News for Durham University Staff & Students
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Researching the health hazards of volcanic emissions
Jul | Aug 2018
INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH EQUIPMENT #DUMOMENTS
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welcome Welcome to the last issue of Dialogue of this academic year, which has been another busy one for the University community. Firstly, I would like to thank everybody who had a role in making the ceremonies at Summer Congregation such special events for our students and their families. During Congregation Commander David Childs, the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Andrew McFarlane, and Professors Veena Das and John Morrill joined thousands of graduating students to receive honorary degrees from Durham University. Around 130 residents, business leaders, staff, students, and others attended our recent ‘Question Time’ community engagement event. I took the opportunity at the Event to set out the Case for University Growth as I see it and then listened to comments and took questions for about 90 minutes. I am grateful to everyone who attended this Event and look forward to seeing collaborative work emerge from the new Community Engagement Task Force. I am delighted that the University has been rated Gold in the latest Teaching Excellence and Student Outcome Framework (TEF). The University was particularly praised by
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the TEF Panel for the excellent rates of progression to highly skilled employment or further study for full-time students and the University’s research-led education. Well done to all of our staff for making this happen. A new exhibition entitled Bodies of Evidence: How Science Unearthed Durham’s Dark Secret opened in June at Palace Green Library and tells the story of the Seventeenth Century Scottish soldiers, whose remains were discovered in two mass burial sites in Durham City in 2013. The exhibition will run until 7 October, so if you do get a chance over the summer it will be worth a visit. It’s truly outstanding. Finally, I would like to thank you all for all your hard work this academic year. Have a great summer! Let’s hope the fine weather continues.
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Tell your story.
With all best wishes
Professor Stuart Corbridge Vice-Chancellor and Warden
Please continue to send your contributions and feedback to dialogue@durham.ac.uk News for Durham University Staff & Students
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Editor Ulrike Klaerig-Jackson Communications Co-ordinator Contributors Harriet Williamson, HR&OD; Yvonne Flynn, Greenspace; Daryl Dowding, Museums and Attractions; Claire Hall, Emma Shearer, Nicky Sawicki, Angela Gemmill, Mark Tallentire, Eugene Grant and Christina Milner, Marketing & Communications; Jordan Christie, CIS; Emma Pybus, Sabrina Seel, Students' Union; Niall O’Loughlin, Research and Innovation Services Cover image Castle at sunset, Yun Bing
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4 GET SOCIAL 5 BODIES OF EVIDENCE 6 COMMUNITY RELATIONS – ROUND UP
16 RESEARCH INSIGHTS – RESEARCHING THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF VOLCANIC EMISSIONS 18 NORTHERN ACCELERATOR
8 A SMALL SECONDMENT IN HATFIELD COLLEGE
19 NEW COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER
9 #DUMOMENTS
20 MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
10 QUEEN’S CAMPUS TRANSITION
21 INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH EQUIPMENT
12 GREENSPACE
22 CIS NEWS
13 VOLUNTEERING AWARDS
23 AN INSIGHT INTO
14 HR & OD NEWS
24 WHAT’S ON
Durham University and Durham University logo are registered Trade Marks of the University of Durham. Unless otherwise stated, all material in this publication is copyright of the University of Durham. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained here is accurate. Please note that the University’s website is the most up to date source of information and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
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YOUR VIEW
Our favourite posts, tweets and videos over the past two months to show you what has been happening around the University!
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Durham ranked UK top 5 in the @GuardianEdu Uni Guide with our @MusicDurhamUni and @READEnglish both number 1! #GdnUniGuide2019 Read more: http://fal.cn/ yi7s pic.twitter.com/47C25xiLoC
Today we have reburied the remains of the #ScotsSoldiers discovered in Durham in 2013. Read more about the reburial service, and how it was designed to reflect the traditions of the 17th Century, here http://fal.cn/ ytPc pic.twitter.com/9iptcW1yUq
Durham University was walking with Pride last Sunday. So nice to see such a large crowd on the day. Read more about our engagement with @Durham_Pride: http://fal.cn/yAUe #durhamprideuk pic.twitter.com/cUgYb1as3y
Today we celebrated 'Durham Women, Making a Difference' - Thank you to all the fantastic women who came along! #pressforprogress pic. twitter.com/6JcO7pdcXX
Congrats to @DUHC1 on winning two @EnglandHockey awards and being nominated for two more! #proud that such great community work has been recognised. Well done everyone! http://fal.cn/yS0p @TeamDurham #GrowingTogetherDurham pic. twitter.com/DumBlaQbl3
COULD A MULTIVERSE BE HOSPITABLE TO LIFE?
VIDEO OF THE MONTH
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
A Multiverse – where our Universe would be only one of many – might not be as inhospitable to life as previously thought, according to new research led by Durham University, and Australia’s University of Sydney, Western Sydney University and the University of Western Australia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fp_VK-xuKE
OUT AND ABOUT IN DURHAM Durham Cathedral looking stunning in the spring sunshine. https://www.instagram. com/p/Biy4c71ALaF/?hl=en&takenby=durhamuniversity
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
BODIES OF EVIDENCE
PALACE GREEN LIBRARY’S NEW EXHIBITION TELLS THE STORY OF THE 17TH CENTURY SCOTTISH SOLDIERS FOUND IN DURHAM Chris Gerrard with the 3D facial reconstruction of one of the Scottish soldiers
Bodies of Evidence: How Science Unearthed Durham’s Dark Secret is on show until October, telling the story of the Scottish soldiers whose remains were discovered in two mass burial sites in Durham. In 2013 the remains of up to 28 individuals were uncovered during the construction of a new café for Palace Green Library. The discovery was the start of many months of research which led to the remains being identified as Scottish soldiers who were captured by Cromwell’s army after the Battle of Dunbar and imprisoned in Durham Cathedral and Castle. Their discovery put an end to almost 400 years of mystery surrounding what became of those soldiers who died in Durham. The new exhibition shows how the latest scientific techniques helped reveal the soldiers’ story – how they lived, why they died, and what became of those who survived. Visitors to the exhibition can also come face to face with a 3D reconstruction of the face of one of these men, who lived and died nearly 400 years ago. Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, Curator at Palace Green Library, said: “These were real men who lost their lives and their place in history and, through this exhibition, we want to tell their story and give them back their voices. “The exhibition is also the first opportunity members of the public will have to come and see the 3D reconstruction of the face of this young man, who we now know was aged between 18 and 25 when he died.” A multi-disciplinary team at Durham University pieced together evidence to establish details about the identities and lives of the soldiers. The exhibition explains how different pieces of a complex jigsaw of evidence were pieced together. It also tells the remarkable story of the
Jul | Aug 2018
survivors, some of whom were transported to New England to a new life at the edge of the known world. The 3D facial depiction was created by researchers at Face Lab, part of Liverpool John Moores University, using one of the excavated skulls along with evidence provided by the Durham University archaeology team. Face Lab specialises in the reconstruction of faces for archaeological and forensic purposes. An accompanying programme of lectures, guided tours and events delves further into the soldiers’ story and the research which has been carried out. The play called Woven Bones, produced by Cap-a-Pie theatre company in partnership with Durham University, brings the story to life as it tours to theatres and venues along the route of the soldiers’ long march to Durham.
Full details of the exhibition and events programme are available at www.durham.ac.uk/palace.green Bodies of Evidence: How Science Unearthed Durham’s Dark Secret is on show at Palace Green Library until 7 October 2018. An admission charge of £7.50, or £6.50 for concessions, applies, which allows two additional visits. Discounted rates are available for groups of nine or more. 5
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Community relations – round up As a University, we do lots of great work to support our local communities. You can keep up to date with all the latest community news at www.durham.ac.uk/community, where you can also sign up to receive our monthly Community Newsletter. Here’s our pick of some of the best stories from recent weeks.
Students honoured for science outreach Two of our students have been honoured for their work to inspire communities to get involved in science. Pen-Yuan Hsing, of Ustinov College, and Beth Kazmierski, of St Cuthbert’s Society, each received the Science Postgraduate Excellence in Outreach Award from the University, recognising their outstanding contributions to public engagement with science. Pen, a PhD student in the Department of Biosciences, has helped run the MammalWeb project, a joint venture with Durham Wildlife Trust which involves members of the public monitoring wildlife with motionsensing camera boxes. Beth, who recently completed a PhD in the Department of Chemistry, helped develop the ChemSG (Chemistry for Scouting and Guiding) project, which provides hands-on science sessions for Scouting and Guiding groups. Dr Peter Edwards, Durham University’s Director of Science Outreach, said: “Pen and Beth are great examples of how we at Durham University take science beyond the classroom and the laboratory and out into the community. Both Pen and Beth have done great work in engaging members of the public with science and they thoroughly deserve their awards.”
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Daniel Gaskin receives his award from Charley Phillips, from the Ogden Trust, and Steph Bartle, from Durham University
Honouring the physicists of the future The University honoured the next generation of scientists at its annual Schools Physicist of the Year awards. Thirty-nine talented young physicists from schools and colleges across the North East were nominated for the awards by their teachers, who selected students based on their hard work, contributions in class and progress over the past year. The award-winning students, along with their families and teachers, then attended a celebratory ceremony at the University’s Calman Learning Centre. Dr Peter Edwards, the University’s Director of Science Outreach, said: “As a University, we see it as part of our purpose to stimulate interest in science and encourage better understanding of the application of science to our everyday lives. “It was a pleasure to welcome so many talented young scientists to the University to celebrate their hard work, progress and attitude in the Schools Physicist of the Year Awards. My congratulations go to all the winners.”
News for Durham University Staff & Students
Award recognises commitment to responsible drinking
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The National Union of Students (NUS) has awarded Durham University and Durham Students’ Union its ‘Alcohol Impact’ accreditation. The award recognises three years of partnership between the University and the Union to promote responsible alcohol consumption, improve students’ welfare and wellbeing, and create a more inclusive environment. The Alcohol Impact programme led to valuable collaboration with the Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service. Assigned trainers to work with Durham students and staff, as well as substance misuse advisors to provide support within the University’s Counselling Service. The University’s and Union’s respective ‘Have a Word’ alcohol intervention project and ‘Never Have I Ever’ campaign have been at the centre of this joint effort. Durham is the first university to use the Public Health ‘Have a Word’ scheme – working with the Durham Drug and Alcohol Service and around fifty key figures in Durham’s student community to adapt this training for students. Durham Students’ Union’s ‘Never Have I Ever…’ campaign used social and in-print media, as well as pop-up events and bar visits, to try to change students’ attitudes to drinking. Based on the popular drinking game of the same name, the ‘Never Have I Ever…’ campaign encouraged students never to be “‘that friend’ who’s too drunk to get into the club” and not to leave their friends alone after a night out drinking or let them walk home by themselves.
Sarah Mercer with her 'Caring for your Environment Award'
It was wholly unexpected and utterly delightful to receive this award and I am so grateful to Maggie and Paul, and the work that they are doing in this area.
Student honoured with environment award The Emperor’s New Clothes: Transforming 19th Century Japan
New Oriental Museum exhibition celebrates the birth of modern Japan A new exhibition has opened at the Oriental Museum. The Emperor’s New Clothes: Transforming 19th Century Japan explains how Japan transformed into the modern nation we see today during the Meiji Era (1868-1912 CE). Part of the international 150th anniversary celebrations of the 1868 Meiji Restoration, the exhibition tells the story of how Japan applied Western systems of government, technology, arts, and fashion whilst retaining its own traditions. The exhibition also explores the lasting legacy of this political shift. The exhibition has been created by MA Museum and Artefact Studies students with the support of the Japanese Embassy in London, the Japanese Consulate in Edinburgh and the National Museum of Japanese History in Japan.
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One of our students who has dedicated her free time to arranging a two-day conference on climate change has been recognised with an award. Sarah Mercer, who studies Geography and Archaeology, organised a conference in 2017 focusing on changes in the Arctic. The event proved so successful that a second conference recently took place. This year’s focus was on how individuals and communities can work to reduce their environmental impact and included talks, workshops and exhibitions. The 22-year-old was presented with a Caring for your Environment award by Maggie Bosanquet from Durham County Council and Paul Riddlesden from the University, who both sit on the County Durham Environment Partnership board. The partnership presents awards to individuals and groups committed to protecting and improving their local environment. “It was wholly unexpected and utterly delightful to receive this award and I am so grateful to Maggie and Paul, and the work that they are doing in this area,” said Sarah.
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SECONDMENT
A small secondment in Hatfield College
One person I particularly respect and value is Katie, Hatfield’s multi-talented receptionist – constantly juggling five different tasks at the same time, without breaking a sweat, and all the while telling me how she “loves working in College”
students. After helping to set out the morning’s fruit, I joined Susan, Darryl, and Dawn for the lunchtime shift, decanting condiments into a seemingly endless supply of pots, before loading the dishwasher.
Norman Darwin, chef at Hatfield College with Owen Adams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience)
Owen Adams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience), reminisces about volunteering in Hatfield College. While serving as a Commander in the British Army’s Royal School of Artillery, I acquired an in-depth understanding of what were often fiendishly complicated military machines. Stood among the equipment in the kitchen of Durham University’s Hatfield College, I thought my past credentials might predispose me – a newcomer in the world of mass-scale catering and cleaning – with a natural advantage. Not so, I soon learned, faced with a pile of dirty pots, pans, and plates. Unqualified to use the dishwashing machine, I was only allowed to “stack and rack”. Earlier this month I spent 14 hours helping out in Hatfield College – one of our ‘Bailey Colleges’, situated opposite the fantastic Assembly Rooms Theatre in Durham City. It was my second short secondment in our Colleges (a few months ago I spent 24 hours in Van Mildert). I began by joining members of the executive committee of Hatfield’s Junior
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Common Room (JCR – the College’s undergraduate body) for a detailed conversation about College life and its environment. The atmosphere was excited and hopeful. I was struck by their desire to create a genuinely inclusive and harmonious College community. A debate during dinner was the easy part. After, I joined Hatfield’s Porter, Bob. He carried out his evening security patrol as I listened to him speak openly about life in our community, dealing with student incidents, and the isolation of working alone at night. Like the students I had dined with earlier that evening, he was engaging and welcoming. I enjoyed his company tremendously and am grateful to him for sharing his experiences. My short secondment continued early – 6.45am – as Norman the chef led me on a tour of Hatfield’s kitchen facilities while his staff prepared breakfast for hordes of hungry
As I helped Wendy hoover the corridors of Hatfield’s three-storey Gatehouse accommodation block, its student residents passed me wordlessly – possibly perplexed at this grey-haired man who seemed to be undertaking an apprenticeship with the cleaning team. Speaking with Wendy I was unsettled to hear that there remains a very small selection of students who must be reminded to appreciate our kind and dedicated cleaning staff. Every single member of staff – be they a Porter, Professor, or Provost – makes a vital contribution to our University community, and this should be respected and valued by all. One person I particularly respect and value is Katie, Hatfield’s multi-talented receptionist – constantly juggling five different tasks at the same time, without breaking a sweat, and all the while telling me how she “loves working in College”. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t envious of her Octopus-like ability to multitask. While I may have left Wendy to re-hoover the spots I missed, what she, Katie, Bob, and the rest of Hatfield’s staff left me with was a strong sense of their loyalty to our University community and their longing to do the best for our students. These experiences – Van Mildert, Hatfield – help to keep me connected with the reality of College life. More than that, they remind me of the committed, wonderful, and welcoming people we have here – working hard in what can be a challenging environment. I just hope I didn’t give anyone food poisoning.
News for Durham University Staff & Students
#DUmoments
#DUMOMENTS
Clockwise from top right, Lizzie English – picnic image - @imsobaesic, (Winner) Yun Bing – castle at sunset - @_cyclohexice, Charlotte Marino – congregation gowns - @charmarlotte and Grace Jeynes – Durham with blue sky - @grayrose7
The University’s latest Instagram competition was called #DUmoments and focused on end of year celebrations.
The contest, which ran from 25 June – 29 June, was sponsored by the Retail Office as they were looking to conduct a competition university-wide, and raise awareness of what they have to offer. There were some fantastic entrants and it was hard to narrow the field down! Using a panel of experts four were shortlisted and put out to a vote. All images in the shortlist were fantastic, with great involvement from the students. 24 hours, 230 votes, and 955 likes later, we had our winner! A stunning picture of the sun setting behind the Castle tower, taken by Yun Bing.
Jul | Aug 2018
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QUEEN'S CAMPUS
10 things you need to know about the Queen’s Campus Transition Programme A busy summer lies ahead as academic programmes and Colleges relocate from Queen’s Campus to Durham City. This is the second, largest and final phase of a staggered relocation programme, which began last summer. As colleagues pack up and move, here’s a reminder of how it all fits together.
#3 Who is making it happen The Queen’s Campus transition project is a huge undertaking and the whole University community – including academic departments, Colleges and professional services, staff, students and partners – has contributed to the success of the programme to date.
#4 How we are repurposing Queen’s Campus The creation of the International Study Centre (DUISC), to help drive internationalisation and diversity, has been the key development to date in the repurposing of Queen’s Campus in line with its history as a place of innovation. A number of options are currently being explored for wider repurposing and it is likely there will be a mix of future users. Queen’s Campus will remain a Durham University campus.
#5 Why the DUISC matters #1 Why it is happening The relocation of academic programmes and College activities from Queen’s Campus to Durham City is an important element of the University Strategy 2017-2027. In particular it will enhance our educational offering; improve our research performance, and enrich our student experience. The moves will also increase efficiency, contribute to our long-term financial sustainability, and address current imbalances between our two campuses.
#2 Who is moving and when All existing academic programmes and College activities are relocating this summer, between July and September. This transition will be complete by the start of the new academic year. The Wolfson Research Institute will remain at Queen’s Campus for 2018/19 while a suitable future location in Durham City is determined.
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Internationalisation is key to the University’s future academic success. It will help us secure a pre-eminent position in an increasingly competitive global education market. The DUISC will extend the geographic diversity of our international student community, increase the overall number of non-UK students, and contribute about a third of our growth in future international student numbers at Durham.
#6 Some facts and figures on the DUISC • The DUISC will help drive the internationalisation and global citizenship of Durham University. • Our aim is to enrol 800-1000 international students at the DUISC by 2022. • To date we have recruited 600 students from more than 30 countries. • The DUISC equips students to embark on undergraduate or postgraduate programmes – around 40 per cent of students in UK higher education now come through such pathways.
News for Durham University Staff & Students
#7 How Durham City is preparing for the transition The relocation of students and staff to Durham City requires additional teaching and learning, accommodation and sports facilities. Such developments include: • A £1.4m investment in student facilities at Howlands; • Remodelling of the Psychology Building and Rowan House; • Enabling works at the Mill Hill Lane and Leazes Road sites; • Additional study space and catering provision at the Bill Bryson Library; • A new state-of-the-art Teaching and Learning Centre at Lower Mountjoy; • A new permanent home for John Snow College and a new 17th college at Mount Oswald; • Infrastructure improvements to improve pedestrian access and road user movement; • Extensive refurbishment, redevelopment and creation of new facilities at Maiden Castle.
#8 What the expected impacts in Durham City are The relocation of existing academic programmes and College activities from Queen’s Campus to Durham City will affect everyone. Increased student numbers in Durham will inevitably present both challenges and opportunities.
#9 We are on track The planned academic and College moves are firmly on course and every effort is being made to ensure a smooth relocation. The transition has presented challenges but colleagues across the University are pulling together to find solutions to make things happen.
#10 What you can do to help Everyone has a part to play in ensuring that the transition goes smoothly. As an individual you can: • be welcoming to and supportive of relocating staff and students; • be flexible and accommodating in your approach to teaching and social space; • recognise that not all colleagues will be moving to Durham and display appropriate sensitivity and empathy at all times; • bear in mind that change can be unsettling and that it is important that we support each other in whatever ways we can; and finally • call upon available organisational resources to provide guidance, training and welfare support.
To find out more please visit: www.durham.ac.uk/queens-changes Jul | Aug 2018
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GREENSPACE
Marine Stewardship Council Recertification National Walking Month The University took part in National Walking Month and encouraged staff to walk more. Some scheduled walks took place across the Estate and surrounding area, including a country walk to the Wicker Man at Low Burnhall Wood, led by Mike Hughes, Head Gardener. For more information please visit www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace/travel/walking
WARPit Since the launch of WARPit, the electronic Waste Action Reuse Portal in May 2017, there are now over 240 registered staff users. Staff can view and claim available items and also create wish lists. To date, the University has saved 7,480kg of CO2; avoided 3,633kg of waste and saved £20,185 and 10 trees. Further details on WARPit, including the ‘Rules for using WARPit', can be found on the Greenspace website at www.durham.ac.uk/greenspace/waste-management/warpit
The University is delighted to announce that Catering has successfully received the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) accreditation for the sixth consecutive year. This fantastic achievement, reinforces our Catering Department as a leading environmentally conscious catering service within the Higher Education sector. The recertification of the MSC accreditation is an important milestone for Durham University Catering and is a clear demonstration of its sustainability credentials and investment in the MSC programme. Its approach to sustainable fish and MSC audits are renowned for its intensity and play a massive part in gaining the accreditation. For over 20 years MSC has worked with scientists, fisheries, seafood producers and brands to develop their standards and promote sustainable fishing. The MSC is the only wild-capture fisheries certification and one programme that meets best practice requirements set by both the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) and ISEAL, the global membership association for sustainability standards. In March 2017, the MSC became the first global seafood certification programme to be recognised for rigour and credibility by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI). Look out for the blue fish label on our products, which is only applied to wild fish or seafood from fisheries that have been certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard, a science-based set of requirements for sustainable fishing. Each MSC certified fishery has been independently assessed on its specific impacts on wild fish populations and the ecosystems they are part of. This recertification is an important development for University Catering and underlines the rigorous systems that have been put in place to ensure compliance with the MSC standards. Congratulations!
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
Staff and students honoured for voluntary work
Staff and students have been honoured for their community work at the annual Durham University Volunteer Awards. Every year, staff and students dedicate around 25,000 hours to volunteering, supporting a range of local charities and good causes. The University supports and encourages its staff and students to volunteer, including offering staff the opportunity to volunteer for up to five days a year in work time, and Durham is the only UK university to hold Investing in Volunteer accreditation for both students and staff.
and Monitoring, was honoured for his work for Northumbria Blood Bikes as both rider and organiser. One of Graham’s colleagues said of him: “It is our belief that Graham epitomises the ethos of the Staff Volunteering Scheme”.
The Volunteer Awards recognise achievements over the past year, and this year’s ceremony was held at Durham Town Hall on Tuesday 12 June.
Sarah, who is part of University Catering and based at Ustinov College, used her staff volunteering time to undertake special training to enhance her role as a Special Constable for Durham Constabulary. One of Sarah’s colleagues said: “If Sarah is a representative example of your staff, then you should be very proud to have some of the best people in the County in your employ.”
Staff awards
Student awards
The winners of the Best Staff Volunteer (Team) Award were staff from Computing and Information Services, for their dedication to volunteering annually for a range charities and organisations, and for their unflinching enthusiasm despite seeming to attract the worst weather across a series of volunteer days.
The Community Impact Award was presented to Student Community Action’s (SCA) Tea Parties project, which brings generations together through tea parties.
The joint winners of the Best Staff Volunteer (Individual) Award were Graham Moor and Sarah Litt. Graham, who works at the Centre for Evaluation
Jul | Aug 2018
The winner of the Most Improved Project was Van Mildert College’s Carers Respite Committee, which supports carers of disabled children. A new ‘Happy Saturday’ session has been established, allowing more families to participate. The other winners were SCA’s Go Out and Live project, which supports young adults with
VOLUNTEERING AWARDS
Owen Adams, the University’s Pro-ViceChancellor (Colleges and Student Experience), said: “It was a pleasure to honour the outstanding achievements of our staff and students in volunteering. I know our students value the relationships they build with members of the local community – it is a very important and special part of life for so many of our students. “There were many inspiring examples of community spirit, and my congratulations go to all involved in this valuable work supporting such a wide range of charities and good causes. “Whilst our staff and students already do so much, we are committed to doing even more and we specifically want to work with the local community to understand how we can best achieve this.”
learning disabilities to develop social skills and confidence through games, and Team Durham Community’s Participation Football project, which organises football activities for adults with health and mobility problems, mental health issues or who are part of the recovery or probation communities.
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HR & OD NEWS
HR UPDATE
A Pint-Sized Conversation HR invited a quartet of actors, Dylan Frankland, Rosa Day-Jones, Tobias Grace and Katherine Lea to the University to perform their play A Pint-Sized Conversation to an audience of University staff on Thursday, 5 July. As the audience gathered in the Rosemary Cramp Lecture Theatre, they were unsure what to expect. There wasn’t a set to speak of and as the actors made their way to the front a silence fell over the audience. What the audience experienced was a powerful
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piece of theatre which explored mental health, the impact that mental health can have on individuals, colleagues and family members and the importance of offering support. Each of the four actors has a close relationship with someone with depression and anxiety and the play explored their experiences in a raw way which drew the audience into the performance. Woven throughout was an exploration of how society views mental health and the need to create supportive networks and approaches.
The play was sad, serious, emotional in its portrayal of the suffering mental health issues can cause to individuals, families, friends and colleagues. Yet, at the same time, it was uplifting, upbeat, witty, illuminating and empowering. The message was that we need to offer support to others. We may not always get it right; however we have to keep trying. The play was a powerful way to kick-start the work on health and wellbeing at the University, since the event was also a launchpad for planned future work on this important topic. Coming next is a series of events promoting positive mental health and reducing work related stress (see opposite).
News for Durham University Staff & Students
HR & OD NEWS
Promoting Positive Mental Health & Reducing Work Related Stress The University is committed to providing a healthy and safe working environment for all staff and this includes a proactive approach to well-being in which we promote positive physical and mental health in the workplace. The HR department will be reviewing staff wellbeing at the University and looking to introduce a new Health and Wellbeing strategy for all. We even have a project group on the Future Leaders’ Programme exploring the approaches other organisations take to wellbeing. One area we are focussing on is mental health and stress. Common mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety and depression have been taboo subjects for decades, but this is changing. Research has shown that two thirds of us experience a mental health problem in our lifetimes, and stress is a key factor in this (Mental Health Foundation, 2018). To start our renewed focus in this particular area we are launching a series of training workshops, aimed at line managers and supervisors. The workshops, titled Promoting Positive Mental Health & Reducing Work Related Stress, will be running in July, September and October 2018. They will enable participants to promote positive mental health at work; including how to carry out an effective stress risk assessment and facilitate the development of a Wellness Action Plan. For more information and to book a place on a workshop contact: Louise Croucher (Occupational Health Department). For more information on occupational health information, please visit the Occupational health webpages at www.durham.ac.uk/hr/ occupationalhealth. The website is currently under development so keep revisiting to access the new content as it appears.
Jul/Aug 2018
Apprentice of the Year - Demi Minhinnett
Apprentice of the Year - James Tate
Annual Staff Training Celebration Event The Annual Staff Training Celebration Event, which took place on Wednesday, 20 June, was an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of the 140 members of staff who participated in certificated programmes organised by Human Resources and Organisation Development, Accommodation and Commercial Services and Experience Durham in 2017/18. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart Corbridge, presided over this “staff graduation ceremony” and presented certificates to over 60 members of staff who attended along with their guests. A range of certificates was presented including Housekeeping Standards Training, ILM programmes and Volunteering and Community Engagement. A number of special contribution awards were also presented. The “Realising Your Potential Approach ILM Endorsed Programmes Individual Project of the Year Award” was awarded to Daniel Magee – Bar Manager at University College in recognition of the financial savings he achieved by reviewing the bar rota and cutting hours where necessary. The “Realising Your Potential Approach ILM Endorsed Programmes - Team Project of the Year Award” was awarded to Audrey Bowron, Sarah Harrington, Bethan Kelly, Danielle O’Hagan and Kieran Weatherill in recognition of their project investigating the implementation of Communities of Practice. This year there were two Apprentice of the Year Awards presented. Demi Minhinnett, Apprentice Animal Care Technician in Biological Sciences, was awarded Apprentice of the Year in an Academic Department and James Tate, Business Administration Apprentice in Experience Durham, was awarded Apprentice of the Year in a Professional Services Department. Both
winners excelled in their workplaces and are highly valued members of their teams. The Realising your Potential Approach Valuing Contribution Award was awarded to Sarah Hyland, from the University Library, as an acknowledgement of how she has used the Realising Your Potential Approach in implementing a new staff development group within the Library and improved the Library’s staff development provision. The Annual Staff Celebration Event is an example of the Valuing Contribution aspect of the Realising Your Potential Approach for the whole of the professional services and support staff. It acknowledges the commitment to personal development of those colleagues who gained qualifications and certificated programmes. It is of note that during the year 2017/18, over 2,000 members of staff attended an event organised by Human Resources and Organisational Development.
Valuing Contribution - Sarah Hyland
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RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Researching the health hazards of volcanic emissions There are 1500 active volcanoes worldwide and Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii is one of the most active. In recent months, the eruptions from Kīlauea have intensified significantly and Dr Claire Horwell, Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, has been providing public information on the health impacts of the emissions (known as ‘vog’) in Hawaii. She is the founder and director of the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), the umbrella organisation for volcanic health research and dissemination, and we caught up with her to find out more about her work.
What drew you to this area of research? For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by volcanoes, possibly due to a visit to Batur volcano in Bali when I was seven. I also had an interest in medicine, but I couldn't be a medical doctor as I faint at the sight of blood! My undergraduate degree was in Environmental Sciences, which enabled me to take modules in a range of subjects including geology, public health and environmental epidemiology. I also discovered
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there was a recognised area of research called ‘medical geology’ or ‘geohealth’, which combined these seemingly disparate disciplines, and this became my focus. I enrolled on a Volcanology Masters-level course at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, where I proposed a geohealth research project. I focused on Rotorua, one of the few urban areas in the world where a large population (60,000 people) is frequently exposed to geothermal emissions.
We designed cheap and disposable passive samplers (used for measuring gas emissions), which were distributed around the town, to measure hydrogen sulphide gases in the local environment. The results were used by local public health experts to link exposure to these gases with health problems in the community. At this point I realised that the area of volcano health research was very under-studied and there was an amazing opportunity to develop a small niche into a lifelong career.
News for Durham University Staff & Students
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Left: Claire Horwell (L) and Tamar Elias (R) at Kilauea. Above: Claire Horwell and Sakurajima volcano, Japan How do you assess the respiratory hazards of volcanic ash? During an eruption crisis, it can be very challenging to conduct medical surveillance to find out if the ash emissions are causing a health impact. Using geochemical and toxicological analyses, however, we can rapidly determine the potential respiratory hazard of the ash. For example, we can assess the particle size distribution of the ash so that we can quickly say if the ash has an inhalable component – if it is too large to inhale then it can’t have a respiratory impact! We can use sophisticated instrumentation such as laser diffractometers or, if these are not available, even basic sieves can give an indication of the hazard. Another critical technique is X-ray diffraction, which allows us to determine the presence and quantity of crystalline silica in the ash. Crystalline silica can be devastatingly pathogenic, as seen in millions of miners who
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have developed silicosis and lung cancer. We’re not yet sure if the silica in ash will cause such diseases but we need to be aware if it is in the ash so that civil protection managers can take precautionary steps to protect communities. How do you gather evidence of the local experience of living near a volcano? I use social science methodology for this element of my research, and collaborate with colleagues from our Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology departments to conduct focus groups, interviews and questionnaires. We have worked with communities in Hawaii, Japan, Mexico and Indonesia to find out what actions people take to protect themselves from volcanic emissions. We also establish whether these actions relate to official advice, and the cultural and behavioural influences on why people are willing (or not) to take these actions.
What do you do with the evidence provided by the medical surveillance and the community groups? We use it to inform the public and civil protection managers about the health hazards of volcanic emissions, and how communities can prepare and protect themselves. We have created a variety of materials including videos, pamphlets and posters all of which can be downloaded from the IVHHN website. Whilst the current crisis at Kīlauea volcano continues, I am working with State and Federal agencies on the provision of evidence-based public information on the impacts of ‘vog’. This is being done through our Vog Dashboard (a portal of information) which we update on a daily basis, and Forbes.com recently highlighted both the Vog Dashboard and the IVHHN website, as primary sources of information for communities in Hawaii.
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NORTHERN ACCELERATOR
Durham leads on multimillion pound partnership to boost regional economy Durham University is leading a new project bringing the North East of England’s universities together to commercialise research and boost the region’s economy, with £4.9m in Government funding from the Connecting Capability Fund (CCF). Northern Accelerator The CCF award, made by Research England, was announced by the UK’s Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, in March 2018. The project will see Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria and Sunderland universities join forces to make a step change in delivering research to the market place and to develop entrepreneurship amongst their academics through an ideas impact hub and associated proof of concept support.
the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and Tees Valley Combined Authorities. The Northern Accelerator project will be chaired by a strategic advisory board made up of leading figures from academia and business. Roy Sandbach OBE, Chair of the Northern Accelerator Strategic Advisory Board, said: “Our North East universities do world-class research not just for knowledge creation but to deliver national and regional economic prosperity and employment. “This award supports a leading-edge approach to the engagement of academia with business expertise, providing start-up advice, development and long-term funding. “It will be a game-changer for the North East’s economy and a vital contribution to the delivery of the regional strategic economic plans.”
The project will build upon, and take its name from, the existing Northern Accelerator programme – a collaboration between Durham and Newcastle universities that has built a network of entrepreneurs who are embedded at the earliest stages in the universities’ spin-out companies. The project also aims to establish an ongoing North East University Investment Fund (NEUIF) to support research based spin-out companies in the region long-term after the CCF funding comes to an end. Professor Stuart Corbridge, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Durham University, said: “Durham University is proud to be leading this ambitious project, which will build on the considerable strengths that the region’s universities have in research and innovation. “Our researchers are helping to shape future industries including medical imaging, nuclear detection and graphene production and formulation methods for nanotechnology. The Northern Accelerator will create more exciting opportunities for innovation, collaboration and research commercialisation.” Areas of regional strength The newly announced project will focus on four key areas of regional strength – advanced manufacturing, the chemicals and process sector, life sciences and healthcare and digital. The project will support the ambitions for high skills job growth in these key sectors as identified by the strategic economic plans of both
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The CCF-funded Northern Accelerator project will run until 31 March 2021. For more information about the Northern Accelerator project visit www.durham.ac.uk/northern.accelerator News for Durham University Staff & Students
COMMUNITY
NEW COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER STARTS WORK A new link person between the University and its local communities has begun work Hannah Shepherd has taken up her role as the University’s first Community Liaison Officer (CLO). Hannah will seek to maintain and develop relationships between the University, its students and people who live and work in Durham City. She will take a major role in the new Community Engagement Task Force as it develops and implements an Action Plan arising from issues identified both at the ‘University and City: Growing Together’ community engagement event in April and subsequently. Important link Jane Robinson, Chief Operating Officer at Durham University, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Hannah to the University. She will play an important part in maintaining and developing relationships between the University and our local communities and partners.
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“We are committed to working with our local communities to ensure a positive environment for all who live, work and study in our great City and we hope the appointment of our first Community Liaison Officer will help us achieve that together.” Valuable experience Hannah has gained considerable experience over 11 years working in a number of neighbourhood and housing roles for a local authority, most recently as Welfare Support Team Manager for South Tyneside Homes. She studied English Language and Linguistics at Durham University, where she was a member of University College. On taking up her new role, Hannah said: “I am so pleased to be starting this new role, joining the University at a time when it is really committing to improving relations with the local community. “My history with Durham City goes back to when I was a student here and now I live, work and am raising my family in the City; so I am deeply invested in making this role work for a place I love and have done from the moment I set foot in it 19 years ago.”
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MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
Summer at the Castle FAMILY FUN TOURS DATES: Wednesday 15 August TIME: 12.15pm-1.30pm Enjoy a family-focused tour around Durham Castle, with activities for children throughout the tour. Explore what it was like to live and work in Durham Castle in the past and find out more about some of the characters who have made Durham Castle their home over the centuries.
SELF-GUIDED DAYS DATES: Wednesday 8 August, Tuesday 14 August, Wednesday 22 August, Wednesday 29 August TIME: 11.15am-4.15pm Experience a self-guided visit to Durham Castle during this August and stroll around Durham Castle at your own pace. Our knowledgeable guides and volunteers will be around Durham Castle to answer your questions and share some of the stories and hidden history of the Castle.
Summer at the Oriental Museum Looking for ways to keep the family entertained this summer? Why not bring them to the Oriental Museum? Little Dragons, our popular Under-5s club, will be running all summer on Wednesday mornings. We have drop-in children’s art and craft activities every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoon during the school holidays with different themes each week. Teenagers and adults can take part in a range of art workshops and talks. Speak to staff at the reception desk to learn about our various trails and tours for children and adults. Find out more at www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
RESEARCH EQUIPMENT
INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH EQUIPMENT
In 2018/19 the University is investing over £3m into its capital research equipment, across 13 departments to enhance their research capability. The University is investing over £3m into its capital research equipment, across 13 departments to enhance their research capability. Most recently a significant award has been made to the Department of Music, which received £325,000 to upgrade its Audiovisual Documentation and Analysis Laboratory, Concert Room, other studio & laboratory infrastructure and studio equipment. This work is expected to enhance the research capability and capacity of the department. The Department of Archaeology has been awarded £170k for a luminescence reader. This supersedes the current 20 year old stock, which will now be used for more basic dating measurements. The reader will form the basis of a new analytical service, which will bring external funds into the department. A further significant award has been made to the Department of Engineering, which received £485k for a Smart Energy Tech Hive. This new item will create a new platform capable of demonstrating cutting edge smart energy technologies, including block chain based peer-to peer energy trading, smart homes and energy powered markets. The item significantly increases the department’s capacity in the key strategic areas and its ability to develop and deliver impact. It will also facilitate engagement with external partners and is closely aligned to the Industrial strategy and Global Challenges Research Fund areas of focus.
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The awards came after UEC approved a new governance process for the allocation of funds for both match-funding and for strategic investment in 2017/18. The process is run by the Research Equipment Group (REG), a body comprising the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Antony Long, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Claire Warwick and the Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellors. Processes are detailed on the RIS webpages. The key changes from previous years are: • Alignment with the research planning process; • Streamlined application form and process and; • Virtual operation of the REG resulting in quicker turnaround times; • The REG will now fund reasonable ancillary costs such as estates modification, installation and IT costs. Negating the need to approach multiple groups. 2018/19 Funded Assets The REG considered the departmental requests at its annual meeting in May 2018. The Group allocated over £3million for 26 items in 13 departments as follows: Number of awards
Success rate
Value
A&H
2
100%
£361,055
Science
18
86%
£2,380,426
SS&H
5
100%
£321,262
University
25
89%
£3,062,743
The totals above do not include the investment the University has made in match funding on research grants, through investment for new starters or as part of the Estate Development Strategy.
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CIS NEWS
www.durham.ac.uk/cis
Behind the scenes this summer Walking around the University this summer you could easily mistake it for a quiet time. Although you will have your choice of PCs on campus and there’s less traffic on the wireless network, this is actually the busiest time of year for CIS. Behind the scenes we’re preparing for the new academic year - maintaining and upgrading the University’s IT for over 20,000 users, as well as supporting major building and estate refurbishment projects. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ll be up to this summer, from below the ground - up!
Everywhere Coming soon, our flexible remote access service will allow staff and students to access University applications from any device, anywhere*. This means that on and off campus, you’ll be able to access Windows applications on any webenabled device, whether that’s a PC, Apple Mac, tablet, phone, or even games console!
In teaching spaces and colleges Our Audio Visual (AV) colleagues are embarking on their busiest summer ever, undertaking work in 173 different spaces! Working with Estates & Buildings they’ll be: • Refreshing and upgrading AV equipment in 45 existing teaching rooms; • Helping refurbish the Education building; • Installing kit in new teaching spaces and meeting rooms at Rowan House; • Developing a new lecture theatre at Dunelm House;
On your desks We’re replacing around 1,000 PCs this summer, including teaching and open access PCs in Physics, Engineering & Computer Sciences and the Business School. Those in Engineering & Computer Science include high-spec workstations for Computer Aided Design and Deep Learning – a significant investment to enhance teaching and research. New PCs and laptops feature the Windows 10-based managed desktop, Office 2016 and the App Hub to launch applications.
• Ensuring the Colleges’ AV equipment meets changing needs - this includes work at John Snow College’s new building and development at Stephenson, Collingwood, Hatfield and St Mary’s Colleges; • Assisting in the design of services for major capital programme projects including the new Centre for Teaching & Learning, Maiden Castle, Mount Oswald and Maths & Computer Science. We’re also preparing for the launch of Encore, the University’s new lecture capture system. Rolling out from October, the service will enable students to replay lectures at their own pace.
Need new software for next term? Under the ground Rolling out a new and more resilient IT network involves digging up the ground to lay ducts and cables right across our campus. Preparing the network for some of our oldest buildings on a World Heritage site is no mean feat and we’re working closely with Durham County Council and partners as we plan the final civils works in the Durham Peninsula.
Please request any new applications now to ensure you have them in plenty of time before teaching starts. Use the web form at www.durham.ac.uk/cis
*subject to licensing restraints
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News for Durham University Staff & Students
On a scale of 1-10, how much do you care what other people think of you? Depends on who the person is, but I’d say 4. What’s your greatest vice? Sweets, especially chocolate. I can never say no. What’s your favourite film? I love watching films, but Dead Poets Society is my favourite.
NAME: Sabrina Seel JOB TITLE: Postgraduate Academic Officer DEPARTMENT: Durham Students’ Union
Any nicknames? Had lots of different ones when I was younger, but now it’s usually ‘Sab’.
What did you want to be when you were a child? I wanted to be an astronaut. What was your best subject? I’ve always been good at sports, so definitely PE. Where will you be going for your next holiday? Good question. We haven’t got anything planned. Maybe the Lake District? What skill or talent would you most like to acquire? Being able to learn languages quickly and easily.
Have you got any pets? Balu, the energetic springer doodle. What are you reading at the moment? How to stop time by Matt Haig. It’s a brilliant novel and thought provoking. Got me thinking about the world and life. Which historical figure would you most like to be? Albert Einstein. What was the first record you bought? I actually can’t think back that far, Blink 182 or something. What achievement are you most proud of? My PhD from Durham. A large amount of tuition fees, tears and sweat has gone into it.
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What’s the worst job you’ve ever done? Cleaning out rat cages during my PhD. They are not the cleanest animals. What’s your favourite place in the world? Nova Scotia, Canada. Tell me a secret: I like watching Love Island. Don’t even try texting me between 9 and 10pm because I’m busy. What luxury item would you take to a desert island? A boat. Unless I don’t have to worry about survival, then I’d bring my favourite books. What’s your greatest indulgence? Stationary. Can’t have enough! Pass the buck: Finally, who would you like to see in the hot-seat? Gary Hughes, Durham Students' Union.
Give me a picture of your ideal day: Saturday is my favourite day, as it’s parkrun day. This is followed by coffee and brunch with friends. With the weather being so great lately, I love going to the beach and enjoying the sunshine with my partner and Balu. And a BBQ is the perfect way to round off the day. 23
what’s on at the University
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VOTE 100: POP-UP PUPPET
MYSTERIOUS MEIJI
VENUE: Palace Green Library
VENUE: Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill
DATE: 28 July - 29 July
DATE: 8 August
TIME: 1pm – 3pm
TIME: 1pm – 3pm
Celebrating the vote 100 for women’s votes, create your own popup puppet of an inspirational female scientist or archaeologist to celebrate the jobs they do!
Find out about the Japanese Meiji Emperor and create a chrysanthemum collage - the symbol of the Japanese throne.
POWERFUL PYRAMIDS TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC VENUE: Botanic Garden DATE: 30 July TIME: 10am – 4pm Join us for a day of bear-related fun. Bring your own teddy along to the Botanic Garden to enjoy bear-related craft activities and storytelling.
VENUE: Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill DATE: 18 August TIME: 1pm – 3pm Find out how the Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids and make your own sandy pyramid to take home.
VOTE 100: AMAZING ARTISTS VENUE: Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill DATE: 22 August TIME: 1pm – 3pm Celebrate the centenary of the first British women winning the right to vote, see the Coral Eye sculpture and make your own upcycled creature.
AUTISM FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES: FABULOUS FISH VENUE: Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill DATE: 24 August TIME: 10am – 12 noon Children with autism, learning or sensory impairments and their families are invited to take part in our quiet-time craft activities. See our Japanese fish plate and make your own fabulous fish from a range of art materials.
For more information on University events go to www.durham.ac.uk/whatson