News in brief

Clearing closed in record time!

UEL has had an exceptional clearing over the past four and a half weeks, receiving over 55,000 calls from interested applicants and making over 3,500 offers. As a result we have closed most programmes in record time on Friday 17 September 2010. We did not significantly reduce our entry requirements this summer and have therefore met target with highly qualified applicants. Catherine Downes, Director of Corporate Marketing said 'So much is down to the hard work, commitment and team work of staff in Corporate Marketing – I would like to thank you and say a big well done to everyone involved.' We do have places left in specific subject areas that successfully bid for additional student numbers from HEFCE earlier in the year – these areas are Biosciences, Engineering, maths, Early Childhood Studies, Youth and Community Work, Community Arts Practice and International Development. As the enrolment deadline is 2 October 2010 we are still able to accept new applications for these areas and interested applicants should be directed to the school for programme and application advice.

 

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First Week off to fantastic start!

This week sees a whole range of activities taking place as part of First Week 2010. From the UELSports Fair where students can find out about, and sign up to the sports clubs, watch a sparring match or UEL’s very own cage fighting champion Djo Lema in the ring, watch martial arts and weightlighting, shoot some hoops or have a go at volleyball. David Cosford, Director of UEL Sports said 'it's great to see such a high level of participation on the first day, and we hope that people will get involved in the many different sports we have on offer here at UEL'. Later this week the Sports Fair will move to the Stratford campus .

For more information on Sports Fair events taking place in First Week as well as further details on how to get involved in UEL Sports, click HERE and to find out what events are happening in First Week, click HERE for further information.

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Vice Chancellor's Address to all Staff

Missed Patrick McGhee's address at Stratford? The Vice Chancellor will be speaking at Docklands Campus Thursday 23 September at Docklands, 12-1pm, Room WBG.02. This will be an opportunity to hear from the Vice-Chancellor on the implementation of Transformation for Excellence  the university strategy, his thoughts on how UEL is positioned to deal with future external challenges, and to understand UEL’s focus for the 2010/11 academic year.

If you need further information please contact Kate Williams (k.williams@uel.ac.uk).

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Bunmi’s triumphant London Fashion Week show

UEL's recent fashion graduate Bunmi Olaye showcased her collection at London Fashion Week last Friday. The names queuing up to associate themselves with East London fashion designer Bunmi reads like a definitive Who’s Who of celeb-world’s most desirable stars, which would be more than a dream-come-true for any aspiring fashion designer but Bunmi has the World’s most iconic public figures as fans, too. Bunmi says of the show: “It’s been an incredible year for us as a brand and in many ways our London Fashion Week show is the culmination of all the hard work that has gone before. We are thrilled to be exhibiting our full collection at such a prestigious global event and we’re just so happy that everyone loved the show”.

For an interview with Callum Best about Bunmi’s show click here and for full story, click
HERE

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UEL's Cass School of Education makes ‘outstanding’ contribution to local community.

UEL's Cass School of Education has been recognised as outstanding in a number of areas in its recent Ofsted report. ‘Outstanding’ is the highest ranking that Ofsted can bestow upon any educational establishment. Associate Dean of School, Linda Amrane-Cooper said: “I was delighted that Ofsted recognised our strengths, particularly our work within the local community; supporting children and young people’s learning. I am immensely proud of all of our staff and our partner schools and colleges and feel that this report reflects the hard work they put into ensuring the Cass School of Education continues to be held in high esteem as a respected and forward-thinking learning establishment”.

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Two new Student Liaison Officers recruited as part of drive to enhance Student Experience

Two brand new exciting positions have been introduced at UEL for the coming academic year.  Their title is Student Liaison Officer and their purpose is to enhance the student experience.  Their brief from the Vice Chancellor is to the point: 'help UEL increase student satisfaction and achieve higher scores in the National Student Survey by resolving student-related issues raised by staff and students'. Their initial focus will be to work ‘on the ground’, listening to the student voice and attempting to resolve issues before they grow into significant problems.  Where identifiable patterns of recurrence emerge, they will report to line manager Alison Egan, Director of Student Experience.  It is hoped that the whole institution will see the benefits of roles like these.  UEL has a tradition of listening to its students and providing an inclusive environment, and we all hope that these roles will add to our success as we work to provide the best experience possible for our students here in East London.  For more information about the LT &A, click HERE.

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Launch of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Staff Network Website

Since March 2010 LGBT staff volunteers have been working with Stonewall and UEL management to provide support to our LGBT staff. Currently, as an organisation, UEL scores low on the Stonewall Employer's rating but with your help and support, together we will show that UEL is a welcoming place for all - including LGBT people. Regardless of sexual orientation, ALL staff members are welcome to join the network as Members or Supporters to work for a better work place. To find out more
and/ or join our network, please visit the new website HERE email us on lgbtnet@uel.ac.uk or come to our next open welcoming event - check the website for details.

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Open House Weekend a a big hit!

UEL's Computer Conferencing Centre and Cass School of Education, played host to the Open House weekend on Saturday. This year saw a dramatic increase in the number of visitors to UEL, including two extremely enthusiastic students interested in studying Architecture at UEL. One visitor said of the Computing and Conference Centre 'It's so photogenic! I can't wait to see what's in store with the new library and sports centre you have planned!'

Associate Dean of the School of Education, Linda Amrane Cooper said of the event: 'It’s fantastic that we have had the opportunity to open our doors to the public. I would like to thank everyone involved who made it happen on the day, including our student ambassador and security staff. We are looking forward to showcasing more of our campus with our new library set to go in 2011.’

For the latest on our activities visit the news releases section of our website www.uel.ac.uk/news

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What’s Happening

How green is your department?

If you think your team could be doing more to help the environment, but don’t know where to start, help is at hand! UEL has signed up to ‘Green Impact’, an NUS scheme to help university departments to reduce their impact.

Only 15 spaces are available, and awards are up for grabs for the best departments. Curious? Find out more at our drop-in welcome lunch, which includes free food, goodie bags, and a film screening of ‘The Story of Stuff’. See you there!

Docklands: 27 Sept, 12-2pm, Room EB G.09
Stratford: 28 Sept, 12-2pm, Room RB G.19

Contact Jon Emmett: j.emmett@uel.ac.uk www.uel.ac.uk/GreenThing/GreenImpact

Living Black Scientists - Dana Centre, Tuesday 28 September 2010 19:00 - 20:45pm
Places are free BUT need to be booked by phone 020 7942 4040 or e-mail: tickets@danacentre.org.uk

UEL Open Days
Please note that the Aug/Sept open day events are split between campuses. Book online at www.uel.ac.uk/openday
For more information about Open Days, contact Vicky Rossiter on v.rossiter@uel.ac.uk

Open Day

Saturday 16 October

12–4pm

Stratford/ Docklands

All start dates

Alumni reception with Professor Anthony Heath, 20 October 6-9pm
Professor Anthony Heath, Oxford Professor of Sociology is visiting UEL to give a talk to our students, staff and alumni at the WB Lecture Theatre. The lecture will be followed by a buffet and drinks reception. We will be expecting at least 70 alumni plus students and staff. For more background information about Professor Heath click HERE

National Energy Saving Week 25- 29 October
The aim is to Reduce staff and student energy consumption: save money, contribute to Acorn EMS accreditation, and improve Green League position. For further information, please contact Jonathan Emmett on j.emmett@uel.ac.uk

See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm

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UELSports Roundup

UEL running fitness sessions 2010-11

From Mon 27th September UEL are offering free jogging/ running session for all staff and students. Runners of all abilities and experience are welcome. If you would like more information, please e-mail the team at jogging@uel.ac.uk, alternatively, just turn up to one of the sessions below, in your running kit and ready to run.

Day	Time	Campus	Venue	Cost	Comments	Leader	Contact
Monday	12.30pm-1.30pm	Stratford	West Ham Park	Free	Meet at UEL Stratford Campus Entrance	Jo Dawes/ Andy Preston	jogging@uel.ac.uk
Tuesday	12.30 – 1.30pm	Docklands	Newham Docklands Campus E16	Free	Meet at UEL changing rooms by the car park	Kirstie Adam	jogging@uel.ac.uk
Thursday	12.30-1.30pm	Docklands	Newham Docklands Campus E16	Free	Meet at UEL changing rooms by the car park	Leanne Grice	jogging@uel.ac.uk
Friday	4.45pm-5.45pm	Stratford	Local Stratford run	Free	Meet at UEL Stratford Campus Entrance	Charlotte Vannet/ Dave Watkinson	jogging@uel.ac.uk

If the above times do not suit your timetable, or you would like to add more sessions to your training, there are many running groups in the local Newham area. See below for the times and contacts for these sessions.

Day	Time	Venue	Cost	Comments	Leader	Tel No
Sunday	10am-12 noon	Newham Leisure Centre E13	£2 per session	Meet on the Track	Jeffrey Nkrumah	O7737645516
Monday	4-5.30pm	Newham Leisure Centre E13	£2 per session	Meet on the Track	Winnie Akyeampong	O7947256390
Tuesday	6-7pm	Newham Leisure Centre E13	£2 per session	Meet on the Track	Bisi Imafidon	O7979261647
Wednesday	12-1pm	Newham Dockside E16	£2 per session	open to all meet at reception	Winnie Akyeampong	O7947256390
Wednesday	5.30-6.30pm	Newham Leisure Centre E13	£2 per session	Meet on the Track	Jeffrey Nkrumah	O7737645516
Thursday	5.30-6.30pm	Newham Dockside E16	£2 per session	open to all meet at reception	Winnie Akyeampong	O7947256390
Friday	12-1pm	Warehouse K E16	£2 per session	Meet outside fox pub	Jeffrey Nkrumah	O7737645516
Saturday	10-11.30am	Central Park E6	£2 per session	Meet central Park Café	Bisi Imafidon	O7979261647
Saturday	10-11.30am	Wanstead Flats E12	£2 per session	Meet Harrow Rd Changing Pavillion	Rob Parfrey	07971 174696
Saturday	10-11.30am	West Ham Park	£2 per session	Meet South Gate Entrance off Portway	Jane Ithier Aimee	07983313146

UEL Tennis

Thank you for expressing an interest in playing tennis at UEL . Nurudeen Isa, our wonderful UEL Tennis Co-ordinator/ Coach is pleased to announce details of our first programme of lunchtime "taster" sessions starting on 13 September and running until 1 October. Nurudeen will supervise the sessions and the format of which will consist of a mixture of fun activities, drills and structured play. The details of times and locations for the taster sessions are as follows:

Stratford (West Ham Park):
- Beginners: 12-1pm on Monday 13, 20 and 27 September.
- Intermediate/ Advanced: 12-1pm on Tuesday 14, 21 and 28 September.

Click here to view directionsto the tennis courts at West Ham Park

Docklands (New Beckton Park):
- Beginners: 12- 1pm/ 1-2pm on Thursday 16, 23 and 30 September.
*** Please note that on Thursday 23 September the time will be moved to 1:30 to accommodate the VC staff event. Anyone interested in playing on this date, should meet at the tennis court. ***
- Intermediate/Advanced: 12-1pm and 1-2pm on Friday 17, 24 September and 1 October.

Click here to view directionsto the tennis courts at New Beckton Park

To book yourself a place on a taster session please go to the web page at: http://www.doodle.com/3emupg8fdbyxh7xa and indicate the sessions you wish to attend. All the taster sessions are free and balls will be provided. If you have your own tennis racket, please bring it along with you. Spare rackets will be available to use for those who are new to the game. Please note that for future sessions it is anticipated that there will be a charge per session to cover the costs of new balls and court hire. For further information on UEL Tennis, please contact Nurudeen Isa, on ext 6398 or at n.isa@uel.ac.uk

For more information on what's happening in UEL Sports, and how you can get involved, visit http://www.uel.ac.uk/sports/ or contact uelsports@uel.ac.uk

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Research Updates

External Research Funding Opportunity News (supplied by the UEL Graduate School)

Public event: “From Recession to Recovery: Growing research in a new economy”, 3 November 2010, the British Museum, London. In the midst of a slow recovery from recession, what steps must UK university and business leaders take to maintain knowledge-led, sustainable economic growth? Critical research-intensive industries are looking for more and better sources of new knowledge to create tomorrow's goods and services - could more universities provide that knowledge? In the first significant public event after the announcement of the spending review, the publishers of Research Fortnight are bringing the worlds of cash and content together under one roof. For one day only you can discover how to maximise university-industry partnerships; network with leaders from academia, business, thought leaders and policymakers; and tune into the latest debates and thinking on the future of research funding and policy. Follow the link for more information.  

The Royal Society has launched a Call “India-UK Scientific Seminars” for the organisation of a small 3 day scientific meeting to bring together groups of mid-career scientists from India and the UK for the purpose of scientific discussion, to promote collaboration and knowledge transfer by encouraging interaction within the wide research community. Application closing date is 25 October 2010. For further info and application procedure, please visit here.

Royal Society, Wolfson Research Merit Awards. Deadline: 1 November 2010. Jointly funded by the Wolfson Foundation and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), this scheme aims to provide universities with additional support to enable them to attract to this country or to retain, respected scientists of outstanding achievement and potential. Please visit the Society’s website for information.

The Prostate Cancer Charity, Project Grants. Deadline: 3 November 2010. The Charity aims to fund research that will benefit men affected by prostate cancer. Project grant awards can be from one to three years and usually cover salary and research expenses. Applications should be made by the principal investigator. The Trust welcomes applications in the following areas of prostate cancer research: - basic; - translational; - clinical; - psychosocial. Please visit the website for more information.

EPSRC, CHIST-ERA (European Coordinated Research on Long term Challenges in ICST). Deadline: 5 November 2010, 4:00 pm. EPSRC are one of ten European Funding Organisations participating in the ERA-Net CHIST-ERA, a coordination and cooperation activity of the partner agencies in order to reinforce the transnational collaboration between member states in challenging multidisciplinary research in the area of Information and Communication Sciences and Technologies (ICST) with the potential to lead to significant breakthroughs. CHIST-ERA is looking for highly innovative and multidisciplinary projects in ICST; and is open to new ideas and original solutions, involving interdisciplinary skills in order to strengthen a broader community in the merging of their understanding and their questioning. Please visit the Call’s website for more information.

Leverhulme Trust. (1) Study Abroad Fellowships; (2) Research Fellowships Programme. Deadline: 11 November 2010. The Study Abroad Fellowships Programme supports scholars in a period overseas in a stimulating academic environment. The intention of the programme is to provide a concentrated period overseas devoted to the exchange of ideas, writing, the development of new lines of research and collaborations, the enhancement of existing links, developing innovations in teaching, or the opportunity for "discipline-hopping excursions" into new areas of research. The maximum value of a Fellowship is £22,000. The Research Fellowships are open to individuals who wish to undertake a piece of original research in any subject area. Approximately 90 Fellowships are available to: Experienced researchers, particularly those prevented by routine duties from undertaking or completing a research programme; and to permanent members of the UK scholarly community able to demonstrate an established track record in their chosen area of research. Please visit the Trust’s website for more information.

Meet your perfect partner at ICT 2010! The European Commission organises a conference ICT 2010: Digitally Driven on 27, 28 and 29 September 2010 in Brussels. The conference will include special sessions presenting the European Union's funding priorities for the 2.8 Billion Euros of EU funding available for ICT research and development during 2011-2012. Please visit here for the conference programme.

At the same time, the event will host dozens of networking sessions designed to facilitate contacts between researchers and innovators, engineers and investors from all fields of digital innovation. This is your chance to build future partnerships with the right people in your field. Please follow this link to view all the networking sessions and get registered.

Missed an Update? All previously advertised funding opportunities are archived until their date of expiry at http://www.uel.ac.uk/gradschool/research/ResearchUpdate.htm or http://www.uel.ac.uk/gradschool/research/euroupdate.htm

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