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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 231: 15 February 2011 |
Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee will be holding staff meetings at Stratford Campus this Wednesday (16 February) at 12.30pm in CC.1.01 and at Docklands Campus this Friday (18 February) at 1pm in EB.2.44. Progress made against Transformation for Excellence objectives and the next steps in the university strategy will be the topic of discussion. For further information please contact Richard Pyle via r.pyle@uel.ac.uk There is no need to RSVP.
UEL was delighted by Friday’s announcement (11 February) by the Olympic Park Legacy Company to recommend West Ham United FC and Newham Council as the preferred bidders to operate the Olympic Stadium after the London 2012 Games. As a key member of the stadium legacy partnership - and the sole university partner of the successful bid - UEL looks forward to developing its plans for a significant sports presence within the Olympic Stadium and Olympic Park. As the key HE partner for the people of Newham, as well as the wider east London community, the decision opens the door to new and exciting opportunities for UEL students and talented athletes. Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee said, "It is our intention to embrace this fantastic chance to develop education, and both community and elite sport, for all our local students and for east Londoners generally. In addition, the thousands of overseas students we bring to east London each year will contribute to making the stadium a truly international destination." For the full story see bit.ly/UEL2012
UEL Students’ Union will be holding a General Meeting this Wednesday (16 February) at 3pm in WB.G.02 on Docklands Campus, to vote on the proposed constitution and bye-laws of the SU. Please encourage students to attend, as UELSU needs a minimum number of 200 students present to pass proposals.
Watch bit.ly/su_video or visit bit.ly/uel_su for more information
UEL's strategy 'Transformation for Excellence' set out nine strategic objectives for 2015. The Sustainable Student Recruitment programme board is one of nine programme boards which have been set up to achieve these strategic objectives. There are six projects which have been commissioned by the board covering areas such as:
– developing a plan to increase recruitment in areas such as postgraduate, undergraduate part-time, continuing professional development (CPD) and international whilst sustaining full-time undergraduate recruitment
– devising our recruitment strategy for 2012
– reviewing scholarship and bursary support provided to our students
– review of our admissions and enrolment processes, aiming to improve student experience
– sustaining supply links with schools and colleagues.
Further information about the Sustainable Student Recruitment board can be found on the Strategic Planning website uel.ac.uk/planning/internal/programmeboards.htm
Nirmal Borkhataria
Pro Vice-Chancellor & Director of Finance
Chair of Sustainable Student Recruitment programme board
Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee signed a Memorandum of Understanding last Friday (11 February) with representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Special Constabulary. The MOU will guarantee training for UEL students who would like to volunteer to become special constables. Expert training from the police service could see them operational within as little as three months. Additionally, for law and criminology students, the key stages of the training will also gain them credits towards their studies. The Dean of School for Law, Fiona Fairweather, said, “This is an excellent way for our students to gain all the advantages of working with the Metropolitan Police at the same time as contributing to and enhancing their academic studies. We hope as many students as possible seize the opportunity!” For the full story see bit.ly/mou_met Students who wish to apply should
contact Anthony Gunter via a.gunter@uel.ac.uk
We regretfully inform staff that it has been confirmed that the missing UEL student Ali Manir has passed away. Ali went missing on Ben Nevis on Sunday 30 January and his body was found by search and rescue teams one week later. Ali, who was in his second year of study on the Civil Engineering programme, was highly regarded and valued by both staff and students. To discuss counselling options for staff, please contact Occupational Health Adviser Justin Lewis via 020 8223 6295 or j.r.lewis@uel.ac.uk Students who have been affected can contact the UEL Counselling Service on 020 8223 4440/7611 or email wellbeing@uel.ac.uk
A UEL Transport survey is being conducted to assess the reliability and current transport provisions to the various UEL campuses. The aim of the survey is to identify areas of poor transport links and unreliable service as well as identifying the excellent routes of travel. Through this and liaising with TfL we aim to improve the current transport to both campuses and travel between the two. Please participate and make your travel experiences count! If you are based at Docklands campus visit surveymonkey.com/s/D7V95FW If you are based at Stratford Campus visit surveymonkey.com/s/D77SGRM For more information about the survey, please contact Kayleigh Gibson via k.i.gibson@uel.ac.uk
Eva Lloyd and Helen Penn, co-directors of the International Centre for the Study of the Mixed Economy of Childcare (ICMEC) at the Cass School of Education, contributed to a major report on the London childcare market. Published last week by the London Development Agency, the report, number 5 in the LDA Labour Market Research Series, provides a comprehensive understanding of London’s childcare market including the extent, if any, of market failures in London. Apart from the ICMEC contributors, the research team included researchers from two independent economic and social research agencies, Roger Tym & Partners and Laing & Buisson. To download the report visit bit.ly/h1Byuv or click the image (left). The report will be launched at Knowledge Dock on Thursday 3 March at 10am. For an invite to this ICMEC event email Eva via e.lloyd@uel.ac.uk
Visitors to a recent UEL sports science workshop gave the event top marks. The 'Knowing Sport' event attracted local amateur sportsmen and women, aspiring students and those with an interest in next year's London Olympic and Paralympic Games, where they were able to take part in a number of interactive workshops on nutrition, fitness, and strength & conditioning. Members of the Team GB basketball team were also on hand to advise on combining a career in sport with academic studies. The four players, who are all UEL sports science students and play professionally for the Essex Pirates, are hopeful of being involved in next year's Olympic Games. For the full story visit bit.ly/knowingsport
Alun was Principal lecturer, Subject area coordinator and programme leader in Pharmacology at UEL from 1987 until he retired on health grounds in 2005; he died suddenly of a heart attack on New Year’s Day. Despite serious health problems he managed to have a successful academic career, to be a well known peace activist, trade unionist, drugs awareness advisor and active member of the Baptist Church. He remained active in all these fields even after his retirement. The love and respect of all who knew him shone through at his funeral on 25 January.
Dr Geoffrey P Webb
School of Health and Bioscience
On Monday 7 February staff and students from the psychology extended degree programme gathered to celebrate the success of the current cohort. 17 students were nominated and presented with a certificate for 100% attendance and engagement with the programme. The award was in honour of Professor David Rose (the previous Dean of Psychology) and was presented by the new Dean of Psychology, Mark Davies. The winner of the award was Laura Brady (pictured with Mark), who received acclaim from her peers when announced as the winner. The evening was a great success and it showed the students that UEL rewards good, hardworking students and provides a supportive and nurturing learning environment. For more information contact Joy Coogan (Programme Leader for Extended Psychology) via J.Coogan@uel.ac.uk or 020 8223 4189.
Thanks to everyone who celebrated ReDS go RED on Friday 11 February, especially those who donated and wore red!
Check the ReDS news and events webpage via bit.ly/reds_news or email reds@uel.ac.uk for more information. Staff can also donate at any time in EB.1.05. ReDS go RED launched the service's 'Opportunity Surgeries' which are held at both campuses. Book your place online now via bit.ly/reds_os
CITE held their 6th annual research conference, ‘Advances in Computing and Technology’, at the Docklands’ Crowne Plaza Hotel on 26 January, which was an excellent celebration of the School’s research achievements during the last year. The conference provided research students and School staff an opportunity to present their latest research results alongside those from celebrated keynote speakers. Selected guests included Dr Qinping Zou from the University of Plymouth and Professor Antony Day from London South Bank University. About 70 delegates attended the conference, including industrial and academic partners. Many of the 27 papers which were presented reflected the applied nature of the School’s research, highlighting their potential and actual economic and social impacts. Prizes were awarded to Maryam Yarandi for the best student presentation (with the winning paper ‘Personalised Mobile Learning System Based on Item Response Theory’) and to Jacob Pedersen for the best poster presentation (whose paper was entitled ‘A Comparison of Two Robust Control Techniques for Throttle Valve Control Subject to Nonlinear Friction’). For further details visit uel.ac.uk/act
The new acupuncture clinic is now up and running at Stratford Campus. UEL staff and students can visit the clinic for free treatment throughout the semester. The new clinic is open Monday to Friday between 10am – 1pm, and 2 – 5pm (except Wednesday afternoons) and can be located at 46 the Green on Stratford Campus. To make a booking, or for further information, email clinedu@uel.ac.uk or call the clinic reception on 020 8223 4620. Alternatively, email Clinic Director Dr. Tian Jun Wang via t.wan@uel.ac.uk for consultations.
For the latest on our activities visit the news releases section of our website www.uel.ac.uk/news
Open Day dates in 2011
If you are planning any School recruitment events over the coming year please contact your account manager in the Student Recruitment & Marketing Team who will be able to provide you with advice and support. You can find details of all account managers by visiting uel.ac.uk/marketing/srm/accountmanagers.htm
| Date | Event | Time of event | Times staff required to work | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Saturday 25 June |
General (UG & PG) open day | 12 – 4pm |
9 – 5pm | Docklands and Stratford |
Saturday 20 August |
Clearing application drop-in day |
12 – 4pm |
9 – 5pm |
Docklands |
Creative Arts Industries Event: Made in East London: Wednesday 16 February, 6 – 11pm (Islington, Metal Works
EC1V 1NQ)
A showcase and networking event for our creative students, alumni and industry partners. Please join the Alumni Office for an enjoyable and stimulating evening showcasing the latest creative talent from UEL. Meet fellow students, staff, alumni and industry partners for networking and refreshments.
This event is free. Please RSVP to alumni@uel.ac.uk or call 020 8223 2222.
Women, Work, Equality: From Dagenham to the Coalition Cuts: Wednesday 16 February, 2 – 4pm (EB.G.10, Docklands Campus)
The idea of job creation and job cuts, working and what to do with those who aren't working, lies at the heart of the coalition government's reform programme. Responding to the measures, which hit women disproportionately, the Centre for Cultural Studies Research is hosting a discussion that will focus on the feminist struggle for equality. The event is the third in CCSR's ‘Debt, Pain, Work’ series that interrogates the discourses and policies of the coalition government. Please contact Maggie Humm via M.Humm@uel.ac.uk for more information.
Murder, Madness, and Masculinity in Christopher Marlowe's Edward II: Wednesday 16 February, 7.30pm (Rose Theatre, Bankside)
All are welcome to attend a special after-show panel, following the performance of Peter Darney's production of ‘Edward II’ by Christopher Marlowe at the historic Elizabethan theatre. See rosetheatre.org.uk for further details.
Write Now: Thursday 17 February, 7pm (Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford E15 1BX)
The Writing Centre at UEL presents an evening of readings and performances by staff and students in creative writing. Admission is free. Please contact Tessa McWatt via t.a.mcwatt@uel.ac.uk for further information.
Cass School of Education Postgraduate Talk: Monday 21 February, 1 – 2pm (LT.03, Stratford Campus); Wednesday 23 February, 1 – 2pm (Main Lecture Theatre, Docklands Campus)
Find out more about postgraduate opportunities, with information on teacher training and PG courses in Education, Youth and Community Studies and teaching English as a foreign language. For further details and to book a place contact p.shah2@uel.ac.uk or 0208 223 4137.
Start up Smart: How to start and build a successful business on a budget: Tuesday 22 February, 4 – 5pm (EB.G.06, Docklands Campus)
Robin Bennett, founder of The Bennett Group, will be leading the event based around his book ‘Start Up Smart’. The event will give you a guide to setting-up on a budget and maintaining a successful business in the long term, without the need to borrow life-impairing sums of money.Open to all UEL staff and students. Contact Mohsin Ramzan via m.ramzan@uel.ac.uk for more information or visit uel.ac.uk/business/events
'Psychoanalysis and Popular Culture': Saturday 26 February, 10am – 6pm (5th Floor, Tavistock Clinic)
Staff are invited to the day symposium on 'Psychoanalysis and Popular Culture' which will mark the end of the current grant period of the AHRC funded research network, Media and the Inner World. Speakers will include former England cricket captain Michael Brearley and Channel 4 news-caster Krishnan Guru-Murthy. See miwnet.org for more information or contact Candida Yates via C.Yates@uel.ac.uk
Social Work Alumni Event:
Tuesday 1 March, 5 – 7pm (CSWP, Tavistock Centre, 5th Floor Lecture Theatre, 120 Belsize Lane NW3 5BA)
Staff are invited to a meeting of the London Regional CSWP Group. The event will begin with a talk by Andrew Cooper on 'Professional confidence: How we lost it, how to find it, how to keep it'.
Refreshments will follow the talk with opportunities for group discussion and reflection. This is a free event. Please RSVP to
alumni@uel.ac.uk or 020 8223 2222 by Monday 21 February.
Money Awareness Week: Monday 7 – Friday 11 March (Docklands and Stratford Campuses)
As part of National Student Money Week the SMART team will be holding a Money Awareness Week between Monday 7 and Friday 11 March. Activities at both campuses will include stalls on various aspects of finance and budgeting, finance MOT's conducted by SMART advisers and advice from the Health and Wellbeing team on how to eat healthily on a budget. For further details see the events section of the SMART webpage, http://bit.ly/fkNfrg
The life of Brian (the Brain!): Wednesday 16 March, 6 – 9pm (CC.1.01, Stratford Campus)
As part of International Brain Awareness Week, Dr Ashok Jansari will be hosting a Brain Awareness Day at the School of Psychology. The event will include a public lecture entitled ‘The Life of Brian (the Brain)’ giving a tour of the history of our understanding of the brain. This is a free event, and all are welcome. For more information please contact Dr Jansari via
a.jansari@uel.ac.uk
Ofsted Celebration Event: Thursday 24 March, 3 – 5pm (Children’s Garden Early Years Centre, Docklands Campus)
A recent report from Ofstead found the Children’s Garden to be 'outstanding' in all areas. Join the nursey staff in a small celebration at the Children's Garden on 24 March. Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to Thais Bishop via t.m.bishop@uel.ac.uk by Friday 18 February.
‘Synaesthesia as a window into human nature’, by Edward Hubbard: Friday 25 March, 6pm (CC.1.01, Stratford Campus)
What do David Hockney, Richard Feynman, Nabokov, Messiaen and Stevie Wonder all have in common? They all experience synaesthesia, a "union of the senses". For some synaesthetes, listening to a piece of music may also cause them to see specific colours while for others letters or numbers are always tinged a certain colour. This talk will discuss recent research, showing what synaesthetes already know: synaesthesia is real. For more information see bit.ly/hubbard, email synaesthesia@uel.ac.uk or contact Mary Spiller on 020 8223 4004. For information about synaesthesia see bit.ly/uel_syn
UK Synaesthesia Association Annual Conference: Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 March (CC.1.01, Stratford Campus)
Mary Spiller and Ashok Jansari, from the School of Psychology, are pleased to be hosting the annual conference of the UK Synaesthesia Association. This annual event includes presentations from scientists, synaesthetes and artists from the UK and abroad. They will be discussing the latest cutting edge research as well as the fascinating experiences of individual synaesthetes. The Keynote Speaker will be the world-leading expert Edward Hubbard, from Vanderbilt University, USA. See uksynaesthesia.com or email synaesthesia@uel.ac.uk for further information.
‘Total Belief – Delirium in the West’ by Jacqueline Rose: Wednesday 1 June, 5.30pm (WB.G.02, Docklands Campus)
In this annual lecture, hosted by the Centre for Cultural Studies Research, Jacqueline Rose will return to Hannah Arendt’s analysis of totalitarianism as mental control and asks: what form of belief and passion does such subjection entail? This lecture will suggest that there is a productive link to be forged between Arendt’s analysis and Freud’s engagement with the question of faith. All are welcome and admission is free. Refreshments will be provided. See bit.ly/j_rose or email j.hakim@uel.ac.uk for more information.
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm
Success for UEL weightlifting teamA team of three lifters, all students at UEL, competed in the Southern Masters Weightlifting Competition last weekend. Steve Aish and Lee Ottey (who both study MSc Strength and Conditioning) and Annie Ottey (who studies BSc Sports and Exercise Science) started lifting last year when the club was formed. All three lifters were happy with their performances, each winning their respective age/weight class and achieving the qualifying totals required for the forthcoming British Masters Competition at Lilleshall.
Olympic Weightlifting is a dynamic event that includes the 'Snatch' and the 'Clean and Jerk'. Competitors have three attempts at each in order to achieve the highest possible total weight. Annie lifted 58kg in the 'Snatch', followed by 69kg in the 'Clean and Jerk', both personal bests on her previous lifts. Lee lifted 68kg in the 'Snatch' and 89kg in the 'Clean and Jerk', and Steve got 80kg and 100kg respectively. Both Lee and Steve have lifted heavier weights in training and will be looking to improve these totals at their next competition.
Giles Greenwood, the former Commonwealth Gold medallist and UEL club coach (here pictured with the three), said, ‘The team lifted very well on Saturday and achieved the totals they needed. We are hoping to build on that success with a larger team at the London and South East Universities Open in April’.
The UEL Weightlifting club is affiliated to the British Weightlifting Association, and trains on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Strength and Conditioning Centre at Stratford Campus. New members and beginners are very welcome. For more information, please email weightlifting@uel.ac.uk To view this and other sports news stories, visit uel.ac.uk/sports/news.htm
For more information on any of the above please contact uelsports@uel.ac.uk
To view the UELSports webpages visit uel.ac.uk/sports
To view the UELSports blog visit
uelsportsblog.wordpress.com
And to contribute your own sports stories to the blog see
uelsportsblog.wordpress.com/contribute-to-the-uelsports-blog
UEL Sports – ‘Get involved, Join, Learn, Participate, Train, Motivate, Compete, Enjoy’
For further information on any of the seminars listed below please contact Mary Spiller via m.j.spiller@uel.ac.uk
All talks will take place between 1 – 2pm in AE.3.18. The details are as follows:
Wednesday 23 February |
Emma Wightman |
Compounds from red wine and green tea are able to augment cerebral blood flow in healthy, young participants |
Wednesday 2 March |
Minna Lyons |
Why do women like bad boys, and what’s ovaries got to do with it? Female preference for Machiavellian males across the menstrual cycle |
Wednesday 9 March |
Rose McCabe |
Communicating about psychosis and other things: research in mental health care |
Wednesday 23 March |
Michael Proulx |
Synthetic synaesthesia and sensory substitution |
Wednesday 6 April |
Cath Haslam |
Memory and identity: relational and motivational dynamics |
Wednesday 27 April |
Ulrich Ettinger |
Pharmacological, genetic, and neuroimaging studies of inhibitory control |
Wednesday 11 May |
Andrew Bremmer |
The developments of multisensory representations of one’s own body and peripersonal space in infancy and early childhood |
Please send comments or contributions for in Focus Update to: infocus@uel.ac.uk
To contribute a UEL news item please supply a headline (c. 10 words), short paragraph (c. 50-100 words) with a call to action (email / web link or phone) together with a photo.
To contribute a UEL event please supply a headline (c. 10 words), date, time, location, short description, with call to action (email / web link or phone)
© 2011
