Staff
KENT The Magazine for the University of Kent | October 2013
Congregations Winning wildlife image
Welcome Dear colleagues, Welcome to the Autumn Term 2013 edition of KENT staff magazine. This summer’s round of student admissions has been as competitive as any before: I am delighted to say that, once again, Kent has been successful in its student recruitment including attracting a high proportion of ‘non-core’ students with A-level, or equivalent, grades of ABB and above. Our popularity with students is testament to the high-quality experience across our academic schools and campuses. This year’s National Student Survey results (see p4) show that overall satisfaction remains very high, at 90 per cent. Our undergraduates enjoy their time at Kent and we consistently perform well in the survey: this year, we came tenth nationally among comparable institutions. We continue to transform our students’ lives for the better through our engaging curriculum and enriching student experience. It is a pleasure to see this reflected in the survey results. Our excellent teaching and innovative research at Kent are central to our success. We have, this autumn, announced an exciting new research collaboration (see opposite), which will complement and extend our existing cross-institution relationships. The Eastern Academic Research Consortium (ARC) with the universities of Essex and East Anglia will enable us to compete effectively for larger research grants. This major step forward will position Kent to take advantage of the best opportunities available to us in partnership with other excellent institutions. As we begin our celebrations for our 50th Anniversary, we have an opportunity to reflect, and take pride in our past, and look forward to inspiring the future for our students. I look forward to celebrating our University’s many successes over the coming year with you.
Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow Vice-Chancellor
3 News 6 Feature: Congregations 8 Research 10 Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity 11 Academic promotions 15 Enterprise/Environment 16 Feature: Brompton Academy 18 Staff profile 19 Information Services 20 Hospitality 21 Sport 22 Kent in the news/Books 23 People 24 What’s on Special thanks to: Lesley Farr, University Design & Print Centre. Photographs by Robert Berry, Zoe Davies, Jason Dodd, Simon Jarrett, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Tim Stubbings and Matt Wilson.
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KENT We have set up a new group for staff to have their say on all aspects of internal communications, including KENT staff magazine. If you would like to become a member, please get in touch with us via communications@kent.ac.uk KENT staff magazine is also available online at www.kent.ac.uk/campusonline/kentmagazine Please email communications@kent.ac.uk if you would prefer not to receive a printed copy. Editorial team: Wendy Raeside (Editor), Karen Baxter and colleagues in Corporate Communications, University of Kent. To contact us or submit a story, email kentmagazine@kent.ac.uk Next issue: the deadline for the next issue is 11 November with a publication date of 2 December 2013.
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Eastern ARC – Kent forms new research consortium The universities of East Anglia, Essex and Kent have established a new research consortium. The Eastern Academic Research Consortium (ARC) will build on the universities’ existing research and partnership activities to become a significant new force in research and research training. As part of the agreement, the three universities will strengthen their current collaboration in the natural and environmental sciences and the arts and humanities, and develop new crossdisciplinary research. The consortium has already signalled its commitment to the agreement by funding six Eastern ARC Fellows and 18 Eastern ARC PhD studentships over a five-year period. East Anglia, Essex and Kent are among the universities established in the UK in the 1960s,
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and today make a major contribution to the UK’s university sector. Together, the three universities have over 50,000 students, 2,000 academic staff and more than 20 academic departments in the top ten for research, according to the Government’s most recent Research Assessment Exercise. They have a total combined annual turnover of £540 million. In a joint statement, the universities’ ViceChancellors, Professor Edward Acton, Professor Anthony Forster and Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow, said: ‘This is more than just a regional collaboration. It is a long-term agreement based on synergies between our world-class research portfolios. As we celebrate our 50th anniversaries, combining our considerable research expertise will enable us to respond better to the challenges of the research funding environment, and to make an even greater contribution to global wellbeing over the next 50 years.’
£1 million gift towards new law clinic building
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The University has received a £1 million donation – one of the biggest single gifts from an individual in its history – as part of its fundraising campaign to build a new home for its awardwinning Kent Law Clinic.
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Future generations of law students will benefit from the new building at the Canterbury campus when it opens in two years’ time – thanks to this gift from The Hon Charles Wigoder, an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Staff
KENT The Magazine for the University of Kent | October 2013
Congregations Winning wildlife image
Cover story Award-winning photograph of blackbrowed albatrosses by Kent Senior Lecturer Dr Zoe Davies (p4).
Kent Law Clinic, which is part of the University’s Kent Law School, operates as a partnership between students, academics and practising solicitors and barristers. It provides a public pro bono service for people who need legal advice and representation but cannot afford to pay for it, while at the same time enabling students to gain experience of the law by working under supervision on cases for clients of the clinic.
Work is expected to begin next year on the new building – which will also include a new ‘mooting’ court – with a formal opening due during the University’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2015. Law students and alumni have also been raising money – via a series of recent sponsored events – to support the Kent Law Campaign’s target of
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£5 million for the new building. In June, a team of 16 students, alumni, staff and friends undertook the daunting Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds, while in May law student Hannah Bignell was sponsored to swim the equivalent of the length of the English Channel in a Canterbury leisure centre. www.kent.ac.uk/giving/lawcampaign/
Double shortlisting in Times Higher Education Awards Kent has been shortlisted in the two categories for which it made submissions to the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2013: Excellence & Innovation in the Arts and ICT Initiative of the Year. Kent’s shortlisting for Excellence & Innovation in the Arts is based on its recent programme of development, innovation and investment in this sector. This has resulted in the University not only consolidating its existing reputation as a firstchoice arts destination for students, but in it also becoming an arts champion and cultural hub for Canterbury, Medway and the region. Kent’s successes in this area include the new School of Music and Fine Art on Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, Colyer-Fergusson Music Building and School of Architecture Crit Building, and Imaging Autism, a School of Arts-led investigation into the role of drama in the development of autistic children. Kent’s shortlisting for ICT Initiative of the Year focuses on the development and use of ‘serious games’, or immersive technologies, to enable students and child protection professionals undertaking continuing professional development to practise and discuss difficult child protection cases in safe environments. Developed by Professor David Shemmings and Dr Jane Reeves from Kent’s Centre for Child Protection, these games combine expertise from a number of the University’s units, disciplines and academic schools, as well as external experts such as Special Branch, Kent Police, Kent County Council, Kent Probation and Child Health Services (Essex). The winners of the THE Awards 2013 will be announced on 28 November.
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Kent in top tier for student satisfaction Kent continues to be a top UK university for student satisfaction. The results of the 2013 National Student Survey (NSS) have confirmed it among the top 10 multifaculty universities for overall satisfaction, positioning it within a select band of institutions that have achieved an overall satisfaction rate of 90 per cent and above. Kent also has 12 subject areas in the top 10 for overall student satisfaction, with its Medway School of Pharmacy (a collaboration between the universities of Kent and Greenwich) ranked first of its kind in the UK. Subject areas in the top 10 are: pharmacology; anthropology; economics; business studies; film studies; comparative literary studies; social policy; social work; history; French studies; linguistics; and Iberian studies. Kent was ranked 20th in the 2014 Guardian University Guide, 28th in the Sunday Times University League Table 2013, and 28th in the Complete University Guide 2014. www.thestudentsurvey.com
Ecologist wins national photography prize Dr Zoe Davies, Senior Lecturer in Biodiversity Conservation, has won first prize in the 2013 British Ecological Society’s Centenary photographic competition for her photograph of a pair of black-browed albatrosses greeting one another. The photograph (shown on our front cover) was taken on the cliff tops of Saunders Island in the Falkland Islands, where she was working with a range of organisations to develop their protected area strategy. Dr Davies, of the University’s Durrell Institute of Conservation Ecology (DICE), said: ‘These charismatic birds are an “endangered” species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List... But the good news is that recent surveys have shown that the number of individuals is increasing – hopefully their status will be downgraded soon.’
Dr Davies wins £750 and her photograph featured in ‘Celebrating Ecology’, an exhibition this summer of images from the British Ecological Society Centenary photographic competition – at the world’s largest international ecology meeting (INTECOL) in London. bit.ly/ZoeDavies
Countdown to 50th Anniversary The University has started the official countdown to its 50th anniversary celebrations with the launch of a countdown clock. The clock, which was started on Tuesday 1 October, is projected onto the side of the Senate building at the University’s Canterbury campus and will remain until 1 October 2015 - the date Kent’s 50th year officially starts. The launch event was attended by students, staff and alumni, including John Platt, one of the first 500 students to attend the University. Kent’s 50th anniversary will be marked by activities and events throughout 2015. Over 180 projects have been suggested by staff, students and alumni, with many already underway. These include: a series of history projects, led by students from the School of History; an Alumni Reunion Weekend; a specially commissioned university ale and soft drink; and special exhibitions at Canterbury’s Beaney museum.
Million pound investment for physics outreach programme Kent is one of five universities in the south east to benefit from new investment for the South East Physics network (SEPnet) – a programme of outreach to engage young people with physics in the region. Provided by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the £13.1 million investment will sustain physics undergraduate and postgraduate teaching provision, and worldclass research facilities, staff and doctoral training over the next five years. HEFCE will also provide £2.75 million to maintain and expand the network, to establish a dedicated regional graduate training programme for physics postgraduate students and address physicsspecific issues of student participation and diversity.
News 1 Katy Burnett 2 Urban art at student-led workshops
Kent’s Access Agreement for 2014-15, published by OFFA on 11 July, means eligible full-time undergraduate students will receive a £7,000 support package to cover their three-year degree programme. The University has extended the Government’s qualifying household income threshold for guaranteed financial support to ensure it can help as many students from lower income families as possible.
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Impact of Kent Enterprise Hub on local economy
undertaken various awareness events to encourage students to sign up to the donor register. So far, Katy’s efforts have resulted in 107 students signing up.
New figures have shown that the University’s Enterprise Hub has to date made a £3.87 million impact on the local economy. The figures – provided by the National Council of Graduate Employment – follow the announcement of three new businesses joining the Hub in the last three months. The Kent Enterprise Hub is a dedicated support for student, graduate and staff start-up businesses. Companies can operate from within the Hub’s facilities, while accessing advice, support and knowledge from business experts. As well as assisting almost 60 new start-up businesses and helping to create over 110 new jobs since it opened in 2010, the Hub continues to attract a host of start-ups at its base on Canterbury campus.
Student named national cancer charity’s top volunteer An exceptional Kent student who steered the student-led group Kent Marrow to sign up over 100 people to the national bone marrow donor register has been named as a top volunteer by blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.
Canterbury youngsters engage with urban art Two students from the University’s School of Arts have helped young people in Canterbury discover new talents and possible career paths as part of a community outreach module in their degree. Working with two local organisations based at Canterbury’s Riverside Youth Centre, the students provided ten dedicated workshops for young people on the theme of urban art. Over ten weeks, young people from the Futures Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and the Kent Refugee Action Network took part in workshops focusing on urban activities, including BMX, graffiti and street dance. The workshops and charity involvement were co-ordinated by final year students, Charlaine Duncan and Melody Cross as part of their Applied Performance degree.
£6 million available in undergraduate support
Katy Burnett, a Forensic Science student from the School of Physical Sciences, was given the accolade as part of National Volunteers Week in June.
The University has received approval for its plans to make a total of £6 million available from next year to fund financial support packages and scholarships for undergraduates.
Katy, 20, has had first-hand knowledge of the importance of being a donor after undergoing a bone marrow transplant to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia when she was five years old. She decided to set up Kent Marrow, a volunteering group, as part of Kent Union and has since
Under national arrangements to ensure students from lower income families can access higher education, universities have to agree their arrangements for student support – in the form of an Access Agreement – with the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).
Kent will also continue to offer its generous scholarship scheme for academic excellence – providing £2,000 a year for students with AAA grades or specified equivalent – as well as other scholarships for sporting and musical excellence.
New county alliance to promote IT innovation Kent is one of three universities to join forces with Kent Connects – a public sector technology partnership which links all of the county’s councils with the emergency services and NHS – to help promote IT innovation and knowledge transfer across the county. Launched at the University’s Canterbury campus on 10 July, the Kent IT Alliance (KITA) will support collaboration and provide opportunities for knowledge transfer, joint funding, research and development, and the exchange of innovative practices through the use of technology. KITA will also offer students from the universities of Kent, Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church the opportunity to undertake IT placements and projects for Kent Connects’ organisations.
Enterprise specialists meet PM’s advisor Enterprise specialists from Kent Business School (KBS) highlighted their success in supporting regional businesses when they met Lord Young, the Prime Minister’s enterprise advisor, at 10 Downing Street on 23 July. Led by Professor Martin Meyer, Director of KBS, the University team discussed the role university business schools can play in working with small and medium-sized enterprises to encourage innovation and growth. The visit was a result of KBS being cited in a report earlier this year by the Association of Business Schools as an example of best practice.
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Congregations Honorary graduates
director at BP and technical consultant to RollsRoyce. She was included in BBC Radio 4’s list of the UK’s 100 most powerful women in 2013. She received the CBE in 2002 and was appointed DBE in 2007 for services to science.
The screenwriters of the BAFTA-winning James Bond movie, Skyfall, were among those receiving honorary degrees in July from the University. Kent alumni Neal Purvis and Robert Wade have written five James Bond films, including Skyfall, the UK’s highest grossing movie. Neal Purvis studied Film and Photographic Arts, while Robert Wade studied Film Theory and English at the University. Since then, they have forged a successful career writing screenplays together. They have worked in a variety of genres with screenplays including the spy comedy Johnny English and The Italian Job remake. Kent graduate Carolyn Quinn is best known for her work on BBC Radio Four as a political correspondent and a presenter on the Today Programme and PM. She also presents the Sunday night political programme The Westminster Hour. She reports regularly from Parliament and in 2011-12 was elected Chairman of the Press Gallery, the first female to represent the 300 journalists working there. Maureen Duffy is a contemporary British poet, playwright and novelist. Originally a teacher, she turned to writing full-time as a poet and playwright after being commissioned to produce a television screenplay by Granada Television. She is the author of 16 plays for the stage, television and radio and has published 32 books, including seven volumes of poetry. George Arestis is a Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union and a University of Kent politics postgraduate. After practising as a lawyer for 10 years, he was appointed as a District Court Judge before becoming Administrative President of the District Court of Nicosia and subsequently a Judge at the Supreme Court of Cyprus. Since 2004, he has been a Judge at the EU’s Court of Justice. The career of Sir Michael Bett spans five decades with senior roles across most facets
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Freddy Kempf is one of today’s most successful pianists, performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. He was educated at St Edmund’s School, Canterbury and the Royal Academy of Music. He took up the piano at the age of 4, and made his concerto debut, aged 8, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1992 he was named BBC Young Musician of the Year and, in 2001, was voted Best Young British Classical Performer in the Classical BRIT Awards.
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of society from government and industry to the arts. He was the first Civil Service Commissioner and has chaired a number of national enquiries. Sir Michael actively supported the development of Canterbury’s new Marlowe Theatre. He was knighted in 1995. Human rights lawyer and Kent graduate Jonathan Cooper has worked on many of the most important human rights cases of the last two decades, both at the European Court of Human Rights and in the UK. He is the editor of the European Human Rights Law Review and is Chief Executive of the Human Dignity Trust. In 2007, he was awarded an OBE. Professor Bleddyn Davies established the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) at Kent in 1974. He is an Emeritus Professor both at Kent and the LSE, and also Professorial Fellow at the Oxford University Institute of Ageing. His work has focused primarily on equity, efficiency and the reform of community care, and PSSRU continues to be the main source of analysis behind public policy in the area. He was awarded an OBE in 2001. Professor Dame Ann Dowling is a mechanical engineer specialising in combustion, acoustics and vibration. She is Head of the Department of Engineering at Cambridge and one of four main panel chairs for the Government’s Research Excellence Framework. She is a non-executive
Sir Peter Ricketts is currently British Ambassador to France, having originally joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1974. He was Assistant Private Secretary to Sir Geoffrey Howe, before serving in Washington and Hong Kong. More recently, he was UK Permanent Representative to NATO in Brussels and was appointed Permanent Under Secretary at the FCO and Head of HM Diplomatic Service. In 2010, the Prime Minister asked him to become the British Government’s first National Security Adviser. He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) in 2011. Professor Richard Rosen is a vitreoretinal specialist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, Professor of Ophthalmology at the New York Medical College and Visiting Professor in Applied Optics at the University of Kent. His first residency was in Ophthalmology at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary where he now serves as Vice Chairman and Director of Ophthalmic Research for the Department of Ophthalmology, Surgeon Director and Chief of the Retina Service. Dr Elizabeth Vallance is a leading political theorist. She was Head of the Department of Politics at Queen Mary University where she is now an Honorary Fellow. She is a Sloan Fellow of the London Business School and is a nonexecutive director of Charter European Trust and the Medical Protection Society. She was a presiding magistrate on the Inner London Bench and was appointed as a member of the Committee on Standards in Public Life. In 2008-9, she was High Sheriff of Greater London.
Feature 1 Neal Purvis and Robert Wade 2 Eleanor Boorman and Professor Sir Robert Worcester with his new portrait
Record numbers at July ceremonies
Portrait commemorates Professor Sir Robert Worcester’s chancellorship
Congregation ceremonies, when students graduate, are one of the most important days in their lives. And a dedicated team within the University’s Development Office helps ensure that the ceremonies are a fitting and memorable occasion for students, their families and friends.
Professor Sir Robert Worcester’s role as Chancellor of the University of Kent (2006-2013) has been commemorated with a portrait by artist Eleanor Boorman. Sir Robert’s portrait was unveiled by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow, at a ceremony on 17 July. Invited guests included members of the University’s Executive Group and Council, honorary graduates, academic staff, and political and business figures from the region.
This July, the University conferred awards and degrees on 4,625 successful students across 14 ceremonies in Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals. The ceremonies also saw the introduction of the ‘Canterbury Bunny Mascot’ for the 50th Anniversary celebrations, our Chancellor Sir Robert Worcester officiating at his final graduation ceremony, and a record number of University staff graduating. They included: • Susan Casement, Master’s Assistant, Rutherford College – MA Professional Practice (General) • Kim Harty, Taught Programmes Officer, School of Physical Sciences – BA Applied Professional Practice • Tracey Lamb, Equality & Diversity Manager, Human Resources – MA Professional Practice (General) • Jack McDonnell, 50th Anniversary Project Officer, Development Office – BSc Music Technology • Caroline Montgomery, HR Manager, Human Resources – BA Applied Professional Practice and English Language and Linguistics • Nicola Roissetter, IT Trainer & ITQ Co-ordinator, Information Services – BA Applied Professional Practice and English Language and Linguistics • Laura Jane Ryves, Corporate Events Assistant, Development Office – BA English & American Literature • Victoria Ward, Administrative Assistant, School of Psychology – BA Applied Professional Practice and English Language and Linguistics • Lyndsay Whiting, Admin & Facilities Assistant, Kent Business School – MA Professional Practice (General).
Dame Julia said: ‘I would like to thank Sir Robert for his contribution to the University over the years. He has been a tireless champion and representative of the University both at home and abroad, and a respected figure among staff, students and alumni.’ Sir Robert is a well-known political forecaster and commentator. He founded MORI (Market & Opinion Research International) in 1969, growing it to become the largest independent research organisation in the UK. In 2005, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Her Majesty the Queen. Prior to becoming Chancellor, Sir Robert already had well-established links with the University, with positions including Chair of its Finance & Resources Committee and Honorary Professor of Politics.
www.kent.ac.uk/development/congregations
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Major conservation research helps raise Mary Rose to new life Conservation research by the University has helped enable the safe preservation of the Mary Rose in one of the most significant salvage projects in recent times. Working alongside the Mary Rose Trust in a £35 million project, scientists at Kent have developed new techniques to ensure the timbers of the Mary Rose are preserved successfully when on display in the new museum, which opened this summer at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Led by Professor Alan Chadwick, alongside Professor Bob Newport – both from the School of Physical Sciences – the research involved establishing the correct compound to treat the ship’s wood to stop deposits of sulfur salts on its surface, which go on to erode and attack it. It is known to affect timber ships that have been raised from the sea bed and then react with the air, but the research identified a chemical solution to soak into the wood to ensure it does not further degrade when in museum conditions. Without the new conservation chemistry, the wood could weaken and ultimately become difficult to preserve and to display publicly.
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As well as significant research to preserve the ship for its new museum, Kent and Mary Rose Trust scientists will also undertake further investigation over the next ten years while the ship is on display. In the first study of its kind to look into changes in the chemistry of waterlogged wood while in the museum environment, the research team will monitor and explore chemical conservation techniques. www.flickr.com/photos/universityofkent/ sets/72157636118747924/
Relating animals to humans could help conservation projects New research by conservationists at the universities of Kent, Oxford, Columbia (USA) and Monash (Australia) suggests that people’s tendency to relate more to animals that bear a resemblance to humans (anthropomorphism) could help improve public engagement with conservation projects. In a paper published by the journal Biodiversity Conservation, the researchers – including Diogo Verissimo of the University of Kent’s Durrell Institute of Conservation Ecology (DICE) – also suggest that anthropomorphism is overlooked as a powerful tool for promoting low-profile species
that are endangered or require urgent attention. At present, anthropomorphism in conservation is limited to social, intelligent animals, such as chimpanzees, polar bears and dolphins. According to the research, this would imply that other species are not worthy of conservation because they are not like humans in the ‘right’ ways. By making conservationists more aware of how people construct anthropomorphic meanings around species, how they engage with species and attribute value to their characteristics – such as attributing personhood or emotions to pets or even livestock – conservation programmes can be created which speak to people through their cultural expectations and emotional connections. bit.ly/animals-human-conservation
Research
Improving the Medway shopping experience Staff and students from the Medway division of Kent Business School (KBS) are working with Medway Council and local retailers to improve the shopping experience for residents of Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham, Strood and Rainham. Master’s students from KBS recently conducted a Medway High Street Shoppers Survey on behalf of Medway Council. Among their key findings, they learned that in order to do more shopping locally Medway shoppers would like to have a wider range of store choice in their five town centres and cited high street appearance and cleanliness, as well as free parking opportunities, as being influential in deciding where to shop. KBS is using the results of the survey for a series of free retail workshops for local independent retailers. A mentoring scheme is also being launched to provide support where requested.
Older women still under pressure to tone down New research by Professor Julia Twigg, of SSPSSR and one of the UK’s leading sociologists, shows many older women still feel under pressure to tone down their dress. Others, however, are taking advantage of cheap casual clothing to stay fashionable, as well as remaining integrated in mainstream society through shared lifestyles. These are among the key findings of research presenting the first detailed analysis of the links between fashion and age. The research, contained in a new book, Fashion and Age: Dress, the Body and Later Life, by Professor Twigg, shows how clothing and dress can shape identity in later life – particularly for women. It highlights that many women still feel they have become ‘invisible’ as they’ve grown older – but points out that others are buying clothes from High Street retailers that are moving to meet the fashion demands of the ‘grey market’. The research found that women over 75 now shop for clothes as often as those aged 16-34 did in the early 1960s, suggesting that engagement with fashion can form an important part of continued integration with mainstream culture.
This is one of the main findings of a Survey on Cyber Security by Kent’s interdisciplinary research Centre for Cyber Security. Other findings include the revelation that over 6% of people have had their accounts compromised on more than one occasion and that survey respondents aged 55-64 were the least likely age group to be successfully targeted by online crime, with some 90% confirming that they had not been victims of security breaches to their online accounts. This, according to the researchers, could be attributed to this age group spending less time online, having fewer activities and accounts or, more generally, being more cautious and security aware when online. The survey is the first of its kind to be conducted by the University’s Centre for Cyber Security and was led by Dr Julio Hernandez-Castro and Dr Eerke Boiten. www.cyber.kent.ac.uk/Survey1.pdf
New forensic technique for analysing lipstick traces A study by forensic scientists at Kent has established a new way of identifying which brand of lipstick someone was wearing at a crime scene without removing the evidence from its bag, thereby avoiding possible contamination. Using a technique called Raman spectroscopy, which detects laser light, forensic investigators will be able to analyse lipstick marks left at a crime scene, such as on glasses, a tissue, or cigarette butts, without compromising the continuity of evidence as the sample will remain isolated. Professor Michael Went, of the School of Physical Sciences, said: ‘Continuity of evidence is of paramount importance in forensic science and can be maintained if there is no need to remove it from the bag. Raman spectroscopy is ideal as it can be performed through transparent layers, such as evidence bags.’ Other advantages are that microscopic samples can be analysed quickly and non-destructively.
Recent research awards Professor Mark Smales (Centre for Molecular Processing), £398,766 from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council for ‘Unravelling and engineering the role of metals on recombinant therapeutic protein synthesis and heterogeneity from Chinese hamster ovary cells’. Dr Ben Baumberg (SSPSSR), £247,071 from the Economic and Social Research Council for ‘What is ‘incapacity’? The role of working conditions and job availability claims and whether these should be part of incapacity assessment’. Shona Illingworth (School of Music and Fine Art), £129,400 from the Wellcome Trust for ‘Lesions in the landscape: Claire and the Island of Hirta’. Dr Scott Owens (School of Computing), £98,538 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for ‘Relaxed memory model design for theory and practice’.
New KRIMSON support system In line with the University Research and Impact Strategy 2013-16, we are investing in a new system, KRIMSON – Kent Research Information Management System On-line. KRIMSON will support the operations of Research Services (RS) and Kent Innovation and Enterprise (KIE), and provide enhanced reporting. It will bring together information on research staff, their publications, projects and proposals, research student supervision, taught course modules, academic expertise, public engagement and other research-related activities. It will be used by RS and KIE staff, as well as academic colleagues.
New figures reveal extent of cybercrime risk in UK
RS is currently working with the supplier for this system, Avedas, to design interfaces with existing University systems such as HR, Finance and KAR (Kent Academic Repository). The project implementation will be announced shortly – we are planning to pilot it with a school from each faculty during Q1 2014, followed by University-wide implementation in Q2 2014.
Almost one in five people (18.4%) in the UK have had their online accounts hacked, with some people (2.3%) losing more than £10,000 due to criminal activity.
Further information on KRIMSON will follow in the December issue of KENT staff magazine.
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI)
Equality networks
The University has a number of equality networks for staff. You can find out more about them by attending one of the meetings listed below or contacting equalityanddiversity@kent.ac.uk
EDI Network
LGBT Staff Network
Women’s Network
Upcoming meetings: • Wednesday 5 February 2014, 1-3pm • Wednesday 21 May 2014, 1-3pm
Upcoming meetings: • Wednesday 23 October 2013, 12-2pm • Wednesday 15 January 2014, 12-2pm • Wednesday 11 June 2014, 12-2pm
Upcoming meetings: • Friday 8 November 2013, 12.30-2pm • Wednesday 11 March 2014, 12.30-2pm • Wednesday 1 May 2014, 12.30-2pm
Have you seen the Network’s new Role Models initiative? Role models challenge stereotypes and provide inspiration to others. The presence of LGBT people in public life has played an important role in changing societal attitudes towards LGBT people. In Kent’s Role Models campaign, we proudly provide examples of the successful, full lives that LGBT people have in an accepting environment.
The Women’s Network has been running since 2004 and now has over 120 members from both Canterbury and Medway campuses. Network sessions have included topics on preparing women for promotion, the Research Excellence Framework, mentoring and coaching, and the Athena SWAN Charter.
The EDI Network is open to all departmental EDI Representatives, together with Harassment and Emergency Response Team contacts, and members of Trades Unions and Students Unions. The network represents the views of staff and students and acts as a channel of communication for EDI. Does your school or department have an EDI Representative? www.kent.ac.uk/hr-equalityanddiversity/ support/groups/network.html
http://blogs.kent.ac.uk/lgbtstaff/rolemodels/
Disability Staff Network Upcoming meetings: • Wednesday 13 November 2013, 2-4pm • Wednesday 5 March 2014, 2-4pm • Wednesday 25 June 2014, 2-4pm The December 2013 issue of KENT staff magazine will include an update on the work of the Disability Staff Network.
Kent is participating in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, a tool used to evaluate workplace practices on sexual orientation equality. As part of this, Stonewall asked to hear from lesbian, gay and bisexual staff at the University relating to their experiences in the workplace through the completion of a short anonymous questionnaire. Results are being analysed as part of the University’s Equality Index submission and will be announced early in 2014. Kent hosted the second Kent and Medway Community LGBT Network meeting in September. The network brings together regional employers interested in sharing information about LGBT staff initiatives, events and good practices.
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Athena SWAN Charter This year’s Athena SWAN Awareness Day took place on 16 September, to reinforce and recognise the University’s ongoing commitment to the advancement and promotion of women in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics). The event was open to women and men and focused on the University’s work on gender and work-life issues for all staff. bit.ly/AthenaSwanEvents
ACADEMIC PROMOTIONS 2013 Introduction It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you our colleagues who have been promoted recently: their achievements are a cause for celebration. The promotions process is a rigorous one, and I thank all those who took part. The work of the University Promotions Committee is not easy, as we recognise and reward contributions across a broad range of activity which makes up academic life. The University works hard to support staff development through formal and informal means. In the past year, we have
improved the support we provide for mentoring, launched the Reflect, Plan, Develop (RPD) scheme to supersede appraisal, and I have led a working group on the experience of female academics. We will continue to invest in nurturing the career development of our academics and our professional services staff members. I congratulate all those who have been promoted this year, and look forward to hearing more about our colleagues’ achievements in the future. Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow Vice-Chancellor
This year has been our best yet for promotion: we saw a 50% year-on-year increase in applications and it was wonderful to see the diversity of work, and the quality of cases that people provided. The high volume of applications was matched by a high success rate for applicants, which is a good indicator that the promotions procedures are working well in being able to recognise the excellent work that our staff members do across a range of activities. It was particularly good to see staff recognised for contributions to teaching and learning: this is something that we hope will continue. The new appraisal scheme, RPD, provides a further opportunity for staff to talk about their future career plans, which may include applications for promotion. We have asked each school to ensure that appraisers meet with their heads of school after all the RPD meetings have taken place to ensure that all colleagues are properly encouraged in their career development, and that where appropriate such career plans are discussed and supported. Margaret Ayers Director of Human Resources
Promotion and Reward The University has a number of ways of recognising the outstanding performance and contribution of its staff, whether this is through promotion, re-grading when jobs change or through additional increments, one-off payments and team awards. Through these processes, the University aims to encourage staff to improve their own performance while meeting nationally and internationally recognised standards of excellence. Details of the various schemes which operate for all groups of staff are available on the HR webpages: www.kent.ac.uk/hr-staffinformation/
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Academic promotions 2013
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES Introduction Humanities has had a strong showing in the promotions round this year, reflecting the quality of our staff and the exciting work being done. Colleagues have been promoted based on a range of activites: their teaching excellence and support for students, their impact and outreach work, their publications, the grant money they have secured, and their ability to lead others in a variety of ways. Some successful applicants chose to focus on a small range of such activities, while others made their case across a wider selection. In total, there is a great deal of impressive work being done across the faculty. Dr Simon Kirchin Acting Dean
New Professors Dr Gerald Adler, Kent School of Architecture Dr Catherine Waters, School of English As Deputy Head of KSA, I have concentrated on expanding the School in a sustainable manner, consolidating its undergraduate teaching while building up its postgraduate provision. I serve on the Queen’s Anniversary Prize and the RIBA Research Awards panels and as External Examiner at Cardiff University, and Lead Examiner at the Architects Registration Board. I have also worked in quality assurance in Switzerland and Austria and am active in the Heinrich Tessenow Society in Germany. My research in architectural history focuses on German Modernism at the start of the 20th century, while my most recent book on the British architectural practice Maguire & Murray deals with the transition of modern architecture on these shores from the Brutalism of the 1950s to the ‘Romantic pragmatism’ of the 1980s. Gerald Adler
Since my appointment as Reader in 2009, I have been involved in a wide range of impact-related activities associated with the 2012 Dickens bicentenary, such as the co-organisation of the major international travelling conference, ‘Dickens and the Idea of the “Dickensian”: A Tale of Four Cities’. As well as completing a number of publishing projects, including series editorship of a six-volume reference collection on Dickens for Ashgate Press, I served as
President of the international Dickens Society in 2010 and gave a number of plenary addresses. I’ve brought strategically important new networks to Kent, including the University of Buckinghambased ‘Dickens Journals Online’ project and the University of California-based Dickens Project. My broader interest and expertise in Victorian print cultures are reflected in my current AHRCfunded research on Victorian ‘special correspondence’. Catherine Waters
Readers Dr Thomas Baldwin, School of European Culture and Languages (SECL) Dr Philip Boobbyer, School of History Dr Pratik Chakrabarti, School of History Dr Tamar Jeffers McDonald, School of Arts Dr Simon Kirchin, SECL Dr William Pettigrew, School of History Dr Natalia Sobrevilla Perea, SECL Dr Axel Stähler, SECL Sarah Turner, School of Arts I came to Kent in 1995, with an expertise in Russian intellectual history and a remit to teach modules on modern Europe. My research has always been informed by an interest in spirituality and religious philosophy, and this was reflected this year with the publication of my study of the American religious leader Frank Buchman, The Spiritual Vision of Frank Buchman (2013). For the last five years, I have been Deputy Head of the School of History, a job that that has become increasingly important with the expansion of the school – there are six new full-time staff this autumn.
workshop for nearly 100 participants to discuss the development of a national resource for archiving historical newspapers digitally. I also completed editing a book on the impact of the 1812 Cadiz Constitution in the Atlantic World. Natalia Sobrevilla Perea
Senior Lecturers Dr Patricia Baker, SECL Dr Paddy Bullard, School of English Dr Paul Fretwell, School of Arts Dr David Grummitt, School of History Dr David Haney, Kent School of Architecture Dr Deborah Holmes, SECL Dr Edward Kanterian, SECL Dr Hans Maes, School of Arts Dermot O’Brien, School of Arts Simon Smith, School of English Sian Stevenson, School of Arts Dr Steven Willis, SECL This year has seen many changes in Music and Audio Arts, for which I am Curriculum Leader. We began the year as part of the School of Arts, but have since separated to become the School of Music and Fine Art. During the past year, I have focused on establishing our new undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. We now have three undergraduate and three postgraduate programmes with a structure that is innovative and economical, allowing overlap between programmes and collaborative modules with Fine Art. Within our new school, I have also established Skills Enhancement Week, offering skills workshops to students and hosting visiting speakers from arts organisations and industry. Paul Fretwell
Philip Boobbyer
Over the last year at Kent, I have continued with my teaching and administration and have combined it with my research on independence in Latin America. Supported by a British Academy International Partnerships and Mobility Grant, I have travelled to Chile and Argentina and organised an international workshop in Canterbury Cathedral with the support of KIASH. Work on a British Library Endangered Archives grant has continued, allowing me to work towards the digitalisation and preservation of provincial newspapers in Peru. In June, I led a
My research focuses on applied performance, creating innovative theatre projects within the local community. This has led to the formation of StevensonThompson, run alongside my colleague, Jayne Thompson, launching an innovative collaboration between the company and the Sidney De Haan Research Centre, and exploring the potential of emerging virtual technologies to impact on the wellbeing of an ageing population, specifically those living with dementia. My teaching draws directly on professional experience, emphasising professionalisation, employability and inclusivity. I am also actively involved in student support, which extends to my role as Master of Keynes College. Sian Stevenson
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Dr Philip Boobbyer Dr Paul Fretwell Dr Natalia Sobrevilla Perea Sian Stevenson
Academic promotions 2013
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FACULTY OF SCIENCES Introduction The Faculty of Sciences celebrates its staff each year by a variety of means including promotion. This year, staff were promoted in every school. As well as being good in all aspects of their work, our newly promoted colleagues have shown excellence in the spheres of teaching or research. As a faculty, we place great value on the scholarship of our colleagues and their contributions to the common good of their school, the faculty and the University. We are proud of the students we teach and their achievements, of the impact our staff have had on those students and on the teaching of their disciplines nationwide. We are equally proud of the intellectual insights that underpin our leading research and enterprise activities. Professor Mark Burchell Dean
New Professor Dr Alex Freitas, School of Computing My main research interests are the creation of new types of data mining (or machine learning) algorithms and their application to real-world data in biology (for example, predicting the functions of genes or proteins) and in the pharmaceutical sciences. I recently received an EPSRC research grant for a “discipline hopping” project, where I am hopping from computer science to the pharmaceutical sciences. The goal of this project is to develop a new computational data mining method that helps to predict the volume of the distribution of a candidate medical drug into the human body. As part of this two-year project, which started in January 2013, I am spending half of my time doing research in the Medway School of Pharmacy, in collaboration with Dr Taravat Ghafourian, Lecturer in Pharmaceutics. Alex Freitas
Readers Dr Gareth Howells, School of Engineering and Digital Arts Dr Colin Johnson, School of Computing Dr Stéphane Launois, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS)
Dr Gavin Mountjoy, School of Physical Sciences Dr Dan Mulvihill, School of Biosciences Dr Ali Nokhodchi, Medway School of Pharmacy Dr Jing Ping Wang, SMSAS An expert on novel pharmaceutical formulations, during the last few years I have focused on particle engineering for oral and pulmonary delivery of drugs. My research in this area led to over 100 publications during 2007-2013, with around 2,000 citations, and as such I was able to attract the interest of the pharmaceutical industry, including funding from Colorcon (UK) and TEVA (US). In my research, I often deal with solving practical problems in drug delivery technology and therefore the findings of my research can be quite appealing to the industry.
My research focuses on the search for novel multiferroics, technologically important materials which may form the basis of the next generation of electronics such as memory devices. In the last year, I have secured funds to support this research from the Royal Society and was recently awarded an EPSRC first grant. My research also plays an important role in the learning initiatives of SPS students, with undergraduate research projects as well as lecture material based on the properties of materials and characterisation techniques. Over the last year, I have been an active member of both the University and SPS Athena SWAN committees, assessing and implementing best practices for women in science. Donna Arnold
Ali Nokhodchi
My research work is at the interface of mathematical physics, algebra and geometry, especially algebraic and geometric structures of nonlinear differential and difference equations. Currently, I am working on an EPSRC-funded project on partial difference equations with continuous symmetries and conservation laws. This interdisciplinary project draws ideas and techniques from several areas of mathematics such as difference equations, algebraic geometry, difference algebra and Galois theory. I am organising an international mini-workshop in Canterbury this year on ‘Algebraic methods in theory of differential and difference equations’ partially supported by this project and plan for a workshop in Leeds next year. Jing Ping Wang
Senior Lecturers Dr Donna Arnold, School of Physical Sciences Janet Carter, School of Computing Dr Diana Cole, SMSAS Dr Kay Foster, School of Biosciences Mark Heller, SMSAS Dr James Hopker, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences Dr Alfred Kume, SMSAS Dr Mark Price, School of Physical Sciences Dr Markus Rosenkranz, SMSAS Nick Wood, SMSAS
As Director of Learning and Teaching in the School of Biosciences, I have been instrumental in initiating and completing a comprehensive review of our degree programmes. In addition to providing enhanced module options for our undergraduate students, the review has also allowed both new and existing staff to develop exciting new modules based on their research expertise to integrate into our programmes. My teaching scholarship is currently focused on the development of student practical skills, particularly those enabling greater confidence in self-directed practical work. Kay Foster
My current research is focused on two main areas of sport and exercise physiology – the determinants of endurance exercise performance and adaptations to training. I have published papers on both of these areas in relation to cycling performance; specifically, how performance is affected by changes in metabolic and biomechanical efficiency, and how the training process affects physiological parameters related to endurance cycling. I have also recently co-edited a book, Performance Cycling: The Science of Success. More recently, I have started to translate some of my research from trained athletic populations to clinical patients in collaboration with East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and the Medway Foundation Trust. James Hopker
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Dr Donna Arnold Dr Kay Foster Dr James Hopker Dr Ali Nokhodchi Dr Jing Ping Wang
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Academic promotions 2013
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Introduction The latest promotions round was a particularly successful one for colleagues in Social Sciences, with a virtual doubling of the number achieving promotion. In recent years, the University has tried to ensure that promotion reflects the full range of contributions that academics make, with criteria such as excellence in practice, leadership, and impact. It is thus pleasing to see that, this year, colleagues have again won promotion not only for excellence in research, but also for excellence in crucial work in teaching, enterprise and leadership. These promotions are a testament to the quality and range of contributions by the faculty’s academics – contributions which are crucial in building and sustaining the success of the schools and the wider University. John Wightman Dean
New Professors Dr Roger Giner-Sorolla, School of Psychology Dr Robert Jupe, Kent Business School (KBS) Dr Robin MacKenzie, Kent Law School (KLS) Peter McGill, School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR) Dr Alisoun Milne, SSPSSR Dr Joachim Stoeber, School of Psychology Much of my teaching and research focuses on the “challenging” behaviour of people with learning disabilities. Such behaviour involves individuals injuring themselves or others. As a result, some are placed in environments like Winterbourne View (as shown on BBC Panorama in 2011). I currently have NIHR funding for research on the prevention of challenging behaviour in social care services. I am also involved in various activities resulting from the Winterbourne View scandal. I have written a service specification for specialist health and social care provision to be rolled out nationally and I am part of a Department of Health group developing guidance on the use of approaches such as restraint. Peter McGill
Readers Dr Donatella Alessandrini, KLS Dr Albena Azmanova, School of Politics and International Relations (Pol&IR) Dr Katherine Bedford, KLS Dr Ruth Blakeley, Pol&IR Dr David Boothroyd, SSPSSR Dr Marian Garcia, KBS 1 2 3 4
Dr Tracy Kivell, School of Anthropology and Conservation (SAC) Dr Patricia Lewis, KBS Dr Benjamin Lowe, KBS Dr Michelle McCarthy, SSPSSR Dr Maria Scaparra, KBS Dr David Wilkinson, School of Psychology Dr Simone Wong, KLS Dr Shaomin Wu, KBS I’ve been leading an ESRC-funded project aimed at mapping the US-led system of rendition and secret detention in the War on Terror. My team has produced the world’s most comprehensive database of flights by all aircraft linked to rendition operations between 2001 and 2006, accessed via an interactive map on the project website (www.therenditionproject.org.uk). In May, the Guardian newspaper published a series of linked articles about the project, including a guide to the interactive map. As Social Sciences Faculty Director of Graduate Studies, I have enjoyed working to ensure the delivery of the highest quality programmes for taught and research postgraduate students. Ruth Blakeley
My research focuses on understanding the cultural factors which act as a restraint on the growth in numbers of female-owned businesses and inhibit the performance of those businesses in terms of earnings and profitability. I have established a track record in writing about the gendered aspects of entrepreneurship and was among the first tranche of management researchers to write about its inherent masculinity. In addition to my research, I am also the KBS Director of Learning & Teaching.
Dr Paolo Dardanelli, Pol&IR Dr Zoe Davies, SAC Dr Andrea den Boer, Pol&IR Lisa Dickson, KLS Dr Emily Haslam, KLS Dr Matthew Hodges, SAC Dr Timothy Hopthrow, School of Psychology Dr Susan Hornibrook, KBS Dr Sarah Johns, SAC Sian Lewis-Anthony, KLS Dr Iain MacKenzie, Pol&IR Dr Lavinia Mitton, SSPSSR Dr Jane O’Mahony, Pol&IR Dr Adrian Pabst, Pol&IR Dr Stephen Pethick, KLS Maureen Shaw, Centre for Professional Practice Dr Joseph Tzanopoulos, SAC Dr Ayse Uskul, School of Psychology Dr Sophie Vigneron, KLS Dr Mario Weick, School of Psychology Dr Joanna Williams, Unit for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching I am an applied landscape ecologist who uses empirical data to address questions of importance to conservation management and policy. My research interests are diverse, but focus on three broad themes: improving conservation practice; understanding how species are affected by climate change and habitat loss/fragmentation; and investigating the ecological impacts of urbanisation, and how this might relate to levels of human wellbeing within towns and cities. I have two primary admin roles within SAC – I am the Academic Head for Conservation Biology and I run the popular DICEtaught MSc programme. Zoe Davies
Patricia Lewis
Senior Research Fellow Dr Kate Hamilton-West, SSPSSR
Senior Lecturers Dr Markus Bindemann, School of Psychology Dr Kate Bradley, SSPSSR Dr Ian Bride, SAC Dr Emilie Cloatre, KLS Dr Vicky Conway, KLS Dr Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel, SAC Dr Philip Cunliffe, Pol&IR Dr Eleanor Curran, KLS
As well as being Director of Learning and Teaching, my work has included several collaborative projects inside and outside of the University. Much of my research has involved my postgraduate students, for example my work with Dr Rose Meleady on the effect of mental simulation on co-operative and pro-environmental behaviour. Another major focus of my work over the last year has been my work with DSTL, a research arm of the Ministry of Defence. Together, we have developed a new way of collaborating and accessing funding. Timothy Hopthrow
Dr Ruth Blakeley Dr Zoe Davies Dr Timothy Hopthrow Dr Patricia Lewis 1
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Enterprise
ICE inspires regional innovation More than 50 businesses across the south east now have a greater understanding of the University’s approach to innovation and enterprise and how they can collaborate, thanks to the annual ICE (Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise) showcase event on Canterbury campus. Innovation is a key driver of economic growth and the pace of change is quickening as successive technological breakthroughs accelerate innovation. ICE was established as a specialist network to connect local, regional, national and international businesses with the latest innovation and expertise from across the University. The ICE event on 3 September demonstrated Kent’s international expertise and cutting-edge facilities and was received very well by the business community. Delegates from private, public and third sector organisations described the event as ‘fascinating and inspiring’, ‘an excellent opportunity to learn from specialists’ and praised the ‘excellent quality of presentations, varied and interesting’.
Environment Launch of new Green Academy Kent was recently accepted onto the exciting Green Academy programme developed by the Higher Education Authority’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) team. This new programme will support change at an institutional level, enabling universities to embed sustainable development in the overall student experience in more strategic and holistic ways. The University mission emphasises the need to ‘use natural resources creatively, responsibly and sustainably’ and this project seeks to create a framework that will promote values, ideals and practical aspects of living, studying and working in a sustainable way that will inform future policies and practice at Kent.
Hosted by Kent Innovation and Enterprise (KIE) and titled ‘Innovate for the Future’, the event showcased innovation and technologies, including humanoid robots, child protection training simulations, an eye tracking device, 3D printer, and Eucapnic Voluntary Hyperventilation (EVH) testing kit for exercise-induced asthma, in a bid to demonstrate the University’s approach to supporting and developing projects with external partners. Speakers included representatives from KPMG, IBM (UK) Ltd, and Vertex Law, as well as contributions from the University’s Cyber
Security Research Centre, Kent Business School, School of Arts, and School of Architecture. KIE would like to thank all the schools for their contribution in making the event a success. To find out more about ICE, how you can collaborate with organisations across a wide range of sectors and specialist areas, obtain funding or discuss opportunities for demonstrating impact through knowledge exchange, contact KIE: email enterprise@kent.ac.uk or telephone 7376.
Name
Role
Ongoing projects
Louise Naylor
Director, UELT
Creative Campus, Student Experience
Ian Bride
Lecturer, DICE
Academic involvement, one-off projects
Nick Swinford
Assistant Director of Estates
Carbon Management Plan and related projects
Catherine Morris Environmental Co-ordinator
Environmental Management System, Green Impact Prog
Tom Currie
Student Environment Officer
Environment Campaign
Tessa Buckfield
President, People and Planet Society Student Society involvement
Building upon the initial success of the Creative Campus, Green Impact and the University’s recent certification to the ISO14001 Environmental Management Standard, a team of students and staff took part in the Green Academy residential in Leeds to review our current provision and practice, and co-ordinate efforts to develop a more sustainable future at Kent. Our aim is to broaden the experience and skills of students to meet the demands of the 21st century as global citizens. As the University’s Strategic Institutional Plan 2012-15 states: ‘Students are environmental champions,
and expect the University to demonstrate corporate and social responsibility in the use of natural resources… which can only become more important in the future’. The Green Academy Team is made up of staff and students from across the University allowing the project to explore every aspect of the student experience (see table above). There are lots of exciting projects planned for 2013/14, both new and building on existing work. Find out more in the next KENT staff magazine or contact Catherine Morris, c.morris@kent.ac.uk
KENT Magazine
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Feature
Working in partnership with Brompton Academy Students at Brompton Academy have started the school year in a new multi-million-pound building. The art and science specialism school in Gillingham is sponsored by the University of Kent. Head of Partnership Development Office Jennifer Wyatt describes the role of University staff and students in the Academy’s development. In 2008, the University began working with the Brompton Principal Judy Rider on plans for a new academy – an academy that would build on the rapid success of its predecessor school rather than replace a failing school. In 2003, when Judy Rider took on the predecessor school, based in one of the most deprived areas of England, the school achieved 2% 5+ GCSE A*-C including English and Maths (2005). By 2011 the Academy increased this figure to 40%, despite 54% of students having some form of special educational need. However, the rationale for Kent’s sponsorship of Brompton Academy is about much more than examination improvement. From the beginning, our aim has been clear – we are not seeking to lecture teachers on how to improve their teaching, but to share our passion for subject knowledge with teachers and students. This approach has paid dividends – the Academy is now the most oversubscribed secondary school in Medway.
‘The University’s sponsorship of Brompton Academy was undertaken to help the school build on and accelerate its developing strengths. I’m delighted that there has been so much progress in such a short time, particularly in the establishment of a sizeable sixth form community. What I hadn’t foreseen at the start, though, was the value this engagement would bring to our own students involved in the Academy. The achievement of mutual benefit like this suggests to me that we’ve found a very good model for the interaction of universities with secondary schools.’ David Nightingale Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Kent
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KENT Magazine
Key developments The University has worked alongside Brompton staff and students over the last four years to create a vibrant curriculum for students and the community. A key aim has been to strengthen the link between arts and sciences. Developments have included: • Supporting new sixth-form study of the sciences in 2012/13 – Kent staff from the Partnership Development Office, Biosciences and Science Faculty, as well as trained PhD students and undergraduates, have helped with development and delivery of the A level curriculum, personal tutoring and an oncampus induction to working in a lab environment. • Advising teaching staff – Peter Klappa (School of Biosciences) has assisted with the use of iPads, which all students and staff now use. Jane Anderson (Partnership Development Office) and Gaby Roch (Science Faculty) have also worked with Brompton staff on innovative use of purpose-built teaching spaces. • Working with students – The Skyline project has resulted in a sculpture for the new Academy grounds, created by the nationally renowned Medway sculptor Sam Holland. In the lead-up, Brompton students made an art installation for the school, ably supported by 20 School of Arts student ambassadors, and
community events for families and adult learners. • Working with the community – A very successful Access to HE programme is now in its second year. The programme has over 40 students and five modules covering English Literature, Creative Writing, Human Biology, Sociology, Psychology, and Fine Art. A series of inspirational science lectures, open to the local community and other schools in the Medway area, is being planned in the Academy’s new building.
‘The University of Kent’s sponsorship of the Academy has been absolutely pivotal in transforming attitudes and aspirations of students, staff and the local community. Academy governance by the University has raised our expectations and supported us in developing a challenging academic curriculum complemented by inspirational pedagogical practice through the harnessing of Apple learning technologies – ensuring our learners have the best possible future progression opportunities. We are proud of our association with the University and our students have significantly benefitted from the many and various inputs from the Partnership Development Office.’ Judy Rider Principal of Brompton Academy
Feature 1 Kent’s student ambassadors support outreach and recruitment events on campus and in local schools
Challenging but rewarding Working with the Academy, given the challenges it faces, is often difficult but rewarding. Literally hundreds of Kent students have worked with Brompton students over the last four years. Many of them say that their work as ambassadors, which includes working in Kent’s other 40 partner schools, is one of the most rewarding aspects of their university career. In April 2013, when the University celebrated the 10th anniversary of the undergraduate ambassador scheme, alumni and current students gave passionate testimonials to how their involvement in schools’ outreach had broadened their life experience, helped them gain subject insight, positively affected their life choices about further study and future careers, helped them gain employment and resulted in alumni offering internships to current ambassadors nearing graduation.
‘I worked on the transitions school for year 6. I thought it was brilliant mainly because of the teachers I was working with. They allowed me to really get involved and trusted me to know what I was doing.’
Schools in for summer! Summer is a busy time of year for staff in the Partnership Development Office and, from May to July, they organised over 25 large-scale events on campus. They were attended by more than 1,400 students from over 40 local schools – including the University Partner Schools and members of the Kent and Medway Progression Federation.
Highlights included: • Da Vinci Day – nearly 400 Year 7 and 8 students from Brompton Academy visited the Medway campus over four days. The students made a self-propelled car and came up with new ideas for keeping food safe and fresh. The winning teams received University medals and an activity day at Canterbury campus. • Robot Challenge Day – 120 young people took part in this Challenge at the Medway campus, which involved programming robots to carry out tasks with Lego-themed models. • World Languages Day – Over 400 Year 8 students took part in these language days, now in their ninth year, at the Canterbury and Medway campuses. Students were able to try out a new language, or use ones they are already learning, in over 40 workshops in 12 different languages. Highlights included a Mexican Piñata puppet workshop and the hotly-contested European quiz. • Science Extravaganza – Almost 400 students took part in interactive workshops at Canterbury and Medway campuses designed to gain an insight into new areas of science. They were able to handle ‘priceless’ moondust – loaned to the University by the Science and Technology Facilities Council – as well as watch Gaby Roch, from the Faculty of Sciences, make a comet live on stage.
Alex Young BA (Hons) Criminal Justice at Medway
The sponsorship of Brompton Academy has involved staff and students from across the entire University and it is hoped that this involvement will continue to stimulate new ways of working and learning as well as challenge some preconceived views.
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Find out more
Teaching and Learning Pathway launch
To find out more about, or contribute ideas on, the University’s sponsorship of Brompton, please contact Jennifer Wyatt – email J.A.Wyatt@kent.ac.uk
The Centre for Professional Practice (CPP) has officially launched the Teaching and Learning Pathway in the Professional Practice MSc. The pathway has been developed by CPP in collaboration with Rochester Grammar School, Brompton Academy and the New Horizons Teaching School Alliance, to offer qualified teachers the opportunity to obtain a Master’s qualification relevant to their professional practice. The first module starts on 25 October 2013. For further information, email cppmedway@kent.ac.uk or click on: www.kent.ac.uk/cpp KENT Magazine
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Staff profile
Dr Frank Sowrey I came to Kent in 1999 as a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Physical Sciences. In 2004, I made the transition into University administration taking a combined role split between the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities. I have been School Administration Manager for the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS) since 2006. Working both as an academic and administrator in all three faculties has given me an interesting perspective on the business of the University. What would be your perfect day? A carefree day spent relaxing with my wife and three children.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life? Having more time – there never seem to be enough hours in the day to do everything!
Which country would you most like to visit? Probably Japan, I find the differences in culture fascinating and would love to learn the language.
Which word or phrase do you use most? ‘Is it me?’ Usually when faced with a particularly nonsensical question, process or piece of bureaucracy.
What was your earliest ambition? My mother suffered with chronic rheumatoid arthritis and I had an ambition to discover a cure which led me into a career in science research, although not medicine as I am too squeamish.
What is your favourite item of clothing, either now or in the past? My favourite items of clothing would be my various leather jackets over the years, some of which I kept long after they were looking seriously distressed.
How do you spend your time outside work? My three children keep me fairly busy outside work hours; beyond that, I read a lot of novels (usually one or two per week) and tinker with computers. I like to hunt out bargains at car boot fairs and, in an effort to keep fit, I cycle.
What is your favourite TV/radio programme? I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue on Radio 4.
What is your greatest achievement at Kent? I take great pride in having managed and overseen the growth of the administration team in SMSAS over the last few years. The school has grown enormously in the seven years I have been here. The process of expansion hasn’t always been easy and it has been a challenge to keep up with the pace of change, but I believe that the team works well together to provide both staff and students with the best service we can. The administration team have all been active participants in the Academic Division Service Excellence initiative and we have worked within the school to develop projects and themes which have involved both academic and administrative staff. These have been aimed at breaking down barriers to collaborative working, in particular arranging workshops for both administration and academics on cross-cultural communication and developing systems to support students to achieve their potential. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? On the dangers of instant communication, I was once told ‘never write anything in an email that you wouldn’t be prepared to see projected in 3ft high letters on the side of the library’. That is something that has stuck with me and goes through my mind before I hit ‘send’ on an email...
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KENT Magazine
Information Services
Investing in Library resources Launch of KentPlayer multimedia Following a successful pilot in 2012/13, the University is rolling out a full lecture recording and educational multimedia service called KentPlayer. KentPlayer uses Panopto’s easy-to-use recording and playback software to record audio, video (optional) and the computer screen, including the PowerPoint slides where used, enabling lecturers to record their own lectures and other video content. It takes only four simple steps to make a recording and this is automatically uploaded, processed and made available to students enrolled on the appropriate Moodle module. KentPlayer is available in all teaching spaces in Canterbury and most Kent-owned spaces in Medway, as well as selected locations in Tonbridge and Brussels, and you can also install the software on your own computer. Students access the recordings via Moodle, and can navigate using the PowerPoint slide titles or search for a specific phrase in the slides to find relevant content. An iOS app is also available for mobile-optimised viewing, and a podcast version of the recording is available for other mobile users. Information Services invests £3.5 million annually on Library resources as part of an ongoing strategy to improve quality, breadth and depth of materials for students and staff. Work is progressing on increasing 24/7 access to resources, making self-service easier and bringing more online library services on stream. An additional £700,000 has been invested in e-content, including electronic versions of the most popular titles and perpetual electronic access to historical newspapers. A substantial investment programme to improve physical facilities in the Templeman Library, Canterbury campus is underway, as part of an £18 million project to extend, refurbish and refresh the building, including increased study spaces, flexible seminar rooms, 250-seat lecture theatre and exhibition space. Construction began during the summer vacation with the erection of hoardings and start of groundworks.
For the latest on changes to services as the project progresses, view the new Templeman Library Services Updates webpage: www.kent.ac.uk/library/templeman/updates/ We have created more high-quality study space across campus as an addition to the Library’s study space, available from start of term. These spaces, known as Campus Study Hubs, offer PCs, quiet, silent and social learning space. New facilities include a refurbished Rutherford Bar – re-launched as ‘Rutherford Social Learning Hub’ – offering PCs, social space and techno-booths, and Tyler Court A providing PCs. The Senate chamber will be also be available as silent study space with PCs. Further space will be developed during the academic year, ensuring a highquality service to all students is maintained.
In last year’s pilot, lecturers in 84 modules used the service to record over 650 hours of lectures, software demonstrations, exam preparation sessions and student presentations, and more than 2,000 students viewed the recordings. The service was used heavily for revision purposes; in April alone, more than 1,000 students viewed over 2,600 hours of recordings. http://bit.ly/UKC_LRI
KENT Magazine
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Hospitality
Summer of success Kent Hospitality has received further accolades following a great start to the year, when it achieved re-accreditation of the Investors in People Gold standard. In June, staff from the Conference Office and Housekeeping attended the annual Group Travel Awards and were delighted to find that, for the sixth consecutive year, our campus accommodation had been voted as the ‘Best University Accommodation for Groups’. This award is voted for by the groups who stay on campus and in 2012 the University welcomed many first-time visitors who were in the UK for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. While continuous investment in the University’s accommodation obviously contributed to this award, Kevin Stuckey, Residences and Conference Manager, said that ‘first and foremost it was due to the dedicated staff who work so hard to provide visitors with first-class service time after time.’ Out of the many groups staying on campus this summer, the most noticeable was the Morgan Owners Group. In mid-August, at least 500 Morgan sports cars were parked on campus, with their owners travelling to Canterbury from 17 countries for their annual get-together.
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But it’s not just groups visiting campus over the vacation, as Keynes and Rutherford have also been popular with bed and breakfast visitors. Feedback from guests has been very positive, giving us a ranking of 8 out of 10 on booking.com and many visitors have particularly enjoyed seeing the rabbits on campus! Praise for our accommodation was also received from Vernon Philander, a South African Test cricketer who stayed on campus while playing for Kent, who said his room in Keynes was better than many hotels he had stayed in while touring.
Catering awards The Catering team has been the recipient of two national awards. In June, Ben Elsbury (Chef de Cuisine) was winner of the British BBQ Battle. Competing against seven other universities, Ben’s winning menu using Kentish ingredients beat the University of Cambridge into second place. In July, the Catering team was joint winner (with Imperial College) of the CUBO award for Best Catering Service, in recognition of the transformation of Kent’s catering facilities over the last ten years and the introduction of the bespoke online food ordering service at Bag It in Rutherford. Following the ‘Dare to be Different’ theme of the TUCO Conference held here in 2011, Keith Williams (Head of Trading) said, when accepting the award: ‘At Kent we try to dare to be different.’
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KENT Magazine
1 Head of Trading Keith Williams accepting the CUBO award from former World Snooker champion Steve Davis 2 The Hospitality team at the Group Travel Awards 3 Delegates and speakers line up for the EUPRIO conference
EUPRIO conference More than 240 delegates and speakers from European university press and communication departments enjoyed their annual conference at Kent in June. Members of the European Universities Public Relations and Information Officers (EUPRIO) association travelled from 24 countries for one of the best attended EUPRIO conferences ever. Reflecting Kent’s mission as the UK’s European university, David Nightingale, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, stressed his hopes for greater European higher education collaboration and gave a very warm welcome to EUPRIO delegates at the opening ceremony. EUPRIO President Denis Ancion said he was delighted with the conference, which focused specially on communicating with the key internal university stakeholders – students, staff and alumni – who can, and should be, a university’s best brand ambassadors. Conference co-ordinator Martin Herrema, of the University’s Corporate Communications Office and a UK EUPRIO Steering Committee member, said: ‘Kent’s brand as the UK’s European university, and its excellent Kent Hospitality team, made this the ideal location for the 25th EUPRIO conference.’
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Sport
SummerZone SummerZone, the annual children’s summer camp at Kent, has been a great success. The energetic camp is packed with football, kwik cricket, rugby, hockey, tennis and other activities and led by qualified instructors. Organiser and double Olympian Mel Clewlow said: ‘This was the fifth year that Summer Zone has been running and once again it exceeded all our expectations with record numbers of children attending. We have established an experienced group of qualified coaches who help deliver a fun-packed programme for children of all ages and abilities. You know that you are doing something right when, on the last day, parents and children are asking for next year’s dates!’ For those who like to plan ahead, SummerZone 2014 is from Monday 11 to Friday 15 August and Monday 18 to Friday 22 August. For details or booking, email sportsdevelopment@kent.ac.uk or call 01227 823623.
The Pavilion Café and Bar The Pavilion café and bar is open from Monday 14 October and is a fantastic place to relax. You can now enjoy good food in a comfortable and spacious social area with viewing balconies overlooking the sports pitches, free WiFi and Sky TV. See our website (below) for counter service
hours and the menu and follow UniKentSports on Facebook and Twitter for special offers. The venue is also available for group hire – email sportsbookings@kent.ac.uk
Sport matters New research commissioned by the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) proves that sport has a positive impact on graduate employability. For details, pick up a copy of Kent Sport’s 2013-14 edition of On the Move magazine, available online or from the Sports Centre or Pavilion reception.
Join Kent Sport Whether you are looking for fun, fitness and making new friends or are training to achieve specific goals, with the completion of the new facilities now is the perfect time to join Kent Sport. Membership is excellent value for money with special rates for staff, offering the opportunity to be a part of a leading sports complex right next to your place of work on the Canterbury campus. Find out more on our webpages or in the new Kent Sport brochure. To stay up to date with all the latest Kent Sport news, events and special offers, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (UniKentSports). www.kent.ac.uk/sports
KENT Magazine
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Kent in the news
Books Richer Lives – Why Rich People Give
Beth Breeze and Theresa Lloyd, Directory of Social Change Philanthropy is of increasing importance in modern society, especially in an era of public sector cuts and growing inequality, yet the motivations of philanthropists remain mysterious to many.
Research into cybercrime has been one of the University’s prominent research news stories to receive extensive coverage in the national press recently. Articles about the risk of cybercrime to the UK population appeared across most mainstream UK national newspapers, from the Guardian to the Daily Star, as well as online news outlets including MSN.co.uk, and regional press. Dr Julio Hernandez-Castro and Dr Eerke Boiten from the School of Computing led the research, with Dr HernandezCastro also undertaking an interview with BBC Radio Kent. A number of news outlets featured a new discovery by Professor Michael Went and colleagues from the School of Physical Sciences for analysing lipstick traces in forensics. The research was featured in several scientific titles (Chemistry World, New Scientist) as well as internationally (Times of India, Argentina Star). A scientific breakthrough revealing how vitamin B12 is made (Professor Martin Warren, School of Biosciences) received multiple items of international online news coverage, including Science Daily, Health Canal and Bioscience Technology Online. Other notable coverage includes interviews with Dr Olly Double (School of Arts) on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, BBC South East and BBC Radio Kent discussing the donation of material from the late comedian Linda Smith to establish a new comedy archive at Kent.
This book, written by social policy lecturer Dr Beth Breeze, who also directs the Centre for Philanthropy based in SSPSSR, contains an indepth study of why and how the richer members of our society use some of their private wealth to promote the public good. It explores questions such as: What motivates rich donors? What causes do they prefer to support? How involved with their charities do philanthropists get? How do they choose which charities to support? And how has the philanthropic landscape, and our understanding of it, changed over the last decade? Mixed Race Identities
Peter J Aspinall and Miri Song, Palgrave MacMillan In recent years, Britain has witnessed a significant growth in the ‘mixed race’ population. However, we still know remarkably little about this diverse population. This book by Peter Aspinall, Emeritus Reader, and Miri Song, Professor of Sociology at Kent, investigates the ethnic and racial options exercised by young mixed race people in higher education in Britain, and it is the first to explore the identifications and experiences of various types of mixed race individuals. It reveals the diverse ways in which these young people identify and experience their mixed status, the complex and contingent nature of such identities, and the rise of other identity strands, such as religion, which are now challenging race and ethnicity as a dominant identity. Stairway to Heaven: The Functions of Medieval Upper Spaces
Toby Huitson, Oxbow Books The excavation at Turing College, which discovered the remains of an Iron Age settlement, was featured in regional TV and newspapers, while the collaborative DocExplore project between Kent (EDA, MEMS) and Canterbury Cathedral also received print coverage in the Guardian and BBC news online and an interview with Professor Michael Fairhurst (EDA) on BBC South East. Research into workaholism and perfectionism by Professor Joachim Stoeber (Psychology) appeared on international news sites (India Vision, Die Zeit, Medical Xpress), while Professor Frank Furedi (SSPSSR) provided comment on multiple topics for a number of national news outlets. Comments by Professor Tim Luckhurst (Centre for Journalism) also featured in the Financial Times, BBC South East, New York Times and Kent’s regional newspapers.
Spiral stairs, galleries, and upper chambers in medieval cathedrals, abbeys and parish churches have been an enduring source of fascination and scholarly debate since the 18th century, but very little is known about their original purpose. This book presents original evidence for the practical functions of ecclesiastical upper spaces from c10001550 as revealed through the widest possible selection of medieval visual, documentary, and artistic media, taking in treasuries to dovecotes, libraries to lights, and secret games of skittles to the daring exploits of the 12th-century ‘Flying monk’. Toby teaches in the School of History as an Associate lecturer. Stairway to Heaven, based on his PhD thesis, is supported by the Kent Archaeological Society’s Hasted Prize.
Small ads Allport Cars Our business is picking up. City of Canterbury Licensed cars, specialising in airport & long-distance travel with competitive prices. All major credit cards accepted. Contact us on: 01227 370 370 or 07720 597 700. Visit the website at: www.allportcarsltd.co.uk or email: allportcars@btinternet.com Beth Breeze Theresa Lloyd
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KENT Magazine
People
Appointments and awards
1 Dr Beth Breeze 2 Professor Dominic Abrams
Congratulations to…
Welcome to…
Dr Beth Breeze from Kent’s Centre for Philanthropy has been named as one of the top 50 most influential people in the UK fundraising world. Dr Breeze is one of only four other members included in the list who are from academia or the media. She is best known for her research with the ESRC Centre for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy, as well as her work at the Centre for Philanthropy, part of SSPSSR.
Robert Green – one of the UK’s leading forensic science experts – has joined the School of Physical Sciences (SPS) as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science.
Dominic Abrams, Professor of Social Psychology, has been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy. He is one of only 42 new Fellows from 18 different UK universities, each of them a highly distinguished academic, recognised for their outstanding research and work across the humanities and social sciences. Dr Will Norman, Lecturer in American Literature in the School of English, has received a Fulbright
Helping others Across the University, staff and students have been busy this summer raising money to help others – and there’s still time to boost their funds on the links below. Pilgrims Charity Walk A team from Estates – Charlotte Ifill, Lou Cogger, Charlotte Richardson and Matt Brealey – took part in a 60-mile coastal walk on 12 and 13 July in under 30 hours (with no sleep). They were supported by Paul Dengate and Lindsay Robson, who gave them refreshments en route and Jill Daniels from Hospitality who guided them over Dover cliffs in the dark. Rob Hipkiss and Tim Pryor also visited the team with supplies.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ walkthewalk4 Trailwalker trail The ‘Maids of Kent’ team –
Lynda O’Sullivan, Rob King, Katie Norton and Lucy Goad from Estates, supported by Alan Hollister (Estates) and Alison Whelan (HR) – walked 100km in just under 24 hours during the Trailwalker trail on 27 and 28 July. The annual challenge – from Petersfield to Brighton – was launched over 30 years ago as a training exercise for the Queen’s Gurkha Signals Regiment. Money raised will be shared between the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Oxfam.
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Scholarship to complete a book on how European émigré artists, writers and intellectuals responded to American mass culture in the mid-20th century. Based at Yale University in Connecticut, Dr Norman will join a group of extraordinary women and men around the world who have been part of the Fulbright Awards programme, from writer Sylvia Plath to architect Richard Rogers and politician Baroness (Shirley) Williams.
Moroccan mountain climb Etienne Donzelot from Corporate Communications trekked up a mountain in Morocco to raise money for charity. Etienne climbed Mt Toubkal (4,167m) in August as part of a week-long trip to support the charity, Building and Assisting Communities with Education (BACE). He was part of a team of 20, which also included fellow Kent alumnus Andrew Bailey. BACE is a UK-based charity that supports children in rural areas of The Gambia. The Moroccan climb will help build a first aid clinic and run a school in the village of Bonsa.
https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ mttoubkal2013# Cycle ride for children’s hospital Senior Library
Assistant Beverley Newport and her family have raised over £3,000 so far for the Evelina Children’s Hospital, part of St Thomas’, London. The money was raised as a result of a 70-mile cycle ride from Chestfield to London on 24 August by her husband, Nigel. He was joined by their granddaughter, Ava Divine (5) on her scooter at the start and finish. Ava was admitted to the Evelina Children’s Hospital last year with complications from contracting chickenpox. She has made a full recovery and the family wanted to say thank you by raising funds for new beds for parents to stay alongside their unwell children.
Other staff joining Kent include: Professor Leon Chua (School of Computing), Professor Theodosios Dimitrakos,(Computing), Professor Judy Fudge (Kent Law School), Professor Gaynor Johnson (School of History), Professor Donna Lee (School of Politics and International Relations), Professor Hans-Thies Lehmann (Drama and Theatre Studies), Professor Christina Lodder (History and Philosophy of Art), Professor Michael Neill (School of English) and Dr Juliette Pattinson (School of History).
100-mile London to Surrey relay Four members of staff took part in the 100-mile business relay from London to Surrey, covering the Olympic cycling route, on 4 August. The team was sponsored by the University, Canterbury Innovation Centre, Blackwell’s and 4P’s Marketing and aims to raise £1,000 for charity. The team – Lecturer in Actuarial Science Andrew James, Professor of Social Policy Peter Taylor-Gooby, International Student Adviser Dr Andy Velarde and Professor of Information Systems Security David Chadwick – is raising money for three charities – Shelter, the Dyslexia Research Trust and Jubilee Action.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ KentRide100 Sleep-out in Cathedral Precincts Acting Dean of Humanities Simon Kirchin slept out in a good cause on 20 September. Simon represented the University in the first ever sleep-out by top decision-makers in Canterbury to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless in Canterbury. The Rotary Club event, in the Cathedral Precincts, raised money for Porchlight and Catching Lives, two prominent local charities involved with homelessness.
www.justgiving.com/Simon-Kirchin
www.justgiving.com/Ava-Evelina
www.justgiving.com/themaidsofkent KENT Magazine
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What’s on
Music
Gulbenkian Theatre
Thursday 31 October and Sunday 3 November, NT Encore: Frankenstein.
Wednesday 9 October, Colyer-Fergusson Hall, Lunchtime Concert – Marici Saxes, who have performed live broadcasts on BBC Radio, 2, 3 and Classic FM, appeared at the BBC Proms, Chelthenham and Edinburgh Festivals and at jazz festivals from Wigan to Montreaux.
Tuesday 8 October, 7.30pm, Clive Conway Productions presents An Audience with Steven Berkoff, iconic actor, director and writer.
Wednesday 13 November, RSC Live: Richard II starring David Tennant.
Wednesday 9 October, 7.30pm, The Duchess of Malfi, performed by Eyestrings Theatre Company.
Open Lectures
Thursday 10 October, 7.30pm, Pappy’s: Last Show Ever! by the writers and stars of BBC3’s brand new sitcom, Badults.
Wednesday 9 October, 6pm, Grimond Lecture Theatre 1, Canterbury campus, ‘Memristor: The right stuff for brain-like machines’, Professor Leon Chua, pioneer in neural networks, chaos and nonlinear circuits.
Wednesday 23 October, Colyer-Fergusson Foyer, 1.10pm, Watch This Space, the popular series of informal gigs on the foyer-stage kicks off with live jazz. Dan Harding, piano, Tim Pickering, saxophone, Gordon Wood, bass, and Cory Adams, drums. Wednesday 6 November, Colyer-Fergusson Hall, 1.10pm, Lunchtime Concert – Covent Garden Voices. Singers from the Royal Opera House Chorus commemorate the musical anniversaries of Verdi, Wagner and Britten. Friday 8 November, Colyer-Fergusson Hall, 3pm and 6pm, Dame Anne Evans, one of Britain’s most successful international singers, gives a students’ masterclass and shares her experience of performing/recording Wagner. Wednesday 27 November, Colyer-Fergusson Hall, 1.10pm, Lunchtime Concert – Kent College Choristers, winners of the prestigious Barnardo’s Choir of the Year 2013.
Friday 18 October, 7.30pm, Chelsea Hotel. The multi-award winning Earthfall capture the history of this iconic hotel through radical dance, live music and film. Saturday 19 October, 7.30pm, William Shakespeare’s As You Like It by Transport Theatre, co-produced with Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. Sunday 27 October, 7.30pm, Alexander Armstrong & his Band. The acclaimed comedian, actor and presenter, introduces us to the songs he loves, from jazz standards and rock classics to some lesser known pop delights. Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November, 7.30pm, Out of the Shadow performed by Nobulus, the stars of Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells.
Friday 29 November, Colyer-Fergusson Hall, 7.45pm, The Brodsky Quartet joins in the University’s anniversary celebrations, performing works by Bridge, Wagner, Verdi, Purcell and Britten.
Gulbenkian Cinema
Friday 29 November, Church of St Damian and St Cosmus, Blean, 7.30pm University Chamber Choir – Music for Advent, in aid of the Blean Church Restoration Fund. Dan Harding and Matthew Bamford, conductors.
Monday 7 October, Pacific Rim 3D (12A).
Wednesday 4 December, Colyer-Fergusson Hall, 1.10pm, Lunchtime Concert – KD Jazz and Dance Orchestra, from jazz standards to swing and Latin.
Friday 4 – Tuesday 8 October, About Time (12A). Saturday 5 October, The Room (18). Friday 18 – Thursday 24 October, Blue Jasmine (12A). Monday 21 October, The Conjuring (15). Tuesday 22 October and Sunday 27 October, NT Encore: Hamlet (recorded screening). Friday 25 – Wednesday 30 October, Rush (15). Monday 28 October, John Dies at the End (15).
Want to stop smoking? NHS Stop Smoking is coming to our Canterbury campus to help staff quit smoking. You can benefit from 1:1 support from a NHS Specialist Advisor or, if you want to give up with a friend, you can attend sessions together. Sessions start on 3 October 2013 and will be every Thursday for seven weeks. Appointments are 15 minutes (joint appointments are 30 minutes) and will take place in Occupational Health on the ground floor of Keynes D Block. If you’re interested, contact Brenda Brunsdon, ext 7002 or email occupationalhealth@kent.ac.uk
Wednesday 16 October, 6pm, Grimond Lecture Theatre 1, Citizens, science and citizen science’, Professor Dame Athene Donald, Professor of Experimental Physics, University of Cambridge. Wednesday 30 October, 6pm, Grimond Lecture Theatre 1, ‘Things Can Only Get Better: What’s next for human rights protection in the UK?’, human rights lawyer Jonathan Cooper OBE. Monday 4 November, 12.30pm, ViceChancellor’s Lecture, ‘The opportunity to create a sustainable recovery’, Steve Pateman, Executive Director, Head of UK Banking, Santander. Venue tbc. Wednesday 6 November, 6pm, Woolf Lecture Theatre, Wain Medal Lecture, ‘Drugs from plants’, Professor Sarah O’Connor, Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich. Tuesday 12 November, 6pm, Brussels campus. Brussels Lecture, ‘Lessons of the global financial crisis for economists and economic journalists’, Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth. Thursday 21 November, 6pm, Woolf Lecture Theatre, Foundation Day Lecture. ‘What may and may not an international judge do?’ Dame Rosalyn Higgins DBE QC, former President of the International Court of Justice.
University Events Calendar To find out more about these and other events across the University, click on: www.kent.ac.uk/calendar