News archive – March 2014

Wonder Women at Manchester Museum
01 Mar 2014
Celebrate International Women’s Day at the Manchester Museum

Peer Support Group for returners from Maternity, Paternity or Adoption Leave
03 Mar 2014
On Thursday, 3 April 2014 (12.30-2pm), STDU Training Suite, Humanities Bridgeford Street.

Get involved in University research
03 Mar 2014
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.

Higher Education Institution Seminars 2014
03 Mar 2014
Book now for sessions in the Kanaris Theatre, Floor 2 in the Manchester Museum (12.30pm to 1.45pm).

Michael Wood - "Manchester: A Personal History"
03 Mar 2014
Come and hear Manchester’s favourite historian at the People's History Museum (6.30pm on Tuesday 25 March 2014)

Scheduled network outage tomorrow morning
03 Mar 2014
Brief scheduled network outage for Fallowfield residential campus and University systems at The Christie (including CRUK & WMIC) at 8am, Tuesday 4 March.

Collection Bites: Bee keeping at the Manchester Museum
03 Mar 2014
Find out why Manchester is buzzing...

Senate elections result
03 Mar 2014
Academics take seats from 1 September 2014

Honorary professorship for captain of industry
03 Mar 2014
The University of Manchester has appointed a leading industrialist as honorary professor to teach the next generation of engineers and further develop commercial research collaborations.

Deaf Education expert takes an Arctic Dip for charity
03 Mar 2014
University of Manchester academic, Professor Wendy McCracken, took part in an 'Arctic Dip' earlier this month in aid of two charities.

Free lunchtime concert featuring Ravel and Kapustin
03 Mar 2014
On Monday 3 March, 1.15pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Faculty of Humanities' China Country Group
03 Mar 2014
Are you in Humanities and interested in sharing knowledge about China?

Open meeting for policy researchers
03 Mar 2014
Researchers and professional staff interested in policy engagement are being invited to attend the first Policy@Manchester Annual Meeting on 26 March.

Service of Thanksgiving for body donors tomorrow
04 Mar 2014
On Wednesday, 5 March 2014 (12.30 pm for 12.45pm) at the Whitworth Hall.

Cycle Theft Victim Bike Loan Scheme
04 Mar 2014
First student victim gets back on a bike!

Pancake Station
04 Mar 2014
Enjoy Fairtrade pancakes this Shrove Tuesday

Wood Street Mission Lottery: March's winner
04 Mar 2014
Find out how you could be a winner too

Leading Labour MP speaks out on childcare
04 Mar 2014
Local MP and Shadow Minister for Childcare and Children, Lucy Powell, will come to the University on 13 March to argue that it is time to think big on childcare.

Viking find features in blockbuster show
04 Mar 2014
Artefacts from the UK mainland’s first fully intact Viking boat burial site discovered by University of Manchester archaeologists working in the Scottish Highlands are one of 10 extraordinary objects to feature in the British Museum's latest blockbuster show.

Johnson & Johnson Innovation partnering office comes to campus
04 Mar 2014
The University has been chosen to host a Johnson & Johnson Innovation partnering office at our campus-based Innovation Centre, UMIC.

University chef in BBC Final
04 Mar 2014
A University of Manchester chef is in the running to be named 'Cook of the Year' by BBC Radio 4.

Countdown to April 2014 – is your computer ready?
04 Mar 2014
From early April Microsoft will stop issuing security updates for Windows XP. If your computer is running this, from April your data and that of other PCs connected to the network will be at risk.

Patient input wanted for healthcare professionals training
05 Mar 2014
Manchester Academy for Healthcare Scientist Education (MAHSE) is seeking patient involvement in clinical science education programmes: sign up by Friday, 14 March

Increasing the turnover of Taste Manchester
05 Mar 2014
How the Change Management and Process Improvement (CMPI) team helped Taste Manchester to increase its deliveries and create happier customers and staff.

Develop new skills - and widen understanding of dementia
05 Mar 2014
University supports Dementia Friends initiative

Service of Thanksgiving for body donors today (Wednesday 5 March)
05 Mar 2014
All welcome, 12.30pm for 12.45pm at the Whitworth Hall.

Free lunchtime concert: Fieri Concert
05 Mar 2014
On Thursday 6 March, 1.10pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Public policy engagement survey 2014
05 Mar 2014
Academic staff are invited to give their views on the impact of the Policy@Manchester initiative.

Your chance to take part in 'President's Question Time'
05 Mar 2014
Limited places now available due to the change of date to Tuesday, 1 April 2014

How USS works
05 Mar 2014
Recordings of the member seminars held in February can now be viewed online.

University hosts first National Conference of the UK's Disabled Workforce
05 Mar 2014
The Disabled Staff Network proudly presents "What are we hiding?" on 6 June 2014.

Staff benefits update
05 Mar 2014
Perkz update – Perkz prizes – Theatre – Rugby and Cricket – Cake & Bake Show Prize Draw

Digitisation and you: benefits for research and teaching
05 Mar 2014
On Wednesday, 2 April (1-3pm) in A101 Samuel Alexander Buildilng - lunch included

Are you having problems with wireless connections? Let us know.
05 Mar 2014
Some staff and students have reported they are having issues connecting their laptops, smartphones or tablets to the University‘s wireless network, which may include wireless clients disconnecting for a few minutes.

Amanda Labella is making a difference
06 Mar 2014
I host Contact the Elderly Tea Parties to make a difference to the elderly people in our community

Jeanette Winterson "In Conversation" with Award-Winning Crime Novelists
06 Mar 2014
On Monday 10 March (6.30pm) at University Place, Professor of Creative Writing Jeanette Winterson will be joined in conversation by crime novelists Mark Billingham and Val McDermid

Professor Rod Coombs to retire as Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor
06 Mar 2014
Professor Rod Coombs, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University since 1 August 2010, has announced he is to retire in September 2014.

Are you having problems with wireless connections? Let us know.
07 Mar 2014
Some staff and students have reported they are having issues connecting their laptops, smartphones or tablets to the University‘s wireless network, which may include wireless clients disconnecting for a few minutes.

Industry honour for computing professor
07 Mar 2014
A University of Manchester computing pioneer has been honoured by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Research workshop at the School of Mathematics
07 Mar 2014
Register online for event on Wednesday 19 March

Breakfast’s on us, says Estates and Facilities
10 Mar 2014
On 7 and 9 January, the Directorate of Estates and Facilities held Thank You Breakfasts for their staff in Whitworth Hall in recognition of their hard work and continued dedication.

RNCM free lunchtime concert series continues at the Martin Harris Centre
10 Mar 2014
On Monday 3 March, 1.15pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Send large files internally and externally with our ZendTo service
10 Mar 2014
Originally developed by Southampton University, ZendTo is a system that allows for files up to 20 Gigabytes (GB) in size to be “dropped off” and “picked up”.

No access to Blackboard from today (Thursday, 10 April) to Sunday, 13 April 2014
10 Mar 2014
You will not have access to Blackboard (including Turnitin and Grademark) from 4pm today (Thursday, 10 April 2014) until 12.01am on Monday, 14 April 2014.

Awards to celebrate our community action
11 Mar 2014
Nominate the colleagues who make you proud by Friday, 21 March (please note extended deadline).

Support for staff with mental health problems
11 Mar 2014
Complete this anonymous survey by 21 March to help University benchmark its practice

Are you a key influencer for students?
11 Mar 2014
The National Student Survey is now open for most final year undergraduates across the University, and colleagues in Schools and Faculties play a major part in encouraging responses from our students.

Government to announce new investment for UK science
11 Mar 2014
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts will announce a significant new package of investment for cutting-edge science projects during a speech at the University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre this afternoon (Tuesday).

UniLife - latest issue out now
11 Mar 2014
Read the March 2014 issue of the University newsletter online.

Manchester Heroes: Should the City Remember its Heroes?
11 Mar 2014
Panel discussion on Monday, 24 March at the National Football Museum - 6.30pm-8pm

Manchester reaches semi finals of University Challenge
11 Mar 2014
The University of Manchester is now only two wins away from what would be an unprecedented third successive University Challenge title.

Writers available to help you blog your policy-relevant research
11 Mar 2014
Economic and social researchers are being offered the services of experienced professional writers, to help turn research into topical blog posts, aimed at policy actors and influencers

Beyond the Campus research network at the AHRC Creative Economy Showcase
11 Mar 2014
The findings of a research network looking at collaborations and partnerships between universities and the creative sector will be showcased using a specially commissioned film, graphic illustration and results of an online debate at a national research dissemination event.

A new start for team brief
12 Mar 2014
Following feedback from the Staff Survey, the team brief process has been reviewed and relaunched

Wedding Fair First at Tabley House
12 Mar 2014
From vintage cars to vintage tea cups, from spectacular floral displays through grand pianos to roulette wheels, The Tabley House Collection's first wedding fair on 23 March is set to be a success, with an eclectic range of wedding services on offer amongst the grand Georgian rooms.

Vital Topics - The New Industrial Revolution. Where next for the North West?
12 Mar 2014
Is the world on the cusp of another industrial revolution? You are invited to join Manchester Business School for an insightful event exploring this topic on Thursday, 27 March, 6-8pm at MBS East.

Literature Live: Maureen N. McLane and Glyn Maxwell
12 Mar 2014
On Monday 17 March, 6.30pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

MUGSS' Mikado!
12 Mar 2014
On 26-29 March with performances at 7.30pm as well as a 2.30pm matinee, in The Council Chambers, University of Manchester Students' Union on Oxford Road

Intermittent wireless problems resolved
12 Mar 2014
Your feedback has helped to identify the problem and apply a fix.

Supporting Staff with Mental Health Problems Training
12 Mar 2014
On 11 April 2014 (9.30am - 4.30pm)

Parliamentary reception for research review
12 Mar 2014
A research review of Social Care Services for Deaf Older People was officially launched by the Minister of State for Social Care, Norman Lamb, at a parliamentary reception.

Success for Manchester student poet
12 Mar 2014
Creative Writing student Annie Muir has topped the annual Poetry Book Society's National Student Poetry Competition for her poem ‘Seven Postcards'

Dover Street re-opens to traffic on 14 March
12 Mar 2014
Works on sewer are now complete

Easter Egg Hunt
12 Mar 2014
On 22 March (2-4pm) at Ashburne Hall

Public lecture: Law, Complexity and the Welfare System
12 Mar 2014
By Neville Harris, Professor of Law, on 2 April 2014 (4.30pm, followed by a reception at approx 5.30pm) in University Place, room 1.218.

MACE features in Blue Peter tonight
12 Mar 2014
A film shot in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE) is to be shown on the children's programme Blue Peter on Thursday, 13 March (5.30pm).

Tony Peyton is making a difference
13 Mar 2014
I use electromagnetics to improve people’s lives

Family events at Manchester Museum this March
13 Mar 2014
I Heart Manchester, Baby Explorers, Magic Carpet and The Body Experience

Free Lunchtime Concert today with Quatuor Danel
13 Mar 2014
On Thursday 13 March, 1.10pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Blackboard unavailable from 10 to 13 April
13 Mar 2014
Due to the upgrading of Blackboard 9, the service will be unavailable from Thursday, 10 April at 4pm until Monday, 14 April at 12.01am

Katrina wins her race again time
13 Mar 2014
Contributions by University staff have helped to pay for potentially life-saving stem cell treatment in the US for former Army medic Katrina Brown.

Staff benefits update
13 Mar 2014
Cycle to Work Scheme - Rockadelic rocky road treats – Win a massage – The Wanted – Results of Cake and Bake Show Prize Draw

Lucy Powell MP visits the National Graphene Institute
13 Mar 2014
Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell has visited the University to learn more about wonder material graphene.

EU Commissioner visits the National Graphene Institute
13 Mar 2014
EU Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn has visited the National Graphene Institute.

Science and Society Community Challenge Grant Scheme
14 Mar 2014
Calling scientists, science communicators, artists, educators, film makers, games developers, businesses, civil society organisations, community groups, youth groups...........

Furniture recycling videos
14 Mar 2014
Operational Services in the Directorate of Estates and Facilities have produced two short videos to show how furniture is re-used and recycled at the University.

Beat the slump: better posture at your desk
14 Mar 2014
Workshop based on Alexander Technique on 21 March (4.30–5.30pm)

AUA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2014: Revolution and Reinvention
14 Mar 2014
Discover how to develop your career and support your institution during turbulent times of revolution and reinvention: attend the 2014 AUA Annual Conference and Exhibition, 14-16 April 2014, in Manchester.

Podcasting: private conversations
14 Mar 2014
Awareness of how to prevent private conversations from being picked up on the Podcasting system.

Human Resources staff step up to a challenge
17 Mar 2014
During February, the 65 members of the Directorate of Human Resources took part in the ‘pedometer challenge’ devised by the Directorate’s Green Team.

Celebrate bygone Manchester
18 Mar 2014
City’s history festival returns, with University hosting a range of fascinating events

Manchester Museum Book Club
18 Mar 2014
Curl up with a good book at the Museum

International Women’s Day Awards
18 Mar 2014
The achievements of our female staff were recognised at a packed awards ceremony held at Manchester Town Hall on Friday, 7 March, the eve of International Women's Day.

Manchester International Summer School 2014
18 Mar 2014
Tell your international colleagues about this opportunity for their students!

Media Services launches second TV studio for presentation capture
18 Mar 2014
Broadcast quality facility, dedicated to single presenter activities, is now available

Free Lunchtime Concert The Michael Kahan Kapelye "Klezmer Ensemble"
19 Mar 2014
On Thursday 20 March 2014 at The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

IT Know How: Find what you’re looking for in the IT Knowledge Base
19 Mar 2014
Find answers to your IT related questions quickly and easily.

New home for Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre
19 Mar 2014
The Centre has now relocated to Manchester Central Library.

Henry McGhie is making a difference
20 Mar 2014
I promote biodiversity to benefit the environment and people’s lives

Wood Street Mission Easter Egg Project 2014
20 Mar 2014
Help local families in need to give chocolate eggs to their children this Easter.

Urban Naturalist: Pond Life at Manchester Museum
20 Mar 2014
A friendly, practical workshop run by leading naturalists.

New look login page and IT Account Manager coming soon
20 Mar 2014
We will soon be launching new versions of the central University login system and IT Account Manager.

Nadia and Bella are walking to raise funds for St Ann's Hospice
20 Mar 2014
On Sunday, 23 March Bella the spaniel and her owner Nadia will be taking a sponsored walk around Heaton Park in Manchester to raise funds for a charity close to Nadia's heart

Obituary for Paul Baxter: 1925-2014
20 Mar 2014
Social anthropologist P T W Baxter made significant contributions to understanding the Oromo peoples of northern Kenya and Ethiopia. He championed their culture which was frequently denigrated by colonial and local elites.

Your chance to get involved with UMSS
20 Mar 2014
Current members of The University of Manchester Superannuation Scheme are invited to apply for a vacancy on the board of UMSS Ltd, the trustee company.

Students build bridges with local community in Fallowfield
20 Mar 2014
The University of Manchester is holding a Community Coffee Morning for local residents at Owens Park this Friday, 21 March at 10.30am.

Annual Research Staff Conference 2014 – all change!
20 Mar 2014
On Wednesday 9 April 2014, 100 University of Manchester researchers will be exploring what it means to be a researcher today.

Staff benefits update
20 Mar 2014
Hallé concert – Holiday Clubs – Cricket at LCCC - Gyms – Perkz prize draw - Cake and Bake prize draw extended

Budget brings potential opportunity for University
20 Mar 2014
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne MP announced plans in Wednesday’s budget to fund an Alan Turing Centre for computing, and a new graphene centre.

Benjamin wins over audience at FameLab Regional Finals
20 Mar 2014
Faculty of Life Sciences PhD student Benjamin Stutchbury recently took part in the North West regional finals of FameLab UK 2014, a competition to find new voices in science. Four other University researchers were also involved.

Sport Relief 2014: will you run, swim or cycle?
20 Mar 2014
The Sainsbury's Sport Relief Games is coming to a town near you from 21 to 23 March: tell us about what you're doing.

Smarter Driver Training – reduce fuel costs and carbon
21 Mar 2014
During the week commencing 24 March, this training is being repeated with places open to all staff (particularly if you commute by car and use it for business journeys).

Appointment of Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor
21 Mar 2014
Professor Colin Bailey has been appointed Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor by an Appointments panel chaired by Mr Anil Ruia, Chairman of the Board of Governors.

Scientists find mechanism to reset body clock
21 Mar 2014
Researchers from The University of Manchester have discovered a new mechanism that governs how body clocks react to changes in the environment.

Alan Gilbert Learning Commons Video Competition launched
21 Mar 2014
In celebration of the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons (AGLC) winning The Guardian University Award for Best Facility 2014, the Library is now running a short video competition for students to generate new and exciting content for the AGLC digital screens.

Sports Relief Shirt of Hurt - Stuart Lockwood suffers for charity
21 Mar 2014
Stuart Lockwood is a proud and passionate Manchester City Fan.

University of Manchester Petroleum Geoscience Team win in Europe
22 Mar 2014
The University of Manchester Team representing The Petroleum Geoscience MSc were the second top UK team for the second year running in a prestigious competition

Personal and Professional Development Programme for Staff With Disabilities.
24 Mar 2014
‘Realising Your Potential’ is our very first five-day development programme for members of University staff, at all levels, with a disability.

University now has the biggest bike users group in the country
24 Mar 2014
Help us celebrate as membership number 1,000 drives us to top spot

Staff benefits update – chocolate and tea treats for all staff
24 Mar 2014
The Staff Benefits Team has been given thousands of samples of the latest Cadbury's LU and Ritz Dairy Milk bars and PG Tips fruit, herbal and green teas for University staff to try!!

Family fun this Easter at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
24 Mar 2014
Come and discover more about the red planet!

New look login page and IT Account Manager from 26 March.
25 Mar 2014
New versions of the central University login system and IT Account Manager to be launched.

Free Lunchtime Concert with featured artist Richard Casey (Piano)
25 Mar 2014
On Thursday 27 March, 1.10pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Animated film depicts 'Love Story' between universities and creative sector
25 Mar 2014
The findings of a research network looking at collaborations and partnerships between universities and the creative sector have been showcased during the AHRC Creative Economy Showcase that took place in London at King’s Place on 12 March.

Manchester Energy Summer School for PhD students in energy-related research
25 Mar 2014
Do you have a PhD student who is involved in energy-related research? Please tell them about this free summer school on 2–5 June 2014.

Take part in the Jorum Annual User Survey - you could win an iPad
25 Mar 2014
The first Annual User Survey for Jorum, the national repository for Open Educational Resources, is open until Monday, 31 March.

PensionChoice
25 Mar 2014
1 April is the renewal date for PensionChoice, when UMSS and USS members can either join PensionChoice if they have previously opted out or withdraw and go back to paying contributions.

Brass band concert to blow up a storm
25 Mar 2014
The University of Manchester Brass Band (UMBB) is teaming up with the Stockport’s Fairey Band, when they will be performing in a joint concert on Saturday, 5 April (7.30pm) in Holy Name Church, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PG.

Manchester nuclear physicists answer the big questions
25 Mar 2014
Dr Thomas Cocolios, a research fellow in the School of Physics and Astronomy, made it to the final of last week’s 'I’m A Scientist, Get Me Out of Here!'

Recycling batteries at the University
25 Mar 2014
This short film shows how domestic batteries are collected across the campus and subsequently recycled.

Workshop on Synergising Proteomics and Metabolomics
26 Mar 2014
On Wednesday, 9 April 2014 (9am to 1pm including lunch) at a venue to be confirmed on South Campus

Yaron Matras is making a difference
27 Mar 2014
I highlight linguistic diversity and help protect endangered languages

Free Lunchtime Concert with Manchester University Baroque Orchestra
27 Mar 2014
On Friday, 28 March (1.10pm) at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

The University of Manchester Chorus and Symphony Orchestra
27 Mar 2014
On Sunday 30 March, 7.30pm at The Whitworth Hall

Free Wellbeing activities on Wednesday 2 April
27 Mar 2014
The second of this year's 'Wellbeing Wednesdays' with the focus on ‘Be Calm’.

Sir Andre Geim on Desert Island Discs
27 Mar 2014
Kirsty Young interviews the Nobel prize-winning physicist on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday, 30 March (11.15am).

Graduation Hospitality Packages
27 Mar 2014
Taste Manchester are now taking bookings for graduation hospitality packages

New website for Environmental Sustainability
27 Mar 2014
The Environmental Sustainability Team has launched a new engagement portal to help staff, students and visitors to think about sustainability and take action.

NERC internal funding opportunity – deadline reminder
27 Mar 2014
NERC has awarded the University £200K to deliver a Pilot Impact Acceleration Account (IAA).

Staff benefits update
27 Mar 2014
Tastecard launch – Free month’s trial available for all staff.

First live ‘President’s Question Time’ takes place next week
27 Mar 2014
Live broadcast as President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nancy Rothwell and Senior Leadership Team answer your queries

Confucius Institute Free Public Talks on China 2014
27 Mar 2014
Talk by Dr Christopher Godden on Wednesday, 2 April (1pm – 2pm) in The Kanaris Theatre, Manchester Museum

Mike's Marathon fundraiser
28 Mar 2014
Spurred on by the desire to raise cash for research into finding a cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease - the collective name for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis - Humanities Media Relations Officer Mike Addelman is running the Greater Manchester Marathon on 6 April.

Osborne announces new doctoral training centre for Manchester
28 Mar 2014
The University of Manchester has been awarded £4.5million to establish a new Centre for Doctoral Training in ‘Materials for Demanding Environments', the Chancellor George Osborne announced today in Manchester.

Literature Live series welcomes 2013 Man Booker Prize Winner
31 Mar 2014
On Monday 31 March, 6.30pm at The Whitworth Hall, Eleanor Catton will discuss and read from her work.

Wellbeing Wednesdays
31 Mar 2014
2 April sees the second of this year's Wellbeing Wednesdays with the focus on ‘Be Calm’.

Ad Solem: University of Manchester Chamber Choir
31 Mar 2014
On Friday 4 April, 5.00pm at The Catholic Church of the Holy Name of Jesus

Manchester University Big Band (MUBB)
31 Mar 2014
On Friday 4 April, 7.30pm at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Free Lunchtime Concert with Electroacoustic Works
31 Mar 2014
On Friday, 4 April (1.10pm) at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

Join in grand celebration for our 1,000 cyclists this week
31 Mar 2014
Manchester has biggest university bike users’ group in UK

First live ‘President’s Question Time’ today at 12.30pm
31 Mar 2014
Live broadcast as President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nancy Rothwell and Senior Leadership Team answer your queries

Lecture Podcasting proving to be an invaluable learning resource.
31 Mar 2014
Since its official launch in September last year the Podcasting service has been embraced by our staff and students.

Equal Pay Audit
31 Mar 2014
Report on the recent equal pay audit of Grade 1 to 8 staff (all staff groups, including academic).

Places still available on ECDL training (European Computer Driving Licence)
31 Mar 2014
The next cohort will start in May and requires participants to attend a half-day session once a week for 30 weeks.