

The University was particularly pleased to introduce two new Alumnus of the Year awards, specifically for our international alumni. These special honours are presented to alumni who have gained a qualification from Bangor University and have gone on to achieve distinction in their chosen field. The award highlights the value that the University attaches to its alumni and celebrates their achievements.

During the Kingdom of Bahrain alumni reunion held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay, Amina Rashid Al-Alaiwi (Accounting and Finance, 2010), was presented with the first Bangor University / BIBF Alumnus of the Year award.

Having earned her Diploma in Banking and Finance and Advanced Diploma in Islamic Finance at the Bahrain Institute Banking and Finance (BIBF), Amina came to Bangor to gain her B.A. in Accounting and Finance in 2010.

Amina is now Superintendent in the Inspection Directorate at the Central Bank of Bahrain.

Professor Phil Molyneux and Amina Rashid Al-Alaiwi

In Shanghai, Juan Chen (Banking & Finance, 2003) was named as Bangor University’s Alumnus of the Year China 2016. Juan spent two years in Bangor, gaining a Masters degree in Banking and Finance in our renowned Bangor Business School. After returning to Beijing, she started her career as a journalist in the Xinhua News Agency as a business reporter. She is now Deputy Editor in a newly established English news service portal, Yicai Global, a subsidiary of the China Business Network, where she is passionate about telling global readers real China stories.

We enjoy meeting all of our alumni and hearing what they go on to do after leaving Bangor. Please keep in touch so we can be sure to invite you to future events!

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hughes and Juan Chen

E: alumni@bangor.ac.uk T: 01248 388332

Bangor University awarded a grant to run a ‘Forensic Acarology and Taphonomy’ workshop in Mexico Bangor University alongside four other institutions were awarded a grant to run a ‘Forensic Acarology and Taphonomy’ workshop in Queretaro, Mexico between 12 - 18 September 2016.

One of the organisers and mentors representing Bangor University was Dr Henk Braig from the School of Biological Sciences.

The workshop was funded by: Newton Fund, British Council, and Conacyt.

Read more about the workshop here: www.forensic-acarology.com/

Course Highlights at Bangor University Islamic Banking and Finance MA/MSc/MBA Islamic Banking and Finance is one of the fastest growing sectors in the financial marketplace. With a huge demand for experts in this field, this is an ideal time to study and develop your knowledge of Islamic banking and its practices.

Over the past two or three decades or so, Islamic banking and finance has emerged as another viable way of financial intermediation. It has gained credibility and has spread worldwide and is the preferred way of banking for one fifth of the world’s population.

Career Prospects: Due to the shortage of expertise in the field of Islamic banking, completion of this course will put you in an elite position to work in Islamic and traditional banks, central banks and other financial fields.

From Islamic bank managers to finance directors, there can potentially be a variety of local, national and international positions in various organisations.

Quick facts: l l l l l

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Duration - 1 year full-time January and September intakes Qualification - MA/MSc/MBA Tuition Fee - January 2017 intake - £13,300 (MA/MSC) and £14,300 (MBA) September 2017 intake - £14,000 (MA/MSc) and £15,000 (MBA) Entry Requirements - You must have a single or joint honours degree in a relevant subject, e.g. economics, finance, accounting, management, from a university,or a similar qualification from any other institution or a related subject area with a minimum degree class of 2:2 or equivalent English Language Requirement - 6.0 (no element below 5.5) For full details on the Islamic Banking & Finance course please visit the links below: MA: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/courses/postgraduate/islamic-banking-and-finance-ma MSc: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/courses/postgraduate/islamic-banking-and-finance-msc MBA: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/courses/postgraduate/islamic-banking-and-finance-mba

www.bangor.ac.uk/international

Useful Contacts Karen Jones

Ali Khan

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388207 Email: k.m.jones@bangor.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388874 Email: a.khan@bangor.ac.uk

Country Manager responsible for:

Country Manager responsible for:

China Hong Kong Japan Philippines

Bangladesh India Indonesia Malaysia Maldives

South Korea Taiwan Vietnam

Nepal Pakistan Singapore Sri Lanka

Noor Al-Zubaidi

Sarah Jones-Morris

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 382879 Email: n.al-zubaidi@bangor.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388843 Email: s.jones-morris@bangor.ac.uk

Country Manager responsible for: Middle East and North Africa including: Bahrain Libya Egypt Oman Iraq Saudi Arabia Iran Turkey Jordan UAE Kuwait Qatar International students in the UK Michael Rogerson Tel: +44 (0) 1248 383648 Email: m.rogerson@bangor.ac.uk Country Manager responsible for: European Union Countries

Country Manager responsible for: Thailand & Brunei Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon Central Asia - including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine

Maggie Parke

Beijing Office Contact Details: Beijing Office, Room A029, 3rd Floor The Exchange Beijing B-118, Jianguo Road Chaoyang District Beijing, P.R. China 100022 Tel: 010-58902596; 010-58902597 E-mail: luna.wu@bangor.ac.uk Web: www.bangor.org.cn

Nigeria Office Contact Details: Nigeria Office Valley View Plaza 99 Opebi Road Lagos Nigeria Tel: 01 3427672 Mob: 08060136178 E-mail: bangor_nigeria@bcie.co.uk

Bangor International College Details:

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388416 Email: maggie.parke@bangor.ac.uk Bangor Pathway College Country Manager responsible for: Pathways Admissions Team Oxford International Head Office The Americas: 259 Greenwich High Road Brazil Colombia London Canada Mexico SE10 8NB Chile USA Tel: 01248 383 783 E-mail: bic@bangor.ac.uk

Upcoming Visits for 2016 We shall be visiting the following countries in November 2016: Taiwan - November China - November India - November

Colombia - November Peru - November

Visit our country visits page for more information: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/visits OR contact the relevant Country Manager.

Please do contact us if you would like one of our international officers to visit your school or if you need any advice.

W: www.bangor.ac.uk/international - E: international@bangor.ac.uk www.facebook.com/BangorUniversityInternational

@BangorUni_intl