Executive Education at Dundee for the Energy and Natural Resource sector

The Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law & Policy at the University of Dundee is set to offer a programme of executive degrees aimed at senior managers and leaders in the energy and natural resource sector.

Dr Ian Robson has joined the Centre as Director of Executive Programmes to spearhead the development of the executive degrees project, which is set to come on line soon.

Aimed at senior managers and leaders in the energy, petroleum and mineral sectors, the programmes will reflect CEPMLP’s 30 year history in developing inter and multi-disciplinary approaches in international law, policy, management and economics to issues in these sectors. An executive Masters degree and a professional Doctorate will be offered in the initial stages.

Prof Philip Andrews-Speed, CEPMLP Director, explains, “The energy, petroleum and mineral sectors operate in a fast-changing and demanding climate. There is a definite lack of professional development programmes tailored to hone the management skills for the leaders of these sectors. We will address this shortfall with our executive education programmes by focusing on developing leadership and management skills that will help the captains of industries to make informed decisions in leading their organisations or governments. Dr Ian Robson’s strengths in post-graduate and post-experience programme design as well as his expertise in leadership and innovation will be vital to the development of our executive programmes”.

Dr Ian Robson comes to CEPMLP from the Glasgow Caledonian University where he was the Dean of Business School. Prior to that, Dr Robson was at St Andrews University where he led a strategic initiative to establish the School of Management. In addition, Dr Robson has worked with a range of private and public organisations on knowledge-based products, services and manufactured products. 

In addition to his work at CEPMLP, Dr Robson will also be developing the portfolio of post-graduate programmes for the University of Dundee Postgraduate School of Management and Policy which CEPMLP is a part of. Dr Robson hopes to create a dynamic learning experience that draws from the wealth of knowledge and disciplines in CEPMLP and the Postgraduate School of Management and Policy.

Wildlife trade bans can increase trading

Banning the commercial trade in specimens of endangered species of wildlife can perversely increase trading, argue a group of conservation scientists from Paris and University of Kent in this week's Nature. Writing in the run-up to next month's Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the researchers provide evidence that when CITES plans to uplist a species to a more restrictive appendix that bans trade, this can lead to an increase in legal trade. Therefore, once the ban is in place, this may drive illegal trade underground.

The researchers suggest instead that more proactive, swift and flexible species management is in the interests of both traders and conservationists.

‘Uplisting is associated with a spike in trade volumes,’ say Philippe Rivalan and his co-authors from Paris and from Kent’s Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE). A ban generally takes effect 240 to 420 days after submission of a proposal, leaving a year for traders to acquire specimens or clear stocks.

The new analysis shows that legal volumes of imports can increase during this transition period, although further field work is needed to assess how such spikes might affect the harvested populations of different species. Concerns were first raised in 1985 that uplisting could make species more commercially valuable. Until now there had been no wide-ranging analysis to support this idea. ‘At the very least, our findings suggest that CITES authorities will need to use extra vigilance in controlling permits during transition periods and in adhering to quotas’, comment Rivalan and his co-authors.

‘Some proactive measures that CITES is considering were discussed by the CITES Secretary General at the DICE Annual Lecture in February 2007. These include ensuring that local livelihoods are not affected by restrictive listing, and using CITES permits as a form of certification,’ adds Dr Alison Rosser and Professor Nigel Leader-Williams of DICE.

Journalism course receives BJTC accreditation

The broadcast journalism degree course at the University of Gloucestershire has gained professional accreditation from the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC)

The BJTC is a partnership that consists of employers in the UK broadcast industry, the National Union of Journalists, Skillset and the Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries.

A panel of representatives from the BJTC watched students participating in TV and radio workshops at the University’s Pittville Studios.

Paperwork, teaching methods, and marking processes were also scrutinised and staff and students were interviewed before the accreditation was awarded.

Jim Beaman, course leader for broadcast journalism said, ‘We are delighted to have received the seal of approval from the BJTC. ‘The process has been useful for everyone concerned and means our students will have received proper training, development and experience which will benefit their future careers.”

The University of Gloucestershire is now one of 10 institutions with the BJTC accreditation for its teaching.

Bath Spa Graduates “Hatch Out” at the Egg

Bath Spa University’s Department of Drama prepares to launch its Class of 2007 with a showcase of graduate work at the Egg, Theatre Royal Bath, (June 4 -8), and a special one-off performance at the Battersea Arts Centre in London (June 1).

Following their three years of training, many performing arts graduates are choosing to remain in Bath and benefit from the growing opportunities for artists in the region.

Emma Gersch, Senior Lecturer in Drama says “We have chosen to showcase the strength and range of their work by bringing this selection of work to the Egg. In all cases, the students have found their own voices and breathed new life into classic material. We hope this showcase will launch the careers of this vibrant new group of performers.”

The graduation season features three shows: Agamemnon: Stripped. Re-loaded. Re-told, a radically reinvented version of Aeschylus’ classic, brought to life with original music, text and ritual movement; Wonderland, Club of Hearts, set in a nightclub, giving Lewis Carroll’s’ tales of Alice a thoroughly modern context; and Tennessee William’s classic play A Streetcar Named Desire, oozing with heat and passion.

Gunduz Kalic, Head of Department says “Our 30 Performing Arts graduates have enjoyed an intensive three year training on the BA (Hons) Performing Arts programme, developing a portfolio of performance skills. Ensemble is at the heart of our work here at Bath Spa, and our students have been nurtured to be playful and generous in all areas of their practise. The class of 2007 is a particularly talented, vibrant and dynamic group.”

Under the banner of the Department’s resident Full Tilt Theatre Company the students have had exciting and valuable opportunities to work in a professional context, and have toured work to the Bristol Old Vic and the Minack Theatre in Cornwall.

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Show information

Egg Theatre: all shows play at 7.30pm, and are suitable for ages 12+

- Agamemnon – Stripped, Re-loaded, Re-told plays on Monday 4 June

- Wonderland, Club of Hearts plays on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 June.

- A Streetcar Named Desire plays Thursday 7 and Friday 8 June

Battersea Arts Centre, Friday 1 June

Agamemnon plays at 1pm and 8pm, information and tickets from Emma Gersch

For tickets, Egg Theatre Box Office, 01225 823 409

£100K science scholarship scheme for EU students

The University of Aberdeen has announced £100,000 worth of new scholarships for science students from the new EU Accession States.

One hundred bursaries worth £1000 each have been released for full time students - classed as home/EU for the purpose of tuition fees - beginning a BSc degree in September 2007. Students from recently acceded Eastern European countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Lithuania are all eligible.

“We are keen to attract the brightest students to Aberdeen,” said Jenny Fernandes, Head of the International Office at the University of Aberdeen. “And our experience shows students from Eastern Europe to be excellent students who work hard and make a very positive contribution to our student population. We’re delighted to now be able to offer these new undergraduate bursaries.”

The scholarship announcement comes ahead of a trip to Poland by University staff members, who will visit both Warsaw and Gdansk this week to meet with students and answer questions about studying in the Granite City.

The University has also confirmed a range of innovative scholarships for home/EU students considering a postgraduate degree in the College of Life Sciences and Medicine. The new bursary package includes £1000 towards fees for one year of full-time postgraduate study, one months rent and a two month bus pass. Courses where the bursary package applies include MSc Occupational Medicine, MSc Clinical Pharmacology, MSc Human Nutrition and Metabolism, and MSC Biomedical Physics.

In addition, the College of Physical Sciences continues to offer home/EU students the opportunity to take advantage of funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. This amounts to the equivalent of the postgraduate tuition fee for EU students. Courses where the CTA package applies are MSc Safety Engineering, Reliability and Risk Management, MSc E-Science Technology, MSc E-Commerce Technology, MSc E-Health Technology, MSc Energy Futures – Oil and Gas, and MSc Energy Futures – Renewables.

“The University has a student population of around 14,000 and a large international community of students drawn from 120 different countries,” added Mrs Fernandes. “By visiting Poland we hope to take another step towards enriching the diversity of our student body by building stronger ties with students from Eastern Europe.

“The University already has an excellent reputation for teaching quality and research, and we remain committed to freeing up significant funding to help students taking courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.”

For further details on sources of University funding for postgraduate study visit:

Arts and Social Science: www.abdn.ac.uk/cass/graduate

Life Sciences and Medicine: www.abdn.ac.uk/cism/graduateschool

Physical Science: www.cps.abdn.ac.uk/graduate-studies.php

University excellence recognised in Guardian League Tables

The latest 2008 Guardian University League Tables have seen The University of Northampton race ahead of its regional higher education competitors in a number of teaching areas, with particular honours going to Business, Engineering and Computing. Coming in at 92 on the latest Guardian list The University of Northampton was placed ahead of numerous other competing universities within its core student recruitment areas, including Derby, Bedfordshire, De Montfort and Wolverhampton.

The Northampton Business School (NBS) is now ranked 72 from 109 business schools. NBS also ranked fourth equal in the UK for ‘value added,’ emphasising excellent improvements in learning and advancement for students.

The University’s Engineering division within its School of Applied Sciences was ranked sixth out of 30 with a Guardian score of 75.6 (out of 100). It also received 10 out of 10 for job prospects, a better figure than any other university listed in the General Engineering category. Also within Applied Sciences the University’s Computing division came in joint first for value added and joint third for teaching in the Guardian table.

The Guardian listing for The University of Northampton also noted the institution’s substantial investments in campus facilities and an ongoing £80 million plan for future improvements through to 2015. Frank Burdett, Pro Vice Chancellor at The University of Northampton, commented: “We are delighted with the detail found in many aspects of the survey, which highlights areas of significant improvement.

“In particular the results in Business, Engineering and Computing are testament to our good employer links through our partnership scheme and the University’s approach to widening participation. Both are key aspects of the University’s mission. We will continue to work hard to improve all areas of the University’s performance.”

Poetry Slamming from Bath Spa University

Staff and students from Bath Spa University are taking the performance poetry slamming scene by storm.

Creative Writing lecturer Lucy English has gained a place in the semi finals in the coveted BBC Radio 4 National Slam, after slamming against 16 other poets and finally winning a place in a heated and dramatic tie break showdown.

She will be one of two poets from the South West going to the semi finals in London on Sunday 1 July. The semi finals, at the Drill Hall, Bloomsbury, will be broadcast live by BBC Radio 4 - the first time a UK slam has been broadcast on Radio 4. The finals will take place at the Arnolfini, Bristol, on Saturday 8 September during the Bristol Poetry Festival.

Not to be outdone, five students collectively forming the Bath Spa Poets will be performing at the Battersea Arts Centre in London at the invitation of Apples & Snakes, the UK's leading performance poetry agency. Gordon Egginton, Tracy Wall, Emerson Leese, Ed Parshotham and Jason Curley will be performing a set at a showcase evening on Friday 29 June alongside some big names in the poetry world.

Head of the School of English and Creative Studies, Professor Tim Middleton commented: “Bath Spa University is the only UK university to run a performance poetry module as part of its curriculum. Lucy English is one of the country’s leading performance poets and her success at the Radio 4 competition is well deserved. And I’m sure that our student poets will impress the audience with their energy and talent in their first performance on a London stage.”

Student Finance: Are All Students Due Income Tax Back?

As a student, are you due income tax back? It is a commonly held belief that if you are in full time education you do not have to pay tax.

This is sadly wrong and it makes no difference if you are 3 or 33 you still have to pay income tax if you earn over your tax free allowance (currently £5,225)

There is however a happy ending to this story. If you are a student and your are working, it is quiet likely that you may be due a tax refund. The reason behind this is the fact that most student who do work will not earn below their personal allowance. Many employers will tax you regardless of how much you have earned, either because they are lazy or because they do not have the correct paper work. If you have paid too much tax, you can forget about the Inland Revenue contacting you to tell you.

Students are one of the poorest people in society as they earn very little, if anything at all. Therefore don't let the government take the small amount of money that you do earn. Check to see if you are due any tax back, you have nothing to loose and could be in for a big windfall.

The year you go into the real world to find a job you will have only worked for part of a tax year, another factor which will help secure a tax refund. Remember you can claim any tax back up to six years ago, so think about any summer jobs or holiday worked you might have had.

Tax Fix operates the most affordable Tax Refund Service. Why not check to see if you are due Tax Back today? They work on a 'No tax back, No Fee' basis.

Related Links
Tax Fix Website

Training for the NHS workforce

The Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills today
announced arrangements for the management of NHS training budgets by Strategic
Health Authorities in England in 2007/8. Funding of £4.3 billion has been
allocated for the training and development of the NHS workforce. This
represents an increase of 3.6% over 2006/7 (excluding student grants).

A new service level agreement has been put in place between the Department of
Health and the SHAs, setting out the priorities for investment of training
funding. SHAs and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will be expected to
work in partnership to ensure investment is effectively planned and based
on long term workforce need.

Health Minister Lord Hunt said:

"This agreement represents a significant commitment to the training of our
next generation of healthcare professionals. It is important that the NHS
has the freedom to manage training so that workforce development reflects the
healthcare needs of the local population. However we expect this agreement to
put training plans on a much firmer footing so that the investment we have
made will enable Strategic Health Authorities and their local universities
to work together to produce a well-trained NHS workforce that can deliver
improved patient care.

"We now have an agreement which links funding of training much more
closely to workforce planning needs and gives greater long term security to
universities. We expect future changes in training commissions to be based
on an assessment of services required by patients and that SHAs will work
in partnership with their local universities to achieve this.

Bill Rammell, Minister for Further and Higher Education said:

"This agreement underlines the importance of close partnership working between
the NHS and HEIs. We know that some HEIs may still be feeling the effects of
the savings which had to be made last year. We will expect SHAs to consider
the impact of their decisions on the financial viability of HEIs, and to
work towards implementing the agreed benchmark prices for their contracts
with HEIs. In the longer term the service level agreement will lead to a
more stable funding position for HEIs.

"I believe we now have an agreement where SHAs and Higher Education
Institutions can work together to plan and provide high quality healthcare
education for the NHS of the future.

Realtime Worlds signs sponsorship deal with Dare to be Digital

Realtime Worlds Ltd (RTW), Scotland’s leading independent video game developer, has become a key sponsor of Dare to be Digital, the UK’s premier games design competition for students.

RTW and Dare, both based in Dundee, hope that the agreement will boost the city as Scotland’s hub for games excellence.

RTW will contribute to the development and expansion of Dare to be Digital both financially and through providing mentors and speakers to the contestants during the 10-week competition, which starts next month.

In addition, RTW’s CEO and creative director David Jones will become a Patron of Dare to be Digital and will join the judging panel for the grand finals in August.

RTW launched its first title, “Crackdown”, on Xbox 360 earlier this year, breaking records for more than one million downloads of the demo version, selling 850,000 units of the finished version within the first two months of it going on sale, and still being one of the top selling Xbox 360 games after more than three months.

Part of the sponsorship deal with Dare to be Digital will see “behind-the-scenes” features about making Crackdown going on show at Dare ProtoPlay – a unique exhibition of this year’s entries scheduled for Edinburgh in August as part of the Edinburgh Interactive Festival.

David Jones commented: "Talent is a key factor behind the success of every game, and Dare to be Digital makes a big contribution to spotting and developing high quality talent for the industry each year.

“I have been closely involved with Dare to be Digital’s organisers, Abertay University, for many years, advising them on course structure, lecturing to students, and benefiting from already having had many Dare graduates join RTW over the years.

“I am delighted to take that involvement and commitment to another level through this sponsorship and through becoming a Patron of Dare. We are employing 150 people at our Dundee office and would like to expand to near 200 by end of this year. Partnering with Dare will help attract more talent to our production hub in Dundee. We also have plans to work with Dare on our international expansion.”

Paul Durrant, Director of Dare to be Digital, commented: "Our involvement with David Jones as a Patron is a dream come true for Dare. We have been inspired by the international reach developed by David and his team at Realtime Worlds and we plan to build on our international involvement in Asia as the Dare brand becomes associated with talent and innovation in video games development around the world.

"We are also excited about the mentoring support on offer from the Realtime Worlds team and the opportunity to feature behind-the-scenes footage of their work, at Dare ProtoPlay."

2007 is a significant year for Dare to be Digital, as the competition takes place in three hosting centres across the UK instead of just one as in previous years. A total of 12 teams will gather in Dundee, Belfast and Guildford in early June, to spend the first nine weeks of the 10-week competition designing and building fully functioning prototypes of their video game idea, and receiving financial support and mentoring from games developers while they are in the competition.

In the 10th week of the competition, all the teams will travel to Edinburgh to take part in “Dare ProtoPlay”, a three-day showcase of all their work, at which the general public and industry experts will be able to play the games and vote for the winners as well. This year, the three winning teams will become the shortlist for a new “Ones to Watch” award at the BAFTA Video Games Awards in October.

Dare to be Digital 2007 has assembled an impressive list of sponsors, including London Development Agency, Nesta, Electronic Arts, AMD, NCR, Tiga, the Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, Dundee City Council, the Digital Hub in Dublin and Belfast City Council with the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme and Intertrade Ireland.

Student Film Review: The Lives of Others By Matt Arnoldi

The Lives of Others (15)
Dir: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Starring: Martina Gedek, Ulrich Muhe, Sebastian Koch & Ulrich Tukur

Deserved winner of the Foreign Film Oscar for 2007, The German film The Lives of Others is set in 1984, East Germany, it’s a tense and gripping thriller about the suspicions of the repressive GDR regime which sought to ensure that its subjects were towing the party line and not thinking of defecting to the West.

Its incredible to think such a world existed across the Berlin Wall and also that it was alive and kicking only 23 years ago.

In terms of the plot, Lt Col Grubitz (Ulrich Tukur) heads the Culture department at the State Security and he invites his chief security captain Gerd Weisler (Ulrich Muhe) along to see a new play by a talented but bohemian playwright Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Koch). Minister Hempf (Thomas Thieme) is also at the performance and at the party afterwards, he takes a shine to Dreyman’s girlfriend, lead actresss Christa-Maria Sieland (Martina Gedeck). Following the performance, Hempf decides he wants to bed Sieland and wants Dreyman out of the picture so he asks for him to be put under round-the-clock surveillance in the hope of finding Dreyman has broken the Party rules and can disappear into the prison system.

His top man Weisler is put in charge of the surveillance operation and having seen the ruthlessness in which Weisler operates, you feel Dreyman is going to have to tread carefully to avoid detention and interrogation but gradually you begin to observe a slight weakening in the resolve of Weisler, a questioning of the party line and the methods employed by the State.

Meanwhile you also follow Dreyman who does want to consort secretly with those from the West especially as he suspects his girlfriend is having an affair.

The Lives of Others is an excellent thriller which opens the door on the Eastern block during the time of the Cold War, how in East Germany, an all-powerful Communist State was keen to preserve its artistic talents but also anxious to ensure they towed the party line. There are minor weaknesses in the plot, but they are minor. This is a long film (at 137 minutes) but the time passes quickly which is a mark of how riveting the story is, and the pay-off in the final moments is particularly rewarding. It will please a great many people looking for an intelligent film on the circuit and the performances particularly from Ulrich Muhe and Sebastian Koch are first-rate.

Reviewed by Matt Arnoldi

Basketball Team Are National Champions

A basketball team featuring University of Wolverhampton students is celebrating after being named league champions.

The Black Country University of Wolverhampton Men’s team are National League Division 3 champions.

They beat London Towers in the final 79 – 75. The team is a mixture of University students and players from the local community.

The team were runners up in the Division three (North) regular season. They overcame Brixton Topcats 90 – 78 in the quarter finals and beat Cardiff Celts in the semi finals 88 – 82 to set up the final against the Towers.

The team rose from the ashes of the Walsall Wizards who played in National League Division 3. At the suggestion of Nick O’Leary, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in PE and England Basketball Senior Coach, the Wizards joined forces with the University. In the next two seasons, coached by Nick, the team made good progress in Division 3, reaching the play offs last season.

Nick O’Leary said: “This season coached by Tony Simms, an ex England international and current PE student, the team has gone from strength to strength culminating in the honour of being crowned National Champions. We expect the team to play in National League Division 2 next season.”

Meanwhile, Black Country basketball club also has a women’s National League team who play in Division 2. The ladies also made the play offs this season but were defeated in the semi finals by UWIC Stealers 74 – 55. It is hoped the Athletic Union can support this team in the future and provide a stable financial footing to allow it to develop still further.

And in other news, the Wolverhampton Rhinos, who play National League Division 1 wheelchair basketball, are playing at the University next year and will become part of the Black Country Club. The team also plays European Super League basketball and contains several international players.

Nick O’Leary said: “I am in discussion to bring some of these players to the University to study various degrees and assist with their playing careers.”

The Black Country Club is hosting a summer basketball camp at the University’s Walsall campus for 11 – 18 year olds to improve basketball in the area and further develop the relationship between the local community and the University. The event will take place between Tuesday, August 28 and Saturday, September 1. For details contact Nick O’Leary on 01922 692115.

A Successful Season for the University of Northampton's Golf Team

Photo Caption: The University of Northampton’s student golf team: (From left to right) Rob Charter, Mark Harrington, John Dexter, Matty Landers and Captain, Shaun Carway are presented with £1,000 from Vice Chancellor, Ann Tate.

After a successful season, the golf team at The University of Northampton were presented with £1,000 from the University in recognition of their outstanding sporting achievements.

The team, made up of students Shaun Carway, Matty Landers, John Dexter, Rob Charter, Adam Tarbox and Mark Harrington, finished second in their regional league qualifying them for the national knock-out. Their success continued as they progressed through three rounds of the national knock-out, beating regional league winners, Bournemouth. This victory meant they were invited to compete at the national final, which was recently held at Hoylake Royal Liverpool, last year’s venue for the British Open.

Captain, Shaun Carway, said: “This donation is a great recognition of the team’s achievements. In the four years I have been playing for the University golf team, we are the only University team that have reached a national final.”

“Five members of the team, including myself, will be graduating this year, so this was a memorable send-off for all of us.”

There are currently 25 competitive sports teams at the University and 20 societies ranging from the RSPCA society to the Ski and Snowboard society.

School for Scoundrels on DVD

School for Scoundrels - From the Director of Old School, Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Heder star in this fresh comedy, coming to DVD 25th June...

Todd Phillips (Old School) directs Academy Award® Winner Billy Bob Thornton as the suave Dr. P, recruited to coach the woefully inept and nerdy Roger (Heder, Napoleon Dynamite) to overcome a plethora of anxiety issues so he can win the love of the girl of his dreams, Amanda (Jacinda Barrett, Poseidon).

Roger is an unlucky meter reader who enrols in a top-secret confidence building class to overcome his low self-esteem and angst issues. Dr. P and his assistant employ unorthodox and often dangerous methods, but surrounded by a band of misfit classmates, Roger’s confidence soars, he becomes top of the class and gains the courage to ask out Amanda.

Roger quickly realises that star students have a way of catapulting Dr. P’s competitive side into overdrive. And, soon enough, the professor sets out to destroy Roger’s personal and professional life. With nothing off limits to Dr. P, not even the object of Roger’s affection, he must quickly find a way to show Amanda Dr. P’s true colours whilst simultaneously beating the master at his own game.

Released by Paramount Pictures with a host of extras, School for Scoundrels is a hilarious comedy featuring witty humour and an impressive cast, including the genius pairing of comic legends Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Heder.

Seinfeld Season Eight on DVD

Season Eight of the ever-popular and universally acclaimed comedy series Seinfeld sees more of the antics that have made Jerry and the gang comedy heroes to legions of fans. Released on DVD on 4th June 2007, courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Seinfeld Season Eight will be available to buy as a four-disc box set.

Season Eight features 24 classic episodes of the show, including some of the fans’ favourites such as The Bizarro Jerry, where Jerry is initially attracted to one of Elaine’s friends until he notices her ‘man hands’, and The Summer Of George, in which George celebrates a windfall by living it up for the duration of the summer. Other highlights include The Checks, The Andrea Doria and the hilarious The Yada Yada.

Students bring home bronze from their Chelsea debut

Three students on University College Falmouth’s BA(Hons) degree in Garden Design won a bronze medal for their garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. It was a dream come true for Aline Dejaegher, Debra Craig and Karen Narramore – all of whom are third-year students on the innovative course that runs in partnership with Duchy College at Rosewarne.

The Chelsea Flower Show, one of the most prestigious events in the gardening calendar, attracts over 150,000 visitors each year, as well as television viewers from around the world. This event has provided these students with an enviable, professional gardening debut before the best, the brightest and some of the most distinguished names in the contemporary UK gardening scene.

Their vision for Porthgwyr (Green Harbour) – a garden that combines a Cornish arts café with gallery space, and contemporary style with sustainability, caught the eye and the imagination of international media at yesterday’s press day. The garden was singled out in the BBC’s coverage of the event, including memorable visits by Alan Titchmarsh and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen - two of the presenters of the BBC’s Chelsea Flower Show Programme. The garden has been extensively covered by radio and television from around the world, including Japanese and Australian television production teams.

"Absolutely ecstatic", "speechless" and "couldn't be more thrilled", were the reactions of the three students to the bronze medal and the coverage their garden has received.

Their seaside gallery space is defined by its strong, sensuous curves – a simple representation of the Cornish coastline – providing a ‘safe harbour’ for the artwork that has been created by students from University College Falmouth’s BA(Hons) degrees in Contemporary Crafts, Fine Art, 3D Design and Textile Design. Ben Barrell’s curved ‘Crescent Bench’ cantilevers over a pool of water. The shape, colour and texture of the planting was designed to create an atmosphere of seclusion, privacy and quiet. A light, airy canopy reflects the openness of the gallery space whilst vibrant green and glossy silver foliage reflect available sunlight.

“We wanted to create a garden that captured the spirit of Cornwall, that made people stop and stare, and that promoted sustainability so we have utilised environmentally sustainable materials, wherever possible,” adds Debra. “Locally-grown sweet chestnut decking from Tregothnan Estate has been lined with setts created from recycled glass by UCF BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts students, Tammy Falls and Louise Batchelor, to mimic light on water; and the walls are coated in a natural lime wash of saffron provided by the Cornish Lime Company.”

The students and their course leaders all gave heartfelt thanks to the many Cornish businesses whose contributions made this debut at Chelsea possible. Hardy Exotics, Trevena Cross, Duchy Nurseries and Bond Landscaping were some of the companies praised for their support.

"I am absolutely delighted with this result after all the hard work, thought and effort that went into producing our garden at Chelsea. The students have enjoyed a fantastic roller-coaster ride. I think they should be very proud of their achievements, as are we," says BA(Hons) Garden Design Course Leader, Richard Sneesby, who is himself a Chelsea medal-winner.

Porthgwyr may be the fulfilment of one ambition, but what is certain is that this talented trio is set to go far.

University’s renewable energy expertise to be showcased

Experts from the University of Aberdeen and the Robert Gordon University will be highlighting their renewable energy expertise at this year’s annual renewable energy exhibition and conference, All-Energy, which begins tomorrow (Wednesday, May 23) at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

All-Energy 07 will be the focus of attention for the whole of the renewable energy industry and the two-day event is measuring up to its reputation of being bigger and better each year. Following the success of last year’s event, which attracted 2,850 attendees and 220 exhibiting companies, the 2007 show - the seventh in the annual series - will be the largest all-renewable energy exhibition ever held in the UK, with a stunning multi-stream conference for you to attend free of charge, an exciting Giant Networking Evening and much more.

The University of Aberdeen is joining The Robert Gordon University on the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) pavilion at this year's All-Energy event. The stand will display information on current energy research activities such as the new Energy Futures Research Centre, which is an international centre of excellence in renewable energy and a joint initiative between the University of Aberdeen, The Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen City Council. We will also highlight ways in which industry and academia can work together to develop energy research and display details of our Energy related teaching programmes.

The Universities will be highlighting their significant research capabilities in renewable energy as well as in the oil and gas sector, much of which is directed at renewables. The institution welcomed the news that Aberdeen is in the running to host the hub of the £1 billion energy centre to the Granite City. Last week (May 14), bids from five outstanding university organisations were short-listed to house the UK’s new Energy Technologies Institute (ETI). The announcement by Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling, confirmed that a consortium, which includes the University of Aberdeen, is on a shortlist of five to host the hub of the UK’s proposed Energy Technologies Institute (ETI). This is an important time and signals the distinctive energy strengths Aberdeen city has and our enthusiasm we share within the consortium for hosting one of the most important energy initiatives in decades – one that will help us to underpin Aberdeen’s future as a City of energy

.

Aberdeen conducts research relevant to the energy industries and current energy research is dominated by the needs of the oil industry. At least 100 staff from 15 Departments are involved in energy-related research. There is a close interaction with the international oil and gas industry, including sponsored research and studentships, consultancy, and student sponsorship, much of which is facilitated through the University’s Institute for Energy Technologies.

The Robert Gordon University has an international reputation in marine renewables and its research team is now collaborating with local authorities, developing sustainable solutions to fuel poverty, and with Chap Homes Ltd for new eco-housing developments that will supply most of their energy from local sources, reduce their water consumption and minimise their environmental impact, both long and short term.

Delegates to All Energy 07 will hear about the latest developments in the renewable energy industry and will have the opportunity to attend keynote presentations by leading lights in the renewables field. The exhibition and conference will again provide a topical update on all renewables – wind (onshore and offshore); hydro, wave, tidal, biofuels, solar and hydrogen/fuel cells – as well as such essential subjects as grid and transmission issues and funding.

The University’s Institute of Energy technologies will be showcasing the institution’s wide range of expertise in energy related R&D, consultancy services, CPD events for the energy industries and our portfolio of taught masters programmes targeted at meeting the needs of the energy industries.

Professor Paul Mitchell, Director of Energy Technologies welcomes the return of this year’s All-Energy Conference and Exhibition and said: “The All-Energy conference and exhibition is growing in its size and reputation year on year and is an excellent opportunity for the University to let the renewable energy industry know about the strength and breadth of our R&D capability and how our research findings feed into our consultancy, CPD and post graduate teaching activities.

“The University has a huge level of expertise in the area of renewable energy both from within the institution and across the region and we are committed in our support of the renewable energy business.

“Participating in major events such as All-Energy is very important to us in providing an opportunity for our academics to meet companies and key players and exchange ideas in this rapidly changing industry.”

The College of Physical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen has a number of taught Masters programmes in Future Energy Technologies significantly expanding its existing portfolio. The MSc programmes connect students with experts in the technical, social and management issues that determine the provision of society’s future energy needs.

The College has a clear vision to provide academically challenging programmes of study for undergraduate and postgraduate students and to lead the field in cutting edge research activities. The innovative postgraduate programmes will provide key skills for graduates entering an area of vital importance to the future of the UK and global economy.

The future of our energy supplies has become an increasingly high-profile topic in recent years and we are at a time of unprecedented interest in this area. These are truly challenging times, and one of the reasons why the University has decided to introduce new programmes that will give graduates wishing to contribute to the future of the energy sector an excellent head start.

Myerscough College Gives Student a Greener Future

A mature student who came to Myerscough College hoping for a career change has successfully gained employment in the environment industry.

Chris Gaughan, aged 28, decided to pursue his dream of working in the outdoors as a countryside ranger after working in textiles for 10 years. Chris came on the Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Ecology and Conservation Management after undertaking voluntary work but struggling to find a full-time position. He said:

“I did part-time voluntary work for Lancashire Wildlife Trust and the council for 4 years before starting this course and had applied for full-time work, but although I had lots of practical experience I didn’t have any relevant qualifications. That’s when I found out about this course and decided to come to Myerscough to gain a recognised qualification to back up my experience.”

During the course, Chris gained employment with Lancashire County Council as a Seasonal Countryside Ranger for 6 months, and has recently secured a full-time post with them. This will involve working at Beacon Fell and other countryside parks across Lancashire.

Chris added:
“The course has given me the knowledge and skills I need to apply to jobs in the environment industry. The campus is lovely and perfect to study this kind of subject and the lecturers are friendly and approachable.”

Jeff Simpkin, a Lecturer in Ecology and Conservation Management at Myerscough College said: “This course is aimed at students like Chris who need a mix of practical experience, identification skills and academic knowledge if they are to succeed in the conservation sector. Chris has worked really hard on the course and we wish him all the best for the future in his chosen career.”

The FdSc Ecology and Conservation Management is a 3 year part-time course specialising in habitats management, species identification and ecological survey skills. It will also be available on a 2-year full-time basis for September 2008. Many graduates have gone onto successful careers in the environment industry, in jobs such as Conservation Officers, Ecologists and Countryside Rangers for local authorities and other organisations such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

For more information about the FdSc Ecology and Conservation Management at Myerscough College, please contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 or email enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk

ESIB Releases a Report on the Implementation of Bologna in Europe

ESIB’s Bologna Process Committee spent much of the last year collecting data from across Europe on the implementation of the Bologna Process.

This has led to some very interesting results which have been compiled into the third edition of ‘Bologna With Student Eyes’. The report will be presented to European Ministers of Education by ESIB Chairperson Koen Geven on Thursday at their Bologna Follow-Up summit in London. It highlights that many European governments are picking those commitments which fit their national agenda, and neglect others at the same time: "All countries are implementing the common Bachelor/Master structure, but only
few take really care about the social situation of students in their country, although the Social Dimension has been marked as a priority of the Bologna Process for two years", says Koen "This à la carte approach endangers Bologna's success, it can only work as a package."

Covering 36 European countries, the report analyses how the commitments made in the Bologna Process are implemented in practice at national level. The authors deduce that many reforms are carried out only superficially: "The European credit system ECTS should facilitate mobility and put the learner in the center, but countries are not implementing it properly. Credits are not fully comparable within Europe", says Bruno Carapinha, of the Bologna Process Committee.

Mobility of students, although one of the key Bologna objectives, remains connected to many obstacles. "Student grants and loans are not fully portable for studies abroad yet, and additional financial support is missing. Not all students can afford to be mobile", says Bruno.

The report also reveals the unequal treatment of foreign students in many countries. Problems related to visa regulations and work permits are a major hurdle for non-EU students.

Students Aim To Be Kings of 'The Hill'

A striking design for a unique building being planned for the heart of London forms the centrepiece of the Degree Show exhibit from three students at the University of Dundee this week.

Fifth-year students Lesley McIntyre and Michael Williams, together with third-year Sarah Brown, have all worked on the latest project from acclaimed architect Kathryn Findlay, who is a Professor of Architecture and the Environment at the University.

`The Hill’ is a new public building focusing on sensory experiences which is planned for a site at Potters Field, next door to Tower Bridge. Created for a client, theatre expert Simon Elliot, the plans for the building include a zero gravity room, a mutating maze and slow food restaurant.

Professor Findlay’s new practice, Fieldwork, has a unique position within the University’s School of Architecture. When the practice was commissioned to work on the design for The Hill, Professor Findlay didn’t hesitate to involve her students, who have responded to the challenge in brilliant fashion.

“This has been a fantastic experience for us as students,” said Lesley McIntyre (24), from Portstewart in Northern Ireland. “This is not just a piece of theory we are working on, it is a real project which may well come to fruition, which adds an extra edge to it.”

Michael Williams (23), from Ballymoney in Northern Ireland, added, “The plans we have worked on are for a very complex, pioneering building which offers all sorts of new challenges for us as architects. It has been great for us to be able to bring our ideas to the table for a major project right in the heart of London.”

Professor Findlay said the students were benefitting from the unique positioning of the Fieldwork practice within the University.

“Our set-up here is very unusual in that we have a full working architect’s practice inside the University’s School of Architecture,” said Professor Findlay.

“The work we do as a practice throws up great opportunities for research and teaching, so it makes sense to involve the students in what are real, live projects.”

Sarah Brown (26) from Dundee has visited London and New York on scholarship programmes developing specialist skills in `smart geometry’ through her work on the project, which she has carried out on a year-out from her course.

Professor Findlay said `The Hill’ could be used as a park on the outside and an arts space on the inside. “We’re trying to create free-floating spaces, a very permeable relationship between inside and out,” she said.

Plans for The Hill are on display at the University of Dundee School of Architecture Degree Show 2007 this week.

Degree Show 2007 takes place at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and the University of Dundee School of Architecture from May 19th to 26th. Opening times are 9.30 am to 8.30 pm Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm at the weekend (closes 2 pm Saturday May 26th). Entrance is free and all are welcome to attend. www.dundee.ac.uk/pressoffice/degreeshow07

Kriss Wows University of Wolverhampton with Inspirational Talk

Olympic medallist Kriss Akabusi gave an inspiring and highly entertaining talk to more than 100 delegates at a leadership seminar at the University of Wolverhampton.

The former international athlete and television presenter spoke in his characteristically enthusiastic and expressive style about his achievements, the people who had inspired him and what drove him to success during his career.

He also showed a clip of his gold medal-winning race with the 4x400 relay team at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo, which received applause from the delighted delegates.

Kriss was the guest speaker at the final seminar of the year of the Inspirational Leadership Programme, which is part of the University’s Leadership and Development programme (LEAD). The seminar, organised in partnership with KPMG, took place at Wolverhampton Science Park today. (Wednesday, May 16)

Speaking without notes, Kriss said the secret to good leadership was, “passion, pride and a can-do attitude”. He added: “I define success as the life you lead, the lessons you learn and the legacy you leave.”

Kriss was introduced by Dean of Legal Studies Brian Mitchell, who later described the athlete’s talk as “awe inspiring”.

Ann Kimbley, on behalf of the LEAD team, said: “The Leadership and Development Department of the University, LEAD, is delighted to provide opportunities for our staff and staff in all our partner organisations to experience inspirational leadership.”

As well as talking about his athletics career, Kriss spoke about his upbringing in a children’s home, his days in the Army Physical Training Corps and his television career on the Big Breakfast and Record Breakers.

Kriss won a Gold Medal in the 1990 European Championships, where he also beat David Hemery’s 22-year-old British Record. He also won medals at the World, Commonwealth and Olympic championships and was awarded the MBE in 1992 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

For more details about LEAD visit www.wlv.ac.uk/lead

Fairtrade Congratulate University of Kent for it's Continued Support

The Fairtrade Organisation has congratulated the University of Kent for its continued support and success in raising awareness and sales of Fairtrade products.

The University and Kent Union were awarded Fairtrade status in February 2006. Since then, an expanded range of Fairtrade products has become available in all campus shops and Fairtrade produce is used in all campus cafes, restaurants and bars. The University and Kent Union also use Fairtrade products for conferences, college events and receptions.

Dave Reason, Master of Keynes College on the University’s Canterbury campus and Chairman of the University of Kent Fairtrade Steering Group said: ‘We are delighted that the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of Fairtrade supporters, both students and staff, have been recognised in such glowing terms by the Fairtrade organisation.’

Dave Reason also emphasised that buying Fairtrade products (easily identified by their Fairtrade logo) gives the consumer a guarantee that she or he is helping to sustain workers, their communities and the environment. ‘And given the alternative outlook for all three,’ he said, ‘sustainability is not an option – it is a necessity. Buying Fairtrade produce makes a significant contribution to the lives of people now and in the future. We urge everyone to buy wisely and to buy Fairtrade with pride.’

The University’s Fairtrade status has been renewed until 2008.

University of Dundee Professor Elected to the Royal Society

Professor Grahame Hardie, Head of the Division of Molecular Physiology in the College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, has been elected a Fellow of The Royal Society of London, the highest accolade that British and Commonwealth scientists can receive.

Professor Hardie's election to the Society comes in recognition of his discovery over twenty years ago of an enzyme (acronym AMPK) that is a sensor of changes in the energy status of living cells and organisms.

Each year, just 40 people across the UK and Commonwealth working in all branches of science ranging from mathematics to astronomy, chemistry, genetics, botany and medicine are elected to The Royal Society Fellowship. It is the world’s oldest scientific academy founded by King Charles 2nd, and legendary figures of science such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Frances Crick have been elected as Fellows in the past.

Commenting on the award, Professor Hardie said:

“The AMPK story has been like a fairytale - when we originally found it I had no idea how important it would turn out to be. My election to the Royal Society is an accolade not only for myself but also for the excellent people I have had working in my laboratory over the years. It is also a testament to the superb research environment established in Dundee by Sir Philip Cohen and others in the College of Life Sciences, as well as various University Principals who have supported the College”.

The AMPK enzyme is switched on when energy levels fall, and drives processes that stimulate energy production, while preventing energy-consuming processes. For example, during exercise, when the demand for energy is dramatically increased in muscle, AMPK switches on the uptake and metabolism of glucose and fats to provide the required energy.

The AMPK system is involved in obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, which can be regarded as disorders of energy balance. It is the target for the drug metformin (Glucophage), currently prescribed to no less than 120 million diabetics worldwide. The AMPK system is also being pursued by almost every major pharmaceutical company to develop improved drugs for the treatment of these disorders. Professor Hardie's discovery of this enzyme opened up a whole new field of research that is still growing rapidly. Over 400 research papers on the enzyme were published in 2006 alone, and major conferences on the ramifications of the AMPK system are held worldwide almost every year.

Professor Hardie came to Dundee in 1976 to work as a postdoctoral fellow with David Stansfield in the Department of Biochemistry. In 1977 he was appointed as a temporary lecturer and gained a permanent post in 1983. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1987, Reader in 1990 and Professor of Cellular Signalling in 1994. He assumed the leadership of the Division of Molecular Physiology in 2004 following the creation of the School (now the College) of Life Sciences in 2000. Grahame is married to Lyn, an anaesthetist at Ninewells Hospital, and they have four sons.

The Royal Society - www.royalsoc.ac.uk

University Of Dundee Art Degree Show 2007

The University of Dundee will become one of the busiest gallery spaces in the UK tomorrow night (Friday May 18th) with the opening of Degree Show 2007, the annual showcase for the work of art, design, media and architecture students.

Around 8000 people were estimated to have attended the opening night of last year's Degree Show and the University is braced for another huge influx of visitors to what is one of the showpiece events of the arts calendar.

"Every year our Degree Show seems to become more popular and it is testament to the constently high quality of work which our students produce that so many people regard it as the MUST see show of the year," said Professor Georgina Follett, Deputy Principal of the University and Dean of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.

"Degree Show is one of the most exciting times of the University year and adds a real buzz not just to the campus but to the city as a whole. This year's Show is dynamic, innovative, exciting and bursting with creativity with a show for every taste, where else are you going to see the raw talent, of new creative's placing their work in public view for the first time, it is a fascinating exhibition by more than 200 artists and designers showcasing thousands of new works."

Visitors to the Degree Show tomorrow night will be welcomed by the sounds of Scotland and Brazil. The Scottish band MacUmba will be playing outside the main venue at Duncan of Jordanstone College, showcasing their unique sound which mixes the traditional sounds of Scottish bagpipes with the infectious rhythms of Brazilian percussion.

The Degree Show is hosted by the University's School of Architecture and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, which incorporates the Schools of Fine Art, Media Arts & Imaging, and Design.

Tomorrow's preview opening is open to invites only. After the preview Degree Show 2007 runs from Saturday May 19th to Saturday May 26th. Opening times are 9.30 am to 8.30 pm Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm at the weekend (closes 2 pm Saturday May 26th). Entrance is free and all are welcome to attend.
www.dundee.ac.uk/pressoffice/degreeshow07/

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design is part of the University of Dundee.

Unique China visit for Wolverhampton students

The University of Wolverhampton is increasing opportunities for students to visit other countries – as part of a drive to promote outward student mobility.

15 students will be visiting Shenzhen Polytechnic in China, which the University has excellent links with, for a two-week language and cultural experience later this year.

It is the first time the University has offered this kind of trip and it is hoped that by giving the students a positive experience, more students will be encouraged to take up opportunities in the long-term.

The new initiative will then be rolled out to other parts of China, and also India, in conjunction with other partners as part of the University’s international collaborative strategy.

The visit has been organised by the University’s International Office in conjunction with Shenzhen Polytechnic. The International Office organised a week of talks to raise awareness of the benefits of going overseas, highlighting the Shenzhen visit, Erasmus schemes and opportunities to study in America.

International Officer Robbie Roberts said: “We wanted to give all students the chance to find out more about what is available to them.

“The Shenzhen trip was a unique opportunity for them as it is different to a student exchange and gives them a chance to experience another culture and improve their language skills, whatever subject they’re studying.”

The students visiting Shenzhen in September will receive 30 hours of language learning and seminars on history, food and economy in China, as well as a weekend in Hong Kong.

They will be encouraged to share their experiences among home students on their return and may also have the chance to go back to Shenzhen and teach English for nine months as assistant language teachers after they graduate.

Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, recently wrote to Vice Chancellors about encouraging students to go abroad as part of their higher education courses. He said it was important to help them compete for jobs in the global market place.

Director of International at the University of Wolverhampton, Jo Gittens, said: “The Shenzhen visit is part of our internationalisation agenda, broadening students’ horizons and cultural awareness. We are actively encouraging domestic students to venture overseas, which is helping to make them more employable in this increasing global environment.

“We already offer many opportunities for students to go abroad but this is a more targeted approach which we feel will be of great benefit and look forward to expanding.”

UXL To Support Legendary Rockers

An emerging band featuring three brothers who are studying at the University of Wolverhampton is set to support a legendary rock band on theirUK tour. PJ, John and Paul Tierney are in the band UXL, along with their friend Dan Clark from Wolverhampton, and have already achieved national acclaim for their brand of melodic rock. Now they are set to support rockers Magnum on the UK leg of their European Princess Alice &The Broken Arrow Tour.

The brothers, who are all in their 2nd year of a BA (Hons) Popular Music course at the University, are also set to release their debut album Can I Dream Again? in July and have a packed summer of festivals booked. PJ, 21, Paul, 17, and John, 18, met Magnum while recording their album at Mad Hat Studios in Wolverhampton.

The rockers really liked UXL’s music and were keen to get them to support their tour, which includes a gig at the Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton on May 24. The Birmingham brothers are on the University’s Speed Business Initiative, which is funding their album and the tour. Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in EDucation (SPEED) gives students the opportunity to develop business skills through the development of a business idea in a supportive environment during or as part of their degree courses.

Manager Sally Gibbins said: “We are very grateful to the Speed initiative. Without this funding it would have been very difficult to go ahead with the tour or release the album because of the costs involved in promotion and production of the CD. “They have given the guys a great opportunity to further their music career.”

She added: “They're so excited to be given such a great opportunity to join Magnum on the road. “ The specialist BA (Hons) Popular Music course is based at the Walsall campus and is intended specifically for pop musicians. It boosts music skills while covering many other aspects of the industry.

For further details about UXL, including upcoming gig dates, visit www.myspace.com/uxlofficial and www.uxlofficial.com For information about Speed, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/iie

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