News archive – March 2011

Archbishops give Uni lecture
01 Mar 2011
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Drs Rowan Williams and John Sentamu are to deliver a lecture at The University of Manchester today ( March 1).

Microscope could ‘solve the cause of viral diseases’
01 Mar 2011
University of Manchester scientists have produced the world’s most powerful optical microscope, which could help understand the causes of many viruses and diseases.

Map sheds light on English Civil War
02 Mar 2011
A geographical map depicting landowners’ loyalties to the restored King Charles II after the English Civil War has shown that contrary to popular opinion, peace was not assured in the 1660s, long after the war had ended in 1651.

MUP publishes essays in memory of Manchester mediaevalist
02 Mar 2011
Book launch on Tuesday 8 March (6pm) at The International Anthony Burgess Foundation

Thought For Food: Competition to tackle the world's food crisis
02 Mar 2011
Encourage talented students (UG and PG) to apply for cross-disciplinary challenge by 9 March * Apply to be a competition judge

Supporting students with mental ill-health
02 Mar 2011
Join colleagues in a focus group on 9 March (2pm) or 10 March (3.30pm)

Get Walking Keep Walking in Manchester
02 Mar 2011
Join our walk to Hulme Park on 8 March

At The Manchester Museum next week
02 Mar 2011
International Women’s Day skills swap shop (8 March) * Arguments and umbrella stands: Victorian Manchester’s natural history collections talk (17 March)

MUGSS marks 60th anniversary with contemporary "Yeomen of the Guard"
02 Mar 2011
From 2 to 5 March (7.30pm, plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee) at Royal Northern College of Music, Oxford Road

Wood Street Mission Lottery
02 Mar 2011
Announcing the winner of March's draw

"Ghost The Musical": UMSA ticket offer
02 Mar 2011
On 31 March at The Opera House, Manchester

Events at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama
02 Mar 2011
Celebrate World Book Night (4 March) * MANTIS Sonic Meta-ontology (5-6 March) * Free lunchtime concert by Quatuor Danel (10 March)

Student Showcase - free recital featuring star performers
02 Mar 2011
On 3 March in the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall, Martin Harris Centre

Streetwise Opera Open Mic Night - free admission
02 Mar 2011
On Wednesday 30 March (7-9pm) at The Manchester Museum

Sexual freedoms of long ago tamed by modern times
02 Mar 2011
A study by a University of Manchester historian has cast doubt on the widespread belief that the Victorians and Edwardians were prudes who had few sexual freedoms.

Director of Research and Business Engagement Support Services
02 Mar 2011
Dr Andrew Walsh has been appointed to this new post from 1 March 2011

Manchester one of country’s best for teacher training, finds report
03 Mar 2011
An Ofsted report has described The University of Manchester as one of country’s best teacher training institutions.

Staff benefits and discounts: your suggestions invited
03 Mar 2011
Do you know of any benefits or discounts that already exist or could be negotiated for staff?

Feel the benefit of childcare vouchers
03 Mar 2011
Sign up by 10 March to avoid effect of tax changes

Possible last chance to join USS Final Salary section
03 Mar 2011
Applications must be received in the Pensions Office by 11 March 2011

Composers, writers and artists celebrate World Book Night
04 Mar 2011
The School of Arts, Histories and Cultures at The University of Manchester is to celebrate World Book Night with a special event at the Martin Harris centre today (4 March)

New take on Tennessee Williams play hits the stage
04 Mar 2011
A radical interpretation of the Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece The Glass Menagerie is being performed at Liverpool's Capstone Theatre.

Diary of Witchfinder General trials published online
04 Mar 2011
A 350-year-old notebook which describes the execution of innocent women for consorting with the Devil, has been published online by The University of Manchester’s John Rylands Library.

Infrastructure at Google: Talk by Dr Peter Dickman, Google Zurich
07 Mar 2011
On Tuesday 15 March (Lecture: 12.30pm, Q&A: 1.30pm - 2pm) in Theatre A, University Place

Talk by Professor Sir Robin Murray: Change of venue
08 Mar 2011
On 14 March (12.30-2pm) in the John Casken Lecture Theatre, Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

VAGANZA - The University's New Music Ensemble and RNCM New Ensemble
08 Mar 2011
On Tuesday 8 March 2011 (7.30pm) at the Martin Harris (part of the Judith Weir Festival)

SPORT News
08 Mar 2011
Three-month fitness offer * Sugden Centre news * Great Athletic Union progress

Romanian Ambassador to visit University
08 Mar 2011
Lecture on Monday 14 March (6pm) in University Place, Lecture Theatre A

New technology awareness workshop
08 Mar 2011
On Tuesday 22 March (12-2pm) in Flexible teaching space, Room 4.2, Roscoe Building

Computer viruses: Don’t allow your Staff PC to be an easy target
08 Mar 2011
Follow a few simple steps to security

Tutor posts at Dalton Ellis Hall, Oak House and Weston Hall
08 Mar 2011
Applications invited by 14 March

Watching Dance | Moving Audiences
08 Mar 2011
Free public events from the Watching Dance Project: 10-25 March

Diary of Witchfinder General trials goes online at The John Rylands Library
08 Mar 2011
350 year-old notebook captured on camera by John Rylands' Centre for Heritage Imaging and Collection Care

Scholarly Reading and the Value of Library Resources: A Survey
08 Mar 2011
Academic staff are encouraged to complete this short online survey

Co-production Roadshow on a new approach to the delivery of public services
08 Mar 2011
Full-day event on 7 April hosted by Humanities PhD students

Appointment of next Registrar and Secretary
09 Mar 2011
Mr Will Spinks will formally take up his role on 1 August 2011 following the retirement of Mr Albert McMenemy

The Manchester Museum’s Eco-invention competition
09 Mar 2011
Win an encounter with Deadly 60s Steve Backshall

Places available on Teaching Excellence Seminar on 6 April
09 Mar 2011
Using Mobile Phones for Interactive Teaching

Calling the world’s best engineers and scientists
09 Mar 2011
The University of Manchester is offering 10 fully funded PhD Studentships to the most outstanding engineers and physical scientists.

Engineering enthusiasts wanted for new TV show
09 Mar 2011
Maverick Television is looking for groups of friends to take part in three-day challenge

Free public engagement events in March
09 Mar 2011
National Sience and Engineering Week (11-20 March) * Didsbury SciBar (21 March) * Cafe Scientifique (30 March)

Free Quatuor Danel lunchtime concert with Oliver Triendl (piano)
09 Mar 2011
On Thursday 10 March 2011 (1.10pm) at The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Pensions tax changes and USS
09 Mar 2011
Annual Allowance * Pension Input Period (PIP) * Lifetime Allowance

ILM Level 3 Award (MS31) - places available
09 Mar 2011
New cohort 3.11 commencing 25 March 2011

Surveys for research staff
09 Mar 2011
Help to shape your career development

P60: Peer support group for women returning from maternity leave
09 Mar 2011
Next meeting on 23 March 2011 (1pm-2.30pm)

SPORT News
09 Mar 2011
Staff 5-a-side * Wellbeing Week

Summer Graduation catering packages now available!
09 Mar 2011
View the full menu from Taste Manchester

UniLife/Staff Update: March 2011
10 Mar 2011
Access latest issues online

Manchester student’s artwork is top draw
10 Mar 2011
An architecture student from The University of Manchester has been chosen as a finalist in Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance’s national Art of Nurture competition.

Offers and discounts for staff
10 Mar 2011
Free Subway 6" sandwich when you buy regular drink (10-11 March) * 10% discount on AMT coffee

USS Final Salary Section
10 Mar 2011
Latest information and advice

Interested in teaching Science, Mathematics or Languages?
10 Mar 2011
Visit the Train to Teach event in Manchester on 18 and 19 March

Crime reduction events, including free overt bike marking
14 Mar 2011
During March and April at various University locations

Community Service and Volunteer of the Year Awards 2011
14 Mar 2011
Nominations invited in staff, student and alumnus categories by 1 April (extended deadline)

Cake and crisps on sale for Comic Relief
14 Mar 2011
Occupational Health and FoodOnCampus fundraisers on 18 March

Live discussion with author Neil Gaiman by transatlantic voice link
14 Mar 2011
On Monday 21 March 2011 (5pm-6pm) in Main Arts Lecture Theatre, Samuel Alexander Building

Nanoscale whiskers from sea creatures could grow human muscle tissue
14 Mar 2011
Minute whiskers of nanoscale dimensions taken from sea creatures could hold the key to creating working human muscle tissue, University of Manchester researchers have discovered.

Exclusive Goon Squad extract published
14 Mar 2011
Online Arts Journal the Manchester Review is this afternoon publishing an exclusive extract from Jennifer Egan's award-winning novel ‘A Visit from the Goon Squad’.

Travel Within China: Talk by Helen Machin, Wai Yin Chinese Women Society
14 Mar 2011
On Monday 21 March (12.30 -1.30pm) in The Kanaris Theatre, The Manchester Museum

Changes to Paternity Leave
14 Mar 2011
In accordance with new legislation, from 3 April 2011 additional paternity leave of up to six months will be available to eligible staff

UMSA events for 2011
14 Mar 2011
GHOST The Musical * Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium * Day trip to York * Mamma Mia * Gulliver's World * Chester Races * The Sound of Music * Sister Act * Dirty Dancing * and much more

Team briefing training
14 Mar 2011
There are still a few places left of a Team Briefing Workshop being held at the Staff Training and Development Unit (STDU) on 31 March.

PASS (Peer Assisted Study Scheme) Demystified
14 Mar 2011
Places still available on 30 March 2011

Free lunchtime concert by Trio Atem
14 Mar 2011
On Thursday 17 March 2011 (1.10pm) at The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

New York gets down to British Bhangra beat
15 Mar 2011
New Yorkers are to be treated to the sounds and sights of British Bhangra music in an exhibition co-curated by a Senior Lecturer in Drama from The University of Manchester.

University Language Centre named as Centre of Excellence
15 Mar 2011
The University of Manchester’s Language Centre and English Language Teaching programme has been named as a Centre of Excellence by the English Language Gazette for the second year running.

Sir Partha wins top environmental prize
15 Mar 2011
A University of Manchester economist has won one of the world’s top environmental awards.

BBC Radio 3 Hungarian Chamber Music Series: CHROMA
15 Mar 2011
On Friday 25 March 2011 (7.30pm) at The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Issue 6 of online arts journal The Manchester Review goes live
15 Mar 2011
The Manchester Review has just launched its sixth issue with an exclusive extract from Jennifer Egan's award-winning novel ‘A Visit from the Goon Squad’

Women in IT event
15 Mar 2011
On Friday 25 March (12-2pm) in 3.204 University Place

New £1.2m hybrid bus fleet hits Oxford Road
15 Mar 2011
The University-subsidised Oxford Road Link service is upgrading its whole fleet, thanks to a government grant and investment from the operator Bullocks.

Events at The Manchester Museum
16 Mar 2011
The Body Experience Big Saturday * Confucius Institute Travel within China talk * Showcase Lecture with Timothy Taylor

Wellbeing Week (28 March - 1 April)
16 Mar 2011
Book early for all activities * Last chance to enter staff 5-a-side tournament

FoodOnCampus news
16 Mar 2011
Treat your Mum on Mother’s Day * Summer graduation catering packages

Jorum widgets - bringing learning and teaching resources direct to your desktop
16 Mar 2011
The Jorum team has been developing a set of free embeddable widgets which will allow you to view and find relevant learning and teaching resources, and receive updates when new resources are added to Jorum.

Insurance advice for staff or students affected by emergencies abroad
16 Mar 2011
This information is provided in response to the current situation in Japan, but it is relevant to anyone who encounters an emergency whilst abroad on University business.

Students and staff celebrate International Women’s Day
17 Mar 2011
Among The University of Manchester’s week-long festivities in celebrating the 100th International Women’s Day last week, WiSET (Women in Science and Engineering) hosted an inspirational networking event, reaching students and staff throughout the Faculty.

Student Support Forum on supporting Postgraduate Research students
17 Mar 2011
On Wednesday 23 March at the usual time of 12.30 - 1.30pm (max), in Room 4.210, University Place

Wood ‘Tweet’ Mission – in Festival spirit
17 Mar 2011
The Wood Street Mission charity (which the University already supports with its Easter and Christmas projects) has been chosen as the beneficiary for Manchester Twestival 2011

Manchester Museum Wedding Fayre
17 Mar 2011
The Manchester Museum is now licensed for civil ceremonies and will celebrate by holding its first Wedding Fayre on Sunday 15 May

Groundbreaking research of politics lecturer praised
17 Mar 2011
The work of a Senior Lecturer in Politics from The University of Manchester has been recognised by the UK‘s leading professional body in political science.

Bioinformatics for cytogeneticists and molecular geneticists
18 Mar 2011
Two-day course (with additional free half-day session) on 11-13 May 2011 at The Nowgen Centre

Students get virtual treat from comic book supremo
21 Mar 2011
One of the world’s most renowned comic book writers and graphic novelists is to give a virtual lecture to University of Manchester students on Monday (21 march)

Festival shows variety is the spice of life
21 Mar 2011
A theatre festival which celebrates the languages taught and spoken at The University of Manchester is entering it’s fifth year with a week of performances in March.

Manchester delegates take part in student UN assembly
21 Mar 2011
Manchester politics students are returning home today from Singapore where they took part in WorldMUN – a student version of the United Nations.

Sunday lunch at Chancellors Hotel - 10% discount for staff
21 Mar 2011
The perfect place for Graduation events: Chancellors at Christie’s Bistro

CLASS Conference on 20 April
22 Mar 2011
The CLASS Network and the Staff Training and Development Unit would like to invite all professional support staff to a one-day University-wide event

Jodrell Bank shortlisted as a World Heritage site
22 Mar 2011
The University of Manchester’s world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory has been put on the UK shortlist as a potential UNESCO World Heritage site.

Erasmus funding to undertake teaching/training in Europe 2010/2011
22 Mar 2011
The Study Abroad Unit has a limited amount of remaining Erasmus funding for staff mobility

Events at the Martin Harris Centre
22 Mar 2011
Ad Solem - The University of Manchester Choir (26 March) * Free lunchtime concert - Gamelan Degung (1 April)

SPORT News
22 Mar 2011
Zumbathon III (14 May) * New Health and Fitness courses

Make a difference to your life during Wellbeing Week!
23 Mar 2011
Including free lacross beginners' clinic (31 March)

Magic Carpet at The Manchester Museum this Friday lunchtime
23 Mar 2011
Storytelling and activity session for under fives

Helping your graduating students get jobs ...
23 Mar 2011
Please promote the Graduate Recruitment Fair to your students: On Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 June 2011 (10.30am-4pm) at The Armitage Centre, Fallowfield, Manchester

First image of protein residue in 50 million year old reptile skin
23 Mar 2011
The organic compounds surviving in fifty million year old fossilized reptile skin can be seen for the first time today, thanks to a stunning infra-red image produced by University of Manchester palaeontologists and geochemists.

Free lunchtime concert: Richard Whalley piano recital 'Child’s Play'
23 Mar 2011
Thursday 24 March 2011 (1.10pm) at The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Symposium on the Benefits of eLearning Technologies
23 Mar 2011
On 13 April 2011 in the Sackville Street Building - book now!

Mother’s Day treats at Cafe at the Rylands – 10% staff discount
23 Mar 2011
Choc-tastic Easter Chick Surprise * Summer Graduation packages from Taste Manchester

Statement on tuition fees and student funding
23 Mar 2011
The University of Manchester has announced plans to charge a headline fee of £9,000 per year to UK and EU undergraduates from 2012.

Professor Colin Stirling appointed Deputy VC, Academic, at Curtin University
24 Mar 2011
Professor Stirling, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, is to leave the University in May to take up a new appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, at Curtin University in Perth, Australia.

Announcing an African Reading Group
25 Mar 2011
Explore new fiction out of Africa

University Chorus and Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
25 Mar 2011
All-American programme featuring works by John Adams and Aaron Copland on Saturday 2 April (7.30pm) in Whitworth Hall, The University of Manchester

Sustainable futures - Tyndall Centre researchers' international conference
28 Mar 2011
An international conference assessing future sustainability has been organised by doctoral students at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and the Sustainable Consumption Institute at the University of Manchester.

Whitworth Gallery scoops two top awards
28 Mar 2011
University of Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery has been awarded £250,000 by the Clore Duffield Foundation, to fund an educational art studio.

Make a child eggstra happy this Easter!
29 Mar 2011
Wood Street Mission Easter Egg Project 2011 - donations invited by 6 April

Red Nose Day thank you
29 Mar 2011
Occupational Health Services raised £150 for Comic Relief on 18 March

Multiculturalism ‘not to blame’ for failed sense of community
29 Mar 2011
Multiculturalism is associated with strengthening the ties between different ethnic groups, according to an extensive study of English data.

BII Respiratory Symposium on Wednesday 30 March
29 Mar 2011
From 1 to 4pm (with lunch at 12 noon) in Room 1.006, A V Hill Building

Wellbeing Week Walks on 29, 30 and 31 March
29 Mar 2011
The Get Walking Keep Walking group will be running three walks setting off from the Dover Street building at 12.30pm.

National well-being debate moves to Manchester
29 Mar 2011
On Monday 4 April (5-6.30pm) in the Alexander Theatre, Samuel Alexander Building

School of Law Mediation Competition Finals
29 Mar 2011
On Friday 1 April (2pm to 6pm) in University Place - all welcome

Draft Principles for New Taught Degree Regulations
29 Mar 2011
Feedback on this draft document is invited by 21 April

SPORT News
29 Mar 2011
Zumbathon III * Parkrun * New Health and Fitness courses

Wellbeing at the Martin Harris Centre
29 Mar 2011
Relax, unwind and de-stress with a free lunchtime concert by Gamelan Degung on 1 April (1.10pm)

New Library bags for sale
29 Mar 2011
Get yours today for £2.50

Managing in the Round: 360° Feedback and Middle Manager Development
29 Mar 2011
Applications invited for new cohort starting 12 April 2011

April Cycle to Work rides
29 Mar 2011
Spring has sprung and our monthly rides continue on Wednesday 6 April, 8.20am to 9am at University Place (Eats Refectory)

PensionChoice
30 Mar 2011
1 April is the renewal date for PensionChoice, which was introduced in June 2009 as an alternative way of funding benefits in USS and UMSS.

Stagecoach and System One bus price increase
30 Mar 2011
Information on ticket price changes from 3 April

The Manchester Museum Ice Bear comes to Piccadilly Gardens on Thursday 31 March
30 Mar 2011
Ice sculptor Mark Coreth and his team of three sculptors will spend six hours carving a four metre long, 2.2 metre high, 10 tonne block of ice into the shape of a life-size polar bear.

Relaxing Sundays at Chancellors ... perfect for this Mother's Day
30 Mar 2011
Come and try the delicious Express Menu at Chancellors at Christie’s Bistro

Pansophix - new topics available to University staff
30 Mar 2011
The STDU has secured an Unlimited User Licence (UUL) for Pansophix, which is an online professional and personal development training resource, for self study.

Tell us what you think about your Library!
30 Mar 2011
Complete the JRUL 2011 Survey online

Confucius Institute Open Day
30 Mar 2011
On Thursday 31 March and Friday 1 April (12 noon-2pm) in University Place, Oxford Road

FoodOnCampus News
30 Mar 2011
Comic Relief collection * Treat your mum on Mother's Day * Summer graduation packages

Pay and Grading Agreement - implementation update
31 Mar 2011
Information for staff on Grades 2 and 3

Invitation to the Sackville Street Campus events team open day
31 Mar 2011
On Wednesday 13 April for University staff organising meeting and events

Staff benefits and discounts
31 Mar 2011
Whether it's discounts on Apple products, money off holiday cottages or information about family friendly policies - you'll find it all in one place, thanks to a brand new part of StaffNet dedicated to staff benefits and discounts.

Jodrell Bank to open new Discovery Centre
31 Mar 2011
The world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory will usher in a new era next week with the opening of its spectacular live science Discovery Centre.