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Welcome to in Focus Update… |
Past Issues << | Issue 251: 05 July 2011 |
“We welcome the clarification provided by the publication of the White Paper, not least because it provides much-needed and long-awaited guidance to the university sector as to where the Government is going with its plans for higher education. We support the sentiment of putting students in the driving seat, but we are not sure that the reality of the Government’s proposals matches up to their rhetoric of responding to market demand and providing room for growth." For the full statement see bit.ly/VCstatement
The recent launch of the Islamic Banking and Finance Centre will see the University of East London become a central figure in one of the fastest growing financial sectors in the marketplace.
Speaking at the launch at ExCel London in June, Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee, said, “This is the culmination of many months of hard work and is a genuinely exciting project. Islamic banking is one of the fastest growing sectors in the financial marketplace; now is the perfect time for academics to focus on this area and explore how western and Islamic financial institutions can work more effectively together.” For the full story see bit.ly/islamicfinance
Following the popular 2008 TV series, Jamie Oliver has begun work on establishing the very first Ministry of Food in Stratford. Jamie’s Ministry of Food helps ordinary people around the country make extraordinary meals, and this month they are asking local residents of east London to take part in hands-on cooking lessons to learn 10 simple and delicious Jamie Oliver recipes. Participants don’t need any prior experience, and the course is open to everyone. The lessons run every Thursday and Friday for 10 weeks, from Thursday 14 July. Thursday’s lessons take place at Newham College of Further Education in East Ham (E6 6ER) and Friday’s lessons take place at Rokeby School in Barking Road (E16 4DD). To register visit bit.ly/MinistryofFood or contact classes@jamiesministryoffood-stratford.co.uk for further details.
For today's 60-second interview, we asked Linsey Cole, Project Manager for Women’s Entrepreneurship, what she's been working on:
What was your challenge?
UEL has a strong track record of supporting businesses. We also have an entrepreneurial student community, with many students running a business alongside their studies. However, research has identified that women’s potential contribution to enterprise has not yet been realised.
What have you achieved so far?
We launched UEL’s women's entrepreneurship strategy in November 2010. Through quarterly networking events, a mentoring programme for our student entrepreneurs (CEWE Patrons) and a research sandpit (a collaborative workshop) with academic staff, we have developed a network of over 250 ‘Friends of Women’s Entrepreneurship’.
What next?
We are planning CEWE’s first conference for November 2011. We will also be offering one-to-one business advice from Monday 1 August. By 2020, we aim to be Europe's leading university for women's entrepreneurship, and continue to build our national and international partnerships.
See the new web portal www.uel.ac.uk/CEWE for some of our success stories and ways to get involved (left). You can join the CEWE Friends of Women’s Entrepreneurship group on LinkedIn, and follow CEWE on Twitter. Please also email cewe@uel.ac.uk to register your interest in attending CEWE events or to share your ideas with us.
The recent Asian Women’s Training and Education Fair in Redbridge Town Hall proved a resounding success, with more than 500 eager participants turning up over the course of the day. Organised by Jasbir Panesar in External and Strategic Development Services, in partnership with Redbridge Council, the event was open to all Asian women aged 16 and above, and offered information on education, training and employment opportunities in Redbridge and the east London area. Many of the women who enquired about UEL courses expressed a specific interest in teaching and business studies. The winner of the Asian Women’s Achievement Award was also revealed, with the coveted prize going to Dr Sudarshan Kapur.
This is an essential one-day induction programme for all new Programme Leaders, which is ‘hands-on’ and practical. The course is designed to support you in managing your role effectively and confidently by enabling you to understand fully your leadership role, its remit and how it fits in with our infrastructure. It is also an opportunity to update your knowledge and skills, to share your experience with your peers and to develop good practice across UEL. Experienced Programme Leaders are most welcome to attend if they choose to do so and feel that they would gain value from additional training. Course content includes the role of the Programme Leader, quality assurance for Programme Leaders, managing programme committees and networks and support structures. It will take place on Tuesday 6 September at Stratford Campus, 9.30am – 4pm. To book your place email n.harding@uel.ac.uk by 31 August.
Stephanie Alexander, Administrator in the Cass School of Education, has taken time out of her busy schedule to complete her European Computer Driving License (ECDL). Despite all odds stacked against her, Stephanie passed with flying colours. Congratulations Steph, you're the ECDL Star of the Week!
Brush up on your IT skills and get internationally recognised level 2 IT qualifications, with ECDL. To register visit www.uel.ac.uk/ecdl/staff/index.htm
Head of International Students Advice at UEL, Niru Williams, was elected to the Board of Trustees at the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) last week. UKCISA is the UK’s national advisory body serving the interests of international students, providing them with immigration advice and at the same time, lobbying the government for fair and consistent immigration processes. Adrienne Clarke, Director International Office, said, “This is fantastic news for UEL and it’s a great achievement for Niru. The election was highly competitive and the outcome shows the respect that the sector has for her.” For further information about UKCISA please see UKCISA.org.uk
Dr. Keith Gilbert, the Director of the Centre of Disabilities, Sport and Health within the School of Health and Bioscience, has released an exciting new publication in anticipation of next year’s London Paralympic Games. The legacy left by a Games remains one of the most important issues relating to multisport mega-events across the globe, and it could be argued that the development of legacy is one of the most urgent imperatives in elite sport. Paralympic Legacies aims to review the concept of legacy across previous Paralympic Games, and offer ideas which have the potential to positively change the future of Paralympic legacies. For more information contact k.gilbert@uel.ac.uk
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 and 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 20 August |
Clearing application drop-in day |
12 – 4pm |
9 – 5pm |
Docklands |
Staff Summer Party: Friday 8 July, 3.30pm onwards (Square outside AVA, Docklands Campus)
Start the weekend early with free food and drink, a DJ, and some fun giant games. This year, transport to and from Stratford and Duncan House will be provided for those who need it, leaving at a variety of times for Docklands Campus. For more information on the coach times, email staffparty@uel.ac.uk To RSVP, or for more information, please email staffparty@uel.ac.uk
Resilience for coaches and their clients: Thursday 14 July (Docklands Campus)
For more information visit acukconference.com All UEL students and staff should register their interest through Leigh-Ann to receive discounted entry: please email l.murray@uel.ac.uk
Leading Success: an induction programme for new Programme Leaders: Tuesday 6 September, 9.30am – 4pm (Stratford Campus)
This is an essential one-day induction programme for all new Programme Leaders, which is ‘hands-on’ and practical. The course is designed to support you in managing your role effectively and confidently by enabling you to understand fully your leadership role, its remit and how it fits in with our infrastructure. To book your place email n.harding@uel.ac.uk by 31 August.
See Events Calendar for a full listing: www.uel.ac.uk/marketing/support/eventscalendar.htm

Yoga Flex is a gentle, therapeutic and natural way to exercise. It will help you to relax, de-stress and energise, giving the body a complete workout ‘inside-out’. Yoga Flex focuses on breath control to promote calm, relax the body with yoga based flexibility stretches, improve postural alignment and muscular tone, and helps clear the mind with simple and natural meditation techniques. Yoga Flex is delivered by Vicente Faba Calderon, who has delivered Yoga in Cuba, Mexico, Thailand and UK for over 20 years.
When: Every Wednesday, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Where: The Dome, Students’ Union at Stratford Campus (Next to Health and Bioscience helpdesk in University House)
Cost: Staff – £5, students – £3
Free use of yoga mats available.
To register your interest and for more information please contact Yassin from UELSports on 020 8223 6399 or email y.abidou@uel.ac.uk
Come and take part in Bootcamp circuit session that works your entire body with cardio, lower body, upper body and core exercises. Don’t be scared by the name, Bootcamp circuit is a fun way to lose weight, tone the body, strengthen your core while working at your own pace! The sessions will be delivered by Stephen Aish a member of UEL’s strength and conditioning team. He is currently British Weightlifting Champion for his age and weight, a 3rd Dan Taekwondo instructor and one of the first users of Kettlebells in the UK and is internationally ranked.
Classes start week commencing Monday 11 July.
Mondays – Stratford Campus, M-Block gym, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Wednesdays – Docklands Campus, New Outdoor gym, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Staff – £5, students – £3
For further details please contact Yassin from UELSports on 020 8223 6399 or email y.abidou@uel.ac.uk
The more complete lists of opportunities are available from a secure page on the ReDS website; login with your UEL username and password at www.uel.ac.uk/secure/reds/current-opportunities/index.htm
Highlights:
– ESRC and DFID Joint Scheme for Research on International Development (Poverty Alleviation) Phase 2 Call 3 – To provide a more robust conceptual and empirical basis for development, and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially poverty alleviation. Up to £500,000 available. Deadline is 27 September 2011.
– EPSRC Follow-on fund – To bridge the gap between traditional research grants and commercial funding, supporting early-stage activities essential to realising the commercial potential of EPSRC funded research. Deadline is 25 August 2011.
– AHRC EPSRC, and ESRC; Digital Economy Programme, Centre for Copyright and New Business Models in the Creative Economy – Expressions of Interest are invited for a multidisciplinary research centre focussing on real research challenges in the creative economy, relating to new digital technologies and issues of copyright and new business models. Up to £750,000 available. Deadline is 8 September 2011.
– ESRC Rising Powers and Independent Futures – To explore the UK's relationship with and understanding of 'rising powers' inc. Brazil, China and India. 3 themes: Causes, sustainability and competitiveness; Global and regional governance and the balance of power; Wellbeing and equity. Up to £750,000 available. Deadline is 8 September 2011.
– EC PROGRESS Programme: Establishment and management of a European network of experts in the field of gender equality – To establish, at the European level, a network of experts to support its policy implementation in gender equality. Up to €2.1 million available. Deadline is 22 August 2011.
– AXA Post-Doctoral fellowships – Projects should contribute to a better knowledge or understanding of one of these three families of risk; Life risks, Socio-economic risks, or Environmental risks. Up to €120,000 available. Deadline is 9 September 2011.
The ReDS team provide administrative and development support to all research and knowledge exchange projects across UEL. Please contact us on 020 8223 7776 or email reds@uel.ac.uk if you would like to discuss any opportunities.
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.
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© 2011