News archive – April 2013

Anyone for golf?
02 Apr 2013
The University of Manchester Staff Golfing Society (UMSGS) is looking for more members.

Third Staff Survey iPad winner announced
02 Apr 2013
Craig Edwards wins iPad thanks to the Staff Survey 2013

UniLife and Staff Update out now
02 Apr 2013
Read the April issues of the University newsletters online.

Wood Street Mission Lottery - announcing April's winner
02 Apr 2013
You could become a winner too by joining the lottery for as little as £1 a month.

Any questions on exercise and fitness for Ask the Expert?
02 Apr 2013
Here’s your chance to seek advice from the experts at SPORT Manchester.

Build up your skills in leading and developing teams
02 Apr 2013
A fantastic opportunity to develop your skills within this area at a training session on Monday, 8 April.

BBC Academy training in TV/radio for women academics
03 Apr 2013
Apply by Friday, 7 April if you're a female expert who wants to take part in television and radio programmes made in the North of England.

Discover Bangladesh
03 Apr 2013
Free drop-in event for all ages on Saturday, 6 April (12-3pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Wood Street Mission Easter Egg Project hatches a surplus
04 Apr 2013
The charity's 2013 project to provide Easter eggs, food and financial support for local families in need has received 30% more donations than last year's.

Graphene is theme for Festival’s science communicator
04 Apr 2013
A University of Manchester graphene researcher and lecturer who has encouraged more than 20,000 people to learn about the amazing potential of the wonder material has won this year’s Joshua Phillips Award for Innovation in Science Engagement (Josh Award) at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester).

Students’ Union and University launch 2013 Manchester Teaching Awards
04 Apr 2013
Encourage students to nominate their favourite members of staff before Monday, 22 April.

Research opportunities in Myanmar (Burma)
04 Apr 2013
Information session for colleagues from all Faculties on Wednesday, 10 April (12.30 to 2pm) in the Hanson Room, Humanities Bridgeford Street.

Manchester wins through to University Challenge semi-finals
04 Apr 2013
The University team defeated the medics of St George's London by 220:135 in their last quarter-final on 1 April.

The University is looking for its Environmental Heroes
08 Apr 2013
The annual search is on for staff and students who have gone that extra mile to improve environmental sustainability on campus: send in your nominations by Monday, 15 April.

Do you need to be able to read music to play in an orchestra?
08 Apr 2013
That’s perhaps one of the strangest questions to be addressed by Piero Gasparini of the Hallé Orchestra at the next Friends of Tabley event on 9 April at Tabley House.

Wake up your wardrobe for charity at the Rutherford Swish
08 Apr 2013
The twice yearly clothes swap is happening next on Thursday, 11 April (12.30-1.30pm) in the Rutherford Room, Rutherford Building.

Fourth Staff Survey iPad winner announced!
08 Apr 2013
Julian Thomas wins iPad thanks to the Staff Survey 2013.

Swimming lessons for staff and students
08 Apr 2013
On Wednesday evenings from 17 April to 22 May at Manchester Grammar School in Fallowfield.

Intellectual Property Awareness Resource
08 Apr 2013
UMIP – the University’s agent for intellectual property (IP) commercialisation would like to make you aware of its IP Awareness Resource, co-developed with Eversheds LLP.

Public engagement events in and around Manchester
08 Apr 2013
Just some of the (mostly) free activities to go along to in April.

Chinese language classes: April-June
08 Apr 2013
The Confucius Institute 2013 Chinese language course programme begins on 15 April: sign up today!

Engagement@Manchester: exploring different aspects of public engagement
08 Apr 2013
The next in this series of lunchtime meetings will focus on Working in Partnership with the Public and take place on Wednesday 17 April (1pm -2pm), Alan Turing Building, G.107.

It’s too early to book for a pantomime. Oh no it isn’t!
08 Apr 2013
Dick Whittington at the Opera House in December is just one of the many events in a year-long calendar of trips and shows being organised by the University of Manchester Staff Association.

Baby Explorers
09 Apr 2013
Free event for babies and their carers on Tuesday, 16 April (every other Tuesday, except school holidays) (10.30-11.15am, 12.30-1.15pm, 1.30-2.15pm).

'Nature and Me': local people explore nature and sustainability on film
09 Apr 2013
Free screening on Friday, 12 April (12-1pm) in the Kanaris Lecture Theatre, Manchester Museum.

Next Student Support Forum features the Student Services Centre
09 Apr 2013
The session will run twice on Wednesday, 1 May (1-2pm and 2-3pm) in University Place, Room 3.212.

Eggs-ellent way of getting together!
10 Apr 2013
Student volunteers have helped to organise a Spring Egg Hunt and Egg and Spoon Relay Race for the local community.

Manchester leads the way in graphene membrane research
10 Apr 2013
Our graphene researchers have been awarded a £3.5m funding boost that could bring desalination plants, safer food packaging and enhanced disease detection closer to reality.

The John Rylands Library: Tour and Treasures
10 Apr 2013
Free event on Thursday, 18 April (12-1pm).

Looping and Linking Herbarium tours
10 Apr 2013
Free events for adults on Wednesday, 17 April (11.30am-12.30pm) and Saturday, 11 May (1.30-2.30pm) at The Manchester Museum.

IT Know-How Tip: Who knew Excel could do that?
10 Apr 2013
This article forms part of a series of ongoing IT Know How Tips produced by The Directorate of IT Services. Keep an eye out for our tips every other week to find out relevant hints and facts.

Former UN chief debates genocide
10 Apr 2013
A former United Nations (UN) chief and University Professor, who let the world know about genocide in Darfur, is taking part in a public debate entitled: Getting away with murder: genocide and politics, in Manchester next week (15 April).

IT Services Research Lead appointed
11 Apr 2013
Ian Cottam has just been appointed to this new role within IT Services.

Help young people in care to meet their full potential
11 Apr 2013
Want to do something amazing in your spare time? Manchester Children’s Rights are recruiting Independent Visitors to volunteer in Manchester and throughout the North West.

Staff benefits update
11 Apr 2013
Perkz offers for April * PerkAlert * April prizes * March prizewinner

Heel Appeal – thanks for your support
11 Apr 2013
A big thank you to everyone who donated old shoes to The Living Room’s Heel Appeal, to help the Mustard Tree charity in Manchester.

Manchester Museum shortlisted for Museums + Heritage Awards
11 Apr 2013
The pioneering Virtual Object Handling project, which allows visitors to 'handle' ancient artefacts without actually touching them, has reached the shortlist in the Innovations category.

IT Services for Research group launches forums for academic/research staff
12 Apr 2013
The first forum will run on 24 April (1-2pm) in Roscoe Building, Room 3.3, with light refreshments available in the ground floor foyer from 12.30pm (please note change of venue).

Change of location for Pensions and Equality and Diversity
12 Apr 2013
The Pensions Office and Equality and Diversity Office are now based in Room G29, John Owens Building.

Corporate responsibility award for FoodOnCampus
12 Apr 2013
FoodOnCampus, along with FoodInResidences, has received the Cost Sector Catering Corporate Responsibility Award in recognition of its superb work in support of the University's social responsibility goal.

Blackboard 9 maintenance successful
12 Apr 2013
The maintenance undertaken from 4 to 7 April has resulted in new functionality for the Blackboard system.

Change to police contact details
12 Apr 2013
Staff should be aware that there has been a change in the campus contact details for police.

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey
15 Apr 2013
The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) is now open – please encourage eligible students to complete it as soon as possible.

Spring into action with Active Manchester!
15 Apr 2013
Considering your workout regime for the holiday season?

Get involved in development and delivery of new NHS leadership programmes
15 Apr 2013
MBS will play a key role in the delivery of the new programmes and is running engagement events for staff from across the School and the University, led by Professor Naomi Chambers, on 11, 18 and 24 April.

Your chance to get involved with UMSS
15 Apr 2013
Current members of the University of Manchester Superannuation Scheme are invited to apply for two Director vacancies on the Trustee Board of UMSS Ltd.

Last chance to take part in the Staff Survey 2013
15 Apr 2013
Survey closes on Friday 19 April

Get ready: Christie Championships is coming to Manchester!
16 Apr 2013
The ultimate battle of the North since 1886 takes place on Wednesday, 24 April 2013!

Fifth winner of Staff Survey iPad announced
16 Apr 2013
There’s still time to take part – survey closes on Friday 19 April

Zumbathon 2013: join the dance party and raise money for charity
17 Apr 2013
On Saturday, 27 April 2013 (11am-1pm) in the Armitage Sports Centre, Fallowfield.

Quick fitness boost? Two- and three-month gym memberships now available
17 Apr 2013
Staff and students: pick up a short-term gym membership from the Sugden Sports Centre that will see you into the summer.

A look back at Wellbeing Week
17 Apr 2013
The biggest Wellbeing Week programme ever saw 1,938 University staff and students register for the free programme of wellbeing activities that took place over a two-week period in March.

Manchester Museum Book Club
17 Apr 2013
Free drop-in session for adults on Tuesday, 23 April (5.30-6.30pm) at The Manchester Museum

Museum Meets: A sustainable future for Manchester - Transport
18 Apr 2013
The first in a series of free discussion events for adults will take place on Tuesday, 30 April (6-8pm) at The Manchester Museum.

IT Know-How: Is your Anti-virus up to date?
18 Apr 2013
Tips to help you get the most out of IT Services.

STDU Pre-Retirement Course
18 Apr 2013
On Friday 7 June (full day) and Monday 10 June (half-day).

University Challenge team prepares for final push
18 Apr 2013
The University of Manchester is hoping to reach the final of University Challenge on Monday night as they chase a second successive title.

Cryptography competition goes nationwide in honour of Alan Turing
19 Apr 2013
Schools in the Wirral, Devon and Buckinghamshire have provided the winning teams of codebreakers in this year's Alan Turing Cryptography Competition.

Staff Survey closes today
19 Apr 2013
This is your last chance to get your voice heard

World Malaria Day event at The Living Room
19 Apr 2013
One of our staff discount providers, The Living Room, is encouraging you to attend its World Malaria Day event on Thursday 25, April (7pm).

Warning from IT Services: do not open junk 'fax' email message
19 Apr 2013
Many members of staff have received an email about a fax message, which contains a virus.

Sweet success!
19 Apr 2013
Kaffeination Ltd – the innovative energy sweet company founded by Manchester Business School graduates – has swept the board at the Rice University Business Plan Competition in Texas, the largest competition of its kind in the world.

The Confucius Institute Talks: Tibetan Buddhism in contemporary China
19 Apr 2013
Talk by Jane Caple (University of Leeds) on Wednesday, 24 April (1-2pm), in Kanaris Theatre, Manchester Museum.

Peer Support Group – retirement and working beyond retirement age
22 Apr 2013
Meeting on Wednesday, 24 April (1-2pm) in 2.220, University Place.

Lecture: Holding Back the Years: Living to 150 - Ethical and Social Challenges
22 Apr 2013
Free public lecture from Manchester Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Research on Ageing (MICRA) on Tuesday, 23 April 2013 (6.30 - 8pm) in University Place, Lecture Theatre A and B.

Workshop on governance of football featuring Andy Burnham MP
22 Apr 2013
Organised by the Centre for Research on Socio-Cultural Change (CRESC) on 17 May in the Kanaris Lecture Theatre, Manchester Museum.

Sign up for the MOSAIC Development Programme (TP52)
22 Apr 2013
Booking is now open for this innovative personal and career development programme which begins on 3 May.

Interested in volunteering as a school governor?
22 Apr 2013
Come along to the School Governor Initiative recruitment event on Thursday, 25 April (11am-2pm) in University Place Foyer.

Egencia Overviews for staff who travel for business purposes
22 Apr 2013
Information sessions on Wednesday, 17 April (2.30-4pm ) in the Arthur Lewis Building and Wednesday, 24 April (12pm – 1pm) in University Place.

Jeanette Winterson in Conversation with Kamila Shamsie
22 Apr 2013
Don’t miss the latest event from the Centre for New Writing on Monday 22 April 2013 (6.30pm) in University Place.

Cultural awareness training event for staff
22 Apr 2013
On Friday, 17 May 2013 at the International Society.

Staff Survey is now closed
22 Apr 2013
Thanks to all of you who have taken part.

Important changes to Crucial Guide for 2013
22 Apr 2013
Staff are asked to note that the format and distribution model for the Crucial Guide is changing this year.

Massage on Chill Out Thursday (COT)
23 Apr 2013
On 2 May and 6 June (12-4pm) in UMSA Lounge, 1st Floor, Dover Street Building.

Free lunchtime concert with Gamelan Degung
23 Apr 2013
On Thursday, 25 April 2013 (1.10pm) in The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama.

Is God interested in the human heart?
23 Apr 2013
CiS Manchester: The Manchester Science and Philosophy Group on Wednesday, 8 May (6pm) at Café Muse, The Manchester Museum.

Eureka! The Final!
23 Apr 2013
On Thursday, 2 May, the Library is hosting an event for University students and staff to watch eight finalists pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of judges.

Managing and improving team performance
23 Apr 2013
STDU course for line managers on Thursday, 16 and Friday, 17 May.

Black Minority and Ethnic (BME) staff network group welcomes new members
24 Apr 2013
The next meeting of the Black Minority and Ethnic (BME) staff network group takes place on Thursday, 25 April (12.30pm-1.30pm) in 3.204 University Place.

Thank you for your views!
24 Apr 2013
An amazing 71% of you took part in the Staff Survey 2013

University helps 1,000 local people find work
24 Apr 2013
The University has now helped 1,000 long-term unemployed people into work, as Chris Livingston from Whalley Range took the tally into four figures.

Monthly Cycle to Work event
24 Apr 2013
Next stop for our monthly cycle events is the MMU Business School on Wednesday, 1 May (8.20am – 9am).

Staff benefits update
24 Apr 2013
This week's bumper update features discounts on made-to-measure suits, books, outdoor gear, cycling to work, theatre visits, on-site facilities - and pampering.

Information about Zeus computer virus infections
24 Apr 2013
A number of University computers have been infected by the “Zeus” virus, and these are currently being cleaned up by IT Services.

Museum Arch closure
25 Apr 2013
Due to essential works that form part the ongoing Quad Conservation Project, the Museum Arch at the top of Coupland Street will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists every night from Tuesday 30 April to Friday 3 May, from 5pm to 6am.

Christine is sixth Staff Survey iPad winner
25 Apr 2013
Congratulations to Christine McCauley – the final lucky winner of a Staff Survey iPad!

Nature's Library opens to the public
25 Apr 2013
Museum throws open doors to new exhibition this weekend

Manchester bids for back-to-back titles in University Challenge
25 Apr 2013
Our team will attempt to retain its University Challenge crown in the final of the TV quiz on BBC2 this Monday.

Policy@Manchester Week 2013 - Call for Events
25 Apr 2013
Following the success of Policy@Manchester Week last year, preparations are now starting for Policy@Manchester Week 2013, which will take place from Monday, 28 October – Friday, 1 November 2013.

Tell us how you travel to work
25 Apr 2013
By completing a random online survey before 13 May, you can help the University to calculate the carbon emissions from commuting and build a more complete picture of our overall carbon impact.

John Rylands Library on top tourism list
26 Apr 2013
The University’s iconic library included on a list of Great British landmarks, published by Visit England.

An Evening of Fashion, Music, Art and Marcel Proust
26 Apr 2013
The University is working Manchester Art Gallery to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Marcel Proust’s Swann’s Way.

Book now for management training
26 Apr 2013
Places available on the Managing and Developing Individual Performance course

Public engagement events in and around Manchester
29 Apr 2013
Just some of the (mostly) free activities to go along to in May.

Careers in Research Online Survey (CROS) is now open
29 Apr 2013
Have your say on your experience at the University as soon as possible.

Tonight’s the night for our University Challenge team!
29 Apr 2013
Manchester attempts to retain its crown in the final of the TV quiz at 8pm on BBC2

Call for Science Spectacular 2013 (part of Manchester Science Festival)
29 Apr 2013
Let us know what you have planned or register your interest to take part in the Science Spectacular by 10 May 2013.

Mapping Trafford for growing land
29 Apr 2013
Join The Kindling Trust for two mapping workshops in Trafford, looking for land suitable for growing fruit and vegetables.

Audition for Countdown on campus
29 Apr 2013
The ITV daytime words and numbers quiz show is holding auditions at the University on Wednesday, 1 May.

Kath's Marathon effort for MoodSwings
29 Apr 2013
In four hours, 13 minutes and 30 seconds, Kath Henderson, a Disability Advisor in Student Support and Services, achieved what would have seemed impossible three years ago: she started, ran in and finished the London Marathon!

Museum Meets: A sustainable future for Manchester - Clothing
30 Apr 2013
The latest in a series of free discussion events for adults will take place on Tuesday, 7 May (6-8pm) at The Manchester Museum.

Focus on feedback - How My Manchester is listening
30 Apr 2013
You can still register as a pilot user up until Tuesday, 7 May.

Manchester’s Fab Four win University Challenge
30 Apr 2013
Manchester retained its University Challenge title on 29 April, beating University College, London 190 – 140 in the televised final. It is the fourth victory for The University of Manchester in just eight years.

Examining tomorrow’s technologies for today’s research
30 Apr 2013
The University GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) Club will hold its next meeting on Thursday, 2 May (2-3.15pm), in Roscoe 1.001.

Energy vulnerability seminar
30 Apr 2013
The University will host a three-day seminar on 'Energy vulnerability conditions and pathways: Towards a research and policy agenda' on 21-23 May.

Common Ground Collective at 'A Sustainable Future for Manchester'
30 Apr 2013
On Tuesday, 30 April (7.45pm) at Manchester Museum.

Zeus computer virus still ongoing – important update
30 Apr 2013
As reported last week, a number of University computers have been infected by the “Zeus” virus. IT Services colleagues have been cleaning infected machines, however the problem is still ongoing.

In Place of War: The Stories of the Artists
30 Apr 2013
On Wednesday, 29 May (6pm – 9pm) in The John Thaw Studio, The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama.

UoM music alumnus and music academic in world première
30 Apr 2013
Free Walter Carroll Lunchtime Concert with Helen Tonge (violin) and Richard Whalley (piano) on Thursday, 2 May (1.10pm) in The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama.

Tenth issue of “The Manchester Review” now live
30 Apr 2013
The Manchester Review is the Centre for New Writing’s online literary journal and is edited by the Centre’s co-directors John McAuliffe and Ian McGuire, and Jodie Kim and Valerie O’Riordan.