Life February 2015 issue

Life Online

www.beds.ac.uk Email

internalcommunications@beds.ac.uk Twitter

@uobnews

February 2015

University’s research recognised as ‘world leading’ – PAGES 6-9

University achieves a top place in the Green League Page 2-3

Beds mobile app launched Page 5

Dates for your diary Page 11

Bedford Gateway opens Page 13

University awarded a First Class Honours in the Green League T

he University of Bedfordshire has been named as one of the greenest universities in the UK when it was awarded a First Class Honours by the People and Planet Green League 2015.

The League is the UK’s only comprehensive and independent ranking of universities by ethical and green criteria and is published by the Guardian.

Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor at the University, said: “The University is delighted with this award. It is great to see that the commitment we have put in to tackling sustainability here at the University of Bedfordshire has been recognised.

“We aim to lead by example, embedding our commitment to sustainability in our policies, strategies and procedures. Our position of 14th out of almost 150 universities countrywide is one in which all our staff and students can take pride in.”

The University has seen its league place rise dramatically over recent years. It started at 124th back in 2009 rising to 20th last year. The announcement that the University has risen to 14th place means the University is placed ahead of those institutions which often lead the way into environmental research.

Adam Higgin is Head of Environmental Sustainability and has led the University’s ‘greening of the campus’ strategy for the last five years. From recycling, to Cycle-2-Work, to rainwater harvesting, Adam has left no stone unturned when it comes to tackling climate change.

The Green League also judges new buildings and this is another area where Adam has aimed high, seeking a BREEAM rating of excellent for all new campus buildings.

The Gateway, the new teaching and learning building at the Bedford campus, employs a whole range of green initiatives. And the new Luton library due to open in January 2016 – 7,400m2 set out over seven storeys –will have its heating and hot water needs met by services shared with the Campus Centre and

the Business School, resulting in much lower costs for the University and more space available for learning resources.

However ‘greening the campus’ is a constantly evolving process. “It’s not just a case of us as a University setting a policy; the whole University community needs to buy in with sustainability embedded into our culture,” said Adam.

Part of that process has included involvement from Beds SU with its Bedfordshire Green Hub and a curriculum review

process to include sustainability across all courses over the five year review period. In addition sustainability is a mandatory part of the staff induction process, while a bio-diversity policy has been introduced to help increase the bio-diversity of the campuses and the surrounding area.

Most importantly all of these actions have resulted in a reduction of the University’s carbon emissions, with it set to meet its target of a 48% reduction in emissions by 2020 from a 2005 baseline.

An example of the 'green work' at Luton, where a special cladding was put on the Business School building to ensure heat and warmth is kept within

Communications Team contacts based at The Atrium, Park Street West, Luton.

Nick Sheppard Head of Communications Nick.Sheppard@beds.ac.uk

Ulrika Meegolla Media Relations Manager Ulrika.Meegolla@beds.ac.uk

02 Life – February 2015

Simon Wesson Press Officer Simon.Wesson@beds.ac.uk

Jenny Bond Internal Communications Manager Jenny.Bond@beds.ac.uk

Luke Peterson Communications Assistant Luke.Peterson@beds.ac.uk

Do you have a news story?

Please contact the Comms team.

Green champions B

eds SU’s work as environmental champions through the Bedfordshire Green Hub has already been recognised by the National Union of Students with a bronze award in its Green Impact awards last year and additional funding.

The Green Hub gives students the power to lead sustainability action within the University of Bedfordshire. Its initiatives have ranged from the Student Eats project, where students grow their own fruit and vegetables; to working alongside the University staff with the aim of embedding sustainability and global citizenship into courses across the University.

A two year project built as part of Beds SU, the Green Hub aims to get sustainability into the minds and lives of students.

It is run by four members of staff, as well as students, who together have helped to engage more than 2,900 students through the initiative.

swap baths for showers or remembering to switch things off at the plug.

• Grow your own! – the opportunity to grow cress and lettuce, as an alternative to buying it at a supermarket, and marigolds to encourage visiting bees.

• “Try your hand at:” Haberdashery – repair your garments and try your hand at knitting, in an aim to reduce the amount of clothing going to landfill.

• The challenge stall – a green survey designed to test how ‘green’ your behaviour is.

Solar panels at the Luton campus

The Bedford Gateway

Initiatives upcoming this month include Go Green Week, which runs from 9th – 13th February, at both Bedford and Luton campuses. This will include: • A Swap Shop –donate your old clothes and get new ones

preventing them from going to landfill.

• A Fashion Show hosted by the Musical Theatre Society in Bedford.

• Green Pledges –pledge to do something for the environment such as

The Green Hub will also be part of events running across Fairtrade Fortnight, 23rd February – 8th March.

This will include running a multitude of events to raise awareness and participation with the Fair Trade Agenda across the University.

Beds SU is thoroughly involved with Student Volunteering Week (23rd February – 1st March), and as part of that, The Green Hub will be getting students together to go out and do some volunteering in the wider community in terms of sustainability and the environment.

Sustainability in the curriculum Preparing University of Bedfordshire graduates to be able to respond and be resilient to the sustainability challenges of the future, answers certain moral issues but also ensures the University’s graduates are prepared for the modern workplace.

Dr Diana Pritchard, Curriculum Enhancement Co-ordinator said: “Sustainability is no passing fad. Employers are increasingly interested in hiring graduates with a sustainability background and our students are interested in courses that equip them with those attributes.

“There is a sector-wide commitment to sustainability.

“Both international organisations and the UK Higher Education Academy urge institutions and subject communities to develop a curriculum and teaching methods that enhance graduates’ capabilities to contribute to sustainable and just societies.

“At Bedfordshire we believe sustainability is pertinent to everyone, and to virtually all subject areas. A handful of academics across subject areas are already active in delivering relevant approaches.”

Life – February 2015 03

Six refugees reunited with their families thanks to University project

A

young woman from Zimbabwe was one of six refugees reunited with their families thanks to an initiative run by the University of Bedfordshire Law School.

Forced to flee her country due to continuous death threats as a result of her political activity, V (names have been protected for anonymity purposes) had to leave her three children behind. Starting a new life alone in the UK wasn’t easy. With help from the University’s Refugee Legal Aid Project (RLAP), her children were granted visas and have joined her in the UK. The project, headed by Dr Silvia Borelli, provides free assistance to refugees who are seeking to be reunited in the UK with their close family members who remain abroad. Law students, acting under supervision, assist refugees in preparing applications to UK Visas & Immigration. Given recent cuts to legal aid, which have meant that publicly funded legal assistance is not available for applications of this type, this is an area of particular need and great importance.

The programme is run in conjunction with Bedfordshire Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support (BRASS), with the support and assistance of Fiona Cameron of the

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum and Ashahul Ali, a barrister at Duncan Lewis Solicitors.

Both are Visiting Fellows at the University’s Centre for Research in Law (CRiL).

Dr Borelli, Principal Lecturer in Law, said: “The project is of great value, both to the refugees and for the students who take part.

“The rules and application process are complex, and, given the unavailability of legal aid, many of our clients would face significant obstacles in making successful applications unassisted.

“In addition, the project greatly benefits the students who participate: they gain new knowledge and skill sets, as well as vital practical experience which will make them very attractive to potential future employers.”

RLAP began in November 2013, and in its first year had a 100% success rate in obtaining the reunion of its clients with close family members. Continuing into its second year, the project is set to expand its activities, with the cases of seven refugees already pending. Applicants come from across the world, from places such as Uganda, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The case of A, a young refugee from a war-torn country in Asia, is particularly striking. Following the death of their father and the suspicious disappearance of their mother, A’s siblings have been left alone in one of the most dangerous areas in the world. RLAP is working closely with A in the hope that they will be granted entry visas so that the family can be reunited.

This year, seven Law

undergraduates (pictured left), the majority of whom are in their third year, are involved in the project. They are assisted by last year’s cohort, who have now graduated and returned to act as mentors. All RLAP volunteers have received training from the University in interviewing, as well as attending preparatory induction sessions on confidentiality issues and the relevant procedure and legal principles given by qualified practitioners and refugee workers.

“Through this project, not only have I been able to develop my own legal skills, but also provide positive outcomes for clients. I have gained invaluable work experience and also made new friends through the project,” said Taranjit Kaur, a student on the programme last year.

In addition to benefitting students, RLAP has changed the lives of the refugees which the project assists, all of whom have since contacted the department to show their gratitude.

Sarmin Begum, who was also involved, said: “It was exciting to hear back from clients when their applications had been successful, knowing that our hard work and dedication proved itself allowing families to be that one step closer to reuniting.”

University opens law clinic

F

ree legal advice is available to members of the local community in a new initiative from the University.

The Law Clinic has opened its door to members of the public, offering advice in the areas of housing, consumer and employment law.

The University’s School of Law project – funded by the Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Fund – gives students practical experience interviewing and advising clients.

Law students can offer free legal support and guidance to members of the general public. All the students have been taught to support clients, and trained staff are available at all times to assist.

Zain Qazi, a second year Law student, said: “It’s a great opportunity

04 Life – February 2015

to put studies into practice. You can put it on your CV and you’re more likely to be taken seriously when applying for a job.”

Tom Mortimer, Head of the School of Law said: “This is an important opportunity for our students. The legal environment is extremely

competitive and the Law Clinic will give added value to employing a student from Bedfordshire.

“The Law Clinic will give our students the chance to interact with real people with real problems; it offers the link between theory and practice.”

The Law Clinic offers one off initial advice sessions in housing and consumer law. Advice on employment law is also available one session a month.

One hour appointments are available, to be booked in advance, between 2pm and 5pm on two Wednesday afternoons a month: Feb 11th &25th April 8th & 22nd May 13th & 20th June 10th &24th The Law Clinic is a Steps project, funded by the Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Fund. l For further information or to book an appointment email: lawclinic@beds.ac.uk or telephone: 07702 338684 (24 hour voicemail facility).

Download the myBeds app T

he University has launched ‘myBeds’ - a new mobile app for students providing access to useful information about student life whilst on the move.

Available to download for free, the app can be accessed via mobile or tablet on all Apple iOS and Android devices.

Key features include access to the latest career vacancies; personal timetable details; library records including personal loans and overdue books; a PC booking facility and the latest events, as well as a number of other useful services and information.

The app also gives access to all news stories published by the University, keeping staff and students up to date with goings on at Bedfordshire.

Commenting on the app, Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said: “Here, at the University of Bedfordshire, we are committed to improving the student experience. We understand how busy our students are and this app should make it easier to access key day-to-day information whilst on the move.”

The University plans to continually add features to the app, ensuring that students have the best possible experience while studying at the University or Bedfordshire.

To download the app, simply search for ‘myBeds’ using the Apple AppStore or Google PlayStore and download as usual. Students with other devices can use their mobile or tablet’s web browser to connect to https://mybeds.ombiel. co.uk.

NSS launched F

inal year undergraduate students have been urged to complete the 2015 National Student Survey (NSS), which launched alongside a celebration of the University’s student experience (Monday 12 January).

Launch events took place over two days at the Luton and Bedford campuses, featuring fairground stalls, information stands and promotion of the Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Awards. Students who filled in the survey also got the chance to spin the NSS prize wheel.

The NSS, filled in annually and now in its 11th year, provides statistical feedback about student satisfaction.

Last year, Bedfordshire was ranked the number one UK University for improving the student experience.

Satisfaction amongst Bedfordshire students rose above 84%, whilst nine courses received 100% satisfaction ratings. Overall, more than 83% of final year students completed the survey, 13% up on the national average.

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell, who attended the Bedford event, said:

“These improvements have been driven by our focus on delivering the best possible student experience, and in order to do that, more effectively listening and responding to the student voice across the institution.”

Mr Rammell also urged staff and students to put forward proposals for the next round of Steps funding.

Almost half a million pounds has been invested in over 30 projects so far, with one such initiative, Media Junction, filming the NSS launch events last month.

The deadline for Steps submissions was February 5, with a selection going on to pitch at the Dragons’ Den event on March 18.

Students can complete the NSS online, or at the NSS bases outside Beds SU and the Learning Resources Centre in Luton, and in the Hub at Bedford. NSS Ambassadors will also be visiting lectures and events across all campuses over the forthcoming weeks to encourage students to participate. l Visit www.thestudentsurvey. com to complete the NSS

Nominate those who improve the student experience

N

ominations for the annual Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Awards opened last month (Monday 12th Jan).

The Awards offer staff and students the chance to recognise those who have helped enhance the student experience.

Categories include ‘Inspirational Teacher’, ‘Partner of the Year’ and ‘Student of the Year’, won last year by Beds SU President Jordan Lewis.

The Awards featured at two events at the Luton and Bedford campuses (12th and 13th Jan) celebrating the University’s student experience, coinciding with the launch of the 2015 National Student Survey.

The popularity of the Awards increased again last year, with over 750 nominations received, a 22% increase on 2013.

Results will be announced in June, with winners invited to a black tie awards evening at Putteridge Bury on Friday June 5th 2015.

Nominations close on Friday

6th March. Visit the Awards webpage to vote: https:// www.beds.ac.uk/studentexperience2/communityat-bedfordshire/studentexperience/awards l Students are also encouraged to vote in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards before 28th February.

Vote at the following link: http://www.whatuni.com/ degrees/addreview.html

Life – February 2015 05

Bedfordshire research recognised as world leading A review of the REF 2014 results Bill Rammell

R

esearch carried out by the University to improve the lives of the elderly and tackle inequalities in organ donation and chronic diseases such as Sickle Cell has been recognised by the REF (Research Excellence Framework), as world leading.

This year’s REF results, which were released in December, have classified almost half of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent – the highest rating possible.

REF is the system used to assess the quality and impact of research conducted by all UK universities (154 took part in REF 2014). It will be used by the four higher education funding bodies to allocate about £2 billion per year of research funding to UK universities.

The University doubled its proportion of world leading research even though it submitted research from almost three times the number of staff compared to the 2008 assessment.

Those areas receiving the highest classification are: Health; Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences; Computer Science and Informatics; Business and Management; Law; Social Work and Social Policy; Education; Sport and Exercise Science, Leisure and Tourism; English Language and Literature; Music, Drama and Performing Arts; and Communication, Cultural and Media.

And over the next few pages Life will look into just what has helped to achieve the fantastic REF results which Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell described as “great”.

“2014 has been a fantastic year for research at the University of Bedfordshire,” Mr Rammell said.

“We opened the year with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our pioneering research in the area of social work and social care.

“Bedfordshire has a growing reputation for carrying out world-leading, high quality

06 Life – February 2015

research. Much of its research has a direct economic as well as a social benefit to the country. The REF report recognises that role.”

The Vice Chancellor added: “We are committed to undertaking research that has a societal impact. If you look at our areas of research excellence, they have all had an impact on both society and its communities.

“We are also passionate about researchinformed teaching. The experience we offer our students is supported by the knowledge and expertise of academics who research at the very top of their subject fields. That’s what a high-quality university education is all about.”

English Language S

tand out winner of the University’s REF 2014 results was CRELLA (The Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment), rated joint first in the country for social and economic impact in the English Language and Literature unit of assessment.

The research institute saw its research into English language proficiency testing assessed as 100% in the 4* world leading rating for its impact score; the score that links research and its benefits to society. 4* is the highest rating possible.

CRELLA is the largest specialist university research centre in language assessment in the UK. Just nine academic staff, three visiting professors, and the support of over 30 research students, make up the institute.

Professor Cyril Weir, Director of CRELLA,

said: “We were delighted with our REF results. REF 2014 marks an important advance in the recognition of language testing as a field of study and the leading role of CRELLA within that area.”

CRELLA’s research into English language

Computing research moves a-head with talking robot T

o see why REF 2014 has praised the University’s social impact, look no further than Bedfordshire’s innovative computing research, which includes a talking robot head (pictured right).

Instilling emotion into Artificial Intelligence has always been a challenge but the robotics Group of the University’s Institute for Research in Applicable Computing (IRAC) has managed just that. Learning capabilities, logical reasoning and the ability to converse are all mainstays of the team’s creation. As if that wasn’t enough, IRAC’s robotic inventions have boosted the lives of the elderly, increasing independence and confidence.

IRAC, part of the Department of Computer Science and Technology (CST), is the University’s dominant computing research centre.

The 39 Computing researchers presented to REF 2014 make IRAC’s submission the 15th largest of all UK universities.

That quantity is more than backed up by quality, with 90% of the University’s Computing research rated as internationally recognised by REF.

“The great strength of the CST Department has always been the breadth of its research,” said Professor Amar Aggoun, Head of CST. “The large size of the REF 2014 submission in Computing clearly demonstrates how deeply embedded

research is in the fabric of the Department, and this ensures that our students are taught day to day by people whose expertise in their subject has been widely recognised by the REF process.”

More than ten years on from IRAC’s formation in 2004,

the centre’s societal impact, particularly in the realm of healthcare, is at an all-time high.

Cancer, heart failure and osteoporosis are just some of the diseases and conditions tackled by IRAC, which has worked closely with the likes of Stanford University and the University of Oxford, as well as worldwide hospitals such as Mayo Clinic.

IRAC is prominent in the move towards more personalised healthcare, viewed as the future of medicine. In addition, technological innovations in security, networking and energy efficiency sectors all form part of IRAC’s societal remit.

Founding Director of IRAC, Professor Gordon Clapworthy, said: “The past decade has been one of continued expansion and growth for IRAC. The breadth and quality of its work today bears no comparison to the situation when IRAC was first set up.

The credit is due to the efforts of all the staff in ensuring a vibrant and technologically leading environment within which our students can work.”

scores 100% in REF proficiency levels and improved methodologies for their assessment has had a major impact on international test providers, enabling them to clarify the proficiency levels underpinning their English language testing, particularly the features that distinguish the various proficiency levels.

It works closely with leading test boards both in the UK and abroad including Cambridge English Language Assessment (CELA), government organisations such as the British Council and charitable organisations such as the Eiken Foundation of Japan.

“Our research has obvious benefits to society.

The work we do for examining boards is helping to determine the future of millions of students,” said Prof Weir. “Examining boards deal with high volume, high stakes work.

Through our work, we are helping to better

define English language proficiency levels, with clearer more accurate results.”

Prof Weir, previously a chief examiner in English for a number of examination boards, continued: “the Government sees language testing as a vital component for trade overseas.

It is critical area for both education and business and there is clear evidence to show that there is a direct link between a country’s ability to attract investment and the English proficiency of its people.”

Through the REF, CRELLA pitted itself against the more traditional universities and in English Language and Literature (beating both Oxford and Cambridge) came out as good as if not better than most.

Overall REF placed CRELLA at 14th in the quality ranking for English Language and Literature.

Life – February 2015 07

Leading the vital battle against chronic disease R

esearch carried out by the University of Bedfordshire is leading the battle against chronic disease.

Diabetes, kidney disease and cancer are just some of the diseases where research conducted by the University has directly improved health education, treatment options, technological advances and government policy related to these conditions.

Prof Gurch Randhawa, Professor of Diversity in Public Health and Director, Institute for Health Research at Bedfordshire said: “The importance of our research was underlined by the REF 2014 findings which found all of our research to be internationally excellent in impact, and the majority world-leading.

“Take kidney disease for instance,” said Prof Randhawa, “our research into kidney care pathways aims to improve our understanding of access to and quality of health care for patients from different ethnic and social backgrounds.

“Patients with kidney failure can either have dialysis or join the transplant waiting list, but there’s over 10,000 people waiting for a transplant in the UK.” Research conducted by the University has helped with understanding why kidney disease affects different ethnic communities and how organ donation can be better understood by the UK population. This has led to the development of bespoke treatment guidelines and public engagement initiatives.

The University has also examined diabetes care and diagnosis; highlighting the influence of good practitioner and patient communication on the management of the

08 Life – February 2015

chronic disease. In addition Bedfordshire research has led to advances in the treatment of prostate and breast cancer.

The University was also commended by REF for its research into Telehealth and Sickle Cell.

Bedfordshire researchers undertook a national evaluation to examine the role that telephone based services can have on managing chronic disease. This work is now informing the development of future Telehealth services.

Sickle Cell research carried out by the University has made a very real difference to the lives of young people affected by the disease. Here research has influenced education policy surrounding the disease and ensured that children affected by Sickle Cell received personal care plans. This has improved the lives of children living with the condition as well as better informing parents and teachers.

Social research to improve people’s lives T

he reasons why the Government has placed such a high premium on the social impact of research in REF 2014 can be seen when taking a close look at the work carried out by the University’s Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR).

“We work with society’s secrets, such as child sexual exploitation or substance misuse,” said Prof Mike Fisher, Director of IASR. “We believe that social research can improve people’s lives, by providing a better understanding of the issues people face and by ensuring that their voices are heard.”

Already awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, in recognition of the way it has changed the perception of children and young people so that they are safeguarded rather than criminalised; the institute’s research was also judged by REF to be leading in this research area.

“All of our work has impact that is recognised as internationally excellent,” said Prof Fisher. “60% of which is world leading.

“Our key strength is to use research to reframe public debate about the causes of social problems and their solutions.”

IASR addresses longstanding social issues.

Its work is based in long-term working relationships with local, regional, national and international organisations, within Europe and globally including the EU and UNESCO. In the UK, the institute works with providers Mike Fisher

of children’s services and adult social care to identify research needs, enhance research skills in the community and implement findings through the written word and social media.

Its work on developing new models of child protection practice in social work has been recognised by the Department for Education award as the academic lead for the new Frontline programme, designed to change the training and education of social workers.

IASR also addresses the key role of substance misuse as a hidden factor to be taken account of when developing services for children as well as for older people, and revealed the extent to which professionals feel unprepared to tackle these issues.

“Our work on substance misuse received a major boost when we were selected to undertake the evaluation of the Big Lottery Fund £25m initiative on older problem drinkers,” continued Dr Fisher. “We are also developing research on migration and on dementia services, recognising these issues as presenting major challenges to an inclusive and just society.”

Life – February 2015 09

Suspects can confess to crimes they didn’t commit S

uspects can confess to committing crimes they didn’t do when they are asked certain, persuasive questions – research by an expert in Forensic Psychology at the University has shown.

Innocent adults can be convinced, over the course of a few hours, that they perpetrated serious crimes according to the new study lead by Dr Julia Shaw.

The lab-based evidence, from wrongful-conviction cases, showed more than 70% of participants adopted stories they were told – providing rich and detailed descriptions of events that never actually took place.

Crimes were as serious as an assault with a weapon in their teenage years.

“False memories of committing crime with police contact can be surprisingly easy to generate, and can have all the same kinds of complex details as real memories, the findings show,” explained Dr Shaw.

Dr Julia Shaw

“All that participants need to generate a richly detailed false memory is three hours in a friendly interview environment, where the interviewer introduces a few wrong details and uses poor memory-retrieval techniques.”

The research was co-authored

alongside Stephen Porter of the University of British Columbia in Canada and conducted with 60 university students.

The students were required to fill in a questionnaire about specific events they might have experienced from ages 11 to

14, providing as much detail as possible.

They were then interviewed three times by a researcher, who told the students of two events he or she had experienced (either a crime or an emotional occurrence, such as being assaulted) as a teen, only one of which actually happened.

The results were astonishing: • Out of the 30 participants who were told they had committed a crime as a teenager, 21 (71%) had developed a false memory of the crime.

• Of the 20 who were told about an assault of some kind (with or without a weapon), 11 reported elaborate false memory details of their exact dealings with the police.

• Just over 76% formed false memories of the emotional event they were told about.

l For more on this story visit www.beds.ac.uk/news

Find a parking space and dim the street light with your mobile!

I

magine arriving in Milton Keynes on a Saturday during the Christmas shopping period and being able to locate the nearest free parking space through the use of a mobile app.

This fantasy may soon be a reality as University Campus Milton Keynes, part of the University of Bedfordshire, is helping Milton Keynes become a Smart City.

UCMK will soon be hosting the MK Data Hub which will collect, model and analyse huge amounts of data from a plethora of sources in Milton Keynes including social media, satellite data, open data resources, information from key infrastructure networks (energy, transport, water) and relevant sensor networks.

This data will be used for a variety of purposes, including running a mobile app to make getting from A to B in Milton Keynes even easier.

The sensor data collected

10 Life – February 2015

throughout the city ties into a hot topic in Smart City design: The Internet of Things - the idea that everyday objects, such as your fridge or washing machine, will begin communicating sensor data via the web. For example, in the near future our wireless-connected city may include rubbish bins using sensors which let the Council know when they are full. It’s easy to imagine that by avoiding sending lorries on unnecessary trips to empty bins which are only half-full the Council can make valuable savings. Projects such as this will help the Council communicate more effectively with the residents it serves, use energy more efficiently and improve services whilst reducing costs.

The MK Data Hub, which is an outcome of collaboration between UCMK, The Open University, Cambridge University and MK

Council, as well as a group of private sector companies, is expected to change the way Milton Keynes residents interact with their environment. Whether it’s the Council, businesses or individuals, the information from the data hub will be used to help improve communication and lead to more informed decision-making.

What’s more, University Campus

Milton Keynes is offering local SMEs the opportunity to use the MK Data Hub to analyse vast amounts of information and create products, improve services and contribute towards the MK’s economy. l For more information visit www.beds.ac.uk/ucmk or contact Rajinder Sharma on: Rajinder.sharma@beds.ac.uk

Dates for your diary

Charlie Hebdo lectures attract hundreds U niversity students engaged in thought-provoking lectures concerning the recent terrorist attacks in France.

Entitled ‘Je suis Charlie’, the talks, put on by the Journalism department, tackled the major ethical issues brought to light by the Charlie Hebdo attacks.

Discussions ranged from the UK national press coverage of the incident – notably the justification of publishing graphic imagery – to the question of the real motives of the terrorists.

Kate Ironside, Senior Lecturer in Journalism and who fronted the events, said: “It was important to have an event that would both stimulate and facilitate discussion. The ethical issues for journalists were immense.

“For society as a whole, there was

the fundamental issue of what was the appropriate response to such an assault on freedom of speech and how or whether you should balance freedom of speech with consideration for the sensibilities of others.

“One of the important roles universities play is to stimulate discussion about major issues and the Journalism team was delighted to be able to do so.”

Jack Beeston, a third-year Broadcast Journalism student, who helped with the event said: “It helped understanding of the pressures and tough decisions faced by journalists in such a situation, as well to encourage people to think about if the UK has a free press and whether or not we should have more freedom.”

Helping young people to access Higher Education

S

tudents from across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes will benefit from the establishment of a network to encourage more young people into higher education.

The Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Network for Collaborative Outreach has been successful in securing funding from a new £22m scheme funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The Network is based on a longstanding partnership between the University of Bedfordshire, Barnfield College, Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Milton Keynes College.

Steve Kendall, Associate Dean, Widening Participation at the University said: “We were delighted to hear our bid for funding had been successful. To be just one of thirty five local networks covering the whole of England is great for local students.

“This service is vital if all young people are to have an equal chance of going to university.

“While the numbers of students from disadvantaged backgrounds have increased, there is still more work to be done to ensure all students who want to study hard can benefit, irrespective of their background.”

The Network aims to reach all secondary schools and colleges in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes. It will provide a single point of contact to help teachers and advisors find out about higher education outreach activity in the area and provide general advice about progression into higher education.

The Network will receive almost £300,000 in funding over the next two years. As well as working with local schools and colleges it will also work with local authorities and business organisations to develop initiatives directed at employability.

2nd – 13th February • Beds SU Elections nominations.

Close at noon on the 13th. www.bedssu.co.uk/elections 9th – 13th February • Go Green Week, around campus – Luton and Bedford Thursday 12th February • Open Mic Night – Organised

by Christian Union, The Hub (Bedford), 9pm-11pm

think better?”, in conjunction with the Future Cities conference. UCMK, 6.30pm.

• Election Question Time Event, The Theatre. Your chance to question the General Election candidates for the Bedford & Kempston constituency.

Hosted in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses.

Bedford Campus. 6.30pm Friday 6th March • Beds SU Elections Results Party, 6pm-10pm, Venue TBC

Friday 13th February • Fashion Show, The Hub (Bedford), Times TBC

Tuesday 17th March • Dragon’s Den event, for students to pitch their ideas of how to improve the student experience.

The Lounge, Luton, 5pm

Sunday 15th February • FIFA Tournament, The Hub (Bedford), 6pm – 8pm Thursday 19 February • Film at Five – a showing of a blockbuster film for postgraduate students. PG Centre, 5.30pm 23rd February-27th February • Student Volunteering Week, a range of events going on across Luton and Bedford. Contact Beds SU for dates and more info of how to get involved.

• Beds SU Election Campaign Week 23rd February – 8th March • Fairtrade Fortnight Tuesday 24th February • Question Time – Chance to ask Beds SU candidates election questions about their manifestos and plans for the year ahead. The Hub (Bedford) 4pm-7pm • Karaoke night – postgraduate karaoke night, a chance to sing your favourites! PG Centre, 5.30pm Thursday 26th February • Question Time – the Bedford event on Tuesday 24th February will be repeated at Luton. The Lounge, 4pm-7pm 2nd March – 6th March • Beds SU Elections Voting Week Tuesday 3rd March • Stand Up in The Lounge – Comedy Night, The Lounge (Luton), Doors open 7pm Thursday 5th March • Public Lecture by Geoff Mulgan (NESTA Chief Executive). Mr Mulgan will deliver a keynote lecture entitled “How can a city

Every Monday • MiTunes – Come be a DJ and play your own music, The Lounge (Luton), The Hub (Bedford), 9pm - late • Official Student Night, ‘We Love Mondays’ – Liquid (Luton), ‘Manic Mondays’ – Vogue (Bedford), 10pm – 3am Every Tuesday • Coffee House Session – Live music from up-and-coming artists every week. The Lounge (Luton), 12pm-1pm, Everybody is welcome!

• Karaoke – Come and show off your singing voice! The Hub (Bedford) 8pm - late Every Wednesday • Mixology – Cocktail Night, The Hub (Bedford) and The Lounge (Luton) 9pm - late • Official Student Night -‘Why Not Wednesdays’ - Sub2 (Luton) • ‘Fresh Wednesdays’ – Vibe (Bedford), 11pm – 3am Every Friday • ‘Flirt Fridays’, 11pm-3am, Sub2 (Luton) Every Saturday • Showing Live Barclays Premier League Football, The Hub (Bedford), From 5.30pm Every Sunday • ‘Smarty Pints’ Quiz Night, The Lounge (Luton) 7pm, The Hub (Bedford) 8pm, Free entry, Also featuring Rock’n’Roll Bingo • Showing Live Barclays Premier League Football, The Hub (Bedford), From 12noon

Life – February 2015 11

Library to scale new heights You can keep up to date with our current and latest campus developments through www.beds.ac.uk/works.

Here you will find further information, the latest news, architects plans, artist’s impressions, videos, an image gallery and much more.

I

f you have taken a walk down Vicarage Street and St Ann’s Road at the back of the Campus Centre recently, it won’t have escaped your notice how rapidly the construction of the new Library building is progressing.

Now with the main concrete frame built up to the second floor, it’s possible to see how this new £46m investment is shaping up to be an exciting new landmark within the Luton campus and surrounding community.

Currently constructors are hard at work putting up the third floor concrete frame which should be complete by the end of April.

Already ticked off the constructor’s to-do list is the completion of the basement archive storage space where the University will house books, journals and other artefacts.

In addition, new shared heating and hot water services have been installed in the basement of both H and J blocks of the Campus Centre which will service the Business School and eventually will also provide heating and hot water supplies for the new Library.

Preparation work to the

12 Life – February 2015

external façade of the Business School along St Ann’s road is well underway in anticipation of a new bridge link which will connect the Business School and the Library. A key feature of the construction, the new bridge will allow students and staff to move from one building to another under a sheltered elevated walk way and is due to be in place by mid-February.

Finally the completion of a new electrical sub-station compound to supply all the necessary power to the new building concludes a successful and busy period of work for this project.

“It’s possible to see how this new £46m investment is shaping up to be an exciting new landmark within the Luton campus and surrounding community.”

Bedford Gateway opens Gateway opening marks the culmination of a £25m project to enhance the educational experience at Bedford

F

riday 30 January celebrated the start of a new and exciting era for the University’s Bedford campus, when the state-of-the-art Gateway building was officially opened to students and staff.

For months there has been an air of anticipation around the campus as the development rose into an impressive two storey structure, which has completely changed the landscape at Bedford.

There is a different feel to the campus with vast open walkway spaces and large pedestrian zones.

“The development of this new jewel in the crown,” said Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell, “has opened up the campus and transformed it into a fresh, modern area which far better

represents what our contemporary institution stands for.”

The inside of the building has kept this innovative feel.

The bottom floor is a large, open space, home to the new reception area; seating areas, with built-in screens; an informal learning space; the café and other break-out spaces.

Its design is in-keeping with other Bedfordshire developments such as the PG centre in the Luton campus and the redeveloped ICT area of the library at Luton.

And this contemporary design continues throughout the Gateway. Each floor has a separate colour scheme. The ground floor is green, the first floor – home to the main learning space with classrooms, group

work and informal learning areas – is orange, and the second floor is red.

On this second floor you’ll find a bespoke learning environment, home to a Harvard style lecture theatre among other educational focussed rooms.

From the outside, the Gateway is equally impressive. As you approach the campus off Polhill Avenue, it stands out like a shiny new beacon with the University’s distinctive tulips clear for all to see.

“This building makes the statement that this is a modern institution, with top-class facilities inside,” said Mr Rammell. “The Gateway does what it says. It has opened a ‘gateway’ to learning for our students here in Bedford.”

The opening of the Gateway

marks the culmination of a far wider project which has seen the campus redeveloped since it first became the University of Bedfordshire in 2006.

The redevelopment has focussed on delivering state-of-the-art, student centred facilities.

This has included a 300 seat capacity sports arena, as well as projects to install an all-weather, multi-use Astro Turf games area, and to introduce a high-quality gym open to both staff and students.

Other developments over the last nine years have seen the construction of a new four storey library, new student accommodation, and the introduction of Beds SU’s Pub in the Hub student facility.

Life – February 2015 13

W

hen The Date premieres at the University’s Theatre this month, it will prove to be a particularly poignant moment for the artist who created the performance.

For Rhiannon Faith, who is the Artistic Director of ‘Rhiannon Faith company’ which is bringing The Date to Bedford, is a former Bedford student herself.

Since graduating from the University in 2005, Rhiannon has gone on to have a successful career in dance and as well as running her own company, is passing on the wealth of her knowledge to current Bedfordshire students in her role as a Visiting Lecturer.

“The University is a very special place to me. Coming back to lecture is a unique experience because I teach students in the rooms I used to learn in myself,” said Rhiannon who spoke of her fond memories of the University.

“When I come back now it has changed so much. There has been a great deal of venue development here which is fantastic and it really feels a firmly established university.

“One thing which is consistent however is the high standard of teaching.

“I was extremely lucky to benefit from the tutoring of someone like Helen Bailey. Helen presented me with the Smith-Artaud Award for excellence in Dance and Theatre at my graduation ceremony, which was a real confidence boost. And throughout my time at university she was like my intellectual mother, and I can see the students respond in the same way to the current Performing Arts team, led by the inspiring Amalia Garcia.

“Without Bedfordshire and the lecturers I would not be where I am today. At Bedford we got a very

Colleagues’ childcare voucher scheme changing We are changing providers for our childcare voucher scheme, a government initiative which helps working parents pay for registered childcare.

From February 2015 payroll Sodexo will be our new childcare voucher scheme provider.

From then on, colleagues who were already registered in our Computershare scheme will automatically be transferred and a new account will be created for you.

If you have any questions about your new account please contact Sodexo’s customer care team on

14 Life – February 2015

LGBT History Month

T Rhiannon Faith

Rhiannon returns for a Date with the uni different perspective of dance to elsewhere. The classes were unique, and visionary, well ahead of their time in terms of what we learnt.

“Being a Visiting Lecturer myself now is something I’m really proud of.

It’s a privilege to come back, and I love it. I am able to use my experience from my learning both at the University and within the dance sector to support the students’ ambitions.”

Rhiannon and her team will be at the University on 18 February for a 7.30pm showing of The Date.

The production is in-keeping with the company’s ambitions to create autobiographical shows exposing the sweet, fragile and devastating aspects of human relationships.

The Date is a show about sex in

the 21st Century, loneliness and friendship. It focuses on two dancers who hook up whenever they perform together and is based on a true life story.

The show has been backed by the Arts Council England, which has enabled Rhiannon to take it on a mini tour – which will include the University, and a London premiere at Battersea Arts Centre in March.

“This will be the first time I’ve performed back at the University.

And it’ll probably be the most nervewracking performance I’ve done for a long time really, taking me back to being 18-years-old!

“I’m really looking forward to it.” l For ticket prices and to purchase one contact 01234 793197.

0800 328 7411. Or you can contact the HR Team at uob.HR@beds. ac.uk.

What to expect: With sessions focussed around one of three strands: teaching, research and professional support, there is something for everyone at this year’s conference.

Over the two days, the stimulating and busy schedule will include keynote talks from the Vice-Chancellor and external speakers, researchbased presentations, interactive workshops, our annual debate and round table discussions covering the intellectual challenge of students; our website and how to improve interdisciplinary working at Bedfordshire. Due to its popularity last year, our speeddating style best practice sessions will also make a return.

New for this year, ‘Why don’t

Annual staff conference 2015 – Playing the Long Game We’re excited to announce details of our 2015 Annual Staff Conference, which will take place on Wednesday, 8th July – Thursday 9th July 2015.

Focusing on the importance of planning for the longer term and embracing forthcoming University and sector developments, the theme for all sessions at this year’s conference is Playing the Long Game.

he lives and achievements of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community is celebrated across February as LGBT History Month takes place worldwide.

The University joins in with the celebrations by raising the LGBT flag in support of this occasion.

Bedfordshire Students’ Union (Beds SU) has recently set up an LGBT society on the Bedford campus with the hope to set one up in Luton, which is open to any and all student involvement.

Make sure you follow the Beds SU Facebook page to keep up to date with upcoming exciting events.

Rebecca Boyle, Beds SU Union Vice-President Welfare & Equality, said: “We are not making a big thing about the raising of the flags this year as it should not be seen as a ‘big deal’, instead we are just going to print some information posters so students know what the flag represents. Look out for them around campus!”

we do that here?’ are short discussion sessions which will explore innovative ideas and practices taking place in other universities and beyond. Also ‘Triples and Tipples’ will provide three different perspectives on a single topic along with an end of conference drink.

We need your input: Our conference is for staff, run by staff and about issues that are important to you and your role!

There are a number of ways to get involved and contribute to the conference, particularly if you would like to suggest topics or sessions. Please visit our website uobconference@beds.ac.uk for more information. The deadline for contributions is 20 March 2015.

Winner of The Voice interviewed by students T

he winner of last year’s The Voice, Jermain Jackman, was among a line-up of top guests being interviewed for a live show put on

by TV students.

The 20-year-old, who won the BBC show under the guidance of will.i.am, was at the University TV studios as part of a day of filming by 24 first year TV students and 18 second year Media Performance students.

The TV undergraduates were provided with the chance to take on 144 different roles required to produce six interviews as the event went live onto the internet and in front of a guest audience.

The Media Performance students managed to secure an impressive line-up of guests including film director Terry McMahon, who played a role in Batman Begins, and Richard Vranch a comedian, actor and musician.

The stand-out interviewee of the day was Jermain, who told his three interviewers about his rise in the industry, his time on

Duayne Boachie, Shani Alleyne and David Hanson, interview Jermain Jackman

TV, and his future plans which include political ambitions.

“Growing up I always loved music. I was singing Whitney Houston songs all day. I learnt the piano and after a while many opportunities were coming my way so I wanted to pursue it.

“Being on The Voice was a lot of pressure and hard work.

“Having will.i.am as a mentor though opened my mind to different genres and where a

song can go. I discovered you can change the foundation of a song and therefore change its content.

“To win was surreal. It didn’t sink in for a few days.”

Jermain’s album is out on 23 March, however he is not just concentrating solely on music.

“There’s a lot of sides of me. I love politics and was recently in Scotland with Gordon Brown for the referendum. I want to mix music and politics. Many people

say you can’t do both but there are many examples of celebrities which show it’s possible.”

Reflecting on the day Jermain added he “loved” the University and it was a pleasure to help his friend Duayne.

The event was part of an annual collaborative assessment.

Kathryn Wolfe, Senior Lecturer in Media Performance and Course co-ordinator Television Production at Bedfordshire, said: “These students responded fantastically well to the challenge, producing a top-quality show using the very best of the equipment we have.”

Dr Maria Wiener, Senior Lecturer in Media Performance, added: “This experience is very rewarding and enjoyable for students, staff and our live audience. Congratulations to those involved to make it a success!” l You can watch the interviews here: http://new.livestream. com/accounts/1768895/ live2015?t=1421870809934

Killing My Girl previews at over 20 festivals

A

n award-winning film by a pair of University of Bedfordshire postgraduates will have featured at over 20 festivals by the end of this year.

Killing My Girl, by MA Creative Digital Film Production students Tasos Giapoutzis and Michael Carter, tells the story of a London-based Asian woman who is forced by her family to undertake sex-selective abortion against her will.

The 12-minute film has been shown across the world, from India, to Peru, to Germany, as well as in the UK, most notably at the London Short Film Festival in January. The piece, produced by Tasos and Michael, has received the Director’s Choice Award – third prize – from the Black Maria Film Festival, as well as winning at the International

Euro Film Festival in Malaga.

The film has also been shown in Greece, Tasos’ home country and where he decided to move from to build upon his passion for films in the UK, with Bedfordshire his “ideal” choice.

“When I arrived at the University I already knew I wanted to make films but I had no formal knowledge on filmmaking whatsoever,” he said.

“On this aspect, the University played the role of the parent to me. It held my hands and showed me how to make my first steps, making sure I am on the right track.”

With his filmmaking career well underway, Tasos, who also holds an undergraduate degree in Media Production (Moving Image) from the University, has actioned a proposal for a film festival in Luton.

The Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Projects (Steps) fund gave Tasos’ project the green light in December, with the festival set to launch late this year.

“Organising an international short film festival in Luton is not just important for me personally, but for the whole community of Luton. It is a cultural event missing from the town and I am sure people will embrace it,” said Tasos.

“I find the Steps programme extremely useful both for staff and students of the University.

Initiatives as such give extra motivation to people to be more creative and active.”

• Tasos was part of a group of TV production students who went to Berlin for the British Shorts Film Festival, which is sponsored by the University.

l Visit www.beds.ac.uk/steps to get involved with student experience related events

l For more on this story and the Festival visit www.beds.ac.uk/ news

Life – February 2015 15

Photo by: Julian Andrews Photographer/Director Eye R8 Productions Ltd

World Cup winning Maggie leaves rugby for shot put H

ow do you increase a shot putter’s ability?

Simple, don’t bother measuring their throws.

At least, that’s the case for Bedfordshire alumna and former women’s rugby star Maggie Alphonsi MBE. Last month, Maggie brought down the curtain on an illustrious rugby career – one which included a World Cup win in 2014 and culminated with the Premiership title for Saracens in her final game.

Far from throwing away her career as a sportswoman, the 31-year-old will now focus on a

passion stemming from her days as a schoolgirl: athletics.

“I’ve always loved athletics,” she said. “I did it before I went into rugby.

“Rugby was my love but now I’m thinking ‘what could be another challenge?’

“I’ve been very fortunate to have a very good career in rugby so I’ve got that advantage already. I know I’ve got the potential to be a very good thrower.”

Maggie admits she doesn’t know what the women’s shot put world record of 22.63m looks like, and remains adamant that her unique training style will help

her reach new lengths.

“My coach (Tracey Quarty) refuses to measure my throws, which is a good thing because it means that I can actually concentrate on the technique,” she said.

“It’s doing me good because I’m really focusing on the circle as opposed to the outcome. If we develop the technique, the rest will come.”

Should Maggie make it to the Rio Olympics in 2016, it will mark ten years since her graduation from Bedford. The 2010 Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year says her BSc in Sport and Exercise Science

allowed her to excel in sport.

“My degree gave me a good understanding of the psychology element of working in sport,” Maggie added. “It really helped me in terms of my mentality.

“I also learnt general sport science and all the important information an athlete needs.

When I work with my strength and conditioning coach now, I understand what he’s talking about.

“For me it was perfect in terms of my sporting capabilities. The knowledge I developed through university really helped me push on to be a better athlete.”

Free sports for staff and students D id you know there are a wide range of sports that all students and staff can take up for free at the University?

All you need to do is sign up for the free Get into Sport Membership on www.beds.ac.uk/ sportbeds/get-into-sport Among the many popular sports – available at locations including Luton, Bedford and Milton Keynes – include football, golf, running, table tennis, cricket and futsal.

Some of the latest courses which could be of interest include: •A erobics, in Luton, 5-6pm, Wednesdays at Carnival Arts • Handball, in Bedford 7-8pm, Tuesdays, at Bedford sports hall • Squash, in Luton at Venue 360, 12pm, Saturday and Sunday.

• Basketball, in Luton Hightown sports centre, 6-7pm Luton Fridays Sarah Barker, Sports Project Officer, said: “Get into Sport

provides everyone the chance to help get fit and improve your overall health.

“It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, and all the activities are really fun and open to people of all abilities.

“All equipment is provided and

you can learn from the experts on hand.

“There is also the opportunity to work and volunteer as either a coach or an organiser on many of the sports.

“There’s new activities being added all the time and these run throughout the academic year.

“Make sure you look out for taster days and tournaments too.” l For more information visit the website

Life – February 2015 16