News archive – January 2015

Do you prefer to read UniLife online?
05 Jan 2015
Here's how to opt out of the print copies

Wood Street Mission Christmas Project 2014
05 Jan 2015
Thank you for the generous donations of toys, food and financial donations towards this year’s Christmas Project

Have you returned with any new gadgets?
05 Jan 2015
If you've arrived back after the Christmas break with a new personally owned laptop, smartphone or tablet, we have instructions on how to get it set up on some of our services.

Remembering Lieutenant George Dixon, 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment
05 Jan 2015
Killed in action on Tuesday 20th October 1914 at Les Trois Maisons, near La Bassee, age 26

Manchester Museum wins Lever Prize 2015
05 Jan 2015
The Museum has won the prestigious Lever Prize 2015 for the project Real Life Science

Researchers - Find out more about Electronic Lab Notebooks
05 Jan 2015
Our next Research IT lunchtime seminar will be a presentation by Research Space on their Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) solution RSpace which has been designed for Universities. All University staff and Postgraduate students involved in research are welcome to attend this free event.

Wood Street Mission Lottery
05 Jan 2015
Announcing the winner of the January draw

Report bullying, harassment or discrimination online and get support
05 Jan 2015
The We Get It campaign is now challenging all forms of bullying, harassment and discrimination

Confucianism, Contemporary Chinese Culture and Mandarin
05 Jan 2015
A session for colleagues new to engaging with China on Thursday, 22 January 2015 (9.30am – 12.30pm) in Samuel Alexander Building, A202

A woolly Wolfson Christmas
06 Jan 2015
The Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (WMIC) held their Christmas/woolly jumper day on Friday, 19 December

Leader in dementia services made CBE
06 Jan 2015
The University of Manchester’s Professor Alistair Burns has been made a CBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours for services to health and social care – particularly dementia care

Introducing the new Social Responsibility Awards
06 Jan 2015
Eleven new awards for social responsibility have been launched for the 2014/15 academic year

University of Manchester wins bid to continue work in mental health and safety
06 Jan 2015
The University of Manchester’s National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness (NCISH) has been awarded a three-year contract by the HealthCare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) to continue managing the Mental Health Clinical Outcome Review programme

Senior Managers courses
06 Jan 2015
The Staff Training and Development Unit offer two courses specifically designed to enhance and develop Senior Management skills

Social Responsibility Communication Guidelines now available
06 Jan 2015
The Office for Social Responsibility and the Division of Communications and Marketing have recently worked together to produced a set of resources to support staff across the University when communicating about social responsibility

Ebola virus disease: latest guidance for returning staff
06 Jan 2015
Public health recommendations for returning workers who are contacts of Ebola virus disease (EVD) but who have no symptoms

All about Quorn – with Kevin Brennan, director of Quorn UK (free event)
07 Jan 2015
Kevin Brennan, director of Quorn UK, will be joining Uomfoodies, to speak and answer any questions that you may have on 29 January (5-7pm) in A4, Samuel Alexander Building (behind the Students' Union)

Temporary suspension of IT Service Desk
07 Jan 2015
Due a complete power failure in the Renold Building and the Sackville Street Building, the IT Service Desk is not currently available

Staff benefits update
07 Jan 2015
Welcome back after the break! This is the first staff benefits update of 2015 with updates and offers to help save you money in January and all year round

Power restored to North Campus
07 Jan 2015
Power has now been restored to North Campus following the incident earlier on Wednesday, 7 January.

Invitation to the inaugural Pankhurst lecture delivered by Shami Chakrabarti
08 Jan 2015
On Thursday, 26 February 2015 in Whitworth Hall (5–6pm followed by a drinks reception)

BBC media training for BAME experts in Manchester/North
08 Jan 2015
The BBC Academy is organising a day of free introductions to the world of broadcasting in Salford on Thursday, the 26th of February to encourage more BAME experts to put themselves forward as experts for the media - and help increase the number of BAME experts on TV

Memorial service for Professor Jack Lewis, Department of Chemistry (1961-67)
08 Jan 2015
A Memorial Service will be held at Robinson College, University of Cambridge, at 2 pm on Saturday, 28 February 2015 for Professor Jack Lewis - Lord Lewis of Newnham, FRS

Obituary: Sir John Mason
08 Jan 2015
Sir John Mason, Chancellor of UMIST from 1986 to 1996, has died aged 91

Stationery delivery schedule changes
09 Jan 2015
Pilot scheme for 2015

Professor Aneez Esmail awarded prestigious fellowship
09 Jan 2015
Healthcare expert recognised for his leadership and significant contribution to the field

New PR7 Form
09 Jan 2015
Non-University and external personnel expenses/fee claim form

University hosts UK film premiere
09 Jan 2015
Free screening of powerful story from Tibet

Book now for HEI Seminar on Staff Survey
09 Jan 2015
On Wednesday, 28 January 2015 (12.30 - 1.45pm, with light refreshments from 12.15pm) in Nowgen Centre, Grafton Street

USS information
09 Jan 2015
Update on scheme funding from the trustee

For the attention of University and College Union (UCU) members
09 Jan 2015
Industrial Action Short of a Strike by University and College Union (UCU) Members

Academic Masterclasses for Spring 2015
09 Jan 2015
Places available on the new programme

Manchester Policy Week success
09 Jan 2015
New infographic tells the story

Award for e-MERLIN telescope team
09 Jan 2015
A team who helped developed one of the world’s most powerful radio telescopes has been recognised by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).

Help develop our local schools – and your skills and experience
12 Jan 2015
Join our highly successful School Governors Initiative

Coaching with Resident String Quartet "Quatuor Danel"
12 Jan 2015
On Friday 23 - Sunday 25 January, at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Bone density screening at the Sugden Centre
12 Jan 2015
Have your bone density tested for £30 on Tuesday, 3 February 2015

New Year, New you – Active Manchester enrolment courses start 26 January
12 Jan 2015
Come and join in the fun, learn a new activity and improve your co-ordination, strength, flexibility or just de-stress: we have sessions to suit all levels

Free Badminton with Sporticipate
12 Jan 2015
Programme to bring together staff and playing sport

Take part in Bogle, a 24 hour sponsored walk or cycle around Greater Manchester
12 Jan 2015
Raise money for the NSPCC or a charity of your choice on 6/7 March

Get involved in University research
13 Jan 2015
By volunteering to take part in research studies and trials, members of staff can play a very real part in supporting our students and our research

Whitworth Art Gallery Director named CityLife Cultural Hero
13 Jan 2015
Maria Balshaw has been selected from a shortlist packed with influential people from around Greater Manchester as the person who had made the greatest mark on the region in 2014

A Managers Introduction to the Student Experience Toolkit
13 Jan 2015
Places now availble on this fun and informal introduction

Ximbio/UMIP research reagent event
13 Jan 2015
UMIP will be hosting Ximbio (www.Ximb.io) at the University on 20 and 21 January

Sir George Bain to deliver inaugural 50th anniversary lecture
13 Jan 2015
To mark the start of MBS’ 50th anniversary in 2015, Sir George Bain will be delivering the first of an annual series of lectures commemorating the work of MBS’ founding director, Professor Grigor McClelland

Research Ethics Workshops
13 Jan 2015
A series of workshops aimed primarily at UREC members, Signatories, PIs and Supervisors will run from January to July 2015

University storms up Stonewall Workplace Equality Index
14 Jan 2015
In 2014, the University not only entered the Stonewall Top 100 Employers, but went straight to 43rd place (out of 397 organisations)

Are you returning from maternity or paternity or adoption leave?
14 Jan 2015
Come along to one of our lunchtime peer support group sessions

Train as a Mediator and help us support staff and students?
14 Jan 2015
Following a review of the University’s Mediation Service in 2014, we are looking to recruit two new mediators with knowledge and experience of the kinds of issues faced by students

Is your Blackboard course ready for Start of Semester?
14 Jan 2015
Remember to access and prepare your Blackboard course space (Bb course) for the new academic year

Collaboration for Cosmetic Innovation - Industry & Academic R&D Showcase
14 Jan 2015
Don’t miss out, only a few places left at this event to be held at the Manchester Institute of Biology on Monday, 26 January (10am - 6pm)

Rewarding Exceptional Performance Award
14 Jan 2015
Nominations for PSS staff in Faculties, central Professional Support Services, the Library and Cultural Institutions are invited by Monday, 9 February 2015

Staff benefits update
14 Jan 2015
Ways to help you save money getting healthier!

Making sparks fly
15 Jan 2015
Professor Danielle George delivered the 2014 CHRISTMAS LECTURES at the Royal Institution of Great Britain

President picks her Desert Island Discs
15 Jan 2015
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell was the first castaway of 2015 on BBC Radio Four's fantasy island

USS update
15 Jan 2015
Message from the Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer

Fall in love again: the Whitworth’s opening weekend
15 Jan 2015
It’s official: the Whitworth reopens on 14 February 2015

Jodrell Bank and John Rylands Library help The One Show to make music
15 Jan 2015
'Music of the Spheres', a short film to be shown on BBC 1's The One Show on Friday, 16 January (7pm), will feature an interview with Dr Tim O'Brien at Jodrell Bank and a look at two 17th century books held in The John Rylands Library

The Alan Turing Cryptography Competition 2015
15 Jan 2015
Do you know anyone who is in Year 11* or below, interested in secret codes and would like to win some great prizes? Then why not encourage them to take part in the Alan Turing Cryptography Competition?

Suspension of industrial action by UCU
15 Jan 2015
Message from the Director of Human Resources

Introducing the new Social Responsibility Awards
15 Jan 2015
The University has recently launched twelve new awards for social responsibility for the 2014/15 academic year

Abstract and registration open for British Microcirculation Society Meeting 2015
16 Jan 2015
Submit your abstract and register now for meeting to be held at the University on Thursday, 16 and Friday 17 April 2015

Free eye examination at University Teaching Clinic
16 Jan 2015
Book now for a free eye examination (eye test): offer open to all students, staff and general public

Double award for Life Sciences Professor
16 Jan 2015
The US Society of Toxicology (SOT) has announced that Professor Ian Kimber will receive the SOT Distinguished Toxicology Scholar Award for 2015

Triumph for EPS-PSS team in first ever staff five-a-side tournament
16 Jan 2015
SPORT Manchester’s pilot event for staff sport was a huge success

Heritage Heroes at The University of Manchester: Samuel Alexander
16 Jan 2015
A new series of videos about some of the greatest academic minds, educational innovators and cultural icons who have defined the University

Adobe Creative Cloud is replacing Creative Suite 6 at the end of February
16 Jan 2015
Adobe’s Creative Suite 6 has been superseded by the Creative Cloud products. At the end of February 2015 Adobe will no longer be selling the earlier Creative Suite software through the academic pricing agreement which we subscribe to.

Changing your IT support for the better
16 Jan 2015
Sneak peek at the new IT Services

Reform of USS
16 Jan 2015
Universities UK has confirmed that there is now a potential joint (UUK and UCU) proposal for reform to USS for consideration at the next meeting of the JNC scheduled for 29 January

How does a machine smell? Better than it did
16 Jan 2015
Scientists have come up with a way of creating sensors which could allow machines to smell more accurately humans

Sexuality Summer School: Queer Arts as Activism
16 Jan 2015
The Sexuality Summer School 2015 (18-22 May) will bring to Manchester an extraordinary line-up of scholars, artists, performers, filmmakers and writers, organised by the Centre for the Study of Sexuality and Culture (CSSC) at the University

Man City: another great University invention?
16 Jan 2015
Retired history lecturer Stephen Rigby has reviewed a book detailing the history of one of the city’s two beloved football clubs – and unearthed a surprising link between our University and the Blue Army

University medic receives Ebola award from Prime Minister
16 Jan 2015
A doctor who led the first wave of NHS volunteers for the fight against Ebola in Sierra Leone has today been named the UK’s 200th Point of Light by Prime Minister David Cameron

Research Review Exercise
19 Jan 2015
The Research Review Exercise is currently under way and academic staff are invited to select their strongest research outputs for review and tell us about their research impact and esteem

Quatuor Danel Evening Concert
19 Jan 2015
On Friday 23 January, 7.30pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

University achieves double success with network funding bids
19 Jan 2015
The University has made two successful bids, one local and one national, for funding under the National Networks for Collaborative Outreach (NNCO) for two networks of which it is a partner member

Do you have an interesting translational research idea?
19 Jan 2015
More than £1M funding available under the MRC Confidence in Concept (CiC) scheme

Senate Elections 2015
19 Jan 2015
A number of appointments to the elected category of the Senate’s membership will terminate on 31 August 2015. Members of the academic and research staff who are interested in the work of the Senate are encouraged to seek nomination

Manchester Teaching Awards 2015
19 Jan 2015
Encourage students to nominate their favourite lecturers, postgraduate teachers and support staff by 27 March

Helping you to promote student experience surveys
20 Jan 2015
Toolkits are now available online for both Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) and National Student Survey (NSS), which will be open from 2 February to 30 April

University welcomes stage and screen actor Toby Jones
20 Jan 2015
On Tuesday 20 January 2015 at 6pm at the John Casken Lecture Theatre (Martin Harris Centre)

Dementia Friends information sessions – new dates added
20 Jan 2015
Dementia Friends is a national initiative run by Alzheimer's Society and one of the University's social responsibility flagship programmes

Achieving Your Potential: development programme for staff with a disability
21 Jan 2015
Booking is now open for this programme (three one-day workshops accompanied by two one-to-one development coaching sessions) running between March and September 2015

Tax Free Childcare Scheme – Autumn 2015
21 Jan 2015
The Government is launching the new Tax-Free Childcare Scheme in the autumn of 2015 – although a precise date is still not available at this time

Social Media Guidelines
21 Jan 2015
The University of Manchester has launched an updated set of Social Media Guidelines which have been developed to provide everyone at the University, from communications professionals to department administrators, with basic guidance on how best to use social media to achieve their communications aims and objectives

Martin Harris Centre launches spring 2015 events programme
21 Jan 2015
The latest events brochure for The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama is now available. There are events to suit all tastes and many are free of charge.

Earth Week 2015
21 Jan 2015
From 9 to 13 February the Students’ Union will be running ‘Earth Week’ across the University campus

Bake cakes and help raise funds for Time to Change
21 Jan 2015
Thursday, 5 February 2015 is Time to Talk Day and mental health charity Time to Change is asking the nation to take five minutes to have a conversation about mental health

All about Quorn - with Kevin Brennan, director of Quorn UK (free event)
21 Jan 2015
Kevin Brennan, director of Quorn UK, will be joining Uomfoodies, to speak and answer any questions that you may have on 29 January (5-7pm) in A4, Samuel Alexander Building (behind the Students' Union)

FMHS Fellowship Academy - two years on
21 Jan 2015
On Friday, 30 January 2015, Lecture Theatre A, University Place (12.30-5.30pm)

Call for Living Lab proposals for Manchester Engineering Campus Development
21 Jan 2015
The University Living Lab project seeks to develop the University campus as a site for applied teaching and research around sustainability and low carbon

Staff benefits update
21 Jan 2015
Benefits and discounts that won’t give you the chills!

Reform of USS
22 Jan 2015
Benefit estimator now available

Is your Blackboard course ready for Start of Semester?
22 Jan 2015
Remember to access and prepare your Blackboard course space (Bb course) for the new academic year

Are we Charlie? A round table to contextualise the recent Paris killings
22 Jan 2015
Free public event, open to all on Friday 30 January 2015 (5-7pm) in Lecture Theatre A, University Place

Places available on Strategy & Leading Change
22 Jan 2015
This introductory course is aimed at team leaders, supervisors and managers who are relatively unfamiliar with the topics of strategy and change management/leadership.

Teachers feel pressure to 'standardise' their accents in class
22 Jan 2015
Teachers feel under pressure to change their accents to be understood in the classroom, according to a study carried out at the University

Research shows the hands-on dad isn’t a new phenomenon
22 Jan 2015
The 21st Century dad – as defined by celebrity fathers such as David Beckham, Brad Pitt and Jamie Oliver – isn’t a new phenomenon according to research from the universities of Manchester and Leeds

MUMS Opera: Acis and Galatea
22 Jan 2015
On Thursday 29 and Saturday 31 January, 7.30pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

University launches 2015 apprenticeship campaign
22 Jan 2015
The University has launched its 2015 apprenticeship campaign to encourage managers across the institution to consider hiring apprentices when suitable vacancies arise

Afghanistan in Transition: Humanitarian Action in a Fragile Context
22 Jan 2015
Roundtable discussion on Thursday 5 February 2015, 5.30pm at the John Rylands Library

Bogdanow Lectures in Holocaust Studies 2015
22 Jan 2015
Agency in the Holocaust: Perpetrators, Survivors, Rescuers by Professor Christopher Browning on 27-29 January 2015 in the Arts Lecture Theatre, Samuel Alexander Building

Film celebrates centenary of Nobel Prize winner Arthur Lewis
23 Jan 2015
Pioneer of development economics would have been 100 today

Celebrating Community Action
23 Jan 2015
Nominations now open for our Volunteer of the Year awards

Whitworth Art Gallery hosts special edition of BBC’s Front Row
23 Jan 2015
Radio 4’s live arts programme celebrates gallery's re-opening

An evening of music, literature – and medicine
23 Jan 2015
See our young medics showcase a range of artistic talents

Kids' Summer Camp 2015 at Armitage Sports Centre
26 Jan 2015
25% discount for University staff

Suggest a student to stand in the Students' Union Exec Team Elections
26 Jan 2015
Does one of your students have what it takes to lead the Students’ Union?

Free Lunchtime Concert: Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time
26 Jan 2015
On Thursday 29 January, 1.10pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Mandatory exit checklist
26 Jan 2015
Managers and staff are asked to note that there is a mandatory procedure in place for when a person leaves the employment of the University

Heritage Heroes at The University of Manchester: Catherine Chisholm
26 Jan 2015
A new series of videos about some of the greatest academic minds, educational innovators and cultural icons who have defined the University

Spectacular installation in the Whitworth's new landscape gallery
26 Jan 2015
One of the exhibitions that the Whitworth curators are currently installing is a new show by Chinese-born artist Cai Guo-Qiang

Free dodgeball with Sporticipate
26 Jan 2015
Programme to bring together staff and playing sport

Service of Thanksgiving for body donors
27 Jan 2015
On Wednesday, 4 March 2015 (12.30pm for 12.45pm) in The Whitworth Hall

Tim Crouch: I, Malvolio
27 Jan 2015
On Wednesday 28 January at 6pm at the John Thaw Studio Theatre (Martin Harris Centre)

Result of UCU ballot in respect of USS pension reform proposals
27 Jan 2015
Message from Director of Human Resources

Research beacons: Global challenges, Manchester solutions
27 Jan 2015
The University’s broad and interdisciplinary approach to research is helping to answer some of the world’s biggest questions

All about Quorn - with Kevin Brennan, director of Quorn UK (free event)
27 Jan 2015
Kevin Brennan, director of Quorn UK, will be joining Uomfoodies, to speak and answer any questions that you may have on 29 January (5-7pm) in A4, Samuel Alexander Building (behind the Students' Union)

Policy@Manchester: Open Lecture on work of a Shadow Minister with Lucy Powell MP
27 Jan 2015
Free event on Friday, 13 February (11am-12.30pm) in Lecture Theatre 2 (Ground Floor), Crawford House (refreshments upon arrival)

Senate Elections 2015
28 Jan 2015
A number of appointments to the elected category of the Senate’s membership will terminate on 31 August 2015. Members of the academic and research staff who are interested in the work of the Senate are encouraged to seek nomination

Latest issue of ArtsResearch online now
28 Jan 2015
ArtsResearch is the research bulletin published by the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures

Manchester Children’s Rights are recruiting volunteer Independent Visitors
28 Jan 2015
Want to do something amazing in your spare time? Independent Visitors help young people in care in Manchester and throughout the North West to meet their full potential

Interested in becoming a Wellcome Trust Engagement Fellow?
28 Jan 2015
Join in a Twitter chat on Friday, 30 January to find out what the Wellcome Trust is looking for, and what makes this scheme different from the average academic fellowship

Can Cameron capture women’s votes?
28 Jan 2015
Join Professor Francesca Gains for the third Pankhurst Politics Seminar, who will be asking can ‘Cameron capture women’s votes?’ on Wednesday, 4 February (2-3pm) in Room 3.204, University Place

Meet our external printers
28 Jan 2015
Procurement Office hosts supplier open day on Wednesday, 28 January (10am-3.30pm) in Whitworth Hall

Global Impact Awards for students wanting to travel in summer 2015
28 Jan 2015
Do you know of a student wanting to travel in the summer of 2015?

Mike is making a difference
28 Jan 2015
Dr Mike Donmall is a trustee of a homelessness charity and supports local homeless people

Economic Impact award for SEAES team
28 Jan 2015
The work of a team from SEAES has been recognised, after they won an impact award for developing new instruments for monitoring drinking water and emissions of gas from the ground.

Do you know a #VoluntHero?
28 Jan 2015
Say a great big thank you during Student Volunteering Week!

HEI Seminars 2015
28 Jan 2015
The Higher Education Institution Seminars are organised by the Staff Training and Development unit and are aimed at providing knowledge and insights into some of the key themes and issues affecting the running of the University as a higher education institution

Staff benefits update
28 Jan 2015
Looking ahead to half term, pamper your feet and keep your baby cosy!

Minister visits Manchester following £40 million funding announcement
29 Jan 2015
The Business Secretary Vince Cable has visited The University of Manchester’s Institute of Biotechnology to meet scientists working on Synthetic Biology after announcing £40 million of funding for this cutting edge research.

Manchester University Music Society Opera, 'Acis and Galatea' Opens Tonight
29 Jan 2015
Two night run on Thursday 29 and Saturday 31 January, 7.30pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Tonight: Inaugural Grigor McLelland lecture marks start of MBS' 50th anniversary
29 Jan 2015
Professor Sir George Bain talks about The future of the National Minimum Wage on Thursday, 29 January (5pm)

Blackboard Maintenance from 11pm today (Thursday 29 January)
29 Jan 2015
Work is taking place tonight that will affect the email tool within Blackboard. Note: This does not affect regular staff or student email (Outlook / Microsoft Exchange)

Revolt on Right is Political Book of the Year
29 Jan 2015
A book co-written by a political scientist from the University has won the prestigious Political Book of the Year award at the Paddy Power Political Book Awards

UoM Sustainability in the Curriculum meeting
29 Jan 2015
On Wednesday, 18 February (2-4pm) in University Place, Room 5.211

Exhibition honours man who brought literature to the masses
29 Jan 2015
An exhibition featuring the first publisher to be credited with making literature affordable to the masses is being launched today (29 January) at The John Rylands Library

February’s Cycle to Work heads to RNCM (on Thursday!)
29 Jan 2015
On Thursday, 5 February (8–9am), the ever popular Corridor Manchester monthly cycle event pedals along to the Royal Northern College of Music (main refectory, ground floor)

Enriching the Student Experience – apply for funding for small projects
29 Jan 2015
Do you have an idea for a project that could enhance University life and the student experience? If so, we want to hear from you!

UK must aspire to be best place in world to do science, says Professor Brian Cox
30 Jan 2015
Science needs to have a higher cultural and political profile, if the UK is to really capitalise on its world leading position according to Professor Brian Cox OBE, the Royal Society’s newly appointed Professor for Public Engagement in Science at The University of Manchester

Update on USS
30 Jan 2015
A further update on progress with discussions concerning changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)

Hoseasons flash sale
30 Jan 2015
Hoseasons has announced a special flash sale for you this weekend only!