QM Alumni e-Newsletter Issue 11
Other Issues I Issue 12
I Issue 10 I Issue 9 I Issue 8 I
ALUMNI IN THE NEWS
New Chief Scientist for Defra
Professor Robert Watson (BSc Chemistry 1969; PhD 1973) was appointed Professor of Environmental Sciences and Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change at the University of East Anglia in August 2007. Professor Watson is also commencing his new role as Chief Scientific Advisor for Defra’s most senior non-departmental advisory body; the Science Advisory Council.
Bob Watson was Chief Scientist and Senior Scientific Advisor for Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development at the World Bank from 1996-2007. Prior to this he had spent time at the Office of Science and Technology at the White House where he advised former US President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore on environmental issues.
More information [this link opens in a different website]
Alumni involved in launch of Network Bangla
Two former students, Miss Sulthana Begum (Law 2006) and Koyes Ahmed (q MBBS 2007) together with Fatema Khatun are co-directing Network Bangla, founded by Abdul Hasnat. Network Bangla, launched in August 2007 at Stratford Town Hall, is a community project which brings together Bengali men and women to share ideas, resources and learn from one another. It provides a forum for the Bengali community to build links with each other and to move towards success through e-mentoring, fundraising and community outreach. The network has more than 600 members and, since its inception, the website has attracted over 28,000 hits. Visit www.networkbangla.co.uk [this link opens in a different website]
http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/templates/news/detail.cfm?newsid=7966
Professor Paul Wright (q BDS 1969)
Professor Paul Wright has been appointed both consultant and advisor to The Chief Dental Officer for England, Dr Barry Cockcroft.
Professor Wright has also recently been appointed to the new General Dental Council Specialist Board in the UK, The Specialist Dental Education Board (SDEB). The Board has an important role in advising the GDC on the reorganisation and running of the GDC's specialist lists. Kevin O’Brien, Chair of the Board, said: "We have selected these new members from a field of exceptional quality candidates.”
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/75562.php
Paul Wright has been Professor of Prosthetic Dentistry, at Barts and The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry since 2000 and an Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the Barts and The London NHS Trust since 1982. He was Dean of Dentistry and Director of the Institute of Dentistry of The Barts and London, Queen Mary's School of Dentistry from 1999 to 2007. Professor Wright's research interests are based in Removable Prosthodontics with a strong bias to clinical research.
http://media-newswire.com/release_1054039.html
2007 ALUMNI AND FORMER STAFF HONORARY FELLOWS
During the 2007 Summer Graduation Ceremonies, the College recognised the outstanding achievements of a number of former students and staff with the award of Honorary fellowships. Honorary Fellowships are awarded by the College Council to those who have rendered significant services to the College or local community.
Sir George Cox, (BSc Aerospace Engineering, 1962)
After a distinguished business career, which included being both an entrepreneur and a senior corporate executive, and for five years leading the Institute of Directors, George Cox was appointed Chairman of Design Council in 2004.
See other notable alumni profiles.
Dr Prannoy Roy (BSc Economics, 1973)
Dr Prannoy Roy is currently Chairman of New Delhi Television (NDTV) and has played a key role in the development of India’s broadcasting industry while also sustaining a reputation for commitment to the highest standards of public service. After working for PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Delhi, he taught at the Delhi School of Economics where he was an Associate Professor. He then became an Economics Advisor to the Indian Government in the Ministry of Finance. His wife Radhika (pictured right), a journalist and speech pathologist, founded NDTV in 1988. NDTV now has three 24-hour news and business channels. This year, NDTV was selected as India’s most respected media company. Prannoy is a broadcaster in his own right: he has won many awards as the leading anchor of current affairs programmes on NDTV channels.
See other notable alumni profiles.
Mrs Bushra Nasir CBE
(BSc Microbiology, 1974)
Bushra Nasir was the first ever Muslim woman to be appointed Headteacher of a comprehensive school in England. She has been Headteacher of Plashet School, a girl’s school in Newham, East London since 1997. Under her leadership, the school has improved students’ attainment levels from 28 to 78 per cent 5 (A*-C) GCSEs over a decade. Bushra Nasir was awarded a CBE for her services to Education in 2003 and in 2005 was named ‘Professional of the Year’ at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards. She is currently President of the Muslim Teachers’ Association.
Mrs Nasir spoke at the launch of the Women@QM project on Thursday 4 October. This event is podcast and accessible at http://www.women.qmul.ac.uk/. An interview with Bushra will feature in the next issue of QUAD magazine.
Two Former members of staff become Honorary Fellows
Professor Bill Bonfield (2nd l), Former IRC Biomedical Materials Department Director and
Professor Alexander McNeish (2nd r), Former Warden of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
Materials scientist Bill Bonfield CBE FRS FREng joined Queen Mary in 1968 as a Reader; he became Head of Department in 1980 and then in 1991 Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials and Professor of Materials. Professor Bill Bonfield is currently Professor of Medical Materials at the University of Cambridge.
http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk/ccmm/bonfield.html
Professor Sandy (Alexander) McNeish, a paediatric gastroenterologist by training with a lifelong interest in medical education and management was appointed Warden of Barts and The London, Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1997. This was a difficult period in the evolution of the School and he led it through these complex times with consummate skills. He is now back at Queen Mary as a research student working towards a PhD in medical ethics.
WHERE ARE YOU NOW
Queen Mary graduates have the fifth highest starting salaries in the UK, according to the latest Sunday Times League Tables published in September. As well as an average starting salary of £23,396, the College has also consolidated its reputation for student employability, being ranked 20th in the UK for the percentage of students going directly into graduate level jobs. The annual listings ranked Queen Mary 34th overall in the UK, and 7th in London. Subjects rated excellent include: Dentistry, English, Geography, Modern Languages, Molecular Biosciences, Organismal Biosciences and Politics.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/
education/sunday_times_university_guide/
We are keen to hear how you are benefiting and using the skills you acquired from your degree and university experience at Queen Mary. You can keep us up-to-date by completing our online profile form. Many alumni already have their employment profiles on our website. This is an opt-in service. The profiles are displayed by department.
International Alumni
We support and encourage regional clubs and associations as important points of contact for alumni living and working around the world. These clubs exist to encourage friendship and strengthen ties between former students and the College.
From our website you can see existing clubs and their correspondents. If you are not a member in your region and have not heard from your correspondent please let us know so that we can put you in touch.
We are developing links in other parts of the world. Please watch this space and help to design a programme that suits you by completing this short questionnaire.
International Alumni Network
EVENTS REVIEW
Graduation Ceremonies
Congratulations to all our students who graduated this summer. This year more than 1,770 students graduated and nearly 5,000 family and friends joined us to celebrate and recognise their hard work and successes. A big thank you to Dr Tony Longden (BSc Chemistry 1955; PhD 1958) and Dr Colette Bowe, Chairman of Council (BSc Economics 1969; PhD 1973) who attended all nine graduation ceremonies and the receptions where they welcomed the new alumni members.
Click here to read about this year’s alumni fellows.
Sir John Major and Peter Hennessey in Conversation
Former Prime Minister, Sir John Major was in conversation with Atlee Professor of Contemporary History, Peter Hennessey at an event organised by the Mile End Group in June this year. The conversation ranged from discussing his new book, More Than a Game: The Story of Cricket's Early Years, to Iraq and Sir John’s time as Prime Minister. Professor Hennessy said: “John Major has written a terrific book on the social history of cricket up to 1914, which includes his very special memories of watching Surrey as a boy in the 1950s. It mixes the analytical with the elegiac.” In comparing the writing of this book to his memoirs, Sir John said: “The first book was cathartic, this one was a pleasure.” He added that there was ‘a nicer class of villain’ in his new publication. He also discussed the cohesive effect that cricket has in politics and conversation, adding that it was the only thing that he and John Redwood could talk about!
Click here for more information about MEG (this opens in a different window).
Women@QM Exhibition Opening
This exhibition, which explores and celebrates the contribution of women to the four Colleges that underpin the modern institution that is Queen Mary, was launched on Thursday 4 October with an informal round table event. Alumnae from the past six decades shared their experiences of entering higher education in different decades. The panelists included: Dr Yue Chen (Queen Mary 2000s), Mrs Christine Hodgson (Westfield College 1960s), Professor Anne Jones (Westfield College 1950s), Mrs Bushra Nazir (Queen Mary College 1970s), Dame Margaret Seward (London Hospital College, 1950s), Dr Beatrice Worthing (East London College 1930s).
Further information about visiting times for the exhibition which runs until 20 December can be found at www.women.qmul.ac.uk
There are many associated events being organised throughout the year. Go to http://www.qmul.ac.uk/events/index.php
London Patriots
The dragon boat team, the "London Patriots", made a good debut at this year’s international competition which took place on 23/24 June in Eglisau. Race reports and pictures are published on the website at http://www.londonpatriots.org/history/ [this link opens in a different website]
Recruitment for the 2008 team has already started. For information on how to join the team and enjoy the fun, camaraderie and adventure associated with the dragon boat please visit their website at http://www.londonpatriots.org/ [this link opens in a different website]
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 14 - Thursday 18 October 2007
Alumni events in South-East and East Asia
The Principal, Professor Adrian Smith FRS, will be hosting a number of alumni events during a visit to South-East and East Asia this month including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. He will be joined by Dr Brian Colvin, President of the Barts and The London Association, Nigel Relph, Director of Corporate Affairs and Susan Nettle, Head of Alumni Relations and Events.
Many alumni have already booked to attend. The event in Hong Kong is now fully booked. However, there are still a few places left for Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Please let us know if you would like to join us.
Sunday 14 October: Tokyo
Venue: Imperial Hotel
Wednesday 17 October: Kuala Lumpur
Venue: Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Thursday 18 October: Singapore
Venue: Conrad Centennial Singapore
To book your place or for more information, contact the Events Office at Queen Mary at events@qmul.ac.uk
William Harvey Day
This year's William Harvey Day will feature lectures from Professor Morris Brown, University of Cambridge; Professor Carol Robinson, also from Cambridge and Dr David Nabarro, the UN's Global Influenza Co-ordinator. The day will also showcase some of the cutting edge research currently underway in the School with posters displayed in the Great Hall. The day will end with the traditional St Luke's-Tide Service at St. Bartholomew-the-Great. A subscription dinner will be held at the Barbican Centre, following the service.
Venue: Robin Brook Centre and Great Hall at Barts
Subscription dinner £35 per person
To book your place or for more information, contact the Events Office at Queen Mary at events@qmul.ac.uk
Tuesday 16 October 2007: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Barts and The London Alumni Association AGM
The Annual General Meeting takes place during William Harvey Day. All Barts and The London Alumni Association members are invited to attend and become more involved.
To book your place or for more information, contact the Events Office at Queen Mary at events@qmul.ac.uk
Monday 22 October: 5:30pm
Science and Engineering Flagship Lecture by Professor Jonathan Pritchard, OBE
Calculating with light and shadows
This lecture describes how a multi-disciplinary team at QinetiQ has developed new technology from optics and electronics. An ultra-fast parallel system has been developed that can track objects, find criminals, recognise DNA sequences, and spot contraband. Techniques borrowed from astronomy have been used to create programmable images impossible to realise using conventional lenses.
Professor Jonathan Pritchard OBE is a Technical Director and Research Fellow of QinetiQ. He received a PhD in low temperature, solid state physics in 1979, a Fellowship (Individual Merit) in 1993 for his work on reconnaissance systems, and an OBE in 2003 for his contribution to the military capability of the UK Armed Forces. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics. At QinetiQ, he is responsible for brigading multi-disciplinary teams to develop far-reaching future technologies for both civilian and military use.
Following the lecture at 6.30pm, those attending are welcome to join the wine reception being held in the Octagon. This reception marks the opening of the latest phase of the Student Village and will also give you an opportunity to see the exhibition on Women@QM, in which the sector has played a significant role.
Venue: Skeel Lecture Theatre
To book your place or for more information, contact the Events Office at Queen Mary at events@qmul.ac.uk Booking is essential.
CLASS REUNIONS
Friday 26 October 2007
The London Medics - 50th Anniversary of 1952 starters
Professor David L Hamblen will be hosting this reunion for his contemporaries who joined The London Medical College in 1952 to celebrate 50 years since qualification.
The reunion dinner and reception will take place at The Royal College of Surgeons of England in Lincoln's Inn Fields, London. Guests are welcome.
For more information about this reunion, please email Stephanie Mannion at s.j.mannion@qmul.ac.uk
Saturday 17 November 2007
Barts 1977 - 30th Anniversary
Barts' Class of 1977, led by Roger Humphry, will be holding a 30th anniversary reunion at 7pm in the Great Hall, St Bartholomew’s Hospital. Barts' graduates from 1976 and 1978 have also been invited. More than 100 guests have booked to attend.
Tickets: £60 per person
For more information about this reunion, please email Stephanie Mannion at s.j.mannion@qmul.ac.uk Please book by Friday 12 October.
Inaugural Lectures
Humanities and Social Sciences
Thursday 18 October 2007
Professor Michael Moriarty, Centenary Professor of French Literature and Thought
School of Languages, Linguistics and Film
Wednesday 7 November 2007
Professor Loukas Mistelis, Professor in Transnational Commercial Law
Centre for Commercial Law Studies
Tuesday 13 November 2007
Professor Raymond Kuhn, Professor of Politics
Department of Politics
Wednesday 14 November 2007
Professor Maria Delgado, Professor of Drama & Theatre Arts
School of English and Drama
Professor Leonard Olschner, Centenary Professor of German and Comparative Literature
School of Languages, Linguistics and Film
Thursday 15 November 2007
Professor Wen Wang, Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Department of Engineering and Materials Science
Wednesday 21 November 2007
Professor Mounia Lalmas, Professor in Information Retrieval
Department of Computer Science
School of Medicine and Dentistry
Tuesday 30 October 2007
Professor Graham Foster, Professor in Hepatology, and Professor Aine McKnight,
Professor in Viral Pathology
Thursday 13 December 2007
Professor Ray Playford, Professor in Medicine, and Professor Sir Nicholas Wright,
Professor in Histopathology
SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES
Wednesday 26 September - Wednesday 12 December 2007: 12 noon
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Seminars Semester A. (2007-08).
Click here to download a programme.
Wednesday 6 and Friday 8 February 2008
Centre for Commercial Law Studies Conference
Where from and Where to?
This conference has been accredited by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council to the level of 12 CPD points.
Wednesday 6 February: 6pm
Pre-conference Drinks Reception
67-69 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2
Thursday 7 February
Convergences, harmonisation and transplant
Professor Janet Dine, Professor Hugh Beale, Lord Justice Rix and Professor Herbert Kronke
Cross-border issues and overlapping jurisdictions
Professor Rosa Lastra, Professor Alan Rau, Lee Boucheit and Sean Hagan
The new decision makers
Professor Loukas Mistelis, Professor Geoff Miller, Lord Justice Lawrence Collins
and Professor Dr Schwenzer
The shape of soft law
Professor Julian Lew, Julia Hornle, Professor Ross Cranston, Professor George Bermann,
Professor Henry Gabriel
Thursday 7 February: 7pm
Gala Dinner
The Great Hall, Lincoln’s Inn
Key note speakers – Sir Roy Goode and The Rt. Hon. Lord Hoffman
Friday 8 February
Commerce, creativity, culture and development
Duncan Matthews, Professor Hugh Hansen, Thomas Smedinghoff, Lord Justice Robin Jacob
Courts and free markets
Professor Takis Tridimas, Professor Ben Geva, Professor Marise Cremona,
Professor Jan Kleineman and Professor Deliang Liu
Fees
The fee covers attendance, conference materials, three coffee/tea breaks per conference day and Gala dinner on 7 February.
£450 incl. Gala Dinner (for registrations until 7 December 2007)
£500 incl. Gala Dinner (for registrations from 8 December 2007)
£250 excl. Gala Dinner (for academics)
£75 (for Gala Dinner, for accompanying persons and non-conference attendees)
For more information and to book contact Sandra Baird at s.a.baird@qmul.ac.uk
For a full list of all forthcoming events, visit www.qmul.ac.uk/events
ALUMNI SERVICES
Web-Email Directory
Almost 3,600 members have joined our password-protected email directory.
Please email Stephanie Mannion if you would like access or to have your name added to the list.
Do remember to let us know when you change your email address.
For a full list of our benefits please visit 'What we offer' on our website.
GAMES
The Perception Deception: When seeing isn't believing
Illusions are surprising, fun, mind boggling...but better still they can help us solve a major scientific challenge: how do we turn all the information in the light falling on our eyes into the illusion of reality? How do we see? How do we make computers see?
Professor Peter McOwan from the Department of Computer Science has been working with Professor Alan Johnston at UCL on this problem with some surprising results. Consequently, their work was selected for the Royal Society's prestigious Science Exhibition earlier this summer.
Their computer model was the first to "see" a new optical illusion it discovered. They have also developed a way to extract the motion from one person's face and use it to modify the video of someone else, making the new face mimic everything the original did or said. This has applications from resurrecting dead actors to improving the quality of video phone calls.
Read more about Peter's work and see lots more of the surprising Computer Science of illusions at http://www.cs4fn.org/illusions/ (this link opens in another window)
STUDENT NEWS
Queen Mary Student Pro Bono Group
Last month a cheque for £700 was presented to the Whitechapel Mission, a charity that helps local people in East London who are homeless. The money was raised by Law students from Queen Mary’s Student Pro Bono Group (QMSPBG). The QMSPBG has been involved with the Whitechapel Mission for more than three years. Placements at the Mission have involved law students getting up at 5am to serve breakfast to the homeless, as well as sorting through the charity’s donated clothing. East London Advertiser
QMSPB will be celebrating its 3rd Birthday on Tuesday 16 October. Alumni and friends are welcome to attend this party. This will be held at Tiger Tiger Bar, Haymarket, Piccadilly (2 minutes walk from Piccadilly Circus tube).
RSVP to Sean Ash at seanleeash@hotmail.com
Fees: £5 arrival between 7-10pm, £10 arrival after 10pm.
Students Union receives national recognition for ethical and environmental efforts
The Sound Impact Awards encourages students’ unions to do their bit for the environment. From recycling glass in the Union bar to energy efficient light bulbs and making ethical product choices – only those unions that meet the essential criteria gain accreditation. Queen Mary Students’ Union (QMSU) scored 318 and came second in the award scheme; Loughborough Union was named the overall winner with a score of 333; and Goldsmith’s was ranked in third place. A total of 51 students’ unions across the UK took part in the scheme in the first year. Ed Marsh, outgoing President of QMSU, said: “Unlike other unions we concentrated on making simple and sustainable changes. Where possible we sell fair-trade and UK produce in our outlets.
“In the long term we’ve ensured that sound environmental building practices were taken into consideration when refurbishing Draper’s and the fitness centre, so for example in the new bar we’ll be using less lighting and LEDs which use less energy. “We were praised for successfully working with the College in terms of implementing recycling schemes across our premises. We have also concentrated on raising awareness across union staff; just focusing on the little things that we all can do to make a difference, such as turning lights and computers off when not in use and using our own mugs instead of plastic cups!”
Bagging up to cut waste
A group of medical and dental students who live at Dawson Hall on Queen Mary’s Charterhouse Square campus, filled more than 80 bags with unwanted belongings in a scheme to cut waste through recycling and reusing. Giveaways included clothes, PCs and printers, textbooks, kitchen equipment, bedding and shoes. Tower Hamlets Recorder
QUEEN MARY NEWS
Feilden House and Blomeley Centre
On Monday 22 October the latest phase of the Westfield Student Village - Feilden House and the Blomeley Centre for the Students' Union, will be opened. Feilden House is named in honour of Richard Feilden, the architect who oversaw the design of the Student Village and who died in an accident at home in 2005; and the Blomeley Centre in honour of Laura Blomeley, President of the QM Students' Union 2004-05, who died in 2006. Naming plaques will be unveiled by the Feilden and Blomeley families.
New home for Commercial Law Studies
Lincoln's Inn Fields is the new home of the Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS) and a base for LLM teaching and postgraduate research students in the School of Law. The new School of Law building, is in the heart of ‘legal London’ and conveniently located for the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, one of the leading law libraries in the world, and the University of London's postgraduate library. Being near to the Royal Courts of Justice and numerous law firms and chambers helps the Centre further strengthen existing ties with the profession. It will also increase networking, internships and future employment opportunities for students.
Visit CCLS online at http://www.ccls.edu/
National Student Survey
This year’s National Student Survey has placed Queen Mary twenty first ahead of half of 1994 Group and two-thirds of Russell Group for student satisfaction. The National Student Survey conducted by Ipsos MORI an independent market research agency, gives an opportunity to final year undergraduates to feedback on their academic experience.
Click here for more information.
Queen Mary ranked 14th in the UK for research
Research Fortnight has published its Research Success Rankings for 2006-07, placing Queen Mary 14th place, up eleven places since the last rankings in 2005.
Research Success Rankings measure the number of research grants that universities apply for, and the success rate of their applications. Data includes applications to and awards given by six of the seven UK research councils in 2005 and 2007.
Queen Mary’s Principal Professor Adrian Smith said: “This excellent ranking reflects substantial improvements over the past year and puts Queen Mary ahead of half of the Russell Group, confirming our status as a leading research university.”
ApaTech and Performing Medicine
Queen Mary spin-out company ApaTech, which produces synthetic bone substitutes, was featured in The Sunday Times Tech Track (2007) supplement, which focuses on Britain’s fastest growing private technology companies. ApaTech, ranked as the 13th fastest growing private technology company, has chosen to patent its materials but not its methodology. Simon Cartmell, ApaTech Chief Executive, when asked by the Sunday Times to comment on safeguarding an SME’s intellectual property, he said: “If you use the known routes to manufacturing ceramics then you can’t get to our product. As soon as you make public another route, you give rivals a clue, and they start inventing [new products] around it.” ApaTech is now a world leader in bone graft technologies and its products are used in 18 countries around the world.
ApaTech, has also been shortlisted in this year’s Times Higher Awards in the ‘Business Initiative of the Year’ category. In addition, Performing Medicine, which was established at Queen Mary a year ago to explore how arts can be used in the medical curriculum, has been shortlisted in the ‘Excellence and Innovation in the Arts’ category. The only initiative of its kind in the UK, Performing Medicine is delivered by a diverse team of acclaimed artists from a range of media, including theatre, photography, dance and visual art. The winners will be announced at an Awards dinner on 29 November.
The Times Higher Education Supplement
http://www.qmul.ac.uk/business/technology/spinouts/apatech/index.html
2:2 for Queen Mary on carbon emission
Queen Mary has been awarded a ‘2:2’ in sustainability terms, as part of a new league table that ranks universities on their environmental credentials. Carbon emissions, recycling rates and energy from renewable resources are among the factors used by ‘People and Planet’ to compile the first Green League for the Times Higher – and the findings suggest there are wide discrepancies across the sector. www.peopleandplanet.org/greenleague2007
Khat use and mental Illness
Researchers investigating the evidence for a potential causal link between khat use and mental illness have called for improved research on the stimulant plant, and its possible association with psychiatric disorders. In light of ongoing international concern about a contributory association between use of khat and ill mental health, Dr Nasir Warfa - lecturer in Transcultural Psychiatry at Queen Mary, has reviewed clinical case reports, and qualitative and quantitative articles on khat use and mental illness, dating back over 50 years. His findings show that whilst khat use appears to exacerbate existing psychological problems, there is not currently any clear evidence which indicates that khat use is a catalyst for the development of mental illness. Dr Warfa said: “We need to revisit existing theories of addiction and substance use to include a new model to understand consumption of khat not only among migrant communities in the West but also in conflict and post conflict settings.”
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=26041
Queen Mary wins the prestigious SWAN award
Queen Mary and Herriot-Watt University have both won bronze SWAN awards for excellence in recruiting and progressing women in science, engineering and technology. The Gold award went to the University of York while Bristol and Keele both won silver.
The areas assessed include the number and position of women academics, positive support for women at key career transition points, culture and gender balance in decision making and work-life balance practices.
Professor Malcolm MacCallum, self assessment lead for Queen Mary’s submission, explained: “The assessors were particularly impressed with our equal pay analysis, the Women@QM project and our honest approach to the submission. Currently only a handful of institutions have achieved bronze status, so we are incredibly pleased to be ahead of the game.”
The Athena Swan Charter is funded jointly by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) and Equality Challenge Unit. Awards are given based on the number and position of women academics, positive support for women at key career transition points, culture and gender balance in decision making and work-life balance practices. http://www.onrec.com/newsstories/18336.aspCreative Space Scholars
Pupils at Morpeth School, Bethnal Green, are the UK's first Creative Space Scholars. The 15 year-olds triumphed in a programme to encourage a new 'space generation' interested in
science and technology. The teenagers completed various challenges as part of the Ideas Foundation Creative Space programme. The adventures culminated in a space school led by
Queen Mary’s Professor Carl Murray, who briefed students on the historic discoveries of new moons. They then had the opportunity to discover the moons for themselves, working
directly with mission planners and scientists. The star-gazing students will travel to the space centres next month with the International Space School Education Trust. They will present
their ideas and work to leaders at NASA and to British-born astronaut Piers Sellers, who has supported them during the programme. Professor Murray said: "These kids will see amazing
space voyages during their lifetimes. During the next 50 years we should see robots exploring all parts of the solar system, and humans visiting the Moon, Mars and perhaps the moons of
Saturn and Jupiter." http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk
RESEARCH NEWS
New genetic marker for prostate cancer aggressiveness
Scientists at the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, funded by Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Research Institute, have discovered a genetic change that identifies a particularly aggressive form of prostate cancer. Working with Professor Colin Cooper at the Institute of Cancer Research, Professor Jack Cuzick has shown that prostate cancer patients with a particular genetic change have extremely poor survival rates. Prostate cancer is now the most common male cancer in the UK; each year nearly 32,000 men are diagnosed, and 10,000 men lose their lives to the disease. It is different from many other cancers in that only certain types require treatment. This development could play a crucial role in deciding whether or not to treat prostate cancer patients. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/77050.php
A tiny, blind, hairless subterranean rodent that lives in social colonies in the harsh, semi-arid conditions of Africa could shed light on stress-related infertility in humans, the 23rd annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology will hear.
Dr Chris Faulkes, a Senior Lecturer from Queen Mary's School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, will tell the conference that the African naked mole-rat is at the extreme end of a continuum of socially-induced reproductive suppression among mammals, with other examples including primates such as marmosets and tamarins, mongooses and members of the dog family such as wolves and jackals. The naked mole-rat lives in colonies of between 100-300 animals, but only the queen reproduces, suppressing fertility in both the females and the males around her by bullying.
Studies of dominance within colonies have revealed that breeding animals have the highest social rank. Furthermore, concentrations of urinary testosterone, a hormone associated with aggression, in the queen and non-breeders of both sexes correlated significantly with rank position. In experiments where the queen is removed from her colony, reproductive activation in the female taking over as queen was accompanied by the development and expression of aggressive behaviour in the form of 'shoving'. These succeeding females were also previously high ranking and had relatively high concentrations of urinary testosterone. This supports the hypothesis that the attainment and maintenance of reproductive status in the queen, and control of the social order of the colony, is related to dominance behaviour," said Dr Faulkes.
"Humans also vary widely in the way in which they form social bonds with their partners, offspring and kin. By making careful comparisons with model species like mole-rats, we may be able to tease apart the relative contribution of genes, environment, up-bringing and culture to complex social behaviour in our own species."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070702145639.htm
How do you like your chocolate?
Recent research showing that chocolate is good for our health may have triggered many a guiltfree binge. Unfortunately, it appears that an ounce a day is all we can justify on medical grounds. After reviewing previous studies into chocolate and heart disease, Professor Roger Corder at the William Harvey Research Institute, says that an ounce, or 25g - around two or three squares - is best. The type of chocolate is also crucial as some contain more of the key ingredient, flavonoids. These compounds, which occur naturally in cocoa beans, cut the risk of dangerous blood clots and relax blood vessels, stimulating the flow of blood around the body. Flavonoids tend to be higher in dark chocolate, as it has a higher cocoa content. Professor Corder based his findings on years of research, including studies of tribes in Central America whose diet is exceptionally rich in cocoa. Dark chocolate may also stave off age-related mascular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in the elderly, and dementia.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/
news.html?in_article_id=481239&in_page_id=1770
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Calling Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers
The London Engineering Project (LEP) is urging the capital's black and minority ethnic engineers and scientists to give a day of their time every year in schools.
LEP is asking Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers to become ambassadors for their profession and show what they have achieved as role models for the next generation. “We hope that this will inspire and motivate young people to follow in your footsteps and help address the lack of black and minority ethnic young people currently entering jobs which are vital to the future of the economy and have particular significance to the capital”.
For more information about this project and to get involved contact the London Engineering Project at contactus@thelep.org.uk or 020 7717 1670 or visit the website www.thelep.org.uk
[this link opens in a different website]
The Flying Start Programme for women entrepreneurs
Flying start is offering a three day residential course for women who want to start their own business. This programme is the first of its kind and is aiming to get all participants up and trading within 12 months of attending. The Programme is also open to those that have been trading for less than 6 months and will target pushing your business forward. The course will equip you with the necessary business and networking skills as well as connections to make it happen. You will also be allocated an experienced mentor that will support and help you for 12 months. The Programme is open to graduates and final students. All business ideas welcome. The deadline for application is 21 November 2007. For further information or to apply visit http://www.flyingstart-ncge.com/newwomen [this link opens in a different website]
JOBS
QMUL employs almost 3,000 staff in a variety of jobs. There are currently 34 vacancies. Please visit our Human Resource website for a full list.
RETIRED STAFF ASSOCIATION
The Retired Staff Association is very keen to recruit new members. The Association holds a number of events, particularly during the summer months, when they arrange visits to places of interest. This year they visited Southwold in Suffolk and took a boat trip on the River Wey. A recent theatre visit was to see Billy Elliot.
The Association’s Annual General Meeting is taking place on Thursday 18 October at 11am in the Physics Block Room 602 at Queen Mary. In the afternoon members will be able to visit Walton Hall Museum of Memorabilia at Linford, Stanford-le-Hope.
The Association sends a regular newsletter to members who can also opt to receive College publications such as Bulletin, the termly Events Leaflet, QUAD and QM Magazine.
For further details about joining, please contact the membership secretary, Sheila Fenn at retired-staff@qmul.ac.uk or visit their website.
ALUMNI MAGAZINES
Barts and The London Chronicle (BLC) - Autumn 2007 (Volume 9, Issue 2)
The next issue of BLC will be mailed in November. Packed full of news and information about your fellow alumni, updates from the School of Medicine and Dentistry, the Trust and Queen Mary, this issue is also themed around the contribution of women, complementing the College-wide project 'Women at QM'.
This issue features an interview with Dame Margaret Seward who, from 2000 to 2002, was Chief Dental Officer for the Department of Health. She was also the first woman elected to the profession’s governing body in the UK, the General Dental Council, and was President from 1994-99
QUAD Issue 17
QUAD 17 is currently in production. Following on the theme of the Women@QM exhibition and related events, this issue will feature interviews with a number of female alumni from across the decades, about their time studying at the College and their careers subsequently. Among those featured are novelist and Oscar-winning screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala; Mrs Bushra Nasir, England's first Muslim female headteacher of a secondary school; and Jane Roberts, Curator of the Print Room and Librarian of the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.There will also be a roundup of recent alumni events including the Principal's visit to East and South East Asia and the opening of the Women@QM exhibition in The Octagon.
Please ensure that we have your up-to-date address to ensure you receive your copy.
To change your address, please email alumni@qmul.ac.uk
SUPPORTING CURRENT STUDENTS
If you wish to make a donation to support student bursaries across the College or if you are considering leaving a gift in your Will to support students, please email Susan Nettle at s.nettle@qmul.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7882 7423.
Please visit Supporting Queen Mary for other ways in which you can get involved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Professor Ronald William Fearhead, previously Professor of Dental Anatomy in the London Hospital Medical College Dental School, died on Monday 1 October 2007. The funeral will take place at Tasburgh Church, Tasburgh, Norfolk at 11.30am on Thursday 11 October 2007. Alumni are welcome to attend. Afterwards, there will be a gathering in the top bar of The Countryman Freehouse, Ipswich Road, Tasburgh, Norwich, NR15 1NS. Please pass this message on to others whom you feel would like to know. Please contact Professor Alan Boyde with any queries at a.boyde@qmul.ac.uk